History of Hancock County, Illinois, together with an outline history of the State, and a digest of State laws

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HISTORY"'

OF

HANCOCK COUNTY,

ILLINOIS,

TOGETHER WITH

'An outline history of the state,

DIGEST OF STATE LAWS.

SUustrateU.

By TH. GREGG.

CHICAGO:

CHAS. C. CHAPMAN & CO.

1880.

BLAKELT, BROWN & MARSH, BOUND BY

PRINTERS, * DONOHUE & HENNEBERRY,

^55 * 157 DEARBORN ST., CHICAGO. 105 * IO9 MADISON STREET., CHICAGO.

1379727

EDITOR'S PEEFACE.

John Buntan, in his " Apology" for writing a Book, says :

For having now my method by the end,

Still as I pull'd it came ; and "so I penn'd

It down, until at last it came to be,

For length and breadth, the bigness which you see.

And then, when it was written, and on submitting the question
of its publication to friends :

Some said, John, print it; others said, Not so.
Some said, it might do good ; others said, No.

And after hearing their counsel :

At last I thought, since you are thus divided,
I print it will, and so the case decided.

The undersigned has about the same apology for writing this
book, which he styles a History of Hancock County. There is this
difference, however, that instead of '' having his method by the
end," he found it to have neither end nor middle; and that though
the work " came to the bigness that you see," he could have found
enough material to have made a book of twice its size. From the
beginning it has been a work from which he has expected more
pleasure than profit; and if he has succeeded in making it credita-
ble as a contribution to the great volume of Illinois history, he is
amply satisfied.

And now at the close, no one can see and regret its imperfections
more than himself. He can see errors of omission and commis-
sion, and realize that many important r.hings have been left unnoticed,
while less important ones have found place. Yet he urges that,
to a certain extent, this is unavoidable in a work compiled from
so many div'erse materials. If one cannot describe with exactness
what has happened under his own observation, he cannot be ex-
pected to state with absolute certainty events which transpired
through a period of half a century, facts obtained through a thou-
sand sources. He leaves the work in the hands of an appreciating

EDITOR S PEEFACE.

and generous public, — not hoping by the mention ot these things,
to avert or disarm criticism.

It would be wrong to close without acknowledging his indebted-
ness to his publishers, whose timely and efficient aid has contributed
so greatly to its value and success. He has also been placed under
obligations by numerous friends all over the county, who have
cheered him and aided him in various ways. He has been espe-
cially aided by the gentlemen of the Hancock press — all of them, —
and by the kind and courteous county officials and assistants; and
he hereby extends to them and to all others his grateful thanks.

Th. Geegg.

MAP OF

HANCOCK CO,

ILLINOIS

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1— I_utaJUL

HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.

FORMER OCCUPANTS.

MOUND-BriLDEES.

The niimerous and well-authenticated accounts of antiquities
found ia 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 tlie 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 tlie religion
of the Hindoos and Southern Tartars and the supposed theology of

18 HISTOET OF ILLINOIS.

the Mound-Builders. They were, no doubt, idolaters, and it has
been conjectured that the sun was the object of their adoration. The
mounds were generally built iu 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
bluffs 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 Eailroad thunder around the curve, the portage is
in full view, and the '• Father of Waters," with its numerous bayous

HISTORY 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. It 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
situated stands on the prairie, 300 yards wide, 100 feet in height,
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 an 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 liuge
creatures, found some expression in the erection of this figure.
The bones of some similar gigantic animals were exhumed on this
etreani about three miles from the same place.

LARGE CITIES.

Mr. Breckeuridge, who examined the antiquities of the "Western
country in 1817, sj^eaking of the mounds in the American Bottom,
says: "The great number and extremely large size of some of

20 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.

them may be regarded as furnishing, with other circumstances,
evidences of their antiquity. 1 have soraetiiues been induced to
thinli 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 before the Indians occupied the land, but their
date must probably forever baffle human skill and ingenuit3^

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. Pelics 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

HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. 21

which now repose under the ground, but the most searching investi-
gation can give us only vagae speculations for answers. No histo-
rian has preserved the names of their mighty chieftains, or given an
account of their exploits, and even tradition is silent respecting
them.

INDIANS.

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 present 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 archteologists, and is the most difficult they have been
called upon to answer. Of their predecessors the Indian ti"ibes
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 flat.
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 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.

wanting, any attempt to point out the particular location of their
origin must prove unsatisfactory. Though the exact place ot 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 had passed around the globe by
directly different routes. A few years afterward the Hamitic
bi'anch of the human fiimily 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 the 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 N'orth 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 alliance to resist the
encroachment of tlie whites, especially the EngHsIi. Such was the

HISTORY OF ILLINIOS. 23

nature of Kii\^ Philip's war. This King, with his Algonquin
braves, spread terror and desolation throughout New England.With
the Algonquins as the controlling spirit, a confederacj of conti-
nental pi-oportions 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 CONFEDERACY.

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, Cahokas, 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 werp
treated with the greatest hospitality by the principal chief. On their
return voyage up the Illinois river they stopped at the jDrincipal
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 ver}' 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 ROCK.

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 HISTORY 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 accomplished what the enemy
was unable to eliect. 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
once 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 Si
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, Tnd after
J-eaching 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 fllinois
confederacy. They had many wars, offensive- and defensive, with
the Sioux, the Pawnees, the Osages, 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 vvantin-. in
Uiis, the greatest of all savage virtues. In the late war with o'reat
Britain, a party of the Sacs and Foxes fought under the British

■ HISTORY 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 tlieir reputation as braves would suifer by a
comparison with that of their victors. It is believed that a careful
feview of their history, from the period when they tirst 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 in 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 he 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, notwitlistanding 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 whifl'. 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 bark 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 for 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-
letie games, the narration of his exploits, and listening to the ora-
tory of the chiefs; but during long periods of such existence he
remamed 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. 29

imprinted an habitual gravity, and even melancholy, 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 severe 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
q"uick 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 southwest 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 reti'eated 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 HISTORY 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 iiually 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 oft', 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 resided in Fayette county for many years after,
and died in 1829.

HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 31

EARLY DISCOVERIES

NICHOLAS PERKOT.

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, lie 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 discoveiy of the Mississippi river. This great river
had been discovered b}' De Soto, the Spanish explorer, nearly one
hundred and fifty 3'ears pi-evioush', but his nation left the country
a wilderness, without farther 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 con-
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 tiiereafter.
The former, Louis Joliet, was born at Quebec in 161:5. 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 miles
in advance of civilization, and by liis kind attention in their afHic-
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 HISTOET 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 17th of Maj', 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
river and Lake Winnebago to a village of the Muscatines 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 shore, 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 afterward 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 kn'own 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 of hard toil they readied 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 his way np the Illinois, Marquette visited the Kaskaskias,
near what is now Utica, in LaSalle county. The following year
he returned and established among them the mission of the Im-
maculate Yirgin Mary. This was the last act of his life. He died
in Michigan, Ma^' IS, 1675.

lasalle's explokations.
The tirst French occupation of Illinois was eflFecte-d by LaSalle,
■ in 16S0. Having constructed a vessel, the " Griffin," above the
falls of Niagara, he sailed to Green Bay, and passed thence in
canoe to the nioutli 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 Crevecceur. 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. Returning 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 " Griffin " 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 efiect 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 Hock, 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 fied. 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 only five men, two of whom
were the friars Ribourde and Membre. With these he immediately
returned to the fort, collected what tools had not been destroyed,
and conveyed thein to the great town of the Illinois Indians.

34: HISTOET OF ILLIKOIS.

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 ILLIKOIS.

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 fencied security and
idle repose in the great town oi 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 tlie 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-
toniided inmates. Women snatched their children, and in a delirium
of flight 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 warriors, 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
efi'ects 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-

1379727

HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 35

inanding his life, and notliing 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 tiring.
Touti, seeing that the Illinois were outnumbered and likely to
be defeated, determined, at the imminent risk of his life, to stay
the light 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
sliort 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 inflicted, which
bled profusely. At tliis juncture a chief discovered his true char-
acter, and he was led to the rear and efforts were made to staunch
his wound. When sufficiently 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 suff'ered to remain without further molestation. Durino'
this conference a young warrior snatched Tonti's hat, and, fleeino-
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, intellio'ence
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 tlieir
clamorous debate, his hair was several times lifted by a huo-e 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

35 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 the 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-orossed the river to their lodges,
followed by the enemy as far as the opposite bank. 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
tire 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 savages
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 recon-
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 difliculty 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.

^^BiSS^

AN IROQUOIS CHIEF.

HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.

FRENCHMEN DRIVEN AWAT.

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 fear of 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 eaten; 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 itlie 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 now, 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 Ri-
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 HISTORY 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 inoffensive old friar and scalped him. Thus, in the 65tli
year of his age, the only heir to a wealthy Burgundian house per-
ished under the war-club of the savages for whose salvation he had
renounced ease and affluence.

IXHUMAN 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 bodies
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 enem}'. 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 iinbruted Iroquois
could perpetrate. LaSalle on his return discovered the half-charred
bodies of women and children still bound to the stakes where they
had sufl"ered all the torments hellish hate could devise. In addition

HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 41

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.

TONTI SAFE AT GREEN 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 measure 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. Nearing Green Ba}-, 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 saj': " 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 return.

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 jsainting 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 - iHSTOET OF ILLINOIS.

and outstripped all bis competitors in exploits of travel and com-
merce with the Indians. He was granted a large tract of land at
LaChine, where he established himself in the fur trade. In 1669
he visited the headquarters of the great Iroquois confederacv, 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
difficulties 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-
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

HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 43

small traders, introduced treason and revolt into the ranks of bis
men, and finally led to the fonl assassination by which bis 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 Fi-ance, and took
formal possession of the whole valley of this mighty river in the
name of Louis XIV., then reigning, and in honor of whom be named
the country Louisiana. LaSalle then returned to France, was
appointed Governor, and returned with a fleet of immigrants for the
purpose of planting a colony in Illinois. They arrived in due time
in the Gulf of Me.xico, but failing to find the month of the Missis-
sippi, up which they intended to sail, bis supply ship, with the
immigrants, was driven ashore and wrecked on Matagorda Bay.
With the fragments of the vessel be constructed rude huts and
stockades on the shore for the protection of bis 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 bis 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, 16S7, 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 bunting expedition in company with a
nephew of LaSalle, assassinated liim while asleep. The long
absence of bis nephew caused LaSalle to go in search of bim. On
approaching the murderers of his nephew, they fired upon bim, kill-
ing bim instantly. They then despoiled the body of its clothing,
and 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 bis patient fortitude, one must follow on bis track
through the vast scene of his interminable journeyings, those thou-
sands of weary miles of forest, marsh and river, where, again and
again, in the bitterness of bafiled 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. Beaching 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
Kobert Cavalier de LaSalle's exploration.

FEENCH OCCUPATION.

FIEST SETTLEMENTS.

The first mission in" Illinois, as we have already seen, was com-
menced by Marquette in April, 1675. He called the religious
society which he established the " Mission of the Immaculate 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
soutli of the lakes. Illinois came into possession of the French in
168'2, 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 tlie year 1730 the fol-
lowing live 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 Cahokia creek and about live 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 continence with the Mississippi,
and Prairie du Rocher, 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 JNorth
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 COMPANY.

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 twentj'-one years in estab-
lishing forts and organizing the first settlements of Illinois. Sep-

46 HISTORY OP ILLINOIS.

teniber 14, 1712, the French government granted a monopoly of all
the trade and commerce of the country to K. 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. Crozat 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 Ptenault was appointed as its
ao-ent. 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 the 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 XIV. had just died and left as a legacy empty cofiers 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 the barks of
commerce seemed to have died away under the pressui-e of the
time; trade stood still; the merchant, the trader, the artificer, once
flourishing in affluence, were transformed into clamorous beggars.
The life-blood that animated the kingdom was stagnated in all
its arteries, and the danger of an awful crisis became such that

HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 47

the nation was on the verge of bankruptcy. At this critical junc-
ture John Law arrived and proposed liis grand scheme of the
Mississippi Company; 200,000 shares of stoclc at 500 livres each were
at tirst issued. This sold readily and great profits were realized.
More stock was issued, speculation becutue -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 euiporium of the most extensive
tralRc, 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, 235,000,000 livres 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 liorizon 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 Vendorae, 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 bubl)le 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 Venice, in obscurity and poverty.

ENGLISH RULE.

As early as 1750 there could be perceived the flrst 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

48 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.

countries were precipitated into a bloody war within the ISTorth-
western Territory, George Wasliingtou firing the first gun of the
military struggle which resulted in the overthrow of the French
not only in Illinois but in JSTorth 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 vast territory, but also resolved to set up a
counter claim to the .:-oii. 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 Virginia 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'Jionor, namely,
George Washington. He was chosen, although not yet twenty-one
years of age, as the one to perforin this delicate and difiicult mission.
"With five companions he set out on 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 the

GEN. GEORGE ROGERS CLARK.

HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 51

depot of supplies and the place of rendezvous for the united forces
of the Frencli. 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 Kaskaskia, Illinois and "Wabash.

GEN. glare's exploits.

The Northwest TeiTitory 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 fi'om
the British Crown, was George Rogers Clark, of Virginia. He had
closely watched the movements of the British throughout the
Northwest, and understood their v.-liole 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
neutralit3^ Having convinced himself that the enterprise against
the Illinois settlement might easily succeed, he repaired to the cap-
ital of Virginia, 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
bis project, he received two sets of instructions, — one secret, the

52 HI8T0EY OF ILLINOIS,

Other open. The latter authorized him to enlist seven companies
to go to Kentucky, and serve three months after their arrival m
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 2-ith of June, dur-
ing a total eclipse of the sun, which to tliem 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
Vincennes, 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 that 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 Virginians,
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
Boon after the village itself, by surprise, and without the loss of

HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 53

a 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 tiiey pleased, and to take
whichever side of the great conflict they would; also lie 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 turn of affairs, at once
swore allegiance to the American arms; and when Clark desired
to go to Cahokia on the 6th of July, they accompanied him, and
through their influence the inhabitants of the place surrendered
and gladly placed themselves under liis protection.

In the person of M. Gibault, priest of Kaskaskia, Clark found a
powerful ally and generous friend. Clark saw that, to retain pos-
eession of the ISTorthwest and treat successfully with the Indians, he
must establish a government for the colonies he had taken. St. Yin-
cent, the post ne.\t in im]iortance 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 Yincennes 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 of 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, inarched by way of the
Wabash, and appeared before the fort at Yincennes. 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

54 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.

knowing the strength of the garrison, stopped, and demanded the
surrender of the fort. Helm exclaimed, " No man shall enter here
till I know the terms." Hamilton responded, " You shall have the
honors of war." The entire garrison consisted of one officer and one
private.

TINCENNES 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. Plam-
ilton, Governor at Detroit, who was intending to make a vigorous
and concerted attack upon the frontier. After arriving at Vin-
cennes, however, he gave up liis intended campaign for the winter,
and trusting to his distance from danger and to the difficulty of
approaching him, sent otf 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 Vincennes,
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

HI6T0KY OF ILLINOIS. 55

tliose 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 ofiered prizes to the Indians for all the
scalps of the Americans they would bring him, and earned in con-
sequence thereof the title, "Hair-Bujer 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.

CODNTT OF ILLINOIS.

In October, 1778, after the successful campaign of Col. Clark, the
assembly of Yirginia 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, 177S, John Todd was appointed Lieutenant-
Commandant of this bounty by Patrick Henry, then Governor of
Virginia, and accordingly, also, the first of Illinois County.

NORTHWESTERN TERRITORY.

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.

OEDINANCE 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 Kufus 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 tlieir 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 einaucipationist 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

HISTOET OF ILLINOIS. 57

once in five or ten centuries are seen to sweep over a country like
the breath of the Ahiiighty.

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 inviting 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 their agent, which enabled him to
represent a demand for 5,500,000 acres. As this would reduce the
national debt, ai:d Jeflerson'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 Jefferson 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 HISTORY 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-
mously 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 was 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 slavery.

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 conflict. 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, filling 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

HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 59

bring tlieir slaves if tliey would give tliem an opportunity to choose
freedom or years of service and bondage for their cliildren till they
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 offenses 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 laws 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, GOVERNOR OF NORTHWESTERN TERRITORY.

On October 5, 1787, Maj. Gen. Arthur St. Clair was, 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 TERRITORY.

After the division of the Northwestern Territory Illinois became
one of the counties of the Territoiw 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 included
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, by 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 settlement. The largest, strongest and best one of these waa
Fort Russell, near the present village of Edwardsville. This stockade

60 HISTORY 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 otfensive course,
all hopes of peace and safe commercial relations, were abandoned,
and Congress, on the 19th of June, 1813, 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

MASSACRE AT FORT DEARBORN.

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 ISOi, on the south side of the Chicago river, and was garrisoned

HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.

61

by 54 men under command of Capt. Nathan Heald, assisted by
Lieutenant Kehn and Ensign Konan; Dr. Voorhees, surgeon. The
residents at the post at that time were the wives of officers Heald
and Hehn 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 HI8T0KY OF ILLINOIS.

the Indians, apprising them of the orders received, and offering 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 ofBcers re-
fused to join in the council, for they 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 fullow 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 which 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 the surface of the river, and
the Indians asserted that such an abundance of " fire-water" had
been emptied into the rivec as to make it taste " groggy." Many
of them drank of it freely.

On the 14th the desponding garrison was somewhat cheered by
the arrival of Capt. Wells, with 15 friendly Miamis. Capt. Wells
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 ofiicers 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 tlie 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.

HISTOKT OF ILLINOIS. 63

Wells, with Lis face blackened, after the manner of the Indians, led
the advance guard at the head of his friendly Miainis, the garrison
with loaded arms, the baggage wagons with the sick, and the women
and children following, while the Pottawatomie Indians, about 600
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 defiled to the right into the prairie, brrng
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 chai-ged 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, andS^ree 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 torture. 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 HISTOEY OF ILLINOIS.

Iq this fearful combat women bore a couspicuous 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 hira full
in the lice, 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 sand-bank.

SLAUGHTER OF PRISONERS.

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 the 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. Referring 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

HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.

66

groaning and writhing in the agonies of his wounds, aggravated by
the scorching beams of the 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 live 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 KTNZrE 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, and stood with tomahawks and scalping-knives,
awaiting the signal from their chief to commence the work of death.

QQ HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.

Black Partridge said to Mrs. Kinzie: "We are doing everything
in our power to save yon, but all is now lost; you and your friends,
tof-etlier 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 accouternients, 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 family and the prisoners. The latter, with their wives
and children, were dispersed among the Pottawatomie tribes along
the Illinois, Rock 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 Russell,
and Capt. Russell came from Vincennes with about 50 more. Being
officered 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

HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 67

at night, witliin a few miles of *tlie 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 liobert, 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, eo highjand dense as to
readily conceal an Indian on horseback, until within a few feet of
him. The ground had become still more yielding by recent rains,
rendering 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 KILLP:D.

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 hus-
band killed by her side, the agonizing wails of the squaw were
heart-rending. She was taken prisoner, and afterwards restored
to her nation.

TOWN BUENED.

On nearing the town a general charge was made, the Indians
fleeing to the interior wilderness. Some of their warriors made a
stand, when a sharp engagement occurred, but the Indians were
routed. In their flight they left behind all their winter's store of

68 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.

provisions, which was taken, and tjieir town burned. Some Indian
children were found who had been left in Ihe 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 by 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 befoi-e 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.<^eemed
prudent not to protract their stay, and accordingly the retrograde
inarch was commenced the veiy day of the attack.

PEOEIA BDENED.

The force of Capt. Craig, in charge of the provision boats, was
not idle during this time. They proceeded to Peoria, where they
were fired 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 found 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.

HI8T0ET 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 up the 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 Gen. George
Rogers Clark, who with his brave Virginians wrested Illinois from
the English during the Revolutionary 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 CreveccBur, 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 blood}'. A joint ex-
pedition again moved against the Indians in 1814, under Gov.

72 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.

Clark of Missouri. This time they went up the Mississippi in
barges, Prairie du Cliieu being tlie 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 Capts. Eector and Kiggs, 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 ahead 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 t!ie 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. 78

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. Rector hur-
ried with his over-crowded vessel to St. Louis.

It was now feared that Kiggs 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 safely 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.
Hector 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 therein command with a detachment of regu-
lars and artillery. The advanced boats in command of Rector, 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 Rock 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 eflTect 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
Lis company to make a sortie on the lower island, which he did,

74 HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS.

driving the Indians back among the willows; but they being re-in-
forced, in turn hurled Kector 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-hand 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 been overpowered, with all
his force, and murdered.

Thus ended the last, like the two previous expeditions up the
Mississippi during the war of 1S12, in defeat and disaster. The
enemy 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.

ORGANIZATION.

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 i-esolution 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 beat least three
States carved out of the Northwestern Territory. The boundaries
of the three, Oliio, Indiana and Illinois, were fi.xed 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.

BOUNDARY 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 IllinoiB
& 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 iron 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 seemingl}^ foresaw that a struggle to dissolve tlie 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, wi'itten 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 HISTOET 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 ri^al 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 Illinois 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 eflectually,
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 suiBciently extensive to contain a popu-
lation capable of exerting a decided influence 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 upon 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 tlie State
itself. These views, urged by Judge Pope, obtained the unquali-
fied assent of the statesmen of 1818.

" These facts and views are worthy to be recorded in history as
a standing and perpetual call upon Ulinoisans 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 Eebellion, well did she
remember this sacred trust, to protect which two hundred thousand

HISTOET OF ILLINOIS. 77

of her sons went to tlie 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 July and August of 181S 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
mini, 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. Tlie Illinois were once a powerful 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 Rock," 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 Illinoisaus, 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, a sim-
ilitude between their migratory habits and those of the fishy tribe
called "Suckers." 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.

The 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 tlieu pouring into the
country. By 1819 it became apparent that a day of reckoning
would approach before their dreams of fortune could be realized.
Banks 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

mSTOKY OF ILLINOIS. 79

notes. It was the duty of the bank to advance, upon personal i)rop-
erty, money to the amount of $100, and a hirger 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 ])roject 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 Kepresentatives, 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 grievously
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 tlie State government.
Lafayette's visit.
In the spring of 1825 the brave and generous LaFayette visited
Illinois, accepting the earnest invitation of the General Assenably,
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 that 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 da}'), 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 llth of June, when the corner-stone of the Bunker
Hill monument is to bo laid, — a ceremony sacred to the whole Union
and in which I have been engaged to act a peculiar and honorable
part."

80 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.

General LaFayette and suite, attended by a large delegation of
prominent citizens of Missouri, made a visit by the steamer Natch-
ez to the ancient town of Kaskaskia. No 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. Dui-ing 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.

EAELT GOVERNORS.

In the year 1822 the term of ofiice 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 182i, 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 ; and
William S.. Hamilton presented another bill requirino- a tax to be

HISTORY 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 beuetit 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 liad 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 my 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 IIISTORT 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 v/ell-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 arraj'ed 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 dift'use
and florid eloquence. When he was inaugurated in 1S26, 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."

GEAIIMAR AND COOK CONTRASTED.

Deraagogism 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
be 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 fonnd 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

I

HISTOET 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 Vincennes to Cahokia. In 1824 there was a direct mail
route from Vandalia to Springfield. The first route irom the central ■
part of the State to Chicago was established in 1S32, 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 the 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 examjjle.

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 1S31 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 12, 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 aud 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 aud killed eight of them. Four

84: HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.

of the murderers were arrested and delivered to the Chippewas,
by whom they were immediately shot. This was the first irritation
of the Winnebagoes. Red Bird, a chief of this tribe, in order to
avenge the execution of the four warriors of his own people, attacked
the Chippewas, 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, Hed 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 KEYXOLDS ELECTED GOVEKNOE.

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 1801 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

«

BLACK HAWK. THE SAC CHIEF.

I

i

HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 87

avenged upoi: his enemies. Having rallied around liiin the warlike
braves of the Saii and Fox nations, he crossed the Mississippi in the
spring of 1832. Upon hearing of the invasion, Gov. Reynolds
hastily collectP'' a body of 1,800 volunteers, placing thein under the
command oi l5iig-Gen. Samuel "Whiteside.

stillman's kun.

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. Tliey 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 off 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 Iventuckian, with a loud voice, who
was a colonel of the militia but a private with Stillman, upon his
arrival in camn gave to Gen. Whiteside and the wondering multi-
tude the following glowing and bombastic account of the battle:
"Sirs," said he, "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 ^y 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 HISTOET 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-
* raent. 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 country, 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 l)roke 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 coi^ternation
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 cruelty.

ASSAULT ON APPLE RIVER FORT.

A regiment sent to spy out the country between Galena and Rock
Island was surprised b}' a party of seventy Indians, a^d was on the

HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 89

point of being thrown into disorder when Gen. Whiteside, then
serving as a private, shouted out that he would slioot the lirst 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 afford 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.

EOCK RITEK EXPEDITION.

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 siowly 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 search
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 Eock 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 officers 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

9(3 HISTOKY 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 loth of July in pursuit of the
Indians, reaching Rock 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. Notliing 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 tiiem
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 S wounded.

Soon after this battle Gens. Atkinson and Henry joined their
forces and pursued the Indians. Gen. Henry struck the main trail,
left his liorses 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

UISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. 91

beaamc crcneral; the Indians fought with desperate valor, but were
furiously assailed by the volunteers with their bayonets, 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
wp to their necks, and landed on the island where the Indians had
secreted themselves. The soldiers rushed upon the Indians, killed
several 'of tliera, 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 her infanfchild 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 CAFfUKED.

Black Hawk, with his twenty braves, retreated up the "Wisconsin.
river. The Winnebagoes, desirous of securing the friendship of

92 HISTOKY 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 np the hatchet, for my part, to revenge
injuries which my people could no longer endure. Had I borne
them longer witliout 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."

BIOGKAPHICAL 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 against the Osages, to
avenge the murder of some women and cliildreu 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.
The Sacs lost only about nineteen warriors. He next attacked the
Cherokees 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 Cherokees,
and about the year 1800, at the head of five hundred Sacs and
Foxes and a hundred lowas, he waged war against the Osage

HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 93

nation, and subdued it. For two years lie battled successfully with
other Indian tribes, all of which he con(|uercd.

The year following the treaty at St. Louis, in ISOi, the United
States Government erected a fort near the head of Des Moines
Kapids, called 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 Government 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 bad 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 Govern-
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.

By 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 HISTOET OF ILLINOIS.

made the following farewell speech to the commander, wliich 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. Your 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
befdre us. The red man has but few houses and few warriors, but
the red man has a heart wliich 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
thev 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 officer.
At Bock Island the prisoners were given their liberty, amid great
and impressive ceremony. In 1S3S Black Hawk built him a
dwellino' 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 BU"RIAL.

At all times when Black Hawk visited the whites he was
received with marked attention. lie 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,
183S, while on his way to Rock 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 gathered to his fathers.

FROM 1834 TO 1842.

INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS.

No sooner was the Black Hawk war conclndgd than settlers'
began rapidly ^o pour into the northern part 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 1834 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-
communication 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 HISTOEY OF ILLINOIS.

sister States, and which a magnificent Providence seems to invite
by a wonderful adaptation of our whole country to such improve-
ments?"

STUPENDOUS SYSTEM OF IMPROVEMENTS INAUGURATED.

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 1S30 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,

HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 97

unsurpassed by individual efforts in the annals of the world, were
then begun and have been maintained to this day. Though visited
by the terrible fire tiend 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. Reports 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 the 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 1834-5 the work was again pushed forward,
and continued until 1848, when it was completed.

PANIC KEPUDIATION 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 Nov. 8, 1838. Large suras
of money were being expended with no assurance of a revenue.

98 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.

and consequently, in 1840, the Legislature 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 by 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 t*he hours were dark and gloomy, 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.

MAETTE FOE LIBEETT.

Tlie 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 tlie night of the
7th of November of that year. lie was at the time editor of the
Alton Ohnerver, and advocated anti-slavery principles in its
columns. For this practice three of his presses had been 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 State, 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

«Ak7,'

^

i

HISTOEY OF ILLINOIS. 101

or shall not publish a paper in this city. That riglit was given to
me b}' my Creator, and is solemnly guaranteed by 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. Yoii 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 himy 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
three 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 niSTOBT OF ILLINOIS.

for Governor on the Democratic ticket, but died before election.
Thomas Ford was placed in nomination, and was elected, ex-Gov-
ernor Duncan being his opponent.

PKAIKIE PIRATES.

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 upon 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 that portion of the State, and conse-
quently had the choice of location. Among the most prominent of
the leaders were John Driscoll, "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 assist
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

HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 103

against the ravages of thieves, robbers and counterfeiters, they
would protect themselves. It was a desperate resolve, and desper-
ately and bloodily executed.

BURNING OF OGLE COUNTY COURT-HOUSE.

At the Spring term of court, ISil, seven of the " Pirates of the
Prairie," as they were called, were confined in the Ogle county jail
to await trial. Preparatory to holding court, the judge 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 agi-ee 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 HISTOKT OF ILLINOIS.

The friends and comrades of the men who had been whipped
were fearfully enraged, and swore eternal and bloodj vengeance.
Eighty of them assembled one night soon after, and laid plans to
visit White Kock 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 MUEDEREES SHOT.

John Campbell, Captain of the '• Kegulators," 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 "Kegulators" marched to
Driscoll'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 Driscolls a fair hearing. They
were found guilty, and the "Eegulators" divided into two "death
divisions," — one, consisting of fifty-six, with rifles dispatched the
father, the other fifty-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 eflfectual.

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 Mississip])i 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 aud 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 resi^ectability, 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 FOUNDER OF MORMONISM.

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 b}' tlie twisting of a
forked stick in his hands, or by looking through enchanted stones.
Both he and his 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 Rigdon, 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, afld
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-
tor}' of the ten lost tribes of Israel.

ORIGIN OF THE SECT.

This sect had its origin near the village of Palmyra, N. Y., about
the year 1830. It increased by slow degrees for a year or two,
during which time the " Book of Mormon " was first printed. Smith,
the leader and pretended Prophet, then by " revelation " induced

106 HISTOKT or ILLINOIS.

his few followers to emigrate to Kirtland in Ohio,— which was to
be the New Jerusalem, and where a temple was to be built. Here
they increased considerably in numbers; and here a costly temple
was begun, but never finished. Here, also, some manufacturing
enterprises were entered into; and Smith and Rigdon, as president
and cashier, established a bank, known as the " Kirtland Safety
Bank." Believers flocked around them ; but their intercourse with
their "Gentile" neighbors was not cordial; the bank broke; and
another revelation conveniently came to Smith that the Zion
should be built up in Northwestern Missouri. Emigration to the
border was accordingly ordered, and three different settlements
made there, one succeeding the others, and three " revealed "
Zions began to be built. In Missouri, the troubles between them
and their neighbors finally culminated in open hostilities; and
after a series of conflicts with mobs, and with the State militia, the
whole band of Mormons was expelled from the State. This was in
the winter of 1838-9.

They took the nearest route to Illinois, and landed at Quincy,
after much suffering and in great destitution. In Illinois they
were treated with great kindness and consideration — their story
of "persecution for opinion's sake" being generously credited
by the people.

In the spring of 1844 Joe Smith announced himself as a candi-
date for President of the United States. He caused himself to be
anointed king and priest, instituted the " Danite band," and gave
out that it was impossible for a woman to get to heaven except as
the wife of a Mormon elder. Hence the elders might marry as
many women as he pleased. This was the origin of polygamy.

In Illinois they remained till the end of 1846 — a period of eight
years; during which time the}' increased largely in numbers, and
built up a city of 10 or 12 thousand inhabitants. But the same
class of difficulties sprung up here between them and their neigh-
bors as elsewhere; and after a series of troubles, during which a
press was destroyed and the Prophet and his brother killed, they
were again violently expelled. This time they decided to take a
westward course, the purpose being to locate perhaps on the Pa-
cific coast, or in some less remote region among the Hocky Moun-
tains.

GEN. ARTHUR ST. CLAIR.

niSTOET OF ILLINOIS. 109

THE MORMONS REACH SALT LAKE.

The fugitives pi'oceeded westward, taking tlie road throngh Mis-
souri, but were forcibly ejected from that State and compelled to
move indirectly throiigh 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 diminished
their number of effective men that tlie expedition was again delayed,
and the remainder, consisting mostly of old men, women and chil-
dren, hastily prepared habitations for winter. Their rudely con-
structed 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 premature graves.
Under the iniluence of religious fervor and fanaticism they looked
death in the face with cheerfulness and resignation, and even exhib-
ited a gayety which manifested itself in music and dancing during
the 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, consisting
of Brigham Young and 140 others, was sent in advance to locate a
home for the colonists. On the 21st of July, 1847, a day memora-
ble in Mormon annals, the van-giiard 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 wilder-
ness, midway between the East and the Pacific, and at that time a
thousand miles from the utmost verge of civilization, they com-
menced preparations for founding a colony which has since grown
into a mighty empire.

[For a complete history of this people during their sojourn in
Illinois, the reader is referred to future chapters in this book, in its
County History.]

110 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.

THE SLAVERY QUESTION.

Few people are aware of the long continued and persistent
efforts of the people of the Northwest Territory to introduce slavery.
In point of fact, it was introduced, and for a long time existed,
under both the Territorial and State governments. Renault, an ad-
venturer from France, landed at St. Domingo and procured 500
slaves, which he brought to Illinois and settled at St. Phillips,
about the year 1720—43 years before the treaty ceding it to Great
Britain. These slaves, with their progeny, were held by the French
settlers until the country passed under British rule, and were
secured to them by the terms of the treaty, and afterward con-
firmed to them by the Colony of Virginia and by the ordinance of
1787. The French monarch, by edict, regulated the trathc in negro
slaves; and it is worthy of note that the provisions of these ordi-
nances were more humane and merciful than many of the enact-
ments of the slave States a hundred years later. They provided
tliat the slaves should be baptized and instructed in the Roman
Catholic religion; that infirm slaves sliall be maintained by the
master; that they shall be treated kindly; that husband and wife
and minor children shall not be separated. The ordinance of 1787
provided that there shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servi-
tude in the said Territory, etc. In ISOO there were in Indiana and
Illinois 133 slaves; in ISIO Illinois alone had 168; in 1820, 917,
and in 1830, 7i6. t

But a large portion of the leading spirits in the Territory were
dissatisfied with the provision of the ordinance excluding slavery,
and made many attempts to have it repealed. As early as 1796
Congress vvas petitioned to repeal or suspend that provision of the
ordinance. In 1802 Gov. Harrison and a convention of delegates
memorialized Congress to the same effect. The subject was refer-
red to a special committee, and in 1803 Mr. Randolph, of Virginia,
reported adverse to the prayer of the petitioners. The subject
came up again in 1804, and again in 1807, when it received its
quietus, by a final report against the change. Several court de-
cisions have settled the status of slavery undeii the ordinance.

Failing in these efforts, resort was had to indenture, by which
slaves held abroad could be brought to Illinois and indentured for

HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 113

99 years! Gov. Edwards was a pro-slavery man, and as Governor
vetoed legislative acts repealing some of these slavery laws.

So among the first questions to agitate the people of the new
State after its admission into the Union, was the ever-present
question of slavery. Failing to procure its introduction through
the repeal of the ordinance of 17S7, a concerted and determined
eftort was now resolved upon, to reach the desired end by an alter-
ation of the Constitution in a sovereign State capacity.

On August 20, 1S21, the Missouri compromise bill having passed
Congress, Missouri was admitted into the Union as a slave State.*
Immediately. a lai'ge emigration set in to that State from the slave
States on the seaboard. The route lay chiefly through the southern
end of Illinois. Many of these emigrants belonged to the richer
and more intelligent class, and they passed through Illinois with
their human chattels to seek homes in the new lands of Missouri,
where they could hold them undisturbed. This was irritating to
the slavery element of the State. They disliked to see the wealthy
man pass through and carry his wealth to aid in building up
another CDinmunity, while the poor man, who brought no riches
with him, i-emained among them. This untoward state of affairs
added increased desire for the introduction of slavery. They would
adopt measures to make Illinois a slave State, notwithstanding the
compact that was to stand forever unalterable.

This sentiment gradually gained ground as the time approached
for the election of members of the Legislature of 1S22-3. The
plan was to call a convention to change the constitution, provision
for which must be made by the Legislature. The election of mem-
bers turned largely upon this question. The Legislature met,
when it was found that the Senate had the requisite two-thirds in
favor of a convention, but the other house had a majority less than
two-thirds, and on a joint ballot the slavery men would lack one
vote. But fortune favored the scheme. Our county of Pike was
luckily in a condition to carry them through the difficulty. She
had a contested seat in the lower branch. The contestants were

*To the Illinois Senators, Messrs. Thomas and Edwards, belong the credit or
discredit, whichever it may he, of originating that celebrated compromise meas-
ure, it having been moved in the Senate by Mr. Thomas as a compromise between
the two contending parties in that memorable contest.

114 niSTOEr of Illinois.

Nicholas Hanson and John Sha^. The slavery men desired to
re-elect Jesse B. Thomas, a pro-slavery man, to the United States
Senate. Hanson would vote for him, and the contested seat was
given to him, and by his vote Thomas was returned to the Senate.
But Hanson would vote against a convention ; so the contested seat
question was re-considered, Hanson unseated, and with Shaw's
vote the convention question was carried. It will thus be seen that •
political trickery is not entirely an invention of the present day.

But the people were yet to be heard from. In August, 1824, the
election took place. The vote stood as given below:

Total vote cast 11,764

For a convention 4,965

Against convention • •• • 6,799

Majority against 1,834

This was one of the most exciting and well fought political bat-
tles in' which the people of Illinois were engaged. The writer of
this, then a boy in a distant State, well remembers the intense
feeling manifested throughout the Union in the result of the con-
test. At the beginning, the prospect looked highly favorable for
the success of the measure. The leading advocates of a convention
were bold and defiant; and it cannot be denied that they num-
bered in their ranks a majority of the most prominent men of the
State. They counted both the United States Senators, ex-Gov.
Ninian "Edwards — himself a host — and Judge Thomas, an active
and able politician. They also had in their ranks Gov. Bond,
Lieut. -Gov. Kinney, Elias K. Kane, formerly Member of Congress,
and nearly all the Judges, State and Federal — Brown, Phillips, John
and Thomas Reynolds, McKoberts and Smith. Governor Coles,
Judge Lockwood, and Congressman Daniel P. Cook, headed the
opposition. Coles was a Virginian, and had manumitted his slaves
in Illinois. But one of the most untiring and eflective workers
and organizers in tlieir ranks was Eev. John M. Peck, a Baptist
minister from New England, afterward editor of the Watchman,
at Pock Spring, and author of several valuable historical works.

There were five newspapers then ia Illinois. Of these, three
were in the interest of freedom, the Edwardsville Spectator,
edited by Hooper "Warren; the Shawneetown Gazette, conducted
by Henry Eddy, and one at Vandalia, conducted by Wm. H.Brown

HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 117

aud David Blackwell. The two advocatins; a convention were
located at Kaskaskia and Edwardsville.

Thus these repeated attempts to repeal, or annul the sixth sec-
tion of the ordinance of 17S7, were frustrated — first, by the action
of the nation's best statesmen in Congress ; and lastly, by the good
sense of the people themselves.

Hancock had a few voters at that day — August, 182i ; but
probabl}' none two years before, when the contested election case
occurred. It may be that the officers and soldiers stationed at
Fort Edwards exercised the privilege of voting. If so, we find no
record of it in Pike county. And if so, their vote may have had
a greater weight than they knew, in determining that agitating
question for the State.

LITERARY MEN.

Among the most prominent literary men of the early daj's in
Illinois, may be mentioned Judge James Hail, a Pliiladelphian,
who came to the State in 1818. He settled at Shawneetown, and
soon became associate editor with Heniy Eddy of the Gazette. He
afterwards originated the Illinois Magazine at Vandalia, wliich
he conducted with ability, and which he, about 1834, removed to
Cincinnati, under the title of Western Monthly Magazine. Judge
Hall was a voluminous writer, and contributed to the literature of
the West many works of fiction and border histories, among
which was a "Life of Gen. Harrison."

Gov. John Reynolds was a writer of considerable note in his
time. He contributed many border sketches to. the literature of
the day, and also an interesting volume of the history of his " Own
Times," which abounds in incidents, reminiscences and character-
istic sketches of tlie prominent men of the State.

John Russell, of Bluffdale, was another literary man among the
pioneers. He was a Yerinonter by birth; w-as a quiet and retired
farmer on the blufts of the Illinois river, in Greene county. He
was a frequent contributor to Hall's and other periodicals, and
afterward edited a paper in Greene county. Mr. Russell devoted
much attention to French literature and manners in the Missis-
sippi valley, spending several years as a teacher among them in
Louisiana. Some of his sketches have gone into the standard
school books of the country.

118 HISTOET OF ILLINOIS.

These three, with liev. John M. Peck, and tlie editors of the
papers heretofore mentiued, may be ranked as the chief literary
men in the State in its earlier days. There were others perhaps
equally able, whose names do not now occur to us.

CONSTITUTIONS.

The Constitution under wliich the State was admitted into the
Union in ISIS, remained in force until 184S, when a new one was
adopted, which did away with many of the most objectionable
features of the former. This continued in force until August,
1870, when the present one went into effect.

Under these three Constitutions, and the laws enacted in accord-
ance therewith, — some of them unsound, ill-digested and impolitic,
— the State has in sixty-two years made unparalleled advancement
in population and material and moral power. Note her popula-
tion:

In 1800, its population was about 3,000.

In 1810, it had increased to 12,283.

On its admission into the Union in 1818, it was estimated at
45,000.

By the census of 1S30, it had gone above 157,000.

In 1S40, it had advanced to 474,000.

By the census of 1S70, it shows the enormous number of 2,529,-
410 souls.

It now contains an estimated population of over three millions
of people. Three thousand in 1800; three millions in 1880 — less
than eighty years! Such is American, such is Western progress;
such the advance of free principles, guided by free thought on free
soil!

MEXICAN WAR

During the month of May, 1S46, 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. Tliese regiments, as well as their
officers, were everywhere foremost in the American ranks, and dis-

HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 119

tiiiguished themselves by their matchless valor in the bloodiest
battles of the war. Veterans never fought more nobly and effect-
ively than did the volunteers from Illinois. At the bloody battle of
Buena Vista they crowned their lives — many their death — with the
laurels of war. Xever did armies contend more bravely, determinedly
and stubbornly than tlie American and Me.xican 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 BUENA VISTA.

General Santa Anna, with his 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 flag 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 nightfall. 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.

BRAVERY OF THE SECOND ILLINOIS.

At this time the 2d Illinois, under Col. Eissell, with a squadfon
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-
ceivino- 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. Again, in obedience to command these brave men halted-
faced about, and under a murderous tempest of bullets from the fue,
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 fi-om tlie 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
mournful, 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

<ce:ne on fox riyeu.

UISTOKY 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 Illinois
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 theun except by its mouth, which opened
upon the road. Its sides, which were steep, — at least an angle of
45 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 lire 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 they went, 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 tiring down from each
side and rear as they went. Just then the enemy's cavalry, which
had gone to the left of the i-eserve, 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 were still back 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 gi-ateful to their ears. A
moment only, and the whole opening, where the lancers were busy,
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 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.

toward the battery, and directly under the fight of iron then pas-
sing over their heads, into the rctreatina; cavah-y. Hardin, McKee,
Clay, "Willis, Zabriskie, Houghton— 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! ISto wounded there
— not a man; for the infantry had rushed down the sides and com-
pleted the work with the bayonet."

VICTOEY FOE CUB 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 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.

OTHEE HOKOEED NAMES OF THIS WAE.

Other bright names from Illinois that shine as stars in thisi
war are those of Shields, Baker, Harris and Coffee, 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 combat, 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. Sucli 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

THE WAR FOR THE UNIOX.

On 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 inaugu-
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 the 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 absolute 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.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN DID NOT SEEK THE PRESIDENCY.

Hon. R. W. Miles, of Knox county, sat on the floor by the side
of Abraham Lincoln in the Library-room of the Capitol, 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 for
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 suSered 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 HISTORY 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 the 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:

Persifer, December 21, 1860.
Hon. a. LrNCOLN :

Dear Sir :— Please accept the eagle quill I promised you, by the hand of our
KepresentiUive, A. A. Smith. The bird from whose wing the quill was taken, was
shot by John F. Dillon, in Persifer township, KuO-\ Co., Ills., in Feb., 1857 Hay-
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
Ms phxce, I determined to save this quill and present it to the fortunate man, wlio-
cver he might be. Reports tell us tliat the bird which furnished Buchanan's quill
■was a captured bird, — fit 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 e.vpected to use it, for true Republicans believe that you would not
think life wortli the keeping after the surrender of principle. Great difficulties
surround you ; traitors to their country liave threatened your life ; and should
you be called upon to surrender it at the post of duty, your memory will live for-
ever in tlie 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,
Obli\ion haete each veetii^o sweep,
And let our memories end."

Yours 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 separate 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 Northern and Southern portions

HISTORY UF ILLINOIS. 127

of our coiiutry, but their remote origin could be traced to this great
national evil. Had Lincoln's predecessor put forth a timely, ener-
getic effort, he might 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 Illinoi«' honest son took the
reins of the Republic he found Buchanan had been a traitor to his
trust, and given over to the South all available means of war.

THE FALL OF StIMTEB.

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 with 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 is
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 proclamation
calling for his countrymen to join with him to defend their homes
and their country, and vindicate her honor. This call was made
April li, 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 oftered its Ijest men, their lives and
their fortunes, in defense of the Government's honor and unity.

128 HISTORY 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 G-reat Eternal,
the Union must and shall he 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
Union was preserved.

CALL FOR TROOPS PROMPTLY ANSWERED.

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,
only six regiments could be accepted under the quota of the State.
But 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. No 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 Eebellion 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
had 17,000 in camp awaiting marching orders, thus exceeding her
full quota by 15,000.

mSTOET OF ILLINOIS. 129

A VAST AKMY RAISED IN ELEVEN DATS.

In July and August of 1SG2 the President called for 600,000
men — our quota of which was 62,296 — 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 50,000 of them left their harvests ungathered, their
tools and their benches, the plows in their furrows, turning their
backs on 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 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 have oflered themselves as sacrifices on their
country's altar. On the 21st of December, 1S61:, 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 find that Illinois put into her one hun-
dred and eighty regiments 256,000 men, and into the United States

130 IIISTOEY OF ILLINOIS.

armj, tlirougli 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 1S64 — 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 Whita
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 sufl^ering 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, Ga. 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
Ridge, Donelson, Pittsburg Landing, luka, Corinth, Stone River,
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 sons
were foremost.

niSTOEY OF ILLINOIS. 131

CAPTUKE OF THE ST. LOUIS AKSENAL.

Illinois was almost destitute of firearms at tlie beginning of the
conflict, and none could be procured in the East. The traitorous
Floyd had turned over to the South 300,000 arms, leaving most
arsenals in the j^orth empty. Gov. 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 the 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 off to Springfield.

132 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.

LIBERALITY AS "WELL AS PATRIOTISM.

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 the 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 soldiei's' aid societies, working systematically
and continuously from the beginning of the war till its close. The
great State Fair held in Chicago in May, 1S65, 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 $2,500,000. Food, clothing, medicine, hospital delicacies,
reading matter, and thousands of other articles, were sent to the
boys at the front.

MESSAGES OF LOVE AND ENCOURAGEMENT.

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,
" From the "Women of Knox County to Their Brothers in the
Field." It was a noble, soul-inspiring message, and kindled anew
the intensest love for home, country', and a determination to crown
the stars and stripes with victory :

"Tou have gone out from our homes, but not from our hearts.
Never for one moment are you forgotten. Through weary march
and deadly conflict our prayers have ever followed you; your
sufierings are our sufferings, your victories our great joy.

HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 133

" If there be oue 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 though he may not have one mother he
has many; he is the adopted child and brother of all our hearts.
Not one of you is beyoud the reach of our 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 tiiat 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; you 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
Ridge, Shiloh, Stone River, Yicksburg, 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 otlier 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 wo 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 sufier-
ings have worked together for our good, by inciting us to labor for
their alleviation, tlius 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

13-t HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.

haste. If we at home feel this, what must it be to jou! Our
hearts throb with agony when we 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 motliers 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 you np; but to sus-
tain a 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 death.

"To the stern arbitrament of the sword is now committed the
honor, the very life of this nation. You fight not for yourselves
alone; the e3'es of the whole world are on you; and if you fail our
Nation's death-wail will echo tlirough 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 tj-rants, with the hopes of all its oppressed ones, to
flounder in darkness and death. Disasters may come, as they have
come, but tliey 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

UISTOKV OF ILLINOIS. 135

that hand; those footsteps are obliterated. In liis own good time
we feel that God will give us the victory. Till that hour comes we
bid you fight on. Though we have not attained that lieroisni, or
decision, which enables us to give you up without a struggle, which
can prevent our giving tears for yowv 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."

sherman''s makch to the sea.

On the 15th of November, 1864, after the destruction of Atlanta,
and the railroads behind him, Sherman, witli 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 whicli 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 array, 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 sons.

Illinois gave the country the great general of the war, U. S.
Grant.

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 sketch 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 tliat
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-

l^Q HISTOET OF ILLINOIS.

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 were 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 shoulders above every other
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 despei'ate times, he was unsullied with crime; a man, he
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 these
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 have 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.

UISTOET OF ILLINOIS. 137

THE WAS. ENDED — THE UNION KESTOEED.

The rebellion was ended with the surrender of Lee and his army,
and Johnson and his command in April, 1S65. Our armies at the
time were np 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 rebel 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.

SOTEpuLE— Showing; statement of volunteer troops organized within the State, and sent to the
field, commenciug April, 1861, and ending December 31, 1865, with number of regiment, name
"" auding officer, date of organization and mnster into United States' service,
Dd the aggregate strength of each organization.

of original
place of mneter.

INFANTRY.

Date of organization and
muster into the United
States service.

Piace where mustered
into the United States
service.

Julyii, 1861 'Cairo, Illinois

7]Col. John Coolt

Eichard J. Oglesby..

Eleazer A. Paine

Jas. D, Morgan

W. H. L. Wallace...

John McArthur

John B. Wyman IMay 2*. 1861 |Dix

John M. Palmer JJ^y 25, 18dl |Jacks"onViiie.

Tbos- J- Turtler May 24, 1861 Freeport.

Robert F. Smith ■■ Ouincv

Leonard F. Rose " . Peoria

Michael K. Lawler May 28, 1861.....' .'.' "" \nna "

" John B. Turchin.

" Chas. C. Marsh

" Ulysses S. Grant...
' Henry Dougherty...
' Jas. A. Mulligan. ..
' Frederick Hecker. .

' Wm. N. Coler

' John M. Loomis

' Nap. B. Buford....
' A. K. Johnson.. . . _ .
' Jas. S. Rearden ...
' Philip B.Fouke....
' John A. Logan. . .
' John Logan

Chas. E.Hovey

Edward N. Kirk....

Gus. A. Smith

Nich. Greilse!

JuUuB White

Wm. P. Carlin

Austin Li?ut

Staph. G. Hicks....

Isaac C. Pu^h. ...

Wm.A. Webb

Julius Raith

Chas. Noblesdorff . . .

John E. Smith

John A. Davis

John Bryuer

Isham N. Haynie

Wm. R.Morrison...

Moses M. Bane

G. W. Cumming

June l:t, 1861..
June 15, 1861..
June 25, 1861..
June 18, 1861..
July 8, 1861..

Oct. 31, ]8r;i.

Isaac G.Wilson'...

W. H. W. Cushman

Thos. W. Hams...

David Stuart

Robert Kirkham....

Silas D.Baldwin...

Wm.P. Lvnch

P. SidnevPost...

Silas C. 'Toler .' '

Jacob Fry

James M. Triie..

, Francis Mora

64Lt C„,, D.D.Williams..
65|Col. Daniel Cameron
■ck E.Burke

Aug. 3, 1S61 .
July 27, 1801.
Sept. 30, 1861.
Sept. 8, 1?01..
Dec. 31, 1861
Aug. 15, 1861..
Sept. 7, 18 Jl..

Sept. 2% 1861

Sept. 18,1361

[Aug. li, 1831. ..

December. 1861..

Aug. 10, I'^ei

Aug, 9, 1S61

Sept. 17, 1861

Dec. 16,1861

Sept. 13, 1861....

Dec. 26, 1061. .

Dec. 2,^, 1861...

Oct. 1. 1851 . ..

Nov. 18, 1861

Dec. 31, 1861

Sept. 12, 1861

Dec. '61, Feb. '62..

Nov. lu, 1861

March. 1863

Feb. 18. 1862

Oct. 31, 1861

Feb. 27, 1862

Dec. 26, 1861...

Dec. 24, 1861

August, 1S61

Feb. 17,1862

March 7, 1852 .
April 10, 1863

Joliet

Mattoon

Belleville

Chicago

Chicago

Camp Butler..

Camp Bntler..
Camp Butler. .
Camo Butler..
Camp Butler. .
Camp Butler..
Camp Butler.
Camp Butler. .

Aurora

Chicago

Camp Butler

Chicago

Decatur

Chicago

Camp Butler...

Chicago

Galena

Camp Bntler...

Peoria

Camp Butler...

Camp Bntler. .

Quiucy

Camp Douglas.

Geneva

Ottawa ,

Anna

Camp Dougias
Shawneetown ,. .
Camp Douglas. .
Cami> Douglas .
St. Louis, Mo.. .

Anna .,

Carrol Iton

Ann

Anna..
Camp Butler

?S"''«'»' CampDouglas.:

Rosen M. Hough... Y,Fni n ^Li St. Louio. Mo...

Elias_ Stuart . .^ . ! ! " " ' ?,' °° ;^^, 862 camp Dou

Jos^H'TTucke;.;..;;:-; .iZ??']?! |CampButl?r....

O.T.Reeves T w i^l Camp Douglas 912

1747
1853
1265
1759
1384
1675
1112
2015

1095
1817
1286
1164
1982

1193
1939
1547
1878
1973
1711
1660
1558
1012
1593
1167
1368
1807
1277
1211
1824
1902
1512
1716
2015
2051
1874
1482
1761
1650
1519
14.34
1720
1287
1180
1754
2202
1762
1647
1385
1730
1228
1624
16«4
1694
979

HISTOEY OF ILLINOIS.

139

SrHKDtTLE— Showinc statement of volunteer troops organized within tlic State, and sent to the

field commenciu" April, 1861, and cndins; December 31, 1805, with number of regiment, name

of orieinnl commanding officer, date of oru-anization and muster into United States' service,

place of muster, and the aggregate strength of each organization.

INFAXTEY.

a Commanding officer at organiza-
° lion.

Col. Frederick A. Starring..

Jas. F. Jaquess

Jason Marsh

George Kyan

Alonzo W. Mack

David P. Grier

W. H. Bennison

Lyman Guinnip

Thos. G. Allen

Jas. J. DoUins

Frederick Uecker

Abuer 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. AtKins

Holden Putnam

Wm. W.Orme

Lawr'n S. Church

Thos. E. Champion. ..

F. S. Rutherford

J.J. Funkhouser

G. W. K. Bailey

Fred. A. Bartleson

Chas. H. Fox

Wm.McMurtry

Amos C. Babcock

Absalom B. Moore

Daniel Dustin

Roberts. Latham

Thomas Snell

John Warner

Alex. J. >!immo-

Thos. S. Casey

James S.Martin ,

T. J. Henderson

Geo. B. Ho<;e

James W. Judy

Jesse H. Moore

Nathan H. Tapper.

Risden M. Moore ,

John G.Fonda

Thos. J. Kenney

George W. McKeaig ...

Never organized ■

Col. John I. Einaker

James Moore

Thomas J. Sloan

Oscar F. Harmon

Jonathan Richmond.. .

John Van.^rman

Robert M. Hudley

George P. Smith

Nathaniel Niles

George W. Neeley

Thomas C. Pickett

Thad. Phillips

\V. W McChesney

John S.Wolfe

Date of organization and
muster into the United
States service.

Aug. 21,1862...

Sept. 4. 1862...
Sept. 2, 1862. .
Aug. 22, 1862.
•Sept. 3, 186J.
Sept. 1, 1862...
Aug. 2S, 1862..
Aug. 25, 1862...
Aug. 26, 1862..

Aug. 21,1862..
Sept. 1,1862..
Aug. 27, 1862.

Sept 22, 1862..
Aug. 27, 1862..
*Aug 25,186!.
Nov 22, 1862..
Sept. 8, 18B2..
Sept. 4, 1862...
Oct. 13,1862...
Aug. 20, 1862..
Sept. 4,1862..
Sept. 6, 1862..
Sept. 8, 1862..
Sept. 3, 1>^6J .
Aug. 26, 1S62.

.\ag. 30, _.-
Sept. 2, 1862...

Oct, 2, 1862. . . .
Aug. 27, 1862. .
Sept. 2, 1862..
Sept. 17, 1862. ,
Sept. 4.1862...
Ang. 28, 1862. .
Sept. 11, 1861..

Sept. 18, 1862.
Sept. 12,1862..
Oct. 1,1862....
Sept. 18, 1862..
Sept. 13, 1862..
Sept. 30. 1862..
Sept. 19, 1862..
Nov 29. 1S62.
Oct. 7, 1862 ..
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. 2.'). 1865...
Nov. 13,1862...
Junel, 1864...
May 31,1864...

June 6,1864..

Camp Douglas

Camp Butler

Rockford

Dixon

Kankakee...

Peoria..,

Quiucy

Danville

Centralia

Anna

Camp Butler

Monmouth

Q.uincy

Peoria ■

Peoria

Shawneetown

Camp Douglas ,

Camp Douglas

Camp Douglas

Camp Bntler

Rockford.

Princeton and Chicago.

Bloomington,

Rockford

Rockford

Camp Butler

Centralia

Florence, Pike Co

Joliet

-Tacksonville

Knoxville

peoria

Otta^va

I hicago

Lincoln...

Camp Butler

Peoria

Anna

Anna

Sa'em

Peoria

Camp Douglas

Camp Butler

Camp Butler

Decatur

Camp Butler

Camp Butler

Quincv

Camp Butler

Carliuville......

Mattoon

Camp Butler...

Danville

Chicago

Camp Douglas.
Camp Bntler...

Pontiac

Camp Bnt'er...
Camp Massac.

Camp Fry

Camp Butler.

Camp Fry

Mattoon

140

HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.

place of mnster, and the aggregate Btrenglh of each orgamzatiou.

INFANTRY.

2!

Commandiug ofBcer at organiza-
tion.

Date of organization and
muster into the United
States service.

Place where mustered
into the United States
service.

'it

136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149

ito

151
152
153
154
155
156

^ ,

842

Q.nincy

849

836

878

Camp Butler

Elgin

871

" Stephen Bronson

" Eollin V. Anliney

" Dudley C. Smith

'• Cyrus Hall

June 16 1864

842

851

Mattoon

865

1159

880

" Henry H. Dean

Sept.S0,ieH4

Feh. 18, 1865

Camp Butler -

Chicatjo

1M6
1047

" Horace H. Wilaie

917

Camp"Butler

983

Feb. 14, 1865

Feb. 25, 1865

Feb. 18, 1865

933

970

945

*i Gt h ■RroTiflf Ti

Chicago

1076

" McLeanF.Wood

" GuBtavus A. Smith

Feb. 22, 1865

994

929

March 9 1865

Chicago

976

Dec.l, 1861

986

903

Camp Bntler

91

90

86

: Col. Thomas A. Marshall

Silas Nob'.e

Eugene A. Carr

T. Lyle Dickey

John J. Updegraff

Thomas H. Cavanangh .

Wm. Pitt Kellogg

John F. Farnsworlh. . ..

Albert G. Brackett

James A. Barrett

Robert G. IngersoU

Joseph W.Bell." !!'.".!!

Horace Capron

Warren Stewart

Christian Thielman

John L. Beveridge

December "

Nov., '61, Jan., '6'J

August, '61

. Sept. 18, '61

Oct. 26, '61

, Nov. 2.5, '01

Dec. 20,'61

, Dec, '61, Feb., '62

; Jan. 7, '63

Organized Dec. 25, '63. .

. Jan. and April, '63

. Jan. 28, '64

Bloomington...
Camp Butler...
Camp Butler...

Ottawa

Camp Butler

Camp Butler

Camp Butler...
St. Charles.. ..
Camp Douglas.
Camp Bntler...

Peoria

, Camp Butler, .
Camp Douglas.

Peoria

up Butler...
Camp Butler...
St. Charles

1656
1669
2248

2:362
2174
1759
1565
1473
1468
1247

FIRST REGIMENT— ILLINOIS LIGHT ARTILLERY.

I Field
. Capt.

and Staff.

C. M. Willard

Ezra Taylor

C. Haughtaling —
Edward McAllister
A. C. Waterhouse.
John T. Cheney . .
Arthur O'Leary —
Axel Silversparr...
Edward Bonton...

A. Franklin

.Tohn Rourke

John B.Miller

Recruits

Oct. 31,1861.

Jan. 14, •62...

Dec. 19, '61...

Feb. 25, '63..

Feb. 28. '62 . .
, Feb. 20. '62..
. Feb. 15, '62...
. Jan. 9, '62....
. Feb. 22, '62..
. Aug. 12, '62

Chicago

Chicago

Ottawa

Ptaiufield

. Chicago

Camp Butler.

. Cairo

. Chicago

. Chicago

, Shawneetown

. Chicago

. Chicago

HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.

141

ScnBDFLB— Showing statement of volunteer troops organized within the State, and eent to the
field, commencipg April, 1861, and ending December 31, 1865, with number of regiment, name
of original commanding officer, date of organization and mueter into United States service,
place of muster, and the aggregate Btrcnglh of each organization.

LIGHT ARTILLERY.

Date of organization and
mueter into the United
States service.

Place where mustered
into the United States
service.

SECOND REGIMENT-ILLINOIS CiGHT ARTILLERY.

. Peter Davidson ,

Riley Madison

Caleb Hopkins

Jasper M. Dresser

Adolph Schwartz

John W. Powell... .
Charles J. Stolbrand.
Andrew Steinbeck. . .
Charles W. Keith. ..
Benjamin F. Rogers.
William H. Bolton...

John C. Phillips

Field and Staff

Recruits

Aug. 17,1861 iPeori

June 20, '61 Springfield

Aug. 5, '61

Dec. 17, '61

Feb. 1, '62.

Dec. 11, '61

Dec. 31, '61..

Feb. 28, '6-2.,
Jnne 6, '62. .

Cairo.
Cairo .
Cairo.
Cape Girardeau, Mo..

Camp Butler

Camp Butler.

Camp Butler

Camp Butler

Chicago

Chicago

INDEPENDENT BATTERIES.

Board of Trade
Springfield. . . .
Mercantile....

Elgin

Coggswell's...
Henehaw's —
Bridges'

Capt. James S. Stokes

" Thomas F. Vaughn..

" Charles G. Cooley —

" George W. Renwick.

" William Coggswell . .

" Ed. C. Henshaw

" Lyman Bridges

" John H. Colvin

July 31, 1862.
Aug. 81, '62...
Aug. 29. '62..
Nov. If, '62..
Sept. 2.3, '61..
Oct. 15. '63...
Jan. 1. '62....
Oct. 10, '63...

Chicago

Camp Butler. . .

Chicago

Elgin

Camp Douglas.

Ottawa

Chicago

Chicago

Chicago

RECAPITULATION.

Infantry 185,941

Cavalry 32,082

Artillery 7,877

DUELS.

The code of chivalry so common among Southern gentlemen
and so frequently brought into nse in settling personal diiferences
has also been called to settle the " affairs of honor " in our own
State, however, bnt few times, and those in the earlier days.
Several attempts at duels have occurred ; before the disputants met
in mortal combat the differences wore amicably and satisfactorily
settled; honor was 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 making it odious and dishonorable.
Prior to the constitution of 1848, parties would evade the law by

142 HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS.

going beyond the jurisdiction of tlie State to engage ia their con-
tests of honor. At that time they incorporated in tlie Constitution
an oath of office, which was so broad as to cover the whole world.
Any person who had ever fought a duel, ever sent or accepted a
challenge or acted tlie part of second was disfranchised from holding
office, even of minor importance. After this went into effect, no
other duel or attempt at a duel has been engaged in within the
State of Illinois, save those fouglit by parties living outside of
the State, who came here to settle their personal diflerences.

THE FIRST DUEL.

The first duel fought within the 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 1S09 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 first
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 the 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, he crept up behind him and shot him dead
in his tracks. Dunlap successfully escaped to Texas.

KECTOR AND BARTON.

In 1812 the bloody code again brought two young men to the
field of honor. They were Thomas Rector, a son of Capt. Stephen

H ^'^

HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 145

Eector who bore such a noble part in the war of 1812, and Joshua
Barton. They had 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.

STEWART 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 BAKER.

In IS-IO 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.

HAKDIN AND DODGE. .

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 speeclies by the
Hon. J. J. Hardin, Hon. A. P. 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'cLERNAND 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 OF 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 Jiadge,
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. Tlie State officers thereupon demanded
specie pajnnent 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
officials, under the nam de jpluine 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
officers 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 which 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. Merriman, 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 lie was the author,

HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 147

asked a retraction of that portion relatiiinj 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. Merrimau as his
"friend." These gentlemen secretly pledged themselves to agree
upon some amicable terms, and compel their principals to accept
thein. 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 affair 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 ia the Journal of the
2d 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 injuring
your personal or private character or standing, as a man or gentleman ; and I did
not then think, and do not now thick, 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 us 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 HISTOET OF ILLINOIS.

"3d. Time. — On ThursSay evening at 5 o'clock, if j^ou can get
it so; but in no case to be at a greater distance of time than Friday
evening at 5 o'clock.

"4tli. Place. — "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 beyond their limits."

The position of the contestants, as prescribed by Lincoln, seems
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, aud 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 affair
was satisfactorily arranged, Lincoln making a statement similar to
the one above referred to.

SHIELDS AND BUTLEE.

William Butler, one of Lincoln's seconds, was dissatisfied with
the bloodless termination of the Lincoln-Shields affair, and wrote an
account of it for the Sangamo Journal. This article reflected dis-
creditably upon both the principals engaged in that controversy.
Shields replied by the hands of his friend Gen. Whiteside, in a
curt, menacing note, which was promptly accepted as a challenge
by Butler, and the inevitable Dr. Merriman named as his friend,
who submitted the following as preliminaries of the fight:

Time. — Sunrise on the following morning.

Place.— Qo\. Allen's farm (about one mile north of State House.)

Weapo7is. — Rifles.

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, arras
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 tlie 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, whea
and wliere he pleased. Butler claimed the affair was closed and
declined the proposition.

WHITESIDE 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. Wiiile second in the Siiields-Butler
^asco, Whiteside declined the terms proposed by Butl^er, in curt
and abrufit language, stating that tlie place of combat could not be
dictated to him, for it was as much his right as Merriman's, who,
if he was a gentleman, would recognize and concede it. To this
Merriman replied by the hands of Capt. 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, wlien 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 CAMPBELL.

These two gentlemen were members of the Constitutional Con-
vention of IS-iT, 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 tlie authorities gaining knowledge
of their bloody intentions, had both parties arrested, which ended
this " affair."

DKESS 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 HISTOET 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 have
been, however, more than usually favorable representatives of their
race.

" The working and voyaging dress of the French masses," says
Kevnolds, " 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
commonly 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, filled witli tobacco, pipe,
flint and steel. On tlie 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 moccasins
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

HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 163

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, and at times the fringe is composed of red, and
other gay colors. The belt, frequently, is sewed to the hunting-shirt.
The vest was mostly made of striped linsey. The colors v/ere made
often with alum, copperas and madder, boiled with the bark of trees,
in such 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 iine, 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 the 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 1820 a change of dress began to take place, and before 1830,
according to Ford, most of the pioneer costume had disapjjeared.
"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 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.

The last half century has doubtless witnessed changes quite as
great as those set forth by our Illinois historian. The chronicler
of today, looking back to the golden days of 1830 to ISiO, and
comparing them with the present, must be struck with the tendency
of an almost monotonous uniformity in dress and manners that
comes 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 FEATURES 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 Richmond. 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 full 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 tlie 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 that 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 other rivers, the ground is

UISTOET OF ILLINOIS. * 155

elevated, forming the so-called bluffs, on wliicli at tlie present day
may be found, iinetfaced by the hand of Time, the marks and traces
left by the water which was formerly much higher; whence it may
De 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 whicli
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, cuma
clay, common brick clay, sand of all kinds, gravel, mineral paint, —
in fact, everything needed for a high civilization.

AGEICULTDKE.

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 cotton crop. The hay of Illinois equals the cotton of Louisiana-

156 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.

Go to Charleston, S. C, aud 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 iu 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
ehe had thirty years before.

HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. 257

A few leading industries will justify emphasis. She manufactured
$205,000,000 worth of goods, which phxced her well up toward
New York and Pennsylvania. The number of her manufacturing
establishments increased from 1860 to 1870, 300 per cent. ; capital
emplo}'ed 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 York. 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 the entire roads of the State. Her
stations were only five miles apart. She carried, in 1876, 15,795,-
000 passengers an average of 36J 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 in 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.

GOVERNORS OF 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 education, 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 land. He was elected
Governor in 1818; was beaten for Congress in 1824 by Daniel P.
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 a considerable sum of money.

158 HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS.

He was President Madison's private secretary. He came to Illinois
in 1819, was elected Governor in 1822, on the anti-slaveiy ticket;
moved to Philadelphia in 1833, and died in 1SC8.

Ninian Fdwards.—ln 1809, on the formation of the Territory of
Illinois, Mr. Edwards was appointed Governor, which position he
retained until the organization of the State, wlien he was sent to
the United States Senate. He was elected Governor in 1826. He
was a native of Maryland and bora in 1775; received a collegiate
education; was Chief Justice of Kentucky, and a Eepublican in
politics.

Jolm Bei/7iolcIs—Wiis 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 was not polished.
He was an ultra Democrat; attended the Charleston Convention in
1860, and urged the seizure of United States arsenals by the
South. He died in 1865 at Belleville, childless.

Josep/i Duncan. — In 183i Joseph Duncan was elected Governor
by the Whigs, although formerly a Democrat. lie had previously
served four terms in Congress. He was born in Kentucky in 179-1;
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 1S3S. 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 Carrolltou,
Feb. 11, 1852.

Thomas Ford — "Was born in Pennsylvania in the year 1800; was
brought by his widowed mother to Missouri in 1801, 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 1850.'

Augustus C. French — "Was born in New Hampshire in 1808;
was admitted to the bar in 1831, and shortly afterwards moved to
Illinois when in 1846 he was elected Governor. On the adoption
of the Constitution of 1S48 he was again chosen, serving until 1853.
He was a Democrat in politics.

HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. J5g

Joel A. Mntteson — 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 185:2 upon the Democratic ticket.

William H. Blssell — 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 New 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 Kepublican 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 Mexican
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-
ziia; soon returned, and, in 1852, 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
Hepublican and resides at Decatur.

Shelhy 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 ou the war commission at Cairo, 1862,

160 HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS.

and was a member of the 39th, 40th aud ilst Congress, in all of which
he served with credit to his State. He was again elected to the
State Legislature in 1S72, and re-elected in 1874, and was elected
Governor of Illinois in 1876, which office he still holds, and has
administered with marked ability.

LIEUTENANT GOVKRNOKS.

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. RiMard—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.

ZadocTc Casey — Although on the opposition ticket to Governor
Keynolds, the successful Gubernatorial candidate, yet Casey wa8
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 iii 1846.

William MoMurtry. — 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 Wood — Was elected in 1856, and on the death of Gov.
Bissell became Governor.

Francis A. Eqfman—W&s chosen with Gov. Yates in 1860.
He was born in Prussia in 1822, and came to Illinois in 1840.

HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS.

161

William Bross — "Was born in New Jersey, came to Illinois in
1848, was elected to office in 1864.

Jo?i7i Dougherty — Was elected in 1868.

John L. Bevered(je — Was chosen Lieut. G-ov. in 1872. In 1873
Oglesby was elected to the U. S. Senate when Beveridge became
Governor.

Andreio S human — Was elected Nov. 7, 1876, and is the present
incumbent.

SUPERnrTKNDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION.

Ninian W. Edwards 1854-56

W. H. Powell 1857-58

Newton Batsman 1858-75

Samuel M. Etter 1876

ATTORNEY GENERAiS.

Daniel P. Cook 1819

William Mears 1820

Samuel D. Lockwood 1821-32

James Turney 1823-28

George Forquer 1829-32

James Scmple 1833-34

Ninian E. Edwards 1834-35

Jesse B. Thomas, Jr 1835

Walter B. Scales .1836

Asher P. Linder 1837

Geo. W. Olney 1838

Wickliffe Kitchell 1839

Josiah Lamborn 1841-43

James A. McDougall 1843-46

David B. Campbell 1846

[Office abolished and re-created in 1867]

Robert G. Ingcrsoll 1867-68

Washington Bushnell 1869-72

James K. Edsall 1873-79

TREASURERS.

John Thomas 1818-19

R. K. McLaughlin 1819-22

Ebner Field 1823-26

James Hall 1827-30

John Dement 1831-36

Charles Gregory 1836

John D. Whiteside. 1837-40

M. Carpenter 1841^8

John Moore 1848-56

James Miller 1857-60

William Butler 1861-62

Alexander Starne 1863-64

James H. Beveridge 1865-66

George W. Smith 1867-68

Erastus N. Bates 1869-73

Edward Rutz 1873-75

Thomas S. Ridgeway 1876-77

Edward Rutz 1878-79

BECRETARIB8 OP STATE.

Elias K. Kane 1818-23

Samuel D. Lockwood .1822-23

David Blackwell 1823-24

Morris Birkbeck 1824

George Forquer 1825-28

Alexander P. Field 1839-40

Stephen A. Douglas 1840

Lyman Trumbull 1841-42

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 Rummel 1869-73

George H. Harlow 1873-79

162 mSTOEY OF ILLINOIS.

AUDITORS.

Elijah C. Berry 1818-31 Tliompson Campbell 1846

I. T. B. Stapp 1831-35 Jesse K. Dubois 1857-64

Levi Davis 1835-40 Orlin H. Miner 1865-68

James Shields 1841-42 Charles E. Lippencott 1869-76

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 terra, and in 1819 re-elected for full term.

Jesse B. Thomas — One of the federal judges during the entire
Territorial existence was 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 terra. He was born in North Carolina
in 1791, and came to Illinois in 1815; served one term 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. Rohinson. — Instead of Baker, the Governor's appointee,
the Legislature chose Robinson, and in 1834 lie 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. Ewing — Was 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

HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 163

native of Kentucky; was Circuit Judge before his election to the
Senate, and Supreme Judge in IS-tS. He died in an insane asylum
at AVasliington.

Saiiiuel McRoherts — The first native Illinoisian ever elevated to
the high ofHce 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 iu
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 Seniple — "Was the successor of Samuel McRoberts, 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 thi-ee 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 iu 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 Trumbtill — 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 HISTOET 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— 'Wa.s 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 1S31, 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 tlie 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 law,
and settled in Illinois; served as captain in the Mexican "War, and,
on the battle-field of Buena Vista, was promoted for bravery, by a
unanimous vote of his regiment. He served in the Lower House
of Congress from 1847 to 1856, 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 — Was elected to the U. S. Senate in 1877 for a term
of six years. He was bora 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-
ton, where he has since resided and amassed a large fortune. He

HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 166

was for many years the intimate friend and associate of Abraham
Lincobi, rode the circuit with him each year, and after Lincoln's
election to the Presidency, was appointed by hira to fill the position
of Judge of the Supreme Court of the United States.

REPRESENTATIVES IN CONGRESS.

riFTEENTH CONGRESS. NINETEENTH C0NGUES8.

John McLean 1818 Daniel P. Cook 1835-26

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS. TWENTIETH CONGRESS.

Daniel P. Cook 1819-20 Joseph Duncan 1827-28

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS. TWENTY-FIKST CONGRESS.

DanielP. Cook...: 1831-23 Joseph Duncan 1839-30

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS. TWENTY-SECOND CONGRESS.

Daniel P. Cook 1823-34 Joseph Duncan 1831-32

TWENTY-THIRD CONGRESS.

Joseph Duncan 1833-34 Zadock Casey 1833-34

TWKNTY-POURTU CONGRESS.

Zadock Casey 1835-36 William L. May 1835-36

John Reynolds 1835-36

TWENTY-FIFTH CONGRESS.

Zadock Casey 1837-38 William L. May 1837-38

John Reynolds 1837-38

TWENTY-SIXTH CONGRESS.

Zadock Casey 1839^0 John T. Stuart 1839-40

John Reynolds 1839-40

TWENTY-SEVENTH CONGRESS.

Zadock Casey 1841-43 John T. Stuart- 1841-42

John Reynolds 1841-13

TWENTY-EIGHTH CONGRESS.

Robert Smith 1843^4 Joseph P. Hoge 1843-44

Orlando B. Finklin 1843-44 John J.Hardin 1843-44

Stephen A. Douglas 184.3^4 John Wentworth 1843^4

John A. McClernand 1843-14

TWENTY-NINTH CONGRESS.

Robert Smith 1845-46 Joseph P. Hoge 1845-46

Stephen A. Douglas 1845^6 John A. McClernand 1845-46

Orlando B. Finklin 1845-40 John Wentworth 1845^6

John J. Hardin 1845

THIRTIETH CONGRESS.

John Wentworth 1847-48 Orlando B. Finklin .1847-48

Thomas J. Turner 1847 Robert Smith 1847-48

Abraham Lincoln 1847-48 William A. Richardson 1847-48

John A. McClernand 1847^8

166 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.

THIKTTFrRST CONGRESS.

John A. McCIemand t849-.50 Edward D. Baker 1849-50

John Wentworth 1849-50 William H. Bissell 1849-50

Timothy R. Young 1849-50 Thomas L. Harris 1849

William A. Richardson 1849-50

THrRTY-SECOND CONGRESS.

William A. Richardson. 1851-52 Richard Yates 1851-52

Thompson Campbell 1851-53 Richard S. Maloney 1851-52

Orlando B. Finklin 1851-52 Willis 1851-53

John Wentworth 1851-52 William H. Bissell 1851-52

THIRTV-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-FOURTn CONGRESS.

Elihu B. Washbume 1855-50 Samuel S. Marshall 1855-56

Lyman Trumbull 1855-50 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.

El ihu B. Washbume 1857-58 Samuel 8. 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. Farnsworth 1857-58 Thomas L. Harris 1857-58

Owen Lovejoy 1857-58

THIRTY-SIXTH CONGRESS.

Elihu B. Washbume 1859-60 John F. Farnsworth 1859-60

John A. Logan 1859-60 Philip B. Fouke 1859-60

Owen Lovejoy 1859-60 Thomas L. Harris 1859-60

John A. McClernand 1859-60 William Kellogg 1859-60

Isaac N Morris 1859-60 James C. Robinson 1859-60

THIRTY-SEVENTH CONGRESS.

Elihu B. Washburne 1861-62 Isaac N. Arnold 1861-62

James C. Robinson 1861-63 Philip B. Fouke 1861-63

John A. Logan 1861-63 William Kellogg 1861-62

Owen Lovejoy 1861-63 Anthony L. Knapp 1861-63

John A. McClernand 1861-63 William A. Richardson 1861-62

THIRTY-EIGHTH CONGRESS.

Elihu B. Washbume 1863-64 William J. Allen 1863-64

Jesse O. Norton 1863-64 Isaac N. Arnold 1863-64

James C. Robinson 1863-64 John R. Eden 1863-64

CENTEAL HOSPITVL KiR THE INb\NE, JACKSONVILLE

ILLINOIS INDUSTRIAL UNIVERSITY, Oil \MP\I&N— FOUNDED BY THE STATE,
ENDOWED BY CONGRESS.

HISTORY OF ILLINOIS.

169

Lewis W. Ross 18<)3-64

John T. Stuart 1863-64

Owen Lovejoy 1803-64

William R. Morrison 1863-64

John C. Allen 1863-64

John F. Farns worth 1863-64

Charles W. Morris 1863-64

Ebeu C. IngersoU 1863-64

Antaony L. Knapp 1863-64

THIRTY-NINTH C0HQEES8.

Elihu B. "Washburne 1865-66

Anthony B. Thornton 1865-66

John Wentworth 1865-66

Abner C. Hardin 1865-66

Eben C. Ingprsoll 1865-66

Barton C. Cook 1865-66

Shelby M. Cullom 1865-66

Jonn F. Famsworth 1865-66

Jehu Baker 1865-66

Henry P. H. Bromwell 1865-66

Andrew Z. Kuykandall 1865-66

Samuel S. Marshall 1865-66

Samuel W. Moulton 1865-66

Lewis W. Ross 1865-66

FORTIETH CONGRESS.

Elihu B. Washburne 1867-68

Abner C. Hardin 1867-68

Eben C. Ingersoll 1867-68

Norman B. Judd 1867-68

Albert G. Burr 1867-68

Burton C. Cook 1867-68

Shelby M. Oullom 1867-68

John F. Famsworth 1867-68

Jehu Baker 1867-68

Henry P. H. Bromwell 1867-68

John A. Logan 1867-68

Samuel S. Marshall 1867-68

Green B. Raum 1867-68

Lewis W. Ross 1867-68

FORTY-FIRST CONGRESS.

Norman B. Judd 1869-70

John F. Famsworth 1869-70

H. C. Burchard 1869-70

John B. Hawley 1869-70

Eben C. Ingersoll 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 S. Marshall 1800-70

John B. Hay 1869-70

John M. Crebs 1869-70

John A, Logan 1869-70

FORTY-SECOND CONGRESS.

Charles B. llirwell 1871-72

John F. Famsworth 1871-72

Horatio C. Burchard 1871-72

John B. Hawley 1871-72

Bradford N. Stevens 1871-73

Henry Snapp 1871-73

Jesse H. Moore 1871-73

James C. Robinson 1871-73

Thomas W. McNeely 1871-73

Edward Y. Rice 1871-73

Samuel 8. Marshall 187 1-73

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 187.3-74

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

170

HISTOKT OF ILLINOIS.

Greenbury L. Fort 1873-74 Isaac Clements 1873-74

Granville Barrere 1873-74 Samuel S. Marshall 1873-74

William H. Ray 1873-74

FOBTT-FOnSTH CONGRESS.

Scott Wike 1875-76

William M. Springer 1875-76

AcUai E. Stevenson 187.5-76

Joseph G. Cannon 1875-76

John R. Eden 1875-76

W. A.J. Sparks 1875-76

Bernard G. Caulfield 1875-76

Carter H. Harrison 1875-76

Charles B. Farwell 1875-76

Stephen A. Hurlbut 1875-76

Horatio C. Burcbard 1875-76

Thomas J. Henderson 1875-76

Alexander Campbell 1875-76

Greenbury L. Fort 1875-76

Richard H. Whiting 1875-76

JohnC. Bagby 1875-76

FORTT-FIFTn CONGRESS.

William R. Morrison 1875-76

William Hartzell 1875-76

William B. Anderson 1875-76

William Aldrich 1877-78

Carter H. Harrison 1877-78

Lorenzo Brentano 1877-78

William Lathrop 1877-78

Horatio C. Burchard 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

PORTT-SIXTH CONGRESS.

Robert M. Knapp 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

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

James W. Singleton 1879-80

William M. Springer 1879-80

A. E. Stevenson 1879-80

Joseph G. Cannon 1879-80

Albert P. Forsythe 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-dav. we behold a change whose veritable existence we should

HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 171

be inclined to doubt were it not a stern, indisputable fact. Rapid
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 Michigan 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
site 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 South
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 ofiicial 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
the West Indies. He settled there in 1796 and built a rude cabin on
the north bank of the main river, and laid claim to a tract of lan(i
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, whicK
had traded at Chicago with the Indians for some time; and this

172 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 nortliward
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 witli Great Britain. The Indians took
the war-path long before the declaration of hostilities between the
civilized nations, committing 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 Cliicago
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 astonisiied 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 tlie eye,
the ear, or other senses or sympathies, cannot be adequately
described, and any 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 ofl'ered 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

HISTORY 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 terrify the weak
and unnerve the strong abounded. But they were only the 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.

COMMERCE 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.

tinuous line, would stretch from London across the broad Atlantic
to New York and on across our continent to San Francisco.

In regard to the grain, lumber and stock trade, Chicago has sur-
passed all rivals, and, indeed, not only is without a peer but excels
any tliree 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 reach across the continent from New
York to San Francisco. Speaking more iu detail, we have of the
various cereals received during the year, 63,783,577 bushels of corn,
20,901,220 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 during 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 during the year, 6,339,650 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 tlie 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,-
OOO 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

HtSTOKY OF ILLINOIS. 175

of Oregon, Wyoming and Utah, and the grazing regions of Texas,
as well as from all the Southern, Western and JSTorthwestern States
and Territories and from the East as far as Ohio. If these cattle
were driven from Chicago sonthward, 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 1878 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,
$2,300,000. 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 187S, 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

176 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 two weeks, and broiight back
what papers and news he could find. As late a,s 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 ISii, the quagmires in the streets were first pontooned by
plank roads. The wooden-block pavement appeared in 1857. In
IBiO, water was delivered by peddlers, in caris or by hand. Then
a twenty -five liorse power engine pushed it through hollow or bored
logs along the streets till 1S5-4, 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 1S65. The telephone introduced
in 1878.

One of the most thoroughly interesting 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 ISorth divisions.

There is no grand scenery about Chicago except the two seas, one
of water, the other of prairie. Nevertheless, there is a spirit about
it, a push, a breadth, a power, that soon makes it a place never to

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HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 177

be forsaken. Chicago is in the field ahnost 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 iier 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 16Si, 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. Rufus 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 State."
Furnished 8,289 soldiers. She is entitled to 4 members in Congress>
and 6 electoral votes. Governor, "W. R.Miller, Democrat; salary,
$3,500; 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 Spaniav .s a 1542, and by the celebrated Enghsh

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. Fopuktiou 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 4,903
soldiers. "Was admitted as a State in 1876. It has a Latin motto,
I^il sine iV^wnime, 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, Kepublican.

Connecticut — Qui transtulit sustinet, " He who brought us over
sustains us," is her motto. It was named from the Indian Quon-
ch-ta-Cut, signifying "Long Eiver." 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. Salary of Governor $2,000;
term, 2 years.

Delaware. — " Liberty and Independence," is the motto of this
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, 125,015. 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. 179

1870, 187,756. Its capital is Tallahassee. Has 2 members in Con-
gress. Has 4 Presidential electors. George F. Drew, Democrat,
Governor; 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,-
OuO 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 tlie
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 in
Congress, and 21 Presidential electors. Shelby M. CuUom, Repiib.
lican, is Governor; elected ibr 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. Popu-
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; salaiy, $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 55,045, 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; term, 2 years.

Kentucky— Is. the Indian name for "At the head 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, Xew 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 1S60, 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— y^ && named after Henrietta Maria, Queen of
Charles I. of England. It has a Latin motto, Crecite 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, Annapolis.
Has 6 Representatives, and 8 Presidential electors. J. H. Carroll,
Democrat, Governor; salary, $4,500; term, 4 years.

HISTORY 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 i)lacidam sub libertate qxiietem, " 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
Kevolution. Area 7,800 square miles. Population in 1860, 1,231,-
066; in 18T0, 1,457,351. She gave to the Union army 116,467 sol-
diers. Boston is the capital. Has 11 Representatives in Con-
gress, and 13 Presidential electors. Thomas Talbot, Republican, is
Governor; salary, $5,000; term, 1 year.

Michigan — Latin motto, Luehor, and Si quoeris feninsulaTiL
amcenam circumspice, '■'■ \ will defend" — " If you seek a pleasant
peninsula, look around you." The name is a contraction of two
Indian words meaning " Great Lake." 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.'ErenGh.moiio, L'' Etoile du Nord — "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, 439,51L 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-
bury, 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.

Missouri — 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 pojauli 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,
Jeflerson City. Its inhabitants are known by the offensive cogno-
man of " Pukes." Has 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 1367. Its capital
is Lincoln. It had a population in 1860 of 28,841, and in 1870,
123,998, 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, Volens et jpotens, 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 Rebellion. Has 1 Rep-
resentative and 3 Electors. Governor, J. H. Kinkhead, Republican;
salary, $6,000; term, 4 years.

New Ramjislnre — "Was 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 e'quals 9,239,200 acres. It had a population in ] 860 of S26,-
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;
salary, $1,000; term, 1 year.

Neio Jet'sey—Wns 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.

Neio 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
first 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 had in ISGO a population of
992,622, and in 1S70, 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 hnperiinn in Imperio —
"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 i870
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 jyropriis — "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 Union 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 HISTORY 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,
Kepublican, is Governor; salary, $1,500 ; term, 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, equaling 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 Kebellion, 338,155. Harris-
burg is the capital. Has 27 Representatives and 29 electors. H.
M.Hoyt, is Governor; salary, $10,000; politics, Republican; term
of office, 3 years.

Rhode Island. — This, the smallest of the States, owes its name to
the Island of Rhodes in the Mediterranean, which domain it is said
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 to defend the Union, 23,248.
Its capitals are Providence and Newport. Has 2 Representatives,
and 4 Presidential electors. C. Vanzandt 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, Aniniis
opibusque parati, " Ready in will and deed." The first permanent
settlement was made at Port Royal in 1670, where the French
Huguenots had failed three-quarters of a century before to found a
settlement. It is one of tlie original thirteen States. Its capital is
Colutnbia. 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 — Vermont being the first, and Kentucky the second. It

HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 185

has an area of •15,600 si^uare miles, or 29,lS-i,000 acres. In 1860
its population numbered 1,109,801, and in 1870, 1,257,983. She
furnished 31,092 soldiers to suppress the Eebellion. Nashville is
the capital. Has 10 Kepresentatives, and 12 Presidential electors.
Governor, A. S. Marks, Democrat; salary, $1,000; 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 1815 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 601,215; 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, 85,000; term, 2 years.

Vermont — Bears 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 38,352 square miles, equal to 24,515,280 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 liheri, " 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, Clvitatas successit barbarum, "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 52,924 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.

HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 187

ILLINOIS INSTITUTE FOR 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
1843, 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 26tli day of Januaiy, of that year, the Institution was formall}'-
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 FOR 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, 1847.
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. 3, 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 location 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 Cook county, which will accommodate about 400 patients,
and two private institutions, one at Batavia, and one at Jack-
sonville.

ASYLUM FOR FEEBLE-MINDED.

The experimental school for feeble-minded children, the first
institution of its kind in the North-west, was 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. Tlie selection of a site for the

1S8 HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS.

building was intrusted to seven commissioners, Avho, 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 CHARITABLE ETE AND EAR INFIEMAEY.

The association for founding this institution was organized in
May, 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, 813.

THE SOUTHERN ILLINOIS NORMAL UNIVERSITY

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 tour
years embraces two courses, a classical and a scientific course; both
make the study of the English language and literature quite
prominent.

THE ILLINOIS INDUSTRIAL 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. Tins insti-
tution is endowed with the national land grant, and the amount of
its productive fund is about $320,000. 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.

CHAPTER I.

PITYSICAL FEATURES, GEOLOGY AND NATURAL PRODUCTIONS.

Hancock County is situated about forty miles north of the center
of the State, on its west line, and within what is known as the
"Military Bounty Land Tract." It is bounded on the south by
Adams county, to which it was attached from 1S25 to 1S29, east by
McDonough and Schuyler, north by Henderson, and west by the
Mississippi river, which separated it from Clarke county, Missouri,
and Lee county, Iowa, and constitutes about two-fifths of its whole
boundary. It lies between forty degrees and ten minutes and forty
degrees and forty minutes north latitude; and between thirteen
degrees and thirty-five minutes and fourteen degrees and five min-
utes west longitude from Washington. It is thirty miles long froni
north to south, and on an average of twenty-four miles wide from
east to west — its northern line measuring just twelve miles to its
intersection with the Mississippi, while its southern measures a
little over thirty miles. Its western line, following the meander-
ings of the river, measures about forty-five miles.

The county includes sixteen whole congressional townships and
eight fractional ones (the eight being about equal to five and a
quarter whole ones), subdivided into 769 square miles, or sections,
containing about 492,160 acres.

The central portion of the county is composed of one grand prai-
rie, bordered on the west by the wooded blufis of the Mississippi,
and east and south by the timber lands skirting the margins of
Crooked and Bear creeks, and their numerous tributaries.

The Burlington branch of the C, B. &. Q. Railroad passing
through the county from Dallas City to the southwest corner of
section 35, three north, seven west, cuts it into two nearly equal
parts ; while an east and west line, following the T. , W. & W. Railroad
to Carthage, thence east through the center of Carthage and Han-
cock townships, would divide it into nearly equal portions in the
other direction. The east half of the county contains the most
woodland, being intersected by the many streams tributary to

192 HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Crooked creek. Most of the woodlands bordering on Bear creek
and branches are in tlie west half.

Of the four subdivisions above named, it would be very hard to
tell which is the better portion. Each has some advantages, per-
haps lacking in the others. The people of Augusta and St. Mary's
have been in the habit of claiming superiority for their townships.
The same may be said of La Harpe and Fountain Green. And,
while it is true that no better soil and fairer country can be found
than is contained in the townships named, we confess to have wit-
nessed about JVauvoo, and in Sonora, Montebello, "Walker and other
western townships, country not a whit behind them in fertility and
beauty. The eastern tier of townships is better adapted to wheat;
but tlie prairie portions will out-do them in the production of corn
and hav.

Professor Worthen's " Geology of Illinois," pages 327-349, vol.
i. contains an exhaustive report on the geology of Hancock county.
Applying to him for leave to make extracts therefrom for use in
this history, he very generously forwarded the following, written
expressly for our use, for which he has our thanks, and which the
reader will find very instructive and interesting:

The geological formations to be found in this county consist ot
the usual surface deposits called drift, some sixty feet or more of
the lower coal measures, and the St. Louis and Keokuk divisions of
the lower carboniferous limestones.

The lowest or fundamental rock outcropping in the country is the
Keokuck limestone, which forms the main portion of the river
bluffs from the south line ot Henderson county to Warsaw, and ap-
pears also in occasional outcrops along the base of the bluffs from
Warsaw to the south line of the county. It is also found on the
lower courses of most of the small streams in the northwestern poi'-
tion of the county, as well as on Crooked creek north and north-
west of Plymouth.

