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History of Piice county. III nois: togeth
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FIRST COURT-HOUSE, 1821.
HISTORY
PIKE COUNTY
ILLINOIS^
TOGETHER WITH SKETCHES OF ITS CITIES, VILLAGES AND TOWNSHIPS, EDU-
CATIONAL, RELIGIOUS, CIVIL, MILITARY, AND POLITICAL HISTOR'V';
PORTRAITS OF PROMINENT PERSONS AND BIOGRAPHIES
OF REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.
HISTORY OP ILLINOIS,
EMBRACING ACCOUNTS OF THE PRE-HISTORIC RA»ES, ABORIGINES, FRENCH,
ENGLISH AND AMERICAN CONQUESTS, AND A GENERAL REVIEW
OF ITS CIVIL, POLITICAL AND MILITARY HISTORY.
Digest of State Laws,
ILLUSTRATED.
CHICAGO:
CHAS. C. CHAPMAN & CO.,
1880.
11
N^
BLAKELY, EKOWN & MARSH, BOUND •'BY
PRINTERS, DONOHUE & HENNEEERRY,
155 i 157 DEARBORN ST., CHICAGO. I05 & IO9 MADISON ST., CHICAGO
PREFACE.
The history of Pike county possesses features of unusual interest in
comparison with those of other neighboring counties, especially those
in the Military Tract. Here the sturdy pioneer located and began to
exert his civilizing influence long before other sections contained a
settler; and this is not only the oldest settled county of all north of its
south line, but it was the first county organized in the Military Tract.
Another fact woithy of note is, that it originally embraced all the coun-
try lying between the great Father' of Waters and the placid Illinois,
extending east to the Indiana line, and north to the Wisconsin line. Pe-
oria, Rock Island, Galena and Chicago were originally little settlements
of this then vast c.unty.
In matters of general public interest and progress, Pike county has
ever taken a leading and prominent position. Here have lived men
who have taken no unimporta.nt part in the affairs of the State, — in
moulding the political sentiments and destiny of the country. Pike
county has been the Ecene of conflict between some of the most giant
intellects of the nation. Here the shrewd and enterprising Easterner,
the courtly Southerner and the sturdy, practical Wes'.erner, have met
and mingled, have inherited the better traits possessed by each other,
and thus have formed a society, a people superior in many particulars
to that of most localities. The original settlers, the earliest pilgrims,
have nearly all passed away. Here and there we see the bended form
and whitened head of some of these ve.terans, but they are not numer-
ous. Most of them have gone to that country which is always new, yet
where the trials, struggles and hardships of pioneer life are never
known.
Accurate and reliable history is most difficult to write. Those who
have never experienced the difficulties incident to such labor cannot
realize how nearly impossible it is, or can appreciate the earnest, honest
and faithful labor of the historian. After the most careful and pains-
taking searches and inquiry upon any particular subject or about any
event, "he will even then find many doubts arising in his mind as to its
accuracy and entire truthfulness. Each individual of whom inqury is
made will give you a different account of any event. One of them
may be as honest as the other and try to relate his story correctly, yet
they will be so widely different that the most searching and logical
mind will be unable to harmonize them. This fact is forcibly illustrated
in an incident related of Sir Walter Raleigh. While in prison in a
tower of England he engaged himself in writing the history of the
PEEFAOE.
world. One day a brawl occurred in the yard of the tower, of which
he desired to learn the particulars. Two of the principal actors came
before him, and each related the account of the trouble, yet so widely
different were they that he found it utterly impossible to tell what the
facts were. He then remarked, " Here I am engaged in writing the
history of events that occurred 3,000 years ago, and yet I am unable to
learn the facts of what happens at my window." This has been
the channel of our experience, and that of all others who have at-
tempted national or local history. As an exampje in Pike county, we
' noticed in a Pittsfield cemetery " Orvillee" on the headstone as the
name of the person buried in a certain grave, and " Orval E." on the
footstone.
Aside from mistakes occurring from the above causes, doubtless there
are many others to be found within these pages. To suppose that a
volume of this magnitude, and containing so many thousands o£ names
and dates and brief statements would be wholly accurate, is a supposi-
tion we presume no sane man will make. While we do not claim for
this work critical accuracy or completeness, yet we are quite certain
that it will be found measurably and practically so. Let it rest as the
foundation for the future historian to build upon.
As one of the, most interesting features of this work, we present the
portraits of numerous representative citizens. It has been our aim to
have the prominent men of to-day, as well as the pioneers, represented
in this department, and we flatter ourselves on the uniform high charac-
ter of the gentlemen whose portraits we present. They are in the
strictest sense representative men, and are selected from all the callings
and professions worthy to be represented. There are others, it is true,
who claim equal prominence with those presented, but as a matter of
course it was impossible for us to represent all the leading men of the
county.
As we quit our long, tedious, yet nevertheless pleasant task of writ-
ing and compiling the History of Pike County, we wish to return the
thanks of grateful hearts to those who have so freely aided us in col-
lecting material, etc. To the county officials and editors of the various
newspapers we are particularly grateful for the many kindnesses and
courtesies shown us while laboring in the county. To James Gallaher,
editor of The Old Flag, we especially acknowledge our indebtedness
for the excellent historical sketch of Pittsfield presented in this vol-
ume. Last and most of all we wish to thank those who so liberally
and materially aided the work by becoming subscribers to it. We feel
we have discharged our duties fully, have fulfilled all our promises, have
earned the laborer's pay. Thus feeling, we present the volume to the
critical, yet we hope and believe justly charitable citizens of Pike
county — or more especially, our subscribers.
Chas. C. Chapman & Co.
Chicago, May, 1880.
CONTENTS.
HTSXOKY OF ILtlNOIS.
MOUND-BUILDEES
INDIANS
Illinois Confederacy
Starved Rock.
Sacs and -t'oxps
Manners and Customs
Single-handed Comtiat with Indians.
EARLY DIS OVERIBS
Nicholas Perrot
Joliet and Marquette
LaSalle's Exploratiois,
Great Battle of the Illinois
Tonti Safe at Green Bay
LaSal e^e .Aspassinatioii
FRENCH OCCUPATION
First SetMements
'I he Mississippi Company
ENGLISH RULE
Gen. Clark'a Exploits
ILLINOIS
County of Illinois
NORTHWESTERN lERRIiORY
Ord nanc ■ of 17S7
St. Cla'r Gnvernor of N. \V. Ter itory.
ILLINOIS TERRITORY
WAROP1818— JHB OUIBRBAK
Mass' ere of Fori. Deaihorn
Expeditions up th ; Mississippi
ILLINOIS AS A STATE
Orcranization
Derivation of thi; name " Illinois " —
Sta (! B nk
L'iPayette's Visit
Grammir and Cook Contracted
17
21
23
•Ji
24
27
29
31
31
31
:)3
34
41
43
44
44
45
47
51
55
55
56
56
69
59
59
60
71
74
74
77
78
79
INDIAN TROUBLES
Winnenagn War
BLACK HAWK WAR
Stillman'e Run
Batile of Bad Axe
Black Hawk Captured
Biograi.hical Sketch of Biack H wk. . .
PROM It.34 TO 1842
Interiial Improvcmebte
II inoi- a d Michigan Canal
M-irtyr lor Liberty
PRAIRIE PIRA 1 BS
MORMONWAR
MEXICAN WAR
Battle ot BuenaVistn
THE WAR FOR THE UNION
Slates Seceding
The Fall c f Sumpter
Call for Troops Promptly Answered. . .
The War Ended— TheUiiion Re^ti red.
Schedule i-f Regiments
DUELS....'
DRESS AND MANNERS
PHYSICAL FEATURES OF ILLINOIS..
AGRICULTURE
GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS
Lleuieuant Governors
S ate Officials
U. S. Senators
Represjntatives in Congress
CHICAGO
The Great Fir
Commerce of Chicago
STATES OF THE UNION
83
8i
84
87
90
91
92
95
96
97
98
102
104
liS
119
125
126
127
128
137
138
141
149
154
155
157
160
161
162
165
170
172
173
177
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
CHAPTER I.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.. 191
Inlroductory 191
Ante-Pioneer History.. 194
First A i.erican Settle-
ment 195
Original Pike County. . 195
First Settle : en: of
Pike County 199
Franklin and Shinn... 199
The Rosses 2J0
See ey, McGiffln and
others 201
Sickly Season 202
Public Improvement. . . 203
Crimi'al Drowned 204
Col. Barney 206
James Ward Drowne.l.
1827.
1828.
CHAPTER II.
EARLY SETTLEMENT-
CONTINUED 215
Big Snow 215
First Negro Settlers... 216
Numerous Settlers.. .. 217
Black Hawk Wiir 218
James W. Whitney 218
. Promiaent Cbara.ters. 219
Mr. Hinman^s Letter.. 224
Mr. Garrison's Let cr.. 230
Coun y-SentRemoved. 231
The Beautiful Prairies. 231
Pra rie Fires 233
Incidents oX Pioneer
Life 234
Tr de 235
The Gospel 2.37
Education 238
Miscellany 239
First Things 240
What tni; Pioneers
H .ve Done 242
CHAPTER III.
ORGANIC HISTORY 246
CHAPTER IV.
IMPOR 'ANT LABORS
OF THE COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS,
COURT 253
First Meetini; 253
Tavern License 254
• First Justice of the
Peace 254
Laying Out Roads 256
Various Proceedings 257-260
Difficulty in Selecting
C UQty-Seat 263-
County Divided into
Townships 264
Fearless Commission-
ers 264
Coirtr-House 265
Connty-Seat Re-located 267
The Clerk Resigns 268
Ad Quod Damnum 269
First Coiirt-Honse at
Piftsfleld 269
Present Court^House.. 269
First Jail 272
Last Mueting 273
CHAPTER V.
GEOLOGY 274
CHAPTER VI.
ZOOLOGY 282
CHAPTER VII;
BOTANY 288
CHAPTER VIII.
ARCHEOLOGY 303
CONTENTS.
CHAPTEE IX.
BOAED OF StrPEKVI-
SORS 307
County Court 307
Township OrgaDizatidn 307
Jail 309
Supervieore 310
CHAPTEE X.
BLACK HAWK WAE 319
'J roopfl EaiBect 330
The Stampede 333
CHAPTEE XI.
CRIMINAL EBCOED.... 324
CHAPTER XII.'
PIONEER LIFE .'. 341
CHAPTEE XIII.
OLD SETTLERS' ASSO-
CIATION 355
CHAPTER ilV.
THE REBELLION 368
The First I. dications
of the "War 368
Pi Bt Call lor Troops... 371
Meetings Held 371
Bounty 373
Pilte Coanty's Soldiers 375
The Close 383
Starved Eocl; 25
An Iroquois Chief 37
Gen. Geo. R. Clark 49
Gen. Arthur St. Clar 58
Old Port D arbom 61
Old Kinzie House 65
Pontiac 69
Black Hawk 85
Alkire,B.W 750
Angle, H.C 803
Barney. Benjamin 207
Bolin, J. 0 459
Brakefleld, James 627
Brewster, Charles 878
Brown. H 6.35
Chenoweth,J. H 478
Clark, Samuel 859
Conhoy, J. H 687
'Crjniall, E. A 833
Davis, Samuel 814
Deam, D. W 786
Dorsey, B F 487
Eastman, Lycurgus 538
Gay, James 615
Harrington, Martin 406
Laws .". .. 919
Jurisdiction of Courts 919
County Courts 9i0
Com'r of Highways 930
Fences 923
Drainage 921
Trespass of Stock 924
Estrays 925
Horses 9i6
Marks and Brands 927
Articles of Agreem ent 927
Notes 928
Judgment Note 929
Interest 929
Wills 931
Descent 935
Deeds 936
Mortgages and Trust Deeds 937
Trust Deeds 938
CHAPTER XV.
PIKE COUNTY BAR
Pioneer Courts
Circuit Judges
Prosecuting Attorneys
Toe Bar
Bar of the Past
The Present Bar
CHAPTER XVI.
TOWNSHIP HISTORIES
Chambersburg. .. .....
Flint
Detroit
Montezuma '.
Pearl
Perry
Griggsville
Newburg
Hardin
Spring Creek
Fairmonnt
New Sale/n
Pittsfleld
Martin-^burg
Pleasant Hill
Hadley
Derry
Atlas
Eo~s
Barry
Pleasant Vale
ILICSTRATIONS.
Kinderhook 833
Levee 868
CHAPTER XVII.
COUNTY OFFICIALS ... 870
CHAPTER XVIII.
POLITICAL 873
Election Eeturne 875
CHAPTER XIX.
THE PRESS 889
Tie Old Flag 889
Plk : County Democrat 881
Griggsvllle Reflector. . 894
Barry Adage 895
The Unic nn Green-
back 896
MUton Beacon . . . . , 899
Perry Paragraph 901
The Independent Press 902
Otaer Pap;rs 905
CHAPTER XX.
MISCELLANEOUS 904
Railroads 904
Sny Island Levee 909
Co. Treasurer's Report. 911
Marriage Licenses 911
Agricultural Statistics 911
Table (if Distances 914
Educational Statistics 915
Agricultural Board — 916
C. R. I. &P. R. R. D-.pot.. 99
Eye and Ea:- Infi mary 111
Deaf and Dumb Institute.. 115
Scene on Fox River 321
Lincoln Monument 1-^7
Asylum for Pecble-Minded 143
Southern Normal Univer-
sity 151
PORTRAITS.
Helme, John 688
Hinman, A a25
Hookiiif^, Benjamin B 547
Hull. D 900
Jeffres, Elijah 626
Johnston, D 498
Jones, Nathan W 352
Manton, James..: 442
Martin,Hutson 279
Ma;sie, M. D 842
Matthews, B. L 269
McMahan, L. W 558
McWilliams, James 261
Miller, James B 598
Reynolds, Tttomas 423
Ross, Col. W 244
Seaborn, Robert 617
iJIGERT OF STATE LAWS.
Liens 938
Bill of Sale 940
Days of Grace 941
Limitation of Action 941
Receipts 942
Exemptions from Forced
Sales 942
Landlords and Tenants 943
Criminal Law , 946
Taxes 948
Subscription 949
Contract for Personal Ser-
vices 950
Newspaper Libel 951
Tender 951
Drunkenness 958
Marriage Contract 954
School Months 956
Central Insane Hospital. .. 160
Industrljl Univers ty 160
TlieCiib 176
Court-Hou?e 190
Map of P ke County 14-15
Present Jail 333
OldJail 505
First Court-House,F.ontispiece
Shinn, William 695
Simmons, Cephas 388
Smith, Eugene 907
Starkey, Jonathan 648
Strublnger, J. H 316
Sweet, I. A 917
Thomas, J. A 731
Watson, William 655
Westlake, B. F 578
Williams, S. R 767
Wills, A. V 887
Wills, sr., Willlim R 298
Wills, jr., William R 675
Willsey, B. J 714
Willeey, James G 666
Yates, George 567
Infants
Adoption of Children
Church Organizations
Game
Millers
Paupers
Public and Private Convey-
ances .
Wages and Stakeholders..
Sundaj^
Definliion of Commercial
Terms
Legal Weights and Meas-
ures
Bees
Dogs
Cruelty to Animals
Names
956
967
957
958
960
960
962
963
964,
964
964
967
R 6 W.
R.7 W.
R. 6 W.
^l@M4|^J^
R. 4 ii:
n. J ii:
/.^i' 1/
HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.
FORMER OCCUPANTS.
MOUND-BUILDEES.
The numerous and well-authenticated accounts of antiquities
found in various parts of our country, clearly demonstrate that a
people civilized, and even highly cultivated, occupied the broad
surface of our continent before its possession by the present In-
dians; but the date of their rule of the Western World is so re-
mote that all traces of their history, their progress and decay, lie
buried in deepest obscurity. Nature, at the time the first Euro-
peans came, had asserted her original dominion over the earth ; the
forests were all in their full luxuriance, the growth of many cen-
turies; and naught existed to point out who and what they were
who formerly lived, and loved, and labored, and died, on the conti-
nent of America. This pre-historic race is known as the Mound-
Builders, from the numerous large mounds of earth-works left by
them. The remains of the works of this people form the most in-
teresting class of antiquities discovered in the United States. Their
character can be but partially gleaned from the internal evidences
and the peculiarities of the only remains left, — the mounds. They
consist of remains of what were apparently villages, altars, temples,
idols, cemeteries, monuments, camps, fortifications, pleasure
grounds, etc., etc. Their habitations must have been tents, struc-
tures of wood, or other perishable material; otherwise their remains
would be numerous. If the Mound-Builders were not the ancestors
of the Indians, who were they? The oblivion which has closed over
them is so complete that only conjecture can be given in answer to
the question. Those who do not believe in the common parentage
of mankind contend that they were an indigenous race of the West-
ern hemisphere; others, with more plausibility, think they came
from the East, and imagine they can see coincidences in the religion
of the Hindoos and Southern Tartars and the supposed theology of
18 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.
the Mound-Builders. They were, no doubt, idolators, and it has
been conjectured that the sun was the object of their adoration. The
mounds were generally built in a situation affording a view of the
rising sun: when enclosed in walls their gateways were toward the
east; the caves in which their dead were occasionally buried always
opened in the same direction; whenever a mound was partially en-
closed by a semi-circular pavement, it was on the east side ; when
bodies were buried in graves, as was frequently the case, they were
laid in a direction east and west; and, finally, medals have been
found representing the sun and his rays of light.
At what period they came to this country, is likewise a matter of
speculation. From the comparatively rude state of the arts among
them, it has been inferred that the time was very remote. Their
axes were of stone. Their raiment, judging from fragments which
have been discovered, consisted of the bark of trees, interwoven
with feathers; and their military works were such as a people
would erect who had just passed to the pastoral state of society
from that dependent alone upon hunting and fishing.
The mounds and other ancient earth-works constructed by this
people are far more abundant than generally supposed, from the fact
that while some are quite large, the greater part of them are small
and inconspicuous. Along nearly all our water courses that are
large enough to be navigated with a canoe, the mounds are almost'
invariably found, covering the base points and headlands of/ the
bluifs which border the narrower valleys ; so that when one finds him-
self in such positions as to command the grandest views for river
scenery, he may almost always discover that he is standing upon,
or in close proximity to, some one or more of these traces of the
labors of an ancient people.
GALENA MOUNDS.
On the top of the high bluffs that skirt the west bank of the Mis-
sissippi, about two and a half miles from Galena, are a number of
these silent monuments of a pre-historic age. The spot is one of
surpassing beauty. From that point may be obtained a view of a
portion of three States,— Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin. A hundred
feet below, at the foot of the perpendicular cliffs, the trains of the
Illinois Central Railroad thunder around the curve, the portage is
in full view, and the " Father of Waters," with its numerous bayous
HISTOEY OF ILLINOIS. 19
and islands, sketches a grand pamorama for miles above and below.
Here, probably thousands of years ago, a race of men now extinct,
and unknown even in the traditions of the Indians who inhabited
that section for centuries before the discovery of America by Colum-
bus, built these strangely wonderful and enigmatical mounds. At
this point these mounds are circular and conical in form. The larg-
est one is at least forty feet in diameter at the base, and not less
than fifteen feet high, even yet, after it has been beaten by the
storms of many centuries. On its top stands the large stump of an
oak tree that was cut down about fifty years ago, and its annual
rings indicate a growth of at least 200 years.
One of the most singular earth-works in the State was found on
the top of a ridge near the east bank of the Sinsinawa creek in the
lead region. Jt resembled some huge animal, the head, ears, nose,
legs and tail, and general outline of which being as perfect as
if made by men versed in modern art. The ridge on which it was
situatfed stands on the prairie, 300 yards wide, 100 feet in iieight,
and rounded on the top by a deep deposit of clay. Centrally,
along the line of its summit, and thrown up in the form of an
embankment three feet high, extended the outline of a quadruped
measuring 250 feet from the tip of the nose to the end of the
tail, and having a width of 18 feet at the center of the body. The
head was 35 feet in length, the ears 10 feet, legs 60 and tail 75. The
curvature in both the fore and hind legs was natural to au animal
lying on its side. The general outline of the figure most nearly
resembled the extinct animal known to geologists as the Megathe-
rium. The question naturally arises. By whom and for what pur-
pose was this earth figure raised? Some have conjectured that
numbers of this now extinct animal lived and roamed over the prai-
ries of Illinois when the Mound-Builders first made their appearance
on the upper part of the Mississippi Valley, and that their wonder
and admiration, excited by the colossal dimensions of these huge
creatures, found some expression in the erection of this figure.
The bones of some similar gigantic animals were exhumed on this
stream about three miles from the same place.
LARGE CITIES.
Mr. Breckenridge, who examined the antiquities of the Western
country in 1817, speaking of the moilnds in the American Bottom,
says: "The great number and extremely large size of some of
20 HISTOKVr UF ILLINOIS.
them may be regarded as furnishing, with other circumstances,
evidences of tlieir antiquity. I have sometimes been induced to
think that at the period when they were constructed there was a
population here as numerous as that which once animated the
borders of tlie Nile or Euphrates, or of Mexico. The most num-
erous, as well as considerable, of these remains are found in pre-
cisely those parts of the country where the traces of a numerous
population might be looked for, namely, from the mouth of the
Ohio on the east side of the Mississippi, to the Illinois river, and
on the west from the St. Francis to the Missouri. I am perfectly
satisfied that cities similar to those of ancient Mexico, of several
hundred thousand souls, have existed in this country."
It must be admitted that whatever 'the uses of these mounds —
whether as dwellings or burial places — these silent monuments
were built, and the race who built them vanished from the face
of the earth, ages beibre the Indians occupied the land, but their
date must probably forever baffle human skill and ingenuity.
It is sometimes difficult to distinguish the places of sepulture
raised by the Mound-Builders from the more modern graves of the
Indians. The tombs of the former were in general larger than
those of the latter, and were used as receptacles for a greater number
of bodies, and contained relics of art, evincing a higher degree of civ-
ilization than that attained by the Indians. The ancient earth-
works of the Mound-Builders have occasionally been appropriated
as burial places by the Indians, but the skeletons of the latter may
be distinguished from the osteological remains of the former by
their greater stature.
What finally became of the Mound-Builders is another query
which has been extensively discussed. The fact that their works
extend into Mexico and Peru has induced the belief that it was
their posterity that dwelt in these countries when they were first
visited by the Spaniards. The Mexican and Peruvian works, with
the exception of their greater magnitude, are similar. Relics com-
mon to all of them have been occasionally found, and it is believed
that the religious uses which they subserved were the same. If,
indeed, the Mexicans and Peruvians were the progeny of the
more ancient Mound-Builders, Spanish rapacity for gold was the
cause of their overthrow and final extermination.
A thousand other queries naturally arise respecting these nations
HI8TOI4Y OF ILLIKOIS. 21
which now repose under the ground, but the most searching investi-
gation can give us only vagae speculations for answers. JSTo histo-
rian has preserved the names of their mighty chieftains, or given an
account of their exploits, and even tradition is silent respecting
them.
Following the Mound-Builders as inhabitants of North America,
were, as it is supposed, the people who reared the magnificent
cities the ruins of which are found in Central America. This peo-
ple was far more civilized and advanced in the arts than were the
Mound-Builders. The cities built by them, judging from the ruins
of broken columns, fallen arches and crumbling walls of temples,
palaces and pyramids, which in some places for miles bestrew the
ground, must have been of great extent, magnificent and very pop-
ulous. When we consider the vast period of time necessary to erect
such colossal structures, and, again, the time required to reduce
them to their present ruined state, we can conceive something of
their antiquity. These cities must have been old when many of
the ancient cities of the Orient were being built.
The third race inhabiting North America, distinct from the
former two in every particular, is the jaresent Indians. They
were, when visited by the early discoverers, without cultivation,'
refinement or literature, and far behind the Mound-Builders in
the knowledge of the arts. The question of their origin has long
interested archaeologists," and is the most difficult they have been
called upon to answer. Of their predecessors the Indian tribes
knew nothing; they even had no traditions respecting them. It is
quite certain that they were the successors of a race which had
entirely passed away ages before the discovery of the New World.
One hypothesis is that the American Indians are an original race
indigenous to the Western hemisphere. Those who entertain this
view think their peculiarities of physical structure preclude the
possibility of a common parentage with the rest of mankind.
Prominent among those distinctive traits is the hair, which in the
red man is round, in the white man oval, and in the black man fiat.
A more common supposition, however, is' that they are a derivative
race, and sprang from one or more of the ancient peoples of Asia.
In the absence of all authentic history, and when even tradition is
22 HISTOET OF ILLINOIS.
wanting, any attempt to point out the particular location of their
origin must prove unsatisfactory. Though the exact place of origin
may never be known, yet the striking coincidence of physical
organization between the Oriental type of mankind and the Indians
point unmistakably to some part of Asia as the place whence they
emigrated, which was originally peopled to a great extent by the
children of Shem. In this connection it has been claimed that the
meeting of the Europeans, Indians and Africans on the continent
of America, is the fulfillment of a prophecy as recorded in Gen-
esis ix. 27 : " God shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall dwell in the
tents of Shem ; and Canaan shall be his servant." Assuming the
theory to be true that the Indian tribes are of Shemitic origin,
they were met on this continent in the fifteenth century by the
Japhetic race, after the two stocks 4iad passed around the globe by
directly difierent routes. A few years afterward the Hamitic
branch of the human family were brought from the coast of Africa.
During the occupancy of the continent by the three distinct races,
the children of Japheth have grown and prospered, while tlie called
and not voluntary sons of Ham have endured a servitude in the
wider stretching valleys of the tents of Shem.
When Christopher Columbus had finally succeeded in demon-
strating the truth of his theory that by sailing westward from Eu-
rope land would be discovered, landing on the Island of Bermuda
he supposed he had reached the East Indies. This was an error,
but it led to the adoption of the name of " Indians " for the inhab-
itants of the Island and the main land of America, by which name
the red men of America have ever since been known.
Of the several great branches of North American Indians the
only ones entitled to consideration in Illinois history are the Algon-
quins and Iroquois. At the time of the discovery of America the
former occupied the Atlantic seaboard, while the home of the
Iroquois was as an island in this vast area of Algonquin popula-
tion. The latter great nation spread over a vast territory, and various,
tribes of Algonquin lineage sprung up over the country, adopting,
in time, distinct tribal customs and laws. An almost continuous
warfare was carried on between tribes ; but later, on the entrance of
the white man into their beloved homes, every foot of territory
was fiercely disputed by the confederacy of many neighboring tribes.
The Algonquins formed the most extensive alliauce to resist the
encroachment of the whites, especially the English. Such was the
HISTORY OF ILLINIOS. 23
nature of King Philip's war. This King, with his Algonquin
braves, spread terror land desolation throughout New England.With
the Algonquins as the controlling spirit, a confederacy of conti-
nental proportions was the result, embracing in its alliance the tribes
of every name and lineage from the Northern lakes to the gulf.
Pontiac, having breathed into them his implacable hate of the
English intruders, ordered the conflict to commence, and all the
British colonies trembled before the desolating fury of Indian
vengeance.
ILLINOIS CONFKDEEACT.
The Illinois confederacy, the various tribes of which comprised
most of the Indians of Illinois at one time, was composed of five
tribes: the Tamaroas, Michigans, Kaskaskias, Oahokas, and Peorias.
The Illinois, Miamis and Delawares were of the same stock. As
early as 1670 the priest Father Marquette mentions frequent visits
made by individuals of this confederacy to the missionary station at
St. Esprit, near the western extremity of Lake Superior. At that
time they lived west of the Mississippi, in eight villages, whither
they had been driven from the shores of Lake Michigan by the
Iroquois. Shortly afterward they began to return to their old
hunting ground, and most of them finally settled in Illinois.
Joliet and Marquette, in 1673, met with a band of them on their
famous voyage of discovery down the Mississippi. They wer?
treated with the greatest hospitality by the principal chief. On their
return voyage up the Illinois river they stopped at the principal
town of the confederacy, situated on the banks of the river seven
miles below the present town of Ottawa. It was then called Kas-
kaskia. Marquette returned to the village in 1675 and established
the mission of the Immaculate Conception, the oldest in Illinois.
When, in 1679, LaSalle visited the town, it had greatly increased
numbering 460 lodges, and at the annual assembly of the different
tribes, from 6,000 to 8,000 souls. In common with other western
tribes, they became involved in the conspiracy of Pontiac, although
displaying no very great warlike spirit. Pontiac lost his life by
the hands of one of the braves of the Illinois tribe, which so enraged
the nations that had followed him as their leader that they fell upon
the Illinois to avenge his death, and almost annihilated them.
STARVED EOCK.
Tradition states that a band of this tribe, in order to escape the
general slaughter, took refuge upon the high rock on the Illinois
24 HISTOEr OF ILLINOIS.
river since known as Starved Rock. Nature has made this one of
the most formidable military fortresses in the world. From the
waters which wash its base it rises to an altitude of 125 feet. Three
of its sides it is impossible to scale, while the one next to the land
may be climbed with difficulty. From its summit, almost as inac-
cessible as an eagle's nest, the valley of the Illinois is seen as
a landscape of exquisite beauty. The river near by struggles
between a number of wooded islands, while further below it quietly
meanders through vast meadows till it disappears like a thread of
light in the dim distance. On the summit of this rock the Illinois
were besieged by a superior force of the Pottawatomies whom the
great strength of their natural fortress enabled them to keep at bay.
Hunger and thirst, however, soon a,ccomplished what the enemy
was unable to effect. Surrounded by a relentless foe, without food
or water, they took a last look at their beautiful hunting grounds,
and with true Indian fortitude lay down and died from starvation.
Years afterward their bones were seen whitening in that place.
At the beginning of the present century the remnants of this
ouce powerful confederacy were forced into a small compass around
Kaskaskia. A few years later they emigrated to the Southwest,
and in 1850 they were in Indian Territory, and numbered but 84
persons. ,
SACS AND FOXES.
The Sacs and Foxes, who figured most conspicuously in the later
history of Illinois, inhabited the northwestern portion of the State.
By long residence together and intermarriage they had substan- ■
tially become one people. Drake, in his " Life of Black Hawk,"
speaks of these tribes as follows : " The Sacs and Foxes fought their
way from the waters of the St. Lawrence to Green Bay, and after
teaching that place, not only sustained themselves against hostile
tribes, but were the most active and courageous in the subjugation,
or rather the extermination, of the numerous and powerful Illinois
confederacy. They had many wars, offensive and defensive, with
the Sioux, the Pawnees, the O.sages, and other tribes, some of which
are ranked among the most fierce and ferocious warriors of the
whole continent; and it does not appear that in these conflicts, run-
ning through a long period of years, they were found wanting in
this, the greatest of all savage virtues. In the late war with Great
Britain, a party of the Sacs and Foxes fought under the British
HISTOKT OF ILLINOIS. 27
standard as a matter of choice; and in the recent contest between a
fragment of these tribes and the United States, although defeated
and literally cut to pieces by an overwhelming force, it is- very
questionable whether their reputation as braves would suffer by a
comparison with that of their victors. It is believed that a careful
review of their history, from the period when they first established
themselves on the waters of the Mississippi down to the present
time, will lead the inquirer to the conclusion that the Sacs and
Foxes Were truly a courageous people, shrewd, politic, and enter-
prising, with no more ferocity and treachery of character than is
common among the tribes by whom they were surrounded." These
tribes at the time of the Black Hawk War were divided into twenty
families, twelve of which were Sacs and eight Foxes. The follow-
ing were other prominent tribes occupying Illinois: the Kickapoos,
Shawnees, Mascoulins, Piaukishaws, Pottawatomies, Chippewas,
and Ottawas.
MANNERS AND CUSTOMS.
The art of hunting not only supplied the Indian with food, but,
like that of war, was a means of gratifying his love of distinction.
The male children, as soon as they acquired sufficient age and
strength, were furnished with a bow and arrow and taught to shoot
birds and other small game. Success in killing large quadrupeds
required years of careful study and practice, and the art was as
sedulously inculcated ia the minds of the rising generation as are
the elements of reading, writing and arithmetic in the common
schools of civilized communities. The mazes of the forest and the
dense, tall grass of the prairies were the best fields for the exercise
of the hunter's skill. No feet" could be impressed in the yielding
soil but that the tracks were the objects of the most searching
scrutiny, and revealed at a glance the animal that made them, the
direction it was pursuing, and the time that had elapsed since it
had passed. In a forest country lie selected the valleys, because
they were most frequently the resort of game. The most easily
taken, perhaps, of all the animals of the chase was the deer. It is
endowed with a curiosity which prompts it to stop in its flight and
look back at the approaching hunter, who always avails himself of
this opportunity to let' fly the fatal arrow.
Their general councils were composed of the chiefs and old men.
When in council, they usually sat in concentric circles around the
28 . HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.
speaker, and each individual, notwithstanding the fiery passions
that rankled within, preserved an exterior as immovable as if cast
in bronze. Before commencing business a person appeared with
the sacred pipe, and another with fire to kindle it. After being
lighted, it was first presented to heaven, secondly to the earth,
thirdly, to the presiding spirit, and lastly the several councilors,
each of whom took a whifi". These formalities were observed with
as close exactness as state etiquette in civilized courts.
The dwellings of the Indians were of the simplest and rudest
■character. On .some pleasant spot by the bank of a river, or near
an ever-running spring, they raised their groups of wigwams, con-
structed of the iDark of trees, and easily taken down and removed
to another spot. The dwelling-places of the chiefs were sometimes
more spacious, and constructed with greater care, -but of the same
materials. Skins taken in the chase served them for repose.
Though principally dependent upon hunting and fishing, the
uncertain supply from those sources led them to cultivate small
patches of corn. Every family did everything necessary within
itself, commerce, or an interchange of articles, being almost unknown
to them. In cases of dispute and dissension, each Indian relied
upon himself f^r retaliation. Blood for blood was the rule, and
the relatives of the slain man were bound to obtain bloody revenge
for his death. This principle gave rise, as a matter of course, to
innumerable and bitter feuds, and wars of extermination where such
were possible. War, indeed, rather than peace, was the Indian's
glory and delight, — war, not conducted as civilization, but war
where individual skill, endurance, gallantry and cruelty were prime
requisites. For such a purpose as revenge the Indian would make
great sacrifices, and display a patience and perseverance truly heroic;
"but when the excitement was over, he sank back into a listless, un-
occupied, well-nigh useless savage. During the intervals of his
more exciting pursuits, the Indian employed his time in decorating
his person with all the refinement of paint and feathers, and in the
manufacture of his arms and of canoes. These were constructed of
bark, and so light that they could easily be carried on the shoulder
from stream to stream. His amusements were the war-dance, ath-
letic games, the narration of his exploits, and listening to the ora-
tory of the chiefs; but during long periods of such existence he
remained in a state of torpor, gazing listlessly upon the trees of
the forests and the clouds that sailed above them ; and this vacancy
HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 2&
imprinted an habitual gravity, and even nielancholy, upon his gen-
eral deportment.
The main labor and drudgery of Indian communities fell upon
the women. The planting, tending and gathering ,of the crops,
making mats and baskets, carrying burdens, — in fact, all things of
the kind were performed by them, thus making their condition but
little better than that of slaves. Marriage was merely a matter of
bargain and sale, the husband giving presents to the father of the
bride. In general they had but few children. They were sub-
jected to many and ^vere attacks of sickness, and at times famine
and pestilence swept away whole tribes.
■ SINGLE-HANDED COMBAT WITH INDIANS.
The most desperate single-handed combat with Indians ever
fought on the soil of Illinois was that of Tom Higgins, August 21,
1814:. Higgins was 25 years old, of a muscular and compact
build, not tall, but strong and active. In danger he possessed a
quick and discerning judgment, and was without fear. He was a
member of Journey's rangers, consisting of eleven men, stationed
at Hill's Fort, eight miles south-west of the present Greenville, Put-
nam county. Discovering Indian signs near the fort, the company,
early the following morning, started, on the trail. They had not
gone far before they were in an ambuscade of a larger party. At
the first fire their commander, Journey, and three men fell, and
six retreated to the fort; but Higgins stopped to "have another
pull at the red-skins," and, taking deliberate aim at a straggling
savage, shot him down. Higgins' horse had been wounded at the
first fire, as he supposed, mortally. Coming to, he was about to
effect his escape, when the- familiar voice of Burgess hailed him
from the long grass, "Tom, don't leave me." Higgins told him to
come along, but Burgess replied that his leg was smashed. Hig-
gins attempted to raise him on his horse, but the animal took fright
and ran away. Higgins then directed Burgess to limp off as well
as he could; and by crawling through the grass he reached the fort
while the former loaded his gun and remained behind to protect
him against the pursuing enemy. When Burgess was well out of
the way, Higgins took another route, which led by a small thicket,
to throw any wandering enemy off the trail. Here he was con-
fronted by three savages approaching. He ran to a little ravine
near for shelter, but in the effort discovered for the first time that
30 HISTOET OF ILLINOIS.
he was badly wounded in the leg. He was closely pressed by the
largest, a powerful Indian, who lodged a ball in his thigh. He fell,
but instantly rose again, only, however, to draw the fire of the other
two, and again fell wounded. The Indians now advanced upon him
with their tomahawks and scalping knives; but as he presented his
gun first at one, then at another, from his place in the ravine, each
wavered in his purpose. Neither party had time to load, and the
large Indian, supposing finally that Higgins' gun was empty, rushed
forward with uplifted tomahawk and a yell; but as he came near
enough, was shot down. At this the others raised the war-whoop,
and rushed upon the wounded Higgins, and now a hand-to-hand
conflict ensued. They darted at him with their knives time and
again, inflicting many ghastly flesh-wounds, which bled profusely.
One of the assailants threw his tomahawk at him with such pre-
cision as to sever his ear and lay bare his skull, knocking him down.
They now rushed in on him, but he kicked them off, and grasping
one of their spears thrust at him, was raised up by it. He quickly
seized his gun, and by a powerful blow crushed in the skull of one,
but broke his rifle. His remaining antagonist still kept up the con-
test, making thrusts with his knife at the bleeding and exhausted
Higgins, which he parried with his broken gun as well as he could.
Most of this desperate engagement was in plain view of the fort;
but the rangers, having been in one ambuscade, saw in this fight
only a ruse to draw out the balance of the garrison. But a Mrs.
Pursely, residing at the fort, no longer able to see so brave a man
contend for his life unaided, seized a gun, mounted a horse, and
started to his rescue. At this the men took courage and hastened
along. The Indian, seeing aid coming, fled. Higgins. being near-
ly hacked to pieces, fainted from loss of blood. He was carried to
the fort. There being no surgeon, his comrades cut two balls from
his flesh; others remained in. For days his life was despaired of;
but by tender nursing he ultimately regained his health, although
badly crippled. He I'esided in Fayette county for many years after,
and died in 1829.
HI8T0EY OF ILLINOIS. 31
EAELY DISCOVERIES
NICHOLAS PEEKOT.
The first white man who ever set foot on the soil embraced within
the boundary of the present populous State of Illinois was Nich-
olas Perrot, a Frenchman. He was sent to Chicago in the year 1671
by M. Talon, Intendant of Canada, for the purpose of inviting the
Western Indians to a great peace convention to be held at Green
Bay. This convention had for its chief object the promulgation of
a plan for the discovery of the Mississippi river. This great river
had been discovered by De Soto, the Spanish explorer, nearly one
hundred and fifty years previously, but his nation left the country
a wilderness, without further exploration or settlement within its
borders, in which condition it remained until the river was dis-
covered by Joliet and Marquette in 1673. It was deemed a wise
policy to secure, as far as possible, the friendship and co-operation
of the Indians, far and near, before venturing upon an enterprise
which their hostility might render disastrous. Thus the great oon-
. vention was called.
JOLIET AND MARQUETTE.
Although Perrot was the first European to visit Illinois, he was
not the first to make any important discoveries. This was left for
Joliet and Marquette, which they accomplished two years thereafter.
The former, Louis Joliet, was born at Quebec in 1645. He was
educated for the clerical ' profession, but he abandoned it to
engage in the fur trade. His companion. Father Jacques Mar-
quette, was a native of France, born in 1637. He was a Jesuit
priest by education, and a man of simple faith and great zeal and
devotion in extending the Roman Catholic religion among the In-
dians. He was sent to' America in 1666 as a missionary. To con-
vert the Indians he penetrated the wilderness -a thousand iniles
in advance of civilization, and by his kind attention in their afflic-
tions he won their affections and made them his lasting friends.
There were others, however, who visited Illinois even prior to the
famous exploration of Joliet and^ Marquette. In 1672 the Jesuit
32 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.
missionaries, Fathers Claude Allouez and Claude Dablon, bore the
standard of the Cross from their mission at Green Bay through
western Wisconsin and northern Illinois.
According to the pre-arranged plan referred to above, at the Jes-
uit mission on the Strait of Mackinaw, Joliet joined Marquette,
and with five other Frenchmen and a simple outfit the daring ex-
plorers on the ITtli of May, 1673, set out on their perilous voyage
to discover the Mississippi. Coasting along the northern shore of
Lake Michigan, they entered Green Bay, and passed thence up Fox
'i-iver and Lake Winnebago to a village of the Mnscatines and
Miamis, where great interest was taken in the expedition by the
natives. With guides they proceeded down the river. Arriving
at the portage, they soon carried their light canoes and scanty bag-
gage to the Wisconsin, about three miles distant. Their guides
now refused to accompany them further, and endeavored, by re-
citing the dangers incident to the voyage, to induce them to return.
They stated that huge demons dwelt in the great river, whose voices
could be heard a long distance, and who engulfed in the raging
waters all who came within their reach. They also represented that
if any of them should escape the dangers of the river, fierce tribes of
Indians dwelt upon its banks ready to complete the work of de-
struction. They proceeded on their journey, however, and on the
17th of June pushed their frail barks on the bosom of the stately
Mississippi, .down which they smoothly glided for nearly a hundred
miles. Here Joliet and Marquette, leaving their canoes in charge
of their men, went on the western ^hore, where they discovered an
Indian village, and were kindly treated. They journeyed on down
the unknown river, passing the mouth of the Illinois, then run-
ning into the current of the muddy Missouri, and afterwaid the
waters of the Ohio joined with them on their journey southward.
Near the mouth of the Arkansas they discovered Indians who
showed signs of hostility;, but when Marquette's mission of peace
was made known to them, they were kindly received. After pro-
ceeding up the Arkansas a short distance, at the advice of the
natives they turned their faces northward to retrace their steps. Af-
ter several weeks o*f hard toil they reached the Illinois, up which .
stream they proceeded to Lake Michigan. Following the western
shore of the lake, they entered Green Bay the latter part of Sep-
tember, having traveled a distance of 2,500 miles.
HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 33
On liis way up the Illinois, Marquette visited the Kaskaskias,
near what is now Utica, in LaSalle county. The following year
he returned and established amon^ them the mission of the Im-
maculate Virgin Mary. This was the last act of his life. He died
in Michigan, May 18, 1675.
lasalle's exploeations.
The first French occupation of Illinois was effected by LaSalle,
in 1680. Having constructed a vessel, the " GrijBQn," above the
falls of Niagara, he sailed to Green Bay, and passed thence in
canoe to the mouth of the St. Joseph river, by which and the Kan-
kakee he reached the Illinois in January, 1680; and on the 3d he
entered the expansion of the river now called Peoria lake. Here,
at the lower end of the lake, on its eastern bank, now in Tazewell
county, he erected Fort Crevecoeur. The place where this ancient
fort stood may still be seen just below the outlet of Peoria lake. It
had, however, but a temporary existence. From this point LaSalle
determined, at that time, to descend the Mississippi to its mouth.
This lie did not do, however, until two years later. Eeturning to
Fort Frontenac for the purpose of getting material with which to
rig his vessel, he left the fort at Peoria in charge of his lieutenant,
Henri Tonti, an Italian, who had lost one of his hands by the
explosion of a grenade in the Sicilian wars. Tonti had with him
fifteen men, most of whom disliked LaSalle, and were ripe for a
revolt the first opportunity. Two men who had, previous to LaSalle's
departure, been sent to look for the " Grifiin " now returned and
reported that the vessel was lost and that Fort Frontenac was in
the hands of LaSalle's creditors. This disheartening intelligence
had the effect to enkindle a spirit of mutiny among the garrison.
Tonti had no sooner left the fort, with a few men, to fortify what
was afterward known as Starved Rock, than the garrison at the
fort refused longer to submit to authority. They destroyed the
fort, seized the ammunition, provisions, and other portables of value,
and fled. Only two of their number remained true. These hast-
ened to apprise Tonti of what had occurred. He thereupon sent
four of the men with him to inform LaSalle. Thus was Tonti in
the midst of treacherous savages, with onjy five men, two of whom
were the friars Kibourde and Membre. With these he immediately
returned to the fort, collected what tools had not been destroyed,
and conveyed them to the great town of the Illinois Indians.
34 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.
By this voluntary display of confidence he hoped to remove the
jealousy created in the minds of the Illinois by the enemies of La-
Salle. Here he awaited, unmolested, the return of LaSalle.
GEEAT BATTLE OF THE ILLINOIS. '
Neither Tonti nor his wild associates suspected that hordes of Iro-
quois were gathering preparatory to rushing down upon their
country and reducing it to an uninhabited waste. Already these
hell-hounds of the wilderness had destroyed the Hurons, Eries, and
other natives on the lakes, and were now directing their attention
to the Illinois for new victims. Five hundred Iroquois warriors
set out for the home of the Illinois. All was fancied security and
idle repose in the great town of this tribe, as the enemy stealthily
approached. Suddenly as a clap of thunder from a cloudless sky
the listless inhabitants were awakened from their lethargy. A
Shawnee Indian, on his return home after a visit to the Illinois,
first discovered the invaders. To save his friends from the im-
pending danger, he hurriedly returned and apprised them of the
coming enemy. This intelligence spread with lightning rapidity
over the town, and each wigwam disgorged its boisterous and as-
tounded inmates. Women snatched their children, and in a delirium
of fi-ight wandered aimlessly about, rending the air with their
screams. The men, more self-possessed, seized their arms ready
for the coming fray. Tonti, long an object of suspicion, was soon
surrounded by an angry crowd of vs^arriors, who accused him of be-
ing an emissary of the enemy. His inability to defend himself
properly, in consequence of not fully understanding their language
left them still inclined to believe him guilty, and they seized his
effects from the fort and threw them into the river. The women
and children were sent down the river for safety, and the warriors,
not exceeding four hundred, as most of their young men were off
hunting, returned to the village. Along the shores of the river
they kindled huge bonfires, and spent the entire night in greasing
their bodies, painting their faces, and performing the war-dance,
- to prepare for the approaching enemy. At early dawn the scouts
who had been sent out returned, closely followed by the Iroquois;
The scouts had seen a chief arrayed in French costume, and re-
ported their suspicions that LaSalle was in the camp of the enemy,
and Tonti again became an object of jealousy. A concourse of
wildly gesticulating savages immediately gathered about him, de-
HISTOEY OF ILLINOIS.
35
manding his life, and nothing saved him from their uplifted weap-
ons but a promise that he and his men would go with them to meet
the enemy. With their suspicions partly lulled, they hurriedly
crossed the river and met the foe, when both commenced firing.
Tonti, seeing that the Illinois were outnumbered and likely to
be defeated, determined, at the imminent risk of his life, to stay
the fight by an attempt at mediation. Presuming on the treaty of
peace then existing between the French and Iroquois, he exchanged
his gun for a belt of wampum and advanced to meet the savage
multitude, attended by three companions, who, being unnecessarily
exposed to danger, were dismissed, and he proceeded alone. A
short walk brought him in the midst of a pack of yelping devils,
writhing and distorted with fiendish rage, and impatient to shed
his blood. As the result of his swarthy Italian complexion and
half-savage costume, he was at first taken for an Indian, and before
the mistake was discovered a young warrior approached and stabbed
at his heart. Fortunately the blade was turned aside by coming
in contact with a rib, yet a large flesh- wound was ififlicted, which
bled profusely. At this juncture a chief discovered his true char-
acter, and he was led to the rear and efforts were made to staunch
his wound. When suflBciently recovered, he declared the Illinois
were under the protection of the French, and demanded, in consid-
eration of the treaty between the latter and the Iroquois, that they
should be suffered to remain without further molestation. During
this conference a young warrior snatched Tonti's hat, and, fleeing
with it to the front, held it aloft on the end of his gun in view of
the Illinois. The latter, judging that Tonti had been killed,
renewed the fight with great vigor. Simultaneously, intelligence
was brought to the Iroquois that Frenchmen were assisting their
enemies in the fight, when the contest over Tonti was renewed
with redoubled fury. Some declared that he should be immediately
put to death, while others, friendly to LaSalle, with equal earnest-
ness demanded that he should be set at liberty. During their
clamorous debate, his hair was several times lifted by a huge sav-
age who stood at his back with a scalping knife ready for execution.
Tonti at length turned the current of the angry controversy in his
favor, by stating that the Illinois were 1,200 strong, and that there
were 60 Frenchmen at the village ready to assist them. This state-
ment obtained at least a partial credence, and his tormentors now
36 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.
determined to use him as an instrument to delude the Illinois with a
pretended truce. The old warriors, therefore, advanced to the front
and ordered the firing to cease, while Tonti, dizzy from the loss of
blood, was furnished with an emblem of peace and sent staggering
across the plain to rejoin tlie Illinois. The two friars who had just
returned from a distant hut, whither they had repaired for prayer
and meditation, were the first to meet him and bless God for what
they regarded as a miraculous deliverance. With the assurance
brought by Tonti, the Illinois re-crossed the river to their lodges,
followed by the enemy as far as the opposite bant. Not long after,
large numbers of the latter, under the pretext of hunting, also crossed
the river and hung in threatening groups about the town. These
hostile indications, and the well-known disregard which the Iroquois
had always evinced for their pledges, soon convinced the Illinois
that their only safety was in flight. With this conviction they set
lire to their village, and while the vast volume of flames and smoke
diverted the attention of the enemy, they quietly dropped down the
river to join their women and children. As soon as the flames would
permit, the Iroquois entrenched themselves on the site of the vil-
lage., Tonti and his men were ordered by the suspicious savageB
to leave their hut and take up their abode in the fort.
At first the Iroquois were much elated at the discomfiture of the
Illinois, but when two days afterward they discovered them recdn-
noitering their intrenchments, their courage greatly subsided.
With fear they recalled the exaggerations of Tonti respecting their
numbers, and concluded to send him with a hostage to make over-
tures of peace. He and his hostage were received with delight by
the Illinois, who readily assented to the proposal which he brought,
and in turn sent back with him a hostage to the Iroquois. On his
return to the fort his life was again placed in jeopardy, and the
treaty was with great difficulty ratified. The young and inexpe-
rienced Illinois hostage betrayed to his crafty interviewers the nu-
merical weakness of his tribe, and the savages immediately rushed
upon Tonti, and charged him with having deprived them of the spoils
and honors of victory. It now required all the tact of which he was
master to escape. After much difficulty however, the treaty was con-
cluded, but the savages, to show their contempt for it, immediately
commenced constructing canoes in which to descend the river and
attack the Illinois.
m
^1 ' i
^1 !. I :
saiS^Sss&sS''**'
AN IROQUOIS CHIEF.
HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 39
FRENCHMEN DKIVEN AWAY.
Tonti managed to apprise the latter of their designs, and he and
Membre were soon after summoned to attend a council of the Iro-
quois, who still labored -under a wholesome fearof Count Frontenac,
and disliking to attack the Illinois in the presence of the French,
they thought to try to induce them to leave the country. At the
assembling of the council, six packages of beaver skins were intro-
duced, and the savage orator, presenting them separately to Tonti,
explained the nature of each. "The first two," said he, " were to de-
clare that the children of Count Frontenac, that is, the Illinois,
should not be «aten; the next was a plaster to heal the wounds of
Tonti; the next was oil wherewith to anoint him and Membre,
that they might not be fatigued in traveling; the next proclaimed
that the sun was bright; and the sixth and last required them to
decamp and go home."
At the mention of going home, Tonti demanded of them when
they intended to set the example by leaving the Illinois in the
peaceable possession of their country, which they had so unjustly in-
vaded. The council grew boisterous and angry at the idea that
they should be demanded to do what they required of the French,
and some of its members, forgetting their previous pledge, declared
that they would "eat Illinois flesh before they departed." Tonti, in
imitation of the Indians' manner of expressing scorn, indignantly
kicked away the presents of fur, saying, since they intended to de-
vour the children of Frontenac with cannibal ferocity, he would not
accept their gifts. This stern rebuke resulted in the expulsion of
Tonti and his companion from the council, and the next day the
chiefs ordered them to leave the country.
Tonti had npw, at the great peril of his life, tried every expedient
to prevent the slaughter of the Illinois. There was little to be ac-
complished by longer remaining in the country, and as longer delay
might imperil the lives of his own men, he determined to depart, not
knowing where or when he would be able to rejoin LaSalle. With
this object in view, the party, consisting of six persons, embarked in
canoes, which soon proved leaky, and they were compelled to land
for the purpose of making repairs. "While thus employed, Father Ei-
bourde, attracted by the beauty of the surrounding landscape, wan-
dered forth among the groves for meditation and prayer. Not return-
ing in due time, Tonti became alarmed, and started with a compan-
40 HISTOEY OF ILLINOIS.
ion to ascertain the cause of the long delay. They soon discovered
tracks of Indians, by whom it was supposed he had been seized, and
guns were fired to direct his return, in case he was alive. Seeing
nothing of him during the day, at night they built fires along the
bank of the river and retired to the opposite side, to see who might
approach them. Near midnight a number of Indians were seen
flitting about the light, by whom, no doubt, had been made the tracks
seen the previous day. It was afterward learned that they were a
band of Kickapoos, who had for several days been hovering about
the camp of the Iroquois in quest of scalps. They had fell in
with the inofiensive old friar and scalped him. Thus, in the 65th
year of his age, the only heirto a wealthy Burgundian house per-
ished under the war-club of the savages for whose salvation he had
renounced ease and affluence.
liSTHUMAN BUTCHEET.
During this tragedy a far more revolting one was being enacted
in the great town of Illinois. The Iroquois were tearing open the
graves of the dead, and wreaking their vengeance upon the bodiea
made hideous by putrefaction. At this desecration, it is said, they
even ate portions of the dead bodies, while subjecting them to every
indignity that brutal hate could inflict. Still unsated by their hell-
ish brutalities, and now unrestrained by the presence of the French,
they started in pursuit of the retreating Illinois. Day after day
they and the opposing forces moved in compact array down the
river, neither being able to gain any advantage over the other. At
length the Iroquois obtained by falsehood that which number and
prowess denied them. They gave out that their object was to pos-
sess the country, not by destroying, but by driving out its present
inhabitants. Deceived by this false statement, the Illinois separa-
ted, some descending the Mississippi and others crossing to the
western shore. The Tamaroas, more credulous than the rest, re-
mained near the mouth of the Illinois, and were suddenly attacked
by an overwhelming force of the enemy. The men fled in dismay,
and the women and children, to the number of 700, fell into the
hands of the ferocious enemy. Then followed the tortures, butch-
eries and burnings which only the infuriated and imbruted Iroquois
could perpetrate. LaSalle on his return discovered the half-charred
bodies of women and children still bound to- the stakes where they
had suifered all the torments hellish hate could devise. In addition
HI8T0EY OF ILLINOIS. il
to those who had been burnt, the mangled bodies of women and
children thickly covered the ground, many of which bore marks of
brutality too horrid for record.
After the ravenous horde had sufficiently glutted their greed for
carnage, they retired from the country. The Illinois returned and
rebuilt their town.
TOKTI SAFE AT GEEEN BAT.
After the death of Ribourde, Tonti and his men again resumed
their journey. Soon again their craft became disabled, when they
abandoned it and started on foot for Lake Michigan. Their
supply of provisions soon became .exhausted, and they were
compelled to subsist in a great m'easure on roots and herbs.
One of their companions wandered off in search of game, and lost
his way, and several days elapsed before he rejoined them. In his
absence he was without flints and bullets, yet contrived to shoot
some turkeys by using slugs cut from a pewter porringer and a fire-
brand to discharge his gun. Tonti fell sick of a fever and greatly
retarded the progress of the march, bearing Green Bay, the cold
increased and the means of subsistence decreased and the party would
have perished had they not found a few ears of corn and some froz-
en squashes in the fields of a deserted village. Near the close of
November they had reached the Pottawatomies, who warmly greet-
ed them. Their chief was an ardent admirer of the French, and
was accustomed to say: " There were but three great captains in the
world, — himself, Tonti and LaSalle." For the above account of
Tonti's encounter with the Iroquois, we are indebted to Davidson
and Stuve's History of Illinois.
lasalle's ketuen.
LaSalle returned to Peoria only to meet the hideous picture of
devastation. Tonti had escaped, but LaSalle knew not whither. Pass-
ing down the lake in search of him and his men, LaSalle discov-
ered that the fort had been destroyed ; but the vessel which he had
partly constructed was still on the stocks, and but slightly injured.
After further fruitless search he fastened to a tree a painting repre-
senting himself and party sitting in a canoe and bearing a pipe of
peace, and to the painting attached a letter addressed to Tonti.
LaSalle was born in France in 1643, of wealthy parentage, and edu-
cated in a college of the Jesuits, from which he separated and came
to Canada, a poor man, in 1666. He was a man of daring genius,
42 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.
and outstripped all his competitors in exploits of travel and com-
merce with the Indians. He was granted a large tract of land at
LaOhine, where he established himself in the fur trade. In 1669
he visited the headquarters of the great Iroquois confederacy, at
Onondaga, New York, and, obtaining guides, explored the Ohio
river to the falls at Louisville. For many years previous, it must
be remembered, missionaries and traders were obliged to make their
way to the Northwest through Canada on account of the fierce
hostility of the Iroquois along the lower lakes and Niagara river,
which entirely closed this latter route to the upper lakes. They
carried on their commerce chiefly by canoes, paddling them through
Ottawa river to Lake Nipissing, carrying them across the portage
to French river, and descending that to Lake Huron. This being
the route by which they reached the Northwest, we have an explana-
tion of the fact that all the earliest Jesuit missions were established
in the neighborhood of the upper lakes. LaSalle conceived the
grand idea of opening the route by Niagara river and the lower
lakes to Canada commerce by sail vessels, connecting it with the
navigation of the Mississippi, and thus opening a magnificent water
communication from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to the Gulf of Mex-
ico. This truly grand and comprehensive purpose seems to have
animated him in his wonderful achievements, and the matchless
difiiculties and hardships he surmounted. As the first step in the
accomplishment of this object he established himself on Lake
Ontario, and built and garrisoned Fort Frontenac, the site of the
present city of Kingston, Canada. Here he obtained a grant of
land from the French crown, and a body of troops, by which he
repulsed the Iroquois and opened passage to Niagara Falls. Hav-
ing by this masterly stroke made it safe to attempt a hitherto
untried expedition, his next step, as we have seen, was to build a
ship with which to sail the lakes. He was successful in this under-
taking, though his ultimate purpose was defeated by a strange com-j
bination of untoward circumstances. The Jesuits evidently hated
LaSalle and plotted against him, because he had abandoned them
and united with a rival order. The fur traders were also jealous of
his success in opening new channels of commerce. "While they were
plodding with their bark canoes through the Ottawa, he was con-
structing sailing vessels to command the trade of the lakes and the
Mississippi. These great plans excited the jealousy and envy of
HISTOET OF ILLINOIS. 4:5
small traders, introduced treason and revolt into the ranks of hi&-
men, and finally led to the foul assassination by which his great
achievements were permanently ended.
lasalle's assassination.
Again visiting the Illinois in the year 1682, LaSalle de-
scended the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico. He erected a
standard upon which he inscribed the arms of France, and took
formal possession of the whole valley of this mighty river in the
name of Louis XIY., then reigning, and in honor-of whom he named
the country Louisiana. LaSalle then returned to France, was
appointed Governor, and returned with a fleet of immigrants for the
purpose of pl'auting a colony in Illinois. They arrived in due time
in the Gulf of Mexico, but failing to find the mouth of the Missis-
sippi, up which they intended to sail, his supply ship, with the
immigrants, was driven ashore and wrecked on Matagorda Bay.
With the fragments of the vessel he constructed rude huts and
stockades on the shore for the protection of his followers, calling
the post Fort St. Louis. He then made a trip into New Mexico
in search of silver mines, but, meeting with disappointment,
returned to find his colony reduced to forty souls. He then resolved
to travel on foot to Illinois. With some twenty of his men they
filed out of their fort on the 12th of January, 1687, and after the part-
ing,— which was one of sighs, of tears, and of embraces, all seeming
intuitively to know that they should see each other no more, — they
started on their disastrous journey. Two of the party, Du Haut
and Leotot, when on a hunting expedition in company with a
nephew of LaSalle, assassinated him while asleep. The long
absence of his nephew caused LaSalle to go in search of him. Oji
approaching the murderers of his nephew, they fired upon him, kill-
ing him instantly. They then despoiled the body of its clothing,,
^nd left it to be devoured by the wild beasts of the forest. Thus,
at the age of 43, perished one whose exploits have so greatly
enriched the history of the New World. To estimate aright the
marvels of his patient fortitude, one must follow on his track
through the vast scene of his interminable journeyiugs, those thou-
sands of weary miles of forest, marsh and river, where, again and
again, in the bitterness of baifled striving, the untiring pilgrim
pushed onward toward the goal he never was to attain. America
owes him an enduring memory; for in this masculine figure, cas^
44 ■ HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.
in iron, she sees the heroic pioneer who guided her to the possession
of her richest heritage.
Tonti, who had been stationed at the fort on the Illinois, learning
of LaSalle's unsuccessful voyage, immediately started down the
Mississippi to his relief. Eeaching the Gulf, he found no traces of
the colony. He then returned, leaving some of his men at the
mouth of the Arkansas. These were discovered by the remnant of
LaSalle's followers, who guided them to the fort on the Illinois,
where they reported that LaSalle was in Mexico. The little band
left at Fort St. Louis were finally destroyed by the Indians, and the
murderers of LaSalle were shot. Thus ends the sad chapter of
Robert Cavalier de LaSalle's exploration.
FRENCH OCCUPATION.
FIEST SETTLEMENTS.
The first mission in Illinois, as we have already seen, was com-
menced by Marquette in April, 16Y5. He called the religious
.society which he established the " Mission of the Immacnlate Con-
ception," and the town Kaskaskia. The first military occupation of
the country was at Fort Crevecceur, erected in 1680; but there is no
evidence that a settlement was commenced there, or at Peoria, on
the lake above, at that early date. The first settlement of which there
is any authentic account was commenced with the building of Fort
St. Louis on the Illinois river in 1682; but this was soon abandoned.
The oldest permanent settlement, not only in Illinois, but in the val-
ley of the Mississippi, is at Kaskaskia, situated six miles above the
mouth of the Kaskaskia river. This was settled in 1690 by the
removal of the mission from old Kaskaskia, or Ft. St. Louis, on the
Illinois river. Cahokia was settled about the same time. The
reason for the removal of the old Kaskaskia settlement and mission,
was probably because the dangerous and difficult route by Lake
Michigan and the Chicago portage had been almost abandoned, and
travelers and traders traveled down and up the Mississippi by the
Fox and Wisconsin rivers. It was removed to the vicinity of the
Mississippi in order to be in the line of travel from Canada to
Louisiana, that is, the lower part of it, for it was all Louisiana then
south of the lakes. Illinois came into possession of the French in
1682, and was a dependency of Canada and a part of Louisiana.
During the period of French rule in Louisiana, the population
HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 45
probably never exceeded ten thousand. To the year 1730 the fol-
lowing five distinct settlements were made in the territory of
Illinois, numbering, in population, 140 French families, about 600
"converted " Indians, and many traders; Cahokia, near the mouth
of Oahokia creek and about five miles below the present city of
St. Louis; St. Philip, about forty-five miles below Cahokia; Fort
Chartres, twelve miles above Kaskaskia; Kaskaskia, situated on the
Kaskaskia river six miles above its confiuence with the Mississippi,
and Prairie du liocher, near Fort Chartres. Fort Chartres was
built under the direction of the Mississippi Company in 1718, and
was for a time the headquarters of the military commandants of
the district of Illinois, and the most impregnable fortress in JSIorth
America. It was also the center of wealth and fashion in the West.
For about eighty years the French retained peaceable possession
of Illinois. Their amiable disposition and tact of ingratiating them-
selves with the Indians enabled them to escape almost entirely the
broils which weakened and destroyed other colonies. Whether
exploring remote rivers or traversing hunting grounds in pursuit
of game, in the social circle or as participants in the religious exer-
cises of the church, the red men became their associates and were
treated with the kindness and consideration of brothers. For more
than a hundred years peace between the white man and the red was
unbroken, and when at last this reign of harmony terminated it
was not caused by the conciliatory Frenchman, but by the blunt
and sturdy Anglo-Saxon. During this century, or until the coun-
try was occupied by the English, no regular court was ever held.
When, in 1765, the country passed into the hands of the English,
many of the French, rather than submit to a change in their insti-
tutions, preferred to leave their homes and seek a new abode.
There are, however, at the present time a few remnants of the old
French stock in the State, who still retain to a great extent the
ancient habits and customs of their fathers.
THE MISSISSIPPI COMPANV.
During the earliest period of French occupation of this country,
M. Tonti, LaSalle's attendant, was commander-in-chief of all the
territory embraced between Canada and the Gulf of Mexico, and
extending east and west of the Mississippi as far as his ambition or
imagination pleased to allow. He spent twenty-one years in estab-
lishing forts and organizing the first settlements of Illinois, Sep-
46 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.
tember 14, 1712, the French government granted a monopoly of all
the trade and commerce of the country to M. Crozat, a wealthy
merchant of Paris, who established a trading company in Illinois,
and it was by this means that the early settlements became perma-
nent and others established. Orozat surrendered his charter in
1717, and the Company of the "West, better known as the Missis-
sippi Company, was organized, to aid and assist the banking system
of John Law, the most famous speculator of modern times, and
perhaps at one time the wealthiest private individual the world
has ever known; but his treasure was transitory. Under the
Company of the West a branch was organized called the Company
of St. Philip's, for the purpose of working the rich silver mines sup-
posed to be in Illinois, and Philip Renault was appointed as its
agent. In 1719 he sailed from France with two hundred miners,
laborers and mechanics. During 1719 the Company of the West
was by royal order united with tlie Royal Company of the Indies,
and had the influence and support of the crown, who was deluded
by the belief that immense wealth would flow into the empty treas-
ury of France. This gigantic scheme, one of the most extensive
and wonderful bubbles ever blown up to astonish, deceive and ruin
thousands of people, was set in operation by the fertile brain of
John Law. Law was born in Scotland in 1671, and so rapid had
been his career that at the age of twenty-three he was a " bankrupt,
an adulterer, a murderer and an exiled outlaw." But he possessed
great financial ability, and by his agreeable and attractive manners,
and his enthusiastic advocacy of his schemes, he succeeded in
inflaming the imagination of the mercurial Frenchmen, whose greed
for gain led them to adopt any plans for obtaining wealth.
Law arrived in Paris with two and a half millions of francs,
which he had gained at the gambling table, just at the right time.
Louis XIY. had just died and left as a legacy empty coffers and an
immense public debt. Every thing and everybody was taxed to
the last penny to pay even the interest. All the sources of in-
dustry were dried up; the very wind which wafted tke barks of
commerce seemed to have died away under the pressure of the
time; trade stood still; the merchant, the trader,, the artificer, once
flourishing in aflluence, were transformed into clamorous beggars.
The life-blood that animated the kingdom was stagnated in all
its arteries, and tlie danger of an awful crisis became such that
HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 4:7
the nation was on the verge of bankruptcy. At this critical junc-
ture John Law arrived and proposed his grand sclieme of the
Mississippi Company; 200,000 shares of stock at 500 livres each were
at first issued. This sold readily and .great profits were realized.
More stock was issued, speculation became rife, the fever seized
everybody, and the wildest speculating frenzy pervaded the whole
nation. Illinois was thought to contain vast and rich mines of
minerals. Kaskaskia, then scarcely more than the settlement of a
few savages, was spoken of as an emporium of the most extensive
traffic, and as rivaling some of the cities of Europe in refinement,
fashion and religious culture. Law was in the zenith of his glory, and
the people in the zenith of their infatuation. The high and the low,
the rich and the poor, were at once filled with visions of untold
wealth, and every age, set, rank and condition were buying and selling
stocks. Law issued stock again and again, and readily sold until
2,235,000,0001ivres were in circulation, equaling about $450,000,000.
While confidence lasted an impetus was given to trade never before
known. An illusory policy everywhere prevailed, and so dazzled
the eye that none could see in the horizon the dark cloud announc-
ing the approaching storm. Law at the time was the most influ-
ential man in Europe. His house was beset from morning till
night with eager applicants for stock. Dukes, marquises and
counts, with their wives and daughters, waited for hours in the
street below his door. Finding his residence too small, he changed
it for the Place Yendome, whither the crowd followed him, and the
spacious square had the appearance of a public market. The boule-
vards and public gardens were forsaken, and the Place Vendome
became the most fashionable place in Paris; and he was unable to
wait upon even one-tenth part of his applicants. The bubble burst
after a few years, scattering ruin and distress in every direction.
Law, a short time previous the most popular man in Europe, fled
to Brussels, and in 1729 died in Yenice, in obscurity and poverty.
ENGLISH EULE.
As early as 1750 there could be perceived the first throes of the
revolution, which gave a new master and new institutions to Illi-
nois. France claimed the whole valley of the Mississippi, and Eng-
land the right to extend her possessions westward as far as she
might desire. Through colonial controversies the two mother
4:8 HISTUKY OF ILLINOIS.
countries were precipitated into a bloody war within the Nortli-
western Territory, George Wasliiugton firing the first gun of the
military struggle which resulted in the overthrow of the French
not only in Illinois but in J^orth America. The French evinced a
determination to retain control of the territory bordering the Ohio
and Mississippi from Canada to the Gulf, and so long as the En-
glish colonies were confined to the sea-coast there was little reason
for controversy. As the English, however, became acquainted
with this beautiful and fertile portion of our country, they not only
learned the value of the A'^ast territory, but also resolved to set up a
counter claim to the soil. The French established numerous mili-
tary and trading posts from the frontiers of Canada to New Or-
leans, and in order to establish also their claims to jurisdiction over
the country they carved the lilies of France on the forest trees, or
sunk plates of metal in the ground. These measures did not,
however, deter the English from going on with their explorations;
and though neither party resorted to arms, yet the conflict was
gathering, and it was only a question of time when the storm
should burst upon the frontier settlement. The French based
their claims upon discoveries, the English on grants of territory
extending from ocean to ocean, but neither party paid the least
attention to the prior claims of the Indians. From this posi-
tion of affairs, it was evident that actual collision between the
contending parties would not much longer be deferred. The En-
glish Government, in anticipation of a war, urged the Governor
of Yirginia to lose no time in building two forts, which were
equipped by arms from England. The French anticipated the
. English and gathered a considerable force to defend their possessions.
The Governor determined to send a messenger to the nearest ^
French post and demand an explanation, This resolution of the
Governor brought into the history of our country for the first time
the man of all others whom America most loves to honor, namely,
George Washington. He was chosen, although not yet twenty-one
years of age, as the one to perform this delicate and difficult mission.
"With five companions he set out oft Nov. 10, 1753, and after a per-
ilous journey returned Jan. 6, 1754. The struggle commenced and
continued long, and was bloody and fierce; but on the 10th of Octo-
ber, 1765, the ensign of France was replaced on the ramparts of
Fort Chartres by the flag of Great Britain. This fort was th&
GEN. GEORGE ROGERS CLARK.
HISTOET OF ILLINOIS. 51
■depot of supplies and the place of rendezvous for the united forces
of the French. At this time the colonies of the Atlantic seaboard
were assembled in .preliminary congress at New York, dreaming of
liberty and independence for the continent; and Washington, who
led the expedition against the French for the English king, in less
than ten years was commanding the forces opposed to the English
tyrant. Illinois, besides being constructively a part of Florida for
over one hundred years, during which time no Spaniard set foot
upon her soil or rested his eyes upon her beautiful plains, for nearly
ninety years had been in the actual occupation of the French, their
puny settlements slumbering quietly in colonial dependence on the
distant waters of the Kaskaslda, Illinois and Wabash.
GEN. glare's exploits.
The l^orthwest Territory was now entirely under English rule,
and on the breaking out of the Revolutionary war the British held
every post of importance in the West. While the colonists of the
East were maintaining a fierce struggle with the armies of England,
their western frontiers were ravaged by merciless butcheries of In-
dian warfare. The jealousy of the savage was aroused to action by
the rapid extension of American settlement westward and the im-
proper influence exerted by a number of military posts garrisoned by
British troops. To prevent indiscriminate slaughters arising from
these causes, Illinois became the theater of some of the most daring
exploits connected with American history. The hero of the achieve-
ments by which this beautiful land was- snatched as a gem from
the British Crown, was George Roger's Clark, of Yirginia. He had
closely watched the movements of the British throughout the
Northwest, and understood their vyhole plan; he also knew the
Indians were not unanimously in accord 'with the English, and
therefore was convinced that if the British could be defeated and
expelled from the Northwest, the natives might be easily awed into
neutrality. Having convinced himself that the enterprise against
the Illinois settlement might easily succeed, he repaired to the cap-
ital of Yirginia, arriving Nov. 5, 1777. While he was on his way,
fortunately, Burgoyne was defeated (Oct. 17), and the spirits of the
colonists were thereby greatly encouraged. Patrick Henry was
Governor of Virginia, and at once entered heartily into Clark's
plans. After satisfying the Virginia leaders of the feasibility of
his project, he received two sets of instructions, — one secret, the
52 HISTOEY OF ILLINOIS.
other open. The latter authorized him to enlist seven companies-
to go to Kentucky, and serve three months after their arrival in
the West. The secret order authorized him to arm these troops,
to procure his powder and lead of General Hand at Pittsburg, and
to proceed at once to subjugate the country.
HE TAKES KASKASKIA.
With these instructions Col. Clark repaired to Pittsburg, choos-
ing rather to raise his men west of the mountains, as he well knew
all were needed in the colonies in the conflict there. He sent Col.
W. B. Smith to Holstein and Captains Helm and Bowman tO'
other localities to enlist men; but none of them succeeded in rais-
ing the required number. The settlers in these parts were afraid
to leave their own firesides exposed to a vigilant foe, and but few
could be induced to join the expedition. With these companies
and several private volunteers Clark commenced his descent of the
Ohio, which he navigated as far as the falls, where he took posses-
sion of and fortified Corn Island, a small island between the present
cities of Louisville, Ky., and New Albany, Ind. Here, after having
completed his arrangements and announced to the men their real
destination, he left a small garrison; and on the 24th of June, dur-
ing a total eclipse of tlie sun, which to them augured no good, they
floated down the river. His plan was to go by water as far as Fort
Massac, and thence march direct to Kaskaskia. Here he intended to
surprise the garrison, and after its capture go to Cahokia, then to
Yincennes, and lastly to Detroit. Should he fail, he intended to
march directly to the Mississippi river and cross it into the Spanish
country. Before his start he received good items of information:
one that an alliance had been formed between France and the United
States, and the other thaj; the Indians throughout the Illinois
country and the inhabitants at the various frontier posts had been led
by the British to believe that the " Long Knives," or Yirginians,
were the most fierce, bloodthirsty and cruel savages that ever scalped
a foe. With this impression on their minds, Clark saw that
proper management would cause them to submit at once from fear,
if surprised, and then from gratitude would become friendly, if
treated with unexpected lenity. The march to Kaskaskia was
made through a hot July sun, they arriving on the evening of the
4th of July, 1778. They captured the fort near the village and
soon after the village itself, by surprise, and without the loss of
HISTOET OF ILLINOIS. 53
n single man and without killing any of the enemy. After suffi-
ciently working on the fears of the natives, Clark told them they
were at perfect liberty to worship as tliey pleased, and to take
whichever side of the great conflict they would; also he would pro-
tect them against any barbarity from British or Indian foe. This
had the desired effect; and the inhabitants, so unexpectedly and so
gratefully surprised hy the unlooked-for tnrn of affairs, at once
swore allegiance to the American arms; and when Clark desired
to go to Cahokia on the 6tli of July, they accompanied liim, and
"through their influence the inhabitants of the place surrendered
and gladly placed themselves under his protection.
In the person of M. Gibkult, priest of Kaskaskia, Clark found a
powerful ally and generous friend. Clark saw that, to retain pos-
session of the ISTorthwest and treat successfully with the Indians, he
must establish a government for the colonies he had taken. St. Vin-
cent, the post next in importance to Detroit, remained yet to be
taken before the Mississippi valley was conquered. M. Gibault
told him that he would alone, by persuasion, lead Vincennes to
throw off its connection with England. Clark gladly accepted this
offer, and July 14th, in company with a fellow-townsman, Gibault
started on his mission of peace. On the 1st of August he returned-
with the cheerful intelligence that everything was peaceably ad--
justed at Vincennes in favor of the Americans. During the inter-'
val. Col. Clark established his courts, placed garrisons at Kaskaskia
and Cahokia, successfully re-enlisted his men, and sent word to
have a fort (which proved the germ of Louisville) erected at the
falls uf the Ohio.
While the American commander was thus negotiating with the
Indians, Hamilton, the British Governor of Detroit, heard of Clark's
invasion, and was greatly incensed because the country which he
had in charge should be wrested from him by a few ragged militia.
He therefore hurriedly collected a force, marched by way of the
Wabash, and appeared before the fort at Vincennes. The inhabi-
tants made an effort to defend the town, and when Hamilton's
forces arrived, Captain Helm and a man named Henry were the
only Americans in the fort. These men had been sent by Clark.
The latter charged a cannon and placed it in the open gateway, and
the Captain stood by it with a lighted match and cried out, as Ham-
ilton came in hailing distance, "Halt!" The British officer, not
64: HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.
knowing the strength of the garrison, stopped, and demanded the
surrender of tlie fort. Helm exclaimed, " No man shall enter here
till I know the terms." Hamilton responded, " Yon shall have the
honors of war." The entire garrison consisted of one officer and one
private.
VINCENNES CAPTURED.
On taking Kaskaskia, Clark made a prisoner of Eocheblave,
commander of the place, and got possession of all his written
instructions for the conduct of the war. From these papers he
received important information respecting the plans of Col. Ham-
ilton, Governor at Detroit, who was intending to make a vigorous
and concerted attack upon the frontier. After arriving at Yin-
cennes, however, he gave up his intended campaign for the winter,
and trusting to his distance from danger and to the difficulty of
approaching him, sent off his Indian warriors to prevent troops from
coming down the Ohio, and to annoy the Americans in all ways. Thus
he sat quietly down to pass the winter with only about eighty soldiers,
but secure, as he thought, from molestation. But he evidently did
not realize the character of the men with whom he was contending.
Clark, although he could muster only one hundred and thirty men,
determined to take advantage of Hamilton's weakness and security,
and attack him as the. only means of saving himself; for unless he
captured Hamilton, Hamilton would capture him. Accordingly,
about the beginning of February, 1779, he dispatched a small galley
which he had fitted out, mounted with two four-pounders and four
swivels and manned with a company of soldiers, and carrying stores
for his men, with orders to force her way up the Wabash, to take
her station a few miles below Vincennes, and to allow no person to
pass her. He himself marched with his little band, and spent six-
teen days in traversing the country from Kaskaskia to Yincennes,
passing with incredible fatigue through woods and marshes. He
was five days in crossing the bottom lands of the "Wabash; and for
five miles was frequently up to the breast in water. After over-
coming difficulties which had been thought insurmountable, he
appeared before the place and completely surprised it. The inhab-
itants readily submitted, but Hamilton at first defended himself in
the fort. Next day, however, he surrendered himself and his gar-
rison prisoners-of-war. By his activity in encouraging the hostili-
ties of the Indians and by the revolting enormities perpetrated by
HISTOEY OF ILLINOIS. 65
those savages, Hamilton had rendered himself so obnoxious that he
was thrown in prison and put in irons. During his command of
the British frontier posts he offered prizes to the Indians for all the
scalps of the Americans they would bring him, and earned in con-
sequence thereof the title, "Hair-Buyer General," by which he was
ever afterward known.
The services of Clark proved of essential advantage to his coun-
trymen. They disconcerted the plans of Hamilton, and not only saved
the western frontier from depredations by the savages, but also
greatly cooled the ardor of the Indians for carrying on a contest in
which they were not likely to be the gainers. Had it not been for
this small army, a union of all the tribes from Maine to Georgia
against the colonies might have been effected, and the whole current
of our history changed.
ILLINOIS.
COUNTY OF ILLINOIS.
In October, 1778, after the successful campaign of Col. Clark, the
assembly of Virginia erected the conquered country, embracing all
the territory northwest of the Ohio river, into the County of Illi-
nois, which was doubtless the largest county in the world, exceeding
in its dimensions the whole of Great Britian and Ireland. To speak
more definitely, it contained the territory now embraced in the great
States of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, "Wisconsin and Michigan. On the
12th of December, 1778, John Todd was appointed Lieutenant-
Commandant of this county by Patrick Henry, then Governor of
Virginia, and accordingly, also, the first of Illinois County.
NOETHWESTERN TEERITORY.
Illinois continued to form a part of Virginia until March 1, 1784,
when that State ceded all the territory north of the Ohio to the
United States. Immediately the general Government proceeded to
establish a form of government for the settlers in the territories
thus ceded. This form continued until the passage of the ordi-
nance of 1787, for the government of the Northwestern Terri-
tory. No man can study the secret history of this ordinance and
not feel that Providence was guiding with sleepless eye the des-
56 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.
tinies of these unborn States. American legislation has never
achieved anything more admirable, as an internal government,
than this comprehensive ordinance. Its provisions concerning the
distribution of property, the principles of civil and religious liberty
which it laid at the foundation of the communities since established,
and the efficient and simple organization by which it created the
first machinery of civil society, are worthy of all the praise that has
ever been given them.
OKDINANCE OF 1787.
This ordinance has a marvelous and interesting history. Con-
siderable controversy has been indulged in as to who is entitled to
the credit for framing it. This belongs, undoubtedly, to Nathan
Dane; and to Bufus King and Timothy Pickering belong the
credit for suggesting the proviso contained in it against slavery,
and also for aids to religion and knowledge, and for assuring for-
ever the common use, without charge, of the great national high-
ways of the Mississippi, the St. Lawrence and their tributaries to
all the citizens of the United States. To Thomas Jefferson is also
due much credit, as some features of this ordinance were embraced
in his ordinance of 1784. But the part taken by each in the long,
laborious and eventful struggle which had so glorious a consum-
mation in the ordinance, consecrating forever, by one imprescript-
ible and unchangeable monument, the very heart of our country to
Freedom, Knowledge, and Union, will forever honor the names of
those illustrious- statesmen. .
Mr. Jefferson had vainly tried to secure a system of government
for the Northwestern Territory. He was an emancipationist and
favored the exclusion of slavery from the territory, but the South
voted him down every time he proposed a measure of this nature.
In 1787, as late as July 10, an organizing act without the anti-
slavery clause was pending. This concession to the South was
expected to carry it. Congress was in session in New York. On
July 5, Rev. Manasseh Cutler, of Massachusetts, came into New
York to lobby on the Northwestern Territory. Everything
seemed to fall into his hands. Events were ripe. The state of the
public credit, the growing of Southern prejudice, the basis of his
mission, his personal character, all combined to complete one of
those sudden and marvelous revolutions of public sentiment that
HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 57
once in five or ten centuries are seen to sweep over a country like
the breath of the Almighty.
Cutler was a graduate of Yale. He had studied and taken de-
grees in the three learned professions, medicine, law, and divinity.
He had published a scientific examination of the plants of New
England. As a scientist in America his name stood second only to
that of Franklin He was a courtly gentleman of the old style,
a man of commanding presence and of ihviting face. The Southern
members said they had never seen such a gentleman in the North.
He came representing a Massachusetts company that desired to
purchase a tract of land, now included in Ohio, for the purpose of
planting a colony. It was a speculation. Government money was
worth eighteen cents on the dollar. This company had collected
enough to purchase 1,500,000 acres of land. Other speculators in
New York made Dr. Cutler tlieir agent, which enabled him to
represent a demand for 5,500,000 acres. As this would reduce the
national debt, ai:d Jefferson's policy was to provide for the public
credit, it presented a good opportunity to do something.
Massachusetts then owned the territory of Maine, which she.was
crowding on the market. She was opposed to opening the North-
western region. This fired the zeal of Virginia. The South caught
the inspiration, and all exalted Dr. Cutler. The entire South ral-
lied around him. Massachusetts could not vote against him, be-
cause many of the constituents of her members were interested
personally in the -Western speculation. Thus Cutler, making
friends in the South, and doubtless using all the arts of the lobby,
was enabled to command the situation. True to deeper convic-
tions, he dictated one of the most Compact and finished documents
of wise statesmanship that has ever adorned any human law book.
He borrowed from Jefierson the term "Articles of Compact," which,
preceding the federal constitution, rose into the most sacred char-
acter. He then followed very closely the constitution of Massa-
chusetts, adopted three years before. Its most prominent points
were:
1. The exclusion of slavery from the territory forever.
2. Provision for public schools; giving one township for a semi-
nary and every section numbered 16 in each township; that is, one
thirty-sixth of all the land for public schools.
3. A provision prohibiting the adoption of any constitution or
58 HISTOET OF ILLINOIS.
the enactment of any law that should nullify pre-existing contracts.
Beit forever remembered that this compact declared that "re-
ligion, morality, and knowledge being necessary to good govern-
ment and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of edu-
cation shall always be encouraged." Dr. Cutler planted himself
on this platform and would not yield. Giving his unqualified dec-
laration that it was that or nothing, — that unless they could make
the land desirable they did not want it, — he took his horse and buggy
and started for the constitutional convention at Philadelphia. On
July 13, 1787, the bill was put upon its passage, and was unani-
iuously adopted. Thus the great States of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois,
Michigan, and Wisconsin, a vast empire, were consecrated to free-
dom, intelligence, and morality. Thus the great heart of the nation
was prepared to save the union of States, for it ^as this act that was
the salvation of the republic and the destruction of slavery. Soon
the South saw their great blunder and tried to have the compact
repealed. In 1803 Congress referred it to a committee, of which
John Randolph was chairman. He reported that this ordinance
was. a compact and opposed repeal. Thus it stood, a rock in the
way of the on-rushing sea of slaver^'.
SYMPATHY WITH SLAVERY.
"With all this timely aid it was, however, a most desperate and
protracted struggle to keep the soil of Illinois sacred to freedom.
It was the natural battle-field for the irrepressible confiict. In the
southern end of the State slavery preceded the compact. It ex-
isted among the old French settlers, and was hard to eradicate.
That portion was also settled from the slave States, and this popu-
lation brought their laws, customs, and institutions with them. A
stream of population from the North poured into the northern part
of the State. These sections misunderstood and hated each other
perfectly. The Southerners regarded the Yankees as a skinning,
tricky, penurious race of peddlers, tilling the country with tinware,
brass clocks, and wooden nutmegs. The Northerner thought of the
Southerner as a lean, lank, lazy creature, burrowing in a hut, and
rioting in whisky, dirt, and ignorance. These causes aided in
making the struggle long and bitter. So strong was the sympathy
with slavery that, in spite of the ordinance of 1787, and in spite of
the deed of cession, it was determined to allow the old French set-
tlers to retain their slaves. Planters from the slave States might
GEN. ARTHUR ST. CI.AIR.
HISTOEY OF ILLINOIS. 59
bring their slaves if they would give them an opportunity to choose
freedom or years of service and bondage for their children till tliey
should become thirty years of age. If they chose freedom they
must leave the State within sixty days, or be sold as fugitives.
Servants were whipped for oflfenses for which white men were fined.
Each lash paid forty cents of the fine. A negro ten miles from
home without a pass was whipped. These famous Jaws were im-
ported from the slave States, just as the laws for the inspection of
flax and wool were imported when there was neither in the State.
ST. CLAIE, GOVEENOE OF ITOETHWESTEEN TEEEITOEY.
On October 5, 1787, Maj. Gen. Arthur St. Clairwas, by Congress,
elected Governor of this vast territory. St. Clair was born in Scot-
land and emigrated to America in 1755. He served in the French
and English war, and was major general in the Revolution. In
1786 he was elected to Congress and chosen President of that body.
ILLINOIS TERRITOEY.
After the division of the Northwestern Territory Illinois became
one of the counties of the Territory of Indiana, from which it was
separated by an act of Congress Feb. 3, 1809, forming the Territory
of Illinois, with a population estimated at 9,000, and then inplnded
the present State of Wisconsin. It was divided, at the time, into
two counties, — St. Clair and Randolph. John Boyle, of Ken-
tucky, was appointed Governor, b^ the President, James Madison,
but declining, Ninian Edwards, of the same State, was then
appointed and served with distinction; and after the organization
of Illinois as a State he served in the same capacity, being its third
Governor.
WAR OF 1812. THE OUTBREAK.
For some years previous to the war between the United States
and England in 1812, considerable trouble was experienced with the
Indians, Marauding bands of savages would attack small settle-
ments and inhumanly butcher all the inhabitants, and mutilate
their dead bodies. To protect themselves, the settlers organized
companies of rangers, and erected block houses and stockades in
every settlemen-t. The largest, strongest and best one of these was
Fort Russell, near the present village of Edwardsville. This stockade
60 HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS.
was made the main rendezvous for troops and military stores, and
Gov. Edwards, who during the perilous times of 1812, when Indian
hostilities threatened on every hand, assumed command of the Illi-
nois forces, established his headquarters at this place. The Indians
were incited to many of these depredations by English emissaries,
who for years continued their dastardly work of " setting the red
men, like dogs^ upon the whites."
In the summer of 1811 a peace convention was held with the
Pottawatomies at Peoria, when they promised that peace should
prevail ; but their promises were soon broken. Tecumseh, the great
warrior, and fit successor of Pontiac, started in the spring of 1811,
to arouse the Southern Indians to war against the whites. The pur-
pose of this chieftain was well known to Gov. Harrison, of Indiana
Territory, who determined during Tecumseh's absence to strike and
disperse the hostile forces collected at Tippecanoe. This he success-
fully did on Nov. 7, winning the sobriquet .of " Tippecanoe," by
which he was afterwards commonly known. Several peace councils
were held, at which the Indians promised good behavior, but only
to deceive the whites. Almost all the savages of the Northwest
were thoroughly stirred up and did not desire peace. The British
agents at various points, in anticipation of a war with the United
States, sought to enlist the favor of the savages by distributing to
them large supplies of arms, ammunition and other goods.
The English continued their insults to our flag upon the high
seas, and their government refusing to relinquish its offensive course,
all hopes of peace and safe commercial relations were abandoned,
and Congress, on the 19th of June, 1812, formally declared war
against Great Britain. In. Illinois the threatened Indian troubles
had already caused a more thorough organization of the militia and
greater protection by the erection of forts. As intimated, the In-
dians took the war-path long before the declaration of hostilities
between the two civilized nations, committing great depredations,
the most atrocious of which was the
MASSACEE AT FOET DEAEBOEN.
During the war of 1812 between the United States and England,
the greatest, as well as the most revolting, massacre of whites that
ever occurred in Illinois, was perpetrated by the Pottawatomie In-
dians, at Fort Dearborn. \This fort was built by the Government,
in 1804, on the south side of the Chicago river", and was garrisoned
HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.
61
by 64 men under command of Capt. ISTathan Heald, assisted by
Lieutenant Helm and Ensign Ronan; Dr. Yoorhees, surgeon. Tlie
residents at the post at that time were the wives of officers Heald
and Helm and a few of the soldiers, Mr. Kinzie and his family, and
a few Canadians. The soldiers and Mr. Kinzie were on the most
friendly terms with the Pottawatomies and Winnebagoes, the prin-
cipal tribes around them. '
On the Yth of August, 1812, arrived the order from Gen. Hull, at
Detroit, to evacuate Fort Dearborn, and distribute all United States
property to the Indians. Chicago was so deep in the wilderness
OLD FORT DEARBORN.
that this was the first intimation the garrison received of the dec-
laration of war made on the 19th of June. The Indian chief who
brought the dispatch advised Capt. Heald not to evacuate, and
that if he should decide to do so, it be done immediately, and by
forced marches elude the concentration of the savages before the
news could be circulated among them. To this most excellent ad-
vice the Captain gave no heed, but on the 12th held a council with
62 HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS.
the Indians, apprising them of the orders received, and oiFering a
liberal reward for an escort of Pottawatomies to Fort Wayne. The
Indians, with many professions of friendship, assented to all he
proposed, and promised all he required. The remaining oflScers re-
fused to join in the council, for thej had been informed that treach-
ery was designed, — that the Indians intended to murder those in
the council, and then destroy those in the fort. The port holes were
open, displaying cannons pointing directly upon the council. This
action, it is supposed, prevented a massacre at that time.
Mr. Kinzie, who knew the Indians well, begged Capt. Heald
not to confide in their promises, or distribute the arms and ammu-
nitions among them, for it would only put power in their hands to
destroy the whites. This argument, true and excellent in itself,
was now certainly inopportune, and would only incense the treach-
erous foe. But the Captain resolved to follow it, and accordingly on
the night of the 13th, after the distribution of the other property, the
arms were broken, and. the barrels of whisky, of wjiich there was a
large quantity, were rolled quietly through the sally-port, their
heads knocked in and their contents emptied into the river. On that
night the lurking red-skins crept near the fort and discovered the
destruction of the promised booty going on within. The next morn-
ing the powder was seen floating on tlie surface of the river, and
the Indians asserted that such an abundance of " fire-water" had
been emptied into the river as to make it taste " groggy." Many
of them drank of it freely.
On the 14th the desponding garrison was somewliat cheered by
the arrival of Capt. "Wells, with 15 friendly Miamis. Capt. Weils*
heard at Fort Wayne of the order to evacuate Fort Dearborn, and
knowing the hostile intentions of the Indians, made a rapid march
through the wilderness to protect, if possible, his niece, Mrs. Heald,
and the officers and the garrison from certain destruction. But
he came too late. Every means for its defense had been destroyed
the night before, and arrangements were made for leaving the fort
on the following morning.
The fatal morning of the 16th at length dawned brightly on the
world. The sun shone in unclouded splendor upon the glassy waters
of Lake Michigan. At 9 a. m., the party moved out of the south-
ern gate of the fort, in military array. The band, feeling the solem-
nity of the occasion, struck up the Dead March in Saul. Capt.
HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 63
Wells, with his face blackened after the manner of the Indian8,.led
the advance guard at the head of his friendly Miamis, the garrison
with loaded .arms, the baggage wagons with.the sick, and the women
and children following, while the Pottawatomie Indians, about 500
in number, who had pledged their honor to escort the whites in
safety to Fort "Wayne, brought up the rear. The party took the
road along the lake shore. On reaching the range of sand-hills
separating the beach from the prairie, about one mile and a half-
from the fort, the Indians deiiled to the right into the prairie, bring
ing the sand-hills between them and the whites. This divergence
was scarcely effected when Capt. Wells, who had kept in advance
with his Indians, rode furiously back and exclaimed, " They are
about to attack us. Form instantly and charge upon them!"
These words were scarcely uttered before a volley of balls from
.Indian muskets was poured in upon them. The troops were hastily
formed into line, and charged up the bank. One veteran of 70 fell
as they ascended. The Indians were driven back to the prairie, and
then the battle was waged by 54 soldiers, 12 civilians, and three or
four women — the cowardly Miamis having fled at the outset —
against 500 Indian warriors. The whites behaved gallantly, and
sold their lives dearly. They fought desperately until two-thirds
of their number were slain; the remaining 27 surrendered. And
now the most sickening and heart-rending butchery of this calam-
itous day was committed by a young savage, who assailed one of
the baggage wagons containing 12 children, every one of which fell
beneath his murderous tomahawk. When Capt. Wells, who with
the others had become prisoner, beheld this scene at a distance, he
exclaimed in a tone loud enough to be heard by the savages, " If,
this be your game, I can kill too;" and turning his horse, started
for the place where the Indians had left their squaws and children.
The Indians hotly pursued, but he avoided their deadly bullets for
a time. Soon his horse was killed and he severely wounded. With
a yell the young braves rushed to make him their prisoner and re-
serve him for iorture. But an enraged warrior stabbed him in the
back, and he fell dead. His heart was afterwards taken out, cut in
pieces and distributed among, the tribes. Billy Caldwell, a half-
breed Wyandot, well-known in Chicago long afterward, buried his
remains the next day. Wells street in Chicago, perpetuates his
memory.
64 HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS.
In this fearful combat women bore a coiispicuous part. A wife
of one of the soldiers, who had frequently heard that the Indians
subjected their prisoners to tortures worse than death, resolved not
to be taken alive, and continued fighting until she was literally cut
to pieces. Mrs. Heald was an excellent equestrian, and an expert
in the use of the rifle. She fought bravely, receiving several wounds.
Though faint from loss of blood, she managed to keep in her saddle.
A savage raised his tomahawk to kill her, when she looked him full
in the face, and with a sweet smile and gentle voice said, in his
own language, " Surely you will not kill a squaw." The arm of
of the savage fell, and the life of this heroic woman was saved.
Mrs. Helm had an encounter with a stalwart Indian, who attempted
to tomahawk her. Springing to one side, -she received the glancing
blow on her shoulder, and at the same time she seized the savage
round the neck and endeavored to get his scalping-knife which
hung in a sheath at his breast. "While she was thus struggling, she
was dragged from his grasp by another and an older Indian. The
latter bore her, struggling and resisting, to the lake and plunged
her in. She soon perceived it was not his' intention to- drown her,
because he held her in such a position as to keep her head out of
the water. She recognized him to be a celebrated chief called
Black Partridge. When the firing ceased she was conducted up
the <6and-bank.
SLAUGHTER OF PEISONEES.
The prisoners were taken back to the Indian camp, when a new
scene of horror was enacted. The wounded not being included in
the terms of the surrender, as it was interpreted by tKe Indians,
and the British general. Proctor, having offered a liberal bounty for
American scalps, nearly all the wounded were killed and scalped,
and the price of the trophies was afterwards paid by the British
general. In the stipulation of surrender, Capt. Heald had not
particularly mentioned the wounded. These helpless sufferers on
reaching the Indian camp, were therefore regarded by the brutal
savages as fit subjects upon which to display their cruelty and satisfy
their desire for blood. Eeferring to the terrible butchery of the
prisoners, in an, account given by Mrs. Helm, she says: "An old
squaw, infuriated by the loss of friends or excited by the sanguin-
ary scenes around her, seemed possessed of demoniac fury. She
seized a stable-fork and assaulted one miserable victim, who lay
HISTOEY OF ILLINOIS.
65
groaning and writhing in the agonies of his wounds, aggravated by
the scorching beams of th-e sun. With a delicacy of feeling, scarcely
to have been expected under such circumstances. Wan-bee-nee-wan
stretched a mat across two poles, between me and this dreadful scene.
I was thus spared, in some degree, a view of its horrors, although I
could not entirely close my ears to the cries of the sufferer. The
following night five more of the wounded prisoners were toma-
hawked."-
KINZIE FAMILY SAVED.
That evening, about sundown, a council of chiefs was held to
decide the fate of the prisoners, and it was agreed to deliver them
OLD KINZTE HOUSE.
to the British commander at Detroit. 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 terms of
surrender. Black Partridge, with a few of his friends, surrounded
Kinzie's house to protect the inmates from the tomahawks of the
bloodthirsty savages. Soon a band of hostile warriors rushed by
them into the house,«nd stood with tomahawks and scalping-knives,
awaiting the signal from their chief to commence the work of death.
66 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.
Black Partridge said to Mrs. Kinzie: "We are doing everything
in our power to save you, but all is now lost; you and your friends,
together with all the prisoners of the camp, will now be slain." At
that moment a canoe was heard approaching the shore, when Black
Partridge ran down to the river, trying in the darkness to make out
the new comers, and at the same time shouted, "Who are you?"
In the bow of the approaching canoe stood a tall, manly personage,
with a rifle in his hand. He jumped ashore exclaiming, " I am
Sau-ga-nash." " Then make all speed to the house; our friends are
in danger, and you only can save them." It was Billy Caldwell,
the half-breed Wyandot. He hurried forward, entered the house
with a resolute step, deliberately removed his accouterments, placed
his rifle behind the door, and saluted the Indians: " How now, my
friends! a good day to you. I was told there were enemies here,
but am glad to find only friends." Diverted by the coolness of his
manner, they were ashamed to avow their murderous purpose, and
simply asked for some cotton goods to wrap their dead, for burial.
And thus, by his" presence of mind, Caldwell averted the murder of
the Kinzie femily and the prisoners. The latter, with their wives
and children, were dispersed among the Pottawatoihie tribes along
the Illinois, Kock and Wabash rivers, and some to Milwaukee.
The most of them were ransomed at Detroit the following spring.
A part of them, however, remained in captivity another year.
EXPEDITION AGAINST THE INDIANS.
By the middle of August, through the disgraceful surrender of
Gen. Hull, at Detroit, and the evacuation of Fort Dearborn and
massacre of its' garrison, the British and Indians were in possession of '
the whole Northwest. The savages, emboldened by their successes,
penetrated deeper into the settlements, committing great depre-
dations. The activity and success of the enemy aroused the people
to a realization of the great danger their homes and families were
in. Gov. Edwards collected a force of 350 men at Camp Kussell,
and Capt. Eussell came from Yincennes with about 50 more. Being
oflicered and equipped, they proceeded about the middle of October
on horseback, carrying with them 20 days' rations, to Peoria. Capt.
Craig was sent with two boats up the Illinois, with provisions
and tools to build a fort. The little army .proceeded to Peoria
Lake, where was located a Pottawatomie village. They arrived late
HISTOEY OF ILLINOIS. 67
at night, within a few miles of the village, without their presence
being known to the Indians. Four men were sent out that night
to reconnoiter the position of the village. The four brave men who
volunteered for this perilous service were Thomas Carlin (after-
ward Governor), and Eobert, Stephen and Davis Whiteside. They
proceeded to the village, and explored it and the approaches to it
thoroughly, without starting an Indian or provoking the bark^of a
dog. The low lands between the Indian village and the troops were
covered with a rank growth of tall grass, so highland dense as to
readily conceal an Indian on horseback, until within a few feet of
liim. The ground had become still more yielding by recent rains,
Tendering it almost impassable by mounted men. To prevent de-
tection, the soldiers had camped without lighting the usual camp-
fires. The men lay down in their cold and cheerless camp, with
many misgivings. They well remembered how the skulking sav-
:ages fell upon Harrison's men at Tippecanoe during the night. To
:add to their fears, a gun in the hands of a soldier was carelessly
'discharged, raising great consternation in the camp.
AN INDIAN KILLED.
Through a dense fog which prevailed the following morning, the
army took up its line of march for the Indian town, Capt. Judy
with his corps of spies in advance.' In the tall grass they came up
-with an Indian and his squaw, both mounted. The Indian wanted
"to surrender, but Judy observed that he "did not leave home to take
prisoners, ' and instantly shot one of them. With the blood
-streaming from his mouth and nose, and in his agony " singing the
•death song," the dying Indian raised his gun, shot and mortally
■wounded a Mr. Wright, and in a few minutes expired. Many guns
•were immediately discharged at the other Indian, not then known
to be a squaw, all of which missed her. Badly scared, and her lius-
"band killed by her side, the agonizing wails of the squaw were
heart-rending. She was taken prisoner, and afterwards restored
ito her nation.
TOWN BITENED.
On Gearing the town a general charge was made, the Indians
fleeing to the interior wilderness. Some of their warriors made a
«tand, when a sharp engagement occurred, but the Indians were
Touted. In 'their flight they left behind all their winter's store of
68 HISTORY OB' ILLINOIS.
provisions, which was taken, and their town burned. Some Indian
children were fouud_ who had been left in 1 he hurried flight, also
some disabled adults, one of whom was in a starving condition and
with a voracious appetite partook of the bread given him. He is
said to have been killed bj a cowardly trooper straggling behind,
after the main army had resumed its retrograde march,' who wanted
to be able to boast that he had killed an Indian.
About the time Gov. Edwards started with his little band against
the Indians, Gen. Hopkins, with 2,000 Kentucky riflemen, left
Vincennes to cross the prairies of Illinois and destroy the Indian
villages along the Illinois river. Edwards, with his rangers, ex-
pected to act in concert with Gen. Hopkins' riflemen. After
marching 80 or 90 miles into the enemy's country, Gen. Hopkins'
men became dissatisfied, and on Oct. 20 the entire army turned
and retreated homeward before even a foe had been met. After the
victory of the Illinois rangers they heard nothing of Gen. Hopkins
and his 2,000 mounted Kentucky riflemen ; and apprehensive that a
large force of warriors would be speedily collected, it was deemed
prudent not to protract their stay, and accordingly the retrograde
march was commenced the very day of the attack.
■PEOEIA BURNED.
The force of Oapt. Craig, in charge of the provision boats, was
not idle during this time. They proceeded to Peoria, where they
were flred on by ten Indians during the night, who immediately
fled. Capt. Craig discovered, at daylight, their tracks leading up
into the French town. He inquired of the French their where-
abouts, who denied all knowledge of them, and said they " had
heard or seen nothing; " but he took the entire number prisoners,
burned and destroyed Peoria, and bore the captured inhabitants
away on his boats to a point below the present city of Alton, where
he landed and left them in the woods, — men, women, and children, —
in the inclement month of November, without shelter, and without
food other than the slender stores they had themselves gathered up
before their departure. They foimd their way to St. Louis in an
almost starving condition. The burning of Peoria and taking its
inhabitants prisoners, on the mere suspicion that they sympathized
with the Indians, was generally regarded as a needless, if not
wanton, act of military power.
PONTIAC, THE OTTAWA
CHIEF.
HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 71
SECOND EXPEDITION AGAINST THE INDIANS.
In the early part of 1813, the country was put in as good defense
as the sparse population admitted. In spite of the precaution taken,
numerous depredations and murders were committed by the In-
dians, which again aroused the whites, and another expedition was
sent against the foe, who had collected in large numbers in and
around Peoria. This army was composed of about 900 men, collect-
ed from both Illinois and Missouri, and under command of Gen.
Howard. They inarched across the broad prairies of Illinois to
Peoria, where there was a small stockade in charge of United States
troops. Two days previously the Indians made an attack on the
fort, but were repulsed. Being in the enemy's country, knowing
their stealthy habits, and the troops at no time observing a high de-
gree of discipline, many unnecessary night alarms occurred, yet the
enemy were far away. The army marched upj;he lake to Chili-
cothe, burning on its way two deserted villages. At the present
site of Peoria the troops remained in camp several weeks. "While
there they built a fort, which they named in honor of G-en. (jfeorge
Eogers Clark, who with his brave Yirginians wrested Illinois from
the English during the Eevolutionary struggle. This fort was de-
stroyed by fire in 1818. It gave a name to Peoria which it wore for
several years. After the building of Fort Crevecceur, in 1680, Peo-
ria lake was very familiar to "Western travel and history; but there
is no authentic account of a permanent European settlement there
until 1778, when Laville de Meillet, named after its founder, was
started. Owing to the quality of the water and its greater salu-
brity, the location was changed to the present site of Peoria, and by
1796 the old had been entirely abandoned for the new village.
After its destruction in 1812 it was not settled again until 1819,
and then by American pioneers, though in 1813 Fort Clark was
built there.
EXPEDITION UP THE MISSISSIPPI.
The second campaign against the Indians at Peoria closed with-
out an engagement, or even a sight of the enemy, yet great was the
benefit derived from it. It showed to the Indians the power and
resources of his white foe. Still the calendar of the horrible deeds
of butchery of the following year is long and bloody. A joint ex-
pedition again moved against the Indians in 1814, under Gov.
72 HISTOET OF ILLINOIS.
Clark of Missouri. This time they went up the Mississippi in
barges, Prairie du Chien being the point of destination. There they
found a small garrison of British troops, which, however, soon fled,
as did the inhabitants, leaving Clark in full possession. He im-
mediately set to work and erected Fort Shelby. The Governor
returned to St. Louis, leaving his men in peaceable possession of
the place, but a large force of British and Indians came down upon
them, and the entire garrison surrendered. In the mean time Gen.
Howard sent 108 men to strengthen the garrison. Of this number
66 were Illinois rangers, under Oapts. Rector and Eiggs, who oc-
cupied two boats. The remainder were with Lieut. Campbell.
A DESPERATE FIGHT.
At Rock Island Campbell was warned to turn back, as an attack
was contemplated. The other boats passed on up the river and
were some two miles a'head when Campbell's barge was struck by a
strong gale which forced it against a small island near the Illinois
shore.* Thinking it best to lie to till the wind abated, sentinels
were stationed while the men went ashore to cook breakfast. At
this time a large number of Indians on the main shore under
Black Hawk .commenced an attack. The savages in canoes passed
rapidly to the island, and with a war-whoop rushed upon the men,
who retreated and sought refuge in the barge. A battle of brisk
musketry now ensued between the few regulars aboard the stranded
barge and the hordes of Indians under cover of trees on the island,
with severe loss to the former. Meanwhile Capt. Rector and Riggs,
ahead with their barges, seeing the smoke of battle, attempted to
return ; but in the strong gale Riggs' boat became unmanageable
and was stranded on the rapids. Rector, to avoid a similar disaster,
let go his anchor. The rangers, however, opened with good aim
and telling effect upon the savages. The unequal combat having
raged for some time and about closing, the commander's barge,
with many wounded and several dead on board, — among the former
of whom, very badly, was Campbell himself, — was discovered to be
on fire. Now Rector and his brave Illinois rangers, comprehending
the horrid situation, performed, without delay, as cool and heroic a
deed — and did it well— as ever imperiled the life of mortal man.
In the howling gale, in full view of hundreds of infuriated savages,
and within range of their rifles, they deliberately raised anchor.
HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 73
lightened their barge by casting overboard quantities of provisions,
and guided it with the utmost labor down the swift current, to the
windward of the burning barge, and under the galling fire of the
enemy rescued all the survivors, and removed the wounded and
dying to their vessel. This was a deed of noble daring and as
heroic as any performed during the war in the West. Eector hur-
ried with his over-crowded vessel to St. Louis.
It was now feared that Riggs and his company were captured
and sacrificed by the savages. His vessel, which was strong and well
armed, was for a time surrounded by the Indians, but the whites
on the inside were well sheltered. The wind becoming allayed in
the evening, the boat, under cover of the night, glided safel}"^ down
the river without the loss of a single man.
STILL ANOTHER EXPEDITION.
Notwithstanding the disastrous termination of the two expedi-
tions already sent out, during the year 1814, still another was pro-
jected. It was under Maj. Zachary Taylor, afterward President.
Rector and Whiteside, with the Illinoisan, were in command of
boats. The expedition passed Hock Island unmolested, when it
was learned the country was not only swarming with Indians, but
that the English were there in command with a detachment of regu-
lars and.artillery. The advanced boats in command of Hector, White-
side and Hempstead, turned about and began to descend the rapids,
fighting with great gallantry the hordes of the enemy, who were
pouring their fire into them from the shore at every step.
Near the mouth of Eock river Maj. Taylor anchored his fleet out
in the Mississippi. During the night the English planted a battery
of six pieces down at the water's edge, to sink or disable the boats,
and filled the islands with red-skins to butcher the whites, who
might, unarmed, seek refuge there.. But in this scheme they were
frustrated. In the morning Taylor ordered all the force, except 20
boatmen on each vessel, to the upper island to dislodge the enemy.
The order was executed with 'great gallantry, the island scoured,
many of the savages killed, and the rest driven to the lower island.
In the meantime the British cannon told with efi'ect upon the fleet.
The men rushed back and the boats were dropped down the stream
out of range of the cannon. Capt. Rector was now ordered with
his company to make a sortie on the lower island, which he did.
74 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.
driving the 'Indians back among the willows ; but they being re-in-
forced, in turn hurled Rector back upon the sand-beach.
A council of officers called by Taylor had by this time decided
that their force was too small to contend with the enemy, who
outnumbered them three to one, and the boats were in full retreat
down the river. As Kector attempted to get under way his boat
grounded, and the savages, with demoniac yells, surrounded it,
when a most desperate hand-to-liand conflict ensued. The gallant
ranger, Samuel Whiteside, observing the imminent peril of his
brave Illinois comrade, went immediately to his rescue, who but for
his timely aid would undoubtedly have be,en overpowered, with all
his force, and murdered.
Thus ended the last, like the two previous expeditions up the
Mississippi during the war of 1812, in defeat and disaster. The
«nemy was in undisputed posession of all the country north of the ■
Illinois river, and the prospects respecting those territories boded
nothing but gloom. With the approach of winter, however, Indian
depredations ceased to be committed, and the peace of Ghent, Dec.
24, 1814, closed the war. ,
ILLINOIS AS A STATE.
OEGANIZATION.
In January of 1818 the Territorial Legislature forwarded to
Nathaniel Pope, delegate in Congress from Illinois, a petition pray-
ing for admission into the national Union as a State. On April
18th of the same year Congress passed the enabling act, and' Dec.
3, after the State government had been organized and Gov. Bond
had signed the Constitution, Congress by a resolution declared Illi-
nois to be "one of the United States of America, and admitted into
the Union on an equal footing with the original States in all
respects."
_ The ordinance of 1787 declared that there should be at least three
States carved out of the Northwestern Territory. The boundaries
of the three, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, were fixed by this law.
Congress reserved the power, however, of forming two other States
out of the territory which, lies north of an east and west line drawn
through the southern boundary of Lake Michigan. It was generally
•conceded that this line would be the northern boundary of Illinois ;
HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 75
but as this would give the State no coast on Lake Michigan; and
rob her of the port of Chicago and the northern terminus of the
Illinois & 'Michigan canal which was then contemplated, Judge
Pope had the northern boundary moved fifty miles further north.
EOUNDAEY CHANGED.
Not only is Illinois indebted to Nathaniel Pope for the port where
now enter and depart more vessels during the year than in any
other port in the world, for the northern terminus of the Illinois
& Michigan canal, and for the lead mines at Galena, but the nation,
the undivided Union, is largely indebted to him for its perpetuity.
It was he, — his foresight, statesmanship and energy, — that bound
our confederated Union with bands of ir6n that can never be broken.
The geographical position of Illinois, with her hundreds of miles
of water-courses, is such as to make her the key to the grand arch
of Northern and Southern States. Extending from the great chain
of lakes on the north, with snow and ice of the arctic region, to the
cotton-fields of Tennessee ; peopled, as it is, by almost all races,
classes and conditions of the human family ; guided by the various
and diversified political, agricultural, religious and educational
teachings common to both North and South, — Illinois can control,
and has controlled, the destinies of our united and beloved republic.
Pope seemingly foresaw that a struggle to dissolve the Union would
be made. With a prophetic eye he looked down the stream of time
for a half century and saw the great conflict between the South and
North, caused by a determination to dissolve the confederation of
States; and to preserve the Union, he gave to Illinois a lake coast.
Gov. Ford, in his History of Illinois, written in 1847, while
speaking of this change of boundary and its influence upon our
nation, says:
"What, then, was the duty of the national Government? Illinois
was certain to be a great State, with any boundaries which that
Government could give. Its great extent of territory, its unrivaled
fertility of soil and capacity for sustaining a dense population,
together with its commanding position, would in course of time
give the new State a very controlling influence, with her sister
States situated upon the Western rivers, either in sustaining the
federal Union as it is, or in dissolving it and establishing new gov-
ernments. If left entirely upon the waters of these great rivers, it
76 HISTOBY OF ILLINOIS.
was plain that, in case of threatened disruption, the interest of the
new State would be to join a Southern and Western confederacy;
but if a large portion of it could be made dependent upon the com-
merce and navigation of the great northern lakes, connected as they
are with the Eastern States, a rival interest would be created to
check the wish for a "Western and Southern confederacy.
"It therefore became the duty of the national Government not
only to make Illino.is strong, but to raise an interest inclining and
binding her to the Eastern and Northern portions of the Union.
This could be done only through an interest in the lakes. At that
time the commerce on the lakes was small, but its increase was con-
fidently expected, and, indeed, it has exceeded all anticipations,
and is yet only in its infancy. To accomplish this object effectually,
it was not only necessary to give to Illinois the port of Chicago and
a route for the canal, but a considerable coast on Lake Michigan,
with a country back of it sufficiently extensive to contain a popu-
lation capable of exerting a decided infiuence upon the councils of
the State.
" There would, therefore, be a large commerce of the north, west-
ern and central portion of the State afloat on the lakes, for it was
then foreseen that the canal would be made; and this alone would
be like turning one of the many mouths of the Mississippi into
Lake Michigan at Chicago. A very large commerce of the center
and south would be found both ^ipon the lakes and rivers. Asso-
ciations in business, in interest, and of friendship would be formed,
both with the North and the South. A State thus situated, having
such a decided interest in the commerce, and in the preservation of
the whole confederacy, can never consent to disunion ; for the Union
cannot be dissolved without a division and disruption of the State
itself. These views, urged by Judge Pope, obtained the unquali-
fied assent of the statesmen of 1818.
" These fkcts and views are worthy to be recorded in history as
a standing and perpetual call upon Illinoisans of every age to
remember the great trust which has been reposed in them, as the
peculiar champions and guardians of the Union by the great men
and patriot sages who adorned and governed this country in the
earlier and better days of the Republic."
During the dark and trying days of the Rebellion, well did she
remember this sacred trust, to protect which two hundred thousand
HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 77
of her sons went to the bloody field of battle, crowning their arms
with the laurels of war, and keeping inviolate the solemn obliga-
tions bequeathed to them by their fathers.
FIRST CONSTITUTION.
In Jnly and August of 1818 a convention was held at Kaskaskia
for the purpose of drafting a constitution. This constitution was
not submitted to a vote of the people for their approval or rejection,
it being well known that they would approve it. It was about the
first organic law of any State in the Union to abolish imprisonment
for debt. The first election under the constitution was held on the
third Thursday and the tWo succeeding days in September, 1818.
Shadrach Bond was elected Governor, and Pierre Menard Lieuten-
ant Governor. Their term of office extended four years. At this
time che State was divided into fifteen counties, the population being
about 40,000. Of this number by far the larger portion were from
the Southern States. The salary of the Governor was $1,000, while
that of the Treasurer was $500. The Legislature re-enacted, ver-
batim, the Territorial Code, the penalties of which were unneces-
sarily severe. Whipping, stocks and pillory were used for minor
offenses, and for arson, rape, horse-stealing, etc., death by hanging
was the penalty. These laws, however, were modified in 1821.
The Legislature first convened at Kaskaskia, the ancient seat of
empire for more than one hundred and fifty years, both for the
French and Americans. Provisions were made, however, for the
removal of the seat of government by this Legislature. A place in the
wilderness on the Kaskaskia river was selected and named Vandalia.
From Vandalia it was removed to Springfield in the year 1837.
DERIVATION OF THE 'NAME ILLINOIS.
The name of this beautiful " Prairie State " is derived from
lUini, an Indian word signifying superior men. It has a French
termination, and is a symbol of the manner in which the two races,
the French and Indians, were intermixed during the early history
of the country. The appellation was no doubt well applied to the
primitive inhabitants of the soil, whose 'prowess in savage warfare
long withstood the combined attacks of the fierce Iroquois on the
one side, and the no less savage and relentless Sacs and Foxes on the
other. The Illinois were once a powerfnl confederacy, occupying
the most beautiful and fertile region in the great valley of the
78 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.
Mississippi, which their enemies coveted and struggled long and
hard to wrest from them. By the fortunes of war they were dimin-
ished in number and finally destroyed. " Starved Eoct," on the
Illinois river, according to tradition, commemorates their last trag-
edy, where, it is said, the entire tribe starved rather than surrender.
The low cognomen of " Sucker," as applied to lUinoisans, is said
to have had its origin at the Galena lead mines. In an early day,
when these extensive mines were being worked, men would run up
the Mississippi river in steamboats in the spring, work the lead
mines, and in the fall return, thus establishing, as was supposed, asim-
ilitude between their migratory habits and those of the fishy tribe
called "Suciliers." For this reason the lUinoisans have ever since
been distinguished by the epithet " Suckers." Those who stayed
at the mines over winter were mostly from Wisconsin, and were
called " Badgers." One spring the Missourians poured into the
mines in such numbers that the State was said to have taken a puke,
and the offensive appellation of " Pukes " was afterward applied to
all Missourians.
The southern part of the State, known as " Egypt," received this
appellation because, being older, better settled and cultivated, grain
was. had in greater abundance than in the central and northern por-
tion, and the immigrants of this region, after the manner of the
children of Israel, went "thither to buy and to bring from thence
that they might live and not die."
STATE BANK.
Tlie Legislature, during the latter years of territorial existence^
granted charters to several banks. The result was that paper money
became very abundant, times flush, and credit unlimited; and every-
body invested to the utmost limit 'of his credit, with confident
expectation of realizing a handsome advance before the expiration
of his credit, from the throng of immigrants then pouring into the
country. By 1819 it became apparent that a day of reckoning
would approach before their dreams of fortune could be realized.
J3anks everywhere began to waver, paper money became depreci-
ated, and gold and silver driven out of the country. The Legisla-
ture sought to bolster up the times by incorporating the " Bank
of Illinois," which, with several branches, was created by the ses-
sion of 1821. This bank, being wholly supported by the credit of
the State, was to issue one, two, three, five, ten and twenty-dollar
HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 79
notes. It was the duty of the bank to advance, upon personal prop-
erty, money to the amount tif $100, and a larger amount upon real
estate. All taxes and public salaries could be paid in such bills;
and if a creditor refused to take them, he had to wait three years
longer before he could collect his debt. The people imagined that
simply because the government had issued the notes, they would
remain at par; and although, this evidently could not be the case,
they were yet so infatuated with their project as actually to request
the United States government to receive them in payment for their
public lands! Although there were not wanting men who, like
John McLean, the Speaker of the House of Eepresentatives, fore-
saw the dangers and evils likely to arise from the creation of such
a bank, by far the greater part of the people were in favor of it.
The new bank was therefore started. The new issue of bills by the
bank of course only aggravated the evil, heretofore so grievouslv
felt, of the absence of specie, so that the people were soon com-
pelled to cut their bills in halves and quarters^ in order to make
small change in trade. Finally the paper currency so rapidly depre-
ciated that three dollars in these bills were considered worth only
one in specie, and the State not only did not increase its revenue,
but lost full two-thirds of it, and expended three times the amount
required to pay the expenses of the State government.
Lafayette's visit.
In the spring of 1825 the brave and generous LaFayette visited
Illinois, accepting the earnest invitation of the General Assembly,
and an affectionately written letter of Gov. Cole's, who had formed
his personal acquaintance in France in 1817. The General in reply
said: " It has been my eager desire, and it is now my earnest inten-
tion, to visit the Western States, and particularly the State of Illi-
nois. The feelings which your distant welcome could not fail to
excite have increased thkt patriotic eagerness to admire on that
blessed spot the happy and rapid results of republican institutions,
public and domestic virtues. I shall, after the 22d of February
(anniversary day), leave here for a journey to the Southern States,
and from New Orleans to the "Western States, so as to return to
Boston on the lith of June, when the corner-stone of the Bunker
Hill monument is to be laid, — a ceremony sacred to the whole Union
and in which I have been engaged to act a peculiar and honorable
part."
80 HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS.
General LaFayette and suite, attended bj a large delegation of
prominent citizens of Missouri, made a visit by the steamer Natch-
ez to the ancient town of Kaskaskia. ISTo military parade was
attempted, but a multitude of patriotic citizens made him welcome.
A reception was held, Gov. Cole delivering a glowing address of
welcome. During the progress of a grand ball held that night, a
very interesting interview took place between the honored General
and an Indian squaw whose father had served under him in the
Revolutionary war. The squaw, learning that the great white chief
was to be at Kaskaskia on that night, had ridden all day, from early
dawn till sometime in the night, from her distant home, to see
the man whose name had been so often on her father's tongue, and
with which she was so familiar. In identification of her claim to
his distinguished acquaintance, she brought with her an old, worn
letter which the General had written to her father, and which the
Indian chief had preserved with great care, and finally bequeathed
on his death-bed to his daughter as the most precious legacy he had
to leave her.
By 12 o'clock at night Gen.' LaFayette returned to his boat and
started South. The boat was chartered by the State.
BAELY GOVERNORS.
In the year 1822 the term of office of the first Governor, Shadrach
Bond, expired. Two parties sprung up at this time, — one favorable,
the other hostile, to the introduction of slavery, each proposing a
candidate of its own for Governor. Both parties worked hard to
secure the election of their respective candidates; but the people at
large decided, as they ever have been at heart, in favor of a free
State. Edward Coles, an anti-slavery man, was elected, although a
majority of the Legislature were opposed to him. The subject of
principal interest during his administration was to make Illinois a
slave State. The greatest effort was made in 1824, and the propo-
sition was defeated at the polls by a majority of 1,800. The aggre-
gate vote polled was 11,612, being about 6,000 larger than at the
previous State election. African slaves were first introduced into
Illinois in 1720 by Eenault, a Frenchman.
Senator Duncan, afterward Governor, presented to the Legisla-
ture of 1824-5 a bill for the support of schools by a public tax ; aud
William S. Hamilton presented another bill requiring a tax to be
HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. 81
used for the purpose of constructing and repairing the roads, — both
of which bills passed and became laws. But although these laws
conferred an incalculable benefit upon the public, the very name of
a tax was so odious to the people that, rather than pay a tax of the
smallest possible amount, they preferred working as they formerly
did, five days during the year on the roads, and would allow their
children to grow up without any instruction at all. Consequently
both laws were abolished in 1826.
In the year 1826 the office of Governor became again vacant.
Ninian Edwards, Adolphus F. Hubbard and Thomas C. Sloe were
candidates. Edwards, though the successful candidate, had made
himself many enemies by urging strict inquiries to be made into
the corruption of the State bank, so that Jiad it not been for his
talents and noble personal appearance, he would most probably not
have been elected. Hubbard was a man of but little personal merit.
Of him tradition has preserved, among other curious sayings, a
speech on a bill granting a bounty on wolf-scalps. This speech,
delivered before the Legislature, is as follows: " Mr. Speaker, I rise
before the question is put on this bill, to say a word for mj constit-
uents. Mr. Speaker, I have never seen a wolf. I cannot say that
I am very well acquainted with the nature and habits of wolves.
Mr. Speaker, I have said that I had never seen a wolf; but now I
remember that once on a time, as, Judge Brown and I were riding
across the Bonpas prairie, we looked over the prairie about three
miles, and Judge Brown said, 'Hubbard, look! !there goes a wolf; '
and I looked, and I looked, and I looked, and I said, ' Judge, where?'
and he said, 'There!' And I looked again, and this time in the
edge of a hazel thicket, about three miles across the prairie, I think
I saw the wolf's tail. Mr. Speaker, if I did not see a wolf that
time, I think I never saw one; but I have heard much, and read
more, about this animal. I have studied his natural history.
" By the bye, history is divided into two parts. There is first
the history of the fabulous; and secondly, of the non-fabulous, or
unknown age. Mr. Speaker, from all these sources of information
I learn that the wolf is a very noxious animal ; that he goes prowl-
ing about, seeking something to devour; that he rises up in the
dead and secret hours of night, when, all nature reposes in silent
oblivion, ^and then commits the most terrible devastation upon the
rising generation of hogs and sheep. ^
82 HISTOET OF ILLINOIS.
" Mr. Speaker, I have done ; and I return my thanks to the house
for their kind attention to my remarks."
Gov. Edwards was a large and well-made man, with a noble,
princely appearance. Of him Gov. Ford says: "He never con-
descended to the common low art of electioneering. Whenever he
went out among the people he arrayed himself in the style of a
gentleman of the olden time, dressed in fine broadcloth, with short
breeches, long stockings, and high, fair-topped boots; was drawn in
a fine carriage driven by a negro; and for success he relied upon his
speeches, which were delivered in great pomp and in style of diffuse
and florid eloquence. When he was inaugurated in 1826, he
appeared before the General Assembly wearing a golden-laced cloak,
and with great pomp pronounced his first message to the houses
of the Legislature."
GEAMMAE AND COOK CONTEASTED.
Demagogism had an early development. One John Grammar,
who was elected to the Territorial Legislature in 1816, and held the
position for about twenty years, invented the policy of opposing
every new thing, saying, " If it succeeds, no one will ask who
voted against it: if it proves a failure, he could quote its record."
When first honored with a seat in the Assembly, it is said that
he lacked the apparel necessary for a member of the Legislature,
and in order to procure them he and his sons gathered a large
quantity of hazel-nuts, which were taken to the Ohio Saline and
sold for cloth to make a coat and pantaloons. The cloth was the
blue strouding commonly used by the Indians.
The neighboring women assembled to make up the garments ; the
cloth was measured every way,— across, lengthwise, and from corner
to corner, — and still was found to be scant. It was at last con-
cluded to make a very short, bob-tailed coat and a long pair of leg-
gins, which being finished, Mr. Grammar started for the State
capital. In sharp contrast with Grammar was the character of D.
P. Cook, in honor of whom Cook county was named. Such was
his transparent integrity and remarkable ability that his will was
almost the law of the State. In Congress, a young man and from
a poor State, he was made Chairman of the Ways and Means Com-
mittee. He was pre-eminent for standing by his committee, regard-
less of consequences. It was his integrity that elected John Quincy
HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 83
Adams to the Presidency. There were four candidates in 1824,
Jackson, Clay, Crawford and Adams. There being no choice by
the people, the election was thrown into the House. It was so bal-
anced that it turned on his vote, and that he cast for Adams, elect-
ing him. He then came home to face the wrath of the Jackson
party in Illinois.
The first mail route in the State was established in 1805. This
was from Vihcennes to Cahokia. In 1824 there was a direct mail
route from Vandalia to Springfield. Tlie first route from the central
part of the State to Chicago was established in 1832, from Shelby-
ville. The difficulties and dangers encountered by the early mail
■carriers, in time of Indian troubles, were very serious. The bravery
and ingenious devices of Harry Milton are mentioned with special
commendation. When a boy, in 1812, he conveyed the mail on a
wild French pony from Shawneetown to St. Louis, over swollen
streams and through the enemy's country. So infrequent and
irregular were thje communications by mail a great part of the time,
that to-day, even the remotest part of the United States is unable to
appreciate it by example.
The first newspaper published in Illinois was the Illinois Herald,
established at Kaskaskia by Mathew Duncan. There is some va-
riance as to the exact time of its establishment. Gov. Keynolds
claimed it was started in 1809. Wm. H. Brown, afterwards its
editor, gives the date as 1814.
In 1831 the criminal code was first adapted to penitentiary pun-
ishment, ever since which time the old system of whipping and
pillory for the punishment of criminals has been disused.
There was no legal rate of interest till 1830. Previously the rate
often reached as high as 150 per cent., but was usually 50 per cent.
Then it was reduced to 1 2, then to 10, and lastly to 8 per cent.
INDIAN TROUBLES.
WINNEBAGO WAR.
The Indians, who for some years were on peaceful terms with
the whites, became troublesome in 1827. The "Winnebagoes, Sacs
and Foxes and other tribes had been at war for more than a hun-
dred years. In the summer of 1827 a war party of the Winnebagoes
surprised a party of Chippewas and killed eight of them. Four
84 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.
of the murderers were arrested and delivered to the Ohippewas,
by whom they were immediately shot. This was the first irritation
of the Winnebagoes. Ked Bird, a chief of this tribe, in order to
avenge the execution of the four warriors of his own people, attacked
the Ohippewas, but was defeated; and being determined to satisfy
his thirst for revenge by some means, surprised and killed several
white men. Upon receiving intelligence of these murders, the
whites who were working the lead mines in the vicinity of Galena
formed a body of volunteers, and, re-inforced by a company of United
States troops, marched into the country of the Winnebagoes. To ,
save their nation from the miseries of war, JRed Bird and six other
men of his nation voluntarily surrendered themselves. Some of
the number were executed, some of them imprisoned and destined,
like Red Bird, ingloriously to pine away within the narrow confines
of a jail, when formerly the vast forests had proven too limited for
them.
JOHN REYNOLDS ELECTED GOVEENOB.
In August, 1830, another gubernatorial election was held. The
candidates were William Kinney, then Lieutenant Governor, and
John Reynolds, formerly an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court,
both Jackson Democrats. The opposition brought forward no can-
didate, as they were in a helpless minority. Reynolds was the
successful candidate, and under his administration was the famous
BLACK HAWK WAR.
In the year of 180i a treaty was concluded between the United
States and the chiefs of the Sac and Fox nations. 'One old chief of
the Sacs, however, called Black Hawk, who had fought with great
bravery in the service of Great Britain during the war of 1812, had
always taken exceptions to this treaty, pronouncing it void. In 1831
he established himself, with a chosen band of warriors, upon the dis-
puted territory, ordering the whites to leave the country at once. The
settlers complaining, Gov. Reynolds dispatched Gen. Gaines, with a
company of regulars and 1,500 volunteers, to the scene of action.
Taking the Indians by surprise, the troops burnt their villages and
forced them to conclude a treaty, by which they ceded all lands east
of the Mississippi, and agreed to remain on the western side of the
river. Necessity forced the proud spirit of Black Hawk into
submission, which made him more than ever determined to be
...a .i
BLACK HAWK, THE SAC CHIEF.
HISTOBr OF ILLINOIS. 87
avenged upot: his enemies. "Having rallied around hitn the warlike
braves of the Sac and Fox nations, he crossed the Mississippi in the
spring of 1832. Upon hearing of the invasion, Gov. Reynolds
hastily collecte'^ a body of 1,800 volunteers, placing them under the
command ox iiiig-Gen. Samuel Whiteside.
stillman's euit.
The army marched to the Mississippi, and having reduced to
ashes the Indian village known as '"Prophet's Town," proceeded
for several miles up the river to Dixon, to join the regular forces
under Gen. Atkinson. They found at Dixon two companies of
volunteers, who, sighing for glory, were dispatched to reconnoiter
the enemy. They advanced under command of Maj. Stillman, to a
creek afterwards called "Stillman's run;" and while encamping
there saw a party of mounted Indians at the distance of a mile.
Several of Stillman's party mounted their horses and charged the
Indians, killing three of them; but, attacked by the main body
under Black Hawk, they were routed, and by their precipitate
flight spread such a panic through the camp that' the wliole company
ran oif to Dixon as fast as their legs could carry them. On their
arrival it was found that there had been eleven killed. The party
came straggling into camp all night long, four or five at a time,
each squad positive that all who were left behind were massacred.
It is said that a big, tall Kentuckian, with a loud voice, who
was a colonel of the militia but a private with Stillman, upon his
arrival in camr> gave to Gen. "Whiteside and the wondering multi-
tude the folio v.-ing glowing and bombastic account of the battle:
"Sirs," said lie, "our detachment was encamped among some scat-
tering timber on the north side of Old Man's creek, with the prairie
from the north gently sloping down to our encampment. It was
just after twilight, in the gloaming of the evening, when we dis-
covered Black Hawk's army coming down upon us in solid column;
they displayed in the form of a crescent upon the brow of the prai-
rie, and such accuracy and precision of military movements were
never witnessed oy man; they were equal to the best troops of
Wellington in Spain, j. have said that the Indians came down in
solid columns, and displayed in the form of a crescent; and what was
most wonderful, there were large squares of cavalry resting upon
the points of the curve, which squares were supported again by
88 HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS.
•other columns fifteen deep, extending back through the woods and
over a swamp three-quarters of a mile, which again rested on the
main body of Black Hawk's army bivouacked upon the banks of the
Kishwakee. It was a terrible and a glorious sight to see the tawny
warriors as they rode along our flanks attempting to outflank us,
with the glittering moonbeams glistening from their polished blades
and burnished spears. It was a sight well calculated to strike con-
sternation in the stoutest and boldest heart; and accordingly our
men soon began to break in small squads, for tall timber. In a
very little time the rout became general, the Indians were soon
upon our flanks and threatened the destruction of our entire detach-
ment. About this time Maj. Stillman, Col. Stephenson, Maj.
Perkins, Capt. Adams, Mr. Hackelton, and myself, with some
others, threw ourselves into the rear to rally the fugitives and pro-
tect the retreat. But in a short time all my companions- fell
bravely fighting hand-to-hand with the savage enemy, and I alone
was left upon the field of battle. About this time I discovered not
far to the left a corps of horsemen which seemed to be in tolerable
order. I immediately deployed to the left, when, leaning down and
placing my body in a recumbent posture upon the mane of my
horse so as to bring the heads of the horsemen between my eye
and the horizon, I discovered by the light of the moon that they
were gentlemen who did not wear hats, by which token I knew they
were no friends of mine. I therefore made a retrogade movement
and recovered my position, where I remained some time meditating
what further I could do in the service of my countrj', when a ran-
dom ball came whistling by my ear and plainly whispered to me.
' Stranger, you have no further business here.' Upon hearing this I
followed the example of my companions in arras, and broke for
tall timber, and the way I ran was not a little."
For a long time afterward Maj. Stillnan and his men were sub-
jects of ridicule and merriment, which was as undeserving as their
expedition was disastrous. Stillman's defeat spread consternation
throughout the State and nation. The number of Indians was
greatly exaggerated, and the name^of Black Hawk carried with it
associations of great military talent, savage cunning and crpelty.
ASSAULT ON APPLE EIVEE FOET.
A regiment sent to spy out the country between Galena and Kock
Island was surprised by a party of seventy Indians, and was on the
HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. . 89
point of being thrown into disorder when Gen. Whiteside, thdn
serving as a private, shouted out that he would shoot the first man
who should turn his back to the enemy. Order being restored, the
battle began. At its very outset Gen. Whiteside shot the leader of
the Indians, who thereupon commenced a hasty retreat.
In June, 1832, Black Hawk, with a band of 150 warriors, attack-
ed the Apple Eiver Fort, near Galena, defended by 25 men. This
fort, a mere palisade of logs, was erected to aiford protection to the
miners. For fifteen consecutive hours the garrison had to sustain
the assault of the savage enemy ; but knowing very well that no
quarter would be given them, they fought with such fury and des-
peration that the Indians, after losing many of their best warriors,
were compelled to retreat.
Another party of eleven Indians murdered two men near Fort
Hamilton. They were afterwards overtaken by a company of
twenty men and every one of them was killed.
KOCK EITBE EXPEDITIOIT.
A new regiment, under the command of Gen. Atkinson, assem-
bled on the banks of the Illinois in the latter part of June. Maj.
Dement, with a small party, was sent out to* reconnoittr the move-
ments of a large body of Indians, whose endeavors to surround him
made it advisable for him to retire. Upon hearing of this engage-
ment, Gen. Atkinson sent a detachment to intercept the Indians,
while he with the main body of his army, moved north to meet the
Indians under Black Hawk. They moved siuwly and cautiously
through the country, passed through Turtle village, and marched
up along Eock river. On their arrival news was brought of the
discovery of the main trail of the Indians. Considerable searcli
was made, but they were unable to discover any vestige of Indians
save two who had shot two soldiers the day previous.
Hearing that Black Hawk was encamped on Rock river, at the
Manitou village, they resolved at once to advance upon the enemy;
but in the execution of their design they met with opposition from
their oflBcers and men. The officers of Gen. Henry handed to him
•a written protest; but he, a man equal to any emergency, ordered
the officers to be arrested and escorted to Gen. Atkinson. Within
a few minutes after the stern order was given, the officers all collected
around the General's quarters, many of them with tears in their
90 HIBTOEY OF ILLINOIS.
eyes, pledging themselves that if forgiven they would return to duty
and never do the like again. The General rescinded the order, and
they at once resumed duty.
THE BATTLE OF BAD-AXE.
Gen. Henry marched on the 15th of July in pursuit of the
Indians, reaching Eock river after three days' journey, where he
learned Black Hawk was encamped further up the river. On July
19th the troops were ordered to commence their march. After
having made fifty miles, they were overtaken by a terrible thunder-
storm which lasted all night. Nothing cooled, however, in their
courage and zeal, they marched again fifty miles the next day,
encamping near the place where the Indians had encamped the
night before. Hurrying along as fast as they could, the infantry
keeping up an equal pace with the mounted force, the troops on the
morning of the 21st crossed the river connecting two of the four
lakes, by which the Indians had been endeavoring to escape. They
found, on their way, the ground strewn with kettles and articles of
baggage, which the haste of their retreat had obliged the Indians
to throw away. The troops, inspired with new ardor, advanced so
rapidly that at noon they fell in with the rear guard of the Indians.
Those who closely pursued them were saluted with a sudden
fire of musketry by a body of Indians who had concealed them-
selves in the high grass of the prairie. A most desperate charge
was made upon the Indians, who, unable to resist, retreated
obliquely, in order to out-flank the volunteers on the right; but the
latter charged the Indians in their ambush, and expelled them
from their thickets at the point of the bayonet, and dispersed them.
Night set in and the battle ended, having cost the Indians 68 of
their bravest men, while the loss of the Illinoisans amounted to but
one killed and 8 wounded.
Soon after this battle Gens. Atkinson and Henry joined their
forces and pursued the Indians. Gen. Henry struck the main trail,
left his horses behind, formed an advance guard of eight men,
and marched forward upon their trail. When these eight men
came within sight of the river, they were suddenly fired upon and
five of them killed, the remaining three maintaining their ground
till Gen. Henry came up. Then the Indians, charged upon with
the bayonet, fell back upon their main force. The battle now
HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 91
became general; the Indians fought with despefate valor, but were
furiously assailed bj the volunteers with their bayouets, cutting
many of the Indians to pieces and driving the rest into the river.
Those who escaped from being drowned took refuge on an island. On
hearing the frequent discharge of musketry, indicating, a general
engagement, Gen. Atkinson abandoned the pursuit of the twenty
Indians under Black Hawk himself, and, hurried to the scene of
action, where he arrived too late to take part in the battle. He
immediately forded the river with his troops, the water reaching
up to their necks, and landed on the island where the Indians had
secreted themselves. The soldiers rushed upon the Indians, killed
several 'of them, took others prisoner, and chased the rest into
the river, where they were either drowned or shot before reaching
the opposite shore. Thus ended the battle, the Indians losing 300
besides 50 prisoners; the whites but 17 killed and 12 wounded.
INCIDENTS OF THE BATTLE.
Many painful incidents occurred during this battle. A Sac
woman, the sister of a warrior of some notoriety, found herself in
the thickest of the fight, but at length succeeded in reaching the
river, when, keeping lier infant child safe in its blankets by means
of her teeth, she plunged into the water, seized the tail of a horse
with her hands whose rider was swimming the stream, and was
drawn safely across. A young squaw during the battle was stand-
ing in the grass a short distance from the American line, holding
her child — a little girl of four years — in her arms. In this posi-
tion a ball struck the right arm of the child, shattering the bone,
and passed into the breast of the young mother, instantly killing
her. , She fell upon the child and confined it to the ground till the
Indians were driven from that part of the field. Gen. Anderson,
of the United States army, hearing its cries, went to the spot, took
it from under the dead body and. carried it to the surgeon to have
its wound dressed. The arm was amputated, and during the oper-
ation the half-starved child did not cry, but sat quietly eating a
hard piece of biscuit. It was sent to Prairie du Chien, where it
entirely recovered.
BLACK HAWK CAPTUEED.
Black Hawk, with his twenty braves, retreated up the Wisconsin,
river. The Winnebagoes, desirous of securing the friendship of
92 HISTOEY OF ILLINOIS.
the whites, went in pursuit and captured and delivered them to
Gen. Street, the United States Indian agent. Among the prisoners
were the son of Black Hawk and the prophet of the tribe. These
with Black Hawk were taken to Washington, D. C, and soon con-
signed as prisoners at Fortress Monroe.
At the interview Black Hawk had with the President, he closed
his speech delivered on the occasion in the following words: " We
did not expect to conquer the whites. They have too many houses,
too many men. I took up the hatchet, for my part, to revenge
injuries which my people could no longer endure. Had I borne
them longer without striking, my people would have said, ' Black
Hawk is a woman; he is too old to be a chief; he is no Sac' These
reflections caused me to raise the war-whoop. I say no more. It
is known to you. Keokuk once was here; you took him by the
hand, and when he wished to return to his home, you were willing.
Black Hawk expects, like Keokuk, he shall be permitted to return
too."
BIOaKAPHICAL SKETCH OF BLACK HAWK.
Black Hawk, or Ma-ka-tai-me-she-kia-kiah, was born in the prin-
cipal Sac. -village, near the junction of Rock river with tlie Missis-
sippi, in the year 1767. His father's name was Py-e-sa. Black
Hawk early distinguished himself as a warrior, and at the age of
fifteen was permitted to paint, and was ranked among the braves.
About the year 1783 he went on an expedition against the enemies
of his nation, the Osages, one of whom he killed and scalped; and
for this deed of Indian bravery he was permitted to join in the
scalp dance. Three or .four years afterward he, at the head of two
hundred braves, went on another expedition agairlst the Osages, to
avenge the murder of some women and children belonging to his
own tribe. Meeting an equal number of Osage warriors, a fierce
battle ensued in which the latter tribe lost one-half their number.
Tiie Sacs lost only about nineteen warriors. He next attacked the
Oherokees for a similar cause. In a severe battle with them near
the present city of St. Louis his father was slain, and Black Hawk,
taking possession of the " Medicine Bag," at once announced him-
self chief of the Sac nation. He had now conquered the Oherokees,
and about the year 1800, at the head of five hundred Sacs and
Foxes and a hundred lowas, he waged war against the Osage
;a
HISTOET OF ILLINOIS. 93
nation, and subdued it. For two years he battled successfully with
other Indian tribes, all of which he conquered.
The year following the treaty at St. Louis, in 1804, the United
States Government erected a fort near the head of Des Moines
Kapids, calle_d Fort Edwards. This seemed to enrage Black Hawk,
who at once determined to capture Fort Madison, standing on the
west side of the Mississippi, above the mouth of the Des Moines.
The fort was garrisoned by about fifty men. Here he was defeated.
The difficulties with the British Grovernment arose about this time,
and the war of 1812 followed. That government, extending aid to
the Western Indians, induced them to remain hostile to the Ameri-
cans. In August, 1812, Black Hawk, at the head of about five
hundred braves, started to join the British forces at Detroit, passing
on his way the site of Chicago, where the famous Fort Dearborn
massacre had a few days before been perpetrated. Of his con-
nection with the British but little is known.
In the early part of 1815, the Indians west of the Mississippi
were notified that peace had been declared between the United
States and England, and nearly all hostilities had ceased. Black
Hawk did not sign any treaty, however, until May of the following
year. From the time of signing this treaty, in 1816, until the
breaking out of the Black Hawk war, he and his band passed their
■time in the common pursuits of Indian life.
Ten years before the commencement of this war, the Sac and
Fox Indians were urged to move to the west of the Mississippi.
All were agreed, save the band known as the British Band, of which
Black Hawk was leader. He strongly objected to the removal, and
was induced to comply only after being threatened by the Grovern-
ment. This action, and various others on the part of the white
settlers, provoked Black Hawk and his band to attempt the capture
of his native village, now occupied by the whites. The war fol-
lowed. He and his actions were undoubtedly misunderstood, and
had his wishes been complied with at the beginning of the struggle,
much bloodshed would have been prevented.
BLACK HAWK SET AT LIBERTY.
Bj order of the President, Black Hawk and his companions,
who were in confinement at Fortress Monroe, were set free on the
4th day of June, 1833. Before leaving the fort Black Hawk
94 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.
4
made the following farewell speech to the commander, which is not
only eloquent but shows that within his chest of steel there beat a
heart keenly alive to the emotions of gratitude:
" Brother, I have come on my own part, and in behalf of my
companions, to bid you farewell. Our great father has at length
been pleased to permit us to return to our hunting grounds. "We
have buried the tomahawk, and the sound of the rifle hereafter will
only bring death to the deer and the buffalo. Brothers, you have '
treated the red man very kindly. Tour squaws have made them
presents, and you have given them plenty to eat and drink. The
memory of your friendship will remain till the Great Spirit says it
is time for Black Hawk to sing his death song. Brother, your
houses are as numerous as the leaves on the trees, and your young
warriors like the sands upon the shore of the big lake that rolls
before us. The red man has but few houses and few warriors, but
the red man has a heart which throbs as warmly as the heart of his
white brother. The Great Spirit has given us our hunting grounds^
and the skin of the deer which we kill there is his favorite, for its
color is white, and this is the emblem of peace. This hunting
dress and these feathers of the eagle are white. Accept them, my
brother. I have given one like this to the White Otter. Accept it as
a memorial of Black Hawk. When he is far away this will serve
to remind you of him. May the Great Spirit bless you and your
children. Farewell."
After their release from prison they were conducted, in charge
of Major Garland, through some of the principal cities, that
they might witness the power of the United States and learn
their own inability to cope with them in war. Great multitudes
flocked to see them wherever they were taken, and the attention
paid them rendered their progress through the country a triumphal
procession, instead of the transportation of prisoners by an ofiicer.
At Kock Island the prisoners were given their liberty, amid great
and impressive ceremony. In 1838 Black Hawk built him a
dwelling near Des Moines, Iowa, and furnished it after the manner
of the whites, and engaged in agricultural pursuits and hunting and
fishing. Here, with his wife, to whom he was greatly attached, he
passed the few remaining days of his life. To his credit, it may be
said, that Black Hawk remained true to his wife, and served her
HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 95
with a devotion uncommon among Indians, living with her up-
ward of forty years.
BLACK hawk's DEATH AND BTTRIAL.
At all times when Black Hawk visited the whites he was
received with marked attention. He was an honored guest at the
old settlers' re-union in Lee county, Illinois, at some of their
meetings and received many tokens of esteem. In September,
1838, while on his way to Eock Island to receive his annuity from
the Government, he contracted a severe cold which resulted in a
fatal attack of bilious fever, and terminated his life October 3.
After his death, he was dressed in the uniform presented to him by
the President while in Washington. He was buried in a grave six
feet in depth, situated upon a beautiful eminence. The body was
placed in the middle of the grave, in a sitting posture upon a seat
constructed for the purpose. On his left side the cane given him
by Henry Clay was placed upright, with his right hand resting
upon it. Thus, after a long, adventurous and shifting life. Black
Hawk was gatliered to his fathers.
FROM 1834 TO 184S.
INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS.
Ko sooner was the Black Hawk war concludgd than settlers
began rapidly to pour into the northern pari of Illinois, now free
from Indian depredations. Chicago, from a trading post, had
grown into a commercial center, and was rapidly coming into
prominence.
At the general election in l83i Joseph Duncan was chosen
Governor, by a handsome majority. His principal opponent was
ex-Lieutenant Governor Kinney. A reckless and uncontrollable
desire for internal public improvements seized the minds of the
people. In his message to the Legislature, in 1835, Gov. Duncan
said: " When we look abroad and see the extensive lines of inter--
eommunication penetrating almost every section of our sister States;
when we see the canal boat and the locomotive bearing with seem-
ing triumph the rich -productions of the interior to the rivers, lakes
and ocean, almost annihilating time, burthen and space, what
patriot bosom does not beat high with a laudable ambition to give
Illinois her full share of those advantages which are adorning her
96 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.
sister States, and which a magnificent Providence seems to invite
bj a wonderful adaptation of our whole country to such improve-
ments?"
STUPENDOUS SYSTEM OF IMPROVEMENTS INAUGUEATED.
The Legislature responded to the ardent words of the Governor,
and enacted a system of internal improvements without a parallel
in the grandeur of its conception. They ordered the construction
of 1,300 miles of railroad, crossing the State in all directions.
This was surpassed by the river and canal improvements. There
were a few counties not touched by railroad, or river or canal, and
they were to be comforted and compensated by the free distribution
of $200,000 among them. To inflate this balloon beyond credence, it
was ordered that work should commence on both ends of each of these
railroads and rivers, and at each river-crossing, all at the same time.
This provision, which has been called the crowning folly of the
entire system, was the result of those jealous combinations ema-
nating from the fear that advantages might accrue to one section
over another in the commencement and completion of the works.
We can appreciate better, perhaps, the magnitude of this grand
system by reviewing a few figures. The debt authorized for these
improvements in the first instance was $10,230,000. But this, as
it was soon found, was based upon estimates at least too low by
half. This, as we readily see, committed the State to a liability of
over $20,000,000, equivalent to $200,000,000, at the present time,
with over ten times the population and more than ten times the
wealth.
Such stupendous undertakings by the State naturally engendered
the fever of speculation among individuals. That particular form
known as the town-lot fever assumed the malignant type at first in
Chicago, from whence it spead over the entire State and adjoining
States. It was* an epidemic. It cut up men's farms without regard
to locality, and cut up the purses of the purchasers without regard
to consequences. It was estimated that building lots enough were
sold in Indiana alone to accommodate every citizen then in the
United States.
Chicago, which in 1830 was a small trading-post, had within a
few years grown into a city. This was the starting point of the,
wonderful and marvelous career of that city. Improvements,
HISTOET OF ILLINOIS. 97
unsurpassed by individual efforts in the annals of the world, were
then begnn and have been maintained to this day. Though visited
by the terrible fire fiend and the accumulations of years swept
away in a night, yet she has arisen, and to-day is the best built city
in the world. Eeports of the rapid advance of property in Chicago
spread to the East, and thousands poured into her borders, bringing
money, enterprise and industry. Every ship that left her port
carried with it maps of splendidly situated towns and additions,
and every vessel that returned was laden with immigrants. It was
said at the time that the staple articles of Illinois export were town
plots, and that there was danger of crowding the State with towns
to the exclusion of land for agriculture.
ILLINOIS AND MICHIGAN CANAL.
The Illinois and Michigan canal again received attention. This
enterprise is one of the most important in the early development
of Illinois, on account of its magnitude and cost, and forming
as it does the connecting link between the great chain of lakes and
the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. Gov. Bond, the first Governor,
recommended in his first message the building of the canal. In
1821 the Legislature appropriated $10,000 for surveying tlie route.
This work was performed by two young men, who estimated the
cost at $600,000 or $700,000. It cost, however, when completed,
$8,000,000. In 1825 a law was passed to incorporate the Canal
Company, but no stock was sold. In 1826, upon the solicitation of
Daniel P. Cook, Congressman from this State, Congress gave
800,000 acres of land on the line of the work. In 1828 commis-
sioners were appointed, and work commenced with a new survey
and new estimates. In 1 834-5 the work was again pushed forward,
and continued until 1848, when it was completed.
PANIC — EEPtTDIATION ADVOCATED.
Bonds of the State were recklessly disposed of both in the East
and in Europe. Work was commenced on various lines of railroad,
but none were ever completed. On the Northern Cross Railroad,
from Meredosia east eight miles, the first locomotive that ever
turned a wheel in the great valley of the Mississippi, was run.
The date of this remarkable event was l^ov. 8, 1838. Large suras
of money were being expended with no assurance of a revenue.
98 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.
and consequently, in 1840, the lisgislatiire repealed the improve-
ment laws passed three years previously, not, however, until the
State had accumulated a debt of nearly $15,000,000. Thus fell,
after a short but eventful life, by the hands of its creator, the most
stupendous, extravagant and almost ruinous folly of a grand sys-
tem of internal improvements that any civil community, perhaps,
ever engaged in. The State banks failed, specie was scarce, an
enormous debt was accumulated, the interest of which could not
be paid, people were disappointed in the accumulation of wealth,
and real estate was worthless. All this had a tendency to create a
desire to throw off the heavy burden of State debt byi repudiation.
This was boldly advocated by some leading men. The fair fame
and name, however, of the State was not tarnished by repudiation.
Men, true, honest, and able, were placed at the head of affairs; and
though the hours were dark and gloomj', and the times most try-
ing, yet our grand old State was brought through and prospered,
until to-day, after the expenditure of millions for public improve-
ments and for carrying on the late war, slie has, at present, a debt
of only about $300,000.
MA.RTTB FOE LIBERTY.
The year 1837 is memorable for the death of the first martyr for
liberty, and the abolishment of American slavery, in the State.
Elijah P. Lovejoy was shot by a mob in Alton, on the night of the
Tth of November of that year. lie was at the time editor of the
Alton Ohiserver, and advocated anti-slavery principles in its
columns. For this practice three of his presses had be'en destroyed!
On the arrival of the fourth the tragedy occurred which cost him
his life. In anticipation of its arrival a series of meetings were
' held in which the friends of freedom and of slavery were represented.
The object was to effect a compromise, but it was one in which
liberty was to make concessions to oppression. In a speech made
at one of these meetings, Lovejoy said : " Mr. Chairman, what
have I to compromise? If freely to forgive those who have so greatly
injured me; if to pray for their temporal and eternal happiness; if
still to wish for the prosperity of your city and Statej notwith' '
standing the indignities I have suffered in them, — if this be the
compromise intended, then do I willingly make it. I do not admit
that it is the business of any body of men to say whether I shall
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HISTORY OF ILLIKOIS. 101
or shall not publish a paper in this city. That right was given to
me by my Creator, and is solemnly guaranteed hy the Constitution
of the United States and of this State. But if by compromise is
meant that 1 shall cease from that which duty requires of me, I
cannot make it, and the reason is, that I fear God more than man.
It is also a very different question, whether 1 shall, voluntarily or
at the request of my friends, yield up my position, or whether
I shall forsake it at the hands of a mob. The former I am ready at
all times to do when circumstances require it, as I will never put
my personal wishes or interests in competition with the cause of
that Master whose minister I am. But the latter, be assured I
• never will do. You have, as lawyers say, made a false issue. There
are no two parties between whom there can be a compromise. I
plant myself down on my unquestionable rights, and the ques-
tion to be decided is, whether I shall be protected in those rights.
You may hang me, as the mob hung the individuals at Yicksburg;
you may burn me at the stake, as they did old Mcintosh at St.
Louis; or, you may tar and feather me, or throw me into the Mis-
sissippi as you have threatened to do; but you cannot disgrace me.
I, and I alone, can disgrace myself, and the deepest of all disgrace
would be at a time like this to deny my Maker by forsaking his
cause. He died for me, and I were most unworthy to bear his
name should I refuse, if need be, to die for him.^' Not long
afterward Mr. Lovejoy was shot. His brother Owen, being pres-
ent on the occasion, kneeled down on the spot beside the corpse,
and sent up to God, in the hearing of that very mob, one of the
most eloquent prayers ever listened to by mortal ear. He was bold
enough to pray to God to take signal vengeance on the infernal
institution., of slavery, and he then and there dedicated his life to
the work of overthrowing it, and hoped to see the day when slavery
existed no more in this nation. He died, March 24, 1864, nearly
tliree months after the Emancipation Proclamation of President
Lincoln took effect. Thus he lived to see his most earnest and
devout prayer answered. But few men in the nation rendered bet-
ter service in overthrowing the institution of slavery than Elijah
P. and Owen Lovejoy.
CAELIN ELECTED GOVEENOE.
Thomas Carlin, Democrat, was elected Governor in 1838, over
Cyrus Edwards, Whig. In 1842 Adam "W. Snyder was nominated
102 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.
for Governor oa the Democratic ticket, but died before election.
Thomas Ford was placed in nomination, and was elected, ex-Gov-
ernor Duncan being his opponent.
PEAIEIE PIEATES.
The northern part of the State also had its mob experiences, but
of an entirely different nature from the one just recounted. There
has always hovered around the frontier of civilization bold, desper-
ate men, who prey upoil the unprotected settlers rather than gain
a livelihood by honest toil. Theft, robbery and murder were car-
ried on by regularly organized bands in Ogle, Lee, Winnebago and
DeKalb counties. The leaders of these gangs of cut-throats were
among the first settlers of ftiat portion of the State, and conse-
quently had the choice of location. Among the most prominent of
the leaders were John DriscoU, William and David, his sons ; John
Brodie and three of his sons; Samuel Aikens and three of his sons;
William K. Bridge and Norton B. Boyce.
These were the representative characters, those who planned
and controlled the movements of the combination, concealed them
when danger threatened, nursed them when sick, rested them when
worn by fatigue and forced marches, furnished hiding places for
their stolen booty, shared in the spoils, and, under cover of darkness
and intricate and devious ways of travel, known only to themselves
and subordinates, transferred stolen horses from station to station;
for it came to be known as a well-established fact that they had
stations, and agents, and watchmen scattered throughout the coun-
try at convenient distances, and signals and pass-words to assi'st
and govern them in all their nefarious transactions.
Ogle county, particularly, seemed to be a favorite and chosen
field for the operations of these outlaws, who could not be convicted
for their crimes. By getting some of their number on the juries,
by producing hosts of witnesses to sustain their defense by per-
jured evidence, and by changing the venue from one county to
another, and by continuances from term to term, they nearly always
managed to be acquitted. At last these depredations became too
common for longer endurance; patience ceased to be a virtue, and
determined desperation seized the minds of honest men, and they
resolved that if there were no statute laws that could protect them
HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. 103
against the ravages of thieves, robbers and counterfeiters, they
worfld protect themselves. It was a desperate resolve, and desper-
ately and bloodily executed.
BUKNING OF OGLE COUNTY COUKT-HOUSE.
At the Spring term of court, 1841, seven of the "Pirates of the
Prairie," as they were called, were confined in the Ogle county jail
to await trial. Preparatory to hiolding court, the j ndge and lawyers
assembled at Oregon in their new court-house, which had just
been completed. Near it stood the county jail in which were the
prisoners.' The " Pirates " assembled Sunday night and set the
court-house on fire, in the hope that as the prisoners would have to
be removed from the jail, they might, in the hurry and confusion
of the people in attending to the fire, make their escape. The
whole population were awakened that dark and stormy night, to
see their new court edifice enwrapped in flames. Although the
building was entirely consumed, none of the prisoners escaped.
Three of them were tried, convicted and sent to the penitentiary
for a year. They had, however,' contrived to get one of their num-
ber on the jury, who would not agree to a verdict until threatened
to be lynched. The others obtained a change of venue and were
not convicted, and finally they all broke jail and escaped.
Thus it was that the law was inadequate to the protection of the
people. The best citizens held a meeting and entered into a solemn
compact with each other to rid the country of the desperadoes that
infested it. They were regularly organized and known as " Regu-
lators." They resolved to notify all suspected parties to leave the
country within a given time; if they did not comply, they would
be severely dealt with. Their first victim was a man named Hurl,
who was suspected of having stolen his neighbor's horse. He was
ordered to strip, his hands were tied, when thirty-six lashes of a
raw-hide were applied to his bare back. The next was a man
named Daggett, formerly a Baptist preacher. He waS' sentenced,
to receive five hundred lashes on his bare back. He was stripped,
and all was ready, when his beautiful daughter rushed into the
midst of the men, begging for mercy for her father. Her appeals,
with Daggett's promise to leave the country immediately, secured
his release. That night, new crimes having been discovered, he
was taken out and whipped, after which he left the country, never
again to be heard from.
104 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.
The friends and conarades of the men who had been whipped
were fearfully enraged, and swore eternal and bloody vengeance
Eighty of them assembled one night soon after, and laid plans to
visit White Rock and murder every man, woman and child in that
hamlet. They started on this bloody mission, but were prevailed
upon by one of their number to disband. Their coming, however,
had been anticipated, and every man and boy in the town was
armed to protect himself and his family.
CAMPBELL KILLED THE MUEDEEEES SHOT.
John Campbell, Captain of the " Regulators," received a letter
from William Driscoll, filled with most direful threats, — not only
threatening Campbell's life, but the life of any one who should
oppose their murderous, thieving operations. Soon after the re-
ceipt of this letter, two hundred of the " Regulators " marched to
DriscoU's and ordered him to leave the county within twenty days,
but he refused to comply with the order. One Sunday evening,
just after this, Campbell was shot down in his own door-yard by
David Driscoll. He fell in the arms of his wife, at which time
Taylor Driscoll raised his rifle and pointed it toward her, but low-
ered it without firing.
News of this terrible crime spread like wild-fire. The very air
was filled with threats and vengeance, and nothing but the lives of
the murderous gang would pay the penalty. Old John Driscoll
was arrested, was told to bid his family good-bye, and then with
his son went out to his death. The "Regulators," numbering 111,
formed a large circle, and gave the Tfriscolls a fair hearing. They
were found guilty, and the "Regulators" divided into two "death
divisions," — one, consisting of fifty-six, with rifles dispatched the
father, the other flfty-five riddled and shattered the body of the
son with balls from as many guns. The measures thus inaugu-
rated to free the country from the dominion of outlaws was a last
desperate resort, and proved effectual.
MORMON WAR.
In April, 1840, the " Latter-Day Saints," or Mormons, came in
large numbers to Illinois and purchased a tract of land on the east
side of the Mississippi river, about ten miles above Keokuk. Here
they commenced building the city of Nauvoo. A more picturesque
or eligible site for a city could not have been selected.
HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 105
The origin, rapid development and prosperity of this religious
sect are the most remarkable and instructive historical events of
the present century. That an obscure individual, without money,
education, or respectability, should persuade hundreds of thousands
of people to believe him inspired of God, and cause a book, con-
temptible as a literary production, to be received as a continuation
of the sacred revelation, appears almost incredible; yet in less than
half a century, the disciples of this obscure individual have in-
creased to hundreds of thousands; have founded a State in the dis-
tant wilderness, and compelled the Government of the United
States to practically recognize them as an independent people.
THE FOUNDEK OF MOEMONISM.
The founder of Mormonism was Joseph Smith, a native of Ver-
mont, who emigrated while quite young with his father's family to
western New York. Here his youth was spent in idle, vagabond
life, roaming the woods, dreaming of buried treasures, and in en-
deavoring to learn the art of finding them, by the twisting of a
forked stick in his hands, or by looking through enchanted stones.
Both he and Iiis father became famous as " water wizards," always
ready to point out the spot where wells might be dug and water
found. Such was the character of the young profligate when he
made the acquaintance of Sidney Kigdon, a person of considerable
talent and information, who had conceived the design of founding
a new religion. A religious romance, written by Mr. Spaulding, a
Presbyterian preacher of Ohio, then dead, suggested the idea, and
finding in Smith the requisite duplicity and cunning to reduce it
to practice, it was agreed that he should act as prophet; and the
two devised a story that gold plates had been found buried in the
earth containing a record inscribed on them in unknown characters,
which, when deciphered by the power of inspiration, gave the his-
tory of the ten lost tribes of Israel.
ATTEMPT TO AEEEST JOE SMITH.
After their settlement in and about Nauvoo, in Hancock county,
great depredations were committed by them on the " Gentiles."
The Mormons had been received from Missouri with great kind-
ness by the people of this State, and every possible aid granted
them. The depredations committed, however, soon made them
106 ■ HISTOEY OF ILLll^OIS.
odious, when the question of getting rid of them was agitated. In
the fall of 1841, the Governor of Missouri made a demand on Grov.
Oarlin for the arrest and delivery of Joe Smith as a fugitive from
justice. An executive warrant issued for that purpose was placed
in the hands of an agent to be executed, but was returned without
being complied with. Soon afterward the Governor handed the
same writ to his agent, who this time succeeded in arresting Joe
Smith. He was, however, discharged by Judge Douglas, upon the
grounds that the writ upon which he had been arrested had been
once returned before it was executed, and was fundus officio. In
1843 Gov. Oarlin again issued his writ, Joe Smith was arrested
again, and again escaped. Thus it will be seen it was impossible
to reach and punish the leader of this people, who had been driven
from Missouri because of their stealing, murdering and unjust
dealing, and came to Illinois but to continue their depredations.
Emboldened by success, the Mormons became more arrogant and
overbearing. Many people began to believe that they were about
to set up a separate government for themselves in defiance of the
laws of the State. Owners of property stolen in other counties
made pursuit into ISTauvoo, and were fined by the Mormon courts
for daring to seek their property in the holy city. But that Wliich
made it more certain than anything else that the Mormons con-
templated a separate government, was that about this time they
petitioned Oongress to establish a territorial government for them
in Nauvoo.
OEIGIN OF POLYGAMY.
To crown the whole folly of the Mormons, in the Spring of 1844
Joe Smith announced himself as a candidate for President of the
United States, and many of hip followers were confident he would
be elected. He next caused himself to be anointed king and
priest, and to give character to his pretensions, ho declared his
lineage in an unbroken line from Joseph, the son of Jacob, a,nd
that of his wife from some other important personage of the ancient
Hebrews. To strengthen his political power he also instituted a
body of police styled the "Danite band," who were sworn to pro-
tect his person and obey his orders as the commands of God. A
female order previously existing in the church, called " Spiritual
wives," was modified so as to suit the licentiousness of the prophet.
A doctrine was revealed that it was impossible for a woman to get
HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 107
to heaven except as the wife of a Mormon elder; that each elder
might marry as many women as he could maintain, and that any
female might be sealed to eternal life by becoming their concubine.
This licentiousness, the origin of polygamy in that church, they
endeavored to justify by an appeal to Abraham, Jacob and other
favorites of G-od in former ages of the world.
JOE SMITH AS A TTKANT.
Smith soon began to play the tyrant over his people. Among
the first acts of this sort was an attempt to take the wife of Wil-
liam Law, one of his most talented disciples, and make her his
spiritual wife. He established, without authority, a recorder's
oifice, and an office to issue marriage licenses. He proclaimed that
none could deal' in real estate or sell liquor but himself. He
ordered a printing office demolished, and in many ways controlled
the freedom and business of the Mormons. Not only did he stir up
some of the Mormons, but by his reckless disregard for the laws of
the land raised up opposition on every hand. It was believed that
he instructed the Danite band, which he had chosen as the ministers
of his vengeance, that no blood, except that of the church, was to
be regarded as sacred, if it contravened the accomplishment of his
object. It was asserted that he inculcated the legality of perjury
and other crimes, if committed to advance the cause of true believ-
ers; that G-od had given the world and all it contained to his saints,
and since they were kept out of their rightful inheritance by force,
it was no moral offense to get possession of it by stealing. It was
reported that an establishnient existed in Nauvoo for the manufac-
ture of counterfeit money, and that a set of outlaws was maintained
for the purpose of putting it in circulation. Statements were cir-
culated to the effect that a reward was offered for the destruction of
the Warsaw Signal, an anti-Mormon paper, and that Mormons dis-
persed over the country threatened all persofts who offered to assist
the constable in the execution of the law, with the destruction of
their property and the murder of their families. There were rumors
also afloat that an alliance had been formed with the Western
Indians, and in case of war they would be used in murdering their
enemies. In short, if only one-half of these reports were true the
Mormons must have been the most infamous people that ever ex-
isted.
108 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.
MILITARY FOEOES ASSEMBLING.
"William Law, one of the proprietors of the printing-press
destroyed by Smith, went to Carthage, the county-seat, and
obtained warrants for the arrest of Smith and the members of the
City Council, and others connected with the destruction of the
press. Some of the parties having been arrested, but discharged
by the authorities in l^auvoo, a convention of citizens assembled at
Carthage and appointed a committee to wait upon the Governor for
the purpose of procuring military assistance to enforce the law.
The Governor visited Carthage in person. Previous to his arrival
the militia had been called out and armed forces commenced assem-
bling in Carthage and Warsaw to enforce the service of civil process.
All of them, however, signified a willingness to co-operate with the
Governor in preserving order. A constable and ten men were then
sent to make the arrest. In the meantime, Smith declared martial
law; his followers residing in the country were summoned to his
assistance; the Legion was assembled and under arms, and the
entire city was one great military encampment.
THE SMITHS ARRESTED.
The prophet, his brother Hiram, the members of the City Coun-
cil and others, surrendered themselves at Carthage June 24, 1845,
on the charge of riot. All entered into recognizance before a Jus-
tice of the Peace to appear at court, and were discharged. A" new
writ, however, was immediately issued and served on the two
Smiths, and both were arrested and thrown into prison. The
citizens had assembled from Hancock, Schuyler and McDonough
counties, armed and ready to avenge the outrages that had been
committed by the Mormons. Great excitement prevailed at Car-
thage. The force assembled at that place amounted to ,1,200 men,
and about 500 assembled at Warsaw. Nearly all were anxious to
march into Nauvoo. This measure was supposed to be necessary
to search for counterfeit money and the apparatus to make it, and
also to strike a salutary terror into the Mormon people by an exhi-
bition of the force of the State, and thereby prevent future out-
rages, murders, robberies, bnrnings, and the like. The 2Yth of
June was appointed for the march ; but Gov. Ford, who at the
time was in Carthage, apprehended trouble if the militia should
attempt to invade Nauvoo, disbanded the troops, retaining only a
guard to the jail.
HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 109
JOE SMITH AND HIS BEOTHEE KILLED.
Gov. Ford went to Nauvoo on the 2'rth. The same morning
about 200 men from Warsaw, many being disguised, hastened to
Carthage. On learning that one of the companies left as a guard
had disbanded, and the other stationed 150 yards from the jail while
eight men were left to guard the prisoners, a communication was
soon established between the Warsaw troops and the guard; and it
was arranged that the guard should have their guns charged with
blank cartridges and fire at the assailants when they attempted to
enter the jail. The conspirators came up, jumped the fence around
the jail, were fired upon by the guard, which, according to arrange-
ment, was overpowered, and the assailants entered the prison, to
the door of the room where the two prisoners were confined. An
attempt ,was made to break open the door; but Joe Smith, being
armed with a pistol, fired several times as the door was bursted
open, and three of the assailants were wounded. At the same time
several shots were fired into the room, by some of which John
Taylor, a friend of the Smiths, received four wounds, and Hiram
Smith was instantly killed. Joe Smith, severely wounded, attempt-
ed to escape by jumping out of a second-story window, but was so
stunned by the fall that he was unable to rise. In this position he
was dispatched by balls shot through his body. Thus fell Joe
Smith, the most successful imposter of modern times. Totally ignor-
ant of almost every fact in science, as well as in law, he made up in
constructiveness and natural cunning whatever in him was want-
ing of instruction.
CONSTEENATION AT QUINCT.
Great consternation prevailed among the anti-Mormons at
Carthage, after the killing of the Smiths. They expected the Mor-
mons would be so enraged on hearing of the death of their leaders
that they would come down in a body, armed and equipped, to
seek revenge upon the populace at Carthage. Messengers were
dispatched to various places for help in case of an attack. The
women and children were moved across the river for safety. A
committee was sent to Quincy and early the following morning,
at the ringing" of the bells," a large concourse of people assembled
to devise means of defense. At this meeting, it was reported that
the -Mormons attempted to rescue the Smiths ; that a party of Mis-
sourians and others had killed them to prevent their escape ; that
110 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.
the Governor and his party were at Kauvoo at the time when intel-
ligence of the fact was brought there; that they had been attacked
by the Nauvoo Legion, and had retreated to a house where they
were closely besieged; that the Governor had sent out word that
he could maintain his position for two days, and would be certain
to be massacred if assistance did not arrive by that time. It is
unnecessary to say that this entire story was fabricated. It was
put in circulation, as were many other stories, by the anti-Mormons,
to influence the public mind and create a hatred for the Mormons.
The effect of it, however, was that by 10 o'clock on the 28th,
between two and three hundred mfen from Qnincy, under command
of Maj. Flood, went on board a steamboat for Nauvoo, to assist in
raising the siege, as they honestly believed.
VAKIOUS DEPREDATIONS.
It was thought by many, and indeed the circumstances seem to war-
rant the conclusion, that the assassins of Smith had arranged that the
murder should occur while the Governor was in ISTauvoo; that the .
Mormons would naturally suppose he planned it, and in the first out-
pouring of their indignation put him to death, as a means of retalia-
tion. They thought that if they could have the Governor of the State
assassinated by Mormons, the public excitement would be greatly
increased against that people, and would cause their extermination,
or at least their expulsion from the State. That it was a brutal and
premeditated murder cannot be and is not denied at this day; but
the desired effect of the murder was not attained, as the Morrhons
did not evacuate Nauvoo for two years afterward. In the meantime,
the excitement and prejudice agaiust this people were not allowed
to die but. Horse-stealing was quite common, and every case that
occurred was cliarged to the Mormons. That they were guilty of
such thefts cannot be denied, but a great deal of this work done at
that time was by organized bands of thieves, who knew they could
carry on their nefarious business with more safety, as long as sus-
picion could be placed upon the Mormons. In the summer and
fall of 1845 were several occurrences of a nature' to increase the
irritation existing between the Mormx)ns and their neighbors. A
suit was instituted in the United States Circuit Court against one
of the apostles, to recover a note, and a marshal sent to summons
Ti™Tili!ir;
HISTOEY OF ILLINOIS.. 113
tlie defendant, who refused to be served with the process. Indig-
nation meetings were held by the saints, and the marshal threat-
ened for attempting to serve the writ. About this time, General
Denning, sheriff, was assaulted by an anti-Mormon, whom he killed.
Denning was friendly to the Mormons, and a great outburst of
passion was occasioned among the friends of the dead man.
INCENDIARISM.
It was also discovered, in trying the rights of property at Lima,
Adams county, that the Mormons had an institution connected
with their church to secure their effects from execution. Incensed
at this and other actions, the anti-Mormons of Lima, and Green
Plains, held a meeting to devise means for the expulsion of the
Mormons from tjiat part of the country. It was arranged that a
number of their own party should fire on the building in which
they were assembled, in such a manner as not to injure anyone,
and then report that the Mormons had commenced tlie work of
plunder and death. This plot was duly executed, and the startling
intelligence soon called together a mob, which threatened the Mor-
mons with fire and sword if thoy did not immediately leave. The
Mormons refusing to depart, the mob at once executed their threats
by burning 135 houses and forcing the inmates to flee for their
lives. The sheriff of Hancock county, a prominent 'Mormon
armed several hundred Mormons and scoured the country, in search
of the incendiaries, but they had fled to neighboring counties, and
he was unable either to bring them to battle or make any arrests.
One man, however, was killed without provocation; another
attempting to escape was shot and afterwards hacked and muti-
lated; and Franklin A. Worrell, who had charge of the jail when i
the Smiths were killed, was shot by some unknown person con-
cealed in a thicket. The anti-Mormons committed one murder.
A party of them set fire to a pile of straw, near the barn of an old
Mormon, nearly ninety years of age, and when he appeared to ex-
tinguish the flames, he was shot and killed.
The anti-Mormons left their property exposed in their hurried
retreat, after having burned the houses of the Mormons. Those
who had been burned out sallied forth from Nauvoo and plundered
the whole country, taking whatever they could carry or drive
away. By order of the Governor, Gen. Hardin raised a force of
350 men, checked the Mormon ravages, and recalled the fugitive
anti-Mormons home.
114 niSTOEY OF ILLINOIS.
MAKING- rEEPAEATION TO LEAVE.
At this time a convention, consisting of delegates from eight of
the adjoining counties, assenabled to concert measures for the expul-
sion of the Mormons from the State. The Mormons seriously cm-
templated emmigration westward, believing the times forboded
evil for them. Accordingly, during the -winter of 1846-'46, the
m-ist stupendous preparations were made by the Mormons for
removal. All the principal dwellings, and even the temple, were
converted into work-shops, and before spring, 12,000 wagons were
in readiness; and by the middle of February the leaders, with 2,000'
of their followers, had crossed the, Mississippi on the ice.
Before the spring of 1846 the majority of the Mormons had left
Nauvoo, but still a large number remained.
THE BATTLE OF NAUVOO.
In September a writ was issued against several prominent Mor-
mons, and placed in the hands of John Carlin, of Carthage, for
execution. Carlin called out a posse to help make the arrest, which
brought together quite a large force in the neighborhood of Nauvoo.
Carlin, not being a military man, placed in command of the posse,
first. Gen. Singleton, and afterward Col. Brockman, who proceeded
to invest the city, erecting breastworks, and taking other means for
defensive as well as offensive operations. What was then termed a
battle next took place, resulting in the death of one Mormon aiid
the wounding of several others, and loss to the anti-Mormons of
three killed and four wounded. At last, through the intervention
of an anti-Mormon committee of one hundred, from Quincy, the
Mormons and their allies were induced to submit to such terms as
the posse chose to dictate, which were that the Mormons should
immediately give up their arms to the Quincy committee, and re-
move from the State. The trustees of the church and five of their
clerks were permitted to remain for the sale of Mormon property,',
and the posse were to march in unmolested, and leave a sufficient
force to guarantee the performance of their stipulations. Accord-
ingly, the constable's posse marched in with Brocknian at their
head. It consisted of about 800 armed men and 600 or TOO
unarmed, who had assembled from all the country around, through'
motives of curiosity, to see the once proud city of Nauvoo hum-
bled and delivered up to its enemies. They proceeded into the
/
' r^^A^ 'l!
HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 1 17
city slowly and carefully, examining the way for fear of the explo-
sion of a mine, many of which had been made by the Mormons,
by burying kegs of powder in the ground, with a man stationed at
a distance to pull a string communicating with the trigger of a
percussion lock aifixed to the keg. This kind of a contrivance was
called by the Mormons " hell's half-acre." When the posse
arrived in the city, the leaders of it erected themselves into a tri-
bunal to decide who should be forced away and who remain.
Parties were dispatched to hunt for fire-arms, and for Mormons, and
to bring them to judgment. When brought, they received their
doom from the mouth of Brockman, who sat a ^rlm and nnawed
tyrant for the time. As a general rule, the Mormons-were ordered
to leave within an hour or two; and by rare grace some of them
■ were allowed until next day, and in a few cases longer time was
granted.
MALTBEATMENT OF NEW CITIZENS.
Nothing was said in the treaty in regard to the new citizens, who
Jiad with the Mormons defended the city; but the posse no sooner
had obtained possession than they commenced expelling them.
Some of them were ducked in the river, and were in one or two
instances actually baptized in the name of some of the leaders
of the mob; others were forcibly driven into the ferry-boats to be
taken over the river before the bayonets of armed ruffians. Many
of these new settlers were strangers in the country from various
parts of the United States, who were attracted there by the low
price of property; and they knew but little of previous difliculties
or the merits of the quarrel. They saw with their own eyes that
the Mormons were industriously preparing to go away, and they
knew " of their own knowledge " that any effort to expel them by
force was gratuitous and unnecessary cruelty. They had been trained,
by the States whence they came, to abhor mobs and to obey the law,
and they volunteered their services under executive authority to
defend their town and their property against mob violence, and, as
they honestly believed, from destruction ; but in this. they were partly
mistaken; for although the mob leaders in the exercise of unbridled
power were guilty of many injuries to the persons of individuals,
although much personal property was stolen, yet they abstained
from materially injuring houses and buildings. '
118 lUSTOEY OF ILLINOIS.
THE MOKMONS EEACH SALT LAKE.
The- fugitives proceeded westward, taking the road through Mis-
souri, but were forcibly ejected from that State and compelled to
move indirectly through Iowa. After innumerable hardships the
advance guard reached the Missouri river at Council Bluffs, when
a United States officer presented a requisition for 500 men to
serve in the war with Mexico. Compliance with this order so di-
minished their number of effective men, that the expedition was
again delayed and the remainder, consisting mostly of old men,
women and children, hastily prepared habitations for winter.
Their rudely constructed tents were hardly completed before winter
set in with great severity, the bleak prairies being incessantly swept
by piercing winds. While here cholera, fever and other diseases,
aggravated by the previous hardships, the want of comfortable'
quarters and medical treatment, hurried many of them to prema-
ture graves, yet, under the influence of religious fervor and fanati-
cism, they looked death in the face with resignation and cheerful-
ness, and even exhibited a gayety which manifested itself in music
an<l dancing during tlie saddest hours of this sad winter.
At length welcome spring made its appearance, and by April
they were again organized for the journey; a pioneer party, con-
sisting of Brigham Young and 140 others, was sent in advance to
locate a home for the colonists. On the 21 of July, 1847, a day
memorable in Mormon annals, the vanguard reached the valley of
the Great Salt Lake, having been directed thither, according to
their accounts, by the hand of the Almighty. Here in a distant wil-
derness, midway between the settlements of the East and the Pacific,,
and at that time a thousand miles from the utmost verge of civili-
zation, they commenced preparations for founding a colony, which
has since grown into a mighty empire.
MEXICAN WAR
During the month of May, 1846, the President called for four
regiments of volunteers from Illinois for the Mexican war. This
was no sooner known in the State than nine regiments, numbering
8,370 men, answered the call, though only four of them, amounting
to 3,720 men, could be taken. These regiments, as well as their
officers, were everywhere foremost in the American ranks, and dis-
HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 119
tinguislied themselves by their matchless valor in the bloodiest
battles of the war. YeterariB never fought more nobly and effect-
ively than did the volunteers from Illinois. At the bloody battle of
Buena Yista they crowned their lives — many their death — with the
laurels of war. Never did armies contend more bravely, determinedly
and stubbornly than the American and Mexican forces at this famous
battle; and as Illinois troops were ever in the van and on the blood-
iest portions of the field, we believe a short sketch of the part they
took in the fierce contest is due them, and will be read with no lit-
tle interest.
BATTLE OF B0ENA VISTA.
General Santa Anna, with bis army of 20,000, poured into the
valley of Aqua Nueva early on the morning of the 22d of February,
hoping to surprise our army, consisting of about 5,000 men, under
Gen. Taylor and which had retreated to the "Narrows." They
were hotly pursued by the Mexicans who, before attacking, sent
Gen. Taylor a fiag of truce demanding a surrender, and assuring
him that if he refused he would be cut to pieces; but the demand
was promptly refused. At this the enemy opened fire, and the con-
flict began. In honor of the day the watchword with our soldiers
was, " The memory of Washington." An irregular fire was kept up
all day, and at night both armies bivouacked on the field, resting on
their arms. Santa Anna that night made a spirited address to his
men, and the stirring strains of his own band till late in the night
were distinctly heard by our troops; but at last silence fell over the
hosts that were to contend unto death in that narrow pass on the
morrow.
Early on the following morning the battle was resumed, and con-
tinued without intermission until niglitfall. The solid columns of
the enemy were hurled against our forces all day long, but were
met and held in check by the unerring fire of our musketry and ar-
tillery. A portion of Gen. Lane's division was driven back by the
enemy under Gen. Lombardini, who, joined by Gen. Pacheco's divis-
ion, poured upon the main plateau in so formidable numbers as
to appear irresistible.
BEATEEY OF THE SECOND ILLINOIS.
At this time the 2d Illinois, under Col. Bissell, with a squadron
of cavalry and a few pieces of artillery came handsomely into action
120 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.
and gallantly received the concentrated fire of the enemy, which
they returned with deliberate aim and terrible effect; every dis-
charge of the artillery seemed to tear a bloody path through the
heavy columns of enemy. Says a writer: "The rapid mus-
ketry of the gallant troops from Illinois poured a storm of lead
into their serried ranks, which literally strewed the ground with
the dead and dying." But, notwithstanding his losses, the enemy
steadily advanced until our gallant regiment received fire from
three sides. Still they maintained their position for a time with
unflinching firmness against that immense host. At length, per-
ceiving the danger of being entirely surrounded, it was determined
to fall back to a ravine. Col. Bissel, with the coolness of ordinary
drill, ordered the signal "cease firing" to be made; he then with
the same deliberation gave the command, "Face to the rear. Bat-
talion, about face; forward march," which was executed with the
regularity of veterans to a point beyond the peril of being out-
flanked. Affain, in obedience to command these brave men haltedi
faced about, and under a murderous tempest of bullets from the foe,
resumed their well-directed fire. The conduct of no troops could
have been more admirable; and, too, until that day they had never
been under fire, when, within less than half an hour eighty of their
comrades dropped by their sides. How different from the Arkansas
regiment, which were ordered to the plateau, but after delivering
their first volley gave way and dispersed.
SADDEST EVENT OF THE BATTLE.
But now we have to relate the saddest, and, for Illinois, the most
tnournful, event of that battle-worn day. We take the account
from Colton's History of the battle of Buena Vista. "As the enemy
on our left was moving in retreat along the head of the Plateau,'
our artillery was advanced until within range, and. opened a heavy
fire upon him, while Cols. Hardin, Bissell and McKee, with their
Illinois and Kentucky troops, dashed gallantly forward in hot pur-
suit. A powerful reserve of the Mexican army was then just
emerging from the ravine, where it had been organized, and
advanced on the plateau, opposite the head of the southernmost
gorge. Those who were giving way rallied quickly upon it; when
the whole force, thus increased to over 12,000 men, came forward
in a perfect blaze of fire. It was a single column, composed of the
best soldiers of the republic, having for its advanced battalions the
SCENE ON FOX RIVEE.
HISTOEY OF ILLINOIS. 123-
veteran regiments. The Kentucky and Illinois troops were soon
obliged to give ground before it and seek the shelter of the second
gorge. The enemy pressed on, arriving opposite the head of the
second gorge. One-half of the column suddenly enveloped it, while
the other half pressed on across the plateau, having for the moment
nothing to resist them but the three guns in their front. The por-
tion that was immediately opposed to the Kentucky and lUinois^
troops, ran down along each side of the gorge, in which they had
sought shelter, and also circled around its head, leaving no possible
way of escape for them except by its mouth, which opened
upon the road. Its sides, which were steep, — at least an angle of
4r5 degrees, — were covered with loose pebbles and stones, and con-
verged to a point at the bottom. Down there were our poor fel-
lows, nearly three regiments of them (1st and 2d Illinois and 2d
Kentucky), with but little opportunity to load or fire a gun, being
hardly able to keep their feet. Above the whole edge of the
gorge, all the way around, was darkened by the serried masses of
the enemy, and was bristling with muskets directed on the crowd
beneath. It was no time to pause. Those who were not immedi-
ately shot down rushed on toward the road, their number growing
less and less as theywent, Kentuckians and Illinoisans, officers and
men, all mixed up in confusion, and all pressing on over the loose
pebbles and rolling stones of those shelving, precipitous banks,
and having lines and lines of the enemy firing down from each
side and rear as they went. Just then the enemy's cavalry, which
had gone to the left of the reserve, had come over the spur that
divides the mouth of the second gorge from that of the third, and
were now closing up the only door through which there was the
least shadow of a chance for their lives. Many of those ahead
endeavored to force their way out, but few succeeded. The lancers
were fully six to one, and their long weapons were already reeking^
with blood. It was at this time that those who weris still Lack in
that dreadful gorge heard, above the din of the musketry and the
shouts of the enemy around them, the roar of Washington's Bat-
tery, No music could have been more grateful to their eai-s. A
moment only, and the whole opening, where the lancers were bcsy,
rang with the repeated explosions of spherical-case shot. They
gave way. The gate, as it were, was clear, and out upon the road
a stream of our poor fellows issued. They ran panting down
124 HI8T0ET OF ILLINOIS.
toward the battery, and directly under the flght of iron then pas-
sing over their heads, into the retreatins; cavalry. Hardin, McKee,
Clay, Willis, Zabriskie, Hoaghton — but why go on? It would be
a sad task indeed to name over all who fell during this twenty
minutes' slaughter. The whole gorge, from the plateau to its
mouth, was strewed with our dead; All dead! J^o wounded there
- — not a man; for the infantry had rushed down the sides and com-
pleted the work with the bayonet."
VICTOEY FOE OTTE AEMY.
The artillery on the plateau stubbornly maintained its position,
The remnants of the 1st and 2d Illinois regiments, after issuing
from the fated gorge, were formed and again brought into action,
the former, after the fall of the noble Hardin, under Lieut. Col.
Weatherford, the latter under Bissell. The enemy brought forth
reinforcements and a brisk artillery duel was kept up; but gradually,
as the shades of night began to cover the earth, the i rattle of mus-
ketry slackened, and when the pall of night was thrown over that
bloody field it ceased altogether. Each army, after the fierce and
long struggle, occupied much the same position as it did in the
morning. However, early on the following morning, the glad
tidings were heralded amidst our army that the enemy had retreated,
thus again crowning the American banners with victory.
OTHER HOJSrOEED NAMES OF THIS WAE.~
Other bright names from Illinois that shine as stars in thisi
war are those of Shields, Baker, Harris and Coflfee, which are
indissolubly connected with the glorious capture of Vera Cruz
and the. not less famous storming of Cerro Gordo. In this latter
action, when, after the valiant Gen. Shields had been placed hors
de comhat, the command of his force, consisting of three regiments,
devoled upon Col. Baker. This ofiicer, with his men, stormed with
unheard-of prowess the last stronghold of the Mexicans, sweeping
everything before them. Such indeed were the intrepid valor and
daring courage exhibited by Illinois volunteers during the Mexican
war that their deeds should live in the memory of their countrymen
until those latest times .when the very name of America shall have
been forgotten.
125
TliE WAE FOE THE UNION.
Oa the fourth day of March, 1861, after the most exciting and
momentous political campaign known in the history of this country,
Abraham Lincoln — America's martyred President — was inaiTgu-
rated Chief Magistrate of the United States. This fierce contest
was principally sectional, and as the announcement was flashed over
the telegraph wires that the Republican Presidential candidate had
been elected, it was hailed by the South as a justifiable pretext for
dissolving the Union. Said Jefferson Davis in a speech at Jackson,
Miss., prior to the election, "If an abolitionist be chosen Presi-
dent of the United States you will have presented to you the
question whether you will permit the government to pass into
the hands of your avowed and implacable enemies. Without
pausing for an answer, I will state my own, position, to be that
such a result would be a species of revolution by which the
purpose of the Government would be destroyed, and the obser-
vances of its mere forms entitled to no respect. In that event,
in such manner as should be most expedient, I should deem it
your duty to provide for your safety outside of tlie Union." Said
another Southern politician, when speaking on the same sub-
ject, "We shall fire the Southern heart, instruct the Southern
mind, give courage to each, and at the proper moment, by one
organized, concerted action, we can precipitate the Cotton States
into a revolution." To disrupt the Union and form a government
which recognized the ab'solute supremacy of the white population
and the perpetual bondage of the black was what they deemed
freedom from the galling yoke of a Republican administration.
ABEAHAM LINCOLN DID NOT SEEK THE PEE8IDENCY.
Hon. E. W. Miles, of Knox county, sat on the floor by the side
' of Abraham Lincoln in the Library-room of the Capi|;ol, in Spring-
field, at the secret caucus meeting, held in January, 1859, when
Mr. Lincoln's name was first spoken of in caucus as candidate ibr
President. When a gentleman, in making a short speech, said,
" We are going to bring Abraham Lincoln out as a candidate for
President," Mr. Lincoln at once arose to his feet, and exclaimed,
"For God's sake, let me alone! I have suffered enough!" This
was soon after he had been defeated in the Legislature for United
States Senate by Stephen A. Douglas, and only those who are
126 HIBTOET OF ILLINOIS.
intimate with that important and unparalleled contest can appre-
ciate the full force and meaning of these expressive words of the ,
martyred President. They were spontaneous, and prove beyond a
shadow of doubt that Abraham Lincoln did not seek the high posi-
tion of President. Nor did he use any trickery or chicanery to
obtain it. But his expressed wish was not to be complied with";
our beloved country needed a savior and a martyr, and Fate had
decreed that he should be tJie victim. After Mr. Lincoln was
elected President, Mr. Miles sent him an eagle's quill, with which
the chief magistrate wrote his first inaugural address. The letter
written by Mr. Miles to the President, and sent with the quill,
which was two feet in length, is such a jewel of eloquence and
prophecy that it should be given a place in history:
Pebsiper, December 31, 1860.
Hon. a. Lincoln :
Dear Sir :— Please accept the eagle quill I promised you, by the hand of our
Representative, A. A. Smith. The bird from whose wing the quill was taken, was
shot by John F. Dillon, in Persifer township, Knox Co., Ills., in Feb., 1857 Hav-
ing heard that James Buchanan was furnished with an eagle quill to write his
Inaugural with, and believing that in 1860, a Republican would be elected to take
his place, I determined to save this quill and present it to the fortunate man, who-
ever he might be. Reports tell us that the bird which furnished Buchanan's quill
was a captured bird,— lit emblem of the man that used it ; but the bird from ,
which this quill was taken, yielded the quill only with his life, — fit emblem of the
man who is expected to use it, for true Republicans believe that you would not
think life worth the keeping after the surrender of principle. Great difficulties
surround you ; traitors to their country have threatened your life ; and should
you be called upon to surrender it at the post of duty, your memory will live for-
ever in the heart of every freeman ; and that is a grander monument than can be
built of brick or marble.
"For if hearts may not our memories keep,
Oblivion liaete each vestige sweep.
And let onr memories end."
Youra Truly,
R. W. Miles.
STATES SECEDING.
At the time of President Lincoln's accession to power, several
members of the Union claimed they had withdrawn from it, and
styling themselves the " Confederate States of America," organ-
ized a sefiarate government. The house was indeed divided
against itself, but it should not fall, nor should it long continue
divided, was the hearty, determined response of every loyal heart
in the nation. The accursed institution of human slavery was
the primary cause for this dissolution of the American Union.
Doubtless other agencies served to intensify the hostile feel-:
ings which existed between the ISTorthern and Southern portions
HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. 127
of our country, but their remote origin could be traced to this great
national evil.; Had Lincoln's predecessor put forth a timely, ener-
getic effort, he mighty have prevented the bloody war our nation
was called to pass through. On the other hand every aid was given
the rebels ; every advantage and all the power of the Government
was placed at their disposal, and when Illinois' honest son took the
reins of the Eepublic he found Buchanan had been a traitor to his
trust, and given over to the South all available means of war.
THE FALL OF SUMTEK.
On the 12th day of April, 1861, the rebels, who for weeks had
been erecting their batteries upon the shore, after demanding of
Major Anderson a surrender, opened fire upon Fort Sumter. For
thirty- four hours an incessant cannonading was continued; the fort
was being seriously injured; provisions were almost gone, and Major
Anderson was compelled to haul down the stars and stripes. That
dear old flag which had seldom been lowered to a foreign foe by
rebel hands was now trailed in the dust. The first blow of the
terrible conflict which summoned vast armies into the field, and
moistened the soil of a nation in fraternal blood and tears, had
been struck. Tlie gauntlet thus thrown down by the attack on
Sumter by the traitors of the South was accepted — not, however,
in the spirit with which insolence meets insolence— but witli a firm,
determined spirit of patriotism and love of country. The duty of
the President was plain under the constitution and the laws, and
above and beyond all, the people from whom all political power ia
derived, demanded the suppression of the Rebellion, and stood ready
to sustain the authority of their representative and executive
officers. Promptly did the new President issue a procJamation
calling for his countrymen to join with him to defend their homes
and their country, and vindicate her honor. This call was made
April 14, two days after Sumter was first fired upon, and was for
75,000 men. On the 15th, the same day he was notified, Gov.
Yates issued his proclamation convening the Legislature. He also
ordered the organization of six regiments. Troops were in abund-
ance, and the call was no sooner made than filled. Patriotism
thrilled and vibrated and pulsated through every heart. The farm,
the workshop, the office, the pulpit, the bar, the bench, the college,
the school-house, — every calling offered its best men, their lives and
their fortunes, in defense of the Government's honor and unity.
128 HISTORV OF ILLINOIS.
Bitter words spoken in moments of political heat were forgotten
and forgiven, and joining hands in a common cause, they repeated
'the oath of America's soldier-statesman : " By the Great Eternal,
the Union must and shall ie preserved." The honor, the very
life and glory of the nation was committed to the stern arbitrament
of the sword, and soon the tramp of armed men, the clash of
musketry and the heavy boom of artillery reverberated throughout
the continent; rivers of blood saddened by tears of mothers, wives,
sisters, daughters and sweethearts flowed from the lakes to the
gulf, but a nation was saved. The sacrifice was great, but the
Dnion was preserved.
CALL FOK TEOOPS PEOMPTLT ANSWEEBD.
Simultaneously with the call for troops by the President, enlist-
ments commenced in this State, and within ten days 10,000
volunteers offered service, and the sum of $1,000,000 was tendered
by patriotic citizens. Of the volunteers who offered their services,
onl}^ six regiments could be accepted under the quota of the State.
Bat the time soon came v/hen there was a place and a musket for
every man. The six regiments raised were designated by numbers
commencing with seven, as a mark of respect for the six regiments
which had served in the Mexican war. Another call was antici-
pated, and the Legislature authorized ten additional regiments to
be organized. Over two hundred companies were immediately
raised from which were selected the required number. E^o sooner
was this done than the President made another call for troops, six
regiments were again our proportion, although by earnest solicita-
tion the remaining four were accepted. There were a large number
of men with a patriotic desire to enter the service who were denied
this privilege. Many of them wept, while others joined regiments
from other States. In May, June and July seventeen regiments
of infantry and five of cavalry were raised, and in the latter month,
when the President issued his first call for 500,000 volunteers,
Illinois tendered thirteen regiments of infantry and three of cavalry,
and so anxious were her sons to have the Rebellion crushed that
the number could have been increased by thousands. At the
close of 1861 Illinois had sent to the field nearly 50,000 men, and
liad 17,000 in camp awaiting marching orders, thus exceeding her
fall quota by 15,000.
HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 129
A VAST AEMY RAISED IN ELEVEN DATS.
la July and August of 1862 the President called for 600,000
men — our quota of which was 52,296 — and gave until August 18 as
the limits in which the number might be raised by volunteering,
after which a draft would be ordered. The State had already fur-
nished 17,000 in excess of her quota, and it was first thought this
number would be deducted from the present requisition, but that
could not be done. But thirteen days were granted to enlist this
vast army, which had to come from the farmers and mechanics.
The former were in the midst of harvest, but, inspired by love of
country, over 60,000 of them left their harvests ungathered, their
tools and their benches, the plows in their furrows, turning their
backs ou their homes, and before eleven days had expired the
demands of the Government were met and both quotas filled.
The war went on, and call followed call, until it began to look as
if there would not be men enongh in all the Free States to crush
out and subdue the monstrous war traitors had inaugurated. But
to every call for either men or money there was a willing and ready
response. And it is a boast of the people that, had the supply of
men fallen short, there were women brave enough, daring enough,
patriotic enough, to have offered themselves as sacrifices on their
country's altar. On the 21st of December, 1864:, the last call for
troops was made. It was for 300,000. In consequence of an im •
perfect enrollment of the men subject to military duty, it became
evident, ere this call was made, that Illinois was furnishing thous-
ands of men more than what her quota would have been, had it
been correct. So glaring had this disproportion become, that
under this call the quota of some districts exceeded the number of
able-bodied men in them.
A GENERAL SUMMARY.
Following this sketch we give a schedule of all the volunteer
, troops organized from this State, from the commencement to the
close of the war. It is taken from the Adjutant General's report.
The number of the regiment, name of original Colonel, call under
which recruited, date of organization and muster into the United
States' service, place of muster, and aggregate strength of each
organization, from which we fitid that Illinois put into her one hun-
dred and eighty regiments 256,000 men, and into the United States
130 HISTOEY OF ILLINOIS.
army, through other States, enough to swell the number to 290,000^
This far exceeds all the soldiers of the Federal Government in all
the war of the Revolution. Her total years of service were over
600,000. She enrolled men from eighteen to forty-five years of age,,
when the law of Congress in 1864 — the test time — only asked for
those from twenty to forty-five. Her enrollments were otherwise
excessive. Her people wanted to go, and did not take the pains to
correct the enrollment; thus the basis of fixing the quota was too
great, and the quota itself, at least in the trying time, was far above
any other State. The demand on some counties, as Monroe, for
example, took every able-bodied man in the county, and then did
not have enough to fill the quota. Moreover, Illinois sent 20,844
men for one hundred days, for whom no credit was asked. She
gave to the country 73,000 years of service above all calls. With
one-thirteenth of the population of the loyal States, she sent regu-
larly one-tenth of all the soldiers, and in the perils of the closing
calls, when patriots were few and weary, she sent one-eighth of all
that were called for by her loved and honored son in the "White
House. Of the brave boys Illinois sent to the front, there were
killed in action, 5,888; died of wounds, 3,032 ; of disease, 19,496;
in prison, 967; lost at sea, 205; aggregate, 29,588. As upon every
field and upon every page of the history of this war, Illinois bore
her part of the suffering in the prison-pens of the South. More
than 800 names make up the awful column of Illinois' brave sons
who died in the rebel prison of Andersonville, Gra. Who can
measure or imagine the atrocities which would be laid before the
world were the panorama of sufferings and terrible trials of these
gallant men but half unfolded to view? But this can never be
done until new words of horror are invented, and new arts dis-
covered by which demoniacal fiendishness can be portrayed, and
the intensest anguish of the human soul in ten thousand forms be
painted.
No troops ever fought more heroically, stubbornly, and with bet-
ter effect, than did the boys from the "Prairie State." At Pea
Kidge, Donelson, Pittsburg Landing, luka, Corinth, Stone Elver,
Holly Springs, Jackson, Yicksburg, Chicamauga, Lookout Moun-
tain, Murfreesboro, Atlanta, Franklin, Nashville, Chattanooga, and
on every other field where the clash of arms was heard, her eons
were foremost.
HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 131
CAPTUEE OF THE ST. LOUIS ARSENAL.
Illinois was almost destitute of firearms at the beginning of the
conflict, and none could be procured in the East. The traitorous
rioyd had turned over to- the South 300,000 arms, leaving most
■arsenals in the North empty. Grov. Yates, however, received an
order on the St. Louis arsenal for 10,000 muskets, which he put in
the hands of Captain Stokes, of Chicago. Several unsuccessful
attempts were made by the Captain to pass through the large crowd
of rebels which had gathered around the arsenal, suspecting an
attempt to move the arms would be made. He at last succeeded
in gaining admission to the arsenal, but was informed by the com-
mander that the slightest attempt to move the arms would be dis-
covered and bring an infuriated mob upon the garrison. This fear
was well founded, for tlie following day Gov. Jackson ordered 2,000
armed men from Jefferson City down to capture the arsenal. Capt.
Stokes telegraphed to Alton for a steamer to descend the river, and
about midnight land opposite the arsenal, and proceeding to the
same place with 700 men of the 7th Illinois, commenced loading
the vessel. To divert attention from his real purpose, he had 500
guns placed upon a different boat. As designed, this movement
was discovered by the rabble, and the shouts and excitement upon
their seizure drew most of the crowd from the arsenal. Capt.
■Stokes not only took all the guns his requisition called for, but
emptied the arsenal. When all was ready, and the signal given to
start, it was found that the immense weight had bound the bow of
the boat to a rock, but after a few moments' delay the boat fell away
from the shore and floated into deep water.
"Which way?" said Capt. Mitchell, of the steamer. "'Straight
in the regular channel to Alton," replied Capt. Stokes. "What if
we are attacked?" said Capt. Mitchell. " Then we will fight," was
the reply of Capt. Stokes. "What if we are overpowered?" said
Mitchell. " Run the boat to the deepest part of the river and sink
her," replied Stokes. "I'll do it," was the heroic answer of
Mitchell, and away they went past the secession battery, past the
St. Louis levee, and in the regular channel on to Alton. When
they touched the landing, Capt. Stokes, fearing pursuit, ran to the
market house and rang the fire bell. The citizens came flocking
pell-mell to the river, and soon men, women and children were
tugging away at that vessel load of arms, which they soon had
■deposited in freight cars and oif to Springfield.
133 HISTOEY OF ILLINOIS.
LIBERALITY AS WELL AS PATEIOTISM.
The people were liberal as well as patriotic; and while the men
were busy enlisting, organizing and equipping companies, the ladies
were no less active, and the noble, generous work performed by
their tender, loving hands deserves mention along with the bravery,,
devotion and patriotism of their brothers upon the Southern fields
of carnage.
The continued need of money to obtain the comforts and neces-
saries for the sick and wounded of our army suggested to the loyal
women of the North many and various devices for the raising of
funds. Every city, town and village had its fair, festival, picnic,
excursion, concert, which netted more or less to tlie cause of
hospital relief, according to the population of the place and the
amount of energy and patriotism displayed on such occasions.
Especially was this characteristic of our own fair State, and scarcely
a hamlet within its borders which did not send something from its
stores to hospital or battlefield, and in the larger towns and cities
were well -organized soldiers' aid societies, working systematically
and continuously from the beginning of the war till its close. The
great State Fair held in Chicago in May, I860, netted $250,000.
Homes for traveling soldiers were established all over the State, in
which were furnished lodging for 600,000 men, and meals valued
at $2,600,000. Food, clothing, medicine, hospital delicacies,
reading matter, and thousands of other articles, were sent to the
boys at the front.
MESSAGES OF LOVE AND ENCOUEAGEMENT.
Letters, messages of love and encouragement, were sent by
noble women from many counties of the State to encourage the
brave sons and brothers in the South. Below we give a copy of a
printed letter sent from Knox .county to the "boys in blue," as
showing the feelings of the women of the North. It was headed,
" Feom the Women of Knox County to Theie Beothees in the
Field." It was a noble, soul-inspiring message, and kindled aiiew
the intensest love for home, country, and a determination to crown
the stars and stripes with victory :
" You have gone out from our homes, but not from our hearts.
Never for one moment are you forgotten. Through weary inarch
and deadly conflict our prayers liave ever followed you; your
sufierings are our sufferings, your victories oar great joy. '
HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 133
" If there be one of you who knows not the dear home ties, for
whom no mother prays, no sister watches, to him especially we
speak. Let him feel that thongli he may not have one mother he
has many,' he is the adopted child and brother of all our hearts.
N"ot one of you is beyond the reach of onr sympathies; no picket-
station so lonely that it is not enveloped in the halo of our
prayers.
'' During all the long, dark months since our country called you
from us, your courage, your patient endurance, your fidelity, have
awakened our keenest interest, and we have longed to give you an
expression of that interest.
"By the alacrity with which you sprang to arms, by the valor
with which those arms have been wielded, you have placed our
State in the front ranks; yon have made her worthy to be the home
of our noble President. For thus sustaining the honor of our
State, dear to us as life, we thank you.
'' Of your courage we need not speak. Fort Donelson, Pea
Eidge, Sliiloh, Stone River, Vicksburg, speak with blood-bathed
lips of your heroism. The Army of the Southwest fights beneath
no defeat-shadowed banner; to it, under God, the nation looks for
deliverance.
" But we, as women, have other cause for thanks. We will not
speak of the debt we owe the defenders of our Government; that
blood-sealed bond no words can cancel. But wc are your debtors
in a way not often recognized. You have aroused us from the
aimlessness into which too many of our lives had drifted, and have
infused into those lives a noble pathos. We could not dream our
time away while our brothers were dying for us. Even your suffer-
ings have worked together for our good, by inciting us to labor for
their alleviation, thus giving us a work worthy of our womanhood.
Everything that we have been permitted to do for your comfort
has filled our lives so much the fuller of all that makes life valua-
ble. You have thus been the means of developing in us a nobler
type of womanhood than without the example of your heroism we
could ever have attained. For this our whole lives, made purer
and nobler by the discipline, will thank you.
"This war will leave none of us as it found us. We cannot
buffet the raging wave and escape all trace of the salt sea's foam.
Toward better or toward worse we are hurried with fearful
134 HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS.
haste. If we at home feel this, wliat must it be to you! Our
hearts throb with agony when wo think of you wounded, suffering,
dying; but the thought of no physical pain touches us half so
deeply as the thought of the temptations which surround you.
"We could better give you up to die on the battle-field, true to your
God and to your country, than to have you return to us with
blasted, blackened souls. When temptations assail fiercely, you
must let the tliought that your mothers are praying for strength
enable you to overcome them. But fighting for a worthy cause
worthily ennobles one; herein is our confidence that you will
return better men than you went away.
"By all that is noble in your manhood; by all that is true in
our womanhood ; by all that is grand in patriotism ; by all that is
sacred in religion, we adjure you to be faithful to yourselves, to us,
to your country, and to your God. Never were men permitted to
fight in a cause more worthy of their blood. Were you fighting
for mere conquest, or glory, we could not give yon up; but to sus-
tain Si principle, the greatest to which human lips have ever given
utterance, even your dear lives are not too costly a sacrifice. Let
that principle, the corner-stone of our independence, be crushed,
and we are all slaves. Like the Suliote mothers, we might well
clasp our children in our arms and leap down to deatli.
"To the stern arbitrament of the sword is now committed the
honor, the very life of this nation. Ton fight not for yourselves
alone; the eyes of the whole world are on you; and if you fail our
[Nation's death-wail will echo through all coming ages, moaning a
requiem over the lost hopes of oppressed humanity. But you will
not fail, so sure as there is a God in Heaven. He never meant
this richest argosy of the nations, freighted with the fears of all
the world's tyrants, with the hop.es of all its oppressed ones, to
flounder in darkness and death. Disasters may come, as they have
come, but they will only be, as they have been, ministers of good.
Each one has led the nation upward to a higher plane, from whence
it has seen with.a clearer eye. Success could not attend us at the
West so long as we scorned the help of the black hand, which
alone had power to open the gate of redemption; the God of
battles would not vouchsafe a victory at the East till the very foot-
prints of a McClellan were washed out in blood.
"But now all things seem ready; we have accepted the aid of
HISTOE^ OF ILLINOIS. 135
that hand; those footsteps are obliterated. In his own good time
w^ feel that God will give us the victory. Till that hour comes we
bid you fight on. Though we have not attained that heroism, or ■
■decision, which enables us togweyou up without a struggle, which
can prevent our giving tears for your Mood, though many of us
must own our hearts, desolate till you return, still we bid you stay
and fight for our country, till from this fierce baptism of blood she
shall be raised complete; the dust shaken from her garments puri-
fied, a new Memnon singing in the great Godlight."
sheema.n''s maech to the sea.
On the 15th of November, 1864, after the destruction of Atlanta,
and the railroads behind him, Sherman, with his army, began his
march to the sea-coast. The almost breathless anxiety with which
his progress was watched by the loyal hearts of the nation, and the
trembling apprehension with which it was regarded by all who
hoped for rebel success, indicated this as one of the most remark-
able events of the war; and so it proved. Of Sherman's army, 45
regiments of infantry, three companies of artillery, and one of
cavalry were from this State. Lincoln answered all rumors of
Sherman's defeat with, "It is impossible; there is a mighty sight
of fight in 100,000 "Western men." Illinois soldiers brought home
300 battle flags. The first United States flag that floated over
Richmond was an Illinois flag. She sent messengers and nurses to
every field and hospital to care for her sick and wounded sous.
Illinois gave the country the great general of the war, U. S.
^rant.
CHAEACTEE OF ABEAHAM LINCOLN.
One other name from Illinois comes up in all minds, embalmed
in all hearts, that must have the supreme place in this sketcli of
our glory and of our nation's [^honor: that name is Abraham
Lincoln. The analysis of Mr. Lincoln's character is difficult on
account of its symmetry. In this age we look with admiration at
his uncompromising honesty; and well we may, for this saved us.
Thousands throughout the length and breadth of our country, who
knew him only as "Honest Old Abe," voted for him on that
account; and wisely did they choose, for no other man could have
carried us through the fearful night of war. When his plans were
too vast for our comprehension, and his faith in the cause too sub-
136 UISTOEY VF ILLINUIS.
lime for our participation; when it was all night about us, 'and all
dread before us, and all sad and desolate behind us; when not one
ray shone upon our cause; when traitors were haughty and exult-
ant at the South, and fierce and blasphemous at the North ; when
the loyal men seemed almost in the minority ; when the stoutest
heart quailed, the bravest cheek paled ; when generals were defeat-
ing each other for place, and contractois \^ere leeching out the very
heart's blood of the republic; when everything else had failed us,
we looked at this calm-, patient man standing like a rock in the
storm, and said, " Mr. Lincoln is honest, and we can trust him still."
Holding to this single point with the energy of faith and despair,
we held together, and under God he brought us through to victory.
His practical wisdom made him the wonder of all lands. With
such certainty did Mr. Lincoln follow causes to their ultimate
effects, that his foresight of contingencies seemed almost prophetic.
He is radiant with all the great virtues, and his memory will shed
a glory upon this age that will fill the eyes of men as they look
into history. Other men have excelled him in some points; but,
taken at all points, he stands head and shouldei'S above every otlier
man of 6,000 years. An administrator, he saved the nation in the
perils of unparalleled civil war; a statesman, he justified his
measures by their success; a philanthropist, he gave liberty to one
race and salvation to another; a moralist, he bowed from the sum-
mit of human power to the foot of the cross; a mediator, he exer-
cised mercy under the most absolute obedience to law; a leader,
he was no partisan; a commander, he was untainted with blood; a
ruler in desperate times, he was unsullied with crime; a man, lie
has left no word of passion, no thought of malice, no trick of craft,
no act of jealousy, no purpose of selfish ambition. Thus perfected,
without a model and without a peer, he was dropped into tliese
troubled" years to adorn and embellish all that' is good and all that
is great in our humanity, and to present to all coming time the
representative of the divine idea of free government. It is not
too much to say that away down in the future, when the republic
has fallen from its niche in the wall of time; when the great war
itself shall h/ive faded out in the distance like a mist on the
horizon ; when the Anglo-Saxon shall be spoken only by the tongue
of the stranger, then the generations looking this way shall see
the great President as the supreme figure in this vortex of history.
HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS.
13T
THE WAE ENDED— THE UNION KESTOEED.
The rebellion was ended with the surrender of Lee and his army,
and Johnson and his command in April, 1865. Onr armies at the
time were up to their maximum strength, never so formidable,
never so invincible; and, until recruiting ceased by order of Sec-
retary Stanton, were daily strengthening. The necessity, however,.
LINCOLN MONUMENT AT SPRINGFIELD.
for so vast and formidable numbers ceased with the disbanding of
the febel forces, which had for more than four years disputed the
supremacy of the Government over its domain. And now the
joyful and welcome news was to be borne to the victorious legions
that their work was ended in triumph, and they were to be per-
mitted "to see homes and friends once more."
138
HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.
Schedule— Showing statement of volunteer troops organized within the State, and sent to the
field, commencing A^ril, 1861, and ending December 31, 18t)5, with number of regiment, name
of original commanding officer, date of organization and muster into United States' service,
place of muster, and the aggregate strength of each organization.
INFANTRY.
as
35
36
27
3S
29
SO.
31'
33
33
34
35
36
37
.38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
■J'
49
.-)U
.')1
.'53
.-)3
-54
56
.66
5
E8
5!?
M
61
■62
03
64
«5
Commanding officer at organiza-
tion.
Col. John Cook
" Kichard J. Oglesby. .
" Eleazer A. Paine
" Jas. D. Morgan
" W. H.L.Wallace...
" John McArthur
" John B. Wyman
*' John M. Palmer
" Thos. J.Turner
" KobertF. Smith....
" Leonard F. Eoes
" Michael K. Lawler . . .
" John B. Turchin
" Chas. C. Marsh
" Ulysses S. Grant
^' Henry Dougherty —
" Jas. A. Mulligan. .. .
" Frederick Hecker. . .
" Wm. N. Color
" JohnM. Loomis
" Nap. B. Buford
'' A.K.Johnson
'* Jas. S. Rearden
'■ Philip B. Fouke
" John A. Logan
" John Logan
" Chas. B.Hovey
" Edward N. Kirk
" Gus. A. Smith
" Nich. Greusel
" Julius White
" Wm. P. Carlin
" Austin Lio'ht
" Steph. G. Hicks
" Isaac O.Pugh
" Wm.A.Webb
" Julius Eaith
" Chas. Noblesdorff .. .
" John E. Smith
^^ John A. Davis. . >i . . .
" JohnBryner
" Isham N. Haynie —
" Wm. R.Morrison...
" 'Moses M. Bane
'• G. W. Gumming
'* Isaac G. Wilson
•' W. H. W. Cushmau.
■> Thos. W. Hams
" David Stuart
'' Robert Kirkham
' Silas D. Baldwin
•■ Wm. F. Lvnch
•' P. SidneyPost
" Silas C. Toler
" Jacob Fry
" James M. True
'' Franc's ATora
Lt. Col. D. D. Williams...
Col. Daniel Cameron
Patrick E. Burke
Resell M. Hough. ...
6P ••' Ellas Stuart
69 " Jos. H. Tucker
70 " O T.Reeves
Yll '■ Othniol Gilbert
Date of organization and
muster into the United
States service.
July 2.5, 1861.
May 24, 1861.
May 25, 1861.
May 24, 1861.
May 28, 1861.,
June 13, 1861..
June 15, 1861..
June 25, 1861. .
June 18, 1861. .
July 8, 1861..
Oct. 31,1861.
Aug. 3, 1861 . .
July 27, 1861..
Sept. 30, 1861..
Sept. 8, 1861..
Deo. 31, 1861.
Aug. 15,1861..
Sept. 7, 18S1..
Sept. 23, 1861
Sept. 18, 1301
Aug. 16, 1861 . . .
December, 1861...
Aug. 10,1861
Aug, 9, 1861
Sept. 17,1861
Dec. 16,1881
Sept. 13, 1861
Dec. 2f), 1-61
Dec. 28. 1861
Oct. 1,1861
Nov. 18, 1861
Dec. 31, 1861
Sept. 12, 1861
Dec. '61, Feb. '62..
Nov. 19, 1861
March. 1863
Feb. 18.1863
Oct. 31,1861
Feb. 27, 1862
Dec. 26, 1861
Dec. 24, 1361
August, 1861
Feb. 17, 1863
March 7,1862....
April 10,1862
Dec. 31, 1862. .
.May 15, 1862..
April. 1863....
Juno 13, 1862..
June 20, 1862. ,
June 14, 1862. ,
July 4, 1862...
Jul V 36, 1862..
Place where mustered
into the United State:
service.
Cairo, Illinois.
Dixon
Jacksonville .
Freeport
Quincy
Peoria
Anna
Joliet ....
Mattoon...
Belleville.
Chicago. . .
Chicago...
Camp But'er...
Tamp Butler. .
Camp Butler..
Camp Butler..
Camp Butler. ,
Camp Butler. .
Camp Butler.
Camp Butler. .
.\urora
Chicago
Camp Butler
Chicago
"'alem
Decatur
Chicago
Camp Butler
Chicago
Galena
Camp Butler
Peoria
Camp Butler
Camp Butler. . . .
Quincy
Camp Douglas. ..
Geneva
Ottawa
Anna .■-...
Camp Douglas . . .
Shawnoetown
Camp Douglae. .
Camp Douglas . . .
St. Lotiia, Mo. .:..
Anna
Carrollton
Anna
Anna
Camp Butler
Camp Douglas
St. Louis, Mo
Camp Douglas
Camp Butler
Camp Douglas
Camp Butler
Camp Douglas:....
IIISTOEY OF ILLINOIS.
33ff
Schedule — Showing statement of volunteer troops organized within the State, and sent to th&
field, commencing April, 1861, and ending December 31, 1865, with nnmber of regiment, name
of original commanding officer, date of organization and muster into United States' service,-
place of muster, and the aggregate strength of each organization.
INPANTEY.
100
101
10:i
IO3
IO4
IO5
106
lOr
108
IO9
"0
"1
11a
"3
114
113
"6
117
118
119
120
121
12'J
133
124
1«5
1-36
127
128
lag
.130
131
13a
133
134
13
Commanding officer at organiza-
tion.
Date of organization and
muster into the United
States service.
Col. Frederick A. Starring..
Jas. F. Jaquess
Jason Marsh
George Ryan
Alonzo W. Maclj
David P. Grier
W. H. Bennison
Lyman Guinnip
ThOB. G. Allen
Jas. J. DoUius
Fredericls Hecker
Abner C. Harding
Louis H. Waters
Robert S. Moore
David D. Irons
John E. Whiting
F. T. Sherman
John Christopher
Timothy O'Mera
Henry M. Day
Smith D. Atiiins
Holden Putnam
Wm. Vi'. Orme
Lawr'n S. Church
Thos. E. Champion .
F. S. Riltherford
J.J. Funkhouser
G.W.K. Bailey
Fred. A. Bartleson
Chas. H. Fox
Wm. McMurtry
Amos C. Bahcock
Absalom B. Moore
Daniel Dustin
Robert B. Latham
Thomas Snell
John Warner
Alex. J.Nimmo
Thos. S Casey
James S. Martin
T. J. Henderson
Geo.B. Hoge
James W. Judy.
Jesse H. Moore
Nathan H. Tupper.
Risden M. Moore
John G.Fonda
Thos. J. Kenney
George W. McKeaig
Never organized ^
Col. John I. Rinaker
James Moore
Thomas J. Sloan
Oscar F. Harmon
Jonathan Richmond
John VanArman
Robert M. Hudley
George P. Smith
Nathaniel Niles
George W. Neeley..
Thomas C. Pickett
Thad. Phillips
W. W McChesney.......
Jihn S.Wolfe
Aug. 31,1862...
Sept, 4, 18fi2...
sept. 2. 1862, .
Aug. 2a, 1868.
*Sept. 3, 186i.,
Sept. 1, 18b2...
Aug. S8, 1862.,
Aug. 25, 1862...
Aug. 26, 186^..
Aug. 21, 1862..
Sept. 1,1862,.
Aug. 27, 1862,
Sept 22, 1862. ,
Aug. 27, 1862..,
*Ang 25, 18ii'.,
Nov. 22, 1862,.
Sept. 8, 1862...
Sept. 4, 1862....
Oct. 13, 1862.,..
Aug. 211,1863...
Sept. 4, 18112 , ,
Sept. 6, 1863...
Sept. 8, 186i..
Sept. 3, lt6i ...
Aug. 26, 1862..,
Aug. 30,1863. .
Sept. 3, 1862....
Oct, 2, 1862. . . .
Aug. 27, 1863. .
Sept. 2, 1862..
Sept. 17, 1862. ,
Sept. 4,1864,..
Aug. 28, 1862..
sept. 11,1861,.
Sept. 18, 1862
Sept. 12,1862
Oct. 1,1862
Sept. 18, 1863
Sept. 13, 1863.
Sept. 30 1862
Sept. 19, 1863
Nov, 39. 1863
Oct. 7, 1863
Oct. 29, 1862
Sept. 4,1862...
Sept. 6 1862 .,
Sept. 10, 1862.
Sept. 4, 1862,..
Sept. 5, 1862. .
Dec 18, 1862...
Sept. 8, 1862,,.
Oct. 23. 1865...
Nov. 13,1862,..
June 1,1864...
May 31,1864,..
Place where mustered
into the United States
service.
Camp Douglas
Camp Butler
Rockford
Dixon
Kankakee
Peoria..,
Quincy
Danville
Ceutralia
Anna
Camp Butler
Monmouth
tiuincy
Heoria
Peoria
Shawneetown
Camp Douglas
Camp Douglas
Camp Douglas
Camp Butler
Rockford
Princeton and Chicago.
Bloomiugtou,
Rockford*.
Rockford
Camp Butler
Centralia
Florence, Pike Co . ,
Joliet
Jacksonville
Knoxville
peoria
Ottawa
Chicago
Lincoln
Camp Butler
Peoria
Anna
Anna
Sa'em
Peoria
Camp Douglas
Camp Butler
Camp Butler
Decatur
Camp Butler
Camp Butler
Quincy
Camp Butler
N OitfQ
June 6,1864.
Carlinville.,, ..
Mattoon
Camj Butler...
Danville
Chicago
Camp Douglas .
Camp Butler. , .
Pontiac
Camp But'er. ..
Camp Massac.
Camp Fry
Camp Butler.'
Camp Fry
Mattoon
1471
968-
989
987
1110-
1031
1028
974
928.
1187
961
138o
936.
93'J
99i
994
907
1^86.
96a
1041
1265
1036
1091
1437
1206
1082
1078
936
921
911
998
917
977
1001
1097
944
937
967
873
994
1095
1258
990
960
952
995
1101
952
844
1050
1130
933
998
957
866'
1011
853
8S1
878
140
HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.
ScHEDtiLB— Showing statement of volunteer troops organized within the State, and sent to the
field commencing April, 1861, and ending December 31, 1865, withnnmher of regiment, name
of original commanding ofHcer, date of organization and muster into United States service,
place of muster, and the aggregate strength of each organization.
INFANTBY.
Commanding oflficer at organiza-
tion.
136 Col. Fred. A. Johns
137 " John Wood
138 " J. W. Goodwin
139 " Peter Davidson
140 '■ L. H. Whitney
'41 " Stephen Bronson —
142 " EoUin V. Anlsney..
143 " Dudley C.Smith
144 " Cyrus Hall
145 ' George W. Laclcey.
146 " Henry H. Dean
147 ■' Hiram F. Sickles
148 - " Horace H. Wilsie —
149 " Wm. C. Kueifner
VO " George W. lieener. . .
151 " French B. Woodall . .
153 " F. D. Stephenson
158 " Stephen Bronson
154 '■ McLean F.Wood.. .
155 " Gustavns A. Smith.
156 '• Alfred F. Smith
... " J.W. ^i'son
" JohnA. BrosB
. . . Capt. John Curtis
'• Simon J. Stookey...
^' James Steele
Date of organization and
muster into the United
States service.
une 1,1864...
Junes, 1864...
June 31, 1864..
June 1,1864...
June 18, 1864..
June 16, 1864..
.June 18, 1864..
June 11, 1864..
Oct. 21,1864...
.June 9, 1864...
Sept. 20, 1864..
Feb. 18, 1865...
Feb. 11, 1865...
Feb. 14, 1865 .
Feb. 25, 1865..
Feb. 18, 1865..
Feb. ar, 1865. . ,
Feb. 33, 1865.
Feb. 28, 1865 .
March 9. 1865.
Dec. 1, 1861...
June 21, 1864..
June 15, 1864..
Place where mustered
into the United States
service.
Centralia
Quincy
Quincy
Peoria
Camp Butler, .
Elgin
Uamp Butler..
Mattoon
A ton, Ills
Camp Butler..
Camp Butler, .
Chicago
Quincy
Camp Butler. .
Camp Butler. ;
Quincy
Camp Butler. .
Chicago
Camp Butler. .
Camp Butler. .
Chicago
Chicago
Quincy
Camp "Butler. .
Camp Butler. .
Chicago
CAVALEY.
ICol.
2
Thomas A. Marshall
Silas Nob'e
Eugene A. Carr
T.Lyle Dickey
John J. Updegraff
Thomas H. Cavanaugh .
Wm. Pitt Kellogg
John F. Farnswoi'tb. . . .
Albert G. Brackett
James A. Barrett
HobertG. IngersoU
ArnoVoss
Joseph W.Bell
Horace Capron
W arren Stewart
Christian Thielman
John L. Beveridge
June, 1861
Aug. 34, " . . . .
Sept. 21," ...'.
Sept, 30, "
December " . . .
Nov., '61, Jan.,
August, "61 . . . .
*ept. 18, '61....
Oct. 26, '61
Nov. 25, '61
Dec. 20, '61
Dec, '61, Feb.,
Jan. 7, '63
Organized Dec. 35, '63..
Jan. an* April, '63
Jan. 38, '64
Bloomlngton... .
Camp Butler. . .
Camp Butler
Ottawa
Camp Butler
Camp Butler. . . .
Camp Butler. . . .
St. Charles
Camp Douglas . .
Camp Butler. . . .
Peoria
Camp Butler. . .
Camp Douglas. .
Peoria
Camp Butler
Camp Butler
St. Charles
FIEST EEGIMBNT— ILLINOIS LIGHT AETILLBEY.
Co
A
B
0
D
E
F
G
H
I
K
L
M
Field
Capt.
and Staff.
C. M. Willard
Ezra Taylor
C. Haughtaling
Edward McAllister.
A. 0. Waterhouse..
John T. Cheney . . .
Arthur O'Leary
Axel Silversparr
Edward Bouton
A. Franklin
.Tohn Eourke
John B.Miller
Recruits
Oct. 31,1861.
•Tan. 14, '63...
Dec. 19, '61...
Feb. 25, '62. .
Feb. 28, '62 .
Feb. 30, '62. .
Feb. 15, '63...
fan. 9, '62....
F"h. 23, '62..
Aug 12, '62
Chicago
Chicago
Ottawa
Ptaiufield
Chicago
Camp Butler. . .
Cairo
Chicago :
Chicago
.'hawneetown .
Chicago
Chicago
HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.
141
SoHEDOT-B— Showing statement of volunteer troops organized within the State, and sent to the
field commencing April, 1861, and ending December 31, 1865, with number of regiment, name
of original commanding officer, date of organization and muster into United States service,
place of muster, and the aggregate strength of each organization.
LIGHT ARTILLERY.
Commanding oificer at organiza-
tion.
Date of organization and
muster into the United
States service.
Place where mustered
into the United States
service.
SECOND REGIMENT— ILLINOIS LIGHT ARTILLERY.
* O ET
CM
Capt.
Peter Davidson
Riley Madison
Caleb Hopkins
Jasper M. Dresser
Adolph Schwartz
John W.Powell...
Charles J. Stolbrand.
Andrew Steinbeck...
Charles "W, Keith. ..
Benjamin P. Rogers.
William H. Bolton...
JohnC. Phillips
Field and Staff
Recruits
Aug. ir, 1861
June 20, '61 . . .
Aug. 5, 'ei . . . .
Dec. 17, '61 . . .
Feb. 1, '62.
Dec. 11, '61....
Deo. 31, '61.,,,
Feb. S8, '63.
June 6, '6S. .
Peoria
Springfield
Cairo
Cairo
Cairo
Cape Girardeau, Mo..
Camp Butler
Camp Butler,
Camp Butler
Camp Butler
Chicago
Chicago
116
137
154
117
136
190
108
115
107
108
145
100
10
1171
INDEPENDENT BATTERIES.
Boardof Trade
Springfield. . . .
Mercantile
Elgin
Coggswell's. . .
Henshaw's —
Bridges'
Colvm's
Busteed's
Capt.
James S. Stokes
Thomas P.Vaughn...
Charles G. Cooley
George' W. Reuwick. .
William Coggswell...
Ed. C. Henshaw
Lyman Bridges
John H.Colvin
July 31, 1868.
Aug. SI, '62..
Aug. 39, '62..
Nov. IE, '62..
Sept 23, '61..
Oct. 15, '63. . .
Jan.-l, ^S....
Oct. 10, '63. . .
Chicago
Camp Butler. . .
Chicago
Elgin
Camp Douglas.
Ottawa ,
Chicago"
CJiicago
Chicago
199
270
342
221
196
232
91
127
RECAPITULATION.
Infantry 185,941
Cavalry : 33 082
Artillery 7,277
DUELS.
ThtJ code of chivalry so common among Southern gentlemen
and SO frequently brought into use in settling personal differences
has also been called to settle the "affairs of honor'' in our own
State, however, but few times, and those in the earlier days.
Several attempts at duels have occurred; before the disputants met
in mortal combat the differences were amicably and satisfactorily
settled; honor vs^as maintained without the sacrifice of life. In
1810 a law was adopted to suppress the practice of dueling. This
law held the fatal result of dueling to be murder, and, as it was
intended, had the effect of mating it odious and dishonorable.
Prior to the constitution' of 1848, parties would evade the law by
142 HISTOEY OP ILLINOIS.
going beyond the jurisdiction of the State to engage in their con-
tests of honor. At that time they incorporated in the Constitutioa
iin oath of office, which was so broad as to cover the whole world.
Any person who had over fought a duel, ever sent or accepted a.
challenge or acted the part of second was disfranchised from liolding^
office, even of minor importance. After this went into effect, no
other duel or attempt at a duel has been engaged in witliin the
State of Illinois, save those fought by parties living outside of
the State, who came here to settle their personal differences.
THE FinST DUEL.
The first duel fought within tlie boundaries of this great State
was between two young military officers, one of the French and
the other of the English army, in the year 1765. It was at the
time the British troops came to take possession of Fort Chartres,
and a woman was the cause of it. The affair occurred early
Sunday morning, near the old fort. They fought with swords, and
in the combat one sacrificed his life.
BOND AND JONES.
In 1809 the next duel occurred and was bloodless of itself, but out
of it grew a quarrel which resulted in the assassination of one of
the contestants. The principals were Shadrach Bond, the fli-st
Governor, and Rice Jones, a bright young lawyer, who became quite
a politician and the leader of his party. A personal difference arose
between the two, which to settle, the parties met for mortal combat
on an island in the Mississippi. The weapons selected were hair-
trigger pistols. After taking their position Jones' weapon was
prematurely discharged. Bond's second, Dunlap, now claimed that
according to tlie code Bond had the right to the next fire. But
Bond would not take so great advantage of his opponent, and said
it was an accident and would not fire. Such noble conduct
touched the generous nature of Jones, and the difficulty was at
once amicably settled. Dunlap, however, bore a deadly hatred for
Jones, and one day while he was standing in the street in Kaskaskia,
conversing with a lady, lie crept up behind him and shot him dead
in his tracks. Dunlap successfully escaped to Texas.
EECTOR AND BARTON. -
In 1812 the bloody code again brought two young men to the
field of honor. They were Tiiomas Rector, a son of Oapt. Stephen
HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 145
Kector who bore such a noble part in the war of 1812, ana Joshua
Barton. They liad espoused the quarrel of older brothers. The
affair occurred on Bloody Island, in the Mississippi, but in the
limits of Illinois. This place was frequented so often by Missou-
rians to settle personal difficulties, that it received the name of
Bloody Island. Barton fell in this conflict.
STEWAET AND BENNETT.
In 1819 occurred the first duel fought after the admission of the
State into the Union. This took place in St. Clair county between
Alphonso Stewart and William Bennett. It was intended to be a
sham duel, to turn ridicule against Bennett, the challenging party-
Stewart was in the secret but Bennett was left to believe it a
reality. Their guns were loaded with blank cartridges. Bennett,
suspecting a trick, put a ball into his gun without the knowledge
of his seconds. The word "fire" was given, and Stewart fell
mortally wounded. Bennett made his escape but was subsequently
captured, convicted of murder and suffered the penalty of the law
by hanging.
PEAESON AND BAKEE.
In 1840 a personal difference arose between, two State Senators,
Judge Pearson and E. D. Baker. The latter, smarting under the
epithet of " falsehood," threatened to chastise Pearson in the public
streets, by a " fist fight." Pearson declined making a "blackguard''
of himself but intimated a readiness to fight as gentlemen, accord-
ing to the code of honor. The affair, however, was carried no
further.
HAEDIN AND DODQE.
The exciting debates in the Legislature in 1840-'41 were often
bitter in personal " slings," and threats of combats were not
infrequent. During these debates, in one of the speeches by the
Hon. J. J. Hardin, Hon. A. E. Dodge thought he discovered a
personal insult, took exceptions, and an " affair " seemed imminent.
The controversy was referred to friends, however, and amicably
settled.
m'cleenand and smith.
Hon. John A. McClernand, a member of the House, in a speech
delivered during the same session made charges against the Whig
Judges of the Supreme Court. This brought a note from Judge
146 HISTORY OB' ILLINOIS.
T. W. Smith, by the hands of his " friend '" Dr. Merriman, to
McClernand. This was construed as a challenge, and promptly
accepted, naming the place of meeting to be Missouri; time, early;
the weapons, rifles; and distance, 40 paces. At this critical junc-
ture, the Attorney General had a warrant issued against the Judge,
whereupon he was arrested and placed under bonds to keep the
peace. Thus ended this attempt to vindicate injured honor.
LINCOLN AND SHIELDS.
During the hard times subsequent to the failure of the State and
other banks, in 1842, specie became scarce while State money was
plentiful, but worthless. The State ofBcers thereupon demanded
specie payment for taxes. This was bitterly opposed, and so fiercely
contested that the collection of taxes was suspended.
During the period of the greatest indignation toward the State
ofiicials, under the nom de plume of " Rebecca," Abraham Lincoln
had an article published in the Sangamo Journal, entitled " Lost
Township." In this article, written in the form of a dialogue, the
oiBcers of the State were roughly handled, and especially Auditor
Shields. The name of the author was demaded from the editor by
Mr. Shields, who was very indignant over the manner in wliich he
was treated. The name of Abraham Lincoln was given as the
author. It is claimed by some of his biographers, however, that
the article was prepared by a lady, and that when the name of the
author was demanded, in a spirit of gallantry, Mr. Lincoln gave
his name. In company with Gen. Whiteside, Gen. Shields pur-
sued Lincoln to Tremont, Tazewell county, where he was in attend-
ance upon the court, and immediately sent him a note "requiring
a full, positive and absolute retraction of all offensive allusions"
made to him in relation to his "private character and standing as
a man, or an apology for the insult conveyed." Lincoln had been
forewarned, however, for "William Butler and Dr. Merrirhan, of
Springfield, had become acquainted with Shields' intentions and by
riding all night arrived at Tremont ahead of Shields and informed
Lincoln what he might expect. Lincoln answered Shields' note,
refusing to offer any explanation, on the grounds that Shields' note
assumed the fact of his (Lincoln's) authorship of the article, and
not pointing out what the offensive part was, and accompanying the .
same with threats as to consequences. Mr. Shields answered this,
disavowing all intention to menace; inquired if he was the author,
HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 147
asked a retraction of that portion relating to his private character.
Mr. Lincoln, still technical, returned this note with the verbal
statement " that there could be no further negotiations until the
first note was withdrawn." At this Shields named Gen. White-
side as his " friend," when Lincoln reported Dr. Merriman as his
"friend." These gentlemen secretly pledged themselves to agree
upon some amicable terms, and compel their urincipals to accept
them. The four went to Springfield, when Lincoln left for Jack-
sonville, leaving the following instructions to guide his friend, Dr.
Merriman:
" In case Whiteside shall signify a wish to adjust this aifair with-
out further difficulty, let him know that if the present papers be
withdrawn and a note from Mr. Shields, asking to know if I am the
author of the articles of which he complains, and asking that I shall
make him gentlemanly satisfaction, if I am the author, and this
without menace or dictation as to what that satisfaction shall be, a
pledge is made that the following answer shall be given :
I did write the "Lost Township " letter which appeared in the Journal of the
3d inst., but had no participation, in any form, in any other article alluding to
you. I wrote that wholly for political effect. I had no intention of inj uring
your personal or private character or standing, as a man or gentleman ; and I did
not then think, and do not now think, that that article could produce or has pro-
duced that effect against you ; and, had I anticipated such an effect, would have
foreborne to write it. And I will add that your conduct toward me, so far as I
know, had always been gentlemanly, and that I had no personal pique against
you, and no cause for any.
" If this should be done, I leave it to you to manage what shall
and what shall not be published. If nothing like this is done, the
preliminaries of the fight are to be:
"1st. Weapons. — Cavalry broad swords of the largest size, pre-
cisely equal in all respects, and such as are now used by the cavalry
company at Jacksonville.
" 2d. Position.— A. plank ten feet long and from nine to twelve
inches broad, to be firmly fixed on edge, on the ground, as a line
between ns which neither is to pass his foot over on forfeit of his
life. .Next a line drawn on the ground on either side of said plank,
and parallel with it, each at the distance of the whole length of the
sword, and three feet additional from the plank; and the passing of
his own such line by either party during the fight, shall be deemed
a surrender of the contest.
148 HISTOEY OF ILLINOIS.
"3d. Time. — On Thursday evening at 6 o'clock, if you can get
it so; but in no case to be at a greater distance of time than Friday
evening at 5 o'clock.
"ith". PZace.— Within three miles of Alton, on the opposite
side of the river, the particular spot to be agreed on by you.
" Any preliminary details coming within the above rules, you are
at liberty to make at your discretion, but you are in no case to
swerve from these rules, or pass bej^ond their limits."
The position of the contestants, as prescribed by Lincoln, seema
to have been such as both would have been free from coming in
contact with the sword of the other, and the first impression is that
it is nothing more than one of Lincoln's jokes. He possessed very
long arms, however, and could reach his adversary at the stipulated
distance.
Not being amicably arranged, all parties repaired to the field of
combat in Missouri. Gen. Hardin and .Dr. English, as mutual
friends of both Lincoln and Shields, arrived in the meantime, and
after much correspondence at their earnest solicitation the aifair
was satisfactorily arranged, Lincoln making a statement similar to
the one above referred to.
SHIELDS AND BUTLEK.
William Butler, one of Lincoln's seconds, was dissatisfied with
the bloodless termination of the Lincoln-Shields aifair, and wrote an
account of it for the Sangamo Journal. This article refiected dis-
creditably upon both the principals engaged in that controversy.
Shields replied by the hands of his friend Gren. Whiteside, in a
curt, menacing note, which was promptly accepted as a challenge
by Butler, and the inevitable Di: Merriman named as his friend,
who submitted the following as preliminaries of the fight:
Time. — Sunrise on the following morning.
Place. — Col. Allen's farm (about one mile north of State House.)
Weapons. — liifles.
Distance. — One hundred yards.
The parties to stand with their right sides toward each other —
the rifles to be held in both hands horizontally and cocked, arms
extended downwards. Neither party to move his person or his
rifle after being placed, before the word fire. The signal to be:
"Are you ready? Fire! one — two — three!" about a second of
HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 149
time intervening between each word. Neither party to fire before
the word " fire," nor after the word " three."
Gen. Whiteside, in language curt and abrupt, addressed a note to
Dr. Merriman declining to accept the terms. Gen. Shields,' how-
ever, addressed another note to Butler, explaining the feelings of
his second, and offering to go out to a lonely place on the prairie to
fight, where there would be no danger of being interrupted; or, if
that did not suit, he would meet him on his own conditions, when
and where lie pleased. Butler claimed the affair was closed and
decHned the proposition.
VTHITESIDE AND MEKEIMAN.
Now Gen. Whiteside and Dr. Merriman, who several times had
acted in the capacity of friends or seconds, were to handle the
deadly weapons as principals. While second in the Shields-Butler
fiasco, Whiteside declined the terms proposed by Butler, in curt
and abrupt language, stating that tlie place of combat could not be
dictated to him, for it was as mnch his right as Merriman's, who,
if he was a gentleman, would recognize and concede it. To this
Merriman replied by the hands of Oapt. Lincoln. It will be
remembered that Merriman had acted in the same capacity for Lin-
coln. Whiteside then wrote to Merriman, asking to meet him at
St. Louis, when he would hear from him further. To this Merri-
man replied, denying his right to name place, but offered to meet
in Louisiana, Mo. This Whiteside would not agree to, but later
signified his desire to meet him there, but the affair being closed,
the doctor declined to re-open it.
PEATT AND CAjVIPBELL.
These two gentlemen were members of the Constitutional CoUt
vention of 1847, and both from Jo Davies county. A dispute arose
which ended in a challenge to meet on the field of honor. They
both repaired to St. Louis, but the authorities gaining knowledge
of their bloody intentions, had both parties arrested, which ended
this " affair."
DRESS AND MANNERS.
The dress, habits, etc., of a people throw so much light upon their
conditions and limitations that in order better to show the circum-
stances surrounding the people of the State, we will give a short
150 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.
exposition of the manner of life of our Illinois people at different
epochs. The Indians themselves are credited by Charlevoix with
being " very laborious," — raising poultry, spinning the wool of the
buffalo and manufacturing garments therefrom. These must havie
been, however, more than usually favorable representatives of their
race.
" The working and voyaging dress of the French masses," says
Reynolds, "was simple and primitive. The French were like the
lilies of the valley (the Old Ranger was not always exact in his
quotations), — they neither spun nor wove any of their clothing, but
purchased it from the merchants. The white blanket coat, known
as the capot, was the universal and eternal coat for the winter with
the masses. A cape was made of it that could be raised over the
head in cold weather.
" In the house, and in good weather, it hung behind, a cape to
the blanket coat. The reason that I know these coats so well is,
tliat I have worn many in my youth, and a working man never wore
a better garment. Dressed deer-skins and blue cloth were worn
icommonly in the winter for pantaloons. The blue handkerchief
and the deer-skin moccasins covered the head and feet generally of
the French Creoles. In 1800, scarcely a man thought himself clothed
unless he had a belt tied around his blanket coat, and on one side
was hung -the dressed skin of a pole-cat, tilled with tobacco, pipe,
flint and steel. On the other side was fastened, under the belt, the
the butcher-knife. A Creole in this dress felt like Tarn O'Shanter
filled with usquebaugh; he could face the devil. Checked calico
shirts were then common, but in winter flannel was frequently
worn.. In the summer the laboring men and the voyagers often
took their shirts off in hard work and hot weather, and turned out
the naked back to the air and sun."
" Among the Americans," he adds, "home-made wool hats were
the common wear. Fur hats were not common, and scarcely a boot
was seen. The covering of the feet in winter was chiefly moccasin^
made of deer-skins, and shoe packs of tanned leather. Some wore
shoes, but not common in very early times. In the summer the
greater portion of the young people, male and female; and many of
the old, went barefoot. The substantial and universal outside wear
was the blue linsey hunting-shirt. This is an excellent garment,
and I have never felt so happy and healthy since I laid it off. It is
O
'^^
5f— ^X
^l
HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 15S
made of wide sleeves, open before, with ample size so as to envelop
the body almost twice around. Sometimes it had a large cape,
which answers well to save the shoulders from the rain. A belt is
mostly used to keep the garment close around the person, and,
nevertheless, there is nothing tight about it to hamper the body.
It is often fringed, aad at times the fringe is composed of red, and
other gay colors. Tlie belt, frequently, is sewed to the hunting-shirt.
The vest was mostly made of striped linsey. The colors were made
often with alum, copperas and madder, boiled with the bark of trees,
iusuch a manner and proportions as the old ladies prescribed. The
pantaloons of the masses were generally made of deer-skin and
linsey. Course blue cloth was sometimes made into pantaloons
" Linsey, neat and fine, manufactured at home, composed generally
the outside garments of the females as well as the males. The
ladies had linsey colored and woven to suit their fancy. A bonnet,
composed of calico, or some gay goods, was worn on tlie head when
they were in the open air. Jewelry on the pioneer ladies was
uncommon; a gold ring was an ornament not often seen."
In 1830 a cliange of dress began to take place, and before 1830,
according to Ford, most of the pioneer costume had disappeared.
"The blue linsey hunting-shirt, with red or white fringe, had given
place to the cloth coat. [Jeans would be more like the fact.] The
raccoon cap, with the tail of the animal dangling down behind, had
been thrown aside for hats of wool or fur. Boots and shoes had
supplied the deer-skin moccasins; and the leather breeches, strapped
tight around the ankle, had disappeared before unmentionables of a
more modern material. The female sex had made still greater pro.
gress in dress. The old sort of cotton or woolen frocks, spun, woven
and made with their own fair hands, and striped and cross-barred
with blue dye and turkey red, had given place to gowns of silk and
calico. The feet, before in a state of nudity, now charmed in shoes
of calf-skin or slippers of kid; and the head, formerly unbonneted,
but covered with a cotto i handkerchief, now displayed the charms
of the female face under many forms of bonnets of straw, silk and
leghorn. The young ladies, instead of walking a mile or two to
church on Sunday, carrying their shoes and stockings in their hands
until within a hundred yards of the place of worship, as formerly,
now came forth arrayed complete in all the pride of dress, mounted
on fine horses and attended by their male admirers."
154 HISTOEY OF ILLINOIS.
The last half century has doubtless witnessed changes quite as
^reat as those set forth by our Illinois historian. The chronicler
of to day, looking back to the golden days of 1830 to 1840, and
comparing them with the present, must be struck with the tendency
of an almost monotonous uniformity in dress and manners that
«omes from the easy inter communication afforded by steamer, rail-
way, telegraph and newspaper. Home manufacturers have been
driven from the household by the lower-priced fabrics of distant
mills. The Kentucky jeans, and the copperas-colored clothing of
home manufacture, so familiar a few years ago, have given place to
the cassimeres and cloths of noted factories. The ready-made-
clothing stores, like a touch of nature, made the whole world kin-
and may drape the charcoal man in a dress-coat and a stove-pipe
hat. The prints and silks of England and France give a variety of
■choice, and an assortment of colors and shades such as the pioneer
women could hardly have dreamed of. Godey, and Demorest, and
Harper's Bazar are found in our modern farm-houses, and the latest
fashions of Paris are not uncommon.
PHYSICAL FEATUEES OF ILLINOIS.
In area, the State has 55,410 square miles of territory. It is
about 150 miles wide and 400 miles long, stretching in latitude
from Maine to North Carolina. The climate varies from Portland
to Kichmond. It favors every product of the continent, including
the tropics, with less than half a dozen exceptions. It produces
every great food of the world except bananas and rice. It is hardly
too much to say that it is the most productive spot known to civil-
ization. With the soil full of bread and the earth fnll of minerals;
■with an upper surface of food and an under layer of fuel; with per-
fect natural drainage, and abundant springs, and streams, and navi-
gable rivers; half way between the forests of the North and the
fruits of the South; within a day's ride of the great deposits of
iron, coal, copper, lead and zinc; and containing and controlling
the great grain, cattle, pork and lumber markets of the world, it is
not strange tliat Illinois has the advantage of position.
There are no mountains in Illinois; in the southern as well as in
the northern part of the State there are a few hills; near the banks
of the Illinois, Mississippi, and several otlier rivers, the ground is
UISTOEY OF ILLINOIS. 155'
elevated, forming the so-called bluffs, on wliich at the present day
maj be found, uneifaced by the hand of Time, the marks and traces,
left by the water which was formerly much higher; whence it may
be safe to conclude that, where now the fertile prairies of Illinois
extend, and the rich soil of the country yields its golden harvests,
must have been a vast sheet of water, the mud deposited by which
formed the soil, thus accounting for the present great fertility of the
country.
Illinois is a garden 400 miles long and 150 miles wide. Its soil
is chiefly a black, sandy loam, from 6 inches to 60 feet thick. About
the old French towns it has yielded corn for a century and a half
without rest or help. She leads all other States in the number
of acres actually under plow. Her mineral Wealth is scarcely
second to her agricultural power. She has coal, iron, lead, zinc,
copper, many varieties of building stone, marble, fire clay,- cuina
clay, common brick clay, sand of all kinds, gravel, mineral paint, —
in fact, everything needed, for a high civilization.
AGRICULTUEE.
If any State of the Union is adapted for agriculture, and the other
branches of rural economy relating thereto, such as the raising of
cattle and the culture of fruit trees, it is pre-eminently Illinois.
Her extremely fertile prairies recompense the farmer at less
trouble and expense than he would be obliged to incur elsewhere, in
order to obtain the same results. Her rich soil, adapted by nature
for immediate culture, only awaits the plow and the seed in order
to mature, within a few months, a most bountiful harvest. A
review of statistics will be quite interesting to the reader, as well as
valuable, as showing the enormous quantities of the various cereals
produced in our prairie State:
In 1876 there was raised in the State 130,000,000 of bushels of
corn, — twice as much as any other State, and one-sixth of all the corn
raised in the United States. It would taKe 375,000 cars to transport
this vast amount of corn 1o market, which would make 15,000 trains
of 25 cars each. She harvested 2,747,000 tons of hay, nearly one-
tenth of all the hay in the Republic. It is not generally appreciated,
but it is true, that the hay crop of the country is worth more than
the cDtton crop. The hay of Illinois equals the cotton of Louisiana-
156
HISTOEY OF ILLINOIS.
Go to Charleston, S. C, and see them peddling handfuls of hay or
grass, almost as a curiosity, as we regard Chinese gods or the cryo-
lite of Greenland; drink your coffee and condensed milk; and walk
back from the coast for many a league through the sand and burs
till you get up into the better atmosphere of the mountains, with-
out seeing a waving meadow or a grazing herd; then you will begin
to appreciate the meadows of tlie Prairie State.
The value of her farm implements was, in 1876, $211,000,000,
and the value of live stock was only second to New York. The
same year she had 25,000,000 hogs, and packed 2,113,845, about
one-half of all that were packed in the United States.* She marketed
$57,000,000 worth of slaughtered animals,^ — more than any other
State, and a seventh of all the States.
Illinois excels all other States in miles of railroads and in miles
of postal service, and in money orders sold per annum, and in the
amount of lumber sold.
Illinois was only second in many important matters, taking the
reports of 1876. This sample list comprises a few of the more
important: Permanent school fund; total income for educational
purposes; number of publishers of books, maps, papers, etc.; value
of farm products and implements, and of live stock; in tons of coal
mined.
The shipping of Illinois was only second to New York. Out of
one port during the business hours of the season of navigation she
sent forth a vessel every nine minutes. This did not include canal-
boats, which went one every five minutes.
No wonder she was only second in number of bankers or in phy-
sicians and surgeons.
She was third in colleges, teachers and schools; also in cattle,
lead, hay, flax, sorghum and beeswax.
She was fourth in population, in children enrolled in public
schools, in law schools, in butter, potatoes and carriages.
She was fifth in value of real and personal property, in theologi-
cal seminaries, and colleges exclusively for women, in milk sold,
and in boots and shoes manufactured, and in book-binding.
She was only seventh in the production of wood, while she was
the twelfth in area. Surely that was well done for the Prairie State.
She then had, in 1876, much more wood and growing timber than
she had thirty years before.
HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 157
A few leading industries will justify emphasis. She manufactured
$205,000,000 worth of goods, which placed her well up toward
New York and Pennsylvania. The number of her manufacturing
establishments increased from 1860 to 1870, 300 per cent. ; capital
employed increased 350 per cent.; and the amount of product in-
creased 400 per cent. She issued 5,500,000 copies of commercial
and financial newspapers, being only second to New Yoi'k. She had
6,759 miles of railroad, then leading all other States, worth $636,-
458,000, using 3,245 engines, and 67,712 cars, making a train long
enough to cover one-tenth of tlie entire roads of the State. Her
stations were only five miles apart. She carried, in 1876, 15,795,-
000 passengers an average of 33J miles, or equal to taking her
entire population twice across the State. More than two-thirds of
her land was within five miles of a railroad, and less than two per
cent, was more than fifteen miles away
The State has a large financial interest in the Illinois Central
railroad. The road was incorporated m 1850, and the State gave
each alternate section for six miles on each side, and doubled the
price of the remaining land, so keeping herself good. The road
received 2,595,000 acres of land, and paid to the State one-seventh
of the gross receipts. The State received in 1877, $350,000, and
had received up to that year in all about $7,000,000. It was prac-
tically the people's road, and it had a most able and gentlemanly
management. Add to the above amount the annual receipts from
the canal, $111,000, and a large per cent, of the State tax was pro-
vided for.
GOVEENORSOF ILLINOIS.
Shadrach Bond — Was the first Governor of Illinois. He was a
native of Maryland and born in 1773; was raised on a farm; re-
ceived a common English edncation, and came to Illinois in 1794.
He served as a delegate in Congress from 1811 to 1815, where he
procured the right of pre-emption of public laud, lie was elected
Governor in 1818; was beaten for Congress in 1824 by Daniel F.
Cook. He died at Kaskaskia, April 11, 1830.
Edward Coles — "Was born Dec. 15, 1786, in Virginia. His father
was a slave-holder; gave his son a collegiate education, and left to
him a large number of slaves. These he liberated, giving each
head of a family 160 acres of land and aconsiderable sum of money.
158 HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS.
He was President Madison's private secretary. He came to Illinoin;
in 1819, was elected Governor in 1822, on tlio anti-slavery ticket;
moved to Philadelphia in 1833, and died in 1868.
Ninian Edwards. — In 1809, on the formation of the Territory of
Illinois, Mr. Edwards was appointed Governor, which position he
retained until the organization of the State, when he was sent to
the United States Senate. He was elected Governor in 1S26. He
was a native of Maryland and born in 1775; received a collegiate
education; was Chief Justice of Kentucky, and a Republican in
politics.
John Reynolds — Was born in Pennsylvania in 1788, and came
with his parents to Illinois in 1800, and in 1830 was elected Gov-
ernor on the Democratic ticket, and afterwards served three terms
in Congress. He received a classical education, yet M'as not polished.
He was an ultra Democrat; attended the Charleston Convention in .
1860, arid urged the seizure of United States arsenals by the
South. He died in 1865 at Belleville, childless.
Joseph Duncan. — In 183J: Joseph Duncan was elected Governor
by the Whigs, although formerly a Democrat. He had previously
served four terms in Congress. He was born in Kentucky in 1794;
had but a limited education; served with distinction in the war of
1812; conducted^the campaign of 1832 against Black Hawk. He
came to Illinois when quite young.
Thomas Carlin — Was elected as a Democrat in 1838. He had
but a meager education ; held many minor offices, and was active
both in the war of 1812 and the Black Hawk war. He was born in
Kentucky in 1789; came to Illinois in 1812,- and died at Carrolltoii,
Feb. 14, 'l 852.
Thomas Ford — Was born in Pennsylvania in the year 1800; was
brought by his widowed mother to Missouri in 1804, and shortly
afterwards to Illinois. He received a good education, studied law;
was elected four times Judge, twice as Circuit Judge, Judge of
Chicago and Judge of Supreme Court. He was elected Governor
by the Democratic party in 1842; wrote his history of Illinois in
1847 and died in 186o/
Augustus C. French— Wa,s born in New Hampshire in 1808;
was admitted to the bar in 1831, and shortly afterwards moved io
Illinois when in 1846 he was elected Governor. On the adoption
of the Constitution of 1848 he was again chosen, serving until 1853.
He was a Democrat m politics.
HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 259
Joel A. MoMeson — Was born in Jefferson county, N. Y., in 1808.
His father was a farmer, and gave his son only a common school
education. He first entered upon active life as a small tradesman,
but subsequently became a large contractor and manufacturer. He
was a heavy contractor in building the Canal. He was elected Gov-
ernor in 1852 upon the Democratic ticket.
William H. Bissell — Was elected by the Republican party in
1856. He had previously served two terms in Congress; was
colonel in the Mexican. war and has held minor official positions. He
was born in ^ew York State in 1811; received a common educa-
tion; came to Illinois early in life and engaged in the medical pro-
fession. This he changed for the law and became a noted orator,
and the standard bearer of the Republican party in Illinois. He
died in 1860 while Governor.
Richard Yates — "The war Governor of Illinois," was born in
Warsaw, Ky., in 1818; came to Illinois in 1831: served two terms
in Congress; in 1860 was elected Governor, and in 1865 United
States Senator. He was a college graduate, and read law under J, J.
Hardin. He rapidly rose in his chosen profession and charmed the
people with oratory. He filled the gubernatorial chair during the
trying days of the Rebellion, and by his energy and devotion won
the title of " War Governor." He became addicted to strong drink,
and died a drunkard.
Richard J. Ogleshy — Was born in 1824, in Kentucky; an orphan
at the age of eight, came to Illinois when only 12 years old. He
was apprenticed to learn the carpenter's trade; worked some at
farming and read law occasionally. He enlisted in the Mexicain
War and was chosen First Lieutenant. After his return he again
took up the law, but during the gold fever of 1849 went to Califor-
nia; soon returned, and, in 1862, entered upon his illustrious
political career. He raised the second regiment in the State, to
suppress the Rebellion, and for gallantry was promoted to Major
General. In 1864 he was elected Governor, and re-elected in 1872,
and resigned for a seat in the United States Senate. He is a staunch
Eepublican and resides at Decatur.
Shelby M. Cullom — Was born in Kentucky in 1828; studied
law, was admitted to the bar, and commenced the practice of his
profession in 1848; was elected to the State Legislature in 1856,
and again in 1860. Served on the war commission at Cairo, 1862.
160 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.
and was a member of the 39th, 40th and 41st Congress, in all of which
he served with eredit to his State. He was again elected to the
State Legislature in 1872, asd re-elected in 1874, and was elected
Goyernor of Illinois in 1876, which office he still holds, and has
administered with marked ability.
LIEUTENANT GOVEENOBS.
Pierre Menard — Was the first Lieut. Gov. of Illinois. He was
born in Quebec, Canada, in 1767. He came to Illinois in 1790
where he engaged in the Indian trade and became wealthy. He
died in 1844. Menard county was named in his honor.
Adolphus F. Hubhard — Was elected Lieut. Gov. in 1822. Four
years later he ran for Governor against Edwards, but was beaten.
William Kinney — Was elected in 1826. He was a Baptist
clergyman; was born in Kentucky in 1781 and came to Illinois in
1793.
Zadock Casey — Although on the opposition ticket to Governor
Keynolds, the successful Gubernatorial candidate, yet Casey was
elected Lieut. Gov. in 1830. He subsequently served several terms
in Congress.
Alexander M. Jenkins — Was elected on ticket with Gov..Duncan
in 1834 by a handsome majority.
S. H. Anderson — Lieut. Gov. under Gov. Cariin, was chosen in
1838. He was a native of Tennessee.
John Moore — Was born in England in 1793; came to Illinois in
1830; was elected Lieut. Gov. in 1842. He won the name of
" Honest John Moore."
Joseph B. Wells — Was chosen with Gov. French at his first
election m 1846.
William McMurtry. — In 1848 when Gov. French was again
chosen Governor, William McMurtry of Knox county, was elected
Lieut. Governor.
Gustavus P Koerner — Was elected in 1852. He was born in
Germany in 1809. At the age of 22 came to Illinois. In 1872 he
was a candidate for Governor on Liberal ticket, but was defeated.
John TTooc^Ti-Was elected in 1856, and on the death of Gov,
Bisseli became Governor,
Francis A. Hoffman — Was chosen with Gov. Yates in 1860.
He was born in Prussia in 1822, and came to Illinois in 1840.
HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.
161
Williajn Brass — Was born in New Jersey, came to Illinois in
1848, was elected to office in 1864.
John Dougherty — "Was elected in 1868.
John L. Beveredge — Was chosen Lieut. Gov. in 1872. In 1873
Oglesbj was elected to the U. S. Senate when Beveridge became
Governor.
Andrew Shuman — Was elected Nov. 7, 1876, and is the present
incumbent.
SUPERINTENDENT OP PUBLIC INSTRUCTION.
Ninian W. Edwards 1854-56
W. H. Powell 1857-58
Newton Bateman 1859-75
Samuel M. Etter 1876
ATTORNEY GENERALS.
Daniel P. Cook. 1819
William Mears 1820
Samuel D. Lockwood 1821-32
James Turney 1823-28
George Forquer 1829-83
James Semple 1833-34
Niniari E.Ed wards 1834-35
Jesse B. Thomas, Jr 1835
"Walter B. Scates 1836
Asher P. Linder 1837
Geo. W. Olney 1838
Wickliflfe Kitchell 1839
Josiali Lamborn 1841-43
James A. McDougall 1843-46
David B. Campbell 1840
[Office abolished and le-created in 1867]
Robert G. Ingersoll 1867-68
Washington Bushnell 1869-73
James K. Edsall 1873-79
TEEAStlKEKS.
John Thomas 1818-19
R. K. McLaughlin 1819-23
Ebncr Field 1823-36
James Hall 1827-30
John Dement 183 1-36
Charles Gregory 1886
John D. Whiteside 1887-40
M. Carpenter 1841^8
John Moore 1848-56
James Miller 1857-60
William Butler 1861-62
Alexander Starne 1863-64
James H. Beveridge 1865-06
George W. Smith 1867-68
Erastus N. Bates .' ' 869-72
Edward Rutz 1873-75
Thomas S. Ridgeway 1876-77
Edward Rutz 1878-79
SECRETARIES OP STATE.
Elias K. Kane 1818-23
Samuel D. Lockwood 1833-23
David Blackwell 1833-34
Morris Birkbeck 1834
George Forquer 1835-38
Alexander P. Field 1829-40
Stephen A. Douglas 1840
Lyman Trumbull 1841-43
Thompson Campbell 1843-46
Horace S. Cooley 1846-49
David L. Gregg 1850-53
Alexander Starne 1853-56
Ozias m! Hatch 1857-60
Sharon Tyndale 1865-68
Edward Hummel 1869-73
George H. Harlow 187-3-7!)
162 HISTOEY-OF ILLINOIS.
AUDITORS.
Elijah C. Berry 1818-31 Thompson Campbell 1846
I. T. B. Stapp 1831-35 Jesse K. Dubois 1857-64
LeviDavis 1835-40 OrlinH.Miner 1865-68
James Shields 1841-43 Charles E. Lippencott 1839-76
W. L. D. Ewing 1843-45 Thompson B. Needles 1877-79
UNITED STATES SENATORS.
Ninian Edwards. — On the organization of the State in 1818,
Edwards, the popular Territorial Governor, was chosen Senator for
the short term, and in 1819 re-elected for full term.
Jesse B. Thomas — One of the federal judges during the entire
Territorial existence xvas chosen Senator on organization of the
State, and re-elected in 1823, and served till 1829.
John McLean — In 1824 Edwards resigned, and McLean was
elected to fill his unexpired term. He was born in North Carolina
in 1791, and came to Illinois in 1815; served one terra in Congress,
and in 1829 was elected to the U. S. Senate, but the following year
died. He is said to have been the most gifted man of his period in
Illinois.
Elias Kent Kane — "Was elected Nov. 30, 1824, for the term be- ,
ginning March 4, 1825. In 1830 he was re-elected, but died before
the expiration of his term. He was a native of New York, and in
1814 came to Illinois, He was first Secretary of State, and after-
wards State Senator.
David Jewett Baker — Was appointed to fill the unexpired term
of John McLean, in 1830, Nov. 12, but the Legislature refused to
endorse the choice. Baker was a native of Connecticut, born in
1792, and died in Alton in 1869.
John M. Robinson. — Instead of Baker, the Governor's appointee,
the Legislature chose Robinson, and in 1834 he was re-elected. In
1843 was elected Supreme Judge of the State, but within two
months died. He was a native of Kentucky, and came to Illinois
while quite young.
William L. D. E-wing—'W&s elected in 1835, to fill the vacancy
occasioned by the death of Kane. He was a Kentuckian.
Richard M. Young — "Was elected in 1836, and held his seat
from March 4, 1837, to March 4, 1843, a full term. He was a
HISTOEY op ILLINOIS. 163
native of Kentucky; was Circuit Judge before his election to the
Senate, and Supreme Judge in 1842. He died in an insane asylum
at Washington.
Samuel MoRoberts — The first native Illinoisian ever elevated to
the high office of U. S. Senator from this State, was born in 1799,
and died in 1843 on his return home from "Washington. He was
elected Circuit Judge in 1824, and March 4, 1841, took his seat in
the U. S. Senate.
Sidney Breese — "Was elected to the U. S. Senate, Dec. 17, 1842,
and served a full term. He was born in Oneida county, N. Y.
He was Major in the Black Hawk war; Circuit Judge, and in 1841
was elected Supreme Judge. He served a full term in the U. S.
Senate, beginning March 4, 1843, after which he was elected to the
Legislature, again Circuit Judge, and, in 1857, to the Supreme
Court, which position he held until his death in 1878.
James Semple — "Was the successor of Samuel McKoberts, and
was appointed by Gov. Ford in 1843. He was afterwards elected
Judge of the Supreme Court.
Stephen A. Douglas — "Was elected Dec. 14, 1846. He had pre-
viously served three terms as Congressman. He became his own
successor in 1853 and again in 1859. From his first entrance in the
Senate he was acknowledged the peer of Clay, "Webster and Cal-
houn, with whom he served his first term. His famous contest
with Abraham Lincoln for the Senate in 1858 is the most memor-
able in the annals of our country. It was called the battle of the
giants, and resulted in Douglas' election to the Senate, and Lincoln
to the Presidency. He was born in Brandon, "Vermont, April 23,
1813, and came to Illinois in 1833, and died in 1861. He was
appointed Secretary of State by Gov. Carlin in 1840, and shortly
afterward to the Supreme Bench.
James Shields — "Was elected and assumed his seat in the U. S.
Senate in 1849, March 4. He was born in Ireland in 1810, came
to the United States in 1827. He served in the Mexican army, was
elected Senator from "Wisconsin, and in 1879 from Missouri for a
short term.
Lyman Trumbull — Took his seat in the (J. S. Senate March 4,
1855, and became his own successor in 1861. He had previously
served one term in the Lower House of Congress, and served on
the Supreme Bench. He was born in Connecticut; studied law
164 HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS.
and came to Illinois early in life, where for years he was actively
engaged in politics. He resides in Chicago.
Orvill H. Browning — ^Was appointed U. S. Senator in 1861, to
fill the seat made vacant by the death of Stephen A. Douglas, until
a Senator could be regularly elected. Mr. Browning was born in
Harrison county, Kentucky; was admitted to the bar in 1831', and
settled in Quincy, Illinois, where he engaged in the practice of law,
and was instrumental, with his friend, Abraham Lincoln, in form-
ing the Republican party of Illinois at the Bloomington Conven-
tion. He entered Johnson's cabinet as Secretary of the Interior,
and in March, 1868, was designated by the President to perform the
duties of Attorney General, in addition to his own, as Secretary of
the Interior Department.
William A. Richardson — Was elected to the U. S. Senate in
1863, to fill the unexpired term of his friend, Stephen A Douglas.
He was born in Fayette county, Ky., about 1810, studied ]a,w,
and settled in Illinois; served as captain in the Mexican "War, and,
on the battle-field of Bnena Vista, was promoted for bravery, by a
unanimous vote of his regiment. He served in the Lower House
of Congress from 1847 to 1866, continually.
Richard Yates — "Was elected to the U. S. Senate in 1865, serv-
ing a full term of six years. He died in St. Louis, Mo., Nov. 27,
1873.
John A. Logan — Was elected to the U. S. Senate in 1871. He
was born in Jackson county, 111., Feb. 9, 1826, received a common
school education, and enlisted as a private in the Mexican War,
where he rose to the rank of Regimental Quartermaster. On
returning home he studied law, and came to the bar in 1852; was
elected in 1858 a Representative to the 36th Congress and re-elected
to the 37th Congress, resigning in 1861 to take part in the sup-
pression of the Rebellion; served as Colonel and subsequently as a
Major General, and commanded, with distinction, the armies of
the Tennessee. He was again elected to the U. S. Senate in 1879
for six years.
David Davis— y^&s, elected to the U. S. Senate in 1877 for a term
of six years. He was born in Cecil county, Md., March 9, 1815,
graduated at Kenyon College, Ohio, studied law, and removed to
Illinois in 1835; was admitted to the bar and settled in Blooming-
ion, where he has since resided and amassed a large fortune. He
HISTOEY OF ILLINOIS. 165
was for many years the intimate friend and associate of Abraham
Lincoln, rode the circuit with him each year, and after Lincohi's
election to the Presidency, was appointed by him to fill the position
of Judge of the Supreme Court of the United States.
REPRESENTATIVES IN CONGRESS.
FIFTEENTH CONGKESS. NINETEENTH CONGRESS.
John McLean 1818 Daniel P. Cook 1825-36
SIXTEENTir CONGRESS. TWENTIETH CONGRESS.
Daniel P. Cook 1819-20 Joseph Duncan 1827-28
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS. TWENTY-FIKST CONGRESS.
Daniel P. Cook ,. 1821-22 Joseph Duncan 1829-30
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS. TWENTY-SECOND CONGRESS.
Daniel P. Cook 1823-34 Joseph Duncan 1831-33
TWENTY-THIRD CONGRESS.
Joseph Duncan 1833-34 Zadock Casey 1833-34
TWENTY-FOURTH CONGRESS.
Zadock Casey 1835-36 "William L. May 1835-36
John Reynolds 1835-36
TWENTY-FIFTH CONGRESS.
Zadock Casey 1837-38 William L. May 1837-88
John Reynolds 1837-38
TWENTY-SIXTH CONGRESS.
Zadock Casey 1839-40 John T. Stuart 1839-40
John Reynolds 1839^0
TWENTY-SEVENTH CONGRESS.
Zadock Casey 1841-43 John T. Stuart 1841-43
John Reynolds 1841-42
TWENTY-EIGHTH CONGRESS.
Robert Smith 1843^4 Joseph P. Hoge 1843^4
Orlando B. Pinklin 1843-44 John J. Hardin 1843-44
Stephen A. Douglas 1843-44 John Wentworth 1843-44
John A. McClernand 1843-44
TWENTY-NINTH CONGRESS.
Robert Smith 1845-46 Joseph P. Hoge 1845-46
Stephen A. Douglas 1845-46 John A. McClernand 1845-46
Orlando B. Finklin 1845-46 John Wentworth 1845-46
John J. Hardin 1845
THIRTIETH CONGRESS.
John Wentworth 1847-48 Orlando B. Finklin 1847-48
Thomas J. Turner 1847 Robert Smith 1847^8
Abraham Lincoln 1847-48 William A. Richardson 1847-48
John A. McClernand 1847-48
166 HISTOEV OF ILLINOIS.
THIRTY-FIRST CONGRESS.
John A. McClemaad 1 849-50 Edward D. Baker 1849-50
Jolm Wentworth 1849-50 William H. Bissell , . . .1849-50
Timothy R. Young ,1849-50 Thomas L. Harris 1849
William A. Richardson 1849-50
THIRTY-SECOND CONGRESS.
William A. Richardson 1851-53 Richard Yates 1851-52
Thompson Campbell 1851-53 Richard S. Maloney 1851-52
Orlando B. Finklin 1851-53 Willis 1851-53
John Wentworth 1851-53 William H. Bissell 1851-52
THIRTY-THIRD CONGRESS.
William H. Bissell. . : .1853-54 Thompson Campbell 1853-54
John C. Allen 1853-54 James Knox 1853-54
Willis 1853-54 Jesse O. Norton 1853-54
Elihu B. Washburne 1853-54 William A. Richardson 1863-54
Richard Yates 1853-54
THIRTY-FOURTH CONGRESS
Elihu B. Washburne 1855-56 Samuel S. Marshall 1855-56
Lyman Trumbull 1855-56 J. L. D. Morrison 1855-56
James H. Woodworth 1855-56 John C. Allen 1855-56
James Knox. 1855-56 Jesse O. Norton 1855-56
Thompson Campbell 1855-56 William A. Richardson 1855-56
THIRTY-FIFTH CONGRESS.
Elihu B. Washburne 1857-58 Samuel S. Marshall 1857-58
Charles D. Hodges 1857-58 Isaac N. Morris 1857-58
William Kellogg 1857-58 Aaron Shaw 1857-58
Thompson Campbell 1857-58 Robert Smith 1857-58
John F. Parnsworth 1857-58 Thomas L. Harris 1857-58
Owen Lovejoy 1857-58
THIRTY-SIXTH CONGRESS.
Elihu B. Washburne 1859-60 John F. Parnsworth 1859-60
John A. Logan 1859-60 Philip B. Pouke 1859-60
Owen Lovejoy 1859-60 Thomas L. Harris 1859-60
John A. McClernand 1859-60 William Kellogg 1859-fiO
Isaac N Morris 1859-60 James C. Robinson 1859-60
• THIRTY-SEVENTH CONGRESS.
Elihu B. Washburne 1861-63 Isaac N. Arnold 1861-63
James C. Robinson 1861-63 Philip B. Pouke 1861-«?
John A. Logan . . . ; 1361-63 William Kellogg 1861-63
Owen Lovejoy 1861-63 Anthony L. Knapp 1861-62
John A. McClernand 1861-63 William A. Richardson 1861-62
THIRTY-EIGHTH CONGRESS.
Elihu B. Washburne 1863-64 William J. Allen 1863-64
Jesse 0. Norton 1863-64 Isaac N. Arnold 1863-64
James C. Robinson 1803-64 John R. Eden 1863-64
l|> rl's I 1^ ' ^ I »>I8Sai([-iB,«yJ BiiacSst;];' • J JJ/jJ
CENTRAL HOSPITAL FOR THE INSANE, JACKSONVILLE.
0fii"^R CO — "
ILLINOIS INDUSTRIAL UNIVERSITY, CHAMPAIGN — POUNDED BY THE STATE
ENDOWED BY CONGRESS.
HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.
169
Lewis W. Ross 1863-64
John T. Stuart.. , 1863-64
Owen Lovejoy , 1863-64
"William R. Morrison 1863-64
John C. Allen. 1863-64
John F. Farnsworth 1863-64
Charles W. Morris 1863-64
Eben C. IngersoU 1803-64
Antflony L. Knapp 1868-64
THIKTY-NINTH CONGRESS.
Elihu B. Washburne 1865-66
Anthony B. Thornton 1863-66
John "Wentworth. 1865-66
Ahner C. Hardin 1865-66
Eben C. IngersoU IS'jri-SG
Barton C. Cook 1865-60
Jonn F. Farnsworth 1865-66
Jehu Baker 1865-66
Henry P. H. Bromwell 1865-66
Andrew Z. Kuykandall 1805-66
Samuel S. Marshall 1865-66
Samuel W. Moulton 1865-66
Shelby M. CuUom 1865-66 Lewis W. Ross .
.1865-66
FORTIETH CONGRESS.
Elj^m B. Washburne, 1867-68
Abner C. Hardin. 1867-68
Eben C. IngersoU 1867-68
Norman B. Judd 1867-68
Albert G. Burr 1867-68
Burton C. Cook '. 1867-68
John F. Farnsworth 1867-68
Jehu Baker 1867-68
Henry P. H. Bromwell 1867-68
John A. Logan 1867-08
Samuel S. Marshall 1867-68
Green B. Raum 1867-68
Shelby M. OuUom.. . : 1867-68 .Lewis W. Ross.
.1867-68
PORTT-PIBST CONGRESS.
Norman B. Judd 1869-70
John F. Farnsworth 1869-70
H. C. Burchard 1869-70
John B. Hawley 1869-70
Eben C. IngersoU 1869-70
Burton C. Cook 1869-70
Jesse H. Moore 1869-70
Shelby M. Cullom 1869-70
Thomas W. McNeely 1869-70
Albert G. Burr 1869-70
Samuel 8. Marshall 1869-70
John B. Hay 1869-70
John M. Crebs 1869-70
John A, Logan 1869-70
FORTY-SECOND CONGRESS.
Charles B. Farwell 1871-73 James C. Robinson 1871-73
John F. Farnsworth 1871-73
Horatio C. Burchard 1871-73
John B. Hawley.- 1871-73
Bradford N. Stevens 1871-73
Henry Snapp 1871-73
Jesse H. Moore 1871-73
Thomas W. McNeely 1871-73
Edward Y. Rice 1871-73
Samuel 8. Marshall 1871-73
John B. Hay 1871-73
John M. Crebs 1871-73
John S. Beveredge 1 871-73
FORTY-THIRD CONGRESS.
John B. Rice 1873-74
Jasper D. Ward 1873-74
Charles B. Farwell 1873-74
Stephen A. Hurlbut 1873-74
Horatio C. Burchard 1873-74
John B. Hawley 1873-74
Franklin Corwin 1873-74
Robert M. Knapp 1873-74
James C. Robinson 1873-74
John B. McNulta 1873-74
Joseph G. Cannon 1873-74
John R. Eden 1873-74
James S. Martin 1873-74
William R. Morrison 1873-74
iro
HISTORT OF ILLINOIS.
-Greenbury L. Fort 1873-74
Granville Barrere 1873-74
William H. Ray 1873-74
rORTY-FOUBTH CONGRESS.
Isaac Clements 1873-74
Samuel S, Marshall 1873-74
Bernard G. Caulfleld 1875-76
Carter H. Harrison 1875-76
Charles B. Parwell 1875-76
Stephen A. Hurlbut 1875-76
Horatio C. Burchard 1875-76
Thomas J. Henderson 1875-76
Alexander Campbell 1875-76
Greenbury L. Fort 1875-'(6
Richard H. "Whiting 1875-76
John C. Bagby '. 1875-76
FORTY-FIFTH
William Aldrich . .' 1877-78
Carter H. Harrison 1877-78
Lorenzo Brentano 1877-78
William Lathrop 1877-78
Horatio C. Burohard 1877-78
Thomas J. Henderson 1877-78
Philip C. Hayes 1877-78
Greenbury L. Fort 1877-78
Thomas A. Boyd 1877-78
Benjamin F. Marsh 1877-78
FORTY-SIXTH
William Aldrich 1879-80
George R. Davis 1879-80
Hiram Barber 1879-80
.Tohn C. Sherwin 1879-80
R.M. A. Hawk 1879-80
Thomas J. Henderson 1879-80
Philip C. Hayes 1879-80
Greenbury L. Fort 1879-80
Thomas A. Boyd 1879-80
Benjamin F. Marsh 1879-80
Scott Wike 1875-76
William M. Springer 1875-76
Adlai E. Stevenson 1875-76
Joseph G. Cannon 1875-76
John R. Eden 1875-76
W. A. J. Sparks 1875-76
William R. Morrison 1875-76
William Hartzell 1875-76
William B. Anderson 1875-76
CONGRESS.
Robert M. Knupp 1877-78
William M. Springer 1877-78
Thomas F. Tipton 1877-78
Joseph G. Cannon 1877-78
John R. Eden ' 1877-78
W. A. J. Sparks 1877-78
William R. Morrison 1877-78
William Hartzell 1877-78
Richard W. Townshend 1877-78
CONGRESS.
James W. Singleton 1879-80
William M. Springer 1879-80
A. E. Stevenson 1879-80
Joseph G. Cannon 1879-80
Albert P. Porsythe 1879-80
W. A. J. Sparks 1879-80
William R. Morrison 1879-80
John R. Thomas 1879-80
R. W. Townshend 1879-80
CHICAGO.
While we cannot, in the brief space we have, give more than' a
meager sketch of such a city as Chicago, yet we feel the history of
the State would be incomplete without speaking of its metropolis,
the most wonderful city on the globe.
In comparing Chicago as it was a few years since with Chicago
of to-day, we behold a change whose veritable existence we should
HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 171
be inclined to doubt were it not a stern, indisputable fact. Eapid
as is the customary development of places and things in the United
States, the growth of Chicago and her trade stands without a parallel.
The city is situated on the west shore of Lake Midiigan at the
mouth of the Chicago river. It lies 14 feet above the lake, having
been raised to that grade entirely by the energy of its citizens, its
si tei having originally been on a dead level with the water of the
lake.
The city extends north and south along the lake about ten miles,,
and westward on the prairie from the lake five or six miles, embrac-
ing an area of over 40 square miles. It is divided by the river
into three distinct parts, known as the North, "West and Soutli
Divisions, or "Sides," by which they are popularly and commonly
known. These are connected by 33 bridges and two tunnels.
The first settlement of Chicago was made in 1804, during which
year Fort Dearborn was built. At the close of 1830 Chicago con-
tained 12 houses, with a population of about 100. The town was
organized in 1833, and incorporated as a city in 1837. The first
frame building was erected in 1832, and the first brick house in
1833. The first vessel entered the harbor June 11, 1834; and at
^ the first official census, taken July 1, 1837, the entire population,
was found to be 4,170. In 1850 the population had increased to
29,963; in 1860, to 112,172; in 1870, 298,977; and, according to
the customary mode of reckoning from the number of names in
the City Directory, the population of 1879 is over 500,000.
Nicholas Perrot, a Frenchman, was the first white man to visit,
the site of Chicago. This he did in 1671, at the instigation of M..
Toulon, Governor of Canada. He was sent to invite the Western
Indians to a convention at Green Bay. It has been often remarked
that the first white man who became a resident of Chicago was a
negro. His name was Jean Baptiste Pointe au Sable, a mulatto from
tlie West Indies. He settled there in 1796 and built a rude cabin on
tlie north bank of the main river, and laid claim to a tract of lan(];
surrounding it. He disappeared from the scene, and his claim was
"jumped" by a Frenchman named Le Mai, who commenced trad-
ing with the Indians. A few years later he sold out to John Kin-
zie, who was then an Indian trader in the country about St.
Joseph, Mich., and agent for the American Fur Company, which
had traded at Chicago with the Indians for some time; and this
1Y2 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.
fact had, probably more than any other, to do with the determina-
tion of the Government to establish a fort there. The Indians
were growing numerous in that region, being attracted by the
facilities for selling their wares, as well as being pressed northward
by the tide of emigration setting in from the south. It was judged
necessary to have some force near that point to keep them in
check, as well as to protect the trading interests. Mr. Kinzie
moved his family there the same year Fort Dearborn was built
and converted the Jean Baptiste cabin into a tasteful dwelling.
For about eight years things moved along smoothly. The garri-
son was quiet, and the traders prosperous. Then the United States
became involved in trouble with Great Britain. The Indians took
the war-path long before the declaration of hostilities between the
civilized nations, committina: great depredations, the most atro-
cious of which was the massacre of Fort Dearborn, an account of
which may be found in this volume under the heading of " The
War of 1812."
THE GREAT FIRE.
From the year 1840 the onward march of the city of Chicago *»
to the date of the great fire is well known. To recount its marvel-
ous growth in population, wealth, internal resources and improve-
ments and everything else that goes to make up a mighty city,
would consume more space than we could devote, however interest-
ing it might be. Its progress astonished the world, and its citizens
stood almost appalled at the work of their own hands. She was
happy, prosperous and great when time brought that terrible Octo-
ber night (Oct. 9, 1871) and with it the great fire, memorable as
the greatest fire ever occurring on earth. The sensation conveyed
to the spectator of this unparalleled event, either through the eye,
the ear, or Other senses or sympathies, cannot be adequately
described, and anjj attempt to do it but shows the poverty of lan-
guage. As a spectacle it was beyond doubt the grandest as well as
the most appalling ever offered to mortal eyes. From any
elevated standpoint the appearance was that of a vast ocean of
flame, sweeping in mile-long billows and breakers over the doomed ;
city.
Added to the spectacular elements of the conflagration— the
intense and lurid light, the sea of red and black, and the spires and
pyramids of flame shooting into the heavens — was its constant and
HI8T0EY OF ILLINOIS. 173
terrible roar, drowning even the voices of the shrieking multitude;
and ever and anon — for a while as often as every half-minute —
resounded far and wide the rapid detonations of explosions, or fall-
ing walls. In short, all sights and sounds which terrifj' the weak
and unnerve the strung abounded. But they were only tlie accom-
paniment which the orchestra of nature were furnishing to the
terrible tragedy there being enacted.
The total area burned over, including streets, was three and a
third square miles. The number of buildings destroyed was
17,450; persons rendered homeless, 98,500; persons killed, about
200. Not including depreciation of real estate, or loss of business,
it is estimated that the total loss occasioned by the fire was
$190,000,000, of which but $44,000,000 was recovered on insur-
ance. The business of the city was interrupted but a short time;
and in a year after the fire a large part of the burned district was
rebuilt, and at present there is scarcely a trace of the terrible dis-
aster, save in the improved character of the new buildings over
those destroyed, and the general better appearance of the city — .
now the finest, in an architectural sense, in the world.
One of the features of this great city worthy of mention is the
Exposition, held annually. The smouldering ruins were yet smok-
ing when the Exposition Building was erected, only ninety days
being consumed in its construction. The accompanying engrav-
ing of the building, the main part of which is 1,000 feet long,
will give an idea of its magnitude.
COMMEKCE OF CHICAGO.
The trade of Chicago is co-extensive with the world. Every-
where, in every country and in every port, , the trade-marks of her
merchants are seen. Everywhere, Chicago stands prominently
identified with the commerce of the continent. A few years ago,
grain was carted to the place in wagons; now more than 10,000
miles of railroad, with thousands of trains heavily ladened with the
products of the land center there. The cash value of the produce
handled during the year 1878 was $220,000,000, and its aggregate
weight was 7,000,000 tons, or would make 700,000 car loads.
Divided into trains, it would make 28,000 long, heavily ladened
freight trains, wending their way from all parts of the United States
toward our great metropolis. These trains, arranged in one con-
174 HISTOEY OF ILLINOIS.
tinuons line, would stretch from London across the broad Atlantic
to New York aud on across our continent to San Francisco.
.In regard to tiie grain, lumber and stock trade, Chicago has sur-
passed all rivals, and, indeed, not only is without a peer but excels
any three or four cities in the world in these branches. Of grain,
the vast quantity of 134,851,193 bushels was received during the
year 1878. This was about two-fifths more than ever received
before in one year. It took 13,000 long freight trains to carry it
from the fields of the Northwest to Chicago. This would make a
continuous train that would rt?ach across the continent from New
York to San Francisco. Speaking more in detail, w« have of the
various cereals received during the year, 62,783,577 bushels of corn,
29,901,220 bushels of wheat, 18,251,529 bushels of oats, 133,981,104
pounds of seed. The last item alone would fill about 7,000 freight
cars.
The lumber received daring the year 1878 was, 1,171,364,000 feet,
exceeded only in 1872, the year after the great fire. This vast
amount of lumber would require 195,000 freight cars to transport
it. It would build a fence, four boards high, four and one-half
times around the globe.
In the stock trade for the year 1878, the figures assume propor-
tions almost incredible. They are, however, from reliable and
trustworthy sources, and must be accepted as authentic. There
were received daring the year, 6,339,656 hogs, being 2,000,000 more
than ever received before in one year. It required 129,916 stock
cars to transport this vast number of hogs from the farms of the
West and Northwest to the stock yards of Chicago. These hogs
arranged in single file, would form a connecting link between
Chicago and Pekin, China.
Of the large number of hogs received, five millions of them were
slaughtered in Chicago. The aggregate amount of product manu-
factured from these hogs was 918,000,000 pounds. The capacity of
the houses engaged in slaughtering operations in Chicago is 60,000
hogs daily. The number of hands employed in these houses is
from 6,000 to 8,000. The number of packages required in which
to market the year's product is enormously large, aggregating 500,-
000 barrels, 800,000 tierces and 650,000 boxes.
There has been within the stock yards of the city, during the
year 1878, 1,036,066 cattle. These were gathered from the plains
HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 175
of Oregon, Wyoming and Utah, and the grazing regions of Texas,
as well as from all the Southern, Western and Northwestern States
and Territories and from the East as far as Ohio. If these cattle
were driven from Chicago southward, in single file, through the
United States, Mexico, and the Central American States into South
America, the foremost could graze on the plains of Brazil, ere the
last one had passed the limits of the great city.
Not only does Chicago attract to its great market the products of
a continent, but from it is distributed throughout the world manu-
factured goods. Every vessel and every train headed toward that
city are heavily ladened with the crude products of the farm, of the
forests, or of the bowels of the earth, and every ship that leaves her
docks and every train that flies from her limits are filled with
manufactured articles. These goods not only find- their way all
over our own country but into Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa,
South America, Mexico, and the Islands of the sea; indeed, every
nook and corner of the globe, where there is a demand for her
goods, her merchants are ready to supply.
The wholesale trade for the year 18T8 reached enormous figures,
aggregating $280,000,000. Divided among the leading lines, we
find there were sold of dry goods, $95,000,000 worth. The trade in
groceries amounted to $66,000,000; hardware, $20,000,000; boots
and shoes, $24,000,000; clothing, $17,000,000; carpets, $8,000,000;
millinery, $7,000,000; hats and caps, $6,000,000; leather, $8,000,-
000; drugs, $6,000,000; jewelry, $4,500,000; musical instruments,
$3,300,000. Chicago sold over $5,000,000 worth of fruit during
the year, and for the same time her fish trade amounted to $1,400,-
000, and her oyster trade $4,500,000. The candy and other con-
fectionery trade amounted to $1,534,900. This would fill all the
Christmas stockings in the United States.
In 1852, the commerce of the city reached the hopeful sum of
$20,000,000; since then, the annual sales of one firm amount to
that much. In 1870, it reached $400,000,000, and in 1878 it had
grown so rapidly that the trade of the city amounted during that ■
year to $650,000,000. Her manufacturing interests have likewise
grown. In 1878, her manufactories employed in the neighborhood
of 75,000 operators. The products manufactured during the year
were valued at $230,000,000. In reviewing the shipping interests of
Chicago, we find it equally enormous. So considerable, indeed, is the
1T6 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.
commercial navy of Chicago, that in the seasons of navigation, one
vessel sails every nine minutes during the business hours; add to
this the canal-boats that leave, one every five minutes during the
same time, and you will see something of the magnitude of her
shipping. More vessels arrive and depart from this port during the
season than enter or leave any other port in the world.
In 1831, the mail system was condensed into a half-breed, who
went on foot to Niles, Mich., once in iwo weeks, and brought back
what papers and news he could find. As late as 1846, there was
often but one mail a week, A post-office was established in
Chicago in 1833, and the postmaster nailed up old boot legs upon
one side of his shop to serve as boxes. It has since grown to be
the largest receiving office in the United States.
In 1844, the quagmires in the streets were first pontooned by
plank roads. The wooden-block pavement appeared in 1857. In
1840, water was delivered by peddlers, in carts or by hand. Then
a twenty-five horse power engine pushed it through hollow or bored
logs along the streets till 1854, when it was introduced into the
houses by new works. The first fire-engine was used in 1835, and
the first steam fire-engine in 1859. Gas was utilized for lighting
the city in 1850. The Young Men's Christian Association was
organized in 1858. Street cars commenced running in 1854. The
Museum was opened in 1863. The alarm telegraph adopted in
1864. The opera-house built in 1865. The telephone introduced
in 1878.
One of the most thoroughly interes,ting engineering exploits of
, the city is the tunnels and water- works system, the grandest and
most unique of any in the world; and the closest analysis fails to
detect any impurities in the water furnished. The first tunnel is
five feet two inches in diameter and two miles long, and can deliver
50,000,000 gallons per day. The second tunnel is seven feet in
diameter and six miles long, running four miles under the city, and
can deliver 100,000,000 gallons per day. This water is distributed
through 410 miles of water mains.
Chicago river is tunneled for the passage of pedestrians and vehi-
cles from the South to the "West and North divisions.
There is no grand scenery about Chicago except the two seas, one
of water, the other of prairie. Nevertheless, there is a spirit abont
it, a push, a breadth, a power, that soon makes it a place never to
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HISTORY 6f ILLINOIS. 177
be forsaken. Chicago is in the field almost alone, to handle the
wealth of one-fourth of the territory of this great republic. The
Atlantic sea-coast divides its margins between Portland, Boston,
New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Savannah, but Chicago has
a dozen empires casting their treasures into her lap. On a bed of
coal that can run all the machinery of the world for 500 centuries;
in a garden that can feed the race by the thousand years; at the
head of the lakes that give her a temperature as a summer resort
equaled by no great city in the land; with a climate that insures
the health of her citizens; surrounded by all the great deposits of
natural wealth in mines and forests and herds, Chicago is the
wonder of to-day, and will be the city of the future.
STATES OF THE UNION.
THEIR SETTLEMENT, ORIGIN OF NAME AND MEANING, COGNOMEN, MOT-
TOES, ADMISSION INTO THE UNION, POPULATION, AREA, NUMBER OF
SOLDIERS FURNISHED DURING THE REBELLION, NUMBER OF REPRE-
SENTATIVES IN CONGRESS, PRESENT GOVERNORS, ETC., ETC., ETC.
Alabama. — This State was first explored by LaSalle in 1684, and
settled by the French at Mobile in 1711, and admitted as a State in
1817. Its name is Indian, and means " Here we rest." Has no
motto. Population in 1860,964,201; in 1870,996,992. Furnished
2,576 soldiers for the Union army. Area 50,722 square miles.
Montgomery is the capital. Has 8 Representatives and 10 Presi-
dential electors. Eufus W. Cobb is Governor; salary, $3;000;
politics, Democratic. Length of term, 2 years.
Arkansas — Became a State in 1836. Population in 1860, 435,-
450; in 1870,484,471. Area 52,198 square miles. Little Rock,
capital. Its motto is Regnant Populi — " The people rule." It has
the Indian name of its principal river. Is called the " Bear ^tate."
Furnished 8,289 soldiers. She is entitled to 4 members in Congress?
and 6 electoral votes. Governor, "W. R. Miller, Democrat; salary,
13,500; term, 2 years.
California — Has a Greek motto, Eureka, which means " I have
found it." It derived its name from the bay forming the peninsula
of Lower California, and was first applied by Cortez. It was first
visited by the Spaniards in 1542, and by the celebrated English
178 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.
navigator, Sir Francis Drake, in 1578. In 1846 Fremont took
possession of it, defeating the Mexicans, in the name of the United
States, and it was admitted as a State in 1850. Its gold mines
from 1868 to 1878 produced over $800,000,000. Area 188,982 square
miles. Population in 1860, 379,994. In 1870, 560,247. She gave
to defend the Union 15,225 soldiers. Sacramento is the capital.
Has 4 Representatives in Congress. Is entitled to 6 Presidential
electors. Present Governor is William Irwin, a Democrat; term,
4 years; salary, $6,000.
Colorado — Contains 106,475 square miles, and had a population
in 1860 of 34,277, and in 1870, 39,864. She furnished 4,905 ,
soldiers. Was admitted as a State in 1876. It has a Latin motto,
J^il sine Numine, which means, " Nothing can be done without
divine aid." It was named from its river. Denver is the capital.
Has 1 member in Congress, and 3 electors. T. W. Pitkin is Gov-
ernor; salary, $3,000; term, 2 years; politics, Republican.
Connectiout — Qui transtulit nustinet, " He who brought us over-
sustains us," is her motto. It was named from the Indian Quon-
ch-ta-Cut, signifying "Long River." It is called the "Nutmeg-
State." Area 4,674 square miles. Population 1860, 460,147; in
1870, 537,454. Gave to the Union army 55,755 soldiers. Hart-
ford is the capital. Has 4 Representatives in Congress, and is-
entitled to 6 Presidential electors. Salaiy of Governor $2,000;
term, 2 years.
Delaware. — " Liberty and Independence," is the motto of thia
State. It was named after Lord De La Ware, an English states-
man, and is called, '' The Blue Hen," and the " Diamond State." It
was first settled by the Swedes in 1638. It was one of the original
thirteen States. Has an area of 2,120 square miles. Population in
1860, 112,216; in 1870, 125,016. She sent to the front to defend
the Union, 12,265 soldiers. Dover is the capital. Has but 1 mem-
ber in Congress; entitled to 3 Presidential electors. John W.
Hall, Democrat, is Governor; salary, $2,000; term, 2 years.
Florida — Was discovered by Ponce de Leon in 1512, on Easter-
Sunday, called by the Spaniards, Pascua Florida, which, with the
variety and beauty of the flowers at this early season caused him to
name it Florida— which means in Spanish, flowery. Its motto is,
" In God we trust." It was admitted into the Union in 1845. It has
an area of 59,268 square miles. Population in 1860, 140,424; in
HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. l79
1870, 187,756. Its capital is Tallahassee. Has 2 members in Con-
gress. Has 4 Presidential electors. George F. Drew, Democrat,
Grovernor; term, 4 years; salary, $3,500.
Georgia — Owes its name to George II., of England, who first
established a colony there in 1732. Its motto is, " Wisdom, justice
and moderation." It was one of the original States. Population
in 1860, 1,057,286; 1870, 1,184,109. Capital, Atlanta. Area 58,-
000 square miles. Has 9 Representatives in Congress, and 11
Presidential electors. Her Governor is A. H. Colquitt, Democrat;
term, 4 years; salary, $4,000.
Illinois — Motto, " State Sovereignty, National Union." Name
derived from the Indian word, Illini, meaning, superior men. It
is called the ''Prairie State," and its inhabitants, "Suckers."
Was first explored by the French in 1673, and admitted into the
Union in 1818.' Area 55,410 square miles. Population, in 1860
1,711,951 ; in 1870, 2,539,871. She sent to the front to defend the
Union, 258,162 soldiers. Capital, Springfield. Has 19 members jn
Congress, and 21 Presidential electors. Shelby M. Cullom, Repub.
lican, is Governor; elected for 4 years; salary, $6,000.
Indiana — Is called "Hoosier State." Was explored in 1682,
and admitted as a State in 1816. Its name was suggested by its
numerous Indian population. Area 33,809 square miles. PopuT
lation in 1860, 1,350,428; in 1870, 1,680,637. She put into the
Federal army, 194,363 men. Capital, Indianapolis. Has 13 mem-
bers in Congress, and 15 Presidential electors, J. D. Williams,
Governor, Democrat; salary, $3,000; term, 4 year.
Iowa — Is an Indian name and means "This is the land." Its
motto is, " Our liberties we prize, our rights we will maintain."
It is called the " Hawk Eye State." It was first visited by
Marquette and Joliet in 1673; settled by New Englanders in
1833, and admitted into the Union in 1846. Des Moines is the
capital. It has an area of 66,045, and a population in 1860 of 674,913,
and in 1870 of 1,191,802. She sent to defend the Government,
75,793 soldiers. Has 9 members in Congress; 11 Presidential
electors. John H. Gear, Republican, is Governor; salary, $2,500;
term, 2years.
Kansas — Was admitted into the Union in 1861, making the
thirty-fourth State. Its motto is Ad astra per aspera, " To the
stars through difficulties." Its name means, " Smoky water," and
180 HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS.
is derived from one of her rivers. Area 78,841 square miles.
Population in 1860, 107,209; in 1870 was 362,812. She furnished
20,095 soldiers. Capital is Topeka. Has 3 Representatives in Con-
gress, and 5 Presidential electors. John P. St. John, Governor;
politics, Republican ; salary, $3,000; terra, 2 years.
Kentuchy — Is the Indian name for " At the bead of the rivers."
Its motto is, " United we stand, divided we fall." The sobriquet
of " dark and bloody ground " is applied to this State. It was first
settled in 1769, and admitted in 1792 as the fifteenth State. Area
37,680. Population in 1860, 1,155,684; in 1870, 1,321,000. She
put into the Federal army 75,285 soldiers. Capital, Frankfort.
Has 10 members in Congress ; 12 Electors. J. B. McCreary,
Democrat, is Governor; salary, $5,000 ; term, 4 years.
Louisiana — Was called after Louis XIY., who at one time
owned that section of the country. Its motto is " Union and Con-
fidence." It is called "The Creole State." It was visited by La
Salle in 1684, and admitted into the Union in 1812, making the
eighteenth State. Population in 1860,708,002; in 1870, 732,731.
Area 46,431 square miles. She put into the Federal' army 5,224
soldiers. Capital, New Orleans. Has 6 Representatives and 8
Electors. F. T. Nichols, Governor, Democrat; salary, $8,000;
term, 4 years.
Maine. — This State was called after the province of Maine in
France, in compliment of Queen Henrietta of England, who owned
that province. Its motto is Dirigo, meaning " I direct." It is
called "The Pine Tree State." It was settled by the English in
1625. It was admitted as a State in 1820. Area 31,766 square
miles. Population in 1860, 628,279; in 1870, 626,463; 69,738 sol-
diers went from this State. Has 5 members in Congress, and 7
Electors. Selden Conner, Republican, Governor; term, 1 year;
salary, $2,500.
Maryland — Was named after Henrietta Maria, Queen of
Charles I. of England. It has a Latin motto, Creoit0 et multiplica-
mini, meaning " Increase and Multiply." It was settled in 1634,
and was one of the original thirteen States. It has an area of 11,-
124 square miles. Population in 1860 was 687,049; in 1870, 780,-
806. This State furnished 46,053 soldiers. Capital, AnnapoHs.
Has 6 Representatives, and 8 Presidential electors. J. H. Carroll,
Democrat, Governor; salary, $4,500; term, 4 years.
HISTOEY OF ILLINOIS. 181
Massachusetts — Is the Indian for " The country around the great
hills." It is called the " Bay State," from its numerous bays. Its
motto is Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem, " By the sword
she seeks placid rest in liberty." It was settled in 1620 at Plymouth
by English Puritans. It was one of the original thirteen States,
and was the first to take up arms against the English during the
Eevolution. Area 7,800 square miles. Population in 1860, 1,231,-
066 ; in 1870, 1,457,351. She gave to the Union array 146,467 sol-
diers. Boston is the capital. Has 11 Eepresentatives in Con-
gress, and 13 Presidential electors. Thomas Talbot, Republican, is
Governor; salary, $5,000; term, 1 year.
Michigan — Latin motto, Luehor, and 8i quoeris peninsular) i,
amcenam circumspice, " I will defend" — "If you seek a pleasant
peninsula, look around you." Tlie name is a contraction of two
Indian words meaning "Great Lakp." It was early explored by
Jesuit missionaries, and in 1837 was admitted into the Union. It
is known as the " Wolverine State." It contains 56,243 square
miles. In 1860 it had a population of 749,173; in 1870, 1,184,059.
She furnished 88,111 soldiers. Capital, Lansing. Has 9 Repre-
sentatives and 11 Presidential electors. C. M. Croswell is Gov-
ernor; politics. Republican; salary, $1,000; term, 2 years.
Minnesota — Is an Indian name, meaning " Cloudy Water." It
has a French motto, L'Etoile du Word—'-'- The Star of the North."
It was visited in 1680 by La Salle, settled in 1846, and admitted
into the Union in 1858. It contains 83,531 square miles. In 1860
had a population of 172,023; in 1870, 439,511. She gave to the
Union army 24;002 soldiers. St. Paul is the capital. Has 3 mem-
bers in Congress, 5 Presidential electors. Governor, J. S. Pills-
burj', Republican; Salary, $3,000; term, 2 years.
Mississippi — Is an Indian name, meaning " Long River," and the
State is named from the " Father of Waters." The State was first
explored by De Sota in 1541; settled by the French at Natchez in
1716, and was admitted into the Union in 1817. It has an area of
47,156 square miles. Population in 1860, 791,305; in 1870,827,-
922. She gave to suppress the Rebellion 545 soldiers. Jackson is
the capital. Has 6 representatives in Congress, and 8 Presidential
electors. J. M. Stone is Governor, Democrat; salary, $4,000;
term, 4 years.
Missowri — Is derived from the Indian word " muddy," which
182 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.
more properly applies to the river that flows through it. Its motto
is Salus populi suprema lex esto, " Let the welfare of the people
be the supreme law." The State was first settled by the French
near Jefferson City in 1719, and in 1821 was admitted into the
Union. It has an area of 67,380 square miles, equal to 43,123,200
acres. It had a population in 1860 of 1,182,012; in 1870, 1,721,-
000. She gave to defend the Union 108,162 soldiers. Capital,
Jefferson City. Its inhabitants are known by the offensive cogno-
man of '' Pukes." lias 13 representatives in Congress, and 15
Presidential electors. J. S. Phelps is Governor; politics, Demo-
cratic; salary, $5,000; term, 4 years.
Nebraska — Has f ^r its motto, " Equality before the law." Its
name is derived from one of its rivers, meaning "broad and shal-
low, or low." It was admitted into the Union in 1867. Its capital
is Lincoln. It had a population in 1860 of 28,841, and in 1870,
123,993, and in 1875, 246,280'. It has an area of 75,995 square
miles. She furnished to defend the Union 3,157 soldiers. Has but
1 Representative and 3 Presidential electors. A. Nance, Repub-
lican, is Governor; salary, $2,500; term, 2 years.
Nevada—''^ The Snowy Land " derived its name from the Span-
ish. Its motto is Latin, Yolens et potens, and means "willing
and able." It was settled in 1850, and admitted into the Union in
1864. Capital, Carson City. Its population in 1860 was 6,857;
in 1870 it was 42,491. It has an area of 112,090 square miles.
She furnished 1,080 soldiers to suppress the Eebellion. Has 1 Rep-
resentative and 3 Electors. Governor, J. H. Kinkhead, Republican;
salary, $6,000; term, 4 years.
New Hampshire— W 3,5 first settled at Dover by the English in
1623. Was one of the original States. Has no motto. It is
named from Hampshire county in England. It also bears the
name of " The Old Granite State." It has an area of 9,280 miles,
which equals 9,239,200 acres. It had a population in 1 860 of 326,-
073, and in 1870 of 318,300. She increased the Union army with
33,913 soldiers. Concord is the capital. Has 3 Representatives
and 5 Presidential electors. N. Head, Republican, Governor;
salar}', $1,000; term, 1 year.
New Jersey — Was named in honor of the Island of Jersey in the
British channel. Its motto is " Liberty and Independence." It was
first settled at Bergen by the Swedes in 1624. It is one of the orig-
HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 183
inal thirteen States. It has an area of 8,320 square miles, or 5,324,-
800 acres. Population in 1860 was 672,035 ; in 1870 it was 906,096.
She put into the Federal army 75,315 soldiers. Capital, Trenton.
Has 7 Representatives and 9 Presidential electors. Governor,
George B. McClelland, Democrat; salary, $5,000; term, 3 years.
New York. — The "Empire State" was named by the Duke of
York, afterward King James II. of England. It has a Latin motto,
Excelsior, which means " Still Higher." It was first settled by the
Dutch in 1614 at Manhattan. It has an area of 47,000 square
miles, or 30,080,000 acres. The population in 1860 was 3,880,735;
in 1870 it was 4,332,759. It is one of the original thirteen States.
Capital is Albany. It gave to defend our Government 445,959
men. Has 33 members in Congress, and 35 Presidential electors.
Governor, L. Robinson, Democrat; salary, $10,000; term, 3 years.
North Carolina — Was named after Charles IX., King of France.
It is called " The Old North," or " The Turpentine State." It was
iirsi visited in 1524 by a Florentine navigator, sent out by Francis
I., King of France. It was settled at Albemarle in 1663. It was
one of the original thirteen States. It has an area of 50,704 square
miles, equal to 32,450,560 acres. It hadia 1860 a population of
992,622, and in 1870, 1,071,361. Raleigh is the capital. She-
furnished 3,156 soldiers to put down the Rebellion. Has 8 mem-
bers in Congress, and is entitled to 10 Presidential electors. Z. B.
Vance, Democrat, is Governor; salary, $5,000; term, 4 years.
Ohio — Took its name from the river on its Southern boundary,
and means " Beautiful." Its motto is Imperium in Lnperio —
"An Empire in an Empire." It was first permanently settled in
1788 at Marietta by New Englanders. It was admitted as a State
in 1803. Its capital is Columbus. It contains 39,964 square
miles, or 25,576, 960 acres. Population in 1860, 2,339,511; in 1870
it had 2,665,260. She sent to the front during the Rebellion 310,-
654 soldiers. Has 20 Representatives, and 22 Presidential electors.
Governor, R. M. Bishop, Democrat; salary, $4,000; term, 2 years.
Oregon- — Owes its Indian name to its principal river. Its motto
is Alis volat propriis — "She flies with her own wings." It was
first visited by the Spaniards in the sixteenth century. It was set-
tled by the English in 1813, and admitted into the IJnion in 1859.
Its capital is Salem. It has an area of 95,274 square miles, equal
to 60,975,360 acres. It had in 1860 a population of 52,465; in
184 HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS.
1870, 90,922. She furnished 1,810 soldiers. She is entitled to 1
member in Congress, and 3 Presidential electors. "W". W. Thayer,
Republican, is Governor; salary, $1,500 ; terra, 4 years.
Pennsylvania. — This is the "Keystone State," and means "Penn's
Woods," and was so called after William Penn, its original owner.
Its motto is, "Virtue, liberty and independence." A colony was
established by Penn in 1682. The State was one of the original
thirteen. It has an area of 46,000 square miles, eqiialing 29,440,-
000 acres. It had in 1860- a population of 2,906,215; and in 1870,
3,515,993. She gave to suppress the Eebellion, 338,155. HaiTis-
burg is the capital. Has 27 Eepresentatives and 29 electors. H.
M. Hoyt, is Governor; salary, $10,000; politics, Eepublican; term
of oflBce, 3 years. "
Rhode Island. — This, the smallest of the States, owes its name to
the Island of Ehodes in the Mediterranean, which domain it is gaid
to greatly resemble. Its motto is " Hope," and it is familiarly
called, "Little Rhody." It was settled by Roger Williams in 1636.
It was one of the original thirteen States. It has an area of 1,306
square miles, or 835,840 acres. Its population in 1860 numbered
174,620; in 1870, 217,356. She gave todefend the Union, 23,248.
its capitals are Providence and Newport. Has 2 Representatives,
and 4 Presidential electors. C. Yanzandt is Governor; politics,
Republican; salary, $1,000; 'term, 1 year.
South Carolina. — The Palmetto State wears the Latin name of
Charles IX., of France (Carolus). Its motto is Latin, Animis
opibusque jparati, " Ready in will and deed." The first permanent
settlement was made at Port Royal in 167^, where the French
Hnguenots had failed three-quarters of a century before to found a
settlement. It is one of tlie original thirteen States. Its capital is
Columbia. It has an area of 29,385 square miles, or 18,806,400
acres, with a population in 1860 of 703,708; in 1870, 728,000.
Has 5 Representatives in Congress, and is entitled to 7 Presidential .
electors. Salary of Governor, $3,500; term, 2 years.
Tennessee — Is the Indian name for the " River of the Bend," i. e,
the Mississippi, which forms its western boundary. She is called
"The Big Bend State." Her motto is, " Agriculture, Commerce."
It was settled in 1757, and admitted into the Union in 1796, mak-
ing the sixteenth State, or the third admitted after the Revolution-
ary War — Yermont being the first, and Kentucky the second. It
HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 185
has an area of 45,600 square miles, or 29,184,000 acres. In 1860
its population numbered 1,109,801, and in 1870, 1,257,983. She
furnished 31,092 soldiers to suppress the Rebellion. Nashville is
the capital. Has 10 Representatives, and 12 Presidential electors.
Governor, A. S. Marks, Democrat; salary, $4,000; term, 2 years. ■
Texas — Is the American word for the Mexican name by which
all that section of the country was known before it was ceded to the
United States. It is known as " The Lone Star State." The first set-
tlement was made by LaSalle in 1685. After the independence of
Mexico in 1822, it remained a Mexican Province until.1836, when
it gained its independence, and in 1845 was admitted into the
Union. It has an area of 237,504 square miles, equal to 152,002,-
560 acres. Its population in 1860 was 604,215; in 1870, 818,579.
She gave to put down the Rebelion 1,965 soldiers. Capital, Austin.
Has 6 Representatives, and 8 Presidential electors. Governor, O.
M. Roberts, Democrat; salary, $5,000; term, 2 years. •
' Y ermont^-^&AX% the French name of her mountains Verde Mont^
"Green Mountains." Its motto is "Freedom and Unity." It
was settled in 1731, and admitted into the Union in 1791. Area
10,212 square miles. ' Population in 1860, 315,098; in 1870, 330,551-
She gave to defend the Government, 33,272 soldiers. Capital, Mont-
pelier. Has 3 Representatives, and 5 electors. Governor, H. Fair-
banks, Republican; term, 2 years; salary, $1,000.
Virginia. — The Old Dominion, as this State is called, is the
oldest of the States. It was named in honor of Queen Elizabeth,
the " Virgin Queen," in whose reign Sir Walter Raleigh made his
first attempt to colonize that region. Its motto is Sic semper
tyrannis, ".So always with tyrants." It was first settled at James-
town, in 1607, by the English, being the first settlement in the
United States. It is one of original thirteen States, and had before
its division in 1862, 61,352 square miles, but at present contains
but 38,S52 square miles, equal to 24,545,280 acres. The population
in 1860 amounted to 1,596,318, and in 1870 it was 1,224,830. Rich-
mond is the capital. Has 9 Representatives, and 11 electors. Gov-
ernor, F. W. M. Halliday, Democrat ; salary, $5,500,; term, 4 years.
West Virginia. — Motto, Montani semper liberi, " Mountaineers
are always free." This is the only State ever formed, under the
Constitution, by the division of an organized State. This was done
in 1862, and in 1863 was admitted into the Union. It has an area of
186
HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.
23,000 square miles, or 14,720,000 acres. The population in 1860
was 376,000; in 1870 it numbered 445,616. She furnished 32,003.
Capital, Wheeling. Has 3 Representatives' in Congress, and is
entitled to 5 Presidential electors. The Governor is H. M. Mathews,
Democrat ; term, 4 years ; salary, $2,700.
Wisconsin — Is an Indian name, and means "Wild-rushing
channel." Its motto, Civitatas successit harbarum, " The civilized
man succeeds the barbarous." It is called " The Badger State."
The State was visited by the French explorers in 1665, and a settle-
ment was made in 1669 at Green Bay, It was admitted into the
Union in 1848. It has an area of 62,924 square miles, equal to
34,511,360 acres. In 1860 its population numbered 775,881; in
1870, 1,055,167. Madison is the capital. She furnished for the
Union army 91,021 soldiers. Has 8 members in Congress, and is
entitled to 10 Presidential electors. The Governor is W. E. Smith;
politics, Republican; salary, $5,000; term, 2 years.
HISTOET OF ILLINOIS. 187
ILLINOIS INSTITUTE FOE DEAF AND DUMB.
The first class of unfortunates to attract the notice of the legis-
lature were the deaf mutes. The act establishing the institution for
the education of these unfortunates was approved by Gov. Carlin,
Feb. 23, 1839, the asylum to be located at Jacksonville. The
original building, .afterward called the south wing, was begun in
1842, and completed in 1849, at a cost of about $25,000. A small
portion of the building was ready for occupancy in 1846, and on
the 26th day of January, of that year, the Institution was formally
opened, with Mr. Thomas Officer as principal. The first term
opened with but four pupils, which has increased from year to year,
until the average attendance at the present time is about 250.
ILLINOIS INSTITUTE FOE THE INSANE.
In response to an appeal from the eminent philanthropist.
Miss D. L. Dix, an act establishing the Illinois Hospital
for the Insane, was approved by Gov. French, March 1, 184Y.
Nine trustees were appointed, with power to select a site,
purchase land, and erect buildings to accommodate 250 patients.
On the 1st of May the board agreed upon a site, IJ miles
from the court-house in Jacksonville. In 1851 two wards in
the east wing were ready for occupancy, and the first patient
was admitted Nov. 8, 1851. In 1869 the General Assembly passed
two acts creating the northern asylum for the insane, and the
southern asylum for the insane, which was approved by Gov.
Palmer, April 16, 1869. Elgin was selected as a locatiqn for the
former, and Anna for the latter. The estimated capacity of the
three asylums is 1,200 patients. In addition to the State institu-
tions for the insane, there are three other asylums for their benefit,
one in Oook county, which will accommodate about 400 patients,
and two private institutions, one at Batavia, and one at Jack-
sonville.
ASYLUM FOE FEEBLE-MINDED.
The experimental -school for feeble-minded children, the first
institution of its kind in the North- west, M'as created by an act
approved, Feb. 15, 1865. It was an outgrowth of the institution
for deaf and dumb, to which idiots are frequently sent, under a
mistaken impression on the part of parents, that their silence
results from inability to hear. The selection of a site for the
1S8 UISTORY OF ILLINOIS.
building was intrusted to seven commissioners, whoj in July, 1875,
agreed upon the town of Lincoln. The building was begun in
1875, and completed three years later, at a cost of $154,209. The
average attendance in 1878 was 224.
THE CHICAGO CHAEITABLE EYE AND EAE INFIEMAET.
The association for foundiog this institution was organized in
Jtlay, 1858, and Pearson street, Chicago, selected for; the erection
of the building. In 1865 the legislature granted the institution
a special charter, and two years later made an appropriation of
$5,000 a year for its maintenance, and in 1871 received it into the
circle of State institutions; thereupon the name was changed by
the substitution of the word Illinois for Chicago. The building
was swept away by the great fire of 1871, and three years later the
present building was completed, at a cost of $42,843.
THE SOUTHEEN* ILLINOIS NOEMAL UNIVEESITY
Is located at Carbondale. This University was opened in 1874,
and occupies one of the finest school edifices in the United States.
It includes, besides a normal department proper, a preparatory
department and a model school. The model school is of an
elementary grade; the preparatory department is of the grade of a.
high school, with a course of three years. The normal course of four
years embraces two courses, a classical and a scientific course; both
make the study of the English language and literature quite
prominent.
THE ILLINOIS INDUSTEIAL UNIVERSITY,
Located at Urbana, was chartered in 1867. It has a corps of twen-
ty-five instructors, including professors, lecturers and assistants,
and has an attendance of over 400 pupils. It comprises four
colleges (1) Agriculture, (2) Engineering, (3) Natural Science,
(4) Literature and Science. These colleges embrace twelve subor-
dinate schools and courses of instruction, in which are taught
domestic science and art, commerce, military science, wood engrav-
ing, printing, telegraphy, photographing and designing. This insti-
tution is endowed with the national land grant, and the amount of
its productive fund is about $820,000. The value of its grounds,
buildings, etc., is about $640,000. It is well supplied with appara-
tus, and has a library of over 10,000 volumes.
HISTOKY OF PIKE COMTY.
CHAPTER I.
EAELY SETTLEMENT.
INTEODUCTOET.
We now begin to chronicle the history of one of the largest and
wealthiest, as well as the oldest, counties in the great State of Illi-
nois. To say that our task is a most difficult one will only be
expressing the sentiment of all who have attempted the compilation
of loxjal history. Only such persons can fully appreciate the em-
barrassment arising from the multiplied perplexities that are
continually crowding around the local historian. We shall seek to
make this a record as detailed and accurate as accessible data will
permit. Of course it will be impossible to gather up all of the frag-
mentary facts of the three-score years of the county's history, of
most which no written record was ever made, and many even
important facts have slipped through the meshes of memory never
to be recalled. Doubtless when the early pilgrim reads, or has
read to him, historical items recorded in this volume, it will rekin-
dle in memory recollections of kindred facts, not given us, and that
otherwise would have been forever cast into the darkness of oblivion.
Eecords of these items should be made as they are brought to light,
that the future historian may have the greater abundance of material
from which to compile.
Truth and accuracy will be pur motto, yet that some errors will
occur in names and dates, and even in statements, cannot be denied.
Studious care will be taken, however, to avoid as many such inac-
curacies as possible.
The face of the country of this county, save that portion bordering
on the Mississippi and Illinois rivers, is mostly rich, rolling prairie,
watered by Bay, McGee, Six Mile, Honey, Pigeon and McCraney's
13
193 HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY.
creeks, with their numerous and small tributaries, along which are
extensive bodies of timber. The farmers have planted artificial
groves extensively over the prairie, which has had the effect of
ameliorating the climate, by keeping the winds of an open country
from the surface of the earth. By the energy and enterprise of the
citizens of this county, it has been transformed from the native
wilderness into one of the most attractive portions of the State, if
not of the West. It is claimed that there is no spot on the face of
the earth capable of sustaining a denser population than the MiH-
tary Tract; and those familiar with this beautiful portion of our State
know that Pike county is not excelled by any other within its
boundary. That this county contains as intelligent, enterprising and
•thrifty agriculturists as probably can be found elsewhere in the
same breadth of territory in the United States, few will deny. Fine
barns, with all the modern improvements, comfortable dwellings,
lawns, gardens, out-houses, etc., are to be found on every hand;
towns and cities have sprung up as if by magic, and every knoll is
graced by a church edifice or school building.
The natural resources of Pike county, as-above alluded to, for
agricultural and manufacturing purposes, and marketing, give to
the farmers and manufacturers of the county superior advantages.
The agricultural interests of the county are well advanced. Indeed,
it may be said that Pike is the great agricultural county of Illinois.
The soil is mostly rich prairie loam, and has great productive qual-
ities. It is mostly divided into farms of medium size, from 80 to
320 acres; but few large farms are to be found. The benefit of this
is apparent by the increased population and a better cultivation.
The staple crops of cereals are corn, wheat and oats, which generally
yield abundantly. This is the condition of Pike county at present.
How different when Ebenezer Franklin, with his family, located .
within its borders! Then these prairies were a vast wilderness
covered with a rank growth of prairie grass, and much of the land
now under a high state of cultivation was covered with heavy for-
ests. At that time the native red men roamed unmolested over the
flowery prairies and through dark forests.
We wish to quote in this connection the eloquent, just and ap-
propriate tribute paid to Pike county by Hon. Wm. A. Grimshaw
in his "Centennial Address." It speaks in praiseworthy, yet truth-
ful, descriptive terms of both people and county:
" The citizens of this county have always been marked for a love
of our national Government, for participation in all State measures
to promote the common good of Illinois. With one brief exception,
the period of the ' vigilance committee,' local government has
always been of an orderly character. The brief excitement, of that
period led to more efiicient laws for the protection of society, and
thus good came out of evil. ISTo fratricidal strife, no display of
brothers in battle array with deadly cannon and all the dread habil-
iments of war, are portrayed here. The life of our citizens has
been with few exceptions that of peaceful farmers and townsmen,
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 193
•busy in the affairs of domestic life. . Thus j'our historian has no
startling tales to tell.
" Still as the current of your own gentle river, Illinois, with a
few swells in the stream of life, when wars waged beyond the lim-
its of the present county called off our men to war, has been the life
of your people. Industry has prevailed. Education has had its
marked influence, and the holy gospel, taught in its beauty and
simplicity, has pervaded every walk in life. Crime has, notwith-
standing, been perpetrated, to be brought generally to condign
punishment. Such is generally the end of those who violate the
laws, human and divine.
" This county, once embracing the fairest portion of the once
Eden-like State of Illinois, yet retaining within her limits land
beautiful to look upon, desirable to inhabit, and famed for her fair
daughters, her gallant sons, prosperous farmers and mechanics, able
professional men and legislators, her present territory equal yet
almost to some of the old thirteen States, owes much, if not all, of
this to the patriotism and foresight of the Kevolutionary fathers.
" Contemplate the vastness of Pike county as she was when organ-
ized by the act of the Legislature of 1821, in these words:
■ Section 1. — Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois represented in
the General Assembly, That all that tract of country within the following bounda-
ries, to wit: beginning at the mouth of the Illinois river and running thence up
the middle of said river to the fork of the same, thence up the south fork of said
river until it strikes the State line of Indiana, thence north with said line to the
north boundary line of this State, thence west with said line to the western bound-
ary line of this State, and thence with said line to the place of beginning, shall
constitute a separate county to be called Pike.
" To repeat the extent of the boundaries: On the south, begin at
the junction of the Illinois and Mississippi rivers, then follow the
Illinois to the fork of the same, meaning the Kankakee, thence to
the line of the State of Indiana, thence north and west embracing
the territory from Chicago, following on thp line of Wisconsin to
the Mississippi river, including the famed lead mines of Galena,
and to the channel of the Mississippi, thence descending to the
place of beginning. '
" First note the beautiful, still gliding river, the Illinois, then
observe the majestic Father of Waters ; traverse all this territory,
great in extent, formerly the home of. savage tribes of Indians, the
land marked by the tread of the buffalo and dotted over with the
graves and mounds, the relics of extinct races, the fierce brute crea-
tion and game and fish abounding, prairies illimitable, adorned
with flowers of gorgeous hues, fruits delicious in profusion and great
variety, forests of vast size filled with gigantic trees and of many
species, rivers bounding unfettered by man's contrivances; then no
locks and dams existed thereon, fish in myriads were the dwellers
in those rivers, — and these all existed in 1821, when Pike county
was struck off by name from the older settlements and the few
counties then existing in Illinois.
194 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
"Pike county has been the mother of States to the west of lUi-
nois. Having a pioneer population of an enterprising turn, large
numbers have emigrated together to Oregon, Texas and California
and other remote points, following the star of empire. Many estima-
ble farmers who once lived in Pike have gone further east in Illi-
nois and settled in the prairie counties.
•'The health of this county is almost invariably good excepting
in lowlands where some malarious disease comes on at times. Lon-
gevity exists to a marked degree and children fairly swarm. Pros-
perity and fine crops are the general results of industry."
ANTE-PIONEEE HISTORY.
Before proceeding further in detailing the immediate history of
the county, we desire to mention a few important facts relative to
the earliest history of this section of the State. In 1673 the great
French explorers, Marquette and Joliet, passed down the Missis-
sippi and up the Illinois in their canoes, on their first famous voy-
age down the great Father of Waters. Seven years later, Jan . 3,
1680, LaSalle, with his little band of Frenchmen, came down the
Illinois river as far as Peoria lake, landed upon the opposite shore,
and erected a fort — Fort Oreve-coeur. This fort was soon evacuated
and destroyed, yet the enterprising Frenchmen continued among
the Indians as traders. They exerted no perceptible civilizing influ-
ence, however, upon the red-skins:, indeed, by life and inter-mar-
riage among them, they became in all respects more and more like
them, until their identity was almost lost.
Tear after year rolled by until almost a century and a half had
passed since LaSalle stepped ashore from his skiff, before the abo-
rigines who occupied the territory embraced within the present
boundary of Pike county were molested by the encroachments of the
white man. Generation after generation of natives appeared upon
the wild scenes of savage life, roamed the forest and prairie, and
glided over the beautiful, placid Illinois and Mississippi rivers in
their log and bark canoes, and passed away. Still the advance of
civilization, the steady westward tread of the Anglo-Saxon, disturbed
them not. The buffalo, deer, bear and wolf roamed the prairie and
woodland, the Indian their only enemy. But nature had destined
better things for this fertile region. She had been too lavish in the
distribution of natural advantages to leave it longer in the peaceable
possession of those who had for centuries refused to develop, even
in the slightest degree, any of her great resources. She accordingly
directed hitherward the footsteps of the industrious, enterprising
pioneer; and so fertile was the soil and so beautiful the fiowers, so
sparkling were the streams and shady the groves, that, in advance of
all the surrounding country, the pioneers sought and settled the
timber land and prairie of Pike county.
The thrilling scenes through which the pioneer settlers passed in
the settlement of this portion of Illinois must ever awaken emotions
HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY. 195
of wal-mest regard for thera. To pave the way for those who fol-
lowed after them, to make their settlement in the West a pleasure,
they bore the flood-tide wave of civilization ; they endured all, suf-
fered all. But few of these spirits now survive; they have passed
away full of years and honors, leaving their cliildren, and children's
children and strangers to succeed them and enjoy the fruits of the
toil, privations and savings of their long and eventful lives.
Life with them is o'er, their labors all are done,
And others reap the harvest that they won.
Too great honor cannot be accorded them, and we regret that we
have not the data to speak more fully and definitely of them, their
personal experiences, their lives and their characters.
FIRST AMERICAN SETTLEMENTS.
Coming on down through the years for over a century, we wish
to speak of the first American settlements in the State, as 'an intro-
ductory to the more immediate history of the original Pike county.
The first settlement made within the borders of the great State
of Illinois by citizens of the United States was in 1784, when a few
families from Virginia founded a small colony or settlement near
Bellefontaine, in Monroe county. The next American settlement
was made in St. Olair county, two of which were made prior to the
year 1800.
The first American settlers in Illinois were chiefly from Ken-
tucky, Yirginia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Tennessee and some
from Maryland. Some of these had served with Gen. Clark, who
conquered the country from the British in 1778. This whole people
did not number more than 12,000 in 1812, but with the aid of one
company of regular soldiers defended themselves and their settle-
ments against the numerous a^d powerful nations of Kickapoos,
Sacs, Foxes, Pottawatomies and Shawnees, and even made hostile
expeditions into the heart of their couiltry, burning their villages
and defeating and driving them from the territory.
When the State was admitted in 1818 the settlements extended
a little north of Edwardsvill? and Alton ; south along the Missis-
sippi to the mouth of the Ohio; east in the direction of Carlysle to
the Wabash, and down the Wabash and Ohio to the conjunction of
the Ohio and Mississippi. Such was the extent of the settlement
in Illinois when the Territory was clothed with State honors.
There were but 15 organized counties represented in the conven-
tion to frame the first Constitution. These were St. Clair, Kan-
dolpb, Madison, Gallatin, Johnson, Edwards, White, Monroe, Pope,
Jackson, Crawford, Bond, Union, Washington and Franklin. The
last three were the youngest counties, and were formed in 1818.
ORIGINAL PIKE COUNTY.
Pike county was the first or second county organized after the
State was admitted into the Union. It was erected Jan. 31, 1821,
196 HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY.
andv included all of the territory west and north of the Illinois
river, and its south fork, now the Kankakee river. At the first
election in.Fike county after its organization only 35 votes were
polled, even though it did extend over the entire northern part of
the State, and out of which more than fifty counties have since been
organized.
A " Gazetteer of Illinois and Wisconsin," published about 1822,
says that the county " included a part of the lands appropriated by
Congress for the payment of military bounties. The lands con-
stituting that tract; are included withm a peninsula of the Illinois
and the Mississippi, and extend on the meridian line (4th), passing
through the mouth of the Illinois, 162 miles north. Pike county
will no doubt be divided into several counties; some of which will
become very wealthy and important. It is probable that the sec-
tion about Fort Clark (now Peoria) will be the most thickly settled.
On the Mississippi river, above Rock river, lead ore is found in
abundancfe. Pike county contains between 700 and 800 inhabi-
tants. It is attached to the first judicial circuit, sends one mem-
ber to the House of Representatives, and, with Greene, one to the
Senate. The county-seat is Cole's Grove, a post town. It was laid
out in 1821 and is situated in township 11 south, in range 2 west
of the fourth principal meridian ; very little improvement has yet
been made in this place or vicinity. The situation is high and
healthy and bids fair to become a place of some importance."
Thus the historian of three-score years ago speaks of Pike county
as it- was in its original magnitude and wildness. How changed
is the face of the country since then! Who could have foretold
its future greatness with any degree of knowledge or certainty!
We deem it within the province of this work to speak of the
earliest settlement of all this vast region. Much of it was settled
prior to that portion contained within the present boundaries of
the county, and as it was for many years a part of Pike county it
is proper we should refer to it, briefly, at least.
The earliest history and the first occupation of the original Pike
county are enshrouded in almost impenetrable obscurity. After
the lapse of more than three-quarters of a century, the almost total
absence of records, and the fact that the whites who visited or
lived in this region prior to 1820 are all dead, render it impossible
now to determine with any degree of certainty the name of him
who is entitled to the honor of being recorded as "first settler."
Perhaps the first man who sojourned within the Military Tract
lived in what is now Calhoun county. He went there about 1801,
and lived for years before any other settler came, and remained
alone and unknown for a long time after the first pioneers moved
into that section. His home was a cave dug out by himself, and
was about a quarter of a mile from the Mississippi river. In 1850
the boards of Jiis cave floor were dug up and the ground leveled.
Who he was or where he came from was known only to himself,
for he refused all intercourse with the settlers.
HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY. 19T
The next settlers, perhaps, were French trappei-s and half-breeds
who formed quite a large colony on the Illinois river near the Deer
Plains Ferry, Calhoun county. These remained there until the
great high water of 1815 or 1818, which drove them away. Andrew
Judy lived at this point at a very early day. _ Major Roberts settled
in Calhoun county in June, 1811. He came from Ohio. John
Shaw came into that county at a very early day and was one of the
leading men in the organization of Pike county, and for some time
was County Commissioner. He settled at Gilead, the site of the
original county-seat of Pike county. He was the most noted and
influential man in his day of all in all this region. He carried on
farming, stock-raising, and conducted a store, and engaged in poli-
tics very largely. His influence was so great that he was able to
rule the county indirectly, which he did for many years. He was
denominated the " Black Prince," on account of his having great
sway over the community. It is said that he had control over a
large band of half-breeds, with which and his numerous other hench-
men he controlled the elections, and carried every measure he de-
sired. He forged deeds, even by the quire, doctored poll books,
etc. So great was his influence and at the same time so injurious
to the settlers that the public issue was gotten up in its politics, of
"Shaw," or "Anti-Shaw," and not until there was a great and united
struggle that John Shaw lost his supremacy.
There was a man by the name of Davison who was found living
as a hermit a few miles above the mouth of Spoon river on its
banks by the first settlers in Fulton county. He was a physician
and a man of culture and refinement. How long he had resided
there before discovered by the whites is not known, but evidently
for many years, as the shrubbery and trees that he had planted
had grown quite large. He was selected as one of the first grand
jurors for the Circuit Court of Pike county. He refused all inter-
course with the whites, and about 1824 put his effects in a canoe,
paddled down Spoon river and up the Illinois to Starved Kock,
where he lived in obscurity until he died, which was a few years
afterward.
In 1778 the French made a settlement at the upper end of Peoria
lake. The cpuntry in the vicinity of this lake was called by the
Indians Pim-i-te-wi, that is, a place where there are many fat
beasts. Here the town of Laville de Meillet, named after its
founder, was started. Within the next twenty years, however, the
town was moved down to the lower end of the lake to the present
site of Peoria. In 1812 the town was destroyed and the inhabi-
tants carried away by Captain Craig. In 1813 Fort Clark was
erected there by Illinois troops engaged in the war of 1812. Five
years later it was destroyed by fire. Some American settlers, how-
ever, early came into this neighborhood. These were mostly sol-
diers of the war of 1812 who had been given bounty-land for their
services and had come to possess it. An old veteran of that war
by the name of Wm. Blanchard came to Peoria in 1819, soon
198 HISTOBT OF PIKE COtTNTT.
moved over the river into Tazewell county, and in 1830 moved just
over the line into Woodford, and is still living there, perhaps the
oldest living settler north of the mouth of the Illinois river.
The first permanent settlement by the whites in all Northwestern
Illinois, of which any record or reliable knowledge now remains,
existed about 1820 on the banks of the river now known as the
Galena. This river was then known as Feve, or Bean river. The
Indian name for the river was Mah-cau-bee, the fever that blisters,
and was named from the fact of the Indians having small-pox here.
Hundreds of the natives died and they gave the names of Big
Small-Pox river and Little Small-Pox river to the streams upon
which they lived. The former was changed by the whites to the
more pleasant name of Fever river; the smaller is still known as
Small-Pox creek. Galena was known as "Fever Kiver Settle-
ment," and we find frequent mention of it in the old Commis-
sioners' Court records. John S. Miller, who was perhaps the first
settler there, and Moses Meeker, perhaps the next, often applied tO'
the court at Cole's Grove for licenses, recommendations to the
Governor to be appointed Justice of the Peace, etc.
Fever river was also known in an early day by the name of Beaa
river, from the French name, Kiviere au Feve, given it by the early
traders and adventurers. This section of country is referred to
in the "Gazetteer of Illinois and Missouri," a work published in
1822 and now very rare, as follows:
'■'•Bean river (Riviere au Feve, Fr.), a navigable stream of Pike-
county, emptying into the Mississippi three miles below Cat-Fish
creek, and 20 miles below Dubuque's mines, and about 70 above
Bock river. Nine miles up this stream a small creek empties into-
it from the west. The banks of this creek, and the hills which
bound its alluvium, are filled with lead ore of the best quality.
Three miles below this on the banks of Bean river is the Traders'
Tillage, consisting of ten or twelve houses or cabins. At this
place the ore procured from the Indians is smelted and then sent
in boats either to Canada or New Orleans. The lands on this stream
are poor, and are only valuable on account of the immense quanti-
ties of minerals which they contain."
In the same work Chicago is simply mentioned as "a village of
Pike county, containing 12 or 15 houses and about 60 or 70 inhab-
itants." Fort Dearborn had been built there in 1804, but so far
was it in the wilderness that when the massacre of the garrison in
1812 occurred many days elapsed before it was known to the near-
est white settlement. There was also a fort and military garrison
on the Mississippi river where "Warsaw is now located. .This wafr
known as Fort Edwards, and the name also occurs frequently in
the old records of Pike county. One of the main wagon-roads, and
one upon which the Commissioners expended much time and
money, was known as the Fort Edwards road.
By 1820 to 1825 many settlements had sprung up through Central
Illinois, but scarcely before 1830 was there any considerable num-
HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY. 199
ber of whites living north of the north line of the present bound-
ary of Pike county. It is true, prior to that- Adams, Fulton and
Schuyler counties had been organized, but they were very thinly
populated. By 1830 and after the close of the Black Hawk war in
1832 and the expulsion of the Indians the northern part of the
State settled up quite rapidly.
THE FIRST SETTLEMENT OF PIKE COUNTY AS IT IS AT PRESENT.
We now come to a period in the history of the settlement of this
county when we will restrict ourselves to the present boundaries of
Pike county. The few broken references to the settlement of the
Military Tract and Northern Illinois we offer as a slight historic
token to the grand old original Pike county — to Pike county as it
was in its primitive days. They are brief an4 scattering, but,
owing to the fact, as previously remarked, that there are no records
extant, and that the earliest pioneers have passed away, it is impos-
sible to give more, other than to elaborate and enlarge on the facts
already stated, which we will not do for want of space.
Prior to the coming of the first settler to Pike county there had
often been French traders, hunters and travelers passing through
the native forests and crossing the wild and beautiful prairies. They
pitched their tent for the night, and amid the vast wilderness,
inhabited only by wild beasts and the native red man, rested their
weary limbs only to move at the early dawn. The first individual
of whom we have account, and this is traditionary, that settled in
Pike county as it is, or who made it his home for any considerable
time, was J. B. Teboe (Tibault), a Canadian Frenchman. He came
somewhere during the period between 1817 and 1819, and occupied
a cabin on the banks of the Illinois river, situated on what is now
section 33, Flint township. There is no doubt this man was in that
locality prior to 1820. He lived as a hunter, and for a time we
think ran a ferry, but whether he is entitled to the honor of being
termed the " first settler " we very much doubt. He, it seems,
tilled no land and made no permanent abode, nor had a family. He
was killed at Milton in ISli.
FEANKLIN AND SHINN THE FIRST SETTLERS.
The man who may properly be denominated the first settler of
Pike county was Ebenezer Franklin. He came to the county in
March, 1820, and first stopped upon the northwest quarter of sec-
tion 27, half a mile east from where Atlas was afterward located
and up "Jockey Hollow." He brought with him his family, con-
sisting of his wife, son and three daughters, besides a Mr. Israel
Waters. This gentleman afterward moved to Adams county.
When Franklin first came he found no neighbor with whom lie
could stop until he had reared his cabin. He was obliged to pitch
his tent and gather his family around him in his tented mansion
provided with the meager and rude furniture he brought with him
200 HISTORY OF PIKE OOUNTT.
and what he constructed after his arrival. There is no doubt the
family suffered from the chilling winds of early spring, but they
were sturdy pioneers and withstood the privations and hardships as
became true pioneers. Pie resided in his tent until May, when he
erected a rude log cabin.
The next settler to come in after Franklin was Daniel Shinu.
He came from Batavia, Ohio, and arrived about the last of April,
1820. On his way here he stopped at Edwardsville, where he left
most of his large family, which consisted of a wife and eight chil-
dren: Benjamin, John, Eliza, Hannah, Mary, Phebe, ■ Daniel and
Nancy. John Webb, now living five miles east of Pittsfield, then
only six years of age, came with them. Mr. Webb is now fhe oldest
living settler in the county by four years, that is, he came to the
county four years prior to any other man now living in the county.
Mr. Shinn was the first man who brought a wagon into Pike county,
probably the first to the Military Tract. He settled near Mr.
Franklin, and the two lived in tents until May, when they both
erected cabins, aiding one another in their labors. Mr. Shinn with
two of his sons cleared a piece of ground and planted three acres of
corn. It took but comparatively little labor to raise grain, but to
have it ground or prepared for food was a hard task. At this early
day there were no mills within reach of these early pilgrims. The
first mill they had to go to was a horse-mill run by John Shaw in
Calhoun county. Mr. Franklin erected his cabin upon the south-
east quarter of section 22, Atlas township, or what is now Atlas,
three-fourths of a mile from Atlas and about 150 yards north of
where the road has since run. Many years ago, even, the place was
covered with a spindling growth of young trees.
Ml'. Shinn located as a near neighbor to Mr. Franklin. He
became a great wolf-hunter, prompted by the fact of his being una-
ble to raise stock, owing to their ravages. He lost 200 pigs by
that rapacious animal, and resolved to make war upon them. He
finally succeeded in raising fine hogs by shutting them up in a
close log stable from their earliest pighood.
The Shinn family were originally from E"ew Jersey. On their
way West they stopped for awhile at Cincinnati, where they fol-
lowed gardening. After a long and useful life Mr. Shinn died at a
little over 70 years of age, while on a visit to his daughter at Pitts-
field in 1852. He took an active part in the early history of the
county.
THE COMING OF THE BOSSES.
In the year 1820 there also came, from Pittsfield, Mass., the
Eosses: William (Col.), Clarendon, Leonard (Capt.), and Henry J.
(Dr.); also Samuel Davis, Wm. Sprague and Joseph Cogswell, all
settling in or near Atlas .Leonard had been Captain in the war of
1812, and William obtained his title afterward "by having been ap-
pointed Colonel of Illinois militia. Davis was a bee-hunter, who
built for himself and large family a log cabin on section 16. Two
HISTOKT OF PIKE COUNTY. 201
years afterward he moved into Missouri. Most of these men
brought their families to their new homes the following February,
having previously left them at Alton. Mr. Cogswell was from
Berksliire, Mass.
The Rosses in coming West had a tedious journey. They came
by ilat- boats down the Alleghany and Ohio rivers, and by wagons
from Shawneetown to Upper Alton, where at that. time but one
house existed, occupied by Major Hunter. Here they left their
families, and coming northward, they found an Indian camp at the
mouth of the Illinois river, where they split puncheons and laid
them across two canoes -and thus safely carried over their .wagons.
The horses we're made to swim alongside. Continuing up the Mis-
sissippi bottom they marked the trees as they went, for there were
no roads and nothing to guide them but an occasional Indian trail.
They arrived at section 27 in township 6 south and 5 west, '' at
last," whence, according to tradition, the name "Atlas." Some
wished to name the place " Charlotte," after a certain lady in the
company. This beautiful land of prairie and timber charmed the
immigrants, and they at once set to worktheir energies and con-
structed a camp to shelter themselves while preparing' quarters for
their families. They hurried up four rough log cabins, knowing
that Indians were numerous and that probably not more than five
white men were within 60 miles of them east of the Mississippi.
SEELET, m'gIFEIN AND NEWMAN.
James M. Seeley, father of Dr. Seeley, of Pittsfield, came to this
county about this time. Charles McGiffin and Levi Newman set-
tled on this side of the Mississippi river opposite Louisiana on a
slough called " McGiffin's Slough," but not known by tliat name
now; but they had no families. McGiffin died two years afterward
and Newman moved over into Morgan county.
John and jeeemiah ross, beown, wood and kkyes.
In 1821,. John and Jeremiah Ross, brothers of the preceding'
Rufus Brown, John Wood (afterward State Governor) and 'Willard
Keyes arrived at Atlas. Here Brown kept a tavern, but he and
these two Rosses and Mr. "Wood removed to Adams county. When
they first came to Pike county Wood and Keyes first settled on the
16th section just below New Canton and kept bachelor's hall on the
bank of a creek, subsequently named "Keyes " creek, after one of
these men. They had a few hogs, two j'oke of oxen and a small
iron plow, by which latter they broke up a piece of ground before
building a cabin. In three or four years they sold out and went to
Adams county, where Wood founded the city of Quincy. He was
then a young man, vigorous and ambitious. One day he, with
William Ross, the founder of Atlas, and Capt. Ross, the Sheriff of
Pike count}', were traveling over the country north and west of this
county, but then within its borders. When nearing the Mississippi
202 HISTORY OF PIKE OOUNTY.
river he told his companions to follow him and he would show them
where he was going to build a city. They went about a mile off the
main trail when they reached the present site of the city of Quincy.
The view presented to the trio of sturdy frontiersmen was a magnifi-
cent one. The hand of the white man had never touched the soil,
or disturbed the beautiful decorations of nature. Below them swept
the Father of Waters yet unburdened by steam navigation. Mr.
"Wood tried to show his companions the advantages the location
had, but Mr. Ross, thoroughly interested in building up his own
town of Atlas and so sanguine of its futui'e greatness, that the beau-
tiful and excellent location selected by Mr. Wood was completely
overshadowed by that enjoyed by his village. Mr. Wm. Ross con-
gratulated his young friend and hoped he would make of his town
a success, but he despaired of it ever amounting to much, for, as he
remarked to the Governor, " It's too near Atlas."
OTHBE SETTLERS.
In 1821 there also came to the county James McDonald, who
settled opposite Louisiana, on Sny Island, and kept a ferry. He
opened the first farm on the road between Atlas and Louisiana, but
floods drowned him out. He was from Washington county, N. Y.,
and his family Consisted of himself, wife and four daughters. The
next spring he was found dead at his ferry, supposed to have been
murdered. Joseph Jackson afterward married his widow.
In the summer of 1821, Garrett Van Deusen came to the county
and settled on the Illinois river near the old Griggsville Landing.
He was the first settler on the east side of the county except two
transient French families, who had located some distance below.
He erected the second band-mill in the county, the first having been
put up by Col. Ross, at Atlas.
THE " SICKLY SEASON."
The summer of 1821 sorely tried the hearts of the sturdy settlers
in and about Atlas. That was a sickly season and scarcely a family
but followed some of its members to the newly made cemetery,
until over one-half the entire population were numbered with the
dead. The prevailing cause of the visitation of such a calamity to
the settlers was the malaria emanating from the vegetable decay of
the newly broken prairie and the decomposition of immense quan-
tities of fish in the ponds below the town. The victims of this
dreadful malady were laid in coffins made from bass-wood puncheons,
hollowed out and consigned to earth in a grave-yard near Franklin's
first location, and about 400 yards west of Shinn's. The bones and
dust of 80 persons now lie buried there, and at present there is not
a stone or head-board, or any signs whatever of its being a cemetery.
There was no physician nearer than Louisiana during this scourge,
and with this fact, and taking into consideration the poor facilities
the settlers had for providing for and nursing the sick, it remains
no wonder that so many died.
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 203
During this year Col. Ross built a small brick house, the first in
the countj'. Two years afterward he erected a much larger brick
structure adjoining it.
FIRST PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS.
This year also the first court-house in the county was built.
Daniel Shinn took the contract for cutting and hauling the logs, at
$6, and for $26 he got out the puncheons and finished the building.
It was completed without nails or iron in any shape. It was 16 by
18 feet in dimensions, with one door and two windows, the door on
the east side, one window on the south side and another on the west
side; desks made of puncheons; chimney outside; and the clap-
boards of the roof held on with weight-poles and knees. There
were no trees around the house, but plenty of hazel-brush in the
vicinity.
This year the first school was taught in the county, by John Jay
Koss, son of Capt. Leonard Ross. It was kept in the court-house,
and the names of his pupils were, so far as remembered, Orlando,
Charlotte, Schuyler, Mary Emily and Elizabeth Ross, Benjamin,
John, Eliza and Phcebe Shinn, John "Webb, Frederick and Eliza
Franklin, Jeremiah and William Tungate, James, Laura and Nancy
Sprague. James "W". Whitney taught the next school, which was
also at Atlas.
A FEW MORE OF THE EARLIEST PILGRIMS.
About this time Dexter Wheeloek and wife settled at Atlas, where
for a time he kept a hotel and a general store. He had been a
drummer in the war of 1812, and was an active and generous man.
He died many years ago, and his son, John G. Wheeloek, has been
a prominent citizen of the county.
The spring of 1822 two brothers named Buchanan settled at "Big
Spring." A Mr. Allen (father of Lewis) came to the county this
year, and was probably the first settler in the neighborhood of Mil-
ton. His wife was a sister of the celebrated Daniel Boone. An
old gentleman named Clemmons also settled about this time near
Milton, where his sons now reside. Joel Moore, now living two
miles north of Pittsfield, on Bay creek, was the first settler on that
stream. '
This year Mr. Franklin sold out his place near Atlas, to Col.
Ross, for $30 or $40, and removed to a point a little south of Pitts-
field, where Mr. Allen now lives; he gold out here again ere long
to Mr. Goodin, and located near Milton, on a prairie called after
him, " Franklin's Prairie;" and this home too he subsequently sold,
removing this time to Perry. He died in Milton in 1878.
Mr. Hoskins. (father of John) came to the county soon after the
Ross family.
FIRST WHITE CHILD BORN IN THE COUNTY.
The first white person born in this county was Nancy Ross,
daughter of Col. Wm. Ross, born May 1 , 1822. She died Nov. 18
204 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
of the same year at Atlas. Some say, however, that there was a
white person born in this county some time previous to this; how
true that is we cannot state authoritatively.
TEIP TO LOUISIANA.
The first settlers suffered much from want of provision, as well as
from the loneliness of their wilderness homes. During the year
1822, Franklin and Shinn, getting out of provisions, started to Lou-
isiana for a supply. On arriving at the river they gave the cus-
tomary signal for the ferryman to come over after them, but could
not make him hear. Being strong and fearless they undertook to
swim the great river, even with their clothing on. They buffeted
the waves well for a time, and made good progress, but unfortu-
nately Mr. Shinn took the cramp, and came near drowning, and
would have drowned if it had not been for his companion's pres-
ence of mind. Franklin, by beating him, got him out of the cramp.
In order to make further progress, however, they were compelled
to divest themselves of their clothing. After a long, hard and dan-
gerous struggle they finally landed upon the Missouri shore, about
three-quarters of a mile- below town, but void of clothing. They
made their presence known, however, and were soon furnished with
clothing.
OEIMINAL DE0W;NBD.
During this same year (1822) a man by the name of Franklin,
not Ebenezer, stole a gun from a Mr. Hume. In making away with
it in his haste he was unfortunate enough to lose it while swimming
McGee's creek. He was pursued, caught, and in a very summary
trial before Ool. Ross, Justice of the Peace, was sentenced to have
25 lashes laid upon his bare back. This punishment being inflicted
(and we are told he bore it nobly), he was given his liberty. He
soon committed another crime, however, was caught, but broke from
custody. The pioneers were full of pluck, and when they set out to
accomplish anything they generally did it, at whatever price. He
was tracked to Fort Edwards (now Warsaw) and again captured.
They had no jail or place to confine such a cunning fellow with any
safety, so it was determined to send him to the jail at Edwardsville.
Cons''table Farr and John Wood (ex-Governor) took charge of him
to convey him to Edwardsville. Knowing he would take advan-
tage of every opportunity to escape, they lashed him to the back of
a mule, by tying his feet uYiderneath. They came to a creek on
their journey, and the young man thinking that an excellent oppor-
tunity to escape, plunged in, even against the threatenings of his
escort. He heeded them not, but yelled back that he would "goto
h— 1 and kick the gate open for them. '-'' The water was high and
before the mule had reached the farther shore he went down be-
neath the waves, carrying with him his rider. Both were drowned.
Franklin's body was rescued and buried upon the bank of the creek.
When Messrs. Farr and Wood returned to Atlas, Ool. Eoss asked
HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY. 205
them where their prisoner was, they had returned so quickly. " Oh,
we've drowned him," was their indifferent reply. " You have to
account for him in some way according to law, you know," said Col.
Ross. "Oh, yes," they again replied, "we've drowned him."
Franklin's bones were some time afterward taken up and wired to-
gether by Dr. Vandeventer, and the skeleton is now in the posses-
sion of his family at Versailles, 111.
BISSELL, HUSONG, NICHOLi.S AND MATTHEWS.
In 1823 Alfred Bissell came to tlie county and located at New
Hartford, or rather, nearly a mile north of the present town. Mr.
Bissell raised the first apples in Pike county. He finally sold out
to a Mr. Brown, some of whose family still reside upon the place.
Daniel Husong came to the county the same year, also an old
man by the name of Nicholas, who was the first settler near High-
land. Another gentleman, Mr. John Matthews, who was consid-
erably advanced in life, the father of B. L. Matthews, and the
grandfather of Col. Matthews, came and located north of Griggs
ville.
After this period settlers came in rapidly, and it is quite impos-
sible for us to note the advent of each one. That will be done to a
very great extent in our township histories.
FIKST FOUETH-OF-JULT CELEBEATION.
The first Fourth-of-July celebration ever held in Pike county,
and probably in the Military Tract, was held at Atlas in 1823.
Col. Koss thus speaks of it in a letter written at the time to a
friend in the East, which is still preserved: "July 4, 1823. — The
first celebration of the Fourth of July was held in Atlas, Pike
county, 111. Oration delivered by Nicholas Hanson, of Albany,
N. Y. The Declaration of Independence was read. There was an
audience of about fifty persons, who afterward partook of an excel-
lent dinner prepared by Rufus I3rown at his tavern. The audience
marched in procession after dinner. A jolly good time was had
drinking toasts, etc., and 'all went merry as a marriage bell;' this
being the first celebration ever held in Pike county, or in this Mil-
itary Tract."
This Eufus Brown, spoken of, subsequently removed to Quincy,
where he built a log house on the lot where the Quincy House now
stands. After living in Quincy for a time, he pulled up and moved
further West, and has since died.
FIRST JAIL AND VISIT OF THE INDIANS.
1824. — This year- the first jail at Atlas was built. Daniel
Husong hewed the logs and Daniel Shinn did most of the work on
the building. The door was four inches thick. Wrought spikes
were used, and for hinges bars were employed which were as thick
as a man's arm. The only window was a hole about the size of a
206 flISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY.
pane of glass. The logs were a foot square and " scotched " down,
and the place for ushering in prisoners was in the roof. It was a
food jail, however, — even better, some think, than the jail at
'ittsfield some years ago. The old Atlas jail building is still in
existence, but has been removed to near the Levee and is consider-
ably dilapidated.
This year old Keokuk and 600 of his men, on their way to fight
Indians below St. Louis, stopped on the Sny near Atlas, over night,
and had a war dance. They had sent to the whites at Atlas a
notice in advance that they intended them no harm. Keokuk was
a fine-looking man, it is said, while Black Hawk, who also fre-
quently visited this region, was rather a small man, with one eye.
FIRST MALE CHILD BOEN IN THE COUNTY.
Nov. 11, 1824, Marcellus Koss was born, a son to Col. Wm.
Ross at Atlas, the first white male child born in Pike county. . It
is stated, however, in Mr. Grimshaw's historical sketch, that a son
to Ebenezer Franklin was born before this, and still others say
that a son was born before this date in the family of Mr. Ward. In
the proceedings of the Old Settlers' Association it is stated that
Rev. John Hopkins, of New Hartford, was born in Pike county
May 30, 1822 ; that he attended school at Atlas when there were
but five scholars, and that he bound after the first reaper in the
county. In July, 1836, Col. William Ross and family removed to
Pittsfield, where he remained until his death, and where Marcellus
still resides .
COL. BAENEY.
In 1826 there came to Atlas, from Berkshire, Mass., that eminent
man, Col. Benjamin Barney, who still survives, residing at Barry.
He "was a man of great physical powers, of strong natural sense,
benevolent, patriotic, not learned in book lore, but wise in that
which made him a leader in trying times; was sober, industrious
and always at his post. His tales of early adventure are marvelous,
and yet undoubtedly true." — Grimshaw. He was born in Septem-
ber, 1795, emigrated first to Sandusky, O., and afterward was one
of the first five settlers in Seneca county in that State. In Ohio
he married Minerva Harris, who died in 1849. He was the first
blacksmith in Pike county, and probably the first in the whole
Military Tract. He made the first plow ever made in this county,
and was for a long time known as " the county blacksmith." He
was induced to stop at Atlas mainly on account of his being offered
the position of Deputy Sheriff by Capt. Ross, the newly elected
Sheriff. Col. Barney bore a prominent part in the Black Hawk
war, and his life has all along been so identified with the history
of Pike county that his name will occur frequently in this volume.
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HI8T0BY OF PIKE OOTJNTT. 209
ooL. barney's teip to OAEKOLLTON.
During this age of quick transit we often speak of mail " facili-
ties," but for pioneer times it would be more appropriate to say-
mail " difficulties." It must be borne in mind that it cost 25 cents
for the early pilgrims who came to this country to get a letter from
their friends in the East or South, and then the mails came only at
long intervals. Col. Barney relates a bit of experience as a mail-
carrier in early day, which is quite thrilling.
There had been no mail received at Atlas for about six weeks.
The Illinois' river \vas high, and filled with running ice so that it
was impossible to cross it with any degree of safety. Oapt. Eoss
was postmaster at Atlas, the only place in the county where there
was a postoffice, and he as well as the other settlers were exceed-
ingly anxious to get the mail from CarroUton, the point from
which the Pike county mail was brought. CarroUton is on the east
side of the river and 40 miles distant from Atlas. Postmaster
Ross had made liberal offers to induce some one to go after the
mail, but none had yet succeeded in getting it. The six dolla,rs he
had offered was a great motive, and at least three men at different
times had attempted the trip, but could get no further than the
Illinois river, and would return discouraged. At last, becoming
exceedingly anxious to hear from the outside world, Mr. Koss made
the very liberal offer of ten dollars to any one who would carry the
mail to CarroUton and return with the mail from that point. This
offer was made Saturday night, and Col. Barney resolved to attempt
to win the prize. It must be remembered that in those primitive
times ten dollars was considered a large amount of money; and the
Colonel said, when he returned and got his money, that he felt as
though he was rich enough to start a bank.
Mr. Barney was up before day Sunday morning getting ready
for the trip. His wife prepared a lunch of corn-cake and venison
for him to take with him and eat upon the way ; but unfortunately
he forgot it when he left home. He had traveled but a few miles
ere it began to snow. The large flakes began to fall thicker and
faster, and the wind began to blow and soon the storming elements
were raging around him with great fury. He quickened the pace
of his horse and finally arrived at the Illinois river at a point
where there had been a ferry and where he intended to^cross. The
man who had conducted the ferry had recently died, leaving a
family of wife and several small children. They lived in a rude
cabin upon the western bank of the river; the widowed mother
lay sick and near death's door; they were without medicine, food
or care, and suffering untold misery. The Colonel put his horse
in the smoke-house attached to the cabin, which was so small that
the horse could not turn around in it. He then hired a lad who
was there at this time to assist him over the river. After much
difficulty he reached the eastern bank and started off on his trip to
CarroUton on foot.
14
210 HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY.
The Atlas mail was small, yet he found ^reat difficulty in making
his way through the deep snow. He at last reached his destination,
got the mail and started homeward. Before leaving Carrollton,
however, he called upon the doctor and reported the condition
of the woman at the ferry. The physician said he hkd been
down to the river two or three times on his way to visit her but
could not get over, and had concluded that she was dead. He gave
the Colonel some medicine for her, and the kind lady at the post-
office gave him a large package of provisions also to take to the
distressed woman. This package weighed about 16 pounds, and
with the mail, which was quite large and consisted mostly of mili-
tary matter, he started on foot for the river. It was dusk when he
arrived in the river bottom. To add to the already great peril in
which he found himself, a large pack of wolves, about 50 in num-
ber, followed him, some of them yelping furiously. The bolder
ones would approach closely and gnarl at the lone footman, whom
they were eager to make a meal of. He would frighten them off
by slapping his hands on the mail-bags, making a loud, sharp
noise. This he did repeatedly, and perhaps it was the only way he
could get through safely, as he had no fire-arms or weapons of any
kind. He reached the river only to find difficulties more compli-
cated: he could not get over. He hallooed, but in vain. He got
into an old boat which lay fastened in the ice out from the shore,
and lay down, thinking he would be compelled to remain there
during the night. He soon found himself shivering with cold,
and would certainly freeze to death if he remained there longer.
He aroused himself, got a pole and finally worked his way over the
river, from cake to cake of the floating ice, though a dangerous task
it was. He remained over night at the cabin and gave the widow
the medicine and provision sent her. These relieved her present
wants, but she continued to decline, and shortly afterward died,
The Colonel at last reached Atlas, with the long-looked-for mail.
He made the settlers joyous with the letters brought from their
friends and was himself made happy by the receipt of ten dollars,
which he had certainly well earned.
DROWNING OF JAMES WARD.
In the spring of 1826, James "Ward, who had settled about four
miles south of Atlas near Six-Mile creek, and whose farm lay partly
on the bluff and partly in the bottom, made a trip to Fort Clark, '
now Peoria, and other settlements in that direction in company
with Col. iioss, on an electioneering tour, or to view some land.
On arriving at Crooked creek on their return, just above a drift of
flood-wood, Mr. Ward ventured to cross, but was drowned. Mr.
Ross, thus left in a wilderness with the shades of night fast hover-
ing around him, and the gloom cast over him by the loss of his
companion, wandered on down the stream, not daring to cross and
not desiring to stop. Soon he saw a light in the distance and fol-
lowed on down until he came to the cabin of a lone hunter. Here
HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY. 211
he was taken in, provided for and kept for the night. In the
morning the body was recovered and buried npon the bank. The
horse had made the shore and was found fastened to a tree by his
bridle being caught in a limb. A year or so afterward the bones
of the drowned man were taken up and re interred with Masonic
honors.
COL. boss' keel-boat.
In 1826 Col. Eoss built a keel-boat called " The Basket," which
was hauled down to the Sny and launched. It would hold about 50
tons, and in this craft the Colonel shipped the produce of the
neighborhood, as beef,"pork, hides, etc. He used to pack about 400
head of cattle every season. Dressed beef was only two and a half
cents a pound. Dealers had the hide and tallow as their reward
for killing and .dressing. They sold their beef in the South, Eew
Orleans generally, for five dollars a barrel, tallow ten cents a pound,
dry hides five cents, andgreen hides two and a half cents a pound.
To get their boats over sand-bars they would unload the barrels,
roll them over the bars and then reload. On one trip it required
one whole day to get over a distance of twelve miles .
A FEW OCCUEEENCES OF 1826.
Capt. Hale, a Missionary Baptist minister, came to the county in
the summer of 1826, but at this time several other ministers were
also preaching in Pike county, as Messrs. Garrison, Medford 'and
Lewis Allen. Mr. Medford was a smart man, and had a circuit
extending from Rushville to some point in Calhoun county. Capt.
Hale probably organized the first Baptist Church in the county.
This year also the first store building in the county was erected,
by Col. Eoss at Atlas. It was built of hewed logs, and in dimen-
sions was ] 6 feet square. The principal part of a merchant's stock
those days was whisky.
In the fall of 1826 the first whisky made in the county was man-
ufactured by Mr. Milhizor, a Pennsylvania Dutchman, although it
is also claimed that Mr. Blair, spoken of a little further on, erected
the first distillery; but his distillery was erected in 1829 or 1830.
Mr. Milhizer made but one barrel of whisky. *
Soon after his arrival Col. Eoss put up a band-mill by which he
could grind four or five bushels a day, but he soon built a larger
mill which, with four good horses, would grind from 26 to 30 bush-
els a day. Settlers from even 25 miles above Quincy used to come
to this mill. Good fine flour, however, was brought from Cincin-
nati, O., but this costly article was used only on occasion of visits
from friends, or on Sunday when the family thought they could stand
the expense of such a luxury. For most of their milling at this
period the settlers in this section went to St. Louis, Mo. There
was no Alton then.
The first coal burned in Pike county was from Pittsburg, Pa.,
and used by Benj. Barney in his blacksmith shop in 1826. During
212 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
the summer of 1827 there was a great deal of rain, and the streams
•>rose higher than they ever did afterward until 1851. The Sny Carte
"was navigable for steam-boats at least as far up as Atlas, as Col.
Ross proved to the astonishment of many. He had three steam-
boats in his service, and one of them in particular, the "Mechanic,"
-came up to a point' directly opposite Atlas. Its arrival was an-
nounced by the firing of guns.
The first wheat raised in Pike county was raised this year by Col.
Ross and Mr. Seeley, and it was also the first wheat ground within
the limits of the county.
This year came Benjamin B. Barney, no relation of Col. Barney.
Ilndeavoring to trace their relationship one day the Colonel said he
was from Massachusetts, when Benjamin B. replied with an oath,
" Oh, if you are a Yankee you are no connection of mine." This
Benjamin B. Barney bought Col. Ross' horse-mill and kept it a
long time, probably until it was worn out or finally abandoned.
1827.
In the vicinity of Atlas, Henry Long, from Baltimore city, settled
about the year 1827. During a residence of many years, until his
decease on his farm, he was a useful citizen and upright man. He
reared a second numerous family of intelligent and educated chil-
dren. His son, Jesse Long, has been a Supervisor of Atlas town-
ship, and resides on the old homestead of his father. Nathan "Wat-
son, now living about five miles south of Pittsfield with his son Job,
came to the county in 1827. During this year or some time pre-
viously, there came to Atlas, James M. Seeley, who was for 12 years
(1828 — '40) noted as the honest, easy Sheriff of Pike county. It
was his duty to collect revenue. If a man was not ready to pay his
tax, Seeley paid it and trusted him. Mr. S. had a numerous family,
of whom Dr. E. M. Seeley, who was a surgeon during the late war,
was one; another was Dr. David Seeley, who was an early settler
of Texas, where he died.
1828.
Among the many prominent citizens now living who came to the
county in 1828, was James Ross, who introduced and used the first
cradle in the county for cutting wheat. It was a great curiosity to
the pioneers, but a familiar thing to him, as he was from Pennsyl-
vania where cradles were common. He equipped and ran the first
turner's lathe and cabinet-shop in Pike county. This shop was in
one end of the first clerk's oflice building in Atlas. His shop was
burned out here. He is now closing his long and eventful life in
Pittsfield. Even when he was 60 years of age he was a fine dancer
and could whistle almost equal to the flute. It has always been
interesting to hear him tell stories of pioneer times.
This year a saw and grist mill was built at Rockport by James
McMurphy and son, who used limestones for burrs. They also built
HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY. 213
a flat-boat which they ran to Galena in their trade. At this time
there were but three steam-boats on the Mississippi river.
This year Wm. Montgomery Blair, a New-Light minister, came
with his family to Kinderhook. His son Montgomery, now living
at Barry, was then 19 years of age. The family emigrated origi-
nally from Kentucky to Ohio, then to Indiana and lastly to this
county. When they arrived here, however, they found that several
other families had preceded them in this part of the county, namely,
an old hermit named Peter Harper, a refugee from justice, having
come here from Indiana. He was at Kinderhook. To the north
of where Barry now stands were David Edwards and Edward
Earle, and to the south lived Samuel Gary, ■on section 30, then the
Jackson family and Mr. Howard and John Milhizer. Harper lived
at Kinderhook until his death.
Mr. Blair built the first log cabin at Kinderhook, and the next
year he built the first mill in this part of the county,- and also a dis-
tillery, which is said by some to be the first in the county. Although
this gentleman made considerable whisky, the distillery had finally
to be abandoned on account of there not being grain enough raised
in the country to make the business pay. He sometimes made as
high as two or three barrels of whisky per day by a process known
as " steam distilling." Wheat at this time was only three " bits "
a bushel, and Mr. Blair kept a stock on hand for two or three years
waiting for a better market. Milling was so diflScult to obtain that
several days were generally wasted by persevering parties lingering
around the mill to see that their grist was ground in its proper
itnrn, or in frequent visits to the mill. At this period beef and
pork were only one and a half cents a pound. A large three-year-
old steer would bring only ten dollars.
About this period Benj. Matthews, a lad of 18 years, settled in
the northern part of the county.
1829 AND ONWARD.
By this time the immigrants had become so numerous and the
events of history so complicated that they cannot be very well
grouped by years either in the memories of old settlers or in writ-
ten history.
The second court-house was built in 1829 by Elijah Petty and
Col. Ross, contractors, at a cost of $650. About this time the
clerk's ofiice building was erected in Atlas. It was a double log
building, and one end was occupied by JamSs Ross as a cabinet
shop. This building was totally destroyed by fire one night during
the winter of the big snow, as referred to further on. Many of the
earliest records were thus lost, and many others would have
been burned but for the great exertions and bravery of Mr. James
Ross.
John Barney, now residing at Pittsfield, is a brother of Col. Benj.
Barney, and came to the county in 1830. Soon after the county-
seat was removed to Pittsfield, Mr. John Barney was elected treas-
214 HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY.
urer, which office he filled with fidelity for a number ot years. All
the money raised and expended for the construction of the present
court-house and the first Pittsfield jail passed through his hands.
It being once charged that he was a little behind with the public
funds, an investigation was instituted, which resulted in showing that
instead of his being in debt to the county, the county was owing him
over a hundred dollars.
Fielding Hanks settled in Pike county in 1830, and was proba-
blv the first tanner here.
CHAPTEE 11.
EAELY SETTLEMENT— COKTINUED.
THE WINTER OF THE BIG SNOW.
We now ooine to the winter of the deep snow, 1830-'l. The snow
of that winter commenced falling Nov. 10, and did not all go away
until the following April, yet the largest fall of snow did not begin
until the 29th of December. This was the heaviest snow that ever
fell in Illinois within the memory of the oldest settler of this part
of the Statei According to the traditions of the Indians as related
to the pioneers, a snow fel 1 from 50 to 75 years before the settle-
ment by the white people, which swept away the numerous herds of
buffalo and elk that roamed over the vast prairies at that time.
This tradition was verified by the large number of bones of these
animals found in different localities on the prairies when iirst visited
by the whites. The deep snow is one of the landmarks of the pio-
neer. He reckons, in giving dates of early occurrences, so many
years before or so many after the deep snow. He calculates the
date of his coming, his marriage and birth of his children from it,
and well might it make a lasting impression upon their minds.
In the northern portion of the county the snow at first was about
three feet deep on a level, and as it settled a crust formed on the
surface. The winter was also unusually cold, and this, in connec-
tion with the snow covering the mast and other food of wild animals,
resulted in starving and freezing to death most of the game, as deer,
wild hogs and turkey. The deer, indeed, had been rendered scarce
by the sweeping fires of tlie preceding autumn which the Indians
had set out. After all this, however, there was but very little suf-
fering among the citizens of this county. They had plenty of meat
and hulled corn, and with this simple fare they were content.
What wild game there was alive in the forest was easily caught, on
account of their reduced condition and the depth of the crusty snow
which impeded their progress in the chase. Col. Koss chased down
two deer with a horse, and caught and killed them by hand. The
men got out of liquor, however, and this was their greatest priva-
tion; but their suffering on this account was probably more imagin-
ary than real. On the 18th of February two men who had engaged
to chop some wood for Col. Barney backed out of their agreement
216 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
when they found he had no whisky. Mr. Barney, recollecting that
a neighbor owed him a pint of whisky on a bet made at some former
time, induced the men to go to work by offering them a treat. This
whisky being the last in the neighbor's demijohn had some drug in
it, but that " did not hurt the liquor any," as it was so scarce and
costly, it being worth $1.25 a gallon. Clothing was also a little
scarce, as the new comers into the new country had but very few
sheep. For most of their substantial clothing the pioneers of these
times had to depend upon home-made material.
In the northern part of the county the snow was so deep as to
cover the ears of the outstanding corn and make it very difficult to
gather. Joshua Woosley, who, on account of the two preceding-
years being very favorable, inadvertently let his stock of corn on
hand get quite low, gave men three bushels a day for picking
corn; and it was surprising how much of the article these hardy
pioneers would gather amid such surroundings. Twenty men in
four days gathered 2,500 bushels.
During the spring a freshet came with the melting snow, and the
waters of the Sny undermined the mills.at Kockport so that they
sank down. Col. iioss had 50 or 60 men at work there nearly all
spring tilling up the places washed out.
During this winter the clerk's office building at Atlas was burned
down. Col. Ross first discovered fire breaking out in that end of
the structure where " Jimmy" Koss had his cabinet-shop, and raised
the alarm; but the wind was blowing fiercely and nearly all was
lost. This building was not more than five rods from Col. Barney's-
residence, and he and "Jimmy" succeeded in rescuing some of the
papers and records of the office, which but few of the other citizens
seemed to care but little about. Many such things grow valuable
with the lapse of time, and doubtless many more papers might have
been saved which would render this history more complete.
The year 1831 was also marked by a freeze in August which
nearly ruined the corn crop before it was sufficiently mature, and con-
sequently the following spring the farmers had to send to Kentucky
for seed corn, paying for it on its delivery $3 a bushel. Boats came
up the river about one a week, and their arrival was always the oc-
casion of joy or disappointment. The settlers, however, got all the
seed corn they wanted, those who were flush being willing to divide .
with their less fortunate neighbors and trust them, depending upoa
the success of their next crop for pay. Shipping on the Mississippi
at this period was limited to only three steam-boats between St..
Louis and Galena, and whatever freighting was done by flat and
keel boats, which were poled, rowed, sailed, cordelled and towed.
THE FIRST NBGEO SETTLERS.
" Free Frank," a colored man, arrived in Hadley township, this
county, in the spring of 1831, with his wife Lucy and three chil-
dren. They were originally from Kentucky and had spent the pre-
HISTORY OF PIKE OOtJNTT. 217
ceding winter in Greene county, 111. This family were the first
settlers in that township, and none others arrived for two years.
To conform to the custom of the age the Legislature gave Free
Frank the surname of McWorter, and he was ever afterward
known as Frank McWorter. He was a live, enterprising man, and
laid out the town of New Philadelphia, which once had great
promise of making a good town. He liad bought his own freedom
and that of his wife and many of his children, and left provision in
his will to buy grandchildren, which was carried out by his son,
Solomon McWorter. Frank died about the year 1857, at 7T years
of age. His wife died in her 99th year iu 1871. Mr. McWorter
was born in North Carolina, his wife in Virginia. They were both
members of the Baptist Church and led exemplary lives. By in-
dustry and economy they left a valuable farm to their heirs. A
large and respectable settlement of their descendants now exists
around the old home.
In 1832 or 1833 a colored man came to the southern part of the
county known by the name of "Bob," who wanted to marry a white
girl, the daughter of a Mr. Guernsey. This aroused the indignation
of the whites, and as soon as he saw the citizens after him he took
to his heels and ran away so fast that " 50 men couldn't catch him !"
NUMBEOUS SETTLERS.
Before the Black Hawk^war there came to this county, settling
in various parts, besides those we have mentioned and many others,
Hawkins Judd, Geo. W. Hinraan, Stephen B. Watson, Garrett
YanDeusen, Daniel Clingensmith, N. E. Quinby, M. Branson and
Horace Horton. Messrs. Hinman and Judd were County Com-
missioners with Col. Barney when they bought of the United States
for $200 the quarter section of land upon which Fittsfield was
located. They are now dead. Mr. Yan Deusen, an eccentric
Knickerbocker Dutchman, was a Justice of the Peace and likely one
of the earliest settlers east of Pittsfield on Blue river, and was the
originator of a queer device to crack corn, operated something after
the manner supposed to be in vogue in the days of Adam and Eve.
He used the stream of Blue river at a narrow place, and by catching
and confining the water therefrom in a hollow tree or trough, open
at the end up stream and closed at the lower end, he worked a
swinging vessel which was suspended over a mortar to crack Indian
corn. Tlie process was to let the trough fill With water nearly to
overfiowing, when by its weight it would descend, dashing the pestle
into the mortar and crushing the corn. The pestle being adjusted
some distance from the end of the trough up stream, t.he water
spilled beyond the mortar, and the machine adjusted itself for an-
other beat at the corn. Col. N. E. Quinby was a lawyer. Mr.
Clingensmith settled in the northern part of the county: he died
in 1835. Capt. Horton was a jolly tar from Connecticut, an en-
ergetic man and a good settler. He came in 1832 and located above
Rockport. Branson and Watson, the latter a tailor, settled at Atlas.
■218 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
THE YEAK OF THE BLACK HAWK WAE.
Chronologically we Lave row arrived at the period of tlie Black
Hawk war, and the connection of Pike county with that epoch will
be given in the chapter upon that war. No county perhaps took a
more active and decided part in this struggle of the pioneers with
the Indians than this county. Almost as soon as it was known that
soldiers were wanted Pike county had filled her quota. In an early
day Indians were quite numeious here, but we have no record of
any depredations being committed by them other than petty theft.
The Sacs and Foxes made their headquarters along the Sny for
many years, where they were often visited by Black Hawk and
Keokuk. At or near Atlas the whites often saw them in their war
<lances. These Indians however gave the settlers of Pike county
very little trouble. Indeed they sometimes evinced some title to
the epithet "noble." As for example, when a squaw was at one
time sick of a fever and was nursed and doctored by a white family
^t Atlas until she got entirely well to the surprise of her Indian
friends, they were very thankful and showed their gratitude in many
ways.
In this connection we may relate a little anecdote characteristic
■of early times. John Jay Koss and a Mr. Filer thought they
would have some fun one day by frightening Mr. Young and his
family who resided at Atlas, and in the vicinity of his house they
imitated the noise and whoop of Indians so perfectly that Mr. and
Mrs. Young thought they were surrounded by blood-thirsty red-
skins. They were greatly frightened and chugged their children
into a small cellar which was not large enough for themselves to
get into. They ran out into the mustard patch and remained there
until the afternoon of the next day, so scared were they, before they
•dared to return to the house and liberate their suffering children.
JAMES W. WHITNEY.
t
A very noted character in the earliest days of Pike county
was James W. Whitney, more generally known as "Lord Coke," on
fl,ccount of his knowledge of law. He was teacher of the second
school at Atlas, but having no family or permanent home he can
scarcely be denominated a " settler." He was the first Circuit and
County Clerk, and held many local offices. He was a native of
Massachusetts, a man of considerable education, having some
knowledge of Latim He came to Illinois before it was a State and
resided at or near jEdwardsville. Not much is known of his former
life, as he was always very taciturn when the subject was intro-
duced. It is said that there was a hidden sorrow in his former life
which was a delicate matter to touch upon. He wrote a very pecu-
liar hand, which would indicate that he was an oddity. At first
sight one would have taken him to be a well-preserved preacher or
schoolmaster of the days of the earlier Adamses. His dress was
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 219
plain and even homely; his hair was sparse and all combed to the
back of his head, and often tied with a buckskin string or old black
shoe-string as a cue. Pecuniarily he was not prosperous, and he
was very indifferent with respect to his dress. He made his jour-
neys generally afoot and alone, putting up where night found him,
with some friend, and his acquaintance was very extensive. He
was always welcomed by the lonely pioneers, as he was a kind of
gazetteer, bringing them the news when newspapers were scarce.
He lived sometimes alone in a log cabin and sometimes he made
the city of Quincy his headquarters.
" Lord Coke " was also known as the " Speaker of the Lobby," as
he was the leader ot that branch of the Legislature for many years.
When theaters and shows were rare, the citizens, judges and legis-
lators at Vandalia were all agog to witness the convening of the
Lobby. It was a great event. A throng would assemble, and after
some ceremony " Lord Coke" would mount the stand and call the
house to order. He would deliver his annual message, which would
be received with cheers and laughter. Many hits and jokes were,
embodied in the message. Sometimes the satire was very broad,
and at one time he hurt his standing with the Supreme Court by a
farcical account of a meeting represented to have been held by that
Court and leading members of the Bar to " exterminate the varmints .
of the State." He presided over the "Lobby" with magisterial
sway, and when mock heroics moved the man he would be a very
important personage. The '"Lobby" was organized by appointing
subordinate officers and numerous committees, whose titles and
functions would be of the most ludicrous character; and tlie mem-
bers composing the same would be in physical form, public stand-
ing and personal bearing the most opposite of that position and
characjter. For example, Col. Thos. Mather, President of the State
Bank of Illinois, was a man short in stature but of great rotundity
of person, quiet in demeanor; Judge Thomas Brown and Jesse
Thomas, jr., were line, portly gentlemen. Such as these " Lord
Coke "would announce, and that in print, as the most suitable
members of "the committee on gymnastics and ground and lofty-
tumbling." Many reports of these committees would be submitted
which would be in accord with their burlesque titles. These reports
were often written by "Lord Coke" himself, and there was a broad
personality in them rather Hudibrastic.
At the Bar " Lord Coke" was not successful, as there was a want
of practical sense in his applications and his law was often obsolete.
He died Dec. 13, 1860, between 83 and 85 years of age.
OTHBE PEOMINENT CHAEAOTEES.
Parvin Panllin, a native of IMew Jersey, came in mature years
to this county, served one term as a Representative in the Illinois
Legislature, and was Probate Judge, discharging always his duty
with honor and efficiency. He died many years ago.
220 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Ephraim Cannon was an early settler of Pike county, and for a
time Sheriff.
Robert and Joseph Goodin and Fisher Petty were amongst the
noted men of Highland. Petty was a County Commissioner at
Pittsfield; Mr. Murphy was the first County Surveyor; and Joseph
Goodin was County Surveyor thereafter and a good officer. He was
living a few years ago in Missouri.
John George Nicolay, an illustrious representative of Pike county
education, was born in Germany, and came to this county an ob-
scure boy; beigg very studious he became highly self-educated;
learned the printer's trade in Pittsfield; married Miss Bates of
that place ; he edited the F.ree Press for a short time, and when
O. M. Hatch was elected Secretary of State Mr. N. was his clerk
for two years at Springfield ; read law in Abraham Lincoln's offiee,
and on the election of Mr. Lincoln to the Presidency of the United
States he became one of his private secretaries; subsequently he
was Consul to Paris, and is now Marshal of the Supreme Court of
the United States, which is a life oflSce or a tenure during good
behavior.
John Hay, sou of Dr. Hay, of Warsaw, and nephew of Milton
Hay, next mentioned, and for some time a resident of Pittsfield,
was a c"mpanion of Mr. Nicolay in the study of law in Mr. Lin-
coln's office at Springfield and in being private secretary of the.
President. While in Pittsfield he published " Pike County Bal-
lads," a collection of capital pieces of poetry, among the most noted
of which are " Banty Tim," •' Little Breeches " and " Bludsoe."
Milton Hay, now ranking high as a lawyer at Springfield, resided
in Pittsfield in his earlier days as an attorney at law. He has since
been in a Constitutional Convention and in the Legislature of the
State.
Major Charles' J. Sellon we can claim as a son. of Pike county, his
parents having been the present wife of Col. D. B. Bush, by her
former husband. Rev. John Sellon, an Episcopal clergyman who
once owned St. Ann's Church, New Tork city, and was a wealthy
man, and whose sister was the wife of Sir Benjamin Brodie, the
eminent English physician. Charles J. was brought up princi- .
pally in the family of Col. Bush, was in the Mexican war (in the
battle of Buena Vista), and during our late war was Major of an
Illinois regiment; was editor of the Springfield (111.) Jov/rnal; still
later on the Peoria Transcript. He died in 1862.
" Aunt " Roby Eoss, still living at Barry, in her 92d year, came
with her people to Atlas. She was born Sept. 27, 1789, in Een-
sellaer county, N. Y., and was first the wife of Clarendon Eoss and
afterward of his brother Capt. Leonard Eoss. Clarendon Eoss was
the first man who died in the county and Captain Eoss is long since
dead. Aunt Eoby's memory is still clear, and she relates many in-
teresting experiences and events of early times. Her house was the
stopping place for many people; she has fed as many as a hundred
in a day. She would arrange tables out of doors made of clapboards
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 221
placed upon sticks, supported by stakes driven in the ground. In
that day they had an abundance of meat, vegetables and sometimes
fried cakes and crab-apple sauce. Mrs. Ross's son Schuyler, by her
first husband, died at the age of 20, in 1832, at Atlas.
Merrill E. Eattan, the first Postmaster at Pittsfield, long since
dead, was also Probate Judge. He kept a hotel on the same lot
where the Oregon House now stands. Wm. Watson, once a Pro-
bate Judge^ is still living in Pittsfield. As a business man Mr.
Watson was ever foremost and has accumulated some property.
Eobert R. Greene and his cousin Austin Barber .opened and carried
on the first large store in Pittsfield. These gentlemen are both yet
living in that town. Mrs. G. was one of the earliest and highly
respected school-teachers. Mr. Barber was for a period County Clerk.
^m. A. Grimshawcame to Pike county in 1833. For his biog-
raphy see history of Pittsfield township. John U. Grimshaw,
cousiiji of the former, settled near Pittsfield in 1834, and afterward
moved to town and for many years was an active merchant. He
died many years since. Jackson Grimshaw, a brother of William
A., was a.resident of Pittsfield for 14 years, then of Quincy, Ills.,
where he died in December, 1876.
B*elus and Egbert Jones, brothers, were old settlers. Bel us was
never a lawyer, but a pettifogger, who hung ou to " Lord Coke "( J.
W. Whitney) like k bobtail to a kite. At court time it was said,
" If 0 court till Coke and Belus come."
Major James Tolbert, an old Yirginian, was an ofiicer iuithe 17th
Illinois Militia at an early day. He was an early settler of Pike
county.
Lyman Scott, an early settler, married a daughter of Leonard
Ross. He was for a time one .of the owners of a former mill at
Rockport. He was a pushing business man. Many years ago he
went to Kansas and is now dead.
Johri Neeley, an early County Commissioner, removed to Texas
and has since died.
John Lyster, at times a Justice of the Peace, was an early settler
in the Meredith and Neeley neighborhood near the Illinois river,
now Detroit township.
David Dutton early settled in the vicinity of Pleasant Yale, once
County Commissioner, a prosperous farmer, and peculiar in his
ways. He has long since deceased.
Among the early settlers of Pike county was Mrs. Nancy M.
Heath, who taught the first school in Pittsfield in the winter of
1834. She had 14 scholars, taught in a rented house and boarded
herself. Her terms were $3 per scholar for 12 weeks. The names
of her patrons were Jonathan Pike, Col. Johnson, Wm. Watson,
Ephraim Cannon, James Mc!N"ary, Wm. Grimshaw, Dr. Worthing-
ton, Mr. Davis, and John TurnbuU. Her maiden name was Dun-
bar, and she was born Jan. 1, 1791, the first white child born in
Cincinnati; was brought up by Gov. McArthur, of Ohio; in 1818
she married Dr. Jonathan Heath, who was born on the south bank
222 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
of the Potomac, Morefield, Hardy county, V^. She came to Naples
Morgan county, in 1825, taught school there, and came to Pittsfield in
1834. The school-house, which was also their dwelling, was a small
hewed-log house rented of Mr. TurnbuU. She has had six children,
five girls and one son, all dead. Mrs. Heath is still living in Pitts-
field,' but has had feeble health for many years. Her daughter,
afterward Mrs. A. Y. Wills, also taught school with her.
Dr. Hezekiah Dodge emigrated from Virginia to Bayville, this
county, in an early day. In his physical structure he was " long,
lean and lank, and moved upon a spindle shank."
Mr. Gray, an early settler and prominent citizen of the county,
was Sheriff about 1851; was Postmaster at Barry, and afterward for
many years his home has been in Pittsfield.
Joshua Woosley, an early settler of Hadley township, has been
Sheriff", and taken quite an active part in the politics of the counfy.
He is still a man of.great activity, living on the old homesteacj.
Among many other pioneers of Pike county we would mention,
Henry E.. Ramsey, Jacob Hodgen (father of Dr. John Hodgen),
Charles T. Brewster, W. B. Grimes, D. B. Bush, Elias Kent Kane
(nephew of the celebrated Elisha Kent Kane, the Arctic explorer),
all of whom have been more or less prominent in the history of this
county. A little anecdote concerning Mr. Kent, who settled
in Montezuma township in 1836, we cannot forbear to relate here.
He went out deer-hunting one day, soon scaring up three large
deer, which ran around him in a circle about 300 yards distant. He
stood watching them with cocked gun in his hands, not knowing
why he did not shoot; but subsequently learned from friends thslt
he must have had the " buck ague." ,
Many other names of early settlers will appear in the histories of
the respective townships.
Among the sons of Pike county who have departed to other fields
of glory, are: Ozias M. Hatch and Alexander Starne, both of Pitts-
field, then of Griggsville; both have run about the same career in
this county, having been Clerks of the Circuit Court, members of
the Legislature, and Secretaries of State; arid both are now resi-
dents of Springfield, in prosperous circumstances. Mr. Starne left
Philadelphia in 1836, " with the intention of getting so far away
from home that he never could get back again," and he chose the
beautiful section of country called Pike county for his permanent
home. He, relates many amusing stories concerning the olden
times, clock peddlers, abolition riots. Dr. Dix's first laud purchase
and trip to the grist-mill.
Among other numerous settlers in various parts of the county
we would name the following: Rev. John Shinn, one of the early
preachers of the county, settled just west of Phillips' Ferry; then
came David Johnson, who bought the farm owned by him. He
settled there in 1828, and for many years was Surveyor of the
county. JSTear him was Richard Wade; the next two who came
were a Mr. Bateman and Andrew Phillips. Geo. W. Hinman, an.
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 223
t
early prominent man, came in 1829. Joel Moore was the first set-
tler north of Atlas toward Grigggville. JS'athan W. Jones, a resi-
dent of Griggsville, was a well-known early settler. Abel Shelley,
the Bradburys, Charles and Martin Harrington were also promi-
nent pioneers. Boone Scholl, the founder of Perry, which was laid
out first as " Booneville," was an early settler.
In concluding our personal mention of early settlers, we quote the
following from Mr. Grimshaw's "Centennial Address;"
" Alfred Grubb, once called the ' Little Bay Horse,' for hi&
sprightliness, was a good SherifiP and a County Judge. Thomas
Orr, noted as a grand juror for many long years, was respected by
all. Thomas Hull, a good farmer and remarkable for his active
piety. These all leave numerous descendants of respectability.
The Blairs (father and several sons), all good men, were in the
vicinity of Barry before Pittsfield was laid out. William, son of
the senior, was a marked member of the Illinois Legislature, and
an upright and useful man. He is long dead. Montgomery Blair
was once a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1847.
Harvey Blair is yet alive, and is an estimable farmer.
"It is impossible in this sketch to notice all the early settlers;
some have emigrated, others have died. At court time at an early
day in Pittsfield, Samuel Gibson, Henry Kent, George Gibson,
Sam'l Sitton, Esquire Hayden, the Tucker brothers would be seen,.
and Wm. Johnson, James Johnson, John and Jacob Heavener.
The latter dressed in the homeliest garb, with his long rifle as
bosom friend. James Johnson was a conspicuous man. Both of
these men were possessed of great nerve and endurance, and made
treat hayoc amongst the deer. Small "varmint" they despised,
am'l G. Sitton survives in his 75th year; and on June 29th, 1876,
he cut on his own farm an acre of wheat witii a sickle and bound
it tip on that day, and the next day was at Pittsfield as spry as
usual. Harvey Dunn, of Chambersburg, was an old settler, and
in 1847 was a member of the Constitutional Convention of Illinois.
He was a very unassuming but intelligent, honest man; but is
long dead. Stephen E,. Gray, venerable and respected in years,
yet lives. He was Sheriff about 1851. He is an early settler and
resided at or near Barry, and was at one time Postmaster thereat,
Hamilton "Wills is yet as happy as ever, jolly in person, comfort-
able in business, an old settler in Pittsfield, as a Justice of the
Peace in former years useful and respected. Richard Kerr, of
Pleasant Hill township, was an old farmer, a leading whig, and
represented Pike county in the Legislature for one term. He died
many years since, esteemed by all, leaving many relatives in Pike.
"Bonaparte Greathouse, of Milton, was County Commissioner
at an early day, a man of great worth and a good farmer. He is
long dead and left surviving him a numerous family. Several of
his sons are practitioners at law. Sam'l L. Crane, now venerable
in years, was a very early settler of Morgan county, .III., and has
filled acceptably with perfect integrity the oflice of Postmaster at
224 HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY.
Pittsfleld. He is now in private life. He is the father of that
useful son, resident of Pi ttsfield, 'James H. Crane, who has been
Circuit Clerk of Pike county, yet lives here, and is a Deputy Clerk
in the office of Geo. W. Jones, our present and efficient popular
circuit clerk. Wni. B. Grimes yet lives in Pittslield. He was an
able and honest County Clerk for one term, succeeding Wm.
Steers, who was a good and worthy officer; and his successor is
Jonathan L. Frye, who was a son of an honest miller, Jonathan
Frye. James McWilliams, venerable for his years, influential in
his town of Griggsville, has been a Representative of the county
in the Legislature and often a Supervisor of Griggsville township.
Daniel D. Hicks, now the esteemed Cashier of the First National
Bank, is an old resident of Pittsfleld and has honorably filled
several offices. He was once Sheriff of the county. During his
term of office a riot took place one election day in Pittsfleld, when
many wild boys who had been good soldiers in the Mexican war
took a most active part in the riot, calling out, ' We are some
punkins.' By aid of a posse of the people, called by Hicks, the-
riot was put down."
ME. HINMAN's LETTBB.
We copy the following very excellently prepared historical article
from the Griggsville Reflector of July 1, 1876. It was prepared
by Asa Hinman, son of the veteran pioneer, George W. Hinman.
It so clearly portrays various features of the county's history, and
knowing that it will be accepted as from a reliable source, we make
no alterations in it, but present it as from the pen of Mr. Hinman:
"In 1829, I think Oct. 14lh, my father, George W. Hinman,
crossed the Illinois river at Phillips' Ferry with his family to make
a permanent residence in Pike county. He drove out to the foot
of the mound upon which, the town of Griggsville now stands,
and stopped with a man by the name of Bateman, who had made
a small improvement and laid claim to the S. W. quarter of sec.
14, T. 4. S., 3 W., which my father soon afterward bought and
occupied. This was on the main traveled route from Phillips'
Ferry' to Quincy and Atlas, the county- seats of Adams and Pike,
the two routes parting on top of the mound in what is now called
Quincy Avenue. The first settlement on the road, which was then
known as the Atlas trail, after passing the site where Griggsville
was afterward built, was seven miles out on Bay creek, where Joel
Moore had settled some two or three years before. He emigrated
from North Carolina, and, as 1 have understood, served in the
army of the United States for the land he lived upon. The next
settlement was Col. Seeley's, twelve miles farther and three miles
from Atlas, on the trail to Quincy. It was thirty miles to the first
house, where lived John Wiggle, a German, who formed the
nucleus for the large German settlement that afterward settled in
that part of Adams county.
" I believe Atlas was the only laid-out town in Pike county at
PERRY
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 227
that time. At Phillips' Ferry there was a small settlement. I
will name those I remember: Nimrod Phillips, Dr. Bennett, first
owners of the ferry, Tebo & McWorthy. One and a half miles np
the road lived Charles Hazelrig, the only blacksmith in the eastern
part of the county.
"The settlement on the road west from the ferry was David
Johnson's, who settled on the farm owned for a long time by the
Rev. John Shjnn and now the property of E. S. Parker. Mr. John-
son settled there in 1828. He was surveyor in this countyfor many
years. Near this place on the north side of the road lived Richard
Wade. The next two settlements were Bateman, of whom I have
spoken, and Andrew Phillips, who lived just east of Marshall's
blacksmith shop. Dr. Phillips lived one and a half miles south of
town on the farm now owned by Davis. North of town lived Mar-
shall Kee, John Matthews, father of B. L. Matthews, and grand-
father of Col. Matthews, Abel Shelly, "Wm. "Wilkerson, Sam Hola-
way, Abraham Scholl, Sam Chenoweth, and an old gentleman by
the name of Ayers. All these I hate named were mpn of families;
and none to my knowledge now remain but David Johnson, who
still lives in the town of Perry, and is badly crippled with rheuma-
tism, but otherwise is in good health. Many of their children and
grandchildren yet remain in the county.
"Although the immediate descendants of these old pioneers grew
up without an opportunity to get an education, many of them are,
yes, I may say most of them, are noble, high-minded men and wo-
men, and are generally among the foremost to make a sacrifice to
secure for their children a substantial education; and while on this
I subject I will say, if there was a school-house in the county I was not
aware of its location. The first school-house near Griggsville was
built in 1831. It was located a little northeast of town, a small log
cabin, stick-and-clay chimney, the fioor laid from slabs split from_
lind logs, and the seats made of some material mounted on wooden
legs. For light, one log was cut out of the building, a hewn slab
put under this opening and paper pasted over it in cold weather;
then with a rousing log fire, Webster's speller, the Testament,
sometimes the Life of Washington, sometimes Jack Downing, Rob-
inson Crusoe, or whatever happened to be in the library at home,
and a few copies of Daboll's or Pike's arithmetic, and a long 'gad'
or two. Master Robert Rankin used to 'teach the young idea how
to shoot.' Some of my young friends no doubt will laugh at ray
description of our educational privileges in those days, but this
happened less than half a century ago and within less than half a
mile and in sight of that fine school-house that so adorns the town
and adds so much to your educational privileges. My description
ot" this one will answer with very little variation all the first schools
in this part of the county.
"The next settlements to those already mentioned were along the
blufi" near Oharabersburg and a few in the neighborhood of Detroit.
The first settlers were poor, honest and brave, always kind to
15
228 HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY.
friends and ready to resent an insult, but rarely with any weapon
only sncli as nature furnished them with.
"The first settlements were nearly entirely confined to the edge
of the timber where small fields could be cleaned and plowed with
one yoke of oxen or a span of horses, the prairie sod being tough,
requiring heavy teams to plow it.
" At this time game was very abundant. Deer, turkeys, prairie
chickens, quail, raccoon, opossum and skunk v?ere here in immense
numbers. The buffalo had disappeared, but from the amount of
horns and bones that lay bleaching on the prairies they must have
been here in vast numbers.
" At this time occasional bands of Indians would come in to hunt,
but the settlers would form into companies, shoulder their rifles
and march out to their camps and drive them away.
" Now, I can imagine some of my young friends would like to
know how these poor settlers lived and what kind of houses they
had, how they dressed themselves, and many other questions. Well,
I have told yqu game was plenty; so was wild honey; the land pro-
ductive and every man and boy who was large enough knew how to
use the rifle and bring down the game. And up to the winter of
1830-'l the winters had been very mild. Flax grew well, and cot-
ton for the first few years did well. The women had all been raised
to spin, weave and manufacture all the clothing that was needed in
the family; but a large portion of the men dressed deer-skins and
made themselves pants and coats, or what they called hunting-
shirts. Some wore moccasins made of the same material, others
would buy leather and manufacture shoes for their own family, or
perhaps some neighbor would become quite an expert at cobbling,
and besides doing all the shoe work for his own family, would do
also a good deal for his neighbors; and I have seen women that
. could make quite a respectable shoe. The men would frequently
manufacture caps for themselves and boys from the skins of foxes,
coons and muskrats. Honey, at that day, was. almost the only
sweetening, besides maple sugar, that was used. Yery little tea
and coffee were used. Cows were cheap and the rich and nutritious
grass caused them to produce choice milk and butter. Everybody
used milk in those days. Potatoes, squashes, pumpkins and the
various vegetables were securely stored for winter. The people
had no moTiey ; they made but very few debts and very little dealing
at the stores. What they did was mostly trade in furs, peltries and
beeswax ; and some of the oldest settlers would have a little surplus
to sell to new comers.
" It was several years before there was any grain shipped from
this part of the country. The only means of transportation was a
keel-boat owned and run by Ira Kellogg from Naples to St. Louis.
It would make a trip once in five or six weeks. Naples was the
only trading point for all the east side of the county. All the mills
I can think of now that were then in Pike county, were Johnson's
little grist and saw mill, two miles above Ohambersbyrg, built in
HI8T0EX OF PIKE COUNTY. 229
1830 or 1831, Van Deusen's little corn-cracker on Blue river, that
would grind from one to two bushels per hour according to the
stage of water, and Barney's horse-mill, some four or five miles
from where Pittsfield now stands. As these mills did not accom-
modate half the settlers, hand-mills, mortars and pestles were re-
sorted to, and quantities of hominy were used during the winter
season.
"Now, for the habitations. Well, they were all built of logs
after the fashion of the school- house I described. All had fire-
places and only one room. The cooking was done in iron vessels
on and around the log fire. If the weather was cold, the family
large, or company in, which very frequently happened, the wood
was piled on so as to raise the heat and cause all hands to sit back
to give the cooks room to work. In at least two corners of the
cabin would be one-legged bedsteads, made by boring two holes at
right angles into the logs and two to correspond into a single post
to receive the outer ends of the two rails. Clapboards, being laid!
across, formed quite a convenient bedstead; and besides these I
have often seen a loom and spinning-wheel in use in the same
cabin. This state of afiairs would often last for years before another-
room would be added.
" At the time of which 1 write, settlements were not very rapid.
The land was not in market. Congress had passed an act that all
actual settlers who had lived for one year upon the public lands
were entitled to enter or buy 160 acres at any time before the land
was offered at public sale, which was in the. fall of 1830; but very
few of the settlers had any money to buy the land upon which they
lived. The land office for this district was at Edwardsville, at which
place a loan office was opened by Mason & Co. They would loan
$200 to a settler which would pay the Government for 160 acres of
land, the settler giving mortgage on the land and personal security
for the payment of the $200 with 35 per cent, interest.
" Soon after this, -settlements became more frequent, many of
the new comers bringing some money with theni. Many of the old
settlers who had borrowed money at the enormous rate of interest
referred to, sold their land and improvements, thereby enabling
them to pay the mortgage and have some money left to buy another
tract of unimproved land. The most of these early settlers were
from the Southern States. Yery few of them had ever had many
advantages of an education ; and, coming into a new country, where
for several years schools were unknown, and then for several years
more the only schools we had being gotten up by the individual
efforts of the poor settlers, we see how limited their education must
have been. We had no school fund then, no law to levy tax for
school purposes, and school-houses were built by individual effort,
and teachers hired in the same way. Books and papers were very
scarce. I think the nearest paper published in the State was at
Yandalia, the seat of Government at that time. Our postoffice was
230 HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY.
at JM^aples, in Morgan, now Scott, county, where we paid twenty-five
cents postage on a letter.
" With these limited advantages nearly all the children of that
day grew to be men and women with but little education, or what
is considered so at the present day. And let me say to my young
friends, when you feel disposed to laugh at the speech, orthography,
or grammar of old fogies who have come up from those days, just
laugh and feel good, and then remember them with gratitude for
the many sacrifices and- noble efi'orts they have made to secure to
you the grand educational advantages you now enjoy under our
free-school system.
" In December, 1830, snow fell to the depth of three feet on a
level and drifted in many places to eight or ten feet. This was kept
up by snow-falls until the middle of March. This has been known
and referred to as the winter of the deep snow. During this win-
ter vast numbers of deer, turkey and other game died, or were
killed by thoughtless hunters. During these early settlements
wolves were very abundant and very destructive on pigs and sheep.
This county had a great many snakes, of which the rattlesnake was
the most numerous and dangerous, persons and animals being fre-
quently bitten by them, causing the most intense pain and occa-
sionally producing death. The habits of these reptiles were to
gather up late in the fall at some rocky bluff or other place where
they could make their way underground beyond the reach of frost
and remain there until warm weather in May, when they crawled
out and lay around in the sun a few days and then dispersed for
miles over the surrounding country. During the time of their
coming out in May we used to visit their dens and kill them in
large numbers. This practice, in the course of a few years, greatly
lessened their numbers, but still, in some localities a few remain.
" In the fall of 1830, if my recollection is right, we had the first
preaching, by a Methodist minister named Hunter, whose circuit or
mission covered all the territory south of Rushville and Warsaw,
lying between the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. He went around
this circuit once in four weeks. The preaching place for a little
society that was formed in the neighborhood of G-riggsville was at
my father's house, on the S. W. quarter of sec. 14, T. 4 S., R. 3 W.
"Asa Hinman."
ME. GAEEISON's LBTTEE.
In 1876, when F.'M. G-rimes was preparing the history of Monte-
zuma township, he received the following very descriptive letter
from Z. A. Garrison, of Oregon:
" Fifty years ago I with my father and his family crossed the
Illinois river in a small hand ferry-boat at Meacham's Ferry, where
Montezuma now stands. We went west four miles and settled in
the timber, a pretty country abounding with game of all kinds.
Deer, turkey and bees were very plenty. The Indians were our most
numerous neighbors, being about twenty to one white man. In the
HISTORY- OF PIKE COUNTY, 231
winter of 1829 and 1830, the deep snow fell, which was four feet on
a level. The summer following I was tending the ferry for Solo-
mon Seevers at Montezuma and saw the first steam-boat that
ploughed the Illinois river. It was a small stern-wheeler. When
opposite the ferry the wheel rolled np so much grass that it could
not turn, and the men had to cut it loose and pole her through the
grass. There was but one water mill in the county and that- was
on Big Blue. It was a tub-wheel and a very faithful one it was.
When it got one grain cracked it would jump upon another with a
powerful vim and crack it too. The nearest store in the county was
kept by Col. Koss at Atlas. Women wore homespun cotton dresses,
and deer-skin moccasins. Men and boys dressed in buckskin from
head to foot, and on the Jiead a coon or fox skin cap; ate hog and
hominy, lived sociably and enjoyed each other's company with true
friendship."
COUNTY-SEAT MOVED TO PITTSFIELD. •
By the year 1831 it was seen that the county-seat could not long
remain at Atlas, and a movement was started to fix its future and
permanent location. The Legislature of the following winter
authorized the appointment of three commissioners to locate the
Jermanent seat of justice, which commissioners were Hawkins
udd, Geo. W. Hinman and Benj. Barney. Aftpr thoroughly can-
vassing the situation they chose that beautiful site, centrally located
in the county, whereon the present town of Pittsfield stands. The
parties who wished to make the best of the situation had not the
necessary $200 to enter the land with. It was difficult to borrow it
anywhere in the county except of the Koss family, and they were
interested in Atlas and opposed to Pittsfield. Of course some ill-
feeling was engendered, and Mr. Hinman and Col. Barney got so
mad they swore they " would never hold office again," and the Colo-
nel has kept his word. They signed a note and obtained the money
of Col. Ross, had the ground surveyed, let the building of the
court-house to a Mr. Bnrke, and the' commissioners held court in it
in the fall of 1833, and the next spring the Circuit Court was held
there. The Commissioners favoring the location were elected by a
handsome majority at the next election, showing how the people of
the county felt on the subject.
THE BEAUTIFUL PEAIBIES.
The large prairies of the county presented a most beautiful sight
before they \^ere settled. The following very descriptive lines on
"The Prairies of Illinois," by Capt. Basil Hall, graphically por-
trays their beauty in their wild and native state:
" The charm of prairie exists in its extension, its green, flowery
carpet, its undulating surface, and the skirt of forest whereby it is
surrounded; the latter feature being of all others the most signifi-
cant and expressive, since it characterizes the landscape, and defines
the form and boundary of the plain. If the prairie is little, its
232 HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY.
greatest beauty consists in the vicinity of the encompassing edge of
forests, which may be compared to the shores of a lake, being inter-
sected with many deep, inward bends, as so many inlets, and at in-
tervals projecting very far, not unlike a promontory or protruding
arm of land. These projections sometimes so closely approach eacE
other, that the traveler passing through between them may be said
to walk in the midst of an alley overshadowed by the forest, before
he enters again upon another broad prairie. Where the plain is ex-
tensive, the delineations of the forest in the distant background ap-
pear as would a misty ocean beach afar off. The eye sometimes
surveys the green prairie without discovering on the illimitable
plain a tree or bush, or any other object save the wilderness of
iiowers and grass, while on other occasions, the view is enlivened by
the groves dispersed like islands over the plain, or by a solitary
tree rising above the wilderness. The resemblance to the sea which
some^of these prairies exhibit is really most striking. In the spring,
when the young grass has just clothed the soil with a soddy carpet
of the most delicate green, but especially when the sun is rising be-
hind a distant elevation of the ground and its rays are reflected by
myriads of dew-drops, a more pleasing and more eye-benefitting
view cannot be imagined.
"The delightful aspect of the prairie, its amenities, and the ab-
sence of that sombre awe inspired by forests, contribute to forcing
away that sentiment of loneliness which usually steals upon the
mind of the solitary wanderer in the wilderness; for, although he
espies no habitation, and sees no human being, and knows himself
to be far off from every settlement of man, he can scarcely defend
himself from believing that he is traveling through a landscape
embellished by human art. The flowers are so delicate and elegant
as apparently to be distributed for mere ornament over the plain;
the groves and groups of trees seem to be dispersed over the prairie
to enliven the landscape, and we can scarcely get rid of the impres-
sion invading our imagination, of the whole scene being flung out
and created for the satisfaction of the sentiment of beauty in refined
men.
"In the summer the prairie is covered with tall grass, which is
coarse in appearance, and soon assumes a yellow color, waving in
the wind like a ripe crop of corn. In the early stages of its growth
it resembles young«wheat, and in this state furnishes such rich and '
succulent food for cattle that the latter choose it often in preference
to wheat, it being no doubt a very congenial fodder to them, since
it is impossible to conceive of better butter than is made while the
grass is in this stage.
" In the early stages of its growth the grass is interspersed with
little flowers, — the violet, the strawberry-blossom, and others of
the most delicate structure. When the grass grows higher these
disappear, and taller flowers, displaying more lively colors, take
their place; and still later a series of still higher but less delicately
formed flowers appear on the surface. While the grass is green
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 233
these beautiful plains are adorned with every imaginable variety of
color. It is impossible to conceive of a greater diversity, or dis-
cover a predominating color, save the green, which forms a beauti-
ful dead color, relieving the splendor of the others. In the summer
the plants grow taller, and the colors more lively; in the autumn
another generation of flowers arises which possesses less clearness
and variety of color and less fragrancy. In the winter the prairie
presents a melancholy aspect. Often the fire, which the hunters
annually send over the prairies in order to dislodge the game, will
destroy the entire vegetation, giving to the soil a uniform black ap-
pearance, like that of a vast plain of charcoal; then the wind sweep-
ing over the prg,irie will find nothing which it might put in motion,
no leaves which it might disperse, no haulms which it might shake.
No sooner does the snow commence to fall than the animals, unless
already frightened away by the fire, retire into the forests, when the
most dreary, oppressive solitude will reign on the burnt prairies,
which often occupy many square miles of territory."
PEAIEIE FIEES.
Fires would visit the grassy plains every autumn. The settlers
who had pushed out from the timber took great precaution to pre-
vent their crops, houses and barns from being destroyed, yet not
always did they succeed. Many incidents are related of prairie
fires. The great conflagrations were caused either accidentally, or
designedly from wantonness, or with a view of bewildering the
game. The fire often spread further than it was intended it should.
Wherever were extensive prairie lands, one-half was burned in the
spring and the other half in the autumn, in order to produce a more
rapid growth of the naturally exhuberant grass, destroying at the
same time the tall and thick weed stalks. Yiolent winds would
often arise and drive the flames with such rapidity that riders on
the fleetest steeds could scarcely escape. Oh the approach of a
prairie fire the farmer would immediately set about "burning back,"
— that is, burning off the grass close by the fences, that the larger
fire upon arriving would become extinguished for want of aliment.
In order to be able, however, to make proper use of this measure of
safety, it was very essential that every farmer should encompass
with a ditch those of his fences adjoining the prairie. When known
that the confiagration could cause no danger, the settler, though
accustomed to them, could not refrain from gazing with admiration
upon the magnificent spectacle. Language cannot coAvey, words
cannot express, the faintest idea of the splendor and grandeur of
such a conflagration during the night. It was as if the pale queen
of night, disdaining to take her accustomed place in the heavens,
had dispatched myriads upon myriads of messengers to light their
torches at the altar of the setting sun until all had flashed into one
long and continuous blaze.
The following graphic description of prairie fires was written by
a traveler through this region in 1849:-
2B4: HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY.
''Soon the fires began to kindle wider and rise higher from the
long grass; the gentle breeze increased to stronger currents, and
soon fanned the small, flickering blaze into fierce torrent flames,
^hich curled up and leaped along in resistless splendor; and like
quickly raising the dark curtain from the luminous stage, the scenes
before me were suddenly changed, as if by the magician's wand, into
one boundless amphitheater, blazing from earth to heaven and
sweeping the horizon round, — columns of lurid flames sportively
mounting up to the zenith, and dark clouds of crimson smoke curl-
ing away and aloft till they nearly obscured stars and moon, while
the rushing, crashing sounds, like roaring cataracts mingled with
distant thunders, were almost deafening; danger, death, glared all
around; it screamed for victims;' yet, notwithstanding the immi-
nent peril of prairie fires, one is loth, irresolute, almost unable' to
withdraw or seek refuge."
INCIDENTS or PIONEER LIFE.
The amusements of the pioneers were peculiar to themselves.
Saturday afternoon was a holiday in which no man was expected to
work. A load of produce might be taken to " town " for sale or
traffic without violence to custom, but no more serious labor could
be tolerated. When on Saturday afternoon the town was reached,
"fun commenced." Had two neighbors business to transact, here
it was done . Horses were " swapped," difficulties settled and free
fights, indulged in. Blue and red ribbons were not worn in those
days, and whisky was free as water; twelve and one-half cents would
buy a quart, and thirty-five or forty cents would buy a gallon, and
at such prices enormous quantities were consiimed. Go to any
town in the county and ask the first pioneer you meet, he will tell
you of notable Saturday-afternoon tights, either of which to-day
would fill a column of the Police News, with elaborate engravings
to match. Indeed, fights on- Saturday in the villages and settle-
ment centers were so customary that when a Saturday passed with
no fight in the neighborhood, it was the occasion of considerable
remark for weeks.
Kough, ready to fight, as these pioneers were, their latch-string
was always out. J^o stranger ever stopped at their cabins without
receiving a hearty welcome.
The settler in the early days was not only hospitable but also
philanthropic, a^id never neglected an opportunity to aid a neigh-
bor. House-raisings were his special delight. Let a new-comer
arrive in the neighborhood and all were ready to help him. One
would send a bushel or two of potatoes, another a piece of meat,
another some other article that could be used to eke out the larder;
but when the new-comer had his logs cut and all ready for the rais-
ing, then the fun commenced. Teams, men, axes, all were on the
ground at an early hour, logs were hauled, scored, one side hewed,
it may be, and before night willing hands had erected a residence
as comfortable and commodious as any in the settlement, and at
HISTOBT OF PIKE COUNTY. 235
night was ready for the " house-warming," where dancing was kept
up until the " wee short hours," and where all enjoyed themselves
in a manner unknown to the people of to-day. Let a neighbor get
sick in the fall, as frequently occurred, and some neighbor would
inaugurate a. " chopping bee " or corn-gathering, for his benefit,
when all his fall work would be done in a day, — corn gathered and
cribbed, wood chopped and hauled, and everything put in good
shape for the winter. After the day's labors were completed, song
and dance were in order, and until morning, perhaps, the younger
members of the community would keep up their hilarity.
The only amusements of the pioneers had a hospitable, kindly
core and were connected with some helpful act for needy neighbors.
It was not only in amusements, but in all other acts of life that this
kindliness was manifested, as instances which living witnesses can
testity to will illustrate.
TEADE.
The earliest commercial transactions carried on in this county
were but neighborhood exchanges, in great part. True, now and
then a farmer would load a flat-boat with beeswax, honey, tallow
and peltries, with perhaps a few bushels of wheat or corn or a few
hundred clapboards, and float dowa the Illinois or Mississippi river
to St. Louis, or even to E^ew Orleans, where he would exchange his
produce for substantials in the way of groceries and a little ready
money, with which he would return by some one of two or three
steam-boats then running; or if the period of the trip was before
the advent of steam-boats he would turn his load into cash and
come home on foot.
After the advent of steam-boats a new system of commerce sprang
up. Every town would contain one or two merchants who would
buy corn, wheat and dressed hogs in the fall, store them in ware-
houses on the river at some of the " landings," and when the river
opened in the spring would ship his winter's accumulations to St.
Louis, Cincinnati or IMew Orleans for sale, and with the proceeds
visit IsTew York and lay in six months' supply of goods. So far as
the farmer was concerned in all these transactions money was an
unknown factor. Goods were always sold on twelve months' time
and payment made with the proceeds of the farmers' crops. When
the crops were sold and the merchant satisfied the surplus was paid
out in orders on th^ store to laboring men and 'to satisfy other
creditors. When a day's work was done by a working man his
employer would say, " Well, what store do you want your order on ? "
and the order was always cheerfully accepted.^
Hogs were always sold ready dressed. The farmer, if forehanded,
would call in his neighbors some bright fall or winter morning to
help "kill hogs." Immense kettles filled with water had been
boiling since dawn. The sleds of the farmer covered with loose
plank formed a platform for dressing, and a cask or half hogshead,
with an old quilt thrown over the top, was prepared in which to
236 HISTOET OF PIKE COITNTT.
scald. From a crotch of some convenient tree a projecting pole
was rigged to hold the dead animals. When everything was
arranged the best shot of the neighborhood loaded his trusty rifle
and the work of killing commenced. To rhake a " hog squeal " in
shooting or " shoulder-stick," i.e., run the point of tjie knife used
into the shoulder instead of the cavity of the breast, was a disgrace.
As each hog fell the "sticker" mounted him and plunged a long,
well-sharpened knife into his throat, and others caught him by the
legs and drew him to the scalding tub now filled with hot water,
into which a shovel-full of good green-wood ashes had been thrown.
The cleaners now took the departed porcine, immersed him head
first into the scalding tub, drew him back and forward a time
or two, tried the hair, and if it would " slip " easily the animal
was turned and the other end underwent the same process. As
soon, as taken from the water the scrapers with case-knives went to
work and soon had the animal denuded of hair, when two stout
fellows would take it up between them and a third man to manage
the " gambrel " (which was a stout stick about two feet long, sharp-
ened at both ends to be inserted between the muscles of the hind
legs at or near the hock joint), the animal would be elevated to the
pole and the entrails removed by some skillful hand.
When the work of killing was completed and the hogs had time
to cool, such as were intended for domestic use were cut up, the
lard tried out by the women of the household, and the surplus taken
to town to market. In those days almost every merchant had, at
the rear end of his place of business or at some convenient neigh-
boring building, a " pork-house," and would buy the pork of his cus-
tomers and of such others as would sell to him, and " cut " it for
market. This gave employment to a large number of hands in
every village cutting pork — work which lasted all winter; also to a
large number of -teams hauling to the river, and coopers making
pork barrels.
Prices of pork then were not so high as at present. Thousands
of hogs dressed for market have been sold in this county at $1.25
to fl.SOijper himdred pounds: sometimes they were sold by the dozen,
bringing from $12 to $18 per dozen, owing to size and quality.
When, as the county grew older and communications easier between
the seaboard and the great West, prices went up to $2 and $2.50 per
hundred pounds, the farmers thought they would always be content
to raise pork at such a fine price. \
There was one feature in this method of buying pork that made
any town in Pike county a paradise for the poor man in winter.
" Spare-ribs, " " tender loins, " " pigs' heads " and " feet " were not
considered of a.nj value, and were given freely to all who asked. If
a barrel were taken to any pork-house and salt furnished, the barrel
would be filled and salted down with tender loins or spare-ribs for
nothing. So great in many cases was the quantity of spare-ribs,
etc., to be disposed of, that they would be hauled away in wagon
loads and dumped in the woods out of town.
HISTOEY OF PIKECOUETTT. 23Y
In those days if wheat brought half a dollar per bushel the
farmer was satisfied. A good young milch-cow could be bought for
from $5 to $10, and that payable in work.
Those might truly be called close times, yet the citizens of the
county were accommodating, and no case of actual suffering for the
necessaries of life was known to exist before each vied with the
other to relieve it.
PREACHING or THE GOSPEL .
The early settlers were not entirely without preaching. Says an
old pioneer on this subject: "The ministers of the gospel of the
Savior of the world hunted us up and preached to what few there
were; therefore, we did not degenerate and turn heathen, as any
community will where the sound of the gospel is not heard. I shall
not give their names, though sacred in memory, for they were not
after the fleece, b\it after the flock, because they had but little to
say about science and philosophy, but spoke of purer things."
In speaking of the early preachers Col. Wm. Ross, in a letter
read before the first meeting of the Old Settlers' Association, said:
*' Among my early recollections are the faithful services rendered
by pioneer ministers of the gospel, among whom the name of
Brother Trotter is familiar. He rendered faithful services as a
minister of Christ, and was well received by all Christian denomina-
tions as a liberal-minded Christian and a noble man. "
Rev. W. D . Trotter, the gentleman above referred to, was present
at this meeting, and reviewed the hardships and trials of the early
settlers of Pike county to the great entertainment of the audience.
He had been a missionary in this county as early as 1830. He ex-
hibited a balance sheet of his receipts and expenditures during
the year 1832-'3, in what was then called Blue River Mission. He
received from the mission $88;. the conference paid him $12 in ad-
dition, making his salary $100 for his services for the year.
Hon. Wra. A. Grinshaw delivered the oration of the occasion
and referred to this subject in the following language: " We all
worship God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and
under our vine and fig tree. "When Brother Trotter, who is now
present, venerable with years and revered for piety, or old Father
"Wolf, now gathered to his fathers, blessed for his good deeds, came
a,round to his appointment, all of every religion and no one religion
turned out to meeting in the woods or the log school-house, or at
a settler's home; we had no fine churches in those days. Mormons
guzzled the unwary by their startling pretense at new revelations,
'r, if disappointed by the regular minister, old Father Petty would
recite in prayer Belshazzar's feast in trembling tones of piety. "
In early day when public gatherings were occasions of great ex-
citement and means of conveyance rare the people would walk a
great way to church. Girls have been known to walk six miles to
church, to " meeting " as it was termed in those days. Persons
238 I HISTOKT Of PIKE COUNTY.
very often would ride horseback, two or three on a horse, and go ten
or fifteen miles in this way, bringing along their bread and cheese.
Until public buildings were erected meetings would be held in
private houses, as they were offered by their owners, or in groves.
EDTTOATION.
Though struggling through the pressure of poverty and privation
the early settlers planted among them the school-house at the earli-
est practical period. So important an object as the education of
their children they did not defer until they could build more comely
and convenient houses. They were for a time content with such as
corresponded with their rude dwellings, but soon better buildings
and accommodations were provided. As may readily be supposed,
the accommodations of the earliest schools were not good. Some-
times schools were taught in small log. houses erected for the pur-
pose. Stoves and such heating apparatus as are now in use were
unknown. A mud-and-stick chimney in one end of the building,
with earthen hearth and fire-place wide and deep enough to take
in a four-foot back-log, and smaller wood to match, served for warm-
ing purposes in winter and a kind of conservurory in summer. For
windows, part of a log was cut out in either ^ide and may be a few
lights of eight-by-ten glass set in, or just as likely as not the
aperture would be covered oyer with greased paper. Writing
benches were made of wide planks, or likely puncheons, resting on
pins or arms, drive u into two-inch auger- holes bored into the logs
beneath the windows. Seats were made out of puncheons, and
flooring of the same material. Everything was rude and plain, but
many of fAmerica's greatest men have gone out from just such
school-houses to grapple with the world and make names for them-
selves, and have come to be an honor to their country. Among
these we can name Abraham Lincoln, our martyred President, one
of the noblest men ever known to the world's history. Stephen A.
Douglas, one of the greatest statesmen of the age, began his career
in Illinois teaching in one of these primitive school-houses.
Things are changed now. "We no longer see the log school-house.
Their places are filled with handsome frame or brick structures,
which, for elegance and beauty of design, rival those of older
settled countries; and in place of the " masters " who were " looked
up to " as superior beings, and were consulted on all matters of law,
physic and religion, there are teachers of liberal culture, intelligent
and progressive, many of whom have a broad and comprehensive
idea of education, and regard their labor as something more than
merely teaching in order to make a living, — more than a knowledge
of a great number of facts in the great universe of mind and mat-
ter. It means culture, the developing and disciplining of all the
faculties of the human mind. It is the comprehension of the entire_
being of man. And the school or teacher who takes charge and care
of the young should provide the means and methods for carrying
forward the process in all departments of their complex nature,
physical, mental and spiritual.
HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY. 239
EAELY MILLING.
One of the greatest difficulties encountered by the early settlers
was in having their milling done. By a liberal application of enter-
prise and muscle they experienced but little trouble in producing
an abundance of the -cereals, but having it converted into breadstuff
was a source of much hard labor. The hand-mill introduced was a
great improvement over the mortar or tin grater, a description of
which is given elsewhere in this volume. Then the band-mill was
introduced.
John Shaw ran a horse-mill for a time in Calhoun county, where
the earliest settlers sometimes went, but it appears he soon aban-
doned it. Wm. Ilos§ then started one at Atlas. The burrs of this
mill were limestone, and it is said that in every bushel of meal
ground in this mill there would be a peck of stone dust. Many of
the settlers had to travel long distances to mill, and then often wait
for several days before they could get their grist.
After the large mill was built at Rockport it was the great center
for milling for all this section of country.
MOBMONS.
The Mormons first settled at "Mormontown," about three miles
east of Pittsfield, in 1839, and by 1845 there were 300 voters in that
settlement. They were quiet and harmless. On the building of
Nauvoo most of them removed to that place. They tried to work
some miracles about Pittsfield, but not with very signal success.
We heard of but one crime committed by them during their career
in this county, and that was not particularly a Mormon crime. A
man among them named Benj. Sweat was convicted of passing
counterfeit gold : was caught at Jacksonville. He was very poor
and excited the sympathies of the people, and a petition was pre-
sented for his release, which was granted.
COTTON.
In pioneer times a little cotton was raised in the Military Tract,
and as late as 1861 and 1862 there was cotton raised in Pikecounty.
Lindsay Dilworth, living eight miles from Pittsfield, raised 17
pounds from three rows, each 100 feet long. One-half of it was
frost-bitten : the remainder was white and fine-fibered. In 1862
Wm. Boss, jr., raised some very good cotton.
ASIATIC CHOLERA.
While this scourge wrought great devastation in some sections of
the United States in 1848-'9, Pikecounty almost escaped its ravages.
In and about Pittsfield Dr. Comstock, DeWitt St. John, David
Ober and wife, Mr. Main, Alvin Hash's wife and several strangers
died, and at Kinderhook there were 16 or 20 cases of the disease.
It seemed to have got out into the county from Louisiana, whither
it had been brought by steamers from the lower Mississippi.
240 HISTOKT OF PIKE COUNTY.
STATE IMPEOVEMENTS.
The celebrated interDal improvement system inaugurated by the
State in 1836-'7 did not give Pike county any railroads or canals,
or even promise any; but ah appropriation of several thousand
dollars was made, which was economically expended in the im-
provement of highways. Commissioners were appointed, men
were hired to superintend the work, and wagon roads were made
evener or improved from Quincy through the northeastern part
of the colmty, from Pittsfield to Florence, and one from Griggsville
to the Illinois river. These works were completed, however, by
county and township aid.
OEIGIN OF NAMES OF CREEKS.
McCraney's creek, formerly called " McDonald's creek," by the
Grovernment survey, was named after McCraney, who was the first
settler upon its banks. He was a man of great endurance and a
skillful sportsman. One day he chased down a gray wolf with his
horse, when he placed one foot upon the animal's neck and with
the other succeeded in breaking his legs so that he could get some-
thing with which to completely dispatch him.
Hadley creek was named after Ool. Levi Hadley, an early settler.
Dutch Church creek was named after a rocky bluff near its bank
which is supposed to resemble an old Dutch church in the city of
Albany, N. Y. Keyes creek was named after Willard Keyes.
Ambrosia creek was named from the purity of its waters.
Two-Mile creek was named from its crossing the bluff two miles
from Atlas.
Six-Mile creek is six miles below Atlas.
Bay creek was so called from the bay into which it runs.
FIEST THINGS IN PIKE COUNTY.
The first settler in Pike county was Ebenezer Franklin, who
also cut the first tree and built the first log cabin, in 1820.
The first white person born in the county was Nancy, daughter
to Col. Wm. Ross, at Atlas, May 1, 1822, who died ISfov. 18, the
same year.
Marcellus Eoss, now living one mile east of Pittsfield, was the
first white male" child born "in Pike county.
The first death in the county was that of Clarendon Eoss, at
Atlas.
Daniel Shinn brought the first wagon into the county in 1820.
Col. Benj. Barney was the first blacksmith in the county, erect-
ing his shop at Atlas in 1826. He also burned the first coal in the
county, it having been shipped from Pittsburg, Pa.
James Poss brought and used the first grain cradle here, in 1828.
James Eoss also equipped and ran the first turner's lathe and
cabinet shop, at Atlas, in 1828 .
HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY. 241
Gol. Wm. Ross built the first brick, house in the county, at Atlas,
in 1821.
He also erected the first store building, at Atlas, in 1826, and
also the first grist-mill, a band-mill, at Atlas, about the same time.
Fielding Hanks was the first to follow tanning in Pike county.
The first Circuit Court was held at Coles' Grove, Oct. 1, 1821.
The first Court at Atlas was held " the first Thursday after the.
fourth Monday in April," which would be May 1, l'823.
The first coui't-house within the present limits of Pike county
was built at Atlas in 1824.
The first jail was- erected at Atlas in 1824.
The first school was taught at Atlas by John Jay Eoss in 1822.
The first Church was organized in the Ross family at Atlas prior
to 1830. It was Congregational.
The first church building in Pittsfield was the, Congregational,
and built by Col. Ross.
Capt. Hale, a Baptist minister, probably organized the first Baptist
church in Pike county.
The first library was founded at Atlas, about 1833-4.
The first Fourth-of-July celebration was held at Atlas in 1823.
The first political meeting was held in Montezuma township in
1834, when Col. Ross, who was running for the Legislature, made
■a speech. About 50 voters were present, besides boys. No nomi-
nations or appointments were made.
The first whisky distilled in the county was manufactured by Mr.
Milhizer in 1826.
The first wheat was raised by Col. Ross and Mr. Seeley near
Atlas, which was also the first ground in Pike county and made
into biscuit. The flour was bolted through book muslin.
The first apples were raised by Alfred Bissell, near New Hartford,
and the first at Pittsfield by Col. Wm. Ross.
The first man hung in the Military Tract was a Mr. Cunning-
ham, at Quincy.
The first man executed in Pike county was Bartholomew Barnes,
at Pittsfield, Dec. 29, 1872.
The first State Senator elected from Pike county was Col. Wm.
Ross.
The first County Commissioners were Capt. Leonard Ross, John
Shaw and Wm. Ward.
The first County Treasurer was Nathaniel Shaw, appointed in
The first County and Circuit" Clerk was James W. Whitney.
T. L. Hall, of Detroit tp., taught the first singing school, at Atlas.
The first Justices of the Peace wereEbenezer Smith and Stephen
Dewey, appointed in 1821.
The first Constable was Belus Jones, appointed in 1821.
The first Masonic lodge was held up-stairs, at the house of Col.
Ross, in Atlas, between 1830 and 1834. The desk used on the
occasion is still in the possession of Marcellus Ross. It is a plain
2i2 HISTOKY OF PIKE COUNTY.
box, strongly built, fifteen inches square and two and one-half feet
high, and contains two shelves. In one side is a door swung on
hinges.
WHAT THE PIONEEBS HAVE DONE.
Pike county is a grand county, in many respects second to none
^ in the State, and in almost everything that goes to make a live,
prosperous community, not far behind the best. Beneath its fertile
soil is coal enough to supply the State for generations; its harvests
are bountiful; it enjoys a medium climate and many other things
that make them a contented, prosperous and happy people; but the
people owe much to those who. opened up these avenues that have
led to their present condition and happy surroundings. Unremit-
ting toil and labor have driven off the sickly miasmas that brooded
over swampy prairies. Energy and perseverance have peopled every
section of the wild lands, and changed them from wastes and deserts
to gardens of beauty and profit. When but a few years ago the
barking wolves made the night hideous with their wild shrieks and
howls, now is heard only the lowing and bleating of domestic ani-
mals. Only a half century ago thS wild whoop of the Indian rent
the air where now are heard the engine and rumbling trains of cars,
bearing away to markets the products of the soil and the labor of
its people. Then the savage built his rude huts on the spot where
nowTise the dwellings and school-houses and church spires of civil-
ized life. How great the transformation ! This change has been
brought about by the incessant toil and aggregated labor of thou-
sands of tired hands and anxious hearts, and the noble aspirations
of such men and women as make any country great. What will
another half century accomplish ?
There are few, very few, of these old pioneers yet lingering on the
shores of time as connecting links of the past with the present.
What must their thoughts be as with their dim eyes they view the
scenes that surround them? We often hear people talk about the
old-fogy ideas and fogy ways, and want of enterprise on the part of
the old men who have gone through the experiences of pioneer life.
Sometimes, perhaps, such remarks are' just, but, considering the
experiences, education and entire life of such men, such remarks are
better unsaid. They have had their trials, misfortunes, hardships
and adventures, and shall we now, as they are passing far down the
western declivity of life, and many of them gone, point to them the
finger of derision and laugh and sneer at the simplicity of tbfeir
ways? Let us rather cheer them up, revere and respect them, for
beneath those rough exteriors beat hearts as noble as ever throbbed
in the human breast. These veterans have been compelled to live
for weeks upon hominy and, if bread at all, it was bread made from
corn ground in hand-mills, or pounded up with mortars. Their
children have been destitute of shoes during the winter ; their
families had no clothing except what was carded, spun, wove and
made into garments by their own hands; schools they had none;
^iCaii:ar>>'!y'3/i^^
t>
^
HISTOKT OF PIKE COTJNTT. 245
churches thej' had none; afflicted with sickness incident to all new
countries, sometimes the entire family at once; luxuries of life they
had none; the auxiliaries, improvements, inventions and labor-sav-
ing machinery of to-day they had not; and what they possessed they
obtained by the hardest of labor and individual exertions ; yet they
bore these hardships and privations without murmuring, hoping for
better times to come, and often, too, with but little prospects of
realization.
As before mentioned, the changes written on every hand are most
wonderful. It has been but three-score years since the white man
began to exercise dominion over this region, erst the home of the
red man, yet the visitor of to-day, ignorant of the past of the coimty,
could scarcely be made to realize that within these years there has
grown up a population of 50,000 people, who in all the accomplish-
ments of life are as far advanced as are inhabitants of the counties of
older States. Schools, churches, colleges, palatial dwellings, beauti-
ful grounds, large, well-cultivated and productive farms, as well as
cities, towns and busy manufactories, have grown up, and occupy
the hunting grounds and camping places of the Indians, and in
every direction there are evidences of wealth, comfort and luxury.
There is but little left of the old landmarks. Advanced civilization
and the progressive demands of revolving years have obliterated
all traces of Indian occupancy, until they are only remembered in
name.
In closing this chapter we again would impress upon the minds
of our readers the fact that they ,owe a debt of gratitude to those
who pioneered Pike county, which can be but partially repaid.
Never grow unmindful of the peril and adventure, fortitude, self-
sacrifice and heroic devotion so prominently displayed in their lives.
As time sweeps on its ceaseless flight, may the cherished memories
of them lose none of their greenness, but may the future genera-
tions alike cherish and perpetuate them with a just devotion to
gratitude.
CHAPTEK III.
ORGANIC HISTOET.
THE MILITAET TRACT.
At the close of the war between the United States and England
in 1812 our Government laid off a tract of land in Illinois for the
soldiers who participated in that war. The land thus appropriated
was embraced in the region between the Mississippi and the Illinois
rivers, and south of the north line of Mercer county. Its northern
boundary, therefore, ran east to Peru on the Illinois river, and a
little south of the middle of Bureau and Henry counties. To it the
name '' Military Tract " was given, and by that name this section is
still known. Within this boundary is embraced one of the most
fertile regions of the globe. Scarcely had Congress made the proper
provisions to enable the soldiers to secure their land ere a few of the
most daring and resolute started to possess it. There- were only a
few, however, who at first regarded their " quarter-section " of suf-
ficient value to induce them to endure the hardships of the pioneer
in its settlement and improvement. Many of them sold their patent
to a fine " prairie quarter " in this county for one hundred dollars,
others for less, while some traded theirs for a horse, a cow, or a
watch, regarding themselves as just so much ahead. It is said that
an Qld shoemaker, of New York city, bought several as fine quarters
of land as are in Pike county with a pair of shoes. He would make
a pair of shoes for which the soldier would deed him his " patent
quarter" of land. This was a source of no little trouble to the
actual settlers, for they could not always tell which quarter of land
belonged to a soldier, or which was " Congress land" and could be
pre-empted. Even when a settler found a suitable location known
to be " patent land," with a desire to purchase, he experienced great
difficulty in finding the owner, and often did not find him until he had
put hundreds of dollars' worth of improvements on it, when the
patentee was sure to turn up. Many of the early settlers presumed
that the owner never would be known ; but in many instances, after
a patent quarter-section was made valuable by. improvement, the
original patent would be brought on by some one, who would
oust the occupant and take possession, sometimes paying him some-
thing for his improvements and sometimes not. Many holders of
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 247
patents had no pity. This condition of affairs presented a tempta-
tion to merciless "land-sharks," who would come into this section
and work up cases, ostensibly for the original patentees, but really
for their own pockets. The most notorious of these was one Toliver
Oraig, who actually made it a business to forge patents and deeds.
This he carried on extensively from 184Y to 1854, especially in
Knox and Fulton counties, and to some extent in Pike. He had
forty bogus deeds put on record in one day at Knoxville. He was
arrested in New York State, in 1854, by O. M. Boggess, of Mon-
mouth, and taken to the jail at Cincinnati, Ohio, where he attempted
suicide by arsenic; but at the end of the year he was released on
bail.
PIKE COUNTY.
As a part of the Territory of Illinois in 1790 all of that portion
of Ilfinois south of what is now Peoria was made a county and
named St. Clair, in honor of Gen. St. Clair, Governor of the
Northwestern Territory. Cohokia was the county-seat of this
county. In 1812 that part of Illinois Territory above St. Louia
was created into a county called Madison, with Edwardsville as-
the county-seat, Illinois was admitted as a State in* 1818, and in.
1821 all that part of Madison county between the Mississippi and:
Illinois rirers was organized into a county and named Pike. Its-
name was chosen in honor of Gen. Pike, of the war of 1812. The
tract of country now known as Pike county was surveyed by the
Government in the years 18 17-'9, and soon afterward attracted at-
tention on account of its natural advantages for commerce, fertility
of soil and abundance of water. It is the oldest county in the
Military Tract, and one of the largest, containing 510,764 acres, or
800 square miles, in 23 townships. The following is a copy of the.
act organizing the county :
An act to fobh a new ooxraTT on the bounty lands. Appeoyed Jan. 81, 1821.
Section 1. Be it enacted, etc., that all that tract of country within the follow-
ing boundaries, to wit : Beginning at the mouth of the Illinois river and running
thence up the middle of said river to the fork of the same, thence up the south
fork of said river until it strikes the State line of Indiana, thence north with said
line to the north boundary line of this State, thence west with said line to the west
boundary line of this State, and thence with said line to the place of beginning,
Shall, constitute a separate county to be called Pike.
Sbc. 3. Be it further enacted that there shall be appointed the following per-
sons, to wit : Levi Eoberts, John Shaw and Nicholas Hanson, to meet at the
house of Levi Koberts, in said county, on or before the first day of March next, to
fix the temporary seat of justice of said county, the said seat of justice to be south
of the base line of said county.
Sec. 3. Be it further enacted, etc., that the citizens of Pike county be hereby
declared entitled in all respects to the same rights and privileges that are allowed
in general to other counties in the State.
Sec. 4. Be it further enacted, etc., that said county of Pike be and form a part
of the first judicial circuit.
This act to take effect and be in force from and after its passage.
248 HISTOET OF PIKE OOUNTT.
COUNTY-SEAT LOCATED.
The following act was passed at the next session of the Legisla-
ture :
An ACTDBFINIlfO THE BOUNDABIBS OF 'PiKB COUNTY, AND FOB OTHER PURPOSES. APPEOVBD
Dec. 30, 1822.
Section 1 . Be it enacted by the people of the State of Illinois represented in
General Assembly, that the county of Pike shall be bounded as follows, to wit:
On the north by the base line; on the east by the Illinois river; on the west by
the Mississippi ; and all the rest and residue of the territory, composing the
county of Pike before the passage of this act, shall be attached to, and be apart of,
said county until otherwise disposed of by the General Assembly of this State.
Sec. 2. Be it further enacted, etc., for the purpose of fixing the permanent
seat of justice of said county, the following persons be and the same are hereby
appointed Commissioners, to wit: Garrett VanDusen, Ossian M. Ross, John M.
Smith, Daniel Ford and Daniel Shinn, who, after being duly sworn by some judge
or justice of the peace of this State, faithfully and impartially to discharge the
duties imposed upon them by this act, shall meet at the house of John Shaw, in
said county, on or before the first day of March next, and proceed to deterniine on
the permanent seat of justice of said county, and designate the same, taking into
consideration the condition and convenience of the people, the future population
of the county, and the health and eligibility ot the place ; and they are hereby
authorized to receive as a donation for the use of said county any quantity of
land that may be determined on by them, from any proprietor that may choose to ■
oflFer such donation of land ; which place, so fixed and determined upon, the said
Commissioners shall certify, under their hands and seals, and return the same to
next Commissioners of Court in said county, which shall cause an entry there-
of to be made upon their books of record .
Sec. 3. Be it further enacted, etc. , that the said Commissioners shall receive,
as a compensation for their service,, the sum of two dollars per day for each day
by them necessarily spent in discharging the duties imposed upon them by this
act, to be allowed by the Commissioners of the Court, and paid out of the county
treasury.
Pursuant to that portion of the above act as relating to locating
the county-seat, the Commissioners made their report to the County
Commissioners at their March term of Court, 1823, and presented
the Court with a deed from William E.oss and Rufus Brown for an
acre of land upon section 27, Atlas township.
COUNTIES CUT FKOM PIKE.
"When Pike county was organized it embraced all of that country
between the Illinois and Mississippi rivers, and extended east along
the line of the main fork of the Illinois, the Kankakee river, to the
Indiana State line and on to the northern boundary of the State, in-
cluding the country where Rock Island, Galena, Peoria and Chi-
cago now are. It was indeed a large county, and embraced what is
now the wealthiest and most populous portion of the Great West.
The extensive.lead mines of Galena had not yet been discovered, and
Chicago was only a tradingjand military post. The Commissioners of
Pike county, as will be noticed in the following chapter, exercised
full authority, so far as the duties of their respective offices were
concerned, over all this vast region.
Settlers soon began to locate nere and there in the Military Tract.
Two years had scarcely passed ere the few settlers east of the fourth
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 249
principal meridian and north of the base line desired a county, and
appealed to the Legislature for power to organize one. Ossian M.
Ross, the founder of Lewistown, Fulton county, and one of the
prime movers in the organization of that county, was at that time
a member of the County Commissioners' Court of Pike county.
The following is an abstract of the act referred to :
An act approved Jan. 28, 1823, forming the county of Fulton out
of all the attached part of Pike, beginning where the fourth princi-
pal meridian intersects the Illinois river, thence up the middle of said
river to where the line between ranges five and six east strikes the
said river, thence north with the said line between ranges five and
sik east, to the township line between townships nine and ten north,
then west with said line to the fourth principal meridian, then south
to the place of beginning; and all the rest and residue of the at-
tached part of the county of Pike east of the fourth principal merid-
ian shall be attached to Fulton county.
Jan. 13, 1826, Schuyler county was cutoff from Pike and Fulton,
and included all that country within the following boundaries:
" Commencing at a place where the township line between town-
ships two and three south touches the Illinois river, thence west on
said line to the range line between ranges four and five west, thence
north from said line to the northwest corner of township three
north, range one west, thence east on said township line to the Illi-
nois river, thence down the said river to the place of beginning."
The same year an act was passed forming new counties . Those
formed were Adams, Hancock, McDonough, Warren, Mercer, Henry,
Putnam and Knox. Their boundaries were fixed by the act of Jan.
30, 1825. Calhoun county was cut off from Pike county and organ-
ized in 1825.
GENERAL REVIEW.
No whites settled north of Alton for agricultural purposes prior
to.l819. During that year and the next there was a sufficient num-
ber of settlers to organize a county. Accordingly the Legislature
of 1K20-'1, as above seen, organized the county of Pike, which then
included all of the State of Illinois between the Illinois and Missis-
sippi rivers. The county-seat was first fixed at Coles' Grove, ad-
joining the locality of Gilead, afterward the county-seat of Calhoun
county. This place was named after Edward Coles, Governor of
Illinois.
We copy the following topographical sketch of Pike county from
" Peck's Illinois Gazetteer," published in 1834, as giving an idea of
the county at that early date:
"Pike county is the oldest county in the Military Tract, and was
erected from Madison and other counties in 1821. It then em-
braced the whole county northwest of the Illinois river, but by sub-
sequent formation of new counties it is now reduced to ordinary
size, containing twenty-two townships, or about 800 square miles.
It is bounded north by A^ams, east by Schuyler and the Illinois
250 HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY.
rivel-, south by that river and Calhoun, and west by the Mississippi.
Besides the Mississippi and Illinois rivers, which wash two sides,
it has the Sny Carte slough, running the whole length of its west-
ern border, which floats steam-boats to Atlas at a full stage of water.
.Pike county is watered by the Pigeon, Hadley, Keyes, Black,
Dutch Church, Six-Mile and Bay creeks, which flow into the Mis-
sissippi ; and Big and Little Blue, and the North and West Forks
of McGee's creek, which enter into the Illinois. Good mill-sites
are furnished by these streams.
" The land is various. The section of country, or rather island,
between the Sny Carte slough and the Mississippi, is a sandy soil,
but mostly inundated land at the spring flood. It furnishes a great
summer and winter range for stock, affording considerable open
prairie, with skirts of heavy bottom timber near the streams.
Along the bluffs and for two or three miles back the land is chiefly
timbered, but cut up with ravines and quite rolling. Far in the in-
terior and toward Schuyler county excellent prairie and timber
lands are found, especially about the Blue rivers and McGee's
creek. This must eventually be a rich and populous county.
" In Pleasant Vale, on Keyes creek, is a salt spring twenty feet
in diameter, which boils from the earth and throws off a stream of
some size, and forms a salt pond in its vicinity. Salt has been made
here, though not in great quantities.
" In the county are seven water saw-mills, four grist-mills, one
carding-machine, five stores, and a horse ferry-boat across the Mis-
sissippi to Louisiana."
HANSON AND SHAW.
The State Constitution, adopted on the admission of Illinois into
the Union in 1818, prohibited slavery in this State. Owing to this
fact many of the early immigrants coming West,^who were from
the slave States of Virginia and Kentucky, passed right through
this garden of Eden into Missouri. An effort was made, therefore,
to so amend the Constitution as to permit slavery in this State that
it might be more attractive to settlers, and the sequel showed that
Illinois had a ilarl-ow escape from the dreadful evils of slavery.
When the necessary preliminary resolution was offered in the Sen-
ate it was ascertained that the requisite two-thirds vote to pass the.
resolution for the call of a convention to amend the Constitution
could be obtained and to spare; but in the House they needed one
vote. At first it was strenuously argued that the two-thirds vote
meant two-thirds of the two Houses in joint convention; but the
opponents were too powerful in their argument upon this point.
The majority, however, was not to be foiled in their purpose. An-
other mode presented itself: all that was required was courage to
perpetrate a gross outrage on a recalcitrant member. There had
been a contested election case from Pike county. The sitting mem-
ber decided by the House to be entitled to the seat was Nicholas
Hanson, and the contestant, John Shaw, the " Black Prince." Han-
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 251
son's vote liad been' obtained for the re-election of Jesse B. Thomas,
strongly pro-slavery, to the United States Senate; but further than
this he would not go. Shaw, who favored the convention project,
was now discovered to be entitled to the seat. A motion was there-
upon made to reconsider the admission of Hanson, which prevailed.
It was next further moved to strike out the name of Hanson and
insert that of Shaw. During the pendency of the resolution a
tumultuous crowd assembled in the evening at the State House,
and after the delivery of a number of incendiary speeches, inflam-
ing the minds of the people against Hanson, they proceeded
through the town (Yandalia) with his^ effigy in a blaze, accompa-
nied with the beating of drums, the sound of bugles, and shouts of
"Convention or death." Amotion to expel Hanson and admit
Shaw was adopted, and the latter awarded the majority by voting
for the convention resolution, which thus barely passed. The night
following, a number of members of both Houses entered their sol-
emn protest against this glaring outrage of unseating Hanson, both
with the object intended and the manner of perpetrating it. Many
reflecting men, earnest in their support of the convention question,
condemned it, and it proved a powerful lever before the people in
the defeat of the slavery scheme, ^he passage of the convention
resolution was regarded as tantamount to its carriage at the polls.
The pro-slavery party celebrated their triumph by an illumina-
tion of the town, and the procession, accompanied by all the horrid
paraphernalia and discordant music of a charivari, marched to the
residence of Governor Coles, and the quarters of the chief oppo-
nents of the measure, where they performed with their demoniac
music to annoy and insult them.
The convention resolution was finally defeated by 1,800 majority
at the polls.
It is thus seen how Pike county gave the casting vote on the
slavery question in this State in 1820.
MAEQUBTTE COITNTY.
The counties now bounding Pike on the north are Adams and
iPrown; but in 1841 there was a county struck off from the east
side of Adams and called Marquette. Columbus, being more cen-
trally located in Adams county, became ambitious for the county-
seat, but as Quincy was too powerful against this project, the eastern
portion of Adams county was struck off by an act of the Legis-
lature in order that the ambition of Columbus might be satisfied
and become a county-seat. No attempt was made to organize the
county until 1846, when Quincy again proved too powerful for
them, and the following Legislature repealed the act defining the
boundaries of the county.
OOtTNTY-SEAT CONTEST.
In 1842-'3 an effort was made to divide the county, the new
county-seat to be at Barry. Dr. Thomas "Worthington was a mem-
252 HISTOET OF PIKE COTTNTT.
ber of the State Senate, and Wm. Blair of the House, each repre-
senting the interests of his section of the county. The bill introduced
by Mr. Blair proposed to divide the county by a line running
north and south through its extent; but, after the presentation
of many petitions and remonstrances, and a period of consider-
able excitement, the bill failed to pass the House. In 1850 the
county was divided into 19 townships, and organized under the town-
ship organization law of the Constitution of 1848. Under this
mode the county is at present conducted. And that was the end
of this little fight. The county remains, therefore, to the present
day as it was outlined by the Legislature of 1 826. In the fall of
1846 the effort was renewed. Meetings were held in various parts
of the county, and speeches were made on both sides of the ques-
tion ; but public interest soon died down.
CHAPTEK IV.
IMPOKTANT LABORS OF THE COUNTY COMMIS-
SIONEES' COURT.
FIRST MEETING.
The first meeting of the County Commissioners' Court of Pike
county was held April 24, 1821. There were present Leonard Ross,
John Shaw, and William "Ward, the three Commissioners. After
the Court was organized, Stephen Dewey was appointed Clerk pro
tern, in the absence of James "W. Whitney, the Clerk. The records
give but little information in regard to the organization of the
county. They begin with unqualified statements, and "record the
acts of the honored Court with greatest simplicity.
The first business before the Court was an application for a li-
cense to sell spirituous liquors made by Belus and Egbert Jones.
The license was granted upon the payment of $3 into the newly
made treasury by the Joneses.
Belus Jones was then appointed Constable for the county of
Pike. The liquor traffic evidently was not great enough to em-
ploy the entire time of the two gentlemen, and as the newly organ-
ized county needed a Constable, Mr. Jones' services were solicited
in that capacity.
The county must needs have a Treasurer; accordingly Nathaniel
Shaw was appointed to this important office. The Court then ad-
journed to meet at 7 o'clock a. m., April 25.
According to adjournment the Commissioners assembled upon
the morning of the 25th. The first business presented to the con-
sideration of the Court was an application for license to sell
liquors presented by Thomas Ferguson. The Court seemed to pos-
sess a willingness to encourage the liquor business within the newly
made county, as they granted Mr. Ferguson license for $2.60.
Why they should grant him a license for 50 cents less than they
charged the Joneses, we can not tell. Perhaps an increase of busi-
ness and fiattering prospects enabled them to reduce the " tax. "
Ebenezer Smith and Stephen Dewey were then recommended
" as fit and suitable persons for the Governor to commission Jus-
tices of the Peace." The Court then adjourned until June.
254 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
SECOND MEETING.
Monday, June 4, 1821, the date set for the convening of the
Court, John Shaw appeared and opened Court, but there not being
a quorum present the Court was kept open until 4 o'clock in the
afternoon, when all of the Commissioners appeared and took their
seats. Upon the following day James W. Whitney, who had been
appointed Clerk of the Court, although we find no record of his
appointment, " appeared in open Court and took the several oaths
required by law, and gaye bond in the penal sum of $1,000, and
tendered Levi Koberts and Eigdon C. Fenton his securities, who
were accepted and approved by the Court."
TAVEEN LICENSE.
At the June term, 1821, Nathaniel Hin6ksley was granted
license " to keep a tavern. "
A tavern in those days was a combination of an inn and a
saloon. The proprietor, however, did not expect to derive any great
revenue from the hotel, but looked to his liquors for an income.
Many of these " taverns " were the smallest of log cabins. Here
and there all over the country, sometimes miles from any other
cabin, they might be found. Some of them were indicated to be
such by signs nailed to a post, tree, or to the side of the cabin.
These were of the rudest make and design. Some simply had the
word "entertainment" scrawled upon them, while others, more ex-
plicit, read "entertainment for man and beast." Some were still
more definite and said simply " whisky and oats. " The storms of
a half century, the advancement of civilization, the culture of the
age, have all combined to transform these rudest of signs, scrib-
bled by an uncultured pioneer upon hewn boards, into gilded and
glittering letters artistically traced upon French-plate glass.
The name by which the place was known where liquor was vended
was shortly after this changed from " tavern " to " grocery " or
" groggery, " and subsequently assumed the appellation of" saloon ; " "
and finally, that coming into disrepute, many have adopted the
more modern title of "sample room," "hall," " garden," etc.
The following schedule of "tavern rates" was then established
to govern Hincksley :
Victuals, per meal, 25 cents
Horse keeping, per night 373^ "
Lodging, per night, 12i| "
Whisky, per half pint, 13j| "
Kum and gin, per half pint, 35
French Brandy, per half pint 50 "
Wine, per half pint 37}^ "
JOHN KINZIE JUSTICE OF THE PEACE FOE PIKE COUNTY.
Upon motion of Abraham Beck, Esq., John Kinzie was recom-
mended to the Governor of Illinois as a fit and suitable person for
))
HISTORY OF PIKE COTTNTT. 255
Justice of the Peace for Pike county. This gentleman was the
well-known first settler of Chicago, and at that time resided there,
it then being in this county. It must be remembered that Pike
county at that time spread over a vast territory, and embraced all
of the northern part of the State. Yes, though unlearned in law
and unacquainted with science and literature, the Commissioners
held jurisdiction over a large district; and that they conducted the
public affairs rightly, and built a firm and solid foundation upon
which the future prosperity and greatness of this portion of our
beloved State should rest, can not be gainsaid. This is plainly
evident from the unparalleled strides made in agricultural and me-
chanical progress; from the hundreds of thousands of busy inhabi-
tants now dwelling within this territory; and from the vast stores
of wealth accumulated solely from resources within ' it. Those
great and unconcealed wonders reflect honor and credit each day
upon their founders; and as days and years multiply, when the
same territory over which they presided shall be teeming with
millions of earnest and energetic people, then will great honors and
more exultant praise and adoration be expressed for the brave,
sturdy pioneers who explored and opened up a region so prolific,
and founded a community that for genius, enterprise and wealth
will in the near future out-rank many older settled countries, and
indeed will vie with many kingdoms of the earth. Then these vast
prairifes will be cultivated as a garden. Every forest tree and
woodland will be utilized, and populous cities with numerous fac-
tories and vast stores of commerce may, be numbered by the score.
Then will the modes of travel be superior to the remarkable rail-
road facilities of to-day, and transport the increased products with
greater facility. Indeed, everything will then be as different and
as superior to what they are at present as the things of to-day are
as compared with those of fifty years ago. Our readers may re-
gard this as wild and unreasonable speculation, as wholly vision-
ary; but they are only the conclusions deduced from a careful study
of history, of a comparison of what has been accomplished, with
certain advantages, with the results that the superior advantages
now enjoyed will as certainly accomplish.
THE POOE.
One of. the first acts of the noble-hearted Commissioners was to
make provisions for their poor. The pioneers were generous and
liberal to a fault when it came to provide the necessities of life to
those more unfortunate in their midst. June 6, 1821, Baxter
Bradwell and Joel Bacon were appointed overseers of the poor.
EECOED BOOK..
A record book was then ordered to be purchased, for which $3.00
was given. This is a common paper-covered blank book of about
200 pages, and at the present time the price would be considered
high if the book were sold at half that amount.
256 HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY.
LAYING OUT EOADS;
For many years the petitions for roads occupied a very large pro-
portion of the Court's time and attention, and consumed more space
to record than all other proceedings. They are similar in construc-
tion, and it would be useless, and worse, to speak of them as often
as they occur. "We will only give a specimen of these applications
and the mode of dealing with them. The records read as follows:
"A petition of sundry inhabitants • of this county was presented
praying that a road may be laid out from McDonald's Ferry on the
Mississippi river, the nearest and best course to the Illinois river to
meet a road that may be laid out from thence to Yandalia." The
prayer was granted, and Daniel Shinn, Clarendon Ross and Eben-
ezer Franklin were appointed a committee to view and ascertain
where said road should be located. i%^^
Upon the 3d of July of the same year the committee reported
and their report was : " Accept as far as the north line of section 27
of township 6 south, in range 5 west [Atlas township], that being
as far as said Commissioners were able to proceed, owing to the ex-
cessive growth of vegetation ; and it is further ordered that the time
for viewing and laying out the remainder of said road shall be ex-
tended until after the vegetation shall be destroyed by frost."
Five days' work upon this road was required of each man who
lived within two and one-half miles of it. This rule also applied
to other roads laid out in those primitive times. One dollar was
allowed for each day a man labored more than that.
A petition was also presented for a road from Ferguson's Ferry
on the Illinois river, to Fort Edwards, upon the Mississippi river.
Again we find " a petition presented by sundry citizens, Oct. 4,
1821, for a road from Fort Clark (now Peoria) to the mouth of the
Illinois river." Accordingly James ^ixon, John Shaw and Eben-
ezer Smith were appointed a committee to view the road from the
house of Ebenezer Smith to Fort Clark.
FEEEY LICENSE.
June 6, 1821, a license was granted James McDonald "to keep
a ferry upon the east bank of the Mississippi river, opposite to the
town of Louisianaville, on condition of his paying a tax of one dol-
lar, besides Clerk's fee, and on his entering into bonds according
to law, and that the following rates of ferriage be established, to
wit : "
For a single person,. 35 cents
For a single horse, 25
Every head of cattle over one year old 35
Every hog, sheep or goat,'. 6}^
Every four-wheeled carriage, 1 00
Every hundred weight of dead lumber, 63^
Every two wheeled carriage, 75
HISTOET or PIKE COUNTY. 257
MILITIA PEECINOTS.
Among the pioneers "training" or "muster day" was one
which was looked forward to with feelings of pleasure. It was nec-
essary to have a well organized militia to repel any invasions of
the Indians which at that time were numerous through this sec-
•tion of the country. The Commissioners' Oourf, in its official capac-
ity, took note of this, and accordingly, June 6, they "ordered that the
militia of this county be organized into a regiment, and all that part
of the county lying south of the township line between townships
8 and 9 compose the first company district; and all north of that
line to the base line compose the second company district ; and all
north of the base line be and compose the third company district.
Baxter Broadwell, Wra. Metz and Eigdon C. Fenton were ap-
pointed Judges of election in the first company district; "Wm.
Keyes, Peter D. Moyer and Clarendon Kosswere appointed judges
of election in the second company district; Ossian M. Koss, Dr.
Davison and Amos Eveland, as judges of election in the third com-
pany district. An election was then called for June 30, 1821, to
select officers for the various companies. The base line, which runs
east and west upon a parallel with Beardstown, was made the divid-
ing line between the two militia battalions of the regiment of Pike
county. The battalion south of the base line was the first, and the
one north the second, battalion.
INDIAN TRAILS.
A sum not to exceed ten dollars was appropriated " to defray the
expenses.of opening and clearing out the old trace from, the head
or upper end of Salt Prairie to the lower end of Sni Carte Prairie,
and five dollars for opening and cleaning out the old trace from the
lower end of Sni Carte Prairie to Ross settlement." Further on in
the records we find^these orders rescinded, and at the same time
Joel Bacon and James Levin were ordered credited with the amount
of their road tax for having opened the said " trace." These traces
were old Indian trails, but having been deserted for newer ones
were unfit for travel.
SUNDRY ACTS.
John Shaw was paid $5.00 for his services as an interpreter at the
October term of the Circuit Court during the trial of two Indians
for murder. These 'were Shoawennekek and Pemesan, who are
spoken of in connection with this trial more fully in the chapter
upon the criminal record.
Ossian M. Ross was then recommended to the Governor as a suit-
able person for Justice of the Peace in Pike county. Mr. Ross at
this time lived where Lewistown, Fulton county, now stands. He
was with one exception the first settler of that county, and was the
founder of Lewistown.
258 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
There was no jail in the county at this time, and at the October
term, 1821, "Nathan Shaw was given $22.50 for guarding Indian
prisoners." These, we presume, were the two Indians referred to
above, and who were on trial for murder. The same amount, and
for the same purpose, was given to Christopher Long.
Jan. 10, 1822, " Abner Eads, of Peoria, made application for
license to keep a tavern in the house where he now resides,|which
is granted on him paying $1.50."
Jan. 12, 1822, the Sheriff was paid $50 for his salary for*the
year. Mr. Whitney was given $30 for his services as Circuit
Clerk, and $30 as Clerk of the Commissioners' Court, and $60 for
his salary as Judge of Probate. j|§^
Jan. 12, 1822, John Shaw was paid $8 for locating the county-
seat, and Levi Roberts $4 for like services.
Abraham Beck, Judge of Probate, died, and Jan. 12, 1822, the
administrator of his estate was paid $16.60 as salary while he was
Judge.
FIEST INQUEST.
The official papers of the inquest held over the body of James
McDonald were ordered filed. McDonald ran a ferry across the
Mississippi river at Louisiana. It is supposed he was murdered at
his landing during the winter. He was found lying dead upon^the
ice one day by two men on their way to Louisiana. They went to
his ferry, but found him dead, and evidences of a long and severe
scuffle all around him, as if he had been struggling for life in a
hand-to-hand combat. The tracks of two men led from this place
across to Louisiana, and it was generally supposed they were the
men who killed McDonald, although nothing in a legal way was
ever done with them.
TEEASUEBe's FIEST EEPOET.
The first report made by a County Treasurer of Pike county was
made March 5, 1822. We give it in full:
Oasli received into the Treasuiy $765
Cash paid out under order of Court $701,383^
Treasurer's compensation 38.25
$739.53J^
Balance in -Treasury $35.47
EOSS' TAVEEN.
Ossian M. Eoss was then granted a license to keep a tavern at
his house. He lived where the city of Lewistown now is. The same
schedule which regulated other " Public Inns" or " Tavern-Keep-'
ers " were adopted to regulate him.
David W. Barnes, O. M. Eoss and Daniel Sweetland were ap-
pointed trustees of the school section, tp. 6 north, R. 3 east, which
HI8T0ET OF PIKE COUNTY. 259
is Jjewistown tp., Fulton Oo. These gentlemen lived in Lewis-
town, and were its first settlers.
ELECTION PKECINCTS.
June 5, 1822, the county was diyided into three election precincts.
All that part of the county lying north of the township lines, between
towns i and 5 south and west of the Illinois bluffs, and all north of
the base line, was the first precinct. Election was ordered in this
precinct at the house of O. M. Eoss, and that gentleman was ap-
pointed judge of election. All that part of the county lying north
of township lines between towns 9 and 10 south, and west of Illi-
nois bluffs and north of the base line, was made another precinct,
and the " polls ordered opened at the house of Rufus Brown and
Daniel "Whipple, Leonard Eoss and Wm. Eoss, judges," " The re-
mainder of the county was made another precinct, and election held
at county-seat, and John Shaw, Stephen Dewey and Amos Ban-
croft, judges."
datenpoet's taveen.
June 6, 1822, it was ordered that a license to keep a tavern at or
near Fort Armstrong, be granted to George Davenport for $3.00.
This place was on the lower end of Eock Island. Mr. Davenport
was the man who kept the trading post at Fort Armstrong, and in
honor of him Davenport, Iowa, was named. The generous Com-
missioners permitted Davenport to charge higher rates for " enter-
tainment " than they did those nearer to the borders of civilization.
NEW COMMISSIONEES.
An election was held in August, 1822, for selecting three new
Commissioners. Those chosen were David Dutton, James M. Seeley
and Ossian M. Eoss. Much trouble appears to have grown out of
this election, as we find the election of the three honorable gentle-
men was contested, and evidently very strongly, too. The con-
testants were Ebenezer Smith, James Nixon and William Metz.
The case was appealed to the Circuit Court, Judge John Eeynolds
presiding. He decided in favor of .the contestants. We cannot
tell upon what gronnds_they contested the rights of Dutton, Seeley
and Eoss to take their seats as Commissioners, but from what we
can glean from the indefinite records they did not comply with
the' law in taking the oath of office, as the contestants claimed.
These were merely technical grounds, but the law must be com-
plied with to the letter. Smith, Nixon and Metz held a term of
Court Sept. 3 and 4, 1822, but transacted no business of import-
ance. The other gentlemen called Court for Oct. 10, but no quorum
was present. Another session was held Oct. 24, Commissioners
Dutton and Seeley being present. We find recorded upon the fol-
lowing day " a certificate of the Hon . John Eeynolds setting forth
260 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
the result of the contested election." This decision was the result
of a second hearing of the case by the Judge, and is as follows:
"State of Illinois, ss: — Upon a second and full examination of
the documents transmitted to me in relation to the contested elec-
tion of the Sheriff, Coroner and County Commissioners for the county
of Pike; and being satisfied that the certificates heretofore given by
me of the election of Rigdon C. Fen ton as Sheriff, Joel Bacon as Core- •
ner and Ebenezer Smith, "William Metz and James Nixon as County
Commissioners, was- given without sufficient consideration, I do
hereby revoke the said certificates, and do now certify that Leonard
Eoss was duly elected Sheriff, Daniel Whipple, Coroner, and James
M. Seeley, David Dutton and Ossian M. Ross County Commis-
sioners for Pike county in said State.
" Given under my hand and seal this 4th day of September, 1822.
" John Eeynolds,
" Justice of the Supreme Court of said State, and presiding in the
first Judicial Circuit."
Thus, after a long and hotly contested trial, the Judge reversed
his former decision and reinstated Seeley, Dutton and Ross, as
well as the Sheriff and Coroner, whom he had decided were not
legally and rightfully entitled to hold the positions to which they
claimed they had been elected.
We find the following quaint item on record, which is in refer-
ence to renting an office for the County and Circuit clerks . "John
Shaw, having, proposed to lease the county the building in Coles'
Grove, adjoining the one now occupied by Rigdon C . Fenton, for
the term of one year, to be occupied as a Clerk's office, for the sum
of 6J cents, and to be repaired by the county, under the direction
of said Shaw, and to suit his convenience."
COUNTY^SEAT MOVED TO ATLAS.
Evidently a little rivalry had sprung up between the settlements
at Atlas and Coles' Grove, the latter of which had been the county-
seat up to this time (1823). Atlas was the most important town
in the county, and it became ambitious to have the county build-
ings located there, which it finally secured. Pursuant to an act of
the Legislature, approved Dec. 30, 1822, "to fix upon and locate the
permanent seat of justice for Pike county," the commission ap-
pointed made their report at the March term of the Commissioners'
Court, 1823, and presented a deed from William Ross and Rufus
Brown for one acre of land, which was given as an inducement for
the county to locate its seat of justice there. The report reads as
follows :
" The Commissioners appointed to fix upon and locate the per-
manent seat of justice of Pike county have attended to the services
assigned them, and do report that they have fixed the permanent
r
'^!rt«. "
GRieCSVILLE
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNtY. 263
seat of justice of said county upqn section 27, town 6 south, range
5 west, and have taken a deed of the proprietor of one acre of land
on which to erect the public buildings, which is particularly de-
scribed in said deed, and that they have named the seat of justice
Atlas.
" John M. Smith,
" Daniel" Mooee,
> " Daniel Shinn. "
NEW commissioner.
An election was held March 18, 1823, to select a County Com-
■ raissioner to fill vacancy occasioned by 0. M. Ross, resigning. The
county of Fulton, where Mr. Eoss lived, having just been formed,
and he chosen Sheriff,- Amos Bancroft was elected to fill the va-
cancy.
DIFFICULTY IN SELECTING COUNTY-SEAT.
It appears that some dissatisfaction arose from the selection
made by the Commissioners for a county-seat. "We presume that
the feeling was then as now in this and all other counties. More
than one place, settlement or town, think it is the most suitable
and proper place for the county-seat. In relation to the difiiculty
at this time we find the following statement on record : "Nicholas
Hanson and Leonard Ross presented a report of certain persons
appointed by an act of the Legislature as Commissioners to locate
the permanent seat of justice for Pike county, and moved to have
said report filed and recorded, which said motion for the reasons
following : 1st, The authority given by the act aforesaid was a
special joint authority and should have been strictly pursued ; 2d,
It happens that but three out of five Commissioners acted in the
location of the countj'^-seat, when the law gave no power to a ma-
jority to act ; 3d, That said Commissioners did not return and
present their report at or before the time prescribed by law for the
return of said report ; 4th, That the legal and qualified County
Commissioners were in session at the time prescribed by law for
the return of said report. And for the reasons aforesaid this Court
does adjudge and decide that the proceedings of said Commission-
ers to locate the permanent county-seat of Pike county are void,
and that the temporary seat of justice of said county still remains
at Coles' Grove."
This decision was finally reversed, as seen from the following or-
der made at the June term of the Court in 1824: " The doings of
this Court at a special term held on 26, 27 and 28 of January last,
and also doings of this Court at last March term be, and the same
are hereby, confirmed and established, except a contract entered
into with John Shaw for the purpose of leasing a house, the rent of
which was 6J cents, in Coles' Grove, which contract is by mutual
consent released and dissolved; and also an order of adjudication
respecting the county-seat, which order is revoked and rescinded."
17
264 HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY.
Thus, according to the selection made by the commission ap-
pointed for that purpose, the county-seat was moved from Coles'
Grove, now in Calhoun county, to Atlas.
COUNTY DIVIDED INTO TOWNSHIPS.
Upon the 28th of January, 1824, the county of Pike was divided
into three townships by the Court, as follows: That part commenc-
ing at the mouth of the Illinois river, thence up the said river to
the north line of the first tier of sections above the north line of
town 8 south, thence running on said line west to the Mississippi
river, thence down said river to place of beginning, constituted
Coles' Grove township. That part embraced within the boundary
beginning at the northeast corner of section 36 of township 7 south,
on range line between ranges 4 and 5 west, thence along said
range line north to the north line of the county, thence west to the
Mississippi river, thence down said river to a point directly west of
the place of beginning, thence to the place of beginning, which
composed Atlas township. That part of the county within the fol-
lowing limits was known as Franklin township: Commencing on
the Illinois river one mile north of the north line of township 8
south, thence up the said river to the base line, thence along said
line to the range line between ranges 4 and 5 west, thence south
running on the said range line ,to the northwest corner of sec-
tion 31, of town 7 south, and range 4 west, thence along the
north line of said section 31, and said first tier of sections north of
town 8 south, to the place of beginning, together with all of the
attached part of Pike county lying north of the aforesaid bounda-
ries.
Thus it will be seen that these were exceedingly large townsliips.
They embraced several counties, and extended over one of the fair-
est portions of this great State. These divisions were made for the
convenience of the settlers in voting, making roads, etc., yet from
the extended size of each township we can see that many of the
early voters had to travel many miles to cast his ballot.
FEAELESS COMMISSIONERS.
During the year the Commissioners pursued the even tenor of
their way, granting petitions for roads, ferries, tavern licenses and
election precincts; appointing and removing officers with an in-
flexibility of purpose that is really amusing." When they investi-
gated a matter there were no palliating circumstances to screen the
delinquent, but the judicial guillotine cut oif official heads with a
refreshing impartiality. JSTegligent officers feared the power of the
" triple C " more than Damocles feared the hair-suspended sword.
They simply and plainly said " Go," and the official hesitated not
but went at once, and that was the end of it.
In reference to this subject we find the following quaint docn-
ment on record under date of July 29, 1824:
HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY. 265
"It appearing to this Court thattlie Clerk for some ^me past has
not resided at the county-seat, nor kept the records and papers be-
longing to the county at this place; and the Court having consid-
ered the fa&ts and the law arising upon the case, does adjudge and
determine that the said office of Clerk is now vacant, and that for
the aforesaid cause James W. Whitne}', the Clerk, be and is hereby
removed from office."
We suppose th'a? Whitney remained at Coles' Grove after the
county-seat had been removed to Atlas, and. the inconveniences of
having the county offices and officials scattered over the country in
that wise would not be endured longer by the strict, law-abiding
Court.
The Court assembled upon the following day, and not yet having
selected a clerk, appointed Mr. Whitney Clerk pro tem. It appears
that the Commissioners had nothing personally against Mr. Whit-
ney, for the very next act of the Court was to recommend him to the
Governor as a fit and proper person to be appointed County Sur-
veyor, to fill the vacancy having occurred bv the removal of Stephen
Dewey out of the county. This man Dewey, the first Surveyor of
Pike county, laid out the town of Lewistown, Fulton county, where
he shortly afterward removed and served for many years as Circuit
and County Clerk, and did efficient work in the organization and
establishment of that county.
It appears that the Court could find no suitable person to take
charge of the Clerk's office, for upon July 30, two days after Mr.
Whitney was so summarily removed from office, he was re-instated.
Perhaps a compromise was made between the Court and Mr. Whit-
ney. It is more than likely that he was compelled to move to the
coiinty-seat in order to receive again the patronage of the Court.
He served until April 27, 1825, when he resigned and George W.
Britton was appointed in his stead. Whitney was indicted for mal-
feasance in office, and the suit was withdrawn on condition he
would resign.
NEW JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
At the September terra, 1824, in compliance with a petition from
the citizens on and near Fever river (now Galena) and the lead
mines, John Connelly, Moses Meeker and John S. Miller were
recommended as proper persons for the Governor to commission Jus-
tices of the Peace of Pike county. These men were the very earli-
est settlers in northern Illinois, and of whom we speak more fully
in a former chapter. April 27 of the following year Chas. D. St.
Traine was recommended for the same office.
COUET-HOUSE.
The little temporary log court-house first built in Atlas soon be-
came too small to accommodate the Court and county officers, so the
266 HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY.
building of a new court-house was discussed and determined upon
by the honorable Court, as is evinced by the following order :
" Notice is hereby given that on the 25th day of June instant, at the court-house
in Atlas, Pike county, Illinois, at 2 o'clock, p. m., will be let to the lowest bidder
the building of a court-house so far as is hereinafter expressed : To be 40x30 feet
on the floor and 20 feet high, two stories ; to be built of brick, the two side walls
below to be one and a half brick thick, the other walls to be one brick thick.
The outside to be finished complete with doors and windows ; the lower floor to
be laid with brick or tile, flre-places and partitions, except the partition of the
grand jury room, to be done with a plain wooden cornice. The Commissioners
reserve one bid for the county. Plans to be shown and further particulars made
known at time and place of sale.
" N. B.— County orders to be given to undertakers on interest until paid. It is
proposed to give the job of procuring the stone and mortar for building separate
from the other part or parts, all of which is to be completed by the first day of
January, A. D. 1837. Suflicient securities will be required."
The contract for furnishing stone and mortar was struck off to
Daniel Shinn and Joseph Petty for $200. The main contract was
given to Leonard and William Ross at $1,260.
It appears, however, that the building of this fine structure was
never carried to completion. The building rose in its magnificent
proportions only in the visions of the honorable Commissioners. It
was evidently too fine and expensive for the times. They rented
an office for the County and Circuit Clerks, which in the winter of
1830-'31 burned down.
Nothing further was done, according to the records, toward tlie
building of a new court-house until April 7, 1829, when the sub-
ject was again before the Court for its consideration. The Court
then ordered the contract for the erection of a building of the fol- »
lowing dimensions and description to be let: " Said house to be 30
feet long by 18 feet wide, to be two stories high, — the lower one
nine feet and the upper one eight feet high. To be covered and
enclosed in a good, workmanlike manner. To leave and case two
outside doors in the lower story, and also six windows in the same,
and six windows in the upper story. To put in joists and sleepers
for the upper and lower floors, putting them down loose so as to
serve as floors. To be underpinned with six pillars, to be substan-
tially made of stone, placing one at each corner of the house and
one under each side in the middle; all to be done in a good, work-
manlike manner. The undertaker to give bond with good and
sufficient security in double the sum at which the same shall he
stricken ofl^ for prompt and faithful performance of his contract.
The contractor shall receive his pay out of the first moneys which
shall come into the treasury not otherwise appropriated."
The records continue as follows: "The court next proceeded to
sell the building .of said court-house to the lowest bidder, and after
sufficient notice was given thereof, and the same for a long time
exposed, it was stricken off to James Hice for the sum of $493,
that being the lowest sum bid therefor."
James E.ice failed to furnish the required security for the faithful
HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY. 267
performance of his contract, and accordingly June 1, 1829, the
Sheriif was ordered to again "put up at public .auction and sell the
building of the same to the lowest bidder, with the addition to the
former plan of six feet in length and six feet in breadth." They
further altered the plans upon the 6th of June, upon which day
they met for the purpose of letting the contract for building it.
They made the following alterations: "There shall be ten stone
pillars, 18 inches above the surface of the ground, six windows in
the lower story with 16 lights in each window, 8 by 10, and 8 win-
dows in upper story with 12 lights in each window, 8 by 10."
The contract was " struck off" to Elisha Petty for $600. Wil-
liam Eoss went upon his bond for $1,200. Mr. Petty was subse-
quently allowed $42.28 for extra work.
The courthouse was accepted by the Court Sept. 7, 1829.
COUNTY-SEAT EE-LOOATED.
It appears that the location of the county-seat at Atlas was not en-
tirely satisfactory to every person, as we find an election was held in
March, 1827, to select commissioners to re-locate the county-seat.
David Button, Joel Meacham and William Meredith were chosen
for this work. That any definite move was made by these gentlemen
toward selecting another site for the county-seat we are not aware;
the records are silent as to anything done by these gentlemen. By
the year 1832 the subject of changing the county-seat from Atlas,
however, was freely discussed. It was desired to liave it more cen-
trally located. The Legislature of 1832-'3 appointed a commis-
sion to re-locate the county-seat. These gentlemea made their
report in April 13, 1833, which is as follows:
"We, the undersigned, having been appointed commissioners to change and re-
locate the seat of justice of the county of Pike by the Legislature of the State of
Illinois, by an act approved Feb. 33, 1833, beg leave to report to your honorable
body now in session, that after being duly sworn in conformity with said act, did ,
on the 9th day of April, 1833, enter upon the duties assigned us by said act, by ex-
amination of said county of Pike, haviug a due regard to the piesent as well as
the future settlement and prospective growth of said county, have selected and lo-
cated the southeast quarter of section 34, in township 5 south, and range 4 west of
the fourth principal meridian, as the county -seat of the county of Pike, said coun-
ty-seat to be known and designated by the name of Pittsfleld.
"April 17, 1833.
"SAMUEL ALEXANDER,
"EARLPEIROB,
"JOHN W.STERNE."
Each of these gentlemen was paid $36 for his services.
The town was platted and a sale of lots held April 16, 1833. The
records proceed as follows: "The amount of notes and cash, after
paying Wm. Ross, Esq., $200 borrowed of him to enter the quar-
ter section on which the town of Pittsfield is located; the expenses
to Alexander Peirce and Sterne $108, for locating said seat of jus-
tice; also, for advertising sale of lots, paying for the survey of the
same, making plat and all the expenses of the Com"missioners'
268 HISTOKY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Court, which have accrued in and about the location, sale of lots,
laying off the town, etc., leaves the amount of $901.88, wh^ch sum
is delivered over to the Treasurer as a special fund for the purpose
of erecting public buildings." Thus it will be seen that the county
purchased the land upon which the business and much of the resi-
dence portion of the town of Fittsfield now stands for Jhe sum of
$200. The new town having been surveyed, large hard-wood stakes
were driven, designating the corner of each lot, and being also the
only guide to the location of streets.
April 15 was the day appointed for the first sale of lots at public
auction. The settlers assembled from all parts of the county upon
the site of the proposed village, each anxious .to become the owner
of a town lot. This and subsequent sales were held, and lots seem
to have met with a ready sale at fair prices, which is the best evi-
dence that the pioneers were not only enthusiastic in sentiment in
relation to the bright prospects and future greatness of the town
they were building, but were also willing to lend all the- material
aid in their power to the consummation of the desired end.
Another sale of lots was held Oct. 28, 1833, from which the
county realized $1,150.74 cash, and notes to the amount of $876.^3.
Another sale was held June 4, 1834, when 38 lots were sold, real-
izing $1,060 cash, after dediicting $67 as expenses, and $704 worth
of notes. Another sale was had Monday, May 2, 1836, when 102
lots were sold for $9,354.50. Another, Oct. 6, 1837, when 28 lots
brought $4,110.
THE OLEEK RESIGNS.
The following document appears upon pages 121- and 122 of 2d
volume of County Commissioners' Court records. It is the resig-
nation of William Ross, as Clerk. He had served the county in
that capacity faithfully and ably for a decade, and now as he is about
to leave he writes his old associates the following resignation:
Atlas, Sept. 1, 1834
To the Hon. Benj. Barney, Oeo. W. Hinman and Andrew Phillips, County Com-
missioners for the County of Pike, and State of Illinois :
Gentlemen : — The period will soon arrive in which it will become my duty to
resign to you the office I hold on the appointment of your Court, oq account of my
having been elected a member of the next General Assembly of this State. To
hold both ofiSces is incompatible with the Constitution of our State and contrary
to my wishes. I will therefore for the purpose of giving the Court time to select
my successor, propose to make this my resignation of the office of Clerk of yom
Court, to take effect on the 25th day of November, 1834.
In doing this, I beg of you to do me the justice to be assured that in presenting
myself as a candidate at the late election, which has terminated in the necessity of
my withdrawing my services from you, it is not without a strict regard to all
the consiierations which 1 conceive bind a dutiful citizen to his country. I
have been influenced by no ambitious motives or self-aggrandizement; but my
sole object has been to restore and sustain the dignity of our country.
Permit me here to remark that it is a source of great pleasure to me that during
a period of about ten years which 1 have had the honor to serve this CQunty in sev-
eral important offices, I have been so fortunate as to discharge those duties to tue
satisfaction of my fellow-citizens generally. .
Relying upon the guidance of that Being which controls the destinies of man, i
HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY. 269;
liope andjtrust that I may be be permitted to retain tbat continuation of confidence
■which has been so recently manifested toward me until my latest breath.
With sentiments of great personal consideration,
I remain, yours sincerely,
W. Ross, C. C. C. C. P. C.
AD QUOD DAMNUM.
This was a process to secure a mill site. In tliose early times
the milling of the country was of no little importance. Mills were
of such great public necessity that they were permitted to be located
upon any person's land, if the miller thought the site desirable.
Sites along the streams were selected for water-power. A person
looking for a mill-site would follow up and down the stream for
the desired location, and when found he would go before the Com-
missioners' Court and secure a writ of ad quod damnum. This
would enable the miller to have the adjoining land officially exam-
ined and the amount of damage for making the dam was secured.
The old records contained numerous applications for these'writs.
We quote one only as a specimen of others:
" On application of Wm. Ross, and previous notice having been given of his in-
tention, by publication on the door of the court-house for four weeks preceding
the sitting of the Court, it is ordered tliat a writ of ad quod damnum issue, directed
to the Sherifl of the county, commanding him to summon twelve good and law-
ful men of his county to meet on the southeast quarter of section 18, in township
6 south, and range 5 west, to locate and set apart by metes and bounds so much
of the said quarter section, not exceeding three acres, as they shall think neces-
ary for the purpose of erecting a dam across the Sny Carte for a water grist and
aw-mill."
FIRST COUET-HOUSE AT PITTSFIELD.
The county-seat having been re-located, a town laid out, lots
sold, business houses and dwellings being erected, it became the
duty of tne Court to have a court-house built in the new town.
Accordingly, Tuesday, June 4, 1833, the contract for building a
court-house at Pittsfield was let to Israel !N. Burtt, he agreeing to
■erect the structure for $1,095. This he speedily did, and the old
building still stands upon the street at the corner of the alley,
facing and just north of the Public Square. It is a frame build-
ing, in a good state of preservation, and is occupied by Mr. Heck
as a bakery and grocery.
PEESENT COUET-HODSE.
Two years had scarcely rolled by ere the building of a new court-
house was begun to be agitated. Some of the more aristocratic
thought the county should have a finer Court edifice, one more in
keeping with the wealth and progress of the county. It is true the
county had grown rapidly in population and wealth. Notice,
therefore, was given by the Court that plans for a new building
would be received. Upon the 5th day of February, 1836, the Court
accepted the plans that were presented by Benjamin L. Osborne,
and gave him a premium of $20 for the plans.
270 HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY.
The county not owning desirable ground, as it was thought, upon
which to locate the contemplated structure, the Court appointed
James Johnson, James D. Morrison and William Watson agents
to procure by purchase or exchange a suitable piece of ground.
This committee accordingly procured of Daniel B. Bush a part ot
lot 6, block 5, being the whole front of said lot upon the Public
Square, running back 100 feet, for which they gave Mr. Bush a
part of lot 8, block 5. This location was not satisfactory to all par-
ties, and quite a bitter war arose as to where the court-house should
stand. It was at last decided that it should be located upon the
center of the Public Square.
At the September term, 1836, Wm. Eoss, Uriah Brown and
James Johnson were appointed agents upon the part of the county
to contract for the erection of a court-house, "said building to bfr
placed in the center of the Public Square, and not to cost over
$15,000." These gentlemen entered into contract with Benjamin
T. Osborne, George D. Foot and Judson Clement for the erection
of the court-house for the sum of $15,000. Daniel D. White,
Henry Caswell and Lyman Beeman were appointed a committee
to superintend its erection.
The construction of the court-house was pushed rapidly on, and
Dec. 8, 1838, it was delivered over to the Sheriff, though in an un-
finished condition. It was used for court purposes in this way for
a time before completion. By June, 1839, it was completed, and
Foot, Clement and Osborne were paid the balance due them in
county orders, upon which the county paid 12 per cent, interest.
This structure still stands and is in use to-day. It is located in
the center of a small square, which is set with many large and
beautiful trees. The main upper room is used for circuit com-t
purposes. Besides this room there are two other smaller ones, one
of which is occupied by the State's Attorney, the other a jury room.
Upon the main floor there is a hall-way running through the build-
ing from north to south. Upon either side of this are oflices for ,
the county officials. Upon the west side are the County Judges,
Sheriff's and School Superintendent's offices, and upon the oppo-
site side are the offices of the County Treasurer and Surveyor.
This building when erected was among the finest and largest
court-houses in the West, and for many years it stood foremost
among the public buildings of Illinois, and was pointed to with
pride, not only by the citizens of Pike county, but by those through-
out Central Illinois. It stood as a monument of the enterprise of
the pioneers of this sectiofi, and was one of the gi-andest evidences
of the prosperity of the newly settled State. It stands to-day as
solid as when first built. Every stone and brick is in its placej
and every timber has stood the storms of nearly half a century un-
shaken. Around this old building cluster pleasant recollections of
the long-ago. Within its storm-beaten walls have been heard pleas
as rich in eloq'ience as were ever presented to judge or jurj.
Within those old walls, made sacred by time and the memories of
HISTOKY OF PIKE COUNTY. 271
some of the grandest cliaracters and most gifted men known in the
history of Illinois, many a scene full of historic interest has oc-
curred, which, could we accurately picture, would be read more as a
romance than prosaic history. What numbers of trembling and
downcast prisoners have stood before the learned tribunal within
the old upper room, to plead "Guilty," or "Not Guilty! " Then
the long, hotly-contested trial came; witnesses examined and cross-
examined; the wrangle and wordy wars between the lawyers; the^
appeal to the jury and addresses, which for logic, eloquence, touch-
ing, sympathetic eloquence, have not been excelled in all the broad
land. How many times have the twelve jurors, sworn to be im-
partial, filed into their little secret room, to consult and decide the
iate of the prisoner at the bar! Then how often have the joyous
words come forth, "Not Guilty!" J3ut, again, how very many
have stood before the Judge to hear in measured tones their sen-
tence! Sometimes it was thought Justice was outraged; that the
Judge, jury and Prosecuting Attorney had prostituted their high
positions, violated their sworn duty, and made easy the escape for
culprits; yet, taking it all in all, the goddess of justice has shed no
more tears over insults to her holy and righteous charge here than
she has at any other judgment-bar in the State. Law and justice
have almost always been vindicated, and the offender punished.
Could these' old walls speak and tell us of the eloquent and effect-
ive pleadings of Lincoln, Baker, Eichardson, McDougal, Browning,
Bushnell, Manning, Walker and others, or of the learned decisions
of Douglas, Young, Thomas and Walker, that they have listened to,
how eagerly we would seek them ! We do not forget that at the pres-
ent time justice is as swiftly vindicated as ever before; that tlie Pike
county Bar is at its maximum in point of legal ability'. It takes
the mazes of time to add the luster of fame to the labors and char-
acter of most men. That which is of the past, or of the future, we
are wont to believe possesses more merit than that which we have
with US. Thus it is with the legal lights of to-day. •
Just west of the court-house and within the Court Square stands
the "fire- proof." This building contains the offices of the Circuit
and County Clerks, and was erected in 1864. It was first ordered
built upon the northwest corner of the Square, but that order was
rescinded and it was decided to erect it " near the west gate of the
Public Square, upon the south side of the walk, the south side
ranging with the south side of the court-house, the west end 24
feet from the fence of the Public Square. "
FENCE AEOTJND THE SQUARE.
Speaking of the fence around the Public Square calls to mind
an order of the Court of June, 1845, giving the "President and
Trustees of Pittsfield permission to fence the Public Square and
plant within the enclosure ornamental or shade trees. Heretofore,
we presume, there was neither fence nor shrubbery in the vicinity
of the court-house, save the hazel-brush that stood in its native
■272 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
growth within the Square. Here, we are told that Wm. E. Peters
■often fed his cattle.
We find in the records of the Board of Supervisors that in April,
1854, that body appropriated $200, on condition that the town of
Pittsfield should appropriate a like amount, to build a fence around
the Public Square, "ten feet inside of present fence, and put hitch-
ing posts where the fence stood."
FIKST JAIL AT PITTSFIELD.
Necessarily, as faithful historians, we are compelled to mar the
pleasant progress of this chapter by reference to prison bars. It
seems as the county advanced in wealth and population the evil
principle kept pace with it; and as immaculate and good as the
pioneer fathers undoubtedly were, even among them there were
wicked and vicious characters. The old log jail at Atlas never was
a very strong or secure one, and prisoners were continually escap-
ing. When the county-seat was moved to Pittsfield, it was deter-
mined to build a good, substantial jail. Accordingly the contract
for building a jail was let to M. E. Hattan, March 5, 1835, for a
prison to cost $3,889. The building was to be 28x36 in size, two
stories high, and to be made of stone. It appears that considerable
time was employed in its erection, for we find it was not received
by the county until June, 1839, when Mr. Eattan was allowed $300
for the extra work performed.
A NEW EEGIME IN CHOOSING COMMISSIONERS.
Heretofore the terms of ofSce of all three of the Commissioners
had expired at the same time, being elected for two years; but in
1838 a new rule was adopted, in compliance with an act of the Leg-
islature. Now they were to be elected for three years and one re-
tire every year, thus leaving two experienced men in office. Por
the first terms, however, one of them should serve only one year,
Mother two, and the third three years. On convening at the fall
term of this year they drew lots to decide the term each should
serve. Three pieces of paper, upon which were written " one year,"
"two years," i" three years," respectively, were thrown together,
and each Commissioner drew one. John W. Burch drew " one
year," Alfred Grubb, " two years," and John Neeley " three
years."
POOR FARM.
At the December term, 1843, the Court provided a farm for the
poor of the county, and instead of " letting out" or " selling" the
paupers as heretofore, they were obliged to go to that farm. The
first pauper of whom we find mention on the records was Joseph
Moore. He died in June, 1830. Green Street was the next one
mentioned.
HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY.
273
LAST MEETINGS.
The Commissioners' Court continued to manag;e the affairs of
the county until 1849, when the new Constitution of the State
went into effect, which abolished tbis time-honored Court. Before
adjourning finally, however, it ordered a vote to be taken for or
against township organization, and then adjourned till " court in
course," but never re-assembled.
CHAPTER Y.
GEOLOGY*
A large proportion of the upland of Pike county was originally
heavily timbered, but there are several small prairies in the cen-
tral and northern portions. It is a well-watered county, and the
valley of the Mississippi is from 8 to 12 miles wide, most of it
lying on the Illinois side. More than one-fifth of the area of the
county lies in this valley. The general level of the uplands may
be estimated at from 200 to 300 feet above the great water courses,
with no very well-defined water-shed. The soil on the timbered
lands is generally a chocolate-colored clay loam, becoming lighter
in color on the banks of the streams and in the vicinity of the
river bluffs.
The geological structure of this county is somewhat peculiar,
and the strata exposed within its limits, comprise the upper part of
the Niagara limestone, the whole series of Lower Carboniferous
limestones except the Chester group, and a limited thickness of
Coal Measures, with the usual surface deposits of Loess and Drift.
Tlie most northerly outcrop of Devonian beds is in Calhoun county.
The Loess and Drift measure 40 to 100 feet in thickness in Pike
county, the Coal Measures 20 to 60, St. Louis limestone one to 30,
Keokuk group 100 to 125, Burlington limestone 150 to 200, Kin-
derhook 100 to 120, and the Niagara limestone one to 50.
The Niagara limestone is found only in the southwest part of
the county, where its main outcrop is at the base of the blufifs
between Kockport and the south line of the county and for a short
distance up Six-Mile creek. It contains a few fossils at the out-
crop near Pleasant Hill, among which are Trilobites and a few
shells. At Mr. Wells' place, N. W. J sec,, 17, Pleasant Hill town-
ship, the bufi'-colored magnesia beds of this group are exposed
about 10 feet in thickness, and the rock has been quarried for
building-stone. On the S. E. J sec. 8 there is an exposure of about
22 feet of this limestone, the lower 10 feet being a gray, even-
bedded limestone, and the upper 12 feet a buff-colored magnesian
♦Abstracted from State Geological Report by Prof. A. fl. Worthen.
HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY. 275
rock, closely resembling the rock from the Grafton quarries. It
is the prevailing rock at Pleasant Hill, where it forms a limestone
bench about 30 feet high, above the road, at the base of the bluffs.
Two miles north of Pleasant Hill^ on a branch of Six-Mile creek,
the upper part of this limestone is exposed in the bed of the creek.
KINDERHOOK GEOUP.
One of the best exposures of this group in this county is just
above Kinderhook : whence the name. It is at the point of the
bluff, and comprises 2C feet of Loess, 15 of Burlington limestone, 6
of thin-bedded, fine-grained limestone, 36 of thin-bedded sandstone
and sandy shales, and 40 feet of clay and sandy shales, partly
hidden. Fossil shells are found in the sandstone. This group is
also well exposed at Kockport and two miles below Atlas, and
somewhat exposed at the base of the Illinois river bluffs. Almost
everywhere in the county the Burlington limestone overlies the
group, which determines the topographical features of the region
also underlaid by the shales and gritstones of the group.
BURLINGTON LIMESTONE.
This limestone forms the bed rock over fully one-half the up-
. lands. It is from 50 to 100 feet in thickness, and its best expo-
sures are among the river bluffs. It is a rather coarse-grained,
gray stone, interspersed with brown layers, and is largely com-
posed of the fossilized remains of crinoids and mollusks. In the
Mississippi bluff, near .the north line of the county, 40 feet or more
of the lower portion of this limestone is exposed, forming the upper
escarpment of the bluff, and consisting of alternate beds of gray and
brown limestone, usually in regular and tolerably thick beds. It
has fossils, and has been extensively quarried on Big Blue creek
for building purposes. On the eastern side of the county the most
northerly outcrop of this limestone is near Griggsville Landing,
where the cherty beds of the upper division of this rock are exposed
at the base of the bluff. The outcrop here is about 50 feet thick.
It appears about the same at Montezuma, and is seen exposed at
points all along these bluffs. It is well exposed on Bay creek,
forming the main portion of the bluffs along this stream from near
Pittsfield to the southeast corner of the county. It is the most im-
portant of all the limestones exposed in this county, both as regards
extent of exposure and its economical value. As a building stone
it is not equal to the magnesian beds of the Wiagara group, as
found near Pleasant Hill, but is nevertheless very durable. It can
be found over half the county.
KEOKUK GROUP.
This group lies just above the Bnrlington limestone, and out-
crops over a large portion of the northern and northeastern parts
of the county, where it is frequently found immediately beneath
276 HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY.
the Coal Measures. The St. Louis group, which should properly
intervene, was worn away before the coal epoch. It consists of
light gray and bluish gray chgrty limestones at the base, which
closely resemble the upper beds of the Burlington limestone. Some
of the limestone strata are as crinoidal in their structure as the
Burlington, but they are 'usually more bluish gray in color.
There is usually a series of cherty beds, 10 to 30 feet in thickness,
separating the main limestones of the two groups, which may
properly be regarded as transitional. The upper division consists
of lime- clay shales and thin-bedded limestones, containing geodes
lined with crystallized quartz, chalcedony, calcite, dolomite, crystals
of zinc blende and iron pyrites. The pyrites is usually in minute
crystals implanted on quartz.
This division may be seen a mileand a half southeast of Griggsville,
and where it iirst appears beneath the Coal Measures the geodes are
imbedded in a ferruginous sandstone, which perhaps represents
the conglomerate usually lying at the base of the Coal Measures.
This indicates that before or during the formation of this conglom-
erate the shales originally inclosing the geodes were swept away,
and the geodes were then enclosed in sand which subsequently
hardened. These geode-bearing limestones are exposed near Perry
Spring's, where the waters derive their mineral ingredients from
these beds. At Ohambersburg, the limestones of this group form
the bed of McGee's creek. Other prominent exposures of these
limestones are at Griggsville Landing, on Hadley's creek, near
Huntley's coal-bank, etc. From this stratum much good building
stone has been, quarried.
ST. LOUIS GKOUP.
On the banks of McGee's creek only are indications of the pres-
ence of this group. The beds exposed here consist of brown mag-
nesian limestone and shales, 20 to 30 feet thick. A mile and a half
northwest of Perry quarries have been opened in these beds, and
about three miles north of Perry Springs they are again exposed,
overlaid by shale, tlie whole being about 20 feet in thickness.
COAL MEASUEES.
The coal formation occupies but a limited area in the central
and northern portions of this county, underlying the whole of New
Salem township, and a portion onl}' of the four surrounding town-
ships. The thickness does not probably exceed 60 feet. The fol-
lowing are the principal points where coal has been dug in Pike
county:
Huntley's, KW. i sec. 15, Hadley township; coal 16 to 24 inches
thick, overlaid by about 6 inches of black shale.
Huntley's new bank, N.W. J sec. 10, Hadley township; bed 6
feet thick, with a parting of clay shale in the middle, about 2 inches
in thickness. The coal in the upper part of this seam is rather
soft, and contains considerable iron bisulphide. The lower division
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 27T
affords a harder and better coal and rests upon a gray fire clay 2
feet or more in thickness.
Three miles east of Barry coal has been dug on a small branch
south of the Philadelphia road ; and a mile further south there is a
blue clay shale 25 to 30*feet thick exposed along the creek which
intersects the river bluffs near New Canton. It contains septaria
and tiiten-raergel, and closely resembles the shale over the coal at
Huntley's mine.
From this point the wiestern boundary of the Coal Measures
trends southeast wardly to Houseworth's coal bank, two miles and a
half northwest of Pittsfield, on N.W. J sec. 16, Pittsfield township.
Coal about 18 inches thick, overlaid by about three feet of dark blue
shale, passing upward into sandy shale 10 feet more.
Fonr'miles west of Griggsville, coal is found on Mr. Dunham's
place. It is 14 to 20 inches thick, overlaid by about two feet of
fossiliferous black shale. This seam of coal outcrops on S. E. J sec.
11, same township, and in the ravines between Griggsville and
Philadelphia, via New Salem.
A half mile south of Griggsville coal has also been worked, the^
seam being 18 to 2i inches thick.
On Lazarus Ross' place, a mile and a half northwest of Perry
Springs, some indications of coal may be seen in the bluffs of tlie
middle fork of McGee's creek.
QUATEENAEY SYSTEM.
A broad belt of alluvial bottom lands, 6 to 12 miles wide, skirts
the whole western border of Pike county. The deposit consists of
alternations of clay, sand and loam, in quite regular strata, but of
variable thickness. The soil is exceedingly fertile, and where they
are above high water, they constitute the most productive and val-
uable lands in the county. A large proportion of this land was
originally prairie, but now there are many belts of heavy timber
skirting the small streams intersecting these bottoms.
On the east side of the county there is very little bottom land
from the south line of the county to the north line of Flint town-
ship, where it begins to widen, and thence to the north line of the
county the Illinois bottoms are 2 to 5 miles wide; but they are too
low and wet for cultivation. A portion of them are lieavily tim-
bered with Cottonwood, sycamore, soft maple, elm, ash, hackberr}'',
honey locust, linden, black walnut, water oak, hickory, etc.
LOESS.
The river bluffs on both sides of the county are capped with this
formation, which ranges from 10 to 60 feet or piore. It always
overlies the Drift, where both are present, and hence is of more
recent origin. It generally consists of buff or brown marly clays
or sands, usually stratified, and often so coherent as to remain in
vertical walls 20 or 30 feet high when cut through. From 75 to
278 flISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY.
80 per cent, of it is silica, 10 to 15 per cent, alumina and iron per-
oxide, 3 to 4 per cent, lime, and 1 to 3 per cent, magnesia. In the
vicinity of Chambersbnrg the Loess is 60 to 70 feet thick. Every-
where it furnishes a light, porous sub-soil, which is admirably
adapted to the growth of fruit trees, vines and small fruits. In
some places it contains a variety of fossil shells which present the
usual bleached and water- worn appearance of the dead shells of oar
ponds and bayous. It also affords a variety of chalky lumps and
masses which assume many imitative forms, as of potatoes and the
disks called " clay-stones " in New England. It also gives origin
to the bald knobs so frequently met with along the river bluffs, and
is often rounded into natural mounds which have been very gener-
ally nsed by the Indians as burial places. The bones of extinct
animals are often found in the marly beds of this formation, along
with land and fresh- water shells.
DEIFT.
This deposit consists of variously colored clays containing gravel
and boulders. It underlies the Loess, and hence is not visible along
the bluffs. In the interior of the county it is often penetrated by
well-diggers. It thins out toward the bluffs. At the base of the
Drift near Barry there is a bed of clean, yellow flint gravel, par-
tially cemented by iron oxide into a ferruginous conglomerate.
ECONOMICAL GEOLOGY.
Pike county has an abundance of building stone. The Niagara
limestone near Pleasant Hill furnishes a buff magnesian rock, in
very regular beds, fully equal in quality to that of Grafton and
Joliet. Part of the stone in the public-school building at Pittsfield
was brought from Joliet, while stone just as good and beautiful was
outcropping within ten miles, of that town. "A want of the knowl-
edge of this fact," says Mr. Worthen, "has probably cost the citi-
zens of Pike county far moi'e than their proportion of the entire
cost of thq geological survey of Illinois."
The Burlington limestone, which outcrops over a wide area in
this county, will furnish an unlimited supply of excellent building
stone. It is probably not less than 150 feet thick. The more flinty
portions are the best material for macadamizing roads. Near
Montezuma is a 10-foot bed of excellent dimension stone. Similar
beds are exposed on Big Blue creek four miles southeast of Pitts-
field, where they are 40 feet, thick, containing masses two to four
feet in thickness. On the west side of the county it forms an
almost continuous outcrop, 10 to 40 feet thick, along the river
bluffs; and on the east side of the county it also forms a continuous
oiitcrop in the bluffs from Griggsville Landing south.
The lower portion of the Keokuk limestone is fully as useful as
the preceding. Excellent quarries are worked two miles north ot
Griggsville on the south fork of McGee's creek. The stone is com-
M^^
'W.
DERRY TP
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 281
posed almost entirely of the joints and plates of crinoids, cemented
together by a calcareous paste.
The St. Louis group, although limited in extent, furnishes some
good building stone, mostly found in Perry township and vicinity,
as already described.
The coal deposits in this county are all, except at Huntley's
place, too thin for profitable working. Where surface " stripping,"
•however, can be done, it pays to mine the thinner deposits. Hunt-
ley's is probably a local deposit, a " pocket," which will soon be
exhausted.
No mineral ore, except a little iron, has been found in Pike
■county.
The Burlington and Keokuk groups furnish the best of material
for quick-lime. The St. Louis group, which is generally preferred, .
is very limited.
Good hydraulic limestone for cement can be obtained from the
Kinderhook group.
Fire clay, which usually underlies the coal, can be mined with
the coal to advantage. The brown clays of the Drift and the Loess
furnish superior material for brick.
For marble the bed of oolitic conglomerate of the Kinderhook
group at Kockport furnishes a stone capable of a fine polish and
makes a beautiful variegated marble ; but the bed, so far as ex-
amined, is rather thin for profitable working. Some of the sub-
crystalline beds of the Burlington limestone also receivle a high
polish and make a fine ornamental stone.
The Perry mineral springs, three in number, issue from the up-
per part of the Keokuk limestone which underlies the valley and
outcrops along the bluffs. The principal ingredients of the water
here are the bi-carbonates of lime and magnesia, the silicate of
potash and soda and the carbonate of potash. For further account
of these springs see history of Perry township in this volume.
There are a few small caves in Pike county, two near Barry, into
one of which one can enter a distance of 550 feet and the other 400
feet. In early day panthers were known to inhabit these caves. In
Pearl township, on land owned by Judge Atkinson, the railroad
employees of the Chicago & Alton company were blasting rock in
18,71 or 1872, when they discovered a small cave in which were
found lime carbonate drippings in the form of stalagmites and sta-
lactites. Many of these are of imitative forms and can be imag-
ined to be petrified human beings or animals. An exaggerated
account of this cave was published in the Pittsfield papers at the
time, which led many people to believe something wonderful was
found at the place.
18
284 HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY.
family are the Savannah sparrow, the field and the chipping spar-
row, the black snow-bird, the tree sparrow, the song sparrow, the
swamp and the fox-colored sparrow, the black-throated bunting, the
rose-breasted gros-beak and the ground robin. Titmouse family
is represented by the chickadee and the tufted titmouse. Creeper
family. — There are two specimens of this family, — the white-bellied
nnt-hatch and the American creeper. SkylarTc family.— Th\%
melodious family is represented here by only the common skylark
of the prairie. JBlack-bird family. — The rusty black-bird, the crow
black-bird, the cow-bird, the red-winged black-bird, the meadow-
lark, the orchard and the Baltimore orioles of this family, are the
most beautiful and brilliant of birds that inhabit this region.
Crow family.— ^\yQ blue-jay and the common crow comprise the
species of this family.