The Keokuk limestone may usually be recognized as forming two
well marked divisions.- The upper portion, ranging in thickness
from thirt}' to forty feet, consists of a bluish gray or ash-colored
calcareo-argillaceous shale, passing locally into thin bedded lime-
stone, and contains the globular silicious bodies known nnder the
familiar name of geodes, and is hence called the geode bed. Many
of these geodes are solid globes of quartz, with an outer crust of
chalcedony, the interior being composed of crystalline qnartz.
Others are hollow spheres, the outer crust consisting of crystalline
quartz and chalcedony, while the internal cavitj' is coated with
various crystallized minerals, of which quartz is by far the most
common, and more rarely with calcite, dolomite, zinc-blende, iron
pyrites, and aragonite, forming veiy beautiful and interesting

niSTORY OF HANCOCK OOUNTT. 193

cabinet specimens of these minerals. In the vicinity of Niota,
geodes are occasional!}- found with the internal cavity filled with
liquid petrolenm, or hardened asphaltum.

As early as IS-tO or '4-1, a collection of sjeodes was made in the
vicinity of Montebello, by Mr. Catlin of Philadelphia, and ship-
ped to that city to enrich the cabinets of the Eastern States; and
since that time hundreds of tons have been collected and shipped
from this county, until choice specimens are now comparatively
rare, and difficult to obtain.

The lower division of the Keokuk formation consists of gray
limestone, rather coarse grained and sub-crystalline, partly in heavy
beds ranging from one to three feet in thickness, and partly in
thinner shaly beds, with intercalated layers of chert, or impure flint.
The latter is the prevailing character of the lower part of this
division, and it forms the bed rock of the Mississippi river along
the Des Moines rapids from Keokuk to Nauvoo.

The thickness of the lower division of the Keokuk group is
from sixty to seventy feet, and the entire thickness of the whole in
this county is about one hundred feet. The lower division, to
whicli the name Keokuk limestone more properly belongs, affords
a very good building-stone for dry walls, and also a fair quality of
stone for the lime-kiln, though for the latter purpose the compact
fine grained limestone of the overlying St. Louis group is to be
preferred. The Mormon temple at Nauvoo was built entirely of
this limestone quarried in the vicinity of that cit}^ and the custom-
houses at Dubuque, Iowa, and Galena, 111., and the postoffice build-
ing in Springfield are all built of this limestone quarried in the
vicinity of iS'auvoo and Hamilton. All the work in dressed and
cut stone for the Morn:on temple, even to the carved oxen on whose
backs the baptismal font rested, was furnished from the Nauvoo
quarries.

"When this limestone is exposed to the continued action of frost
and moisture, it splits into irregular laj'ers along the lines of bed-
ding, and hence is unfit for bridge abutments, culverts, and all
similar purposes, where it would be constantly exposed to these
adverse influences.

The Keokuk limestone is entirely of marine origin, as is fully
proven by the great numbers of marine fossils that it contains, and
the solid limestone strata were once beds of calcareous sediment in
the bed of the ocean, at a period so remote that we can now form
no correct estimate of its probable date. Some of the strata are
composed entirely of the remains of organic beings, with barely
enough of inorganic matter to cement the mass into a solid rock,
and to the paleontologist who desires to know something about the
forms of life pertaining to the carboniferous age, it aftbrds an ex-
ceedingly varied and interesting fleld.

The fossils that abound in this limestone consist for the most
part of crinoids, or lily-like animals, corals, bryozoans, mollusks,
and the teeth and spines of fishes. The carboniferous fishes were

194 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

mostly cartilawinons, like the shark and sturj^eon of the present
day, and as flesh never petrifies, and they possessed no bony skele-
ton, only their teeth and bony spines have been preserved as me-
morials of their existence. The fish remains, although occasionally
to be found throughout the whole extent of the limestone, are far
more abundant in certain layers, where they are sometimes found
in large numbers within a very limited space. Two of these "fish
beds " occur in the vicinity of Warsaw and Hamilton, one just
below the geode bed, and the other in the chert}^ limestones below
the quarry rock, and in what has been called the division beds,
which separate the Keokuk from the Burlington limestone below.
The color of these fish remains is usually brown or sometimes
nearly black, and the contrast they exhibit with the light gray color
of the rock enables the collector to readily detect them without a
close examination of their structure, which is also quite distinct
from that of any other fossils to be found in this formation.

Inter-stratified with the limestone beds, there are layers of clay
or clay shale, varying in thickness from half an inch to two feet or
more. These have resulted from the introduction of a muddy sed-
iment into the ocean, which in some cases suddenly entombed the
living animals that inhabited its waters, and in these clay partings,
the crinoids and delicate bryozoans are found in their most perfect
state of preservation. They secreted a calcareous skeleton like the
coral, and occasionally these may be found in the soft shale or im-
printed on the surfaces of the limestone in such a perfect state
of preservation that the original form and structure of the animal
can be readily determined.

One of the most common forms of bryozoans in the Keokuk lime-
stone is the screw-shaped fossil known as the Archimedes, and the
frequency of its occurrence in this limestone gave it the name of
Archimedes limestone, by which it was designated by Dr. D. D.
Owen and some others of the earlier geologists. Subsequently it
was found that similar forms were found in the Warsaw division of
the St. Louis group as well as in the Chester limestones, another
division of the lower carboniferous series, and hence the name of
Archimedes limestone had to be abandoned, as applicable to any
single division of the series.

The crinoids were so abundant in the ocean sediments out of
which these limestones have been formed, that some of the thickest
of the limestone strata are composed almost entirely of their re-
mains, and hence the name crinoidal, or encrinital limestone has
been applied to it. The crinoidal layers usually have a crystalline
structure, and some of them receive a high polish, and when varie-
gated in color form a handsome and valuable marble.

Overlying the geode bed we find the St. Louis limestone, which,
like the Keokuk group, maj^ be separated into two well marked
divisions, the lower consisting of magnesian limestone, overlaid by
blue shales with thin and irregular beds of coarse gray limestone,
the latter capped with a bed of calcareous sandstone, and an upper

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 195

division composed of fine-grained, compact brecciated limestone.
The lower division ranges from 30 to 40 feet in thickness, and the
upper from 10 to 3(1. This group forms the upper portion of
the river bluffs throughout the county, and is also found on nearly-
all the small streams in the central and western portions, and the
tributaries, as well as the main course of Crooked creek, in the
northeastern part of the county.

The brecciated division forms the base, or fundamental rock, on
which the coal measures rest, and hence it forms a well marked
horizontal limit, below which coal is never found. Isolated out-
crops of coal are found resting upon it, however, in almost all parts
of the county, even as far west as the bluffs of the Mississippi
river at Kauvoo, on Waggoner's creek near Montebello, and at
several other points to the westward of the present boundary of
the Illinois coal field, but such outliers are of little or no value for
coal-raining purposes.

The magnesian limestone that is found at the base of the lower
division of the St. Louis group ranges in thickness in this, county
from six to ten feet, and affords the best material for foundation
walls, bridge abutments and culverts that can be obtained in this
portion of the State. The Sonora quarries furnished the foundation
stone for the new capitol building at Springfield, as well as the ma-
terial for the abutments of the bridge, and the locks on the canal at
Keokuk, and the rock has given universal satisfaction where strength
and durability were the main qualities demanded. It is not a hand-
some stone for outside walls, not coloring evenlj' on exposure, and
liable to be stained by the oxidation of the iron pyrites with which
the rock is more or less impregnated. But it hardens on exposure
and docs not split when subjected to the combined action of frost
and water. Below "Warsaw the magnesian limestone is from ten to
twelve feet thick, and is rather lighter colored and freer from pyrites
than at the Sonora quarries.

The blue shales and thin-bedded limestones above the magnesian
bed abound in fossils in the vicinity of Warsaw, and hence the name
of '' Warsaw beds " has been applied to the lower division of the
St. Louis group. The largest species of Archimedes known, the A.
Wort^eni, described and figured by Prof. Hall in the first report on
the geology of Iowa, belongs to this geological horizon, and is found
more abundantin the vicinity of Warsaw thaii elsewhere. Specimens
have been found as much as eighteen inches in length, and when
living, with its delicate, lace-like expansion extending from six to
eight inches on either side of the screw-shaped axis, they must have
formed living organisms of rare interest. This, with a half dozen
or more of other species of br^'ozoans to be fjund in these shales at
Warsaw, has made the locality quite noted with the amateur col-
lectors of fossils, and the locality is now well nigh exhausted.
Aljove these fossiliferous beds, there is a bed of calcareous sandstone
at Warsaw about six feet in thickness, some of which lies in thin
layers suitable for flags, and partly in strata from one foot to eigh-

196 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTT.

teen inches in thickness. This rock cuts freely and is au excellent
stone for caps and sills.

The upper division of the St. Louis group is a fine-grained brec-
ciated limestone, concretionary in structure and a nearly pure car-
bonate of lime in its composition, and hence furnishes the best ma-
terial for the lime-kiln to be found in the county. It is from ten to
thirty feet in thickness and forms the bed rock over a large portion
of the county, though it was probably at one time covered by the
shales and sandstones of the lower coal measures, which were sub-
sequently removed by denuding agencies, leaving the solid lime-
stone as a floor over which the drift clays were subsequently depos-
ited. This limestone is characterized bj' three species of fossil
corals, one of which, the Lithostrotion marnillare is usuall}' sili-
cious, and weathers out of the limestone in considerable masses,
and is called "petrified honeycomb," or "wasps' nests," by tliose
who are unaware of its true character and origin. An excellent
material for macadamizing roads as well as limestone for the lime-
kiln is furnished by this division of the St. Louis group wherever
its outcrop occurs.

Coal Measures. — In the southeastern portion of the county, em-
bracing au area of three or four townships, and extending north to
the vicinity of Plymouth, the sandstone and shales of the coal-
measures are found, embracing a thickness of fifty to sixty feet or
more, and include the horizon of the two lower seams of coal. At
the base of the coal measures there is usually a coarse sandstone
which sometimes encloses pebbles and becomes a true conglomerate.
It is variable in thickness, but usually i-anges from five to twenty
feet in this portion of the State. Above the conglomerate there is
either a few feet of sandy shale, or if this is absent, the fire clay of
the lower coal seam, or coal No. 1, reckoning from the bottom of
the formation upward. This seam is usually too thin where it has
been found in this county, to be of any great value for the produc-
tion of coal, yielding furthermore an article of inferior quality. In
thickness it ranges from six to eighteeninches, but the coal is some-
times replaced entirely with bituminous shale.

Between this lower coal and the one above it, or No. % there is
usually from ten to twentj' feet of shale, the lower part of which is
bituminous, and forms the roof to the lower seam, while at the top
it passes into the dark-colored fire clay of No. 2. This upper seam
is about two feet in thickness, but it is not regularly developed, and
like the lower seam, is liable to run into bituminous shale. It was
worked at an early daj' on Williams creek, in the vicinity of Pu-
laski, to supply the local demand for coal, but since the completion
of the C, B. & Q. railroad through this portion of the count}', the
mines have been generally abandoned. Above No. 2 there is a
variable thickness of shale and sandstone, probably nowhere exceed-
ing twenty-five or thirty feet, which forms the uppermost beds of
the coal formation in this county.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 197

The surface deposits, or "drift," as the loose material that over-
lies the bed rock of the countr}' is usually called, consists of a yel-
lowish brown clay at the top, forming- the subsoil, then drab and
ash-colored clays with gravel and boulders, passing downward into
a compact blue clay or " hard pan," the whole ranging iVom forty
to sixty feet or more in thickness. Below the "• hard pan." a black
peaty soil is frequently met with containing leaves and branches,
and sometimes the trunks of trees of considerable size. This has
been named " the forest bed," and has been found to extend over a
large area in this State, being frequently encountered in sinking
wells, or in coal shafts, sometimes at a depth of more than a hun-
dred feet below the surface. It probably represents the surface soil
that existed anterior to what is called the "drift" or "glacial"
period, and produced the trees whose trunks are so frequently en-
countered in sinking wells through the drift clays. Below the
"forest bed" there is usuallv a few feet in thickness of quick-sand
or stratified clay, resting directly upon the bed rock of the country.

The boulders of the drift are mostly of foreign origin, and have
come from the metamorphic rocks of the Lake Superior region,
the transporting agencies being floating ice, when the present sur-
face of nearly the whole of the Northwestern States was submerged
beneath the ocean.

In the vicinity of the river bluffs, the drift deposits have been
sifted and changed by the action of water currents, forming what
is called " altered or modified " drift. In the cut on Main street
in the city of Warsaw, the following section of modified drift may
be seen, which will serve to show the general character of the drift
deposits after they have been subjected to these modifying
influences:

Ft. In. Ft. In.

1. Surfiice soil 1 5. Blue sandy clay 3 6

2. Ash-colored and brown marly 6. Fine gravel and clay. .. . 2 6

clay (loess) 9 7. Yellow sand 2

3. Brown drift clay >. . 8 8. Gravel and boulders 8

4. Brown sand partly stratified 8 9. Blue clay (exposed) 4

The loess caps the river bluffs throughout the county, and gives
character to the soil wherever it is found. The timbered lands
skirting the river blufls are underlaid usually by the loess, and the
soil is extremely well adapted to the cultivation of fruit, as well
as wheat, oats and clover, and under a judicious system of rotation,
will yield fair crops of corn.

The soil upon the prairies is usual!}' a black, or chocolate-brown
loamy clay, rather retentive of moisture from the cohesive char-
acter of the subsoil, but when sufliciently rolling to give a free
surface drainage, it is very productive. There is however a consid-
erable area of flat prairie land in the county, that can only be made
to produce the best results of cultivation by a systematic course
of underdraining, which can be readily accomplished now, under
the drainage law, recently enacted by the thirty-first General
Assembly.

198 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Below "Warsaw, and extending thence to the Adams county line,
there is a belt of bottom land, from one to three miles in width,
now being redeemed from the annual overflow of the river, and
destined to become, under a proper system of levee improvement,
the most productive corn land in the county.

We copy the following from the " Geology of Illinois," by Mr
Worthen :

" The soil upon the prairie land is usually a deep black loam,
with a brown clay subsoil. On the ridges that skirt the streams
the soil is usually a chocolate- brown, loamy claj', becoming locally
light brown or yellow, on the slopes of the hills, from the predom-
inant character of the subsoil. The timber on these ridges consists
for the most part of black and white oak and hickory, with an
undergrowth of red-bud, sassafras and hazel. On the more level
portions of the timbered uplands we find, in addition to these, elm,
linden, wnld cherry and honey locust. The soil on the lands where
the last named varieties of timber are found is fully equal, in its
productive capacity, to that of the prairies, while that on the oak
ridges is comparatively thin. In the southwest portion of the
county there is a wide belt of alluvial bottom skirting the Missis-
sippi river, commencing at the city of AVarsaw and extending to
the south line of the county, with an average width of about three
miles. A part of this bottom is prairie, and a part is covered with
a heav}' growth of timber, consisting of Cottonwood, sycamore, red
and slippery elm, black and white walnut, ash, hackberry, honey
locust, pecan, persimmon, pawpaw, coffee-nut, white maple, red
birch, linden and mulberry, and the common varieties of oak, and
shell-bark and pig-nut hickory. The greater portion of this bot-
tom is susceptible of cultivation, and possesses a sand^' soil that is
not surpassed, in its productive capacities, by any other portion of
the county. It is subject to overflow, liowever, during seasons of
extraordinary high water, and those who cultivate these lands
must calculate on a partial, if not a total, loss of their crops once
in about seven years.

" Springs are not abundant in this county, but are occasionally
found at the base of the i-iver blufl's and in the valleys of the small
streams. Some of these are chalybeate, and contain, in addition
to the iron, both sulphur and magnesia. Good wells are usually
obtained on the uplands at depths varying from twenty to forty
feet. The surface deposits of this county comprise the usual sub-
divisions of the quaternary system, and attain an aggregate thick-
ness of about seventy-five feet. All the uplands are covered by
accumulations of drift, varying in thickness from twenty to sixty
feet or more. This usually consists of a bed of blue clay or hard
pan at the bottom of variable thickness,which is overlaid by brown
clays, with gravel and boulders of waterworn rock of various sizes.
Sometimes there are thin beds of sand in the brown clays, that pre-
sent a stratified appearance, and serve as channels to the under-
ground streams of water."

HISTORY or HANCOCK COUNTY. 199

And in regard to these " boulders," such objects of curiosity and
speculation all over the county, scattered not only along the bluffs
and river shore, but standing isolated and alone, away in the prai-
ries, the Report has the following wonderful statement:

" A large portion of the material composing the drift deposits
has been transported from a distance, and many of the boulders are
derived from the metamorphic strata of Lake Superior, several hun-
dred miles from the spot where they are found. Many of these
boulders are of great size and many tons weiglit, and must have re-
quired a mighty force to transport them to their present position.
One of these may be seen at the foot of the blufi^s between Nauvoo
and Appanoose, composed of the metamorphic rock of the North-
west, which is nearly twenty feet in diameter. The power required
to wrench such a mass of rock from its native bed and transport
it, for hundreds of miles, with a force sufficient to obliterate all its
angles, is inconceivably great; but hero is the boulder of granite,
nearly five hundred miles, as the crow flies, from the nearest known
ontcrop of this kind of rock, giving unmistakable evidence that such
a result has been accomplished. Several specimens of native cop-
per ha\'e been found in the drift deposits of this county, which,
from their appearance, leave no doubt that they have been trans-
ported from the copper region of Lake Superior."

Of its economical geology, from the Keport we glean the following:

^'Huildinff Stone. — Hancock county is well supplied with good
building stone, and there is, perhaps, no natural resource of this
portion of the State that is so lightly appreciated at the present time
in proportion to its intrinsic value as this. * * * The middle
division of the Keokuk group will afford the greatest amount, as
well as the finest quality, of building stone, and where this is easily
accessible, no better material need be looked for. It is generally
even textured, dresses well, and is well adapted for all the ordinary
uses to which a building stone is applied. It is also tolerably even
bedded, and affords strata thick enougii for all the ordinary require-
ments of architecture. Some of the beds are susceptible of a fine
polish, and may be used as an ornamental stone. It outcrops on all
the small streams in the western part of the county, as well as in
the river bluffs throughout the county, except in the vicinitj' of
"Warsaw, and for a distance of five miles below, where, b}' an undu-
lation of the dip, it is carried below the surface with the exception
of a few feet of the upper layers. It appears again, however, on
Kocky run, six miles below Warsaw, forming bluffs on that creek
tw«nty feet or more in height., In the eastern part of the county
it outcrops on Brunce's creek, north of Plymouth, and Crooked
creek, in the vicinity of St. Mary's.

" The arenaceous and magnesian beds of the St. Louis group will
also furnish a building stone but little inferior in quality, and quite
equal in durability, to that afforded by the Keokuk limestone.
* * * IS orth of Warsaw, its out crop is generally high up in the
bluffis, or on the small streams that intersect them, and in the in-

200 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

terior of the county it will be found on all the principal creeks that
intersect the limestones imiiiodiately below the coal measures.""

" Fotter's Clay. — The under-claj's of the coal seams are almost
the only clays in the State used for the manufacture of potter's
ware, and are the only ones from which a good article of fire-
brick has been made. The nnder-clay below the lower coal seam
on William's creek, in the southeastern part of the county, is
about thiee feet thick, and appears to be of good quality, suitable
either for potter's ware or fire-brick. There are probably many
localities in tlie eastern part of the county where this clay may be
found equal in quantity and quality to that of the locality above
named. Beds of soft material like this are seldom well exposed by
natural causes, and are best seen by artificial cuts through the
strata with which they are associated. The coal seams will always
serve as a guide to those in search of these clays."

Coal.-^Tlie supply of bituminous coal in this county is quite
limited. And the Report concludes, that our people will mainly
have to rely upon more favored districts.

HANCOCK MOUNDS.

There are numerous mounds throughout Hancock county, as in
many other sections of the State and the whole Mississippi valley.
They are found chiefly on the blufl's bordering the river and the
smaller streams. In some instances they are in the open prairie,
but most of them are in the timbered lands, and often covered
with large trees. They are mostly small, of various sizes and
elevations, from a few feet in height up to 15 or 20, and fi'om 10
to 40 or 50 feet in diameter. It is var}' rarely that one is found in
this county to exceed these measurements.

We know of but two exceptions. One of these is the Gittings
Mound in the north part of the county, and though possessing all
the characteristics of the smaller ones, covers nearly a section of
land, and is perhaps fifty or more feet high. Mr. Gittings' farm
lies on it, and it is without doubt a mere natural elevation of the
prairie. The other is what is known as the " Big Mound " in
Appanoose township. This mound is situated about seven miles
east of Nauvoo, and in the open prairie. On the east, south and
west of it, the prairie is quite level for several miles, but on the
north it is approached by the broken timbered lands skirting the
river bluffs. We are not aware that any accurate measurement of
this mound has ever been made; but from the best observation we
could make, by standing on its top, and also on the prairie at its
base, we judge it to be not less than 40 to 50 feet high, while it is
about one-fourth of a mile in diameter. It belongs to the estate
of the late Amos Davis, and he chose it for the site of his fine
residence, which occupies its summit. The barn, stables and other
out-buildings, besides two or three fine orchards, are also located
on the mound.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 201

Excavations have been made into numbers of these mounds, and
in most instances human skeletons have been found, togetlier with
various art utensils, such as knives, tomahawks, stone axes, beads,
pottery articles, etc. This fact has led to the conclusion that these
mound formations have been selected as places for the burial of
their dead, by some people occupying the country before us. Who
were those people? We think the answer is plain. We hear much
talk and read much newspaper comment about the " Mound-
Builders." This term we believe to be a misnomer. Because a
people have chosen these places as receptacles for their dead, it does
not follow that they built them for that purpose, or that they built
them at all. The Indian tribes who have just preceded us are
doubtless the people who have so used these mounds. Indeed we
know that they have done so. The writer of this has himself seen
them in several instances thus depositing their dead. But who
ever saw or heard of these aborigines building mounds? The}' find
them already built, by the same Almighty hand that built the
mountains and the hills and prairies. Besides, North America has
been known to civilization for nearly 400 years, and the people first
discovered here were as incapable of erecting these mounds as those
just now passing away. And who supposes that human bones will
remain at a depth of a few feet from the surtkce, for so long a
period, without undergoing decom])osition i If the remains of
Powhattan and King Philip can be found intact at this date, then
it will do to (/we^-s- that the bones found in these mounds have been
deposited there by a race of men anterior to the people known as
North American Indians. We are sustained in this view of the
subject by many high authorities. Rev. John M. Peck, a writer
of sound judgment and extensive observation, in his "Gazetteer of
Illinois," after referring to some of the large mounds in the Missis-
sippi valley, says:

*' These large mounds are of the same shape and proportions as
the smaller ones. Who supposes these to be the works of human
art? Who will place these among the antiquities of a country? If
any one will account for the formation of these stupendous works
of nature, in a country of unquestionabl}' diluvial formation, there
are men who make no pretensions to the rank of western anti-
quarians, who will account for the smaller ones, of a few feet eleva-
tion, without the aid of an extinguished race of men. Until further
evidence of their being the work of men's hands, I shall class them
among the natural curiosities of the country."

This opinion of the origin of these mounds is also maintained by
Prof. Worthen, in his report on Madison county. — [See Geol. Sur.
of 111., vol. i. p. 314.]

We should not omit to mention that, in digging the well for
Mr. Davis on the summit of the Appanoose mound, a piece of
timber, said to be a species of cedar, was found at a depth of 30
feet from the surface. Many similar discoveries have, however,
been made in other places where no mounds exist.

202 HISTOET OF nANCOCK COUNTY.

Bat there is indisputable evidence that this country lias at one
time, how remote it is impossible to tell, been inhabited by a
race of people far superior to the Indians found here by the Euro-
pean discoverers. There are remains, both within and without
these mounds, that go to prove this fact; remains that could not
have been left by these savage tribes, but must have belonged to a
cultivated and enlightened people. That this is so, none of these
writers will gainsay; yet we do not see that its admission has any
bearing on the question of the origin, of these mounds.

NATURAL PKODUCTIONS.

Under this head we group together the productions of the ani-
mal and vegetable kingdoms. Of the animal, the butfalo, once so
common all over the western prairies, has entirely disappeared.
Indeed, it is doubtful if one of the species has been seen in the
county by any of its pioneers. The same may be said of the elk.
Bears, though not common, have occasionally been seen and taken;
but have now forsaken us. Wild-cats were quite plenty in the
early days, and almost all the old pioneers have wild -cat stories to
tell. Wolves, the black and gray, formerly abounded, and the
bounty on scalps still draws money from the county treasury.
They find retreats among the fastnesses of Bear and Ci'ooked creeks.
The little prairie wolves, — so numerous 40 years ago, and whcse
laugh-like bark awoke the echoes of the night, around the farm
houses, and even in the village streets, like the still smaller prairie
dogs — have fled before the tramp of civilization. Panthers have
been seen, and killed, and to-day one of these animals, or some-
thing else, produces an occasional scare in the neighborhood.
That " same old coon," the opossum, the mink, and the skunk still
abound, as many settlers can testily; an occasional fox is seen; but
the beaver, badger and otter have disappeared. AVood-chucks and
musk-rats still find holes, and a variety of squirrels tempt the
sportsman's shot. Deer, so numerous -10 years ago, are now very
scarce, and many a pioneer longs for the "saddle of venison " he
once procured so cheaply, and so richly enjoyed.

Hawks abound, and crows, and owls; -but the turkey-buzzard has
taken himself ofi". Wild turkeys are sometimes seen, but are wilder
than " the law allows," and are seldom taken. Grouse, or prairie
chickens, and quails are not near so numerous as formerly. Wild
geese, brant and several species of ducks frequent the rivers and
sloughs. Numerous varieties of fish frequent the streams. Rat-
tle-snakes still are found now and then; also the black snake, and
a few others; and turtles, toads and bullfrogs creep, hop and croak
upon the land and in the ponds.

The principal forest growths of the county, are the several species
of oak, hickory, walnut, butternut, ash, maple, elm, mulberry, Cot-
tonwood, black-jack, pawpaw, sassafras, willow, hazel, blackberry,
raspberry, and numerous other plants and trees. ^ . ._,

HISTOKT OF UANCOCK COUNTY.

203

The prairie g^rass, with its thousand and one gorgeous and beau-
tiful flower?, which waved their tall stems to the breeze or nestled
in little tufts upon the sod, —

" Fitting floor
For this magnificent temple of the sliy —
With flowers whose glory and whose multitude
Rival the constellations! "

These, all these, have gone — given place to the fields of waving
grain, the rustling corn and the timothy and clover meadow. lu
recurring to those early days of prairie green and bloom, one can
almost wish them back again; they were such a glory and a joy;
such a boundless, magnificent, waving, rolling sea of beauty. This
in bright summer; but ah! let winter's storms and snows come —
and right here we close the picture and the chapter.

• *

204 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

CHAPTER II.

PIONEERS AND PIONEER LIFE.

How did people live in the pioneer days? — is a question which
the youth of to-day may well ask. In 1S17, it is said the first
steaniboat, the Gen. Pilve, ascended the Mississippi above St.
Louis. Previous to that period, all merchandise and provisions,
except of home product, had to be brought to Illinois by way of
New Orleans, in keel-boats " cordeiled " up the current by strong
muscular force, — a trip from the settlements to that city and back,
occupying about six months' time; or they had to be conveyed
across the mountains from the seaboard cities to Pittsburgh or
Wheeling, and floated down the Ohio in " broad-horns." Salt was
procured in small quantities from Kanawha and about Shawnee-
town; but tea, coffee, spices, sugar, and the thousand and one arti-
cles which now constitute the food of the inhabitants, were seldom
seen ; or if seen, were procured for extreme occasions only, and at
great expense, by the wealth}'.

Buckskin moccasins and breeches, and rabbit and coon-skin caps
were the common wear of the men ; while wife and children were
generally but meagerly enveloped in fabrics made from flax at
home, or coarse cottons obtained from abroad at high prices.

The residences of the pioneers were chiefly log cabins; the most
primitive ones always built without other tool than an ax, and
perhaps an auger, and containing from top to bottom neither nail
nor glass: hinges they had to the doors, made of stout timber, and
locks in the form of a peg or wooden bar.

The pioneers of Hancock, as of most other sections of the West in
those early days, were generally poor men, who sought the country
with a view of making homes for themselves and children. Some
of them, it may be said, were merely hunters, and came for the
purpose of getting away from civilization, and to find plenty of
game. These, usually, as neighbors began to settle near, pulled
up and went further on. But he who came with a view of locating
a permanent home, brought in most cases a family with him, and
a meager supply of indispensable utensils and tools, with which to
begin life in the wilderness. For very evident reasons, they gen-
erally made their homes in or contiguous to timber. Their cabins
were to be built, and in the quickest time possible; water without
digging was to be found there; and shelter was afforded for such
stock as they possessed.

Such few utensils as could well be brought in a two-horse wagon,
with the family, or in many cases in a one-horse cart, were all they

• «

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COCNTV. 205

could aftord; a cow or two, and perhaps a yoke of oxen; an ax, a
few other simple tools, and the inevitable gnn (rifle generally) con-
stituted the "plunder" with winch many a now and long since
independent citizen began life as a pioneer in Hancock county.

Once located, the lirst thing to do was to construct a shelter for
liimself and family, in tlie meantime living in the wagon as they
had traveled, or under the shelter of a tent. It was the work of
but a few days to erect a log cabin, with a clapboard roof and
without a floor, into which the family and pi'operty could be stored,
safe from storms and wild beasts.

Some came in parties of three or four or more, built tJieir rude
dwellings, and perhaps planted a small patch of grain; then
returned for their families.

The construction of one of these primitive houses >vould be a
curiosity to the denizen of the city now, though to most people
throughout the West not verj* remarkable. Many of them have
been built and occupied for years — comfortable abodes, too, for
intelligent and happy families, — without a nail or a bit of iron in
their make-up. Some of the best men our State and county have
known — Judges, Governors, Senators, Generals, — have been born and
reared in these rude structures. A few of them, now old and
dilapidated, and fast approaching their end, like their earliest
occupants, are yet to be seen in OTir midst; some, reconstructed,
doing duty as smoke-houses, pig-pens or corn-cribs; others standing
silent and deserted, in their desolation. Their owners, those that
are left of them, have long since transferred their goods and chat-
tels to more costly and pretentious edifices.

The ax has been the principal tool in the path of American civil-
ization. It has always preceded the plow. In preparing the home,
it has ever been the pioneer tool in the bauds of thq pioneer man;
and with it, and with no other, he can fashion a home not to be
despised. AVith it the trees are felled and cut into proper lengths
for the hut; with it alone the clapboard roofs can be made; with
it the puncheons for a door and the floor. But the tools really
needed, though not always attainable, were, first, the ax, then a
saw, an auger, a frow, and a drawing-knife. With these, and with-
out many of them, \inder the guidance of a strong will, and wielded
by a strong arm, the wilderness. of Illinois has been dotted with
happy homes, that would defy the rains of summer and the snows
and storms of winter.

But there is another and often a mournful side to the picture of
pioneer life. The rains and storms come sometimes before shelter
can be provided. Sickness overtakes the pioneer or his family.
Away in the wilderness — away from kindred or sympathizing
friends — beyond reach of medicines or kindly help— no comforts^
perhaps unsuitable food — the wife, the child — another and another
droop and die, and in the gloom and desolation are consigned to
their lonely graves. No neighborly hand near to place the sod or
strew a flower; no kindly voice to oflTer comfort. It is on this pic-

206 HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

ture of pioneer life that we would ask the reader to drop a tear.
Pioneer mother! Sad and disconsolate in thy dreary cabin, thy
loved one lying asleep in death before thee, soon to be hid from thy
loving embrace and care, to thee we drop a tear to-day. Pioneer
FATHER ! the partner of thy joys and sorrows stretched on a bed of
pain and sickness, or, perhaps, enveloped in her death shroud; chil-
dren helpless and needing a mother's kindly care; money gone,
crops failing, neighbors far away; a gloomy future before thee, —
TO THEE we heave a sigh in this, our day of prosperity and richer
enjoyments.

As before stated, the first settlers in this prairie country always
selected locations in or near to timber. Gradually, a new comer,
disregarding the practice and the advice of his predecessors, would
work his way into the prairie a mile or two and erect his cabin.
The results emboldened others to follow his example; and now,
after forty or fifty years of trial, all that broad tract known of old as
the " Hancock Prairie," embracing two-thirds of the county, is en-
closed into farms, and the only vacant land in the county is in the
timber !

Comparing the settlements of the county as between the eastern
and western sides, there is a wide difference observable. In the
west, most of the earliest settlers are gone, having " pulled stakes "
and removed perhaps to greener pastures. They had settled mostly
on the bluff' lands near the river, or on the river shore; and lived
by hunting and fishing, and by following river occupations. The
broad prairie lying east and south of them was abroad waste, useful
only as pastures for deer and other game.

Those on the eastern side of the county came mostly a few years
later; and finding the timber and prairie lands more evenly dis-
tributed and more convenient for farms, took up lands and settled
to stay, and they did; and numbers of them yet remain in the
county. Divide it evenly by a north and south line, and the east-
ern half will count probably two permanent settlers of the period
previous to IS40, to the western side's one.

There is another marked difference between the two sections.
"While in the eastern part we will see many of the best farms still
fenced with the old-fashioned Virginia rail fence, the growth of the
forests nearby; in the west side such fences are rarely seen, except-
ing along or near the river bluffs. The great prairie between, set-
tled and occupied more recently, and since the introduction of pine
lumber, is generally enclosed with boards, or with the more recent
Osage orange line fence. The latter is largely used; and in con-
nection with the barbed wire, will constitute the fence of the future.

To the lug cabins of the eai-ly days, many pioneers who now
occupy fine mansions, with their many modern improvements, look
back with a feeling of kindness akin to regret. They remember
the happy hours they have passed in them ; the many days and
nights of enjoyment amid friends and neighbors, they have lived
in these rude and rough, but comfortable homes. To be sure, their

^^. ^^

-^^/^ ^'^ 'SLe^u.-i^

CARTHAGE.

HISTORY OK IIANCOOK COUNTY.

209

exteriors were rough and uninviting, and their interiors anything
but ornamentah But there the babes were born and nurtured,
perhaps mourned in death. There the holiest of human of aifec-
tions were centered, and there tlie ever-changing scenes of lift's
drama were enacted. Those only who have had the experience can
tell of the comforts and eujoyiuents that may be realized in these
rude homes of the West. Let the i.oa cabins of the pioneers be
remembered with reverence !

CHAPTER III.

THE ADVANCE GUARD.

Who the iirst man was to settle within the limits of the county
of Hancock, after the most diligent inquiry we have been unable
to ascertain.

When Illinois became a member of the Union in 1818, the
county of Madison with eight or ten others had been formed. Out
of Madison, Pike was formed in 1821, and in 1825 several counties
were formed from the latter, among which were Adams and Han-
cock— the latter being attached to Adams until such time as its
population would justify a separate organization.

Whether there was at the date of the State's admission a single
white inhabitant, other than the garrison at Fort Edwards and its
attachees, within the limits of tiie county, may never be known.
The Frenchman named hereafter, it seems resided amoog the Sacs
and Foxes, on the site of Quincy, as long ago as the year 1811; and
it is probable that others were settled in the vicinity of Forts John-
son and Edwards. There were French here at date of organization,
but we have no knowledge of them beyond that fact.

There was a garrison at Fort Edwards from the date of its erec-
tion in 1814 to 1824, when it was abandoned ; and it is reasonable
to conclude that it would draw traders and settlers around it. But
all those around it when it was vacated are now gone. We have
the fact that when Adams was separated from Pike in 1825, there
were in Hancock certain residents, some of whose names we have
been able to obtain ; and also that before this event, certain Hancock
people are mentioned in the records of Pike county.

Fort Edwards was made a voting place by the Adams County
Coi^rt in 1825, and included the whole of Hancock county.

The following extract from a " History of Quincy," by Henry
Asburv, Esq., will come in jilace here. It is from the Quincy
TFA2>"of Dec. 31, 1874:

" ISll — Bauvet, a French trader, had a trading-post here. Was
supposed to have been killed by Indians,
"1813 — An Indian village of the Sauk tribe here'.
" 1813 — Two regiments of .mounted rangers, from Missouri and
Illinois, commanded b}' Gen. Howard, passed over the present site
of Quincy and destroyed the village, the Indians having decamped."
of this expedition, Davidson & Stave's "History of Illinois" says:
"The march was continued up the Mississippi. On the present
site of Quincy they passed a recently deserted camp and village,
(210t

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 211

supposed to liave contained 1,000 Sac warriors. At a point called
the 'Two Kiver?,' the}' struck out eastward and across the high
prairies to the Illinois, which was reached near the mouth of Spoon
river." Who can now tell the location of the point called the "Two
Kivers?" The expedition was against the hostile Indians on and
about Peoria lake, and had set out from Camp Russell, in Madison
county.

From said " History of Qiiincy " we obtain the following further
facts :

" 1819 — Willard Keyes, who afterward bnilt the second Iiouse in
Quincy, floated past on a raft, but did not land.

" 1820 — The Western Enterprise, the first steamboat on the
Mississippi river as far up as this place, and which landed here.

" 1824 — JohnWood filed a notice, in the Edwardsville Spectator,
of application for a new county.

"1825, Aug. 17 — The (Adams) Coiinty Commissioners borrowed
$600 of Russell Farnham to purchase original town site.

"1825— The first Circuit Court was held Oct. 31, 1825; John
York Sawyer, Judge; Henry H. Snow, Clerk."

On the jury lists for this first term of court in Adams county,we find
the names of the following Hancock county citizens, to-wit: Mor-
rill Marston, Lewis Kinney, Luther Whitney, Hezekiah Spillnian,
Curtis Caldwell, Peter Williams and Benjamin McNitt.

The first county court held in Pike, after separation from Madi-
son in 1821, was held at Cole's Grove, near Gilead (now in Calhoun
county). We notice that James W. Whitney, the " Lord Coke "
of the Quincy and Hancock bar afterward, was appointed its Clerk.

At its session of June 5, 1821, Daniel Shinn, John Shaw and
John W. Smith, were appointed to view and locate a road from
Ferguson's Ferry, on the Illinois river, to Fort Edwards, on the
Mississippi river; and it was "Ordered, That all that part of the
Fort Edwards road lying north of the north line of section 27,
township 6 south, range 5 west, compose the fourth district of
said road, and that John Wood, (ex-Lieut.-Gov.) be appointed
superintendent of that district, and to have control of all the hands
living within three miles each side of the road."

June 6, 1821 — "Ordered, That the militia of the county be or-
ganized into a regiment, etc., and that all north of the base line be
and compose the Third Company District" (this included Hancock
county).

July 6, 1821 — " Ordered, That the report of the Commissioners
to view and lay out a road * * * through Cole's Grove to
Fort Edwards, be accepted as far as the north line of section 27,
town 6 south, 5 west; that being as far as said Commissoners were
able to proceed, owing to the excessive vegetation; and it is further
ordered (time extended) until after the vegetation shall be destroy-
ed hy frost,'''' etc.

Nothing further concerning this part of the county till December
6,1824: "Ordered, That all the part of the Fort Edwards road

212 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

between Bear creek and Fort Edwards, be and compose the 8th
district of said road, and that Samuel Groshong be appointed
Supervisor."

And on March 7, 182.5—" Ordered, That a ferry license be grant-
ed to Peter Williams to keep a ferry across the Mississippi river
at Fort Edwards, on his paying a tax of five dollars besides the
Clerk's fees; and that the following rates of ferriage be established,
to-wit:

"For a sinsrle person, $ .35 Every Dearborn wagon, $ .,5i)

For a sino-le horse, 2.5 Other four-wheeled carriages,. . . 1 00

Head of clittle over 1 year old,. . .25 Two-wheeled carriage, 75

Ho", sheep, or goat, 06^ . Every cwt. of dead lumber, 061^"

This was the first legalized ferry ever established within the
limits of Hancock county. The last entry is in relation to the
Fort Edwards road again, April 27, 1825:

" Ordered, That Levi Hadley, John Wood, and Willard Keyes
be, and they are hereby appointed Commissioners to survey and
locate that part of the Fort Edwards road, commencing at a point
above Mill creek and continuing on to Fort Edwards on the bluffs,
or where they think the best ground; provided, that said Com-
missioners will perform said service gratuitously and without ex-
pense to the county."*

The first session of the Adams County Court was held at Quincy,
at the house of Willard Iveyes, on Monday, the -ith of July, 1825;
Peter Journey, Willard Keyes, and Levi Wells, Commissioners;
Henry H. Snow, Clerk.

At regular September term grand jurors were ordered summon-
ed, and we find the following residents of this county: Morrill
Marston, Lewis Kinney, Luther Whitney, and Beuj. McNitt; and
of the petit jurors: Hezekiah Spillman and Peter Williams.

Nov. 9, 1825 — "Ordered, That the attached part of this county
be set ofi" into an election precinct, to be called Fort Edwards pre-
cinct, and that all elections for civil ofiicers be held at the house of
Lewis Kinney in said precinct ; Lewis Kinney, Luther Whitney
and Peter Williams, Judges of Election."

Dec. 6, 1825 — Jeremiah Hose, John Wood and Henry H. Snow
were appointed to view a road leading' east to intersect Fort Ed-
wards road, laid out in June, 1825, by Pike county.

Luther Whitney, Lewis Kinney and Truman Streeter, appointed
to view a road from Bear creek (where the viewers appointed by
Pike county left ofi") to Fort Edwards.

Dec. 15, 1825 — " Ordered, That Luther Whitney be appointed
Supervisor of all roads from Bear creek to Fort Edwards, and that
he have charge of all hands between said points."

* For the foregoing extracts from the records of Pike county we are indebted
to W. B. Grimes, Esq., the gentlemanly Deputy County Clerk, at Pittsfield.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 213

March 6, 1S26 — The following were established as tavern rates in
the count}' of Adams, including Hancock:

For each meal $ .25 Wine per bottle $1.00

Lodi;iii£c pernigUt 12i< Gin " ' " 18^

Half pint whisky Vi^ Single horse feed 13i|

" French brandy 37i.^ Horse feed per night, with fod-

" rum '. IS'^i der and grain 2.5

" wine ST'j

June 5, 1S26 — Lewis C. E. Hamilton appeared in open court,
and entered as a matter of record, the emancipation of a certain
negro boy named Buck, born the 16th day of December, 1S17, —
and entered into bond for his maintenance as tlie law requires.

Peter Williams appointed Constable.

Peter Williams, Jerry Hill and Luther Whitney, appointed
Judges of Election in Fort Edwards precinct.

Dec.6, 1S26 — Hezekiah Spillman, Peter Williams, James White,
Russell Farnham, Morrill Marston, Lewis Kinney, Luther Whit-
ney, Benjamin McNitt, John Waggoner, and Curtis Caldwell (all
of Hancock), on jury lists.

Sept. i, 1S26 — Luther AYhitney a duly elected County Commis-
sioner.

Sept. 6 — Ordered, Tliat the Sheriff be authorized and required to
have the court-house (log cabin 22 x IS, costing $185) suitably pre-
pared fur the reception and accommodation of the next Circuit
Court; that he provide a suitable place for the Judge's seat — to be
nine feet long and platform one foot high — four 10-feet benches,
and two 7-feet ditto, and a temporary table for the use of tlie bar.

License granted to Russell Farnham as a non-resident peddler
for one year, for $10 and Clerk's fees.

March 5, 1S27 — On the application of Wesley Williavns, ordered,
that a certificate of good moral character be granted him, for the
purpose of obtaining a license to practice law in this State.

James White, Peter Williams, and Luther Whitney, appointed
to view and stake a road frotn Fort Edwards to the head of the
rapids of the Des Moines — a road from thence to the settlement on
Crooked creek in township 6 north, 5 west, and thence to Fort
Edwards.

Said viewers reported to dispense with the road from the head
of rapids to Crooked creek and thence to Fort Edwards, and say:
" We set out from Fort Edwards a southeast direction, and turned
a north direction as soon as we could get around the brakes, thence
through prairies and timber a north direction, until we got oppo-
site the rapids, thence we went a course a little north of west to
the head of said rapids."

Marcli 31, 1827 — Wesley Williams was unanimously appointed
Treasirrer of Adams county.

Sept. 5, 1827 — Wesley Williams appointed (afterward substi-
tuted by Levi Wells) to draw the revenue of Adams county from
the State Treasury, conditioned to " exchange it for specie, at not
less than 70 cents to the dollar."

214 BISTORT OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

1828 — James White elected a County Commissioner. John
Harding, John Gregg, Jolin Clark, Hugh White, Henry Nichols,
John E. Wilcox, Robert Wallace, Edson AVhitney, Daniel Cren-
shaw, William Flint, and Andrew Vance (of Hancock) appear as
jurors.

Sept. 14, 1839 — [Hancock organized] and " Charles Holmes
appointed Treasurer, to fill vacancy occasioned by the removal of
Wesley Williams from the eounty."

FKOM RECORDS OF ADAMS CIRCUIT COURT.

" To the Clerk of Adams county— Greeting :

"Please to take notice that 1 have appointed the fifth Monday
in October next for holding the Circuit Court in and for the county
of Adams and State of Illinois. Given under my hand at Atlas,
this 28th day of May, 1825. J. Y. Sawyer, Judge of tlie First
Judicial Circuit."

Court held as per order:

Present— John York Sawyer, Judge; Henry H. Snow, Clerk;
Levi Hadley, Sherift'; John Turney, Att. Gen. frotetn.

Next term, Oct. 19, 1S26— Sawyer, Judge; Jonathan H. Pugh,
on behalf of Attorney General.

May 29, 1827— Samuel D. Lockwood, Judge: Wm. Thomas,
Prosecutor ^?'o tern.

Oct. 28, 1828 — Lockwood, Judge; Wm. Young appointed to
prosecute.*

"The first trip ever made by a steamboat from St. Louis as high
up as Galena, by private enterprise, was made in the spring of 1827,
by Capt. James May, with the steamer Shamrock. Steamboats
had been employed by the Government some three years previously,
to carry military stores and soldiers to Forts Armstrong, Crawford
and Snelling."— [Charles Nkgds, before Van Buren {Iowa)
Pioneers.^

* For these extracts from Adams county records, and for numerous other favors,
we are mdebted to Gen. E. B. Hamilton, of the Quincy Bar.

CHAPTER IV.

THE FIRST OFFICIALS.

Judge Young's order for organizing the county of Hancock was
issued in the summer of 1829, and it recited that the county was
represented to contain a population of 350 persons, the number
fixed by law to enable it to maintain a separate existence. Count-
ing one to five of population, would give it seventy adult male citi-
zens. At the first session of the County Commissioners' Court, there
were sixty men selected to serve as jurors in the Circuit Court,
twenty-four for the grand and thirty-six for the petit jury. There
had been five men elected to county oflices (three County Commis-
sioners a Sherift' and a Coroner,) and the Board of Commissioners
had appointed its clerk. There were thus sixty-six men named as
residents of the count}' in the month of August, 1829.

These facts present some points of inquiry which we have been
at some trouble to investigate. Did it require all the adult male
citizens to put the county machinery in motion ? And if there
were left any other eligible citizens, who were they ? The inquiry
has shown the fact that there were residing in the county, at the
date of its organization, not only enough male adults to meet the
requirements, but a few more; that there were certainly not less
than seventy, perhaps seventy-five ; and that the county without
doubt could honestly claim the requisite population.

The matter is of little importance now, except as it presents the
curious fact, that full thirteen-fourteenths of the eligible citizens of
the county were pressed into active service the first year of its exist-
ence.

Again, what of all those sixty or seventy men whose names ap-
pear upon our county's records of fifty years ago ? Whence came
they? and when? and what has become of them? As pioneers, as
the first emigrants to, and settlers in this county, then a wilderness,
now past the semi-centennial year of its existence, and peopled with
nearly 50,000 human beings, they are deserving of more than usual
notice.

But a remarkable and solemn fact is developed: Of those sixtj^-
six pioneers, wlio were first called to serve the county in a civil ca-
pacity, and who began to shape its destiny, not one now remains in
the county ! and one only is known to be living at this date, Janu-
ary 1, 1880 ! That one is Isaac R. Campbell, of St. Francisville,
Mo., one of the grand jurors, and first County Treasurer.

We have called them " pioneers " and " settlers. " Pioneers
they certainly were, but a large number of them can scarcely be
(215)

216 HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

called settlers; for we find that many of them left the county at
an early day, to pioneer, and perhaps to settle in still newer locali-
ties. More than one (as will be seen) left the county for the
county's good; some left it to make homes and grow up with the
country elsewhere; while still others remained to be good citizens
and do further service, and died regretted.

After much labor and inquiry, we have been able to gather in-
formation concerning many of these, which we present in the order
in which tliey are named on the records, beginning with

THE OFFICIALS.

liichard If. Young~^\\o occupied the bench of the Fifth Judi-
cial Circuit at the time Hancock was organized, and whose duty it
was made by law to issue the order for organization, was a native
of Kentucky, and was an early settler in the State. He was ap-
pointed to the Judgeship in 1828, and resided at Galena, but after-
ward settled in Quincy. His circuit embraced all the counties
between the Illinois river and Galena, and east to Chicago. In
1837 he was elected by the Legislature to the U. S. Senate, and
after his term of service had expired, w*s appointed by President
Polk to be Commissioner of the General Land Office. Henry
Asbury, Esq., of Quincy, in his " Sketclies of the Bench and Bar,"
published in the Quincy TP%;'gr, says of Judge Young:

"Judge Young resided here for many years. He was a gentle-
man in all his aspects — not perhaps the most profound of our judges
and lawyers, but for his day and time, and in the absence of
modern facilities and great libraries, his attainments were of such
a character as to command for his memory our high respect. He
was an honest man, and died in poverty at Washington city some
years ago, though he had been Judge of the Supreme and Circuit
"Courts in Illinois, a Senator in Congress, and Commissioner of
the General Land Office. His open-handed generosity left him
poor in his old age."

Judge Young's term on the circuit lasted eight or nine j^ears.
The first sessions of his courts were held at private houses on the
rapids, afterward in the log cabin court-house in Carthage, in
which the bench was a splint-bottomed chair, the lawyers, juries
and clients occupying the slab benches.

Dignified and courteous in his demeanor, on and off the Bench,
we believe that it can be truly said, that no one of his many suc-
cessors ever gave more general satisfaction to the people, or carried
with him in his retirement more of their sincere respect, than did
Judge Young.

George Y. Cutler — Was one of the three to whom Judge Young
addressed his order, and was consequently one of the judges of the
first election. He was a popular man, as he received fifty votes of
less than sixty cast for Commissioners, with six candidates running.
Concerning Mr. C, we can obtain but little information. He
resided at the head of the rapids, wliere he sold goods; was a

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTV. 217

wliole-souled, genial man — a native of one of tlie New England
States. He died about 183J:, and liis estate stands sixth of entry on
the Probate records, under date of Sept. 1, 1834. How long he liad
been in the count}' is not ascertained. "Cutler's Grave," sur-
rounded by a wall of stone, is still an object of note, near the bank
of the Mississippi at Nauvoo.

Henry Nichols — One of the first County Coramissionei-s — having
received 37 votes — came to the county at an early day, date not
known ; neither do we learn the State of his nativity. He settled
in Rocky Run township, where he continued to reside until about
25 years ago, when he removed to Wisconsin, where he was lately
residing, in a green old age, and in excellent health. He was mar-
ried to Miss Delia, the daughter of Luther AVhitney, and sister to
Sheriff Edson and Horace B. Whitney. His son, Luther, resides
at the same place in Wisconsin.

Judge Nichols was a man higlily esteemed by his neighbors, was
an active and prominent participator in public affairs, and was fre-
quently honored with oflices of trust in the county.

James White. — Captain White was a juror for Adams county iu
the first j'ear of its existence (1825), and received thirty-one votes
at the first election in Hancock, electing him by one majority over
Major Morrill Marston. Capt. White was born in Ohio, whence
he emigrated to Missouri Territory in 1818, three years before'it
became a State. In 1824 — or, perhaps, 1823 — he came to reside
and trade with the Sac and Fox Indians, who at that time had a
large village of some 400 or 500 lodges at the head of the rapids,
where Nauvoo now stands. In 1824, the treaty was made with
those Indians by the general Government, by which they relin-
quished their lands on this side of the ri\er. Capt. White, wishing
to obtain possession of the site of their village, for the payment of
200 sacks of corn, induced them to vacate in his favor — when they
loaded their loik-ke-iijjs and other " plunder " i\ito their " dug-outs"
and paddled across to the Iowa sliore. On the vacated spot, Mr.
White opened out a farm ; but his chief occupation during the
remainder of his life — or until the business was superseded by
steamboats — was that of keel-boating on the Mississippi. In this
business he was assisted by his two sons, Alexander and Hugh, and
by his future son-in-law, Isaac Newton Waggoner. His old resi-
dence stood on the bank of the river, near where the Nauvoo House
now stands. He died June, 1837. His son, Alexander, survived
him only a few months — died October, 1837. The son Hugh for
many years resided near the old place, and followed the business of
steamboat piloting, and was widely known between St. Louis and
Galena. William, the thii'd son, died early.

Alexander Wliite in his later years was engaged in merchandis-
ing. He was a candidate for Sherifi" at the first election, but was
beaten by

Eison Whitney. — This gentleman received 31 votes, to Mr.
White's 22. He was the son of Luther Whitnej', one of the per-

218 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

sons to whom Judge Young's order was addressed. He afterward
resided on a farm nine miles below Warsaw, in Eock}' Run town-
ship. He was re-elected to the oiSce of Sheriff for several terms,
Mr. White being his competitor on two or three occasions. Mr.
Whitney was an active politician of tlie Whig school, and an
efficient and capable officer. In the difficulties between the old citi-
zens and Mormons he took an active part. He was married to a
daughter of Charles Hill, and sister of the late Davis Hill, of
Eockj Eun. Mr. Whitney removed with his family to Leaven-
worth, Kansas, some 20 or 25 years ago, and died ten or a dozen
years since.

Robert Wallace — Was elected Coroner without opposition.
That he resided somewhere along the rapids, is all that we can
learn of him. He left the county at an early period.

John Johnson. — This gentleman was chosen the first County Sur-
veyor, not by election, but by appointment from the Governor,
liaving been recommended to that position by the County Commis-
sioners at their first session. He was also on the first grand jury
list. Mr. J. resided at Eiverside, and was appointed Postmaster at
Montebello by President Jackson, an office which he held till his
death, Dec. 31, 1836. Of his nativity or early life little is known.

Wesley Willia im-. — A.t the first session of the County Com raission-
ers'Court Mr. Williams was chosen Clerk to the Board ; and afterward,
when Judge Young opened the first Circuit Court, in October
of the same year, he was appointed Circuit Clerk. These two
positions he held for several years, besides several others to which
he was subsequently appointed ; and with what fidelity and correct-
ness, the early records of the county will abundantly show. iS^o
man among the pioneers of Hancock countj' was better known than
he i)i its earlier days ; and no one, perhaps, among them all did
more to shape its destinies.

Mr. Williams was a resident of Quincy several years, and held
offices of trust there — that of Treasurer of Adams county the year
previous to the separation. On the organization of Hancock, he
resigned and removed to this county, and was appointed to the
clerkship here. He was a lawyer by profession, though he never
engaged in general practice in this county, his official duties re-
quiring his undivided attention. Previous to the removal of the
county-seat to Carthage, he was Clerk ot both the Circuit and
County Commissioners' Courts, and also Judge of Probate, and
after removal to Carthage he was appointed Postmaster, a position
he held for several years. His son, Samuel Otho Williams, a young
man of e.xcellent clerical al)ility, assisted him in his official duties,
and was at one time for a short period Circuit Clerk by appoint-
ment. He was married to a Miss Baldwin, of Carthage', and died
two or three years later.

_ Wesley Williams was one of three brothers, all lawyers by profes-
sion, natives of Kentucky, who came to Quincy and' settled about
1825 or 1826. Archibald, elsewhere referred to in these pages,

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 219

remained in Ailams coi.nt}', but became eminent asa jurist, and had
an extensive practice throughout the Circuit and the State. Robert
E. and Wesley settled in this county about the same period. Of the
former but little is known, as he died at an early day.

Wesley AVilliams was beirn in Lincoln county, Ky., March 24,
1792, and died at Fountain Green, May 12, 1870, aged 78 years,
1 month and 18 days. He was married in Bourbon county, Ky.,
on April 2, 1816, to Miss Elizabeth Ayres, from whom he
was divorced in this county (she never residing west with him).
He was again married to Ruth Scobey, June 9, 1831. Three sons
and two daughters were the fruits of these marriages — Eli. 11., now
residing at Carthage, Samuel Otho, before mentioned, and Wesley
C, residing in Prairie township, and Isabel (Spangler) of Fountain
Green, and Kate (present name unknown). Wesley C. is said to
have been the first child born in Carthage.

Isaac II. Campbell. — This name closes the list of county officials
in 1829. Mr. C. was the first Treasurer of the county, not by elec-
tion, but by appointment of the County Commissioners' Court. He
remained in the county for only a few years, and finally settled at
St. Francisville, Mo., where he is still living at the date of this
present writing, at an advanced age, the only living representative
of Hancock's first ofiicials, and probably the only remaining one of
her sixt}' jurymen of fifty years ago.

We notice among the early marriage licenses granted in the
county, one (the 9th) to Isaac R. Campbell and Emily Davis, cere-
mony performed by Luther Whitney, Esq.

FIRST GEAND JURORS.

The following are the names of first panel of grand jurors selected
b}' the County Commissioners' Court, with such account of them as
we have been able to obtain, viz:

Daniel Crenthaw — Resided in what is now EockyRun town-
ship. Died in 1831. His estate stands third on the probate records
for settlement, under date of October, 1831. Some of his descend-
ants (or relatives), we believe, are still residents of that township.

Luther Whitney. — This gentleman, with his sons, Edson and
and Horace B., came to this county at an early period — exact date
not ascertained, but he was here while the county was a part of
Pike. lie resided in Montebello township. His name appears on
the jury list of both Pike and Adams counties; and he held the
office of County Commissioner in Adams in 1826. Mr. Whitney
was a native of Vermont, but removed to Kentucky at an early
day, thence to Missouri, thence to Hancock county. He lived
only a few years after organization. He served also in the capacity
of Justice of the Peace, and was a prominent man in many re-
spects, though we obtain but little of his career.

Morrill Marston. — -Major Marston was one of the officers at
FortEdwards, and, at the time of the abandonment of the fort, was

220 HISTORY OF HAXCOCK COUNTY.

court-martialed, we believe for intemperance. He settled in the
county a short distance below the fort, near the Calamus spring,
where he opened a farm. He was a native of Rockingham county,
New Hampshire. His name also occurs on the Pike and Adams
jury lists.

Major Marston was a very intemperate man, and died in a fit of
intemperance by drowning, as was supposed — having been found
in a shallow slough between tlie fort and his residence. His estate
stands firstof entry on the records of the Probate Court, under date
of March, 1831. He had no relatives or heirs in the county at time
of his death, and his estate was put into the hands of administra-
tors ad interim, and finally administered by his brother, David
Marston, who came west for the purpose.

John Clark — Resided in the vicinity of Fort Edwards, and was
one of a family of three brothers, all of whom resided in this
vicinity, and still have relatives here. John Clark died many
years ago.

Leonard L. Ahney. — Resided near the Calamus spring below »
Fort Edwards. His name ayjpears in the list of candidates for
County Commissioner in 1832, and in 1833 ho was an acting Justice
of the Peace.

Ph'dip Malette — One of the early Frenchmen, resided in the
vicinity of the fort. The early Circuit Court records show a divorce
case between him and his wife. He left the county soon afterward,
and nothing further is known of him.

Williaiii Clark — Brother to John Clark, left the county at a
very early day.

Thomas Payne — Resided near Calamus spring. Was said to be
descended from Spanisli or French parents, and 'was from Vin-
cennes, Indiana. Left in early times.

JoJin Johnson. — ^See p. 218.

John Harding — Resided in the Bear creek region, not far from
the present village of Chili. The three Hardings named in these
lists must have been among the earliest, if not the very first, set-
tlers in the south part of the county. The name of John Harding
appears as one of the jurors while the county was attached to
Adams, in 1827. He sold the farm on which he resided, adjoining
the town of Chili, to Elisha Worrell, Esq., in 1835, and removed to
parts unknown.

William Vance — Son-in-law to Luther Whitney, resided on
the river near Montebello.

Mazen Bedell — A New Englander, resided at Montebello, and
was the first Postmaster at that place, appointed under President
Jackson's administration in 1830; was also a Justice of the Peace
in 1831. Mr. Bedell died about the beginning of 1835, leaving a
widow and three children, all of whom afterward went to Warsaw
to reside. Tiie eldest son, Edward A., was for many years an active
business man in that place. During the Mormon difficulties he
took an active part as a " peace man," and was one of the most

niSTOUY OK HANCUCK COUNTY. 221

prominent of that class designated as " Jack-Mornion>." He le-
ceived the appointment of Indian Agent to Utah, and died in
1854, soon after his appointment. Tlie second son, Lucien, studied
medicine and went west. Tlie daughter was the lately deceased
widow of Samuel AV. Brown, formerly of Warsaw.

John Waggonner — -Was perhaps the first settler at Riverside.
He settled there in 1824. He had previously been one of the
pioneers in the settlement of the city of Cincinnati, there being
a tradition in the family that he built the first cabin in that city.
This is probably a mistalve, as the Cincinnati Historical Society
records the fact and gives a list of the names of some 30 or 40 first
emigrants to that place (then called Losantiville) in a body from
Maysville, Kentucky, and Mi\ Waggonner's name does not appear
in the list. At the time of his settlement in this county his fam-
ily consisted of four sons, — Isaac Newton, Price, Henr>' Clinton,
and Seth. A sketch of the eldest will be found elsewhere in these
phages. Price and Henry C. both became steamboat engineers,
and went to St. Louis to reside; now both deceased. Seth died at
the age of 18. The father died at Eiverside in 1S39, and his re-
mains lie buried in the old and neglected Montebello cemetery,
on the high bluft' overlooking the rapids, and not far from the res-
idence of the family.

James Miller — Resided somewhere along the rapids; place of
nativity or other antecedents unknown. Emigrated to Warren
county about 1832, thence to Texas, and finallj' to Oregon.

Davidson H'lbhard. — This gentleman resided on the bluflf just
below Commerce, where he had a farm, part of which was finally
swallowed up by the encroachments of the city of Nauvoo. For
tlie main portion of the account which follows, we are indebted to
his grand-son, Wm. D. Hibbard, Esq., of Nauvoo. The exact
date of Mr. Hibbard's emigration to the county is not recollected.
He was born in New Hampshire in 1780, aiift married in Maine,
in 1816, to Miss Sarah Tiltou. They were the parents of five chil-
dren,— one son and four daughters. He remained on the place
where he settled until his death, which occurred in the fall of
1852, in the 67th year of his age. His widow is yet living (1879)
at the advanced age of 86, but has'been an invalid for several years.

There was but one other white family within several miles, when
Mr. Hibbard first settled in the county, which was that of Captain
James White, heretofore mentioned. For a number of years they
were compelled to go to Crooked creek in Schujder county, to
mill. There were many Indians in the neighborhood (Sacs and
Foxes), with whom he dealt and maintained uninterrupted friend-
ship. He was well acquainted with Black Hawk and Keokuk,
both of wliom were present at a double wedding of his two daugh-
ters, one of them marrying a son of Capt. White, and the other a
Mr. Waggon ner.

At the time of the coming of the Mormons to Nauvoo, Mr.
Hibbard was in a prosperous condition, and suffered much from

222 HISTORY OF HAXCOCK COUNTY.

the depredations of the thieves associated with that sect, as they
stole ahnost all the movable property he had; at one time even
driving oflF a drove of fat hogs he had fed for market; and so
adroitly did they execute their\vork, that not a trace of them could
be discovered.

Mr. Hibbard was ingenious and enterprising, and was an efficient
•vrorkman in either wood or stone; could make almost anything
from a violin to a wagon, and thus did he appear to be well fitted
for a frontiersman. He built the first stone house that was put up
in Nauvoo, which is still standing, the masonry being apparently
as good as when built.

Mr. II. was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and was highly
respected by the members of iiis lodge, as he was by all who knew
him; and the old settlers who knew him yet respect his memory
and speak of his virtues and intelligence. At the time of his
death he was possessed of considerable property.

Dewey. — Nothing to be known of him, not even his full

name. On the probate books, however, we find the name of Joseph
Dewey, deceased, under date of December, 1834.

Samuel Gooch — ^Residence somewhere along the rapids — re-
moved in early times to some point north of Carthage, and after-
wards to Fort" Madison, Iowa, wliere he made a claim. Died about
1832.

John Seed — Resided in what is now Appanoose township. Gone.
His name appears twice on the jury lists for the next year — 1830.

Edward White. — Mr. White resided on the Mississippi, above
Commerce, in Appanoose township. In the earlier j-ears he was
engaged with Capt. James "White in his keel-boating business, and
afterward, in 1832, in connection with his son-in-law, Mr. Amzi
Doolittle, established a ferry, crossing the river at or near Fort
Madison, and in July, 1836, laid out the town of Appanoose. Of
his antecedents littlens known, excepting tliat he came from Ohio.

Hugh Wilson. — From his son, Mr. James Wilson, a respected
citizen of Sonora township, we gather the following particulars of
the life of this, one of the early settlers ot the county-. A Ken-
tuckian by birth, he had resided some time in Tennessee, where he
married a Miss Susan Skiles, before he came to Illinois. He re-
moved with his family to Schuyler county in 1825, and to Hancock
in 1827, and settled near Ijie head of the rapids. The log cabin
he built for his residence was about the third or fourth one in that
vicinity. Mr. W. only remained in the county for a few years;
in 1833 removed across the Mississippi to the vicinity of Fort
Madison, which was then a part of Michigan. There he resided
till his death in 1847 or '48. Some of his children still reside in
that vicinity. Mrs. Wilson died about ten years after her husband.

The story of Mr. Wilson's experience on the prairie during the
great storm of 1830, in which his neighbo.' and companion met
such a tragical fate, will be found on another page.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 223

FIKST PETIT .lURORS.

Horace B. Whitney — Was the son of Luther Whitney, and brother
to Sheriff Whitney. Died in 1835, as appears on records of Pro-
bate Court of June in that year.

John R Wdcod\ — This gentleman was a Major among the offi-
cers at the fort, and settled at tlie place after the fort was evacuated
in 1824. For furtlier particulars concerning him, see biography of
his son, Dr. Lewis Wilcox, of Warsaw.

Edward Robertson. — No account of this juror can be obtained.
Ilis name also appears on the jury list for the spring term of 1830,
and then disappears from the records, as he doubtless did from the
county.

Samuel Brierly. — Was married to a daughter of Dr. Isaac Gal-
land, and was for a time associated with the Doctor in selling goods
at Commerce. About 1840 he removed to the other side of the
river.

James Brierly.- — An elder brother to the above had emigrated
to the EEalf-Breed tract, across the river, previous to 1837, and
resided at that date about four miles below Fort Des Moines (now
Montrose). He was a candidate and elected once, if not oftener, to
the Territorial Legislature. They both left Lee county 25 or 30
years ago, and settled in Buchanan county. Mo.' There James
became an active Union man, and was elected as snchto the Missouri
Legislature. The other died some years since in or near St. Joseph.
Thomas, a younger brother, went into steamboating on the Mis-
souri, became rich, ran a packet between St. Louis and St. Joseph;
and finally, with a fine boat of wliich he was one-third owner, ran
the blockade during the Eebellion to join the rebels; the boat was
finally burnt in the Yazoo river, to prevent her falling into the
hands of the Union troops; and he, reduced to poverty, died at the
south.

Rohert Harding. — A relative, as supposed of John Harding, one
of the grand jurors. As was also

Aaron Harding — And all resided iu the same vicinity. Green
Harding, a present resident there, is a relative of the family, to
whom we made application for information, but without success.

Richard Chaney — Resided near the mouth of the stream known
as Chaney creek, and from whom it derived its name. Mr. Chaney
was said to have been a native of Prince George's county, Mary-
land, born in sight of the ''Federal city." The date of his emi-
gration to the county is not known. About 1833 he removed to,
and settled in Fort Madison, and was among its earliest inhabitants.
Has since kept a hotel at Iowa city.

Benjamin T. Tungate — Resided in the vicinity of Chaney creek,
and removed up the Oes Moines river as early as 1836. He took
out the second marriage license and was married to Deborah Flint,
another early settler, October 17, 1829.

George W. Harper — Resided on the rapids at Montebello, near
where theConwre^ational Church now stands. His name stands on

224 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

botli jury lists for 1S30. He is said to have emigrated West about
1834, by some of the old settlers; while others think he was the
Harper "who met his tate in company with Hugh Wilson in the
great snow storm. (See another chapter.)

Charles Iiobiso}i—Was born in Western New York about 1773.
He came West in 1823 to the Wabash country, thence to Sangamon
county, where he remained till the spring or summer of 1829, when
he came to Hancock county and settled at the mouth ofLarry's
creek, near the line between Montebello and Sonoma townships. At
this place he continued to reside until the Mormon period, when he
left the State, settling at West Point, Lee county, la. There he
continued to reside till his death.

Mr. Kobison was a minister, we believe, of the Baptist Church,
and labored in that field with good acceptance among the people, to
whom he became widely- known. He had several children; one son,
Chauncey, now resides in Appanoose. One or more of the sons
joined the Mormons and went away with them to Salt Lake. His
daughtei', Eliza, was the legal wife of Gen. Daniel H. Wells, one of
the chief magnates now of Salt Lake, but from whom she separated
and refused to go with him, because he declined to renounce the
Spiritual Wife doctrine, at that time being inculcated at Nauvoo.
He is stated to have supplied her place, however, with several others.
She now resides in Burlington, Iowa.

Patrick Moffit. — -Li this name, the generally correct Clerk,
Williams, has made a mistake, as there was no Patrick among the
the pioneer MofEts of the county. James, John and Thomas were
the three Moffits who originally settled in the vicinity of Yenus, at
the head of the rapids. James and John (dietant relatives of the
present James, junior, now residing in Sonora, from whom we
obtain this information), were born in Ireland, county of Sligo, and
came to America about 1818, single men. They located at an early
day in Madison county, near Alton, but soon afterwards went to
the lead mines near Galena, then the great center of attraction and
speculation at the West. From the lead mines they went back East,
to Central New York, and after a stay of a year or two, returned to
Illinois and settled on the rapids, in what is now Sonora township.
The lands on which they settled were afterward purchased when
they came into market, at the Quincy land-office. This settlement
was made about 1827 or '28. James died Sept. 18,1868; John
had died many years before.

That the above-named Patrick Moffit was intended for one of
these, is the more evident from the fact that the name occurs no
where else in the early records; while James and John both appear
on the jury lists for each term in 1830. Thomas, the third of the
trio, did not come to the county till 1830.

William Wallace — Resided on the place on the rapids bluff,
below Venus, afterwards occupied by Roger Hibbard. He soon left
for Warren county.

Enoch Hankim — (not Hawkins, as printed in some of the

tJBt"

cm^TL^ QS'^duAy

AUGUST Aw

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 227

sketches of the count}') — Was one oftliose M'ho '• left liis country for
his country's good," heino; tlie individual who has the reputation
oflieiiiir Hancock conuty^s first imirderer/ He stands charged
with killing a Mr. ^loore, during court, on the rapids, in 1832.
Resided in what is now Sonora township, and was an emigrant
from Ohio. He was arrested, and tliere being no jail in the county,
he was taken to Qnincv for imprisonment. There he broke jail,
and was never more heard of

Abraham Moore — The victim of Hankin's murder, resided on the
rapids. Cause of the murder, an old grudge; said to have been
neighliors in Ohio.

Asa Reed — Resided near the head of the rapids, as some citizens
remember, but nothing more can be learned of him.

William Flint — Ditto, and ditto. Probably a relative of
Deborah F'lint.

Peter Williams — Resided near Fort Edwards, and was without
doubt one of Hancock's very earliest settlers. He was here when
it was a part of Pike, and was licensed to keep a ferry at the fort
by the Pike authorities in 1825. A correspondent informs us that
Mr. Williams stated to him that he resided at the fort when the
first steamboat ascended the river [doubtful], and that " he thought
the destroying angel had come " — not one of the " Destroying
Angels " that were afterward so notorious at ISTauvoo. What the
year was we are not able to say. AVe have heard Mr. W. mentioned
as a minister of the gospel, but whether attached to any denomi-
nation we cannot say.

In 1832, he, with others, made claims in Fort Madison, Iowa;
and in 1833, says our correspondent, "his cabin and that of Rich-
ard Clianey, with the two chimneys of the old fort, were the
improvements of Fort Madison."

Daniel Yan BurMoe — Resided near Venus.; no further account
of him, excepting that there was a Yan Burkloe residing in the
neighborhood after the Mormons came.

Avizi Doolittle. — At the time of his death, which occurred in
1878, Mr. D. was the only remaining member of the first juries,
and the last man but one of the 66 men who set the wheels of
government in motion in the county. He was an active business
man during the whole period of more than half a century of civil-
ization. He was a native of Madison county, N. Y., and was born
June 16, 1803. He came to this county in 1827, from Schuyler,
where, and in Sangamon, lie had resided about six years, having
emigrated to the State at the age of 18. •

Mr. Doolittle's first wife was a daughter of Mr. Edward White,
heretofore mentioned in this list of jurors. She died in 1845, and
in 1846 he was married again to Mrs. Sarah M. Wallace, who is
still living. In September, 1832, Mr. D., in conjunction with
his father-in-law, was licensed to establish a ferry at Appa-
noose, and in July, 1836, the sameparties laid out the town of Appa-
noose, named after an Indian chief well known at that time. It
is remembered that a steam ferry-boat belonging to this company
was disabled in a storm, or in the ice, near Nauvoo, early in the

15

228 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Mormon period, and left over night; the next day, on going to- it,
its owners found it stripped of everything that could be carried
away — even to the lighter parts of its machinery stolen.

Hezekiah Spillman.—T\i\s gentleman was also an Adams county
juryman in 1825. At what time he came to the county, or where
from, we cannot ascertain. He died many years ago. He resided
at what was known as Spillman's Lauding, on the Mississippi, in
the north part of the county.

Richard Dunn. — This gentleman was son-in-law to Mr. Hugh
Wilson, and, it is supposed, left the county at the same time, and
died at or near Fort Madison.

Yaples — As entered on the jury list, was John Yaple, a

native of New York, who resided at or near where Pontoosuc now
stands. From his native State he emigrated to Ohio, thence to
Morgan county. 111., and thence to Hancock. He died about 1842,
on his way to Texas. Messrs. White and Doolittle, Hezekiah
Spillman and Mr. Yaple were probably four of the earliest settlers
in the county, above the head of the rapids. Warren, born in
Morgan, and James M. and Oscar, born in Hancock, are his three
sons.

Mrs. Warren Yaple, residing near Adrian, in Rock Creek town-
shio, from whom we obtain these facts, relates the following inci-
dent, as occurring soon alter settling in this c6unty: The Indians
were plentiful in those days along the river; and one day a squaw
brought her own pappoose to the Yaple cabin, and taking the white
child from its cradle unobserved, deposited her own in its place,
and was making off with it. The exchange was discovered in time;
she was followed, and each babe restored to its rightful mother.
On being questioned as to her reasons for doing it, she said she
wanted a white pappoose!

SamUel Bell — Was a resident somewhere along the rapids, was
with Capt. White in the keel-boating, and is believed to have died
of cholera about 1832.

Noah W. Payne — A brother to Thomas Payne, and a resident in
the vicinity of the fort.

Lewis — Given name even not ascertained, resided on the

rapids, and is supposed to have also gone, with the many others,
over to the " 'ise.w Purchase."

Eeuben Brattan, John Sykes, Abijah Wilson, Abdiel Parsons,
Charles Smith. Nathaniel Kennedy, John Campbell, Ralph
Raburn, Thomas Safly, Arthur Parrin, Joseph P. Punyear, — eleven
others belonging to the first juries, — we cannot trace. Some of them
are remembered by old settlers, but whence they came or what be-
came of them is left to conjecture.

The foregoing includes all the names of citizens of the county
that appear on the records as residents at date of organization,
August 4, 1829. That there were a few others has been made evi-
dent in the course of our inquiries; although for a time it seemed
pretty certain that all the adult males had been pressed into active
service at the very fij-st session of the County Commissioners'
Court. Such of those not named in these lists, as can be ascer-
tained, will be noticed hereafter.

CHAPTER V.

ORGANIZATION AND FIRST PROCEEDINGS.

On June 15, 1829, Judge Young issued the following order, viz:

STATE OF ILLINOIS, (
Fifth Judicial Circuit. J " "

Whereas' It has been represented to me, the undersigned. Judge of the Fifth
Judicial Circuit of the State of Illinois, north of the Illinois river, that the citi-
zens of Hancock county in said State, are desirous that the same should be
organized with as little delaj' as possible, and it apjiearing to my satisfaction that
the said county contains three hundred and fifty inhabitants and upward ;

I do hereby, in pursuance of the powers vested in me, by virtue of the ninth
and eleventh sections of the act entitled "An act forming new counties out of the
counties of Pike and Fulton, and the attached parts thereof," approved 13th
January, 1825, order, direct and appoint that an election be held in some conven-
ient house in Fort Edwards, in the said county of Hancock, on the first Monday
iu August next, and to continue for one day only, for the following named otBcers,
to-wit: Three County Commissioners, one Sheriff, and one Coroner, to serve,
when elected and qualified, in and for the said county of Plancock; and I do
hereby nominate and appoint Luther Whitney, James White and George Y. Cutler
Judges of said Election, whose duty it shall be to give twenty days' notice of said
election, by posting up copies of this order, with such other notice of the same
as they may deem necessary, in eight of the most public places in said county,
distributing them as uear as practicable among the principal settlements of the
county, to the end that all persons concerned may have due notice. The election
to be viva voce, and conducted in all respects as near as maybe in conformity with
tlie laws now in force respecting elections ; and the result thereof, when ascer-
tained, to be fairly and legibly made out, certified, and returned to the proper
department, that commissions may issue without delay, to such persons as may be
entitled thereto. And lastly, it is ordered, that Circuit Courts be held in and for
the said county of Hancock, on the third Mondays in June, and fourth Mondays
in October, at such place as may be selected by the County Commissioners of said
county, until other regulations shall be made by law, or different times shall be
appointed by the Judge of said Court.

Given under my hand and seal at Quincy, in the county of Adams,
[L S.] this fifteenth day of June, A. D. 1829, and of the Independence

of the United States the fifty-third.

RICHARD M. YOUNG,
Judge of the Fifth Judicial Circuit of the State of Illinois, north of the Illinois
river.

In pursuance of the foregoing order an election was held at Fort
Edwards on the day named, being tlie tliird of August, with the
following result:

The Commissioners named in the order, acting as Judges, with
Davidson Hibbard and John R. Wilcox as Clerks.
(229)

230 BISTORT OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Foe Codntt Commissionkk —

George Y. Cutler received 50 votes-
Henry Nichols 37

James White 31

Morrill Marston. 30 "

Peter Williams 10 "

Hazen Bedell ~ 9 "

For Sheriff —

Edson Whitney had 31 "

Alexander White , 23 "

For Coroner —
Kobert Wallace had 35 "

The next day the Coiintv Commissioners elect met at the same
place and organized, when the following proceedings were had, as
appears upon record:

STATE OF ILLINOIS, {
Hancock Coukty, j'

At a County Commissioners' Court held in and for said county, at a special
term at Fort Edwards in said county, on the fourth day of August, iu the year of
our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-nine. Present, James White,
George Y. Cutler, and Henry Nichols, Commissioners.

Ordered, That Wesley Williams be apiiointed Clerk of this Court, temporarily,
until superseded by a permanent appointment to that office ; who thereupon came
into Court, was sworn according to law, and entered upon the duties of said
appointment.

Ordered, That Isaac R. Campbell be appointed Treasurer of the county, and
that he give bond and security according to law, in the sum of one thousand dol-
lars.

The Court proceeded to lay off and divide the count}- into districts for the elec-
tion of Justices of the Peace and Constables, whereupon it is —

Ordered, That all that part of the county lying between the north line of Adams
county, and the line dividing townships four and live north, be erected into a dis-
trict, to be known and designated as district No. 1, and that elections for Justices
of the Peace and Constables be held at the house of Henr)- Nichols, in said dis-
trict and that Luther Whitney, Henry Nichols and John Clark, be appointed
Judges of Election therein.

All that jiortion of the county lying between the south line of townships five
north, and the north line of said townships, be erected into a district known and
designated as district No. 2, and that elections therein be held at the house now
occupied by William Vance, and that Hazen Bedell, Charles Robison, and John
Waggonner, be appointed Judges of Election.

All that portion of the county lying north of the township line between town-
ships five and six north, and the north boundary of the county, be erected into a
district to be known and designated as district No. 3, and that elections be held
therein at the store of Alexander White, and that Davidson Hibbard, Peter Wil-
liams and Edward White be appointed Judges of Election therem.

Ordered, Tliat the following named pereons be summoned to attend Circuit
Court of this county at the October term, to serve as grand jurors, to wit:

Daniel Crenshaw, Thomas Payne, James Miller, ;

Luther Whitney, John Sikes, Davidson Hibbard,

Morrill Marston, John Johnson, Dewey,

John Clark, John Harding, Samuel Gooch,

Leonard L. Abney, Wm. Vance, John Reed,

Philip Malette, Hazen Bedell, Isaac R. Campbell,

Wra. Clark, John Waggonner, Edward White,

Reuben Brattan, Robert Wallace, Hugh Wilson— 34.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTT. 231

Ordered, That tlie following named persons be summoned to attend the Circuit
Court of the county, at the October term ensuing, to serve as petit jurors, viz. :

Horace 15. Whitney, Charles Robison, Asa Reed,

John R. Wikox, Charles Smith, William Flint,

Edward Robertson, Patrick Moffit, Peter Williams,

Samuel Brierly, William Wallace, Daniel Van Burkloe,

James Brierlyj Nathaniel Kennedy, Amzi Doolittle,

Robert Harding, J<ilin Campbell, Hezekiah Spillman,

Aaron Harding, Ralph Raborn, Richard Dunn,

Abijah Wilsoii, Thomas Sotly, Yaples,

Abdiel Parsons, Enoch Hankins, Samuel Bell,

Richard Chaney, Arthur Parvin, Noah W. Payne,

Benjamin T. Tungate, Abraham Moore, Joseph P. Puryear,

George W. Harper, Alexander White, Lewis-36.

On reading and filing tlie petition of a number of the citizens of the county,
recommendin.s;' John Johnson as a suitable person to fill the office of Surveyor of
this county, it is —

Ordered, That he be recommended and nominated to the Executive of the State,
to be commissioned Surveyor of this county.

Ordered, That until otherwise directed, the courts of this county shall be held
at the house of James White, at or near the head of the Lower rapids.

Ordered, That John Tillson, Jr., be authorized and empowered to obtain from
the Auditor of Public Accounts of this State, a warrant on tue treasury for the sum
of §350, the amount of the revenue due this county from said State treasury for
the year 1829 ; and the Auditor of Public Accounts is herebs' requested to issue his
warrant accordingly.

Ordered, That the Clerk of this Court make out a certified copy of the foregoing
order, and enclose it to John Tillson, Jr., at Hillsboro, Montgomery county, in
this State, advising him to obtain a warrant, and forward it to Tillson & Holmes
in Quincy, subject to the further order of this Court, and to advise this Court of
its being so forwarded.

On motion of Wesley Williams, it is —

Ordered, That the Clerk of this Court be permitted to hold his office at or near
the house of Hazen Bedell, near the foot of the lower rapids, for the present, if
he chooses.

Ordered, That the Clerk of this Court be required to copy the proceedings of the
court, into the records of this Court, when provided, and also to copy the order
issued by the Judge of the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court north of the Illinois river,
in relation to the organization of this county.

Ordered, That Court adjourn till Court in course.

Henry Nichols,
James White,
Geo. Y. Cutler.

We copy the foregoing proceedings of the first Connty Comrais-
sionei's' Court, in full, verbatim from the records. They are ex-
ceedingly interesting for many reasons: First, they supply us with
the names of nearly all the resident adult citizens in August of the
year it was ushered into existence as an independent corporate com-
munity. From the location of the several voting places fixed by
the Court, we have evidence that the settlements were mainly on the
west side, along the river from Rocky run to Spillman's Landing;
none in the central portion. Three of the jury — the H-ardings —
resided on the head waters of Bear creek, near the line of Adams.
Fort Edwards, near the foot, and the little village of Venus at the
head of the rapids, seem to have been fifty years ago the chief cen-
ters of population and business.

The Court held another, its regular, session in December, at the
house of Commissioner White. At this session onlv Henrv Nichols

232 HISTORY OF UANCOCK COUNTY.

and Mr. White were present. A subdivision of the county for
general election purposes was made, as follows: The upper dis-
trict to embrace all that portion of the county lying north of a line
running through the center of townships five north; place of vot-
ing, house of James White; Judges of Election, Peter Williams,
Andrew Vance and James Miller. Loxver precinct^ all south of
said line, with place of voting at house of Henry Nichols; Judges,
John R. Wilcox, Luther Whitney and John Shewey.

At this session was presented the first petition for a ferry license.
It asked that Luther Whitney and William Vance be authorized
to establish a ferrj' across the Mississippi river on or opposite the
southwest quarter of section IS, five north, eight west. License was
ordered ou condition that they pay into the county treasury the
sum of one dollar, and tlie following ferry rates were fixed h-^ the
Court:

For crossing a man and horse f 1.00

A footman 50

Wagon and team 3 00

Cart and team 2.30

Single horse 2.5

Each head of cattle 35

Each hog, sheep or goat ISJ^

This ferry was located about two miles above the present site of
Hamilton, at the place now occupied by Mr. C. F. Darnell, then
the residence of the petitioners Whitney and Vance. The property
passed into otlier hands, and was for many years known as the
Montebello House.

At this term was also granted the first tavern license — to Alex-
ander White, at his store in said county (head of the rapids), and
that he enter into bond and pay two dollars tax on said license.

Again John Tillson was asked to aid tlie count}' in procuring the
revenue of -I^SoO due from the State treasury for 1830.

Road surveys were ordered as follows: 1. Commencing at the
termination of a road heretofoi'e viewed, thence to the north line of
the county; 2. Commencing where the line dividing townships six
and seven nortli strikes the Mississippi river, running in an east
direction through the settlement on Crooked creek to the east boun-
dary of tlie county; and 3. Commencing at some convenient point
on the last named road, and running in a direction to strike the
Mississippi river near the residence of Hezekiah Spillman. Edward
Wliite, Hugli Wilson and John Bi'ewer, vjewers.

This " settlement on Crooked creek " must at that date have
been quite limited, as we can learn of but two resident families in
that region in 1830, that of Mr. Brewer, above mentioned, and Mr.
Ute Perkins, near Fountain Green.

At this term, also, the first county orders were issued, numbering
one to sixteen, inclusive, for the aggregate sum of $62.50, chiefly in
payment of official services.

The foregoing closes the official record of the County Court dur-
ing the first five months of its existence. Within that period the

HISTOEY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 233

little craft has weighed anchor and set sail on her uncertain voyage.
Her principal otHcer, Clerk Williams, was a man of some previous
experience; the others had seen little service of the kind. Yet they
conducted the affairs of the craft reasonably well; and through all
the changes and vicissitudes, the tempests and calms of half a cen-
tury, she still rides the waves.

At the March term, 1830, Wesley Williams was regularly
appointed Clerk, to continue ''during good behavior," and required
to give bond in one thousand dollars.

In that day it was deemed expedient to fix the rates at which
hotel-keepers should entertain the public; but whether for mere
uniformity's sake, or because they were suspected of extortion, does
not appear. Thus the County Board established the rates of fare
for the guidance of the one " tavern " in the county, thus:

Each meal of victuals 2.5 cents.

Lodging, per night 123^ "

Keeping a horse 2~i "

Half pint of whisky 12}4 "

Half pint of rum, gin, brandy or wine 25 "

Single horse feed 123^ "

At the March term, 1830, the taxation of the people began ; and,
whatever else may have been remitted, as time progressed, that has
gone on steadily for fifty years. We quote:

Ordered, That an ad riiloremta.xhe levied on the value of the following described
property, to wit : On horses, geldings, mares, mules and asses, stock in trade,
wagons, carts, pleasure-carriages, clocks, watches, with their appendages, and
cattle ; and the County Treasurer is ordered to assess the foregoingkinds of per-
sonal property according to their value, at the rate of one half per centum.

Another session was held in June, at which it was —

Ordered, That the sum of .$4.5 be appropriated for the purchase of a suitable press'
books and stationery, for the use of the Clerks' offices of this county.

Bnt the Board took care that the Clerk should not run away with
so large a sum of public money; for before receiving it he was
required to enter into bonds with the Treasurer.

It seems there was now (June, 1830) sufficient population in the
eastern portions of this county to justify two new election districts;
one was established eml;)racing townships six and seven north, and
ranges five and six west, called the Crooked Creek district; elec-
tions to be held at the house of Ute Perkins, with John Brewer,
Thomas Brewer, and Henry Donohoe, as Judges; and another em-
bracing townships three, four and five north, ranges five, six and
seven west, to be called I3ear creek district; electiuns at the house
of John Harding, witli John Harding, Robert P. Thurman and
Robert Harding, Judges. The first of these included the present
townships of La Harpe, Fountain Green, Pilot Grove and Durham;
the other included Augusta, St. Mary's, Chili, Harmony, Bear
Creek and St. Albans.

The following are the jury lists selected at the June term, 1830:

234

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

GRAND JURY.

John Johnson, Sr., William Wallace, Andrew Vance,

Squire D. Ensley, Arthur Parvin, Daniel V. Burkloe,

George W. Harper, Hugh Wilson, Edward White,

James Moffitt, John M. Forrest, John Johnson, Jr.,

David Long, Enoch Hankins, Ute Perkins,

Rezin Bailey, John Waggonner, John Brewer,

Abraham Moore, William Flint, Curtis Caldwell,

John Harding — 32.

PETIT JURY.

Charles Hobison, Peter Williams, John Clark,

John MolBtt, Amzi Doolittle, Lawson Hood,

Edward Long, Hezekiah Spillman, Edward Robertson,

William Southard, John Ritchie, William Clark,

Thomas Sofly, Thomas Brewer, Robert P. Thurman,

George Wilson, Henry Donohoe, Joseph Dewey,

John Reed, Thomas Palmer, Nathan Kennedj',

Alexander White, Morrill Marston, Charles D. Hill — 24.

At the September term, Mr. Campbell being about to remove
from the coiintj resigned the office of Treasurer, and George Y
Cutler was appointed his successor. Mr. Campbell rendered the
following account in delivering up the office:

Treasurer of Hancock county. Dr.

State Revenue for 1829 $262.50

Tax on Tavern License — Alex. White, 2.00

I. R. Campbell 2.00

Cr.
By county orders redeemed to this time, including allowance for taking
lis's of taxable property for 1830, of $12.00, and the sura of $4.82J.|,
commission on redeeming county orders $257,935^

Leaving a balance of $ 8.56J-4

To State revenue for 1830, in Illinois State paper, $350.00.

The revenue due from the State for 1829, we have seen, was
* ); whether its reduction to $262.50 was due to depreciation in
State Bank bills, or some other cause, does not appear. The Treas-
urer's bill for assessing the county was $12 — cheap enough. But
then he was allowed $4.82f commission, wiiicli gave him the
large sum of sixteen — nearly seventeen — dollars, for his year's
services.
Continuing with the proceedings of the County Board:
March Term, 1830— Ordered, That Court hereafter be held at
Clerk's office, head of the rapids, instead of house of James White.

COURT-SEALS

Were ordered as follows: Ordered, That the device of the official
seal of this Court be as follows: On the circle the words " Hancock
County Comrars'. Court," with the word " Illinois " through the
middle, and on one side of said word engraved a plow, and on
the other a steamboat; and that the following be the device of
the official seal of the Circuit Court, to-wit: "Hancock Circuit
Court" engraved on the circle, and in the middle the rising sun
with the fifjures "1829."

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

235

Isaac R. Campbell and Liitlier Whitney, each licensed to keep
tavern— bonds $100 each, tax $2.00.

Jury lists selected at September term, 1830:

Geo. Y. Cutler,
Robt. Wallace,
Ralph Raborn,
James Wood,
Wm. D. HickersoD,
Wilson Turner,
.Tames Miller,
John Reynolds,

Pierce Atchison,
Alexander White,
PeterWilliams,
David Coon,
John Gregg,
Wm. Wallace,
Thomas Long,
Iluirh Wilson,

GRAND JURY'.
James W. BraUle,
Wm. Mattox,
Sam'l Gooch,
John Reed,
Richard Dunn,
Benjamin Mudd,
John Day,

PETIT JURY'.
John Moffitt,
.Tames MotWtt,
Jolm Robison,
Chauncey Robison,
Richard Chaney,
Ralph Parsons,
Geo. W. Harper,
John Johnson,

Beriah Doolittle,
Edward Shipley,
Leonarti L. Abney,
"Wm. H. Peavy,
Arthur Morgan,
Reuben P. Thurman,
Robert R. Williams— 22.

Edward White.
Isham Cochran,
Lewis Peyton,
Daniel Crenshaw,
John Waggonner,
Joseph Dewey,
James Lincoln,
Amzi Doolittle— 24.

New ferry license — to Richard Clianey, at mouth of Chaney
creek; and another, to Andrew Vance (renewal), at section 18.

Dec. term, 1830 — Tavern license to Russell Farnham at Fort
Edwards, and one to James White at the head of the rapids.

Ferry license, June, 1831, to John R. Wilcox, on northwest of
nine, four, nine; bond $100, ta.x $1.00. Rates of ferriage some-
what reduced,

Under this date we find an order fixing merchants' license at
$5.00 each.

County Commissioners' Court this year held at Montebello, at
home of Hazen Bedell.

DELINQUENT TAX LIST.

Newspaper publishers in the county, had there been any,
would not likely, as now, have cojtended for the tax lists in the
primitive days. The delinquent list returned by Edson Whitney,
Sheriff, to the County Commissioners' court, for the tax of 1830,
amounted to the sum of four dollars and forty cents, all told!

COUNTT-SKAT QUESTION.

The question as to where and how the county-seat shall be located,
seems to have agitated the public mind soon after organization;
and there seems, as in most cases of the kind, to have been two or
more projects advocated — one to locate on the river at Fort Ed-
wards, and the other at a point at or near tlie center. It has not
transpired that any very considerable warmth was manifested in
favor of either proposition; but the action of the County Board
proves that both were considered. An etiort was made, as will
appear, to secure the fort fraction for that purpose, but failed. Had

236 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

it succeeded, and the county-seat located there, and maintained at
that point, there can be little doubt but there would now be there,
instead of a little city of 4,000 or 5,000 inhabitants, one of four
times that population. At the December term, 1830, an order was
passed by the Commissioners requesting Senators and Representa-
tives in the Legislature to procure the appointment of Commis-
sioners to locate the seat of justice for the county; and another
inquiring of the General Land-office at Washington, whether Han-
cock county can be permitted to locate her county-seat on the
fractional quarter-section on which Fort Edwards is situated. We
do not tind of record any reply from tlie land department, but pre-
sume the right was denied; for under proceedings of March term,
1831, the Board took action looking to a central location. George
Y. Cutler, Luther Whitney and John Johnson, being appointed a
committee to ascertain the geographical center of the county, and
make report of situation, etc., at next meeting of the Board.

We don't Und any report from the committee, or any further
action on the subject, until the following:

"William Gillham and Scott Riggs, two of the Commissioners appointed to
locate a permanent seat of justice, made the following report, to-wit:
STATE OF ILLINOIS, ) ^j , ^ .gSS

We, the undersigned, Commissioners appointed by the General Assemhly for
the purpose of locating the seat of justice in the county of Hancock, have taken
a general view of said county, viewing the present population and the prospect of
the future, — believe it to be just and equitable to locate said scat of justice on
township live north, range six west, section nineteen, northwest quarter, and the
most eligible site on that quarter, which we have shown to the County Comniis-
sioners. And we further say that the above described spot shall be the seat of
justice for said county of Hancock, and the name shall be Carthage. Given
under our hand this 21st day of March, 18.33.

WM. GILLHAM, [l. s.]
SCOTT RIGGS. [l- s.]

And so the matter was settled; and at the same session the report
was ordered to be certified to the Eeffister of the General Land-
office at Quincy, and that the county of Hancock claims pre-
emption on the northwest quarter of section nineteen, five north,
range six west, — and then ordered that the County Commissioners'
Court be thereafter held at Carthage, the county-seat.

Accordingly, on the 2d of April, 1S33, a special term of the
Commissioners' Court was held at the new county-seat, at the house
of Thomas Brewer. It had previously been held " all along shore"
on the rapids, from Fort Edwards at the foot, to the house of James
White at the head, with two or three intervening points about
Montebello. Now it is to cease its wanderings, and remain perma-
nently at Carthage.

Here the Board ordered that John Johnson, County Surveyor, be
employed to lay ofi' the town of Carthage into lots,'to be done by
May first, and that he be paid out of "the sales for his services.
And also that a sale of lots, to take place on the first Monday in
June, on a credit of si.x, twelve, and eighteen months, be adver-
tised for three weeks in the Sangamo Journal.

IlISTORY_OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 237

And at another special term, held at the house of Wesley
Williams, on June 3. Thomas H. Owen was appointed a Com-
missioner to contract for building a temporary court-house, to
be comj>leted before August 25. This cabin court-liouse was
built by John M. Forrest, under direction of Mr. Owen; written
notices posted first at Venus and Fort Edwards. Can find no record
of cost or dimensions; was probably about 1<3 by 24 feet.

The regular term of the Board was held in the court-house,
Sept. 2, 1833. This court-house was a log-cabin situated south of
the Square, about where the jail now stands. It was built of round,
unhewed logs, with a clapboard roof, held on by poles; had a
puncheon floor and slab benches for seats. Its door was in the
north side, and it was adorned with at least two glass windows.
On the south side was a platform raised about a foot from the floor,
on which was placed a splint-bottomed chair, as a seat for his
honor, while administering the law. This "court-house" was also
used, hy permission of the authorities, for a school and for Sunday
preaching, and for public meetings of different character. Most of
the early sermons, by ministers of the various denominations,
were preached in this building. Its clapboard roof was not the
best protection against the weather; for in its "latter da3'S," it is
ill the raemor}' of a lady who in it taught some ot the young
Carthagenians "how to shoot," that in time of a hard showei", her
pupils had to seek for dry places on the floor.

In this building the County Commissioners' Court held sessions,
and Judges Young, Lott and lialston held their Circuit Courts
from 1S33 to 1839.

As earl}' as 1836 action began to be taken towards the erection
of a more commodious court-house. At the term March 10 of
that year, the Board appointed a commission, consisting of Michael
Rickard, Sidney H. Little, and John F. Charles, to advertise and
contract for the erection of a new court-house, and authorized a
premium of §25 for the best ]>lan. And at June term, 1839, the
new building was finished and ffiven in charge of the Sheriff for
the use of the county. Moses Stevens was contractor and builder;
cost about §10,000. This building was the west portion of the
court-house as it now stands.

First tavern license granted in Carthage, Sept., 1833, to Louis
Masquerier; also license to sell goods.

Dec. 5, 1834 — County purchased of M. ftiekard, north of town,
two acres of land for a burying-ground.

Benjamin F. Marsh's bond as School Commissioner increased to
$40,000, March. 1836; afterwards. Sept., 1838, increased to $75,000.
Afterward, same term, removed from office, to which action he
took an ap]ieal to tlie Circuit Court.

Sept. 6, 1837 — New official seals adopted. For the County Court:
on the circle the words, " Hancock County Commissioners' Court,"
in the middle a spread eagle, the word " Illinois" below. Seal of
Circuit Court: in the circle, the words " Hancock Circuit Court,"
a sheaf of wheat in the center, " Illinois " underneath.

238 HISTORY OF HANCOCK OOTJNTT.

Under date of Sept., 1838 — We notice a tavern license issued to
Jesse W. Bell, at Plymouth, a business in which he has since been
continuously engaged for more than forty years.

Special term, 1838— A re-snrvey of the town of Carthage ordered;
survey made bv James W. Brattle, and old one vacated by act of
Legislature.

Dec. 1839 — Walter Bagby appointed School Commissioner, and
declined; Malcolm McGregor appointed in his place; bond, $12,000.
And at the March term, 1841, Walter Bagby appointed again, to
fill vacancy occasioned by death of Mr. McGregor; bond $50,000.

Special term, March, 1839 — Proposals for a jail ordered; and in
1841, built and received by the county.

This building became historic, as the place where the Mormon
prophet, Josepli Smith, and his brother, Hyrum, were killed, and
two of their associates wounded, on the 27th of June, 1844. It was
situated northwest from the court-house about 400 3'ards, and at
that time quite out of town. It was bnilt of stone, two stories high,
the lower portion being occupied as a residence by the jailor,
and the upper for the prisoners, to which access was iiad by steps
on the south end toward the town. Windows were on the east and
west sides. The building still stands, reconstructed with additions,
the property and residence of ex-Treasnrer Browning.

A RELIC OF SLAVERY.

Among the many relics of the " peculiar institution " scattered
all over the State of Illinois, is the following, which we copy ver-
batim from the records of the County Commissioners' Court, under
date of Dec. 18, 1832. Tiiere may possibly be other similar entries,
but, if so, we failed to observe them. Similar entries exist in
Adams county, and we presume in most of the counties in the
State.

Jane Buckner, a tree woman of color, produced in open Court
a transcript of the record of the County Court of Nicholas county,
in t'le State of Kentucky, as evidence of her freedom, and also of
her children, which was read and ordered to be recorded, and is in
the words and figures following, towit:

STATE OF KENTUCKY, [
Nicholas County. I

April Court, 1814.

An instrument of writing from under the hand and seal of Samuel Buckner,
emancipating and setting at libert3' sundry negro slaves therein mentioned, was
produced in open court, and acknowledged by said Samuel Buckner, and ordered
to he recorded, to wit :

"Know all men by these presents. That I, Samuel Buckner. of the county of
Nicholas and commonwealth of Kentucky, for divers good causes moving me
thereunto, do by these presents, and in pursuance of the Act of the General Assem-
bly in such case made and provided, free and emancipate forever the follow-
ing negro slaves, my property :—^a»e, a negro woman about thirty years of age;
Qeorge, about eight years of age; Will Ditto, about five years of age; Thornton,
about three years old, and Lewis, one year and si.^ months old. All of which
Iiegrne=i, f, the %w\ Samuel Buck-c, do bv these nresents as aforesaid, free and

HISTOKY OF HANCOCK COUNTV. 239

emancipate from my service, and my heirs, and all other persons whatsoever,
claiming said slaves, through, by or under me, — to take etlect from the dale of these
presents. As witness mj- hand and seal this 25th day of April, 1814."

Samuel Buckner. [l. s.]

And thereupon the said Samuel Buckner came into court and entered into bond
in the penalty of one thousand dollars, conditioned according to law, which bond
is ordered to be recorded, and is in the following words, to wit:

"Know all men by the these presents, etc., etc. See Bonds filed, marked
A. Whereupon it is ordered that said negro slaves, named Jane, George,
Will, Thornton and Lewis, as aforesaid, be set free, and they are hereby declared
emancipated according to law."

" 1, Andrew J. Hughes, Clerk of the County Court for the county aforesaid, do
certify that the foregoing copies are true transcripts of the records of said court.
In testimony whereof t have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said
county, at Ellisville, this 13th day of August, 1814.

Andrew J. Hughes.

Clerk of Nicholas County Court."

And so Jane Buckner, a " free woman " of Kentucky, emigrating
with her four children to the free State of Illinois, as evidence that
she is free, was compelled to procure and bring with her the fore-
going long testimonial, and have it recorded among the archives
of the county, lest the " heirs or other persons claiming them," or
the authorities, under the " black laws," should sieze and remand
them again to slavery.

THE CIRCUIT COUET.

We turn n(nv to the Circuit Court record:
STATE OF ILLINOIS, ) „^

' > SET.
HANCOCK COUNTY. )

At a Circuit Court commenced and held in and for the county of Hancock and
state of Illinois, at the house of .James White, Esq., at the head of the lower or
Des Moines rapids, the place appointed by the County Commissioners' Court of
said county, for holding of the Circuit Courts, this 37th day of October, A. D. 1829,
the Court having been adjourned from yesterday to the hour of nine o'clock, by
the SherifT of this county, in pursuance of law. Present:

Richard M. Young, Circuit Judge.
Wesley AVii.liams, Clerk.
Edson Whitney, Sheriff.
Ordered, That the order heretofore made on the l.ith day of June, A. D. 1829,
for the organization of said county of Hancock, together with the order regulate
ing the times of holding the Circuit Court in said county, be spread upon the
records of this Court, which said orders are in the words and figures following,
to-wit: [Here follow the orders heretofore given.]

Next follow the bonds of Edson Whitney, Sherili', and Robert
Wallace, Coroner elect, with oaths of office, and bond of Wesley
Williams, Clerk; and a parcel of rules of practice to the number
of thirty-two, — all as in the County Court records and those of the
Probate Court, in the neat and plain hand-writing of Mr. Williams,
the competent Clerk.

It does not appear of record that there was any Prosecuting
Attorney present at this first term of Court; but at the June term
following (1S30) George Logan was appointed Prosecn tor ^ro ^ewi.;
and at theOctuber term ensuing, Thomas Ford, the regular Attorney
for the Fifth Judicial Circuit, was present.

240

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Below we give a list of Judges and officers of the Circuit Court
from organization, to Jan. 1, 1880, with date of their services:

Oct., 1829-
Apr., 1837-
Sept, 1839-
May, 1841-
Oct., 1843-
May, 1845-
Oct., 1845-
Apr., 1849-
June, 1851-
Oct., 1851-

Oct., 1829-
June,1830-
Oct., 1830-
June, 1831-
June,183ii-
Aug., 1834-
Apr., 1835-
ISept.,1839-
May, 1843-
Oct., 1843-
Ma)-, 1845-
June, 1845-
Oct, 1815-
May, 1846-
Oct., 1846-

Oct., 1839-
May, 1841-
May, 1843-
May, 1843-

-Richard M. Young.
-James H. Ralston.
-Peter Lett.
-Stephen A. Douglas.
-Jesse B. Thomas.
-Richard M. Young.
-Norman H. Purple.
-William A. Minshall.
-Onias C. Skinner.
-David M. Woodson.

Mar., 1853— Onias C. Skinner.
Oct., 18.54— Pinckney H. Walker.
Mar., 1855 — Onias C. Skinner.
Oct., 1855— Joseph Sibley.
Mar., 1878— Chauncey L. Hiebee.
June, 1878— Joseph Sibley.
Oct., 1878-John J. Glenn.
. Mar., 1879— L. P. Shope.
June, 1879— Joseph Sibley.
Oct., 1879— John H. Williams.

PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS.

-No prosecutor. Apr.,

-Georse Logan, pro tern. Sept.,

-Thomas Ford. June,

-Arch. Williams,p;-o tern. Oct.,

-Thomas Ford. Mar.,

-O. H. Browning, pro tern. Oct.,

-Wm. A. Richardson. Slar..

-William Elliott, i Mar.,

-James H. Ralston, pro tern. June,

-W'illiara Elliott. May,

-James H. Ralston, pro tern. Oct.,

-Calvin A. Warren, pro tern. !Mar.,

-Mason Brayman,p;-o tern. Mar.,

-William Elliott. Mar.,

-Henrj' Stephens, pro tern. Mar.,

1847— William Elliott.

1848— Robert S. Blackwell.

1851 — William C. Wagley, pro tern.

1851 — James H. Stewart.

1853 — Calvin A. Warren.

1854 — George Edmunds, pro tern.

1855 — Calvin A. Warren.

1856 — George Edmunds, pro iem.

1856— C. A. Warren.

1857 — Wesley H. Manier, prQ tern.

1857— (!. A. Warren.

1865 — Bryant F. Peterson.

1869— William G. Ewing.

1873— Bryant F Peterson.

1877— William E. Mason.

CIRCUIT CLERKS.

-Wesley Williams.
-Sam'l O. Williams,p/'o tern.
-Jacob C. Davis.
-Jacob B. Backenstos.

May, 1845— David E. Head.
Mar., 1857 — Squire R. Davis.
Mar., 186.5— Melancton S. Carey.
Mar., 1873 — Andrew J. Davis.

It will be perceived that during the fifty years since organization,
his honor, Judge Siblej', held the office of Judge for nearly half
the period — almost as long a time as the remaining fourteen. Of
prosecutors there have been eighteen, including several pro tern.
appointments — none of whom held office for a long period. Of
Circuit Clerks there have been eight only: Williams, the first,
holding the office by appointment for a period of about twelve
years. David E. Head held it, by appointment and election, for
about the same length of time. S. R. Davis and M. S. Carey each
held it for a period of eight years, and A. J. Davis' term will expire
at the end of another eight years' service.

The first civil cause docketed was " John R. Wilcox, assignee of
Peter Kinney, Complainant, vs. Nathan Kennedy, Defendant, on
appeal from Justice's Court."

The first criminal cause on docket is: " The People of the State
of Illinois vs. Isaac Galland, Indictment for Peijury, from Schuyler
county," which was continued and subsequently dismissed.

We shall not follow this Circuit Court record any further in this
place. There have no doubt been many interesting and important

HISTOKT OF HANCOCK CODNTY.

241

civil causes tried in onr courts, argued by the eminent counsel
practicing at onr bar; but our limits will not allow reference to
them. The important murder cases and other criminal causes will
be found in future chapters of this book.

THE PKOBATE CODET.

The first Court of Probate for the county of Hancock was held
on the 4tli of January, 1S30, Wesley AVilliams, Judge. At this
and also at the subsequent term in February, no business was
transacted. At the March term, 1S31, the estate of Major Morrill
Marston was entered for probate, and John Clark and Robert R.
Williams appointed administrators, witii orders to sell personal
property on April IS. and rent the farm till March 1, 1832; Jacob
Lewis, John Dedman, and Dempsey Hood being named as
appraisers.

April 4, 1831 — The ofhcial seal was ordered: "On the outer circle
the words 'Hancock Court of Probate;' the word ' Illinois' througli
the middle; above it two orphans embracing each other, and under-
neath a loaf of bread."

At this term tiie estate of Andrew Yance was entered for
probate.

June term, 1831, John E,. Wilcox, being a creditor, was appointed
administrator of Morrill Marston, deceased; but at the September
term following, David Marst(!>n, of Rockingham county, N. H.,
brother of deceased, appearing, was appointed administrator, and
Wilcox removed.

The folio wins: entries of estates occur in their order:

John Shook, Sr.— Sept., 1831.
Daniel Crenshaw — Oct., 1831.
Almon S. Foot— 1832.
George Y. Cutler— Sejit., 1834.
Henry Weddina:-Sept., 1834.
Oliver Felt— Sept , 1834.
Preston H. Houston — Sept., 1834.
Josiah Smith— Nov., 1834.
Joseph Dewey— Nov., 1834.
Henry Butler— Dec, 1834.
Thomas O'Neal— Dec, 1834.

Hazen Bedell— Feb., 1835.
Thomas Crabtree— March, 1835.
William C. Hawley— April, 1835.
Horace B'. Whitney— June, 1835.
James White— Jan , 1837.
Alexander White— Jan., 1837.
John Johnson — Jan., 1837.
Agrippa Wells— Sept., 1837.
Lewis Cliamberlain — Dec, 1837.
John Gordon — July, 1839.
James M. Wells— July, 1839.

CHAPTER VI.

THE MORMON PERIOD.
INTRODUCTOEY KEMAKKS.

When at Mecca, ia Arabia, about the close of the sixth century,
Mahomet, the founder of Islamism, began his career, he was doubt-
less honest in his purposes, which were to modify and improve the
idolatrous worship of his people. But he was an enthusiast and a
fanatic. His efforts met first with neglect and contumely, then
with opposition and violence. Enemies increased around him, and
he was compelled to flee his native city to save his life; and hence-
forward he was a changed man. Revenge and ambition became his
ruling passions.

The character and career of this great leader have sometimes
been compared with those of the pretended Mormon prophet,
Joseph Smith; but the contrast is so great as to aft'ord but very
slight resemblance. "When Joseph Smith began his career at Pal-
myra, !New York, his motives were not honest, nor was he prompted
by either revenge or ambition. His feeble imagination had not
yet grasped at anything be3'ond a mere toying with mysterious
things, by which he hoped, if anything, to earn a living without
honest labor. It is evident that at first he had no higher or more
ambitious purpose in view. He was one of those indolent and
illiterate young men to be found in all communities, who, dissatis-
fied with their lot, have embraced the pernicious doctrine contained
in the phrase " The world owes me a living." Fortune, luck,
chance, deception, jugglery, any or all of these that would aid him
to obtain that living he was ready to employ. Hence we find him
at an early age trying his skill at little tricks to impose on the
credulity of his associates. As he grew older, searching for lost
treasure became one of his favorite employments; for was it not
better to obtain the golden millions from the nooks and crevices of
the earth, in which Kidd and the pirates and robbers had hid them,
and live in splendor, than it was to obtain a small competency by
the slow and uncertain processes of honest labor? And as he pro-
gressed from one wild scheme to another, new light began to dawn
upon his mind, till accident threw Rigdon and "The Manuscript
Found" in his way. Then it was that the idea of a new sect, a
new creed, a new play upon popular ignorance and credulity, and
consequent place and power and fortune, was gradually developed
and boldly and persjistentlv carried forward.
(242)

/ji^.^^ih^

lyT-^t'^L

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 246

It is the purpose in these pages to o;ive not only a true and faith-
ful historj' of Jlornionisua as it existed in Haneoclc county for eight
or nine years, but to go back to its beginnings and investigate the
claims of its founders. We s,'A.\ founders, because all who knew
Joseph Smith, the so-called pro]ihet, can bear testimony that he was
not, without help, capable of building up the structure to the shape
and consequence it assumed. Ignorant and unlettered as he was,
he managed to draw to him a few men of greater mental capacity
than his own, through wliose combined eft'orts his and their crude
purposes were gradualh' brought into shape.

Mormonism had its birth and incipient growth in Western New
York; it gained strength and acquaintance with the world in
Northern Ohio; it increased to a considerable magnitude in North-
west Missouri. But it was broken and weakened there in its con-
tests with its neighbors and the authorities. After a few years of
arrogant pretension and active proselytism, it met with a similar
fate in Illinois, and also lost its daring leader. When left to itself
in the wilderness of Utah, it developed into what it now is, an ngly
and troublesome excrescence upon the body politic.

When the little band of " Latter- Day Saints," as they called
themselves, landed in Illinois, in the winter of lS?)8-9, they were
poor and disheartened, and many of them were objects of charity.
Tlieir troubles in Missouri had brought thera into notice. They
were thought to liave been persecuted for opinion's sake; and when
they crossed the Mississippi at Quincy, they received much sympa-
thy and material aid from the people of that city and Adams county;
and afterward as they passed up into Hancock, the same kindness
and consideration were shown them. Their prophet and his chief
adviser, Sidney Rigdon, were yet in durance at Liberty, Mo., and
their principal men scattered, some as refugees from Missouri
wrath, and some as missionaries to the Gentile world.

Such were the Mormons and sncli Mormonism when they first
became a reality to the people of Hancock county and the State of
Illinois.

At that time there was a little village on the river shore, where
Nauvoo now stands, called Commerce, with but a few houses.
Below was the farm of Hugh White, and out northeast on the hill,
where the temple since stood, was the farm of Daniel H. Wells,
another old settlei', who, after growing rich by the sale of his lands
to the new-comers, joined the Church, and finally left with the rest
for Salt Lake, where lie has since become a leader high in authority
among them. Alongside of this village of Commerce lay the lots
and squares, and streets and parks of Commerce City — a.paper town
which, a few months before, had been ushered into existence by a
brace of Eastern speculators.

Opposite, across the Mississippi, in the then Territory of Iowa,
stood the barracks of the old fort Des Moines, but lately vacated by
the U. S. Di-agoons and occupied by a few settlers. Here was also
the land-ofiice of the New York half-breed land company. The

246 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

village of Keokuk, on the same side and twelve miles below, also on
the half-breed lands, had but a few inhabitants, while Fort Madison,
above, had a somewhat larger population.

In Hancock county was Warsaw, eighteen miles below, with a
population of, say, 300; Carthage, the county seat had not so many ;
Augusta, St. Mary's Plymoutli, Fountain Green, La Harpe, Chili,
and a few others, had been laid out (chiefly in 1836), and contained
each a few families, and were in the midst of young and fast grow-
ing settlements. There was no newspaper in the county; The Car-
thatienian, at Carthage, had, in 1836-7, a sickly existence, and had
now "gone where the woodbine twineth." The population of the
county was probably 6,000; by the census of 1840 it was 10,000,
including the then Mormon emigrants.

Such was the status of Hancock county and its neigliborhood
when the Mormon exodus from Missouri began. That people
crossed directly eastward to Qiiincy, in Illinois, through North
Missouri, as the nearest and best route to a place of safety. Their
leader was yet in jail, but he, somehow escaping, soon made his
appearance among them, and at once began operations for planting
a " new stake," and gathering his followers around him. The first
intention was to settle on the half-breed lands in Iowa, to which
Smith had been invited through correspondence with Dr. Isaac
Galland before leaving Missouri. Dr. C had interest in those lands,
and also resided and held some interest at Commerce. For various
reasons, chief of which was imperfect title, the negotiation as to the
half-breed lands fell through, and the main body of the Mormons
remained in Hancock county, though numbers li^d already settled
on the other side of the river.

In September, 1S39, the city of Nautoo was laid out and named,
its proprietors being Joseph Smith, Sidney Eigdon, Hyrum Smith
and George W. Robinson. Afterward, down to May, 1843, as
manj' as fifteen additions had been made to it by dilferent parties,
including one in 1840 by Daniel H. Wells, embracing part of his
farm. The whole of the two farms named, including a portion of
Mr. Davidson Hibbard's, and much additional land, was finally in-
cluded within the limits of the fast rising city.

Tiie name "Nauvoo" was said by its projectors to be Hebrew for
" pleasant land." Whether this be true, we leave for linguists to
determine, but the site of the cit}' is certainly one of the most pleas-
ant and beautiful in the West. It is presumed, however, that
Smith and liigdon knew about as much of Hebrew as they did of
the '•■Reformed Egyptian" (whatever that may be), in which the
"Book of Mormon " is said to have been written on the golden
plates.

All the important movements of this people from the beginning,
as well as some very unimportant ones, had been directed by pro-
fessed revelation from heaven, through Joseph Smith, their " proph-
et, seer and revelator." There had been revelations before, as will
appear hereafter, that these "Latter-Day Saints" were to enter in
and enjoy promised lands, first in Ohio at Kirtland, then at two

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTT. 24:7

or three different places in Missouri. And now the way was open
for a new revelation; and it came, under the sanction of a "Thus
saith the Lord," that this "pleasant land" was the "promised
land," to he henceforth occu]Med hy the scattered saints. And the
command went out to all the world, and summoned tliem hither;
and hither they came as fast as proselytes could be made and cir-
cumstances would permit. A monthly paper called the Times and
Seasons was started, to be the organ. Revelations were multi-
plied, as occasion demanded, and promulgated through the organ
and from the stand. A cit}' began to be built. The sounds of
industry were heard on every hand. For whatever may be said of
the Mormon people in other respects, it is true that the great body
of them were hard-working, frugal and industrious citizens.

Is it any wonder, then, that in view of all these circumstances,
these people and their prophet and leader should attract attention?
The war in Missouri; their sufterings there and during their flight,
in an inclement season; their cry of oppression, so industriously
repeated, and the sympathy created in tlieir behalf, had drawn pub-
lic attention to them over the whole country.

ORIGIN OF JIORMONISM.

But what of this man, Joseph Smith, and these people, his pro-
fessed disciples and followers? He claimed to be a holy man, a
prophet of God, a seer and revelator; a chosen minister of the Most
High, for the accomplishment of a grand and divine purpose. And
yet he was killed — slain by the hand of violence! And these peo-
ple who followed him and believed in his mission, claim that he
died a martyr to the cause of righteousness!

Concerning him and his history and claims, there are two theo-
ries, neither of which maybe true; and if neither be true, one must
be infamously and blaspheinously false. The story told by himself
and accepted as true by his followers, is as given below, and pur-
ports to be in his own words, contributed for publication in a
"History of the Keligious Denominations of the United States,"
published in Philadelphia, and is orthodox Mormon history:

"I was born in the town of Sharon, Windsor county, Vt., on the
2.3d of December, 1S05. "When ten years old my parents removed
to Palmyra, N. Y., where we resided about four years, and from
thence we removed to the town of Manchester, a distance of six
miles.

"My father was a farmer, and taught me the art of husbandry.
AVhen about 14 years of age, I began to reflect upon the importance
of being prepared for a future state, and upon inquiring the place
of salvation; I found there was a great clash in religious sentiment;
if I went to one society they referred me to one place, and another
to another, each one pointing to his own particular creed as the
summum ionui/i of perfection. Considering that all could not be
right, and that God could not be the author of so much confusion,

248 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUXIT.

I deteraiined to investigate tiie subject more fully, believing that
if God had a Church it would not be split up into factions, and that
if He taught one society to worship one way, and administer in one
set of ordinancese, he would not teach another principles which
were diametrically opposed. Believing the word of God, I had con-
fidence in the declaration of James: 'If any man lack wisdom let
him ask of God, who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth
not, and it shall be given him.'

" I retired to a secret place in a grove, and began to call upon the
Lord, "While fervently engaged in supplication, raj' mind was
taken awav from the objects with which I was surrounded, and I
was enwrapt in a heavenly vision and saw two glorious personages
who exactly resembled each other in features and likeness, sur-
rounded by a brilliant light which eclipsed the sun at noonday.
They told me that all the religious denominations were believing in
incorrect doctrines, and that none of them was acknowledged of
God as His Church and kingdom. And I was expressly commanded
'to o'O not after them,' at the same time receiving a promise that
the fulness of the gospel should at some future time be made known
unto me.

"On the evening of the 21st of September, A. D. 1823, while I
was praying unto God and endeavoring to exercise faith in the
precious promises of scripture, on a sndden alight, like that of day
only of a far purer and more glorious appearance and brightness,
burst into the room; indeed, the first sight was as though the
house was filled with consuming fire. The appearance produced a
shock that aftected the whole body. In a moment, a personage
stood before me surrounded with a glory yet greater than that with
which I was already surrounded. This messenger proclaimed
himself to be an angel of God, sent to bring the joyful tidings that
the covenant which God made with ancient Israel was at hand to
be fulfilled; that the preparatory work for the second coming of
the Messiah was speedily to commence; that the time was at hand
for the gospel, in all its fullness, to be preached in power unto all
nations, that the people might be prepared for the millennial reign.

"I was informed that I was chosen to be an instrument in the
liands of God to bring about some of His purposes in this glorious
dispensation.

" I was informed also concerning the aboriginal inhabitantsof this
country, and shown who they were and from whence they came;
—a brief sketch of their origin, progress, civilization, laws, govern-
ments, of their righteousness and iniquity, and the blessings of
God being finally withdrawn from them as a people, was made
known unto me. I was also told where there were deposited some
plates, on which was engraved an abridgment of the records of the
ancient prophets that had existed on this continent. The angel
appeared to me three times the same night, and unfolded the same
things. After having received many visits from the angel of God,
unfolding the majesty and glory of the events that should transpire

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COCNTT. 249

in the last dajs, on the 22il of September, A. D. 1827, the angel of
the Lord delivered the record into my hands.

"Tiiese records were engraven on phxtes which had the appearance
of gold; each plate was six inches wide and eight inches long, and
not qnite so thick as common tin. They were filled with engrav-
ings in Egyptian characters, and bonnd together in a volume as
the leaves of a book, with thi'ee rings running through the whole.
The volume was something near six inches in thickness, a part of
which was sealed. The characters in the unsealed part were small
and beautifully engraved. Tiie whole book exhibited many marks
of antiquity in its construction, and mucli skill in the art of
engraving. With the records was found a curious instrument,
which the ancients called ' Urim and Thummim,' which consisted
of two transparent stones set in the rim on a bow fastened to a
breastplate.

" Through the medium of the ' Urim and Thummim' I translated
the record, by the gift and power of God."

Tlie foregoing is the story of his life to the finding of tlie Golden
Plates, in what is since called " Mormon Hill," in the town of
Manchester, near Palmyra, X. Y. Corroborative of his statement
is the testimonj' of eleven witnesses, to be found prefixed to all edi-
tions of the Book of Mormon, as follows:

THE TESTIMONY OF THREE WITNESSES.

Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, unto whom this
work shall come, that we, through the grace of God the Father and our Lord Jesus
Christ, have seen the plates which contain this record, which is a record of the
people of Nephi, sind also ot the Lamanites, his brethren, and also of the people of
Jared, which came from the tower of which hath been spoken ; and we also know
that they have been translated by the gift and power of God, for His voice hatli
declared it unto us ; whereof we know of a surety that the work is true. And we
also testify that we have seen the engravings whicii are upon the plates; and they
have lieen shown unto us by the power of God, and not of men. And we declare
with words of soberness, that an angel of God came down from heaven, and he
brought and laid before our eyes,' that we lieheld and saw the plates, and the
engravings thereon; and we know that it is tiy the grace of God the Father, and
our Lord .Jesus Christ, that we beheld and bare record that these things are true ;
and it is marvelous in our eyes; nevertheless, the voice of the Lord commanded us
that we should bear record of it ; wherefore, to be obedient unto the command-
ments of God, we bear testimony of these things. And we know that if we are
faithful in Christ, we shall rid our garments of the blood of all men, and be found
spotless before the judgment seat of Christ, and shall dwell with him eternally in
the heavens. And the 'honor be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the ifoly
Ghost, which is one God. Amen.

(Signed) Oliveb Cowdekt,

David Whitmbr,
Mabtin Harris.

And also tlie Testimony of Eight Witnesses.

Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, unto whom this
work shall come, that Joseph Smith, .Jr., the author and proprietor of this work,
has shown unto us the plates of wliich hath been spoken, which hath the appear-
ance of gold; and as many of the leaves as the said Smith has translated we did
handle with our hands ; and we also saw the engi'avings thereon, all of which has
the appearance of ancient work, and of curious workmanship. And this, we bear
record, with words of soberness, that the said Smith has shown unto us, for we

250 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

have seen and hefted, and know of a surety, that the said Smith has got the plates
of which we have spoken. And we give our names unto the world, to witness
unto the world that which we have seen ; and we lie not, God bearing witness of it.
(Signed), Christian Whitmer,

Jacob Whitmer,
Peter Whitmer, Jr,
Hiram Page,
Joseph Smith, Sr-,
Htrum Smith,
Samuel H. Smith.

Late editions of the book make these eight- witnesses testify of
Smith as the " translator " of the work, instead of the " author and
proprietor," as in tlie foregoino; certificate. A copy issued at
Plauo, 111., froiri the press of young Joseph Smitli's reorganized
Church, now before us, perpetuates this change, and also corrects a
number of errors in grammar.

It is further claimed by Mormon adherents that the book con-
tains internal evidence of its genuineness, proving how much
men can diiier; for all others than Mormons can see in it numer-
ous internal evidences of a fraudulent character.

The second theor}' in regard to the origin of the Book of Mor-
mon, is tliat it was written as a mere romance by Rev. Solomon
Spaulding, a Presb.vterian minister of Korthern Ohio; that it some-
how fell into the hands of Rigdon and Smith, and was by i;hem
diverted to its present purpose.

It is however believed by many that Smith and his co-workers
in iniquity manufactured the whole thing themselves, and out of
whole cloth. Yet the peo])le about Palmyra, many of them still
living, who were cognizant of the facts as they occurred, and who
knew tlie Smiths and the eleven witnesses well, assure us, in recent
correspondence, that the Spaulding story is undoubtedly true.

AN INQCIEY.

The first questions likely to be asked by one unacquainted with
any of the facts, would be, AVhat matters it whether Spaulding
wrote the story or not. either as a romance or as a veritable history;
or whether Smith and Rigdon wrote it? What is its character?
"What does it purport to be?

The following is its title in full:

" THE BOOK OF MORMON ;

an account written by the hand of Mormon, upon plates taken
from the plates of Kephi; wherefore it is an abridgment of the
record of the people of Eephi, and also of the Lamanites, written
to the Lamanites, which are a remnant of the house of Israel, and
also to Jew and Gentile; written by way of commandment, and
also by the spirit of prophecy and revelation: written and sealed
up and hid unto the Lord, 'that they might not be destroyed; to
come forth by the gift and power of God", unto the interpretation,
thereof; sealed by the hand of Moroni, and hid up unto the Lord,

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COtJNXr. 251

to come forth in due time by the way of the Gentiles; the interpre-
tation thereof by tlie gift of God, and an abridgment taken from
the book of Ether.

" Also, which is a record of the people of Jared, which were
scattered at the time the Lord confounded the language of the
people, M'hen the^' were building a tower to get to heaven; which
is to show unto the remnant of the house of Israel how great things
the Lord had done for their fathers, and that they may know the
covenants of the Lord, that they are not cast off forever; and also
to the convincing of Jews and Gentiles that Jesus is the Christ,
tlie Eternal God, manifesting himself to all nations.

" And now, if there be fault, it be the mistake of men; wherefore
condemn not the things of God, that ye may be found spotless
before tlie judgment seat of Christ.

" By Joseph Smith, Junior, Author and Proprietor."

In late editions, instead of " By Joseph Smith, Jr., author and
proprietor," the title is simply signed "Moroni."

In regard to the claims set up hv Smith and his ele%'en witnesses,
tliere are several things to be considered before we take their state-
ments as true. 1. The importance and value of the so-called
revelation; 2. The means used; and 3. The character of the agents
employed.

How any person with a well-balanced mind can see anything in
the book worthy of being styled a revelation from God to man, sur-
passeth understanding. Its purport and aim no man can gather from
the '' confounding of language," in its title; but in turning over its
pages we find it to be a pretended history of the early inhabitants
of this continent; that they are represented to be the descendants
of some of the tribes of Israel; or, as the book uf Ether has it, of
the people dispersed at the tower; that they somehow got to this
country in" eight barges;'" and that after multitudinous and terrible
wars, they were, like the Kilkenny cats, nearly used up; and that the
Indian tribes are the tails that were left. What possible difference
can it make to the human famil}', in a soul-saving point of view,
whether the stoiy is true or false? Had the general idea been
eliminated into good English by one who had a well-balanced
mind, and not by one who had

eaten of the insane root

That takes the reason prisoner,

it might have made a volume of pleasant reading, if nothing more;
and were there any facts of co-incident history to verify it, it might
even approach the dignity of an historical treatise. But whv men
should be required to believe it, is a mystery. And why these
"Records" should be thus preserved and handed down tlirough
various hands, ''servants of the Lord " (Mormon, Moroni, Nephi,
Ether, and a lot of others), and finall}' " sealed up " and deposited
in a hill in IS^ew York, for fourteen centuries, is anotiier mystery.
And then the character of the agents employed by the Almighty

262 HISTOKT OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

to bring these things to light and usher them to the world! If
that is the Lord's work, truly " the ways of the Lord are past
finding out."

There are so many silly things throughout the work that it is
hard to speak of it seriously. Tiiey abound, but we can only make
room for a few. Turn to page 50-4, book of Ether [Piano edition],
and learn how America was peopled, and also obtain some valuable
ideas of ship-building and navigating the seas:

And the Lord said, Go to work and build after tbe manner of barges which
ye have hitherto built. And it came to pa^s that the brother of Jared did go to
work, and also his brethren, and built barges after the manner which the)- had
built, according to the instructions of the Lord. And they were small, and they
were light upon the water, even unto the lightness of a fowl upon the water : and
they were built after a manner that they,were exceedingly tight, even that they
would hold water like unto a dish ; and the sides thereof were tight, like unto a
dish; and the bottom thereof was tight, like unto a dish; and the ends thereof
were peaked; and the top thereof was tight like unto a dish; and the length
thereof was the length of a tree; and the door thereof, when it was shut, was
tight like unto a dish.

And it came to pass that the brother of Jared cried unto the Lord, saying, O
Lord, I have performed the work which thou hast commanded me, and I have
made the barges according as thou hast directed me. And, behold, O Lord, in
them is no light: whither shall we steer ? And also we shall perish, lor in them
we cannot breathe, save it be the air which is in them; therefore we shall perish.
And the Lord said unto the brother of Jared, Behold, thou shalt make a hole in
<he top thereof, and also in the bottom thereof; and when thou shalt sutler for air,
thou shalt unstop the hole thereof, and receive air. And if it so be, that the water
come in upon thee, behold, ye shall stop the hole thereof, that ye may not perish
in the flood. And it came to pass that the brother of Jared did so, according «s
the Lord had commanded. And he cried again unto the Lord, saying, O Ltn-d,
behold I have done even as thou hast commanded me ; and 1 have prepared the
vessels for my people, and, behold, there is no light in them. Behold, O Lord,
wilt thou suffer that we shall cross this threat water in darkness? And the Lord
said unto the brother of Jared, ^Yhat will ye that I should do that ye may have
light in your vessels? For, behold, ye cannot have windows, for they will be
dashed in pieces ; neither shall 3-e take tire with you, for ye shall not "go by the
light of fire; for, behold, j-e shall be as a whale in the midst of the sea; for the
moimtain waves shall dash upon you. Nevertheless, I will bring you up again
out of the depths of the sea; for tlie winds have gone forth out of my mouth, and
also the rains and the floods have I sent forth. * * « ^n(j j; came to
pass that the brother of Jared (now the uumlier of vessels which had been
prepared was eight) went forth unto the mount which they called mount Shelem,
' because of its exceeding height, and did molten out of a rock sixteen small
stones ; and they were white and clear, even as transparent glass ; and he did carry
them in his hands upon the top of the mount, and cried "again unto the Lord,
saying, O Lord, * * * touch these stones with thy fioirers, and
prepare them that they may shine forth in darkness; and they shall shine forth
unto us in the vessels which we have prepared, that we may have light while we
shall cross the sea. * * * ^.nd the Lord stretched forth his hand and
touched the stones, one by one, with his finger. * * * pqj. j( game to
pass after the Lord had prepared the stones, which the brother of Jared had
carried up into the mount, the brother of Jared came down out of the mount, and
he did put forth the stones into the vessels which were prepared, one in each end
thereof ; and behold, they did give light unto the vessels thereof And thus the
Lord caused stones to shine in darkness, to give light unto men, women and
children, that they might not cross the great waters in'darkness.

And it came to pass that when they had prepared all manner of food, that
thereby they might subsist upon the water, and also food for their flocks and
herds, and whatsoever beast, or animal, or fowl, that they should carry with
them,— and it came to pass that when they had done all ttiese things, ihev got
aboard of their vessels or barges, and set forth into the sea, commen'cling them-

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 253

selves unto the Lord their God. And it came to pass that the Lord God caused
that there should a furious wind blow upon the face of the waters, toward the
lu-ouiised land ; and thus the}' were tossed upon the wave of the sea before the
wind. And it came to pass that they were many times buried in the depths of
the sea, because of the mountain waves which broke upon them, and also the
great and terrible tempests, which were caused by the fierceness of the wind.

And it came to pass that when they were buried in the deep, there was no water
that could hurt them, their vessels being tight like unto a dish, and also they were
light like unto the ark of Noah. * * * And no monster of the sea could
break them, neither whale that could mar them; and they did have light con-
tinually, whither it was above th" water or under the water. * * * ^ac\ thus
they were driven forth three hundred and forty and fodr days upon the
water; and they did land upon the shore of the promised laud.

Let us imagine these eight wonderiully planned vessels, on their
adventurous voyage, — all built alike, light like a fowl, long as a
tree, tight like a dish, all provided with holes in bottom and top,
and all lighted with those transparent stones which the brother of
Jared " did molten " out of a rock, — they all start together before
the wind — a furious wind, — and after a little voyage of onlt/ three
hundred and forty-four days, land together, without so much as
one being lost! No monster of the deep hurt them; no whale
tnarred them! Sometimes engulfed beneath the mountain wave,
the ever-watchful brother of Jared is read^^ pl»g in hand, to stop
the holes; and when rising to the surface, as the whales do to
spout, he is ever on the alert to give his crew and passengers
another snift" of ^ir!

And now having them safely landed on the shore of this prom-
ised land, let us turn to page 530 of this same prophet Ether, and
learn some of the deeds of their descendants here. War seems to
have been the main business and pastime of these people through
all the long centuries of their existence in their Western home.
But here is an account of one of the greatest battles ever fought
since the world began. Talk of the wars of Napoleon, of the
Ca?sars, of Alexander; they are nothing compared to the struggles
between those two great heroes, Shiz and Coriantumr. Tliese were
the chiefs of the two contending parties at one time. They had
already fought till Coriantumr computed he had lost " two tnillious
of mighty men and also their wives and children." If Shiz
had lost as many, the computation would reach from fifteen to
twenty millions of souls. And now they are real mad, and are
going at it in earnest:

And it came to pass that when they were all gathered together, every one to
the army which he would, with their wives and their children, both men, women
and children being armed with weapons of war, having shields and breast-plates
and head-plates, and being clothed after the manner of war, they did march forth,
one against another to battle.

Men, women and children, all armed and panoplied, going forth
to battle! And it proved a nine-days battle, at that; for "on the
morrow " they went at it again, and the next, to the sixtli day,
when the historian makes a count, and finds " they had all fallen
by the sword, save it were fifty and two of the people of Corian.

254 HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

tumr, and sixty and nine of the people of Shiz." Then again, at
the end of this day Shiz had 32 left and Coriantnmr 27. The next
day it was fight and flight; but on the morrow, which was the
ninth, after a fierce and day-long struggle, only the generals Shiz
and Coriantnmr were left. And they were about as good as dead,
for Shiz fainted with the loss of blood.

And it came to pass that when Coriantunir had leaned upon his sword, that he
rested a little, he smote off the head of Shiz. And it came to pass that after he
had smote off the head of Shiz, that Shiz raised up his hands and fell ; and after
that he had struggled for breath, he died. And it came to pass that Coriantumr
fell to the earth, and became as if he had no life.

And so ended the battle and that story. Messages from heaven,
indeed ! !

Such are some of the records, which Mormon, and Moroni, and
Nephi, and Ether, and a lot of others are said to have written and
preserved in Cumorah Hill, New York, and which Joseph Smith
was commissioned by an angel to dig up and translate for the sal-
vation of the world! And the plates, too, must be hid away again
by the angel. O, why could not at least those translated ones have
been retained, and exhibited to, and " hefted " by an unbelieving
world? They might have been at least as convincing as the unsup-
ported testimony of Oliver Cowdery and the Whitmers and
Smiths.

But, after all, the whole question turns upon human credulity,
for rejection or acceptance. To speak phrenologically,'those people
■whose heads have the organ of Marvelousness excessively devel-
oped will perhaps believe the story, though the heavens should
fall.

. WHAT THE NEIGHBOKS SAY.

We turn now to find what their neighbors say of Smith and his
co-workers. In 1867 appeared from the press of D. Appleton &
Co. a work entitled, " Origin, Rise and Progress of Mormonism,"
by Pomeroy Tucker, Palmyra, JST. Y. This book is written by one
whose residence was at Palmyra when this Mormon imposture
began; who was personally well acquainted with all the Smith
family, and with Martin Harris, Oliver Cowdery, and most of tlieir
earlier adherents; who, at the time the "Book of Mormon" first made
its appearance, was editor of the paper on the press of which said
book was printed; who did much of the proof-reading on the book,
and had many interviews with these men.

Of the truth and general correctness of the statements contained
in this book of Mr. Tucker's, we have the attestations of numbers
of honored living witnesses about Palmyra; and not only that, but
that it represents the beginnings of that folly, as known"to all the
old citizens of Palmyra and the region around it.

The name of Thurlow Weed is of national fame. . He resided at
Epchester during the progress of these events, and was acquainted
with some, if not all, the actors therein. He says:

IIISTORT OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 255

New York, June 1, 18G7.
Dear Sir. — 1 have been so constantly occupied that I- really did not get time
to say how much I was interested in your history of Mormonism. I have long
hoped that some person with personal knowledge of the origin of this great delu-
sion, who saw it as I did, when it was " no bigger than a man's hand," and who
has the courage and capacity to tell the whole truth, would undertake the task.
1 read enough of j-our manuscript to be confident that you have discharged this
duty faithfully. The character you have given ".Joe Smith,'' his family and asso-
ciates, corresponds with what I have often heard from the old citizens oi' Palmyra.
Such a work is wanted, and no one but a writer personally and familiarly
acquainted with the false prophet and his sun'oundings could have written it.
Truly yours, Thurlow Weed.

The testimony of the eleven witnesses to the book of Mormon,
or of eleven hundred like them, impeached and branded as most of
them have since been b}* Smith himself, will not weigh an atom in
the scale with that brought in Tucker's book, substantiated as it is
by so man}^ living witnesses and facts.

Smith says in his biograpli}', that his father was a farmer, and
"taught him the art of husbandry." Tucker savs that while in
Palmyra the familj^ subsisted on the profits of a " cake and beer
shop," and that while out on the "farm" afterward, "the larger
proportion of the time of the Smiths was spent in hunting and
fishing, trapping muskrats {mush -7^ats was the word they used),
digging out wood-chucks from their holes, and idly lounging around
tlie stores and shops in the village."' Further, that " the family
were popularly regarded as an illiterate, whisky-drinking, shiftless,
irreligious race of ))eople;" "Joe, as he was always called, being
unanimously voted the laziest and most worthless of the genera-
tion," "noted only for his indolent and vagabondish character, and
his habits of exaggeration and untruthfulness." His father called
him the '•^ genus of the family," and he was; for after a while he
got to be a tolerable reader, and delighted in su^pBgh-toned works
as " Kidd, the Pirate; " though he afterward tome to reading the
Bible and attending protracted meetings, once even joining a
Methodist class, but was soon "let off." But the story how he
passed on from reading Kidd to reading the Bible; from digging
potatoes, for which he had no taste and had been ]30orly "in-
structed," to digging for buried treasure, for which he had a pen-
chant, inspired by Kidd; and from digging for treasure to proph-
esying, is too long to tell in these pages. It is told in the book
betbre ns with great particularity and much sincerity. Suffice it
to say that he finally succeeded in making a few ignorant persons
believe that there was "something" in his pretensions. Numerous
diggings for treasure were engaged in, Smith in the meantime
sitting by directing the work. But nothing ever was found, the
"devil" generall}- interfering just in time to prevent it from fall-
ing into their hands. In these searchings for treasure, and other
divinations, he used a little white stone, held in his hat; probably
one of the identical stones used by Jared and his brother in light-
ing their barges across the sea.

256 HrSTORT OF HANCOCK CO0NTT.

We quote one of these inonej-digging incidents from Tucker,
p. 32:

A single instance of Smitli's style of conducting these money-diggings will suf-
fice for the whole series, and also serve to illustrate his low cunning, and show
the strange infatuation of the persons who yielded to his unprincipled designs.
Assuming his accustomed air of mystery on one of these occasions, and pretend-
ing to see by his miraculous stone exactly where the sought-for chest of money
had lodged in its subterranean transits. Smith save out the revelation that a
" black sheep '' would be required as a sacrificial offering upon the enchanted
ground, before entering upon the work of exhumation. He knew that his kind-
hearted neighbor, William Stafford, who was a listener to his plausible story, a
respectable farmer in comfortable worUily circumstances, possessed a fine black
wether, intended for division between his family use and the village market; and
Smith know, moreover, that fresh meat was a rarity in his father's home, where he
lived. The scheme succeeded completely. It was arranged that Mr. Stafford
should invest the wether as his stock in the speculation, the avails of which were
to be equitably shared among the company engaged in it. At the approach of the
appointed hour at night, the digging fraternity, with lanterns and the fattened
sheep for the sacriflc..'. were conducted by Smith to the place where the treasure
was to be obtained. There Smith described a circle upon the ground around the
buried chest, where the blood of the animal was to be shed as the necessary condi-
tion of his power to secure the glittering gold. As usual, not a word was to be
spoken during the ceremony, nor until after the prize was brought forth. All
things being thus iu readiness, the throat of the sheep was cut by one of the party,
according to previous instructions, the poor animal made to pour out its own
blood around the circle, and the excavation entered upon iu a vigorous and
solemn manner. In this case the digging was continued about three hours, when
the "devil" again frustrated the plan exaclly in the same way as on the repeated
trials before! In the meantime, the elder Smith, aiJed by one of the junior sons,
had withdrawn the sacrificial carcass and reduced its flesh to mutton for his
family use.

We cite a case of conversion, to slioW the extent that liuinan cre-
dulity can go. Calvin Stoddard was a citizen whose mind was ever
on the watch for tlie miraculous, and he also became impressed, and
thought tliere '^a^hthe" something in these pretended revela-
tions; and yet flllP'didn't know." Among the many Governors
sent out to govern Utah, our readers will probabl}' recall the name
of Hon. Stephen S. Harding, of Indiana. In his youth he was a
fun-loving young man, with a keen sense of the ludicrous, and re-
sided at Macedon, a village in the vicinity of Palmyra. Knowing
Stoddard's proclivities, and bent on fun, he concluded to have some
at his expense. So he repaired one dark night at midnight to Stod-
dard's house, and knocking him awake, called out in as unearthly
a tone as he could assume, — " Cal-vin Stod-dard! Cal-vin Stod-
dard! the an-gel of the Lord com-mands that he-fore an-o-ther
go-ing doicn of the sun thou shalt go forth among the peo-ple and
preach the Gos-pel of ]Ve-phi, or thy wife shall he a widow, thy
chil-dren orphans, and thy ash-es scat-ter-cd to the four winds of
heaven."

Young Harding remained long enough to hear Calvin out and
on his knees promising to obey the divine command, and then he
" cut and run." And Calvin did obey it; was around the next day
telling of the mira&ulous visitation; joined the new Church; came
with the- band to the West; was at l^auvoo, and, we believe, died
in this county.

lIISrOEY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 257

CLAIMS FUETHEE CONSIDEEED.

As to the golden plates, and what became of them, no human
being has ever professed to have seen them, except the eleven wit-
nesses. The story is that tliey were hid awaj' again b}* the angel,
for what purpose we are left to guess; perhaps to bei'cvealed again
in another age, when another fit man makes his ajipearance on the
earth to receive and translate them. Can any reasonable man fail
to reach the conclusion that Oliver Cowdeiy, David "Whitmer,
Martin Harris, and the other eight, were liars and perjurors? It
is a hard thing to believe of a fellow-being, but easier, far easier,
than to believe such a story, told for such a purpose. The world
is full of bad men; and that these men were of that class, we have
other than " Gentile" testimony. Martin Harris was denounced
by the prophet Smith himself, in the ^^ Elders' JouriiaV of
August, 183S, as " a liar and swindler;" and in the " Tirars and
Seasons.'' at Nauvoo, volume I, he denounces both Cowdery and
Whitmer in unsparing terms. It may be mentioned here that all
three of- them, at different periods, have renounced Mormonism;
though it is claimed, with what truth we cannot sa}', that they all
returned again to the fold.* Cowdery and Harris are both dead;
AVhitmer was lately living at Richmond, Missouri, near the scene
of their former troubles. He is said to have in his possession the
original manuscript of the " Book of Mormon," in the handwriting
of Oliver Cowdery.

AVho, then, was the real author of the " Book of Mormon?" We
have felt inclined to reject the Spaulding story, for it seemed
incredible that a college-bred Christian minister could be the
author of such an ill-conceived " confusion of language " and ideas.
But the proof is clear that Rev. Spaulding did write a book of
siiriilar import, which was left in manuscri]?t at his death in 1816,
and was tntitled "Manuscript Found." How it came into the
hands of Smith and Rigdon may never lie known; one story being
that the latter obtained it, or a copy of it, from the office of a book
pnblisher in Pittsburg, where it had been left for publication; and
another, that at a late day it was stolen from the widow. That
Spaulding, though educated, was weak and visionary', is evident.
Had he succeeded in procuring the publication of the book, he
certainly would have lost in literary reputation; but it might have
cut off" the chance for a senseless and base imposition.

No one will denj' that it is entirely competent for an individual
to take "Manuscript Found," "The Mysteries of Udolpho," the
" Last of the Mohicans," or any other book he may choose, and
make it the basis of a religious creed; and from it form articles of
faith on which to originate and build up a sect. Some of the sects

* Since writing tlie above we h;ive conversed witli a geutleman who knew
Cowdery well in Tiffin, Ohio, since leaving the Mormons. He saj-s Cowdery
confessed to him that when he signed the " Testimouj' of the Three VV'itnesses,"
he " was not one of the best men in the world,'' — using his own expression.

258 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

of the day, other than the Mormon, liad their origin in a no more
reputable manner. And there is no law to prevent people from
attaching themselves to such sects and ransacking the world for
proselytes. So, had Smith and Kigdon written or stolen " Manu-
script Found," and built upon it a creed, claiming no supernatural
agency in the matter, and had been able to induce a sect to rally
around it, no one could complain. It could only have excited rid-
icule and contempt. But when they claim it as a God-given
message; that Smitii is God's chosen one to communicate it to the
world; that the angels of heaven were its bearers to him; and that
those who fail to receive it on his ipse dixit are to be eternally
lost; and these eleven witnesses testify that they know these
things to be true, it puts quite another aspect upon the matter.

The article of the Mormon creed which requires them all to con-
gregate together in the "NewZion," and claims all who are not be-
lievers as enemies — Gentiles who were ultimately to be cut off — is
the rock on which they were wrecked in Ohio, in Missouri and in
Illinois, and which will wreck them as long as it remains. The
theory that they are the chosen people of God, who are to come in
and possess the land for an inheritance, so industriously preached
frem the beginning, is an aggressive one. No people outside of
" Zion " can be expected to relish it. It cannot fail to embroil any
people with their neighbors. Though it may be put forth in a fig-
urative sense (which we are compelled to say was seldom the case),
the ignorant and simple followers were always prone to interpret it
literally. It was that, and not persecution for o].)inion's sake, that
worked their ruin in Northern Ohio; it was that, and not persecu-
tion for opinion's sake, which drove them from Missouri; it was
that, and not persecution, that caused the death of' the Smiths in
Carthage jail and drove the deluded followers into the wilderness.
This very essence of their creed is a challenge — a continual menace
everywliere. "We do not say there was no wrong done against them
in all these places. Far from it. There was much wrong done
against them everywhere ; and yet that policy of their leader
which brought them all to one ''Zion,'' was the great source of
Smith's power and influence. It was meat and bread, and fine
clothes, and riotous living, and honor and etnolument to him, and
to Eigdon and the rest of the leaders. Without it, he and they
could only have been priests — and poor ones at that — or humble
members of an humble sect; and that was not the purpose. With
it he was an autocrat, a king; and they were his dukes and lords
and nobles.

It is not at all probable that in the beginning of his career, Smitli
had any thought of founding a religious sect. His only aim was to
see how far he could dupe a few idle and worthless associates. His
success emboldened him to try still further arts, and make them
inure to liis own pecuniary benefit. The result, no doubt, astonished
him ; and as his influence in that direction increased, his ambition
became awakened, and he dimly saw the road to advancement open-

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 259

ing before him. AYhat would have been his course, and what he
might have achieved, had not Rigdon and tlie " Manuscript Found "
fallen in his way, it is hard to guess, Bntthe presumption is that,
had it not been lor this circumstance, the world would never have
heard of the Prophet Smith, or been cursed with the delusion of
Mormonism.

The following narration, from the pen of Mrs. Matilda Davison,
the widow of Rev. Solomon Spaulding, was published in the Bos-
ton liecorder in 1S39. It gives so clear an account of the origin
of the book, and is told with such apparent sincerity and truthful-
ness, that we are forced to accept it as true. We are well aware
that the Mormons deny the story — deny that Rigdon was ever a
printer in the office of Mr. Patterson at Pittsburg — and claim
that it is a fabrication of their enemies. But that such a work was
written by Mr. Spaulding is incontestable; that it was read fre-
quently to his neighbors and friends, and left in manuscript at his
death, is equally clear. The only break in the chain is that miss-
ing link which places it in the hands of Rigdon and Smith.

MRS. (spaulding) DAVISON's STORY.

Mrs. Davison's story is as follows: "Learning recently that
Mormonism has found its way into a Church in Massachusetts, and
has impregnated some of its members witli its gross delusions, so
that excommunication has become necessary, I am determined to
delay no longer doing what I can to strip the mask from this mon-
ster of sin, and to lay open this pit of abominations. Rev. Solo-
mon Spaulding, to whom I was united in marriage in early life,
was a graduate of Dartmouth College, and was distinguished for a
lively imagination and great fondness for history. At the time of
our marriage he resided in Cherry Valley, !N. Y. From this place
we removed to Kew Salem, Ashtabula county, O., sometimes
called Conneaut, as it is situated upon Conueant creek. Shortly
after onr removal to this place, his health sunk, and he was laid
aside from active labors. In the town of !New Salem there are
numerous mounds and forts, supposed by many to be the dilapi-
dated dwellings and fortifications of a race now extinct. These
ancient relics arrest the attention of the new settlers, and become
objects of research for the curious. Numerous implements were
found, and other articles, evincing great skill in the arts. Mr.
Spaulding being an educated man, passionately fond of history,
took a lively interest in these developments of antiquity; and in
order to beguile the hours of retirement, and furnish employment
for his liveh' imagination, he conceived the idea of giving an his-
torical sketch of this long lost race. Their extreme antiquity, of
course, would lead him to write in the most ancient style, and as
the Old Testament is the most ancient book in the world, he imi-
tated its style a,s nearly as possible.

" His sole object in writing this historical romance was to amuse
himself and neighbors. This was about the year 1812. Hull's

260 HISTOBY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

surrender at Detroit occurred near the same time, and I recollect
the date well from that circumstance. As he progressed in his
narrative, the neighbors would come in from time to time to liear
portions read, and a great interest in the work was excited among
them. It claimed to have been written by one of the lost nation,
and to have heen recovered from the earth, and assumed the title
of ' Manuscript Found.' The neighbors would often inquire how
Mr. S. progressed in deciphering 'the manuscript.' and when lie
had a sufficient portion prepared lie would inform them, and they
would assemble to hear it read. He was enabled, from his acquaint-
ance with the classics and ancient history, to introduce many sin-
gular names, which were particularly noticed In' the people and
could be easily recognized by them. Mr. Solomon Spaulding had
a brother, Mr. John Spaulding, residing in the place at the time,
who was perfectly familiar with this work, and repeatedly heard the
whole of it read. From New Salem he removed to Pittsburg,
Pa. Here Mr. S. found an acquaintance and friend in the person
of Mr. Patterson, an editor of a newspaper. He e.xhibited his man-
uscript to Mr. P., who was very much pleased with, and borrowed
it for perusal. He retained it a long time, and informed Mr. S.
that if he would make out a title-page and preface he would pub-
lish it, and it might be a source of profit. This Mr. S. refused to
do, for reasons I cannot now state.

" Sidney Rigdon, who has figured so largely in the history of the
Mormons, was at this time connected with the printing-office of
Mr. Patterson, as is well known in that region, and as Rigdon h.im-
self has frequently stated. Here he had ample opportunity to be-
come acquainted with Mr. Spaulding's manuscript, and to copy it
if he chose. It was a matter of notoriety and interest to all who
were connected with the printing establishment. At length the
manuscript was returned to its author, and soon after we removed
to Amity, Washington county, Pa., where Mr. Spalding deceased
in 1816. The manuscript then fell into my hands and was care-
fully preserved. It has frequently been examined by my daughter,
Mrs. McKenstry, of Monson, Mass., with whom I now reside, and
by other friends. After the ' Book of Mormon ' came out, a copy of
it was taken to New Salem, the place of Mr. Spaulding's former res-
idence, and the very place where the ' Manuscript Found ' was
written.

" A woman preacher appointed a meeting there (New Salem),
and in the meeting read and repeated copious extracts from the
' Book of Mormon.' The historical part was immediately recognized
by all the older inhabitants as the identical work of Mr. Spaulding,
in which thej' had been so deeply interested years before. Mr.
John Spaulding was present, who is an eminently pious man, and
recognized perfectly the work of his brother. He was amazed and
afflicted, that it should have been perverted to so wicked a purpose.
His grief found vent in a flood of tears, and he arose on the spot
and expressed in the meeting his deep sorrow and regret that the

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 263

writings of his sainted brother should be used for a purpose so vile
and shocking. The excitement in New Salem became so great that
the inhabitants had a meeting, and deputed Dr. Fhilastus Hurl-
but, one of their number, to repair to this place, and to obtain
from me the original manuscript of Mr. S. for the purpose of com-
paring it with the Mormon Bible, to satisfy their own minds, and
to prevent their friends and others from embracing an error so
delusive. * This was in the year 1834. Dr. Hurlbut brought with
him an introduction and request for the manuscript, signed by
Messrs. Henry Lake, Aaron Wriglit, and others, with all whom I
was acquainted, as they were my neighbors when I resided in New
Salem. I am sure that nothing could have given my husband
more pain, were he living, than tlie use which has been made of
his work.

''The air of antiquity whicii was thrown about the composition,
doubtless suggested the idea of converting it to purposes of delu-
sion. Thus an historical romance, with the addition of a few pious
expressions, and extracts from the sacred scriptures, has been con-
strued into a New Bible, and palmed off upon a company of poor
deluded fanatics, as divine. I have given the previous brief nar-
ration, that this work of deception and wickedness may be searched
to the foundation, and its autlior exposed to the contempt and exe-
cration he so justly deserves.

Matilda Davison."

A. Ely, D. D., Pastor Congregational Church, and D. R. Austin,
Principal of Monson Academy, Mass., certify to the good character
of Mrs. (Spaulding) Davison, under date of April 1, 1839. The
" Book of Mormon" was printed at Palmyra in the summer of 1830
— Martin Harris mortgaging his farm for the pa^'ment. This act,
with others in regard to the matter, caused such " unpleasantness "
between him and his hetter half, as to lead to final separation. Mr.
Harris afterwards married the widow of the celebrated Morgan, of
Anti-Masonic fame, and resided with her at Nauvoo.

The book was printed at the ofiice of the Wayne Sentinel, at
Palmyra, of which Mr. Tucker was editor, the type-setting being
done by Mr. John H. Gilbert, now a worthy citizen of that place.
A great error, we think, was committed by the printers in this
matter. In submitting the manuscript, Smith and his helpers
insisted that no alteration from copy in any manner was to be
made; but the printer having charge of the job found the manu-
script to be in such an imperfect condition, that he objected to the
arrangement, and was allowed to correct its " many errors of syn-
tax, orthography, punctuation, capitalizing, paragraphing, etc."
This was wrong; it should have been printed verbatim. A work
" from heaven" should not have been changed in any particular.

A Church oi'ganization was also attempted the same year. The
most conspicuous names among these earliest members were
Cowdery and Harris, the Whitmers and Smiths. W"e find also
17

264 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

that of Orriii Rockweli, the parent, we believe, of the celebrated
"O. P." of Danite Band memory. Previous to this Rigdon was
not known among them, though it is believed he had been an
occasional visitor at Smith's for a year. He now appeared as the
tirst Mormon preacher. His first sermon was preached at Palmyra,
but it was so coolly received that no public attempt at proselytism
was ever again raade^at that place.

Kirtland, Ohio, was soon chosen by " revelation" as the place for
building up the new Zion, and hither all the " Saints" were required
to congregate. Active work was commenced ; Riffdon, Parle}' P.
Pratt and others were sent out to preach, and many were converted,
who made their way to Kirtland; and in a short time over one
hundred had joined them. Here Smith had divers revelations, of
which the following may be regarded as chief, as laying tiie founda-
tion of liis temporal power. It was a bold stroke, but it was meekly
accepted by his followers:

In answer to the question, O Lord, show unto thy servants how much thou
requirest of the properties for a tithing. Verily, thus saith the Lord, I require all
their surplus property to be put into the hands of tlie bishop of my church of
Zion, for the building of mine house, aud for the laying of the foundations of
Zion, and for the priesthood, and for the debts of the presidency of my Church;
and this shall be the beginning of the yearly tithing of ray people ; and afterthat,
those who have been thus tithed shall pay one-tenth of their interest annually, and
this shall be a standing law unto them forever, for my hoi)- priesthood, saith the
Lord. Verily, I say unto you, it shall come to pass that all those who gather unto
the land of Zion sliall be tithed of their surplus properties, and shall observe this
law, or they shall not be found worthy to abide among you.

How much of one's property was to be called " surplus property"
the Lord did not inform them; so it was left for Smith to decide.
This was to begin with, and one-tenth annually was to follow.
Among the rest, it was to be devoted to " paying the debts of the
presidency of the Church." With the funds thus abundantly pro-
vided by revelation, milling and merchandising were entered into,
and after a time the " Kirtland Safety Society Bank" was estab-
lished, on the " wild-cat" plan, and for a period everything went on
swimmingly.

But the " We-are-the-Elect " style of preaching and practice,
was distasteful to the unbelievers around Kirtland, and difficulties
arose. So a new commandment was requisite, and one was forth-
coming, that Independence, Missouri, was to be the place for the
city of Zion. An embassy was sent, a spot for the temple indi-
cated, aud numbers flocked to the new " stake," though Smith
and a portion remained behind. A temple had already been
begun at Kirtland, to cost fifty thousand dollars. But matters at
that place grew worse and worse; the mill and the store ceased
operations; and the "safety" bank bills, having been freely circu-
lated, became depreciated and came flowing in for redemption. To
stop this tide. Smith resorted to this stratagem. We copy from
the " Latter- Day Sainfs Messenger and Advocate," at- Kirtland,
for August, 1837:

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 265

Cavtinn. — To the brethren and friends of the Church of Latter-Day Saints : I
am disposed to say a word relative to the bills of the Kirlland Safety Society
Bank. I hereby warn them to beware of speculators, renegades, and gamblers,
who are duping the unsuspecting and unwary by palming upon them those bills,
which are of no worth here. I discountenance and disapprove of all such
practices. I know them to be detrimental to the best interests of society, as well
as to the principles of religion. Joseph Smith, Jr.

Cool, for a president of a bank!

Kirtlancl was now declared to be only a branch of Zion, the
main body being at Independence. Here much the same policy was
pursued, bringiue; disaster. The same thing occurred at two or
three other points in that State afterward — each time planting a
new Zion, and beginning the erection of a temple; till finally, in
the fall and winter of 1838, they were expelled from the State.

EXTRACTS AND OPINIONS.

Among the numerous books on Mormonism, perhaps the most
curious one is, " Tlte Rocky Mountain Saints: a History of the
Mormons," — by T. B. H. Sienhouse, and issued by the Appletons
in 1873. Its author claims to have been for twenty-five years a
Mormon Elder and Missionary, and editor of the Salt Lake Daily
Telegraph. He was an Englishman, and, from the encomiums
passed upon Orson Pratt, we take it he was connected by that gen-
tleman during his successful missionary efforts in England. His
work contains some of the most terrible accusations and statements
against the Salt Lake Mormon leaders; and yet, strange to sa^', he
professes to believe that they are honest and good men! ! Of
course, it would not do to acknowledge that he had been for 25
years intimately associated with rogues and villains. How he
manages to reconcile his opinions with his statements, will be seen
in some of the extracts which we quote. Though not among them
till after the death of the prophet, he had made himself familiar
with his history and has much to say regarding him. He says:

The Mormon organization is thorough and complete. It permeates every
position and condition of life, and controls and governs everything from the
cradle to the grave, [p. 6.

Again:

Summed up, Jlormonism demands perfect submission — total dethronement of
individuality— blind obedience. There is no middle path. [p. 11.

Of the Spaulding story, he writes:

Those who accept such statements as the true solution of this book (the " Book
of Mormon ") must necessarily conclude that Joseph; Smith was a deliberate
falsifier and impostor. There is no avoiding this. * * * fhe most
incisive writer on this subject — John Hyde, formerly an Elder in the church —
unhesitatingly announces this as his own conclusion. His "Analysis of the Book
of Mormon and its Internal Evidences," is a masterly work to which no Mormon
Elder has ever attempted a reply, [p. 545.

But while the author frankly admits the unanswerable .and powerful arguments
of ]Mr. Hyde, he dissents from his conclusions — that Joseph Smith was a willful
impostor, [p. 546.

266 HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY .

That is, Hyde makes "unanswerable" arguments, to Avhich
Stenhoiise dissents!
And here is another:

To the author's mind, Joseph is still defensible against the charge of willful
imposture. It does not seem possible that he could have borne up through his
whole life of i)ersecution, and have lived and died maintaining the truth of his
story, if the book had been a fraud.

Let us look a little into tlie force of this argument: Joseph Smith
died at about the age of forty years — only fourteen years after the
promulgation of the " Book of Mormon ;" certainly less than twenty
years after he could have liad any thought of such an imposture.
J{ot a very long period for a man to run a career of infamy. The
criminal records of the world abound with cases where grey-haired
old men have carried forward their schemes of imposture and other
villainies, including rapine and murder, and never relented. John
Hyde had been in a position to know, and likel}' did know, of the
truth whereof he wrote.

To insist that there were deliberate imposture and deliberate falsehood at the
origin of Mormonism, is to challenge the veracity and honesty of the himdreds
and thousands of persons who accept the faith antl who testify that thei/ know of
its truth.— [p. .553.

Not so; it is only to " challenge the veracity and honesty" of
Smith and his eleven witnesses, with a few others, who have been
in a position to know whether the claim was true or false. And is
it not more reasonable and rational to believe a dozen or score of
men to be blasphemers and liars, than to believe that the Almighty
would resort to such ridiculous and silly means to reveal great
truths to men — truths on which their soul's salvation depends?

That Joseph Smith was, in these experiences (clairvoyance) one of the most
remarkable men that ever lived, those outside of Mormonism altogether, who knew
him intimately, testify.— [p. 5.51.

No people who knew him intimately ever testified to any such
thing. Besides, this is an after apology. "While he was living and
in the height of his glory and fame, no one ever thought of claim-
ing any unusual mental quality for him — clairvoyant or otherwise.

The charges made against him (the prophet Smith) of being an " indolent,
worthless young vagabond," are in all probability somewhat exaggerated, for it is
hardly possible that the vast energy and benevolence of his after-life could have
developed from any such roots. — [p. 14.

Stenhouse, p. 520, quotes approvingly from a correspondent, in
which the writer says:

Joseph Smith was no more and no less than a " spirit medium," — more im-
pressional than clairvoj-ant or clairaudient. Being the first of the age operated
upon by spiritual power, he was very crude in his conceptions, both of the char-
acter and modii^ opel-nmK of spiritual communicatious, and gave them all the
weight of divine revelations, while they were really no more than the opinions of
the spirits of men who had once lived on the earth.

Is not this the veriest bosh in the world? The opinions of
departed spirits would not likelv cause him to believe that he had
found golden plates, wortli $15i!000 in the market, when he had

HISTORY OF HANCOOK COUNTY. 267

not; that he was daily translating tliem, and submitting his trans-
lations to his friends, when he was doing no such tiling; — and these
departed spirits would hardly make the eleven witnesses believe
they were handling and "hefting" these valuable golden plates,
when there were no such plates to heft and handle. No; the whole
story of the origin of Mormonism is either true or false; and liow
much more reasonable to account for it on that theory, than to ran-
sack the unseen and the unknown world for a theory to make its
founder an honest but deluded man. Delusion there certainly was,
and still is; but it is the delusion of the followers and believers of
the blasphemous story. No theory of delusion can apply to his
case and the cases of his co-M^orkers. Our author has cited cases
of delusion in the world's history, in proof; but where there has
been one case of delusion approaching this in character, there have
been a thousand of brilliant and successful rascality, many of them
transcending this in enormity.
And so, of Brigham Young, one author says, page 460:

That Brigham Young is by liis natural instincts, a bad man, or that his Apostles
or his Bishops are men of blood, is not true. Here and there among' them a mali-
cious man is met with, but apart from religion, the ruling men in Utah would be
considered good citizens in any community.

Let the scenes of the Mountain Meadow massacre, the dastardly
killing of the Parrishes at Springville, and the heart-rending assas-
sination of the seceding prophet, Morris and his followers, answer
this statement. True, it has not lieen shown that Brigham actually
gave the orders for the commission of these demoniacal crimes, so
strongl}' depicted by Stenhouse himself; yet that he was an acces-
sory before and after the fact, is as clear as sunlight. The whole
life of Brigham Young in Utah has been a standing attestation that
he could have looked with complacency on and seen their little Jor-
dan running with blood, if that blood was from the veins of Gentile
unbelievers; or he cuuld find some sanction for its shedding in one
of Smith's or his own pretended revelations, or for the successful
up-building of the priesthood. "Apart from religion," these
"Apostles and Bishops " would be good citizens in any communit}'!
What is "religion?" Apart froln a system which requires a blind,
unquestioning obedience to a priesthood, and an entire and absolute
abnegation of conscience and of self, and surrounded and restrained
by the conservative influences of society and law, they might have
been passive and peaceful, but not "good " citizens. To place one's
self of his own free will and choice, in a position to do evil, is an
essential ingredient of a Ijad citizen.

So, in respect to the character of John D. Lee, the " scape-goat"
who was executed for his share in the Mountain Meadow massacre,
as one has depicted it: "Lee is a good, kind-hearted fellow, who
would share his last biscuit with a fellow traveler on the plains, but
at the next instant, if Brigham Young said so, lie would ctit that
fellow traveler's throat." Such is the S3'stem taught in Utah, was
taught in less horrid perfection in Nauvoo, in Missouri, in Kirtland

268 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

and away back in Palmyra. Ah! but it is the system and not the
men, urge these apologists, to whicli these monstrous evils are to be
attributed. True; but who, if not the men who originated and up-
hold it, are responsible for the system?

The Mormons as a people are not justly chargeable with the wrong-doing which
has been ascribed to them. There are bad men among them, dangerously bad
men, who have committed outrages and damning deeds which would disgrace any
community. But these deeds were perpetrated by the few; the masses were sin-
cere and devoted to their concejJtions of right and truth, as the whole course ot
their lives and eventful history abundantly proves. This has been the united test-
imony of iill the " Gentiles " who have lived among them. The errors of the past
life of the people, whether in their treatment of apostates or in their hostility to
the nation, are attributable to the system and to the men who direct the public
mind. Men and women who, for a religious faith, voluntarily abandon the homes
of childhood and rend asunder the hallowed ties of family and friends — as Mormon
converts do in all parts of the world — traversing oceans and plains, and suffering
privations incident to creating new homes in a barren waste, are not persons devoid
of the qualities of good citizens. — [Stenhouse, p. 7.

The foregoing, while partly true, is yet in a sense extreiriely
false. That a large portion of the rank and file of the Murmon
brotherhood are " sincere and devoted to their conceptions of right
and truth," will not be denied; yet anotlier large portion of them
joined the ranks caring little for "right and truth," so that they
could improve their worldly condition in a land said to be '' flow-
ing with milk and honey," and where the Gentile was soon to be
brought into subjection. These, it will not be claimed, possessed
the qualities of good citizens. Audit may well be questioned if
the sincerely honest ones were not really the more "dangerous" in
the hands of the few bad men, whose behests were to them as the
word of God. Take for e.xample the Mountain Meadow massacre,
or the slaughter of tlie seceding Morrisites. These " damning "
deeds were not perpetrated alone by the bad leaders; they were
done in all tlieir atrocity by men who were " devoted to their con-
ceptions of right and truth," — inspired by the vindictive fanati-
cism of the leaders; and that is the system to which our author
attributes the " errors " ofMormonism! Errors, indeed! Which
is to be most dreaded in a community, — the i'ew bad men who
order and direct, or the many "sincere and devoted," who execute
the damning deeds of midnight or open-day assassination and
pillage ?

In referring to the character of Smith, Stenhouse in another
place gives us the following, p. 158:

The poor farm laborer merges in the preacher, the preacher becomes a trans-
lator, a prophet, a seer, a revelator, a banker, an editor, a mayor, a lieutenant-gen-
eral, a candidate for the Presidency of the world's greatest republic, and last of
all, though not the least difficult of his achievements, he becomes the husband of
many wives. This variety of work accomplished within the short space of four-
teen vears,^ exhibits a fertility of brain and a reckless activity, which stamps
Joseph Smith, the Mormon prophet, as one of earth's most remarkable men.

All this seems very remarkable and real until submitted to the
touchstone of truth — until we call things by their right names.
JVot one half of these was he ever in realitij. We have already

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 269

shown that he was not a farmer. A preacher? instead, he was
only a rude, ionl-niouthed declaiiner and blasphemer; a trans-
lator^ instead, he was notoriously incapable of even interpret-
ing his own native tongue; a prophet? a seer? a revelator? in
each and all an arrant pretender and failure; a baid<er? on
tlie money bestowed upon him by his dupes, he and his asso-
ciates did establish what they called a bank, but its disgraceful
ending showed that it deserved any other name; an editor?
only by having his name at the head of a paper, his subordinates
doing the work; a niaj'or? he did hold the title under the city
charter, but it was really an office of king and high jiriest. The
title of lieutenant-general was bestowed on him by the charter, but
it was one unknown to the Constitution or laws of the State or
nation. A candidate for the Presidency? any man can proclaim
hiriiself such, but that does not invest it with the dignity of
fact. And as to the last, — that of being the husband of many
wives, — the laws of the country decide. A " variety of work,"
truly; but all centered in one grand scheme of imposture — the suc-
cess of which has been truly remarkable, both under him and his
successors; but which does not stamp either him or them as of
" earth's most remarkable men."

His character in youth, as described by Tucker, is no doubt
correct — a character just snited to the foundation for such a struct-
ure as liis life proved to be.

Tucker saj's, p. 16:

From the age of twelve to twenty years he is distinctly remembered as a dull-eyed,
flaxen-haired, prevaricating boy, noted only forhisindolentandvagabondishchar-
acter, and his habits of exaggeration and untruthfulness. * * * He could utter
the most palpable exaggeration or marvelous absurdity with the utmost apparent
gravity. He nevertheless evidenced the rapid development of a thinking, plodding,
evil-brewing mental composition, largely given to inventions of low cunning,
schemes of mischief and deception, and false and mysterious pretensions. In his
moral jibrenology, the professor might have marked the organ of secretiveness
as very large, and that of conscientiousness " omitted."

Stenhouse, in his charity for the prophet and his cashier, Rig-
don, as bankers, concludes that they did not contemplate a deliber-
ate swindle, in the matter of the Kirtland bank. He says such a
conclusion " would be very inharmonious with their life and
programme at that period." And j'et he gives this statement in
regard to it, on the authority of a Pittsburg banker. Those
hankers, having been induced to receive the Kirtland money, found
themselves one day with considerable of it on hand, and a rumor
on the air that the bank had become shaky. So they despatched
an agent with a lot of its bills for redemption. Rigdon was aston-
ished at their assurance; coolly told him that their notes had been
put out as a circulating medium for public accommodation! that
they redeemed nothing ! that the Pittsbnrgers liad not been
asked to take their paper! and compared them to the money-
changers who had been scourged out of the temple at Jerusalem!

270 HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

THE GOLD PLATES

were "said to have been seven by eight inches in size, about the
thickness of common tin, and that they were fastened together at
one side by rings, making a book about six inches thick. This
would make a solid gold block of nearly 300 cubic inches; worth, say
fifteen to eighteen thousand dollars. Who will believe that so
much treasure iu hand, no matter what may have been engraved
thereon, would not have been too tempting a bait for those men to
resist; and that they would not have found some way to circum-
vent the angel, rather than have them again hid from sight? Such
a mine of wealth, in those days, and to such men, would have been
a bonanza worth fighting angels and "devils" for.

MOEMONISM IN HANCOCK COUNTY, RESUMED.

We resume now the thread of Mormon history in Hancock
count}'.

The first great error committed by the people of the county, was
in accepting too readily the Mormon story of persecution. It was
continually wrung in their ears, and believed as often as asserted.
The Mormon people were among us, many of them in distress and
in need of our sympathy and aid; while the " Missouri rufSans "
were at a distance; — and that was before the age of railroads and
telegraphs and fast mails.

Another great wrong grew out of party spirit. The two politi-
cal parties, Democrat and Whig, were nearly equally' divided in
tlie county, and a great presidential election was approaching. It
was soon seen that Mr. Smith's influence would control the Mor-
mon vote; and that that vote, if thrown one way, would decide all
•political contests in the county. Hence, it was only natural that
both parties sought to attach the Mormons to their interests. In
August, 1839, the election did not turn on party politics, and not
many of the new comers being voters, the result was much as
before, — candidates of both parties were elected.

During the summer and fall of 1839, many who had crossed the
river at Quincy wended their way up to the new Zion; many
others stopped with their families in Adams and the lower end of
Hancock, wherever they could find an empty hut or place for tem-
porary sojourn. In September the city of Nauvoo was laid out. It
embraced a large portion of the two small fractional townships .six
and seven north, range nine west, lying in the bend of the river, at
the head of the rapids, and extended over into the township on the
south.

In view of their distressed condition when they reached Quincy,
large contributions were made for them by the citizens, and also in
Hancock county. The then small city of Quincy contributed some
thousands of dollars. These contributions were made in money,
clothing, pi-ovisions, or any thing to relieve distress.

It soon began to be loudly urged that Missouri was in duty

HISTOKV OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 271

bound to make good the losses incurred by the refugees ; and prej)-
arations were made by the chiefs at Nauvoo to press their claims
upon the national autliorities at Washington. During the fall,
the prophet, with two of his chiefs, Higdon and Colonel lligbee,
repaired to Washington to lay the matter before Congress and
President Van Buren. They carried with them a large number of
certificates reciting losses sustained by the brethren in Missouri, made
out indue form and sworn to, with the county seal attached. lion.
John T. Stuart, member of Congress from this District — a Whig —
undertook to present the matter to the House, and Henry Clay
was appealed to to lay it before the Senate. They also applied to
the President and to Mr. Calhoun. The latter bluntly informed
them that the General Government had no authority in the prem-
ises. No redress was obtained, either through Congress or the
President; and they returned to Nauvoo, highly incensed against
the President and his administration. One great object, however,
had been attained — a national notoriety'.

At this date, Eobert Lucas a former Governor of Ohio, was
Governor of Iowa Territory. He was appealed to for a letter, and
he kindly forwarded the following:

Iowa Territory, Jan. 4, 1840.

Sir : — You informed me that a committee of Mormons are about to apply to Con-
gress of the United States for an investigation on the cause of their expulsion from
the State of Missouri, and to ask of the General Government remuneration for the
losses sustained by them in consequence of such expulsion, and ask me to state my
opinion of .the character and general conduct of these people while they resided in
the State of Ohio ; and also the conduct and general report of those who have settled
in the Territory of Iowa since their expulsion from the State of Missoiu'i.

In compUance with yom- request, I will state that I have had but little personal
acquaintance with them. I know that there was a community of them in the northern
part of the State of Ohio; and while I resided in the State they were generally con-
sidered an industrious, inoffensive people ; and I have no recollection of ever having
heard in that State of their being charged with violating the laws of the country.

Since their expulsion from Missouri, a portion of them, about one hundi'ed fam-
ilies, have settled in Lee coimtj', Iowa Territory, and are generally considered indus-
trious, inoffensive and worthy citizens.

Very respectfully yours,

Robert Lucas, Goc. of Iowa Ter.

A. Ripley.

A great Conference of the Church was held at Nauvoo on the
6-9th of April, 1840, at which it was said there were several thou-
sand persons present. At this meeting Orson Hyde and John E.
Page were commissioned to visit the Jews in Europe, and at Con-
stantinople and Jerusalem. At this Conference, Smith gave an
account of his reception and doings at Washington, in which he
was very severe upon President Van Buren. The Conference also
passed a series of resolutions, thanking the people of Illinois tor
their kind and generous conduct; the Illinois delegation in Con-
gress for tiieir course; and Governors Carlin of Illinois and Lucas
of Iowa for their s^Mupatiiy, aid and protection.

It is stated that while in Missouri Mr. Smith had been an adher-
ent of the Democratic party; but his treatment there, with this
rebufi' at Washington, prepared the way for throwing his support

272 ■ HISTORY OF HAXCOCK COUNTY.

to the Wliigs. In the snuimer of 1840 it came to be generallj' be-
lieved that such was his intention; and as he had several hundred
votes now at his control, it became a matter of concern with candi-
dates to secure his favor. Hence, those of both parties frequently
visited Nauvoo, hoping to receive some pledge or to obtain some
sign of support for tlie coming election in August. And these
signs were in turn vouchsafed to them all; all were allowed to go
away with high hopes, to relate to their friends in other sections
the certainty of success.

It will be remembered that this campaign of 1840 was distin-
guished as the "log cabin and hard cider" campaign, in which the
Whigs held many large and enthusiastic meetings in favor of Gen.
Harrison for President. About the last of March one of these
mass meetings was held at Carthage, at which nominations were
made for the county. The ticket put in the field was an unexcep-
tionable one, viz.: for County Commissioner, Samuel Comer, of
Carthage; for Sheriff, Wm. D. Abernethy, of Augusta; for Coro-
ner, Harmon T. Wilson, of Carthage; and for Representative,
Martin Hopkins, of Fountain Green. The ticket was well received
by the people, ard was placed at the head of the Western World,
the Whig paper at Warsaw, where it remained until the 2'2d of
July, the election to take place early in August. In the World of
that date, the "Important Announcement" was made that Mr.
Hopkins had withdrawn, and that Dr. John F. Charles, of Car-
thage, had been selected in his place. And what was the reason for
this change — the purpose of a party in thus setting aside a capable
and good man and substituting another in his place? Simply this:
the autocrat at Nauvoo had declared he wouldn't support him!
Such was party subserviency. And it is not strange that Smith
\ised the power of which he found himself so fully possessed.

The result was, that the whole Whig ticket was elected by an
average majority' of about 400 votes.

No sooner had these people settled amongst us than they com-
menced those petty acts of stealing and other depredations upon
property which were charged against them everywhei-e, and which
were so annoying to their neighbors and provocative of hostility.
It will not do to charge that all these oflenses were committed
by Mormons; some of them were doubtless Vjy others on their
credit; but it is clear that the prophet had among his followers a
large number who interpreted literally his teachings that the prop-
erty of the Gentiles rightfully belonged to the Saints, and practi-
cally carried out the precept. It is also a notable fact that while
openly professing a desire to punish all offenses, the leaders and
members generally would screen and protect the guilty.

These depredations had been going on more or less for a year,
when an event occurred on the river below Warsaw which created
great excitement. A citizen found in his vicinity a depot of stolen
goods, a considerable portion of which had been taken from a store
in Tnllv, Missouri, a few miles further down. Some citizens of

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 273

that place came over and claimed part of the goods, and took them
away; and tinding some Mormons in the river bottom hunting
horses, caught them and took them to Missouri, where they were
tied to trees and severely beaten. It is claimed that they confessed
the theft, but this is not certain. This outrage created a great
sensation at Nauvoo, and througliout the county. A large public
meeting was held and strong resolutions ]«xssed. Shortly after-
ward, some four or live citizens of Tnlly, found on this side of
the river, were arrested and brought before Daniel II. Wells, Esq.,
of Xauvoo, for examination, and upon a hearing discharged. Mr.
Sidney II. Little, Whig Senator, was employed in the prosecution.
An envoy was sent by Gov. Carlin to Jefferson City, it was stated,
to demand the delivery of the TuUy culprits, and he returned to
Quincy stating that they would be given up. But a day or two
afterward a couple of officers arrived in Quincy (Gov. Carlin
resided in that city), armed with a requisition from Gov. Boggs,
of Missouri, for Joseph Smith and Sidney Kigdon, as fugitives
from justice in that State. So far as now remembered neither of
these demands was complied .with.

DE. JOHN C. BENNETT.

During the summer or fall of 18-10, a new star rose upon the
horizon at JMauvoo, and shed its light upon the city and people for
a year or two, and then disappeared. Tliis was no less a personage
than Dr. John C. Bennett, a man, though small in stature, yet large,
extremely large, in his own estimation. About the first of October
he was baptized into the Mormon faith, and at once was taken into
the confidence of the prophet, and assigned a high rank among
the leaders. Gov. Ford's notice of this individual is so tersely
written, and so well accords with the public opinion, that we give
it in his own language. He says:

This Bennett was probably the greatest scamp in the Western country. I have
made particular inqukies concerning him, and have traced liim in several places, in
wliich he has lived before he had joined the Mormons, — in Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois,
— and he was eveiywhere accounted the same debauched, unprincipled and profligate
character. He was a man of some little talent, and had the confidence of the Mor-
mons, and particularly that of their leaders. [Hist. III., p. 263.

To Dr. Bennett was entrusted the duty of procuring from the
Legislature such charters as they required. Accordingly, at the
session of 1810-11, he repaired to Springfield to lobby for that
purpose. His task was an easy one; both jiarties in that body vy-
ing with ea3h other to obey his behests. He returned about the
first of January, having secured three charters — one for the '"City
of Nauvoo," one for the "University of the City of Nauvoo," and
a third for the " Nauvoo Legion." To Senator Little of Hancock
county, and to Hon. Stephen A. Douglas, then Secretary of State, it
is said lie was mainly indebted for the liberal and extraordinary-
provisions contained in these charters, though they passed both
houses without opposition, and were read only by their titles.

274 HISTOKY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

This act (the three charters "were all contained in one act) created
a " City," a "University," and a "Military Legion," represented
respectively by a " City "Council," a "Board of Trustees," and a
" Court Martial," each of which was invested with legislative,
judicial and executive powers, the right to " enact, establish, ordain
and execute all laws and ordinances not repugnant to the Constitu-
tion of the United States or of this State." No proviso appears in
the act, guarding against infringement of the laws of either State
or United States. That very usual proviso in charters seems to
have been purposely omitted; for it will be found, on examination,
that in all other charters granted af that session of the General
Assembly, the laws as well as the Constitutions, are included in the
provisos. And yet, as in all probability the charters were the work
of Bennett Iiimself, the omission may have been accidental on the
part of our legislators. We hope, for the fair fame of the honored
dead, who were instrumental in procuring these charters, that it
was so. Yet it is a no less painful fact, that the Judicially Com-
mittee, the members generally, and the Governor who signed the
bill, omitted the performance of a plain duty.

But this omission was not perhaps the worst feature of the act.
All three of the charters seem to have been contrived to give the
Mormons a system of government as far as possible independent
of the rest of the State. Another provision, having the same pur-
pose, was afterward added to the charter, by wa}' of amendment,
passed as a rider to a road law. It provided that " any citizen of
Hancock county, may, by voluntary enrollment, attach himself to
the Nauvoo Legion, with all the privileges which appertain to that
independent military body." The etfect of this, it will readily be
seen, was to bring all those brethren who resided out of the city, in
various parts of the county, into the legion, and under the same
military control.

On the 3d of Febi-uary, 1841, the city of Nauvoo was organized
under its ch.arter, with Dr. Bennett as its first Mayor. The legion
and the university were organized about the same time, with Smith
as Lieutenant-General and Bennett as Major-General of the legion.
James Kelley, A. M., " an alumnus of Trinity College, Dublin,"
was chosen Chancellor of the university. This last named, we
think, never occupied the position. One of the first acts of the City
Council was to pass a vote of thanks to the State Governmer.t for
favors conferred, and to the citizens of Qi>incy for the kindness
shown them when driven from Missouri.- The legion was furnished
with State arms bj' Gen. Bennett, who, we omitted to state, had
been appointed Quarter-Master General the year before by Gover-
nor Cariin.

Mr. Douglas, who had at the late legislative session been elected
a Judge of the Supreme Court, and assigned to circuit duty, held
a court in Hancock county early in May. One of his first acts was
to appoint Major General Bennet to the office of Master in Chan-
cery. This act of indiscretion met with unqualified condemnation

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 275

by people of all parties. It was rebuked by the AVarsaw Signal
(then tli6 only paper in the county outside of Nauvoo), chiefly for
the reasons that the appointee was a comparative stranger in the
county and State, and that the mass of the people had no confidence
in him. In the same issue of that paper was an editorial stating
that a rumor existed that tlie newly arrived emigrants from Eng-
land were dissatisfied with affairs at Nauvoo, but that Mr. Rigdon
had given assurance that the rumor was false. The Signal contin-
ued as follows:

But this is no concern of ours. While on the subject, however, we will notice
an accusation which has been made against us — that of having, for political effect,
tiattered the Mormons. This is not true. We have occasionally noticed their
doings, but not with any such design. We believe they have the same rights as
other religious bodies possess, and ought to be protected in the just and proper
exercise of those rights. We do not believe in persecution for opinion's sake.
But whenever they, as a people, step beyond the proper sphere of a religious
denomination, and become a political body, as mauy of our citizens are beginning
to apprehend will be the case, then this press stands pledged to take a stand
against them. On religious questions it is and shall remain neutral; but it is
bound to oppose the concentration of political power in a religious body, or in the
hands of a few individuals.