Birds of Prey. — This order of birds comprises all those, with
few exceptions, which pursue and capture birds 9,nd other animals
for food. They are mostly of large size, the females are larger than
the males, they live in pairs, and choose their mates for life. M&st
raptorial birds have disappeared. Among them are the golden
eagle, which was always r9,re but now no longer seen here; the bald
eagle, or properly the white-headed eagle, once quite common, now
scarce. Some well-preserved specimens of this genus are in the
county. Tills eagle enjoys the honor of standing as our national
■emblem. Benjamin Franklin lamented the selection of this bird
as, emblematical of the Union, for its great cowardice. It has the
ability of ascending in circular sweeps without any apparent mo-
tion of the wings or the tail, and it often rises in this manner until
it disappears from view; when at an immense height, and as if ob-
^ serving an object on the ground, it sometimes closes its wingS and
glides toward the earth with such velocity that the eye can scarcely
follow it, causing a loud rustling sound like a violent gust of wind
among the branches of the forest. The Hawk family \\2js, eight or
.nine species, some but seldom seen, others common. The turkey-
buzzard has almost, if not quite, disappeared. Of the. owl genera
;are several species, though all are but seldom seen because of their
nocturnal habits. Among them are the barn owl, the screech owl,
the long and the short eared owl, the barred owl, and the snowy
owl, the latter being the rarest.
Climbers. — But few of this order remain in the county, the most
common of which are the woodpeckers. Of the various kinds are
the golden-winged, the pileated, the hairy, the downy, the yellow-
bellied, red-bellied and the red-headed. At an early day the Car-
olina parrot, generally called the " parrokeet," was often seen, but
he has now entirely deserted this section. The yellow and biack-
billed cuckoos are occasionally seen.
Scratchers. — This order contains but few genera in this county.
The wild turkey, the choicest of game, has almost entirely disap-
peared, and was the only one of its family that ever sojourned here.
Tn an early day they were in abundance. Or ouse family. — The
HISTOEY OF PIKE COTJMTY. 285
chiefest among this family is the prairie chicken, which, if not
carefully protected, must ere lorig follow the wild turkej^ never to
return. The ruffled grouse, wrongfully called " pheasant," has of
late made its appearance. It is quite fond of cultivated fields, and,
if properly protected and encouraged until it becomes fairly settled,
will make a fine addition to the game, and fill the place of the
prairie chicken. Partridge family. — The fate of that excellent bird,
the quail, is only a question of a short time. The Dove family . —
The wild pigeons continue to make their semi-annual visits, but
not in such vast numbers as years ago. Acres of forest were so
often filled at night with these birds that the breaking of boughs
and the flying of pigeons made a noise that could be heard for
miles, and the shot of a sportsman's gun could not be heard at a
distance often feet. Highly interesting is the description by Audu-
bon of the enormous flights which he observed on the Ohio in the
fall of 1813; they obscured the daylight and lasted three days with-
out interruption. According to a very moderate estimate of his,
each flight contained the stupendous number of one billion, one
hundred and fifteen thousand million, one hundred and thirty-six
thousand pigeons. These flights caused a general commotion
among the entire rural population. Desirous of booty and anxious
lest their crops should be spoiled, the farmers, arming themselves
with rifles, clubs, poles, torches and iron pots filled with sulphur,
proceed to the resting places of the birds. The work of slaughter
being accomplished everybody sat down among mountains of dead
pigeons, plucking and salting the birds which they selected, aban-
doning the rest to the foxes, wolves, raccoons, opossums and hogs,
whole herds of which were driven to the battle-field. The plaintive
notes of the Carolina dove, commo-nly known as the turtle-dove,
are still heard.
Swimmers. — This order of birds, which formerly frequented this
county in large numbers, have almost disappeared. They are mi-
gratory, and in their usual season would appear coming from the
north or south, as winter passes into summer or summer into winter.
Diver family. — The great northern diver, or loon, sometimes visits
this section, but inhabits the frigid zone. Gull family. — Of this
family are Wilson's tern and silvery gull. Pelican family . — The
rough-billed pelican was the only genus of this family that ever
stopped in Pike county, and 'it has now altogether ceased to make
its visits here. CorTUor ant family. — The double-crested cormo-
rant, or sea raven, has been seen here. Duck family. — This family
of migratory birds visited the ponds and streams of this county in
large numbers before it became so thickly settled, both on their
northern and southern passage, but now mostly confine themselves
to the Illinois and Mississippi, where large numbers are found.
This family furnishes most game for sportsmen and for the table.
There are the' wood-duck, the big black-headed duck, the ring-
necked duck, the red-head, the canvas-back, the dipper, the shell-
drake or goosander, the fish-duck, the red-breasted, and the hooded
286 UISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTi'.
merganser, the mallard and the pintail, the green-winged and the
blue-winged teal, the spoonbill and the gad wall, the baldpate, the
American swan, the trumpeter swan and the M'hite- fronted goose.
Waders. — Probably less is known of this order of birds than of
any other, because of their shyness and solitary habits. They fre-
quented the marshes, but cultivation has drained their favorite
haunts. C rune family. — The whooping crane, always rare, is now
never seen . The sand-hill cranes stop on their journeys north and
south. Heron family. — The great blue heron or crane, least bittern,
the green heron, night heron and the American bittern, compose
those of this family visiting this region. Ibis family. — The glossy
ibis has been seen here. Plover family. — The golden plover, the
killdeer and the king plover comprise this family known here.
Phalarope family. — The Wilson's and the red phalarope have fre-
quented the swamps of this county. Snipe family. — Various birds
of this family have been common in and around the swamps of this
county. Among them were Wilson's snipe, grey or red-breasted
snipe, the least and the semi-palmated sandpiper, the willet, the
tell-tale, the yellow-leg, the solitary sandpiper, the spotted sand-
piper, the field plover, long-billed curfew, the common rail, the
clapper rail or mud hen, and the coot.
Reptiles: — All of the species of this class that ever inhabited this
region are still to be found here except the poisonous snaked. The
rattlesnake, of the genus Crotalus, is of a yellowish-brown color,
and has a serifs of horny joints at the end of the tail, which make
a rattling sound. These were the most venomous of all snakes
found here, and were numerous in the early settlement. There are
two kinds, the bandy, or striped, and the prairie rattlesnake, the
latter being still occasionally found. The copperhead was always
rare. Among the harmless snakes are the water-snake, the garter-
snake, the bull-snake, the milk- snake, the black-snake, and the blue
racer.
Many reptiles found here are erroneously called lizards, but are
salamanders and other like innocent creatures. Lizards are never
found in this county. Among the tortoises or turtles are found the
map turtle, the snapping and the soft-shelled turtle. Of the batra-
chian, or naked reptiles, there are a few, and, though loathsome to
sight and touch, are harmless. The toad, the bull-frog, the leop-
ard-frog, the tree-toad, with some tailed batrachia, comprise the
most of this order. The Illinois river bull-frog is as large as a
man's head, often much larger, and his deep bellow>ing can be heard
for a mile or more.
FISHES.
Although fishes are the lowest class of- vertebrates, their varied
forms and colors, which often rival those of precious stones and
burnished gold, the wonderful power and velocity of some, the
wholesome food furnished by many, and the exciting sport of their
capture, combine to render fishes subjects of great interest to the
HISTOBT OF PIKE COUNTY.
287
casual observer, as well as to the amateur and professional natural-
ist. The number of known species of fishes is about ten thousand.
The waters of this county are quite prolific of the finnj' tribe. The
commerce in fish has become quite extensive along the Illinois and
Mississippi. Sickle-hacked family. — This family furnishes the
game fish, and are never caught larger than four pounds in weight.
The varous genera found here are the black bass, goggle-eye, the
croppy, or big black sun-fish, and the two common sun-fish. Pike
family. — There are but two species of this family, — the pickerel,
weighing from five to twenty-five pounds, ^nd the gar pike. Sucker
family. — Of this tribe are the buftalo, red-horse, white-sucker, two
species of black-suckers, mullet ranick. Fish of this family are
found in all tlie streams of the county. They abound wherever
there is water. Cat-fish family. — Of this voracious family the
channel cat-fish, the mud cat-fish and two species of the small cat-
fish inhabit the waters of this county, and are caught ranging in
weight from one to thirty pounds.
The shovel-fish is yet abundant, and itsfiesh, as well as its gen-
eral appeai'ance, resembles that of the cat-fish.
Besides these varieties there are the chub, silver-sides, and fresh-
water herring, and large numbers of other species denominated
minnows, which are found in the smallest spring branches, as well
as the larger streams.
CHAPTER VII.
BOTANY.
Persons coming to the West for the first time in their lives are
deeply impressed with the high and rolling character of our
prairies, which they had before always imagined low and level j
and this feature of the prairie, combined in early days with its
beautiful, dreamy covering of flowering plants and grassy verdure
in spring and summer, inspired one to sing:
A iDillowy ocean with green carpet spread,
Whicli seems almost too neat for man to tread !
With glittering stars of amaryllis white,
With violets blue and roses red and bright,
With golden cinquefoil, star-grass, buttercups.
With dazzling cardinal flowers and painted-cups.
And lone but cheerful meadow larks to sing,
This grassy sea appeared in smiling spring.
In summer came the stately compass-plant.
As if to guide the wandering immigrant.
Then asters, golden-rods and wild sunflowers
O'erspread the vales in labyrinthine bowers.
Thus nature, clad in vesture gold and green,
Brought autumn in and closed the floral scene.
Also the beautiful, clean-cut hills of our forests present a taste-
ful view scarcely ever witnessed iu the East. But at the present
day both our prairie and our timber are under either cultivation
or pasturage, and blue grass, white clover and a large number of
introduced weeds from the East have taken the place of the origi-
nal flora. Industrially this cultivation is a gain, but poetically it
is a loss.. Only in the most retired situations can many interest-
ing plants be found which used to be abundant. Several species,
of prairie clover, false wild indigo, rosin-weed, mountain mint,,
loosestrife, etc., have almost disappeared with the original prairie,,
while a few of the modest strawberry, star-grass and blue-eyed:
grass remain with us as sweet reminiscences of the past.
Nearly all the plants growing spontaneously in cultivated or
waste grounds are " introduced;" that is, they have been brought
here by white settlers, — unintentionally, of course, with reference
to most of the weeds. In the timbered sections no particular
weed is on the increase in the present decade, but in the prairie
section, the garden parsnip, common thistle, rich weed (in artificial
flISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY. 289
groves), toad flax, wild lettuce, and oxybaphus (a four-o'clock plant)
are increasing rapidly; and along the railroads several sand plants
are making good headway, as sand-bur, polanisia, ox-eye. daisy, etc.
Before settlement by the whites the prairie was mostly covered
by two or three kinds of grass. Several other kinds grew in
patches here and there, notably the Indian grass and blue joint,
which grew very tall. In wet places grew " slough " grass and
many sedges, and along the channeled sloughs abounded several
species of golden-rod, aster and wild sunflower, which in the lat-
ter part of summer and in autumn formed waving yellow stripes
across the prairie, and were peculiarly charming. They seemed
to have a sedative effect upon the feelings.
About 2,300 species of plants are found within the United
States, 1,600 of which can be found in Illinois, and about 950 in
Pike county. We now give a list of all the common plants grow-
ing spontaneously in Pike county, and some of the most interest-
ing rare ones, excepting mosses, mushrooms, etc.; and we name
all the trees and shrubs, rare as well as common. We give the
English names, following Gray's Manual, fifth edition, mainly, in
respect to names, and altogether with respeqt to the order in which
the families range. By the way, we make a few corrections of
popular errors as to names. Some names, even in the books, are
applied to two or more diflerent plants, as sycamore, button snake-
root, black snakeroot, goose-grass, hair-grass, loosestrife, etc. Also,
every plant has several names, — communities diifering widely in
this regard. We endeavor to select the most common name as we
can judge from Gray's Botany.
Crowfoots. — Common virgin's bower, a vine, and Pitcher's vir-
gin's bower, a half vine, are occasionally found : the leather-flower,
a cultivated vine bearing large, blue flowers, is of the same genus.
The Pennsylvanian, Yirginian and wood anemones occur here and
there. Liver-leaf (" liver-wort ") is common on forest hillsides.
Rue anemone, and the early, the purplish and the tall meadow-rues
are common in the woods. The true buttercups of the East are
not found here, but the most common flower corresponding to them
is the creeping crowfoot. The small-flowered, the hooked, the
bristly and the early crowfoots also occur. Isopyrnm grows in
moist, shady places. Marsh marigold is common in early spring,
growing in mud supplied with fresh water : in the Ed,st they are
called " cowslips" and sometimes used for greens. Water plantain
spearwort, growing in mud, and yellow water crowfoot, growing in
water and with the submersed leaves finely divided, are seen occa-
sionally. Wild columbine, so easily recognized by its resemblance
to the cultivated species, abounds in the margins of the woods ; so
also two species of wild larkspur. Yellow puccoon is very scarce.
White baneberry is occasionally seen in the deep woods.
Custard-Apple Family. — The papaw is common along the Illi-
nois river, it fruits better in Calhoun county than Pike, being
of a moi'e modern growth here. This is a fragile bush, with large-.
-290 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
leaves, bearing fruit about the size and appearance of short, thick,
green cucumbers, which have a pulp like the banana. To " learn"
to like them one must merely taste of them at times far apart.
Moonseed Family. — Canadian moonseed is abundant in the
woods. It is a smooth, twining vine like the morning-glory, with,
a beautiful, round, yellow root, which has a tonic-bitter taste, and
is sometimes called sarsaparilla. The true wild sarsaparilla belongs
to the Ginseng family.
Barberry Fainily. — May-apple is abundant and blue cohosh
somewhat rare.
Welter Lilies. — The pond, or white water lily, is abundant in
large, open ponds in the river bottoms, and the yellow water, or
frog lily, growing in shallow, stagnant water, is scarce, as is also
the yellow nelumbo, a similar plant.
Pojppy Family. — The well-known blood-root is the only repre-
'Sentative of this family growing wild in this country.
Fumitory Family. — The celebrated Dutchman's breeches is the
•only member of this family in our woods. Bleeding heart is of the
same genus.
Mustard Family. — Marsh cress is common ; lake cress, grow-
ing in water, is sometimes seen; and horse-radish flourishes beyond
the bounds of cultivation. Pepper-root, an early-flowering plant, is
•common in the dense forest. Two varieties of spring cress are fre-
quent. Two species of the delicate little rock cress are also fre-
quent. Hedge mustard is the most common mustard-like weed
that grows on cultivated and waste grounds. Tansy mustard is
rare. Black mustard, the type of this family, flourishes on culti-
vated and waste grounds. White mustard is very rare at the
present day. Shepherd's purse is abundant early in the season,—
a weed everywhere : its seed-pod is triangular, somewhat inflated,
and in shape resembles a shepherd's purse of the olden time. Wild
peppergrass is common in late summer : seed-pods, wafer-form.
Whitlow grass grows in sandy gronnd. To the Mustard family
belong the radish, turiiip and cabbage of our gardens.
Caper Family. — Folanisia, a fetid pod-bearing plant, is com-
mon on sandy ground, and is extending along the railroads where
sand and gravel are deposited.
Violets. — Common blue violet is abundant, the other kinds
more" rare, namely, hand-leaf,- arrow-leaved, larkspur, bird-foot,
downy yellow', etc. Heart's-ease belongs to this order.
Rock-Rose Family. — Frost-weed grows in sandy soil, and pin-
weed on dry ground.
St. John^s-worts. — Two or three rare species are found in this
county. /
Fink FaTnily. — Starry campion, sleepy catchfly, corn cockle,
sandwort, long-leaved stitchwort and forked chickweed are found
here and there. Common chickweed and three species of monse-
.ear chickweed and bouncing bet are more common. Carpet weed
HISTOEY OF PJKE COUKTY. 291
is common on the sand; it grows in the form of a bunchy- lamp-
mat.
Fwslane Family. — Akin to the beautiful portulaca is our uni-
versal purslane, often called " pursley." Spring beauty belongs to
this family. It is one of our earliest spring flowers, and may be
distinguished by the plant's having but two leaves, long and nar-
row and somewhat fleshy. The flower is a light rose color, .with
deeper veins.
Mallows Family. — Cornmon, or low mallows and velvet-leaf, or
Indian mallows are very abundant. The latter is a tall, pestiferous
weed about our fields, with seed-vessels resembling poppy-bolls.
Sida and bladder ketmia, or flower of an hour, are common. To
this order belong the hollyhock and okra, in cultivation.
Linden Family. — Bass-wood, known as lin among Southern peo-
ple, is the only member of this family growing here.
GeraniuTn Family. — "Wild crane's-bill is common in early spring,
having a solitary, rose-colored flower on the summit. Carolina
crane's-bill is rather rare. Spotted and pale touch-me-nots are com-
mon in moist, shaded places, growing in dense patches. The bal-
samine of cultivation is of the same genus. Yellow wood-sorrel is
everywhere, and liere and there the violet wood-sorrel prevails to
some extent. This is erroneously called " sheep-sorrel." Sheep, or
field sorrel grows on sandy or gravely ground, has lance-shaped and
pointed leaves, obscure flowers, and seeds like pie-plant or yellow-
dock, while wood-sorrel grows mostly in cXaj soil, has three leaflets
like clover, showy fl'owers, and seeds in a pod. The two sorrels be-
long to diiferent orders, but have a similar taste.
Rue Family. — The northern prickly ash, a common shrub in our
woods but growing scarcer, and the still rarer hop-tree, are the only
members of this family in Pike county. Garden rue is of the same
order, or family.
Cashew Fam,ily. — In America this would seem to be rather the
sumac family. The smooth sumac is common everywhere, fragrant
sumac abundant in sandy ground, and poison ivy is common along
fences — some places abundant. The latter is a coarse, woody vine
with innumerable rootlets, and has three leaflets to each leaf, with
these leaflets sometimes partly divided. When the plant is young
it can be distinguished from box-elder by the latter having a white
" bloom " on the stem ; and at all times it can be distinguished
from Virginia creeper ( American ivy, an innocent plant ) by the
latter having flve leaflets to each leaf, and the whole leaf in shape
like that of buckeye.
Vine Family., that is, the grape-vine family. — Yirginia creeper,
just described, is as abundant as any weed. The winter, or frost
grape is common, but the summer grape, a delicious fruit, is very
scarce, if indeed it can be found at all in this county. It used to be
abundant, but the vines have been destroyed by reckless grape
gatherers.
Buckthorn Family. — The noted red-root, or jSTew Jersey tea, a
292 HISTORY OF PIKE COUXTY.
shrub in the margin of prairies and to some extent in all other sit-
nations, is the only representative of this family here, and it is be-
coming rarer by the encroachments of cultivation and pastm-age.
The leaves make very good tea.
Staff-tree Family. — The climbing bittersweet and waahoo are
all there are of this family in onr limits. The former is a smooth,
woody vine, common in the woods, climbing by simply twining,
and bearing orange-colored berries in clusters, .often called wax-
work and used in ornamentation. This vine is often called simply
■bittersweet, but the true medical bittersweet is a very different
plant, scarcely a vine at all, and not growing wild in this county.
The waahoo, or bnrning-bush, is a real bush of about the size and
proportions of a plum-tree; its twigs have four white lines, and its
crimson fruit in autumn after the leaves have fallen are very showy.
The flowers are dark purple.
Soapberry Order includes the Maple, Bladdernntand Soapberry
(proper) families. Of the maples the most common are the sugar and
the white. Thelatterisoneofthe softmaples, the red maple of other
sections of the United States being the other. The red does not
grow in this county. Box-elder is sometimes called ash-leaved
maple, and belongs to this family. The American bladdernut is a
tree-like shrub about 10 feet high, producing large three-lobed, in-
flated seed pods. The Ohio buck-eye is common in the river bot-
toms.
Milkworts. — Seneca snakeroot and two other species of milkwort
are found in this region.
Pulse Family. — This large family is characterized by having
seeds in pdds like beans and peas, which are members of the family.
The first in the list, according to' the books, are the clovers, — red
and white. Two other species of this genus.occur, indeed, but are too
rare to enumerate here. Then the white sweet clover, more recently
escaped from cultivation; then two species of prairie clover, almost
extinct. Goat's rue, false indigo (Amorpha) and lead plant abound
on dry, sandy loam in river bottoms. The common locust was in-
troduced here, but this is too far north for it to be hardy enough to
withstand our winds and the borer. A honey- locust occurs herfi
and there. One milk vetch is frequent. Six species of tick trefoil
abound. These are those plants in the woods bearing "pods "of
triangular, flat burs. Two species of bush clover are found here.
One vetch (taVe) and one marsh vetchling, ground-nut, kidney bean,
false indigo (Baptisia) and wild senna are found here and there.
Hog peanut, called wild pea or bean by some, abounds everywhere'
in the woods. Red-bud is an ugly little tree except in the spring
before the leaves appear, when the whole top is of a beautiful
purplish-red from the blossoms. Partridge pea is abundant "in
spots," grows like a weed in low places, 20 inches to 2 feet high,
has leaves like a locust, and bears a -very large yellow flower.
The sensitive plant may be found within the bounds of this county,
HISTOKY OF PIKE COUNTY. 293
but if SO, it is very scarce. Kentucky coffee-tree is rare. It is
famous for its beautiful compound leaves and glossy beans.
Rose FdTnily. — Most of our fruits come from this family, as the
apple, peach, plnm, cherry, strawberry, etc. The wild plum (yellow
or red) is becoming very scarce. The wild black cherry is abun-
dant; the choke-cherry is a shrub found occasionally. Nine-bark,
common meadow-sweet and goat's-beard are species of spiraea fre-
quently found. Agrimony is a coarse herb occasionally found,
having leaves resembl ing those of tlie strawberry and bearing a kind
of drooping b"r; plant about two feet high. One species of avens
is very common; three other species are fonnd. Common cinque-
foil, or five-linger, resembles the strawberry very closely, and abounds
in dry soil. Norwegian cinquefoil has similar leaves, but the plant
is coarse and grows three feet high; not common. Another species
is also found. One species of wild strawberry abounds in retired
sitnajtions; itwas common over the original prairie. The blackberry
and the raspberry prevail here as elsewhere, but their sylvan terri-
tory is narrowed to close limits by the encroachments of man. Of
the roses proper the dwarf wild rose is the most conjmon, but its
territory is also very limited now-a-days. The early wild rose occurs.
Three species of red haw (hawthorn) occur, and two varieties of one
species. The black, or pear, thorn is the iiiost common, with two
varieties, then the scsirlet-fruited thorn, and lastly the cockspur
thorn. The crab-apple is well known.
Saxifrages. — Two or tliree species of gooseberry are common;
swamp saxifrage and a species of alum-root are sometimes met
with.
Orpine Family. — Ditch stonecrop is common during wet seasons.
Evening Primrose Family. — Common evening primrose, en-
chanter's nightshade, and one species of willow-herb, are common;
seed-box, water-purslane, sun-drops and two other species of false
loosestrife occur occasionally.
Loosestrife Family. — One species not infrequent.
Gourd Family. — The wild balsam-apple is a vigorous, herba-
ceous vine, bearing bur-like fruit, about cultivated grounds, and
the one-seeded star cucumber flourishes in the shaded river bottoms.
Parsley Family. — This family is characterized by having their
seed-bearing tops like those of parsnips. Most of the poisonous
plants growing in this country, belong to this family. Two species
of black snakeroot prevail in this county. Parsnip itself is
becoming a common weed in open bnt protected places; and there
may be found here and there the cow parsnip, cowbane, meadow
parsnip, spotted cowbane, rattlesnake master, two species of water
parsnip, honewort, chervil, two species of sweet cicely, poison hem-
lock. Of the whole family the most poisonous are the spotted
cowbane and poison hemlock.
Ginseng Family. — Ginseng, oQ account of its popular medical
qualities, has been pretty well thinned out. The true wild sar-
294 HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY.
saparilla (a plant of tlie appearance of a large ginseng) is some-
times found, and spikenard is common in the forest ravines.
Dogwoods. — The most common dogwood is the white-berried, or
panicied cornel; next the rough-leaved, the alternate-leaved, the
flowering, the silky, and lastly the red-osier.
Honeysuckle Family. — Common elder is becoming too abun-
dant. Yellow honeysuckle is common. Horse gentian, or fever-
wort, is a forest weed bearing 5 to 10 yellow berries in a circle
aronnd the stem at every place where the two opposite leaves are
attached. The true black haw is scarce, but sheep-berry, which is
generally called black haw, is common.
Madder Family. — Two species of the small bed-straw are
abundant, and the sweet-scented is common, while occasionally
maj' be found cleavers, or goose-grass. Wild liquorice occurs
rarely . 'These herbs are all of a flax-like appearance, having sev-
eral beautiful little leaves in a whorl at each joint. Button bush
is common in wet ground.
Composites. — This order is by far the largest of all. Its flowers
are compound, that is, there are several, sometimes many, small
flowers crowded close together in a head, as sunflower, lettuce,
dandelion, aster, chrysanthemum. May-weed, etc. Their time of
flowering is generally late in the season.
Iron-weed is common on flat ground: its summit in August is
a beautiful royal purple. Four species of button snakeroot (one
called also blazing star) are abundant on protected original prairie,
and occur nowhere else. Five species of thoroughwort grow here,
that called boneset being abundant. The species called trumpet, or
Joe-Pye weed, is a tall, interesting weed, with 3 to 6 leaves in each
whorl, that is, at each joint. Kuhnia is not rare; it resembles
boneset. Mist-flower grows in our limits. Of the asters there are
about 30 species growing within this county, about half of them
very common. The flowers have a starry appearance: hence the
name. The most remarkable of them is the New England aster,
a large purple flower along the roadsides in September. Five
species of fleabane, similar to the asters in appearance, are com-
mon, namely, horse- weed, which is abundant on waste and culti-
vated grounds, Eobin's plantain, common fleabane. and two daisy
fleabanes, one of them called also sweet scabious. About 18
species of golden-rod can be found in this county, only half of them
common, however. The most abundant is the Solidago Canaden-
sis. From these much honey is made by bees in September. Four
species of rosin-weed used to prevail on the original prairie, tjut
their territory is very limited at the present day. The most noted
of them has divided leaves, and is also called compass plant, or
polar plant, the leaves having once been thought to point north
and south. They do indeed stand with their faces somewhat paral-
lel, but they are just as apt to have their edges toward other points
of the compass. One species of rosin-weed has undivided leaves,
large and rough, and is called prairie dodk. This and the compass
HISTOEY OF PIKP: COUNTY. 295-
plant flourish on flat prairie soil which is not pastured. The species
called cup-plant gi'ows along the banks of channeled sloughs. The
leaves join together at the base so as to form a cup. It is a very
large weed. Parthenium, a similar plant, is not rare. Ragweed
is the most comtaon weed we have along the roadsides: called also-
hogweed, Roman wormwood, etc. Great ragweed is the largest
weed that grows in this country. Common along fences. Cockle-
bnr is on the increase. We have a State law " providing " for their
destruction. Ox-eye, Lepachys and six species of cone-flower are-
almost common. Six species of wild sunflower flourish along fences
in unfrequented situations. Thej' are tall weeds, but not trouble-
some. One kind has tuberous I'oots and is really an artichoke.
Three species of tickseed occur in this county. The true Spanisli
needle does not grow here, but three species of its genus abound
here, especially during wet seasons, namely, common and swamp-
beggar-ticks and the larger bur-marigold. The smaller bur-marigold-
is found in shallow running water. Fetid marigold is abundant in
dry situations along the wagon roads. When struck, even lightly,,
it yields a rank aromatic odor: called also false dog-fennel. Sneeze-
weed, which looks somewhat like a Spanish needle, is abundant
during wet seasons and exceedingly scarce at other times. May-
weed, or dog-fennel, every one is familiar with. So with yarrow.
The ox-eye daisy, or white-weed, a vexatious weed in the East, is
just beginning to creep in along the railroads. Biennial worm-
wood is a common but harmless weed in waste places. Common
and plantain-leaved everlasting are common. Fire-weed abundant.
Golden rag- wort here and there in the spring. The famous Canada
thistle is seldom seen: the common thistle abounds more and more..
Two other species are common, growing very tall. Burdock is a
Composite. Dandelion belongs in this connection. Wild lettuce
and false or blue lettuce are common milky weeds, growing very
tall. Two species of sow-thistle, comparatively harmless, are mod-
estly on the increase.
Lobelias. — The celebrated medical lobelia, or Indian tobacco,
flourishes along our garden fences. The great lobelia, or blue car-
dinal flower, is abundant in moist ground. Tiie cardinal flower is
the most showy, dazzling-red flower we have growing wild: found
in wet ground and on the banks of sloughs. A small and slender
species of lobelia is common in protected situations.
Campanula., or Bellflower family. — The tall bellflower is com-
mon. Venus's looking-glass is found here and there. " Blue-
bells" do not belong here: they are the smooth lungwort, belonging
to the Borage family.
Ebony Family. — Persimmon, or date plum; rather scarce, but
, more abundant farther south.
Plantain Family. — The common plantain of our door-yards-..
Four other species of this family may occur in this county, but.
they are exceedingly rare.
296 HISTOKT OF PIKE COUNTY.
Primrose Family. — Two species of loosestrife (Lysimacliia)
occur.
Figwort Family. — Mullein, toad-flax ("bntter-and-eggs "), fig-
wort, beard-tongue, two species of Gerardia, two species of louse-
wort and cow-wheat, are common, while monkey-flower, hedge
hyssop, false pimpernel, purslane and corn speedwell are sometimes
seen. Toad -flax has persistent roots like witch-grass and threatens
to become a pest. The snap-dragon of our gardens is a fig-wort.
Vervains. — Verbenas belong to this order. The most abundant
plant belonging to this family, and growing wild, is the hoary ver-
vain; next are the bracted (prostrate), the white, or nettle-leaved,
and the blue. They all prefer dry, waste grounds, and are much
inclined to hybridize. Fog-fruit is abundant in sandy ground
along the rivers.
Mint family. — Common are wood sage, or American ger-
mander, wild mint, bugle-weed, American pennyroyal, and hedge
nettle, two species. Motherwort, catnip, heal-all, and wild mint
are abundant. Here and there are water horehound, mountain
mint, horse-mint, blephilia (two species), giant hyssop (two spe-
cies), false dragon-head, or lion's-heart, mad-dog skullcap and one
other species of skullcap. Ground ivy, or gill-over-the-ground, is
abundant about dwellings. "What is generally called "horse-mint"
in the West is " wild bergamot" according to the books, while wild
mint is often taken for peppermint. True peppermint, spearmint,
and horehound are scarce within our limits. South of the Illinois
river horehound takes the place of catnip along the fences and road-
sides. Salvia, sage and Mexican sage are cultivated plants belong-
ing to this order..
Borage Family. — Hairy and hoary puccoon, smooth lungwort,
stick-seed, beggar's lice and common hound's-tongue are common;
all other species rare. Comfrey belongs to this family. Smooth
lungwort is often called " blue-bells." It is common in early spring
about door-yards and along fences near dwellings. Common
hound's-tongue flourishes along the roads; flowers a dull purple,
appearing in early summer. Boggar's-lice is a species of hound's-
tongue.
Water-leaf Family. — Ellisia appears in cool, shady places, and
resembles small tomatoes in leaf and fruit.
Polemoniums, or Phloxes. — Greek valerian, paniculate, hairy
and divaricate phlox are frequent. The true wild sweet- William is
very rare.
Convolvulus, or Morning-glory Family. — The most common
plant of this order growing spontaneously beyond the bounds of
cultivation is hedge bindweed, or Kutland beauty. Eight species of
dodder (" love- vine ") may be found, all rare except one. It appears
like orange-colored thread growing on the tops of weeds.
Nightshade Family. — To this family belong Irish potatoes, to-
matoes, egg-plant, bitter-sweet, tobacco and Jerusalem, cherry. The
most common weeds of this family are jimson-weed, horse-nettle
's.j'r'r'^ l^'i^^?*^/?
S'ft^.
PITTSFIELD Tr
HI8T0ET OF PIKE COUNTY. 299
("bull nettles"), common or black nightshade and two species of
ground-cherry. The white-flowered jimson-weed (Datura Stramo-
nium) is called common stramonium or thornapple by Dr. Gray,
while the purple-flowered he calls purple thornapple.
Oentiana. — One beautiful species of American centaury, Ameri-
can Columbo and several species of gentian are found within our
limits, but all of them are scarce. " Horse gentian " belongs to the
Honeysuckle family.
Dogbanes. — Spreading dogbane in the borders of thickets and
Indian hemp (Amsonia) on the river banks are common.
Milhweeds. — Common milkweed, or silkweed, is common; has
large, boat-shaped pods of glistening cotton. Swamp milkweed is
also common. Butterfly weed, or pleurisy-root, whorled milkweed
and two species of green milkweed occur not rarely.
Olive Family. — -It would seem more natural to us Westerners
to call this the Ash family, as we have no members of this order
About us except the five species of ash, — white, black, blue, red and
green, the white being the most common. Some of these kinds are
•difficult for the beginner to distinguish.
Birthworts. — -Wild ginger is common in deep, wooded ravines.
The leaf is kidney-shaped, plant but few inches high, and the root
tastes like ginger.
Fowr-d'cloGh Family. — Oxybaphus is rapidly increasing along
the railroads, and in low, sandy places.
Poheweeds. — The common poke with its purple-juiced clusters
of berries is well known.
Goosefoots. — Lamb's-quarters, or pigweed, a common weed in
our gardens, is t.he type of this order. Beet and spinach bejong
here. Next in abundance to lamb's-quarters are oak-leaved goose-
foot, maple-leaved goosefoot, Jerusalem oak and Mexican tea.
Wormseed is a fetid plant -belonging to the, genus goosefoot.
Orache is becoming abundant in the towns and cities.
Amaranths. — The cultivated coxcomb, globe amaranth and
prince's feather (red, chaffy spikes) illustrate the characters of this
family. Pigweed is one of the most common weeds in cultivated
ground. The pigweed of the last paragraph should be called goose-
foot only, or lamb's-quarters. White pigweed, generally known in
the West as " tumble-weed," is abundant in some fields. Amaran-
tns blitoides has recently become very abundant in our towns. At
a little distance it resembles common purslane. Acnida and Froe-
lichia are common in sandy soil near the rivers.
Buckwheat Family or Knotweeds. — Goose-grass is the most
ubiquitous member of this order, forming a carpet in every door-
yard. A taller variety with wider leaves also abounds under the
shade trees about the premises. Two species of smart-weed, mild
water-pepper, water Persicaria and two other species of knotweed
are all common. Out of 14 species of what appears to be smart-
weed, only two are biting to the taste. Arrow-leaved tear-thumb,
black bindweed and climbing false buckwheat are common vines.
19
300 HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY.
Pie-plant, "yellow dock" and sheep-sorrel represent another di-
vision of the kaotweed familj. The most common member of this
division in Pike county is curled, or "yellow" dock; then follow
sheep-sorrel (abounding in sandy soil), pale, water, swamp and
bitter docks.
Laurel Family, — ^Sassafras is common along the bluffs and bot-
toms of the rivers. Spice bush is also found in Pike county.
SandoZ-wood Family . — Bastard toad-flax rather scarce.
Spurges. — Spotted spurge, an herb growing more prostrate than
all others, on cultivated ground; milky; no visible flowers. Three
other species of spurge are almost common. Three-seeded Mer-
cury, known in former years to inhabit only the dark forest, has
followed to our city residences where it can find a similar situation.
Croton is common near the rivers; an insignificant little herb.
Nettle Order. — Of the Elm family are the white and the slippery
elm and the hackberry, — the first mentioned abundant, the other
two scarce. Of the Bread-fruit and Fig family is the red mul-
berry, which is scarce. Of the Nettle family proper are the true
nettle (rare), wood nettle (common), richw'eed, pellitory, hemp and
hop. Eichweed, or elearweed, like the Mercury of the last para-
graph, has followed man to his artificial groves and is very abun-
dant on flat ground under heavy shade-trees, in some places. It is
remarkable that botanists have placed in this order the Osage
orange tree of our hedges, the bread-fruit tree of the far-off Pacific
isles, the fig and the banyan, and the poison upas of the East
Indies.
Plane- Tree Family. — " Sycamore," or button-wood, or American
plane. The true sj'camore of Europe is a different tree.
Walnut Family. — Black and white walnut (butternut) are well
known. Three species of shell-bark and two of smooth-bark, be-
sides pecan in the river bottoms, are common in this country. The
list comprises the shag-bark, the western shell-bark, the mocker-
nut or white-heart, the pig-nut or broom, bitter-nut or swamp ,
hickories, and the pecan. The latter used to be abundant in the
river bottoms, but the larger trees having been cut out for both
the timber and the fruit, most of the pecan growth now is too
young to produce much fruit.
Oah Family. — This family comprises not only the oaks but also
the chestnut, beech, hazel-nut and iron-wood. Some of the oaks,
hybridize so much tiiat it is difficult to keep track of the species
and varieties. White oak, of course, takes tlie lead here as else-
where, but the blackjack is about as abundant. The latter is
usually the "second growth," and is as good as hickory for fire-
wood. Bur-oak, scarlet oak and black oak (yellow-barked, or
quercitron) are common. Laurel or shingle oak, yellow chestnut
oak and red oak are occasionally met with. Laurel oak is so called
on account of the shape of its leaves, and is also called shingle oak,
on account of its being so good in pioneer times for clapboards.
Two species of iron-wood flourish here. They belong to difierent
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 301
genera, one liaviiii; seeds in clusters of involucres resembling hops:
hence it is called hop hornbeam. The other iron-wood or horn-
beam is also called blue or water beech.
Biroh Family. — The red, or river birch is sometimes found
along the rivers aud creeks.
Willows. — The most common willow, as well as the largest, is
the black; then the prarie, glaucous, heart-leaved, shining and
long-leaved. The black and the shining willows have tough twigs
which are very brittle at the base. Several other species of willow
occur, but are rare. The quaking asp, or American aspen, the
cotton-wood, balm-of-Gilead, Lombardy poplar and silver-leaf, or
white poplar, are well kTiown.,
Arum Family. — Indian turnip ( Jack-in-the pulpit) abundant;
skunk cabbage common in wet places supplied by spring-water;
sweet flag and green dragon very rare.
Duckweeds. — One species common on the surface of ponds. It
does not take root in the earth.
Cat-tails. — Common cat-tail (a kind of flag) and a species of bur
reed occur in wet places.
. Pondweeds. — Several species grow tlirougliout this country.
They grow in or under water.
Water- Plantain Fam^ily. — Arrowhead (two species, with several
variations) is abundant. Has large, arrow-shaped leaves and white
flowers in threes, and grows along the sloughs. Water plantain is
sometimes found : grows in same situation as last.
Amaryllis Family. — The star-grass is common. It is a modest
'^ little grass-like plant, putting forth its conspicuous, yellow, 3-petal-
ed flowers in June.
Iris Family. — The larger blue flag is becoming rare. The blue-
eyed grass looks like the star-grass just mentioned, except that the
flowers are white or pale blue.
Yam Family. — Wild yam-root is a green vine sometimes seen
in the woods.
Smilax Family. — Common green-brier, Smilax hispida and
carrion flower are all not very rare.
Lily ^??^^Z?/.— Purple trillinm, or three-leaved nightshade, is
abundant: flowers in May. One other species of trillinm some-
times occurs. Bellwort is an early flower in the woods.
Smaller Solomon's seal and false spikenard are common. Wild
orange-red lily is common in the margins of prairies which are not
pastured and have never been broken. White dog's-tooth violet
and great Solomon's seal are reported here. It is another early-
flowering plant of a similar appearance to the last and in similar
situations. Squill (eastern quamash,- or wild liyacinth) is said
also to be found in this county. Wild garlic, having tops like our
garden top-onions, and wild leek are common in low places not pas-
tured.
Bush Family. — The bog-rush is a very common, yellowish,
grass-like herb along roads and paths, especially those leading
302 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
through the forest ; but it is also found to some extent in all other
situations.
Pioher el-weed Family. — Water star-grass, growing under run-
ning water in the forest brooks, is common.
Spiderworts. — Common spiderwort is common.
Sedges. — There are three or four dozen species of sedge growing
within the limits of any one county, but they are all unimportant
plants. They have a grass-like appearance, but can readily be dis-
tinguished frum the grasses by their having triangular stems and
bur-like tops (seed clusters), while the grasses have round or round-
ish stems. What is generally called lake grass along the rivers is
a true sedge, and its English name is great bulrush. It is by far
the largest of the sedges. The river club-rush is next in size.
.Grasses. — Blue grass takes the lead for prevalence and utility.
Nex't, two species of fox-tail. Besides these the most common
grasses are white grass, rice cut grass, Indian rice or water oats,
timothy, rush grass (two species), bent grass, wood reed-grass,
dropseed (two genera); reed bent-grass, blue joint grass, porcupine
grass, fresh-water cord-grass, Koeleria, Eatonia (two species), melic
grass, fowl meadow grass and its congener, Glyceria fluitans, low
spear-grass, red top, Eragrostis (three species), fescue (two species),
chess, Bromus ciliatus, reed (a tall, broora-corn-like grass growing
in dense fields in the swamps of the river bottom), hordeum pra-
tense (a kind of wild barley), two species of lyme-grass or wild rye,
bottle-brush grass, reed canary grass, Paspalum, wire grass, eight
species of panic-grass, among them two kinds of tickle-grass and
one old-witch grass, crab-grass and barn-yard grass, sand-bur (in
sand) and two species of beard-grass. About two dozen other
kinds of grass can be found in the county, but they are all very
rare.
Horsertails. — Scouring rush and common horse-tail (especially
along railroads) are common : two other species scarce.
Ferns. — Maiden-hair, brake, a spleenwort, a shield fern, a blad-
der-fern and the sensitive fern are common in the order here named,
while one species of flowering fern and two or three other ferns
may be found.
CHAPTER yill.
ARCHAEOLOGY.
»
Perhaps no district of country in the West contains more traces
of that pre-historic people known to us on]y as the " Mound-Bnild-
ers" than the district between the Illinois and the Mississippi riv-
ers. Tiiere is scarcely a township of land in tliis section which
does not contain more or less of these traces, and in some of them
are works whiph in extent and character will compare with any in
the West.
The mounds in this county are evidently of three classes : sacred
mounds, which were used for the sacrificial fires; burial mounds,
which were erected over the last remains of important personages;
and mounds which were used for domestic habitations. These were
probably residences similar to those of some tribes of our present
Indians. First, poles or logs set up in a circle, then covered with
brush or grass, and the whole with earth to a considerable extent.
The sacrificial mounds always contained burnt earth, burnt bones,
and frequently, too, the charred bones of human beings. In the
burial mounds only the bones of a few persons are found, probably
of some chief and his immediate family, and usually near them are
utensils of the kitchen, arrows, pottery, and such articles as were
most prized in life by the departed.
In some localities immense shell-heaps exist, while it is not un-
common to find in the mounds sliells from the sea, notably the
conch-shell and sea-periwinkles, the latter very common. Imple-
ments of both hardened copper and copper in a soft state are often
found, and a metal reserhbling iron in texture and color, but hard
enough to cut glass and which resists the action of almost all the
acids.
That these mounds were not erected by the same race as our
present Indians is at once apparent from the bones of the latter
being of a reddish hue, while those of the Mound-Builders are of
a different shade and much larger.
It is our opinion that the Mound-Builders were a pastoral peo-
ple, who had made considerable progress in civilization. In the
winter, doubtless, they drove their flocks and herds to the bluffs
and rich, sheltered bottoms where they could obtain shelter, and
304 HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY.
in the summer they drove them to the prairies for pasturage.
Doubtless, like the Chinese of to-day, they esteemed their native
hills sacred and sought to be buried there, no matter where the
iron hand of Death overtook them ; and their friends, respecting
this desire, were in the habit of bringing the bones of each family
or tribe to these sacred burial places, after they had been stripped
of their flesh, for permanent burial.
Perhaps some future archaeologist will delve among these ruins
and find a key to the mystery of theBuilders, of whom we to-day
know next to nothing; and unless some means arc taken by the
Government or societies organized for the purpose, and these meas-
ures at no distant day, they will have become so far obliterated by
the plow and by nnskiiled daggers that the slight clues they contain
will be buried in oblivion greater than now enshrouds the history
of their builders.
A few years ago some of the prominent gentlemen of Pike
county interested themselves in organizing an " Archaeological
Society," but of late the interest seems to have abated very per-
ceptibly, and the Society so enthusiastically organized can now
scarcely be said to be in existence.
The gentlemen proposing to organize an " Antiquarian Society "
met at the court-house in Pittsfield, May 24, 1873, when Dr. T.
Worthington was called to the chair and K. H. Criswell appointed
secretary. They organized the " Pike County Antiquarian Soci-
ety," and the permanent officers elected at this meeting were, Pres-
ident— ^Wm. A. Grimshaw ; Vice Presidents — Wm. McAdams,
Esq., Dr. E. S. Hull, of Madison county, Capt. W. H. Eeed, of
Calhoun county, Dr. T. "Worthington, of Pike, Dr. A. Mittower, of
Pike, Richard Perry, of Pike, li. J. Harris, of Pike, C. L. Obst,' of
Pittsfield, Archaeologist Artist; Dr. Thos. Alton, Secretary; Wm.K.
Archer, Treasurer.
W. B. Grimes, Dr. Mittower and C. L. Obst were appointed a
committee to solicit contributions to the cabinet of the Society, and
invite the exhibition of such relics as owners are unwilling to part
with, the object being to obtain possession of evidences and traces
of the people of antiquity, their implements and usages as far as
practicable.
A letter was read before the Society from Mr. McAdams, of Wa-
terville, Jersey county. May 18, 1873, as follows:
" I see in the papers a call for a meeting in Pittsfield on the 24th ,
inst., to organize a society with a view of fui-ther investigation and
more perfect knowledge of relics and ancient remains near the Il-
linois and Mississippi rivers. I have for the last 15 years, during
my leisure hours, been making some investigations of the mounds
and tumuli of Jersey and Calhoun counties. There is not perhaps
in ail the West a section richer or more interesting in its great
numbers of relics of an almost unknown race of people who once
inhabited this country. No thorough investigation has been made.
Already many of them have been destroyed by the cultivation of
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 305
Slew fields. Before many years the majority of them will be ob-
literated, or so defaced that the original plan of constrnction will
be lost. There should be a society like the one you propose to or-
ganize, not only for the purpose of investigation but also for the
-purpose of making some record of their work. Comparatively little
is known of 'the mounds of Jersey and Calhoun, although I have
visited many of them and collected quite a number of interesting
relics. Yours truly,
"Wm. MoAdams."
The second week in June, 1873, the Society made an excursion
to the southern part of the county and spent several daj's among
the numerous mounds in that locality, where they found many
relics of the aborigines, among which werearrow heads, fish-spears,
iStone knives and hatchets, earthen vessels of various kinds, copper
kettles, stone pipes, shell and copper beads, silver ear-rings, silver
buckles, etc. Nearly all these articles were found imbedded in the
mounds with human bones, pieces of pottery, etc., generally at a
depth of about three feet below the surface. In some cases stone
vaults containing bones and other relics were discovered a few feet
beneath the surface. The members of the Society who went on
that excursion say they had a most enjoyable trip and consider
^themselves well repaid for their trouble.
In the summer df 1873, Col. D. B. Bush presented to the Society
for its museum Indian trappings of great value. Thos. James, of
Martinsburg, presented a large lot of beautiful beads and amulets
from the Big Mound of Sacramento valley, Cal.; also, moss, peat,
-cinnabar and Chinese corn, etc. — all from California. Col. S. S.
Thomas presented a rare and beautiful specimen of coquine and
concrete shells from St. Augustine, Florida. In September of the
same year. Col. A. C. Matthews contributed to the museum one
'beaked saw-fish {Pristis) from Matagorda Island, Texas; auto-
graph letter of Henry Clay, dated Oct. 5, 1829, Ashland, Ky. ;
pass of Lieut. Gen. S. B. Buckner, C. S. A.; one copy of army cor-
respondence; also coin and fossils. Geo. H. French presented a
stone mortar from Pilot Blufi', Illinois river; E. JS. French, speci-
mens of columnar limestone; Hon. J. M. Bush presented one copy
•of the Massachusetts Centennial, published at Boston, Sept. 5,
1789, about four months after the inauguration of President Wash-
ington; Hon. W. A. Grimshaw presented books as follows: Amer-
ican volume. Ancient Arraeca; Lines of Humboldt; two volumes
of Smithsonian Institute Eeports, 1866-6; two volumes of History
of Wisconsin; stone and flint implements, bone needle and speci-
mens of pottery. Patrick Ilalpin presented specimens of Ameri-
■can and Italian marble.
In December, Mr. R. Perry contributed specimens of silicious
:and ferruginous conglomerate; Dr. A. McFarland, a very nice
human skeleton, five bottles containing in alcohol specimens of
•ophidian, all indigenous to Pike county, and also one containing
306 HISTOKY OF PIKE COUNTY.
taenia; Tlios. Williams, seven beantifiil flint implements; and N.
W. Kibler, a very large tooth of a pachyderm.
Feb. 21, 1874, Geo. Bell, Thos. Bloomer, Hiram Horton and G.
S. Pennington found remains of five human skeletons in the Mis-
sissippi bluffs on the farm of Mrs. L. B. Lyon at the mouth of
Dutch creek hollow. One skull measured 26 inches 'from the top
of the cranium around under the lower jaw. Indeed, many
more skeletons are in these bluffs. Several wagon-loads of
rock had been thrown over these remains. The heads appeared to
be laid toward a common center of about three feet space. One
skull contained a rock which had doubtless been tlirown there when
the remains were buried. The bones were very brittle and difficult
to secure in their integrity from among the roots. There are seven
of these mounds in Mr. Horton's field, in a semi-circle, all contain-
ing human remains. Also a sjjecies of pottery has been found
there.
In the southeast part of Pearl township about a mile from the
Illinois river two copper vessels were once found, one smaller than
the other, under some flat stones which had been plowed up, and a
little lower down stone coffins were found in a field where they had
been plowing; but these ".remains" were probably left there by
early French explorers.
Mr. 0. L. Obst, photographer in Pittsfield, who is a fine archae-
ologist and the virtual founder of the "Pike County Antiquarian
Society," has a splendid collection ; namely, 100 varieties of flint
implements, four varieties of stone hatchets, four of wedges, varie-
ties of stone disks of various materials, as iron ore, sandstone, gran-
ite and greenstone, four varieties of plummets, mostly iron ore,
two of hammers, pestles, round stone for clubs, eight kinds of
pipes, iron ore and greenstone chisels, plowshares and hoes, a large
variety of pottery, drills and mortars, bone of the pre-historic bison,
sinkers, weights, etc., etc. Mr. Obst has also a good collection of
geological specimens.
The museum of the Society is in the Public Library room over
the postoffice in Pittsfield, but the association is not active at pres-
ent and their collection of relics seems neglected.
CHAPTER IX.
IMPORTANT LABORS OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
COUNTY COITET.
In 184:7 a State election was held for members of the Constitu-
tional Convention, which Convention prepared and submitted to the
people a new Constitution, which was adopted by a large majority.
By this Constitution, in place of the Commissioners' Court a County
Court was organized in each county. This Court consisted of a
County Judge, and, if the Legislature saw proper to so order it, two
Associate Justices. Tliis the Legislature favorably acted upon.
The last meeting of the County Commissioners' Court was held
November, 1849. After the transaction of such business as prop-
erly came before them, they adjourned until court in course, but
never re-assembled.
On the iirst Monday of December of the same year the first regu-
lar term, of the County Court was held. The duties of the Court
in a legislative capacity were precisely the same as those of the
County Commissioners' Court. In addition to the legislative power
the members of this Court were permitted to exercise judicial
authority, having all the rights and privileges of Justices of the
Peace, together with all probate business. This Court consisted of
a County Judge and two Associate Justices. The Judge and As-
sociate Justices acted together for the transaction of all county busi-
ness, but none other. The Justices had an equal vote with the
Judge, and received the same salary while holding Court, which was
$2 per day. Two of the three constituted a quorum.
The County Judge who served undeJ- this regime was James
Ward. The Associate Justices were Joshua Woosley and William
P. Harpole.
TOWNSHIP OEGANIZATION.
The Constitution of 1847 provided for township organization
in those counties desiring it. (Hons. Wm. E. Archer and Wm.
A. Grimshaw, both of this count}', were members of the Conven-
tion framing this Constitution.) The question of organizing
according to this provision soon began, of course, to agitate the
"308 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
people of Pike county, and the controversy grew bitter, — the bit-
terest indeed that this more than usually peaceful community ever
indulged in. Immigrants from the East were familiar with the
workings of township legislation and management, and desired to
perpetuate their home institution in the West; but the other citi-
zens of the county were afraid that the introduction of the measure
would necessitate an increase of office holders, useless expenses and
many unforeseen vexations. The Judges in office were all opposed
to the innovation, — so much so indeed that they continued to hold
Court even after the great victory of the innovators in carrying the
■county by 1,563 votes against 317, and the election of new mem-
bers. For a short time the county had two legislatures at once.
The vote was taken at the general election of November 6, 1849, at
which election Peter Y. Shankland was elected County Clerk on
this hotly contested issue, and Stephen R. Gray Sheriif. Both these
gentlemen were Democrats, in favor of township organization. In-
deed, as a matter of curiosity, but of no political significance, we
may state that the fight on both sides was nearly all done by the
Democrats, the "Whigs taking but little part.
An election was held in November, 1849, to vote " for " or
""against" township organization, which resulted in favor of the
measure. This was met with bitter opposition however, and an ap-
peal was taken to the Circuit Court by Samnel L. Crane. The law
was decided to be constitutional, and the election a fair one.
The Board of Supervisors of Pike county first assembled April
S, 1850, this being one of the first counties in the State to organize
under the township mode.
There were present at this meeting the following members :
Montgoiftery Blair, Barry; Hazen Pressy, Washington; Archibald
Brooks, Chambersburg; David Preble, Salem; Wilson Adams,
Hardin; Wm. Ross, Newburg; Thos. Hull, Kinderhook; A. "W.
Bemis, Martinsburg; R. C. Robertson, Milton; James M. Seeley,
Atlas, and John McTucker, Hadley. Supervisor Blair was elected
temporary Chairman and Col. Ross chosen Chairman. The Board
then adjourned to re-assemble April 23, 1850. There were present
at this the second meeting the following gentlemen: Wm. Eoss;
Archibald Brooks; Darius Dexter, Perry; Amos Hill, Griggsville;
David Preble; John McTucker; Montgomery Blair; Jesse Seniff,
Detroit; Thomas Hull; A. W. Bemis; J. M. Seeley; J. T. Hyde,
Pittstield; R. C. Robertson; Wilson Adams; Hazen Pressy; and
James Talbot, Pleasant Vale.
The County Court, when in session in 1849, appointed a com-
mittee to divide the county into townships. This committee made
their report to the Board of Supervisors, which is as follows :
" We, the undersigned. Commissioners appointed by the honor-
able the County Court at the December term, 1849, to divide Pike
county into towns or townships pursuant to the declared wish of the
citizens of said countj', decided by a majority of votes given for
and against township organization at an election held on Tuesday
HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY. 309
•after the first Monday in November, 1849, under and by authority
of an act to provide for township and county organization, and may
organize whenever a majority of votes of said county at any gen-
eral election shall so determine, respectfully report that, after ma-
ture deliberation and hearing the views and consulting the wishes
of the people through delegations appointed by the different pre-
cincts, they have unanimously agreed upon the following division
boundaries and names, and report the same as organized :
" John Lystee,
" S. E. Geay,
" John K. Cleveland.
" Commencing at the northeastern corner of the county and
making fractional townships 3 s., 1 and 2 w., a town by the name
of Chambersburg; Congressional township 3 s., 3 w.. Perry; 3 s.,
4 w., Fairmount; 4 s., 7 w., and fractional of 4 s. and 8 w., Kin-
derhook; 4 s., 6 w., Barry; 4 s., 5 w., Hadley; 4 s., 4 w., New
Salem; 4 s., 3 w., Griggsville; fractional township 4 s., 2 W., Flint;
fractional township 5 s., 2 w., Detroit; Congressional township 5 s.,
2 w., Newburg; 5 s., 4 w., Pittsfield; 5 s., 5 w., Washington ; 5 s.,
6 w., and the fractional townships 5 s., 7 w., and 5 s,, 8 w., and 6
s., 7 w., Pleasant Vale; 6 s., 5 w., 6 s., 6 w., 7 s., 5 w. and 7 s., 8
w., Atlas; 6 s., 4 w., Martinsbnrg; 6 s., 3 w., Hardin; 6 s., 2 w.,
Milton; fractional township 7 s., 2 w., Pearl; 7 s., 3 w., Spring
Creek; and 7 s., 4 w.. Pleasant Hill."
Subsequently the Board of Supervisors were notified by the
State Auditor that the names of Washington and Milton must be
changed, owing to other townships in the State bearing those
names. On motion of Supervisor Robertson the name of Milton
was changed to Montezuma ; and on motion of Supervisor Pressly
that of Washington to Derry.
In 1876 the fractional part of township 4 s., 8 w., and heretofore
a part of Kinderhook township was organized into a separate town-
ship and named Levee. In 1879 that part of Atlas township in
town 7 s., 5 w., was organized into a separate township and named
Ross.
JAIL.
At the April meeting, 1863, the Board of Supervisors resolved
to build a new jail, Ihe cost of which should not exceed $15,000. Su-
pervisors Gray, Dimmitt, Smitherman, Roberts, Dennis, Adams
and Shields were appointed a committee to carry out the decisions
of the Board, and they authorized a sub-committee to visit jails of
other counties and procure plans and specifications ibr consideration
and adoption by the above committee; and also with full power to
appoint, if they see proper, a sub-committee as acting superintend-
ents of the erection of said building; and also the said committee
was given power to dispose of the old part of the present jail, to-
gether with the lot, and to purchase a more suitable lot whereon to
erect the new building.
310
HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY.
At a meeting held Tuesday, Sept. 16, 1863, Supervisor Dennis
offered a resolution to increase the appropriation for the building
of the jail and Sheriff's residence from $15,000 to $25,000. Su-
pervisor Hollis moved that the appropriation be $20,000. His
motion was lost, and Mr. Dennis' was adopted.
The jail building, of which we give a cut in this volume, was com-
pleted in due time, and now stands an honor to the county.
SUPEEVISORS.
Below we give a full list of all the Supervisors from the time the
county was organized under the township law till the present time,
by years, together with the name of the chairman and the township
each member is from:
William Ross,
Archibald Brooks, Chambersburg.
Darius Dexter, Perry.
Amos Hill,' Griegsville.
David Preble, New Salem.
John McTucker, Hadley.
Montgomery Blair, Barry.
Jesse Seniff, Detroit.
Thomas Hull, Kinderhook.
A. W. Bemis, Martinsburg.
J. M. Seeley, Atlas.
1850.
Newburg, Chairman.
J. F. Hyde, Pittsfield.
R. C. Robertson, Milton (Montezuma).
Wilson Adams, Hardin.
Hazen Pressy, Washington, Derry.
James Talbot, Pleasant Vale.
William Turnbull, Flint.
William Morrison, Fairmount.
Thomas Barton, Pleasant Hill.
J. P. Stark, Spring Creek.
1851.
William
Amos Hill, Grriggsville.
Thomas Odiorne, Atlas.
Hazen Pressy, Derry.
William Morrison, Fairmount.
William Turnbull Flint.
Thomas Barton, Pleasant Hill.
William Grammar, Hadley .
John Lyster, Detroit.
Worden Willis, Pleasant V-ale.
Montgomery Blair, Barry.
Ross, Kewburg, Chairman.
Darius Dexter, Perry.
D. H. Gilmer, Pittsfield.
R. C. Robertson, Montezuma.
William Adams, Hardin.
Harvey W. McClintock, Martinsburg.
David Preble, New Salem.
J. P. Stars, Spring Greek.
Thomas Hull,' Kinderhook.
Constantine Smith, Pearl.
Peter Karges, Chambersburg.
1852.
■ H.R.
James Brown, Chambersburg.
Darius Dexter, Perry.
David Preble, New Salem.
John E. Ayres, Fairmount.
M. B. Churchill, Kinderhook.
S. K. Taylor, Derry.
D. H. Gilmer, Pittsfield.
M. J. Noyes.
Amos Hill, Grigsville.
John Lyster, Detroit.
Ramsay, Atlas, Chairman.
William Turnbull, Flint.
H. W. McClintock, Martinsbvu-g.
K. C. Thurman, Pleasant Hill.
William Grammar, Hadley.
B. F. Brown ell, Barry.
S. Grigsbv, Plea'^ant Vale.
Richard Robertson, Montezuma.
A. Main, Hardin.
K ohn P. Stark, Spring Creek.
HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY.
311
William
James Brown, Chambersburg.
William Dustin, Atlas.
Daniel Fisher, New Salem.
Thomas Hull, Kinderhook.
Harlow Huntley, Hadley.
Tyre Jennings, Barry.
B. L. Matthews Perry.
H. T. Mudd, Pittsfleld.
Oonstantine Smith, Pearl.
J. 8. Roberts,
James Brown, Chambersburg.
Calvin Greenleaf, Flint.
Jonathan Frye, Detroit.
Dennis Leary, Montezuma.
Constantine Smith, Pearl.
B. L. Matthews, Perry.
James Winn, Griggsville.
B. F. Westlake, Newburg.
John Heavener, Hardin.
Wm. E. Smith, Spring Creek.
1853.
Turnbull, Chairman.
William E. Smith, Spring Creek.
Cornelius Sullivan, Martinsburg.
Jonathan Frye, Detroit.
Dennis Leary, Montezuma.
William Kinman, Griggsville.
Samuel G. Sitton, Hardin.
William C. Crawford, Fairmount.
L. H. Stone, Pleasant Hill.
P. A. Landrum, Derry.
1854.
Martinsburg, Ohai'rman.
Daniel Fisher, New Salem.
Henry T. Mudd, Pittsfleld.
L. H. Stone, Pleasant Hill.
Wm. Grammar, Hadley.
Jethro Petty, Derry.
Wm. Dustin, Atlas.
Tyre Jennings, Barry.
Charles T. Brewster, Pleasant Vale.
S. B. Gaines, Kinderhook.
Wm. C. Crawford, Fairmount.
B. P. Westlake,
John Loer, Chambersburg.
Wm. Thackwray, Flint.
D. Leary, Montezuma.
Constantine Smith, Pearl.
B. L. Matthews, Perry.
James Winn, Griggsville.
Wilson Adams, Hardin.
Wm. C. Smith, Spring Creek.
Wm. C. Crawford, Fairmount.
Daniel Fisher, New Salem.
H. T. Mudd, Pittsfleld.
1855.
Newburg, Chairman.
John S. Roberts. Martinsburg.
John Ray, Pleasant Hill.
Joseph P. Smith, Hadley.
J. S. Vertrees, Perry.
Simon K. Taylor, Derry.
Tyre Jennings, Barry.
Thos. Odiorne, Atlas.
Charles T. Brewster, Pleasant Vale.
S. B. Gaines, Kinderhook.
R. C. Allen, Detroit.
Nicholas Hobbes, Fairmount.
1856.
J. S. Roberts,
John Loer, Chambersburg.
Jonathan Frye, Detroit.
Wm. Wheeler, Pearl.
0. M. Hatch, Griggsville.
Joseph G. Colvin, Hardin.
Wm. H. Love, Fairmount.
Daniel D. Hicks, Pittsfleld.
Alex. Hemphill, Pleasant Hill.
Jo'siah Long, Atlas.
Daniel Pyle, Flint.
Martinsburg, Chairman.
Edwin Wooley, Montezuma.
John L. Gaine, Perry.
B. F. Westlake, Newburg.
Wm. E. Smith, Spring Creek.
Wm. F. Hooper, New Salem.
Richard Hayes, Hadley.
James Wallace, Pleasant Vale.
A. Landrum, Derry.
John P. Grubb, Barry.
1857.
John W. Allen, Detroit, Chairman.
B. B. Metz, Chambersburg. Wm. F. Hooker, New Salem.
Joseph G. Pyle, Flint. Daniel D. Hicks, Pittsfleld.
Spencer Hudson, Montezuma. Joshua Butler, Martinsburg.
Constantine Smith, Pearl. Alex. Hemphill, Pleasant Hill.
312
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Thos. Reynolds, Perry.
Alfred Gordon, Griggsville.
B. F. Westlake, Newburg.
J. G. Colvin, Hardin.
John H. Brewer, Fairmount.
Wm. E. Smith, Spring Creek.
Richard Hayes, Hadley.
■John L. [Jnaerwood, Derry.
Jesse Long, Atlas.
J. R. Williams, Barry.
James Wallace, Pleasant Vale.,
M. B. Churchill, Kinderhook.
1858.
Wm. Turnbull,
Harvey Dunn, Chambersburg.
Jonathan Frye, Detroit.
E. N. French, Montezuma.
Hiram Hess, Pearl.
Thos. Reynolds, Perry.
James Winn, Griggsville.
B. F. Westlake, ]S[ewburg.
Adam Puterbaugh, Hardin.
Wm. E. Smith, Spring Creek.
John H. Brewer, Fairmount.
Flint, Ohairman.
Thos. Gray, New Salem.
Austin Barber, Pillsfield.
Joshua Butler, Martinsburg.
John G. Sitton, Pleasant Hill.
Wm. Grammar, Hadley.
John L. Underwood, Derry.
Sherman Brown, Atlas.
James B. Williams, Barry.
James Wallace, Pleasant Vale.
A. T. Love, Kinderhook.
John S. Roberts,
Wilson S. Dennis, Chambersburg.
James L. Thompson, Flint.
Jonathan Frye, Detroit.
Isaac S. Brown, Montezuma.
Oonstantine Smith, Pearl.
B. L. Matthews, Perry.
James Winn, Griggsville.
Benj.'F. Westlake, Newburg.
Wilson Adams, Hardin.
Wm. E. Smith, Spring Creek.
1859.
Martinsburg, Ghairman.
John Vail Fairmount.
James C. Conkright, Kew Salem^
Isaac W. Jones, Pittsfield,
Thos. Barney, Pleasant Hill.
Wm. Grammar, Hadley.
Simon K. Taylor, Derry.
Sherman Brown, Atlas.
Richard St. John, Barry.
James Wallace, Pleasant Vale.
John G. Wheelock, Kinderhook.
John S. Roberts,
James H. Dennis, Chambersburg.
Jas. L. Thompson, Flint.
John W. Allen, Detroit.
E. C. Clemmons, Montezuma.
Hiram Hess, Pearl.
James Johns, Perry.
T. H. Dimmitt, Griggsville.
B. F. Westlake, Newburg.
J. C. Colvin, ardin.
Wm. E. Smith, Spring Creek,
John S. Roberts,
J. H. Dennis, Chambersbm-g.
Geo. H. Sanford, Flint.
John W. Allen, Detroit.
Wm. B. Grimes, Montezuma.
Andrew N. Hess, Pearl.
Geo. W. Baldwin, Perry.
Thos. H. Dimmitt, Griggsville.
B. F. Westlake, Newburg.
Jos. G. Colvin, Hardin.
Wm. E. Smith, Spring Creek.
1860.
Martinsburg, OJiairmin.
John Vail, Fairmount.
Jas. C. Conkright, New Salem.
David A. Stanton, Pittsfield,
Alex, Parker, Pleasant Hill.
Wm, Grammar, Hadley.
James B. Landrum, Derry.
Sherman Brown, Atlas.
Lewis D. White, Barry.
Harrison Brown, Pleasant Hill,
John G. Wheelock, Kinderhook.
1861.
Martinsburg, Ghiirman.
John Vail, Fairmount,
A, J. McWilliams, New Salem.
D, A. Stanton, Pittsfield.
A, J, Lovell, Pleasant Hill.
Wm. Grammar, Hadley.
Isaac Pryor, Perry.
J. G. Adams, Atlas.
John McTucker, Barry.
Perry H. Davis, Pleasant Vale.
John Aron, Kinderhook.
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
313.
John S. Roberts,
James H. Dennis, Chambersburg.
Geo. H. Sanford, Flint.
Jonathan Prye, Detroit.
Geo. Underwood, Montezuma.
Andrew N. Hess, Pearl,
James W. Brown, Perry.
T. H. Dimmilt, Griggsville.
B. F. Westlake, Kewburg.
J. G. Colvin, Hardin.
Wm. E. Smith, Spring Creek.
John S. Roberts,
James H. Dennis, Chambersburg.
Wm. Thackwray, Flint.
L. J. Smitherman, Detroit.
J. 0. Bolin, Montezuma.
A. N. Hess, Pearl.
Augustus Akin, Perry.
T. H. Dimmilt, Griggsville.
Strother Grigsby, Newburg.
B. F. Westlake, Newburg.
J. G. Colvin, Hardin.
D. SoUis, Spring Creek.
James H. Dennis,
Wm. Thackwray, Flint.
L. J. Smitherman, Detroit.
E. N. French, Montezuma.
A. N. Hess, Pearl.
Harvey Dunn, Jr., Perry.
Thos. H. Dimmitt, Griggsville.
Nathan Kelley, Newburg.
B. C. Lindsay, Hardin.
David Hollis, Spring Creek.
John Vail, Fairmount.
1862.
Martinsburg, Ohaiiinan.
Wm. Morrison, Fairmount.
A. J. Mc Williams, New Salem.
D. A. Stanton, Pittsfield.
L. H. Stone, Pleasant Hill.
Wm. Grammar, Hadley.
J. B. Landrum, Derry.
J. G. Adams, Atlas.
Henry Wallace, Barry.
P. H. Davis, Pleasant Vale.
John Aron, Kinderhook.
1863.
Martinsburg, Chairman.
Wm. Morrison, Fairmount.
A, J. MoWilliams, New Salem.
S. R. Gray, Pittsfield.
A. Hemphill, Pleasant Hill.
Wm. Grammar, Hadley.
Thos. Harris, Derry.
J. G. Adams, Atlas.
Wm. P. Shields, Barry.
J. R. Thomas, Pleasant Vale.
John Aron, Kinderhook.
1864.
Chambersburg, Chairman.
John Preble, New Salem.
N. A. Wells, Pittsfield.
J. S. Roberts, Martinsburg.
Alex. Hemphill, Pleasant Hill.
Wm. Grammar, Hadley.
Thos. S. Harris, Derry.
J. G. Adams, Atlas.
Wm. P. Shields, Barry.
James Wallace, Pleasant Vale.
John G. Wheelock, Kinderhook.
1865.
P. H. Davis,
Jas, H. Dennis, Chambersburg.
Wm. TurnbuU, Flint.
L. J. Smitherman, Detroit.
Robert E. Gilliland, Montezuma.
A. N. Hess, Pearl.
John E. Morton, Perry.
T. H. Dimmitt, Griggsville.
Wm. J. Ross, Jr., Newburg.
Samuel Heavener, Hardin,
David Hollis, Spring Creek.
Pleasant Vale, Chairman.
John Vail, Fairmount.
Asahel Hinman, New Salem.
J. M. Bush, Pittsfield.
David Roberts, Martinsburg.
Alex. Hemphill, Pleasant Hill.
Wm. Grammar, Hadley.
Albert Landrum, Derry.
Wm Dustin, Atlas.
Wm. P. Shields, Barry.
John Q. Wheelock, Kinderhook.
1866.
James H. Dennis, Chambersburg, Chairman.
William Turnbull, Flint.
L. J. Smitherman, Detroit.
George Marks, Montezuma.
James M. Ferry, Pittsfield.
R. A. McClintock, Martinsburg,
A. F. Hemphill, Pleasant Hill.
314
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Joshua Hanks, Pearl.
John E. Morton, Perry.
T. H. Dimmitl, Griggsville.
Strother Grigsby, Newburg.
David Hollis,Spring Creek.
John Vail, Fairmount.
John Preble, New Salem.
James H. Dennis,
James L. Thompson, Flint.
L. J. Smitherman, Detroit.
John O. Bolin, Montezuma.
Joshua Hanks, Pearl.
John A. Morton, Perry.
Thomas H. Dimmitt, Griggsville,
Strother Grigsby, Newburg.
Jos. G. Colvin, Hardin.
David Hollis, Spring Creek.
John Vail, Fairmount.
James H. Dennis,
"William Anderson, Flint.
John W. Allen, Detroit.
James A. Brown, Montezuma.
Joshua Hanks, Pearl.
Harvey Thornbury, Perry.
T. H. Dimmitt, Griggsville.
Strother Grigsby, Newburg.
John C. Dinsmore, Hardin.
F. J. Halford, Spring Creek.
John Vail, Fairmount.
William Grammar, Hadley.
Albert Landrum, Derry.
J. G. Adams, Atlas.
William M. P. Shields, Barry.
James Wallace, Pleasant Vale.
R. M. Murray, Klnderhook.
1867.
Chambersburg, Chairman.
John Preble, New Salem.
George W. Jones, Pittsfield.
William M. McClintock, Martinsburg.
A. F. Hemphill, Pleasant Hill.
William Grammar, Hadley.
Albert Landrum, Derry.
J. G. Adams, Atlas.
M. Blair, Barry.
Perry H. Davis, Pleasant Vale.
Thomas Mclntire, Kinderhook.
1868.
Chambersburg, Ohairman.
John Preble, New Salem.
George W. Jones, Pittsfield.
John Melton, Martinsburg.
William Grammar, Hadley.
Albert Landrum, Derry.
Montgomery Blair, Barry.
P. H. Davis, Pleasant Vale.
A. J. Lovell, Pleasant Hill.
J. G. Adams, Atlas.
R. M. Murray, Kinderhook.
1869.
George W. Jones,
James H. Dennis, Chambersburg.
William Anderson, Flint.
John Lyster, Detroit,
James A. Brown, Montezuma.
David Hess, Pearl.
B. L. Matthews, Perry.
Noah Divilbiss, Perry.
T. H. Dimmitt, Griggsville.
B. P. Westlake, Newburg.
B. C. Lindsay, Hardin.
Frank J. Halford, Spring Creek.
Pittsfield, Chairman.
T. M. Coss, Fairmount.
John Preble, New Salem.
Joseph Turnbaugh, Martinsburg.
J. B. Harl, Pleasant Hill.
William Grammar, Hadley.
Maberry Evans, Derry.
A. Simpkins, Atlas.
Montgomery Blair, Barry.
P. H. Davis, Pleasant Hill.
John Aron, Kinderhook.
1870.
George W. Jones, Pittsfield, Chairman.
Lewis Ham, Chambersburg.
William Anderson, Flint.
isamuel Havden, Detroit.
James A. Brown, Montezuma.
George W. Roberts, Pearl.
B. L. Matthews, Perry.
T. H. Dimmitt, Griggsville.
Thompson J. Pulliam, Newburg.
Alvin Petty, Hardin.
F. J. Halford, Spring Creek.
Taylor M. Coss, Fairmount.
John Preble, New Salem.
John Brittain, Martinsburg.
A. J. Lovell, Pleasant Hill.
J. W. Burke, Derry.
William Dustin, Atlas.
M. Blair, Barry.
P. H. Davis, Pleasant Vale.
John Clutch, Kinderhook.
J
DERRY TP
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
317
1871.
George W. Jones
Lewis Ham, Chambersburg.
■William Anderson, Flint.
B. "W. Fiynn, Detroit.
James A. Brown, Montezuma.
Oeorge W. Roberts, Pearl.
Thomas Reynolds, Perry.
James McWilliams, Griggsville.
T. G. Pulliam, Newburg.
Francis Frye, Hardin.
T. J. Halford, Spring Greek.
, Pittsfleld, Chairman.
William Morrison, Fairmount.
John Preble, New Salem.
Hardin Goodin, Martinsburg.
A. J. Lovell, Pleasant Hill.
William Grammar, Hadley.
William Dustin, Atlas.
James W. Burke, Derry.
Calvin Davis, Barry.
M. D. Massie, Pleasant Vale.
John Clutch, Kinderhook.
1872.
George W. Jones, Pittsfleld, Chairman.
Lewis Ham, Chambersburg.
B. W. Fiynn, Detroit.
William T. Dugdell, Montezuma.
G. W. Roberts, Pearl.
Thomas Reynolds, Perry.
James McWilliams, Griggsville.
Strother Grigsby, Newburg.
Francis Frye, Hardin.
David Hollis, Spring Creek.
William Corey, Fairmount.
Lewis Ham,
David Pyle, Flint.
B. W. Fiynn, Detroit.
Milton Grimes, Montezuma.
George W. R')berts, Pearl.
Thomas Reynolds, Perry.
James McWilliams, Griggsville.
P. H. Cooper, Newburg.
Wright Hicks, Hardin.
F. J . Halford, Spring Creek.
William Corey, Fairmount.
James H. Dennis,
William Turnbull, Flint.
William Douglas, Detroit.
A. J. Worcester, Montezuma.
Andrew N. Hess, Pearl.
Thomas Reynolds, Perry.
James McWilliams, Griggsville.
Nathan Kelley, Newburg.
Wright Hicks, Hardin.
CO. Melton, Spring Creek.
William Corey, Fairmount.
John Preble, New Salem.
William Fowler, Martinsburg.
A. J. Lovell, Pleasant Hill.
William Grammar, Hadley.
J. W. Burke, Derry.
William Dustin, Atlas.
Calvin Davis, Barry.
M. D. Massie, Pleasant Vale.
John Clutch, Kinderhook.
1873.
Pittsfleld, Chairman.
Addison Cadwell, New Salem.
Lewis Dutton, Pittsfleld.
William Fowler, Martinsburg.
A. J. Lovell, Pleasant Hill.
William Grammar, Hadley.
Thomas H. Coley, Derry.
Josiah Long, Atlas.
John P. Grubb, Barry.
John Horn, Pleasant Vale.
John Clutch, Kinderhook.
1874.
Chambersburg, Chairman.
Addison Cadwell, New Salem.
Lewis Dutton, Pittsfleld.
Francis Fowler, Martinsburg.
A. J. Lovell, Pleasant Hill.
William Grammar, Hadley.
Maberry Evans, Derry.
J. G. Adams, Atlas.
Calvin Davis, Barry.
John B. Horn, Pleasant Vale.
J"ohn Clutch, Kinderhook.
1875.
William B. Grimes, Pittsfleld, Chairman.
3. L. Metz, Chambersburg. Addison Cadwell, New Salem.
Austin Wade, Flint. Thomas Aiton, Martinsburg.
Henry Moler, Detroit. A. J. Lovell, Pleasant Hill.
'A. J. Worcester, Montezuma. William Grammar, Hadley.
20
318
HISTOKY OF PIKE COUNTY.
D. W. Miller, Pearl.
Thomas Reynolds, Perry.
James Mc Williams, Griggsville.
J. H. Farrington, Hardin.
C. C. Melton, SpringCreek.
R. B. McLaughlin, Fairmount.
A. J. Worcester,
J. L. Metz, Chambersburg.
Joseph Wilson, Flint.
Henry Moler, Detroit.
G. W. Roberts, Pearl.
Z. Wade, Perry.
George Pratt, Griggsville.
C. P. Chapman, Newburg.
R. R. Pollock, Spring Creek.
R. B. McLaughlin, Fairmount.
Addison Cadwell, New Salem.
Wm. B. Grimes, Pittsfield.
J. W.
George Ham, Chambersburg.
Joseph Wilson, Flint.
David Btoner, Detroit.
Charles E. Bolin Montezuma.
A. N. Hess, Pearl.
Z. Wade, Perry.
George Pratt, Griggsville.
C; P. Chapman, Newburg.
Wright Hicks, Hardin.
W R. Wilson, Spring Creek.
R. B. McLaughlin, Fairmount.
Calvin
George Ham, Chambersburg.
Joseph Wilson, Flint.
W. T. Smith, Detroit.
C. E. Bolin, Montezuma.
G.W.Roberts, Pearl.
J. W. Grimes, Perry.
George Pratt, Griggsville.
C. P Chapman, Newburg.
J. H. Griffin, Hardin
M. W. Bogart, Spring Creek.
Dele Elder, Fairmount.
J. C. Newton, Chambersburg.
David Pyle, Flint.
B. W. Flynn, Detroit.
N. D. McEvans, Montezuma.
G. W. Roberts, Pearl.
Z. Wade, Perry.
George Pratt, Griggsville.
C. P. Chapman, Newburg.
George Main, Hardin.
C. C. Melton, Spring Creek.
Dele Elder, Fairmouat.
Maberry Evans, Derry.
J. G. Adams, Atlas.
Alex. White, Barry.
M. D. Massie, Pleasant Vale.
William Ross, Newburg.
R. M. Murray, Kinderhook.
1876.
Montezuma, Chairman.
Thomas Alton, Martinsburg.
A. J. Lovell, Pleasant Hill.
William Grammar, Hadley.
Maberry Evans, Derry.
Samuel Taylor, Atlas.t
W. F. White, Barry.
R. M! Murray, Kinderhook.
John W. Brammeil, Pleasant Vale.
J. H. Farrington, Hardin.
F. A. Douglas, Levee.
1877.
Burke, Derry, Oliairman.
Addison Cadwell, New Salem.
Lewis Dutton, Pittsfield.
William Fowler, Martinsburg.
Johu S. Lockwood, Pleasant Vale.
William Grammar Hadley.
Samuel Taylor, Atlas.
W. P. White, Barry.
F. L. Zernberg, Pleasant Hill.
R. .vl. Murray, Kinderhook.
Marcus Hardy, Levee.
1878.
Davis, Barry, Gludnnan.
John Preble, New Salem.
Lewis Dutton, Pittsfield.
P. H. Sullivan, Martinsburg.
A. L. Galloway, Pleasant Hill.
. H. L. Hadsell, Hadley.
T. H. Coley, Derry.
Samuel Taylor, Atlas.
J. 8. Lockwood, Pleasant Vale.
Samuel Clark, Kinderhook.
Marcus Hardy, Levee.
1879.
Abel Dunham, New Salem.
H. S. Lloyd, Pittsfield.
P. H. Sullivan, Martinsburg.
A. L. Galloway, Pleasant Hill.
Orrin Campbell, Hadlejr.
T. H. Coley, Derry.
C, B. Dustin, Atlas.
E. A. Crandall, Perry.
M. D. Massie, Pleasant Vale.
John Clutch, Kinderhook.
Marcus Hardy, Levee.
CHAPTER X.
BLACK HAWK WAK.
In November, 1830, 50 or 60 of the Sac and Fox tribes of Indians
came down on a hunting excursion and camped on Bay creek.
These tribes at that time were living on Rock river in the northern
part of the State, and wished once more to visit the scenes of their
former hunting-ground. Some little trouble occurred between
these Indians and the whites on account of the disappearance ot
hogs in the neighborhood. The settlers turned out and caught
some of the red men, tied them up and administered to them severe
flacrellations with withes, and they imnaediatelj' left the country,
never, with one or two exceptions, to return in a, body to Pike
county. This episode comes as near to anything of a warlike na-
ture, especially a hostile collision with the Indians, as any that we
have any record of occuring in Pike county.
In the fall of 1831 Black Hawk and his tribes appeared on Rock
, river, where they committed several petty depredations. The set-
tlers of Rock River and vicinity petitioned Gov. Reynolds for aid,
stating that " Last fall the Black Hawk band of Indians almost de-
stroyed all of our crops, and made several attacks on the owners
when they attempted to prevent their depredations, and wounded
one man by actually stabbing him in several places. This spring
they acted in a more outrageous and menacing manner." This pe-
tition represented that there were 600 or 700 Indians among them:
it was signed by 35 or 40 persons. Another petition sets forth that
" The Indians pasture their horses in our wheat-fields, shoot' our
cows and cattle and threaten to burn our houses over our heads if
we do not leave." Other statements place the Indians at not more
than 300.
According to these petitions, Grov. Reynolds in May, 1831, called
for 700 mounted men. Beardstown was the designated place of
rendezvous, and such were the sympathy and courage of the settlers
that the number offering themselves was nearly three times the num-
ber called out. They left Rushville for Rock Island June 15, 1831 ;
and on the 30th of the same month, in a council held for the pur-
pose. Black Hawk and 27 chiefs and warriors on one part, and Gen.
Edmund P. Gaines, of the U. S. army, and John Reynolds, Gov-
320 HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY.
ernor of Illinois, on the other part, signed a treaty of peace and
friendship. This capitulation bound the Indians to go and remain
west of the Mississippi river.
In April, 1832, in direct violation of the treaty above referred to,
Black Hawk, with some 500 followers, appeared again upon the scene
of action, and fear and excitement spread through the length and
breadth of the State. To again drive them from the State, Gov.
Reynolds called on the Militia April 16, 1832.
TROOPS EAISED IN PIKE COUNTY.
No sooner had volunteers been called for than every county and
settlement throughout this portion of the State promptly responded.
Nowhere, however, was such alacrity shown in answering the
call as in Pike county. The hearts of the sturdy pioneers were
easily touched by the stories of depredations by the Indians. These
stories were doubtless greatly exaggerated, yet the frontiersmen
who knew the subtlety and treachery of the red men well knew
they could not be trusted; and almost any crime was expected of
them.
Col. Wm. Eoss, then Captain of the Pike County Militia Com-
pany, received word from the Governor on Friday, the 20th, and
he immediately issued the following :
" CoMPASY Obdbbs. — The volunteer company of Pike county will meet at Atlas,
on Monday, the 23d inst., ready to take up their march by sun-rise, except such
part of the company as are living on the east side of said county, which pai't will
meet the company at the house of William Henman, about four miles this side of
Phillip's Ferry, on the same day, all with a good horse, and rifle, powder-horn,
half pound of powder, and one hundred balls, with three days' provision^. The
commanding officer of said company flatters himself that every man will be
prompt to his duty.
[Signed,] " W. Ross, Capt. 1st Rifles, Pike Co.
" April, 1833."
The Captain then called upon Beiij. Barney at his blacksmith
siiop and told him of the nature of the order he had received, and
for him to forthwith mount a horse and start out to notify the set-
tlers to assemble immediately. Mr. Barney was engaged at his
forge at the time, making a plow ; but he straightway laid down
hammer and tongs, untied his leathern apron, left his fire to
smolder and die, and Started immediately upon his mission. He
first went to a man at the mouth of Blue creek ; from thence he
made a circuit of the county, appealing to all to assemble at Atlas
wiihout delay. He tells us that almost all of them left their work
■ and started immediately.
The men having assembled at Atlas, the martial band began to
discourse lively music to stir the patriotism of the militia-men
to a high pitch so that they would enlist for the service. The
' music did not seem to " enthuse " them with as great a desire to
enlist as their leaders had anticipated. Something more potent
must be had ; so two buckets of whisky were summoned to their
HISTORY OF PUCK COUNTY. 321
aid; the men were formed in two lines facing each other, and wide
enough apart to admit of two men walking up and down the line
between them. Capt. Ross and Lieut. Seeley started down the line,
each with a bucket of liquor ; two boys followed with water, and
then came the music, it was understood that those who would
fall in after the music would enlist for service. By the time the
third round was made 100 men were in line, which was even more
than the quota of this county under that call. Win. Eoss was
elected Captain and Benj. Barney, 1st Lieutenant. The company
adjourned to meet at Griggsville on the following day at 10 o'clock
A. M. The men went to their homes in various parts of the county
to notify their families of their enlistment and to make slight
preparations for their journey. We are told that with four or five
exceptions, and those lived along the Illinois river, every man was
at Griggsville by sunrise on the day appointed.
The company then started for Beardstown, the place of rendez-
vous for the troops in this part of the State. The Illinois river
was very high and much difficulty was experienced in crossing it.
The ferry would carry but six horses at a time ; and while waiting
for transportation the horses stood in mud up to their knees. It
was a gloomy time and they had no liquor with which to cheer up
the new volunteers. Capt. Ross was among the first to cross over,
while Lieut. Barney remained with the men upon the western bank.
Great dissatisfaction was being manifested by the men under Lieut.
Barney, who were waiting in the mud and water to cross the river,
all of whom did not get over until 11 o'clock that night. Lieut.
Barney sent word to Capt. Ross to forward him a jug of whisky.
This was done ; a fire was built,, striking it by the flint locks of
their guns; the whisky was distributed, and once more the troops
were in good spirits and ready for any hardship.
The Pike county troops arrived at Beardstown the next day, be-
ing the first companj'' to reach that point. The Governor and some
of the leading oflicers were already there. It was found that the
Pike county company was too large; it accordingly was divided
and formed into two companies. Lieut. Barney was chosen Cap-
tain of one of these, and Joseph Petty, Captain of the other.
James Ross was elected 1st Lieutenant of Capt. Petty's company,
and a Mr. Allen, of Capt. Barney's company. Capt. Koss was
chosen Colonel and aid of the cotumanding General. It was he
who appointed Abraham Lincoln, our martyr President, to the
Captaincy of one of the Sangamon county companies in this war.
The troops marched from Beardstown to Rock Island, where
they were mustered into the United States service by Gen. Zachary
Taylor. At Fort Armstrong, which was at that point, there were
then only about 50 United States troops. The Pike county volun-
teers, with others, then marched up toward Dixon on Rock river,
the course the Indians had taken. They followed them for some
days, but did not overtake them or encounter them in any engage-
ment. During the entire campaign the Pike county troops did
322 HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY.
not meet the foe in battle array; not a leaden ball was shot at any
of these men during the 50 days they were out. During this time
they ran short ot provisions, and sent to Chicago, but in that pres-
ent great city, where millions of hogs are slaughtered annually and
the greatest grain market in the world exists, they could not get a
barrel of pork or of flour. The Pike county volunteers then went
to Ottawa and shared with some troops at that point. They ob-
tained rations enough there to last them about three days, when
they marched on down the river to the rapids, where there was a
boat filled with United States provisions. There they drew rations
for tlieir homeward march. Capt. Barney drew seven days' rations
for ills men, but Capt. Petty thought they would get home in three
or four days, so only drew four days' rations, much to the regret of
the hungry stomachs of his men,- as it took them longer to get
home than he had anticipated. The privates of this call received
$8 a month, and were paid off that fall by United States agents,
who came to Atlas.
THE STAMPEDE.
\
While in the northern part of the State four regiments of troops
camped together, among whom were the men from this county.
They formed a hollow square, upon the inside of which were the
officers' tents. The horses, about 1,000 in number, were guarded
in a corral outside of the square. In the dead hour of night, when
not a light remained burning, and the slow tread of the faithful
sentinel was the only sound that broke the silence, the horses
became frightened and stampeded. In the wildest rage they dashed
forward, whither they knew not ; they headed toward the camp of
slumbering soldiers, and in all the mad fury of frightened brutes
they dashed forward over cannon, tents and men, wounding several
of the latter quite severely. The troops heard their coming and
supposed each wild steed was ridden by a wilder and less humane
red-skin ; the treacherous and subtle toe was momentarily expected
and the frightened men thought they were now coming down upon
them. They had all heard of the night attack upon the rangers at
the famous battle of Tippecanoe, and feared a repetition of that
night's bloody work. Capt. Barney, with quickness of thought and
military skill, in a loud voice gave orders for his men to form at
the rear of their tents. He hallooed lustily, and when he went up
and down the line feeling his way he found every man in his place.
The commanding officers hearing the Captain's orders and knowing
there would be safety with his company if anywhere, ran to him.
Fortunately the horses were riderless, which was soon discovered,
and then the frightened men began joking. Col. De Witt joked
Capt. Barney considerably about his hallooing so loud, when Gen.
Taylor spoke up and said he was glad the Captain was so prompt
to'give orders for his men to form, as it showed a soldierly disposi-
tion ; besides, it let him know where he might go for safety.
A third company subsequently went from Pike county under
HISTOEY OF PIKE COPNTT. 323
Capt. Hale and Lieut. David Seeley : about 50 men composed this
company of mounted riflemen. They enlisted for three months
and participated in the famous battle of Bad-Ax.
The people of this county were not disturbed by the Indians at
this time, but so timid were they that they were easily frightened.
The following incident is related by Samuel Clark, of Kinder-
hook township. In 1832, during the Black Hawk war, a man
while passing a neighbor's house heard the cries of a child who was
in the hduse. He supposed the Indians were within committing
their foul deeds, and accordingly raised the alarm that the Indians
were there murdering all the members of the family, and every-
body who came that way. This created the greatest consternation
in the settlement, for the people had heard of the bloody deeds
committed upon the settlers in the northern part of the State.
The settlers fled for safety. Some went to the fort, others ran
hither and thither they knew not where. One very large fleshy
woman mounted a horse and rode in the direction of the fort at full
speed. She came to a ditch about ten feet wide and as many feet
deep; the horse halted, but she urged him to jump, which he did
at great peril, but fortunately landed safely on the opposite side.
After the people had become quite exhausted with running they
learned that no Indians were near, but that the yells came from the
child because his father was chastising it.
CHAPTER XI.
CRIMINAL RECORD.
INTEODUCTOKT.
Since the two Indians, Shonwennekek andPemesan, were indicted
for murder, there have been 41 other indictnaents for this grave
crime returned by the grand juries of Pike county, many of which
included more than one individual. This represents a long and
bloody calendar, a stain that every good citizen would have blotted
out were it possible. It has been made by the blood of many vic-
tims, dyed in crimson never to be erased, and we only record what
has occurred. Wlio can picture . the agony of heart, the remorse,
the anguish of mind, to say nothing of the physical pains caused
by these bloody deeds ? Both the victim and his friends, as well as
the perpetrator of the crime, have suffered untold misery.
Often has the deadly weapon been brought into use on the slight- ■
est pretext. A moment after he had taken the life of his victim
and he had realized that his hands were stained with the life-blood
of a fellow man, the perpetrator of the deed would have given every-
thing he possessed or ever hoped for, and in some cases life itself,
could he but recall the deed; but alas ! it is done, never to be
undone. The feeling has not been thus in every instance where
the bloody victim fell at the feet of the man-slayer, but frequently
so. Sometimes the joy was great when he who sent the deadly
messenger saw its work well done.
Among this long catalogue of criminals only one has ever suffer-
ed the extreme penalty of the law, and most of them have had light
punishment. We begin with the first person indicted for murder,
and give every indictment during the county's existence. There
are a multitude of cases of murder or manslaughter of which we
make no mention, as no indictments were made for want of suffi-
cient evidence.
Pemesan and Shonwennekek.
(Two Indians.)
These Indians were indicted Oct. 2, 1821, at the very first term
of Court held in Pike county, for the murder of a Frenchman. The
HISTOKY OF PIKE COUNTY. 325
evidence showing, however, that the shooting of the deceased was
more an act of carelessness than of premeditated murder, the
next morning the jury returned a verdict for manslaughter on the
part of Pemesan, or " Traveler," and that Shonwennekek, or " Spice-
bush," was not guilty. The Court had assigned Daniel P. Cook
and Polemon II. Winchester as counsel for the Indians, and John
Shaw and Jean Baptist Patelle were the sworn interpreters. No
attoi-ncy for the people appears on record, but of course there must
have been such an officer present. It appears that these Indians
were out hunting one day, and when the Frenchman suddenly ap-
peared in view in the distance they took him to be a deer or some
other animal, and Pemesan immediately fired atid killed him. No
sooner was this done than they discovered their mistake, and Shon-
wennekek proposed that they run away; but Pemesan argued that
as it was an accident the whites would do them no harm.' There-
upon they immediately surrendered tli6mselves to a magistrate.
Peraesan's punishment was a tine of 25 cents and imprisonment
for 24 hours. He accordingly paid the fine and served out his sen-
tence in a rail pen which was guarded for the occasion.
Charles Collins, James Whitly, Alfred Miller and James
Stockton.
These parties were indicted for murder May, 2, 1843, but after
their case was continued from term to term with hopes of arresting
them, they were never found.
Wmship Moreton
was indicted Sept. 10, 1841, but the following April his case
was stricken from the docket.
John Bartholomew, et~al.
were indicted April 5, 1848, for the murder of John Crewson,
or Cruson, near the Mississippi river a iewdays preceding (March
29 ), while the latter was hauling a log for the rafting. He was
shot beside his team. The others indicted with Bartholomew were
Benj. Chouls and John Stipp. The two latter took a change of
venue to Adams county, where a nolle prosequi was entered April
2, 1849. Bartholomew's case was continued from term to term
until Sept, 12, 1853, when it was stricken from the docket.
John McGuyre
was indicted Sept. 6, 1849, for the murder of Wm. Bennett near
Phillip's Ferry, Sept. 1, preceding. That day McGuyre went to
the house of Mr. Pease where Mr. Bennett was and urged him to
go gunning, but which, by the solicitation of Mr. Pease, he declined
doing. McGuyre left and returned about sun-down, when Pease and
Bennett were eating their supper, who invited him to partake ; he
■326 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
refused, saying, " G — d d — n you! 1 ain tired waiting for you and
" am going to shoot you now." He immediately fired a load of buck-
shot, which struck Bennett in the face, killing him. McGuyre
commenced reloading his gun with the declared intention of kill-
ing Pease, but the latter made his escape and raised the alarm.
McGuyre ran away but was arrested on the 6th and taken before
the Circuit Court then in session, and at first pleaded guilty ; but
after the consequence of such a plea was explained to him, he pleaded
not guilty, and for want of time hi^ case was continued to the
next term of Court. McGuyre broke jail twice: the first time he
was caught at McGee's creek, in crossing which he came very
near being drowned, and the second time he got out through the
wall, a stone having been removed by the aid of friends outside.
This was effected without awaking a family which was asleep di-
rectly above. He has never been re-taken, and his case was finally
stricken from the docket with leave to reinstate.
George Kesterson
was indicted for murder March 29, 1851, but for some reason was
never brought to trial.
Philip Wilcox
"was indicted Oct. 11, 1851, and he also was never tried.
Preston F. Groves
was indicted March 23, 1853, for the murder of Eobert Carr, about
5 miles east of Pittsfield. Both these parties were married men
and frequented a house of ill repute. Groves was 'tried and acquit-
ted March 28, 1853.
Jonathan W. Hutchinson.
P This man was indicted Nov. 2T, 1854, for killing Francis P-
Wells in Brown county. A change of venue had been taken from
that county, his case was tried at Pittsfield, and after the jury was
out several days it brought in a verdict of not guilty, Sept. 18,
1855.
Hugh W. Wren
was indicted Sept. 14, 1855, for manslaughter ; about a fortnight
afterward his bail was forfeited by his escape and his case was
never brought to trial.
James Daniels
was accused of killing Newton Soules in Calhoun county in_ a
saloon. Soules had burned his hair previously. Daniels was in-
dicted in the Pike county Court Sept. 12, 1866 ; but Aug. 5, 1869,
his case was discontinued.
HISTOEY OF PJKE COUNTY. 327
Stephen Cole et. at.
were, according to the record, indicted for murder March 9, 1857-
In this suit it seems that no parties were ever brought to trial.
Robert Ellis.
This criminal was indicted April 14, 1860, for the murder of
Benj. F. Wade, Dec. 23 preceding, a little west of Detroit. Wade
broke Ellis' whisky bottle and a quarrel ensued which resulted in
the fatal affray in the yard of Francis Phillips. Ellis stabbed
Wade with a large pocket-kniie. Ellis pleaded not guilty but was
convicted of manslaughter Nov. 24, 1860, and sentenced to one year
in the penitentiary^.
Edwin G. Hendriok.
This party was indicted Aug. 10, 1860, for poisoning to death
Emeline Amanda Hendrick. He pleaded not guilty, was tried,
and, after the jury had two days' consultation, he was acquitted.
James Likes^ Simon Likes, Lyman Likes, Philip JYeal, Christo-
pher Neal and Wm. Bothwick.
The indictment in this case, Nov. 23, 1860, was for the murder
of Samuel Macumber, an innocent man about 65 years of age,
living in Barry township, and who was killed Oct. 23, 1860. The
parties set upon their victim in cold blood and killed him with
clubs and stones. Maciimber was a Baptist minister, who had
married the mother of the Neals, and it was alleged that he mal-
treated her in some way. After trial all the indicted parties were
acquitted Dec. 8,1860, except Christopher Neal, who was convicted
of manslaughter and sentenced for life, and James Likes was
acquitted the next term of Court.
Thomas Johnson, Fielding Johnson, John Hopkins, Andrew J.
Winsor, Mary Pearson, JvMa Bell, Angeline Bell and Hampton
Winsor.
These parties were indicted during the spring term of Court in
1*863, for the murder of Andrew J. Pearson, in Flint township.
The victim, a farmer, was found murdered by hanging, and robbed.
November 18, 1862, Pearson started from his house in search of
some of his stock. ' Night came on and he did not return. Suspicion
was aroused, inquiries and search were made, and finally his body
was found in a ravine, a half mile from home, covered up with
leaves, brush, etc. : two hundred dollars in money had been taken
from his person. The robbers also went to his house,- and, finding
no one at home, they entered it and took about seventy dollars more,
which they found in a bureau. They then took a good horse and
. decamped. Of the above parties, some were directly accused by the
328 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
indictment, some impleaded with them, and severances were ob-
•tained. Some of them were desperadoes from Missouri; some of
the parties took a cliange of venue to Brown county. The result
of the whole prosecution was, that Thomas Jolmson and John Hop-
kins were convictedof manslaughter April 27, 1863, and sentenced
for life; Fielding Johnson was convicted of the same and sentenced
for 20 years, and the rest were discliarged.
During the trial the guilty criminals pleaded guilty of man-
slaughter, confessing as follows: They lived in Missouri, were
rebels in Porter's army, which subsequently disbanded. They worked
several days for a neighbor of Pearson's named Diinmitt, and spent
several evenings at Mr. Pearson's house. This man and his wife,
Mary (impleaded above), frequently quarreled. The night previous
to the murder they had an unusually wicked altercation, after which
Mrs. P. went into a. fit. After coming out 'she told the accused
that if they would kill Pearson she would give them a horse. The
girls, Julia and Angeline Bell, her daughters by a former husband,
also expressed the wish that they should kill him. The next morn-
ing they invited Pearson out for a walk and told him they were
going to hang him. He said he did not blame them. Two of them
' held him up while the ot'.ier adjusted the rope. He did not resist nor
struggle. After he was dead they took sixty dollars from his pocket,
carried it to the house and reported what they had done. All were
rejoiced and gave the prisoners ten dollars apiece. Mrs. Pearson
gave them a horse, "asking them not to betray her, and they started
for Missouri. The daughters asked for and received a lock of their
hair for mementoes, and a parting kiss.
The young men wei-e not over twenty years of age, did not look
like criminals, and were said to be respectfully connected.
John W. Parks and Henry C. Price.
These parties were indicted Apr. 18, 1864, for the murder of Peter
0. Staats, an old settler of Hadley township, on the road between
New Salem and Maysville. Staats was twice shot in the back, one
ball coming out at the breast. The accused took a change of venue
to Adams county and were finally acquitted.
George Crow, cdias Roselle^
was indicted April 19, 1864, for the murder of a Mr. Gard.
May 21, following, he broke jail, and the shooting necessary to his
capture June 11, in Greene county, resulted in his death the next
day in jail.
Austin and Abraham Stevens
were, according to the records, indicted April 19, 1864, for murder,
but it appears that there was never any trial of the case.
HI8T0ET OF PIKE COUNTY. 329
Wm. W. Moore and J. S. Wilson
were indicted the same day for being accessory after the fact of the
murder. They moved their case to Brown county, and from the
evidence elicited it appears that young Moore, only sixteen years
of age, had killed John Ziff, living near Pittsfield. Mr. Moore's
father and Ziff had a dispute about some wood which Moore had
been cutting on land which Ziff claimed and which Moore had
rented. Ziff struck Moore with an ax, knocking him down and
then stamping upon him. The lad seeing his father in this condi-
tion, ran up and struck Ziff a blow upon the top of his head with
the edge of an ax, thus literally cleaving his head clear to his
fihoiilders.
Samuel Evans and Matthew Oilmer, Gilmore, or Gilmaw
These men were indicted Nov. 29, 186i, for killing Cornelius
Myers, Evans being a resident of Montezuma. They broke jail, and
after several months Evans was recaptured in Tennessee. He took a
change of venue to Brown county, where he was convicted of man-
slaughter and sentenced for twelve years in the State prison. There
he became insane, and after his release he stole a horse, was ar-
rested, and while in jail his insanity became so marked that he was
finally sent to the asylum at Jacksonville.
CJvas. Srummell or Brumhle, -etc.
This rascal, whose name was spelled half a dozen different ways'
was indicted March 15, 1866, for the murder of Edward Garrison,
of New Canton. The fatal deed was perpetrated by stabbing the
victim with a pocket-knife. Sept. 19, 1867, he was convicted of
the charge and sentenced to State prison for three years.
Name not Given.
Although not strictly within the purview of this chapter, we may
mention here, as the parties were both residents of Griggsville, this
county, that Dr. J. II. Caldwell, of that place, went to Texas in May
or June, 1868, employing a young man to accompany him, who, on
the 24:th of June, murdered and robbed the doctor, but was sum-
marily lynched by the infuriated people when the deed occurred.
Mc Wright Murray
was indicted for murder in 1869, but the case was ultimately
stricken from the docket.
Joseph Daul and Anthony Scheiner.
These criminals were indicted April 20, 1869, for committing
murder in "Brown county, as the result of an affray connected with
the burning of show tents at Mount Sterling. A change of venue
330 HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY.
was taken to Pike county, and after a two dajs' trial the chaps were
•sentenced to 15 years' liard labor.
Capt. Wm. E. Stout.
This man was indicted April 6, 1871, charged with the murder
of a Mr. Kimball, at Cockle-bur slough, the preceding year. By
change of venue his case was taken to the Brown county Court.
Samuel Douglas
was the homicide who beat to death James Sapp, June 12, 1871,
near Pleasant Hill. At the tirst beating he left Mr. Sapp lying
prostrate, and induced a Mr. McKenna to accompany him to the
place, who tried to lift him up, when Douglas gave the poor vic-
tim several additional blows, from which he died a few days after-
ward. Douglas and McKenna were both arrested, but the latter
was dismissed for want of evidence against him. Douglas was held
for manslanghter^ the indictment being made Oct. 12, 1871. He
was convicted and sentenced ISTov. 29, 1871, for six and a half years
in the penitentiary.
John Shannahan.
Sept. 16, 1871, in Pleasant Yale township, Wm. Hall claimed
that Shannahan had said somethingmean^bout him, and proceeded
to assault him with a club. The latter warded off the blow, snatched
the chib from Hall, who then started to run away; Shannahan,
however, soon overtook him, struck him on the head with the club,
knocking him over into a gully senseless, and Shannahan tumbling
down with him. Hall's ankle was broken in the fall, and he died
soon afterward. Shannahan was arrested and committed to jail,
where he suffered from a feeble constitution and a diseased leg,
which had to be amputated. He was indicted by the grand jury,
Oct. 12, 1871, but he died before the trial took place.
Bartholomew Barnes.
The only execution ever taking place in Pike county was that of
Bartholomew Barnes, Dec. 29, 1871, in the Pittsfield jail-yard, for
the murder of John Gresham in Calhoun county. The snil; was
first instituted in that county, and a change of venue being taken
to this county, the case was called at the session of the Pike
county Circuit Court Nov. 27, 1871 ; and after a thorough trial the
traverse jury returned a verdict of guilty of murder in the first de-
gree, and that he should suffer death by hanging. The particulars
of the murder are well condensed in Judge Higbee's sentence given
Dec. 6, as below. The court-house was crowded to overflowing
with ladies and gentlemen to hear the sentence of death pronounced
upon the young convict. At 10| a, m. he was brought in to re-
ceive his sentence. Death-like stillness reigned within the room,
HISTORY OF PIKE COtTNTY. 331
as the Judge, in a solemn and impressive manner, addressed him,
broken only by the prisoner, who, standing with brazen effrontery ,^
gave vent occasionally to protests oF innocence. The Judge said:
" In discharging the unpleasant duty required of me by the law,
it seems proper that I should place on the files of this Court a brief
statement of the facts and proofs whicli render it the duty of the
Court to pronounce a judgment which is to deprive a human being
of his life.
" By the record in this case it appears that you were indicted at
the May term of the Calhoun Circuit Court, 1871, for the murder
of John Gresham, and the case was brought here on a change of
venue for trial; that thei-e is uo prejudice in- this county which
would injuriously affect your rights is sufficiently manifest by the
fact that the crime for which you have been tried was committed
in another county; and of the twelve jurors selected for your trial
every one has stated under oath that he never heard of the case un-
til called into the jury box.
"From the evidence it appears that somewhere about the first
of February last, for some cause (which is not apparent) you
became very much enraged against the deceased in the town of Pleas-
ant Hill and threatened to whip him. When told by the town con-
stable that that would not be permitted and that he would arrest
you if you did not keep quiet, you said that jon would see the de-
ceased at same other time and tear his heart out. On the 27th day
of February tlie deceased, his son ( 15 years of age ) and yourself,,
were ini Clarksville, Mo., and crossed the river on your return, in
the afternoon in the same boat, the deceased and his son within a
wagon; and after the boat landed, as they were leaving the river
for home, you asked the privilege of riding with them, to which
the boy objected, his father being quite drunk at the time. You
then said to them that if they would let yoxi ride you would be
quiet and peaceable; whereupon the deceased consented, and you
got into the wagon and seated yourself on a board beside the
deceased, the boy standing up in front driving. You had gone
but a short distance when some words passed, but no blows or
attempts to strike ensued, and you jumped out, saying, 'You
d d old son of a bitch!' At the time you jumped out the
board on which the deceased was sitting tipped up and he fell
out on the other side on his back near the wagon and near to a fence.
You ran back to the wagon and to where the deceased lay, and
turning your back to the fence, you seized the rails with which to
steady yourself, and with the deceased still lying on his back im-
mediately in front of you, with the heel of your boot you stamped
his face, head and breast until yoii killed him. The evidence shows
that in this brutal manner, and when the deceased was lying on
his back perfectly helpless, in the presence of his son and another
witness who was near by, you stamped from eight to ten times,
breaking his nose, cheek-bone and jaw, and crushing out one eye,
and forced the heel of your boot through his skull into his brain
332 HISTOET OF riKE COUNTY.
more than an inch in depth, and so crushed and disfigured his face
that it could not be recognized by Dr. Thomas, who had lived a
near neighbor to deceased for 20 years.
r'» " While engaged in this work of deatli, Mr. Ojler, who was a
short distance off and saw it all, hallooed and started to run to you.
On seeing him you jumped over the fence and started to run. You
were pursued and captured in a few minutes, and blood was found
all over the heel of your boot, with hair and whiskers still adhering
to it. Soon afterward you declared that you had not seen deceased
on that day.
"In answer to all this proof you produced a single witness, your
brother, who testified that in the fall of 1869 deceased made some
threats against you, which, so far as the evidence shows, he never
attempted to execute. J3eyond this you offer no explanation or
justification of this dreadful crime.
" Upon this proof the jury have found you guilty of murder, aud
their verdict declares that you shall suffer death by hanging. Tou
have been well defended by able attorneys, fairly tried, and, as it
seems to me, properly convicted; and it only remains now for the
Court to pronounce the judgment of the law, which is, to deprive
you of your life. Unpleasant as this duty is, I am not at liberty
to shrink from it. You have deprived John Gresham of his life by
a foul and brutal murder, and the law demands your life as the pen-
alty. As the time which can be extended to you to prepare to
meet this dreadful punishment is limited by law, let me admonish
yon not to spend it in vain efforts to arrest your doom, but rather
devote every moment of the time allotted you to prepare for the
final trial wherein injustice is never done and where all must
answer for every act of his life. It is^the order of this Court, Bar-
tholomew Barnes, that you be taken from here to the county jail of
this county and there confined until Friday, the twenty-ninth day
of December, 1871, and that between the hours of 10 o'clock a. m.
and 3. p. m. of said day, in said jail, and in the presence of the wit-
nesses required by law, hanged by the neck until you are dead."
We take the following account of the execution from the Old
J^^of Jan. 4. 1872:
" The dreadful day having arrived, a large crowd gathered around
the jail, which increased constantly as the hour of execution ap-
proached. There was no disturbance, however, the anxiety of sus-
pense seeming to pervade the throng and keep thera quiet, and
waiting almost with suspended breath until the tragedy was over.
The execution was delayed until afternoon in order to give the
prisoner all the time possible. About half past one, or later, in
company with the physicians, the jury and others, we were admitted
to the Sheriff's room and waited the last preparations for the final
scene. The leave-taking of the brother and sister and relatives of
the prisoner we did not witness. At about a quarter past two the
great iron door leading from the Sheriff's room into the hall of the
jail was unbarred, and those in waiting entered the hall and took
PIKE COUNTY JAIL
HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY. 335
places in front of the scaffold and waited with uncovered heads the
appearance of the prisoner. "We need hardly tell our readers there
was stillness in that company and that all sound was hushed ex-
cept the long-drawn breathings of men who knew they stood in
the chamber of Death, that a living mortal man was soon to be his
victim, and that a fellow being was within a few moments of eternity
and judgment. There was the scaffold, rather a rough-looking
structure, and of larger dimensions than we had expected to see;
above it, from a pulley fastened to a beam, hung a rope apparently
about half an inch in thickness, with knot and noose on the end
of it.
"As we stood, there contemplating the scene, and held our watch
to note the time, some few remarks were made in a whisper and
several times a reporter asked us, ' What time is it now V Seven-
teen minutes past two, eighteen minutes, nineteen minutes, each
elapsing minute increasing the anxiety of suspense and expectation;
twenty minutes, and the Sheriff and prisoner, accompanied with
deputies and ministers, appeared on the corridor and descended
one flight of steps and ascended the other which led to the scaffold.
The prisoner was pale from long contiaement, but we could not
say that he flinched or quailed at the sight of the gallows or when
standing on the platform. When his eyes first caught sight of
scaffold and rope there was an expression of surprise which was
momentary, and that was all. He was well dressed in a black suit
with a tine shirt, white stockings and slippers, and looked like a
gentleman. He was told to be seated on a seat of boards that had
been prepared, which he did. Revs. Priestly and Johnsey, Methodist
preachers, sitting on each side of him. They sat only for a moment
when deputy Landrum told him to stand up, which he did. They
both stood close to the grated window when the death warrant was
read to him by Mr. Landrum distinctly, but with evident emotion,
and was heard by the prisoner attentively, but without any mani-
festations whatever. When the reading was over and Mr. Landrum
had folded the paper, ' Let us pray ' was announced, and a prayer
was pronounced by Eev. Mr. Johnsey, which to our ear was some-
what peculiar if not poetical, the prisoner all the while uttering
fervid ejaculations, such as, 'O Lord, have mercy on my soul!'
On rising from his knees after the prayer he deliberately stepped
forward, and taking the rope in his right hand, passed the noose
into his left and seemed to take a careful look at it. He was then
told, if he had any thing to say, to say it now. He hesitated a
moment as if not fully comprehending what was meant; but upon
being told a second time, he said, ' Well, I say that I believe all
my sins have been pardoned; and Itliank the jailor for his kindness
to me, and I hope that no one will ever again be hung.' He was
then told to take farewell of all; and having shaken hands with the
ministers, Sheriff and attendants, he asked leave to pray once him-
self, and was told to <io so, when, kneeling down with his face
toward the window in the west, he said, as we understood, ' 0 Lord,
21
336 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
I pray the.e to forgive mj sins, to save ray soul and take me to
heaven,' repeating the petitions, as we thought, twice or more.
He then arose and stepped forward on the trap, and the rope was
put over his head and adjusted about his neck, and the black cap
drawn over his face, his hands and feet having been previously tied,
he all the while praying, ' O Lord, save my soul."
"This was the most solemn and anxious moment of the execution,
both to the doomed man and to the spectators. There stood a
man on the immediate coniines of two worlds, just ready to step
into eternity and know the grand secret; only one moment more
to live in this life.
" The cap was drawn over his face at twenty-five minutes past two;
the elapsing seconds now seemed as long as minutes; the Sheriff
and an attendant were the last to come down from the steps. The
fatal lever which should spring the trap was at the bottom, con-
cealed by a piece of carpet. 'What time is it now?' said the re-
porter to us. Twenty-five minutes and fifteen seconds past two,
and quick as a flash the man who was standing on the scaffold and
still saying, ' O Lord, save my soul,' dropped till his head hung
more than six inches below. There was no noise more than the
sudden tightening of the cord with a heavy weight would.occasion.
A trap door swung into a niche prepared to receive it and remained
there. The rope had been perfectly tested and did not stretch the
least. The fall was more than six feet. His neck had been instantly
broken and all pain was over. The victim did not struggle at all.
At the end of the first minute there was a slight motion of the feet
and limbs, swaying slightly, which was continued until after the
end of the second minute, and evidently caused by muscular con-
traction. At the end of three and a half minutes there was one
violent and last contraction of muscle; shoulders heaved and the
whole body was lifted up, and then relapsed and hung motionless;
at the end of twenty minutes the doctors pronounced Barnes dead,
and at the end of twenty-five minutes the body was cut down and
laid out, while a further examination was made by the doctors, who
pronounced his neck broken and his life to be extinct; at the end
of thirty minutes from the time of the drop and within about five
minutes of 3 o'clock he was placed in a cofiSn and at once carried
out and delivered to his relatives to be taken to Pleasant Hill for
buriah"
The preparations for the hanging had been very complete, and
there was not a single mistake or slightest failure in any particular;
and Sherift' McFarland deserves praise for the manner in which he
bore himself and performed his melancholy duties.
Barnes made a " confession '' in which he insisted to the last that
he did not mean to kill G-resham, and claimed that he was drnnk
and did not know what he was about. The warrant was printed it
a very large plain hand by the pen of doctor J. J. Topliff, who was
Circuit Clerk at the time. •
mSTOKY OF PIKE COUNT!. 337
John Barnes,
cousin of the preceding, was indicted N"ov. 29, 1871, for the murder
of McLaughlin, in Detroit, on the sixteenth of that month. Tlie
name of the murdered man was ascertained only by its being
marked on his arm with India ink. Both tlie men had been in a
saloon drinking and had had a quarrel about a red ball. McLaugh-
lin shook his fist in Barnes' face and told him not to open his face
again about it. He turned around, and when his eyes were averted
Barnes jumped to his feet having a knife in his hand which he swung
with great force, the blade striking McLaughlin's face and neck, sev-
ering the jugular vein and windpipe and completely cutting his
throat. Barnes then made a back stroke which missed McLaughlin,
who then staggered into a back room and fell dead. Barnes was
immediately arrested and committed to the Pittsfield, jail where,
sometime after his indictment, he gradually wasted away with pul-
monary consumption and died.
Jack Connor, alias Wm. G. Walton, and Ghas. Berry,
were indicted in the Pike Circuit Court Oct. 18, 1872, for man-
slaughter. April 11, 1873, Connor was acquitted and Berry was
convicted and sentenced for one year.
Peter B. Ford.
On the night of May 3, 1872, George DeHaven, of Barry, was
killed on a shebang boat just above Florence, by Peter B. Ford.
Two disreputable women and two or three low-lived men were on
board. " Tack," Henry Schaifner and DeHaven came on the boat,
which was owned by the Fords. After drinking awhile Tack
hauled open his coat and declared he was the best man on board, and
attacked Elisha N. Ford. At the same time DeHaven sprang at
Peter Ford with brass knuckles on one hand and a cocked revolver
in the other, pointed at Peter's breast. Peter knocked the revolver
aside and shot DeHaven, who died in about 20 minutes. Elisha
and the two women were arrested, but after examination were dis-
charged. Peter was also arrested, and indicted Oct. 21, 1872, for
murder, was convicted, and " sent up " for 18 years. A motion for
a uew trial was made, but denied, and the sentence was executed.
James Bay and L. J. Hall.
At Pleasant Hill, June 22, 1872, L. J. Hall, a grocer, had a
controversy with a Mr. McGinn, when a young man named James
Eay interfered, knocking McGinn down with a beer glass and beating
him and stamping upon him. Hall meanwhile keeping off all who
would interfere. When the beating ceased McGinn was found
dead. Hall then gave Ray some money, telling him to make his
escape, which it seems he did most effectually. Hall was arrested,
and examined, but acquitted of being an accessory. McGinn left
a wife and eight children.
338 HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Matthew Harris and Thomas Stapleton.
At a place called the cut-oif, on the Sny Levee, in the spring of 1873
were two large squads of men at work. The one workinghigher up the
river received $2. 00 per day to each man and those below received
$1.75. After those above had completed their work, their employers
told them they could go and work with those below if they were will-
ing to work at the same rate* They all went to work, but after awhile
became dissatisfied with the wages, threatened to strike, and made a
good deal of disturbance. Their employers discharged several of
the ring-leaders who still continued to make trouble. When pay-
day arrived the strikers drank a great deal, came to the place of
work and were determined, as they said, to clean out Harris, the
time-keeper, and Stapleton, the " walking-boss." As the two latter
were coming from the store after dinner, the mob of strikers fell
upon them and Harris and Stapleton both fired at the first man,
Pat Vaughan, killing him and slightly injuring another man. This
proceeding deterred the rioters from any further aggressions.
Stapleton and Harris were arrested, but to keep them safe from the
rioters they were lodgad in the jail at Pittsfield. They were in-
dicted April 12 following, tried, convicted of murder, and July 1
both were sentenced to State prison for one year.
Andrew Harroilton.
Near Nebo, Feb. 5, 1875, a number of young people assembled
at the house of Mrs. McKee, for the purpose of taking part in a
dance. Among those present were Andrew Hamilton and Clifton
U. Daniels, both young men and sons of well-known farmers in
the vicinity. During the dance a quarrel arose between Hamilton
and Daniels, when the former drew a revolver and shot Daniels in
the neck at its juncture with the chest. The wounded man stag-
gered against the wall and fell dead almost instantly. Hamilton
immediately fled, and, so far as appears from the records, has never
been captured.
John A. Thomas
was indicted Oct. li, 1876, for murder, but three days afterward
was acquitted.
John H. Mallory.
A man named Davis got to peeping around Mallory's house at
night to see some girls, and Mallory, discovering the fact, ran out
with a gun and shot Davis as he dodged behind a cedar bush, and
killed him. This occurred at Barry. Mallory was indicted Octo-
ber 14, 1876, for manslaughter. The case dragged along in the
Courts until April 6, 1878, when the accused was acquitted.
HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY. , 339
George Hashins.
About four miles northwest of Kinderhook a quarrel took place,
March 4, 1877, between two .young men, Geo. Raskins and a Mr.
Simpkins, originating in a controversy about a dog biting a sister
of Simpkins. A tussle ensued during which Simpkins was stabbed
with a knife, and from the effects of the wound he shortly after- ,
ward died. Haskins was arrested, and April 10, 1877, he was in-
dicted for murder; but the trial resulted in his conviction for man-
slaughter, and Oct. 19, following, he was sentenced to two years,
imprisonment at hard labor. He was only nineteen years of age
and Simpkins seventeen.
Henry A. Fowler.
This ruffian and a Mr. Hamilton were attending a dance near
Nebo in the spring of 1878, where they drank and quarreled until
Fowler cut Hamilton across the arm with a knife, and the latter
bled to death. Fowler was arrested and April 6, 1878, was indicted
for murder. Before his trial he escaped from jail, but voluntarily
returned and delivered himself up. The trial resulted in his con-
viction and sentence to confinement in the State prison for two
years.
TJwmas McDonald.
James A. Brown was murdered near his own door in Montezuma
March 11, 1878, shortly before daylight. Jan. 25 preceding he had
been waylaid, drugged and robbed by two men in a small wood
near his home, and lay exposed all night in a stupid condition until
found the next morning, and was restored to consciousness with
much difficulty. Thomas McDonald was afterward arrested and
identified as one of those two men: the other culprit remained at
large. Mr. Brown and his friends had feared that an effort would
be made to prevent him (Brown) from appearing at a certain trial,
and the tragedy just mentioned showed how well grounded their
fears had been. For several nights preceding the murder noises
had been heard in' the vicinity of the residence of Brown, and he
Went armed. About 4 o'clock that morning (Monday) he stepped
from his house to an out-house a few yards distant, taking his rifle
with him. On his return a few minutes later, and when within
two or three paces of the door, he was shot, the ball entering the
back of the head and coming out toward the front. Hearing the
report the family rushed out to find the victim lying where he fell,
and in a few moments he ceased to live. Excitement became so in-
tense that the Sheriff had to obtain assistance from the State Gov-
ernment to aid in keeping the peace. The excitement was greatly
intensified by a report that the Sheriff intended to remove the pris-
oner from the Pike county jail to another county. McDonald was
tried and found innocent. A full account of his case is given in
the history of Pittsfield.
340 HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY.
Colonel Williams.
A number of people gathered at the house of Monte Gant about
ten miles south of Pittslield, on Christmas eve, to have a dance,
and were enjoying themselves in the usual way, when some of the
boys asked Andrew Main (commonly denominated " Coon Main ")
to call off a set. Main refusing, they said they could get along
well enough without him. He thought this a good time as any to
whip some of the boys, and, the quarrel continuinsr for some time,
he commenced striking them. Main struck Williams, knocking
him down. Williams then commenced stabbing at Main with his
pocket knife. Main got hold of a long iron poker and commenced
striking at Williams. About this time tlie landlord interfered and
turned them from the house, when the latter and his brother Col-
onel immediately left and were followed by Main and two or three
others. Then Colonel Williams shot Main with a revolver, and he
and his brother immediately ran awa}', no effort being made at the
time to arrest them. The wounded man then retured to the house,
lay down on a bed, saying that Colonel Williams had shot him,
and died about five hours afterward. Williams lias been arrested,
and is now in the Pittsfield jail awaiting trial.
Boyles,
a lad seventeen years of age, is also in jail for helping his brother
to escape who had killed a companion with a pocket knife.
CHAPTER XII.
PIONEER LIFE.
LOG CABINS.
We shall, in this chapter, give as clear and exact a description of
pioneer life in this county as we can find language to picture it in,
commencing with the time the sturdy settlers first arrived with
their scanty stores. They had migrated from older States, where
the prospects for even a competency were very poor, many of them
coming from" Kentucky, for, it is supposed, they found that a good
State to emigrate from. Their entire stock of furniture, imple-
ments and family necessities were easily stoi-ed in one wagon, and
sometimes a cart was their only vehicle.
As the first thing after they arrived and found a suitable loca-
tion, they would set about the building of a log cabin, a description
of which may be interesting to the younger readers, and especially
their descendants, who may never see a structure of the kind.
Trees of uniform size were selected and cut into pieces of the de-
sired length, each end being saddled and notched so as to bring the
logs as near together as possible. The cracks were "chinked and
daubed" to prevent the wind from whistling through. This had
to be renewed every fall before cold weather set in. The usual
height was one story of about seven or eight feet. The gables were
made of logs gradu illy shortened up to the top. The roof was made
by laying small logs or stout poles reaching from gable to gable,
suitable distances apart, on which were laid the clapboards after the
manner of shingling, showing two feet or more to the weather.
The clapboards were fastened by laying across them heavy poles,
called " weight poles," reaching from one gable to the other, being
kept apart and in their place by laying pieces of timber between
them called "runs," or "knees." A wide chimney place was cut
out of one end of the cabin, the chimney standing entirely outside,
and built of rived sticks, laid up cob-house fashion and filled with
clay, or built of stone, often using two or three cords of stone in
buildino- one chimney. For a window, a piece about two feet long
was cut out of one of the wall logs, and the hole closed, sometimes
with glass, but oftener with greased paper pasted over it. A door-
342 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
way was also cut through one of the walls, and the door was made
of spliced clapboards and hung with wooden hinges. This was
opened by pulling a leather latch-string which raised a wooden
latch inside the door. For security at night this latch-string was
pulled in, but for friends and neighbors, and even strangers, the
" latch-string was always hanging out," as a welcome. In the inte-
rior, upon one side, was the huge fire-place, large enough to contain
a back-log as big as the strongest man could carry, and hold-
ing enough wood to supply an ordinary stove a week ; on either
side were poles and kettles, and over all a mantel on which was
placed the tallow dip. In one corner stood the larger bed for the
old folks, under this the trundle-bed for the children ; in another
corner stood the old-fashioned, large spinning-wheel, with a smaller
one by its side ; in another the pine table, around which the family
gathered to partake of their plain food ; over the door hung the
ever-trustful rifle and powder-horn ; while around the room were scat-
tered a few splint-bottomed chairs and three-legged stools ; in one
corner was a rude cupboard holding the table wai-e, which consisted
of a few cups and saucers and blue^edged plates, standing singly
on their edges against the back, to make the display of table furni-
ture more conspicuous.
These simple cabins were inhabited by a kind and true-hearted
people.' They were strangers to mock modesty, and the traveler,
seeking lodgings for the night or desirous of spending a few days
in the community, if willing to accept the rude offering, was always
welcome, although how they were disposed of at night the reader
may not easily imagine ; for, as described, a single room was made
to serve the purpose of kitchen, dining-room, sitting-room, bed-
room, and parlor, and many families consisted of six or eight mem-
bers.
SELECTION OF HOMES.
For a great many years but few thought it advisable to attempt
farming on the prairie. To many of them the cultivation of the
prairies was an untried experiment, and it was the prevaling
opinion that the timber would soon become very scarce, — a fear
soon proven to be without foundation. Another obstacle that was
in the way for a great many years, was that no plows suitable for
breaking the prairie land could be had. The sod was very much
tougher then than it was in after years when the stock had pastured
the prairies and killed out the grass to some extent. It would be
astonishing to the younger residents to see the immense crops of
prairie grass that grew upon the fields which are to-.day in such a
high state of cultivation. It grew in places six to twelve feet high.
It was these immense crops of grass thatfurnished the fuel for the
terrible tires that swept over the prairies, during the fall. Then,
again, there was so much of the prairie land that was considered
too wet to be ever suitable for cultivation. Many of the older set-
tlers now living well remember when farms that are now in the
HISTOET OF PIKE COTJNTY. 343
highest state of cultivation were a vast swamp. There was another
drawback in the settlement of the prairies, and that was the great
labor and cost of fencing. But the principal reason for locating in
the timber was that many of their cabins were poor, half-finished
afiairs, and protection from the driving storms was absolutely re-
quired. The timber also sheltered stock until such times as sheds
and out-buildings could be erected. That the time should soon
come when intelligent, enterprising farmers would see that their
interest lay in improving prairie farms, and cease clearing fields,
when there were boundless acres presenting no obstacle to the most
perfect cultivation, argues nothing in the policy of sheltering for a
time in the woods. In regard to the pioneers settling along the
timber, we often hear remarks made as though the selection of such
locations implied a lack of judgment. Those who are disposed to
treat it in that manner are asked to consider carefully the above
facts, when they will conclude such selection argued in tlieir favor.
Clearing of timber land was attended with much hard labor. The
underbrush was grabbed up, piled into heaps and burned. The large
trees were in many cases left standing, and deadened by girdling.
This was done by cutting through the bark into the wood, generally
through the " sap," all around the trunk.
MILLING.
Not the least of the hardships of the pioneers was the procuring
of bread. The first settlers must be supplied at least one year from
other sources than their own lands. But the first crops, however
abundant, gave only partial relief, there being no mills to grind the
grain. Hence the necessity of grinding by hand power, and many
families were poorly provided with means for doing this. Another
way was to grate the corn. A grater was made from a piece of tin,
sometimes taken from an old, worn-out tin bucket or other vessel.
It was thickly perforated, bent into a semi-circular form, and nailed,
rough side upward, on a board. The corn was taken in the ear,
and grated before it got dry and hard. Corn, however, was eaten
in various ways.
Soon after the country became more generally settled, enterpris-
ing men were ready to embark in the milling business. Bites along
the streams were selected for water-power. A person looking for a
mill-site would follow up and down the stream for a desired loca-
tion, and when found he would go before the County Commis-
sioners and secure a writ o^ ad quod damnum. This would enable
the miller to have the adjoining land officially examined, and the
amount of damage by making a dam was named. Mills being such
a' great public necessity, they were permitted to be located upon any
person's land where the miller thought the site desirable.
The Hominy Block. — Before giving the particulars of the anec-
dote about to be related it would be well to describe the hominy
block, for there are thousands in this county, doubtless, especially
of the rising generation, who have never so much as heard of the
•34i HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
hominy block. It consisted of a hole bored or burned in the end
of a log or stump, basin form, in which the corn was placed and
then pounded with an iron wedge, block of wood or a rolling pin.
-Sometimes the pounding apparatus consisted of a long, heavy bldck
of wbod attached to a spring-pole above, which lessened the labor of
preparing a meal. The one we have in question consisted of a
burncd-out place in the top of a stump, a heavy block or pole at-
tached to a transverse spring-pole, but was run by water power
instead of the common way. This hominy block was made and
■owned by -Amasa Shinn, who resided in or near Kinderhook town-
ship. Mr. Shinn would fill the block with corn at night, set it in
motion, and by morning it would be pulverized and ready to be
made into bread for breakfast. There came a time, however, when
Mr. Shinn and family preferred to fast, for at least one meal.
Squirrels were quite numerous in those day's — far more than they
•are at present — and one evening after Mr. Shinn had set his mill in
motion as usual, a squirred hopped upon the edge of the block and
began, wistfully to scrutinize the corn below. Finally he concluded
to have some; and while the hammer was up, jumped into the
block and began helping himself, when the huge pounder alighted
upon him. During the remainder of the night the pounder kept
regularly descending into the block, thoroughly mashing and mix-
ing the squirrel and the corn. When Mr. Shinn came down the
next morning for his meal he found a conglomerate of squirrel and
meal.
Many interesting and ludicrous incidents are related in reference
to going to mill, waiting for grists, etc., many of which are
greatly overdrawn. Harrison Henry, now deceased, often related
an incident that, although untrue, was commendable for its witticism
and application to the mills of pioneer days. He would tell the
story of himself in the following language: "I went to Mr. Ever-
itt's mill (an overshot water-mill) one day, and remained until
night for my turn. When my turn came Mr. Everitt filled
the hopper with corn, and taking me with him to the house, retired
■for the night, leaving the mill to do the work alone. During the
night I was awakened by the barking of Mr. Everitt's dog. This
annoyed me not a little, but I finally fell asleep again. In the early
morning when I awoke, I heard the almost steady barking of th.e
dog, and went down to the mill to learn what it was barking at. On
arriving there I found that the dog had eaten all the meal and was
barking for morel He would wait until a little meal would come
down, when he would ravenously lick it up, and then look up the
spout and bark for more! " Mr. Henry would continue: "I don't
tell this incident to injure the mill, for it was a very good and faith-
ful mill; it grinds away faithfully on one grain until it finishes it,
and then jumps right on to another."
NATIVE ANIMALS.
The wild animals infesting this county at the time of its settle-
HISTOKY OF PIKE COUNTY. M6
ment were the deer, wolf, bear, wild-cat, Ibx, otter, raccoon, wood-
■chuck or gronnd-dog, skunk, mink, weasel, niuskrat, opossum, rab-
bit and squirrel; and the principal feathered game were the quail,
prairie-chicken, and wild turkej. Several of these animals furnished
-meat for the early settlers; but their principal meat did not consist
long of game. 'Pork and poultry were soon raised in abundance.
The wolf was the most troublesome animal, it being the common
enemy of the sheep. It was quite difficult to protect the sheep from
their ravages. , Sometinies pigs and calves were also victims of the
wolf. Their bowlings in the night would often keep families awake,
and set all the dogs in the neighborhocM to barking. Their yells
were often terrific. Says one settler: "Suppose six boys, having
six dogs tied, whipped them all at the same time, and yon would
hear such music as two wolves would make." To effect the destruc-
tion of these animals the county authorities ofl'ered a bounty for
their scalps; and, besides, big hunts were inagurated for their des-
truction, and " wolf hunts " are prominent among the memories of
the early settlers. Such events were generally turned into a holi-
day, and everybody that could ride a nag or stand the tramp on foot
joined in the deadly' pursuit. A large circuit, was generally made
by the hunters, who then closed on every side, driving the hungry
wolves into the center of the corral, where they were despatched.
The return home with the carcasses was the signal for a general turn-
out, and these " pleasure parties " are still referred to by old citizens
as among the pleasantest memories of early life in Pike county.
Many a hungry wolf has been run down on the prairies w)iere now
is located a town or a fine farm residence. This rare old pastime,
like much of the early hunting and fishing the pioneers indulged in
here, departed at the appearance of the locomotive.
BEE-HUNTING.
During the early settlement of this part of the State, one of the
prevailing customs of the poineers was "bee-hunting." Often a
small company would travel many miles into a wild, unsettled
country, in search of the sweet, flavored honey of the wild bee.
Large trees containing many gallons, and often a barrel, were fre-
quently found by bee-hunters. The little, busy bees would be
carefully watched as they flew heavily laden with the richest extract
of the flowers that were purely native and unknown to the present
generation. They always took a " bee-line " for their homes. This
was. a correct guide to the sturdy hunter, who had studied with care
the ways of the bee and by their knowledge took advantage of the
little insect. Once on the trail, good bee-hunters were almost cer-
tain to capture the'rich prize. A.fter the bee-tree was discovered it
was no trouble to get possession of the honey. The tree was felled,
and the hunters would rush for their booty ere it was lost by run-
ning out upon the ground.
346 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
MANNERS AND CUSTOMS.
The pioneer was more freely and heartily social with his friends
and cold toward his enemies, than we seem to be at the present
day_; and he showed what race he belonged to by his efforts to
establish religious, philanthropic and educational institutions. The
young folks, we have no doubt, found many ways of robbing old
Time of loneliness. It would be' unfair to suppose them, especi-
ally the ladies, destitute of fashionable aspirations, but the means
for gaud}^ display were very much circumscribed in those days.
The male attire consist^ chiefly of buckskin, or homespnn
cloth, — we might add home-woven, the loom being far more com-
mon in or near their rude huts than the piano or organ. They
were not, however, destitute of musical taste, and many of their
vocal performances would compare favorably with our present
choirs. We may safely say they sang with the spirit. Most of
the ladies, also, wore homespun, which they manufactured from
wool, flax, cotton, and the bark or lint of the nettle, colored with
such ingredients as nature provided, without the aid of art. A few
even adopted buckskin. Hovy many yards of the latter article
were required for a fashionable dress in those times, or in what
particular style it was cut and tripimed, we are not informed, and
must leave the ladies to draw their own conclusions. These dresses
certainly were durable, and shielded the wearer in out-door exer-
cises incident to the planting, attending and gathering of crops, in
which pursuit the ladies in all new countries assist. -
Another of the prevailing fashions was of that of carrying fire-
arras, made necessary by the presence of roving bands of Indians,
most of whom were ostensibly friendly, but like Indians in all
times, treacherous and unreliable. These tribes were principally
Pottawatomies. There were also in the northern part of the State
several tribes of hostile Indians, ready at any time to make a mur-
derous, thieving raid upon the white settlers; and an Indian war
at any time was an accepted probability; and these old settlers
to-day have vivid recollections of the Black Hawk and other Indian
wars. And, while target practice was much indulged in as an
amusement, it was also necessary for a proper self-defense, the
settlers finding it necessar}"^ at times to carry their guns with them
when they went to hoe their corn. In some instances their guns
were stacked in the field and the laborers worked for a certain dis-
tance around them, and then moved the guns to a certain position
and again proceeded with their work.
These were only a few of the hardships incident to pioneer lite,
which was largely made up of privations, inconveniences and dan-
gers. They had few labor-saving machines and no reliable markets.
Even communication by letter with their distant friends and rela-
tives was rendered difiicult for want of proper mail facilities, and
sometimes for the want of money to pay the postage on the letters
sent to them, — the postage then b6ing twenty-five cents for a single •
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 347
letter, many of which remained in the office for weeks on account
of the inability of the persons addressed to pay the postage.
MAEKETS.
The earliest settlers of the county went to St. Louis with what
little produce they had to sell, and the merchants bought all their
goods in that city. Soon, however, Louisiana became a market,
and produce was wagoned to that city and from there sent south
■ on the river. There was at that time no sale for corn, or com-
paratively none, and wheat would bring but a small price; so that
really there was no impetus given to the raising of grain of any
•sort, except for home consumption, until the advent of the railroad.
At that time improvement began. The great resources of the
county which had scarcely supplied more than home demand were
then turned to supply the wants of thousands. That occasion, the
advent of railroads, was the commencement of agricultural develop-
ment. It was the commencement of the manufacturing institu-
tions the countj' can now boast of; it was the building of her thriv-
ing cities and towns; indeed it was the beginning of progress.
One of the earliest steam-boats in the Illinois river trade was the
steamer " Exchange," which plied between St. Louis and Peoria.
She was familiarly known as "the Shingle Weaver," so called from
the fact of her carrying upon her hurricane deck a machine for cut-
ting shingles, which was operated by the machinery of the boat,
cutting whenever the boat was in motion. Shingle timber would
be obtained ab the wood-yards along the river, and market found
for the manufactured goods at St. Louis. This boat was an especial
favorite with the people of this county, many of whom would,
when desiring to take a trip by the river, wait for her coming, and
most of the early stocks of goods for the eastern part of the county
were shipped on her; she also carried most of the county's "bees-
wax " and other products to their market.
- "When the first settlers came to the wilderness" says an old set-
tler, " they all supposed that their hard struggle would be prin-
cipally over after the first year ; but alas! we looked for 'easier
times next year ' for about ten years, and learned to bear hardships,
privation and hard living as good soldiers do. As the facilities for
making money wore not great, we lived pretty well satisfied in an
-atmosphere of good, social, friendly feeling, and thought ourselves
as good as those we left behind when we emigrated West."
CHILLS AND FEVEE.
One of the greatest obstacles to the early settlement and prosper-
ity of this county was the "chills and fever," or " ague," or " Illinois
shakes," as it was variously styled. This disease was a terror to
new comers. In the fall of the year everybody was afilicted with
it. It was no respecter of persons; everybody shook with it, and
it was in every person's system. They all looked pale and yellow as
348 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
tKougli they were frostbitten. It was not contagious, but was a
kind of miasma floating around in the atmosphere and absorbed'
into the system. It continued to be absorbed from day to day, and
•Week to week, until the wliole body corporate became charged with
it as with electricity, and then the shock came; and the shock was
a regular shake, with a iixed beginning and an ending, coming oa
each day, or each alternate day, with a regularity that was surpris-
ing. After the shake came the fever, and this " last estate was
worse than the first. " It was a burning, hot fever and lasted for
hours. When you had the chill you couldn't get warm, and when
you had the fever you couldn't get cool. It was exceedingly
awkward in this respect; indeed it was. Nor would it stop for any
sort of contingency. Not even a wedding in the family would
stop it. It was imperative and tyrannical. When the appointed
time came around everything else had to be stopped to attend
to its demands. It didn't even have any Sunday or holidays.
After the fever went down you still didn't feel much better. You
felt as though you had gone through some sort of collision and
came out not killed but badly demoralized. You felt weak, as
though you had run too far after something, and then didn't
catch it. You felt languid, stupid and sore, and was down in
the mouth and heel and partially raveled out, so to speak. Yonr
back was out of fix and your appetite was in a worse condition
than your back. Your head ached and your ej'cs had more white
in them than usual, and altogether you felt poor, disconso-
late and sad. You didn't think much of yourself, and didn't
believe other people did either, and you didn^t caye. Yon
didn't think much of suicide, but at the same time you almost made
up your mind that under certain circumstances it was justifiable.
You imagined that even the dogs looked at you with a kind of self-
complacency. You thought the sun had a kind of sickly shine
about it. About this time you came to the conclusion that you
would not accept the whole State of Illinois as a gift, and if you
had the strength and means, you picked up Hannah and the baby
and your traps, and went back " yander " to Injianny, Ohio, or old
Kaintnck.
" And to-day the swallows flitting
Round my cabin see me sitting
Moodily witMu the sunshine,
Just inside my silent door,
Waiting for the ' agar,' seeming
Like a man forever dreaming ;
And the sunlight on me streaming.
Throws no shadow on the floor ;
For I am too thin and sallow
To make shadows on the floor —
Nary shadow any more ! "
The above is no picture of the imagination. It is simply_ re-
counting what occurred in hundreds of instances. Whole families
would sometimes be sick at one time, and not one member scarcely
HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY. 34&'
able to wait upon another. One widow lady on the Illinois river
informs us that she lost nine children from this dreaded disease!
COOKING.
To witness'the various processes of cooking in those days would,
alike surprise and amuse those who have grown up since cooking
stoves and ranges came into use. Kettles were hung over the large
fire, suspended on trammels which were held by strong poles. The
long-handled frying-pan was used for cooking meat. Lt was held
on the fire by hand ; or, to save time, the handle was laid across
the back of a chair. This pan was also used for baking short-cake.
A better article was a cast-iron spider, which was set upon coals on
the hearth. But the best thing for baking bread was the flat-bot-
tomed bake-kettle, of greater depth, with closely fitting cast-iron
cover, and commonly known as the "Dutch oven." With coals
over and under it bread and buscuit would quickly and nicely bake.
Turkeys and spare^ribs were sometimes roasted before the fire, sus--
pended by a string, a dish being, placed underneath to catch the
drippings.,
IMPLEMENTS.
The agricultural implements used by the first farmers here would
in this age of improvement be great curiosities. The plow used
was called the bar-share plow. The iron point consisted of a bar of
iron about two feet long, and a broad share of iron welded to it.
At the extreme point was a coulter that passed through a beam six
or seven feet long, to which were attached handles of corresponding
length. The mold-board was a wooden one split out of winding
timber, or hewed into a winding shape in order to turn the soil
over. Sown seed was brushed in b}' dragging over the ground a
sapling with a bushy top. In harvesting the change is most strik-
ing. Instead of the reapers arid mowers of to-day, the sickle and^
cradle were used. The grain was threshed with a flail, or trodden
out by horses or oxen.
The men were not called upon to endure alone all the hardships
and labor of frontier life. The women also had their physical labor
to perform, and much of it. was quite arduous. Spinning was one
of the common household duties. This exercise is one which few
of the present generation of girls have ever enjoyed. The wheel
used for spinning flax was called the " little wheel," to distinguish
it from the " big wheel," used for spinning yarn. These stringed
instruments furnished the principal music of the family, and were
operated by our mothers and grandmothers with great skill, attained
without pecuniary expense and with far less practice than is neces--
sary for the girls of our period to acquire a. skillful use of their
costly and elegant instruments.
350 HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY.
The loom was not less necessary than the wheel. Not every
house, however, in which spinning was done had a loom; hut there
were always some in each settlement who, besides doing their own
weaving, did some for others. Settlers, having succeeded in spite
of the wolves in raising sheep, commenced the manufacture of
woolen cloth; wool was carded and made into rolls by hand-cards,
and the rolls were spun on the " big wheel." "We occasionally find
now, in the houses of the old settlers, one of these big wheels, some-
times used for spinning and twisting stocking yarn. They are
turned with the hand, and with such velocity that it will run itself
while the nimble worker, by her backward step, draws out and
twists her thread nearly the whole length of the cabin. A common
article woven on the loom was linsey, also called linsey-woolsey, the
chain being linen and the filling woolen. This cloth was used for
dresses for the girls and mothers. Nearly all the clothes worn by
the men were also home-made. Karely was a farmer or his son
seen in a coat made of any other. If, occasionally, a young man
appeared in a suit of "boughten " clothes, he was suspected of hav-
ing gotten it for a particular occasion, which occurs in the life of
nearly every man.
Not until the settlers had supplied themselves with the more use-
ful articles of clothing and with edibles of various kinds; did wheat
bread become a common article of food. It is true they had it
earlier, but this was only served on extra occasions, as when visitors
came, or on Sundays; and with this luxury they would have a lit-
tle " store coffee." " The little brown jug " found a place in almost,
every home, and was often brought into use. No caller was per-
mitted to leave the house without an invitation to partake of its
contents.
PLEASURES OF PIONEEE LIFE.
The history of pioneer life generally presents the dark side of the
picture; but the toils and privations of the early settlers were not a
series of unmitigated sufferings. No; for while the fathers and
mothers toiled hard, they were not averse to a little relaxation, and
had their seasons of fun and enjoyment. They contrived to do
something to break the monotony of their daily life and furnish
them a good, hearty laugh. Among the more general forms of
amusement were the " quilting-bee," "corn-husking," "apple-par-
ing," " log-rolling " and " house-raising." Our young readers will
doubtless be interested in a description of these forms of amuse-
ment, when labor was made to afford fun and enjoyment to all par-
ticipating. The "quilting-bee," as its name implies, was when the
industrious qualities of the busy, little insect that "improves each
shining hour " were exemplified in the manufacture of quilts for
the household. In the afternoon ladies for miles around gathered
at an appointed place, and while their tongues would not cease to
play, their hands were as busily engaged in making the quilt; and
desire was always manifested to get it out as quickly as possible.
VM^/i^)c^y±-- <^^:^^-x^-
sriggsville:
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 353
for then the fun would bejijin. In the evening the gentlemen came,
and the hours would then pass swiftly by in playing games or danc-
ing. "Oorn-huskings" were when both sexes united in the work.
They usually assembled in a large barn, which was arranged for the
occasion ; and when each gentleman had selected a lady partner the
husking began. When a lady found a red ear she was entitled to
a kiss from every gentleman present; when a gentleman found one
he was allowed to kiss every lady present. After the corn was all
hnsked a good supper was served; then the "old folks" would
leave, and the remainder of the evening was spent in the dance and
in having a general good time. The recreation afforded to the
young people on the annual recurrence of these festive occasions
was as highly enjoyed, and qliite as innocent, as the amusements of
the present boasted age of reHnement and culture.
F0ENITIJEE OF THE PIONEER CABINS.
The furniture of the cabin was as primitive as the occupants. In
one corner — perhaps in two or three corners — were the bedsteads.
These were your genuine "cottage bedsteads,^ made by boring one
hole, say four feet from one corner of the cabin, into a " house-log,"
another hole, say six feet from the same corner, on another side;
opposite these holes was set an upright post, usually a section from
the body of a peeled sapling; in this post two holes would be bored
at any desired height, and at right angles with each other; poles
were inserted in these holes, making in this manner a square frame;
over this frame was laid a covering of clapboards, or, as some de-
nominated them, " shakes," and on top of this platform the bed
was spread. The chairs were not exactly chairs, but three-legged
stools" or puncheon benches. The cupboard was literally a cup-
board, being a puncheon supported by pins driven into holes in the
house logs at some convenient corner. The boxes which had held
the family dry goods while en route to the new country generally
furnished the table, and a trough or troughs the meat and soap bar-
rels. Hollow logs sawed into sections and provided with a pun-
cheon bot.tom furnished a receptacle for meal, potatoes, beans, wheat,
"and sich like truck" — to use the pioneer vernacular. The table
was bounteously supplied with "samp," "lye hominy," "corn
pone," honey, venison, pork, stewed pumpkin, wild turkey, prairie
chicken and other game. "Wheat bread, tea, coffee, and fruit — ex-
cept wild fruit — were luxuries not to be indulged in except on
special occasions, as a wedding or gala day. " Samp " was quite a
frequent dish. It was made by burning a hole into some conven-
ient stump in the shape of a mortar; this hole was filled with corn
and pounded by a large pestle hung like theold-fashioned well-sweep
pendent from a long pole, which was nearly balanced on an upright
fork. This pole had a weight attached to one end and the pestle
to the other; the weight would lift the pestle, while manual force
was expected to bring it down. When the " samp " was pounded
sufficiently, it was washed and boiled like rice.
22
354 HTSTOET OF PIKE COUHTY.
The traveler always found a welcome at the pioneer's cabin. It
was never full; although there might already be a guest for every
puncheon, there was still " room for one more," and a wider circle
would be made for the new-comer at the log fire. If the stranger
was in search of land, he was doubly welcome, and his host would
volunteer to show him all the "first-rate claims in this neck of
woods," going with him, for dnrs, showing'the corners and^advan:
tages of every " Congress tract" within a dozen miles from his own
cabin.
To his neighbors the pioneer was equally liberal. If a deer was
killed, the choicest 'bits were sent to his nearest neighbor, a half-
dozen miles away, perhaps. When , a "shoat" was butchered, the
same custom prevailed. If a new-comer came in too late for
" cropping," the neighbors would supply his table with just the
same luxuries they themselves enjoyed, and in as liberal quantity,
until a crop could be raised. When a new-comer had located his
claim, the neighbors for miles around would assemble at the site of
the new-comer's proposed cabin and aid him in "gittin" it up.
One party with axes" would fell and hew the logs; another with
teams would haul the logs to the ground ; another party would " raise
the cabin"; while several of the old men would "rive the clap-
boards " for the roof. By night the cabin would be up and ready
for occupying, and by the next day the new-comer was in all re-
spects as well situated as his neighbors.
Saturday was a regular holiday, in which work was ignored and
everybody went to town or to some place of general resort. When
all were together in town, sport began. Of course whisky circula-
ted freely and everybody indulged to a greater or less extent.
Quarrels were now settled by hand-to-hand encounters; wrestling-
matches came off or were arranged for the future; jumping, foot-
racing, and horse-racing filjed up the interval of time; and every-
body enjoyed the rough sport with a zest unknown among the
more refined denizens of the present day.
CHAPTER XIII.
OLD SETTLEES' ASSOCIATION.
It is not strange that among the pioneer settlers of any new conn-
try a deep-seated aad sincere friendship should spring up that
would grow and strengthen with their years. The incidents pecu-
liar to life in a new country, — the trials and hardships, privations
and destitution,^are well calculated to test not only the physical
powers of endurance, but the moral, kindly, generous attributes of
manhood and womanhood. Then are the times that try men's
souls, and bring to the surface all that may be in them whether
good or bad. As a rule there is an equality of conditions that rec-
ognizes no distinctions. All occupy a common level, dnd as a
natural consequence a strong brotherly and sisterly feeling rise up
that is as lasting as time. For "a fellow feeling makes us won-
drous kind." With such a community there is a hospitality, a
kindness, a benevolence, a charity unknown and unpracticed among
the older, richer and more densely commonwealths. The very
nature of the surroundings teaches them to feel each other's woe
and share each other's joy. An injury or a wrong may be ignored,
but a kindly, charitable act is never forgotten. The memory of old
associations are always fresh. Haven locks may bleach and whiten,
full, round clieeks become sunken and hollow, the fires of intelli-
gence vanish from the organs of vision, the brow become wrinkled
with care and age and the erect form bowed with accumulating
years,— but the true friends of "long ago" will be remembered as
long as life and reason endure.
The surroundings of pioneer life are well calculated to test the
" true inwardness" of the human heart. As a rule the men and
women who first settle in a new country, — who go in advance to
spy out the land and prepare it for the coming people, — are bold,
fearless, self-reliant and industrious. In these respects, no matter
from what remote section or country they may come, there is a
similarity of character. In birth, education, religion and language,
th?re may be a vast difference, but imbued with a common pur-
pose,— the founding and building of homes, — these differences are
soon lost by association, and thus they become one people united
by a common interest; and no matter what changes may come in
356 HISTOKY OF PIKE COUNTY.
after years the associations thus formed are never buried out of
menaory.
In pioneer life are always incidents of peculiar interest, not only
to tlie pioneers themselves, but which if properly preserved, would
be of interest to posterity; and it is a matter of some regret that
"The Old Settlers' Association " was not formed years before it
was, and that more copious records were not kept. Such an asso-
ciation with well kept records of the more important events, such
as dates of arrivals, births, marriages, deaths, removals, nativities,
etc., as any one can easily and readily see, would be the direct
means of preserving to the literature of the country the history of
every community, that to future generations would be valuable as
a record of reference, and a ready and sure method of setthng
important questions of controversy. Such records would possess
facts and figures that could not be had from any other source.
Aside from this historic importance such associations serve as a
means of keeping alive and further cementing old friendships and
renewing among its members associations that were necessarily
interrupted by the innovation of increasing population, cultivating
social intercourse and creating a charitable fund for such of their
old members as were victims of misfortune and adversity.
The subject of organizing an old settlers' society was brought up
in the summer of 1869. In the Pike County Democrat oi 3 u\j
29, that year, the following significant passage occurs: " The time
will come when the history of this county will be written. For
that history, the meeting of such society will furnish the best ma-
terial, and the parties now living attest the facts that will form a
large portion of it." There was nothing definitely done toward
the organization of this society until the summer of 1872, when
some of the leading old settlers interested themselves in it. The
first meeting was held on what is called Blue creek, Aug. 21, 1872.
The meeting was called to order by Wm. Turnbull, of Flint, on
whose motion Oapt.B.F. Westlake was appointed temporary Chair-
man. Upon taking the chair Capt. Westlake stated in brief the
object of the meeting, and for the purpose of efiecting on organiza-
tion hesuggested the propriety of appointing acommitteeon perma-
nent organization to report to the meeting at 1 o'clock, p. m. This
committee consisted of Col. A. C.Matthews, Jas. H. Dimmittand
Wm. Turnbull. The meeting was then addressed by Rev. Mr. Mc-
Coy, after which an adjournmemtwas had until 1 o'clock,p.M. After
the dinner was dispatched the people were called together by the
choir, discoursing most pleasant music. After singing the commit-
tee on permanent organization reported the following named per-
sons as oflicers of the " Old Settlers' Association of Pike and Calhoun
Counties, 111."
For President, Col. Wm. Ross, Newburg; 1st Vice President,
Col. Benj. Barnev, Pleasant Vale; 2d Vice President, Daniel B.
Bush, Pi'ttstield ; 3d Vice President, Capt. B. F. Westlake, Newbnrg;
4th Vice President, Capt. Benj. L. Matthews, Perry; 5th Vies
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. S61
President, Jos. Brown, Cliainbersburg; 6tli Vice President, John
Lyster, Detroit; 7th Vice President, Jas. Grimes, Milton; 8th Vice
President, A.bel Shelley, Griggsville; 9th Vice President, Perry
"Wells, Atlas; 10th Vice President, Sam'l G. Sitton. Hardin; 11th
Vice President, Wm. Grammar, Hadley; 12th Vice President,
Montgomery Blair, Barry; 13th Vice President, John Brittain,
Martinsburg; 14th Vice President, Thos H. Dimmitt, Griggsville.
Secretary, Mar«ellus Ross, IMewburg; 1st Assistant Secretary, Dr.
E. M. Seelev, Pittsfield; 2d Assistant Secretary Wm. Turnbull,
Plint.
Col. Barney presided at this meeting, Col. Eoss being absent on
account of sickness. A communication was however read from the
President. Rev. W. D. Trotter, one of the pioneer preachers of the
county, spoke for about an hour, reviewing the early life of the
pioneers. Hon. William A. Grimshaw delivered the address of the
day. It was an ably prepared historical review of the county's his-
tory. Indeed, so replete is it with interesting facts of pioneer
times that we give the entire address in this connection:
ADDRESS OF HON. WILLIAM A. GEIMSHAW.
Mr. President, Ladies and Oentlemen : — Selected by your
committee of arrangements to bid you welcome here to-daj', I do
60 most cordially, as an old settler myself, of, say, the second period
of Pike county, coming here in the year 1833 ; that being after the
winter of the deep snow, which was our early noted period in the
annals of this then wild, romantic, and beautiful country, sparsely
settled and embraced in the bounds of Pike county. That show
with us, once, was the starting point of the date of current events,
although our records of the courts of justice do not legally recog-
nize that as a " day in law," yet we even in courts, in the simplicity
of our early language, often heard events traced by that snow as
the date point.
In the early days we all enjoyed the largest constitutional liberty;
we voted for him we liked best, as I, a Whig, did for " honest Joe
Duncan," a Democrat, on a deiep question in those days, the Illi-
nois and Michigan Canal, " the deep cut ;" we also each worshipped
God according to the dictates of our own conscience and under our
vine and fig-tree. When Brother Trotter, who is now present,
venerable with years and i-evered for piety, or old Father Woolf,
now gathered to his fathers, blessed for his good deeds, came
around to his appointment, all, of every religion and no one religion,
turned out to meeting in the woods or the log school-house or at a
settler's home. We had no fine churches in those days. Mormons
puzzled the unwary by their startling pretense at new revelations.
Or, if disappointed by the regular minister, old Father Petty would
recite, in prayer, Belteshazzar's feast, in trembling tones of piety.
Our worthy and venerable President (elect but absent). Col. Wm.
Ross, who has been often honored by the people of Pike Co. by their
358 HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY.
votes, electing him to high offices of public trust, could tell you
much of the first period or earliest years of the settlement of your
county, as he arrived in the county in 1820 and settled at Atlas,
which was the county-seat in its day, and was laid out by the Ross
brothers. Atlas was yet the place at which the county records
were kept in 1833, but in the spring of the year Pittstield was sur-
veyed and laid off into lots and the sale thereof made at different
periods, the first sale of lots being in that spring. tA court-house
was built in the summer of 1833 at Pittsfield ; from that event
the greater prosperity of the county and an increase of population
began.
The terror infused into the public mind, beyond the settlements
of Illinois, by the Black Hawk war, which had retarded emigration
to our State, the Indians being removed to the West of the Missis-
sippi, the tide of emigration began to set in, and you witness to-
day, in the presence here of this assemblage, the vast change in a
little over fifty years since the Yankees (who came before the clock-
peddlers) set foot within the limits of Pike county, as it now exists.
Clock peddlers were the only gentlemen in those days, as they rode
in the only covered carriages.
It is true, when you consider the rise and growth of Chicago in'
our own State, and of St. Louis in Missouri, rival cities, each of
nearly four hundred thousand people, we don't seem to have much
to brag of as to our growth. Consider, however, that we are almost
strictly an agricultural county, that being our chief and most profit-
able pursuit, and then the greatest zealot for progress must admit
that, from a beginning of a few families in 1821, we are now a
county not to be sneezed at, and especially when our vote at the
polls is counted. Excluding counties in which cities have arisen,
we are most densely populated, more so than many in our beauti-
ful Illinois, and yet we have broad acres of valuable lands in a state
of nature.
Once our prairies were the home of the bounding deer in vajt
herds, of the prarie wolf, the prairie fowl in great flocks, the tim-
ber land abounded with the squirrel, the turkey and the pigeon,
and in the hollow trees we had the beautiful but noisy paroquet;
as well as in their haunts numerous other birds and animals. These
have in a great measure disappeared until game is a rarity. The
wild fruits once abounding have been superseded by more luscious,
cultivated fruits. And yet, who of the old settlers does not remem-
ber with a twinkle in his eye the old settlers' first substitute for an
apple, a big turnip; and also find a good taste in the mouth when
he thinks of those nice preserved plums, crab-apples and ground
cherries, and the pumpkin pie, and the pork mince meat. We
then think of the prairie and woodland each abounding in the sea-
son in beautiful flowers, rivaling in their colors the rainbow. These
were the holiday delights of dame and maiden, and the husband
and lover were alike made glad in their contemplation. The retro-
spect of nature has its beauties. The reality of the first settler s
TIISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 369
life in a new countiy is ofteu fall of prose and but little poetry.
Compare tlie simple and even poor furniture of our early homes
with the elegant, furniture now in use, and what a contrast ! But
with all the drawbacks of an early settler's life few repine at their
lot in this beautiful land. TS^one can who accept with reflection
and thankfulness the many mercies which crown our lives.
I am reminded by this retrospection, that yesterday, on return-
ing home, I found a written, kind notification from your Com-
mittee, in charge of the convening of this your first Old Settlers'
meeting, that I was invited and expected to address you to-day. I
then took my pen to endeavor to bridle my thoughts and to bid
them serve the request of the Committee, that 1 should speak as
to the "honesty, patience, industry, self-sacrifice and hospitality
of the old settlers."
Honesty was the rule, crime the exception, in early days. It
would seem as if at the first mention of the honesty of the old set-
tlers it was a sarcasm, on the idea of lawyers settling here, and as
if I had some personal experience and revelation to make. Of
course T know something and much of the facts, and will relate
them.
§t was well known that because we had no locks we never locked
our houses and out buildings; it was proverbial that the deer skin
of the door latch was never pulled in, that is the latch string was
out; then we had not much to tempt people to steal; so our things
lay about loose; our plows with their wooden mold-boards hung
on the fences with impunity; but at Christmas time, the plow or
ox skull hung upon a tree by the way side, reminded the passer-by,
on the three-year old, riding to see his girl, that a fool's head was
too soft to butt either of those pendants in the tree.
At an early day an old ax, worth fifty cents perhaps in these
days being stolen, the vile thief was ordered to leave the settle-
ment of Atlas, and did leave for his country's good. It was said
that loud porcine cries were heard upon the "Sny Island " at times,
because men would kill their neighbor's hogs : that was a trifling
affair and cost only the penalty of going halves with the nearest
justice; thus dividing the meat — unless the head and ears were
found and those bearing some man's recorded mark; then that was
a case for the Grand Jury. Hog stealing was said to be caused by
drinking Sny water.
We have told only of the style of dishonest tricks in those days.
With more facts to bear us out, we can now affirm that the general
reputation of our early settlers was remarkably good for honesty
in general, but there was a slight propensity to " hook timber" to
make rails and to use as house logs, and some fellows in the land,
held, in fact it was " common la^w," that a '' bee tree " even in your
pasture lot was lawful plunder.
As to the patience of our people, if that means bearing up with
the courage of a true man and true woman under the perils to
limb and property, the early settlers were exemplary for that; the
«'
360 HISTOBT OF PIKE COUNTY.
trials of an early settler's life were legion. His resources, so far
as supplies for his family, were small ; his debts were a great vex-
ation, and some, if not all, had these pests, until the lands were
entered and paid for, the money often being loaned "at interest as
high as 75 per centum per annum. Then if you went to mill, you
'ourneyed a score, aye, three-score miles; to meeting often as far.
"o bridges, and but few roads existed; the saddle, or the ox cart,
or truck, wooden-wheeled wagon, and no fine carriages, was the
mode of travel.
Corn dodger, without salt, and pork or side-meat,were great staples;
vegetables and fruits, unless wild fruits, were rarely on the table,
unless when company came to spend the afternoon, or to a quilt-
ing, then the best the house or the neighborhood afforded was
forthcoming for the visitor. The quilting parties were generally
the resort of young and old. Marriages were rare in those days,
because bachelors were more plenty than belles.
As to the industry of the old settlers, as a class, industry was to
the extent of present ability, implements, health and condition, and
was not surpassed by the toil of men of the present day. The ma-
tron and the few young ladies had much toil and vexation, and that
was often more excessive on wash-day, because of having to pickfp
fuel as it could be gleaned, or carrying the clothes to and from
the wash place, which was a branch or spring. The clothes-line
was a grape vine or a fence, and the hogs and calves trespassed on
that to " chaw the things," and to keep the "creeters" off, old
boss and the old woman (not yet 25 years old) often had a hard
fight lest the baby in the cradle sitting near the out-door fire should
be " up sot."
Self-sacrifice was one of the many and noblest virtues of the
early settler; in times of sickness you were free to call up any
neighbor for help, to sit up with the sick, to ride 25 or even more
miles for the doctor, and that mostly, as our doctors said, in the
dead of night, to the great horror of the doctor, who had to saddle
up and travel, even in the dead of night, to the farthest limits of
his own or to an adjoining county.
'Although the county of Pike was naturally healthy, the over
toil, the privation, the imperfect protection from the inclemency of
seasons, the water used from shallow water-holes, all these tended
to multiply disease and death. This county was never, as a gen-
eral thing, visited so much with sickness and death as other coun-
ties in our State.
In the early day no iron horse snorted and raced over our
prairies. The steamer once perhaps in several weeks dragged itself
along. Twelve days was a short time for a trip from Kew York
here, and that mostly by stage. Our mails arrived once a week,
and a letter cost us our " last quarter." News from Europe a
month old was fresh. No troublesome quotations of daily markets
puzzled or enlightened us. A counterfeit United States bill was
almost legal tender. Hoop-poles, staves and cord wood were equal
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 361
at a later day to gold. Store pay was better than any of the fore-
going, but often lead to heavy mortgages and secret bills of sale.
The laws were quickly enforced. Once a client of a celebrated
lawyer was taken out of Court and the penalty of the law put on
his back with stripes before the motion for a new trial was over;
then the client protested against a new trial lest if convicted he
would be a second time whipped.
Now how changed is everything around us! In the early day
there was more variety in dress, if less taste. All dressed in their
best, and sometimes (if the ladies will pardon such an o'er true
tale) a white satin bonnet, the worse for the wear, was seen over a
blue " Dolly Varden " ruffled cap. The most distinguished man
at shows, for a number of years, was an old, gaunt,'straight man,
with a bell-crowned hat, in the height of the fashion when he was
young, which was nearly twelve inches perpendicular; horses often
carried double in those days, if girls were plenty, and about spark-
ing and wedding time. Oh how sociable! and yet all was modesty
and innocence.
Hospitality — that signifies strictly "practice pf entertaining
strangers," but in its true early settler's ways much more was
meant, intended, and done. On a journey almost every house was
a welcome home to the weary traveler; if any charge was made
for the entertainment it was very moderate; at times the parting
word to you was, " You are welcome to such as we had, and please
call again when traveling this way."
Hospitality scarce expresses the fine sensibility, the manly Chris-
tian spirit, of many of the olden time. The pioneer feels that each
and every settler of his neighborhood (and he does not criticise
much as to who is his neighbor) is entitled to such help and good
feeling as may be asked or should be extended.
I felt and still feel a large degree of sympathy, and that the most
cordial, with the old settlers. It occurs to me that as Pike county
~once included Calhoun, and as some of the settlers there are co-
temporaries with our earliest settlers, we should include the Cal-
houn old settlers in our Society — in fact just this week that was
named to me in that county.
With great hopefulness as to jthe prosperity of this new Society,
desiring for it many happy re-unions, I offer to you the thanks of
myself, an old settler, for your courtesy in inviting me to address
this meeting; and may God bless our vast population, spread over
our large county, which had when first known to myself about
three thousand people, and now contains approaching forty thou-
sand, although the liive of people has swarmed many times.
Farewell, mj' friends, one and all. Let us part with mutual
good wishes, as we never more can all meet again in this life.
At the first meeting it was decided to invite the old settlers of
Calhoun county to join with the Pike county Old Settlers' Society.
'B'62 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
In harmony with this decision Calvin Twichell, Smith Jennings
•and William Wilkinson were elected Vice-Presidents.
SECOND MEETING.
The second meeting of the Old Settlers' Association was held in
September, 1873. The following letter from Judge William
Thomas, of Jacksonville, was read:
" Jacksonville, Aug. 30, 1873.
"Me. Maecellus Ross, Secretary: — Dear Sir, — I have received
two invitations to attend the Old Settlers' Meeting in Pike county
on Wednesday next. I regret that I cannot accept either, for I
would be glad to meet the survivors of those with whom I became
•acquainted forty -five years -ago. I attended the Circuit Court in
Atlas in June. 1827, which was my first visit to Pike. The Oourt .
was held by Judge Lockwood, who now resides atBatavia, in Kane
■county. The attorneys in attendance were John W. Whitney, N.
Hanson, and John Jay Ross, of Pike county, Gen. James Turney
and Alfred W. Oaverly, of Greene county, now of Ottawa, and J.
W. Pugh, of Sangamon county, Mr. Jenkins, of Calhoun county,
■John Turney and myself, of Morgan county. Oapt. Leonard Eoss,
one of nature's noblemen, was Sheriff. Col. Wm. Eoss was Clerk;
■James M. Seeley was an oflBcer of the Court. Of all these. Judge
Lockwood, Mr. Caverly, and myself are the only survivors. The
Court was in session three days, and then went to Calhoun county.
It was held in a log cabin in the prairie, near which was a log cabin
occupied by the grand jury. The traverse jury had the privilege
of the prairies.
" In September afterward, returning from the Winnebago war I
left tlie boat at Quincy, where I purchased a horse, saddle and
■bridle for $40. From Quincy I came to Atlas, a good day's travel;
remained in Atlas one day and two nights, and then set out for
home. Passing Col. Seeley's, I found no other house until I
reached Blue river, where Van Deusen had a small grist-mill, and
I crossed the Illinois river on Van Deusen's ferry. That night I
reached Exeter. The weather was pleasant, the roads were dry and
smooth.
" Pike county was then a wilderness. I came as directed, the
nearest and best route home. I could never then have been made
to believe that I should live to see a population of 30,000 within
its boundaries.
" Capt. Ross entertained the jury and the lawyers in their double
log cabin free of charge, expressing his regret that we could not ,
stay longer. I was' at Atlas at the Presidential election in 1824
and voted for John Quincy Adams for President.
"Judge Lockwood, Mr. McOonnell and myself, in attending
Oourt at Atlas (the year I do not recollect), passed the present site
of Griggsville and saw the man, Mr. Scholl, raising the first log
HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY. 363
cabin on that hill. I suppose the land had been laid out in town
lots.
" In the early settlement of the Military Tract traveling cost but
little. The old settlers were always glad of the opportunity of
entertaining travelers, and especialljr the judge and lawyers, from
whom they could obtain interesting accounts in relation to what
was going on in the world around them. Besides, we often had
to encamp in the woods and prairies because no house was within
reach at dark, and this was called "lodging at Munn's tavern," be-
cause of the large number of quarter sections of land owned by him.
I have often fared sumptuously in the log cabins on bread made of
grated meal, venison, honey, butter and milk and stewed pumpkins,
and slept comfortably and soundly on the puncheon floor. * * *
" Feb. 14, 1823, Wm. Koss was elected Judge of the Court of
Probate. In 1823 Geo. Cadwell, then of Greene county but after-
ward included in Morgan, was elected to the Senate for Greene
and Pike, and Archibald Job, who was still living, for the House.
Cadwell's term expired in two years, and in 1824 Thos. Carlin,
afterward elected governor in 1836, was elected to the Senate.
Cadwell was an educated physician, a man of talent and stern in-
tegrity: he died in 1824 or 1825.
" At the meetinij of the Legislature in 1824 Nicholas Hanson
and John Shaw both produced certificates of election to the House.
• The question which was entitled to the seat was referred to the
Speaker, who decided in favor of Hanson. During the ses-
sion the question was again brought before the House, and de-
cided l)y a unanimous vote in favor of Hanson. Near the close of
the session the question was reconsidered and Shaw admitted, in
consideration of which Shaw voted for the resolution for a call
of a convention.
" For several years after I came to the State, deer, wild turkey
and wild beasts were plenty, especially on the Illinois and Missis-
sippi rivers. But for this fact many of our early settlers would
have suffered for provisions, or have been compelled to retreat for
supplies.
"In passing from Eushville to Quincy, the Judge, Mr. Caverly
and myself slept on tlie prairie during the night, and the next
morning, which was Sunday, we found a house a few miles distant
in the barrens; and we could not make the family believe it was
not Saturday. The nearest neighbor lived five miles distant. They
lived on wild game, grated corn meal and roasted ears, and lived
well. We thought at breakfast we could not wish for better fare.
"In passing from Atlas to Gilead in Calhoun county we always
made the house of an old gentleman named Munn our stopping-
place. He and his wife were always glad to see us and made
sumptuous preparations for our comfort.
" If I were at the stand and questioned I could probably answer
many questions in regard to matters of interest to the present in-
habitants; but as I do not know the points on which they would
364 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
question me, and as I huve already extended this letter, considering
the hot weather, to what may be considered a reasonable length, I
close, hoping that you may have a good day and a good time.
" Respectfully your friend, " William Thomas."
This meeting was addressed hy many old settlers, who related
very interesting experiences. The exercises were interspersec
with music and a grand picnic dinner, etc. Letters were reac
from Edwin Draper and Levi Pettibone, of Louisiana, Mo., besides
the one from Judge' Thomas, above given. Wm. A. Grimshaw
was elected President, James Mc Williams, of Griggsville, Vice
President, and G-eo. W. Jones Assistant Secretary. The following
resolution was adopted: ^^ Sesolved, That the old settlers of Pil«
and Calhoun counties be requested to notify the President and
Secretary of the Old Settlers' organization, the names of all mem-
bers of this Association who shall depart this life during the
present year, and that the Secretary be instructed to enter the
same upon record."
Among those who addressed the assembly' were Hon. Wm. A,
Grimshaw, John T. Hodgen, of St. Louis, Calvin Twichell, oi
Calhoun county, J. T. Long, now of Barry, for many years a resi-
dent of Adams county, Wm. TurnbuU, of Flint, A. P. Sharpe, ol
Griggsville, Alvin Wheeler, theoldest living settler of Pike county
(came here in 1818), now 75 years of age. Col. D. B. Bush closed
the line of history by giving a sketch of Pittsfield. Dr. Worthing-
ton claimed Frederick Franklin, of Montezuma, as the oldest living
settler of Pike county now living. He was the son of Ebenezej
Franklin, the first settler in the county.
In this connection we give the very interesting letter' of Mr.
Draper :
" Louisiana, Mo., Sept. 1, 1873.;
" Hon. Wm. A. Gkimshaw and others: Gentlemen, — Through
the politeness of some friend of your county-seat I am indebted
for an invitation to attend the meeting of old settlers of your county
at Pittsfield, on the 3d inst. ;for this invitation I presume I am in-
debted for the fact of being nearly connected by marriage with Levi
Pettibone, Esq., an old settler and perhaps the oldest man in Pike
county, Mo., and perhaps with few exceptions the oldest man in
Missouri, he being now nearing the completion of his 93d year.
But from whatever cause, I esteem it a compliment altogether un-
deserved to myself, but which nevertheless I should take the great-
est pleasure, if circumstances permitted, of meeting with the old
settlers of your county, among whom I am proud to recognize, not
only the many distingished public men, but many old and long
esteemed personal friends, some of whom have long been settlers ot
Pike c.iunty 111., and not a few of them old settlers of Pike and
Lincoln counties, Mo., who, not content with aiding to break up the
wilds of Missouri and bring them into the paths and fields ot
civilization, have largely colonized Pike county 111., where they have:
HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY. 365
been long enough J:o earn the appellation of ' old settlers,' where
they are realizing the rich frnits of their industry in land flowing
with milk and honey, and as I lament to know, many of them are
resting beneath the sods that are no respecters of persons in the
final winding up of human affairs. The memory of many of these
persons, both living and dead, carry me far back into the history of
the past, in the early history of Missouri, of whose soil I have been'
an occupant since the year 1815, before either your State or Mis-
souri had a State Government. Though then quite young (but eight
years old) I was old enough to remember everything I saw, and
everybody 1 knew, — ^much more so than persons and facts of later
years; but to attempt to recount or name any considerable number of
them would be to inflict a bore upon you that I dare not presume
upon; but as I presume that a part of the exercises of the occasion
would be to recur to the early history of the West, including your
State and ours, I cannot resist the temptation to jot down a few facts
and names, even at the risk of being laid upon the table as a bore.
"The date 1816 shows that the early settlers, among whom was
my father, were crowding into Missouri even before the forts were
all vacated, whither the old settlers had fled for the purpose of pro-
tection from hostile savages, who had but recently had almost
undisputed possession of a large park of our State. To get into
Missouri, then largely considered as the promised land, we had to
cross the Mississippi river, the Father of Waters. I don't know
how much of a father he was at that time, but I have been acquainted
with him since that time, and I don't know much difference in
his size between then and now, except occasionally, as in 1851, he
pfot into a terrible rage and had uncontrolled possession from Lou-
isiana to Atlas, and rolled on, whether vexed or unvexed, in solemn
majesty to the Gulf of Mexico.
" Bnt to continue. He had to be * crossed ' to get into Missouri.
In 18l5, as history shows, no steam-boats were known on our rivers,
and the only modes, or rather mode, of crossing the river at St.
Louis was by means of a small keel-boat or barge without any deck
or covering, propelled by poles ; and our wagons were crossed by
placing two planks or slabs across the keel, running the wagons by
hand upon these slabs across the boats and ' scotching ' the wheels
with billets of wood, filling in the inner parts of the boat with
horses, children, etc. Yet we conquered the old gentleman and
rode across in triumph, but not, however, until after waiting two
days on the eastern bank for the wind to lie, which had so ruffled
the surface and temper of the 'father' that he could not, safely at
least, be mounted by an insignificant keel-boat until the cause of
his irritation had ceased.
"Safely on the Missouri shore, the first night was passed in the
city of St. Louis, then containing about 1,200 inhabitants and very
few brick houses ; I did not count them, however. No railroads
then were even thought of in the West, so far as 1 remember, but
now — well, you can tell the tate yourselves. St. Louis has now
360 HISTORY OF PIKE OOUHTY.
450,000 inhabitants, and would likely have a lyillion but for Chi-
cago and the railroads, which liave revolutionized the course of
nature and the natural riglits of St. Louis, which depended on the
nayigation of the great rivers to work for her ; and while her great
land-owner slept a quarter of a century Chicago and the railroads
were surging ahead of her.
"Excuse this digression, which I could not help while reflecting
on the immense change all over the West since I first crossed the
great river.
" I have alluded to the fact of your county being largely colon-
ized from Pike and Lincoln counties, Mo. It would be impossible'
for me to enumerate all of them, even if I knew them all ; but
among the names I remember well those of the Gibsons, the Sit-
tons, Buchanan, Yokems, Galloway, Uncle Jake Williamson, the
Cannons, CoUard, "Wellses, Kerrs, Noyes, Metz, Johnsons, McCon-
nells, Andersons, etc., etc., all of whom went from Pike or Lin-
coln. All of them were good citizens, while some of them held
high and honorable positions in public office. Your former valued
Sheriff, Ephraim Cannon, was for a while a school-mate of mine,
larger and older than I, but still a school-mate. The only special
recollection I have of our school-boys' life was that the tieacher
once asked him, when nearly time to close school, 'How high is
the spn V He replied he had no means of measuring the height,
but ' from appearance it was about a rod high.'
"John J. Collard, Esq., a former Clerk of one of your Courts, was
the son of an old settler of Lincoln county, dating before the war
of 1812, if my memory is not at fault. I have attended your Courts
when held at the old county-seat, Atlas, and since its location- at
your beautiful town Pittsfield. The old settlers at Atlas, as well as
of Pittsfield, were the Bosses, most of whom I knew personallVf
and had a slight acquaintance with the ' Bashaw' of Hamburg, Mr.
Shaw. Old Father Burnett and his boys John and Frank belonged
to both Pikes, in Illinois and Missouri. The sons wore out their,
lives in trying to sustain a ferry between the two Pikes.
" But I must forbear, fearing that I have already bored you, a
thing I feared at the start. I could write a half quire of recollec-
tions of Pike in Missouri, and some of Pike in Illinois, if there
were any market for them. But I must close with my best wishes
for your people, both old and young.
"Edwin Dkapee."
third meeting.
At the Old Settlers' meeting, Sept. 2, 1874, Hon. Wm. A. Gritn-
shaw delivered an address of welcome, and interesting speeches^
were made by Col. Benj. Barney, Rev. J. P. Dimmitt, Dr. Hodgen,;;
Mr. Turnbul'l, Judge Grigsby and others. Dr. P. E. Parker was
elected Secretary in place of G. W. Jones, resigned. A motion was
adopted changing the time of membership from 1840 to 1850; also
a motion to establish a portfolio and gallery of likenesses of old set-
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 36T
tiers; and members and others were invited to send pictures. A
Bocial reception of old settlers was given in the evening at Bush's
Hall. ' .
FOURTH MEETING.
At the 4:tli annual meeting of the old settlers at Perry, Aug..
19, 1875, old-time customs were commemorated by the erection of
a cabin complete in all its details. It looked as if a family had
been living in it for years. Cooking utensils hanging around the
wall, suspended on a string were slices of pumpkin and dried ap-
ples, corn hung from the posts, suspended by the husks, the rifle
hung on the wooden hook over the door, the spinning wheel, the
reel and the hand-cards occupied prominent positions; the mam-
moth gourd for a water bucket and the lesser one as a dipper at-
tracted considerable attention . On the outside walls the skins of
different fur-bearing animals were stretched; climbing vines were
turned up to the roof, and the sunflower in all its magnificence
nodded here and there close to the house, and last, but not least,
the latch-string hung on the .outside. The cabin was presided over-
during the early part of the day by Mr. Wm. Grotts, who enter-
tained his visitors with his " fiddle," playing Arkansas traveler,
MonejMusk, Old Rosin the Bow," etc. Mr. Grottswas born in this
State in 1802, in Madison county. His father was killed by Indians
in Bond county in 1814.
FIFTH MEETING.
During the Old Settlers' meeting at Griggsville, Aug. 30, 1876',.
they formed a procession in front of the M. E. -Church, headed by
an old truck wagon drawn by oxen, containing a band, the people
being dressed in the Sunday attire of pioneer times, girls and boys
riding double on horseback without saddles, showing how they
went to church in olden times. This was one of the most attractive
features of the procession, the young ladies especially conducting
themselves with becoming grace, and appeared as if they were in-
spired with the spirit of their grandmothers. An old dilapidated!
wagon drawn by oxen was loaded with the old-fashioned loom,
spinning wheel, flax wheel and reel, and an old plow was followed
by most of our modern machinery in the shape of reapers, mowers,
harrows, etc. After these a man dressed in Indian costume on his
pony, ladies and gentlemen in modern style in buggies and carriages,,
the fire engine drawn by members of the base- ball clubs in uniform,
aiid a modern child-wagon, with children was drawn by a very smalt
donkey.
CHAPTER XIY.
THE EEBELLION.
FIEST INDIOATtONS OF THE WAE.
"When, in 1861, the war was forced upon the country, the people
were quietly pursuing the even tenor of their ways, doing whatever
their hands found to do, — working the mines, making farms, or
cxiltivating those already made, establishing homes, founding cities
and towns, building shops and manufactories; in short, the country
was alive with industry and hopes for the future. The people were
just recovering from the depression and losses incident to the finan-
cial panic of 1857. The future looked bright and promising, and
the industrious and patriotic sons and daughters of the North were
buoyant with hope, looking forward to the perfecting of new plans
for comfort and competence in their declining years. They little
heeded the mutterings and threatenings wafted from the South.
They never dreamed that there was one so base as to attempt the
destruction of the Union their fathers had purchased for them with
their life-blood. While thus surrounded with peace and tranquillity
they paid but little attention to the rumored plots and plans of those
who lived and grew rich from the sweat and toil, blood and flesh,
of others.
The war clouds grew darker and still darker, the thunders of
treason grew louder and louder until Aprill2, 1861, when the fear-
ful storm burst upon the country and convulsed a continent with
its attendant horrors.
On that day the rebels, who for weeks had been erecting their
batteries upon the shore, after demanding of Major Anderson a
surrender, opened fire upon Fort Sumter. For hours an incessant
cannonading was continued; the fort was being damaged severely;
provisions were almost gone, and Major Anderson was compelled to
haul down the stars and stripes, — that dear old flag which had
seldom been lowered to a foreign foe; by rebel hands it was now
trailed in the dust. How the blood of patriotic men of the North
boiled when on the following day the news was flashed along the
telegraph wires that Major Anderson had been forced to surrender!
And nowhere was greater indignation manifested than in Pike
county.
IcJ.tl^.
PERRY
HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY. 371
THE FIKST CALL FOE TROOPS.
Immediately upon the surrender of Fort Sumter, Abraham Lin-
coln, America's martyr President — who but a few short weets be-
fore had taken the oath of office as the nation's chief executive —
issued a proclamation calling for 75,000 volunteers for three months.
The last word of that proclamation had scarcely been taken from
the electric wires before the call was filled, and men and money
were counted out by hundred^ and thousands. The people who
loved their whole government could not give enough. Patriotism
thrilled and vibrated and pulsated through every heart. The farm,
the workshop,, the office, the pulpit, the bar, the bench, the college,
the school-house, — every calling offered its best men, their lives
and fortunes, in defense of the Government's honor and unity.
Bitter words spoken in moments of political heat were forgotten
and forgiven, and, joining hands in a common cause, they repeated
the oath of America's soldier statesman, ^^ By the Great Eternal, the
Union must and shall he preserved^
Call the young men in the prime of their life ;
Call them from mother, from sister, from wife ;
Blessed if they live, revered if they fall, —
They who respond unto Liberty's call.
Seventy-five thousand men were not enough to subdue the Rebel-
lion; nor were ten times the number. The war went on, and call
followed call, until it began to look as if there would not be men
enough in all the Free States to crush out and subdue the monstrous
war traitors had inaugurated. But to every call for either men or
money there was a willing and ready response; and it is a boast of
the people that, had the supply of men fallen short, there were
women brave enough, daring enough, patriotic enough, to offer
themselves as a sacrifice on their country's altar. Such were the
impulses, motives and actions of the patriotic men of the North,
among whom the sons of Pike made a conspicuous and praiseworthy
ecord.
VAKIOnS MEETINGS HELD IN THE COUNTY.
The tocsin of war was sounded, meetings were held in every
township, village and city, at which stirring and spirited addresses
were made, and resolutions adopted' admitting of but one interpre-
tation,— that of unconditional allegiance and undying devotion to
their country and their country's flag; that, at whatever cost of
blood or treasure, the stars and stripes, wherever floating, must be
honored; and the supremacy of the law of the ]S"ational Tjnion sus-
tained.
A Union meeting was held in Pittsfield April 20, 1861, the Chair-
men of which were David A. Stanton, Wra. K Wills and D. D.
Hicks, and the Secretaries F. C. Brown and A. C. Matthews. The'
Committee on Resolutions were "Wm. A. Grimshaw, 0. L. Higbee,
J. W. Mackintosh, D. B. Bush, jr., JSTathan Kelly andWm. Steers.
23
372 HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY.
L. H. "Waters, of Macomb, delivered the principal speech, which
was a ver^^ eloquent one, and Hon. Scott Wike, Messrs. D. H. Gil-
mer and S. M. Hayes made short speeches. A series of resolutions
were adopted setting forth the inauguration of the war by the firino
on Fort Sumter and the necessity of rallying to the support of the
Government.
April 22 a meetinj;; was lield in tlie court-house for the purposejof
forming a company of home guards. The company organized, elect-
ing S. M. Hayes Captain. M. J. N5yes presided at this meeting.
About this time the " Pike County Union Guards " were also organ-
ized, with John Mc Williams for Captain. In July Jas. S.Barnard
was elected Captain of the latter company and P. G. Athey Captain
of a cavalry company of 130 men, all from Pike county.
Durjng this summer also Wm. W. Taylor, a Breckenridge Demo-
crat of Perry, was suspected of disloyalty and made in an informal
manner to take the oath of allegiance by some soldiers of Col.
Grant's, regiment.
Aug. 5, 1861, a company called the " Henderson Home Guards "
was organized in Pittsfield, numbering 130 men, with Daniel D.
Hicks as Captain, each member to arm and equip himself; it was!
also called the " Henderson Union Guards."
BOtlNTT.
The subject of bounty for soldiers was one that engaged the un-
divided attention of the law-making power of this county during
these trying times. Tiiat the reader may know what was done by
the county officials we give a very full account of the proceedings
of the Board of Supervisors whenever the boimty. subject was
being considered by that honorable body.-
At a special meeting of the Board of Supervisors held Aug. 4,
1862, for the purpose of considering the feasibility or propriety of
offering bounty to soldiers. Supervisor Smith moved that the Chair
appoint a committee of five to draft resolutions expressive of the
sense of the meeting. Thereupon the Chair appointed Messrs.
Smith, Westlake, Wallace, McWilliams and Adams.
Mr. Wallace presented a petition from the citizens of Barry,
asking an appropriation by the Board of $16,000.
The Committee on Resolutions submitted the followiog report
the next day :
Whbbbas, Several Soutliern States of tliis Union in convention assembled have
absolved themselves by resolution from allegiance to the United States of America
and formed themselves into a so-called " confederacy," thereby disclaiming any
right, benefit or protection from or under the Constitution of the United States;
and
Whekbas, Said confederacy have organized, armed and equipped hostile armies
and did fire upon, reduce and take into their possession Fort Sumter with all its
defenses, and unlawfully seize and take into possession other forts, arsenals and
other property belonging to the United States, thereby bidding defiance to tlie
Constitution and the laws of the same; and
HISTOKY OF PIKE CODNTV. 373
Whereas, It still exists and unsubdued, aad our present army is insufHcient in
numbers to put down the rebellion ; and
, Whereas, The President of the United States has recently made a call upon the
several States of this Union to raise 300,000 men in addition to the present army ;
Therefore we, the representatives of the several townships of the county of Pike
and State of Illinois have here assembled for the purpose of considering the pro-
priety of offering encouragememt to the volunteers who will immediately enter
into the service of the United States ; therefore be it
Besolved, That the sum of $3,000 be paid to the first three companies that are
raised or organized in the county of Pike under said call, provided said companies
are organized on or before the 20th inst. ; and that the Clerk of this Court be au-
thorized to issue orders on the Treasury for the said sums of money whenever said
volunteers 'are Accepted and mustered into service ;
JResohed, That $1,000 be appropriated to the families of those who have here-
tofore volimteered in the service of the United States, and we recommend that
each township shall through their Supervisor call a meeting to provide for
the future wants of all families of volunteers; that the Supervisor of each town-
ship shall be a committee to distribute all appropriations made by the county or
town;
Resolved, That the Supervisors of each township shall report at the September
meeting the number of families of volunteers in their townships, and their names.
By invitation Judge Higbee addressed tlie Board briefly, after
which Cols. Ross and Bush made short addresses.
Mr. Dennis moved to amend the report by striking out " $3,000 "
and inserting "$50 to each volunteer private who may qnlist under
the present call." Mr. Westlake mov^d to amend the amendment
of Mr. Dennis by striking out " $50" and inserting " $25;" which
motion was lost. The amendment oiFered by Mr. Dennis was also
defeated.
Mr. Landrum offered the following resolutions:
Resolved, That the proposition of the appropriation by the county of $6,000 to
be submitted to the people for their vote for or against levying a tax to meet said
appropriation, at an election to be held at the usual places of holding elections in
the several towns, on Tuesday, the 13th inst. ; said fund, if so voted, to be appro-
priated to aid in raising volunteers.
Resolved, That a proposition be also submitted at the same time for or against
appropriating $3,000 as a fund for the necessitous families of volunteers as have
heretofore or may hereafter be mustered into the service of the United States.
Mr. Wallace moved to strike out that portion of Mr. Landrum's
resolution referring to the submission to the people, and that the
Board appropriate the amount specified in said resolution ; which
motion \yas carried.
The question recurring on Mr. Landrum's resolution as amended
it was put and lost.
Mr. Dennis moved to strike out the first resolution and amend
the second so that $4,000 be appropriated for the support of desti-
tute families of soldiers in the service.
Mr. Frye moved to lay all on the table without further action
until the September meeting; which motion was lost. The question
then recurring on the amendment of Mr. Dennis, it was adopted.
The substance of the resolution as passed appropriated $4,000 for
the families of destitute soldiers.
374 HISTOET OF, PIKE COUNTY.
At a special meeting of the Board of Sapervisors lield June 23
1865, to either offer a bounty for enlistments or to aid persons who
may be drafted into the service of the United States,- Supervisor
Koberts offered the following resolutions:
Whbrbas, The President of the United States has called for 300,000 volunteers
and ordered, in case the same are not made by the 15th of February next, that a
draft shall be made to fill the quota ; and
Whereas, Such draft will fall heavy on many poor persons in this coutitywho
have large families to support; and
Whereas, The property of the county receives the protection of the Govern-
ment, as well as persons, and should be made to bear its just proportions of the
burdens of war; therefore
Besolved, That our Representatives in the Legislature now in session be respect-
fully requested to procure the passage of an act as speedily as possible, authoriz-
ing the Board of Supervisors of this coimty to oflfer a bounty to volunteers and to
aid in procuring substitutes for drafted persons, and to provide such funds as will
be necessary therefor by issuing bonds payable within 20 years, bearing interest
not exceeding ten per cent, per annum.
Seaolmd, That in case of the passage of such an act, the Board of Supervisors
will pay to each volunteer credited to any town in this county subject to the draft
a bounty of $500, and in case of a draft, each person so drafted in this county who
shall procure a substitute shall receive from the county the sum of $500 to aid him
in paying for such substitute.
Mr. Shields moved to postpone the resolution indefinitely.
After remarks by Supervisors Shields, Koberts, Kelley, Dunn
and. others, Mr. Shields withdrew the motion, and in lieu thereof
moved that it be postponed to the April meeting of the Board.
This he, however, withdrew, and Supervisor Dimmitt moved to
refer the resolution offered by Mr. Roberts to a committee; and
Mr. Dimmitt, from this committee reported on the following day
this resolution :
Besolved, That there be paid to each volunteer or drafted man in this county
under the call of Dec. 19, 1864, the sum of $400, such money to be raised by the
issue of county bonds (interest not to exceed ten per cent.) payable annually in
lawful money of the United States.
Besolved, That when such bonds shall have been issued they shall be divided
among the several townships in proportion to the amount of taxable property
assessed in each township for the year 1864; and it shall be the duty of each super-
visor to receive said bonds and pay over to each drafted main and volunteer the
sum of $400 when actually mustered into service. ,
Mr. Shields moved that said resolution be laid on the table until
the April meeting; which motion \*as lost. Mr. Smitherman
then moved that it be submitted to the people of the county on
Jan. 28, 1865; and Mr. Yail moved to amend by taking said vote
on the 30th; which motion was withdrawn; and Mr. Eoberts
moved that whatever action this Board may take shall be sub-
mitted to the people on Jan. 30, 1865; which motion was
adopted. Mr. Roberts then moved to amend the first resolution
by inserting "$500 " in piace of "$400;" which was adopted.
At a meeting of the Board held Jan. 31, the day after the elec-
tion, they found after a canvass of the returns that 3,416 votes had
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 375
been cast, of which 2,131 were for the tax and 1,285 against it. It
was then resolved by the Board to give a bounty of $500 to each
volunteer to fill the quota of Pike county; and in case said quota
shall not be tilled by volunteers, then a bounty of $500 shall be
paid to each person who shall be drafted. For this purpose $127,-
000 were raised in the county.
Kinderhook township gave $1,500 bounty, and paid $180 for
transportation.
PIKE county's soldiers.
A few statistical items will show what was done by Pike county,
and whether she was worthy the trust reposed in her. According
to the census of 1860 the county had a population of 27,182. The
war, however, continued for several years, and the county increased
in population; accordingly we will place the population in round
numbers at 30,000. There are five persons to every voter, accord-
ing to the customary basis of reckoning. That would make the
number of men in the county 6,000. Pike county put in the field
3,132 men, being over one-half of her voters.
The quota of the county for the calls of 1861 was 762, which
were quickly furnished. In 1862 the quota for this county was
521. For the calls of Feb. 1 and March 14, 1864, it was 786, and
for the call of 500,000, July. 18, 1864, it was 617, making the large
number of 2,687 men as the quota for this county up to Dec. 31,
1864. The county not only furnished this number, but sent of her
brave sons 2,853, being 166 in excess of her various quotas. Sub-
sequent calls increased the quota of Pike county to'3,221, which
the county did not fill by 89.
Pike county was largely represented in the following regiments
and companies. Besides those referred to, her sons were in many
other regiments, but we give, only those which were largely made
up from this county!
EIGHTH REGIMENT.
Company G of this Regiment was entirely furnished by Pike
county, with James S. Barnard as Captain: afterward Elisha Jones
and Charles H. Hurt served the Company in that position. The
1st Lieutenants in succession were Elihu Jones, Wm. P. Sitton,
Charles H. Hurt and George Sanderson. The 2d Lieutenants were
Wm. P. Sitton, Charles H. Hurt and Wm. A. Saylor.
The 8th Illinois Regiment was organized April 25, 1861, Colonel
Oglesby commanding. A contest for rank and seniority arose be-
tween the 7th and 8th, botii being organized on the same day. The
contest was finally ended, giving to Col. Cook the first number 7,
as the number of his Regiment, with the second rank of Colonel,
and Col. Oglesby the second number for his Regiment, with the
first rank as Colonel.
The first enlistment was for three months, during which timethe
376 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Regiment was taken to Cairo. July 25, 1861, its terra of three
months having expired, the 8th reorganized for three years' service.
It took part in many of the most important engagements of the
war; was in the advance attack on Fort Donelson, where it lost 57
killed, 191 wounded and 10 missing. It was also at Pittsburg
landing, where it lost 26 killed, 97 wounded and 11 missing; and
it went through the fatigue and dangers of the siege of Corinth.
The Regiment re-enlisted in 1863 and was veteranized March 24,
1864; took part in the engagement at Vicksburg, Spanish Fort and
many other important engagements.
SEVENTH EEGIMENT.
Company D, of the 7th, being a new company of that old Regi-
ment, was from Pike county. It was organized Feb. 14, 1865,
under Capt. Samuel N. Hoyt, of Griggsville, with Andrew Moore
as 1st Lieutenant and Wm. J. Hanlin as 2d Lieutenant. The Com-
pany served until July 9, 1865, when it was mustered out.
SIXTEENTH BEOIMENT.
Company K, of the 16th Infantry, was largely, indeed almost alto-
gether, from Pike county. They enlisted May 25, 1861, and served
until July 8, 1865. The Company was organized by Geo. D. Stew-
art, Captain, who served until April 25, 1865, and John Bryant, of
Pittsfield, was appointed to fill the position. The 1st Lieutenant
was James Hedger, and following came French B. Woodall, John
Bryant and F,rankliii J. Cooper. The 2d Lieutenants were Richard
B. Higgins, JosejA E. Haines and Asbury Brown.
The 16th was organized and mustered into service at Quincy,
Col. Robert A. Smith commanding. In July, 1861, it was removed
to Green river as railroad guard, after which the Regiment was
scattered along the line of the road as guard. July 10, Col. Smith's
force was attacked at Missionary Station by 1,600 mounted rebels,
but he held his position until the arrival of reinforcements, when
the enemy fled. It participated in the battle of Bird's Point, Mo.,
and New Madrid, where it supported the siege guns. They cap-
tured 5,000 prisoners and a large amount of artillery, small arms
and ammunition at Tiptonville, Tenn. In January, 1862, it par-
ticipated in the siege of Corinth and Nashville. It was "mustered
out July 8, 1865.
TWENTY-EIGHTH EEGIMENT CONSOLIDATED.
Pike county furnished Company B of this Regiment, and almost
all of Companies E and I. Company B was commanded first after
consolidation by Capt. John T. Thomson, of New Hartford, who was
honorably discharged May 15, 1865, when Geo. W. Chrysup was
appointed and served until March 15, 1866. The 1st Lieutenants
in succession were Robert Young, Henry L. Hadscll, Geo. W.
Chrysup and Job Pringle. The 2d Lieutenants were Geo. "W.
HISTORY OF PIKE OOUNTT. 37 Y
Chrysup, Job Pringle and Tlioinas James. The oflBcers of the Com-
pany were James M. Gale, Henry S. Stokes and Joseph A. Hanks.
Goinpaiiicb B, E and I of the original organization were from
this county. Company B was first commanded by Capt. Thomas
H. Butler,, deceased, then by Capt. Geo. W. Stobie, and finally by
Capt. John T. Thompson. The 1st Lieutenants were John T.
Thompson and Robert Yonng: 2d Lieutenants, George Stobie,
David C. Troutner and Cyrus K. Miller. Lieutenant Troutner
soon died and Lieutenant Miller died July 8, 1863. Company E
was first commanded by Captain Thomas M. Kilpatrick, who was
promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and was killed in battle at Pitts-
burg Landing. John M. GrifBn then commanded the Company.
The 1st Lieutenants were John M. Grifiin, 'Fredrick C. Bechdoldt,
who was killed July 12, 1863, and Wm. B. Griffin; the 2d Lieu-
teuant was Burrel McPherson. Company I was commanded until
consolidation of Regiment by Capt. ElishaHurt; 1st Lieutenants,
Philip S. Likes and David Dixon; 2d Lieutenant, David Dixon
and Henry L. Hadsell.
The 28th Infantry was organized at Camp Butler in August,
1861, by Lieut. Col. Lewis H. "Waters and Maj. Charles J. Sellon,
the latter from Pike county. Aug. 28 it was ordered to Thebes,
111.; Sept. 9, to Bird's Point, Mo.; Oct. 2, to Fort Holt, Ky., where
it remained until Jan. 21, 1862, when it was assigned to Brig. Gen.
Lew Wallace's Division. Feb. 6 it took part in the capture of
Forts Henry and Heiman; Feb. 13 a detachment of 48 men and 12
ofiicers under Col. Johnson met the enemy 500 strong at Little
Bethel Church, five miles from Fort Holt, and immediately attacked
and routed them. The Regiment also took part in the battle of
Pittsburg Landing; was assigned to the left line in a peach orchard,
where it was immediately attacked by the enemy, but who were
repulsed. On the morning of the 7th it held a position on the
right line and was hotly engaged until the battle closed and the
victory won. During these two long, trying, bloody days the
Regiment behaved nobly and was never broken or driven back by
the enemy, though often most heavily pressed. It sustained a loss
of 239 killed and wounded. In May, 1862, it was engaged in the
siege of Corinth: Oct. 5 engaged in the battle of Metamora, losing
97 killed and wounded; engaged in the siege of Yicksburg from
June 11 to July 4, 1863; on the 12th of July, 1863, near Jackson,
Miss., the 41st, 63d and 28th Illinois and 3d Iowa, not exceeding
800 men, were ordered to charge across an open field some 600
yards and carry a strong line of the enemy's works, mounting 12
guns and manned by at least 2,000 men. The Brigade swept gal-
lantly forward under a destructive fire of grape, canister and minie
bullets. The enemy appeared upon both flanks as it reached the
ditch; it was compelled to fall back with a loss of more than half
of their rank and file killed or wounded. The eight Companies of
this Regiment, in line, numbering 128 men, lost 73 killed and
wounded and 16 taken prisoners.
378 HISTOET OF PIKE OOUNTT.
Jan., 1864, the Regiment re-inlisted as veterans, took part in the
advance upon Spanish Fort, and were mustered out March 16, 1866
THIRTY-THIED EEGIMENT.
Company I of the 33rd was made up in Pike county. The orig-
inal Captain was Wm. H. Lawton, who resigned June 8, 1863,
and "Wm. T. Lyon received the commission. The 1st Lieutenants
were Wm. T. Lyon, Charles T. Kinney and Nathaniel W. Eey-
nolds ; the 2nd Lieutenants were Edward A. F. Allen, Charles T.
Kinnej', Nathaniel W. Reynolds and David F. Jenkins. The
Company was wholly from the porthern part of the county.
The 33rd was organized at Camp Butler Sept., 1861, by Col.
Charles E. Hovey ; Nov. 20, it removed to Ironton, Mo., beyond
St. Louis, where it remained during the winter. In March, 1862,
it removed to Arkansas, engaging in many expeditions through ,
that State. In 1863 it returned to Pilot Knob; was engaged in the
battles of Port Gibson, Champion Hills, Black River Bridge, the
assault and siege of Vicksburg, and the siege of Jackson; in Angnst,
1863, moved to New Orleans and engaged in the campaign up the
Bayou Teche, and returned to New Orleans in November; thence
ordered to Brownsville, Tex., but before landing was ordered to
Arkansas Pass. The Regiment re-enlisted Jan. 1, 1864, took part
in the engagement at Spanish Fort, Mobile, and April 14, 1865,
moved to Vicksburg, and in November ordered to Camp Butler,
111., for final payment and discharge.
SIXTY- EIGHT EEGIMENT.
Company B of this Regiment, which was organized for three
months' service in June, 1862, was from this county, mostly from
the northern part. Capt. Daniel F. Coffey served the Company
as Commander. 1st Lieutenant, Judson J. F. Gillespie; 2nd Lieu-
tenant, "Wm. Reynolds. *
SEVENTY-THIED EEGIMENT.
Company H of the 73rd Illinois Infantry, commanded by Capt.
James L Davidson, who subsequently was promoted to Lieut. Col-
onel, was from Pike county. After Capt. Davidson's promotion
Joseph L. Morgan was appointed to the Captaincy. The 1st Lieu-
tenants were Samuel Pnrcell, who resigned April 28, 1863, Joseph
L. Morgan and James G. "Wolgemath. The 2nd Lieutenants were
Clement L. Shinn and De "Witt C. Simmons.
This Regiment was organized at Camp Butler, in August, 1862,
and immediately became a part of Gen. Buell's army. It partici-
pated in every engagement fought by the Army of the Cumberland
from Oct., 1862, until the rout of Gen. Hood's army at Nashville
and the winding up of the whole matter. The dead of this Regi-
ment are found on the battle-fields of Perryville, Murfreesboro,
HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY. 379
Ohickamauga, Missionary Eidge, through East Tennessee and the
succession of battles from Chattanooga to the fall of Atlanta. It
had two Majors and two Adjutants killed, and nearly every
officer of the Kegi men t wounded at some onetime : several of them
many times. It was mustered out June 10, 1866.
NINETY- NINTH EEGIMENT.
The 99th was, strictly speaking, a Pike county Eegiment. It
was organized in Pike county in August, 1862, by Col. George W.
K. Bailey, and was mustered in at Florence, Aug. 23, 1862, by
Col. J. H. Eathbone. Upon the same day it removed to St. Louis,
going into Benton Barracks, and was the first Eegiment out of the
State under the call of 1862. Sept. 8, ordered to Eolla; served in
that department to the spring of 1863; was assigned to the Brigade
of Brig. Gen. Fitz Henry Warren; engaged in the skirmish ajt Bear
creek, losing one killed and four wounded and one taken prisoner,
and in the battle of Hartsville, Mo., losing 35 killed and wounded;
went into camp at Houston ; Jan. 27, moved to West Plains, Mo.,
reporting to Brig, Gen. Davidson ; March 3, removed to Pilot Knob,
thence to St. Genevieve, arriving the 12th; and March 15, 1863,
embarked for Milliken's Bend, La., arriving the 26th, and was
assigned to the 1st Brigade, Brig. Gen. W. P. Benton command-
ing; 14th Division, Brig. Gen. E. A. Carr commanding ; 13th
Army Corps. Moved from Milliken's Bend April 11, arriving at
New Carthage the 12th; was at Grand Gulf April 29; crossed the
river, and May 1 was engaged in the battle near Port Gibson,
called Magnolia Hills, losing 37 men killed and wounded; marched
with the army toward Jackson, and returned by Champion Hills
and Black Eiver Bridge; May 19, was at the defenses of Vicks-
burg; on the 22d the Eegiment took a prominent part in the assault,
losing 103 killed and wounded, out of 300 men. The Colonel and
Major were wounded early in the day, leaving Capt. A. C. Matthews
in command. Its line during the day was close to the enemy's
works, and its colors planted on their breastworks. This position
was held until 4 p. m., when it was relieved by another Eegiment
and moved back 150 yards to where its knapsacks had been left.
While calling the roll the line which had relieved the Eegiment was
driven back in great confusion. The.99th advanced and opened a
heavy fire, drove] the enemj' back into liis works and held him
there, probably saving the wliole Division from stampede. Was
engaged during the siege in Gen. Benton's Brigade — 8th and 18th
Indiana, and 33d and 99th Illinois. The 99th lost during the entire
campaign and siege 253 killed, wounded and missing. July 5 the
9th, 13th and 15thCorps^, Maj. Gen. Sherman commanding, moved
after Johnson's army to Jackson; returned to Vicksburg July 24;.
Aug. 21 removed to New Orleans, and on the 26th went into camp
at Brashear City. Oct. 3, 1863, the campaign of the Teche was
commenced. The Eegiment was in several skirmishes, and a de-
"380 HISTOKT OF PIKE COUNTY.
'tachment of the Regiment, Oapt. A. C. Matthews commanding,
was engaged in the battle at Grand Ooteau; Nov. 9, returned to
Brashear Citj and moved to New Orleans; Nov. 16, embarked for
Texas, landing on the 25th at Mustang Island; marched up toMat-
-agorda Island and commenced the attack on Fort Esperanza, which
"was soon surrendered.
The 99th remained in Texas during the spring of 1864. June
16 of this year it evacuated the island and reported to Gen. Reynolds,
at Algiers, La. The Regiment performed garrison duty on the
Mississippi during the entire summer, in the First Brigade, Brig.
■Gen. Slack; 1st Division, Gen. Dennis; 19th Corps, Gen. Reynolds.
The 99th was brigaded with the 21st Iowa, 29th Wisconsin and
47th Indiana.
In November, 1864, removed to Memphis, where the Regiment
was consolidated into a Battalion of five Companies, and Lieut. Col.
A. C. Matthews assigned to the command. Col. Bailey and the other
■supernumerary officers being mustered out.
Moved to Germantown and went on duty guarding railroad;
Dec. 25, three men of the Battalion were captured and murdered by
guerrillas; moved to Memphis Dec. 28; Jan. 1, 1865, embarked
for New Orleans, arriving on the 9th. Feb. 1 embarked for Dau-
phine Island, Ala. ; was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st Div., 13th
Corps, with 21st Iowa, 47th Indiana and 29th Wisconsin, Gen.
Slack commanding Brigade, Brig. Gen. Yeatch commanding Di-
vision.
March 17, moved t'o Fort Morgan; on the 26th, arrived at Fish
river; took part in the siege of Spanish Fort iintil the 30th, when
the Division was sent to Ge neral Steele's army, and April 1 went
into position at Fort Blakely. The 99th assisted in the investment
and capture, and on the 12th entered Mobile.
In June, 1865, the Division was ordered to Red river to receive
the surrender of Kirby Smith, and it proceeded to Shreveport, La. ;
from this place Col. Matthews was detailed to proceed with a body-
guard of the 6th Missouri Cavalry to the Indian Territory and
receive the surrender of Brig. Gens. Cooper and Standwaite, and to
form temporary treaties of peace with the Indian tribes. The Ool.
formed treaties with ten tribes, including the Choctaws, Oherokees,
Chickasaws and Osages, and returned (having traveled a thousand
miles) on the 3d of July.
July 19, ordered to Baton Rouge, and Julv 31 was mustered out
by Capt. E. S! Howk, A. CM.
Arrived at Springfield, 111., Aug. 6, received final payment and
discharge Aug. 9, 1865.
The Regiment was commanded by Col. Bailey until Dec. 16,
1864, when he was mustered out. The Lieut. Colonels were Lem-
uel Parke and Asa C. Matthews ; the Majors at various times were
Edwin A. Crandall, Asa C. Matthews and John F. Richards; Ad-
jutants, Marcellus Ross, Harvey D. Johnson and Joseph R. Furrey;
Quartermasters, Isaac G. Hodgen, Joshua K. Sitton and James F.
HISTOKY OF PIKE OOUNTT. 381
-Greathouse ; Surgeons, Joseph H. Ledlie and Edwin May ; 1st
Asst. Surgeon, Archibald E. McNeal and John F. Curtis ; 2d Asst.
Surgeon, Abner T. Spencer ; Chaplains, Oliver A. ToplifF and
Wm. M. Evans.
Oompany A. — Captains— Geo. T. Edwards and Isaac G. Hodgen;
1st Lieutenant— James K. Smith ; 2d Lieutenants— James F. Sto-
bie, Thos. A. Hubbard, John W. Savior. (Hubbard died Feb. 15,
1863.)
Oompany B. — Captains — Benj. L. Matthews and James W. Fee ;
1st Lieutenants — James W. Fee, James A. Elledge and Harvey
Thornbury ; 2d Lieutenants— James A. Elledge, Harvey Thorn-
bury and Milton L. Tiell.
Company G. — Captains — Asa C. Matthews and John A. Bal-
lard ; 1st Lieutenants — Joshua K. Sitton, Lucien W. Shaw, John
A. Ballard, Win. B. Sitton (died July 10, 1864), N. Henry Kinne ;
2d Lieutenants — Lucien "W. Shaw and Wm. B. Sitton.
Company 2>.— Captains — John F. E,ichards and Wm. B. Clandy;
1st Lieutenants— Francis M. Dabney, Wm. B. Clandy and John
Bowsman ; 2d Lieutenants — Wm. T. Mitchell, Wm. B. Clandy
and John Bowsman.
Company ^.—Captains — John C. Dinsmore, Allen D. Eich-
ards ; 1st Lieutenants^Joseph G. Colvin, Allen D. Richards and
Robert PI. Griffin ; 2d Lieutenant— Allen D. Richards.
Company F. — Captains — Eli R. Smith, Daniel McDonald.
Oaptain Smith was killed in battle May 22, 1863. 1st Lieutenants
— Leonard Greaton, Jacob E. Stauffer ; 2d Lieutenants — Daniel
McDonald and Jesse Parke.
Company G. — Captains — Henry D. Hull and Henry B. Atkin-
son ; 1st Lieutenants — James H. Crane and Henry B. Atkinson ;
2d Lieutenant — Lewis Dutton.
Company H. — Captains — Lewis Hull and Melville D. Massie;
Ist Lieutenants — Melville D. Massie, Benj. L. Blades and Daniel
Eiley; 2d Lieutenants — Gottfried Wenzel and Benj. L. Blades.
Company I. — Captain — Joseph G. Johnson; 1st Lieutenants —
John G. Sever and George S. Marks: 2d Lieutenant — Robert E.
Gilliland.
Oompany K. — Captain s^-Isaiah Cooper and John G. Sever; 1st
Lieutenants — Wm. Gray (died May 30, 1863, of wounds received
in battle May 22, 1863), Augustus Hubbard and Zebulon B. Stod-
dard; 2d Lieutenants — Thos. J. Kinman (killed in battle May 22,
1863) and. John Andrew.
NINETY-NINTH REGIMENT AS CONSOLIDATED.
April 2, 1863, according to orders from the War Department, the
99th was consolidated into a Battalion of live Companies, — A, B, C,
D and E, officered as follows:
Colonel, Asa C. Matthews; Adjutant, Joseph R. Furrey; Quar-
termaster, James F. Greathouse; Surgeon, Edwin May; 1st Asst.
Surgeon, John F. Curtis; Chaplain, Wm. M. Evans.
382 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Company A. — Oapt., John F. Richards; .1st Lieut., Win. B.
Claiidy; 2d Lieut, John Bowsman.
Company B. — Capt., James W. Fee; 1st Lieut., Jacob E. Stauf-
fer; 2d Lieut., Joseph Dugdell.
Company C. — Capt., Melville D. Massie; 1st Lieut., Henry B.
Atkinson; 2d Lieut., "Wm. L. Carter.
Company D. — Capt., Isaac G. Hodgen; 1st Lieut., James K.
Smith; 2d Lient., Sylvester Durall.
Company E. — Capt., John A. Ballard, 1st Lieut., N. Henry
Kinne; 2d Lieut., Clayton B. Hooper.
ONE HDNDEED AND THIRTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Company F of this Regiment was organized by Robert B. Robin-
son, of Barry, this county; Company G, by Orville C. Holcomb, of
Milton, and Company I, by Levi Barbour, of Pittsfield. These three
Companies of this Regiment were made up from Pike county. The
Isl Lieutenant of Company F was De Witt C Simmons, of Griggs-
ville, and the 2d Lieutenant David D. Kidwell, of Barry. The 1st
Lieutenant of Company G was John M. Johnson, and the 2d Lieu-
tenant, Joseph S. Latimer. The 1st Lieutenant of Company I was
Henson S. V'anDeventer and the 2d Lieutenant, Wm. A. Hubbard.
This Regiment was organized at Camp Wood, Quincy, by Col.
John Wood, and was mustered in June 5, 1864, for 100 days. June
9, the Regiment left Quincy and proceeded to Memphis, Tenn.,
where it was assignedto the ith Brigade, District of Memphis, Ool.
E. L. Baltwick, of Wisconsin, commanding. On July 9 it was as-
signed to the 3d Brigade, Col. John Wood commanding, and was
stationed on the Hernando road, on picket dutj'. The Regiment
was mustered out of the U. S. service at Springfield, 111., Sept. 4,
1864.
SECOND CAVALRY.
Of this regiment Company K and parts of other Companies were
from Pike county. It was organized July 30, 1861, with Pressly G.
Athey as Captain, who resigned Jan. 27, 1862, whenThos. W.Jones,
1st Lieutenant, was promoted Captain. He was subsequently pro-
moted to the position of Major. Daniel B. Bush, jr., was at first
Major, and was subsequently promoted to the rank of Lieutenant
Colonel and finally Colonel. In 1865 Montgomery Demmons was
promoted to the Captaincy. The 1st Lieutenants were .Thos. W.
Jones, Benj. F. Garrett and Wm. R. Scull, and the 2d Lieutenants,
Benj. F. Garrett, -Franklin Kinman, L. Mitchell, Montgomery
Deramons and David C. Rock.
Besides the Regiments and Companies noticed above. Pike county
gave many men to numerous other Companies. Her sons fought
upon every battle-field of that great war, and upon the field of
every great battle during that long, hard struggle for the supremacy
of the Union the life-blood of some of her sotis was shed. They
were found in the foremost of the fight : indeed, they were found
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 383
wherever duty called them. It is an easy matter to be a patriot
"in the piping times of peace, in th^ sunny hours of prosperity,"
but when war, discord and rebellion present their horrid forms to
strike the liberty of a hundred years, it is then the patriot shines
in his devotion to his country. "When the painful duty presented
itself to the patriots of this county to send thousands of her citi-
zens into danger, and many of them to certain death, there was no
hesitation. Men enrolled their names with a steady hand, bade wife
and little ones, fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters farewell, and
went boldly to the front and saved this glorious blood-bought
Union.
Our armies bravely contended until finally, after four long years
of bloodshed and carnage, the news was flashed over the wires that
Lee had surrendered. This joyful news reached this countj' Mon-
day, April 10, 1865, being within two days of four years from the
time the batteries were opened on Fort Sumter. On receiving the
news of the fall of Richmond the people were very jubilant over
the success of the Union forces. They assembled in all parts of
the county and had grand jubilees. The streets of the cities were
brilliantly illuminated; bonfires, rockets and music were seen on
every hand; it was indeed a season of rejoicing; and well might it
be, for what had been endured, what had been suffered.
Scarcely had the downfall of the Southern Confederacy been re-
ceived ere the sad news of the assassination ol* Abraham Lincoln
was flashed over the wires. On that beautiful April morning, five •
days after the announcement of Lee's surrender, the people, joyful
over the near approach of the return of their loved ones from the
South, the sorrowing news of the President's death was announced.
Mf. Lincoln was bound to the people of this county with stronger
cords than simply being a good ruler. He had spent many days
here, had many warm personal friends, and it was like the loss of a
brother. They felt the loss keetily; the tolling bells, the sym-
pathetic dirges, interpreted not merely the grief of the people at the
loss of a President, but the sorrow of a community at the death of
brother, a son, one who was closely akin to all. Meetings were
held and appropriate resolutions passed. Dwellings, stores, churches
and public buildings were draped, and the flags which had been sent
up in moments of rejoicing were taken down, draped, and sent up
at half-mast.
THE CLOSE.
The war ended and peace restored, the Union preserved in its in-
tegrity, the sons of Pike, who had volunteered their lives in de-
fense of their Government, and who were spared to see the army of
the Union victorious, returned to their- homes to receive grand
ovations and tributes of honor from friends and neighbors who had
eagerly and zealously followed them wherever the fortunes of war
384 HISTORY OF PIKE COTTNTT.
called. Exchanging their soldiers' uniforms for citizens' dress, most
of them fell back to their old vocations, — on the farm, at the forge,
at the bench, in the shop, and at whatever else their hands found to-
do. Brave men are honorable always, and no class of citizens are
entitled to greater respect than the volunteer soldierj of Pike
county, not alone because thej were soldiers, but because in their
associations with their fellow-men their walk is upright, and their
honesty and character without reproach.
Their country first, their glory and their pride,
Land of their hopes, land where their fathers died;
When in the right, they'll keep their honor bright;
When in the wrong, they'll die to set it right.
The soldiers of Pike county met at the court-house Aug. 23,
1866. The meeting was called to order by Maj. T. W. Jones, when Dr.
E. M. Seeley was called to the chair, and James H. Crane was ap-
pointed Secretary. The object of the meeting was to take measures
for raising funds for the erection of a monument. Elaborate resolu-
tions were adopted with reference to the loyalty and fidelity of the-
soldiery, etc., and sympathy with the suffering, the widows and or-
phans etc.; and committees of soldiers, five in each township, were
appointed to solicit donations. A central committee for the county ■
was also appointed, and a committee to solicit $10,000 from the-
county treasury. Considerable enthusiasm was manifested in this
work of love, and -a wish to honor the heroic dead, the citizen
soldiers who yielded their lives a sacrifice to their country, but
nothing definitely toward the final carrying out of the project was
ever done. Although no marble pile rises heavenward to commemo-
rate the fallen heroes, yet we know that the memory of their valor
and heroic devotion to our country will never fade in the minds
and hearts of the citizens, and that their love and gratitude are as
strong and undying as though a monument of stones were piled
up as high as Babel's tower.
CHAPTER XY.
PIKE COUNTY BAR.
PIONEER COIJETS.
The records of the early Courts found in the Circuit Clerk's^
office open as follows:
"At a Circuit Court begun and held at Cole's Grove, within and
for the county of Pike, on Monday, the first day of October, in the
year one thousand eight hundred and twenty-one. Present, Hon.
John Reynolds, Judge.
"The Sheriff of the county returned a panel of grand jurors,
which being called over, sixteen of them appeared and were sworn
agreeably to law, viz: Levi Roberts, foreman; Ebenezer Franklin,
Gardner H. Tullus, Joel Bacon, George Tully, Ebenezer Smith,
David Dutton, Amos Bancroft, James Nixon, Nathaniel Shaw,
Thomas Proctor, Richard Dilley, Stephen Dewey, William Massey,,
Comfort Shaw, Daniel Phillips; and the following persons were
called but made default, to wit: Leonard Ross, Henry J. Ross,
Daniel Shinn, James M. Seeley, Abraham Kuntz, Levi Newman,
Henry Loup, John Bolter and John Jackson.
" Joseph Jervais and John Shaw, interpreters sworn to give evi-
dence to tlie grand jury."
The first case called was " Solomon Smith, assignee of Elias K.
Kane, vs. Wra. Frye, action of debt." The case was continued, as,
the defendant was reported by the Sheriff not found.
The second case was a "libel for a divorce," by Salley Durham,
plaintiff, vs. John Durham, defendant. The defendant not appear-
ing, the case went against him.
The fourth case was the indictment of two Lidians for murder,
an account of which is given in our chapter entitled " Criminal
Record."
Pike county was originally in the 1st Judicial Circuit, then in the
5th, and is now in the 11th, comprising the counties of Adams,
Hancock, McDonough, Fulton, Schuyler, Brown and Pike. By
provision of a recent State law the Circuit elects three Judges, who
divide the work between them.
Four Appellate Districts were defined in the State in 1877, for
each of which the Supreme Court appoints three Judges, and these;
386 HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY.
Judges elect one of their own number the presiding Judge. Each
District elects its own Clerk, and these officers are all chosen for six
years. The sessions of the Court are held the 3d Tuesday of May
and jS'ovember each year. Pike county is in the 3d Appellate
District, and the Court is held at Springfield.
CIRCUIT JUDGES.
We now proceed to give a short sketch of all the Judges and
attorneys who have been or are now connected with the Bar of Pike
county.
Hon. John Reynolds was a native of Pennsylvania, of Irish
descent, and was reared amid pioneer associations and imbibed the
characteristics, manners and customs of the pioneers. He disliked
polish, condemned fashion, and was addicted to inordinate pro-
fanity. These, garnished by his varied reading, a native shrewd-
ness and a wondei-ful faculty of garrulity, make him, considering the
high offices he held, one of the public oddities of Illinois. He
was one of the Justices of the Supreme Court when he held Court
at Atlas.
Hon. John Y. Sawyer. — By the Constitution the terms of office of
the Supreme Judges were to expire with the close of the year 1824.
The Legislature re-organized the judiciary by creating both Circuit
and Supreme Courts. The State was divided into five judicial
circuits, providing two terms of Court annually in each county.
The salaries of the Cii'cuit Judges were fixed at $600. Judge
Sawyer was the first Circuit Judge to hold Court in this county.
He was chosen for the First Circuit.
Hon. Richard M. Young was appointed Judge of this Circuit in
, 1828, and remained in the office till January, 1837, when he resigned
to accept a seat in the (Juited States Senate. Judge Young was a
native of Kentucky, and was one of the first settlers of Northern
Illinois. He ranked high in his profession, and his coansels did
much to shape the policy of the State. In his manners he was
gentle, courteous and entertaining, which qualities rendered him
attractive and popular. He was generous in his feelings and lib-
eral in his views; possessed liberal endowment of intellectual abil-
ity and literary and .legal acquirements, and these, with his other
qualifications, admirably fitted him for the post he was called to
till. He died from insanity.
Hon. James, H. Ralston, a native of Kentucky, was elected by the
Legislature in 1837, and in August of the same year he resigned on
account of his health, with a view of going to Texas, whither he
went, but soon returned to Quincy. In 1840 he was elected State
Senator. In 1846 President Polk appointed him Assistant Quar-
termaster of the U. S. army. Having discharged his duties faith-
fully during the war with Mexico, he returned home and soon after
emigrated to California.
Hon. Peter Lott, a native of New York, was elected the successor
\J^J>^-r7-^^^^:^-^^
BRISeSVILLE:
HISTOBY OF PIKE COUNTY. 389
of James Ualston, and continued in the office until January, 1841.
He was subsequently appointed Clerk of the Circuit Court of Ad-
ams county, and served until 1852: he then went to California and
was appointed Superintendent of the U. S. Mint in San Francisco
by President Pierce, and was removed in 1857 by President
Buchanan, and afterward moved to Kansas and lived in humble
life.
Hon. Stephen A. Douglas was elected Judge by the Legislature
in 1841. The life and career of this great man is so well and widely
known as to render any extended notice of him useless. It is suf-
ficient to say that the circumstances under which he entered upon
the duties of his office were such as to thoroughly try the scope of
his ability. The Circuit was large; the previous incumbent of the
office had left the " docket" loaded with unfinished " cases," but he
was more than equal to the task. He " cleaned out the docket "
with that dispatch and ability which distinguished his subsequent
course; and so pi'ofound was the impression he made upon the
people that, in the first Congressional election which occurred after
he was established in his character as Judge, he received nomination
as a member of Congress, and was elected.
Hon. Jesse S. Thomas was appointed in August, 1843, and con-
tinued to hold the position until 1845, when he resigned. Judge
Thomas possessed high legal abilities and acquirements, and dis-
charged the duties of his office with honor to himself and to the
satisfaction of the people. After his resignation he was appointed
to another Circuit, and soon , after died. . IJe was a delegate to
Congress from Indiana as early as 1808. His district was what
are now the States of Indiana, Illinois, "Wisconsin and Michigan.
He was one of the first U. S. Senators of Illinois.
Hon. Norman H. Purple was the next incumbent of the office.
He was elected in 1845 and served till May, 1849, when he resigned.
The probable cause for this was the insufficiency of salary. The
people of this district were anxious to retain him as Judge, and
probably would, but for the cause stated. He was distinguished
for high legal abilities and executive talents, and the office was ren-
dered the more honorable for his having occupied it.
Hon. William A. Minshall was elected in May, 1849, and con-
tinued to hold the office till his death, in October, 1851, although in
1850 his district was changed. Judge M. was a native of
Tennessee, and came early into the State. He was an active and
successful lawyer, and attained distinction 'in his profession. Pre-
vious to his election as Judge he had been a member of the Con-
stitutional Convention, and also a member of the State Legislature.
Hon. 0. C . Skinner succeeded Judge Minshall and occupied the
office from May, 18j51, to May, 1853, when he was elected to the
Supreme Bench, and remained there till 1858, when he resigned.
He was a sound, able lawyer, and popular as a Judge, and gained
eminence in his position as a Judge of the Supreme Court.
Hon. Pinhney H. Walker served until his appointment, in 1858,
24
390 HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY.
to fill a vacancy on the Supreme Bench. In 1859 he was elected to
the Supreme Court for nine years, whicli position he now holds.
Judge Walker is a native of Kentuck}', and came into the State
with his father among the first settlers, and located in MeDonough
county. He had only such advantages for obtaining his literary
acquirements as a newly settled country aiforded, but a strong,
determination, added to high intellectual abilities and good health
carried him over all of the educational wants of the times, and
gave him a fair position as a scholar. The same qualifications
rendered him thorough as a student of law, and gave him superi-
ority as a counselor. His present residence is at Rushville.
Hon. John S. Bailey was the succeeding incumbent of the office
and served for three years. Previous to his appointment he was
State's Attorney for this district. He was considered a sound
lawyer, and made an impartial Judge. He now resides at Ma-
comb, and yet follows his chosen profession.
Son. Chauncey L. Iligbee, of Pike county, was first elected in
1861, and was re-elected twice, each time for six years. His repu-
tation as an able lawyer is unquestioned, and fewer appeals were
made from his decisions than from any other Judge in the l^tate.
He was elected to the Appellate Court in 1877, when the present
incumbent, Judge Shope, of Lewistown, was chosen.
Son. 8. P. Shope. — Judge Shope, of Lewistown, was born in
Mississippi but reared in Ohio. In the spring of 1839 he came to
Illinois, read law with Judges Purple and Powell in Peoria, and
was admitted to the Bar June 11, 1856. He first opened an office
in Metamora, 111, but in a short time removed to Lewi'stown, where
he still resides. He has had a large practice as a lawyer, not only
in his own Judicial District, but also in Logan, Mason and Cass
counties. In August, 1877, he was elected Judge of this District
without opposition. His thorough knowledge of law, quick com-
prehension and well-known impartiality, render him a popular
Judge.
PBOSECTJTING ATTOENETS.
During the earliest period of the county's history the Attorney
General of the State acted as Prosecuting Attorney in Circuit Dis-
tricts. After the expiration of Attorney-General Forquer's terni
the Circuit was given a State's Attorney. This mode remained in
vogue, although, of course, the districts were often changed and cut
down, until 1872, when" the county was given a Prosecuting At-
torney, who is known both, as State's Attorney and County At-
torney. This oflncial is not now, as formerly, called out of the
county to prosecute for the people.
The Prosecuting Attorneys serving this county are as follows:
Hon. Thomas Ford served for several years previous to 1836.
He was possessed of high and noble qualities of manhood, a thor-
ough student, a keen, energetic, untiring lawyer, of strict integrity
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 391
and laudable aspirations, and was universally esteemed and re-
spected. He afterward became Judge of the northern district, and
when he had become known over the State, was chosen Governor
by a spontaneous movement of the people. Mr. Ford failed to
appear at the Courts of this county very much, and in his place in
1832 Hon. J. H. Kalston served, and in 1833 Gen. John J. Hardin.
Son. William A. Richardson^ who served till 1837. Mr. Rich-
ardson's personal merits and characteristics are too well known to
require any delineation. His predominating traits were courage,
unyielding perseverance and unvarying adherence to the cause to
which he was committed. He had command of a regiment of Illi-
nois volunteers during the Mexican war, and in the battle of Buena
Vista his cap was carried from his head by a musket ball. He re-
turned home and was elected to Congress, and re-elected five
times. He was also appointed Governor of Nebraska by Buchanan,
Ron. Henry L. Bryant, of Lewistown, succeeded Mr. Richardson,
and served until 1839. He is characterized as a gentleman of fine
qualities and as an able lawyer.
Hon. William Elliott served from January, 1839, till January,
1848. He was esteemed as a worthy man, a warm friend and a
good lawyer. He served in the Black Hawk war, and was wounded
in a hand-to-hand conflict with a single Indian, whom he killed.
He was Quartermaster in the 4th Regiment during the Mexican
war, and served through. He returned to Lewistown and continued
his practice until about 1866, when he moved upon a farm in Peoria
county, near Farmington, where he died in February, 1871.
Hon. Hohert 8. Blackwell was the successor of Mr. Elliott, and
served from 1848 till 1852. Mr. Blackwell was one of the most ,
distinguished lawyers in the State, and is the author of " Blackwell
on Tax Titles."
Harmon G. Reynolds. — From 1852 to 1854, H^n. Harmon G.
Reynolds, of Knoxville, held the office. Mr. Reynolds was an at-
torney-at-law of great ability, and an active man in all beneficent
enterprises. He came from Rock Island to Knoxville some time
about 1851, where he practiced law, was State's Attorney and post-
master, and held prominent positions in the Masonic order. He
moved from Knoxville to Springfield, where he served as Grand
Secretary of the order. He now resides in Kansas.
William, O. Gaudy. — Hon. William C. Gondy, of Lewistown,
succeeded Mr. Reynolds. Mr. Goudy was a shrewd Democratic
politician in earlier days, as well as a faithful servant of the people
as a delegate to conventions, as a member of the State Senate, etc.
As a lawyer he is accounted ,one of the ablest that ever practiced
at the Bar. He has accumulated large wealth and now resides in
Chicago, where he moved in 1859.
Calvin A. PTarT-en, followed Mr. Blackwell in the office. Mr.
Warren served from May, 1852, until August, 1853. This gentleman
was a popular, fluent speaker and successful lawyer.
392 HISTOET OF PIKE CO0NTT.
Hon. John 8. Bailey., of McDonbugli county, filled the office
until September, 1858, when he resigned for a seat npon the Bench.
Daniel H. Gilmer served as State's Attorney ^to tern in I860
as also did Thomas E. Morgan in 1862, and Win. E. Archer.
Ron. L. H. Waters was appointed by the Governor to fill the.
unexpired term of Mr. Bailey. He was from Macomb, and served
nntil the fall of 1860. A year later he entered the army as Lieu-
tenant-Colonel of the 28th Illinois Infantry. Resigning, he was
commissioned to raise another regiment, which he succeeded in
doing and received the appointnient of Colonel. This was the 84th
Illinois Infantry and did excellent, service under his eflScient com-
mand. At the close of the war he returned to Macomb and prac-
ticed law, and about four years later moved to Missouri. He now
resides at Jefferson City that State.
Thomas E. Morgan was the next incumbent. Mr. Morgan was
a lawyer of fine ability and ranked at the head of the Bar in this
part of the State. He died July 22, 1867.
L. W. James, of Lewistown, was the next incumbent. Mr. James
is a lawyer of more than ordinary talent, and was one of the best
prosecutors in the district, and is said to be one of the most brilliant
young men in the State. He now resides at Peoria.-
Jeff Orr. — "When each county throughout the Circuit was given
a Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Orr was chosen for Pike county, and
since has served with marked ability. He is a young member of
the Bar, endowed with great energy, and gifted with superior native
talent. He has resided in Pittsfield since 1873.
THE BAE.
The Bar of. Pike county has ever stood foremost of all in this
great State. Some of the best legal minds, and fairest logicians
and finest ora,tars of the age have practiced at this Bar.
In reviewing the Bar of the county our readers must bear in
mind that as ibe prosperity and well-being of every community
depends upon the wise interpretation, as well as upon the judi-
cious framing, of its laws, it must follow that a record of the mem-
bers of the Bar, to whom these matters are generally relegated,
must form no unimportant chapter in the county's history. Upon
a few principles of natural justice is erected the whole superstruc-
ture of civil law tending to relieve the wants and meet the desires
of all alike. But where so many interests and counter interests
are to be protected and adjusted, to the judiciary is presented many
interesting and complex problems. But change is everywhere im-
minent. Tiie laws of yesterday do not compass the wants and
necessities of the people of to-day. The old relations do not exist.
New and satisfactory ones must be established. The discoveries in
tlie arts and sciences, the invention of new contrivances for labor,
the enlargement of industrial pursuits, and the increase and devel-
opment of commerce are without precedence, and the science oi
HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTV. 393
the law must keep pace with them all; nay, it must even forecast
events and so frame its laws as will most adequately subserve the
wants and provide for the necessities of the new conditions. Hence
the lawyer is a man of the day. The exigencies he must meet are
those of his own time. His capital is his ability and individuality.
He can not bequeath to his successors the characteristics that dis;
.tinguished him, and at his going the very evidences of his work
disappear. And in compiling this short sketch one is astonished
at the paucity of material for a memoir of those who have been so
intimately connected with, and who exerted such an influence upon,
the county's welfare and progress. The peculiarities and the per-
sonalities, which form so pleasing and interesting a part of the lives
of the members of the Bar, and which indeed constitute the charm
of local history, are altogether wanting. Unlike the fair plaintiff
in Bardell vs. Pickwick, we have no pains-taking sergeant to relate
"the facts and circumstances" of the case. The Court records
give us the facts, but the circumstances surrounding and giving
an interest to the events are wanting.
The great prominence in history occupied by the Bar of the Mili-
tary Tract is well known, and ranking with and a part of this is
the Pike county Bar. High as stood the local standard of its at-
tainment and repute, whenever its chieftains were called to combat
on other arenas, they left no lost laurels there. Here were taught,
needed', developed, the stalwart qualities that attach to and betoken
the most complete fruition of legal excellence, as attained in the
recognition, study, comprehension and application of the abstruse
and limitless principles and history of that noblest portion of juris-
prudence, land law.
It is no such difficult task to become what the world calls a
lawyer, but with hope to tread the higher paths of the profession,
easy effort, varnished knowledge, common mind muscle, need not ap-
ply. There are grades to which any may attain, but there are also
summits to which few can aspire. Education, industry, and per-
sistency may rightly demand and ensure success and eyen eminence
in the settlement of commercial collisions, or in the adjustment of
the thousand ordinary interests that coiistantly appeal to a lawyer's
guidance. The babbling charlatan may, equally with the profound-
jurist, claim a fictitious standing as a criminal advocate; but such
will always stiimble among the rugged paths of " land law" prac-
tice, where rests the settlement of the earth's ownership and where
true learning, combined with most grasping mental strength, can
only be at home.
On this broad field, years since, inviting and fast filling with ad-
venturous immigration, where existed land titles of every shade,
affected by conflicting legislation varying as the years, was gained
the rare training and reputation of the legal athletes,' an arena such
as was found in no other section of the State; and in addition to
these advantageous themes of practice, the professional necessities
394 HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTr.
of the Bar vastly aided its members in their advance to self-reliant
supremacy. The reasons for this are novel, but conclusive.
Law in those past-off days demanded of its votaries different
qualities from now. It exacted the instincts of the smarter men, of
genius and nerve and novelty. It was the intellectual over the ed-
ucated who chiefly led tlie van. Of books there were few. Author-
ities and precedents slumbered not in the great handy libraries.
The entire resources of the Bounty Tract could hardly fill out the
shelves of one ordinary lawyer's library to-day. Hence alijje,
whether engaged in counsel or in litigation, native resource, re-
membrance of past reading, but mainly the readiness and aptitude
with which legal principles drawn from rudimental reading or
educed by intuition could be applied to any interest or exigence in
" the infinite vanity of human concerns," were the armories wlience
were drawn their welded weapons of assured success.
He was a luckless lawyer who had to hunt his books io settle a
suddenly controverted point, or answer a bewildered client's query;
and he was a licensed champion, who, theorizing from his instored
legal lore, or instinctive acumen, knew on the instant where best to
point his thrust and was equally ready with every form of parry and
defense. The off-hand action and advice of such men, nerved by
necessity and skilled by contest, became of course to be regarded
almost like leaves of law.
One can thus somewhat realize what keen, pliant, incisive re-
source was attained by such careers, how inspiring and attractive
were their collisions, how refined and subtle and sharpened their
intellects must have become.
It should not be supposed that looseness, lack of accuracy or legal
formula, marked the rulings of the Bench or Bar. There was friend-
ship and familiarity, it is true, because everybody knew everybody;
the court-houses were shambling great log shanties, their furniture,
chairs and desks, split-bottomed and unplaned, would have set a
modern lawyer's feeling on edge, but the Bench was always filled
with character, knowledge and dignity (in fact, the second Judge
who held Court in Pike county, jolm York Sawyer, weighed 386
pounds, and if that Bench was not full of judicial dignity where
will the proper amount of avoirdupois be found?), and forensic ruling
and requirement was governed by as much judicial precision and
professional deference as would marlc the records of the most pre-
tentious tribunals in the land.
The Bar in those days was a sort of family to itself. There was
a mutual acquaintance. All traveled the Circuit, went to every
county on Court week, came' from all quarters. Egypt and Galena
had their representatives. Some went there because they had busi-
ness: some because they wanted to get business, and all that they
might learn.
In Court, by practice and observation, was acquired much of
knowledge that the paucity of books denied the student and young
practitioner. Out of Court their association was like that of a de-
HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY. 395
bating society or law school. They mingled in common, ate, drank,
smoked, joked, disputed together. The Judge had at the tavern the
spare room, if such a room there was, and the lawyers bunked
cosily, dozens together, in the "omnibus," as the big, many-bedded
room was called, and there they had it. Whatever of law point
past, pending, or probable could be raised, they "went for," dis-
cussed, dissected, worried, fought over it until, whether convinced
or not,~ all knew more than when they commenced; and thus, strug-
gling over these made-up issues of debate, became sharpened, by
mutual attrition, the legal faculties that were panting for future
and more serious contests.
These lawyers were on exhibition, too, and they knew it. Every
man in the county came to town Court week if he could. There
were but few people in the country then, and Court week was the
natural periodical time for the farmers to meet, swap stories, make
trades, learn the news, hear the speeches and form their own opin-
ions as to which of these " tonguey fellers it is safest to give business
to or vote for for the Legislator."
A pretty good idea how universal was the gathering of necessity
at the county-seats in those primitive days may be gleaned from the
fact that often Sheriff, Capt. Ross and Deputy Sheriff "Jimmy" lioss
had to go on the jury to make up the number. They could not find
enough men in reach to sit as jurors. They had "jolly old times,
those limbs of the law — jolly, indeed. Most of them were young.
All were instinct with the very cream of zeal, enterprise and origin-
ality that inheres to a new community, and among them jibe and
jest and fun and yarn and repartee and sell were tossed about like
meteoric showers.
An amusing incident is told in which figured an eminent surviv-
ing member of the Bar, of the Military Tract. He, the Judge, and
the Prosecuting Attorney, traveling over the prairie, while lighting
their pipes, eitlier thoughtlessly or accidentally set the grass on
fire. It spread, swept toward the timber, destroyed a settler's fences
and improvements, and some luckless wight was indicted for the
offense. The lawyer above was engaged as counsel for the culprit.
The Prosecuting Attorney of course had his duty to perform to
the furtherance of the ends of justice; the Judge had the outraged
interests of law to protect under the solemnity of his position and
oath; but it required all the earnest effort of the gifted counsel, all
the generous ruling of the Judge, all the blundering action of the
Prosecuting Attorney, the united sympathies, in fact, of this secretly
sinning legal trinity to prevent the jury from finding a verdicl
against the innocent accused. Countless are the racy legends of Illi-
nois life and law, unrecorded and fast fading away as the memories
that hold them pass from existence, but time and space give now
no warrant for their recital.
BAE OF THE PAST.
Of those' attorneys who resided in the couuty at one time, or
396 HISTOET OF PIKE COTTNTT.
practiced here, and are now either dead, have qnit the practice or
moved away, w6 will speak first :
Gen. E. D. BaJcer, whose father was an Admiral in the English
navy, and whose brother. Dr. Alfred C. Baker, now resides at Barry,
was an eminent lawyer, a fine rhetorician and orator, a man of
great intellect, and a leader in the halls of legislation. After manv
years' practice in Illinois he went to California, which State soon
sent him to Congress as Senator, but he was finally slain by treach-
ery at Ball's BlnfiP in Virginia.
Hon. 0. H. Browning, of Qaincy, too well known to describe
here, has practiced at this Bar.
Col. JD. B. Bush, of Pittsfield, is the oldest man in the county
who has been a member of the Bar at this Court. He was admit-
ted to practice in 1814.
Son. J. M. Bush, the present editor of the Detnocrat, has prac-
ticed law here with commendable success.
Nehemiah Bushnell, a partner of Mr. Browning's at Qnincy,
has also practiced law in the Pike county Circuit Court. He was
an easy, quiet and thorough lawyer, and a superior man in the U.
S. Court. He died in 1872.
Alfred W. Cavalry was a smooth, pretty talker. He moved to
Ottawa and died there- a year or two ago at a very advanced age.
George W. Crow, of Barry, was a young man but not much of a
lawyer. He went to Kansas.
Stephen A. Douglas practiced at the Pike county Bar in early ■
days.
Daniel H. Gilmer was a young but able lawyer, thorough-going,
learned, careful and popular. For a time he was a partner of Archi-
bald Williams, and was subsequently a Colonel in the army, suc-
ceeding Col. Carlin : he was killed at Stone river. His daughter
Lizzie is now Postmistress at Pittsfield.
Jachson Grimshaw, younger brotlier of Hon. Wm. A. Grimshaw,
was leader of the Bar in his day. He resided at Pittsfield fourteen
years, then went to Quincy, where he died in December, 1875.
The following high eulogy was paid to the memory of Mr. Grim-
shaw by Hon. I. N. Morris before the Bar of Quincy, at the time
of his decease : " I rise to second the motion to place on the
records of this Court the resolutions adopted by the members of
the Bar of Quincy, as a slight testimonial to the memory of Jack-
son Grimshaw. It is but little we can do, at best, to keep the
defacing march of time from obliterating every sensitive memory
of our departed friends, but we can do something toward it and
let us do that little in this instance. Jackson Grimshaw deserves a
living place in our minds and in our hearts. Yet he was mortal.
He, like other men, had his faults and his virtues. His faults
belonged to himself His virtues to all. When the melancholy
news came out from his residence, at 11 o'clock, yesterday, that he
was dead, its echo went over the city like the sound of a funeral
bell, and "poor Grimshaw " was the general wail amid the heart-
HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY. 39Y
felt sorrow of all. His genius was of no ordinary kind ; liis energy
was tifeless, and he was true to his profession, his client and his
honor. I challenge any man to say if he ever heard either
impeached, even by a suspicion. If there was any thing the
deceased hated more than any other, it was .an illiberal, tricky,
unmanly, dishonorable act, inside or outside ofthe profession, more
especially inside of it. He had no patience with anything low or
mean. These words grate on the ear, but I know of none more
appropriate or expressive. His impulses flowed from a pure and
noble inspiration, and were guided by a cultivated mind. I repeat
it with pride, Jackson Grrimshaw was an honest man. He bowed
to no expediency, nor to sordid motive. He was easily excited,
and the blood would mount to his -cheeks instantly at a, wrong or
indignity, and he would rebuke it on the spot. All will concede
there was not a particle of deceit or hypocrisy about him. What
he was he was, and we all understood him. He did not ask a favor
in a smiling, cunning, obsequious way, but he trod the world as a
man, and he looked with pity and disdain upon the servile who
crawl upon their belly. In short, I say from a long and intimate
acquaintance, notwithstanding his quick resentment and hasty
words, he was superior in all the better qualities of the head and
heart, for he never meant or planned a wrong: never coolly devised
an evil, or gave the le^st countenance to it in another. I do not
speak the language of romance or eulogy, but the simple, unadorned
language of truth, and by that standard let him be judged. He
would not prostitute his profession to plunder the widow or the
orphan, or, in other words, he did not study or practice it merely
as a means of gain, but for the higher and nobler purpose of estab-
lishing justice among men, and not degrading the court-house
into a place of tricks, technicalities and legal legerdemain. His
sense of right was exalted, and he was not a spawn of nature, but
was cast in the best mold. I repeat it, he was in the broadest
sense ofthe term an lionest and honorable lawyer and man.
It is no disparagement to others to say that in his profession he
was the peer of any of them. He was a close student, but what
was better, he was a close thinker. The principles bearing on his
case shone through his mind as the face in the mirror, and they
were unfolded to the Court and the Jury in language clear, forcible
and convincing. His plain law, his impressment of facts, his eluci-
dation, his power of analysis, his clear, forcible language and
delivery, placed him justly in the front rank at the Bar. •
Zaphariah N. Oarhutt was born in Wheatland, K. Y., about
the year 1813; graduated at the University of Vermont; studied
law in Washington city in the office of Matthew St. Clair Clark;
he directly emigrated to Jacksonville, 111., where he finished his
legal course; he came to Pike county about the year 1839, returned
East for a year, and then came back to Pittsfield, where he estab-
lished the Free Press in 1846, and from which paper he retired in
1849; he also practiced law some, was Justice of the Peace and
•398 HISTOKY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Master in Chancery. He was a strong anti-slavery "Whig and a
temperance advocate, and in the Mormon war, as Mr. Grilnshaw
says, "He earned laurels by piling up big sweet potatoes for the
troops of the anti-Mormons." Earnest and somewhat original in
his opinions, very independent in the expression of his thoughts, he
was an upright, jovial man, and something of a genius. Finally,
- while traveling for a firm in St. Louis on commercial business, he
was attacked with varioloid in Memphis, Tenn., where he died in
1855. In 1841 he married Phimelia B. Scott, a native of New
York State, and who has since married Mr. Purkitt, and still re-
sides in PittsfieJd.
Alfred Grubh was first Sheriff, then a member of the Legisla-
ture, then County Judge, and then admitted to the Bar, and prac-
ticed in the Courts. He had considerable legal knowledge, and
was "well versed in the rules of practice, but his natural ability was
comparatively deficient.
Gen. John J. Hardin, who had descended from a stock of
soldiers and lawyers, was a fine attorney. He used to practice con-
siderably at the Bar in this county, and often stop here on his way
to Calhoun and return. For a period he was State's Attorney on
this Circuit. He was killed at the battle of Buena Vista.
Milton Say, formerly of the firm of Hay & Baker, now ranks
high as a lawyer at Springfield, 111., being a member of the firm of
Hay, Greene & Littler, and has accumulated a fortune. He has
been a member of the State Constitutional Convention and of the
State Legislature.
Mr. Hewitt practiced here a while, and went to Iowa.
Capt. Joseph Klein, of Barry, was admitted to the Bar, but
never practiced in the Circuit; was a partner of J. L. Underwood
until 1869. He had considerable ability. He was once a steam-
boat captain, and came from St. Louis to this county.
Josiah Lamhorn, a lame man, once Attorney General of the
State, resided at Jacksonville, and afterward at Springfield. He
had a great deal of talent, but was a corrupt man.
Abraham Lincoln practiced at the Pike county Bar in early
days.
Samuel D. LocJcwood, who resided at Jacksonville, was a very
superior man as a lawyer and as a gentleman. He was once Attorney
General of the State, Judge of the old Fifth Circuit, and was the
author of the original criminal code of Illinois. He resigned the
office on account of ill health, and went up to or near Aurora,
where he died a short time ago. He was also one of the original
trustees of the Asj'lura for the Blind at Jacksonville.
Gen. Maxwell, of Eushville, has appeared before the Bar in this
county. His favorite song was, "The big black bull went roaring
down the meadow." At one time he was a partner of Wm. A.
Minshall, and at another of Wm. A. Richardson.
Isaac N. Morris, of Quincy, but recently deceased, has practiced
law in Pike county.
HISTOEY (1F PIKE COUNTY. 399
Murray 0'' Oonnell, of Jacksonville, practiced here considerably.
He was a rough-speaking man, but of great wit. During Buchan-
an's administration he was 5th Auditor of the Treasury. He was
murdered at the age of seventy.
John G. Pettingill, School Superintendent for a number of
years, was also a lawyer in this county, but is now living in Mis-
souri.
N. E. Quinby, another Pike county lawyer, is now deceased.
James H. Ralston, formerly of Quincy, used to practice here
aud was for a time Circuit Judge. He was finally killed and de-
voured by wolves in California.
Hon. Wm. A. Richardson, State's Attorney for a long time, used
to practice here, but of late years he has visited the county more'
in the role of a politician.
John Jay Ross, son of Capt. Leonard Ross, was a lawyer of Pike
county, but his practice was mostly confined to Atlas. He is now
dead.
David A. Smith, once of Jacksonville, practiced here a great
deal. He was a partner of Gen. Hardin at the time the latter died.
Thomas Stafford, a Barry lawyer, had not much ability. He
soon removed from Barry to parts not now remembered.
Mr. Starr practiced at Coles' Grove in very early day : he after-
ward went to Cincinnati.
John T. Stewart, of the firm of Stewart, Edwards & Brown,
Springfield, is a "shrewd lawyer of the Scotch kind. He was the
first antagonist of Stephen A. Douglas in the Congressional race
that the latter made in 1838, and was beaten by eighty-odd votes.
The noted " Black Prince" turned the election. This district then
extended to Galena and Chicago.
E. O. Tingle, Barry, whose father was a Judge in Maryland, was
a well-read lawyer, but he did not stay iij Barry long.
Son. Lyman Trumiull, ex-U. S. Senator and now practicing
law in Chicago, has appeared as attorney in the Pike county Court.
James Ward was a native of Ohio, and in this county was Jus-
tice of the Peace and Probate Judge. He died, leaving a family at
"'G-riggsvil-Jo and numerous, relatives.
Oalvin A. Warren, of Quincy, but now dead, has visited here
some as a lawyer, and was State's Attorney for a time.
Charles Warren, for a time partner of Milton Hay in Pittsfield,
was counsel of the commission appointed to ascertain the damages
incurred by the damming of Copperas creek.