We copy the foregoing for two reasons: first, because it expresses
the feeling that pervaded the public raiml throughout the county
at that time, without regard to party distinctions; and, secondly,
in order to show in what spirit it was received by the prophet.
Soon afterward the following note was received by Mr. Sharp
through the mail;

N.\tA'oo, III., May 36, 1841.
Mr. Sharp, Editor of the Warsaw Signal:

Sir — You will discontinue my paper: its contents are calculated to pollute me.
And to patronize that filthy sheet, that tissue of lies, that sink of iniquity, is dis-
graceful to any moral man. Yours, with utter contempt.

Joseph Smith.
P. S. — Please publish the above in your contemptible paper.

On June 5th. Mr. Smith, being in Quiney, was arrested on a war-
rant from the Governor, under a requisition from the Governor of
Missouri. A writ of haheax corpus was at once sued out before
Calvin A. Warren, Esq., Master in Chancery for Adams county.
But Judge Douglas happened to be in the city, and he ordered
that the prisoner should be taken before him at Monmouth, where
his court was to sit on the following Monday. This was done, and
after a hearing Smith was discharged on the ground that the writ
had once been returned before it was served, and was functus offi-
cio. There was a strong suspicion among the people, and the charge
was pretty freely made that this arrest on a defective writ, and dis-
charge, was all concocted for political effect. Of this we know of
no existing proof.

On. the 6th of April, the imposing ceremony of laying the corner
stone of the temple was performed at Nauvoo, in presence of a
multitude of people, supposed to number seven to ten thousand.
The legion was out in full force, amounting to over 600 men, com-

276 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

manded by Gen. Bennett, under the direction of the prophet, as
Lieutenant-General. Sidney Rigdon was the orator of the day.

On a Sunday about the tirst of May, Judge Douglas and Cyrus
Walker, Esq., of Macomb, — notables of the two great parties,
paid a visit to Nauvoo and were received with great consideration
and ceremonv. They were each introduced to the congregation
on the meeting ground, and after being complimented by the
prophet, made addresses in response. A flattering notice of the
fact was published by Smith in the next issue of the Times and
Seasons.

It is not to be wondered at, after what had transpired among the
politicians, and the colirse so evidently to be pursued by Smitli and
the leaders at Nauvoo, that the sober and reflecting citizens of the
county should become alarmed. And to increase this alarm and
apprehension, tlie following appeared in the organ of the Church,
under date of May 24-, 1S41:

TO THE SAINTS ABROAD.

The First Presidency of the Chui-ch of Jesus Clirist of Latter-Day Saints, anxious
to promote the prosperity of said Church, feel it their duty to call upon the Saints
who reside out of this county to make preparations to come in, without delay. This
is important, and should be attended to by all who feel an interest in the prosperity
of this, the corner stone of Zion. Here the temple must be raised, the university be
built, and other edifices erected which are necessary for the great work of the last
days; and which can only be done by a concentration of energy and enterprise.
Let it therefore be miderstood, that all the stakes, excepting those hi this county,
and in Lee county, Iowa, are discontinued, and the Saints instructed to settle in this
county as soon as circumstances will permit.

Joseph Sshth.

Nauvoo, Hancock Co., 111., JMay 24, 1841.

AVe have heretofore used the word " autocrat," in reference to
this leader of the Mormon people. Is it an improper term? Did
ever emperor of Russia claim to exercise such power over his sub-
jects? Here is an order that the members of his church, wherever
located, — in the United States, in Great Britain, Germany, India,
Australia, or the islands of the sea (and he had agents in all
these to make proselytes), no matter what their occupation or con-
dition in life, and owing allegiance no matter where, — all must
gather around this new corner stone of Zion, and contribute of
their energy and enterprise, money, strength, sweat and toil, for
this great work of the' latter days! The mandate was issued as if
expected to be obeyed ; and it was obej'ed.

In consequence of the growing apprehension, public meetings
began to be held over the county; and finally it was agreed to call
a county convention to consider the subject. One was accordingly
held at Carthage on the 2Sth of June, composed of citizens of both
political parties. It was decided to nominate a ticket selected from
both parties, to be run at the approaching August election. This
was done, Robert Miller, a Whig, and Richard Wilton, a Democrat,
being selected for County Commissioner and School Commissioner,
and elected, the first by 114, and the last by 4 votes.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 277

From this convention, and it was one of the most respectable
and earnest ever held in the count}^ may be dated the rise of the
Anti-Mormon party, and the origin of the term "Anti-Mormon,"
as applied to those who were seeking to counteract Mormon influ-
ence in the county and State. One or two of the resolutions
passed at this convention will not be out of place here. They
resolved :

That with the peculiar religious opinions of the people calling themselves Mormons,
or Latter-Day Saints, we have notliing to do. — being at all times perfectly willing
that they shall remain in the full possession of all the rights and privileges which our
Constitution and laws guarantee and other citizens enjoj'.

That in standing up as we do to oppose the influence which these people have
obtained and are likely to obtain, in a political capacity, over our fellow citizeus and
their liberties, we are guided only by a desire to defend ourselves against a despotism,
the extent and consequences of which we have no means of ascertaining.

The convention also put forth an earnest address to the people,
urging them to lay aside all party differences and support the
ticket.

In justice to Mr. Walter Bagby, Mr. Wilton's opponent for
School Commissioner, it is proper to state that he was an old
citizen and in noway identified with the Mormons, and in after
years became a zealous Anti-Mormon.

The Mormons cast their votes nearly solid for the Harrison
electors, and for John T. Stuart, the Whig candidate for Congress.

About this time, Mr. William Harris, a seceding Mormon elder,
appeared in the county and lectured against them at several points.
He was not a man of much talent, but by his zeal and energy, he
succeeded in stirring up considerable opposition. He also issued
a pamphlet exposing them, which was printed at the office of the
Warsaw Signal.

Few of the people of Warsaw at the present day know how near
their pleasant little city came to being made a Mormon town. During
the summer of ISil, the owners of the sixteenth (school) section'
lying adjoining town on the south, opened negotiations with Smith
for the sale of said section to the Mormons; and on the 10th of
July, the prophet, with Gen. Bennett and several other leaders,
appeared to take a look at the tract and conclude the bargain. It
was reported that the bargain was consummated, and that it was the
intention to have the ground surveyed and a large colony located
at once. The name was also said to have been selected — the '• City
of Warren, " in honor of Calrin A. Warren, Esq., now of Quincy,
one of the principal owners. But for some cause the negotiation
was broken off, and Warsaw escaped the fate of being merged into
a Mormon city. In discussing names for the new town, the Signal
suggested that it be called " Money-Diggersville."

On the 10th of August occurred one of those events which so
often happen to change tiie current of affairs. We allude to the
death of Hon. Sidney H. Little, Senator of this District in the
Legislature. Mr. Little was a man of fine talents, stood high in
the estimation of the people, and had great magnetic power over

2T8 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

all with whom he came in contact. He was an ardent Whig and a
popular leader among them; and had already acquired an enviable
distinction in the Legishiture. The Mormons felt grateful to him
for what he liad done; and had he lived, he would doubtless have
possessed much influence over them for good. But as the dissatis-
faction increased among the old citizens, Mr. Little saw the delicate
position in which lie was placed, and sought to devise means to
avert tlie coming troubles. To a near friend, he even expressed a
thought of leaving the county; but this we do not believe he
would have done. What course he would have pursued, had he
lived tlirongh the years of disorder wliich followed, is only for an
inscrutable Providence to know; but we feel sure that had Sidney
H. Little been permitted to remain among us, his fertile genius
and commanding talent would have found for the county a better
way out of her difficulties than that she found and adopted.

THEFT DENOUNCED.

We have charged that the rank and file of the Mormon brother-
hood were prone to commit depredations on their neighbors'
property, and especially to screen from arrest and punishment
those charged with such oiTences. They had high authority for
such practices — that of the leaders themselves. It is well known
that in«those days there was no legal title to be obtained to the
half-breed lands lying in Lee county, Iowa, opposite Kauvoo —
what title tliere was, being undivided among several hundred
claimants whose interests had never been adjudicated. Tliese
leaders obtained a lot of the pretended claims, on which they issued
scrip, which was placed in the hands of proselyting elders East.
And, as all new converts were required to emigrate to Nauvoo, it
was sometimes difficult to sell property at home in order to get
away. So this scrip was passed to them in exchange, thej' deeding
their good titles for a worthless title in Iowa. How many thou-
sands thus went into the coflers of the First Presidency may never
be known; but that they were largely replenished in that way there
is abundant proof.

But if any believe that the Mormon leaders inculcated theft, let
them be undeceived. Here is direct testimony to the contrary,
submitted in all solemnity. We quote from Times and Seaso7is of
Dec. 1, 1841 :

HYEUM smith's AFFIDAVIT.

Whereas, It hath been intimated to me by persons of credibility that there are
persons in the surrounding country who profess to be members of the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, who have been using their influence and endeav-
ors to instill into the minds of good and worthy citizens in the State of Illinois,
and the adjoining States, thaUthe First Presidency, and others in authority and high
standing in said Church, do sdlnctiou and approbate the members of said Church In
stealing property from those persons who do not belong to said Chiu-ch, and thereby
to induce persons to aid and abet them in the act of stealing, and other evil practices.
I therefore hereby disavow any sanction or approbation by me, of the crime of

IIISTOKY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 281

theft, or any other evil practice, in any person or persons whatever, whereby either
the lives or property of our fellnw-mon may he unlawfully taken or molested; neither
are such things sanctioneil or iippiolmlcd liy the First Presidency, or any other
person in authority or good standing' in said ('luirch, but such acts are altojrether in
violation of the rules, order, aiidn-giilalioMsof the Church, contrary to tlie teachings
given in said C'luirch, and the laws of Imth OimI and man. I caution the unwary,
who belong to the aforesaid ChiU'ch. and allntlicr persons, against being duped, or
led into any act or scheme which may endaugei- their character, lives, or property,
or bring rcpniacli uimii tlie C'liurch; and I certify tliat I hnld my person and property
ready to supinu-t the laws of the land, in the dctdtinn of any person or persons who
may commit aii_v breach of the same. To wliicli I subscribe my name and testify,
this 26th daj- of November, 1841. Hykhm Smith.

Sworn to, and subscribed before me, this 3Gth day of November, 1841.

E. RoBixaoN, J. P.

Then follows a long atldress from the Twelve, from which we
copy only the concluding paragraph:

We hope that what we have written may suffice, and take this opportunity of
expressing oiu- decided and imqualified disapprobation of anj'tliing like theft, in all
its bearings, as being calculated to destroy the peace of society, to injure the Church
of Jesus Chi'ist, to wound the character of the people of God, and to stamp with
eternal infamy all who foUow such diabolical practices, to blast their character on
earth, and to consign them to eternal perdition.

(Signed)

Nauvoo, ni., Dec. 1, 1841.

Brigham YorxG, Oeson IItde,

Heber C. Kimball, William Smith,

Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt,

John E. Page, Wilford Woodruff,

WiLLAED Richards, John Taylor,

Ltman Wright, Geo. A. Smith.

Then follows another affidavit from President J. Smith, without
doubt in his own language and of his own composition:

CiTT OF Naua-oo, III., >
Nov. 20, A. D., 1841. I
To the Public: — The transpiration of recent events makes it criminal in me tc
remain longer silent. The tongue of the vile yet speaks, and sends forth the poison
of asps; tlie ears of the spoiler 3'et hear, and he puts forth his hand to iniquity. It
has been proclaimed upon the house-top and in the secret chamber, in the public
walks and private circle, throughout the length and breadth of this vast continent,
that stealing by the Latter-Day Saints has received my approval ; nay, that I have
taught the doctrine, encouraged them in plunder, and led on the van — than which
nothing is more foreign from my heart. I disfellowship the perpetrators of all such
abominations ; they are devils and not saints, totally unflt for the society of Chris-
tians or men. It is true, that some professing to be Latter-Day Saints have taught
such vile heresies, but all are not Israel that are of Israel ; and I wish it to be dis-
tinctly imderstood in all cbmuig time, that the Church over which I have the honor
of presiding will ever set its brows like brass, and its face like steel, against all such
abominable acts of viUainy and crime ; and to this end I append my affidavit of dis-
avowal, taken this day before General Bennett, that there may be no mistake here-
after as to my real sentiments, or those of the leaders of the Church, in relation to
this important matter :

STATE OF ILLINOIS,)
Hancock County, j"

Before me, John C. Bennett, Mayor of the City of Nauvoo, personally came Joseph '
Smith, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (commonly
called Mormons), who. being duly sworn accorcUng to law, deposeth and saith, that
he has never directly or indirectly encom-aged the purloining of property, or taught
the doctrine of stealing, or any other evil practice, and that all such vile and unlaw-

282 HISTOEY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

ful acts will ever receive his unqualified and unreserved disapproval, and the most
vigorous opposition of the Church over which he presides, aud fm-ther this deponent
saith not.

Joseph Smith,
President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Sworn to, and subscribed before me, at my office in the City of Nauvoo, this
29th day of November, Anno Domini, 1841.

John C. Bennett,
Maj'or of the City of Nauvoo."

Now, it is to be hoped that none will hereafter be so recldess as to state that I, or
the church to which I belong, approve of thieving, but that all the friends of law
and order will join in ferreting out thieves wherever and whenever they may be
found, and assist in bringing them to that condign punishment which such infamous
crimes so richly merit. Joseph Smith,

President of the Chm-ch of Jesus Chi-ist of Latter-Day Saints.

And now the Legion is after the thieves:

Court Martial.

City of Nauvoo, III., Nov. 30, 1841.
To Brevet-Moj.-Gen. WiUon Law: — We, the undersigned, memljcrs of the Gen-
eral Court Martial, detailed by you on the order of Lt.-Gen. Smith, through Maj.-
Gen. Bennett, for the trial of David Smith and Joseph Holbrook, officers of the
Nauvoo Legion, charged with theft, and being accessory thereto, are of the opinion
that they are guilty of the charges preferred against them, and our unanimous
decision is that they be casJiiered, and their names be stricken from the rank roU.
Witness against David Smith — Hazen Kimball.
Witnesses against Joseph Holbrook — B. Young and W. Richards.

Hteum Smith, Brev.-Maj.-Gen.,

President of the Court.
Wm. Law, Brev.-Maj.-Gen.
C. C. Rich, Brig. Gen. 2d Cohort.
H. JIcFall, Adj. Gen.
Daniel H. Wells, Com. Gen.
S. Bent, Col. 3d Reg. 2d Cohort.
T. Billings, Col. 1st Reg. 3d Cohort.
J. T. Baenett, Capt. 3d Co. 1st Reg. 2d Ct.
lilembers of the Court.
To Mfij. Oen. Bennett: — I approve of the above decision, and submit it to you for
your action on the case.

Wilson Law, Brev.-Maj.-Gen.

To Lt.-Geri. Smith: — The General Court-Martial detailed for the trial of David
Smith and Joseph Holbrook, officers of the Nauvoo Legion, have made the above
report to me, and asked my concurrence in the same, wliich, under the circum-
stances, can not be withheld : it is, therefore, submitted to you for your final
approval or disapproval.

John C. Ben^titt, Maj.-Gen.

Approved: Joseph Smith, Lt.-Gen.

About the first of April, 1842, a weekly paper was established
at Nauvoo, under the editorial management of the " Patriarch "
William Smith, a brother to the prophet. This new sheet was
entitled The Wasp, from which we are to infer that it was
regarded as a stinger by its conductor ; but for illiterate and vul-
gar abuse and silly nonsense, it has never been excelled perhaps in
the State. The prophet in his youth had been pronounced the
" genus " of the family, so " Bill Smith," as he M'as always called,
was generally regarded as the fool of the family. Nevertheless,
he had sense enough to aspire to political honors, aud he was placed
on the fusion ticket for one of the members of the Legislature and
elected.

IIISTOKY OF HANCOCK COUNTi'. 283

Late in 1841, the Democratic party, in State Convention, had
nominated Hon. Adam W. Snj'der for Governor; ex-Governor
Josepii Dnncan being the candidate of the Whigs. But Mr.
Snyder died, and Jndge Ford was nominated to take his place.
Early in 1842, the prophet issued a proclamation enjoining his fol-
lowers to support the Democratic nominees. Yet still, it was
policy to divide and distract the anti-Mormon party in the county.
This jiarty held a convention, and placed a ticket in the field, as
follows, selected from each of the political parties, viz:

For Senator — Wm. H. Roosevelt.
For Representatives — Wesley Williams,

Edson 'Wliitiipy.
For Sheriff— Stephen H. Tyler.
For County Commissioner — Joliu J. Brent.
For School Commissioner — Wm. D. Aberuethy.
For Coronei — Benjamin Avise.

Xotwithstanding the proclamation, many political aspirants of
both parties, believing they could secure tlie Mormon vote, were
induced to run as independent candidates; but the result was the
election of all the regular Democratic nominees by majorities of
800 to 1,000 votes. The official vote will be found elsewhere. The
following is the county ticket elected :

Senator — Jacob Cunningham Davis.
Representatives — Thomas H. Owen,

William Smith.
Sheriff — Wm. H. Backenstos.
County Commissioner — Jolm T. Barnett.
School Commissioner — Franklin J. Bai'tlett.
Coroner — George W. Stigall.

QITAEEEL AMONG THE CHIEFS.

During the summer of 18-42, a quarrel sprung np between the
two great leaders in Nauvoo, — Lieutenant-General Joseph Smith
and Major-General John C. Bennett. The causes of this quarrel
were never fully known to the public, but are believed to have
originated in jealousy. The city, though large and rapidly grow-
ino', was not lai'ge enough for them both. Bennett had fast risen
to power and greatness, through the munificence of the State Gov-
ernment and the favoritism of tlie Mormon people; and his ambi-
tion demanded a greater share of the honors and profits than the
prophet was willing to yield him. Though, from the published
articles on the subject from both sides, it looks as though there
may have been 'a woman or two in it. As they had been close
friends before, so now they became vindictive and bitter enemies.
But, as was usual. Smith held the reins of power. The Lieutenant-
General ont-generaled the Major-General with the masses, and the
latter was compelled to leave the city. He who had, within the
year or two, held many of the most important offices in the city
government, legion and university, was expelled — or he seceded —
and began at once to expose the wrongs and wickedness perpe-

284 HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

trated amono; them. Several other leaders, and prominent men at
the same time, manifested a rebellious spirit — among tlie rest, Sid-
ney Rigdon, Orson Pratt, George AV. Robinson, the Higbees, Wil-
liam Marks, etc. The power of the prophet restrained all these,
however, and Bennett alone was turned over to the buftetings ot
Satan.

Bennett at once left the city, and from Carthage and other
points began a series of letters in the Sangamo Journal, the Whig
organ at Springfield. These letters were widely read and com-
mented on. They are interesting for many reasons. 1. They
exhibit in strong light the character of jjennett himself. 2.
Whether he is to be regarded as worthy of full credence or not,
they portray the workings of tliat semi-theocratic s^'Stem w-Jiich pre-
vailed at Nauvoo; and 3. They give ns an idea of the sort of
people he had been associating with, and the motives wliicli actuated
them and him. As literary productions they are weak and in bad
taste; but we think a portion is worthy of introduction here. We
copy from his letter, dated —

"Caethage, Hauoock Co., July 2, 1843.
To theEdUor of the .Jovrniil:

I am uow in this place to attend to some of my official duties as Master in Chan-
cery, and h.aving some leisure time, I shall proceed with my histoiy of Joe Smith
and the Saints. It is ray determination to state facts, and such facts as will
arouse the public indignation, if there is yet virtue and courage left in man — for
we are exhorted to be enterprising and courageous — but the heast and faUe prophet
(Joe Smith) shall tremble in the days of his captivity like an aspen leaf in the wil-
derness. The '• Lord's annointed," as Joe is called, must be washed in the laverr of
the law, until liis polluted carcass and corrupt soul be purified by fire. And to
begin:

1st. • The Duresse. — On the 17th day of May, A. D. 1843, Joe Smith requested
to see me alone in the preparation room of the Nauvoo Lodge, U. D., on some
important business. We entered, and he locked the door, put the key in his pocket,
and di-ew a pistol on me and said : " The peace of m}' family requires that you should
sign an affidavit, and make a statement before the next City Council, on the 19th,
exonerating me from all pai-ticipatidn whatever, either directly or indirectly, in word
or deed, in the spiritual wife doctrine, or private intercourse with females in gen-
eral ; and if you do not do it, with apparent cheerfulness, I will make catfish bait
of you, or deliver you to the Danites for execution to-night ; for my dignity and
purity must and shall be maintained before the public, even at the expense of life.
Will you do it, or die? " I replied that he had better procure some other person, or
persons, to do so, as there were a plenty^who could do it, in truth. ''No," said he,
' ' that will not do ; for it is known that you are well acquainted with all my private
acts, better than any other man ; and it is in your power to save me or damn me ;
and as you have now withdi-awn from the Church in an honorable manner, over my
■ own signatm-e, a privilege never granted to any other person, you must and shall
place it out of your power to injure me or the Church. Do it, or the Mississippi is
your portion; will you do it?"

I remarked that it was a hard case, and that I would leave peaceably, and without
any public exposition, if he would excuse me. He replied : "I tell you, as I was
once told, ' Yom- die is cast, your fate is fixed, your doom is sealed/ if you refuse.
Will you do it, or die?" I remarked that I would, under the circumstances, but
that it was hard to take the advantage of an unarmed man. " If you tell that pub-
licly," said he, "death is your portion — remember ilie Danites!" He then unlocked
the door, we went into the room below, and I gave the affidavit as subscribed before
Alderman Wells (who was then doin '. business in the lower room), and made the
statement required before the City Council on the 19th. I was not awai-e, imtil Smi-
day last, that any other person was apprised of the fact of the threat of murder, but
on that day Col. Franci? 31. Higbee told me, in~the presence of Geo. W. Robinson,

HISTOKY OF HANCOCK COUNTV. 285

that if it came to the worst, he was in possession of a secret tliat would open the
eyes of the people, and that he would file his affidavit if necessary: but he would
not tell nie whnt the secret was. Gen. Kohinson, however, informed nie afterwards
that it was a kncnvledtre of .loe's threats of iiuu'der. On the 30th of Jiuic, 1843, I
called uinin t'ol. Ilisliee for his.all'ulavit, whieh was taken before Gen. Hiram Kimball,
an Aklermau of the city, and is in llie following words, to-wit :

■'STxVTE OF ILLINOIS.)

H.VXCOCIC Coi-XTY. /

Personally aiijicared liefore me, Hiram Kimball, an Alderman of the city of
KauviHi. Francis >I. Hiiiiiee, who, bcina; duly sworn according to law, deposeth and
sayeth, that Joseph ^?mith told him that John C. Bennett could be easily put aside
or drowned, and no person would be the wiser Inr it. and that it ought to be attended
to; and he fm-ther remarked, that the sonner this u,is ili.in , the better forthe C'hm-eh,
fearing, as he said, that Bennett would maLr smiir ilisdusm-es prejudicial to said
Smith. This was about the time of Bennett's withdrawal from the Church, or a
short time before; and further this deponent saith not.

Francis M. Higbee.

Sworn to and subscribed, tliis 30th day of June, A. D, 1842.

HiKAM Kimball, Alderman,"

My affidavit and statement, under Duresse, were published in the Nauvoo Wasp
of the 25th of June, 1843. Is it not high time that this band of mm-derers should be
made to feel the just penalty of the law ? It is certainly a most alarming state of
society when men are above the reach of law, and free to perpetrate the blackest
crimes of cruelty and oppression. All this in a land of boastecj freedom! Great
God! where is the arm of power ? Where is liberty and the rights of man? Arise,
ye otficers of justice, and assert the majesty of j'our insulted laws. Let the sound of
the clai-ion give the alarm ! and horsemen and chai'iots will tell the story, until one
stone shall not be left upon another, or a vestige of iniquity and crime to pollute the
goodly land.

2d. The Fulfilliuent of Prophect/. — In 1841, Joe Smith predicted or prophe-
sied, in a public congregation in Nauvoo, that Lilburn W. Boggs, ex-Governor of
Missom'i, should die by violent hands within one 3'ear. From one to two months
prior to the attempted assassination of Gov. Boggs, JNIr. O. P. Rockwell left Nauvoo
for parts unknown to the citizens at large. I was then on terms of close intimacy
with Joe Smith, and asked him where Rockwell had gone. ' ' Gone ?" said he — ' 'gone
TO FULFILL PROPHECT !" Rockwell returned to Nauvoo the day before the report of
the assassination reached there, and the Nauvoo Watp remarked : "It yet remains
to be known who did the noble deed." Rockwell remarked to a person now in Nau-
voo, and whose name I forbear to mention for the present, from motives of prudence
and safety of the person, but which shall be forthcoming in due time, that he had
'■ been all over upper Missom'i, and all about where Boggs lives ;" and this was com-
municated to me by that person before I withdi'ew from the Chiu'ch, and we had con-
siderable conversation upon that daring act. Rockwell is a Danite. Joe'spuhlic mem-
ory is very treacherous on this subject, I presume; but his primitcraeuiory is so good he
keeps a guard around his house every night, with the State cannon and a full supply of
small arms, for the protection of his person against any attempted arrest. He like-
wise requested me to write to Gov. C'arlin for his protection, which I agreed to do;
and accordingly did, asking the Governor whether he would be protected from any
ilUf/iil act of violence ; to which the Governor replied that till citizens should receive
equal protection, but that he knew of no privileged man, or order of men, and that
the cUgnity of the State should be preserved according to the strict letter of the Con-
stitution and the laws. This letter I refused to show to Joe, as open hostilities had
commenced between us ; and he accordingly detailed a court-martial to try me for
treason against the citizens of the State of Illinois! ! ! This Court I regarded as ille-
gal, and treated it with that utter contempt whicli such an assemblage of inferior
officers will always receive at m)' hands. Now, I call upou Col. Francis M. Higbee
to come out and tell what he told Gen. Robinson and myself, in relation to the mur-
der of a certain prisoner in Missouri. Col. Higbee, do not fear to tell the dreadful
story ; tell exactly how Joe had the murder done up, and what part he ordered you
to take in the affair, but which you did not take. Tell it as Robinson knows it, and
as 3-ou told me, and do not fear. Gov. Rejniolds will make another demand, and Joe
shall be delivered over. I will visit Jlissouri and tell the dreadful story. Let the
call be made, and the laws shall be executed.

286 • HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

3d. My Late Vuit to Sprincrfidd.— On my arrival in Carthage, I found, as all the
citizens well know, that I was followed by Mr. O. P. Rockwell, a Danite, who, on
his arrival late in the night, made strict inquiries as to where I was : his ostensible
business was to put a letter in the post office ! ! but judge ye the real design. I was
prepared for the gentleman, and he approached me not ; but another 'swift rider,
Capt. John D. Parker, another Danite, followed me to Springfield, to carry a letter
to Dr. Helm ; but he had another object, and you may well suppose what it was. I
told Capt. Parker that I was aware of his object, but I feared him not. At Virginia,
in Cass county, ou my return, Parker met me again, and I called the attention of the
stage driver to him, who thereupon put two additional baUs into liis pistol, and then
informed me he was ready for him or any other person having the same object in
view. Many of the Danites have been aromid me in Nauvoo, for the purpose of
secret murder, in order to save the arch-impostor Joe from public infamy.

4th. Mrs. Sarah M. Pratt, wife of Professor Orson Pratt, of the University of
Nauvoo. — Joe Smith stated to me at an early day in the history of that city, that he
intended to make that amiable and accomplished lady one of his spiritual wives, for
the Lord had given her to him: and he requested me to assist him in consummating
his hellish purposes; but I told liim that I would not do it; that she had been much
abused and neglected by the Cluu-ch during the absence of her husband in Eiu-ope,
and that if theLord had given her to him he must attend to it himself. • ' I will do it, "
said he, "for there is no "harm in it if her husband should never find it out." I called
upon Mrs. Pratt and told her that Joe contempUted an attack upon her virtue, "in
the name of the Lord," and that she mast prepare to repulse him in so infamous an
assault. She replied: "Joseph can 'not be such a man: I can not believe it until I
know it for myself, or have it from his own lips; he can not be so corrupt." "Well,"
I replied, "you will see, unless he changes his mind." Accordingly in a few days
Joe proposed to me to go to Ramus witli him. I consented to go, and we started
from the house about four o'clock, p. m., rode into the prairie a few miles, and
returned to the house of Capt. John T. Barnett, in Nauvoo, about dark, where we
put up the horse with Baruett's permsssion. He, Joe, pretended we were looking
for thieves. We then proceeded to the house where Mrs. Pratt resided, and Joe
commenced discoiKseas follows: " Sister Pratt, the Lord has given you to me as
one of my spiritual wives. I have the blessings of Jacob granted me, as he granted
holy men of old, and I have long looked upon you with favor, and hope you will not
•deiiy me." She replied: "I care not for the blessings of Jacob, and I believe no
Buch revelations; neither will I consent under any circumstances. I have one good
husband, and that is enough for me." Joe could not come it I He then went off to

see Miss , at the house of Mrs. Sherman. He remained with her an houi' or

two, and then returned to Barnett's, harnessed our horse, started for Ramus, and
arrived at Carthage at early breakfast. We then went to Ramus, and returned to
Carthtige that night, and put up at the house of Esq. Comer. Next day we retmned
to Nauvoo. I called on Mrs. Pratt and a.sked her what she thought of Joseph.
She replied: "He is a bad man. beyond a doubt." Mrs. Pratt, in a conversation
with Mrs. Goddard, wife of Stephen H. Goddard, said: "Sister Goddard, Joseph
is a corrupt man; I know it, for he made an attempt upon me." Three times
afterward he tried to convince Mrs. Pratt of the propriety of his doctrine, and she
at last told him : "Joseph, if you ever attempt anything of this kind with me again,
I will tell Mr. Pratt on his return home; I wiU certainly do it." Joe replied,
"Sister Pratt, I hope you will not e.xpose me; if I am to suffer, all suffer; so do
not expose me. Will you agree not to do so?" "If," said she, "j'ou will never
insult me again, I will not expose you, unless strong circumstances require it."

"Well, Sister Pratt," says Joe, "as you have refused me, it becomes sin, unless
sacrifice is offered;" and turning to me, he said, "General, if you are my friend, I
wish you to procure a lamb, and have it slain, and sprinkle tlae door-posts and the
gate with its blood, and take the kidneys and the entrails and offer them upon an
altar of twelve stones that have not been touched with a hammer, as a burnt offering,
and it will save me and my priesthood. Will you do it?" "I will," I replied. So I
procmed the lamb from Capt. John T. Barnett.* and it was slain by Lieut. Stephen
H. Goddard, and I offered the kidneys and entrails a sacrifice for Joe, as he desired;
and Joe said, "All is now safe : the destroying angel will pass over without harming

* We have the authority of Capt. Barnett for the statement that Bennett's story ii trae, so
farai tothe procnring of alamb fromhim. The Iamb was obtained by Bennett, the Captain
■wondering what he desianed doing with it. Cant. Ti. now reside- at (ra'i s'»arg. III.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 287

any of us." Time passed on in appiirent friendship, until Joe grossly insulted Mrs.
Pratt asain, after her luisband liad returned linine, liy approarhiuj;- and Uissiiu; her.
Tliis liii;hly olfeiuled her. and slie luld Mr. Pratt, who was uuieh eiM-ai;ed, aiul went
aud told Joe never to otfer an insult of the like again. Joe replied: "1 did not
desire to kiss her; Bennett made me do it." Joe, you can't come it ! Mrs. Pratt is
far above yom- foul and polluleil lireath, your calumny mid detraction. I now appeal
to Jlrs. Pratt, if this is not true to the very letter. Just speak out boldly.

5th. Miss Kiiiici/ liiffchin, daughter of Sidney Rigdon, Esq. — [A story of a simi-
lar attempt on Miss Rigdon, in which General Bennett and Col. F. M. Higbee inter-
fere, and she is saved.]

Tth. I will now append my own atRdavit :
STATE OF ILLINOIS, )_
Hancock C'orxTT. >" ^"

Personally appeared before me, Samuel JIarshall, a Justice of the Peace in and
for said county, John C. Bennett, who, being duly sworn according to law, deposetli
and saith, that the affidavit taken before Esquire Wells, on the 17th of May, and
the statement before the City Council of Xauvoo, on the 19th, as published in the
Wiif.p of |the 2oth of June, 1843, are false, and were taken under duresse, as stated
in tins letter * * * John C. Bensett.

Sworn to and subscribed, this 3d day of July, 1843.

Samuel MAEsnALL, J. P. [l. s.]

Bennett's third letter to tlie SaiHjamo Joxirnal is devoted largely
to an expose of Smith's action as trustee for the Church, and in
taking the benefit of the bankrupt law. He concludes as follows:

Come out, gentlemen, and renounce and denounce Joseph Smith, that soul-damn-
hig impostor. Come out xow, or bow down and lick the dust, worsliip at his shrine,
and chain your fate to the wheels of damnation and the car of Iniquity. The issue is
made up: it can not be averted ; and I pray God that the "bitter cup may not pass."
You all, with Francis il. Higbee, Geo. W. Robinson, Chauncey L. Higbee, Heiuy
Marks, and hundreds of others, know that I have told the mivarnished truth, and the
people at lai-ge will beheve me, though I have not yet told half the dreadful stokt !
Come out from among the ungodly, and be ye separate. Gen. Robinson writes under
date of July 3d : Joe says to the people : ' • Look out \ look out ! These men, I will
venture to say, will come out on me with aU their power, aud say and do all they can
to put me down ; but do not believe one word of their ciu'sed lies ; for I know I am a
prophet." Yes, and Pratt, and Rigdon, and Robinson, and the Higbees, and the
Slarks, and hundreds of others, know you to be a liae, Joe ; and Pratt and others
have told you so in the face of open day. Yon lied in the name of the Lord I Re-
member that, you base blasphemer 1 remember that and weep ! took at your black
catalogue of crimes, yom' seductions in the name of yom' !Maker, yoiu- robberies, and
your murdersi Why, Satan blushes to behold so corrupt and loathsome a mortal, —
one whose daring deeds of crhne so far siu^iass hell's darkest councils, as to hide the
sable Prince in impenetrable darkness forever. * * *

I aiii going over to Missom'i to have Joe taken to justice; and then I am going to
Kew York to publish a book to be called '• The History of the Saints," in which I
shall tell most of the actings and doings at Nauvoo for the last two years — of most of
their great men, and some of their great women, too. So, look out for breakers.
We shall have full disclosures, if the fianites don't catch me ; they are after me like
prowling wolves, by Joe's special orders. In ha.ste, Yours respectfully,

John C. Bennett.

An apology niaj seem necessary for occupying so much of our
space with this man's braggadocio letters; but it should lie remem-
bered that he was for more than a year the second man in position
in the city and in the Church; that he had during that time the full
confidence of the prophet and his people; aud more, that he was an
officer by appointment of the Governor of the State and a Judge of

288 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

the Circuit Court. Tliat he was a weak man and a knave, his own
conduct and expose abundantly pi-ove; and it is left for the public
to decide how far his statements are to be relied on. Notwith-
standing his urgent appeals, he failed to carry with him the men
to whom they were made; though it is to be noted that, within the
next two years, they all, or nearly all, seceded from tlie Church, and
by their course brought about the events which ended in the
prophet's death.

We have been utterly unable to obtain possession of the Wasj),
the Nauvoo paper of that period. The Mormon side in the con-
troversy, it is remembered, was not left behind in the use of "names"
and invective. So that about the proper conclusion for the outside
public to adopt, was to believe both sides — a conclusion which time
has only strengthened.

FCETHEE EEQOISITIONS.

In August of this year a new demand was made for both Smith
and Eockwell, and sent to Gov. Carlin, at Quincy, who issued a
warrant for tlieir arrest, which was placed in the hands of an
officer dui-ing the week after the election. He repaired to Nauvoo,
and on Monday, the Sth, made the arrests without difficulty. The
prisoners were immediately' taken on a writ of Aaleas eoi'pus issued
by the Municipal Court, brought before that body and at once dis-
charged. The officer insisting that the Court had no jurisdiction,
and that the discharge was illegal, it was agreed by Smith, that if
the writ sliould be returned to the Governor, with the indorsement
that the prisoners had been discharged b}' the Municipal Council,
he would hold himself in readiness to obej% if the Governor should
again send for him. The officer hereupon returned to Quincy, but
was dispatched back Ijy the Executive with orders to re-arrest at all
hazards. In the meantime Smith had taken legal counsel, and
when the officer returned had disappeared. It is believed that he
was hid in the cit}-. The name of Rockwell seems somehow to
have been dropped. AVhy no etlbrt was ever made to jirocure
Eockwell, who was clearly amenable to the laws of Missouri, is not
well understood.

We find an ordinance of the City Council, dated the Sth of August,
the day of the arrest, but whether passed in anticipation of that
event, or subsequent to it, and to guard against the future, does
not appear. It is evident, however, that whether discharged by
virtue of it, or before its passage, the discharge was in any case
flagrantly illegal. — [For this ordinance see sub-head, " Charter and
Ordinances, further on. "J

Gov. Ford says:

As I before said, Gov. Carlin, in 1842, had issued his warrant for
the arrest of Joe Smith, the prophet, as a fugitive from justice in
Missouri. This warrant had never been executed, and was still
outstanding when I came into office. The Mormons were desirous
of having the cause of arrest legally tested in the Federal Court.

HISTORY UF HANCOCK COUNTY. 289

Upon their application a duplicate warrant was issued in the winter
of 1842-3, and placed in the hands of the Sherifl" of Sangamon
countv. Upon this Jce Smith came to Springfield and surren-
dered'himself a prisoner. A vrrit of /laleas cormis was obtained
from Judge Pope of the Federal Court, and Smith was discharged."
—[Ford's Hist. Ill, p. 314.

As much controversy has been had in regard to the discharge
from this arrest 1)}' Judge Pope, it is proper that we should give
the basis of the arrest, and the Judge's reasons for the discharge of
the prisoner. The following are the official pajjcrs in the case:

STATE OF Missorni,). jj

CorXTY (IF Jacksox. ) '

This diiv personally appeared before me, Samuel AVestoii, a Justice of the Peace
within ami for the county of .Jackson, tliesuliseriber, LilliurnAV. Boggs, who being duly
sworn, doth depose andsay, that on theniglit of the (it h day of Jlay, 1842, while sitting iu
hisdwelling in the town of Independence, inthe county of Jackson, lie was shot with
intent to lull, and that his life was despaired of for several days ; and that he believes,
and has good reason to believe, from evidence and information now in his possession,
that Joseph Smith, commonly called the Mormon prophet, was accessory before the
fact of the intended mm-der ; and that the said Joseph Smith is it citizen or resident
of the State vf Illinois; and that the said deponent hereby applies to the Governor
of the State of Missouri to make a demand on the Governor of the State of Illinois,
to deliver the said Joseph Smith, commonly called the Mormon prophet, to some
person authorized to receive and convey him to the State and county aforesaid, there
to be dealt with according to law.

LiLBUEX W. Boggs.

Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 20th day of July, 1842.

Samuel Weston, J. P.

The Gocernor of the State of Missouri to the Governor of the State of Illinois—

Gkeetixg :

"Whereas, It appears by the annexed document, which is hereby certified to be
authentic, that one Joseph Smith is a fugitive from justice, charged with being
accessorv tiefore the fact, to an assault with intent to kill, made by one O. P. Rock-
well, onLilburn W. Boggs, in this State : and it is represented to the Executive
Department of this State, has tied to the State of Illinois ;

Now, therefore, I, Thomas Reynolds, Governor of the said State of Missoun,_ by
virtue of the authority in me vested by the Constitution and laws of the United
States, do by these presents, demand the surrender and dehvery of the said Joseph
Smith to Edward R. Ford, who is hereby appointed as the agent to receive the said
Joseph Smith on the part of the State. In testimonj', etc.
The People of the State of Illinois to the Sheriff of Saiir/amon, coiwit/— Greeting:

Whereas, It has been made kno-ivn to me by the Executive authority of the State of
Missouri, that one Joseph Smith stands charged by the affidavit of one Lilbnrn W.
Boggs, made on the 20th day of July, 1842, at the county of Jackson in the State of
Missouri, before Samuel Weston, a Justice of the Peace witliin and for the county of
Jackson aforesaid, vrith being accessory before the fact to an assault with intent to
kiU. made by one O. P. Rockwell on Lilburn W. Boggs, on the night of the 6th
day of Mav, 1842, at the county of Jackson, in said State of Missom-i, and that the
said Joseph Smith had fled from the justice of said State and taken refuge in the
State of Illinois :

Now, therefore, I, Thomas Ford, Governor of the State of lUinois, pursuant to the
Constitution and laws of the United States, and of this State, do hereby command
you to arrest and apprehend the said Joseph Smith, if he be found within the limits
of the State aforesaid, and cause him to be safelv kept and delivered to the custody
of Edward R. Ford, who has been duly constituted the agent of the said State of
Missouri to receive said fugitive from the justice of said State, he paying all fees and
charges for the arrest and apprehension of said Joseph Smith, and make due return
to th"e Executive Department of this State, the manner in which this writ may be
executed. In testimony whereof, etc.

290 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

And now, at the distance of over a third of a century from these
events, and regarding tliese writs and the facts in the light of
reason and common sense, it seems like mere boys' play that these
chief magistrates and officials were engaged in, or, worse still, that
they were purposeh' and wickedly issuing writs they knew to be
defective, in order to avoid the responsibility resting upon them as
conservators of the peace and supporters of the law's majesty.
The writs were illegal and wrong : first, because if Joseph Smith did
send Orrin P. Rockwell to Missouri to kill Gov. Boggs (and' that
be did, vre believe, is almost the universal verdict), — if he did, his
crime was not against the State of Missouri, but the State of
Illinois, where he resided and was a citizen, and by Illinois laws
and courts must he be tried and punished. Secondly, ex-Gov.
Boggs' affidavit plainly charges that Smith is a " resident or citizen
of the State of Illinois;" and hence, for Gov. Reynolds in his
requisition, and Gov. Ford in his writ of arrest, to say tiiat he had
"fled from the justice of the State of Missouri," were palpable and
unwarranted perversions of fact, not only as stated by Boggs, but
as they all knew it to exist. So, it is fair to presume that these
officials knew, and that the prophet knew before ho submitted
himself as a prisoner at Springfield — as well as we know now —
that Judge Pope was bound to discharge him. And he did dis-
charge him, chieiiy on the grounds above stated, in these words:

The Court can alone regard the facts as set forth in the atfldavit of Boggs, as having
any legal existence. The mis-recitals and over-statements iu the requisition and
warrant are not supported bj' oath, and can not be received as evidence to deprive a
citizen of his liberty, and transport hkn to a foreign State for trial. For these
reasons. Smith must be discharged.

FUETHER ATTEMPTS AT PROSECUTION.

In the year 1S4.3 it was not deemed expedient, nor was it possible
to keep up the Anti-Mormon organization. The Whig politicians
had hopes of securing the Mormon vote, or at least of dividing it
in favor of their candidates. Smith had been released from arrest
by Judge Pope, a Whig judge, and his case had been ably argued
by Whig lawyers. The Democrats equally desired a party organ-
ization, and expected to retain the vote because they had heretofore
secured it, and saw no reason for a change. The Warsaw Message
had succeeded the Signal, rrnder charge of Gregg and Patch — the
latter its political editor, who strongly favored distinct Whig
organization and a full Whig local ticket.

On the 10th of May, at a Whig convention at Rock Island, in
which the Mormons were represented, Cyrus Walker, of Macomb,
was unanimously nominated as the AVhig candidate for Congress.
Joseph P. Hoge, of Galena, was about the same time nominated
by the Democrats for the same office. This, the Fifth Congres-
sional District, embraced the fifteen counties of Jo Daviess, Carroll,
Stephenson, AVinuebago, Ogle, Whiteside, Rock Island, Mercer,
Warren, Henderson, McDijnough, Stark, l^ee. Knox and Hancock.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK CuUNTT. 291

The two candidates were representative men of their respective
parties, and personally popular. Mr.-Walicer was an old lawyer of
distinction in the State, and regarded as the peer of tlie leading
lawyers at the capital. Iloge was a 3'ounger and newer man, but
was talented, energetic, and a good stump speaker. He had never
been in anj' way identified with the Mormons, residing in a county
remote from them in tlie district. Walker was supposed to be in
good favor witli them, and had once or twice acted as counsel for
the Prophet.

Soon after the nominations, the campaign of the district began
with great vigor. To make a thorongh canvass in so large a district,
it required a great deal of time and a great amount of physical
energy, it being necessary to address the people in at least three or
four, and often eight to ten, places in a county. Irrespective of
the Mormon vote, there was a decided Whig majority in the
district, and the probabilities were strongly in favor of the success
of the Whig candidate.

But the "irrepressible conflict" between Missouri and the
Mormon prophet, was not yet at an end. True to his threat. Gen.
Bennett had gone to that State and succeeded in procuring another
indictment against his enemy, and another requisition. Ford's
History states tliat this indictment and requisition were against both
Smitli and Eockwell for the attempt upon the life of ex-Grov. Boggs.
But Mr. Southwick, one of Smith's Dixon attorneys, in a statement
made to tlie 2Iess<cg6 of July 15, says it was against Smitli alone,
for " treason against the government of Missouri." As no after
attempt was made to arrest Eockwell, the latter statement is prob-
&\Ay the correct one. On the requisition Gov. Ford issued his
warrant for Smith's arrest, and placed it in the hands of Harmon
T. Wilson, of Carthage, a deputy Sheriff, with instructions to serve
it and place the prisoner in tlie hands of Joseph H. Reynolds, the
agent of Missouri.

Learning that Smith and his wife were on a visit to her relatives
at Palestine Grove, in Lee county, Illinois, toward the northern
pact of the district, and about 1.50 miles from jS'auvoo, they quietly
repaired thither, found him at the house of his friend, arrested him,
and placing him in a carriage, started by way of Dixon, the county-
seat. Here the prisoner was allowed to consult with lawyers, who
procured for him a writ of habeas corpus from the Master in
Cliancery in said county. Tliis writ was made returnable before
Judge Caton, at Ottawa, in whose circuit they were. This placed
the officers as prisoners in tlie hands of the Sheriif of Lee county.
The morning following they started for Ottawa, distant about forty
miles, and after traveling three-fourths of the distance, were
informed that Judge Caton was temporarily out of the State,
when they returned to Dixon.

Before starting for Ottawa, Smitli had commenced suit in the
Lee Court for false imprisonment against Reynolds and Wilson;
and being unal»le to procure bail, thev were held in the custody of

292 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

the Sheriff. Against this arrest they also procured a writof AaSeas
corpus^ returnable before Judge Young, at Quincy, — and this writ
was also placed in the hands of the Sheriff. After the return to
Dixon, Smith procured another writ of habeas coiyus (as a substi-
tute for the first one), returnable before the " nearest trihimal in
the Fifth Judicial Circuit, authorized to hear and determine writs
of habeas corjyus.^'' The Fifth Judicial Circuit embraced Quincy
(the residence of Judge Young), and also Nauvoo, with a JMunici-
pal Court, claiming the right to hear and determine writs of habeas
cojpus.

These proceedings completely turned the tables upon the officers.
Instead of Smith as their prisoner, tiiey found themselves under
arrest and unable to give bail, with Smith really a free man; the
fiat had already gone forth that he would be discharged ; for was
not the Nauvoo Municipal Court ?!,«a/'(?^ than the court of Judge
Yoang, at Quincy? and was not Smith himself Mayor of the city
and presiding officer of that Court?

Smith's arrest was made on Thursday, tlie 23d of June, and on
Monday, the 26th, the cavalcade, " consisting of Reynolds, Wilson
and Smith; Messrs. Walker, Southwick and Patrick, the counsel
of Smith; McKay, a guard employed by Reynolds to guard Smith;
Sanger, the owner of the stage coach that took them; McCorasey,
the driver of one of the teams emploj'ed; Ross, the driver of the
stage coach; Mason, attorney for Reynolds and Wilson; Wassou,
a relative of the wife of Smith; Montgomery, son-in-law of
Walker; and Mr. Campbell, Sheriff of Lee county — all started
from Dixon soutliward in the direction of JSfauvoo and Quincy.
Where were they going, and what were they going for? The
officer had in his pocket two writs of habeas corpus, directing him
to carry the persons therein named, one to Judge Young, at Quinc}',
the other to any authorized court in the Fifth Judicial Circuit, to
hear and determine on habeas corpus. It is not too severe a judg-
ment to say, that all five of those legal gentlemen well knew that
the place where those writs were properly returnable, was Judge
Young's court. Instead, they traveled directl}^ to Nauvoo. The
conclusion is irresistible, that when that second writ was obtained,
the purpose was to carry them before that nondescript tribunal.
We have, indeed, the testimony of one of the attorneys to that
effect. Mr. Southwick says: "No threat or intimidation was used
b}^ any person whatever, to induce Mr. Campbell, the Sheriff of
Lee county, to go to Nauvoo with Reynolds; and Mr. Campbell
well knew before starting from Dixon, that it was the determina-
tion of the whole company to go to Nauvoo, he particularly con-
senting to the same. The stage was also chartered to go to
Nauvoo. Smith stated before leaving Dixon, that he should stib-
mit to the law, and appeared desirous to do so.'' (.'.')

'•Smith pledged his word," continues Mr. Southwick's state-
ment, " previous to his arrival in Nauvoo, that Reynolds should
not be harmed;" and he was not. He and Wilson- were even

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 293

invited to dine with the prophet at bis house, which they did,
and were introduced to his family! " In the afternoon of the daj'
of said, arrival, a writ of habeas corpus (still another!) was issued
by the Municipal Court of the city of Nauvoo, directed to
lieynolds, requiring him to bring before said Court the body of
said Smith; which he accordingly did, objecting, however, to the
same, that said Court had no jurisdiction of the case. "

Of course he did; and the next sentence shows that there was
still a lingering qualm of conscience on the part of counsel. Mr.
Southwick con.tinues: "The counsel of Smitli, however, appeared
to entertain a different opinion as to the jurisdiction of said Court,
and the examination was had before them and Smith discharged
upon the merits of the case, and upon the substantial defects in
the warrant."

Let us here recall the clause in tlie cit}' charter in relation to
writs of habeas corpus. The following is the whole of it:

•'The Municipal Court shall have power to grant writs of habeas
corpus in all cases arising under the ordinances of the City
Council.''''

' When Smith was arrrested it so happened that both Walker and
Hoge were in the vicinity of Dixon canvassing the district. In
addition to the two Dixon attorneys. Smith sent for and engaged
AValker. This gentleman left his appointments, and, as we have
seen, rode with the cavalcade to jSTanvoo, and, it is said, there made
a three-hours speech in favor of Smith's discharge by the Munici-
pal Court, and contending for its jurisdiction. Gov. Ford, in his
history, states that both he and lloge, from the public stand in
Nauvoo, afterwards declared their belief in the existence of the
power claimed by the Court.

Being thus signally baffled, the Missouri agent applied to Gov.
Ford for a militai-y force to enable him to retake Smith; and Mr.
Walker, as Smith's attorney, repaired to Springfield to resist the
application. The Governor declined to grant Reynolds' request,
and the matter was dropped.

Thus ended another move, and the last one, in the interesting
game of " Demand and Discharge " which the chief executives of
two great States had been for two or three years playing.

Itis funny to note how differently the two interested parties tell
the incidents of this arrest. If either be true, it was dramatic in
the extreme.

The Times and Seasons of July 1, 184.3, thus tells it:

While he (Smith) was there (at liis wife's sister's residence, 13 miles from Dixon),
a ilr. J. H. Reynolds, Sheriff of Jackson county. Mo. (so he says), and Mr. Harmon
AVilson, of Carthage, arrived at Dixon, professing to be Monnon preachers ; from
thence they proceeded to Mr. Wasson's, at whose house Mr. Smith was staying.
They found Mr. Smith outside the door, and accosted him in a very uncouth, ungen-
tlemanly manner, quite in keeping, however, with the common practice of Missou-
rians. The following is as near the conversation as we can gather ; Eeynolds and
his coadjutor, Wilson, both stepped up at a time to Mr. Smith, with their pistols
coc'^ed. and without showing any wiit or serving any process, ilr. Reynolds, with

294 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

his pistol cocked at Mr. Smitli's breast, cried out "G — dd — u 3'ou, if you stir I'll
shoot — G — d d — n you ! be still, or I'll shoot, by G — d."

" What is the meaning of this ?" interrogated Mr. Smith.

" I'll show you the meaning, by G — d; and if you stu' one inch I'U shoot you,
G — d d — n you."

"I am not afraid of your shooting," answered Mr. Smith. "I am not afraid to
die." He then bared his breast and said, "Shoot away; I have endm'ed so much
of oppression I am weary of life, and kill me if you please. I am a strong man,
however, and with my own uatiu-al weapons could soon level both of you ; but if
you have any legal process to serve, I am at aU times subject to law, and shall not
offer resistance."

" G — d d — n you, if you say another word, we'll shoot you, by G — d."

" Shoot away," answered Mr. S.; "I am not afraid of yom- pistols."

They then hm'ried him oS to a carriage they had, and without serving any process
were for hurrying him off without letting him see or bid farewell to his family or
friends. Mr. Smith then said :

"Gentlemen, if you have any legal process, I wish to obtain a writ of Jiabeas
co7-piis," and was answered :

' ' G — d d — n you, you shan't have one. "

Mr. Smith saw a friend of liis passing, and said :

" These men are kidnapping me, and I want a writ "of habeas corpus to deliver
myself out of their hands."

This friend immediately proceededlo Dixon, whence the Sheriff also proceeded
full speed.

The account goes on to say, that, arriving at Dixon, tliey put n]S
at a hotel where Reynolds continued very abusive of Smith, and
refused to let him see or converse with a lawyer, so much so that
the bystanders interfered, when he relented, and did allow him to
consult with two attorneys.

This stor^' differs greatly from the one told by Wilson. We have
heard it from his own lips; and knowing him as we did for many
years'previous to his death, can not but believe his statement to
have been substantially true.

He stated that he and Reynolds drove in their carriage to the
residence of Mr. Wasson, alighted and hitched their team, and
stepping to the front door, inquired for Mr. Smith. The answer
was very unsatisfactory, but that he was not there. They took
seats, however, — Reynolds in the doorway, and Wilson on the step
outside, — and entered into conversation. While thus engaged,
Wilson, who had a view of the stairway, saw Emma, the prophet's
wife, hastily cross the hall at the head of the stairs. This con-
vinced him that they were on the right track. The conversation
continued a little longer, but Wilson was becoming excited and
uneasy. Rising from his seat, he made a step or two to the corner
of the house, and casting his eye along the side of the building,
was astonished to see, off in an open field one or two hundred yards,
the object of their search, running towards a piece of woods some
distance away.

On the impulse of the moment, and without bidding good-bye
to the household, or explaining to Reynolds, he gave a whoop, and
started in pursuit, leaving his companion to bring up the rear.
The pursuers, being lighter in weight and nimbler of foot, gained
upon the pursued. So he resorted to strategy. He was nearing
an old building, uninhabited, but at the side of which was a well,

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 295

and near by a lot of clothes sjiread over some grass and weeds to
dr}'. It was evident that Smith had been making lor the forest
beyond; but on arriving at the bnilding, Wilson could nowhere
see the fugitive. He certainly had not had time to reach the
woods, nor could he be seen about the building. Giving a hurried
glance at the surroundings, — taking in the cabin, the weeds, the
drying bed-clothes, — an idea struck him, and the ne.\t moment he
saw a pair of boots partly protruding from beneath some l)edding
on the weeds,

B}' this time Reynolds was close at hand; but, in his excite-
ment, and without waiting to see if there was a man in the boots,
or who that man might be, Wilson sprang upon the blanket and
called on Reynolds to come on. The man in the boots soon
emerged from beneath, and stood before them as their prisoner, and
in great trepidation assured them of his surrender. In due time
he was placed in the carriage, and they started on their journey — a
journey ludicrous in its beginning, but disastrous to them in the
end.

■These are the two stories of the arrest — rather conflicting; we
leave them with the reader.

EXCITEMENT AT NAUVOO.

While these things wei'e transpiring np north, tremendous excite-
ment existed at Nanvoo and over Hancock county. As soon as
possible after the arrest, the news thereof had been sent to the city
by swift messenger, and quick preparations were, made for their
prophet's rescue. But it was not known what route to Missouri
would be taken by the oflicers with their prisoner. It was conject-
ured that they might drive eastward, and take steamer at the
nearest point on the Illinois i-iver; or that they might aim to put
him on board a St. Louis steamer at Rock Island ; or that he might be
taken in bv-waj-s across the country. All these contingencies were
provided ibr. The little steamer Ariel, owned and employed at
Nanvoo, was armed, it was said, with a cannon or two, and manned,
and despatched down the Mississippi to intercept them in or at the
mouth of the Illinois river. At the same time squads of horsemen
were sent out on the various roads toward Dixon. The delay, as
we have seen, at that place, gave time for numbers of these horse-
men to be a considerable distance on their way north before the
party of prisoners and lawyers had left for Nauvoo; and during
the journey it was met bj- many of them, who turned and escorted
their chief back to the city.

These events occurred during, the latter part of June and the
iirst days of July; and it was some time before Mr. Walker was
ready to resume his canvass. His conduct, as well as that of Mr.
Hoge, was the occasion of much comment throughout the district,
and many Wliigs were highly indignant. It is believed that Smith
had intended in scood faith to throw the Mormon vote to Mr.

296 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

"Walker; but the dissatisfaction of the Whigs in part, and for the
reason that Reyiiold's application to the Governor for a force to aid
him in retaking Smith was still held in terrorem over him, he
changed his policy. Ford himself states that a friend of his, in hi&
absence and in his name, had pledged to a Mormon emissary, Back-
enstos, that if they would vote the Democratic ticket, the force
should not be sent. — [p. 317.

The Governoi-'s statement of what occurred at Nanvoo in regard
to the matter so nearly accords with what we learned from other
sources, that we give it in his own words:

A great meeting was called of several thousand Mormons, on Saturday before the
election. Hyrmn Smith, patriarch in the Mormon Church and brother to the prophet,
appeared in this great assemby, and there solenmly announced to the people that
God had revealed to him that the Mormons must support Mr. Hoge, the Democratic
candidate. William Law, another great leader of the Mormons, next appeared, and
denied that the Lord had made any such revelation. He stated that to his certain
knowledge the prophet Joseph was in favor of 3Ir. Walker, and that the prophet was
more likely to know the mind of the Lord on the subject than the patriarch. Hyrmn
Smith again repeated his revelation, with a greater tone of authority. But the
people remained in doubt until the next day, being Sunday, when Joe himself
appeared before the assemblj'. He there stated that "he himself" was in favor of
Mr. Walker, and intended to vote for him ; that he would not influence any voter in
giving his vote ; that he considered it a mean business for him or any other man to
attempt to dictate to the people who they should support in elections; that he had
heard his brother HjTum had received a revelation from the Lord on the subject;
that for his part he did not much believe in revelations on the subject of elections;
but brother Hyrum was a man of truth ; he had known brother HjTmii intimately
ever since he was a bo}', and he had never known him to tell a lie. If brother
Hyrum said he had received such a revelation, he had no doubt it was a fact. When
the Lord speaks, let all the earth be silent.

That settled it. The election occurred on the next day. It is
believed the prophet did, with a few others, vote for Walker, in
the face of the revelation; but the body of his followers voted for
Hoge, giving him 2,088 votes to Walker's 733 in the county, and
beating him in the district by 455 votes. This change of position
at Nauvoo was not known in Adams county till after the election;
so Mr. O. H. Browning, the Whig candidate in that district,
received the Mormon vote there.

To Mr. Walker and his friends, and the Whig party generally,
this result was the more aggravating from the fact that it was made
quite evident that by a straightforward, honest and independent
course, thus securing a full and enthusiastic Whig support, he
could have been elected with the Mormon vote solid against him.

THE "EXrOSITOE" EXPOSED.

The conduct of politicians and political parties, during the cam-
paign of 1843, gave a new impulse to the Anti-Mormon sentiment,
and measures to prevent their recurrence began at once to be
taken. The election fullj' developed the fact that, although two or
three good men had been chosen to county offices — men not objec-
tionable to the great body of the old citizens — yet practically tlie

eVt

ST Marys Tp.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 209

whole conntj was at the feet ot" tlie prophet. Four of the officials
elected were Mormons, and one of tiiein, James Adams, was not
even a citizen of the count}'. At the time of his election as Pro-
bate Judge, lie held the same office in Sangamon county; having
joined the Church and being about to settle in Nauvoo, he was
placed upon the ticket here and elected.

Mr. Adams died within a mouth after his election, when at a
special election to fill the vacancy, David Greenleaf, an old settler
Democrat M-as chosen in his place.

An eftort to reorganize the Anti-Mormon party was decided on.
Accordingly a public meeting was called at the county seat on the
7th of September, at which a central and other committees were
appointed, and other steps taken toward a permanent organization.
Among the resolutions passed was one — which we now think
objectionalde, and should have been omitted — recpiesting the Gov-
ernor of Missouri to make another demand for Smith, and pledg-
ing aid in the execution of the writ.

In the meantime difficulties were frequently occurring between
the parties at various points in the county and at Nauvoo, whicii
tended to keep alive the excitement. Numerous acts of tyranny
were perpetrated by the prophet on citizens of the county, and
even on his own followers; and heavy fines were inflicted at his
instance, for no punishable otfense, by tlie Municipal Court, or by
himself as Mayor and presiding officer of the Court. If he commit-
ted an ofiense against an individual, which rendered him liable, he
had an' easy way of escaping, which was to procure an arrest by
some of liis tools, have an ex -parte hearing, and get discharged ;
then, if an officer called upon him, he was coolly informed that he
was too late !

One of the most conspicuous of these outrages was perpetrated
on Mr. Alexander Sympson, of Carthage, a well-known and prom-
inent Anti-Mormon, about the beginning of 1S44. This case so
fully sets forth the man and his methods, that we give it in Mr.
Sympson's own words:

Til the Editor of the Warsmi) Message :

Dear Sir : — Through the columns of yoiu- journal I wish to make a full and fair
statement of an occmTence with myself and the Mormon prophet at Nauvoo. I beg
your indulgence while I give the particulars, as I wish it to go to the world in its
true colors.

On the 17th day of last months I was waited on by Mr. Roundy, of Nauvoo, at
!Mr.. Davis' store, of that place, with a request to go immetliately to see the prophet
at his own house, as he had some important business with me. I asked him if he
knew what was wanting. . He said he did not. I went' with him to see what the
prophet wanted. On arriving there we were told that he had gone to his farm in
the coimtry. He then requested me to go [and see a Mr. Phelps, who was his clerk ;
he in all probabiUty could teU what was wanting. On seeing Phelps, he could tell
nothing about the business I was sent for. I went with him to the Steamboat Hotel, ^
where I board ; got my dinner, and was returning to my business in Dr. R. D. Fos-
ter's effice, near the temple. On my way I was again met by this Mr. Roundy, who
informed me that the prophet had left the business with a Col. Dunham to attend to,
and that he was at the office waiting for me, and wished me to call and see him
immediately. I again asked if he knew what was wanted. He assured me did not
know. We went to the office ; Dunham was not there ; after waiting and looking

300 IIISTOEY OF HANCOCK. COUNTY.

for Duiiham about one hour, I told hira I could stay no louger. Said he, " Wait a
few minutes longer ; I have sent for Dunham, and I see the man I sent running
across the street ; he no doubt sees him, and will be here with him in a few min-
utes." Accordingly I waited some 30 or 30 minutes; they did not appear, and I
told him I must leave ; that he might tell Dmiham he could find me in Dr. Foster's
office anj' time that evening. I was in the act of leaving, when he said, "If j-ou
can not stay any longer, I must inform you that I must detain you on behalf of the
people of the State of Illinois." I asked him why he did not tell me so at first, and
not trifle with me in that way ; and ' ' Where is y oiu^ authority, and what am I
detained for ?" He replied, that he had no precept — that he was a police officer —
and by the ordinances of the city he could take me as well without as with a pre-
cept ; and that I was accused of an attempt to mm-der and rob a Sir. Badhani, who
resides some five or six miles from the city, on the Carthage road, and that the
prophet (Mayor) had told him that morning to arrest me. I asked who made the
complaint. He said if he was at Esq. Johnson's office he could tell. We went to
Esq. Johnson's office (it was now 3 o'clock p. M.) and asked for the papers. He,
Johnson, showed me a blank affidavit and warrant, and said he got word to make
out those papers this morning, and a Mr. Dunham had just left the office to fiud a
man that would swear to it ; and if he could not find him, he would retm'n and
swear to it himself. I remarked that "If Dunham could hire a man to swear to a
d — d lie, he would do so ; if not he would do it himself."

By this time there had several called to see the prisoner. I spoke freely about
their proceedings, and the power usurped by the prophet, which did uot relish so
well. The prophet was brought to set matters right. He told me why he had me
apprehended ; that he had been told I was the man, and he thought it his duty as
Mayor to have me tried ; and that they had a right to take a man without a writ in
that city ; and said he : " Jlr. Sj'mpsou, you know I am a man that keeps notliing
back. Mr. Badham has seen you, and says that you are the identical man that
stabbed and robbed him, and sent me word to have you apprehended ; which I have
done."

I was held in duress tiU seven o'clock, or a little after that time. Neither Dunham
nor the man he went after had yet retm-ued. The prophet. Smith, then made affi-
davit that he reallj- believed I was the man who stabbed and robbed Mr. Badham,
on or about the 10th of December last. The warrant was issued and served at halt-
past seven, p. m. We then went to trial. R. D. Foster, Esq., was called to assist
Esq. Johnson. Mr. and Mrs. Badham were sworn in behalf of the State. Mr.
Badham was examined first :

Question. Would you know the man, if you were to see him, that stabbed and
robbed you? Anxwer. I,would.

C. L. Higbee. Esq., pointed me out to him, and asked: Is that the man? Am.
No, nor nothing like him.

I then asked him if he had ever seen me before. He said he had no recollection
of ever having seen me. I asked him if he had sent the prophet word that he had
seen me, and that I was the man who had committed the act, and he wanted me
apprehended. An«. I never did.

Mrs. Badham testified that I was uot the man, and did not resemble him in the
least.

His Holiness, the prophet, came next, and requested to tell his story without any
questions being asked. After he got tlirough, I remarked to the Com-t that I
wanted to propound a few questions to the witness. Leave was granted.

Q. Have you the smallest particle of befief whatever, at this time, that I am the
man who committed the act with wliich I am charged ? Atis. No, sir; / have not
now, and I nevr had.

Q. Wh}' did you swear it in your affidavit ? A. 1 did not.

I replied: "You did, sir." The affidavit was then read, and he too plainly saw
that it cUd not agree with his evidence in the case. Said he, extending his hand
towards Esq. Johnson, who had just read the aflBdavit, "Give me that paper." The
Court hesitated. He asked for it again ; he said it was couched in stronger language
than he had intended to swear to.

]\Ir. Higbee, my attorney, said he hoped the Court would not give it up ; that it
was part of the record, and that Smith had no right to it. Smith then said he had
not sworn to it; that he had signed it, but the oath was uot administered to him.
(This is ■svith him and his justice, Esquire Johnson.) Smith went on to say that what

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 301

he Imd done was to befriend me — that he knew I would be honorably acquitted, and
that I woulii stand fairer than over I did. (Tlic Lord deliver me from such friends!)
I was now discharged b}' the nnigistrates.

Alexandek Sympsox.

Gen. Bennett's e.\post5 mentioned several parties by name, as
being disaffected toward the prophet. These, it is believed, never
became heartily reconciled, thouo-h they refused to " come out,"
when so strongly urged by the General. Some of these were Sid-
ney Kigdon, Bishop Marks, Geo. W. Robinson, William and Wil-
son Law, Dr. Robert D. and Charles A. Foster, and Francis M.
and Chauncey L. Higbee; also a Sylvester El^lmo^s, an attorney at
law, who was a member of the City Council, but was said to have
never been a member of the Church. None of these had ever been
fully in the prophet's confidence since the secession of Bennett;
and the breach was daily widening between them. The conduct of
young Higbee, as we have seen in the case of Sympsou, in daring
to defend a man charged by the prophet with crime, was of itself
enough to doom him to that person's displeasure. Dr. Foster had
been elected School Commissioner by Mormon votes, probably as
an inducement to keep him quiet.

During the winter and spring of ISii, the breach had widened
to the extent of organizing a new Church, and | one' was instituted
in April or May, with William Law as its President, but who dis-
claimed any prophetic attainments. It was also decided to estab-
lish a newspaper in the city, as their organ, and with which to
fight the prophet. Accordingly, in May a printing press and mate-
rials arrived by steamer from St. Lonis, and were landed and
hauled into the city and set up without molestation.

Of course, these events caused great excitement, not only in the
city among the faithful, but over the whole county. Evidently a
crisis was approaching. The lion was being bearded. In the
meantime the habeas corpus was not inactive. In May, Mr. Francis
M. Higbee, one of the seceders, commenced against the prophet a
civil action for slander, in the Hancock Circuit Court, on which a
capias was issued. On this being served b}' the Sheriff, instead of
entering bail for his appearance, as usual. Smith obtained a writ of
habeas corpusiYOva. the City Court, and was set at liberty. About
the same time, one Jeremiah Smith, an Iowa defaulter to the U. S.
Government, fled to the city for refuge, was arrested by the U. S.
Marshal, and twice released in the same wa}-, the Court rendering
a judgment for costs against the L'^nited States !

The May term of the Hancock Circuit Court commenced its
session at Carthage on the 20th. At this Court several cases
against Smith were disposed of, as follows:

Alexander Sympson vs. Joseph Smith, for false imprisonment;
change of venue to Adams county. F. M. Higbee, complainant, for
slander; C. A. Foster, complainant, for false imprisonment; and A.
Davis, complainant, for trespass, to the county of McDonough. In
addition to the four above named civil actions, two indictments were
found against him by the grand jury — one for adultery, and one

302 HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

for perjury. To the great surprise of all, on the Monday following,
the prophet appeared in Court and demanded trial on the last
named indictment. The prosecutor not being ready, a continu-
ance was entered to the next term.

In the meantime the seceders were not idle. Law boldly
denounced the prophet from the stand in the city; while the others
were busy among the people in and out of the city. The pros-
pectus for the newspaper was circulated extensively, and received
with much comment. Its title was to be the Nauvoo Expos-
itor^ and its purposes, as set forth in the prospectus, were the
Unconditional Repeal of the City Charter — To Correct the Abuses
of the TJiiit Power — To Advocate Disohedience to Political Peve-
tations, — in short, to oppose the prophet Smith, and correct the
abuses of which he was claimed to be the cause.

The paper was issued under date of June 7th. It had for its
editor Sylvester Emmons, and the names of William Law, Wilson
Law, Charles Ivins, Francis M. Iligbee, Chauncey L. Higbee,
Robert D. Foster and Charles A. Foster, as its publishers. In a
literary point of view, it exhibited no decided talent. It had evi-
dently been prepared in huny and excitement, and with no attempt
at artistic arrangement. About half of its 2-eading matter was
selected. Of its original contents, live or six columns were occu-
pied with a " Preamble, Resolutions and Affidavits of the Seceders
from the Church at iNauvoo,'' giving reasons for their action, and
making charges against Smith and his adherents. A number of
editorial articles followed, couched in strong language, but not
remarkable for abilit}' or point.

The confessed aim and purpose of this sheet were to expose the
enormities practiced by tlie prophet and his followers at Nauvoo.
And from the statements and proofs adduced, and from corrobo-
rative facts, making all due allowance for exaggeration, we are com-
pelled to accept most of them as true. Yet we can not but remem-
ber that while they were showing Joseph Smith to have been a
desperately bad man, they were, to put it in as mild a way as pos-
sible, adding little to their own characters, inasmuch as for years
they had been his supporters and defenders, and (having been in
his contidence) must have known long before that he was a cheat
and a fraud, and that all his pretensions to religion and sanctity
were false. And now that he and they had quarreled, that their
personal right had been trampled upon, that the sanctity of their
homes had been invaded, the}' rebelled and sought to put him
down. Better late than never, and better from questionable motives
than not at all, however.

Sidney Rigdon, who, taking their statements to be true, had
more reason than any to come out and denounce the prophet, still
refused, till after the prophet's death, and Brigham and the Twelve
had thrown him overboard. Did Rigdon know of Smith's vil-
lainies, after fifteen years' association with him? These seceders
gave countenance to Joseph H. Jackson, in his exposures, — a new-

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 303

comer, who, as he says, had only been in Siuitli's confidence a little
while; and Jackson pnblished that Smith had acknowledged to
him that he was a connterfeiter, that he had instigated murder, and
that the Mormon bible and golden jilates were frauds. Is it naore
likely' that Jackson would have gained the prophet's confidence
than they?

Dut the life of the t'u'jws'dor was a short one. This number was
its initial and final one. It was issued on Friday, the 7th of June,
IS-iJr, and on Saturday, the Sth, the City Council was in session,
considering what shoidd be done about it. They deliberated all
da}-, and all day Monda}', and at 6 o'clock in the evening jiassed a
resolution declaring it a nuisance, and instructing the Maj-or to
cause it to be abated, which he did about eight the same evening.

The Xauvoo J^eifjhhor had succeeded the lFas/». We have before
us an extra of that paper, containing a certified copy of the pro-
ceedings of Council on this occasion. It is due to them that their
side of the controversy should be given, and this extra fully sets
forth the reasons for their action. Besides, it should be preserved
for all time to come, as a curiosity in legal proceedings, and as
illustrating to future law-makers the nature of a nuisance, and its
proper mode of treatment. Though long, it is worthy of a place
here, and we cop}' it entire, only correcting its typography:

NAUVOO NEIGHBOR— EXTEA.

Monday Morning, June 17, 1S44.

To the Puhlic :

" As a soft breeze in a hot day mellows the air, so does the simple
truth calm the feelings of the irritated, and so we proceed to give
the proceedings of the City Council relating to the removal of the
Nauvoo Expositor as a nuisance. We have been robbed, mobbed
and plundered with impunity some two or tlu'ee times, and as every
heart is more apt to know its own sorrows, the people of Nauvoo
had ample reason, when such characters as the proprietors and abet-
tors of the Nan voo ^/y9fl«2^c>r proved to be before the City Council,
to be alarmed for their safety. The men who got up the press
were constantly engaged in resisting the authority or threatening
something. If thej' were fined an appeal was taken, but the
slander went on; and when the paper came, the course and the
plan to destroy the city was marked out. The destruction of the
City Charter and the ruin of the saints was the all commanding
topic. Our lives, our city, our Charter and our characters are just
as sacred, just as dear and just as good as other people's; and while
no friendly arm has been extended from the demolition of our press
in Jackson county, Missouri, without law, to this present day, the
City Council, with all the law of nuisance, from Blackstone down
to the Springfield Charter, knowing that if they exceeded the law
of the land, a higher court would regulate the proceedings — abated
the Nauvoo Expositor.

304 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

" The proceedings of the Council show, as sketched, that there
was cause of alarm. The people when they reflect will at once
say that the feelings and rights of men ought to be respected . All
persons otherwise, and, without recourse to justice, mercy or
humanity, to come out with inflammatory publications, destructive
resolutions, or more especially extermination, shows a want of
feeling, and a want of respect, and a want of religious toleration
that honorable men will deprecate among Americans, as they
would the pestilence, famine, or horrors of war. It can not be that
the people are so lost to virtue as to coolly go to murdering men,
women, and children. No. Candor and common sense forbid it.

For the Nei'jhhor.
" Mb. Editor : — In your last week's paper I proposed giving your
readers an account of the proceedings of the City Council, but time
forbids any thing more than a brief synopsis of the proceedings of
the Municipality of the City of Nauvoo, relative to the destruction
of the press and fixtures of the ISIauvoo Expositor.

" City Council, Regular Session,
June 8th, 1844.

" In connection with other business, as stated in last week's paper,
the Mayor reirrarked that he believed it generally the case, that
when a man goes to law, he has an unjust cause and wants to go
before some one who wants business, and that lie had very tew
cases on his docket, and referring to councilor Emmons, editor of
the Nauvoo JExjwsitor, suggested the propriety of first purging the
City Council; and referring to the character of the paper and pro-
prietors, called up Theodore Turley, a mechanic, who, being sworn,
said that the Laws (Wm. and Wilson) had brought bogus dies to
him to fix.

'' Councilor Hyrum Smith inquired what good Foster, and his
brother, and the Higbees, and Laws had ever done; while his
brother Joseph was under arrest, from the Missouri persecution,
the Laws and Foster would have been rode on a rail, if he had not
stepped forward to prevent it, on account of their oppressing the
poor.

"Mayor said while he was under arrest by writ from Gov. Carlin,
Wm. Law pursued him for $40.00 he was owing Law, and it took
the last expense money he had to pay it.

" Councilor H. Smith referred to J. H. Jackson's coming to this
city, etc. Mayor said Wm. Law had offered Jackson $500.00 to
kill him.

" Councilor H. Smith continued Jackson, told him, he (Jackson)
■ meant to have his daughter; and threatened him if he made any
resistance. Jackson related to liim a dream; that Josepli and
Hyrum were opposed to him, but that he would execute his
purposes; that Jackson had laid a plan with four or five persons
to kidnap his daughter, and threatened to shoot any one that should
come near, after he had got her into the skifl"; that Jackson was

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 306

engaged in trying to make bogus, wiiicli was his principal business, —
reterrcil to the revehition read to the High Council of the Church,
which has caused so much talk about a multiplicity* ot' wives; that
said revelation was in answer to a (juestioii concerning things
which transpired in former days, and had no reference to the present
time; that when sick, Wm. Law confessed to him that he had
been 'guilty of adultery,' and 'was not lit to live,' and had
'sinned against his own soul,' etc., and inquired who was Judge
Emmons. When he came here he had scarce two shirts to his
back, but he had been dandled by the authorities of the city, etc.,
and was now editor of the Nauvoo EcposHor, and his right-hand
man Francis M. Iligbee, who had confessed to him that he had *
****** ^* *

"Washington Peck sworn: — Said soon after Joseph H. Jackson
came here, he came to witness to borrow money, which witness
loaned him, and took some jewelry as security. Soon after, a man
from across the river came after the I'ewelry; Jackson had stolen
the jewelry from him. At another time, wanted to get naoney of
witness; asked witness if he would do any thing dishonorable to get
a living. Witness said he would not. Jackson said witness was a
damned fool, for he could get a living a deal easier than he was
then doing by making bogus, and some men high in the Church
were engaged in the business. Witness asked if it was Joseph. ' No,'
said Jackson, '1 dare not tell it to Joseph.' Witness understood
him the Laws were engaged in it. Jackson said he would be the
death of witness, if he ever went to Joseph or any one else to tell
what he had said.

''Ordered by the Council that Sylvester Emmons be suspended
\intil his case could be investigated for slandering the City Council;
that the Recorder notify him of his suspension, and that his case
would come up for investigation at the next regular session of the
Council. [The order is in the hands of the Marshal.]

" Councilor J. Taylor said that Councilor Emmons helped to
make the ordinances of the city, and had never lifted his voice
against them in the Council, and was now trjdng to destroy the
ordinances and the charter.

"Lorenzo Wasson, sworn : — Said Joseph H. Jackson told witness
that bogus-making was going on in the city; but it was too
damned small business. Wanted witness to hel]3 him to procure
money, for the General (Smith) was afraid to go into it, and with
8500 he could get an engraving for bills on the bank of Missouri,
and one on the State of New York, and could make money; said
many times witness did not know him; believed the General had
been telling witness something. ' God damn him, if he has I will
kill him,' — swoi'e he would kill any man that should prove a traitor
to him. Jackson said if he could get a company of men to suit
him, he would go into the frontiers and live by highway robbery;
had got sick of the world.

"Mayor suggested that the Council pass an ordinance to prevent

306 HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

misrepresentation and libelous publications, and conspiracies
against the peace of the city; and referring to the reports that
L)r. Foster had set afloat, said he had never made any proposals to
Foster to come back to the Church. Foster proposed to come back ;
came to Mayor's house and wanted a private interview; had some
conversation witli Foster in the Hall, in presence of several gentle-
men, on the 7th inst.; offered to meet him and have an interview
in presence of friends, three or four to be selected by each partj',
which Foster agreed to; and went to bring his friends for the inter-
view, and the next notice he had of him was the following letter:

"'June 7, 18ii.
"'To Gen. J. Smith:

" ^Sir — I have consulted my friends in relation to your proposals
of settlements, and they as well as myself are of the opinion that
your conduct and that of your unwurth}', unprincipled clan is so
base that it would be morally wrong and detract from the dignity
of gentlemen to hold any conference with you. The repeated in-
sults and abuses, I, as well as my friends, have suftered from your
unlawful course towards us demands honorable resentment. "We
are resolved to make this our motto; nothing on our part has been
done to provoke your anger, but have done all things as become
men; you have trampled upon everything we hold dear and sacred,
you have set all law at defiance and profaned the name of the Most
High to carry out your danmable purposes, and I have nothing
more to fear from you than j'ou have ali-eady threatened; and I as
well as my friends will stay here and maintain and magnify the law
as long as we stay; and we are resolved never to leave until we sell
or exchange our property that we have here. The proposals made
by your agent, Dimick Huntington, as well as the threats you sent
to intimidate me, I disdain and despise as I do their unhallowed
author. The rights of my family and my friends demand at my
hand a refusal of all your offers; we are united in virtue and truth,
and we set hell at deliance and all her agents. Adieu.

" 'R D. Foster.

'''Gen. J. Smith:

"Mayor continued: — And when Foster left his house, he went to
a shoe shop on the hill and reported that ' Joseph said to him if
he would come back he would give him Law's place in the Church
and a hat full of specie.'

"Lucien Woodworth sworn: — Said that the conversation as stated
by the Mayor was correct; was at the Mansion June 7th when Dr.
Foster rode up and inquired if Gen. Smith was at home. Dr. Fos-
ter went into the house; witness followed. Dr. Foster was there,
the General and others looking at some specimens of penman-
ship; something was said respecting a conversation at that time
between the General and Doctor. Gen. Smith observed to Foster,
if he had a conversation he would want others present. The Doctor

niSTOliY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 307

said he would have a word with him by liiiiiself, and went into tiie
hail. Witness went to the door that he might see and hear what
was passing. They still continued to talk on the sul)ject of a con-
versation that they might have afterwards with others present,
whom Mr. Smith might ehoi»se and Foster might choose. Foster
left, and went for them that he said he wanted ]iresent, and would
return soon with them; thinks he heard all the conversation; heard
nothing about Gen. Smith's making any offers to Foster to settle;
was present all the time. Dimick Huntington said he had seen
Foster and talked with him.

" Mayor said he wished it distinctly understood that he knew
nothing about Dimick Huntington going to see Foster.

" Woodworth said he sent Dimick Huntington to Foster, and
Joseph knew nothing about it.

" Councilor H. Smith said Dimick Huntington came to him on
the 7th inst., and said he had had an interview with Dr. Foster, and
thought he was about ready to come back, and a word from him to
Joseph would bring it about.

" Ma^-or said the conduct of such men and such papers are cal-
culated to destroy the peace of the city, and it is not safe that such
things should exist, on account of the mob spirit which they tend
to produce; he had made the statements he had, and called the
witnesses to prepare the Council to act in the case.

" Emmons was blackguarded out of Philadelphia, and dubbed with
the title of Judge (as he had understood from the citizens of Phila-
delphia), was ppor, and Mayor helped him to cloth for a coat before
he went away last fall, and he labored all winter to get the post-
office from Mr. Eigdon (as informed).

" Mayor referred to a writing from Dr. Goforth, showing that the
Laws presented the communication from the 'Female lielief So-
ciety,' in the Xauvoo Ne'iglihoi\ to Dr. Goforth, as the bone of con-
tention^ and said, 'If God ever spake by any man, it will not be five
years before this city is in ashes and we in our graves, unless we go
to Oregon, California, or some other place, if the city does not put
down everything which tends to mobocracy, and put down their
murderers, bogus-makers and scoundrels;' all the sorrow he ever had
in his family has arisen through the influence of Wm. Law.

" C. H. Smith spoke in i-elation to the Laws, Fosters, Higbees,
editor of the Signal, etc., and of the importance of suppressing that
spirit which has driven us from Missouri, etc.; that he would go
in for an effective ordinance.

" Mayor said at the time Gov. Carlin was pursuing him with his
writs, Wm. Law came to his house with a band of Missourians, for
the purpose of betraying him; came to his gate, and was prevented
by Daniel Cairns, who was set to watch. Law came within his
gate and called Mayor, and the Maj'or reproved Law for coming at
that time of night, with a company of strangers.

" Daniel Cairns sworn: — Said that about 10 o'clock at night a boat
came up the river, with about a dozen men. Wm. Law came to

308 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

the ^ate with them, witness on guard. Stopped them. Law called
Joseph to the door and wanted an interview. Joseph said, 'Bro.
Law, 3'ou know better than to come here at this hour of the night;'
and Law retired. Next morning Law wrote a letter to apologize,
which witness heard read, which was written apparently to screen
himself from the censure of a conspiracy, and the letter betrayed a
conspiracy on the face of it.

"Adjourned at half-past 6 F. M. till Monday, 10th, at 10 o'clock
A. M.

"adjourned session.

"June 10th, 10 o'clock A. M.

"Alderman Harris presiding.

" Mayor referred to Dr. Foster, and again read his letter of the
7th inst. (as before quoted.)

" Cyrus Hills, a stranger, sworn: — Said one day last week, be-
lieved it Wednesday, a gentleman whom witness did not know
came into the sitting-room of the Nauvoo Mansion, and requested
the Hon. Ma3'or to step aside, he wanted to speak with him. Mayor
stepped through the door into the entry by the foot of the stairs,
and the Gen. (Mayor) asked him what he wished. Foster, as wit-
ness learned since was the gentleman's name, said he wanted some
conversation on some business witness did not understand at the
time. The Gen. refused to go any farther, and said he would have
no conversaticu in private; what should be said should be in public;
and told Foster if he would choose three or four men, he would
meet him with the same number of men, among whom was his
brother Hyrum, and they would have a cool and calm investiga-
tion of the subject, and by his making a proper satisfaction, things
should be honorably adjusted. Witness judged from the manner
in which Foster expressed himself that he agreed to the Mayor's
proposals, and would meet him the same day, in presence of friends.
Heard no proposals made by Mayor to Foster for settlement, heard
nothing about any offers of dollars, or money, or any other offer
except those mentioned before; nothing said about Wm. Law; was
within hearing of the parties at the time conversation was going on.

" 0. P. Rockwell sworn : — Some day last week, said Dr. Foster
I'ode up to the Xauvoo Mansion and went in; witness went in, and
found the Mayor and Dr. Foster in conversation. Gen. Smith was
naming the men he would have present, among whom was Hyrum
Smith, Wra. Marks, Lucien Woodworth and Peter Hawes, and Dr.
Foster had leave to call an equal number of his friends, as wit-
ness understood, for the purpose of having an interview on some
matters in conversation.

"The doctor's brother was proposed; Gen. said he had no objec-
tions; wanted him present. Dr. Foster started, saying he would
be back shortly. Before Dr. F. left, the men whom Gen. Smith
had named to be pi-esent at the conversation were sent for.

niSTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 309

" Cross-examined. — Witness went into the house as Mayor and
Dr. Foster were coming out of tlie bar-room into the hall; nothing
said by the Mayor to Dr. Foster about his coming back; made no
offer to Foster about a settlement.

"Mayor said the first thing that occurred wiien he stepped into
the hall with Foster, was that he wanted to assassinate him; he
saw something shining below his vest; TMayor put his tinger on it
and said, ' WJtat is thatP Foster re])lied, '■It is my pistol,'' and
immediately took out the ])istol and showed it openly, and wanted
the Mayor to go with him alone. Mayor said he would not go
alone. Mayor never saw the pistol before; had a hook on its side,
to hang on his waistcoat.

"Andrew L. Lamaraux sworn: — Said that in 1839 or '40, while
President Joseph Smith, Elder Eigdon, Judge Higbee, O. P.
Rockwell and Dr. R. D. Foster, on their way to Washington,
called at witness' house in Dayton,'Ohio; the evening was spent
very agreeably, except some dissatisfaction on the part of certain
females with regard to the conduct of Dr. Foster. On their return
from Washington, witness informed President Smith of Foster's
conduct. President Smith said he had frequently reproved Foster
for such conduct, and he had promised to do better, and told wit-
ness to reprove Foster if he saw anj'thing out of the way. That
evening Foster refused to join the company, and walked through the
town till about S o'clock, when he came in and interrupted President
Smith, who was expounding some passages of scriptures, and
changed the conversation. Soon after the company was invited to
Mr. Brown's at the next door, whither they all repaired. While
at Mr. Brown's, conversation going on, and the room mucli
crowded. Dr. Foster and one of the hidies he had paid so much
attention to before, took their seats in one corner of the room.
Witness heard her state to Dr. Foster that she supposed she had
been en ceinte 'iov somQ time back, but had been disappointed, and
supposed it was on account of her weakness, and wanted Foster to
prescribe something for her. Foster said he could do it for her,
and dropped his hand to her feet, and began to raise it, she gave
him a slight push and threw herself close to the wall.

•' He laid his hand on her knee, and whispered so low that witness
could not hear. Next morning witness went in while Foster and
others were at brealcfast, and related what he liad seen. Foster
denied it. President Smith told him not to deny it, for he saw it
himself and was ashamed of it. Foster confessed it was true, and
promised to reform.

" Peter Hawes sworn: — Said that he had come to Nauvoo before
the Laws and brought considerable property; it was a short time
after the Church had been driven out of Missouri, and had arrived
in this place. The families having been robbed of all in Missouri
were in a starving condition. By the counsel of the Presidency,
witness converted his funds to feeding the poor, bringing in meat
and flour, etc., and wliile thus engaged drew upon the Laws, who

310 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COCNTT.

were at that time engaged in merchandise, to the amount of some
six liundred dollars, which, on account of exijenditure for the poor,
he was not able to pay, to within some 70 or SO dollars, which
they pressed him for as soon as they wanted it, although he ofl'ered
them good property at considerable less than the market value.
As witness was obliged to leave the city on Church business for a
little season, Wm. Law threatened and intimidated witness' family
during his absence for the pay.

" Dr. Foster made a public dinner on the 4th of July. Witness
was obliged to be absent, and deposited meat, flour, etc., withWrn.
Law, to give to the poor at that dinner, and Law handed it out as
his own private property. Witness carried a load of wheat to
Law's mill to be ground. Law would not grind it only to give a
certain (Quantity of flour in return by weight. Law used up the
flour, promising from time to time he would refund it. As wit-
ness was about to start on a mission to the South, with valise in
hand, saw Law before his door, talking with Hyrum Smith; called
on Law and told him he was going away, and his family wanted
the flour: Law promised on the honor of a gentleman and a saint,
his family should have the flour when they wanted.

" Councilor -H. Smith said he recollected the time and circum-
stance.

" Hawes said when he returned, found his family mnst have
starved if they had not borrowed money to get food somewhere
else — could not get it of Law. And Law was preaching 2nmc-
tuality, PUNCTUALITY, PUNCTUALITY, as the whole drift of his
discourses to the saints; and abusing them himself all the time,
and grinding the poor.

"Mayor said if he had a City Council who felt as he did, the
establishment (referring to the Nauvoo Expositor) would be a
nuisance before night; and he then read an editorial from the
Nauvob Expositor. He then asked, ' Who ever said a word
against Judge Emmons nntil he has attacked this Council, or even
against Joseph H. Jackson or the Laws, until they came out
against the city? Here is a paper (Nauvoo Expositor') that is
exciting our enemies abroad. Joseph H. Jackson has been proved
a murderer before this Council.' He declared the paper a nui-
sance, a greater nuisance than a dead carcass. They make a crimi-
nalitj- for a man to have a wife on the earth, while he has one in
heaven, according to the keys of the holy Priesthood; and he then
read a statement of William Law's from the Expositor., where the
truth of God was transformed into a lie concerning this thing.
He then read several statements of Austin Cowles in \X\q Expositor
concerning a private interview, and said he never had any private
conversation with Austin Cowles on these subjects; that he
preached on the stand from the Bible, showing the order in ancient
days, liaving nothing to do with the present times. What the
opposition party want, is to raise a mob on us and take the spoil
from us, as they did in Missouri. He said it was as much as he

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 311

could do to keep his clerk, Tlioinpsoii, from publishing the proceed-
ings of the Laws, and causing the people to rise up against them,
Said he would rather die to-morrow and have the thing smashed,
than live and have it go on, for it was exciting the spirit of moboc-
racy among the people and bringing death and destruction upon
us.

"Peter Hawes recalled a circumstance, which he had forgotten to
mention, concerning a Mr. Smith who came from England and
soon after died. The children had no one to protect them ; there
was one girl 16 or 17 years old and a younger sister. Witness
took these girls into his tamily out of pity. Wilson Law, then
Major-General of the JXauvoo Legion, was familiar with the eldest
daughter. AVitness cautioned the girl. Wilson was soon there
again and went out in the evening with the girl, wlio, when
charged by witness's wife, confessed that Wilson Law had seduced
her. Wilson told her he could not keep her. The girl wept,
made much ado, and many promises. Witness told her if she
would do right she niight stay; but she did not keep her promise.
Wilson came again and she went out with him. Witness required
her to leave his house.

" Mayor said certain women came to complain to his wife, that
they had caught Wilson Law w'ith the girl on the floor at Mr.
Hawes' in the night.

" Councilor C. H. Smith proceeded to show the falsehood of
Austin Cowles in the Expositor^ in relation to the revelation
referred to, that it was in reference to former days, and not the
present time, as related by Cowles.

'• Mayor said he had never preached the revelation in private,
as he had in public; had not taught it to the anointed in the
Church in private, which statement many present confirmed, that
on inquiring concerning the passage in the resurrection concerning
'they neither marry nor are given in marriage,' etc., he
recei\-ed for answer, ' Men in this life must marry in view of
eternitj', otherwise they must remain as angels, or be single in
heaven, which was the amount of the revelation referred to; ' and
the Mayor spoke at considerable length in explanation of this
principle and was willing for one to subscribe his name, to declare
the Expositor and whole eetablishmeut a nuisance.

2 o'clock P. M.
" The Clerk of the Council bore testimony to the good character
and high standing of Mr. Smith and his family, whose daughter
was seduced by Wilson Law, as stated by the last witness before
the morning Council; that Mrs. Smith died near the mouth of the
Mississippi, and the father and eldest daughter died soon after
their arrival in this place; and that the seduction of such a youth-
ful, fatherless and innocent creature by such a man in high stand-
ing as the Major-General of the Nauvoo Legion was one of the
darkest, damndest and foulest deeds on record.

312 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

" Gomicilor Hyrum Smith concurred in the remarks made by
the clerk concerning the excellent character of Mr. Smith and his
family.

" Mayor said the Constitution did not authorize the press to
publish libels, and proposed that the Council make some provision
for putting down the Nauvoo Expositor.

" Councilor Hyrum Smith called for a prospectus of the Expos-
itor.

" Councilor Phelps read article 8, section 1, Constitution of
Illinois.

" Mayor called for the Charter.

" The Clerk read the prospectus of the Nauvoo Expositor.

"Mayor read the statements of Francis M. Higbee from the
Expositor and asked, 'Is it not treasonable against all chartered
rights and privileges, and against the peace and happiness of the

''Councilor H. Smith was in tavor of declaring the Expositor a.
nuisance.

"Councilor Taylor said no city on earth would bear such slan
and he would not bear it, and was decidedly in favor of active
measures.

"Mayor made a statement of what Wm. Law said before.the City
Council under oath, that he was a friend to the Mayor, etc., etc., and
asked if there were any present who recollected his statement,
when scores i-esponded. Yes!

"Councilor Hunter was one of the grand jury; said Wm. Law
stated before the grand jury that he did not say to the Council that
he was Jose]ih's friend.

" Councilor Taylor continued: ' Wilson Law was President of
this Coimcil during the passage of many ordinances, and referred
to the Records. Wm. Law and Emmons were members of the
Council; and Emmons has never objected to any ordinance while
in the Council; but has been more like a cipher, and is now become
editor of a libelous paper, and is trying to destroy ouk charter and
ordinances.'

" He then read from the Constitution of the United States on the
freedom of the press, and said, ' We are willing tliey should pub-
lish the truth; but it is unlawful to publish lil)els; the Expositor
is a nuisance and stinks in the nose of every honest man.'

"Mayor read from Illinois Constitution, article S, section 2,
touching the responsibility of the press for its Constitutional
liberty.

" Councilor Stiles said a nuisance was any thing that disturbs
the peace of a community, and read Blackstone on Private Wrongs,
vol. ii, page 4; and the whole community has to rest under the
stigma of these falsehoods, referring to the Expositor\ and if we
can prevent the issuing of any more slanderous communications,
he would go in for it. It is right for this community to show a

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 313

proper resentment, and he would go in for suppressing all further
coinniunications of the kind.

"Councilor II. Smith believed the best way was to smash the
press and ' ]n ' the type.

"Councilor Johnson concurred with the Councilor who had
spoken.

"Alderman Bennett referred to the statement of the Expositor
concerning the Municipal Court in the case of Jeremiah Smith as
a libel, and considered the paper a public nuisance.

" Councilor Warrington considered his a peculiar situation, as
he did not belong to any Chnrch or an}' part}'; thought it might
be considered rather harsh for the Council to declare the paper a
nuisance, and proposed giving a few days' limitation and assessing
a fine of $3,000 for every libel, and if they would not cease pub-
lishing libels, to declare it a nuisance, and said the statutes made a
provision for a fine of $500.

" Mayor replied that thej' threatened to shoot him when at Car-
thage, and the women and others dare not go to Carthage to pros-
ecute; and read a libel from the Expositor concerning the impris-
onment of Jeremiah Smith.

" Councilor H. Smith spoke of the Warsaw Signal and disap-
proved its libelous course.

" Mayor remarked he was sorry to have one dissenting voice in
declaring the Expositor a nuisance.

" Councilor Warrington did not mean to be understood to go
against the proposition; but would not be in haste in declaring it
a nuisance.

"Councilor H. Smith referred to the mortgages and property of
the proprietors of the Expositor and thought there would be little
chance of collecting damages for libels.

" Alderman E. Smith considered there was but one course to
pursue; that the proprietors were out of the reach of the law; that
our course was to put an end to the thing at once; believed, by
what he had heard, that if the city did not do it, others would.

" Councilor Hunter believed it to be a nuisance; referred to the
opinion of Judge Pope on habeas corpus^ and spoke in favor of the
charter, etc.; asked Francis M. Higbee before the grand jury if
he was not the man he saw at Joseph's house making professions
of friendship; Higbee said he was, not [hundreds know this state-
ment to be false] ; he also asked R. D. Foster if he did not state
before hundreds of people that he believed Joseph to be a prophet;
' No,' said Foster. They were under oath when they said it.
[Many hundreds of people are witness to this perjury.]

"Alderman Spencer accorded with the views expressed, that the
Nauvoo Expositor is a nuisance; did not consider it wise to give
them time to trumpet a thousand lies. Their property could not
pay for it; if we pass only a fine or imprisonment, have we any con-
fidence that thej- will desist? None at all! We have found these
men covenant-breakers with God! with their wives ! ! etc. Have

314 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNIY.

we any hope of their doing better? Their cliaracters have gone be-
fore them; shall they be suifered to go on, and bring a mob upon
us and murder our women and children, and burn our beautiful
city? No! I had rather my blood would be spilled at once, and
would like to have the press removed as soon as the ordinance
would allow, and wish the matter might be put into the hands of
the Mayor, and everybody stand by him in the execution of his
duties, and hush every murmur.

" Councilor Levi Richards said he had felt deeply on this sub-
ject, and concurred fully in the view General Smith had 'expressed
of it this day;' thought it unnecessary to repeat what the Council
perfectly understood; considered private interest as nothing in com-
parison'with the public good. Every time a line was formed in the
far West he was there, for what? To defend it against just such
scoundrels and influence as the Nauvoo Expositor and its support-
ers were directly calculated to bring against us again. Considered
the doings of the Council this day of immense moment, not to this
city alone, but to the whole world; would go in to put a stop to the
thing at once; let it be thrown out of this city, and the responsi-
bilit}' of countenancing such a press be taken ofl' our shoulders and
fall on the State if corrupt enough to sustain it.

" Councilor Phineas Eichards said that he had not forgotten the
transactions at Haun's Mills, and that he recollected that his son,
George Spencer, then lay in the well referred to, on the day pre-
vious, without a winding-sheet, shroud, or coffin. He said he could
not sit still when he saw the same spirit raging in this place; he
considered the publication of the Expositor as much murderous at
heart as David was before the death of Uriah. Was for making a
short work of it; was prepared to take his stand by the Mayor, and
whatever he proposes, would stand by him to the last. The quicker
it is stopped the better.

"Councilor Phelps had investigated the Constitution, Charter,
and laws; the power to declare that office a nuisance is granted to
us, in the Springfield charter, and a resolution declaring it a
nuisance is all that is required.

"John Birney sworn: — Said Francis M. Higbee and Wm. Lftw
declared they had commenced their ojserations and would carry
them out, law or no law.

"Stephen Markhara sworn: — Said that Francis M. Higbee said
the interest of this city is done the moment a hand is laid on theii'
press.

" Councilor Phelps continued, and referred to Wilson Law in
destroying the character of a child, an orphan child, who had the
charge of another child.

"Warren Smith sworn: — Said F. M. Higbee came to him and
proposed to have him go in as a partner in making bogus money.
Higbee said he would not work for a living; that witness might go
in with him if he would advance fifty dollars, and showed him
(witness) a half dollar he said was made in his dies.

/im f^

f^)

La Ha^pe Tp.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 317

" Councilor Phelps continued, and said he felt deeper tliis day
than ever he felt before, and wanted to know, by ' Yes,' if there
were any present who wanted to avenge the blood of that innocent
female who liad been seduced by the then Major-General of the
Nauvoo Legion, Wilson Law, when ' Yes ' resounded from every
quarter of the house. He then referred to the tea plot at Boston,
and asked if anybody's rights were taken away with that trans-
action, and 'Are we offering, or have we offered to take away the
rights of any one tiiese two days?' {No!!! resounded from every
quarter.) He then referred also to Law's grinding the poor during
the scarcity of grain, while the poor had nothing but themselves to
grind; and spoke at great length in support of active measures to
put down iniquity aud suppress the spirit of mobocracy.

'' Alderman Harris spoke from the chair, and expressed his
feelings that the press ought to be demolished.

" The following resolution was then read and passed unanimously,
with the exception of Councilor Warrington:

Resolved, By the City Council of the City of Nauvoo, that the printing office
from whence issues the Nauvoo Expositor is a public nuisance, and also all of said
Nauvoo Ei-positcn which may be or exist in said estabUshment; and^ the Mayor is
instructed to cause said printing estabUshment and papers to be removed without
delaj', in such manner as he shall direct.

Passed June 10th, 1844. Geo. W. Harris, Prest. pro tem.

W. RicHAEDS, Recorder.

6 o'clock, p. m., Council adjourned.

This certifies that the foregoing is a true and correct synopsis of the proceedings
of the City Council of the City of Nauvoo, on the 8th and 10th days of June, isfi,
in relation to the Nauvoo Expositor and proprietors, as taken from the minutes of
said Coimcll.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand,
[l. s.] and the corporation seal, at Nauvoo, this 17th day of

June, 1844.

WiLLARD Richards,
Recorder and Clerk of the City Council.

The following order was immediately issued by the Mayor:

STATE OF ILLINOIS,).

CiTT OF Nacvoo. \ To the ULirshnl of said City, Greeting:
You are hereby commanded to destroy the printing press from whence issues the
Nauvoo Expositor, and pi the tyjie of said printing establishment in the street, and
burn aU the Expositors and libelous hand-bills found in said establishment; and if
resistance be offered to your execution of this order, by the owners or others,
demolish the house, and if any one threatens you, or the Mayor, or the ofBcers of the
City, arrest those who threaten you and fail not to execute this order without delay
and make due return hereon.
By order of the City Council.

Joseph Smith, Mayor.
Marshal's return — The within named press and type is destroyed and pied
according to order, on this 10th day of June, 1844, at about 8 o'clock, p. m.

J. P. Green, C. M.

Headquarters Naitvoo Legion,)
June 10, 1844. ;

To Jonathan Biinham, acting Mojor-Generol of the Nauvoo Legion:

You are hereby commanded to hold the Nauvoo Legion in readiness, forthwith
to execute the City ordinances, and especially to remove the printing establishment

318 HISTOEY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

of the Nauvoo Expositor-, aud this you are required to do at sight, under the penalty
of the laws; provided the JIarshal shall require it, and need your services.

Joseph Smith, Lieut. -General Nauvoo Legion.

PKOOLAMATION.

Mayor's Office, Nacvoo, June 16, 184:4.

" As there are a number of statetnents in circulation which have
for their object the injury of the ' Latter-Day Saints,' all of which
are false, and prompted by black-hearted villians, I therefore
deem it my duty to disabuse the public mind in regard to them,
and to give a plain statement of facts which have taken place in the
citv within a few days past, and which has brought upon us the
dis'pleasure of the unprincipled and the uninformed, and seems to
afford an opportunity to our enemies to unite and arouse themselves
to mob; aud alreadj- they have commenced their hellish operations
by driving a ^Q\y defenseless Mormons from their houses and homes
in the vicinity of AVarsaw and Carthage.

" A short time since a press was started in this city which had
for its object the destruction of the institutions of the city, both
civil and religious; its proprietors are a set of unprincipled scoun-
drels, who attempted in every conceivable way to defame the char-
acter of the most virtuous of our community, and change cur
peaceful and prosperous city into a place as evil aud polluted as their
own black hearts. To rid the city of a paper so filthy and pesti-
lential as this, becomes the duty of every good citizen who loves
good order and morality; a complaint was made before the City
Council, and after a full and impartial investigation it was voted,
without one dissenting voice, a public nuisance, and to be imme-
diately destroj'ed; the peace aud happiness of tlie place demanded
it, the virtue of our wives and daughters demanded, and our con-
sciences demanded it at our hands as conservators of the public
peace. That we acted right in this matter we have the assurance
of one of the ablest expounders of the laws of England, viz.: Biack-
' stone, tlie Constitution of the State of Illinois, and our own
chartered rights. If then our charter gives us the power to decide
what shall be a nuisance and cause it to be removed, where is the
ofl'ense? What law is violated? If then no law has been violated,
why this ridiculous excitement and bandying with lawless ruffians
to destroy the happiness of a people whose religious motto is
' peace and good will toward all men V

" Our city is infested with a set of blacklegs, counterfeiters and
debauchees, and that the proprietors of this press were of that class,
the minutes of the Municipal Court fully testify, and in ridding
our young and flourishing city of such characters, we are abused
by not only villainous demagogues, but by some who, from their
station and influence in society, ought rather to raise than depress
the standard of human excellence. We have no disturbance or
excitement among us, save what is made by the thousand and one
idle rumors afloat in the country. Every one is protected in his

HISTOUY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 319

person and ])ropertv, and but few cities of a population of twenty
thousand people, in the United States, hath less of dissipation or
vice of any kind, than the city of Nauvoo.

"Of the correctness of our conduct in this affair, we appeal to
every high Court in the State, and to its ordeal we are willing to
appear at any time that His Excellency, Governor Ford, shall please
to call us before it. I therefore, in behalf of the Municipal Court
of Nauvoo, warn the lawless not to be precipitate in any interfer-
ence in our affairs, for as sure as there is a Cod in Israel we shall
ride ti'iuniphant over all oppression.

"Joseph Smith, Mayor."

It was stated at the time, that the brotliers, Joseph and Hyruin,
■were occasionally, during tlie two days' discussion in the Council,
highly excited, and indulged in violent language. The former is
reported to have vehemently exclaimed: " If you will not stick
by me, and wade to your knees in Hood, for my sake, you may go
to h — I and he d — d, and I will go and build another city!" Hj-runi
is reported to have used this ironical language: " We had better
send a message to Long-nosed Sharp that if he does not look out,
he might be visited with a pinch of snuff that will make him
sneeze!" And continued: "If any person will go to Warsaw
boldly, in daylight, and break the press of the Signal office with a
sledge hammer, I will bear him out in it, if it costs me a farm. He
could only be taken with a warrant at any rate, and what good
would that do?"

Of course such language would not do to be reported in the
organ. It is proper, however, to state that Hyrum and his friends
made emphatic denial of having uttered threats against the Signal
or its editor.

The foregoing report in the extra is to be taken as conclusive ol
the reasons for the destruction of the press. When analyzed they
resolve themselves into this: Emmons was poor when he came to
the cit3', with only two shirts to his back; the Laws oppressed the
poor, by adhering to their rules in grinding, and they had dunned
the prophet for money due; Dr. Foster had been too intimate with
a sister in Ohio, and besides had written the Mayor a sauc}' letter;
Wilson Law had seduced another sister; they had all misrepre-
sented the spiritual-wife doctrine; and all this amounted to treason
and rebellion against the independent sovereignt}' and kingdom of
Nauvoo; and, therefore, their printing press was a nuisance, and
must be destroyed. Even in this the Mayor transcended the
authority given him by the Council. The resolution instructed him
to abate the nuisance by removal; he issued his order to the City
Marshal to destroy the press and pi the types in the street, and, if
necessary, demolish the house, and arrest all who oppose.

the atonement.

The city was now at fever heat. The seceders all left, and
repairing to the caunty seat, procured writs for all engaged in the

320 HISTOKT OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

destruction of the press, on the charge of riot. These writs were
placed in the hands of an officer, who, with a posse, went to the city
and arrested a nuniber of persons charged. The habeas corpus was
again applied, and they were "honorably discharged!"

" Meanwhile the whole county was in commotion. Public meet-
ings were held at various points, and the people called to arm for
the approaching crisis. The following resolutions were adopted at
"Warsaw and afterward at Carthage, by acclamation:

Resolved, That the time, in our opinion, has arrived, when the adherents of Smith
as a body should be driven from the sm-rounding settlements into Nauvoo. That
the prophet and his miscreant adherents should then be demanded at their hands,
and if not smrendered, a "war of extermination should be waged to their entire
destruction, if necessary for our protection.

Resolved, That every citizen arm himself to be prepared to sustain the resolutions
herein contained.

It is proper here to state that there were at this time and even
afterward while the Mormons remained, four classes of citizens in
the county: 1. The Mormons themselves; 2. A class called Jack-
Mormons, who, not members of the church, adhered to and sus-
tained them for mercenary or political gain; 3. Old citizens who
were Anti-Mormons at heart, but who refused to countenance anj'
but lawful measures for redress of grievances; and i. Anti-Mor-
mons who. now that the crisis had come, advocated " war and exter-
mination." Some of the third class were denounced as Jacks, by
the extremists; though the great body of them acted throughout
with the foitrth class, in all but their extreme measures.

All over the county men were arming, organizing and drilling,
havinw been notified by the officers that the posse comitatus
would be called out to assist in making the arrests. A great want
existed in the absence of arms and ammunition. Agents were seut
to Qnincy, to St. Louis and other places. At St. Louis a cannon
and a lot of ammunition were procured and brought to Warsaw.
The authorities of the town voted SLOOO for supplies. A deputa-
tion having been sent to Gov. Ford, at Springfield, he decided to
visit the county in person, and judge for himself.

In much that follows regai-ding the death of the Smiths, and the
events leading thereto and subsequent, we condense from Ford's
History, correcting his evident mistakes, and his many distortions
of facts in order to make a case against the old citizens.

Upon the Governor's arrival at Carthage he found an armed force
collected and collecting, while another was assembling at Warsaw.
Gen. Deming had also called for the militia of McDonough and
Schuyler counties. The Governor at once placed all the troops
under orders and under command of their proper officers. He
next summoned tlie Mayor and City Council of Nauvoo to present
their side of the question, which they did, through a committee
sent to him. After some considerable delay and indecision as to
what course to pursue, "a force of ten men was sent with the
constable to make the arrest and to guard the prisoners to head-

HISTOKV OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 321

quarters." The officer made the arrests of the Maj'orand Council-
ors, who signitied their willingness to accoinpan>' him to Carthage
at eight o'clock next morning. Eight o'clock came, but the
accused failed to appear, and the pos>>e marched back to Carthage
witliout them.

This incensed the Governor; he blamed the officer for coming
M-ithout them, very unjustly. The officer knew better than His
Excellenc}' the ways of the accused. He knew if they had intend-
ed submission, they would have ]ireseuted themselves at the time;
and that if they did not, -aw officer and ten men would iind it an up-
hill business to hunt out and bring away an equal number, from
the midst of two or three thousand armed men.

Next the Governor demanded that the State arms in possession
of the Legion should be delivered up; and they delivered three
pieces of cannon and 220 stand of small arms, of 300 which had
been distributed to it by Quarter-Master General Bennett.

The surrender of the chiefs being insisted on, on the 2ith the
prophet, his brother Hyrum, some members of the City Council,
and othei-s, came in and surrendered to the officer holding the
writs, and voluntarily entered into recognizances to appear at
court.

In the mean time a new warrant charging Joseph and Hyrum
with treason had been issued, and they were again arrested b}' the
constable. The charge of treason was based on the alleged fact of
levying war against the State, by declaring martial law, and order-
ing out the legion to resist the execution of the laws. Here
historian Ford, in order to find fault with the Hancock people,
gives us a new and uovel definition of treason. He says:

Their actual guiltiness of the charge would depend upon circumstances. If their
opponents had been seeking to put the law in force in good faith, and nothing more,
then an array of military force in open resistance to the posse C(>mrt<(?«s and the
militia of the State, most probably would have araomited to treason. But if those
opponents mainly intended to use the process of the law, the militia of the State,
and the posse comitatus, as cat's-paws to compass the possession of their persons for
the purpose of murdering them afterward, as the sequel demonstrated the fact to be,
it might well be doubted whether they were guilty of treason. — [Ford's Hist. III.,
p. 337.

So that treason, instead of depending upon the acts and inten-
tions of the person charged, is to be measured by the! acts and
intentions of others. It is a principle of law that intention must
be taken into account; but it comes strangely from the Governor
of a State, that to constitute crime, the intentions of the people
who are endeavoring to bring a criminal to justice, rather than his
own, are to be considered. But by what process does Gov. Ford
so summarily arrive at the intentions of those he styles the "oppo-
nents" of the Mormon leaders? "5

Neither party being prepared for the examination on the charge
of treason, .the Smiths were committed to the county jail for greater
security.

322 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY .

The Governor now decided to march his force into Nauvoo, but
does not seem to have had any clearly defined purpose in so doing.
Tlie morning of the 27tli was fixed on for tlie march, and on the
26th word was sent to tlie troops at Warsaw to meet liim and the
main body at Golden's Point, about seven miles from the city;
but on the 27th he wavered in his intention of going with a force
into the city, and called a council of oificers to consult. A small
majority voted in favor of going, but the Governor took the respons-
ibility, and ordered the troops disbanded, excepting three compa-
nies, two to remain at Carthage, and one to accompany himself
and a few friends to Nauvoo. Word to this effect was sent to the
Warsaw troops, who were already on the march; and they were
met by the messenger on the pi-airie before reaching Golden's
Point. Here, much to their dissatisfaction, the officer disbanded
them. After disbanding, many returned home, while a portion
lingered, and final]}' straggled east toward Carthage. The two
companies left to guard the jail were placed under command of
Capt. Smith, of the Carthage Greys, his own company being one
of them.

" Having ordered the guard, and left Gen. Deming in command
in Carthage, and discharged the residue of the militia, I immedi-
ately departed for Nauvoo, IS miles distant, accompanied by Col.
Bvickmaster, Quartermaster-General, and Capt. Dunn's (Augusta)
company of dragoons." — [p. 34:5.

It was claimed that one purpose had in view, in thus visiting
the city, was " to search for counterfeit money." But on the way,
he began to fear an attack on the jail; so he decided to omit the
search, but hurry on to the city, make the Mormons a speech,
and return to Carthage the same night. The baggage wagons
vrere halted, with orders to return at night. He and his escort
reached the city about four o'clock, called the people together, made
them an address, in which he says he rated them pretty severely
for their bad conduct, and ended b}' putting the vote whetlier they
in future would obey the laws. They unanimously voted Yes,
when His Excellency and his retinue started for Carthage a little
before sundown. A few miles out they were met bj' a messenger
with the information that the two Smiths had been assailed in jail
by a mob, and killed! The messenger who brought the news was
ordered to return with them to Carthage, which he did; but by
some means unknown to us the news reached the city during the
night.

General consternation now pervaded the whole county. The
troops had been disbanded, and most of them had left for their
homes. Three companies only remained — the one with the Gov-
ernor, and the two at Carthage — to confront the Legion, should it
make a raid upon them. The Governor with his command hurried
on to Carthage, only to find the place partially deserted; and all
who had not gone were going as fast as they could find means of
conveyance. Men with their families, in carts, in wagons, and on

HISTORY OF IIANXOCK COUNTY. 323

horseback or a-foot, were en route mostly toward Augusta and St.
Mary's. The Hamilton Hotel, where the dead bodies and their
wounded comrade had been taken, with perhaps a tew other houses
only, were not forsaken. Gen. Deniino- had left town in the afternoon,
before the deed had been committed. The Governor, in great
excitement, hurried into town, where he remained only long
enough to denounce the people for their folly, and rode on to
Augusta.

At Warsaw the people were not long in hearing what had been
done, and anticipating Mormon vengeance, hurried from their
homes, mostly crossing the river to Alexandria. Picket guards
were stationed about the town to watch the approach of an enemy.

At Kauvoo great consternation prevailed. The messenger had
been turned back by the Governor; yet late in the night the news
somehow reached the city. The ]3eople were appalled at the dis-
aster which had befallen them. Most of the citizens had retired
to sleep before the news was received, so that only a portion knew
of the death of their leader till the morning.

On the morning of the 2Sth of June, IS-ti, the sun rose on as
strange a scene as the broad Hancock prairies had ever witnessed.
At the three corners of a triangle, 18 miles asunder, stood a smitten
city and two almost deserted villages, with here and there a group
of questioning men, anxious to hear the news of the night. To-
ward the two villages the more courageous ones were returning to
find their several abodes unsacked and untouched. The wet and
heavy roads leading to the county seat from the south and east
were being again traversed by the refugees of the night, now
returning, and wondering that they had homes to return to. All
know that a great crime had been committed, by whom they knew
not; and they knew not how, upon whom, where, or in what man-
ner retribution might fall!

The murder of the Smiths, while he was at Nauvoo and in dan-
ger, convinced our suspicious Governor that his own death had
been contemplated by the murderers as a part of the programme.
But for this suspicion he had not the shadow of evidence. He,
however, very justly concluded that his authority was at an end.
He had by his course failed to satisfy either party, and both
regarded him with disti-ust. He accordingly hurried from the
county, and brought up at Quincy, forty miles from the scene of
the troubles. It was strongly suspected by the citizens that he had
contemplated a rescue or an escape of the prisoners; and he was
very angry with them for harboring such suspicion. But he
acknowledges in his book that he had such a plan; which was
"thwarted by this insane folly of the Anti-Mormons," [p. S39].
Tliis fact was never fully known, until made puljlic by himself.
Its consummation could hardly have been etfected without blood-
shed and violence. And here M'e have the startling fact confessed,
that the Executive of a State, whose duty it is to execute the laws,
was contemplating the escape of great criminals, in order to avoid

324: HISTORY OF HAKCOCK COUNTY.

the responsibilities his duty devolved upon hiui, and as the easiest
way of getting rid of troublesome men.

HOW IT WAS DONE.

There can be little doubt that the killing of the Smiths was
perpetrated by men who had been with or of the Warsaw troops.
There was plentj' of time during the day, however, for others to
have joined them, and they may have done so. Those troops were
composed partly of citizens of Warsaw and the countrj' around it,
with a few from Missouri and other places. They numbered some
one or two hundred, and were under command of Colonel Levi
Williams.

After being disbanded on the prairie, as we have seen, a portion
of them left at once for their homes, while others went on toward
Carthage. What course they took, or what became of them, until
the afternoon when they were observed approaching the jail, is not
known. From a lady who resided perhaps nearest the jail, and who
saw them approach, we lately obtained the following: That they
strung along in single file and quick step, from the direction of the
woods northwest of the town, until they came to the fence sur-
rounding the Ituilding. This they scaled at once, and seized the
guard. She was several hundred yards away, too far to recognize
any of them, or to see positively whether they were masked or
otherwise disfigured, though she thinks they were not. Her first
impression was that they were Mormons, come to release the pris-
oners; and that impression was shared by the other inhabitants of
the town, as the alarm spread. She thinks there were not more
than thirty to forty men in the gang, as they filed along. The
guard was soon overpowered, and a rush was made for the stairway,
ascending on the outside to the door of the jail, on the south end,
the upper stor}' being used for that purpose. The door was assailed
and burst open. The prisoners inside, aware of the attack, were,
however, behind it, well armed, endeavoring to prevent ingress.
As the door would yield to the outside pressure, the Prophet fired
several shots around the edge with his revolver. The mobbers fired
a number of shots through the door, which killed Hyrum Smith,
and wounded John Taylor severely. Seeing they were being over-
powered, Richards, who was still unhurt, ran with Taylor wounded
into the inner dungeon, while Joseph Smith hastened to a window
on the east, raised the sash and leaned partly out, probably with a
view of jumping, when he was shot by several balls from the out-
side, and he fell to the ground near the well curb. It has been
stated that after he fell, he was set up against the curb, and several
times shot. This last, we are reliably informed, is not the fact,
but that no shot was fired after he fell, and that he died from the
two or three shots he received in the window. The story, we
believe, is based on the statement of Daniels, who afterward issued
a pamphlet giving a most miraculous account of the transaction.

Gov. Ford and others have stated that the plan had been devised

IIISTOUY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 325

and concerted between tlie mob and the Carthage Greys, and tliat
the guard of ten men of that coni])any wlio were stationed around
the jail, were in tlio plot, and made only a feint at resistance. This
we are compelled to iielieve is partly true. It is certain that a por-
tion of the Greys knew that something was to be done; but others,
the great body of them, knew nothing about it. We have lately
conversed with some who protest that they were wholly ignorant of
anything going on, until the firing was heard, and then, like the
rest of tlie citizens, they apprehended a Mormon rescue.

Gov. Ford also charges that the mob selected that time — while
he was in Nauvoo, and in the power of the Mormons — to do the
bloody deed, in order to compass his own destruction at their hands
in revenge. His own too excitable and suspicious nature origin-
ated the thought. So far from it being the fact that they designed
and contemplated the murder of the Governor, we believe they did
not even contemplate the killing of the prisoners! This avowal
will no doubt surprise many of our readers; for we well know that
the Governor's statement has been so often reiterated that it has
been genei'ally received. I3utfroni all the inquiries we have made,
and looking at the circumstances as they are known to have existed,
that is our honest and fixed conclusion. Of the thirty or fortj' men
who approached the jail that day with stealthy tread, we do not be-
lieve there was one with murder in his heart. They are not excus-
able, nevertheless. They were there for an unlawful and wrongful
purpose; though we believe that purpose was not clearly defined iu
any one's mind.

Let us look at the circumstances on which this opinion is based:
There had been several demands made by Missouri for the delivery
of Smith, in the near past, all of which had in some way been
thwarted. Added to this, only a short time before, a pulilic meet-
ing at Warsaw and another one at Carthage had asked the Gover-
nor of Missouri to make another demand, and pledging aid in sup-
port of it. This purpose, we are convinced, and this only — to take
the prisoners and run them into Missouri — was as far as any pur-
pose went, until they reached the door uf the jail. ' There they were
met with resistance — with tight; a defense certainly to have been
expected; and it ended in death. It has been stated that two or
three of the mobbers were wounded and carried away. We know
not whether this is so.

This "Book of Daniels," referred to above, was such a curiosity
in itself, and contained so many wonderful statements, that we
should be glad to copy it entire as a specimen of the literature and
truthfulness of the times. It was put forth by one Wm. M. Dan-
iels, a good-for-nothing youth, whom no one ever heard of before
or since, who says that he was among the Warsaw troops, and at
the jail when the deed %\as done, and that afterward he was warned
in a dream that he must go and join the Saints, and publish his
knowledge to the world, in order to further the ends of justice. He
accordingly went to Nauvoo, and, with the assistance of a typo there,

326 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

his book was ushered to the world. But we must content ourselves
with a very short extract. He says that on the way to Carthage,
after being disbanded, the Warsaw troops concocted the plan of
killing the Smiths; that Sharp, and Grover, and Davis, and others,
openly boasted of it along the road; that they sent a squad of men
on ahead, to confer with the Carthage Greys; that a portion of the
latter.came out to meet them with a proposition, which was agreed
upon; that the Gre^'S stood and looked on while the killing was
going on, etc., .etc. He says, that after Joseph fell to the ground —

A fellow six feet tall and upward, holding a pewter flute in his hands, bare-
headed and bare-footed, having on nothing but his pants and shirt, with his sleeves
rolled above his elbows, and his pants rolled above his knees, picked him up instantly
and set him up on the south side of the well curb, situated three or four feet from
the building. As the ruffian sprang over the fence to Gen. Smith, and while he was
in the act of picking him up, he said : "This is old Jo : I know liim. I know you,
old Jo. Damn you 1 You are the man that had my daddy shot." The reason of his
talking in this way, I suppose, was that he wished to pass himself to Gen. Smith as
being the son of Gov. Boggs. * * * Four of the ruffians who stood in front of
Col. Williams, about eight feet east of the curb, were ordered by Williams to fire.
They raised their muskets and the tire was simultaneous. * * * After the breath
had left his body, the person I have previously described, who had passed as the son
of Gov. Boggs, caught up a bowie knife for the purpose of cutting off his head.
The knife was raised ready to strike, when a light, so strange, so bright and sudden,
flashed between him and the corpse, that he and the fom- men who had shot him
were struck with terror and consternation. Their muskets fell from their hands,
and they stood like marble, not having power to move a single limb. Tliey were
about to be left, when Col. Williams, who had also beheld and been terrified at the
light, shouted out to the men, "For God's sake, come and carry away these men!"
They were obliged to carry them away, as they were as helpless as though they were
dead. This light was something like a flash of lightning, and was so much brighter
than the day, that after it had passed, it left a slight darkness like a twilight.

Daniels further states that wiien it became known that he was
going to be a witness against the accused, and the nature of his
testimony became public, the sum of $2,500 was oifered him to
leave the State; this failing, efforts vvere made to put him out ot
the way by violence!

BEFORE INDICTMENT AND TRIAL.

During the summer and fall (lS4i), after the death of the lead-
ers, great dissatisfaction and trouble existed at Nauvoo, growing
mainly out of the struggle for tiie succession. Rigdon and his
adherents were at work against Brigliatn Young and the rest of the
Twelve. Many of the rank and file were becoming lukewarm, and
were quietly leaving the city; at the same time numbers were
retiring from the Mormon settlements in other parts of the county,
some locating in the city, and others scattering to other counties,
and in doing so were stealing liberally from the Gentiles.

To add to the excitement a Grand Military Encampment was
called to be held at Warsaw on the 2d of October. Tliis call was
circulated in handbill, and was dated 27th Sept., signed by Col.
Williams, Major Aldrich, and a number of officers of independent
companies in the neighborhood of Warsaw.

We are assured that this movement actnallv intended nothing

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 327

beyond wliat was expressed in tlie call, but it gave great uneasiness
to tlie Mormons and their friends. They saw in it something
more than a jieacet'ul military disjilay; and it soon became magni-
fied into a great woU' hunt, in which the wolves hunted were to be
Mormons in sheep's clothing. The excitement spread, and the
Governor was appealed to for protection. His Excellencj', ever
ready to believe any thing prejudicial to the old citizens, in this
case allowed himself to be imposed upon, and without proper
inquiry, decided to send an expedition with troops into the county.
A proclamation was accordingly issued, calling for volunteers
(2,500 required), and after a delay of several daj'S a force of about 450
men was marched into Hancock, the whole under command of Col.
John J. Hardin, accompanied by the Governor himself. The two
Quincy companies were sent directly to jSTauvoo, by way of the
river. People were reluctant to volunteer, believing that the Gov-
ernor was engaged in an unnecessary and uncalled-for enterprise.

Some days previous to the call for troops, Murray McConnell,
Esq., of Jacksonville, had been sent into the county, to Carthage
and Nauvoo; and the result was that Messrs. Willianis and Sharp
of Warsaw, and tlie Laws and Fosters of Rock Island, with Joseph
H. Jackson, were selected as examples for arrest, and writs for
them were accordingl}' issued by Aaron Johnson, a Nauvoo Justice
of the Peace. These writs, excepting as to Col. Williams, were
sei'ved ; but all refused to go to Nauvoo for hearing, and no
attempt was made to take them there.

After a delay of a day or two at Carthage, the Governor's army
was marched to Nauvoo on the 2Tth, and encamped about a mile
and a half below the city near the Mississippi. On the 2Sth the
ISTauvoo Legion was paraded for review. From Nauvoo the troops
were ordered to Warsaw, where they arrived on the 29th, and
encamped in the suburbs. As the troops approached the town, the
men apprehending arrest, with some of their friends, quietly
repaired across the river to Alexandria. Knowing this fact. Gov.
Ford chartered a keel-boat at Montebello, and had it secretly
dropped down to the vicinity of Warsaw; intending to use it that
night in kidnapping the men from Missouri, and bringing them
to the Illinois side. But during the afternoon Cols. Hardin and
Baker visited the Missouri side, and had a conference with the
accused. An agreement was entered into by which Williams and
Sharp (Jackson being sick) agreed to give themselves up on con-
dition that they be taken before Judge Thomas for examination,
with some other conditions as to bail, etc. The writ was accord-
ingly read to them, and afterwards, with Col. Baker, escorted by
Quincy troops, they were shipped to Quincy in quest of the Judge.
Here, after waiting two days, and no prosecuting witnesses a])pear-
ing, they entered into voluntary recognizance to appear at next
term of Court, and were set at liberty; thus leaving the whole mat-
ter as it was previous to the Governor's expedition.

328 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

All this occurred just previous to the October term of Court, at
which the indictments were found.

Mention has been made of Joseph H. Jackson . Mr. J. was an adven-
turer of fine appearance and gentlemanly manners, who appeared
in the county during the troubles; went to Nauvoo and became
quite intimate with the prophet and the leaders; afterwards turned
against them, went to Warsaw and published a pamphlet claiming
to be an exposure of Mormonism and the evil purposes and prac-
tices of its chiei's. This pamphlet made many serious charges
against Smith and his adhei-ents — charges of murder and conspir-
ac}', of counterfeiting, debauchery, spiritual-wifery, etc. ; and
claimed that he had gone among them with the sole view of
ingratiating himself and then exposing them. His expose was
of much the same character as that of General Bennett. As in the
case of the latter, much of his statement was corroborated by cir-
cumstances, and much lacked confirmation. The equivocal position
in which he stood, it is proper to say, tended to lessen the confi-
dence of the public in his statements, and his little book made but
slight impression . The Mormons charged that he was an adven-
turer of tiie worst class, and came there to practice his trade of
counterfeiting, etc., and quarrelled with the prophet and the
authorities because he was detected and exposed.

TRIALS AND ACQUITTALS.

At the October term, 184-i, of the Hancock Circuit Court —
present, Jesse B. Thomas, Judge; William Elliott, Prosecuting
Attorney; Jacob B. Backenstos, Clerk, and Gen. Minor K. Dem-
ing, Sherift".

The following composed the Grand Jury:

Abraiu Lincoln, Thomas Gilmore,

James RejTiolds, Benj. Warrington,

Thomas J. Graham, Reuben H. Loomis,

"Wm. M. O-svens, Samuel Scott,

Ebenezer Rand, James Ward,

Thomas Brawner, Samuel Ramsey,

Ralph Gorrell, Thomas H. Owen,

Brant Agnert, David Thompson,

Martin Tetter, John J. Hickok.
William Smith,

Abram Golden, E. A. Bedell, and Geo. Walker, excused for cause. Samuel
Marshall refused to serve, and fined $5.00.

The Court began its session on Monday, the 21st. There had been rumors indus-
triously circulated that the old citizens intended to rally and interpose obstacles in
the waj' of the Court, and considerable anxiet}' was felt. The Judge in his charge
to the Grand Jury alluded to thisrumor, and said he was glad to see that no such demon-
strations were being made. He charged them to do their duty in the cases likely to
come before them, and leave the consequences. His charge gave general satis-
faction.

There was a rumor that a lot of Mormons and Indians were encamped near town,
and this rumor occasioned considerable uneasiness. Orders were issued to investi-
gate. The facts turned out to be that a number of Mormons had come down from
Nauvoo to attend Court, and had gone into camp to save expense. As to the
Indians, it was ascertained that a company of them had gone through the county.

niSTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 329

on their way to Iowa, for some purpose not Iviiown; but the two facts had no con-
nection with each otlicr.

On Tuesday tlie Grand Jury l)egi\.n their work, and on Saturday about noon, they
broushl into Court two bills of indictment against nine individuals; one for the
murder of Joseph Smith, and the other for the murder of his brother Hyrum.
The persons iiidiuted were as follows: Levi Williams, Jacob C. Davis," JIark

AUlrich, Thos. C. Sharp, William Voras, John Wills, Wm. N. Grover,

Gallaher and Allen.

Murray MeConnell, Esq., of Jacksonville, by special Mppointment of the
Governor, was present, assisting Mr. Elliott in the prosecution. Messrs. Bushnell
and Johnson of Quincy and Calvin A. Warren, and perhaps others, appeared for
defendants.

Immediately on annoimcement of the indictments, most of the defendants
appeared, and asked for an immediate trial. This Mr. SIcConnell objected to on
the ground of not being ready. His witnesses before the Grand Jury had
departed without being recognized, and besides, Mr. Elliott had gone. It was
finally agreed that the causes be postponed until next term, and that no cupias
should issue from the Clerk in the interim, if the defendants would pledge them-
selves to appear at the time agreed on — a compact which was afterward violated
by the prosecution.

Subprenas were asked for by the prosecution for between thirty and forty
witnesses, among whom wereWm. M. Daniels and Brackenberrj', the two miracle
men, and John Taylor, Mrs. Emma Smith, and Governor Ford.

On May 19, 1845, Court again met in special term at Carthage —
present, Richard M. Young, Judge; James H. Ralston, Prosecuting
Attorney; David E. Head, Clerk; and M. R. Deming, Sheriff.
Tiie cause of The People vs. Williams et al. coming up, Messrs.
Williams, Davis, Aldrich, Sharp and Grover appeared, and were
admitted to bail on personal recognizance in the sum of $5,000
jointly and severally. Josiah Lam born, of Jacksonville, as Assist-
ant Prosecutor; and Wm. A. Richardson, O. PI. Browning, Calvin
A. Warren, Archibald Williams, O. C. Skinner and Thos. Morri-
son for defendants. Motion of defendants to quash the array of
jttrors for first week, on account of supposed prejudice of County
Commissioners, who selected them, and of the Sheriff and deputies,
was sustained. Also, motion for the appointment of elisors for
the same cause, and absence of Coroner from the county. The
array was set aside, and Thomas H. Owen and Wm. D. Abernethy
appointed elisors for the case. These gentlemen had a thankless
and arduous duty to perform. Usually it is not hard to find men
willing to sit on juries; in this case but few were willing to try the
experiment of going to Court, with the almost certainty of being
rejected by one or the other party; and the position was not an
enviable one, if taken. Ninety-six men were summoned and
brought into Court before the requisite panel of twelve was full.
The following are the names of the jurors chosen:

Jesse Griffitts, Jonathan Foy,

Joseph Jones, Solomon J. Hill,

Wm. Robertson, James Gittings,

Wm. Smith, F. M. Walton,

Joseph Jlassey, Jabez A. Beebe,

Silas Griffitts, Gilmore CaUison.

The trial lasted till the 30th, when the jury was instructed by the
Court, and, nfter a deliberation of several hours, returned a verdict
of Not Guilty.

330 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Instructions to the jury had been asked by both parties. The
following, among a list of nine asked by defendants' counsel, were
given, and probably had most influence on the verdict:

That where the evidence is circumstantial, admitting all to be proven which the
evidence tends to prove, if then the jury can make any supposition consistent with
the facts,-by which the murder might have been committed without the agency of
the defendants, it will be their duty to make that supposition, and find defendants
not guilty.

That in making up their verdict, they will exclude from their consideration all that
was said by Daniels, Brackenberry, and jSIiss Graham. [Witnesses.]

That whenever the probability is of a definite and Umited nature, whether in the
proportion of 100 to 1 or of 1,000 to 1, or any ratio, is immaterial, it cannot be
safely made the ground of conviction; for to act upon it in any case would be to
decide that for the sake of convicting many criminals, the life of one innocent man
might be sacrificed. — [Stakkie, 508.

Same defendants, for murder of Hyrum Smith, were required to
enter into recognizance of $5,000 each (with 14 sureties) to the
June term, 1845. At said term case was called, and Elliott and
Laijiborn not answering, the cause was dismissed for want of pros-
ecution, and defendants discharged.

It has been the custom for sensational writers to treat this trial
and verdict as farcical and an outrage. One of these writers. Col.
John Hay, now of the State Department at Washington, though
then a mere boy, was yet raised in the county, and had within his
reach correct sources of information. In the Atlantic Monthly for
Dec, 1869, he has a lengthy article, abounding in extravagant and
sensational statements and surmises, among which we quote only
the following:

"The case was closed. There was not a man on the jury, in the
Court, in the county, that did not know the defendants had done
the murder. But it was not proven, and the verdict of Not Guilty
was right in law."

Here is a fling at the jury, the Judge, and people; and we ven-
ture to characterize it as extremely unjust. "VYe know the writer
intended to perpetrate no wrong. He was too intimately con-
nected with some of the accused — indeed, with all concerned — to
desire them wrong; but he aimed to produce a readable stoiy for
the Atlantic, whicli lie did, thougli at the expense of candor and
justice. Another fling at the jury was equally unjust:

"The elisors presented ninetj'-six men before twelve were found
ignorant enough and indifl'erent enough to act as jurors."

Some of those men we knew — not all; and we know that they,
instead of being " ignorant and indifl'erent," were men of intelli-
gence, probity and worth.

There were some circumstances connected with those cases, not
generally known, that tend to show how difficult it was to find out
the guilty ones. The Mormons had had one John C. Elliott
arrested and bound over, charged with the ofi'ense; they had also
had writs for the Laws, and Fosters, and Higbees, at Rock Island,
under the same charge. And when the Grand Jury was in session,

IIISTOKV OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 331

the names of some sixty indivkluals were jjreseuted by tlie ])r6se-
cution tor indiettneiit. One of those sixty lias infoi-meil us that he
since leariiod tliat he narrowly escaped indictment, although, being
one «if the Warsaw men, he returned immediately home after dis-
bandment, and had no knowledge of the aftair till after it was over.
It has since transpired that the Grand Jury voted on the whole
sixty together at the tirst, and failing of an indictment, struck off
ten and voted again, and so on until the last nine were reached,
when the indictment carried. It has also been ascertained that the
Grand Jury found bills against the nine, some as principals and
some as accessories solely on the testimony of the three witnesses
whose testimony on the trial the Court instructed the petit jury to
disregard.

From all these facts it is verj- easy to say that a murder had
been committed; that somebod}' had done the deed. But to say
that among the Elliotts, Laws, and Fosters, and Iligbees, and long
list of men charged, those five or six who were on trial had done
it, and the jury, and Court, and everybody else knew it, is sating
A CtKeat deal. /

STRUGGLE FOR THE SUCCESSION.

If anything were needed to convince one of tlie tblly and wicked-
ness of Mormonism, it is to be found in the quarrels and conten-
tions of the leaders. During the prophet's lifetime he was contin-
ually at variance with one or more of his former tbllowers and
trusted associates; denouncing and excommunicating them one
month, and the next taking them back to his embrace and confi-
dence. Cowdery, Harris, Whitraer, Eigdon, Phelps, Williams,
and many others, had been sent by his maledictions to " buffet
with Satan for a thousand years;" and long betbre their time was
out, taken back again and the malediction removed.

So, after his death, a great struggle began for the possession of
the mantle that had fallen from his shoulders. The grief at his
death was genuine on the part of the main body; but on the part
of the few, its bitterness was assuaged by the hope of assuming
iiis place and honors. Rigdon, who had the best right — having
furnished the principal brain supply for the concern at its origin
— was soon sent back to Pittsburg with a flea in his ear. He had
made the inexcusable and unlucky mistake of moving to carry the
delusion back to the East. Young, wiser and more discerning,
adopted the idea of following the setting sun; and he succeeded
in overcoming all opposition. Absent when the prophet was
killed, he hastened home, and quietly but firmly began to gather
the reins of government about him — one by one securing the
co-operation of his associates — till, before they knew it, he was
supreme dictator, and they the ]:)liant tools of his will.

William, the patriarch (all the Smiths, we believe, had been
patriarchs), the only male member left of the family, also hurried
to JSTauvoo, to advance his claims. But he was vacillating and

332 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

weak, and sadly lacking in the traits requisite for a leader; and he
fell into the meshes of the others, and quietly settled down into
the business of dispensing "patriarchal blessings" for pay; and
the organ urged the brethren and sisters to patronize him. But
the pay being insufficient, or for some other cause, he again
became troublesome — flew off at a tangent — quarrelled with and
denounced the Twelve — -and finally went and joined James Y.
Strang in Wisconsin. But after the leaders had left for the West,
thinking there might be a chance again, he came back to Nauvoo,
and tried to prevent the remnant from following Young into the
wilderness. FtYiling again, he, Rigdon and Strang organized a
trinity which drew off a great many of the taithful. Whether Strang
had ever been with them at Nauvoo, we do not know. The first we
hear of him is at a place he called Voree, in Wisconsin, where he
tried the old game of finding plates, claimed tlie prophet's mantle
by will from the prophet himself, got up revelations, issued a
small monthly paper, and for a time made some noise in the Mor-
mon world. The following illustrates his method of plate finding:

Strang's fouk witnesses.

On the 13th clay of September, 1845, we, Aaron Smith, Jirah B. Wheelan, James
M. Van Nostrand, and Edward Whitcomb, assembled at the call of James .J.
Strang, who is by us and many others approved as a prophet and seer of God. He
proceeded to Inform us that it had been revealed to him in a vision that an
account of an ancient people was buried in a hill south of White river bridge,
near the east line of Walworth county, and leading us to an oak tree about one
foot in diameter, told us that we would find it enclosed in a case of rude earthen-
ware under that tree at a depth of about three feet; requested us to dig it up, and
charged us to examine the ground, that we should know we were not imposed
upon, and that it had not been buried since the tree grew. The tree was sur-
rounded by a sward of deeply rooted grass, such as is usually found in the open-
ings, and upon the most critical examination we could not discover an}' indication
that it had ever been cut through or disturbed.

We then dug up the tree, and continued to dig to the depth of about three feet,
where we found a case of slightly baked clay containing three plates of brass.
On one side of one is a landscape view of the south end of Gardner's prairie, and
the rana'e of hills where they were dug. On another, is a man with a crown on
his heacl and a scepter in his hand; above is an eye before an upright line; below,
the sun and moon surrounded by twelve stars; at the bottom are twelve large stars
from three of which pillars arise, and closely interspersed with them are seven
very small stars. The otlier four sides are very closely covered with what appear
to be alphabetic characters, but in a language of which we have no knowledge.

The case was found imbedded in indurated clay so closely fitting that it broke
in taking out, and the earth below the soil was so hard as to be dug with difficulty,
even with a pick-ax. Over the case was found a flat stone about one foot wide
each way and three inches thick, which appeared to have imdergone the action
of fire, and fell in pieces after a few minutes' exposure to the air. The digging
extended in the clay about eighteen mches, there being two kinds of earth of
difl'erent color and appearance above it.

We examined as we dug all the way with the utmost care, and we say, with
utmost confidence, that no part of the earth through which we dug exhibited any
sign or Indication that it had been moved or disturbed at any time previous. The
roots of the tree stuck down very closely on every side, extending below the case,
and closely interwoven with roots from other trees. None of them had been
broken or cut away. No clay is found in the country like that of which this
case is made.

In fine, we found an alphabetic and pictorial record, carefully cased up, buried
deep in the earth, covered with a flat stone, with an oak tree one foot in diameter

./

k^f

(zy^^^^TO-y-C^-C^ V>^<><U€^

WILCOX Tp.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 335

gTOwini; over it, with every evidence tliat the sense can give that it has lain as
long as that tree has been growing. Strang toolv no part in the digging, but Ivept
entirely away from betbre the tirst blow was struck till after the i)lates were taken
out of the case; and the sole inducement to our digging was our faith in his
statement as a prophet of the Lord, that a record would thus and there be found

Aaron Smith,

.TlRAH B. AViIEELAJJ,

I. M. Van Nostrand,
Edward Whitcomb.

Now, if living, stand t'ortli, Messrs. Smith, Wheelan, Van Nos-
trand, and Whitcomb, and answer: AVhen you made that piiblic
statement tliirtytive years ago, did you not utter an absolute and
infamous falsehood?

Why the discovery of these plates did not form the basis of anew
revelation and a new creed, we can not say; nor even whether Strang
ever attempted a translation of thein. It may be that he came to the
very erroneous conclusion that the fools were nearly all dead — and
so gave it up.

tiigdon, as heretofore stated, endeavored by all the means in his
power to gain the place left vacant in the Church. The Twelve how-
ever decided quite unanimously that they would have no prophet, seer
and revelator any inore, but that the Twelve should be thesupreiue
authorit}' as a body. The breach widened, and finally they brought
the contumacious old man to trial befor*^ the conference. This
trial is reported at length in the Times aiid Seasons, and deserves
a conspicuous place in tlie history of ecclesiastical tribunals. The
charge against him was — a little of everything bad; but the offense
for which he was tried and condemned, was really tliat he wished
to be President of the Church. The trial was a long one, and
finally tlie vote was put, offered by AV. W. Phelps, " that Elder
Sidney Rigdon be cut off from the Church, and delivered over to
the buffetings of Satan until he repents."

The vote, sa3'S the report, ''was unanimous, excepting about ten."
A motion was then made to cut off the ten. This failed, and they
were taken singly, on separate and different charges, and cut off b}'
unanimous votes. Elder Marks was one of them, having made a
speech defending Rigdon; but the conference had hopes of hiin,
and he was not expelled. In the next Times and Seasons he issued
a card, stating that after candid consideration he had become con-
vinced that Sidney Rigdon's claims to the Presidency were not
founded in truth . The conference closed after Elder Young had
delivered Sidney over to the buffetings of Satan, in the name of
the Lord, '' and all the people said Amen!"

Mr. Saulsbury, a brother-in-law to the Smiths, though we
believe never a leader among them, about this time came out, and
through a letter to the Warsaw Signal denounced the Twelve and
made the same or similar charges against them that William Smith
and Rigdon had made. He died in this county.

21

336 HISTOEY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

MOKE VIOLENCE AND BLOODSHED.

If the year 1844 was one of blood, that of 1845 was more bloody
still. Excitement and violence prevailed during a great part ot
the year.

We have seen that Gen. Minor E. Deming was elected Sheriff ot
the county in August, 1844, and Jacob B. Backenstos and Almon
"W. Babbitt members of the Legislature, by Mormon votes. More
objectionable men to the Anti-Mormon citizens could scarcely have
been found in the county. Gen. Deming was an officer of militia,
and a citizen previously in no way identified with the Mormon
fraternity. He had resided on a farm some miles out of Carthage;
was well educated and capable, and we think he was conscientious
in his endeavors to do right. But he was extremely conservative
in his respect for law and order. He was also conceited and self-
willed, and had " an itching palm " for office, and the best way to
obtain this was to ingratiate himself with the Mormon leaders.

Mr. Backenstos was a new-comer into the county, imported, it
was said, bj' Judge Douglas from Sangamon, to take the office ot
Circuit Clerk, which he had held for some time previous to liis
election to the Legislature. Babbitt was a Mormon lawyer. He
was expected to obey the" behests of the Mormon leaders, of course.
As the others obtained favor with the Mormons, they incurred the
hatred and distrust of the other citizens of the county.

As before stated, the agreement entered into that no arrests
should be made of the parties indicted for killing the Smiths, was
violated on the part of the prosecution, and frequent attempts
were made by the Sheriff and his deputies to arrest some of them,
during the winter. J. C. Davis, one of them, was State Senator.
At the opening of the Legislative session he took his seat in that
body. During the winter he was arrested at Springfield by an
officer from Hancock county, but was ordered released by resolution
of the Senate.

During the session a move was made to repeal the Nauvoo char-
ters, and after discussion in the House was passed, January 21,
1845, by a vote of, 76 to 36. It subsequently passed the Senate.
Messrs. Backenstos and Babbitt both made speeches against the
repeal, the former taking occasion to violently denounce the old
citizens of the county. For this speech, and his otherwise vindic-
tive and objectionable course, a demonstration was made in the spring
after his return, to drive him from the county. He soon afterward
obtained an appointment through Congressman Hoge, to an office
in the lead mines, and subsequently was made a Captain in the
forces sent to the Mexican war.

During the winter and spring, as a result of the unsettled state
of aflairs in Nauvoo, and the consequent hard times, there was an
unusual amount of stealing done, not only in the city, but in other
parts of the county. It extended to Adams, Henderson, and other
adjoining counties. In Adams, where arrests could be made, there

IIISTOKV dl' HANCOCK COUN'IY. 337

were as many as eight Mormons in jail at one time. In the city,
the two parties, Tweh-eites and Riirdonitcs, stole from each other;
while in the country the Gentiles were the chief snfterers. This
became so insupportable that public meetings were held at many
points to devise means of protection and redress. Township com-
mittees were appointed to collect statistics of these thefts, which
was done, and many of them ])ublished, footing up hundreds of
dollars in various townships. Some of these reports were no doubt
exaggerated; but as many must have been omitted, it is safe to say
that the totals fell short of the truth. Of course, it was not proven
that all these depredations were committed by Mormons, and proba-
bly were not. The charge has often been made that stealing was
done on Mormon credit, which is in itself an admission against
them ; but that a vast percentage of it was done by them alone,
all circumstances go to show. And events which transpired this
3'ear, show that they had among them some who did not hesitate
at robbery and murder, as well as theft and burglary.

On Saturday night, May 10, 1845, a horrible murder was com-
mitted near the town of Franklin, in Lee Co., Iowa, on the persons
of John Miller, a Menonite German minister from Pennsylvania,
and his son-in-law, Leiza. The latter was not killed, but died of
his wounds afterward. The locality is about ten or twelve miles
from Nauvoo, and the murderers, three in number, were traced to
that city. Their names were AVilliam Hodge, Stephen Hodge,
and Thomas Brown. The Hodges were arrested on the 13th and
conveyed to the Iowa penitentiarj' at Fort Madison, for safe keep-
ing. On the 15th they were indicted by the Grand Jury at "West
Point, and on the 21st were arraigned for trial. They asked for a
change of venue, and the cause was certified to DesMoines county.
On the 21st of June they were put upon their trial at Burlington.
They were defended by two eminent Burlington attorneys, J. C.
Hall and F. D. Mills, assisted by George Edmunds, of Nauvoo.
The trial lasted about a week. Mason, District Judge, then sen-
tenced them to be hung on the loth of July. They were so
executed.

A peculiar cap woru by one of the murderers, and which he lost
at the house of the murder, led to their arrest. They were traced
to Xauvoo, and found at the house of their brother, Amos Hodge,
in the suburbs. They were taken before Aaron Johnson, a Justice
of the Peace, for examination, where they were defended by Almon
W. Babbitt. Babbitt himself was afterward^'murdered mysteriously
in Utah, while U. S. District Attorney.

On the night of the 23d of June, Irvin Hodge, brother to the
accused, was assassinated in Nauvoo, while on his way home from
a visit to them at Burlington. He had, it is said, endeavored to
induce Brigham Young to send and have his brothers rescued from
jail, and failing, was free in denouncing him for the neglect. But
little notice was taken of this last murder in Nauvoo. The father
of the Hodges was allowed to visit them before their execution.

338 IIISTOKT OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

from his confinement in the Alton penitentiary, where he was
under sentence for larceny.

The patriarch Wm. Smith, in a letter to the Sangamo Journal,
dated Sept. 2-1:, 184.6, says of the Hodges: " Irvin Hodge was mur-
dered within twelve feet of Brigham Young's door. Amos Hodge
was murdered, it is said, between Montrose and Nashville, Iowa,
by Brigham Young's guard, who pretended to escort him out of
Nauvoo for his safety, under cover of women's clothes, who then
pretended that he had run away." And again: "If Mr. Amos
Hodge, the father of the young Hodges, will call and see me, I can
tell him the names of persons that will put him on the track of the
men who murdered his sons."

In an affidavit for witnesses to prove an alihi, the Hodges claimed
to rely on the testimony of six or eight named witnesses residing
in Nauvoo, and upon John Long, Aaron Long, and Judge Fox,
who they said resided in St. Louis. These names will long be
remembered in the annals of ci'ime in the West, as the parties who
perpetrated

THE IIURDER OF COL. DAVENPORT,

at his home on Rock Island, on the 4th of July, just after the con-
viction of the Hodges. This murder was perpetrated in broad
daylight, while all the family but the old Colonel wore absent at a
celebration on the main land. He was an aged and quite infirm
man, and was quietly sitting at his house reading a paper, when he
was attacked by the robbers. Rising to approacii the door, at which
he heard a noise, it was pushed open, and three men entered, one
of whom at once discharged a pistol at him, the ball entering his
thigh. He was then dragged through a hall, and up the stall's, to a
closet containing his safe, which they compelled him to open.
After obtaining the contents, and money from his bureau drawers,
they left him, still tied upon his bed, in which condition he was
afterward found bj' persons passing. Surgical aid was procured,
and he was revived sufficiently to describe the assassins and the
circumstances, but he died about ten o'clock that night.

Fifteen hundred dollars reward for the murderer was oftered by
George L. Davenport, his son; and John Long, Aaron Long and
Granville Young were finally arrested and hung for the offense;
Judge Fox was arrested and allowed to escape, while one Birch, a
daring desperado, said to have been connected with the Danite
Band, was implicated and arrested, but escaped by turning State's
evidence. About the same time numerous acts of robbery and
burglary were committed in Lee count}', opposite, and along the
river, traceable in almost all cases, to a gang that had their head-
quarters in Nauvoo.

EVENTS IN HANCOCK COUNTY.

But while these acts of violence were being perpetrated out of
the county, a most lamentable tragedy was enacted at home. On

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 339

Tuesday, June 24, 1845, au altercation occurred between Dr.
Samuel ilarshall. County Clerk, and the Sheriff of the county,
General Demiii;^, which resulted in the death of the f )riner at the
hands of the latter. The difficulty arose in regard to some mistake
in official business. Dr. M. was a very exact and punctual man in
all his affairs, and lie expected others to be equally so, and the
General's apparent carelessness in the matter in dispute irritated
him. A scuffie ensued, in the midst of which Gen. Deming drew
a pistol and shot his antagonist. The affair was a very unfortu-
nate one, as it resulted in the death of a most estimable citizen and
public officer, and added to the excitement already existing in the
county. A little self-control and moderation on the part of both,
and the conflict might have been avoided. Dr. Marshall was a
strong Anti-Mormon in his feelings and principles, and had the
full confldence of the party; yet he resolutely refused to sanction
any of their unlawful proceedings. He was one of that small
number who believed it better to suffer all the ills of Mormonism,
rather than resort to illegal and violent measures for redress.

Gen. Deming was at once taken into custody by the Coroner, and
a jur}- of inquest summoned. The jury returned a verdict of
" Murder without sufficient cause or provocation." This occurred
on the day set for the special term of Court for the trial of the
persons charged with the murder of Hyriim Smith. The Court
opened about five in the afternoon, and two hours after the tragedy
Deming was brought into Court, and stated that he was desirous to
have a Grand Jurj' impaneled for the investigation of this case.
The Court ordered the Coroner to summon a Grand Jury by the
next morning. The accused then inquired if tliere was no process
by which he might be admitted to bail during the pendency of the
investigation, to which the Court gave a negative answer. On
Wednesda}' morning a jury was impaneled, and charged l)y the
Court, and at three in the afternoon brought into Court a bill for
murder, with counts for manslaughter. It was stated that the
vote stood in the jur}' room 16 to 3.

A motion was made by Deming's counsel to admit him to bail,
and after hearing he was admitted to bail in the sum of $5,000.
Bail was given and he was discharged from custody.

Mr. Deming resigned the office of Sheriff, and an election was
ordered to fill the vacancy, to take place August 11th, resulting in
the election of J. B. Backenstos by the following vote: Backen-
stos, 2,334; John Scott, 750; scattering, 11.

Mr. D. was never brought to trial. He was stricken with con-
gestive fever, no doubt brouglit on or aggravated by excitement,
and died on the 10th of September, and was buried in Quincy by
his brother's side.

And now it becomes our painful duty to chronicle a series of
events which transpired in the count}', — acts which had no warrant
in law or order, and which cannot be reconciled with any correct
principles of renponing. and which we then thought, and still

340 HISTORY or HANCOCK COUNTY.

think, were condemned by every consideration looking to good
government; acts which had for their object, and which finally
resulted in, the forcible expulsion of the Mormon people from the
count}'. The disorders at Xauvoo, the vast amount of stealing
and other depredations upon property, the murders in Iowa and
elsewhere, and the consequent feeling of fear and insecurity evei-y-
where, brought the people to a state of recklessness.

On the night of Sept. 9th, a public meeting of Anti-Mormons
was being held in a school-house at Green Plains, for some purpose,
when it was fired upon by parties in the bush. It was at once
resolved to begin the expulsion of the Mormons from the settle-
ment known as Morley-Town. This resolve was put into execu-
tion; on Wednesday night two Mormon cabins were burned, and
the inmates notified to leave the settlement. For a week the
burning continued until the whole of Morley-Town was in ashes,
with many other residences in the Bear Creek region and that of
Green Plains. In all it is stated that as many as 100 or 125
houses were burned, and their occupants driven off. These pro-
ceedings created intense excitement all over the county. Sheriff
Backenstos endeavored to raise a^^os.se among the old citizens to
suppress the disturbances, but failed. He therefore issued a proc-
lamation dated at Green Plains on the 13th, calling on the rioters
to desist, and upon the posse comitatus of the county to assist him.
He also stated that it was his policy to have the Mormons remain
quiet, but that 2,000 men held themselves in readiness in Nauvoo
to come to his aid when necessary. On the 16th Lieut. Franklin
A. "Worrell was killed while passing from Carthage to Warsaw, by
Backenstos, or some ofhisj905.se, and on the 17th Samuel McBrat-
ney was killed among the burners at Bear Creek, by the passe.
Lieut. Worrell (of the Carthage Greys) was in no way connected
with the burners, and had nothing to do with the prevailing dis-
turbances. In company with eight other men, he was passing on
the road from Carthage to Warsaw, with the view of ascertaining
the facts as to the disturbances at Green Plains. Three of these
men, Worrell and two others, were on horseback; the others
were in a buggy and a two-horse wagon, the wagon also contain-
ing the arms of the company. As they came in sight of the road
leading toward Nauvoo, and which they would cross at right
angles, thej' discovered a man riding up that road. Not knowing
him, and seeing he was coming from the direction of the burning,
they hurried on to intercept him at the crossing, hoping to gain
information. He then drove more rapidly, apparently to cross
before the}' could come up. They hurried on, the three horsemen
in the lead. As they neared the brow of a ravine he had crossed,
and when they came in sight, he was seen standing near his buggy,
and at the same moment a shot was fired from near him, which
struck Worrell. He nor his associates had made no demonstra-
tions of violence; but now seeing or believing it to be Backenstos
and \\\& posse, immediately wheeled their horses and rode toward

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 3-1:1

the wagon and buggy which were a])i)roachin^. Mr. Worrell soon
fell from his horse, was picked up, placed in the wagon and driven
to Warsaw; but died on the way.

Backenstos and the notorious O. P. liockwell were both subse-
quently indicted for the murder of Worrell, and both acquitted,
tlie former under trial by cliange of venue at Peoria, and the latter
at Galena. AVho was the actually guilty party maj' never be known.
We have lately been informed from Salt Lake that Rockwell did the
deed, under order of the Sheriff, which is probably the case. The
Sheriff's Proclamation No. 2 would lead to this conclusion. He
says, in his usual style of exaggeration: " I discovered an armed
body of some 20 or more men on the Warsaw and Carthage road,
two or three miles east of me, going toward AVarsaw. I watched
them, and on discovering that four men of the force mounted on
horses, left the main body, apparently to strike a point in advance
of me, with all the speed of their horses, and finding that they
were in pursuit of me, I put the whip to my horse; as 1 was trav-
eling in a buggy, they taking a near cut evidently gained on me,
The chase lasted for a distance of about two miles, when I for-
tunately overtook three men with teams. I immediately informed
them that armed men were pursuing me, evidently to take mj
life; I summoned them as a posse to aid me in I'esisting them.
I dismounted and took a position in the road, pistol in hand. I
commanded them (the mobbers) to stop, when one of them held
his musket in a shooting attitude; whereupon one of my posse
fired, and. it is believed, took effect on one of the lawless banditti."

Admitting this statement to be an honest one from his stand-
point— which is not at all likely — it only illustrates how easily the
fears and excitements of an individual can change peaceable citi-
zens into "lawless banditti." It is, furthermore, quite certain
that had Lieut. Worrell and his companions known who it was they
were following, he would have been permitted to go his way un-
molested.

The Sheriff says that he ordered his pos'^e to take the burners
prisoners, if practicable, if not, to fire on them. How well this
order was obeyed the killing of McBratney will show. He was
pursued, with others, by a crowd of men on horseback; was over-
taken and shot in the back, and while down was hacked and bay-
oneted in numerous places. His horse was slow, and he could have
easily been taken prisoner alive.

It is proper to state that the Mormons and their friends have
charged the tiring on the school-house at Green Plains to have been
a sham previously arranged by the mobbers to create a sympathy
in their favor. This has been denied; whether true or not, we do
not know.

Tlie Sherift", failing to raise a posse outside of Nauvoo, was
obliged to resort to his " 2,000 armed men " there, to carry out his
purposes. He obtained such force as he desired, and soon succeeded
in scattering the burners. He now carried things in the county

342 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTr.

with a high hand. Exactly what his object was is not known, but
on the evening of the 19th of September, the Sheriff, at the head of
several hundred men, rode into Carthage after sundown, sur-
rounded the place, and ordered all the citizens who could be found
to be arrested and taken to headquarters at the court-house. He
said he was in quest of criminals. After roughly handling many of
them, and searching their houses for arms, most of them were set
at liberty. In the morning, the posse, excepting about fifty, left
town, the fifty remaining, as he said, to protect the town. Tiiey re-
tained possession of the court-house till the arrival of Gen. Hardin
and his State troops, who gave them immediate leave of absence.

These disturbances and excesses, as on a former occasion, of
course, called for executive interference, and accordingly Gov. Ford
again sent a detachment of volunteers into the county, and again
under command of Gen. John J. Hardin. The General was accom-
panied as adviser, by J. A. McDougal, Attorney-General of the
State, and also by Judge S. A. Douglas and Major W. B. Warren.
On the 27th of September, Gen. Hardin issued a highly merito-
rious proclamation to the people of the county, enjoining theui to
be peaceable and to obey the laws and the constituted authorities.
In conjunction with his advisers he at once entered into correspond-
ence with the authorities of the Mormon Church at Nauvoo,
which resulted in the Mormons agreeing to leave the State in the
spring.

THE BEGINNIXG OF THE END.

In the meantime a meeting of representatives of nine counties
contiguous to Hancock had been called to meet at Carthage on the
first and second days of October (Hancock county being exchided),
to take into consideration the state of aflairs. The convention was
organized as follows, viz: Isaac N. Morris, Esq., of Adams, Pres-
ident; Col. AYm. Ross, of Pike, Gen. James McCallen, of "Warren,
and John Kirk, Esq., of McDonough, Yice-Presidents; and Alva
Wheeler, of Knox, Geo. Pobinson, of Schuyler, and Wm. H. Ben-
neson, of Adams, Secretaries. Fiftj'-eight delegates were reported
from the counties of Adams, Brown, Henderson, McDonough, Pike,
Schuyler, Warren, Marquette and Knox. On motion of O. H.
Browning, of Adams, a committee of three from each county was
appointed to prepare a preamble and resolutions expressive of the
sense of the convention. Mr. Browning, in behalf of the committee,
reported a preamble and scries of resolutions, of which we find room
for only two, as giving the sense of the convention on the points
mentioned.

ResolceiJ, That it is the settled and deliberate conviction of this convention that
it is now too late to attempt the settlement of the difficulties in Hancock county
upon any other basis than that of the removal of the Mormons from the State;
and we therefore accept, and respectfully recommend to the people of the sur-
rounding coUDties to accept the proposition made by the Mormons to remove
from Ihe^ State next spring, and to wait with patience the time appointed for
removal.

IIISTORV OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 343

lieiMlKed. Thfit we vtterli/ repinlinle llie impudent assertion so often and so eon-
siiintly put foi-th In/ the Moniions, tJuit Ihei/ are PERSECUTED fou-uigiiteousness'
SAKE, ll'e do nut believe litem to he n perseeuted people. We know that they are
not; but that whatever grievances they may sujf'er are the necessary and legitimate
consequences of their illegal, wicked and dishonest acts.

The action of tliis convention, composed as it was of leading and
representative men from the neighboring counties, and from both
the political parties, had a beneticial etlect npon the ])ublic mind;
and no doubt satisfied man}' that the conclusions to which it
arrived were only such as would give peace and prosperity to our
distracted county. And the Mormons also accepted the conclu-
sions as inevitablcj and earnestly prepared to act accordingly. The
opinion expressed in the last of the resolutions quoted, is as much
as the most ardent Anti-Mormon could ask, and should forever shut
the mouths of those Mormon apologists, who have regarded them
as a persecuted people, only needing to be let alone.

As the basis for the subsequent action of both parties, the cor-
respondence alluded to is here reproduced:

NAm-oo, Oct. 1, 1845.
To the First President and Council of the Church at Naiivoo :

Having had a free and full conversation with you this day, in reference to your
proposed removal from this county, together with the members of your Church,
we have to request you to submit the facts and intentions stated to us in said con-
versation to writing, in order that we may lav them before the Governor and
people of the Slate. We hope that by so doing It will have a tendency to allay the
excitement at present existing in the public mind.
We have the honor to subscribe ourselves, respectfully yours, etc ,

John J. Hardin,
S. A. Douglas,
W. B. Warken,
J. A. McDougal.

NAin-oo, Oct, 1, 1845.
To Oen. John J. Hardin, W. B. Warren, S. A. Douglas and J. A. McDougal:

Messrs: — In reply to your letter of this date, requesting us to " submit the facts
and intentions stated by us to writing, in order that you may lay them before the
Governor and people of the State," we would refer you to our communication of
the 24th ultimo, to the " Quincy Committee," etc., a copy of which is herewith
inclosed.

In addition to this, we would say, that we had commenced making arrange-
ments to remove from this county previous to the recent disturbances; that we
now have four companies organized of one hundred families each, and six more
companies now organizing of the same number each, preparatory to removal.
That one thousand families, including the Twelve, the High Council, the Trust-
ees and general authorities of the Church, are fully determined to remove in the
spring, independent of the contingency of selling our propertj', and that this com-
pany will comprise from Ave to six thousand souls.

That the Church, as a body, desires to remove with us, and will, it sales can be
effected, so as to raise the necessary means.

That the organization of the Church we represent is such, that there never can
exist but one head or presidency at any one time, and all good members wish to
be with the organization ; and all are determined to remove to some distant point
where we shall neither infringe or be infringed upon, so soon as time and means
will permit.

That we have some hundreds of farms and some two thousand or more houses
for sale in this city and county, and we request all good citizens to assist in the
disposal of our property.

That we do not expect to lind purchasers for our Temple and other public build-
ings; but we are willing to rent them to a respectable community who may
inhabit the city.

344 HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

That we wisli it distinctly understood, that, although we may not find purchasers
for our property, we will not sacrifice or give it away, or suffer it illegally to be
wrested from us.

That we do not intend to sow any wheat this fall, and should we all sell we shall
not put in any more crops of any clescription.

That as soon as practicable we will appoint committees for this city. La Harpe,
Macedonia, Bear Creek, and all necessary places in the county, to give informa-
tion to purchasers.

That if these testimonies are not suflBcient to satisfy any people that we are in
earnest, we will soon give them a sign that cannot be mistaken — roe will leave
them !

In behalf of the Council, respectfully yours, etc.,

Brigham Young, Pres.

WiLL\RD RicHAKDS, Clerk.

The communication to tlie Quincy committee was of similar
import to the above, but i-eferred particularly and in eloquent terms
to their sufierings and grievances here and elsewhere, and begged
to be let alone.

Two other murders were committed at this time, one in Nauvoo
and tlie other in the Camp Creek settlement, by Mormons. On the
16t:h, Phineas Wilco.x, a young man of St. Mary's township, went
into Nauvoo on business, was there charged with being a spy, and
was never afterward heard of, although repeated inquiries and
search were made for him by his friends. Circumstances stroiigly
showed that he had been murdered and thrown into tlie river. The
other case, that of Andrew Daubenheyer, was as mysterious and
atrocious. Mr. D. resided in the nortli part of the county, and was
known as an active Anti-Monnou. On tlie IStli of September he
started to Carthage witli a two-horse wagon. On the evening ot
the 20th he started for his home on horseback, which he never
reached, but on tlie morning of tlie 21st his horse came home with-
out him. On his road, home was encamped a body of Mormons,
supposed to be of Backenstos' posse, and the belief was that he had
been waylaid and killed by them. Search being made his body
was afterward found, buried near the place of the encampment.

The agreement entered into by Gen. Hardin and the Mormons
being deemed suflicient to pacify the county, the troops were with-
drawn, leaving- only Major Warren with a hundred men, to remain
until withdrawn by the Govei-nor.

THE EXODUS BEGUN.

In accordance with the pledge made by the Twelve, active prep-
arations were made during the winter in i^auvoo, and throughout
the county, to leave in the spring. Those residing in the country
made sales of their property and retired to the city in order to join
the expeditions. Large numbers of wagons were manufactured,
and many were obtained by way of exchange, while oxen and horses
were in great demand. As early as Feb. 10, the weather being
favorable, it was stated that over one thousand persons, including
most of the Twelve, and many of the other dignitaries of the
Church, had crossed the river and were on their way westward. As

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 345

tlie spring advanced they were still leaving in large nnmbers; but
the advance had not yet reached beyond Keosauqua, from which
point they kept up a constant intercourse with the city. The Rig-
donites, Strangites, Sniithites, and Twelveites, still behind, kept
up their dissentions, the former all agreeing in denunciation of the
latter, and all excepting the latter, censuringthe Western movement.

Major Warren, who had been deputed in the fall to remain in
the county with a small force, had orders from the Governor in
April to disband and withdraw on the first of May. lie and his
troops had been stationed at Carthage all winter, and had performed
many arduous and delicate duties to preserve the peace, arrest
offenders, and execute writs. Their aid had been invoked in all
parts of the county, and they had been employed on numerous occa-
sions in Nauvoo in the execution of process. They had been
braved and threatened and insulted, even to violent resistance in
that cit}', but they had exhibited a prudence, firmness and judgment
which entitled them to the regard of all peace-loving citizens.
These gentlemanly soldiers were mostly from Quiucy, the " Quincy
Hiflemen," under the immediate command of Captain James D.
Morgan and Lieut. B. M. Prentiss, names the country has since
recognized in the list of Union Generals in the late Rebellion.

The contemplated withdrawal of the Guard, together withfindi-
cations at Nauvoo, gave general uneasiness to the people. It began
to be feared that many of the Mormons were not intending to leave
the city, but to quietly remain, in the hope and expectation that in
time all danger would be over. Public meetings began to be held
in Hancock and the adjoining counties, at which these apprehen-
sions were expressed, and reference made to the action of the nine
counties in October. These demonstrations brought a letter of
inquiry from Mr. Babbitt to Gov. Ford. In his answer the Gov-
ernor denied that he or the State was a party to the agreement
that the Mormons should leave in the spring. But he al.'^o plainly
intimated that they were bound to go, and that he would be pow
erless to prevent their expulsion. -'I tell you plainly," said His
Excellency, " that the people of Illinois will not fight for the Mor-
mons."

The day after Maj. Warren's detachment had been disbanded at
Carthage, he received an order from Gov. Ford to retain them in
service until further orders. He again mustered them in and
remained, making his headquarters chiefly at the Mansion House in
Nauvoo. On May 14. he sent a dispatch to the Signal, stating
that the Mormons were leaving with all possible speed; that the
ferry was crossing as fast as possible; that an estimate of 450 teams
and 1,350 sonls had left within the week; that new settlers were tak-
ing their places, etc. Information was also received from LaHarpe,
Ramus and other points, that they were fast leaving the neighbor-
hoods. On the 22d he reported: " The Mormons still continue to
leave the city in large nnmbers. The i'en-y at this place averages
about 32 teams per day, and at Fort Madison, 45. Thus it will be

346 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

seen that 539 teams hare left during the week, which average
about three persons to eacli, making in all 1,617 souls." A week
later the reported estimate was about SOO.

After the Twelve had left the city, and while within convenient
reach, O. P. Kockwell seems to have been employed as a messenger
between the camp and the citj'. He became very violent in his con-
duct while tiiere, so much so .that the leaders began to fear he would
bring trouble upon them. On May first, a writ was issued for his
arrest, on the affidavit of a certain Dr. Watson, charging him with
the killing of Lieut. Worrell. This writ was placed in the hands
of some of Maj. Warren's men, who proceeded to Nauvoo and
arrested him, surrounded witli fifteen shooters and other weapons
of defense. He waived examination, and was sent to Quincy to
fail. At the May term in Carthage, a true bill was found against
him by the Grand Jury, and he was sent to Galena for trial, he hav-
ing obtained a change of venue from this Circuit. He was subse-
quently tried in Galena and acquitted.

Warlike demonstrations still continuing, on May 11th Maj. War-
ren issued a proclamation, in which he warned the Anti-Mormons
to desist, assuring them that in his opinion the Mormons were
making all reasonable efforts to leave. Notwithstanding this assur-
ance, a public meeting was held at Carthage, at which the opinion
was expressed that large numbers of the Mormons designed to
remain; and recommending that the citizens of the surrounding
counties prepare forthwith to put in execution the resolutions of
October last. Accordingly a considerable force was assembled at
Carthage, and thenee marched to Golden's Point, where they held
a conference with a deputation of new citizens from Nauvoo, who
had been invited to meet them there. The latter objecting to their
entrance into the citj', and the force lieing weak, and poorly officered
and drilled, it was decided to retire again to Carthage, where it
was soon disbanded.

On June 20th, George AValker, Esq., the "old citizen" County
Commissioner, resigned his office and notified the public tliat his
Mormon associates, Coulson and Perkins, having both left the
country, there would be a full board to elect at the coming election.
Backenstos, having been appointed to a Captaincy in the army
against Mexico, also resigned the oflice of Sheriff. On July 25th
an Anti-Mormon Convention was held at Carthage to nominate
candidates for office. The following ticket was put in nomination:
For Senator, Jacob C. Davis; for Rejiresentatives, Thomas Morri-
son and James Stark; for Slierift", Melgar Couchman; for County
Commissioners, Frederic Walton, Daniel N. Painter and James
M. Renshaw; for Treasurer and Assessor, James W. Brattle; and
for Coroner, Wm. S. Moore — -t Democrat* and 5 Whigs. No full
ticket was put up against tiiis, but there were several independents.
The above named were all elected by majorities of about -±00. At
this election Nauvoo polled between SOO and 800 votes.

The peace was of short duration. About the 10th of July, some

HISTOKY OF UANCOCK COUNTY. 347

Mormons from Nauvoo went out to the vicinity of Pontoosuc, and
engaged in harvesting a lield of wheat for one of the brethren. It
is stated tliat they behaved in a very unruly manner, when some
of the neighbors collecting, seized and whipped them, and sent
them away. A few days after, ^, posse went out from Nauvoo and
arrested Maj. McAuley, of Pontoosuc, and James W. Brattle, of
Carthage, who happened to be at his house. In return, several
other Mormons were captured and held as hostages, and this led to
other arrests, till there were of McAuley's party some ten or fifteen
held in the city in custody. They were held for over a week, and
denied the privilege of an examination or giving bail. At length a
writ of habeas cor2}ns was obtained from Adams county, and served
on Clifford and f urness, who had the prisoners in custody, and
they and their prisoners were taken to Qnincy, examined and
released on bail.

The new citizens of Nauvoo were generally an orderly and well-
disposed people; but they had a few ruffians among them, who, by
their violence and intemperate conduct made themselves generally
obnoxious. Of these, the most conspicuous and disorderly was
William Pickett. Clifford and Furness, above named, were very
vindictive toward the Anti-Mormons.

About the first of April the Hancock Eagle appeared at Nauvoo.
It was ably conducted by Dr. William E. Matlack, a stranger in the
county, it claimed to be a " Democratic" sheet, but was in fact
the organ and mouthpiece of Backenstos and what was known as
the "Jack-Mormon"' influence. Its course no doubt greatly weak-
ened tlie Mormon efforts to get away, and increased the animosity
existing between them and their enemies. It continued under Dr.
Matlack's management until his death, which occurred about the
last of August.

WAR IMPENDING.

During the first week in August writs were issued by John
Banks, Esq., of Eocky Kun township, for Clifford, Furness and
Pickett, of Nauvoo, charged with false imprisonment and robbery,
during the troubles heretofore mentioned. These writs were
placed in the hands of John Carlin, of Carthage, a Deputy Sheriff.
On the 7th, the officer went to Nauvoo and arrested Cliftbrd and
Furness, but was resisted and defied by Pickett. He took Furness
before the Magistrate (Cliflbrd having taken sick and left), where he
gave bail for his appearance at Court, and was set at liberty. Carlin
resolved that Pickett should be arrested. On the 17th he therefore
issued a proclamation, calling out the_^;»cxse comitatus to assemble
at Carthage on Monday the 24th, to aid in the arrests.

On the 12th a meeting was held in Nauvoo, of the Mormons and
their adherents, at which it was resolved that Carlin's writs should
not be executed; they also took measures to organize for military
resistance.

On the 21st, Gov. Ford, at Springfield, issued an order to Maj.
James E. Parker, of the 32d Peg. 111. Militia, saying:

348 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Sir : — I have received information lliat another effort is to be made on Monday
next to drive out the inliabitants of Nauvoo, new and old, and to destroy the city.
Maj. P. was authorized to talie command of such persons as would volunteer free
of cost to the State, and repel anj' attack and defend the citj'. He was also
authorized to assist any peace officer in making arrests. This order of the Gov-
ernor's placed Parker and Carlin in antagonism. Carlin's proclamation was
dated the 17th; on the 25th, Parker issued a counter proclamation, calling on all
armed bodies of men in the couaty to disperse, and stating that he held himself
in readiness '• to aid any officer in any part of the county in executing any lawful
writs in his hands." Carlin replied by letter, that he was a legally constituted
officer, with writs in his hands to execute, that he had been resisted, and had
called out the jjasse to aid him, that he did not acknowledge the authority of the
military to interfere, that a large force was collecting, and he should proceed.
To this Parker rejoined, that he was sent by the Governor, that the force imder
Carlin was a mob, whose aim was to set the ]\Iormons over the river, that his
position compelled him to regard the posse as a mob, and he must treat them as
such. This brought another letter from Carlin, who reiterated his former state-
ments, and concluded: " The poss« will proceed to perform its dutj'-, and as you
have cautioned me, that if it does not soon disperse you will treat it as a mob and
as one good turn deserves another, I will caution 3'ou,that if j'ou attempt to inter-
fere with this posse while acting under the law, I shall regard you and your com-
mand as a mob, and 'treat them as such.'" Hereupon Parker fell back upon
proclamations. On the 28th he issued a second, and on the 3d of September, a
third, defining his position, and warning " the mob " to desist.

In the meantime the force was concentrating at Carthage. On
the 25tli, CoL John B. Chittenden, of Adams county, was placed
in temporary command, with the understanding that Col. James
W. Singleton, of Brown, was to supersede hira on his arrival^
Col. S. arrived on the 2Sth and took command, with Col. Brock-
man, of Brown, in command of the First Regiment, and Col. Thomas
Geddes, of Hancock, in command of the Second. The camp was
fixed about five miles from Carthage, on the Nauvoo road, the
force numbering from 600 to 800 men. Here negotiations for a
compromise began between the two commanders in secret. This
was concluded and ratified by Col. Singleton, but unanimously
rejected by his oflicers and men, amid great excitement. The con-
ditions of this agreement were, in short: that the Mormon popula-
tion of Nauvoo shall all leave in 60 days; that a force of 25 men
be left as a guard, the expense to be equally borne by both parties;
that an attorney be selected to take charge of all writs; that the
Mormons shall deliver np the State arms, and that all hostilities
shall at once cease. The reasons given for the rejection were, that
no confidence could be placed in the Mormon's professions of sin-
ceritj', and that no provision was made for the execution of the
writs in Carlin's hands.

On the rejection of the treaty, Col. Singleton withdrew from the
command, and Carlin appointed Col. Brockman to the place. He
immediately gave orders for an advance, and on the 10th, the whole
force, numbering about 700 men, marched toward Nauvoo and
encamped about three miles from the temple. Here a committee,
consisting of Hon. John Wood, Major Flood and Joel Rice, of
Quii:icy, appeared and proposed a compromise. Terms were named
to them, and by them taken to the city; but no answer was
received. The posse was put in motion towards the city, and for

IIISTOEY CTF HANCOCK COUNTY. 349

two days considerable skirmishing was carried on between picket
guards, and some firino- of artillery, of whicli both parties had a
few pieces. On the 12th, a Hag of truce was sent in b}' Brockman'
and Carlin, demanding a surrender. It was repled to by Maj. Ben-
jamin Clifford, in command (but what became of Parker does not
appear), refusing to compl}'. Fi'eparations for battle were there-
upon immediately made. As this was the concluding and only
military battle of the war, we deem a report of it in full, copied
from the Warsaw Signal of the 13th October, worthy of a place
here.

THE BATTLE AND KESULT.

"After the reception of this letter (Clifford's) the army was
drawn up in column on a piece of high ground lying between the
camp and the city. While in this position a few shots were fired
from a breastwork the Mormons had erected during the night, and
the fire was returned from our artillery. So soon as all was ready,
the Warsaw Kifienien were divided into two sections and deployed
on the right and left as flankers. Capt. Newton's Lima Guards,
witli Capt. Walker's gun, were ordered to take position a quarter
of a mile in front of the camp, and employ the attention of the
Mormons at their breastwork, and from which they kept a constant
fire, while the main Ijod}' of the army wheeled to the left, passed
down across the La Harpe road, through a cornfield, thence across
Mulholland street, then bore to the right through an orchard and
on to the city. So soon as the army was fairly under way, Capt.
Newton's company and the piece of artillery with it, were brought
up in the rear. Tliis march was made directly across and in the
face of the enemy's fire, and within good cannon range, yet not a
man was injured.

"Arriving on the verge of the city, the army, all except the
artillery and flankers, was halted, while the latter advanced and
commenced an attack on the Mormon works, from which they had
been firing during the whole time of the march. A hot fire was
kept up b}' the artillery from both sides for fifteen or twenty
minutes. During this time the Mormons did no execution on our
ranks, while the balls from our cannon rattled most terrifically
through the houses in the city.

" At length the fire_ of small arms was heard from some Mor-
mons who had taken position on the extreme left in a cornfield.
Immediately Col. Smith's regiment was ordered up and drove the
assailants before them. The Second Regiment was in the mean-
time ordered up to the support of the artillery. By this time the
action became general.

"The Mormons were in squads in their houses and poured in
their shots with the greatest rapidity. Our men were also divided
ofi" into squads, took shelter where they could best find it, and
returned the tire with gi-eat energy. The greater part of the First
Regiment had no better shelter than a cornfield and a worm fence ;

350 HISTOEY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

the Second Regiment was on open ground, having but two or three
small houses to cover the whole body; while our artillery was
entirely exposed.

" The firing of small arms was continued for half an hour, during
which time our men steadily advanced, driving the enemy in many
instances from their shelter. For a time their fire was almost
entirely silenced; but unfortunately at this juncture our cannon
balls were exhausted; and our commander deeming it imprudent
to risk a further advance without these necessary instruments, he
ordered the men to be drawn oft". This was done in good order,
and in slow time the whole force returned to the camp.

" In this action we had about 500 men engaged, and four pieces
of artillery; 200 men and one piece of artilleiy having been left at
the camp for its protection. Our loss in this engagement, as well
as in the subsequent skirmishes, will be found in the report of the
surgeons hereto appended. Most of our men throughout the action
displayed remarkable coolness and determination; and we have no
doubt did great execution. We believe if our cannon balls
had held out ten minutes longer, we should have taken the city;
but when the action commenced we had but 61 balls. The battle
lasted from the time the first feint was made until our men were
drawn off — an hour and a quarter. Probably there is not on
record an instance of a longer continued militia fight. (?)

•' The Mormons stood their ground manfully ; but from the little
execution done by them, we infer that they were not very cool or
deliberate. Their loss is uncertain — as they have taken especial
pains to conceal the number of their dead and wounded. They
acknowledge but three dead and ten wounded. Amongst the killed
is their master spirit, Capt. Anderson, of the 15-shooter rifle com-
pany. Their force in the fight was from three to four hundred.
They had all the advantage, having selected their own positions ;
and we were obliged to take such as we could get. Sometimes our
men could get no covei', and the artillery was all the time exposed,
while theirs was under cover.

" On Saturday after the battle, the Antics commenced entrench-
ing their camp, and on Sunday made it secure against the shots of
the enemy's cannon, which frequently reached or passed over it.
On Sunday the Anties cut part of the corn from the field on the
left of the La Harpe road, to prevent the Mormons from taking
cover in it. While thus engaged the Mormons fired on the guard
"which was protecting the corn-cutters. The fire was returned by
the guard, and kept up at long distance for two or three hours. In
this skirmish one of our men was badly wounded. The loss of the
enemy is not known. On Monday a party of Mormons crept \ip
through the weeds to a piece of high ground, and fired at our camp
— wounding three men, none seriously. Their balls were nearly
spent when they struck. On Sunday morning after the battle
a powder plot was dug up in the La Harpe road, which the army
was expected to pass. On Wednesday another was dug up on the

^

WALKER TP.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 363

same road nearer the city. Several of tliese plots were discovered
near the temple and in other parts of the city."

But the lighting was over and the war was ended. On Tuesday
mornino", the 15th, a deputation from 100 citizens of Quincy
arrived in camp with proposals for mediation. The sub-committee
was headed by Andrew Johnston, Esq., as chairman. A similar
sub-committee was sent to Nauvoo to confer with 13. Clifford, the
Commander there. A truce was agreed on, and after a long and
voluminous correspondence, a treaty was concluded, which we can
give best in its own words:

1. The City of Nauvoo will surreuder. The force of Col. Brockman to enter
and take possession of the city to-morrow, the 17th of September, at 3 o'clock p. m.

3. The arms to be delivered to the Quincy Committee, to be returned on the
crossing of Ihe river.

3. The Quincy Committee pledge themselves to use their influence for the
protection of persons and property from all violence ; and the officers of the camp
and the men pledge themselves to protect all persons and property from violence.

4. The sick and helpless to be protected and tieated with humanity.

5. The Mormon population of the city to leave the State, or disperse, as soon
as they can cross the river.

6. Five men, including the trustees of the Church, and five clerks, with their
families (William Pickett not one of the number) to be permitted to remain in
the city for the disposition of propeity, free from all molestation and personal
violence.

7. Hostilities to cease immediately, and ten men of the Quincy Committee to
enter the city in the execution of their duty as soon as they think proper.

We, the undersigned, subscribe to, ratify arid confirm the foregoing articles of
accommodation, treaty and agreement, 'he day and year first above written.