Alpheus Wheeler, an eccentric preacher and lawyer, came from
old Virginia to Pike county at the close of the Black Hawk war,
residing for some time at Highland. In 1838 and 1840 he was
elected to the Legislature of Illinois where he made his peculiar
speeches and encountered the wit and humor of another remarkable
man, but of a more elevated type of manhood and education,
namely, Usher F. Linder, who died recently at Chicago. On one
occasion Mr. Wheeler addressed the Chair, saying, " Mr. Speaker, I
400 HISTOKT OF PIKE COUNTY.
have a-rose — " " Does the;^entleinan keep a flower garden?" inter-
rupted tlie Speaker. Mr. W. ' practiced law in Pi ttsfield and ob-
tained considerable business. He took great pride in his oratorical
efforts and made some lofty flights in speeches to the jury. On one
occasion when D. M. Woodson, State's Attorney, submitted a case
without argument for the purpose of preventing Wheeler from
speaking, the latter replied : " Gentlemen, I admire the State's At-
torney; he. has shown the most sublime eloquence, as from some
men it consists in most profound silence." He used to say of
Woodson, " His eloquence is like the tall thunder amongst the lofty
oaks, coming down for to split things." This remark at one time
excited some one who had a ready hand at a rough pencil sketch to
draw a pictur-e of a man's head with a big nose elevated in a tree-
top, upon the west wall of the court-room at Pittslield, and it. re-
mained there for many years, until the house was whitened up on
the inside. That big nose was a caricature of Wheeler's. In a case
for killing a cow, when O. H. Browning made some points for the
defendant, Mr. Wheeler replied: "The gentleman tells you, gentle-
men of the jury, that the plaintiff, my client, cannot recover in this
suit because the cow warn't no cow because she never had a calf,
but that she war a heifer. Gentlemen, that are not the notion of a
sound and legal lawyer but the notion of a musharoon." This al-
most convulsed the, court-house with laughter. Another objection
of Browning's in this case was thus replied to by Mr. Wheeler:
" Gentlemen of the jury, Mr. Browning says that our cow warn't
worth a cent. Now, gentlemen, where were there ever a cow that
warn't worth a cent? That cow were worth something for her meat,
if she warn't worth nothing for a milk cow. She war worth some-
thing for her horns; she war worth something for her hide, if not
for her meat or milk; and gentlemen, she war worth something be-
cause the tail goes with the hide." The cause of Browning's point
was, that Wheeler had failed to prove by witnesses the worth of the
cow.
A suit brought b}^ Wheeler for one Harpole against his brother
was for damage done to hogs by cutting the toe-nails off the hogs
so as to prevent them from climbing. Wheeler, in describing the
injury done to the hogs, insisted that the hogs had a right to toe-
nails and a right to climb, and that, although they had done dam-
age, yet it was laid down, " root hog or die."
One Zumwalt was indicted for destroying a mill-dam of Dr.^
Hezekiah Dodge's. Wheeler in thrs case assailed the character ot
Dr. Dodge, who was a respectable man and whom the jury did be-
lieve. Zumwalt was convicted upon evidence that he had said
at his son-in-law's, on the night of the destruction of the dam of
Dodge's, " Just now the musrats are working on old Dodge's dam.
Wheeler said of Dodge on the trial, " Dr. Dodge are a man so de-
void of truth that when he speaks the truth he are griped."
Daring another of the lofty flights of our hero, a wag, John J.
E.OSS, a lawyer and a man who made and enjoyed a joke, laughed
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 401
SO at one of Mr. Wheeler's speeches that he became excited, and,
turning upon Koss in a very contemptuous way, with a majestic
sweep of his long arm brought down at Eoss, said : " I wish 1 had
a tater: I'd throw it down your throat." Wheeler did not close his
speech that evening, and the next morning early, when he was
again addressing the jurj' and Ross at the Bar table, by some hand
several large potatoes were put down in sight of Wheeler's eye.
He fired up and let out a torrent of invective upon Ross, every one,
Judge and all, in a loud roar of laughter.
In a fine frenzy at one time, Mr.W. parodied Shakspeare thus:
" Who steals my purse steals trash ;
Robs me of that which not enriches him but malses me poor, —
all to injure my client."
Wheeler went to Bates county, Mo., since which time he has
been lost sight of by people of this county. It is reported that he
is not now living.
James W. Whitney was denominated " Lord Coke " on account
of his knowledge of law. For a sketch of him see chapter on the
early settlement of this county.
Archibald Williams, formerly of Quincy but later of Kansas and
U. S. Circuit Judge, has been an eminent practitioner at the Bar
of Pike. '
John H. William,^, now of Quincy and a Circuit Judge, is a son
of Archibald Williams, a man of good sense, and' has been an able
pleader at the Bar of Pike county. He is one of three Judges of
this Circuit, but seldom holds Court in Pike county.
. David M. Woodson was a State's Attorney of the old 1st District,
which then included Pike county; afterwai'd was Circuit Judge
for 18 years, then was member of the Legislature. His partner in
the law was Charles D. Hodges, late Circuit Judge of Greene
county.
Gov. Richard Yates delivered his " maiden" speech as an at-
torney here in Pittsfield.
THE PEESENT BAE.
We have endeavored to mention the names and give what facts
we could learn of every attorney who has ever practiced in the
courts of Pike county." We will now speak of those who compose
the Bar at present. No name -will intentionally be omitted. The
list we give was furnished by some of the leading attorneys of the
county, and we believe full and complete.
Son. Wm. B. Archer is a native of New York city, where he
read law and was admitted to the Bar in 1838, and shortly after-
ward moved to this county, where he has ever since resided, ever
active to forward any movement for the progress and prosperity of
the' county.
402 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTT.
B. M. Atkinson was admitted to the Bar in 1868; was elected
County Judge in 1865 and served two terms.
Quitman Brown is engaged in the practice of law at Milton.
A. G- Crawford. — Mr. Crawford is a native son of Pike; studied
law at Pittsfield, and graduated from the Chicago law school. He
received his non-professional education in the schools of this
county and at Blackburn University at Carlinville.
Joseph L. Dohhin. — This gentleman, who resides at Pittsfield,
has been gaining a foot-hold in this county as an attorney of high
rank.
Edward Doocy, Griggsville, is a graduate of Illinois College at
Jacksonville, and was admitted to the Bar in 1874. He was born
in Griggsville in 1861, and as a lawyer he now has a successful
practice.
Isaac J. Dyer, Time, was reared in Jacksonville ; had but limited
literary education; received his professional education at the law
school of Washington University at St. Louis, and was admitted to
the Bar in 1873. He served in the late war and was disabled for
life by wounds in the left arm.
James F. Greathouse, of Pittsfield, is a son of one of the early
pioneers of Pike county. He was reared in Montezuma township
and has thus far continued to reside in the county. He served hi&
country during the trying days of the Pebellion.
Delos Grigshy, son of Judge Grigsby, has recently been admitted!
to the Bar.
Hon. Wm. A. Grimshaw, the oldest practicing attorney of the
county, ranks as one of the leading lawyers of the State; was ad-
mitted to the Bar in Philadelphia at the age of 19; in. 1833 became
to Pike county, since which time he has been actively identified'
with almost every public interest of the county.
Samuel V. Hayden is engaged in the practice of law at Milton.
Harry Higlee, son of Judge Higbee, and partner of Messrs.
Wike & Matthews, attended Columbia Law School, New Tork
city, and the Chicago Law School, and was admitted to the Bar in
1878.
Geo. W. Hinm,an is engaged in the practice of law at Perry.
James S. Irwin was a college class-mate of the noted John 0.
Breckinridge, who was once Vice President ot the United States and
afterward a leader in the Southern Confederacy. Mr. Irwin is one
of the leading lawyers of the State.
Henry C. Johnston, of Pittsfield. Mr. Johnston has resided in
Pittsfield for some tim<e, engaged in the practice of law.
J. W. Johnson was admitted to the Bar in 1869, came to Pike
county the following year, taught school for two years and then
located at Pittsfield. He is at the present engaged in the practice
of law in company with J. S. Irwin.
W. I. Klein, who graduated at Ann Arbor, is practicing
law at Barry at the present time.
A. G. Lang is also practicing at Barry.
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 403.
Hon. A. C. Matthews is a native of this county, his father being
one of the sturdy pioneers. lie served in the late war with dis-
tinction as Colonel of the 99th, and subsequently was Collector of
Internal Eevenue for several years in the 9th District,' then Super-
visor of Internal Revenue.
Jefferson- Orr. Mr. Orr is at present the State's Attorney. As
a lawyer and as a man of integrity and ability he ranks high.
Peter T. Stoats, Griggsville. While engaged' in the practice of
law Mr. Staats also teaches school occasionally.
J. L. Underwood, of Barry, was born in !New York city May
10, 1826, the son of Robert L. and Martha Underwood; emigrated
first to A.dams county, and in 1837 to Pike county, settling at
Eldara; read law here and was admitted to the Bar in 1865, but
had been practicing law four years before that time. Although
living at Eldara his office for many years was at Barry, to which
place he has more recently moved.
Hon. Scott Wike studied law at Harvard University, and was
admitted to the Bar in 1858; the following year he located at
Pittsfield and began the practice of his chosen profession. He is
one of the leading lawyers of the Circuit,
Thos. Worthington, jr., son of Dr. Thos. Worthington, was born
in Tennessee while his mother was there on a visit during the
holidays. But he is, strictly speaking, an Illinoisan. He read law
with Judge Atkinson and in the law school at Chicago, and was
admitted to the Bar in 1877. He is now in the office with Judge
Atkinson at Pittsfield.
Ed. Yates, a partner of Jeff Orr, the State's Attorney, at Pitts-
field, ranks among the leading attorneys at this Bar, and unrivaled,
in his ability to relate anecdotes.
TOWNSHIP HISTORIES.
CHAMBERSBURG TOWNSHIP.
This township lies in the extreme northeastern part of the
county. It is bounded upon the north by Versailles tp., Brown
CO., on the west by Perry tp., on the south by Flint, and on the east
by the Illinois river. Along the river is much bottom land, whole
sections of which are entirely useless for agricultural purposes.
Both the north and south forks of McGee's creek traverse this town-
ship: thej'joinon section 27, and empty into the Illinois river
about a mile above Naples, which is on the opposite shore, in Scott
county.
The first pioneers who came to this township were James Wells,
Samuel Atchison, a Mr. Brewster and a Mr. Van Woy. They
came in 1822. The first named located on section 20, and Mr.
Atchison erected his cabin on section 17. The first sermon
preached in the township was at the house of Hachel Brown, in
1827, by Eev. John Medford, a Methodist preacher. The first
church edifice was erected on section 31. The first school was
taught in 1830 in an old log house which stood near where Joseph
Brown lives, by John Lyster. The first Sunday-school in the town-
ship was organized by the Methodists in the town of Chambersburg.
The first wedding in the township was in 1826, the contracting
parties being James Medford and Eliza- Brown. The wedding
occurred at the residence of the bride's mother, and the ceremony
was performed by Esquire Wells. The first person overtaken by
death in the township was Michael Brown, who died in 1826.
He came to the township in the fall of the same year.
Joseph Brown is the oldest pioneer living in the township.
James Pool is the next oldest. Harvey Dunn was an early settler
here. Pie was a member of the convention which framed the Con-
stitution of 1847. He was an unassuming, intelligent and honest
man, and died many years ago.
The privations of the pioneer families in this township were in
some respects very great, cut oflF as they were from almost all
social, religious, educational and commercial advantages. Of course
they enjoyed these in a limited degree. The first settlers were people
who valued greatly such privileges, and though they were for many
^^-^'a^^^^ 7>4^^^^^^«^^^^^t^
PERRY
HISTORY OF PIKE OOUNTT. 407
jears without school-houses and churches, easily found the facilities
for enjoying themselves, both socially and religiously. The great-
est privations arose from the want of the means of communication
with the outside world. The absence of railroads, or even good
wagon roads, rendered the locality almost inaccessible to postal and
commercial facilities, and traveling for other than business pur-
poses was out of the question. Most of the original pioneers are
represented here by descendants, but they, with few exceptions,
have passed to a country that is always new, where, however, the
trials of pioneer life are unknown.
The first settlers were all farmers, after a fashion now unknown.
They raised a little corn and a few vegetables, and, like their red
neighbors, depended largely;Upon their rifle for subsistence. Their
houses were but little superior to those of the Indians, being
merely little cabins erected only with the help of the ax and per-
haps an auger. No locks, nails or any other article of iron entered
into their construction, but such devices as could be wrought out
on the ground by the use of the tools named and of such materials as
the locality afforded. The only boa,rds used for any purpose were
such as could be hewed out of logs.
CHAMBEKSBUEG.
The town of Ohambersburg is located on the north fork of Mc-
Gee's creek, on section 8. It was surveyed and laid out May 7,
1833, by Seabourn Gilmore and B. B. Metz. Mcintosh and
Givens were the first settlers of the town. They owned a distillery
and store here before the town was laid out. There are several
good stores, churches, a school-house, shops, etc., in the town; and
for an inland village it transacts a very good trade.
PERSONAL SKETCHES.
James Barry is a native of Morgan county, O., and was born in
1834; he ip a son of Wilson and Eosanna Barry, the former a native
of Pennsylvania and the latter of Vermont; he was brought to this
county at the age of nine years; Feb. 1, 1855, he married Eleanor
E. Kurfman, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1838. Everything
was in its native wildness when Mr. B. came to this county, and as
his father soon died, he began life for himself at an early age, work-
ing for $13 a month; he had many obstacles to overcome, but his
enterprising, persevering disposition overcame all of them. He
prospered for a time here and removed to Eockport, with the
intention of going to Missouri the following spring, but the out-
break of the war prevented him. He bought land again in this
county, met with disasters, but has again establislied himself, now
owning 190 acres of land. Mr. B. is a member of the U. Baptist
Church. P. O., Ohambersburg.
Joah Brooks ; P. O., Ohambersburg. Mr B. was born in Pike
county in 1832^ and is a son of A. H. and Lucy Brooks, natives of
Tennessee. In 1863 he married the widow Brooks, whose maiden
25
408 HISTORY OF PIKE COTTNTT.
name was Elizabeth Hume. She was born in 1833. Six children
have blessed this union. Mr. B. is engaged in farniing on sec. 9
but formerly followed blacksmi thing. Members of M.'E. Church!
Joseph Brown, farmer, sec. 17; P. O., Chambersbnrg;isa native
of the Green Mountain State, where he was born in 1816' his
father, Michael Brown, is a native of Ireland, who came to this
country when 18 years of age; his mother, the daughter of Joseph
Greir, was born near Philadelphia, Pa. Mr. B. came with his
parents to Illinois in 1820 and located near Shawneetowu, 111., and
in the fall of 1824 was brought to this county, and has lived on the
same farm since the spring of 1825, and has been engaged in farm-
ing and rnnningf flat and steam-boats on the 'river. In 1858 he
" married Mrs. Catharine Jones, a native of Coshocton Co., 0. Three
children have been born to them, two of whom are dead. Mr.
Brown is an old pioneer, coming here when the wolves were thick
as squirrels and could be heard in all directions, and turkev and
deer seen in large numbers. He is the oldest pioneer now living
in the township. His wife is a member of the Methodist Church.
Nancy Burrows, widow of the late Robert G. Burrows, was
born in East Tenn. Dec. 18, 1825, and is a daughter of William
Deviney, deceased. She was married to Mr. Burrows June 5,
1850. They had 8 children, of whom 3 are living, — Ada E., wife
of David M. Reynolds, of Pike county ; Ella F. and Laura A. Mrs.
B's brother, Oapt. P. Deviney, who spent most of his life on the
waters, now resides in St. Louis, where she also has a sister resid-
ing, and one sister in California, whom she has not seen for 29
years. Mr. Burrows, her husband, was born in New York city,
May 2, 1819; by profession he was a civil engineer, but desiring a
more active life he went upon the waters; he was mate of the Cal-
houn on the Illinois river from the time she was launched until his
death, which occurred Jan. 13, 1879. He was a man of culture
and education, widely known and highly respected, and a worthy
member of the M. E. Church.
James W. Ghenoweth was born in 1847 in Pike county, and is a
son of Wm. and Sarah Chenoweth; he first married Mary Erving
in 1874. One child was born to them. Mrs C. died the same year,
and in 1878 Mr. 0. married Miss Maggie Erving, who was born in
1857. Mr. C. commenced buying and shipping stock eight years
ago, and in this business has succeeded very well.
Miles B. Chenoweth; P. O. Chambersburg; was born in 1827 in
Bartholomew Co., Ind. His parents, Abraham and Rachel Cheno-
weth, were both natives of Kentucky; they moved to Clinton Co.,
Ind., in the fall of 1832, and in 1836 to Pike county, 111., where our
subject grew to manhood and embarked in farming; in 1848 he was
united in marriage to Miss AnnaE. Allen, a native of Madison Co.,
]Sr. Y., born April 7, 1830, and they are the parents of 4 children.
They have been members of the Christian Church for 35 years, and
in all public enterprises Mr. C. is very liberal.
jE". I). Cooper was born in 1812 in Sumner Co., Tenn., and was
the son of George and Elizabeth Cooper, the former of K C, and
HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY. 409
his mother of Tenn. With his parents our subject moved to Ky.,
and in 1829 caine to Illinois, and worked at the carpenter's trade in
Pittsfield. In 1843 he married Miss Yeturia Hobbs, who was born
in Ky., in 1818. Mr. 0. ^.followed farming up to 1857, and then
embarked in the grocery business ; he went West, and in 1860 came
back to Illinois, and again engaged in the grocery business until .
1865, then embarked in the milling business, which he continued
two years; farmed for a year; engaged in the milling business in
Yersailles, 111., for about a year and a half; returned to the farm,
where he lived for 7 years; then sold out and bought the Chambers-
burg Mills, which he has been running since. In connection with
the flouring-mill, which he has put in excellent repair, he has a
'saw-mill.
/. JS^ Dennis, Chambersburg, is one of the leading citizens of
the township, indeed of the county. Mr. D. has served many terms
as a member of the Board of Supervisors, and as Chairman of that
body..
Thomas Dorman, farmer, sec. 4 ; P.O. Chambersburg. Mr. D.
is a son of Lewis and Eliza J. Dorman; born in 1851 in Brown Co.,
111.; his father is a native of Ohio and his mother a native of Brown
Co., 111., where Thorpas was raised until the age of 15; he then en-
gaged in engineering, and for 3 years followed blacksmithing, at
Hersman Station, then went to Jaques' Mills, where he worked two
years. He was married to Miss America Berry in 1872; she was
born in Ohio in 1850. Of the 3 children born to them one is dead.
Mr. and Mrs. D. are members of the Christian Church.
George H. Dunn was born in Morgan Co., 111., Feb. 28, 1838.
His parents, Harvey and Angeline Dunn, were born in IST. Y. and
Mass., respectively. Mr. D. was brought to this county by his
parents in 1839, and up to the year 1850 lived in the town of Cham-
bersburg, and then moved on a farm on sec. 5, where he lived until
the death of his father in Dec, 1869. He shortly afterward returned
to Chambersburg and has since lived in retired life. In April, 1864,
he married Miss Susan M. Dennis. Mr. D. is a brother of Dr.
Dunn, of Perry. He is a member of the Blue Lodge, also the
Chapter of Knight Templars of the-Masonic fraternity.
Thomas Grayham, farmer sec. 17; P. O. Chambersburg. Mr. G.
was born in 1833 in Kentucky; at the age of 22 he came to this
county and followed carpentering and boat-building. His parents
were John and Susan Grayham. Our subject was married to Miss
Siretta J. Hushing, who was born in Nashville, Tenn. To them
have been born 10 children, .6 of whom are living. Mr. G. has
been very successful as a farmer. Mrs. G. is k member of the
Methodist Church.
Joel Ham, farmer, sec. 20; P. O. Chambersburg. In Rutherford
Co., Tenn., in 1829, there was born to James and Mary Ham the
subject of this sketch; they moved to this county when their son
was one year old; here he grew to manhood, and May 9, 1850, was
married to Miss Sarah A. Wells, who was born in this township
410 HTSTOET OF PIKE COTJNTT.
April 29, 1833. James A., Orson, Sarah H., Bennett D. and
Charles are the uames of the children born to them. Mrs. H. died
and Sept. 8, 1859, Mr. H. married Miss Malvina Lee, who was born
May 24, 1836, at Orleans, Ind. Ten children have been born to
them, — Benj. F., Angenettia, Lucretia, David L., Enoch, "Walter 8.,
Harvey, Anna E., Dollie P., Frederick A. The following, of his
former children are dead: James A., Orson and Oliarlie; and of
the latter, Benjamin, Lucretia and Dollie. Mr. H. began life very
poor, but now owns 400 acres of land. He well remembers about
the early settlers pounding corn with an iron wedge in the top of a
stump burned out for the purpose, and when it tooi two d.ays for
his father to go to mill with the grist in a sack thrown over the
horse's back. All the sugar they used was from the maple trees
standing in the forest. Mrs. H. is a member of the Christian
Church.
John H. Ham, farmer, sec. 20 ; P. O. Ohambersbnrg ; is the son
of Lewis and Julia A. Ham, and was born in this county in 1855 ;
his mother died in December, 1878. In 1874 Mz-. H. took nnto
himself a wife in the person of Miss Alice Conner : she was born
in Pike county in 1854 : only one of the two children born to them
is living. Mrs. H. is a member of the Christian Church.
James L. Ham,, one of the largest farmers in this county, was
born June 15, 1832, in this township ; his parents came here in
1830 from Kutherford county, Tenn. ; their names were James and
Mary (Broiles) Ham, one a native of S. C. and the other of Tenn.,
and of German descent, — -both very old families in those States,,
and took part in the Kevolutionary war, their great-grandfather,
Gen. Williams, serving under Washington. James Ham, the
father of our subject, during liis life-time was a very large and
successful farmer, owning and working 1,500 acres of land in this
township at the time of his death, wliich occurred in 1868. He
began life in 1830 with a team and 35 cents. He raised a large
family of eight children, seven of whom lived to be. grown, — fonr
now living in this county and one in Stark county. James L. was
married . Sept. 25, 1853, to Julia A. Wells, daughter of James
Wells, the oldest settler in this township. He had a family of four
children, — John H., who is married and lives on sec. 20, Henry A.,
Marshall A. and Keuben L. Mr. Ham has served the township for
several years as«Supervisor, and was Chairman of that body : he is
now acting as Justice of the Peace. *He has been a member of the
Christian Church lor many years. He is also a member of the
Masoniic and Odd Fellows fraternities, and has been prominently
connected with the Pike County Agricultural Society, being Pres-
ident, Vice-President or Director for the last fifteen years, and is
now Vice-President.
■ William Hawk, farmer, sec. 4 ; P. O. Chambersburg; was born
Aug. 3, 1842, and is a son of James and Rachel Hawk. He came
with his parents to Brown county. 111., when nine years of age, and
in 1854 located in Pike county. Mr. H. served three years in Oo.
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 411
G, 99th 111. Vol. Inf.; was in the siege of Vicksburg, then trans-
ferred to the Army of the Gulf; was in the battle of Tort Blakely,
then returned to New Orleans, then to Memphis, then to Mobile, —
was there when tliat place was captured, then to Shreveport and
Baton Rouge. H6 returned home and engaged in farming.
' Henry Hendricks, fatmer, sec. 16 ; P. O. Chambersburg. Mr.
H. is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth Hendricks, the former a native
of Kentucky and the latter of Yermont. They were married in
Jennings county, O., where in 1836 the subject of this sketch was
born ; in 1849 Mr. H. came with his parents to Brown county. 111.,
where he lived until he became of , age and married Miss Elmina
Hume, who was born in 1837. To them have been born seven
children. Mr. H. has held some township oifices ever since he
came to this county in 1861. Mrs. H. is a member, of the Christian
Church.
D. J. Molhs, of the firm of Smith & Hobbs, was born in 1848
in Pike county, 111., and is the son of Henson and Jane Hobbs ;
his father was born in Kentucky and his mother in this county ;
in 1857 he moved with his parents to Missouri, and returned to
Pike county in 1861. He worked two years in a woolen mill at
Perry, this county. In 1868 he married Miss Bettie Ann Wilkins,
who was born in Ohio Dec. 22, 1848. Four children have been
born to them. Mr. H. embarked in the wagon business in 1870,
turning out good wagons and buggies and meeting with fair suc-
cess. Both Mr. and Mrs. H. are members of the Christian Church.
Geo. T. Hume, merchant, Chambersburg, was born in Pike
county in 1855, and is a son of Thos. and Elmina Hume, father a
native of Pike county and mother of Brown county, Illinois. Mr.
H; grew to manhood in this immediate vicinity, receiving a liberal
education, and embarked in the mercantile business; he carries a
large stock of dry goods, hats, caps, boots, shoes, notions, etc., and
transacts a large business. He married Miss Vienna McPherson
in 1877; she was born in DeWitt county, Illinois, in 1858.
W.A. Hume, merchant, Chambersburg, was born in 1837 in this
county, and is a son of W. A. and Margaret Hume, both natives of
Kentucky. They came to this State in 1828 (where both of them
died) when the subject of this sketch was bound out; in 1864 he
married Miss Caroline Pool, who was born in Pike county in 1846.
Two of the four children born to them are living. Mrs. H. died in
1873, and Mr. H. married again in 1874 Miss Mary Winegar. Miss
W. was born in this county in 1850. Of this union two children
have been born. Mr. H. has held the offices of Collector, Treasurer
and Town Clerk. He embarked in the dry-goods business in 1865
and met with good success. He owns a farm of 230 acres.
John O. Irving was born in 1862 in Pike county and is a son of
Christopher and Mary Irving, the former a native of Scotland and
the latter of England; they came to America and were married in
Massachusetts and emigrated to Illinois in early days. In 1878
Mr. I. married Miss Ida M. Newton, who was born in Morgan
il2 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
county, Illinois, in 1859; they have one child. Mr. I. has been
engaged in farming since he was of age. Mrs. I. is a member of
the Christian Church.
R. M. Irving, farmer and stock dealer, was born Sept. 25, 1848
in Pike Co., 111., and is the son of Christopher and Mary Irving;
at the age of 15 R. M. commenced doing business for himself, en-
gaging in farming and finally becoming a stock-shipper. When he
and his brother commenced in the cattle business they borrowed
$200 and bought calves, and from the start kept increasing their
number until now he is shipping about 200 head a year. He and
his brother own a fine farm of 280 acres.
JE. O. Jackson was born in Indiana in 1845; he is the son of
Samuel and Harriet (Twichell) Jackson, natives of ISTew York
State. He is a farmer and owns 100 acres of land. He was edu-
cated in a seminary in Orland Town, Ind. At the present time he
is running a " leveeing " machine, throwing up embankments along
streams of water, so as to make bottom lands tillable. It has proved
a success. This machine will throw a cubic yard of dirt in a
minute, and the expense is only 5 cents per yard. It takes 12
horses and 3 men to do the work. Over 100 acres of wheat was
raised in 1879 on lands that had been ponds of water before; the ma-
chine had been used for grading roads, but Mr. Jackson has im-
proved it till he can do all kinds of work with it. In 1876, he
married the daughter of Mr. Gardner, one of the early settlers of
this county.
A. W. James, farmer, sec. 32 ; was born in 1818, Rutherford
county, Tenn., son of Casey and Martha James, natives of Vir-
ginia. In 1838 he married Matilda Clardy, who was born in Bed-
ford county, Tenn., and died in Sept., 1844. March 19, 1848, he
married Elizabeth Sartain, who was born in 1827, in Tenn., and
they had 6 children. Mr. J. came to Adams county in 1852, and
in 1862 to this county, where he has since resided. He has held
the oiBces of Constable, School Director and Road Commissioner.
John M. Kelsey was born in this county in 1852, son of Samuel
and Annie E. Kelsey, the former born Nov. 18, 1827, and the lat-
ter April 26, 1834. In 1875 he married Matilda Smith, who was
born in this county in 1859, and they had 3 children. Mr. K. is a
farmer and also follows grain threshing with the Spence machine.
He is a member of the Christian Church. His father was in the
late war, belonging to Co. B., 99th Reg. 111. Inft., and died at Mem-
phis, Tenn., while in service.
Andrew Kleinlein was born in Germany in 1820, and is a son of
Peter and Martha Kleinlein. At the age of 33 he crossed the ocean
and landed, in Baltimore, Md., and followed butchering for 10
months, then worked in an engine house 2 years for the Great
"Western R. R. Co., and in 1858 came to this county and com-
menced farming. In 1856 he married Miss Caroline Berceka, who
was born in 1833 in Hamburg and came across the ocean in 1865.
Of their 9 children 7 are living, 2 of wljom are married. Mr. and
HISTOKY OP PIKE COUNTY. 413
Mrs. K. have been raembers of the (rermati Lutheran Church, and
he owns 140 acres of good land.
John Leahr, son of Joseph and Anna M. Leahr, was born in
Germany in 1840. , He came to New York when but 15 years old,
thence to Pike county, where he commenced farming, and in 1867
he married Miss Emma Smith, who was born in 1847, in Ohio.
They had 7 children, of whom 5 are living. Mr. L. has been School
Director and is a member of the Christian Church.
David E. Loer, farmer, sec. 5; P. 0., Chamhersburg; son of
Henry and Matilda Loer; was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, in
1832. His father died in 1847 and his mother in 1879. He moved
to Indiana with his parents when quite young; in 1852 he married
Miss Sarah Leisur, who was born in Rush connty, Ind., in 1833, and
,died in 1867, in Grant county, Ind. They had 3 children, 2 of
whom are living. In 1868 he married Mrs. Maria Glassgow, a
widow having 3 children, and who was born in Ohio in 1836. Mr.
and Mrs. L. have 3 living children and are members of the Chris-
tian Church.
John Loer was born Aug. 22, 1814, in Colraia tp., Hamilton
Co., Ohio. His father, Thomas Loer, was a native of Virginia, and
son of Henry Loer, a native of Germany, who emigrated to Amer-
ica with his parents before the Revolutionary war, being then 8
years of age. He served under Washington during the war, for
which he received a pension until his death. After the war he
married Sarah Barkus and settled in Virginia; thence they removed
to Ohio about 1795; he died in Hamilton in 1841. Thomas LoeV,
the father of our subject, died in Henry county, Ind., in 1873, aged
86. John's mother, Sarah {nee Patterson ) was the daughter of
George Patterson, a native of Scotland, who came to America before
the iievolution, settling in Grant county, Ky., where he resided
until his death. John Loer married Martha Hickman in 1835, in
Ohio, and moved to this county in 1839, locating in this township.
He was a cooper by trade and brought 5 coopers with him, intend-
ing to conduct that business here; he built a frame cooper shop 20
X 40, bought timber and opened up business, which he followed 2
years with success; then went into the pork speculation, buying
pork at $1.50 per cwt., or $5.00 per barrel, shipping to New Orleans,
some of which brought only 75 cents per barrel. Mr. L. lost
heavily by this venture, and returned to coopering, which he fol-
lowed with varying success until 1849. At one time during the
wild-cat-money period he took a cargo of barrels to Alton and was
obhged to sell them for 50 cents, when they had cost him 62J cents
to have them made, besides the freight, which was 25 cents each. He
took Shawneetown money for pay and was advised to hurry home
and dispose of it, as it was liable to become worthless any day.
Mrs. Loer died in 1847, leaving 5 children. In 1849 Mr. L. mar-
ried Mary, daughter of John and Hannah Hall Reese, of Ky., and
they had 6 children, 2 living. In 1849 he invested in a saw-mill
on McGee's creek, which he carried on until 1862, then traded for a
414 HISTOEY OP PIKE COUNTY.
farm on sec. 16 and carried on farming until 1877; sold the farm
in 1879 and bought a flouring will in Ohambersburg which he now
operates. Mr. L. has served as Supervisor for several years : also
as Road Commissioner, Collector and School Director. The pres-
ent fine school building was built under the administration of Mr.'
Loer while he was Director. Mr. and Mrs. L. are members of the
Christian Church, and Mr. L. belongs to the Masonic traternitv.
Franh Marden is ohe of the leading and enterprising citizens of
Pike county. Residence, Chambersburg.
Mark McGinnis was born in East Tennessee in 1823. His
father, David, was a native of Tennessee, and his mother, Sarah, a
native of Yirginia. When he was 9 or 10 years of age he moved
with his parents to Indiana, living there six years; then came to
Morgan county. 111., and then to Pike in 1844 and located at
Chambersburg. He followed coopering 16 years, and in 1842
married Mary Bushfield, who was born in 1828 in Kentucky.
They had 7 children, only one of whom is living, Thomas B. Mr.
Mc(t. is now farming and has considerable property. Mr. and Mrs.
McG. are members of the Christian Church.
Henry Metz was born in this county in 1842; his father, Benj.
B., was born in Maryland in 1806, and his mother, Jane Metz, was
born in Ohio in 1812. In 1871 Henry married Alvira Morrison,
who was born in this county in 1855; of their 4 children 3 are
living. Mr. M. is a farmer, his land lying adjoining the- town of
Chambersburg. Mr. M. served 4 years in the late war, first in Co.
L., then transferred to Co. I, 10th 111. Cav.; was mustered ont in
1865 at San Antoiwo, Texas. In 1864 he was taken prisoner by
Joseph Shelby ; was held for 14 days and then paroled, and was ex-
changed in 6 months. Mrs. M. is a Methodist.
James L. Mets, son of Benj. B. Metz, was born in this county
Jan. 27, 1834. His father moved from Maryland to Virginia,
where he married Miss Jane Lawson. They came to Pike county
in 1833, and became one of the first and most influential settlers of
Chambersburg township. He died April 9, 1870. James L. married
Emily Morris, daughter of John and Emily Morris, of Pikeconnty.
Dr. John W. Murphy, son of John, a native of Vermont, and of
Nancy, a native of Ohio, was born in Highland county, C, in 1844.
His father died Jan. 10, 1845, in Ohic ; in 1850 his mother removed
to Indiana and then back to Ohio. During the late war he enlisted
in Co. H, 39th O. V. I. ; was in the battle of Corinth, was in the
siege of Vicksburg, then at Chattanooga and in the Atlanta cam-
paign and through to the sea and around by Washington, and was
mustered out at Louisville, Ky.; then came home and learned the
cooper's trade and milling business. The Doctor came to Pike
county in 1869; commenced the study of medicine in 1871, and
attended the American College at St. Louis, Mo.; in 1874 he located
in Chambersburg and commenced the practice of medicine; in
1877-'8 attended medical college and returned home, continuing
his profession. In 1876 he married Annie Lockerbie Tiiompson,
HISTOET OF PIKE OOUNTT'. 415
who was born in 1861 in Cincinnati, O., and who was a teacher.
She is a member of the M. E. Church.
Augustus Myers was born in 1819 in Baden, Germany. His
parents were Andone and Catherine Myers, both natives of Ger-
many. He emigrated to America in 1846, worked in Cincinnati
8 years by the month, then in this county to 1858, when he married
Louise Oarterman, who was born in 1829, in Lippe Detmold, Ger-
many, who came to this country in 1857. Of their 8 children 7
are living. Mr. M. has been very successful in farming, now hav-
ing 300 acres of nice land, sec. 19. He and his wife are members
of the Lutheran Church at Perry. P. O., Chambersburg.
Thomas J. Smith, of the firm of Smith & Hobbs, wagon and
carriage manufacturers, was born in 1835 in Clarke county, Ind.,
a son of Nicholas W. and Susan E. Smith, the former born in
Kentucky, the latter in Vermont. In 1852 he married Margaret
T. Montgomery, who was born in 183Y, also in Clarke county, Ind.
Of their 10 children only 5 are living. Mr. S. studied and practiced
medicine 4 years in Indiana, and since 1871 he has practiced med-
icine and been connected with the carriage manufactory at Cliam-
bersbnrg. From 1863 to 1865 he served in Co. I, 40th Ind. Vet.
Vol. Inf.; fought in the battles of Pulaski, Columbia, Spring Hill,
Franklin, Tenn. (where he was wounded), Nashville, and, in the
whole campaign after Gen. Hood. Mr. and Mrs. S. are Methodists,
and he is an Odd Fellow.
Valentine Smith was born in 1819 in Baden, Germany, near
the river Rhine; his parents, Vincent and Mary, were also natives
of Baden. He crossed the sea in a sail vessel, landing at New
Orleans; then went to Cincinnati, and in 1855 he came to this
county, where he has lived ever since, a prosperous farmer, owning
373 acres of good bluff land. In 1848 Mr. S. married Martha
Thrasher, who was born in 1830 in Hamilton county, Ohio, and of
their twelve children nine are living. Mr. and Mrs. S. are mem-
bers of the Christian Church, reside on sec. 30, and their postoflSce
is Chambersburg.
George L. Thompson, blacksmith, Chambersburg, was born in
"Woodford county, Ky., son of William and Elizabeth Thompson,
the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Scotland; in
1833 he emigrated to Indianapolis with his grand-parents, and the
next year with his parents, to Perry township, in this county; in
the spring of 1835 he left his parents, returning to Indianapolis,
where he learned his trade; in the fall of 1855 he settled at
Chambersburg, where he has since followed his trade. In 1845 he
married Hannah S. O'Harrow, who was born June 20, 1829, in
Hamilton county, Ohio, and they have had six children. Being an
early comer to this wild West, Mr. T. has often seen large
packs of wolves and killed many a deer. One day - when well
on his way home with a deer on horseback, the wolves attacked
him, and he was compelled to abandon his booty and seek safety.
The wolves devoured the deer with characteristic greed. Mr.
416 HISTORY OF PIKE OOUNTT.
Thompson used to go to the town of Perry to buy such things as
were kept for sale in an old log hut 12 feet square, kept by Joseph
King, who was an old bachelor, and cooked, ate and sold goods in
the same room. His wife is a Methodist.
FranMin Todd v/a,s born in 1825 in Bourbon county, Ky.; his
father, John P., was born in Yermont, and his mother, Mary, in
Pennsylvania; his father died in 1827, and in 1832 he accompanied
bis mother to their new home in Chambersburg, when there were
but two cabins there, occupied by James and John Fike. In 1843
Mr. Todd married Lucretia Draper, who was born in Scott county,
111., in 1825, the daughter of Samuel and Huldah Draper, her
father a native of Massachusetts, and her mother, of Ohio. Mr.
•and Mrs. T. have had 11 children, 7 of whom are living. From
1840 to 1855 Mr. T. followed coopering in Chambersburg, part of
the time when there were iO coopers at work. Since that time he
has been a successful farmer, and now owns 160 acres of land.
Twelve years ago he was $4,000 in debt, but has now paid it all. He
has been School Director and Road. Commissioner. He and his
wife are members of the Christian Church, and are public-spirited,
worthy citizens.
Robert Todd was born in Bourbon county, Ky., in 1819, son of
John apd Mary Todd, natives of Maryland and South Carolina,
respectively. His father died in 1828, and in 1832 he came with
his mother to this county. In 1843 he married Margaret Edwards,
who was born in 1824 in Greenup county, Ky. ; they have had 3
children. Mr. T. now owns 120 acres of good land on sec. 5,
besides other valuable, property; he has been Constable, Tax Col-
lector, School Trustee and Director, and was in the Mormon war.
In his earl}' day here Indian trails were sometimes" his only guide
in traveling over the country, and for two years St. Louis was his
trading post. P. O., Chambersburg.
Eli D. Tucker was born in 1857 at Sutton, Worcester Co., Mass.,
son of Ebenezer and Elizabeth T., the former a native of Ehode
Island, and the latter of Massachusetts; both his parents dying
while he was very young, he was bound out at the age of 7, but
at the age of fourteen, being maltreated, he ran off to West Warren,
Mass., where he worked at $10 a month on a farm; commencing
in 1871, he worked two years in a rubber manufactory; in 1874 he
came to Illinois, worked on a farm and repairing telegraph wires
on the O. & M. E. E.; in 1877 he became an employee at the
Perry Mineral Springs; JSfov. 8. 1878, he began to learn the black-
smith's trade under Frank Marden, of this place, and is doing well.
James T. Varner was born in 1830 in Morgan county. 111., son
of John and Sarah (Wood) Yarner, natives of Kentucky, and of
German ancestry. He came to this county in 1849 and now owns
90 acres on sec. 6, and is a farmer and cooper. In 1850 he mar-
ried JSTancy Hanks, and they have one son and three daughters
living. Mr. Y. has been Eoad Commissioner and is a Democrat
P. 0., Chambersburg.
HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY. 417
Wm. W. Winegar was born in this place (Ohatnbersburg) in
1844, son of John and Freelove Winegar, his father a native of
Massachusetts and his mother of Ohio; he served three years in
the army, in Co. F, 99th 111. Inf., being in the siege of Yicksburg,
etc.; transferred to the Army of the Gnlf; was- wounded at Fort
G-ibson. In 1866 he married Mary E. Breden, and they had one
child, which died in infancy; Mrs. W". died in 1867, and in 1874
Mr. W. married Clarinda Jones, who was born in Brown county,
111., in 1851, and they have had one son. Since 1865 Mr. Winegar
has followed blacksmithing, with fair success. He and his wife
are members of the Christian Church.
Dr. Henry JR. Walling was born March 28, 1836, in Orange
county, Ind., son of James and Catherine Walling, the former a
native of Tennessee, and the latter of Orange county, Ind. In 1853
the subject of this sketch came with his parents to Coles county,
111., and in February, 1854, they moved to this county. Sept. 12,
1863, Henry R. was married by T. M. Hess, at Homer 111., to Miss
S. S. Gaston, who was born Aug. 18, 1840, in Lawrence county,
111. Her migrations were: at the age of three months she was
taken to Cinncinnati, in 1850 to Paducah, in 1861 to Douglas
county. 111., and in 1863 to Homer, Campaign Co., 111. After
their marriage Mr. and Mrs. W. iirst settled at Areola, Douglas Co.,
where he followed preaching for a while; jbut he took to the
study of medicine, which he pursued with zeal while woi-king his
way at manual labor; in 1866 he attended medical college in phio,
and then went to Mt. Yernon, III.,, where he clerked in a drug
store; he then went to Bridgeport, where he had a driving practice;
but health failing, he went to ^tna. 111., where also he had a large
practice, and in 1870 he settled at Ferry in this county, where he
again preached the gospel as well as practiced medicine. He now
has a nice piece of property in Perry.
In 1877 he moved to Louisiana, Mo., where he again followed
preaching (for the Christian denomination), and the next year back
to this place(Chambersburg), where, Sept. 2, he opened an office and
commenced business; he also has a drug store. His wife is an
intellectual woman and a good painter of pictures. In this family
there have been born 5 children, only 2 of whom are living. The
Doctor is a Republican.
F LINT TOWNSHIP.
This is the smallest township in the county and was the first one
settled. 'In 1817 a Canadian Frenchman by the name of Teboe,
located on section 33 in this township. He was the first resident
■of Pike county, as mentioned in the first chapter in this book.
Mr. Teboe's residence, which was on the banks of the Illinois river,
was the favorite resort of hunters and trappers. He was killed at
Milton in the year 1844. G-arrett Van Deusen was the next settler.
He opened a ferry across «the Illinois, which is still carried on at
Yalley City, near Griggsville Landing, and is known as Phillips'
418 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Ferry. Mr. Van Deiisen sold his claim to Mr. Niinrod Phillips,
many of whose descendants are still residents of Pike county.
The early settlers were alive to the importance of educating their
children and anxiously desired to have the proper facilities, or as
good as they could afford, to carry on this great work. Accordingly
the citizens met on section 19, near Flint creek, in 1846, for the
purpose of inaugurating or organizing for school purposes. There
being no houses in the vicinity their deliberations were carried on
upon a log in the wild forest. Among those present at this meeting
were Josiah Wade, Wm. Thackwray, James Crawford, Richard
Sweeting, James L. Thompson, James G. and David Pyle, E. A. F.
Allen, Francis Wade, J. Husband and Wm. Turnbull. Peter
Kargis presided over the deliberations of this body. The first
school in the township was taught in the winter of 1845-'6 by Wm.
Turnbull, James G. and David Pyle, and James L. Thompson, who
gave their services without any compensation. The school was
hold in an old log house bought and paidfor by a few of the citizens.
The first and only church ever built in the township was erected
at Griggsville Landing in 1871 ; it is known as Union Church, but
the M. E. society is the only one having an organization at this
place. We were unable to obtain its history definitely, as we failed
to find the records.
Flint township was named from a stream which runs through it
called Flint creek. The name is very appropriate, as the bluffs of
Flint township contain a variety of flint rock. In the crevices of
the rocks, in the bluffs on Flint, are found a variety of fossils whose
formation would puzzle the most skillful geologist. They are
mostl}^ of the crinoid family. Mr. Wallace, who has a very fine
collection and many relics of the Indian days, gave us much infor-
mation on the point. Mr. IST. A. Woodson, of Griggsville, also
showed us a very fine and rare collection of fossils, which he had
obtained by many days of hard labor on the bluffs and in the rocks
of Flint township.
The township is divided into three school districts, and contains
three school-houses, known as North, Middle and South Flint.
To a stranger Flint township presents at first sight, as he
approaches from the east, a rugged and desolate appearance ; and
one would suppose that an ignorant and rather indolent class of
people dwell here ; but such is far from being the case. We were
not a little astonished at the intelligence and enterprise of its noble-
hearted citizens. Although the surface of Flint township is rough
and broken, it is a fine locality for growing and feeding stock.
FUnt Magnesia Springs. — In the south-eastern portion of Flint
township, on the land, or rather rock, of Wm. Reynolds, there is a
living spring of magnesia water flowing from a crevice in the rock,
and empties into the Big Blue river. It would require a volume
as large as this to describe fully all the wonders of nature found in
Flint township.
HISTOET OF PIKE COTTNTY. 419
VALLEY CITY.
This little village, and the only one in Flint township, was
founded at Phillips' ferry by Wallace Parker in the year 1877.
The postoffice at Griggsville Landing, one-half mile below, and
known as Flint, was then discontinued and a,nother established at
the new town, taking the name of Valley City. The town contains
one store and postoffice.
Valley City Christian Temperance Union. — This society was
established in the spring of 1879 on the Murphy plan, and has thus
far been very successful. In the fall of the same year the society,
by the aid of the citizens of the township, erected a hall 28 by 40
feet in size, with 16-foot story, and finished in first-class style, at a
cost of $1,000. The ground upon which the hall was erected, which
is valued at $100, was donated by Wallace Parker.
PEESONAL SKETCHES.
Wm. Bright, lumber dealer, Yalley City, was born in this county
Oct. 13, 1847. His father, Geo. W., was a farmer, a native of West
Tennessee, and was a soldier in- the Mexican war. He was one of
the first pioneers of Pike county, and died in 1855. In 1867 Wil-
liam married Hannah Davis, who died in 1869, and Mr. B: again
married in 1872, this time Belle Griffin, and they had 2 children,
William, deceased, and Mabel L. Mr. B. is proprietor of the saw-
mill at Griggsville Landing, formerly owned by I. S. Freeman, and
is doing a good business.
Levi Butler, Uvmer, sec. 17; P. O., Valley City; was born in
Genesee Co., N. Y., Oct. 4, 1831 ; he came with his parents in 1833
to this county, where he still resides. Oct. 14, 1853, he married
Louisa Wilson, and of their 10 children 9 are living: Parvin, Joseph,
John, David, Ellen, Emma, Loraine, Ann and Maggie. Parvin
married Elizabeth Walker, and resides in this township.
George Carrell, farmer and stock- raiser, sec. 29; P. O., Valley
City; was born June 25, 1823, in Morgan Co., O.; his grandfather
was a soldier in the war of 1812; his father, Joseph, a farmer, was
a native of Pennsylvania, and died Jan. 13, 1867. George has been
Constable or Deputy Sheriff 12 years. March 27, 1845, he mar-
ried Providence 'Wells in Morgan Co., O., who was born in Guern-
sey Co., O., March 19, 1829; they have three children— John J.,
Nancy J. and Sarah E.; the two former are married.
John Carrell, farmer, sec. 29; P. O., Valley City; was born in
Morgan, now Noble, Co., O., April 26, 1846, the son of George Car-
rell, of this township; he was brought by his parents to this county
when but 3 years old; has pursued various vocations, but for the
past 9 years has been farming. Feb. 7, 1870, he married Sarah
Bartlett, daughter of N. Bartlett, near Maysville; their 3 children
are Wilbur, Robert and an infant girl.
James L. Cawthon, farmer, sec. 19; P. O., Griggsville; was
born March 4, 1836, in Virginia, the son of Christopher Cawthon, de-
ceased, who was a soldier in the war of 1812, and hence a pensioner
420 HISTORY OF PIKE COITNTT.
until his death in 1863. James L. came to this county in 1857
where he has since been farming. At first he worked by the month
until he laid by enough to begin for himself. Nov. 14, 1858, he
married Louisa Hensell, daughter of the late Daniel Hensell, of
Griggsville, and they have had 8 children, of whom 6 are living —
Mary, Laura, Eddie, Albert and Frankie.
John Clark, farmer, sec. 7; son of the late John Clark, of
Griggsville; was born in Hamilton Co., O., Sept. 14, 1830; v^as
brought by his parents to Ogle Co., 111., in 1835; was reared on a
farm, and came to this county in 1857. June 8, 1852, he married
S. Janett Berger, daughter of Samuel Berger, of Polo, 111., and of
their 6 children 5 are living — Henry, Julia E., Libbie, Jennie and
Fred A.
Rachel Conover was born in Northampton Co., Penn., Nov. 7,
180Y; married, in New Jersey, Abraham Conover, and had 2 children
— Catherine, now Mrs. Wallace Parker, of Yalley City, andEachel,
deceased. Mr. Conover died Aug. 1, 1827. Mrs. 0. kept house for a
Mr. and Mrs. Moore in Pennsylvania; the former came to Pike
county and erected a house on the present site of Griggsville, which
is still standing; he then returned to Pennsylvania, where he died
in 1835, Mrs. Moore having previously died. In 1836 Mrs. 0.
came with the Moore family and her own children, and occupied
the house that Mr. Moore had previously built. She now residefr
with her daughter, Mrs. Parker.
William Glenn, sr., sec. 29; P. O., Yalley City; born in March,
1800, in Ireland; in 1830 he landed in Philadelphia; he remained
in Pennsylvania 5 years; is a mason by trade; came to Pike county
and entered the land whereon he now resides in 1835; then went to
St. Louis, Mo., where he followed his trade for five years, and then
moved back to this county; has been a prominent farmer and stock-
raiser, but being old, has turned the business over to his son Wil-
liam. In 1835 he married Maria Topping, and of their 6 children
6 are living, — -James, Thomas, "William, Catharine and Maria.
Their son Eobert was killed in the late war during Gen. Forest'a
raid through Tennessee.
Elizabeth Husband, sec. 30 ; P. O., Yalley City ; was born in
Coshocton Co., O., May 1, 1834, the daughter of George McOune,
deceased, also a native of Coshocton Co., O., who was the first white
child born in that county. He removed with his family to St,
Louis Co.. Mo., in 1835, where he resided until the fall of 1864,
when he came to Pike county, and died Dec. 18 of the same year.
He was- Sheriff in St. Louis county, Missouri, County Treasurer,
Tax Collector and held other offices of trust. Mrs. Husband's
grandfather, Joseph Fuller, was a soldier under Gen. Washington.
She was married Aug. 20, 1850, to Edward Monnier, in Eock Hill,
Mo., and had' 3 children,— Henry E., born Oct, 6, 1853; Ida L.,
Oct. 25, 1860; and James, Feb, 19, 1862. Mr. M. died Feb. 19,
1863; in 1865 she married Jonathan Husband, who was born in
Yorkshire, Eng., Sept. 21, 1803, and emigrated to America in
1825- he died Nov. 28 1870
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 421
Bohert Husband, farmer, sec. W; was born April 11, 1842, in
this tp., the son of Jonathan Husband, deceased, an early pioneer
of this county, who in company with Mr. Wade and "Wm. TurnbuU
owned the same coffee-mill. March 15, 18Y1, Robert married
Esely Grable, and of their 3 children 2 are living, — Nellie and-
Eddie. Mr. H. was a prosperous farmer, but worked 2 years in a
saw-mill in Wisconsin.
Sylvester MoSie, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 19; P. O., Griggs-
ville. This man was born in Noble county, O., Feb. 22, 1860, and
is the only son of Ezra, who now resides with him. The family
emigrated in 1864 to this county, where he still resides. Oct. 20,
1869, he married Sarah A., daughter of Wm. Orr, of Derry tp,
'Of their 4 children 3 are living, — Addie C, Eosie E. and Alma.
Little Wilbert W. died Oct. 26, 1879. Sylvester's mother's
maiden name was Elizabeth Mummy, and she died Jan. 17, 1870;.
Wallace Parher was born in Clinton county, !N. Y., Feb. 17,
1825, and is the son of James Parker, of Griggsville; came with
his parents to Pike county in 1844, where he followed farming
until 21 years of age, when he became a merchant in Valley City;
has been very successful except in some grain speculation in
Chicago andSt. Louis. Atpresent he carries a stock of about $3,000
worth. In Feb., 1849, he married Catharine Conover, and of their
7 children only 4 are living, Rachel C, Hardin W., James H. and
Helen F. Mr. P. is also Express Agent, Postmaster and Justice
of the Peace, at Yalley City. He has given his son James H. an
interest in the store. Ho also has a fine collection of Indian relics,
as battle-axes, arrowheads, pipes, frying-pans, a copper needle, the
burnt jaw-bone of an Indian and numerous other curiosities. Some
of these he has picked up and others he has obtained by opening
Indian graves.
David Pyle, farmer, sec. 18; P. O. Griggsville. This gentle-
man was born in Harrodsburg, Ky., Feb. 4, 1817; his parents,
Ralph and Rachel Pyle, deceased, emigrated with him to New
Orleans in 1818, where he was reared and educated. In 1834 he
came with his mother to Phillips' Ferry on a visit; went to Phila-
delphia, Pa., then to Cincinnati, O., and then back to this county
in the fall of 1835; the next spring he bought a farm on sec. 19j
where he lived for 21 years, and which he then sold, removing to
Morgan county, 111.; in 1862 he returned to this township, pur-
chasing a farm on sec. 18, where he still resides. He was married
Aug. 2, 1838, to Martha A. Willsey, and they have had 11 chil-.
dren, all living; namely, Ralph W., Joseph H., Christopher W.,
Rachel E., Isaac N., Martha A., Carrie, David W., Morgan L.,
James C. and Emma L. All but three of these are married, and
living in this county.
E. M. Roberts, farmer, sec. 28, was born in London, Eng., June
23, 1828; in 1836 the family emigrated to America, settling in
Pike county. Feb. 19, 1867, he married Susan W. Kempton, while-
visiting friends in Fairhaven, Mass. They have had 5 children, of
whom 4 are living: Sarah M., Evp.n M.; Lo'jis F. and George B.
422 HI8T0EY OF PIKE OOUNTT.
Mr. Koberts is a coasin to the popular Roberts Brothers, publish-
ers, Washington street, Boston, Mass.
Joseph A. Rulon is of French ancestry. During the Catholic
persecution of the Protestants in France two of the Rulon Broth-
ers, being Protestants, were arrested and placed under a guard in
a private house up stairs. They knew it would be certain death
if they were brought to trial; hence they attempted to bribe the
guardsmen to let them escape, but in vain. They then asked the
guards simply to remain just outside the room and they would take
care of the rest; the guards then received the offered fees, stepped
out of the room and guarded the door. The Rulons then made a
rope of the bed-clothes, by which they made their escape through
the window; and in the night found their way to the wharf where
they boarded a brig bound for America. Some time after landing
in America one of these men married, and his descendants are scat-
tered throughoiit the country. One of these, Jesse, was a soldier
in the Revolution, participating in the battle of Monmouth, and he
was tlie father of Joseph C, a sailor, who in 1832 settled on a farm
in Indiana; but after a short time he began trafficking and came to
Meredosia, III., in 1849. He was capsized and drowned in the
Mississippi river Jan. 12, 1852, while attempting to board a steamer
from a small row-boat. He was the father of Joseph C. Rulon,
the subject of this sketch, who was born Sept. 5, 1831, on the Mon-
mouth battle grounds, on the very spot where his grandfather fought
in the bloody battle of Monmouth in the Revolutionary war. He
was married June 6, 1856, to Mary E. Bonds, and their two child-
ren are Albert E. and Flora E. The latter is teaching instrumental
music. Mr. R. came to Pike county in 1871, where he still re-
sides, and is foreman of the railroad bridge at Phillips' Ferry.
John C. Scott is i, native of Scott Co., where he was born Dec.
22, 1823, being the first white child born in that county; was
brought up on a farm; came to this county in 1836, in 1843 re-
turned to Scott Co., where he married, in Jan. 1845, Mary A. Hob-
son, who died the next year; then Mr. S. returned to this county,
where,in 1850, he married Martha Wilson, and of their 11 children
the following 9 are living: Charles W., James M., Leonard G., Da-
vid W., Frank W., Joseph L., Benjamin E., Margaret J. and George
E. Mr. Scott is a farmer on sec. 7. His father, John Scott, was
the first settler in Scott county, and for him that county was
named. Having been a soldier in the war of 1312 he was a pen-
sioner until his death in Jan., 1856. He was a noble-hearted man.
John G. Sleight, sr., was born in Lincolnshire, Eng., Oct. 5,
1805; in 1827 he married Rebecca Walker, and their 8 children
are: Betsy G., Sally G., Ann G., Walker G., Eliza G., Mary G.,
John G. and Rebecca G., deceased. They came to America in 1857,
stopping at Griggsville until the following spring, when they set-
tled on sec. 6, where Mr. S. still resides. Mrs. S. died June 19,
1862, and Mr. Sleight's son-in-law, Joseph Wilson, resides .with
him and conducts the farm. Mr. Wilson was born in 1838 in Griggs-
crr}%CiP Ji
PERRY T?
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 425
ville tp., and is the father of 4.- children, of whom but one, Elizabeth
F., is living;.
Walker G. Sleight was born in Lincolnshire, Eng., Aug. 29, 1833;
came to Pike county in 1856, where he still resides, a farmer, on
sec. 7; P. 0., Griggs ville.
Samuel Thachwray, farmer, sec. 32; P. O., Griggsville. He was
born March 25, 1837, in Pike county, and is a son of Wm. Thack-
wray, deceased; his mother, Hannah T., is now in her 80th year, re-
siding on the old homestead, sec. 31, with her son James. Mr.
T. is a successful farmer and stock-raiser. Nov. 9, 1865, he married
Mary A. Lynde, daughter of flenry Lynde, of Griggsville. She
was born Nov. 10,'1843, in this county. Of their 4 children, these
3 are living: Annie, Cassie and Melva.
James L. Thompson, farmer, sec. 18; P. O., Griggsville. This
early settler of Pike county was born in Charlestown (now part of
Boston), Mass., Sept. 11, 1812, and is the son of Dr. Abraham R.
Thompson, a native of the same place and a college class-mate of
Daniel Webster; they .were intimate friends all through life. Dr.
T. died in Charlestown in 1870. James L. was educated in Boston
in the school of Willard Parker, now a noted physician of New
York city. He was commission merchant in the city of Boston,
4 or 5 years, when he suifered a severe loss by the crisis of 1836;
in the fall of 1837 he emigrated West and settled on sec. 18, this
tp., where he now resides, on a farm of 160 acres of well-improved
land. When but 19 years of age Mr. T. went to sea, taking a cargo
of ice from Boston to New Orleans, where he loaded his ship with
staves, cotton and coffee, which he carried to Tarragona, Spain;
there he loaded with a cargo of wine and dried fruits, and shipped
for Buenos Ayres, S. A. ; at this place he took on a cargo of jerked
beef, which he brought to Havana, Cuba, whence he took a load of
coffee and sugar to Boston. Fifteen months were consumed in this
ronnd trip, which was full of interest and had its frightful scenes.
In 1850 Mr. T. went overland to California, suffering untold priva-
tions on the way. En route he met with Col. Robert Anderson,
afterward of Fort Sumter notoriety, and had a convei^sation with
him. In California Mr. T. met with Admiral James Alden, who
procured for him a situation as Purser on the U. S. Surveying
Steamer "Active." He was on the survey of the northwestern
boundary, the report of which was accepted by Emperor William.
This report, requiring about a quire of foolscap, was all written by
Mr. T. It took two seasons to complete the survey. After being
absent about 6 years he returned to his family here in 1856, where
he has since resided. He has been married four times, and is the
father of seven children, — James L., J. B., Henry, Frederick W.,
Katie, Charlie and Benj. F.
Austin Wade, farmer, sec. 6; P. O., Griggsville. The birth of
this gentleman took place July 23, 1832, in this county; he is the
son of Josias Wade, of Griggsville; Sept. 27, 1855, he married
Mary A., daughter of Joseph Pyle, of Naples, III, and of their 8
26
426 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
children 6 are living, — Willard, Elizabeth, Arthur, Luraiiie,Ferber
and Homer. Mr. Wade resided 7 years in Morgan county, 111.
and two years on the Pacific coast.
Coleman Wade, farmer, sec. 19; P. O., Valley City; at native of
Pike county, and was born July 7, 1837, the son of Josias Wade,
of Griggsville, and brother of the preceding; was educated in Griggs-
ville; has been very successful in farming and stock-raising. Jan.
20, 1859, he married Rachel, daughter of Joseph Pyle, of Naples,
and they have had 6 children, of whom 5areli\'ing: Lillian, Ernest,
Raymond, Clifford and Irene. The four yonngest are attending the
Middle Flint school, wliere Lillian i# engaged as assistant teacher.
John Wade, farmer, see. 30; P. O., Griggsville; born Jan. 12,
1822, in Blyth, Nottinghamshire, Eng., and is the son of Francis
Wade, deceased. All the school education he has had he received
before he was 8 years old. The family emigrated to America in 1834,
locating in Trenton, JST. J., tiience to Pennsylvania, and in July,
1838, landed at Phillips' Ferry, in this county; May 18. 1866, he
married Ann Stoner. Their 7 children are: Maria, Mary J., Arthur,
Francis, Fred, John and George. Mr. W. now owns 370 acres, of
land, and is a successful farmer and stock-raiser.
DETROIT TOWNSHIP.
Detroit township is situated on the Illinois river and consists for
the most of broken land. To Lewis Allen belongs the honor of
being the first settler in the township. Hecame in 1823 and erected
a cabin on section 31. He was a native of Warren county, Ky.,
and was born Nov. 11, 1794. Garrett Van Deusen. Wm. Meredith
and a Mr. Morgan, also, were very early settlers in this township.
The first birth in the township was a daughter of David and Hannah
Mize, who died in infancy, which was also the first death to occur.
The first marriage was Robert Cooper to Nancy Rice in 1826, at
the residence of Wm. Meredith. The first sermon was preached
by Rev.' Elijah Garrison, a Ol'iristian minister, at the house of David
Mize in 1826. The early pioneers were industrious people and
were not neglectful of the education of their children; for as early
as 1827, David Mize, Ezekiel Cleramons, Wm. Meredith, Joseph
Neeley and others banded together and erected a school-house on
section 16. and employed a teacher, placing their children in their
charge for instruction and intellectual improvement. The first
■ teacher was Abraham Jones.
The next great question which occupied the minds of these noble
fathers and mothers was the preparations for public worship. They
accordingly organized themselves into a body, or rather each person
considered himself one of the building committee, and as early as
1834 there was a church building erected by the Baptists at Blue
river graveyard. Previous to this meetings were held in school-
houses and private dwellings.
Garrett Yan Deusen was the first Justice of the Peace, and Isaac
Tenifi^ the first Supervisor. The township received its name from
the postoffice which had been established several years previously,
and named by Col. Daniel Bush at Pittsfield and Wm. Johnson,
the first postmaster at Detroit.
The pioneers had many encounters with wild animals during the
early settlement of the county, two or three of which, related by
Mrs. Dinsmore, who is still residing in this township, we will place
on record in this connection. On one occasion, while she and her
husband were passing through the woods, a huge lynx came bound-
ing up behind her and grabbed her dress with his claws. She
hastily called the dogs and they quickly came to her side. The wild
428 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
animal loosened his hold and gazed upon the dogs. Thej were
greatly frightened and did not attempt an attack upon the lynx,
but ran to the house. The lynx, too, concluded to leave and took
to the forest.
This same lady tells of another time when she was attacked or
about to be attacked by one of these iierce creatures; She was en-
gaged in the woods making sugar, with her camp fire near a large
log. She heard a noise upon the opposite side, which was made by
the lynx just in the act of preparing to make a leap, as she sup-
posed. She set the dog upon it, and as it sprang over the log he
alighted upon a large, powerful lynx. The iierce contest that ensued
was a short one, for the dog was completely overpowered; and as
soon as he could release himself from the clutches ot his antagonist
he "run home a-howlin' with his tail between his legs, and run
under the house," where he remained for some time.
We will give Mrs. Dinsmore's panther story in her own language
as nearly as we can. " One day when 1 wasa-comin' thro' the woods
I seeii a large painter come out of the brugh and begin to drink out
of a puddle of water in the path; and I shooed at him, and he paid
no attention to me, and I took oif my bonnet and shooed and shooed
at him; but he wouldn't shoo; he jist staid there and lapped away
till he got done and then went off." -
Mrs. Dinsmore also relates that she was once standing in the door
when she saw her father stab and kill an- Indian.
JBig Blue Hollow. — This is quite an historical locality. In 1842
it ranked as the second place in the county in the amount of busi-
ness transacted. There were then three flouring mills, a saw-mill,
and a store in this mountainous-looking region; these mills were
known by the name of Providence Mills, and were owned by
Jonathan Frye. In 1835 he erected there a two-story frame house
and sided it with shaved clapboards; this house is still standing
there, with the old siding upon it, and is occupied by Mr. Wm.
Reynolds and family.
FLORENCE.
This is the oldest town in Detroit township, and was founded
in 1836 by the Florence Company; this company was composed
principally of Pittsfield business men, among whom were Austin
Barber, Eobert R. Greene, Wm. Ross, Thos. Wofthington and
James Davis. The town is located on the Illinois river, and was
intended for river transportation for the town of Pittsfield, and a
gravel road was constructed from Pittsfield to this place. The land
was first settled by John Roberts. Col. Wm. Ross and Stephen Gay
kept the first store in the place. A saw-mill was erected here in
1836, by the Florence Company, which was converted into a steam
fiouring mill in 1842. During the early pioneer days Florence was
known by the name of Augusta.
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 429
DETROIT. ^
This lively little business village was founded in 1837 by Peter
H. Lucas, and named by him after the postoiBce which had been
established at this point some years previous. * Soon after Henry
Neeley added to the town plat what is known as Neeley's addition,
and consists of all that part of town north of Hain street.
Detroit contains 2'general stores, 1 drugstore, 2 blacksmith shops,
1 wagon manufactory, 1 shoemaker's shop, a millinery store, and a
broom factory. Three physicians reside in the place. There are in
the town 3 church edifices and 4 church organizations. The citi-
zens have erected a fine two-story brick school-house and employ
two teachers.
CHTTECHES.
Detroit Christian Church. — This church was organized Feb. 25,
1876, by Elders Rufus Moss and J. "W". Miller, with a membership
of 33. The first deacons were Nathaniel Smith and John Turner.
C. L. Hall was appointed Elder and afterward elected to that office,
in company with his brother, W. C. Hall. The present Deacons are
Albert Field and John Turner. The congregation sustains a large
and interesting Sunday-school, which was organized the first Lord's
day in 1876, with 25 members. It now has an attendance of about
85, with W. C. Hall as superintendent. The congregation at pres-
ent worship in the house belonging to the Predestinarian Baptists.
The present membership is 140. Elder Thomas Weaver is Pastor.
Detroit M. E. Church., South. — This society was organized in
1861, and consisted of parties who left the Methodist Episcopal
Church on account of the political excitement that then pervaded
all of the Churches. They erected a meeting-house in 1870, and
sustain a Sabbath-school: membership 30. Services are held each
alternate Sabbath morning and evening by Pev. J. Metcalf, Pastor.
Detroit M. E. Church. — The Methodists had an organization in
this township at an early day. As early as 1828 this people held a
camp-meeting on the Meredith farm, sec. 16. The exact date, how-
ever, of the first organization of this society is not certainly known.
The congregation erected a brick house, 36 by 48 feet in size, in
the town of Detroit, in 1857, at a cost of $1,500. The Church now
sustains a good Sunday-school, has preaching each Sunday evening
and each alternate Sunday morning, by Rev. James A. Wills, Pas-
tor. The number of communicants at present is 75.
Detroit Predestinarian Baptist Church. — ^In the year 1828
the Baptists began holding services in the Blue River school-
house, and in 1834 they erected a church edifice. Soon after this
the question of missions divided them, and the Missionary Baptists
retained this ho>use,.and in 1840 the Pred'estinarians formed another
organization. The former society is now extinct, and the latter,
by the help of others, in 1857 erected a house of worship in De-
troit. They have no regular services, the society being very weak.
430 HISTOBT OF PIKE COFNTY.
PEESONAL SKETCHES.
Below are personal sketches of many of the old settlers and lead-
ing citizens of this township.
Wm. Anthony, \ native of this county, was born Dec. 9, 1833.
His father, Martin Anthony, came to this county about the year
1831. William was reared on a farm and had limited school advan-
tages. He attended school a mile and a half from home, in an old
log cabin witli no ceiling, and a fire-place across one end of the
house. His books consisted of a testament and spelling-book.
July 17, 1867, he married Orle A., daughter of the late Leander
Jelfers, of the vicinity of Hannibal, Mo. Mrs. Anthony was born
Aug. 22, 1847, in Cincinnati, O. They have had six children, of
whom three are living, — Ida, Mattie and Nellie. Mr. A. is engaged
in general farming on sec. 6, this township. P. O., Griggsville.
I). J. Aldrioh was born in Worcester county, Mass., Oct. 3,
1802, and is the son of Jesse Aldrich, deceased. He was educated
in the academy at Uxbridge, and after leaving school engaged in
teaching at $8.50 per month in winter, and worked on a farm by
the month in summer, receiving $40 per month. For two and a
half years he traveled throughout the Middle and Western States,
a distance of 13,000 miles, visiting many points of interest. In
1825 he visited Ann Arbor, Mich., and while there entered 160
acres of land eight miles north, in Dexter township. May 8, 1837,,
he married Eliza A. Taft and they had two children, — AdaUne,
deceased, and Augusta. Mr. A. came to Pike county in 1838 and
settled on sec. 18, this township. Mrs. Aldrich died April 30,
1871. She was a woman of fine education and a worthy member
of the M..E. Church. .
Sarah Allen was born in Yorkshire, Eng., Jan. 21, 1828, and is
the daughter of John Burlend, deceased, who brought his family to
America in 1831, and, like all pioneers, endured many liardships.
He died April 4, 1871, aged 88 years. Mrs, Allen was married
May 4, 1852,. to Francis Allen, and they had 4 children,— Charlotte
M., John W., deceased, Francis E. and David Franklin. Charlotte is
married to Sylvester Thompson, and resides near Pittsfield. Mr.
Allen was a farmer on sec. 16 until his death, which occurred July
23, 1874. He belonged to the- Episcopal Church, and was a promi-
nent and worthy citizen.
George P. Bechdoldt was born in Germany March 28, 1828, the
son of Jacob P., who came to America with his family in 1837,
and settled in Little York, Pa., where he remained until 1839,
when he removed to Calhoun county, 111., and died the same year,
leaving a widow and 8 children, who had to endure many hardships
and privations. Two of the children had married and remained
in the East. Geo. P. is tlie 9th of 11 children; his education was
principally in German, before he came to America. April 10,,
1851, he married Frances S. Price, daughter of Robert Price, well
known in the early SQ.ttlement of Scott and McDonough counties.
HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY. 431
She was born May 29, 1834, in McDonoutfh Co., 111. They have
had 11 children, of whom 9 are living — Julia, Helen, Theodore,
Maria, Anna, Esther, Ettie, Edith and Frederick. Mr. B. is a
prominent farmer and stock-raiser on the north i- of S. E. J- of sec.
32. P. 0., Milton.
Dr. Wm. Cobel was born m Middle Tennessee May 30, 1826, the
son of Geo. A. and Mary Cobel, who emigrated with their family
to Hendricks county, Ind., in 1833. The doctor is a graduate of both
the Keokuk (regular) Medical College and of the Eclectic Medical
College, of Cincinnati, O., and began practice in 1859. He has
lost but one case out of 300 in the last 12 months, and that was a
chronic case of heart-disease. He settled in the town of Detroit,
this county, in 1873; in 1878 he met with an accident, dislocating
his hip joint, but he still continues to ride day and night. Nov.
21, 1851, he married Elizabeth J. McClure, and of their 5 children
only '2 are living, Wm. M. and Fannie A. Mrs. Cobel died Nov.
12, 1878_, aftering a lingering illness of 22 years' standing. She
was a member of the M. E. Church, and a faithful and respected
worker in the moral interests of society. Wm. M. Cobel is how
teaching school near Detroit.
John L. Crauens was born Jan. 1, 1844, in Jefferson Co., Ind.,
the son of John C. Cravens, of the same State; was educated at
Hanover College, Ind.; he chose the profession of teaching, enter-
ing upon this work in. 1866; he taught three terms in Boone
County, Mo., when he went to college until 1870, and then to Wa-
pello Co., Iowa, where he raised a crop, and in September he
returned to Boone county, Mo.; taught school until 1875, when he
came to Fike Co., and now has charge of the Toil-Gate school, dis-
trict 4, in this township. In the late war he served 4 months in
Co. K, 137th 111. Yol. Inf., and was honorably discharged. In 1873
he married Elizabeth D. Snyder, of Boone county, Mo., and their
two children are Lillian B. and W. Guy.
Thomas Dolby, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 5, was born in
England in 1853, the son of David and Sarah Dalby, deceased. His
brother James was in the 73d Keg., I. Y. I., under Capt. Davidson,
of Griggsville; was taken prisoner and confined in the pen at An-
dersouville, where he died from starvation. He lost another brother,
Joseph, wh'o died from a wound received by a saw-log rolling off a
wagon and catching him; so that Mr. D. now has no brother in Amer-
ica. Aug. 27, 1849, Mr. iD. married Hannah Burland, who was born
in Yorkshire, Eng., in 1853. Mr. Dalby is the owner of 400 acres
of land.
James W. Dempsey was born in Chillicothe, O., Aug. 20, 1834,
the son of Coleman Dempsey, who emigrated to Missouri in 1854.
After spending two years in Texas, erecting telegraph wire from
Galveston to Houston, and thence to Shreveport on Ked river,
James W. returned to 'Missouri. By profession he is a civil engi-
neer, and by trade a gunsmith. He is a " natural genius." He
came to Pike county in 1856, where he followed engineering mostly
432 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
for 14 j'ears. In 1870 he began trading in guns, ammunition, etc.
in Detroit, and also dealt in sporting goods, cigars, tobacco andcon-
fectionerj: he now has a full supply of dry goods, groceries,
hardware and confectionery, the stock being about $3,000_in value.
His trade is increasing. Aug. 22, 1856, he married Minerva, daugli-
ter of Jesse Sinff, deceased, of Detroit. They had four children, of
whom but one, Harry, is living, who was born Dec. 11, 1868.
Mrs. D. died May 20, 1879, mourned by all who knew her.
Miss Virginie Binsmore, teacher, was born Dec. 26, 1853, in
Hardin township. Her father, John 0. Dinsmore, deceased, was Cap-
tain of Co. E, 99th 1. V. I., in the Rebellion, and was also an of-
iicer in the Mexican war, participating in the battles of Bnena
Vista, Cerro Gordo and others, and saw Ool. Hardin fall. He died
in February, 1874, on the old homestead near Time, this county.
Miss Dinsmore has been a teacher for 7 j^ears, and now has charge
of the primary department of the Detroit schools. She is well liked
as'an instructor and disciplinarian.
William Douglas was born March 9, 1817, in New Galloway,
Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland, where he received a common-school
education, and came to America in 1836, stopping in the East for
several years. Dec. 19, 1841, he married Permelia, daughter of
Edmund Strawn, who came to this county in 1830, just in time to suf-
fer the privations of the severe winter of the deep snow. Mrs. Doug-
las was born in Guilford Co., N. C, Aug. 25, 1823. Mr. and Mrs.
D. have had 12 children, of whom 7 are living, — Andrew, Mary,
Edmund, John T., Churchwell, William W. and James S. The 4
eldest are married. Mr. Douglas is a mechanic by trade, in which
capacity he wrought during the earlier portion of his life, but is
now a prominent farmer and stock-raiser on sec. 33. He spent one
year in Canada and 6 years in Missouri. He helped erect the State
University in the latter State, and also assisted in the erection of
the first mill in Pittsfield in 1849.
John W. Dunniway was born in Gallatin county, Ky., Jan. 17,
1834, the son of David and Annie (Crow) Dunniway. They came
to Pike county in 1836, settling on sec. 18, enduring the usual hard-
ships of that day, their houses consisting of little log cabins, etc.
They came by boat, having sent their teams through by land, and
when the teams arrived the hair was all worn off the horses' legs,
so terrible were the roads and swamps through which they passed.
Mr. D. died March 5, 1869, at the age of 69 years, and Mrs. D. re-
sides with her son on the old home place, at the age of 77. She
was born in Clark county, Ky. John W. was married Kov. 29,
1855, to Julia A., daughter of David Rupart, who came to Pike
county in 1840. They have 4 children, viz: MaryE., "Williain A.,
David F. and Frederick A. Mr. D. is a farmer and stock-raiser.
James W. Ellis, a native of this tp., was born Oct. 10,, 1838, and'
is the son of Thomas Ellis, deceased, and brother of John and T.B.
Ellis. He received his education in a log cabin known as "mud
college," raised a farmer, and knows all about heavy work in pio-
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 433
neer times. Dec. 28, 1869, he married Miss 0. J. Phillips, daughter
of James Phillips, of this tp., and they have had 2 children, Charlie,
deceased, and Lillian. Mr. Ellis is a farmer on sec. 16.
John B Ellis was bora Oct. 17, 1834, in Lockport, N. Y., the
son of Thomas Ellis, deceased, who brought his family to this county
in 1836. John B's mother, Elizabeth Ellis, still resides on the old
homestead, at the age of 74. Nov. 6, 1862, Mr. E, married Ellen
Croft, daughter of George Croft, of Montezuma tp., and their 7
children are, Ellen E., Thomas G., John W., Peter J., David C,
Annie S. and Mary E. Mr. Ellis is a farmer and stock-raiser on
sec, 16.
Thomas Ellis, deceased, was born in the village of Milton, Oxford-
shire, Eng., Dec. IS, 1808; educated in the village school, and March
16, 1832, married Elizabeth Brooks, and they have had 7 children:
Thomas B., John B., Peter, James W., Elizabeth A., Harriott and
Ellen J., deceased. Mrs Ellis was born July 15, 1804, in Shipton, Ox-
fordshire, Eng. ; they came to America in 1832, locating at Lock-
port, N. Y., where they remained until 1835, when they removed
to this county; resided on a rented farm one year; then purchased
80 acres at a sale of school land in. Detroit tp., where Mrs. Ellis
.still resides. Mr. E. died March 21, 1868.
Thomas B. Ellis was born in Lockport, IS". Y., Nov. 8, 1832, son
of the preceding; is a farmer on sec. 15. Oct. 9, 1873, he married
Fannie Allen, daughter of J. W. Allen, of Milton. Their 4 chil-
dren are Thomas II., John A., Charles L and Elizabeth. Mr. Ellis
served 3 years in the late war in Co. C, 99th L Y. I., participating
in the sieare of Yicksbura: ahd in other en ffascements ; he was taken
prisoner while on a scouting expedition in Texas near Victoria; he
was held in camp in Camp Ford, Texas, for 6 months and then ex-
changed. . He was discharged in 1865.
Bernard W. Flinn, farmer, sec. 5, and the present Connty Treas-
urer, was born in Philadelphia, Pa., March 29, 1814, the son of
John Flinn, deceased, who was a native of Ireland; he was brought
by his parents to Morgan county, 0., in 1819, where they remained
until 1826, and then were in Zanesville, O., until 1839; a portion of
this time he engaged in wholesale dry goods, and afterward in the
mercantile business in Coshocton Co., O. In 1841 he moved to
Cincinnati, 0., and became proprietor of the St. Charles House; in
1852 he removed to St. Louis, Mo., and to Pike county in October,
1856, settling on sec. 5, this tp., where he still resides, owning 385
acres of land. In February, 1841, he married Sarah Brownell, and
they have had 8 children, of whom 5 are living, namely: James, who
married Charlotte Stephens and resides at Pana, 111.; Esley, now
Mrs. James Dimmitt, of Detroit tp. ; Cornelia, Lewis H. and Charles.
Mr. Flinn was elected Treasurer at the November election in 1879
• by a majority of 323 votes.
Norton Foreman, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 31; was born
Aug. 2, 1843, in Newburg township, this county, and is the son of
Jamos Foreman, who came to this county in early day; was edu-
434: HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY.
cated in Detroit and reared on a farm. Dec. 17, 1863, he married
Sarah E., danejhter of James Bond, of Piatt county, 111. Their 5
children are William, James F., Annie, Nellie and Edwin.
Townsencl Foreman, farmer, was born July. 28, 1845, in New-
bnraj tp., this county, the son of James W. and Jane Foreman-
was raised on a farm and received a common-school education-
May 15, 1867, he married Mary J. Goldman. Hie was a merchant
in Detroit 4 or 5 years, th'en a farmer until 1874, when he moved
to Lewistown, Fulton county. 111., where he again engaged in mer-
chandising 2 years; he sold out and entered the livery business in
that place; he then returned to Detroit, where he is engaged in
farming. He is also proprietor of an " Eclipse " thresher, which he
operates each season tcr the entire satisfaction of his many patrons.
James E. French was born Oct. 25, 1832, in Indiana, and is the
son of Jacob French, deceased, who came to this county in 1834,
settling in Griggsville township; received his education in an old
log cabin, in a subscription school at a distance of 4 or 5 miles
from home. Nov. 10, 1850, he married Caroline C. Madden,
daughter of Bonhara A. Madden, an early settler of the Illinois
river valley. Mrs. French was born Feb. 10, 1833, in Indiana.
Their 4 children are George iT., who married Frances Thackston, ,
and resides in Greene county, 111.; Henry C, who married Mari-
etta McEvers, and resides near Montezuma; M. E. and Wilhara A.
Mr. French is a farmer and stock-raiser on sec. 32.
Paul P. i'VeracA, P. O., Florence, was born September 20, 1833,
in Harrison county, Ind., and was brought to this county by his
parents about 1842; was reared on a farm and is now engaged
in farming, and also has a half interest in the Florence horse
ferry. Dec. 20, 1853, he married Mary E., daughter of Edward
Farthing, deceased, and of their 9 children only 4 are living, namely:
Wm, P., Nancy J., Edward and Annie. Mr. French traded in live
stock and followed general merchandising in Florence for several
years, but his health failing, he had to change business.
Elizabeth Goldman, widow of the late Benjamin Goldman, was
born in Clark county Ky., Dec. 29,1830, the daughter of David
and Anna Dunniway, who brought their family of 5 children to
this county in 1836, settling on sec. 7, this township, where Mrs.
Dnnniway still resides, at the age of 77. Mr. and Mrs. Goldman
were married Nov, 26, 1848, in this township, and of tiieir 4 chil-
dren 3 are living, Mary J., Julia C. and Elizabeth D. Julia mar-
ried Taylor Foreman, who is managing the farm of his mother-in-
law. Mr. Goldman was born Dee. 24, 1824, in Clark county, Ky.,
and is the son of Abraham and Susannah Goldman, deceased, who
brought him to Pike county in early day, where he was brought np
on a farm amid all the privations of pioneer times. He was a
Class-Leader in the M. E. Church for many years. An eminent,
Christian and a worthy head of the family. His death occurred
October 20, 1874.
Elizabeth A. Goldman was born in this county January 31,
HISTOEY 01- PI]fE COUNTY. 435
184:1, and is the daughter of Thomas Ellis, deceased, and a sister
of John and Thomas B. Ellis, of this township, elsewhere noticed.
Jan. 2, 1852, she married Josiah Goldman, and S of their 9 chil-
dren are living, viz: John, Millicent, Fannie, Ilettie, Thomas, Jane,
Ellen and James Monroe. John is superintending the farm.
Wm. C. Hall was born May 29, 1844, in this county, and is the
son of T. L. Hall, of early day here, who came in 1828, when he
had to go to Atlas, a distance of 26 miles, to mill. He taught the
first singing-school in Atlas, said to be the first in the county. In
1840 he built a saw- mill on Little Blue creek. He was brought
up a Presbyterian, but during the latter part of his life was a mem-
ber f)f the Christian Church. His death occurred January 5, 1872.
Wm. C. was reared on a farm in early day, having all the usual
experiences ot clearing wood land. October 9, 1866, he married
Nellie, daughter of John S. Shinn, of Criggsville, and they have
one little boy, Willy. Mr. Hall is a farmer and stock-raiser on
sec. 16.
James D. Heavner. farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 32; V. 0. Mil-
ton; was born Jan. 7, 1835, in this county, and is the son of Jacob
Heavner, who emigrated with his family to Sangamon county in
lS27,and to this county in 1828; he was a soldier in the Black Hawk
war. under Abraham Lincoln. He died in 1867. Jaiifes D. was
married J^Tov. 4, 1858, to Matilda, daughter of Manley Thomas, an
early settler. Of their 7 children the following 6 are living: Clara,
Lizzie, Maggie, Nannie, Do vie and Mattie.
Samuel Lightle was brought to this county when a boy by his
parents in 1835; educated in the old-fashioned subscription school;
married, Dec. 31, 1858, Martha, daughter of Coleman Dempsey, of
Pike county, Mo. Of their 10 children these 8 are living: Mary
A., Isaac 'S., Clara II., John W., Annettie J., Charlotte M., Nellie
E. and James W. Mr. L. is a farmer on sec. 8. P. O., Detroit.
.Stewart Lindsey, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 31, owning 200
acres of land, was born Oct. 1, 1808, in Scott county, Ky., and is
the son of Robert Lindsey, who emigrated with his parents from
Virginia to Kentucky in 1788. Stewart's grandfather, Aaron Rey-
nolds, was one of Daniel Boone's associates as an early settler of
Kentucky. His mother was born in a fort called Craig's Station,
in Woodford county, Ky. He was educated in a log cabin with a
triangular fire-place across one end of the room, with a window ten
feet in length and one light high. The text books consisted of a
Webster's speller, Testament and Guthrie's Arithmetic. The seats
consisted of split logs with legs fastened in them. Jan. 27, 1835,
he married Mary Hays, and they had 10 children, of whom 9 are
living,— Falissa A., John W., Newton J., James, Oscar, Mary,
Robert, Charles and Frank. The name of the deceased was Samuel.
Four of his sons ^qy& in the late war; Samuel was a prisoner at
Andersonville, wher^ he contracted a disease that caused his death. <
The others were honorably discharged.
Aaron Loveless was bocn in Medina county, O., Dec. 7, 1883,
436 HISTORY OF PIKE COU^'TY.
and is the son of Wm. Loveless, of Detroit tp., who brought his
family to this county in 1839. Oct. 13, 1858, he was married to
Eebecca Yelliott, daughter of Luke Yelliott. She is a native of
England, and was born in 1840. Mr. Loveless is a farmer and
resides on sec. 7; he is also proprietor of a portable saw-mill, which
he has successfully operated for two years, and which is now situ-
ated on Cicero Scoby's farm, between Pittsfield and Griggsville.
Mr. and Mrs. Loveless have had 6 children, of whom 4 are living,
— Addie, Albert. "Wesley and Clayton.
Wm. Loveless was born in Monmouth county, i^. J., Oct. 26,
1816; was brought by his parents to Medina county, 0., in 1830,
where he remained until he attained his majority, when he married
Rebecca Snyder, Feb. 22, 1838. They emigrated to this county in
1839. Mr. Loveless is a mechanic, and worked in various places in
this county for several years. About 1848 he purchased a farm on
sec. 18, Detroit tp., but has resided in this tp. all the time. They
resided in Rockport, this county, for about 3 years, and in Wiscon-
sin for 5J years, where he pursued his profession. Mr. and Mrs.
Loveless have 3 children, — Aaron, "Wilson and Emily. Aaron
married Rebecca Yelliott, of this Ip.; "Wilson married Nellie Ole-
son, and resides in Oak county, "Wis.; and Emily married James
Shriver, and resides in the house with her parents.
Samuel S. McAtee was born near Baltimore, Md., July 23,1855,
and is the son of Samuel I. McAtee, of Shelby county, Mo. He
was educated in the common schools of Missouri, where his parents
took him in 1857, and in 1872 came to Pike Co., and to Detroit in
1875, where he engaged in the manufacture of wagons, in which he
has been successful. Dec. 24, 1877, he married Ollie Sanderson,
daughter of Reuben Sanderson, of Detroit.
Wm,. Moore was born in Detroit, Pike Co., 111., Dec 29, 1853,
and is the son of "Wm. Moore, of Detroit tp. He was reared on a
farm, and at the age of 21 was apprenticed to A. F. Reinika, a
blacksmith of Detroit, and in 1878 he began business for himself,
and has a good trade. He also manufactures wagons in company
with Mr. McAtee.
George M. Neeley, P. O., Detroit, a native of this county, was
born March 1, 1839, where Detroit now stands. His father, Henry
Neeley, was a resident of Horse-Shoe Bend, on the Sangamon river,
before Illinois was a State. In 1821 he went up in a keel-boat to a
French trading post on the Upper Mississippi. He emigrated with
his father, Joseph Neeley, from North Carolina to Tennessee, where
they remained several years, when Joseph Neeley emigrated to
Illinois, and soon after was followed by his son, Henry, who came
to Pike Co. in 1831 and settled on sec. 18, Detroit tp. Henry saw
the first house erected in Pittsfield, and states that the parties erect-
ting it began at the top of the rafters to lay on the roof. Mr. Neeley
died Aug. 1, 1869, at the place where he first settled in Pike Co.
Geo. M. was married April 4, 1861, to Lizzie Mclver, by whom he
had 2 children, Alfred and Emma. He again married Sept. 10,
HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY. 437
1874, Lizzie Stephens, daughter of Elijah Stephens, of Jasper
county, Mo. They have 2 children, — Lillie and George Arthur.
Mr. JSteeley is a farmer; also proprietor of the Detroit House in
Detroit; he spent about 18 years of his life in Texas, Mexico and
the Southern States, and while there served three years in the Con-
federate army. He is now Justice of the Peace for Detroit tp.
Henry Perry, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Manchester,
Eng., Dec. 10, 1840, and is the son of John Perry, deceased. He
came to America in 1856 and settled in Detroit tp., where he still
resides. July 14, 1859, he married Sarah H., daughter of Amos
Taylor, a pioneer of this Co. They have had 9 children: 8 are
living, — Maria, Laura A., John H., Eosa M., Elizabeth H., "Wm. M.,
Mattie M. and Lillie M. The name of the deceased was Eobt. H. : he
accidentally shot himself with a gun while climbing a fence in the
fall of 1878. Mr. Perry served in the late war in Co. I, 99th Eeg.
I. V. L and participated in the battle of Hartsville, Mo., where he
received a slight wound, and in the campaign of Yicksburg. He
was discharged in 1865.
;' James Phillips was born in Cherry Yalley, Otsego county, N. Y.,
March 12, 1812, and is the son of Barnabas Phillips, dec. He came
to this county in the fall of 1837jand settled in the town of Griggs-
ville. His father jvas a soldier in the war of 1812. He worked in
a flouring mill at intervals for about 10 years, then settled on sec.
21, Detroit tp., where he still resides a prominent farmer. Dec.
29, 1842, he 'married Armina Hughes: they have had 9 children, 8
of whom are living, — Clarissa J., Edward D., Francis M., Martha E.,
Lucinda C, Mary-C, Owen E. and James M. Mr. Phillips is a very
worthy citizen.
A. F. Peiniha, blacksmith, was born in Germany, Sept. 16,
1848, and is the son of Simon Eeinika, of Pittsfield; was reared on
a farm until 17 years of age; was then apprenticed to August Sit-
ler, a shoemaker of Detroit, but the trade not being pleasant to
him he went back to farming, whicii he pursued 2 years, when he
engaged upon a saw-mill for 9 months ; he then apprenticed
himself to Conrad Winant, a blacksmith of Pittsfield, with whom
he worked 18 months; then went back to the farm again for one
season, then went to work for Geo. Carrier, a blacksmith of Pitts-
field. In Oct. 1872, he began business for himself in Detroit,
where he still remains, doing a large business; Nov. 27, 1871, he
married Mary E. Ayers, and their 4 children are Allie M., Harry
0., Lurie and Wm. A.
Wm. Reynolds was born in Gallia«county, 0., Oct., 1825, and
came to Pike Co. in 1840; was raised on a farm; served 21
months in the Mexican war, then returned to Ohio and married
Susan Fry, by whom he had 12 children, of these 10 are living, —
Geo. W., Wm. L., Stephen A., Frances J., Emily, Maud, Henry
and Mary. Mn E. returned to Illinois in 1850, and now resides
on sec. 4, Detroit tp., in the Big Blue valley, and is^ engaged in
farming. He was 2d Lieutenant in Co. B. 68th Eeg. I. Y. I., in
438 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTT.
the late war. About 1854 or 1856 he engaged in brick-laying
and assisted in laying the brick in all the principal buildings in
Pittsfleld, Grriggsville, Perry and New Saleuj, up to about 1870.
Joseph Rhodes, farmer, sec. 6, was born in Yorkshire, Eng., Jan.
8, 1824; learned the business of a wool-stapler under Mr. Atkin-
son; then worked as journeyman until 1848, when he came to
America and worked with one Greenbanks, of New England, until
1856, and then came to Pike county and settled upon his farm.
Although farming was entirely new to him he has by good sense,
hard work and economy made for himself a nice farm of 190 acres.
He is a prominent farmer in this tp. and makes wheat raising a
speciality. In 1844 he married Martha, daughter of James Whit-
field, a hind for Arthur Heywood, a large land-owner in England.
Their 9 children are William, Henry, Charles, Albert E., Manuletta,
Daniel E., Sarah J. and Mary J. (twins), and Julia A. Mrs.
Rhodes also is a native of Yorkshire and was born July 10, 1823.
William Sanderson ^2i,s born Dec. 28, 1826, in Highland Co.,
O., and is the son of George Sanderson, dec. ; was reared on a farm,
received a common-school education, came to Pike county in 1855,
where he still resides, on sec. 30, this tp. In Nov., 1848, he mar-
ried Sarah Paris, and* their children are Alva 0. and Rnfus A.
Mrs. Sanderson died in 1852. Sept. 17, 1857, I^r S. married Jane,
daughter of John A. Williams, dec, who was a native of North
Carolina and settled in this county in the fall of 1830, just in time
to help wad§ through the " deep snow." Mr. and Mrs. Sanderson
have 5 children : Gilbert C, Linnie L., Orin E.., Willy A. and Clara
B. Mr. Sanderson's father was a soldier in the war of 1812. His
widow draws a pension and resides among her children.
Joshua K. Sitton; P. O., Detroit; was born Nov. 25, 1824, in
Lincoln Co., Mo., the son of Jesse Sitton, who brought his family
here in 1828, and died in the fall of 1832, a Baptist minister. He
preached all over Pike county and in the counties of Morgan and
Sangamon. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was in the
battle of New Orleans under Gen. Jackson. Oct. 6, 1847, Joshua
K. was married to Mary A. Heavner, daughter of Jacob Heavner,
dec, an early settler in this State. They have had 6 children, of
whom only 3 are living, namely, Jesse, Mary E. and Annettie. Mr.
Sitton is a farmer and stock-raiser on sec. 20. In 1849 he went
overland to California and returned in 1851. He served 18 months
in the late war, in Co. C, 99th I. V. I., and participated in the bat-
tles of Magnolia Hill, Black Kiver, Raymond, Wilson Creek, siege
of Yicksburg and others. -He was wounded at Yicksburg, in cop-
sequence of which he was discharged in 1864. He was a commis-
sioned officer all the time he served in the army. He went oat as
First Lieutenant and was discharged as Quartermaster.
Mary J. Smith was born in Cumberland Co., Ky., Feb. 4, 1828,
and is the daughter of Samuel Baker, who brought his family to this
county in 1834, settling on sec. 33, on what is now known as the
" Douglas farm." He died in March, 1837. Mary J. was married
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 439
Sept. 1, 18J:6, to Eichard R. Smith, a native of Clark Co., Ky., who
was born July 19, 1821 and was brought to Morgan, now Scott Co.,
111., in 1828, settling in Winchester. He was raised on the farm,
and in 1848 came to Pike county, settling on sec- 3-3, Detroit tp.,
where he resided a farmer and stock-raiser until his death, which
occurred Oct. 19, 1862. Mr. and Mrs. Smith had 7 children,—
Harriet A., now Mrs. Wm. H. Butler; Sarah J, now the wife of Mr.
A. Armstrong; Judith Y., now the widow of Mr. A. Landers;
Mary H., dec; Martha C, now Mrs. Henry T. Bagby; Wm. S. and
Eichard D.
Mrs. Nancy Smith. This lady's father, Samuel Blake, brought
his family to this county- in 1833; the next year he died, leaving a
widow and 7 small children. The subject of this sketch has there-
fore seen hard times, — times when wolves made the night hideous,
when young live-stock had to be kept in pens, when a hewed-log
house was considered almost an extravagant luxury, and when mill-
ing was almost impossible; she has worked in the field at picking
brush, rolling logs, building fence, gathering corn, etc. She built
traps and caught turkeys, and her sister Margaret at onetime waded
into the Little Blue creek, waist deep in the water with an ax and
killed a deer, which the dogs were trying to drag down; several
times Mrs. Smith went 5 miles to mill taking a sack of corn horse-
back. The first steam-boat that she saw on the Illinois river she
remembers was the "Eaccoon." Feb. 9, 1842, she married George
V. Stackpole, a native of Thomaston, Maine, who died Sept. 8, 1871 .
He was Capt. of various boats on the Illinois river; filled every
position on boats from deck-hand to proprietor! Our subject was
again married Nov. 3, 1878, this'time to JSTathaniel P. Smith, who
was born in Ohio, Oct. 16, 1823; he was paised a farmer's boy;
taught school most of the time for about 14 years; came to this
county in 1873, and now resides on sec. 28, this tp.
William K. Smith is a native of Scott county, Ky., born April
4, 1804; came to Morgan county. 111., in 1839, where he followed
farming until 1851, when he came and settled on sec. 33, this
township, where he has since resided; but he has placed the farm
in charge of his son-in-law, John F. Kingman. In July, 1825, Mr.
Smith married Lucinda Kendrick, and they have had one child,
James W., now living in Montezuma tp. Mrs. Smith died Oct. 13,
1841, a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and Mr.
S., in Oct., 1843, married Elizabeth Kendrick, a sister of his former
wife, and they ha-ve had 4 children, of whom 2 are living, — Susan
J. (now Mrs. J. F. Kinman) and Joanna I. Mrs. Smith died Oct.
3, 1875, a worthy member of the M. E. Church.
James Stoner was born in Yorkshire, Eng., Nov. 21, 1827, the
son of Thomas Stoner, who brought his family to America in 1844',
settling in this township, where James still resides, a farmer on
sec. 17. In 1856 he married Mary A., daughter of George Croft,
of Montezuma tp. They have 2 children, Ellen and Frederick.
Mrs. S. died in 1866, aud'in 1866 Mr. S. married Harriet, daughter
440 HISTOET OF PIKE COtTNTT
of Mrs. Elizabeth Ellis, of this township; their 2 children are Pan-
nie and James.
Creed Strain was born Sept. 9, 1833, in this county, and is the
son of Edmund Strawii, deceased, who came to this county in 1830'
July 12, 1857, Mr. Creed Strawn married Helen, daughter of Zach-
ariah Owuby. Her grandmother relates this interesting incident:
An Indian chief entered the house one day, and, looking at the
baby (Mrs. Strawn's uncle) which was lying in the cradle, said:
" Pretty pale-face, how swap? Give pony to boot." This baby is
now Thomas Ownby, of Eldara. Mr. and Mrs. Strawn have had
2 children, both dead.
L. B. Taylor, farmer, sec 29, was born Feb. 10, 1840, in this
coimtv, the son of Amos Taylor, who was born near Hartford, Conn.,
and vvho died Oct. 31, 1866. Aug. 15, 1862, L. B. married
Hannah, daughter of Jeremiah Walker, deceased, and their children
areAlonzo, John H., Edward, Kobert, Clara, Emma, Alva 0. and
Ira. Mr. Taylor served three years in the late war in Co. I, 99th
I. Y. 1., and was in the battles of Magnolia Hill, Black River, siege
of Yicksburg, etc., and was discharged July 30, 1865.
William B. Thompson, who has resided in this State since 1817,
was born in Eorrulee Bottom, Mo., March 13, 1813. His father
was James, deceased, a native of Yirginia, and a pioneer in Mis-
souri Territory, who settled in Washington county, 111., in 1817.
He was in the Indian war of 1791, and was at St. Clair's defeat,
where he was wounded in the right leg, which rendered him a
cripple for life. March 17, 1844, Wm. B. married Mary A. Brooks.
Their children are- Benjamin E., Sylvester W., Susan J., James S.,
Sarah E. and William D. Mr. T. is a farmer on sec. 32.
Thomas TFarfe, farmer, gee. 16. A native of this connty, was
born April 7, 1842, and is the son of Henry B. Wade, who was a
pioneer of Pike county, having been brought here by his parents
when but 6 years old. There were but 13 families in the county
when he settled there. Thomas Wade was raised on a farm three
miles south of Griggsville. Sept. 25, 1857, he married Ellen,
daughter of Mrs. Elizabeth Ellis, a widow lady of Detroit township.
They had 3 children, — Thomas, Albertie and James. In Sept.,
1875, Mrs. Wade died, and in April, 1876, he married Frances
Lindville, and they have one little boy, Harvey. Mr. Wade owns
a half interest in the Florence horse ferry. He served in the late
war in Co. H., 73d Eegiment, I. Y. I., and participated in the battle
of Stone river.
Birrel Walk, farmer, sec. 35; P. O., Milton; was born Dec. 14,
1832, near Lexington, IN. C; was brought by his parents to this
county in 1836, and settled near Milton. His father, Teter Walk,
worked very hard and endured many privations in preparing for fu-
ture prosperity. -He died in the winter of 1839-40. Our subject was
raised on a farm and knows all about grubbing, picking bush,
rolling logs, driving oxen, etc., etc. Jan. 3, 1861, he married
Eliza J. Poland, and their children are Hardin W., Cordelia J.,
^^^724^
'^?^>^^
PITTSFIELD TP
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 443
Hulburt C, Sarah A., Cora B. and Lincoln Teter. In 1853 Mr.
Walk went overland to California and returned in 1866.
Jasper Walk, farmer, sec. 36, was born in this township Aug.
lY, 1839. His mother, Mahala "Walk, came to this county in 1836,
and still resides with her son at the age of 70 years. She was born
in Davidson county, N. C. Her father owned the Horshoe Neck on
the Yadkin river. Oar subject lives in a house made of hewed
logs 39 years ago, built by Thomas Clemons, the original settler on
section 36. March 28, 1860, he married Rachel Anthony, and they
have had 7 children, 5 of whom are living, namely, Ella Bell,
Alice A., Harvey C, Charlotte A. and Jasper C. Mr. Walk was
a soldier in the late war, in Co, I, 99th Reg. I. V. I., and partici-
pated in the battles of Port Gibson, siege of Vicksburg, Black
River and others. At the siege of Vicksburg he was under fire for
47 days; was wounded at the battle of Black River, and, was dis-
charged July 30, 1865, at Baton Rouge.
Augustus F. White, farmer, sec. 35, was born in Cornwall, Con-
necticut, May 6, 1832, and is the son of Comfort White, deceased.
He received a common-school education, and attended the great
Barrington Academy, of Berkshire county, Mass.; he also attended
the Stockbridge Academy of the same county. He taught school
most of the time for 22 years. April 9, 1858, he married Harriet
Watts, and they are the parents of 3 children — Charles A., Mary
A. and John E., deceased. In 1852 Mr. W. went to California by
ship, crossing the isthmus of Panama by way of Lake Nicaragua,
and returned by the Panama route the next year. His ancestors
came across the ocean in the Mayflower, and he is a descendant
of the same family of which Perigrine White was a member, the
first white child born in America.
Elijah Williams was born in Clinton county, O., Aug 6, 1844,
and is the son of Joseph Williams, deceased, also a native of Ohio.
He received a common-school education, and in 1867 came to Illi-
nois and located in Sangamon Co., and in 1872 to Brown Co.,
where he engaged in various occupations for one year, and then
became salesman in a wholesale tin and hardware store for F. H.
Hudson, of Yersailles, 111. In December, 1877, he engaged, with J.
W. Wright & Co., of the same place, in retailing dry goods and
notions through various parts of the country; in the spring of 1878,
he was elected to the oifice of Assessor. The June following he
opened a restaurant, and in March, 1879, he removed to Florence_^and
went into the mercantile business, where he now has a thriving
trade. In December, 1869, he married Ida Campbell. Their 4
children are Charles H., Effie M., Joseph F. and an infant girl.
Mr. W. served 3 years in the late war in Co. D, 79th Reg. O. V. I.,
and was in the battles of Resaca, Peach-Tree Creek, Atlanta, Stone
River, Savannah, Charleston and others. He was taken prisoner
by a company of Hood's cavalry, while out foraging, and placed in
Libby prison, but was released in 21 days.
Harvey D. Williams, Principal of Detroit Schools, was born in
27
4M HISTOKT OF PIKE OOUNTT.
Carroll Co., Ya., Nov. 10, 1847, and is the son of Nicholas Wil-
liams, who came to Hancock county about the year 1852. The
Professor was educated in Quincy College, 111., and began his
chosen profession in 1868, in Hancock county, and in 1870 came to
Pike county, where he has since taught, and is now teaching his
sixth year in Detroit. He gives general satisfaction as an instructor
and disciplinarian. Aug. 22, 1872, he was married to Cammie,
daughter of David Williams, of this township.
Samuel M. Williams, lawyer, was born in Salisbury, K". C, Feb.
9, 1829, and is the son of John A. Williams, a pioneer of this
county, who brought his family here in 1834, and endured all the
privations of pioneer life. He was Deacon in the Baptist Church
in Detroit 25 years, and died March 26, 1876, in Pettis county,
Mo., where he had resided four years. May 1, 1864, Samuel M.
married Eunice, daughter of Ede Hatch, deceased, who resided in
this township until within two years of his death, which occurred
in Newburg township. May 15, 1842. He was a worthy citizen and
a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have
three children, viz: Frances, Claiborne and Samuel. Mrs. Wil-
liams had previously been married and had three children, Henry,
Henrietta and Harlov Hosford, deceased. Mr. Williams has prac-
ticed law 25 years.
Bula A. Wilson was born Jan. 13, 1828, and was brought to this
county by her parents in 1833, and has seen many hardships and
troubles ; has done all kinds of heavy farm work, pulled, hackled,
spun and wove flax, and hauled many a load of wood. She was
unusually kind, benevolent and charitable, and wherever there was
sickness and suffering Mrs. Wilson was found ; yet when she was
left a widow, sick with rheumatism, and a little speechless boy, she
was placed in a poor-house.. Sept. 26, 1861, she married John Hol-
iday, who was drowned in jthe Mississippi river at St. Louis, Sept.
16, 1863. They had one son, John H. Jan. 13, 1876, she married
Charles Wilson, a native of Sweden.
Luke Yelliott, P. O. Detroit, was born in Dbncaster, Yorkshire,
Eng., about 1809, and is the son of Luke Yelliott, sr. In 1842 he
came to Pike county and settled on the farm he now owns, and
where he resides. He was married in Yorkshire, Eng., Feb. 10,
1840 (just one week after the marriage of Queen Yictoria), to
Mary, daughter of Jolin and Rebecca Burland, who came to this
county in 1831, enduring many of the hardships- of pioneer life.
Mrs. Burland used locust thorns for pins, such was the scarcity of
household articles. They both died in the house of Mr. Yelliott,
aged 87 and 77 years, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Yelliott have
had nine children, of whom seven are living, Rebecca and Sarah
(twins), John and Annette (twins), Luke, Edward B., and Mary A.
MONTEZUMA TOWNSHIP.
This township borders on the Illinois river and lies between
Detroit on the north and Pearl on the south. It was one of the
first townships in this early settled coiinty to receive the pioneer.
A very complete and interesting historical sketch of this township
was prepared by Mr. F. M. Grrimes, editor of the Milton Beacon,
in 1876, and we make no apology for quoting much of this sketch.
The people of Montezuma and neighboring townships had a grand
centennial celebration at Milton, July 4, 1876, and Mr. Grimes was
appointed to the pleasant yet arduous and difficult task of prepar-
ing an historical sketch of this township as a^Centennial History.
After his introductory, he begins the sketch of the settlement as
follows :
SETTLEMENT.
One hundred years ago the sound of the white man's ax had not
been heard in our forests. The ringing of the anvil, the rattle of
the reaper, the hum of the thresher, and whistle of the engine
would have been strange music to the ear of the wild Indian, whose
song and warhoop were the only sounds indicative of human exis-
tence. The soul-stirring music of the band, the melodious tones of
the oi'gan and the still sweeter voices of the choir, would have been
in strange contrast with the howl of the wolf or, the scream of the
panther as they roamed fearlessly o'er the spot where we now
stand. The bark canoe and the majestic steamer; the rude wig-
wam and the stately mansion; the Indian pony and the iron horse;
the slow footman and the lightning telegraph,— but faintly illustrate
the vast difference between the savage of then and the civilized of
to-day.
But little is known of the history of Montezuma township prior
to the year 1819, at which time Ebenezer Franklin settled upon the
lands now owned by his son Frederick Franklin, our townsman.
Other settlements were afterwards made by Charles Adams, James
Daniels, David Daniels, David Hoover, Daniel Hoover, Joel Meach-
am, Thomas Davis (1826), Elijah Garrison (1826), Solomon Far-
rington (1827), John F. Long (1828), Fielden Hanks (1829), William
Morton, Frederic Franklin (came with his father), E. C. Clemmons,
James Cheathani (1834), Josiah Hoover (came with his father in
1826), George Hoover (came with his father), Daniel Hoover (182).6
The last eight are still residents. Z. A. Garrison, John Batter-
446 HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY.
shell (1832), now a resident of Spring. Creek township, Ezekiel
Olemmons, Boone Allen, John Morton, George Morton, Peter
Dillon, John Garrison, Joseph Garrison, John Loop, J^icholas
Jones, John Jones, Wm. McBride, Smith Aimes, Joshua Davis
Josiah Sinims, William Kennoy (1826), Solomon Seevers, — Roark
James Grimes (1836), John Bacus, Job Wilkinson, B. Greathonse,
John Greathouse, Louis Allen, Elijah Garrison.
Like all settlers of new countries they suffered many hardships
and inconveniences. The nearest mill for the first few years was
Edwardsville, 80 miles distant. Mr. Franklin informs us that there
were then about 200 Indians in the neighborhood. * * * *
In the year 1829 a horse-mill was built by Freeinan Tucker on
the lot now occupied by Mr. Franklin. The nearest trading points
were at Atlas and Bridgeport, opposite Bedford. The first regularly
laid out road ran from Montezuma to Atlas, and was among, if not
the first, in the county. Houston was the physician. Polly Davis
taught the first school in a small cabin on the land now owned by
Josiah Hoover. In addition to her labors as teacher she had the
care of eight children.
The inliabitants were pre-eminently religious. Shouting was
very common and the " jerks " had not ceased to afflict the religious
fanatic. Preaching and prayer meetings were held at private
houses until better accommodations could be had. The Christian
Ciiurch prevailed at that time, and an organization was efiected
prior to 1828. There were five resident ministers; four of the
Christian and one of the Baptist faith. The present Christian
Church has been perpetuated since the year 1833.
The call for volunteers for the Black Hawk war created no little
consternation among the people. A meeting was called at Flor-
ence and John Battershell, Joseph Gale, William Kenney, Joshua
Davis, Smith Aimes, Josiah Simms and Edward Irons enlisted.
The first two are still living. There were others from the adjoin-
ing towns or counties who afterwards became residents, as Jesse
Lester, then a resident of Detroit, now residing here, James Grimes,
resident of Greene county, and others whose names we cannot give.
About the year 1830, by virtue of a law allowing slaveholders
the privilege of passing through this State with slaves, slavery ex-
isted in the township for a period limited by th^ law to 30 days. Jacob
Rosel brought a negro woman here, and not wishing to remove
for the time, kept her until the expiration of the 30 days and took
her to Missouri for a few days, and brought her back again, and so
continued to do, thus evading the law for nearly a year.
The first marriage so far as we can learn was that of Joseph Gale
and Elizabeth Garrison, about the year 1830. John F. Long is
now the oldest resident voter in the township, having been a legal
voter 47 years, and has not missed to exceed three general elections.
The oldest native-born resident is Daniel G. Hoover, son of Daniel
and Rebecca Hoover. Calvin Greathouse, son of John and Cathe-
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 447
dne G-reathouse, was the first native-born. He is now a resident
of Texas.
EDUCATIONAL.
Even in the earlier days the settlers regarded the edncation of
their children as their 'first duty. In many instances the tuition
was paid by the father's labor with the maul and wedge, or the
mother's work at the wheel and loom. The first board of school
trustees now on record was composed of the following names:
Nathan Tucker, E C. Eobertson, Jacob Wagner, John F. Long and
Solomon Farrington, who met at Milton July 15, 1840, and appor-
tioned the funds then on hand, $83.06, upon the schedules of W.
M. Porter and Charles Daniels.
A subsequent meeting is recorded as follows:
June 5th, 1841.
Trustees of- schools met at Milton and ordered:
1st. That the debtors to the school fund be required punctually to pay the inter-
eat when due, and annually to pay ten per cent, of the principal.
3d. That 65 days be considered one quarter of a year, and that each school
teacher teach 8 hours in each day.
3d. That the trustees receive for their services 50 cts. per day, and the treasurer
receive $1.00 per day.
Mathew Bakek,
Waltek W. Tuceee,
James Grimes,
FiELDBN Hanks,
John S. Bacus,
Trustees.
At a meeting held at Thomas Davis' house in November of the
same year, the township was laid off in districts, Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Lots No. 4, 14 and 15 of the 16th section were ordered to be sold on
the 24th of December on 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years' time. From 1840
to 1850 we find the name of B. Greathouse as Treasurer most of the
time. The names of a portion of the teachers are as, follows: T.
M. Johnson, Louisa Greene, W. W. Tucker, A. Meacham, A. D.
Robertson, W. Porter, G. Lester, Joseph M. Jones (now resident
of Oregon), 'N. W. Saxton, J. J. Meacham, A. Jones, H. D. Bennett,
C. L. Easley, T. P. Hoit, Noble Shaw, Martha Greathouse, B. F.
Turpin. Matthew Morton, Sidney Coffey, James Brook, JSTancy L.
Eeed, John Porter, Sherman Goss, Edwin Woolley, Joseph Colvin
(now living in Time), W. F. Anderson, Addison S. Smith, John W.
Allen (now residing near Milton), R. R. Clark. James M. Grimes,
Adam Aeott, Mary A. Clemmons, CarolineE. Davis, Harmon J.Kim-
ball, Wm. B. Grimes, Edwin P. Simmons, John S. Woolley, Emeline
Spencer, Robert Owen and Samuel Heaton. From 1850 to the
present we can only fiiention a few of the names: Hampton, Eag-
lin, Hurley, Roberts, Walden. Underwood, Eakins, Harris, Ewing,
'^. C. Boren, P. A. Long, J. H. Long, W. M. Landess, JST. J. Colvin,
Fannie Allen,. Jane Allen, A. F. White, W. E". Barney, Sarah B.
Stuart, N. D. Mc. Evfers, G. W. Manley, J. L. Harris, Lucinda K.
448 flISTOET OF PIKE OOUNTr.
Smith, G. B. Garrison, W. Z. Garrison, Amanda Boren and J. M..
Faris. The teachers during the last year were John King, Miss
Cromwell, Mrs. A. Binns, L. D. Riggs, Geo. A. Holcotnb, 0. E.
Thurman, J. G. "Webster, J. L. Craven, "W". F. Colvin, and the
writer. Several of the above named persons have devoted the
greater portion of their lives to the profession. During the past 20
years Mr. F. M. Grimes taught 19 successive terms in this town-
ship.
Montezuma has always been proud of her schools, and according
to her population she stands second to none in the county, perhaps
in the State. Liberal wages have been paid, and there seems to be
a determination on the part of the patrons to sjjare no pains in
giving to their children the greatest of blessings, a liberal educa-
tion. As evidence that our schools have been all that we claim for'
them, we point to the business and professional men who received
their education in our schools, viz: J. F. Greathouse, who now
ranks among the best lawyers of the county, F. M. Greathouse, his
brother, now present State's Attorney of Calhoun, and stands at the
head of the Bar in that county; W. B. Grimes, ex-Oounty Olerk,
and Y. A. Grimes, present Deputy; "W. H. Thomas, attorney, now
in California; J. H. Nicolay, who held a position in the U. S.
Treasury at Washington; JohnG. Ificolay, present Marshal of the
Supreme Court of the U. S., held his residence here for several
years prior to entering upon his apprenticeship as a printer in
Pittsfield, and whs^t education he received in the common schools,
was obtained in the schools in this township.
AGEIOULTUEB.
For many years the tillers of the soil were, of necessity, com-
pelled to use such implements as came within their reach. The
plow with wooden mold-board is within the recollection of many-
who were raised in our midst. The sickle and the scythe were suf-
ficient for the amount of small grain raised, but as the acreage
increased, the demand for something more expeditious was supplied
by the introduction of the reaper. Mr. R. H. Robertson was the
first to lead in this progressive movement, and in about the year
1845, bought and cut his grain with a McCormick reaper. Next
year Mr. E. C. Clemmons followed the example. A. Boren and
John F. Long soon after introduced one in the south part of the
township. Flailing and tramping with horses soon gave way to
the " beater," which was run by Wm. Stults. This was quite a
relief to the boys who rode the horses from day to day, and bare-
back at that, on a tramping floor not more than 30 feet in diameter.
Ourrecollections on this point are very vivid indeed. The " beater
soon gave way to the improved thresher and cleaner ; the wooden
fork was not adequate to the task of taking care of the straw; the
wooden plows were laid in the shade and the Stebbins and Modie
plows took their places; the wooden harrow was not in keeping
with the times, and the material from which it was made served
HISTORY 01" PIKE COUNTY. 449
for other purposes. That the soil from which our crops is produced
is of the best and most endurable quality, is demonstrated beyond
a dpubt by the manner in which it has from year to year been tilled.
Until late years the clover crop was as rare as the flax crop is at
the present. Year after year have our lands yielded bountiful
crops, without rest or nourishment in return, and why should we
wonder that it should show some signs of diminished productive-
ness? The improved methods of culture, deep plowing, clovering
and pasturing, have made much of our land better than it was when
it was first turned by the plow-share.
The introduction of improved and blooded stock was left to a
few of our most enterprising farmers, who, in the past 25 years
have made rapid strides in this particular, so much so that this for
the past two or three years may be called the banner township, so
far as the show of fine cattle is concerned. Isaac Brown & Sons,
John 0. Bolin, E. N. French, Geo. Hoover, E.. 0. Allen and others,
have done a commendable work in the improvement of cattle, hogs
and sheep.
The majority of our farmers now have more or less of the im-
proved breeds upon their farms. The original scrub hog is as
scarce now as the imported was 20 years ago. In order that the
progress of the next century may be readily estimated by the
readers who at that time may chance to see this record, we give
some of the statistics furnished by Eli Grimes, present Assessor:
; Merchandise, value, $27,460; moneys and credits, $66,486; im-
proved lands, 12,257 acres, $327,925; unimproved lands, 8,261
acres, $43,660; wheat, 3,019 acres; corn, 4,148 acres; oats, 509
acres; meadows and pasture, 3,085 acres; town lots, improved, 155;
unimproved, 391; total value of town lots, $58,919; total value of
personal property, $173,175; total value of real estate, $371,585.
Grand total, $607,539.
VILLAGES.
There are three villages in this township, the largest and most
important of which is Milton, situated on section 5. At the close
of the Black Hawk war in 1832, and when the people of the South
and East were assured that the settlers through this section of the
State had no more to fear from the Indians, there was a most wonder-
ful influx of settlers here. There has never been a period in the
history of the settlement of the Mississippi valley or the Great
West, when emigration w^s greater than it was to Central Illinois
during the few years subsequent to the close of the war, say from
1833 to 1837. The people poured in by thousands, and the beauti-
ful groves and " points " of Pike county received their portion.
During this period we find unprecedented prosperity on every
hand. Then, to add to the almost wild excitement incident to the
prosperity and speculation then rife, the State inaugurated the most
stupendous system ot internal improvements ever attempted by a
government.' The wildest imagination can scarcely conceive tlie mag-
i50 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
nitude of this vast system. Suffice it to say that it proved an incentive
to the settlers here to embark in speculations, especially in land.
Towns were laid out on every hand, and a majority of the villages
of Pike county were platted, christened and started upon their
career during this eventful period. In this township the villages
of Milton, Montezuma and Bedford were ushered into existence at
this time.
The beautiful little village of Milton was platted by Freeman
Tucker, March 2, 1835. As early as 1828 Wm. Kenney erected a
log cabin here. Some little improvement was made in the neigh-
borhood from that time until they laid off the town. There are
several good store buildings, filled with a fine assortment of goods
in their various lines, situated around a beautiful little square,
which is set with trees, etc., and forms a pleasant summer park.
The first store was kept by Tucker & "Wethers, and the first school
was taught by George Lester. The first church structure was situ-
ated on the Public Square. Milton is situated upon a beautiful
prairie, and enjoys a fine local trade.
The village of Montezuma, which is located on the Illinois river,
on section 12, and four miles from Milton, was laid out by an
Alton Company for a river landing. In 1836 Joel Meacham, who
ran a ferry across the river at this point for many years, laid out
an addition, which comprises about one-half of the town. Monte-
zuma had great promise of making a town of some importance,
being an excellent landing for boats at all stages of water, but the
introduction of railroads and the springing up of inland towns,
have so crippled river transportation that at present it afibrds profit
to scarcely any one. The village contains at present about 100 in-
habitants.
Bedford, which is situated on sections 13 and 24, and about one
mile and a half below Montezuma on the river, was laid out by
David Hoge, April 16, 1836. It has an excellent river landing, and
for years a vast amount of grain, pork and various kinds of pro-
duce, were annually shipped from here. It no longer, however,
claims any great prominence among the towns of the county. Its
present population numbers about 100.
' : ; SONAL SKETCHES.
We refrain from dwelling longer on the history of the township,
or any of its villages, choosing rather to devote the space to giving
personal sketches of the more prominent citizens of the township,
believing such sketches are of equal importance, and afford greater
interest.
Austin R. Allen, physician, is the son of John W. and Louisa
Allen, who settled in this county in an early day. He was a
farmer by occupation but taught school for many years ; was Jus-
tice of the Peace in pioneer times, and in 1861 was elected County
Judge; in 1865 he completed the canvas for the census, and is now
traveling in Virginia. Austin R. began his medical studies with
HISTOET OF PIKE- COUNTY. 451
his brother, 0. I. Allen, a practitioner in this section since 1866;
attended medical lectures at the St. Louis Medical College 1875-8,
and March 5 of the latter year he was graduated, and estab-
lished himself in Milton, where he now has a large practice. He
was born in Detroit township in 1857.
John Battershell, sr., of the firm of Battershell & Mitchell, mer-
chants, Milton, was born in Clark county, Ky., March 13, 1811, and
is the son of John and Abigail (Rector) Battershell, natives of Mary-
land and Kentucky. Mr. B. settled in Scott county, Illinois, in
1829, where he engaged in farming; in 1859 he settled in Pike
county, on a farm of 305 acre?, in this township, valued at $50 per
acre. In 1829 he married Miss Betsey Richards, a native of
Virginia, who died at Winchester, III. They had 8 children,
7 of whom' are living, — Martha, Mitchell, Sarah, Hezekiah,
Mary, Matilda, and John, jr. He then married Anna Smith, a
native of Tennessee, by whom he has 3 children: Charles, Eva and
Emma (twins). The present business partnership was formed in
1878, which is the largest and controls the most extensive trade
in Milton.
A. W. JBemis, retired farmer and claim agent, was born in Wor-
cester county, Mass., in 1814, and is the son of Aaron and Martha
(Frost) Bemis, who settled in Summer Hill, this county, in 1835,
where he purchased land and resided until his death, in 1871. The
subject of this sketch married Mary P. Ford, a native of Greene
county, and they have 2 children, Albert and Laurie. He first set-
tled at Atlas, then on the old homestead at Summer Hill, then in
1851 he engaged in the lumber business in Montezuma, and in
1853 he became extensively engaged in the mercantile trade at Time,
where he resided until 1873; he then returned to his present place
in Montezuma. He was Township Treasurer 13 years, Justice of
the Peace many years, was the first Supervisor of Martinsburg tpl.,
and in 1851-3 he was Postmaster at Montezuma.
John 0. £oUn, retired farmer; P. O. Milton; was born in Pick-
away county, O., in 1824, and is the eldest son of Charles and
Betsey (Griffin) Bolin, natives of Delaware, who came'to this county
in 1838 and settled in Pleasant Hill township; in 1848 they moved
to Martinsburg township, where Mrs. B. died the next year; he
then moved to Milton, where he married Miss Minerva Clemmons,
and engaged in the mercantile business. In 1851 John 0. was
admitted to the partnership, and for 10 years this firm carried on
a large dry-goods trade. Mr. Charles Bolin then retired, and in
1868 died. He was a minister of the Gospel. John O. then dis-
posed of the stock of goods in 1865, and built his present residence,
where he has 60 acres of land, valued at $100 per acre. He also
has a farm of 155 acres on sec. 16, valued at $50 an acre. In 1845
he married Rebecca McCoy, a native of Missouri, who died in 1863.
His present wife, Mary, is a daughter of Daniel Hoover. Mr.
Bolin was Supervisor for a number of terms. He is a Democrat,
and a member of the Christian Church.
452 HISTORY OF PIKE COTJNTT.
Ahsalom Boren, jr., farmer, sec. 32, P. O. Milton ; is the son of
Absalom and Catherine (Anderson) Boren, natives of Indiana,
where, in Posey county, the subject of this sketch was born in 1819*
he came to this county in 1839, and settled in this tp. where he
has since made his home. The same year he was married to
Miss Lucinda, daughter of James Grimes, an early settler of this
county. She was born in "White county in 1823. The fruits of
this union are 5 children, living, — Nancy K., John "W., Uriel E.,
Angeline Q. E., and Sarah A. Mr. and Mrs. B. are members of
the Christian Church. Mr. Boren has served as School Di-
rector, and his name is linked with those who were the founders of
Montezuma.
John W. Boren, harness-maker, was born in this county,
Aug. 2, 1842, and is the son of Absalom and Lucinda (GrimeB)
Boren, who settled in Montezuma tp. in 1836, where they, still
reside. He was married in 1872 to Miss Mary Smith, a native
of this county. He first established himself in business on
the northwest corner of the Square, and in 18Y6 settled in his pres-
ent location. He carries a stock of ^1,500, and has a good trade.
Is Justice of the Peace, having filled that office 4 years, and is a
member of the Christian Church.
John M. Brooking, farmer, sec. 32; P. O. Milton ; born on the
Ohio river, in Ohio, in 1822, and is the son of Wm. and Sarah (Rubell)
Brooking, natives of Ohio, where they both died. The subject of
this sketch was married May 4, 1842, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter
of John Colvin, who came to this county in 1852 and settled in this
tp., where, he has since made his home; moved to his present es-
tate in 1858, consisting of 120 acres, valued at $40 per acre. Their
children are Andrew F., Arnold D., John W., Amanda, Sarah J.
and Kebecca M. Mr. B . served as School Director one term, and
is a self-made man, who, by his energy and perseverance has secured
for himself a good home.
Jomies Cheatham, retired farmer, residence Milton, was born in
Cumberland Co., Ky., in 1813; is the son of Kichardson Cheatham,
a native of Kentucky, where he died at an early day. The subject
of this sketch came to this county in 1834, and settled in this tp.
on sec. 4, where he built a lo» cabin and cultivated 80 acres of land;
the same year he married Miss- Virginia Robertson, a native of
South Carolina, who with her mother and brother came to this
county the same year. The license for this pioneer couple was the
3d one issued at Pittsfield. Three children have been born to them;
Samuel, who married Sarah Lyster, and resides on the homestead;
Lucy Ann, wife of F. McFadden, residents of Magnolia ; and
Walter, who was drowned when 19 years of age. Mr. 0. settled
on his present' place in 1872, where he lives in retirement and en-
joyment of past industry. They number among the living relics of
Montezuma.
J. P. Clemmons, farmer, sec. 3; P. O. Milton; is the son of
Ezekiel and Phosbe (Reed) Clemmons, natives of Rouen Co., N. 0.,
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.. 453
where the subject of this sketch was born in 1814. The family
emigrated to Illinois in 1823 and settled in Lawrence county. lu
1825 they moved to this comity and settled in Deti-oit tp., and 3
years afterward settled in this tp., where his parents both died.
Mr. 0. moved on his present farm in 1836, consisting of 196 acres,
valued at $60 per ^ acre. The same year he was married to Miss
Jane, daughter of Wm. Hayden, and they had 3 children, 2 of
whom are living, Mary and Phcebe. His present wife, Polly, nee
Grimes, is a native of "White county. 111., and they have had 2
children, — Henry and Sarah. Mr. C. had no opportunities for an
early education, and at the age of 21 years he was enabled to pur-
chase 40 acre's of land, which by his energy and perseverance he
had accumulated. To him belongs the honor of being the oldest
living settler in Montezuma, a record which he may value, and to
which his posterity ever look with pride. Pie built the first school-
house erected in Detroit tp., and has experienced all the hardships
of pioneer life.
Oeorge Croft, farmer, sec. 2; P. O. Milton; is the son of
Mathew and Mary (Rumans) Croft, natives of York, England, where
the subject of this sketch was born in 1806. He acquired his
early education in the colleges of his native place, where he engaged
as teacher in the academy. In 1831 he was selected by the Wes-
leyan Missionary Society, of London, to preach the gospel in the
West Indies. He reached the Islands in 1831, and preached through-
out the different Islands for 13 years. While there he met and mar-
.ried (in 1834), Miss Ellen Stoner, a native of Leeds, England, where
she was born in 1807. Mr. C. has crossed the Atlantic 9 times, and
lived under most of the flags of Europe. He spent the summer of
1879 in his native home, but prefers to live under the flag of our
common country. His farm of 440 acres is the fruits of his own
industry, his first purchase being but 160 acres. It is valued at
$50 per acre. Here he settled in 1856, living in a log house until
he had erected his present commodious residence. He is the father
of 6 children, 5 of whom are living; David S., Helen, George, Han-
nah L. and Thomas. He is Local Elder in the M. E. Church, and
a gentleman well known throughout the county.
8. W. Daniels, of the firm of Merchant & Miller, and who re-
sides at Bedford, was born in this county in 1829, and is the son of
James and Olive Daniels, natives of N. Y., and Yt., who emigrated
to Madison county, thence to this county in 1826, settling on the
section where he entered 120 acres of land, where they both died.
He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and an early pioneer of Pike
county. The subject of this sketch was married in 1846, to Miss
Frances E., daughter of John French. To them have been born 5
children: Wesley P., George, Julia, Thomas, and Eozella. Mr. D.
began milling in the early days. He is also engaged in the mer-
cantile trade at Bedford and runs the ferry at that place; is con-
ducting a good business.
Joseph Dugdell, farmer, sec. ,22; P. O. Milton; was born in
454 .HISTOET OF PIKE CO0NTY.
Yorkshire, England, Dec. 25, 1810; was married Jan. 28, 1832, to
Miss Elizabeth Farra, also a native of Yorkshire, Eng., where she'
was born Oct. 11, 1810. He emigrated to America in 1843 and
spent one winter in Morgan county, thence he went to Scott county,
and in 1847 to this county, setling in this tp., where he has since
made it his home. He moved to his present place in 1852, upon
which was a log cabin, and which has long since given place to his
present commodious residence. Mr. D. has a farm of '280 acres,
valued at $40 per acre. He is the father of 4 children: Charles,
Joseph, jr., Wm. T., and Hanna E., all of whom are married, and
grandchildren surround him in his declining years.
Taylor B. Franklin, farmer sec. 11 ; P. O. Milton; is the grand-
son of Ebenezer Franklin, the earliest settler of Pike county, and
eldest son of Frederick Franklin, who passed a life of usefulness in
Montezuma tp., where he died in 1878. The subject of this sketch
was married in April, 1869, to Miss Priscilla Stathen, a native of
Ohio, and there have been born to them 4 children; Augustus,
William, Fred E. and Cora H. Mr. F. resides upon a portion of
his father's estate, consisting of 141 acres, valued at $25 per acre.
Sixty years have passed since Ebenezer Franklin set foot on the
soil of Pike county, and to his posterity belong the honor of his
name.
David Foreman, farmer and harness- maker, sec. 31 ; P.,0. Mil-
ton ; was born in Highland county, O., in 1834, and is the son of
Jacob and Margaret Briggs, natives of Kentucky and Ohio, who
came to this county in 1850, and settled on sec. 1, Spring Creek
township, where he resided until 1863, when he mov£d to his son's
■home, where he died Feb. 8, 1871 : she died ]S!ov. 30, 1857. The
subject of this sketch purchased his present estate, consisting of
80 acres, valued at $3,000 ; has been engaged at his trade since
1852 at Pittsfield and Milton, and has a good business. Was mar-
ried Jan. 21, 1855, to Miss Nancy llussell, who a short time after-
ward was accidentally burned to death. In 1859 he was united to
Miss Phoebe N., daughter of Abner Long, a native of McDonongh
county. To them have been born 7 children, 4 of whom are liv-
ing : Henry L., Sarah M., Margaret R. and Araminta J.; the
deceased are Milton A., Jacob N. and John H. Members of the
Christian Church.
Edward JV. French, farmer, sec. 8 ; P. O. Milton ; born in Cal-
edonia Co., Vt., in 1829, the fourth sou of Isaac and Eebecca
(JFoUy) French, natives of that State, where they both died. The
subject of this sketch emigrated to the West in 1849, and set-
tled in Rock Co., Wis. Two years afterward he moved to^ this
county and engaged as clerk with George Underwood in Milton.
While in this capacity he purchased 40 acres of land on sec. 4, a
portion of which is included in his present estate of 330 acres, val-
ued at $100 per acre. He was married in 1852 to Miss Sarah,
second daughter of Daniel Hoover, by whom he has 4 children:
Noel E., Mary A., George H., now a student of engineering in the
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 455
University at Champaign, 111., and William O. Mr. F. is a self-
made rnan in every respect. His mother died when he was 7
years of age, and he was bonnd out until 14 years of age. With-
out the advantages of education he has accumulated a handsome
landed property, secured by his own industry and close application
to business.' Is a Republican.
Harrison C. French, farmer, sec. 30 ; P. O. Milton ; was the
youngest child of Isaac and Rebecca (Folly) French, natives of
Vermont, where they both died. The subject of this sketch was
born in Caledonia Co., Vt., in 1834 ; emigrated to this county
in 1856, where he resided until 1861, when he enlisted as 2d Ser-
geant in Co. E, I. Y. I., and served 9 months; was taken pris-
oner at the battle of Shiloh and confined in prison at Tuscaloosa,
Ala.; thence to Macon, Ga., and in Libby at Richmond, Va., where
he was exchanged April 6, and sent to Annapolis as paroled pris-
oner. He was reduced to a mere skeleton by the effects of prison
life. Returning, he was married in 1865 to Miss Emily, daughter
of John Long. Their 7 children are all living, Augustus H.,
Orra J., Lefie A., Herbert, Nellie, Walter and Ruth. He settled
on his present estate in 1872, consisting of 160 acres, valued at $40
per acre. His wife is member of the Christian Church, and he is
a Republican.
Zachariah A. Garrison, farmer, sec. 36; P. O. Pearl; was born
in Posey Co., Ind., March 29, 1816, and is the son of Elijah and
Sally (Allen) Garrison, natives of Kentucky, and a lineal descend-
ant of Daniel Boone. The subject of this sketch came to this
county with his parents in Oct., 1826. His father entered a large
tract of land near Milton, which he lost by unsuccessful specula-
tions. He then moved upon the river bottom, where he died in
1840. His devoted wife lived until 1846, when she too was called
to join the settlements of a better home. The subject of this sketch
was married in 1834, to Miss Louisiana, daughter of Thomas Davis,
who died in 1839, leaving one child, Mary L., who resides in Ore-
gon. He again married in 1842, Miss Cynthia Waters, who died
in 1852. Of this marriage one child was born, Hannah J., wife of
Orsen Gilbert. His present wife, Lydia Wilson, is a native of
Ohio. Mr. G. was engaged in running log rafts down the river as
early as 1835, and afterwards followed the river as pilot until 1852,
when he built a hotel, where he was engaged for 11 years. In 1861
he enlisted as Captain of Co. E., I. Y. I., and two months afterward
was appointed recruiting officer. In this capacity he served until
1864, when he moved to Oregon and spent some years. On his
return he settled on his present place.
W. Y. Grimes, M. D., was born in, this township in 1857. His
parents were Milton and Mary (McClintock) Grimes, early settlers
of Pike county. He began the study of medicine with Dr. A. G.Jones,
of Milton, and spent 2 years in the drug business with W. M. Crary.
Soon afterward he entered the Missouri Medical College at St.
Louis, and was graduated at that institution in 1877. The following
4:66 HISTORY OF PIKE OOUNTT.
year he began the practice of his profession in this village and
established himself in the drug business the same year. Mr. G.
has been local editor and correspondent of the Milton Beacon a
greater part of the time since it started, and is deservedly popular
with all classes. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of
the Christian Church.
8. V. Harden, attorney at law, is the son of Elisha and Vir-
ginia (Sweringen) Hayden, natives of Kentucky and Missouri, who
came to this county in 1833 and settled in Detroit township. In 1852
they moved to this tp., and in 1867 upon their present farm, where
they still reside. To them have been born 5 children, 3 of whom
are living, — Gabriella L., Samuel V. and Mary B. His farm of
132 acres is valued at $70 per acre. The subject of this sketch
was born in this county in 1856, and entered upon the study of law
at Hills boro. 111. He then entered the Union Law College at Chi-
cago and was graduated at that institution in 1879, when he began
the practice of his profession in this village. The family number
among early pioneers and are highly respected members of the
Christian Church.
Wni. Hess, farmer and stock-raiser, is the son of David and Ann
(.Wheeler) Hess, natives of Ohio, who emigrated to this State at an
early day and settled in Pearl tp.. Pike Co., in 1836, where he still
resides. Mrs. H. died in 1877. The subject of this sketch was
born in Greene Co., 111., in 1830. He was married Oct. 18, 1855,
to Miss Margaret 0. Wagner, who died, leaving him one child, J.
D. His present wife, Nancy C, nee Smith, is a native of Pike Co.
To them have been born 6 children, — Sarah A., L. C, "Wm. H., Eva
E. B., Ada B., and Euthy B. He settled on his present place in
1862, the homestead land consisting of 240 acres, valued at $50
per acre. He has also land on sees. 20, 21, 32 and 16, amounting
to nearly 800 acres, making him the largest landholder in the tp.
0. 0. Holcomh, merchant, dealer in groceries and crockery, suc-
ceeded Geo. Underwood in 1857. In 1863 he disposed of his stock
and enlisted as Captain of Co. G., 137th I. Y. I., 100-day men, and
served his time. He again entered upon a mercantile pursuit in
the store now occupied as the postoffice, and moved to his present
location in 1879. He was born in Portage Co., 0., in 1833. His
mother, Dafney Holcomb, settled in this township in 1842, where
she died in 1879. He was married in 1854 to Miss Sarah E. Kin-
man, by whom he has 3 children : Lillian, George A. and John H.
Mr. H. is one of the oldest living merchants of Milton, and enjoys
a good patronage.
David 0. Hoover, farmer, sec. 17; P. O. Milton; is the youngest
son of Daniel Hoover, jr., who emigrated to Illinois in 1825 and
settled in White county, where he remained until 1827, when
he moved to this county and settled in this township on' sec. 9.
Here he pre-empted land and resided until his death. May 24, 1868.
The subject of this sketch was born June 23, 1826; was married
Oct. 16, 1856, to Miss Eunice A. Stults. Mr. H. left the home-
HI8T0ET OF PIKE COtTNTY. i 457
stead in 1869 and moved to Yernon Co., Mo., where he remained 2
years. Again in the fall of 1879 to the same county, where he is
residing on a farm of 320 acres. His eldest son, Charles, who lives
on the homestead, was married Jan. 1, 1880, to Miss Mary E.,
daughter of Jackson Morton. Upon them and others of his children
devolves the care of the farm, consisting of 240 acres, valued at
$50 per acre. William L., Ruth A., Frank L., Fred A., Alva B.
and Fayette, were the children of this industrious pioneer, and
grandchildren of one of the first pilgrims to Pike county.
David J. Hoover, farmer, sec. 8; P. O., Milton; was born in
"White Co., 111., in 1829; is the eldest son of John and Cynthia
(Patton) Hoover, who settled in White Co. in 1826, and in this
township in 1830, where they both died. The subject of this sketch
was married in 1859 to Miss Amanda F. Smithers, a native of this
State. To them have been born 7 children, all of whom are living:
Edgar W., Willie H., Cordelia, Minnie V., Orphy O., Ina E. and
Arty E. He settled on his present estate in 1862, consisting of
,404| acres; the eastern section, 200 acres, is valued at $60 per acre:
the remainder at $40. Mr. H. has been School Director for the
past 6 years, and numbers among the early settlers. Without the
opportunities of educational advantages his devotion to his pro-
fession has placed him among the independent farmers of this
county.
Eli Hoover, farmer, sees. 9 and 10; P. O. Milton; is the fourth
SOD of John and Cynthia (Patton) Hoover, -natives of Maryland
and Kentucky, who came to this county in 1829 and settled in
this township, on sec. 8, where he entered 60 acres of land and re-
sided until. his death in 1867. His wife preceded him to the spirit
world in 1864. The subject of this sketch was born on the homestead
in this township in 1836; was married in 1863 to Miss Mary Stewart,
a native of Greene Co., 111., where she was born in 1841. The fruits
of this marriage are 4 children : Delia A., Arthur Y., Otis C. and
Caddie G. The homestead upon which he resides consists of 236
acres, valued at $60 per acre. Mr. and Mrs. H. are members of
the Christian Church, and number among the early pioneers.
George Hoover, farmer, sec. 11; P. O. Milton; is the second son
of Daniel and America (Greathouse) Hoover, natives of Maryland
and Kentucky, who emigrated to Illinois in 1825 and settled inWhite
Co., and in 1827 moved to this county and settled on sec. 9, near
Milton, where he made a claim which he afterward pre-empted.
Here he lived until his death. May 24, 1868. His respected wife
followed him to the better land in September of the same year.
The subject of this sketch was born in Posey Co., Ind., Oct. 23,
1821, and came with his parents to this county, where he was married
Jan. 24, 1844, to Miss Sophia A. Hatcher, a native of Franklin Co.,
Va., and daughter of John and Charlotta (Thurman) Hatcher, who
settled in this township in April, 1838, where they passed the re-
mainder of their years on earth. Mr. H. settled upon his present
estate in 1867, consisting of over 600 acres of land, the valuation
458 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
of which will range from $30 to $50 per acre. This tract of land
includes the same farm he occupied in 1847. He is the father of 5
living children, 3 daughters and 2 sons — Geneva A., Louisa F.
tlddie A., Laura and Olvsses Gr. He is the oldest native-born
settler of this township, a life-long supporter of the Whig party,
and a strong advocate of the Kepublican form of government.
John A. Hoover, sec. 18; P. O. Milton; is the son of John
Hoover, one of the pioneers of this county who settled in Monte-
zuma tp. in 1829, where the subject of this sketch was born in
1834. In 1859 he engaged as clerk in the mercantile trade at Mil-
ton, in which capacity he was engaged until 1871. Since then he
has been engaged in farming and speculation, and by tact and
energy has secured a good property. Mr. H. is one of this ex-
tensive family, unmarried, but his social qualities of mind and
heart have won for him a host of friends.
Josiah Hoover, farmer, sec. 9; P. O. Milton; the eldest living
son of David and Mahala (Greathouse) Hoover, natives of Mary-,
land and Kentucky, who settled in White Co., 111., in 1820, and
wei-e among the early pilgrims of that county, where the subject
of this^' sketch was born in May, 1823. In 1827 the family came
to this county, crossing the Illinois river on a pirogue, a large
canoe. He erected his shanty south of Milton on sec. 9, "where he
died in March, 1876, in the 79th year of his age. She died Aug.
7, 1873. The subject of this sketch was married in 1848 to Miss
Caroline, daughter of Thomas Smith, an early settler of White Co.
He is the father of 9 children, 7 of whom are living — Smith, Alice,
Mary, Mattie F., Sidney J., Ida M. and Lincoln. His opportuni-
ties for an early education were limited, and his success in life is due
to his indomitable will and perseverance. His homestead near Mil-
ton consists of 246 acres, valued at $75 an acre. He is one of
Montezuma's early pilgrims, and although in declining health, is
made happy by the large circle of children and grandchildren that
surround him.
William Hxitton, farmer, sec. 3; P. O. Milton ; was born in Eng-
land in 1833, and is the son of John and Betsey, (Watenworth,)
natives of England, where they both died. Mr. H. emigrated to
America in 1855, settling in this tp., where he has since made it
his home. He was married in 1873 to Miss Sarah E. Olemraons, and
they have 2 children, John and Mary. Mr. H. settled on his present
estate in 1868, consisting of 84 acres, valued at $60 per acre. Mr.
H. is a School Director, and one of Montezuma's best citizens.
J. G. Johnson, proprietor of the Johnson House, Milton, is a son
of Joseph and Esther (Jolly) Johnson, natives of South Carolina,
who emigrated to Indiana in 1800, and settled in Posey Co., being
among the pioneers of that State, where they both died. The sub-
ject of this sketch was born in Posey Co., Ind., in 1821; was mar-
ried in 1843 to Miss Mary E. Henderson, who died in Indiana in
1847, leaving one child, Mary A. He then married Elizabeth
Travers, a native of Indiana, who bore him one child, D. R., and she
y W
^ *' ifS*]*^'*-'^
MONTEZUMA Tf
HISTORY OF PIKE COITNTY. 461
too was called to a better home. His present wife is Judith C,
daughter of Samuel Baker, an early settler of Detroit tp., where
she was born in 1835. The fruits of this marriage are 2 children,
Johanna H. and J. G. H. Mr. J. came to this county in 1856 and
settled in Milton, where he engaged in merchandising, and in 1862
received appointment as Captain, and raised Co. I, 99th I. V. I. ,
and served 2^ years, participating in the battles of Yicksburg,
Port Gibson, Champion Hills and Mobile, and was mustered out in
Jan., 1865, by reason of consolidation. Eeturning, he formed the
partnership of Johnson & Goodin in the dry -goods trade. Two
years afterward he, sold out and engaged in farming, until 1875,
when he disposed of his farm and opened a private boarding-house.
The following year he leased the Eagle, now Johnson House. Mr.
J. has been prominently identiiied with the interests of the town in
several offices. He is a radical Republican, a good citizen, and an
excellent hotel keeper.
Solomon T. Johnston., farmer, sec. 19; P. O. Milton; is the son
of Thomas and Catherine (Main) Johnston, natives of Pennsj'lvania,
who emigrated to Pike Co., in 1850, settling in Hardin tp., where
he died. His aged wife still survives. The subject of this sketch
was born in Beaver Co., Pa., in 1832; was married in 1853 to Miss
Susan, daughter of John Heavener; settled on his present farm of
240 acres in 1856. In 1862 he enlisted as Corporal in Co. E, 99th
I. V. I., and served 15 months, participating in the battle at Port
Gibson, where he was wounded by.a minie ball that passed through
the lungs and lodged in the back, where it still remains. He was
confined in the hospital 6 months, when he was discharged. In con-
sequence of this wonnd Mr. J. is disabled from physical labor. He
served one term as Collector. Is politically a Democrat. Hi§ chil-
dren are Melinda. Louisa, Eilen, Thomas, Andrew, Allen, Otis, Eva,
Poe and Frank.
Urban B. Kennedy^ principal of the high school at Milton, was
born in Morgan Co., 111., in 1854, and is a grandson of John
Wright, a native of Tennessee, who settled in that couuty in 1825,
and son of William and Sarah (Wright) Kennedy, natives of Ken-
tucky and Tennessee, living residents of Morgan county. Mr.
Wright died in 1872, and Wright's Precinct still bears the honor
of his name. The subject of this sketch entered upon the studies
of his profession in the State Normal University at Blooraington,
111., where he remained 3 years, and began teaching in 1872 in
Scott county, where he remained 3 years, when he returned to
his native county and officiated 2 years, where he was married in
1877 to Miss Kate, daughter of John Stewart, of Scott county.
They are the parents of 2 children, Walter I. and one not yet
christened. Mr. K. has filled his present position 3 years, and
he is highly esteemed by the community.
Wm. M. Landess, merchant, dealer in hardware, stoves and tin-
ware at Milton, succeeded Long & Riggs in this business in 1871,
the copartnership being Landess & Colvin. Eighteen months
28
462 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
afterward Oolvin retired, and the business has since been conducted
by Mr. L., who carries a stock of $3,000, and has a lucrative trade.
He was born in Highland county, O., March 11, 1839 ; came to
this county in 1863 and engaged in teaching school until he begaii
his business career. He was married Dec. 16, 1866, to Miss <ftn-
nie Yan Pelt, daughter of William Yan Pelt, of Perry. They are
members of the Christian Church.
John F. Long, farmer, sec. 32 ; P. O. Milton ; was born in Ten-
nessee in 1805, son of Kobert and Betsy (Wasson) Long, natives of
North Carolina, both of whom have died. The subject of this
sketch came to this county in Oct., 1828, and settled west of Milton.
A few years later he entered the land of his present estate, where
he has since made it his home. He was married in Yanderbnrgh
county, Ind., Feb. 23, 1826, to Miss Sally A. Patton, a native of
that county, where she was born in 1809. To them have been
born 8 children, 7 of whom are living, Phoebe J., Eobert N;^
William H., James H., Samuel A., Mary E. and Sarah M. ' Mary.
E. married F. Bowman and they reside on the homestead. Their
children are William, Robert, John O., Leroy and Henry M. Mr.
L was Justice of the Peace at one time, and has been otherwise
identified with the interests of the town. His farm consists of 200
acres, valued at $5,500. Himself and wife are members of the
Christian Church, and he is one of the few living pioneers of this
township. In the 75th year of his age he enjoys good health, and
is happily surrounded at his home by his children and grandchil-
dren .
Thomas G. Lytle, farmer, sec. 23 ; P. O. Bedford ; was born on
the Potomac, Washington Co., Md., in 1824. Is son of James
and Eleanor (Burckhurtt) Lytle, natives of that State, where they
died. The subject of this sketch was married in 1846 to Miss Eliz-
abeth Miller, a native of Maryland, who died leaving 'him 2
children, Josiah and Thomas. His present wife, Eliza Killbren, is
a native of Scott county. They have had 4 children, — Elizabeth,
William, John and Charles A. Mr. L. came to this county in
1856, from Berkshire Co., Ya. ; moved on his present farm in
1873, consisting of 80 acres, valued at $30 per acre. Has been
Justice of the Peace 2 terms, and Commissioner of Highways.
Politically he is a Democrat.
Malinda Mohair, farmer, sec. 34; P. O. Bedford; widow of
Michael Mahair, who was born in Ireland in 1829 and emigrated
to America in 1849. He engaged in farming until his marriage in
1857, to Miss Malinda, daughter of Benjamin Barringer, an early
settler of this county. After marriage he settled on the Li,ttle
Blue, where he lived until 1865, when he moved on the present
estate of 170 acres, valued at $40 per acre. Their living children
are William A., James B. and Lydia A.; they lost 3: Edward,
Jolm, and one in infancy. Mr. Mahair died in 1875. He was
School Director many years.
N . D. J/c^wJ's, merchant, Montezuma, was born in this township
HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY. 463
in 1846; is the only living child of T. L. and Sarah (Aiken) M'cEvers,
natives of Ohio, who emigrated to this county in 1829, traveling
the entire distance in keel-boats. He settled on his present place
at Montezuma and was for years engaged in boating. He is still a
living relict of early times. The subject of this sketch received his
early education at the Jacksonville Business College, at which in-
stitution he was graduated in 1868. Returning home, his time was
divided between teaching and advancing. his education at the Nor-
mal School at Bloomington. In 1874 he purchased the building
and stock of goods of S. B. Clemmons, to which he, has built an
addition and increased the stock, now amounting to about $4,000,
yvith an increasing trade. He is also extensively engaged in the
grain and commission business. He has been Township Treasurer
many years and Township Collector one year; is Supervisor at
the present time, being the first Greenback Supervisor in the
county; has also been Postmaster most of the time during his busi-
ness career. In 1873 he was married to Miss Adelia, daughter of
Franklin Morton, a native of this county. Theodore F. is their
only living child.
John C . Mitohell, firm of Mitchell & Battershell, merchants. The
subject of this sketch was born in Monroe Co., O., in 1835. He was
married in 1859 to Miss AbbyMcCurdy, a native of Pennsylvania,
who died in Ohio. In 1866 he enlisted in the 194th O. Y. I., Co.
I, as private, and was promoted to 2d and 1st Lieutenant, which
he filled at the close of the war. Same year he moved to this State
and settled in Lawrence Co., where he engaged as clerk; subse-
quently he removed to Clay Co. and followed the same calling for
7 years, when he cast his lot in a large commercial house in St.
Louis in the capacity of book-keeping. In 1875 he came to this
county and engaged as clerk with Butler & Adams, until the form-
ation of the present partnership in 1878. His present wife, Maggie,
nee Groshern, is a native of this State, by whom he has 2 children,
James M. and Jennie. Mr. M. is a Democrat, a Notary Public,
and a member of the Christian Church.
Robert 0. Morris, proprietor Grange Company "Warehouse, Mon-
tezuma, is a' native of Adair Co., Ky., where he was born Dec. 8,
1850; came to this county in Sept., 1874, and for a time engaged in
farming. Subsequently he purchased an interest in the store of
W. H. Hall at Milton. Nine months afterward he sold out and
took possession of the warehouse in Jan., 1880, where he is doing a
large trade in lumber, grain, lime and cement, and is an active,
energetic, thorough business man.
Jackson Morton, farmer, sec. 19; P. O. Milton; son of William
Morton, who settled in this township in 1830, where he is stilL a
living representative of the pioneers. The subject of this sketch
was born in Hawkins Co., Tenn., in 1827; was married in 1856
to Miss Ann Main, a native of England; the same year he settled
upon his present estate, consisting of 120 acres, valued at $40 per
acre. He is a lineal descendant of the pioneer family, and well
464 HISTOET OF PIKE COUNIT.
known "throughout the town and county. Rosan A., Mary, Emma
and Carrie are his living children : 2 deceased, William, jr., and Ida!
William Morton, farmer, sec. 19; P. O. Milton; was born in
Cheatham Co., IT. Carolina, in 1800, and is a son of John and Annie
(Poe) Morton, natives of N. C, who emigrated at an early day to
Tennessee, thence to this county, and settled on sec. 14, in 1830.
Both died in this township. The subject of this sketch left home
when 16 years of age and went to Tennessee, where he remained
until 1830, when he came to this township and settled upon his
present farm, consisting of 120 acres of valuable land, at that time
but a wilderness and resort for roving Indians. He was married in
1824 in Tennessee, to Miss Cecil George, a native of that State.
To them were born 11 children, 6 of whom are living, — Eliza
Jackson, Wilburn, Jeremiah, Wm. C, and Oelia. His present
wife, Lucinda, nee Castile, is a native of Tennessee. Mr. M. is one
of the oldest living settlers of this township. He lived 6 weeks
_in a small brush hut that stood on the site of his present home.
He is now almost totally blind, and though 80 years of age, his
mind and memory are clear. He served 5 or 6 years as Constable,
and is one of Pike's oldest pioneers. He is the father of 2 children
by his last marriage, Joseph C. and George F.
Charles H. Menoud, farmer, sec. 32; P. O. Pearl; was born in
Fairlield, Conn., in 1820. His parents were Stephen P. and Lydia
(Donaldson) Eenoud, natives of that State, who came to this county
in 1837, purchased land and returned. Their final settlement was
made in 1843, in Detroit township, where he lived until '55, when
he sold out and went to Ohio. The following year he settled in
in Henry Co., 111., and on the homestead in this county in
1864, where he died in 1866. She is still living in the 86th year of
her age. The subject of this sketch was married in 1844 to Mary
Wickam, a native of Kent, England, who died March 5-, 1865, and
9 children have been born to them : George F., Caroline, Mary,
Eliza,Marsha, Robert E., Richard G., Charles H. and Stephen. His
present wife, Kary, daughter of Hiram Duff, is a native of Kentucky,
who settled near Milton in 1826. The family can be numbered
among the early pilgrims of Montezuma tp.
David Roberts, farmer, sec. 33; P. O. Bedford; was born in
Delaware Co., Aug. 8, 1833, and is the son of David and Lovina
(Pool) Roberts, natives of Yermont and New York, who came to
this county in 1837, and entered land on sees. 29 and 36, and went
to Ohio; returned in 1838 and settled on sec. 36; subsequently he
moved to Hardin township and Spring Creek, thence to Pleasant
Hill, and in 1850 he moved the family to Pittsfield and crossed
the plains to California, returning in 1851. He died at his home in
1856. He was a minister of the Christian denomination, to which
he gave much of his time. His estimable wife died in 1872. The
subject of this sketch was married in 1862 to Miss Susan, daughter
of Asa Cooper, a native of this county. Lavinia E., Lizzie, John
HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY. 4:65
J., David, jr., and George, are their living children. Mr. and Mrs.
R. are members of the Christian Church.
William Roberts, farmer, ' sec. 27; P. O. Milton ; was born in
England in 1853, and emigrated to America in 1857, stopping in
Peoria county one year, when he came to this county, where he has
since made it his home. He was married in 1875 to Miss Ellen
Crane, a native of England. To them have been born 3 children,
Frederick, Caroline and Mary Ellen. He settled on his present
farm in 1865, consisting of 65 acres, valued at $2,000. >He is a
Deacon of the Christian Church, of which his family are members.
William P. Sargent, proprietor of hotel, Bedford, was born in
Worcester Co., Mass., in 1825, and is the son of William and
Polly (Frost) Sargent, who emigrated from that State in 1839 and
settled in Summer Hill. Some years later they moved to this
township and settled south of Bedford, where they both died. The
subject of jjthig sketch was married in 1853 to Miss Harriet E.,
daughter of Silas A. Chandler, a native of this county. In 1838 he
moved to Bedford and engaged at milling some years, and opened
public house in 1871. He owns the hotel and 37 acres of land,
valued at .$3,000. Mr. S. is the father of 3 children, Wm. 0.,
Hattie E. and Martha. Is School Director, and one of the oldest
, and most worthy citizens.
Noble Shaw, farmer, sec. 6 ; P. O. Milton; is the son of Aaron
and Phoebe (Eardike) Shaw, natives of J^orth Carolina, where she
died a't an early day. The subject of this sketch was born in Guil-
ford Co., N. C., in 1819, and emigrated with his father to this
county in the fall of 1829, stopping through the winter at Mon-
tezuma, and the following spring settling on Franklin Prairie,
where he died in 1830. Bereft of parents while yet a youth, and
left alone in the wilderness, he sought employment among the
scattered settlers of Pike. By strict economy he was in a few years
enabled to purchase 60 acres of his present estate, which he has
since increased to 120. He was married in 1845 to Miss Julia A.
Frane, a native of Kentucky, where she was born in 1826. To
them have been born 9 children, all of whom are living: Mary,
William T., Ada A., James A., John, Louella, Frank M., Daniel B.
and Yirgil. Mr. S. has served as Road Commissioner, School
Trustee and Director several years, and numbers among those of
the early settlers, an honored and respected citizen.
W. S. Smith, of the firm of Butler & Smith, grocers, Milton, was
born in Detroit tp., this county, in 1869, the son of Richard Smith,
an early settler of this county, where he died in 1863. This firm
succeeded John T. Hall in this trade in 1879, and although young
men, their energies and abilities call out a large and increasing
trade.
L. J. Smitherman, retired farmer, was born in Rutherford Co.,
Tenn., Jan. 7, 1819; was married to Miss Miriel Brown, a native
of Lawrence Co., Ala., where she was born March 22,1821. Of
this marriage 6 children have been born, one of whom is living, Wil-
liam, who married Louisa Lester in 1863, and they have 3 children,
466 HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Otis, Mayo and Inez. Mr. S. settled in Morgan Co., near Jack-
sonville, in 1827. Jesse and Jincy Brown, parents of Mrs S.,
were early pioneers in that county. Three years afterward he
moved to McDonough county, thence to Geneva county, and back
to his native State; returning, he settled in Detroit tp., where he
still owns 200 acres, the original homestead. Mr. S. has been
prominent in the county, having served as Assessor a number of
years, Supervisor a number of terms and elected County Treasurer
in 1867; was re-elected in 1869, and is Village Trustee at the
present time. Democrat.
Elisha Sowers, farmer, sec. 26; P. O. Bedford; was born in
Hamilton Co., N. J., in 1813; he is the son of Henry and Ann
(Potter) Sowers, natives of that State,- who emigrated to Ohio, where
they both died. The subject of this sketch was married in 1836 to
Miss Caroline Scoggin, a native of Hamilton county, O., where she
was born in 1816. Their children, are Melissa, Henry, Mary,
Thomas A., Oliver, William W., Benton, Edward and Amanda.
Mr. Sowers came to this county, in 1856 and settled on his present
estate, consisting of 730 acres. Mr. S. is the largest land-holder in
the township, and is a well-known citizen.
Oliver Sowers, farmer, sec. 84; P. O. Milton; was born iu Ham-
ilton Co., O., in 1849, and is the son of Elisha and Caroline (Scog-
gin) Sowers, and came to this county with his parents in 1856; was
married in 1869 to Miss Mary Nicolay, a native of this county;
has a farm of 120 acres of well cultivated land. He is a School
Director, and numbers among Montezuma's enterprising farmers.
Gusty, Francis, John H. and Archey are their children.
Jane Stewart, sec. 20; P. O. Milton; is the widow of Benja-
min Stewart, who was born in Rock Castle Co., Ky., April 26, 1809.
He came to this county at an early day and settled in this township,
where he resided until his death, which occurred at Eldorado, Kan.,
July 22, 1874. He was married Dec. 6, 1838, to Miss Jane, daugh-
ter of Thompson and Sarah A. (Smith) Williams, the subject of
this sketch, who was born in Scott Co., Ky., April 8, 1820, a de-
scendant of the Rains family, of Yirginian origin. Mr. S. made
his first settlement on the present farm of Josiah Hoover, and was
among the early pioneers. He was a citizen highly esteemed, and
left a large circle of friends. Of their several children 6 are living:
Thompson W., Sarah B., Philadelphia G., William L., Julia A.
and Emma B. Wm. L. resides on the homestead, upo.n which his-
parents settled in 1851. Mr. and Mrs. S. were members of the
Christian Church.
Henry Tanhersley, farmer, sec. 1, P. 0. Montezuma; was born
in Scott county in 1854, and is the son of Edward and Phoebe
(Sweet) Tankersley, natives of Kentucky, who settled in Morgan
county in 1821, then in Scott county in 1849. He surveyed both
counties for early settlements, and was County Judge in both Mor-
gan and Scott counties. In 1864 he came to this county, and
settled on the farm now occupied by his son and widow, where he
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 467
died in 1866. His life was marked with a degree of prominence
throughout. He was Magistrate many years, and an early pioneer
of Morgan county. He left 3 children, all of whom are living:
Lyman T., Thomas and Sarah. Mr. T. has a farm of 140 acres,
valued at $40 per acre.
Davis, L. Thurman, farmer, sec. 21 ; P. O. Milton ; was born in
Cumberland Co., Ky., ' in 1834, and is the son of James and
Polly (Robinson) Thurman, natives of Kentucky and So. Carolina,
who emigrated to this county in 1837, and settled on the present
homestead, consisting of 140 acres, 100 of which is now under cul-
tivation, valued at $40 per acre. He died Feb. 2, 1871, and she
followed him Feb. 2, 1SY7. The subject of this sketch was mar-
ried August, 1858, to Miss Martha A., daughter of William Smith,
the first settler of Winchester, Scott county, where she was born
in 1833. Priscilla and Amarilla are their living children. Mrs.
T. has been a life-long invalid, but tenderly cared for by a fond
husband and children. Mr. T. had no opportunities for education,
but through his energy and indomitable will has accumulated con-
siderable property. The family are members of the Christian
Church, and number among the early settlers and highly respected
citizens.
Thomas L. Thurman, farmer, sec. 21 ; P. O. Milton ; was born
in Franklin Co., Va., in 1799, son of David and Susanna (Left-
wich), natives of that State, where they died. The subject of this
sketch emigrated to Cumberland Co., Ky., where he was mar-
ried to Miss Millie Black, who vCas born in Bedford Co., Va.,
in 1801; she died in this county in 1871. To them were born 9
children, 5 of whom are living: Sarah A., William H., James L.,
John T. (who married Mary Boren. By this marriage 3 grand-
children surround him), Lolu, Unie, and Howard. Henrietta,
the youngest daughter, resides on the homestead. Mr. T. came to
this county in 1842, and settled on his present estate of 120 acres,
valued at $40 per acre; he is a member of the Baptist denomi-
nation, and politically belongs to the old-line Whigs.
Benjamin F. Wheeler, retired farmer; residence, Milton; was
born in Clermont Co., O., in 1818, the son of Benjamin and
Mary (McCarty) Wheeler, natives of Kentucky and Pennsylvania,
respectively, who emigrated to Illinois in 1834, and settled in Pearl
township, where they both died. The subject of this sketch was
married in Pearl in 1844 to Miss Almira, daughter of Peter Clem-
mons, whV) settled in this county in 1829. Of their several chil-
dren, but one is living: John A., who married Amanta Morton.
Two children have been born to them, Cora B. and Anna E. Mr.
W. settled in this township in 1863, and on his present estate in
1875, consisting of SOJ acres, valued at $100 per acre. The home-
stead occupied by his son has 173 acres, besides 12 acres of timber.
Mr. W. is a self-made man ; his opportunities for education were
limited, and his success has been effected only through his untiring
industry. Is one of the " City Fathers," and is a member of the
Christian Church.
PEAEL TOWNSHIP.
"^ This is the most southeastern township of the county. It is
mostly timbered land, with a small strip of prairie land near its
center. It is bounded on the east by the Illinois river, and a greater
part of the township is very rou'gh, and is adapted principally to
stock-raising. The first settlers to locate within its borders came
about 1824 or 1825, and were A. Perkins, J. E. Ottwell, William
Pruett and John Ottwell. The first improvements were made on
sections 15 and 27. Among the more prominent early settlersof
the township were Thomas S. Long, Thomas Lumley and William
Camerer. The first child born in the township was John Ottwell,
and the first person to die was Thomas Murray. The first parties
married' were William Ottwell and Miss Eachel Collins. They
were united by Eev. Mr. Osborn, -a Baptist minister, who also
.preached the first sermon in the township, in 1829, in the house of
John Ottwell. The first school-house was erected in 1837 on sec-
tion 28. The first church was built in 1867. The first Justice of
the Peace was James McConnell.
VILLAGES.
Pearl. — The village of Pearl is quite an old town, and is situated
on sections 16, 17 and 20, and contains about 50 inhabitants.
Bee Creek village is situated on Bee creek, section 33, and is
about the size of Pearl. It contains a postoffice, a small
store, a saw, a flouring mill, a blacksmith shop and a physician.
Bee Creek Mills. — This establishment was first built in ISSe'as a
horse-mill, and in 1857 it was propelled by steam. In 1867 it was
torn down and rebuilt by George Schutz. Mr. Wm. Wheeler pur-
chased it the same year and is still its owner. It is now operated
by G. W. Eoberts, and be it to his credit to say that Mr. Eoberts
makes the best quality of flour and has & large run of custom. A
few years ago people came a distance of 25 miles to this mill.
There is also a saw-mill attached to it.
Pearl Station. — This is the largest village in the township, con-
taining about 150 inhabitants, and is situated upon the Louisiana
branch of the Chicago, Alton & St. Louis railroad. It was sur-
veyed by order of Thomas S. Long, guardian of the heirs of Samuel
Fulcher, and is located on the southwest quarter of section 10. It
HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY. 469
was surveyed in September, 1872, by County Surveyor H. J. Harris.
Chowrow is tlie name of a little settlement on section 33.
CHUECHES.
Trinity M. E. Church is located at Pearl Landing on the Illinois
river. It was organized in 1856 by Eev. E. Elliott, with six mem-
bers, at the house of T. H. Lincoln. It was known by the name
of Pearl Landing M. E. Church, which name it continued to bear
until 1871, when the present church structure was erected. The
Society worshiped in Mr. Lincoln's house for two years, when they
removed their place of worship to the Pearl Prairie school-house.
"While worshiping at this place the Society was more commonly'
known as the Pearl Prairie M. E. Church, but was really the same
organization. In 1869 the Society moved to the new school-house
at Pearl Landing, and in 1871 occupied tlie present church edifice.
Kev. Charles McKown is Pastor.
Pearl Prairie Christian Church was organized several years ago,
and in 1867 erected a neat house of worship in Pearl on section 20.
Below we give personal sketches of some of the more prominent
citizens of the townsliip.
James H. Dawson, physician, was born in Warren county, Ind.,
Aug. 3, 1836, and is a son of John W. and Effie A. Dawson; was
educated in the common schools, and at the age of 24 enlisted in
the late war, Co. D, 1st Mo. Inft., where he served for 2 years.
He is a graduate of the Keokuk Medical College, in Keokuk, Iowa ;
began the practice of medicine in Pleasant Hill, this county, in
1874, remaining there one year. He then located in Chowrow,
this county, where he still resides and has built up a good practice.
In Feb., 1858, he married Miss Sarali Hamner, daughter of Jesse
Hamner, deceased, an early settler of this county, and they have
3 children — Mollie, Anna and Flora.
Enoch W. Garrison was born in Posey county, Ind., Dec. 22,
1818. He is a son of Elijah Garrison, who landed his family in this
county long before railroads were thought of and when the Indians
and wild animals roamed at large, and the wolves made the night
hideous by their constant howling. He located in Montezuma tp.
Enoch W. hunted coons where Milton now stands, and on one oc-
casion a panther chased their dogs from the hunting grounds. He
was deprived of educational advantages, as there were no schools in
the first settlement of this county. In a few years, however, came
the days of subscription schools and teachers with ox gads in their
hands; he attended school for a short time in a log cabin where
Milton now stands. He has been married three times, and is the
father of 8 children, of whom 4 are living ; "William, Lewis A.,
Hannah L. and Enoch "W. Mr. G. is engaged in farming and stock-
raising, and resides on sec. 2, this tp. ; has been a hunter all his life;
hunting and trapping in winter and farming during the summei.
Ransom Kessinger, a native of Scott county, 111., was born Sept.
3, 1830, and is a son of Solomon Kessinger,deceased, well known in
470 HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY.
the pioneer days of Scott county. He was a native of Kentucky and
came to Jacksonville in 1825, when there was but one house
in that city; came to this county with his family in 1844 and set-
tled in Pearl tp., where he resided until his death, which occurred
Feb. 10, 1862. Our subject was raised on a farm and received a
common-school education; served 3 years in the late war in Co. I
99th Eeg. I. V. I., and was in the following battles: Hartsville,
Mo., siege of Vicksburg, Champion Hills, Black River Bridge,
Matagorda, Fort Gaines, on Mobile Bay, and others; he was hon-
orably discharged in 1865. June 11, 1863, he married Sarah J.
Peacock, daughter of Henry Peacock, deceased, an early settler of
Pike county; they have had 10 children, of whom 8 are living,—
^Henry, Nancy, Catharine, Jacob, Peter, Ransom, Martha and John.
Mr. Kessinger is engaged in farming and stock-raising, and resides
on sec. 20. He is. Justice of the Peace.
Thomas 8. Long was born in Jiucks county. Pa., Oct. 3, 1807:
parents first moved to New Jersey; he moved. from that State with
his family in an early day and located in this then wild country.
They are the oldest married immigrants living in Pearl tp. Mr.
Long is a son of Morgan and Kachel Long, deceased. Mrs. Long
was born Nov. 7, 1810, and is a daughter of Barney and Margaret
Deemer, deceased; they have had 9 children, of whom 5 are living
— Thomas S., Morgan, Mary A., Elizabeth and Rachel. Mr. Long
engaged in the mei'cantile business for 3 or 4 years after the close
of the war, but now is retired from active business and resides in
Pearl, on sec. 16. In early days he had to go a distance of 18 or 20
miles to mill; at one time he went in a wooden-wheeled wagon,
was water bound while gone, and was unable to get to the mill;
he stopped at a horse-mill and staid over Sunday, when they ground
the corn the same day, and he returned on Monday.
Thomas S. Long, jr., was born June 21, 1833, in Bucks county.
Pa., and is a son of Thomas S. Long, of Pearl Prairie; came to
Illinois with his parents in 1835. Aug. 27, 1854, he married Mary
C. Peacock, daughter of Henry Peacock, dec, an early settler of
Calhoun coiintj'^, 111., and they have had 10 children, 8 of whom are
liviiie-. — Henry T., Fannie L., Sarah M., Nancy A., Polly C, James
W., Ettie C, and Ransom A. Mr. Long is a carpenter, and also a
farmer, on sec. 16 this tp.
A. J. Ottwell is the oldest settler living in Pearl tp., and was born
in Ross county, O., April 22, 1817; is a son of John and Zyporiah
Otwell, dec, who were natives of Delaware. Mt. Ottwell was brougli|fj
here by his parents in 1828, was raised on a farm, received but 4
months' schooling, and that in a subscription school. He is a self-
made man, and has filled every office in the tp. except Justice of
the Peace. The Black Hawk Indians camped on the same land
Mr. Otwell now owns. At that time there were but 3 families in
the tp., viz: Joshua and John Ottwell an4 Abraham Janes. He
went 20 miles to mill. His father was the first blacksmith in the
county and erected a shop near the mouth of Bee creek in Pearl tp.,
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 471
in Dec, 1828. The next shop was erected in Atlas by Benjamin
Barney in 1830. When people came from Atlas and the surround-
ing country to Mr. Ottwell's shop, they would make a visit of several
days, and fish and hunt while their work was being done in the shop.
Feb. 29, 1844, he married Miss Mary A. Henry, daughter of Jacob
Henry, dec, an early pioneer. They have had 12 children, 8 of
whom are living, namely, Mary J., Charles, George A., Elizabeth,
Alex. J , Louise, Sarah and Emalissa 0. Inearly life Mr. Otwell
engaged in boating 8 years, but is now a farmer and stock-raiser,
residing on sec. 9.
Joshua R. Ottwell. a native of this county, was born Oct. 6, 1845,
and is a son of William Ottwell; was raised on a farm, and edu-
cated in the common schools; was a soldier in the late war in Co.
Gr, 137th Reg. I.Y.I. In 1865 he married Miss Lucy Woods,
daughter of James Woods, dec. They have had 6 children, of whom
4 are living, namely, — Thomas J., Frances L., Jesse E. and Walter
J. Mr. O. is engaged in farming and stock-raising, and resides on
the old homestead, sec. 28.
Oeorge W. Roberts was born in Kinderhook Dec. 25, 1841, and
is a son of Ezekiel Eoberts. In 1852, he, in company with his
eldest sister, started for California; when about half way across the
plains his sister sickened and died, leaving him, but a boy, alone in
a dreary country. He returned and worked by the month in this
county until he accumulated some capital, when he engaged in the
mercantile business on Bee creek; he sold out to Mr. Smith in 1876,
and has since been operating the Bee Creek Mills. He has served
8 terms as Supervisor, and has filled every other tp. office except
Justice of the Peace. He married Lowena Albert, by whom he had
7 children, viz: Josephine, George E., Ezekiel, Mary, Wm. J.,
James W. and Florence.
William Wheeler was born in Clermont county, O., March 7, 1823,
and is a son of Benjamin Wheeler, dec. He came to this county
in 1834, and is a farmer and stock-raiser, on sec. 32. In 1843 he
married Matilda Battershell, and they have had 12 children; 7 are
living, v-iz : Washington W., ISTancy, Matilda W., Amanda M.,
Dora E , Sarah E. and Lora M. Mr. W. went to California in 1849j
and returned in 1852. He used to kill deer and turkeys ; helped
raise a house in 1836 in a valley where sycamores have since grown
12 inches in diameter.
William T. Williams, physician, was born in Adams county. 111.,
March 20, 1841, and is a son of G. _W. Williams, of that county.
He received a common-school education, and at the age of 16 years
began to read medicine; he was graduated at the Iowa Medical
Gollege at Keokuk, and began practice in this tp. in April, 1869,
where he still resides and has a large practice. July 16, 1863, he
married Margaret A. Walker, daughter of Archibald Walker, dec,
and they have had 5 children, 3 of whom are living, namely, George
F., Hattie B. and Myra Grace. Few doctors have built up so_ large
a practice in so short a time as has Dr. Williams. He was in the
late war in Co. K., 53d Mo.
PERRY TOWNSHIP.
This township, which in many respects is second to none in the
county, is in the northern part of the county, and is bounded upon
the north by Brown county, on the east by Fairnaount townsEip,
on the south by Griggsville, and on the west by Chambersburg
township. When it was first settled there was but little prairie
land within its borders; almost the entire surface was covered with
timber; much of it, however, was of small growth. We now behold
highly improved and cultivated farms throughout the township,
the result of the well-directed labor of the pioneers, their descend-'
ants, and those who came here in later years. Among the early
pilgrims who located here prior and up to !l83o, we mention James
H. Chenoweth, Robert Gregory, William Browning, James Eit-
chie, Matthew Dale, Gideon Bentley, Joseph King, David Johnson,
B. L. Matthews, Nicholas James, David Callis, Jolm Bond, Clias.
Dorsey, Joseph Cavender, John Hume, Abel Slielley, John Mat-
thews, Mr. Lovelady and John Gillaspie. The latter six gentle-
men came to the county as early as or even before 1829. Jaipes
Wells came in 1825, and his son, Stephen Y. Wells, who was born
the same year, was the first white child boi-n in the township.
George Bright, a veteran of the Revolutionary war, came in 1827.
Only two or three of these pioneers are living in the township at
the present time. Some have moved to other scenes of labor, but
by far the greater number are dead. After 1835 settlers came in
quite rapidly, and improvements were made throughout the
township-.
The following very interesting historical article was furnished us
by Mr. A. Hinman, and is given in his own language;
"Go back with me 50 years and compare our condition then
with what it is at present. Fifty years ago our inhabitants con-
sisted of a few hundred hardy pioneers who settled along the river
bluffs and around the edges of groves of timber, and were living
in little log cabins and subsisting on corn bread, wild game and
honey, with such vegetables as they could raise on their new im-
provements. We had very few roads then, only such as were
naturally made by the settlers passing frpm one settlement to
anothcB. We had no bridges across streams, nor conveyance of
any kind except by horseback or in an ox wagon; no railroads or
HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY. 4Y3
steamboats in those days; what little transportation was done in
those days was done with keel- boats. We had no schools nor free-
school system, and when our little log school-houses began to
spring up it was by the individual effort of the poor settlers.
Although these schools were of a very poor character, they were a
great benefit to the- children of pioneers, who were able to attend
one or two winters. We had no churches, stores, shops or manu-
facturing establishments; we had no railroads in the State, or tel-
egraph lines ; but many of us have lived to see the wonderful
changes that have taken place in half a century. From a few hun-
dred settlers we have multiplied to many thousands. The land
that was bought by the early settler for $1.25 per acre has advanced
in price until it is worth from $40 to $100 per acre. Public roads
have been laid out, graded and bridged. The log school-house has
given place to fine frame and brick structures, which are supplied
with competent teachers, good books, etc. Instead of horseback
and ox-wagon rides we have fine carriages, spring wagons, etc.;
and instead of keel-boats we have magnificent steamers plying up
and down our noble rivers. In the last few years over 100 miles
ofVrailroad have been built within our county, with two bridges
spanning the Father of Waters, connecting us with our Western
States and Territories. Fifty years ago our State had not a single
rod of railroad: now she has 10,000 miles. The first of this grand
system of railroads was commenced in 1837 or '38, at Naples, on
the Illinois river, and was built to Jacksonville. A few days ago I
was on this road at Naples and found still in use some of the old
original ties upon which tlie road was first built. They are red
cedar, and were brought from Tennessee.
"We have seen the time when our grand old county's credit was
so poor that she could not borrow $300 to buy the 160 acres of land
upon which to locate our county-seat. I have seen the credit of '
onr State so poor that the interest-bearing bonds could not be sold
for 25 cents on the dollar; but now these things are all changed;
and I feel thankful to the Giver of all Good that I have been per-
mitted to live out so nearly the time allotted for man's existence
here. Among all those improvements for the good of our people
none has given me more satisfaction than our free-school system,
where every child in the land has an equal chance to gain an edu-
cation. . I pay no tax more cheerfully than my school- tax, although
individually I never had the benefit of one cent of the public money
for my education, for the reason that I lived a little too early in a
new country to get an education at all."
The first school taught in the township was in 1830, in the south-
eastern corner; John Cavender was the teacher. He was one of
the strict "old masters " who have lived their day of usefulness and
have given place to the more modern teacher. Our free- school
system was not inaugurated until many years after this school was
tauwht. So much per quarter was charged for each pupil. Evi-
474: HISTORY OF PIKE OOUNTT.
dently Mr. Cavender carried on an excellent school, — at least in his
own estimation, for his charges were high. Each pupil was re-
quired to pay $3.50 per term. Mr. Cavender was remarkably strict
as to the deportment of his pupils. He would " blaze " the trees be-
tween the boys and girls, keeping them separate; and the one who
dared overstep the bounds suffered for it. He made it a rule to
" flog " at least one-half the scholars each day.
Perry Springs. — These springs are located in the ea3t part of
the township, and are greatly valued for their curative properties.
We quote the following descriptive and historical article concerning
these springs, published in 1872: ■
" Perry Springs have received a national celebrity, being the
most, noted resort in the West. They are situated most beautifully
near a creek among the hills west of the Illinois river, and at the
confluence of several deep ravines. The sui-rounding country is
very broken, hills are steep, and covered with a beautiful forest
growth. These springs have long been known by the Indians.
What is now known as the Magnesia Spring gushes through a rock
in great quantities, and was called by them "spring in the rock."
Its medicinal qualities were well known to them, and they brought
their sick to it' from great distances to be healed. Little cabins
were used by invalids until 1856, when Zack Wade, who was at-
tracted there for his health, erected a very good hotel building. To
B. A. Watson, Esq., of Springfield, 111., is due the credit of devel-
oping not only this spring but also others in close proximity,
erecting ano.ther very large hotel, with many extensive improvements;
and to his indefatigable energy and determination through numer-
ous unforeseen obstacles, is to be given the praise of furnishing the
country the finest natural resort in America . The water is strongly
impregnated ,with magnesia, lime, iron, potassa, soda, salt, etc.,
'etc. There are three springs within a few steps of the hotel build-
ing, called respectively Magnesia, Iron and Sulphur springs. Each
not only tastes differently, but operates differently; and what a wise
provision of Providence is here illustrated, — three springs but a few
rods apart, all strongly medicated and having each different medic-
inal properties ; and of all the diseases that afflict the human family
but very few of them but what one of these springs would relieve,
if not wholly cure. It is a singular fact that these springs are not
affected in their flow of water by dry or wet weather, or their tem-
perature by either hot or cold weather. In the summer the water
ranges at 50°, and in the winter at 48° Fahr." v
The name of the township was derived from the town situated
near its center, and the histories of the two are so closely identified
that we pass from the history of the township to that of the
town.
PBEET.
This beautiful little village is situated 'on sections 21 and 28 of
Perry township. It was laid out by Joseph S. King, Feb. 16, 1836,
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 475
and first christened " Booneville," in honor of the famous Kentucky
hunter. If was settled largely by Kentuckians, and a great many
of these people and their descendants still reside here; but a ma-
jority of the population are Eastern people: the German predomi-
aate above every other foreign class. There is not a negro in the
town. When one occasionally " strikes " the place the boys all
gather around him, anxious to see this curious colored man, which
annoys this dark-skinned gentleman not a little, and he consequently
makes his stay brief.
As above mentioned, the town was first named Booneville, but
was subsequently changed to Perry, in honor of Com. Perry, of
lake Erie fame. This name was given by David Oallis, with whom
the honor of naming the town was left. Mr. Callis was the father
of Mrs. Keynolds, wife of Thos. Reynolds, now living near Perry.
Joseph S. King, who came to Perry in 1832, was its first mer-
chant. Dr. Sutphin, who came in 1835, was its first physician.
The town has enjoyed its season of prosperity as well as adversity,
and is now quite a business point. It contains several good stores,
three of which are quite large establishments. Thev carry a gen-
eral line of merchandise, and a large and well selected assortment.
Among the business men and the business'houses are the following:
Shastid & Cockill, A. S. "Whittaker, and J. F. Metz, all general
dealers; Dunn & Brengelman and Dana Ayers, druggists; three
restaurants; one hotel, kept by H. J. Chenoweth; two barber shops;
one livery stable; four blacksmith shops, and one mill. It also
contains one school-house, six churches, and one newspaper.
The first school-house in the town was built in 1835. It was a
log structure and school was taught here by Hannah French. The
present school building was erected at a cost of $4,000. It con-
tains four rooms. There are in attendance at present an average of
200 pupils. Prominent among the teachers who have taught here
are Mr. Freeman, Richard Noyes and Allen. C. Mason. Mr. Luce
is the present teacher.-
The Perry Cornet Band was organized in 18T6. They have
fine instruments, and the baad is one of the best in the county.
Geo. W. Ham, B. Hume, C. Norris and Frank Bright are all that
were members when it was organized. A. Cregory was the first
leader, and A. A. Hinman is the present leader.
CHUECHES.
Methodist Church. — A nucleus of the present church at Perry
was formed by a few people who met at the house of David Callis
about the year 1833. At that time a class was formed consisting
of David Callis and Avife, Ira Andrews and wife, Mr. Gillaspie and
wife, Margaret Matthews, G. W. Hinman and wife, Isaac Davis and
wife, B. L. Matthews and wife,'N . W. Reynolds and wife, and Susan
Beard. From that time regular meetings were held at private
houses, but principally at the residences of David Callis and J. B.
Matthews. These meetings were held only once in four weeks.
476 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Wilson Pitner was the first regular preacher employed by this So-
ciety, his circuit extending as far as Atlas and other p»ints in the
county -The first house of worship. was built on sec. 28 in 1839.
It was about 20 by 24 feet in size, made of hewn logs, and it had a
seating capacity of about 100 persons. The first Trustees of this
Church were Z. Wade, Isaac Davis, N. W. Reynolds, B. L.
Matthews and John McFarland. The first Steward was Isaac
Davis. The Society occupied this building for religious meetings
until 1848, when a new house of worship was built. This structure
was located in Chenoweth's addition, was 30 by 40 feet in size, and
cost about $2,000. It has been remodeled at a cost of $1,000. Its
present size is 30 by 50 feet, with sittings for 350 people. Among
the early pastors were Kevs. Wm. H. Taylor, Mr. Hunter, Mr.
Piper, Isaac Kimber, James Matteson. Among others'who served
in that capacity in later years were Revs. W. F. Gilmer and J. C.
H. Hobbs. The present Pastor is Wm. H. Wilson, and the pres-
ent membership about 200. After the building was repaired the
Society bought a good organ, which is still in use. The Trustees
are, Dr. Harvey Dunn, Asahel Hinman, S. D. Fagin, Rufus Rey-
nolds and Z. 'Wade. The Sunday-school has a regular attendance
of about 100 scholars, and is superintended by Dr. R. F. Harris.
Christian Chwrch. — The first meeting for the organization of
this Church took place at the house of Nicholas Hobbs, on the
southeast quarterof sec. 29, about the year 1837. Nicholas Hobbs
and wife, Abraham Chenowetli and wife, Gideon Bentley and wife,
Samuel Yan Pelt, Wm. Van Pelt and wife, Wm. Chenoweth and
wife and others, met at that time for the purpose of organizing a
Church. Samuel Van Pelt, Wm. Van Pelt and Nicholas Hobbs
were the ofiiciating Elders on this occasion. Religious meetings
were held at different private houses throughout the neighborhood
until 1839, when the congregation erected a house of worship.
This building was a frame 18 by 24 feet in size, and was located on
the southeast quarter of sec. 28, which was in the village of Perry.
The congregation was supplied with traveling preachers for a
number of years, among whom were Elders Wm. Strong and John
Keari. The first Elders elected at the organization were Nicholas
Hobbs, Wm. Van Pelt and Wm. Chenoweth. The first Deacons
were Abraham Chenoweth and Gideon Bentley. The principal
preaching was done by the Elders for the first few years, when the
congregation engaged Elder David Hobbs to officiate as Pastor.
In April, 1843, the great revivalist, Elder Wm. Brown, of Ken-
tucky, held a protracted meeting in this church, lasting over two
weeks. The religious fervor produced by his efibrts was very sat-
isfactory, and some 80 conversions were made. The old church
building being too small to hold the immense crowds that were
drawn to hear him, one side was removed and a large shed addition
was built, which was capable of holding some 500 people. For the
next few years meetings were held in the old building, at the school-
house, and occasionally in the Baptist church. In 1851 a more
s-'^.*"!.:!*-!
'(Prru^ , \
Aco
PERRY Tf
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 4Y9
commodious house of worship was built on lot 4, block 1, Thomp-
pon's addition. It was 34 by 50 feet, with seats for 400 people,
and was erected at a cost of about $2,000. The building committee
were James H. Chenoweth, David Johnson and Charles Dorsey.
Elder Alpheus Brown for a while previous -to this had been regular
Pastor. Being a carpenter, he in company with John Reed took
the contract for and erected this church. Elder Brown continued
his services with the congregation. This building was occupied
until 1879, during which time the congregation employed the
regular services, as pastors, of Elders Donan, Wm. Mclntyre,
Samuel Johnson, A. G. Lucas, H. E. Walling, Clark Braden and
others. During the labors of these worthy and able men, there
was much good done, and many accessions were made to the ranks
of the Church.
In April, 1879, the congregation commenced agitating the ques-
tion of the necessity for and propriety of building a more modern
and commodious house of worship. A building committee was
appointed with full power to examine and adopt plans for the erec-
tion of a suitable building. Tliis committee consisted of Jon
Shastid, Alex. Dorsey, John S. Dorsey, Bennett F. Dorsey, Mat-
thias Gregory, Jasper M. Browning, Dr. W. D. C. Doane and
James Walker. Jon Shastid was appointed Treasurer of the com-
mittee, and Alex. Dorsey and James Walker executive oflScers.
Plans were accepted, contracts made, the work vigorously prose-
cuted, and the building completed by the first of January, 1880.
It is built in the Gothic style, is 38 by 64 feet in size, with an
auditorium finely frescoed and furnished, and with a seating capac-
ity to accommodate 500 people. It cost about $4,000, and it is a credit
to the society and an ornament to the town. The present mernber-
ship of the congregation is about 330. The Pastor is Elder J. T.
Smith, who took an active part in, and was one of the main workers
in collecting money for, the erection of the new building. The
Elders are Jasper M. Browning, Alex. Dorsey and Bennett F.
Dorsey. The Deacons are Wm. Love, Wm. M. Browning, Henry
Mays and Edward Wade. Clerk, J. E. Smith, and Treasurer D. S.
Rickart. The Sunday-school is conducted by Superintendent J.
B. Wartori, and has an average attendance of over 100.
Zion Ohuroh is located on sec. 4, and was erected in 1852. It
is a substantial structure, and meetings have been held in it since
its erection every two weeks, with few exceptions. The society had
held meetings years previous to the erection of this edifice. Eev.
Smith was the first minister. The congregation numbered but 10
members when the house was built; at present the membership is
50. Since the erection of the building they have not missed a
month without holding Sunday-school in it.
Lutheran Chwoh.—Ttm, Church was organized in 1859, and was
the first church of that denomination in Pike county. The congre-
gation met for the first 10 years in the Christian church, but in
29
480 HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY.
1869 built a new church, at a cost of $2,200. The present member-
ship numbers 80. Uev. Recker is the present Pastor.
PERSONAL SKETCHES.
As a portion of the history of Perry and Perry township we give
biographical sketches of pioneer and leading citizens, believing such
personal mention forms the better part of local history. Those who
have made and are making the history of Perry and the township
deserve special mention in a work of this nature. '
Dana Ayres was born in Massachusetts Dec. 7, 1809; is the
son of Jason and Betsey (Holman) Ayres; was educated in the
common schools of Massachusetts, and between the ages of 16 and
26 manufactured salt from sea water. In 1836 he came to this
county, and in 1838 settled in the town of Perry, since which time
he has followed the drug business. In 1838 lie married Alice
Cleland, and they have 2 children, a son and daughter. In politics
Mr. Ayres is a Republican. He voted the Free-Soil ticket in 1840,
and in 1842 was elected County Magistrate. He has been School
Trustee, Collector, and Trustee for the Corporation.
George W. JSaldwiro was born in New York city in 1830; is the
son of David and Ann (Desney) Baldwin. His early educational
advantages were very limited. In 1858 he married Sarah Jane
Mason, a native of New Hampshire. Of their 6 children 5 are
living, 4 sons and one daughter. One son is studying dentistry,
and one of his daughters is a teacher. By occupation Mr. Bald-
win is a miller, but has at present retired from business.
Stephen Banning, son of Thomas and Keziah Banning, was born
May 15, 1815. His father was fr.om Virginia, and his mother from
Maryland ; both are of German descent. He was educated in a sub-
scription school, and came from Ohio to Illinois in 1837, settling
near Chambersburg. December 10, 1839, he was married to Eliza-
beth Rigg. Of their 8 children, only 3 girls are living, and are
married. Mr. B. has been School Director and Road-master. He
owns 160 acres of good land on sec. 26. In politics he is a Democrat.
W. A. Beavers, deceased, son of "Wm. Beavers, was born in Mis-
souri Dec. 1, 1824; emigrated to Pike Co. in 1869, and followed
merchandising for several years. In 1860 he married Mary Eliza-
beth Smith, who was born in Pike Co. Aug. 26, 1838. Her parents,
Aberland and Lucy A., were natives of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs.
Beavers have 3 children : Herschel Y., born Aug. 26, 1861; Av-
erill, born in 1863, and L. F. (a girl), born Sept. 29, 1870. Mr. B.
owned 160 acres of land, and followed farming several years previ-
ous to his death, which occurred Jan. 13, 1873.
Williamson Bond was born July 12, 1837, and is the son of
John (a native of Virginia) and Frances Ann {nee Aikins, a native
of Tennessee) Bond. Both parents are of German descent. In
1858 he was married to Jennie James. They "have one daughter,
Frances Ann, born in 1861. Mr. Bond has been School Director
for 2 years ; is a Democrat. He owns 130 acres of land on sec. 36.
Benj. F.Bradbury was born in Ohio in 1824,the son of Benjamin
HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY. 481
and Betsy (Davis) Bradbury, natives of Maine, and of English descent.
He is by occupation a farmer; came to Pike county in 1853, where
he now has 190 acres of land. Sept. 13, 1848, ho married Elizabeth
Carlisle. They have 3 sons and 4 daughters. He is a Baptist, and
she a Presbyterian ; he is also a Granger and a Democrat.
H. U. Brengelmcm, druggist, Perry, 111.
Robert Brim, deceased, was a farmer on sec. 7; was born in
South Carolina in 1832, and emigrated to Pike county in 1846; he
ran a restaurant 2 years in Perry, and 2 in Chambersburg. In 1856
he married Catharine Taylor. Of their 6 children 2 are dead. Mrs.
B. is a daughter of Simon H. Taylor, who came to Pike county 54
years ago. At one time he owned 520 acres of land in Pike county,
and other lands in other counties, entering his choice land at $1.25
an acre. Mr. Taylor is still living, and Mrs. Taylor died in 1876.
Mr. Brim was a Democrat.
Archibald Broohs, farmer, sec. 16; P. O. Chambersburg; was
born in this county in 1850, and is the son of Archibald and Sophia
(Sutlift) Brooks, the father a native of Tennessee, and the mother
a native of Indiana; educated in the common school; owns 120 acres
of land. In 1872 he married Emily Remington, daughter of Orson
R., of Perry. Their 3 children, boys, are all living. Mrs. B. is a
member of the Christian Church in Chambersburg. Mr. B. has
been 3 years a School Director, and is a Democrat.
Jasper M. Browning; P. O. Perry; born in this township July
1, 1834, is the son of Caleb and Penelope (Power) B., both of Eng-
lish descent. His father is a farmer, who came to this county in
1833, but at the present time is living in Kansas. Jasper M. is
also a farmer on sec. 15, where he owns 140 acres of land. In 1865
he married Rachel Allen, and they have 5 boys and 2 girls. Mem-
bers of the Christian Church. Republican.
Lemuel Calhoun, farmer, sec. 11; P. O., Perry; was born in Ten-
nessee May 30, 1829, the son of Hansel and Harriet (Carpenter)
Calhoun; educated in the subscription school; emigrated to this
county in 1835, and has lived on sec. 11 for 27 years. In 1852 he
married Mary Elizabeth Thompson. Of their 6 children 4 are
living, all girls. He has been School Director; is an Odd Fellow;
owns 138- acres of land, and pays all his debts once a year; is a
Democrat. Himself and wife are members of the Christian Church .
Wm. H. M. Gallis was born in Brunswick Co., Va., ISTov.
7, 1822, son to David and Sarah (Walpole) Callis, natives of Vir-
ginia, and of English descent; went to school but one year in his
life, and that was in the old-fashioned log school-house in this
county, having emigrated here in 1829. He has seen every man,
woman and child within 10 miles of his father's house all there at
one time, -and fed on old-fashioned corn hominy; he has killed
many panthers in Perry township. In 1844 he married Harriet
Eliza lugalls; of their 4 children 3 are living and married; one
child died in 1845. Mr. C. has given his children a good education,
at one time moving even into Iowa for the purpose of sending them
482 HISTORY or pike county.
to a good school. His son is a graduate of Simpson Centennial
College. He is now living on his farm on sec. 25. He drilled with
Abraham Lincoln in the Black Hawk war. Mr. and Mrs. Oallis
are members of the M. E. Church.
John Campbell, undertaker, carpenter and builder, and dealer in
coffins, caskets, shrouds, etc.. Perry, was born Dec. 21, 1845, the
son of A. and K. C. (Coffee) Campbell, both of Kentucky ; educa-
ted in the high school at Griggsville ; commenced to learn his
trade at 17 years of age, and has followed it ever since. In 1868
he married Emma Smith : Katie, born July 8, 1870, is their only
child. Mr. 0. is a Republican, an Odd Fellow, and belongs to the
United Workmen ; and he and -his wife are Methodists.
Milton Cheeh was born in Bedford Co., Ya., Nov. 16, 1804;
parents both natives of Yirginia, and of English descent ; went to
school but two months in his life ; is a farmer ; came to Pike
county in 1832, undergoing the usual hardships of pioneer life.
He once walked 10 miles to Jeff Hume's iriill, and offered to split
200 rails for a bushel of meal ; but Jeff did not want rails ; he
wanted money. Mr. Cheek was compelled to go home that long
distance after sundown without any meal and even without any
supper ; and his family had to subsist upon potatoes a while
longer. At present he owns a farm of 79^ acres. In 1826 he
married Martha Carroll, and they had 10 children. Mrs. Cheek
died in 1860, and in 1863 he married Marinda Crystal, and they
have had 3 children. He is School Director and Road Overseer :
is a Democrat.
D. J. Ohenoweth was born in this county Jan. 13, 1848, son of
James H. and Artemisia C. (Burkhead) Chenoweth, natives of Ken-
tucky, and of German descent. He owns a farm of 20 acres and
runs a meat market in Perry. In 1867 he married Eleanor Dor-
sey, and they have 4 children living. Both he and wife are mem-
bers of the Christian Church. He is a Republican.
S. J. GhenowetJh was born in Kentucky Oct. 29, 1.819 ; his pa-
rents, Abraham and Rachel, were natives of that State and of Welsh
descent ; emigrated to Pike county Nov. 16, 1836, settling one
mile east of Perry, and in company with his father improved 160
acres of land. He followed farming until 1851, when he started a
saw-mill 3 miles northeast of Perry, and after running it 18
months he sold it ; then farmed for 3 years, then was in Mis-
souri 4 years, and then (1861) came back to this place and contin-
ued farming and clearing land. In 1872 he started the first
hotel in Perry. H. J. married in 1841, and is the father of 9 chil-
dren, 6 of whom are living, 2 boys and 4 girls. Mr. C. has been
School Director and member of the Town Board. Republican.
Jacoh Y. Chenoweth was born in this township June 27, 1850,
son of James H. and Artemisia C. (Burkhead) Chenoweth ; is a
farmer and dealer in live stock. May 13, 1875, he married Eliza-
beth Parke, and they have 2 little girls. Mr. and Mrs. 0. are
members of the Christian Church. ]\f r. C. owns a farm of 81 acres
in Pike county, and 80 acres in Kansas.
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTT. 483
James H. Ghenoweth, one of Pike county's oldest and most re-
spected citizens, was born in Nelson Co., Ky., July 9, 1801. His
father, Wm. Ghenoweth, went to that State from Yirginia when a
young man, and took part in many an Indian fight on " the dark
and bloody ground." He married the widow of John Hinton,
whose maiden name was Mary YanMeter; of this family were 10
children, all of whom lived to be grown: William, Jacob, Abraham,
Isaac, Miles, James, Hardin, Letitia, Ruth and James H. Jacob,
Abraham and James all came to Pike county and were among its
more worthy and substantial pioneer citizens. James H., the sub-
ject of this sketch, first came to this State in 1832, stopping for a
while in Scott Co., and came to Pike in the spring of 1833, locating
on sees. 27 and 28, Perry tp., where he entered 240 acres of land.
He at once erected a double log cabin, in which he lived for several
years; he then built the frame house which still occupies the site ;
30 acres of this farm Mr. C. laid off in town lots as " Ohenoweth's
Addition to the Town of Perry." Mr. 0. is one of the oldest resi-
dents of the county, and is a good example of what industry and
economy will accomplish. He is now 78 years of age, and is the
owner of between 500 and 600 acres of land in this county, as well
as land in Missouri.
Mr. C. was married in 1831 to Artemisia Burkhead, of Nelson
Co., Ky. One child, Abraham, was born to them in Kentucky,
James H., jr., Mary, Joseph K., deceased, Joseph S., Robert A.,
Ruth, David J., Jacob V. and Susanna R., deceased, were all born
in Pike county; the 8 children living are all married. Three,
David, Jacob and Ruth ( the latter the wife of Chas. O. Turner) are
still living in this county. Mr. C.'s wife died Jan. 4, 1874, and Mr.
0. is now living with his daughter, Mrs. Turner. Mr. 0. was for-
merly a Whig, but since the organization of the Republican party
he has voted with that party. One of his sons, Robert A., served
two years during the Rebellion in the 33d 111. Inft. Mr. C. is a
member of the Christian Church, as also was Mrs. 0. ; and in the
affairs of the Church he has always taken a prominent part. All of
his children are also members of that Church.
Mr. C. js familiarly known as "Uncle Jim," and no man in the
township is better known, and has fewer enemies. ' He was always
full of fun, and liked to fish and hunt, and enjoy himself in such
sport. His average weight is 212 pounds. One of his favorite
games was tying men who boasted of their strength. He would
take his rope and tell his man that he would tie him, giving him
leave to fight or do anything but gouge and bite : that was all he
asked of the strongest man, and he never yet failed in his object.
He drank whisky with the " boys," and sometimes when alone,
from the time he was 16 years old until he was 74. At present he
only takes wine. He thinks lie averaged a quart of liquor per day
for 57 years ; and the other day he figured it up, counting only one
. pint per day, and it made over 72 barrels, of 44 gallons each ! He
is willing to throw off 2 barrels in the estimate, which would leave
484r HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
even 70 barrels, or 3,080 gallons. Now, if it cost $2 per gallon, it
would amount to $6,160; and if the whiskj he has drank were sold
at 10 cents a drink, allowing 10 drinks to the pint, it would amount
to $24,640; and he thinks he has drank twice that amount, or $49,.
280 worth of whisky! Perhaps he has given away as much as he
has drank, which would make a total expense of $98,560! And
he is yet stout enough to round this number out to even $100,000,
either by drinking the liquor or giving it away! Mr. Chenoweth's
portrait appears in this volume.
Job Clark, farmer, sec. 29, was born in Hamilton Co., 0., Jan.
6, 1825, and is the son of John and Christiana ( Keed ) Clark, the
father a native of Greene Co., Pa., and his mother of Hamilton Co.,
O. He received his education in the common schools of Illinois;
he came to Pike county in May, 1867 ; by occupation he was a
millwright, but since he came here he has been farming, meeting
with splendid success. His residence is as good as any in the town-
ship, if indeed not the best. He is engaged in raising Poland-
China hogs and thorough-bred cattle. He was married in 1853 to
Miss H. E. Gilham. Mr. C. has served his township in various
offices, and politically is a De^mocrat.
W. 0. Cohh was born in Perry, Pike Co., July 19, 1855, and is
the son of Chauncey and Elizabeth (Parks) Cobb. Mr. C at the
present time is keeping a barber shop in the town of Perry ; for-
merly he was by occupation a carpenter. He is a natural genius,
and capable of doing anything well that he undertakes. Politically
he is a Republican.
F. M. Cooper was born in Morgan Co., 111., Jan. 19, 1831, son
of G. W. and Mahala (Clayton) Cooper, his father a native of ]JT. C.
and his mother of Georgia; is a farmer and plasterer. He was mar-
ried in 1858 10 Artemisia Hobbs, and they have 6 boys and 1 girl,
and are members of the Christian Church. Mr. C. is a Democrat,
in politics.
Joi Dixon, son of Thomas and Mary (Barker) Dixon, was born
in England in 1828, where he was educated ; he is a farmer and
owns 280 acres of land, one of the best stock farms in Illinois. In
1858 he emigrated to Pike county, and Oct. 4 of the "same year
married Ann Stephenson, a native of England. They have had 6
boys and 3 girls. Mr. Dixon is a Democrat.
Luther Dodge was born in Vermont in 1815; was educated in a
subscription school, and is at present a farmer. He has been twice
married, the second time to Margaret Crawford, m 1861. She is a
native of Tennessee, and was born in 1822. She was the fourth child
of a family of 14 children, 11 of whom are living, all married but
one, who has taught school 14 years. Her name is Kachel Craw-
ford. Mrs. Dodge's stepmother, Mrs. Elizabeth Crawford, lives
with her, and is 81 years of age. Mr. Dodge is a Eepublican.
Deacon Alexander Dorsey, the son of Charles Dorsey, was born
in Rutherford county, Tenn., Nov. 29, 1824; his father was born in
North Carolina in 1795, and was the son of "Wm. Dorsey, who served
,~sM
HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY. 485
for several years in the Revolutionary war. Oct. 16, 1823, Charles
Dorsey married Miss Eleanor Broiies, of his native county. She
was born June 25, 1805. Dec. 31, 1828, Mr. Dorsey landed in
Pike county and wintered iu a board tent. During the following
spring he cleared a piece of la,nd on which a portion of Detroit now
stands. In the spring of 1831 he moved to Ferry township and
settled on sec. 24, and was one of the leading farmers and stock-
raisers of the county. Alexander Dorsey received his education in
Pike county; in the winter of 1845-'6 he made a visit to his old
home in Tennessee, where he married Miss Jane Fox, who was born
in Rutherford county, Nov. 29, 1829. Mr. and Mrs. Dorsey are
both members of the Christian Church, and he has been Elder and
Deacon for many years, and was a member of the executive com-
mittee that erected the new church building.
£. F. Dorsey was born near the celebrated Mineral Springs of
Perry, Nov. 11, 1832; he is the fourth son of Charles and Eleanor
Dorsey, the former a native of Raleigh, N. C. Our subject on arriv-
ing at the age of 18, was married to Miss Matilda, daughter of Elder
David Hobbs, who, as well as his wife,- were natives of Kentucky,
and came to Illinois in 1829, settling in Scott county; and Mrs.
Dorsey was born Oct. 8, 1832. They have a family of two children:
Ejlgar, the elder, was born May 9, 1859, and Asa L. , March 22,
1861. Edgar married Anna, daughter of M. B. Chenoweth, Dec.
31, 18^7; reside at the old homestead and have a little daughter,
Dottie D. Dorsey. Asa married Carrie Clark, May 15, 1879,: she
was a daughter of Job Clark, a native of Ohio,' and she was born in
this county.
The sous are engaged with their father, under the firm name of
B. F. Dorsey & Sons, in importing and breeding Berkshire and
Poland hogs, and Spanish or American Merino sheep, sending stock
of this kind to Colorado, Michigan, Mexico, Texas and Pennsyl-
vania. They have a farm of 387 acres on sec. 22, known as the Wolf
Grove stock farm. It is said that they have on this fine farm the
champion herd of sheep in America. It consists of 500 thorough-
bred Merino sheep, one buck in which herd cost Mr. Dorsey $600,
and clipped the past season 28J pounds of wool; another cost $300.
They also Lave a herd of 100 thorough-bred Berkshire and Poland-
China hogs. One of these, " Knight of Gloucester, No. 201," was
bought by the firm in England, and is worth $560.
They exhibited at the first fair ever held in Pike county, which
was in the year 1851, since which time they have exhibited their
stock at some of the leading fairs in Illinois and Missouri, and
always successful as competitors. They have taken over 600
prizes within the last four years, never failing to carry off the
sweepstakes at each and every fair. At the Illinois State Fair in
1879 they took on their herd nine first and four second prizes,
including the breeders and sweepstakes in each class. The breed-
ers on which the prize was given consisted of one boar and four
sows. They took it on Berkshires and Polands, which was never
486 HISTORY OF PIKE COITNTT.
doue at the Illinois State Fair, or indeed at any other State fair, so
far as is known to us.
Mr. J), is a member of the Christian Church, and has been for
32 years. He has served 12 or 15 years as Elder. As a repre-
sentative citizen of Pike county we give Mr. Dorsey's portrait in
this volume.
Charles Dorsey, son of Alexander and Jane (Fox) Dorsey, was
born in Pike county in 1855; he had only the benefits of the com-
mon school, and has engaged in farming and clerking. In 1877
he was married to Ada Chenoweth, and they have one girl, Anna.
John 8. Z?(?TOe2// residence Perry ; was born in April, 1830, in
this county; he is the son of Charles and Eleanor (Broiles) Dor-
sey, referred to above; by occupation he is a farmer and stock-
raiser; he owns 370 acres of land near Perry, and is counted as one
of the leading farmers of the county ; he devotes considerable time
and attention to breeding fine blooded stock, and makes the Poland-
China hog and American Merino sheep a specialty; in this busi-
ness he is connected with his brother, Alexander Dorsey. In 1857
Mr. D. was married to Mary Hardy, and they have four children —
two boys and two girls. Mr. D. is a member of the Christian
Church, and Mrs. D . of the Methodist Church. He is a member
of the Town Board of Perry, and has been for three terms.
John W. Dorsey was born in Pike county. 111., in 1853, and is
the son of Alexander and Jane Dorsey, nee Fox. Mr. D. owns
110 acres of land on sec. 21, in this township, and is engaged in
raising fine stock. Oct. 27, 1872, he was married to Sarah Jane
Ham, who was born in Chambersburg township in 1856. Their
children are: Izzie Jane, Mary L. and Minnie Bell. Mr. D. is a
member of the Christian Church, of Lodge No. 76, I. 0. 0. F.,
and Secretary of Perry Grange. Mrs. D. is also a member of the
Christian Church.
T. B. Dunn was born in the town of Chambersburg, Pike Co.,
in 1842, and is the son of Harvey and Phadima (Winegar) Dunn;
the former was born in Feb. 2, 1806, and his mother, June 29,
1819. His father died Dec. 28, 1868, and his mother, June 11,
1848. Mr. Dunn received his education in the common schools of
this county; from 1864 to 1868 was engaged in the dry -goods
business in Chambersburg, since which time he has been engaged
in farming. April 5, 1864, he was married to Nancy Jane Ban-
ning, daughter of Stephen Banning, one of the pioneers of the
county. They have two boys and two girls. Both he and his wife
are members of the Christian Church. Among the cariosities
which he has in his possession is a mirror which came over in the
Mayflower.
S. D. Faqvn, farmer, P. O. Perry; was born in Ohio in 1843;
his father, George Fagin, was a native of the Buckeye State; his
mother was Julia Hahn. Mr. F. received a common-school edu-
cation; was married in 1866 to Mary, daughter of Capt. B. L. Mat-
PEF?RY Tf
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 489
/
thews, and they have 3 children, all boys, and , living. They are
members of the M. E. Church.
John P. Gardner, farmer, sec. 7; was born in England, Nov.
16, 1828, and' is the son of John S. and Elizabeth (Powell) Gard-
ner, both natives of England. John 'P. received his education in
the high schools of England; he started to travel at an early age
in life; when he was only 16 years old he went on a cruise to
South Africa ; when 21 he came to America. In 1852 he married
Anna Parker. He is a. successful farmer. P. O., Perry.
J ALpheus Glines was born in Perry Jan. 26, 1853, the son of L.
D. and Ellen (Cruthers) CI.; his father was a native of New York,
and mother, of Ohio ; father came to Illinois in 1851. Alpheus
received a common-school education and learned the trade of a stone
mason, the occupation of his father. J&e and his brother have been
engaged in bridge-building in this and adjoining counties. Alpheus
is a member of tlie M. E. Church at Perry.
Joseph A. Gould was born in the town of Perry Dec. 28, 1853 ;
his parents were Josiah P. and Lucy C. (Watson) Gould. He
received his education in the common schools of this county, and
by occupation is a plasterer. At the early age of 16 he began to
learn his trade, at which he has worked ever since. In 1875 he was
united in marriage with Lydia Bxirnett : they have 2 children, both
girls. He and his wife are both members of the Christian Church
in Perry. At present he resides in Griggsville.
Matthias Gregory, farmer, sec. 22. Mr. Gregory was brought
to Pike county in 1829, and has seen the vast wilderness trans-
formed into a garden, as it were. There was not a house in the
town of Perry ox. Griggsville at that time. Mr. G . was born in
Coffee county, Tenn., Feb. 12, 1822, and is the son of Eobert and
Nancy (Broiles) Gregory, both natives of South Carolina, and of
English descent. He received his education in the log school-
houses of Pike county. In 1843 he was married to Mary Cheno-
weth. They have 5 children, all boys, and 3 of them are married.
Both he and his wife are members of the Christian Church at
Perry. He is a Trustee of the Church, and a member of the build-
ing committee. He has served 15 years as School Director. In
1862 he enlisted in Co. B, 99th 111. Inf., under Capt. Matthews.
Glayiorn Ham. The subject of this sketch was born in March,
1827, in Bedford county, Tenn. He is the son of James and Mary
(Broiles) Ham ; his father a native of North Carolina and his
mother of South Carolina, and both of German descent. By occu-
pation Mr. H. is a farmer, which business he has followed for 31
years. He has been very successful, now owning 400 acres of land
in this county. In 1836 he came to this county and settled on sec.
36, Perry township, where he still lives. He nas been twice mar-
ried. In 1848 he was united in marriage with Miss Margaret
Smith, by whom he had 3 children ; 2 are living. He married his
second wife, America C. James, in 1857, and they have 8 children,
3 boys and 5 girls, all living. His wife is a member of the M. E.
490 HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY.
Church. He served as School Director for 8 years, and as Eoad
Commissioner 3 years. His father, though illiterate in respect to
' school education, not being able to write his own name, was a verv
successful business man. When he came to the county in 1829 he
was not worth $100, but when he made a division of his property
among his children he owned 1,T00 acres of land, and personal
property to the value of $14,000.
George W. Ham, farmer, sec. 21 ; P. O. Perry., Mr. Ham is a
son of William and Elizabeth Ann (Elliott) Ham, natives of the
Eastern States, and of English descent ; he was born Sept. 5, 1859;
he attended the common schools and entered the Illinois College
at Jacksonville, where he graduated in 1876 ; he then entered the
dry-goods store of Metz & Wilson, where he clerked for two years.
In 1878 he was united in marriage with May Eeed. A son was
born to them Dec. 3, 1879. Mr.. Ham is a prominent member of
the Perry Cornet Band.
James T. Ham is the son of Clayborn' and Margaret C. (Smith)
Ham, natives of Tennessee and Missouri, respectively. James T.
was born on sec. 36, Perry tp., Aug. 8, 1851. Hu owns a farm on sec.
35, this tp., where he is engaged in agricnltura! pursuits. In 1871,
March 31, he was united in the holy bond- of matrimony with
Melissa C. James. Alma A., born Feb. 9, 1873, and Lola Estella,
born Dec. 23, 1877, are their 2 children. His grandfather, James
Ham, was one of the early pioneers of, and one of the wealthiest
men in Pike county.
Elijah Hamilton, farmer, sec. 1; P.O. Chambersburg. Mr.
H. is a native of Kentucky, where he was born in 1816 ; his parents
were Allen and Salina Hamilton, who came to Illinois in 1820, set-
tling in Sangamon county. In 1839 Elijah Hamilton came to Pike
county, locating on sec. 1, where he has ever since resided, and
owns 200 acres of land. In politics he is a Democrat, but has not
voted for several years. He is a bachelor, and his widowed sister,
Mrs. Jane Webb, lives with him. She was born July 26, 1806.
Elijah is one of a family of 11 children, only 3 of whom are now
living.
John Hardy was born in Ohio Feb. 8, 1839, the son of John and
Maria Hardy, both natives of Ohio and of English descent. Mr.
Hardy came to Illinois in 1840 and to Pike county in 1846, and
lives on sec. 19, where he owns a farm of 213 acres, which is said
to be the best farm between the two rivers. He has refused to
accept $100 per acre for it. In 1858 he was united in marriage
with Eebecca Walker, the daughter of Kobert Walker, an early
settler of Pike county. In 1872 Mr. Hardy took a trip to Europe
for his health, benefiting him greatly. He has also traveled over
the Western States considerably.
Martin Harrington was born in Worcester Co., Mass., Dec. 24,
1797. His father, Samuel Harrington, was a native of Grafton,
Mass., and was born Aug. 3, 1769. On arriving at the age of twenty-
six, he was married to Miss Abigail Putnam, who was born Sept. 15,
HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY. 491
1775. She was a daughter of Zadock Putnam, who was closely
related to the daring, brave and patriotic Gen. Israel Putnam, of
Eevolutionary fame. Mr. Putnam's father was Nathaniel Putnam,
who built the first wagon set up in "Worcester Co., Mass. It is
related that over 200 came from long distances to, see one pair of
wheels following another.
The subject of this sketch is connected by a long line of ancestry
as far back as the original Puritans who came over in the " May
Flower." Among that highly honored and respected band who
landed on the cold, bleak shores of Plymouth, is made honorable
mention of the Harringtons, whose names yet stand engraved on
that ever memorable rock, 'around which clusters the purest and
brightest thoughts of all true lovers lof American liberty. The
Harringtons are also connected, on the paternal side, with the Brig-
hams, of early Massachusetts history, and on the maternal side, with
the as yet revered name of the Elliots. Major Elliot, great-grand-
father of the subject of this sketch, served with distinction during
the Eevolutionary struggle.
Mr. Samuel Harrington had a family of 4 children, of whom
Martin is the second. Three are yet living at quite an advanced
age. Mr. Harrington died at his residence, O'ctober 6th, 1802.
His wife survived him until April, 1871. After being a widow
seven years, she was married to Capt. David Trask, of Leicester,
.Worcester county, Mass. They had a family of 5 children. The
subject of our sketch was early thrown upon his own resources by
the death of his father, but with that true Yankee pluck and stick-
to-it-iveness, he overcame all obstacles in his way, and succeeded
in acquiring a good English education; but that served only a nu-
cleus, around which he 'has been constantly adding to his store of
knowledge, until now we find him possessed with conversational
powers seldom surpassed by the most cultured men of the country
—not only being informed in local matters, but his range of intellect
grasps the broadest questions. In his conversation one can not long
be a listener without being richly compensated by his large fund of
information. Previous to his marriage, his vocation was that of a
scythe manufacturer.
Ori the 22d of June, 1822, he was married to Miss Myra, daughter
of Josephus Willard, Esq., of Grafton, Mass. They had a family of
3 children, of whom two are yet living. In the year 1827 he moved
with his family, to Amsterdam,]^ew York, at which place he was
the first manufacturer of turned' carriage axle-trees, with pipe-boxes,
which business he continued for a period of 9 years, with other
machine business. Mrs. Harrington died at her residence, New
York, in ''832, and the following year (1833) Mr. Harrington mar-
ried his second wife. Miss Catharine, daughter of Evert Hagaman.
She departed this life April 27, 1875: her remains rest in tne new
cemetery in Perry. A fine monument erected to her memory by
her husband marks t^e spot. They have had born to them a family
of five children. His son, F. M. Harrington, is now practicing law
L,'
492 HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY.
in Kirksville, Mo., where he has grown into a large and lucrative
practice. In 1836 Mr. Harrington left New York and came to
Illinois, locating in Pike county. He says he was in the county
when settlements and improvements were scarce. He is, therefore
justly classed among the old settlers. By industry and persever-
ance Mr. Harrington has succeeded in getting together considerable
wealth, so that his old days can be passed in reajjing the reward'of
a well spent life. His son-in-law in Missouri has been twice elected
to the legislature of that State, and all his children are getting
wealthy. The family is one of the oldest and most respected in the
county. Mr. Harrington's brother, Hon. Charles Harrington, who
was for some time Judge of the County Court of Pike county, in
its early organization, was also one of the pioneer preachers of this
section of the country.
The subject of our sketch, now far past the meridian of life,
enjoys excellent health, and his is another of the many instances of
what can be accomplished by a well directed industry. By his
generous and straightforward principles, he has won the confidence
and esteem of his neighbors and fellow-citizens. During the war
he was a strong supporter of the cause of the Union. He is a mem-
ber of the liepublican party. A few years since he retired from the
active pursuits of life, and is now residing at his residence in Perry.
We give the portrait of Mr. H. in this volume.
Asahel HinTnan. The ancestor in a direct line of the subject of
this sketch and the founder of the Hinman family in America, was
Sergt. Edward Hinraan, who emigrated from England, his native
country, between 1650 and 1652, settling at Stratford, Conn. Soon
afterward he was married to Hannah, daughter of Francis and
Mary Stiles, of Windsor, Conn. Their first child was named Sarah,
born at Stratford, in 1652. Sergt. Hinman was an extensive farmer,
and was lai-gely engaged in the buying and selling of land, owned
and operated a mill, etc. He died at Stratford in 1681, leaving a
family of 4 sons and 4 daughters. There has been a tradition in the
family from the early settlement that Sergt. Hinman was Sergeant-
at-Arms for King Charles I. He, like many others, became exiled
to escape the vengeance of Oliver Cromwell, as it was well known
that Cromwell was firm in condemning to death the supporters and
defenders of Charles I. This proves him to have been a most
trustworthy loyalist and honest man, for no other could have re-
ceived the confidence of the crown at that critical period. It would
also appear from the above that Sergt. Hinman was a respectable
Englishman, and of a good family, as none other would have been
selected to have constituted the body guard of the King.
Edward Hinman, jr., youngest son of Sergt. Hinman, was born
at Stratford in 1672. He was married to Hannah Jennings, and
they had 12 children. Jonas Hiiiman, the eldest son of Edward,
jr., was born at Stratford in the year 1700. "When a young man
he went to live at Newark, N. J., where he married' Elizabeth
Crane. Ten children were born of this union. Mary Hinman, his
HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY. 4:93
youngest child, married Asahel Hinman, a son of James Hinman,
and was a grandson of Sergt. Edward Plinman. After the close of
the Revolution Asahel Hinman and family became pioneers in the
wilds of Kentucky, locating in Bullitt county. Next to the young-
est child in this family was George W. Hinman, who was the father
of the subject of this sketch, and the first of the family to settle in
Pike county.
George W. Hinman was born in Bullitt county, Ky., in April,
1791. When he was 8 years old his father and family removed to
Ohio county, Ky. He was married in the year 1815 to Miss JSTancy
Stewart, of that county. Here 2 children were born to them, —
Maria and Asahel, the latter the subject of this sketch. In 1819
he moved to Indiana, where 2 more children were born, — Eliza
Ann, now deceased, and Phoebe. In 1829 he came to this county,
locating on the S. W. J of sec. 14, Griggsville tp. In his house on
this land took place the first religious meeting in this part of the
county. Geo. W. Hinman was a man of sterling worth and un-
blemished honor. He was a man of deep thought, strong religious
convictions, undeviating honesty, a fit and honorable representative
of his worthy ancestors. Such qualities, together with, tiie experi-
ence in pioneer life in Kentucky and Indiana, fitted him to take a
prominent part in the affairs of the county. In 1830 he was
elected one of the three County Commissioners. He was appointed
with two others, by the Legislature, to expend certain moneys ac-
cruing under the internal-improvement act on the roads >of the
county, and in many other ways serve the public. " Hinman's
, Ghapel " (Methodist) was principally built by him. He and his
wife are both buried in the ground attached to the Chapel. He died
Dec. 8, 1854.
Asahel Hinman is- the only child of Geo. W. Hinman, now living
in Pike county. He was born in Ohio county, Ky., Jan. 19, 1817,
and was brought to this county with his parents in 1829. On
reaching his majority his father gave him $100, with which he
entered 80 acres of land. Dec. 23, 1838, he was married to Sarah
.McLain, daughter of John and Mary McLain, of Adair county, Ky.
In the spring of 1839 he built a hewed-log cabin 18 feet square on
his land. It was a story-and-a-half house, and contained two
rooms. Here he lived for 28 years. His farm now consists af 600
acres, and is one of the finest improved in the county . He is also
the owner of the large flouring-mill at Perry, called " Hinman's
Mill," and which is carried on by his sons, George W. and Asahel
,A., in company with himself. He was one of the original stock-
holders in organizing the 5th National Bank of Chicago ; also the
Griggsville National Bank, of which he is a Director. He is also
one of the organizers of the Farmers' Insurance Company of Griggs-
ville, and was chosen its President.
Mr. and Mrs. H. are now residing in Perry, surrounded by their
family, consisting of three children, — ^George W., Sarah F. and
Mary. Asahel, the youngest, is married and living at Perry.
494: HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY.
Catharine, the eldest child, married the Rev. Thomas Bonnel, and
resides in Christian county, 111. John "W. and Nancy J. are de-
ceased. We give Mr. Hinman's portrait in this volume.
A. A. Hinm.an was born in Pike county in 1859, and is the son
of Asahel and Sarah (McLain) Hinman. He attended the common
schools of Pike county and also the Wesleyan University at Bloom-
ington. 111. He was united in marriage in 1878 with Ella Oat, and
they have one child, A. J. A. Hinman. Mr. Hinman is a miller, own-
ingan interest in the Hinman Mills. Politically he is a Democrat,
George W. Minman, son of Asahel Hinman, whose sketch io
given above, was educated in the high schools of Perry and Grriggs-
ville, and also attended the Chicago law school, where he grad-
uated in 1871. He began the practice of his profession the same
year in Missouri. Subsequently he moved to Perry, where he
practiced 8 years, meeting with remarkable success, seldom losing
a case. At present he is turning his attention to milling, being a
partner of the iirm of Hinman & Sons. He is a member of the M.
E. Church.
James JERggins, jeweler, Perry, was born in Clinton, N. J., Oct.
11, 1845; he is the son of Lewis and Anna Higgins; received his
education in the common and select schools of New Jersey; he
came to Perry in 1867, where he clerked for 5 or 6 years ; then
engaged in the hardware business, and in 1876 started a jewelry
store, and thus far in his business has met with success. In 1871
he was married to Mary L. Cleveland, and they have 3 children, 2
girls and a boy. His wife is a member of the M. E . Church. In
1863 he enlisted in the 35th IST. J. Zouaves and was in all the bat-
tles that the corps was in from Chattanooga to Savannah.
Henry Hvppe,iY., farmer, sec. 8; P. O. Perry; Mr. Hippe was
born in Germany in 1818, and is a son of Herman Hippe; was
educated in the schools of Germany, and came to America in 1832,
stopping at New Orleans, and the same year settling on sec. 8, this
tp., where he owns 80 acres of land. His eldest son, Henry, is
carrying on the farm at the present time.
Hinson 8. Hohis was born in Kentucky in 1814, and is the
eldest of a family of 9 children; his parents were Solomon and Mary '
L. (Young) Hobbs; his father was born in the fort where Cincinnati
now stands, and is of English descent; his mother was born in Ken-
tucky and is of German descent. Solomon Hobbs and wife with 6
children, in company with Obadiah Mitchell and wife, 7 children
and one negro, Benj. Morris and wife and 4 children, with one
wagon and 8 pack-horses, came from Kentucky to Illinois. Our
subject came to Pike county in 1834; since 1842 he has been farm-
ing, meeting with success; he is the owner of 600 acres of land,
nearly 400 of which are in Perry tp. He was married in 1842 to
Mary M. Taylor, daughter of one of the pioneers of Pike county.
They have had 7 children, 4 boys and 3 ^irls: two of the former
and one of the latter are married. His wife is a member of the M.
E. Church, and he is a Republican in politics.
t HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 495
Isom L. Ingram was born in Smith county, Tenn., June 12, 1822,
a,nd is a son of Joshua P. and Susanna (Lenix) Ingram, natives of
Tennessee, and of English descent. He engaged in the coopering
business for 16 years, then followed the carpenter's trade, and for
several years has been engaged in farming, and owns 172 acres of
land on sec. 2, this township. He came to Pike county in 1833,
and Oct. 25, 1843, he was united in marriage witli Perlina Kusk;
8 children have been born to them. His wife is a member of the
Presbyterian Church. He has served as School Director for 1 5 years.
A. J. Johnson^ farmer, sec. 36, was born in Indiana, and is a son
of Enos and Sarah (Caw) Johnson, the former a native of Pennsyl-
vania and of English descent, and the latter of Virginia and of
Dutch descent; in 1846 he came to Pike county, where he is engaged
in farming. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. F, 99th 111. Inf , under Capt.
Smith; he was discharged in 1865; he served in 13 hard- fought
battles. In 1850 he was united in marriage with Amanda Bond;
7 children have been born to them . His wife is a Missionary Bap-
tist, and he is a Methodist.
David Johnston, dec, one of the earliest and molt respected citi-
zens of this county, was born in Wythe county, Va., July 13, 1797,
and was a son of Larkin and Mary (Davis) Johnston; he emigrated
to Kentucky, where he married Miss Sarah Day, daughter of Joseph
and Margaret Day, of Kentucky. In 1826 he came to Illinois,
locating in Sangamon county; and in 1828 he located on a farm
near Griggsville, Pike county, .which he improved, and where he
lived for two years; in 1830 he moved to Perry tp., where he resided
until his death,' which occurred in Sept., 1879, when he was at the ad-
vanced, age of 82 years, 2 months and 8 days. In 1835 he was
elected County Surveyor, and served in that capacity for about 13
years. He and his wife Sarah (Day) Johnston had a family of '9
children, whose names were: Mary, now Mrs. David Winslow, of
DeWitt Co., 111.; Margaret E., now Mrs. H. J. Chenoweth, of Perry;
Sarah J., wife of Hinson Hobbs, of Kansas; Minerva A., wife of
Wm. Taylor, Perry; Delilia, now Mrs. James Hughes, of Clay Co.,
Neb.; Harvey D., who married Maria Swakyer, and resides in Mo.;
Thomas, who married Mary E. Chenoweth, and lives at Marysville,
Mo. ; Artemisia, now Mrs. James B. Chenoweth, of Clinton Co., Mo.,
and Ann Eliza, now Mrs. Thomas Seaborn, of McDonough Co., 111.,
Sept. 9, 1865, Mrs. Sarah J. Johnston died, and Sept. 14, 1871.
Mr. J. married Mrs. Sarah E. Lucas. For some years previous to
his death Mr. Johnston was engaged in the mercantile business at
Perry. Mrs. Lucas was the widow of J. B. Lucas, her maiden name
being Adams. She was born in Harrison county, Kentucky, in 183 1.
By her last marriage she has one son, David L., born Mar. 15, 1874.
Mrs. J. lives with her two sons, David L. and James P. Lucas, a son
by a former marriage. Mr. J. was a member of the Christian
Church for 28 or 30 years, and led an exemplary life. Mrs. J. is
also a member of the Christian Church, and has been for 15 or 16
years.
496 HI8T0ET OF PIKE COUNTY. '
Joseph Jones, farmer, sec. 16; P. O. Perry; is a native of Penn-
sylvania, where he was born Jan. 6, 1814; his parents, Joseph and
Susanna Jones, were natives of the Keystone State, the former of
Welsh and the latter of German ancestry ; Mr. J. was united in mar-
riage with Miss Elizabeth Cheek in 1841; live children have been
born to them, two boys and three girls, all of whom are living. Mr.
J. came to this county in 1835. He never was inside of a court-
room.
Joseph Kirgan ; residence, Perry ; was born in Clermont county,
O., April 10, 1829 ; his father, Thomas Kirgan, was a native of Ire-
land; his mother, Mary (Fred) Kirgan, was a native of Ohio; parents
were farmers, in good circumstances; by occupation Joseph is a
farmer and has had some experience in milling; at present he is
engaged in business in Perry, and owns a substantial residence in
town. He was married Jan. 1, 1863, to Sarah Wilkins, who is a
member of the Christian Church. He is a member of the order of
Odd Fellows.
Fred Lipcamian, sr., is a native of Germany; came to America
in 1836; lived one year in E"ew York, and then came to Pike county,
where he has ever since resided ; he is a farmer, owning 160 acres
of land on sec. 9. In 1840 he was united in marriage with Barbara
Lutz, and to them have been born 10 children, 6 boys and 4 girls.
Both he and his wife are members of the M. E. Church.
JFred Lipcaman, jr., farmer, sec. 16, was born in Pike county,
Jan. 14, 1847, and is a son of Fred" and Barbara (Lutz) Lipcaman,
natives of Germany; he was married in 1872 to Kate Hose; three
children, one boy and two girls, have been born to them, all of whom
are living. He and his wife are members of the M. E. Church. He
is a diligent, successful farmer.
George Lipcaman, sr., resides on sec. 9, P. O. Perry.
George Jipoaman, jr., farmer, sec. 5; P. O. Perry; the subject
of this sketch is a native of Pike county, where he was born in
1841 ; he is the son of Fred and Barbara (Lutz) Lipcaman, spoken
of above. He received his education in the common schools of
this county. In 1862 he enlisted in the service to defend his coun-
try and served until 186-5; took part in the siege of Yicksburg, and
participated in many of the important engagements of the war.
He was married in 1867 to Anna Bradbury.
Thomas J. Magee, miller, Perry, is a native of this county, and
was born Aug. 2, 1851; his parents, Thomas M. and Mary (Crosier)
Magee, are of Irish descent; his father is one of the prominent
citizens of Perry. Thomas received his education in the common
schools of Adams county. Kecently in company with his father, he,
has started a first-class mill in Perry. Oct. 8, 1874, he was united
in marriage with Martha H. Burton. They have one child, a girl.
William M anion, farmer, sec. 26 ; P. O. Perry. The subject of
this sketch was born in England in 1843 ; he is the son of James
and Charlotte (Hammerton) Manton. He came to Illinois in 1854, .
and as a farmer has been quite successful. In 1866 he was married
496 HISTORY OF PIKE COTJNTT, •
Joseph Jones, farmer, sec. 16; P. O. Perry; is a native of Penn-
sylvania, where he was born Jan. 6, 1814; his parents, Joseph and
Susanna Jones, were natives of the Keystone State, the former of
Welsh and the latter of German ancestry ; Mr. J. was united in mar-
riage with Miss Elizabeth Cheek in 1841; live children have been
born to them, two boys and three girls, all of whom are living. Mr,
J. came to this county in 1835. He never was inside of a court-
room.
Joseph Kirgan\ residence, Perry; was born in Clermont county,
O., April 10, 1829 ; his father, Thomas Kirgan, was a native of Ire-
land ; his mother, Mary (Fred) Kirgan, was a native of Ohio ; parents
were farmers, in good circumstances; by occupation Joseph is a
farmer and has had some experience in milling; at present he ig
engaged in business in Perry, and owns a substantial residence in
town. He was married Jan. 1, 1863, to Sarah "Wilkins, who is a
member of the Christian Church. He is a member of the order of
Odd Fellows.
Fred Lipowman, sr., is a native of Germany; came to America
in 1836; lived one year in New York, and then came to Pike county,
where he has ever since resided; he is a farmer, owning 160 acres
of land on sec. 9. In 1840 he was united in marriage with Barbara
Lutz, and to them have been born 10 children, 6 boys and 4 girls.
Both he and his wife are members of the M. E. Church.
Fred Lipcaman, jr., farmer, sec, 16, was born in Pike county,
Jan. 14, 184V, and is a son of Fred and Barbara (Lutz) Lipcaman,
natives of Germany; he was married in 1872 to Kate Hose; three
children, one boy and two girl^, have been born to them, all of whom
are living. He and his wife are members of the M. E. Church. He
is a diligent, successful farmer.
George Lipcaman, sr., resides on sec. 9, P. O. Perry.
George Z/ipcaman, jr., {armer, sec. 5; P. O.Perry; the subject
of this sketch is a native of Pike county, where he was born in
1841 ; he is the son of Fred and Barbara (Lutz) Lipcaman, spoken
of above. He received his education in the common schools of
this county. In 1862 he enlisted in the service to defend his coun-
try and served until 186.5; took part in the siege of Yicksburg, and
participated in many of the important engagements of the war.
He was married in 1867 to Anna Bradbury.
Thomas J. Magee, miller, Perry, is a native of this county, and
was born Aug. 2, 1851; his parents, Thomas M. and Mary (Crosier)
Magee, are of Irish descent; his father is one of the prominent
citizens of Perry. Thomas received his education in the common
schools of Adams county. Recently in company with his father, he,
has started a first-class mill in Perry. Oct. 8, 1874, he was united
in marriage with Martha H. Burton. They have one child, a girl.
William, Manton, farmer, sec. 26 ; P. O. Perry. The subject of
this sketch was born in England in 1843 ; he is the son of James
and Charlotte (Hammerton) Manton. He came to Illinois in 1854, .
and as a farmer has been quite successful. In 1866 he was married
C^^;-:^.:^
500 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
At the age of 21 Capt. Matthews commenced active life with not
so much as a dime, and with no expectation of anything beine
given to him. He first started for the Galena lead mines; for one
year prospected, wprked by the month, etc., not being very snccess-
fnl; the second year he took job work, running a smelting furnace
and cutting wood. He laid up about $300 this year, when he went
near Naples, Morgan Co., now Scott Co., and invested a part of
this in 80 acres of land, upon which he erected a log house, and in
this he commenced housekeeping after he was married. He then
bought land on sec. 33, Perry tp., upon which he moved in 1833.
Up to 1856 Mr. M. turned his entire attention to farming and stock-
raising. That year, in company with Cephas Simmons, ne built the
first steam grist-mill that was built in Griggsville. This mill is
now run by Mr. Frye. Mr. M. since* that time has occupied his
time in farming mostly, and resides with his family on sec. 28,
this tp.
Capt. Matthews is a Republican in politics; was formerly a
Whig. During the wa,r of the Kebellion he took a prominent and
active part in support of the administration of President Lincoln,
and for the preservation of the Union. He raised Co. B of the
99th 111. Inft., and was unanimously chosen its Captain. He
served for about six months, when he was severely attacked with
chronic rheumatism, on account of which he was obliged to resign
his office and return home, and suffered severely for three years af-
terward. The Captain has been a member of the M. E . Church
for the last 46 years. We give his portrait in this book, which
was engraved from a photograph taken at the age of 69 "years.
J. C. Meredith was born in Missouri Feb. 2, 1849; is a son of
William and Amelia (Beatty) Meredith, the former a Welshman,
his mother a native of Connecticut. J. C. attended the common
schools of this county, where he received his education; he has fol-
lowed farming, but at present is engaged in keeping a restaurant
in Perry. In 1879 he was joined in the holy bonds of matrimony
with Melissa Bradbury: both of them are members of the Baptist
Church. Mr. M. is a member of the Odd Fellows order and also
of the Ancient Order of the United Workmen.
Josefh F. Metz, merchant, was born in Harrison county, Va.,
Jan. 31, 1824, and is the son of Isaac and Lucy (Hoskinson) Metz.
His father was born in Berks county, Penn., June 7, 1799, and
his mother in Monongahela county, Ya., June 19, 1800. His
father was of German descent and his mother of Welsh. Has been
engaged in the mercantile business for 20 years, since 1844 at
Chambersburg. He came to Perry in November, 1875. He was
united in marriage in 1852 with Elizabeth Akin. Three children,
2 girls and a boy, have been born to them. Mrs. M. died June 13,.
1867. James A., the eldest son, is married and engagedin the
store with his father. May 7, 1872, he was married to Elizabeth
Elliott, who is a member of the M; E. Church at Perry. Mr. M.
is a member of both the Masonic and Odd Fellows orders.
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 501
George S.Metz, farmer, sec. 13; P. O. Perry. Mr. Metz was
■born in Pike county in 1841; he is the son of Isaac and Lucy
(Hoskinson) Metz, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the
latter of Yirginia. Geo. S. owns 220 acres of land in this county.
Aug. 23, 1862, he enlisted in Co. B, 99th 111. Inf , under Capt. J.
W. Fee, and served until 1865. He was in the 40-day siege of
Yicksburg under Gen. Grant, and was in every battle that the Reg-
iment was in. He is a radical Republican, politically.
Thomas Morgan was born in county Warwick, England, Feb.
22, 1816. James and Letitia (Clark) Morgan, his parents, were
^natives of England. He was educated in the common and high
schools of his native country. He came to America in 1842, and
lived in St. Louis, then in Alton, Missouri, and Kansas, and then
<5ame to Pike county in 1862. By occupation he is a stone and
brick mason, having learned his trade in England. He was mar-
ried in 1839 to Anna Toltom, a native of England. They have 3
•children, all girls. Mr. M. is a democrat and a Free Mason.
A. J. Morris, farmer, sec. 35 ; P. O. Perry. Mr. Morris was
born in Scott county, 111., Nov. 29, 1840; he received his education
in the common schools of Missouri; he formerly conducted a
«aw-mill, and is now the owner of a farm in Perry tp. His parents
were James and Prudy (Barrett) Morris. In 1868 he was married
to Mary Hewey. Three children were born to them: James
Walter, dec, Melissa -Ellen and Edward Nathaniel.
W. W. Morris was born in this county in 1837, and is the son of
John and Emily (Henly) Morris, natives of Kentucky. He is a
farmer, owning 190 acres of land in this township. In 1859 he
married Mary F. Metz, and they have 7 sons and 2 daughters. He
is a Democrat, has been School Director two terms, and he and his
wife are Methodists.
John E. Morton was born in Kentucky Sept. 9, 1833, the son
■of Charles M. and Mary L. (Hawkins) Morton, natives of Orange
•county, Ya., the former of Scottish descent, and the latter English;
John E. obtained his school education in Adams county. 111.,
whither the family had emigrated when he was an infant. In
October, 1861, he came into Pike county. He followed farming
until 1860, kept store in Adams county two years, then continued
the mercantile business at Perry Springs, in partnership with his
father-in-law, two years: went to Perry in 1865, where he kept
store two years, and then commenced the business of packing pork
•and dealing in grain and lumber. In 1871 his building was
burned down, and he lost nearly $4,500. He is now farming. In
1855 he married Emily J. Brown, and they have had 3 children.
He is a Master in Lodge No. 95 of the Masonic Order; his wife is
a Presbyterian.
Maj. W. K. Oat was born in Philadelphia, Pa., July 25, 1804, a
son of Jesse and Charlotte (Happle) Oat, of German descent; for
thirty years he followed farming in Hunterdon county, N. J., and
in 1868 he emigrated West, settling in the town of Perry. Dec.
502 HISTOET OF PIKE OOTJNTT.
4, 1845, he married Mary M. (Bensted), widow of J. W. Calvert.
The major has been married three times. He and his present wife
are Presbyterians. He is a Republican, and has been School
Director and member of the Town Board.
Jesse Pierce yj&s born in Adams county, 111., in 1844, and is
the son of John and Nancy (Wilson) Pierce, natives of Kentucky.
He is a farmer on sec. 7. In 1862 he enlisted in Company H.,
129th resjiment, under Oapt. Case, and was discharged June 8,
1865. He went with Sherman on his Grand March to the Sea.
In 1867 he married Martha Green, and their children are 4 boys
and 3 girls. Mr. Pierce is a Republican.
Dr. J. Q. Phillips was born in Lexington, Ky., in 1826. His
parents, Joseph M. and Nancy (Miller) Phillips, were natives of
Pennsylvania and Kentucky, respectively. He received his com-
mon-school education in Illinois. In 1855 he graduated in med-
icine at the Missouri University, and practiced in Iowa nine years;
most of the time in Illinois he has been in Brown county. In
1878 he came to Perry, where he has a successful practice. In 1850
he married Mary Ann Thompson, and in 1869 he married a sec-
ond wife, Minerva A. McClure. He has been a School Director
and Town Trustee in Mount Sterling. He served two terms in
the Legislature as a representative of Brown county. Politics,
Democrat. In 1847 he was in the Mexican war, and discharged
in 1848 at Santa Fe. In 1862 he enlisted in the war of the
Rebellion; was Captain of 36th 111., but so on resigned on account of
ill health.
W. A. Reed, wagon and carriage manufacturer. Perry, was born
in Hamilton county, O., May 11, 1838, the son of Joseph and
Mary (Ward) Reed, the former a native of Kentucky, and of Irish
ancestry. He received his education in the common and select
schools of Ohio, and Perry, 111.; he learned the blacksmith's trade,
but at present is engaged in the manufacture of wagons, buggies,
etc., at which he is very successful. In 1860 he was married to
Lizzie Lynn, in Winchester, 111., and they have 2 children, both
girls. Both Mr. and Mrs. R. are members of the M. E. Church,
of which he has been Recording Steward. He has served as Town
Clerk and Police Magistrate.
0. Remington was born in Ohio in 1830; his father, Anthony,
was a native of Massachusetts, and his mother. Wealthy Ann, nee
Aldridge, was born in Ohio. Their ancestry was English. The
subject of this sketch came to Pike county in 1835, and has lived
in this county ever since. He followed farming until 1877; then
he was in the hardware business a little over a year in Perry. In
1854 he was married, but his wife died, and he married again in
1872. He has had 3 children by each wife. He is a Democrat;
has been Road Commissioner, School Trustee and Director. He
was a partner in the Perry Woolen Mills two years.
Norman Reynolds was born in Scott county. 111., in 1844, and
is the son of Allen B. and Louisa (Bradbury) Reynolds. His
HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY. 503
father was born in Putnam county, N. Y., and his mother in
Brown county, O., and both of Scotch-Irish ancestry. The subject
of this sketch is a farmer by occupation. In 1861 he enlisted in
the 33d 111. Vol. Inf., and while serving as cook he lost his sight
and became so blind that in 1863 he was discharged. He was in
the battles of Cotton Plant and Boliver Bend, both in Arkansas.
He is a man of more than ordinary energy. He says that he can
do any kind of work now that he ever could do when he could see,
and will walk all over and around the town of Perry, and even go
into the country four or five miles. He superintends all his work.
In 1877 he married Mattie A. Crawford. They are members of
the Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a Eepublican.
N. W. Reynolds was born in North Salem, West Chester Co.,
N. Y., April 4, 1802; he is the son of Zadok M. and Polly Eey-
nolds, natives of the Empire State, and of English descent; he
emigrated West in an early day and Aug. 11, 1837, located in the
town of Perry, where he has ever since lived. At the age of 16
our subject commenced to learn the trade of manufacturing sad-
dles, harness and trunks, which business he followed until 1864.
In 1844 he started the first hotel in the town of Perry, called the
Perry House, and conducted it with success until 1860. In 1824
he married Eliza C. Crissey, who died Sept. 11, 1859. They had
4 children, all now married and doing well. In 1860 Mr. E. mar-
ried again. His present wife is a Baptist, while he is a member
of the Methodist Church and has been Class-Leader, Steward and
Trustee; in politics he is a Kepublican. He is a charter member
of the Masonic Lodge at Perry, No. 95, and also of the Chapter.
Thomas Reynolds^ one of the early settlers and now one of the
most prominent citizens of Perry tp., was born at Argyle, Wash-
ington county, N. Y., Aug. 8, 1816; his father, William, was a
native of Ireland and his mother, Nancy {nee Martin) Eeynolds, a
native of New York and of Scottish ancestry. His father came to
America when 20 years of age, locating at Argyle, N. Y., where
he married. In 1826 he moved to the western part of New York
State. He and his wife both died at Jamestown, N. Y., aged 64
and 60 respectively. Thomas first settled in Pike county in the
summer of 1842, when he bought a grain thresher and separator,
the first in the county, and followed threshing with some kind of
machine in connection with farming for 23 years. Feb. 4, 1844,
he married Lucy Jane Callis, daughter of David and Sarah (Wal-
pole) Callis, of Virginia, and early settlers in this county. The
ancestry of the Walpoles is traced in a direct line to Sir Edward
Walpole, of England, a branch of the family having settled in
Virginia, previous to the Kevolution. Mr. and Mrs. Eeynolds
have 6 children: Nancy Malvina, who married Eobert Buckthorp;
Sarah Jane, who married Henry Cocking: these reside at Jackson-
ville, 111.; David M., who married Ada Burrows and resides in
Spring Creek township, this county; William T., John W. and.
604 HISTOKT OF PIKE COUNTT.
Hugh Lee are with their pareats. Mr. Reynolds and most of his
family are Methodists.
Although Perry tp. is largely Republican and Mr. Reynolds is
a Democrat, he has been elected to fill nearly every office in the
gift of the towflship, besides having been County Treasurer two
years. He was Supervisor for 9 or 10 years, School Director 20
years. Road Commissioner, etc., etc. He was elected County
Treasurer in 1876, when he furnished security of $1,100, 035,
which was far heavier than any ever before given in the county. He
was expected to collect and pay off bonds for the Sny levee.
During his term of office the county prosecuted a suit against the
railroads to collect tax on their capital stock, and the decision was
in favor of the county. Mr. R. took an active part in securing this
result. .While Treasurer he resided in Pittsfield. He is now on
his farm, N. "W. ^ sec. 26. In 1845 he bought 180 acres, but he
now has 240 at his homestead, 216 on sees. 31 and 32, Chambers-
burg tp., and 240 on sees. 10 and 11, Spring creek tp. Mr. Rey-
nolds' portrait will be found in this volume.
Joseph B. MicJcart, carpenter and contractor, was born Aug. 5,
1847, and is a son of David S. Rickart, who is a native of Ohio and
a merchant in Perry, where Joseph also resides. His mother is of
German ancestry. By occupation Mr. R. is a carpenter, and is ac-
counted one of the best mechanics in Perry. He began to learn
his trade at the age of 20, and has continued to follow it with en-
ergy and success. He does considerable contracting, and is a man
who loves the association of books.
Oha/rles Schaffnit, insurance agent and dealer in musical instru-
ments and sewing-machines. Perry, was born in Pike county, Oct.
24, 1848, and is a son of Martin and Mary (Lutz) Schaffnit, natives of
Germany. He received his education partly in the common schools,
and also attended the Central Wesleyan College of Missouri. He
came to Perry in 1871, where he has met with eminent success in
his business. He represents the German Insurance Company of
Freeport, the Phoenix of Hartford, the American of Chicago, and
the Home Life of New York. His father came to Illinois in 1847;
in 1872 the subject of this sketch was married to Louisa Yockey;
to them have been born 3 children, — 2 boys and 1 girl, all living.
He and his wife are members of the M. E. Church, of which he
has been Steward. Mr. L. is Justice of the Peace of Perry, and
handles the Whitney & Holmes organ and all kinds of sewing
machines.
D. D. Sohaub, carpenter, was born in Monroe, O., Feb. 23, 1838;
his parents, David and Catharine B. (Bitz) Schaub, were both of Ger-
man descent. He received his early education in the Baldwin
University of Ohio. At the early age of 14 he began to learn the
carpenter's trade, and most of his life since has been spent in this
calling. He is a Trustee of the town of Perry, and a member of the
Masonic order. In 1863 he was united in marriage with Caroline
Feldner. Both of them are members of the M. E. Church.
FIRST JAIL AT PITTSFIELD
HISTOBT OF PIKE OOTJNTT. 507
Jon Shastid was born in Tennessee, June 2, 1827, and is a son
of John G. and Elizabeth (Edwards) Shastid, the former a native
of Tennessee, and his mother of North Carolina. John came to
Pike county in 1836, locating at Pittsfield. In 1862 he moved
to Perry. • He received his education in the common schools and
the Illinois College at Jacksonville. He followed teaching from
1844: to 1868. He taught three terms in the country and has
taught in Pittsfield, Griggsville, Perry, Barry, Mt. Sterling and
Lewistown. In 1869 he embarked in the commercial business with
his father-in-law, under the firm name of Kockill & Shastid, and
they have transacted a successful business. In 1864 Mr. Shastid was
united in marriage with Esther Anna Kockill, and both are members
of the Christian Church.
Benjamin Taylor Shoemaker, deceased, was born in New
Jersey, Feb. 12, 1812, and was the son of Daniel Shoemaker. He
was reared on a farm and received his education in the common
schools of his native State. He was a natural genius and a me-
chanic of siiperior ability. As a farmer he was very successful, and
was considered one of the best farmers in the county where he lived
in New Jersey. He came to Illinois in 1868, and died Oct. 26,
1872. Plis wife, whom he married in 1863, bought 120 acres of
land near Perry. She was a widow lady at the time they were mar-
ried, having been the wife of Mr. Felmley: her maiden name was
Ellen Yoorhees. Mr. Shoemaker had 5 children by a former wife,
all of whom are living and married. Mrs. S. had 2 children by her
former husband. The elder son, David, is teaching in Carrollton,
Greene county. He has been attending college at Ann Arbor,
Mich.
John 0. Smith, dec, Was born in Illinois in 1833, and was the
son of Absalom and Sarah (Tunnel) Smith. He was engaged in
farming during his life, at which business he was successful, and
owned a farm at the time of his death in 1876. He was united in
marriage in 1868 with Miss Elizabeth T. Shelton ; two children,
one boy and one girl, were born to them. Mrs. S. was born in Pike
county. 111., in 1845, and is the daughter of C. Shelton, one of the
pioneers of Pike county. She is a member of the M. E. Church
at Perry.
W. W. Smith was born in West Yirginia in 1833, the son of
Gabriel and Elizabeth (Nair) Smith, natives of Virginia ; father
of German, and mother of Irish descent ; was educated in the com-
mon schools of W. Ya.; is engaged in farming, owning 200 acres
in this county. For 10 years he was engaged in threshing in Pike
county. Aug. 16, 1860, he was joined in the holy bonds of matri-
mony with Frances A. Brown. Ella Y., George M. and Harvey
D. are their living children. Both Mr. and Mrs. S. are members
of the M. E. Church. He is a member of the Masonic and Odd
Fellows fraternities. Ancient Order of the United Workmen, and
of the society for protection against horse-thieves. He came to
508 HISTORY OF PIKE COITNTT.
this county in 1857, settling at Perry, at which place he has since
resided.
John Jacob. Snider, farmer, sec. 6 ; P. O. Perry. Henry and
Catharine Snider are the parents of the subject of this sketch, and
they emigrated to this conuty in 1850 ; John Jacob, who was born
in Germany April 7, 1840, came to this county and located at Perry
in 1853 ; he was educated in the common schools. He learned the
trade of a tailor, at which business he was engaged 8 years. Sept.
21, 1865, he was united in marriage with Maria Herche ; 4 chil-
dren, 2 boys and 2 girls, were born to them. Both Mr. and Mrs.