Signed by: Ahnoii W. Babbitt, Joseph L. Heyicood, John S. Fullmer, Trustees
in Trust for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints; Andrew Johnson,
Chairman of the Com. of Quincy; Thos. S- Brockman, commanding posse; John
Carlin, Special Constable.

The remarkable feature of this treaty is, that it contained not a
word about the arrest of the persons named in the writs held by
Carlin, and for the service of which the expedition was undertaken.

Soon after the agreement was signed and exchanged, Major Clif-
ford gave orders for the withdrawal of the forces under his com-
mand. By three o'clock the next day, nearly the whole Mormon
population had crossed the river. At three, Brockman's force was
put in motion, marched through the city, and encamped near the
south end of town. On Friday all except 100 men were disbanded,
and to co-operate with these the new citizens organized a company
of 100 men as guards to the city.

The surgeons in Col. Brockman's camp, Drs. Berry and Charles
of Warsaw, reported twelve men wounded, as follows: John
Kennedy, of Augusta, in the shoulder; Jefferson Welsh, of
McDonough Co., in the thigh ; Mr. Rogers, of Adams Co., thigh
and hip ; Uriah Thompson, of Fountain Green, in arm; Mr. Hum-
phreys, of Hancock Co., in the thigh severely, and died ten hours
afterward; George Wier, Warsaw, in the neck; Capt. Robert F.
Smith, who commanded the First Regiiuent, slightly in the neck;
Mr. Crooks, of Chili, in the head slightly; Mr. Winsor, of Nauvoo,
in the back, while loading; Mr. Denny, of Green Plains, at camp-

22

^54 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

guard; Dr. Geiger, ofN"auvoo, in camp; and Mr. Stinson, of Brown
Co., in the thigh. Of the loss on the other side we have no reliable
data.

Bnt, although the war was over, the troubles were not jet to. end.
The force left in the city, not satisfied with the withdrawal of the
Mormons, dealt pretty roughly with the ring-leaders of the obnox-
ious new citizens. A few of them were ordered to leave. They
-did so, but made their appeals to the public and to Gov. Ford at
Springfield, in a tissue of most exaggerated statements. Maj. Bray-
man, who had been commissioned by the Governor to investigate,
made reports also to his Excellency, which, taken together, decided
him to again order a force into the county. He recruited about
100 men, with which he entered the county, and after a day or two
at Carthage, proceeded to Nauvoo, where he arrived on the 28 th
of October. He was \Vaited on by numbers of the respectable new
citizens, who endeavored to disabuse his mind as to the state of
affairs in the city. The Governor encamped his force about the
temple, where he remained until the lith of November, when he
left for Springfield, leaving a part of his force under Major Weber,
at Nauvoo. Before reaching the county, tlie Governor became_con-
vinced that he had undertaken a useless expedition, as the result
proved, for during his whole two weeks' presence nothing trans-
pired requiring military or executive interference. The force left,
remained in the county inactive, until withdrawn by Gov. French.
Gov. F., having been elected to succeed Ford, was inaugurated
December 8th, and on the 12th he withdrew the force, and ad-
dressed a short note to the people of Hancock county, announcing
tiieir withdrawal, and exhorting to peace and quietness.

N-AUVOO CHARTER AND ORDINANCES.

A history of Mormonism in Hancock county would be incom-
plete that failed to recite the Charter granted that people b}' the
State Legislature, and to give a few samples of the Ordinances
passed by the City Council. The following is a verbatim copy of
the Charter:

AN ACT TO INCORPORATE THE CITY OF NAUVOO.

Sec. 1. BeitenactedbythePeopleof the State of lUiuois, represented in the Gen-
eral Assembly, That all that district of country embraced within the following
boundaries, to-wit: [omit long description of boundaries.]

Sec. 2. Whenever any tract of land adjoining the city of Nauvoo shall have
been laid out into town lots, and duly recorded according to law, the same shall
form a part of the city of Nauvoo.

Sec. 3. The inhabitants of said city, by the name and style aforesaid, shall
have power to sue and be sued, plead and be impleaded, defend and be defended,
in all courts of law and equitj', and in all actions whatsoever ; to purchase, receive
and hold property, real and personal, in said city; to purchase, receive and hold
real property beyond the city for burj'ing ground, or for other public purposes,
for the use of the inhabitants of said city ; to sell, lease, convey or dispose of
property, real and personal, for the benefit of the city ; to improve and protect
such property, and to do all other things in relation thereto as natural persons.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 355

Sec. 4. There shall be a City Council to consist of Mayor, four Aldermen and
nine Councilors, who shall have the qualifications of electors of said city, and
shall be chosen by the qualified voters thereof, and shall hold their offices for two
years, and until their successors shall be elected and qualitied. The City Council
shall judge of the qualifications, elections and returns ot their own memljers, and
a majority of them shall form a quorum to do business; but a smaller number
may adjourn from day to day, and compel the attendance of absent members,
under such penalties as may be prescribed by ordinance.

Sec. 5. The Mayor, Aldermen and Councilors, before entering upon the
duties of 'their offices, shall take and subscribe an oath or atlirmation, that they
will support the Constitution of the United States and of this State; and that they
will well and truly perform the duties of their offices to the best of their skill and
abilities.

Sec. a. On the first Monday of February next, and every two years thereafter,
an election shall be held for "the election of one Mayor, four Aldermen, and nine
Councilors ; and at the first election under this act, three Judges shall be chosen
viva voce by the electors present, the said Judges shall choose two clei'ks, and the
Judges and clerks, before entering upon their duties, shall take and .subscribe an
oath or affirmation, such as is now required by law to be taken by judges and
clerks of other elections ; and at all subsequent elections, the necessary number
of Judges and clerks shall be appointed by the Cit}' Council. At the first election
so held the polls shall be opened at nine o'clock, a.m., and closed at six o'clock,
p. M. ; at the close of the polls the votes shall be counted, and a statement thereof
proclaimed at the front door of the house at which such election shall be held;
and the clerl;s shall leave with each person elected, or at his usual place of resi-
dence within five days after the election, a written notice of his election, and each
person so notified, shall within ten days after the election, take the oath or affirm-
ation hereinbefore mentioned, a certificate of which oath shall be deposited with
the Recorder, whose appointment is hereafter provided for, and be by him pre-
served; and all subsequent elections shall be held, conducted, and returns thereot
made as may be provided for by the ordinances of the City Council.

Sec. 7. All free white male inhabitants, who are of the age of 21 years, who
are entitled to vote for State officers, and who shall have been actual residents of
said city sixty days next preceding said election, shall be entitled to vote for city
officers.

Sec. 8. The City Council shall have authorit}' to levy and collect taxes for
city purposes, upon all property, real and personal, within the limits of the city,
not exceeding one-half per cent, per annum upon the assessed value thereof, and
may enforce the payment of the same in any manner to be provided by ordinance,
not repugnant to the Constitution of the United States, or of this State.

Sec. 9. The City Council shall have power to appoint a Recorder, Treasurer,
Assessor, Marshal, Supervisor of streets, and all such other officers as may be
necessary, and to prescribe their duties, and remove them from office at pleasure.

Sec. 10. The City Council shall have power to require of all officers, appointed
in pursuance of this act, bonds with penalty and security, for the faithful perform-
ance ot their respective duties, such as may be deemed expedient; and also to
require all officers appointed as aforesaid, to take an oath for the faithful performance
of the duties of then- respective offices.

Sec. 11. The City Council shall have power and authority to make, ordain,
establish and execute all such ordinances, not repugnant to the Constitution of the
United States or of this State, as they may deem necessary for the benefit, peace,
good order, regulation, convenience and cleanliness of said city ; for the protection
of propert}' therein from destruction by fire or otherwise, and for the health and
happiness thereof ; they shall have power to fill all vacancies that may happen by
death, resignation or removal, in an}' of the offices herein made elective; to fix and
establish aU the fees of the officers of said corporation not herein established; to
impose such fines not exceeding one hundred dollars for each offense, as they may
deem just, for refusing to accept any office in or under the corporation, or for
misconduct therein ; to chvide the city into wards ; to add to the number of Alder-
men and Councilors, and apportion them among the several wards as may be most
just and conducive to the interests of the city.

Seo. 12. To Mcense, tax, and regulate auctions, merchants, retailers, grocers,
hawkers, pedlars, brokers, pawn-brokers and money-changers.

Seo. 13. The City Council shall have exclusive power within the city, by ordi-
nance to license, regulate and restrain the keeping of ferries ; to regulate the police

35*) H[STORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

of the city ■ to impose tines, forfeitures and penalties for the breacli of any ordinance,
and provide for tlie recovery of such fines and forfeitures, and the enforcement of
such penalties, and to pass such ordinances as may be necessary and proper for
carrying into execution the powers specified in this act : Provided, Such ordi-
nances are not repugnant to the Constitution of the United States or of this State ;
and in fine, to exercise such other legislative powers as are conferred on the City
Council of the city of Springfield, by an act entitled "An act to incorporate the city
of Springfield," approved February third, one thousand eight hundred and forty.

Sec. 14. All ordinances passed by the City Council shall, within one month after
they shall have been passed, be published in some newspaper printed in tlie city, or
certified copies thereof be posted up in three of the most public places in the city.

Sec. 15. All ordinances of the city may be proven by the seal of the corporation,
and when printed or pulilished in book or pamphlet form, piu'porting to he printed
or published by authority of the corporation, the same shall be received in evidence
in all courts or places without further proof.

Sec. 16. The Mayor and Aldermen shall be conservators of the peace within
the limits of said city, and shall have all the powers of Justices of the Peace therein,
both in civil and criminal cases, arising under the laws of the State; they 'shall, as
Justices of the Peace within the limits of said city, perform the same duties, be
governed by the same laws, give the same bonds and secm'ity as other Justices of
the Peace, and be commissioned as Justices of the Peace in and for said city by the
Governor.

Sec. 17. The Mayor shall have exclusive jurisdiction in all cases arising under
the ordinances of the corporation, and shall issue such process as may be necessary
to carry said ordinances into execution and effect; appeals maybe had from any
decision or judgment of said Mayor, or Aldermen, arising under the city ordinances,
to tlie ilunicipal Court, under such regulations as may be presented by ordinance,
which Court shall be composed of the Mayor, or Chief Justice, and the Aldermen
as Associate Justices, and from the final judgment of the Municipal Court to the
Circuit Com't of Hancock County, in the same manner as appeals are taken from
the judgments of Justices of tlie Peace: Provided, That the parties litigant
shiill have a riglit to a trial lij' a jmy of twelve men in all cases before the iluui-
cipal Com-t. The ^Municipal Court shall have power to grant writs of liabeas cui'jius
in all cases arising under the ordinances of the City Council.

Sec. 18. Tlie Municipal Court shall sit on the fij'st Monday of every month, and
the City Council at such times and places as may be prescribed by city ordinance,
special meetings of which may, at any time, be called by the Mayor or any two
Aldermen.

Sec. 19. All processes issued by the Mayor, Aldermen or Municipal Court shall
be directed to the Marshal, and in the execution thereof he shall be governed by
the same laws as are or maj' be prescribed for the direction and compensation of
constables in similar cases. The Marshal shall also perform such other duties as
may be required of him under the ordinances of said city, and shall be the
principal ministerial officer.

Sec. 20. It shall be the duty of the Recorder to make and keep accurate records
of all ordinances made by tlie City Council, and of all their proceedings in their
corporate capacity; which records shall at all times be open to the inspection of
the electors of said city, and shall perform such other duties as may b"^ recxuired
of him by the ordinances of the City Council, and shall serve as Clerk of the Mu-
nicipal Court.

Sec. 21. When it shall be necessary to take private property for opening, widen-
ing, or altering any pul^Iic street, lane, avenue or alley, the Corporation shall
make a just compensaiion tlierefor to the person whose proper y is so taken, and
if the amount of such compensation can not be agreed upon, the Jlaj'or sliall cause
the same to be ascertained by a jury of six disinterested freeholders of the city.

Sec. 23. All jurors impaneled to inquire into the amount of benefits or dama-
ges tliat shall happen to the owners of property so proposed to be taken, shall first
be sworn to that etfect, and shall return to the Mayor their inquest in writing,
signed by each juror.

Sec. 23. In case the Mayor shall at any time be guilty of a palpable omission
of duty, or shall willfully and corruptly be guilty of oppression, mal-conduct, or
partiality in the discharge of the duties of his office, he shall be liable to be
indicted in the Circuit Court of Hancock county ; and on conviction he shall be
fined not more than two hundred dollars, and the Court shall have power, on the

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 357

rc'comuiendation of the jury, to add to the judgment of the Court, that he be
rt'inoved from office.

!?EC. 34. The City Council may establish and organize an institution of learn-
ing within the limits of the city for the teaching of the arts, sciences and learned
professions, to be called the " University of the City of Nauvoo ;" which institution
shall be under the control and management of a Board of Trustees, consisting ot
a Chancellor, Registrar, and twenty-three Regents, which Board shall thereafter
be a bodj' corporate and politic, with perpetual succession, by the name of the
" Chancellor and Regents of the University of the City of Nauvoo,'' and shall have
full power to pass, ordain, establish and execute all such laws and ordinances as
they may consider for the welfare and jirospcrity of said Universit}', its officers
and students ; Provided, That the said laws and ordinances shall not be repug-
nant to the Constitution of the United States or of this State; and. Provided, also,
That the Trustees shall at all times be appointed by tlie City Council, and shall
have all the powers and privileges for the advancement of the cause of education
which appertain to the trustees of any other college or university of this State.

Sec. 25. The City Council may organize the inhabitants of said city subject to
military duty into a body of independent military men, to be called the " Nauvoo
Legion," the court-martial of which shall be composed of the commissioned offi-
cers of said Legion, and constitute the law-making department, with full powers
and authority to make, ordain, establish and execute, all such laws and ordinan-
ces, as may be considered necessary for the benetit, government and regulation of
said Legion; Provided, Said court-martial shall pass no law or act repugnant to
or inconsistent with the Constitution of the United States or of this State; and.
Provided, also. That the officers of the Legion shall be commissioned by the Gov-
ernor of the State. The said Legion shall perform the same amount of military
duty as is now or may be hereafter required of the regular militia of the State,
and shall be at the disposal of the Mayor in executing the laws and ordinances ot
the City Corporation, and the laws of the State, and at the disposal of the Governor
for the public defense and the execution of the laws of the State, or of the United
States, and shall be entitled to their proportion of the public arms; and. Provided,
also. That said Legion shall be exempt from all other military dut}'.

Sec. 26. The inhabitants of the " Citj- of Nauvoo" are hereby exempt from
working on any road beyond the limits of the city; and for the purpose of keep-
iugthe streets, lanes, avenues and alleys in repair, to require of the male inhabit-
itants of said city, over the age of twenty-one and under fifty years, to labor on
said streets, lanes, avenues and alleys, not exceeding three daj-s in each year; any
peraon failing to perform such labors when duly notified by the Supervisor, shall
forfeit and pay the sum of one dollar per day for eac h day so neglected or refused.

Sec. 27. The City Council shall have power to provide for the punishment of
otienders, by imprisonment in the county or city jail, in all cases when such of-
fenders shall fail or refuse to pay the fines and forfeitures which may be recovered
against them.

Sec. 28. This Act is hereby declared to be a public act, and shall take effect on
the first Monday of February next.

Approved, December 10, 1840.

CITY OKDINANCES.

And we present below a few of the ordinances passed from time
to time by the City Councils of Nauvoo:

AN OEDINANCE

Regulating the mode of proceeding in cases of Jiabeas corpvs before the Munioi
pal Court:

Section 1. Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Nauvoo, That
in all cases where any person or persons shall at any time hereafter be arrested
or under arrest, in this city, under any writ or process, and shall be brought before
the Municipal Court of this city, by virtue of a writ of habeas corpus, the Court
shall in every such case have power and authority, and are hereby required to
examine into the origin, validity and legality of the writ or process, under which
such arrest was made; and if it shall appear to the Court upon sufficient testi-
mony, that said writ or process was illegal, or not legally issued, or did not proceed
from the proper authority, then the Court shall discharge the prisoner from nuder

358 HISTOKY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

said arrest ; but if it shall appear to the Court that said writ or process had issued
from proper authority, and was a legal process, the Court shall then proceed and
fully hear the merits" of the case upon which said arrest was made, upon such
evidence as may be produced and sworn before said Court ; and shall have power
to adjourn the hearing, and also issue process from time to time, in their discre-
tion, m order to procure the attendance of witnesses, so that a fair and impartial
trial and decision may be obtained iu every case.

Sec. 2. And be it further ordained, That if upon investigation it shall be
proven before the Municipal Court that the writ or process has been issued either
through private pique, malicious intent, religious or other persecution, falsehood
or misrepresentation, contrary to the Constitution of the United States or of this
State, the said writ or process shall be quashed, and considered of no force or
effect, and the prisoner or prisoners shall be released and discharged therefrom.

Sec. 3. And be it also further ordained, That in the absence, sickness, debility
or other circumstances disqualifying or preventing the Maj'or from officiating
in his office, as Chief Justice of the Municipal Court, the Aldermen present shall
appoint one from amongst them to act as Chief Justice or President pyo tempore.

Sec. 4. This ordinance to take effect and be in force from and after its passage.

HTRt::M Smith,
Vice-Mayor and President pro tempore.

Passed August 8, 1842.

James Sloan, Recorder.

AN OEDINANCE CONCERNING MARRIAGES.

Section 1. Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Nauvoo, That
all male persons over the age of seventeen years, and females over the age of
fourteen years, may contract and be joined in marriage; Provided, in all cases
where either party is a minor, the consent of parents or guardians be first had.

Sec. 2. Any jjcrsons as aforesaid wishing to marrj', or be joined in maiTiage,
may go before any regular minister of the gospel, Mayor, Alderman, Justice of
the Peace, Judge, or other person authorized to solemnize marriages iu this State,
and celebrate or declare their marriage in such manner and form as shall be most
agreeable, either with or without license.

Sec. 3. Any person solemnizing a marriage as aforesaid, shall make return
thereof to the City Recorder, accompanied by a recording fee of fifty cents, within
thirty days of the solemnization thereof; and it is hereby made the duty of the
Recorder to keep an accurate record of all such marriages. The penalty for a
violation of either of the provisions of this ordinance, shall be twenty dollars, to
be recovered as other penalties or forfeitures.

John C. Bennett, Mayor.

Passed Feb. 17, 1843.

James Sloan, Recorder.

The foregoing, it will be observed, abrogates a law of the State,
which requires a license to be obtained from the County Court.
The second section was a mere scheme to put money into the
pockets of the Recorder; and no penal t}' for its infraction could
have been enforced by law, as every person solemnizing a marriage
is required by State law to make return to the County Clerk, and
when that is done the law is fulfilled.

Here is an ordinance investing the " Prophet, Seer and Eevelator,"
and President of the Church of Zion, with all the rights, duties,
responsibilities and emoluments — aye, emoluments — belonging to
the liquor traffic:

AN ORDINANCE

For the health and convenience of travelers and other persons.

Section 1. Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Nauvoo, That
the Mayor of the city be and is hereby authorized to sell or give spirits, of any

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 359

quantity, as lie in his wisdom shall judge to be for the health, comfort or conven-
ience of such travelers or other persons as shall visit his house from time to time.

Joseph Smith, Mayor.
Passed Dec. la, 1843.

W. Richards, ^Recorder.

AN EXTRA ORDINANCE

For the extra case of Joseph Smith and others.

[Preamble recounting Smith's difficulties with Missouri omitted.]
Section 1. Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Nauvoo, Accord-
ing to the intent and meaning of the Charter, for the " benefit and convenience"
of Nauvoo, that hereafter if any person or persons shall come with process, demand
or requisition, founded upon the aforesaid Missouri difficulties, to arrest said Joseph
Smith, he or they shall be subject to be arrested by any officer of the city, with or
without process, and tried by the Municipal Court, upon testimony, and if found
guilty, sentenced to imprisonment in the city prison for life, which convict or con-
victs can only be pardoned by the Governor, with the consent of the Mayor of
said city. *****

Joseph Smith, Mayor.
Passed Dec. 8, 1843

W. Richards, Recorder.

Another of similar purport;

AN ORDINANCE

To prevent unlawful search or seizure of person or property, by foreign process'
in the City of Nauvoo.

Section 1. Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Nauvoo, To pre-
vent kidnapping, illegal arrests of persons, or unlawful searches for property,
that all writs issued oiU of the citj' shall, before they are executed within the limits
of the city, be examined by and receive the approval and signature of the Mayor
of said cit}- on the back of said process, and be served by the Marshal of said city.

Sec. 2. And be it further ordained, That every officer who shall execute, or
attempt to execute, any process as aforesaid, without first obtaining the approval
and signature of the Mayor of said city, as specified in the first section of this
ordinance, shall be subject to a fine of not less than five dollars nor more than
one hundred dollars, or imprisonment not less than one month nor more than six
months in the city prison, or both, as a breach of ordinance to be tried before the
Municipal Court of said city. Joseph S>nTH Mayor.

Passed Dec. 2], 1843.

WiLLARD RicH.^RDS, l^ecorder.

AMENDMENT.

Sec. 3. Be it ordained by the Cit}' Council of llie City of Nauvoo, That noth-
ing in the foregoing ordinance shall be so construed as to prevent, hinder, or thwart
the designs of justice, or to retard the civil officers of the State or county in the
discharge of their official duties; but to aid and assist them within the limits of
this cit)'. Joseph Smith, Mayor.

Passed Jan. 10, 1814.

WiDLARD Richards, Recorder.

Tliese two ordinances were so glaringly illegal and offensive, that
it was deemed necessary to repeal, or at least make a show of repeal-
ing them. That was done in this wise, — a repeal which re-enacts
their chief features, only slightly varying the penalty:

AN ORDINANCE

Entitled "An ordinance to repeal certain ordinances therein mentioned."

Whereas, An ordinance entitled "An ordinance for the extra case of Joseph
Smith and others." passed December 8, 1843, and. Whereas, the ordinance entitled

360

illSTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

"An ordinance to present unlawful search and seizure of person and property by
foreign process in the city of Nauvoo," passed December 31, 1843, have had their
desired effect in preserving the peace, happiness, persons or property of the citizens
of Nauvoo, according to their intent and meaning; therefore.

Sec. 1. Be it ordained by the City Council of the city of Nauvoo, That the
aforesaid ordinances are hereby repealed.

Seo. 3. And be it further ordained, that nothing in the first section of tliis ordi-
nance shall be so construed as to give license or lilierty to any foreign officer, or other
person or persons, to illegally distiu'b the peace, happiness or quiet of an3' citizen of
said city, any ordinance to the contrary notwithstanding, under a penalty of not less
than iive hundred dollars, or imprisonment six months in the city prison.

Joseph S.mith, Mayor.

Passed February, 1844.

WiLLAKD RioHAEDS, Recorder.

The foregoing ordinatices are copied verbatim from tlie Times
and Seasons and tlie Nauvoo Neighbor, the official and recognized
organs of the Church and city. Want of room forbids the copying
of a number of otlier ordinances ])assed bj' the City Council, exem-
plifying the pecnliar genius of that honorable body for governing
a city.

In concluding this chajiteron Mormon atlairs in Hancock county
we throw together a number of items omitted in the course of the
narrative, of more or less importance as parts of a complete history.

THE KINDEEHOOK PLATES.

c O^

The above are fair representations of two uf the six plates of cop-
per, held together by a small ring, which were dug from a mound
at Kinderhook, Pike county, Illinois, by Mr. Wiley, a merchant of
that place, about the year 184-3. They were brought to Nauvoo,
and exhibited among the Mormons, as well as at other places in
the county, and regarded by the Saints as proofs of the autheiitic-
tv of the Book of Mormon. The writer hereof saw and " hefted "

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 361

them, at the time, but is now unable to tell what became of them.
They are probably deposited in some museum, where they should
be, unless the angel who guided Mr. Wiley in procuring them, or-
dered them replaced in the mound. Whether the prophet ever
undertook their translation, we are not informed.

" SONS OF DAN."

Both John and Orson Hyde believed in and doubtless knew of
the existence of tiie Danite Band. The former, in his work on
Mormonism, published ten or twelve years after that people left
Hancock county, states that in 1S3S, in Missouri, a " death societj'"
was formed under the direction of Sidney Rigdon ; that its first
captain was David Patten, one of the Apostles, known as Capt.
Fearnaught ; and that its object was to " punish the obnoxious."
Thej^ had some trouble to find a suitable name. " Daughters of
Zion," was first adopted, but dropped, from its inappropriateness.
"Genesis xlix, 17, furnished the name they finally assumed. The
verse is quite significant : ' Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an
adder in the path that biteth the horse's heels, so that his rider
shall fall backward.'" And Hyde continues: " ' The Sons of Dan '
was the style adopted: and many have been the times they have
been adders in the path, and many a man has fallen backward and
has been seen no mfire." — [Stenhouse, p. 104.

From " Sons of Dan," they came to be known to the Gentiles as
the " Danite Band." Brigham Young himself furnishes full con-
firmation, as quoted by Stenhouse from the Deseret News^ vol. 7,
page 148:

" If men come here and do not behave themselves, they will not
only find the Danites, whom they talk so much about, biting the
horse's heels, but the scoundrels will find something biting their
heels. In my plain remarks, I merely call things by their own
names."

It is due to the Mormons to say, that in all their publications,
the}' have steadily denied the existence of any such organization
among them.

BEASTS IN THK LAND OF PROMISE.

The country (America) to which these "Wandering Jews,"
described in the Book of Mormon, were directed, was entirely unin-
habited. But "there were beasts in the forests of eveiy kind,"
— among the rest the ox. Here is revealed a fact in natural history
of which even Cuvier was ignorant. Oxen have heretofore been
supposed to exist only in countries inhabited by man: but here
they were found running wild in the forests of America !

WILLIAM W. I'HELPS.

This man, notorious among the faithful at Nauvoo as one of the
most blindh- obsequious followers of the prophet, was a printer by

^

362 HISTOEY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

trade, and published at Independence the Evening and Morning
Star. He was a ready writer, but usually dealt in the " hifalutin "
style. He was supposed to liave been often employed by Joseph
to adorn his compositions. For these many acts of kindness, his
patron is said to have liad a revelation in his favor, that he should
live till Jesus came. The Salt Lake papers report his death in that
city on March 7, 1872, aged over SO years.

THE TITLES OF THE TWELVE,

As given by W. "W. Phelps, and published in the Times and
Seasons, in 1841 :

Biigham Young — The Lion of the Lord.

Parley P. Pratt — The Archer of Paradise.

Orson Hyde — The Olive Branch of Israel.

"Willard Ricliards — The Keeper of the Rolls.

John Taylor — The CJiampion, of Right.

William Smith — The Patriarch of JacoVs Staff.

Wilford Woodruff — The Banner of the Gospel.

George A. Smith — The Entablature of Truth.

Orson Pratt — The Oauge of Philosophy.

John E. Page — The Sun-Dial, and

Lyman Wight — The Wild Ram of the Mountains.

THE PROPHET AS A LINGUIST.

How he became a linguist is beyond comprehension, seeing he
was so entirely ignorant of his own native English tongue. But
he was fond of parading liis acquirements in that respect before
his wondering followers. In the Times and Seasons of May 1,
1843, we find over his signature a learned dissertation on the
derivation of the name "Mormon: "

* * * It has been stated that tliis word was derived from the Greek word
Mormo. This is not the case. There was no Greek or Latin upon the plates from
which I, tlirough the grace of God, translated the Book of jMoi-mou. Let the
language of that book speak for itself. On the 523d page of the fourth edition, it
reads :

"And now behold we have written this record according to our knowledge in the
characters which are called among us the Reformed Egyptian, being handed down
and altered by us, according to our manner of speech ; and if our plates had been
sufficiently large, we should have wi-itten in Hebrew; but the Hebrew hath been
altered by us also; and if we could have written in Hebrew, behold ye would have
had no imperfection in our record ; but the Lord knoweth the things which we have
written, and also that none other people knoweth our language; therefore he hath
prepared means for the interpretation thereof."

Here, then, the subject is put to silence; for ''none other people knoweth our
language," therefore tire Lord, and not man, had to interpret, after the people were
all dead. * * * We say from the Saxon, goud; the Dane, (jod; the Gotli. goda;
the German, gut; the Dutch, goed; the Latin, bonus; the Greek, kalos; the Hebrew,
toh; and the Egyptian, moii. Hence, with the addition more, or the contraction
mor, we have the word Mormon, which means literally more good.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COtTNTT. 363

AND ANOTHER.

In a correspondence with James Arlington Bennett, a " swell-
head " relative of Dr. John C. Bennett's, residing at Arlington
House, near New York city, tiie prophet made this display of his
learning :

Were I au Egyptian, I would exclaim Jah-oh-eh, Enish-go-on-dosh, Flo-ces-Floa-
is-is (O, the Earth ! the power of attraction, and the moon passing between her and
the sun) ; a Hebrew, Haueloheem j'enau ; a Greek, O |theos phos esi ; a Roman,
Domiuus regit me ; a German, Got gebe uns das licht ; a Portugee, Senhor Jesu
Christo e libordade ; a Frenchman, Dieu defend le droit ; but as I am, I give God
the glory, and say, in the beautiful figure of the poet :

Could we with Ink tlie ocean fill ;

Was the whole earth of parclunent made,
And every stogie stick a quill,

And every man a scribe by trade,—
To write the love of God above

Would drain the ocean dry ;
Nor could the whole upon a scroll

Be spread from sky to sky.

That beat Arlington. He had been appointed to some office in
the Nauvoo Legion, and he had had some thought of coming to
Illinois, and through the ])ropliet's influence being elected Gov-
ernor. But he never came.

AND STILL ANOTHER

of those grand displays is ■ given in "Gen. Joseph Smith's
Appeal to the Green Mountain Boys." This effort was publislied
in the Nauiwo Neighbor about the last of Jan., 1843. It was an
address " To the Freemen of the State of Vermont, the brave Green
Mountain Boys, and honest men." The burden of it was a recital
of his suflferings in Missouri, and a call for aid in obtaining redress
for the same, but whether b\' the sword and bayonet, or moral
suasion, is not stated. He starts out by stating that he was born
and raised in Vermont; that his father fought in the Revolution,
etc., and after a rehearsal of Missouri outrages, and other matters,
he injects the following learned paragraph :

Were I a Chaldean, I would exclaim : "Keed'-naob ta maroon le-hoam elauhay
augh dej'sheraayaugh yah aur kan ion gua abadoo, yabadoo ma-ar'guan bomen
tehoat shemayaugh elah." (Thus shall ye say unto them. The gods that have not
made tli'e heavens and the eartli, they shall perish from the earth, and from these
heavens.) An Egyptian : "Saeeh-ni." (What other persons are those?) A
Grecian : " Diabolos bassileuei." (The Devil reigns.) A Frenchman : "Messieurs
sans Dieu." (Gentlemen without God.) A Turk : " Ain sheurs." (The fountain
of light.) A German : "Sie sind unferstandig." (Wliat consummate ignorance!)
A Syrian: " Zanbok." (Sacrifice.) A Spaniard : "II sabio muda conscio, 11
nescio no." (A wise man reflects, a fool does not.) A Samaritan: "Sannau." (O
Stranger!) An Italian: "O tempa!_ O diffidanza!" (O the times! O the
diflSdence!) A Hebrew: " Autoub ail rancy." (Thou Goil seest me.) A Dane:
" Hoad tidende ? " (What tidings?) A Saxon: "Hwart riht! " (What right!)
A Swede: " Hvad skilla! " (What skill!) APolander: " Nav-yen-shoo-bah poa
na Jesu Christus." (Blessed be the name of Jesus Christ.) A Western Indian:
" Slie-mo-kah, she-mo-kah, ough-ne-gah." (The white man, O the white man, he
very uncertain.) A Roman: " Procol, o procol ' este profani." (Be off, be off, ye
profane.) But as I am, I will only add : " When the wicked rule, the people
mourn."

364 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUJS'TY.

JOHN D. LEE.

Our readers will remember this individual as having been tried,
found guilt}-, and executed a few j-ears ago in Utah, for his partic-
ipation in the Mountain Meadow Massacre. In looking over the
Church organ, we find his name as having been a resident at
K^auvoo in ISiS, and a ti-aveling elder, preaching and healing the
sick, as reported. He was afterward advanced to the position of
bishop, and at the time of the Mountain Meadow aflair was known
as Bishop Lee.

THE " EEVELATIONS "

Uttered in the name of the Lord, bj the prophet. Smith, soon after
his appearance in Illinois, and indeed throughout his whole career,
would of themselves form a curious chapter in religious literature.
The limit and scope of this woi-k will not permit us to devote much
space to them; but we copy parts of one given Jan. 19, 1841, as
found in the Tinier and Seasons, of JuTie 1, 1841. It is long,
and we only quote its essential portions:

Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you, my seiT.int, Joseph Smith, I am "svell
pleased with your offerings and acknowledgments which j'ou have made; for
unto this end have I raised you up, that I might shew forth my wisdom through
the weak things of the earth. Your prayers are acceptable before me, and in
answer to them, I say unto you that you are now called immediately to make a
solemn proclamation of my gospel, and of this stake which I have planted to be
a corner-stone of Zion, which shall be polished with that refinement which is
after the similitude of a palace. This proclamation shall be made to all the kings
of the world, to the four corners thereof, to the honorable President-elect, and
the hi:jh-minded Governors of the nation in which you live, and to all the nations
of the earth scattered aljroad. *******

And again I say unto you, let my servant, Robert B. Thompson, help 3-ou to write
this proclamation, for I am weU pleased with him, etc.

And again I verily say imto you, blessed is my servant Hyrum Smith, for I, the
Lord, loveth him, -etc.

Again, let my servant John C. Bennett help you in your labor, in sending my
■word to the kings and people of the earth. * * * j have seen the work he hath
done, which I accept, if he continue, and will crown him with blessings and great
glory.

And again, it is my will that my servant Lyman "Wright should continue iu
preaching for Zion, etc.

And again, my servant George Miller is without guile; I seal upon his head the
office of a bishoprick. Let my servant George, and my servant Lj'man, and my
servant John Snider and others, build a house mito my name, such an one as my
servant Joseph shall show unto them, upon the place which he shall show unto them
also. And it shall be for a house of boarding, a house that strangers may come from
afar to lodge therein; therefore let it be a good house, wortliy of all acceptation, that
the weary traveler maj' find health and safety while he shall contemplate the word
of the Lord, and the corner-stone I have appointed for Zion, This house shall be a
healthy habitation, if it be built unto my name, and if the Governor which shall be
appointed unto it shall not suffer any pollution to come upon it. It shall be holy,
or the Lord your God will not dwell therein.

And again, veril}' I say unto you, let all my saints from afar, and send ye swift
messengers, yea, chosen messengers, and say unto them, come ye, with all your gold
and your silver, and yoiu- precious stones, and with aU yoiu' antiquities ; and with
all wiio have knowledge of antiquities, that will come, may come, and bring the box-
tree and the fir-tree and the pine-tree, together with all the precious trees of the earth;
and with iron, and with copper, and with brass, and with zinc, aud with all your
precious things of the earth, and build a house to my name for the Most High to
dwell therein, etc. * * * -

HISTOliV ol'" IIAXC'nCK OtifXTY. 3G5

And now I say unto you, as pertaining to my boarding house, wliicli I have com-
manded you to build for the boai'ding of strangers, let it lie liuilt unto my name, and
let my name be named upon it, and let my servant Joseph and his house have place
therein from generation to generation. * * * Therefore, let my servant Joseph
and his seed after him, have place in that house from generation to generation, for-
ever and ever, saith the Lord, and let the name of that house be called the Nauvoo
House. * * «

Let my servant Isaac Galland put stock in that house, for I, the Lord loveth him
for the work he hath done, and will forgive all his sins, etc. * * * And let my
servant William Law pav stock in that house for himself and his seed after him,
etc. * * * And again, verily I say unto you, if my servant Sidney will serve
me, and be a counselcir unto ni}' servant Joseph, let him arise and stand in the otBce
of his calling, and humble himself before me. * « * Veril}' I say unto you, even
now, if he will hearken to my voice it shall be well with him.

POLYGAMY.

WJio may be entitled to the infamy of inti'oduciiii^- polyi^amy as
part of the system of Mormonism is not positively known to the
ontside world. . It is a qnestion on which the saints themselves
disagree. That it was instituted and practiced sometime before it
was publicly acknowledged is certain. It needs no argument to
prove that it is a direct and flagrant violation of law throughout
all Christendom, the bane of the social system, destructive of the
best influences of home and the family circle, and an outrage upon
civilized society. It has itot one ennobling and humanizing feature;
and could have only been engrafted into their system and practiced
for the most debasing and lustful purposes. But no people, no
set of men and women, however well-meaning they may be, have
a right to shield themselves from just punishment for such prac-
tices, under cover of a religious creed. And it is a wonder and a
shame, that more determined efibrts have not been made by the
constituted authorities to put an end to these illegal practices. It
is now claimed tliat the system has been so long in operation, that
to break it up would cause great injury to many innocent persons.
It is a principle of law, that one shall not take advantage of his own
wrong; and besides, every one is presumed to know the law. These
pretended revelators, while claiming the sanction of heaven to cover
their selfish purposes, knew that the law and the morality of the
country were against them, and that their so-called revelation was
an infamous and blasphemous falsehood. Religious creed, too
often used as a cloak for sin, cannot be permitted to shield its
wearer from the consequences of crime.

That Joseph Smith ever advocated or encouraged polygamy, as a
branch of the creed, is now strenuously denied by the followers of
his son, of the re-organized branch. They justly denounce it with
all the rest of Christendom; and they quote strong proof from his
writings and from the Book of Mormon, that he set his face against
it. The Salt Lake Mormons as flail}' assert that he was its author
and introducer. We think the new branch will have hard work to
convince the world, — as they cer'tainly have not convinced us, —
that the prophet was innocent of this outrage. He may not in his
day have fully incorporated it into his creed and taught it to his

366 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

followers in public; but we think there is indubitable evidence that
he was its originator. Who, without his sanction, had a right to
broach such a thing, and preacli it, by degrees and parcels, as was
done in his life-time and in his chosen city? And how came it to
be so fully established so soon after his death, that it had become a
sweet morsel in the creed of the leaders, at the time they left for
the West two years afterward, so sweet a morsel that it divided
man and wife ? In his life-time it had not reached the dignity of
title it has since. Now, it is '' Polygamy " (and didn't Solomon
and David and Abraham, and all the patriarchs practice polygamy?).
Then it was " Spiritual-wiferv," a sort of clandestine, sneaking
system of concubinage, with an I- would-if-I-dare effort to adopt it,
and an I-do-and-I-don't acceptance ; but with a crushing public
denial and denunciation. All who remember the days of Mormon-
ism in this county and are conversant with its workings, know that
this is the way in which polygamy became a constituent of its creed
and a chief pillar in its system. Had the main body remained here
it would have been " spiritual-wifery " still, most probably — denied
to the outside world, and practiced in the harems of the leaders.
Before they left it was the accepted creed of the governing class;
and we know of one legal wife of a prominent man among them,
who refused to go with him, and did not, because he would not
agree to forego the anticipated delights of the system in the wilder-
ness;* while others generally went, by force of circumstances, though
their best natures as women cried out against the unnatural dogma.
The Salt Lake people now publish a revelation which they assert
was delivered by the prophet before his death, in which this doc-
trine is promulgated. The reorganized branch here claim this to
be a forgery; whether justly or not, we leave the reader to decide.
John Taylor is now and has ever been a prominent leader at Salt
Lake; while here, and after the prophet's death, we believe
throughout, be was editor of botli the Mormon papers. The files
of those sheets show that he was continually denying the doctrine,
and ridiculing it as an invention of their enemies. If said revela-
tion had been genuine, as now claimed, Taylor must have known
it; and what can be said of his and their truthfulness?

TEMPEEANCE CLAUSE.

The Act to incorporate the " Nauvoo House Association " con-
tained one clause which can be recommended to all similar asso-
ciations:

Sec. 9. It is moreover established as a perpetual rule of said liouse, to be
observed by all persons who may keep or occupy the same, that spirituous liquors
of every description are prohibited, and that such liquors shall never be vended
as a beverage, or introduced into common use in said house.

A TOLERATION ORDINANCE.

The following ordinance was flourished in the Nauvoo papers,
without date, as proof of the tolerant spirit prevailing there;

HISTORY OF HANCOCK OODNTi'. 367

AN ORDINANCE IN RELATION TO RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.

Sec. 1. Be it Ordained by tlie City Council of the city of Nauvoo, That the
Catholics, Presb3'terians, Methodists, Baptists, Latter-Day Saints, Quakers, Epis-
copalians, Universalists, Unitarians, Mohammedans, and all other religious sects
and denominations whatever, shall have free toleration and equal privileges in
this city; and should any person be guilty of ridiculing, abusing, or otherwise
depreciating another in consequence of his religion, or of disturbing or interrupting
any religious meeting, within the limits of this city, he shall, on conviction thereof
before the Mayor or Municipal Court, be considered a disturber of the public
peace, and fined in any sum not exceeding five hundred dollars, or imprisoned
not exceeding six months, or both, at the discretion of said Mayor or Court.

The foregoing was paraded as proof of the extremely liberal
spirit prevailing in the city; and yet it will be perceived that it
empowers the Mayor to line a man five hundred dollars and
imprison him six months, for merely speaking in depreciation of
the Mormon religion !

THE MANSION HOUSE,

which many have contonnded with the Nauvoo House, was a neat
frame building situated some hundreds of yards from the river,
and was in all the prophet's after j'ears his residence and home,
and where he dispensed hospitality and good cheer to friends and
visitors. It was a hotel, and was opened with great ostentation on
the 3d of October, 1843, on which occasion a large crowd sat down
to the table. The following is one of the volunteer toasts passed :
" Resolved, That Gen. Joseph Smith, whether we view him as a
Prophet at the head of the Church; a General at the head of the
Legion ; a Mayor at the head of the City Council, or as a Landlord
at the head of his table, has few equals and no superiors."

EGYPTIAN HIEROGLYPHICS.

Prof. Caswell, of Kemper College, near St. Louis, told the follow-
ing story: He paid a visit to Nauvoo and the Mormon prophet, and
had in his possession a Greek psalter of great age — one that had
been in his family several hundred years. "Why he took it to Nau-
voo does not appear; but some of the brethren saw it, and insisted
that he should give brother Joseph a chance of translating it. The
professor consented, and the book was handed over. The spirit of
prophec}' — the same as in the days of the golden plates — descended
upon Joseph, and he said, "This book I pronounce to be a Dic-
tionary of Ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphics."

THE TEMPLE

is said to have cost in labor and money over a million of dollars.
It may be possible, and is very probable, that contributions to that
amount were made to it, but that it cost that much to build it, few
will believe. Half that sum would be ample to build a much more
costly edifice to-day; and in the three or four years in which it was
being erected, labor was cheap and all the necessaries of life remark-
ably low. Wheat was quoted in the county markets at forty to

368 HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

sixty cents; corn, 20; flour, $4.00, and pork, $2.00. If a million of
dollars were contributed by the faithful for the temple fund, it is
easy to guess where at least half the sum was expended.

THE NAUVOO HOUSE

was never half finished during the prophet's life- time, and was never
occupied by him or an}' one. It stood, one of its wings under roof,
but the walls of the main building unfinished, an imposing struc-
ture, until long since the prophet had met his fate, and his follow-
ers had located in the wilderness. It was left or somehow passed
to the ownership of the widow and her second husband. Major Bid-
amon, and has recently been fitted up and kept by them as a hotel.
The location is most beautiful and commanding, being on the slop-
ing and rocky bank of the Mississippi, facing southward at the
curve of the river, and about 150 yards from the water's edge.

The work upon this building was never prosecuted by the faith-
ful with the same zeal as that upon the temple. While the contri-
butions flowed in freely for the temple, those for the hotel lagged;
and it took much hard begging to keep the latter going forward.
At the April conference, 184:1, President Smith said: " It is neces-
sary that this conference give importance to the Nauvoo House.
A prejudice exists against building the Nauvoo House, in favor of
the Lord's Honse, and the conference are required to give stress to
the building of the JS'auvoo House. This is the most important
matter for the time being; for there is no place in this city where
men of wealth and character and influence from abroad can go to
repose tliemselves, and it is necessary we should have si;ch a place."

So the Times and Seasons, under date of Nov. 15, 1841, in an
editorial says: "Let us not forget that we have another house also
to build in this place, even the Nauv^oo House; and which is as
important to us as the temple; inasmu chas great things are depend-
ing upon that house, and it is commanded us of God.''

■ JAMES C. BREWSTER.

This was an ambitious young man, who resided in Springfield
111., and a member of the Church. He claimed to be gifted with
the spirit of prophecy, and issued a pamphlet in which he put forth
his claims. But this was not allowed. He was dealt with, and
the organ, Dec. 1, 1842, admonishes the brethren against him,
quoting from the Book of Doctrine and Covenants: "But behold,
verily, verily, I say unto thee, no one shall be appointed to receive
commandments and revelations in this Church, excepting my ser-
vant Joseph Smith, junior, for he receiveth them even as Moses,"
etc. .So Mr. Brewster was squelched. But this x;ommand must
have been afterward abrogated in favor of brother Hyrum ; for we
find him declaring a revelation in the election of 1843, in favor of
Hoge for Congress; and the prophet vouched that " brother Hyrum
never told a lie."

^•«»iis:

%

\

y

J La HarPe Tp.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 371

A STORY FROM STENHOCTSE.

" It is stated that on leaving Nauvoo for Carthage, he said: ' I
am going like a lamb to the slaughter, but I am calm as a summer
morning. I have a conscience void of offense toward God and
toward all men. I shall die innocent, and it shall yet be said of
me, " lie was murdered in cold blood."'" — [Doctrine and Cove-
nants, p. 335.

Stenhouse says:

Notwithstanding this apparent readiness to meet death, and the deep and clear
divine impressions claimed to have been imparted to the prophet of his forthcoming
end, it is understood that he managed to send from prison a communication to the
Mormon officers in military command at Nauvoo, to bring with all possible dispatch
a portion of the Legion to protect him from treachery and from that assassination
which he had then so much cause to apprehend. This military commander put the
prophet's communication into his pocket and gave no heed to the call for help. No
one was acquainted with the contents of the paper, and the officer was therefore,
he presumed, safe in disregarding it.

After the prophet's death, by some accident or other, this communication was
lost, and picked up on the street and read. The intelligence that Joseph had called
for aid, and none had been rendered him, was soon bruited among the Saints, and
excited their deepest indignation, as they were not only ready to march at a
moment's notice, but were eager for the opportimity.

Some time afterward, when all was quiet, this "coward and traitor," as some of
the Mormons called him, or "fool and idiot," as others said, was sent on a mission
to the Western frontiers, accompanied by a faithful elder. While traveling alone
with his companion he fell ill and died, it is said of dyHentery! His companion
buried him. Page 164, Note.

If the foregoing statement is true, it reveals a fact which we
have never heard from any other source. The whole story bears
the semblance of truth; and from the narrator's twenty -five years'
connection with the priesthood afterward, it is evident he had every
facility to learn the truth. It was always accounted a wonder that
the Legion did not make some demonstration while their leaders
were in jail, either to protect or release them. That they did not,
we have attributed to their {-eliance upon the prophet's previous
good luck. This story, taken in connection with the admission of
Gov. Ford, that he, too, contemplated a rescue, presents a very
important suggestion: whether the disobedience of the officer of
the Legion did not frustrate a rescue, and the consequent massacre
of the guards and citizens. The belief has always been general,
that had not the murders been perpetrated as the}- were by the
mob, the affair would soon have terminated in a bloody encounter
by an attack fi'om the other side. This belief cannot be offered as
an excuse for the murders, but it does excuse the people of Carth-
age and the Greys for the feverish apprehension under which they
labored, and which their vacillating and excitable Governor blamed
them so severely for. Who that Legion commander was, thus
alluded to in the quotation, and wlio died afterward of dysentery
(the italics are Stenhouse's own) we are unable to state. The italics
suggest a popular Mormon mode of dealing with offenders.

372 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

COL. THOMAS GEDDES' STATEMHNT.

We have shown from his own admission, that Gov. Ford was
willing to connive at the escape of the Smiths, notwithstanding
his virtuous indignation at the citizens for suspecting him. We
shall now show that, notwithstanding his devotion to law and
order, he did, what was asserted at the time, counsel the violent
expulsion of the Mormons from the State. Col. Thomas Geddes,
then still residing at Fountain Green in this county, and at the
time of the troubles in command of a portion of the troops at
Carthage, lias recently made us this statement, of which he saye
his recollection is clear:

"While the Smiths were in jail, I went to the jail in company
with Gov. Ford, and there we conversed with them for some time,
tiie burden of Smith's talk being that tiiey were only acting in
self-defense, and only wanted to be let alone. After leaving the
jail, and wliile returning from it, the Governor and I had still
further conversation about the subject matter. After some time
the Governor exclaimed, ' O, it's all nonsense; you will have to
drive these Mormons out yet!' I then said, ' If we undertake
that. Governor, when the proper time comes, will you interfere?'
* No, I will not,' said he; then, after a pause, adding, ' until you
are through.'"

MRS. ELIZA B. WELLS,

wife of the now General Daniel H. Wells, one of the dignitaries
at Salt Lake, was a daughter of E,ev. Charles Robison. She now
resides at Burlington, Iowa. On the authority of her brother,
Chauncey Robison, of Appanoo.-e, we have the statement that
when the Mormons left for the Far West, Mrs. Wells refused to
go with her husband because he would not consent to confine him-
self to one wife — which he refused to do. She had never joined
the Church. Thus they were separated and divorceds, he remain-
ing behind, and he following the fortunes of the Brighamites, with
whom he was then and has since remained in high authority. This
fact tends to show that polygamy was a cherished institution with
the leaders before they left Nauvoo.

THE CAETHAGE GKEYS. •

A good deal was said by Gov. Ford and in the Mormon papers,
about the insubordination of the Carthage Greys toward Gen.
Deming, while the Smiths were in custody. From a gentleman
who was a member of that company, we have procured the follow-
ing statement of the facts, as near as he can recollect them. It
seems that after the McDonough regiment had been disbanded and
were about to return home, they expressed a desire to see the
prisoners. The wish was reasonable, and as the easiest mode of
gratifying it, they were drawn up in line, and Gen. Deming, with
the two prisoners, one on each arm, and the Grej's as an escort,

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 373

passed along the line of the troops, Deining introducing thera as
"Gen. Joseph Smith," and "Gen. Hyrura Smith, of the Nauvoo
Legion." The Greys, not aware that this was done at the request
of tlie McDonough men, and not satisfied to be made an escort to
such a display, exhibited signs of dissatisfaction, and finally gave
vent to their feelings by hisses and groans. As a punishment for
this offense, they were afterward ordered under arrest. In the
mean time there was great excitement in the company. As a
detachment of the troops was being detailed for the purpose of
putting the General's order into execution, the officer in command
of the Greys addressed them a few words, and then said, " Boys,
will you submit to an arrest for so trifling an offense?" " No!"
was the unanimous response. "Then load your pieces with ball!"
was his sullen order. In the mean time some explanations had
been made, which permitted Gen. Deming to countermand the
order for arrest, and the Greys were quietly marched to their
encampment.

PARLEY p. PRATT AS A PROPHET.

In 183S Parley P. Pratt was engaged in a controversy with
LaRoy Sunderland, editor of Zioti's Watchman, an Eastern paper.
During the controversy, Mr. Pratt was seized with the spirit of
prophecy, and poured forth the following: " Within ten years from
now the people of this country who are not Mormons will be
entirely subdued by the Latter-Day Saints, or swept from the face
of the earth; and if this prediction fails, then you may know the
'Book of Mormon' is not true."

It has now been forty-two years since this prediction was uttered,
and Pratt himself, and the prophet, and Eigdon, and Young, have
been "swept from the face of the earth." So we have Pratt's own
testimony to the falsity of the Book of Mormon. Mr. Pratt mis-
took his own intense fanaticism for the voice of the Lord, — a
mistake which many men wiser than he have made before him.

THE BAPTISMAL FONT,

in the temple at Nauvoo, was in itself a curiosity, and a fit
accompaniment to the building. It was first constructed of wood,
but this being deemed not sufhciently durable, was taken away, and
another built of stone. It rested on the backs of twelve stone
oxen of' colossal size — four abreast at the sides, and two at each
end, standing back to back. The oxen had the appearance of being
sunk in the floor half-way to their knees, and the font rested on
their shoulders, their horns, heads, necks and shoulders being
exposed to view outside. The font itself was of immense size — 18
feet long, eight feet wide, and four feet deep. It thus stood about
eight feet high, from the top of its rim to the floor. It was placed
in the basement, or first story of the building — an object of great
curiosity and comment to all stranger visitors.

374 HISTOBT OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

INCIDENTS OF THE BURNING.

T'rom a very respectable old gentleman who was an eye-witness
t)f some of the house-burning operations in the fall of 1845, we
have the following statement received from him verbally during
the last year. He saj's that for sucli lawless and outrageous acts,
they were done in such a quiet and ordei'ly manner as to be aston-
ishing. He resided not far from some of the houses that were
burned ; and hearing what was going on, he mounted his horse
and rode to where the work was in progress. There seemed to be a
company of 25 or 30 men engaged — mostly, as he thought, Warsaw
clerks, though he only knew a portion. They were commanded,
he thinks, by a man from the north part of the county, whose name
he could not recollect.

The burning began at what is now Tioga — then called Morley-
town, or Yelrome, in Walker township — and continued on up to
Green Plains. The last house burnt in that section of the county,
was tbe one they were at when attacked by the Mormon posse under
Sheriff Backenstos, and where McBratney was killed. The houses
burnt were mostly log cabins of not much value, though some
pretty good dwellings were included.

The manner was to go to the house and warn the inmates out —
that they were going to burn it. Usuall}' there would be no show
of resistance; but all hands, burners and all, would proceed to take
out the goods and place them out of danger. When the goods were
all securely removed, the torch would be applied, and the house
consumed. Then on to another. We are not aware that a correct
count was ever made of the number thus burned; but our inform-
ant states that there were probably 70 or 80. Some accounts have
placed it as high as 125.

As an evidence of the coolness and good temper in which this
work was done, our informant relates the following, to which he
says he was an eye-witness. While the burners were engaged in
burning a certain house, a young woman belonging to the famih',
standing and looking on, felt an inclination to smoke, and asked
one of the burners for some tobacco. Having none himself, he
pointed to one of his comrades and said he would give her some.
She approached the other; he unconcernedly put his hand in his
pocket, handed her the tobacco, from which she took what she
wanted, and handed it back; when he went on with the work in
hand, and the young woman proceeded to smoke !

MORMON METHODS.

I. R. Tull, Esq., of Pontoosuc, gives us the following items, as
illustrating Mormon methods: "I often went with produce to
Nauvoo; and it mattered little what kind it was, so it was some-
thing people could live on; and if at any time my stuft" was dull
sale, I would go to the committee rooms, and could always trade it
off for something. They had almost every conceivable thing, from

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 375

all kinds of implements and men's and women's clothing down to
babj' clothes and trinkets, which had been deposited by the owners
as tithing, or for the benefit of the temple."

Again he says: ''In the foil of 1S43 I went to Nauvoo to buy
calves, and called on a blind man who had one to sell. I bought
his calf, and being curious to learn his history, went in and saw his
wife, with two little twin infants in a cradle, and great destitution.
He told me that he had a nice home in Massachusetts, which gave
them a good support. But one of the Mormon elders preaching in
that country called on him and told him if he would sell out and go
to Nauvoo, the prophet would open his eyes and restore his sight.
And he sold out, and had come to the city, and had spent all his
means, and was now in great need. I asked why the prophet did
not open his eyes. He replied that Joseph had informed him that
he could not open his eyes until the temple was finished, and then
when the temple was finished he would open them, and he should
see better than betbre! And he believed, and was waiting patiently
for the last stroke to be made on the temple."

And again, of this same, poor family: "After this interview,
when in Nauvoo I often took them something, and the blind man's
wife seemed to think I was one of the Saints. One day I inquired
how the}' were getting along. She told rae they had been getting
along finely; that there was a company formed to go out on the
prairie and butcher cattle to get beef for the destitute, and they

had been well supplied until about a week ago; but brother

was mean enough to tell on them, and now they dare not go out
any more to kill beef on the prairie, and 'what to do we don't
know.' "

GOV. ford's INACCURiCIES.

As a specimen of Gov. Ford's general inacciiracy of statement in
regard to our difficulties, we mention the following: He says in
his History of Illinois, p. 319, of Walker and Hoge's canvass: " Mr.
Hoge received about 3.000 votes in Nauvoo, and was elected hj
600 ur 800 majority." The facts are: the vote for Hoge through-
out the whole count}', including regular Democrats and Mormons
outside the city, was just 2,088, and he was elected by i55 majority
in the district.

THE PROPHET A LAND SPECULATOR.

The prophet was quite a speculator in lands and town lots, in
and about JMauvoo. Of course, he desired a monopoly of the busi-
ness. One of his methods was to keep the following notice stand-
ing in the Nei(ihbo7\'

To Emifimais and Latter-Day Saints Qenerally:

I feel it my duty to say to the brethren generally, and especially those who are
emigrating to this' place, that there is in the hands of the trustees in trust, a large
quantity of lands, both in the city and adjoining townships m this cotmty, which is

376 HISTORY OF HAXCOCK COUNTY.

for sale, some of whichibelongs to the Church and is designed for the benefit of the
poor, and also to liquidate debts owing by the Churchy for -which the trustee in
trust is responsible. Some, also, is land which has been consecrated for the building
of the Temple and the Nauvoo House.

If the brethren who move in here and want an inheritance, will buy their lands of
the trustees in trust, they will therebj- Ijeuefit the poor, the Temple, and the Nauvoo
House, and even then only be doing that wliich is their dut_y, and which I know, by
considerable experience, will be vastly for their benefit and satisfaction in days to
come. Let all the brethren, therefore, when they move into Nauvoo, consult Presi-
dent Joseph Smith, the trustee, etc., and purchase their lands of him; and I am bold
to say that God wUl bless them, and they will hereafter be glad they did so.

We hold ourselves ready at any time to wait upon the brethren and show them the
lands belonging to the Church, and Temple, etc., andean be fomid anj' day, either
at President Joseph Smith's bar-room or the Temjile Recorder's office at" the Temple.

Nattvoo, Dec. 16, 1843. W. Clayton, Clerk.

THE EE-OEGANIZED CHDECH.

In concluding this history of the Mormon Era in Hancock
county, it will not be out of place to refer to Joseph Smith, junior,
•who, it is known, is buildin^ up a sect which he denominates the
" Keorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints."
(While he was about it he might have reorganized the phraseology
of its title to advantage.)

At the time of the exodus from Nau\oo Joseph was a mere
child, and with his mother and the rest of the family remained
behind; she not choosing to relinquish a competence and a home
here, for the uncertain honors and the certain privations of a
sojourn in the new promised land. In this she acted wisely; but
by doing so she greatly thwarted the purposes of the leaders. It
was their ambition to carry with them the widow, and above all,
the j'oung son of their martyred leader. For years afterward they
adhered to this darling scheme, and many efforts were made to
induce the youth to join them. Embassies were sent to him, and
glowing representations made ; but to no purpose. His ever-
watchful mother and his own disinclination proved effective against
all their solicitations and blandishments.

Joseph grew up to be a sober, temperate, and steady young
man. and with a fair reputation among his neighbors. We never
heard that he aspired to any extra share of holiness, or to the pos-
session of any miraculous gifts; or pretended to have had any
special call from heaven, for the course he has seen proper to pursue.
Tsor do we know just at what time or in what manner he under-
took his work of reorganization. Strange as it may seem,
we miist inter that he believes in the divine mission of his father
and the truth of his claims; as he makes these in effect the basis
of his work.

This reorganized Church is based on the " Book of Moi'mon,"
the " Book of Doctrines and Covenants," and other works common to
Utah Mormonism; but it totally rejects the polygamy features of
the Utah creed. We are not able to perceive any other marked
features of difference either in creed or form. The practice of the
new Church, however, has been widely difierent. Instead of call-
ing all the believers together to one " Zion," or " New Jerusalem,"

HISTOKT OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 377

the building of one magnificent temple, and the pampering of a
domineering and infallible priesthood, as under the old S)'stem,
the new organization thus far has allowed its members the freedom
of choice as to where they may make their homes and pursue the
business of life. Consequently here and there through the States,
societies are springing up, churches being erected, and regular
worship carried on, much as is done by societies of other denomi-
nations. There are several of these reorganized Churches in this
count^^ And why not? Joseph Smith has just as good a right
to head a sect as an}' man has, and to build up a creed and ransacT\
the country for proselytes. And he has a right to base his creed
on Spaulding's Manuscript Found or Esop's Fahles, if he so
choose. That is a right to which no man or set of men has a
monopoly. And so long as he will continue in what seems to be
his present course and policy, and avoid the rocks on which his
father went down — and which are sooner or later to be the destruc-
tion of Utah Mormouism — while we ma}' not respect his judg-
ment or wish him God-speed, no man can desire him evil.

While Methodism, Presbyteriauism, Quakerism, or any other
form of Christianit}' can live and be at peace even with Paganism,
no so-called Gentile people in a land of .light and liberty can
quietly dwell side by side with Mormonism, as it existed of yore
under the dynasty of Smith, the elder, in this county, and since
under Brigham Young in Utah. Under them it was eternally
aggressive upon the rights, the consciences, the property of their
neighbors. " This laud is for the home of the Saints — This prop-
erty you call your own, is consecrated to their use and the service
of the Lord — Your blood is as water, to be poured out upon the
earth, for the unbeliever shall be utterly destroj'ed," — is now and
has been from the beginning, the teaching from their temples and
the burden of their songs. And should this reorgauizer (" Presi-
dent," we believe he calls himself) ever fall into this fatal and
wicked error, it will as certainly bring to him disaster, as it did to
his predecessors who adopted it.

Whatever may be iu the future for Utah Mormonism, it looks as
if the reorganized branch might take and hold a respectable place
among the religious sects of the day, could but the facts of its ori-
gin and the character of its founders be effaced from memory.

CONCLUSION.

And we now close our account of the Mormons and Mormon
history in Hancock county and the State of Illinois. Much more
we are compelled for want of room to omit. We believe, however,
that we have brought together in these preceding chapters, a more
complete and reliable statement of Mormon affairs, during their
eight years' sojourn in this county, than can elsewhere be found, or
that has ever before been given to the public.

And, in conclusion, we beg to be indulged in a few reflections.
It would seem that no one can take the trouble to acquaint himself

378

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

with Joseph Smitli's character and career, as seen in the liglit of
history and truth, and not know that he was a very bad man — a
hypocrite, a blasphemer, a knave. And yet hundreds and thousands
believe otherwise, that he was a holy man, a saint and a martyr to
the truth. Such is the diflerence in men. And while we are
forced to believe tliat he was as before stated, we are also compelled
to conclude that many of his professed followers and believers were
equally guilty — were, in truth, not his dujoes, but his tools. That
while he was taking care of number one, and rioting in luxury and
debauchery, they were doing the same thing, as his aiders and abet-
tors. His own talents could never have secured for liim the posi-
tion and notoriety he obtained; but to Sidney' Rigdon, Parley P.
Pratt, Brigham Young, and scores of others, whom his interests and
their interests drew around him, he was largely indebted for his
success. The)' submitted to be managed by him, because their in-
terest lay in submission.

Beyond these and around them, supporting, feeding, pampering,
and ready to fight for them, rallied a host of others, of many grades
of character, sincere, devout, ignorant, willing and unwilling dupes,
to wiiose sustaining power the sect owes its life. They furnish the
bonds that hold the rotten system together.

CHAPTEE YII.

FORTS JOHNSON AND EDWARDS.

In Andreas' " Illustrated Historical Atlas of Hancock county,"
published in 1874, we find the following:

About the beginning of the eighteenth century, the French built Fort Johnson at
this place (Warsaw)." It stood on the point of bluff near where Albers' mill now
stands. In the middle of the eighteenth centmy, diu-ing the trouble between the
French and English, it -was abandoned, because of an expected attack from the
latter, rill the Great Lakes. In the latter part of the eighteenth century, Fort Ed-
wards, named after Gov. Edwards, of Illinois, was built by Capt. (afterwards Presi-
dent) Zachary Taylor. It stood on the bluff at the foot of Clay street, and was aban-
doned in 1835, and afterward used by the fur company.

It would be difficult to jumble together a dozen lines of " history "
containing more palpable errors than are to be found in the fore-
going. Firsts the eighteenth centur}' began in 1701, now 180
years ago, only 30 or 40 years after tlie discovery of the Nortliwes-
tern country by the French. Secondly, had the French built Fort
Johnson at that early day, they would not likely have named it
after the killer of Tecumseh, who flourished more than a hundred
years afterward. Thirdly, " It was abandoned about the middle
of the eighteenth century," sixty-three years before it was actually
built. And, Fourthly, Fort Edwards was built by Capt. Zach.
Taylor, and named after Gov. Edwards, in the latter part of the
eighteenth century, while Zach. Taylor and Ninian Edwards were
both in their infancy!

Not wishing to record history by guess, we addressed a note of
inquiry to the War Department, and received the following in
reply :

War Depaktment, WASHmoTON City, )
Sept. 7, 1878. f

Sir : — In regard to the history of old Forts Johnson and Edwards, which were
situated in Hancock county, Illinois, information concerning which was desired
in your letter of the 37th ultimo, I have the honor to state that the only data in
possession of this Department regarding Fort Edwards, is that it was established
about the year 1814, and abandoned in July, 1834, per general order No. 36, from
the Adjutant-General's oflnce, June 11, 1834, at which date it was garrisoned by
Company F, Fifth Infantry, commanded by Lieut.-Gideon Low, Fifth Infantry.

There is nothing of record here regarding Fort Johnson.
Very respectfully, your obedient servani,

Geo. W. McCraby, Secretary of War.
Thomas Gregg, Esq., Hamilton, 111.

OKDEE NO. 36.

Adjutant-Generai's Office, Western Department, \
Louisville, Ky., 11th June, 1834. (
The position of Fort Edwards, 111., will forthwith be evacuated, and its garri-
son (excepting a faithful non-commissioned officer and six privates, who will be
(379)

380 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

left for the preservation of the public property, and the crop at present standing)
be removed to Fort Armstrong.

Assistant Surgeon McMillan will, on the receipt of this order, report by letter
to the Surgeon-General for orders, as to his present station, and will accompany
the garrison at Fort Edwards to Fort Armstrong, where he is required as a witness
before the Court to be convened at that post, for the trial of Brevet-Major Mars-
ton, of the Fifth Infantry.

The Quartermaster's Department will furnish the necessary facilities for the
most prompt execution of this order. By order of

Major-Genekai, Scott.

H. Smith, Lt. and Aid-de-Camp.

The foregoing is to be taken as conclusive as to Fort Edwards,
but it settles nothing regarding Fort Johnson. Recourse must be
had, then, to the history of the times. This we have searched until
we feel sure that the mystery is explained, and conclude that the
two forts were built within a few months of each other, in 1814.

Peck's ''Annals of the AYest," second edition, St. Louis, 1850,
on page 744, says:

A detachment under command of Major Taylor left Cape au Gris on the 23rd
of August, 1814, in b'lats, for the Indian town at Rock river. The detachment
consisted of 334 men, officers and privates. A report from the commanding otficer
to Gen. Howard, dated from Fort Madison, Sept. 6, and published in the Missouri
Gazette of the 17th, gives the details of the expedition.

The expedition met with a superior force at Rock Island, were
repulsed and fell back. The report says:

I then determined to drop down the river to the Des Moines without delay, as
some of the officers of the Rangers informed me their men were short of provis-
ions, and execute the principal object of the expedition, in erecting a fort to com-
mand the river.

Fort -.Johnson (says the Annals), a rough stockade with block-houses of round
logs, was then erecied, on the present site of the town ot Warsaw, opposite the
mouth of the Des Moines.

Then, un pa,'e 746, the Annals continues:

Fort Madison, after sustaining repeated attacks from the Indians, was evacuated
and burnt. And in the month of October the people of St. Louis were astounded
with the intelligence that the troops stationed at Fort Johnson had burnt the block-
houses, destroyed the works, and retreated down the river to Cape au Gris. The
oiflcers in command (Maj. Taylor having previously left that post), reported they
were out of provisions and could not sustain the position.

That there was no fort between Cape au Gris and Fort Madison
previous to 1814, is proven by several circumstances. In the sev-
eral exjieditions made up the river before that time, mention is
made of the Des Moines river and rapids, but no mention of a fort
till Madison ;is reached. Again, about 1813, Gov. Edwards fur-
nished the War Department with a long tal)le of distances from
Prairie du Cliien down, in which Madison, the head of tlie rapids,
the foot of the rapids, Des Moines river, are all named, but noth-
ing about a fort.

And so we conclude, and so state, as veritable history, that,
instead of liaving been built one hundred and eighty years ago by

HISTORY OF HANCOCK CODNTV.

381

the French, and named Johnson, that fort was erected during our
war with Great Britain, by our own soldiery and by command of
our own Government, in 1814; and that Fort Edwards was also
built and, occupied the same year, after the destruction of the
former, and named after the Governor of Illinois Territory; and
that Capt. Zachary Taylor, afterward President of the United
States, was the builder of them both.

CHAPTER VIII.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

MUCK-AH-TAH-MISH-E-KA-AH-KE-AK.

Referring to the foregoing State History, page 84, for a general
account of the Black Hawk war, we deem a more particular account
of that noted chieftain proper in this place. Many of the citizens
of Hancock county were more or less engaged in that struggle, or
intei-ested in it from its proximity to them; and besides, there was
a tradition that he was born within the limits of the county, upon
Camp creek. For this there was probably no good foundation.

That Black Hawk was a man of genius and bravery cannot be
denied. He fought, and fought bravely, for what he deemed his
rights. But when, at the battle of Bad- Axe, he was conquered and
made prisoner, his spirit was broken, and he yielded to inexorable
fate. He was carried a prisoner to Washington, and on a tour
through the Eastern States, and then returned to his tribe beyond
the Mississippi, with jiresents and an admonition. That tour of
itself, showing him the vast power and resources of the people with
whom he had been contending, ^as sufficient to convince him of
the futility of war as a means of i-edressing his wrongs, and he
buried the hatchet forever. He mingled with his tribe more as an
humble follower than as a warlike chief. And when passing about
among the whites, his deportment was always quiet and resigned.
He acted as a deposed chief might be presumed to act, whose spirit
was broken and whose will had ceased to be law.

The writer of this first met Black Hawk in 1837, at Fort Des
Moines, now Montrose. He was usually accompanied by his wife,
and they were always treated witli attention and respect by those
whites upon whom the}- called. More than once have Black Hawk
and his well-behaved squaw sat at our table; and vphile the two
women would chat freely over their tea, talking "Greek" to each
other, the "chiefs " were compelled per force to maintain respectful
silence. These tea-parties are remembered with as much pleasure
as though the entertained had heeii a duke and duchess. Black
Hawk in those days usually wore a black hat and a white blanket,
and took no pride in trinkets and feathers. Keokuk, whom he
hated, and whose hate was returned, seldom appeared in public
without being decked out in fanciful style. He was portly and
made an imposing appearance.

These joint tribes were then settled up the Des Moines river, and
their chief villages were, we believe, near where the city of Des
Moines now stands.

(382)

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 383

But the old chieftiiin's career as a brave and a warrior had
closed, and it was soon to close as a man. He, whose scalping-
knife and tomahawk had afleamed in the face of many a foe, whose
war-whoop had wakened the echoes of the night from tiie Missouri
to the Wisconsin, and whose martial shout had sent defiance and
threat across the Father of Waters, was soon to take his departure
to the far-off hunting grounds prepared for him by the great
Manitou! He died on the banks of the Des Moines river, in what
is now the county of Davis.

At this day, and among a people so tamiliar with him and his
career, it will he hard to assign him his true place in history. His
abilities as a commander and leader were doubtless inferior to those
of Philip, of Pokonoket, or Powhattan ; his talent for strategy and
his energy of purpose were excelled by those of Tecumseh; his
oratory, of which little has been handed down to us, very likely
fell short of that of Logan; but his name on history's page will
stand along with these, and serve with theirs' "to point a moral
and adorn a tale."

We have been unable to fix with absolute certainty, the date of
the old chief's death, or of his age at the time. Gov. Ford, in his
History of Illinois, gives his age at eighty, and places his death on
the 3d of October, lS-±0. We should have called him at least ten
years younger. It is stated that he had been aid de-camp to
Tecumseh, in the war of 1812-'15. A correspondent of the
Keosauqua Republican states his death to have occurred in 1837;
Mr. Wm. Garrett, an old resident of Burlington, places it in 1838,
or '39; while Mr. James H. Jordan, of Davis county, who resided
near and owil^d the laTid on which Black Hawk resided at his
death, claims* that it occurred in Sept., 1888. His remains were
not buried, but deposited in usual Indian style above ground.
Previous toliis death he requested to be buried on the spot where
he had held his last council with the lowas, near by, which was
complied with. • • ""-^/^

He was dressed in a full suit of regimentals, frock coat with gold
epaulettes, a cocked hat, sword and belt and spear cane. Fastened
about him were three large medals — one presented him by Gen.
Jackson, one by President Madison, and one by the British. The
body was placed on puncheons at an angle of 30 or 40 degrees, and
covered with puncheons like a house roof. Tiie whole was sur-
rounded by a strong palisade of posts.

The remains were afterwards stolen and carried away, but
recovered by the Governor of Iowa, and placed in the Museum of
the Historical Society at Burlington, where they were destroyed
by fire.

Mr. J. H. Lawton, of Plymouth, tells the following anecdote of
Black Hawk: About 1837 or '38, he^was employed by Mr. Hiram
Kimball, who had a store at Commerce, to clerk while Mr. K. went
East. He had been instructed to keep a good watch over the

884 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Indians when they came about the store, and to call in an old
settler there to interpret for him when necessary.

One day Black Hawk, among others, came in. The old warrior
lingered ai'onnd for some time, and linally pointed to a book lying;
upon the desk, an account book used in the store. The clerk, sup-
posing he wished to examine it, took it and began to show him its
construction, etc.; but the chief shook his head: that was not what
was wanted. He took it, turned over the leaves, and pointed to the
entries. Concluding finally that he wanted to refer to th^sm, the
clerk turned leaf by leaf, till he came to an entry against Black
Hawk himself — such and such articles charged, amounting to so
many dollars and cents. He was now understood; figuring up the
amount, the clerk communicated it to him in some way, when the
old chief pulled out the exact sum and paid it. When this was
done, he motioned to have the account balanced, which was done,
and he went away satisfied. Tlie articles had been purchased and
the entries made mouths before. The transaction showed not only
an honesty of purpose, but good credit and a good memory on the
part of the old chief.

Henry Asbury, Esq., of Quincy, furnishes the following:

" I met (at Burlington in 1835) the Indian chief Black Hawk,
who, through an interpreter, told me that for a time when a child
he resided with his parents at the point where Quincy now stands.

" Whilst standing on the bank of the river conversing with the
chief, the steamboat Warrior passed up the river without landing.
Black Hawk manifested whilst looking at the boat, great anger and
displeasure; and went on to say that the day bef|i"e, or a short
time before the battle of the Bad-Axe, this safce steamboat
Warrior came up to a point where his warriors were collected in
their retreat — that he sent a white flag to the shore "^(A^the purpose
of offering a sui-render — an^ that the flag was fireg^on from the
boat. That he wanted in good faith ^^£urrender, ana would have
done so, if permitted; and that the^W^^uent massacre of his
people might have been thus avoided.

" He knew the name of the captain — Throckmorton — and called
him ' Che-wal-i-ki Che-mo-Tco-mon? [Bad White Man.]

"Black Hawk was a very extraordinary Indian; rather under
size, yet he was compactly built; possessing the most pleasant face
and features I ever saw in an Indian. In manner grave, dignified,
and polite. He looked less the savage than any Indian I have
ever seen."

Another correspondent. Col. J. C. Walsh, of Maryland, says:

"I have often heard the old chieftain, Muck-ah-tah-mish-e-ka-
ah-ki-ak or Black Hawk, make the same assertion he did to Mr.
Asbury, namely, that he desired to surrender at the battle of the
Bad-Axe, but that his white flag was fired on.

" Black Hawk and his family, — Moh-wah-e-quah, his wife, Nah-
she-us-kuh and Sarn-e-sah, his sons, and Ifan-ne-sah, his daughter,

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 385

were remarkable for their bigli-toiied deportment in every partic-
ular. Nali-she-us-kuk, when I lirst knew him, was without excep-
tion the finest formed man I ever saw; about six feet two inches
in height, with limbs of most symmetrical mold, he was a striking
counterpart of the A[)ollo Belvidere, and his manners were as
graceful and polished as any courtier's. I have often remarked
that he was truly one of nature's noblemen. One rare trait he
possessed, and that was, he never made use of whisky or tobacco.
" My recollections of this Indian family are of the most pleasing
character, and I shall never forget the kindness and hospitality
with whicii I was invariably treated by them. Often has been the
time, that, coming to their lodge hungry and sorely tired, after a
day's hunt, that I have thought the boiled corn and deer meat
which Moh-wah-e-quah (wolf woman) would set before me, was a
feast fit for a king; and the soft skins and warm Mackinaw
blankets that she would spread for my bed, was a couch on which
had it been eider down my repose could not have been more pro-
found and undisturbed. And I felt as safe in the rude wih-ke-up
of the Indian chief in the depths of the forest, surrounded by those
of his band who remained loyal to him, as if I had been resting in
the guest chamber of the mansion of the proudest in the land."

%

CHAPTER IX.

HANCOCK NEWSPAPERS.

If any county in Illinois can count a larger list of unfortunate
newspaper enterprises than Hancock, we pity the people thereof
and shed tears in behalf of the projectors and publishers.

In June, 1836, now 44 years ago, the writer of this printed at
Carthage the first newspaper ever issued in the county. It was
called The Carthagenian, and was owned by a company of citi-
zens. After a precarious existence of less than a year, it was pur-
chased by Dr. Isaac Galland, one of the proprietors, and removed
to Fort Des Moines, Wisconsin Territory, now Montrose, Iowa, its
editor-printer going with it. There the new paper was called the
Western Adventurer.

A short sketch of the newspaper press at that day will not be
out of place here. The whole vast region north of Palmyra, Mo.,
and reaching to the Pacific ocean, was without a newspaper, with
the exception of one at Dubuque and one just commenced at Bur-
lington. At St. Louis, Chambers & Knapp published the Missouri
HepuWcan, with Nathaniel Paschal for its editor, then the lead-
ing Whig paper west of the Ohio. There was also the St. Louis
Argus, a Democratic paper. Elijah P. Lovejoy about that time
began the Ohserver, a religious and anti-slavery paper, and for
which he was killed by a ra©b at Alton, having rem^ed his press
to that city.

Pev. John M. Peck, a stalwart Bi^ptst minister, well known in
that day as a pioneer and historian, was publishing at Rock Spring
in this State, and afterward at St. Louis, the Western Watchman.
At Springfield, Simeon Francis was conducting the Sangamo
Journal,' and at Jacksonville was the Illinois Patriot, by James
G. Edwards, and the Illinois Spectator, by Mr. Brooks, father of
the late Austin Brooks, of the Qmncy Herald, and John P. Brooks,
one of our former State Superintendents of Public Instruction.
These were soon discontinued or changed. Mr. Brooks removed
elsewhere, and Mr. Edwards emigrated to Iowa, took the press of
the Adventurer, and established the Fort Madison Patriot, which
he afterward transferred to Burlington and named the Hawkeye.

About the same date Samuel H. Davis, of the Wheeling (Va.)
Gazette, came to Peoria and established The Register, which he
conducted with ability and success until liis death. " Long John "
Wentworth had a year or two before located at Chicago and issued
The Democrat, though two or three other papers had previously
(386)

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 389

been published in that embryo city. At Quincy, Judge Kichard
M. Young had published the Bounty Land Register, which was
about that date suspended or merged into the Quincy Argus, by
John H. Petit. Near the same date was also commenced the
Quincy Whig, by Mr. S. M. Bartlett, or Bartlett & Sullivan.

There were papers at Vandalia, then the State capital, at Shaw-
neetown, and a few other points in the south end of the State.
One at Alton was begun by Judge Baillhache, formerly of Colum-
bus, Ohio, called the Alton Telegraph, and was long a leading
"Whig paper in that section. Rushville, being an old town, may
have had a paper, but its title, if so, is not recollected.

The old city of Galena must not be forgotten — that capital of the
lead mine region — so long on the confines of civilization. Of
course it had one, if not two papers anterior to the Black Hawk
war. James G. Clark, Secretary and afterward Governor of Iowa
Territory, commenced the Wisconsin Territorial Gazette, at Bel-
mont, on the east side of the river; and on tiie division of the Ter-
ritory, removed it down to Burlington, and named it Iowa Terri-
torial Gazette.

Keokuk was then but just named, still widely known as " The
Point," and had no paper for years afterward. Des Moines, Iowa
City, Omaha, Kansas City, Council Bluffs, and all that string of
cities to the Pacific, wei-e nowhere. San Francisco, at the Golden
Gate, from whose port the auriferous stream has of later years been
pouring to enrich the world, was but an unknown Mexican town.

From a list of the newspapers in Illinois, compiled from the
Alton Telegraph in 1857, we find that the number was just twenty-
seven, all told.

Previous to 1836 the people of the county were chiefly snpplied
with newspapers by the jrw50'M»'4i?ej9'MJZicwn, the Sangamo joxir-
nal, the Bounty Land Register, and the St. Louis Argus, to which
may be added the WatohTnan, which was received in a good many
Baptist families.

After the suspension of The Carthagenian the county was with-
out a paper until the fall of 1839, when the Mormons settled in it,
and the Times and Seasons was issued at Nauvoo, by Ebenezer
•Robinson and Don Carlos Smith, the youngest brother of the
prophet. Its first issue was dated Nov., 1839. It was a small
sixteen-page monthly, and was designed for the organ of the Mor-
mon Church: terms $1.00 per annum. This paper continued to be
published (semi-monthly, at $2.00 after the first year) during the
stay of that people in the county, under several editors and pub-
lishers, among \\'hom are remembered, besides its originators, the
prophet himself, Frederic G. Williams, John Taylor, Wilford
Woodruff, W. W. Phelps, and others. The circulation of this
paper is unknown, but being a Church organ, it is supposed to have
gone into the thousands.

About the year 1842, Patriarch William Smith, another brother
to the prophet, established a small weekly paper called The Watp,

390 HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTT.

and continued i\ for some months, when itwas merged into a larger
and more respectable paper, entitled the Nauvoo Neicjhhor. This
was conducted, we believe, through the whole period of its exist-
ence, in whole or in part, by John Taylor, one of the Twelve. It
was the secular organ of the Mormon body, and was continued
till about the time of the exodus to the far West. These three
were the only Mormon publications issued in the county. They
were conducted with a great deal of zeal, but carried the marks of
incompetency and illiteracy on every page.

In the spring of 1840, Daniel IST. White, editor and publisher of
the Pittsburg Gazette, at the instance of his brother-iu-law, Daniel
S. Witter, of the Warsaw steam flouring mill, was induced to bring
a press there and commence the publication of a paper, which he
called the Western World. It was a six-column weekly, at $2.00
per year. At the end of six months he retired, selling his estab-
lishment to Thomas C. Sharp, Esq., and James Gamble, a journey-
man printer. These gentlemen at the end of the iirst year chauged
its title to Warsaw Signal, a name which continued in Warsaw
through vai'ious tribulations and changes, with short intervals of
rest, for a period of about thirteen years.

In 1S43 the office came into the hands of Messrs. Gregg & Patch,
(Th. Gregg, Wm. T. Patch) wiio for a year or so issued the War-
saw Message, a Whig, paper. Again, in February, 1844, the office
reverted to Mr. Sharp, who, sometimes alone and sometimes with
a partner, continued to publish it until the close of the Mormon
war in 1847, which terminated his connection with the Signal.
It then passed over to Gregg & Miller, and continued in their
hands till 1850, when it was sold to James McKee, of the Nauvoo
Patriot, wlio established the Warsaw Commercial Journal, a
Democratic paper. Mr. Gregg afterwards procured an old press
aud material and revived the Signal in Aug., 1851, there being
then for a time two papers in Warsaw.

In the fall of 1853, Mr. Sharp again decided to enter the edito-
rial field; the Signal office aud jjatronage were transferred to him,
and with a new press and types he began the Warsaw Express,
which he issued with fair success, for about fifteen months, and
then sold to Mr. G. G. Galloway, Mr. S. continuing to conduct it
to the close of the year. Soon after the issue of the Express, Mr.
McKee also sold out his Commercial Journal concevn to Dr. Kan-
kin, who rfmoved it to La Harpe; aud thus originated the first
newspaper in that ambitious town. Tlie name of this paper was
the Hancock Democrat. Just how long the enterprise lasted we
cannot say; but only a few months, when Wesley H. Manier,
Esq., of Carthage, purchased the materials, and in conjunction
with Mr. Thaddeus Clarke, issued the Ca.rtha.ge liepublican, Jan.,
1854. These gentlemen continued it till October of the same
vear; it being an "independent" paper, price $2.00 per annum.
Then it passed into the hands of G. M. Child, Esq., by whom it

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 391

was transformed into an intensely Democratic sheet, and so con-
ducted by him for several years. In Aug., 1861, Robert "W.

McClaughry, Esq., fresh from Monmouth College, witli his
brother-in-law. Dr. A. J. Griffith, purcliased the Republican and
changed its character, supporting ardently the measures of the
Government in pulling down the llebellion.

In Aug., 1862, Mr. McClaughry enlisted in the army and Dr.
G. sold the Republican to J. M. Davidson, Esq., who, on Oct. Sth,
1863, issued his initial number, and has since continued as owner
and editor to supply articles for every issue, with the exception
perhaps of one or two numbers. Mr. D. is a native of Illinois;
was born May 22, 1828, near Edwardsville, in Madison county.
In 18'15-6, in company with Charles McDowell, he published the
Fulton Gazette at Lewistown; in 1855 established the Fulton
Democrat at Lewistown, running it until 1858; then sold it to his
brother, Wm. T. Davidson. In 1859-60-61, he published the
Squatter Sovereign at Havana, in Mason county. During the
session of the Legislature of 1858-9, Mr. D. was Legislative corre-
spondent of the St. Louis Republican and Chicago Times.

During his more than sixteen years' continuous labor on the
Republican (Democratic paper) Mr. D. has been faithfully
devoted to his party and unremitting in efforts to advance its
interests; has been energetic and zealous in building up his busi-
ness; a hard worker, a ready writer; and has succeeded in making
the Republican one of the best Democratic journals in the Mili-
tary Tract.

But we can not follow these many newspaper enterprises and
changes in the order of their dates; so we fall back upon Mr.
Sharp, he being the oldest editor and publisher now in the county.

During the dark days of the Rebellion, in the winter of 1863-4,
the several Union Leagues in the county, feeling the necessity of
maintaining a firm Union paper in their midst, induced Mr. Sharp
to undertake the enterprise. He accordingly purchased back the
Expi'eis office of Mr. McKee (the paper having been discon-
tinued and materials sold to him), and issued the Hancock New
Era in 'April, 1864, which he continued for fifteen months, till
after the close of the war. Having been elected County Judge in
November, 1865, he removed to Carthage, where, after his four
years' term expired, he obtained the Gazette., which with one year's
exception has been under his management, as a Republican paper.

Mr. Sharp's editorial career has extended over a period of more
than twenty years in all, since he assumed the management of the
Western World\ and his labors have covei-ed not only the most
exciting and perilous times in the county's history, but also periods
most difficult and disastrous to newspaper enterprises.

"Without instituting comparisons, it is no injustice to others to
say that Mr. Sharp and Mr. Davidson are the strongest and most
forcible writers of Hancock's editorial fraternity. Occupying as
they do responsible positions at the county-seat, their papers have

"392 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

become the acknowledged organs of their respective parties, and
their influence is felt accordingly. They may be set down as the
veterans of the press in Hancock. May they acquire a compe-
tence from their arduous labors, and live long to enjoy it!

We turn to Nauvoo again: Early in 1846, while the Mormons
were preparing for their journey into the wilderness, the Hancock
Eagle, a Democratic paper, \Vas established there in the interest of
the Mormons and their adherents. It was conducted by Dr. Wil-
liam E. Matlack, a Phiiadelpliian. Dr. M. was a well educated,
classical scholar, a graduate of Princeton, had traveled extensively
in Europe and Asia, and had been editorially engaged with Horace
Greeley on the New Yorker. This information is obtained from an
editorial notice of his death in The Eigle, which occurred July 28,
1846, in the 34th year of his age. The Eagle was now offered for
sale, and fell into the hands of Samuel Slocum, and a paper entitled
the New Citizen was the result. During the winter of 1846-7,
Mr. S. employed Dr. Isaac Galland as its editor. The Citizen was
Anti-Mormonish, and, as its name imjjlied, was devoted to the
interests of the new citizens who were taking the place of the emi-
grating Mormons. As the Doctor had been one of the prophet's
baptized adherents and liis private secretary and agent, it was
thought he needed a little watching on the part of Slocum and his
friends. So, one day, an editorial article appeared in proof sheet,
which was of such a character as to " bounce " the Doctor from his
tripod. The paper was then for a period conducted by the foreman,
John S. Winter, Esq., for several years since manager and editor
of the Knoxville Journal, and present County Clerk of Knox
county, 111. We know nothing of the circulation of the Citizen — it
could not have been large — but we are informed that its exchange
list was immense for a country paper, amounting to several hun-
dreds.

In the fall of 1847, James McKee published in that city the
Nauvoo Patriot, a Democratic paper. In 1850, he removed to
Warsaw, and it is believed the Patriot oflice went into tiie hands of
the Icariau Community. About the beginning of 1851, that colon}'
began the issue of the Icarian Peview, printed half in English and
half in French. It was under the editorial charge of M. Etienne
Oabet, their venerable and talented leader. They also published
the Popular Tribune, under another editor whose name is not now
remembered. The Community broke up and the paper was discon-
tinued.

July 24, 1858, two young men, Gregg & Lambert, started the
Nauvoo Democratic Press. It remained in their hands but a few
months, when Messrs. Yates, Chapman, Bauer & Swartz took the
concern. Finally Mr. Yates took it and employed Mr. Grove, a
school-teacher, to conduct it. After Mr. G., it was conducted by
Mr. Abraham Yates, son of the proprietor, until his death in 1860.

Henceforward until 1873, we believe Nauvoo was without a news-
paper. On November 14th of that year, Messrs. Kramer and

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 393

Thomas began the publication of the Nauvoo Independent. It
remained in their hands but 44 weeks, wlien it was purchased by
Hamilton & jSTelson (Dr. JR. B. Hamilton and Joseph Nelson), in
whose hands it remained one year, when Dr. H. retired, and Mr.
Nelson remained its sole proprietor. It is now in its seventh year
and still under his care, with a fair prospect of continuance, a use-
ful ''independent," two dollars, 8-column folio.

Star of Dallas, was the first newspaper in Dallas City, by Fran-
cis Ashton, in the spring of 1859. In the fall it was removed to
La Harpe and back again in two weeks. In the summer of 1860 it
passed into the hands of Mr. Trueblood, who advocated the election
of Judge Douglas to the Presidency. It died May, 1861.

December, 1869, G. M. Child, of the Hancock Democrat, at Car-
thage, removed his paper to Dallas, where he continued to issue it
until his death in 1872. It was a 7-column folio, at Sl-50 per year.
At his death it was discontinued for a time, but revived in the
winter of 1872-3, by Mr. J. F. Taylor, his son-in-law, but it was not
long lived. Attempts were made to re-establish it; and we find
that in the winter of 1875-6, Messrs. Mason & Murphy were print-
ing a paper there — the Advocate — which in June, 1876, passed into
the hands of Mr. Walter B. Loring, who had been an apprentice
and journeyman with Mr. Child. At a subsequent date, Mr. Penu
Harris, of Chicago, opened out in Dallas City with an S-page 64-
coluran sheet; but it proved to be too big a boom, and was sus-
pended after two numbers. It was called the Sucker State, date
not remembered. W. C. Brown issued for a few months the Dallas
City Monitor, whicli, we believe, was the latest eflbrt until April
6, 1878, Mr. E. H. Thomas, formerly of the Nauvoo Independent,
started the Dallas City JVetos, a 7-column folio. It is still pub-
lished under the same management, a live paper, and independent
as to politics, and seems to be enjoying a fair patronage, likely to
maintain a longer and more prosperous career than most of its pre-
decessors.

Augusta has not been without its several newspaper enterprises.
The first venture of the kind there was made in the summer of
1856, by L. S. Grove & Son. Mr. G. had been a school-teacher in
various places in the county, and striking Augusta, concluded to
try his hand on a newspaper. It was called the Augusta Weekly
Times. It ran about one year.

The Augusta Home Banner was started about Dec. 1, 1864, by
W. P. Campbell, editor and proprietor. He was succeeded in about
a year by "W". R. Carr, who continued the Banner about two years
probably. Mr Carr is now a Methodist preacher at Rushville, 111.

The Augusta Herald was begun Aug. 2, 1S78, by Mr. Henry E.
Allen, who emigrated from Knox Co., 111., where he liad been
conducting the Abingdon Knoxonian. The Herald was a good
local paper, and seemed to be managed with considerable tact and
skill; yet Mr. Allen left it in about a year, transferring it to Mr.
Silas Eobinson, by whom it was continued till early in 1880.

394 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

In March, 1880, Mr. R. removed his press to Warsaw, where he
began and is now publishing the Warsaw Democrat, an S-page
Democratic slieet (as its title indicates) at 82 per year. Mr. R.
also published, for a month in Warsaw, a little daily, called the
Independent. The Augusta Mail is just started by Mr. Garrison.
From Augusta to Plymouth is but five miles by rail, up the C,
B. & Q. " If Augusta can start a paper and fail, why can not we
also start one and succeed?" thought the citizens of the rival town.
So, one day in the springof 1857, tlie writer of this, then at Warsaw,
was invited to come to r. and take an interest in, and charge of, a
paper they were going to issue there. He declined, but oiiered to
conduct it for a salary. His offer was accepted, a company formed,
press purchased, and the Plymouth Locomotive was put upon the
road. He published it till November, then begged to be released,
when it passed to other parties, and finally gave up the ghost the
next year. The press and materials were sold to a publisher at
Carthage.