S. are members of the M. E. Church.
George W. Steele, miller. Perry, was born in Pike Co., 111., Jan.
29, 1840 ; his parents, L. J. and Sarah (Walker) Steele, were natives
of Kentucky, his father of German, and his mother of English
descent. Geo. W. received his education mostly in Adams Co.,
111. He has been engaged in Hinman Mills at Perry for the last 8
years. In 1859 he was united in marriage with Catharine Mull :
of the 7 children born to them 6 are living, — 5 boys and one girl.
Both Mr. and Mrs. S. are members of the M. E. Church.
James Stewart, farmer, sec. 2 ; P. O. Perry. The subject of
this biography was born in the State of Kentucky March 17, 1818;
he is the son of Peter Stewart, of Delaware, and Tamar Stewart,
nee Hancock, of Maryland, and both of Scottish descent.. Mr.
Stewart did not have the advantages of school, never having attend-
ed a day in his life. Until he was 18 years of age he did not live
within 20 miles of a school-house. He came to Pike county in
1825. He is the owner of 300 acres of land, and as a farmer is
successful. In 1839 he was united in. marriage with Miss K.
Arnott. His third wife was Martha Jane Newton, who was bora
in Brown Co., O., May 29, 1810. When Mr. Stewart first came to
Morgan county his nearest neighbor was 6 miles distant, and there
was only one house in Jacksonville.
Hansom Stowe, manufacturer, Perry, is a son of David and Sally
(Palmer) Stowe, natives of Vermont ; he was born in 1815;
received his education in the common schools of the Green Moun-
tain State ; in 1850 came to Illinois,' and in 1852 to Perry, where
he has since resided. He had been engaged in farming, but since
that date has been running a plow manufactory in Perry, and ha&
been moderately successful. In 1835 he took unto himself a wife
in the person ot Ann Prindle ; by this union 2 children were born.
Mrs. S. died in 1871, and in 1873 Mr. Stowe was united in mar-
riage with Sarah Stewart. Israel F., born in 1874, is their only
child. Mrs. S. is a member of the M. E. Church.
Richard Sweeting, farmer, sec. 33 ; P. O. Perry. Mr. S. is a
native of England, and was born Sept. 10, 1819. His parents,
Jonathan and Mary (Norfolk) Sweeting, were also natives of En-
gland. Richard came to Americaat the age of 19, and to Pike
county in 1850, where he has since resided. He was united in
marriage with Dorotha Marshall, and they have had 11 children, 7
HISTOET OF PIKE COITNTT. 509
of whom are living. Mr. S. learned the bakery and confectionery
trade in England, but has been farming since he came to America.
He arrived in his adopted country with $3.75. He now owns a
food farm of 160 acres. His wife is a member of the Church of
Ingland.
Sutphin Taylor, farmer, sec. 18 ; P. O. Perry ; was born in Pike
county in 1844, the son of Simon H. and Nancy Taylor, Kentuck-
ians, — his father of Welsh and mother of German descent. Mr.
T. is the youngest of a family of 13. children. For several years
he engaged in blacksmithing. In 1870 he was united in marriage
with Lucinda Barnett. Mr. T. is a member of the Masonic lodge
at Perry. Politically he is a Democrat.
William Taylor, the son of Wm. and Charlotte (Philpot) Taylor,
was born in Connecticut in 1838; his parents were natives of Eng-
land. He received his education mostly in Pike county, where he
came in 1850, and went to Ottawa, La Salle Co., where in 1861 he
enlisted in Co. E," 26th 111. Inf, and was discharged in 1863 on
account of disability. He was in the battle of Corinth, luka, Par-
ker's Cross Roads, Farmington, and several skirmishes while in
Missouri. Has resided in Perry since his discharge from the army,
where he has been elected township Collector for 7 years in succes-
sion. In 1865 he was married to Elmira Francis. They have two
children, both girls. He is a member of the Christian Church at
•Perry.
William Thompson, iarmev, sec. 15; P. O. Perry. Wm. Thomp-
son was born in Boston, Mass., Oct. 31, 1828; his parents were
Wm. and Hannah (Lowe) Thompson, the former of the Keystone,
the latter of the Bay State. Mr. T. came to Pike county in 1835,
and has resided on sec. 15, Perry tp., ever since, engaged in farm-
ing, at which business he has been very successful, owning three
farms in this county. His father died Sept. 11, 1871, and his
mother is living with him. In his fathei-'s family were 8 children,
2 boys and 6 girls, 5 of whom are living, and all in this county
except one. His mother, Hannah (Lowe) Thompson, was born in
1^2, and his father was born June 3, 1795, and served in the war
of 1812.
Wm,. M, Todd was born Oct. 12, 1840, in this county, and is the
son of Wm. and Lucy (Morris) Todd, of Kentucky ; he received
only a common-school education. He was united in marriage in
1875 to Mrs. Elizabeth Davis, nee Eemington. They have two
children. By occupation Mr. T. is a farmer, but also has followed
the business of a plasterer. Mr. T. is a member of the M. E.
Church. Politically he is a Democrat, and has served as Constable.
Charles TFacZe, farmer, sec. 7; P.O. Perry. On the 4th day of
January, 1854, there was born to John and Yibiler (Taylor) Wade,
a son, the subject of this sketch ; he attended the common schools
in this county. He was married April 8, 1877, to Fannie M. Hobbs.
In politics he is a Eepnblican.
510 HISTORY OF PIKE OOUil^TY.
John Wade, deceased, was born in Kentucky in 1829, and early
became a resident of Pike county, and engaged in farming. He
was married in 1850 to Yibiler Taylor, and of the 5 children born
to them — 3 boys and 2 girls — one son and one daughter are married.
Mr. Wade died several years ago. Mrs. Wade is the daughter of
Simon H . Taylor, who emigrated to Pike county in 1825, and has
since resided here. Mrs. W. resides on sec. 8.
Z. Wade was born in Kentucky June 4, 1823, and is the son of
Josiah and Frances Wade, th^ father of Yirginia and of English
descent, and the mother of Kentucky and of Welsh descent. Mr.
Wade came to Pike county in 1830, and has seen a vast wilderness
transformed into a f^'uitful field. He is the first man who discov-
ered the medical properties of the famous Perry Springs; he con-
ducted them very successfully for 6 years. As a farmer he has
been quite successful : he now owns two farms. In politics he is a
Republican; has served three terms as a Supervisor, and has been a
School Trustee, Road Commissioner, etc. In 1849 he wg.s married
to Mary Morrison, and they have a family of one boy and two girls.
Both Mr. and Mrs. W. are members of the M. E. Church, of which
Mr. W. has ever been an active member.
Leonard Wagner, farmer sec. 4; P. O. Peri-v; was born in Pike
county in 1841, and is the son of John and Catharine (Lutz) Wag-
ner, both natives of Germany. Mr. W. is engaged in farming on
sec. 4, where he owns 80 acres. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. B, 99th
111. Inf , under Capt. B. L. Matthews; he was in almost all the
battles in which his regiment was engaged; he was discharged in
1865. He was married in 1867 to Caroline Schwer. Both he and
his wife are members of the M. E. Church.
William Wagner, farmer sec. 6; P. O. Perry. The parents of
the subject of this sketch, John and Catharine Wagner, were na-
tives of Germany; William was born in this county in 1842;
attended the common schools and received a fair education; his
father came to Pike county 43 years ago. William is engaged in
farming, owning a farm of 135 acres. In 1867 he was united in
marriage with Miss Louisa Jane Eider, and they have a family of
4 boys and 4 girls. Both Mr. and Mrs. W. are members of the
Zion M. E. Church.
W. C. Walpole was born in Tennessee, and is the son of William
and Rebecca (James) Walpole, the former a native of Yirginia, and
the latter of Tennessee; he came to Pike county in 1833 and has
resided here ever since. In 1862 he enlisted in, the 99th 111. Inf,
Co. B, under Capt. Matthews, and served until 1865; was in the
battles of Port Gibson, Champion Hills, Black River, siege of '
Yicksburg, Matagorda, Tex., and Spanish Fort, but was never
wounded or taken prisoner. In 1854 he was united in marriage
with Marina Piper, and they have a family of one boy and one girl,
at home. All are members of the M. E. Church. His wife's father,
Abraham Piper, was one of the earliest settlers of Pike county.
HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY. 511
Ilenry Warren was born in Ohio, Sept. 30, 1827, and is a son ot
John and Sarah (Brantlingter) Warren, both natives of Ohio,
mother of German, and father of English ancestry. Henry began
to learn his trade when a boy, and has worked at it ever since, and
has conducted a shop in Perry for several years. In 1854: he was
married, and his wife died May 16, 1869. He has a family of 2
boys and 2 girls. He has served as a member of the Board of
Trustees of Perry.
B. A. Watson, proprietor of the Perry Mineral Springs, is a na-
tive of Tennessee. Here he was born in 1818. His parents, W. "W.
and Maria (Cape) Watson, were natives of New Jersey and Ken-
tucky respectively. When our subject was 18 years of age he
emigrated to Illinois, and from 1840 to 1865 he was engaged in the
manufacture of confectioneries at Springfield, at which business
he was quite successful. Thinking to better his condition he moved
to the celebrated Perry Springs, where he expended the enormous
sum of $100,000 in the erection of buildings and other improve-
ments. These Springs are very largely attended by parties from
all parts of the United States. We speak at length of them in our
history of the township. Mr. W. was married to Miss Emma R.
Planck, in 1845; by this union Y children have been born. The
eldes.t son and daughter are both married, the latter the wife of Dr.
A. B. Carey, of Pittsfield. Mrs. W. died in 1870. Mr. W. has
served as Postmaster in Perry Springs for tlie last 10 years.
Jacob Weber, born in Germany in 1829, is the son of John and
Mary (Keadiner) Weber, natives of Germany, where they both died.
He received his education in the common schools, and emigrated to
America in 1852 ; is a blacksmith, and commenced to learn his trade
at the age of 14, and worked at it 8 years in Germany; also 8 years
in Philadelphia; the last 18 years he has followed farming, with
success. He owns 150 acres of land on sec. 17. In 1854 he mar-
ried Mary Klos, a member of the M. E. Church. They have 2 sons
and 5 daughters. Mr. Weber is a Democrat.
A. S. WMtiaker was born Oct. 25, 1818, in Greene county, JST. T.;
he is the son of William E. and Anna (Dubois) Whittaker, natives
of New York, the former of English ancestry, and the latter of
French. He commenced to learn the carpenter's trade at the age of
14 and worked at it until 1853, since which time he has kept a
general store. He has had 2 partners since starting in business
here, but for the last 5 years he has been alone. In 1840 he married
Lucinda Smith, and they have 5 daughters and one son. Mr. and
Mrs. W. are Universalists, and he is a member of Lodge No. 95,
A. F. and A. M.
Smith WilMns, wagon and carriage maniifacturer, was born in
Eoss countv, O., in 1851. His parents were Peter and Elizabeth
(Bowen) Smith, natives of Ohio, and of German ancestry; he was
educated in a common school. For several months he has been
running the engine at Hinman's Mill. June 11, 1875, he married
512 HISTOET OF PIKE COTJNTr.
Sarah Kelley, and they have 2 sons and one daughter. Politically,
Mr. Wilkins is a Eepublican.
W. H. Wilson was born Sept. 16, 1845, in England, and is the
son of Henry and Catharine S. (Stratton) "Wilson, natives of Eng-
land; received his school education in the common school in Brown
county. 111.; six months he attended Bryant & Stratton's Commer-
cial College. He has lived in Pike county since 1855, except one
year, 1864, he was in the army. He now lives half a mile from
Perry, where he and his father own 400 acres of land and follow
farming. In 1869 he married Miss C. E. Bradbury, and they have
2 daughters, — Grace, 9 years old, and Bessie, 5.. Mr. and Mrs. W.
are Presbyterians. As to politics Mr. "W. votes for the best man.
Mr. Wilson pays as he goes, never contracting debts.
Henry Winters was born in 1845, in Calhoun county, 111.; when
young his parents brought him into Pike county, but he was educated
at the Warren Institute at Warrenton,Mo. By occupation he is a bar-
ber. During the war he enlisted in Co. B, 99th Reg. 111. Y.ol., and was
in the battle of Hartsville, Mo., and the siege of Vicksburg. Seven
holes were shot through his coat, but he received no wound. He
was in Gen. Grant's command.
Fra/rtk Wright, carriage blacksmith, was born in 1855, son of
Kobert and Harriet Wright, his father of Irish ancestry, and his
mother a native of Pennsylvania. After traveling and working in
several States he, in 1867, settled in Pike county. He has followed
the trade of blacksmithing ever since he was 16 years of age. In
1878 he married Flora Schaub, and Charley, born in 1879, is their
only child. He is a Democrat, and she a Methodist.
Fred Zimmerman, farmer, sec. 7; P. O. Perry; was born in this
county Sept. 19, 1843; his parents were George and Anna Maria
(Lutz) Z., natives of Germany. He owns 124 acres of good land,
and is a successful farmer. In 1866 he married Catharine Bemer,
and they have 3 boys and 2 girls. They are both Methodists, and
he is a Democrat and an Odd Fellow.
George Zimmerman, farmer, sec. 4; P. O. Perry; was born Oct.
7, 1810, in Germany, and is an early settler of this county, having
come to America in 1833, stopping 4 years in New York, and in
1837 settling in Pike county, on the place where he still resides.
In 1836 he married Anna Maria Lutz, and their 8 children are aU
living, 5 of them married. He and his wife are both members of
the M. E. Church. He is an independent Democrat ; has served as
a School Director. He owns 160 acres of land.
GKIGGSVILLE TOWNSHIP.
Among the beautiful, productive and well-improved lands in the
Military Tract — and there is no fairer section in this great State —
Griggsville township stands foremost. It possessed many of the
charms that were likely to attract the attention* and receive the
favor of the pioneer seeking a home in a new country, — the fine
points of timber, high rolling land, running water, and the
absence of all those things which were popularly supposed to pro-
duce prevalent sickness in a new settlement. Accordingly, early
in the history of Pike county we find the groves and " points " of
this township settled; as early as 1825 came Henry Bateman, who
located on sec. 14. He doubtless had traveled this region over,
and had selected this spot because of the particular charms it pos-
sessed for him. He was not molested by the encroachment of new
settlers for some years. From 1829 to 1831 came several pioneers,
among whom were George "W. Hinman, Abel Shelley, Uriah El-
ledge, Abi^aham Goldman, JSfimrod Phillips and others. The first
birth in the township was the son of Mr. Bateman, and the first
person to die was his wife.
Ere many years had rolled by all the good points of timber had
been taken. Many years, however, elapsed before any consider-
able number of the pioneers pushed out upon the beautiful prairie
land. It was formerly believed that these wild prairies never
would be inhabited. They might do for cattle to rove over, as they
do over the vast pampas of South America. As late as 1860 the
argument used by Stephen A. Douglas in securing the passage,
through Congress, of the act granting to the State the alternate
sections of land for six miles on either side of the railroad (the Illi-
nois Central) to be built, was that in no other way could these vast
prairies ever be settled. A wonderful revolution has been made in
this respect, however, as in many others. JSTow the timbered land
is forsaken for the poorest of prairie.
Mledge Canon. — This township is not without its natural fea-
tures of interest as well as the works of nature's art. One is known
as " The Canon," which the writer has christened "Elledge Canon."
This narrow, deep hollow, is situated on sec. 6, on the south branch
of McGee's creek, and upon the land of Thomas P. Elledge; hence
.its name. As we wended our way through this narrow pass,
514 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
observing with deepest interest the mossy cliffs on either side, we
determined to name it a canon. On mentioning our intentions,
however, to Mr. Elledge, we learned that it had been known as
"The Canon " for several years. We therefore prefixed the word
" Elledge," which we deem but just and proper.
The Unfortunate Calf. — In the pioneer days of this county there
occurred many laughable incidents. Among those which were related
to us as happening in this township is the following, showing how
freat a trouble may arise from a little matter. On a certain occasion
ohn Dix purchased a calf and tied it to his cart to lead home. On the
way home his oxen took fright and ran away, dragging the poor
calf over the rough roads by the neck. "We imagine it an interest-
ing scene to observe Mr. Dix running at the top of his speed, and
keeping barely close enough to reach the caudal appendage of the
calf as it dangled among the brush. He finally overtook the oxen
a,nd rescued the choking calf by lifting it up and throwing it into
the cart. A neighbor's dog subsequently bit the calf, from the ef-
fects of which it died. Had this been the last of the calf it would
have been better for all the parties concerned, but it still lives in
the memories of many. Had it been forgotten, a vast amount of
time, worry and expense would have been saved. Not being able
to settle the case among themselves, Mr. Dix sued his neighbor.
From the Justice's Court it was appealed to the Circuit Court,
which then sat at Atlas. After a somewhat extended trial for so
small a case, it was finally settled, as it was thought; but one day an
oflicer of the Court came to Mr. Dix with a demand for the costs of
the case, which surprised him not a little. The demand however
was upon Levi Dix, another individual. Mr. Dix refused to pav it,
and another lawsuit occurred, which was finally settled by Mr. Dix
proving that Levi Dix never owned a calf..
EDUCATIONAL.
The settlers of Griggsville township, like all the setlers of 50
years ago, had many difficulties to overcome before any perceptible
progress could be made in establishing educational institutions.
The first efforts at instruction of any kind were very simple lessons
in rudimentary knowledge, given at the residences of the early set-
tlers. The first school was taught by John Cavender in a small
log cabin on the Judge Harrington farm, where now resides George
Harrington. The first school-house was built before there were any
regular schools. It was erected on sec. 14 in 1833. Since, the
schools have multiplied, and at present they stand second to none
in the county, great care being taken in the selection of teachers
and the use of proper text-books. This locality has a system of
schools that the patrons may well be proud of. There are now
seven school-houses in the township, besides the city schools of
Griggsville.
HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY. 515
OEGAiJIZATION.
The township of Griggsville was organized under the township
organization law in 1850. The first election was held in April of
that year. At that election Am"os Hill was chosen Supervisor,
James A. Kennev, Town Clerk; Porter Cotton, Assessor;" Samuel
Keynolds, Collector; Samuel Hill, Wm. Hinman and James Shinn,
Commissioners of Highways; John Crow and B. F. Coffey, Jus-
tices of the Peace; S. B. EUedge and Frank Hatch, Constables.
GRIGGSVILLE.
This city is pleasantly located upon the "Wahash Kailway, about
four miles from the Hlinois river. It is situated upon a beautiful
eminence. In its immediate vicinity the land is sufficiently roll-
ing,'requiring no drainage, and makes what is apparently a healthy
location. It was laid out in 1833, by Joshua Stanford, Nathan W.
Jones and Kichard Griggs, and was named Griggsville by Mr.
Jones in honor of Kichard Griggs. It consisted of eight blocks on
the north side and eight upon the south side of Quincy Avenue.
Each block contained eight lots of one-quarter of an acre each. The
original plat made provisions for a public square, containing two
acres. It was subsequently re-platted, however, and instead of a
public square two lots in block 3, two lots in block 14, two- lots in
block 2 and two lots in block 15, were given for Church and school
purposes. There has since been added to the original plat John-
son's, Jones & Purkitt's, McConnell & Clark's, Parsons', Simmons'
and Hatch's additions. The place was incorporated by a vote under
an act of the General . Assembly approved Sept. 10, 1 849, on the
16th of November, 1852; and on the 23d of the same month, Reu-
hen Hatch, Porter Cotton, Jesse G. Crawford, Charles Kenhey and
Marshal Ayer^ were elected Trustees. On the 26th of November,
1878, it was voted to organize as a city under an act of the General
Assembly approved Sept. 10, 1872. At an election held April 15,
1879, the following officers were elected : Mayor, Daniel Dean;
Aldermen — James B. Morrison, H. L. Hurt, Wm. A. "Wise, James
'Oliver, David Borrowman, John W. Stead; Clerk, E. A. F. Allen;
Attorney, Edward Dopey; Treasurer, James A. Farrand.
An Abolition Melee. — In the year 1838 there occurred an inci-
■dent in Griggsville which, although not commendable in itself,
would be well to record in the annals of Griggsville's history. In
"those early days, as in more modern times, there were the pro-
slavery and the anti-slavery parties. At the annual election that
autumn each party brought forth a strong man for Constable.
Marshall Key was theDemocratic candidate, and B. F. Coffey the
Whig candidate. A very hot contest ensued, which resulted in the
■election of Coffey. Some of the opposition seemed to take offense
at the proceedings. Whether Coffey was fairly elected or not we
are not prepared to say. Be that as it may, however, a Key man
assaulted a Coffey man immediately after the election, striking him
516 HI8T0BT OF PIKE COUNTY.
in the back. A general melee then followed, but no one was se-
riously hurt.
In a tew weeks after the above occurrence a gentleman visited
Griggsville, holding anti-slavery meetings and circulating a peti-
tion to Congress asking that honorable body to abolish slavery in
the District of Columbia, and the non-admission of Texas as a State.
The petition was first presented for signers at a religious meeting
at the Methodist Church. Previous to the close of the service the
minister gave notice that the above petition was in the hands of a
gentleman present, and that he would be pleased to have any one
present who felt so disposed, sign it. Quite a number walked
forward and signed their names. A few parties in the audience
signified their disapproval of such proceedings, excitement running
high among the more ignorant class . They met in a saloon, known
then as a " grocery," where liquor was sold, and passed resolutions
that the parties who had signed that obnoxious petition should be
compelled to erase their signatures from it. To carry out this
design, on the morning following the last anti-slavery meeting,
they pursued the gentleman who held the petition, overtaking him
on the farm of J. K. Moore, and compelled him to produce the
document. They then returned and waited upon those parties
whose names appeared upon the paper, and demanded of them that
they should immediately erase them, under the penalty of violence
if they should refuse. Some complied with this demand, but others
did not. These disturbers of the peace- then notified the obstinate
ones that they must erase their names, and accordingly appointed
an evening to " finish up the business. " They again met in the
same grocery to more fully complete their organization, and " fire
up." The good people of the country being afraid of their man ceu-
vers, came pouring into town about twilight, well armed and equip-
ped, to act on the defensive. They met with the peaceable people
of Griggsville in the hotel and organized, appointing Mr. Blood as
their Captain. A committee was also appointed to confer with a
committee of the other party, in which conference the committee
from the citizens informed the disturbers that they must imme-
diately disband, or else they would be dealt with harshly, and that
the first man who dared to intimidate another petitioner would
receive a "fresh supply of ammunition."
The disturbers then seeing the turn of aflTairs, decided to abide
the decision of the citizens and immediately disbanded. Thus
ended what might have assumed the form of a riot, had it not been
for the timely aid and energy of the peaceful citizens of the neigh-
borhood.
War Record. — It is no wonder that this township, whose politi-
cal education has consisted largely in means of bringing discomfort
to the slaveholders and their hired slave-catchers, should take a
deep interest in a war which, though not primarily waged in the
interest of the colored race, must nevertheless result in their lib-
eration. To that end Griggsville made a large and precious sacri-
<s-,
'^?H
GRISGSVJLLE
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 619
fice. The alarm of war had scarcely sounded before the able-bodied
citizens of the township were seen marching toward the nearest
recruiting stations in squads, as it were. It is difficult to give the
number that went from the township, but suffice it to say that
more enlistments are recorded from Griggs ville than from any other
point in the county.
Quite a number of those who went to defend their country from
' 'Grriggsville were killed in actual conflict. Some died in rebel
prisons from starvation, and others of wounds or disease contracted
in the army. Their bones lie mingled with the soil of the country
which they went out to rescue from the hands of those who sought
to destroy it. The sacrifice was a costly one, but their country
•demanded it, and they gave it willingly.
EELIGIOUS.
The old pioneers, though they would not have hesitated much
to engage in a rough-and-tumble fight, and did not hesitate to take
a dram once in a while (though they say the whisky did not con-
tain as much infernal fire as it does now), were yet almost uni-
versally pious people, and enjoyed themselves religiously quite as
■well as the more fastidious church-goers of to-day. The religious
services were simple, the, church buildings were simple, the meth-
ods of conveyance to and from the church were simple, and the
manners, dress and intercourse of the people who attended church
were primitive in the extreme. But some of the old pioneers
assert that the natural organs of voice with which they praised
■God were to be preferred to the organ now pumped by a boy, and
skillfully manipulated by a popular but not piousyoung lady or
gentleman, dressed in silk or broad-cloth instead of the ancient
linsey-woolsey or jeans. In a religious point of view, from the very
•earliest days this township has always taken a great interest in the
establishment of Churches and missions.
Baptist Church. — The first regular Baptist church at Griggs-
"ville was organized Aug. 4, 1834, by liev. Alvin Bailey, with seven
members. Henry Carmer was chosen Deacon and Clerk, which
position he held until 1861, when he removed from the place. The
■first members were Amos Blood, two ladies by the name of Susan
Blood, Joseph B. Cooper, Sarah Bradstreet, Henry Carmer and
Mary B. Carmer. This church struggled hard in its infancy, but
by the earnest labors of its faithful members has grown to a large
and prosperous organization. For some time the church held reg-
ular services in a house owned by Mr. Blood, and they had no pas-
tor until in 1835, when Eev. Calvin Greenleaf took charge and
held the position until 1838; then Thomas H.Ford to 1840;
Chandler Curtis from 1840 to 1841 ; Ambler Edson from 1843 to
1844 ; B. B. Carpenter from 1 845 to 1870. Since that time the
following-named pastors have served: L. C. Oarr, H. L. Stetson,
li. F. Gray, B. "W. Morgan, and C. E. Lathrop, the present Pastor.
In the year 1836 the congregation began the erection of a frame
31
520 HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY.
building, 40 by 54 feet in size, which was finished in 1840. About
the yeai? 1853 they built an addition to this structure. In 1873
the old building was torn down and a new brick edifice was
erected, at a cost of about $20,000. Services are held each Sunday
morning and evening by Rev. C. R. Lathrop, Pastor, and Sunday-
school at 12 o'clock. The present number of conamunicants is 213.
When Mr. Carraer removed in 1861, Mr. John Petrie was elected
his successor as Deacon, and Henry Lynde as Clerk, which
positions they both hold at present. This Church has enjoyed
various revival seasons, and over 650 different persons have at vari-
ous tinies been members of the Church.
Origgsville M. E. Church. — This Church was organized in 1835
by Rev. William Hunter, with the following charter members:
Dr. James M. Higgins, Mrs. Margaret Higgins, Jesse Gr. Craw-
ford, Peleg Gardner, Mrs. Caroline Gardner, James Hutchinson,
sr., and James Hutchinson, jr., and Samuel, Mary, Eliza' and
Sarah Hutchinson. Dr. Higgins was the first Class-Leader.
Among the early pastors was the Rev. Wilson Pitner, a very earn-
est worker, and a preacher well fitted for conducting revivals and
camp-meetings. On one occasion during a camp-meeting here,
while discoursing upon the day of judgment and upon the appear-
ance of Gabriel with his trumpet on that great and awful day, the
appearance of the saints robed in white, etc., the women became
very happy and set up a shout which completely drowned the sten-
torian voice of the enthusiastic minister. In order to quiet them
he reached back and took the horn, which was used for calling the
audience together, and began blowing it. This only intensified the
excitement of the almost fanatical persons who were engaged in
shouting. They thought, without looking to see from whence the
noise came, that Gabriel had indeed come, and was now in their
very midst, blowing his trumpet. It was some time before the
people could become quieted.
There was a '' class " organized in the county about two miles
east of Griggsville, previous to 1831, but the members of this soci-
ety united with the Griggsville Church immediately after the erec-
tion of a church edifice, which was in 1836 or 1837. In 1846 the
society erected another building, and so rapid was the growth of
the congregation that they soon found it necessary to erect another
structure, which was accomplished in 1852. This society now has
a membership of about 250. Services are held each Sunday morn-
ing and evening by Rev. H . Shaw, the Pastor. Sunday-school at
2:30 p. M.
Congregational Church.— On Feb. 1, 1837, 11 persons, residents
of Griggsville, but members of different Congregational and Pres-
byterian Churches elsewhere, met for the purpose of consulting
respecting the organization of a Church. Resolutions were passed
declaring that it was expedient to organize a Church, and the day
previous to the organization was to be set apart as one of fasting
and prayer. In accordance with the resolutions the 16th day of
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 521
February, 1837, was observed as a day of fasting and prayer ; on
the following day the Church was duly organized, with Rev. A. G.
Norton as Pastor. Geo. T. Purkett was regularly appointed Dea-
con Jan. 4, 1838. The Sunday school was organized May 12, 1837.
Kev. A. G. Norton closed his labors with the Church in February,
1838, and has been succeeded by the following Pastors, given in
their order : Revs. "Wm. Whittlesej^ A. L. Pennover, J. Ballard, J.
T. Holmes, G. B. Hubbard, W. H. Starr, T. Lyman, Rollin Mears,
W. Herrott, N. P. Coltrin, W: W. Whipple, G. H. McArthur, E.
0. Barnard, G. H. Bailey and S. M. Wilcox, the present Pastor.
The whole number of members, from the organization to the pres-
ent time, has been 663 ; the present membership is 169.
Hinman Ghajpel M. E. Church.- — The church edifice of this
society is on sec. 6, this township. The class worshiped in pri-
vate and schoolhouses for several years. About the year 1844
they erected a house of worship. Services are held each alternate
Sabbath by Rev. A. P. Stover, Pastor. Sunday-school each Sun-
day.
Maysville United Brethren Church was organized in 1842, in
the house of Lewis Dunham. Caleb Boyer, now of Fulton county,
was among the first ministers. This society erected a small house
of worship about the year 1857, and in the year 1870 they erectee
a new edifice, at a cost of $1,000 besides the labor. Services ard
held each Sunday, and preaching each alternate Sunday by the Pas-
tor, Rev. Wm. Pease. The number of communicants at present
is 65.
Griggsville Church of Christ was organized July 26, 1874, with
the following 12 members : J. E. Alcorn, M. E. Alcorn, Jesse
Fielding, Atlanta Fielding, Theodore Ball, Anna Crawford, Adelia
Elledge, Phoebe Rickart, Rachel Mason, Eadie Jenkins, Amos Wil-
liams and Ellen Williams. This was at the beginning of, or soon
before, a protracted effort which closed Aug. 25, 1874, with a mem-
bership of 141. The Trustees elected were J. E. Alcorn, I. L. Lewis
and Peter Harshman. The congregation completed the erection of
a house of worship in 1877, at a cost of $1,800. The present mem-
bership numbers 72.
MILLING.
Mill interests in the early history of the county were considered
of much greater importance than at present. The easy communi-
cation between neighborhoods, towns and cities by means of the
railroad has revolutionized almost everything, but nothing more
than that of transforming the grain into flour or meal. To the
early settler one of the most important items in his calculations
was the grinding of his grain. There were no steam mills then,
and a site for a water mill was an important thing. The pioneers
were all poor, and though mill sites might have been plenty, they
could not improve them. Therefore numerous devices were invented
522 HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY.
to convert wheat and corn into bread. A few were possessed of
hand-mills, not greatly unlike those in use some 2,000 years ago,
and to which allusion is made in the Bible, Matthew xxiv, 41:
" Two women shall be grinding at the mill," etc. By and by some
of the more forehanded farmers brought in a kind of horse-mill,
which, though a very primitive affair, was considered a val-uable
accession to the industries of the neighborhood, and a wonderful
convenience. These mills were mostly used for simply cracking
corn, upon which the old pioneers lived. Corn was the staple feed
for man and beast, and upon it they all thrived and grew healthy
and strong.
The " Pike Mills " were erected in 1877, by the firm of McMa-
han & Co., composed of L. W. McMahan, I). P. Baldwin and Gr. P.
Baldwin. The latter has sold out his interest. The machinery is
all of the latest improved style, adapted to the new-process system',
and this was the first mill of the kind in this section of the State.
It has proven a success to the owners, giving a larger yield and
better quality of flour than the old system. The building is four
stories high, with four run of burrs and a capacity of 200 barrels in
24 hours. They have a large patronage in the ]S"ew England
States and in Chicago for their flour.
L. W. McMahan has been a resident of the county for 2i years.
For a number of years previous to going into the present business
he was in the grain trade. His acquaintance with the valuable
milling qualities of the wheat raised in this section induced him to
invest in this enterprise.
Fryers Flouring Mill. — This mill was erected about the year
1855, by Mr. 0. Simmons. After passing through different hands,
Mr. Frye, in 1877, purchased it, and in 1878 he sold a half interest
to Mr. Mc Williams, of Griggsville. The mill has been re-modeled
by Mr. Frye, and is one of the best mills in the county. Its capac-
ity is 80] barrels in 24 hours, and the flour is of excellent quality.
BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMENT.
In justice to the pioneers and prominent citizens of the city
and township of Griggsville — -those who have made and are now
making the history of this section — we wish to speak personally,
and short biographical sketches of them here follow:
Edward A. F. Mien was born in Beverly, Essex Co., Mass., July,
13, 1823; he came to Quincy, III, in 1838, and to Griggsville in
1841. He served three years in the late war in Co. I., 33d III Inf.,
and one year of this time was 2d Lieutenant. He was subsequently
in the Quartermaster's department for three years. He was
married July 13, 1844, to Sarah A. Lyon. They had 9 children, of
whom 6 are living: Henrietta, now Mrs. Gilbert Brooks, of Clinton,
111.; John J., M. E. preacher, of Monroe City, Mo.; 'Martha E.
HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY. 523
now Mrs. James Vannatta, of "West Chicagq; David E., Hattie M.
and Ruth. David E. is a painter by profession.
Robert Allen, sr., was born in Cumberland Co., Ky., May 31,
1803. He was married to Miss Amanda Turk in 1824, and removed
to Henry Co., Tenn., thence to Naples, 111., 1834, where for three
years he was extensively engaged in building flat-boats, trading in
live stock, and freighting to Kew Orleans and other Southern points.
He left Naples in 1837, and took up his residence in Griggsville,
dealing in live stock and butchering. Mr. and Mrs. Allen were the
parents of 7 children, of whom 3 aro living : A. S. and R. P.,
prominent citizens of Griggsville, and Mrs. Win. Jones, now of
Ohillicothe, Mo. Mrs. Allen died Jan. 16, 1841. In 1842 Mr.
Allen again was married, this time to Sarah Stanford, who now
survives him. Mr. Allen gave liberally to the support of Churches
and missions, and held positions of honor and trust ; one being that
of Postmaster during President Buchanan's administration. He
was a member of the M. E. Church, and died Jan. 1, 1880, from a
stroke of paralysis received some years before. In the death of Mr.
Allen his wife lost a loving husband, his children a kind father,
and the community an honest and influential man.
Wm. F. Anderson, deceased, was .born in Baltimore, Md., in
1801. He was the oldest of 4 brothers, whose father, Capt. Wm.
Anderson, was lost at sea, in the year 1813. Mr. Anderson was
one of the firm of Beecher & Anderson, of New Fork, for about 5
years. He came West during the financial crisis of 1836, and
traveled in different parts of the country until 1841, when he mar-
ried Laura E. Gilpin. They settled in Springfield, 111., where he
engaged in farming for 2 years. In 1849 he engaged in business
in St. Louis. In 1851 he came to Griggsville and engaged in the
mercantile business with J. D. Philbrick for a short time, when the
latter retired and Mr. Anderson carried on the business alone until
his death, which occurred May 21, 1867. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson
had 7 children, whose names 'are Eloise L. (now widow of Henry
Cotton), Wm. F., M.Louise, deceased, A. G., Alexander C, Charles
H. andGeo.S.
Isaac Bailey was born in Cumberland Co., Me., in 1829; son of
Josiah Bailey. He was raised on a farm, and at his majority began
working on the railroad as a section hand, then as section boss;
in 1854 he came to Illinois and was Roadmaster of the C, B. & Q.
for some time; then section boss again for 3 years, then Roadmaster
again on the H. & St. Joe R. R. 7 months; 2 years on the Missis-
sippi Central, and is at present Roadmaster on the Hannibal branch
of the Wabash R. R. Oct. 9, 1861, he married Miss Lizzie E.
Pitney, and they have had 5 children, of whom Geo. W., Minnie
and Frank are living.
David Baldwin, deceased, was born in Newark, N. J., in 1793.
He was a large contractor in New York citv for 25 or 30 years.
He came to Pike county in 1835, located in Perry and purchased
524 HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY.
large tracts of land.; ajso engaged in farming. In 1849 he erected
the Perry Flouring Mill; was the father of 6 children, of whom 3
are living: Alex., David P. and Geo. W. Mr. Baldwin died in
1854.
T. K Ball, son of G. O. and Delia (Kellogg) Ball, the father
formerly of New York, was born in this county in 1848; was edu-
cated in the common schools; has followed farming until the last
three years. In 1867 he married Anna Cadwell, and their 6
children are all living. He belongs to the Christian Church, and
in politics is a Democrat.
Levi Bartlett is a native of New Hampshire and came to Illinois
about the year 1867; is engaged in all kinds of mechanical jobbing in
light machinery, making sewing-machines a speciality: he also re-
plates spoons, etc. He was married in 1861 to Harriet G. Crane,
and they have 2 children, Albert J. and Gracie G.
E. W. Baxter is a native of Hillsboro, N. H., ,and was born
July 19, 1837; he is the son of M. E. Baxter, of Griggsville. Mr.
Baxter came in September, 1857, to Griggsville, where he engaged
in the meat business for 15 years, holaing an interest in the
same for four years afterward. In Jan., 1872, he associated him-
self with Allen & Bryant, grain and live-stock dealers. This firm
dissolved in Sept., 1873, Messrs. Baxter and Bryant continuing
in the business for 6 years, for the most part in connection with
merchandising. In 1877 Mr. Baxter purchased the entire interest
in the mercantile business, and is now conducting the same. He
also has a stock of groceries, qneensware, and is doing a large
business. He was married in April, 1857, to Helen M. Harvey,
sister of Dr. Harvey, of this place. They have 6 children : Mary
E., Helen M., Emma F., Harvey E., Geo. E. and Arthur.
John Biokerdike was born in Yorkshire, England, Aug. 18,
1835, and is a son of John Bickerdike, deceased, who came to this
county in 1842. He selected a location for his future home and
returned to England, bringing his family here the following year.
He was the father of 9 children, of whom our subject is the 5th.
Mr. B. was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools
of Pike county. His brother, George, was killed during the late war.
Mr. Bickerdike has been married twice, and is the father of 7
children, of whom live are living : Wm. A., George F., Charles E.,
Mary K. and Nancy E. His first wife was Eebecca J. Pearcy, and
the second was Elizabeth Perry. He resides on sec. 36, Griggs-
ville tp., and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. P. 0.
Griggsville. »
Ephraim Biggs. The subject of this sketch was born in Preble
county, O., June 30. 1822. He was raised on a farm, came to Defi-
ance county, O., about the year 1854, where he remained until 1867,
when he removed to Pike county. 111., where he still resides, and is
engaged in farming and stock-raising. He was married to Mary
A. Mendenhall, by 'whom he had 8 children, of whom 4 are living,
HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY. 525
namely, Sarah M., Martha E., Eachel A. and Melissa. Mrs. Biggs
diedin|1848. Mr. Biggs was again married in 1860, this time to Mrs.
Phoebe Grimes. They had one child, Wm., deceased. This second
wife died in 1862, and in 186i Mr. Biggs married Mrs. Nancy
Fribley. They had 2 children, Geo. W. and Fannie. The third
Mrs. Biggs died in 1866, and in the year 1870 he married Mrs.
Kosanna Moore. They had one child. Mr. Biggs' father served in
the war of 1812.
M. Blake & Sons. These enterprising farmers reside on sec. 8,
Griggsville tp. Mr. Blake was born in Adams Co., O., Oct.
22, 1822. He was married in 1849 to Melinda Thompson. They
had 7 children, 6 of whom are living; John, Nicholas, and Henry,
who are engaged in business with their father; Kobert, Rebecca J.
and Melinda A. Mr. Blake came "West in 1851, and settled in Mis-
souri, residing in Macon, Shelby and Marion counties, but in 1865 he
removed with his family to Pike Co., 111., where they still reside. He
was a soldier in the late war, in Co. G, 30th Regiment, Mo. Yol. Inf.
For some time he was disabled by sickness, yet he served his time
out, and was honorably discharged in 1865.
John Blake was born in Adams Co., O., June 26, 1850; is a mem-
ber of the Christian Church in Perry. He received a common-
school education, and his vocation is farming and stock-raising.
Nicholas is a member of the M. E. Church at Hinman Chapel,
Griggsville tp.; was educated in the common schools of Ohio, and
is also a farmer. He is a native of Missouri, and was born May 2,
1852.
Henry was born in Missouri, and is also a farmer.
J. M. Bodine is chief miller in Pike Mills, Griggsville.
David Borrowman was born in Lanarkshire, Scotland, in 1825.
He came to St. Louis with his parents in 1838 ; is a marble and
stone-cutter, and has carried on this business in Griggsville for 15
years. He uses the celebrated Kinderhook limestone, which is a
superior quality of stone. Mr. B. was married in 1854: to Jane
Barker, of Nashville, Tenn. They had 5 children, of whom but
two are living. Mr. B's father, John Borrowman, located in Cal-
houn Co., 111., in 1841, where he engaged in farming and stock-rais-
ing until his death from cholera, which occurred in 1849, during the
prevalence of that fearful scourge in this country.
Ellen Brakefield, a native of this county, was born Jan. 19, 1835,
and is the daughter of Abraham Goldman, so well known in the
early settlement of Pike county. Mr. Goldman helped to erect the
first log house in Griggsville. Mrs. Brakefield was married June 28,
1849, to Samuel Brakefield; they had 4 children; two only are liv-
ing,— Olive and Llewella. Mr. B. was born Nov. 27, 1824, in
Pennsylvania, was taken to New York by his parents when very
small. He came to Pike county about the year 1848, where he en-
gaged in farming and stock-raising. He had previously been
engaged in the manufacture of brooms. On the morning of the 13th
of June, 1874, Mr. Brakefield was killed while in the act of cross-
526 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
ing the railroad track with a team in front of a train of cars. His
body was carried several yards by the cars, and mutilated in a most
shocking manner. He was a prominent citizen and a member of
the M. E. Church. Few men possessed so many virtues, and few
as well respected as he. It is no wonder that the entire community
was thrown into consternation at the intelligence of his untimely
death.
James Brahefield was born in Kent, England, April 22, 1822,
and when he was about one year old his parents, Charles and Mary
Brakefield, brought him to America, settling in Clinton county,
Pa., whence they soon removed to Schenectady, N. Y. At the age
of 22 years James located at Griggsville, 111., where he followed
farming and broom manufacture. In 1845 he married Elizabeth
Carmer, a native of Paterson, N. J., and daughter of Henry and
Mary (Hunt) Carmer, who were early settlers in this county, com-
ing here in 1831-'2. Henry Carmer was a native of New York
city, and.his wife of Philadelphia, neither of whom is now living.
Mr. C. was reared in the mercantile business, but in an early day he
came to Pike county, where he followed farming until his death in
December, 1862, at the age of 70 years, his wife having died the
previous August. In March, 1857, Mr. Brakefield went into mer-
cantile business with J. M. Crandall, but after 3 years' partnership
he returned to his former vocation. In 1866 he entered partner-
ship with L. W. Dix. In 1871 his health commenced to fail, con-
sumption setting in, and he died April 26, 1873. During his life
Mr. Brakefield wds prominently identified with the interests of the
county.
Henry R. Brown, a pioneer of Pike Co., was born in Brown
Co., O., July 15, 1821, and is a son of the late William Brown, so
well known in the pioneer history of this county. He came here
with his parents in 1834 and settled on sec. 29, Griggsville tp.;
has dropped corn on Griggsville prairie after a large breaking plow,
the rows being one mile in length. This was for Nathan W. Jones,
who now resides in Griggsville. He also worked in a cotton gin in
Morgan county for about 3 years. Like all other boys of those
early days, Mr. Brown was deprived of educational advantages, and
was compelled to undergo many hardships and privations. He
saw the first steamboat that sailed on the Illinois river. He has
seen over 20 deer in one drove, but never shot one. He was married
Jan. 18, 1842, to Harriet Park, and had one son, Geo. W. Mrs.
Brown died Jan. 18, 1844. Mr. Brown was again married Dec. 22,
1847, this time to Jane Chapman, daughter of E. W. Chapman,
deceased, so well known in the early history of this county. Mr.
and Mrs. Brown have had 8 children, 6 of whom are living: John
Q., Mary J., Sarah F., Alice, Amos "W. and Willy H. They are
all married except the two youngest.
J. Q. Brown was born in Griggsville township, Oct. 13, 1848,
and is a son of H. R. Brown. He was reared on a farm and
eRIGGSVILLE
FOB BlOGBftPHlCAL SKETCH SEE PAGE 52S.
HISTOKT OF PIKE COUNTT. 52'9
educated in the common and hi^h schools of Griggsville. He was
married Nov. 26, 1873, to Ella E. Eastman, daughter of Lycurgus
Eastman, of Griggsville, whose biography also appears in this work.
Mr. and Mrs. Brown have two children, Alice E. and Eichard E.
Mr. Brown is engaged in farming and resides on sec. 8, Griggsville
township.
Eien F. Bryarit was born in East Cambridge, Mass., Feb. 7,
1832, and was brought to this county by his parents in the year
1837 ; was raised on a farm until 18 years of age, when he went to
Georgetown, Harrison Co., O., and there apprenticed himself to
Heberling & Russell, machinists. He remained with them about
18 months, then returned to Illinois, where he engaged in farming
until he reached his majority ; then went to sea. He sailed first
from JS'ew Bedford, Mass., on a whaling vessel, and at ISTew Zealand
changed to a merchant vessel, bound for Salem, Mass. They rounded
Cape Horn, stopped at Rio Janeiro, and arrived in Salem in Octo-
ber, J 854. This completed his voyage around the world, which
was quite a rare thing for a Pike county boy. Mr. Bryant then
returned to his old home in Pike county, following farming for 2
years, then in 1856 he again sailed, but this time on the Illinois
river. He remained here until 1868, except one trip to the Hud-
son river, via New Orleans and Boston. He then again engaged
in farming, which is his present occupation, and resides on sec. 25,
Griggsville tp. Mr. Bryant is the son of Eben Bryant, who was
born in South Reading (now Wakefield), Mass., in June, 1806. He
was a shoemaker by trade, but on removing to Illinois he became
a farmer. He was a member of the Baptist Church for several
years, and died in 1869. Our subject was the oldest son, and was
married in May, 1863, to Edith Dean, daughter of Jonathan Dean,
a boot and shoe merchant of Prairie City, 111. Mr. Dean spent
several years of his life in Montana, where he engaged in mining
and farming.
J. B. Bryant was born in Pike county in 1848 ; was educated
in the common schools, and in the year 1871 engaged in the jewelry
business in Griggsville. His father, Eben Bryant, was a native of
Wakefield, Mass., and came to this county in 1838, settling in
Griggsville tp., where he engaged in farming until his death, which
occurred May 3, 1869.
Anrbos Butterfield, son of the late Leonard Butterfield, well
known in this county, was born in Griggsville tp. May 17, 1849 ;
was educated in the common schools of this township, and raised
a farmer. He was married Aug. 16, 1872, to Mary Hensel, daugh-
ter of Robert Hensel, of Griggsville tp. They have one little girl,
Minnie, born Aug. 17, 1873.
Leonard Butterfield, deceased, was born Dec. 14, 1805, in
Nashua, N. H.; was married to Susan Lamson in the city of Bos-
ton Sept. 27, 1832. He spent the 5 following years in the State of
North Carolina, as a missionary among the Cherokee Indians, and
in 1837 came to Griggsville, where he resided until the death of
630 HI8T0ET OF PEKE OOTTNTT.
his wife, which occurred Aug. 21, 1870 ; he then visited his broth-
ers and sisters in the East. He returned to Griggsville in 1873,
where he remained until May 27, 1874 ; June 2 of this year he
was married to Rebecca Noyes, and resided in ISTew Hampshire
tintil his death, which took place July 29, 1877. He was for many
years a member of the Baptist Church.
Henry Oa/rTner, deceased, was a native of N'ew York city, and
was born Jiily 25, 1793; was educated in Ifew York, and was a
hardware merchant for several years in Patterson, N. J. In 1831
he'removed with his family to Richmond, Ind., where he remained
till 1833, when he came to Griggsville township. There were but
three houses in Griggsville at that time. He engaged in farming
for about 17 years, and was bookkeeper for Keuben Hatch, of
Griggsville, for a few years, and afterward for Brakelield & Cran-
dall. In the year 1861 he removed to Hancock Co., where he died
Dec. 19, 1862. He was the father of 3 children,— Elizabeth W.,
now Mrs. James Brakeiield ; Mary "W., now widow of Henry Gold-
man; and Lydia, now Mrs. Thomas Brakefield. Elizabeth W. was
married to James Brakefield, April 22, 1845. They had 7 chil-
dren, of whom 3 are living, — Mary W., now Mrs. Simmons;
Henrj' C, Lillie C. and Ettie J. Mr. B. was a prominent mer-
chant of Griggsville for a number of years. He died April
26, 1873.
Rev. B. B. Carpenter was born in Vermont, Dec. 3, 1810, and
was taken by his parents to Schoharie Co., JS". Y., when but six
months old, where he remained until he was sixteen years of age,
when he went to "Washington Co., N. Y. He was apprenticed to
John Hughes, a tailor, of Cambridge, N. Y., with whom he
remained for three years. He pursued this occupation for three
and a half years, when he began preparing for the ministry. He
attended the Brandon Academy two and a half years, and then
entered the Hamilton University. He completed only the Sopho-
more year on account of ill health. He was married in 1841 to
Mary Richards, and they had 4 children: 3 are now living, — James
B., Chester L., and Charles D. The name of the deceased was
Laura. Mr. Carpenter came to Illinois in 1839, and was ordained
minister in the Baptist Church at Dixon in 1840, where he
remained as Pastor of the Church until 1844, when he took charge
of the Lamoille (111.) Baptist Church for one year; he then was
Pastor of the Griggsville Baptist Church for twenty-five years, but
is now retired on account of ill health.
David F . Coffey, deceased, one of the pioneers, was born in
Simpson county, Ky., May 18, 1817, and was a son of Nathan
•Coffey, deceased, well known in this county, who broiight his fam-
ily here in 1829 and settled on sec. 3, Griggsville township, at the
summit of the hill which was afterward christened " Coffey _Hill,'
and is still called by that name. He was the father of 13 children,
of whom David F."was the 6th. The latter was married in 1842
to Elizabeth Conner, daughter of Francis Conner, deceased, who
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 531
came to Franklin Co., 111., in 1832. Mr. and Mrs. Coffey had 10
, children, of whom 9 are living, — Sarah E., Nathan F., J. Hardin,
Delitha M., Daniel F., Burton B., Thomas M., Mary J. and Grace
L. Mr. Coffey was Captain of Co. B, 68th Regt. 111. Inf , in the
Rebellion, but was detailed to hospital service during the second
battle of Manassas. He died Sept. 22, 1867, at the age of 50
years; had been a member of the Baptist Church for about
twenty- seven years.
John Graven, sr., a native of Yorkshire, Eng., was born Jan. 7,
1802; was married in 1831 to Esther Warton, and the same year
came to America and settled in the wilds of Morgan Co., 111., 6
miles west of Jacksonville, where he remained until 1850, engaged
in farming. He then removed with his family to Pike county and
settled on, sec. 20, Griggsville tp., where he again engaged in farm-
ing and stock-raising. He is now retired from active life and
resides on a little farm adjoining Griggsville on the west. Mr. and
Mrs. Craven have 2 children : Sarah A., now Mrs. E. T. Williams,
and John, who resides at the old homestead in this township.
John Craven was born in Morgan Co., 111., Feb. 13, 1835, and is
a son of John Craven, sr., of Griggsville tp. He was raised on a
farm and educated in the common schools of Morgan Co. He came
to this county with his parents in 1850, settling on sec. 20, Griggs-
ville tp., where he still resides, and is engaged in farming and
stock-raising. He was married May 12, 1864, to Henrietta George,
daughter of Samuel George, deceased, who came to Griggsville in
1847. Mrs. Craven was born Oct. 17, 1837, in London, England.
Mr. and Mrs. Craven have had 6 children, of whom 5 are living:
Mary E., Anna, Maud and Jennie (twins) and John.
Jesse G. Crawford was born in Overton Co., Tenn., May 6, 1810.
He received a common school education there and emigrated to Il-
linois in 1829, settling in Macoupin Co. ; in 1830 he came to Jack-
sonville, where he remained three and a half years, then came to
Griggsville in 1833. At that time there was no town there. A log
house stood near where"the center of^Quincy Avenue now is. It still
stands just back of the postoffice, but is weather-boarded, and is
owned by J. R. Stanford's heirs. Mr. C. erected the first two-story
frame house on the Griggsville prairie in 1833, for Amos Blood.
He was married in the fall of 1833 to Jane Avery, daughter of
Nicholas Avery, an early settler in Pike Co. They had 4 children,
— only one living, James. Mrs. Crawford died in 1847. Mr. Craw-
ford again married, this time Maria J. Houts. They have 3 chil-
dren,— Abbie M., now Mrs. A. H. Butler; Clara E., now Mrs. Henry
Hatch; and George B.
D. W. Cre'e was born in Griggsville tp. in 1844, and is the son of
"Walker Cree, of Griggsville. In the year 1863 Mr. Cree engaged
in the sale of furniture, stoves, and tinware, wall paper, picture
frames, etc., with a capital of $300. He now carries a stock of
$4,000, and has a large trade.
532 HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY.
James M. Cree was born in Maysville, this county, Jan. 15, 1842.
He came to Griggsville when 14 years old, where he still resides,
and is proprietor of the Oree House in this place, one of the best
hotels in the county. He was married March 31, 1865, to Lida A
Pond.
Nathan H. Davis was born in Strafford Co., N. H., Aug. 4, 1812 j
was raised on a farm and educated in the public schools of Canada,
his parents having moved there with their children in 1818.
When he obtained his majority he went to Boston, Mass., where
he learned the carpenter's trade. He worked on the bridges of the
Boston & Lowell R. E. for three successive summers. In 183T
Mr. Davis started for the then far West and arrived in'Quincy, 111.^
Aug. 14 of the same year, and in a few days came to Barry, this
county, where he pursued his profession for a number of years and
then purchased a farm in Uerry township, on sec. 1. He then
engaged in farming, working at his trade at intervals. July 18,
1839, he was married to Sarah Lourimore, daughter of Robert S.
and Mary Lourimore, deceased. Mrs. Davis was born in Butler
Co., O., May 8, 1817, where she remained until 8 years of age,
when her parents took her to Dark Co., 0., mid in 1837 they moved
to Pike Co., 111., where she still resides. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have
had 7 children, of whom 4 are living, — Josepliine, Frances, Louisa
and David; all are married. Mr. Davis is a farmer, and has been
extensively engaged in stock-raising. He is a son of Nathan
Davis, who was born in N. H., Nov. 22, 1772. His mother was
Sally Boynton, who was born in 1777 in Old Salem, Mass.
Aaron H. Dean was born in Litchfield, Conn., March 17, 1831,
son of Hiram L., and nephew of Daniel Dean, Mayor of Grigg-
ville, but he came to Pike Co. in an early day (1836), with his parents;
educated in the old-fashioned log school-house; learned the black-
smith's trade; settled on sec. 36, whence he walked 3 miles every
day to his shop in Griggsville, working for $1.25 a day. Wolves
sometimes followed hirn on his trips. On his way to a Thanksgiv-
ing dinner one day, in an ox cart, the oxen ran away with fam-
ily and all, into the brush; but the family got to their dinner all
right at last. With these oxen they did all their teaming for 5 or
6 years. Hiram L. Dean died Sept. 7, 1876, aged 68 years. He
was a member of the M. E. Church. In 1830 he married Wealthy
M. Saunders, by whom he had 2 children, — Harriet M., now Mrs.
David Stover, and Aaron H. Mrs. Dean was born in Litchfield,
Conn., March 17, 1811. She is now residing at the old homestead
with her son. Jan. 1, 1852, our subject married Delilah Seniff, by
whom he has had 2 children, — Martha E. and Mary E. Mrs. Dean
died in June, 1856, and in November, 1858, Mr. Dean married
Nancy C. Dunniway. Their only son, David F., is deceased.
Daniel Dean was born Sept. 2, 1815, in Litchfield, Conn., and is
the son of Amos Dean, an early settler of Pike Co., who came here
in 1836 and settled in Griggsville tp. Daniel was educated in the
free schools of Litclifield, and in the year 1837 he followed his pa-
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 533
rents to this county, where he engaged in farming and stock-raising
until 1867, when he retired, and is now residing in Griggsville and
is the present Mayor of the city. He was married in 1836 to
Lydia Scranton, by whom he had Schildren, — Jane, Mary A. and
Wm. H. The latter has charge of the farm. Mrs. Dean died Nov.
19, 1877. She had been a member of the M. E. Church for over
40 years.
JTenry E. Dean, deceased, was born in Litchtield, Conn., Oct.
5, 1809, where at the age of 22 he united] with the Congregational
Church. He removed with his parents to this county in the fall
of 1836, and settled on sec. 34, Griggs\!ille tp. Here he united with
the M. E. Church. He died March 15, 1877, leaving a wife and 7
children. He was married Jan. 13, 1842, to Mary L. Cohenour,
daughter of John Cohenour, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Dean had 8
children, of whom 7 are living, — Annie E., Harriet A. (now Mrs.
John Hedges, of Christian Co., 111.,) John A., Geo. H., Mary J.,
Oliver R. and Charles D. Mrs. Dean was born in Huntingdon Co.,
Pa., Jan. 9, 1821, where she was raised until 15 years of age, when
she came with her parents to this county, settling in Griggs-
ville tp. ,
Lucy M. Diokerson, a native of England, was born Sept. 19,
1842, and is the daughter of "Wm. Hobson, who came to Illinois
about the year 1847, and settled in Flint tp. He was a stone mason
and was killed while the Griggsville high school building was
under the process of erecton, by a runaway team Our subject was
married in 1858 to James D. Dickerson. They have 5 children, —
Orson J., Wm. I., Ella M., Stephen L. and Laura M.
Theodore Dickerson was born in JSorthfield, Mass., Dec. 24,
1796, and there received his education. In 1811 hewas apprenticed
to Gustus Lyman, a blacksmith, of Deerfield, Mass., where he served
6 years. In 1818 he went to Salem, Mass., worked at his trade one
year, went to Boston in 1819, and in 1820 began business in that
place for himself. In 1831 he came to Pike county, and settled on
sec. 1, Griggsville tp. In 1833 lie removed to Griggsville, which
then contained but three or four houses; kept boarding house in
1833, when 3 families lodged in the same room. In 1822 Mr. D.
was married in Boston, to Mary T. Beckford, a native of Salem,
Mass. She was born Jan. 1, 1800. They have had 7 children, 4
■of whom are living, — Theodore F., Elijah, Emma A. and Horace P.
J. E. Dix <& Son, boot and shoe dealers. This enterprising firm
embarked in the boot and shoe trade in Griggsville in 1859, in which
they are still engaged, enjoying a large trade.
John Dix, while residing in his native place, Townsend, Mass.,
studied the books and reports concerning the West, from which he
learned that " all the worthless land belonged to Uncle Sam, while
the very best land belonged to the soldiers." He therefore pur-
chased a soldier's claim in 1837, and started West to occupy the land,
<5oming by water around Florida and up the Mississippi, meeting
■with many exciting experiences . On arriving at the promised land
634 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY/
in this Great West, he found it rough and bluffy, and not worth
two cents an acre. Having been brought up in a city, Mr. Dix
said he was very "green" when he came to the West; and after
settling on his land he " started up the creek to hunt for a rock to
make a grindstone, to grind his ax, to chop some logs, to build a
cabin, to make some shingles in, to sell to buy pork with." He re-
lates many other awkward experiences he had in his introduction
to Western pioneer life. We give one more. Hearing of a mill at
some distance he loaded some corn upon his ox-cart, and blazing the
trees as he went to mark the way, he at last arrived at the mill,
when lo! it was only a saw-mill! JSTight overtook him on his way
home and he was obliged to get out of the cart and feel for the
blazed trees in order to find his way home. In 1818 Mr. Dix
married Mary Wilson, a native of Lynn, Mass. They had 7 chil-
dren, of whom but 2 are living, Ellen M. and John E.
Levi W. Dix, deceased, was a native of Maiden, Mass., and was
born Feb. 15, 1821 ; was the son of John Dix, now of Griggsville.
He came to Illinois with his father in 1837, and. was married in
184:1 to Kuth E. Kiddle, a native of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, and
daughter of Arthur Kiddle, deceased. They had 5 children, 3 liv-
ing,— Sarah F., E.ollin M., and Margaret E. Mr. Dix engaged in
merchandising with James Brakefield in Griggsville, and died
April 30, 1874.
John W. Doan was born Nov. 12, 1834, in Clermont Co., 0.,
and is a son of Wm. and Susanna Doan_j deceased. The former was
a native of Connecticut and the latter of Massachusetts. Our sub-
ject was educated in the common schools of Ohio, and was raised
on a farm. He came to Pike county with his mother and family
in 1859, where he has since resided. His father was the Hon. Wm.
Doan, an ex-Member of Congress from Ohio, and also a surgeon of
the 1st Keg't, 3d Brigade, and 8th Division in the Ohio State
Militia. Our subject resides on sec. 15, Griggsville tp., and is en-
gaged in farming and stock-raising.
Edward Doocy was born Oct. 24, 1851, in Griggsville, and is a
graduate of Illinois College at Jacksonville, 111., of the class of
1871. He read law about 3 years, was admitted to the bar in 1874,
and is now practicing in Griggsville. He is now a successful prac-
titioner, and bids fair to become one of Pike county's foremost attor-
neys. He is President of the Pike County Christian Tempetance
Union.
Ahel Dunham, a native of Harrison Co., O., was born July 16,
1819, and is a son of Wm. and Mary (Chaney) Dunham, deceased;
was raised on a farm and received a limited education in a subscrip-
tion school. He was married Aug. 13, 1839, to Eachel Hardin,
by whom he had 10 children, and of these 6 are living, Aman-
da, Isabelle, Mary E., Frances A., Joshua L. and Joseph M.
His father was a soldier of the Kevolution and was among the
number who cut their shoes into pieces, broiling them in the fire
and making coffee of them. Our subject came to Illinois in 1845,
HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY. 636
arriving at Griggsville Landing "N^ov. 26, 1845, at 8 p. m. He fol-
lowed farming and stock-raising until within a few years ; is now
retired and resides in the village of May-sville. Mr. and Mrs. Dun-
ham are both members of the United Brethren Church.
Nathaniel Z'wTiAaOTisanative of Marjdand; was a son of Lewis
Dunham, who brought his family to this county in 1844, and was
born Sept. 12, 1802 ; was a cooper by trade, but for the most part
followed farming after moving West. He died Sept. 14, 1866.
Our subject was born in Warren Co., O., Feb. 14, 1834, and came
with his parents to this county in 1844, where he has since resided.
He was married Oct. 26, 1854, to Mary A. Kiser, daughter of Daniel
Kiser, deceased, who also settled in Pike county in 1844. Mr. and
Mrs. Dunham have had 7 children, of whom 5 are living, — Daniel,
Wm. H., Lewis O., Charles E. and Orpha J. Mrs. Dunham was
born in Warren Co., Ind., May 3, 1838. Mr. D. resides on sec.
18, engaged in farming and stock-raising.
Wm. Dunhim was born in Harrison Co., O., April lY, 1829, son
of Lewis and Sarah A. D., who with the family emigrated to this
county in 1844. Lewis died in Sept., 1865, and! Sarah A. is now
Mrs. Leander Filson, of Maysville, this Co. In 1850 Mr. D. went
to California and followed mining and trading in stock ; on his
return he was shipwrecked Nov. 15, 1853, off the coast of the
island Anicapa, 350 miles from San Francisco, and was not rescued
for 5 days. The crew and passengers also had another narrow '
escape from death by explosion of a boiler, which was discovered
red hot. He returned to this county Jan. 12, 1854, and for a time
followed breaking prairie. Aug. 9, 1866, he married Miss Nancy,
daughter of Thos. Carnes, now of Schuyler Co., 111. They have
had 11 children, of whom 6 are living : Thomas, Elizabeth A.,
Julia B., William H., Nathaniel W. and Jason. Mrs. Dunham
died May 28, 1877, and Mr. D. married the widow of Wm. Ervin,
Oct. 4 following. Mrs. Dunham had 5 children by her first hus-
band, of whom 4 are living, — George H., Sarah J., Martha D. S.
and Harriet E. E. Mr. D. is a farmer on sec. 7, Mr. D. helped
to construct the first railroad in Illinois, that from Naples to
Jacksonville.
Lycurgus Eastman. Roger Eastman, an ancestor of our sub-
ject, was born in Wales in 1611, and came to Massachusetts in
1640, locating at Salisbury ; his wife's name was Sarah, who died
Dec. 16, 1694, aged 83 ; had 10 children. Philip, the 3d child,
moved to Haverhill, where his house was burned by the Indians
and some of the family taken prisoners. Ebenezer, a son of his,
was born Jan. 10, 1689,' and died July 28, 1748 ; his 3d child, Capt.
Joseph, was born June 10, 1715, married Abigail Mellen, who died
in March, 1801 ; of their 6 children the 3d was Moses, who was
born March 3, 1743, and who married Lucretia Tyler in Pembroke,
N. H. ; he died in 1796, and his eldest son, Charles, was born Dec.
11, 1774, and married Sally Bradley Nov. 29, 1798, at Concord, N.
H.; she died Dec. 9, 1809, and he Sept. 26, 1847 ; but by his sec-
536 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
ond marriage he had 6 children, of whom Lycurgus, the subject of
this sketch, was the youngest ; he was born in Concord, N. H.,
July 4, 1807, where he resided until 17 years old, when he was
apprenticed to learn the wheelwright's trade at Quincy, Mass. In
1834 he emigrated West, locating on sec. 8, this tp., where he
remained 33 years, and then sold his farm and moved to Griggs-
ville, where he now lives. In 1832 he married Elouisa B. Sim-
mons, and their 4 children are : Maria B., now Mrs. E. O. Hills,
of Chicago ; Susan B., wife of Peter Northrop, of Turner, 111.;
Harriet N., a missionary teacher in Toungoo, Burmah; and Charles
L., of Whiting, Kansas. Mrs. Eastman died Aug, 12, 1844, and
Mr. E. again married, in May, 1845, this time JRebecca L. Hum-
phris, by whom he had 7 children ; 4 are living, namely, Emeline
H., now the wife of Dr. J. L. Love, of Whiting, Kan.; Lucy J.,
teacher of grade 4 in Griggsville Union School ; Ella E., now Mrs.
John Q. Brown, a farmer in this tp.; and George E., of Whiting,
Kan. The names of the deceased were Elouisa R., Lucretia G.
(Mrs. Henry C. Love) and Etta Adelaide.
Thomas P. JElledge is a son of Boone Elledge, and great-grandson
of Neddie Boone, a brother of Daniel Boone, the hero of pioneer days
of Kentucky. The Elledges still keep up the name of Boone in the
family. Thomas P. was born in Harrison Co., Ind., April 27, 1825;
was educated in the common schools of Indiana and Illinois, and
came with his parents to this county in 1836, settling on sec. 6,
Griggsville tp., where he still resides, and is engaged in farming
and stock-raising. He was married Feb. 11, 1847, to Margaret J.
Simpson, daughter of the late Matthew Simpson, and they have had
6 children, Rebecca J., James A., Hattie A., Matthew B., Mary C.
and an infant. The three latter are deceased.
Uriah Elledge, son of Boone Elledge, deceased, was born in Clark
Co., Ky., Kov. 22, 1802. He came to Scott Co., 111., in 1823; had
to go to Upper Alton on Wood river, a distance of 125 miles, to
mill. In 1826 a Mr. John Pearson erected a horse-mill within
about 2 miles of Mr. EUedge's house. While in Scott county Mr.
E. worked for Alex. Bell 18 months. He was married March 26,
1825, to Catharine Scott, daughter of John Scott, |for whom the
county was named. They had 8 children, of whom 5 are living, —
Rebecca E., Mary M., John H., Emily J. and Uriah D. Mr. and
Mrs. Elledge removed to where Griggsville now stands, in 1825,
but on account of sickness returned to Scott county, the following
autumn. In 1830 he came back to Griggsville tp., where he resides
on sec. 13. Mrs. Mledge died Jan. 9, 1855, and Dec. 12, 1858, Mr.
Elledge married Mrs. Delia Ball, by whom he has had 4 children, —
Anna B., Florence M., Charles H. and Frederick O. In the year
1849 Mr. Elledge, accompanied by his son, Daniel B., went over-
land to California, with the first emigrant train that went in search
of gold. Daniel died there, and Mr. Elledge returned in December,
1851. He served in the Winnebago war, and 3 of his sons, William,
John and Uriah, were in the late war. William died while in the
1
'Oc^4^ ^i^^CKy? c-
3RISGSVILLE
HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY. 539
service. His daughter Eebecca was the first female child born in
Griggsville tp., which occurred Oct. 26, 1831.
Moses Elliott was born in Wheeling, Ya., March 18, 1819, and
is the son of John and Esther Elliott, deceased; was raised on a
farm in Koss county, 0.; received a common-school education, and
was the eldest- of 10 children. He was married Oct. 2, 1863, to
Jane Perry, daughter of Joseph Perry, deceased, and now resides
on sec. 35, Griggsville tp., engaged in farming and stock-raising.
Mrs. Elliott was born in Ireland Aug. 24, 1815, and came with her
parents to Ofinada in 1834, and to Pike county in 1849. Mr. and
Mrs. Elliott have had 2 sons, — Geo. P. and Eichard W.
E. Q. Farrand was born in Bridgeport, Yt., Nov. 13, 1814; left
his native State at the age of 18 and went to Michigan, where he
remained until 1845, then removed to Morgan county, 111., and in
1849 went to California, where he remained until 1852. He then
returned to Illinois and settled in Griggsville. Since 1861 he has
been successfully engaged in the lumber trade, and dealing in doors,
sash, blinds, etc., carrying a stock of $12,000 to $15,000. In
1852 he married Elizabeth J. McWilliams, of Griggsville, and
they have 4 boys, — James A., M. K., Harvey L. and Frederick H.
Joseph A. Ferguson, son of David and Margaret Ferguson, was
born in Franklin Co., Pa., May 2, 1822; was raised a farmer; came
to this county in 1847; bought a farm on sec. 16, Griggsville tp.,
where he still resides, and is engaged in farming and stock-raising.
He was married Dec. 17, 1845, to Jennie N., daughter of James
and Martha Stark, of Franklin Co., Pa. Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson
have 5 children, — "Wm. J., Margaret J., David A., Albert P. and
Edward C. Wm. J. is married to Ella Hitch and resides in Griggs-
ville ; Margaret J. is married to Wm. S. Murray, and resides ia
Murrayville, Morgan Co., 111.
David Fielding, deceased, was born in Miami Co., O., May 11,,
1807. He was raised on a farm and educated in New Carlisle, O.
He was married Dec. 1, 1835, to Mary (Moore) Smallcy, widow of
Jesse Sinalley, and daughter of Samuel Moore. She was born in
Dayton, O., Oct 18, 1805, when there were but 6 buildings in that
place. She had 3 children by her first husband, — Ellen, Abigail,
deceased, and Prudence E.. Mr. and Mrs. Fielding had 6 children,
— Charlotte, Mary, Jesse, Fannie, Clara and Albert. The two
latter are deceased. Mr. Fielding was a worthy member of the
Baptist Church for 31 years. He died March 9, 1867, loved and
respected by all. His last words were, " I never thought it would
be so easy when I came to die." He left messages for absent
children, requesting them to meet him in Heaven. He partook of
the Lord's Supper just before his death. Mr. Fielding had -been
married once before, to Charlotte Miller, by whom he had 4 children,
— Maria, Jeremiah, Daniel and Henrietta.
Wathom French was born in Merrimac Co., JST. H., in 1804, and
was raised on a farm iiritil 18 years old ; then went to sea and remained
8 years. During this time he crossed the Atlantic 14 times and
32
540
HISTORY OF'PIKB COUNTY.
visited the cities of Rochelle, St. Petersburg, Amsterdam, Stock-
holm and others. He sailed around Cape Horn on his way to Japan
during his whaling voyage, wherein 72 whales were caught, from
which 2,500 barrels of oil were obtained. In 1831 he removed to
New Orleans, where he resided for three years and followed carpen-
tering. In 1835 he located at Alton, and came to Griggsville one
year afterward. At tliat time Grigsrsviile contained 160 inhabitants.
In 1840 Mr. F. was married to Harriet, daughter of the late David
Hoyt, of pioneer history. Tiiey had 4 children, of whom 3 are
living, — ^Wm.'H., Lizzie E. (now Mrs. Bar.nhart) her husband
being of the firm of Barnhart Bros. & Co., Chicago) and Mary W.,
teacher in the high school at Decatur, 111. Wm, H. is agent for
the Western Associated Press, Chicago.
Frcmois Frye was born in Detroit tp., Pike Co., in 1843, and
is the son of the noted Jona,than Frye, the great pioneer miller of
Big Blue river. Our subject was married in Aug., 1867, to Mary
L., daughter of J. M. Griffin, of Kansas. They have 5 children,
— Alta, Wm. E., Eva Lee, John W. and Lora E. Mr. Frye is one
of the proprietors of Frye's Mill in Griggsville.
Peleg Oardner was born in Hancock Co., Me., April 20, 1803,
and is the son of Peleg Gardner, deceased. He went to Boston,
Mass., in 1824, where he remained for 11 years, working at the
carpenter's trade. He was married in Boston July 16, 1826, to
Caroline Hutchinson, by whom he had 4 children, all of whom are
dead. He came to Griggsville in 1835, where he pursued his pro-
fession for several years. Mrs. Gardner died in 1850 and the year'
following Mr. Gardner married Maria J. Fielding, who died May
14, 1853. Sept. 4th of the same year he was married to Elizabeth
C. Bazin. After toiling many years in improving the town ot
Griggsville Mr. Gardner had a stroke of paralysis which has
rendered him a permanent invalid.
Jacob Goldman is a native of Clark county, Ky., where he was
born Oct. 15, 1816. -When but. 13 years of age he came to Pike
county with his parents, who settled on sec. 23-, Griggsville tp.,
where he has resided since that time. He has enjoyed many a deer
and wolf hunt. Once he saw 36 deer in one herd, and at one time
killed 9 wolves. He saw the first steam-boat that plied the Illinois
river and knows all about grubbing and picking brush, rolling logs,
etc.; and after working hard all day he would grind corn in a hand-
mill until 9 or 10 o'clock at night, to procure bread for the follow-
ing day. They used harness and single and double trees of their
own Tnanufacture, which were made of hickory bark, corn " shucks "
and poles. Mr. Goldman helped to raise the first house in Pitts-
field and hewed the first timber that was used for building purposes
in Griggsville. He has been chased by wolves when bringing
home his game on old " Blaze," but his faithful dog " Tiger " was
ever on the alert, and would invariably drive them away. He has
been married twice, the first time to Bethlehem Wade, aijd the
second time to Otelia, Jaritzs, who crossed the ocean in 1834. Mr,
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 541
Ooldman is the father of 12 children, of whom 8 are living, — Josiah,
Newton' B., Ellen H., Hardin H., Emma J., Melvin, Elizabeth and
Tictoria. He is engaged in farming on sec. 34, Griggsville tp. •
Alfred Gordon, a pioneer of Pike county, was born in Hillsboro
Co., N. H., Nov. 4, 1794; was raised on a farm and educated in
■the common schools. He came to this county in 1836 and settled
in Griggsville tp. In 1843 he purchased a farm on sec. 16 of this
tp., where he still resides. He was married in March, 1824, to
Mary D. Jones, by whom he had 5 children, — Alfred A., Nathan-
iel H., Moses, . Mary A. and Geo. Washington, all of whom are
dead except George, who resides with his father and attends to the
farm. In 185Y George was married to Ellen Smith, daughter of
John Smith, deceased, an early settler of Pike county. They- have
Iiad 4 children, 3 of whom are living, — Charley, Willie and Nellie.
The tw:o latter are twins. Mrs. Alfred Gordon died April 24, 1867.
Our subject was a soldier in the war of 1812, under Gen. Dear-
laorn, and endured unusual hardships and privations. He has been
«, member of the Baptist Church for over 47 years and has held
many offices of trust. In N., H. he was Overseer of the Poor and
was a member of the State Legislature of that State for 4 successive
terms. He has been Justice of the Peace and Treasurer of the school
fund in Pike Co.; is also a surveyor, which business he has pur-
sued more or less. In the year 1842 he taught school in Griggs-
ville.
Dcmiel B. Chiffin was born in Pike Co., Oct. 17, 1839, and is
the son of Lorenzo D. Griffin, deceased. He was married in 1860
to MaryE. Baker, and they had one child. Mrs. Griffin and child
both died in 1862, of the small-pox, as also di'd Mr. G.'s father.
In 1864 he again married, this time Sarah A. Fowler, and they had
-6 children, of whom 3 are living, — Lizzie, Eiley and Noley. Mr.
■Griffin is an engineer by profession, but is now engaged in pack-
ing and shipping flour with McMahan & Co.
M. Hains further, merchant, Griggsville, is a native of Germany;
•came to America in 1853 and located in Winchester, Scott Co., 111.,
-and engaged in the dry goods business; also clothing, boots and
■shoes. He located in Griggsville in 1860, where he followed the
same business. He carries a stock of about $18,000, and has a large
trade. He commenced business by peddling over the country,
■carrying his goods on his back. He was married in 1863 to Ee-
becca Cohn, and they have had 6 children, 5 of whom are living, —
Millie, Nathan, Bessie, Harry and Lusettie.
Alel Harrington was born in Albany county, N. Y., Feb. 20,
1824, and is a son of the late Judge Harrington, so well known in
the pioneer history of this county. Our subject came to this county
with his parents in 1835, where he has since resided. He was mar-
Tied Feb. 7, 1847, to Eliza J. Sheeley, daughter of Abel and Mary
A. Sheeley, well known in the history of this and Morgan counties.
■She was born in Naples, Scott Co., in 1825. Mr. H.'s mother-in-
law, Mrs. Mary A. (Kenney; Sheeley, was born in Lancaster, Pa.,
542
HISTOET OF PIKE COITNTT.
May 16, 1801 ; sbe came to what is now Scott county in 1821, and
to this county in 1829. She was married in Feb., 1819, to John
Hollins. They had two children. Mr. Hollins died in 1822, and
in 1824 his widow married Abel Shelley. They had 9 children, 4
of whom are living. Mr. Harrington resides on sec. 2 ; P. 0.;
Griggsville.
Charles Harrington, deceased. Judge Charles Harrington was
born in that part of Grafton, Mass., known as New England vil-
lage, in 1T95; in 1811 he went to Kodman, N. Y., where he
remained three years, engaging in' the woolen business; his factory,
with two others, was burned, it is supposed, by a jealous Canadian;
he then taught school for a time and located in Guilderland, N. Y.,
where he formed a partnership with Charles Mason in the manu-
facture of woolen goods; he Remained there until 1836, when he
came to Griggsville and continued his residence in Pike coiinty
until his death, which occurred Aug. 15, 1873. He was a worthy
member of the Baptist Church for 47 years, and an ordained min-
ister for 29 years. He was called to the pastoral charge of the
Perry Baptist Church, where he remained for several years. Upon
the organization of the Quincy Baptist Association in 1843, he was
elected Moderator, and held the positi'on for 11 years. In 1850 he
was elected County Judge for Pike county. He was ever a bold,
fearless champion of the cause of temperance, truth and morality.
His efforts in the cause of temperance when a young man, as well
as his activity and zeal in religious meetings after he made a pro-
fession of religion, led the Church in Schenectady, of which he was
first a member, to see his aptness to teach, and they granted him
license to preach. He was a very forcible, convincing speaker, but
never depended upon preaching for a support. He supplied many
weak and destitute churches at different times.
Charles W. Harrington was born in Griggsville tp. Dec. 14,
1852, and is the son of the late Samuel Harrington, an early pio-
neer. He was raised on a farm and educated in the common
schools; was married in Aug., 1875, to Anna, daughter of Christian
Hoss,*.of Griggsville tp. They have had 3 children. — Mattie. Ellis
and Freddie. Mr. H. is engaged in farming and owns 80 acres ot
valuable land on sees. 11 and 12, Griggsville tp. In 1874 he
took a tour through Kansas and Missouri, and returned the same
year.
Geo. P. Harrington., son of Judge Harrington, was born in
Griggsville tp., sec. 1., on the farm where he now resides, July 17,
1839. Judge Harrington, a native of Grafton, Mass., was born
Nov. 17, 1795; was married Jan. 9, 1823, to Hannah Scranton, by
whom he had 6 children, — Abel, Samuel, Paniel, James, Abbieand
George P., who is the youngest. Mrs. Harrington was born in
Stephentown, Eensellaer Co., JST. Y., Oct., 1801, and died Oct. 25,
1878. Our subject was married Jan. 26, 1867, to Louisa, daughter
of Ebenezer C. Maddiix, deceased. They had 6 children, of whom
4 are living, — Bertha, Jennie, Hannah and Louisa. Mrs. Harring-
HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY. 543
ton died Dec. 18, 1879, loved and respected by all. She was born
in Hamilton Co., O., June 20, 1848. In 1868 the family removed
to Kansas, where Mrs. H. was attacked with chills, from which she
never recovered. The following year they returned to Pike county.
The Independent Press, of Griggsville, contained the following
obituary notice Dec. 25, 1879 :
" Loving hearts are doomed to sorrow,
Trusting souls to pine and die ;
Beauteous flowers bloom and perish
'Neath the hot and burning sky.
" Then, if all in life is fleeting,
If on earth no joy is given.
Let us seek for rest unchanging,
In the Christian's home in heaven."
Samuel M. Harrington wa's born in Albany Co., JN". Y., April
19, 1827, and is a son of the late Judge Harrington. He came to
this county with his parents in 1835. He was married in 1848 to
Charity Elledge, daughter of William and Tabitha Elledge ; they
have had 4 cliildren, of whom 3 are living, — Sarah A., Charles "W".
a^d Ada Belle. Mr. H. spent one year in Colorado during the
gold excitement. His grandfather, Samuel Harrington, was born
in Grafton, Mass., Aug. 13, 1769, and his grandmother was Abigail
Putnam, a relative of Gen. Israel Putnam, renowned in the war of
the Eevolution. Mr. H. was a member of the U. B. Church. He
died June 24, 1875. If we should attempt to enumerate his many
virtues we shquld fill pages of history.
Ferry JSarshman was born in Preble Co., O., Oct. 13, 1842, and
is the son of Peter Harshman, now of Griggsville tp. He came
with his parents to this county in 1852, where he has since resided.
He now lives near Griggsville, and is engaged in general farming
and owns about 320 acres of land.
Peter Harshman, son of Peter Harshman, sr., deceased, was born
in Preble Co., O., in 1813. He was raised on a farm and received
a limited education in a subscription school. He was married in
1836 to Susannah Sherer, daughter of Daniel and Catharine Sherer, •
deceased, and a sister of Dr. D. J. Sherer, of Grandview, Edgar
Co., 111. Mr. and Mrs. Harshman have had 10 children, of whom
5 are living, — ISToah L., Perry, Eli, Eachel Ann and Daniel. They
removed to this county in 1852 and settled in Pittsfield tp., where
they resided until the spring of 1869, whenjthey'removed to Griggs-
ville tp. and settled on sec. 11 . Mr. H. and his son Noah are now
traveling in Washington Territory and the West. He has always
been engaged in farming. Mrs. Harshman's father was in the
war of 1812, and was one of the soldiers of Hull's army that sur-
rendered at the siege of Detroit.
Dr. L. J. Harvey was born in Warner, N. H., Oct. 6, 1851 ;
had an academical education; came to Griggsville in 1872 and read
medicine under the late Dr. Wilson; attended Bellevue Hospital
544: HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Medical College, of New York city, and also the St. Louis Medical
College, where he graduated in 1875; after spending a few months
in the city hospital there he located in Griggsville, where he has a
large practice In May, 1876, he married Bella Kenney, daughter
of Charles Kenney, of Griggsville, and they have one little boy,
IraK
Frank Hatch was born in Hillsboro Co., N. H., March 21,
1825, and is a son of Reuben Hatch (deceased), who was also a
native of l^ew Hampshire. He was reared and educated for the
most part, in Griggsville, having come to this place, with his
parents in 1836. He was married Nov. 30, 1852, to Kebecca Ben-
nett, daughter of Simeon Bennett (deceased). They have 3 chil-
dren,— Charles P., Celia J. and Marshall P. Mr. Hatch has seen
the rough places made smooth, and the vacant prairies of Pike
county made into valuable farms. He resides on sec. 16, Griggs-
ville tp., where he is engaged .in farming and stock-raising,
making the latter a specialty.
Isaac A. Hatch, banker, was born in Hillsboro, N. H. , Sept. 13,
1812 ; came to Griggsville in 1835, where he still resides; has fol-
lowed farming, milling, collecting revenue, merchandising and
banking in this county; is now in the last named business. Oc-
tober, 1840, he married Lydia B., sister of Moses E. Baxter, of
Griggsville. Their 2 children are Abbie A. and John Franklin.
Mason Hatch was born in this township April 26, 1846, son of
Sylvanus Hatch, deceased; the latter was born in Hillsboro, N. H.,
in. 1816; was a farmer by occupation, and died March 17,1868.
Mason was educated in the State University at Bloomington, 111.,
and has taught school most of the time for 8 years, but is now
farming on the old home place, sec. 9.
Jacob Hendricks was born in Harrison Co., O.^ March 22, 1831,
and is a son of Andrew Hendricks, of Adams Co., 111. He was
•raised on a farm, and received a common-school education; was
married Aug. 28, 1855, to Nancy M. Bobison, daughter of William
Eobison, deceased, who brought his family to this county in 1847.
t Mr. and Mrs. Hendricks have had 10 children, of whom 7 are liv-
ing,— Leah J., William E., Mary E., Andrew G., Laura 0., Estella
E., and Charles E. Mr. Hendricks is a farmer, but is now engaged
in the grain and stock business at Maysville.
George D. Hensell was born in Wheeling, W. Ya., March 23,
1854, son of Eobert Hensell, now of Griggsville ; when our sub-
ject was one year old the family emigrated to Griggsville, where
he was educated. For 3 years he has been teaching, and is now
teaching his second term in Middle Flint district, Flint tp., where
the growing prosperity of his school sufficiently attests his qualifi-
cations. June 12, 1878, he married Nellie Cover, daughter of
Daniel Cover, sr., of Griggsville.
John W. Hensell was born in Portland, Jefferson Co., 0., Aug.
8, 1848, son of Eobert L., of Griggsville ; he has lived on a farm
since 10 years old, and now resides on sec. 26, Griggsville tp.; the
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 545
emigration of his people to this county was in 1855. He was mar-
ried Oct. 28, 1869, to Mary J. Warton, daughter of Wm. Warton,
deceased, so well known in the early settlement of Pike connty ;
and they have 4 children ,^Fred, Delia M., George O. and Estella.
Dr. James Montgomery Miggins, youngest son of John and
Elizabeth Higgins, was born in Montgomery Co., Md., July 30,
1808; educated chiefly in Rockville, Md.; studied medicine in
Washington, D. C. ; graduated in the medical department of Colum-
bia College in that city March 11, 1829, and has followed the prac-
tice of his profession ever since, — over half a century now. Jan.
25, 1831, he married Margaret Davis in Bourbon Co., Ky., niece
of Gov. Edward Tiffin, first Gdvernor of Ohio ; in the following
spring he emigrated to Jacksonville, 111., and in Nov., 1834, he
removed with his wife and infant child to Griggsville, this county,
where physicians were scarcer than in Jacksonville ; in 1846 he
was elected Representative to the State Legislature ; in 1848 he
was elected Medical Superintendent of the Illinois State Hospital
for the Insane at Jacksonville, where he superintended the building
of the original hospital, at a cost surprisingly low, as attested by a
Legislative commission ; he opened the institution in the fall of
1851, and conducted it with great acceptability until the summer
of 1854, when he returned to Griggsville, where he has practiced
ever since except in 1862-3, when he was Surgeon of the 114th
Eeg. III. Yol.
B.esides an infant son that died in Jacksonville in 1832, felie Doc-
tor and ills wife have had 6 children, as follows : Isaac Newton,
James M., Edward Tifiin, Mary E., Drusilla C. and Lizzie M., — all
living except the eldest daughter, Mrs. Mary E. Jones. Isaac N.
studied and graduated in medicine, but has followed journalism up
to the present time. In company with his brother James M., Be
published the Pihe County Union, the first newspaper in Griggs-
ville, and which was afterwrard transferred to Pittsfield ; subse-
quently he became editor-in-chief of the Illinois State Register
at Springfield, and after several years he became managing editor
of the Chicago Hepublioan, and for 10 years past has occupied that _
relation to the San Francisco Morning Call, a daily paper of
45,000 circulation. James M., jr., a practical printer, has been
connected with the Illinois State Register in various relations, a
part of the time one of its editors. Edward T. holds an important
position in the W. U. Telegraph office at Chicago. Mary E. mar-
ried J. Howard Jones in 1861, and died Aug. 9, 1874, in Chicago,
leaving 2 sons and an infant daughter. Drusilla C. became the
second wife of Mr. Jones on the Christmas of 1878, and they
reside in Chicago. Lizzie M. is a teacher in the public schools of
Griggsville.
Edwin Mitch, deceased, was born Sept. 25, 1843, in Adams
county. 111.; was educated in the schools of Perry, this county, and
was raised on a farm. He engaged in buying and shipping stock
for several years; was married Jan. 22, 1867, to Mary Simpkin,
64-6 HISTORY OF PIKE OOUNTT.
daughter of Thomas Simpkin, deceased. They had 4 boys — Edwin
L., Thomas S., Eufus and Eoy M. Mr. Hitch was a worthy citi-
zen and higlily esteemed. He died Jan. 29, 1877, in Griggsville.
Prof. B. M. Hitch is Principal of the High School at Griggs-
ville. This department is in excellent running order; everything
moves on with the system and regularity of clock-work, and the
best of order prevails. Save one or two exceptions, the best series
of text books is used. Miss 'Abbie Hatch, Assistant,. Miss L. E.
Campbell, Teacher of Grammar School.
Gapt. B. B. Hopkins was born in London, England, Jan. 2,
1838, and is a son of Robert Hopkins, deceased; came to America
when but 14 years old, arriving a^ Griggsville Landing, Dec. 9,
1852; spent a year crossing and re-crossing the Western plains as
assistant wagon-master in the service of the Government; enlisted
Sept. 5, 1861, as a private in the late war in Co. G, 5th 111. Oav.,
under Oapt. John A. Harvey, now of St. Louis, and brother of ex-
Governor Harvey, of Kansas. Mr. Hopkins was promoted to the
Captaincy of his Company in December, 1862; he resigned his com-
mission in the army in July, 1864, on account of disability. He has
been engaged in raising short-horned thorough-bred cattle and
Cotswold sheep since 1865. He was married Nov. 15, 1864, to
Ann, second daughter of Thomas Simpkin, deceased, known as the
"land king" of Pike county. Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins have 5
children.
John Houston was born in 1817, in Hillsboro, N. H., and is the
son of John Houston, deceased. He came to Illinois in 1837, and'set-
tled in Griggsville tp.: his brother "William preceded him 2 years.
Mr. Houston returned to N. H. in 1840, and remained there until
1843, when he returned to Illinois. In 1847 he again went to N. H.,
and was married to Mary Lane. They had 8 children, of whom
4 are living — Lavica, Samuel, Frederick and Alice. Mr. H. has
been a successful brick and stone mason, and is also an excellent
plasterer, but does not follow this as a business. In 1858, he was
elected Sheriff of Pike county, in which capacity he served for 2
years.
Edward 8. Hoyt; P. O., Griggsville; was born in this town
Feb. 22, 1846; received a common-school education in Griggsville,
and is also a graduate of the Jones Commercial College, of St. Louis,
Mo. He followed boating on the Illinois river for seven years, and
now has charge of the warehouse at Griggsville Landing. In the
winter season he engages with his father in the packing of pork in
Griggsville. He was married in November, 1869, to Emily,
daughter of the popular Capt. Samuel Rider, of this county. They
have 3 children — Herbert, Clara and Mary A.
Arnold Hughes, son of Elliott and Jane S. Hughes, was born in
Danville, Montgomery Co., Mo. He is a grandson of Col. Thos-
Hughes, of Paris, Ky.; his mother was the eldest daughter of John
E. McConnell, of Lexington, Ky. In 1838 his parents removed to
Montgomery county, Mo., within a few miles of where Daniel
SRiaSSVILLE TP
HISTOBT OF PIKE COUNTY. 649
Eoone lived and died. Our subject served an apprenticeship at
the printer's trade in Milwaukee, Wis., and from there went on a
"tour," working at St. Paul, Omaha, St. Joe, Kansas City, St.
Louis, Jackson, etc. In Shelby county. 111., he edited one
of the best country papers in the State. He is editor of the " In-
dependent Pressy published weekly at Griggsville, by Hughes &
Nelson. These enterprising young men wield an influence that
will make their paper a success. Mr. Hughes was married Sept. 26,
1878, to Miss E. D. Hudson.
Senry L. Hurt was born in Madison Co., Va., Aug. 21, 1825.
His ancestry settled in King and Queen Co., Ya., about two centu-
ries ago. Mr. H. came to Pike county in the fall of 1866, and
settled in G-riggsville, where he now resides, S. E. corner of Cory
and Washington sts. He is a miller by occupation, but he retired
from that business some years ago. In politics he has always been
independent, but since the formation of the Republican party he
has generally voted with that party. In religion he is a Baptist,
and has advocated the cause of temperance from boyhood, claiming
to have had strictly temperance parents that set an example he has
tried to follow. His first marriage was in Culpepper Co., Ya., Jan.
5, 1854, with Elmira Smith, who died of consumption Jan. 9, 1870.
She was a member of the Baptist Church. His second marriage
was in Griggsville, Feb. 15, 1871, with Elizabeth, daughter of the
late John C. Shaw, who came to Pike county when there were only
about 3 houses between Griggsville and the Illinois river. Mr.
and Mrs. Hurt have no children, but have adopted 2 nieces. Amy
and Emma Copson, whom they are trying to educate. Mrs. H. is a
member of the Baptist Church. John C. Shaw was born in Attle-
boro, near ITun Eaton, Warwickshire, England, March 12, 1796.
His father, Josiah Shaw, acquired considerable wealth' and was for
many years engaged in ribbon manufacture. His mother's maiden
name was Ann Clark. In 1819 he was married to Elizabeth Towe,
and after carrying on the brick-making and building business for a
number of years in his native place, he emigrated to America in
1829, and settled in Washington Co., N. Y., following farming.
After remaining there about 3 years he removed to Illinois, and
settled on sec. 13, Griggsville tp., Sept., 1833, where he resided
until his death. In 1840 he built a flouring-mill, also a saw-mill,
on Flint creek. A few years later he removed the mills to Griggs-
ville Landing, on the Illinois river. After a few years he again
commenced farming, which he followed until the infirmities of age
caused him to retire from active life. He and his wife both united
with the Baptist Church in Griggsville. They raised 9 children,
3 sons and 6 daughters.
Samuel Hutchinson, inventor and manufacturer of Hutchin-
son's adjustable harrow, was born in Boston, Mass., in 1813; came
to Pike Co. in 1834, landing here with less than $5.00 in his pocket.
He is a mechanic, and has helped to erect a great many houses in
Griggsville. He was married in 1838 to Laura Bachelor, and they
550 HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY.
had 5 children, 3 of whom are living. He was again married in
1855, this time to Jane A. Edwards. He was married a third time
to Sarah E. Jones, and they had 4 children, 2 of whom are living.
A. J. Ives was born in Canada, July 19, 1850 ; came to Illinois.
in 1869; was educated in the Wesleyan University at Bloora-
ington; began teaching in 18Y3. His father was a farmer. Mr.
Ives came to Pike Co. in 1876 ; was married to Eosella Kenedy,
July 19, 1873. They have one child, Elmer K.
David Jenkins, a native of Clermont Co., O., was born Dec. 16,
1841; was educated in the common schools of Ohio, and came to
Illinois with his parents in 1855, remaining in Altona, Knox Co.,
until the spring of 1857, when they removed to Pike Co., where
they still reside. He was married July 26, 1872, to Ede A. Elder,
daughter of William and Phoebe Elder, deceased. They have had 1
little girl, Anna. Mr. Jenkins is engaged in farming, and resides
on sec. 25, Griggsville township. He served in Co. I, 33d Reg't.
111. Vol., in the Rebellion for 4 years and 3 months, partici-
pating in several battles. His father, Joseph "W. Jenkins, was bora
in Gloucester Co., N. J., March 9, 1800, and w;i,s raised on a farm;
was brought to Clermont Co., O., by his parent^; in 1806; wasmar-
ried in 1841 to Susannah Fisher, by whom hu had 3 children, —
Catharine, Mary A. and David. He is a saddler and liarness-
maker by trad^, at which he has worked most of the time during
his life. Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins now reside with their son David.
Nathan W. Jones, one of the founders of Griggsville, was born
in Worcester Co., Mass., April 27, 1803; emigrated in 1830 to
Jacksonville, 111., where he served as Steward of the Illinois Col-
lege for one year; in the winter of 1831 he returned East, by way
of New Orleans and New York, on account of high water, and in
the spring he brought his family to Jacksonville; and in 1833 he
came to this point, where he bought a piece of land and helped to
lay out the town of Griggsville, and suggested the name of the
town. He built the first frame house in Griggsville, which still
stands. At first he was a farmer for a -number of years, and since
has followed merchandising, etc. In company with Joshua K.
Stanford he kept the first store in Griggsville, taking in trade
the first year (1833) 9 bear-skins, from bears killed within 10'
miles of town. He owned the warehouses at Griggsville Landing
for a number of years, and was an extensive grain merchant, being
the first who paid ca^h for grain in this township. He and Mr.
Winn cut the first harvest in this township without liquor. Mr.
Jones' ancestrj' are of New England stock, and ot English origin.
They are referred to in Bancroft's History of the United States.
In 1823 Mr. Jones married Hannah P. Glazier, and their 8 chil-
dren are: Sarah, now widow of James H. Chase, Buffalo, N. T.;
George W., Clerk of Appellate Court at Springfield, and formerly
Circuit Clerk of Pike Co.; John W., deceased; William H., who
•died in California in 1851, in his 20th year; John H., Confidential
Clerk of the Grain Inspector of Cliicago, formerly Assistant
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 551
Treasurer of Illinois; Lucy T. and Henrietta H., deceased; and
Charles W., bookkeeper in Griggsville. Mr. Jones' portrait is given
in this volume.
S. M. Kennedy was born in Clermont Co., O., Sept. 12, 1845;
moved to Pike county in 1858, where he has since resided; is chief
engineer \i\. the Pike Mills,- of Griggsville. He was married in
1870 to Harriet Baldwin, by whom he has had 3 children, — Willy,
Nellie and Mervyn Ehea. He served 4 months in Co. H, 137th I.
Y. I., in the late war, and assisted in opposing Forest's raid on
Memphis.
Kenn'ey <& Clark, the largest firm in Griggsville, established
themselves in general merchandising in 1864, succeeding Mr.
Charles Kenney. They carry a general stock of dry goods, cloth-
ing, boots and shoes, groceries, queensware, hats and caps, carpets,
etc., etc>, amounting to a stock of over $20,000. Mr. Clark's father,
John Clark, was an early settler in Ogle Co., 111., having located
there about the year 1880, and came to this county in 1857, where
he died in 1872. He was a farmer on sec. 15, Griggsville tp.
W. E. Kneeland is a native of Griggsville, and was educated in
the union schools of this place. He engaged in the mercantile busi-
ness in March, 1879, and has a general stock of dry goods, gro-
ceries, boots and shoes. His trade is increasing, and he carries a
stock of $3,500.
John Lasbury was born in Kensington, near London, Eng., IS ov.
11, 1830, and was educated in the ^ame place. He learned the
butcher's trade when quite young, and came to America in 1852 in
a sail-ship : was 10 weeks coming from Liverpool to New Orleans,
and 3 weeks from New Orleans to St. Louis. From St. Louis he
walked to Griggsville in a deep snow, a distance of about 110 miles;
this he accomplished in 3 days' time. He worked for the late
Kobert Allen, of Griggsville, for about 2 years ; was the first butcher
in Griggsville: supplied Griggsville and Pittsfield both with meat
from one beef, and sometimes would have some left, which he would
take to Perry. He was married March 20, 1858, to Sarah Simpkin,
daughter of Thos. Simpkin, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Lasbury have
5 children, — Mary, Ann, Elizabeth, John and Yincent. Mr. L. re-
sides on sec. 28, Griggsville tp., and is engaged in farming and
stock-raising. He has some fine cattle, and he brought the first
long-wooled sheep to this part of the country. These sheep were
brought from Canada.
James B. Lewis is a native of Kentucky, and was born Nov. 10,
1835. His parents brought him to Woodford Co., 111., in 1837,
and to Adams Co. in 1842. He was educated in Quincy, and at
the age of 15 was apprenticed to J. C. Bernard, a harness-maker of
that place, with whom he remained 5^ years. He located in
Griggsville in 1865, and remained here 17 months, and then removed
to Alton, where he resided in 1858; when he returned to Griggs-
ville. He was married in Alton, 111., June 18, 1862, to C. F. Fef- •
guson, and they have 3 children, — Mary H.,Louise E. and Maud W.
562 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY,
Robert M. Love was born in Trenton, N. J., June 14, 1818, and
is a son of Samuel and Lydia (Morgan) Love. The former is de-
ceased, the latter resides in Pittsfield, and is 83 years old. Mr.
Love has cut, split and hauled wood 7 miles for 6 "bits " a cord,
and paid $1.50 a yard for Kentucky jeans to make himself a pair of
pants. He was married " Oct. 3, 1841, to Mary A., daughter of
Charles Troy, deceased. She was born Jan. 5, 1824, in Morgan Co.,
ni. The Troy family were burned out by the Indians and they
suffered untold privations. Mr. and Mrs. Love had 10 children, —
Henry C, deceased, Charles E., Lydia J., Jerome G., Georgia Ann,
Eleanor, Julia, John E., Sarah E. and Robert F. Mr. Love first
settled in Perry tp. , but for 30 years has resided on sec. 17, Griggs-
ville tp., where he is engaged in farming and stock-raising, and Tie
owns 160 acres of land, 120 of which is well improved. He is a
member of the M. E. Church, as also are Mrs. Love and 4 daughters.
Wm,. E. Ludlow was born in Griggsville in 1858, and is the son
of Robert McK. Ludlow, deceased. Mr. L. is a partner with Mr.
Frye in Frye's flouring-mill. He was educated in the schools of
Griggsville. His father was accidentally shot and killed while hunt-
ing in Dec, 1859.
Henry Lynde, Esq., was born in West Brookfield, Mass., Ifov.
11, 1815; was educated in Munson Academy, Hampden Co., Mass.;
came to Alton, 111., Dec. 1, 1836, and the following spring engaged
in the mercantile business in Griggsville, which he continued for
4 years, when he engaged in farming, which occupation he followed
for 25 years within 2 miles of East Griggsville. In 1868 he rented
his farm and retired to Griggsville, where he still resides, and is
engaged in insurance and real estate business. He has filled the
office of Justice of the Peace since 1873, and is also a Notary Public;
has been Township Trustee of Schools for 21 consecutive years and
has filled other offices of trust. He was married Sept. 13, 1838, to
Ann C. Shaw, daughter of John C. Shaw, deceased. They had 10
children, of whom 6 are living, — Mary A. (now Mrs. Samuel Thack-
wray), Sarah J. (now Mrs. H. T. Frits), Burton C, H. Lovell (Mrs.
Samuel L. Fiester); the two latter reside at Whiting, Kansas; Nellie
W. (now Mrs. T. A. Hill, of Griggsville), and Minnie L. Their eld-
est son was killed during the Rebellion; their eldest daughter, Eliz-
abeth, was married iu Sept, 1863, to Dr. Wm. H. D. Noyes,
and died in July, 1873, while on a visit to her friends in Griggs-
ville. Mr. and Mrs. Lynde are members of the* Baptist Church,
and he has been Vice President of the S. S. County Convention for
several years.
Wm. Marden, son of Frank Marden, of Chambersburg, was born
in Perry, Pike Co., Nov. 19, 1855 ; was educated here and at the
age of 21 engaged in the livery business in Perry, and is still pro-
prietor of the Perry Livery Stable ; is also proprietor of the Griggs-
ville Liverv Stable, doing a successful business in both places. His
stock in Griggsville is about $2,300, and in Perry $2,000. He was
HISTOKT OF PIKE COUNTY. 653
married Oct. 17, 1878, to Venie, daughter of John E. Moiton, of
Perry.
Robert Marshall was born in Cadiz, Harrison Co., O., May 1,
1848, and is the son of "Wm. Marshall, of Griggsville, who came
here in 1861, where he still resides, and is a blacksmith. He is a
first-class mechanic, and has built up a large trade. Mr. Marshall
is the father of 9 children, of which our subject is the eldest. His
son, Wm. Marshall, jr., is also a mechanic, and is working in the
Griggsville Plow Manufactory.
Wm. Marshall was born near Greenburg, Westmoreland Co.,
Pa., March 1, 1822; is the father of 8 children, 4 of whom are now
living. His eldest son, Kobert, resides with his father; his second
son, William, follows blacksmithing and is a promising young man.
Mr. Marshall came to Pike county in the spring of 1861 and settled
in Griggsville, where he has ever since carried on blacksmithing suc-
cessfully.
Thomas Manton, a native of Lincolnshire, England, was born
April 16, 1844, and is a son of James Manton, near Pittsfield, who
brought his family to America in 1854, locating in Detroit tp., where
he remained until 1857, and then came to Griggsville tp. Mr.
Manton is at present a bachelor and resides on sec. 5, Griggsville
tp., where he is engaged in farming and stock-raising. His sisters,
Mary and Lizzie, preside over his house.
Wm. McBratney was born in Ireland in 1834, and is the son of
John McBratney, deceased; was brought to America by his parents
in 1836; remained in Pennsylvania one year; came to Adams Co.,
111., where John McBratney resided until his death, which occurred
in 1871. Old Mrs. McBratney still resides in Adams Co., wiA
her daughter, and is 87 years old. Our subject came to Griggs-
ville in 1856, where he engaged in blacksmithing, which he, still
carries on. He worked 4 j^ears as a journeyman after arriving in
this town. He was married Oct. 5, 1865, to Lucinda McDonald,
and they have 4 children, — Charles F., Frank, Jennie E. and Wm.
Emmet. The latter was named for the noted Emmet, the first
Representative in the British Parliament from Ireland, after the re-
bellion in that country. Mr. McBratney also manufactures plows
and wagons, and deals in agricultural implements.
John McOlain was born in Adair Co., Ky., in 1807; was educated
there in a subscription school; came to Pike Co. in 1830 and settled
in Griggsville tp. At that time there was not a fence between his
farm and Atlas. In 1839 he married Abigail Shores. They had
6 children, of whoni 3 are living, — Thomas S., Ann Eliza and An-
geline, all married. He has been a successful farmer all his life,
until within the past 9 years, during which time he has resided in
Griggsville.
Jjevi W. McMahan was born in Marion Co., Ind., near Indian-
apolis, March 31,1841; parents were Wm. and Maria (Thomas)
McMahan. The former, a native of Clermont Co., O., was a farmer
in Indiana, and came to Illinois in 1856 with his family, Levi W.
554 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
bein^ then 14 years of age ; has ever since been in the cabinet busi-
ness in Griggsville; his wife was a native of Maine. At the ageot
19 Levi opened a confectionery establishment in Griggsville for
about one year, then followed farming 4 years, and then commenced
general mercantile business at Griggsville; in 2 years he returned
to farming again, and dealing in grain and stock ; he now carries
on milling. Mr. McMahan is one of the most active, enterprising
and public-spirited men of the county, and has done much toward
the improvement of the town where he lives. The business enter-
prise— the Pike Flouring Mills — of which he is at the head, is one
of the most extensive in the county. April 28, 1861, he married
Hattie, daughter of Cephas and Lucy Simmons; of their 3 children,
Nellie and Alice are living. Mrs. McM. died May 6, 1876.
The " Pike Mills," owned by Mi. McM and D. P. Baldwin, were
built on modern principles, with the new process for grinding flour;
also an elevator with a storage capacity of 20,000 bushels of grain.
The mill is 33 by 80 feet, three stories and basement, the eaves 36
feet from the ground, and the whole structure, built of brick, cost
over $20,000. The mill and cooper-shop furnish a home market
for 200,000 bushels of grain per annum. It has 4 run of stone,
having a capacity of grinding 200 barrels of flour a day. The mill
was planned by Mr. McMahan, and soon after' work commenced on
the building he took for partners two brothers, D. P. and George
Baldwin, the former being his present partner. They give employ-
ment the year round to about 20 men on an average, at times to
nearly double that number, including the cooper shop. The mill
stands near the railr.oad track, is a very fine structure, and an orna-
ment to the city. It is calculated to give the travelers who pass'
through a good impression of the enterprise and energy of the town
of Griggsville. We give Mr. McMahan's portrait in this book. .
ffon. James Mb Williams. The first of this gentleman's ancestry
in America were Alexander Mc Williams and wife. Highland Scotch,
who emigrated to America in 1776. On board the vessel for this
country Alexander McWilliams, the father of the subject ,of this
sketch, was born. On arriving in Americathey settled at Browns-
ville, Pa. ; they afterward moved to Ohio, Belmont county, where
he died in 1824, aged 84 years. He and his wife were both mem-
bers of the Union Presbyterian Church. Alex. McWilliams, jr.,
received his early education at Brownsville, where at the age of 22
he married Miss Jane Paxton, daughter of John Paxton, of Pro-
testant Irish descent. In this family were born 3 children, the
youngest of whom is James, the subject of this sketch. Mrs. McW.
died about 1803. Her husband married a second wife a short time
afterward, by whom he had 11 children. He died at the age of 65,
at his residence in Union county, O. He always followed farming
as an occupation.
James received the most of his education in the schools of Ohio,
and until 22 his time was largely employed on his father's farm.
He then (1824) married, in Belmont county, Miss Margaret, dangh-
HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTV. 555
ter of Alexander Latimer, formerly of Scotland. They had a family
-of 8 children, only one of whom is living. Mr. McW. first came to
Illinois in the fall of 1834, landing at Naples, where he spent the
winter. The spring following he bought 320 acres of land on sec.
^, Griggsville tp., on which he immediately settled with his family.
After having lived here about four years his wife died (Dec. 28,
1838). In Jnne, 1839, he married Miss Lucretia Prescott, a native
■of Groton, Mass.
Since first settling in this county Mr. McW. has taken an active
and prominent part in its affairs, socially, financially and politically.
As early as 1838 he was elected on the Democratic ticket a Repre-
sentative in the State TiOgislature, where he served a term of two
years, the first session being held at Vandalia, and the second at
'Springfield. Since then he has been County Commissioner, Super-
visor of Griggsville Township, etc., etc., and has been continually
in office of some kind. Up to 1848 he followed farming; he then
engaged in the lumber trade at Griggsville, which he conducted
■successfully until 4 or 5 years ago. He was one of the original
•stockholders and organizers of the Griggsville National Bank, which
was put in motion principally through his exertions. The bank
opened tor business Aug, 1, 1873, with a capital of $50,000, and has
done a profitable business since that date. On its first organization
Mr. McW. was elected its president, and he has acted in that capac-
ity up to the present time. It was probably through his exertions
more than any other man, that Griggsville enjoys its present railroad
facilities, he having taken an active and prominent part in securing
the road. Credit is also due him for the fact that the town is free
from railroad debt, in the shape of bonds, he having taken a fore-
most part in the financial plans for liquidating the debt.
During the late war Mr. McWilliams was a firm supporter of
President Lincoln's administration, using his means and exerting
his influence at all times to encourage a bold and energetic prose-
-cution of the war. His son, Capt. John Mcf Williams, served for 90
days in the 8th 111. Inf., and immediatelyafterreturning home from
service in that regiment he re-enlisted and participated in many an
■engagement during Gen. Sherman's campaign on his famous march
to the sea.
Mr. McWilliams has a family of four children living, all of whom
are married. He is now living at Griggsville, and is 78 years of
age, enjoying good health, prepared to live in comfort. He is one
of three of the oldest residents in the township now living. He
and his wife are both members of the Congregational Church. We
give his portrait in" this volume. It is from a picture taken at the
age of 63.
Jacob K. Moore was born in Merrimac Co., N. H., Jan. 27, 1808,
«on of Stephen and Phoebe (Kimball) Moore, deceased; reared on a
farm and educated in the town of Canterbury, N. H. ; was an itin-
•erant seller of books at auction, and clocks and other articles for 7
years, then engaged in merchandising in Sanbornton, N. H., until
556 HISTORY OF PTKE COUNTY.
1837, when he lost all by fire. In 1835 he married Cynthia A.
Gerrish, and they have had 5 children, — Frances A. (Eussell, dec.)
Joseph D., Ph(Bbe K., Geo. H. and Albert. Mr. Moore came to
Brown Co., 111., by wagon in 1838, and purchased 40 acres of land
and next year he brought his family in a wagon to his new home
in the West, a distance of 1,600 miles; they were 40 days on the
road. They removed to Griggsville April 16, 1849. Mr. M. is aa
auctioneer, and has also followed farming. He now resides on sec.
22. Although zealous in the late war he has never aspired to any
oflSce; He is liberal toward all the Churches, although not a mem-
ber of any particular one. When he first came West he had but
$10 and a span of old horses, but he now owns 243 acres of valuable
land, besides giving 800 acres to his children. He has also given
his children a good education and interested himself in the estab-
lishment of good schools.
James B. Morrison, of the firm of Morrison & Kenney, grocery
and hardware merchants in Griggsville, came here in 1854. This
firm, established in 1865, carry a stock of about $5,000, and do the
largest business in their line in Griggsville.
George A. Mv/re was born in Fayette Co., Ky., in 1833; was
educated in Winchester, Scott Co., 111., having come to that place
in 1840 in emigration with his mother; learaed the trade of saddle
and harness-maker under Hale & Strawn, in Winchester; in 1855
he began business for himself in Griggsville, where he still re-
mains, with a large trade. He has taken premiums constantly at
the Pike Co. fair on all of his work, and has earned a first-class
reputation. In 1864 he married Julia, daughter of Cephas Sim-
-mons, and they have had 4 children, of whom 3 are living, viz:
Geo. W., Bertha and Helen.
Wm. Newhouse was born in Delaware Co., O., in 1830, and was
reared on a farm ; at 23* he engaged in the cooper business ; he
came to Pike county in ]852 and returned to Ohio the same year;
in 1857 he came to LaHarpe, Hancock Co., 111., where he remained
22 years ; he then located in Griggsville, where he now carries on
the coopering business; 30 years' practice has made him a fine
workman. In 1856 he married Eliza J. Findley, and of their 3
children, 2 are living, Samuel and Freddie, the former being now
in partnership with his father, and the firm is known as Ifew-
house & Son.
Samuel A. Oliver is a native of Maine ; emigrated to Missouri
in 1859, and in 1865 he became a merchant in Hannibal; in Nov.,
1878, he came to Griggsville and opened a general stock of grocer-
ies, queensware, glassware, lime, salt and oil, keeping on hand
about $3,500 worth. He has had much to contend with here, but
by integrity and enterprise has won the confidence of the com-
m-unity. In 1861 he married Frances M. Davis, and their only
child is Willie.
T. W. Parker is a native of Indiana, and a son of James Parker,
now of Griggsville. He engaged in the drug business here in 1867
556 flISTOET OF PTKE COUNTY.
1837, when he lost all by fire. In 1835 he married Cynthia A.
Gerrish, and they have had 5 children, — Frances A. (Kussell, dec.)
Joseph D., Phce'be K., Geo. H. and Albert. Mr. Moore came to
Brown Co., 111., by wagon in 1838, and purchased 40 acres of land,
and next year he brought his family in a wagon to his new home
in the West, a distance of 1,600 miles; they were 40 days on the
road. They removed to Griggsville April 16, 1849. Mr. M. is an
auctioneer, and has also followed farming. He now resides on sec.
22. Although zealous in the late war he has never aspired to any
office; He is liberal toward all the Churches, although not a mem-
ber of any particular one. When he first came West he had but
$10 and a span of old horses, but he now owns 243 acres of valuable
land, besides giving 800 acres to his children. He has also given
his children a good education and interested himself in the estab-
lishment of good schools.
James B. Morrison, of the firm of Morrison & Kenney, grocery
and hardware merchants in Griggsville, came here in 1854. This
firm, established in 1865, carry a stock of about $5,000, and do the
largest business in their line in Griggsville.
Oeorge A, Mv/re was born in Fayette Co., Ky., in 1833; was
educated in Winchester, Scott Co., 111., having come to that place
in 1840 in emigration with his mother; learued the trade of saddle
and harness-maker under Hale & Strawn, in Winchester; in 1855
he began business for himself in Griggsville, where he still re-
mains, with a large trade. He has taken premiums constantly at
the Pike Co. fair on all of his work, and has earned a first-class
reputation. In 1864 he married Julia, daughter of Cephas Sim-
•mons, and they have had 4 children, of whom 3 are living, viz:
Geo. W., J3ertha and Helen.
Wm. JSewhoiise was born in Delaware Co., O., in 1830, and was
reared on a farm; at 23* he engaged in the cooper business; he
came to Pike county in 1852 and returned to Ohio the same year;
in 1857 he came to LaHarpe, Hancock Co., 111., where he remained
22 years ; he then located in Griggsville, where he now carries on
the coopering business; 30 years' practice has made him a fine
workman. In 1856 he married Eliza J. Findley, and of their 3
children, 2 are living, Samuel and Freddie, the former being now
in partnership with his father, and the firm is known as l^ew-
house & Son.
Samuel A. Oliver is a native of Maine; emigrated to Missouri
in 1859, and in 1865 he became a merchant in Hannibal; in Nov.,
1878, he came to Griggsville and opened a general stock of grocer-
ies, queensware, glassware, lime, salt and oil, keeping on hand
about $3,500 worth. He has had much to contend with here, but
by integrity and enterprise has won the confidence of the com-
mianity. In 1861 he married Frances M. Davis, and their only
child is Willie.
T. W. Parker is a native of Indiana, and a son of James Parker,
now of Griggsville. He engaged in the drug business here in 1867
GRIGGSVILLE
HISTOET OF PIKE OOTTNTT. 559
and now carries a stock of $4,500, in drugs, medicines, stationery,
fancy goods, books, etc.; keeping on hand a well selected variety of
articles in all these branches of the trade, prosperity attends him.
Otis Pa/rsons was born in Gloucester, Mass., in 1812, the second
of 9 children; was a merchant in Griggsville for several years, and
farmer for a time. He came to Alton, ill., in 1835, and to Griggs-
ville the next year. His parents were also natives of Gloucester,
Mass. His mother is still living (December, 1879) at the age of 97
years. She remembers that at the time of George Washington's
death, she saw the messenger proclaiming the sad news that " Wash-
ington, the Great,' is dead! " But 4 of her 9 children are living, —
Solomon, Superintendent of Tremont Temple, Boston; Otis, Jacob
and Samuel. Grandmother Parsons is the only child of Capt.
Eobert Tomlinson , who was a voyager and was lost at sea ; says
she has always been a Democrat from birth, and a strong advocate
of temperance; has been a member of the Baptist Church a great
many years. This good old mother has always been kind and af-
fectionate to her children, but very firm. Our subject, Otis, is the
father of 7 children, of whom 6 are living.
Giles Penstone is a native of England, and came to America in
1849, settling in Pike Co., 111., where he has since resided. He
was married in 1837 and has had 7 children, of whom 5 are living.
His 2 sons, Giles H. and Edward, served 8 years in the late war in
Co. H, 73d I. V. I. _
. Flavins J. Phillips, son of Andrew Phillips, deceased, was born
in Pike Co., 111., Aug. 21, 1831. He was educated mostly in
Griggsville, and in the early part of his life he ran the ferry at
Valley City, known as Phillips' Ferry. His grandfather, Nimrod
Phillips, purchased the ferry in 1822, which has since borne his
name. Our subject was married Jan. 13, 1856, to Elizabeth, daugh-
ter of I^athan Jester, deceased, an early settler in Western Illinois.
They have had 9 children, of whom 7 are living, — James K., John
C, Ellen, George L., Salina, Howard M. and Mary A. Mr. Phil-
lips is engaged in farming and stock-raising. His father was born
in North Carolina in 1801, and came with his parents to Illinois
in the year 1822 and located in Scott Co., where he remained until
1826, when he came to Pike county.
James M. Phillips, son of Andrew Phillips, deceased, was born
in Scott Co., 111., Kpv. 27, 1826, and like other pioneers has suf-
fered many privations and hardships. He resided where Griggs-
ville now stands before there was 'any town there, and was there
during the deep snow of 1830-1 ; was educated in Griggsville, and
in 1855 was married to Sarah J., daughter of Nathan Jester, de- ,
ceased. They had 5 children, of whom 3 are living, — Ste-
phen A. D ., Emily J. and David M. Mr. Phillips is engaged in
tarming and resides on sec. 36, Griggsville tp. He had many
interesting experiences with wolves and Indians. At one time,
when they had been committing depredations, such as killing stock,
etc., he assisted in driving them away. One Indian seemed deter-
33
660 > HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
mined to load his gun and fight, but was caught by one of the
whites and severely whipped with a brush.
Oeorge Pratt, a native of Massachusetts, was born Aug. 5, 1812-
spent 6 years of the early part of his life on the sea ; was superin-
tendent of the Valentine & Chamberlain packing-house at Cam-
bridgeport, Mass., for 2 years previous to coming "West ; he came
to Griggsville in 1837, where he has since resided ; was a cooper
and pork packer for 25 years in this place, and then became broken
down in health, and has since lived rather a retired life except to
loan money on real estate. He is now serving his 4:th terra as
Supervisor for Griggsville tp. Has been married 3 times and has
had 6 children, of whom 4 are living, — George E., with Kenney &
Clark in Griggsville ; Albert J., in dry-goods business, and of the
firm of Atwater & Pratt, Jacksonville, 111.; Franklin, farmer; and
Elizabeth, now Mrs. Edwin Plummer, of McPherson, Kan.
Samuel Ramsey was born in Gallia Co., O., Aug. 4, 1852, where
he was raised and educated ; learned the blacksmith trade (which
was his father's trade also); came to Pike county in 1875, and to
Maysville in 1878, where he established a wAgon and blacksmith
shop, and is a first-class workman. He has pursued his occupation
ever since grown, except for about 4 years, during which time he
operated as engineer on the Ohio river. He was married Aug. 6,
1878, to Julia M., daughter of Wm. Hill, deceased.
Jamies T. Reynolds, son of E.. D. Reynolds, of New Salem, was
born in Clermont Co., O., Dec. 9, 1839, and came to Pike county
with his parents in 1851. He was married March 2, 1862, to Eliza
J., daughter of James Rankin, of Antrim county, Ireland ; they
have 4 children, — John J., James W., Thomas M. and Isaac N.
Mr. E. enlisted in the late war in Co. E, 16th I. Y. I., where he'
served for one year, and was then promoted to the position of Cap-
tain of Co. I, 18th I. Y. I. He participated in the battles of New
Madrid and Shiloh, and was wounded in the latter engagement, on
account of which he was discharged. He is now engaged in farm-
ing, and resides on sec. 10, Griggsville tp.
A. Rollins, a native of Maine, was born March 5, 1812. His
father, John Rollins, was a musician in the Revolutionary war. He
removed with his family to Clermont Co., O., in 1815, when the
subject of this sketch was but three years old. They settled in the
timber with wild animals for neighbors ; had no guns, hence the
animals were unmolested, but they caught- many turkeys in a kind
of trap or pen made for that purpose. Mr. Rollins' early educa-
tional advantages were very limited, not having enjoyed the free
schools, as do the boys of the present day. He is well versed in
rolling logs, raising cabins, pulling dog-wood and other hard work.
He was married March 17, 1835, to Hannah Tedrow, daughter of
David Tedrow, deceased. They have had eight children, of whom
4 are living, Augustus "W"., Melissa, Amelia and Lecter. ' Mr. Rol-
lins removed to Pike Co. in 1839, having been here in the fall of
1838 and bought a farm near the Pine Settlement. He however did
HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY. 561
not take possession of the farm, as he lost over $500 in casli while
en route for his new home. He went to work with a will, after
losing the $900 he had paid on the farm, so that in a few years he
laid up enough to start again. He bought a farm near New Salem,
where he resided about 15 years. He has been very successful, and
now resides on sec. 4, Griggsville tp., engaged in farming and stock
raising.
L&m/ael Rounds was born June 7, 1806, in Brown Co., O., and
is the son of Lemuel Hounds, deceased, a native of Maine. The
latter emigrated to Ohio in 1800, settling in Brown Co. The sub-
ject of this biography came to Pike Co. in 1842, locating on sec.
16, Fairmount tp., where he followed farming and stock-raising
until 1875; he then sold his farm and removed to Griggsville,
where he now resides. He was married in 1826 to Elizabeth Jack-
son, by whom he had 6 children. Of these only John and Richard
are living. Mrs. R died Oct. 5, 1869; and Mr. R. Oct. 25, 1879,
married Mrs. Martha Hagar, daughter of Charles F. Frye, a well-
known early settler. Mr. Rounds' only daughter, Mrs. Amanda
Martin, died Nov. 22, 1879. His son, Cephas S., was killed on the
railroad at East St. Louis March 2, 1879.
Robert Seaborn, being an early pioneer of Pike county, should
have more than a passing notice in the pages of this history. He
was born in Frankfort, now part of the city of Philadelphia, Pa., Oct.
11, 1814, and is the son of Robert and Elizabeth (Rodgers) Seaborn.
The former was a native of England and came to America during
the latter part of the last century . He was then a single man, but
soon after married. He was a merchant tailor at that place for
several years, and died March 4, 1805, leaving a widow and 3 chil-
dren,-of whom our subject was the youngest. Robert passed his
early years in the city of Philadelphia, where his mother went to
live, and where he received his education. There, at the age of 16
or 16, he was apprenticed to Jacob Young to learn the carriage-
smith's trade; at the age of 21, at the expiration of his term of
apprenticeship, he went to New York city, and after a year or two
went to New Haven, Conn ., then to Boston, where he found em-
ployment with Theodore Dickinson, at present an old settler in this
county; he remained there some three years, during which time he
was married to Caroline Beckford, a sister of Mrs. Dickinson; he
was married in the Hanover Street Congregational church, of which
he was a member, by Rev. Lyman Beecher, father of Henry Ward
Beecher. He then went to the British territories, looking for a
location; but not finding a suitable place, returned to Boston; he
then moved to Preble county, O., where he bought a small farm.
In the summer of 1831 he came to Pike county for the first time,
to look up a location, and bought 160 acres of land on sec. 11,
Griggsville tp., and 160 acres in the creek bottom, both of which
E laces were sligntly improved. He made the return to Ohio for
is family, which then consisted of a wife and two sons, — Robert,
who was born in Boston, and George, who was born in Ohio. While
662 HISTORY OF PIKE OOUNTT.
living on 8ec. 11 he had the misfortune to have his house and every-
thing in it destroyed by fire. Mr. S. met with another accident by
fire previous to this, losing all earthly possessions. When he made
his trip from Boston to Ohio he sent his household goods, books,
etc., around by sea to New Orleans, then via the Mississippi and
Illinois rivers; the boat on which they were sent, however, was
destroyed by fire. When the last fire occurred they were obliged
to live in a smoke-house for the season. This structure was an old log
house, without any floor, and but poorlj^ chinked and daubed. Dur-
ing the year his frieiids and neighbors assisted him to build a frame
dwelling. This was made of one and a half-inch plank stood on
end, and two stories high; in this he lived several years. During
this time every misfortune seemed to attend him, when he sold his
farm and moved to Griggsville. There he lived for a year, when
he bought a farm on sec. 9, of Jacob Bradbury; since that time he
has prospered financially in all his business undertakings.
Mr. Seaborn's wife died on the 25th of March, 184:2, leaving a
family of 5 children, — Robert, George, Henry C, Elizabeth, who
resided in McLean county. 111., but is now deceased, and Ann Car-
oline. April 20, 1842, Mr. S. was married to Mrs. Mary Ann
Bryant, formerly Mary Ann Hovey, daughter of John and Mary
G. Hovey, who were natives of Massachusetts, and lived for many
years in this county. There were 4 children born of this union:
David R., William'H., Charles C. and Howard M. The two lat-
ter died at the age of 18 and 31, respectively. David R. and Wil-
liam H. are both, living in New Salem township. William and
Charles both enlisted in the Union army during the Rebellion, and
served until the close of the war. Mr. and Mrs. Seaborn are both
firm believers in the Christian religion, and have done their part
in supporting and building churches, promoting educational inter-
ests, etc. They are now living at their home about one mile west
of Griggsville. Mr. Seaborn's portrait will be found in this
volume.
A. P. Shar^pe came to Pike Co. in 1834, when he was 25 years
of age, and entered 200 acres of land on sees. 19 and 20, Griggs-
ville tp., where he still resides. He also entered 80 acres on sec.
30, this tp., and 80 acres of timber land on sec. 24, Salem tp. To
enter this land he went to Quincy alone on horseback, a distance
of 50 miles, when there were but 2 cabins on the route, and Mr.
S. shared all the hardships of pioneer life. He had to go to Mor-
gan (now Scott) county to mill, and if successful in getting his
grist ground immediately, he could make the trip in 3 days. He
has actually sold wheat in Griggsville for two " bits " a bushel,
taking his pay in trade, not being allowed to have any groceries at
that. At one time he took 30 bushels of wheat to that town and
gave half of it for a pair of cow-hide boots, and the other half for
a small roll of cotton cloth. At another time he sold his crop of
beans for 30 cents a bushel, taking his pay in sacks and a few httle
trinkets. Mr. Sharpe was born in Pomfret, Windham Co., Conn.,
HISTOKT OF PIKE COUNTY. 563
Jan. 15, 1809; the first 2 years upon his lonely farm in Pike Oo.
he kept "bach," and Sept. 1, '3Y, in Connecticut, he married Miss
F. L. Hutchins, who was born in the town of Thompson, Wind-
ham Co., Conn., Dec. 9, 1816. Mr. S. has been a very successfal
farmer and stock-raiser, owning now 283 acres of land. Mr. S.
paid promptly for all his land by selling beef at $1.25 per cwt.,
pork at $1.50, and corn from 8 to 10 cents, and other things in
proportion. Mr. and Mrs. S. are the parents of 11 children, of
whom 8 are living, namely, Edwin H,, Ellen (now Mrs. Fisher),
Joseph K., Frederick L., Mary H., Anna T., Charles F. Mary H.
and Mrs. Fisher are very fine artists. Many of their pictures dec-
orate the State institutions of this State.
WilUam Shaw, son of John Shaw, deceased, was born in War-
wickshire, Eng., in 1826, and was brought to America by his
parents in 1827, stopping in New York 4 years; then came to Pike
Co. He has pursued various occupations, and now owns 200 acres
of land, and is engaged in general farming on sec. 13, Griggsville
tp. He was married .in 1860 to Mary Alexander, daughter of 'reo.
Alexander, deceased. The building now used by Mr. Shaw as a
, barn was erected by his father in an early day on Flint creek, as a
flouring mill.
James Shinn, sr., was born July 10, 1806, in Salem Co., N. J.;
moved to Hamilton Co., O., in 1824, where he engaged in farming
on the ground where a portion of Cincinnati now stands; came
to Pike county in 1831, settling in Derry tp. ; and after one year
he removed to Griggsville tp., where he still resides. In 1827 he
married Mary Smith, of Clermont Co., O.: they have had 10 chil-
dren, of whom 6 are living, namely, Horace B., John B., Hannah
A., Charles W., Kate and Victoria P. Hannah (now Mrs. Elder),
lives in Washington Territory, and Kate (now Mrs. Stephens, is
in Santa Kosa, Oal. Charles W. is an architect in Springfield, 111.
James Shinn, son of S. L. Shinn, was born in Griggsville, Aug.
31,1841; his father was born in Camden, N. J., in 1811. James
served two years in the late war in Co. G, 8th I. V. I., participated
in the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, siege of Corinth, and the
campaigns of Yicksburg and Ked River, the latter including the
defeat of Gen. Banks at Pleasant Hill ; he was then transferred to
the Signal Service under Gen. Meyer, where he served one year. In
1864 he married Kate Glenn, daughter of Wm. Glenn, and they
have 3 children, — Herbert S., Delia M. and Augusta.
John B. Shinn, son of James Shinn, of Griggsville, was born in
Hamilton Co., O., Oct. 28, 1830, where Cincinnati now stands;
came to this county with his parents in 1831 and settled near Atlas,
where they remained one year; then removed to Griggsville tp.,
locating on sec. 24, where John was brought up ; he attended Mc-
Kendree College, at Lebanon, 111., one year, and then married
Charlotte E. Fielding, Sept. 6, 1853. Of their 8 children 7 are liv-
ing, namely, Charles B., Grace L., Edwin F., John F., Annie M.,
664 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Mary B. and an infant. Mr. S. is a farmer, and has taught school
several years.
ParDin Shinn, son of John S. Shinn, of Griggsville, was born
Oct. 10, 1838, in this tp.; married Oct. 20, 1863, Louise, daughter
of Wm. Thackwray, deceased. Mrs. Shinn's mother, Hannah (Sweet-
ing) Thackwray, is living in Flint tp., at the age of 80 years; and
her grandfather, Kichard Sweeting, came to Pike county in 1834.
Mr. and Mrs. S. have four children, viz: Louise E., Eugeuie, Eva
L. and Ross. Mr. S. is a farmer on sec. 22, and has been prosperous.
Samuel L. Shinn was born in Salem Co., K". J., in 1811; came
to Pike county in 1831, settling in Griggsville tp. His father, John
ShinUj also came the same year and procured land for all his sons.
So numerous were the Shinns that the locality was called " Shinn-
town." The subject of this sketch in 1834 married Sarah Evans,
and they had 16 children, of whom only 7 are living: Clement,
Joseph, James, John, Jane, Mary and Ellen. Mr. S. has been a
Local Preacher in the M. E. Church for 25 years. He went with
his father when he went to pray for the man who was frightened at
the falling stars in 1833. Until 18Y9 he was a farmer; he then re-
tired from farming, and went to Griggsville.
Wm. M. Shinn, deceased, was born in Hamilton Co., 0., Dec. 1,
1830, and was a son of the Rev. John Shinn, so well known in the
pioneer days of Pike county. At the age of two years he emigrated
to this county with his parents, and was reared on a farm. He was
educated in tlie common schools of Pike county, and at the age- of
21, in company with others, went the overland route to California,
with a train of wagons drawn by ox teams. He remained there for 8
years, traveling through Oregon and Washington Territory a por-
tion of the time. He then returned to Pike county to live with his
father, who was then very infirm. He was married Feb. 5, 1861,
to Mary A. Jenkins, daughter of Joseph Jenkins, of Griggsville
tp. Mr. and Mrs. Shinn had 4 children, of whom but one, Eva, is
living, a bright little girl of 10 years. Mr. Shinn died Jan. 11,
1879, a worthy member of the Bethel M. E. Church, of Newburgtp.
Cephas Simmons was born in Bullitt Co., Ky., Sept. 3, 1809,
the eldest son and 3d child of Richard and Sophia Simmons, early
pioneers in that State. The country being new, they had to un-
dergo untold suffering. The State at that early period of its his-
tory was sparsely settled, and they had none of the conveniences
of modern times, while the native savages and ferocious animals
were numerous. They could raise but little produce, and even
then could find but poor markets. A patch of corn and a little
patch of wheat comprised almost the sum total of their farming.
"When Cephas was only 3 years old his father died. He was there-
fore thrown upon his own resources at a very tender age, with no
capital but his hands and will to begin with. He came to Illinois
in 1827 and resided with his uncle, Enos Simmons, in Morgan Co.,
for 2 years, and there he married Lucy, daughter of Jacob and Pa-
tience Bradbury, who was born in Clermont Co., 0., in 1810.
HISTOET OF PIKE COtTNTT. 565
When first married Mr. Siininons' wealth consisted of a colt and
two calves, but bj' energy and perseverance he has brought to him-
self better days. He now has a family of 7 children, all married.
He sent two of his sons into the late war. D. C. volunteered for 3
years, and was wounded at the battle of Perry ville, Ky., and still
carries the ball in his body. Mr. and Mrs. Simmons are both
prominent members of the Baptist Church, as also are most of
their children. Among our portraits of prominent citizens of Pike
Co., appears Mr. Simmons.'
Matthew Simpson, deceased, was born in Harrison Co. , O., Nov.
13, 1807; settled here in 1837, enduring many of the hardships of
pioneer life. He was a Methodist, and died Jan. 4, 1877, loved
and respected by all. He was first married April 19, 1827, to Su-
sannah Orr, by whom he had 7 children, — Margaret J., Mary, Isa-
bella. Thomas, John, James and Alexander, twins, and deceased.
He married afterward Mrs. Susan Pryor, and they had 2 children,
— ^Edward, deceased, and Llewella M. Mrs. Simpson was born
in Knox Co., O., April 22, 1828, daughter of Samuel Ward, de-
ceased, who came to Pike Co. in 1844. She now resides on sec. 17,
Griggs ville tp. She was first married in 1864 to Nathaniel P.
Pryor, who, died the same year.
John Q. Sleight, jr., a native of Lincolnshire, Eng., was born
June 12, 1840, the son of John G. Sleight, sr., afterward of Flint
tp. He came to America in October, 1857, settling in Flint tp.
In 1866 he was married to Ruth Reynolds, and they have 2 children,
Charles W. and Mary Leah. In 1869 he purchased 314 acres of
land in Griggsville tp., sees. 2 and 3. This is one of the best farms
in P ke Co. Mr. and Mrs. S. are Baptists.
Edwa/rd L. Stoats was born in Warren Co., O., July 27, 1836;
was raised mostly on a farm, and emigrated to Illinois with his
parents in 1843, locating in Quincy; in 1844 they removed to this
county, where he is engaged in farming. His father, Wm. Staats,
is a native of Penn,, and is now at Hot Springs, Ark. Edward's
mother was born in N. C. May 6, 1810; of her 6 children our sub-
ject is the eldest. They have a farm of 160 acres on sec. 14, this
tp, Edward in 1862 married Anna King, daughter of Joseph King,
dec, of Perry. Mrs. S. died in Jan., 1864.
Peter T. Staats; P. 0. Griggsville; born in Adams Co., 111.,
June 80, 1843, the son of Wm. Staats; received a common-school
education in Griggsville, and finishe4 his education in Quincy. He
is now engaged in the practice of law in Griggsville, in which he
succeeds well; he also teaches school some. Dec. 23, 1867, he
married Maria, daughter of Magruder Edmonson, of Versailles,
111., formerly of Quincy. Their 3 children are Eugene A., Olin C,
and Inez G.
Dr. E. a, Stoner was born in Clermont Co., 0., and came with
his parents to Schuyler (now Brown) Co., 111., in 1836, where he
remained until 1849, when he came to this county. He graduated
in the Missouri Medical College of St. Louis in 1854, and began
666 HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY.
practicing the same year in Perry, this Co.; in 1861 he located in
Griggsville, where he has built up a large practice. In 1856 he
married Miss A, E. Whitaker, daughter of 1} . D. "Whitaker, and
their 3 children are Emma W., Stanley and Alice.
Charles Thrasher, deceased, was born in New Haven, Conn.,
Eeb . 13, 1795 . He was a shoemaker in his younger days, but sub-
sequently engaged in farming. In 1853 he emigrated to Pike Co.
and settled on sec. 11, Griggsville tp. Sept. 13, 1840, he married
Mrs. Eigney, daughter of John Meagley, deceased, and they had 4
children, 3 of whom are living, — Matilda, Amaziah and Benjamin.
Matilda is married to Samuel Layman and resides near Woodburn,
Oregon; Amaziah is married to Mary Hope and resides in Tama,
Iowa, and Benjamin is married to Belle Bright, and they also re-
side in Tama, Iowa. Mr. Thrasher has been married 3 times and is
the father of 18 children. In 1853 he went overland to Oregon
and California, but his health failed and he returned after 9 months.
Mr, Thrasher died July Ij 1863, greatly lamented by all who knew
him.
Wm. Turnbull, decease^, was born in the county of York, Eng.,
Oct. 16, 1805; was the 3d son of John and Elizabeth Turnbull, who
were also natives of England. He ^received a good English and
mechanical education in the best of schools in the town in which he
resided. After finishing his education, his business while in Eng-
land was that of general superintendent of the manufacturing estab-
lishment of his father. He came to the United States in the spring
of 1830, landing in New York, thence proceeded to Maryland,
locating sear Baltimore, in which place he lived 4 years, still fol-
lowing the same vocation. In 1835 he traveled for Messrs. Garside
& Co., of Manayunk, selling flax thread and traveling among the
farmers, endeavoring to encourage them to grow the staple necessary
to feed their mknufactories. In 1836 he was married in Philadel-
phia to Grace Wade, daughter of Francis and Elizabeth "Wade, who
were also natives of England. Mr. and Mrs. T. have had one son
and two daughters. In the fall of 1839 he came to' Illinois, locat-
ing in Flint tp., where he followed farming. He has also traveled
considerably in this country. He died Sept. 10, 18Y8.
Benjamin F. Wade, deceased, was born in Alton, 111., in July,
1827; reared on a farm, experiencing in early days all the hardships
of pioneer life; was a soldier in the Mexican war under Col. E. "w.
B. Newberry and Gen. Taylor, and participated in the battles of
Palo Alto, Eesaca De La Palma, Monterey and Buena Vista. In
1852 he went to California, where he followed mining four years;
returned to Pike Co. ; was married Sept. 10, 1860, to Jane Elliott,
and they had 4 children, 3 of whom are living, Martha E., John K.
and Dorcas H. Mrs. Wade was born in Boss Co., O., Oct. 14, 1823,
and is a sister of Moses Elliott, of Griggsville tp. Mr. Wade was
a member of the M. E. Church, and died Dec. 23, 1859.
Josias Wade was born in Franklin Co., N. Y., May 22, 1804;
his father, Josias Wade, sr., was a soldier in the Indian war and
!#; "«».
GRIGG'SVILLE TP
HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY. 569
participated in the battle of Tippecanoe, under Gen. Harrison. In
1825 our subject was married to Cynthia Owens, and they had 8
children. In 1827 he removed to Missouri, and in 1830 he came to
Pike Co., settling on sec. 7, Flint tp. Mrs. Wade died in July,
1863, and Dec. 20, 1870, he married Hannah C. Lyon. He resides
in Griggsville, retired from active labor. He is the father of Aus-
tin and Coleman Wade, two prominent citizens of Flint tp.
Mrs. Margaret E. Wade was born in Jefferson Co., O., and is a
daughter of Robert Spence, deceased, and widow of the late Brunce
Wade. Mr. Wade was born in 1820, in Kentucky, and was married
Aug. 22, 1860, to Miss Spence, and they had one daughter, Mary,
now Mrs. Sylvester Yandament, who resides with her mother in
Griggsville. Mrs. Vandament has 3 children, — Minnie, Myrtle and
Ellen.
Bolert J. Walker, farmer, sec. 12; was born near Boston, Lincoln-
shire, Eng., Dec. 28, 1819, and crossed the ocean in 1836. He ap-
prenticed himself to Jesse G. Crawford, a carpenter of Griggsville,
serving 3 years ; after which he worked at his trade for 14 years,
when he cut his knee with a broad-ax; he then began farming
and the culture of fruit-trees, making the latter a specialty. Aug.-
1, 1847, he married Amanda Evans, and of their 11 children 8 are
living, — M. Jane, Ann L., Geo. J., Mary, Elizabeth, Emma C,
Willard S. and Fannie.
Fra/nk Warton, known throughout the country as "Banty,"
owing to his small stature, was born March 22, 1858, son of Wm.
Warton, deceased, an early settler in Pike county. Mr. Warton is
a farmer, owning a nice little farm on sec. 27, this tp.
John Warton was born in Yorkshire, Eng., June 24, 1815. In
1833 he was brought over the sea with his parents and stopped in
Morgan Co., 111., while he and his father erected a house on their
land in Griggsville tp., sec. 27, where John still resides, engaged in
farming and stock-raising. His parents were also natives of York-
shire, Eng., and had 5 children, of whom John was the 4th. In
Oct., 1841, he married Mary, daughter of George Haxbey, of Scott
Co., 111. Their 6 children are, Ann, Thomas, Kachel, John, Sarah
J. and Georgje. All married, except John and George.
Wm. Warton, a native of Yorkshire, England, was born in Dec,
1817. He came to America with his parents in 1838, remaining
in Morgan Co., 111., about five months, when they removed to Pike
Co. He was married June 27, 1848, to Elizabeth Haxbey, daughter
of George Haxbey, deceased. Mr. Haxbey came to Scott county in
1830, and suffered with others during the big snow. Mr. and Mrs.
Haxbey had 4 children, — Mary J., now Mrs. John Hensell, Wil-
liam, Elizabeth and Frank. Mr. Warton was a farmer and resided
on sec. 27, Griggsville tp., until his death, which occurred Oct. 30,
1859. Mr. Haxbey came first to New York, and then to Illinois,
by way of the Great Lakes, in a sailing vessel. The journey occu-
fied 10 weeks. When they arrived at Chicago they found a few
'rench and Indians there, wading through the swamps. Mr. Hax-
570 HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY.
bey and Kichard Waugh employed some Frenchmen at Chicago to
bring their families to Jacksonville, which at that time was a vil-
lage of 4 or 5 bouses. The Indians would approach them at night
and sit around the camp-lire and converse with the Frenchmen,
which frightened the families of the new arrivals very much. Mrs.
Warton has vivid recollections of the pioneer days in Illinois,
when wolves made the nights hideous by their constant howling.
Great credit is due these pioneers for their iintiring efforts in set-
tling this wild country, and for the hardships and privations they
endured in preparing the way for the prosperity of future genera-
tions.
William Warton, jr., was born July 20, 1852, in this tp., where
he still resides on sec. 27, engaged in farming. When he was 8
years old his father, William W., sr., died, leaving a wife and 4
small children, of whom William, jr., is the 2d. After working by
the month for different farmers for 6 years, he began agriculture
for himself In 1874 he went to Fort Scott in " grass-hopperdom,"
but the desolation which had just been wrought by that pestiferous
insect so discouraged him, that he returned to old Pike. ■ Sept. 3,
1878, he married Fannie McPherson, daughter of Stephen McP.,
dec, of Missouri. They have one child, Elsie May.
' Dr. T. M. Watson, a native of Pike Co., was born Nov. 25, 1851,
the son of John Watson, of Barry. He is a graduate of the Eclec-
tic Medical Institute of Cincinnati, O., and began practice in
Griggsville in 1874. He now practices the Homeopathic system of
medicine exclusively, and is enjoying an extensive practice, having
the patronage of a large portion of the wealthy and intelligent citi-
zens. In May, 1874, he married Helena, daughter of J. L. Terry,
of Barry. During a service of two terms upon the Municipal
Board he has been prominently Identified with every measure for
public improvement, and for the best interests of the commilnity.
John Weiler is a native of Hamilton Co., O., and came to Illi-
nois in 1864, and to Pike county in Jan., 1879, where ^e engaged
in the manufacture of carriages and spring wagons. He has a large
business, employing ""O to 14 hands constantly. He also pursued
the same occupation in Quincy for 12 years.
August Wellenreiter was born in Baden, Ger., Feb. 17, 1836,
the sou of Wesley W., deceased, who brought his family to Ameri-
ca in June, 1856. Mr. W. married Nov. 24, 1863, Malinda Turner,
and. they have had 9 children, of whom 4 are living, — Lizzie,
Johnnie, Charlotte and Wesley Leander. He is a prominent far-
mer of this tp., residing on the Thrasher farm.
B. D. Whitaker was born Jan. 23, 1809, in Greene Co., N. T.,
in sight of the Catskill Mountains, and has not had a school educa-
tion.'' In 1830 he went to New York city, where he remained
until 1839. After prospecting West a year or two he settled in
Perry, this Co., where he followed merchandising and pork-pack-
ing ior 14 years; he then engaged in the wholesale grocery and
commission business in St. Louis 25 years. While there he was a
HISTOKT OF PIKE COUNTY. 571
member of the "Old Guards," who were called into service twice
during the late war, and who donated their wages to the Soldiers'
Orphan Home near St. Louis. Mr. "W". now resides in Griggsville,
the possessor of a family Bible 155 years old, which contains the
family record dating back to the birth of our subject's great-grand-
father, Edward Whitaker, March 10, 1705, who was one of three
brothers that came from Leeds, Eng., in a very early day. Mr. "W".
married ISTov. 10, 1832, in New York city, Delia D. Wood, and
they have had 6 children, of whom 4 are living : James K., of San
Francisco, Cal.; Ann Eliza, now Mrs. Dr. Stoner, of Griggsville;
Helena A., now Mrs. B. A. Dozier, of St. Louis, Mo. ; and Emma
F., now Mrs. Benj. Lacy, of Baltimore, Md.
M. W. TTAi^e was born in Caledonia Co.,Yt., Aug. 1, 1803, and is
a son of Nicholas White, deceased. Our subject on his mother's side
is the 17th generation from John Rogers, who was burned at the
stake. His mother's maiden name was Baron, and his grand-
mother was a Rogers. He was married May 9, 1837, to Susan M.
Whitelaw, daughter of Robert and Mehetabel Whitelaw, of Rye-
gate, Yt., and granddaughter of Gen. James Whitelaw, a native of
Scotland, and the first surveyor of all the New England States. Mr.
and Mrs. White have had 5 children, of whom 3 are living, — James
H., Horace A. and Madeline, now Mrs. Thurlow Wilson, of Griggs-
ville. Mr. White emigrated to Morgan Co. 111., in 1837, when
there was no railroad in the State, and deer and wolves roamed at
will' through the forests, and across the prairies. He made keys
for securing the rails by cross ties for the first railroad that was
built in Illinois, viz. : that from Naples to Jacksonville. Here-
moved with his family to Griggsville in 1855, having resided for
17 years previous to this in Scott Co., and about 6 months in St.
Louis. He has engaged in various occupations, and now resides in
Griggsville.
David Wilson, a native of Lincolnshire, Eng. , was born in Nov. ,
1828, the son of Joseph Wilson, an early settler of Pike county.
His parents came with him across the ocean in 1829,. and to this
' county in 1831 ; he was raised a farmer, and is still engaged in this
business. Dec. 21, 1856, he married Susan M., daughter of John
Bell, deceased, who was an early settler of this county. They have
one son, Wm. Joseph, who was born Nov. 19, 1856. Mr. Wilson
still remains on the farm on sec. 12, Griggsville tp. He has re-
sided in Pike county 48 years, and 42 years of that time in this tp.
Joseph Wilson was born in Lincolnshire, Eng., in March, 1793,
the son of Isaac Wilson. He came to America in 1829, stopping
in New York State 2 years, then coming to this county, settling
on sec. 12, this tp., where he still resides. His many experiences
in pioneer life are such as those related in our chapter on that gen-
eral subject. In 1826 he married Elizabeth Walker, and they have
had 10 children, of whom 6 are living, — Louisa, now Mrs. Levi
Butler ; Martha, now Mrs. John Scott ; Elizabeth, now the wife
of Geo. Wilson; David, Joseph and George. David and Joseph
572 ' HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
are married. Mrs. "Wilson died Sept. 20, 1876, having been a
member of the M. E. Church oyer 50 years. The youngest son,
George, remains at home attending the farm. Mr. W. has never
been out of the State but once since he first located here, and that
was a two weeks' visit in Indiana. He is unusually active, still
attending to business. He owns 280 acres of land.
James Winn, deceased, was born in West Cambridge, Mass.,
Jan. 31, 1808, where he was reared and educated ; he was a farmer
and horticulturist, and was in the Quincy vegetable market in Bos-
ton for several years ; in 1834 he came to Pike county, entering
land in this tp. ; he also purchased the undivided one- half of the
north half of sec. 28, and the south half of sec. 21, in this tp.
May 12, 1836, he married Hannah Converse, daughter of Joseph
Converse, dec, and they had 9 children, of whom 7 are living, —
Hannah J., Sarah L., James, Harriet, Charles, Abba and Julia E.
For 5 or 6 years after arriving in this county he engaged in pork-
packing, and for 2 years was a partner of Nathan W. Jones in
farming. Mr. Winn was a Congregationalist, and died Jan. 10,
1860, a great loss to all who knew him.
NEWBURG TOWNSHIP.
The history of Newbury township is so closely interwoven with
the associations and early settlenaent of Pittsfield that to separate
the intricate facts is almost impossible, and would involve discus-
sions as to the correctness of its record regarding dates, etc. Be-
sides, in order to secure a thorough history of a township an
undivided interest must be manifested, and the assistance of those
settlers whose knowledge dates back to its primitive days secured.
Therefore the history of ]Srewburg bears the expression and interest
of its people.
The wealth and magnificence of this county grew from its beautiful
groves as much as from any other one thing. These goodly forests
in their primeval beauty drew the pioneer as surely as the magnet
does the needle. ISTo other considerations overbore the generous
"shelter which these islands of shade and cool streams gave, — about
the only comforts which these early settlers found in their new
home; all others were surroundings of discomfort. The cramped
cabins, the absence of schools and markets, sickness, — ^always the
attendant of new locations, — severe storms, depredations of wild
beasts, fires, snakes, poorly paid toil and the uncertainties of the
future, — all gave way to the supporting shelter of a grove of tim-
ber. Thus, when Daniel Husong, the iirst white settler in 'New-
burg township, located here, he selected one of these beautiful
groves. He built a log cabin on section 23, the site now occupied
by the residence of David Kiser, in the year 1832. This was the
first house erected in the township. Nicholas Criss, Hiram Heed
and Hawkins Judd made improvements upon this section the same
year. John Durand, Jacob Heavener and A. B. Quimby followed
soon after, and the settlement became more extended. Peter K.
Stringham, a native of ISTewburg, IST. T., came in 1833 and settled
on section 33, where a town was laid out and a postoffice estab-
lished. Stringham was followed by " Aunty " and John Dun-
ham, who succeeded in retaining the establishment four or five
years, but its neighbor, Detroit, was springing into existence, and
hither the postoffice was removed under the appointment of B. John-
son. E . W. Hickerson came in 1833 and settled near Pittsfield.
To him and Squire Hayden belongs the honor of being the oldest
living settlers of the township.
The first sermon was preached by Kev. E. L. Allen, of the Bap-
574 HISTOBT OF PIKE COUNTY.
tist denomination, in 1830, in a log-school-house long since decayed.
The first school-house was erected on section 15, in 1835, and
school was taught here by Daniel Foster. The first church build-
ing was erected the same year, and was known as the Bethel
Church, and was built by the Methodists. Robert Kerr, Emery
Scott and the two Misses Criss, sisters, and daughters of Nicholas
Oriss, were the first parties married. The ceremony was per-
formed by M. E. Eattan, Esq., of Pittsfield. The first death was
that of George Westlake, father of Hon. Benj. F. "Westlake. L. E.
Hayden was the first Justice of the Peace.
When the township" was organized, a committee of three was ap-
pointed to select a name. After some discussion it was named in
honor of the birth-place of Peter K. Stringham and Capt. Benj. F.
Westlake, both early pilgrims in this county and township. 'Eew-
burg in its early days contained many acres of brush and timber,
much of which has been swept away, and the works of the busy
husbandman in well cultivated and productive fields are visible on
every hand.
BIOGEAPHICAL DEPAETMENT.
In continuance of the local history of the township we will give
personal sketches of many of the old settlers and prominent men
of the same.
John Barney, retired farmer, sec. 18 ; was born in Berkshire Co.,
Mass., in 1809, came to this county in 1830, settling in Atlas tp., '
where he resided 4^ years, when he moved to Barry tp. ; in 1855
he settled upon his present estate, at that time consisting of 200
acres, the most of which he has since sold, and is living in retire-
ment. He was appointed County Treasurer by the County Com-
missioners in 1831 and re-appointed for 7 consecutive years. He
was married in Pittsfield, in 1837, to Miss Clarissa Shaw, a native
of Massachusetts, by whom he has 2 children, — Eliza J. and Orville
H. Mr. B. numbers among the few who are left of the early pio-
neers of Pike Co.
Gha/rles TF. Bickerdike, farmer, sec. 6; P. O. Griggsville; is a
son of John and Anna (Griggs) Bickerdike, natives of England,
where the subject of this sketch was born in 1842; the family emi-
grated the following year to this country, settling in Griggsville
tp., where his parents both died. Mr. B. was married to Miss N.
E. Shrigley, a native of Ohio. They have 'one daughter, Anna J.
Mr. B. has a farm of 160 acres, valued at $40 an acre. He and bis
wife are members of the M. E. Church.
Frcmcis Casteel, farmer, sec. 14; P. O. Detroit ; Mr. C. was
born in Knox Co., Tenn., in 1822, the son of Daniel Casteel, who
settled in Bond Co., 111., where he died July, 1834. The same year
Francis came to this county and settled north of Detroit, where
he resided 8 years. He moved upon his present estate in 1848, con-
sisting of 200 acres of highly improved and well cultivated land,
the soil of which then held the grim grasp of mighty monarchs, the
HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY. 5Y5
growth of centuries. Mr. 0. was married to Miss Lucinda Cooper,
a native of Kentucky, and is the father of 4 children. Is School
Director. Belongs to the Methodist Church, and is identified with
the Eepnblican party.
Stefhen Gasteel, farmer, sec. 9; P. O. Pittsfield; owns 160
acres of laild, valued at $50 per acre. He is the son of Daniel and
Ehoda (Hensley) Casteel, both natives of Tennessee; he was born
in Knox Co., Tenn., Oct. 16, 1824; he was married in this county
March 8, 1849, to Elizabeth Bush, who was born in Indiana in
1819; they are the parents of 5 children, and have as members of
their family two grandchildren. Mr. C. has held local ofiBces, and
is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
C. P. Chapman, miller, is a native of Tolland county, Conn.,
where he was born in 1826; he came to this county in 1847; he
first engaged as a clerk for Ross & Gray; in 1854 a partnership was
formed to carry on the milling business under the name of Gay,
Chapman &.Co. Mr. Gay retired from the firm two years after-
ward, and in 1869 the old mill was supplanted by the erection of
the present structure, it being the largest mill in this section of the
State. Mr. A. Dow was admitted to the firm in 1872, and they
now command a large trade. Mr. Chapman organized the 1st Na-
tional Bank in 1869, of which he is Vice President and Director,
and was also principal mover in the Woolen Mills company for
three years, and has otherwise interested himself in the business
welfare of Pittsfield.
Lafayette Crane, farmer, sec. 4; P. O. Griggsville. The sub-
ject of this sketch is a native of Kentucky, and ranks among the
more prominent farmers of the county. He was married in Ohio
in 1839, to Lydia Harns, who was a native of the Buckeye State,
and was born in 1815, and died in 1840; he was again married in
the same State, this time to Sarah Leeds, in 1842; she was also a
native of Ohio; by this union 2 children were born, and in 1846
Mrs. C. died ; in 1847 he was married to Susan Leeds, who was
born in the same State in 1828 ; six of the 8 children born to them
are still living.
John C. Cunningham, retired farmer, sec. 30; P. O. Pittsfield.
Mr. C. is a native of Pike Co., Mo., where he was born in 1819, the
son of Thomas and Hannah (Watson) Cunningham, early pioneers
of Pike Co., Mo., and where his father died in 1846. Mr. C. was
married in 1840 to Mrs . Elizabeth Morris ; five children have been
born to them, 3 of whom are living, — Elizabeth L., Mary E. and
John T. Our subject came to this county in 1849, and located in
Hardin tp., on sec. 19, where he resided 21 years; then he moved
to his present estate, where he lives in retirement, and the enjoy-
ment of a well-directed industry. Mr. C. has served 3 terms as
Assessor, and has always taken an active interest in the welfare of
the county.
/. JR. Davidson, retired farmer, sec. 30, P. O. Pittsfield ; is the
son of John and Mary (Eoberts) Davidson, natives of Ohio, and his
676 HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTT.
father a soldier of the war of 1812, who died in 1840. His esti-
mable wife is still living, in the 82d year of her age. The subject of
this sketch was born in Highland Co., O., in 1826; was united in
marriage to Miss Luoinda, daughter of Moses Hicks, a native of
Brown Co., O. Five children have been born to them, only one of
whom, Cornelia, is still living. The eldest and only son, Ira "W".,
was killed by a horse in 1878. Adaline, wife of Geo. Hardin, died
in 1879; the other two died in infancy. Mr. D. came to this county
in 1867 and settled upon his present estate, consisting of 142 acres,
valued now at $100 per acre. The family are members of the
Christian Church. Mr. D. is a Republican.
John Dunham, youngest son of Hezekiah Dunham (a native of
Saratoga Co., N. T., a Baptist Deacon and soldier in the Revolu-
tionary war, and who died in 1810), was born in Saratoga Co., N.
T., Jan. 1, 1793; he came to this county in 1838 and settled in this
tp. near his present home; his marriage occurred in February, 1816,
his partner in life's journey being Ann C. Pettis, a native of Grand
Isle, Yt., where they were married. They have 6 children living.
Mr. D. owns a small and valuable farm qn sec. 14, is one of the
earliest pioneers of this county, and earnest in the cause of Repub-
lican principles and religious teaching. P. O. Detroit.
Isaac Durand, who resides in Newburg tp., sec. 5, is the owner
of 132 acres of well improved land, and is one of the substantial
and enterprising farmers of the township. He was born in this
county in 1838, and is the son of John and Rhoda (Riggs) Durand,
who were early settlers here. John Durand is a native of Maine,
and his wife of New York. Our subject's P. O. address is Pittsfield.
Moses Durand, farmer, sec. 6 ; P. O. Pittsfield. Mr. D. was
born in Pittsfield tp. in 1833, and is the son of John Durand, an
early settler of this county, and a resident of Pittsfield. He was
married in 1861 to Miss Mary J. Rayburn, a native of McLean
Co., 111., by whom he has 5 children living, — William D., Edwin
S., Rosa O., Francis E. and Hattie A. Mr. D. moved upon his
present estate in 1877 ; it consists of 200 acres of very valuable
land, valued at $60 per acre. He is a Republican, and he and his
wife are members oi the Baptist Church.
George Elliott, farmer, sec. 3, where he owns 135 acres of land ;
P. O. Griggsville. Mr. E. is the son of John and Esther Elliott,
both natives of Ireland ; he was born in Ross Co., 0., March 9,
1829, and came to this county in 1847 ; Sept. 18, 1857, in this
county, he was married to Sarah J. Lightle, a native of Ross Co.,
O., where she was born Sept. 29, 1831 ; they have 8 children by
this union, 7 of whom are living, — Maria C, Lewis B., Hester A.,
Rebecca A., James F., Eunice J. and Warren ; John W. is de-
ceased.
George D. Foot, farmer, sec. 32 ; P. O. Pittsfield ; was born
in Albany Co., IST. Y., in 1810 ; moved to Illinois in 1832, settling
in St. Clair Co., where he was married in 1835 to Miss Abbie J.
St. John, a native of Albany Co., IST. Y., where she was born in
-vM^-'^
NEWBURGH TP
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 579
1816. They came to this county in the fall of 1836 and settled in
Pittsfield, where he with others contracted for and built the pres-
ent court-house ; he then moved to Columbia, Boone Co., Mo.,
where he erected the State University ; 4 years afterward he
returned and settled upon his present estate of 200 acres, valued at
$70 per acre. Fourteen children have been born to this highly
respected couple, 12 of whom are living : Talmadge O., Edward
N., Amelia M., John, James P., Lydia S., Josiah C, Jane, Henry,
Almira C, Ida M. and May A. Mr. F. is a School Director, and
numbers among the early settlers of the county.
INicholas Foreman, farmer, sec. 26 ; P. O. Detroit. Mr. F. was
born in Highland Co., 0., in 1830, and is the son of David Fore-
man, who settled in Pittsfield in 1840, where he resided until his
death in 1857. The subject of this sketch was married in 1859 to
Miss Nancy Williams, a native of this county. They settled upon
their present valuable farm of 320 acres in 1864. They have a
family of 5 children.
0. L. GeisBTidorfer, farmer, sec. 33 ; P. O. Pittsfield. This gen-
tleman was born in Bavaria, Ger., in 1818, and emigrated to Amer-
ica in 1840, locating on his present estate of 320 acres. In 1847
he married Miss Margaret Miller, a native of Germany, wlio died
after raising a family of 3 children : Dorothy, Mary and John.
His second wife, Henrietta Hooker, is a native of Prussia. By
this union 7 children have been born : George, William, Siegel,
Leonard, Edward, Emma and Frederick. Mr. G. is a School Direc-
tor, and is well known throughout the town and county.
William Sildebrand, farmer, sec. 7; P. O. Pittsfield; is a na-
tive of Germany, where he was born in 1822;- he emigrated to
America in 1858 and settled upon his present estate the same year;
it consists of 230 acres, valued at $50 per acre. He chose for his
wife a daughter of his own native land, by whom he has 5 children:
'Mary, Lizzie, William, jr., Henry and Emma. Mr. H. is a Eepub-
lican, and the family are members of the M. E. Church.
Asa L. Kill, retired farmer, sec. 20; P. O. Pittsfield. Mr. H.
was born in Vermont in 1808 ; came to this county in 1833 and
returned to his native State, but again settled here permanently in
1835. He was united in marriage in Putnam Co., 111., to Miss
Charlotte C. Pratt, who was born in MassachTisetts in 1830. Of
his several children 4 are living. His present farm consists of 160
acres valued at $80 per acre. Mr. H. has attained his present
position in life by frugality, untiring energy and indomitable will.
He numbers among the earlier pioneers of the county.
Isabel Hogsett, sec. 24; P. O. Detroit. Mrs. H. is the widow of
James Hogsett, who was born in Greenbrier Co., Va., in 1817; he
was married in 1843 to Miss Isabel, daughter of John and Isabel
Hays, natives of Ohio, and where Mr. H. died at an early day. Mrs .
Hays then came to this county with her children, and is at this
writing residing with her daughter in the 87th year of her age.
Mrs. Isabel Hogsett was born in Highland Co., O., in 1825, and
34
580 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
emigrated to the West in 1848. Mr. H. settled on the estate now
owned by his widow and children, of 130 acres, valued at $60 an
acre. After a life of activity and usefulness, and just when he be-
gan to enjoy the fruits of his industry, he was called from earth.
He died in 1868, respected by all who knew him.
S. 0. Howland, farmer, sec. 23; P. O. Detroit; is a son of Lu-
cius and Mary (Ohilds) Howland, natives of Massachusetts, who
settled in this tp. in 1839, and from which both were called to a
better home in 1842. The subject of this sketch was born in Geau-
ga Co., 0.,in 1822; in 1844 he was married to Miss Amy, daugh-
ter of Samuel Parker. After his marriage he purchased 50 acres
of lahd in this section, and by his indomitable energy and perse-
verance has secured a handsome property, his- present productive
estate covering 240 acres of valuable land. His wife died in 1850,
and in 1857 he was married again to Miss Sarah E., daughter of
E. "W". Hickerson, an early pioneer of Pike county. She was the
first child born in Pittsfield. Mr. H. has served as Supervisor and
Town Collector, and numbers among the early pilgrims of Pike
' county.
Robert Hunter, farmer, sec. 28 ; P. O. Pittsfield. Mr. H. was
born in Donegal, Ireland, in 1848. His mother with 4 children
emigrated to America in 1864, settling in this county, Aug. 23< 1861.
He enlisted in Co. B, 28th 111. Inf., and served until Aug./ 1864;
he again enlisted in Co. G, 62d 111. Inf., Feb. 8, 1865; he partici-
pated in the battles of Little Bethel, Pittsburg Landing, where he
was wounded, Hatchie, Tenn., and Yicksburg. He was united in
marriage in 1872 with Miss Kebecca Kelley, a native of this county,
by whom he has 4 children, — Sarah J., Alexander, James W. and
Margaret. Mr. H. is a School Director.
David F. Riser, farmer, sec. 23; P. O. Pittsfield. Mr. K. is a
native of Indiana, where he was born in 1841; he' was brought to
this county by his parents, Jacob and Martha Kiser, when two
year? of age. He was married to Janetta, daughter of Kiohmond
Williams, an early pioneer of Pike who. settled on this section,
where he died. The fruit of this union has been 3 children, 2 of
whom are living, — Lydia and Essie. Mr. K. and wife are both
children of the pioneer generation. Their fine farm and improve-
ments attest the industry of its occupants.
Harvey Kiser is a son of Jacob Kiser, an early settler of Pike
county, where the subject of this sketch was born in 1841. He
married Mary A. Casteel, daughter of Stephen Oasteel, by whom
he has one child, William 0. "They have an adopted child, Lou-
ral. Mr. K. has a farm of 80 acres, and politically he is a Ee-
publican. He is engaged in farming on sec. 11, P. 0. Griggsville.
Jacob L. Kiser, farmer, sec. 14'; P. O. Detroit. Mr. K. was
born in Virginia in 1809 ; came to the county in 1841, and settled
on sec. 29, where he resided until 1857, when he moved upon his
present estate of 80 acres, valued at $100 per acre. In 1839 he
was united in matrimony to Miss Martha, daughter of David Fore-
HISTOET OF PIKE COTJNTT. 581
man, by whom he has 1 living children. Mr. K. is a " stalwart "
Eepublican, and numbers among those of the early settlers of
Pike Co.
Mrs. Wm. Zanders, sec. 17, P. O. Pittsfield; widow of William
Landers, who was born in Highland Co., 0., in 1825. Her maiden
name was Elizabeth Sanderson, and she married Mr. Landers in
1846; ten years afterward they moved to this county, settling on
the present estate, where he passed the remainder of his life.
Four of their 6 children are living, — Perry, Mary, William and
Leslie ; the last two reside on the homestead, as also the mother
of Mrs. L., in the 83d year of her age.
Perry 8. Zanders, farmer, sec. 22, P. O. Pittsfield ; was born in
Highland Co., O., in 1852, son of William Landers, who settled in
this tp. in 1856, where he died in 1879. In 1874 Perry S. married
Dora, daughter of Dr. Boyd, by whom he has one child, Alice. He
resides on the homestead, which consists of 177 acres of land,
valued at $50 per acre.
Y. MbAlUsier, farmer, sec. 11, P. O. Griggs ville. The sub-
ject of this personal sketch is a native of New Jersey, where he
was born March 31, 1818; he came to this county in 1839, and
settled in Griggsville; the same year he was married in Delaware
to Sarah A. Taylor. She was a native of Pennsylvania, where she
was born in 1820 ; she died in 1844. By this union 4 children
were born, — ^Edwin, John, Sarah and Caroline. He was again
married in 1849 to Rachel Jones, also a native of the Keystone
State, and born in 1820. Seven children were born to them, 6 of
whom are living : Rebecca, Lucretia, Cyrus, Mary A., Naomi and
Huldah ; James, deceased. Mr. McAllister was licensed to preach
in the M. E. Church in 1856, and has labored faithfully ever since
in the propagation of the gospel, frequently preaching two or three
times a day after laboring hard during the week on the farm.
E.M. Norton, farmer, sec. 13; P. O. Detroit; was born near
Cincinnati, O., in 1822; is the son of John and Zerua (Chadwick)
Norton, natives of Massachusetts, who settled in Hardin tp. in
1842, where they both died. The subject of this sketch crossed the
.plsiins to California in 1850, and returned 3 years afterward. In
1855 he was married to Miss Louisa Dinsmore, a native of this
county, and located in Hardin tp. ; 3 years afterwards he moved
to Detroit, and in 1868 removed to California with his family,
where he remained three years, when he returned and settled upon
his present estate. He is the father of 8 living children : Emily,
Mary, Margaret, Harry, John, Noel, Cora, and Nora. Politically
he is a Republican.
'Giles H. Fenstone, farmer, sec. 9; P. O. Griggsville. Mr. P.
is the son of Giles and Sarah Peustone, natives of England, who
came to America in 1849, and settled in this county. The subject
of this sketch was born in London, Feb. 22, 1838. In Pike county,
Aug. 1, 1867, he was married to Elizabeth J. Edom, who was born
in flie Buckeye State in 1844. They are the parents of 6 children.
682 HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY.
Charles H., Mary E., Sarah J., Ellen E. and Edward J. Mr. P.
has held several township offices, and owns a fine farm of 240acres.
Francis A. Phillips, farmer, sec. 3; P. O. Griggsville; son of
Nathan and Nancy Phillips,' both natives of North Carolina; they
emigrated to this State in an early day, settling in this county.
The subject of this sketch is a native of Kentucky, where he was
born in 1824; he was married to Mary Elliott, who was born in
Ohio in 1827, and they are the parents of 5 children, 4 of whom are
living: Maria, Martha, Benjamin and Newton; August, deceased.
Mr. P. has held the office of constable 4 years and School Director
several years. His father was in the war of 1812.
' Joh Pringle, retired, was born in England in 1844, and in emi-
gration came with his parents to America when he was 8 years of
age, and came to this county in 1856, settling in Pittsfield. He
engaged in farming until 1861, when he enlisted in Co. B, 28th HI.
Inf. Vol., and served until the close of the war, participating in the
battles of Shiloh, Jackson, Miss., Yicksburg, Hatchie, Miss.; was
promoted to the position of Corporal, Sergeant and 2d Lieutenant;
returned to Pittsfield, and for 11 years clerked in a drv-goods store.
Nov. 11, 1879, he married Mahala Miller.
E. D. Base, farmer, sec. 20 ; P. O. Pittsfield ; born in Rensel-
laer Co., N. Y., in 1806; married in 1825 Koxana Allen, and they
have 6 children. He came to this county in March, 1839, settling
on his present estate of 160 acres of valuable land. Mr. Rose has
served as Town Assessor and Constable. His son Henry enlisted
in the 39th Regiment I. Y. I., was taken prisoner at Sweetwater,
Ya., and confined in Andersonville prison, where he died from the
effects of prison life and starvation.
Mrs. Sa/rah Buby, sec. 7; P. O. Pittsfield. She is the widow of
A. R. McKibbon, who was born in Highland Co.,.0. Her maiden
name was Sarah Clark, a native of the same county, where she was
born in 1832. She married Mr. McKibbon in 1849. He came to
this coiinty in 1860, and in the following year settled on the pres-
ent estate of 180 acres, where he lived until his death in 1871.
Their 7 children are all living: Eliza, Caroline, Margaret, Hester,
Louy, Emma and Lewis. Mrs. McK!. was again married in 1877,
this time to J. M. Ruby, and the family reside on the homestead.
Members of the Christian Church.
Maroellus Boss is the son of Col. Wm. Ross, deceased, who is
so often referred to in the' pages of this volume. The subject of
this sketch was born at Atlas, Nov. 11, 1824, the first white male
child born within the present limits of Pike county; at the age of
11 years he was brought to Pittsfield (one mile east of town in
Newburg tp.) by his parents, where he has ever since resided.
Aug. 10, 1848, he married Miss Martha Kellogg, from Pittsfield,
Mass., and their children now living are Henry J., Charles K.,
Frank C. and Mattie H. Charles and Frank are in "Washington
Territory. Mr. Marcellus Ross remembers a visit of Abraham
Lincoln to their home in Atlas, when he, a little boy, was picked
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 683
up and pleasantly talked to by that eminent statesman. Mr. Eoss
has in his house the first Masonic chest used in the lodge in this
county, described on pages 241-2 of this book.
William Sohemel, farmer, sec. 32 ; P. O. Pittsfield ; was born
in Germany in 1835, emigrated to America in 1854, settling in
Pittsfield. In 1868 he married Mary, daughter of George Zim-
merman, an early settler of this county; in 1868 he moved upon
his present farm, consisting of 166 acres, valued at $65 per acre.
George D., "William A., Joseph A., Emma M., Anna J. and Ida E.
are their living chifdren.
Oioero' Scdbey, farmer, sec. 9; P. O. Pittsfield ; son of James
and Khoda Scobey, natives of New York and Kentucky respect-
ively, who first settled in Clark Co., 111., and came to this county
in 1839, settling on Griggsville Prairie. His father died in 1841,
and his mother died in 1877. The subject of this sketch was born
in Indiana in 1831, in which State he married Mary DuflF, a native
of Illinois, and their 2 children are William "W. and Anna M.
Mr. S. has a farm of 260 acres, valued at $40 an acre. He has
been Assessor one year. He numbers among the early settlers of
Pike county.
John Webl), farmer, was born near Jersey City in 1814, and was
brought to this county by Daniel Shinn in 1820, the family set-
tling near Atlas. Some years afterward Mr. "W. clerked for Mr.
Gay in Pleasant Yale tp., and 3 years afterward engaged in the
wood business at Florence, until 1839, when he went into mer-
chandising and farming at New Canton; in 1851 he came to Pitts-
field and became interested in pork-packing and general merchan-
dising, where he remained 23 years; in 1875 he settled on his
f resent farm in Newburg, where he has since made it his home,
n 1840 he married Cornelia Dunham, a native of Warren Co., N.
T. Mr. W. is the oldest living settler in Pike county at the pres-
ent time, by four years.
John A. Weeks, farmer, sec. 5; P. O. Pittsfield; son of Ezekiel
and Elizabeth (McFadden) Weeks, who settled in Harrison Co., O.,
in early day, where in 1826 John A. was born. The family emi-
grated to this county in 1848, settling upon their present place,
where they have since made it their home. In 1841 Mr. W. was
married to Angeline Stagg, who died in 1857, leaving 4 children.
His present wife, Martha L. Wacaser, is a native of North Caro-
lina, and they have 7 children. Mr. W. has a farih of 80 acres,
valued at $40 per acre.
W. T. Weeks. The subject of this sketch is a native of Ohio,
where he was born Aug. 2, 1838; 10 years later he was brought to
this county, where he is now engaged in farming in this township.
He was married in Kansas in 1861, to Rosanna Pennocks, who
was born in New York in 1842. In 1863 Mr. W. enlisted in Co.
L, 2d Nebraska Cavalry, and served for one year, and served as
scout along the Missouri and Kansas line for 2 years. He is a
member of the M. E. Church, and politically a Republican.
684 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Capt. Benj. F. WestlaJce, whose portrait is given in the pages of
this volume, resides on sec. 29, this tp.; his grandparents ami-
grated from England, their native country, prior to the Eevolution
and his grandfather and three of his brothers served in the conti-
nental army under "Washington. George "Westlake, the father of
the subject of this sketch, was a native of Orange county,- N. T.,
and for many years a minister of the Methodist Church; he came
to this county with his son, Capt. Benj. F., where at his residence
•in 184:2 he died, his being the first death that occurred in this town-
ship; his wife, Hester (Wilson) "Westlake, a native of T*Iew Jersey,
died here July 9, 3852. Capt. Westlake was born in Newburg,
Orange Co., K Y., March 8, 1810. He visited Illinois in 1836,
meeting Stephen A. Douglas, of Springiield, with whom he traveled
through many counties, mostly by stage; in 1837 he settled in
Pittsfield, and served as jailor one year, when he moved on his pres-
ent estate, at that time consisting of 1,120 acres; he purchased two
yokes of oxen, built a brick kiln and made the brick of which his
commodious residence is composed. He gave the name to New-,
burg township, christening it after his native town in New York.
Capt. Westlake commenced the study of medicine at the age of
18 with Dr. Gidney, of Newburg, N. Y., but owing to the feeble
• health of his father he returned home and devoted his attention to
farming, which he has followed from thkt time, and at present has
about 2,000 acres of good farm land, besides having given to his
children about 1,000 acres. The Captain's early life was passed on
his father's farm near Newburg, and his first experience in business
was selling vegetables in that town, furnishing and hauling rock,
which he did . for the foundation of nearly every building in that
town up to the time he left.
Capt. Westlake was president of the commission appointed by the
County Court to construct the Sny levee. Under this commission
the work was vigorously prosecuted and successfully completed, re-
claiming about 100,000 acres of rich farming land. He represented
his township in tlie Board of Supervisors from its organization until
1863; in 1862 he was appointed by President Lincoln Provost
Marshal of the 9th District of Illinois, which position he filled with
honor to himself and credit to the country, obtaining the enviable
reputation of being one of the best officers in the State. He was
one of the original stockholders in organizing^the Peninsula Loan
and Trust confpany, now the Pike County Bank, of which he is
president.
He was married March 24, 1842, by Eev. Wm. Carter, in this tp.,
to Miss Charlotte Goodwin, who was born March 22, 1822. The
names of the 11 children born to them are as follows: George,
Fannie S., Hardin J., Susan, Ann, Catharine, Wm. Henry, Benj.
F., jr., Charlotte, Charles F. and Thomas.
George W.Westlake, farmer, sec. 29; P. O. Pittsfield; was born
in this tp., in 1848, and is the eldest son of B. F. Westlake. in
HISTOKY OF PIKE COUNTY. 685
18T5 he married Miss Mary E. Brown. He now owns a farm of
250 acres, valued at $90 per acre.
LutherWheeler, blacksmith, was born in Fairfield in 1827; served
his time at Bridgeport, coach ironing; emigrated to this county in
1858, and established himself in business in Pittsfield; also con-
ducted a livery stable one year, and in 1861 he went to Montgomery
county, and four years afterward returned and settled in Milton,
where he remained until 1877, in which year he occupied his pres-
ent place of business. In 1859 he married Annetta Yelliott, a
native of this county ; they have had 4 children, 2 of whom are liv-
ing. Mr. W. has a fair trade, and is a thorough Republican.
HARDIN TOWNSHIP.
Two of the largest streams of the county traverse this township
from the northern boundary, making their exit almost due south of
where they enter ; these are Bay and Honey creeks, and the timber
bordering their banks and those of their numerous small tributaries,
must have been picturesque and romantic in their original condition.
Then doubtless the points of timber and the valleys were frequent re-
sorts for the red man. Even now, when dotted over with fields, houses
and barns, and lowing herds, one cannot help but admire the beauty
of the scenery presented by these groves.
Embracing a good deal of timber land, as this township did,
it soon attracted a liberal share of immigration, as it is a fact that
all the pioneers sought the timber districts in which to locate their
claims, believing that it would be easier to make farms by grubbing
andclearing the lands than it would be to reduce prairie land to
farm tillage and remunerative returns ; but as time, advanced and
later settlers were forced out upon the prairies and began to experi-
ment upon them, the first settlers were made to realize that they
had made some costly mistakes by selecting timbered claims. They
had been pitching brawn and muscle against nature ; for all that
the prairies needed was to be tickled with the plow to make them
yield living crops the first year> and heavy remunerative returns the
second.
The first pilgrims in Hardin were Benjamin Barney, l^^athaniel
Bagby, Solomon Main, Jacob Henry, Joseph Halford, Jesse Mason
and Aaron Thornton. The first couple united in marriage in the
township were Nathaniel Thornton and Lucinda Bagby; the cere-
mony was performed by Rev. Lewis Allen. The first school taught
by Jesse Garrison, in 1833, upon sec. 2.
TIME.
The pleasant little village of Time is located where the four cor-
ners of sees. 2, 3, 10 and 11 meet. It is a small place, perhaps
of 120 inhabitants, and contains four stores, two wagon and black-
smith shops and a flouring mill. It is also the residence of two
physicians and one lawyer. There was at one time a woolen factory
in Time, but times grew hard and the time came when Time must
abandon the manufacture of cloth, we presume for all time to come.
At present the old Time Woolen Mills is converted into a wagon
shop and plow manufactory, which gives Time somewhat the ap-
pearance of old times.
2^^^^^^
HARDIN TP
.i^^f^
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 589
Star Mills. — This enterprise was inaugurated by Smith & Son-
ner.' The building was erected in 1877, and is now owned and op-
erated by Mr. Sonner. The capacity of the mill is about 50 bar-
rels a day, besides being capable of grinding about the same
amount of corn. Mr. Sonner makes a choice article of flour, and
enjoys a good run of custom.
The Time Puhlic Schools. — The system of education in Hardin
township is well up to the standard in point of excellence. The
Time public school has for its Principal Miss Ellen Cromwell, a
lady of much ability and expei'ience as an instructor.
Independence Christian Church was organized May 8, 1858, in
the log school-house at Independence, by Elders James Burbridge,
Eobert Nicholson and Andrew Main, with the following 26 members :
Eobert Nicholson and wife, Andrew Main, Ephraim Nott and wife,
Geo. "W. Williams and wife, Barnett Collins and wife, James Col-
lins, John Nicholson and wife, Cornelius Nicholson and wife, Mary
Burbridge, Thomas Burbridge, Permelia Williams, Francis Scott and
wife, George Ward, David Collins, Lydia Collins, Cynthia Bur-
bridge, Emily Gunn, Joseph Troutner and Polly Burbridge . The first
Elders were Robert Nicholson, Andrew Main and Joseph Troutner.
Elder James Burbridge was the first Pastor. The congregation
erected a house of worship in 1867 in Independence, and services
are held each alternate Sunday by Elder J. W- Miller, Pastor.
Present number of communicants is 50.
There are two other churches located in the township, one of the
M. E. and the other of the Christian denomination, both of which
are located at Time. After some considerable searching, however,
we failed to find the records from which to glean any historical
items.
PERSONAL SKETCHES.
We will now make personal mention of the leading citizens and
old settlers of this township.
Benjarwm Barney was born in Pike county, where Montezuma
now stands, Feb. 1, 1825. His parents emigrated to this county
from Ohio, in 1824. Being a pioneer, he knows all the hardships
of pioneer life; as soon as he was large enough to ride on horse-
back he went to Frye's Mill on Big Blue, a distance of 12 miles,
and nearly always had to remain all night to get his grinding done,
and no place to sleep, except on the corn-sack; he has had many ex-
citing scenes in the chase, having killed deer, wolves and wild-cats.
Dec. 21, 1845, he married Miss Caroline Harvey, and they had 3
children,— William A., James B. and Alfred F. In 1852 Mr.
Barney removed to Oregon with his family, where Mrs. Barney
died the same year; in 1857 he returned to Pike county, where he
married Cynthia H. Mays, and their 8 children are Andrew, J., dec,
John W., Henry L., Laura E., Marion, Robert A., Artilla D. and
Minnie. Mr. B. is engaged in farming and stock-raising on sec.
26, this tp.
590
HISTOBY OF PIKE COUNTY.
JFranois M. Ba/rney, a native of Pike county, was born May 13,
1837, and is a son ot Joseph "W". Barney, dec, who came to this
coiinty in 1824:. His grandfather, Benjamin B. Barney, was one
of the first pioneers of this county, and erected the first horse-mill
in the county for grinding corn. This aged gentleman crossed the
plains to California in 1849, being then in his 91st year, and ar-
rived there in apparently good health, but died on ship-board while
returning, in 1854:. Our subject was raised on afa^rm and received
a common-school education; in 1866 he married Miss S. A. Furry,
daughter of Christopher Furry, dec. They have had 5 children, 3
of whom are living, viz: — Cora B., William R. and Edgar F. He
has held the oflBce of Town Clerk, and is at present the Police Mag-
istrate for the village of Time. He served 3 years in Co. A, 20th
Heg. I. Y. I., as a private in the late war, and was in the battles of
Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Siege of Yicksburg, Britton's Lane, Kene-
saw Mountain, Champion Hills, Raymond and others; he also par-
ticipated in the Meridian raid, in which he came well-nigh being
captured. He is a harness-maker by trade, but failing health
required him to seek another vocation, and he now keeps a grocery
store in Time.
Henry Benn, son of William and Sarah Beiin, was born Sept.
18, 1833, in this tp. His father, dec, came to this county in 1826,
being one of the first settlers of Hardin tp., and was Captain of
the Home Guards in the early days of the county's history. He
was a native of Kentucky, and a farmer by occupation. He first
settled on sec 7, where he died in 1859. Mrs. Benn resides with
her son David, in this tp., at the age of 74 years. Our subject was
raised on a farm and is now engaged in farming and stock-raising
on the old home place. April 17, 1858, he married Matilda J. Mc
Clintock, daughter of Robert McClintock, dec, who came to this
county in an early day. Mr. and Mrs. Benn have 9 children, —
Charles F., Hettie M., Ida J., Evaliua, William R., Lillie and Lulu
(twins), Lora and John H. In the year 1857, while chopping wood
with a neighbor. Mr. Benn received a blow, by accident, upon Ms
left hand, from the ax of the neighbor, crippling him for life.
Thomas B. Burbridge, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 29; son of
Robert Burbridge, dec, a native of Kentucky, was born in Bath
county, Ky., Feb. 28, 1818; came with his parents to Pike county,
Mo., in 1825, where he remained until the Spring of 1840, when he
removed to this county. His father followed farming until his
death, which occurred in the spring of 1842. Our subject, being a
pioneer, has seen many Indians, and has ridden on horseback to
mill, a distance of 6 miles, where he sometimes had to wait all day
and all night for his grinding, with nothing to eat but parched
corn ; he went 3 miles to school, which was taught by subscription,
about 3 months in the year, in a log building, with split logs for
seats, a log taken out of one side of the house for a window, a huge
fire-place in one end of the room for heating; the writing desk
consisted of a puncheon supported by pins in the wall. Mr B.
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 591
came to this county in 1839, where he has since resided. In 1842
he married Mary McNary, daughter of John McNary, dec, and
they had T children, — Cynthia, Jaly, Robert, John, James, Thomas
and Harriet. Mrs. B. died in 1862, and April 12, 1866, he married
Emily Hodge, who died Oct. 9, 1875. Mr. B. is surrounded by
his children, who take good care of him in his old age.
James H. Ooriboy is a native of Ireland, and was born in 1883;
his parents died when he was quite young, leaving him penniless;
about the year 1837 he was brought to America; is a shoemaker
by trade j at which he has been very successful. He now resides at
Time, owning 400 acres of valuable land, and is engaged in farming
and stock-raising. In 1860 he married Lucy Bagley, and their
children are John, William, Philip, Ella, Alvina and Raymond.
We give Mr. C's portrait in this volume.
John Couch was born in Highland county, Ohio, April 4, 1833,
and is a son of John and Elizabeth Couch; he was raised on a farm
and came to this county in 1854; was married in 1855 to Margaret
Colvin and they have 9 children, namely, Alfred M., SamanthS, A.,
Winfield S., Elizabeth J., John W., Benton, Charles, Wesley and
Mary A. Mr. C. is engaged in farining and resides on sec. 27.
P. 6., Time.
Miss Mien Oronvwell, Principal of the Public Schools, Time,
Pike county. 111.
Benjamin C. Culver, sec. 20, was born in Chittenden county,
Yt. ; was raised on a farm and educated in the common schools at
home. He came to this county in 1868, settling on sec. 20. He
has been married 3 times and is the father of 9 children, viz: Lu-
cina, Jackson, Clarissa, Giles, Judson, Jay L., Mary, Adell and
Willy E., dec.
Jackson C. Culver, son of the preceding, was born in Erie
county. Pa., April 20, 1834; came with his parents to Pike county
in 1859; served 4 years and 7 months in the late war in Co. L, 12th
Reg. Penn. Ca.v; was in the second battle of Bull Run, Antietam,
Gettysburg, Winchester and others; was taken prisoner at Gettys-
burg and confined in Libby prison 6 weeks ; was then removed to
Bell island in James river, where he was held 3 months and ex-
changed. He was wounded near Harper's Perry, iu his right ankle,
which rendered him a cripple for life. He is engaged in the mer-
cantile business in Independence, this county, and carries a stock of
about $3,000, consisting of dry-goods, groceries, boots and shoes,
hardware, queonsware, — in fact, everything -kept in a first-class
general store. He has won the confidence of the people and is
doing a good business. Feb. 11, 1872, he married Martha,
daughter of Samuel Smart, of Detroit tp.
James Dinsmore, an early pioneer, was born in Fleming county,
Ky., Sept. 25, 1808; came to Scott county in 1825, where he saw
plenty of Indians, and in 1831 he went into the Black Hawk war;
was present or near by at the evacuation by the Indians of an
Indian town at Rock Island, 111. In May, 1819, he was married to
592 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Sarati Mars, and they have had 14 children, 5 of whom are living,
— Eldridge, Marshall, David, George and Jane, now Mrs. Dr.
Scott, of Time. Mr. D. removed to this county in 1838, and has
endured the hardships of the early pioneers ; has ground corn in a
hand-mill for bread.
Ma/rshall Dkismore, son of the preceding, was born March 4,
1827, in Scott county, 111. ; came with his parents to this county in
1838 ; went with the first emigration across the plains to Califor-
nia in 1849, and returned with the first company that returned by
way of the Nicaragua route. When he visited Sacramen-to City,
there was but one house there, and San Francisco was about the
present size of Montezuma in this county. He helped to erect the
first house in Georgetown, California. Dec. 31, 1854, he married
Martha January, who was born in Greene county. 111., April 16,
1834, and they have 4 children, — Susan J., "William H., Mary
E. and Noah.E. Mr. D. is engaged in farming and stock-raising,
and resides on sec. 27, this tp. ; has held various offices of trust.
Four of his brothers were in the late war.
I. J. Dyer, lawyer, was born in Kutledge, Granger Co., Tenn.,
July 8, 1839, and is a son of W. M. Dyer, dec, who came to Jack-
sonville with his family in 1841, where our subject was raised; but
he educated himself after his marriage. He attended a common
school, in company with his cliildren, in this tp., and all the ex-
penses of his education were defrayed by his own hand, by hard
labor on the farm. He was in the late war and wounded in the
left arm, disabling it for life. He has been married twice, and is
the father of 3 children, namely, Lyman E. and Simon L., twins,
and Effie B. He studied law in the Washington University Law
School at St. Louis, and was admitted to the bar by the Supreme
Court of Illinois, Sept. 13, 1873.
G. K Fletcher, a native of Littleton, Massachusetts, was born
Nov. 10, 1832; came with his parents to Pike county in 1838,
where they remained until 1846, when they removed to Clarksville,
Mo. He is a cOoper and miller by trade; also operated a steam-
engine. In 1855 he came to Pike county; here he engaged in farm-
ing for 2 seasons; has been married twice and is the father of 3
children, — John H., Mary E. and Sarah O., dec. In the fall of
1867 he engaged in the mercantile business in Time, and is doing a
large business ; carries a stock of $2,500, consisting of dry -goods,
groceries, boots and shoes, queensware, etc.
Aaron Fuller was born in Jejfferson county. Pa., Jan. 26, 18S3;
came to Greene county. 111., in 1844; has resided in the States of
Missouri, Kansas and Arkansas since he had a family. In Feb.,
1854, he married Elizabeth Oaks, and they have had 7 children, of
whom 4 are living, namely, Mary E., Ida H., Clara M. and LilUe
B. Mr. Fuller is engaged in blacksmithing and wood work in
Time, and does a good business; he manufactures a very good plow,
which has an increasing demand.
HI8T0KT OF PIKE OOITNTT. 593
•
M. H. Griffin,, physician; was born in Georgetown, Brown Co.,
0., March 29, 1833, and is a son of William Griffin, dec, who emi-
grated with his family to this county in 1862. He graduated at
Sie Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincinnati, O., receiving bis di-
ploma in 1879. He began the practice of medicine in this tp. in
1871; had been a medical student for 3 years previous to entering
upon the duties of physician; during this time he taught school;
he served in the late war in Co. E, 99th Reg. I. Y. 1., as First
Lieutenant, and was in the battles of Magnolia Hills, Raymond,
Jackson, Miss., Champion Hills, Black River Bridge, siege of
Yicksburg, and others. In December, 1858, he married Louisa
Hooper, daughter of William Hooper, dec, once County Treasurer
of Pike county. They have had 9 children, of whom 7 are living,
viz.: William W., Jessie G., Maggie, Nannie, Fannie, John and
Hattie.
Otis A. Hashins, P. O. Time; was born in Bristol county, Mass.,
Nov. 21, 1816; came to this county in 1844, where he worked at
the carpenter's trade for one year; then began farming as a renter.
He now owns over 1,000 acres of valuable land, and is engaged in
farming and stock-raising. March 12, 1844, he married Nancy
Thomas, daughter of Samuel Thomas, of Greene county, 111., and
they have 4 children,— "William H., Idelia, Mary J. and Samuel.
J. G. Saydon, Teacher of Pleasant Grove School, was born in
Hendricks county, Ind., Oct. 13, 1842, and is a son of Abner Hay-
don, dec, who brought his family to Sangamon county, 111., in
1844. He labored under great disadvantages in obtaining his edu-
cation; at the age of 16 he was unable to write his name, but by
industry and perseverance he has educated himself, and is now
teaching. The pupils of his school are advancing rapidly in their
respective studies. Oct. 29, 1869, he married Lovena J. Kent,
daughter of Henry Kent, well known in the early settlement of
this county. Their 4 children are, — Henry, J. G., Charley and
Nellie.
George A. Henry, son of Jacob Henry, whq came from Warren
county, Ky. , was an early pioneer, and has seen many hardships;
he did the milling for 2 families ; carried corn on a horse, and so
thronged was the business at the old horse-mill at Milton that he
would be compelled to arise at midnight and go to mill in order to
get his grinding done in time to get home the next night; would
frequently have to remain all night at the mill for his grinding,
with no place to sleep, and nothing to eat but parched corn. On
one occasion, he and another boy were there all night, and toward
morning, becoming tired of parched corn, they concluded to have
a change of diet. The proprietor retired, leaving them in charge
of the mill. There was an old rooster on top of the mill, which,
after chasing for some time, they succeeded in catching, and which
they picked and roasted, and ate with a relish. Notwithstanding
the hard times, there was plenty of wild game and honey to be
obtained. July 24, 1850, Mr. Henry was married to Nancy J.
594 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
French, and they had 14 children; of these, 10 are living, and all
at home but the eldest; their names are as follows: Franklin P.
James M., Emeline, William, Austin, Mary, Flora, Ella, George
and Minnie. Mr. Henry resides on sec. 2, this tp., on the old
home place, and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. The
house' where he attended school was 12 by 14 feet, and had a mud-
and-stick chimney and a clapboard door; the seats were sawed
from a log with a whip-saw; they had no stove, but a large fire-
place; the window consisted of a log cut out of one side of the
house, with cloth pasted over the crack. On windy days the fire-
place smoked so badly that the school would retire to the house of
Mr. Henry. The ceiling consisted of poles covered with boards.
Chas. Y. Johnson, farmer, sec. 21, was born in St. Lawrence Co.,
N. y., May 15, 1815, and is a son of Charles and Kachel Johnson,
dec. ; he was raised on a farm and came to this county in 1837. In
1838 he married Emily Span ; 4 of their 8 children are living, viz:
Mary, Rebecca, Phila and Emma, all married. Mr. J.'s father
was a soldier in the war of 1812, and his son was lost in the late
war,
Henry Kent was born in Fayette Co., Ky., in 1801, and is a son
of Henry and Mary Kent, dec; he was educated in a log cabin,
with round poles for seats, a log cut out of one side of the house,
with a greased paper pasted over the crack for a window, and a
huge fire-place in one end for warming the room. Coming in
1836 to this wild "West, Mr. Kent has killed many a deer in this
county, and witnessed the scenes of pioneer tim'es. He is a black-
smith by trade, but has engaged in farming and stock-raising and
speculating in land since coming to Illinois. He has been married
twice, and is the father of 15 children, of whom 8 are living, —
George "W., Martha, MaTy, Eliza J., Fannie, Lovina, Charlotte and
Henrietta. Two sons, Walter D. and Newton P., were soldiers in
the late war.
David Lacy, farmer and stock- raiser, sec. 12, was born in Da-
vidson Co., N. C, June 25, 1818, and is a son of Daniel and Eliza-
beth Lacy, dec, who brought their family to Pike county in 1839.
Our subject came to this county in 1842, where he engaged in the
masonry business until 1851 ; he was married in 1855 to Mrs.
Catharine M. Devol, and they have 6 children, — Margaret A., Julia
F., Lincoln S., Sarah E., Lucretia B. and Amanda J. Mr. Lacy
went overland to California in 1852, and returned by ship in 1853.
AVvin Main, son of Andrew Main, was born Jan. 17, 1844, in
this tp. He was raised on a farm, and when in his 18th year he
enlisted in the late war, in Co. B, 28th Eeg. I. Y. I., and served
3 years ; he was in the battles of Shiloh, ECatchie Eiver, siege of
Vicksburg and others. Sept. 7, 1865, he married Miss LydiaFoot,
daughter of George D. Foot, of Newburg tp.; they have 6 chil-
dren,—Clara M., Eufus H., Josiah S., Blanche M., E. I. and Geor-
giana. Mr. M. resides on sec. 8, this tp., and is engaged in gen-
eral farming.
rsij
■li'
HISTOBT OF PIKE COITNTY. 595
Andrew Main, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 6, was born in Jack-
son Co., O., Aug. 6, 1817, and is a son of Solomon and Susan Main,
so well known in the early settlement of this county, who came
here in 1828. He loaned his gun to a friend to use in the Black
Hawk war, which, at the close of the war, was returned, and he
was also a soldier in that war. Andrew Main was educated in a
log house with slab seats, greased paper for windows, and a large
fire-place in one end. Mr. M. used to go to a horse-mill on horse-
back, and in the earlier part of their pioneer life he ground corn
in a hand-mill ; he hunted with the Indians and killed deer with
them. Sept. 28, 1838, he married Lutilia Johnson, and they have
had 16 children, 9 of whom are living ; their names are Alvin,
Andrew P., Colonel, Philip, George, William, Thomas, Jane and
Minerva.
George Main was born in Beaver, now Lawrence, county. Pa.,
Dec. 17, 1838, and is a son of Daniel Main, dec, who brought his
family to this county in 1859, settling in this tp., where he resided
until his death, which occurred in 1873. Our subject was married
in 1866 to Miss Myra Williams, and their children are Fred,
George, Owen, Myrtle and Kalph. Mr. Main is a blacksmith,
wagon and plow maker, in company with Mr. Philip, in Time ;
they do a good business, and give general satisfaction. Mr. Main
has held various offices of trust in this tp. ; served over 3 years in the
late war in Co. K, 2d Peg. 111. Cav., and was in 54 engagements,
among which were the following : Middleburg, Lamare, Holly
Springs, siege of Vicksburg, Sabine Cross Roads, Pleasant Hills,
Yellow Bayon, etc. He was captured at Middleburg and held
prisoner at Vicksburg for 6 weeks, when he was exchanged.
Jacob Maim, was born in Beaver Co., Pa., Sept. 14, 1848, and is
a son of Daniel Main, deceased, who first came tothis county about
the year 1850, and moved his family here in 1852. Our subject
was married Sept. 7, 1868, to Mary Mortion, daughter of Matthew
Mortion, deceased. They have had 4 children, of whom 3 are liv-
ing, viz: Effie, Ottie and Alraira. Mr. Main is a farmer, and resides
on sec. 19. P. 0._, Pittsfield.
Philip J. Main, brother of the preceding, was born in Beaver
Co., Pa., Jan. 12, 1846; he is a brother and partner of George
Main, of Time. He came to Illinois with his parents in 1859, and
in 1871 was married to Josephine Horton, by whom he has had
2 children; only one, Yinnie, is living. He served 100 days in the
late war, in Co. H, 137th Eeg. I. V. I., and was in the battle of
'Memphis, Tenn.
Oyrus McFaddin was born in Brown Co., O., Jan. 16, 1840, and
is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth McFaddin. He came to Illinois in
1852, remaining one year, when he returned to' Ohio; came back
to this county in 1855; he served 3 years in the late war in Co.
G, 99th Eeg. I. Y. I., and was in the battles of Magnolia Hills,
Champion Hills, Black Eiver Bridge, siege of Yicksburg, Jackson,
Miss., and others. Feb. 11, 1869, he married Miss Eebecca J.
596 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Mitchell, and they have had 6 children; of these 4 are living,
namely, Mary N. , Frank "W., Charles L. and George A. Mr. Mc-
Faddin resides on sec. 22, and is engaged in farming and the rais-
ing of stock.
James B. Miller, deceased, was born in Fayette Co., Pa., April
25, 1818, and was a son of Samuel and Lydia Miller, deceased.
He came to this county in the fall of 1853, and settled in Monte-
zuma tp. 2 years, then removed to this tp., where he engaged in
farming on sec. 16 until his death, which occurred Feb. 11, 1874.
He was a worthy member of the New-School Presbyterian Church
for many years; was also an Elder for 30 years. He was a gen-
erous, kind-hearted man. In 1841 he married Miss Mary Griffin,
daughter of Wm. Griffin, deceased, who brought his family to this
county in 1852 ; she is also a sister of Dr. Griffin, of Time ; Mr.
and Mrs. Miller had 11 children; of these 8 are living, to-wit: Sam-
uel W., Sarah F., "William F., Elizabeth G., Lydia, Anna, Eobert
B.and James A. Mrs. Miller resides on the old home place. "We
give Mr. Miller's portrait in this volume.
James Y. Jifoore, a veteran of the Mexican war, was born March
4, 1818, and is a son of James and Mary Moore, deceased, who
moved with their family from Russellville, Ky., to Charleston, Coles
Co., 111., in 1836. Our subject was a school-mate of the noted des-
peradoes, the James boys, near E.ussellville, Logan Co., "Ky. He
served one year as 2d Lieutenant in Co. C, 5th Reg. I. Y. I., when he
became diseased, from the effects of which he has never recovered.
He draws a small pension. In 1849 he married Mary A. l^orton,
and their children are Laura Tyler, of Fort Scott, Kansas, Charley,
telegraph operator at Tallula, 111., and Dora Smith, of St. Louis.
Mr. and Mrs. Moore reside in Time.
William R. Moore, teacher of Union school, district No. 4, Hardin
tp., is a native of Kentucky, and was born April 18, 1848. He was
educated at North Missouri Normal School, at Kirksville, Mo.
Dec. 24, 1872, he married Miss Jennie, daughter of William H.
Bennett, of Pittsfield. Mr. Moore conducts his school on the latest
normal plans, and is a successful teacher.
Mvin Petty was born in Pike county. Mo., Oct. 15, 1826. His
father, Fisher Petty, came to this county in 1828, having emigrated
from Columbus, Ohio, to Pike county. Mo., when a yoiing man.
"When the Petty family located here, the land was nearly all vacant
between their residence and where Pittsfield now stands. Atlas
was then the county-seat. Deer, turkey, wolves, etc., were plenty
at that time, deer being nearly or quite as tame as modern sheep;
they would frequently come within a few rods of the house, and
turkeys would pass through the yard. Feb. 7, 1849, Mr. Alvin
Petty married Julia A. Duffield, daughter of James Duffield, of
Martinsburg tp., who was a soldier in the war of 1812, and is 82
years old. Mr. and Mrs. Petty have had 8 children, of whom 7 are
living, — Marion M., Catharine, Isaac N., James F., Ella, "William
and Frederick. Mr. Petty is a natural genius, and has worked at
^^cl-^fi^e^
HARDIN TP
HISTOKY OF PIKE COUNTr. 599
nearly all kinds of mechanical labor; but his general occupation is
farming and stock-raising. He resides on sec. 6; owns 293 acres
of valuable land.
J. H. Rainwater, teacher of Honey Creek school, this tp., was
born Dec. 11, 1858, and is a son of John Kainwater, deceased, who
died in JMashville, Tenn., during the Eebellion. Mr. R. was edu-
cated in Piitsfield, and has chosen teaching as his vocation. His
school is well conducted, and he has won the confidence of parents
and pupils.
Joseph M. Russell, a native of this county, was born in Martins-
burg tp., May 7, 1837, and is a son of John and Mary Russell, de-
ceased, so well known in the early history of this county; his father
helped survey the present town plat of Pittsfield. The Indians
were their nearest neighbors, and the wolves made the night hid-
eous with their howling. Our subject was raised on a farm, and
now resides on sec. 19. Aug. 26, 1859, he married Martha Kiser,
daughter of Samuel Kiser, deceased. They have 6 children, —
EHza, John, Mary, George, David and Elmer. Mrs. Russell was
born in Warren county, Ind., March 5, 1843, and was brought by
her parents in the fall of 1844, to this county, where she has since
resided.
Anthony Sonner was born Oct. 17, 1830, in Highland county,
Ohio, and is a son of Jacob Sonner, deceased. He came to Pike
county in 1860, where he has since resided; he is a miller by trade,
but has been engaged in farming since coming to Illinois, until the
last 3 years. In Oct., 1855, he married Miss Sarah Hicks, and
they had 6 children; of these, 3 are living, — Charley, Ora and
Brady.
Evans Scott, physician, was born in Somerset coyntj'-. Pa., Feb.
7, 1835. He was educated partlj' in Ohio and partly in Pennsyl-
vania. He graduated at the Medical College at Keokuk, Iowa, in
1864; he served over 3 years in the late war in the 3d 111. Cav. ;
the greater part of the time he had charge of a ward in a hospital
at Keokuk. He began practice at Time, in 1865. He now has a
large practice.
Richard Thornton was born in this tp., May 18, 1840, and is a
son of "Nathan and Lucinda Thornton. He was raised on a farm
and is now engaged in farming and stock-raising, and resides on
sec. 17. He was married March 16, 1864, to Margaret Watson
and their 4 children are James A., Benjamin F., Flora H. and Nella
J. Mrs. Thornton died Jan 20, 1875^ and March^lO, 1876, Mr. T.
married Phila Y. Johnson, daughter of„Charles V. Johnson: they
have one child, Richard S.
John L. Troutner was born in this tp. May 11, 1847, and is a
son of the late Rev. Joseph' Troutner, who came to this county from
Oiiio, in 1838, settling near Pittsfield, and was a farmer and stock-
raiser, and was also Deputy Sheriff of the county about as early as
1841 ; he was Justice of the Peace 24 years in succession, and was
School Treasurer 12 years; also filled other ofiices of trust; he
clerked in the first store at Pittsfield ; he died at his residence in
35
600 HISTOEY OF PIKE COTJNTT.
this tp. Oct. 22, 1878, highly esteemed by all. John L. is the
eldest of 12 children, all living; was married in July, 1849, to Isa-
bella Elder, who was born in Florence, Pike Co. He resides on
sec. 19, and is engaged in farming.
Harry White, son of Silas and Louisa (Jones) "White, was born
May 19, 1845, and raised as a wool-carder; he operated the woolen
mills in Time from 1865 to 1870; he served 3, years in the late war
in Co. D, 1st Reg. M. Y. I.; was for awhile in Benton Barracks
at St. Louis; has worked in a mill all summer and traveled in the
winter; has gone from Buffalo to Denver; owns a farm in Franklin
county, Kan.; was a farmer and stock-raiser in Kansas 4 years.
In 1876 he married Mattie Bagby, daughter of E. D. Bagby, dec;
they have one child, Trula. He is a farmer and stock-raiser on sec.
9. While in the service he was in the battles of Pilot Knob, Round
Pond, Mill Creek and others.
Samuel Willard, a native of this county, was born Aug. 25,
1843; was educated in a common school and raised on a farm. At
the age of 19 he enlisted in the war and served 3 years in Co. E,
99th I. V. I., and was in the battles of Fort Gibson, Black River
Bridge, siege of Yicksburg, Fort Blakely, Spanish Fort and others;
was also detailed musician; was honorably discharged July 31,
1865. He was married in 1867 to Miss Frances Miller, daughter
of James B. Miller, dec. Mr. W. owns 120 acres of land in Mar-
tinsburg tp., but now resides in Time.
Henry J. Williams was born in Scott county, Ky., Sept. 25, 1826^
and is a son of Thompson "Williams, who removed with his family to
Jacksonville, 111., in 1832, and in 1833 came to this county, locating
in Montezuma tp., on what was known as Franklin Prairie, on sec. 9.
Our subject was raised a farmer, and received his education in an
old log school-house with a stick chimney, slab benches, and a fire-
place in one end, between 7 and 8 feet wide. Mr .Williams was in
Pittsfield when there was but one house there; the prairie grass
was as high as a horse's back. He moved to Pittsfield in 1856,
remaining there about 6 months, when he removed to sec. 22, this
tp., where he still resides, and is engaged in farming and stock-
raising; he has had a fine two-story brick residence, which was
burned in 1861. He now owns 1,100 acres of valuable land. June
6, 1850, he married Ruth A. Chenoweth, who was born in Macomb,
McDonough county. 111. They have 11 children, viz: Abbie, Laura,
Amanda, Henry, Mary E., Robert, Nola, Rose, John, Charley and
Stella. Tlie eldest is about 29 years old. It is a remarkable fact
that there has never occurred a death or a wedding in this family.
Mr. Williams' father and Jacob Hodgen founded the first Chris-
tian Church in Montezuma tp., which was the first Church of that
denomination in the eastern part of Pike county. They had to
grind their corn in a horse mill or an ox mill. Mr. W. has actually
gone to mill every day in the week and returned with no meal on
Saturday night, so thronged was the mill. He has ridden 10 miles
on horseback many times to mill, and arrived there before daylight.
HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY. 601
Andrew Yaeger, a native of Germany, was born Oct. 24, 1828;
came to America in 1853, settling in Newburg tp., where he re-
sided until 186^, and then removed to this tp., locating on sec.
14, where he still resides, engaged in farming and stock-raising.
In 1853 he married Barbara, daughter of Adam Kern, dec. Not
having money enough to marry according to the laws of Germany,
Mr. Yaeger brought his intended wife to America and married her
here. They have had 8 children, of whom 7 are living, namely,
Lucy J., Mary A., John G., Barbara M., William F., Henry 0.,
and Anna C.
SPRING CREEK TOWNSHIP.
This is one of the southern tier of townships, and is bounded
upon the north by Hardin, the east bj Pearl, south by Calhoun
county, and upon the west by Pleasant Hill township. It is a fiill
Congressional township and received its name frqm the principal
stream which runs through it. The surface is very broken and
principally covered with timber, with small necks of prairie. Many
springs of sparkling water are found gushing from the hillsides in
this township.
Silas Wilson came to the township in 1832, and erected a log
cabin and made other improvements, on sec. 8, where he remained
for many years. Benj. Allison, David Scranton, Barnard Col-
lins, J. P. Stark and Mr. HoUis came in soon after. These early
pilgrims did not find all the conveniences which makes life pleasant.
The hunting was better than now, but all those things which are
now thought to be necessaries, were then wanting. Money was so
scarce that it was hardly talked of as a commodity. In place of the
Short-horn cattle and Berkshire hogs, which can be seen in every
pasture and feed-yard in this magnificent county, were the black,
brindle, pie-bald, polled, streaked and speckled cattle which, for the
want of a name were usually called natives. They were as uneven
in quality as variegated in color, and lacked all the beef qualities
for which their successors," the Short-horns, are so famous. They
answered the purpose for which they were wanted, however, per-
haps full as well if not better than the present popular breed would
have done. The working cattle were lively and endured fatigue
and heat well, and even after the}- were fatted they stood the long
drives which the then system of marketing demanded, much better
than the cattle of the present day would. They could hardly have
been called handsome, but they were in all ways the chief help and
profit of the farmer. As much can hardly be said of the wind-splitting
prairie rooters that were the only hogs then known iu these parts;
but they were hogs, and did not like to be trifled with. They lived
on roots and nuts and could outrun a horse. When the farmer
went to feed them he put the corn where he was sure the contrary
fellows would find it. If he had tried to call them with that long,
sonorous half shout and half groan now in use to bring hogs to
their feed, tlie chances are decidedly that he would have scared
them out of the timber and might never have seen them; but they
were handy to drive, as men then had to'drive hogs to market.
HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY. 603
Rachel Collins was the first white child born in the township,
her birth occurring in 1833. Joseph Collins, who died the same
year, was the first person to die in the township. Joel Meacham
and Sarah Adkins were the first couple united in marriage. The
ceremony was performed by Kev. Levi Hinman, who also preached
the first sermon in the township in 1833. He was a minister of
the Baptist denomination., F. A. Collins was the first Justice of
the Peace, and John P. Stark the first Supervisor. All of the
earliest adventurers are now gone, most of them to that country
which is'always hew, but where the hardships and privations of pio-
neer life are never known.
VILLAGES,
Nebo. — This little village is situated on the Louisiana branch ot
the Chicago & Alton Kailroad, and is a lively business point. The
gentlemen who represent the leading business interests of the town,
— "Wm. E. Davis, David HoUis, Mr. Moore, the miller, and Dr.
Pollock, — are spoken of personally below.
Stewart. — This is a station on the Chicago, Alton & St. Louis
Eailway ; is situ^ated on the northeast quarter of section 23, and the
northwest quarter of section 24, of this township, and was laid out
by County Surveyor H. J. Harris, in 1872, for D. W. Knight,
Daniel Allison and John McCormick.
CHURCHES.
The Neho Baptist Church was organized on the first Saturday in
April, 1863, by Eev. J. J. W. Place, with a membership of 37.
The congregation erected a house of worship in 1864 and now has
services once each month, and sustains a Sunday-school during the
summer season. The present membership numbers 67. Kev. F.
H. Lewis is Pastor.
The Regular Predestinarian Baptist Church at Spring Creek,
was constituted in August, 1862, by Elder Samuel Applegate, with
16 members. The society worshiped for about five years in the
Spring Creek school-house, which stood where Nebo now stands.
They erected a house of worship in 1857 or 1858, which was burned
in February, 1879. The following autumn they erected another
and a more commodious and substantial church building.' The
present Pastor is S. E. Williams.
PERSONAL SKETCHES.
The personal mention of any community forms the most inter-
esting feature of its history. As part of the history of Spring
Creek township we make mention of the following early settlers
and prominent citizens.
Nathan Allison. Being an old settler of Pike county, Mr. A. is
identified with its history, and therefore, should have more than
60-i HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
passing notice in a work of this nature. He was born in Pike
county, O., March 8, 1817, and is the son of Benjamin Allison, one
of the pioneers of Pike county, and who removed from Ohio to
Indiana in 1824, and to this county in 1834; in 1836 he purchased
the farm of Silas "Wilson on sec. 8, Spring Creek township, upon
which was the only house in the township, and the Allison family
was the only one residing in the township, until a few months later,
when the Scranton family moved in. Our subject located in Cal-
houn county in the fall of 1886, and there constructed quite a novel
mill, there being a stream in the hillside near his house. He made
a trough, which worked on a pivot. To one end of the trough was
attached a large maul or pounder, which set in a box or trough
beneath ; the other end of the trough was placed under the falling
water on the hillside; as soon as the trough was filled with water
one end would be overbalanced, and at the same time
the water would pour out of it, when immediately the pounder
would fall down with a thud, and smash the few grains of corn
that were in the mortar. Occasionally an unfortunate, coon would
step in to partake of some of the meal and would remain there
until some one came to his rescue, and he would come out all
mangled and bleeding, never more to return to the forest. Mr. A.
was married in 1836 to Elizabeth Wilson, daughter of Silas Wilson;
and they had four children, of whom two are living, — Mahala and
Felix. Mrs. Allison died in 1849. Mr. Allison^is now living with
his fourth wife. He erected the first house in Nebo, .and is now
engaged in farming and the raising of stock on sec. 30.
W^n. H. Bacus, teacher of Nebraska schools, Spring Creek town-
ship, was born in this county Oct. 19, 1843, and is a son of John S.
Bacus, deceased. He was married in 1873 to Martha J. Mays. To
them have been born three children, — Minnie D., James H. M.
and an infant, deceased. Mr. B. has a very large and interesting
school, — indeed, so large that one with the most unflagging energy
and dispatch can scarcely do justice to it. He hears 30 recitations
daily and keeps exceptionally good order, although many of the
pupils are very small.
William S. Buchanan, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 36, was born
March 8, 1833, in Calhoun county. 111., and is a son of the late
Henry P. Buchanan; he was reared on a farm in a wild section of
the country where deer, wolves, etc., were numerous, and has killed
many deer and other wild animals. There was no free-school sys-
tem here in those early days, and money being a scarce article in
pioneer days, Mr. B.'s educational advantages were like those
of other pioneer boys, very meager. He was married in 1856
to Miss Catharine McConnell, daughter of Robert McConnell,
deceased, a pioneer of Pike county, Mo. They have had 12 chil-
dren, only 4 of whom are living, — Eobert H., Mary 0., Thomas
A. and James A. Besides a farmer, Mr. B. is also a blacksmith and
wagon maker, — in fact, he can do almost any kind of work he turns
his hand to.
HISTOKY OF VIKE COUNTY. 605
Jokn A. Bunn was born in Pike county, Mo., March 4, 1845, and
is a son of George Bunn, deceased. Mr. B. went into Calhoun
county. 111., with his mother in 1851, where he remained until
1865, when lie went to Missouri and remained five years; he came
to this county in the spring of 1871 and resides on sec. 36,
where he is engaged in farming. lie was marriedjin 1871 to Mary E.
Borrowman, by whom he has four children, — Minnie O., Edgar K.,
deceased, Cora A. and Hattie A.
E. B. Oollard was born Oct. 16,1841, in Pleasant Hill township,
this county, and is a son of John J. and Mary E. Collard, deceased,
so well-known in the early settlement of Pike county. His father
filled the ofiice of County Clerk of Pike countj' for two terms and
filled every county office as deputy, except that of Surveyor. Our
subject was raised for the most part on a farm and educated in the
common schools; he was married Nov. 25, 1877, to Miss Emily M.
Harpole, daughter of L. C. Harpole, of this township. They have
one child, Arthur B. Mr. Collard is engaged in the mercantile
business at Strout Station, on tlie Chicago, Alton & St. Louis R.
K., aud carries a stock of about $1,500, consisting of dry-goods,
groceries, boots and shoes, and the general variety usually kept in
a first-class store. He is also Agent for the Railroad Company,
express agent and Postmaster.
John Collyer was born in Owen county, Ind., June 30, 1838,
and is a son of William Collyer, deceased; Mr. C. was reared on a
farm, and is now engaged in farming and stock-raising on sees.
7 and 8; he came to this county in 1851, and was married Aug. 15,
1857, to Miss Ellen Baker; to them have been born, five children,
four of whom are living, namely, William E., Llewella, Nora A.
and John M.
Leonard G. Mamner, agriculturist anj3. stock-raiser, sec. 8,
was born May 31, 1832, and is a son of Jesse Hamner, deceased;
he was brought up on the farm and educated in the common school;
Aug. 23, 1854, he married Miss Pearcy Wilson, by whom he has
had six children: of these 3 are living, namely, Eliza J., Minerva
A. and John Henry. P. O., Nebo.
Bruce Harpole, farmer, stock-raiser and dealer in stock, sec.
27. Was born in Pleasant Hill township, this county, Nov. 12,
1835, and is a son of Adam and Lucinda (McMullen) Harpole, so
well known in the early settlement of this county. Mr. H. was
raised a farmer's boy and knows all about grubbing and picking
brush, rolling logs, driving oxen, etc. He has plowed with the
wooden mold-board plow, used wooden-wheeled wagons and hickory-
bark lines in driving horses. He was married Nov. 13, 1859, to
Miss Rebecca E. Stark, daughter of John P. Stark. Four of their
eight children areliving, — Adam, Lucinda, Robert B. and Charlie A.
Charles E. Harpole was born in Calhoun county, March 22, 1846,
and is a son of Adam and Lucinda Harpole; the former is de-
ceased, and the latter is residing near her son in this county. Mr.
H. was reared on a farm and received a common-school education.
606 HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTT.
He was married April 6, 1866, to Miss Martha A., daughter of
Willis and Hannah (Mc Neely), of Calhoun county. They have had
6 children, i of whom are living, — Henry A., Mary O., Hattie J.
and John JB. Mr. H. resides on sec. 33 and is engaged in farming.
Z. C. Marfole, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 26, Was horn in
Pleasant Hill township Dec. 11, 1830. His parents, Joel and Hannah
Harpole, were well known to the pioneer days of Pike county.
His father served in the Black Hawk war. Our subject was reared
on a farm and knows all about the privations that pioneer boys are
heir to. His educational advantages were very limited, there being
no free schools in those days. His mother wove cloth to pay for
his education. He has plowed many a day with a wooden mold-
board plow, and has reaped grain with a hand sickle, trampled out
wheat with horses, went to church in an ox wagon^ and ground
corn on a hand-mill and was compelled to do a good many other thinga
which seem odd to the boys of this day. In 1853 he was united
in marriage with Sarah Martin, daughter of Willis Martin, an
early settler of Illinois. Of the 9 children born to them 7 are
living, — James E.., William H., Emily Y., John D., Martha, and
Albert and Alice, twins.
A. Hatch. This enterprising young man was born in Ontario
county, E. Y., May 6, 1852. He came to Pike county with his
parents in 1862. He received a good common-school education
and a musical education, and is now teacher of cornet-band music,
and has met with excellent success thus far. In Prairieville, Pike
county. Mo., in 1879, he began with a class of new and inexperi-
enced men, and in six months time it was demonstrated that that
was the best band in the county. The parents of our subject are
A. G. and Alvira Hatch, and he is the youngest of 3 children, —
A. W., Ellen J. and himself. He resides with his mother on the
farm, sec. 24, and during the summer season is engaged in farming.
David SoUis, Nebo, was born in Gibson county, Tenn., April
6, 1824, and is a son of A. L. and Sarah (Payne) HoUis, who
brought their family to Illinois in 1830, and to Pike county in 1845.
Mrs. Hollis is a second, or grand niece of Thomas Paine, the noted
deist of revolutionary fame. Our subject was raised on a farm and
received a limited education in the subscription schools, paying his
own tuition with money he earned by hard work. He began act-
ive life with nothing but his hands and a determined will. He
now owns 400 acres of land and a third interest in a large store at
ISTebo. This firm carries a stock of about $4,500, consisting of
general merchandise, and is doing a large business, employing 3
to 4 clerks. Mr. Hollis held the office of County Treasurer for
2 years, and Justice of the Peace for Spring Creek township for 20
years. He was married in 1846 to Mary C. Leggett, and by this
union 5 children were born: Sarah M., Lewis Y., Elizabeth J.,
Barbara E. and Mary, deceased. Mrs. H. died in 1868, and in 1878
Mr. H. married Sarah M. Mason, by whom he has 3 children,—
Anna L., David P. and Nellie M.
HISTORY OF PIKE OOTJNTT. 607
Dennis JLeary, deceased. The subject of this sketch was born in
Ireland, June 24, 1812, and came to America when a young man.
He was a painter by trade, and did a good deal of work in New
Orleans, Mobile, and throughout the Southern cities generally. He
owned land in Pike county for many years, and in 1873 purchased
a farm on sec. 25 of this township. He was united in marriage
Feb. 17, 1851, with Mrs. Eliza French, daughter of Wm. Morton,
of the vicinity of Milton, this county. She was born Aug. 21,
1825, in East Tennessee. They had six children, — John, Leander,
Thomas, Albert, deceased, Alfred and Ella. Mrs. Leary had two
children by her former husband, — Martha and William French.
Mr. Leary died May 7, 1S76. His son Thomas, who is a subscriber
for this book, is a prominent school-teacher, and is now (March I,
1880) teaching at Pearl Prairie .
8. T. Moore, proprietor of. Nebo Mills. This enterprising gen-
tleman took charge of the Nebo flouring mills in 1877, and has
operated them with the very best of success. Others have tried at
different times to build up a trade here, but in vain. The secret of
Mr. M.'s success is that he makes the very best of flour, and has
won the confidence of the farmers ot the surrounding country. He
also has a corn-sheller attached to his mill, which enables him to
pay the highest market price for that cereal. He was born in Mon-
roe county, HI., Jan. 12, 1836, and is a son of James B. Moore, of
Brighton, 111. He was married May 4, 1860, to Harriet F. Kan-
dolph, of Jersey county. 111. They have had 7 children, of whom
5 are living, — Josephine C, Eddie, Frank T., Nellie R. and James
L. Mr. Moore was raised on a farm and educated in the common
schools, and also attended the McKendree College, of Lebanon, 111.
Br. R. R. Pollock, Nebo. The subject of this sketch was born
in Union county, O., Feb. 28, 1843, and is a son of John 1). and
Eachel G. Pollock, who brought their family to Edgar county. 111.,
in 1844, where they remained until 1856, when they removed to
Polk conntv, Iowa. Our subject remained there until the breaking
out of the rebellion, when he enlisted in CompanyA, 10th Iowa
Inf., and served three years and two months. He participated in
many of the leading battles of the war, such as Corinth, Black
Eiver Bridge, or Champion Hills, siege of Yicksburg, Chattanooga,
Dalton, etc. The Doctor afterward attended Abingdon College,
Knox Co., 111., for two years, where he became acquainted with
Miss Anna E. Ferguson, whom he married Aug. 8, 1866. The
union has been blessed with two children, Kobert Cleon and John
Roy. The Doctor attended lectures at the Jefferson Medical Col-
lege at Philadelphia, Pa., in 1870 and 1871, and began practice in
Nebo in the latter year, where he enjoys a good patronage.
John W. Scranton was born in this township Jan. 19, 1847, and
is a son of David Scranton, also of this township; he was reared on
a farm and educated in the common schools of this county; before
settling in life he took two trips through the West. March 3, 1872,
he married Miss Marv E. Bowman, daughter of Eobert and Mary
608 HISTORY OF PIKE OOUIMTY.
E. Bowman. They have two children, Cora Belle and William
Otis. Mr. Scranton is engaged in farming and resides on sec. 7-
P. O. Nebo.
John N. Smith, book-keeper, was born May 22, 1845, in this
township, and is a son of Wm. E. Smith, of Nebo, and of whom
we make further mention below. Mr. Smith was reared for the
most part upon the farm, but worked in a flouring-mili prior to
reaching his majority. He is now engaged as book-keeper in the
Nebo flouring-mills. He was joined in matrimonj' Oct, 1, 1865,
with Miss Sarah E. Creigmiles. Three children have blessed this
union, namely, Laura M., Thomas T. and Ellen F. Mr. Smith
served six months in the late war, in Company I, 70th 111. Inf
William E. Smith. Eeing an early settler of Pike county, Mr.
Smith is entitled to personal mention in a work of this nature.
He came with his parents from Oswego Co., N. T., to this county
in 1836. He was" born in Columbus Co., JST. Y., Dec. 14, 1819.
His parents were Amasa and Sarah (Sikes) Smith. William was
reared upon a farm, and received a common-school education, and
has suffered many of the privations incident to pioneer life. Jan.
3, 1841, he was united in marriage with Miss Polly Allison, daugh-
ter of Benj. Allison, deceased, one of Pike county's pioneers. To
them have been born 11 children, 4 of whom are deceased. The
narcies of the children are, William, John, Mercy A., Mary J.,
Samuel H., Daniel W. and Charles W. Mr. Smith is engaged in
the lumber trade at Nebo, carrying a stock of $2,500. He is also
an undertaker.
John D. Wilson. The subject of this sketch was born in Lincoln
county, Mo., March 21, 1834. His father, David Wilson, brought
his family to this county in the autumn of 1834, and located in
Pleasant Hill township, where he remained the rest of his life, save
the last 3 years which he spent in Nebo. Our subject was raised upon
the farm, and being a pioneer boy knows all about the privations of
frontier life. He was married in 1856 to Miss ]S"ancy, daughter of
George Turnbaugh, so well' known in the pioneer days of Pike
county. Mr. W. is a farmer by occupation and resides in Nebo.
W. E. Wilson was born and raised on sec. 13, Pleasant Hill
township, this county-, and is a son of David and Isophena Wilson,
deceased. His birth dates Aug. 17, 1844. May 13, 1870, he was
united in marriage with Miss Ellen J., daughter of Harrison and
Matilda Frye, of Pike county, Mo. Only 1 of the 3 children born
to Mr. and Mrs. W. is living, whose name is Claudie. Mr. W.
has been engaged in the mercantile business in Ifebo for the last
12 years, but has recently sold to Fowler & Son, near Pittstield.
jaooh Windrailler, proprietor of the Nebo Hotel, is a native of
this county, and was born Jan. 3, 1849, the son of Peter and Se-
velia Windmiller. Peter W. was one of the pioneers of Pike
county, and, like other settlers, endured many privations and hard-
ships in preparing the way for the prosperity of future generations.
HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY.
609
For some time after he first settled here there was only one wheeled
vehicle in this entire neighborhood, and that was a wooden-
wheeled ox-cart. He often gathered his corn in a one-horse sled.
Our subject was reared on a farm, and Nov. 27, 1873, was married
to JVTary Stone, and they have one child, Laren O.
FAIRMOUNT TOWNSHIP.
This is certainly one of the ' finest townships in this favored
county, and for general agricultural purposes, is unrivaled by any.
Where, less than half a century ago the deer, wolf and bear roamed
at will, the native red man their only enemy, are now handsome
residences, with fine grounds and convenient out-houses, churches,
school-houses and well cultivated fields. The native prairies have
been conquered from their virgin state by the energy and skill of
the sturdy pioneer. Instead of rank growths of prairie grass,
which blossomed in its beauty over these fertile prairies, we now
behold the waving fields of corn, broad acres of undulating wheat,
numerous herds of thorough-bred stock grazing in green pas-
tures,— indeed, every evidence of wealth and prosperity.
To those who opened up and developed the wonderful resources
of Fairmount, the present and coming generations will owe eternal
gratitude. They suffered untold privations and inconveniences,
labored with unflagging energy and will, receiving only meager
compensation for their toil, were far away from their friends and
their old homes, and with scarcely any means of communication
with them. The pioneers were encouraged and kept up with the ,
hope of soon establishing comfortable homes for themselves and
their families and with a noble ambition of conferring on posterity
blessings which shall ever be a monument to their memories.
The northern part of Pike county was not settled for over a de-
cade after the southern portion was. It is a matter of no little sur-
prise to know that for so many years this beautiful section was left
without the pioneer. Many doubtless passed to and fro through it
on their way northward and westward and return, and perhaps,
marveled at the beauty of its groves and prairies; but it was so far
from civilization that the most sturdy and daring did not feel dis-
posed to pitch their tents and make their, home here. Over 11
years elapsed from the time that Ebenezer Franklin, Daniel Shiun
and the Kosses came to the county, before Barker Crane, the first
settler of Fairmount, came to live in this then wild country. Mr.
Crane made improvements on sec. 3 in 1831, but even he re-
mained for only a short period. We do not know whether it was
his remoteness from other settlements that drove him away, or that
he found a more desirable location, as none are left to inform us.
At the close of the Black Hawk war, and when the people of the
older settled East and South were assured that no further apprehen-
sions need be felt relative to Indian troubles, settlers came pouring
giSTOET OF PIKE COUNTY. 6J 1
into this fair State by the thousands, and the beautiful groves and
prairies of Fairmount did not fail to receive her portion. Prior to
1841 we find the following settlers, besides others, living in this
township : H. Lake, who located on section 10; John Wilson, on
Bection 3; Thomas Kirgan, on section 2; John Brown, on section
14; Ebenezer Franklin, on section 12; Asa Lake, on section 10;
Tandy Hume, on section 16; and Henry Benson, on section 19.
The children of these early settlers were not long without the
instructions and discipline of the schoolmaster, for we find as early
as 1840, Henry Benson taught school in a log school-house on sec.
16. This rude structure, which was erected by the contribu-
tion of the labor of the pioneers, would not compare favorably with
the more modern, neat and tasteful frame and brick structures that
adorn many of the knolls through this section. Jesse Elledge, a
■ Baptist minister, was one of the earliest teachers of the township.
Soon, too, the minister of the gospel found his way here among
these pioneers. The first preaching was done by Elder Michael
Hobbs, of the Christian denomination, in 1841. He was not a
regular preacher, being engaged in farming, but desiring to see his
friends and neighbors following the meek and lowly, yet truly di-
vinely great Nazarene, would have them assemble in cabins and
school- houses, and tell them of his love and earthly mission. His
brother, the well known Elder David Hobbs, was also a preacher.
For a time the Mormons, who were numerous in Adams county,
which lies just north of this township, .preached their peculiar faith
to this people, and won many converts. A few years afterward,
however, this community joined in the excitement incident to the
expulsion of the Mormons from Illinois.
During the late war Fairmount proved loyal to the core, and
furnished many of her brave sons as a sacrifice to retain an undi-
vided Union. Many of those who went to the front, after enduring
years of untold hardships and danger, were permitted to return to
their homes, where they are now living, to enjoy the liberties they
80 nobly fought for. Many of them, however, went to return no
more. They were pierced by the shot and shell from Southern
musket and cannon, or died from the cruelties inflicted upon them
in the prison pens to which they were consigned, — all for defend-
ing the best government ever established by man.
L CHUKOHES.
' There are no villages in this township, yet the people enjoy almost
equal religious privileges with the citizens of towns. There are in
the township five church oi'ganizations, with three church buildings.
The United Brethren church stands on sec. 29, near the school-
i. house, and cost about $1,600. This is known as the Woodland
Church, and was dedicated in 1867, and was the first church build-
ing erected in the township. It was dedicated by N. A. Walker.
The Society was organized in 1866, by Eev. D. 0. Martin, and
meetings were held in the Woodland school-house until their church
612 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
edifice was completed. The present membership is 140. Eev.
W. P. Pease is Pastor. The attendance at the Sunday-school is
about 80.
The Presbyterian church, which is located on sec. 10, cost about
$1,600. The house of worship of the Baptist congregation is on
sec. 7, and cost $400.
The Society of the Methodist denomination worship in the Pres-
byterian Church, while the Christian congregation hold their
meetings in the South Prairie school-house, on sec. 11. The first
Methodist preacher in the township was Rev. Mr. Cleveland. He
preached his first sermon in this township at the residence of Wm.
Morrison in 1840.
PEESONAL SKETCH HISTORY.
Following we give personal sketches of the early settlers and
prominent citizens of the township, which forms an important
factor in its history.
A. B. Allen was born in Ohio county, Ky., Sept. 14, 1825 ; his
father, Asa Allen, was born in Tennessee and of Grerman descent,
his mother, Abigail (Campbell) Allen, a native of Kentucky and of
English descent. Mr. Allen came to Pike county in 1844, and in
1846 was married to Emily Askew and they have had 11 children,
8 of whom a.re living. Mr. Allen was very poor in early life, and
worked out for $8 per month. He now owns 320 acres of land,
raises stock, and is considered a very good farmer. He belongs to
the United Brethren Church, and is a Democrat.
Lewis H. Baldwin was born in Connecticut in 1812; is the son
of John and Sarah Ann (Hawkins) Baldwin, the former a native of'
Connecticut, and of English descent. In early life Mr. B. worked
at blacksmithing, but is now a farmer. He cameto this county in
1835, aiid in 1836 married Maria JaneEUedge. After his marriage
he worked out for $8 per month, but he now owns 500 acres of
good land in Pike county, and he and his son own about the same
amount in Missouri, and one acre within the corporation of Perry.
He used to be an old-line Whig, but is now a Eepublican; has been
School Director 25 years, and School Trustee. These are the only
ofiices that he would accept. Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin have 4 chil-
dren. Mrs. B. is a Baptist.
Philip S. Brower, farmer, sec. 14; P. O. Perry; was born in
Madison county, N. T., April 27, 1832; came to this county with
his parents in 1842; his father, John Brower, was a native of New
York, and his mother. Delight (Smith) Brower, also a native of
New York. June 3, 1854, Mr. B. married Amanda Carolines, and
they have had 5 children, 3 of whom are living, Malcolm C, Elm-
wood and Alpheus. In 1852 he took a trip to California and was
absent 2 years. He owns 306 acres of land. His wife is a Meth-
odist.
William Cory, farmer, was born in the State of New York,
Feb. 20, 1820; he is the son of "William and Eachel (Tombs) Cory,
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 613
natives of New Jersey, the former of Irish, and the latter of Scotch
descent; at the age of 18 he commenced to learn the carpenter's
trade, at which he worked 10 years, since which time he has fol-
lowed farming. In the fall of 1837 he visited Illinois to see the
country, and in 1841 he settled in this tp., on sec. 10, where he has
lived ever since. March 31, 1844, he married Nancy Jane Wilson,
a native of New Hampshire, and of their 10 children, 9 are living, —
5 boys and 4 girls; one girl deceased. Mr. Cory and his wife are
members of the M. E. Church; he is a Democrat, and has been
Assessor, Township Treasurer, Justice of the Peace, Supervisor,
TownshiD Clerk, S,chool Director, and Secretary of his Church. P.
0.,FishiIook.
Josej>h E. Coss, farmer, brother of Theodore S. Coss, was born
in Ross county, O., in 1846; besides the common school he at-
tended also the commercial College at Quincy. In 18Y0 he mar-
ried Sarah Allen, and of their 4 children 2 are living,^Effie Am-
marana and Orien Forest. Both himself and wife are members of
the United Brethren Church. He is a Democrat, and has been Town
Clerk. Six months he kept store at Fish Hook. October 22, 1864,
he enlisted in Co. F, 28th 111. Inf., under Capt. H. D. Hadsell, and
was discharged Oct. 21, 1866. He was in the battles at Spanish
Fort, and fort Blakely, where he was under fire 18 days, and other
battles, skirmishes, etc. "Was shipwrecked on the "George Pea-
body " when there was a storm for 36 hours; 120 horses were thrown
overboard and 10 men were lost. Eesides on sec. 28. P. O.Fish
Hook.
Taylor M. Coss, farmer, sec. 29; P. O. Baylis; son of Edward
and Annie Coss, natives of Ohio, was born in Boss county, O., in
■ 1836; came to this county in 1854, and in 1860 was married to
JVIiss Emma Phillips, born in this county in 1840; they have had
6 children, 4 of whom are living, — Florence B., William T., Ida
M. and Ada E. Mr. C. has held' the ofiice of Supervisor, Collector,
School Trustee, and School Director for many years. He owns 420
acres of excellent land, has been engaged in buying hogs for other
parties, and raises considerable stock on his own farm. He had
1,500 bushels of wheat to market this season. Mr. and Mrs. C. and
their eldest daughter are members of the United Brethren Church
at Woodland.
Theodore S. Coss was born in 1840 in Ross county, O., and is
the son of Edward and Anna (Moore) Coss, natives of the same
State, the father of German, and the mother of English descent; in
1871 he married Belle Manns, a native of Kentucky, and they have
one child, Cora May, born in February, 18T2. During the war Mr.
Coss enlisted in Co. G, 3d. 111. Cav., under Capt. J. B. Moore, Aug.
6, 1861; was discharged April 10, 1863; was in the battle of Pea
Ridge ; was under Gen.>Curtis when he drove Price from Spring-
field to the Boston Mountains, and was in several other engage-
ments. Residence, sec. 20; P. O. Fish Hook.
614 HISTOET OV PIKE COUNTY.
George I. K. Crawford was born in this county in 1859, and is
the son of J. Gr. and Ehoda (Molear) Crawford; his father, who still
owns land here, has been a resident of this township for 30 years.
The subject, of this sketch was educated in the common schools
here. In 1879 he married Lillie Cory, and they have a child, born
ISTov. 21, 1879, whose name is Clarence Cory. By occupation Mr.
Crawford is a farmer. In religion he is a Presbyterian, and in poll,
tics a Republican. His wife is a Methodist.
Samuel M. Crawford was born in this county July 29, 1856,
educated in the common school, and Illinois College at Jackson-
ville, and at the Gem City Commercial College at Quincy; by oc-
cupation Mr. C. is a teacher; lived on the farm with his father
until of age; he is not a member of any Church, and is a Eepub-
lican.
W. D. C. Doan, M. D., was born in Ohio April 16, 1828, being
the son of "William and Susanna (Bennett) Doan, from the Eastern
States, his father a physician. The subject of this paragraph began
the study of medicine at the age of 18, with his father, who died
two years afterward; he then finished reading with his uncle, Dr.
Elijah Bennett, in Clermont county, O.'; at 22 he commenced
practice in this tp. He first came to Pike county in 1848,
in 1850 to this tp., where he has since lived. In 1851 he married
Rachel Hobbs, and of their 4 children but one is living, Rachel
Eilie, and they have one grandchild living with them, Mary E. Doan
Crawford. The Doctor owns 215 acres of land. Resides on sec. 10.
He is one of the oldest practitioners of the County. In politics he
is a Democrat, and. both himself and wife are members of the
Christian Church. His postoffice is Perry.
Lem Gardner was born in Adams county. Pa., Dec. 17, 1810,-
and is the son of George and Elizabeth (Seybold), of German de-
scent, who were in good circumstances and followed farm life. Levi
obtained a fair education in the subscription schools of his native
State. Came to Illinois in 1836, and has resided here most of the
time since; he could ride all over this county when he first came,
he tells us, without seeing scarcely any improvements; his father-
in-law, who was one of the pioneers of this county, killed 7 bears
in Fairmount tp., in one day. In 1837 he married Matilda Ifeal,
by whom he had 8 children, 5 of whom are living, — one son and
four daughters. By occupation Mr. Gardner is a tanner and cur-
rier; he had a tannery in this county 5 or 6 years, but since 1850
he has been farming. Lives now on sec. 5. In politics Mr. G. is a
Republican, and both himself and wife are members of the United
Brethren Church. In 1862 Mr. Gardner enlisted in the 99th regi-
ment as a musician (a fifer); was in the battle at Magnolia, Miss.,
Champion Hills and Black River; he was discharged before the
close of the year, that is, at the close of -the siege of Vicksbiirg,
where he was present.
John Henthoi'n, farmer, sec. 17; was born in England, April
20, 1820, of English parents; learned weaving by the hand-loom;
ATLAS TP
HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY. 617
emigrated to America in 1844, stopping in New York State, and
in 1850 came to Adams county, 111., and in 1852 to Pike county;
for two years while in New York State he superintended a factory,
where 62 looms were run. He now owns 360 acres of land, in
good cultivation, and well stocked. In 1842 he married Bettie
Holt, and of their 8 children 7 are living. Mr. Henthorn has been
School Director several terms, and is a Democrat.
John D. Henthorn was born in this county, July 21, 1857, and
is the son of John and Betsey (Holt) Henthorn, natives of Eng-
land; received his education in the common schools of this county;
by occupation he is a farmer, and his residence is on sec. 9. He
has four brothers and two sisters living, and one sister dead.
Thomds Hall, residence sec. 29; P. O. Fish-Hook; is the son of
Samuel and Sophia Hull, and was born in Ohio in 1830; received
his education mostly in the common schools of his native State.
In 1850 he married Elizabeth Bowman, who was born in 1880 in
this county, and they have S children living. Mr. Hull is a farm-
er, and has been a resident of this county since 1845. In poli-
tics he is a Democrat, and both himself and wife are members of
the United Brethren Church. He has been Justice of the Peace
10 or 11 years, Koad Commissioner, Collector, School Director,
Class-Leader and Sunday-school Superintendent. He is an indus-
trious man, and has earned all he ever possessed.
Israel Kir g an. This gentleman's father, Thomas Kirgan, was
a native of County Antrim, Ireland, and when a babe he was
brought by his parents, Daniel and Mary Kirgan, to America,
nearly 100 years ago. He was a tanner by trade, but followed farm-
ing and milling after his arrival in. this county. He died March
30, 1877, in his 90th year, in Perry, this county, where he had
lived many years. His 5 children still own the home farm, which
consists of 280 acres, 2^ miles southwest of Perry. Mrs. Mary
(Fred) Kirgan, his mother, was a native of Virginia. Israel, the
subject of this biography, was born Aug. 12, 1815, in Clermont
county, 0. He first learned the tanner's trade, but when his father
broke up he emigrated to this county, in 1835, settling on Fish-
Hook creek, N. W. \ sec. 2, at which time he had only six " bits "
in his pocket, one horse and a yoke of cattle, and was $40 in debt.
From this start Mr. K. has become one of the most substantial and
leading farmers in Fairmount township, now being the owner of
240 acres of land. About the first work he did was to split 9,600
,rails, at six " bits " a hundred. Coming to this county as early as
1835, he has seen this country in its primitive state, with the wild
animals roving over it in large numbers. One day he saw 65 deer
in one grove. There were but five houses then on the south prai-
rie, namely, Alfred Bissell, sec. 2; Mr. O'Neil, sec. 16; Mr. Mc-
Gee, sec. 16; James Seybold, sec. 16; and Ebenezer Franklin, sec.
12; — all of whom resided in log houses. Israel's father's family
used the first cooking-stove brought to this prairie.
The subject of this notice, in 1834, married for his first wife
36
618 HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Miss Margaret Jane Kennedy, a native of Ohio, who died in 1845
leaving a family of 5 children, namely, "William, Benjatain, Mary
John and an infant: of these, William and John are all that are
living now. March 3, 1855, Mr. K. married Sarah Jane Houston,
- and by her he had 9 children, of whom 8 are living: David L.
Clinton D., Eben, Chapman, George B., Ira, Israel F. and Harvev
D. In politics Mr. Kirgan is a Democrat, and in religion is still
a believer in Christianity ; used to be a member of the M. E. Church.
David Kurfman, farmer, sec. 7; P. O. Fish Hook; was born in
Pennsylvania Jan. 29, 1815, and is a son of Daniel and Susannah
(Barnett) Kurfman, natives of Maryland, and of German descent.
David received his education in the schools of his native State;
when he first started to school he could scarcely speak English.
He was married the first time in 1837 to Hannah Deeter, and they
were the parents of two girls, both of whom are married. His sec-
ond marriage was with Nancy Bagby, in 1861 ; of thig union 6
children were born, — 4 boys and 2 girls. Both Mr. and Mrs. K.
are connected with the Baptist Church. Mr. K. came from Penn-
sylvania to Pike county in 1850, and settled in Pittsfield township;
in 7 years thereafter removed to Fairmount.
^ George Lake, farmer, sec. 10; P. O. Fish Hook. Mr. Lake was
born in Fairmount, Pike Co., 111., July 12, 1854, and is a son of
Harvey and Elizabeth (Lee) Lake, the former a native of New
York, and his mother of one of the Eastern States. He attended
the common schools of this county, and received a fair education.
In 1874 he was united in marriage with Nancy Groves. Jesse,
their only child, was born in 1876.
John Lahe was born in this township in 1853, and is the son of
Harvey and Elizabeth Lake. He attended the common schools of
this county, receiving a good common-school education. He is
now engaged in farming on sec. 10. His postoffice address is
Perry. Jan. 19, 1871, he was joined in the holy bonds of matri-
mony with Mary Olive Seybold, a native of Minnesota. She is a
member of the Christian Church. Harvey Lake, the father of our
subject, was one of the early settlers of Pike county.
Wm. H. Love was born' Jan. 15, 1821, in New Jersey, the son of
Samuel and Lydia (Morgan) Love; his father was a native of Ire-
land, and his mother of New York State. He was brought to Ill-
inois in 1828 and to Pike county in 1833, and the family settled
one mile west of Perry, on the farm at present owned by Esquire
Morton. In April, 1846, he moved upon the farm where he now
lives, owning 287 acres. He was married March 30, 1843, to Miss
Harriet E. Bentley. To them have been born 9 children, 7 of whom
are living, — 6 boys and 1 girl. Mrs. Love is the daughter of
Gideon Bentley, an early and prominent settler of Pike county.
Both Mr. and Mrs. L. are members of the Christian Church, of
which he is a Deacon. Mr. L. has been a farmer all his life, in
which business he has been successful, although in the early days
he suffered many hardships. His family started from New York
HISrORY OF riKK COUNTY. 619
in a skiff, which thov wouhi run ovor all the dams that were on
their route, and thoy encountered eij^ht or ten of them, and the
■women would get out of the boat and walk down past the dam.
The first morning after their arrival in Fairnunint tp. their nearest
noiiijhbor sent over after two ears of et)rn, the boy, who was bare-
foot (and there was snow on the <> round) statins; that " thev wanted
it tor breakfast !" Mr. I., also states that he e;\lled upon one of the
neighbors one morning and found them partaking of their break-
fast on parehed eorn ami " sycamore tea !" All the table furniture
they had was one plate, one knife anil one fork. Mr. Love, when he
first came, nseil oxen to plow with (using a wooden mold-board
plowV and used a harrow with wooden teeth.
Lt>imhl Marti i>, farmer, see. 11; P.O. Perrj\ The subject of
this personal sketeh was born Jan. 21, 1854; his parents are Samuel
and Amanda (Rounds) M.artin; he was the eldest son of a family of
10 children. There were two daughters, however, older than he.
Mr. M. was united in marriage with Mary G. Cil^lines, and they have
two children, one boy and one girl. Both j\lr. and Mrs. '^l. are
members of the (.Ibristian Churcli in Perry. Politically he is a
Democrat.
iS'. F. Martin was born in Kentucky, March 4, 1S22; he is the son
ofNehemiah and Drusilla (Ooltrell) Martin, natives of Virginia and
of German ancestry. Ills mother died when he was only two years
old. In 1840 he came to this county and settled in Fairraount tp.
In 1850 he was united in marriage with .\manda Rounds, and the
union has been blessed with 10 cliild*'en, — 1> boys and 4 girls, S of
whom are living. His wife died Nov. '22, 1>7!>. She was a mem-
ber of the Oliristian Church. Mr. T\I. is a Democrat in polities,
and has served as School Director, School Trustee, Road Commis-
sioner and Overseer of the Poor. He owns a farm of 1(>0 acres on
sec. S.
^•1. Q. J\[(U<o)), farmer, sec. l.'>i P. O. Fisb-lLiok ; is a native of
Vermont, where he was born Aug. 11>, 1811 ; be was tlie son of
Carlo and Lydia Mason. His father was a carpenter. They came
to Pike Cimnty from Iventucky in J8(i2. A. G. was mai-ried to
Betsy 0. Mason in lSo4; this union has been blessed witli a family
of three children, all sons, and two of whom are married. Their
nanu-s are A. H., Wm. and E. II. The latter enlisted in Co. F,
.Mst AVisconsin Infantry, and served for three mouths. Mrs. ]\lason
died ]\Iay 2, 1870.
ii\ .fi. J/i'Z(i )/;//'//», farmer, sec. 22 ; P. O. Perry; was born in
Ohio, June 15, 1827, and is a son of William and Anna (^Boggess)
McLaughlin, the former a native of Virginia and of Irish descent,
and tl>e mother a native of Ohio and of Kuglisb-Cernian ancestry.
His only opportunity for an education was in the common schools
of Pike county in early day, where he was brought in 18;i7. In
. 1848 he was niarried to Sai-ab Flannsigan. Three of their 7 chil-
dren are living. lie has bold all the township otiices, with the
exception of tliat of Assessor. Ho and his wife are mem bei s oi the
620 HISTOKY OF PIKE COUNTY.
M. E. Church, of which he has been Steward. He has been en-
gaejed in farming all his life, in which he has great success. At
present he buys and feeds considerable stock.
William MoLaughlin is. a native of the old Dominion State,
and was born Dec. 2; 1802. His father, James McLanghlin, was a
native of Ireland, and his mother, Sarah McLaughlin, nee Cole,
was born in New Jersey. William was married in 1823 to Anna
Boggess, a native of Ohio, where she was born in 1806, who bore
him 12 children, 6 of whom are living. Four of the sons are mar-
ried, and living in Fairmount township. His wife and' all his
children, except one, are members of the M. E. Church. Farming
.has been his life occupation, and he at present owns 575 acres of
land in Pike county. "When he arrived at Griggsville Landing, in
this county, in 1836, he owned but one horse, $25 in money, and a
very limited amount of househpld .furniture, and had a family of
wife and 5 children. From this meager position he has become
one of the wealthiest men in the county, accumulating by close
attention to business, hard labor and perseverance. He has seen
the country change from its wild state to a fertile field of plenty.
When he first settled here he thought he would always have plenty
of outside range. He has held about all the township offices, and
has been Steward, Class-Leader and Trustee of his church, and
has been licensed as an Exhorter.
A. A. Ogle, farmer, sec. 6; P. O. Fish-Hook; is a son of James
and Martha Ogle, both natives of St. Clair county. 111., and was
born in Adams county in 1855. He attended the common schools
of that county, where he received a fair education. In 1874 he
took unto himself a wife in the person of Sarah Elizabeth Bowman,
who bas borne him two children, both girls.
John M. Parker was born in this county in 1846, the son of
John and Lydia Parker, natives of New England; married Sarah
J. Whitten in 1862, who was born in Ohio in 1845, and they have
had 7 children, one dec. Mr. P. has followed threshing and farm-
ing, and has been moderately successful. His residence is on sec. 27,
Fairmount tp. P. 0., Perry.