Plymouth then remained without a newspaper for about eighteen
years, when in Jan., 1877, Mr. E. A. Hail, of Macomb, brought a
press there and issued the Plvmouth Advocate. He continued it
till Aug. 30, 1878, when he sold to Post & Bell (W. A. Post, Jesse
W. Bell, Jr.). By these gentlemen — Post succeeded by W. S.
Hendricks, as editor — the Advocate was continued until April 24,
1879, when it was stopped, and the press ti-ansferred to Clayton, 111.
Again, June 26, 1S79, Mr. Charles K. Bassett, of the Abingdon
Register, brought another press to Plymouth and began the publi-
cation of the Plymouth Phonograph. It began as a Democratic
paper, but has changed to neutrality. Mr. B. is the youngest
editor in the county, having just now reached his majority. Should
he be able to sustain a paper in Plymouth, which he seems likely
to do, it can hardly be ascribed to his youth and inexperience.

Returning again to Warsaw: During the summer of 1844, a
small paper, called the Hancoch Democrat, was printed at the
Signal oflace for Mr. E. A. Bedell. Its purpose was to advocate
the claims of Jacob C. Davis for Congress; but he failing of a
nomination, the paper was discontinued after four issues.

In 1853-4 a strong temperance wave swept over Illinois and the
county of Hancock, and in Jan., 1854, a small montlilv sheet was
begun at the Express office by Mr. Gregg, called the Temperance
Crusader. In a few mouths this paper reached a circulation of
1,790 copies, mainly through the agency of the Sons of Temper-
ance. But it came to an untimely end. In an evil hour, an offer
to merge with a similar sheet in Chicago was accepted, the united
paper to be issued from that city. The Crusader subscription list
was sent on; but for a j-ear nothing could be heard from the paper
or its publisher, when it was learned that he had goue East and
abandoned the enterprise. The list was gone, and the paper could
not be revived.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 395

About 1856 or '7, "W". K. Davison, a phenomenal printer, havi?ig
money, struck AVarsaw in liis wanderinj^s, and concluded to settle.
The Warsaw _Bulle/in was the result. Mr. D. was not a literary
man, but he was an industrious editor and possessed energy and
business tact, and he made the Jjidletin pay better than any paper
yet published in the county. He conducted it with good success
till the second or third year of the war, a portion of the time issu-
ing a small daily, when he went into the arm}', leaving the paper
in the care of Mr. John F. Howe, who allowed it to run down.
Mr. Davison was mustered into the 118th 111. Inf , as Quarter-
Master, and served till the regiment was mustered out, Oct.,
1865. But he was taken sick and died, after his dischai'ge, before
reaching home.

After the demise of the New Era, a printer named Lick issued
for a time in Warsaw the Public Record. He was succeeded in
1867 by Mr. Dallam, father of the present editor of the Bulletin.
Mr. D. was an able and vigorous writer. His ready and sharp wit
made him a formidable antagonist to those brethren of the quill
who belonged to the other side in politics. The following notice
of him we cut from the Bulletin announcing his death, which
occurred quite suddenly, on March 16, 1868, in Warsaw:

" Francis Asbury Dallam was born in Butler county, Kentucky,
September, 1821. Whilst he was still a child, his father removed
to the city of St. Louis, Mo., where he was educated and soon
became a practical printer. He soon took a high rank in his pro-
fession, and in 1846 became the editor of a newspaper, establishing
the Miner's Prospect at Potosi, in Missouri, and editing it in con-
nection with Mr. Philip Ferguson. At St. Louis he was married
to Miss Anna McKee, of that city. In 1852 he established at
Oquawka, in this State, the Oquawka Plaindealer, which soon
became extensively known as one of the ablest advocates of the
principles of the old Whig party. This paper was a very success-
ful enterprise, and the reputation which he here acquired procured
him an invitation to Quincy, where, in 1856, he edited the Repid)-
lican in connection with Mr. H. V. Sullivan, and in the course of
a few months united this paper with the Whig, in which he was
associated with Mr. John T. Morton. But in 1859 he returned
again to Oquawka, and resumed the editorship of the Plaindealer.
He was, of course, a very decided advocate of Mr. Lincoln's elec-
tion to the Presidency, and received from him the appointment of
Postmaster of Oquawka. But at the breaking out of the Rebellion,
he was the first man in the place of his residence to volunteer in
the army, where he became Captain of Company D, of the Tenth
Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with Morgan as its Col-
onel. Re-enlisting at the close of tlie three months' service, he
was appointed Major of the same (Tenth) Regiment in which he
made the Kentucky campaign with General McClernand. In
May, 1862, he became an Adjutant-General upon the staif of Gen-
eral Ross, but was soon after compelled to resign on account of the

396 , hiStoet of hancouk countt.

state of his health, remaining as an invalid for some months at his
home in Oquawka. In 1863 he made au excursion to California,
and 1864 found him in Nevada, where, besides editing a paper,
the Carson Independent, he became a member of the Convention
which formed the Constitution of that State. The year 1866 found
him again in Quincy, in this State, as editor of the Whig and
Hepuhlican, and in the following year he removed to this place
and bought the Record, the title of which he soon changed to that
of the Warsaw Bulletin, which he continued to edit until the time
of his death."

At Mr. Dallam's death the paper was left in the hands of his
widow and young sons. These — first Frank M., and latterly " Phil,"
— have conducted the Bxdletin ever since with good success. It now
stands in the front rank among the country papers ; in size, excel-
lence of workmanship, and character of its editorials, second to but
few of them. The Bxdletin is a pronounced Kepublican, 9-column
folio, at $2.00 a year.

About the beginning of 1877, Mr. J. M. Faris came to Warsaw
from Pike county, and established a Democratic paper, to which
he gave the old name oi Mancoch Democrat.

Mr. Faris was in bad health the whole period of his stay in the
county, and he was compelled to give up the business. His estab-
lishment was purchased by George P. Walker and Cortez Maxwell,
Esqs., and continued (Mr. Walker retiring after a few months) till
the fall of 1879, when it was discontinued. The Democrat was an
8-column folio sheet, neatly printed, at $2.00 per annum.

At La Harpe, after the demise of Dr. Kankin's Democrat, Mr.
Henry King, a young son of J. AY. King, Esq., with Frank Nash,
published the Star of the West. This was about 1858 or 1859;
and afterward, in 1866 or 1867, James L. King published the Rome
News. How long these papers continued we are not advised, but
only for short periods. In November, 1871, Mr. H. G. Eising
began to issue the La Harpe Leader, and before the close of a
volume left it in the hands of L. S. Cogswell, Esq., who changed it
to the La Harper in October, 1875. In his hands it continued
over two years, when he transferred it to J. C. Coulson, Esq., who
issued his first number dated April 5, 1878. Mr. C. is a son of
Dr. Coulson, an early settler, and we believe is a native of the
county. He is still at the helm of the La Harper, industriously
devoting himself to the interests of his pleasant little city, and
has succeeded in building up a fair jmtronage. His paper seems
to be popular with the people; it is decidedly a local journal, and
is now in its fifth volume. It is a 5-column quarto.

In the spring of 1858, after leaving the Plymouth Locomotive,
Mr. Gregg established, at Hamilton, the Hamilton Bepresentative,
a 6-column folio. This continued two or three years, till it suc-
cumbed to the hard times of the war. Again, in May, 1873, he
published the Dollar Monthly, changed to Bural Messenger, Jan-

HISTORY OF HANCOCE COUNTY. 397

uary 1, 1S76, and suspended April, 1877. It was a large 16-page
sheet, and was devoted principally to literary and rural affairs.

This brings us back to the county-seat, where we began, and
where the first news sheet was floated upon the prairie breezes of
Hancock county, 4i years ago. The summer it was issued the
grass was knee high over the public square, with paths here and
there across to the few business houses. The wild deer sniffed the
morning air in the suburbs, and the bowlings and barkings of the
little prairie coyotes awoke the echoes of the night. The town had
perhaps 100 inhabitants, all told; the county, say, 3,000.

After the suspension of the Carthagenian, the place was without
a paper for ten or twelve j'ears, or more. But to omit none, we
should mention that in the fall of 1836, a small campaign sheet
was issued from the office of the Carthagenian, called The Echo,
under the management of Walter Bagley, Esq., intended to advo-
cate the election of Gen. Harrison to the Presidency. Only a few
numbers were issued.

The next venture there, we believe, was made by Mr. Thaddeus
Clarke, of Macomb; but the date is not recollected, neither cau we
recall the name of the paper, but believe it was News-Letter. This
must have been a few years before his connection with Mr. Manier
on the Republican.

In the spring of 1860 Mr. James K. Magie, from the Oquawka
Plaindealer, came to Carthage and established the Carthage Tran-
scrij)t. How long this paper continued we have not at hand the
means of knowing, but it was succeeded by the Carthage Gazette,
in the hands of Mr. Fowler, afterward associated with Mr. Noble
L. Prentis, and by them conducted with spirit and tact till about
1869 or '70, when it passed to its present proprietor. The Gazette
is now in its 15th year.

We must not leave out of the list the little college monthly,
named the Carthaginian (with an i instead of an e in its third
syllable, which its erudite editors claim is the correct orthography).
It is a handsome octavo, issued from the office of the Repuhlican,
scholarly, spicy, under the management of the Faculty and literary
societies of Carthage College.

We have now gone through the list as well as the means at hand
will permit, but very probably not without some errors. To enu-
merate: At Carthage we have had the Carthagenian. Echo, News-
JLetter{?), Transcript, Bepublican, Democrat, Gazette, Carthagin-
ian— 8.

At -Nauvoo^TiOTe* and Seasons, Wasp, Expositor, Neighbor,
Eagle, New Citizen, Icarian Review, Popular Trihune, Demo-
cratic Press, Independent — 10.

At Warsaw — Western World, Signal, Message, Commercial
Journal, Democrat, Express, Crusader, New Era, Bulletin, Pub-
lic Record, Democrat 2d, Warsaw Democrat and Independent — 13.

398 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTr.

At La Harpe — The Democrat, Star of the West, Home Netos,
Leader, La Harj^er — 5.

At Augusta — Times, LLome Banner, Herald — 3.

At Dallas City — Star of Dallas, Democrat, Advocate, Sucker
State, Monitor, JVeivs — 6.

At Plymouth — Locomotive, Advocate, Phonograph — 3.

At Hamilton — Representative, Dollar Monthly, Rural Messen-
ger— 3.

Grand total, 51.

Over half a hundred; one for every year of the county's exist-
ence. To enumerate the fortunes made in these enterprises would
be an easy task. To count the absolute and the partial failures
would be a little more difficult. There have been reasons for these
failures, chief of which has been ambition — ambition of individ-
uals to be at the head of a press, and ambition of rising villages to
sport a newspaper. JSTone of these first publications but were
begun too soon, before there was sufficient population and business
to sustain them. And j'et, having induced men to embark in these
enterprises, it was the duty and the interest of the towns to sustain
them. A newspaper failure in a rising village is a disaster not
only to the person managing it, but also to the community.

It has taken a long chapter to tell the story of these newspaper
ventures, — the births, growths, suspensions, resurrections, failures
and tinal flickerings of newspaper life in Hancock during its first
half century. The budding hopes blasted, the air-castles over-
turned, little fortunes consumed, debts incurred, mortgages fore-
closed and Sheriff's writs executed, nobody may know, and nobody
cares.

The career of that Cincinnati Franklin Press, the first one
brought to TV n-saw, was a remarkable one, and of itself tells a story
of newspaper adventure and failure. It has truh' been on all sides
in politics. It first served the Whigs with White and the World;
next iS^eutrality with Sharp and the Signal; theu agai;i a Whig
under Gregg & Patch in the Message; then it breathed fire and
Anti-Mormonism with Sharp again in the Signal; then with Gregg
& Miller a Neutral; then with McKee a Democratic organ in the
CommercialJoiirnal; then with Kankin atLaHarpe,a Democrat;
then to Maniei; & Co. at Carthage, an Independent; then to Child, a
Democrat and an opposer of tlie war; then to Griffith & McCiaughy,
a War Democrat; and finally, it rests from its wanderings and polit-
ical labors in a quiet nook in the Republican office, a doer of all
work, after iO years of active service; and in all this time it has
not been out of the county. It ma^' truly be called a Hancock
institution.

CHAPTER X.

WEATHER PHENOMENA.

The year 1811 is far enough back to go in search of liistorical
incidents connected with Hancock county; and what we have to
record of that year, concerns alil^e the whole Mississippi Valley.
That was a year long to be remembered. The first steamboat to
traverse the Ohio and Mississippi rivers — the "New Orleans " —
was launched at Pittsburg in the summer of that year, and made
her trip to New Orleans, scaring the aborigines along the rivers
out of their seven senses. Arrived in the vicinity of New Madrid,
the terrible earthquake occurred, which rocked the waters of the
river, sunk large tracts of land, partially destroyed the town and
came very near putting an end to the first experiment of steam
navigation in the West. To increase the dismay caused by
the earthquake, a fiery comet was seen coursing through the heav-
ens, exhibiting an immense and gorgeous length of tail — the sup-
posed harbinger of disaster to the astonished inhabitants.

But the earliest date we can reach with safety, in regard to
weather phenomena in Hancock county, is that of the memorable

DEEP SNOW,

so well recollected by all living in this region in 1830-31. That win-
ter marks an epoch in the history of Hancock and a-*-' the Military
Tract and indeed, throughout a large portion of the great North-
west. What its limits were we are unable to say, but they were
extensive. To recount the sufi'erings caused by it would fill vol-
umes. Those who were caught unprepared— as many always are^
especially in a new country — were put to great extremes for the
means of sustaining life till spring. Fire-wood, generally near at
hand, could be reached by dint of hard labor. But the difficulty
was in procuring provisions. . Wild game and the product of the
cornfields was the main dependence of the settlers. In most
instances, the corn had not been gathered. It became a herculean
labor, first to find it, as it lay imbedded in the snow, and then to
procure it, and when procured, how was it to be got to tlie mills
and returned in meal? Travel, for the greater part of the winter,
was almost entirely suspended, it being impossible to go but a few
rods in a day, with the best of teams. A great deal of stock died,
from suffering in the snow, and from want of food. Game died in
great numbers in the woods; or if alive, could not be found, and if
occasionally found, was easily caught, but so poor as to be fre-
quently unfit for food.

(399)

400 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

But the greatest suffering, perhaps, was in those instances where
people were caught away from home and out in the storm. Some
of these instances of peril are reported in other portions of this
book.

The snow began to fall on the 29th of December, 1830, and
continued almost incessantly for three days. The average depth
was about four feet, with drifts in all the ravines and low places,
sometimes twenty and thirty feet deep. What few fences there
were had been entirely covered; roads, of which there were but
few, were obliterated. The New Year of 1831 was ushered in
upon a canopy of universal whiteness. The snow remained on the
ground till spring, and as the winter advanced and a crust began
to form, the difficulties of travel increased. All remember the
deep snow of 1S30-31.

STORM OF 1836.

The next to mention is the remarkable storm and " sudden
freeze " of Dec. 20, 1836. This we describe as experienced at
Carthage. Other accounts from other places somewhat differ.

The night had been warm, and in the morning a soft rain was
falling, which continued till seven or eight o'clock. Then the weather
began to grow colder, a slight wind began to blow from the west
and afterward from the northwest, every moment increasing in
violence. The rain ceased, l)ut soon was succeeded by sleet, and
by ten o'clock there was a continuous and violent gale blowing,
driving before it a body of fine round sleet, as hard as ice, and so
cutting that it could not be faced. The soft ground was soon
frozen hard, its uneven spaces filled with the sleet, till it became
as hard and almost as smooth as ice, making travel very difficult.
It continued all day and long into the night, the gale and sleet and
cold unabated, and at times coming with increased violence. How
low the mercury fell we can not now remember, but there was
within the twenty hours of the storm a change of not less than
sixty or seventy degrees of temperature.

People who were so unfortunate as to be caught out in the storm
suffered intensely'. Frozen ears, frozen feet and hands were
numerous, and numbers over the country were frozen to death.
One man was frozen to death between Carthage and Commerce,
while on his way with an ox team. His comrade barely escaped
with his life. The Illinois river froze over in an incredibly short
period of time.

TORNADO, JUNE, 1838.

A correspondent in the north gives us the following: In the
month of June, 1838, a terrible toi-nado passed over the north part
of the county. The storm-cloud commenced gathering west of
the Mississippi, and by one o'clock had assumed a formidable,
black and angry appearance. Grossing the river near Fort Madi-

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 401

son, it started in an easterly direction. Then the cloiids assumed
the appearance of large inverted funnels, three in number. Clear-
ing the blufl' timber, it struck the earth near the west line of 7-T,
about midway of the township. Then it presented an appearance
at once awful, and grand to behold. The weeds and grass of the
prairie were literally torn np by the roots. Continuing east, with
a noise like a thousand thunders, it struck the yonng settlement
of Pilot Grove. Huge trees were uprooted and broken like pipe-
stems, and log houses were blown down. In one of the houses an
old lady by tlie name of Sears was killed. A new frame-house
that had just been built, was taken from its foundation, carried
several rods and set down again, without receiving any material
injury. Three persons were killed in the vicinity of Pilot Grove.
Some cattle and horses were killed and missing.

The tornado continued on through the timber east of Joseph
Lionberger's mill, completely destroying every tree and bush in
its path. It finally' spent itself over in the blutfs of the Illinois
river. For many years afterward, the track of this fearful tornado
was visible, and the dire eflects of its fury to be seen.

HIGH WATERS.

We are unable to give all thej'ears in which the Mississippi rose
to unusual height, but those of 1835, 1844, 1851 and 1853, are
particularly remembered. In each'of those years the water covered
the whole valley from bluff to bluff, with slight exceptions, all the
way from Lake Pepin to St. Louis, making a broad expanse of
water from two and three to seven miles wide. At Warsaw, and
between that and Lima lake, tlie whole of that rich and valuable
bottom land, now attempted to be reclaimed, was overflowed to a
depth of several feet; while on the opposite side it extended to the
sand ridge five miles away, leaving Alexandria from four to eight
feet under water.

The 3'ear 1836 — the year of our first acquaintance with the river
— the water was also high, and there have been several seasons of
high water since — dates not now remembered. These annual over-
flows are known as the "June rise," because they occur in June on
the lower Mississippi; here they generally reach the maximum by
the middle of May, and are often on the decline before the begin-
ning of June.

But it will be observed that the " Father of Waters " is, by slow
degrees gradually diminishing in volume; these high stages becom-
ing less frequent, and its low stages in the autumn months more
marked.

THE BASCO TORKADO.

The tornado which passed through Bear Creek township on the
evening of July 3, 1873, was not only very destructive, but was
attended with peculiar characteristics. There had been wind and

402 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

heavy rain all over the middle and sonthern portions of the county
during the day, but the tornado proper began about three miles
west of Basco, and held an easterly course towards Bentley, where
it became less violent. It was, without doubt, accompanied by fire,
as parties who were in it remember a sensation of heat, and some
say, a smell of sulphur. Those who witnessed it from Basco, rep-
resent it as sublime and terrible : a smoky, blue-colored cloud,
rolling forward at great speed, emitting flames at intervals, and
carrying destruction in its path. Houses, barns, farm imple-
ments, horses, cattle, trees, fences, and human beings, were carried
bodily into the air and deposited chiefly outside of the tornado's
path. The total width of the hurricane was only about a quarter
of a mile, while the tornado proper was only a few rods wide. It
so happened that but few residences lay directly in its path, hence
the destruction of life and property was not very great.

A full account of this terrific tornado, and the destruction it
occasioned, was published in the Carthage Republican of the 16th,
from the pen of its editor, J. M. Davidson, Esq. The incidents
narrated in it are so remarkable, and so well authenticated, that we
copy almost entire, omitting only the least important portions:

"Arriving at the village of Basco by the morning train, the
writer was taken in kindly charge by Esquire Crow, a venerable
and good citizen of the village, who procured a horse and buggy,
and, without unnecessary delay, we were on the road to Booz's place,
where the tornado seems to have made its first appearance in the
township.

" Mr. Booz's residence was a log house consisting of a story
and a half, with a frame lean-to kitchen on the north. Between
four and five rods to the north of the house was a large, new frame
barn. East of the house, from 8 to 10 rods, was a fine growth of
young timber, most of the trees being from 5 to 7 inches in
diameter. So much for the situation. Mr. Booz was in the house
when his oldest son, 18 years old, came running in and cried
out excitedly: 'Father, come out here and see what this is!' Mr.
Booz ran out and saw a dense cloud that looked like smoke
rolling furiously toward the house, and the - air was very hot
and sraelled like sulphur. He ran into the house, shut the doors
and got his wife, children and himself into the cellar just in
time to hear the whole upper part of the house go ofi" with a crash.
The concussion was so great as to tumble over the milk pans in
the cellar and shake the cellar walls terribly. He says: 'The whole
house was lifted about one foot from the foundation on the west
side, but fell back again.' The storm lasted less than five minutes
and then he came out of the cellar to witness a scene of destruction
that fairly paralyzed him. The upper half of his house was gone;
his kitchen and smoke house nowhere to be seen: nothing left of
his fine new stable but a few foundation posts and a pile of manure,
and the pretty grove of timber twisted and broken into indescrib-
ably fantastic shapes. In the stable were three horses, a threshing

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 403

machine, a cultivator and other tools and about live tons of hay.
A new wagon stood close to the stable. None of these were now
to be seen: ail were swept away. One of the horses was carried
into the timber and fell into the top of a young hickory tree and
from thence to the ground where it was found dead next morning.
Another horse was evidently carried over the house into the road,
and seemed not to have been badly hurt. The other was carried in an
opposite direction, and landed in a naeadow without injury. The
broken remnants of Mr. Booz's wagon, cultivator, and parts of the
barn were found scattered through the timber and beyond. Some
remnants are not found yet. Tiie most of a heavy iron cultivator
was found in Sanderson's meadow, 100 rods east! It is stated that
Mr. Wm. Damron, who was some half mile north of tlie tornado,
saw Mr. Booz's stable lifted into the air 200 feet, that it whirled
around rapidly and finally fell to pieces and was blown off into the
timber. Seventy-live apple-trees were torn out by the roots and
carried across fields; posts five feet long on which the barn sat were
pulled out of the ground in which they had been set nearly four feet!
Two cows and calves were carried fully 100 yards into an adjoining
meadow, all more or less injured.

"We have been more particular in describing the destruction at
Booz's place because it will answer for a faithful description in
general, if not in detail, of the remarkable effects of the tornado
throughout its entire patli.

"East of Booz's, about a quarter, or a little more, was a hewn
log house belonging to Mr. W. C. Baldwin and occupied by How-
land Steffy and wife as renters. This house, and the barn adjoin-
ing it, were blown to pieces, the logs carried hundreds of feet into
an adjoining meadow. The floor only of the house was left. They
said there had been a stable near by, but we don't believe it!

"When the tornado approached, Mr. Steffy undertook to secure
the door, but in an instant he was hurled 50 feet toward the road,
the house taking another direction. After the storm passed he
searched for his wife and found her lying composedly behind a
locust stump in Sanderson's meadow with the logs of their house
piled all around her! Mr. and Mrs. SteflTy were both severely hurt,
but able to pick their way through fallen timber and accumulated
rubbish to Mr. Booz's place, and afterward to some neighbor's who
had better accomodations! Sanderson's meadow, immediately east
of Steffy's, was thickly strewn withdebris, timber, parts of wagons
household goods, dead pigs and chickens, wearing apparel, etc
The next place struck by the tornado was that of John Sanderson
north of east from Steffy's half a mile or more. Here the destruc
tion was as complete as if the premises had been mined with gun
powder. Not one stick of timber in either house or stable was left
in its original position ; even the rocks at the corners were thi-own
out of their places, and there was not enough timber of anj' kind left
within a hundred yards — either of house or barn — to build a smoke
house! The house and barn seem to have been carried iip into the

404 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

air, broken to pieces and scattered about by the whirlwind, while the
contents of the dwelling, including Mrs. Sanderson and her two
smaller children, were blown in a direct line south from 500 to 1000
feet. Broken bedsteads, tables, chairs, cooking stoves and other
furniture, together with remnants of clothing, etc., were blown in
fragments in a straight line south through the meadow just as if
the house had been carried up into the air, and when the floor fell
out an under current had driven the family and contents in the
direction we have named. The fence south of the house, which was
not wholly blown down, was, on the day of our visit, festooned with
remnants of wearing appearel, bed clothing, etc. Concerning Mr.
Sanderson's whereabouts or escape, there seems to be some confu-
sion. That gentleman told us that when the storm came on him
he was in the yard west of the house. His oldest child, a little
girl 8 years old, was with him. They fell down, or were blown
down, on the ground. When the storm passed over, himself and
little girl went round and round the fallen rubbish calling for
mother and the little ciiildi-en, but getting no response, he said he
thought his wife and children had been blown away off, and so he
went over to Mr. John Elder's, three-quarters of a mile distant, to
get assistance. We learn, however, that Mrs. Elder firmly believes
that Mr. Sanderson and child were blown over half that distance by
the storm, as he could not have reached her house so quickly other-
wise after the destruction of his house, which she witnessed. Dr.
Hill, Mr. Tanner and others, of Basco, who were watching the tor-
nado, saw Sanderson's house and barn rise in the air and go to
pieces. The first named gentlemen at once mounted their horses
and rode at full speed towards the scene of destruction. Others
followed quickly. Search for the family was immediately insti-
tuted, and within five minutes Dr. Hill found Mrs. Sanderson
about 70 steps south of the house, lying with her youngest child in
her arms. Every particle of her clothing except a remnant of an
under garment was stripped from the poor woman, and that was
wrapped tightly across her shoulders and under her arms. Dr.
Hill threw his coat over her until remnants of bed-clothing could
be picked up to wrap around her. The woman was conscious, and
begged to have her head raised, which was done. The little
child in her arms added its pitiful wail to the heart-rending
scene. Mrs. Sanderson was found to be terribly bruised
and mangled on every part of her body e.xcept on her
bosom and arms, which were protected by the little
child. The child was covered with blood, and yet, singularly
enough, seems not to have been noticeably hurt. Mrs. Sanderson's
right leg was crushed to a jelly between the knee and ankle. There
was a deep gash near the small of her back, and one of her hips
was literally impaled with splinters. Two rods distant her second
little girl was found dead, with a terrible gash across her forehead.
]!^"ot far off was found the little boy, aged three years, with both
legs broken, one of them twice. The woman and children were

Jfe-^

-L

WItCOX T.R

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 407

conveyed carefully to the Basco House and medical assistance sum-
moned. Two or three days later Mrs. Sanderson was delivered of
a still-born infant that had evidently been crushed to death in the
mother's terrible ordeal with the storm.

" About one-quarter of a mile, or a little less, south and five or six
rods east of Sanderson's was the two-stor}' frame dwellin_^ owned
by Doty and Donaldson, and occupied by Robert Donaldson and
wife. On the approach of the tornado Mr. Donaldson ran out
into the orchard south of the bouse, calling to his wife to follow
him. Mrs. D. preferred, however, to take the risks in the house,
and tried to close the door. In an instant the house was swept
away, carrying her with it. She was shortly afterwards found
some rods to the northeast of the house in the midst of a wreck of
broken joist, timber, boards and pulverized household furniture.
That she was not killed was a miracle. Her only serious injury
was a partially fractured ankle.

" It will be remembered that the Sanderson house, some fifty rods
or more to the north of Donaldson's, was blown almost directly
south, while the Donaldson house was blown to the northeast — a
remarkable evidence of the en-atic pranks of the wind. Neverthe-
less, a large and high pile of stove wood-close to Donaldson's house
was apparently not in the least disturbed, although the orchard still
south of it was badly torn up. North of the house a small barn and
a threshing machine, were torn all to pieces and the remnants scat-
tered over the fields.

" North of Donaldson's some distance, the tornado tore through a
thick hedge fence, taking it out by the roots for several rods. The
adjacent portions of the hedge were withered and killed as if by a
flame of fire passing rapidly through it. Further on, Mr. John
Elder's barn received a gentle hint that it was not in the right
place; and moving it a few feet and turning it around, the tornado
passed on to the Hufl' farm.

" Here was an excellent two-story frame house, and a good barn.
Mr. Huif was absent. Mrs. Hufl', her three children, and two
nieces were in or about the house. Mrs. Hu9' says her oldest son,
a lad of 14, first observed the coming storm and its threatening
character, and advised his mother and the children to get into the
cellar, which all did at once except Mrs. Huff, who proceeded
quickly to fasten the doors and windows. This done, she ran partly
up a stairway on the west side of the house where there was a
window. She saw the tornado strike the stable which was two or
three rods distant, and lift it whirling in the air. She then ran
into the cellar, and in an instant the kitchen and whole upper part
of the house was blown away. The family escaped without injury.
The wreck at this place was complete.

" Kohrer's house and barn were next assailed. The house, a brick
structure, lost one of its gables and was badly wrecked. The barn
was demolished. Thence taking a northerly course the tornado
struck Judge Skinner's barn, a large structure, which it carried ofl"

408 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

the foundation and completely demolished, killing two horses and
a cow, and destroyinoj a wagon and a number of agricultural imple-
ments.

"John Huff's house and barn, on the township line, were next
attacked and blown to pieces. Mrs. Huff escaped with a painful
hurt. A description of the devastation at other points will
answer for the scene here. Nothing hardly was left but kindling
wood, and that scattered up and down the road and through the
adjacent fields.

"The tornado next made its appearance a short distance north-
and east of Bentley, greatly damaging the respective premises of
Dr. James and Mr. L. Simmons, the particulars of which were
given in our last issue.

"At Basco numbers of citizens saw the approach of the tornado
from the northwest. From its peculiar appearance most of them
supposed it was a large fire. That notion was quickly dispelled as
it appj-oached nearer, and when the barn and dwelling of Mr. San-
derson were seen to rise and whirl high up in air. The same
spectators saM* in a moment afterwards the Donaldson house dis-
appear as if by magic. The whirlwind looked like a dense cloud
of purplish-gray smoke, and seemed to be filled with innumerable
objects whirling and tossing in every direction. Flames of fire
M'ere observed by many to shoot through the rolling mass of cloud;
and those who were momentarily within the influence of the rush
of wind, declare that the air was as hot as a furnace. Some aver
that the air was strongl}' impregnated with the odor of burning
brimstone! others that it sraelled like scorched rags, and, as
tending to confirm the impression of extraordinary heat, there
were found pieces of shingles and boards that were scorched as if
from sudden exposure to powerful heat. The hedge fence referred
to elsewhere in this article, seems to have been literally roasted
adjacent to the gap torn out by the storm."

JULY 4, 1S73.

The storm of the next day was also very severe all over the
county. It occurred about seven and eight in the morning. At
Carthage it was very disastrous, iitterly ruining one wing of the
public school building, and damaging the structure to the amount
of $4,000. The roof of the west side of the Carthage College
building was blown off, and the structure otherwise greatly dam-
aged. Other buildings were blown down, and not less than 100
chimneys blown away.

At Bentley much damage was done, many chimneys demolished,
and several roofs blown off.

At Bowen the fine public school edifice was demolished, and
much injury done to other property.

At Augusta the steeple of the Presbyterian church was pros-
trated, and the roof of the building blown ofl". The steeple of the

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 409

Christian church was also demolished, and the building moved
from its foundation. Lines of freight cars on the railroad track
were overturned.

At Plymouth a freight car was started down the road, afterwards
followed by an engine and brought back.

At West Point a large frame house owned by Dr. Cheney was
blown to pieces, also the grocery store of Funks & Howerton; and
other damage done. In this vicinity the residence of Mr. Henry
Garner was blown down, and Mrs. Garner and child and sister
killed. All over the county, in the south part particularly, much
damage was done to orchards, fences and groves.

WINTER OF 1836-7.

From an old settler in the north part of the county we have the
following: " The winter of 1S36-7 was one of much snow. On
Dec. 12 the first snow fell to the depth of about sixteen inches;
three days afterward it clouded up again and continued snowing
most of the time, night and day, for nearly four days, and when it
quit the snow was full three feet deep. The weather moderated,
the snow settled and the roads got good, and sleighing was very
fine, the snow lying on till the last of February. Spring opened
easy and fine."

is umerous other weather phenomena, such as rain, hail and wind
storms, thunder and lightning, floods, severe winters, hot summers,
etc., etc., have occurred worthy of note, but memory will not serve
us as to dates, and the "oldest inhabitant" has failed to report
them.

CHAPTER XI.

THE JUDICIARY.

Among the Judicially of the Circuits to which Hancock has
belonged, have been a number of ablemen, — quite as able, perhaps,
as have fallen to the lot of other Circuits in the State.

Richard M. Young — Was the first Judge who occupied the
Bench (the splint-bottomed chair, we should say) in the county of
Hancock, as well as in perhaps a dozen other counties in the north-
western part of the State. It was he who first put the wheels of
justice in motion where now nearh' a million of people reside. For
a more extended notice of this distinguished man, see page 216.

James H. Ralston. — This gentleman succeeded Judge Young on
the Circuit by Legislative election in 1837, but resigned the ensu-
ing August and removed to Texas. He soon, however, returned to
Quincy. In 1840 he was elected to the State Senate. In 1846 he
joined the army to Mexico as Assistant Quartermaster, by appoint-
ment from President Polk. After the war he settled in California,
where he died, having been lost in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Eet&i' Lott. — This gentleman was from New Jersey, was elected
by the Legislature to succeed Judge Ralston, and held the position
till 1841. He resided for a short time at Carthage, but removed
to Quincy. After his judgeship he served as Circuit Clerk in
Adams county for several years. Later he removed to California,
where he was appointed Superintendent of the U. S. Mint at San
Francisco. From this position he was removed in 1856 by Presi-
dent Buchanan. He had served as Captain in the Mexican war,
aiid it is stated that lie died at Tehuantepec, Mexico, where he was
holding the position of tJ. S. Consul.

Judge Lott was a well educated man, had been a class-mate at
Princeton with Hon. Samuel L. Southard, the eminent New Jersey
Senator, and studied law in his oflice. He is remembered as jovial,
witty, companionable and fond of fun, not fond of study, and yet
a good lawyer.

Stephen A. Douglas. — The career of this eminent man is so
well known as to require a mere mention. He was elected Judge
iu 1841, and held the oflice till Aug., 1843, when he resigned to take a
seat in Congress. Some of his acts while on the Bench here gave
great oflense to the people of this county during the troublous
days of the Mormon period. He found tlie docket loaded with
unfinished cases; but his dispatch and ability were such that he
(410)

• HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 411

soon cleared it. Of Judge Douglas' career as a statesman, in the
House of Representatives, in the Senate, as a candidate for the
Presidency, it is unnecessary to speak. This is all well known to
the reader. ^ Senator Douglas was a man of the people, over whom
he possessed an unusual magnetic influence. He became the
recognized leader of a great party; and when the great Rebellion
came, he at once took strong Union ground, and prepared to stand
by the Government as administered by his great compeer. His
influence and force of character greatly strengthened the hands of
President Lincoln. His death occurred June 3, 1861.

Jesse B. Thomas. — -Judge T. was a conspicuous man in the his-
tory of Illinois. He was delegate in Congress as early as 1808,
while Illinois and Indiana were together as one Territory. From
Washington he came home with a commission as Federal Judge
for the new Territory of Illinois, which position he held till it was
admitted into the Union as a State in 1818. Thomas, with Gov.
Ninian Edwards was then elected to the U. S. Senate, the first
Senators from the State. It was while in this position that the
memorable contest came up in Congress on the admission of
Missouri; and Senator Thomas stands in history as the reputed
author of the measure known as the Missouri Compromise, though
it was taken up and strenuously advocated by Henry Clay. He
was again elected to the Senate by the Legislature, which passed
the Convention measure for making Illinois a slave State.

This first Judge Thomas removed to and settled in Ohio, and
was still living in that State, when his namesake and nephew was
on the Bench in this Circuit. Judge T., junior, succeeded Douglas
in 1843 and resigned in 184.5. His death occurred not long after-
ward while Judge in another Circuit.

Norman H. Purple — Occupied the Bench on this Circuit from
1845 for about four years, when he resigned for the alleged reason
that the salary was insufficient. He was a resident of Peoria.
Judge P. was regarded as a man of high legal abilities and good
executive talents.

Wdliain A. Minshall — Resided at Rushville. and was elected to
the Circuit in 1849, and held the position till his death, which
took place Oct., 1861. He was an emigrant from Tennessee in an
early day; attained to distinction and a good practice as a lawyer,
and had been a member of the Legislative, and also of the Con-
stitutional (Convention in 1848.

Onias C . Skinner. — This gentleman resided a number of years
in this county, coming among us a little previous to the close of
the Mormon war. He settled first, we believe, in Nauvoo, and after-
ward resided at Carthage, where he became well known and built
up a good reputation and practice. He took his seat on the Bench
in 1851, occupying it till May, 1854, when he resigned and was
transferred to the State Supreme Court. How long he held this
position we are not advised. His death occurred at Quincy not
many years ago.

412 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Pinckney H. Walker — Succeeded Judge Skinner as Judge in
this Circuit, and afterward succeeded him on the Supreme Bench,
He was a Kentuckian — emigrated in his youth to McDonough
connty. His present residence is Kusliville.

Joseph Sihley — Held the position of Judge in this Circuit for a
longer period than any other — in all over twenty years. He was
an attorney at law for sever il years in the county previous to
his election, and resided here several years afterward. He resides
at present in Quincy.

Chauncey L. Higbee — Is a resident of Pittsfield, in Pike county,
where he has been many years in the practice of law. He will be
remembered by the old citizens of the county as one of the mem-
bers of the Mormon fraternitj- of Nauvoo, and owners of the Expos-
itor newspaper, which was destroyed in the street of that city
in 1844.

S. P. Shope — Of Fulton county, and

John H. Williams — Of Adams, with Judge Higbee, are the
present Judges of the Sixth Judicial District of Illinois.

CHAPTER XII.

THE HANCOCK BAR.

Among the members of the Bar of Hancock county may be
counted a number who have acquired a wide and even national
reputation. Not all of them have made the county their homes;
bat many, while residing in adjacent counties, have x^racticed more
or less in our Courts, and are therefore justly entitled to notice in
these pages. Probably most conspicuous among them have been
those from the older counties of Adams and Schuyler. Indeed, in
the earlier days of our legal histor}', the Rushville and Quincy Bars
supplied the only legal talent we had, we believe, with one excep-
tion, Robert R. Williams. If we mistake not, the county was
without another attorney until 183-1 or '35, when Mr. Little located
at Carthage.

In 1S36, when the writer of this first knew the county, there
were three attorneys at the county-seat, viz: Sidne}' H. Little,
James W. Woods, and John T. Richardson; and about that time
Messrs. Calvin A. Warren and Isaac N. Morris were locating at
Warsaw. We begin, then, with those who are gone from among us:

Robert R. Williams — A native of Kentucky, and brother to
Wesley Williams, the first County Clerk, and to Hon. Archibald
Williams, of Quincy. But little is known of Mr. Williams; he
died at an early day, and consequently his acquaintance with the
people was limited. He settled in the county about the date of
organization.

Sidney H. Little — Was a Tennesseean by birth. But little is
known of his early life. He came to Carthage about 1834 or '35,
and began the practice of law, and soon took rank among the able
young attorney's wlio frequented this Bar from abroad. Mr. L. was
a man of decided talent, a good speaker, a clear reasoner and affable
and urbane in his intercourse with the people. In a word, he was
popular, and in the election of 1838 was chosen by the Whigs and
elected to the State Senate. In this body he took a leading position
as an active working member. With Secretary Douglas, he took
a leading part in obtaining for the Mormons their celebrated char-
ters in the Legislature — charters which, gotten up in haste and
without due consideration, contained powers and conferred privi-
leges the application and use of which could never have been antici-
pated by him. Mr. Little's tragic death, by being thrown from
his buggy by a runaway horse, occurred on the 10th of July, 1841.

James W. Woods. — This gentleman remained in the county
only a year or so — long enough to acquire citizenship and run fur

414: HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTT.

the Legislature in 1836, and, although so confident of election as
to bet freely on it, came out hindmost of four candidates, with a
score of 18 votes! Tliis result disgusted him with the county and
he left it for Iowa Territorj', where in time he became a lawyer of
some prominence.

John T. Richardson — Only remained one summer in the county
— that of 1836 — when he went further west. He was a genial, good
sort of a fellow, with no special talent for the law. Of his nativity
or after career, we know nothing.

Isaac Newton Morris — This gentleman's death was recent — at
Quincy, October 29, 1879. The press notices thereof furnish the
following: " He was the son of Hon. Thomas Morris, of Ohio, long
a Free-Soil Senator in Congress; was born in Clermont Co., O., Jan.
22, 1812, came to Illinois in 1835 and settled in Warsaw in 1836.
A few years afterward, having married a Miss Robbing, of Quincy,
he removed to that city, where he continued to reside till his death,
engaged chiefly in the practice uf the law. Mr. M. was a strong
Democrat in politics, was twice elected to Congress in this district,
in 1S56 and in 1858, and always made an industrious and active
member." He held other ofhces of honor and trust, both under
State and national authority. The Carthage Gazette says of him:
" Col. Morris was a man of strong character. He possessed fine
natural ability, was a good speaker, was full oi vim, a warm friend,
and a bitter, unrelenting enemy."

Louis Masquerier — We had almost forgotten the learned, the
eccentric, communistic Masquerier. .French in his origin, he had
imbibed the theories of the French philosoph}^, and came West to
disseminate them, and practice law. In this last he met with
indifferent success; in the other, had he lived on another planet
where human nature was not in the ascendant (if there be such an
one) he might have succeeded better. He was a theorist only;
had no practical ability with which to buffet the world's selfishness.
He had resided in Quincy; in 1S36 he was in Carthage, but soon
went back to New Yoi-k.

'Thomas Ford — -Of Gov. Ford we have so much to say in other
chapters that little must suffice here. He was a Prosecuting
Attorney for the Circuit in the early years of the county. As such
there are few who remember him. He attended Court here only a
few times, often enough, as he states in his History of Illinois, to
conclude that the people here were a "hard set." Mr. Asbury, of
Quincy, speaks of him thus kindly: " All agree that Tom Ford was
a bright, conscientious and just man. In 1833, when the cholera
was raging in Quincy, he was here and stood his ground and helped
the sick, like a man."

Wm. A. Richardson. — Why he was always called "Dick" Rich-
ardson we never knew. He resided at Rushville, and liad consid-
erable practice in this county. Like his friend Douglas, Col.
Richardson was best known as a politician. He was at one time
Prosecuting Attorney for this Circuit. He was not distinguished as

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 415

a mere lawyer, tlioue;h his sturdy, hard sense and experience, rather
than study, made him successful. As an officer in the Mexican
war he was brave and acquired distinction. After his return home
it was that he became famous, not only in his district but in the
House of Representatives and the Senate at Washington, as a poli-
tician. He was born in Kentucky, and died in Qnincy on Dec. 27,
1875.

Archibald Williams. — This " Nestor of the Bar " in the Military
Tract was a Kentnckian, and settled in Quincy as eai-ly as 1825 or
'26, where he continued to i-eside and practice his profession many
years, acquiriTig a very high reputation. He had not an extensive
practice in this count}^, but was often called to take part in cases
of great magnitude; and his management was always such as to
gain him a wider and more enduring fame. He was not an orator,
in the common acceptation of the term; but his direct, plain and
earnest reasoning always made an impression on a court or jury.
He talked to convince; never aimed at rhetoric, or descended to vul-
garity or abuse. He served for a short period as U. S. Attorney
for the District of Illinois, and was appointed by his friend Presi-
dent Lincoln, Judge of the U. S. District Court in Kansas. He died
Sept. 21, 1863 (we believe in Kansas), and his remains sleep in
Woodland cemetery, in tlie city he had so long made his home, and
where he had established an enduring fame.

Charles Oilman. — Mr. Gilmau was better known as a law-
reporter than as a lawyer, liad a good education, fine literary taste
and acquirements, and industrious habits. His reports have become
standard publications. His practice was limited in this county,
but as a partner with Mr. Sharp, for a period, he became somewhat
known to our citizens. He was from Maine, resided, and died in
Qnincy, of cholera, about the year 1S4S.

Edward D. Baher — A resident of Springfield and a compatriot
with Murray McConnell, John C. Calhoun, the Ed wardses, Abraham
Lincoln and others, and possessed finally of a national fame, " JMed
Baker," may be classed as belonging to our Bar. His appearance
at our Courts was not frequent; yet when he did appear, the occa-
sion was sure to be an important one. Mr. Baker may justly be
ranked as among the finest orators the country has produced. His
speeches made in the Carthage court-house have been among the
ablest and most impressive ever made there. He possessed all the
natural gifts of an orator, an easy flow of language, a good imagi-
nation, an attractive and graceful manner and an earnest honesty of
purpose. He went in command of a regiment to the Mexican war, and
achieved distinction at Cerro Gordo, removed thence to the Pacific
coast, where he became a U. S. Senator from Oregon. In the Sen-
ate he stood high as a statesman and an orator. He resigned to
take a position in the Union army, and laid down his life for his
adopted country at Ball's Bluff. Gen. Baker was by birth an Eng-
lishman, and was raised in Adams county, Illinois.

416 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTV.

Nehoniah £ushnell. — Of the man}- attorneys who have practiced
at the HaTicock Ear, no one has gone to the Bar be^-ond, leaving a
brighter fame and a purer reputation, perhaps, than Neheniiah
BushnelL To Mr. Henrj' Asburj's " Slcetches of Bench and Bar,"
reference to wliich has been heretofore made, are we indebted for a
portion of what follows, in regard to Mr. BushnelL He came to
Quincy in 1887, and entered into a law partnership with Mr.
Browning, which was only terminated by the death of the former.
He was a New Englander, a graduate of Yale College and a
highly educated and finished gentleman. Mr. B. was fond of books,
was one of the best read men in the State and had accumulated
a most valuable library. " Perhaps Illinois never held a more
modest and unassuming really great man than Bushnell; and per-
haps few, if any, really intellectualh' stronger men than he." Mr.
B. was a very pleasant speaker, though not what the world calls an
orator. His manner was graceful, dignified and earnest. " It has
been alleged that he was too exhaustive and diffuse in argument,
and in the production of his authorities." This is true, and it was
nearly the only fault that could be found with the matter or manner
of his addresses to Court or jury. " Perhaps no two lawyers ever
lived better suited as law partners than Browning and Bushnell;"
and we state but a well-known fact when we add that, perhaps, no
partner was ever remembered with a kindlier feeling. Mr. Bush-
nell was an active worker in behalf of the Quincy & Galesburg
railroad, the city of Bushnell, on said road, being named in his
honor.

Cyrus Walker. — For ability as a lawj'er, and for persistence and
force in the prosecution of a case, there were no superiors at the
Hancock Bar to Cyrus Walker. He had been a successful practi-
tioner in Kentucky, and was a man of middle age when he settled
at Maoomb. He had a good deal of practice in the " hard " cases,
not only in this, but in other counties in the Circuit and out of it.
"He was very strong in criminal cases, both on the side of the
people, and in the defense. When Cyrus Walker was thoroughly
aroused, and in dead earnest, with a determination to win the
verdict from the jury, he was as terrible as an army with banners."

William Elliott — Was a citizen of Fulton county, and was Pros-
ecuting Attorney here for some eight j'ears, embracing the period of
our Mormon difficulties. He was regarded as a lawyer of medium
ability, but not an eloquent orator. In the celebrated trials growing
out of Mormon aflairs, he usually had associated with him in the
prosecution lawyers of more decided reputation. He afterward
served as Quarter-Master in a volunteer regiment in the Mexican
war, and died at home soon after the war was over.

George C. Dixon — Was a Quincy lawyer who sometimes — not
often — practiced at our Court. He was from New York, where he
had previously practiced; was a well-educated and well-read lawyer,
and withal a good speaker, though he never became popular with
our people. He removed to Keokuk, Iowa, where he died some
j-ears ago.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTS. 417

Robert S. Blackwell. — Genial "Bob Blackwell," admired and
esteemed by all who knew hini. Kesiding in liushville, he was a
frequent practitioner at our Bar. Urbane, companionable, witty,
lively, generous, he soon gained a position among our lawyers, and
might have made — did make — a shining light in our midst. Some
of his speeches, while Prosecuting Attorney, it is remembered, were
among the ablest ever made in our Court, and compared favorably
with those of his opponents, among whom we may name Browning.
Walker and others. Mr. Blackwell was evidently a rising man
when he left our Courts and settled in Chicago, in a broader field
of usefulness, where he died several 3'ears ago. Mr. B. had a most
remarkable memory, was always ready with his authorities, quot-
ing book and page with the greatest facility.

Jackson Qrimshaio — Of Pike, afterward of Quincy, was for
man}' years well known in our county and had considerable prac-
tice at onr bar. He was always regarded as a strong lawyer and
able to cope with the best. Mr. Asbury says of him: "Mr. Grim-
shaw possessed an active, perceptive and vigorous mind, was well
grounded in the law, and was pre-eminently strong before a jury
in any and every case where an analysis of the testimony and
motives of witnesses might be brought into view. A prevaricating
witness or a mean defendant had to snifer from his terrible denuncia-
tions. Mr. G. would not pander to a mean prejndice in Court or
jury, and his most scathing comments and denunciations only fell
where he -felt that the right, the honor and the virtue of the case
was on the side he represented." But Mr. Grimshaw was, perhaps,
best known to our people as a stump orator, having been on several
occasions before the people of the District in that capacity, either
as a candidate or a volunteer in aid of his party.

Ahneron Wheat — Was a Quincy attorney, an able lawj'er, who
years ago had considerable practice in this county. Whether still
living we are unable to state. The same may be said of

H. Johnson — Excepting that he died a number of years ago.
Mr. J. was an active member of the " Peace Committee of 100 "
from Quincy, during the last Mormon troubles, and through his
influence and skill probablj' the destruction of much life and
property was averted.

William H. Roosevelt — Was a scion of a rich family in New
York city. He settled in Warsaw about 1836 or '7, and acquired
large interests there. His practice at the Bar was merely nominal,
being better known as a politician, a trader and land speculator.
He was intimately identified with the interests of Warsaw, and
labored hard to advance her prosperity. He was genial, good-
natured, high-minded and held many honorable positions. He
was several times a candidate for the Legislature, and was elected
to that position in 1S5S. His deatli occurred soon after the com-
mencement of the Rebellion.

Malcolm McGregor — Was a New Yorker, who came to Warsaw
about the same time with Mr. Roosevelt; was also a Democratic

418 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

politician ; ^vas a candidate for the Legislature in 1840, but
defeated by Dr. Charles. In 1839 he had been elected to the office
of Probate Judge; was afterward appointed by the County Com-
missioners to the responsible position of School Commissioner,
and died while holding the office.

Thomas Morrison. — This gentleman was 'a Tennesseean, and
settled in Warsaw about the year 1842 or 1843; afterward resided
in Carthage. He was a good lawyer, though he never obtained a
large practice. He was a politician of the Whig school, and was
elected to the Legislature in 1846. His death occurred not long
afterward.

Messrs. Roosevelt, McGregor and Morrison were brothers-in-law
— married to the Misses Wells, sisters of James M. Wells, one of
the Warsaw proprietors.

Henry Stephens — Was a New Yorker, and is said to have read
law in the office of Millard Fillmore. He settled in Warsaw about
1840, and arose to the rank of Brigadier-General in the Militia.
Gen. S. was not an able lawyer, neither was he an orator, yet by
his industry, energy and methodical habits, he attained to con-
siderable practice.

Sterling P. Delano — Was raised in Hancock county in the
vicinity of Warsaw. He studied with Browning and Bushnell, of
Quincy, and entered into practice in that city with Messrs. Buckley
and Macy. He enli>ted in the army, and was elected Captain of a
company of cavalry. He was unfortunately wounded by a pistol
ball accidentally discharged in the hands of his First Lieutenant,
Catlin, which lodged in the spine and proved mortal. He died
at his home in Quincy after months of extreme suffering. Mr.
Delano's career as a lawyer was short but honorable. He was
greatly esteemed by the members of the Bar, and died regretted.
We are not aware that he had practice at the Hancock Bar, but as
a Hancock boy this notice is due to his memory.

Of the Hancock attorney's now living away, we can recall the
names of Jason H. Sherman, Jacob C. Davis, William C. Wagley,
N. W. Bliss, George W. Batchelder, and Robt. W. McKinney.

Of old attorneys, non-residents of the county, and who formerly
practiced at this Bar, we mention Hon. Orville H. Browning, Hon.
James W. Singleton and Calvin A. Warren, Esq., all of Quincy,
and all now venerable in age. And we must not omit to mention
the younger attorney, who though a Quincy man and a citizen
there, is a native of Hancock county — Gen. Elisha B. Hamilton.

PRESENT BAR.

Of the present members of the bar in Hancock county, it does
not become us to speak, only to name them. A number are elderly
men of established legal reputations, who have long been in prac-
tice among us and are growing gray in the service. Perhaps a
majority are young men, who have yet, in a great degree, their
reputations and fortunes to make.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

419

Residents at the couuty-seat are: Bryant T. Scofield, Thomas C
Sharp, Wesley H. Manier, Bryant F. Peterson, John M. Ferris,
John B. Risse, Wm. E. Mason, Win. Baird, Georsje J. Rogers, T.
J. Scofield, Apollos W. O'Hara, T. C. Griffitts, George Edmunds,
David Maok, Henry W. Draper, Wra. C. Hooker, Hiram G. Ferris,
O. F. Berry, John D. Miller, M. P. Berry, Charles J. Scofield, J.
J. Williams, Samuel H. Benson, W. B. Mclntyre, Mr. Shinn.

At Warsaw: John W. Marsh, John H. Finley, Edward E. Lane,
George P. Walker, Wm. N. Grover, Benj. F. Marsh, P. W. Plantz,
Cortez Maxwell, R. L. McDougal .

At Augusta: W. H. Mead, Nelson Comfort, B. P. Hewitt, Joab
Green.

At La Harpe: Cornelius C. Preston, S. W. King, J. H. Hungate.

At Nauvoo: Milton M. Morrill, Adam Swartz, William D. Hib-
bard.

At Plymouth: L. G. Reid.

At Dallas City: B. F. Newton.

At Hamilton: Thomas Ruggles.

CHAPTEE XIII

ANECDOTAL.

In this chapter we collect together numerous incidents, anec-
dotes and occurrences, without reference to the order of their dates.
Some of them were overlooked in the regular course, and some have
come to light as we have progressed with our work.

When Sheriff Deming was in Warsaw looking for the defendants
in the Smith murder cases, he was treated very shabbily. He put
up for the night, and when he started to leave in the morning, he
found that some ruffian had shaved his horse's mane and tail. He
mounted him, however, and started to leave. Coming to where
some citizens were standing, he halted, and remarked: "My horse
got into bad company last night." " Most generally is, I reckon,"
retorted one of the by-standers. The General rode on, thinking it
unnecessary to parley with such a crowd.

Here is a story told of a certain Rushville attorney. We don't
give his name because we really have forgotten it, but no matter.
He practiced at the Hancock Bar, or at any rate attended Courts
here for that purpose. But, if the truth must be told — and there
is where the joke comes in — he practiced also at the bar of Charley
Main's grocery. It was in the early days, when Courts were held
in the log cabin south of the square. But earl}' as it was, there
had been a circus perambulating the country, and one had exhib-
ited a few days before on the square, and left its ring in the soil.
So one night after a parcel of attorneys and others had been
"indulging" at Main's, our Rushville friend started to go to his
hotel alone. Coming to the circus ring, he took the track and fol-
lowed it round and round for some time, till others coming along,
asked what he was doing. "Doing!" replied he; "I'm going
home; but I didn't know this town was so big. I've been half an
hour on my way, and I've passed ever so many houses just like
that over there." The next day the story got out, and the lawyers
had a high time over it. We believe it was Sidney Little's sugges-
tion that he was going to be candidate for Judge, and was only
2)racticing how to run the circuit.

Christopher E. Yates tells us this story — and it must be true —
that " once upon a time," about 1834. during Court, a certain jury
(420)

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 421

got "hung" under a Cottonwood tree not far from the court-house
which liad been appropriated for a jury room. Mr. Constable Duff
had been deputed to watch them, and make them hang together.
But the case was a knotty one, and the^^ couldn't agree. One of
them, becoming tired and saucy, said he was going home, and
started. Duff told him he could not go without first whipping
him. At it they went, aud Duff whipped him into obedience.
But still they could not agree upon a verdict. Again the refrac-
tory man began to rebel, and go home he would. Duff' was again
under the necessity of whipping him in; and thus kept him until a
verdict was rendered.

Jesse B. Winn, a citizen of Carthage, had a mule that strangely
enough died a natural death, during the session of one of these
earl}' Courts. The fact caused great comment among the lawyers.
Among them was one from Quincy, a native of Kentucky, who had
no business at the town ; but his associates started the story that
he came to attend the mule case; that it was good law in Kentucky
that a mule never died, and their associate came especiall}' to
investigate the reason why the law was not equally good in Illinois.
The attorney decided that the mule in qustion had lost his hray^
and consequently had to give up the g-gko-o-st!

J. H. Lawton, of Plymouth, tells a story of this same Winn mule,
and his mate. Traveling once from Warsaw to Carthage, and near
where Elvaston now stands, he found these mules hitched to a
wagon load of corn, stuck fast in the mud. and no owner to be seen.
He had stalled, and had gone off to town for help. An idea seized
Lawton; truth was, tlie mules had not been well fed. So he took
an armful of corn from the load and laid it on the ground a little
way from the mud-hole, before the mules, when they quietly walked
out with the load, up to the corn, and he left them eating.

The morning after the murder of the Smiths, Gen. Deming gave
Mr. Joshua C. Hobert authority to collect all the men he could
find in town and guard the place. He did so, and at breakfast time
had mustered thirteen men, kU told. Among the countrymen who
came in during the day was Mark Phelps — everybody knows Mark.
He was mustered into the company, a musket put into his bands,
and ordered to guard in a certain district. This he did to perfec-
tion. Another countryman, Mr. Thomas M., came along, and was
about to start for home. This Mark forbid ; he couldn't go until
he had first obtained a pass from Gen. Deming. Hobert came
along and found them in a high state of excitement. "Shall I
shoot him?" exclaimed Mark, ready to execute military orders.

422 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

H. told him he had better not, but succeeded in persuading the
refractory Tom to go and get a pass from the General.

At Fountain Green, at the store of C. 0. Tyler, we were shown
the journal belonging to the firm of Tyler & McClaughey (Stephen
H. Tyler and Matthew McClaughey) doing business as merchants
in ISiJr, in that place — both now deceased. In it is a memorandum
in the hand-writing of C. C. T^'ler's father, then the bookkeeper,
in the following words:

" This night, at five o'clock P. M., Joseph Smith and Hyrum
Smith, his brother, were mobbed and shot at Carthage, 111." Dated
June 27, 1844.

Whose was the boot with a foot in it, found in the woods a mile
or two from the village of St. Mary's, a quarter of a century or so
ago? Or, rather, whose foot was in it? — not so much matter about
the boot. That is one of the questions which has never been solved
to the satisfaction of the people in that vicinity. There was likely
a dark deed committed in connection with that boot and foot, which
" somebody " could explain. Many were the guesses and surmises;
but that is all. They were said to have been found in the vicinity
of the-vNorthern Cross R. E. track, which was then building, or had
just been built. Who was that "somebody'"?

Several glass beads attached to a ribbon or piece of cloth were,
in the early days, found up in the forks of a tree, in St. Mary's
township, by hunters. Row did those beads get there, and
what were they there for? are questions the people frequently ask.
Two theories are suggested; one, that they were ornaments about
some Indian, who died or was killed near there, and that the beads
were carried into the tree by bird or beast, in devouring the dead
body. Another is, that after his death, his remains were suspended
up in the ti-ee, after an Indian custom of disposing of dead bodies,
sometimes practiced by them.

The old settlers about Carthage used to tell the following good
one on a certain j'oung mail-carrier in the olden time. An old
gentleman in the county, well known, and who has held many
honorable positions, had the contract for carrying the mail east
from Carthage to Rushville. On the route, distant from any post-
office, resided a farmer to whom the nearest P. M. had been in the
habit of sending his papers by the hand of the carrier, outside of
the mail. One day the contractor being sick, his son was put on
to go the trip. As he passed the house of the farmer alluded to, he

Durham Tp.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK CODNTr. 425

was hailed — " Say, have you brought my papers to-day 1" " 1 don't
know; I'll see," replied the sagacious youth; and jumping from
his horse, he took the mail bag and began to fumble at the lock;
then feeling in his pockets, he exclaimed, " Blame that Postmaster!
he's forgot to give me the key!"

NEAR NEIGHBORS.

Allen Melton, of Plymouth, tells the following:
"Soon after the arrival of his company to settle, they had occa-
sion to use a cross-cut saw and a frow, to make clap-boards for a
cabin. Hearing that Mr. Phillips, a few miles below, had the
articles, he was called on by them and asked if he could lend the
articles. He replied that he could; but at present another neigh-
bor had them, Mr. Ebenezer Rand, who resided at Camp Point, 25
miles away. Mr. R, was accordingly interviewed and the tools
obtained."

A military muster and election in the early days of Carthage, is
thus described by one who was there: There was to be an election
of oiEcers'and a parade and drill that day, and all the warlike people
were in town, and the groceries had plenty of whisky on hand for
the occasion. The crowd had been brought together on the public
square — a goodly number — and the electioneering began. The two
principal candidates for Captain were a Mr. Howard and a Mr.
Perkins. The respective merits of the two men were being dis-
cussed, when Howard called out, " All who wish to belong to
Captain Howard's company come over to the grocery and take a
drink!" Nearly all started. Perkins tried the same experiment,
but he was too late; the boys were already drinking Howard's
whisky. " No use, boys," said he to the few around him; " let's
go over and make it unanimous." And they went. So, through
the list, the crowd each time drinking at the successful man's
expense. Perkins, failing of the Captaincy, was, by way of soothing
his feelingE, chosen First Lieutenant. After election, tlaey went out
on the square and tried to drill. But it was poor work. " Shoulder
arms!" they could not, for they had none to shoulder. "Right
about face! " always turned them the wrong '^a.y. But when the
oiBcer, giving it up in despair, shouted, " All who belong to Capt.
Howard's company come and drink; forward, march !" they
reached the grocery with alacrity, if not in good order. And the
election and muster were over.

It is 'not generally known that the township of St. Mary's — four
north, five west — has no military bounty land in it. The reason
for this is said to have been, that when the grant was made to the

426 HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

soldiers the survey of that township had not been completed, or
was in some way defective, and hence was excluded from the grant.
The survey was finished at a later day. Hence all the settlers in
that township came into possession of their homesteads through
entry at the Quincy Land-ofEce, and there are fewer controverted
titles there than in other parts of the county.

Mr. Valincourt Yan Ausdal, of the " Point," though never a
citizen on this side, was often at Fort Edwards, and had much inter-
course with our people. He says he came to the Point with his
brother-in-law, Stillwell, to trade with the Indians, and had permits
from Government, At the time of the Black Hawk war, during
the scare, the women and children were taken down to the fort,
while the men remained on guard. The American Fur Company
then had a station at the Point. Mr. V. assisted often to ferry
people across the rivei'. In answer as to how they got wagons and
teams across m those days, he replied: "They were taken across on
two ' dug-outs,' lashed together just near enough for two wheels to
stand in each ; and the horses were swam across at another trip,
the men in the canoes guiding them." In that way, wagon, horses,
family and " plunder" were got across in safety. Mr, V, remem-
bers the following steamboats on the river before the Black Hawk
war: Indiana, Mexico, William Wallace, Josephine, and Warrior.

Bear stories are always in order; so here is one of the Cartilage
bear: "A bar! a bar! take the children in! a bar! " rang out one
afternoon in the fall of 1835, from the stentorian lungs of Mr.

, a North Carolinian, as he sprang down from a building on

which he was at work, and ran toward his home on the south side.
And sure enough there was a large bear, pursued by a couple of
liorsemen and a lot of dogs, who had chased it from the Big
Meadow, a few miles south of town. Of course the sight of a
bear in the street was an occasion for alarm, and " a bear! a bear! "
was re-echoed from house to house through the village. The
animal had been chased so long that he was quite tired, and now
being closely pressed he made for a pond of water that stood in the
ravine southeast of the public square. Here he lay for some time
in the water, while men and boys were gathered around pelting
him with clubs and stones, and with all the dogs in town snarling
and barking around him. ISTow and then a luckless cur, encouraged
by the men, would approach too near, and get a hug and a clawing
for his temerity, that would send him oS limping and howling.
At length Bruin spied a cottonwood tree that stood a short distance
away, and running to it, climbed it up to a fork, where he found a
good resting place. In the meantime a gun had been brought,
but it took several shots from the excited crowd to bring liim
down. As he fell tumbling and crashing through the dead
branches, the forty-seven dogs around coTicluded that their time
had come, and ran yelping and howling from the scene. Aud so

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 427

the trophy was won. As all had had a hand in the slaughter, or
had at least been spectators, it was decidedthat the carcass should
be divided, giving all a taste of bear meat. And the Carthage
bear story is told even unto this day.

And here is another — a bear that was not a bear: In dividing up
the aforesaid bear, among others, Mr. John H. Lawton, then in his
teens, obtained one of the paws. This he kept about as a relic for
some months. In the early spring he had occasion to pass on foot
from Montebello to Fort Edwards, along the river road. In doing
so he was surprised and alarmed at discovering a bear track in the
snow, at a point near where the Hamilton depot now stands. He
hurried on to the fort and informed Mr. James Gregg, then resid-
ing there, of his discovery. " But are you sure it was a bear track?"
inquired Mr. Gregg. " Of course I am. Haven't I had one of the
paws of the Carthage bear at our house all winter? and I reckon I
know a bear track by this time." Well, a bear hunt was just the
sport for Gregg, and procuring a companion and trusty riiles, with
Lawton for a guide, they started for the chase. A walk of five
miles or so brought them to the place where the bear tracks had
been seen. Lawton triumphantly pointed them out, and said,
"There! isn't that a bear track?" Gregg looked, examined it
more closely, and " Humph! Squaw! " with a laugh that made the
woods resound, was the answer he gave.

The early settlers of Hancock and adjoining counties were much
subject to the prevalent diseases of fever and ague ; and during the
fall months, and often far into the winter, many of the citizens of
all ages would take their turn at the " shakes," as the disease was
called. Sometimes whole families would be stricken down with it;
yet a death very seldom occurred. A doctor relates that on one
occasion he visited a large cabin, the residence of an early settler,
on business. He wrapped at the door for admission, and receiving
no answer, he pushed it open, and on looking about, counted ten
persons, old and young, big and little, some on beds and some
on the floor — all shaking with the ague. On inquiring of them if
they needed anything, the old man replied, between shakes, that he
g-g-g-uessed t-t-t-hat if they h-h-ad s-s-ome q-q-q-ui-nine, and the
h-house w-wouldn't f-f-fall down, they w-would g-get along." It is
needless to add that the kind doctor furnished the needed remedy,
and got them on their feet again.

Hon. Thomas H. Owen was a man well remembered by old citi-
zens of the county. Besides being a minister of the gospel, he was
a strong politician, and a popular one at that, for he was several

428 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

times elected to the Legislature. His friends tell the following good
joke on him; and if they tell it, there is no harm in recording it
here. Once/ when traveling in the north part of the county on an
electioneering tour, he saw a man as he supposed some half mile
away in a field; and not wishing to pass any one without giving
his views, he hitched his horse to the fence and struck out on foot
to speak to him. He had quite nearly approached the object, before
he discovered it to be a " scare-crow," placed there to frighten the
birds away. He didn't secure a vote on that occasion, but he
thought the joke too good to keep.

Samuel Gordon, Esq., of Moutebello, tells the following: "In
the month of May, 1832, on one pleasant afternoon, while the
inhabitants of Montebello were quietly pusruing their usual voca-
tions, some one happened to look across tlie river and spied a large
■ fleet of canoes quietly floating down the current, and not a person
to be seen. It was at once surmised that the fleet was loaded with
hostile Indians, intending to land below town, and on the return of
darkness destroy the settlement. The alarm was quickly spread,
and a douncil convened to determine upon the best plan to be pur-
sued. It was soon decided to fortify the court-house, as a place
of safet}' for the women and children of the neighborhood. All
hands went energetically to work, and by dark the windows and
doors of the court room, which was about 20 feet square, were
secured by thick oak shutters, and the women, children and other
valuables were gathered into the fort.

The veterans of the war of 1812, and of the Indian wars subse-
quent thereto, collected and organized to defend their homes and
little ones from the dreaded attack of a savage foe. They were
armed with a great variety of weapons known to a knew country.
Guards were stationed, and the small force at hand was posted to
the best advantage, to ward ofl' the expected assault.

The hours of the night came to an end at last, when it was ascer-
tained that the supposed savages were only a lot of half-breeds on
their way down to the Point (now known as Keokuk) on a trading
expedition.

Among the pioneers who participated in the heroic defense of
the town may be mentioned Major Bedell, "as General-in-chief;
Capt. A. P. Cochran, Samuel Steele, Cyrus Felt, JoJm Gordon,
William Vance, John Waggonner, John Cochran, Sr., John Coch-
ran, Jr., and perhaps others.

To our old friend, Elisha Worrell, Esq., of Chili, we are indebted
for the following incident, illustrating the neighborly kindness
that prevailed among the pioneers of an early day. The deep snow
which fell in 1S30-'31 caught some of the settlers with a scant sup-

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

429

ply of provisions; indeed, abont all of tliera were in that predica-
ment. One, however, had plent3- — John Harding, who was one of
the first settlers in the neighborhood, and whose name appears on
the first jury list. He had a number of fat hogs, one of which he
would kill at a time, and liitching his horse to it would monnt and
make the circuit of the neighborhood, dragging it through the snow
and allowing each family to cut oif according to their necessities.
Was not that obeying the divine injunction under difliculties?

CHAPTEK XIV.

U. G. R. R.,

Which in the anti-slavery vernacular means the Under- Ground
Rail Road. As Hancock county lies in a direct line between the
South and Her Majesty's Dominion of Canada, one or more lines
of this road was early established through it, on which considerable
transportation of sable freight was efiected. Conductors resided
all along the line from the Mississippi to Detroit; and several had
homes in this county, chiefly about Augusta, Eound Prairie, and
other eastern neighborhoods.

These conductors wore no insignia of office, but knew each other
as if by intuition. They were generally intelligent and sharp-
witted men, could tell a white sheep from a black one on the
darkest night, and would make their way through a dense forest
or trackless prairie, with no better guide than the north star or the
moss on the sides of trees.

Now that the days of slavery are over, and they can do so with
perfect safety, these men love to rehearse the stories of their ex-
ploits on those U. G. trains. And they do so with as much fjuslo
as if they had not been engaged in breaking the Constitution of
their country all to flinders. It is of no use now to argue with
them; they are as incorrigible as they were before secretive and
adventurous. So we just tell their stories as told to us, leaving
the matter with their consciences.

One of these conductors who resided, and yet does, in a south-
eastern township, furnishes us witli the following, as part of his
experience in that kind of raih-oading, which we give as nearly as
we can in his own words:

" In the winter of 1843-'-i I commenced my first experience in
this country, having previously acted as conductor in Northern

Ohio for ten years. I met father I in the winter of 'iS-'-i,

in town. He asked me to come up to his hoase after dinner,
which I did. "Went to the barn, and climbed up over the girt-
beam, and found two colored men. I asked them if they were
steering for Canada. They said, ' Yes, Sah !' I told them it was
a cold, desolate country. The oldest one replied that he knew it,
as this was his seventh trip from Missouri there as pilot. This
time he came back for his wife. He said, ' I could not get her, so
I have brought my youngest brother.'

" I was interested in his case at once, and forwarded them to the
next station. To show that he got through all right, I was in
(430^

/

HISTORY OF HAXCOCK COUNTY. 431

Detroit in November of 1848, and stepped into a barber's shop to
get sbaved. I asked the barber if he knew anything about Ben-
jamin and James Penuey. He said ' No,' I saw by their looks
that they did. So I said, 'Boys, you needn't be afraid of me; I
am an old stager; I helped those boys along on their trip.' The
barber then told me that Benjamin, tlie eldest one, caught a severe
cold while on that trip, and died of consumption the next summer;
the younger, James, is at school in Chatham, getting a good edu-
cation. Hearing this, I felt fully paid for my trouble in helping
them to escape from slavery.

"The next December I was wakened by a rap on the door about
two o'clock at night. I opened "it, and found three square-built
black men, with a friend of mine from Adams county. I took them
in, and while my wife was preparing breakfast, they showed me
their passes to go where they chose from Christmas till New
Years. I asked the boys if they were not taking a rather enlarged
view of those passes. They thought pei-haps they were. Before
sunrise they were guided on to the next station in safety. The next
I heard of them they were in Farmington, Fulton county, at

Deacon B 's. The deacon took a copy of their passes in a

memorandum book. Within a week, three slave-hunters came
along. They inquired of a drayman if he had heard of any runa-
way slaves. He told them he had not seen any, but if any had been

there, Deacon B would probablj^ know about them. They

went over to the deacon's, and inquired of him. He told them:
'Yes, there were three boys stayed here a few nights ago.' By re-
ferring to the memorandum it was proven that they were the owners
of the runaways, their names being on the passes.

" This happened about dark, and the deacon kindly invited them
to stay all niglit with him, which two of them did, tlie other one
returning to the hotel. During the evening, the three daughters
of the deacon entertained the strangers with songs and music on
the melodeon. One of the girls was quite fleshy. The evening
passed very pleasantly, and in the morning the strangers offered to
pay for their lodging, which the deacon refused, saying that the
black boys stayed without paying, and they were welcome to do the
same, adding, that should they return that way, he would like them
to stop and tell him what luck they had. On their way to town
they met the third gentleman, who had spent the night in town.
They, of course, stopped to talk of how thej' had been entertained,
not thinking they were overbeai'd by the deacon's hired man, who
happened to be behind the hedge. The two said to the one, 'If
these are the kind of men that are helping our boys to escape, there
is no use in hunting them any more, and I feel rather ashamed of
the business, anyway. I believe if I should meet Jerry on the
street, I should tell him to go ahead.' They all started back to
Missouri.

" At that time there were slaves at every house, in every kitchen,
dining room, and barn, about home. These men, of course, often

432 HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUKTT.

told of their experience in hunting the slaves in Illinois, and were
as often overheard, until, by their own story, they described the
country so well, even to the deacon's daughters, that many of the
blacks determined to undertake the trip for themselves. Some time
after this, there came a rap on the deacon's window one night, and
on getting up he found several colored men, and one of them asked,
' Is dis de place where de fat gal plays on de 'lodeon?' He i-eplied
that it was, and took them in, fed them, and saw them to the next
station. From Farmington it was considered quite safe to travel
on by daylight.

" At another time I was going to Quincy with a load of cheese,
probably in 1S52. Between Bear creek and Mendon, I met a
covered carriage with the curtains down. As it passed me I recog-
nized the near horse as having stayed at my place but a short time
before, and suspected what might be inside. I said, 'Hold on;
I want to see what you have got.' The driver never saw me in the
day-time but knew my voice and stopped. His passengers were
badly scared. He said Ije was steering for my house, but now
shonld go to Eev. K's. I told him K. had gone to Galesburg. So
he struck for Hound Prairie and stopped. Part of the load was a
colored woman with a little boy, two years old. Before the next
morning she gave birth to another boy. Physicians in that country
were all pro-slaver}'; but there were mothers in Israel willing to
minister to her wants. She remained there a few days and then
moved on to Canada.

'' These are but a few of the many instances in which we lent our
aid to the U. G. R. E., and whicii we never regretted."

CHAPTER XV.

RELIGIOUS PROGRESS.

The difficulty of obtaining reliable data in regard to religious
work and Church organization among the new settlers of a country,
will at once be seen to be very great. Many of the older pioneers
who were most engaged in this work, have passed awaj', and
people are not apt to keep a record of these things. Hence, from
what we have been able to gather, we are indebted, first, to citi-
zens in the various neighborhoods who have responded to our
inquiries as well as their memories served them; and, secondly, to
a few ministers, and officers of Churches, who have kindly given us
statements from official records. But there has been great want
of interest in this matter over the county. Numerous applications
to officers and leading members of the various denominations have
elicited no response; and thereby we have been compelled to rely
alone upon such meager sources of information as we could other-
wise control. If, then, some portions of the county should seem to
be overlooked, or some denominations neglected, they may know
where the blame belongs, and ask themselves, Have loe done our
own duty in this matter?

At this day it may be impossible to state the date of the first
religious services in the county. There having been settlers about
the fort and along the river as early as 1824 and 1825, it might be
supposed that religious observances were begun near those dates.
"We can hear of none, however, until two or three years after organi-
zation of the county. Peter "Williams, who seems to have been a
very early settler along the river, we have heard mentioned as a
" preacher on his own hook;" and that we take to mean that he
was subordinate to no Church or religious organization, and that
he preached wlien he felt like it. At how early a date this feeling
influenced him is not known. It is fair to presume, too, that most
of the earlier preachers and exhorters were similarly circumstanced
with Mr. "Williams in that regard, being remote from Church
organizations and authorities. Social worship was a matter of
spontaneous work. The exhorter would send word around a given
neighborhood that he would preach on such a day (usually Sunday
afternoon) at a certain point; and the few who were so fortunate
as to have received the notice would attend. These meetings were
first held in some grove or shady nook, perha]is on the bank of the
river; and there, standing around or sitting on the grass, the hardy
and sun-browned pioneer, with wife and children, would listen to
the i;npretentions, but often impassioned and eloquent, sermon, and
(433)

434 HISTOEY OF HANCOCK COUNTr.

sing the hymns given ont with earnest, if not melodious, voices.
And from these groves doubtless there ascended to heaven as accept-
able worship as ever went up from the costliest and most splendid
temple in the land. The groves were practically the first temples
among the pioneers.

Tlie groves were God's first temples. Ere man learned

To hew the shaft and lay the architrave,

And spread the roof above them ; ere he framed

The lofty vault to gather and roll back

The sound of anthems; in the darkling wood,

Amid the cool and silence, he knelt down

And offered to the Mightiest solemn thanks

And supplication.

No deep-toned bell sounded to call the worshipers together;
no stately carriage drew them to the place; no rustling silks or
shining jewels, or "love of a bonnet," or six-buttoned gloves, or
patent-leather boots, or soft beaver, adorned the persons of the
wealthiest iu the congregation. An ox-wagon, perhaps a cart
drawn by one pony; or on horseback, with wife on pillion be-
hind,— or more frequently on foot, and often barefoot, — was the
common way of "going to church" in those primitive days. And
the minister's salary — ah ! he had nowhere but to heaven to look
for his reward.

After these grove meetings, and frequently coeval with them,
came the services at the log cabins of the pioneers. Still later,
services were held and Sabbath-schools instituted, in rude log-
cabin scb.ool-honses, that gradually appeared here and there in the
more populous settlements. Later still, a plain building without
cupola or spire or bell would be erected, sometimes to be used by
two or three denominations, but oftener exclusively for the use of
one. To-day every town and village has its one, two or more
handsome church edifices, and almost every ueighborliood in every
township, its frame or brick house of worship for the various
Christian denominations, many of them with settled pastors, reg-
ular worship and well-appointed Sunday-schools.

Besides Mr. Williams, the earliest of these ministers and elders
we can mention as being engaged in religious work in various
parts of the county, are the following: Rev. Charles Robison,
residing on the rapids; Elders Joseph Ilatchettand Samuel Knox,
at Green Plains; Rev. Wm. McCoy, Rev. Peter Boven, Revs.
Van Horn and Ralston, Rev. Henry Summers and the famous Pe-
ter Cartwright, in the southeast; and Elders John Logan, Thos. H.
Owen and Bradley, along the east line. About 1S33, Rev. John
Lawton, of New Hampshire, a Congregational minister, was sent
out to Carthage by the Home Missionary Society, and he preached
and assisted in organizing Churches in difterent parts of the
county.

Further particulars of local religious work will be noticed under
the head of townships.

CHAPTER XVI.

EDUCATIONAL.

lu a new country and among pioneers, is not the place where
prosperous colleges and seminaries, or even high schools, are usually
found. Hence common schools, and, in many instances, vei-y "com-
mon" ones at that, were the best means of education in Hancock
county in the early days. These, so far as we have been able to
report them, will be mentioned in another chapter under the head
of Township Histories.

We shall here group together notices of a few eiforts made in the
direction of higher education begun in the county, — only the last
mentioned of which has been attended with much success.

CAETHAGE FEMALE SEMINARY.

The first educational enterprise begun in Hancock county was
that known as the " Carthage Female High School and Teachers'
Seminary." With Rev. Thomas H. Owen in the Senate and Mark
Aldrich in the House of Representatives, a charter was passed
through the Legislature, and approved Feb. 15, 1837, incorporating
an institution under the above name, and to be located within one
mile of Carthage. Rev. John Lawton was mainly instrumental in
getting up and perfecting the bill. By the charter the institution
was to be made open to the pupils of all denominations, and no pro-
fession of religious faith was to be required. Liberty was also given
the Board of Trustees to introduce a system of manual labor, when-
ever they deemed it best.

The following named citizens of the county were the corporators
mentioned in the charter: Sidney H. Little, David W. Mathews,
Samuel Marshall, Benjamin F. Marsh, Thomas H. Owen, Mark
Aldrich, John Lawton, Samuel M. Newhall, Walter Bagby, Thomas
Gregg, Ellis Hughes, Homer Brown, E. D. Vandervoort, David
Greenleaf, Michael Rickard, Valentine Wilson, Wesley Williams,
Julius A. Reed, Ero Chandler and Cyrus Felt.

These twenty corporators were carefully selected from the various
sects and shades of religious opinion. No action was taken under
the charter till 1S41. In August of that year, a meeting of the
trustees was held at Warsaw, at which an organization was effected,
with Mr. Marsh as president, and Mr. Gregg, secretary. Rev.
Lawton, then in New Hampshire, was appointed a general agent to
solicit funds. Robert Miller and Rev. B. F. Morris were elected
to fill vacancies occasioned by the deaths of Mr. Little and Mr.
(435)

436 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Newhall. At a subsequent meeting, held also at Warsaw, on Sept.
1, 1842, a letter was presented announcing the death of Mr. Lawton,
at Hillsborough, jST. H., and that he had obtained in money, notes,
books, etc., donations to the amount of about $1,100. These sub-
scriptions were afterward returned to the donors by his adminis-
trator. At this meeting George Rockwell, John D. Mellen and
Geo. A. Chittenden were elected trustees, in place of Dr. Marshall,
resigned, and Messrs. Vandervoort and Reed, removed from the
county.

No subsequent action was ever taken.

At this writing but four of the twenty-five corporators named in
the bill are now living: viz., Chandler, Greenleaf, Rockwell and

regg.

WARSAW UNIVERSITY.

In the summer of 1840, we believe, under a charter from the
State, an institution of learning was attempted at Warsaw, which
was also to contain a medical department. Rev. Gideon B. Peny,
D. D., was chosen its president, and a quasi preparatory depart-
ment was set in motion in connection with the common school,
while one or two professors stood ready to act whenever the way
was opened and the pupils appeared.

A commencement day was appointed, and President Perry de-
livered an inaugural address; but commencement proved also to be
its ending, and the Warsa\y University ceased to exist.

LA HAEPE SEMINARY.

We come down now to a much later period. In or about 1876,
the Protestant Methodist Church Conference conceived the plan
of establishing a seminary of learning somewhere within its bounds.
Consultations were held with the citizens of La Harpe, and it was
finally agi'eed that if the citizens would raise the necessary funds
for the ground and the building, the Conference would endow the
institution. The citizens, with commendable pride and zeal, went
to work and raised the sum of $15,000, and put up a neat and com-
modious edifice; but the Conference had counted too fast; the
endowment money could not be raised, and the project fell through.
The citizens now found themselves with the building on their
hands, covered by a mechanic's lien to the extent of about $5,000.
Thus matters stood till some time last year, when James Gittings,
Esq., a wealthy farmer in the township, redeemed the building, and
through the exertions of the citizens established a private school,
under charge of Prof. Cassell, of Adrian College, Michigan. The
school bids fair to become a success.

It was opened Sept. 3, 1879, under the following instructors:
Literary Department, I. W. Cassell and Edgar Hurdle; Department
of Music, Miss E. Beal; Department of Painting and Drawing,
Miss Ada Shriver.

CAETHAGE i I'l.I.Ki

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUXTY. 439

The seminary building is large and commodious, being one of
tlie best buildings for school purposes in the State. It has an at-
tendance of 75 scholars, and the facilities for instruction are amply
provided for, and tlie corps of teachers sufficiently large to supply
all the requirements of the several departments.

CARTHAGE COLLEGE.

It had long been felt that an institution of learning of high
grade was necessary to the best interests of the rapidly growing
■Lutheran Church in the West. Several efforts had been made to
establish such an institution, but without permanent success. The
different Lutheran Synods in Illinois, and the one in Iowa, in con-
nection with the General Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in the United States, assured of the need of union and
co-operation in the work of establishing a college, called an Edu-
cational Convention to meet at Dixon, Illinois, August 31, 1869.
There were represented at that convention the Evangelical Lu-
theran Synod of Northern Illinois, of Central Illinois, of Southern
Illinois and of Iowa. The meeting was characterized by great har-
mony of sentiment and earnestness of purpose.

It was resolved to secure a location, and to proceed at once to
establish a college of high grade. To carry this resolution into
effect, a committee, consisting of three persons from each synod
represented, was appointed. On the 29th of the following Decem-
ber this Commission met at Carthage to deliberate and to receive
bids for the proposed college. Numerous competing towns pre-
sented inducements, but the fairest and most liberal offer was
made by Carthage and Hancock county. They agreed to erect
suitable buildings, on the condition that the Lutheran Church
would provide the endowment. A local Board of Trustees was
immediately constituted, of which James M. Randolph, M. D.,
was elected President, and David E. Head, Esq., was made Secre-
tarv. Prominent in this movement were H. W. Draper, B. F.
Scofield, R. W. McClaughry, A. J. Griffith, Boyd Braden, and
other well-known citizens of Carthage and Hancock county.

In the summer of 1870 the local Board began the erection of
the fine college building situated in the northeastern margin of the
town, on a beautiful plat of ground containing seven acres. The
corner-stone was laid on Wednesday, May 10, 1871, in presence
of an immense assemblage of people, drawn together from the
neighboring counties. The building, 85x65 feet, and four stories
high, was completed in the autumn of 1873, at a cost of nearly
thirty-five thousand dollars. Since that time eight acres of land
have been added to the campus, and the whole ornamented with
trees and shrubbery. Two large dormitories were erected in 1873,
and a president's hoiise was purchased in 1S7-1. The cost of the
buildings and grounds was nearly fifty thousand doUars.

The educational work of the institution was begun September

440 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTT.

5, 1870, in a rented hall in town, by Prof. L. F. M. Easterday,
A.M., who had been Professor of Mathematics and Astronomy in
the Illinois State University. In the autumn of 1S71, the school
was transferred to the college building. During the first two years
Prof. Easterday was assisted b}^ Rev. C. Kuhl, who taught German.
The school increased so rapidly in numbers in the second year,
that it was deemed wise to provide a larger corps of instructors
for the immediate future. This was done on the third dav of
April, 1S72, by the election of Eev. D. L. Tressler, A.M.', of
Lena, Illinois, as Professor of Ancient languages, and of Kev. J.
D. Severinghaus, A.M., as Professor of the German language and
other branches of study. Mr. Tressler accepted the position and
began his work the following September; but Mr. Severinghaus
having declined the call, Rev. 0. Kuhl was continued as instructor
in German, and Mr. G. W. Fi-aser was made tutor in the Prepara-
tory Department. The school still rapidly increasing in numbers,
it became necessary to organize a college Faculty. Accordingly,
on the twenty-sixth day of February, 1873, Prof D. L. Tressler,
A.M., was elected President; Prof. L.F. M. Easterday, A.M., was
continued as Professor of Mathematics and Astronomj'; Rev. J.
W. Richard, A.M., of Empire, Illinois, was called to the chair of
the Latin language and of History, aud Mr. F. R. Feitshans, A.M.,
was elected to the chair of the Greek and German languages.
Mr. Feitshans having declined the position, Mr. E. S. Breiden-
baugh, who had passed tlirough a course of scientific study at
Tale College, was called to the chair of the Physical and Natural
Sciences. Prof Breidenbaugh withdrew about the first of January,
1874, on account of failing health.

The Faculty, as first constituted, consisted of Rev. D. L. Tressler,
A.M., President; L. F. M. Easterday, A.M., Professer of Mathe-
matics and Astronomy; Rev. J-. W. Richard, A.M., Professor of
the Latin language and of History; E. S. Breidenbaugh, A.M.,
Professor of the Physical and Natural Sciences, with Mr. W. S.
Cress as tutor, and Mr. J. M. Helfrich, teacher of Music and
instructor in German.

In May, 1874, Mr. E. F. Bartholomew, A.M., was called to fill
the chair vacated by the resignation of Prof Breidenbaugh. Dur-
ing the summer of 1875, Rev. E. F. Giese, A.M., was called to the
chair of the Greek and German languages. In 1876, Rev. John
Brubaker, A.M., was made Professor of the English language and
Literature.

It is proper also to state that Mr.' P. M. Fasold served from
1875 to 1880 as tutor, and Mr. E. C. Hughes in the same capacity
during the academic year of 1879-'80.

On the 20th of February, 1880, the College was called to mourn
the loss of Rev. D. L. Tressler, Pli. D., who for seven years had
filled the ofiice of President. He died at Carthage after a brief
illness, lamented by a large circle- of friends who esteemed him for
his many excellent qualities of head and heart.

'^^VseoE Pel

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 443

The Faculty of Carthage College is now (May, ISSO) constituted
as- follows:

Rev. H. L. Wiles, D. D., President elect, and Professor of Mental and Moral
Philosophy.

L. F. M. Easterday, A. 51., Professor of Mathematics and Astronomy.

Rev. J. W. Richard, A. M., Professor of the Latin Language and of History.

Rev. E. F. Bartholomew, A. M., Professor of the Physical and Natural
Sciences.

Rev. E. F. Giose, A. M., Professor of the Greek and German Languages.

Rev. John Brubaker, A. M., Professor of the English Language and Literature.

P. M. Pasold, A. M., Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Latin.

The institution has had connected with it, from the opening of
the preparatory school in September, 1870, to the first of May,
ISSO, eight hundred and sixty-four students. Of this number,
sixty-four liave been graduated, the majority of v.'hom liave either
entered the learned professions or are engaged in teaching. The career
of the College has been one of great prosperity. By dint of hard labor
and persevering effort on the part of the Faculty, and through the
devotion of its friends, Carthage College has attained a high posi-
tion among the educational institutions of the State, and may
justly be regarded as the pride and ornament of Hancock county.

CHAPTER XYII.

THE POOR.

The care and maintenance of the poor — the most sacred duty
that can devolve on human government, next to that of providing
that there sliall be no poor — has cost Hancock county large suras
annually. This has been owing not so much to the great number
requiring aid, as to the want of system in applying it. In the ear-
lier history of the county this duty was performed in an imperfect
and slovenl}' manner, by donations from the public funds ; and
while man}' were allowed to suffer others not so much in need were
too freely supplied.

At length a farm was purchased and a plain frame building put
up for tlie accommodation of the county's paupers; and the system
adopted of letting the farm and the kee])ing and maintenance ol
the poor to the lowest Indder. This system in its verj' nature offered a
premium to injustice; and it is not saying too much to assert that
under it these unfortunates never have received and never will re-
ceive that kind care and attention their condition requires. As a
rule, perhaps, their keepers have been ordinarily kind and humane;
but human nature will assert itself, and self-interest thwart men's
best intentions and instincts.

In May, 1S59. a committee of the Board of Supervisors reported
the cost of the poor farm and house, to date, as follows: house,
$3,000; barn, $800; fencing, $500; breaking ground, $250; inci-
dentals, $ 350; total, $1,900; claims and allowances for the past
nine years, §11,000; total cost, $15,900. The farm consists of 114
acres, with a small timber tract north of town.

At a little later date, the poor-house committee of the Board
recommended an order to submit to the vote of the people the
question of selling out the concern, and remanding the keeping of
the poor back to the townships. The recommendation was not
acted on, but the fact shows that the business was conducted in an
unsatisfactory manner.

As the number of paupers increased, it became more and more
manifest that the building was too small and too poorly arranged,
and the means at command of the keeper too limited, for their
proper accommodation. Much dissatisfaction was felt among the
people; and at length. May 6, 1873, the committee declared the
pooi'-house a " disgrace to the county, and unfit for the purpose."
The Board took measures at once to prepare for the erection of an
additional building. The chief cause of complaint was in the use
(444)

IIISTOET OF HANCOCK OOUNTr. 445

of a small building known as the " Mad House," in which the
idiotic and insane were confined, and which was declared to be ill-
ventilated and in every wa3' unfit for the purpose.

The new " Mad House," or Insane Asylum, was built in 1874,
and together with the original frame structure, furnishes ample
accommodations for the unfortunates of all classes, and for the
tamily of the superintendent.

An Act of the General Assembly, approved March 23. 1S74, revis-
ing the pauper laws, conferred on the county Boards power to
prescribe rules and regulations for the care of the poor, which have
had very beneficial efl'ects in systematizing the work. At the next
May special session of the Board of Supervisors, a well-digested
set of rules was presented bj' Mr. W. H. Manier, and adopted.
These rules are important, and a synopsis of them is given below,
to show the present methods and workings of the system:

1. All poor persons, who from infirmitj', idiocy, lunacy, or other
unavoidable cause are unable to earn a living, may become a
county charge.

2. Six months' actual residence in the county requisite, next pre-
ceding the application.

3. The following exceptions provided for: partial ability to earn
a livelihood or assistance from other sources, temporary inabil-
ity, extreme danger of removal, contagious disease; in such cases
the parties maj' receive aid in their respective townships, under
charge of the overseer of the poor.

4. A non-residenl may be supported for the time beiMg, or sent
to the county where he belongs.

5. Overseers of the poor in the townships to keep full and accu-
rate accounts of their doings, and make annual report to the Board
of Supervisors; otherwise no bill allowed.

6. Physicians' bills and bills for supplies to be allowed only on
properly authorized conditions.

7. Providing for enforcement of penalties.

8. The keeper to receive no person without a written order from
the overseer of tlie township, giving name, age, nativity, and
cause, pro]icrl3- authenticated.