Ja^nes A. Phillips was born in the State of Kentucky, Jan. 10,
1828, and is a son of Joseph and Sarah (Jackson) Phillips, the lat-
ter a native of Kentucky, and of Irish ancestry, the former of
Scottish descent, and a native of Maryland. He was married in
1850 to Mary Wheeler, and the union has been blessed with 6
children, all of whom are living. James A. learned the trade of
shoemaking, but never followed the business a great deal. For the
7 years subsequent to his marriage he worked out by the month;
then bought a farm in this county, whither he had come in 1858,
locating in this township, where he has since resided. He is a
member of the United Brethren Church, and has served as Stew-
ard, Class-Leader, Trustee, and Sunday-school Superintendent.
Richard Razy was born in Tennessee, S'ept 12, 1815; his father's
name was .Rufus Razy, who was born in New Tork; his mother
• .1"'
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 621
was Mary Bigelow, also a native of the Empire State. Mr. E.
emigrated to Fike county'in 1852, locating in Perry. He never
attended school but five days in his life, yet he is able to read. His
mother died when he was but three days old. At present he is en-
gaged in farming. He was married in 1836 in "Watertown, Wash-
ington Co., 0,, to Harriet Mason. Eight children were born of
this union, 4 boys and 4 girls. Two of the former are deceased.
Mrs. E. was born in CasWeton, N. Y., July 10, 1815 ; she was the
daughter of Carlo Mason, who died in the town of Perry in 1855.-
They had two sons in the Eebellion, both in the 99th Illinois In-
fantry; Kathdn, who was in Co. F, was killed in the first charge ot
"Vicksburg; and James B., who was in Co. B., died of sickness.
Among other Pike county boys of Co. F of this regiment who were
killed in tlie first charge at Vicksburg, were Capt. Smith, Albert
Orr, Andrew Scranton, John Elder and E. Lee.
Charles Read is a native of England, and was Dorn in 1831; in
1836 he was brought to America by his parents, Eobert and Susan
(Callow) Eead. He received his education in the common schools
of this county, whither he was brought in 1837. He was married
in 1867, to Mary Brown, a native of Ohio. The result of this union
has been 9 children, 5 boys and 4 girls. Mr. M. is engaged in farm-
ing, and owns 280 acres of good land. He is a member of the
Christian Church.
Silas Reed, farmer, sec. 25; P. 0. Perry; was born in Ohio, Oct.
1, 1831, and is the son of William Eeed, who had married a Miss
Clark, of Pennsylvania. He received a good education, besides
having attended the commpn schools. He entered an academy, now
called Clermont College, and also attended the graded schools of
Clermont county. He was married in 1861 to Eebecca, daughter
of Lewis Baldwin, who was born Jan. 26, 1842, in Pike county.
They have a familj' of 5 children. Mr. E. came to Pike county
with liis parents in 1859, and was engaged as school-teacher and
book-keeper for some time, but is now engaged in farming.
Henry Robinson, farmer, sec. 22 ; P. O. Perry; is a son of James
N. and Mary Allen (Cohenour) Eobinson, and was born in Brown
county, 111., May 5, 1850; his father lived in this county 35 years
ago, but at present he is living in Brown county, and has been very
successful financially. Henry received his education in the com-
mon schools ot Brown county, and since 1876 has been engaged in
farming in this township. In 1877 he was married to Olive Poe.
Their only son is James Herbert, who was born Aug. 5, 1878. Mrs.
E. is a member of the M. E. Church.
Jerome W.Rush, farmer and stock-dealer, sec. 22; P. O. Perry.
Mr. E. was born in Eoss county, O., in 1827, and is a son of John
W. and Sarah (Brown) Eush, the former a native of Yirginia, and
of German descent,. the latter of Maryland, and of English descent.
He attended schools in the log school-houses of this county, and the
Mt. Sterling high school for two terms. In 1852, Oct. 12, he was
married to Nancy C. Yates, and of the 5 children which have
622 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
blessed their union, all are living. Both he and his wife are mem-
bers of the M. E. Church. He came to Pike county in 1837, and
located on sec. 36. He is now engaged as stock-raiser and stock
dealer, and owns 400 acres of land, all but 80 acres of which is
prairie. He keeps a deer park, in which he at times has as many
as 20 deer.
Jasper Seyhold. By occupation Mr. S. is a farmer, and owns 255
acres of land in this county. In 1866 he was united in marriage
with Mary E. Stauffer, who has borne him 9 children, 4 boys and 5
girls, all of whom are living. Jasper Seybold was born in Madison
county, 111., June 26, 1833, and is a son of James and Olive (Gas-
kill) Seybold. His father was born in Illinois, and his mother in
l!^ew York. He received his education mostly in log school-
houses. He was brought from Madison county to Pike county in
1836, and has ever since resided in the county. He- has served as
Township Collector and as School Director for 20 years.
Ira W. Stevenson was born in Pike county Oct. 9, 1853, and is
a son of John and Mary Ann (Wilson) Stevenson; the former was
a well-known pioneer of this county, and died Feb. 1, 1880. He
was a successful farmer, and owned 680 acres of land when he died.
Ira W. received his education in the common schools, and, besides
farming, he deals in stock. In March, 1874, he was united in
marriage with Jennie Glines; only one of the two children born to
them are living, Nellie May, who was born in 1877.
August Strauss, iATvaev, sec. 1; P. O., Perry. This gentleman
was born in Germany, Aug. 11, 1840; he was landed in New York
in 1857, and came to Pike county in 1858, where he has since re-
sided, with the exception of three years spent in the army. He
learned the trade of blacksmith in the old country, but since
1858 has been engaged in farming. Aug. 9, 1862, he enlisted in
Co. B, 99th 111. Inft., and remained in the service until the close
of the war; he was in every battle that his regiment was in, and
in all the marches, always being willing and ready for duty. He
never received a wound. He was in the charge on Yicksburg and
aided in carrying the Colonel off the field when he was wounded.
Mr. S. was married Jan. 2, 1868, to Sarah Harter, and both of them
are members of the Lutheran Church, of Perry, of which he is a
Trustee. He is engaged in farming, and owns 80 acres of land.
Frederick Strauss was born Oct. 1, 1841, in Germany, and is a
son of Henry D. and "Wilhelmina (Baul) Strauss. Mr. S. came to
Pike county in 1867, where he has since resided. He has a good
German and a good English education. He is engaged in farming
on sec. 12, and owns 80 acres of land. His is the oldest settled
place in the township, part of his land having been under cultiva-
tion for over 50 years. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. B, 99th 111. Inf.,
under Capt. Matthews; in 1863 was transferred to the 4th Reg.
Vet. Ees. Corps, in which he was a non-commissioned officer. He
served three years, lacking 11 days. He was in many of the impor-
tant battles of the war; was at the siege of Yicksburg, and says
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 633
that the day after the rebels surrendered was the most lonesome
day of his life. He had become so accustomed to the firing of the
artillery that he was lost and lonesome without its constant roar.
In 1869 he was married to Denia Hake, and they have a family of
6 children, 4 of whom are living. Both Mr. and Mrs. S. are mem-
bers of the Perry Lutheran Church.
Merriman Tucker, farmer, sec. 5 ; P. 0. Fish-HoDk , was born
in Virginia in 1819, and is the son of C. and Julia (Warren) Tucker,
the former a native of North Carolina and the latter of V irginia,
and both of Irish ancestry. His opportunities for an early educa-
tion were very limited, and most of his education was obtained af-
ter he was 21 years of age. In 1842 he was married to Miss A.
Reeves; 6 children have been born to bless their, union. Mr. T. is
a member of the M. E. Church, while she is a member of the Chris-
tian Church. Their son, Ooalston Tucker, during the dark days of
the rebellion went to defend his country, enlisting in the lith
Eeg. 111. Inf., and served till 1865. Mr. T. is engaged in farming
and has made it a business to improve a farm and then sell it.
He has followed this mode until he has improved 12 farms in Pike
and Brown counties. When he first came here, he tells us, he could
see wolves more frequently than he "can hogs.at large at the pres-
ent day .
John Vail, farmer, owning over 200 acres of land, was born Sept.
24; 1815, in Ohio, son of Solomon and Jane Vail; the former was
born in Washington Co., Pa., and of German descent, and his
mother, in Westmoreland Co., of the same State, and of Irish an-
cestry. Mr. V. came to Illinois in 1842, landing at Quincy Oct. 10;
he had then only $300. He embarked in farming and owns 200
acres of land and an interest in 160 more, — all in Pike county. In
1846 he was married to Helena A. Reed. Three boys and four girls
were born to them. -His wife, who was a member of the Christian
Church, died May 4, 1868. Mr. Vail politically is a Democrat;
has served as Town Clerk 3 years, and also as Supervisor, Assessor
and Road Commissioner.
Zeander Vail, farmer, sec. 23; P. O., Perry. Leander Vail was
born in Pike county. 111., Oct. 20, 1848; he is the son of John and
Helena (Reed) Vail, early pilgrims to this county. He received
his education in the common schools of Pike county. He was
united in marriage Jan. 23, 1879, to Mary Elledge, daughter of A.
A. Elledge, and was born in this county Oct. 25, 1848. Pier father
was one of the early settlers of this county. Mr. Vail has served
the township as Collector, and is Clerk at the present time. As a
farmer he has been successful. He deals in cattle and hogs, which
he buys and selh to shippers.
/. W. Walker, farmer, sec. 24; P. O., Perry; is a native of this
county and the son of Robert and Hannah (Scott) Walker, well
known in the earlv history of Pike county. J. W. was born Nov.
27,1850; received his education in the common schools of this
county, and began life as a farmer, now owning 160 acres of good
624 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY/.
land. In July, 1871, he was united in marriage with Ellen Batley,
and to them have been born 3 children, one son and two daughters.
Both Mr. and Mrs. W. are members of the Christian Church.
Richard T. Walmsley was born in Ehode Island in 1851; his
parents are Eichard and Mary (Carpenter) Walmsley, his father a
native of England and his mother of Rliode Island; Eichard T.
attended the common schools of his native State, where he received
a fair education; for a time he worked in the cotton factories of
Ehode Island, Massachusetts and Kentucky, and in 1868 came to
Illinois with his father, with whom, in connection with another
brother, he owns 180 acres of land, and they are engaged in farm-
ing. His mother died Jan. 26, 1866.
Ira J. Wilsonvi&s born in New Hampshire, Jan. 7, 1831, and
is a son of James and Mar^ "Wilson, both natives of Vermont and
of Irish descent. Sept. 10, 1857, he was united in marriage with
Marietta Corey, a native of this county. Both he and his wife re-
ceived a good common- school education. Mr. W. went to Oregon
in 1852, in 1854 to California, two years later returned to Illinois,
and in the following year was married, as stated above, and is now
engaged in farming in this township. He came to Illinois in 1836
with his father, who settled in Grriggsville, and in 1837 located on
sec. 3, this tp. Mrs. Wilson is a member of the M. E. Church.
James Woods, farmer, sec. 16; P.O., Fish Hook; is a native of
Brown county, 0., and was born in 1808, and is a son of Samuel
and Elsie (Eitchie) Woods, the former of Irish descent and the lat-
ter a native of Ireland. Mr. W. has a limited education which he
received in the common schools of Ohio ; he came to Pike county
in March, 1845, and engaged in farming, now owning 160 acres of
land on sec. 16. He was married in 1829, to Eachel Jackson, and
6 of the 8 children born to them are living, all of whom are mar-
ried. In 1879 Mr. W. had been married for half a century, and
both he and his wife have been members of the M. E. Church for
60 years. She is 3 years and 4 months younger than he is.
/"
•, 1
NEW SA'
NEW SALEM TOWNSHIP.
This is a full Congressional township, and is officially known as
township four south, range four west of the fourth principal meri-
dian. New Salem is a prairie township, and in an agricultural point
of view is an especially fine section of country. It was not set-
tled as early as some of the more southern townships of the county
were, but at present ranks with any in regard to improvements. It
is settled with an enterprising class of people who never lag in such
matters.
Although it is what we may term a prairie township it is well
watered and drained. Strange to say, even in this peninsula, formed
by the Mississippi and Illinois rivers, there is no well-defined
water-shed. However, we find so many streams having their
origin in this township and flowing in different directions, we con-
clude it to he one of the highest tracts of land in the county. Bay
creek, and one of its main branches, have their origin in New
Salem. Also the south Fork of McGee's creek, a branch of the
Middle Fork of the same creek, and another small stream which
runs off into Adams county, the name of which we do not know.
The first pioneer who ventured to locate in this township was
Mr. Joab Shinn, who came in 1830 and located on sec. 14 in the
edge of the beautiful grove there.
The next settlement was made in the southern part of the town-
ship, sec. 24, in 1831, by Isaac Conki'ight and his two sons. About
the same time came William Scholl ; also Nathan Swiggart and
Samuel Griffith, who located on sec. 14, in company with Mr.
Shinn. Then came William Crump, Henry Brown and others.
In 1832 the Black Hawk war occurred, and although the battle
grounds were many miles distant, yet it was the cause of much ex-
citement and apprehension in this county. The immediate result
of this was to check immigration to this State, and for a few years
few new settlers made their appearance in this section. However,
after the lapse of a few seasons, when it began to be definitely un-
derstood in the East and South that no further molestations were
likely to occur, a new tide of immigration set toward this county
never before or since equaled. This began in 1834 and continued
for about five years. A system of advertising and speculation
similar to that now prevailing in the country several hundreds ot
miles further West, brought tnousands upon thousands.
Not unlike the excitement which prevailed at later periods in re-
628 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
gard to the Western gold, silver and lead mines, was that which swept
through the Eastern and Southern States in regard to Illinois lands
and town lots. During the years 1835-7, more than 500 towns were
laid out in Illinois, many of these in Pike county. Railroads were
projected through nearly all of them, and . these, with the town
sites, were platted, showing depot grounds, parks and drives, and
were sent with the most exaggerated descriptions to all parts of the
country. The State Government caught the epidemic, and bills
for railroads, canals, and other internal improvements were passed,
corresponding in magnitude with the universal expectancy of the
people. In 1837 a financial crisis came and found this State but
ill-prepared for the shock. As a consequence, the numerous rail-
roads, canals and paper cities vanished in thin air. For a number
of years after this, improvements and immigration was at a stand-
still. Of course tliis part of the country, having no extra inducements
to offer, partook of the general stagnation, and for a score of years
no remarkable advance was made either in population or improve-
ment. Occasionally a new arrival was announced. A relation or
friend writing to the old home in the East or South, would induce
■ some one to come out to see the country, and perhaps work a year,
and once here, he would likely stay. As in other parts of the
State, the first settlers located in or near the timber, and there we
find the first improvements. Ere many years, however, some of
the more enterprising pushed out upon the fertile prairies. They
discovered that farms much more profitable could be made, much
easier and quicker than in the timber.
The first person who met death in this township was Mr. Oar-
rington, who died in 1834. The first sermon preached was by Eev.
Samuel Oglesby, a Methodist minister. This sermon was delivered
at the funeral of Sarah Tedrow.
The first school-house in New Salem was built in 1834. The
building stood on sec. 15 and for several years was used for re-
ligious purposes. The first church was built in the village of Kew
Salem in 1844, by the Methodist brethren. The first steam-mill
was built in 1856-7, by Cooper Temple, near the village of New
Salem.
The Wabash Railroad passes through the township, entering
from the east about the middle of sec. 24, running on a direct
westerly line until the town of New Salem is reached, when it
strikes a west northwest course to Pineville.
There are two pleasant little country villages in this township,
both of which areon the line of the Wabash Railroad, and in the
midst of a fine farming community. The older. New Salem, was
laid out Dec. 22, 1847, by William F. Hooper and Jacob Shinn.
It is located on sees. 22 and ] 5. The original town was further
north than the main portion of the present village is. Pineville,
which is located on the southwest quarter of sec. 7, was laid out
by William Pine, jr., Oct. 26, 1869. The name has since been
changed to Baylis, that being the name of the postoifice.
HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY. 629
NEW SALEM UNIVEE3ALIST CHUECH.
The Universalist Church in New Salem owes its existence prin-
cipally to the earnest efforts of Daniel Fisher and David Preble
(two laymen whose wives were sisters), and a few zealous friends
who aided their efforts.
They were among the early settlers of the town, and are grate-
fully remembered for what they were, and what they did to benefit
society, for they have both gone to their final rest.
Their dwelling-houses were open for religious worship in the
early days when church accommodations were wanting, and the
ministers of other forms of faith besides their own held services
in them.
Among the early advocates of Universalism who preaclied in
]S«w Salem and vicinity, were Eevs. Abel Chandler, William Gam-
age, E. Manford and Father Wolf. The last mentioned was a
Dnnkard or German Baptist, who believed in the final salvation
of all souls. The first seeds of the Universalist faith were
sown principally by these men. Mr. Gamage was the first Uni-
versalist minister who had continuous appointments in the vicinity
of New Salem. He probably preached in Mr. Fjsher's house in
1849, and held services once a month for some two or three years.
He resided a part of the time in Naples, and a part of the time in
BaiTv, and depended principally upon school-teaching for his sup-
port.
The soil here was favorable to the growth of the Universalist faith,
as is shown by the eagerness of the people to obtain that kind of
religious reading. For when the Universalist State Missionary,
Rev. W. E. Reily, visited New Salem, in the month of August,
1851, to preach on Sunday, but was prevented from holding re-
ligious services by a heavy rain storm that prevailed at the time,
he sold twelve dollars worth of Universalist books.
When school-houses were built, and religious services were held
in them, the appointment for a Universalist meeting sometimes
created bitter opposition, and to avoid this, Messrs. Fisher and
Preble concluded to make the attempt to build a church edifice,
though the friends were neither numerous nor wealthy. They said we
will get what help we can, and what is lacking we will pay ourselves.
Mr. Fisher bought the land on which the church stands, and after-
ward deeded to the society, and the present church building,
valued at $2,500, was completed and dedicated the 17th of Decem-
ber, 1854. '
Rev. D. R. Biddlecome had been engaged to preach every other
Sabbath, a short time before the dedication of the church, and he
preached the dedication sermon. He continued his labors for two
years and a half, arid organized a Church August 5, 1855. A part
of this time he occupied three-fourths of his time in New Salem,
though he resided at Griggs ville.
In the spring of 1857,^ev. A. M. Worden was engaged as Pas-
630 HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY.
tor, and continued his pastorate for six years, preaching one-half of
the time in New Salem, and the other half in Barry; except the
last year, when he preached all the time in New Salem. He resided
all the time, except the last year, in Barry. The Sunday School
was commenced during his pastorate in the summer of 1862.
Rev. William Gamage was engaged to teach the village school, in
the fall of 1866, and was employed to preach every other Sunday
in New Salem for two years.
During the years 1872-3and, 75, Rev. John Hughes preached
one Sabbath a month here. The Church was re-organized during
his ministry. He never resided in the parish, but usually came on
Saturday and left on Monday, and of course had not much oppor-
tunity to do parish work, though he had large congregations. The
strength of the parish at that time was 20 families, 30 church mem-
bers, and a Sunday-school of 81 scholars and teachers.
Rev. T- H. Tabor supplied for the parish one Sunday in a month
for six months during the summer of 1876. In the month of De-
cember, 1878, he returned to New Salem, held services every eve-
ning for a week, andjthe Sabbath previous and the Sabbath after
these week meetings. During these meetings 27 new members
united with the Church.
Mr. Tabor was engaged to preach for the parish one-half of the
time in March, 1 879, and is now the resident Pastor. The reported
strength of the parish at the commencement of the year 1880 was 58
BIOGEAPHIES.
We give in connection with the above sketch brief biographies
of the old settlers and prominent persons of the township. They
will be found to form an interesting feature of this volume.
J . a. Allen; P. 0., Baylis; was born in this county in 1850; his
parents, J. M. and Mary Allen, were natives of Kentucky, and came
here in an early day and settled on the farm where J. R. now resides.
In 1867 he married Mahala A. Houston, who was born in Adams
bounty, this State, in 184:8, and they had 7 children, namely, Wil-
liam i)., Charles T., Andy M., Leva (deceased), J. L., Jeff. R. and
Mary M. Mr. Allen has followed carpentering and farming; owns
90 acres of land. He had one brother, who lost his life in the late
war; was first wounded near Helena, Ark., and died at Cape Gir-
ardeau.
John Andrews, dealer in general merchandise. New Salem, is. a
native of England, where he was born Feb. 6, 1840; he came to the
United States in 1854, and two years later came to thi« county, and
in 1861 embarked in the. mercantile business at New Salem. In
1863 he was united in marriage with Miss M. A. Temple; she was
born in St. Louis in 1842,,and died in 1865. In 1868 Mr. A. was
married to Miss H. L. Fisher, a native of Ohio. To them have
been born 5 children: Charles, Harry, Maud, Alice and John. Mr.
A. has held the office of Postmaster, at New Salem, since 1867.
He is a prominent member of the Universalist Church.
HI8T0ET OF PIKE COUNTY.. 631
John Games, deceased, son of Thomas and Elizabeth Carnes,
natives of Maryland, was born in 1812; at the age of 14 he moved
to Ohio, and in 1858 married Michel Hardin, vcho was born in
Harrison county, O., in 1814, and they had one child. He came
to this State about 35 years ago, and located in this tp., where he
lived until his death, which occurred in 1867. Mrs. Carnes carried
on the farm until her son John was old enough to attend to it.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Carnes were members of the United Brethren
Church. P. O., New Salem.
Solomon G. Ohaney, farmer, sec. 16; P. O., New Salem; was
born in 1843, son of Elijah and Mary Chaney, the former a native
of Maryland and the latter of England, who came to this county in
1835, and remained until their death. Solomon was married in
' 1866 to EmmaEddingfield, who was born in 1843 in Lancaster, O.,
and they had 7 children, — Emma E., Hiram E., Maude E., Alcyone
A., Hermon G., Eosa C. and Mary L.; Maude is dead. Mr. C. enlisted
in the late war in 1861, in Co. I, 33d Reg. III. Inf. ; was in the
battle at Fredericktown, Mo., campaign in Arkansas, then through
Missouri, was in the siege of Vicksburg, at JN'ew Orleans, then on
the Texas coast, then Mobile, Ala. He was mustered out Dec. 10,
1865, at Camp Butler, this State, and has since followed farming;
owns 40 acres of land. Mr. and Mrs. Chaney are members of the
Universalist Church. Mr. C. is also a Free Mason.
Joseph E. Chaney, farmer, was born in 1833, in Washington, D.
\ C, and is a son of Elijah and Mary C. Chaney, the former a native
of Maryland and the latter of England, who came to America in
1820. At the age of \\ years Joseph E. went to England, and re-
turned in 18 months, and has since been a resident of New Salem.
He is a farmer and resides on sec. 20 ; owns 160 acres of land, and
it is well improved. Mr. and Mrs. C. are members of the Uni-
versalist Church.
A. B. Cohh, physician; P. O ., New Salem ; was born in Steuben Co.,
N. Y., in 1830, and is a son of Philanthropy and Harriet Cobb, of
English descent, his father a native of New York and mother of
Massachusetts. At the age of 13 he came with his parents to this
county and located in Perry, where he learned the harness and sad-
dler's trade, which he followed for 6 years; then read medicine under
Dr. Carey 3 years, and in 1856-7 attended the Missouri Medical
College; then commenced practice in Hadley tp., and remained
there 12 years. Was Postmaster 4 years, and also School Director.
In 1853 he married Miss Emma J. Shields, who was born in 1836,
in Fulton county, 111., and died Feb. 8, 1868, in Hadley tp. They
had 5 children, 4 of whom are living. In 1870 Dr. Cobb married
Laura Huntley, born in 1835, and a native of Pennsylvania. They
have one chiM, and are members of the Presbyterian Church.
A. W. Cochran, sec. 4; P. 0., New Salem; was born in Bel-
mont county, Ohio, in 1815; his father, James, a native of Ireland,
was in the war of the Kevolution, and present at St. Clair's defeat.
His mother, Elizabeth, was a native of Germany. Our subject
632 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
came to this county in 1865. In 1851 he married Miss Eebecca
Cornwell, born in 1825, and they had 10 children; only 5 of these
are living. Mr. C. has followed butchering, and of late, farming
and trading on the Mississippi river. He has held the office of
School Director for the remarkably long period of ii years, and
in Ohio was School Treasurer. During the war he supported 13
families while the husbands and fathers served in the neld.- Mr.
Cochran had an exciting experience in Ohio during the war, which
we relate. While he was electioneering for McClellan, a man who
was both preacher and doctor, accompanied by 8 soldiers, came to
Mr. C. and threatened to hang him ; but when the soldiers learned
that Mr. 0. was supporting 13 soldiers' families they released him
and were about to hang the reverend doctor, when they were dis-
suaded by the kindly feeling of Mr, Cochran.
John D. Combs was born in 1T92 in France, and was the son of
John D. and Mary A. Combs, who were also natives of France;
the family emigrated to New Castile in Portugal, when he was
young; at the time of Bonaparte's defeat at this place, John D. fled
to seek shelter from the shot and shell of the British army;. he got
lost from his mother and, supposing she had been killed, wandered
around in search of his father, he being on Bonaparte's staff, but
found him dead. Our subject was now left without parents,
brother or sister, and he knew not what to do; a Jewish peddler
proved to be a good Samaritan to him, taking him in charge,
feeding him and conveying him to Lisbon ; here the orphan wan-
dered about the city, sleeping out of doors and in abandoned re-
treats for 3 or 4 weeks, and getting nothing to eat except what he
could pick up from the back doors of hotels and boarding-houses.
Here again a good Samaritan appeared in the person of an Ameri-
can sea captain, and took him aboard of his ship and cared for him
until his (the captain's) death. The captain's wife then became
his guardian and bound him out to the boot and shoemaker's trade;
after ^ years' stay he ran away from his master and enlisted in the
U. S. service for 5 years under Scott's command at Baltimore,
thence to New • Orleans and up the Mississippi river, stopping at
Baton Eouge, St. Louis and Council Bluffs. This expedition was
for the purpose of making treaties with the Indians in Nebraska
and as far north as the Yellowstone. After 5 years' service he was
mustered out at Omaha, Neb., and went to New Orleans for his pay;
then returned to this State, then a territory, and located at Alton,
where he was first married. After working at his trade for several
years, he commenced selling goods on the Illinois river, at Perry,
and also at N ew Salem. He is at present living a retired life at
the age of 88 years. He has been 3 times married, but is now a
widower; is unusually spry and active for one of .his age, and
challenges any man in the county for a half-mile race. P. 0.,
New Salem.
J. S. Gonkright, sec. 26; P. O., New Salem; was born in this
county in 1836; his parents, Isaac and Elizabeth Conkright, were
HISTORY OF PIKE CO0NTT. 633
natives of Kentucky. He owns 160 acres of good land. In 1863
he was married to Harriet L. Bean, of this county, who was born
ill 1847; they have 2 children, John W. and Harris. They are
members of the Universalist Church.
William Crump, farmer, sec. 24; P. O., New Salem; was born
in Washington county, Penn., in 1815; his parents, Stephen and
Nancy Crump, were natives of Yirginia. From 1828 to 1835 the
family lived in Virginia. Our subject came to this State in the
spring of 1835 and settled in Quincy; while there he manufactured
wagons. In 1837 he moved to this county, and in 1838 he married
Miss Margaret Hooper, who was born in Clermont county, Ohio,
in 1821, and they had 8 children, — Joseph, John, George W.,
Nathan, MaryE., Thomas H., Harriet E. and Jennie A.; the second
and fifth are dead. Mr. Crump has followed farming, principally,
since settling in this county. "When he came here the settlement
was very thin, there being but one family between his farm and
Griggsville; the nearest mill was 8 miles away. Mr. and Mi«. C.
are Methodists.
M. S. Darrah, sec. 15 ; P. O., New Salem ; was born in this county
in 1839, and is the son of John and Elizabeth Darrah; his father
was a native of Ohio, and his mother of Pennsylvania. Except 10
years in Champaign County, this State, the subject of this sketch
has always resided in this county. His occupation is that of a
farmer, and he owns 120 acres, his residence.being on sec. 15. Oct.
25, 1865, he married Maggie M. Hooper, who is also a native of this
county, and they have 5 children, — Gertie, deceased; Gracie, de-
ceased; Franklin, Freddie, Mary G. Mr. and Mrs. D. are members
of the M. E. Church. Mr. D. served 3 months in the war, in the
regimentpl band, and was discharged on account of bleeding at the
lungs.
H. L. Davidson, son of Joshua and Susanna Davidson, natives
of Pennsylvania, was born in 1818 in Ohio, where he was brought
up; in 1856 he emigrated to this county, settling on a farm \\ miles
north-west of Baylis, where he followed both farming and black-
smithing. In 1841 he married Miss Hannah Tipton, who was born
in 1819 in Jefferson county, Ohio, and of their 8 children 3 are
living, to wit: John H., Susan and Mary L. Mrs. D. died in 1878.
In 1877 Mr. D. moved into Baylis, where he erected a wagon and
blacksmith shop, and he does all kinds of work in his line. He
was a local preacher in the M. E. Church 25 years, and for the last
6 years he has held the same position in the IJnited Brethren
Church.
W. R. Deeder was born in 1838 in Huntingdon county, Pennsyl-
vania; when 10 years of age he came with his parents, Isaac and
JSophia Deeder to this county, settling at Pittsfield; in 1859 he mar-
ried Sarah J. Mountain, a native of Adams county, 111., and they
had one child. Mrs. D. died in 1863, and the next year Mr. D. mar-
ried Sophronia Osborne, who was born in 1857 in Tennessee, and
they have had 7 children, 5 now living. Mr. D. has been School
634 HISTORY OF PIKE COCJSlf. ' j
Director, and is now an ordained minister of the Baptist Church at
Fairmount. lie served 3 ye'^rs and 8 months in the Idte war in
the 2d Regiment, Battery A, since which time he has followed
farming and blacksmithing. Residence, sec. 4; P. O., Baylis.
Theodore Doyle, physician, was born in Marion county, Ohio, in
1846. His father, Nicholas Doyle, was a native of Ireland- his
mother, Maria, was a native of Bedford county, Penn. ' At the age
of 10 years he moved to Crawfordsville, Indiana, lived there 2
years, then moved to Champaign county, this State. In 1867
he came to this county, where he has since resided. He commenced
the study of medicine while in tiie eastern part of the State. He
graduated at the American Eclectic Medical College at St. Louis,
and commenced practice in Kinderhook, this county. Sept. 4, 1870,
Dr. Doyle married Delight S. "Winsor, vi^ho was born Dec. 15, 1844,
in this county, and they had 2 children. Mrs. D.'s parents were
Alonzo and Margaret Winsor, natives of New York. The Dr. has
an extensive practice. P. O., New Salem.
John W. EUsherry, son of Wesley and Sarah Ellsberry, natives
of Kentucky, was born in Clermont county, Ohio, in 1825. When
he was 2 years old he moved with his parents to Brown county, 0.,
where he was raised and educated. In 1848 he came to Pike
county and located in this tp., where he has since resided. Oct. 23,
1852, he married Mary J. Mace, who was born in Somerset (now
Piscataquis) county, Maine, in 1823, and came to this county in
1836, and they have had 4 children, namely: Henry B., John M.,
EllaD. and Harmon P. ; the latter died in Noyember, 1867. Onr sub-
ject has lield the office of Commissioner of Highways, School Direc-
tor, Justice of the Peace, and Assessor. His principal occupation has
been farming, though formerly he was a blacksmith; also carried
on a saw- mill, and kept a lumber yard. He now owns 80 acres of
land with good house on it, and well fenced. Mr. and Mrs. E. are
members of the Universalist Church. P. 0., New Salem.
O. W. English, farmer, sec. 9 ; P. O., New Salem ; was born in
Clermont county, O., in 1827. His parents, Robert and Martha
English, were natives of New York, and came to this county when
G. W. was 8 years old; at that time there was no house bej;ween
them and. Quincy, a distance of 25 miles; and here our subject has
lived ever since, except 3 years spent in California, prospecting for
gold. He went in 1852 and made $1,000; he went across the
isthmus and returned the same way to New York. In 1850 Mr.
English married Sarah E. Bryant, who was born in Vermont in
September, 1832, and their 6 children are, — Nathan, George, Luella,
Emma E. and Mary F. His eldest son is studying for the ministry,
in Lincoln, Nebraska. Mary is a teacher in the public schools at
Baylis, 111. All the family, except Mary, are Methodists. Mr. E. is a
zealous Sunday-school worker. Mr. English being also a worker in
his country's cause, organized the Union League in many places m
x
ct^tlyJm4^ ^ t^.-^^/^
PLEAS A NT VALE Tf
^m
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 637
this county, and was President of County League. He is a farmer
and stock-raiser, and naakes a specialty of PoJand-China hogs.
John Mving,i'a.Ymer, sec. 6 ; P. O., Baylis; was born in Jefferson
connty, 0., in 1817. His parents, Alexander and Susan Ewing,
were natives of Pennsylvania. They came to Ohio in an early day,
and in 1851 came to Illinois and died in this county. In 18il onr
subject married Keziah Tipton, born in 1825, in Jefferson county,
Ohio; and they have had i children, to wit : Alexander, Susan 0.
and Nancy A. Susan died 4 years ago. Mr. E. has been School
Director. In early life he was in limited circumstances, but by
industry and economy he has acquired 160 acres of land. His wife
is a Baptist.
Charles B. Fish, sec. 15; P. O., New Salem; son of Eleazer and
Lucy Fisk; was born in New Hampshire in 1829; he was taken to
Massachusetts with his parents when he was one year old, and in
1840 came to Griggsville, this county. In 1860 he married Betsey
E. Cobbs, who was born in 1837 or 1838, in New York, and they
have 2 living children. Mr. F. has been Overseer of Highways,
School Trustee, and is now President of the Town Board of New
Salem. Mrs. F. is a Methodist. When he commenced in life for
himself Mr. Fisk was in very limited circumstances, but he now
has 80 acres of nice land. On his arrival here his nearest neigh-
bors were Amos Blood, A. P. Sharpe and Thos. Bates.
William H. Fish, physician; P. O., Baylis; was born ia Mil-
bury, Mass., in 1848. His parents, Kobert and Susan Fish, were
natives of England, and came to America in 1842, and located in
Milbury, and then emigrated to Hadley, this county, in 1854,
where our subject was raised and educated, and also taught com-
mon school. He graduated at the College of Physicians and Sur-
geons in Keokuk, Iowa, Feb. 14, 1878; had commenced practice at
Benville, Brown county, in 1873. After remaining there 2 years,
he came to this place, where he has since remained. Dr. F. is a
member of the M. E. Church, and has a good, growing practice.
James M. Furry was born in Highland county, O., in 1828 ;
his father, Christopher Furry, was a native of Pennsylvania, and
his mother, Mary [nee Edward), was of Irish descent, and born in
Ohio. Mr. Furrj'^ spent 8 or 9 years in Ross county, and in 1849
he married -Elizabeth Ann Patton, born in Kentucky in 1828.
They have had 11 children. Our subject came to this county in
1856, and is now a merchant. He deals in dry -goods, groceries,
hats and caps, boots and shoes, crockery, etc. He was Justice of
the Peace in Ohio, and Supervisor in Pittsfield. His oldest child
died at the age of 5 years, and more recently his second son died,
aged 28, who was traveling salesman for a St. Louis firm.. Resi-
dence, New Salem.
J. P. Gibbons, son of Lile and Mary Gibbons, natives of Ohio,
was born in Belmont county, Ohio, in 1847; at the age of 18 years
he came to this county, and in 1871 married Catharine Ewing, a
native of Wayne county, Ohio, born in 1847; and their 3 children
37
638 flISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTr.
are, M. H. G. , Mettie C. and Joseph O. Mrs. G. is a Presby-
terian. Mr. G. has been a farmer all his life; owns 92 acres of
good land, and resides on sec. 9. P. O., New Salem.
John Gray, farmer and blacksmith, sec. 5; P. O., l^ew Salem-
was born in Harrison county, Ohio, in 1814; his parents, Thomas
(a native of Yermont) and Hannah, came to Ohio in a very early
day. At the age of 17 oiir subject went to Clermont county, 0.
and came to this county in 1838, and has lived here ever since.
In 1840 he was married to Nancy Bradbury, a native of Clermont
county, Ohio, and had 5 children. He afterward married Mrs.
Stag Barnard, and they had 2 children. Mr. G. has held the office
of Commissioner of Highways for the last 6 years. He owns 80
acres of land near New Salem.
Fredei'iok Halhauer, farmer, sec. 33; P. O,, New Salem; was
born in 1824, in Saxony, Germany; his parents were Partaloms
and Eosena Halbauer. Frederick came to America and located in
Philadelphia, Pa., in 1848 ; then lived 7 years in Burlington county,
same State, and came to this county in 1856. The same year he
married Miss Eosena Enos, who was born in 1831 in Bavaria, and
they have had 8 children, one of whom is dead. Mr. H. owns 90
acres of good land, well improved.
Dr. H. Hatch is a prominent physician in New Salem.
John Hooper, farmer, sec. 27; P. O., New Salem; son of John
and Hannah Cooper, natives of New Jersey; was born in Cler-
mont county, Ohio, in 1823. At the age of 12 he came with his
brother Thomas to this State, and lived 2 years in Coles county;
came to Pike county in 1837, where he has since resided, in 1844
he married Mary Ann Shinn, who was born in Indiana in 1825;
and came to this county in 1835; they had 11 children, 7 of whom
are living, — Hannah, Peter F., J. C., Asa, Newton N., Louisa
and Minnie M. Mr. H. owns 200 acres of land, all acquired by his
own industry; he has held the office of School Trustee for the last
20 years; been School Director several terms; has lived on his
present farm 24 years, and is well known throughout this and
adjoining townships as an efficient school officer. ' Mr. and Mrs. H.
are Methodists. Mr. Hooper is also a Free Mason.
William R. Hooper, farmer, sec. 15 ; P. O., New Salem ; was
born in Clermont county, Ohio, in 1842. His fether, Peter
Hooper, was a native of New Jersey, and his mother, Lida Hoopfer,
a native of Kentucky. He came to this county in 1848, locating in
Griggsville tp., then lived in Champaign county, this State, 18
months; in 1866 he married Miss L. B. Dillon, who was born in
1844 in Clermont county, Ohio, and they have had 2 children, a
boy and a girl. He enlisted in the army in 1862, in Co. K, 99th
Eeg. He was in several battles, and was discharged in 1865 ; since
that time he has followed farming, and owns 154 acres of land.
Mr. and Mrs. H. are members of the Universalist Church of New
Salem.
HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY. 639
Alonzo Hubhard, farmer, sec. 16; P. O., New Salem; was born
in Portsmouth, Eockingham county, N. H., in 1816. His father,
Joshua Hubbard, was a native of Maine, and his mother, Eliza H.
C. Hubbard, a native of Pennsylvania. He had good educational
advantages, having attended the Academy at Portsmouth, and also
at Lowell, Mass. In 1837 he came to Mason county, Kentucky,
followed farming and tobacco raising, then took a trip to JSTew
Orleans, thence to this county; after remaining one year he re-
turned to Kentucky to settle business there, then came back and
settled permanently in this tp. March 20, 1845, he married Char-
lotte Brown, who was born in Ireland in 1825, and came to America
when 8 years old. Mr. and Mrs. Hubbard have 6 children, namely,
Henry, William, Amos, Eliza H. C, Louise F. and Hilton. Two of
the sons were in the army; Henry belonged to^Co. K, 99th 111.
Vol., was with Sherman in his march to the sea. William belonged
to Co. I, 18th Eeg. I. Y. I. Mr. and Mrs. Hubbard are members
of the Universalist Church, at New Salem.
Elijah Jeffers, retired farmer, was born in Clermont county, O.,
Jan. 1, 1803; he is the son of William and Sarah (Rollins) Jeffers,
the former a native of England, and the latter of Ireland. Our
subject was reared upon a farm, and has successfully followed
agricultural pursuits thus far through life. He came to this county
Oct. 17, 1837; hence is one of the oldest pioneers who have helped
to convert the native wilds of this county into fruitful fields. He
had but a limited education and possessed only $300 when he came
to the county. His first purchase was 80 acres of wild land, which
he improved and to which he added from time to time, until one
time he owned between 600 and 600 acres, most of which he has
divided among his children. He has held local township offices
and been class-leader in the M. E. Church over 20 years, of which
Church he has been an active and prominent member for 53 years,
as also has his wife. In 1826 or 1827, in Ohio, he was married to
Hannah Pine, daughter of William and Hannah Pine, natives of
England and New Jersey, respectively. Of this union 11 children
have been born, 10 of whom are living : John C, William P.,
Mary A., Samuel, Isaac E., Eachel, James, Lucinda, Francis L.
and Martha F. We give Mr. Jeffers' portrait.
George Johnston, blacksmith and wagon-maker ; P. O., New
Salem ; was born in Westmoreland county, Penn., Dec. 4, 1834. His
father, Eobert Johnston, was a native of Ireland, and his mother,
Nancy Johnston, a native of Pennsylvania; when 2 years old he
moved with his parents to Harrison county, Ohio, where he was
raised. In 1857 he came to Brown- county, this State, where he
followed blacks mithing, and in 1858 came to Pike county. In
1859 he married Sarah A. Eeed, who was born in Brown county,
this State, Feb. 12, 1836, and they have had 6 children. Mr. J.
has followed blacksmithing 22 years. He is a member of the
Masonic order.
640
HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY.
Nathan Einman, farmer, sec. 35; P. 0.,Pittsfield; is a son oi
Levi and Susannah Kinman, natives of ^orth Carolina ■ he was
brought to this county with his parents in 1831. In 184-3 he was
united in marriage with Eliza Cadwell ; she was born in the State of
Kentucky in 1821, and died in 1868. To them were born 9 chil-
dren, 7 of whom are living : Eobert H., Joseph M., William F.
John 0., Lewis F., Mary 0.,, JS"athan J., Charles A. and Arthur li!
After the demise of his former wife he was married to Eliza J."
Conkright, who was born in the State of Ohio in 1839. Mr. K. has
held the office of County Commissioner, and is a member of the
Baptist Church.
James F. Lemmon, painter and carpenter; P. O., Baylis; was
born in Adams county, 111., in 1850. His parents were Wm. and
Cornelia Lemmon, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of
North Carolina. At the age of 13 he left his parents, and at 16
he began to learn the carpenter's trade; at 17 he went into the
U. S. army and served three years- and two hours. At first lie
was in Co. D, 37th Eeg; then he was in Co. C, 5th U. S. Inf. In
1871 he was married to America Fox in Kansas City, Mo., "who
was born in 1846 in Chariton, Mo., and they have had 2 children,
one of which has died. Since his return from the army he has been
engaged in painting of all kinds. He is now Constable in ISTew
Salem tp. Mr. and Mrs. L. are Methodists. • ' '
John McOarter, farmer, sec. 20 ; P. O ., I^ew Salem ; was born in
Philadelphia, Penn.', in 1833. His parents, James and Margaret
McCarter, were natives of Ireland, and came to this country in
1832, locating where our subject was born ; then came to IlHnois,
settling in Adams county; in 1837 they came to this county, where
John grew to manhood, receiving a common-school education. In
1870 he married Eliza M. Little, who was born in Tyrone county,
Ireland, in 1841, and came with her parents to America in 1858.
They had 3 children, namely, Emma, John William and Maud L.
Mr. McC. followed carpentering 15 years, but is now a farmer and
owns 380 acres of land, well improved ; he makes a specialty of
raising short-horned cattle; also raises large crops of wheat. Mr.
and Mrs. McC. are Presbyterians.
Archibald B. McDonald, farmer, sec. 4; P. 0., Baylis; was born
in Sumner county, Tenn., in 1814. His father, A. B. McDonald,
was born in Scotland, and his mother, Elizabeth McDonald, was
born in North Carolina. He came to this State in 1832 and located
in Morgan county, and moved to this county in the spring of 1840.
May 16, 1841, he married Ehoda E. Askew, who was born in Green
county, Ky., in 1824, and they have had 12 children, 6 of whom
are living. Mrs. McDonald died in 1875, and in 1878 Mr. Mc-
Donald married Mrs. Sarah J. Hull, a mother of 4 children; she
was born in 1825 in Washington county, Ky., and is a member of
the United Brethren Church.
John D. Mclntire was born in Chester county, Pa., in 1819, son
of Eobert and Elizabeth Mclntire, the former a native of Ireland.
HISTORY OF PifeE COUNTY. 641
Onr subject grew to manhood in his native State, and in 1849
moved to Ohio; two years later he came to IJlinois, locating in La-
Salle county, where he remained 13 years, and in 1864 came to this
county. He first learned the tailor's trade, which business he fol-
lowed for 13 years, and then engaged in agricultural pursuits, and
now owns 122 acres of land on sec. 6, this tp. He has held the
oiBces of Collector, School Director, etc. He was married in 1846
to Miss Adeline Hutton, a native of- Lancaster county, Pa., and
daughter of Benjamin and Susan Hutton. Eight of their 11 chil-
dren are living, namely : Anna L. (now Mrs; Jefifers), Clara, Nettie,
Jesse, Herbert J., Frank N., Merritt L. and Nora E.
David Miller,f&vxaev, sec. 19; P. O., Baylis; son of Thomas and
Nancy Miller, natives of Pennsylvania, was born in this county in
1839. In 1863 he married Elizabeth Carnes, born in 1846, and
they have 2 children living, — Mary A. and Francis. Mr. M. owns
69 acres of good land. He is a member of the M. E.- Church, and
has license to preach. Mrs. M. is a member of the United Breth-
ren Church.
Hiram ^oore was born in this county in 1845, the son of John
and Sarah Moore, natives of Maryland, who came to this county 40
years ago; the former died in this tp., in 1876, the latter is still
living with her children. Our subject married Miss Mary Dunham
in 1865; ^he.is a native of this county and was born in 1849; their
children are Cora, Laura, Minnie, George E,, Amos E. and Freddie.
Mr. M. was reared upon a farm, and for the last 14 years has been
engaged in farming for himself. "When he first began in life he
had only $100, but by close application and business tact he has ac-
cumulated considerable property. He and his wife are members
of the United Brethren Church.
James Morgan, harness-maker. New Salem; is a native of
England, and born in 1826; his parents were James and Letitia
Morgan, also natives of England. He came to America with his
parents when he was 14 years old and settled in Illinois. In 1866
he married Mary Ann Young, who was born in Illinois in 1835,
and they have one living child. He has worked at his present em-
ployment for 35 years, and thoroughly understands his business.
AsMon Pilling, son of Samuel O. and Mary Pillmg, was born in
England in 1803. In early life he followed hand-weaving, and
worked in the manufactory until he came to this country, which was
in 1842. He landed in New York, then went to Bhode Island and
remained 4 years, then came to Adams county, this State; thence
in 1874 to this county. In 1825 he married Nancy "Wild, who was
born in England in 1809; they have 4 living children, — John, Mary,
Jane and Cordelia. Mrs. Pilling died in 1854, and the same year
Mr. P. married Sarah Blake, who was born in 1807, in Rhode
Island; she is a member of the M. E. Church. During the past
6 years Mr. P. has lived a retired life. P. O., Baylis.
David F. Pine, farmer, sec. 7; P.O., Baylis; was born in this
county in 1850. His father, William, was a native of New York,
642 HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY.
and his mother, Nancy, a native of Yermont. In 1871 he mar-
ried Mary F. McKinney, who was born in this county in 1853.
They have had 4 children; only 1 is living, — Frederick. Mr. P.
has followed farming during his entire life, owning 40 acres of
good land. His father laid out the town of Baylis. Mrs. Pine is
a member of the M. E. Church.
John W. Pine, a brother of the preceding, is a farmer and re-
sides on sec. 6, owning 105 acres of well-improved land. He came
to Pike county with his parents in 1838, and in 1854 he married
Mary ]McCleeGy, who was born in Pennsylvania, in 1835, and
they have 8 living children, — Lucinda, George IE., Sarah E., Jen-
nie, Lucetta, Mary E., Lucy and Irene. Mr. P. has always been a
farmer. P. 0., Baylis.
John G. Reynolds is a promising young man of 23' or 24 years
of age, and is a teacher of vocal music, but now proposes to become
a florist and fruit-grower; has studied 12 years, and has been in-
structed by F. K. Phcenix, of Bloomington, and J. E., Hull, of
Hancock county ; has visited the best florists of the State and of St.
Louis, Mo. He has a nice hot-house well filled with flowers and
bulbs. One of his flower stands brought $86 at the temperance
supper in Yalley City, Dec. 9, 1879.
M. D. Reynolds was born in Botetourt county, Virginia, in 1817.
His parents, Thomas and Priscilla Keynolds, were also natives of
Virginia. In 1838 he married Delilah Slade, who was born in
Lexington, Ky., in 1815, and they have had 8 children, — James T.,
Cynthia M., Sarah E., Bell, John G. and Annie A. Mr. Reynolds
came from Ohio to this county in 1851 and located on see. 16,
this tp., where he has resided ever since, following brick masonry
and farming; he owns 82 acres of land. He has" held the oflices of
School Director and Koad Overseer. He and his wife are members
of the M. E. Church. He is also a Freemason. P. O., New Salem. ■
Ernest Sannebech was born in Prussia in 1834. His parents,
Frank and Sophia Sannebeck, were natives of Prussia. Our sub-
ject came to this country and located in Baltimore, Md. While
there he followed butchering; in 1856 he came to Louisville, Ky.
He served in the late war in Co. A, 1st Reg. K. V. He was in
Indiana 4 years', then in St. Louis, and in 1877 came to this place.
In 1869 he married Miss M. Bolender, who was born in Hesse in
1845. Mr. S. carries on a butcher shop in Baylis, and also
keeps the Pineville Hotel.
Meinhart Sannelech, brother of the preceding, was born in
Prussia in 1828 ; he came to America in 1S54 and located at Bal-
timore. In 185S he went to Louisville, Ky., and in 1859 and '60,
was in Texas. In 1861 he went back to Louisville, and in 1873
went to Chicago, 111.; in 1877 he moved to Barry, this county,
thence to Baylis, where he is engaged in butchering; is also inter-
ested in the Pineville Hotel ; he served 3 years in the Prussian
army. In 1860 he married Catharine Bolender, who was born in
1834 in Germany. They have 3 children,— Frank, 19 years old,
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 643
Henry, 15 years old, and Conrad, 3.ged 13 years, — all born in Louis-
ville, Ky.
W. E. Seaborn, farmer, sec. 6; F. O., Baylis; son of Eobert
and Mary A. Seaborn, was born in this county in 1845. He en-
tered the U. S. service in Co. B, 68th Eeg. 111. Inf.; served 3
months guarding posts; was mustered out; again enlisted as a
teamster in the West; served 1 year, then returned home and en-
gaged in buying and shipping stock. In 1872 he married Sallie
Seed, who was born in 1849. They have had 2 children; one is
dead, and they have adopted a child. Mr. S. now follows farming,
owning 130 acres of land.
Henry Shaffner was born in Iliffhland county, Ohio, in 1826,
and is the son of Jacob and Elizabeth Shaffner, natives of Dauphin
county, Penn. At the age of 16 he moved with his parents to Ed-
gar county, 111.; in 1844 moved to Brown county, and in 1851 he
came to this county, at first locating one mile south of Salem, but
in 1870 he settled on sec. 14, where he now resides. He used to be
a -cooper, but is now a farmer, owning 84 acres of land. In 1850
he married Martha Dunham, who was born in 1832 in Harrison
county, Ohio. Their.children are Mary J., John W., Louis, Sarah
A. and Eliza. The iirst 2 are dead. United Brethren. P. O., New
Saletn.
W. 0. Shaffner was born in 1848 in Brown county. 111., and is
a son of John and Susannah Shaffner, father a native of Pennsyl-
vania, mother of Ohio. His father died in 1874, a worthy member
of the U. B. Church, and a good citizen every way. W. O. still
lives with his mother; up to 1868 he followed farming, and then he
learned the wagon-maker's trade under C. C. Shaffner ; for the last
5 years has conducted the business for himself in ISTew Salem.
John Sigsworth was born in Yorkshire, Eng., Jan. 26, 1825; his
parents, Joseph and Ann, were both natives of England, and emi-
grated to America, in 1830, settling in Ohio, and in 1836 settled
in this county. At the age of 25 John went to California where
he followed herding cattle and farming; returned to this county in
1853; in 1854 went to California again, but since 1858 has followed
shipping stock and farming in this county. In 1846 he married
Sarah M. Brawley, who was born in 1826 in Oliio. Ciiildren, — ^,
Dennis B., Lida A., Mary E., Elizabeth J., Alice A., John A.,
deceased, and Joseph "W. Mr. S. has been Assessor, Collector and
School Director. P. O., New Salem.
David Siarhey is a native of Pike county, a son of Jonathan and
Jane Starkey, natives of Yirginia. He was born in 1854, and has
hved here all his life; is now on sec. 9, and owns 120 acres of nice
land. He has never been as far as 75 miles from home but 3
times in his life. In 1876 he married Annie Gray and they had
one cliild, who is not now living.
Henry A. Starkey was born in 1849 in Huron county, Ohio;
his parents, James and Elizabeth, were born in Wheeling, Yir-
ginia; in 1874 he emigrated to Missouri and married Annie Stod-
^-*:
644 HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY.
gress, Dec. 20 of that year; she was a native of Ohio. In 1877
they emigrated to this county and now reside on sec. 4; P. 0., New
Salem. James Anderson is their only child. Mrs. S. is a member
of the Christian Church.
Jonathan Starkey, farmer and stock-dealer, sec. 4, P. 0., New
Salem, and whose portrait appears in this volume, was born in
Culpepper county, Va.,. in 1813. His parents were John and Mary
(Groves) Starkey, also natives of the Old Dominion ; they emi-
grated to Ohio when our subject was 7 years of age, where he
remained until he was 23 years of age, when he came to Pike
county, locating in New Salem tp., being one of the early pilgrims
to this locality, and where he has since remained. When he first
came he had but $40 in money, but through the kindness of a
friend, from whom he borrowed $50, he was enabled to purchase
50 acres of land, which he did on sec. 9. Upon this land, which
was then in its native condition, he erected a log cabin 14 by 16
feet in size, in which he lived for 5 years. Being a man of great
energy, industrious, and of economical habits, he was enabled to
add to his small means, until he has become one of the most
extensive farmers and stock dealers in Pike eounty, owning at one
time over 1,200 acres of fine farming land, and feeding from 100
to 150 head of cattle, and from 200 to 300 head of hogs annually,
besides a large number of horses and sheep. He has provided
liberally for his children, giving them nice farms, until now he has
only a little over 200 acres left in the home farm, which is on sec.
4, and one of the finest farms in the county. Mr. Starkey has been
a hard-working man, and has done as much perhaps as any one
man in developing the wonderful resources of this fair county.
Although a member of no church, he has never been behind any of
his most enterprising neighbors in favoring any and all enterprises
which he has been called upon to help push forward, having paid
considerable to help erect school-houses and churches, and to pay
the ministry. In fact, Mr. S. is one of Pike county's old, useful
and honored citizens, and as such we present to our readers his
portrait.
Mr. Starkey has been twice married, — the first time in Pennsyl-
vania in 1834, to Jane L. Laughtery, who was born in the Key-
stone State in 1815. She died Sept. 28, 1876. To them were born
9 children, of whom 8 are living: Charles, Eachel, James, Nich-
olas, William, Mary, Maria and David. John was the name of the
deceased. July 30, 1879, Mr. S. was again married, this time to
Sarah, daughter of Thomas J. and Margaret Carothers.
William Starkey, farmer and stock-raiser, Baylis; was born in
this county in 1846, the son of Jonathan and Jane Starkey, spoken
of above. In 1873 he married Emeline Seybold, who was born in
this county in 1860. Their children are Olive, Cora and Har^.
Mr. S. is a prominent farmer, owning 215 acres of nice land. He
is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and liberal in all public
enterprises.
,f^f^y.
dcK^c....^^^^x^--^^ /t5 /ci/i./tijfyU
NEW SALEM TP
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 647
William H. Stauffer was born in this county, Jan. 23, 1847.
His parents were Jolin and Sarah Stauffer, the former a native of
Pennsylvania, and the latter of Yirginia; his father came to this
State in 1836, and settled in Fairmount tp., where he still resides.
Our subject was raised on a farm, and follows that occupation. In
1871 he was married to Eachel E. "Wood, who was born in 186 1 in
this county. They have 2 children, — George E. and Nelia A.
Mr. S. owns 80 acres of well-improved land, with good buildings.
F. 0. Eaylis. Kesidence, «ec. 8.
Bev. T. H. Tabor was born in Eutland county, Vermont, in
1824. His parents were Arden and Phoebe Tabor, and moved to
Kew York when our subject was 9 years of age. Mr. Tabor
studied for the ministry, and by his own effort accomplished his
work. In 1843 he married Eliza Leonard, who was born in 1824
in Hampshire county, Mass., and died in June, 1850, leaving 2
children. In 1856 he married Miss B. A. Morris, who was born'
in 1831 in Steuben county, N. Y. His 2 sons are also ministers,
preaching the Universalist doctrine. Mr. Tabor's first work was
in South Dansville, E^ew York; thence in Oct., 1854, to Earlville,
LaSalle county, this State ; next to Woodstock in 1856,. then
Briggsville, Wisconsin, in 1857; then went to Markesan, Wiscon-
sin, remaining 6 years; next, in 1864, to Bluefsland, and remained
there until September, 1867. He there erected a church. In 1867 he
went to Macomb and remained until the spring of 1872, then to
Kirkwood, till 1874, next' to Yates City, then for 2 years divided
his time between Bradford and LaFayette, and occasionally visited
New Salem; then in the fall of 1876 went to Bloomfield, Iowa, re-
maining one year ; then came back to Monmouth and remained
until March, 1879, then came to New Salem, where he added 27
members to the society. He has been an ardent worker in the
Master's cause. Residence, New Salem.
Oajpt. Isaac H. Walling^ son of Isaac and Mary H. Walling, natives
of New Jersey, was born in 1836 on sea, off Cape Hatteras, on his
father's ship " Chingaoria;"at the age of 12 years he went to sea as
cabin-boy, then as able seaman 2 years, then as mate for 4 or 5
years. In 1855 or 1856 he shipped on schooner "Kenosha" in
Buffalo, N. Y., to run from there to Chicago; served 1 year, then
went back to New York and shipped on a cruise to Liverpool, Isle
of Man, and to Sligo, then back to New York; then shipped on
schooner "T. A. Ward," Capt. Hoff, commander, and went to
Cadiz, Malaga, Salona, Genoa, Barbary States, Bio Janeiro, S. A.,
and back to Baltimore; then shipped on a wreckiiig vessel, where
a fortunate circumstance occurred to our subject, but fatal to a
cousin of his named Balnbridge. He exchanged places with him
to accommodate him, so that he might go to port and purchase
supplies; while on the way the ship and all its crew were lost. He
was first at the wreck of the " New Era " and " Powhattan," the
latter of which, laden with human freight, sunk in sight, and all on
648 HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY.
board perished. After this Oapt. "W. took many voyages; was
shipwrecked several times; was taken prisoner at Charleston, 8.0.
by a man-of-war, during the Rebellion when he was at sea. On the
schooner "Harriet Harker," which was owned by our subject, he
was cast away 35 miles north of Cape Hatteras, where he lay three
days and nights in the water without anything to eat or drink, but
at last landed safely. At another time he escaped a watery
grave by not taking a schooner when going to rescue another vessel,
as it was taken by another party and was lost with all on board.
Then went to launch a brig " Kedstow," 60 miles south of Cape
Henry. In 1876 he was again wrecked near Cape Charles, at the
mouth of Chesapeake Bay. This was his last trip at sea. By the
persuasion of his family, and being tired of sea life, he came West
and located at'Baylis, where he embarked in the mercantile trade,
in which the wrecks are not so dangerous to life.
John White, farmer, sec. 31; P. O. New Salem; was born in
Ireland in 1809. His parents, John and Margaret "White, were'
also natives of Ireland. He came to America at the age of 22 and
located at Philadelphia, where he remained 6 years, and most of the
time followed weaving; then came to Quincy, this State, and fol-
lowed tearning; came to this county in 1839 and located at New
Philadelphia, then bought land where he is at present living. In
1845 he married Margaret White, who was born in Scotland, and
they had one child, now dead. Mrs. W. died in 1846, and in 1856
be married Mary E. Cunningham, who was born in 1834 in Ire-
hmd, and came to America in 1856. Their children are: William,
Margaret, Anna B., Mary J., Joseph, Robert, Emmet, Emily and
Frank. The deceased are Thomas J. and an infant. Mr. W. owns
640 acres of land at the home place and 80 acres in Pleasant Yale
tp., all of which he has accumulated himself. He and his wife are
Presbyterians.
William R. TFrn^eT-fio^AaOT, physician, was born in Massachusetts,
in 1847; his parents, Jonathan and Margaret; are natives of Eng-
land, who came to America about the year 1842 and located in
Bristol, Rhode Island, then moved to where our subject was born.
At the age of 2 years he came with his parents to this county,
where he was raised on a farm, and attended the common schools;
at the age of 19 he commenced the study of medicine nnder Dr. J.
Sykes, of Be-verly, Adams county, studied 2 years, then attended
the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Keokuk, Iowa, gradu-
ated Feb. 22, 1872, and the March following began his practice in
Baylis. Feb. 24, 1870, he was married to Martha E. Harvey, who
was born in June, 1846, and they had 4 children. The Doctor is a
Trustee of Schools, a member of the State Medical Association,
and of the Masonic Order.
PITTSFIELD TOWNSHIP.
This township is si(;uated more nearly in the geographical center
of the county than any other. It is a full Congressional township
and is officially known as township 5 south, and range 4 west of
the 4th principal meridian. In an agricultural point the township
ranks among the finest in this favored county. It contains a
wealthy and intelligent class of agriculturists, who have made the
very best of improvements throughout the township.
We shall not dwell at length upon the history of the township,
as we give an extended sketch of" the town of Pittsfield, which
largely embraces the history of the township; and we also speak at
some length in the personal sketches of the leading farmers of this
community.
The pioneer who first located here was Joel Moore. He erected
a little cabin on the northeast quarter of sec. 12; then came
Ephraim Cannon and Moses Kiggs, all of whom became promi-
nent in the early history of the county, and located on sees. 20
and 23 respectively. In 1833 a site was chosen in this township
by a special commission of the Legislature for the location of the
county seat, principally because of its being more nearly in the
center of the county, and a desirable and healthy location. At this
place the principal scenes in the history of the township have been
enacted, which we will now begin to chronicle.
PITTSFIELD.
Although but 47 years have passed since the town of Pittsfield
was founded, it is difficult to realize the changes that have been
made in its appearance and surroundings since then, or that so
much has been accomplished in so brief a period. Where now
stand stately public buildings, school-houses and churches, spacious
stores and business houses, busy mills and workshops, elegant res-
idences, surrounded with evidences of refinement and" culture,
tasteful cottages, the homes of a thrifty and contented people, miles
of well-graded streets and sidewalks, filled with all the busy life of
an energetic and prosperous town, but a little over a generation
ago was an unpeopled waste, the beauty of its site unknown save
to an occasional hunter or the Indian nomads. Many are still
living in the town in the enjoyment of a hale old age, who aided
in the foundation of the new town and erected some of its first rude
650 i HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
buildings. They have lived to see the log cabins replaced by large
and substantial buildings of frame or brick, have seen the little
town spread out from the nucleus around "the Square," until its
well-built streets extend in all directions, and the little village has
become an important business mart, the center of a thickly settled
and wealthy community.
OEIGIN OP PITTSFIELD.
Having decided to locate the county-seat in the center of the
county, George W. Hinman, Hawkins Judd and Benjamin Barney
were selected as commissioners, who in March, 1833, laid out the
site of the town, piirchasing the quarter section of land from the
United States Government at a cost of $200. The first sale of lots
took place May 15, 1833, 11 lots being disposed of ou that day.
Several lots were reserved for public purposes, and the block in the
northeast corner of the town, immediately north of the present
residence of Jas. H. Wheeling, was set apart as a burying-ground,
and a number of interments were made therein, until the South
Cemetery was opened, and later the West and Episcopal Cemeteries,
in the western limits of the town, when the old ground was no
longer used for its original purpose.
EDUCATIONAL.
The location of the county-seat, and the natural beauty of the
site, gave the young town a good start, and from the first its growth
has been steady. It was named "Pittsfield," after the city of the
same name in Massachusetts, whence many of its earliest and best
citizens had come; and that infusion of Kew England enterprise,
thrift, morals and culture has helped to give tone to its people, and
aided in its subsequent career. From the earliest days, when no regu-
lar system of schools was yet established, it is an evidence of the pub-
lic-spirited liberality of the young men of the town, that they
voluntarily contributed for the support of the schools first opened
for the education of the children; and the place has always been
noted for the fostering care bestowed on this important branch.
The first school building was of wood, located on the west end
of the lot now owned by Geo. W. Sanderson. It was a small affair,
and painted the regulation color, red ; and many a man who has
since won distinction at the bar, the forum, or in letters, learned
the first rudiments within its noisy. portal. As the town grew, ex-
tended accommodations were needed, and several other small schools
were started. Later the lower portion of the Christian Church was
rented for a public school. In 1861-3 the public spirit found full
expression in the erection of the present spacious and beautiful
building, one of the largest and best in the Military Tract. Here,
with a graded system and a large and efficient corps of teachers,
pupils are instructed in all the ordinary branches, the High School
department fitting students for college. A large clock with a fine
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Hi
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H
652 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
bell attached, was placed in the dome shortly after the completion
of the building.
The town also has a Library and Free Reading Room, organized
by the ladies, and heretofore supported by the subscriptions of the
members. There are about one thousand volumes, many of them
of a standard character, besides a number of papers and periodicals.
At the election last year the citizens voted to levy a small tax to
support the institution, and extend its field of usefulness.
NEWSPAPERS .
In 1842 the first newspaper was started by Michael J. J!foyes,
and was called Tlie Sucker. This was succeeded by the Free Press,
started by Garbutt & Abbott. Later it was edited by John Gr.
Nicolay, now Marshal of the United States Supreme Court at Wash-
ington, and at one time Private Secretary to President Lincoln,
and afterward Consul at Paris. The Free Press was followed by
The Journal, and it by The Old Flag, which is now published and
is in a prosperous condition. These papers Were Free-Soil, Whig
and Republican, in natural succession.
The Sentinel was the first Democratic paper, and was started in
1846 by Turnbnll & Smith. It was followed by the Union, in
1849, and it by the Pike County Democrat, in 1857, which still
flourishes as the organ of the Democrats of the county. Several
other newspaper ventu-res were made, but they existed only for a
brief period. The mail facilities now enable the people to secure
promptly the daily papers from the larger cities, and a large num-
ber are circulated.
STREETS.
Those who now admire the fine condition of the streets of the
town, the easy grades, the long reaches of macadamized and grav-
eled roads, and the miles of broad sidewalks, can hardly realize the
primitive character of the thoroughfares that preceded them. The
roads and streets were almost impassable in rainy weather, and the
best efforts at sidewalks were eighteen-inch' logs split in two and
laid side by side, the round side down, and these only in the most
favored localities. Elsewhere pedestrians did the best they could,
and on dark nights they had a hard road to travel. During the
past two years the corporation has spent about $10,000 in the im-
provement of the streets alone. And now, with public lamps in
all the streets, over a district about a mile and a half square, travel
is safe and comfortable.
THE PUBLIC SQUARE AND BUILDINGS AROUND IT.
A description of the Public Square and the short streets imme-' •
diately around it, in the early days, should prove interesting.
Nearly all the old buildings have been pulled down or removed,
and the few landmarks that still remain must soon meet the same
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 653
fate. On the north side of the Square there were but four build-
ings. A grocery or saloon occupied the corner where Shadel's
meat market now stands; next west was Thomas Dickson's small
frame store which long occupied the place of the present two-story
brick' edifice, and is still standing in the rear of its old site; next
wais the Court-House/now Joseph Heck's store, and next a one-story
frame, which was afterward enlarged, and is now occupied by
Field's jewelry store. In the lower portion of the lot, where the
Pittsfield House now stands, was the house of Michael McGuire.
The first store on the west side was that of Green & Barber, the
building now occupied by Clayton's hardware store; next was the
store of Jacob Hodgen, who afterward built the 'first brick store in
town; and next, near the south corner, the harness shop of Hamil-
ton Wills. On the south side was the log store of Jonas Clark,
which stood where Seeley, Lloyd & Co.'s big store now stands; then
the store of Talcott & Co., and then the Mansion House, which
was then but two stories high and having about half its present
frontage. East of this was Mrs. Mary M. Heath's house. (Thi^
venerable lac^y, who is said to have been the first white child born
in Cincinnati, O., is still living in the town, and is looked upon and-
respected as one of the few living links connecting the present with
the past generation.) East of Mrs. Heath's was Frank Spencer's
blacksmith shop. On the east side of the Square, and occupying
the site of Winans & Platner's furniture store, was the residence of
Miss Bush, and north of that J. U. Grimshaw's store.
The Square itself was an unfenced playground, ornamented with
a dense growth of hazel-brush.
OTHER BUILDINGS.
Scattered at some distance on the streets running from the
Square were the dwellings of the citizens, none of them presenting
much architectural beauty. The large two-story frame residence
now occupied by Thos. Burt, was built by Col. "Wm. Ross, when he
first moved to the town. It was probably at that time the finest
private dwelling in all the surrounding country, and its large
rooms, wide halls and lofty ceilings were the admiration of all. In
1847 Col. Ross built the large brick residence just east of town,
where he resided up to the time of his death. Mr. Oran Green, a
hale and active veteran, still lives to boast that he carried all the
mortar used in the erection of that fine building.
I^Tear where Hicks' stable now stands was Turnbaugh's Row, a
block of four stores, "all on the ground," all occupied by the same
firm, and filled with a miscellaneous stock.
The building now occupied as a residence by Dr. Worthington,
situated on one of the handsomest sites in the town, and surrounded
by beautiful grounds, was intended for a seminary for young ladies,
but for some reason the attempt to establish such an institution
here was abandoned.
Jas. "Ward and Samuel Smith built and kept a livery stable north
654 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
of the present postofSce. Between that and the corner of the
Square was a deep hollow, overgrown with hazel brush.
Fletcher & Huckaborn had a blacksmith and gun-shop back of
Hunter's present shoe shop, Dorus Bates also had a blacksmith
shop near his wagon manufactory.
Where Shibley's carriage factory now stands, was erected the
first carding-machine. It was ran by horse power, and was a
ponderous concern, with broad wooden cog-wheels and beams.
Here a child, who afterward lived to assume a noted manhood,
had a miraculous escape from a horrible death. While the machin-
ery was under full headway, he climbed upon the horse power, but
slipped and fell. His head was caught between one of the broad
spokes of the wheel and the timber of the frame. It was crushed
nearly flat, but stopped the machine!
The child recovered and grew up to serve his country gallantly
and well. That was one of the many escapes of Major D. E.
Bates.
• The first steam flouring-mill, now known as the " Old Mill,"
was built by Jonathan Frye and Stephen Gay in 1849, and for
years was the largest in this section. The new mill was built iu
1870 by Shaw, Eupert, Adams & Chapman, and is a fine large
brick building, filled with the best machinery. Both mills are
doing a heavy business, and Pittsfield brands of fiour command a
high price in the markets of New York and Boston.
The oldest building in the town was erected by William Watson.
It is a small log store, and is now standing in the lot in the rear of
the Mansion House. Mr. Watson was soon followed by Messrs.
E. E,. Greene and Austin Barber, who built and occupied the store
owned by W. H. Clayton.
Mr . John TJ. Grimshaw had the first regular dry-goods store in
town, near where L. Klemrae's building now stands, but also car-
ried a stock of miscellaneous goods. He was an Irishman by
birth, well educated, and with a high sense of business integrity.
He has been dead for some years.
PEOMINENT CITIZENS.
The name of Col. William Eoss is intimately associated with
the early history of Pittsfield, and with its advancement and pros-
perity, up to the time of his death. He was its most prominent
citizen, and aided nearly every enterprise. He was born in Mas-
sachusetts in 1792, emigrated" to this county in 1820, subsequently
removing to the new town of Pittsfield. A good sketch of his life
is given in the biographical department of the history of this
township.
Col. D. B. Bush, also a native of Massachusetts, born in 1790,
settled in Pittsfield a year after the town was laid out, and has been
a prominent and active citizen ever since. He practiced at the
Bar, and has held several ofiices. He is still remarkably healthy tor
■'~*»
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i^^9^MfaTM)rix
PITTSFIELD
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 657
his years, and can be seen almost daily greeting his many friends
witii genial humor.
Hon. William E. Archer, the veteran member of the 'Bar, is
still in active practice. He was born in New York in 1817, and
emigrated to Pittsfleld in 1838. He has repeatedly represented
this district in the State Senate, and is known and honored through-
out the State. He has a numerous family of sons and daughters,
and the whole community call him friend.
Mr. Samuel Crane, who conducted the Union House for many
years, is another surviving veteran, who can be seen any morning
in the week, basket on arm, doing his own marketing. He has a
neat place in the west part of town, and is a noted gardener.
Mr. Frank Keys, another of the early settlers, is about to
remove to Logan count}'. He first engaged in store-keeping in
Pittsfield, but later devoted his attention to farming and stock-
raising, amassing a large property. He is of Scotch-Irish birth,
and has all the energy and perseverance of that canny race.
Squire Hickerson, who lives some distance east of town, was
probably the first settler in that vicinity. He is still a very active
man, and is now serving as Collector of Newburg township. He
has a remarkable memory, and is a veritable chronicle of the early
history of the town and county.
James Ross is probably the oldest living resident of the town.
He is a native of Ireland, and settled at Atla^ in 1826. When
Pittsfield was located he moved here, whei-e he has since resided.
Thomas Dickson, who is a native of the island of Orkney,
removed from 'New York to Pittsfield in 1839. He acted as clerk
in William Watson's store for some years, and then engaged in
business for himself. He is still an active business man, and gives
promise to continue so for many years.
Capt. W. N^. Shibley, another Mexican veteran, who is still
carrying on his old business of carriage-making, was among the
earlj' settlers; and although he has had a career of considerable
adventure, is as active as he was 30 years ago. He served through
the Mexican war, and later spent many years fighting Indians on
the Texas plains. He still has in his possession some of the scalps
taken in his adventurous days, hideous trophies of border warfare.
Hon. Henry Mudd, now a prominent citizen of Missouri, was
among the earliest merchants of Pittsfield, where he conducted a
successful business for many years.
H. Atkinson, now the respected Vice President of the Pike
County Bank, was an early comer. He came from Philadelphia
and opened a tailor shop near the southwest corner of the Square.
Afterward he engaged in the drug business, and later had a furni-
ture and hardware store .
Col. D. D. Hicks, the veteran Cashier of the First National
Bank, has long been a resident of the town, and has been a suc-
cessful business man and popular public officer.
Dr. Campbell and Dr. Worthington were the first physicians
38
658 HISTOEY OF PIKE CO0NTT.
who settled here. Both were skillful practitioners and energetic
men. . Dr. Campbell has been dead for some years, but Dr. Worth-
ington is still living. Having acquired a large property, he has
devoted his. later years to the study of geology and kindred sub-
jects, and has been visiting the' Eocky Mountains for some time in
pursuit of his favorite studies. Dr. ]S"orris and Dr. Oomstock
came some time later, and both practiced successfully. They have
been called from their duties for many years. The widow of Dr.
Norris still survives him, and is enjoying a genial and graceful
old age. Young in heart and joyful in feeling, she is respected by
all, and is especially loved by the young people, whose friend and
confidant she is.
Among the local celebrities whose subsequent career has been
a subject of pride with this people, is Col. John Hay, now Assis-
tant Secretary of State at Washington. He spent his boyhood
here, with his uncle, Hon. Milton Hay, now of Springfield." His
" Pike County Ballads " have associated his name with his old home,
although he exercised more than a poet's license in some of the
pictures he drew. The hero of " Banty Tim," the most forcible of
the ballads, is still a resident of this town, but his name is not Til-
man Joy.
But probably the best known local character is Capt. Abe Bntz,
proprietor of the Oregon House. A native of Pennsylvania, he
came West in early manhood, and has gone through a long life
with philosophical cheerfulness. looted for his patriotism, he
observes with Migious regularity all the National holidays, anni-
versaries of battles, etc., and is an especial admirer of Gen.
Jackson, for whom he played ; and also assisted at the reception
of Gen. Lafayette at Philadelphia on his last visit to this country.
Mr. Butz is also noted for his kindliness of heart! the poor always
finding in him a charitable friend.
Mr. Metcalf opened the- first tin shop in the town, and for a long
time had a monopoly of that trade. L. Bennett had one of the
first shoe shops, and Samuel Barber a tailor shop.
Robert R. Greene and Austin Barber came from Marietta, Ohio,
and settled in Pittsfield when it was laid out. They were con-
nected in business for many years, the store of Greene & "Barber
being known throughout the whole tract. Both partners still sur-
vive. Mr. Greene has been an invalid for some years, but Mr.
Barber is as vigorous and active as many younger men.
BRICK KILN, ETC.
In 1843 the first kiln of brick was burned, by a man named But-
ler, his yard being located west of the fair grounds. Later a brick
yard was started on North Monroe street, where the Haskell prop-
erty now stands. Since then the business has grown steadily, until
this day, when brick, tile, pottery, etc., form an important item in
the industries of the town. ■
HISTOKT OF PIKE COUNTT. 659
HOTELS.
The location of the Court-House here, with the consequent influx
of sftrangers during term time, made hotels a necessity at an early
day. The Union House, kept by Samuel Crane, and the Mansion
House, met the demand at first. Then the Kentucky House, now-
known as the Mansion House, was built. In 1870 the spacious and
handsome Pittsfield House was built by a stock company. The
three last named houses are still open. These, with Shibley's es-
tablishment and the Oregon House, amply supply the town with
hotel accommodations. The Union House was a frame building on
the north side of the Square. The lower portion of the building is
now occupied by the stores of M. R. Peckenpaugh and Dober &
Blades.
MAIL FACILITIES.
The first postoffice was in a small log building which stood op-
posite the Episcopal Church, and was kept by Merrill E. Rattan.
Mails arrived and departed only once a week, by horseback; and
although communication with the outside world was limited, it
was ample enough to meet the wants of the people. About 1845 a
tri-weekly stage was run to Jacksonville by Hill & Watson, carry-
ing the mails, and later, tri-weekly mails were extended to Win-
chester, Beardstown and Quincy, J. Shastid and Jesse French being
the contractors. They were afterward bought out by Thomas
Burt, who continued the lines for some time. In July, 1853,
the first daily mail was established between Naples and Hannibal,
via Pittsfield, Uncle Davie Stanton and S. P. DuflBeld being the
contractors. Subsequently connection was made with the young
and growing towns throughout the county, until now Pittsfield is
in direct communication by mail and telegraph with all the outside
world.
SHIPPING.
When the old Jacksonville & Naples Railroad was extended to
Hannibal, and as the new line was located some six miles north of
Pittsfield, it was feared it would retard the growth of the town. To
prevent this possible result, in 1870 a branch line was built from
Pittsfield to Maysville, connecting with the Hannibal & Naples
line, and is now familiarly called the ''Bob-Tail." The road is oper-
ated by the Wabash Railroad Company, and it is an evidence of
the prosperous trade and importance of Pittsfield, that the Compa-
ny's returns show the "Bob-Tail" to be one of the best paying
sections operated by that important corporation.
For years after the settlement of the town, Florence, on the Illi-
nois river, some twelve miles east, was the regular shipping point
for Pittsfield, nearly all the goods being received and shipped by
wagon to the steamboat's landing at that town. In 1851 a private
corporation constructed a plank road, connecting Pittsfield and
660 HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTS.
Florence. It was kept in good repair for some years, and proved a
great convenience, but the extension of lines in other directions di-
verted a portion of the traffic, and it was afterward thrown open
to the public. In the early days, the settlers had" not learned the
economy of a division of business, or lacked the means and facih-
ties. Then nearly every man who raised stock did his own slaugh-
tering, the product being sold to storekeepers, who shipped it to St.
Lonis. Large quantities of grain and live stock were also shipped
in the same way, and in a few years this trade became so important
that a large amount of capital was invented in the business, and the
warehouses of Pittsfield and Florence were filled with the products
of the surrounding country. 'Now the facilities of transportation
by rail and river have given a different feature to the trade. Much
of the wheat finds its way to the far Eastern markets in the form
of flour, while the shipment of grain, live stock and provisions is
managed as separate lines of business.
PROTECTION AGAINST FIRES.
Altliough the town has never had a regularly organized fire com-
pany, an engine or apparatus, it has been remarkably exempt from de-
structive fires. But few buildings have been destroyed by fire, and in
each instance the citizens turned out and worked with such deter-
mination that the fire was subdued before extending beyond the
building where it originated. Although the town has been so for-
tunate heretofore, the danger of fires is a subject of solicitude
among thoughtful citizens, and it is probable that a company will
be organized and properly equipped, in anticipation of future con-
tingencies.
TEMPERANCE.
For years there has been a strong temperance sentiment in this
community, and the friends of the cause have repeatedly succeeded
in electing an anti-license Board of Town Trustees. At the last
two elections, however, they were defeated by a small majority, and
four saloons have been licensed at a tax of $1,500 each per annum.
During the temperance crusade some years ago, the ladies suc-
ceeded in arousing public sentiment, and license jwas abolished.
Later, when the Murphy revival was inaugurated, it met with re-
markable success here, several hundred persons having enrolled
themselves in the blue ribbon organization. Within the past few
months the temperance people have organized a new society, and
already accomplished much good. The present movement is more
quiet in its character than the crusade or Murphy revival, but it
gives promise of accomplishing the end aimed at, — suppression of
legalized traffic in liquors within the town.
MILITARY.
After the passage of the militia law by the State^ Legislature
three years ago, two militia companies were organized in Pittsfield,
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 661
one, the Pittsfield Guards, and the other, the Pike County Guards.
After a few months the Adjutant General ordered the consolidation
of the two companies, which was done, the organization taking the
name of the Pittsfield Guards. The ofiicers are J. "W". Johnson,
Captain; "W. Steinhauer, 1st Lieut.; and Geo. Barber, 2d Lieut.
The company is uniformed and well armed, having a well appointed
armory in Dickson's Hall.
A notable day in 'the military annals of the town, and one long
to be remembered, was the Annual Reunion of Army Yetsrans
held here in August, 1878. Preparations for the event had been
in progress for many days, all classes of citizens vieing with each
other in efforts to make the celebration worthy of the occasion and
of the town, and the result more than realized their highest ex-
pectations.
. Daybreak of the eventful day was ushered in with a grand
salute, and at an early hour the streets were thronged with an eager
multitude, gathered from all the surrounding country. The build-
ings around the Public Square and on the principal streets were
decorated with flags and patriotic emblems, while the Square itself
presented a novel and most attractive appearance. On either
corner decorated platfoi-ms were erected, on which were living
groups of young girls and boys representing Liberty, the Army,
the Kavy, Justice, Industry, Commerce, Agriculture, etc., each
figure in appropriate costume, and surrounded by implements and
emblems illustrating the tableaux. Near the southwest corner of
the Square a large platform was also erected for speakers and dis-
tinguished • guests, and literally covered with flags, evergreens,
wreaths, flowers, pictures and statuary. But the most attractive
quarter was the north and east sides of the Square, where were
spread long lines of tables loaded with all the substantials and lux-
uries a bountiful land afforded, while snowy covers, and glittering
silver, china and glass, and a profusion of bouquets, festoons of
flowers, etc., beautified the scene. These tables were in charge of
the ladies,and as each tried to excel her neighbor in the luxury and
elegance of her table, the result was such a banquet as was prob-
ably never before spread on a similar occasion.
The Pittsfield Guards and the Pike County Guards, the two lo-
cal companies, were under arms at an early hour, and acted as
escort to the veterans and their families arriving from abroad. At
10 o'clock the train from Springfield arrived, bringing Governor
Cullom, Gen. Eeese, ex-Governor Palmer and other distinguished
visitors, with the Governor's Guard of Springfield as honorary es-
cort, the Winchester Guards, and a long line of veterans in detached
squads from Griggsville, Barry and other points., A procession
was then formed, and after parading through the principal streets,
mustered in the Square in front of the grand stand, where they
were welcomed in an eloquent address by Eev. H. D. Clark, Pas-
tor of the Christian Church, and himself a gallant soldier. Gov-
ernor Cullom responded in an appropriate speech, paying a fitting
662 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
tribute to the patriotism and gallantry of the citizen soldiery. On
the platform were a number of distinguished veterans of the Ee-
bellion and the Mexican war, and a small group of honored heroes
of the war of 1812. After appropriate music by the glee clubs and
the bands, an adjournment was had for dinner. The immense
crowd were billeted at the several tables, and were entertained with
profusion, all being satisfied,— men, women and 'children, — and
enough left over to feed a brigade. After dinner there w^s a gen-
eral interchange of greetings among old army comrades, and many
an experience of the march, the battle-field and the Isivouac re-
newed and recounted. Speaking was then resumed, when Col. A.
C. Matthews introduced Gen. Palmer in a neat address. The lat-
ter was greeted with cheers and spoke for over an hour, giving
many amusing anecdotes of army life, all of which were thoroughly
enjoyed by the "boys." Short addresses were made by other
speakers, followed by a parade and drill by the Governor's Guard,,
under command of Maj. E. S. Johnson. The remainder of the day
was taken up in a general jollification, in imitation of camp hfe,.
and other amusements. As the evening shadows fell, the strangers
from abroad departed amid the cheers of the people; the citizens
returned to their homes, and so ended one of the most memorable
days in the history of Pittsfield.
PUBLIC HALLS AND SOCIAL MATTERS.
The first public hall was in the Mansion House block. Before
its erection the fun-loving folk held their dances and social gath-
erings in the Court-House, and the- halls supposed to be sacred to
the disciples of Blackstone echoed to the sounds of merry-making,
while an occasional Church fair threw the mantle of charity over
all. The whole community was noted for its sociability, and
pleasant gatherings were of frequent occurrence. The young men
were also famous for their skill in athletic sports, foot-racing es-
pecially being very popular, and many a youth who has since
grown old and staid, has competed in contests of speed, on the
" track," along the south side of the Square. The prizes usually
awarded would not be sanctioned by the friends of temperance.
Horse-racing also was very popular, and is still a favorite pastime
with many.
In 1845 a number of the young men org'anized a full brass band,
and thereafter furnished the music on the Fourth-of-July and other
public occasions. Debating and literary clubs were also formed,
and a taste for literature of a high order was developed and fostered. ■
In the summer of 1846 an event occurred which marked a new
epoch in the annals of the young town. This was the arrival of
Yan Amburgh's circus and menagerie. It was the first regular
" show" that had penetrated so far among the outlying, settlements,
and its advent was hailed with wonder and delight by young and
old, the people flocking in from all the surrounding country to see
it. Many a veteran who has lived to see scores of such exhibitions
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 663
still remembers with pleasure that first introduction to the delights
and glories of the saw-dust ring. This was soon followed by others,
and shortly afterward regular dramatic companies visited the
town, and were well received. Now there is no dearth of public
entertainments, a good company rarely failing to draw well.
THE MEXICAN WAE.
From the close of the Indian troubles until the declaration of
war with Mexico, the people of Pittsfield had no military experi-
ences, but the promptness with which troops were raised on the latter
occasion shows their military and patriotic ardor. Special messen-
gers who had been sent to Springfield hastened back with the news
that volunteers were called for. • A full company was organized in
a few hours, most of the members being from Pittsfield and the
•immediate vicinity. They started at once for Springfield, arrived
there the same night, and, reporting at headquarters, were mustered
in as company K of the 5th Eegiment, Illinois Yolunteer Infantry.
Nor had they any time to spare. Next day, Springfield was thronged
with volunteers from the surrounding counties, who had to be re-
jected. Company K had completed the quota. When organized
the officers of the com^pany were : I, B. Donaldson, Captain; —
Bostwick, 1st Lieut.; Emmet Hicks, 2d Lieut.; and Wm. Kinman,
3d Lieut. On the organization of the Regiment, Capt. Donaldson
was promoted a field officer, and Lieut. Kinman was made Cap-
tain. The achievements of the gallant 5th are a part of the history
of the nation, and company K won its full share of the laurels.
All the old officers have answered the final muster save only Lieut.
Hicks, who is still living in Pittsfield hale and hearty, and who
with some of his old comrades in arms, fights over his old battles,
and
" Shoulders his cane,
And shows how fields were won."
The same military and patriotic spirit was manifested by the
people in the ■ breaking out of the Rebellion. Pittsfield promptly
sent a large number of volunteers, who were on almost every battle-
field of the South. No soldiers ever acquitted themselves more
nobly than those who went from Pittsfield,
COURT-HOUSE.
Immediately after the town was laid out the first Court-House
was erected, the order thereTor being issued by the County Com-
missioners in June, 1833. It was a frame building, located on the
north side of the Square, and was not remarkable for size or style.
It is still standing, and is now occupied by Joseph Heck as a store.
The coming season a new brick building is to take its place, and
the old landmark will be removed. The present Court-House was
erected in 1838-9, and was in that early day considered a spacious
66 i HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
and commodious building. The offices of the Circuit and County
Clerks are in atire-proof building west of the Coui't-House. The
handsome grounds which now surround it were then an uninclosed
plat covered with hazel-brush. The stately trees that now adorn
the grounds were planted by some of the young men of the town,
the young members of the Bar being prominent in the good work.
Their tall stems and wide-spreading branches stand as monuments
of their enterprise and public spirit, and those who now enjoy the
grateful shade should remember with gratitude the thoughtful
planters.
PKOMINENT MEMBERS OF THE BAR.
From the first organization of the county Courts the Bar has
been noted for the distinguished men who have ornamented it.
Within its walls some who have won national fame earned their
earlier forensic laurels. Among its graduates were Col. E. D.
BaUer, the brilliant orator, the cultivated gentleman, the statesman
and the hero, whose brilliant life was untimely ended at the fatal
battle of Ball's Bluff; and Col. Daniel H. Gilmer, the genial
friend and able lawyer, who fell a sacrifice to his patriotism at
Stone River; and Col. Jackson Grimshaw, a keen and able lawyer,
irresistible in debate, now gone to his rest; and Maj. Sam Hayes,
an able lawyer, a free-hearted and jovial companion; and Archie
Williams, and Dick Richardson, and Isaac N. Morris, and James
Ward, and J. W. Whitney, are among the members of the 'Bar
who have passed away.
Here in the early day such lawyers as Lincoln, and Douglas, and
Browning came to plead. Of the living representatives who have
won distinction may be mentioned Hon. Milton Hay, now of
Springfield; C. L. Higbee, Judge of the Appellate Court; Wm. A.
Grimshaw, member of the State Board of Charities, and who has
filled many positions of honor in jthe State; Wm. li. Archer,
State Senator for many years; Col. A. C. Matthews, Member of
the Legislature ; Scott Wike, late Member of Congress ; Jas. S.
Irwin, one of the ablest lawyers in the State; Richard B. Atkinson,
ex-County Judge, and the veteran D. B. Bush. There are younger
members of the Bar who bid fair to emulate the example of their
seniors. Jefferson Orr, the District Attorney, is now filling his
second term, and has proved an efi3.cient and industrious officer.
Hon. Strother Grigsby, the County Judge, has long been identi-
fied with the Bar. In his present position he has accomplished
good work, and is the friendly adviser of all who appear in his
Court.
JAIL.
The first jail was built near the site of the present town cala
boose. It was not a pretentious building, but was sufficient for the
wants of the county for many years. It was afterward sold, and was
occupied as a tobacco factory, when it was destroyed by fire. The
2'^i:^^^-z^ y.
PITTSFItLD Tf
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 667
present liandsoine jail, on the northeast corner of the Public
Square, was erected in 1861. It is a substantial brick building with
a aouble tier of cells, necessary offices, and residence lor the
Sheriff.
But one executioii has taken place in the Pittsfield jail, Bart.
Barnes having been hanged December 29, 1871, for the murder of
Mr. Gresham near Pleasant Hill. The execution was private,
within the walls of the prison, but so great was the public curios-
ity over the event that hundreds of persons from the surrounding
country crowded the streets around the jail.
In 1878 an attack upon the jail was threatened, and at one time
it appeared as if it would result in serious loss of life. A Dr.
Brown, of Milton, was found dead in his door-yard, with a gun-
shot wound in his head; and it was supposed he had been mur-
dered. Some days before that he had been reported drugged and
robbed, and a man named McDonald, a supposed tramp, had been
arrested and lodged in jail, being suspected as one of the robbers."
His trial was to come off in a few* days, and just before that event
Dr. Brown was found dead, as stated, and it was thought that some
friend or chum of McDonald had murdered him to prevent his ap-
pearing against the latter. The friends and neighbors were in-
tensely excited over the occurrence, and as the public had naturally
become alarmed over the reiterated reports of outrages committed
by tramps in other parts of the country, the excitement spread rap-
idly. A rigid search was instituted for the supposed murderer and
kept up for days, but no one being discovered, the friends deter-
mined to wreak summary vengeance upon the prisoner, McDonald.
A number of them mustered a short distance from town, with the
avowed determination to march in after nightfall, break open the
jail, and seize and lynch the prisoner. It was impossible for the
sheriff to remove him to another place of confinement, as the roads
were watched; whereupon the authorities communicated with Gov-
ernor Gallom, and by his authority the militia companies were
called out, and a strong force placed to protect the jail. For the
first few nights the alarm was kept up, but fortunately^ the prompt
action of the authorities had the desired effect. No attack was made,
and the excitement quieted down. The result of the trial, which
took place a short time afterward, proved the man McDonald en-
tirely innocent of the charge of robbing, and consequently he had
no motive for the killing of Dr. Brown, and he was discharged.
This was the first serious attempt of the people to take the law into
their own hands, and the result of the trial will go far toward pre-
venting a similar occurrence in the future. Had the attempt proved
Buccessful it is certain that an innocent man would have been sac-
rificed. The citizens are proverbially law-abiding, and the McDon-
ald emeute was as unexpected as it was unusual. The conduct of
the militia during the trying occasion elicited the praise of the
community.
668 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNXY.
Several attempts have been made by prisoners to escape, at differ-
ent times, and altlaough some of them have succeeded in cutting
their way out, they have been recaptured after a short pursuit.
CHUECHES.
The history of the Congregational Church is intimately associ-
ated with that of the early days of the town. It was organized
with a membership of twelve, and first worshiped in the Court-
House. Rev. William Carter was the first minister in charge, and
devoted long years of faithful and earnest work. The first church
building was erected in 1838, but in a few years it proved too small
for the congregation. The Pastor, aided by Col. Ross and other
members, decided to erect a larger edifice, and the present structure
was built and dedicated in 1846. They were assisted in the good
work by Eastern friends. A project is now on foot for the erection
of a large new building, and it is probable that the work will be
accomplished at an early day. Rev. W. W. Rose is the present
Pastor, and is an earnest worker.
The Christian Church, now one of the largest and most pros-
perous in the city, was organized in 1839 with twelve members,
the first Pastor Jaeing Elder W. H. Strong. At first they wor-
shiped in a small frame building which was afterward used as a
school-house, and long occupied the lot in the rear of Judge Hig-
bee's residence. It was afterward removed to the lot opposite
Wm. Henry Harder's, and having been refitted nicely, it is now
occupied by the German Lutheran congregation. The present
Christian church was built in 1856, and has one of the largest
audience rooms in the city, with Sunday-school rooms, etc., in the
lower story. The Church has no Pastor, Rev. H. D. Clark, the late
Pastor, having accepted a call to a Church in Baltimore, Md.
The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized at about the
same date as the above Church. The first building was of brick,
small and unpretending^ and occupied the site of the present hand-
some edifice. The progress of the Church was slow, but a few
faithful ones worked on hopefully. The present building was
erected in 18Y6, at a' cost of about $12,000, Miss Lucy Winiams
and Mrs. William Wills, two earnest Christian women, contribut-
ing most of that sura . The success of the undertaking, however,
was largely due to the energy and perseverance of the Pastor, Eev.
W. F. Gillmore, who commenced the worTt with small beginnings,
but remained to see it completed and dedicated. The Church now
has a large membership, is in a prosperous condition, and is
blessed with an efiicient minister, Rev. M. Auer.
The Baptist Church was organized in 1839, and the house of
worship was built of brick, and still stands upon its original site. For
many years it was among the leading Church organizations in the
town, but of late years it has not been so prosperous. It is now
^HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY. 669
without a regular Pastor, but meetings are regularly held, and a
call has been extended to a new minister.
St. Stephen's Episcopal Churoh was built in 1852, Hon. Wm.
A. Grimshaw being the principal patron. Rev. Mr. Little is the
Kector of the Parish, and is a cultivated gentleman and minister.
The first Roman Catholic Church was built in 1850, Eev. Mr.
Dempsey being the first Priest in charge. It was a wooden build-
ing, which was subseqiiently removed to make room for the new
church, and is now on a lot on the opposite side of the street, and
used as J. H. Wheeling's auction room. The present brick build-
ing was erected in 1869, and was remodeled during the past year,
and the steeple erected. The Church being the only one of that
faith in the county, has a large membership, and is well attended.
The present Pastor is Kev. Father Hoven, a man of ability and
energy. It is probable the church building will be enlarged at an
early day, to accommodate the growing congregation.
The Presbyterian Church., which had been closed for some years,
was recently re-opened, with Eev. J. P. Dawson as Pastor. The
congregation still worships in the building first erected, and now
gives promise of new life and usefulness.
The Oerman Methodist Church was not organized until 1869,
when the society was drawn together, and the present brick struc-
ture erected. It is now in a very prosperous condition, being out
of debt and with a united membership. Eev. M. Thalenhorst is
the Pastor, who is proving a very acceptable minister.
A Church of Latter-Day Saints was organized in 1862 by Elder
Lytle. Meetings have since been held at the houses of the mem-
bers, but now the society is erecting a church building which will
be completed and dedicated early in the spring.
The Hebrews number several families, but as yet have no regular
place of worship. On the 11th of May, 1879, they organized a
Sabbath-school, of which Mr. Albert Fishellis Superintendent, and
L. D. Hirsheimer, Secretary. There are some 13 children on the
rolls, and meetings are held in a room in the Odd Fellows building.
SECRET SOCIETIES.
In 1848 Pittsfield Lodge, JSfo. 56, A. F. & A. M., was organized,
the first Master being Michael J. Noyes, for many years a promi-
nent and respected citizen. Union Chapter No. 10, E. A. M., was
organized in 1869. Ascalon Commandery K. T. was organized in
1876, F. M. Casal, E. C. The Masonic bodies are in a very pros-
perous condition, the Lodge and Chapter owning a fine hall, and
the Commandery another adjoining. The officers of the Lodge
now are "W". B. Grimes, W. M. ; Thos. Worthington, jr., S. W. ; G.
W. Shaw, J. W.; 0. E. Lame, Sec; of the Chapter, W". B. Grimes
is H. P.; Wm. Steers, E. K. ; J. A. Eider, E. S. Secretary; of the
Commandery, F. M. Casal is E. C. and V. A. Grimes, Eec.
The Odd Fellows have always been a popular order in this city.
Pittsfield Lodge, No. 95, was organized in 1851 with a small mem-
bership. The first officers were Samuel Smith, N. G.; E. L. How-
670 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
ard, Y. G. ; John Hawkins, Sec. and N. Kelley, Treasurer. It has
since grown steadily, and now has a large number of members.
Some years ago a German Lodge was consolidated with the present
body. The oificers are J. L. 'Dobbin, JST. G. ; J. H. McClintock,
Y. G.; B. F. Fisk, Sec, and F. L. Shriver. Treas. The Encamp-
ment, which was organized Oct., 1866, is also in a good condition,
but the increase in membership has been slow. The Odd Fellows
own their hall, which is the handsomest in the town, being beauti-
fully decorated and furnished.
The A. O. U. W. also have a very flourishing Lodge. It was
organized in April, 1878, with a membership of twenty-five. Dr.
C. H. Doss, M. W. It has grown steadily since then, the endow-
ment feature proving a very popular one. The present officers are
B. Hirsheimer, M. W.; C. W. Rayburn, Eec.
The I. O. M. A., a beneficial society also, was chartered about a
year and a half ago. Its progress has been slow but steady, and it
has good material among its membership.
The Knights of Honor organized a Lodge in 1879, and have a
good membership, mostly young men. These three last named
societies meet in Odd Fellows Hall.
BIOGEAPHI04L DEPARTMENT.
As a part of the history of the town and township, we give per-
sonal sketches of the old settlers and leading citizens.
Isaiah Adams, farmer, sec. 26; owns 80 acres of land, worth- $75
per acre; is a native of 'New York and was born Jan. 5, 1806;
came to this State in 1842, and settled where he now resides. Feb.
14, 1833, he married Anna Lester, who was born in 1809, in Con-
necticut; they are the parents of 7 children, 5 living, namely, Anna
A., John P., Martha L., Buell R. and Orilla S.; iSIancy and Isaiah,
dec. Mr. A. has been Road Commissioner. Is a member of the
Congregational Church, and a Republican.
Christopher Apj>leton, farmer and stock-dealer, sec. 11; P. 0.,
Pittsfield; is the owner of 175 acres of fine land, worth $75 per
acre. Mr. A. is the son of Christopher and Elizabeth Appleton,
natives of England, and was born Dec. 12, 1818; came with his
parents to America in 1819 and settled in Pennsylvania, remaining
17 years. They then moved to Missouri, and in 1872 to this
county. Mr. Appleton handles about 100 head of cattle per year,
and raises hogs and other stock. He was married in Missouri in
1845 to Charlotta Stennett, born in Yirginia in 1827, and they
have had 2 children, only 1 living, — Anna E., now wife of J. S.
Sellsbery. Mr. A. is a Baptist, and an Odd Fellow.
Hon. William R. Archer, Attorney at Law and State Senator,
was born in New York city April 13, 1817; his parents were Rich-
ard P., a merchant, and Jane (Alcock) Archer, a native of Ireland.
His preliminary education was obtained at Flushing, L. I., whence
he removed to New York city, where he studied law under John
HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY. 671
L. Lawrence, and was admitted to the New York Bar Feb. 23^
1838. May 10 of the same year he settled in Pittsfield, where in
August following he was admitted to the Illinois Bar and soon had
an extensive practice; in 1847 he was a member of the State Con-
stitutional Convention from Pike county, in which capacity he
evinced sterling qualities; that was a trying time, as the question
of township organization was then beginning to agitate the people.
Mr. Archer was Circuit Clerk and Recorder from 1856 to 1860.
He was then elected Representative in the State Legislature on the
Democratic ticket with Benj. F. DeWitt, and represented the
counties of Pike and Brown; in 1869 he was again elected to the
State Constitutional Convention, which met the following year,
and in 1872 was elected to the State Senate from the 38th District,
comprising the counties of Pike, Scott and Calhoun; in 1876 he
was re-elected to the sam6 position, his present term expiring next
November. He was a member of the Joint Commission appointed
by the Legislature of "1877 to ascertain the damages arising to pri-
vate property in lands by the construction of dams ou the Wabash
and Illinois rivers; this Commission consisted of 2 Senators and S
Representatives, and they held sessions from July 9, 1877, to De-
cember 10 of the same year, at Springfield. Out of $185,000 dam-
ages claimed, the Commission awarded about $30,000, to pay which
an appropriation was made by the last session of the Legislature.
Subsequently Mr. Archer discovered a law passed in 1847, affecting
claims entirely disconnected with the work of this Commission,,
which law had been obsolete for 10 years, and not brought forward
in the revisions. ,It was a statute of limitations which had the
effect to bar over $2,000,000 of claims presented to the Court of
Claims. (This court consists of the Chief Justice of the Supreme
Court and two Circuit Judges:) This statute, with a written argu-
ment in brief, Mr. A. presented to the Attorney General, and at
his request he argued the case before the Court, which sustained
the statute, and thus barred over $2,000,000 of the claims. For all
this service Mr. A. did not receive a single dollar. Mr. Archer
has recently been nominated for Governor of the State by several
inSuential newspapers, and the Old Flag, an opposition paper in
politics, says that Mr. A. is too good a man to be set up by a mi-
nority party, simply to be knocked over.
Feb. 1, 1838, Mr. Archer married Miss Anna Maria Smith,
daughter of Jonas Smith, a former resident of Long Island, N. Y.;
she died Sept. 26, 1859, leaving 7 children, 5 of whom are living;
he was again married Dec. IS, 1860, to Henrietta E. Sergeant,
daughter of Col. Aaron Sergeant, of New York city, and they have
had one child.
Samuel Atvwod, farmer, sec. 26, owns 240 acres of land worth
$60 per acre; was born in Virginia in 1821; came to Pike county
1854, and settled near where he now resides. In 1851 he was mar-
ried to Eliza J. Chaffy, who was born in Ohio in 1831; they are the
parents of 10 children, of whom 6 are living, — William T., James
672 HISTOBT OF PIKE COUNTY.
A., Charles E., Alia A., ISTannie M. and Samuel F. Mr. A. is a
. Democrat; his father was in the war of 1812.
Austin Barher, retired farmer, residence, Pittsfield; was born
in Ohio in Oct., 1809 ; his iirst occupation was that of clerk in a
dry-gobds store; came to Illinois in 1833 and settled in Pittsfield-
he established one of the first dry-goods houses here, which business
he continued until 1841, th6n went to Florence for 5 years, then
returned to Pittsfield again and purchased a farm, comprising 160
acres of fine farm land one mile from Pittsfield; he carried on farm-
ing until 1870. In 1838 he married Caroline Johnson, who was
born in Missouri in 1819; they are the parents of 6 children, 3 boys
and 3 girls; the 3 girls are deceased. The sons all served in the
late war, Mr. A. is a member of the Christian Church, and a Ee-
publican.
Edward F. Binns, County Clerk, is a son of Eandolph and
Elizabeth (McGlosson) Binns, both natives of Yirginia. They
were among the pioneers of this county, having emigrated here as
early as 1835. Edward F. was born in this county, Jan. 23, 1841;
he passed his boyhood days u pon the farm and attended the com-
mon schools; at the age of 23 he embarked in business for himself,
beginning at that time to buy and ship stock, cattle, hogs, sheep
and horses. These he shipped mostly to the Chicago market. He
then engaged in the mercantile business for a period of a year and
a half. He has held the offices of township Collector and Assessor,
and in 1877 was elected to the responsible position which he now
holds. In 1868 he was united in marriage with Orpha Norton,
who was born in Indiana in April, 1840. To them were born 3
children, — Louisa, William S. and Bertha. Mr. B. is a member of
the Masonic fraternity, and an active and prominent member of the
Christian Church.
E. W. Blades, of the firm of Dober & Blades, grocers, established
by E. "W. Blades ; the co-partnership was formed in 1879 aud is
one of the most reliable and successful firms in Pittsfield. Mr. B.
is a native of Delaware and was born in 1834. He came to this
county in 1856 and located at Barry, where he remained until 1876,
during which time he was engaged in the dry-goods business. His
present location is on the north side of the Public Square, Pitts-
field. He was elected Sheriff in 1876 and served with credit until
Mr. Kellogg, the present Sheriff, was chosen. He was married
July 24, 1856, to Phcebe A. Hammond.
James P. Blahe, farmer, sec. 14; P. O ., Pittsfield ; was born in
this county in 1844; was married in 1865 to Miss Melinda Richards,
a native of this county, who died in 1876, leaving one child, Elnore.
His present wife, Caroline Eookerd, is also a riative of this county
and was born in 1854; they have one child, Edward; they aVe mem-
bers of the Christian Church, and Mr. Blake is well known through-
out the county as one of Pike's enterprising farmers.
Henry Blei, farmer, sec. 25; is a riative of Ireland, born in 1826;
came to America in 1845 and settled in Calhoun county, 111., the
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 6T3
same year, and remained 16 years; came to this county in 1864;
owns 14:0 acres of land worth $60 per acre. In 1852 he married in
Calhoun county; his wife died iii July, 1877, leaving a family of 8
children, of whom 6 are living. Their names are, Fred, Henry J.,
Katie E., Emma J., Frank L. and Charles E. Mr. B. is a Demo-
crat. P. 0., PittsHeld.
Bev. Wm. Carter, for many years Pastor of the Congregational
Church of Pittsfield, was an eminent man. He was born at New
Canaan, Conn., Dec. 31, 1803. His parents were Ebenezer and
Ehoda (Weed) Carter. He graduated at Yale College in 1828 and
subsequently at the theological school of the same institution. Pie
and several fellow students soon became the founders of the Illinois
College at Jacksonville, 111., and Mr. Carter himself took charge
of the Congregational Church at Jacksonville, the first church of
this denomination west of Ohio (1833). This church prospered
greatly under his pastoral care, but in 1838 he resigned the charge
and soon afterward became pastor of the Congregational Church of
Pittsfield, 111., where he continued until 1868, laboring acceptably,
not only at this place but also at Summer Hill and Rockport. He
died Feb. 2, 1871, at Pittsfield, and his death was mourned by
the whole community. During his life he was also a member of
the Board of Directors of the Chicago Theological Seminary, was
one of the organizers of the General Association of Illinois, and
held many other responsible positions. He is regarded as the
father of the Congregational Church at Pittsfield. His widow is
still living in Pittsfield.
Dr. ¥ . M. Casal, physician and surgeon, was born in Balti-
more, Md., Sept. 20, 1842; emigrated in 1848 to Palmyra, Mo.;
educated in the public high school in St. Louis, Mo., and Washing-
ton University; graduated at Rush Medical College, Chicago, in
1864; also attended Bellevue Hospital Medical College, and the
College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York city; and, after
spending three and a half years on the Pacific ocean, he located in
Pittsfield in the summer of 1868, where he has since remained in
medical practice. He is a member of the Adams County Medical
Society, and of the Illinois State Medical Society. The Doc-
tor has also been a member of the Town Board for three years,
and President of the Board two years. In the Masonic order,
• he is Past Master of the Lodge of Pittsfield, No. 56, High Priest
of Union Chapter No. 10, E.. A. M., and Eminent Comman-
der of Ascalon Commandery, K. T. Aug. 9, 1870, Dr. Casal
married Amelia, daughter of B. H. Atkinson, of Pittsfield,
and his childj-en are': Mary, born Nov. 28, 1871; Annie, Jan. 27,
1874; and Isabel, August 24, 1877.
Isaac A. Olare, County Surveyor, son of Moses F. and Mary
(Brown) Clare, natives of Kentucky, was born in this county Sept.
6, 1835. At the age of 16 he devoted his time and attention
to civil engineering, for which" profession he had received a thor-
ough education. In 1875 he was elected County Surveyor of Pike
674 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
county, and subsequently re-elected, and holds the position at the
present time. He was married in this county in 1870, to Rebecca
Welch, a native of Waterdale county, Ala., who was born in 1847.
They have had a family of three children, two of whom are living.
Their names are Moses N. and Alma. Allen is deceased. Mr. 0.
is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows fraternities, a Uni-
versalist in religion, and politically a Democrat.
Moses F. Glare, blacksmith, Pittsfield, is a native of Kentucky,
where he was born Oct. 28, 1811; came to this county and set-
tled at Atlas as early as 1832, where he remained until 1835,
when he moved to Pittsfield, being one of the first settlers
here. He attended the first sale of town lots. May 1, 1833. He
learned the blacksmith's trade in St. Louis. In June, 1833, in this
county, he was united in marriage with Maria Brown, a native of
Kentucky. They are the parents of 4 children, -2 living, — Isaac
A. and Moses H. Those deceased were Francis 0. and Henry T.
Mr. C. is a member of the Masonic order, and Mr. and Mrs. 0. are
members of the M. E. Church.
Thomas Glarhson, fanner and stock-raiser, sec. 29, owning 180
acres of land, was born in England May 28, 1820; raised on a farm;
married in England in 1844, to Fanny Kodgers, born in England in
1818; they are the parents of 4 children. Mr. Clarkson came
to the United States in 1851, settling in this county ; P. 0., Pitts-
field. Mr. C. is a Republican.
0. G. Gline is a farmer by occupation, though at present he is
Superintendent of the Connty Poor, this being the second term he
he has held the office. He owns 100 acres of land in Martinsbnrg
tp., sec. 3, valued at $40 per acre. He was born in Scott cqunty,
111., March 26, 1843; married in Pike county in 1849, Lncretia^
Melton, who was born in Yirginia. They have 4 children — Leon
Lester, Glenn M., Alverdia and Fred K. P. O., Pittsfield.
Howard Gohenour, farmer, sec. 1; P. 0. , Pittsfield; was born in
1851, in this county, and is a son of Jacob and Jane Oohenour, na-
tives of Pennsylvania, who emigrated to Pike county in 1836, where
they remained until their death. April 2, 1872, Mr. G. married
Mary A. Cop, who was born in Iowa Dec. 29, 1852. They are the
parents of 4 children, vizj Jacob, Gertrude E., "William and Ira
S. His grandfather on his father's side, was in the war of 1812.
Mr. C. belongs to the M. E. Church, and is a Democrat.
Albert Goley, blacksmith, is a native of Kentucky, born in 1829,
and is a son of Wm. B. and Elizabeth (McOlane) Coley, the-
former a native of Yirginia, and the latter of Kentucky. He
came to this county in 1853, first settling in Atlas tp., and in 186T
moved to Wisconsin, where he remained 4 years, then came back
to Pittsfield, where he has since resided. He learned his trade at
the age of 27 years, which he has always followed. In 1857 he mar-
ried Mary A. Sanders, a native of New York, born in 1832, and
they have had 6 children; 2 are living, Minnie J. and Charles A.
The names of the deceased are Lucy, Ella, George and Abigaih
f/>/
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PrTTSFIELD TP
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 677
Mr. C.'s father was in the war of 1812, for which he received a
pension through life. Mr. C. owns 3 lots in Pittsfield, one with shop,
and 2 with dwelling houses.
James Cosgrove, farmer, sec. 4; P. O., Pittsfield; was born in
Ireland in 1812, and came to America in 1849, settling in Hart-
ford, Oonn., until 1865, when he moved to Pennsylvania^ where he
followed teaming. Two years afterward he settled in this county,
and followed farming 3 years. By frugality and energy he was
enabled to purchase his present farm in this tp., where he has
since made his home. In 1836 he married Miss Margaret
McDermott, a native of Ireland, and they have 7 children, — Ellen,
Joseph, Christopher, Dora, James, Bridget and Thomas. Mr.
C. is a member of the Catholic Church, and a staunch Democrat.
James Coulter, farmer, sec. 19; was born in Ireland March 6,
1829, brought by his parents to the United States in 1831, and at
the age of 21 he came to this county. Aug. 5, 1859, he married
Mary Jane White. His father, John Coulter, resides on the farm
now owned and occupied by his son James. Mr. C. owns 101
acres of land, worth $50 per acre. He has been School Director
for 9 years, and is a successful farmer; is a Democrat. P. O.,
Pittsfield.
William Coulter, farmer, sec. l9; was born in Tuscarawas
county,' 0., and came to Pike county. 111., in the spring of 1853.
Jan. 9, 1868, he married Miss Lydia Hoskin, and they have 6
children, namely: Laura, Anna, Eliza, Minnie M., Letitia and
Charles Sherman. Mr. C. owns 160 acres of land worth $50 per
acre. Mr. C. takes great pride in raising good stock; also raises
considerable wheat and corn, which he disposes of at home market.
In politics he is a Democrat. P. O., Pittsfield.
A. Q. Crawford, attorney, is the second son of J. G. Crawford,
who settled in this county in 1830, where the subject of this sketch
was born in 1854. He was educated in the Blackburn University
at Carlinville, and began the study of law in the office of the
State's Attorney at Pittsfield. In 1875 he entered the law school
at Chicago, at which institution he was graduated the following
year. In 1876 he married Mary E., daughter of Dr. W. C.
Doan, who died in Oct., 1877. Mr. C. is yet young in years, and
in the practice of his profession, but his native ability and energy
will insure him success.
Elder W. H. Crow, County Superintendent of Schools, was
born March 12, 1848, in Wheeling, W. Va., son of Charles and
Margaret (Hughes) Crow, the former a native of Pennsylvania and
thelatter of Virginia, who settled in Wheeling in 1845, but emigrated
to Huron county, Ohio, when the subject of this sketch was very
young; in 1857 they removed to Clark county, Mo., and in 1859
to Macon county, 111. Mr. Crow's mother died two years ago, and
his father resides in Sullivan, 111. At the age of 17 W. H. left the
parental domicile to take care of himself, and graduated in 1872 at
Eureka College, Woodford Co., 111. , and was ordained a minister of the
39
678 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Gospel in the Christian Church, shortly after which he became
Pastor of the Christian Church at Barry, this county. He com-
menced preaching, however, in Macon county, in 1866. Since
1878 Mr. Crow is byjelection, County Superintendent of Schools.
In 1869 Mr. C. married Miss JST. Clark, a native of Illinois.
Eesidence, Pittsfield.
John Curless, sr., farmer, sec. 9; P. O., Pittsfield: is a native of
Ohio, and was born in 1825; came to this State in 1851 ; was mar-
ried in Ohio in 1845, to Elizabeth Girton, who was born in Ohio
in 1828. They have 7 children, viz.: George, Timothy, Sarah A.,
John, Stephen, Thomas and Jesse. Mr. C. is a Methodist, and a
Democrat. His parents were natives of New Jersey.
Johrii Curless, jr., farmer, owning 3 acres of land with a nice
dwelling ; he is a son of Abiah and Anna (Hill) Curless. He is a
native of Ohio, and was born in 1854; came to this State in 1860;
was married in 1878 to Emily F. Dell, a native of this State, born
in 1860; they have one child, Ina Pearl, born Oct., 1879. Mr.
C. is a Eepublican.
Osiorn Davis, farmer, sec. 12; P. O., Pittsfield ; owns 160 acres
of land, worth $35 per acre; was born in Pennsylvania in 1821;
came to Illinois in 1845, located the same year in Pittsfield", where
he has since resided; was married in this county about the year
1847, to Susan Troutlett, who was born in Ohio in 1825. She is
deceased. He was married a second time, namely, to Miss Louisa
Troutlett, also a native of Ohio. They have 10 children, only 4 of
whom are living.
Thomas Dickson c& Son, dealers in dry-goods and clothing; the
senior member of this firm came to this county in 1837, and for
14 years worked at the tailor's trade. In 1850 he visited the
Kocky Mountains; after returning, he clerked for Eoss & Gay,
and Watson & Abbott. Subsequently he formed a partnership with
W. Abbott. Three years afterward Watson retired, and Gay was
admitted to the firm. In i860 the firm dissolved, and he opened
his present place. His son was a participant in the late war, and
was admitted as partner in business with his father in 1872. Mr.
D. is a native of Scotland, where he was born in 1815, and is the
oldest living merchant in Pittsfield.
Thomas Dilworth, farmer, sec. 32; P. 0., Pittsfield; owns an
interest in 160 acres of land, worth $60 per acre; his brother
George, and sister Faith, are equal partners in this property. They
are all unmarried, and live on the place together. They have raised
a girl named Mary E. Carroll ; they emigrated to this county with
their mother in 1850, where they have since resided. All are
Democrats.
J. L. DohUn, attorney at law, oflice over Harder's drug store,
west side of the Square. Will practice in any of the courts of the
Eleventh Judicial Circuit, and attend properly to all legal business
entrusted to his care.
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 679
0- H. Doss, physician, was born in Franklin, Simpson Co., Ky.,
Feb. 19, 1834, and began the study of medicine with liis father, a
resident physician at Hopkinsville, Ky. Two years afterward he
came to Illinois, and completed his studies in the office of Dr. A.
Bowman, at CarroUton, 111. He first began practice at Fayette-
ville, Greene Co., 111., where he was successfully engaged for 5^
years, when he moved to Manchester, Scott Co., and followed his
profession until he came to this county in 1876, where he has since
made his home. In September, 1856, he married Margaret A.
Thrasher, a native of Griggsville, and they have 9 children, the eld-
est a graduate of Bennett Medical College, Chicago. The Doctor
was made a charter member of the Illinois State Eclectic Associ-
ation in 1868 ; also served as Treasurer in 1871 and 1872, and filled
the office of President in 1873; was also a charter member of the
Eclectic Medical Association, organized in Chicago in 1870, and 3
times represented this State to the National Eclectic Association.
He has given much attention to farming and stock-raising, and
owns 180 acres of land 3^ miles from Pittsfield, where he has estab-
lished a breeding farm for horses; he has some fine blooded stock.
Prominent among them are 2 Hambletonian colts (stallions), "Eich-
ard"and " Kadiator;" the former a chestnut sorrel, white hind
feet, 16 hands high, and weighs 1,200 pounds; foaled June 24,
1874; bred by S.^W. Wheelock, Moline, 111. "Eadiator"— color,
bright bay, 16 hands high, star in forehead, weighs 1,300 pounds,
foaled May 31, 1874, and bred by same person. The pedigree of
the above named stallions descends from the great trotting families
of Kentucky. They have a natural gait, and show a flattering rec-
ord of speed, etc. ; are high-mettled and full of life, yet kind and safe
to handle.
Augustus Dow, miller, was born Oct. 9, 1841. He began active
life as clerk in a dry-goods store, which business he continued to
follow until 1863, when he enlisted in the army, serving in the
Paymaster's Department 3 years. In 1872 he came to Pittsfield
and embarked in the milling business in company with C. P.
Chapman, and they now conduct one of the largest mills in the
State. Mr. D. was married in this county in 1865 to Jennie S.
"Weinand. She was born in ISTew Jersey in 1841 and died in 1870.
Mr. D. was then married, in 1872, in St. Louis, to Judith W. Mor-
ton, who was born in Massachusetts in 1840. Harry A., born in
April, 1877, is their only child.
K P. Dow, dealer in coal, wood and lime, is a native of Tol-
land county, Conn., where he was born in 1848; came to this
county in 1865, and engaged in the mercantile business: was mar-
ried in 1874 to Miss Florine Hicks, and is the father of 2 children.
In 1878 he established himself in his present business, where he is
enjoying a fair trade.
John Duran, a retired farmer, was born in Hamilton county,
Maine, Jan. 16, 1800. His parents were John and Jane (Davis)
Duran. He came to this county IS'ov. 18, 1831, and settled in
680 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Newburg tp, ; was married in 1825 to Miss Rhoda Ann Riggs, of
Cincinnati, Oliio, and they have had 12 children, 6 boys and Q
girls, 10 of whom are living. Mr. D. was Road Commissioner for
25 years in Newburg tp. : is a member of the M. E. church, also of
the Masonic Lodge, r. O,., Pittsfleld.
G. T. Edwards, proprietor of the Pittsfield House, was born in
Tennessee, March 25, 1814; he emigrated with his parents to Ill-
inois in 1828, and settled in Sangamon county, where he resided
until 1835, when he came to this county and settled in Pittsfield
where he engaged in teaming. Two years afterward he was elected
Constable, and appointed Deputy Sheriff under Col. Seeley, in which
capacity he served for several years. In July, 1839, he married
Miss Eliza M. Allred, a native of Tennessee, where she was born
Oct. 29, 1822. They had 1 son and 1 daughter. Mrs. E. died
July 30, 1842. The following year he married Miss Angeline
Davis, a native of Kentucky, where she was born in 1821, and t^ej'
had 3 children. She died Sept. 28, 1853. His present wife, Delilah
(Groodwin) is a native of this State. Mr. E. was elected Sheriff of
Pike county in 1854 and served 2 years, when he purchased a
farm in Newburg tp., and followed farming a short time, then en-
gaged in hotel-keeping in Pittsfield, and was proprietor of stages
and mail contractor. In 1862 he organized Co. A, 99th 111. Inf ,
and participated in many of the principal battles of the war. After
a year of service he was compelled to resign on account of poor
health, and he was honorably discharged. Returning to his family
he became proprietor of a hotel at Naples, Scott Co., and at Griggs-
ville. Pike Co. In 1869 he, with other enterprising citizens, formed
a stock company and erected the Pittsfield House, which has since
been under his supervision. It is one of the largest and best kept
hotels in the West.
Charles A. Elliott, of the firm of Gano, Shriver & Elliott, dry-
goods dealers, Pittsfield, is a son of Abner and Ruth ("Wells) Elliott,
the former a native of Yirginia and the latter of Kentucky. Charles
A. is. a native of the Buckeye State, where he was born in 1854;
he came to this county in 18T2, and embarked in the mercantile
business in Pittsfield in 1879.
George Ellis, fa.rmer, sec. 32; P. O., New Hartford; owns 80
acres of land worth $50 per acre ; he was born in this county, April
5, 1850, and was married in this county in 1871, to Amanda Mc-
Olintock, also a native of this county, born in 1852; they have 2
children, Orville and Ethel. Mr. E. has been School Director, and
is a Republican.
Aaron Enderhy, farmer, sec. 3; P. 0., Pittsfield; was born in
Pike county in 1865, is a son of Conrad and Jane (Moore) Enderby,
natives of North Carolina and early settlers of this county, and
grandson of Joel Moore, the first settler in Pittsfield tp., where he
passed a life of usefulness. Mr. Enderby resides on the homestead
with his parents, and owns a farm of 120 acres worth $36 per acre.
The family are members of the Christian Church. Mr. E. is un-
HI8T0ET OF PIKE COUNTY. 681
married and lends his industry to the care of the homestead and his
aged parents.
Q-ano, Shriver c& Elliott, dealers in dry-goods and clothing.
This is the largest hoase of the kind in Pittsfield, and is a consolida-
tion of the firms of Gano and Shriver Brothers. The firm has had"
an experience of 26 years in New York city, and Felicity, Ohio,
and atpresent carries a stock of $40,00C, with an average saleof $85,-
000 per year. The store is 100 feet in length by 25 in width, and
two stories high, all occupied. A custom tailoring department is con-
nected with it on the upper floor, well stocked witli goods. This
firm has been identified with the mercantile interests of the city for
many years, and possesses the energy, enterprise and reliability of
business men.
J). H. Gilmer, deceased, was born in Kentucky, Sept. 10, 1814;
came to this county at an early day, and was the partner of Milton
Hay in the practice of law at Pittsfield. In 1861 he enlisted
as private in the 38th Reg. I. Y. I., and received promotion to the
position of Colonel of that Eegiment. He was killed at the battle
of Chicamauga, Sept. 10, 1863. He was at one time Prosecuting
Attorney in this county. In 1844 he married Miss Louisa M.
Quinby. Six years after his death she was appointed Postmistress
of this city, and executed the important duties of the ofiice until
her death, in 1869. She was succeeded by her daughter, Lizzie
Gilmer, the present incumbent, who fills the position satisfactorily.
George Gooud, farmer, sec. 83, owns 80 acres of land, worth $50
per acre. He is a native of England, came to America in 1836,
settling in New York, and came to Pike countj' in 1862; was mar-
ried in this county in 1864 to Charlotte Cressnol, also a native of
England, and born about the year 1843, and died in 18T5;they had
2 children, — one living, Philip R. He then married Amanda E.
Pringle, born in New York city in 1854; they have one child, named
EHzabeth. Mr. G. is a Democrat. •
John Gooud, farmer, sec. 33, owns 80 acres of land, worth $50
per acre; is a native iof England, and was born in 1830; caine to
America in 1836, knd settled in New York, where he was married
in 1856 to Alice Pringle, also a native of England, where she was
born about the year 1843. They have had 6 children, — one liv-
ing, namely, Susanna. Mrs. Gooud had 2 children by a former
Ijusband; their names are Mary A. and Sarah J. Mr. G. is a Demo-
crat.
Strother Grigsly, County Judge, born in Page county, Ya., in
1819, came to Illinois in 1838, and settled in Adams county, where
he engaged in teaching school for 4 years, then came to this county
and followed the same calling for 10 years in Pleasant Yale tp. He
subsequently settled in Pittsfield and soon after was called by the
people to fill the ofiice of County Treasurer. He also served 4
years as County Clerk, and is serving his present position the second
term. He has also given time and attention to various other offices
with which he has been identified. In 1845 he married Miss Amanda
682 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Parkis, a native of Missouri, who died, leaving 4 children. His
present wife, Missouri E. Reel, is a native of Jacksonville.
Wm. B. Grimes, Deputy County Clerk, was born in "White Co.,
111., Nov. 25, 1828; in 1834 his parents moved with him to this
county; in 1850 he went to California and remained two years,
meeting with good success; on his return to this county he located
at Milton and built the first saw-mill in that place; was in the
lumber business about one year and then followed the tinware trade
until 1869, when he was elected County Clerk. Mr. G. is now
Depnty County Clerk, has been Supervisor of Pittsfield tp., and
Chairman of the Board one term. The past four years he has also been
Grand Lecturer in the Masonic order, and is now Grand Examiner
and ex-offioio Grand Lecturer. Mr. Grimes has had a good educa-
tion, fine musical talent, and has held about all the local offices in
his township. In 1853 he married Amanda A. Shock, who died in
1861, leaving three children ; in 1862 Mr. G. married Nancy J.
Greathouse, and they have 3 children now living. The cliildren
are, Delia, born in 1857, now the wife of Mark Hanes; Ira
A., born in May, 1859, is clerk in Lindsey & Co.'s grocery; both
the latter are in Pittsfield ; Henry W., born, 1861, died at the age of
about 5 months; Ida, born in 1863, Alice in 1865, and Laura in
1875.
Hon. Wm. A. Grimshaw, attorney at law, is the son of William
Grimshaw, who was an early and distinguished historian, hav-
ing written and published the first History of the United States,
a History of South America, of England, of France, a Life of Na-
poleon and other works, besides compiling histories of Greece, Eorae,,
etc. It is said that at one time he had an income from his works
of about $4,000 a year. He died in 1851. Wm. A.'s mother was
Harriet, a native of Charleston, S. C, and daughter of James^Milli-
gan, a Captain in the Pennsylvania line in the American Kevolu-
tion. Mr. Grimshaw was adjiiitted to the bar at 19 years of age, in
Philadelphia, and in May, 1833, he arrived in Pike county, 111.,,
and in November following he received license from the Supreme
Court to practice law. This year he was also appointed Adjutant
of the 17th Illinois Militia, and he often held- with his Colonel,
Benj. Barney, regimental and battalion trainings in this county..
Mr. G. has probably held more commissions from State Governors
than any other citizen of Pike county, — from Govs. Reynolds, Yates,
Oglesby, Palmer and Cullom. Although a Whig in early day and
Republican since, he has generally as a candidate for officerun ahead
of his ticket and sometimes been elected, even in a Democratic dis-
trict. In 1847 he was elected delegate to the Constitutional Con
vention, the only Whig along with the three Democrats, Messrs.
Archer, Montgomery Blair and Harvey Dunn, and was the author
of that provision in the Constitution against dueling. He also
favored such measures in that body as caused an advance in the
State credit, the Illinois and Michigan canal bonds, for example,,
going up from 18 to 65 during the session of the Convention. Mr.
HISTOKT OF PIKE COUNTY. 683
G. was also a delegate to both conventions which nominated Lincoln
for President, and to other conventions ; was also a personal friend
of Douglas, praising him for his support of the Union cause. As
an attorney Mr. Grimshaw has been eminent, defending suits for
the Sny Levee Commissioners, the T., W. & W. and 0. & A. E. E,.
Cos., and the Mississippi Bridge Company at Louisiana, Mo. For
14 years, ending in 1857, he was in partnership with his brother,
the late Jackson' Grimshaw. He owns fine farms, takes great in-
terest in the welfare of the county, has been President of the Ag-
ricnltural Society, the Antiquarian Society, etc., etc. ; has been
Trustee of the State Institution for the Blind, and is at present a
member of the State Board of Charities.
We noticed some interesting old books in Mr. Grimshaw's library,
as, Les Reports de Sr. Oreswell Levinz, in three parts, printed in
London in 1702; Law Commentaries or Eeports of Edmund Plow-
den, printed at London in 1779 ; Les Eeports des Divers Special
Cases argue c& adjuge en le Court del Bank Leroy et Auxy en
le Co. Ba. & V Exchequer, etc., printed in London in 1714, — all
these in the JN'orman or Law French language ; also a copy of the
Jurisoonsult Exercitationes in which is contained that noted senti-
ment, "The air of England is too pure for slavery to breathe."
William S. Grimshaw, druggist, original house of J. U. Grim-
shaw, grandfather of the present proprietor, who established him-
self here in 1835, his drug-store being the first in the city. He
died in this city in 1848 and was succeeded by his son, T, C. Grim-
shaw, who conducted the business until 1868, when he sold out to
Thomas Williamson and removed to the homestead. Subsequently
the store fell into the hands of Adolph Fisher, who disposed of the
stock to Wm. S. Grimshaw in 1876. The house carries a stock of
|6,000, with average sales of $15,000 per year. It controls a large
trade, and is one of the prosperous firms of the city.
Patrick JSalpin, proprietor of marble yard, Pittsfield, came
to this county in 1850, established his present business in 1856,
where he has a fair trade.
C. H. Harder, druggist, succeeded J. H. Crane in 1871. At
present he carries a stock of $5,000. He came to this county in
1851, and here he has since made it his home. He was married
in 1872 to Miss Susan Lorgby, by whom he has one child, Frank.
Henry Harder, carriage and wagon manufacturer, is a native of
Columbia county, New York, where he was born in 1822. When
of age, he settled in Berkshire county, Mass., where he married
Miss Mary E. Grifiin-, a native of Eensellaer county, l^ew York.
He came to this county in 1851 and supervised the wood depart-
ment of the Batesman factory until he erected his present building
in 1869. The building is 2 stories high, with blacksmith and paint
shops" and store-room connected. He at present employs 6 men;
has a large stock on hand, and contracts a fair trade. Mr. 11. has 5
children.
684 HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Adam Harshman, farmer, sec. 8; P. O., Pittsfield; owns 20 acres
worth $60 per acre ; is a native of Ohio, born in 1832 ; came to this
State in 1840 ; was married in 1857, in this county, to Lucy J. Mc-
Oune, who was born in this State in 1836 and died in 1858, leaving
1 child, Harner; was again married in 1860, to Esther Aarbaw, who
was born in this State in 1840. They have 4 children. Chandler,
Lawrence, Leonora and Eliza. Mr. H. has been Clerk of the
School Board 15 years, and is a Republican.
Joseph Heoh, grocer, baker and confectioner, was born in Durmers-
heim, Grossherzogthum Baden, Oberamt Rastadt, in 1822; emi-
grated in 1846 and settled in Quincy after a residence in Philadel-
phia 2 years. His lirst home in tliis county was in Perry tp.,
where he resided until 1855, when he came to this city and opened
his present establishment. He carries a stock of $15,000 to $18,000,
and is one of the oldest houses in the city, occupying the old court-
house.
John Helme was born in Barnacre, Lancashire, England, Dec.
13, 1822. His grandfather, John Helme, was a native of the same
place, where he died; his father, Wm. Helme, came to America in
1842, via New Orleans and landed at St. Louis in 1843, accompanied
by our siibject, then 20 years of age. They arrived in Pike county
in April of the same year; both were carpenters and builders by
' trade, and the iirst work they did in this county was to make rails,
a work they were wholly unaccustomed to. After being in the
county about |3 years, John Helme married Amelia Wassell, a na-
tive of England. The next year he settled on 40 acres of land,
given to him by his father-in-law, located on the N. E. of
sec. 24, Derry tp., built a frame house 18x24 feet, cultivated 25
acres, and fenced the whole piece. Since that time he has been ex-
tensively engaged in farming. He has held the plow and driven
the team for breaking over 1,000 acres of new land, 600 acres of which
he himself put under cultivation. He now owns 447 acres, having
sold several hundred acres. His residence is on IST. W. J of sec. 30,
Pittsfield tp., the home farm consisting of 420 acres in one body.
He raises on an average 100 to 140 acres of wheat, and about the
same of corn, and feeds from 100 to 200 head of cattle per year, also
150 sheep. Mr. Helme is the largest buyer and dealer in cattle and
hogs for shipment there is in the county, shipping to the Chicago
and Buffalo markets, on an average, 150 car loads per year, 40 of
these being cattle, and 110, hogs.
He was formerly a "Whig, but is now a Republican ; has been
School Director over 20 years. He and wife are both members of
the Christian Church of JSTew Hartford. He is also a Mason.
Mrs. H. died Dec. 24, 1857, leaving 5 children,— William, Eliza-
beth, John A., Amelia and Susan. The latter died at the age of
20 years. Mr. H. married his present wife, Hannah Ann Shinn,
daughter of James Shinn, of Salem county, N. J., March 10, 1859,
and they have 6 children,— Charles E., Matthew E., Sarah E.,
James, Mary and Lena May.
^i ','W**f^^//
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 6S7
Mr. Helme has made all the improvements on his home farm;
has built a commodious frame house, 32 b^' 54, and a fine barn
with a rock basement 8 feet high.- The barn is 45 by 60 feet with
20 feet posts, and is one of the most convenient barns in the
county. His father followed farming in this county many years,
and died in 1865, in Derry tp.
In 1850 Mr. H. made a trip to California, worked in the mines 3
monthg, and returned with $2,500, which he invested in 200 acres
of land. He was 4 months making his overland trip, and the same
time returning by the Pacific via Nicaragua, Central America and
New Orleans, being 10 weeks on the ocean. We give Mr. Holme's
portrait in this book.
Ool. D. D. Hicks, cashier of the First National Bank at Pitts-
field, was born in Bennington Co., Vt., Aug. 12, 1812; while very
young the family removed with him to New Yoi-k State, where
they remained till his mother died; they then resided in Vermont
until 1830, then in New York State again until 1838, when they
emigrated to Pittsfield, 111., near which place the subject of this
sketch taught school two years; after spending a few months in
the East, he clerked in a store in Pittsfield till 1842, when he was
appointed Deputy Sheriff by Ephraira Cannon ; after serving four
years in this capacity he was Sheriff for four years ; subsequently
he served four years as County Treasurer, and from 1850 to 1852
he followed merchandising; in 1865 he went into the First
National Bank as clerk and teller, and in 1867 was elected cashier
of the institution. His father, Truman V., was a celebrated phy-
sician, a member of the New York Legislature two terms, and for
a time was Judge of Warren county, ]^. Y. His mother's maiden
name was Barbara Hayes, a native of Vermont. Oct., 1842, he
married Mary Jane Burbridge, of Pike Co. ; Helen M. was their
only child, who died at the age of IS ; Mrs. H. died in March,
1844; in May, 1845, he married Julia Ann Burbridge, cousin of
his first wife; of their 7 children all are living in Pittsfield,
namely, Frances, now the wife of George Barber; Barbara E., wife
of Henry li. Mills; Robert Truman, assistant cashier in the First
National Bank; Florine E., wife of E. P. Dow; Emma, wife of
Harry Higbee, Esq., Laura M. and James W.
Patrick Higgins, farmer, sec. 17; P. O., Pittsfield; born in
County Down, Ireland, in 1827; came to America in 1848, and
settled on his present estate the same year, which was then an
unbroken wilderness. Here he erected a rude hut composed of
poles and grass, in which he lived 6 mouths; he has a farm of 160
acres, well cultivated, and valued at ^75 per acre. He was mar-
ried- in this tp. to Miss Margaret Reed, a native of Ireland, and
who died in 1877, leaving 7 children, all now living. Mr. H. is
one of the early settlers of this town and county, and well known
and respected by all. He is a Democrat.
Henry Hoskins, farmer and stock-dealer, owns 140 acres of land
worth $50 per acre. He is a son of John and Elizabeth (Brown)
Hoskins, natives of Ireland, and was born in this State, Dec. 18,
688 HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY.
1842. In Oct., 1866, he married Bridget Oaruey, a native of Ire-
land, born April 6, 1844. They are the parents of 6 children, viz.:
John, Charley, Catharine, Elizabeth, Henry and Isaac. Mr. H.
has been School Director 5 years, and belongs to the M. E. Church.
His father's father was in the war of 1812. Mr. H. deals exten-
sively in cattle, hogs and sheep.
John Hughes, farmer, sec. 27; P. O. Pittslield; owns 120 acres
of land, worth $60 per acre; he is a native of Ireland, born in
1820, and came to America in 1840; settled in Pennsylvania,
where he remained 3 years; then was in Missouri 2 years, then
came to this county in 1845, where he has since resided. In 1850
he married Jane Donnelly, a native of Ireland, born in 1820. They .
are the parents of one child, born in 1855. They are both Catho-
lics, and Mr. H. is a Democrat.
Joseph Hunter, boot and shoe maker; born in Edinburgh, Scot-
land, in 1833, and emigrated to America in 1852. Same year was
married to Miss Martha Hunter, by whom he has 9 children.
Opened his first place of business in 1869, where he is conducting
a good trade. Is a member of the School Board and City Council,
taking an active interest in all that pertains to the welfare of the
county.
F. W . Hii/rseman, boots and shoes. Associated himself in the .
business circles of this city in 1871, soon after his voyage from the
fatherland, Germany, where he was born in 1856. Carries a stock
of $3,000, with average sales of $5,000 per year. He is one of the
active young merchants of the city, and made happy by a lucrative
trade.
James 8. Irwin, attorney, Pittsfield. The subject of this notice
was born in "Woodford county, Ky., March 23, 1820. He gradu-
ated at Center College, Ky., with the class of 1838, and in the
winter of 1839 attended one course of medical lectures at Lexing-
ton. In March of the following year he moved to Jacksonville,
111., where he commenced the study of law in the office of Brown
& McClure, and Jan. 1, 1842, he received license to practice law.
He immediately removed to Mount Sterling, where he remained 17
years, with the exception of a short period, in the practice of his
profession. In the year 1849, like many others, he caught the
California gold fever, went to the golden shore and remained till
the spring of 1852, when he returned to Mount Sterling, a wiser if
not a richer man, and resumed the practice of his profession. In
the year 1844 he was married to Miss M. P. Giberson, formerly of
Pennsylvania, and to whom four children have been born, two boys
and two girls. By a sad and unfortunate accident one of his sons
was killed by a gunshot wound while hunting, and the other-died
while in the prime of life, and giving promise of a brilliant career.
Mr. Irwin has confined himself steadily to his profession, taking no
very active part in politics, and has no desire for office. In 1856 he
was one of the Fillmore Electors, and was in the Electoral College
in 18Y2, where he cast his vote for Grant and Wilson.
HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY. 689
Jan. 1, 1861, Mr. I. moved his family to Pittsfield, where he has
since resided. By close attention to business, by trying to do his
duty to his friends and patrons, he has acquired a fair and reputable
practice, and a sufficiency of this world's goods to place him in
comfortable circumstances. He was one of a family of 16 children,
all of whom are dead except one sister and live brothers. Of the
survivors, the sister is the wife of Col. Q. M. Chambers, of Jack-
sonville. The eldest brother, William, is a farmer in Brown
county, 111. ; the next older, Stephenson, is a farmer of Kansas ;
and two brothers are physicians.
D. E. James d; Co., dry-goods dealers, Pittsfield; began business
in the spring of 1878; the firm are active members of the business
fraternity of Pittsfield, and control a large and reliable trade.
Henry James, farmer, sec. 7; P. O., Pittsfield ; was born in Eng-
land in 1817; came to America in 1851 and stopped in Cincinnati
one year, then came to this county, where he has since resided ; he
has bought, sold and improved 5 difi'erent farms, and now owns 80
acres worth $50 per acre. He was married in England in 1850, to
Jennette Francis, a native of Scotland, born in 1818, and they are
the parents of 3 children, only one living, Thomas F., Alice M.
and Wm. G., deceased. Mr. James has been Koad Commissioner 6
years, and served several years as School Director. He is a mem-
ber of the I. O. of O. F., an Episcopalian and a Democrat.
T. F. James, farmer, was born in Louisiana Nov. 24, 1851 ; came
to this Stats with his father in 1852 and settled in this county,
where he still resides; was married to Margaret Wilson, a native of
this county, and who was born Dec. 21, 1854. They are the parents
of 2 children, Jennette, born Dec. 24, 1875, and Elizabeth, Dec. 1,
1877. Mr. James owns 60 acres of land worth $50 per acre.
Benjamin Jellison, farmer, owns 60 acres of land worth $60 per
acre; is a native of Maine, born Jan. 24, 1804; came to this county
in 1844; was married in Maine May 7, 1827, to Mary Wyman, who
was also born in Maine, and they are the parents of 5 children,
only 3 of whom are living: Hiram, Charles H. and Mary. Delilah
and Henry are deceased. Mr. S. is a member of the Baptist Church,
and a Democrat.
J. W. Johnson, attorney at law, was born in Lewis Co., Mo.,
Nov. 24, 1845 ; was brought up at Palmyra, Mo., where he received
a good education, studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1869;
came to Pike county. 111., in 1870; taught school at Eldara and
Wew Canton for two years; came to Pittsfield in Sept., 1873, where
he has since remained, most of the time in the practice of law; is
now in partnership with J. S. Irwin ; from 1873 to 1877 he was
acting Superintendent of Schools of this county. Dec. 18, 1867, at
Palmyra, he married Miss M. Y. JS^icol, daughter of Henry and
Catharine Nicol. The subject of our sketch is a son of Don Q. and
Elizabeth A. (Rogers), the latter of Norfolk, Va., whose parents emi-
f rated West with her in her infancy. Mr. Johnson's children are
Tina E., born July 25, 1869; Leta" J., born Aug. 16, 1871; Eliza-
690 HISTORY OF PIKE OOUNTY.
beth A., Dec. 9, 1874; Albert Sidney, Feb. 21, 1878, and James
Irwin. Oct. 2, 1879.
J. W. Jones, farmer, sees. 8 and 9; P. O., Pittsfleld; is a native
of Hamilton Co., O., born in 1818, and is a son of Jonathan and
Ann (Wilmington) Jones, natives of Yirginia and Pennsjlvania.
respectively. Mr. Jones is a gunsmith by trade, which occupation
he followed in Mount Sterling, Morgan county. In 1843 he settled
in Pike county near his present home, which at that time was but
a wilderness*, he was married in this county to Miss Martha A.
Preble, a native of Ohio, and who was born in 1827. They have
had 7 children, all of whom are living: Mary, Eliza, Ann, Oelestia,
Harvey P., Clara and John J. Mr. Jones is one of Pike's enter-
prising farmers; has served as Supervisor one term, and Eoad Com-
missioner 7'years. He had the first horse-plow used in the State,
and relates many interesting incidentsjof early life. Politically he
is a Greenbacker.
Timothy Kane was born in Ireland June 1, 1840, son of Corne-
lius and Catherine (Quinlan) Kane. He came to America July 4,
1857, and to this county the following summer ; has resided in
this tp. ever since. March 1, 1864, he married Miss Ellen
McElroy, of this county. She was born in 1842. They have had
. 8 children, 6 boys and 2 girls ; 3 boys are dead ; the children liv-
ing are Patrick, John, Joseph, Mary and Jane. Mr. Kane owns
110 acres of land, most of which is under cultivation, and worth
$40 per acre . Both are Catholics, and Mr. Kane is a Democrat
and Greenbacker. P. O., Pittsfield.
Nathaniel Kellogg, farmer, sees. 21 and 22, is a native of Massa-
chusetts, born in 1824; remained . there until 1854, when he
married Miss Sarah M. Brown, daughter of Oliver and Lucy
Brown, born in the same State in 1826. Mr. and Mrs., Kellogg
came to Pittsfield in 1854, where they now reside. Mr. K. is the
son of Charles and Mrs. P. (Foot) Kellogg, the former a native of
Massachusetts, born in 1782, and died in the same State in 1853,
the latter also a native of Massachusetts, born in 1787; she came
to Illinois with her son, D. F. Kellogg, and died at his house in
1868, at the age of 81 years. Our subject is a well-to-do farmer.
P. 0., Pittsfield.
Theodore Kellogg, Sheriff, son of Ira and Lydia Kellogg, who
settled in Naples, Scott county, in 1833. His father was the first
pilot on the Illinois river; came to this county in 1835, and
selected a home near Perry, where he died in 1856. The subject
of this biography was born in Genesee county, N. Y., in 1825.
He carried the mails between Quincy and Perry for 5 years, and
was proprietor of the hotel at the latter place. In 1860 he mar-
ried Miss Sarah J. Cockill. He moved to Pittsfield and assumed
the proprietorship of the Pittsfield House, and the following year
was elected to his present ofiice, which he ably fills. He is highly
respected by all.
HISTOKT OF PIKE COUNTY. 691
Dr. J. H. Ledlie, physician and surgeon, was born in Dublin,
Ireland, Feb. 14, 1833 ; graduated at the Koyal dollege of Physi-
cians and Surgeons in that city in 1854, when he emigrated to
Pittsfield, 111., where he has remained ever since in the practice of
his profession, except the 4 years he was surgeon in the 99th regi-
ment of Illinois volunteers in the last war; during his service in
the army he was promoted to the position of Staff Surgeon and
Medical Director of the 13tli Army Corps, and finally Surgeon in
Charge of the General Hospital at Jefferson City, Mo. ; he was
mustered out as Lieut. Col. in November, 1865, when he returned
to Pittsfield. He is a member of the Adams County Medical
Society, and of the American Medical Association. Dr. Ledlie
has a very large practice, and one of the largest and best arranged
offices in the country. April 4,1856, in Brooklyn, N. Y., he
married Elizabeth Betterton, a native of England, and their chil-
dren are Elizabeth B., born April, 1857, Ann F., born in 1859, and
died when about 6 weeks old, James C, born in 1861, and died
Nov., 1878, and Mary H., born in 1863.
J. C. Lewis^ druggist. This house was opened in 1877, being a
copartnership of Lewis & Hyde, who carried on a lucrative trade
for 15 months, when the firm dissolved. Under its present man-
agement it carries a stock of $4,000, with average sales of $30,000
per year, and is the finest and largest drug store in the county; it is
located on the north side of the Public Square, Pittsfield. The
subject of this sketch was born in Scott county. 111., in 1849, and
was married in Jan., 1878, to Miss Fannie Ray, a native of this
county, and daughter of John and Margaret (Huber) Kay. They
have one child, whom they have christened Ray, born April 13,
1879. Mr. L. is a member of the Christian Church.
J. C. Lindsay, of the firm of Lindsay & Silvernail, grocers, Pitts-
field. The business here was originally carried on by H. H. Thomas,
passing into the hands of his successor, J. 0. Lindsay, in 1876.
In 1879 Alfred Silvernail was admitted to the firm,- and the
concern is doing a thriving business. Mr. L. is a native of High-
land county, O., where he was born in 1842.
William Lorett, farmer, sec. 22; P. O., Pittsfield; is a native of
Vermont, born May 6, 1808; was married in Connecticut in 1829
to Sarah Graham, and they are the parents of 14 children, 10 girls
and 4 boys; the latter were all in the late war. Mr. L. owns 195
acres of land worth $40 per acre; his father was in the war of the
Revolution. He belongs to the Baptist Church, and is a Democrat.
James Manton, farmer, sec. 12; P. O., Pittsfield; is a son of John
and Elizabeth Manton, both natives of England, where the subject
of this sketch was born Jan. 2, 1815. He came to America in 1854,
and settled in this county. Fourteen years prior to his coming' to
America hewas united in marriage with Miss Charlotte Hamerton
Shets, who is also a native of England. To them have been born 14
children, 10 of whom are living, — "William, Thomas, George, Ma-
ria, Lucy A., James, Nancy, Anna, Lizzie and Fannie. The de-
692 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
ceased are Eachel, Mary A., Emma and Charles. Mr. Manton is
one of the largest farmers and land-holders in this county, owning
825 acres of land, valued at $55 per acre. When he came' to Amer-
ica he was the possessor of but $15, and by energy, application and
business tact he is able to rank among the solid men of Pike county
and as one of the leading and prominent citizens of the county we
give his portrait in the pages of this volume.
Hon. A. G. Matthews, attorney at law and Representative from the
38th District, was born in Pike county. 111., in 1833 ; brought up on a
farm ; graduated at Illinois College, Jacksonville, III, in 1855 ; was
admitted to the bar in 1858; was the last commanding officer (Colo-
nel) of the 99th 111. Vol. Inf. in the late war; from 1869 to 1875
was Collector of Internal Eevenne in the 9th District of Illinois
but, resigning this position, he was appointed Supervisor of Inter-
nal Revenue, which place he also resigned July 1, 1876, when he
returned to the practice of law; but in November following he was
elected as a Representative in the State Legislature, receiving 12,-
600 votes, and in 1878 was re-elected by 5,563^ votes.
Azariah Mays, farmer, sec. 32; P. O., New Hartford; is a na-
tive of Ohio, born in 1827, and was married there in 1848, to Miss
Rebecca J. Davis, who was born in Aug., 1828. They are the pa-
rents of 3 children, — Marcellus, EUie, now wife of Edward Dun-
ning, of this county, and William. Mr. M. came to this county in
1864; owns 100 acres of land, worth $60 per acre. He was in the
late war, in' Co. -C, 49th Reg. O. I., *id served 2 months, and
was discharged in consequence of disability. He is a Republican.
J. H . McClintoch. farmer, sec. 25; P. O., Pittsfield; is a native
of this county, born April 28, 1839; is a son of William and Bar-
bara (Ribble) McClintock, natives of Tennessee and Indiana, re-
spectively. Aug. 28, 1874, he married Catharine Duffield, who
was born in Indiana, March 7, 1845, and they are the parents of 6
children, 5 living; their names are Alice, Wm. F., Lucinda A.,
James L., Barbara C. and Paul. Mr. M. holds the office of Col-
lector at the present time, and is a member of the Christian Church,
and an Odd Fellow.
Edward MoOoitghey, farmer, sec. 11; owns 120 acres of land,
worth $50 per acre; is a native of Ireland, born in 1819; came to
America in 1844, and settled in Rhode Island; was married in
New York in 1850, to Anna McCormick, also a native of Ireland,
, and was born in June, 1830. They have had 2 children, one liv-
ing,— Patrick P. The name of the deceased was Sarah. Both Mr. and
Mrs. McO. are members of the Catholic Church.
Jordan MoSpawn, carpenter, is a native of Kentucky, where he
was born in 1816; he came to this State in 18S8; the same year he
was'united in marriage with Mary Badgely, a native of Pennsylvania,
where she was born in 1819. To them have been born 7 childi^,
6 of whom are living. Mr. McSpawn has served as Constable four
years, and Deputy Sheriff two terms. He is a member of the
Christian Church, and politically a Republican.
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 693
. H. B. Mills, dealer in books and stationery, Pittsfleld, is a na-
tive of Ohio, where be was born in 1853; in 1869 he was united in
marriage in this county with Miss Barbara, daughter of D. D. and
Julia (Burbridge) Hicks. Their two children are Arthur H. and
Frank W.. Both he and his wife belong to the Church of the Lat-
ter-Day Saints. Mr. M. has held the office of Town Clerk two
terms. Politically he is a Republican.
James Mirrielees & Co., gi-ocers, Pittsfield. The copartnership
of this house was formed in 1867, and the firm carry a'stock of
$3,000, with annual average sales of $20,000, and enjoy increasing
trade. Mr. M. is a native of Scotland, and was born in 1840;
crossed the ocean to America in 1863, and settled in St. Louis,
where he resided until he came to this county in 1867.
Bufug M. Murray, County Treasurer; was born in Kinderhook,
Pike county, in 1837; is a son of Eleazer Murray, who settled in
that tp. in 1832, and died in 1852. Jan. 1, 1868, Mr. Murray mar-
ried Elizabeth, daughter of Squire "Wilson, of Kinderhook. He has
filled many local offices iii his native tp., where he resided until
called to'falfill the duties of his present position. He is one of
the reliable men of the county, and has many warm friends.
0. L. Ohst, photographer, was born in Saxony, Germany, in
1832; emigrated to this country in 1849 and settled in Baltimore,
Md., where he engaged in decorative painting. Subsequently he
removed to York, Pa., and to this county in 1857; the same year
was married to Miss Elizabeth Wildin, and they have one child.
He established himself in his present business in 1859 and is en-
jojing a fair trade.
Jeff Orr, State's Attorney, located in Pittsfield Feb. 26, 1873,
and entered upon his profession the same year. Nov. 7, 1879, he
married Ella M. Yates. He is a hard student of the law and wed-
ded to his profession ; is permanently located in Pittsfield, where he
expects to devote the remainder of his life to his vocation. Ella
M. is reading, and will take a thorough law course, to assist her
husband in his profession. Mr. Orr is a native of Harrison county,
Ohio.
C. W. Patterson is a native of Berkshire county, Mass., and was
born Jan. 9, 1829; was married Sept. 10, 1848, to Mary V. Carpen-
ter, a native of the same county, by whom he has 2 children. He
is a blacksmith by trade and followed this occupation for 10 years
after settling in Pittsfield; he subsequently officiated as Deputy
Postmaster 2J years, and assisted as clerk in the store of J. B. Wal-
mouth until elected Justice of the Peace, in which capacity he has
served for 10 successive years, the duties of which he has always
discharged to the satisfaction of the public.
Marcellus PecTcinpaw, grocer ; inaugurated himself in business
oa.-the west side of the Sqiiare in 1873, in company with John
Boyd, in the sale of tobacco, etc. Eighteen months afterward the
firm dissolved, and Mr. P. carried on a successful trade under his
own name; subsequently he formed a partnership with J. C. Lind-
694 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
say, to whom he afterward sold, and in 1878 he purchased a new
stock and opened his present place; lias a stock of $2,000.
William Fence, farmer, sec. 1 ; P. O., Pittsfield ; was born in
Preble county, O., in 1839 ; was married in 1866 to Miss Sarah
Little, and they have 2 children, Thomas A. and Ida M. Mr. P.
came to this county in 1856 and settled in this tp., where he has
since made it his home and owns 70 acres of land valued at $60
per acre. In politics he is a Democrat,
G. 8. Pennington, ticket and station agent, Pittsfield; born in
Greene county. 111., in 1841, where his father, Joel, settled in 1839.
Ten years afterward the family came to this city where Mr. P. en-
gaged as clerk in the Circuit Clerk's office, where he Remained for
some years. Subsequently he entered the Illinois College, at Jack-
sonville, for the study of law, and at the breaking out of the Ke-
bellion received an appointment as clerk in the disbursing office
at Springfield, and was promoted to Chief Clerk, serving until the
close of the war; returning home he was appointed to his present
position in 1869, and the same year married Miss Annette Stout,
who died, leaving one child, Prank. His present wife is Maggie,
daughter of James Sutton, of Springfield.
George B. Purkitt is one of the early and prominent citizens of
Pike county. He is the son of Henry and Mary W. (Tucker) Pur-
kitt, the latter of whom is still living at the advanced age of 91
years. His father lived to the age of 92. George B. is a native
of Massachusetts, where he was born in 1809. He came to Illinois
in 1831 and settled in Jacksonville, where he attended college as a
companion of Gov. Yates. The following year he came to Pike
count3^ In 1836, in Morgan county, he was united in marriage
to Harriet Provost, a native of New York, where she was born in
1819; she died in 1860; by this union two children were born, one
of whom, a son, is ' living. He was again married in 1865, this
time to Mrs. Phimelia Garbutt, also a native of the Empire State,
and was born in 1816. Mr. P. is a member of the Congregational
Church, and is one of the early and honored citizens of Pike
county.
William H. Rafteri), farmer, sec. 21; P. 0., Pittsfield; owns 160
acres of land worth $40 per acre ; he is a native of this county,
born Jan. 27, 1844; was raised on a farm, and had but limited
means to commence active life with, but by industry and economy
has obtained a good property. He has been Deputy Sheriff, dis-
charging his duties acceptably. "Was married in this county in 1868-
to Nancy E. Mottley, who was born in this county, Dec. 2, 1843.
They are the parents of 5 children, viz: John, William, Thomas,.
Kobert E. and Clarence. Mr. K. is of Irish descent.
Jason A. Rider, Circuit Clerk and Eecorder, was born in Barn-
stable county, Mass., in 1834; came West with his parents in 1852,,
locating at Griggsville, Pike Co. During most of the years from
1852 to 1864 he was engaged in steam-boating, as clerk, with his
brother, Capt. Eider. In 1858 he married Miss Jfennie E. Oree,
///>^7^H^ -t^^^i-^^^t^^^^
PITTSFIELD TP
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 697
whose family were early settlers in the county. From 1864 to
1873, was engaged in the mercantile Jbusiness at Griggsville; in
1874 was elected Justice of the Peace in that town, which office he
held until elected to his present position in 1876, which position
he fills with entire acceptability to the public. He has 5 children,
the oldest of whom, Samuel W., is Deputy Clerk.
J. Willis Boherts, Justice of the Peace, was born in Martins-
burg tp., this county, Oct. 13, 1864, son of J. S. Roberts, editor of
The Union, and Justice of the Peace in Pittsfield; Aug. 10, 1868,
he came to Pittsfield; 1873, etc., he taught school two terms in this
county; from June, 1875, to May, 1877, he spent most of the time
in Jersey county, and since then has been again a resident of Pitts-
field. Mr. Roberts has a good education, is Clerk of Pittsfield
Town Board of Trustees, and Sept. 19, 1878, he was elected Justice
of the Peace, which position he now holds, his place of business
being on the north side of the Public Square. He was married
Oct. 30, 1879.
Charles Rogers, i'sirmer, sec. 31; P. O., New Hartford; owns 102^
acres of land worth $50 per acre ; is a son of David and Elizabeth
(Sargent) Rogers, the former a native of North Carolina and the
latter of South Carolina. He was born in Pike countj' in 1841 ; in
1862 he enlisted in the war in Co. A, 99th Reg. I. Y. I.; served 8
months and was mustered out in Missouri; was married in Pike
county in 1867, to Harriet West, a native of England, who was
born in 1842. Their children are David R. and Anna M. Those
deceased are Ellen and William. Mr. R. belongs to the Masonic
■order, and is a Republican.
Ool. Wm. Boss, deceased, was born April 24, 1792, in the town
of Monson, Hampden county, Mass. His father, Miiiah Ross, in
1805, moved to Pittsfield, Mass. Upon the declaration of war in
1812, William Ross obtained a commission as Ensign in the 21st
regiment United States Infantry, commanded by Col. E. W. Rip-
ley, and was soon after ordered on recruiting service. In the spring
of 1813, he was directed to unite his men with those of his brother,
Capt. Leonard Ross, of the same regiment, at Greenbush, IST. Y.,
and was subsequently dispatched to join the command of Major
Aspinwall, about five hundred infantry of the 9th Regiment, who
had been ordered to take up a forced march for Buffalo, then
threatened by the enemy's forces. Arrived at Utica, the troops
were met by an express, informing them of the capture and de-
struction of Buffalo, and directed their immediate march to Sackett's
Harbor. Accordingly, proceeding to Oswego, on Lake Ontario,
they embarked in fifty open row-boats, and set out for the harbor;
but hardly had they made Stony Island than they heard the roar
of cannon, and discovered the British fleet, with gun-boats and In-
dian canoes in the rear. They at once attempted to run the gauntlet
of the enemy's armed vessels, and, rushing amid the fire of the gun-
boats, twenty-five of their own frail craft succeeded in reaching the -
harbor, the remainder being captured by the British. Captain Ross
40
698 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTr.
and the young Ensign were among the successful ones. The next
day took place the memorable battle of Sackett's Harbor, in which
the brothers led about, one hundred men, and in which 500 Ameri-
cans drove back 1,300 British. Of the detachment commanded by
the Rosses, one-third was either killed or wounded in the conflict.
Soon after this battle, the Rosses were transferred to the 40th
Regiment, infantry, and ordered to the seaboard, where the Captain
took command of Fort Warren, in Boston Harbor, and William
Ross was detached to Marblehead, to drill the troops of that post,
and subseq\iently removed to the Gurnet fort, near Plymouth, Mass.,
where he remained till the close of the war. He then returned to
Pittsfield, and set up the business of a blacksmith, hiring work-
men, however, as he possessed no knowledge of the trade himself.
In the summer of 1820, as spoken of elsewhere in this book, in
company with four brothers, and a few other families, he started
for what was then known as the Far West^the State of Illinois.
For awhile the prospects of these settlers were very flattering,
but afterward sickness and death entered their ranks. Col. Eoss
lost his first wife, one brother, and several of the company, the first
year. Subsequently, the Colonel visited New York, and married a
Miss Adams, of that State, after which he returned to Illinois, laid
out a town embracing his first location, and named it Atlas, which
afterward became the county-seat; of the county. There had
previously been established a postoffice, called Ross Settlement,
but this designation soon gave way to the one now adopted by the
Colonel, who soon commenced improving a farm, and built a mill,
which was much needed at the time. His efforts were now fol-
lowed by the blessings of a kind Providence; and though he arrived
in Illinois a poor man, he speedily, through economy and untiring
energy, began to realize an increase of property and popularity.
He became Judge of Probate for the county of Pike, which oflSce
he held for many years, enjoying the unbounded confidence of the
people. He also served as clerk of the Circuit and County Courts,
and filled with credit many minor offices, among which were
Colonel of Militia and Justice of the Peace, in all of which he won
the esteem of his fellow-citizens.
In April, 1832, at the commencement of the Black Hawk war,
Col. Ross was ordered by the Governor to raise a company out of
his regiment forthwith, and join the forces at Beardstown. He
received the order on Friday, and on the following Tuesday pre-
sented himself at the rendezvous, in Beardstown, with double the
number of men designated in the requisition. He was selected as
aide to the commanding general, served with much popularity
thi'oughout the campaign, and then returned once more to private
life, devoting himself to building operations and the improvement
of the county where he resided. Prosperity still smiled on his
every effort. In 1835 he was elected to the Legislature of Illino-.s,
and while a member of this body procured the passage of a law
peculiarly adapted to the Military Tract, which afterward proved
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 699
of great importance to that section of country. Col. Eoss was
subsequently chosen to the Senate several terms, serving five or
six sessions in that body.
In private life the Colonel was a warm friend, and willing, more-
over, te forgive his enemies. Punctual in his business relations,
governed by strict integrity, and zealous in all his labors, he won
the respect and esteem of his fellow-citizens in every walk.
As early as 1833, it became evident to the peoJDle of Atlas that
the county-seat would at no distant day be removed to some point
nearer the center of the count3^ Col. Ross joined heartily in this
movement, and advanced to the county authorities the money with
which to enter the land upon which Pittsfield is now located.
The County Commissioners — Col. Barney, George Hinman, and
Hawkins Judd — did the Colonel the honor to ask him to name the
new county-seat, which he accordingly did, calling it Pittsfield, in
honor of his old home in Massachusetts. In this beautiful place
he erected a dwelling-house, 1835. It is safe to say that no public
enterprise in the county ever escaped his observation, or was com-
pleted without his aid.
' During the dark days of our late civil war, though incapacitated
for the field by an almost total loss of sight, he used his influence
and his purse to raise men to defend the flag. He assisted largely
in getting up the 99th Illinois regiment, and other organizations
of troops raised in Pike county. We give Col. Eoss' portrait in
the pages of this volume.
JR. V. Scanland, Pittsfield, was born in Gallatin, now Carroll,
county, near the mouth of the Kentucky river; came to this county
ill 1847 and settled in this city. During the Eebellion he was ap-
pointed to the important position of master of transportation at
Cairo, which office he so well filled that upon his resignation he
was presented with a beautiful and valuable solid silver service in-
scribed " Capt. R. C. Scanland, by his many friends. " Leaving
Cairo he returned to Pittsfield and engaged in merchandising until
1870, when he accepted the agency of the Continental and other
insurance companies, and has since made that line a specialty^ and
the large business done attests his devotion to it. He has paid in
losses over $25,000 in Pike county. Mr. S. was married to Miss
S. A., sister of Hon. H. T. Mudd, of St. Louis, who lived but a short
time after marriage. He was then married to Miss S. J., daughter
of William Watson, who died, leaving a son and a daughter. His
present wife was Miss C. S. Wicks, a native of Syracuse, New York.
B. S. Sellee, farmer, sec. 34; P. 0., Pittsfield; owns 47 acres of
land worth $50 per acre; was born in Missouri April 11, 1858;
married in this county in 1877, to Emily 0. Willsey, and they have
1 child, Mary E., born Jan. 13, 1878. Mr. S. is a Democrat.
Benjamin Sellonj furmer, sec. 27, owns 80 acres worth $50 per
acre; was born in England July 28, 1818; came to America with his
father in 1821, and to this county in 1836; in 1861 he enlisted in
Co. D, 3d Eeg. Mo. Inf. and served 2 years; was in the battle of
YOO HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Arkansas Post, siege of Yicksburg, and several others. He was
first promoted to Orderly Sergeant and then to. 1st Lieutenant"
served 2 years and was honorably discharged. He then organized
a E.eg. of colored troops, and was appointed 1st Lieut. He was
married in this county in 1848 to Miss Harriet — who was born in
Ireland in 1816, and they have 4 living children, — John, Harriet,
William G. and Charlotte Maria. Mr. S. has held the of5ce8 of
Assessor and Collector, etc. He is an Episcopalian. P. 0., Pitts-
field.
Dr. T. W. Shastid, physician and surgeon, was born in Sangamon
county, 111., near Petersburg (near where Abraham Lincoln once kept
a grocery), Aug, 26, 1831, son of John G. and Elizabeth B. (Ed-
wards), the former a native of Kentucky and a farmer, and the
latter of North Carolina. "When T. "W". was 4| years of age the
family moved to Pittsfield, where Mrs. S. died Dec. 8, 1863, and
Mr. S. Feb. 5, 1874. The subject of this brief biography was edu-
•cated in his boyhood in Pittsfield, and subsequently received his
medical education with Prof. John T. Hodgen of Pittsfield, and
at McDowell's College, which was the medical department of the
University of the State of Missoui-i at St. Louis. After graduating
he first settled at Pleasant Hill, practicing there for o|- years, in
partnership with Dr. John A. Thomas for about 3 years; since then
he has practiced at Pittsfield, where he is now Examining Surgeon
for [T. S. pensioners.' Aug. 2, 1860, he married Mary F. Edwards,
by whom he had one son, Wm. Edwards, March 12, 1863. Oct. 1
1865, he married a second time, taking Louise M. Hall, and their
children are, Thomas Hall, born July 19, 1866, Jon Shepherd,
Jan. 20, 1870; and Joseph Calvin, April IS, 1877.
, William Shinn. The founders of the Shinn family in America
were 3 brothers, who emigrated from England, their native country,
about 150 years ago, 2 of them locating in New Jersej' near Phila-^
delphia and 1 in Yirginia, where they reated families; they were
prominent, respectable people, many of them being in the ministry,
principally Methodists. The subject of this sketch descended
from the JSTew Jersey branch of the family. His father, Daniel
Shinn, is the first of the family that located in Pike county, and
is counted as one of the earliest and most respected of Pike
county's pioneers. On his arrival here in 1820, he located near
the present town of Atlas. He brought into the county at that
time the first wagon that ever came within its boundaries ; about
2 years afterwards he bought a farm of 160 acres on the N. W. }
of sec. 12, Atlas tp., on which he immediately erected a small log
house, into which he moved with his wife and 6 children. He was
married in the State of New Jersey to Mary Haskett, who was of
Scotch descent, and the 6 children born to them before they came
to this county, were all born near Cincinnati, Ohio; their names
were Benjamin, John, Eliza, Mary, Hannah and Phoebe. The first,
third and last, are the only ones now living.
The farm above mentioned was wholly in a wild state, in the
HISTOKT OF PIKE COUNTY. 701
midst of heavy timber, no improvements of any kind, and conse-
quently he had more to contend with than many in a new country,
but he was endowed with that indomitable energy and perseverance
so necessary to the pioneer, and went bravely to work ; his means
were limited, and with a large family to support, it was no small
merit to obtain success. He was a man of sti'ong religious convic-
tions, generous and affable to all. Pie was the first to open the
house for religious worship, Methodist meetings being held there
for 10 years. , He was prosperous, and gave his sons between 700
and 800 acres of land; he died in March, 1852, and his wife in Sept.,
1849; they had a family of 13 children, 7 of whom were born in
this county, — Nancy, Lydia, Henry, William, Daniel, Asa, and an
infant, deceased. Of these 7, only Nancy, Lydia and "Williaim are
living.
Wm. Shinn, the subject of this sketch, was born in this county
Jan 7, 1827; his early education was obtained in the old-fashioned
log school-house, with split logs or puncheons for seats and desks.
He was principally employed on his father's farm during his boy-
hood, where he acquired habits of industry and application necessary
to success.
June 27, 1846, he married Mary Jane Lytle, at the residence of
her father, Andrew Lytle. Mr. and Mrs. S. had 5 children, 4 of
whom are living, — Elizabeth, now married toWm. Gay, of Atlas tp.,
Albion, married to Lucy Woolfolk, also living in Atlas tp., Wm. D.
and Mary, who live with their parents, and Daniel, who died at the
age of 6 years. Mr. Shinn followed farming until 1850, when he
went to California, it being the height of the gold excitement. After
an absence of nearly a year he returned, having met with fair suc-
cess. He went the overland route, and remembers well talking with
companions of the impossibility of the railroad ever going through
that vast country. He again resumed farming, and has followed it
ever since. He has been prominently identified with the business
interests of Pike county, as an extensive buyer and shipper of cattle,
hogs and sheep, for the Chicago and St. Louis markets. He has
been engaged in this business for 30 consecutive years, is now one
of the largest farmers in Pike county, having some 1,200 acres of
farm land, raising, on'an average, 200 acres of corn, 150 acres of wheat,
and handles 150 head of cattle, and from 400 to 500 head of sheep,
turning off each year from 125 to 140 fat sheep. About the year
1860 he bought his present residence and farm on sec. 32, Pittsiield
tp., then consisting of 110 acres. To it has since been added so
that there are now 530 acres.
Mrs. Shinn's father, Andrew Lytle, and his wife, ElizabBth (Wag-
oner) Lytle, were early settlers in this county, dating back to 1837.
He was a native of Ross county, O., and his wife of Maryland.
Augustus Svmpkins was born in Marion county, Ind., in 1833-
came to this county in 1856, and settled on a farm in Martinsburg
tp. Three years afterward he went to Rockport and engaged in
merchandisino-, where he remained until 1S70, when he was ap-
Y02 HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY.
pointed Deputy Sheriff, and two years afterward was elected Sheriff.
Before the close of his terra he leased the Mansion House, which
he kept for 14 months, then sold ont, opening his present place of
business. He was twice elected constable in this city, and Super-
visor in Martinsburg tp. and Atlas, also a member of the Town
Board for 3 years, and has always taken an active interest in .county
affairs. In 1854 he married Nancy J. Francis, and they have 5
li-^ing children.
J. A. Smith, stock-dealer, is a native of Ohio, where he was born
in 1833; was reared upon a farm and adopted that as his profession,
which he followed until 1861 ; he then embarked in the mercantile
business. He erected a large mill at Time, this county, in 1867,
which. he conducted for 4 years. He now owns 3 houses in that
town and 160 acres of land in Hardin tp., an interest in a warehouse
at Montezuma, etc: He buys and ships cattle, horses, hogs and
sheep, and is a large and liberal purchaser. He came to this county
in 1853, and 2 years later was married to Mary Dinsmore, a na-
tive of this State. She was born in 1838, and died in 1871. To
them were born 4 children. He was married in 1873 to L. H.
Allen, who was born in Kentucky in 1838. Leslie is their only
child.
Jeremiah Pence, farmer, sec. 6; P. O., Pittsfleld; was born in
Rockingham county, Ya., in 1807; is a sou of William and Chris-
tina (Sellers) Pence, of that State. He was' married in Ohio in
1832, to Margaret A. Brawly, a native of JSTorth Carolina; he came
to this county in 1837, and the following year he selected the site
of his present home, which, from an unbroken wilderness, has been
transformed to a well cultivated farm, comprising 185 acres, valued
at $40 per acre. Mr. P. is one of the oldest settlers of the county,
and a staunch Democrat. Of his several children 3 are living.
Dr. Ahner F. 8 fencer, farmer, sec. 7 ; P. 0., Pittsfleld ; son of
Isaac and lihoda (Beadsley) Spencer, the former a native of New
York, and the latter of Connecticut. Abner F. is a native of Con-
necticut, and was born July 11, 1823; emigrated to this county in
1862, and settled in this tp. Dec. 12, 1850, he married Mary E.
Sanders, a native of Kentucky, and who was born in 1833, and they
have had 9 children, 7 living, namely: James S., Mary E., now
wife of Miles Cox, of Kentucky, Elizabeth P., Lewis L., Martha
B., Abner F. and Abgora. Those deceased are Frank and Isaac.
The Doctor commenced his medical studies in 1846, graduating at
the Sterling Medical College at Columbus, Ohio, in 1849, and com-
menced practice the same year and continued it until 1862. ^ H'e
now owns J 60 acres of land worth $50 per acre. In religious faith
he is a Swedenborgian, and in politics is a Republican.
F . StruUnger, Pittsfleld, was born in Abbotstown, Pa., in 1832;
came to this county in 1863 and settled 9 miles west of this city,
where he engaged in farming, and working at his trade, plastering.
Subsequently he visited his native State and returned to this city
in 1866, and the following year opened the market now occupied
HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY. 703
by Mr. Simpkins. The next year he established himself in his
present business.
Jaodh Strauss, of the firm of Strauss Brothers, merchants, west
side of the Square, Pittsfleld, where they carry a large stock of dry-
goods, clothing, etc. Jacob was born in February, 1843, and came
to America in 1853 and settled in New, York, where he remained
4 years, during which time he clerked in a dry-goods store; in 1863
he came to this county and embarked in business, where he has an
extensive and increasing trade, carrying a large stock, and employ-
iug four salesmen. In 1873 he was united in marriage at Cincin-
nati with Minnie Herman, who was born in 1853, in his native
country in Europe. They have two children, Emanuel and Samuel.
William M. Thompson, teacher, was born Oct. 19,1846, in Car-
roll county, Va. , and is a son of Raleigh Thompson, of Livingston
county. Mo. He was a soldier in the Confederate army, and since
that time worked by the month to obtain money to defray his ex-
penses while attending school in Pittsfield. He taught 3 years at
Fairview school-house near Pittsfield, and is now teacher of Inde-
pendence School, Hardin tp., and is very successful as a teacher,
and one of the most prominent teachers of the county.
Augustus Trombold, blacksmith, Pittsfield, is a native of Ger-
many, born Nov. 22, 1847-; came to America in 1849, remaining 7
years in New York, thence to Iowa, and in 1869 to Pittsfield, where
he has since resided. He was married in Brown county in 1873 to
Miss L. C. Bitter, a native of Ohio, born in 1854, and they have 3
children: Anna, George J. and Charles A. Mr. T. is a member of
the Lutheran Church, and is a Democrat. In 1863 he enlisted in
an Iowa Cavalry Eeg't, serving one year.
William Watson, born in Chester Co., Pa., Feb. 26, 1798, son of
Archibald Watson of that State, who emigrated to Missouri in 1818,
and settled in Louisiana. Ten years after, he moved to St, Charles,
where he passed the remainder of his days. The subject of this
sketch was married at Galena in 1828, to Miss Diadema McQuigg,
a native of Oswego, N. Y., where she was born in 1802. After
marriage he retxirned to St. Charles, and in 1833 came to this city,
and settled temporarily in a small hut or shanty, then located on the
present site of the city Square, being the first settler of Pittsfield.
Same year he erected a dwelling south of the Mansion House, where
he opened a small stock of goods. Two pilgrims named Greene
and Barber wei'e boarders in the family at that time. This edifice
still stands the test of time and as a living monument to his decay-
ing memory and declining years. Five years later he built the Man-
sion House, which he conducted successfully for 14 years. His
mercantile pursuit of 21 years was crowned with prosperity, and
he retired from the active field of life with considerable wealth, so
that his old age can be spent in reaping the reward of a well di-
rected industry. He was at one time Judge of the Probate Court,
and served as County Treasurer 4 years. He is residing with
only living child, Ellen, wife of Eev. Dr. Barrett, deceased, as
704 ' HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
of the pioneers of Pike county, a worthy and venerable citizen. "We
give the portrait of Mr. Watson in the pages of this book.
James Wassell, farmer, sec. 31 ; is a son of William and Su-
sannah (Grray) Wassell, natives of England; who came to America
in 1830, where the subject of our sketch was born in 1835. His
parents brought him to this county in 1837. In 1857 he married
Sarah E. Mather, who was born in Morgan county, this State, and
after becoming the mother of 6 children, died. The names of the
children are Mary, William, Elmer, Grant, Georgia and Arthur. In
1879 Mr. W. married Emma Bentley, a native of this county, who
was born in 1850. He is a member of the Christian Church, and
a Republican in politics.
ffon. /Scoit Wihe, attorney at law, was born April 6, 1834, near
Meadville, Pa., son of George and Ann (Grubb) Wike, natives of
Pennsylvania, who came to Quincy in 1838, and to Pike Co. in the
spring of 1844. Mr. George Wike still resides near Barry, where
he formerly was a woolen manufacturer at the " Barry Woolen
Mills." The subject of this sketch studied law one year at Har-
vard University, was admitted to the bar in 1858, and Oct. 8, 1859,
he located in Pittsfield and commenced the practice of law; in 1862
and 1864 he was elected Kepresentative in the State Legislature
from Pike and Scott counties; and in 1874 he was elected lo Con-
gress. He commenced the practice of .law alone, but afterward
formed a partnership with Milton Hay and A. 0. Matthews, then
with 0. L. Higbee until 1861 andthen wasaloneagain until February,
1879, when he entered into partnership with Mr. Matthews and
Harry Higbee.
George Wilder, farmer, sec. 18; P. 0., Pittsfield; born in York
Co., Pa., in 1827; married Caroline Keener, a native of the same
State, by whom he has 4 children; came to this Co. in 1857, and
settled on his present estate, consisting of 160 acres well cultivated
land, valued at $100 per acre. This farm and improvements may
be considered the finest in this tp. The house is a two- story frame
building, with all modern improvements, and occupies a sightly
eminence above the road, commanding a fine view of the surround-
ing country. This farm is now open for purchase, and a bargain
for a first-class farmer.
John H. Wildin, artist, Pittsfield, was born Feb. 14, 1844, and
is a native of Pennsylvania, and a son of John and Magdalene
(Stubinger) Wildin. Until 19 years of age he followed farming;
came to Illinois in 1853, and settled in this county, and for the
last 8 years has been practicing his profession. In 1876 he mar-
ried Hester McFadden, who was born in Missouri in 1850. Polit-
ically he is a Democrat.
William Elza Williams was born in Detroit township near
the town of Detroit, this county. May 5, 1857. He is the second
child of David Anderson and Emily Adeline Williams, both of
whom were reared in Pike county, and the off'spring of hardy pio-
neer settlers. His great-grandfather paterna, Williams, came
HISTORY OF PIKE COtJNTY. 705
to this country from England previous to tlie Eevolution, and
fought for his adopted country throughout that war, and was
at tiie surrender of Yorktown, and also was a soldier in the war of
1812 from North Carolina. The grandfather, John Anderson Wil-
liams, was born in Maryland in 1799, and removed with his father
to liTorth Carolina when but a small boy, whence he came to Illi-
nois with a large family in 1834. He settled on sec. 32, Detroit
township, where the subject of this sketch was afterward born.
With the assistance of a large family he opened up an extensive
farm and became a wealthy and influential citizen. He was a de-
voted member of the Baptist Church, a firm supporter of Jackson
and Douglas, and died in 1876 at a ripe old age, in Sedalia, Mis-
souri. David Anderson Williams, the father, was born in North
Carolina in July, 1832. He was first married to Miss Martesia
Scanland, of Pittsfield, who died the following year without off-
spring. On the 10th of May, 1854, he was married to Miss Emily
Adeline Hayden, of Newburg, his present wife, and the mother of
the subject of this sketch. He is now living on the old home
place, a good and respectable citizen and neighbor. He proudly fol-
lows in the footsteps of his ancestors, a firm and unswerving Demo-
crat. The mother is a daughter of Louis Elza Hayden, a resident of
Newburg township, and was born in November, 1837, in Pike county.
Her father, who came to Illinois from Missouri in 1834, was born in
Kentucky in 1809, and is still living, a spry, active old man 71 years
of age. His grandfather, Elisha Hayden, was the son*of English pa-
rents and was borri in Virginia in 1755. He was a Revolutionary
hero from his native State, where his body now lies. His son, Elisha
Hayden, the great grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was
born in Yirginia, removed to North Carolina and afterward to
Kentucky, where he entered the military service and fought gal-
lantly through the war of 1812.
W. E. Williams is now a practicing attorney in Pittsfield. He
was reared on a farm with the-privileges of a district school four
months in the year, from which he entered Illinois College at Jack-
sonville, at the age of 19. He immediately became a member of a
college society, and from the first exhibited great powers as a de-
bater, and was among the first scholars in school. During his last
collegiate year he commenced the study of law, and Aug. 12, 1878,
entered the law office of J. W. Johnson at Pittsfield, and became a
close student. After the formation of the firm of Irwin & John-
son with James S. Irwin the following year, he remained under the
instructions of both until March 6, 1880, when he passed a success-
ful examination before the Appellate Court, 1st District, at Chicago.
On the 24th of August, 1879, he was married to Miss Maggie
Gallaher, of Pittsfield, daughter of James G-allaher, editor of the
Old Flag, and was born in N. Y. City June 11, 1857.
Alner V. Wills, whose portrait may be found in this volume,
was born Feb. 14, 1849, at Summer Hill, this county, and is a son
of the well known Wm. E. Wills, sr. Mr. Wills is at present one
706 HT8TOET OF PIKE COTTNTY.
of the largest farmers in Pike county, having about 1,100 acres of
land. He raises annually on an average 200 acres of wheat, 300
acres of corn, and turns off about 300 sheep, of which he keeps
high grades, and thorough- bred stock of all kinds, and in which he
is quite extensively engaged. He is also an extensive dealer and
trader in land, etc. His own residence is on the southwest quarter
of sec. 21.
March 22, 1868, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Helme,
daughter of John Helme, and they have a family of 6 children,
namely, John, William, Emily, Mille, Melinda and Emmet.
Gha/rles Wills ^ barber, Pittslield; born in Germany in 1840;
came to America in 1854, stopping in St. Louis, Mo., where he
remained until he came to this city in 1868, when he established
himself in business. In 1863 he married Elizabeth Stueck, a
native of Germany, and they have 6 children. Mr. W. is an enter-
prising man, and has a fair trade.
William JR. Wills, sr., whose portrait we give in this volume,
was born inJSlew York in 1810; at the age of 8 his parents moved
to the Buckeye State, where they remained 11 years; when 19 years
of age he started South in company with a younger brother, A. Y.
Wills, and arrived in New Orleans, where they remained for sev-
eral months; W. K. then returned l^orth, locating in Pike county,
where he worked as a laborer for six years. He was united in
marriage with Miss Sarah M. Coles in 1836. She was born in
New Hampshire in 1810; after his marriage he commenced farm-
ing on a rented farm in Atlas tp. His wife died in July of the
same year. Being thus left alone in the world, he sold out what
effects he had, and went East. Here he remained about 8 months;
he then returned to Pike county and engaged in trading in various
ways until 1838 ; in that year he married Miss L. D. Scott, who
was born in the Empire State in 1812, and was brought to Illinois
in 1818. Three years thereafter he purchased a farm near Summer
Hill, sec. 12, Atlas tp. He remained there for six years, and then
sold his farm and bought a valuable tract of land on sees. 20 and
21, Pittsfield tp. He owned at one time at least 4,000 acres of land
in this county, and had at his decease about 2,000 acres; and he
died Aug. 6, 1872, leaving a widow and three children, the former
of whom resides in Pittsfield. The children are, — Williajn R., jr.,
Abner Yine and Lucy, who married Jerome D. Chamberlain, and
now resides in Franklin county, Kan.
Mr. W. held a commission as Lieutenant in the Black Hawk
war. This' commission, as well as the sword he used, is in the
possession of his son, Wm. K.Wills, jr. He filled the office of Jus-
tice of the Peace in this county, and always took a prominent part
in its politics. Perhaps few men had more influence in moulding
the political sentiment of the public than he. He was formerly a
Whig, but after the organization of the Eepublican party hevoted
with it. During thenar he took an active part in furnishing
means, encouraging enlistments, etc., for its prosecution. Owmg
_ ^s^ki^
HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY. 707
to the prominent and firm position he took in tliese matters he
gained many enemies among the opposition — so bitter indeed at
times as to draw out threats against his lite; but he at all times
fearlessly followed the path of duty and patriotism. He was for
many years a member of the Odd Fellows' order, and that society
made the arrangements for, and attended his funeral.
Mr. W. was one of the most prominent traders in stock and
lands, and one of the largest farmers that ever lived in Pike
county. It is stated upon good authority that $25 was about the
extent of his capital when he was 30 years of age. At his death,
aged 62, ,he was estimated to be worth $140,000.
Mrs. Wills is a devoted member of the Methodist Church, super-
intending the Sunday-school for 15 years previous to her husband's
death. She gave $3,000 toward the erection of their church.
William B. Wills, jr., was born Oct. 27, 1844, at Summer Hill,
Pike Co., 111., and is a son of Wm. R. Wills, sr., whose sketch is
given above. He obtained his education principally in the com-
mon schools, but graduated at the Bryant & Stratton Commercial
College at St. Louis. July 23, 1868, he married Elizabeth J.
Wells,' daughter of Eobert and Mary Wells, of Pittsfie'ld. She
was born in this county Aug. 27, 1850. Five children have been
born to them, one of whom is deceased. The names of those liv-
ing are, Lucy E., Charles H., Orion E. and Isidora I. Ida was the
name of the deceased.
Mr. Wills now resides on sec. 20, this tp., where he is exten-
sively engaged in farming, owning about 820 acres of land. • He
has turned his attention, especially for the past 6 years, to the rais-
ing and breeding of fine stock, such as Short-horn cattle!, Cotswold
sheep, Berkshire hogs and fancy fowls, selling and shipping them
throughout the Western States. At present he has a herd of
about 60 Short-horn cattle, all of which are thorough- bred, and
some of them imported.
Mr. W. is a Director in the Pike County Agricultural Society,
and one of its most active and enterprising members. He is also
Director and Treasurer of the Pike County Mutual Fire Insurance
Company. It has been in active operation during the past few
years, meeting with a fair degree of success, not having cost the
policy-holders over 15 cents on the $100 for a period of four years.
He is also a Director in the First National Bank of Pittsfield, and
in every public enterprise he takes a leading part. He is a mem-
ber of the Odd Fellows' society of Pittsfield, and politically a
Kepublican. As one of the leading citizens of Pike county, we
present to our readers the portrait of Mr. Wills.
Barnett J. Willsey, farmer, sec. 29; P. O., Pittsfield; was born
in the State of New York in 1835; and is the son of Barnett Will-
sey. In 1840 he was brought by his parents to this county, who
settled on the present estate, now consisting of 240 acres, valued at
$50 per acre. Here he has lived ever since, except that from J.854
to 1857 he was in California, in the mining business, in which he .
708 HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY.
was successful. At his home his vocation has always been farminw
and in this occupation has been prosperous, being now one of th'e'
most enterprising and substantial farmers in the community. He
also deals in stock to some extent. The past year he erected a fine
two-story frame-house, with L ; also a large frame barn, etc. The im-
provements on this place are excelled by few, and the farm itself is
in a most fertile district. In 1858 Mr. Willsey married Eliza Jane
McOlintock, a native of Indiana, and they have 3 children living,
Emily Alice, Charles L. and James O. ; one child, Mary E., is de-
ceased. We give Mr. Willsey's portrait in this volnme.
James G. Willsey. The first of the Willsey family who came
to this county was a parent of the subject of this sketch. They
were natives of New York and emigrated to Ohio in 1837, where
they remained until 1840, when they joined the tide of emigration
westward and found a location on sec. 34, Pittsfield tp. Their names
were Barnett and Cornelia (Kizer) Willsey. Upon this section
they established themselves, where Mr. Willsey lived until his death,
which occurred in 1868. He was buried on the old home farm.
His widow still resides at the old homestead. James G. was born
in the State of New York, Feb. 28, 1830,' and was therefore about
10 years of age when his parents came to this county, with whom
he remained until about 1851, when he married Miss Melinda Rog-
ers; she was born in Greene Co., 111., in 1830, and was the daughter
of David and Fannie Rogers, early settlers in Martinsburg tp. The
former died in 1871; his wife two years afterward.
Immediately after James G. Willsey 's marriage he settled on 40
acres of land which his father gave him, where he remained until
1854, when he selected and purchased the northwest quarter of sec.
34, Pittsfield tp., which is one of the most fertile sections in this
county. At that time this land was in a perfectly wild state ; not
an improvement of any kind had been placed upon it by the hand
of man. It was a fine, rolling prairie, interspersed here and there
with patches of scrub oak and hazel-brush. The first land culti-
vated on this farm was in the summer of 1854, when Mr. W. em-
ployed a man to break 40 acres, which he did with oxen. This he
sowed in wheat that fall. The next season he planted this piece in
corn, and broke another 40 acres for wheat. This land, as fast as
broken, was surrounded with an eight-rail fence, Mr. W. hauUng
the rails for the same from the south part of Martinsburg tp., a
distance of eight miles. In 1857 he erected a log cabin, on the
north part of his farm, 16 feet square. It contained two rooms, one
above and one below. Into this cabin he moved his family, and
although rather tight quarters' during the busiest seasons, found
room and accommodations for as many as nine hired hands besides
his own family. During the years 1868-9 the balance of the 160'
acres was tenced and put under cultivation, with the exception ot
50 acres which he has never plowed, but which he set aside for
pasture for stock, there being several never-failing springs of pilre
water on this. Mr. W. ascribes much of his success in the raising
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 709
of stock, especially hogs, to this pasture, and the fact of their always
being able to procure pure spring water. He states that during the
worst seasons of cholera, when hogs all around him were dying, he
lost very few.
In 1860 Mr. "W". built his present residence. It is a frame stru c
ture, two stories in height, the main part 18 by 32, L 14 by 28; it
is one of the finest farm residences in the county. The out-build-
ings are all of the rriodern construction and lirst-elass in every way.
Mr. "W. has devoted much attention to floriculture, and has a fine
greenhouse in addition to his residence, in which he has hundreds
of choice plants, including exotics, etc. Take it all in all, the sur-
roundings and improvements of this home farm render it one of
the finest and most pleasant in tlie county.
Seventeen years ago he purchased the southwest quarter of
sec. 27. It was partly improved, and he has brought it into a
high state of cultivation. The winter of 1879-'80 he erected on
this place a very fine residence, which in point of construction and
modern conveniences is equaled by few. From the observatory on
this dwelling one of the finest views of the surrounding country
can be obtained, extending to the west, to Louisiana and Hannibal,
a distance of 20 miles, and southeast to a distance of about 24 miles.
Mr. W.'s only child and son, William Riley Willsey, who was born
in July, 1853, now resides at this place.
As a relaxation from active business, to which he had applied
himself with scarcely an intermission since he was a boy, in 1875
Mr. Willsey decided on making a visit to the Pacific slope to see
the country and visit numerous relatives, also with some idea of
locating there, if the golden shore should prove preferable to his
old home. With the above objects in view, in company with his
wife and son, he started on this trip, via the Union Pacific P.. R.
to San Francisco, where several days were agreeably spent in
viewing the metropolis of California, when he departed by the
steamer "J. L. Stephens" for Portland, Oregon, and from there
to Oregon City, where he remained some ten days, and also visited
the State Fair at Salem; then took passage up the Columbia river
to Wallula, Washington Territory. This river he describes as fur-
nishing the most beautiful scenery he ever beheld. • From Wallula
they took the cars to Walla Walla, where his sister, Mrs. Richard
Wells, resided. At this place the party remained some four weeks,
visiting and viewing different parts of the country, when they
started on their journey homeward, via the Columbia to Portland,
where they took the cars to Harrisburg ; they then traveled by rail
to Roseburg, then to the northern terminus of the Oregon and Cali-
fornia Railroad; from this place they were obliged to travel 270
miles to |Reading. During this stage trip, which lasted six days
and six nights, it rained continuously. On several oocasions the
coach was mired down, taking much time and all hands to release,
it. The fatigue of this journey was so severe that a passenger, an
old man, became temporarily insane. Our party, however, arrived
710 HISTORY OF PIKE OOUNTT.
safely at Reading, where they took tlie railroad for Sati Francisco •
then took the U. P. R. R. ftir liome, where they arrived about four
months after tlioy had left. They were thorouij;lily satisfied with
the trip, and also satisfied that they found no better place than at
the old homestead in Piko. They traveled between 5,000 and
6,000 miles, 1,000 of which M'ere on tlio Pacific Ocean.
Mr. "Willsey's ])(>rtrait will be found in this volume.
William B. W'dheij^ farmer, sec. Si; J'. 0., Pittsfield; is the
owner of 50 acres of land worth $60 per acre; is a native of this
county and was born Aug-. 24, 1851; was married in tliis county
Aug. 9, ISYO, to Miss Locsu W". Iloyt, a native of Vermont, and
who was born June 11, 1847. They iirc the parents of 3 children,
namely,— Charles II., born May 20, 1871, Ora C, -Tan. 2, 1873, and
Eva _M., Jan. 1,1876.
WilliamW. Willsey, farmer, sec. 34; P. O., Pittsfield; is a son of
Barnett and (laroline (Ivizer) Willsey, natives oi' New York; is a
native of this county, and was born in 1848. In 1868 he married
Frances J. Robinson, also a native of Missouri, and was born in
1848. Tliey have 3 children, — Perry A., Almira M. and Nancy 0.;
both Mr. and Mrs. W. belong to the Christian Church. Mr. W.
owns 80 acres of land worth $60 per acre, and is a Democrat.
Conrad Winand, blacksmith; born in Germany in 1838; cameto
America in 1854 and settled in New York, where he remained 4
years; came to Pittsfield in 1859; married in this county in 1863 to
Hannah Purset, a native of Pike county, born in 1848, and their 3
children are Lewis H., Franklin C. and Bertie E. In 1861 Mr. W.
enlisted in Co. K, 2d Reg. 111. Cav., and served 3 years; was in
several hard-fought battles; had a horse siiot from under iiim by a
musket ball without injury to himself. He owns one lot with good
dwelling and shop; is a Tiicmber of the M. E. Church, and a Re-
])ublican.
Isaac Wmans, farmer, sec. 17; P. O., Pittsfield; was born in
Essex, now Union Co., N. J., in 1829. Is a son of Jonas and
Saraii (Stiles) Winans, of that State. The family came to this
county in 1846, and settled south of Pittsfield, where his mother
di6d in 1858. His respected father lived until 1878. The subject
of this sketch was married in 1851 to Miss Sarah Webster, a native
of Massachusetts, by whom he has 8 children: Norman "W., William
M., John S., Isaac, jr.; Jonas L., Elmer R., Emma P. and Horace
G. Mr. W. has a farm of 400 acres valued at $40 per acre, and is
one of the enterprising men of Pike county, and a Republican.
Thomas Worthington, M. D., was born near Knoxville, Tenn.,
June 10, 1808, and is a lineal descendant of the Worthington and
Calvert (or Baltimore) families of England and Maryland. His
fatlier having died soon after his return from service in the war of
1812, Dr. Worthington removed to Illinois at an early day, and
soon afterward saw service in the Black Hawk war. He graduated
,at the Medical College of Cincinnati, 0., and settled in Pittsfield
for the practice of his profession, in 1835. His success as a phy-
lilKTORY OIC I'IKIi; OOIINTV. 71 J
gioian was very jj;n;id. In Uic, yoar IKI'.T lie wh,h rnurriod to AuKilia
.!., yonii^'ost daii(/lil.iM' oF ()()!. Andrdw K. Lonir, of iinlf.iirioni, Md.
In addition to his iirofoHHionul diil.ioH, lio has lakiiii uii active intor-
estin politics, wlioii <|ii08tioMH of /i;rc,at j)ul)llc, itiUircHt woro invtdvod,
and twice rojn'eHontod Ihh (liHtri<',t in tli(i Kiatc, Sonato. In tliig
l)od}' ho wan an oarndHt iidvocato of the, " two-mill tiix," and liis ex-
ortioiiH largely (MUitrihiitiid to gave the Stato IVoui rojmdiation.
Fi'oni being a " l''roo-Boil Wlii;^," Ini lincariK! ono oC tli(! lirst ami
most carnoHt inemlxirH .of the lio|)iil)lic,an party in Illinois. To the
support ol' itH prinoiplos, and other ciimhoh in which ho was intei'-
ested, he brought powers of eloiincnco and a broadth of information
which have raroly been ('.((nalcd in tlm State, Having,' by great
ihdiiBtry aecMmnbitoil a eoimidcirablo iiroporty, Ik; is enabled to
Bpetid tli(^ grtMiter [lart <d' his time in tlio invigorating climHt(i of
the Kocky Mountains, and in the |iiirHiiit of tlio I'avorito study of
his later yearH —geology. IIIh inveHtiifations upon this subject
have boon eondneti^d principally in the Held, in idmowt, all jiartH ol"
tho United Stat<^H, and lin,ve been of (^Hpeeial value in iHd'erence to
tlie "Glacial Pei'iod.'' lie contemplateH pnbliHbing their results in
bonk form. Dr. Worthington has long ranke<l as one of tho most
intelligent, upright and I'espocted citizens (tf his coiiniy and State.
Thormrn WortJUn/jf.dfii, ]\\, a son of the idiove, was born in S])en-
cor, Tunn., June S, iHfiO; graduaJ.ed with distinction at Ooruell
Univorsity, Ithaca, N. Y., in lH7li, and at the Union Oollcge of
fjaw, Ohiciigo, in 1877. lie was admitted to .the bar in Sejitember
of the latter year, and Is now practicing his prolession in J'itts-
field.
VUi'imvvd. YitUx, attorney, rittslield, was born in Pike (;onnty,
Sept. 'il, I84(!. lie is a son (d' (Uioi-ginind Maria (llinman) Yates,
the Ibrnier a mitive (d' Kentucky, and born dan. 17,1807; he was
the second sou of Sauiuel Vales, a native of Virginia, who emi-
grated in a very early day to Kentucky. Oeorge Yates, who was
born in I'arreu Co., Ky., in 1807, came to IllinoiH as cai-ly
ae lS31], and spent one year in Washington (!o. I<'rum there be
iiiiived to Moi'gan Oo., settling near Naples, which is now in
Soott Oo. In tlu^ spring of IHIi;! ho eroSHod tho Illinois rivei- into
Pike Oo. and settled on sec. <i, Origgsville tp., whore he resided
until his death, which occurred at Origgsville, Aug. i;i, 187S.
When at the age of IS be started out in life to do for himself.
lie hired to a geidJeman by the luime of Thomas Smith for $8
per iniuith, one-baJf in ti-a,de. Il(( worked for ;i uu)nthH, when ho
was taken sick. The elder Va,tes was one (d' those persons who made
of life a success, lie was charitable and liberid, yet accumulated
cousidera.blo property, owning at one time about I, ;{()() acres of
laud undei' ii. high state of cidtivation. Ilisliuuily of children,
all (d' whom an^ I'espected for their enterprise, genial a.nd social
(lualities, were a great comlbrt when in his declining years. He
was a num (d' Clbristian integi'ity, high moi-al principle, beloved*
and esteemed by all who knew him. lie was |)lain a.iul inmstenta-
712 HISTOEy OF PIKE COUNTY.
tioiis in his manners, a kind neighbor, a loving father and a faith-
ful friend. He was greatly missed and deeply mourned, not only
by his family, but by a large circle of friends and neighbors.
Especially was he missed by the little Church (Hinman's Chapel)
of which he was a member and pillar. His funeral, which took
place at this church, was largely attended. The sermon was de-
livered by Elder J. P. Dimmitt, and his remains were laid at rest by
the side of his wife, who preceded him to the spirit world about ten
years.
The children of the elder Yates are, Nancy Catharine, now
the wife of Jerome W. Rush, of Fairmount tp. ; Wm. H. lives
in Grriggsville, and in company with his brother Monroe, owns ■
the old homestead. Wm. H. is a Director in the Griggsville
Eank; Emeline, the wife of J. W". Fisher, President of the Chil-
licothe Savings Bank, and resides at Chillicothe, Mo.; Ellen M.,
BOW the wife of Jefferson Orr, Pittsfield. Martha F., who lives at
the old homestead, and Edward, the subject of this sketch.
Edward Yates, whose name heads this sketch, attended the Mc-
Kendree, Jacksonville and Quincy Colleges, receiving a collegiate
education. He chose the legal profession for his life labor, and
was admitted to the bar Dec. 29, 1869. He began practice with
the late Hon. Jackson Grimshaw, at Quincy. In 1871 he moved
to Trenton, Mo., where he practiced until January, 1875, when he
returned to his native county and located at Pittsfield. He asso-
ciated himself in his profession with Jefferson Orr, present State's
attorney. As a criminal pleader and prosecutor Mr. Y., although
a young man, has few superiors in Illinois. He is energetic, and
possesses the happy faculty of making friends wherever he meets
his fellow men.
/"(".b / ff. r
^/V^i"^
PITTSntLD Tr
MAIITINSBURG ■J'OWNBHII'.
Tli(! Burt'aco of this towriHhip is generally rolling, and beautifully
timbered. I'Voni the eminence of some of the knolls in the north-
ern part a grand and magnificent view ineots the eye from every
quarter. For miles either way during the growing season the eye
beholds verdant fields dotted over with fine farm residences, school-
houses, etc. Before the hand of man had subdued these lands, and
when the prairies and woodlands were in their virgin state, the
Hoenery from these eminences must have been supremely charming.
With Its green, flowery carpet, its undulating surface, skirted by
beautiful and refreshing groves that more definitely mark the
boundnries, it must have presented to the eye of the lone traveler
or new settler a scene most beautiful and sublimely grand. No
doubt Fisher Petty, the first settler of the township, was attracted
by the beauty of its scenery, the fine timber, and the high, rolling
land and running water. These were important things to be con-
sidered by the pioneer in making a selection for a home. "When
Messrs. retty and Nicholson came here to look up a location, this
land had not yet been offered for sale by Government. They were
the voiy advance of the on-coming westward flight of civilization.
Mr. Petty ciune in 182.5 and located on sec. 15. As years passed,
the groves received the in-coming settlers until about 1850, when
all the timbered farms were being worked. About that time some
of the more enterprising pushed out upon the prairies. It is not
MOW remembered wlio was the first to be so adventurous.
Others of the (iarly pilgrims to this locality were Joseph and
Robert Goodin, Wm. Jiinns, Isaac Ilosldns, Wm. Hutler and Kob-
ort Richardson, most of whom were well-known in the early history
of the count}'. Among the older settlors now living are Ira Rris-
ooe, Moses Connor, Mr. McOlintock and others.
The first children born in the township were Wm. Ward and
Nancy Shinn. The former went to Texas, where he met his death
by hanging, in 1862. He was a loyal Union man, and because he
would not join the rebel army, was hanged by a band of outlaws.
The first marriage was that of G-eorge Williams to Miss Nancy
Nicholson, Eev. David Hubbard officiating. The first preaching
was done by oldei- John Garrison, of the Christian denomination,
and the first sermon was at the house of Robert (J-oodin.
41
716 HISTORY OF PIKE CODNTY.
The preachers of the gospel soon sought out and found the
pioneers in their new homes, as above mentioned. JVor were they
long without the school-house and " master." The former was a
rude log cabin, and the latter fully as rude, the refractory pupils
thought, and not well versed in our more modern studies. Both
school-house and master, however, were well adapted to the times
and the then existing surroundings. The first school-building was
erected on sec. T, in 1827, and the first school taught by Mr. Morrow.
The first church structure was erected by the Presbyterians on
sec. 18, in 1839. It was known as the Bethel Church.
The township contains two towns, five churches and eight school-
houses. The system of education adopted by a majority of the
schools of this township is up to the high standard of any part of
the county. Of some of the leading teachers we speak in the de-
partment of personal sketches given in connection with the his-
tory of the township.
Six-Mile creek, with its small and numerous branches, traverses
the western part of the township from north to south. There are
several small creeks which water the eastern portion. The soil is
underlaid with a heavy bed of limestone, and is better adapted to
raising wheat and fruit than general farming.
VILLAGES.
Martinsburg. — During the speculative period, when towns
sprung up all over the State, this village was ushered into exis-
tence among the' thousands of others. It was laid out by William
Freeman and John Kingsbury, Aug. 24, 1836. It is located on
sees. 22 and 27, and at present has a population of about 200. It
contains one general store, a blacksmith shop, two churches, a
school-house, etc. The churches are of the Christian and Baptist
denominations, both of which have been founded for several ye^rs,
and are in a prosperous condition.
Wew Hartford. — As a rival to Martinsburg, and at about the
■same time that that place was founded, this little village was laid
•out. It is in the extreme northwestern corner of the' township,
and in the midst of a fertile and well-improved part of the
•county. It was founded by Isaac Hoskins, Abner Clark, John
Shinn and Nathan Brown. The latter kept the first store, and
Mr. Eathburn was the first blacksmith. The first postmaster was
Wm. Grimes. It now has two stores, two cooper shops, a black-
smith shop, a school-house, and two cliurches. There is one resi-
dent physician. The place contains now about 100 inhabitants.
The Methodist- Episcopal Church at New Hartford was organ-
ized about 1840, by Kev. Mr. Troy, who was afterward thrown
from a horse and killed. There were at first about 15 members.
They erected a house of worship in 1850, which is still used by
the Society. Services each alternate Sunday, by Eev. Mr. Drake,
Pastor. Present number of communicants about 75.
HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY. 717
The Christian Church at this place was first organized March
19, 1851, with the same number of souls that went into Noah's
ark, by Elders James Burbridge and David Eoberts. The society
built a church in 1856. Since the organization there have been
added to the congregation 116 males and 172 females. Present
number of communicants, 100. Services each Sunday.
BIOGEAPfllES.
In justice to the pioneers, to those who have opened up and de-
veloped this township, and those who have taken a prominent part
in the history of this community, we give a department of per-
sonal sketches as a portion of the history of the township.
Willard And7'ews, deceased, was born in Massachusetts in 1813,
the son of Alanson and Phoebe Andrews, natives of the Bay State;
received a common-school education; in 1846 he married Cornelia
Brockway, who was born in 1825 in New York State. Mr. An-
drews came to this county in 1839, settling in Atlas tp., and came
into this tp. in 1850. By trade he was a carpenter, but he also
carried on farming, on sec. 6. He died Dec. 6, 1872, leaving a
widow and children. The youngest son carries on the farm. Mrs.
H. is a member of the M. E. Church. P. O., New Hartford.
A. F. Barnd, nurseryman, sec. 27; P. O., Martinsburg; was
born in Perry county, O., in 1815, and is a son of Christian and
Mary Barnd ; was educated in the common schools, and in the
spring of 1847 emigrated to this State, locating in McLean
county, where he resided until 1861; he then came to Pike county,
settling in this township, where he practiced medicine a number
of years; he has now been in the nursery business for about 10
years. He has a fine nursery, comprising all varieties of fruit
trees and plants. The Doctor also still attends to professional
calls to some extent.
A. M. Bradbum, farmer, was born in Ohio, Nov. 1, 1827, and
is a son of Mark and Mary (Keatley) Bradburn, natives of Ohio:
was educated in the common schools of Ohio; in 1853 he married
Emily Jameson, and all their eight children are living; one daugh-
ter is married. David N. is a teacher. Mr. Bradburn came to
Pike county in 1864. In Missouri he was in the " Shirt-tail "
militia, and he lost money while in that State. He has made all
he has by hard work since he married, now owning 133 acres of
land. In politics he is a Democrat. P. O., Pittsfield.
Ira Briscoe, farmer, sec. 28, where he owns 240 acres of land;
P. 0., Martinsburg; was born in Washington county, Ky., in 1798,
the son of Edward and Peggy Briscoe; his father was born in Vir-
ginia, and his mother in Ireland; he received his education in the
subscription schools which were kept in log school-houses in
pioneer times in Kentucky, with greased-paper windows, mud-and-
stick chimneys, etc. In 1818 he married Miss Polly Crump, who
was born in Virginia in 1799; in 1834 he came to Pike county.
718 HI8T0ET OF PIKE OOUNTT.
settling on the place where he now lives; he has been a farmer all
his life, but is now living in retirement. P. O., Martinsburg.
Jasper BroMw, agriculturist, sec. 17; was bora in Somerset
county, N. J., Aug. 12, 1828, and is a son of Abraham and Sarah
Brokaw, deceased; he worked with his father in the wood-yard
until 18 years of age; came to Eastern Illinois with his parents
in 1844, and in 1851 located in Pike county, and this year also he
married Miss Martha Maroon, daughter of Wm. Maroon, deceased,
and they had 6 children, namely, "William, G-eorge, John, Sarah,
Martha and Charley. Mrs. B. died in March, 1863, and Mr. B.
the next year married Mrs. Amelia Toothaker, and they have had
6 children: Liona, Priscilla, Albert, Elmer, Cora A. and Eva V.
Mr. B. is a farmer, making wheat-raising a specialty. His brother,
Uriah, served over a year in the late war, where he lost his life.
John L. dnno/i, djeea^el, was born in Pittsfield tp., tliis
county, March 31, 1834, and was the son of Ephraim and Dorothy
Cannon, dec; was reared on a farm and received a common-school
education. Nov. 9, 1854, he married Margaret A. Goodin, daugh-
ter of Hardin Goodin, of Martinsburg tp., and their 4 children
were Charles E., Sarah E., William H. and Henry O. Mr. C. was
a respected member of the Christian Church for 18 years previous
to his death, which occurred at Hot Springs, Ark., Nov. 5, 1877.
He was a valuable member of society and a kind husband and
father; he was a good-natured man, and patient; during his last
illness he suffered untold misery and pain, yet he bore it all with
Christian fortitude and patience.
James Duffield was born in Chester District, S. C, Dec. 12,
1796; educated in a subscription school; brought to Indiana by
his parents when a boy, where he resided until a man grown;
came to this county several years ago and engaged in farming and
raising stock. He now resides on sec. 3, at the advanced age of
S4 years. Of his 6 children 5 are living. He was a soldier in the
war of 1812, and fought under Gen. Jackson.
I/ucinda A. Dyer, nee Thompson, New Hartford, is the wife of
Eli Dyer, and they were married in 1840. Of their 9 children 5
are living, — Thomas W., Franklin W., Mary E., "William H. and
John K. Mr. Dyer was a farmer prior to the late war, in which
he served 4 years ; his son Franklin was also in the war, and was
wounded at the battle of Pilot Knob. The Dyer family, while
residing in Missouri, were Union people, and suffered many
wrongs at the hands of rebels and black-legs. Mr. and Mrs. Dyer
are both natives of Fairfax county, Ya., and he was slave overseer
in Maryland for four years; in 1854 they came to Pike county,
Mo., and in 1864 to this county. Mrs. Dyer is proprietor of the
best store in New Hartford, which is conducted under the firm
name of T. "W. Dyer & Bro. They carry a stock of $1,500, con-
sisting of dry-goods, hats and caps, boots and shoes, groceries,
hardware, glass and queensware, and in fact, everything usually
kept in a first-class general store. Prices the very lowest.
HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY. 719
Demd Goodin, farmer,aec. 4; P. O., Pittsfield; was born in this
connty in 1846, the son of Hardin and Rebecca Goodin, the former
a native of Tennessee and the latter of Indiana; he was married in
1870 to Mis3 Jearaes, who was born in Missouri in 1847; their two
children are Benjamin F. and William H. Mr. Goodin commenced
life in very limited circumstances, but he has been very successful
as a farmer, now having 180 acres of land. He and his wife are
members of the Christian Church.
J. W. Qrabael, farmer, sec. 19, was born Dec. 14, 1840, in Mon-
roe county, Ind,, and is a son of Samuel and Margaret Grabael, the
former a native of Virginia and the latter of North Carolina. At
the age of 20 our subject came to this county and for a time lived
near Summer Hill. In 1865 he was united in marriage with Miss
Maria Stebbins, a native of this tp. and whose father was among
the first settlers of the county. The following year Mr. G. located
in this township. Mr. and Mrs. G. are the parents of 4 children, —
Mary E., Herbert, Frank and Laura. Both he and his wife are
members of the Congregational Church at Summer Hill. During
the last winter Mr. G. unfortunately met with two men from whom
he purchased the right of territory of this county to sell the " Practi-
cal Grubber and Stump-Puller," giving his note for the payment
of over $3,000, with the understanding, however, that they would
keep the note nntil he could make the money by selling the ma-
chine; but they disiegarded this understanding, and immediately
disposed of the note, causing Mr. G. great financial embarrassment.
/. M. Holloway. The subject of this sketch was born in High-
land county, O., Dec. 9, 1850, and is a son of Isaac and Ellen
Holloway, deceased, who came to this county in 1857; our subject
was reared on a farm and received a common-school education. He
was married Feb. 22,1872, to Miss Kittie Petty, daughter of Alvin
Petty, of Hardin tp. They have 4 children, — Nora, Adda, Emma
and Athel. Mr. H. resides on sec. 18, this tp., and is engaged in
farming and the raisin "■ of stock.
Horace Hoshina was born in Atlas tp., this county, July 3, 1832,
and is a son of Isaac Hoskins, so well known in the pioneer days
of Pike county, and who is now deceased. Mr. H. was reared on a
farm and is now engaged in agricultural pursuits. March 6, 1851,
he was united in marriage jwith Miss Lucinda Loutzenhiser, by
whom he has had 13 children, 9 of whom are living: William,
Marshall, John M., Mary J., Isaac, Emily, Orlando, Alice B. and
George B. McClellan. Mr. H. served 3 years in the late war, in
Co. G, 99th III. Inf., and participated in the battles of Hartsville,
Mo., where he was wonnded, siege of Yicksburg, etc. He was
present at the surrender of Mobile, and was honorably discharged
Aug. 12, 1865.
George James was born in Lincolnshire, England, Aug. 12, 1836,
and is a son of George and Elizabeth James, deceased. He was
educated in England, and came to this county in 1851; he went to
Nebraska in 1865, where he remained two years, as salesman for
Y20 HI8T0EY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Rolfe & Terry, wholesale merchants in Nebraska City. He was
engaged in Government freighting for some time; he went from
Nebraska City to the Black Hills, where he worked on the North-
ern Pacific Kailroad during its construction; he returned to Illinois
in January, 1869, since whicli time he has followed farming, on sec.
3, this tp.. June li, 1861, he married Miss Mary J. Andrews,
daughter of Willard G. Andrews, and of their 8 children the fol-
lowing 5 are living: Salome, Alicia, Willard G., Fred and
Gracie Lee.
John W. Zynch, teacher of Highway school, was born in Putnam
county, Ind., Feb. 19, 1843, the sonof Caselton and Miriam Lynch,
the latter deceased. He was educated mostly in Pittsfield, and
began teaching in 1869 ; is now teaching the second yearat High-
land. In 18T8 he married Louisa Brown, by whom lie has one
child, Jennie. As a teacher Mr. Lynch is particula;-ly successful.
His pupils keep excellent order and are full of the spirit of learn-
ing. He teaches on the latest normal methods, and his school-
room is a pleasant place for both teacher aud pupils.
James IT. McOory is a native of Indiana, his parents being John
and Betsey (Warman) McCory; he was educated in the common
schools of Indiana, and by occupation is a farmer; has lived with
his father all his life, who also is a farmer. He has rim a thresh-
ing-machine for 16 seasons. He came to Pike county in 1876; is a
member of the Christian Church, and in politics is a Democrat.
Joseph McDade, farmer, sec. 17; P. O., Summer Hill; was born
in this county in 1846, and is a son of "William and Sarah McDade,
the former a native of Butler county, Ky., and the latter of Indi-
ana; when 7 years old he went to Indiana, returning at the age of
9, then settled in Western Missouri, in 1866, then in Scott county
in 1868, and then back to this county in 1878. In 1871 he mar-
ried Betsey Ann McDade, who was born in 1835, in this county,
and they have two children — Laura A., dec, and Sarah E. Mrs.
McDade was the mother of 5 children when she married the sub-
ject of this sketch. Their names are John R., Franklin, Charles,
Mary and Nancy. Mr. McDade is a successful farmer, owning 120
acres of land, all fenced.
Feter McGuire, farmer, sec. 8; P. O., Summer Hill; was born
in Ireland in 1823, the son of John and Catharine (Hughes) Mc-
Guire, natives of Ireland. In the common schools of that country
our subject was educated ; in 1851 he married Alice Carrabry, and
they have two sons and three daughters. They came to the United
States in 1849, landing in New York, and came to Pike county in
1854. When he first came here he was worth about $18, but has
now 172 acres of land. In politics he is a Greenbacker.
Michael McZanna, farmer, sec. 27; P. O., Martinsburg; was
born in 1865 in county Tyrone, Ireland, son of Patrick and Ann
McKanua. At the age of 15 our subject emigrated to the United
States with a friend, locating first in Rhode Island ; thence to New
Orleans, where he remained 12 years, and 1849 to this county. In
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 721
1834 he married Miss Catharine Mediau, also a native of Ireland,
and they had 6 children. Mrs. McK. died in 1844; Mr. McK.
again married in New Orleans, in 1845, Miss Bridget Sheridan, also
a native of Ireland, and they have h.ad 8 children. Mr. McK. was
formerly a bleacher in print works, but for the past 30 years has
followed farming. He and his wife are members Of the Catholic
Church.
S. Q. Miller^ farmer, sec. 16: P. O., Summer Hill; was born in
1817 in Athens county, O., and is a son of Jacob S. and Sally Mil-
ler, natives ot Maryland; educated in the subscription, school. In
1847 he married Martha Bemiss, a native of Massachusetts, and
she died in 1851. In 1853 he married Asenath McCord, who was
born in 1824, in Massachusetts, and they have had 2 children,
George B. and Cora E. Mr. Miller followed tailoring for 24 years,
but since 1852 has followed farming, with good success; has now
132 acres of good land, well improved. He came to this county in
1845. He is a member of the Masonic Order, and Mrs. M. is a
member of the Congregational Church.
/. G. Moore, farmer, sec. 18; P. O., Summer Hill; was born in
Maine, the son of William and Margaret Moore, natives also of the
same State; came to Pike county in 1856, settling in this tp. In
1848 he married Hachel Randolph, who also was born in Maine, in
1824, and they have had 8 children, — Marcellus, Josephine and
Theodosia. Mr. M. has traveled a great deal ; transacted business
for a period of 25 years in British America and in Bangor, Me.
Since he came here he has followed farming with good succesg, now
owning nearly 300 acres of good land, well improved, but when he
first set out in life he had but very little. He is a member of the
Congregational Church.
Jardes Posten, farmer, sec. 6; P. O., IsTew Hartford; was born
in Morgan county, O., May 16, 1821, and is a son of Joseph and
Mary (Johnson) Posten, 'who were natives of Virginia, and of En-
ghsh ancestry; educated in the common schools of Ohio, and came
to Pike county in 1843; in 1849 he married Eachel Lyton, and
they have had 2 children. Mrs. P. is a member of the M. E.
Church, and he is a Democrat.
W. M. /S'Acni^ow, farmer, sec. 6; P. 0., Summer Hill; was born in
Ohio in 1841, the son of William and Elizabeth (Twiford) Shanton,
natives of Ohio and of German descent. He came to Pike county
in 1842. In 1865 he married Anna Thompson, and they have one
son and three daughters. Mrs. S. is a member of the M. E.
Church, and Mr. S. is a Democrat.
Oonrad Shornhart, farmer, sec..l4; P. O., Martinsburg; was born
in 1813 in Germany; emigrated to the United States in 1836, set-
tling in Indiana; in 1849 he married Mary Fisher, and they have
6 children, viz : Harry, Mary, Margaret J., John, Sarah and
"Willie. He settled in this county in 1852, where he still resides,
engaged in farpiing and the raising of stock.
722 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
J. N. Slade, teacher of the New Hartford school, is a son of Dr.
Slade, of New Hartford, and has been teaching most of the tjrne
for 10 years. He was educated in the common schools, and in the
State Normal University at Normal, 111. He has recently had to
encounter a vexatious variety of text-books, but now has the'pro-
cess for overcoming the obstacle under good headway. At the
Jackson school he taught four terms in succession, and is desired
to return. He was born July 7, 1850, in Crittenden county, Ky.,
and was brought by his mother to this county in 1852, his father
having preceded them about six months. April 17, 1879, he mar-
ried Miss Anna Moore, daughter of Robert Moore, of Louisiana,
Mo., and born in Pittsfield, Aug., 1855.
Humphrey D. Harlow, deceased, was born in Albemarle county,
Va., Jan. 20, 1800, and was the son of Daniel Harlow. He was
raised on a farm but early learned the use of tools, and for several
years after he settled in life he worked in wOod work of various
kinds, in connection with farming. In religion he was a prominent
member of the Baptist Church, and was always respected for his
consistency and zeal in the Master's cause. He died Feb. 7, 1880,
at 6 p. M. He was married twice during life, and his second wife
was Mrs. Amilda (McKinney) McCoy, by whom he has one child,
Elizabeth, now Mrs . Nathan Zumwalt. Mrs. Harlow has 2 chil-
dren living, and Mrs. Zumwalt has had 12 children, of whom 10
are living. She has also 14 grandchildren. Mr. and Mrs. H.
emigrated to this county in 1836, and suifered the privations of
pionger life.
J. W. Varney was born in Clermont county, O., May 25, 1842,
and is a son of J. N. and Matilda Varney, of Hannibal, Mo. He
came to this county in 1859, and in 1861 he married Rebecca Con-
ner, daughter of Moses Conner, who now resides with Mr. Varney,
in his 81st year. Mr. Conner is a well known pioneer. Mr. and
Mrs. Varney have had 7 children, of whom 5 are living, namely,
William, Moses, Charles, John and Luetta. Mr. Varney has car-
ried on coopering in New Hartford for 20 years, and is now doing
a good business, employing from 6 to 9 hands.
PLEASANT HILL TOWNSHIP.
This township consists for the most part of broken land. The
blnifs bordering the Mississippi valley extend northwest and
southeast through the township, dividing it into two triangles ;
one of these is known as the Hill Triangle, the other the Bottom
Triangle.
The township was first settled in March, 1821, by Belus and
Egbert Jones, brothers. They located on sec. 25, where they
erected a log cabin and made other improvements. Here they
kept the first tavern of Pike county, and here, too, the first liquor
was sold in the county. At the very first meeting of the County
Commissioners' Court, and the very first business which it trans-
acted, was to grant these brothers license to sell liquor. They also
engaged in stock-raising, but were veiy much annoyed by wolves
and other wild animals. Egbert Jones lived and died on the old
homestead, and Belus died at Hamburg, Calhoun county.
The next settlement in the county was made by James W. Whit-
ney and Thomas Proctor, both prominent characters in the early
history of Pike county, and of whom we speak in former chapters
in this work. They located on the northeast quarter of sec. 27,
early in the month of March, 1825; in May of the same year Paul
Harpole, of Ramsay Creek, Mo., came over and rented ground of
•the Joneses, raised a crop, and the following autumn brought his
family over and settled on the southeast quarter of sec. 35, where
he resided until his death. In the fall of 1825 Samuel Brewster
began a settlement on the southeast quarter of sec. 7. The next
settlement was made by Thomas Barton and Uriah Holland, in the
spring of 1826. They first rented land of the Joneses, and the fol-
lowing fall settled on sec. 22, near the ford on Bay creek. These
settlers came from Pike county. Mo., and the settlements that im-
mediately followed the above were'fmade principally by people from
Pike and Lincoln counties. Mo.
These early pioneei's of this township had other annoyances be-
sides those given by the wild animals. These were by the treach-
erous and troublesome Indians, who were here in large numbers.
The farms here were first opened by ox teams, and the first wagons
consisted of wooden wheels, sawed from logs. They had their hard
times in other ways. They had to grind corn in a hominy block
724 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
and in hand-inills at first; a horse-mill was afterward erected on a
stump near Pittsfield. The first mill of any note was operated by
water power, and was erected by Elisha Harrington in the fall and
• winter of 1827, on the S. W. J of sec. 8. The power was obtained
through a race cut across from a bend in Six-Mile creek. This
mill superseded in a great degree the hominy block and spring-
pole, the hand and horse-mill.
E,egardleps of these hardships and inconveniences, the pioneers
of this township were noted for their benevolence and hospitality.
The first school was taught in the spring of 1828 by Wm. Howell
in a private house, and the next two terms of school were taught
by Mr. Bailey. The first school-house was erected in 1832, on
sec. 23.
The first sermon was preached in the house of Thomas Barton,
by Rev. Stephen Ruddle, a Christian ministei', in 1826. Every
man, woman and child in the settlement went to hear this sermon.
Elder Ruddle and his brother were carried away by the liidians
when the former was 14 years of age, and kept until he was 30.
The people of the Baptist faith erected the first Church in the
village of Pleasant Hill in 1855. The first Justice of the Peace
was Felix Collard, and the first Supervisor was Thomas Collard.
PLEASANT HILL.
The village of Pleasant Hill is very pleasantly located on sees.
16 and 21, and is on the line of the Chicago & Alton R. R. It was
laid out by Eli and Charles Hubbard and John McMullen, in 1836,
and was incorporated in 1869, Dr. John A. Thomas being its first
president. It contains a postofiSce, stores, blacksmith shop, etc.
Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. — The Martinsbnrg Church,
from which the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church emanated, was
organized pursuant to previous agreement on Saturday, Feb.
15, 1845, at the school-house in Martinsburg. After an ap-
propriate sermon by Elder David Hubbard, the members pro-
ceeded to organize by choosing Joseph Baker Moderator, and
Jacob Capps, Clerk, pro tern. The number of members that
constituted the Church at that time was only 16. Jacob Oapps
was invited to assist Rev. Hubbard in constituting them a Church.
They then unanimously adopted a series of Articles of Faith and
Rules of Decorum, which the Pleasant Hill Church has since
adopted, with some modifications.
After the above Church was organized it prospered under the
pastoral care of Elder David Hubbard until Feb. 22, 1851, when
Jacob Capps and the Pastor held a series of meetings at Martins-
bnrg, and were abundantly blessed. Fifteen members were added
to the Church. The meeting was then removed to Pleasant Hill
and continued there for several days and nights, during which
time- 21 more joined the Church. The Church then continued
under the pastoral care of Elder Hubbard until Thursday, week
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Y25
before the 4th Saturday in April, 1852, when a protracted meeting
commenced at Pleasant Hill. The meeting was conducted by
Elder J. F. Smith, of Missouri, and Elder Hubbard, and 25 more
were added to the Church, which made a majority of the Church
who resided at and near Pleasant Hill. In "consequence of this
there was a call meeting at the school-house at Pleasant Hill to
devise a plan for establishing a branch of the Martinsburg Church
at Pleasant Hill. A petition was sent to the Martinsburg Church,
signed by 37 members. In response to the petition it was decided
best for the members to remain together as one Church, but meet
twice per month instead of once, at Martinsburg on the 4th Satur-
day in each month, and at Pleasant Hill on the 2d Saturday, the
Church when in session at Pleasant Hill to have the same power
to transact any business, as at Martinsburg.
The Church flourished under the above arrangements, and un-
der the pastoral care of Elder Hubbard until the spring of 1853,
when the much esteemed Pastor left, with several other prominent
members, and' removed to Oregon Territory. However, destitute
as the Church was, it had another protracted meeting at Pleasant
Hill, in August, 1853, conducted by Elder Ingmire, from Pittsfield,
and Smith and Music from Missouri, and another glorious revival
was experienced, during which 23 more were converted.
The Church now continued under the pastoral care of Elders
Inginire, Music and Landrum, until the spring of 1857.
The members near Pleasant Hill wishing to be constituted an
independent Church at Pleasant Hill sent a petition to the mother
Church at Martinsburg, which was granted May 4, 1857; where-
upon the following persons received letters of dismissal for that
purpose:
*(x. W. Gregorj^
*Wm. jfflitchell.
*Susau Mitchell.
Joseph D Brooks.
Mary J. Brooks.
*Ijawson Turner.
*Susan Turner.
*John Lapp.
♦Frances Lapp.
*Jacob Emmert.
Eliza Emmert.
Mary Collard.
*John Sapp.
John A. Thomas.
*Sarah E. Thomas.
E. T. Gresham.
*Elenor Gresham.
Those marked *
NAMES.
^arah Simpson.
Eliza J. Venable.
Redman Crews.
*Winny Crews.
Ann E. Crews.
*G. W. Bybee.
Rhoda C. Bybee.
*Jacob Windmiller.
Sarah "Windmiller.
*Wm. Jackson.
Frances Triplett.
Jacob Turnbaugh.
*Smith W. Leek.
Wm. E. Smith:
Mary Smith.
Elijah Antery.
L. C. Lewis.
Elizabeth Davis. *John
are dead.
Susannah Lewis.
S. H. Lewis.
David Wilson.
Isaphena Wilson.
Keziah Lewis.
Lauretta Smith.
Daniel Grossman.
Nathan Allison.
Mary Ann Taylor.
Abigail Turnbaugh,
Margaret Craigmiles.
John N. Collard.
Mary A. Collard.
G. W. Branson.
*Lydia Sinklear.
*Wm. Cannon.
Joseph S. Davis.
Sinklear.
At the April meeting, after letters to the above persons were
granted, John A. Thomas was appointed to prepare the Articles of
Faith and Eules of Decorum, and advised to copy from the Church
726 HISTOKY OF PIKE COUNTT.
book of the Martinsburg Church. Arrangements were also made
for constituting at the next meeting in May (1857), and M. M.
Modisett and Albert Mitchell from Missouri were invited to attend
and assist in organizing and constituting the Church.
The following are the Articles of Faith upon which this Church
was organized and constituted at Pleasant Hill, the 2d Saturday
in May, 1857:
ARTICLES OF FAITH.
Art. 1. That the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the infallible
word of God.
Art. 2. That there is but one only true God, and in the Godhead or divine
essence, there are Father, Son, and Holy-Ghost.
Art. 3. That by nature we are fallen, depraved creatures.
Art. 4. That salvation, regeneration, sanctification and justification are by
the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ, and the operation of
the Holy Spirit.
Art. 5. That the saints will finally persevere through grace to glory.
Art. 6. That believers' baptism by immersion is necessary to the receiving of
the Lord's Supper.
Art. 7. That the salvation of the righteous and punishment of the wicked
will be eternal.
ECTLES OF DECORUM.
Rule 1. — The business of the Church to be done the 2d Saturday in each month
(unless otherwise determined by the Church), beginning at 10 o'clock. Every male
member failing to attend shall be accountable to the Church for such neglect.
Rule 2. — A Moderator and Clerk to be chosen by a majority of the voices pres-
ent until others are chosen. The Moderator is to preside in the Church while at
business; he is to keep order, but always under the control of the Church; he is
to withhold his own opinion until all other members who wish to speak have spoken
(except by request of the Church). He shall take the voice of the Church when
called on for that purpose.
Rule 3. — When the Church has met, after prayer, members of sister Churches
to be invited to seats in council, who may give their light or advice on any sub-
ject, but shall not vote in decision of the case.
Rule 4.— The door of the Church to be opened for the reception of members.
Rule 5. — The Moderator to inquire whether all are in peace and fellowship, or
any one has any matter of complaint to bring forward that has been treated in
gospel order.
Rule 6.— The unfinished business of the Church, if any, to be now attended to.
Rule 7. — Any brother having a motion to make in the Church shall rise to his
feet and address the Moderator with brotherly respect ; a motion thus made not to
be attended to without a second.
Rule 8.— No brother to be interrupted while speaking, except he depart froni
the subject, on which the Moderator or any other brother may call to order, of
which point of order the Church may judge when applied to for that purpose.
Rule 9. — No brother shall speak more than twice to any subject without per-
mission from the Church.
Rule 10.— There shall be no laughing, talking or whispering in time of public
service. Nor shall there be any ungenerous reflections on any brother that has
spoken before.
Rule 11.— All the business of the Church to be done by a majority o'f the mem-
bers present, except receiving and excluding members ; the former must be unani-
mous ; two-thirds may exclude.
Rule 12.— That brotherly 1 ve may continue, the 18th of Matthew is *» ?e*f:
tended to in all cases so far as practicable in treating with our brethren, and in all
uncommon cases the Church to be the judge, and in all public transgressions ac-
knowledgments are to be made to the Church.
Rule 13.— We consider it the duty of members in removing their residence w
HISTOBT OF PIKE OOUNTl. 727
distant bounds to apply to the Church for a letter of dismission and join some
other Church with speed, or as soon as duty and prudence will dictate.
Rule 14. — We consider it our duty to be tender and affectionate to each other
and study the happiness of the children of God in general, and to he engaged
singly to promote the honor of God.
Rule 15. — We consider it disorderly to attend frolics, plays, horse-racing, grog-
ops, and charivaries.
By order of the OSurch.
John A. Thomas, Church Clerk.
The last rule was introduced by Dr. Thomas, the Clerk.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
The further details of the history of Pleasant Hill township are
• best given in short biographical sketches of its pioneers and prom-
inent citizens.'
William Barton is engaged in farming on sec. 21 ; P. O., Pleas-
ant Hill.
Edward Byhee, farmer and trader, sec. 17; P. O., Pleasant Hill;
was born in Monroe county, Ky., in 1851, and is a son of George
W. and Rhoda C. By bee, natives also of Kentucky; when he was
very young his parents emigrated with him to this county, where
he grew to manhood, receiving a common-school education. In
1874 he married Fannie Y. Hubbard, who was born in St. Louis,
Mo., in 1852, and their children are Minnie E., Edna E. and
Lenois i). Mr. Bybee has been prosperous in his business, and
now owns 160 acres of land, mostly in the Mississippi Bottom,
and all fenced. He and his wife are members of the Baptist
Church.
Peter Oraigmiles, salesman ajid clerk in a general store at
Pleasant Hill, was born in 1838, in this county, and is the son of
James and Margaret Craigniiles; in 1863 he married Sarah Emert,
who was born in Pike county. Mo., and they have had 6 children,
5 of whom are living. Mr. C. is well known in the vicinity of
Pleasant Hill, as he has been clerking in one store for 17 years,
although the establishment has changed hands two or three times;
he has also been Town Clerk, Collector and Township Treasurer.
Ingham Doman, deceased, was born May 31, 1813, in Hamp-
shire county, Ya., where he was reared on a farm and educated in
a subscription school; in 1839 he married Miss Eve Kurtz, daugh-
ter of Martin and Mary Kurtz; she was born Aug. 24, 1823; of
their 10' children these 8 are living, — Mary J., Sarah C, Jeremiah,
Thomas B., Margaret C, Kachel M., Benjamin F. and Delilah A.
A son named John W. lost hie life from a wound received while
fighting for the stars and stripes in the war. Mr. Domau emi-
grated with his family to Illinois in 1845, settling in Madison
county, and in 1857 he came to this county, where he died JSTov.
17, 1872, his death being a great loss to his family and to the com-
munity. He was a farmer during life. His father also was a
patriot, being a soldier in the war of 1812.
T28 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Thomas 0. Eddins, farmer, sec. 5; P. O., Pleasant Hill; wa«
born in Albemarle county, Ya., in 1838, and is a son of B. E. and
Eliza Eddins, also natives of Yirginia; receiving a common-scliool
education and growing to manhood, he emigrated, in 1860, to this
tp. ; in 1865 he married Elizabeth Furguson, who was born in this
county in 1845, the daughter of EdVard and Catharine Furguson,
and they have had 6 children. Mr. Eddins served 3 years in Co!
A, 8th Mo. Inf., and fought in the battles of Forts Henry and
Donelson, Shiloh, Haines' Bluff, Arkansas Post, siege of Vicks-
burg, Champion Hills, Corinth, Miss., and Kenesaw Mountain, in
all of which he did not receive a scratch. He now owns 120 acres
of land, worth $50 per acre, having been successful as a farmer.
He is a member of the K. of ]1. Society, and his wife is a member
of the M. E. Church.
Mrs. Patience W. McElfresh, sec. 18; P. 0., Pleasant Hill;
was born in 1821 in Pike county. Mo., and is a daughter of Kich-
ard and Ruth Keer, both natives of Kentucky. She came to this
county when 14 j^ears of age, and was married first in 1837 to Mr.
James Wells, the second time in 1846 to Job Smith, and the third
and last time to Aquila B. McElfresh. Altogether she has had 8
children. Her first and second husbands were farmers, and the
last a Methodist preacher. She is a member of the Baptist Church.
She has now been conducting the farm for 17 years, witli a family
of 3 children. Her only son is still living with her.
D?'. IT. D. Fortune was born in 1841 in Pike county, Mo., and
is a son of R. C. and Mary Fortune, natives of Yirginia ; he
received a common-school education; at the age of 19 began the
study of medicine under Dr. C. R. Bankhead, at Painesvilie, Mo.;
attended the St. Louis Medical College, where he graduated March
1, 1865; practiced his profession at Painesvilie 18 months; then
went to Prairieville, Pike Co., Mo., where he practiced 1\ years,
and in 1874 came to Pleasant Hill, where he has been enjoying a
f rowing practice. In September, 1865, he married Miss E. I.
)ougherty. who was born in Pike county, Mo., about 1842, and
they h«ve had 4 children. The Doctor is a member of the M. E.
Church, and his wife of the Baptist Church. He is also a Free
Mason, and a member of the Town Board.
William S. Freeman was born in Pulaski county, Ky., in 1851,
and is a son of Stephen F. Freeman, now of Martinsburg, where
he was reared from the age of 4 years ; April 8, 1874, he married
Harriet A. Barton, daughter of Uriah Barton, and their two
children are Ida A. and Flora M. Mr. Freeman has taught School
during the winter season mostly for 12 years, with great success.
He now follows farming during the summer seasons.
Joseph B. Galloway., farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 10; was born
in Lincoln county, Mo., April 28, 1826, and is a son of James Gal-
loway, deceased, so well known -in the early settlement of this
county. Joseph B. was brought up on a farm and educated in a
subscription school. The family removed to this county in 1832,
HISTOET OF PIKE CO0STY. ' 729
and have therefore experienced the sceues of pioneer life in this
wild West. One day Mr. Galloway witnessed the capture of a fox
by the school boys and their dogs. So many dogs canght the ani-
mal at once that they held him stretclied out at full length above
the ground for some time, which was a rather comical situation, —
that is, to the boys, not to the fox. Mr. G. remembers when the
only wagons used here were of the old Virginia style, and there
were but few of tliem. The plows consisted of a piece of iron for
a point, and a wooden moldboard. Mr. Galloway has pounded corn
in a " masher mill," which consisted of a wooden mortar and a
pounder attached to a spring-pole. He once went to where Eldara
now stands, a distance of 15 or 16 miles, to a horse-mill there to
get some corn ground. In a few years after this Mr. Zumwalt
erected a water mill on Bay creek. James Galloway was a very
strong man. Even at the age of 60 years he could in a wrestle
throw men of 24 years of age, and at the age of 72 he made a full
hand in the harvest field. He was an industrious farmer, and also
worked more or less in wood work. He was a soldier .in the Black
Hawk war, as also were his two elder brothers, William and Sam-
uel. He died Nov. 17, 1872, at the age of 76 years. He leaves
one brother, Zorobabel, and many other friends to mourn his loss.
He was a public-spirited man, and did much for the improvement
of this county. Joseph B. was married Sept. 30, 1847, to Miss
Sarah Jennings, and their 12 children are: Mary E., Tabitha E.,
dec, Thomas S., James D., Lydia A., S. Margaret, Bales H., Wil-
liam H., Sarah A., Ida E., Joseph F. and Nellie Grant.
J. S. Harl, miller, merchant, grain-dealer, etc.; was born in
Mason county, Ky., in 1841, the son of John and Mary Harl, na-
tives also of the same State, who emigrated to Saline county, Mo.,
when their son was 12 years old; in 1863 he came to this county,
where in 1865 he married Miss Nancy 0. Grimes, who was born in
1845 in this county. They have had three children. Soon after
Mr. Harl settled here he erected a mill 36 by 68 feet, and 4 stories
high, with a' capacity of 50 barrels of flour per day; the machinery
is driven by a 40-horse power engine, and he is able to make the
highest grade of flour. His miller, Mr. T. J. Mitchell, has been
superintending the mill ever since it was erected. Mr. H. is also
engaged in the mercantile business, carrying a larger assortment
than any other house in town, selling goods at the lowest cash price.
He also bays and ships large quantities of grain; in fact, he is the
most enterprising business man in the place. He is a noble-hearted
man, and well liked by all who know him.
Alexander Hemphill, farmer, sec. 27; P. O., Pleasant Hill.
This man was born in Calhoun county, 111., in 1847, and is a son
of A. F. and Jennie A. Hemphill ; when he was quite young his
parents came with him into this county, where he received a com-
mon-school education and grew to manhood ; in 1877 he married
Eliza J. Turnbaugh, who was born in this county in 1852. They
have one child. Mr. H. has had ordinary success as a farmer,
730 ' HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY.
owning now 40 acres of land, worth $40 an acre. He is a member
of the I. 0. O. F.
S. W. Hemphill, deceased, was born in Pike county, Oct. 9
1826, and was a son of Alex, and Margaret Hemphill, deceased-
brought up at farming, he has pursued the occupation through life.
He went overland to California when a young man, and returned
the following year. Oct. 26, 1854, he married Sarah Sapp, daugh-
ter of Jacob and Nancy Sapp, deceased ; she was born Oct. 3, 1833,
in this county. Mr. and Mrs. H. have had 8 children, of whom 4
are living, namely, Nancy M., Eobert M., Louisa C. and Austin
E. The deceased were John F., Jacob A., Mary L. and Sarah L.
Mr. H. died Jan. 13, 1871, a great loss to his family and the com-
munity in which he had lived. Mrs. H. resides on the homestead,
sec. 16.
Mrs. Cynthia Hvher, daughter of George and Rose Ann Sitton,
was born in this county in 1844; she received a common-school
education, and in 1860 married Jacob Huber, who was born in
this county in 1838, and they had 7 children, 3 of whom are living.
Mr. Hiiber during his life followed the cattle trade, and died in
1876, a member of the Masonic order. Mrs. Huber's father was
born in 1811 in Yirginia, and her mother was a native of Ohio.
P. O., Pleasant Hill.
Roswell Ladow, carpenter, is the son of Charles F. and Mary
Ladow, father a native of New Jersey and mother of East Yirginia;
he was born in 1831 in Athens county, 0., where he received his
education, and in 1852 married Maria Green, a native of Meigs
county, O. They had two children. Mrs. L. died May 18, 1877.
Mr. Ladow tried milling a while, but not with signal success; he
does much better at carpentering. He owns a farm'of 45 acres of
good laud near Kockport. "While he lived in Atlas tp. he was for
a time Constable. He now resides on sec. 17, this tp. P. 0.,
Pleasant Hill.
T. J. Mitchell was born in 1835 in this county, and is the son
of William and Susan (Craigmiles) Mitchell, natives of Tennessee;
he was reared on a farm, and at the age of 21 he learned tlie mill-
ing business, in which capacity he worked awhile for Brown, Harl
& Co. Mr. Mitchell married Miss A. Huber, who was born in
this county in 1836. They had 3 children. She died in 1870, and
in 1875 Mr. M. married Miss M. E. Waugh, who was born in 1845
in this county, and they have one child.' Mr. Mitchell has held
the office of Township Clerk, Assessor, Constable and Trustee.
He is a Freemason. P. O., Pleasant Hill.
George W. Moore, teacher, was born in Lincoln county, Mo.,
April 5, 1840, and is a son of Wm. Moore, whose sketch is next
given and who now lives in Pleasant Hill. Geo. W. has taught school
ever since he was 16 years of age, except four years during the
war. He was a member of the Missouri State militia for 9 months.
Has also been Riding Constable 9 or 10 years in this township,
and was Town Clerk here also for 3 years. Aug. 29, 1860, he
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 733
married Miss Sarah J. Allen, daughter of Gary Allen, deceased,
and they have had 3 children, of whom 2 are living, — Charles H.
and Noble. Mr. Moore resides in Pleasant Hill, and is teaching
Ms third term at Jacobsville school-house, and has taught 8 terms
in the Dodge district, near. Pleasant Hill.
William Moore, the son of Benjamin and Frances Moore, was
born in Madison county, Ky., Feb. 10, 1814. In 1828 Mr. Moore
emigrated to Missouri, and in Lincoln county, that State, Sept. 1,
1833, he married Miss Margaret Gilliland, who was born in Simp-
son county, Ky., July VI, 1815, and was taken to, Missouri when a
babe; in 1861 they came to. this tp. Their 11 children are, John,
De Francis, Goo, W., Wm. R., James W., Benjamin F., Margaret
A., Henry Clay, Amy June, Mary Louisa and Stephen A. Doug-
las. Mrs. M. is a member of the Baptist Church, and Mr. M. is a
member of the Masonic order. He has been Justice of the Peace:
was also Orderly Sergeant in the Black Hawk War. He is a
blacksmith by trade, and is doing a good business. His father was
at Yorktown, Va., at the surrender of Lord Cornwallis.
W. R. Moore, wagon and buggy manufacturer and undertaker.
Pleasant Hill, is the son of William and Margaret Moore, natives
qf Kentucky', and was born in Lincoln county, Mo., in 1841; at the
age of 20 he emigrated to this co^inty, where in 1863 he married
Miss Nancy M. Mitchell, who was born in Tennessee in 1846; of
'their 5 children 4 are living. Mr. Moore has followed his present
business in Pleasant Hill since 1862. He served 6 months in
Co. G, 5th Mo.; has been a member of the Town Board four
times, and at present is a School Trustee. His wife died in 1872,
and in 1875 he married Miss Olivia Carver, who was born in 1844
in this county, and of their 4 children 2 are living. Mr. and Mrs.
M. are members of the Church.
,ir. L. Page, Principal of the Pleasant Hill school, was born in
Menard county, HI., Jan. 23, 1848, and is the son of E. L. Page;
he was reared on the farm, received a good education, began teach-
ing at tlie age of 21, and lias taught school 11 years — 4 years in
Missouri, and 7 in this county. In Shelby county. Mo., June 19,
1869, he married Anna E. Coniry, and their 4 children are Freder-
ick L., Esther A., Carrie Y. and Arthur I. Mr. Page is now
teaching his second year in Pleasant Hill, and well exemplifies the
principles of the eminent professor of the same name, the author
of the " Theory and Practice of Teaching."
Albert Pearson, farmer, sec. 22; P. O., Pleasant Hill; was born
in Brunswick county, Ya., in 1821, and is the son of John and
Mida Pearson, natives also of the Old Dominion; when he was 12
.years of age his parents moved with him to Ohio, and at the age of
25 he moved to Missouri; after living there 14 years he came to
this county. In 185i! he married Elizabeth Ralston, a native of
Kentucky, and they had 3 children; she died, and he subsequently
married Elizabeth Murray, who was born in Kentucky in 1824.
42
73i ■ HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
and of their 8 children 4 are living. Mr. P. has been reasonably
successful as a farmer, and now owns 74 acres of good land.
Ira EobertSy farmer, sec. 5; son of David and Lovina Itoberts
was born in Ohio in 1837; his father was a native of Yermont and
his mother of New York State, and they moved with him to this
county when he was 2 years old ; here he grew to manhood, re-
ceiving a common-school education; in 1867 he married Elizabeth
Jeans, who was born in 1844 in this county, and they have had 4
children. Mr. R. spent one year in California, to examine the
country. He has good success in farming here, now owning 122|
acres of good land, mostly under cultivation, and he has good farm
buildings. He and Mrs. R. are members of the Christian Church.
Mr. R.'s father was a prominent preacher from 1839 to his death
in 1855.
Isaao Shelby, deceased, son of Samuel Shelby, was born in East
Tennessee Feb. 12, 1826; was reared on a farm and educated in the
common school; Feb. 17, 1846, he married Miss Leah Capps,
daughter of John and Elizabeth Capps, dec, who was also born in
East Tennessee, Jan. 11, 1830; in the spring of 1847 they emi-
grated to this tp., where 10 children were born to them, namely,
Sarah E., James, Samuel 0., Orlando C, Isaac M., Martin H.,
William M., Walter S., Cynthia L. and Frank L., all of whom are
living, — a rare incident indeed, Mr. Shelby was a hard-working
man, following farming and stock-raising, in which he was sue-'
cessful. He was a merchant in Martinsburg 3 years. Pie was a
worthy member of the Baptist Church for 30 years prior to his
death, which occurred Oct. 25, 1874. In his death the commu-
nity lost a valuable citizen and the family a kind father. Mrs. S.
resides on see. 11.
Solomon Shultz, deceased, was born Sept. 1, 1808, in Pennsyl-
vania; reared on a farm and received a common-school edHcation;
Jan. 16, 1830, he married Lovina Taylor, who was born in Frank-
lin county, O., Oct. 29, 1809, and they had 9 children, 5 of whom
are living, to wit: Sarah J., Margaret, Eliza, Thomas J. and Nathan
R. Mr. S. was a member of the Presbyterian Church, a gener-
ous man, aiding all charitable institutions and the prosperity of
schools.
James A. Sitton, farmer, sec. 11; P. O., Pleasant Hill; was
born in 1837 in this tp., and is a son of J. G. and Mary A. Sitton,
his father a native of Tennessee, and his mother of Kentucky; he
was educated in the common schools; in 1859 he married Christina
Huben who was born in 1^39 in this county, and of their 8 chil-
dren the following 6 are living: Anna L., W. R., Frankie G., Min-
nie S., John F. and Jesse P. Mr. Sitton's father came to this
county in 1S36, and is the oldest settler in this tp. now living here.
James A. is a .successful farmer, now owning 212 acres of land,
well improved. He is a Freemason, and both he and Mrs. S. are
members of the Baptist Church.
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 735
Thaddeus Smith, farmer, sec. 13; P. O., Pleasant Hill; was bom
in 1850 in Jefferson county, Ind., and is a son ot Barton and Eliza-
beth Smith, the former a native of Indiana, and the latter of Ohio;
in 1874 the famil}' settled near jS'ew Salem, thiscounty. In 1877 the
subject of this notice married Mary E. Dodge, a native of this
county, and they have one cliild. Mr. Smitli has followed farming
most of his life, though he has clerked in a dry-goods and grocery
store and followed the agency husiuefes to some extent.
8. F. Sutton, farmer. Her;. 9; P. O., Pleasant Hill; was bom in
1834 in Barren c<jurity, Ky., and is a son of James and Elizabeth
A. Sutton, the former a native of Kentucky, and the latter of Ver-
mont; parents moved to Boone county, Mo., when our subject was
3 years old, and when he was 17 they returned to Kentucky, and
in 1853 they emigrated to Pike county. 111., locating in this tp. In
1856 Mr, S. F. Sutton married Martha J. Cruise, who was born in
1834 in Kentucky, and of their 9 children 8 are living. Mr. S.
has followed agriculture through life, and by hard work has ob-
tained a comfortable home of 100 acres of land, with the stock and
buildings.
John A. Thomas, M. D. The ancestors of Dr. Thomas were
natives of Wales who emigrated to the United States about 40
years previous to the Kevolution, settling in Buckingham county,
Va. Charles Thomas, a grandfather of the subject of this sketch,
served under Gen. Washington during the war, and was one of the
army which secured the surrender of Lord Cornwallis at York-
town ; after the close of the war he returned to his farm in Virginia,
and a short time afterward he removed with his family to Patrick
county in that State, where he followed farming; he also acted as
Justice for many years, and was high Sheriff of the county two
terms; he died about 1836, at the advanced age of 93 years. Dur-
ing his life he killed 300 deer, 65 bears and 44 panthers — in Pat-
rick county. Ke left a family of 8 children, the next oldest being
Cornelius Tliomas, the father of John A.; he was born Oct. 16,
177S; followed farming in his native county until' 1831, when he
moved to Pike county. Mo., with his wife (whose maiden name was
Ehzabetli Slaughterj and 8 children, — Anna, Susannah, Joab, John
A., Martin, Constantino, Smith S. and Francis Marion, the latter
two being twins, In 1840 he moved into Lincoln county, and in
1860 came into Pike county, III., and lived with his son, Dr. John
A., where he died in 1860, aged about 83. His wife died in Lincoln
county. Mo., in 1857.
Dr. John A. Thomas was born in Patrick county, Va., April 8.
1818; iiis early years were employed on his father's farm, attend-
ing subscription school during the winter. The school-house was
a common log building daubed with mud, having a dirt floor,
greased paper for windows, benches made of split logs, and desks
of the same material. At the age of 15 years he commenced the
study of medicine, and not being with any regular physician he
borrowed all the works he could ; at the age of 17 he commenced
736 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
teaching school in the winter, and taught four successive winters
in the meantime continuing his medical studies, and taking lec-
tures from Dr. Ballard, of Louisiana, Mo. In 1843 he married
Sarah GriflSth near Louisiana, who was a native of Bourbon
county, Ky., born in 1824; he then moved to the spot where
Pleasant Hill now stands, where only three families were then
living, and from that time, and in this place, the Doctor has
continued the practice of medicine. He is a self-educated man
but the Missouri Medical College at St. Louis granted him a
diploma on examination in 1859, and he has also been granted a
certificate by the Illinois State Board of Health. He has one' of
the finest medical libraries in the county, and has done as much
riding and gratuitous practice as any physician in Pike county.
He spent several years in lecturing on the ph^^siology of the brain,
moral philosophy, etc. He has also been an ardent and zeal-
ous advocate of the temperance cause, and a devout Sunday-
school man, often lecturing on both topics. He had the honor in
1879 of being President of the Pike County Sunday-School Con-
vention. Tlie Doctor owns 840 acres of land under cultivation,
and 200 acres of timber, and is largely interested in the farming
interests of the connty. His residence cost $6,000. His first
wife died in 1860, who had 6 children, 4 now living. The Doctor's
second wife was Sophia Blair, who was born May 3, 1836, in this
county, and they have had 5 children, 4 of whom are living. His
present wife is a graduate of the Methodist Female College, Jack-
sonville, and was at the time they were married filling the Cliair
of Mathematics in that institution, although she was then a mem-
ber of the Baptist church, and the only Baptist connected witu the
college. The names of his children by his former marriage are
Joel Smith, who graduated at the Ohio Medical College in 1872,
and married Mollie "Wells; Melissa Margaret, married T. J. Shultz;
Mary Jane C. married H. 0. Moore, and Cornelius John A., who
married Miss Dille Bower. The names of his children by his pres-
ent wife are Albert Joab, William Sherman, and Clarence Critten-
den. Dr. Thomas is a Freemason, and both himself and wife are
members of the Baptist Church. The Doctor's portrait will be
found in this book.
Edward B. Venable, deceased, was born in Pike county. Mo.,
in 1827, and was the son of John and Rachel Venable, natives of
South Carolina; when he was 16 years of age his parents moved
with him to this county; in 1848 he married Eliza Greshara, who
was born in 1828 in Christian county, Ky. ; and of their 8 children
only Louisa is living. Mr. Yenable followed farming the most of
his life; was in other occupations some. He died Dec. 19, 1879, a
member of the Masonic order. During life he was a Constable and
Justice of the Peace, two terms each. Mrs. V. has a very nice res-
idence in Pleasant Hill, and she and her daughter are members of
the Baptist Church.
III8T0EY OF PIKE COUNTY, ' 737
Ha/rmon WeoAjer, farmer, sec. 1 ; P. O., Martinsburg; was born in
1816 in Franklin county, O., and is a son of Asa and Lucretia
Weaver, father a native of Connecticut, and mother of Pennsyl-
vania; when Harmon was 16 years of age his parents moved with
hitn to Delaware county, 0., and in 1839 they came to this county;
they settled in this township in 1851 or 1852. In 1838 Mr. Weaver
married Sarah lioberts, wiio was born in 1820 in Delaware county,
0., and 9 of their 10 children are living. Mr. Weaver has been
School Director, and has followed farming with good success, now
owning 280 acres of valuable land. lie and his wife are members
of the Christian Church.
Z. T. Webster, farmer, sec. 19; P. O., Pleasant Hill; was born
in 1827 in Washington county, Ky., the s5n of James and Ada
"Webster, also natives of Kentucky; when he was 8 years old his
parents moved with him to Mc Donough county, 111., and in 1842
to this county, locatipg on the present homestead. In 1851 he
married Margaret Briscoe, who was born in 18i'6 in Kentucky,
and they had one child, who is now dead. Mrs. B. died in 1852,
and Mr. W. married again, in 1854, Margaret./. Davis, who was
born in this county in' 1830, and they have had 4 children, all now
living. Mr. Webster commenced in life without anything, and by
honest industry he has now a comfortable home with 575 acres of
good land, 455 of which are on the Mississippi bottom.
Q. W. Wells, farmer, sec. 18; P. O., Pleasant Hill; was born in
1855 in this county, and is a son of Perry and Elizabeth Wells,
father a' native of Kentucky and mother of Missouri. G. W. re-
ceived a common-school education, and in 1876 he married Miss
Miriam Webster, daughter of Henry and Ellen Webster, who was
born in 1858 in this county. Of their 6 children 2 are deceased.
As a farmer Mr. Wells has had fair success, now owning 93 acres
of bottom land.
Perry Wells^ farmer, sec. 7; P. O., Pleasant Hill. This gentle-
man was born in 1814 in Madison county, Ky., the son of Kichard
and Mary Wells, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter
of Kentucky. When Perry was young his parents moved with
him to Missouri; in 1837 he came into this county. In 1840 he
married his first wife. Miss Elizabeth J. Kerr, a native of Missouri.
They had 6 children. Mrs. W. died in 1862, and he was again
married in 1863 (May 5) to Miss Kate Tisler, who was born in
1836 in this county, -and they have had 2 children. Mr. Wells
commenced in life in very limited circumstances, but he now has
1,200 acres of land. The family are all members of the M. E.
church at Stockland.
F. L. Zerenberg, farmer, sec. 14; P. O., Pleasant Hill. This
man was born in 1837 in this county, and is the son of Charles and
Christina Zerenberg, natives of Grermany, who came to the United
States in 1832, first settling in Pennsylvaiiia, afterward (1834) in
Pike county, III. The subject of this notice obtained a comraon-
fichool education, and in 1858 he was married to Eliza Venable,
738 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
who was born in 1838 in Pike county, Mo. They have had two
children, but one has died. Mr. Z. has lived on the present farm
since 1862; has followed farming all his life; he now owns 225
acres of good high land. In respect to public oflSce Mr. Z. has
been School Director, Eoad Commissioner, Supervisor, Collector
and Assessor. He is a member of the Masonic order.
William Zerenherg, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 14; was born
in this county Feb. 27, 1843, and is a son of Charles Zerenberg,
deceased, who was well known as an early settler in Pike county.
Wm. was reared on a farm. At the age of 18 he enlisted in Co. C,
10th Mo. Inf., and took part in the battles of Champion Hills, siege
of Vicksburg, Mission Ridge, siege of Corjuth, etc. He was hon-
orably discharged Aiig. 31, 1864. In 1866 he married Mary
E. Galloway, daughter of J. B. Galloway, of Pleasant Hill tp.
Their two children are Laura A. and Francis B.
HADLEY TOWNSHIP.
This is a inagniflcent township, and for agricultural purposes is
surpassed by few in the Military Tract. It is what may be properly
termed a prairie township. The sight presented to the early
settler must have been pleasant as he viewed this beautiful nature's
lawn, now thickly studded with houses, orchards, hedges and all
the insignia of healthy cultivation, before a furrow was struck or
anything to disturb the eye nearer than the curling smoke of three
or four cabins along the edges of the timber.
The first settler .in this township after the Indians bad been
driven Westward, was not a white man, but a colored one. He was
known as " Free Frank," and came with his wife and three chil-
dren to this township, and located on sec. 22, in 1829. He was
from Kentucky, and had spent the preceding winter in Greene
county, 111. He had purchased his freedom and that of his family.
To conform to the custom of the age the Legislature gave Free
Frank a surname, viz: McWorter, and he was always aftei"<|fard
known as Frank McWorter.
After Mr. McWorter had been recognized by the Legislature, in
order to' conform to the law he must be re-married. Accordingly
he and his wife presented themselves for that purpose before Esq.
Neeley. When McWorter was asked if he would live with, cherish
and support, etc., his wife, he-replied, "Why, God bless your soul!
I've done that thing for the last 40 years."
Mr. McWorter was a live, enterprising man, a reputable, worthy
citizen, kind, benevolent and honest. He labored hard to free his
posterity from the galling yoke of Southern slavery. He not only
purchased his own freedom and that of his wife and children, but
left provision in his will to buy grandchildren, which was done by
his son. He died in 1857 at the ripe old age of 77. His wife died
in 1871, at the very advanced age of 99. Many of their descend-
ants are still living in the township.
The first white settler to locate in Hadley was Joshua Woosley.
This veteran still resides here, living on his farm, on sec. 19, in the
suburbs of Barry. He came in 1830, cut logs, and built the second
house in the township, the first being erected by McWorter. Then
came Charles Hazelrigg, who settled on sec. 33. Dean Peterson
located on sec, 36. Then fallowed Daniel Clingensmith, Reuben
Shipman, Anson Gray, Isaac Moore, James Dutton, William
740 HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY.
Wilkinson, Stephen R. "Watson, Joseph Shelley and William Farmer.
These pioneers were all Southerners, mostly from Kentucky and
Tennessee.
These early pilgrims ofcen had their ingenuity taxed to its utmost
in order to perform needed labor with the existing tools, l^ecea-
sity being the mother of invention, they generally found some
practical way to do their work. What if it did take more time to
perform the labor? That was of but little consequence, as time in
those early days was abundant. The pioneers did not rush along
over prairies, through dale and woodland at the rate of 40 miles an-
hour, as is done at present. Nor could they cut eight and ten acres
of wheat in a day; indeed, they did not have any of the labor-saving
imp-lements so common now. Joshua Woosley relates that in the
spring of 1831 he and Mr. Bradshaw broke some prairie together.
They tied up a yoke of oxen to a big bar-sliare plow with hickory
bark, not having chains sufficient or any other better article. The
plow needing sharpening, he was compelled to go to Atlas, a dis-
tance of 20 miles, to have it done. The' charge for this work was
not large, however, as he tells us his total bill for the work, dinner,
drinks, etc., was only " nine-pence " (12| cents).
Mr. Woosley used the first grain cradle in the township, charging
a bushel of wheat per acre for cutting. This new method of cutting
wheat was a great curiosity to the settlers, many of whom came
from far and near to see it.
The pioneers did not have a well-stocked store of provisions always
at hand. No, often the last particle of corn meal was used up
before another supply was obtained. Mills were then far away, and
so crowded that often customers bad to wait for days before their
turn would come. Mr. Woosley tells us that on one occasion some
men came to stay over night with him. It happened that Ihey had
no meal prepared, but the block was handy, and while his wife was
busying herself in the house, he went out and- pounded up some
corn with an iron wedge. These we give as illustrations of the
many privations and inconveniences under which these pioneers
were compelled to live. They were sturdy, brave-hearted people
though, and conquered all of these obstacles and broughta wild
country under the very highest state of cultivation.
The first child born in the township was Jane, daughter of
Joshua Woosley. She was born in 1834, and married Milton
Deran. Mrs . jane Gray, wife of Anson Gray, was the first person
to die. The first marriage ceremony was performed in uniting A.
M. Eobinson and Miss Mary Gray in wedlock. The ceremony was
performed by Esq. Woosley at the house of Anson Gray in 1844.
The first school building erected in the township was on sec. 19,
in 1836. The first teacher was James Frier.
The Wabash railroad passes through the township and has a
station on sec. 22, or on the line of sees. 21 and 22.
The town -of Philadelphia was laid out by the elder McWorter
in 1836, on the northeast quarter of sec. 27. At one time it
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 741
had great promise, but the railroad passing it a mile distant, and
other towns springing up, has killed it. At present there is not
even a postoffice at the place.
The township is well supplied with churches and schools, which
indicate the high moral and intellectual standard of the people.
PERSONAL SKETCHES.
In connection with and as a part of the history of the township,
we will give personal sketches of the leading and representative
people who reside here.
Barton W. Andre, whose portrait we present in this volume,
was born in Pickaway county, O., March 4, 1823. His parents
wei'eGreo. and Catharine (Rush) Alkire, natives of Virginia, and of
German descent. G-eorge Alkire was left an orphan- at 10 years
of age, and he then found his way to Fleming county, Ky., where
he remained until he was 17, and he then went to Ross county, O.,
and thence to Pickaway county; here, at the age of 23, he married
Miss Catharine Rush, aged 16; in 1841 they emigrated to this tp.,
settling on sec. 31, and bringing with them four children, — Mary,
Rebecca, Barton "W". and Abner, now deceased. They left four
children in Ohio, — ^ Wesley J., Lydia, Gideon and Josiah, — who
came out the next year. During his life-time Mr. Geo. Alkire
owned and lived on his farm in Hadley, but left the charge of it
to his sons. He had been a member of the Christian Church ever
since he was 17 years old, and for a long period before his death he
was a minister of the gospel. He died July 21, 1868, and his sur-
viving widow died April 9, 1873. Barton "W. Alkire, the subject
of this sketch, is a farmer and stock-raiser by occupation, his resi-
dence and farm of 140 acres being on sec. 31, Hadley tp. He
passed his early years on his father's farm in Ohio, and in this
county, obtaining his education mostly in the sclwols of Ohio. He
has lived on his present place since 1841, except 1849-50 he was
in California, gold-mining, in which he was quite successful. Mr.
A. is one of the solid, substantial and representative farmers of
Pike county; in politics is a Republican, and has served his town-
ship as Collector several terms. He is still a bachelor, his two
sisters, Mary and Rebecca, keeping house for him. They are very
pleasantly situated.
James W. Bower, farmer, sec. 27; P. 0.,Cool Bank; is a native
of Ohio and was born Jan. 25, 1836; was the eldest child of Joseph
Bower, who came to this county in 1838 and died in the spring of
1844. He was educated in the common schools of this county,
and in the spring of 1857 married Rebecca Ann Coshon, a native
of Indiana, born June 6, 1839. Three of their five children are
living: Rebecca E., born Dec. 18, 1860, Sarah Olive, born Aug.
30, 1855, and George "Washington, born July 10, 1869. Mr.
742 HISTOKY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Bower moved to Bourbon county, Kan., in the fall of 1858. and re-
turned in 1863. He is Director of the district in which he lives,
and is a Republican.
Orin Oamphell is a farmer, and resides on sec 21.
J. 8. Carson is following the vocation of agriculture on sec. 29.
P. H. Cleveland is also a farmer, and lives on sec. 9, this town-
ship.
Marion Clingensmith, farmer, sec. 19;.F. 0., Barry; was born
Dec. 20, 1848, on the farm where he now lives. His collegiate
course was taken at Lombard University, Knox county, 111. June
5, 1873, he married Lucinda E. Graybael, a ^native of Monroe Co.,
Ind.; they have had 3 children, 2 of whom are living: Marcia B.,
born May 30, 1875, and Anna M., born May 27, 1878. Mr. 0. has
been a School Director at diiferent times. Is a JRepublican, and in
religion a Universalist.
George Conrad, farmer, sec. 14; P.O., Baylis; was born in
1820 in Wayne county. Mo., and is a son of Peter and Sarah Con-
i:ad, natives of North Carolina, who emigrated to Missouri the
spring before George's birth, and are now both deceased. Besides
attending the public schools of Missouri the subject of this notice
also attended for 7 years the Mission Institute at Quincy, lU. He
came to this count}' in 1851, and in 1857 he went to Blue Earth
county, Minn., and in 1869 returned to this county, settling on sec.
14, this tp. In. 1851 he married Miss M. L. Shipman, who
was born in 1821 in Hartford county. Conn. They have had 5
children, 4 of whom are living, to wit : David C, 0. J., Jesse B.
and A. G. At the time of the outbreak of the Sioux in Minnesota
Mr. C. and many of his neighbors left their homes until danger
was over, and in their absence large quantities of grain and other
perishable property was destroyed. Mr. Conrad has held the office
of Road Commissioner and Justice of the Peace, has taught school
some, but his occupation has principally been farming. Mr. and
Mrs. C. are members of the Congregational -Church.
Orange Cram, farmer, sec> 16, of Hadley ; P. 0., Barry; was born
in Ackworth, Sullivan county, N. H., Feb. 16, 1803, and is the sec-
ond son of Jesse and Lydia Cram. In 1823 he moved to Concord,
Lake county, O., where he was married in 1825 to Susan Carroll,
a native of that county; they have 6 living children. In 1866, Mr.
C. settled in this tp. ; has been-a Republican, but is now identified
with the Greenback party. He owns 40 acres of valuable land in a
good state of cultivation.
George Cunningham, farmer, sec. 8; P. O., Barry; was born in
Fayette county, Penn., Aug. 9, 1809. In 1826 he began learning
the tanner's trade, and in 1830 moved to Harrison county, 0.,
where he started a tannery of his own and continued the business
for 12 years. His grandfather, Barnett Cunningham, came from
Scotland at a very early day. His father, Joseph H. Cunningham,,
was born in the house where the subject of this sketch was reared.
In 1831 he married Mary Ann Humphrey, who died March 3,
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 743
1851, leaving 7 children. In April 30, 1878, he married Mrs.
Elizabeth Hojle, a native of Warren county, O., born Feb. 16, 1836.
Mr. C. has been School Director 9 years. In 1866 he came to this
county and purchased the farm where he now resides. He is a
member of the I. O. of O. F., and is the oldest member in the
county. Politically, he is a staunch Democrat.
Jasper Davis, iaxmew sec. 18; P. O., Barry; was born on his
E resent farm, J^uly 19, 1843. His parents, Wm. and Mary E.
>avis were among the earliest settlers of Pike county. Mr. W.
Davis was born in Union county, 111., Oct. 26, 1813, and Mrs. D.
was born in Erie county, O., Oct. 1, 1820; her maiden name was
Bushnell. Her family emigrated to Fulton county. 111., and the
town in McDonough county that bears the family name was named
after her uncle. Dec. 25, 1876, Mr. J. Davis married Mai'garet
Broady, a native of Adams county. 111., born April 15, 1846; they
have one child, "Wm.- Calvin, born Nov. 25, 1877. Mr. D. is Com-
missioner of Public Highways, and politically a Republican.
John S. Davis, farmer, sec. 20; P. O., Barry; was born iu Fay-
eett county, Penn., June 1, 1835; he assisted his father during
summer and attended district school during winter, until he was
1% years old; he then came, with his father's family, to this town.
John H. is the 9th of 11 children. In 1859 be married Miss Em-
ma Ward, who died 4 years after, leaving 2 sons. In Dae., 1865,
he inarried Elizabeth E., daughter of E. D. Kose, of Pittsfield,
born Feb. 4, 1839. They have 2 children. Mr. Davis owns 143
acres of valuable land, and it is well improved. He is a Republican,
and a Methodist.
Anthony Dell, farmer, sec. 22; P. O., Cool Bank; was born
in Madison Co., 111., Nov. 23, 1841; came with his father to Pitts-
field when but 8 years of age; in 1867 married Miss Jane Crone,
and they have 3 children. In 1861 he enlisted in the 2d 111. Cav-
, airy, and served to the close of the war. He is a Republican.
Benjamin Dulan, farmer, sec. 23; P. O., Baylis; was born in
Kalis county, Mo., in March, 1828 ; was married in 1848, and has
7 children; in 1863 moved to Adams Co., and to Pike Co. the fol-
lowing March. He is a Republican, and member of the Baptist
Churcli.
Squire Dutoher was born in Dutchess county, N. Y., Sept. 6,
1806. His father, Gideon Dutcher, was a farmer, and Squire as-
sisted him in the summer and went to district school in the winter.
At the age of 11 his father moved to Chatham Co., N. Y., where he
.died, leaving a widow and 10 children, of whom our subject is the
7th. In 1823 or 1824 he moved with his mother's family toRensel-
laer county, where he learned the trade of carpenter and joiner. In
1827 he married Charlotte Winchell, who died in 1837. They had
2 children. In the fall of the same year he married Eliza A.
Townsend, and they had 3 living children. Mrs. Dutcher died
July 29, 1879. Mr. D.'s oldest son, Charles H., is professor at the
South Normal School at Cape Girardeau, Mo. His second son, Al-
744 HISTOET OF PIKE COTTNTY.
bert, is in the jewelry business at Kirksville, Mo. One, Edgar,
went to California in 1849, and has not been heard from in a num-
ber of years.* Mr. ]J)utcher came to this Co. in 1839, owns a beaati-
ful farm of 66 acres adjoining the city of Barry; is a Eepublican,
and Adventist ; has been Township Collector of Hadiey.
Stephen M. Dutcher^ farmer, sec. 28 ; P. O., Barry; was born
in Dutchess county, N. Y., April 5, 1810. When he was quite
young his parents moved to Columbia county, N. Y., where he
received his education during the winter months in a district
school. During summer he assisted his mother in the cultivation
of the farm until he was 16 years of age. He then learned the
carpenter and joiner trade. In 1834 he removed to Chenango
county, N. Y., where he was married in 1835 to Miss Mary Hunt,
a native of that county, born May 6, 1808. He worked at his trade
until 1845, and then came to this county and purchased his pres-
ent farm, where he has since resided. Mr. and Mrs. Dutcher have
6 living children, ^3 sons and 2 daughters. His son Henry
enlisted in 1861 in the 99th E.eg. I. Y., and served to the close of
the war. He is a Green backer, and member of the Christian
Church.
Charles J. Ford was born on sec. 16, Hadiey tp., Sept. 7, 1843;
educated in the district school; Dec. 23, 1869, he married Miss
Keziah Cunningham, daughter of George Cunningham, of this tp.,
and they haive 3 children. He owns 80 acres of land in a good
state of cultivation; he is School Director of this district.
■ Jerry Gelvin, farmer, sec. 21; P. O., Cool Bank; was born in
Washington Co., Va., June 27, 1818; educated in the same county,
in, the district schools; in 1838 he moved to Wayne Co., Ky., and
in 1841 was married in Pulaski Co., Ky., to Miss Harriet Quails,
daughter of Judge Tunstall Quails, who was a member of the 25th
Congress, and Judge of his Circuit up to the time of his death.
Six of their 9 children are now living. In 1852 he moved to Pike
county, where he has since lived, and is at present agent of the
Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific Railroad at Hadiey Station; is Post-
master of Cool Bank postoffice, and largely engaged in buying
grain. He owns 160 acres of very valuable land. Politically he
is a Democrat.
William A. Qordon, deceased, was born in Ohio, Feb. 15, 1817.
In early life he assisted his parents on the farm ; in 1838 he came
to Piue county, where he was married in 1844 to Sophia R., daugh-
ter of James and Elizabeth Burbridge, a native of Pickaway Co.,
O.; was born Jan. 1, 1827. Thev have one son, James D., born
Oct. 21, 1853, and now married to Mary E. Wike, and who have one
child, Gertrude. Mr. Gordon died Sept. 26, 1874, a man of ster-
ling worth.
William Grammer, farmer, sec. 30; P. O., Barry; born in Boston,
Mass., Jan. 8, 1822; educated in Maiden, Mass.; in 1840 he moved
to this township, settling on sec. 2, where he has lived up to 4 years
ago. In 1846 he married Eliza Philpot, a native of England, but
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 745
a resident of Perry, 111. She died in 1866, leaving one child, Maria
B., now Mrs. Blake. In January, 1874, he married Mrs. McTucker,
widow of John McT. In 1851 he was elected Snpervisftr of Hadley
and held the office 24 years. In 1867 he married his second wife,
Miss Lucy H. Smith, who died in 1872. He is a Eepublican.
Benj.F. Gray, blacksmith and wagon and buggy manufacturer,
Philadelphia; P. O., Cool Bank; wal born in 1840 in this county,
and is a son of Anson and Jane Gray, who came from Qhio to this
place in early day. After receiving a fair public school education
and growing to manhood, Benj. F. in 1868 married Mary Ann Hall,
and by her had one child, Sophia A. Mrs. Gray died in 1869, and
Mr. Gray in 1870 married Elizabeth Ann Mellon, who was born in
1848 in Washington county. Pa., and they have had 3 children,
Lena May, Gertrude and Nina A. Mr. Gray has followed farming,
but b)' trade is a blacksmith and manufacturer of wagons and
buggies, which business he has followed for a number of years.
He was 3 years in the war, in Cb. K, 99th 111. luf. Politically he
is a Republican.
Howard A. Grayiael, farmer, sec. 31 ; P. O., Barry ; was born
iu Monroe Co., Ind., June 22, 1842; received a common-school edu-
cation; in 1864 removed to this tp. ; in 1870, in St. Charles Co.,
Mo., married Miss Mary A. Miller, a native of that county; they
have 2 children, Adella, bprn Aug. 27, 1872, and Lloyd, Aug. 25,
1879. He owns 80 acres of very valuable land, as fertile as this
county aflfords. In politics he is a Democrat.
James M. Green, farmer, sec. 31; P. O., Barry; was born in
Barry tp., June 13, 1845, the 3d son of 9 children of P. D. S. Green,
of Barry tp., and a native of Rensellaer Co., N. Y., who came to
this county in early day. James M. took two courses in Lombard
University at Galesburg, 111. In 1866 he married Addie M. Hol-
lenbeck, who died Sept. 14, 1870, leaving one child, Nora. In
1874 he married Hannah Tilden, a native of Franklin Co., N. Y.,
born Sept. 23, 1848. He owns 120 acres of good land, and is a
Republican.
D. p. Guss, farmer, sec. 6; P. O., Barry; was born in 1841 in
Pennsylvania, and is the son of William and Eliza Guss, natives
also of the Keystone State, who emigrated to this county when
their son was 7 years old, and are still living in this county. D. P.
was educated in the common schools here. In 1860 he married
Miss Mary J. Lawton, who was born in 1845 in this county, and
they have 2 children, Charlie E. and Ollie M. From poverty Mr.
Guss has risen to become the owner of a nice home of 160 acres
of land worth $35 an acre. He is a Freemason, and in politics is a
Democrat.
H. L. Eadsell, farmer, sec. 15; P. O., Barry. This gentleman
was born in 1842, in this county, and is a sou of IST. V. and Eliza-
beth J. Hadsell, both natives o^ New York, who came to this
county in 1834, thus being early pioneers here. H. L. obtained a
public-school education, and wJtien 19 years of age he enlisted in
746 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
t
Co. I, 28th 111. Inf., as private, Aug. 3, IS61, and was. promoted 2d
Lieutenant in October, 1862; in 1863 he was again promoted Ist
Lieutenant, and in 1864 he was promoted Captain of Co. F, 28th
111. Inf , under Gen. Grant. His first engagement was at'' Belmont
Mo.; he then went to Paducah, then to Fort' Henry, Pittsburg Land!
ing, Corinth, Holly Springs, Vicksburg during the siege, Jack-
son (where he engaged in a iiard-fought battle), Natchez, to do
provost duty on account of meritorious conduct, where he remained
one year; then to New Orleans, then Mobile. "While on the wav
to Mobile the troops were shipwrecked, but no one was lost; took
a well fortified fort at Mobile Point; then was engaged in the
siege of Spanish Fort, Ala., which place surrendered after a month's
siege; then he was in the siege of Fort Blakely, which also surren-
dered in 1864, these places being the key to Mobile, already taken.
Gen. Canby took Mobile, under whose command Capt. Hadsell was
at the time; then the Captain with his force was ordered to Browns-
ville, Texas, where he remained until his discharge, April 6,1866.
He then returned home and engaged in farming, which he has fol-
lowed ever since with success, now owning 200 acres of land worth
$60 per acre. lu 1866 he married Miss Adda Baker, who was born
in 1843 in' Hamilton county, O., and they have had 2 children, to
wit: Laura M. and Leon Y. The Captain and his wife are mem-
bers of the Free-will Baptist Church.
John D. Hamilton, farmer, sec. 34; P. 0., Barry; was born in
Ayrshire, Scotland, Sept. 29, 1836. In 1845 his father died,
and in 1850 his mother, with a family of 4 children, emigrated to
this country and settled in St. Louis, Mo. In the fall of 1854
John D. moved to Quincy, 111., and in 1861, to Pike Co., and set-
tled on his present farm, which he had purchased some time pre-
viously. In 1870 he married Annie Shaw, a native of this county,
and they have 3 children, — ^Thomas, Ida and Alexander. He is a
member of the M. E. Church and a Republican.
Albert E. Hays, farmer, sec. 16; P. O., Cool Bank; was born
in Franklin county, O., Oct. 27, 1832. In 1846 he came with his
parents to this county, and in 1864 was married to Margaret Pierce,
who died in the fall of 1867, leaving one child, Wm. In 1870 he
married Mabel Norris, and their children are : Lillian, May,
Oscar ]Sr., Kate and Bertie E. Mr. H. owns 80 acres of land, and
is a Greenbacker.
Pulaski Hays, farmer, sec. 9; P. 0., Barry; was born in Frank-
lin county, O., April 13, 1845. While yet in his infancy bis
parents,' Richard and Catharine Hays came to this county and set-
tled in Hadley tp. In 1868 he married Nannie Qnarles, and their
2 children are Harry and Clarence. He.«wus 120 acres of land,
and is a Republican.
Theodore Hays, farmer, sec. 16; P. O., Barry; was born in
Franklin county, O., in 1836 ; came West in 1846, and with his
parents settled in this county, wiiere his early education was ob-
tained. In 1862 he married Miss Mary Johnson and they have 6
HISTORY or PIKE COUNTY. 74t7
children . He is a Republican and owns 120 acres of first-rate land.
/, B. mil is a farmer, residing on sec. 28.
Harlow Hwntley, farmer, sec. 10; P. 0., Cool Bank; was born
in Oneida county, N.'Y., July 19, 1806; is the eldest of 6 children
of Amos and Addie Huntley, early settlers of that county. His
grandfather, Amos Huntley, sen., was a revolutionary soldier. Mr.
H. emigrated with his parents to Alleghany county, N.Y., when
he was 3 years old. Here he was raised and educated. He assist-
ed on the farm, and at the age of 20, married Elmira Partridge, a
native of Hampshire county, Mass., who died Sept. 19, 1877, leav-
ing 10 children. He has been a resMent of this county since 1843;
in 1850 was elected Justice of the Pea^ce and held the office till
1877, and is at the present time Treasurer of this tp. During his
residence here he has accumulated 1,000 acres of land, which he
has divided among his 3 sons. He was raised a Jackson Demo-
•orat, bat at the breaking out of the Kebellion he aided largely in the
organization of the Kepublican party, in whose ranks he was found
till 1878, since which time he has been a zealous Grreenbacker.
George B. Kimball, farmer, sec. 4; P. 0., Barry; was born in
Worcester, Norfolk county, Massi, in 1831. At the age of 6 years
Ins "parents, David and Rebecca Kimball, moved to this county,
where he was raised and educated. In 1854 he married Mary
Osborn, a native of Ohio, born Aug. 10, 1836, and they have 4
sons and 4 daughters. He is a Republican, and owns 170 acres of
Jand.
Francis McCartney, farmer, sec. 19; P. O., Barry; was born in
Eoss county, Ohio, Sept. 22, 1811 ; was raised on a farm and as-
sisted his father until 1832, when he married Eliza Johnson, also a
native of Ross county, and was born Aug. 30, 1811. Of their 10
children 5 are living. In the fall of 1850 Mr. M. moved to Pike
Co., and purchased the beautiful farm on which he now resides. In
1861 his son Charles enlisted in the 99th Reg., and served during
the entire war. His son, Milton, enlisted in 1865, and served to
the close. Mr. M. is a Democrat.
John a. McClain, farmer, sec. 32; P. 0., Barry; was born in
Knox countv, Tenn., Nov. 12, 1844; is the youngest of 9 children.
In April, 18'62, he enlisted in Co. D, 6th Reg. T. V. I., and served
in several of the engagements in Slierman's march to the sea. He
was mustered out at Nashville, Tenn., in 1866, after which he re-
turned home for a short time, and then moved to near Lexington,
Kentucky. In the fall of 1870 he came to this county; in 1871 he
married Sarah E. Shaw, daughter of Daniel Shaw, of Derry tp.,
born March 13. 1841. They have 3 children, — Annie E., James
D. and May. Mr. McOlain is cultivating a valuable farm in Hadley
and Derry tps., is a Republican and a Baptist.
Patrick McMahan is a farmer, pursuing his calling on sec. 9,
Jacol Orehaugh, farmer, sec. 6 ; P. O. , Barry ; was born in Rock-
ingham county, Va., July 17, 1824; at the age of five years he
moved with his parents to Highland county, O., where he was
74:8 HISTORY OF PIKE OOUNTl".
raised and educated. In 1846 he married Emma Predmore, a na-
tive of N. J., and they have 4 living children. In 1856 he
settled in this tp. ; has been School Director: is a Baptist and
a Republican.
James H. Orebaugh, farmer, sec. 8; P. 0., Barrj; was born in
Clermont county, O., June 9, 1852, and came to this county with
his parents when he was five years of age. When 15 years old he
visited 8 or 10 different States, and in 1876 came home, and was
married Jan. ^ , 1878, to Sarah 0. Matthews, daughter of Joseph
Matthews, deceased, of Adams county. III. They have one child,
Nellie Maud, lie is a meinbei'of the G-erman Baptist church.
David H. Fatten, farmer, sec. 14; P. O., Baylis; was born in
Belmont county, O., in 1841, 'and is the son of David and Eliza
Patten, who emigrated to this county about 38 years ago, and have '
since died. Receiving a common-school education and growing up
to manhood, David H. in 1862 married Miss Alice' States, who
was born in 1847 iii t^^is county, and still resides on the old'home-
stead. Their 4 children are Charlie, Lulu, Merton and Harry.
Mr. P. has had good success in farming, now owning 320 acres of
first-rate land, well improved. In politics Mr. P. is a Democrat;
is a member of the I. O. O. F., and both himself and wife are mem-
bers of the M. E. Church.
Williain' A. Peck, farmer, sec. 21; P. O., Barry; was born in
Ross county, Ohio, May 27, 1842; came to this county when 5
3'ears old. In 1864 was married to Jessie Wilson, a native of Scot-
land. They have 6 children. He is at present School Director,
and in politics he is a Democrat.
Dean Peterson, farmer, sec. 36; P. O., Baylis; was born in 1804,
in Salem county. Upper Penn's Neck, N. J., and is the son of
Robert and Catharine Peterson ; his father was a native of Dela-
ware and his mother of New Jersey, both deceased. In 1821 his
parents m»ved with him to Ohio where they remained until 1836,
when they emigrated to this connty and settled on sec. 36, his
present residence. The subject of this notice being a pioneer in
this section, has had to work very hard, amid many privations;
has had to split rails at 25 cents per day; by littles he accumu-
lated enough to enter 80 acres of land, and he now owns 120 acres.
Sept. 18, 1834, he married Miss Catharine Troy, who was born
in Clermont county, O., and they have had 11 children, 9 of
whom are living. Dean first learned the shoemaker's trade, but not
liking that business, he engaged in farming, having had reasonable
success'. He is still a stout man for his years. He has visited the
Pacific coast. He has been Supervisor and School Director, and in
politics is a Democrat.
Josiah W. Richards, deceased, was born in Boston, Mass., Nov.
21, 1811. March 3, 1835, he married Margaret Phillips, who was
born July 16, 1812, and died Oct. 3, 1849, leaving 3 daughters.
March 21. 1852, Mr. R. married Esther Garraux, who was born
Oct. 23, 1817, and who, by her first marriage, had one daughter.
HADLEY TF
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 751
Mr. and Mrs. Eichards had 3 children. la 1837 Mr. E. came to
Macoupin Co., 111., where he lived 4 or 5 years, then moved to St.
Louis, Mo. Dec. 1, 1853, he again moved to Illinois and settled
in this county, where he died Jan. 4, 1866. He was a Eepublican.
James Uossell, farmer, sec. 29; P. O., Barry. Mr. E. was born in
1845 in Pennsylvania; his parents were Joseph and Aditha Eossell,
both natives of Pennsylvania; when he was 6 years of age his parents
emigrated with him to this county, where he obtained a public-
school education and grew to manhood; in 1870 he married Alice
M. Haycraft, who was born in 1850 in this county. Mr. E. is a
farmer, owning 181 acres of No. 1 land, and is now erecting a
dwelling at a cost of $3,000. He is also a stock-raiser, and some-
times does something in the line of shipping wheat.
Ira A. Sweet, farmer and stock- raiser, sec. 32; P. 0;, Barry.;
was born in Eensellaer county, N. Y., Sept. 1, 1820, and is the
eldest son of Ira and Sarah (Hadsell) Sweet, _ also natives of the
Empire State; they tirst emigrated to Alleghany county, N. Y., in
1837, and then in May of the following year to this county, settling
in this tp., where in 1844 the parents died, leaving the care of the
property with Ira A., the subject of this sketch; the latter had but
limited opportunities for an early education; in this county, Oct.
30, 1856, he married Miss Martha Hewitt, who was born in Eoss
county, 0., Sept. 6, 1821; when first married he had about $15.00
worth of property; he novv owns 191 acres of land, worth $50 per
acre. He raises and deals in young cattle and other stock. In
politics he is a Eepublican, and in religion a Baptist. His por-
trait appears in this volume.
Robert H. Taylor, farmer, sec. 36; P. O., New Salem. Mr. T.
was born in 1842 in this county; his parents are Matthew M. and
Eliza Taylor, natives of Pennsylvania; was educated in this county,
and in 1866 he married Sarah A. Sharer, who was born in 1847 in
this county. Their 3 children are Jacob E., Jesse A. and Matthew
R. Mr. Taylor is a farmer of considerable note, owning 168 acres
of good land, where he raises some stock. Mr. and Mrs. T. are
members of the M. E. Church. In politics Mr. T. is a Democrat.
Thomas H. Thomas, farmer, sec. 33; P. O., Barry; was born in
St. Louis county. Mo., Sept. 15, 1851; is the son of Thomas
'Thomas, deceased, who came to this county in 1857. He was
raised in slavery by Mr. Pernod, who gave him his freedom.
Shortly before he came to Illinois he purchased the freedom of his
wife, who was also born in slavery in the same neighborhood. Her
name was Sophia Patiese. They were married in 1850, and they have
5 living children, the subject of this sketch being the oldest. He
was married Dee. 30, 1875, to Dasara Ann Lawson, a native of
Natchez, Miss., born Oct. 24, 1850, and they have 2 children. He
is a Eepublican,. a Methodist, and owns 320 acres of valuable land.
Ansel Vond, farmer, sec. 22; P. O., Cool Bank; was born in
Monroe county, N. Y., Oct. 12, 1828; was raised and educated in
his native county. In Nov., 1857, he settled in this county, and
43
752 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
in 1858 lie was married to Lucy Ann McWorter, daughter of Frank
McWorter, the tirst settler in this township. They have 3 living
children, — Lncy, George E. and Francis Nero. He owns 82 acres
of land in a good state of cultivation; is a member of the Baptist
Church, and a Republican.
John Walker, farmer, sec. 22; P. O., Cool Bank; was born a
slave in Spottsylvania county, Ya., in 1802; was owned by several
masters up to 1834, when he purchased his own freedom from David
Van Auefor $300, after which, he rented ground and went to work
for himself. According to the laws of the State at that time, a free
negro was not allowed to remain in the State but one year; but
through the influence of a friend in the Legislature, he obtained a
permit to remain 3 years, but he does not remember whether he
staid the full allotted time or not. By working hard and saving money
he purchased a cheap team, which he sold in 1838 and canie to Ran-
dolph county. Mo., with Wm. E.. Dusen, the man who owned his
wife and children. After coming to Missouri, he had money enough
to purchase 80 acres of land and went to raising tobacco, corn and
hogs. In 1850 he purchased the freedom of 2 of his children,
Peter and Lettie, and in 1854 he purchased his wife Lucy and son
Oregon. His wife was then 50 years of age and had been a slave
all her life. His son was then about 18 years of age. He paid
$1,100 for both. rHe afterward purchased his daughter Louise and
her 2 children, Charles and William, for whom he paid $600. In
1861 he owned 460 acres of land and a considerable amount of per--
sonal property which he sold, and came to this countj' and settled
on sec. 22 in this tp., where he has since resided. John has been
the father of 16 .children, — only 3 of whom are living, — Oregon,
Archy and Peter. The balance of his children were all emanci-
pated by Lincoln's proclamation. His descendants are numerous;
he is one of the wealthy men of Pike county, and has accumulated
all his property by his own honest, industry. Although wholly
uneducated in the books, he has a rare natural ability; is very lib-
eral in his views, even recognizing the right of slavery; says he
has never received any cruel treatment from any of his masters.
He is highly respected in his neighborhood.
Stephen R. Watson, farmer, sec. 18; P. 0., Barry; was born in
Newport, Perkimer county, N. Y., April 25, 1811; in 1830 he set-
tled in Atlas, this county, where, in 1834, he married Miss Ann
Brown, a native of Massachusetts, who died in June, 1879, leaving
one son and three daughters; three of her children have died.
Having learned the tailor's trade in the East, Mr. Watson contin-
ued in the business of merchant tailor in Atlas. In 1835 he pur-
chased the beautiful farm on which he now resides, the cultivation
of which he has brought to a high degree. Since his location here
he has dev^oted his attention exclusively to farming. He is a TJni-
rersalist, a Kepublican, and a highly respected member of society.
Joshua Woosley, farmer, sec. 19; P. O., Barry; was born in
Wilson county, Tenn., July 9, 1805; when he was 9 years old, his
HISTOKT OF PIKE COUNTY. 753
parents moved with him to Christian countj', Ky.; Oct. 30, 1827,
he married Margaret Johnson, daughter of William Johnson, of
that county ; she died Sept. 8, 1868, leaving i children ; six of her
children had died, and since her death her youngest daughter has
died. In 1828 Mr. W. settled on Sugar Creek, in Sangamon county,
111., and after about 18 months he settled on the place where he
now resides. Nov. 4, 1869, he married Mrs. Augusta Ann Sidner,
widow of John Sidner, of this tp., who was born in Madison county,
Ohio, Oct. 2, 1815, and has one daughter by her pi-evious marriage.
Mr. Woosley has been County Commissioner 3 years, Associate
County Judge 4 years. Sheriff 2 years, Tp. Assessor and Collector
several terms, Justice of the Peace 12 years, Constable 8 years,
etc., etc.; is now Assessor and Collector. He has held more offices
than any other man in the count}'. He is the oldest citizen of this
tp., and is perhaps as well acquainted with the political history of
Pike county as any other citizen.
DERRY TOWNSHIP.
This township embraces a fine farming district. It is especially
well adapted to the raising of stock, and to fruit-growing. Very
early in the history of the county the pioneer was attracted hither.
To the memory of David W. Howard is due the honor of being the
first settler of Derrj township. He came here as early as 1826,
and made improvements on see. 28, where he built the first
house in the township. Soon came Charles Martin, the second
settler, and Isaiah Cooper, the' third. The latter settled on sec.
20. Then followed Uobert McCliutock, William and Joseph Horn-
back, Charles Hoskins, James and Nineveh Barnes, Mr. Kinne, S.
F. Thomas, Henry Fesler and others, who also made improvements
and did much in developing the native resources of this fine agri-
cultural district.
Soon after the arrival of the above pioneers, settlers began to
pour in so fast that it was even then diflScult to keep pace with
their advent, and after the lapse of 40 years it is impossible to
speak of them in the general order of their coming. They formed
one of the pleasantest communities to be found in the State. The
early pilgrims were well-disposed persons. Of those above men-
tioned none are now living in the township except Mr. William
Hornback. The descendants of many, however, are numerous, and
they are in general of the same disposition as that of their fathers,
only more, modernized. It is hardly too much to say, that no com-
munity in the county excels this in this respect. The present
generation is largely made up of people who were born here,
or who have lived here from their childhood, and they have
nearly all fallen into the good ways of the pioneers. They
are honest, moral, religious, social, economical, are not in debt,
have but few, if SLuy paupers, seldom go to law, are generous
to each other in misfortune, have no aristocracy, pay their bills, —
in fact, form a well-regulated, and we might say model, community.
Here we find more marked than in any other township almost,
the simplicity and good habits of the early settlers, uncontaminated
by modern degenerate practices. There are no large towns near
enough to attract the attention of the younger people, and accord-
ingly they find amusement and sociability at home, and grow up
purer and better than would be the case were a city in their midst.
Besides this, we would mention the f^ct that the population has
HJSTOEY Of PIKE OOUNTT. 755
changed le^f; than most others, is made up more of the families and
descendants of the first hottlers, and is mingled less with foreigners
than is the ease in most places. Fortunately, the foreigner-: living
here are nearly all of the religious, careful, economical class, whose
mannera and customs are largely in harmony with tho-e of the
balance of the community.
The family connections of the Ilornbacks, Hoskins, Joneses,
Parsleys, Taylors, .Martins, Feslers, Thomases, etc., etc., form some
remarkable circles of relatives, living in good circumstances, moral,
many religious, bringing down to trie present generation the best
qualities of the early pioneers.
To William Homback, the only one of the earliest pilgrims now
living in the township, we are indebted for the greater part of this
gketch. In 1829, when he came to this township, there were but
80 voters in Pike county, and only four families in I)erry township.
During those early days the Indians were numerous in this
neighborhood. It is true the great body of aborigines had been
driven westward across the Mississippi, but hundreds lingered
around the new settlement, loth to leave the beautiful hunting
f rounds where they had enjoyed so many happy experiences. They
nally Ijecarne quite troublesome, and annoyed the settlers greatly
by their constant stealing. They became a great nuisance, and
viewing them in this light the settlers determined to rid them-
selves of them. Accordingly an army was raised to go on an expe-
dition against these pesky natives. It is true it was a small army,
numbering only 15 men, but it was a determined one, and conse-
quently was victxjrious. These men marched out and notified the
red-skins to evacuate their,camp and leave the neighborhood. This
some of them refused to do. Not wishing to do bodily harm to
them if they could be got rid of without, the commander of the
little band engraved the image of an Indian's head on a tree, and
then William Ilornback and one or two others discharged their
guns at this image. This was the signal that the whites would fight,
and it had the desired effect; for the Indians immediately left the
neighborhood, and have never more intruded upon the lands of the
settlers of this township.
Wild animals, such as the deer, wolf, coon, and the wild turkey,
were numerous here in the early settlement of the township. There
were also some panthers, catamounts, wild cats and lynx found here.
For the pioneers this was literally a land of "milk and honey,"
especially the latter. Although they were deprived of many of
the advantages and comforts that are enjoyed by their posterity,
yet they had abundance of what is a rare luxury to the latter at the
present day. Wild honey and venison were their common, every-
day fare. The venison was preserved by drying. Wm. Ilornback
found a tree within 200 yards of his house, which he cut, and took
from it several bncketiuls of honey on Christmas Day, 1829. Mr.
Hornback also tells us that he has shot many turkeys while stand-
ing in the door of his house. During the big snow in the win-
756 HISTORY OF PIKE OOUNTT.
ter of 1830-1, the wild turkeys congregated in such large numbers
in Mr. Howard's corn-field that he had to call upon his neighbors,
among whom was Mr. Hornback, to assist him in killing them, in
order to save his corn. Many of those s-laughtered on the occasion
were thrown away, while some were preserved and used for food.
As Mr. Hornback is the oldest settler now living in the town-
ship, we give a bit of his experience during the memorable winter
above alluded to, although before tlie big snow fell. In the fall of
1830 he started on horseback for Rock Island. When he arrived
at Pope creek, however, the weather turned so extrqmely cold that
he was in imminent danger of freezing to death. He turned his
horse homeward to retrace his steps. To add to the already great
peril in which he was, he was severely attacked with the bilious
colic. This, together with the cold, nearly caused him the loss of
his life. It began to snow and sleet on the 23d of December, which
made traveling very difficult and slavish upon horses. Mr. Horn-
back arrived at Quincy, on his return, on the evening of Dec. 24.
On the following morning the ground was very rough and the ice
so thick that his unshod horse could hardly travel. As it was
Christmas" and but one blacksmith shop in Quincy, he could not
get his horse shod. The blacksmith who ran that shop was too
religious to work on Christmas. When Mr. Hornback asked him
to shoe his horse he replied that he never had worked on Christ-
mas and he would be d — d if he ever would. After a hard and
tedious day's journey Mr. Hornback arrived at home, and that
night the big snow began to fall.
Thomas Proctor was the first Justice of the Peace. The first
death that occurred in Derry township was that of James Horn-
back. The first marriage was that of Enoch Cooper to Miss
Esther Cooper in 182,9. Miss Cooper was the adopted daughter of
Isaiah Cooper. The first child born was to Daniel and Pauline
Howard in 1827.
The first church building in Derry was erected in 1854, in
Eldara, by the Methodist people. This Society was organized
in the pioneer days and worshiped in school-houses and dwellings
prior to this. The first sermon was preached bj^ Rev. Mr. Bogard,
a Methodist minister, in 1829, at the house of William Hornback.
In 1830 the renowned Lorenzo Dow preached a sermon in the same
house, at which time he baptized William L. and Hopeful Horn-
back, children of William Hornback, of whom we have spoken so
freq uently in this sketch .
The school system of Derry township is excellent, and great in-
terest is manifested by the parents in the education of their chil-
dren. The first school-house was erected on sec. 20, in 1837. At
present there are nine school buildings in the township, in which,
as a rule, excellent schools are kept.
HISTOKY OF PIKE COUNTY. 757
ELDAKA.
This beautiful little village is situated near the suiinnit of a fer-
tile eminence, overlooking a large tract of undulating land skirted
by tihiber on both the north and south. From this locality is pre-
sented to the eye a view as beautiful and inviting as any picture
nature offers through this section of country. Standing upon the
summit one can behold, either south or east of the village, the
beauties of nature and the wisdom of a Divine Creator.
The town was founded in 1836 by Nathaniel Winters, and first
named Washington. It received its present name in this wise, as
related by Esq. Underwood, of Barry, but who fir many years
was a prominent citizen of Eldara. When he was in Mexico, dur-
ing the war between the United States and that country, he and his
comrades passed tlirough a beautiful little town called Eldora.
From there he wrote a letter back to his home, which was then at
the old town of Washington, ' There being another town in the
State (Washington, Tazewell county) by the same name, the Post-
master-General notified the postmaster at this poii^t tliat the name
must be changed. The settlers could think of no suitable name,
but when Esq. Underwood's letter came, post-marked Eldora, that
name particularly struck their fancy.. They, however, mistook the
spelling of it slightly, spelling it with an a in the second or middle
syllable, instead of an o, according to the true Spanish. The mean-
ing of the word is "gold." The Postmaster-General was notified
of the change, aud since then (1847) it has been known by the
beautiful, modified Spanish name of Eldora.
At that time Mr. Motley platted an addition to the town of
Washington, and to it he gave the name of Eldara.
The town now contains about 350 inhabitants. There are located
here two dry-goods stores, two grocery stores, one drug store, two
shoe shops, two blacksmith shops, one wagon shop, three churches
and one school building. The religious denominatious represented
here are Methodist Episcopal, Christian, and a new sect known as
the Holiness. The Christian congregation erected a house of wor-
ship in 1875, and the Holiness society refitted the old school house,
which they now use as a church.
The M. E. Church building was struck by lightning in June,
1869, and the Christian church received a stroke on the morning
of March 26, 1880, damaging it considerably. Tiiere is a. theory
among some of the citizens that tliere is a mineral in the ground
at this point that attracts the current of atmospheric electricity,
for not only these buildings have been struck by ligiitning, but a
barn also received a stroke a few years ago. It took fire and was
consumed.
There is a lodge of each of the orders of Freemasons and Odd
Fellows in the village. Many of the leading citizens throughout
the neighborhood are members of tliese orders.
768 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
/
I'EESONAL SKETCHES.
In closing the history of the township and village we wish to
speak personally of the prominent citizens of both town and coun-
try. This we will now do in alphabetical rotation.
William F. Baoon, ■ druggist, Eldara, was born in Berkshire
county, Mass., July 18, 1834, and is a son of Benjamin and Mary
A. Bacon ; the former is deceased, and the latter is at Saratoga
Springs, N. Y. "Wm. F. was reared on a farm and received a com-
mon-school education in his native State. In 1866 he came to
Coles county, 111., where he remained one year and then went to
Iowa; was one year in Missouri ; in March, 1879, he came to this
county, settling in Eldara, and engaging in the drug business, in
which he had 4 years' experience before coming here. Oct. 2,
1862, he married Sarah E. Plarkness, and they have one daughter,
Emma, who was born July 14, 1863. Mr. Bacon served 10 months
in the late war, in Co. D, 50th III. Inf., and was in the battle of
Shiloh, where he was wounded, on account of which, and sickness,
he was discharged in June, 1862.
Samuel 'Barley, farmer, sec. 22; was born in Pennsylvania,
Sept. 25, 1843; emigrated to this county in 1848;" was first married
to Amelia E. Jacobs, Dec. 31, 1863, and they had 6 children —
Gideon McClellan, born May 5, 1864; "William Frederick, born
April 23, 1866, and died in infancy; Sarah Ellen, born Nov. 11,
1867 ; Amelia Jane, Feb. 10, 1870'; Samuel, June 26, 1872; and
Bertha, March 2, 1874. For a second wife Mr. Barley married
Mrs. Malinda H. Leads, a native of this county, who had 2 chil-
dren by a former husband, — David M., born Dec. 28, 1870, and
Ernest 'E., born May 23, 1874. Mr. and Mrs. Barley have 2 chil-
dren; Ablera, born Dec. 8, 1877, and Leuon, Dec. 15, 1879. Mr.
B. is not a partisan, but always votes for the best men, regardless
of party. P. 0., Eldara.
Jam,es F. Brawley, P. O.. Eldara; was born in Pittsfield tp., in
1849; has followed- farming most of the time, but at present is a
trader. In 1868 he married Martha E. Potter. They belong to
the Christian Church. In 1876 Mr.jB. was Tax Collector. In poli-
tics he is a Democrat. He is also a Mason and Odd Fellow.
John Brown, farmer, sec. 25; P. 0., Hartford; was born in Ohio
in 1832, the son of Alexander and Isabella Brown, of Irish descent;
chances for early education fair; in 1863 he married Nancy Cheffy,
and they had 6 children, 4 of whom are living. April 3, 1875. he
married Anna Hoskins. He' came to Pike county in 1854. Be;
sides carrj'ing on farming, Mr. Brown also deals in stock. He owns
80 acres of land. He is a Democrat, and both himself and wife
are members of the M. E. Church.
Theodore C. Bunker, farmer, sec. 28; P. 0., Eldara; was born
June 26, 1839, in Penobscot county, Me., and in 1859 went to Cali-
fornia; Nov,. 19, 1868, he married" Clara Wood, of Derry tp., and
then returned to California, and back again to this county in 1870,
HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY. 759
and has since resided here. He owns 55 acres of land on sec. 28,
worth $65 per acre; is a member of the Baptist Church; has been
School Director in his district for the last three years. Mr. and
Mrs. B. have had 5 children; only three are living — Florence, John
Frederick, Frank Forest and Theodora B. Mr. B. is a Republican.
Patrick Carney, farmer, residing on the east half of the north-
east of sec. 16, was born in Roscommon county, Ireland, and came to
America with his father in 1852 and settled in this tp., where he
now resides. Both his parents died in this county, leaving 7 chil-
dren, 6 of whom are living — Mary, Catharine, Thomas, Ellen,
Bridget, Patrick and Margaret. Mr. C. owns 110 acres of land;
he raises corn and live-stock. Is a member of the Catholic Church
in Pittsfield, and is a Democrat. P. O., Eldara.
Thomas Carney, farmer, sec. 16, was "born in the south part of
Ireland, June 22, 1842; came with his father to America in 1849
and settled in Derry. Feb. 26, 1877, he married Katie McGuire,
daughter of Peter McGuire. He owns 80 acres of land worth
about $45 per acre; raises wheat, corn and stock. He and wife
are both members of the Catholic Churcli in Pittslield. Mr. 0.
has been an Odd Fellow, and is a Democrat. P. O., Eldara.
James W. Chamberlain, farmer, sec. 34; P. O., Rockport; was
born in Butler county, O., May 12, 1828; his parents emigrated to
this county in 1833 and settled on the farm where he now resides;
was married to Miss Jane Veal when 24 years of age, and they had
4 children, one of whom is dead. Jan. 20, 1864, he married Mary
Frances Harris, and they have 2 children, — Laura, now 14 years
of age, and Jennie, 10 years of age. Mr. C. owns 140 acres of
land, valued at $50 per acre; he is a member of the Masonic or-
der, has filled the office of Assessor and Collector in this tp., and
in politics is a Republican. Mr. and Mrs. C. are members of the
Christian Church.
Mrs. Jane Chamierlnin was born in Wayne county, Ind., Dec.
1, 1821; emigrated to this county with her parents in 1836. Her
maiden name was Gordon, and she married William Chamberlain
May 7, 1840, and thev had 5 children, — Mary, born March 22,
1841; Aaron, May 13^1843; John, Feb. 23, 1846, and died Nov.
22, 1871; William, born Oct. 17, 1848, and Carrie, Dec. 5, 1851.
Mr. C. died March 17, 1852, deeply regretted by all who knew
him. Mrs. 0. still occupies the old homestead, on sec 33, with her
youngest son, William, who takes good care of his mother, as well
as of the farm. Her oldest son, Aaron, was iii the late war in Co.
A, 99th Reg. 111. Vol., and served for 3 years. Mrs. C. is the
owner of 120 acres of land, wOrth $30 per acre. She is a member
of the Christian Church at Barry. P. O., Eldara.
Silas 8. ClarJCy teacher, Eldara, has taught school for 10 years, —
5 years in Pike county, and at present resides in Eldara. In
March, 1874, he married Miss May Sweet, and they have 2 children.
He is now teaching in Taylor school-house. He is a member of
7^0 HISTOKY OF PIKE COUNTY.
the Masonic and Odd Fellows Orders in Eldara. Both he and hig
wife are members of the Christian Church.
Thomas II. Goley, miller, at Eldara, was born Dec. 21, 1836, in
Putnam county, Ind.; came to this county Oct., 1851, and set-
tled iu Martinsburg tp.; has lived where he now resides, sec. 21
since 1870. Sept. 30, 1860, he married Martha E. Goodin, and
thej have 8 children: Mary E., Lewis H., William L., Carrie M.,
Lucius A., Henry Virgil, Lillie M. and Golda R. Mr. C. owns 80
acres of land, worth $5,000. He is a Democrat, and himself and
wife are members of the Christian Church.
Robert Diokson, farmer, sec. 23; P. O., Eldara; was born in
Morgan county, O., Aug. 20, 1836; came to this county in Dec,
1854; was raised on a farm, worked one summer at the tanning
business; Jan. 1, 1858, married Mary Payne, and they had 3 chil-
dren, all of whom are dead. Mrs. D. died in Feb., 1861. In Oct.,
1865, Mr. D. married* Lucy Ann Payne, and they have had 7 chil-
dren, 5 of whom are living: Henry, Alice, Anni^, Eveline and
Lucy. Those dead are Eugene and an infant. Mr. Dickson was
in the' late, war in Co. G. 99th Reg. 111. Vol., enlisting Aug. 23,
1862. Owns 274 acres of land, worth $30 per acre; has been
School Director, and is a Republican.
Charles E. Dodge, farmer, sec. 6 ; P. O., Eldara; was born in
Warren county. 111., Nov. 10, 1838; came to this county in the fall
of 1874 and settled in Pleasant Vale tp., resided there about 2
years, and then removed to where he now lives, March 1, 1876;
Oct. 20, 1863, he married Mary Gard, and tliey had 3 children:
Lennie M., born April 14, 1865; Peter H.,Oct. 24, 1866; and Ber-
tha M., Feb. 4, 1876. Mr. D. is a member of the Baptist Chnreh
at Barry. He has been Constable in Bureau county for 4 years,
and Road Overseer and School Director in his tp. ; owns 95 acres of
land, worth $3,00*^. While living in Dunklin county, Mo., he
was conscripted by the Confederate Government and forced to serve
in the rebel army under Gen. Jeff. Thompson until the first day of
Oct., 1861, at which time he surrendered to Col. R. J. Oglesby at
the battle of Belmont, when Gen. Grant, who was in command of
the Federal forces, gave him a free pass home. When he was con-
scripted his property was confiscated and he was threatened with
incarceration because he asked for a voucher for his property, which
the rebels had converted to their own use. He afterward enlisted
in Co. E, 37th Reg. I. V. I., served 4 months, and was discharged
because of ill health. Mr. Dodge is a Republican.
Christopher Dolbeare, farmer, sec. 15; P. O., Eldara; was born
March 7, 1852, in this tp.; his father was Rozel 0. Dolbeare, and
his mother was Priscilla (Hoover) D. His uncle, Aaron Hoover,
served in the late war. Christopher lives near Eldara, and 4 years
ago took a pleasure trip tlirough New York, Rhode Island and
Connecticut, visiting friends, and then went to Ohio on a similar
trip, and to the northern part of Illinois last fall.
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 761
. John Drummond, farmer, sec. 30; P. O., Eldara; owns a farm
of 79 I acres 4 miles from Eldara; was born in Clermont county,
0., June 21, 1814; came to Adams county in 1842, remained there
4years and then moved to Salem tp., and in 1853 to where he now
resides. Sept. 20, 1835, he married Deborah Graham, and they
have had 17 children, 10 girls and 7 boys. His grandfather, John
Drummond, was in the Revolution. Mrs. D.'s mother was Eliza-
beth Graham, and her father John Graham, who was in the war
of 1812. Her mother is still living, at the age of 89. Mr. and
Mrs. D. are Methodists, and Mr. D. is a Republican.
Moses Easly, farmer, sec. 18; P. O., Eldara; was born in Sulli-
van county, East Tenn., Feb. 7, 1820; in 1841 he removed to Pike
coimty and settled in this tp., and has lived on his present farm 24
years. His brother, Thomas Easly, was in the Mexican war, under
Gen. Taylor. May 1, 1844, he married Mary Ann Tittsworth, of
this county, and they have liad 9 children, 7 of whom are liv-
ing,— T. L., Amanda, Alice, William, James, Florence, Idella and
Laura. Mr. E. has been School Director of his district 4 years,
and Road Commissioner 3 years. He owns 313 acres of land,
worth $20,000; ships his produce, and raises stock. He lives
1^ miles from Eldara. He is a Democrat, and his wife is a Metho-
dist.
T. L. Easly, retired farmer; P. O., Eldara; was born in Pike
county, in April, 1846; his fathers name was Moses Easly and his
mother's maiden name was Mary Tittsworth. Nov. 20, 1869, he
married Caroline Eldridge, of this county, and they have 3 chil-
dren; Frederick, Mary and Maud. He is an Odd Fellow, and in
politics a Green bac'ker.
Maberry Evans, farmer, sec. 21; P. O., Eldara; was born in
Scott county, 111., Jan. 14, 1829; came to Pike county in 1847, and
lived with Elisha Hurt that winter. July 11, 1859, he married
Julia D. Landrura, and they have had 7 children, 3 of whom are
living, — Richard F., Theodora A. and Mary E. He owns 200 acres
of land in this tp. and 120 acres in Pleasant Yale tp. ; home place
worth $50 per acre. He has been Justice of the Peace and Super-
visor; is amember of the Masonic fraternity and in politics a Demo-
crat. Hiswife belongs to the M. E. Church.
William Evans, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 21; P. 0., Eldara;
was born near Winchester, HI., April 6, 1832, and«is a son of Rich-
ard and Annie Evans, dec. ; natives of Kentucky. .The subject of
this notice was once offered the use of a large tract of land where
Jacksonville now stands, in exchange for a horse. He came to this
county about 1850, and soon afterward went to California, overland,
where he remained 8 years; he then returned to this county. JS^ov.
30, 1863, he n)arried Miss Mary A. Strubinger, daughter of Joseph
Strubinger, dec, an early settler of this county. They have had 5
children, namely, Anna M., Joseph M., Frank W., Hattie M. and
Nina. Mr. Evans owns 198 acres of land here, and 160 acres in
Piatt county. Mo.
762 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Jacob G. Farmer, blacksmith; was born Dec. 9, 1842, in Harri-t
son connty, O.; came to this county with his father, John Farm-
er, in 1846; was married in 1864 to Mary McClosky; they had 2
children, only Cora living. Mr. Farmer served in the late war in
Co. G, 44th Eeg. I. V. I. He resided in Adams county 15 years. Is
a member of the Masonic fraternity, and a Greenbacker in politics.
His wife is a member of the Christian Church.
Henry A. Fester, farmer, sec. 19; P. O., Eldara; was born in
Derry tp. Aug. 4, 1850; was married March 6, 1870, to Miss Mary
Phoebus, and they had 4 children ; Lei a May, born Aug. 2, 1872;
Jacob andEobert, born July 7, 1874; and Rosa, born Oct. 23, 1876,
who died Nov. 9, following. Mr. and Mrs. Fesler both had good
educational advantages. Mr. F. is a stock-raiser, and in politics is
a Democrat.
Jacob Fesler, farmer, sec. 30; P. O., Eldara; was born in Clark
county, Xy., June 8, 1821 ; came to Pike county in 1835 and set-
tled on sec. 19; he owns 820 acres of land, worth $35 per acre.
Oct. 15, 1846, he married Zerilda Lyons, and their 6 children are:
Sarah C, born Aug. 27, 1848; Henry A., Aug. 4, 1850; Adelpha,
Nov. 28, 1853; Jane Ann, May 25, 1856; John R, Aug. 2, 1860;
Emma E., Jan. 15, 1863. Both are members of the M. E. Church,
South, and Mr. F. is a Mason, and in politics a Democrat.
Bloomer Fowler was born in Washington county, Ky., ISlov. 28,
1830, and in early life had but Mttle time to devote to education;
came to this county in 1861 and settled in Derry tp. His father's
name was Benjamin Fowler, and his mother's maiden name was
Mary Gordon. Mr. Fowler is now engaged in buying and selling
hides, pelts and produce. He is a Democrat.
James II. Gctrner, farmer; resides on the N. W. quarter of sec.
33, this tp.; was born in Clark county, Ky., Dec. 27, 1824; came
to this county in the fall of 1840 and settled in Derry tp. He
owns 286 acres of land in Derry, and 320 acres in Atlas tp., worth
$20,000. June 2, 1864, he married Mary E. Williams, and they
have had 6 children,— William J., Joseph O., Ida, Mary A., Her-
man and Lovina. Mr. G. has been School Director for 2 years and
Commissioner of Highways for several years. He raises grain and
produce extensively, and ships to foreign markets. He is a Repub-
lican. P. O., Eldara.
A. B. Gates, farmer, sec. 11, S. i; P. O., Eldara; was born near
Columbus, Ohio; came to this county while very young with his
father, TSTehemiah Gates, and has resided here ever since. June 3,
1862, was married to Elizabeth Saylor and their children are, Re-
becca Ellen, born Mav 23, 1863; Susan A., June 15, 1864; Jacob,
March 1, 1865; William, Oct. 3, 1867; Charles, Sept. 20, 1869;
Joseph, Oct. 11, 1871; George, Feb. 7, 1875; and Mary, April 6,
1879. Mr. G. owns 80 acres of land, worth $3,000; he is a Dem-
ocrat, and himself and wife are members of the Christian C^™?,
Theodore Gates, farmer, sec. 5; P. O., Barry; was born i^P'^®
county, March 20, 1843, and Oct. 26, 1865, married Susan Chase,
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 763
daughter of Lewis Chase, of Ohio. They have 2 children; Lousiiia,
torn Oct. 6, 1867, and Jesse, born July 25, 1872. Mr. Gates owns
104f acres of land, worth about $3,000. He has been School Di-
rector one term; was in the late war, in Co. D, 99th Eeg. I. Y. I.,
aud served 3 years; was mustered out at Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Timothy Grady, farmer, sec. 25, was born in Kings county, Ire-
land, about the year 1826; arrived in America May 11, 1849, land-
ing at New Orleans; lived 18 years in Cincinnati, then removed to
this county, where he has resided for about 18 years, and on his
present farm 13 years. Sept. 21, 1868, he married Mary O'Donnel,
in Cincinnati, Ohio, and their living children are Thomas, Mary
Ann and John. Thomas was born July 4, 1859; Mary Ann, May
6, 1864, and John, April 10, 1867- Mr. G. owns 120 acres of lancf,
wor.th about $30 per acre. He and wife are members of the Catho-
lic Church, and Mr.G. is a Democrat.
Warren Green,, farmer, sec. 17; P. O., Eldara; was born in this
county near Atlas, Jan. 25, 1835, and has resided in the county
ever since. He was first married Sept. 27, 1857, to Lucinda Taylor,
and they had 6 children, — Ida Olive, born Auo'. 17, 1858, and died
May 3, 1863; Sarah Elizabeth, born March 17, 1861; Albert War-
ren^ Sept. 4, 1863; Edwin May, July 8, 1866; Cora Luella, April
14, 1868, and an infant daughter born April 4, 1860, who died the
same day. April 21, 1872, Mr. Green married Mrs. Mary E.,
widow of Thomas H. Pendleton, and daughter of Daniel and Es-
ther McCaskill, who had one child, John A. Pendleton, born Aug.
10, 1859. Mr. and Mrs. Green have 4 children, Frederick Koss,
, born June 7, 1873; Harry Jay, Jan. 16, 1875; Archibald, Jan. 28,
'1877;PhebeE., May 7, 187'9. Mr. Green owns 75 acres of land
near Eldara, worth $60 per acre. He and his wife are members of
the Free M. E. Church, and he is a Licensed Local Preacher for his
congregation. He has held several responsible offices in his tp.,
and in politics is a Republican,
Henry Hall, farmer, sec. 27; P. O., Eldara; was born in
Butler county, Ohio, Jan. Y, 1836 ; came to this county Sept. 20,
1855; was married Aug. 20, 1859, to Mary L. Taylor, and they have
had 7 children, — Edwin F., Jennie, George D., Ida, Luelk, Henry
and Freddie; 5 are dead. Mr. H. owns 160 acres of land, worth
$10,000; is a member of the Masonic Lodge, raises a great deal of
produce and patronizes home markets; is a Republican.
George W. Harris, farmer, sec. 26; was born in_Goochland county,
Va., Oct. 23, 1814; emigrated to Pike county in the spring of 1843,
and settled, temporarily in Pleasant Yale tp., and in 3 months set-
tled where he has now resided for more than 28 years. March 3,
1836, he married Miss Mary Ann Ripley, and of their 9 children
7 are living, namely: Mary Frances, Thomas S., Lucy C, Eliza-
beth S.. Philena J., James H., Wm. H., George W. and Ann Eliza.
Mr. IJarris owns 280 acres of land, worth $40 per acre. He ^nd
wife have been members of the M. E. Church for more than 40
years ; he has filled several important tp. offices. P. O., Eldara.
764 HISTOBY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Samuel Harris, i&rmGY, was born Oct. 6, 1840, in Tennessee-
came to this county in the spring of 1851 ; was married to Amanda
Easly, in Sept., 1866, and they have had 6 children, all of whom are
living, Ella, Frank, Mary, Elbert, Herman and Freddie. His father's
name is Thomas S. Harris and his mother's name was Amanda;
she died in 1871. Mr. Harris is a Democrat.
Joshua B. Havird, farmer, was born March 25, 1848, and is a
native of this county; May 1, 1869, he married Margaret Maher,
and tliey have had 6 children, namelv: Lorrence W., born Dec. 31,
1869, and died Oct., 1877; Fannie Ellen, born July 25, 1871, died
Awg. 20, 1872; Daniel, born June 11, 1873: Annastatia, born May
23, 1875; Joshua, born March 23, 1877, and' Leonard, Sept. 1, 1878.
Mrs. Havird was born Dec. 25, 1849, and died Sept. 23, 1878. Oct.
*23, 1879, Mr. H. was married to his present wife, Jennett rarrick.
Mr. Havird owns 81 acres of land, worth $3,000. He is a Demo-
crat. P. O., Barry.
Reuben G. Hendricks, farmer, sec. 6; was born in North Caro
lina, Jan. 12, 1822; was married to Miss Orra Ann Dnmford, April
7, 1844, who was born July 26, 1829, and they have had 11 chil
dren, — Amanda M., born June 14, 1846; Melinda J., July 28, 1848
and died Sept. 11, 1854; Mary E., born May 6, 1852; Eliza B.
Feb. 9, 1854; Martha A., May 6, 1856; Samuel S., Sept. 3, 1858^
and died March 31, 1872; Wm. I., born Feb. 27, 1861 ; Reuben H.
March 31, 1863, and died Sept. 20, 1864; George M., born Jan. 31
1865; Daniel E., ISTov. 28, 1867, and Lydia A., Aug. 24,1870
Mr. H. owns 40 acres of fine land, worth $45 per acre. He is a
Democrat.
John L. Hogan, farmer, sec. 27; P. O., Eldara; owns 120 acres
of valuable land, on which he resides with his widowed mother.
He was born March 7, 1847, in this township, and was married to
Lizzie Buckingham, Feb. 9, 1868, and they have 2 children, —
Harry, born Dec. 29, 1869; and Nina, Dec. 1, 1876. His father,
Adley Hogan, died when John was 9 years old, since which time
he and his mother have struggled together until they have accumu-
lated considerable property.
R. W. Hornlack, farmer, sec. 20; P. 0., Eldara; owns 220 acres
of land, worth $60 an acre. Mr. H. was born in this county Feb.
1, 1837, and is the son of William andLillie (Lan drum) Horn back;
in this county in 1866 he married Elizabeth Freeman, who was
born in this county in 1843. Thej"^ have had 8 children, of whom
7 are living. Mr] H. is in prosperous circumstances as a farmer.
In politics he is a Democrat.
Solomon Hornback, farmer, is a native of Kentucky, where he
was born July 3, 1810; came to this county in 1836, where he has
lived ever since. Being thus an early settler he has witnessed
wonderful changes in the development of this county. In 1836 lie
married Emily Blackwell, in Kentucky, who is a native of that
State. Of their 10 children 7 are living. Mr. H. is one of the old
and respected citizens of Pike county, and has held several re-
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 765
sponsible offices. He is a member of the Christian Church, and a
Democrat. His father served in the war of 1812.
William Hornlack, retired farmer; P. 0., Eldara; son of Solo-
mon and Sally (Phillips) Hornback, the former a native of Ken-
tucky, and the latter of North Carolina; was born in Kentucky,
Jan., 1808; came to this county in 1829. He is therefore one of the
oldest pioneers of this section. In 1826 he married Sallie W. Laud^
rum, who was born in 1806, and died in 1839. Thev bad 4 chil-
dren,—Patsey A., Wm. F., S. P. and R. M. In May, 1840, Mr.
H. married Nancy Swerer, who was born in Ohio in 1808 and died in
1868. In 1859 he married Mary A. Landrum, who was born Oct. 4,
1808. Mr. H. is a member of the Methodist Church: owns 83 acres
of fine farm land worth $60 per acre. He is a Democrat.
Mrs. Ann J. Hoskin resides on the S. W. quarter of sec. 26;
was born in Grig^sville, Jan. 25, 1850. Her maiden name was
Ann J. Richey. April 20, 1873, she married Daniel Hoskin, who
was born April 11, 1832, in this township. In 1879 Mr. H. died,
leaving one child, — Henry Isaac, born June 18, 1875. Mr. H. was
a member of the I. O. of O. F., and tilled important township offices.
He left 120 acres of land worth $50 per acre. Mr. Hoskin was a
hi^lily esteemed citizen.
Asa Hoskin, farmer, sec. 23, was born in this county June 17, '37.
He owns 120 acres of land in this township, worth $35 per acre.
He was raised on a farm, and is now very extensively engaged in
the raising of hogs, cattle and horses. Jan. 1, 1863, be married
Mary A. Moorhead, daughter of I)r. Moorhead, of Eldara, and their
children are : Ollie, William, Thomas and Belle. He has been
School Director one year in his township, and is a Democrat. His
uncle, John Sliinn, served in the Mexican war under Gen. Taylor.
P. 0., Eldara. "
Charles M. Hoskin, farmer, sec. 26; was born in this township
June 25, 1860; was the eldest of 6 children; his father was Isaac A.
Hoskin. June 28, 1873, he married Linda Miles, who was born in
Mercer county, Mo., and they have 2 c.hildren, — Mary Abbie, born
Feb. 3, 1874, and Asa, born Aug. 1, 1876. Mr. H. has been Eoad-
Master 2 or 3 times in his township: is a Mason and a Democrat.
P. 0.. Eldara.
John Hoskin, blacksmith, Eldara; owns 2 lots with dwelling and
shop; was born Aug. 24, 1860, and Nov. 1, 1878, married Emeline
Berry, in Adams county. 111., who was born Aug. 1, 1857, in Ohio.
They had 6 children, — Cora, Eosa M., Emma and 2 infants. The
2 latter are deceased. Mr. H. is a member of the Masonic and Odd
Fellows fraternities, and is a Republican.
ir*7ZM!ffi ^)sAi«,, farmer, resides on sec. 26; was born in this
county, within \\ miles of where he now lives, Feb. 15, 1839;
was married to Sarah Jane Moorhead, daughter of Dr. Moorhead,
of Eldara, Oct. 7, 1860 ; have had 3 children, — Mary E,, born July
25, 1861 ; Margaret Edna, March 14, 1863, and Lizzie, born Dec.
18, 1864, and died Sept. 21, 1865. Mr. H. owns 110 acres of land.
766 HISTORY OF PIKE OOUNTi'.
worth $40 per acre ; has been Eoad-Master several terms, and is a
Democrat.
George Howland, farmer, sec. 15; P. O., Eldara; was born in
this county Dec. 29, 1847; wlien a lad he entered a dry-goods es-
tablishmeot as clerk, and satisfactorily filled the position until he
commenced farming four years ago. Feb. 4, 1869, he married Vir-
ginia Martin, who was born in Missouri Feb. 19, 1849. Their
two children are Gertrude, who was born Oct. 6, 1870, and Maude,
Sept. 19, 1878. Mr. Howland's father was a native of New York
State and his mother of Illinois. Politically he is a Republican.
P. E. Howland, farmer, was born in New York Dec. 25, 1818,
and when 20 years of age emigrated to Illinois and settled in Mar-
tinsburg tp.. Pike county; afterward moved 3 miles north of
Barry and resided there about 4 years, and in June, 1876, he re-
moved to Eldara, where he has since resided. He was married at
Martinsburg, to Miss Harriet Clark, and they have had 6 children,
2 of whom are living, — Caroline and Geo. H., both married. Mr.
H. owns, jointly with his son, 93 acres of land contiguous to the
town, worth $6,000. He is one of the Town Trustees of the in-
corporation, and a Democrat.
David B. Johnson, farmer, sec. 32; P. O., Eldara; was born in
Pickaway county, O., April 1, 1836, and is a son of Henry B. and
Miarj' (Baker) Jolinson; the former was born in Virginia in 1806,
and of German and English ancestry, and the latter of English de-
scent ; came to Pike county in 1846, with his parents, where he
went to school 3 months — all he ever went in his life. In 1861 he
enlisted in Co. I, 11th Mo. Inf., under Captain Barnum; was in 7
battles, and at Corinth, Miss., was wounded, being shot through
the left lung; for two years afterward he was unable to dress him-
self. In 1859 he married Adelia E. Hadsell, and they had 3
children, all of whom are living; in 1870 he married Eura J. Wat-
kins, and of their 5 children 4 are living. He and his present
wife are Missionary Baptists. Politically Mr. J. is a Democrsit.
Thomas J. Jones, farmer, lives on sec. 8, and owns 240 acres of
land; was born in Eldara tp. Sept. 10, 1842; was married in March,
1868, to Miss Elizabeth Dolbeare, and they have had 6 children.
one boy and five girls ; one of the girls died about 3 years ago.
Mr. J. and wife belong to the Christian Church. The names of
their children are, Azalia, Paul, Jennie, Rosa, Lillie and Ida. Mr.
J. served in the late war in Co. C, 99th Reg., and was discharged
July 31, 1865; his brother was killed at Spanish Fort. He is one
of the Directors of the Barry Mutual Insurance Company.
William Jones, merchant, Eldara; is a native of this county,
where he was born March 29, 1834; was raised on a farm until l8
years of age, then commenced teaching school and continued
teaching for 20 terms; he settled in Eldara in 1860 and engaged in
the mercantile trade; keeps on hand a good stock of general
merchandise, and is doing a good business. At present he is Post-
master at Eldara and has held the office of Town Clerk 4 years.
//?Jl/^
<::ey7'7^T-f
DERRY Tf
HISTOiJY OF PIKE COITNTT. 769
In 1857 he was married in this county to Miss Mary J. Purcell,
who died in 1872; they had 5 children, — Katie, Martha, Mattie,'
Warner and Mary J. In 1874 he married Elizabeth Eoseberry, a
native of Tennessee, where she was born in 1838. They have one
child, Sallie. Mr. J. is a Republican.
Jacob Kendall^ grocer, was born March 28, 1838, and settled in
Eldara in 1875; was married in this county in 1860 to Martha
Haines, who was born in Tennessee. They had 6 children, — Alvin,
Mary, Franklin "W"., Flora (deceased), Jerusha and Eva. Mr. K.
has been Collector one term ; is an Odd Fellow and a Republican.
His parents were natives of New Jersey.
John Kerr, farmer, sec. 4; was born in the north of Ireland,
county Londonderry, in 1816; emigrated to America in 1848 and
settled in this tp. In 1842 he married Eliza Torrens, of Ireland,
and they have had 7 children, 6 of whom are dead, — Mary E., died
Jan. 15, 1874 ; Sarah Ann, died when but 4 years of age ; Emily,
died in March, 1873 ; Margaret, died Bee. 12, 1878. Sarah Ann,
the youngest child, born Dec. 19. 1856; was married to John "Was-
sell, of Hadley tp., May 30, 1878, and they are members of the
Baptist Church. Mr. Kerr's only son, John, enlisted in the late
war in 1862 in the 99th Reg. I. Y. I., and after serving 3 years was
honorably discharged at Baton Rouge, La. Mr. K. owns 40 acres
of land, worth $50 per acre. He and wife are Congregationalists.
Politics Republican. P. O., Barry.
John Kerr, jr., farmer, was born Dee. 24, 1842, in Ireland; was
raised on a farm; came to America in 1847, and has lived in this
tp. for 32 years. In Aug., 1862, he enlisted in Co. D, 99th 111, Reg.,
and was mustered out July 31, 1865; was married April 9, 1876,
to Miss Rhoda Dolbeare, who was born in 1849. He owns 120
acres of land, worth $3,000; is a member of the Grange. Resides
on sec. 4. Is a Republican in politics.
Albert Landrum, merchant, Eldara.
Alonzo Lyons, farmer, resides on the !N. E. of the S. W. quarter
of sec. 30 ; was born Dec. 5, 1848, in this tp.; his father, John
Lyons, was in the Black Hawk war; his mother's maiden name was
Susan Harlow; they have had 7 children, 2 of whom are dead. He
owns 40 acres of land, worth about $1,000 ; raises wheat, corn and
stock; sells produce at home market; is a member of the Masonic
order, and in politics, a Democrat.
Hutson Martin, farmer, sec. 27 ; P. O., Eldara; was born near
Danville, Vermillion county. 111., July 16, 1832, and is a son of
William and Seraphina (Wetherbee) Martin, natives of Kentucky
and New York State, respectively. Mr. Martin's father, Hutson
Martin, was a native of Virginia, probably of English descent, and
was a soldier in the war of 1812; he died in Oregon in 1859, whither
he had moved at the age of about 70 years. The subject of this
notice obtained his education mostly in the common schools of this
State. He came to this county in 1856 with his stepfather, Samuel
Purcell. July 30, 1851, he married Miss Lydia A. Chamberlain,
44
770 HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTT.
a native of Ohio, and a daughter of Aaron and Rachel Chamberlain
the former a native of New Jersey, and they have 5 children
namely, Willard A.. Gilbert N., Mary J., Delia E. and Lydia A.',
besides 2 deceased. After his marriage Mr. Martin rented land
until 1856, when he purchased a good farm on sec. 27, which now
consists of 280 acres, and is one of the best improved farms in the
township. In politics Mr. M. is a Republican, and during the war
did all he could in support of the Government. He is also a prac-
tical friend of educational interests. He is also a Freemason.
We give a portrait of Mr. Martin in this work.
T. W. Martin, farmer, sec. 25; was born in Yermillion county,
111., May 20, 1833; came to this county in the fall of 1845, settling
in this tp., and resided here until 1852, when he went to Califprnia
and remained there 2 years; from there to Oregon, where he was
in the volunteer service to suppress the Indian outbreak; was in
the service 7 months; in 1856 went to Texas, and in 1860 returned
to this county, where he has since remained. Oct. 15, 1863, he
married Mary J. Hogan; they have had one child, which died in
infancy. Mr. M. has been Overseer of Roads for 3 years; owns
120 acres of land, worth about $50 per acre; sells his produce at
home; and is a Republican in politics. P. O., Eldara.
W. A. Martin, farmer, was born in this county, and is a son of
Hutson and Lydia (Chamberlain) Martin ; was educated in the
common -school. In Dec, 1878, he married Miss Kate Taylor, and
they have one child, a boy. Mrs. M. is a member of the Christian
Church, and Mr. M., in politics, is a Republican. For a time he
once clerked in a store in Pittsfield.
James M. Mays, farmer, sec. 24; owns 187 acres of land, worth
$50 per acre; was born in Ross county, O., Feb. 12, 1830, and is a
son of Little Barry and Mahala Mays, both' natives of Virginia.
In 1849 he came to this county, and in 1857 he married Sarah A.
Petty of Pike county, born in 1831; they are the parents of 9
children, — Mary J., Clara, Alice, Amanda, Charley, Dora, Lucy,
Henry and James ; the 2 latter are deceased. Mr. M.'s father was
in the war of 1812. He is a Democrat.
Mariah Miller, P. O., Eldara; was born in Butler county, 0.,
Sept. 26, 1837, and came to Illinois with her parents, Ijel Stont and
Julia Ann Stont, March 17, 1853. They settled on sec. 28, this tp.,
where they have since resided. Her father and mother still live
with their daughter. April 15, 1849, she married Abraham Mil-
ler, who died in 4 months and 26 days. Mrs. Miller owns 80 acres
of land, worth $40 per acre.
Thomas W. Moorhead, physician and surgeon, is a native of
Ohio, where he was born Jan. 14, 1814; graduated in 1848, and
commenced the practice of medicine in this county in 1851; came
to this county in 1852; lived in Pittsfield one year and then came
to Derry; he has 160 acres of valuable land, and one lot with
dwelling in Eldara. In 1838 he married Mary Janette Dickey, a
native of Ohio, who died in 1851; in 1858 he married Hannah
mSTOKY OF PIKE COUNTY. 771
Hulls, a native of JSTew Jersey, born in 1827; they have 4 children.
The doctor has an extensive practice, which is attended with good
success.
Jokn Morrisaaoy, farmer, sec. 5 ; P. O., Eldara and Pittsfield;
was born in Ireland, May 14, 1831; emigjrated to America in 1852;
first landed at ISTew Orleans, then at St. Lonis, Mo.; thence to Pike
county, 111., residing near Pittsfield 26 years; Sept. 26, 1854, mar-
ried Margaret Helm, by whom he has had 5 children, all living, —
Margaret, Matthew J., Ellen, John and James. Mr. M. owns 65
acres of land, worth $1,700.
J. J. Morrow, farmer and blacksmith, now engaged in butcher-
ing, was born in Jefferson county, Va., April 2, 1835; came to
Pleasant Hill, this county, March 8, 1865, and April 8, 1878,
removed to Eldara, where he now resides; was Constable in Pleas-
ant Hill tp. 4 years; is now Justice of the Peace. Oct. 25, 1855,
he married Ellen E. Ahalt, of Maryland, and 2 of their 3 children
are living. April 26, 1864, he married Nancy E. Colvin, of Pike
county. Mo., and they have had 5 children, 2 of whom are dead.
He is a Mason and an Odd Fellow.
Dillard P. Motley, farmer, residing on the S. E. qr. of sec. 16;
was born in Putnam county, Ind., Oct. 6, 1838; came to this
county with his father, John W. Motley, in 1839, and has since
resided here. April 3, 1879, he married Eliza E. Dudley, daugh-
ter of Jesse and Elizabeth Dudley. He is the owner of 120 acres
of land, worth $40 per acre; raises grain principally; was Consta-
ble in this tp. nearlj' 4 years, and has filled other offices. In poli-
tics he is a iJemocrat and a strong partisan. P. O., Eldara.
E. R. Motley, farmer, sec. 21; P.O., Eldara; was born in this
county Feb. 23, 1842, the son of John W. and Millie [Pierce)
Motley, natives of Kentucky, and of Irish descent; received his ed-
ucation partly in Indiana, but mostly in this county. April 15,
1866, he married Elizabeth J. Gragg, and of their 8 children 6 are
living. He has resided at the present place all his life, and as a
farmer has been successful, now owning 360 acres of land, ^ell cul-
tivated and stocked. He excels in penmanship, and is a promi-
nent Democratic candidate for the office of Circuit Clerk; he has
taught school a part of each year for 20 years ; has been School
Director, Assessor and School Trustee.
John Moyer, farmer and blacksmith, residing on sec. 10, Derry
tp.; was born in Orange county, Ind., Sept. -5, 1828, and came to
this county in May, 1839, where he has since resided. Feb. 21,
1860, he married Sarah Ann Benson, and] their children are:
Albert Travis, born May 31, 1859; Dimmitt McNiel, born May
31, 1864, and died Dec. 7, 1865 ; and Mary Emily Jane, born
March 16, 1867. He has been School Director for several years
and School Trustee for one term; he is now Justice of the Peace;
also a member of the Masonic order. He is well versed in Masonic
principles, especially in the lower degrees, having spent much time
772 ' HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
and effort in their study, esteeming them essential to high moral
attainments. P. O., Eldara.
Solomon Moyer, farmer, sec. 9; P. O., Eldara; was born Feb.
22, 1840; he is a son of Moses and Martha (Brothers) Meyer,
Dec. 24, 1863, he married Emma Johnon, a native of this county,
born in 1846. Their children are, — Delphia L., Moses, Martha I.,
Parvin, Charles and S. R., and Lucy, deceased. Mr Moyer has held
the office of School Trustee 7 years, of Collector 5 years. When he
first married he had but $15; he now owns 200 acres ofland, worth
$40 per acre. He is a Democrat.
William H. Moyer, farmer, sec. 11 ; P. O., Eldara; was born
about three miles from his present residence, Sept. 6, 1843, and is
the son of Moses and Martha (Brothers) Moyer, of German ances-
try, the former a native of North Carolina, and the latter of Indi-
ana; was educated in the common schools of this connty. In 1863
he married Caroline Persley, and the following are their children:
William T., born Feb. 8, 1865; Jacob R., Sept. 25, 1866; John C,
Jan., 1869; Ethel J., March 17, 1871; and Orville, Sept. 29, 1874
Mr. M. was again married April 13, 1878, to Eliza Hilliard, and
they have one child, Martha, born April 4, 1879. Mr. Moyer has
250 acres of land. Politically he is a Democrat.
Jaooh Myers, farmer, was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, April
11, 1818; came to this county in 1837; in August, 1833, he mar-
ried Hannah A. Williams, a native of Ohio, now deceased. Her
children were 5 boys and 5 girls. In August, 1871, Mr. Myers
marrleid Drusilla Mummy, who was born in Ohio in 1837. Mr.
M. enlisted in 1862, in Co. B, Mo. Mil. Cav., and served 23 months,
being in several hard-fought battles. Belongs to M. E. Church,
and the Masonic order.
James H. Nation, farmer, sec. 25; P. O., Eldara; was born in
Sangamon county. 111., July 17, 1839; was raised on a farm and had
limited educational advantages. March 4, 1858, he came to this
county and settled in Kinderhook, where he lived nearly 4 years,
and May 13, 1866^- removed to Derry tp. He enlisted in the
army in 1861, in Co. C, 3d Reg. Mo. Cav., under Col. Glover;
was "discharged Dec. 16, 1864, at St. Louis, Mo. Sept. 26, 1867, he
married Lurena Hogan, a native of Derry tp., and they have 2
living cliildren. He owns 40 acres of land, worth $35 per acre; is
a Republican.
Frederich Ottowa, coroner, Eldara, was born in Stendal, Prus-
sia, July 8, 1829; came to America July 6, 1855, landing in New
York city ; in 2 months from that time lie went to Davenport,
Iowa, where he remained 4 years ; thence he removed to Hannibal,
Mo., and in 1861 he came to Pike county, locating first at Kinder-
hook, then went to Barry, and finally to where he now resides.
May 25, 1854, he married Miss Caroline Brandt, and they have
had 8 children,— Charles L. F., Lewis, John, Joshua, James, Car-
oline and Anna Louisa. Mr. Ottowa belongs to the Odd Fellows;
United Workmen; was elected Coroner in 1879. He and wife are
HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY. 7Y3
members of the M. E. Church, South. In politics he is a
Democrat.
Thomas J. Owrtby was born in Adair county, Kentucky, Dec.
10, 1827; came to this county with his father, Thomas Ownby, in
the fall of 1828, and settled in Detroit tp., on the farm owned by
Norton Foreman; afterward moved to ITewbnrg tp., lived there
several years, then went to California; was gone 4 years, then back
to Newburg, and immediately removed to Detroit, where he lived
4 years; then to Derry tp., where he has since resided on sec. 9.
May 22, 1856, Mr. Ownby was married to Falissa A., daughter of
Stewart Lindsay, and they have had 10 children, 5 of whom are
dead. Their names are,— Emmet, born March 25, 1857, died
March 10, 1S73; Clayton, bom Oct. 5, 1858, died Aug. 15, 1859;
Mary E., born Oct. 11, 1860; Stewart, born March 9, 1862, died
March 7, 1879 ; Eliza J., born Mav 10, 1864 ; Charles L., born
Aug. 29, 1867, died July 28, 1868- William B., born Jan. 27,
1870; Oscar O., born Xov. 3, 1873; Evelina, born March 12,1876,
died Dec. 11, 1877. Mr. Ownby commenced life in very limited
circumstances, but by industry and economy has accumulated a
nice property, and is considered one of the heavy property-holders
in the community. He owns 160 acres of land, worth $10,000;
has iilled several important offices in his tp., and is an ardent
Eepnblican. P. O., Eldara.
'William. M. Parher, farmer, sec. 31; P. 0., Eldara; was born in
Coles county, 111., June 26, 1829; was raised in Clark county and
came to Pike county, Eov. 6, 1853; was married March 27, 1851,
to Sarah Daughetee, of Clark county, 111., who is of Scotch and
German descent; they have had 7 children, 5 of whom are living,
— Susan E., Amanda S., Mary Eliza, William D., Leven and
Orlando. Both are members of the Baptist Church; Mr. P. was
Collector in his tp. in 1869, and is a Democrat.
Tkomas W. Potter, farmer, sec. 29; P. O., Eldara; was born in
Warren county, Ky., Oct. 8, 1841, came to Adams county in
the fall of 1860, and to Pike in March, 1861, and settled in Derry
tp., on X. E. of sec. 32; went to Kentucky in 1863 and returned in
the spring of 1864; he then removed to Arkansas, lived there 7
years, then returned to Pike, where he now resides. June 1, 1865,
he married Catharine Pryor, and their children are: Elizabeth,
Pleasant H., Anna, Laura, Xancy L., Thomas W., Emma C, Lucy
and Mary. Mr. Potter owns 100 acres of land, worth $35 per acre;
is a member of the Christian Church and an Odd Fellow. He is a
Democrat. His father, P. H. Potter, served as captain under
Gen. Houston in the Texas war.
WilUam H. Pryor, farmer, sec. 19; a native of Tennessee; was
bom Nov. 12, 1832; came to Pike county in the fall of 1838 and
settled in Derry tp., and has resided here ever since. Xov. 22,
1855, he married Susan E. Moyer, and their children are, Delphina,
Mary L., Martha E., Henry D., Ollie, Isaac and Wilbert. Mr.
Pryor owns 160 acres of land, worth $40 per acre; is a member of
774 HISTOKY OF PIKE COUNTY.
the Masonic Lodge at Eldara; his wife is a member of the M. E.
Church, South. He has been Eoad Overseer and Commissioner for
3 years, and Tax Collector of revenue for 1877. He ships his pro-
duce to Quincy. He is a Democrat.
Jacob F. Pursley was born March 19, 1839; a native of Tike
county, 111.; May 9, 1861, he was married to CatharineConnors ,
and tlie names of their children are, Fhila Jane, born April 16,
1862, died June 5, 1863; Cora Belle, born in Dec, 1868, and died
the following February; FrankL.,born Dec. 13, 1864; Stephen Doug-
las, born Jan. 1, 1866; Anna M., born March 15, 1868, and Cora,
born May 25, 1871. Mr. Pursley has twice been Path-master in
his road district, and is now School Director. He has 300 acres of
land where he lives, worth $50 per acre, and 160 acres in Hadley
tp., worth $45 per acre. In politics he is a Democrat. P. 0., Barry.
John Pursley, farmer, sec. 10; P. O., Eldara; owns 200 acres
of land, worth $40 per acre; was born in Pike county. Mo.,
May 1, 1831; came to this county in the lall of 1835, and located
where he now resides. His father, Jacob Pursley, died about 3
years ago. His mother's maiden name was Jane Donovan, who
is now dead. He was married in Feb., 1854, to Charlotte Sperry.
They are both members of the Christian Church, and he has been
School Director 16 years. The names of their living children are,
Jennie. Etliel, Floyd and Eugene. Mr. Pursley is a Democrat.
Michael S. Raftery, farmer, sec. 7; P. O., Eldara; was born in
Roscommon county, Ireland, Jnly 6, 1843; came to Aniericain the
fall of 1852, landing at l^ew Orleans; from there to Eldara, where
he has since resided. Feb. 16, 1868, he married Frances V. Land-
rum. He owns 150 acres of land; was in the late war in Co. A,
99th Keg. I. y. I.; was wounded at Vicksburg, and discharged July
15, 1864. Mr. and Mrs. Raftery have 3 children, namely, — Liiada,
Laura and Thomas Albert. Mr! R. is a Democrat, and belongs to
the Masonic Lodge.
Thomas Raftery resides on the northwest quarter of sec. 8; was
born in Martin's Town, Roscommon Parish, Ireland, Jan. 6, 1815;
came to America June 24, 1851, landing at New Orleans ; from
there he followed the Mississippi river to St. Louis, Mo., and from
there to Louisiana, Pike county. Mo., thence to Pike county, III,
where he settled permanently on sec. 8. Three years after he re-
turned to Ireland and brought his family to his new home. Feb.
4, 1840, he married Bridget Loftus. Both are members of the
Catholic Church. Their'living children are Catharine, Mary,
Michael, Margaret and Thomas. Mr. R.' owns 160 acres of land,
worth $30 per acre. P. O., Eldara.
Benjamin Sigsworth_ farmer, sec. 15; P. 0., Eldara; was born
in Yorkshire, Eng., April 25, 1827; at the age of three years came
to Lorain county, O., with his parents, and when he was 8 years
old they moved to LaSalle county, 111., and the next year to Pike
county. His father's name was Joseph, his mother's Ann Sigs-
worth, nee Coleman. Jan. 28, 1858, he married Sarah A. Badgley,
HISTOET OF PIKE COUMTT. 775
and tliey have had 6 children, 2 of whom are living ; Sierra
Nevada, Benjamin, John B., Joseph, Ana Loretta and an infant.
Mr. S. is a member of the Masonic Lodge; owns 470 acres of land,
worth $12,000, and sells his produce at home. He was in Califor-
nia 3 years. His wife is a member of the Christian Church. Mr.
S. is a Republican.
John Stout, farmer, sec. 26; P. 0., Eldara; was born in Butler
county, Ohio. In 1852 came to this county and settled in Derry
tp. Sept. 13, 1863, he'married Nancy Hoskin of Pike county, and
their children are, — Mary, born Aug. 12, 1864; Andrew W., born
Jan. 15, 1866; Julia A., born July 26, 1867; Aaron, born Aug. 1,
1870; Otis and Oren, born April 26, 1876. Mr. Stout owns 80
acres of land, worth $40 per acre. He lives on the public road
leading from Pittsfield to Eockport. He is a Democrat.
Joseph E. Struhinger, farmer, sec. 22; P. O., Eldara; was born
in Delaware, Aug. 26, 1835, and is a son of Joseph and Mary
(Clark) Stnibinger; father a native of Holland, Germany, and mother
of Delaware; he was brought by his parents to this place in 1838,
where he has received his education. In 1858 he married Lucy C.
Fryor, and his children are, — Henry J., born June 30, 1859; Wil-
liam A., Nov. 7, 1860; and Mary, Oct. 22, 1862. Mrs. S. was a
member of the M. E. Church, and died Nov. 27, 1878. Mr. S.'s
daughter now keeps house for him. As a farmer he has been sue-,
cessful, now owning 268 acres of first-class land. His residence
cost about $4,500. He has been School Director, School Trustee,
and Road Commissioner 12 years. In politics he is a Democrat.
Thomas Clark Struhinger, whose portrait is given- in this volume,
was born in Wilmington, Del., March 19, 1834; his parents were
Joseph and Mary (Clark) Struhinger, the first a native of Holland.
They arrived in Pike county April 17, 1838, settling on the south-
east quarter of sec. 22, Derry tp., where he resided for many years,
and which he owned at the time of his death. He was a prominent
farmer, owning 520 acres of land, all of which, except 80 acres, came
into his possession in a perfectly wild state; he put under cultiva-
tion the whole of it. He left a family of 6 children, — Michael,
Thomas C, Joseph H., Elizabeth, Mary and Harriet, all living ex-
cept Elizabeth. The subject of this sketch was married Dec. 14,
1862, to Sarah A., daughter of Adley and Nancy Hogan, natives
of Kentucky, and old settlers in this county ; Mr. H. is now deceased.
Mr. and Mrs. S. have had 9 children, 6 of whom are living, as fol-
lows: a babe, born and died, Aug. 22, 1863; Tillie M., born Nov.
13, 1864; John 0., Sept. 12, 1866 ; Edwin Thomas, March 14,1868;
Henry W., March 10, 1870, and died Oct. 20, 1872; Cora C, born
April 30, 1873; Lillie J., March 12, 1875, and died Aug. 2, follow-
ing ; MaryE., born April 23, 1876, and Burt F., Oct. 25, 1877.
Mr. S. obtained his early education in the common log school-
house, and spent his early years on his father's farm. At the age
of 25 he bought 40 acres of land, being a part of the place where he
now resides, sec. 34. The home farm at present consists of 80 acres,
776
HISTORY OF PTKE COUNTY.
upon which are the finest farm residence and improvements in this
county. He owns 380 acres of land in the county, and is one of the
solid representative farmers. On an annual average he raises 75
acres of wheat, 40 of corn, and raises considerable stock. He has
had more than average success. He is a Democrat, but does not
take a very active part in politics.
Mrs. Jane Taylor., farmer, sec. 27; P. O., Eldara; was born in
Hamilton county, Ohio, in 1818; she remained with her parents
until 1838, when she married Simon E. Taylor, and in April, 1839,
they caine to this county and settled on the place where Mrs. Tay-
lor now resides. Mr. Taylor was a wagon-maker by trade, and
worked at that business for several years after he came to this State;
but for ten years previous to his death he gave his attention ex-
clusively to farming. He died in 1867, leaving 4 children, — William,
born May 1, 1840; Mary, born Aug 21, 1841; Henry, born July
3, 1843; Lucy, born May 30, 1850, and an infant, born Nov. 21,
1858, soon deceased. Mrs. Taylor owns 80 acres of land worth $50
per acre.
T. B. Taylor, farmer, owns 150 acres of land; was born Feb. 7,
1834, in this county; was married Aug. 4, 1854, to Abigail Lee, a
native of Ohio, born June 13, 1831. They are the parents of 8
children, 6 living. Mr. T. is a prosperous farmer.
William, E. Taylor, farmer, resides in Eldara; was born in this
\pp. May 8, 1840; has always lived here; was raised on a farm, and
June 1, 1868, was married to Caroline Stout; they have three chil-
dren, namely, Dora, John and Lewis. Mr. T. is a member of the
Odd Fellow and Masonic Lodges; owns 35 acres of land, worth $25
per acre; has been Commissioner of Highways and Road Overseer,
and in politics is a Republican. His brother Henry was in the
late war in the 28th Reg. I. Y. L
Rohert O. Temple, farmer, resides on the west ^ of the N. E.
qr. of sec. 3; was born in Clermont county, Ohio, Sept. 4, 1821;
came to this county in March, 1854, and settled near the town of
Perry and lived there 7 years ; then to DeWitt county 2 years ; to
Perry again for 3 years ; then bought the farm uppn which he now
resides. There are 96 acres, worth $50 per acre. Oct. 5, 1843, he
married Adeline Fisher, a niece of James Ward, of Griggsville, ex-
County Judge of Pike county. They have had 6 children,— Lucy
A., born Sept. 4, 1844; Leonidas C, born April 21, 1846, and died.
Nov. 11, 1873; Sarah Alice, born Oct. 24, 1847; Lizzie A., born
Dec. 22, 1850, and died Feb. 11, 1853; James E., born Jan. 2, 1854,
and Thomas H., Jan. 29, 1857. Mr. Temple has been an Odd Fel-
low for over 30 years. He filled acceptably several tp. ofiSces; has
been an ardent Democrat, but is now a zealous Greenbacker. In
religion he believes in the final restoration of all mankind. P. O,
Barry.
Samuel C. Thomas, farmer, sec. 17; P. O., Eldara; was born in
Derry tp., Dec. 2, 1842; his father's name was Samuel F., and his
mother's Elizabeth Thomas, Tiee Wells. April 10, 1864, he was
HISTORY OF riKE COUNTY. 777
married, and he has had 9 cliildren, 8 of whom are living, namely:
Martha Ann, John C, Susan F., Laura Alice, Charles A., Harry
E., Osa May and Samuel 0. Mr. T's uncle, John Wells, was in
the war of 1812. He is a Democrat.
FrwnMin Tittsworth is a farmer on sec. 13, and his P. O. ad-
dress is Eldara.
Thomas J. Tittsworth, farmer, sec. 19; was born Aug. 19, 1855,
in Pleasant Vale tp.. Pike county, and has lived here ever since;
was married Jan. 15, 1874, to Miss Jane Fesler, and they have one
child, Addie, born July 30, 1876. Mrs. T. is a daughter of Jacob
Fesler. Her 2 uncles, Jacob and. John Browning, were both killed
in the late war. Mr. T. raises corn, wheat and stock, and sells at
home market. He is a Democrat.
Oharles B. Troutwine, farmer, sec. 18; P. O., Eldara; was born
in Germany, Feb. 17. 1832; came to America in 1841, and to this
county in 1852; has lived in. this tp. since the spring of 1853; Oct.
1, 1854, he married Lucinda Moyer, and they have had 9 children;
their names are, Louisa J., Martha E., Austin B., William H.,
Charles Wesley, Marvin V., Frederick A., Harry and Moses. Mr.
T. owns 160 acres of land, worth $40 per acre. He is a Democrat,
and his wife is a Southern Methodist.
Frederick Troutwine, farmer, sec. 30; P. O., Eldara; was born
in the Kingdom of Wurtembnrg, Germany, July 15, 1829; came
to America in 1841'and settled in Clinton county, Ohio; lived there
until 1852, and then removed to Pike county. 111.; was married in
March, 1855, to Julia Ann Moyer, who was born in Orange county,
Indiana. Their 3 children are: John H., born March 28, 1856;
Solomon J., born Feb. 11, 1860; Albert M., born March 6, 1864.
Mr. T. owns 240 acres of land. He is a Douglas Democrat. He
and wife are Methodists.
Moses -Wagoner 'v<f as born in the city of St. Louis, Mo., Aug. 22>
1815; came to Pike county. 111., in 1849; April 7, 1855, was mar-
ried to Martha J. Duland, and they have one child, William Henry,
born Aug. 14, 1853. Mr. Wagoner is the owner of 110 acres of
land, worth $50 per acre, which he desires to sell, owing to ill
health. It is an extra good wheat farm; Mr. W. cut and harvested
from 26 acres 800 bushels of wheat, and Baised 80 bushels of corn
to the acre, in the year 1879. There is situated upon the farm an
elegant two-storv frame dwelling; good barn, stables and other
buildings, stock, "wells and springs. In politics, a Eepublican. P. O.,
Barry .
Jol 8. Ware, harness-maker, Eldara; was born in the city of
Philadelphia, Aug. 28, 1830; came to this county in 1838; learned
his trade at Barry; was married Oct. 10, 1852, to Sarah Eobertson;
they- are both members of the M. E. Church. Their living chil-
dren are: Ida Belle, Lillie G., William I., Gertrude, Harry and
Charles. His grandfather, John Hughs, was in the war of 1812.
He is a Democrat.
Y78 HI8T0EY OF PIKE COUNTY.
James H. Wassell, farmer, sec. 33; is a native of Derry tp., born
March 4, 1854; was raised on a farm and had limited advantages for
education. His father, Eobert Wassell, died when the subject of
this sketch was but 3 years of age. Nov. 7, 1876, he married May
Tipler, and they have had one child, Anna, born Oct. 18, 1877.
He is a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge at Eldara. Disposes of
his produce at home market. P. 0., Eldara.
Isaac If. Williams, farmer, sec. 31; was born June 12, 1851;
was raised a farmer; Jan. 13, 1876, was married to Eliza Anu Moore
of this county, and they have 2 children, James Henry and Stephen,
E. Mr. W. has had good educational advantages, and in politics,
is a Democrat. P. O., Eldara.
Stephen B. Williams. The first of this man's ancestors who
settlediiu America came from Wales previous to the Revolution,
and settled in Maryland; his name was Edward Williams, and he
served under Washington in the war, at the close of which he re-
moved to Ohio county, Kentucky, a section of country then per-
fectly wild, savage Indians and ferocious beasts holding almost com-
plete sway. He was a farmer by occupation, and died in that
county, leaving 8 children, one of whom, Stephen, was the grand-
father of the subject of this biographical notice. He was a Baptist
minister for over 50 years, preaching in Kentucky, Illinois and
Iowa. He died in Jefferson 'county about 1868, leaving also a
family of 8 children, the eldest of whom, Isaac, was the father of
Stephen R. He was born in Kentucky in 1800, and in January,
1819, married Sarah Coleman, a daughter of Henry Coleman, of
Ohio county, Ky., whose father was a Oerman and an early settler
of Kentucky. Of this marriage were 13 children, of whom 9 are
living, the eldest of whom is Stephen R., who was born Nov. 12,
1820, in Ohio county, Ky. His early life was passed on his father's
farm in White county, 111., whither his father had moved when his
son was but 2 years of age. Here also he obtained his education
in the old-fashioned log school-house, with a w ndow of greased
paper where a log had been taken out for the purpose; indeed, Mr.
W. never went to school where glass windows were used. June 22,
1837, he married Miss Nancy J. Funkhouser, daughter of Isaac
Funkhouser, in White county, 111., and 3 children were born to
them in that county, namely, Sarah, Yirgil and William. In 1844
he moved with his family to this county, settling in Pittsfield tp.,
where he commenced farming. His land title not being perfect,
he returned his claim to the seller in 1846, and removed into Derry
township, where he rented farms for several years. In 1852 he
bought the southeast quarter of sec. 32, this tp., which place was
slightly improved, having on it a log house. The same year he
moved his family here. He has since put under fine cultivation
about 100 acres at this place. Here he lived about 14 years,when
he moved to a farm which he bought, the southwest quarter of sec.
31, this tp., where he is still residing.
In 1842 Mr. Williams joined the Primitive Baptist Church, of
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 779
which he has ever since been a member. He is a man of deep
convictions, and has believed it his duty to take a public and active
part in the cause of the Church. His public efforts caused his
brethren to induce him to become a regular preacher, and with
some reluctance he complied with their wishes, and was ordained
after about two years' preaching. He has now served in that capac-
ity 22 years. He has never preached for a salary. He has preached
at tlie regular annual and monthly meetings in Missouri and Iowa,
besides this State.
At present he owns 515 acres of land in this tp., and 80 acres in
tp. 6 s., 6 w. He has 4 children living, 2 boys and 2 girls. Wra.
v. married Angeline Moore, and lives on one of his father's farms,
on sec. 32; Isaac married Eliza Jane Moore, and lives on sec. 30,
his father's farm of 200 acres; Sarah married Benj. House and
Hves in Atlas tp.; Fanny married Charles Drummond, and resides
on the home place. He has had 8 other children, who have deceased,
namely, Mary, who died after she was a married woman ; Henry,
who died at the age of 17; Lucy Ann and Martin, who died very
young, and 3 others died in infancy. Although Mr. Williams is
interested in political matters, he has not taken a very active and
prominent part. He is a Democrat, has been Colle ctor, Commi-
sioner, Township Trustee, etc. It is claimed that the first person
ever baptized by the Green river (Ky.) waters was Mrs. Williams'
great-grandmother on her mother's side. Mr. Williams' postoffice
address is Eldara. His portrait is given in this book, and can be
found by reference to the table of contents.
H. R. Wood, farmer and stock-dealer, sec. 29; P. O., Eldara;
owns 22 acres, worth $40 per acre; was born in Penn., Sept. 30,
1825; came to this State in the fall of 1838, settling in Morgan
county, where he remained 2 years, thence to Pittsfleld until 1854,
then settled in Derry; went to California in 1849 and returned in
1852; was married in Missouri in 1855 to Lorinda Yale, who was
born in Missouri and died in 1860. They had 2 children, William
and Luella. In May, 1873, he married Sarah Shinn, born Jan. 25, ■
1849. In addition to farming, Mr. W. raises and handles young
stock to some extent.
Theodore Wood, grocer and confectioner at Eldara, was born in
Illinois, Nov. 27, 1854; was married in this county to Josephine
Taylor, a native of this county, and they are the parents of 5 chil-
dren,— 4 living. Mr. W. owns one lot with dwelling, and in his
line of business is doing well. In politics he is a Democrat.
Lewis iV. WoTsham, farmer, is a native of Illinois, and was born
Jan. 15, 1836; was married Oct. 26, 1862, to Cynthia Williams, also
a native of Illinois, born Aug. 11, 1840. They are the parents of
4 children: Laura, Oren, and 2 infants, deceased. Mr. W. owns
183 acres of land, worth $50 per acre.
ATLAS TOWNSHIP.
This township is the scene of the more important early history
of the county. For some years here was situated the seat of empire,
as it were, the metropolis of a vast region. Here was not only the
business center, but the social, religious, and political headquarters
of a section of country now containing many thousands of people,
and millions of wealth. Virtually, the first few chapters in this
book is a history of this township, and therefore it will not be
expected that we should repeat what we have already recorded, al-
though much of it is essentially local., or township and village
history.
According to the general order we have adopted in writing these
sketches, we will speak of the earliest settlers first. The first legi-
timate settler of the county located in this township. The person
to whose memory this honor is due, was Ebenezer Franklin. He
came in March, 1820, and first located on sec. 27, near where
the town of Atlas, now is. He brought his family and for a time
dwelt in a tent. Then came in Daniel Shinn, who became his
neighbor, and like him pitched his tent, and in it lived until May.
At that time both these sturdy pioneers erected rude log cabins on
sec. 22, and about three-fourths of a mile from Atlas.
The same year another prominent family arrived at Atlas, or
rather upon the site of Atlas, for of course there was no town there
then. The family we refer to was the Eoss family, consisting of
Col. William Ross, Captain Leonard Ross, Dr. Henry J. Ross, and
Clarendon Ross. These were married men and brought their fami-
lies with them. They came from Pittsfield, Mass., and of course
during the existing modes of travel in those pioneer times they
had a hard, tedious journey. They were all tired out when they
arrived at the spot, on sec. 27, that they were to call home.
The country in its virgin state was beautiful to behold, but so far
in the wilderness was it that it must have been lonely indeed to
them. However, they were glad to get to their journey's end, and
one of the party exclaimed, as tradition has it, that they had reached
home " at last," from which the town, and latterly the township
was named.
After the Rosses, of whom we speak in the first chapter of this
volume at greater length, came James M. Seeley, who played an
HISTORY OF PIKE OODNTT. 781
important and honorable part in the early history of the county.
Then came Levi Newman and Charles McGiffin, who kept a ferry
across the Mississippi at Louisiana, John and Jeremiah Ross,
Rufus Brown, John Wood and Willard Kej-^es. Brown kept a
tavern in Atlas for a time, but he, with these two Eosses, and
Wood and Keyes, moved to Adams county ^nd became prominent
in the affairs of that community. Then came Joseph Petty, Jolin
M. Smith, Deacon Snow, Daniel Husong, Dexter Wheelo'ck, who
kept store and hotel at Atlas for a time, and a few others.
Among a few others of the leading first settlers of Atlas we will
mention Col. Benj. Barney, Henry Long, Stephen R. "Watson,
Benjamin D. Brown, James Ross, etc. As many of the early pil-
grims to Atlas were scattered in various parts of the county when
the county-seat was moved from there, and as a half century has
almost elapsed since the village of Atlas began to wane, we find it
impossible to get anything like a full and authentic list of the first
settlers here. It is true there are many of the descendants of the
early pioneers now living in this township, but of these we speak
among the personal sketches given below.
In 1824 the public buildings, which had previously been at
Cole's Grove, now Calhoun county, were moved to Atlas. During
the following decade it was a busy commercial center and had great
promise of becoming the most important town in this section.
At one time it was thought that it would eclipse Quincy, but
when, in 183B, the county-seat was removed to Pittsfield, it suf-
fered materially. Indeed, the town has never since assumed any
prominence, but declined, until now there is only a postoffice, gen-
eral store and a blacksmith shop located here. At that time the more
prominent settlers followed the public buildings to Pittsfield, and
made that the metropolis of the county.
The first death to occur in Atlas township was that of Mr. Hu-
song. The first child born was Nancy Ross, daughter of Col. Wil-
ham Ross. The first male child was Marcellus Ross, who now resides
in Pittsfield. Some say, however, that a son was born to Ebenezer
Franklin prior to this, and others that a child of John M. Smith's
was the first one born. The first parties married in the township
were Daniel Barney and Miss A. L. Husong. The first sermon
was preached by tlie celebrated Lorenzo Dow, in the old court-
hovise, in 1826. The first school-house was erected the same year
upon sec. 26.
Before Ross township was cut off from Atlas, which was done
in 1879, it was by far the largest township in the county. It then
embraced the whole of one and parts of three Congressional town-
ships. Much of it, however, was bottom land, and valueless for
cultivation until the erection of the great Sny Carte levee. This
public enterprise has redeemed many entire sections of fine land
in Atlas. At one time the Sny Carte slough was so high that
Col. Ross was enabled to run a boat up to Atlas. This is what is
termed a timbered township, but is well settled and improved.
78 '2 HI8T0EY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Here we find some of the finest farms in the county. The Quincy,
Alton and St. Louis Railroad passes through the township from
northwest to southeast.
VILLAGES.
There are in this township tiiree villages, all small, but pleasant-
I3' located. They are Atlas, Eockport and Summer Hill. The
former town was laid out in 1823 l)y William Ross and Rufus
Brown. It was the first town laid oif in the county, and for a time
first in point of commercial advantages. We have spoken of the
village so often, however, that anything we might now say would
merely be repetition. We therefore will refer the reader to the
first chapters and the history of tlie township given above.
During the great speculative excitement of 1836 and the few
subsequent years, towns were projected all over the State. During
the former year there were about a dozen towns laid out in Pike
county, among which was Rockport. It had excellent milling
facilities, and a project to erect a grist-mill, then greatly needed in
the county, was set on foot by Ross, Scott & Oo. About 1828 a
saw-mill was erected at this point upon the Sny Carte, on the
southwest quarter of sec. 17. Later, about 1830, John Warburton
erected a fiouring-mill at the same site. This mill was destroyed
by fire in 1846. During that and the following year another mill
was erected upon the site of the former. This mill was conducted
successfully, and was a great convenience to the settlers until 1853,
when it shared the fate of the former and went up in the flames.
Undaunted, however, its proprietors set about to erect another,
which was done in 1855. This mill was run for 12 years, when it
was burned. In 1867-8 Shaw & Rupert built a fourth mill at this
point, with a capacity of 300 barrels a day. It will be seen that
this has been one of the greatest milling points in this section.
Rockport took from Atlas about all of the business that was left it
after the removal of the county- seat to Pittsfield. The town was
laid out on the most approved plan for a city of no mean dimensions.
For a time it grew rapidly and gave great promise to its founders,
but the financial crash which followed the speculative period ?1-
most completely stopped immigration to the State for a few years,
and all of the new towns sufiered materially.
Rockport is located on sees. 17, 18 and 20, on the Sny Carte,
and contains several stores, and transacts a good trade in a local
way. It is situated on the Quincy, Alton & St. Louis Railway.
The village of Summer Hill, which is located on sec. 13 of this
township, was laid out March 11, 1845, by Lyman Scott. It is
situated in the midst of a beautiful and fertile section of country.
It is a very pleasant country town, containing two nice churches,
two or three stores, postofiice, etc.
Summer Hill Congregational Ohv/roh. The Congregational
Church of Summer Hill was organized by Rev. Asa Turner at Atlas
in Nov., 1834, under the name of the Rockport and Atlas Congrega-
HISTORY OF PIKE OOUNTr. 783
tional Church. Preaching services were held at Eockport, Atlas, and
later at Summer Hill. Gradually, as the settlements extended back
from the Mississippi river,|the Church members became located more
and more at Summer Hill, until the Church had migrated from
Eockport and Atlas to Summer Hill. This change was gradual,
extending through a number of j'ears. The present church building
at Summer Hill was completed about 1866.
This Church has always held a form of doctrine common to the
Congregational Churches. It believes in the new birth (•' Except
a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God"); in the
sinfulness of men and in redemptiou only through Jesus Christ,
the Son of God; in the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit;
in the inspiration of the Holy Scriptures; that the word of God is
the only infallible rule of faith and life; in the endless happiness
of the righteous and misery of the unregenerate. It teaches and
believes in a pure and upright life consecrated to God.
The first great season of growth came under the pastorate of
E,ev. Wm. Carter from 1834 to 1847. During this period of nine
years the Church increased from 10 or 12 members to 100. After
1847 the Church suflPered a decline until 1866, when it numbered
41 members. The second period of growth came under the pres-
ent Pastor, Eev. C. E. Marsh, from 1868 to the present time. Dur-
ing this period of 12 years the Church increased from 60 to 116
members. In the winter of 1873-4 a great season of revival was
enjoyed, when 48 were received into the Church. The past winter
(1879-80) another revival has been enjoyed, and 39 have entered
into covenant with the Church.
The following persons have acted as Pastors of the Church:
Kev. Warren Nichols, from 1835 to 1837; Pev. A. T. Norton, from
1837 to ; Kev. Wm. Carter, from 1838 to 1847; Eev. Gideon
0. Clark, from 1847 to 1850; Eev. A. H. Fletcher, from 1850 to
1853; Eev. C. S. Cady, ^from 1853 to 1855; Eev. J. G. Barrett,
from 1856 to 1859; Eev. S. E. Thrall, from 1859 to 1865; Eev.
Samuel Dilley, from 1865 to 1867; Eev. Wm. Carter, from 1867
to 1868; Eev. Chas. E. Marsh, from 1868 to the present time.
BIO&EAPHICAL.
We give below personal sketches, in alphabetical rotation, of the
prominent citizens and old settlers of Atlas township and its vil-
lages.
/. A. Adams, farmer, sec. 27; P. 0., Atlas; was born in 1803 in
Rensellaer county, N. Y., the son of James and Edna Adams; re-
ceived a fair education and followed sawing, and operating cotton
apd woolen mill with good success; he quit the business in 1843 and
emigrated West, settling on the present homestead, where he has
lived ever since. The farm is well improved. Feb. 10, 1825, he
married Harriet Green, who was born in 1802 in Eensellaer county,
N. T., and their 3 children were Cornelius, deceased, Jeremiah and
Edna.' Mr. Adams first occupied about 500 acres of bottom and
784 HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTT.
up land, and. since has obtained about 500 acres more. He has seen
the bottom opposite his residence entirely overflowed, and has been
in a steam-boat over the land he now cultivates. Mr. Adams
has been Assessor for 15 or 16 years. The house now occupied by
him was built in 1822, with an addition in 1824. It is a substan-
tial building, and bids fair to stand for ages yet. The first
preacher he knew was Kev. Wm. Carter, who .was in Pittsfield so
long. Mr. Adams' father was in the Revolutionary war, as priva-
teer at sea. He distinctly remembers the war of 1812.
Isaac Barton, farnier, was born in Kentucky, June 7, 1825, the
son of William and Mary (Brewer) Barton, natives of Tennessee;
was educated in the Kentucky subscription schools; his early life
was spent in mechanical employment, but the most of his life he has
been a farmer. In 1846 he married Miss K. M. Owsley, a native
of East Tennessee, and of their 11 children 8 are living, 5 sons and
3 girls; 3 are married. Mr. Barton came to Pike county the year
he was married, with no property except a horse and saddle, but he
is now in comfortable circumstances, living in a $3,000 house. He
has held nearly all the township offices, and is in several official
positions at the present time. In politics he is a Democrat, and in
religion both himself and wife are members of the M. E. Church.
Aaron Baughmon was born in Ohio, Dec. 11, 1835, and is a son
of Jacob and Catharine (Wilhelm) Baughmon, natives of Pennsyl-
vania, and of German ancestry; was educated mostly in the com-
mon schools of this county; can speak German. April 10, 1856,
he married Sarah Sapp, daughter of Daniel Sapp, a pioneer of this
county; of tjieir 9 children 6 are living. Mr. B. came to this
county about Christmas in 1846, and worked at quarrying rock and
burning lime; for the last 8 years it has been a success. He ran a
threshing-machine for 9 years, and in that business lost his health,
and in burning lime he thinks he recovered his voice which he had
lost. He is a farmer, residing on sec. 14, where he owns 40 acres,
besides having 40 acres on sec. 16. In his present business he has
been successful. Being married before he was 21 years of age, his
father claimed $150 for his time, which was paid. He is a Eepub-
lican, and both himself and wife are members of the M. E. Church.
P. O., Summer HiU.
Monroe Baughmon, farmer, sec. 11; P. O., Summer Hill; was
born in this county Oct. 5, 1848, and is a son of Jacob and Cath-
arine W. (Heler) Baughmon, who were married in 1835 and had 5
children, of whom Monroe is the eldest. The latter received a
common-school education, and is now following farming in Atlas tp.
Capt. Uriah Brook was born in Missouri in 1820, and is a son
of Armstrong and Theresa Angle (Brown) Brock, the former of En-
glish descent and the latter of German; was educated in the subscrip-
tion schools of the time; at 15 he went upon the river and worked
at cooking and pulling oars on a flat-boat- in 1839 he went on a
steamer to learn the river as cub pilot; in 1840 he was promoted
to the position of pilot on the steamer lone, and for the same man
'/2^g^6/ .
i^<Q^^-^?-2-
ATLAS TP
HISTOKT OF PIKE COUNTY. 787
he ran steamers for 7 years on the Ohio river, making 10 years
altogether wliich he worked for one man; has followed the river
as pilot every summer since he learned the business, and expects
to as long as he can see and turn a wheel. ,He Las been moderately
Buccessfnl, having as much as $2,500 for one summer's work. At
present he gets only $600 for a season's work. He married Miss
Caroline Marsh in 1855, and they have 6 children, all living in this
tp., where he spends the winter with his family. Four of the chil-
dren are married. He has a neat and substantial residence in
Summer Hill, and 12 acres of land. In politics he is a Republi-
can, and he and his wife are members of the Congregational Church.
Mrs. Brock's father, Sherman Brown, was an early, settler of this
county.
David W. Deam, farmer and stock-raiser; is the son of Henry
and Susannah (Kiser) Deajn; his father was a native of Pennsyl-
vania and born in 178^; his mother was born in the StatQ of Ken-
tucky in 1794; they emigrated with their family to Ohio in an
early day, where both of them passed the remainder of their lives;
they died near Dayton, O., and were laid at rest in Bethel township,
Miami county. David W., the subject of this biography, was born
in Montgomery county, 0., in 1831; in 1852 he went to Bluffton,
Mills Co., Ind., where he held the position of Deputy County Clerk
for one year; he then returned to the Buckeye State and remained
until 1854; he was then united in marriage with Miss Sarah C.
Deal, who was born in 1831 ; she is the daughter of Philip and
Mary (Boyer) Deal, both natives of Maryland. To them have
been born 4 children, 3 of whom are living; Mary Alice was born
.Jan. 3, 185?^, in Montgomery, 0.; William Lewis, born Sept. 25,
1856; Dora Bell, Jan. 31, 1858, died Feb. 24,1876, and Warren
G., born Jan. 29, 1864. Wrn. L. married Miss Capps, Oct. 9,
1879, and Mary A. was married to Uriah A. Brock, March 23,
1872. Mr. Deam moved with his family to Atlas, this county, in
1856, first locating on sec. 23, where he engaged in farming until
1867, when he sold out and purchased a fine farm on sec. 13. He
now ow::is 240 acres of land. His residence, with ground attached,
is among tlie most beautiful, tasteful and convenient in the county.
It is situated ^.a the outskirts of the pleasant little village of Sum-
mer Hill. Mr. Deam, who is now engaged in farming and stock-
raising, dealing in fine graded stock, ranks among the more promi-
nent, enterprising and substantial citizens of Pike county, and as
one of her representative citizens we present his portrait in this
volume.
James Brown. -This gentleman's father, Isaac Brown, was born
in March, 1791, in Virginia, moved to this State in 1828, and died
in 1848; his mother was Susan Brown. The subject of this notice was
one of 14 children, and was born in April, 1833; in 1856 he mar-
ried Sarah Knapp, who was born in June, 1839, and their 6 chil-
dren are, Zara, born in 1857; Lloyd, born in 1859; George, born in
1862; Frederic, born in 1865, and Lilly, born in 1872. Mr. Brown
45
788 HrHTUKY OF PIKK COUNTY.
has always been a fanner; has been tn Oalifornia twioe. In rolig
ion he is a (Jniversalist, and in politics a Eepublican.
Mrs. Susan J. Cleveland, nee Baxter, was born Aug. 2, 1860
and married Galen Cleveland in 1853, and of their 10 children
only 2 are living, both named after their parents. Mr. Baxter set-
tled in Missouri, where his children had but a very limited educa-
tion.
J. H. Farrington. The subject of this sketch was born in Mil-
ton, this county, Aug. 19, 1843, and is a bon of D. 11. and Martha
(Shaw) Harrington, both natives of North Carolina, and his father
of German ancestry. J. H. is the third of a family of 10 children,
all of whom are boys. His father was a farmer, at which business
he was successful. Both his parents are living in Missouri at the
present time. Our subject began to learn the trade of a miller
with Francis Frye at the village of Time, in 1870 ; they ran the
mill in partnership until Nov. 26, 1876, when it was destroyed by
fire, at a loss to them of $10,000. February of the following year
he came to Summer Plill and became a partner of the firm of Peters
& Co. Their mill is one of the best in the county, does an exten-
sive local trade, and has a good reputation. Their favorite brand
of flour is the " Golden Eule." April 10, 1863, he was married to
Jeannette Farrington, who was born July 18, 1845 ; their only
child, Thomas Yirgil, was born in 1865. In politics Mr. F. is a
Democrat. He served as Supervisor for Hardin tp. for the years
1875-76.
James H. Ferguson, druggist, Summer Hill, was born in Pike
county, March 27, 1855; his fathei', James 11. Ferguson, isanntive
of Ireland, and his mother, Ann Eliza (Dodge) Ferguson, a native
of Georgia. James H. was educated in the common schools of
Pike county, Pittsfleld High School, and Eureka College; until he
arrived at the age of 22 he was engaged in farming; lie then went
to Nebo and engaged in the study of medicine for a time, after
which he bought a stock of drugs at GriggsvilJo, and also has an
interest in another store in the same town. In 1879 he came to
Summer Hill and started a drug store, the only one in the place. The
grandfather of our subject was among the early settlers of the State.
His father, who was a graduate as a civil engineer, in Europe, came
to Pike county in an early day, served as County Surveyor, and held
that position until he died, in 1863. He was the owner of between
500 and 600 acres of land at the time.
Solomon Greengard was born Sept. 14, 1830, and is a native of
Poland; he learned the trade of blacksmith in his native country,
but is now engaged in selling tin-ware, furs, raigs, etc. In 1840 he
was married to Esth Rachell. Six children have been born to them,
4 of whom are living, 1 boy and 3 girls.
O. M. Ga/rner, farmer, sec. 10; P. 0., Summer Hill; is a son of
Jonathan and Mary (N ewnham) Garner, the former a native of
North Carolina and'the latter of South Carolina. Our subject was
born in Kentucky in 1829, and, was early brought to this county,
HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY. Y89
where he received a good common-school education. His parents
came to the county in 1840 and settled 10 miles west of Pittsfield.
He married th-e first time in 1856, and the second time, 1869, he
married Oaroiine McOlintock, by whom he has had 4 children: lie
had one by his first wife. He and his 'present wife are mem-
bers of the Christian Church; he is a Eepublican. lie has 260
acres of land.
James <?ffly, farmer, sec. 12; P. O., Summer Hill; was born Feb.
6, 1814, in Iredell county, N. C, and is a sou of William and Anna
(Rutledge) Gay, father a native of the same county and mother a
native of llowan county, N. C, both of Irish ancestry. His
chances being very poor in a Southern State, he came to Pike
county. 111., where he graduated in a log cabin 14 by 14, in Pleas-
ant Hill tp., in 1834. In 1839 he married Amelia Yokem, and
they have had 9 children, 8 of whom are living. Both Mr. and
Mrs. Gay are members of the Congregational Church. Mr. Gay has
been a itarmer all his life, and coming to Pike county in Feb.,
1834, he worked as a farm hand in Atlas tp. The first night he
staid in Pike couTity he had only half money enough to pay his
bill, which was 37^ cents. Besides this he had a horse worth $15,
which was all the earthly possession he could call his own at that
time. He is now the owner of 660 acres of land in Pike county,
and has an interest in several other tracts of land. AH his sons
live in this county and all are married, the eldest of whom owns
480 acres of land.
William H. Gay, farmer, sec. 9; P. 0., Rockport; was born in
this tp., and is a son of James and Amelia (Yokem) Gay, above
mentioned; he attended the common schools of this county and
began teaching at the age of 18 years. He enlisted May 4, 1861,
in the 16tli 111. Inf., serving as Corporal of Co. K, and participated
in all the battles that the regiment was engaged in ; he was dis-
charged June 12,1864. In 1867 he was united in marriage with
Elizabeth Shinn, and to them have been born 5 children, 4 sons
and a daughter. Mr. Gay is the owner of 480 acres of land, 320
of which are in Pike county.
John Ilelkey was born on the German ocean in December, 1848;
was united in marriage with Fanny Adams, who was born in July,
1859. In 1870, Aug. 2d, of that year, a son, Charlie, was born to
them. He has engaged some in railroading, but at present is fol-
lowing blacksmithing and wagon -making, which he expects to
continue the rest of his life. His wife received a good common-
school education, and attended the Pittsfield high school.
James 8. Johnson was born in Pike county in 1846, and is a son
of Elisha T. and Catherine (Cook) Johnson, of New Jersey. James
received his education in the common schools of this county, engaged
in farming and coopering, and in 1864 enlisted in the 7th 111. Inf.,
under Capt, Hubbard. In 1865 he was united in marriage with
Eliza Ann Waters; 2 of the 4 children born to them are living.
His father, who was a moulder in early life, came to Pike county
790 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
in 1838, and engaged in farming ; his mother died in 1867, and his
father in 1873.
Henry A. Long was born July 6, 1774, and Emeline Green
March 4, 1804; the two were united in marriage Aug. .*>, 1822- to
them were born 5 sons and 3 daughters. Kennedy Long w.as born
March 14, 1826, and Oct. 13, 1852, married Phoebe J. Roasa, who
was born June 27, 1832; by this union 5 children,, all boys, were
born: Henry A., born Jan. 21, 1854, William J., July 26, 1855,
George .P., Oct. 5, 1865, L. E., born Nov. 14, 1868, and Philip
E., Feb. 13, 1874. Mr. L. came here with his parents in 1831, and
located in Atlas, then the county-seat of Pike county. He has been
a great fisherman and at the present lives in .the oldest house in
Atlas, and consequently the oldest in the county. The floor is of
puncheons, hewed on one side and rip-saVed, and is still of good
quality. Mrs. Long is a member of the M..E. Church, while Mr.
Long is liberal toward all the churches, and is a Republican.
Mrs. Lucia Mace, nee Chamberlain, was born June 27, 1826, and
in 1837 was. brought to Illinois, \^here she received a common-
school education; Aug. 4, 1842, she married John Mace, and their
3 children are D. H., I). A. and Kate. Mr. Mace served 18 months
in the Mexican war. "While in health he followed carpentering.
Mrs. Mace owns good property in the village of Rockport.
Rev. O. E. Marsh was born in New York, March 4, 1837, and is
a son of James and Emeline (Allen) Marsh, of English ancestry.
He attended the common schools, entered Knox College at Gales-
burg, where he remained 3 years, and alsp graduated at Wheaton
College, 111., near Chicago. His father during his early life was a
silversmith, but after he came to this county, which was in 1844, he
engaged in fa,rming. Our subject passed his early life on a farm,
but since he graduated in 1860 be has not followed that vocation.
At the age of 21 he united with the Congregational Church at
Galesburg, 111.; in Oct., 1868, he was installed Pastor at Sum-
mer Hill; at that time the membership was 60, but at present
numbers 116; most of the accessions were made during two re-
vivals, one held. in 1873-4, when 48 were added, the other in 1879-
80, when 39 joined the Church. In 1860 Rev. Marsh was united
in marriage with Belle Robinson; to them have been born 7 chil-
dren, 5 sons and 2 daughters, the two latter of whom are deceased.
Jonathan Miller was born in North Carolina, and married Re-
becca Span, Sept. 7, 1824, in Indiana; to them were born 10 chil-
dren: Calvin, Luther, Moses, Houston, Samuel, James, Jonathan,
Mary Jane, Emeline, Florence, — all of whom are married except the
two youngest. ^
Moses S. Miller. Jonathan Miller, his father, was born Aug.
13, 1801, and his mother, Rebecca (Span) Miller, was born in 1808.
Mosss S. was born June 3, 1887; the same year his parents came
to this^State; he was united in marriage in 1856 with Elizabeth
Guthrie, who was born in Missouri, in 1831; of the 4 children born
to them only one is living, Julia E., who was born in 1857. He
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. V91
JB engaged in farming, began with no other help but his own hands,
bat now owns a good farm.
Henry, Morse, farmer, sec. 13; P. O., Summer Hill; was born
in Boston, Mass., April 2, 1817, and is the son of Henry and Mary
(Fox) Morse; he obtained the principal part of his education at
North-Wilbraham Academy, Mass. Mr. M. has been thrice mar-
ried. He united with his present wife, Margaret Jane Smithers, in
1855; she is a member of the Methodist Church. At the age of 16
TSlr. M. commenced to learn the trade of carpenter and joiner, and
has worked successfully at it for many years. He came to Pike
county from Massachusetts in 1834, and settled at Kockport; he
now lives on a farm on sec. 13, 6 S., 5 W. In 1861 he enlisted in
Co. D, 3d Mo. Inf., and served till the expiration of the term.
H. Peters, miller at Summer Hill, was born in Pennsylvania,
July 25, 1829;. his parents, James and Infancy (Culver) Peters,
were natives of Canada and Pennsylvania, respectively. Our sub-
ject received his education in the common schools of Wisconsin,
attended the high school at Beloit, and also took a course of book-
keeping. He served an apprenticeship at blacksmithing in the
same town, and worked 6 years in a plow factory; in 1849 he came
to Quincy, 111., where he worked, in a plow factory for 2 years,
when he married Elizabeth Conyers; they then lived in P^ilmyra,
Mo., six years, when they removed to Pike county, where they
have since remained; For 10 years he continued the manufacture
of plows, when he sold out and embarked in the milling business,
and is now of the firm of Peters & Co., millei-s. Summer Hill.
Politically he is a Greenbacker, and a 'prominent member of his
party. He is onp of the two delegates from Pike county, chosen
in March, 1880, to nominate a Greenback candidate for the Presi-
dency. In politics, as in his business, he is energetic and well
.posted in the history of the country and of the various political
parties. He has served as Justice of the Peace for 3 years. '
Carson JV. Supert wslb born in 1854, and is a farmer, sec. 27;
P. 0., Atlas; Oct. 18, 1876, he was nnited in raarria1s;e with Miss
Mary E. Adams, ^who was born in 1855; and they have one child,
a girl.
George Schwartz was born in Switzerland in 1813 ; when at the
age of 20 he emigrated to America; his parents, Andrew and Mary
Ann (Shoemaker) Schwartz, were "also natives of Switzerland. He
attended school from the time he was 6 years old till he was 18, and
received a good German education; he never attended school in
America any, but can read and write English with ease. He
located in Atlas tp. in 1833; has been a farmer all his life, and
worked the first tvnS years after he arrived here by the month, the
first year receiving $7, and the second year $8 per month . He was
nnited in marriage with Miss Mary Gay in 1838, and of the 5
children born to them 4 are living. James Gay, spoken of above,
and our subject, kept bachelor's hall for three years after his ar-
rival here; they were then poor boys, but are to-day leading citi-
792 HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY.
zens of the county. Mr. S. owns 254 acres of land in Atlas tp.,
and has a handsome and substantial residence in Summer Hill.
He has held local offices in this tp., been Sunday-school Superin-
tendent, Trustee and Deacon in the Summer Hill Congregational
church, and prominent in all the affairs of his community.
Dt. Q. W. Schwartz, Summer Hill, was born Feb. 17, 1846, alid
is a son of George Schwartz, above mentioned. The Doctor is a
graduate of the St. Louis Medical College, and began* practice in
the spring of 1874 in Milton, Mo., and, like most young doctors,
labored under many disadvantages. In the fall of that year he
removed to Summer Hill, where he has built up a fair practice.
G. J. Shaw, Summer Hill, was born in Massachusetts Feb. 2,
1816, and is a son of Walter and Marcia (Cadwell) Shaw, the form-
er a- native of Massachusetts, and of Scottish descent; he came to
Pike county in 1836, and settled at Atlas; he left iiis home in
Massachusetts in 1832, went to the West Indies, thence to New
Orleans, and then to Missouri. He learned the carpenter and join-
er's trade, and subsequently engaged in farming, now owning 300
acres of land. In the early days it was quite difficult to get money
enough to pay his taxes. The principal circulating medium was
coon-skins. He had only $100, when he was married, and made
his start by making window sash. He tells us that most of the
land between Summer Hill' and Pittsfield was bought for $1.25 an
acre. He further says that it was no uncommon tiling to see a
crop sell for more than the land cost. Mr. S. was married in 1837
to Sophia Kennedy, and to them have been born 5 children, all of
whom are living.
Henry L. Shaw, farmer, sec. 7; P. O., Summer Hill ; was born
Feb. 3, 1837, within 300 yards of where he nov lives, and is a son
of Luther and A. B. (Bemiss) Shaw, natives of Massachusetts; at-
tended the public school some; when he was 15 years of age his.
father died (1852), leaving the care of a large family on him; there
were 10 children, of whom Henry was the eldest. In 1872 he mar-
ried Mary A. Davis, and of their 3 children 2 are living. Mr.
Shaw is a Republican, and both himself and wife are members of
the Congregational Church. He has been a successful farmer, now
owning 267 acres of land in this county.
M. 0. Shaw, farmer, sec. 12; P. O., Summer Hill; was born July
30, 1814, in Massachusetts, and is the -son of Solomon and Persis
(Colon) Shaw, natives'also of Massachusetts, and father a farmer;^
the subject of this notice was educated in the common schools of
the Bay State. In 1836 he married Sarah Andrews, and of their 3
children 2 are living,— Charles H., George and Eva Myrtie, deceased.
Mr. Shaw came to Pike county in 1840, and th'^ foil owing, year he
settled on sec. 12, where he now owns 50 acres of land, and is out
of debt. He has worked at shoemaking several years. In 1862
both his boys enlisted in Co. A, 99th 111. Inf., under Capt Edwards;
George W. was wounded at the grand charge at Yicksburg, by a
shot in the leg; Clmrles was Sergeant, and the boys were in all the
HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY, 793
battles in which the Regiment was engaged, Mr. Shaw has been
Collector, and in politics is a Republican.
Luoim W. Shaw, farmer, sec. 12 ; P. O., Summer Hill ; was
born in this county in 1839, and is a son of George J. and Sophia
(Kinney) Shaw, father a native of Massachusetts and mother of
i^^ew York, and both of English descent; he obtained a common-
gchool education in this county. In 1864 he married Anna M.
Barney, who died in 1874; of their offspring one child is still liv-
ing; in 1875 Mr. S. married Maria Shaw, and they have 3 children,
all living. In 1862 Mr, Shaw enlisted in the famous Pike county
Regiment, No. 99, in (Jo. C, under Oapt. Matthews, and was elect-
ed 2d Lieutenant, and in a short time he became Ist Lieutenant;
he was in five battles and several skirmishes; in 1863 he resigned
on account of sickness. His early occupation was teaching and
farming. Since the war he has kept store some of the time and
pursued farming. He owns 190 acres of good land. He is a Re-
publican, and has been School Trustee, Tovra Clerk and Justice of
the Peace; and being a member of the Congregational Church, he
has been also Deacon and Sunday-school Superintendent, the latter
for 10 years. His wife is also a member of the same Church.
Hiram Smith, a native of Madison county, 111., where he was
born in 1830; he was reared upon a farm, and in 1861 enlisted in
Co. D, 28tii 111. Inf,in the United States service to defend his coun-
try ; in the battle of Shiloh he was shot through the neck, which
proved nearly fatal; he partially recovered and was in several small
skirmishes, and was in the hard-fought battles of Pea Ridge and
Hatchie; in the latter battle he received two wounds, one from a
minie ball and the other from a large piece of shell ; he was then
consigned to a hospital, and from there sent to Keokuk, Iowa,
where, Jan. 2, 1863, he was discharged. He was married Oct. 8,
1863, and he has two children, H. E. and James W. H.
Edwin C. Tryon, deceased, was born in 1830 in Connecticut,
and died in 1872. His wife, Louisa B. (Buell) Tryon, was born in
New York city in 1839; they were united in marriage in 1859; to
them were born 2 sons, one in 1861 and one in 1870. Miss Chris-
tian R. Rapp was married to Henry Bnell, of New York city, Jan.
2, 1873; by this marriage one son was born. Her parents and
grandparents lived to a good old age. Slie was born Aug, 6, 1818.
G. W. Turnbaugh, furmer, sec. 23; P. 0., Summer Hill; is a son
of Joseph and Luckey (Rodgers) Turnbaugh, both natives of Ken-
tucky; he received his education in the subscription schools held
in the old log school-houses in this county; in 1856 he was mar-
ried to Elizabeth Shinn, daughter of Daniel Shinn, one of the very
first pioneers in this county. Mr. T. was born in this county in
1832, and has lived all his life within 5 miles of where he was born.
Aha 8. Warren, farmer, is a native of Geneseo county, N. Y.,
where he was born May 21, 1851. Dec. 20, 1875, Mr. W. was
united in marriage with Miss Hattie A., daughter of J. G. Adams;
she was born in 1852. Laura, t>ieir daughter, was born Dec. 22
794 HISTORY OE' PIKE COUNTY.
1877. Mrs. W. attended the Metliodist College at Jacksonville
one year, Liberty School, Mo., and the Pittslield high school.
John M. Williams was born in the State of Ohio in 1835, and is
the son of Richard and Theresa Ann (Thomas) Williams, father of
Welsh and mother of American parents, and both natives of the
Buckeye State; he came to Pike county in 1842, and has resided
in Summer Hill 10 years, and in the vicinity for 30 yeajs. He has
engaged in farming, and also is a shoemaker. In 1856 he was
united in marriage with Miss Mary Petty, who is a member of the
Christian Church.
ROSS TOWNSHIP.
This is a fractional township, and was formed from Atlas town-
ship in 18Y9. It includes that part of Atlas known as 7 south and
5 west. Since the building of the levee much of the heretofore"
worthless farm land has been put under cultivation.
This township being a part of Atlas from the earliest period of
county government until the past season, its history, of course, is
likewise a part of the history of that township. As a township of
itself it has no history. It was named in honor of Col. Wm. Koss.
We mention the following prominent gentlemen of this neigh-
borhood :
Jesse Long, i&i'mer, sec 1; P. O., Pleasant Hill; was born in
Maryland, May 14, 1823, and is a son of Henry and Emeline (Green)
Long, father a native of Ireland and mother of Delaware; was edu-
cated in the subscription schools of this county. In 1850 he mar-
ried Caroline liamsay, and of the 9 children which they had, 7 are
living, — 4 boys and 3 girls. Coming to Pike'county in the winter
of the deep snow, Mr. Long has been a citizen here half a cen-
tury, and has witnessed the many and wonderful changes which the
country has passed through. When he first came' here Indians
were still around and deer were more numerous than cattle are at
the present day. He has lived on his present farm for 48 years.
He ownl 300 acres of land. In politics he is a "Kepublican, and
his wife is a member of the M. E. Church.
F. M. Yokem, farmer and carpenter, sec. 1 ; P. O., Pleasant
Hill; was born in Lincoln connty. Mo., in 1831, and is the son of
Solomon and Elizabeth (Butler) Yokem, father a native of Virginia,
and mother of Kentucky, both of German descent; was brought to
Pike county. 111., in 1833 ; was educated in the subscription schools
of this county; in 1855 lie married Zerilda Starr, and of their 6
children only 2 are living. In an early day Mr. Yokem has seen
many bears and deer ; has seen 'as many as 100 deer in one gang.
He has been successful in business, and now owns 220 acres of
land. Politically he is a Greenbacker.
BAURY TOWNSHIP.
The beauties of nature as presented by tliis townsliip to Rev.
David Edwar'ds and Mr. liadley, the first settlers of Barry, mnst
have been magnificent. Prior to tlitur coining not even a tnrrow
of its virgin soil or even a spadeful of its earth (except bv
United States surveyors) had over been turned by man; nor even a
shanty erected except the rude wigwam of the Indians, who had
for many years roamed free and undisturbed over these fertile
prairies and through the pleasant groves. Such was the condition
of the face of Barry township when visited by the above named
gentlemen in 1824. Mr. Iladley settled on sec. 21,
Soon after these men came tliere appeared licv. Wm. M. Blair
and his sons. Those who afterward took an important part in
the history of the county, were John N., Harry, Samuel, Mont-
gomery and "William Blair, Ilezekiah McAfee, Alfred Grnbb and
Elijah L. McAfee. Other early pilgrims here wore Hull, Taloott,
Josiah and William Lippincott, and old man Peabody, who died
shortly after he came. Also, Stephen P. Gray, old man Rush,
Burton Gray, John Millhizer, Levi McDaniels and many others
whom we mention during the personal sketches. Most of the
above mentioned came prior to or during the year 1830. Besides
the foregoing there were Benj. Barney, who came to Atlae^in 1826,
Michael and Alonzo Qard, who came the same year, as also did W.
L. Chrysup. A. 0. Baker came in 1827, Esq. Joseph Mclntire in
1831, Wm. McDaniels in 1835, N. P. Hart in 1838, Elisha Hurt
and J. L. Gilmer in 1S3!). These wore all excellent settlers, men
of more than average ability, as shown in tiie subsequent career of
most of them.
Wild game was in great abundance when the pioneers first
came. Mr. McDaniels fells us he has seen as many as 45 deer in
one herd. We were told that deer were so numerous and tame
that they were known to enter the cabins of settlers, and were killed
with axes and ctidgels.
These pioneers were employed, as were all pioneers of the day,
in subduing nature, building cabins, clearing land, breaking prairie,
etc., but with all this labor they were social and happy, having a
care fpr the morals and education of their growing families, and
making for the time one of the pleasantest settlements in the new
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. - 797
and growing State. There were displaj-ed among the settlers more
than the usual amount of warm-hearted friendship and neighborly
affection. All were equal in social station and dignity. Fashion
was not'then the inexorable goddess we are accustomed to meet in
these modern days. The pioneers were proud to be attired in
homespun woven by the busy housewife of the period, while such
a thing as a carriage' or buggy was unknown, in Barry. Mr. Mc-
Daniels tells us that from his place there was a pathway across the
prairie, but for a time after he came not the track of a wagon
could be seen, — indeed, there was no sucli vehicle in the township.
Husbands we»t to church on foot. The wives rade tlie liorses,
carrying with them such of the children as were too young to make
their way by walking. If the good wife was clad in a calico of
durable texture and fast color, she was as happy as the fine ladies
of to-day, robed in velvets and seal-skins. The religion ot the
time favored a very rigid and severe adherence to plain and un-
adorned attire, and made, as it would almost seem to us, rather a
virtue of a necessity, although a few years later, with the rapid
accumulation of wealth, display was rendered a matter of easy
accomplishment. We now find, however, large numbers of pio-
neers, from motives of principle, refraining as carefully from anj^
vain show or unnecessary ornament as they did in the primitive
times of which we are now writing.
The earliest pioneers, those who came prior to 1830, could not
obtain a legal title to their farms, as the General Government did
not ofler the land for sale before that. Before that time all tlie
land was held by " claims." The settlers had an agreement
among themselves by which they allowed a man to " claim " about
as much timber lar.d as he might need, generally not over 160 acres,
upon which he might build his cabin and make his other improve-
ments;,and woe unto the speculator or new-comer who should at-
tempt to "claim " land already occupied by a bona- fide settler.
Much of the land in Barry was taken by those claimants before
the land came into market. These claims were bought and sold,
the purchaser coming into possession of the improvements, to-
gether witli, whatever rights were considered appertaining thereto.
Many quarrels ensued from this state of affairs, as might naturally
be expected.
When the land sales came off in October, 1829, at Vandalia,
there was a gathering of pioneers from the township offered for
sale, at which no speculator was allowed to purchase until all set-
tlers had made their selections, — rather a high-handed proceeding,
as it would now appear, but one which was justified by the exist-
ing circumstances.
■ "The first person visited by the cold hand of death in this town-
ship was Mrs. Amanda Davis, who died in 1831, a daughter of Eev.
Wm. Blair. The first birth was a daughter of Samuel and Lucy
Blair, the first couple married in the township.
Barry is settled by an excellent class of agriculturists, many of
798 ■ HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
wliom we make personal mention of, further on in this sketch. The
township is beautifully divided between prairie and timber, well
watered, the soil fertile and rich, and is both an excellent grain and
stock country. • ' ^ "
A doctor named Ludley, who lived in the bottom, was the first
physician in the township. The earliest doctors were about all
Thomsonians.
BAEEY.
This city is beautifully situated on the north half of sec. 25,
and upon an enainence commanding a fine view of the surrounding
country. For miles either way there is presented to the eye a
grand panorama of nature's beauteous handiwork, changed, it is
true, by the hand of man from what it was half a century ago, yet
a charming scene it is to-day. Where once grew the tall, verdant
prairie grass the eye now beholds waving fields of corn, wheat and
other cereals. The wild flowers that gave to the dead monotony of
undulating grass a charm, and a beauty unrivaled in grandeur by any
of the tine scenes now presented by growing fields, have long since
faded away. These only exist in the memories of the pioneers
yet, surviving. These tell us that the magnificence and beauty of
the prairies as seen in their native condition, can never be ade-
quately pictured by language.
During the period of the great internal improvement system of
Illinois, which we have so frequently alluded to, and during which
time so many towns were platted in this county, as well as all over
the State, the city ofjBarry sprung into existence. Fortunately, it
has fared better than many of the other towns projected, even in
Pike county, for it has assumed rank among the small cities of
this p*"t of Illinois, while many have been long since pronounced
dead, or that they had obtained their greatest growth. Barry was
laid out by Calvin R. Stone, of the firm of Stone, Field & Marks,
of St. Louis, and christened "Worcester." Mr. Stone was killed
by the explosion of the boat " Montezuma," on the Mississippi. It
was found that there was another town by that name in the State,
so Worcester was changed to .Barry. Mr. Brown, who Jiad lived in
Barre, Vt., suggested that it be called after that town. A petition
to this effect was drawn up by Dr. Baker, who printed the name
■ Barre in large Roman letters, but the enrolling clerk spelled it with
a final y,. instead of an e. That was the name, however, of the
Postmaster-General under President Jackson, so it was accepted
and has since been known by it.
Bartlett & Birdsong, who laid out Barry, as the agents for Stone,
the owner of the land, kept the first store in the place. This was
in a little log cabin. Stone, Field & Marks erected a mill here to
grind tlie grain for the settlers. This was sold to Brown & Mc-
Tucker, in 1836. In 1837 a grist mill was run by Mason & Ed-
wards. It was a little overshot water-mill, located in a log building
where the woolen factory now stands. The next one below it, on
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. ' 799
Hadley creek, was by Wm. Lippincott.. B. D. Brown and Josiah
Lippincott erected a saw-mill in 1838, northeast of the Public Square,
which was burned. The second mill was erected by Isaac Israel
in 1845. He ran it three or four years. He also packed pork, and
it was surrounded by 18 dwellings, a pork house, 3 large stores and
a-saw mill. He mortgaged it and it passed into the hands of J.
Clines; arid finally Brown & McTucker owned it. In a cave, lo-
cated where the woolen factory was built by Wike Brothers, the
skeleton of a human body was found in 1841, when.the cave was
open^d. Water-power was secured from the water that came from
this cave. It is a natural curiosity, and has been entered for about
300 yards. The source of the water above mentioned was always
unknown. It is affected by the rise and fall of water in the streams.
John Grubb and Mr. Wike, while improving the factory, were
quarrying rocks and came across a den of rattlesnakes of the larg-
est kindj of which they killed great numbers, from which fact this
place is called " Snake Holler " to this day.
The first tavern in Barry was kept by Johnny DeHaven. The
first postmaster was Stephen K. Gray.
The Methodists were the first denomination of religious people
to become established here, and erect a house of worship. The
Baptists were second, who built a church about the same time. The
building is now torn away. The Christians were third, and the
Congregatiohalists fourth.
In the fall of '37 a camp-meeting was held near Levi McDariiels'
farm-house, which lasted 12 days. This, it is said, was supported
by people of all denominations, and all were united in the great
work. Qui'te a number joined the Church during this meeting. In
1888 another was held in the same place. Settlers came from a
distance of 30 to 40 miles to attend these meetings.
The first school was taught in the Methodist church by Deacon
Mason. Then there was a little frame school-house erected north
of Bright's salQon. It was moved several times afterward, and a
difiBrence of opinion exists in regard to its original location.
Barry grew and prospered at times, and again, like other towns,
it suffered seasons of stagnation. To-day it is a beautiful little city
with fine church edifices, large, magnificent school buildings, good
business houses, neat and beautiful residences, and indeed a live,
enterprising little city. The high grade of society existing here is
something worthy the boast and pride of its residents. The courtlj"-
Southerner, the careful Easterner and th6 thrifty New Yorker are
met here, and it is therefore natural that a social system should be
established which is culled from the high standard of tbe sections
named. These, taken with the enterprising spirit and practical
character of the Westerner, give origin to a new society, more pleas-
ant than either, with the best social ethics of all, mingled in one
common fountain, from which flow the elements of the best society.
In educational matters no city or town in the county takes a
greater interest. In religious teachings and Christian morality
800 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Barry compares favorably with those towns having a larger num-
ber of church spires pointing heavenward. In those movements
■to raise the fallen and degraded, to heLp the poor, to encourage the
weak, the good people of Barry are ever engaged. Some grand
eiforts have been made in the temperance cause by the noble peo-
ple of this city. The cause of temperance is like that of Christian
religion in this respect, that it is found' in great variety of shapes
and methods. In other words, it has taken upon itself the most
remarkable forms in the way of organizations. But, unlike Chris-
tianity, which is historically traced through the narrow sects and
societies, the cause of temperance seems to run through the most
wonderful changes. As soon as one particular form of labor has
lost its interest to the public, the friends of temperance re-organize,,
and are found laboring in a different manner. Hence we find it
impossible to trace properly, in the short space allotted, the history
of the different forms and shapes in which the friends of temper-
ance have been organized.
With the enterprise characteristic of the city, an artesian well
was begun to be put down during the month of October, 1879.
The city agreed to pay two dollars and fifty cents per foot for the
first 1,600 feet, and after that depth was reached, if not a sufficient
flow of wa,ter, the contractors were to receive three dollars per foot
for the next 500 feet. The city had appropriated, up to March 20,
1880, $5,000 to carry on the work. The site of the well, which is
in the park in the Public Square, is the highest point of ground
in the county, and therefore a great depth will necessarily have to
be reached before an abundant supply of water is obtained. At
the present writing Water does not yet flow, and work still goes on.
The city, we are told, will undoubtedly go 2,500 feet in order to
obtain a supply. The top cutting is six inches in diameter, di-
minishing to four and five-eighths and three and one-half.
Barry was incorporated as ^a town in 1856. An election was
held Jan. 14 of that year to vote for or against incorporation, when
92 votes were cast for, and none against the measure. The follow--
ing Trustees were then chosen and held their first meeting Jan. 31:
A. Grubb, John Watson, N. Cromwell, J. M. Dabney and 0. S.
Allen. These were sworn in by Justice M. Blair, when they
elected John Watson as President and John Shastid, Clerk.
ISTov. 18, 1872, Barry was organized as a city. The present City
Council is composed of the following gentlemen : E. K. Burnham,
Mayor; J. K. Koward, J. Weber, T. Davis, Matthew Peterson, S.
Mors and James Watson, Aldermen ; C. C. Koasa, City Clerk; W.
I. Klein, Oity Attorney; J. 0. Brown, Treasurer; John Whettleton,
Marshal, and J. E. Haines, Street Commissioner.
SCHOOL, CHURCHES AND SOOIBTIES.
The fine brick school -building of the city was erected in 1874, at
a cost of $15,000. It was built by Wm. T. Mitchell, of Barry. It
is beautifully situated, and presents to the stranger as he enters the
HI8T0KY OF PJKE COUNTT. 801
citj' by rail a most magnificent view. The School Directors in
1863 were Calvin Davis, N. P. Hart and J. H. Mallory. The pres-
ent Directors are E. A. Crandall, N. P. If art and Alexander "White.
There are enrolled 401 scholars. The principal is Prof. J. F. Clark.
The teachers are, first assistant. Miss E. Greene; first grammar de-
partment, John M. Woodby; second grammar, 'Prof. Geo. "W.
Smith; intermediate, Miss Ella McMahan and "Wm. Triplett;
primary, Ida Luthey and May Poling.
Eev. A. M; Danely is Pastor of the Methodist Church. There
ig connected • with the congregation a good Sunday-school, which
meets at 9:30 a. m.
Rev. "William Greene is Pastor of the Baptist Churchy Services
are held on the second and fourth Sundays in each month.
Elder W. E. Berry is Pastor of the Christian Church. Services
are held every Sunday morning and evening. Sunday-school at
9:30 a.m.
Barry Lodge, No. 34, of the Masonic order, was organized Aug.
29, 1845. Michael Gard was the first Grand Master; Jos. Jack-
son, Sen. W., George Wike, Jr. W.; W. J. Alkire, Treasurer;
Elisha Hurt, Secretary; Eli Longnecker, Sr. Deacon; Josep'h Al-
kire, Jr. Deacon; Joseph Lippincott, Tyler. These constituted
the original officers, only two of whom are now living, namely,
E. Hurt and W. J. Alkire. The present officers are, D. "W. Greene,
W. M:; a. E. Gray, Sr. W.; George Wike, Jr. W.; John P.
Grnbb, Sr. Deacon; R. D. Osborne, Jr. Deacon; B. McConnell,
Treasurer; M. G. Patterson, Sec'y. ; M Lane and John Palmer,
Stewards; J. F. Phillips, Chaplain, and J. L. Terry, Tyler.
Barry Lodge, No. 336, I. O. O. F., was organized Oct. 9, 1866.
Alexander White, E. M. Call, Alexander Easly, J. B. Keever, R.
B. Higgins, W. B. Clancy and J. Rosenburgh were its charter mem-
bers. The present officers are — J. W. Mitchell, N. G.; C. C.
Roasa, V. G.; J. E". Widby, R. Sec'y; Thomas Retalic, Financial
Sec'y; W. Chrysup, Treasurer. The present membership
numbers 116.
The Evening Star Lodge, No. 21, Daughters of Rebecca, was
organized Oct. 11, 1870, with 14 charter members. The present
officers are — Alexander Easlj', First JSf. G.; Miss Nellie Bingham,
N. G.; Mrs. G. W. Deyle, Y. G.; Miss Ella Furniss, Rec.
Sec'y; G.W.Smith, Financial Sec'y; Miss Lizzie Furniss, Treas-
urer. This Lodge has a membership of 72.
Progress Encampment, No. 163, I. O. 0. F., was organized in
October, 1876, with 18 members. At ..present the officers are —
G. D. Mayes, C. P. ; Z. B. Stoddard, Scribe; James Smith, Treasurer.
Membership 45.
Goodwill Lodge, No. 1,791, K. of H., meets on the first and
third Mondays of each month. J. Weber, D., and J. S. Gorton, R.
Barry Chapter, No. 88, R. A. M., meets Monday night on or
before the full moon in each month. J. J. Topliff, H. P.; F. M.
Dabney, Sec'y.
802 HISTORY OF PIKE COTTNTY.
BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMENT.
In connection with, and as a part of the history of Barry town-
ship and city, we wish to speak personally of the old settlers and
prominent citizens, .which we do below, arranged in alphabetical
form.
A. B. Mien, jeweler, Barry, is a native of Monmouth county,
N. J., where he was horn in 18M; came to this State in 1853. and
settled in Lincoln; subsequently he removed to Logan' county,
thence to Macoupin county, and to this county in 1873, when he
established hirhself in his present business, and where he has
since mad^ it his home. He was married in 1872 to Miss Mattie
Harris, a native of this State, and they have 1 child living, Leata>
Mr. A. is a man of considerableinventive capacities,, which is being
used to practical purposes. He has a fair trade and is a good
citizen.
Lewis Angle was born in Lynchburg, Ya., Jan. 7, 1823. He
was a son of Alfred and Sarah (Grreen) Angle, who lived for many
years in Lynchburg, Ya.f where they died and were buried. The
subject of this sketch resided with his parents until his 18th year,
when he left his native town to seek a home in the West, came to
St. Louis, Mo., thence to Hannibal, where he resided until 1846,
when he came to Barry. In March, 1852, he united with the
Barry Baptist Church. In May, 1853, he was elected Deacon,
which /jfSce he held to the day of his death. He was united in
marriage July 19, 1852, with Miss Harriet E. Crandall. They
have 3 children, Alice E., now the wife of John L. Cassidy; they
were married Oct. 20, 1877, and reside in St. Louis, Mo.; Delia
M. and Freddie L. Mr. Angle died in Barry March 19, 1878,
where for more than 30 years he was one of the most prominent
and energetic business men of the county. During this time he
was engaged extensively in the dry -goods and grocery trade, pork-
pficking and produce buying; a partner in the Barry Woolen Mills
and lumber trade, and in the Barry Exchange Bank. He was a
model man in all the relations of life, kind-hearted, benevolent,
prompt to fulfill all the duties of husband, father, friend, Christian
and citizen. The church lost a faithful member, the community
an energetic friend; his family a kind husband and loving father;
the poor a benefactor, for to them he gave work by which they
could earn something. His credit was unbounded, integrity un-
tarnished, and honesty unimpeached. He was buried Thursday,
March 20, 1878. The sermon was preached by his Pastor, Eev.
Wm. Green, from the text, John xiv, 2, last clause: "I go to
prepare a place for you." The difterent denominations, Masons
and Odd Fellows, united in the funeral services. His body was
followed to the grave by the largest concourse of people ever in
procession to the burying ground in this part of the county. A
portrait of Mr. Angle will be found in this work. Mrs. Angle
still resides at the old homestead at Barry.
'^L^ ^i^^^-^'^^-^^-yy;^^
BARRY/
HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY. 805
Thomas Ardron, P. O., Barry, is the son of William and Ann
(Booth) Ardron, natives of Yorkshire, Eng., who emigrated to this
country in 1848, and settled in Hadley township the following year,
stopping one year in N. T. Traveled from N. Y. by way of the
eanal and lakes to Griggsville Landing. The subject of this sketch
was born in Yorkshire, Eng., where he was married in 1837 to
Miss Ann Broadhens, a natiA^e of Cheshire, Eng., and daughter of
Thomas and Susannah (Cheatham) Broadhens. Mr. A. began the
struggle in life without capital, and has made a success. He is
agent for Lyman Brown's Seven-Barks medicine, and has a lucra-
tive'trade.
Jaooh Auer, farmer, sec. 32; P. O., Kinderhook; was born in
Germany, in 1833, where he was married in 1847 to Miss Gotleben
Hendte. He emigrated to America in 1853; she came in 1855,
and they settled in Pennsj'lvania, where he lived until 1860, when
he moved to this county and settled on Bay creek. In 1864 he
moved on his present farm of 40 acres and a large vineyard, from
which he has some trade. They have 6 children, Rosena K., Char-
lotte G., Mary, Caroline, Sally and Jennie. Mr. and Mrs. Auer
are members of the German Lutheran Church.
A. C. Baker, M. D., was born in London, Eng., in 1813, and is
a son of Edward and Lucy (Dickinson) Baker, who emigrated to
thiis Jjountry in 1815 and settled in Philadelphia, where he engaged
in teaching,. until 1825, when he moved to White county. 111. .Sub-
sequently he moved to Greene county, where he died in 1835. The
subject of this sketch began the study of medicine with Dr. Worth-
ington, at Pittsfield, and attended the Ohio Medical College at
Cincinnati, where he was graduated in 1837. He began the prac-
tice of his profession at Pittsfield, and the following year moved to
this city, where he has since been in constant practice. He was
married in 1844 to Miss Martha A., niece of John Barney, of
Pittsfield, and daughter of West Barney, by whom he has five chil-
dren living. In the winter of 1850-1 he went with laborers to Pa-
• nama and opened the Panama railroad, cutting and grading it.
Col. Baker, his brother who was killed in the army, had the con-
tract for this work. In 1853 he crossed the plains to California
with a herd of cattle from this place, and returned without acci-
dent the following year. He has been hunting along the Humboldt
river in the midst of Indians, and was always well treated. He
served two years as Surgeon in the 71st Penn. Reg., injCol. Baker's
Brigade. He is the oldest practicing physician in Barry, and one
of the oldest settlers of the township.
Ool. JBenjamin JBarney, one of the oldest and most prominent
citizens of Pike county, and to whom reference is so often made on
the pages of this volume, was born in Berkshire county, Mass.,
Sept. 4, 1795. The first of his ancestry in America in the paternal
line was William'Barney, a native of Ireland, a great-grandfather of
the subject of this biographical notice, who emigrated to Massachu-
setts about 200 years ago ; the next inline wasWilliam again, and then
46
806 HISTOEY OF PIKE OOUNTT.
Benjamin, the father of the Colonel, who enlisted in the Continen-
tal army under Gen. Washington when but 14 years of age; at the
close of that war he married Miss Elizabeth Crape, who both died
at the age of 60 years, and within a year of each other. They had
6 sons and 5 daughters, all of whom grew up to adult years,
namely, Joseph, Margaret, Polly, "West, Ann, Benjamin, Hepsey,
Marshall, Manly, Deborah and John. Joseph served in the war of
1812, and was mortally wounded at the battle of Sackett's Harbor.
He was Lieutenant, but during that action was serving as Captain.
The subject of this sketch. Col. Barney, first came to Pike county
in 1826, locating at Atlas, then the county-seat; He was a btack-
smith by trade, and thinks he started the first blacksmith forge in
the county, and perhaps made the first plow. In 1830 he was
elected one of the three County Commissioners, the other two being
Charles Stratton and Andrew Phillips. In April, 1833, the county
determined to move its capital to a more central place, and finally
it was decided to place it where Pittsfield now stands, when arose
the difficulty of borrowing the necessary $200 to enter the quarter
section. The money was eventually obtained on the individual
notes of Col. Barney and George W. Hinman, in April, In June
the land was surveyed and laid off. Col. Barney and Messrs. Hin-
man and Judd reserving lots on the north side of the Square for the
use of a Court House, but the site was finally changed to the cen-
ter of the Square, as it is now. As soon as the survey was completed,
the lots were sold at auction, bringing enough almost to complete
the county buildings. In September, 1833, the Commissioners had
a house built by Mr. Hurt, in which, before it was finished, they
held a session of their court.
In April, 1832, while Col. Barney was working at his forge in
Atlas, about 11 o'clock, a. m., he was notified by Col. Ross of the
Governor's order to raise a company of 100 men to serve in .the
Black Hawk war, and to report at Beardstown the following Mon-
day. He immediately started on horseback to rally a company,
and was successful. In the election of oflficers the next day Mr.
Barney was made 1st Lieutenant. They arrived at Beardstown
about 4 p. M., Tuesday, where the company was divided into two,
Mr. Barney being elected Captain of one, and receiving his com-
mission from Gov. Rejmolds. The company was in the service 50
days, when they were relieved by regular U. S. troops. In the fall
of 1832 Col. Ross resigned, and Capt. Barney was elected Colonel
of the 16th 111. Yol. Mil., and acted fas such until 1838 or 1839.
Politically Col. Barney was a Whig and now is a Republican. The
portrait of the Colonel given in this book is from a photograph
taken when he was 74 years of age, and the fac-simile of his auto-
graph from his writing at the age of 85.
His brother, John Barney, of Pittsfield, has been Treasurer of
the county, and is several times referred to on the pages of this
history.
HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY. 807
Calvin D. Blair, farmer, sec. 36; P. O., Barry; was born in this
tp. Dec. 8, 1851, and is a son of Samuel and Eliza (Gose) Blair,
natives of Yirginia, who settled in this township in 1828. The
subject of this sketch was married in 1876 to Miss Dora Blake, a
native of this county. He settled on his present place of 3|- acres, in
1877. Is School Director at present time, and he and his wife are
descendants of Pike county's early pioneers.
Harvey Blair, deceased, was a native of Indiana, and came to
this county, at a very early day, where he was married to Miss
Millie A. Cunningham, daughter of John Cunningham, an early
settler in Pleasant Vale tp., and widow of Jas. Lutteral. Mr. B.
settled on his present estate in 1840, where he resided until his
death in 1879, Mrs. B. has a farm of 230 acres, valued at $60 per
acre ; also 25 acres in Pleasant Vale tp., where her father is a resi-
dent. She resides on sec. 35 ; P. O., Barry.
Samuel Blair, farmer, sec. 35; P. O., Barry; is a son of William
M. and Martha (Quiet) Blair, natives of Kentucky, who came to
this county and settled in Barry tp. in 1828, where they both died.
The subject of this sketch was born in Madison county, O., Oct. 1,
1806, and came to this county with his parents. He settled on his
present estate in lS3i, consisting of 110 acres, valued at $75 per
acre. In 1830 he was married to Miss Anna Brewster, a native of
Few York, who died in 1840. By this union 1 child was born,
Louisa. His present wife, Eliza, nee Gose, is a native of Yirginia. To
them have been born 6 children, 3 boys and 3 girls : Calvin D.,
William S., George C, Alta C, wife of G. W. Smith, Lucina and
Martha Q. E. Mr. Blair numbers among the living pioneers of
Barry tp. Politically he is a descendant of the old Democratic
■ school, and is well known throughout the county.
Leander Blake, farmer, sec. 27; P. O., Barry; was born in Cum-
berland county, Maine, in 1814, the son of Ephraim and Desiah P.
(Higgins) Blake, natives of that State, who came to this county in
1847, and settled on the present place, consisting of 321 acres, val-
ued at $40 per acre. He resided here until his death in 1875; she
died in 1879, both 86 years of age. Leander came to this county
in 1842 and landed in Barry with but, 2 five-franc pieces in his
pocket. His first work was at rail splitting, for which he was paid
5 bits per hundred, taking pork in payment at 2 cents per lb.; but
by economy he was soon enabled to purchase a little land, and now
owes no man a dollar. His present farm has cost him $6,500 be-
sides the improvements. He was married in Pennsylvania in 1839
to Miss Mary Charles, a native of that State, where she was born
in 1819. She was a life-long cripple, and died of the efiiects of a
fall from a buggy in March, 1880. They had 8 children, 4 of whom
are living, — Preston, Ella, Dora and Ebenezer. Mr. B. had a
thorough ISTew England schooling, and is well versed in the differ-
ent languages. He was for some years engaged in teaching school
in his native State and Pennsylvania. Btas been Assessor one
term, and has held other official positions. In politics he used to
808 HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY.
be an old-line Whig ; was a strong Douglas man, and is now a
thorough Republican.
A. O. Bliven, farmer, sec. 2; P. O., Barry; was born in Genesee
county, N. Y., in 1830, the son of Samuel G. and Mabel M.
(Wheeler) Bliven, natives of that State, who emigrated to Illinois
in 1834 and settled near Quincy, where they still reside. The
subject of this sketch came to this county in 1856 and settled on
his present estate, consisting of 160 acres valued at $50 per acre;
also has 241 acres in Kichfield tp., Adams county. He was mar-
ried in 1853 to Miss Eleanor Foster, who was born in Hamilton
county, 0., in 1830. In 1862 he enlisted as Orderly Sergeant in
Co. F, 118th 111. Yol. ; was promoted 1st Lieut., in which capacity
he served until he resigned by reason of a wound received at Port
Hudson, La., April 7, 1864. The ball entered the hip and lodged
in the left leg, where it still remains, and has crippled him for life.
He was a participant in the battles of Jackson, Miss., siege of
Vicksburg, Port Hudson, Yermillionville, Chickasaw Bluffs, Por-
Gibson, and the fitst battle at Vicksburs;, under Sherman, Arkant
sas Post, and all engagements in which the Regiment participated,
Mr. B, is confined the most of the time to the aid of crutches, and
is a living relic of the Rebellion. His home was burned to the
ground May 23, 1865, and Oct. 28, 1871, his barn with seven
head of horses and mules was destroyed by a supposed incendiary.
Notwithstanding all these reverses, Mr. B. has successfully over-
come all obstacles and trials, and through his perseverance and
energy has erected a fine residence on the same site of ground,
and accumulated a good landed property. His opportunities for
education were limited, but his principles were always earnest in
the cause of his Government, and the promulgation of Republican
principles. He is the father of 3 children, Willis E., Salina A.
and Ida M.
Wm. Bothwich, farmer, sec. 18; P. O., Barry; was born in
Nova Scotia in 1832. His parents, James and Mary (Dilmon)
Bothwick, were natives of England. He was married in 1859 to
Miss Martha Likes, a native of this county, who died in 1873, leav-
ing him 7 children, Mary, Isabel, Emma, Minerva, Barbara, James
and William. His present wife, Isabel, nee Lane, is a native of
Indiana. Mr. B. came to this county in 1857, and settled in this
section, where he has since made it his home; moved on his pres-
ent farm in 1878, consisting of 116 acres, valued at $10,000. Has
been Justice of the Peace. Is a member of the Masonic Order and
Methodist Church. In politics he is a Democrat.
O. E. Bower was born in Madison county, Ohio, in 1833, and
was brought by his parents to Pike county, 111., settling in Derry
tp.| where he remained until 1850, when they moved to Barry tp.;
and in 1852 Mr. Bowers crossed the plains, driving an ox-team
every mile of the way. Was engaged in farming and explored
Oregon at that time, which was a perfect wilderness, and in 1857
he returned home. In 1858 he married Miss Barbara Wright,
HISTOKT OF PIKE COUNTY. 809
daughter of Abiah Wright, who were natives of Ohio. They
have had born to them 6 children, '3 sons and 3 daughters, all of
whom are living. Reuben D. is the eldest, and is now attending
Lombard University at Galesburg. Mr. B. has a good farm, con-
sisting of over 200 acres of the finest land in old Pike. Mr. B.
made a trip back to California in 1879, which was an enjoyable
tour. He is a self-made man, and has secured his present position
among the farmers of Pike county by his industry and energy.
John Brenner, shoemaker, Barry, was born in Ireland, April 17,
1820, and emigrated to the United States in 1852, stopping in ISTew
York city about 6 weeks; then stopped at Columbus, 0., about a
month; then was in Cincinnati two years, making shoes; then was
in Quincy, III., several years, following his trade; then, in 1864, he
came to Barry, where he worked "with Mr. WendorflP, a shoemaker;
in 1877 Mr. Brenner opened shop for himself and is now prosecut-
ing a good business. In 1856 he married Margaret Clark, and "oi
the 8 children born to them 7 are living, namely: George, Sarah,
Thomas, John, Allena, Katie and Edward.
William Bright, proprietor of saloon, Barry, was bprn in Prussia
in 1824, and emigrated to America in 1849, landing at Baltimore.
Came to this county in 1855 and settled in Barry. Was married
in St. Louis, in 1853, and is the father of 8 children, 5 daughters
and 3 sons, 6 of whom are living. He is located in business on
the east side of Bainbridge street, where he is conducting a good
trade.
B. D. Brown, retired farmer, sec. 25; P. O., Barry ; is a son of
William and Ann (Dodge) Brown, natives of Massachusetts, who
emigrated to Illinois from Yermont in 1848, and settled in this tp.,
where they both died. The subject of this sketch was born in Essex
county, Mass., in Feb., 1804; was married in 1831 to Miss Mary
Kellum, a native of Barre, Yt., and daughter of Charles and Ee-
becca (Rice) Kellum. He came to this county in 1833 and settled
in Atlas tp. ; soon afterward he built a mill at Louisiana, Mo., and
engaged in milling at St. Louis, during which time he purchased
his present estate of 150 acres, valued at $75 per acre. Here he
settled in 1839, and for several years engaged in the mercantile
business in this city, and in company with Mr. McTacker pur-
chased the mill, where he was extensively engaged in milling until
he retired from the active field of life to the enjoyment of his suc-
cess. He represented Pike county in the Legislature in '41-2, and
has always taken an active interest in the welfare of the county.
His success is wholly due to his energy, sagacity, and indomitable
perseverance in overcoming all obstacles, and his declining years
are being spent in the comforts of his pleasant home, the result of a
well-directed industry. His political opinions are based upon the
principles promulgated by the old-line Whigs, and indorsed by the
Republican party. The "city of Barry was named in honor of his
810 HISTOET OF PIKE OOUNTT,
wife's birthplace, Barre, Vt. He is a stockholder of the banking
institution of this city.
John H. 'Brown is a native of Pittsfield, and was born May 26,
1847, the son of L. H. Brown, of Barry, who came to this county
in early day. In 1870 he married Emma D. Westlake, daughter
of Wm. Westlake, deceased, and they have 2 children, Norton and
Fred.
Hector Brownell, farmer, sec. 28; P. O., Barry; son of Benja-
min and Jane (Bickey) Brownell, natives of New York, who emi-
grated to Pike county in 1840 and purchased the homestead farm,
where he lived until his death, which occurred March 29, 1872; she
died the following week. The homestead consists of 160 acres,
which were bid off by Col. Boss for taxes, who sold to Mr. B. It
is now valued at $50 per acre. The subject of this sketch was born
in Delaware county, N. Y., in 1833; was married Jan. 1, 1855, to
JVliss Anna Bailey, a native of Philadelphia. To them have been
born 3 children, William, James and Hattie. Benjamin Brownell
was a local Methodist preacher in New York and Illinois, and was
widely known as a zealous defender of the faith and worker in the
Master's vineyard.
E. R. BurnhaTn, photographer, and the present Mayor of the
city of Barry, was born in Thibodeaux, parish of La Fourche, La.,
and is a son of E. T. Burnham, deceased, a native of Hartford,
Oonn., who died Aug. 16, 1878. He was in New Orleans during
the Kebellion, saw Gen. Butler land there, saw Mumford tear the
natiojoal flag from the U. S. Mint, and saw him hanged. In 1871
Mr. B. married Maggie L. Turner, and of their 3 children 2 are
living, Clara and Edna. As a photographer Mr. Burnham is doing
a good business, and is at present the Mayor of the city.
G. W. Chrysup, Postmaster at Barry, was born in Florence,
Pike Co., 111., Feb. 1, 1845; only child of William L. and Jane
(Barney) Chrysup, who came to this county in 1826, and resided
here until 1850, when the family removed to California, going
' across the plains. In 1857 they started on the return voyage
home, and his parents were lost by the explosion of the steamer
" St. Nicholas," which occurred April 24, 1859, 1^ miles below
Helena, Ark. Bendered parentless by this disaster, he lived with
his grandfather, Benjamin Barney, until 1861, when he enlisted in
the 10th 111. Inf. for three months' service. He then re-enlisted in
Co. B, 28th 111. Inf., as Corporal, and was promoted to Captain of
that Company, serving until the close of the war. He partici-
pated in the battles of Hatchie. siege of Yicksburg, Jackson,
Miss., Spanish Fort, Mobile, and all the engagements in which the
Eegiment took part; was honorably discharged; returned
home, where he M'as married April 18, 1867, to Miss Kate, daugh-
ter of Lewis and Lucy Hardy. The same year he became engaged
in the mercantile trade, until appointed Postmaster under Hayes
in 1878, to which duties he is devoting his time and attention. He
HI8T0ET OF PIKE COUNTY. 811
is Treasurer in the I. O. O. F., of which he has been a member 9
years. He is the father of 2 children, Jennie and Helen.
Asa W. Clarh, farmer, sec. 20, P. O., Barry; born in Eocking-
ham county, N. H., in 1820, son of Abner and Caroline (Wicks)
Olark, natives of TSTew Hampshire and Maine, respectively, who
died in Buffalo, JS(. Y. Asa W. was married in 1846 to Mrs. Caro-
hne Churchill, a native of Batavia, N. Y. ; came to this county in
1852 and settled on the bottom lands in Kinderhook, where he
lived 9 years; moved on his present farm in 1803, consisting of
177 acres, valued at $50 per acre; also owns other lands in the tp.
His opportunities for early education were limited, and he has suc-
ceeded only by his energy and perseverance. He is administrator
of the estate of J. R. Young, Trustee of the Burying Grounds and
Treasurer of the Methodist Church, of which he and his family
are members. His children are Herbert C, Libbie C, Mary A.
and Franklin A. In politics he is a Republican. Was an old-line
Whig.
John H. Oobh, late of the firm of Cobb & Watson, of the Barry
Adage, was born in Chautauqua county, N. Y., Nov. 10, 1841, and
is a son of James Cobb, deceased; he came to this county in August,
1871, and in November established the Barry Adage, which he
conducted as an independent newspaper until May, 1878, when he
sold out, and in May, 1879» in company with Wm. Watson, he
re-purchased the same establishment, and until recently they
conducted the paper under the firm name of Cobb & Watson.
Mr. Cobb married Miss Julia E. Prentice, and of their 6 children
these 3 are living : Edward P., Albertus A. and Archie H.
E. A. Orandall, merchant and banker, Barry, is the son of Joshua
and Fannie (Burdick) Crandall, natives of New York, who settled
in Barry in 1839, where he engaged at his trade in the boot and
shoe business, and resided until his death in 1866. His wife pre-
ceded him to the better land in 1855. The subject of this sketch
was born in Rensellaer county, New York, 1836, and came with
his parents to this county. In 1854 he formed the co-partnership
of Angle & Crandall in the mercantile trade and pork-packing,
which were successfully carried on until 1858, when the firm dis^
solved, and he commenced the study of law at Washington, D. C ., and
attended Columbia College. The following year he returned home
and formed the second partnership with Angle and carried on an ex-
tensive trade. In 1860 he was married to Miss Eliza, daughter of
Capt. Elisha Hurt, a native of this county, who died, leaving one
child, Fannie. In 1862 the firm dissolved and Mr. C. turned his
attention to the appeals of his country, and raised Co. D, 99 th 111.
Inf.; was afterward appointed Major of the Regiment andfserved
two years,— through all the battles in which that Regiment parti-
cipated, and was honorably discharged. Returning to his home,
he became a partner in the woolen mill, under the firm name of
Geo. Wike & Co., which was changed to a corporation in 1876.
He was again married in 1870 to Miss Jennie G. Gordon, a native
812 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
of New York, by whom he has one son, Louis. The same year
the firm of Orandall & Smith engaged in the grocery trade, which
forms one of the most extensive and enterprising houses in Pike
county. This house also erected a large elevator in 1879, and is
largely engaged in the grain business. Mr. C. is President of the
School Board, and Supervisor at present, and is one of the most
active, thoroughgoing business men in Earry. Strong in the love of
his country, he is equally so in the principles indorsed on the broad
platform of the Republican party.
Davis c& Brown, merchants, Earry, 111. This firm began busi-
ness under the above firm name in September, 1878, on the west
side of the Public Square, and have had a gradually increasing
trade, carrying now a stock of $10,000, which consists of 'dry-goods,
boots and shoes, and notions. By close attention to business and
selling at low rates they have won the confidence and patronage of
the public.
Mj's. Clara H. Davis, widow of Samuel Davis, mentioned fur-
ther on, was born in Boston, Mass., June 22, 1833; in 1838 she was
brought by her parents to this county, where, Oct. 14, 1851, she
was married.
Nathaniel Davis, son of Samuel Davis, deceased, was born in
Pike county in 1857; was married to Miss Lizzie Jennings, daugh-
ter of P. Jennings, Sept. 28j 1878, and they have one child. Mr.
Davis is one of the most enterprising business men of Barry; is at
present a member of the City Council, and just now is closing out
the old business of S'. Davis & Son. His father was one of the
most prominent business men of the county, and no man ever en-
joyed the confidence of the people of the county more than did Mr.
Samuel Davis. He was engaged for years in pork-packing, from
which, with the immense amount of wheat and other grain he
handled, he realized a handsome benefit. He was engaged in the
general mercantile business for many years, in the firm of C. & S.
Davis.
Samuel Davis was born near Barry, Pike county, 111., Oct. 27, 1829.
His parents were Robert and Amanda (Blair) Davis. The subject of
this sketch commenced his business career in the town of Barry in
the year 1849, when he wa:s but 20 years of age, entering the store of
Mr. M. Blair as salesman, which position lie occupied until 1852,
when, in company with his brother, Calvin, he entered into partner-
ship with Mr. Blair, they carrying on business under the firm name
of M. Blair & Co. Mr. Blair, retiring from the firm in 1859, a co-
partnership was formed between the two brothers, Calvin and Sam-
uel, under the style of C. & S. Davis; they carried on business suc-
cessfully for many years, built up a large trade and amassed con-
siderable wealth; speculating in pork and wheat extensively; they
were generally very fortunate in these dealings. The firm of C. &
S. Davis dissolved partnership in the spring of 1877, Calvin taking
the fiouring mill they were running, and Samuel retaining the stock
of merchandise. Mr. Davis then took his two sons, Stephen A. D.
'Cuf<M.^iuJL
-/^l-^'-ZyO
BARRY
HISTOET OF PIKE OOUTNTT. 815
and Nathaniel R., into the business. Tlie business was conducted
under the firm name of Samuel Davis & Sons until the spring of
1880, when the firm sold out.
Mr. Davis was united in marriage to Miss Clara H. Hart Oct.
M, 1851. Slae is a native of Massachusetts, where she was born
June 22, 1833, and is a daughter of Nathaniel and Clarissa (Hill)
Hart, both natives of Massachusetts. They came to this county in
1838, and still are living in Barry tp."Mr. and Mrs. Davis were the
parents of 8 children, Stephen A. D. ; Lelia May, now the wife of J.
0. Moon; ]!^athaniel R. ; Earnest H., deceased; Clara Belle; Anna
M.; Samuel C. and Daniel. " Mr. Davis died Feb. 15, 1879, and was
followed to his last resting place by a large concourse of relatives
and friends. He had not been actively engaged in business affairs
for several years, but had been taking matters as quietly as possible.
He was shrewd, energetic and determined, and one of the best busi-
ness men in the county. His acquaintance was extensive in com-
mercial as well as social circles. His honesty and integrity were
unquestioned, his credit unlimited. He was a fond husband, a
kind and indulgent father, a good neighbor and staunch friend. We
give a portrait of Mr. .Davis in this volume.
John Dewell, farmer, sec. 4; P. O., Barry; son of Peter and
Catherine (Brown) Dewell, natives of Pennsylvania, who moved to
Ohio, where they both died. The subject of this sketch was born
in Greene county. Pa., in 1815, and emigrated to Pike county in
1837, and settled south of Barry, where he lived iintil 1842, when
he moved on his present farm of 120 acres, valued at $65 per acre.
The land was mostly timbered when he came to this place. He
was married in 1834 to Miss' Rebecca Wallace, a native of Mary-
land. By this union 6 children are living, — Elizabeth, James,
John N., Susan, Harriet and Charles C. Mr. D. is one of the
original pioneers of Barry tp., and is a Democrat.
John W. E ekes, farmer; P. O., Barry; was born in Frederick
county, Va., in 1834, sou of David and Eva Eckes, natives also of
that State, where Mrs. E. died. He came to the West in 1858 and
settled in Greene county, thence moved to Ohio, where he died in
1861. The subject of this sketch was married in 1858 to Miss Mar-
garet Carrigan, a native of Kentucky. They came to this county
in 1877, and settled on the farm they now occupy. Mr. E. is a
Democrat.
Edward Edom, proprietor of the National Hotel, Barry, was
bgrn in England in 1812; emigrated toCanada in 1830, and 5 years
afterward moved to Scott County, 111., where he resided until 1840,
when he moved to Lucas county, 0. In 1855 he came to this county,
settled in Perry township, and engaged in fanning. Three years
afterward he moved to Griggsville, thence to New Salem and kept
a hotel 4 years, when he moved to this city, where he is running a
first-class hotel. He was married in 1842 to Miss Mary Mormoneny,
a native of Ohio. To them have been born 7 children, all of whom
816 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
are living. Mr. E. has been a prominent citizen at New Salem,
and knows just how to conduct a hotel.
John Farmer^ agriculturist, sec. 17; P. O., Barry; was born in
Lancaster county, Pa., in 1811; son of Samuel and Hannah Frazer,
natives of Pennsylvania, who moved to Ohio, where he died. The
subject of this sketch was married in 1837 to Miss Eliza Nichols,
daughter of John and Mary (Rethtial) Nichols, natives of New Jersey
and Maryland, respectively, who settled in Adams county, 111., where
he died. Mr. F. settled in this tp. in 1846. The following year
he moved to Adams county and lived 6 or 7 years, when he returned
and settled on his present estate of 160 acres, valued at $50 per
acre. To them have been born 10 children, 8 of wliom are living;
Samuel D., Joshua N., Jacob C, Mary J., James F., Sarah A.,
Lucy E. and Eliza B.; the deceased are George L. and John T.
His son James is a member of the Ancient Order of the United
"Workmen ; Joshua is a member of the Masonic order, and Samuel of
the I. O. O. F. ; Jacob 0. is also a Mason, and Saiah A. is a mem-
ber of the Eastern Star. Mr. F. has always been a Democrat, but
has espoused the Greenback cause. The family are among the
most respected and enterprising farmers of Barry tp.
ALonzo Gard, farmer, sec. 31; P. O., Kinderhook; was born in
Washington county, O.. in 1822, and is a son of Mischel and Cla-
rissa (Baker) Gard, who settled in this tp. in 1826. In 1829 he
moved his family here, where he lived until his death, Jan. 5, 1871,
at the age of 77 years. She died April 10, 1863. He entered the
land of his son's estate, consisting of 88 acres, now valued at $50
per acre. He was Justice of the Peace and among the earliest set-
tlers. The subject of this sketch was married in 1850 to Miss
Mary J. Yearly, a native of Cincinnati, O., by whom he has 3 chil-
dren, Ellen, Lucy and Sally. Mr. G. is School Director, and the
family are members of the Baptist Church. He is a Republican in
politics, and one of the oldest living settlers of Barry tp.
John T. Gilmer, iarmer, sec. 26; P. O., Barry; is a son of David
and Eliza (Gose) Gilmer, natives of Yirginia, who came] to this
county in 1839, and settled in this section, where hediediu 1847- She
is stiil living in this tp. The subject of this sketch was born in
Barry tp. in 1840, and settled on his present farm in 1863, consist-
ing of 63 acres, valued at $60 per acre. He also owns 42. acres in
Pleasant Yale tp. He was married in 1864 to Miss Ellen, daughter
of William McDaniel, who died in 1872, leaving 2 children, Charles
and Clara. He was again married in 1874 to Miss Ella Blake, a
native of this county. He fills the office of Road Supervisor at the
present time, and is a member of the Baptist Church. Politics,
Democratic*
D. W. Greene, Police Magistrate, is the son of James and Mary
(Madison) Greene, who came to this county in 1837 and settled in
Hadley tp., where he engaged in farming until his death, which
occurred in 1875. She died in 1840. The subject of this sketch
was born in Rensellaer county, N. Y., in 1826. He began the study
HI8T0KT OP PIKE COTJNTT. 817
of medicine with Dr. Baker of this city, tauo;ht school winters, and
attended the Missouri State University one year and practiced in
Barry 3 years, when he entered upon a mercantile pursuit, and was
engaged in the erection of the Barry Woolen Mills, where he was
connected for 3 years. He was married in 1850 to Miss Caroline
Gordon, a native of Indiana. Mr. G. has filled the office of Town-
ship Treasurer some years. Is a member of the Masonic order,
and of the Christian Chui-ch. Politically he is a stalwart Repub-
lican.
; John P. Grubl), farmer, sec. 23; P. O., Barry; was born in
jCumberland county, Pa., in Oct., 1815, and is a son of Jonas and
Sarah (Wizer) Grubb, natives of Pennsylvania, who settled in
Adams county, 111., where tliey both died. The subject of this
sketch came to this county in 1844, and settled on this section.
In 1864 he purchased the present farm of 124 acres. Also owns
other lands in the tp. He was one of the founders of the woolen
mill in which he has been engaged for some years. He was mar-
ried in May, 1849, to Miss Harriet Stevens, a native of New York
State, who died in 1866. By this marriage he has 3 children
living, — John W. , Emeline and Eva. His present wife was Beu-
lah Nations, widow of John Nations, by whom he has 3 children, —
George, Hattie and Oliver. Two step-children, Norman W. and
Florence, complete the family record. Mr. G. is one of the mem-
bers of the Board of Trustees of the town, and is one of the active
business men and farmers of Barry. In politics he is a Demo-
crat, and cast his first vote for Martin Van Buren.
B. F. Guss, farmer, sec. 3; P. O., Barry; was born in Juniata
county. Pa., in 1835, and is a son of William and Mary (Foltz)
Guss, natives of Pennsylvania, where she died. Wm. Guss came to
this county with his family in 1848, and settled in this tp., where he
is at this time living. The subject of this sketch was married in
1859 to Miss Jane Sellers, a native of Pennsylvania. To them
have been born 4 children, all of whom are living: Rosaline, Ed-
win S., William C. and Hattie E. He settled on his present farm
in the fall of 1859, consisting of .116 acres, valued at $50 per acre.
Mr. Guss has served as a School Director, and in politics is a
Democrat.
Oeorge Hack, farmer, sec. 80; P. O., Kinderhook; was born in
Germany Feb. 19, 1819; was married in 1844 to Miss Fernan-
drJka Auer, a native of Germany. They emigrated to this coun-
try in 1853 and stopped one year in New York city, thence to
Qnincy, thence to this county, and engaged at his trade, brewing
and coopering, at Kinderhook. This business he sold and pur-
chased, in 1866, his present farm, consisting of over 500 acres of
land, valued at $50 per acre. They have 7 children: Caroline,
Frederick, Daniel, Rosena, Jennie, Harry and Annie. Mr. and
Mrs. Hack are members of the German Lutheran Church, and he
is a member of the Masonic order.
818 HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY.
G. A. Hancock, farmer, sec. 27; P. O., Barry; was born in Lick-
ing Co., O., in 1830, and is a son of Isaac and Cynthia A. (Ford)
Hancock, both natives of that State, who emigrated to Adams
county, thence to this county, in 1866, and are at this time living
in Barry. The subject of this sketch was married in 1857 to Miss
Melissa Shepard, daughter of Thomas J. Shepard, a native of this
county; and Charles W., George H., Mary E., Ernestine, Mary B.,
Lena, Lora and Frank, are their living children. Mr. Hancock set-
tled on his present estate in 1872, consisting of 160 acres, valued
at $60 per acre. He is a Democrat and a thorough farmer.
George H. Hancock, farmer, sec. 21 ; P. O., Barry ; was born in
Adams Co., 111., in 1855, and is a son of G. A. Hancock, an early
eettler of this county; was married in 1876 to Miss Lizzie, daughter
of John McDaniel, by whom he has one child, Arthur A. He settled
on the present farm of his father's in 1877, consisting of over 200
acres of valuable land. Mr. H. is one of the busy and enterpris-
ing young farmers of Barry tp.
J. W. Hart, farmer, sec. 33; P. O., Barry; was born in Che-
shire Co., E". H., in 1830, the son of Joel and Anna (Hardy) Hart,
natives of Massachusetts and ISTew Hampshire, respectively. He
came to this county in the fall of 1836, entered land in this tp,, and
returned East. The following year he brought his family and settled
here. Subsequently he purchased the estate of his son, where he
moved and spent the remainder jof his life; he died in 1877: she
died in 1840. He was a Deacon of the Baptist Church in his native
place, and at Barry, holding the office nearly ever since he was a
member of the Church, and was widely known through the county.
The subject of this sketch was married in 1860 to Miss Caroline,
daughter of B. F. Brownell, by whom he has 3 children, Henry
E., Edward L. and Jennie. The homestead farm consists of 50
acres, valued at $60 per acre. He also owns 80 acres on sec. 29.
Mr. H. is a Deacon in the Baptist Church, of which he and his
family are members. He has been School Director, and can be
counted among prominent and old settlers of this tp. He is a
Kepublican .
N. P. Hart, farmer, sec. 26; P. O., Barry; was born in Ash-
burton, Mass., in 1826, son of l^Tathaniel and Clarissa (Hill) Hart,
who came to this tp. in 1838, where they still reside. He enlisted
in 18i6 in Co. K, 5th Keg. 111. Vol., and served 18 months in the
Mexican war, when he was honorably discharged. He returned to
his home, and in 1850 was married to Miss Louisa, daughter of
Samuel Blair, a native of this tp. ; the same year he settled on his
present estate of 100 acres, valued at $75 per acre. He also owns
400 acres in the tp. Mr. H. has been for 10 years engaged in the
brick manufactory, besides attending to the duties of his extensive
farming interests. He has served as Assessor since 1862, except-
ing 2 years, and School Director most of the time. He is a mem-
ber of the Odd Fellows order.
HISTOEY OF PIKE COTJNTY. 81&
Orlando Hart, diQC.esi%QA, was born in Massachusetts in 1829, and
emigrated to this county quite early. He was married to Miss Jen-
nette "Wirt, who died leaving one child, Alvin. In April, 1854, he
again married, this time Miss Mary, daughter of Harvey Blair.
Of their children 7 are living,— EUie, John, Charles "W., Katie,
Alfred and Nettie. Mr. H. resided on the homestead until his
death, which occurred in 1879. Mrs. H. has on sec. 33 a farm of
80 acres, valued at $40 per acre. P. 0., Barry. Mr. H. was a
member of the Odd Fellows, and a man highly esteemed by all
who knew him.'
A. C. Sollenheck <& Son, hardware merchants, Barry. This
firm erected the building of their present location and established
themselves in business in 1870. They carry a stock of $5,000 to
$6,000, and deal largely in farm machinery. Mr. H. is a native of
Genesee Co., N. Y., where he was born in 1820. Pie was married
in 1845 to Miss Mary J. Cram, a native of Ohio, and came to this
county in 1859, settling in this city. He was appointed Post-
master in 1861, re-appointed under Grant, and filled the oflBce 14
or 15 years. He was Mayor one term. Justice of the Peace, and
Alderman, and is a strong adherent of the temperance cause, and
Eepublican principles. His only child, C. R., is his partner, and
the firm enjoy a large trade. Mr. Hollenbeck's parents were
Eujoff and Electa (Ames) HoUcnbeck, natives of Massachusetts.
William IIoyt,jv.,fBixme,r, sec. 28 ; P. O., Barry; son of William and
Kancy (Bayne) Hoyt, who came to this county in 1845 and settled
in this tp., where they still reside. The subject of this sketch was
married in 1859 to Miss Millie, daughter of Levi McDaniel, de-
ceased. To them have been born 6 children, — Nancy E., Elvira E.,
"William H., Levi W., Eoscoe S. and Floyd. He settled on his
present estate in 1865, consisting of 160 acres, valued at $40 per
acre. Mr. H. is a member of the Methodist Church, He is a
School Director, and in politics is a Democrat. Is a zealous tem-
perance advocate.
W. G. EJvMard, farmer, sec. 15; P. O., Barry; was born in Lin-
coln county, Mo., in 1829, and is a son of Eli and Margaret (Myers)
Hubbard, who came to this State in 1831, and are now residents of
Oregon. The subject of this sketch was married in 1867 to Miss
Sarah Selby, a native of Pennsylvania. He enlisted in 1862 in Co. D,
99th I. Y. I., and served 8 years, participating in battles of Harts-
ville, Vicksburg, Spanish Fort, and all the battles in which the
Kegiment was engaged; was 4th Sergeant and promoted to 1st Ser
geant. He served as Sheriff of the county 2 years, from 1866 t4
1868; is a School Director at present time. He is the father of
children, — Hattie, William, Mary and Lottie.
Loran J. Huntley, constable, was born in Ashtabula county,
0., July 5, 18?8; parents were Harlem and Almira (Partridge)
Huntley, natives of New Yoi'k and Massachusetts, respectively,
who came to this county in 1843, and settled in Hadley tp., where
he died March 6, 1880; she died in Sept., 1877. Loran J. was
820 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTr.
married in 1861 to Miss Martha M., daughter of Wm. Davis. He
engaged in farming until 1872, when he accepted a position as
Deputy Sheriff, serving 3 years; also Constable in Hadley 4 years,
and elected in Barry to the same position in Aug., 18T8; is also a
member of the Government detective force, in which he has been
engaged 5 years. He is a member of the I. O. 0. F. Politics,
Democratic.
Elisha Hurt, retired farmer, sec. 24; P. O., Barry; is a native of
Kentucky, where he was born May 26, 1809, the son of Joshua and
Sallie (Davis) Hurt, natives of Virginia, who emigrated to Illinois
at an early day, settling in Logan county, where he died the same
year. She died in Tennessee. The subject of this sketch came to
this county in 1839 and settled on his present estate, consisting of
one-half section of land, valued at $20,000. He was married in
1838 to Miss Margaret J. Lee, a native of Morgan county, Ya.,
where she was born in 1818. To them" have been born 11 children,
7 of whom are living, — Charles C, John M., Elisha, jr., Berryman,-
Albert Clay and Edwin. Mr. H. was commissioned Captain in the
28th 111. Inf. in 1861, and raised Co. I, and served 3 years. He
participated in the battles of Shiloh, where he was wounded, siege
of Yicksbu'rg, Hatchie, Corinth, Jackson, Miss., and all the battles
of that Regiment. He had also 3 sons in the war, — Charles, Moses
and Elisha. Moses was taken prisoner at Jackson and confined at
Belle Isle, where he was exchanged. Charles was wounded at
Shiloh through the arm and side, but held his place in the ranks
by his comrades. Moses was also wounded at Hatchie; but all
escaped through the siege of war, and returned to their home.
Mr. H. went to California in 1849, being among the first to cross
the plains in that year. He returned in 1851 and engaged in the
mercantile business in this city until 186], when he retired to
the quiet of his beautiful home. His opportunities for an early
education were limited. Left with a widowed mother, he has by
his energy and perseverance attained success. Politically he is a
descendant of the old-line Whigs, devoted to Republican principles,
and an ardent admirer of Grant.
Thomas C. Johnson, farmer, sec. 20; P. O., Kinderhook; was
born in Louisa county, Ya., in 1826. His parents were William
F. and Eliza Johnson, natives of that State, who emigrated to Mis-
souri in 1835, where they both died. Thomas C. came to this
county in 1859 and settled on his present farm, consisting of 127
acres, valued at $2,000. He was married in 1853 to Miss Mary E.
Tyler, a native of Yirginia, the fruits of which are 3 children, —
William T., Columbus and Wesley M. Mr. J. is Class-Leader and
Trustee in the Methodist Church at Kinderhook, and he is well
and favorably known.
Z>. B. Kidwell, clerk, was born in this county in 1841, and is a
son of William and Mahala (Girard), Kid well, natives of Ohio,
who emigrated at an early day to this county, and settled in this
tp., where he died in 1851. He was a mechanic, and from 1845 to
HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY. 82.1
1861 was engaged ir the furniture business in Barry. The subject
of this sketch was married in 1863 to Miss Matilda J. Dibens, a
native of Ohio, by whom he has one child, Lottie M. Mr. K. is a
member of the Masonic order, a Republican, and a man highly
esteemed by all who know him.
S. Xirtright, saloon-keeper, Barry, was born in Clermont county,
0., in 1834, and is a son of John and Sophia (Troy) Kirtright,
natives of that State, who came to this county in 1840, and settled
in Hadley tp., where they both died in 1848. The subject of this
sketch moved to New, Salem, where he lived until 1872, when he
came to this city, and opened a market in which he continued until
1879, when he engaged in his present business. He was married
in 1856 to Miss Nancy E. Walls, a native of this county, who died
in 1871. His present wife is Mary J., daughter of William Hill, an
early settler of this county. Mr. K. still owns his homestead and 4
lots in Salem, and 20 acres of other land. He served as Constable
'6 years, and City Marshal some years. Is a Kepublican.
Major Klein, attorney at law, Barry; is the 3d son of Joseph
Klein, an old resident of this city, where he lived for more than 20
years, following the profession of law, in which he became promi-
nent for his skill and ability. He died at his home in this city
Feb. 26, 1869. As a citizen father and friend, Mr. K. had no su-
perior, and he left a large circle of friends throughout the county.
The subject of this sketch was a graduate of the University at Ann
Arbor, Mich., in 1878, and admitted to the bar in 1879. In 1878
he was married to Miss JennieKlein, of Springfield, 111., and began
the practice of his profession. He was elected City Attorney in
1879, and enjoys a lucrative practice.
Samuel Kn.ox, proprietor of livery and feed stable, Barry; is a
son of James and Nancy (Beaks) Knox, natives of Pennsylvania,
who settled in Missouri at an early time, where he died in 1854.
The subject of this sketch was born in Pike county. Mo., in 1851,
and -with his widowed mother moved to this county in 1857, and
settled 2 miles west of Barry ; 3 years afterward she moved to Adams
county, where she is now living. Mr. K. was married in 1875 to
Miss Leah Hendricks, a native of Adams county, and they have
one child, Flandy D. He engaged in farming until Jan., 1880, at
which time he opened his present place of business, where he keeps
on hand a good stock of horses and carriages, carries a stock of
$2,000, and enjoys a good trade. His wife is a member of the
Methodist Church. He is a Democrat.
,' Alvah O. Laing, attorney at law, Barry, is a native of New
York, where he was born Aug. 6, 1820; commenced the study of
law at the age of 21 years; was admitted to the bar in Michigan in
1850; came to this county in 1869 and settled in Barry, where he
has continued in the practice of his profession, and in the enjoy-
ment of a large circle of friends. He is the father of 7 children, 4
boys and 8 girls. Politically, he is a Democrat.
822 HISTOKY OF PIKE COUNTY.
M. Lane, harness-maker, Barry, came to this city in 1857, wher&
he opened a place of business the following year; with the exception
of three years' residence on the coast of California, he has since
been a resident of this place. Mr. L. is a native of Ireland, where
he was born in 1838, and he emigrated with his parents, John and
Mary (Burns) Lane, who settled in Pennsylvania, where they still
reside. Mr. L. carries a stock of $1,000, and enjoys a good trade.
Jonathan D. Lewis, engineer, sec. 26; P. O., Barry; was born
in Pickaway county, O., in 1836, and is a son of Thomas and Mary
(Wilgins) Lewis, natives of Pennsylvania, where they both died.
The subject of this sketch came to this county in 1859, and settled
in this tp., and followed his professional calling at the Woolen
Mill, where he is still engaged. He M^as married in 1857 to Miss
Mary J. O'Connor, a native of Ireland, by whom he has S
children, — Hannah F., William P. and Thomas J. Owns a house
and three acres of land. In politics he is a strong Greenbacker.
John Liggett, of the firm of Liggett & Poasa, grocers, Barry,
was born in Carroll Co., O., in 1847, the son of John and Nancy
(Young) Liggett, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively.
She died in. Indiana in 1866. He is a resident of Allen county,
Ind. The subject of this sketch came to this county in 1872, and
engaged in farming 3 years, when he formed a partnership with
J. C. Moore in the livery business, where he was connected until
March, 1880, at which time the present concern was consolidated.
He was married in 1875 to Miss Dotha, daughter of William Da-
vis, by whom he has 2 children, — Charles, and one not christened.
Mr. L. is a member of the fire company, and one of the energetic
young business men of Barry. Politics, Democratic.
James Likes, far mer, sec. 33; P. O., Barry; was born in Koss
county, O., in 1827, and is a son of William C. and Dorcas (Day)
Likes, natives of that State, who settled in Indiana at an early
time, from which State he came to Pike county and settled in
Barry tp., where he died in 1859. James was married in 1848 to
Miss Hannah Decker, who was born in Wabash county. III, in
1828. Mr. L. settled on the present farm in 1864, consisting of
160 acres of valuable land, where he has since made it his home,
and numbers among the enterprising farmers of Barry tp. Mari-
etta, William, Telasco, Melinda, Scott, Martha and Lovilla are
their living children.
C P. Lippincott, farmer, sec. 22; P. O., Barry; was born in this
tp. in 1839, and is a son of William and Delina (Decker) Lippin-
cott, natives of Hew Jersey, who emigrated from Ohio to this
county at an early day, and settled in Barry, where he opened the
first store in this city. He also erected the old distillery and car-
ried on an extensive business, and was engaged in milling for
some years. He then went to Cincinnati, O., and ran a saw-mill
and lumber yard, where he died in 1851 . His wife died in 1867
in this tp. The subject of this sketch was married in 1867 to
Miss Ohloe Bill, a native of this county, by whom he has 5 chil-
I)-
9^a^c^/.J/^
BARRY
HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY. 825
dren living: Ibbie, William, Olive M., Charles and George. Mr.
L. has served as Road Commissioner and Overseer some years.
He settled on his present estate in 1867, consisting of 160 acres,
valued at $'50 per acre. Is a Democrat iupolitics.
Thomas J. Long, retired farmer, Barry, was born in Baltimore,
Md., June 25, 1808, where he was reared and educated; he emi-
grated to this countjf in 1829, arriving at Atlas the 1st day of
July, and the same day becoming acquainted with Benj. Barney.
Mr. Long followed farming until 1872, when he retired and moved
to Barry, where he now resides. In June, 1834, he married Miss
Elizabeth M. Irwin, by whom he has had 9 children, 8 now living,
namely: Adelaide j., Margarec E., Mary A., Wm. H., Thomas C,
Isadore E., Zillah V. and Marion E. The name of the deceased
was Josephine L.
W. H. Long, of the firm of Long & Koehler, grocers, Barry, is
a native of Adams county. 111., where he was born in 1846. He
was married in IS'Tl to Miss Mary J. Hendricks, a native of Ohio,
where she was born in 1847. In 1877 Mr. L. erected the building
he now occupies, and formed the present partrfership. The firm
carry a stock of $1,500 to $1,600, and although a young firm in the
business circles of Barry, they have a lucrative and increasing
business. Mr. L. served as Constable some years, and is the father
of 2 children, Gracie L. and Don D.
J. H. Mallory, dealer in dry-goods, clothing, boots and shoes.
This house was established in 1863 by Louis Angle, who was suc-
ceeded by Sweet & Mallory. This co-partnership existed until
1879, when Sweet retired. Mr. M. carries a stock of $13,000 to
$15,000, and controls a large trade. He is a native of New York
city, where he was burn Jan. 1, 1830; came to this county in 1846,
and engaged in farming until he entered upon a mercantile pursuit.
In 1852 he married Miss Annetta E. Brown, a native of New York.
Of this union one child is living, George. Mr. M. is Trustee of the
Christian Church, and is one of the solid, enterprising business men
of Barry.
T. M. Martin was born in Balls county, Mo., May 6, 1845, and
with his parents came to Pike county. 111., in the spring of 1847.
He is the 3d son of George and Levica A. Martin. His father is a
native of Virginia, and mother of Kentucky. T. M. was married
to Miss Laura A. Wike, Nov. 4, 1869. He is a farmer, and resides
on sec. 11. His wife is a daughter of George Wike. They have
born to them 4 children, 2 girls and 2 sons.
Charles Mason, merchant, Barry, was born in Liverpool, Eng.,
in 1816; at the age of 21 years he moved to Manchester, where he
was extensively engaged in the manufacture of wall-paper, until the
introduction of a tariff bill by Robert Peel, which ruined his busi-
ness. He was married in 1838 to Miss Ann Orton, a native of
England. They emigrated to this county in 1849 and settled in
Barry, where he worked at his trade until he was able to open a
small place of business. Subsequently his health failed, and Mrs.
47
826 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
M. opened the millinery establishment of their present location,
where she has since condacted a very profitable trade. He after-
ward purchased the building and added a stock of dry-goods and
groceries, carrying a stock of $4,000. Both stores have a frontage
of 40 feet. Mr. M. was the first man in his line of business in
Barry, and nearly all the churches in this city bear the work of his
hand.. He and his wife returned to their native land in 1864; and
were met by a generous welcome by old friends, and presented with
a memorial address from the temperance association at Longsight,
in which cause Mr. M. has always borne an active part. He is an
Elder in the Baptist Church of this city, and is highly esteemed by
a large circle of friends.
Charles E. Mason, deceased, was the son of Deacon Charles E.
and Martha (Carrolton), M., natives of New Hampshire, who came
to this county at an early day, and settled on the present estate,
where the}' resided until called to a better home. He was born
Sept. 10, 1800, and died in Barry Dec. 10, 1849. She was born in
1803 and died in 1833. The subject of this sketch was born in
Cheshire county, New Hampshire, in 1825, and came with his
parents to this county. In 1849 he went overland to California,
where he remained one year. In 1855 he was married to Mrs. Nancy
J. Hammon, who was born in Johnson county, Ind., in 1828. She
was a daughter of David and Tabitha (Dehart) Woodruff, natives
of Indiana, where he was born in Brown county, in 1796. To them
were born 8 children, 6 of whom are living: Nancy J., John, Mary,
David, Henry and George. Her father settled in this coimty in
1843, and is now living with his daughter at the homestead. Mr.
Mason was an active member of the Baptist Church and died in
this township in 1877. To them were born 5 children, — 4 sons and
1 daughter, — 3 of whom are living: Henry B., "Willard B. and
Anna B., Chas. B. and Edson B., deceased. The estate of Mrs. M.
consists of 330 acres of land, valued at $70 per acre. Her residence
is on sec. 35, and her postofiice address is Barry.
Elijah L. MoAtee, farmer, sec. 7; P. O., Barry; is the youngest
son of Hezekiah and Sarah (Smith) McAtee, natives of Maryland
and North Carolina respectively, who came to this county in 1827,
and settled on the present farm, consisting of 300 acres, valued at
$50 per acre, 80 acres of which he entered, and Elijah entered the
remainder and purchased J sec, most of which has been cleared.
Two brothers, who came in 1826, cleared a portion of it. Heze-
kiah lived here until his death in December, 1850. Mrs. McAtee
died in 1855. They were among the earliest settlers of the tp. The
subject of this sketch was born in Clark county, Ky., in 1811, and
was married in 1836 to Miss Luc}"- E., daughter of Judge Grubb, a
native of Kentucky. To them have been born 8 children, 2 of
whom are living: Bell, wife of Alfred Leach; and Alfred, who mar-
ried Ellen, daughter of George Hancock, by whom he has 3 children,
Lottie, Ennit, and one not yet christened. In 1849 Mr. M., with
his brother John and 2 sons, crossed the plains to California with
.^iSilli-.
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 827
an ox team. In Sacramento and San Jose he became prominent as
an auctioneer, in selling outfits, and the party all returned by way
of the Isthmus, reaching St. Louis, Mo., where John was taken
sick and died. This family number among the earlysettlers of
Barry tp. They came in a wagon drawn by oxen, and erected a
rude hut, which to this day shelters occupants of his farm. His
first vote was cast for Gen. Jackson before he was 21 years of age,
and he has always voted the Democratic ticket. Mr. McAtee stands
6 feet 3i inches in his stockings, and weighs from 180 to 185 lbs.
George K. MoDaniel, farmer, sec. 26; P. O., Barry; was born
in Pike county, 111., July 24, 1845, and is a son of Levi McDaniel,
who came to this county in 1836, where he resided until his death,
March 1, 1877. The subject of this sketch was married to Miss
Lizzie M. Lippincott, by whom he has 5 children, 3 boys and 2
girls. Politically Mr. McD. has ever been a Democrat, and in
1878 espoused the Greenback cause.
William McDaniel, farmer, sec. 23; P. O., Barry; is a son of
Levi and Elizabeth (Jennings) McDaniels, natives of Edgefield
District, S. C, who came to this county in 1836 and settled in
Barry tp., where he entered 260 acres of timbered land in sec. 26,
where he lived until his death in 1876. She died in September,
1878. The subject of this sketch was born in Edgefield District,
S. 0., in 1823. He was married in 1845 to Miss Angeline, daugh-
ter of Ephraim Blake, an early settler in this county from Pennsyl-
vania, who died at his son's residence, Jerry Blake. By this mar-
riage 9 children have been born, 6 of whom are living: Lottie,
wife of Hezekiah Thompson ; Henry H. ; Hattie, wife of Henry
Jones; Martha, JS"ancy A. and William. The deceased are Ellen,
Eddie, and one who died in infancy. This family, with 4 others,
numbering 35 souls, left South Carolina for the West and all set-
tled in Barry tp. Mr. McD. has been prominently identified with
the interests of the tp., and the family are members of the Baptist
Church. Politics, Democratic.
WilUam Molntire, Justice of the Peace, Barry, is a son of Jo-
seph and Joicy (Gates) Mclntire, natives of Kentucky and Alabama
respectively, who emigrated to Pike county in 1831 and settled in
Pleasant Yale township. Some years afterward he removed to
Barry tp., where he died in 1873. Mrs. Mclntire is still living, in
the 68th year of her age. The subject of this sketch was born in
this county in 1836. He served as Constable 19 years. He was
married in 1861 to Miss Diala, daughter of Joel Hart, deceased.
They have one child, Lillie H. Mr. Mclntire has been Mayor
and Alderman a number of terms, and has always taken an active
part in the interests of the town and city.
John Millhizer, farmer, sec. 31; was born Aug. 31, 1807, in
Ohio, and is a son of Philip and Elizabeth (Delavan) Millhizer,
father of German, and mother of English descent; was educated in
the common schools of Missouri; learned the cooper's trade of his
father when 17 years of age; came from Pike county. Mo., to this
838 HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY.
county in 1826, settling on sec. 31, Barry tp., and has made his
home here ever since. In early day he had to go to Quincy to get
work, although that place was scarcely large enough to be called a
village. 'About the year 1833 he married Hester Hampton, and of
their T children 5 are living, all married but one, and all in this
county but one. He is the oldest settler living in this tp. at the
present time, and remembers, among the many other peculiarities
of pioneer life described elsewhere in this history, that hog-steal-
ers were punished by a thrashing at the whipping-post. He com-
menced a poor boy, worked at the cooper's trade 12 years in this
county, and now has 270 acres of land, well improved, 100 acres in
cultivation. March 20, 1864, he married Lydia Manker, and they
have had one child, David, who was born Dec. 4, 1864. Politi-
cally Mr. M. is a Republican.
John O. Moon, proprietor of livery and feed stable, Barry, was
born in Brown county, O., in 1853, son of Calvin and Delilah
(Sewell) Moon, residents of that State. He came to this county in
18Y8, and opened his present place of business, carrying now a
stock of $2,000, and controls a general trade. He was married
Jan. 1, 1880, to Miss Lelia, daughter of Samuel Davis, deceased,
an early settler of the county. Mr. M. keeps constantly on hand
a good assortment of buggies for sale, having had much experience
in the manufacture and sale of them.
Dr. P. M. Parker, dentist, Barry, was born in Cayuga county,
N. Y., Jan. 15, 1822, and is a son of Samuel B. Parker, well known
in the history of Pike county; his school education was obtained
mostly in an old log school-house in this county; in 1826 his pa-
rents moved with him to Trumbull county, O., and in 1836 to this
county. Dr. P. studied medicine under Dr. Higgins, of G-riggs-
ville, at intervals for three years, chopping cord-wood in the mean-
time to obtain money to pay his expenses. He is a graduate of the
medical, department of the State University of Missouri at St.
Louis, practiced medicine at Ursa, Adams county. 111., from 1844
to 1846; at New Canton, this county, from that time to 1851;
from that time to 1853 in the country five miles east of Pittsfield,
and then at Barry from 1853 to 1864, since which time he has been
engaged in dentistry, which he follows with success. He helped
to build one of the first log school-houses in Pike county, namely,
the one near Blue Eiver Cemetery, in Detroit tp., in 1843. March
21, 1850, he married Celia A. Dunham, daughter of John Dun-
ham, of Newburg Corners, this county, and they have had but one
child, which died about 7|- months old.
M. G. Patterson, railroad and express agent at Barry, was born
in New York city Feb. 9, 1848. In 1870 he was united in wed-
lock to Miss JSTettie E. Young, a native of Pittsburg, Pa. He was
appointed to his present position in 1871, and moved to this city,
where he has since made it his home. He is also extensively
engaged in the coal and grain business. To him belongs the honor
of introducing the use of anthracite coal in this county. Large-
HISTORY OF FIKE COUNTY. 829
shipments are constantly coming in from the coal mines of Scran-
ton, Pa., and it is being largely used in various portions of the
cuunty. He is Secretary of the Masonic order of this city. He
has two children, Carrie and Ada.
0. M. Perry, manufacturer, was born in Cumberland county,
Pa., in 1826, the son of Samuel and Mary (Butts) Perry, natives of
that State, where they both died. The subject of this sketch came
to this county in 1848, and ' engaged in the woolen manufactory.
He was a partner in the company of six that erected the woolen
mill in 1864, where he was successfully engaged for twenty years.
He was married in 1856 to Miss Virginia Watson, a native of New
York, who died in 1872, leaving 2 children, Thomas and Mary.
His present wife, nee Lottie -Hart, is a native of this county and
daughter of Joel Hart, deceased. To this union 1 child has been
born, Clarence. Mr. P. has a pleasant residence, with 12^ acres of
land, and he also has 160 acres in other parts of the tp. He served
as Koad Supervisor 11 years, and School Director many years, and
has always taken an active interest in the business circles of Barry.
His wife is a member of the Baptist Church. In politics he is
Democratic always.
Charles Finger, lumber dealer, Barry; established in the fall of
'76. He furnislied the means for the erection of the saw-mill and
buildings in 1875, prior to which time the business was carried on
in a small yard through his agent. He first began business at Han-
nibal on a small capital, and increased until he was enabled to run
6 yards. He shipped over 100 car-loads of lumber to this place.
He employs from 12 to 20 men, and fills contracts for furnisliing
buildings with sash, doors, mouldings, etc., all of which are made
at this establishment. Mr. P. is a native of Cincinnati, O., where
he was born in 1848. Mr. P. is also engaged in the mercantile
business, where he is having a lucrative trade, and is one of the
thorough business men of the times. He was married in 1870 to
Miss Nettie, daughter of John Kice, a native of Ohio. To them
have been born 4 children, — Harry, Leo, Lulu and Pearl.
Charles Roasa, of the firm of Liggett & Roasa, grocers, Barry, is
a native of Pennsylvania, where he was born in 1852. He is the
sou of Charles and Elizabeth Roasa, natives of Germany, who emi-
grated to America in 1840, and settled in Pennsylvania, and are at
this time living in Lewis count}', Mo. The subject of this sketch
was married in 1875 to Miss Nora McDonald, a native of this
county. To them one child has been born, Paulina. Mr. R. fills
the office of. City Clerk, and is one of the active young business men
of Barry. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and Republican in
politics. The firm of which he is a member succeeded A. "White
in 1880, and they now carry a stock of $2,000 and enjoy a fair
trade.
Dr. J S. Rowand (& Son, druggists, Barry. The senior partner
of thisfirni was born in Camden, IST. J., in 1813; was married in
1834 to Miss Ellen B. Haines, a native of Philadelphia, where he
830
HrSTOET OF PIKE COUNTY.
was engaged in the practice of patent medicine until he came to
this county in 1856, and commenced his present business. In 1876
he erected the building he now occupies. It has a frontage of 37
feet and is 120 feet deep. The firm carry a stock of $3,000, and
have a large and lucrative trade. He has 3 children living: John,
the junior partner of the house, who married Miss McTucker, of
this city; Horace M, and Bathuel H. Mr. and Mrs. K. are mem-
bers of the Baptist Church.
G. W. Shields, proprietor of lime kiln; P. O., Barry; was bprri
in Athens county, O., in 1842, and is a son of William and Lydia
Selby, natives of Ohio, who emigrated to this State in 1848, "and
settled north of Quincy, where he lived until he moved to this tp.,
where he now resides. The subject of this sketch was married in
1868 to Miss Martha Freeman, a native of Illinois. Mr. S. has
been engaged in his present business 4 years, and is doing a fair
trade. Bessie, Josie and Mabel are his living children. Politics,
Democratic.
Eugene Smith, merchant and banker, Barry, is a son of Nathaniel
and Sylvania (Sweet) Smith, natives of New York State, who emi-
grated to this county and settled in Barry tp. in 1837, where he is
at this time living. She died in 1879. The subject of this sketch
was born in Pike county, 111., in 1839, and during the early years
of his life engaged in clerking, until called to fill the office of
cashier in the Exchange Bank at the time of its organization. In
1872 he was admitted to the concern, forming the present partner-
ship of Smith, -Davis & Brown. He was married in 1879 to Miss
Helen, daughter of Henry Bonnel, a native of Griggsville. Mr.
Smith is also a partner of the firm of Crandall & Smith, grocers
and grain dealers, which is the largest house of the kind in Pike
county. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and fills the office of
Dictator in the Knights of Honor. He and Mrs. S. are members
of the Baptist* Church, Probably no man is more deserving of
success than Mr. Smith, for close attention to business, energy,
integrity, and the possession of qualities that have won for him
an active and responsible position in this county. His portrait,
which appears in this work, was taken at the age of 40 years.
George W. Smith, teacher, is a son of Jarae's and Sarah Smith,
of Barry, and was born in Belmont county, O., Feb. 8, 1851; was
brought by his parents to this county in 1856; was educated in
Barry, where he is now teaching his eighth year in the 2d gram-
mar school; he taught his first school at Summer Hill, this county.
In 1874 he married Miss Alta C. Blair, daughter of Samuel Blair,
of Barry, and they have had 2 children, — George L., deceased,
and Ida.
J. J. Smith, dealer in boots and shoes, clotliing, hats, caps, and
gents' furnishing-goods, established himself in grocery business
in 1869. In 1870 Mr. Crandall was admitted and they formed a
partnership. The firm dissolved in J 875. The following year he
erected the building of his present location, at a cost of $7,500.
HISTOBT OF PIKE COUNTY. 831
Being iu poor health, he spent one year in the South, and in 1877
returned and opened his present business, wlietre he enjoys a good
trade. He is a native of Lynchburg county, Va., where he was
born in 1840. He was married in Virginia to Miss Sarah F.
Orninpton, a native of that State. Tbey have one adopted son,
James Y. Mr. S. is one of the active and enterprising merchants
of Barry, and is well and favorably known.
M. Strubinger was born in Delaware in 1833, and is the eldest
son of Joseph Strubinger, deceased, whose name is familiar to all
of the people of PiKe county. The subject of this sketch was
brought by his parents to Pike county when he was a boy, and he
commenced the battle of life at the age of 21, working on the farm
by the month until he was about 30 years of age, at $15 per month.
He worked for one man seven years. Mr. Strubinger was married
to Miss Mary H. Chamberlain in 1862, and they have had four
children. Mr. Strubinger camejto Barry, where he resided for live
or six years, and now resides three-fourths of a mile south, on a
farm of 2:i5 acres of highly improved farm lands. He has the
past year built him one of the finest farm residences in the county.
He has in all about 1,200 acres of land. He is a thorough farmer
and deals extensively in stock.
Dr. Joseph Jerome Topliff. Dr. Topliff was born in Bridge-
water, Windsor county, Vermont, Sept. 12, 1832. He remained at
home until the age of 16, receiving his early education at the dis-
trict school, working on his father's farm during the summer, and
attending school in the winter. He was then sent to Black River
Academy, at Ludlow, Vt., where he remained two years, and then
entered the G-reen Mountain Liberal Institute, at South Woodstock,
Vt., closing his Academic course at that Institution, where he entered'
upon the study of medicine, and graduated atDartmouth College, N.
H. In April, 1856, he came to Illinois and located at Pittsfield, Pike
county, and the following year was elected School Commissioner of ^
the county, which office he held for two terms. In the spring of
1862 he moved to New Salem, and devoted his attention to the
practice of his profession, where his professional and untiring
devotioij to his patients and his profession, with his accustomed
social, courteous, and honorable manner, won for him a large circle
of patrons and warm friends. He wa^ elected Clerk of the Circuit
Court and Recorder of the county in the fall of 1868, which office
he held for 4 years, witii ability and entire satisfaction to the peo-
ple of the county ,.and left his official record without spot or blem-
ish. Preparatory to resuming the practice of his profession he
spent the fall and winter of 1875-6 in New York, pursuing his
professional studies at Belle vue Hospital Medical College and the
College of Physicians and Surgeons, when two years ago he asso-
ciated himself with one of the oldest and most highly esteemed
practitioners of the county. Dr. A. C. Baker, of Barry, 111., where
we find him in the enjoyment of the full confidence of his profes-
sional brethren, and a large and increasing demand for his profes-
832 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
sional services. Dr. Topliff was married to Laura E. Lake, South
Woodstock, Vt., in 1856, and they have had 4 children, 1 son and
3 daughters. The son was accidentally shot and killed when 14 years
of age; the wife and daughters are all living.
J. L. Underwood, attorney at law, Barry, is a son of Eobert
and Martha (Onderdonk) Underwood, the former born in New
York city, March 7, 1803, and the latter born Aug. 2, 1803. They
emigrated to Illinois and settled in Eidara, where he died Feb. 11,
1878; she is still living in this city. The subject of this sketch was
born in New York city, May 16, 1826; came to this county in 1836,
where he has since made it his home. In 1847 he enlisted in Oo.
K, 5th 111. Vol., for the Mexican war, and served nearly two years.
In the spring of 1849 he went overland to California; returning the
following year he was married to Miss Louisa Lyons, daughter of
Joseph and Elizabeth Lyons, a native of this State. To them were
born 10 children, 6 of whom are living, 5 boys and a girl. He
began the practice of law in this city in 1862; was appointed under
Lincoln Inspector of Goal Oils, Liquors and Tobacco, and served
in that capacity until removed by Andy Johnson. He was Justice
of the Peace 4 j^ears in Derry, and Police Magistrate 10 years, and
Supervisor 2 years. He is a member of the Masonic order, and
has always been identified with the interests of the town and
county. Mr. U. has traveled extensively through different countries
of the East, and is well informed on all subjects. His mother has
for 50 years been a member of the Methodist Church.
John Weber, proprietor of the Empire House, was born in St.
Louis, Mo., in 1843, and is a son of John and Margaret Weber,
natives of Germany, who emigrated to America in 1841 and settled
in Pittsburg, Pa., from which State they moved to Adams county,
where they at this time reside. Mr. John Weber was married in
1867 to Miss Eosa, daughter of Robert High, a native of Adams
county, where Mr. W. was engaged in milling and merchandising
until he came to this county in 1877. Here he engaged as sales-
man, until he took the Empire House in the winter of the same
year. In the brief experience of Mr. W. in catering to the travel-
ing public he has won for himself an extended reputation. Court-
eous, kind, and obliging at all times, the traveler will find the
"Empire" a place of welcome. He is the father of 3 children, —
Ealph K., Harry and Nettie. Mr. Weber is an Alderman at pre-
sent.
Henry Wendorff, furniture dealer, west side of the Square, Barry,
111., was born in German}^, June 18, 1828; emigrated to the United
States in 1856, stopping" at Buffalo one year; he then came and
started in business in a small building only 16 by 24 on the west
side of the Square in Barry, which building he has greatly en-
larged on account of his increasing business. He keeps constantly
on hand the best line of goods, selling them at very low rates. His
capital stock is now about $3,000. In 1857 he married Caroline
HISTORY OF PIKE OOtTJSITT. 833
Hermon, by whom he has had 7 children: Henry, Louise, Anna,
Carrie, Mary, May- and Irene.
Alex. White, retired merchant, Barry, is a native of Scotland,
where he was born in 1830, and emigrated to America in 1850 with
his parents, Thomas and Esther (Watson) "White, who settled near
Barry and engaged in farming. They afterward moved to Quincy,
where they both died. Mr. W. became associated with his brother
in the mercantile business in 1864, which was continued until the
present year, when the firm dissolved. He was married in 1853 to
Miss Mary Ferguson, a native of Scotland, by whom he has one
child Irving, Alexandria E.., wife of Albert Hurt, residents of this
city. " Mr. W. has been School Director 9 years, and is the present
Clerk of the Board. He has always taken an active interest in
school matters, and other matters pertaining to the welfare of Barry.
In politics he is a Republican. ^
W. F. White, merchant, Barry, 111., is the son of Thomas and
Esther (Watson) White, natives of Scotland ; with their family they
einigrated to this country in 1850 and located in Quincy; thence
they moved to Barry, on a farm. They were the parents of 12
children, 11 boys and 1 girl, of which W. E. was the seventh son,
being about 15 years of age when he came to this city. In his
early life he learned the carpenter's trade and superintended the
building of many fine houses in the neighborhood; and by strict
perseverance and 6conomy, in 1857 he embarked in the mercantile
business, of which he has stood at the head (firm of W. F. White &
Brother) for 23 years; was a large operator in grain and pork-pack-
ing till within the last three years; is now engaged in mercantile
business, — dry-goods, boots and shoes, hardware and agricultural
implements, and doing a good business. He also holds an interest
in the Opera House, which was commenced by his energy, also in-
terested in many buildings and dwellings, etc., in the city. He has
also held some very prominent positions before the people, as City
Treasurer and Alderman; has served the township as Supervisor
for several years, with great credit and honor. Is a prominent Free-
mason, in which order he has held many offices of prominence; is
now M. E. Scribe of Barry Chapter No. 88, K. A. M. ; is an un-
flinching Democrat in politics, and now a prominent candidate before
the people for the nomination of Circuit Clerk of Pike county. He
was married in 1862 to Miss Mary A. Bush, daughter of Josiah
Ensh, and they have had two children, Caroline and William A.
Caroline died in 1864, aged 15 months. His wife Mary died in
1866, aged 33 years.
D. J. Wike, farmer, sec. 27; P. O., Barry; was born in Cumber-
land county. Pa., in 1821, and is the youngest son of George and
Mary (Essig) Wike, natives of Pennsylvania, where his father died
in 1825. The subject of this sketch settled in Quincy in 1842,
where he engaged in the woolen business for 2 years, when he came
to this tp., and with two brothers, George and Joseph, and P.
Grubb, erected a woolen factory on sec. 23, where he carried on an
834 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
extensive business for 5 years; then he sold his interest and pur-
chased a farm in New Salem tp. Three years afterward he re-
turned to Barry, and in 1847 was married to Drusilla, daughter of
Thomas Orr, a native of Eandolph county, 111., where she was
born in 1828 ; settled on his present estate in the spring of 1853,
consisting of 200 acres, valued at $75 per acre. Mr. "W". has been
prominently identified with the interests of the tp., and was the
first member initiated in the Masonic Order at Barry, in 1845.
He is the father of 7 children, 6 of whom are living, — Thomas 0.>
Dallas, William M., Mary E., Charles ,S. and Louis L.
Thomas 0. Wihe, farmer, sec. 34; P. O., Barry; was born in this
tp. in 1848, and is a son of David and Drusilla (Orr) Wike, early
Barry pioneers. The subject of this sketch was married in 1872
to Miss Elmira Uchran, a native of this county. Two children
are the fruits of this marriage, — George H. and Elizabeth E. Mr.
Wike has a farm of 40 acres, valued at $75 per acre. He is a mem-
ber of I. O. O. F., and one of the pioneer generation of Barry.
J. R. Williams, farmer, sec. 36: P. O., Barry; is the son of
John and Margaret (Reno) Williams, natives of Tennessee, who
settled in Indiana when it was a Territory, where he died in 1817.
She died in 1833. The subject of this sketch was born in Overton,
county, Tenn., in 1817; in 1834 he went to Iowa, then the Territory
of Wisconsin, where he purchased land, which he afterward sold,
receiving in payment Illinois State scrip, payable at 6 per cent,
interest, which was never redeemed. This was valuable time, and
labor lost, and in 1842 he evacuated that Territory for the growing
settlements of Illinois, and rented a farm in Pleasant Yale tp.
He was married March 10, 1845, to Miss Elizabeth A. Baldwin, a
native of New Yoi'k State, who died Nov. 15, of the same year.
She was born Aug. 6, 1828. His present wife, lately Mrs.
Mary Blair, widow of Hon. Wm. Blair, who died in the State Leg-
islature in 1845; was born in New York State Nov. 1, 1814. Mr.
W. settled on his present farm in 1845, consisting of 140 acres,
valued at $70 per acre. Mr. W. has been prominently identified
with the interests of the township in several ofiices, and the family
are members of the Baptist Church. Of their several children 2
are living, John R. and Calvin J. Politically, Mr. W. is a Demo-
crat.
PLEASANT VALE TOWNSHIP.
Long before railroads were thought of in the "West, and when the
'red man and wild beasts roamed at will across the prairies and
through the forests of Illinois; and when this expanse of country was
one vast wilderness, two young men wended their way into this
then far West, and took up their dwelling among the treacherous
Indians and savage beasts. They pitched their tent iirst on sec. 16
of what is now Pleasant Vale township. These men, who were
then youag and sturdy, both won wealth, position and honor, in
this great State. They were John Wood and Willard Keyes, both
names familiar to almost every man in this part of the State, and
the former of whom was chosen Lieutenant Governor, and on the
■ death of Governor Bissell acted as Governor. These two men met
about this time and formed a -friendship which was never broken
until the death of Mr. Keyes in 1872. They lived here in one little
cabin; indeed, they had much in common; youth, energy and am-
bition,— common aims and sympathies, and for half a century they
watched the growth and gradual development of the city they had
founded.
Wood and Willard soon moved from sec. 16 to the southwest
quarter of sec. 22, where they made the first improvements that
were made in the township. They soon afterward, however, sold
their possessions here and moved to Quincy and founded that city,
where Mr. Wood still resides, and where Mr. Keyes lived until his
death.
' Amos and Joseph Jackson, David Button, Major Hinckley, Par-
ley Jackson, Daniel Howard, Mr. Rice, Mr. Mitchell and Andrew
Shearer were also very early settlers in this township, and did much
for the improvement of the county.
These early settlers endured many hardships ^nd privations in
preparing tlie way for future generations and future prosperity,
which the people of to-day know not of. They ground their corn
for food on a hand-mill, and at times crushed it in a hominy block.
The latter consisted of a hole burnt in a stump or block of wood,
in which corn was placed and crushed with an iron wedge or mallet.
In a short time, however, these odd and rude pieces of pioneer ma-
chinery were replaced by horse-mills. These were generally situ-
ated eight or ten miles ti-om the settlers here, and although they
were a great improvement upon the hand-mills and hominy blocks,
the process of grinding would be considered very slow, indeed, bj
836 ■ HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY.
the people of this day and age of steam-mills. The boys then
went to mill on horseback, and seldom ever returned the same day.
They would congregate under the old shed of the horse-mill while
waiting for their turn, and there make a fire and parch corn, tell
Jokes, etc. In this way they would pass the night very pleasantly
without supper or sleep; for the supper could not be had, and there
was no place to sleep, save on the sacks of corn.
Then came the days of schools and churches. . The first school-
house erected by the settlers was on sec. 22, in 1825. It was a log
cabin with a clapboard door, puncheon fioor, slab benches for seats
and a huge fire-place at one end of the room. The desks consisted
of puncheons supported by pins in the wall; the fire-place had no
chimney except above the roof; there were two doors, one at each
side of the fire-place. The fuel used consisted of huge logs, which
were often dragged into the house by a horse coming in at one door
and passing through and out at the other. Around and near the
fire-place there was no floor except the ground, the puncheon floor
covering the back part of theroom only. The window consisted of a
log removed from one side of the room, with greased paper pasted
over the aperture. The first teacher here was a Kv. Rankin. The
pioneer teacher was of the ox-driver class, and generally carried a
large '' gad " in his hands, to maintain order in the school.
Religious worship was early instituted in the first settlement of
this township. The first sermon was preached by Rev, Mr. Hunter,
of the Methodist denomination, and the first regularly organized
religious society was also that of the Methodists. This society first
worshiped in the house of Mr. Jackson, and afterward in the school-
house on sec. 22. The Mormons also figured largely in a Church
organization here some years later. They at one time had a soci-
ety of about 100 communicants, and erected a house of worship in
the northwest part of the township. When the Nauvoo trouble,
came, however, they left this neighborhood to join their brethren
at that place. The old Mormon church was afterward moved to
the Mississippi river, and there used for a warehouse.
The first white child born in the tp. was Andrew J. Stanley, in
1823. The firstdeath was that of Mary Jane McDaniel which occurred
in the autumn of the same year. The first parties married were
Potter Saxhorn and Matilda Stanley, in the year 1825.
In those early days the wagons, for the most part, were rudely
constructed by the settlers themselves, and consisted wholly of
wood. The wheels were sawn from large sycamore trees, and holes •
were bored in the center, in which to insert the axletrees. The
farmers often used these wagons in going to mill, hauling their
produce to market, and for a conveyance in which to attend
Church.
In pioneer times, when there were scarcely any fences, and not
land enough ut;der cultivation to stop the great prairie fires which
occurred ;in the fall of the ye^r, they proved very disastrous to those
living on the prairie. This township consists, for the most part,
HISTOET OF PIKE OOTJNTY. 837
of Mississippi river bottom land, a large portion of which is prai-
rie. The grass on this bottom land grew to an enormous height,
was very thick, and as high as a man's head while on horsebacfe.
This grass was so heavy and thick that when the settlers went a-fish-
ing in the Sny they would hitch the team to a large brush or tree
and drag it through the grass and mash it down, to make a road
for them to pass over. In the fall of the year this luxuriant growth
of grass would be set on fire by the Indians or hunters, and espe-
cially when the wind was high, would sweep resistlessly over the
whole country, high and low, destroying a great deal of property.
The pioneers early learned to guard against this destructive ele-
ment by plowing wide strips of land around their premises and
around their grain and hay. As soon as the alarm of fire was
given, each settler would immediately begin to " back fire." This
was done by setting the grass on fire next outside the plowed strip,
which would burn slowly and meet the rapidly advancing flames
that came rolling in majestic grandeur, from 20 to 30 feet in the
air.
This bottom land is now under a high state of cultivation, and
since the completion of the levee has become one of the richest
farming districts of America. The land lying between the Sny
and the Mississippi is timber land, and as fertile as the prairie. It
is now rapidly being cleared and improved. This district bears
the appearance of being a new country, however, for wild animals
are quite numerous here, and also the gray and bald eagle.
Most of the land in this township was obtained from the Gov-
ernment at $1.25 per acre, and it was very, readily paid for. The
fur-bearing animals were very plenty here then, and a settler woiild
obtain fur enough during the fall and winter to pay for 160 acres
of land. We have it from good authority that it was not an un-
> common occurrence to see five or six coons in one tree at one time
during those pioneer days. Mr. Francis Jackson related to us that
he saw at one time nine coons in one tree. Snakes also were very
numerous and annoying, and especially the rattlesnake. The Mis-
sissippi bluffs, which extend from the northwest to the southeast^
through this township, were a constant den for the timber rattle-
snakes, which were from five to eight feet long. The settlers were
lasting enemies of these reptiles, and finally adopted a plan which
resulted in their almost total extermination. They fastened beard-
ed hooks to long poles and thrust these into their dens, drawing
the snakes out and killing them, until no more snakes could be
found. This was done in the spring of the year, before the snakes
could crawl.
"Wild cats, wild hogs, foxes, wolves, panthers and other wild ani-
mals abounded here when this township was first settled; some of
which species remain to this day.
On the !N". W. qr. of sec. 29 is a salt spring, which at one time
afibrded considerable salt water. Mr. Keyes carried water from this
spring to his home, on sec. 22, a distance of a mile and a half,
838 HISTOET OF PtKE COTTNTT.
boiled it down, and made salt for family use and for his neighbors.
As the bluffs extend from the northwest to the southeast through
the township, the up land is divided from the bottom land, form-
ing a triangular section. This land is very rough and broken, and
is underlaid with a heavy bed of limestone, and is consequentlv
better adapted to the growing of small grain and fruit than to gen-
eral farming. There is some excellent farming land along the
course of Keyes creek, which extends along the eastern portion of
the township. This creek was named in honor of Mr. Keyes, of
whom we have spoken in the first part of this sketch. At one time
this creek and others abounded in countless numbers of fish, and
thus aided in furnishing the settlers with the necessaries of life.
Although the pioneers were deprived of many things that are en-
joyed at the present day, yet they always had abundance to eat
and wear. If their store clothes or homespun gave way, they would
simply construct clothing from the hides of animals.
The first Justice of the Peace of this township was Major Hinck-
ley. James Talbert was the first Supervisor. Francis Jackson is
the oldest settler now residing in the township. He came in 1825,
and is the only man now living who went from this locality to the
Black Hawk War.
NEW CANTON.
This enterprising town is situated on sees. 9 and 16, Pleasant
Vale township. It was founded April 2, 1835, by Charles T. Brews-
ter, Hiram Smith and Jesse Tittsworth. It contains four stores,
four blacksmith shops, two wagon shops, two carpenter shops, two
boot and shoe shops, one paint shop, one cooper shop, one excellent
flouring mill, two hotels, one livery stable, one Iqdge of the Inde-
pendent Order of the Mutual Aid Society, which was established
in February, 1880, with a membership of 25 ; and is the' residence
of four physicians. The present population of the town is about
350.
There was a church erected here in 1866, which is known as the
Union Church. It is not owned by any one denomination, but by
the community in general. There are two Church organizations
here, — the Methodists and the Baptists. The former is a remnant
of the original M. E. Church that was organized in pioneer days.
The Baptists merged the old society into a new one in 1879. The
music furnished by the young people during the hours of worship
is excellent. Considerable interest is manifested here in this high
art, and two choirs have been formed, both of which exhibit supe-
rior musical talent.
The first school taught where the village now stands was in a
dwelling house, by Mr. Hale in 1832. The first school-house was
a log structure and was erected in 1836. The present building is
a handsome frame structure, and was erected in 1866. The teacher
at present is Prof. Warren D. Bigelow, formerly of Ohio.
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 839
PEBSONAL SKETCHES.
Below we make personal mention of the leading citizens of the
township.
^ M. M. Aldrich, farmer, sec. 6; P. O., Hannibal, Mo.; was born
in New York in 1828, and is the son of M. M. and Mary (Herring-
ton) Aldrich; was educated in the common schools of Michigan, in
which State he also kept store from 1850 to 1856 ; was a sailor
on the lakes 6 years ; he came to Pike county in 1860, settling on
sec. 6, this tp., where he now owns 350 acres of land; all lie is now
worth he has made within the last 20 years; he has a splendid farm
in the Mississippi bottom. Mr. A. has been married twice, — the
first time to Martha Parnell, and they had 3 daughters, 2 of whom
are living. Mrs. A. died in 1860, and subsequently Mr. A. married
Catharine Kendall, and of their 7 children 5 are living. Politically,
Mr. A; is a Democrat.
John E. Alexander, farmer, sec. 23 ; P. 0., Cincinnati; was born
in Indiana in 1849, and is the son of William and Mary Ann CDyke)
Alexander ; was educated in Iowa ; in 1873 he married Mary E.
Knight, and they have had 2 children, one of whom is deceased.
Mr. A. owns a good farm, and has the reputation of being an.
honest, industrious man. In politics he is a Republican.
Jonas Edward Artz, teacher and minister of the Gospel, was
born in Pennsylvania, and is a son of Israel B. and Elizabeth (Eby)
Artz, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent; was edu-
cated at Hamilton College, Hamilton county, 111. ; has been preach-
ing 3 years in the M. E. Church; now attends two or three appoint-
ments every Sunday, besides teaching, in which latter profession
he is also successful. P. O., New Canton.
Henry B. Atkinson, merchant, New Canton ; was born in St.
Louis, Mo., in 1842, and is the son of B. H. and Harriet (Morgan)
Atkinson, father a native of New Jersey, and mother of Pennsyl-
vania; educated in the common schools of Pike county; in 1868
he married Orpha M. Witt, and they have had 3 children, 2 of
whom are living; commenced mercantile business in company with
his father at Pittsfield in 1863, and came to New Canton in 1876,
where he has succeeded well, dealing in drugs, medicines, groceries,
farming implements, etc.; also buys and ships grain. New Canton
is considered by many to be the best grain market in Pike county.
EUas Baldwin, farmer, sec. 16; P. O., New Canton; was born
in Connecticut May 3, 1816, and is a son of Wm. and Clara (Ives)
Baldwin, natives also of that State; both his grandfathers drew
pensions as Eevolutionary soldiers; was educated in Connecticut;
came to this county in 1836. In 1846 he married Permelia Safer?,
and they have had one child, Margaret, who is still at home. As a
farmer, Mr. B. has been successful.
George Balzer, butcher, New Canton ; was born in Bavaria in
1845, the son of George and Catharine (Wizenberger) Balzer, na-
tives of the same country; emigrated to Quincy, 111., in 1847, and
840 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
in 1864 to Pike county; received his education in the graded
schools, and Kay & Yeriel's Oonimercial College one term, and
Baker's three terras. In 1868 he married Orintha Yearly, and
they have had 4 children, all of whom are living. Mr. ii. com-
menced his present business two years ago, and so far has pros-
pered well in it. He commenced clerking at the age of 10 years, and
continued until he was 16, when he passed muster in the 27th 111.
Inf., and served in the war 3 years; was in every battle in which
the Regiment was engaged, and was discharged in 1864.
Warren D. £igelow, principal of the JS^ew Canton schools; is a
native of Portage county, O., and- was born Jan. 29, 1845; his pa-
rents were Johnson and Mary (Lewis) Bigelow ; he received a com-
mon-school education in Ohio, and came to this county in 1865;
he is a self-made teacher, having obtained the greater part of his
education while lieaching; has now pursued his chosen occupation
15 years, and at present has charge of the New Canton schools the
second year, adopting the latest normal plans. He has been mar-
ried three times and is the father of 6 children, of whom 5 are liv-
ing; James "W"., Albert D., Elbert J., Mary O. and Lela Maud,
the last 3 by his present wife. His first two wives died of quick
consumption.
William Bolin, New Canton; was born in Jefferson county,
Ind., and is the son of John and Oelia (Sharp) Bolin, the latter a
native of Virginia; was educated in the common schools of Indiana
and Kentucky. He first married America Lawhorne, and by her
had 11 children, 4 of whom are living; she and 3 of the children
died in one week. Mr. Bolin afterward married Elizabeth Vano-
ver, and by her had 2 children, one of whom is living; this Mrs.
B. died in 1872, and for his third wife Mr. B. selected Miss Nancy
M. Sharp, and of their 3 children 2 are living.
Charles N. Brammell, farmer, sec. 17; P. O., New Canton;
was born in this county in 1847, and is the son of Thomas and
Amelia (Butler) Brammell, who emigrated to this county in 1834;
Charles N. now has charge of his mother's farm, and is doing well;
he was brought up a farmer, and was educated in the common
schools of this county. Politically, he is a Democrat.
Charles T. Brewster, deceased, was born in New York in 1811;
remained with his father until 1832, when he bought a piece of
land on sec. 27 in this tp., and commenced farming; in 1849 he
went overland with an ox team to California, and engaged success-
fully in gold mining for 2 years; returning home, he enlarged his
farming operations, adding the business of stock-raising. He ac-
cumulated considerable property and was a very popular man in
his neighborhood; always paid his hands good wages, and promptly;
one man worked for him 30 years; was Supervisor many years,
and held other local offices. In 1852 he married Miss Melvina
Percell, and of their 8 children 3 are living, — Charles E., Anna M.
and Minnie M. Mr. B. died Sept. 3, 1875. "We present Mr.
Brewster's portrait in this volume.
■iJv' s^l
/-
NEW CANTON
HISTOKT OF PIKE COUNTY. 843
Harrison Brown, farmer; P. O., New Canton; was born in
Fike county, Mo., Feb. 6, 1828, and is a son of Joseph and Nancy
0. (Bnllen) Brown, natives of Kentucky, and both born in 1798,
near Lexington — father, Aug. 18, and mother, Sept. 17; father was
of Irish descent, and mother of Scotch. The subject of this sketch
was the third child (2d son) of a family of 7 children, and is the
only one living at present; a brother and two sisters died in 1856.
Harrison was educated in this tp., having been brought here by his
father in 1829; has been a farmer all his life, except 4 years in
California gold-raining, 1852-6. Feb. 25, 1857, he married Eliza
C. Shewe, and of their 7 children only 2 are now living: Joseph,
who was born Oct. 25, 1861, and Mallie, Nov. 3, 1868. He owns
440 acres of land, 420 of it here in one body. Mr. Brown's por-
trait is given in this volume.
William '8. Ooon, carpenter, was born in the town of Fabius,
Onondaga Co., N. Y., Nov. 16, 1819, and is the son of Joseph and
Lydia Coon, of Dutch ancestry ; was educated in the common
schools of New York State; at the age of 24 he commenced to
learn his trade. In 1853 he married Asha A. Ballan, who was
born in the town of Sandy Creek, Oswego Co., N. Y., in 1835, and
they have one child, Frank E., who was born in 1865. Mr. and
Mrs. Coon are members of the Christian Church. He is a Re-
publican. P. O., New Canton.
George A. Dutcher, farmer, sec. 17; P.O., New"Canton; was
born Aug. 7, 1840, in the State of New York, and is the son of
Stephen M. and Mary (Hunt) Dutcher, natives of the same State,
father of German ancestry, and mother of English. George re-
ceived his education in the common schools of this connty, whither
he emigrated 'in 1844 or 1845. In 1873 he married Sarah A.
Morey, and they have had one child, Stephen A., born Dec. 25,
1875. Mr. Dutcher has taught school 7 or 8 terms in this county,
and as a farmer he has been successful, now owning 160 acres of
land. He is a Kepublicah, and a member of the Christian Church.
P. H. Davis, New Canton, was born in Fountain county, Ind.,
in 1826, and is the son of Robert and Amanda (Blair) Davis, the
former a native of Kentucky, and mother of Indiana, and of Scotch
descent ; was brought to this county in 1829, settling in Kinder-
hook, where he received his education. In 1851 he married Eliza
Shipman, and of their 5 children but two are living. The same
year he moved to New Canton, where he engaged in mercantile
business until 1862, when he was elected Sheriff; serving two years
in that office he resumed his mercantile business until 1878, when
he sold out. Mr. Davis has also pleaded law to some extent, with
success. In politics he is a Democrat. He has seen this county
in its primitive wild state, with deer, wolves, etc., in abundance.
William A. Davis, New Canton, was born in .Marietta, "Wash-
ington Co., Ohio, in 1820, the son of Stephen and Patience
(Springer) Davis, natives of Maine. Of his 6 children 5 are living,
and all married but one; 4 reside in this county, and one in Car-
48
S4A HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
roll county, Mo. Most of his life Mr. Davis has followed the river;
piloted a flat-boat for 20 years, and has traveled 4,000 miles. In
his younger days he worked 2 years at the carpenter's trade, and
works at it some yet. He owns 40 acres of land, besides a house
and lot. In politics he is a Democrat.
. James Emerson, farmer, sec. 8 ; P. O., New Canton ; was born
Dec. 21, 1836, in Ohio, and is the son of Ephraim and Elizabeth
(Wallace) Emerson, father a native of Maryland, and mother of
Ohio, and of German descent; was brought to this county in 1838
by his parents in emigration, and here received his education in
the common school. March 10, 1859, he married Lydia Yearly,
and their 3 children are all living. He owns 60 acres of land, and
in politics is a Republican.
Cioero Gard, farmer, sec. 10; P. O., New Canton ; was born in
Barry tp., this county, in 1836, and is the son of M. and Clarissa
(Baker) Gard, father a native of Yirginia, and of English and Irish
descent, and mother a native of Ohio, and of English descent;
educated at Knox College, Galesburg, 111. Oct. 23, 1860, he mar-
ried Lydia Halstead, and of their 4 children 2 are living. He
owns 80 acres of land, and as a farmer he has been successful. In
politics he is a Republican.
Lorenzo Qard^ farmer, brother of the preceding, was born in
Washington county, O., April 15, 1818; was educated mostly in
the common schools of this county; in 1841 he taught school 6
months. In 1843 he married Margaret Yearly, and of their 7 chil-
dren 5 are living, one single, 'and all living in this county. Mr
Gard came to Pike county in 1831 and settled near New Canton,
where he still lives. When his father came here he had only 6^
cents in money, but now he has 300 acres of laud. Mr. Gard has
seen this coimtry in its wild state, and has experienced the poverty
and hardships of pioneer times. In politics he is a Republican.
Seth Qard. Prominent among the business men of New Canton,
is the subject of this sketch, Mr. Seth Gard, who was born in this
county in 1832, and although comparatively a young man he is
classed among the early inhabitants of Pike county; is the son of
Robert and Martha (Putnam) Gard, natives of Ohio. In 1879 Mr.
G. was united in marriage with Miss Ellen Phillips, who is a mem-
ber of the M. E. Church. Mr. Gard started in life without much
of this world's goods, or, as the saying is, "bare-handed;" he first
worked by the month on a farm, but at present is the Postmaster
at New Canton, and keeps a grocery store, etc. As a business man
he is prompt, obliging, and enjoys a fair share of the trade of the
place; he is a Republican in politics, and has been Postmaster at
New Canton since 1873.
Eugene Gray is a native of this county, and was born in 1829;
his parents were Thomas T. and Mary F. (Crandall) Gray, natives
of New York, who came to Pike county the year of his birth. Our
subject has spent the most of his life in mercantile pursuits ; he
first began to clerk in the store of Mowry & Massie at New Can-
HISTOET OF PIKE OOUNTT. 845
ton, and since 1872 has been a full partner with Mr. M. D. Massie,
and as a firm they have met with success. In 1862 he enlisted in
the 68th 111. Inf., and the following year entered the 28th 111. Inf.,
and was mustered out in 1866. During the last year of the service
he was Quartermaster Sergeant, and prior to that he was most of
the time on detached duty as Clerk. Politically Mr. Q. is a Ee-
publican, is a member of the Town Board of JSTew Canton, and
Treasurer of Pleasant Yale tp. Mr. G. was married in 1868 to
Lydia Ware, who is a member of the Baptist Church.
T. A. Hoyden, i'armer, sec. 8; P. 0., Kew Canton ; is the son of
J. and Elizabeth (Barnard) Hayden, and was born in Missouri in
1844; his father, who was of Irish ancestry, and also his mother,
who was of English descent, were born in that State . He received
his education in the common schools of his native State, and for a
time engaged in teaching. He came to Pike county in 1873, and
embarked in farming; in 1869 he was married to Clara E. Freeman,
who has borne him 9 children, 3 of whom are living.
E. K. Higiee, farmer, sec. 20; P. O., J?^ew Canton; was born in
Adams county, 111., April 6, 1839; his parents, Elias and Sarah
(Ward) Higbee, were natives of Ohio ; he received his education in
the common schools and the Griggsville high school. He form-
erly engaged in the mercantile business at Detroit and 4 years in
Missouri, and in 1875 cam§ to this tp., where he is fanning 3 quar-
ters of land. In 1864 he was united in marriage with Mana L.
Peebles, who is a member of the Church. Politically Mr. H. is a
Democrat.
John B. Hill, farmer, sec. 19; P. O., New Canton. The parents
of our subject, Isaac W. and Tabitha Hill, were both natives of
Franklin county, Va., and of Irish ancestry. John B. was born in
Tennessee in 1824, received his early education in the common
schools of Scott county, 111., whither his parents had moved, and
was married to his first wife, Emily A. Smithson, in 1843; she died
in 1844, and the following year he was married to Millie E. Taylor,
and they have 12 children, 10 of whom are living, 7 boys and 3
girls. Mr. H. came to Pike county in 1866 and engaged in farming.
L. O. Hosford, deceased, was born in the State of New York,
Jan. 15, 1811, and obtained his education in the public schools of
that State. His early occupation was that of carpenter and mill-
wright. He emigrated to this county in 1842, and he has built
several mills in this county; he followed mining in California 3
years, between 1850 and 1854. Dec. 19, 1844, he married Mary
Smith, and of their 6 children 3 are living ; one daughter is mar-
ried to Andrew Cruse. Mr. H. died Nov. 18, 1874, the owner of
a steam saw-mill, house and lot, and 700 acres of land; at one time
during life he owned 1,200 acres. Politically he was a Democrat.
Mrs. Hosford, who is a member of the Dnnkard Church, is keeping
a first-class boarding-house in New Canton, in company with her
daughter.
846 HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY.
Oeorge W. Souae, farmer, sec. 23, 6 S., 6 W. ; P. 0., New Can-
ton ; was born in Ohio in 182.3, the son of Willard and Deborah
(Emerson) House, naitives of Maryland, father of German and Irish
descent and mother of German and Scotch; was educatied in the
common schools of Ohio. In 1853 he married Frances Jane Carter,
and they have had 6 children, 5 of whom are living. Mrs. House died
Sept: 16, 1875. He came to Pike county in 1844, and now owns
178 acres of land. He worked by the month until he got a start.
Has worked some at carpentering. Spent one year in Arkansas
and Mississippi. In politics Mr. H. is a Republican.
James S. Hyde, farmer. New Canton, was born in this county in
1844, and is the son of J. F. and Eliza (Seeley) Hyde; educated
in the Pittsfield high school; by occupation is a farmer; in 1878
he married Rachel Smith, and they have one child, Mary E. He
owns 320 acres of land, and for the last 18 months he has kept a
livery stable in New Canton. He has just bought the right for
the State, to sell the patent Baud-cutter, to cut bands of the sheaves
of grain for threshing-machines. He is now introducing it, and it
gives entire satisfaction, it being superior to the old method of cut-
ting with knives, which was always a dangerous process. Where
this cutter is used the feeder can safely reach for the bundles with-
out having to look up every time to dodge a knife.
F. J. Jackson^ farmer; P. 0., New Canton; was born in Ken-
tucky in 1815, and is the son of Vincent and Jane (Shearer) Jack-
son, father from Maryland and of English descent, and mother
from Pennsylvania and of Irish descent. His father having died
when he was but 6 years old, he was brought up;by a kind step-
father, Mr. Henry Parker; his education was obtained by attending
school 3 months a year in the old-fashioned log school-house. In
1839 he married Louisa Ferry, and of their 7 children 2 are living,
both married and living in this county. He was brought to this
county in 1825, the family settling on sec. 21, this tp. He was in
the Black Hawk war under Capt. Petty. As a farmer he has been
successful. He is a Republican and a granger, and has been Com-
missioner of Highways, Road Overseer and School Director.
Eien Jordan, farmer, sec. 27; P. O., Cincinnati; was born in
Maine in 1833, and is the son of Richard and Sarah (Dotty) Jordan,
natives also of Maine; was educated in the public schools of his
native State. In 1848 he married Mary Wheeler, and of the 9
children born to them 8 are living, 6 boys and 2 girls. He came
to Pike county in 1877, from Portland, Me. Mr. Jordan, although
of a literary turn of mind, is a hard-working, energetic laborer on
his farm, where he is doing well. In polities he is a Democrat.
John Judd, railroad section overseer, New Canton, was born in
Germany in 1834, the son of Frank Judd; came to America in
1845 and to this county in 1851; lived at Cincinnati Landing 3
years, then came to New Canton, where 'in 1861 he married Jane
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 847
Saxbury, and they have had 3 children. Mrs. J. is a daughter of
early pioneers of this county, her parents being the first couple
married after the county-seat was moved to Tittsfield. Her mother
carried the banner at thetfld settlers' meeting in 1879, but died the
same year. Mr. Judd's early life was spent in a tobacco factory.
Since 1873 he has been in the employ of the C, B. & Q. R K.
Has never had any accident happen on his part of the road. Mrs.
J. is a raernber of the Presbyterian Church.
Charles A. Kendall, formerly school-teacher, now fanner, sec.
13 ; P. O., New Canton; was born in Ohio in 1833, and is the son
of Richard and Ann (Brown) Kendall, natives of New Jersey; ob-
tained his education mostly by his own exertions outside the
school-room; has gone to scliool but 2 months since he was 10
years oj:' age, but his scholarship entitles him to a first-grade cer-
tificate to teach; has taught school 20 years. In 1860 he married
Eveline Fesler, and of their 8 children 6 are living. In 1852 he
came from St. Louis, Mo., to this county, on the steamer " Grolden
Era," and first settled at Eldara. He owns 140 acres of land, and
has been farming since 1862.
H. H. KcBller, jr., station agent,New Canton, was born in Perry
this county, Feb. 10, 1855, and is the son of H. H. Koeller, sr., the
patentee of " Kceller's Corn-Planter." The latter mentioned and
his wife emigrated from Germany to this country in 1848, stopping
at first with his brother-in-law, Mr. Thiele, at Perry. Observing the
method then in vogue of planting corn with hoes, he set to work in-
venting a machine to do the work better; he succeeded, and com-
menced the manufacture of the planters at Perry on a small scale which
was greatly enlarged, an extensive establishment being put up and
run at Camp Point, where Mr. Kceller was general superintendent;
but the company there becoming insolvent, Mr. K. went into other
business at St. Louis, Mo., and Leadville, Col., which was more
remunerative. Mr. Kceller, jr., spent the greater part of his boy-
hood with his uncle, Mr. Thiele, his mother having died when he
was an infant; he afterward joined his father at Camp Point,
where he received his education in the Maplewood High School,
and later at the Gem City Business College, Quincy, 111. Return-
ing to Camp Point he entered the service of the company as trav-
eling salesman; in 2 years lie was appointed assistant secretary,
which position he filled until the company became. insolvent ; he
then entered the grain and agricultural implement trade at Car-
thage, 111., in which business, however, he did not do well ; he
then came to New Canton and took his present place. July 15,
1877, he married Mary Ziegier, of Camp Point, and they have a
son, Walter H.
I)r. John 8. Lockwood was born in Kent county, Del., Jan. 10,
1840, and is the son of John and Ann (Slay) Lockwood, of Eng-
lish descent. Until 17 years of age the subject of this sketch
epent his time on the farm, in store and at school ; graduated in
the scientific and classical courses at Fairfield Seminary, N ew
848 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
York; then visited Missouri, taught school 2 months in Adams
county, 111. ; returned to New York and spent a winter studying
at Schenectady; on account of declining health he abandoned the
collegiate course and returned to Delaware, where he entered mer-
cantile business, which he followed 2 years; commenced as sales-
man in a wholesale establishment in Philadelphia, but not liking
the business he began the study of medicine with Dr. Paine, in
the Eclectic Medical College in that city; traveled East and West
in search of a medical college in which to complete his studies,
settling on the Keokuk College; having spent nearly all his means
traveling, he confined his eating to dry bread and beans during
the first term of study; in the summer of 1865 he graduated with
honor, but not having the means to commence practice, he went
into Adams county. 111., and worked on a farm until fall, and dur-
ing the winter taught the Cliola school; then entered partnership
with Dr. John Torrence at Quincy in the practice of his profession;
in the fall of 1866 he came to New Canton, where he lias since
resided. In 1873 he went to St. Louis, New York and Philadel-
phia to attend medical lectures, and in the spring of 1874 grad-
uated at the Jefilerson Medical College, Philadelphia, and the Mis-
souri Medical College at St. Louis. In December of that year he
married Miss Ella, daughter of Eben Clauson, a pioneer in this
section, and who has been Supervisor two terms, and has held other
important town offices. The Doctor has been very successful as a
physician, and moderately so financially. He owns several houses
and lots in New Canton, is entirely free from debt, and has money
at interest. In politics he is a Democrat, and in religion a free-
thinker, as almost all doctors are, but is liberal toward all sects and
parties. What he has accumulated in property has all been by
his own unaided exertions.
Qapt. M. D. Massie, of New Canton, was born in Pittsfield,
this county. Jan. 21, 1838, and is the son of John G. and Mary
(Shaw) Massie, the former a native of Kentucky, the latter of New
York; parents were married in Derry tp., in 1837. Mr. M.'s boy-'
hood was passed in Pike county, Mo., a,nd Pike county, 111.;
received a common-school education,, and was engaged as clerk and
book-keeper until 1862, when he enlisted as a private in the Pike
county regiment, 99th 111. Inf , and served 3 years; was promoted
Captain, and also acted as Adjutant; was in all the battles of the
Kegiment save one. After the war he engaged in mercantile bus-
iness at New Canton, dealing in a general assortment of goods,
and also running a mill; has been in the business now for 15 years,
with success. In 1866 he married Mary E. Morey, and they have
had 3 children — all now living. In 1872 he was "elected a mem-
ber of the 28th General Assembly, and at the close of his term was
offered a re-election, but refused on account of declining health.
We give Mr. Massie's portrait in this volume.
Joseph MoFarland, deceased, was born in Ireland in 1840;
lived in this county about 20 years,-when he died, aged 39 years
HISTOKY OF PIKE COUNTY. 849
and 7 months. In 1872 he married Mary Kelly, daughter of Na-
than Kelly, and they had 2 daughters ,aud 1 son. Mr. Mc. F. held
responsible pnblic positions, followed clerking awhile, and farming
for a portion of his life. At the time of his death he owned SiTf
acres of land, besides^ property in town. He was successful in
whatever he undertook. Mrs. Mc. F. resides on sec. 27; P. O.,
Kew Canton.
William. H. Odiorne, merchant, Cincinnati, was born in Pike
county. 111., in 1845, and is the son of Eben and Ann (Wingert)
Odiorne, father & native of Massachusetts and mother of Ohio ;
received his education at Rockport, 111., and at Jones Commercial
College*at St. Louis, Mo., at which latter place he graduated in
1864. In 1876 he married Addie C. Hendricks, and their only
child, Elmer, died when one year old. Mr. O. has been in mer-
cantile business the most of his life, and been successful. He
came to Cincinnati in 1876, where he is Postmaster and ticket
agent, and has been School Treasurer several terms. In politics he
is a Republican.
Samuel Pfrimmer, New Canton, was born in Harrison county,
Ind., Jan. 16, 1837, and is the son of John George and Sarah
(Friedly) Pfrimmer, father a native of Pennsylvania and of Ger-
man and Fi-ench descent, and mother a native of Indiana and of
English descent. Has attended school but three months in his
life. March 15, 1868, he married Kate Mosier, and they have had
2 sons, George, born Jan. 15, 1869, and Charles, born March 9,
1870. Mr. P. came to this county in 1844, settling on sec. 23, 5 s.,
7 w., this tp. Has been a farmer most of his life, and has followed
flat- boating some. He now owns 158 acres of land. He is a
Democrat, and has been School Director 3 years; has had charge
of the light-house one mile above the landing at Cincinnati, this
tp. In 1861 he enlisted in Company I, 28th 111. Inf., under Capt.
Hurt, and was discharged in 1864; was in all the battles of the
Regiment.
Alexander K. Boss, farmer, sec. 22; P. 0., New Canton; was
born in Pennsylvania in 1838, and is the son of John and Eliza-
beth (McDaniel) Ross, natives of Pennsylvania and of Scotch an-
cestry; obtained his education in the pnblic schools of his native
State; emigrated to this county in 1860; in 1863 he enlisted in
Co. E, 78th 111. Inf., and was discliarged in July, 1865, having
been in all the battles of the Regiment but one; was 3d Sergeant.
In 1878 he married Malvina Brewster. He owns 100 acres o
land. In politics is a Republican.
Nathaniel Shearer, fAi-mer, sec. 10; P. 0., New Canton; was
born in this county Dec. 26, 1839, and is the son of Andrew and
Harriet (Parker) Shearer, the former of Irish descent and born in
1800, and the latter of German descent and born in 1806; they
came to this county in 1822, settling on the present homestead.
Mr. S. died May 13, 1863, and Mrs S. resides with her son. Na-
thaniel was educated in the asylum for the deaf and dumb at Jack-
850 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
sonville, 111. He is a farmer, now owning five shares in 80 acres
of land, which property he has earned by his own exertions. Sept.
23, 1868, he was married at Brighton, 111., to Miss Rebecca Berry,
by whom he has had 3 children, Luther, Ellen and Eddie B. Mr.
and Mrs. S. are deaf and dumb. Her father is a carpenter at
Brighton, and she has one brother and two sisters who are also
deaf and dumb. One sister married James "W". Walker and resides
in Dakota, Stephenson county, 111., and one sister is niatron of the
State Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb at Jacksonville. Her brother
is a tobacco dealer at Brighton;
Alomo 8hewe, New Canton, was born in "Washington county,
O., in 1848, and is the son of Solomon and Ellen (Willis) Shewe;
his father was born in Pennsylvania and of German descent, and
his mother was born in Virginia and of Irish descent; he was edu-
cated in the public schools in this county. In 1866 he married
Miss E. Gillan, and they have 3 children. Mr. S. has run a thresh-
ing-machine ever since he was 19 years of age; at present he uses
a steam thresher and a steam wood saw; can saw 10 to 12 cords
of wood in 10 hours. He also ran the first patent band-cutter
ever used in this State. In politics he is a Democrat.
S. P. Shewe, sec. 17; F. O., New Canton; was born in Ohio in
1820 and is the son of Martin and Leona (Dunbar) Shewe, the
former a native of Ohio and of German descent, and the latter of
Yirginia ; was educated in the public schools of his native State.
His fii-st marriage was to Caroline Atkinson, by whom he had 4
children, only 1 now living; his second marriage was to Sarah
Baughman. Mr. Shewe came to Pike county in 1844, and has
lived in the county ever since. When he first came here he had
but 76 cents, but is now worth at least $2,000 ; has made all he
owns by honest labor; politically he is a Democrat.
John W. Smith, farmer, sec. 6; P. O., Hannibal, Mo.; was born
in Pennsylvania in 1844, being the son of Henry and Mary (Olair)
Smith, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent ; was edu-
cated in the public schools of Adams county, 111. In 1866 he
married Hattle Breslar, and they have had 4 children. He came
to Pike county in 1868, and now is on a farm of 120 acres. He is
a Democrat.
J. W. Stephenson, CiuQ,mr\&i\, •vj?t.% born in Kentucky May 20,
1816,. the son of James and Margaret (Clinton) Stephenson, natives
of the sunny South and of Irish descent ; was brought to this State
by his parents in 1819; June 6, 1841, he married Mary Eliza
Allen, and 6 of their 9 children are living. In 1861 Mr. S. en-
listed in Co. E, 27th 111. Inf., and was wagon master of the Regi-
ment. Mr. S. seems to like frontier life, as he has followed close
after the Indians in three States; but he is a quiet, unassuming
man. In politics he is a Republican, and in religion he is a Pres-
byterian. His wife, who was also a Presbyterian, died March 6,
1880.
HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY. 851
Amos Stout, farmer, sec. 7; P. O., Haunibal, Mo.; was born in
Butler county, O., in 1834, and is the son of Ijel and Julia (Briant)
Stout, natives of Ohio, and of Grerman descent; received his educa-
tion in the public schools of Ohio; came to Pike county in 1851;
was married in 1856 to Miss Kate Hall, and they have 4 children
living. Mr. Stout is a farmer, occupying 500 acres of land, and
has great promise of success; he had nothing to start with. Politi-
■cally he is a Republican.
Nicholas Stimip, farmer; P. O.. Cincinnati; was born in Ohio,
in 1839, the son of George and Mary (Risher) Stump, natives of
■Pennsylvania and of German descent; received his education in
the public schools of Iowa, principally in Independence. In 1860
he married Ann J. Smith, and they have had 4 children. In
Iowa Mr. S. was in the mercantile business 3 years. He came to
Pike county in 1875, since which time he has been farming and
keeping the warehouse at Cincinnati Landing; has been successful
in his business. Has been School Director, and politically he is a
Democrat. Mr. S. is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
Isaac Tamsett, shoemaker and cutter, itfew Canton, was born in
England in 1815, and is the son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Goodman)
Tamsett; fpther was commander of revenue in England. The subject
of this notice obtained his education in the mother land. In 1836
he married Sarah Smith, and they have had two sons, both mar-
ried, one living in this county and the other in Missouri. Mr. T.
came to America in 1846, landing at New Orleans, in 1849 to Pitts-
field, and in 1861 to New Canton. He has traveled a great deal,
.and has worked at his trade in England, France, Belgium and this
country, besides visiting Ireland, "Wales and the West Indies; once
•suffered shipwreck. Mr. T. is an interesting con verser, having seen a
great deal of this world. Politically he is a Democrat, and his
wife is a member of the Baptist Church.
George Tipler, farmer; P. O., Barry; was born in England, at
Eckington, Lincolnshire; he is a son of George and Sarah Ann
-(Baten) Tipler; although he never attended school he can read and
write, and he has a very retentive memory; in the old country he
was a shepherd boy, but since he has been in this country he has
followed farming, and is a horse and cattle doctor. He came to
America in 1853, settling the same year at New Canton. At first
he worked by the month at $18 per month, and his wife taught
•school. Her maiden name was Ann Bunning, and they were mar-
ried in 1846, June 11. Mr. T. now owns 207 acres of good land.
In religion he is a Latter -Day Saint, and in politics he votes for
the best man.
Franklin Tittsworth, farmer, sec. 15 ; was born Jan. 12, 1826,
in Tennessee; was brought to this county in the spring of 1831;
went to California in 1849 and returned in 1852; June 9, 1853, he
married Miss Adeline Browning. Children: Thomas, Charles, Al-
bert, Mjram, Elmer, Franklin, Frederic, and two deceased, Jessie
and an infant. Mr. T. owns 480 acres of land, worth $40 per acre.
852 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
and he resides two miles west of Eldara, which is his P. O. address.
Politically he is a Democrat.
Bradford Upjoinghouse, miller, TsTew Canton; was born in
Jackson county, Ind., in 1820, and is the son of James and Me-
linda (Helms) Uppinghouse, natives of Pennsylvania, father of Ger-
man and mother of Scottish descent; obtained his education in the
common schools of his native State. In 1847 he married Christi-
na Clark, and their 6 children are all living. He arrived in Pike
county Jnne 8, 1865, and has been in j!!^^ew Canton most of the
time since. Politically he is a Eepublican.
James Wallace, farmer, sec. 28; P. O., New Canton; was born
in Ohio in 1816, and is the son of John and Catharine (Straira);
father a native of V^irginia and Scottish descent, mother born in
Pennsylvania and of German ancestry. Nathaniel Wallace, a
grandfather of James, was a Scotchman and a captain under Lord
Cornwallis. James received his education in the common schools
of Ohio; he married Sarah Ann Blacklidge in 1836; of their 12
children 5 are living,'all married, and residing in this county. Mr.
Wallace's early occupation ^yas that of a stone-mason, but has been
farming the most of his life, in which business he has well suc-
ceeded, and now owns 240 acres of land; he first settled on sec. 24
in this tp., but is now on sec. 28. He has taken 10 degrees in
Masonry. Politically he is a Democrat. He has been Supervisor
9 years, Road Commissioner 6 years. School Trustee 4years, and is
now School Director. Mrs. W. is a member of the M. E. Church.
JoMies WAeelan, blacksmith, sec. 1; P. O., New Canton; was
born in Ireland in 1836, and is the son of Eichard and Mary
(Scully) Wheelan; came to America in 1848; received his educa-
tion in the public schools of St. Louis, Mo. ; came to Pike county
in 1855, settling in New Canton; in 1856 he married Isabella
Brown, and they had 7 children; she died in 1873; in 1877 Mr.
W. married Elizabeth Brown, a cousin of his first wife. He also
carries on farming, owning 160 acres of land; his house on the farm
cost $2,000. He has been successful in both businesses. In poli-
tics he is a Democrat, and keeps well posted.
KINDERHOOK TOWNSHIP.
This township lies directly west of Barry and north of Pleasant
7ale, and consists largely of Mississippi bottom land, which is the
most fertile land in Illinois. Onr description of the land as ^iven
in the sketch of Pleasant Vale township will apply as well to Kin-
derhook. The first settlers of this township were David Cole, Bird
Brewer, Mr. Lyle, Amasa Shinii, Mr. McCraney, James HuU^
Charles Smith, Charles and James Stratton, C. Devoll, Tliomas
Orr and others. Mr. McCraney made improvements in the center
of the township on the creek which has since borne his name.
Great credit is dne these pioneers for their untiring efforts in
settling and improving this country. Indians were numerons
here then, and the wild animals roamed at will over this then wild
country. The settlers had to go to Bear creek, above Quincy, to
have their milling done. There was a corn-mill run by oxen on
fiadley creek two miles above Kinderhook, owned by W. M. Blair,
which proved a great convenience. These early pilgrims first lived
in log cabins, with stick chimneys, puncheon floors, clapboard
doors fastened together by wooden pins, and with only a single
four-light window. Mr. Thomas Hull first lived in a house with
no window at all. The family would build a large fire and leave
the door open. On one occasion the Indians came to the house of
Mr. Hull, when Mrs. Hull was alone, begging for something to eat.
Mrs. H., however, could not understand them and would not let
them into the house. They pointed to some pumpkins, signifying
their desire to have some of them. Of these she willingly gave
them as many as they could carry.
Mr. Orr tells us that he has killed many a deer and wolf in his
neighborhood. He saw at one time as many as seven deer in one
herd. The wolves were very troublesome and would frequently
run the sheep to the house during the day-time ; and at night, Mr.
Orr states, they had to corral the sheep at one end of the house.
In the pioneer days boys very frequently met with encounters
before which the modern boy would quail. In a very early day
Wm. J. Talbert, of this township, and his brother Basil were sent
some distance from home on an errand. As usual, they took their
dog and gun (for these were necessary companions in those days),
and started on their journey through the wild country. "When near
the Sny, in the Mississippi valley, they encountered a huge buck,
with immense antlers; and although a boy, William could not re-
854 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
sist the temptation of bringing down such fine game. Re shot
him, but succeeded only in breaking one of his legs. Lest the deer
should hobble off beyond reach and be lost, he irainediately rushed .
forward and caught him by the horns. His faithful dog soon came
to his assistance and laid hold of one of the deer's ears. In this way all
three tussled around and around for some time, neither being able
to gain much advantage. At last William took out his old knife,
which had no back spring, and attempted to cut the deer's throat,
using his fingers as a spring to support the blade. In this attempt,
however, he failed. He then opened the little blade, plunged it
into the deer and it broke off. He again returned to the use of the
big blade, using his fingers for a back.spring, as before. All this
time the deer kept tussling and bleeding, while the faithful dog kept
tugging away at his ear. Basil stood a few rods away, calling with
all his might to his brother to come away, fearful that the deer
would kill him. "William soon got astride the deer's shoulders
and faithfully jabbed away with his old, backless knife, and, with
the assistance of the dog, he finally succeeded in killing the deer.
But this was not all. If they left their game there the wolves would
soon devour it, and it was too heavy for them to carry ; and so the
ingenuity often manifested in pioneer times, and which would have
been commendable in older heads, was manifested by. these young
brothers in order to save the deer. They bent a sapling, upon
which they hung the deer, and when straightened it lifted the deer
6ome distance from the ground. Then William hung his vest up
by it, which had the desired effect of keeping all animals from it,
and notifying the hunters that it was the game of another party.
KINDERHOOK.
The town of Kinderhook was founded in 1836 by Chester
Churchill and Bridge Whitten. The first settler in the town was
Peter Harper. The first store was kept by Mr. Churchill. The
village now contains several stores, blacksmith shops, a flour mill,
and other industries. It also has a graded school and two church
edifices located here. Many of the early pioneers of Kinderhook
have passed away, and it is with difficulty that its earlier history'is
obtained. We acknowledge our indebtedness to Samuel Clark and
others for valuable information received from this neighborhood.
Kinderhook Exohange Mills. — This establishment was erected
in 1871 by Blain & Steers, who operated it for about four years.
It then fell into the hands of Elijah McA.tee and Dr. Penick. This
firm sold out in 1877 to E. B. Hyde and 0. C. Colvin, who oper-
ated it about two years, when they sold it to J. C. Colvin, who a
few months later took Wm. Fantz as a partner. They run four
sets of burrs, and do a large business. They make an excellent
quality of flour, which meets with a ready sale in the New York
markets.
Kinderhook Puhlio Schools. — The high-school department ot
the Kinderhook schools is in an excellent running order under the
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
management of Prof. Elkanab Sellers, who conducts the school on
the latest Normal plan. The recitations of the B. class in geogra-
phy are given in writing by the entire class upon the blackboard.
This work is examined the following morning and criticised, the
pupils generally manifesting great interest in their studies. The
school building is a large two-storj brick structure, and contains
three rooms.
CHURCHES.
Kinderhooh Baptist Ghtcroh. — This society was organized Jan.
28, 1859, at the honse of David Devol, by Elder IS". Kinne. Mr.
Kinne was chosen Chairman, and Mr. Devol Clerk, of this meeting.
He was then elected permanent Clerk, and shortly afterward S.
Sprague and S. B. Gaines were chosen Deacons. Rev. Wm. Cleve-
land was called as their first Pastor. The congregation erected a
house of worship in 1864, which was dedicated in October, 1865,
by Elder N. Kinne. The present membership is 200. The Church
has sustained a Sunday-school ever since it was organized.
Akers M. JE,. Church. — This Church was organized over 40 years
ago, and although we worked assiduously to obtain its history, as
well as that of the other M! E. Church, we fail to receive very much
satisfactory information. The present church edifice of the Akers.
Society, which was the second one erected, was built in 1868-9. It
is constructed of brick, and cost about $6,500.
hull's.
This town is located on sec. 21, and at the junction of the Wabash-
and the Quincy, Alton & St. Louis Railroads. It was laid out in
December, 1871, by David Hull, Rensellaer Sweet and "Williamv
Bridge. It is situated in the midst of one of the finest agricultural
districts in the county, and has promise of making a nice local
town.
BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMENT.
In alphabetical order we speak of many of the leading citizens of
Kinderhook.
James B. Allen, druggist, was born in South Carolina, March
18, 1824, and is a son of Josiah Allen, deceased. He came to Pike
county in 1850, and pursued the mason's trade until 1874, when he-
engaged in his present business. He is engaged in general mer-
chandising and carries a stock of $4,090, consisting of a full line of
drugs, groceries, boots and shoes, queens ware, and occupies a two-
story brick block, which he erected in 1876 at a cost of about $4,000.
Mr, Allen did the mason work on the Barry high-school building.
In 1852 he married Sarah, daughter of the late Judge Alfred Grubb,
of this county. Mrs. Allen was born in Kentucky, April 2, 1828..
Mr. and Mrs. Allen have 5 children,— Alfred, Mary E., Edward C,
Bessie and Fannie.
Alexander Anderson was born in Reading, Berks county, Pa.^
and is a son of Edward Anderson, deceased, who came to this
county in 1845. Alex, came with his father and engaged with him.
856 HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY.
in the mercantile business in Kinderhook until the death of the
latter, which occurred in 1848. Mr. Anderson then engaged in
fanning until 1878 ; then formed a partnership with Frank Ester-
gren, but in 1879 the firm dissolved, and Mr. A. went into business
for himself. He now carries a general stock of hardware, furniture
etc., and also has a harness shop attached and does a good business.
In 1847 he married Anice Hull, daughter of James Hull, deceased,
an early pioneer of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have had
9 children, of whom 6 are living, — Elizabeth, Edward, Marks,
James, Charles and Alexander.
Cleinent V. Aylesworth was born in New York in 1848, lived
there until he was 5 years old, then.moved with his parents to Pike
county, 111., and remained there until 1861; then moved to Wis-
consin and remained there until 1870, then returned to this county.
Jan. 26, 1871, he married Sarah Z. Button of this county. Their
2 children are Elbert and Myrtie; they are both members of the M.
E. Church. He is engaged in butchering, also carries on the con-
fectionery business. He owns a dwelling house and two lots in
Kinderhook, and is an enterprising, industrious business man and
a good citizen. In politics he is a Kepublican.
Susan Benson was born in Butler county, O., in 1823, and lived
there until she was] 15 years of age, when she moved with her
parents to this county. At the age of 21 she married Macom Ool-
man, and they had 4 children, — James Thomas, John Macom,
George and Catharine. After the death of Mr. Colman Mrs. C.
married Thomas Benson and they had 2 children, Xydia Margaret
and Linosa Lee. Mrs. Benson is a member of the Baptist Church
and politically is a Democrat. She owns 61 acres of land and fol-
lows farming.
Edmund T. Bridge was born in Augusta county, Va., Deo. 15,
1837. His father left Augusta county and moved to Lewis county
in 1847, and in 1853 moved to Fayette county, Ohio, and after
living there one year, moved to Hancock county. 111., and when
there enlisted in the 119th Reg. of 111. Yol., and remained until
Aug., 1865, and since then has been living in this tp. Feb. 14,
1867, he married Mary A. Sweet, and their children are 2 boys ana
1 girl. Himself and wife are members of the Baptist Church.
Mr. B. followed farming until 1872, and since then has been en-
gaged in merchandising at Hull's Station, and is an enterprising
business man, and in politics is a Republican. Heowns 50 acres
of land, three houses and three, lots, and a dry-goods store.
Mrs. Mary C%««e, farmer, sees. 33 and 36; was born in Pennsyl-
vania in 1821, and lived with her parents until she was 10 years
old. They moved to Ohio and remained there until 1844, then to
Indiana, and lived there 2 years, then came to this county, where
she waj inuTiel N")v. 20, 1841, to Alonzo Chase. Their chil-
dren were, Daniel, William Lanson, Samantha, Sarah. Frances, Alice
Melvina and Isadora. She owns 134 acres of land, and is a Demo-
crat.
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY, 85^
A. '8. ChurchiU came to this county in 1833, when but 19 years
of age. He traveled the entire distance from Batavia in a one-
horse buggy in one month and 15 days. Arrived in this tp. the
15th of Oct., and joined his father and brother, who had preceded
him. In the spring of 1834 he returned to New York and, Oct.
20, 1835, married Mary A. Hunn, daughter of Samuel Hunn, de-
ceased. Mrs. C. is a native of Hartford, Conn., and was born
March 8, 1814. They have had 7 children, 4 of whom are living,^
James A., Wm. E., Hiram S. and JSTancy M. They removed here
in 1836, and Mr. C. kept hotel until the railroads were built. When
he arrived in this tp. he had $250, a team, a wife and one child .
Now he is comfortably situated and has given his children each a
large farm. The first land he bought here he secured by giving a
cloth coat for his claim on the land. He went to Whipple's mill
for flour, a distance of 23 miles.
William E. Churchill was born May 2, 1847, in Barry tp.,
and is a son of the preceding; he resides on sec. 9, this tp., and
is engaged in farming and stock-raising. He was married March
26, 1868, to Mary Carr, daughter of Solomon Carr, deceased, and
they have 4 children,- — Charles E., Ora D., Eoy S. and Edward C.
Samuel Olarh is a native of Harrison county, Ya., and was
born Sept. 23, 1826, and is a son of Rev. Samuel Clark, deceased,
who removed to this county with his family in 1829. Mr. Clark
was raised on a farm and educated in a common school. In 1861
he was married to Emma Shinn, daughter of Isaiah Shinn, de-
ceased, who came to this State in 1867. Mrs. Clark was born Sept.
8, 1831, in Harrison county, Ya. They have had 7 children, of
whom 6 are living, — Henrietta A., Frances Y., Sabra E., Minnie,
Cyrus and Florence N. Mr. Clark resides on sec. 3, this tp., and
is engaged in farming and stock-raising.
Alexander Clutch, farmer, sec. 33, was born in Warren county,
0., in 1833, and lived there until he was 13 years of age, then
moved to Pike county with his parents, who were farmers, and
lived with them until he was 21 years old; he then went to Macon
county and remained 2 years, following farming, then to this State,
again locating in McLean county for 14 years; then returned to
Pike county and married Christina Fine, who had been previously
married, and had one child named Wm. Isaac. Mrs. Clutch died
and Mr. C. married Mrs. Elizabeth Halsfead, who had 7 children, —
Henry E. and Wm. F. Wilson, Drusilla J., Edith M. and Susan
Edna. Her children by her first husband were Rachel, Ellen,
Lomira and Emma. By his first wife Mr. Clutch had 4 children, —
Thomas Marion, Edward Francis, Anna and Clarissa. He and
his wife are Baptists, and politically he is a Democrat. His farm
comprises 70 acres.
John Clutch was born March 28, 1839, in Warren county, O.,
and is a son of David P. and Martha Clutch, deceased, who brought
their family to this county in the spring of 1847, landing at Quincy
on the 1st day of April. In 1852 he was married to Alvira,
858 HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY.
daugLter of Sylvanus Baker, deceased, one of the pioneers of this-
county. Mr. and Mrs. Clutch have had 8 children, of whom 6 are
living, viz: Warren, Mary E., John, Sarah, Ellen and Everett.
Mr. 0. engaged in farming until 1876, when hfe entered.into the
mercantile business in Kinderhook. He carries a stock of $5,000,
consisting of dry-goods, hats and caps, boots and shoes, groceries,,
queensware, and everything usually kept in a first-class mixed
store. He also deals iu agricultural implements. He still owns a
farm, and still gives some attention to farming.
Samuel Oolgrove was born in Steuben county, N. Y., June 24,
1822, and is a son of Andrew and Elizabeth (Smith) Oolgrove, of
the same county. Mrs. C. died in 1871. Samuel was reared on a
farm and had but limited opportunities for an education. In 1843
he came West, traveling through Iowa, Minnesota and Northern
Illinois; went to Lake Superior during the silver excitement in
1845; engaged in sawing and rafting lumber to St. Louis for 4
years ; traveled through Indiana, Ohio and Michigan to some ex-
tent. He returned to New York in 1849, where he remained until
1866, except what time he was in the war. Aug. 2, 1851, he mar-
ried Mary P. Marlatt, and moved to Huron county, 0. ; in 186T
came to Adams county. 111., and 3 years afterward he came into
this county, where he resides on sec. 26, farming and raising stock.
He has had 7 children, viz: Elizabeth M., Olive A., Emily L.,
Samuel A., Ira M., George D. and Lillie M. Mr. 0. served in Go.
H, 86th ~E. Y. Inf., and hence was in the army of the Potomac.
He participated in the second battle of Bull Kun; became disa-
bled in the service, and was discharged Nov. 6, 1862. ,
J. G. CoVoin was born in Hartford county. Conn., Oct. 19, 1823,
a son of Timothy Colvin, dec; in 1854 he came and settled in this
tp.; the next year he returned to Connecticut and married Miss
Ann M. Andrews, and returned to his home here. Of his 6 chil-
dren Flora, Charlotte and Joseph A. are living. After farming for
9 years Mr. Colvin has followed merchandising, trading, milling,,
etc. He still owns a farm.
JoJin Gook, farmer, sec. 24; owning 280 acres of land in this tp.^
was born in Chatham county, N. C, July 5, 1800; at the age of 7
years he came with his parents to Davidson county, Tenn., where
in about 6 months his father died ; his mother then moved to Rob-
inson county until he was 17 years old, when they moved to Trigg
county, Ky., and there, March 20, 1828, he married Miss Martha
Kennedy; in 1830 he arrived iu Pike county. His cjiildren are
John K., Mary E., Clarinda Ann and Milly Jane. Mr. 0. is a
Democrat.
W. R. Davison was born in Wales in 1842; in 1846 the family
emigrated to Pittsburg, Pa., in 1849 to Louisville, Ky., in 1851 to
Naples, 111. ; he served 18 months in the 8th Eeg. I. V. I., and was
honorably discharged; then followed steam-boatingfor 6years; and
for the last 6 years he has been in Pike county conducting a hotel
and restaurant. At Naples he was a farmer. May 4, 1868, he
^^-^ci > ii.u/- V (r^^Ciy\
KINDERHOOK t?
HISTOET OF PJKE COUNTY. 861
married Miss Mary E. Smith, and they have one child, Annie E.,
aged. 11. Mr. D. is a Baptist and his wife a Methodist. In poli-
tics Mr. D. is a Denaocrat. He owns 2 houses and lots at Hull's
Station.
Moses Decker was born in Knox county, Ind., Dec. 16, 1806, son
of Moses Decker, who was born in 1780 in Washington county,
Pa., and was brought by his parents to the Northwestern Territory
in 1786 ; he was raised in the fort at Vincennes, and when large
enough to carry a gun he went into the war against the Indians ;
he died in 1864. Moses, jr. was raised on a farm in pioneer style;
education, likewise, being in the usual old-fashioned log school-
house, with a greased deer-skin for a window, and a lire-place for
heating the room. In 1827 he married Melinda, daughter of
Tarleton Boren, dec. In 1835 they came to this county, settling
on sec. 1, this tp., where he still resides, a farmer and stock-raiser.
Of his 11 children these 9 are living: Hannah, Martha, Melinda,
Christina, Ezra, Asher, Amry, Margaret and Emery. Mrs. D. died
May 25, 1877, an honored member of society.
David Devol^ farmer and stock-raiser; was born in Washington
county, O., March 20, 1826, the son of Daniel Devol, dec, who was
among the first born in that county. Mr. D. came to Illinois in
^854, settling in this tp., where he still resides. He has mar-
ried twice, and is the father of 8 children. He is a descendant of
Daniel Devol, who was one of four brothers that emigrated to
America from England about 1760." Their name's were Stephen,
Daniel, Jonathan and Gilbert.
Franh Ester gren, dealer in stoves and tin ware, was born in
Sweden !Nov. 4, 1844; when 20 years of age he emigrated to Amer-
ica; worked at common labor a few months at Fall Brook, Pa. ;
then was in Minnesota four years in the tin business; then followed
the same business one year in Wisconsin; then at Hannibal, Mo.,
3 months; then Kinderhook, where he worked as journeyn^n for 3
or 4 years, then commenced business for himself. In 1874 he mar-
ried Amanda McPherson. and they have 2 children, Joseph Tim-
othy and Nellie Josephine. He and wife are Baptists, and he is a
staunch Democrat. Is the owner of his residence and business
house arfd lots.
Thomas Fitzpatrich, hotel-keeper at Kinderhook, was born in
1828, in Butler Co., O. ; at the age of 9 years he moved with his
parents to Pike county; they were farmers; at 21 he spent 13
months in California; then returned to Pike county and married
Miss Emily Woolum, of this county, and they have 6 children, — ■
Josephine, Laura Ann, Thomas, Charlie, Bartholomew and Eugene.
He has been engaged in the hotel business for 16 years, and at other
times he has followed farming. He owns his hotel, three other
buildings and IJ acres of land- He is a Democrat, and he and his
wife are Methodists.
Samuel B. Oaines was born in Otsego Co., N. Y., April 19, 1821 ;
his father, Ebenezer, was a native of Connecticut, a farmer, who
49
862 HISTOKT OF PIKE COUNTY.
died in 1825, and Mrs. G. soon moved to Hartford Co., Conn,
where Sam'l B. was brought up; in 1842 he moved to Ohio, where
he engaged in the clock business 7 year?. In 1844 he married in
Huron Co., Margaret M. Twaddle; in 1847 they removed to this
countj', where in the following year Mrs. G. died; in 1849 Mr. G.
married Mary A., daughter of Thomas Fitzpatrick, an early set-
tler of this county, who died in 1850. Mr. and Mrs. Gaines have
had 10 children, of whom 6 are living: Lorinda A., Mary E., Lvdia
A., Sylvester S., Edward N. and Minnie M. For the first 3 years
in Illinois Mr. G.* engaged in the clock business, and since that
time he has followed farming and merchandising; he now carries a
stock of $6,000, which consists of dry-goods, boots and shoes,
groceries, notions, hats and caps, hardware, etc. He owns over
500 acres of valuable land in this county. He now (Feb.) has 270
acres of wheat sown.
A. A. Gose, farmer, sec. 14, owning 152 acres of land, was born
in Kinderhook tp. June 24, 1836, the son of John Gose, deceased, an
early pioneer. Oct. 25, 1863, he married Elizabeth Bailey; 4 of
their 5 children are living: Ada B., Harry L., Elbert and Ella
Myrtle.
Charles B. Gose was born in this tp. Sept. 4, 1837, where he has
since resided ; Oct. 20, 1863, he married Miss Cynthia J. Jone^;
their children are Ernest B., born Nov. 15, 1868, and Charles J.,
Dec. 16, 1871. He owns 145 acres of land and follows farming.
He is Assessor of Kinderhook tp., a Democrat and a Good Templar.
His wife is a- " Kepublican."
Eliza J. Gose was born in Kussell Co., Ya., Dec. 4, 1815; when
19 years of age she married John Gose and moved to this tp., since
which time she has remained on her farm of 300 acres. Her maiden
name was Eliza J. Bickley. She has 4 children, — Abel A., Charles
B., George C. and Frances. She is a Methodist.
Barna Hinds, farmer, sec. 25, was born in Brown Co., 0., March
6, 1824, the son of James Hinds, of this tp. ; was reared on a farm
and educated in the common schools; removed with his parents to
Montgomery Co., Mo., in 1843, and in the following year to this
county. Dec. 31, 1849, he married Elizabeth Lomax, a daughter of
Theophilus Lomax, deceased, who came to this county in 1848.
Mr. and Mrs. Hinds have 3 children,— James, John and Henry.
James married Amanda Gladson and resides in this tp.; John mar-
ried Helen Lane and also resides in this tp. Mr. Hinds has been
a farmer since he was 23 years of age; he owns 415 acres of valu-
able land.
Charles 8. Hull, deceased, was born in this ,tp. Jan.,26, 1843,
the sgn of Thos. Hull, deceased, who came to Southern Illinois in
1822, and to tljis county in 1829. Charles was raised on a farm
and educated in the public school; June 4, 1868, he married Louisa,
daughter of Nathan H. Davis, near Griggsville. Mr. Hull was a
farmer and stock-raiser, and resided on the old homestead until
his death, which occurred Jan. 11, 1879, a zealous Methodist. Mr.
HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY. 863
and Mrs. Hull had 2 children, Mary A. and Sarah A. The Hull
farm was one of the first farms settled and improved in this tp.
Mrs. H. still resides there and carries on the farm.
David SuU, deceased; was born in Pickaway Co., O., Nov. 9
1830, and emigrated to this State in 1836 ; Oct." 16, 1858, he mar-
ried Sarah Sperry, daughter of John and Catharine Sperry; the
former died Oct. 3, 1878, and the latter resides with her daughter
at Hull's Station. Mr. and Mrs. Hull had 5 children, of whom 3
are living, Everett, Mary and Minnie. Mr. Hull was a prominent
farmer and stock- raiser in the Mississippi valley, and was the founder
of Hull's Station, which was named for him. He died March
16, 1876, a devoted Christian man, liberal, public-spirited, etc. Two
of his brothers, James and Williamj'died in the late war. Jan. 17,
1878, Mrs. Hull married Stephen Whitaker, a native of New York,
who came to this county with Benj. Brown in 1833. Mr. Whit-
aker's mother died when he was but a small boy, and he was
brought up by Mr. and Mrs. Brown. He resides at Hull, engaged
in farming. He followed broom-making for about 20 years, with
good success. We give Mr. H.'s portrait in these pages.
David D. Mull, jr., merchant, is a native of this county, born in
Barry tp. Sept. 25, 1844, a son of Tate Hull. In his 18th year he
•shouldered a gun and fought for Uncle Sam in the late war, in Co.
H, 99th Reg. I. V. I.,' for about two years, when his company was
consolidated with Co. C. He was in the Yicksburg campaign, the
battles of Champion Hills, Raymond, Fort Blakeley, Fort Spanish,
Mobile and others. His two brothers, Thomas and Albert, also
served in the war. In 1865 Mr. Hull married Sarah A., daughter
of Granville Scott, deceased; and they have had 6 children, of whom
5 are living: Minnie A., Norton C, Everett, Wily and Hubert.
As a merchant Mr. Hull carries a general line of goods.
/. N.Hull was born Jan. 9, 1836; the son of Thomas Hull, an
early settler, and the first supervisor of this tp. J. N. owns 400
acres of valuable land, and has 260 acres in wheat at present. He
is engaged in the grain business at Hull's Station, and has recently
erected a grain elevator and agricultural warehouse, 24 by 56 feet.
January, 1860, he married Miss Mary M. Sprague, daughter of
Deacon Seaman Sprague, of Kinderhook tp., and they have had 6
children, of whom 3 are living: Loyal S., Jennie B., and James L.
Marietta B. Johnson was born in Berkshire county, Mass.,
where she resided until 34 years of age. She married George Snow
in 1857, who lived but 3 years afterward; in 1870 she married Mr.
L. Johnson, who lived 6 years. She is now a widow, and proprietor
of a hotel at Hull's, where she has resided for 7 years. Her maiden
name was Marietta B. Stuitevan.
Chmles E. Jones was born in Onondaga county, N. Y., Feb. 11,
1847, and is the son of Jeremiah Jones, of that State; he came to
this county in 1869, and was assistant foreman on the Hannibal di-
vision of the Wabash railroad the same year. May 25, 1872, he
married Miss Almira E. Steadman, daughter of Revilo B. Steadman,
864 HISTORY or pike county.
of Hull's. They have 3 children: Bertha A., Althea R. and Grace
L. Mr. Jones now resides at Hull's, and is foreman on the 0. B.
& Q. R. R., which position he has held for 9 years.
James P. Journey was born in Adams county, 111., April 10,
1847, a son of Joseph W., deceased, an early settler in that county.
Aug. 22, 1869, he married Nancy A. Wagy, and they reside on the
old homestead, sec. 5, engaged in farming. His grandfather, Peter
Journey, settled in Adams county prior to 1825; was a member of
the first Board of County Commissioners of that county, and mar-
ried the first couple that were married by license in that county.
The license was written on brown paper, and the ceremony was
solemnized July 26, 1825. Joseph W. Journey married Caroline
Young, daughter of Austin and Margaret Young, Jan. 1, 1839,
and of their 10 children but 5 survive: Peter, James, Andrew, Dora
S. (now Mrs.Wm. Jellison) and Mary. The family removed to Pike
county in 1853, where they resided until after his death, when in
1865 they returned to Adams county, Peter and James now re-
side in this county.
Charles H. Kenady, farmer, sec. 10, was born in this tp. Dec.
10, 1846, the son of Benj. Kenady, deceased, an early settler. April
22, 1870, he married Louisa Toner, daughter of Wm. Toner, of this
tp., and their children are Mary and Charlie.
Jacob Lease y^2LS, born in Hampshire county, Ya., April 30, 1813;
was reared on a farm ; came to Illinois in 1860, locating in Adams
county, and in 1865 came to this county. He is now living with
his third wife, and is the father of 14 children; 12 of these are liv-
ing: MaryE., Phoebe E., Joseph T., Sarah A,, Susan P., Emery L.,
Wm. H., Oliver B., U. S. Grant, Eva D., Dora and Cyrus. The
5 eldest are married. Joseph married Sophronia Kennedy.
Mifflin, Dallas Liggett ^a.s, horn Dec. 27, 1846, in this county,
and was engaged in farming until 1864, when he learned the black-
smith's trade, which he is still following in Kinderhook. In 1866
he married Miss Ellen Beard, of New York State, and their only
child is George D., aged 8 years. Politically, Mr. L. is a Demo-
crat, and he is also an Odd Fellow.
D. Lively, farmer, sec. 6, was born in Jefferson county, Ky., May
10, 1812; was a mechanic by trade; came to Missouri in 1837, and
to this county in 1856.
Harrison MoKee was born in Holmes county, O., April 6, 1837,
son of John McKee, deceased, who brought his family to Pike
county in the autumn of 1841. They traveled the entire distance
of 800 miles and crossed but one railroad. There were 7
children, of whom 5 are living, Charles, Lois, Nancy (now Mrs.
Bedwell) Allen and Harrison. Mrs. McKee is living on the
old homestead, at the age of QQ. Harrison follows farming in
the summer time and teaches school in the winter. He has taught
for 17 successive winters, a part of the time in Adams and Morgan
counties, but mostly in Pike.
HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY. 865
Samuel E. Morris was born in Ross county, O., in 1836; moved
to Pike county with his parents in 1851 ; from 1867 to 1860 traveled
to California and through the West, when he returned to Pike county
to work at his trade, blacksmi thing. In May, 1861, he enlisted in
the 16th 111. Inf YoL, and served with distinction for 3 years; in
1864 he married Lucinda F. Bolin, and their children are : Zella,
Minnie B., America IST. and Myrtle May. Mr. M. is a Greenbacker
in politics. He is an auctioneer and blacksmith, and owns con-
siderable city property.
James T. Murray, attorney, Kinderhook, was born in this
■county, April 19, 1839, where he resided until 1862 ; followed mill-
ing 2 years in Minnesota, then the mercantile business in Quincy
for a short time, and then commenced the study of law. In 1869
he removed to Lewis county. Mo., where he was admitted to prac-
tice; in 1872 he returned to this county, settling at Kinderhook,
where he has since practiced his profession. Oct. 18, 1864, he mar-
ried Belle Sisler, of La Grange, Mo., and the names of their chil-
dren were Mary E. and Jennie K. ; both of whom died in 1872. In
politics Mr. M. claims to be a Socialist.
MilVy Murray was born in Trigg county, Ky., in 1808 ; her
maiden name was Milly Kennedy; she came to this county with
her parents in 1830. In 1831 she married Eleazer Murray, who
•died in 1852, leaving 4 children : James T., Rufus M., Mary Ann
and N"ancy Ellen. She lives on her farm of 100 acres; is 72 years
old and in good health.
ElTcanah W. Sellers, school-teacher, was born in Barry tp., Sept.
27, 1857, son of David Sellers, of the same tp., who brought his
family to this county in 1852. Mr. S. received a part of his educa-
tion at the Christian University, Canton, Mo., and a part at Chad-
dock College at Quincy, and is the present principal of the Kinder-
hook schools.
James W. Sperry, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 22, was born in
Ross county, O., May 24, 1842, son of John Sperry, deceased. At
the age of 19 he enlisted in Co. H, 73d Reg; O. Y. I., and
served 2 years and 3 months in the late war, being in the battles
•of 'rettysburg, Chancellorsville, Lookout Mountain, etc. In
November, 1867, he married Nancy L., daughter of Noah Corey,
of Ross Co., O. Their children are : Cora, Johnnie N., Bessie and
Otis O. He is now building a two-story frame house 32 by 54
feet, which will add to the beauty of the valley.
Charles C. Sprague, physician aad surgeon, was born in Washing-
ton county, Ohio, Jan. 21, 1837; educated in Beverly College, Ohio,
and is a graduate of Rush Medical College of Chicago; came to this
county in 1860, taught a term of school in Payson, Adams Co., the
following winter; at the same time studying medicine under Dr.
M. M. Bane, of Quincy. He then enlisted in the war as Hospital
Steward in Co. C, 50th I. Y. 1., serving 3 years, and was present
at the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth, Resaca, etc.,
assisting in dressing the wounds of the soldiers. He began the
practice of medicine in 1865, in Kinderhook, where he still remains,
866 HISTORY OF PIKE COUHTT.
with a large practice. In 1864 he married Frances E., daughter of
Mrs. Eliza J. Grose, of this tp. They are Baptists, and their two
living children are Laura and Justin L.
Revilo B. SteadmMn, farmer, sec. 21, was born in Cortland county,
N. Y., Nov. 14, 1816, son of Joshua and Fatha (Beach) Steadman,
Dec. 24, 1846, in Wilkesbarre, Luzerne Co., Pa., he married
Maria A. Beisel, a native of that county, who was born JSfov. 18,
1822. Four of their five children are living — Peter R., Almira E.
(now Mrs. Charles E. Jones, of Hull), Hannah M. and Alfred B.
Mr. S. came to Illinois in 1862, stopping in Barry 3 years, when he
removed to Hull's. They are Baptists.
Rensellaer Sweet was born in Rensellaer county, N. Y., Feb.
22, 1827, and is a son of Ira Sweet, deceased, who brought his
family to this county in 1847. Mr. Sweet was raised on a farm
and received his education in the common schools of New York.
After his arrival in this county, his educational advantages were
very limited, the present free-school system not being in vogue
then. He was married in 1848 to Rebecca Hull, daughter of the
well known D.D. Hull. They have 5 children, of whom 4 are
living : Mary A., Jane A., Roscoe A. and Delia M. The one
deceased was Eddie E. Mr. S; resides in Hull, and is engaged in
general farming.
Thomas 0. Talhert, farmer, sec. 10, was born at Kaskaskia, 111.,
Dec. 14, 1829, son of Col. James Talbert, a pioneer of this county.
April 8, 1855, he married Elizabeth C, daughter of Wm. Crump,
deceased, also an early settler of this county.
William J. Talbert, farmer, sec. 36, was born in Washington
county, Ya., July 12, 1818, son of James Talbert, deceased, who
brought his family to the American Bottom, on Kaskaskia river,
in 1829, within a mile of the house of Gov. Bond. After spending
one year in Missouri he came back to Illinois in 1831, and the
same year removed with his family to Atlas, then the county-seat,
where he kept a hotel for a year; he then removed near New Canton,
where he resided until 1863, when he retired and resided in Barry
until his death, which occurred in 1865. Wm. J., being a pioneer,
underwent the usual privations of early times ; he received his
school education in an old log school-house, with slab benches, the .
window extending the entire length of the building, it being
simply the absence of a log; the fire-place occupied nearly the en-
tire end of the room ; the back-logs were drawn in by a horse, there
being a door on each side of the room near the fire-place ; the floor
consisted of mother earth. Nov. 24, 1844, he married Elizabeth,
daughter of Lewis Hull, deceased, and they have had 9 children, of
whom 6 are living : Thomas N., Martha E., Mary I., Charley L.,
Hattie and Ettie T. Mr. Talbert was the second tanner in Pike
county, having run a tannery near New Canton for several years.
He was jailor while in Atlas, and witnessed the whipping of a hog
thief by "SheriiF Col. Seeley.
Isaac N. Thompson, farmer, sec. 13, was born in Hampshire
county, Ya., Feb. 17, 1830, son of Elisha Thompson, deceased; in
HISTOKT OF PIKE COUNTY. 867
1854 he removed to Missouri, where he engaged in farming and
merchandising • after 10 years he came to this county; in 1852 he
married Nancy A. Sperry, in Columbus, O. They had one child,
Wm. A., now dead. In 1858 Mrs. T. died, and in 1859 Mr. T. mar-
ried Elizabeth Edgar. Of their 8 children 7 are living : Fannie
M., John H., Louisa, Jennie, Willy] M., Berzelius and Rufus. The
name of the deceased was Albert L.
J. A. Walch is a native of Yan "Wert county, O., where he was
born Aug. 19, 1846, and is a son of J. A. Walch, deceased; he came
to Illinois with his mother and step-father in 1858, locating in Stark
county, and to Pike in 1863. March 18, 1869, he married Charlofte
Hull, and of their 4 children these 3 are living : Frank, Roy and
Charley. Mr. W. owns a half interest in a steam thresher, corn-
sheller and wood saw, which keeps him continually employed.
Robert D, Warinner, jeweler, was born in Casey county, Ky.,
Sept. 16, 1819; in 1837 his parents moved with him to Ray county,
Mo. ; followed farming until he was 24 years old, when he married
Mary Blane, of Kentucky, and in 1847 they moved to Pike county,
where he engaged in the storing and shipping business at Cincin-
nati Landing for 2 years; then clerked in a dry-goods store in New
Canton for 2 years; then followed merchandising for himself in New-
burg 3 years; then back to New Canton in the same business until
1859; then sold out and returned to Missouri, where he sold goods
2 years, when the rebellion broke out and he was robbed by guer-
rillas and barely escaped with his life; in 1862 he returned to Pike
county and engaged in the sewing-machine business for 6 months;
in 1863 went to Barry, where he remained until 1876; engaged in
the jewelry business; he then came to Kinderhook, where he con-
tinues in that line of work, and owns a residence and a store. In
religion he is a " Christadelphian, " and in politics a Republican.
Wilson Brothers. These enterprising farmers are located on
sec. 27 this tp., and are the sons of John A. Wilson, deceased,
who brought his family from Kane county. 111., to this county in
1864. Alexander D. was born Jan. 29, 1860, and William was
born Oct. 3, 1854. They are bachelors and prospering in business.
Their household fs presided over by their sister Eliza, who was
born Feb. 22, 1860, in Kane county, 111.
LEVEE TOWNSHIP.
This township was originally a part of Kinderhook township, but
in 1875 the citizens of the island petitioned the Board of Super-
visors for the organization of a separate township. This was
granted, and included the remainder of the territory west to the
Mississippi river, reserving enough to make a regular " Congres-
sional township." The township was named by the first Super-
visor, Mr. Frank Lyon, for the levee across its western portion.
This levee was constructed in 1872-4 by a company organized for
the purpose, in order to prevent the overflow of the fertile valley
of the Mississippi. It is 51|- miles in length. In the year 1876
it gave way, and the valley was inundated, and a large amount of
property, consisting for the most part of crops and fences, was
destroyed. People removed to Hannibal, Mo., in boats. The stock
was also conveyed away in boats to the Missouri side. The freshet
in 1851 was the highest ever known on the Upper Mississippi that
we have any record of.
In some parts of the county the impression has gone forth that
Levee township is a wilderness, and that sickness prevails to a
great extent. In confutation of this erroneous charge we refer to
Mr. Marcus Haj'dy, the present Supervisor of this township. He,
with a large family, has resided here for five years, and has incurred
but a $5 doctor bill during this period. Some also think that the
people here see some hard times financially, but be it to the credit'
of Levee township, that every man upon whom we called in that
township subscribed for a copy of the History of the County with-
out a murmur. Indeed, the people of Levee township are prosper-
ous, and have the garden spot of Illinois for producing grain of all
kinds. ,
The township contains three tine school buildings, two of which
are on that portion known as '' The Island," which lies between the
Sny and the Mississippi river. There is a macadamized road pass-
ing through the township, owned and maintained by the Ferry
Company at Hannibal.
BIOGEAPHICAL.
Marcus Hardy. This gentleman was born and raised in Mis-
souri; came to Pike county in 1875, and now has the charge of the
farm, bridge and macadamized road belonging to the Ferry Cora-
PIISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY. 869
pany. He was married in 1869 to Ellen Hagar, by whom he lias 6
•children: Susan, Virginia, Anna, Hilera, William and Ernest. His
P. 0. address is Hannibal.
J. B. Orr, farmer, sec. 26; was born in Harrison county, O.,
Sept. 26, 1833, and is a son of William Orr, of Derry tp.', this
county. He was brought to Pike county in 183,9 by his parents;
served 3 years in, the late war, in Co. D, '99th 111. Inf., and partici-
pated in the battles of Grand Gulf, Magnolia Hill (or Port Gibson),
Champion Hills, Black River, siege and capture of Yicksburg, etc.
He was united in marriage Aug. 31, 1854, to Lydia A. Pence, by
whom he has had 5 children, namely: Mary A., Herbert S., Jerry
J., deceased, Theresa B., Francis M.
Noah 8. Rouse, being an old pioneer in these parts, is entitled
to more than a passing notice in Pike county's history. He settled
on sec. 22, on what is commonly known as "The Island," in 1847.
He is a native of Madison county, Va., and was born July 16, 1819.
His father, Nicholas Rouse, was also a native of Virginia and a
farmer. He removed to Kentucky with his family when our sub-
ject was but 7 years old, and remained there 10 years, and then
removed to Ralls county. Mo. Here in 1878 the dder Rouse died.
Our subject was married in 1840 to Miss Levise Settle. The fol-
lowing are the names of the children: Margaret A., now Mrs. Frank
Leach, William M., Robert A., Amanda E., George N. and Emma
F., now Mrs. Alfred James. Mr. R. is engaged in farming and
stock-raising, at which business he has been quite successful.
When he crossed the river in 1847 he did not possess a cent, and
was $150 in debt. He did not intend to remain here when he first
•came, expecting to leave as soon as he had fulfilled a contract for
manufacturing some staves. He prospered, made money easy, and
the longer he staid the better he liked the valley.
William Smiley was born in Ireland, April 15, 1801; in 1821
he was united in marriage with Miss Eliza Tophan, and to them
were born 12 children, the following 6 of whom are living: Letitia,
'(now Mrs. Dennis Green), Joseph, Benjamin, Ann (now Mrs. John
Pratt), David and John. Mr. Smiley brought his family to America
in 1838, stopped in New York for io weeks, went to New Orleans,
soon after came to Hannibal, Mo., and remained there for 9 years,
when he removed to The Island, between the Snj^ and the Missis-
sippi, where he still resides on sec. 8, engaged in farming and
stock-raising. There were but 4 acres of land improved upon his
place when he came. There were no churches or schools on The
Island, but plenty of wild hogs, deer and other game. He has been
in all the high waters since the great freshet of 1851. During
these periods of inundation he would convey his family and stock
to the Missouri shore.
CHAPTEK XYII.
COUNTY OFFICIALS.
A list of the County Officers of Pike county, past and present,
presents an array of names, most of which are or have been famil-
iar to every resident of the county. Since its organization in 1821,
Pike county has ever been represented by able, shrewd and honest
officials. Many names will be noticed in the following list, under
the different headings, that are familiar to the people of the entire
county. Many of these men, by a life of usefulness and honor, have
won warm and a:^ectionate places in the hearts of the people of
Pike county. Many names here are not familiar to the present
generation, but were almost household words to the past. Many
of these veterans have long since ceased life's labors and left to the
remaining pioneers and to posterity, as a pleasa!nt souvenir, a spot-
less reputation.
The gentlemen who at present fill the various official positions
of this county, as to ability, are inferior to none who have filled
their respective positions before them. They are courteous, capa-
ble and faithful as officers, honored and respected as citizens, and
enterprising as business men. To some of thesej especially the
County and Circuit Clerks, we shall ever feel grateful for the kind
and courteous manner iu which they treated us all during our labors
in their offices during the compilation of this work. They, as all
the others, evinced an interest in the work, and were ever ready and
willing to give the information and lend that aid which are so nec-
essary in gathering and arranging a full record of the county's
history.
Eelow we give as full and complete a list of all the officers, with
the years of serving, as it was possible to obtain. In most cases
the figures after the dash signify the year into which the officer
served. In .some instances, however, they only served to the be-
ginning of the year denoted.
HISTORY OF PIKE COtJNTY.
871
COUNTY COMMISSIONBRS.
Leonard Ross
John Sliaw
William Ward
David Dutton
James M. Seeley
Ossian M. Ross
Amos Bancroft*
Ebenezer Smith
James Nixon
William Metz
Levi Hadley
Rufus Br9wn
James M. Seeley. ...
James M. Seeley
Garrett Vandeusen.. .
Thomas Proctor
Nathaniel Hinckley.
Joseph W. Petty ...
Thomas Christian. .
Ozias Hale
Benjamin Barney. . .
Andrew Phillips
Charles Stratton
•1831
1833-3
1833
1834
■1835
1836
1837
1838 to
Sept.
1830.
1830 to
Sept.
1833.
*To fill vacancy made by resignation
Benjamin Barney ] 1833 to
Geo. W. Hinman V Sept.
Hawkins Judd ) 1834.
Benjamin Barney ) 1834 to
Geo. W. Hinman J- Sept.
Andrew Phillips ] 1836.
James D. Moirison j 1836 to
Richard Wade [ Sept.
Fisher Petty ) 1838.
Alfred Grubb )
John W. Burch [ 1838
John Neeley )
Alexander Starne 1839
William Blair 1840
John Neeley 1841
Clement Lippincott 1842
Thomas Bates 1843
("Charles Stratton 1843
Bonaparte G-reathouse 1844
J. M. Blackerby ' 1844
Wm. McCormick 1845
Joshua Woosley 1846
Henry R. Ramsey 1847
J. D. Philbrick 1848
of O. M.Ross.
COUNTY JUDGES.
Abraham Beck 1831
Nicholas Hainson 1831-33
William Ross 1838
George W. Hagar 1835-27
Wm. Ross 1827-34
M. E. Rattan 1835-87
William Watson 1837
Daniel B. Bush 1838
Parcin Paullin 1839-43
J. B. Donaldson 1843-47
James Ward 1847
Wm.P. Harpole i
Joshua Woosley, >■ 1849
Associate Judges. )
Charles Harrington 1853-57
Alfred Grubb 1857-61
John W. Allen 1861-65
R. M. Atkinson 1865-73
Strother Grigshy 1^73
CIRCUIT CLERKS.
James W. Whitney 1831-35
George W. Hight 1825-27
William Ross 1837-35
James DaviB , .1885
John J. Turnbaugh 1835-43
P. N. 0. Thomson 1843-53
James Kenney 1853-56
Wm. R. Archer 1856-60
George W. Jones 1860-64
J. H. Crane 1864^68
J. J. Topliff 1868-72
J. A. Rider 1873-76
George W. Jones 1876
COUNTY CLERKS.
James W. Whitney 1821
George W. Britton 1835-36
William Ross 1836-34
James Davis 1834-36
Asa D. Cooper 1836
James Davis 1837-38
Wm. H.Boling 1838-43
Henry T. Mudd 1843-47
John J. Collard 1847-49
Peter V. Shankland 1849-53
Austin Barber 1853-57
Strother Grigsby , 1857-61
William Steers 1861-69
Wm. B. Grimes 1869-73
J. L. Frye 1873-77
E. F. Binns 1877
872
HISTOKY OF PIKE COUNTY.
COUNTY TBBASURBRS.
Nathaniel Hinckley 1832
Leonard Eoss 1823
Henry J. Eoss 1834
Nathaniel Shaw 1825
John Eoss 1827-29
Isaac Vandeventer 1829-30
John Barney 1834^37
John Britton 1888
Jones Olark 1839^3
William Watson 1848-47
Samuel L. Crane 1847-49
Charles Mason 1849
Samuel L. Crane 1850
Jones Clark 1850
miliam T. Harper 1851-53
Strother Grigsby 1853-63
E. A. McClintock 1863-65
David S. Hill 1865-67
L. J. Smitherman 1867-71
Thomas Gray 1871-73
D. Hollis 1873-75
Thomas Eeynolds 1875-77
E. M. Murray 1877-79
B. W. Flinn 1879
SHERIFFS.
Eigdon C. Fenton 1821
Leonard Eoss 1833-37
LeviHadley 1837
Leonard Eoss. 1837-39
James M. Seeley 1839-83
Nathaniel Hinckley 1883-84
James M. Seeley 1884-40
Alfred Grubb , 1840
Ephraim Cannon 1842
D. D. Hicks 1846-50
Stephen E. Gray 1850
H. W. McClintock 1853
George T. Edwards 1854
Wilson 8. Dennis 1856
John Houston 1858
Perry H. Davis 1862
J. B. Landrum 1864
W.G. Hubbard 1866
J. J. Manker 1868
Joseph McParland 1870
Augustus Simpkins 1874
G.W. Blades 1876
Theodore Kellogg 1878
SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS.
Joseph H. Goodin 1832
Lyman Scott 1833
D.B.Bush 1841
T. G. Trumbull 1845
James F. Hyde 1849
M. H.Abbott 1851
John D. Thomson 1853
Joseph J. ToplilF 1859
J. G.Pettingill .1861
COUNTY SCHOOL BUPBBINTKNBBNTS.
J. G. Pettingill 1865
John N. Dewell 1869
J. W. Johnson 1873
Wm. H. Crow 1877
SURVEYORS.
Stephen Dewey 1821-24
James W. Whitney 1824
Charles Pollock 1884
David Johnston 1835-39
Joseph Goodin 1839
David Johnston 1841-49
James H. Ferguson 1849
A. G. Chamberlain 1853
H. P. Buchanan 1857
John A. Harvey.
Hiram J. Harris.
,1859
.1863
Isaac A. Clare 1875
CORONERS.
Daniel Whipple 1833
Israel N. Burt 1833
Benj. E. Dunning 1834
Stephen St. John 1838
James Brown 1843
C. H. Brown ' '. .1844
Cyrus B. Hull 1846
Edward Connet 1850
E. S. Underwood 1853
Samuel Sitton 1854
William Benn 1856
H.St. John 1857
Lewis E. Hayden 1858
G. W. Mollinix I860
EliParris 1863
Sherman Brown 1868
Martin Camp 1872
Martin V. Shive 1874
A. C.Peebles 1876
Fred Ottowa 1879
CHAPTEE XYIII.
POLITICAL.
During the first few years of the county's history party lines in
politics were not drawn nor conventions held, and no organized
mode of placing candidates in the field adopted. The first political
meeting ever held in Pike county was at Montezuma in 1834.
This meeting was conducted by Wm. Ross and Bepj. Barney; the
former was running for the Legislature, and the latter for County
Commissioner. There were perhaps 60 voters present, besides
some boys. Col. Ross made a speech, but no announcements or
appointipaents were made for future meetings, and we presume none
were ever held. Col. Barney was attacked for being a Universalisty
and was told by one man that he would not vote for him on that
ground.
The first political convention where nominations were made for
ofBce was h^eld at Pittsfield in 1836, when the main issue was
"Jackson" and " anti- Jackson," referring to the*policy of the late
_President. There were five candidates in the field that year, one
Democrat, — Martin Van Buren, and four Whigs — W. H. Harri-
son, Hugh L. White, Daniel Webster and Willie P. Mangum.
After that period political conventions were regularly held by all
parties, and men were brought out in that way to run for a particu-
lar office.
When Pike county was first laid dff it will be remembered that
it embraced the vast region lying between the Mississippi and Illi-
nois rivers, extending east to the Indiana line, and north to the
Wisconsin State line. The few settlers scattered here and there
over this large territory had to travel long distances to cast their
ballot. At the first election in the county only 35 votes were
polled, even though it did extend over the entire northern part of
the State, and out of which over 50 counties have since been made.
As before remarked party lines were scarcely recognized, yet an
antagonism existed between the settlers of one section against an-
other, and particularly against the Eosses and some of the people.
The several members of this family were from New York, and full
of enterprise, and desired to push the new county on to prosperity.
They wielded great influence, and were almost always in some public
position. Naturally, as a result, they received the censure and an-
tagonism of many of the numerous Southern settlers.
874
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTT.
During the earliest elections it will be noticed in the returns
given below that the Whigs carried the day without difficulty.
Soon, when the two great parties were more evenly represented
here, the contests for political supremacy sharpened, until the old
Whig party was completely dethroned, and the Democrats were
for years, indeed until recently, easy victors.
In 1834 and 1836 the Democrats elected Hon. Wm. L. May to
Congress, in this, then, Third District. In 1838 and 184l"the
Whigs elected Hon. John T. Stewart, although Douglas received a
majority of 94 in this county during the former year, and Ralston
36 over Stewart at the election of 1841. Stewart defeated Douglas
in the district by only 17 votes. From that time on the Democrats
were able generally by good management to carry this county in
general and local elections, with majorities ranging from 12 to 2,000.
Sometimes the majority was very small, and occasionally a Dem-
ocratic candidate was beaten. This state of things continued for
several years, the Democratic majorities gradually increasing as the
feeling became more and, more antagonistic among the people on
the subject of slavery. In those days Illinois was always Demo-
cratic, aided very materially by Pike's votes. In 1840 the Whigs
carried the county by a small majority, owing to the fact, however,
that every Mormon in the county, and they were numerous, voted
for Harrison.
In 1854 came the time to try men's political souls. The com-
promise between the two parties in Congress that year, in which it
was agreed not .to introduce any more discussion on the slavery
question, and to ignore the subject, gave dissatisfaction to many
people of both parties. Their attachment to party began to loosen,
and there was uneasiness on all sides. A feeling that there was
approaching a breaking of political ranks and rallying on new
issues, and under new leaders, began to pervade the people of Pike
county. Hon. A. Williams, Republican candidate for Congress,
received a majority of 100 over Hon. W. A. Richardson, Demo-
cratic candidate, and Hon. H. K. Sutphin, Democratic candidate
for State Senator, received but one more ballot in Pike county than
did Hon. N. M. Knapp, Republican.
Properly speaking, we think the people of this county have
never been political Abolitionists. They were never in favor of
disturbing the constitutional rights of the people of the South, nor
of clandestinely assisting their slaves to escape. They were op-
posed to the violent and premature commotion that occasionally
broke out on the subject, hoping that some peaceful and legal way
out of the difficulty might be found. But when the direct question
of introducing slavery .nto the more northern and free territories,
either by law, by indifference or by violence, was broached, the people
of this county were sharply divided. In 1856, on the issue of allow-
ing or preventing slavery in ITebraska, Kansas and indefinitely West,
a large vote was called out, and James Buchanan received a larger
majority than any candidate ever before in Pike county.
HISTOEY OJf PIKE COUNTY.
875
On the death of the old Whig party about this time (1856) there
sprang up two parties, neither of which could really claim to possess
any of the vital principles that gave power to the old party. The
American party, believing the country in danger by the influx of
foreigners and the alarming growth of the Roman Catholic power,
emblazoned on their banners, "Americans must rule America ;"
" Put none but Americans on guard." Republicans pleaded for
"Equal rights to all; " "Free press and free speech." The Ameri-
can party made very rapid growth in many States, particularly in
the South, while the Republican party secured a foothold only in
the North, its principles being deemed antagonistic to some of
the peculiar institutions of the South. In 1856 we find both of
these parties in this county in considerable numbers, each striving
for power, and both battling against a common enemy, the Demo-
cratic party. This largely accounts for the heavy majority of Bu-
chanan, as Fremont, the Republican candidate, and Fillmore, the
American candidate, each received about an equal number of votes
here. An alliance, however, was formed between them for the
purpose of electing local officers.
JSTo other Republican succeeded in being elected to office in this
county until Judge Grigsby appeared as a candidate. He was
elected by a majority of 78. County Clerk Binns, however, who
is a Democrat, was elected the same year by 666 majority. This
is owing largely to the personal popularity of the two gentlemen.
In 1878 Sheriff Kellogg, a Republican, was elected.
It is not in the province of this work to enter into a minnte de-
- tailed history of the political workings of the different parties of
this county. To unfold the secrets of the caucus, the manipula-
tions of the party rings and cliques, and all the inside history of
county politics, belongs to another work. Only those who have
taken an active part in politics here are capable of performing such
a task. That such a work would be interesting none will doubt.
Below are given the returns of every election ever held in Pike
county, of which any records are extant.
ELECTION
ELECTION AUG. 4, 1828.
Congress.
Joseph Duncan, wliig 107 4
George Forquier 103
SPECIAL ELECTION MAR. 7, 1831.
Bhenf.
James M. Seeley, whig 117 117
ELECTION AUG. 1, 1831.
32
Joseph Duncan, whig. 137
Edward Coles, wtig 137
Sidney Breese, dem 115
RETURNS.
ELECTION Aug. 6, 1833.
Congress.
Joseph Duncan, whig 337
Jonathan H. Pugh 90
Senator.
Archibald Williams, whig.. .110
Henry J. Ross, whig. 393
Pete.T- Karges, whig 318
Thomas Proctor, dem 374
County Commissioners.
George W. Hinman 364
Benjamin Barney, whig 356
H. Judd, whig 249
337
182
39
876
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Joseph W. Petty, dem 89
Joseph JacksoD 23
&.ndrew McAtee 46
Sheriff.
Nathaniel Hinckley 13 13
Coroner.
Israel N. Burt 314 314
ELECTION NOV. 9, 1833.
Frendent.
Andrew Jackson 161 30
Henry Clay ; 131
ELECTION AUG. 4, 1834.
Oongress.
Benjamin Mills 300 85
Wm. L.May 215
Representatives.
Wm. Ross, whig 644
"Wm. G. Flood 69
James H. Ralston, dem 55
Thomas H. Owens 531 ?
Qo'oernor.
Joseph Duncan 499 341
Wm. Kinney 158
County Oom/miasioners.
Benjamin Barney, whig 407
George W. Hinman 334
John W. Burch, whig 375
Andrew Phillips, dem 380
Robert Eells 150
Joseph H. Goodin 181
Hawkins Judd, whig 150
James Farrington ,..117
Nebuzaradan Coffey, whig. . 46
Sheriff.
James M. Seeley, whig 545 439
Israel N. Burt 116
Coroner.
Benjamin E. Dunniway, dem.384 119
Elisha W. Hickerson, whig. .315
Location of State Capital.
Alton 496 430
Springfield ; 66
Jacksonville 33
Geographical Center 63
Peoria 4
Vandalia 3
SPECIAL ELECTION OCT. 37, 1834.
Congress.
Wm. L. May, dem 135 11
Benj. Mills 114
ELECTION AUG. 3, 1885.
Recorder.
Jno. J. Turnbaugh, dem 309 62
David Seeley 347
John Lyster, dem 173
Francis Webster 35
Moses Riggs 13
Surveyor.
David Johnston, whig 381 90-
Joseph H. Goodin 191
Solomon Farrington •. .135
Joseph W. Barney 116
Charles Pollock 148
ELECTION AUG. 1, 1836.
Congress.
Wm. L. May, dem 542 194
John T. Stewart, whig 348
Senator.
Wm. Ross, whig '. . .491 116-
Merrill E. Rattan, whig 375
Representatives.
Alpheus Wheeler, dem 513
Parvin Paullin, dem. . . , 403
Thomas Proctor, dem 276
John W. Burch, whig., 294
Daniel B. Bush, dem 157
Charles Scott 183
County Commissioners.
James D. Morrison, dem 486
Fisher Petty, dem 361
Elisha McEvars 340
Isaac Davis 338
Charles Stratton, whig 367
Edward B. Scholl 139
Clement Lippincott, dem. . . 369
James Talbert 110
Richard Wade, whig 375
Slieriff.
James M. Seeley, whig 565 324
John Lyster, dem 341
Coroner.
Benj. C. Dunniway, dem 406 136
AlfredGrubb 370
E. W. Hickerson 41
Cornelius Jones 63
ELECTION NOV. 7, 1836.
President.
Martin Van Buren, dem 366 35
William H. Harrison 331
ELECTION AUG. 6, 1838.
Stephen A. Douglas, dem 857 94
John T. Stewart, whig 763
Governor.
Thomas Carlin, dem 865 118
Cyrus Edwards 747
State Senator. ■
Wm. Ross, whig 833 93
Alpheus Wheeler, dem 739
'H^L^ ,(' -,f
z?^^
PLEASANT VALE Tf
HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY.
879
Representatwes.
Eichard Kerr, whig 803
Peter Karges, whig 751
Parvin Paullin, dem 796
James H. McWilliams, dem. 847
County Gommisaioners.
Elisha McEvers 683
Nicholas Hobhs, whig 681
John W. Burch 708
Alfred Grubb, deni 810
Charles Scott 734
John Neeley, dem 800
Sheriff.
James M. Seeley, whig 817 43
James D. Brentz 774
Ooroner.
Joseph Jackson, whig. .... .704
Stephen St. John, dem 764 60
County Clerk.
Wm. H. Bolin, dem 486 103
Ozias M. Hatch, whig 383
ELECTION AUG. 5, 1889.
County Commissioner.
Alex. Starne 496 3
James Walker. 493
Becor^r.
John J. Turnbaugh, dem.. . . 1133 938
Wm. Porter 304
Henry Taylor, dem 83
County Clerk.
Wm. H. Bolin, dem 1179 985
James Daigh, whig 194
Probate Justice.
Parvin Paullin, dem 741 155
Daniel B. Bush, dem 586
Treasurer.
James Clark, dem 713 163
Robert R. Greene 551
SPECIAL ELECTION NOV. 35, 1839.
Reptesentatives.
Oscar Love, dem 306
R. Hatch 9
R. A. Read 6
eter Karges 5
ELECTION AUG. 3, 1840.
Representatives .
Solomon Parsons, dem 1103
Alpheus Wheeler, dem 1093
Wm. A. Gfimshaw, whig.. .1016
Peter Karges, whig 1001
County Commissioner.
Wm. Blair, dem 1118 130
Samuel H. Nesmith, whig-. 988
50
Sheriff.
Alfred Grubb, dem 1108 114
Isaac W. Evans, whig 994
Coroner.
Stephen St. John, dem 1100 131
Joseph Jackson 969
ELECTION NOV. 3, 1840.
President.
W. H. Harrison 1149 113
Martin VanBuren 1037
ELECTION AUG. 3, 1841.
Congress.
James H. Ralston, dem 791 36
John T. Stuart, whig 755
County Commissioners.
John Neeley, dem 714 409
James D. Brentz, dem 305
Robert Davis, whig 337
School Commissioner.
Daniel B. Bush, dem 813 553
Z. N. Garbutt, whig 361
ELECTION AUG. 1, 1843.
Oovernor.
Thomas Ford, dem 1085 13
Joseph Duncan, whig 1073
State Senator.
Thomas Worthington, whig. 1065 53
Wm. R. Archer, dem 1013
Representatives.
Wm. Blair, dem 1187
Alex. Starne, dem 1085
Felix A. Collard.dem 855
Benjamin D. Brown, whig. .1148
Benj. B. Metz, whig 1056
John Troutner.. 835
County Commissioners.
C. Lippincott, dem 1038
Thomas Bates, whig 1001
Charles Stratton, whig 998
James Shinn, dem 733
John Shinn, dem 193
Sheriff.
Ephraim Cannon, dem 1179 445
George T. Edwards, whig. . . 734
Coroner.
E. W. Hickerson, whig 910
James Brown, dem 1058 148
Surveyor.
David Johnston, whig 1366 596
James B. Johnson 670
Convention to Amend Constitution.
For 1305 708
Against 497
880
HI8T0ET OF PIKE COUNTY.
ELECTION AUG. 7, 1843.
O. H. Browning, whig 1391 163
Stephen A. Douglas, dem.. .1239
Oounty Commissioner a.
Charles Stratton, whig 1181
Thomas Bates, whig 1380
Wm. Morrison, dem 1115
C. Lippincott, dein 1139
County Olerh.
Henry T. Mudd, whig 1308 177
Wm. H.Bolin, dem 1131
Recorder.
P. N. O. Thompson, dem . . . 1319 ' 77
Charles A. Marsh, whig. . . .1143
Probate Judge-
J. B. Donaldson 1414 437
Alfred Gordon, whig 977
Treasurer and Assessor.
Wm. Watson, whig. 1367 3S0
Edward Kean, dein 987
Surveyor.
David Johnston , whig 1387 357
James H. Ferguson, dem . . . 1030
School Commissioner.
Aaron W. Bemiss, dem 1301 164
Z. N. Garbutt, whig 1037
SPECFAL ELECTION FEB. 19, 1844.
County Commissioners..
N. B. Greathouse, whig 477
C. C. Beaven, whig 174
John Lyster, dem 59
James Brentz, dem 206
ELECTION AUG. 5, 1844.
Congress.
D. M. Woodson, whig 1322
S. A. Douglas, dem 1396 74
R. Eells, free soiler 5
Representatives.
B. B. Metz, whig 1328
D.H.Gilmer 1266
A. C. Baker, whig 1285
Alex. Starne, dem 1341
W. Blair, dem 1340
D. Wheelook 1235
J. Berdan 50
County Commissioner.
N. B. Greathouse, whig., . . .1273
J. N. Blackerby, dem 1335 62
Sheriff.
Ephraim Cannon, dem 1416 190
B. D. Brown, whig 1226
Coroner.
C.H.Brown 1277
J. Brown 1330 53
ELECTION NOV. 4, 1844.
President.
James K. Polk, dem 1456 45
Henry Clay, whig. ..». 1411
James G. Birney, free soiler. 11
ELECTION AUG. 4, 1845.
County Commissioner.
Wm. McCormick, dem 930 335
James Mc Williams, whig.. 605
School Commissioner.
T. G. Trumbull, dem 841 334
James F. Hyde, whig. ... 607
ELECTION AUG. 3, 1846.
Congress.
S. A. Douglas, dem 1639 336
Isaac Vandeventer, whig... 1403
Governor.
Augustus C. French, dem. .1636 339
Thomas L. Kilpatrick 1407
State Senator.
Hugh L. Sutphin, dem. . . . 1601 303
Thos. Worthington, whig. . 1398
Thomas Hull, whig 1358
Jon. Frye, whig 1374
B. B. Metz, whig 1416
Alfred Grubb, dem 1563
James M. Higgins, dem. . . 1567
Wm. P. Harpole, dem. 1559
County Commissioner.
Joshua Woosley, dem 1539 143
Wm. Dustin, whig 1397
Sheriff.
D. D. Hicks, dem 1540 164
Robert F. Naylor, whig. . . 1376
Coroner.
Cyrus B. Hull, dem 1564 189
Hazen Pressy, whig 1375
ELECTION APRIL 19, 1847.
Constitutional Convention.
Montgomery Blair, dem . . . 999
Wm. R. Archer, dem 958
Harvey Dunn, dem 924
Wm. A. Grimshaw, whig. . 887
H. N. V. Holmes, dem. ... 813
John Barney, whig 786
Charles Harrington, whig. 741
Parvin Paullin, dem 680
N. E. Quinby, dem 308
D. B. Bush, dem 343
The first four were elected.
ELECTION AUG. 3, 1847.
Wm. A. Richardson, dem. 1583 1348
N. G. Wilcox, whig 234
flISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY.
881
Probate Judge.
James Ward, dem 1317 94
D. H. Gilmer, whig 1233
Gounty Commissioner.
Henry R. Ramsey, dem... 3530
Gounty Glerk.
John J. Collard, dem 1332 37
0. M. Hatch, whig 1295
Recorder.
P. N. 0. Thomson, dem. . . 1379 161
Marshall W. Barney, whig. 1218
Treasurer and Assessor.
Samuel L. Crane, dem 1649 768
James F. Hyde, whig 881
Surveyor.
David Johnston, whig 1414 1339
Philip Stoner, dem 85
School Gommissioner.
T. G. Trumbull, dem 1395 77
Michael J. Noyes, whig. . . 1318
ELECTION NOV. 7, 1848.
President.
Zachary Taylor, whig 1401
Lewis.Cass, dem 1633 333
Maitin "Van Buren, free-soil 186
ELECTION NOV. 6, 1849.
Gounty Judge.
James Ward, dem 1393 68
Richard Kerr, whig 1334
Associate Justices.
Joshua Woosley, dem 1380
Wm. P. Harpole, dem 1370
B. B. Metz, whig 1337
John Barney, whig 1354
Treasurer and Assessor.
Charles Mason, dem 1439 184
Wm. Kinman, whig 1255
Gounty Glerk.
Peter V. Shankland, dem. . 1407 69
Austin Barter, whig 1338
Surveyor.
James H.Ferguson, dem.. 1383 47
David Johnston, whig 1336
School Gommissioner.
James F. Hyde, whig 1430 176
John L. Ball, dem 1354
Township Organization.
For.... 1563 1246
Against 317
ELECTION NOV. 5, 1850.
Congress.
0. H. Browning, whig 1064
Wm. A. Richardson, dem. . 1131 bi
State Senator.
John Wood, whig 1039
Calvin Warren, dem 1126 97
Representatives.
Ozias M. Hatch, whig 1109
Wm. D. Hamilton, whig. . . 1086
James Shinn, dem 983
Daniel B. Bush, dem 866
Sheriff.
Stephen R. Cray, ind. dem. 1337 383
Cyrus B. Hull, dem 854
Goroner.
Edward Connet, ind. dem.. 1298 500
Samuel L. Crane, dem 798
ELECTION NOV. 4, 1851.
Treasurer.
Wm. F. Hooper, dem 827 153
James F. Hyde, whig 674
Jones Clark, dem 234
Surveyor.
James H. Ferguson, dem. . 836 33
David Johnston, whig. . . . 808
A. G. Chamberlain, whig. . 121
School Gommissioner.
Milton H. Abbott, dem.... 875 10
Reuben H. Scanland, whig 865
ELECTION NOV. 2, 1853.
President.
Franklin Pierce, dem 1676 101
Winfield Scott, whig 1575
Gongress.
O. H. Browning, whig 1680 75
Wm. A. Richardson, dem.. 1605
Governor.
Edwin B. Webb, whig 1690 4
Joel A. Matteson, dem 1686
Representatives.
O. M. Hatch, whig 1606
Wm. B. Hamilton, whig. . . 1585
H. L. Sutphin, dem 1601
H. P. Buchanan 1588
State's Attorney.
Daniel H. Gilmer, whig. . . 2421 948
John 8. Bailey, dem 1478
Gircuit Glerk.
James A. Kenney, whig 1627 59
Joseph M. Bush, dem 1568
County Glerk.
John J. Collard, dem 1623 61
Austin Barber, whi^ 1561
Goroner.
Samuel G. Sitton, whig. ... 1611
R. S. Underwood, dem 1675 64
882
flISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTT.
Elisha Hurt, whig 1496
Harvy W. McClintock, dem 1583
ELECTION NOV. 8, 1853.
County Judge.
Charles Harrington, whig. 1323
Kichard M. Atkinson, dem 1181
County Cleric.
Austin Barber, whig 1317
John J. CollarJ, dem 1386
County Treasurer.
Strother Grigsby, whig. . . . 1389
Wm. F. Hooper, dem 1283
School Commissioner.
Milton H. Abbott, dem 1337
John D. Thomson, whig. . . 1295
Surveyor.
James H. Ferguson, dem . . 1151
A. G. Chamberlain, whig. . 1369
ELECTION NOV. 7, 1854.
87
41
31
58
218
A. "Williams, rep 1714 100
W. A. Richardson, dem . . . 1614
Senator.
N. M. Knapp, rep 1734
H. L. Sutphin, dem 1735 1
Representatives.
B. L. Matthews, rep 1708
D. H. Gilmer, rep 1739
C. L. Higbee, dem 1677
Jonathan Dearborn, dem . . 1693
Shm-iff.
George T. Edwards, rep.. 1779 110
Wm. Hooper, dem 1669
Coroner.
Samuel Sitton, rep 1664 1664
ELECTION NOV. 6, 185?.
Treasurer.
g. Grigsby, rep 1065 433
Tyre Jennings, dem 633
School Commissioner.
J.D.Thomson 833 309
James F. Hyde 633
Surveyor.
A. G. Chamberlain 1098 1098
ELECTION NOV. 4, 1856.
President.
James Buchanan, dem 3163 1110
John C. Fremont, rep 1053
Millard Filmore, Amer 1010
Congress.
Isaac N. Morris, dem 3388 296
Jackson Grimshaw, rep .. . 1987
Oomrnor.
W. A. Richardson, dem. . . 3231 283
Wm. H. Bissell, rep 1938
State Senator.
Jacob C. Davis 2300 336
Thomas C. Sharp 1964
Hepresentatives.
John L. Grimes, dem 3194
King Kerley, dem 3310
B. F. Westlake, rep 1993
Benj. H. Irwin, rep 1974
State's Attorney.
John S. Bailey, dem 3191 233
Charles C. Warren, rep 1968
Sheriff.
Wilson S. Dennis, dem 3190 187
John S. Brewer, rep 2003
Circuit Clerk.
Wm. R. Archer, dem 3204 199
James A. Kenney, rep 2005
Coroner.
Wm. Benn, dem 3314 233
E. W. Hickerson, rep 1981
ELECTION NOV. 3, 1857.
County Judge.
Alfred Grubb, dem 1785 169
C. Harrington, rep 1616
County Clerk.
J. S. Roberts, dem 1711
S. Grigsby, rep 1717 6
Treasurer.
D. D. Hicks, dem 1884 358
E. Wooley, rep 1526
Surveyor.
H. P. Buchanan, dem. ... 1816 218
A. G. Chamberlain, rep. . . . 1598
School Commissioner.
Joseph J. TopliflF, dem 1811 207
John D. Thomson, rep 1604
Coroner.
J. N. Griffin, rep 1613
H. St. John, dem 1756 14,3
ELECTION NOV. 2, 1858.
Congress.
Isaac N. Morris, dem 3471 480
Jackson Grimshaw, rep. . . 1991
State Senator.
C. L. Higbee, dem 1000 347
John Moses, rep 653
Itepresentatives.
Gilbert J. Shaw 3478
King Kerley 2473
Benj. D. Brown 1995
James S. Irwin 1993
HISTOKT OF PIKE COUNTY.
883
Sheriff.
John Houston 3387 289
Oeorge T. Edwards 3098
Ooroner.
Lewis E. Hayden, rep 1963 1968
ELECTION NOV. 8, 1859.
Treasurer.
D. D. Hicks, dem 3235 753
Oeorge T. Edwards, rep. . . 1473
School Oommiisioner.
J. J. TopIiflF, dem 3592 1466
F. A. Benton 1136
Surveyor.
John A. Harvey 3664 3664
ELECTION NOV. 8, 1860.
President.
Abraham Lincoln, rep 2553
S. A. Douglas, dem 3016 463
Congress.
W. A. Richardson, dem 3031 436
B. M. Prentiss, rep 3595
Governor.
Richard Yates, rep 2576
James e. Allen, dem 3021 445
Mepresentatives.
B. B. Metz, rep 2629
Vandeventer, rep 2583
Wm. R. Archer, dem 2947
Benj. F. DeWitt, dem 8007
Circuit Clerk.
Mace, rep 2621
■George W. Jones, dem 3991 870
Sheriff.
Bonnell, rep. . . ^ 2635
Joshua "Woot.ley, dem 2945 310
State's Attorney.
Thomas E. Morgan, dem. . 3959 3959
Coroner.
York, rep 3582
'G. W. Mollinix, dem 2890 308
ELECTION NOV. 7, 1861.
County Judge.
John W. Allen, dem 2300 427
Wm. E. Smith, rep 1873
County Clerk.
Wm. Steers, dem 2330 451
Harvey Dunn, rep 1869
County 'I'reasurer.
M. H. Abbott, dem 3281 403
James L. Adams, rep 1879
School Commissioner.
' J. G. Pettingill, dem 2839 974
D. L. Freeman, rep 1855
County Surveyor.
James H. Ferguson, dem. . 2318 655
George E. Harvey, rep 1363
Against the Bank 4129 4129
Constitutional Con/sention.
Alex. Starne, dem 2332
Archibald A. Glenn, dem .■ . 2350
Wm. TurnbuU, rep 1839
David K. Watson, rep 1655
ELECTION NOV. 4, 1862.
Congress.
State at Lor gv:
James C. Allen, dem 2600 1105
E. 0. Ingersoll, rep 1495
Ninth District:
Lewis W. Ross 2597 2531
Wm. Ross 76
State Senator.
L. E. Worcester 3597 1095
N. M. Knapp 1503
Mepresentatives.
Scott Wike, dem 3614
A. G. Burr, dem 2599
B. F. Westlake, rep 1464
B. E. Haggard, rep 1500
Sheriff.
Perry H. Davis, dem 2654 1413
W. H. Johnston 1241
G. W. Mullinix 353
Coroner.
Eli Farris 3574 1085
J. B.Johnston 1489
ELECTION NOV. 3, 1863.
Treasurer.
R. A. McClintock, rep. . . . 1992 47
R. F. Frazier, dem 1945
School Commissioner.
J. G. Pettingill, dem 3035 79
John K. Bashforth 1956
Surveyor.
Hiram Harris, dem 3024 58
Nathan Kifler 1966
ELECTION NOV. 8, 1864.
President.
George B. McClellan, dem. 2857 523
Abraham Lincoln, rep. . . . 2335
Congress.
At large :
J. 0. Alien, dem 3859 503
L. W. Moulton 3356
Ninth District :
L.W.Ross, dem 2857 501
H. Fullerton, rep 2856
884
HIBTOKT OF PIKE COUNTT.
Governor.
James C. Eobinson, dem. . .3864 517
Eichard J. Oglesby, rep 2347
Bepregentatives.
8. Wike, dem 3854
J. F. Curlis, dem 3858
A. B. Neall, rep 2353
S. R. Powell, rep 2354
Circuit Clerk.
J. H. Crane, dem 3833 470
L. F. Williams, rep 3363
Sheriff.
3. B. Landrum, dem 3859 514
W. W. Burchard, rep 3345
State's Attorney.
T. E. Morgan, dem 2859 505
P. 0. Stearnes, rep 3354
Coroner.
Eli Farris, dem 2854 498
L. E. Hayden, rep 2356
ELECTION NOV. 7, 1865.
County Judge.
R. M. Atkinson, dem 3337 142
— . — . Sever, rep 3085
County Clerh.
Wm. Steers, dem 2310 94
— . — . Clark, rep 3116
Treasurer.
David S. Hill, dem 3222 127
Erastus Foreman, rep 2095
Superintendent of Schools.
J. G. Pettineill, dem 3332 136
— . — . Goodrich, rep 2096
Surveyor.
Hiram J. Harris, dem 2337 172
A. G. Chamberlain, rep 2055
ELECTION NOV. 6, 1866.
Congress.
At Large :
T. Lyle Dickey, dem 3963 250
John A. Logan, rep 3713
Ninth District:
Lewis W. Ross, dem 3971 1360
C. Lippincott, rep 3711
State Senator.
Wm. Shepard, dem 2978 263
— . — . Miner, rep 2711
Representatives.
James H. Dennis, dem 2973
Thomas Hollowbush, dem. .2973
— . — . Dunn, rep 3695.
— . — . Sears, rep 3715
Sheriff
W. 6. Hubbard, dem 3955 348
— . — . Jones, rep 3707
Coroner.
G. W- Mullinix, dem .3954 245
— . — . Chapman, rep 3709
ELECTION NOV. 5, 1867.
Treasurer.
L. J. Smitherman, dem 3181 853
R. L. Underwood, rep 1338
Surveyor.
Hiram J. Harris, dem 3191 3029
A. G. Chamberlain, rep 163
ELECTION NOV. 3, 1868.
President.
H. Seymour, dem 3319 544
U.S.Grant, rep 3775
Oovernor.
John M. Palmer, rep 3778
John R. Eden, dem 3331 553
Congress.
At large :
W. W. O'Brien, dem 3330 553
John A. Logan, rep 2777
Ninth District:
T. W. McNeeley, dem 3334 559
Lewis W. Ross, dem 3775
State's Attorney.
L. W. James, dem 3336 561
— . — . Sweeney 2775
Representative.
A. Mittower, dem 3834 532
S. Grigsby, rep 3792
Circuit Clerk.
J.J. Topliff, dem 3395 1586
— . — . Lawton, rep 3809
Sheriff.
J. J. Manker, dem 8335 572
R. A. McClintock, rep 2768
Coroner.
Sherman Brown, dem 3338 560'
— . — . Sanderson, rep 2768
Constitution.
For 820
Against 3534 1704
ELECTION NOV. 3, 1869.
County Judge.
R. M. Atkinson, dem 3081 545
R. H. Griffin, rep 1586
County Clerk.
Wm. B. Grimes, dem 2098 549
— . — . Gray, rep 1549
Treasurer.
L. J. Smitherman, dem 3089 553
Chas. Philbrick, rep 1586
HISTORY OF PIKE CODNTY.
885
School Superintendent.
John M. Dewell, dem 2145 649
Jon Shastid, rep 1496
Surveyor.
Hiram J. Harris 3094 2094
ELECTION NOV. 8, 1870.
Ninth District:
Gongresa.
T. "W. McNeeley, dem 3181 543
B. F. Westlake, rep 1639
State Senators.
Joseph M. Bush, dem 3151
Wm. Shepard, dem 3233
George E. Warren, rep 1635
Thomas E. Flinn, rep 1626
Representatiiies.
Albert Landrum, dem 2081
Charles Kenney, rep 3175
John A. Thomas, dem 1718
Thomas H. Dimmitt, rep. . .1658
Sheriff.
Joseph McFarland, dem.... 3056 383
Aaron F.Hemphill, ind. dem. 1773
Treasurer-
Sherman Brown, dem 3330 605
E. W. Hickerson, rep 1635
ELECTION NOV. 7, 1871.
Congress.
At large :
S. 8. Hayes, dem 1873 375
John L. Beveridge, rep 1597
State Senator.
Wm. H. Allen, dem 1847 327
Wm. A. Grimshaw, rep 1620
Treasurer.
Thomas Gray, dem 1914 313
Hamilton Wills, rep 1602
Sur'oeyor.
Hiram J. Harris, dem 1937 1859
A. G. Chamberlain, rep 68
ELECTION NOV. 5, 1873.
President.
Horace Greeley, lib. rep .... 3827 193
U.S.Grant, rep 2634
Charles O'Conor, ind. dem.. 116
Congress.
Bleeenth District :
Robert M. Knapp, dem 2849 130
A. C. Matthews, rep 2739
Darrah 105
State Senator.
Wm. R. Archer, dem 3941 388
Frost, rep 3653
Governor.
G. A. Koerner, dem 3939 391
R. J. Oglesby, rep 3638
Representatives.
Henry Dresser, dem 4319
S. G. Lewis, dem 4386"^
M. D. Massie, rep 7963
Circuit Clerk.
George W. Jones, dem 3005 455
P. M. Parker, rep 3550
John C. Hesley, ind. dem. . . 160
Sheriff.
Joseph McFarland, dem 3919 361
J. A. Brown, rep 3658
J. A. Melton, ind. dem 110
State's Attorney.
Jefferson Orr, dem 2891 178
James S. Irwin, rep 3713
Coroner.
Martin Camp, dem 3949 319
Jean, rep 3630
Williams. Ill
Animals at Large.
For 3775 1809
Against 1466
ELECTION NOV. 4, 1873.
County Judge.
J. G. Pettingill, dem 1676
S. Grigsby, rep 1890 314
County Clerk.
J. L. Frye, dem 1936 391
J. H. Allen, rep 1645
Treasurer.
D. Hollis, dem 3074 557
Wm. Grammer, rep 1517
, School Superintendent.
J. W. Johnson, dem 1833 140
J. Pike, rep • 1682
In this election the townships of
Derry and Barry were thrown out.
ELECTION NOV. 3, 1874.
Congress.
Scott Wike, dem 2089 669
David E. Beatty, rep 1430
Bepresentatives.
Joseph T. Harvey, dem 3054 J^
James Collans, dem 3335
John Moses, rep 3951
Thomas H. Dimmitt, rep.. . 786J^
Sheriff.
Augustus Simpkins, dem. . .3035 547
Theodore Kellogg, rep 1488
Thomas H. Wheeling, ind.. 93
886
HI8T0EY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Coroner.
Martin V. Shive, dem 3112 584
B. H. Rowand, rep . ". 1538
ELECTION NOV. 3, 1875.
Treasurer.
Thomas Reynolds, dem 1469 130
Henry Hall, rep 1339
Surveyor.
Isaac A. Clare, dem 1535 266
R. H. Griffin, rep 1359
ELECTION NOV. 7, 1876.
President.
R. B. Hayes, rep 3055
S.J. Tilden, dem 4040 985
Feter Cooper, greenback.. . . 35
Governor.
8. M. Cullom, rep 3065
Lewis Steward, dem 4074 1009
State Senator.
John Moses, rep 3055
Wm, R. Archer, dem 4052 997
Representatives.
A. C. Matthews, rep 89561^
S. R. Powell, dem 6018
B. J. Hall, dem 60221^
State's Attorney.
Joseph Dobbin, rep 3038
JeflF. Orr, dem 4088 1050
Circuit Clerh.
Philip Donahoe, rep 3338
J. A. Rider, dem 3766 438
Sheriff.
O. S. Campbell, rep 3197
E. W. Blades, dem 3903 706
Coroner.
George Barker, rep 3075
A. C. Peebles, dem 4050 975
ELECTION NOV. •e, 1877.
County Judge.
R. M. Atkinson, dem 3441
S. Grigsby, rep 3519 78
County Clerk.
E. F. Binns. dem 3815 666
Wm. H. Raftery, gr. & rep. .3149
Treasurer.
R. M. Murray, dem 2633 284
O. H. Barney, gr 2389
School Superintendent.
"Wm. H. Crow, dem 3534 141
Belle Moore, rep 3393
ELECTION NOV. 5, 1878.
Congress.
James P. Dimmitt, rep 1972
James W. Singleton, dem. .2685 713
Wm. H. Pogue, gr 886
Representatives.
A. C. Matthews, rep 55631^
S. R. Powell, dem 4115i|
James H. Pleasants, dem. . .4258}|
John Kelley, gr 3052i|
Clerk of Appellate Court.
George W. Jones, dem 3051 1322
M. M. Duncan, rep 1829
Charles E. SchoflF, gr 761
Sheriff.
Theodore Kellogg, rep. & gr.2940 237
John Colyer, dem 2713
Coroner.
Allen C. Peebles, dem 2885 1804
Lewis Farrington, gr 1081
ELECTION NOV. 4, 1879.
Treasurer.
B. W. Flinn, dem 2423 323
Henry Hall, rep 3100
Lewis Farrington, gr 600
Surveyor.
Isaac A. Clare, dem 2836 2009
Nathan Kibler, greenback. 837
Coroner.
Frederick Ottowa, dem 3445 575
John C. Burger, rep 1870
B. F. Jones, greenback 690
r ' r
PITTSFIELD Tf
CHAPTER XIX.
THE PRESS.
In this chapter we give hrief historical sketches of the various
newspaper enterprises of Pike county.
THE OLD FLAG.
In 1842 Mr. Michael J. Noyes started in Pittsfield The Sucker
and Farmer's Record, the first paper in the county. It was a
weekly, and was edited by a very able man. In 1846 it was suc-
ceeded by The Free Press, wliich was establislied by Z. N. Gar-
butt, who had, most of the time as partner, Mr. M. H. Abbott.
This was a good, paper, having had at its head as much talent prob-
ably as any paper in this county has ever had. It was a Whig
paper, with strong anti-slavery and temperance inclinations. Mr.
Garbutt retired from it in 1849 and went into other business. A
sketch of his life will be found on pages 397-8 of this volume.
Some time afterward John G. Nicolay and Mr. Parks had the pa-
per for a time, and then ^icolay alone.
The successor of The Free Press was The Pike County Journal,
established by Daniel B. Bush, jr. (the second), and edited by him
until a short time after the war broke out, when it was sold to Rob-
ert McKee, a cousin of the eminent Wm. McKee, of the St. Louis
Glohe- Democrat, who recently died. In 1868 Messrs. McKee and
"Wm. A. Grimshawgave the paper its present name. The Old Flag,
which is indeed a very appropriate one for an organ which so boldly
stands up for the flag of our country. The material of the office
was subsequently owned for a time by the County Republican Cen-
tral Committee, and in turn was run by "Wm. H. Patterson and
Mr. Hatch, by Patterson alone, by Bailey & Reynolds, by Reynolds
alone, by Maj. T. "W. Jones, and finally it was purchased by James
Criswell in 1868, since which time its circulation has been won-
derfully increased, and the paper made a grand success. He changed
it from a seven to an eight-column paper. It was edited for a time
by Robert Criswell, a spicy writer, who is now in the West; since
1874 the gentlemanly Mr. Gallaher has led in the editorial columns.
The Old Flag is a home paper, none of it being printed abroad.
He has brought to bear a high order of journalism and the wisdom of
890 - HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
long experience as a journalist, and as a natural consequence, has
made of The Old 2' lag one of the leading Republican papers in
Central Illinois. The influence for Republican doctrine and prin-
ciples of thi? paper has been felt in this county. The party has
been rallied and is gaining over its common enemy, the Democratic
party, new victories here. Mr. Gallaher's locals are crisp and fresh,
and in thfese columns may be found all the happenings of not only
Pittsfield and immediate vicinity, but in all parts of the country.
A good job office is run in connection vrith the establishment.
Michael J. Noyes, founder of The Suaker, was born at Landaff,
Grafton county, N. H., March 30, 1791; graduated at college; read
law for some time; removed to St. Charles county. Mo.; then to
Pike county, in that State, where he held several responsible posi-
tions as County and Circuit Clerks, etc. He was a remarkable
man, of frank manners, industrious, honest, shrewd, of fair educa-
tion, and had an extraordinary memory of names and faces of per-
sons. As a land surveyor, in early life he laid off land for the
United States Government under contract when large surveys were
made. After quitting the paper he retired to a nice large farm,
near Pittsfield. He died in May, 1868, a leading officer in the Ma-
sonic fraternity, leaving a widow and several children. Those "of
the latter now living are: Henry J., in the insurance business in
Pittsfield; John, at Grimshaw's drug store, in the same place; Mrs.
Emeline Mills, also in Pittsfield; W. H. D., at Carthage; Mrs.
Harriet Talcott, Olympia, W. T.; and Mrs. Annie T. Hodgen,
Roodhouse, 111. Ten have died.
James Oallaher, the present editor of The Old Flag, was born
in Castlebar, County Mayo, Ireland, July 23, 1835; came to the
United States in 1851, landing at New York city, where, Aug. 1,
1856, he married Miss Lizzie McHugh, daughter of Capt. M. A. T.
McHugh, of the 60th Royal Rifle Brigade, British army; she was
born at Gibraltar. Their children are: Margaret C, now Mrs.
Williams, of New York city, born in 1857; Harry M., born in
1860; Lizzie M., in 1863; and Charles J., in 1868; the last three
were born in Springfield, III. Soon after landing in America Mr.
Gallaher located at Bridgeport, Conn., where he learned " the art
preservative " in the office of The Standard, at that time a staunch
organ of the " silver-gray Whigs." He shortly afterward returned
to New York, where he remained until the financial panic of 1857,
when he came to Illinois, obtaining employment in th.Q State Jour-
nal office, at Springfield, and was subsequently promoted to the
position of associate editor, with Ed. L. Baker as chief, and had
this position for ten years. Here he had the good fortune to be-
come acquainted with Mr. Lincoln, Mr. Yates, Dr. Wallace and
other prominent leaders, and had his Republicanism strengthened.
Later he became connected with the Quincy Whig, and in 1874 as-
sumed editorial charge of The Old Flag, where he gives entire sat-
isfaction to all his patrons. He has had a large and varied experi-
ence in travel and journalism. He has visited Europe several
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 891
times, and inhis profession has been within the inner circles of the
political and journalistic headquarters of State and nation.'
Jcmbes Griswell, proprietor of the Old Flag, was born in Ireland
of Scotch-Irish parents, May 7, 1810. His parents, Eobert and
Mary (Hamilton) Griswell, brought him to America at the early
age of seven years. They located at Shippensburg, Pa., but soon
moved to Butler county, of the same State, and began farming.
His father, who was a great deal in public life, died in 1867 at the
advanced age of 89 years. Our subject remained in Pennsylvania
until a few years before the war; he moved to St. Louis, Mo., where
he ran a rolling mill. His mill burned in 1860, when he went
South. At the outbreak of the war he started for the JM^orth and
experienced great difficulty in making the trip. He brought his
children to Pittsfield, that they might be wholly out of danger, and
receive the benefit of good schools, and then entered the Union
army, where he. took an active and prominent part in suppressing
the monster Kebellion. He served as Chief Engineer of the Ma-
chinery Department of the army of the Southwest, with rank as
Colonel. In 1864 he returned to Pittsfield and then went South
to Louisiana and opened up a plantation. He met Gen. Sheridan,
with whom he was personally acquainte«l, who told him that he was
heartily glad such men as he had come to settle in the South and
aid in developing its resources. Mr. C. soon was appointed Com-
missioner of Elections. At this, however^ he was ordered to leave
the country, merely on political grounds, of course. , Having in-
fluence in the Legislature he had his parish divided, some of his
neighbors not being antagonistic to him. He was then appointed
Sheriff of the new parish by Gov. Warmouth, but only accepted
the position at the urgent request of the Governor and many of
the citizens of the parish. He appointed two deputies and came to
Pittsfield after his family, intending to remove them to his new
home. While here, however, he received word that both his depu-
ties had been killed. This was not encouraging to his family, and
they would not go South. He returned, however, but was driven
away by armed and masked Kn Klux, who came to his house to
kill him. He was compelled to leave to save his life, for they had
killed others around him, and he too well knew he would meet with
the same fate.
Mr. C. returned to Pittsfield, bought out The Old Flag in 1868,
and has since owned it and conducted it with success. His present
wife, Hepsie D. Griswell, nee Eeed, is a native of Kentucky.
THE PIKE COUJSTTY DEMOOEAT.
In tracing the ancestry of this staunch organ of the Democratic
party in this county we find that the first paper was The Pike
Cownty Sentinel, which was started in the year 1845 by T. G.
Trumbull and G. W. Smith, the former as editor. Under their
regime it flourished until April, 1849, when it was purchased by
John S. Koberts, who changed its name to The Pike County Union,
892 HISTOBT OF PIKE COUNTY.
the first number by this name being issued April 25, that year. In
size it was six columns by 24 inches, and published at $1.50 a year.
In 1851 Mr. Eoberts sold it to M. H. Abbott, who on the 30th of
May, 1857, changed its name to The Pike County Democrat, smae
which time it has retained that name. For a short time it was in
the hands of Brown & Frazier, then of Frazier & McGinnis, then of
Frazier (Robert F.) alone. Aug. 10, 1865, is the date of the first
issue of the paper under the control of the present proprietor, J.
M. Bush, when its circulation was only 350. Mr. Bush by his en-
ergy and ability has made of it one of the leading political organs
of the State, and has increased its circulation largely. It is now an
8 column^ paper, 27 by 41 inches in size. In 1862 it was a 6-column
paper, 24 inches to the column ; in 1863, probably owing to the
hard times produced by the war, it was somewhat reduced in size.
This paper has always been issued weekly, and lias ever been a firm
advocate of the principles of the Democratic party, the very first
number of The Union declaring itself in favor of "State rights and
sovereignty."
The Democrat, which has no " patent " side, but is all printed at
home, enjoys a liberal advertising patronage and a large circulation.
Its locals are abundant, fresh and crisp. Its foreign and general
news are such as the public desire to become acquainted with. Its
editorial columns are ably managed. The political measures and
movements of the day are discussed fearlessly, yet dispassionately.
The principles of the Democratic party are ably advocated, and all
other measures that its editor believes for the welfare of the gen-
eral public.
The present printing establishment connected with this journal
is the largest in the county. It is fitted with all the modern con-
veniences and improvements, among which is a steam-power
press. The press was bought about 3 years ago, and the engine
»bout 1 year ago. H. E. Hanna, nephew of M. H. Abbott, a former
proprietor, has been foreman for about 12 years. They are pre-
pared here to do job work in nearly all its branches, and in the neat-
est style. We will now speak personally of the leading editors
who have conducted this paper.
T. O. Trumbull, one of the founders of this paper, was an attor-
ney at law who came from Connecticut, and was a nephew of the
celebrated painter, Col. Trumbull, of Washington's military fam-
ily. He had, however, but little business at the Bar. In some
respects he was somewhat peculiar. For exa,mple, when asked
about early rising, he would reply that it was not best to be about
until the world was well aired by the uprising sun. His health
was feeble, his instincts were gentlemanly, his education good, and
he was a man of retiring habit. He died many years ago and was
buried in the Pittsfield cemetery, leaving no relatives in this vicinity.
George W. Smith went from here to Barry and started The
Barry Enterprise, but soon got to drinking so that he could not
control himself, and in Feb., 1861 fell out of a window of the
HISTOBT OF PIKE COUNTY. 893^
Planter's House in Hannibal and broke his neck. He was a bril-
liant writer, —indeed, a literary genius, and his flashes of wit and
rhetoric have seldom been surpassed in local journalism.
John S. Roberts was born in Southern Pennsylvania Nov. 19,
1809; came to this State about the year 1836, stopping first at
Shawneetown ; afterward he and his brother were at Springfield and
at Jacksonville, and edited a paper for awhile; also followed farm-
ing. He came to Pike county in 1849 and bought The Pike
Oowfhty Sentinel, as above stated. In 1868 he was appointed Col-
lector of Internal Hevenue for this District, and held the office for
a year or two ; was also Clerk of the Legislature for several ses-
sions, was Supervisor of Martinsburg township several terms, and
was Justice of the Peace from 1869 to 1878, when he died, leaving
a widow {nee Elizabeth Twiford) and two sons, — J. "Willis Roberts,
now Justice of the Peace in Pittsfield, and Town Clerk, and Eich-
ard D., also a resident of Pittsfield.
Milton H. Abbott was probably a native of this State; he was
married in Alton, III.; in a very early day he and his father pub-
lished hymn-books, etc., in Yandalia, then the State capital. For
stock he would ride horseback all the way to St. Louis and return. Of
course, in such early times and under such difiiculties, he could not
carry on a very extensive business. After assisting on The Free
Press, in Pittsfield, for a time, he went to Coldwater, Mich., where
a storm blew down his dwelling, when he returned to Pittsfield.
He commenced to edit The Pike County Democrat Oct. 11, 1860.
After selling out the paper to Mr. Bush, in 1865, he emigrated by
wagon to Oregon, finally settling at The .Dalles, where he is now
ublishing The Dalles Democrat. Since going to that place he
as lost his wife and three daughters. His brothers are not now
living," and of his sisters only Mrs. E. J. Hanna, of Terre Haute, •
Ind., is living.
Joseph Merrick, Bush, editor and proprietor of The Pike County
Democrat, was born Jan. 16, 1822, in Pittsfield, Berkshire county,.
Mass.; graduated at Williams College (Mass.) in 1838, and re-
moved the same fall to Pittsfield, Pike county. 111., where he has
ever since resided. He was admitted to the Bar, and in 1848 he
married the daughter of John U. Grimshaw, and devoted the most
of his time to farming up to 1865, when he purchased and took
the control of the Democrat. He has held the office of State
Senator, United States Commissioner for the Southern District of
Illinois, Master in Chancery, President of the Board of Education,
Pittsfield, President Pike County Agricultural Society, and has
taken an active part in all measures looking to tfie advancement of
the public interests. He has four sons, three of whom are grown
to manhood, and two, William and J. M., jr., are connected with
him in conducting the Democrat and its job rooms.
I
894 HISTOET OF PIKE OOITNTY.
GKIGGSVILLE BEFLECTOE.
The history of founding a local newspaper is almost without ex-
ception a story of unrealized hopes, misdirected efforts and unpaid
bills. It is a well-known fact that more failures are recorded, in
the journalistic profession than in any other. Few are those who
attain success in founding a country or a city newspaper. Often
it is not for want of literary ability, for many who wield an
able pen fail, but it takes as well a high order of busii^ess tact and
talent. The successful editor and publisher must necessarily be a
shrewd business man. He must be a man of business in, all that
that term implies, for in this field of labor one will find a greater
variety of influences brought to bear against' his efforts, diffi-
culties unknown in other branches must be surmounted, the
genius of dealing with people indiscriminately and successfully
must be possessed; indeed, the successful editor of to-day must be
a business man as well as a literary scholar.
There are few journals which continue long under their original
management, seldom longer than two years. Not so with the
Reflector, however, which continues under the control and man-
agement of its founder, Mr. Strother. He came to Griggsville in
1871, and July 15 of that year, sent forth the first number of
the Reflector. . It was then a seven-column folio, and presented a
neat and tasteful appearance. It was received with favor, and con-
siderable encouragement offered the editor. He being a practical
printer, was able to take advantage of many influences and soon
found his enterprise upon the high road to success. At the end of
the first year he had a subscription list of 400. This was steadily
increased until at present it numbers upward of 700. The Reflector
is purely a local paper; has no patent side, and in politics and
religion is neutral. People take the Reflector because it is not
hampered or circumscribed by party principles or .religious creeds.
It is free to applaud or condemn, to advoc-.e or oppose, to build
up or tear down, any measure it believes beneficial and just, or in-
jurious or wrong. Though neutral on political and religious ques-
tions, yet he devotes space in its columns to the discussion of both. "
Mr. Strother is avetera,n in the printing business, having begun to
learn the trade at the early age of 13 years, and has continued it
without intermission from that day to this. Thus, with practical
knowledge of his business, he is enabled the better to superintend
and carry it on successfully. As a writer he is clear, forcible and
logical, and has made of the Reflector an excellent provincial paper.
F. K. Strothev, editor and proprietor of the Griggsville Reflec-
tor, was born in G-ranville county, IST. 0., Sept. 30, 1823 ; educated
at Ealeigh ; came to Adams county. 111., in 1866, and here pub-
lished the Clayton Sentinel (now the Enterprise) until 1871, when
he came to Griggsville and issued the first copy of the Reflector
July 15 of that year, which he still publishes, with a circulation ot
850. January 18, 1851, he married Miss B. Y. House, and they
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 895
have 6 children: B. L., Homolea, Geneva A., Cora A., S. K. and
F. T. Mr. Strother was with Gen. Canby in the South in 1867-8 ;
was Government printer while there, where he remained until the
reconstruction of the States. He has worked in the printing office
most of the time since he was 14 years of age.
THE BABKY ADAGE.
The newspaper history of Barry well exemplifies a general rule
characteristic of the profession of journalism. "While in most other
branches of business the first efforts at establishment in a new and
growing place, are generally successful, in public journalism the
charm of talking to the people in print, the social and political
influence to be obtained as a stepping-stone to power and emolu-
ment, and to ease and luxury, tempt the innumerable, impecunious
graduates of the printing office to seek some unoccupied field in
which to establish themselves and rise. Hence they start out, and
for want of the means necessary to run a newspaper a year or two,
with but very little pay, they try a new place, and thus continue to
rove ; and it is but a corroboration of this remark to note that all, or
nearly all, the newspapers now successfully conducted in Pike
county are owned and edited by old residents having some
property.
The first attempt to.establish a newspaper in Barry was made by
Geo. W. Sm,ith, from Pittsfield, spoken of on a preceding page.
He started The Barry Enterprise, but the office here was discon-
tinued and the material was moved to Louisiana, Mo.. The next
move to establish a paper here was made by Messrs. Shaffner &
Goldsmith, who published The Barry WeekVy Dispatch. The next
effort was made by L. L. Burke, who started The Barry Observer,
over "White's store. This was run about a year, the last number
being issued in the fall of 1871. In October of this year Mr. John
H. Cobb took the same rooms and established The Barry Adage,
in spite of the most discouraging obstacles. The people of the
community had lost all faith in the newspaper business as a Barry
enterprise. Mr. Cobb could find but two men who would pay as
much as a year's subscription in advance, and not one who would
pay a cent in advance for advertising. At least three-fourths of
those who were approached on the subject would refuse to pay a
cent for the new enterprise. Many men would go into a saloon or
tobacco store and spend more in a day or two than would pay for
the paper a whole year, then refuse even a single dime to encourage
Mr. Cobb in his laudable enterprise, in which, too, he finally suc-
ceeded. The first number of his paper was issued about Nov. 1,
1871. In 1878, however, he sold out to Mr. Colgrove, who ran the in-
stitution for a short time. Mr. Cobb, in company with "Wm. Watson,
bouo-ht back the office and the situation and conducted it together
with reasonable success until recently, when Mr. Cobb retired, leav-
ing Mr. "Watson sole editor and proprietor. The paper is printed
on both sides at the home office, is a weekly, and independent in
896 HISTOET OF FIKE COUNTY.
politics. Price only $1.00 a year, which is certainly quite reasonable
for a local paper. It is not hampered or bound by any political fetters,
but is strictly speaking an organ of the- people, and for the people.
While it enjoys a fair advertising patronage, the merchants and
business men of Barry are not fully alive to their best interests
when they fail to give their local paper a hearty and liberal sup-
port. Towns must be advertised as well as individuals and busi-
nesses, and this can only be done through the medium of the press.
There is connected with this paper a good job office.
Mr. Cobb tried a daily for a while, at Pittsfield, but that city was
found to be too near the large cities, which furnish dailies at hand.
WilUamWatson was born in Barry Feb. 16, 1857, and is a son
of Jon Watson, deceased, an early settler in Pike county. Mr.
Watson's future success with The Barry Adage is very promising.
He is a pleasing writer for a young man, and gives to Barry an ex-
cellent local paper.
THE UNICOEN aEEENBACK,
After The Adage had been under way four or five years there
was a sheriff's sale of a press, stationery, etc., where Mr. Simeon
Fitch was a bidder, and he rather jestingly remarked that he
did not want any one to bid against him on the press, as he
wanted to run a paper in opposition to The Adage. He also had a
boy whom he wished to learn the art of printing and thought to
purchase the press and material for this purpose. This was the ex-
citing cause of many friends encouraging him to go into the busi-
ness of printing and publishing a paper. Thus encouraged, and
having a love for literary labor, he obtained another press and com-
menced business, issuingthe first number of The TFnicorn on the
6th of October, 1877. He subsequently bought the press, which
was offered at tlae sheriff's sale. The Unicorn was started as a Re-
publican paper, but it soon espoused the Greenback cause and
changed its name to The Unicorn OreenbacJc. The Unicorn is a
8 column folio and filled with local and general news, discussions
upon the political, financial and social issues of the country that
agitate the public mind, and a general miscellany of excellent and
instructive reading matter. As above stated it is a Greenback
paper, and is one of the leading advocates for the measures and prin-
ciples of the Greenback party in this section. The Unicorn is also
one of the most zealous advocates of temperance and total absti-
nence from the use of tobacco there is in the country. No smoking
is even allowed in the printing office. The motto heading the
newspaper is, —
" Tobacco, though handy, is risky to use :
Together with brandy and whisky, refuse."
Mr. Fitch is pre-eminently a poetic editor, often throwing into
rhyme the reports of proceedings in the city, and thus he amuses
while he teaches and instructs. His paper has a much larger cir-
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 899
•
dilation than he at first anticipated, and promises to be one of the
established institutions of the city of Barry. Thus, with his tem-
perance and anti-tobacco principles and his novel way of rhyming
locals, he is enabled to present to his readers a rare, entertaining
and elevating class of reading matter. He will not taint the
morals of the most saintly, and it grieves him greatly to see so
many of his fellow men, and especially the young, polluting them-
selves by the use of liquors and tobacco. It will take him a long
time and much earnest work to change the habits and customs of
this people in this respect, and that his influence will be felt, is be-
yond question. No man ever engaged in a reformation more desired,
and more earnestly and devotedly than Mr. Fitch, and that he may
live to see a radical change in the filthy and injurious habits so
common, we most heartily wish. He has a most potent enemy, and
it will take constant hard battling to conquer it. Mr. Fitch, however,
appreciates the magnitude of iiis labors, yet will use his pen and
voice, his influence and purse to save the young and convert those
already steeped in the use of liquors and tobacco.
Simeon Fitch, editor and proprietor of the Unicorn Greenback,
Barry, 111., was born in Delaware county, N. Y., Dec. 2, 1818, and
is a son of Samuel Fitch, deceased; was educated in Franklin, N.
T., and at the age of 21 he commenced teaching school, which pro-
fession he followed 10 years, a portion of the time engaging in
farming during the summer season. He emigrated to Pike county
in April, 1842, where he has since lived. May 1, 1846, he married
Lncinda A. Piper, by whom he had one child, since deceased. Mrs.
Fitch died April 24, 1854, and Aug. 3 of the same year Mr. F.
married Eliza Kerr, and of the 8 children born to them these 6 are
living: Ella, Edward E., Charles S., Owen L., Anna and Mary.
Edward attends to the farm, while" Owen L. assists his father in
the printing-office. Ella is a teacher, and is now Mrs. Dr. E. T.
Myers, of Farber, Mo.
MILTON BEACON.
This is one of the leading organs of the Greenback party in Illi-
nois, and wields an influence second to none. This fact is evinced
in the interest manifested by the people of Milton and vicinity in
this late political movement, and also in the fact that the citizens
in this district are uniformly well posted in political matters.
Constant readers of this journal are difficult antagonists to contend
with in argumentative contests on political questions. They have
been under the instruction of a wise, original and logical tutor, and
have gained much information bearing upon the great and im-
portant political questions, especially the financial, now before the
public.
The Beacon, although comparatively a new publication, has
proven a grand success under its present able management. Dur-
ing the winter of 1874-5 a temperance organization known as the
Milton Moral Eeform Society published a small paper called the
SI
900 HISTOKT OF PIKE COUNTY.
Milton Reform. This sheet was issued for the purpose of setting
forth the aims and objects of the order. It was distributed gra-
tuitously, and was received with much favor by the citizens of the
town. The effect of this small publication was to create a demand
for a larger paper. After its second monthly issue Mr. A. G. Lucas
proposed to start a five-column folio paper, providing the Society
would discontinue the publication of the Reform, and turn over
the advertising already secured. This proposition was accepted,
and on the 16th of April, 1875, the Milton Beacon made its ap-
pearance. It came forth, however, as a six-column instead of a ijve-
column paper, as originally intended. ,
The history of all new papers is one of a hard struggle for ex-
istence; on the whole, however, \\ie Beacon has been unusually suc-
cessful. After a lapse of three months Mr. Lucas found the ex-
penses incident to foi^nding a paper greater than he had anticipated,
and suspension was likely to follow. It was the wish of the busi-
ness men that the paper should continue. Accordingly in order to
sustain the enterprise, a stock company was formed. This com-
pany consisted of F. M. Grimes, T. B. Morton, J. O. Bolin, C.
E. Bolin, J. M. Faris, S. Hudson, W. Hess, W. D. Mitchell and L.
N. Hall. Mr. Grimes was chosen President of the company and
Mr. Morton, Secretary. J. M. Faris was appointed editor. He
forthwith enlarged it to a seven-column paper, and advanced the
subscription from $1.00 to $1.50 per year, adopted the " patent out-
side," and continued its publication until "April, 1876. On that
"date the paper was sold to F. M. Grimes, its present editor, who
has since purchased all of the shares except two, which have not
yet been offered for sale.
Mr. Grimes entered upon his new field of labor with considerable
enthusiasm. He brought to bear in this enterprise a well stored
mind, a ready pen, business ability and personal popularity, and as
a result has obtained a most signal success. During the past year
(1879) this paper reached a circulation greater than that ever at-
tained by any other paper published in Pike county, a fact of which
its editor may well be proud.
Mr. Grimes continued the patent side until January, 1877. when
he began the printing of the entire paper in the office. We will
remark in this connection that in point of equipment this office
ranks with those much older. It is supplied with a large, assort-
ment of the best material and modern conveniences of the preserva-
tive art. Mr. Grimes carries a full line of job-printing material,
and executes some fine specimens in this line.
The Beacon was started as a neutral paper, politically. But the
editor believing duty called him to do battle against certain measures
which he considered highly detrimental to our common country,
and to advocate others which were subservient to national prosper-
ity, he unfurled the standard of the Greenback party and has since
done valiant service in its behalf. He wields a powerful pen, and
carries conviction to almost all who will unprejudicedly and candidly
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. • 901
follow his arguments. As an antagonist lie is dreaded by the most
influential. As an advocate he is earnest, untiring and concen-
trates his unusual powers in behalf of the measure or person that he
is supporting. "We congratulate the people of Milton and vicinity
in having in their midst a paper conducted with the ability and
enterprise of the Beacon.
Francis Marion Grimes, editor of the Beacon, was born in
Montezuma township, April 28, 1837. He is the son of James and
Nancy (Davis) Grimes, well known early settlers of Pike county.
His father was born in County Down, Ireland, Feb. 9, 1789, and
his mother in Warren county, Ky., Feb. 15, 1797. They were
united in marriage Nov. 11, 1813, and came to Montezuma town-
ship in 1836. His father died Sept. I9, 1873, and his mother still
survives at a ripe old age. Our subject was reared on a farm, and
received a good common-school education. At the age of 19 he be-
gan teaching school and taught for 20 consecutive years in the
schools of Montezuma and Pearl townships, this county. As a
teacher he was eminently successful, as attested by the above, and
also by the fact that he never held any other than a first-grade cer-
tificate. He quit teaching in April, 1876, and took possession of
the editorial chair of the Beacon, which he has so ably filled to the
present time. March 17, 1859, he was united in marriage with
Sarah E. Colvin, the sixth child of Thomas and Eebecca Colvin,
now deceased. To them have been born 6 children, namely, —
Albert, Luther, Perry, Henry, Ina and Eollo. Mr. G. has been a
member of the Christian Church for 20 years, and a zealous worker
in the temperance cause for many years. He now also holds
membership in the Masonic, Odd Fellows and Workmen lodges.
He formerly voted with the Democratic party, but paid little atten-
tion to politics, believing, however, that the financial question was
paramount to all others at the present; has for the past year devoted
his time and energies to the interests of the National Greenback
party.
PEREY PARAGRAPH.
This is one of the eight newspaper publications of Pike county,
and like the others, has experienced its ups and downs. It is con-
ceded to be one of the most difficult things known in the business
world to establish a local paper upon a paying basis. It requires
more energy, patience and perseverance to found one than almost any
other business. It is less remunerative, more vexatious, and requires
the expenditure of greater mental and physical force than other
enterprises. Few there are who properly appreciate the labors, the
trials and difficulties of a country editor. He enjoys none of the
advantages, yet he is expected to send forth a sheet that will com-
pare favorably with the large dailies of cities.
Mr. Cobb, the editor of this paper, and other editors can appre-
ciate the force of these remarks perhaps better than people in gen-
eral. He recently started the Paragraph, and has met with fair
902 HISTORY OF PIKE COtTNTT.
success. The paper is independent politically, religioasiy and in
everything else. It is free to advocate or oppose any measure or
view brought before the public.
H. O. Oobb was born in Chautauqua county, !N". Y., Aug. 20,
1845, and is the son of James and Mary (Hale) Cobb, both natives
of the Empire State. Sis father is of Welsh ancestry, and his
mother is a direct descendant of Sir. Matthew Hale. Mr. 0. was
united in marriage Aug. 12, 1871, with Elizabeth Purviance. Three
children have been borne to them, only one of whom is now living.
Mr. C. learned his trade in New York, where he was connected
with several papers in the State.
THE INDEPENDENT PRESS.
This is the latest newspaper enterprise of Pike county, and has
promise of becoming one of the most popular and influential. It
first greeted the public Dec. 11, 18T9, an eight-column folio. The
typographical appearance of the Press is neat and tasty. Indeed,
it would reflect honor to older established offices to send out such
excellent quality of work. 'The Press office is furnished all through
with the best material and presses, and for mechanical execution
the job work done at this office will compare favorably with that
turned out from the larger establishments of the State. Its present
editor, A. Hughes, and its proprietors, Hughes & Nelson, are thor-
oughly enterprising newspaper men, and that the progress they
have so early made is appreciated by the general public, is evinced
by the unusual success attending their enterprise.
The Independent Press, which is published at Griggsville, was
founded, as its name implies, as an independent journal so far as
politics or religion are concerned. Its editor believes he can exert a
greater influence under that banner than under any other. He will
not be influenced by party or sect. He advocates such measures,
national, municipal, religious and social, as will best subserve the
interests of the mass of the community, regardless of any party,
clique or individual. As such a journal, it deserves, as it has, the
patronage of all classes. As the better to set forth the principles
of this paper, we quote from its salutatory a remark or two in
reference to this point. The editor says : " The Press will not be a
partisan sheet in accordance with the generally accepted tenets of
either of the established political parties., Our politics and religion
will be independent so far as the paper is concerned." * * *
" In our advocacy of measures, be they cosmopolitan or local, we
will only be guided by what we conceive to be the right, and will
best conserve the true interests of this city, county, State and
nation. In the interest of the merchant we shall advocate the best
means of developing trade ; in the interests of all we shall, by
using every means in our power, fight against rings, monopolies,
and every species of fraud that has a tendency to retard or lessen
the people's interest."
A local journal established upon such a broad and liberal plat-
HISTOKT OF PIKE COUNTY. 903
form, and evincing the enterprise and public spirit the Press has,
should receive the undivided support of men of all parties, creeds
and opinions. It is not hampered or circumscribed by partisan
principles of any nature, save truth and probity. The Press is
published each Thursday. Subscription, $1.50 per year.
Arnold Hughes, editor of the Press, is a native of Missouri, grew
• up attending the common schools. He served an apprenticeship
at the printer's trade in Milwaukee, "Wis., and has since devoted
himself to his profession with zeal and energy. As a writer he is
original, pointed and entertaining. His locals are fresh and crisp,
his editorials are able, logical and convincing, and as a business
man possesses much practical knowledge. It is our wish, as it is
that of the general public, that Messrs. Hughes & !N"elson will
make a success of their new-born enterprise.
OTHEE PAPERS.
The Radical for a brief time was published as the exponent of a
sentiment. It was edited with vim, by Charles J. Sellon, who was
afterward a vigorous and useful editor of the Illinois State Jour-
nal, at Springfield. He enlisted in the Union army, but was dis-
charged on account of deafness. He died a young man, mourned
by his family and many friends. He was buried in the grave-yard
of St. Stephen's Church, Pittsfield, 111.
The Radical was suddenly reduced to The Radi, which was
conducted by O. W. Topliff for a short time, and then was discon-
tinued altogether.
A Republican paper called The Morning Star, was once started
by Wm. Overstreet, in Pittsfield, but did not last long.
CHAPTER XX.
MISCELLANEOUS.
EAILEOADS.
The railroad is comparatively a new enterprise to Pike county.
In reference to means of transportation this county is greatly
favored by nature. Indeed, there is no county in the State to
which nature gave such abundant and convenient channels of trans-
portation as to Pike. Here are two of the finest water courses in
America washing its shores, and no portion of the county over
half a day's drive from one of them. Without a railroad many of
the northern counties of the State would yet be in their native con-
dition. Yet Pike county could, and did, get along very con-
veniently without a railroad.
As early as May, 1860, a railroad was projected, principally by
Messrs. Starne and Hatch. This road was known as the Pike
County Road, and later as the Hannibal and JSfaples road. Some
grading was done, but the county, at a general election, refused
aid, and the project was abandoned until after the war, when,
through the efforts of Judge Higbee, Scott Wike, James S. Irwin,
Hon. "Wm. A. Grimshaw, "W. Steers, of Pittsfield, Messrs. Brown
and Wike, of Barry, and Messrs. Mc Williams, Ward, Philbrick
and others, of Griggsville, the enterprise was revived and pushed
to completion.
Originally about $350,000 were expended on the old Bike
road ; and of this sum the city of Hannibal furnished as a city
$200,000, the townships on the line of the road $70,000, and indi-
viduals in Hannibal and Pike county the balance. The money
subscribed was faithfully expended under the direction of Mr.
Starne, the President of the road, and a competent engineer; the
war commenced and the road failed, as did most of the public en-
terprises of the country. It was at that time in debt to Mr.
Clough, one of the engineers, about $1,000, and upon a suit coni-
menced by him a judgment was rendered against the road for his
debt. The friends of the road were anxious that it should not be
sacrificed, and when it was sold, bid it in in the name of Scott Wike,
for $l,039,who transferred the certificate of purchase to the Directors
of the old road, Messrs. A. Starne, B. D. Brown, O. M. Hatch,George
Wike, Geo. W. Shields, J. G. Helme, James McWilliams and Scott
HI8T0EY OF PIKE COUNTY. 905
Wike; and the Sheriff made them a deed Feb. 12, 1863. They
were then incorporated as the Hannibal & Naples Railroad Com-
pany. Mr. Shields was the Mayor of the city of Hannibal, and
Mr. Helme a large property-holder there. They were directors of
the old road, and were appointed by the City Council to look after
the interests of the city. The other gentlemen were directors in
the old road and large property-holders in Pike county.
When the agitation incident to the Rebellion had subsided and
the people again turned to the improvement of their homes and
the carrying out of home enterprises, the completion of this road
was urged.
Enthusiastic meetings were held throughout the county in De-
cember, 1867. The proposition by the Supervisors to bond the
county was defeated by a popular vote Dec. 24, — 2,777 for, to 2,841
against, one of the largest votes ever cast in the county.
At a railroad meeting held at the court-house in Pittsfield Dec.
30, 1868, resolutions for pushing the railroad interests of the
county were passed, and a committee appointed, headed by Wm.
A. Grimshaw, to " take the requisite steps to carry out the project
of railroad connections for Pittsfield and Pike county with the ,
Chicago & Alton, or the Pennsylvania Central, or any other roads
interested and willing to co-operate with Pittsfield and Pike
county."
At the same time there was a project of a railroad from Loui-
siana, Mo., to run west to the Missouri river, headed by Thomas L.
Price, then a railroad king in the West.
Ten miles of the Hannibal & Naples road were completed- Feb.
18, 1869, namely, to Kinderhook, and a banquet and great rejoic-
ing were had on the occasion, in a car at Kinderhook.
In pursuance of an official call a railroad meeting was held at
Pittsfield, March 8, 1869, with R. A. McClintock Chairman and
J. M. Bush Secretary, when Col. A. C. Matthews explained the ob-
ject of the meeting. A committee was appointed, one from each
township represented, to assess the sum of $150,000 among the
various townships embraced in the call. The meeting passed a
resolution indorsing the act of the Legislature providing for the re-
funding to the several townships and counties, the contracting
debts for railroads, the entire taxes on such railroad property,
and the excess of all State taxes over the assessment of 1868.
Auo-ust, 1869, the Hannibal & Naples road reached a point
within 2-^- miles of New Salem; reached Griggsville in September;
railroad completed in October; crossed the Illinois river Jan. 20,
1870- Feb. 11, finished to Pittsfield. At that time a grand free
excursion was given, when the following incident occurred: The
train being gone about three hours longer than was expected, par-
ties who had been left behind began to feel uneasy . One man, whose
wife and son were with the excursionists, with his remaining son
built a fire near the track; and while waiting with great anxiety
for the return of the train, the-little boy, started toward the track.
906 HISTORY OF PIKE COtTNTY.
The father in his agony said. " Don't, my son ;• don't go near the
track; I'm afraid some dreadful accident has happened and you
and I will both be orphans." When the train at last arrived all
safe and sound, there was great rejoicing. The contract for build-
ing the railroad from Pittsfield to the H. & N. road was let July
24,. 1869, to Hon. A. Starne. Work was immediately begun and
before a year had passed trains were running.
After the Hannibal & Naples Road was completed, it was changed
soon after to the Toledo, Wabash & Western Railway, and in
March, 1880, when the great Wabash line came in possession of
the T., P. & W. Ry. and other lines, it was changed to the Wa-
bash, St. Louis & Pacific Railway. About the time of the com-
pletion of the H. & 'N. road, other roads were projected. In May,
1869, a line was surveyed from Rnshville, via Mt. Sterling to Pitts-
field.
In the summer of 1869 special efforts were made by the citizens
of the county to complete the projected railroads, and at a meeting
of the citizens of Pittsfield and Newburg townships at Pittsfield,
June 17, committees were appointed to devise ways and means to
raise the amount required of them, namely, $32,000. 0. P. Chap-
man was appointed Chairman of said committee.
In the spring of 1871, everything pertaining to the railroad
interests of the county seemed to be lying dead or asleep, and the
suspicion of the people began to be aroused that the enterprise was
abandoned, when Gen. Singleton, President of the Quincy, Alton
& St. Louis road, announced that that company were waiting to
obtain the right of way through Quincy. This road was soon com-
pleted, following the line of the Mississippi from the northern line
of the county to the southern where it crosses the river at Louisiana.
In the spring of 1872 it was proposed to build a road to Perry
Springs, connecting with the Bob-tail to Pittsfield. At this time
the county of Pike and the townships of Pittsfield and Newburg
had invested $132,000 in the Pittsfield" branch, with no prospect
of dividends; but it was proposed to issue county bonds of $10,000
to $12,000 per mile on the Pittsfield branch, on which the Wabash
company should guaranty the interest, thus enabling them to negoti-
ate the bonds at a fair rate.
The Quincy, Payson & Southeastern railroad was projected to
make a direct line to Pittsfield through Payson, thence nearly
directly east to Efiingham, to connect for Cincinnati and the East,
but nothing definite has been done.
The Chicago, Alton & St. Louis ran the " Louisiana," or
"Kansas City" branch through the southern townships of this
county seven or eight years ago. This was done without local aid
from this county, but received help from the city of Louisiana.
This is a first-class road, and opened up a most prolific part of
Pike county. At this time a railroad bridge was built across the
Mississippi -at~Louisiana. Aug. 1,1871, a magnificent bridge was
completed across the) same river af Hannibal.
BARRY
HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY. 909
SNT ISLAND LEVEE.
Along the whole of the west side of Pike county there runs a
bayou of the Mississippi river, named by the early French Chenal
Ecarte (crooked channel) but in English generally called "Sny,"
for short, from the French pronunciation of Chenal. This bayou
commences in Adams county about 12 miles below Quiney, and
runs southeasterly somewhat parallel with the river, until it ends
in Calhoun county, its channel being generally about midway
between the river and the bluifs.' The low land drained by this
"bayou," "channel," " slough," " creek," etc., as it is variously
jcalled, comprises about 110,000 acres. This was subject to overflow
every spring, and being the most fertile ground in the "West, it is
very important that it be reclaimed if possible. Without improve-
ment it is entirely useless, and even a source of malaria and
sickness.
Consequently, in the year 1870 a movement was set on foot to
reclaim this vast tract of rich land by an embankment near the
river. To aid in this great enterprise the Legislature passed an
act, approved April 24, 1871, authorizing the issue of bonds, to be
paid by special assessments on the lands benefited. To carry out
the provisions of this act " The Mississippi Levee Drainage Com-
pany " was organized about the first of August, 1871, by a meeting
of the citizens of Pike and Adams counties, electing a board of
directors, with S. M. Spencer, President, other officers, and a board
of commissioners. The citizens also drew up,,aud signed a petition
for the appointment of the commissioners according to law, where-
upon the County Court (R. M. Atkinson, Judge) appointed Geo.
W. Jones, William Dustin and John G. Wheelock, Commissioners,
Mr. Dustin's place, after his death, being filled by Benjamin F.
Westlake. For the construction of the levee they issued bonds, bear-
ing interest at 10 per cent., and they were sold mostly in the East-
ern markets, some in Detroit, Mich., the interest payable annually.
Accordingly the levee was constructed in 1872-4:, at a cost of about
$650,000.
But the manner of collecting assessments authorized by this act
was called in question by a case brought up to the Supreme Court
from the Wabash river, where similar work was being done, and
the Court decided that feature of the act to be unconstitutional. A
similar case went up to that tribunal from this county, and the
Court re-affirmed its former decision. It was then thought expe-
dient to procure an amendment to the State Constitution; the
necessary resolution was submitted to the people by the 30th Gen-
eral Assembly, and it was adopted by an overwhelming majority.
Thereupon another act was passed by the 31st General Assembly,
to make the law conform to the constitution as, amended, and under
this act the owners of lands on the Sny bottom proposed to con-
struct a drainage district to be known as " The Sny Island Levee
Drainage District."
910 HISTOBT OF PIKE COUNTY.
The levee, as at first projected, was completed, as before stated,
but it has proved wholly insufficient, as the Mississippi flood, aided
by high winds, in April, 1876, broke through the embankment, and
all the low land was inundated, destroj'ing crops, carrying away
fences, and driving out the inhabitants. No one, however, was
drowned, but planting was retarded. The breaches were soon
repaired, but more lately a new company has been organized to
improve the levee and make it perfect, that is, capable "of protect-
ing the bottom land against such a high water as there was in 1851.
This levee is by far the largest above Yicksburg, being about 52
miles in length, commencing on a sand ridge in Adams county,
and extending into Calhoun county. It is constructed of the sandy
soil along its line, and readily becomes sodded and overgrown with
willow and other small growth. The streams which formerly
emptied into the Mississippi now find their way into Bay creek,
and then into Hamburg bay, in Calhoun county. A few farms
were opened in the bottom before the construction of the levee,
but since that work was completed the land is becoming pretty
well covered with farms, occupied by a good, industrious class of
citizens. The time may come when the dwellers in this land will
become a power in the county.
We desire here to state to the public, with some emphasis, that
neither the county nor any municipality in the same is in any
manner liable for the bonds issued in aid of the construction of this ^
levee. Neither the State, county nor towns took any part in the
issue of the bonds, or in the construction of the work. The enter-
prise was a private one, and the fact that the bonds are not paid
reflects on no one. The law under which they were issued was
declared unconstitutional, and in such cases the bonds must fall
with the law.
On the completion of the levee the source of water supply for
the Rockport mills, situated on the Sny, was of course mostly cut
off. Consequently, about Sept. 15, 1874, the proprietors of the
mills, Messrs. Shaw & Rupert, hired parties in St. Louis to come
up and cut the levee, having been advised that they had lawful
authority to " abate the nuisance " by their own act. Great excite-
ment was occasioned by this transaction, and during the ensuing
litigation the mill proprietors obtained a mandamus for openiiig
the Sny; but a settlement was finally effected by a compromise with
the drainage company, the latter paying the former $30,000. The
mil], however, was subsequently destroyed by fire.
HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY.
911
COUNTY TEEASUEEb'S EBPOBT MADE NOVEMBEE 30, 18T9.
Behils.
To amount on hand Dec. 1, 1878 $21,026.31
To tax levied on all property for 1878 10,944.27
To money collected from other sources 4,243.55
Total debits $36,214.03
County Orders and jury certificates paid $23,834.21
Other credits 4,450.69
Balance cash due County Dec. 1, 1879.
$28,28490
7,929.13
$36,214.03
MAEEIAGE LICENSES.
The following table gives the number of Marriage Licenses annu-
ally issued since 1826:
1827
6
1845
159
1863
... 253
1828
19
1846
161
1864
... 260
1829
21
23
1847
180
1865
1866
... 380
1830
1848
232
... 370
1831
25
1849
1850
203
199
1867
1868
... 357
1832
47
... 374
1833,
34
1851
1853
213
346
1869
1870
... 273
1834
50
... 270
1833
49
1853
241
1871
... 258
1836
57
1854
230
1872
... 271
1837
100
1855
336
1873
... 250
1838
106
1856
375
1874
... 297
1839
110
115
1857
377
1875
1876
... 281
1840
1858
359
... 382
1841
121
1859
379
1877
... 385
1842
160
1860
258
1878
... 309
1843
147
1861
335
1879
. .. 313
1844
153
1863
337
1880to Jan. 26....
... 15
AGEICULTUEAL STATISTICS.
In 1877 the number of acres of corn raised in Pike county were
87,405; number of bushels produced,- 2,888,802; winter wheat 71,-
219 acres; yield, 982,453 bushels; spring wheat, Q6 acres; yield
1,682 bushels; oats, 5,559 acres; yield 122,540; rye, 414 acres ; yield
4,371 bushels; barley, 16 acres; yield 210 bushels; buckwheat, 41
acres; yield 421 bushels; beans, 33 acres; yield 313 bushels; Irish
■potatoes, 1,122 acres; yield 66,649 bushels; sweet potatoes, 3 acres,
yield 243 bushels. Apple orchards 4,656 acres; yield 168,535 bush-
els; peach qrchards 202 acres; yield 2,313 bushels; pear orchards 5
acres; yield 4 bushels; tobacco 70 acres; yield 42,265 pounds; broom-
corn 2 acres; yield 1,000 pounds; timothy meadow 14,200 acres ;
yield 17,801 tons; clover 3,302 acres; yield 3,445 tons; prairie
meadow 283 acres, yield 401 tons; Hungarian and millet, 69 acres,
yield 149 tons; sorgho, 97 acres, yield 8,520 gallons of syrup made;
vineyard 59 acres, yield 7,345 gallons of wine made; turnips and
other root crops, 498 acres, value of crops produced |2,037; other
912 HISTORY OF PIKE COtTNTT.
fruit and berries not included above or in orchard, 85 acres, value
$229; other crops not named above, 1,950 acres, value $6,437.
Pasture, not including wood land, 33,228 acres; wood land, not in-
cluded as pasture, 87,37.1; uncultivated land not included as wood
land or pasture, 60,665 acres. Area in city and town real estate
not included above, 1,605 acres. Number of sheep killed by dogs,
'791, average value per bead $2.07; number of pounds of wool
sheared, 49,609; number of fat sheep sold 2,378, average weight
per head 99 pounds; number of cows kept 6,062; pounds butter
sold 78,430; pounds of cheese sold 325; gallons of cream sold 16;
gallons of milk sold 8,538; number of fat cattle sold 4,747; average
gross weight 1,002 pounds; number of fat hogs sold 35,947; aver-
age weight per head 235 ; number of hogs and pigs died of cholera
30,259; average weight per head 70 pounds. Number of bushels
timothy seed produced, 516; of clover seed 977; of Hungarian and
millet 33; number of pounds of grapes 61,715.
In 1878 the agricultural returns of Pike county, were as follows:
Corn, 74,552 acres, and 2,314,209 bushels; winter wheat, 80,800
acres and 1,092,725 bushels; spring wheat, 66 acres, 168 bushels;
oats, 6,650 acres, 136,433 bushels; rye, 60 acres, 338 bushels; buck-
wheat, 19 acres, 217 bushels; castor beans, 1 acre, 4 bushels ; beans,
10 acres, 67 bushels; peas, 10 acres, 614 bushels; Irish potatoes,
611 acres, 34,688 bushels ; sweet potatoes,16 acres, 420 bushels; apple
orchard, 4,290 acres, fruit 60,847 bushels ; peach orchard, 49 acres,
1,085 bushels; pear orchard, 1 acre, 10 bushels; tobacco, 11 acres,
5,500 pounds; broom-corn, 19 acres, 16,000 pounds; timothy
meadow, 13,396 acres, 17,298 tons of hay produced ; clover meadow,
4,616 acres, 6,334 tons; prairie meadow, 33 acres, 29 tons of hay;
Hungarian and millet, 65 acres, 74 tons; sorgho, 152 acres, 11,017
gallons of syrup made; vineyard, 71 acres, 958 gallons of wine
made; turnips and other root crops, 109 acres, value of crop raised,
$1,094; other fruits and berries, not included in above and
orchard, 68 acres; value of crops, $734; other crops not named
above, 2,284 acres; value of crops, $4,500; pasture, not including
woodland, 33,773 acres; wood land, not included as pasture, 65,644
acres; uncultivated land, not included as wood land or pasture,
20,346 acres. Number of sheep killed by dogs, 958; average value
per head, $1.83, total value, $1,765; number of pounds of wool
shorn, 47,683; number of fat sheep sold, 1,389; average weight per
head, 70 pounds; number of cows kept, 2,891; pounds of butter
sold, 30,941; pounds of cheese sold, 725; gallons of cream sold, 196;
gallons ot milk sold, 10,288; number of fat cattle sold, 3,965, aver-
age weight per head, 945 pounds; total, 3,745,527 pounds; hogs,
number sold, 36,578; average weight per head, 240 pounds; total,
8,676,516 pounds; number of hogs and pigs died of cholera, 30,811;
average weight per head, 35 pounds; total number of pounds,
1,070;901. Number of bushels of timothy seed produced, 265;
clover seed, 1,827 bushels; Hungarian and millet seed, 33 bushels;
number of pounds of grapes, 48,300.
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY,
9ia
S'
00 CO 00 GOOD 00 00 00 00 00 GO 00 CO I
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914
HISTORY OF PIKE CO0NTT.
TABLE OF DISTANCES.
On the next page is -given a table of distances between all the
towns of this county, in a condensed and available form. The names
of the places are given in alphabetical order (except one in each),
and the table is arranged like the multiplication tables of the old
arithmetics of our school days in pioneer times. Therefore, to
find the distance from any one place to another, you trace the
column of figures running out from each until they meet; the num-
ber at that point is the number of miles by wagon road, counting on a
level, as surveyors of land do, between the two designated points.
'O5j^_ooooc
Valley City.
•-o rf^oo>:i-ctascoosh
5 tS 00 >j^ M=^ go C
Time.
^hStf^oiccaiOiaiz
tjummer Hill.
I rf^ or 00 00 h^ CO »■
Stewart.
Rockport.
5 ta 00 to ':d CJT CO c
Pleasant Hill.
^oicDcD-^a»t>DO»i-^osgo<;
Pittafield.
Perry Springs.
Perry.
.►f.-tOl-' !
Pearl.
5 05 C5 -Ci CS t-^ C
New Salem.
^ C?T Oi or >4s. 00 c
5 -;i 00 c;! i-t ri
New Hartford
New Canton.
Nebo.
Montezuma.
Milton.
fc^OOh^^^C7^C7lOlOOC
Maysville.
Martinsburg.
Kinderbook.
Hull's.
Griggsville
Florence.
Eldara.
East Hannibal
Detroit.
Cool Bank.
Chbwrow.
Cbambersb'rg
Bedford.
Baylis.
Barry.
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
915
Q
S-g.p i? S.^ S ^ d c S S 5 S »<lq -B f= ? a £ 3 ff
BBS.
E-» e^ p.
CO
s
o
1^0. Males under 31.
0 05 GO
CD 03 hf=^
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CK to CO CO
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05 to CD
CO CO to C
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to CTT 05 C
SCO CO to
> to -^O
No.Females under 21,
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gp to en
OS -q Oi
Oi O to
OT to h-^
1-^ fcOCS
CO CO 1-^
to o
-3 Ol
I Total No, Persons
under 21.
ODl-^tOOCO^hfi^OGDGOOOCO^-^CDGOCO-QC^OOCO
g 5; I Whole No. Districts.
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O6 >->- CT O W- O rfit-
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h-*- to OS
hf^OS
OS OS
Whole No.
Enrolled.
Pupils
CD h-i 00 -:i -3 OS CO-CO CSGOOM-OD OS--3l-i-OtOt-3as
^3 I No. Male Teachers.
01 )->■ M^Co^f^ocog0^f^-^^(OICoos ocnoicDCo-Jft^
gcD I No .Female Teachers,
en CO O -3 go -3 H^ O GO "Ci 00 CO -3 -:t CO O CO -^ Ol CO O hpa.
1:^ I No. School-houses.
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Total Receipts for
Year Ending Sept.
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Value of School
Property.
Principal of Town
ship Fund.
Highest Monthly-
Wages Paid
Male Teachers.
Highest Monthly
Wages Paid
Female Teachers.
Lowest Monthly
Wages Paid
Male Teachers.
Lowest Monthly
Wages Paid
Female Teachers .
916 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
PIKE COUNTY AGEICULTUEAL BOARD.
The " Pike County Agricultural Society " was organized March
16, 1852, at Pittsfield. D." B. Bash was called to the chair and
Henry T. Mudd was chosen Secretary. A constitution was adopted,
under which Michael J. Noyes was elected the first President. In
June following resolutions were passed urging upon the Legislature
of the State the necessity of encouraging agriculture, and of estah-
lishing Agricultural Schools, and recommending that model farms
be immediately purchased or reserved from sale out of the lands
given to the State, on which these schools should be established, etc.
In order to avail themselves of the benefit of the act of 1871 con-
cerning the re-organization of County Agricultural Societies, in
conformity to an act to create a Department of Agriculture, the
name of the society was changed to " The Pike County Agricultural
Board," electing E. M. Seeley, President, and W. H. Johnston,
Secretary, and other oflacers.
This organization has held a fair every year since its formation.
It first enclosed and furnished a fair ground in 1858. Before that
the fairs were held in the open woods, when no admission fee could
be charged. Expenses were defrayed by subscriptions. All the
fairs have been held at Pittsfield except one, which was at Griggs-
ville. The ground is just south of Pittsfield, and comprises nearly
25 acres. It is a fine enclosure.
TheoflScers for 1879 were: Allen 0. Kush, President; John
Whittleton, Yice- President; J. H. Crane,' Secretary; S. Grigsby,
Treasurer. Directors — C. B. Dustin, Frank Zerenberg, Allen 0.
Kush, N. P. Hart, Wm. K. Wills, Dan Bates, Geor-ge Watson, E.
N. French and Henry Hall.
The 28th annual fair was held in September, 1879, continuing
four consecutive days. The total of the premium list ofiered is
$5,000.
The society is now in a flourishing condition.
iZ/r C^' feS^^^^.
HADLEY TF
DIGEST OF STATE LAWS.
LAWS.
The courts recognize two kinds of law, Statute and Common.
Statute law is that which is enacted by the Legislature. Oommon
law consists of all the law of England, — whether Statute, or Com-
mon, which was in force in that country at the time of our inde-
pendence, and recognized by our courts, and which has not since
been repealed or disused. *
We have what is called established law. For this branch of
common law there is no authority excepting the decisions of the
courts; hence the value of the reported decisions which are pub-
lished by official reporters. The law presumes that every body is
acquainted with it. Mistakes of fact can be corrected by the courts,
but not mistakes of law; no man being permitted to take advantage
of a mistake of the law, either to enforce a right, or avoid an obli-
gation; for it would be dangerous and unwise to encourage igno-
rance of the law, by permitting a party to profit, or to escape, by his
ignorance. One is required at his peril to know the law of his own
country.
JURISDICTION OF COURTS.
Justices have jurisdiction in all civil cases on contracts for the
recovery of moneys for damages, for injury to real property, or tak-
ing, detaining, or injuring personal property; for rent; for all cases
to recover damages done to real or personal property, by railroad
companies; in actions of replevin; of actions for damages for fraud;
in the sale, purchase, or exchange of personal property, when the
amount claimed as due is not over $200. They have also jurisdic-
tion in all cases for violation of the ordinances of cities, towns, or
villages. A justice of the peace may orally order an officer or a
private person, to arrest any one committing, or attempting to com-
mit a criminal offense. He also, upon complaint, can issue his
warrant for the arrest of any person accused of having committed a
crime, and have him brought before him for examination.
920 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS.
COUNTT COURTS .
Have jurisdiction in all matters of probate (except in counties
having a population of one hundred thousand or over ), settlement
of estates of deceased persons, appointment of guardians and con-
servators, and settlements of their accounts; all matters relating to
apprentices; proceedings for the collection of taxes and assesments,
and in proceedings of executors, administrators, guardians, and
conservators, for the sale of real estate. In law cases, they have
concurrent jurisdiction with Circuit Courts in all cases where jus-
tices of the peace now have, or hereafter may have, jurisdiction
when the amount claimed shall not exceed $1,000; and in all crim-
inal offenses, where the punishment is not imprisonment in the pen-
itentiary or death, and in all cases of appeals from justices of peace
and police magistrates, except when the county judge is sitting as
a justice of the peace.
Circuit Courts have unlimited jurisdiction.
COMMISSIONERS OF HIGHWAYS.
The commissioners of highways in the different towns, have
the care and superintendence of highways, and bridges therein.
They have the power to lay out, vacate, regulate and repair all roads,,
build and repair bridges, and divide their respective towns into as
many road districts as they shall think convenient. This is to be
done annually, and ten days before the annual town meeting. In
addition to the above, it is their duty to erect and keep in repairs
at the forks or crossing-place of the most important roads, post and
guide-boards, with plain inscriptions, giving directions and dis-
tances to the most noted places to which such roads may lead; also
to make provisions to prevent thistles, burdock, cockle-burs, mus-
tard, yellow dock, Indian mallow, and jimson weed from seeding^
and to extirpate the same as far as practicable, and to prevent all
rank growth of vegetation on the public highways, so far as the
same may obstruct public travel; and it is in their discretion to
erect watering places for public use, for watering teams at such
points as may be deemed advisable. Every able-bodied male inhab-
itant, being above the age of twenty-one years, and under fifty, ex-
cepting paupers, idiots, lunatics, trustees of schools and school di-
rectors, and such others as are exempt by law, are required to labor
on highways in their respective road districts, not less than one.
DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 921
nor more tHan three days in each year. Three days' notice must
be given by the overseer, of the time and place he requires such
road labor to be done. The labor mi;st be performed in the road
district in which the person resides. Any person may commute
for such labor by paying the equivalent in money. Any person
liable for work on highways, who has been assessed two days or
more, and has not commuted, may be required to furnish team, or
a cart, wagon or plow, with a pair of horses or oxen and a man to
manage them, for which he will be entitled to two days' work.
Eight hourss is a days' work on the roads and there is a penalty of
twenty-five cents an hour against any person or substitute who
shall neglect or refuse to perform. Any person remaining idle, or
does not work faithfully, or hinders others from doing so, forfeits
to the town $2, Every person assessed and duly notified, who has
not commuted, and refuses or neglects to appear, shall forfeit to the
town for every day's refusal or neglect, the sum of $2; if he was
required to furnish a team, carriage, man or implements, and neg-
lects or refuses to comply, he is liable to the following fines: 1st,
For wholly failing to comply, $4 each day; 2d, For omitting to
furnish a man to manage team, $2 each day; 3d, For omitting to
furnish a pair of horses or oxen, $1.50 each day; 4th, For omitting
to furnish a wagon, cart or plow, 75 cents each day. The commis-
sioners estimate and assess the highway labor and road tax. The
road tax on real and personal property can not exceed forty cents
on each hundred-dollars' worth. The labor or road tax in villages,
towns or cities, is paid over to the corporate authorities of such,
for the improvement of streets, roads and bridges within their lim-
its.
The legal voters of townships, in counties under township organ-
ization may, by a majority vote, at their annual town meeting,
order that the road tax may be collected in money only.
Overseers. — Their duties are to repair and keep in order the high-
ways in their districts ; to warn persons to work out their road tax
at such time and place as they think proper; to collect fines and
commutation money, and execute all lawful orders of the commis-
•sioners of highways; also make list, within sixteen days after their
election, of the names of all inhabitants in his road district, liable
to work on highways. For refusal to perform any of his duties he
is liable to a fine of $10.
922 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS.
As all township and county officers are familiar with their duties,
it is here intended only to give the points of law with which the
public should be familiar. The manner of laying out, altering, or
vacating roads, etc., will not be here stated, as it would require
more space than can be spared in a work like this. It is sufficient
to state that the first step is by. petition, addressed to the commis-
sioners, setting out what is prayed for, giving the names of the
owners of the lands, if known (if not known, so state), over which the
road is to pass, giving the general jeourse, its place of beginning,
and where it terminates. It requires not less than twelve freehold-
ers residing within three miles of the road, who shall sign the peti-
tion. Public roads must not be less than fifty, nor more than sixty
feet wide. Eoads not exceeding two miles in length, if petitioned
for, may be laid out not less than forty feet wide. Private roads
for private and public use may be laid out three rods wide, on peti-
tion of the pei'son directly interested; the damage occasioned there-
by shall be paid by the premises benefited thereby, and before the
road is opened. If not opened in two years, the order shall be con-
sidered recinded. Commissioners in their discretion may permit
persons who live on or have private roads, to work out their road
tax thereon. Public roads must be opened in five years from date
of filing order of location, or be deemed vacated.
FENCES. '
The town assessor and commissioners of highways shall be fence
viewers in their respective towns in counties under township organ-
ization. In other counties, the county board appoints three in each
precinct, annually.
A lawful fence is four and one-half feet high and in good-repair,
consisting of rails, timbers, boards, stones, hedges, or any other
material the fence viewers may deem sufficient. The electors at
any annual town meeting may determine what shall constitute a
legal fence in the town.
Division fences shall be made and maintained in just proportion
by the adjoining owners, except where the owner shall choose to let
his land lie open ; but after a division fence has been built by niu- _
tual agreement or otherwise, it shall not be lawful for either party
to remove his part of said fence, so long as he may crop or use such
lands for farm purposes, or without giving the other party one
year's notice in writing, of his intention to move his portion of the
DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 923
fence. Adjoining owners should endeavor, if possible, mutually to
agree as to the proportion that each shall maintain of the division
fence between their adjoining lands; and the agreement should be
reduced to writing, each party, taking a copy. When any person
shall enclose his land upon the enclosure of another, he shall refund
the owner of the adjoining lands a just proportion of the value at
that time of such fence. The value of such fence, and the propor-
tion thereof to be paid by such person, and the proportion of the
division fence to be made aijd maintained by him, in case of his
inclosing his land, shall be determined by two fence viewers of the
town. Such fence viewers have power to settle all disputes between
owners as to fences built or to be built, as well as con,cerning repairs
to be made. Each party chooses one of the viewers, but if the
other party neglects, after eight days' notice in writing, to make
his choice, then the other party may select both. It is sufficient to
notify the tenant, or party in possession, when the owner is not a
resident of the town in which such fences are situated. The two
fence viewers chosen, after viewing the premises, shall hear the
statements of the parties. In case they can't agree, they shall se-
lect another fence viewer to act with them, and the decision of any
two of them shall be final. The decision must be reduced to writ-
ing, and should plainly set out a description of the fence and all
matters settled by them, and must be filed in the office of the town
clerk.
If any person who is liable to contribute to the erection or repa-
ration of a division fence, shall neglect or refuse to make or repair
his proportion of such fence, the party injured,after giving sixty days'
notice, in writing, that a new fence should be erected, or ten days'
notice, in writing, that the repair of such fence is necessary, may
make or repair the same at the expense of the party so neglecting
or refusing, to be recovered from him with costs of suit; and the
party so neglecting or refusing, after notice in writing, shall be lia-
ble to the party injured for all damages which shall thereby accrue,
to be determined by any two fence viewers. "When a person shall
conclude to remove his part of the division fence and let his land
lie open, and having given the year's notice required, the adjoining
owner may cause the value of said fence to be ascertained by fence
viewers as before provided ; and on payment or tender of the
amount of such valuation to the owner, it shall prevent the removal.
924 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS.
A party removing a division fence without notice is liable for the
damages accruing thereby.
Where a fence has been built on the land of another through
mistake, the owner may enter upon. such premises and remove his
fence and material within six months after the division line has
been ascertained. Where the material to build such a fence has
been taken from the land on which it was built, then before it can
be removed, the person claiming must first pay for such material,
to the owner of the land from which it was taken ; nor shall such a
fence be removed at a time when the removal will throw open or
expose the crops of the other party; a reasonable time must be
given beyond fhe six months to remove crops.
The compensation of fence viewers is one dollar and fifty cents
a day each, to be paid in the first instance by the party calling them;
but in the end all expenses, including amount charged by the fence
viewers, must be paid equally by the parties, except in cases where
a pa,rty neglects or refuses to make or maintain a just proportion of
a division fence, when the party in default shall pay them.
DKAIMGE.
Whenever one or more owners or occupants of land desire to con-
struct a drain or ditch, through another man's land, the right can
be had only under legislative authority, or is granted or exists by
prescription or by consent of the owner.
Dripping water from one house upon Another can be allowed only
where the owner has acquired the right by grant or prescription;
and no one has a fight to construct his house so as to let the water
drip over his neighbor's land.
TRESPASS OF STOCK.
Where stock of any kind breaks into any person's inclosure, the
fence being good and sufiicient,-the owner is liable for the damage
done; but where the damage is done by stock running at large, con-
trary to law, the owner is liable where there is not such a fence.
Where stock is found trespassing on the inclosure of another as
aforesaid, the owner or occupier of the premises may take posses-
sion of such stock and keep the same until damages, with reasonable
charges for keeping and feeding, and all costs of suit, are paid.
Any person taking or rescuing such stock so held, without his con-
sent, shall be liable to a fine of not less than three nor more than
DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 925
-Qye dollars for each animal rescued, to be recovered by suit before
a justice of the peace, for the use of the school fund. Within twen-
ty-four hours after taking such animalinto his possession, the per-
son taking it up must give notice of the fact to the owner, if known ;
or if unknown, notice must be posted in some public place near the
premises.
ESTKATS.
Stray animals are those whose owner is unknown, any beasts, not
wild, found on one's premises, and not owned by the occupant. Any
animals found straying at any time during the year, in counties
where such animals are not allowed to run at large, or between the
last day of October and the 15th day of April in other counties, the
owner being unknown, may be taken up as estrays. A party who
wishes to detain property as an estray, must show an exact compli-
ance with the law. In order to vest the property of the stray in
him, such acts must appear in detail on the record.
No person not a householder in the county where the estray is
found can lawfully take up an estray, and then only upon or about
his farm or place of residence. Estrays should not be used before
advertised, except animals giving milk, which may be milked for
their benefit. Notices must be posted up within five days in three,
of the most public places in the town or precinct in which the es-
tray was found, giving the residence of the taker-up, and a partic-
ular description of the estray, its age, color, and marks natural and
artificial, and stating before what justice of the peace in such town
or precinct, and at what time, not less than ten nor more than fif-
teen days from the time of posting such notices, he will apply to
have the estray apprised. If the owner of an estray shall not have
appeared and proved ownership and taken the same away, first
paying the taker-up his reasonable charges for taking up, keeping,
•and advertising the same, the taker-up shall appear before the justice
mentioned in above notice, and make an aflSdavit as required by
law. All subsequent proceedings are before the justice who is fa-
miliar therewith; therefore we omit them here.
Any person taking up an estray at any other place than about or
upon his farm or residence, or without complying with the law, shall
forfeit and pay a fine of ten dollars with costs. Ordinary diligence
is required in taking care of estrays, but in case they die or get
away, the taker-up is not liable for the same.
926
DIGEST OF STATE LAWS.
If a man finds estrays in his field he is not bound to retain them
for the owner, but may drive them off' into the highway without
being liable to an action. But a person who chases a horse out of
his field with a large fierce dog, commits an unlawful act, and is
liable for any injury which the act occasions. A person who takes
anestray to keep for the owner, but does not pursue the course pre-
scribed by statute, is not liable to an action unless he uses the same
or I'efuses to deliver it on demand. Riding a horse to discover the
owner is not "use."
HORSES
Are animals of a domestic nature. Under the age of four years
they are called colts. A borrower of ahorse is liable ibr negligence,,
misuse, or gross want of skill in use. The lender is liable in case
the animal lent is unfit or dangerous, as he thus may occasion
injury. The animal should be used only for the purpose and to the
extent stipulated, and not by a servant.
If he dies from disease, or is killed by inevitable accident, the bor-
rower is not liable. Defects which are manifest, open and plain to an
ordinary observer, and those also which are known to the buyer, are
not usually covered by a general warranty. The former requires
no skill to discover them, and the latter may be objected to or
acquiesced in at the time of the purchase. In the case of latent
defects existing in such a condition that they could not be detected
by the buyer, and are known to the seller, who fails to disclose them
to the buyer, the latter practices a constructive fraud, unless the
animal is sold " with all faults." By consenting to purchase the
horse " with all faults," the purchaser takes upon himself the risk
of latent or secret defects, and calculates the price accordingly..
But even this kind of a purchase would be voidable if the seller
had purposely, and to deceive the purchaser, covered, filled up,
patched, plastered, or otherwise practiced fraud to conceal any
defects, and he would be liable.
Hiring out a horse and carriage to perform a particular journey,
carries with it the warranty of the person letting the horse and
carriage, that each of them is fit and competent for such journey;
but, if a horse is hired for one purpose, and is used for another and
is injured, the hirer is liable for the damage sustained. The hirer
is in all cases answerable for ordinary neglect. If he uses the
hired horse as a prudent man would his own, he is not liable for
DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. .927
any damage which the horse may receive. If, however, he keeps
the hired horse after a stipulated time, or uses it differently from
his agreement, he is in any event liable. If the hirer sells the horse,
the owner may recover its value of the purchaser, though the pur-
chaser had in good faith given the hirer full value for it, as the
hirer could give no better title than he had himself.
Mischievous animals render their owners liable when known to
them to be so, and they are responsible for the damage they may do
when they permit them to go at large. Any person may justify
the killing of ferocious animals.
MARKS ANIV BRANDS.
Owners of cattle, horses, hogs, sheep or goats, may have one ear-
mark and one brand, which shall be different from his neighbors',
and may be recorded by the county clerk of the county in which
such property is kept. The fee for such record is fifteen cents. .The
record of such shall be open to examination free of charge. In
cases of disputes as to marks or brands, such record is prima-faoie
evidence. Owners of cattle, horses, hogs, sheep or goats, that may
have been branded by former owners, may be rebranded in presence
of one or more of his neighbors, who shall certify to the facts of
the marking or branding being done, when done, and in what brand
or mark they were re-branded or re-marked, which certificate may
also be recorded as before stated,
ARTICLES OF AGREEMEJVT.
An agreement is virtually a contract by which a certain person
(or persons) agrees or contracts to perform certain duties within a
specified time. Good business men always reduce an agreement to
writing, which nearly always saves misunderstandings and long
and expensive lawsuits. No particular form is necessary, but the
facts must be clearly and explicitly stated ; and there must be a
reasonable consideration, else the agreement is void.
Unless it is expressly stipulated that the agreement is binding for
a longer time, the contract expires at the end of one year. Every
agreement should state most distinctly the time within which its
conditions are to be complied with. A discovery of fraud, or mis-
representation by one party to the agreement, or changing of the
date renders the contract void. Each party should retain a copy of
the agreement.
928 . DIGEST OF STATE LAWS.
GENERAL FORM OF AGEEEMENT.
This Agreement, made the third day of November, 1878, between
Damon Clarke of Macomb, county of McDonough, State of Illinois,
of the first part, and William Hays, of the same place, of the
second part.
WITNESSETH, That the said Damon Clarkte, in consideration of
the agreement of the pdrty of the second part, hereinafter contained,
contracts, and agrees to, and with the said William Hays, that he
will deliver in good and marketable condition, at the city of Gales-
burg, 111., during the month of December of this year, nine hun-
dred bushels of corn, in the following lots, and at the following
specified times, namely: one hundred bushels by the fifth of Decem-
ber, three hundred bushels by the fifteenth of December, and the
balance by the thirtieth of December.
And the said William Hays in consideration of the prompt ful-
fillment of this contract on the part of the party of the second
part, contracts to, and agrees with the said Damon Clarke, to pay
for said corn fifty cents per bushel as soon as delivered.
In case of failure of agreement by either of the parties hereto, it
is hereby stipulated and agreed that the party so failing shall pay
to the other, one hundred dollars, as fixed and settled damages.
In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands the day and
year first above written : Damon Clarke,
William Hats.
NOTES.
A note is legal, worded in the simplest way, so that the amount
and time of payment are mentioned. The following is a good form:
$100 Chicago, III., May 1, 1879.
Thirty days after date I promise to pay F. M. Chapmanj
or order, one hundred dollars, for value received.
S. T. Lewis.
To make a note payable in anything else than money, insert the
facts instead of the sum of money alone; unless paid when due, it
is payable in money. To hold an indorser of a note, due diligence
must be used by suit in collecting of the maker, unless suit would
have been unavailing. Notes payable to person named or to order,
in order to absolutely transfer title, must be indorsed by the payer.
Notes payable to bearer may be transferred by delivery, and when
so payable, every indorser thereon is held as a guarantor of pay-
ment unless otherwise expressed.
The limit of time in which action may be brought on a note is
10 years.
DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 929
If the note is payable to a person or order, or to a person or
bearer, to a person or his assigns, or to a cashier of an incorporated
, company, such notes are negotiable.
When transferring a note, the indorser frees himself from respon-
sibility, so far as the payment is concerned, by writing on the back,
above his signature, without recourse to me in any event.
A note is void when founded upon fraud. Thus a note obtained
from a person when intoxicated, or obtained for any reason which
is illegal, cannot be collected. A note given on Sunday is also void.
No defense can be made against negotiable paper purchased
before maturity for good consideration in the usual course of busi-
ness, without knowledge of facts impeaching its validity, except
fraud was used in obtaining the same. Thus if A gives his note
to B for $150, receives in consideration a shawl and five pieces of
cloth. The former was represented to be worth $75, and the cloth
the best imported English goods. When, in fac^ the shawl was
only worth $8, and suits made of the cloth wore out in less than
six weeks, long before the note was due. B, however, had sold the
note to C, who did not know the circumstances, and before it was
due — A would be obliged to pay it.
JUDGMENT NOTE.
For value received I promise to pay Ewing Summers, of Gales-
burg, or order, two hundred dollars, with interest, on the first day
of January next. And, further, I do hereby empower any attorney
of any court of record in Blinois, or elsewhere, to appear for me,
and after a declaration filed therefor, to confess a judgment against
me in the above sum, as of last, next, or any subsequent term, with
cost of suit, release of error, etc., with stay of execution until said
first day of January.
Witness my hand and seal at Galesburg, 111., this sixth day of
March, in the year one thousand eight hundred and seventy-nine.
[seal] John Jones.
INTEREST.
Interest is the compensation which is paid by the borrower of
money to the lender for its use. When the debtor expressly under-
takes to pay interest, he is bound to pay it; but if a party has
accepted the principal, he cannot recover interest in a separate
action. During the course of dealings between parties, a promise
to pay is implied, and ^lie debtor is bound to pay. So also on an
930 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS.
account stated, whenever the debtor knows precisely what he is to
pay, and when he is to pay it, after a demand _ot' payment; but
* interest is not due on a running account, even when the items are
all on one side, unless otherwise agreed upon. Where the terms of
' a promissory note are that it shall be paid by installments, and on
the failure of any installment the whole is to become due, interest
on the whole becomes payable from the first default. "Where, by
the terra, of a bond or promissory note, interest is to be paid annu-
ally, and the principal at a distant day, the interest may be recov-
ered before the principal is due.
Interest is collectible in the following cases: For goods sold and
delivered after the stipulated term of credit has expired; if there be
no credit, then from the time of sale; on judgment debts, from the
rendition of judgment; on money obtained by fraud, or where ii
has been wrongfully detained (for whoever receives money not his
own, and detains it from the owner unlawfully, must pay interest
therefor: hence a public officer retaining money wrongfully is lia-
ble for the interest); on money paid by mistake, or recovered on a
void execution; on money lent or laid out for another's use; and
rent, from the time that it is due.
When the rate of interest is specified in any contract, that rate
continues until full payment is made. A debt barred by the
statute of limitations and revived by an acknowledgment bears
interest for the whole time.
Computing Interest. — In casting interest on notes, bonds, etc.,
upon which partial payments have been made, every payment is to
be first applied to discharge the interest; but the interest is never
allowed to form a part of the principal, so as to carry interest.
When a partial payment is made before the debt is due, it cannot
be apportioned part to the debt and part to the interest, but at the
end interest shall be charged on the whole sura, and the obligor
shall receive credit for the interest on the amount paid until the
interest becomes due.
The legal rate of interest is six per cent. Parties may agree in
writing on a rate not exceeding eight per cent. If a rate of interest
greater than eight per cent, is contracted for, the penalty is a for-
feiture of the entire interest, and only the principal can be
recovered.
In computing interest or discount on negotiable instruments, a
DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 931
month shall be considered a calendar month or twelfth of a year,
and for less than a month, a day shall be figured a thirtieth part of
a month. Notes bear interest only when so expressed; but after
due they draw the legal interest, six per cent., even if not stated.
Notes payable on demand or at sight draw no interest until after
presentation or demand of the same has been made, unless they
provide for interest from date on their face. If "with interest" is
included in the note, it draws the legal rate from the time it is
made. If the note is to draw a special rate of interest, higher than
the legal, but not higher than the law allows, the rate must be
specified.
WILLS.
The legal declaration of a person's mind, determining the man-
ner in which he would have his property or estate disposed of after
his death, is termed a will. No exact form of words is necessarv
in order to make a will good at law, though much care should be
exercised to state the provisions of the will so plainly that its lan-
guage may not be misunderstood.
Every male person of the age of twenty-one years, and every
female of the age of eighteen years, of sound mind, can make a
valid will. It must be in writing, signed by the testator, or by
some one in his or her presence, and by his or her direction, and
attested by two or more credible witnesses. Care should be taken
that the witnesses are not interested in the will.
The person making the will may appoint his or her executors ;
but no person can serve as such executor if he or she be an alien at
the time of proving the will, if he be under twenty-one years ot
age, a convict, a drunkard, a lunatic, or an imbecile.
Persons knowing themselves to have been appointed executors,
must, within thirty days after the death of deceased, cause the will
to be proved and recorded in the proper county, or present it and
refuse to accept. In case of faih;re to do so, they are liable to for-
feit the sum of twenty dollars per month. Inventory to be made
by executor or administrator within three months from date of let-
ters testamentary or administration.
The person making a will is termed the " testator " (if a female,
the "testatrix")-
A will is of no force and effect until the death of the testator.
932
DIGEST OF STATE LAWS.
and can be cancelled or modified at any date by the maker. The
last will made annuls the force of all preceding wills.
A will made by an unmarried woman is legally revoked by mar-
riage; but she can take such legal steps in the settlement of her
property before marriage as will empower her to dispose of the
same as she may choose after marriage. No husband can make a
will that will deprive the wife of her right of dower in the prop-
erty; but the .husband can will the wife a certain amount in lieu of
her dower, stating it to be in lieu thereof. Such bequest, however,
will not exclude her from her dower, provided she prefers it to the
bequest made in the will. Unless the husband states distinctly
that the bequest is in lieu of dower, she is entitled to both.
In case a married woman possesses property and dies without a
will, her husband is entitled to administer upon such property in
preference to any one else, provided he be of sound mind.
Notice requiring all claims to be presented against the estate
shall be given by the administrator within six months after being
qualified. Any person having a claim and not presenting it at the
time fixed by said notice, is required to have summons issued noti-
fying the executor of having filed his claim in court. Claims
should be filed within two years from the time administration is
granted on an estate, as after that time they are forever barred,,
unless other estate be found that was not inventoried. Married
women, infants, persons insane, imprisoned, or without the United
States, in the employment of the United States, or of this State,
have two years after their disabilities are removed to file
claims. Claims are classified and paid out of the estate in the fol-
lowing manner:
1st. Funeral expenses.
2d. The widow's award, if there is a widow ; or children, if there
are children and no widow.
3d. Expenses attending the last illness, not including the physi-
cian's bill.
ith. Debts due the common school or township fund.
5th. All expenses of proving the will and taking out letters
testamentary or of administration, and settlement of the estate, and
the physician's bill in the last illness of the deceased.
6th. Where the deceased has received money in trust for any
purpose, his executor or administrator shall pay out of his estate
the amount received and not accounted for.
DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 93S
7th. All other debts and demands of wliatsoever kind, without
regard to quality or dignity, which shall be exhibited to the court
within two years from the granting of letters.
Award to the widow and children, exclusive of debts and legacies
or bequests, except funeral expenses:
Ist. The family pictures- and wearing apparel, jewels and orna-
ments of herself and minor children.
2d. School books and" the family library to the value of $100.
3d. One sewing-machine.
4th. Necessary beds, bedsteads and bedding for herself and
family.
5th. The stoves and pipe used in the family, with the necessary
cooking utensils; or, in case they have none, $50 in money.
6th. Household and kitchen furniture to the value of $100.
7th. One milch cow and calf for every four members of her
family.
8th. Two sheep for each member of her family, and the fleeces,
taken from the same, and one horse, saddle and bridle.
9th. Provisions for herself and family for one year.
10th. Food for the stock above specified for six months.
11th. Fuel for herself and family for three months.
12th. One hundred dollars' worth of other property suited to her
condition in life, to be selected by the widow.
The widow, if she elects, may have in lieu of the said award, the
same personal property or money in place thereof as is or may be
exempt from execution or attachment against the head of a family.
GENEEAL FOEM OF WILL FOK EEAL AND PEESONAL PEOPBETY.
I, Samuel T. Lewis, of the city of Chicago, county of Cook,
State of Illinois, being aware of the uncertainty of life, and in
failing health, but of sound mind and memory, do make and declare
this to be my last will and testament, in manner following, to-wit:
First. I give, devise and bequeath to my oldest son, Franklin
M. Lewis, the sum of Four Thousand dollars of bank stock, now
in the First National Bank, Chicago, Illinois, and the farm owned
by myself, in Ontario township, Knox county, Illinois, consisting
of one hundred and sixty acres, with all the houses, tenements, and
improvements thereunto belonging; to have and to hold unto my
said son, his heirs and assigns, forever.
Second. I give, devise and bequeath to each of my daughters,
LidaLouan Lewis, and Fannie Antionette Lewis, each two thousand
934 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS.
dollars in bank stock, in the First National Bank of Chicago, Illinois,
and also each one quarter section of land, owned by myself, situ-
ated in the town of Delavan, Tazewell county, Illinois, and recorded
in my name in the E«corder's office of said county. The north one
hundred and sixty acres of said half section is devised to my elder
daughter Lida Louan.
Third. I give, devise and bequeath to my son, Fred Davis
Lewis, five shares of railroad stock, in the 0., B. & Q. Eailroad,
and my own one hundred and sixty acres of land and saw-mill
thereon, situated in Astoria, Illinois, with all the improvements and
appurtenances thereunto belonging, which said real estate is re-
corded in my name, in the county where situated.
Fourth. I give to my wife, Tryphena Lewis, all my household
furniture, goods, chattels, and personal property, about my house,
not hitherto disposed of, including ten thousand dollars in bank
stock, in the First National Bank of Chicago, Illinois, fifteen shares
in the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Eailroad, and the free and
unrestricted use, possession and benefits of the home farm, so long
as she may live, in lieu of dower, to which she is entitled by law;
said farm being my present place of residence.
Fifth. I bequeath to my invalid father, Samuel T. Lewis, Sr.,
the income from the rents of my store building, at Canton, Illinois,
during the term of his natural life. Said building and land there-
with revert to my said sons and daugliters in equal proportions,
upon the demise of my said father.
Sixth. It is also my will and desire, that at the deaj;h of my
wife, Tryphena Lewis, or at any time she may arrange to relinquish
her life interest in the above mentioned homestead, the same may
revert to my above' named children, or to the lawful heirs of each.
And, Lastly. I appoint as executors of this, my last will and
testament, my wife Tryphena Lewis, and my eldest son, Franklin
M. Lewis.
I further direct that my debts and necessary funeral expenses
shall be paid from moneys now on deposit in the First National
Bank, Pekin, Illinois, the residue of such moneys to revert to my
wife, Tryphena Lewis, for her use forever.
In witness thereof, I, Samuel T. Lewis, to this, my last will and
testament, have hereunto set my hand and seal, this third day of
March, eighteen hundred and seventy.
[L. S.] Samtjel T. Lewis.
Signed, sealed and delivered by Samuel T. Lewis, as and for his
last will and testament, in the presence of us, who, at his request,
and in his presence, and in the presence of each other, have sub-
scribed our names hereunto as witnesses thereof.
Fred D. Selleck, Chicago, Illinois,
Erastus Child, Oneida, Illinois.
DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 935
CODICIL.
Whereas, I, Samuel T. Lewis, did, on the third day of March,
one thousand eight hundred and seventy, make my last will and
testament, I do now, by this writing, add this codicil to my said
will, to be taken as a part thereof.
Whereas, by the dispensation of Providence, my daughter Lida
Lonan, has deceased, November fifth, eighteen hundred and seventy-
four, and, whereas, a son has been born to me, which son is now
christened Charles J3archard Lewis, I give and bequeath unto him
my gold watch, and all right, interest and title in lands and bank
stock and chattels bequeathed to my deceased daughter Lida Louan,
in the body of this will
In witness thereof, I hereunto set my hand and seal, this fifth
day of March, eighteen hundred and seventy-nine.
[L. S.] Samuel T. Lewis.
Signed, sedled, published and declared to us by the testator,
Samuel T. Lewis, as and for a codicil, to be annexed to his last will
and testament. And we, at his request, and in his presence, and in
the presence of each other, have subscribed our names as witnesses
thereto, at the date hereof.
Erastus Child, Oneida, 111.
E. C. Johnson, Chicago, 111.
DESCENT.
When no will is made, the property of a deceased person is dis-
tributed as follows:
First. To his or her children and their descendants, in equal
parts; the descendants of the deceased child or grand child taking
the share of their deceased parents, in equal parts among them.
Second. Where there is no child, no descendant of such child,
and no widow or surviving husband, then to the parents, brothers
and sisters of the deceased, and their descendants, in equal parts,
the surviving parent, if either be dedd, taking a double portion;
and if there is no parent living, then to the brothers and sisters of
the intestate and their descendants.
Third. When there is a widow or surviving husband, and no
child or children, or descendants of the same, then one-half of the
real estate and the whole of the personal estate shall descend to
such widow or surviving husband, absolutely, and the other half of
the real estate shall descend as in other cases where there is no
child or children, or descendants of the same.
Fourth. When there is a widow or surviving husband, and also
936 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS.
a child or children, or descendants of the latter, then one-third of
all personal estate to the widow or surviving husband, absolutely.
Fifth. If there be no child, parent, brother or sister, or
descendants of either of them, and no widow or surviving husband,
then in equal parts to the next of kin to the intestate in equal
degree. Collaterals shall not be represented except with the
descendants of brother and sister of the intestate, and there shall
be no distinction between kindred of the whole and the half-blood.
Sixth. If any intestate leaves a widow or surviving husband
and no kindred, then to such widow or surviving husband; and if
there is no such widow or surviving husband, it shall escheat to and
invest in the county where the same or the greater portion thereof
is situated.
DEEDS.
A deed is a sealed instrument in writing, conveying lands and
appurtenances thereon from one person to another, and special care
should be taken to have them signed, sealed, delivered and properly
acknowledged, with the proper seal attached. "Witnesses are not
necessary. The law in this State provides that an acknowledg-
ment must be made before certain persons authorized to take the
same. These officers are: Master in Chancery, Notary Public,
Circuit or County Clerk, Justice of th^ Peace. United States Com-
missioner, or any Court of Record having a seal, or any Judge,
Justice or Clerk of any such court: The instrument shall be
attested by the official seal of the officer taking the acknowledg-
ment, and when taken by a Justice of the Peace residing out of the
county where the real estate to be conveyed lies, there shall be
added a certificate of the County Clerk under his seal of office, that
he was a Justice of the Peace in the county at the time of taking
the same. A deed is good without such certificate attached, but
cannot be used in evidence unless such a certificate is produced or
other competent evidence introduced. Acknowledgments made
out of the State must either be executed according to the laws ot
this State, or there should be attached a certificate that is in conform-
ity with the laws of the State or country where executed. Where
tliis is not done the same may be proved by any other legal way.
Acknowledgments where the Homestead rights are to be waived
must state as follows: " Including the release and waiver of the
right of homestead."
DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 93Y
To render a deed valid, there must be a sufficient consideration.
To enable a person to legally convey property to another, the fol-
lowing requisites are necessary; 1st, he or she must be of age;
2d, must be of sane mind; and, 3d, he or she must be the rightful
owner of the property.
Any alterations or interlineations in the deed should be noted at
the bottom of the instrument, and properly witnessed. After the
acknowledgment of a deed, the parties have no right to make the
slightest alterations. An alteration after the acknowledgment in
favor of the grantee vitiates the deed. The maker of a deed is
called the "grantor;" the person or party to whom the deed is
delivered, the " grantee." The wife of the grantor must ackowl-
edge the deed, or else, after the death of her husband, she will be
entitled to one-third interest in the property, as dower, during her
life. Her acknowledgment of the deed must be of her own free
will and accord.
By a general warranty deed the grantor engages to secure the
grantee in any right or possession to the property conveyed against
all persons whatsoever. A quit-claim deed releases what interest
the grantor may have in the land, but does not warrant and defend
against others. We do not give form for a deed, as printed forms
are used by all. Deeds should be recorded without delay.
MORTGAGES AND TRUST DEEDS
Are conditional conveyances of estates or property by way of
pledge for the security of debt, and to become void on payment of
it. Special care should be taken to have them signed, sealed
delivered, and properly acknowledged, with the proper seal attached.
All kinds of property, real or personal, which are capable of an
absolute sale, may be the subject of a mortgage.
Mortgages of personal property need not be under seal. In the
absence of stipulation to the contrary, the mortgagee of personal
property has the legal title thereto, and the right of possession, and
he may have an action against any one taking them from the mort-
gagor. And although the mortgage contains no express stipulation
that the mortgagor shall remain in possession until default of pay-
ment, and with a power to sell for the mortgagee's debt, the mort-
gagee may nevertheless sustain trover against an officer attaching
the goods as the property of the mortgagor.
938 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS.
A mortgage must be in writing when it is intended to convey the
legal title. It must be in one single deed which contains the whole
contract.
Redemption must be made within one year from the sale.
Wliere, however, the mortgagee takes the property for an absolute
discharge of the debt, then the equity or right of redemption is
barred. Satisfaction, or release of a mortgage, may be made on
the margin of the record, or by an instrument duly acknowledged.
The wife need not join in this release.
TKUST DEEDS.
Trust deeds are taken generally in preference to mortgages,
especially by non-residents, for in case of foreclosure under the
power of sale there can be no redemption. Advertisement, sale,
and deed is made by the trustee.
Mortgages of personal property, or chattel mortgages, can be
given for a period of only two years, and cannot be renewed or
extended. Acknowledgment may be had before a Justice of the
Peace of the town or district in which the mortgagor resides. If
the mortgagor is a non-resident, then before any oflBcer authorized
by law to take acknowledgments. Foreclosures may be effected
upon default, and possession, and sale of the property taken and
made; any delay will invalidate the mortgagee's lien.
LIENS.
Any person who shall by contract, expressed or implied, or
partly both, with the owner of any lot or tract of land, furnish
labor or material, or services as an architect or superintendent, in
building, altering, repairing, or ornamenting any house, or other
building or appurtenance thereto on such lot, or upon any street or
alley, and connected with such improvements, shall have a lien
upon the whole of such lot or tract of land, and upon such house
or building and appurtenances for the amount due him for labor,
material or services. If the contract is expressed, and the time for
the completion of the work is beyond three years from the com-
mencement thereof; or, if the time of payment is beyond one year
from the time stipulated for the completion of the work, then no
lien exists. If the contract is implied, then no lien exists, unless
the work be done, or material furnished, within one year from the
commencement of the work or delivery of the material. As
DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 939
between different creditors having liens, no preference is given to
the one whose contract was made first; but each shares pro rata.
Incumbrances existing upon the lot or tract of the land at the time
the contract is made do not operate on the improvements, and are
only preferred to the extent of the value of the land at the time of
making the contract. The above lien- cannot be enforced unless
suit is commenced within six months after the last payment for
labor or materials shall have become due and payable. Sub-con-
tractors, mechanics, workmen, and other persons furnishing any
material, or performing any labor for a contractor, as above speci-
fied, have a lien to the extent of the amount due the contractor at
the time the following notice was served upon the owner of the
land who made the contract:
To : You are hereby notified that I have been employed
by [here state whether to labor or to furnish material,
and substantially. the nature of the demand] upon your [here state
in general terms description and situation of building], and that I
shall hold the [building, or as the case may be], and your interest
in the ground liable for the amount that may [is or may become]
due me on account thereof. [Signature] .
Dated, .
If there is a contract in writing between contractor and sub-con-
tractor, a copy of it should be served with the above notice, and such
notice must be served within forty days from the completion of
such sub-contract,. if there is one; if not, then from the time pay-
ment should have been made to the person performing the labor
or furnishing the material. If the owner is not a resident of the
county, or cannot be found therein, then the above notice must be
filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court, with his fee, fifty cents,
and a copy of such notice must be published in a newspaper pub-
lished in the county for four successive weeks.
When the owner or agent is notified as above he can retain any
money due the contractor sufiicient to pay such claim; if more
than one claim, and not enough to pay all, they are to be paid pro
rata.
The owner has a right to demand in writing a statement of the
contractor, of what he owes for labor, etc., from time to time as the
work progresses.
The' liens referred to cover any and all estates, whether in fee for
940 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS.
life, for years, or any other interest which the owner may have.
To enforce the liens of sub-contractors, suit must be commenced
within three months from the time of the performance of the sub-
contract, or during the work or furnishing materials.
Hotel, inn and hoarding-house Jceejaers have a lien upon the
baggage and other valuabjes of their guests or boarders brought
into such hotel, inn, or boarding-house, by their guests or boarders
for the proper charges due from such guests or boarders for their
accommodation, board and lodging, and such extras as are furnished
at their request.
Stable-Tieejpers and other persons have a lien upon the horses,
carriages and harness kept by them for the proper charges due for
the keeping thereof, and expenses bestowed thereon at the request
of the owner, or the person having the possession of the same.
Agisters (persons who take care of cattle belonging to others)
and persons keeping, yarding, feeding, or pasturing domestic ani-
mals shall have a lien upon the animals agistered, kept, yarded or
fed for the proper charges due for such service.
All persons who may furnish any railroad corporation in this
State with fuel, ties, material, supplies, or any other article or thing
necessary for the construction, maintenance, operation or repair of
its road by contract, or may perform worker labor for the same, are
entitled to be paid as part of the current expenses of the road, and
have a lien upon all its property. Sub-contractors or laborers have
also a lien. The conditions and limitations, both as to contractors
and to sub-contractors, are about the same as herein stated, as to
general liens,
BILL OF SALE.
A bill of sale is a written agreement to another party for a con-
sideration to convey his right and interest in the personal property.
The pui-chaser must take actual possession of the property. Juries
have power to determine upon the fairness or unfairness of a bill
of sale.
COMMON FOKM OF BILL OF SALE. .
Know All Men by this instrument, that I, B. F. Lewis, of Chi-
cago, Illinois, of the first part, for and in consideration of six hun-
dred and fifty dollars, to me paid by Columbus C. Chapman,
Astoria, Illinois, of the second part, the receipt whereof is hereby
acknowledged, have sold, and by this instrument do convey unto
DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 941
the said Chapman, party of the second part, his executors, admin-
istrators, and assigns, my undivided half of ten acres of corn on
my farm in the town of Deer Creek, Illinois ; one pair of horses,
twenty sheep, and five cows, belonging to me, and in my possession
at the farm aforesaid; to have and to hold the same unto the party
of the second part, his executors and assigns, forever. And I do,
for myself and legal representatives, agree with the said party of
the second part, and his legal representatives, to warrant and defend
the sale of the aforementioned property and chattels unto the said
party of the second part, and his Ipgal representatives, against all
and every person whatsoever.
In witness whereof I have hereunto affixed my hand this tenth
day of October, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-nine.
B. F. Lewis.
DATS OF GEACE.
No check, draft, bill of exchange, promissory note, order, or
negotiable instrument, payable at sight or on demand, or on pre-
sentment, shall be entitled to days of grace. All other bills of
exchange, drafts or notes are entitled to three days of grace. All
the above-mentioned paper falling due on Sunday, New Year's day.
Fourth of July, Christmas, or any day appointed or recommended
by the President of the United States or Governor of the State as
a day of fasting or thanksgiving, shall be deemed as due on the
day previous ; and should two or more of these days come together,
then such instrument shall be treated as due on the day previous to
the first of said days.
LIMITATION OF ACTION.
The limit of time in which action may be brought on certain
things is as follows: Open accounts, five years; notes and written
contracts, ten years; judgments, twenty years; partial payments or
new promise in writing, within or after said period, will revive
the debt; absence from the State deducted, and when the cause of
action is barred by the law of another State, it has the same effect
here; assault, slander, libel, replevin, one year; personal injuries,
two years; to recover land or make entry thereon, twenty years; and
sealed and witnessed instruments, as action to foreclose mortgage
or trust deed, within ten years. All persons in possession of land,
and paying taxes for seven consecutive years, with color of title, and
all persons paying taxes for seven consecutive years, with color of
title, on vacant land, shall be held to be the legal owners to the
extent of their paper title.
94:2 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS.
RECEIPTS.
Eeceipts should always state when received and what for; and if
receipt is in full it should be so stated. We give two forms:
rOK MONEY ON ACCOUNT.
Eeceived, Knoxville, 111., Nov. 10, 1878, of J. C. Cover, sixty
dollars on account. $60. J. H. Feanklin.
FOE MONET ADVANCED ON A CONTEACT.
$100. Galesbueg, III., June 9, 1868.
Received of Fernando Eoss, one hundred dollars, in advance, on
contract to build for him a brick house at No. 76 Kellogg street.
Samuel J. Chapman.
EXEMPTIONS FROM FORCED SALES.
The following personal property and home worth $1,000, — Lot
of ground and buildings thereon, occupied as a residence by the
debtor, being a householder and having a family, to the value of
$1,000. Exemption continues after the death of the householder for
the benefit of the widow and family, some of them occupying the
homestead until the youngest shall become twenty-one years of age,
and until the death of the widow. There is no exemption from sale
for taxes, assessments, debt or liability incurred for the purchase or
improvement of said homestead. No release or waiver of exemption
is valid unless in writing and subscribed by such householder and
wife (if he has one), and acknowledged as conveyances of real estate
are required to be acknowledged.
The following articles of personal property owned by the debtor
are exempt from execution, writ of attachment, and distress for rent:
The necessary wearing apparel. Bibles, school-books and family pic-
tures of every person; and one hundred doUars'worth of other prop-
erty, to be selected by the debtor, and in addition, when the debtor
is the head of a family and resides with the same, three hundred dol-
lars' worth of other property to be selected by the debtor, — provided
that such selection and exemption shall not be made hy the debtor
or allowed to him or her from any money, salary or wages due him or
her from any person or persons or corporations whatever. When the
head of the family dies, deserts, or does not reside with the same,
the family shall be entitled to and receive all the benefit and priv-
ilege which are by this act conferred upon the head of a family
residing with the same. No personal property is exempt from exe-
DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 943
cution when judgment is obtained for the wages of laborers or ser-
vants. "Wages of a laborer who is the head of a family cannot be
garnisheed except for the sum due him in excess of $25.
LANDLOEDS AND TENANTS.
The principal obligation on the part of a landlord, which is in
fact always to be implied as a necessary condition to his receiving
any rent, is, that the tenant shall enjoy the quiet possession of the
premises, — which means, substantially, that he shall not be turned
out of possession of the whole or any material part of the premises
by any one having a title paramount to that of the landlord, or that
the landlord shall not himself disturb or render his occupation un-
comfortable by the erection of a nuisance on or near the premises,
or otherwise oblige him to quit possession. But if he be ousted by a
stranger, — that is, by one having no title,— or after the rent has
fallen due, or if the molestation proceeds from acts of a third person,
the landload is in neither case responsible for it. Another obligation
which the law imposes on the landlord, in the absence of any ex-
press stipulation in the lease, is the payment of all taxes chargeable
upon the property, or any ground rents or interest upon mortgages
to which it may be subject. Every landlord is bound to protect his
tenant against all paramount claims. And if a tenant is compelled,
in order to protect himself in the enjoyment of the land in respect
of which his rent is payable, to make payment which ought, as be-
tween himself and his landlord, to have been made by the latter, he
may call upon the landlord to reimburse him, or he may deduct
such payment from the rent due or to become due. But the land-
lord is under no obligation to make repairs, or to rebuild in case the
premises should be burned; nor does he guaranty that they are
reasonably fit for the purpose for which they are taken. And it is
not in the power of a tenant to make repairs at the expense of his
landlord, unless there be a special agreement between them author-
izing him to do so; for the tenant takes the premises for better or
worse, and cannot involve the landlord in expense for repairs without
his consent. Even if the premises have become uninhabitable by
fire, and the landlord, having i;isured them, has recovered the
insurance money, the tenant cannot compel him to expend the
money so recovered in rebuilding, unless he has expressly engaged
to do so ; nor can he i n such an event protect himself from the payment
of rent during the unexpired balance of the term, unless exempted
944 • DIGEST OF STATE LAWS.
therefrom by statute or the terms of the lease. The uninhabit-
ableness of a house is not a good defense to an action for rent. If
the landlord expressly covenanted to repair, the tenant cannot quit
and discharge himself of rent because the repairs are not made, un-
less there is a provision to that effect; and if a landlord is bound by
custom or by express agreement to repair, this obligation, and the
obligation of the tenant to pay rent, are independent of each other,
so that the refusal or neglect of the landlord to repair is no answer
to a demand for rent. The tenant is answerable for any neglect to
repair highways, fences, or party walls. He is also liable for all
injuries produced by the mismanagement of his servants, or by a
nuisance kept upon the premises, or by an obstruction of the high-
ways adjacent to them, or the like. One of the principal obligations
which the law imposes upon every tenant, independent of any agree-
•ment, is to treat the premises in such a manner that no substantial
injury shall be done to them, and so that they may revert to the
landlord at the end of the term unimpaired by any willful or negli-
gent conduct on his part.
A tenancy from year to year requires sixty days' notice in writing
to terminate the same at the end of the year; such notice can be
given at any time within four months preceding the last sixty days
of the year.
A tenancy by the month, or less than a year, where the tenant
holds over without any special agreement, the landlord may termi-
nate the tenancy by thirty days' notice in writing.
When rent is due, the landlord may serve a notice upon the ten-
ant, stating that unless the rent is paid within not less than five
days, his lease will be terminated; if the rent is not paid, the land-
lord may consider the lease ended. When a default is made in any
of the terms of the lease, it shall not be necessary to give more
than ten days' notice to quit or of the termination of such tenancy;
and the same may be terminated on giving such notice to quit, at
any time after such default in any of the terms of such lease;
which notice may be substantially in the following form :
To , You are hereby notified that, in consequence of your
default [here insert the character of the default], of the premises
now occupied by you, being, etc., [here describe the premises], I
have elected to determine your lease, and you are hereby notified to
quit and deliver up possession of the same to me within ten days of
this date [dated, etc].
DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 945
The above to be signed by the lessor or his agent, and no other
notice or demand of possession or termination of such tenancy is
necessary.
Demand may be made or notice served by delivering a writteil or
printed, or partly either, copy thereof to the tenant, or leaving the
same with some person above the age of twelve years, residing on
or in possession of the premises; and in case no one is in actual
possession of said premises, then by posting the same on the prem-
ises. When the tenancy is for a certain time, and the term expires
by the terms of the lease, the tenant is then bound to surrender
possession, and no notice to quit or demand possession is necessary.
DISTRESS FOE BENT.
In all cases of distress for rent, the landlord, by himself, his agent
or his attorney, may seize for rent any personal property of his ten-
ant that may be found in the county where the tenant resides. The
property of any other person, even if found on the premises, is not
liable.
An inventory of the property levied upon, with a statement of
the amount of rent claimed, should be at once. filed with some
Justice of the Peace, if not over $200; and if above that sum, with
the Clerk of a Court of Kecord of competent jurisdiction. Property
may be released by a party executing a satisfactory bond for double
the amount.
The landlord may distrain for rent any time within six months
after the expiration of the term of lease, or when terminated.
In ail cases where the premises rented shall be sub-let, or the
lease assigned, the landlord shall have the same right to enforce
lien against such lessee or assignee, that he has against the tenant
to whom the premises were rented.
When a tenant abandons or removes from the premises, or any
part thereof, the landlord, or his agent or his attorney may seize
upon any grain or crops grown or growing upon the premises, or
part thereof so abandoned, whether the rent is due or not. If such
grain or other crops, or any part thereof, is not fully grown or
matured, the landlord, or his agent or attorney shall cause the same
to be properly cultivated, harvested or gathered, and may sell the
same, and from the proceeds pay all his labor, expenses and rent.
The tenant may, before the sale of such property, redeem the same
946 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS.
by tendering the rent and reasonable compensation for the work
done, or he may replevy the same.
EXEMPTION.
The same articles of personal property which are by law exempt
from execution, except the crops, as above mentioned, are also
exempt from distress for rent.
If any tenant is about to, or shall permit, or attempt to sell or
remove from the premises, without the consent of his landlord,
such portion of the crops raised thereon as will endanger the lien
of the landlord upon such crops, for the rent, it shall be lawful for
the landlord to distress before rent is due..
CRIMINAL LAW
Is that branch of jurisprudence which treats of criminal offenses.
The extreme importance of a knowledge of criminal law is self-
evident; for a mistake in point of law, which every person of dis-
cretion not only may know, but is bound and presumed to know, is
in criminal cases no defense. This law is administered upon the
principle that every one must be taken conclusively to know it,
without proof that he does know it. This doctrine has been carried
so far as to include the case of a foreigner charged with a crime
which was no offense in his own country. And further, the
criminal law, whether common or statute, is imperative with refer-
ence to the conduct of individuals; so that, if a statute forbids or
commands a thing to be done, all acts or omissions contrary to the
prohibition or command of the statute are offenses at common law,
and ordinarily indictable as such. "When a statute punishes a
crime by its legal designation without enumerating the acts which
constitute it, then it is necessary to resort to the common law for a
definition of the crime with its distinctions and qualifications. So,
if an act is made criminal, but no mode of prosecution is directed
or no punishment provided, the common law (in the absence of a
statute to the contrary) furnishes its aid, prescribing the mode of
prosecution by indictment, and its mode of punishment by fine and
inprisonment. So far, therefore, as the rules and principles of com-
mon law are applicable to the' administration of the criminal law,
and have not been altered or modified by legislation or judicial
decisions, they have the same force and effect as laws finally enacted.
DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 947
The following are some of the leading principles of the criminal
law:
1. Every man is presumed to be innocent till the contrary is
shown; and if there is any reasonable doubt of his guilt, he is en-
titled to the benefit of the doubt.
2. In general, no person can be brought to trial till a grand jury
on examination of the charge has found reason to hold him to trial.
3. The prisoner is entitled to trial by a jury of his peers, who are
chosen from the body of the people with a view to impartiality, and
whose decision on questions of facts is final.
4. The question of his guilt is to be determined without reference
to his general character, previous history, or habits of life.
5. The prisoner cannot be required to criminate himself, nor be
compelled even to exculpate himself by giving his own testimony
on trial.
6. He cannot be twice put in jeopardy for the same offense.
7. He cannot be punished for an act which was not an oflfense by
the law existing at the time of its commission; nor can a serverer
punishment be inflicted than was declared by the law at the time of
its commission.
Crimes are sometjmes classified according to the degree of pun-
ishment incurred by their commission. They are more generally
arranged according to the nature of the offense. The following is,
perhaps, as complete a classification as the subject admits:
I. Offenses against the sovereignty of the State — 1, treason; 2
misprision of treason.
II. Offenses against the lives and persons of individuals — 1,
murder; 2, manslaughter; 3, attempt to kill or murder; 4, may-
hem; 5, rape ; 6, robbery; 7, kidnapping; 8, false imprisonment;
9, abduction; 10, assault and battery.
III. Offenses against public property — 1, burning or destroying
public property; 2, injury to same.
IV. Offenses against private property — 1, arson; 2, burglary;
3, larceny; 4, obtaining goods under false pretenses; 5, embezzle-
ment ; 6, malicious mischief.
T. Offenses against fiMic justice — 1, perjury; 2, bribery; 3,
destroying public records; 4, counterfeiting public ?eals ; 5, jail
breach" 6, escape; 7, resistance to officers; 8, obstructing legal
process; 9, barratry; 10, maintenance; 11, champerty; 12, con-
948 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS.
tempt of court; 13, oppression; 14, extortion; 15, suppression of
evidence; 16, compounding felony; 17, misprision of felony.
VI. Offenses against the publio peace — 1, challenging or accept-
ing a challenge to a duel; 2, unlawful assembly; 3, rows; 4, riot;
5, breach of the peace; 6, libel.
VII. Offenses against chastity— I, sodomy; 2, bestiality; 3,
adultery; 4, incest; 5, bigamy; 6, seduction; 7, fornication; 8,
lascivious carriage; 9, keeping and frequenting houses of ill-fame.
VIII. Offenses against public policy — 1, false currency; 2, lot-
teries; 3, gambling; 4, immoral shows; 5, violation of the right
of suffrage; 6, destruction of game, fish, etc.; 7, nuisance.
IX. Offenses against the currency, and public and private
securities — 1, forgery; 2, counterfeiting; 3, passing counterfeit
money.
X. Offenses against religion and morality — 1, blasphemy; 2,
profanity; 3, Sabbath-breaking; 4, obscenity; 5, cruelty to ani-
mals; 6, drunkenness; 7, promoting intemperance. ^
XI. Offenses agai/nst the public^ individuals, or their property
— 1, conspiracy.
TAXES.
The owners of real and personal property, on the first day of
March of each year, are liable for taxes thereon.
Assessments should be completed before the fourth Monday in
June, at which time the Town Board of Review meets to examine
assessments, hear objections, and make such changes as ought to be
made. The County Board have also power to correct or change
assessments.
The tax-books are placed in the hands of the Town Collector on
or before the tenth day of December, who retains them until the
tenth day of March following, when he is required to return them
to the County Treasurer, who then collects all delinquent taxes.
No costs accrue on real estate taxes until advertised, which takes
place on the first day of April, when three weeks' notice is required
before judgment. Cost of advertising, twenty cents each tract of
land, and ten cents each lot.
Judgment is usually obtained at the May term of County Court.
Costs six cents each tract of land, and five cents each lot. Sale
takes place in June. Costs, in addition to those mentioned, twen-
DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 949
ty-eight cents each tract of land, and twenty-seven cents each
town lot.
Real estate sold for taxes may be redeemed any time before the
expiration of two years from the date of sale by payment to the
County Clerk of the amount for which it was sold, and twenty-five
per cent, thereon if redeemed within six months, fifty per cent, if
redeemed between six and twelve months; if between twelve and
eighteen months, seventy-five per cent., and if between eighteen
months and two years, one hundred per cent. ; and, in addition, all
subsequent taxes paid by the purchaser, with ten per cent, interest
thereon; also, one dollar feach tract, if notice is given by the pur-
chaser of the sale, and a fee of twenty-five cents to the Clerk for
his certificate.
SUBSCEIPTIO!?.
The selling of books by subscription is so frequently brought
into disrepute by agents making representations not authorized by
the publishers, that the public are often swindled. That there
may be more general knowledge of the relation such agents bear
to their principal, and the law governing such cases, we give the
following rules, which, if followed, will save a great deal of trouble
and perhaps serious loss.
A subscription is the placing of a signature below a written or
printed engagement. It is the act by which a person contracts, in
writing, to furnish a sum of money for a particular purpose: as, a
subscription to a charitable institution, a subscription for a book,
and the like. In the case of a book, the consideration is concur-
rent that the publisher shall publish the book named, and deliver
the same, for which the subscriber is to pay the price named. The
prospectus and sample should be carefully examined before sub-
scribing, as they are the basis and consideration of the promise to
pay, and not the too often exaggerated statements of the agent,
who is merely employed to solicit subscriptions, for which he
usually receives a commission for each subscriber, and has no
authority to change or alter the conditions upon which the sub-
scriptions are authorized to be made by the publishers. Should
the agent assume to agree to make the subscription conditional, or
modify or change the agreement of the publisher, as set out by
the prospectus and sample, in order to bind the publishers, the
960
DIGEST OF STATE LAWS.
subscriber should see that such condition or change is stated over,
or in connection with his signature, so the publishers may have
notice of the same. >
When several persons promise to contribute to a common object,
desired by all, the promise of each may be a good consideration for
the promise of others. In general subscriptions on certain condi-
tions in favor of the party subscribing, are binding when the acts
stipulated are performed. Subscription is in the nature of a con-
tract of mutual promises. All persons should remember that the
law as to written contracts is, that they can not he altered^ varied, or
rescinded verbally, but if done at all, must be done in writing. • It
is therefore important that all persons contemplating subscribing
should distinctly understand that all talk before or after the sub-
scription is made is not admissible as evidence, and is no part of
the contract. Persons before signing their names to any subscrip-
tion book, or any written instrument, should carefully examine
what it is; if they cannot read, they should call on some one dis-
interested who can.
Persons who solicit subscriptions are known to the trade as can-
vassers. They are agents appointed to do a particular business in
a prescribed mode, and have no authority to do it in any other way
to the prejudice of their principal, nor can they bind their principal
in any other matter. They can not collect money, or agree that
payment may be made in anything else than money. They cani:y)t
extend the time of payment beyond the time of delivery, nor bind
their principal for payment of expenses iiicurred in their business.
Where you pay money to an agent you should satisfy yourself of
his authority to collect money for his employer.
CONTRACT FOR PERSONAL SERVICES.
When a contract is entire and has been only partially fulfilled,,
the party in fault may nevertheless recover from the other party for
the actual beiaefit received and retained by the other party, less the
damages sustained by such other party by reason of the partial
non-fulfillment of the contract. This may be done in all cases
where the other party has received benefit from the partial fulfill-
ment of the contract, whether he has so received the same from
choice or from the necessities of the case. Where D hired B to
work for him for seven months at $15 per month, and B worked
DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 951
for D only fifty-nine days, and then quit without any reasonable
excuse therefor, it was held that B might nevertheless recover from
T> for what the work was reasonably worth, less any damage that
D may have sustained by reason of the partial non-fulfillment of
the contract.
NEWSPAPER LIBEL.
Allowing the most liberal rule as to the liability of persons in
public employment to criticism for their conduct in which the
public are interested, there never has been a rule which subjected
persons, private or public, to be falsely traduced. No publication
is privileged except a bona fide representation, made without
malice, to the proper authority, complaining on reasonable grounds.
The nearest approach to this license is where the person vilified
presents himself before the body of the public as a candidate for an
elective office. But even then there is no doctrine which will sub-
ject him without remedy to every species of malevolent attack.
TENDER.
If the tender be of money, it can be a defense only when made
before the action was brought. A tender does not bar the debt as.
a payment would, for in general he is bound to pay the sum which
he tendered, whenever he is required to do so. But it puts a stop
to accruing damages or interest for delay in payment, and saves
the defendant costs. It need not be made by the defendant person-
ally; if made by a third person, at his request, it is sufficient; and
if made by a stranger without his knowledge or request, a subse-
quent assent of the debtor will operate as a ratification of the
agency, and make the tender good. Any person may make a valid
tender for an idiot. If an agent, furnished with money to make a
tender, at his own risk tender more, it is good. So, a tender need
not be made to a creditor personally; but it must be made to an
agent actually authorized to receive the money. If the money be
due to several jointly, it may be tendered to either, but must be
pleaded as made to all. The whole sum due must be tendered, as
the creditor is not bound to receive a part of his debt. If the
tender be of the whole debt, it is valid. If the obligation be in the
alternative, one thing or another, as the creditor may choose, the
tender should be of both, that he may make his choice. To make
a tender of money valid the money must be actually produced and
952 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS.
proflFered, unless the creditor expressly or impliedly waives this
production. The debtor is not bound to count out the money, if he
has it and offers it. No conditions must be annexed to the tender,
which the creditor can have any good reason whatever for objecting
to; as for instance, that he should give a receipt in full of all
demands. The tender should be made in money made lawful by
the State in which it is offered. Generally, a tender is valid and
effectual if made at any time after the debt is due; and a demand
made after the tender if for more than the sum tendered, will not
avoid the tender. Certainly not, if the demand is for more than
the real debt, although the excess was for another debt truly due.
Tender of Chattels. — The thing tendered may not be money, but
some specific article. If one is bound to deliver chattels at a partic-
ular time and place, it may not be enough if he has them there; they
may be mingled with others of a like kind which he is not to
deliver. Or they may need some act of separation, or identifica.
tion, or completion, before they could become the property of the
other party. Generally, if no time or place be specified, the articles
are to be delivered where they are at the time of the contract,
unless collateral circumstances designate a different place. If the
time be fixed, but not the place, then it will be presumed that the
deliverer was to bring the articles to the receiver at that time, and
for that purpose he must go with the chattels to the residence of the
receiver, unless something in their very nature or use, or some other
circumstances of equivalent force, distinctly implies that they are
to be left at some other place. It may happen, from the cumbrons-
ness of the chattels or other circumstances, that it is reasonable and
just for the deliverer to ascertain from the receiver, long enough
beforehand, where they shall be delivered; and then he would be
held to this as a legal obligation. So, too, in such a case, the
receiver would have a right to designate to the detiner, a reasonable
time beforehand, a place of delivery reasonably convenient to both
parties, and the deliverer would be bound by such directions. If
no place be iudicated, and the deliverer is not in fault in this, he
may deliver the chattels to the receiver, in person, at any place
which is reasonably convenient. And if the receiver refuses or
neglects to appoint any place, or purposely avoids receiving notice
of a place, the deliverer may appoint any place, with a reasonable
DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 953
regard to the convenience of the other party, and there deliver the
articles.
If the promise be to pay at a certain time, or deliver certain
chattels, it is a promise in the alternative; and the alternative
belongs to the promisor; he may do either the one or the other, at
his election; nor need he make his election until the time when the
promise is to be performed; but after that day has passed without
election on his part, the promisee has an absolute right to the
money, and may bring his action for it. A contract to deliver a
certain quantity of merchandise at a certain time means, of course,
to deliver the whole then. If by the terms of the contract certain
specific articles are to be delivered at a certain time and place in pay-
ment of an existing debt, this contract is fully discharged and the
debt is paid, by a complete and legal tender of the articles at the
time and place, although the promisee was not there to receive
them ; and no action can thereafter be maintained on the contract.
But the property in the goods has passed to the creditor, and he
may retain them as his own.
DRUNKENNESS
Is the condition of a person who is under the immediate influence
of intoxicating liquors. This condition presents various degrees of
intensity, ranging from a simple exhilaration to a state of utter
unconsciousness and insensibility.
The common law shows but little disposition to afford relief^
either in civil or criminal cases, from the immediate effects of
drunkenness. It lias never considered drunkenness alone as a sufli-
cient reason for invalidating any act.
"When carried so far as to deprive the party of all consciousness*
strong presumption of fraud is raised ; and on that ground courts
may interfere.
Courts of equity decline to interfere in favor of parties pleading
intoxication in the performance of a civil act.
The law does, however, recognize two kinds of inculpable drunk-
enness viz. : that which is produced by the " unskillfulness of his
physician," and that which is produced by the "contrivance of
enemies." To this may be added cases where a party drinks no
more liquor than he has habitually used without being intoxicated,
and which exerts an unusually potent effect on the brain in con-
sequence of certain pathological conditions.
954
DIGEST OF STATE LAWS.
MARRIAGE CONTRACT.
Marriage is a contract, made in due form of law, by which a man
and woman reciprocally engage to live with each other during their
joint lives, and to discharge towards each other the duties imposed
by law on the relation of husband and wife. The marriage contract
is in law a civil contract, to which the consent of the parties is
essential. The marriage relation can only be entered into, main-
tained, and abrogated as provided by law. It is dissolved by death
or divorce. A marriage which is valid by the law of the country
in which it is contracted, is valid in this State. To make a valid
marriage, the parties must be willing to contract, able to contract,
and have actually contracted. All persons are able to contract
marriage unless they are under the legal age, or unless there be
other disability; the age of consent at common law is fourteen in
males and twelve in females. When a person under this age mar-
ries, such person can, when he or she arrives at the age above speci-
fied, avoid the marriage, or such person or both may, if the other is
of legal age, confirm it; if either of the parties is under seven, the
marriage is void. If either of the party is non compos mentis or
insane, or has a husband or wife living, the marriage is void.
The parties must each be willing to marry the other. If eitner
party acts under compulsion, or is under duress, the marriage is
voidable.
The husband is bound to receive his wife at home, and should fur-
nish her with all the necessaries and conveniencies which his for-
tune enables him to do, and which her situation requires, but this
does not include such luxuries as, according to her fancy, she deems
necessaries. He is bound to love his wife and bear with her faults,
and, if possible, by mild means, to correct them; arid he is required
to fulfill towards her his marital promise of fidelity.
Being the head of the family, the husband has a right to estab-
lish himself wherever he may please, and in this he cannot be con-
trolled by his wife; he may manage his afiairs in his own way, buy
and sell all kinds of personal property, without her control, and lie
may buy any real estate he may deem proper; but as the wife
acquires a right in the latter, he cannot sell it without her consent.
A wife is under obligations to love, honor and obey her husband,
and is bound to follow him wherever in the country he may go and
establish himself, provided it is not for other causes unreasonable.
DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 955
She is under obligation to be faithful in chastity to her marriage
vow. A wife has the right to tlie love and protecting care of her
husband; she has the right to share his bed and board; she can call
upon her husband to provide her with the necessary food and
clothing, according to her position in life, and if he neglects or re-
fuses to do so, she can procure them on his account.
MAEEIED WOMEN
May bargain, sell, and convey their real and personal property, and
enter into contracts with reference to the same. The wife may be
the agent of the husband, and transact for hjm business, making,
accepting or endorsing bills or notes, purchasing goods, rendering
bills, collecting money and receipting for the same, and in general,
entering into any contract so as to bind him, if she has his authority
to do so. And while they continue to live together, the law con-
siders the wife as clothed with authority by the husband to buy for
him and his family all things necessary, in kind and quantit}', for
the proper support of his family; and for such purchases made by
her he is liable. The husband is responsible for necessaries sup-
plied to his wife, if he does not supply them himself, and he
continues so liable if he turns her out of his house or otherwise
separates himself from her, without good cause. But he is not so
liable if she deserts him, (without extreme provocation) or if he
turns her away for good cause. If she leaves him because he treats
her so ill that she has good right to go from him and his house,
this is the same thing as turning her a\\'ay ; and she carries with her
his credit for all necessaries supplied to her. But what the mis-
conduct must be to give tliis right, is uncertain. But the law un-
doubtedly is, that the wife is not obliged to stay and endure cruelty
or indecency. It is also held, that if a man lives with a woman as
his wife, and represents her to be so, he is liable for necessaries sup-
plied to her, and her contracts, in the same way as if she were his wife-
The statutes intend to secure to a inarried woman all her rights.
But many women about to marry — or their friends for them — •
often wish to secure to them certain powers and rights, and to limit
these in certain ways or to make sure that their property is in safe
and skillful hands. This can only be done by conveying artd trans-
ferring the property to trustees; that is, to certain persons to hold
the same in trust.
956
DIGEST OF STATE LAWS.
A married woman may sue and be sued. At the death ol' the
husband, in addition to the widow's award, a married woman has a
dower interest [one-third] in all real estate owned by her husband
after their marriage, and which has not been released by her, and
the husband has the same interest in the real estate of the wife,
after her death.
SCHOOL MONTH.
NUMBER OF DATS IN A SCHOOL MONTH TEACHEES' HOLIDAYS.
The law of this State says that a school month shdll comprise
twenty-two school days, actually taught. It also provides that
teachers shall not be required to teach on legal holidays, thanks-
giving or fast-days, appointed by State or National authority.
SCHOOL OHILDKEn's STUDIES.
The rulings of courts are that the trustees of a school district
may prescribe what studies sliall be pursued, and may regulate the
classification of the pupils ; but that a parent may select, from the
branches pursued, those which the child shall study, so long as the
exercise of such selection does not interfere with the system pre-
scribed for the school ; that the child cannot be excluded from onfe
study simply because he is deficient in another ; the rule requiring
his exclusion is unreasonable, and cannot be enforced.
INFANTS
Can make a binding contract for necessaries only. An infant can
never bind himself even for necessaries when he has a parent or
guardian who supplies his wants. What are considered, necessaries
depend upon the rank and circumstances of the infant in the par-
ticular case. All his other contracts are considered voidaile and
void. An infant's contract on a bill or note is voidable. Hia
liability may be established by ratification after full age.
The confirmation or ratification must be distinct, and vi^ith a knowl-
edge that he is not liable on the contract. A mere acknowledgment
of a debt, or a payment of a part of it, will not support an action
an such a contract. When an infant indorses negotiable notes or
bills he does not pass any interest in them as against himself; his
act is voidable, but neither the acceptor nor subsequent indorser
can oblige his infancy to evade their liability; nor can the drawer
of a bill set up the infancy of a payee and indorser as a defense to
DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 957
an action thereon against liimself. An infant may sue on a bill,
but he sues by his guardian or next friend, and payment should
accordingly be made to him.
Parties contracting with an infant assume all the inconveniences
incident to the protection which the law allows him. In law
infanCv extends to the age of twenty-one years.
ADOPTION OF CHILDREN.
Children may be adopted by any resident of this State by filing
a petition in the Circuit or County Court of the county in which
he resides, asking leave to do so ; and, if desired, may ask that the
name of the child be changed. Such petition, if made, by a person
having a husband or wife, will not be granted unless the husband
and wife joins therein, as the adoption must be by them jointly.
The petition shall state name, sex, and age of child, and the new
name, if it is desired to change the name; also, the name and resi-
dence of the parents of the child, if known, and of the guardian,
if any, and whether the parents or guardian consent to the
adoption.
The Court must find, before granting decree, that the parents of
the child, or the survivors of them, have deserted his or her family,
or such child, for one year next preceding the application ; or, if
neither is living, that the guardian (if no guardian, the next of
kin in this State capable of giving consent) has had notice of the
presentation of the petition, and consents to such adoption. If
the child is at the age of fourteen or upwards, the adoption cannot
be made without its consent.
CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS
May be legally made by electing or appointing, according to the
usages or customs of the body of which it is a part, at any meeting
held for that purpose, two or more of its members or trustees, war-
dens or vestrymen, and may adopt a corporate name. The Chair-
man or Secretary of such meeting shall, as soon as possible, make
and file in the office of the Recorder of Deeds of the county an
aflidavit substantially in the following form:
State of Illinois, ] ^^
Cottnty. f ■
J ^ do solemnly swear [or affirm, as the case may be]
that at a meeting of the members of the [here insert the name of
958 DIGEST OJ STATE LAWS.
the church, society, or congregation, as known before organization]
held at [here insert the place of meeting], in the County of ,
and State of Illinois, on the day of , A. J). 18 — , for
that purpose, the following persons were elected [or appointed;
here insert the names] trustees, wardens, vestrymen [or officers by
whatever name they may choose to adopt, with power similar to
trustees], according to the rules and usages of such [church,
society, or congregation], and said adopted as its corporate
name [here insert name], and at said meeting this affiant acted as
[Chairman or Secretary, as the case may be].
Subscribed and sworn to before me this — '■ — day of ,
A. D. 18—. [Name of affiant] .
Which affidavit must be recorded by the Eecorder, and shall be,
or a certified copy made by the Recorder, received as evidence of
such corporation.
JSIo certificate of election after the first need be filed for record.
The. term of office of the trustees, and the general government of
the society can be determined by the rules and by-laws adopted.
Failure to elect trustees at the time provided does not work a dis-
solution, but the old trustees hold over. A trustee or trustees may
be removed, in the same manner, by the societ}'^, as elections are
held by a meeting called for that purpose. The property of the
society rests in the corporation. The corporation raay hold, or
acquire by purchase or otherwise, land not exceeding ten acres,, for
the purpose of the society. The trustees have the care, custody
and control of the property of the corporation, and can, when
directed by the society, erect houses or improvements, and repair
and alter the same, and may also when so directed by the society,
mortgage, encumber, sell and convey any real or personal estate
belonging to the corporation, and make all proper contracts in the
name of such corporation. But they are prohibited by law from
encumbering or interfering with any property so as to destroy the
eiFect of any gift, grant, devise or bequest to the corporation; but
such gifts, grants, devises or bequests must in all cases be used so
as to carry out the object intended by the persons making the same.
Existing churches may organize in the manner herein set forth, and
have all the advantages thereof.
GA.ME
Consists of birds and beasts of a wild nature, obtained by fowling
and hunting. The last few years have shown a general interest by
DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 959
the people in having wise and just laws passed for the protection of
fish and game. It is apparent to all that, unless these laws are
vigorously enforced, the time will soon come when fish and game
will be so scarce as to be within the reach of only the wealthy.
Under proper regulations our streams of pure running water would
all be filled with fish, as in other years, and our prairies, fields and
forests alive with their great variety of game. It is a question that
interests all, and the game laws should be enforced.
The following are sections 1 and 6 of the Game Law of 1873, of
this State, as amended by the act approved May 14th, 1877:
Sec. 1. That it shall be unlawful for any person or persons to
hunt or pursue, kill or trap, net or ensnare, destroy, or attempt to
kill, trap, net, ensnare, or otherwise destroy any prairie hen or
■chicken, or any woodcock, between the 15th day of January and the
1st day of September in each and every year; or any deer, fawn,
wild turkey, ruffed grouse (commonly called partridge), or pheas-
ant, between the 1st day of February and the 1st day of October
in each and every year; or any quail between the 1st day of Feb-
ruary and the 1st day of ]N"ovember in each and every year; or any
wild goose, duck, snipe, brant, or other waterfowl between the 1st
■day of May and the 15th day of August in each and every year:
Provided, That it shall be iinlawful for any person or persons to
net any quail at any time after this act shall take effect and be in
force: and provided further. That it shall be unlawful for any per-
son or persons who is or are non-residents of this State to kill,
• ensnare, net or trap any deer, fawn, wild turkey, prairie heji or
chicken, ruffed grouse, quail, woodcock, wild goose, wild duck or
brant, or any snipe, in any county of this State, at any time, for
the purpose of selling or marketing or removing the same outside
-of this State. Every person who violates any of the provisions of
this section shall, for each and every offense, be deemed guilty of a
misdemeanor, and on conviction shall be fined not less than five dol-
lars ($5) nor more than twenty-five dollars ($25) and costs of suit for
•each and every separate bird or animal of the above enumerated
list, so unlawfully hunted or pursued, killed, trapped, netted,
ensnared, or destroyed or attempted to be killed, trapped, netted,
ensnared, or otherwise destroyed, and shall stand committed to the
■county jail until such fine and costs are paid, but such imprison-
ment shall not exceed ten days.
960 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS.
Sec. 6. No person or persons shall sell or expose for sale, or
have in his or their possession for the purpose of selling or expos-
ing for sale, any of the animals, wild fowls or birds mentioned in
section 1 of this act, after the expiration of five days next succeed-
ing the first day of the period in which it shall be unlawful to
kill, trap, net, or ensnare such animals, wild fowls or birds. And
any person so offending shall, on conviction, be fined and dealt with
as specified in Section 1 of this act: Provided, That the provisions
of this act shall not apply to the killing of birds by or for the use
of taxidermists for preservation either in public or private collec-
tions, if so preserved.
The fifteenth of January, it will be observed, is the date when the
prohibition begins to work as to prairie chickens and woodcock;
the first of February is the date for most other sorts of game,
except waterfowl. And five days after the prohibition against kill-
ing goes into force, it becomes unlawful to sell or expose for sale
the prohibited game.
PEESEEVATION OF OTHER BIRDS.
It may be appropriate to mention here that Sections 3 and 4 of
the act of 1873, which are not changed or affected by the act of
1877, are as follows:
Sec. 3. No person shall at any time, within this State, kill or
attempt to trap, net, ensnare, destroy or kill any robin, bluebird,
swallow, martin, mosquito hawk, whippoorwill, cuckoo, woodpecker,
catbird, brown-thrasher, red-bird, hanging-bird, buzzard, sparrow,
wren, humming-bird, dove, gold-finch, mocking bird, blue-jay, finch,
thrush, lark, cherry-bird, yellow-bird, oriole, or bobolink, nor rob or
destroy the nests of such birds, or either or any of them. And
any person so offending shall on conviction be fined the sum of five
dollars for each and every bird so killed, and for each and every nest
robbed or destroyed: Provided, that nothing in this section shall
be construed to prevent the owner or occupant of lands from
destroying any of the birds herein named on the same, when deemed
necessary for the protection of fruits or property.
Sec. 4. It shall be unlawful for any person or persons to destroy
or remove from the nests of any prairie chicken, grouse or quail,
wild turkey, goose or brant, any Qgg or eggs of such fowl or bird,
or for any person to bu}', sell, have in possession or traffic in such
DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 961
eggs, or willfully destroy the nest of such hirds or fowls, or any or
either of them. And any person so offending shall on conviction
be lined and dealt with as specified in Section 3 of this act.
MILLERS.
The owner or occupant of every public grist-mill in this State
shall grind all grain brought to his mill, in its tiirn. The' toll for
both steam and water mills, is, for grinding and bolting wheat, rye,
or other grain, one-eighth part; for grinding Indian corn, oats, barley,
and buckwheat not required to be bolted, one-seventh part; for grind-
ing malt, and chopping all kinds of grain, one-eighth part. It is
the duty of every miller, when his mill is in repair, to aid and assist
in loading and unloading all grain brought to his mill to be ground;
and he is also required to keep an accurate half-bushel measure, and
an accurate set of toll dishes or scales for weighing the grain. The
penalty for neglect or refusal to comply with the law is $5, to the
use of any person suing for the same, to be recovered before any
Justice of the Peace of the county where the penalty is incurred.
Millers are accountable (except it results from unavoidable acci -
dents) for the safe-keeping of all grain left in their mill for the pur-
pose of being ground, with bags or casks containing same, provided
that such bags or casks are distinctly marked with the initial letters
of the owner's name.
PAUPERS.
Every poor person who shall be unable to earn a livelihood in con-
sequence of any bodily infirmity, idiocy, lunacy or unavoidable
cause, shall be supported by the father, grandfathers, mother, grand-
mothers, children, grandchildren, brothers or sisters, of such poor
person, if they or either of them be of sufficient ability; but if any
of such dependent class shall have become so from intemperance, or
other bad conduct, they shall .not be entitled to support from any
relation except parent or child. The children shall first be called on
to support their parents,' if they are able; but if not, the parents of
such poor person shall then be called on, if of sufficient ability; and
if there be no parents or children able, then the brothers and sisters
of such dependent person shall be called upon; and if there be no
brothers or sisters of sufficient ability, the grandchildren of such per-
son shall next be called on ; and if they are not able, then the grand-
parents. Married females, while their husbands live, shall not be
962 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS.
liable to contribute for the support of their poor relations except
out of their separate property. It is the duty of the State's attorney
to rnake complaint to the County Court of his county against all the
relatives of such paupers in this State liable to support, and prose-
cute the same. In case the State's attorney neglects or refuses to
complain in such cases, then it is the duty of the overseer of the poor
to do so. The person called upon to contribute shall have at least
ten days' notice of such application, by summons. The court has
the power to determine the kind of support, depending upon the
circumstances of the parties, and may also order two or more of the
different degrees to maintain such poor person, and prescribe the
proportion of each, according to his or her ability. The court may
specify the time for which the relatives shall contribute; in fact it
has control over the entire subject matter, with pow«r to enforce its
order.
Every county is required to relieve and support all poor and in-
digent persons lawfully resident therein. " Residence " means the
actual residence of the party, or the place where he was employed;
or in case he was in no employment, then it shall be the place where
he made his home. When any person becomes chargeable as a
pauper who did not reside in the county at the commencement of
six month's immediately preceding his becoming so, but did at the
time reside elsewhere in this State, then the county becomes liable
for the expense of taking care of such person until removed; and it
is the duty of the overseer to notify the proper authorities of the
fact. If any person shall bring and leave any pauper in any county
in this State where such pauper had no legal residence, knowing him
to be such, he is liable to a fine of $iOO. In counties under town-
ship organization, the supervisors in each town are ex-officio over-
seers of the poor. The overseers of the poor act under the directions
of the County Board in taking care of the poor and granting tem-
porary relief; also, in providing for non-resident persons not pau-
pers who may be taken sick and not able to pay their way, and, in
case of death, causing such persons to be decently buried.
PUBLIC AND PRIYATE CONVEYANCES.
When practicable from the nature of the ground, persons travel
ing in any kind of vehicle must turn to the right of the center of
the road, so as to permit each carriage to pass without interfering
DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 963
with the other. The penalty for a violation of this provision is $5
for every offense, to he recovered by the party injured; but to re-
cover, there must have occurred some injury to person or property
resulting from the violation.
The owners of any carriage traveling upon any road in this State
for th6 conveyance of passengers, who shall employ or continue in
their employment as driver any person who is addicted to drunken-
ness, or the excessive use of spirituous liquors, after he has had
notice of the same, shall pay a forfeit at the rate of $5 per day ; and
if any driver, while actually engaged in driving any such carriage,
shall be guilty of intoxication to such a degree as to endanger the
safety of passengers, it shall be the duty of the owner, on receiving
written notice of the fact, signed by one of the passengers, and cer-
tified by him on oath, forthwith to discharge such driver. If such
owner shall have such driver in his employ within three months
after such notice, he is liable for $5 per day for the time he shall
keep such driver in his employment after receiving such notice.
Persons driving any ca'r^age on any public highway are prohib-
ited from running their horses upon any occasion, under a penalty
• of a fine not exceeding $10, or im'prisonment not exceeding sixty
days, at the discretion of the court. Horses attached to any car-
riage used to convey passengers for hire must be properly hitched,
or the lines placed in the hands of some other person, before the
driver leaves them for any purpose. For violation of this provision
each driver shall forfeit twenty dollars, to be recovered by action
commenced within six months.
It is understood by the term " carriage " herein to mean any car-
riage or vehicle used for the transportation pf passengers, or goods,
or either of them.
WAGEKS AND STAKEHOLDERS.
Wagers upon the result of an election have always been consid-
ered as void, as being contrary to sound policy, and tending to im-
pair the purity of elections. Wagers as to the mode of playing, or
as to the result of any illegal game, as boxing, wrestling, cock-
fighting, etc., are void at common law.
Stakeholders must deliver the thing holden by them to the person
titled to it, on demand. It is frequently questionable who is en-
t'tled to it. Ill case, of an unlawful wager, although he may be jus-
964r DIGEST OF STATE LAWS.
tified for delivering the thing to the winner, by the express or im-
plied consent of the loser, yet if before the event has happened he
has been required by either party to give up the thing deposited
with' him by such party, he is bound to deliver it; or if, after the
event has happened, the losing party gives notice to the stakeholder
not to pay the winner, a payment made to him afterwards will be
made to him in his own wrong, and the party who deposited the
money or thing may recover it from the stakeholder.
SUNDAY.
Labor of whatever kind, other than the household offices of daily
necessity, or other work of charity and necessity, on the first day of
the week, commonly called Sunday, is in general under penalty pro-
liibited; but all persons do not come under prohibition. If a con-
tract is commenced on Sunday, but not completed until a subsequent
day, or if it merely grew out of a transaction which took place on
Sunday, it is not for this reason void. Thus, if a note is signed on
Sunday, its validity is not impaired if it be not delivered on that day.
DEFINITION OF COMMERCIAL TERMS.
$ means dollars, being a contraction . of U. S. , which was for-
merly placed before any denomination of money, and meant, as it
means now. United States currency. £ means pounds, English ,
money. @ stands for a^ or fo/ "h iov pound; bbl., for barrel ; and
f for per or hy the. Thus, butter sells at 20 @ 30c. f ft, and
flour at $6® 10 '^ bbl. j„ stands for per oent., and ft for nurnber.
In the example "May 1 — wheat sells at $1.05@1.10, seller
June," seller June means that the person who sells the wheat has
the privilege of delivering ■ it at any time during the month of
June. " Selling short " is contracting to deliver a certain amount
of grain or stock at a fixed price within a certain length _of time,
when the seller has not the stock on hand. It is for the interest pf
the person selling " short " to depress the market as much as possi-
ble, in order that he may buy and fill his contract at a profit.
Hence the "shorts" are termed "bears."
LEGAL WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.
Whenever any of the following articles shall be contracted for,
or sold or delivered, ^nd no special contract or agreement shall be
DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 965
made to the contrary, the weight per bushel shall be as follows,
to -wit:
K)S. lbs.
Apples, dried. 24 Hemp seed - 44
Barley,.,. ., 48 Hair (plastering) 8
Beans, white .60 Lime, unslacke'S 80
Beans, castor.... 46 Onions 57
Buckwheat. ; 52 Oats 33
Bran 30 Potatoes, Irish 60
Blue-glass seed 14 Peaches, dried 33
Broom-corn seed 46 Potatoes, sweet 55
Coal, stove 80 Rye 56
Corn, in the ear. 70 Salt, fine 55
Corn, shelled 56 Salt, coarse 50
Corn meal 48 Turnips 55
Clover seed 60 Timothy seed 45
Flax seed 56 Wheat 60
BEES.
Bees, while unreclaimed, are by nature wild animals. Those
which take up their abode in a tree belong to the owner of the soil
in which the tree grows, if unreclaimed ; but if reclaimed and identi-
fied they belong to their former owner. If a swarm has flown from
the hive of A, they are his so long as they are in sight, and may
easily be taken ; otherwise, they become the property of the first
occupant. Merely finding on the land of another person a tree
containing a swarm of bees, and marking it, does not vest the
property of the bees in the finder. They do not become property
until actually hived.
DOGS.
Dogs are animals of a domestic nature. The owner of a dog has
such property in him that he may maintain an action for an injury
to him, or to recover him when unlawfully taken away and kept by
another.
When, in consequence of his vicious propensities, a dog becomes
a common nuisance the owner may be indicted, and where one
commits an injury, if the owner had knowledge of his mischievous
propensities, he is liable for the injury. A man has a right to
keep a dog to guard his premises, but not to put him at the
entrance of his house, because a person coming there on lawful
business may be injured by him, though there may be another
entrance to the house. But if a dog is chained, and a visitor
incautiously goes so near him that he is bitten, he has no right of
action against the owner.
966 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS.
CRUELTY TO ANIMALS.
Whoever shall willfully overdrive, overload, overwork, torture,,
torment, beat, deprive of necessary and proper food, drink, or
shelter, or cruelly kill any such animal, or work an old, maimed,
sick, or disabled animal, or keep any animal in an unnecessarily
cruel manner, for each and every offense shall be liable to a tine of
not less than $3 or more than $200, to be recovered on complaint
before any Justice of the Peace, or by indictment. The word
"animal" used shall be taken to mean any living creature.
NAMES.
Any person desirous of changing his name, and to assume another
namcj may file a petition in the Circuit Court of the county where
he resides, praying for such change. Such petition shall set forth
the name then held, and also the name sought to be assumed)
together with his residence, and the length of time he shall have
resided in this State, and his nativity. In case of minors, parents
or guardians must sign this petition; and said petition shall be
verified by the affidavit of some credible person. A previous notice
shall be given of such intended application by publisliing a notic&
thereof in a county newspaper for three consecutive weeks, the first
insertion to be at least six weeks prior to the first day of the term
of the court in which the said petition is to be filed.