This law, with the regulations adopted by the Board, together
with the ample accommodations provided and careful contracts
"with superintendents, have resulted in the more humane treat-
ment of the insane, idiotic and poor people committed to our
charge, and more economical and systematic administration of
pauper atfairs;and it is believed that the pauper management in
the county is giving reasonable satisfaction to the people.

Still, there is doubtless great room for improvement. The first
and great aim in the care and maiuigetnent of paupers, should be to
restore them to health and to the society of home and friends; to
make them healthy, happy and self-supporting members of the
body politic. And the surest and safest way to bring about such
results is to give them wholesome food, proper clothing and such

446 HISTOKT OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

healthful employment as they are capable of. Mauy of them be-
come objects of public cbareje from a lack of proper physical and
moral training, and these should be among the first remedies ap-
plied. Hence it is not every man that is tit for a superintendent of
the poor.

And in the management of the farm, too, care should be taken
that suitable occupations should be provided for those able to work.
And we know of no more suitable employments among out-door
labors, than that of growing and caring for the varieties of small
fruits. The county poor-farm, should, therefore, have not only a
well-kept orchard of apple, peach and pear, but an ample supply of
raspberry, blackberry, currant, gooseberry, grape and strawberry
plants, and the product of these would not only furnish to the
keeper's family and tliose under his charge an abundance of the
best health-preserving food, but would add a large item on the
right side of the account current. To this out-door work some
light mechanical employments might bo added to advantage, for
in-door employment of those physically unfit for out-door labors.

We believe this suggestion as to the growing and use of orchard
and garden fruits on the poor-farm, is one of much more impor-
tance than is generally supposed. There is no doubt but their free
production and use would materially lessen the doctor bills of the
institution; and their moral influence would be worth}' of consid-
eration.

CHAPTEE XVIII.

OFFICIAL VOTES OF HANCOCK COUNTY FROM ORGANIZATION TO
JAN. 1, 1880.

FIRST ELECTION

HELD AT FORT EDWARDS, ON MONDAY,
AtTGUST 3, 1839.

For County Commissioners.
George Y. Cutler had (votes). . .50

Henry Nichols 37

James White 31

Morrill jMarston 30

Peter Williams 10

Hazen Bedell 9

For Sheriff.

Edson Whitney 31 9

Alexander White 33

For Coroner.

Robert Wallace 35

ELECTION 1830.
Oovernor.

John Reynolds 49 1

William Kinney 48

Lieut. Oorernor.

Rigdon B. Slocombe 40 3

Zadoc Casey 37

Representative.

Joel Wright 39

Benjamin V. Teal 61 33

Darius Vanderventer 5

ELECTION 1831.
Congress.

Joseph Duncan 47 33

Sidney Breese 34

James Tiu'ney 16

Edward Coles 7

Alexander P. Field 1

At this Election the county was di-
vided into five voting districts.
No. 1 gave votes 31

No. 3 gave

No. 3 gave

Crooked Creek gave.
Bear Creek gave. . . .

No record found of any other returns.

ELECTION 1833.
Congress.

Joseph Duncan .150

Jonathan H. Pugh 40

County Coimnissioners.

John Johnson 50

Tliomas H. Owen 45

MarkAldrich 35

James Lincoln 30

James Wliite 37

Leonard L. Abney 33

Sheriff.

Edson Whitney 85

Alexander White 84

Coro7ier.

Davidson Hibbard 84

John Cochran 19

Presidential Electors.

Andrew Jackson 43

Henry Clay -89

ELECTION 1833.
[No returns on file.]

ELECTION 1834.
Governor.

Joseph Duncan 389

William Kinney 45

Robt. McLaughlin 23

Lieut. Governor.

Wm. B. Archer 101

James Evans 163

A. W. Jenkins 35

Congress.

Benjamin Mills 175

WiUiam L. May 174

Representative.

Wm. Ross 174

Thomas H. Owen 138

Wm. G. Flood 66

James H. Ralston. 60

Isaac Galland 304

John Kli-kpatrick 19

344

(447)

448

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Sheriff.

Edson Whitney 199 101

Jacob Grewell 98

John lughram 40

Coroner.

Alexander Kirk 97 10

Rodolphus Townley 87

Jesse Hadley 48

Charles G. Woodworth 51

ELECTION 1835.
Mecorder.

Wesley WilUams 203 78

Walter Bagby 134

Cyrus Felt 109

Siiroeyor.

James W. Brattle 151 20

Benj. Edrington 131

Adolphus Allen 53

ELECTION 1836.

Congress.

William L. "May 316 86

John T. Stuart 390

Senator.

Thomas H. Owen 390 370

Wm. P. Richards 78

Isaac Galland 130

Sepresentative.

Mark Aldrich 379 3

David W. Mathews 276

Valentine Wilson 36

James W. Woods 18

- Sheriff.

Edson Wliitney 387 171

Jacob Grewell 216

Coroner.

Daniel A. FuUerton 369 314

Alexander Kirk 155

County Commissioners.

Michael Rickard 341

Richard Cannon 301

Henry Nichols 285

John Dedman 284

Nathl. Frampton 144

Edward Bryant 123

David Greenleaf 97

Austin Permock 52

Jabez A. Beebe 36

Joel Catlin 30

Lafford Totten 5

ELECTION 1837.
County Clerk.

Sidney H. Little 560 476

Homer Brown 84

Probate Judge.

Elam S. Freeman 464 294

Daniel Prentis 170

Treasurer.

Edward F. Chittenden 379 118

Walter Bagby 361

ELECTION 1838.
Governar.

Cyrus Edwards 633 197

Thomas Carlin 436

Lieut. Oovemor.

Wm. H. Davidson 630 347

Stinson Anderson 383

CoH'jress.

JohnT. Stuart 629 171

Stephen A. Douglas 458

Senator.

Sidney H. Little 699 312

Thomas H. Owen 387

Representative.

Mark Aldrich 578 234

Wm. H. Roosevelt 344

8amuel Lee 93

Sheriff.

Daniel A. Fullerton 393 103

Edson Whitney 130

Harmon T. Wilson 390

John D. Callison 119

Erastus H. Derby 41

Lemuel Mussetter 87

Coroner.

John Ratliff 184

John R. Nichols 243

Geo. W. Thatcher 351 8

Nathaniel Frampton 114

Counly Clerk.

Samuel Marshall 472 9

Malcolm McGregor 463

Charles Robison 109

County Commissioners.

George Coulson 380

John McAuley 579

Elisha WorreU 379

William Hunter 354

Austin Pennock 356

Artois Hamilton 305

Treasurer.

Sylvester Thompson 636 632

John Haggard 4

ELECTION 1839.

Courdy Commissioners.

John McAuley 583 294

Abram I. Chittenden 289

Recorder.

Chauncey Robison 425 141

Wesley Williams 284

JohnF. Charles 271

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

449

Suneyoi:

Jolin Wilson Williams 711

Prohitie Judtje.

Malcolm McGregor 651 639

Charles Turner 13

Treasurer.

Sylvester Thompson 545 186

Geo. W. Thatcher 359

Cnunty Clerk.
Samuel Marshall 745

ELECTION 1840.
Representatice.

John F. Charles 1043 373

Malcolm McGregor 669

Sheriff.

Wm. D. Abernethy 995 373

Edmund G. Haggard 723

County Commissioner.

Samuel Comer 1155 .597

Joel Weston 558

Coroner.

Harmon T. WUson 1057 431

Geo. W. StigaU 636

President.

W. H. Harrison 1353 738

Martin Van Buren 634

[The name of Abraham Lincoln, a
Harrison Elector, was dropped by about
300 Mormon voters, and that of James
H. Ralston, his opponent, substituted.
With that exception, the Mormons gen-
erally voted the Whig ticket.]

ELECTION 1841.
Congress.

JohnT. Stuart 1301 678

James H. Ralston 533

County Commissioner.

Robert Miller 800 34

John T. Barnett 776

EUsha Worrell 30

School Commissioner.

Richard Wilton 853 4

Walter Bagby 848

ELECTION 1843.
Oovernor.

Thomas Ford 1748 1037

Joseph Duncan 711

Lieut. Governor.

John Moore .^1743 1055

Wm. H. Henderson 687

Senator.

Jacob C. Davis 1530 910

Wm. H. Roosevelt 620

John F Charles 167

Jieprcsentatives.

Thomas IL Owen 1603

"William Smith (Pfitriarch). . .1459

Wcsk'V "Williams 502

Edsou "Whitney 546

David W. Matiiews 358

William DarneU. 190

Sheriff.

Wm. H. Backenstos 1493 604

Stephen H. Tyler 789

George A. Chittenden 130

School Commissioner.

Franklin J. Bartlett 1596 791

Wm. D. Abernethy 805

County Commissioner.

John T. Barnett 1540 973

John J. Brent 507

James Porter 167

Coroner.

Geo. W. StigaU 1595 1314

James A. McCause 281

Benjamin Avise 231

ELECTION 1843.
Congress.

Joseph P. Hoge 2088 1355

Cyrus Walker 733

County Clerk.

Geo. W. Thatcher 1522 600

Sylvester Emmans 923

FrankUn J. Bartlett 86

Recorder.

Chauncey Robison 1430 314

John A. Forgeus 1316

School Commissioner.

Robert D. Foster 1558 688

Benjamin Avise 865

I'robate Judge.

James Adams 1604 575

Ebenezer Rand. . . .' 1039

County Commissioner.

Andrew H. Perkins 1641 1111

Artois Hamilton 530

Charles C. Main 435

Treasurer.

John P. Haggard 2114 1492

James W. Brattle 622

Surveyor.

John Wilson WiUiams 3007 1365

Alanson Ripley 643

Mr. Adams, Probate Judge elect, died
soon after election, and a special election
to fill vacancj' was held in September,
with the following result:

David Greenleaf 945 598

Ebenezer Rand 347

450

HISTOEY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

ELECTION 1844.
Congress.

Joseph P. Hoge 3251 1549

Martin P. Sweet 703

Representatives.

Jacob B. Backenstos 1809

Almon W. Babbitt 1773

Onias C. Sldimer 1080

JoelCatlin 880

Edward A. Bedell 73

County Commissioner.

George Coulsoa 1830 998

Franklin J. Bartlett S33

Sheriff.

Minor R. Deming 1911 1040

Edson WMtney 871

Coroner.

Daniel H.Wells 1838 971

David R. Green 867

President.

James K. Polk 3399 1652

Henry Clay 747

ELECTION 1845.
County Commissioner.

George Walker 3236 3104

Scattering — No opp 133

School Commissioner.

Chauncey Robison 3353 3317

Scattering — No opp 35

Treiisurer.

Ethil B. Rose 3333 3180

Scattering — No opp 53

Two weeks later a special election was
held to fill vacancy in office of Sheriff,
occasioned by death of Slinor R. Dem-
ing, as follows:

Ja"cob B. Backenstos 3334 1584

John Scott 750

ELECTION 1840.

Governor.

Augustus C. French 1448 639

Thos. M. Kilpatrick 819

Lieut. Governor.

Joseph B. Wells 1417 597

Nathaniel G. Wilcox 820

Congress.

Thomas J. Turner 1466 673

James Knox 793

Senator.

Jacob C. Davis 1204 247

Wm. H. Roosevelt 957

Representatives.

Thomas Morrison 1398

James Stark 1282

Wm. Darnell 891

Samuel W. Brown 873

Sheriff.

Melgar Couchman 1378 39l

Mark Aldrich 887

Samuel Fleming 78 •

Coroner.

Wm. S Moore 1333 448

David Bell 875

Treaswer and Assessor.

James W. Brattle 1392 418

John P. Haggard 874

County Commissioners.

Frederic Walton 1331

Daniel N. Bainter 1332

James M. Renshaw 1348

Uriah Dodd 878

Jonathan Lamb 873

Nathan Prentice , 871

To Amend Constitution.

For Convention 1804 1319

Against " 48.5

SPECIAL ELECTION, OCT., 1846.
Recoi'der.

Robt. F. Smith 376 63

John Carlin 157

Thomas C. Sharp 313

SPECIAL ELECTION, APRIL, 1847.
Delegates to Const. Convention.

Charles Choate 1129

Robert Miller 871

Thomas C Sharp 767

Thomas Geddes 733

Wm. S. Moore 710

Stephen H. Tyler 673

Hurlburt P. Griswold 653

Jacob C. Davis 544

Joseph Sibley 590

Joseph Hatchett 28

GENERAL ELECTION, 1847.
County Commissioner.

James M. Renshaw 1491

Probate Judge.

David Greenleaf 842 285

Jonathan Beny 557

Recorder.

John Carlin 822 137

Robt. F. Smith 685

Clifk of Commissioners' Court.

Geo. W. Thatcher 832

Chas. C. Stevens 377

Adolphus Cherrill 163

Henry R. Chittenden 98

Wm. D. Abernethy 57

Claiborne Winston 73

School Commissioner.

Michael Rickard 986 738

Jason H. Sherman 348

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

451

Treasurer.

Wm. G. Yetter 788 123

James W. Brattle 665

Surveyor.

John Wilson Williams 1257

SPECIAL ELECTION 1848.
Kew Constitution.

For Adoption 1157 874

Rejection 224

For Art. in relation to Colored

Persons 1101 851

Against do 250

For Art. In relation to Two-
Mill Tax 769 195

Against do 574

GENERAL ELECTION 1848.
Oovernor.

Aug. C. French 1195 256

Pierre Menard 939

Chas. V.Dyer 6

Lieut. Oovernor.

Wm. McMurtry 1177 231

J. L. D. Morrison 946

Henry H. Snow 10

Secretary of State.

Horace G. Cooley 1178 1172

L. C. Paine Frier 6

Auditor of State.

Thomas H Campbell 1191 1185

Benj.E. Viel 0

State Treasurer.

Milton Carpenter 1187 1181

Moses Pettingill 6

Oongress.

Joseph B. Wells 11.34 124

Edward D. Baker 1010

Jos. B. Call 9

Senator.

Azro Patterson 1158 247

William Gittings 911

Iie2)resentativ€s.

Stephen H. Tyler 1166

George Walker 1106

Benjamin Bacon 1003

John J. Brent 855

Sheriff.

Wm. A. Patterson 1024

WillardGay 1098 74

Coroner.

John W. Owen 776

John R. Williams 1103 327

Co unty Oommiss ioners .

Warren Miller 1068

Calvin Cole 1253

V. E. Remington 801

John Harris 989

President.

Taylor and Filmore 1087 7

Cass and Butler 1074

Van Buren (Free Soil) 67

SPECIAL ELECTION, APRIL, 1849.

[For Sheriff, to fill vacancy, vice Wil-
lard Gay, deceased.]

Melgar Couchman 995 560

John R. Williams 435

GENERAL ELECTION 1849.

UNDER NEW CONSTITUTION.

County Judge.

Melgar Couchman 1107 255

David Greenleaf 853

Associate Justices.

Robert Miller 1093

Milton M. Morrill 863

Joseph W. Nudd 831

CalvuiCole 816

County Clerk.

Wm. W. Steele 868 374

Geo. W. Thatcher 594

Thos. S. Brockman 499

Treasurer and Assessor.

Adolplms Cherrill 936 47

Kobt. F. Smith 879

Michael Barnes 127

School Commissioner.

Michael Rickard 1059 139

David Mack 920

Sheriff-
John Carnn 999 14

Alex. W. Stevenson 985

Surveyor.

John G.Fonda 1991

For Township Organization . .1247 765
Against " " ..483

For removal Co. Seat to Warsaw 561
Against " " " 1167 606

GENERAL ELECTION, 1850.
Congress.

Martin P. Sweet 552

Thompson Campbell 729 377

Senator.

Hemy Stephens 507

JacobC.Davis 683 175

Mepresentative.

Benjamin Bacon 557

Leonard T. Ferris 555

John Carlin 663

Joseph Sibley 689

Sheriff.

Wm. A. Patterson 758 257

Jeremiah Smith 501

452

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

John S. Johnson 542

WilUam Houck 710 168

Stale Treasurer.

Jolm Knox 633

John S. Moore 733 200

ELECTION MAr, 1851.

Judge.
Fifteenth Judicial District.
Onias C. Skmner 788

l^rosecuiinr) Attorney.

James H. Stewart 290

Milton U. Jlorrill 292 2

William C. Wagley 169

GENERAL ELECTION, 1851.

Treasurer.

Adolphus CherriU 507 112

Kobt. F. Smith 395

School Commissioner.

John M.Ferris 462 86

Ebenezer Rand 376

S. W. King 49

Surieyor.

John G. Fonda 892

Corotier.

Bynim Ballard 431 69

John S. Jolmson 362

B. Whitfield 45

For the Bank Law 486 81

Against " " 405

SPECIAL ELECTION, APRIL, 1852.

For Township Organization . . . 542
Against " " ...606 64

GENERAL ELECTION, 1852.

President.

Franklin Pierce 1466 180

Winfield Scott 1286

Free SoU 34

Governor.

Joel A. Mattison 1472 184

Edwin B.Webb 1288

D. A. Knowlton 18

Lieutenant Oocernor.

Gustavus P. Koemer 1470 180

J. L. D. Morrison 1290

Philo Carpenter 18

State Auditor.

Thomas H. Campbell 1471 180

Charles Belts 1291

E. J. Smith. ..\ 18

Secretary of State.

Alexander Stame 1461 . 173

Buckner S. Jlorris 1289 '

Erastus Wright 18

State Treasurer.

John Moore 1462 163

Francis Arenz 1299

Wm. Pettingell 2

Wm. A. Richardson 1466 143

Orville H. Browning 1323

Representatims.

David Gocbenor 1500 93

Joseph Sibley 1408

Wm. N. Grover 1296

William Smith 1301

State's Attorney.

Calvin A. Warren 1555 353

James H. Stewart 1203

Circuit Clerk

David E. Head 1514 309

Thomas C. Sharp 1205

Sheriff.

James Irwin 1330

BenjaminJ. AVelch 1411 81

Coroner.

John B. Bobbins 1343 86l

Wm. B. Hanson 1183

Amendment to Constitution.

Adopt.
Reject .

730

795

65

SPECIAL ELECTION, MARCH, 1853-

For township organization. . . .1077 718
Against " " 359

SPECIAL ELECTION, MAT, 1858.

For subscription of $60,000 10
capital stock of Mississippi
& Wabash R. R 1454

For sub. of .130,000 to War-
saw & Rockford R.R 1406

For sub. flO.OOOto Warsaw and
Aug. Plank Road Co 944

GENERAL ELECTION, 1853.

County Judge.

John il. Ferns 1559 1494

William Smith 65

Associate Justices.

Wm. S. Moore 1138

Jesse Duffleld 1125

Wm. S. Duffleld 634

David Crow 599

John Bauer 64

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

453:

County Clerk.

Claiborne Winston 998 383

C. C. Sympson 710

John Wilson 183

Treasurer.

Wm. A. Patterson 133G 979

Adolplius Cherrill 347

School Commissioner.

John S. Spangler 1599

Surceyor.

WaiTen Jliller 1780

Coro)ier.

J. E. Roberts 1126 540

H. C. Bryant 586

GENERAL ELECTION, 1854.

State Treasurer.

JohnJIoore 1393 89

James Miller 1303

Congress.

Wm. A. Richardson 1349 1003

Archibald Williams 347

Senate.

Jacob C.Davis 1311 48

Allen Persinger 1263

Mepresentative.

George Walker 1381 214

Amos H. Worthen 1167

Sheriff.

Squire R. Davis 1665 664

Jonathan Simmons 1001

ELECTION, JUNE, 1855.
Circuit Judge.

Joseph Sibley 1076

George Edmunds 815

John W. Marsh 1230 154

Supreme Judge.

Onias C. Skinner 1802 383

Stephen T. Logan 1419

Clerk Supreme Court.

Wm. A. Tumey 1796 429

Stephen A. Corneau 1367

For prohibition 1135

Against 1957 833

ELECTION, SEPT., 1855— R.R. ST'K.

Proposition to Subscribe $200,000 in

M. & W. and W. & W. Railroads—

$100,000 in each.

For subscription 1975 422

Against . 553

Totcnship Vote on Above.
Toirnship. For. Aga'st.

Augu.sta 173

St. "Mary's 8 101

Ft. Green 317 9

La Harpe 11 129

Durham 36 3^

Pontoosuc 116 36

Appanoose 69 3

Nauvoo 359

Sonora 54 11

MoutebeUo 44 13

Wrthe 97

Walker, 44

St. Albans 20 14

Chih 21

Harmony 9 2&

Carthage 344 1

Pilot Grove 80

Prairie 37

Bear Creek 71 2

Warsaw 516

Rocky Run 43

Totals 1975 55a

REGULAR ELECTION, NOV., 1855.
School Commissioner.

John S. Spangler 449 37

John S. Johnson 413

Surveyor.
WarreuMiUer 820

Treasurer.

Wm. A. Patterson 531 187

Robert Lincoln 844

GENERAL ELECTION, 1856.
President.

James Buchanan 2011 891

JohnC. Fremont 1120

MiUard Fillmore 998

Oovernor.

Wm. A. Richai-dson 2018 635.

Wm. H. Bissell 1383

Buckner S. Morris 786

Lieutenant Oovernor.

Richard J. Hamilton 3015 685.

John Wood 1330

Parmenas Bond 718

Secretary of State.

Wm. H. Snyder 3008 723:

O. M. Hatch 1285

Wm. H. Young 807

State Auditor.

Sam'lK. Casey 2008 71S

Jesse K. DuBois 1292

Hiram Barber 804

State Treasurer.

John Moore 2011

James MiUer 2091 8O1

454

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Supt. Public Instruction.

John H. St. Mathews 2015 725

Wm. H. Powell 1390

Ezra Jenkins 806

Congress — Long Term.

Isaac N. Morris 1980 263

Jackson Grimshaw 1717

Congress — To Ull vacancy.

Jacob C. Davis 2047 663

ThomasC. Sharp 1385

Jas. B. Kyle 630

Prosecuting Attorney.

Calviu A. Warren ..2078 516

Sterling P. Delano 1563

Senator.

Hiram Rose 2070 786

Wm. D. Henderson 1284

David Ellis 678

Representative.

Wm. Tyler 2106 848

George M. Berry 1258

Thomas McLellan 675

Clerk Circuit Court.

Squire R. Davis 3095 674

Coleman C. Sympson 1431

Giles C. Hawley 562

Sheriff.

Benj. Y. N. Clarkson 3034 764

William Shaffer 1370

Thomas D. Crmiipton 737

Coroner.

Henry Mull 1991 719

Thomas Duff 1272

Wm. S. Garthwaite 780

For Convention 439 9

Against " 430

GENERAL ELECTION, 1857.
County Judge.

John M. Ferris 1031 630

Robt. W. McKinney 401

County Clerk.

Francis M. Corby 1140 861

John S. Johnson 379

Treasurer.

Wm. A. Patterson 1100 811

Alouzo P. Blair 389

A. J.Blair 49

Surveyor.

Warren MiUer 1004 594

Pinckney D. Simmons 410

School Commissioner.

AsaN. Hawley 1865 675

Thomas Gregff 390

ELECTION, JUNE, 1858.
Justice Supreme Court.

Pinckney H. Walker 339 292

Chas. H. Constable 47

Scattering 30

GENERAL ELECTION, 1858.
State Treasurer.

Wm. B. Fondey 2385 353

James Miller 2032

John Dougherty 53

Supt. Public Instruction.

Aug. C. French 2386 357

Newton Bateman 3039

John Reynolds 55

Congress.

Isaac N. Morris 2234 180

Jackson Grimshaw 2054

Jacob C. Davis 173

Senator.

John P. Richmond 3340 309

Jolm C. Bagby 2031

Wm. C. Wagley 101

Mepreseritative.

Wm. H. Roosevelt 2389 357

George Rockwell 2033

Wm. F. Frazee 44

Sheriff.

Wm. R. Hamilton 3309 354

Thomas Logan 3055

John S. Cox 63

Coroner.

Neill O. 3IcKay 3383 361

JohnK. Allen 3032

GENERAL ELECTION, 1859.
County Treasurer.

Claiborne Winston 1083

C. Homer Mellen 1377 295

School Commissioner.

Asa N. Hawley 1334

George W.Batchelder 1340 16

Surveyor.

George T. Beers 1163

Mathew Waldenmeyer 1373 110

GENERAL ELECTION, 1860.
President.

Douglas and Johnson 3063 389

Lincoln and Hamlin 3674

Bell and Everett 131

Breckenridge and Lane 31

Governor.

James C. Allen 3083 363

Richard Yates 3719

John W. Cliickeriug 21

Thos. H.Hope 38

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

455

Lieutenant Governor.

Lewis W. Ross 3058 363

Francis A. Hoffman 3696

Henry C. Blaclcburn lOn

Thomas Snell 37

Secretary of State.

George H. CampbeU 3056 358

Ozias 51. Hatcli 3698

James Munroe 108

B. F. Bm-k 37

St<ite Auditor.

Bernard Amtzen 3056 358

Jesse K. Dubois 3698

James D. Smith 108

Harry H.Smith 37

Treasurer.

Hugh JEaher 3060 368

Wm. Butler 3693

Jonathan Stamper 105

Wm. H. Gather 37

SviH. Public Instruction.

Edward R. Roe 3055 353

Newton Bateman 3703

J. D. Snow 106

John H. Dennis 37

Congress.

Wm. A. Richardson 3109 373

Benjamin M. Prentiss 3737

Prosecuting Attorney.

Calvin A. Warren 3070 315

Benjamin F. Marsh 3755

Sepresentative.

Wm. H. Rollosson 3099 367

Samuel Mourning 3733

Clerk Circuit Court.

Squire R. Davis 3149 435

John Warren 2714

Sheriff.

Melanctou S. Carey 3139 411

Robert Lincoln 3738

Coroner.

Wm. L. Bemett 3101 397

James H. Moore 2704

For Convention 2239 265

Against " 1964

For Instruction 1079 144

Against " 935

ELECTION, JUNE, 1861.
Circuit Judge.

Joseph Sibley 1002

Judge Supreme Court.
Wm. A.Turney 1013

REGULAR ELECTION, NOV., 1861.
Delegate to Convention.

Milton jM. Morrill 31 13 301

JIarsena M. Hooteu 1811

County Judge.

Dennis Smith 2048 317

David Greenleaf 1831

County Clerk.

Francis M. Corby 31 39 390

Peter Baker 1830

Treasurer.

Benjamin Wan-en 3111 377

William Bray 1834

ScJwol Commissioner.

William Scott 2020 114

George W. Batchelder 1906

Surveyor.

Jacob Rich 2080 264

Warren Miller 1816

For the Banking Law 366

Against " " 3183 2817

ELECTION, JUNE, 1863.
Constitution and Articles.

For Adoption 3'842 833

Against " 2009

Art. "Banks and Currency ."

For 2817 976

Against 1841

Sec. 1, of Art. "Negroes and Mulattoes."

For 3704 3938

Against 766

Sec. 2d of Art. " N. and i/."

For 4515 4478

Against 39

Sec. 3d of Art. "N. and M."

For 4202 4049

Against 153

Congressional Apportionment.

For 2870 1085

Against 1785

GENERAL ELECTION, NOV., 1862.
State Treasurer.

Alexander Stame 2844 1324

Wm. Butler 1530

Supt. Public Instruction.

John P. Brooks 2844 1324

Newton Bateman 1520

Congress — State at Large.

James C. Allen 2846 1330

E. C. IngersoU 1516

Congress — Fourth District.

Charles M. Harris 2854 1342

Charles B. Lawrence 1513

456

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Senate.

Brj'ant T. Scofield 3815 1301

Harrison Dills 1514

Hepreseniative.

Milton M. Morrill 3843 1340

Elisha WoiTell 1503

Sheriff.

Robert Inghram 2843 1333

James B. Dodge 1530

Coroner.

James Booth 3838 1331

D. J. Beebe 1497

GENERAL ELECTION, 1863.
County 2'rerisurer.

B. Y. N. Clarkson 2375

-George W. Miller 2331 46

School Commissioner.

William Scott 3385

•George W. Batchelder 2312 37

Surveyor.

Jacob Rich 3390

Joshua C. Berry 2303 13

gent;ral election, 1804.

Pre.iident.

liincoln and Johnson 3654

McClellan and Pendleton 2929 275

Governor.

Kichard J. Offlesby 2671

.James C. Robinson 2932 261

Lievtenunt Governor.

WUliam Bross 3670

.S. Corning Judd 3933 362

Secretory of State.

Sharon Tyndale 2670

William A. Tumey 2933 363

Auditor.

O. H. Minor 3670

John Hise 2933 362

Treasurer.

James H. Beveridge 3670

Alexander Starne 2933 363

Supt. Public Instruction.

Newton Bateman 3673

John P. Brooks 2933 359

Congress — State at Large.

rS. W. Moulton 3673

James C. AUen 3931 359

Congress — District.

Abner C. Harding 3671

Charles M. Harris 3935 264

MepresentatiBe.

David Mack 3669

iL >L MorriU 2933 264

Prosecuting Attorney.

Edward E. Lane 2657

Bryant F. Peterson 2939 383

Sheriff:

John H. Allen 2665

Wm. C. Cason 2905 360

Coroner.

Caleb Saunders 2664

John Dornseif ... 3939 365

Clerk Circuit Court.

Robt. W. McClaughry 3643

Melaucton S. Carey 3957 314

GENERAL ELECTION, 1865.
County Judge.

Thomas C. Sharp 3691 283

Dennis Smith 2408

County Clerk.

Robt. W. McClaughry 3659 201

Francis M. Corby 2458

Treasurer.

John Gibbs 2691 258

James M. Bro\viiing 3433

School Comm issioner.

George W. Batchelder 371 6 333

John R. McGinnis 3393

Surveyor.

Samuel Mourning 2695 381

Jacob D. Stroup 3414

For Township Organization. .3507 3536
Against " " . . 981

For Appropriation to Capt.

JNIiller's Company 158

Against 4369 4111

Congress — State at Large.

John A. Logan 3287 56

T. Lyle Dickey 3331

Congress — District.

Abner C. Harding 3288 56

John S. Thompson 3233

State Tre/isurer.

Geo. W. Smith 3291 59

Jesse J. Phillips 3333

Supt. Pub. Instruction.

Newton Bateman 3297 66

John M. Crebs 3331

Senator.

Thomas G. Black 3293 56

Sam'l R. Chittenden 3236

Sepresentative.

John G. Fonda 3268 27

George Edmunds 3241

Sheriff'.

Jeptha S. Dillon 3290 74

Wm. L. Simons 3316

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

457

Coroner.

Daniel Glasner 3313 05

Martin Heise 3317

ELECTION, JUNE, 1867.
Judge Fifteenth Jud. Circuit.

Joseph Sibley 1785 119

John W. Marsh 1606

Judge Supreme Court.

Pinckney H. Walker 1775 95

Charles Emerson 1680

Citrk Supreme Court.

Wm. A. Tiirney ..1771 89

John M. Snyder 1683

GENERAL ELECTION 1867.
County Treasurer.

John Gibbs 3677

James M. Browning 3014 367

Surveyor.

Samuel Mourning 2699

Henry D. Fonda 8003 303

GENERAL ELECTION, 1868.
President.

H. Seymour 3687 91

U. S. Grant 3596

Governor.

JohnE. Eden 8697 104

John M. Palmer 3593

Lieut. Governor.

Wm. H. Van Epps 3696 103

John Dougherty 3598

Secretary of State.

Gustavus Van Hoorebeke 8696 105

Edward Hummel 3591

Auditor.

John R. Shannon 3696 106

Chas. E. Lippincott 3590

Treas urer.

Jesse J. Phillips 3696 104

Erastus N. Bates 3593

Attorney General.

Robert E. Will iams 3G96 105

Washington Bushnell 3.591

Penitentiary Commissioners.

John W. Connett 3696

Wm. M.Garrard 3696

Calnsh Zarley 8696

Robt. E. Logan 3591

Andrew Shuman 3591

John Reid 8.591

Congress — State at Large.

Wm. W. O'Brien 8693 108

John A. Logan 8585

Congress — District.

James W. Singleton 3698 106

John B. Hawley 3587

Prosecuting Attorney.

William G. Ewing 3694 103

L. E. Emmons 3591

Slate Board of Equalization.

A. L. Forsythe 3694 103

John M. Ferris 3591

Pepresentative.

Andrew J. Bradshaw 3711 139

James Stark 3573

Circuit Clerk.

Melancton S. Carey 3682 94

Peter W. Risser.' 3588

S7icriff. .

David W. Browning 3698 108

Isaiah F. Kelley. : 3590

Coroner.

Alfred C. Craney 3697 115

Benj. G. Anderson 3582

For the Constitution 3488

Against " 3596 108

GENERAL ELECTION, 1869.
Member of Convention.

Benjamin F. Marsh 3983

David Ellis 3320 337

County Judge.

Thomas C. Sharp 2984

John B. Risse 3230 246

County Clerk.

Robt. W. McClaughry 3074

George J. Rogers 8353 379

County Treasurer.

John H. Finley 2932

James M. Browning 3378 346

Superintendent of Schools.

Geo. W. Batchelder 3841

William Griffin 3286 445

Su7-veyor.

M. Waldenmever 2997

JohnG. Fonda 8175 178

SPECIAL ELECTION, JULY, 1870.

For Adoption Constitution ... 1716 402
Against " ...1314

For Railroad Section 23.59 1487

Against " 112

For Art. Entitled "Counties ".3235 1440
Against " " ... 795

For Art. "Warehouses " 2299 1565

Against " 734

For Three-Fifths Vote to re-
move County Seat 3128 1219

Against 904

For Section Relating to

Illinois Central R.R 2666 2300

Against " . . . .' 866

458'

HISTOEY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

For Sec. "Minority Rep.".. .1924 816
Against " " ...1108
For Section relating to Muni-
cipal Subscription to Rail-
roads or Private Corpora-
tions 2253 1473

Against 7T9

For Sec. relating to Canal. .. 2296 1588
Against " "... 708

GENERAL ELECTION, 1870.
Congress at Large.

Wm. B. Anderson 3860 295

John A. Logan 2565

State Treasurer.

Charles Ridgeley 2866 304

Erastus N. Bates 2563

Superintendent Public I iistructiun.

Charles Feinse 2870 313

Newton Bateman 2557

Penitentiary Commissioners. — Long
Term.

Francis T. Sherman 2866 300

Elmer Washburn 2566

Short Term.

Thomas Redmond .2864 397

Caspar Butz 2567

Congress.

P. L. Cable 2888 370

John B. Hawley 2518

Senators.

Jesse C. Williams 2876 339

Wm. H. Mead 2537

Jas. H. Richardson 3865 303

Rezin H. Downing 3563

Representatives.

Lemuel Mussetter 2904

Milton M. Morrill 3843

L. Smith Cogswell 2531

Ebenezer Huse 3500

Sheriff.

John D. Stevens 3817 212

Jeptha S. Dillon 2605

Coroner.

Benjamin F. Duvall 2850 300

James E. Morrison 2559

GENERAL ELECTION, 1871.

Congress at Large.

Samuels. Hays 2636 598

John L. Bevendge 2038

County Treasurer.

James M. Browning 2801 913

Wm. A. Patterson 1888

Surveyor.

John J. Woolley 2665 638

Joshua C. Berry 2027

GENERAL ELECTION, 1872.
Presidential.

Horace Greeley 3328 187

U. S.Grant 3141

Chas. O'Conor 59

Oovernor.

Richard J. Oglesby 3099

Gustavus Koerner 3584 485

Benjamin G. Wright 25

Sidney Breese 8

Lieut. Oovernor.

John L. Beveridge 3141

.John C. Black 3.557 416

D. S. Starr 33

Secretary of State.

George H. Harlow 3143

Edward Rummel . . 3549 406

Ethan Sutton 33

Auditor.

Chas. E. Lippincott 3145

Daniel O'Hara 3550 405

O. H. Westerman 33

Attorney Oeneral.

James K. Edsall 3147

John V. Eustice 8550 403

George A. Meech 33

Treasurer.

Edward Rutz 3144

Chas. H. Lanphier 3546 403

Henry West 33

Congress.

Wm. H.Ray 3116

Wm. H. Neece 3622 506

Board of Equalization.

D. D. Parry 3126

Asaph C. Hammond 3496 370

Clerk Supreme Court.

Emanuel C. Hamberger 3154

David A. Brown 3539 385

Senator.

Cornelius C. Preston 3111

Benjamin Warren 3607 496

Bepresentatives.

Edward E. Lane 5180

David Rankin 4398

James Stark 5115

Wm. Scott 5432

Prosecuting Attorney. .

Robert W. McKinney 3261

Bryant F. Peterson 3428 167

Circuit Clerk.

John D. Hamilton 3074

Andrew J. Davis 3649 575

Sheriff.

Aquilla Dougherty 3330

John D. Stevens 3435 305

w

LA H AR P E TR

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

461

Coroner.

James W. Madison 3137

Harrison H. Barnes 3540 403

Domestic Animals Running at Lurrje.

For 3902

Against 1471 431

ELECTION, JUNE, 1873.
Circuit Judge.

Joseph Siblev 1287

John H. Williams 1610 323

GENERAL ELECTION, 1873.

County Judge.

John B. Risse 2974 12(55

Thomas Ruggles 1709

County Clerk.

George J. Rogers 3029 1317

Charles C. Tyler 1712

Superintendent of Schools.

William Griffin 2989 1483

Mrs. E. E. Mayall 1506

Treasurer.

Peter Prey 2542 403

Peter Kaiser 2139

For Township Organization. 2952 1902
Against " " . . 1050

GENERAL ELECTION, 1874.
State Treasurer.

Thos. S. Ridge way 1848

Charies Carroll 2399 551

David Gore 204

Superintendent Public Instruction.

Wm. B. Powell 1853

S. M. Etter 1930 77

Samuel Etter 629

Congress.

Henderson Ritchie 1837

John C. Bagby 2398 561

Mepresentatives.

Edward E. Lane 3294

David Ranliin 2847

Wellington Janney 4323

Paul D. Salter 2081

Dennis Smith 864

Sheriff.

Caleb C. Cochran 1.576

Cornelius T. Cannon 2652 1076

John Jackson 223

Coroner.

Jesse B. Quinby 1733

Benj.F.Duvall 2394 662

J.R.Miller 269

GENERAL ELECTION 1875.
County Treasurer.

Pettr Frey 1694 H79

John Martin 1015

28

Surveyor.

J. R, McGinnis 1198

John G. Fonda 1501 303

ELECTION, JUNE, 1876.
Judge Supreme Court.

Pinckney H. Wallvcr 839

GENERAL ELECTION, 1876.
President.

Hayes and Wheeler 3496

Tilden and Hendricks 4207 711

Governor.

Shelby M. Cullom 3.521

Lewis Steward 4227 706

Lieut. Governor.

Andrew Shuman 3504

Archibald A. Glenn 4269 765

Jas. H. Pickrell 38

Secretary of State.

George H. Harlow 3504

Stephen Y. Thornton 4309 705

Massena M. Hooten 38

Auditor.

Thos. B. Needles 3.504

John Hise 4246 743

State Treasurer.

Edward Rutz 3505

George Gundlack 4210 705

Henry Toctspen 36

Attorney General.

Jas. K. Edsall 3505

Edmund Lynch 4210 705

Winfield S. Coy 35

Congress. .

Benjamin P. Marsh 3497

John H. Hungate 4176 679

Board of Equalization.

James S. Boice. 3507

Robt. J. Cabeen- 4242 735

Senator.

Thomas J. Maxwell 3516

William Scott 4169 653

Representatives.

Edward E. Lane 5216

Charles F. Gill 5314

George P. Walker 6669

John J. Reaburn 5880

Prosecuting Attorney.

William Baird 3633

William E. Mason.. 4097 474

Circuit Clerk.

Thomas C Shaip 3519

Andrew J. Davis 4196 677

Sluriff.

John Helfrich 3760

Cornelius T. Cannon 3926 166

4:62

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Coroner.

William Bunger 3526

Benj. F. Duvall 4191 665

SPECIAL ELECTION, APRIL 1877.

For Sheep, Goats and Swine

running at large 2029

Against. .. .. ! 2141 112

ELECTION, AUGUST, 1877.

Judge Sixth Judicial District.

Simeon P. Shope 880 778

George Edmunds 102

William Monk 40

Wesley H. Manier 38

Scattering 30

GENERAL ELECTION, 1877.
County Judge.

John B. Risse 4970

County Clerk.

John R.Newton 2805 413

L.S. Cogswell 2392

Superintendent of Schools.

Samuel W. Layton 2637 110

Frank C. Crane 2527

Treasurer.

Joseph Hartman 2559 11

John Fletcher 2548

Coroner.

B Fordham 2774 360

John Bray 2414

For $531,712.18 Appropriation

to NewStateHouse 1064

Against 3122 2058

For Horses, Mules, Asses and

Cattle running at large 1311 122

Against 1189

SPECIAL ELECTION, APRIL 1878.

For Domestic Animals running

at large 2446 1227

Against 1219

For paying Witness fees in
Criminal Cases 2880 2387

Against 493

GENERAL ELECTION, 1878.

State Treasurer.

John C. Smith 2786

Edward L. Conkrite 3426 640

E. N. Bates 645

Superintendent Public Instruction.

James P. Slade.... 2779

Samuel M. Etter 3439 660

F.M. Hall 645

Clerk Swpreme Court.

Mervin B. Converse 2801

Ethan A. Sniveley 8412 611

T. W. S. Kidd 641

Clerk Ajypellate Court.

MontravilleM. Duncan 2777

George W. Jones 3429 652

C. E. Schoflf 644

Congress.

Benjamin F. Marsh 2880

Delos P. Phelps 3362 482

A. J. Streeter 614

Representatives.

Charles F. Gill 3918

Brooks R. Hamilton 45973^

John J. Reaburn 5044

Thomas B. Brumback 5016J/|

George F. Cotton 1969

Sheriff.

Robert M. Dufly 2858

Wm. P. Damron 3354 496

Albertine Huckins 586

Coroner.

Eli W.Bennett 2763

Ernest D. Morrill 3430 667"

Joseph C- Knott 621

Surveyor.

Joshua C. Berry 2784

John I. Spence 3403 619

John H. H. Horney 627

For Amendment Sec. 31, Art.

4, Constitution 5896 5405

Against 491

ELECTION JUNE, 1879.
Judge Gth Judicial District.

Joseph C. Thompson 1098

Chauncey L. Higbee 2131

Simeon P. Shope 2046

John H. Williams 1385

GENERAL ELECTION, 1879.
County Treasurer.

Joseph Hartman 2182

James Corbin...... 2309 27

William Bray 226

Surveyor.

John I. Spence 2166 2

Joshua C. Berry 2164

Edward A. Gilchrist 355

CHAPTEE XIX.

PIONEERS' ASSOCIATION.

After discussion aud consultation among the old settlers of Han-
cock county during the winter and spring of 1869, it was resolved
to hold a meeting at the county seat for the purpose of effecting an
organization of the pioneers of the county. A call was accordingly
issued in all the county papers, signed by a number of old settlers,
asking their fellow pioneers to meet in convention at the court-
house in Carthage, on the 15th day of June next (1869).

Accordingly a large meeting was held, and oi'ganized by electing
Judge David Greenleaf to the chair, with a number of vice presi-
dents and secretaries.

On taking the chair the president introduced Hon. Orville H.
Browning, of Quincy, who had been invited to address the meeting.
Mr. Browning's remarks were so apposite to the occasion, and in-
teresting, as illustrating early times in the county, that we make
no apology for quoting them freely in this place. We copy from
a report made for the Carthage Gazette^ by Mr. Noble Prentis, one
of its editors. Mr. B. said:

" He was I'eluctant to call himself an old man, but was certain he
was an old citizen. He attended tlie first Court in the county held
at Montebello, when there were but two villages within the limits
of the county, one of them Montebello, the other Venus, on the
present site of Nauvoo. He remembered that at that session
Venus was a contestant for the county seat. Of the lawyers he
met at that Court every one had passed away from earth, and of
the officers of the Court, his venerable friend, Wesley Williams
(here present), was the sole survivor. At that time he himself was
a young lawyer, having left his native State of Kentucky two weeks
after the completion of his legal studies, and removed to Quincv,
the only place he had ever called home, amid a people to
whom he was indebted for all the prosperity he had enjoyed in
life. When he first travelled the road from Quincy to Montebello,
there were no houses or anything approaching a settlement, save
at Whitney's Grove and Fort Edwards. No Carthage, no La
Harpe, no Fountain Green, no Warsaw then. Between Montebello
and Crooked creek, on the road to McDonough county, there were
no houses. The country, though uninhabited, was not a wilder-
ness or a desert; it was the green, billowy, sunlit, beautiful prairie,
left solitary because the people at that day believed the open
country would never be settled. The northern half of the State
was almost uninhabited; the flourishing cities of Quincy, Galena,
(463) . '

464 HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

and Chicago — that miracle of a city — were all included in one
Judicial Circuit, presided over by one Judge who had less than halt
the business brought before Judge Sibley in his Circuit of two
counties.

"Mr. Browning gave a graphic description of the lawyers of that
day riding the Circuit on horseback with the inevitable saddle-bags,
containing the 'other' shirt, a meager supply of corn dodgers, and
occasionally (perhaps frequently) a bottle of Bourbon. Sometimes
these legal pilgrims found shelter in the cabin of some friendly
Indian, or spread thsir blankets on the praii'ie and slept with the
clouds for a covering, or the stars for a canopy.

"Pie remembered attending the first Court held at Cathage.
The temple of justice at that day was a log cabin of limited dimen-
sions roofed with clapboards. The Bench and Bar boarded with a
family at the edge of the timber, near the subsequent residence of
Mr. Baldwin. The 'hotel' of Carthage was a sort of rail pen
twelve feet square, the provisioTis and whisk}' being dealt out through
the cracks to the outsiders. The site of the present court-house was a
frog-pond, and yet this unpromising beginning had culminated in
the present city of Carthage, one of the neatest and pleasantest vil-
lages he had ever visited."

A touching scene was enacted during this meeting. The pres-
entation of a beautiful bouquet prepared by the ladies of Carthage,
was made by the hand of Major H. W. McClaughry to the vener-
able Wesley Williams, the first County Clerk. Mr. W. was taken
by surprise, rose to his feet and attempted a repl}', but was so over-
come with emotion that he could only utter his simple thanks.

A constitution was adopted, providing for a permaTient organiza-
tion, with David Greenleaf for President, a Vice President for each
township, David E. Head, Treasurer, and Thomas Gregg and Wm.
F. Barnes, Secretaries.

Subsequent meetings were held annually, as follows:

At Carthage, Aug. 1, 1870, David Greenleaf presiding; Thomas
Gregg, Secretary. Mr. Sharp delivered the annual address.

At Warsaw, Sept. 7, 1871 Mr. Greenleaf in the chair; Thomas
Gregg, Secretary. Wm. N. Grover, Esq., of Warsaw, delivered the
annual address.

At Carthage, Aug 8, 1872. President, David Greenleaf; Secre-
tary, Thomas Gregg. Dr. William Booze, of Hancock township,
delivered the annual address, and Miss Mary SaflPord, of Hamilton,
recited a lengthy poem.

At Carthage, Sept. 4, 1873, Ebcnezer Rand, Esq., of Carthage,
presiding; Thomas Gregg, Secretary. Annual address delivered
by Hiram G. Ferris, Esq., of Carthage.

At Dallas City, Sept. 10, 1874. President, Judge John M. Fer-
ris, of Carthage; Thomas Gregg, Secretary. Annual address deliv-
ered by Hon. Augustus C. Dodge, of Burlington.

At Hamilton, Sept. 23 and 24, 1875. Hiram G. Ferris, Esq., of
Carthage, President the 23d; John Harris, Esq., of Walker, on the

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 465

24th; Thomas Gregg, Secretary. President Ferris delivered tiie
annual address. Mrs. Pollard, of Keokuk (Kate Harrington), reci-
ted an original poem.

At Warsaw, July 4, 1876, John S. Johnson, Esq., Vice President,
.presiding; George D. Gates. Secretary. A failure; adjourned to
September and another failure.

1877 and 1878 no annual meetings Iield.

At AVarsaw, Aug. 5, 1879. Col. John M. Ferris, i>residiiig;
Lemuel Mussetter, Esq., of Warsaw, Secretarj'. Hon. O. H. Brown-
ing, of Qiiincy, and Maj. Rol)ert W. McUlaughry, of Joliet, deliv-
ered annual addresses.

A number of the annual addresses were reported by the editors
of the Carthage papers, and recorded by the Secretary among the
proceedings of the Association. All of them were worthy of a
place here, but want of space forbids. We will, however, quote
extracts from two of those addresses; the first for tlie suggestion it
contains, from the address of Mr. Sharp in 1870. He said:

" But, friends, these reunions can be made sources of knowledge
as well as of social enjoyment; and I now suggest tliat we to-day
amend the title of the association. Let it be hereafter known as
the 'Hancock County Pioneers' Association and Historical Soci-
ety.' Hancock county has a history worth writing and worth
preserving. Enough of its early settlers still survive to furnish the
necessary facts concerning the early settlements. Here, at the
annual reunions, let these facts be gathered and recorded in the
archives of the society. Let the files of all the newspapers pub-
lished in the county, that can be obtained, be preserved. Let the
society obtain, if possible, from the county, a room for the deposit
of all documents which pertain to or throw light upon the history
of the county, and let our Pioneers' Association and Historical
Society preserve and transmit these to posterity. Now is the time
to act in the matter. The period is fast approaching when death,
which in the last year has materially thinned the ranks of the early
settlers, will have called the last one to his long home. This should
urge us to act promptly in this matter. While many yet live,
from whose memories important historical data in reference to the
earliest settlements of the county can be obtained, we should make
a record of the interesting events that occurred in tlie days of our
pioneer settlement."

Mr. Sharp's suggestion was not acted upon. From Mr. Grover's
address at the September meeting, 1871, we also make an extract,
principally because of its description of Warsaw and the county
as late as 1837. Mr. G rover said:

" When the Black Hawk war broke out, the population of the
county was still verj' small and thinly scattered; and many of the
settlers left the county for awhile. There were no actual depreda-
tions here by the Indians; but there was, perhaps, just reason for
apprehensions of danger. Fort Edwards was then standing upon
that point, within a hundred yards of this square. It had been

466 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

abandoned some years before, as a military post, bat the buildings
were then in possession of Col. Farnham, an agent of the Govern -
inent, and by his permission a number of men and a few families
concluded to take shelter and protect themselves, if necessary.
Among these were Col. Farnham himself, Mark Aldrich and his
wife, Isham Cochrane and his wile, and, I think, James M. Wells.
Other names I have not been able to learn. Among them was an
Indian woman who was married to a white man; and it is stated
that she stood in more fear of an attack from Indians than any of
the pale-faced women in the fort.

" At the close of this war, Mr. Cochrane saw Gen. Scott with his
troops pass down the river with I>lack Hawk and other prisoners in
irons. Most of the scattered settlers soon came back, but some
never returned. From this date population flowed in more rapidly
for a few years. Villages began to spring up, and settlements
became quite numerous in the skirts of the timber; but even as
late as my first coming to the county, there were ver}^ few settle-
ments in our large prairies. I have a distinct recollection of the
appearance of the country from Carthage to Warsaw in 1837.
Coming west from Carthage, the first house reached was then
owned bj^ Wm. A. Patterson. It was a small one, and, I think,
was unfinished and unoccupied. It was five miles from Carthage.
There was a small field enclosed, then sown to buckwheat, and in
full blossom. The next was the Chapman place, now known as
the Comer place. There was an unfinished house and small enclos-
ure. The next places improved were the farms of Benjamin F.
Marsh and Gotham Clark, side by side. This brought us to the
edge of what was then generally called the 'Warsaw timber.'
From thence to Warsaw we passed Truman Hosford's, Bartholo-
mew Slattery's, tlieVinyard farm (the latter now apart of Warsaw)
and Mark Aldrich's, and from thence down a winding road through
small timber and hazel bush, to Andrew Monroe's (where Elliott's
store now stands). At this point we got upon Main street, and
passed a little frame building they used as a meeting house, and
three other one-story frame houses of a single room each, on the
south side, one used by James Chittenden as a saddler. shop, one
by Samuel W. Brown and Wm. Mcllhenny, as a tailor shop, the
other by Smith Robbins, as a sort of fancy grocery. On the other
side of the street was a two-story frame house, unfinished, erected
by R. L. Robertson. This brought us to the ' Warsaw House,'
then kept by mine host, 'Old man Newberry,' as the boarders
irreverently called him; and here I slept ray first night in a house
after five months' railroad exploration. I do not think there were
then in all our large prairies a hundred improvements a mile distant
from timber. The few roads across the prairies followed the most
favorable ground for settlement, regardless of section lines; and in
some directions you might travel for hours without seeing a house
or enclosure. If the direction of the beaten road did not suit, you
had full liberty of taking short and direct cuts to your journey's
end."

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 467

The record kept by the Secretary contains the names of perhaps
a thousand pioneers of the county, with nativity and date of emi-
gration. We subjoin a few of the earlier ones:

1831 — John Atchison, Ireland. 1831 — Frederic Loring, N. H.

1829— David Ayres, Ireland. 1836— A. A. Perkins, Tenn.

1830— James W. Brattle, Mass. 1832— Wm. Pike and sons, Ky.

1831— Jabez A. Beebe, Conn. 1829 — Chauncey Robison, N. Y.

1829— Joseph Caldwell, Ky. 1830— A. G. Rose, Ind.

1830 — Isham Cochran, Ky. 1830 — Benjamin Royse.

1828— Theophilus Crenshaw, Illinois. 1831— Alexander Saylors, 111.

1831— Charles L. Cochran, Maine. ' 1824^Isaac N. Waggonner, Ohio.

1826— Amzi Doolittle, N. Y. 1837— James Wilson, Ky.

1830— Cyrus Felt, N. H. 1829— Wesley Williams, Ky.

1831— Samuel Gordon, N. H. 1831— Robt. W. White, Va.
1833 — Constantine Kremer, Prussia.

CHAPTER XX.

MISCELLANEOUS STATISTICS.
MARRIAGE LICENSES.

First marriage license issued Sept. 25, 1829, James Miller to
Verdilia Harper; ceremony performed Sept. 28, by Rev. Charles
Robison.

Below are dates of a few others, with names of a few parties:

2d. Benjamin T. Tungate (one of the first jurors) to Deborah
Flint, Oct. 17; joined by Rev. C. Robison.

6th. Thomas Bremer to Nancy Smith, July 22, 1830, by James
Miller, Esq.

9tli. Isaac R. Campbell (first County Treasurer) to Emily Davis,
by Luther Whitney, Esq.

11th. Wesley Williams, Esq. (County Clerk, etc.), to Ruth
Scobey, by James Miller, Esq.

13th. Baptista Blondeau to Spawsey Grandbois, by Hazen
Bedell, Esq., Aug., 1831.

19th. Joshua Palen to Archange St. Jean Laperchere, by Wesley
Williams, Judge of Probate, July 19, 1832.

Amos Van Norsdall to Louise Muir (daughter of Dr. Muir, of
Fort Edwards, whose wife was a half-breed), April 4, 1833, by
Leonard L. Abney, Esq.

Isaac Newton Waggonner to Mary White, Dec, 1835, by David-
son Hibbard, Esq.

Number of licenses issued to Jan., 1830 3

To Jan., 1835 56

To Jan., 1840 342

To Jan. 1850 1519

To Jan., 1860 3624

Total No. to Jan., 1880 10082

Of course the above do not include the numerous " Gretna Green "
marriages of Hancock citizens; nor yet that indefinite number
solemnized under city ordinance at Nauvoo in Mormon times, in
which license was not required and returns were directed to be
made to the City Recorder.

(468;

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTr. 469

EDUCATIONAL STATISTICS.

To Samuel W. Layton, Esq., Superintendent of Schools for
Hancock county, we are indebted for the following:
No. of school districts in the county January 1, 1880. . 190

No. of school-houses 185

No. of teachers employed, about 250

Proportion males in winter, about 75 per cent

Females in summer, about 75 per cent

No. of children between ages of 6 and 21 years, in 1879 13,421

Total receipts for the year ending June 30, 1879 $91,876 94

Total Expenditures 70,813 16

Sixteenth Section School Lands in all the townships sold.

SIXTH CENSUS.

The only census returns to be found of record in the County
Clerk's office is the printed volume containing the U. S. census for
1840. We make some extracts to show the diffijrence between
Hancock count}- forty years ago and now. The one item of silk
cocoons will hardly be reported in the census of 1880.

In Hancock county — White males 5135

White females 4762

Colored persons 15

Total 9913

No. of Persons Agricultural Products

Engaged in Agriculture 1791 Bushels Oats 130768

Commerce 15 Bushels Rye 394

Manufactures and Trades 380 Bushels Buckwheat 1813

Navigation 4 Bushels Corn 3598 JO

Learned Professions and Engineers 34 Pounds Wool 8890

Revolutionary Pensioners 3 Bushels Potatoes 33984

Deaf and Dumb 7 Tons Hay 2345

Blind 5 Pounds Tobacco 1910

Insane 3 Pounds Cocoons 36

Can not read and write — over 20 . . 305 Products of Dairy sold .|;455

Agricultural Products. Products of Orchard sold iSJo

Horses and Mules 1761 No. of Grist Mills 7

Neat Cattle 4717 No. of Saw Mills 13

Sheep 2451 No.ofOil Mills 1

Swine 10671 Gallons Wine 3

Bushels Wheat 10675 Printing Offices 2

PLACES OF HOLDING COURTS IN HANC03K COUNTY SINCE ORGANIZATION.

Aug., 1829— Special at Fort Edwards.

Dec, 1829 — At house of James White.

Mar., 1880— Same place.

June, 1880 — At Clerk's office in Venus.

Dec, 1830 and March and June, 1831 — At James White's,

Sept., 1831 — At Clerk's office at Hazen Bedell's.

Dec, 1831— At Montebello.

Mar., 1832— At Bedell's.

470

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

June, 1832 — At "court-house" in Montebello.*

Sept., 1832 — Same place.

Dec, 1832— At H. Bedell's.

Mar., 1833 — At Luther Whitney's, in Montebello.

April, 1833 — At house of Thomas Brewer, in Carthage.

Sept., 1833 — At log-cabin court-house in Carthage.

*The term "court-house," used above, we take to mean simply the building in
which the courts were held. There was no bviilding erected for that purpose at
Montebello.

•*«

CHAPTER XXI.

TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION.

The Township Organization Act, entitled " An Act to Provide
for Township and County Organization," under which an}' county
may organize wlienever a majority of the votes of such county at
any general election shall so determine, was passed by the Legis-
lature and approved Feb. 12, 1849. Accordingly the question of
" Township Organization" or " No Organization" was submitted
at the annual election, on the 6th of Nov. 1849, and return made
to George W. Thatcher, County Clerk, and by him canvassed on
the 7th, in conjunction with Michael Rickard and David Greenleaf,
Justices of the Peace. We give the vote by precincts in full, as
matter for future reference:
Precincts For Against

Augusta 65 SS'

St. Mary's 121 15

Fountain Green 133 63

Camp Ureek ♦ 92 4

Appanoose 51 2

Pilot Grove Rejected

Nauvoo ,131 4

Montebello 39 8

Commerce 94 41

La Harpe 149

Warsaw 90 133

Green Plains 95 11

RockyRun 56 4

Bear Creek 74 7

Chili 43 43

Carthage 46 120

Totals 1347 482

The County Court appointed Mathew McClaughry, John G.
Fonda and George Edmunds as commissioners tnlay off and divide
said county into townships, in accordance with law; and on the 26th
day of February, 1850, they filed their report as follows:

1. Augusta townsiiip", to embrace township 3 north, 5 west.

2. St. Mary's--4 north, 5 west, and south half of 5-5.

3. Fountain Green — 6 north, 5 west, and north half of 5-5.

4. La Harpe — 7 north, 5 west.

5. Chili — 3 north, 6 west, and south half of 4—6.

6. Cartilage— 5 north, 6 west, north half of 4-6 and east
half of 5-7. '

7. Pilot Grove — 6 north, 6 west, and east half of 6-7.

8. Durham — 7 north, 6 west.

9. St. Albans — 3 north, 7 west.
10. Bear Creek — 4 north, 7 west.

(471)

4Y2 HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

11. Pontoosuc — 7 north, 7 west.

12. Walker — 3 north, 8 west.
IS. AVythe — i north, 8 west.

li. Montebello — 5 north, 8 west, fraction 5-9 and west
half of 5-7.

15. Sonora — 6 north, 8 west, and west half of 6-7.

16. Appanoose — 7 north, 8 west.

17. Rocky Run — 3 north, 9 west, and fraction 3-10.

18. Warsaw — i north, 9 west.

19. ISlauvoo — 6 north, 9 west, and 7-9.

On the iirst Tuesday in April, 1850, the election for township
officers was held, and County Clerk Wm. W. Steele called a
meeting of the Board of Supervisors to be held at Carthage on
Monday, Aug. 12, 1850. Board met, and the following members
answered to their names:

AuOTsta— James Stark, Bear Creek— Almore Thompson,

St. Marj-'s-Wm. Darnell, Wvthe— Slocum Woolley,

Chili— Gilmore Callison, JMoutebcllo— Robt. F. Smith,

Carth-Tige -James A. Winston, Appanoose— Jas. A. McCanee,

Pilot Grove — Saml. Richey, Nauvoo — James Irving,

St. Albans— Alex. McDonald, Sonora— J. J. Gardner.

Bill of Commissioners to lay ofl' the townships, at $5.00 each,
and $2.50 to Mr. Fonda, additional, for making plat of the county,
presented. Board voted members an allowance of $1.50 per day
each for services.

At next session in November, the following additional members
elect appeared and took their seats: Lemuel Mussetter, Warsaw;
John Banks, Rocky Run; Joseph Kidson, Pontoosuc; and Stephen
H. Tyler, Fountain Green.

On September 12, 1854, Prairie township was set off from
Carthage and Montebello, embracing the whole of township 5
north, 7 west. And at the same time Harmony was set off from
Chili and Carthage, embracing the whole of -4 north and 6 west.
On April 27, 1855, Hancock township was established from St.
Mary's and Fountain Green, embracing the whole of 5 north, 5
west; and Rock Creek was established from Pilot Grove and
Sonora, embracing the whole of 6 north 7 west. Nov. 15, 1855,
Wilcox township was established, embracing all of Warsaw town-
ship, 4 north 9 west, excepting the city of Warsaw, which is made
a separate township. In 1860 Dallas was set off from Pontoosuc,
and at a later date, March, 1876, on petition of residents, that
portion of Prairie township embraced in sections 13 and 24, the
south half of section 12 and the north half of section 25 — -three
sections in all — was detatched and annexed to Carthage township.
This includes tlie two depots and all that population in their
vicinitv.

CHAPTER XXII.
OLD LAND-MARKS.

Tlie old is continnally passing away. Among the old land-marks
and old things that have passed and are passing away may be
mentioned the following:

Head of the Rapids. — This cannot be said to be passing away;
but the term as a designation of a settlement is now seldom used,
thongh once very common as a name for that early settlement in
the connty now occupied by Nauvoo.

Foot of the Rapids — Embraced all that country opposite ''The
Point," from Fort Edwards to Chaney creek, or the Montebello
Honse.

Fort Johnson— T^hQ remains of an old stockade fort, on the
high bluff south of Albers' mill, in "Warsaw.

Fort Edwards — A fort that was still standing and occupied by
settlers as late as 18i5. For history of these forts see chapter
VII.

Yenus — Was a postoffice only, and the first established in the
county. It was at the head of the rapids, in the midst of the
oldest settlement in the county, excepting Fort Edwards. Who
was its first postmaster we have not learned.

Montebello. — This was the name of the oldest town in the county.
It was laid out in 1832, by Luther Whitney and William Vance.
It for many years was the business center for the settlers along the
rapids, and a place where many goods have been sold. As a town
or place of business, it is now unknown, and its name has been
transferred to the township in which it lies.

Green Plains — Was once quite a famous locality in the county,
now unknown. It embraced parts of what are now Wythe,
Walker, Wilcox and Rocky Run townships, the postoffice for
which was at Col. Levi Williams'.

Golden''s Point — Was a point of timber projecting into the
prairie on the borders of Lary's creek, in Sonora township,
named from Abram Golden, a settler there at an early day.

Spillman'' s Landing — The point on the river in the north part
of the count}-, near the residence of Mr. Hezekiah Spillman, and
where he kept a ferry, and a woodyard for steamboats. Lie was a
settler of 1825.

Round Prairie — A designation by which a rich prairie settle-
ment was known in the early days, lying partly in Hancock and
partly in Schuyler and McUonough counties. It was bounded
north, east, and west by the waters of Crooked creek and
(473)

47J: HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

branches, and South hy Williams' creek, and had Plymouth for its
business center.

Oliver's Settlement — Was that early settlement in the southeast
of the county around Pulaski, and had its name from Alexander
Oliver, its earliest settler.

Franldin — Was the name of the postoffice and settlement about
La Ilarpe until 1S36, when William Smith and Marvin Tryon laid
out the town, and gave it the name of the French adventurer.

Joe Duncan — Was a town laid out in the years of town mania
by Robert Miller, David W. Mathews and Isaac N. Morris. It
was near the southeast corner of Fountain Green township. It
soon died a natural death. Ex-Gov. Duncan was at that time a
speculator in town lots, and it is stated that it received its name,
Joe Duncan, because he refused to take stock in it. Mathews and
Miller sold goods there for a short period.

Cutler's Orave — At Commerce, the place where George Y. Cut-
ler, one of the first county Commissioners, was buried, enclosed by
a stone wall, still standing.

Half -way House — A little frame building erected about 1834, and
occupied by one Chapman, at the place now owned and occupied
by Mrs. Samuel Comer, just west ofElvaston, and on the War-
saw and Carthage road.

Prerdis' Shanty — A shanty built near the line of the Warsaw
&, Peoria Pailroad, soon after the State entered upon its magnifi-
cent scheme of internal improvements. Mr. Daniel Prentis, now
of Fountain Green, had a contract for grading, and to accommo-
date his hands erected a shanty there. The shanty remained there
many years, and was a point well known to travellers.

Koch Island Trail — An old road that led from Quincy and
beyond to Eock Island and Galena lead mines, from point to
point in the prairie. In this county it ran from Green Plains to
Golden's Point, thence to other points north. It crossed the W.
& P. Railroad at Prentis' shanty, two or three miles east of Ham-
ilton.

Commerce — A town at the head of the rapids, laid out in 1834
by Joseph B. Teas and Alexander White. It, with its successor,

C ommerce City — Laid out in 1836, and designed to be the town
of the West, was finally swallowed by the Mormon city of
Nauvoo.

Des Moines City — Laid out in 1837, by Dr. Adolphus Allen,
on the Mississippi, about two miles above Montebello. It died a
natural death in its infancy.

Hartford — Was laid out in 1837, by James M. Campbell, on
section 5, 7 n., 7 w., in the north part of the county. It also died
in infancy.

Mechanicsville — As its name indicates, was designed for a man-
ufacturing village, and for a time bid fair to realize the expecta-
tions of its proprietor. It was laid out in 1S42 by Alanson Lj'on,
near the northwest corner of Augusta township. The manufacture

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 475

of wagons, carriages, and agricultural implements was entered into
and carried on for a time; but for some cause the enterprise
failed, and the town exists only in name.

Ramus — "Was a Mormon town, laid out in ISiO by Wm.
Wightman, and settled largely by the Mormons, having at one
time 400 or 500 inhabitants. It was sometimes called Macedonia.
It is now Webster.

Y^elrome — Was the name given by its proprietor, Isaac Morley
(as attorney for Joseph Smith), to the Mormon town, in the town-
ship of Walker, laid out in 1844. It generally was known by the
name ot Morley-Towu. It was principally burnt out during the
trouble in 1845. It is now Tioga.

hh!M^M&:

CHAPTER XXIII.
HANCOCK IN THE KEBELLION.

The news of Sumter aroused tlie people of Hancock as well as
the rest of the State and the Union. All — no, not all — for there
were a few traitors, and rehel sympathizers, even in Hancock
county, but a large majority of the bone and sinew of the county,
felt that the Flag of the Union must be sustained. And in
response to the various calls of President Lincoln for troops, the
co)inty sent more than two thousand men to the field, out of a
population of about 27,000 in 1860. The exact number it is
impossible to tell. Even the Adjutant-General's reports, while
giving the names of all the officers and men mustered into the
several regiments, fail in man}' instances to credit the place ot
their residence. Besides, many volunteered and served in organi-
zations belonging to other States; while many drafted and bounty
men were scattered widely through the army, as the convenience
and necessities of the service required. As will be shown here-
after, about 1,800 are known and accounted for; and the inference
is fair that the unknown would number into the hundreds.

Taking the regiments "in the order of their number, we begin
with

THE 16th INFANTKT.

This was principally recruited in the counties of Hancock,
Adams and McDonough; organized at Quincy, May 24, 1861.
Robert F. Smith, of Hamilton^ was elected Colonel; at the close of
his term re-enlisted as veteran, and was promoted Brev. Brig.-
Gen. March 13, 1865. Lieut. -Colonel, James B. Cahill, Carthage;
term e.xpired Dec. 25, 1864. Adjutant, Charles D. Kerr, Hamil-
ton; term expired April 5, 1865; re-enlisted, and promoted Colo-
nel July 3, 1865, and not mustered. Adjutant, John S. Schenck,
Fountain Green, May 29, 1865; mustered July 8, 1865. Quarter-
master L. L. King, La Harpe, June 30, 1862; mustered out June
29, 1865. First Asst. Surgeon, A. L. Ritchey, Hamilton; pro-
moted to Surgeon of 10th Regt. Nov. 20,.1864. Second Asst. Sur-
geon, Jacob Thrush, Dallas City; resigned Sept. 30, 1864.

Company Officers — Co. D. — Capt., James B. Cahill, Carthage,
May 4, 1861; promoted Lt.-Col. Isaac Davis, Carthage, Sept. 3,
1862; term expired Dec. 31, 1864. Wm. Sommerville, Carthage,
Dec. 31, 1864; honorably discharged May 9, 1S65. First Lieut.,
Jas. B. Cahill, May 4, 1861; promoted. Wesley Clowse, Carthage,
May 14, 1861; resigned Dec. 7, 1861. Isaac Davis, Carthage,
(476)

^f

if " /'

$MMr<f'M<^//,^'(-^^

ST ALBANS TP.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 479

Dec. 7, 1861; promoted. AVm. Sommerville, Carthage, Sept. 3,
1862; promoted. John T. "Welch, Hamilton, May 27, 1865. Second
Lieut., Wesley Clowse, Carthage, May 24,1861; promoted. Benj.
F. Marsh, Warsaw, May 24, 1861; resigned Aug. S, 1861. Isaac
Davis, Carthage, Oct. 13, 1861; promoted. Win. Sommerville,
Carthage, Dec. 7,1861; promoted. Wm. Conyers, Warsaw, Sept. 3,
1862; honorably discharged May 15, 1865. James M. Welch.
Carthage, July 8, 1865; not mustered.

Co. I. — Captain, Smith Johnson, Dallas Citj'. May 9, 1861;
term expired Nov. 11, 1864. First Lieut., Stedman Hatch, Pon-
toosuc. May 9, 1861; promoted Captain of Co. G. Wra. A. How-
ard, Dallas', April 12, 1864; killed in battle May 10, 1864. Daniel
Glassnei', Dallas, May 19, 1864; promoted Captain. Moriison
Walliner, Nov. 11, 1864. Second Lieut., Robert Pattison, Dallas,
May 9, 1861; promoted to Co. of Subs. July 6, 1864.

This county furnished for the 16th Regiment, 200 men of the
rank and file, mostly in Companies D and L

HISTORY OF THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT.

The 16th Inft. Ills. Vols, was mustered into the service at Quincy
under the Ten Regiment Act, May 24, 1861, by Captain T. G.
Pitcher, U. S. A.

June 12, 1861, moved to Grand river as railroad guard; July 10,
force was attacked by 1,600 mounted rebels, but held position until
arrival of reinforcements, when the enemy fled. On 16th lost two
men killed and two wounded at Caldwell's Station. August 20,
moved under Gen. Hurlburt to Kirksville, and in pursuit of Gen.
Green, arriving at Honeywell Sept. 1. Sept. 10, ordered to St. Joe;
on the 14th, together with the 3d Iowa, had a skirmish at Platte
City; 17th, returned to St. Joe.

Jan. 27, 1862, ordered to Bird's Point, Mo. March 3, ordered to
New Madrid, where they were attached to the army of the Missis-
sippi, 2d Brigade, Col. James D. Morgan; First Div. Brig.-Gen.,
A. E. Paine. Evening of the 12th of March, the 10th and 16th
Ills, were thrown forward and erected a line of earthworks, mount-
ing four heavy guns within half a mile of the enemy's works.
March 13, the battle of New Madrid was fought, the 16th support-
ing the siege guns.

April 7th, were landed on the opposite side of the river with the
10th Ills., and followed the retreating enemy to Tiptonville, Teun.,
where it captured 5,000 prisoners and a large amount of artillery,
small arms and ammunition. April 9, returned to New Madrid;
13th, embarked for Osceola, Ark.; 17th, embarked for Hamburg,
Tenn., where it arrived on the 22d. Participated in the siege of
Corinth. After evacuation pursued the retreating enemy to Boon-
ville; June 12, returned and encamped at Big Spring. July 20,
moved to Tuscumbia; 29th, crossed the Tenn. at Florence, Ala.
Sept. 15, arrived at Nashville, after a 17 days' march, with continual

480 HISTOEY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

guerrilla fighting. Our loss, one killed and five wounded, includ-
ing Capt. Kowe.

In Dec, 1S63, the regiment veteranized, and on the opening of
the campaign of 1864 was ordered to the vicinity of Atlanta, Ga.,
where it participated in the siege andjcapture of that strong-hold.
Col. Smith commanding a brigade. After the reduction of Atlanta,
and Sherman had cut loose from the Army of the Tennessee, the
16th joined in the celebrated March to the Sea, arriving at Savan-
nah about Christmas. Upon the occupation of Savannah, Col.
Smith was made Military Governor. In the spring of 1865, the
16th continued its march through the Carolinas and Virginia, par-
ticipating in all the important battles, and arrived at Washington,
D. C, in time to take part in the Grand Eeview. Mustered out
at Louisville, Ky., July 8, 1865; arrived at Camp Butler July 10,
for final payment and discharge.

28th. — Co. D of the 2Sth had 21 privates, mostly from Augusta,
St. Mary's and La Harpe.

32d. — Co. B, Wm. J. Pierce, of Carthage, Captain, Sept. 4, 1861;
resigned Aug. 31, 1862. Second Lieut. Christian G. Long, Car-
thage, April 25, 1865; promoted to First Lieut. Aug. 2, 1865.
About 28 privates from Montebello and Carthage.

34th. — Five privates from Montebello.

36th — Fourteen privates from Augusta.St Mary's and St. Alban's.

43d. — Co. F, 6 privates from Nauvoo.

46th. — Co. i>, 8 privates from Montebello and Augusta.

THE 50th EECtIMENT.

Co. F.—^ym. B. Snyder, Dallas City, Captain, Sept. 12, 1861;
resio-ned Jan. 19, 1S63. Charles D. Fee, Second Lieutenant. June
10, 1862; promoted First Lieutenant Nov. 15, 1862; promoted Cap.
taiu Jan. 19, 1863; discharged Sept. 15, 1864. Alfred L.Martin
Dallas City, Captain, June 14, 1865. First Lieutenant, Charles J.
May, Warsaw, Sept. 12. 1861 ; resigned April 27, 1862. Second Lieu-
tenant. C. M. Harris, Dallas Citv', Sept 12, 1861 ; promoted First
Lieutenant April 27, 1862; resigned June 20, 1862. Joseph M.
Morgan, Warsaw, First Lieutenant, June 14, 1865. Wm. S. Weak-
ley, Warsaw, Second Lieutenant, Nov. 15, 1862; resigned Sept. 15,
1864. Thomas Stewart, Dallas City, Second Lieutenant, July 10,
1865: not mustered.

Co. G. — Selali W. King, La Harpe, First Lieutenant, Sept 12,
1861; promoted Captain Dec. 12, 1861; resigned Sept. 15, 1864.

In the 50th Regiment there were 88 privates from this county,
from about ten difierent townships.

53d. — Had 17 privates from Hancock county.

57th. — Co. I, Edward D. Hazzard, Plymouth, Second Lieutenant,
Feb. 13, 1863; promoted First Lieutenant July 12, 1864; promoted
Captain July 1, 1865; not mustered. Co. K, Edward Gallagher,

HI8TOKT OF HANCOCK COUNT?. 481

Hamilton, Captain, April 1, 1865. In Co. K, 27 privates from
St. Marj's.

64th. — From Fountain Green, 5 privates.

6oth. — As re-organized Co. A had 10 privates from this county.

71st. — Co. E, 7 privates from St. Marj's.

72d. — Co. G, S privates from St. Mary's. Co. H, 10 privates
from Augusta.

73d. — Co. H, 3 from Hancock township.

75th. — Co. E, one from Moutebello.

THE 78th eegiment.

First Assistant Surgeon, Elisha S. Mclntire, of Dallas City, Sept.
1, 1862; resigned March 25, 1863. Second Assistant Surgeon,
Wm. H. Githens, Hamilton, May 14, 1863; promoted to First
Assistant Surgeon Aug. 7, 1863.

Co. i).— Robert M. Black, Carthage, Captain, Sept. 1, 1862;
killed in action Sept. 1, 1804. First Lieutenant, John B. Worrell,
Chili, Sept. 1, 1862; promoted to Captain Sept. 1, 1864. Second
Lieutenant, Isaac N. Kinchloe, Breckenridge, Sept. 1, 1862; re-
signed July 16, 1863; Samuel W. Puntenny, Montebello, July 16,
1863; discharged Jan. 10, 1865.

Co. Z?.— John K. Allen, Dallas City, Captain, Sept. 1, 1862; re-
signed March 30, 1S64. First Lieutenant, George T. Beers, Pon-
toosuc, Sept. 1, 1862; promoted to Captain March 30, 1864; killed
in battle March 19, 1S65. Thomas M. Scott, Dallas City, Captain,
May 19, 1865; not mustered. John Gibbs, Dallas City, First Lieu-
tenant, May 19, 1865; in hospital at the mustering out of the
regiment.

This county furnished 160 men to the 7Sth Regiment, as fol-
lows: Co. A, 4; Co. B, 2; Co. D, 73; Co. H, 81.

history of the 78th eegiment.

Organized at Quincy by Col. "Wm. H. Benneson, and mustered
into service Sept. 1, 1862. Ordered to Louisville; arrived on the
22d, and was assigned to 2d Brigade, 4th Division, Army of the
Ohio. On the 23d was assigned to 39th Brigade, 12th Division.
October 1st was detached and assigned to Gen. Boyle; marched to
Shepardville, Kentucky, October 5, to guard railroad bridge. Oc-
tober 14 was stationed at Lebanon Branch railroad bridge, guarding
bridges and stations. Mustered out June 7, 1865, at Washington,
D. C, and arrived at Chicago June 12, for pay and discharge.

83d. — Co. A, one private from La Harpe.

84th. — Co. C, 9 from La Harpe, Fountain Green and Augusta.

86th. — Had 30 privates from this county,— 4 from St. Mary's
and 26 from La Harpe.

89th. — Recruited 11 privates from Augusta.

99th. — Had 10 privates from Augusta, and one from Montebello.

482 "HISTOEY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

THE llSth REGIMENT.

Col., John G. Fonda, Warsaw. Nov., 1S62; ]:)ronioted Brevet
Brig.-Gen. June 27, 186.5; mustered out Oct. 1, 1865.

Lieut. -Col., J. G. Fonda; promoted to Col.

Thomas Logan, Hamilton, Lt.-Col., Nov. 2'^ 1862; mustered out
Oct. 1, 1865. Major Roliert W. McClaugliry, Carthage, resigned
to accept appointment of Pay Master in the U. S. A., May 13, 1864.
John W. Barnes, Warsaw, Adjutant; discharged for promotion,
March 22, 1864. H. M. Sleator, Carthage. Adjutant, March 26,
1864; mustered out Oct. 1, 1865. Wm. K. Davison, Warsaw,
Quartermaster, Oct. 13, 1862. First Asst. Surgeon, John K.
Boude, Carthage, Nov. 27, 1862. Second Asst. Surgeon, Vaughn
B. Corey, West Point, Oct. 1, 1865; not mustered. Chaplain,
Thomas M. Walker, Fountain Green, Nov. 29, 1862; resigned July
11, 1863; Wm. Underwood, Carthage, May 7, 1864.

Co. ^1.— T. J. Campbell, Fountain Green,' Captain, Nov. 7, 1862;
resigned Feb. 19, 1863. A. W. Geddes, Fountain Green, First
Lieut., Nov. 7, 1862; promoted to Captain Feb. 19, 1863; killed
in battle May 16 1863, at Champion Hills. Thomas B. White,
Fountain Green, Second Lieut., Nov. 7, 1862; promoted Feb. 19,
1863; killed in battle May 16, 1863, at Champion Hills. John W.
Campbell, Fountain Green, Second Lieut., Feb. 19, 1863; promoted
to Captain May 16. 1863; died as Second Lieut., July 29, 1863.
Cyrus M. Geddes, Fountain Green, Second Lieut., May 17, 1863;
promoted Captain July 29, 1863; mustered out Oct. 1, 1865. Sam-
ueLB. Arrison, Hancock township. May 16, 1863; died as Sergeant,
of wounds received at Champion Hills, Nov. 2, 1863. John Typer,
Fountain Green, First Lieut., Nov. 2, 1863; resigned July 30,1865.
Vanness Walkup, Pilot Grove, First Lieut., Oct. 1, 1865. Robert
N. Witherow, Fountain Green, First Lieut., Oct. 1, 1865; not
mustered.

Co. B. — Robert W. McClaughry, Carthage, Captain; promoted
Major. Morgan Reymer, Carthage, Second Lieut., Nov. 7, 1862;
promoted to Captain Nov. 8, 1862; discharged March 28, 1863.
Alexander Sholl, Carthage, Second Lieut, Nov. 8, 1862; promoted
to First Lieut. Feb. 27, 1863; promoted to Captain March 28, 1863.
Thomas W. Hurst, Carthage, Second Lieut., Feb. 27, 1863; pro-
moted to First Lieut. March 28, lSt>3; promoted to Captain Nov.
14, ls63. Wm. H. Odell, Carthage, First Lieut., Nov. 7, 1862;
resigned Feb. 27, 1863. Elisha B. Hamilton, Carthage, First
Lieut., Nov. 14, 1863. James Sample, Carthage, Second Lieut.,
March 28, 1863; honorably discharged Dec. 1, 1863. Joseph
Gill, Rainie, Second Lieut., April 11, 1865.

Co. a— Arthur W. Marsh, Wythe, Captain, Nov. 7, 1862;
killed Nov. 11, 1863, near Grand Caton bayou, while in command
of the regiment. Ephraim Grubb, Montebello, First Lieut., Nov.
7, 1862; resi^iedFeb. 19, 1863, on account of ill health. A. W.
Robinson, Wythe, Second Lieut., Nov. 7, 1862; promoted First

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 483 •

Lieut. Feb. 19. 1863; promoted to Captain Nov. 11, 1863. Jeptlia
S. Dillon, Wjtlie, Second Lieut., Feb. 19, 1863; promoted First
Lieut. Nov.' 11, 1863. George B. Safford, Montebello, April 11,
1865.

Co. D.—ll. M. Sleater, Carthage, Feb. 19, 1863; promoted
First Lieut. Nov. 12, 1863; promoted Adjutant Marcli 22, 1864.

Co. E.—S. S. Allen, Warsaw, First Lieut., Nov. 7, 1862; promoted
to Captain Dec. 24, 1862; resigned Aug. 7, 1863. Wm. H. Berrj-
man, Warsaw, Captain, Aug. 7, 1863; mustered out Oct. 1, 1865.
David Turner. Warsaw, First Lieut., Dec. 24, 1862. W. S. Lem-
lej-, Warsaw, Second Lieut., Nov. 7, 1862; resigned Feb. 19, 1863.
Thomas A. Worthen, Warsaw, Feb. 19, 1863; honorably dis-
charged May 15, 1865. Albert H. Fuller, Warsaw, Oct. 1, 1865;
Dot mustered.

Co. ^— Feli.x G. Mourning, Bear Creek, Captain, Nov. 7, 1862;
resigned Oct. 21, 1863. Calender Rohrbough, Bear Creek, Second
Lieiit., Nov. 7, 1862; promoted to First Lieut. Feb. 19, 1863; pro-
moted Captain Oct. 21, 1863. liice C. Williams, Rock}- Run,
First Lieut., Nov. 7, 1§62; resigned Feb. 19, 1863. Levi B. Moore,
Bear Creek, Second Lient., Feb. 19, 1863; promoted Oct. 21, 1863;
honorably discharged Aug. 14, 1865. A. J. Stroup, Rocky Run,
First Lieut., Sept. 2, 1865; not mustered. Wm. H. Cole, St.
Mary's, Second Lieut., Oct. 1, 1865.

Co. Z— Wm. M. Cole, Elvaston, May 23, 1865.

HISTORY OF THE 118tH REGIMENT.

Came into service under the call of July 2, 1862; organized Aug.,
1862; Cos. A, B, C, E, and H, in Hancock. At Camp Butler to
the 8th Sept., and placed on duty guarding Confederate prisoners;
mustered into service Nov. 7, by Captain Washington. At Butler
till Dec. 1st, when it left for the field by rail to Alton, and embarked
for Memphis, arriving Dec. 11. On 20th left with Sherman for
Vicksbiirg; arrived at Yazoo river Dec. 26, and participated in
the engagement at Chickasaw Blufts. Re-embarked and arrived at
Arkansas Post, Jan. 9, 1863, and took part in the fight and the
capture of that place, on the 10-llth of Jan., capturing 8,000
prisoners. Returned to Young's Point, remaining till March 9;
moved to Milliken's Bend, where it remained till April 2, when it
left on the expedition against Vicksburg, forming a part of Gen.
Osterhaus' Division. Participated in the battle of Thompson's
Hill May 1, 1863, which lasted 16 hours, against an enemy well
posted and three times our own numbers. In this bloody contest
we had over 100 killed and 500 wounded; rebel loss twice that
number. Encamped on the field of battle, the rebels retreating
toward Vicksburg.

At Champion Hills met the enemy again. The ground was so
broken that it rendered artillery almost useless, and it was with-
drawn. The rebels had 60,000 men in the fight; the Union force
less than 40,000. After a long and bloody conflict, a charge was

* 484 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

made along the line, when the rebels gave way and fled toward
Vicksbnrg; 6,000 prisoners and 29 cannon the result of this victory;
loss in killed and wounded was heavy. Rebel loss, 1.500; Union
loss, about 800. Among the killed were Capt. A. W. Geddes and
Lieut. Thomas B. White, of Fountain Green. The next mornino-,
May 17, the rebels were again encountered at Black River Bridge,
12 miles east of Vicksburg, well fortified. A charge was made,
resulting in the capture of their works, 17 brass cannon, 5,000
prisoners and a large amount of stores.

On the 19th Vicksburg was closely invested; 22d, an attempt to
carry the works by storm, but unsuccessful. Among the killed in
this charge was Joseph H. Gate, of Hamilton. July 4-, tiie place
surrendered.

Removed on duty to Black River Bridge; July 6 ordered to
Jackson witli General Siierman. Participated in the fight at Jack-
son; 10th to 17th on a raid to Brook Haven to cut the railroad and
destroy army stores. August 14, 13tii Army Corps ordered to the
Department of the Gulf. At Carrolltou Aug. 16; Sept. 5, on a
raid to Western Louisiana; 4th October, ordered to Algiers and
mounted; left for the front October 11; at Vermillion ville Oct. 14;
at Opelousas Oct. 23. Engagement near Washington Oct. 24;
took part in severe battle of Grand Canton 'Nov. 3; Nov. 11, battle
near Verraillionville; in this Ijattle Capt. A. W. Marsh, of Wythe,
was killed. To New Iberia Nov. 15; severe skirmish near Ver-
million baj'ou, in which 78 prisoners were captured. Ordered to
Port Hudson, arriving Jan. 7, 1864; remained to July 3, scouting
almost daily; had many sharp skirmishes, often capturing prison-
ers. Removed to Baton Rouge, remained till Sept. 4; participated
in Gen. Lee's raids to Liberty and Brook Haven.

Left Baton Rogue Nov. 27 with Gen. Davidson's expedition to
West Pascagoula; returned bj^ New Orleans Dec. 27. Winter
and spring 1864-'5, the regiment was engaged in scouting, picket-
ing, etc. May 22 dismounted, and from that time the regiment
was employed in provost duty in Baton Rouge, to Oct. 1, 1865,
when it was mustered out. Arrived at Camp Butler Oct. 13, for
final pay and discharge.

119th. — Had 44 men from Hancock county, of whom 35 were
from Augusta.

124th.— Co. C, 5 recruits from St. Mary's.

137th. — Had 43, mostly from Warsaw.

138th. — Had 10 men from Carthage.

148th. — Had 3 men from Carthage.

151st. — Had 21, mostly from Pontoosuc. •

155th. — From Warsaw and St. Mary's, 10 men.

SKCOND CAVALKY.

Major Benj. F. Marsh, Warsaw, Aug. 30, 1862; promoted Lieut.-
Colonel May 3, 1864; promoted Colonel Aug. 29, 1865; not mus-
tered.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 485

Cotnpany Officers. — Co. G, Benjamin F. Marsh, Captain, Aug. 24,
1S61; promoted Major. John G. Weakley, Warsaw, Second Lieut.,
Dec. 27, 1861; promoted First Lieut. March 12, 1862; promoted
Captain Dec. 31, 1862; died Sept. 28, 1864. John G. Fonda, War-
saw, First Lieut., Aug. 24, 1861; resigned Dec. 27, 1861. Thomas
Logan, Hamilton, Second Lieut., Aug. 24, 1861; promoted First
Lieut. Dec. 27, 1861; transferred to 12th Cavalry. William H.
Williams, Carthage, Second Lieut., March 12, 1862; promoted First
Lieut. Dec. 31, 1862; resigned May 11, 1864. George M. Prentice,
Fountain Green, First Lieut., May 11. 1864. James M. Foy, Foun-
tain Green, Second Lieut., Dec. 31, 1862; resigned May 18, 1864.
Miles H. Day, Fountain Green, Second Lieut., May 18, 1864.

Co. L. — James K. Catlin, Augusta, First Lieut, Aug 24, 1861;
promoted Adjutant.

Hancock county furnished 150 men for the Second Cavalry, as
follows: Carthage, 56; Fountain Green, 25; La Harpe, 23; Monte-
bello, 9; scattering, 37.

THE 12th cavalry.

John G. Fonda, Warsaw, Major, March 8, 1862; mustered out
for promotion.

Co. I. — Jesse C. Rogers, Durham, Second Lieutenant, Jan. 22,
1864; promoted to First Lieutenant Maj^ 17, 1865.

Hancock county had 53 men in this regiment; the 14th
Cavalry, 3 men from this county; 16th Cavalry, 15 men; 2d
Kegiment Artillery, 24 men from Hancock.

As far as the war records go to show, it appears that 1,797
officers and men were in the service from the county of Hancock,
distributed among the several townships as follows:

Prairie, 33; Rock Creek, 13; Dallas, 107; Pontoosuc, 46;
Walker, 30; Wj'the, 65; Montebello. 165; Sonora, 25; Appanoose,
6; Rocky Run, 26; Wilcox, 4; Warsaw, 203; Nauvoo, 27; Augusta,
153; St. Mary's, 108; Hancock, 36; Fountain Green, 132; La Harpe,
143; Chili, 33; Harmony, 7; Carthage, 238; Pilot Grove, 70; Dur-
ham, 34; St. Alban's, 32; Bear Creek, 41; scattering, 30.

The lists doubtless do injustice to some of the townships. Many
names are given and not credited to any county, while others are
reported as from Hancock county only; no township mentioned.
Besides, it is known that four companies of the 7t,h Mo. Cavalry,
known as the

BLACK HAWK REGIMENT,

were recruited in Hancock county: — Co. B, Captain Bredett, at
Augusta; Co. E, Captain Rockwell, Warsaw; Co. F, Captain
Miller, Carthage; and Co. G, Captain Martin, St. Mary's. This
■would add, perhaps, 300 men to those four townships, and those
adjoining them.

The record of three of those companies we have been unable to
obtain, but throuffh the kindness of Lient. A. E. Boude, of Car-

i86 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNrY.

thage, we obtain a sketcli of the organization of Co. F, and the
service of the regiment in the Held. The company was officered
as follows: Thomas C. Miller, Carthage, Captain; James C.
McQiiary, Carthage, First Lieutenant; A. E. Boude, Carthage,
Second Lieutenant; George P. Brown, John Sommerville, Philander
Powell, Jackson F. Perry, James N. Herbert, George Abbott,
Edward J. Doran, Miron C. Chaffee, "VVm. Hudkins, Sergeants;
John B. Donley, Wm. E. Hill, Andrew Rymer, Benj. Robinson,
Edward StitHes, Hiram Tennyhill, Corporals; James D. Burnam,
John F. Clokey, Blacksmiths; Wm. T. Waggoner, John C. West-
brook, Patrick Gannon, Buglers; and 67 privates.

The regiment was first known as the j^ortheast Mo. Cav., Col.
Wm. Bishop commanding, then as the Black Hawk Cav., and was
finally numbered the 7tli Mo. Cav., and Col. Daniel Huston, of
the regular army, placed in command. The Hancock companies
were enlisted in the fall of 1S61 for three years.

The regiment was stationed at Macon City during the winter of
1861-'-2; moved to Lexington in the spring, holding that portion
of the State. The battle of Lone Jack was fought Aug. 16, in
which five companies of our regiment took part, suffering severely.
In the fall it joined the Army of the Frontier at Springfield, Mo.,
Gen. Schofibld commanding, taking active part in all the move-
ments which culminated in the battle of Prairie Grove, Ark., Dec.
7, 1862, in which the rebel army was completely defeated and
broken up.

During the winter the regiment returned to Missouri, moving
eastward across tiie southern portion of the State, in time to
check-mate one of Gen. Price's raids. July, 1863, found us part
of the Cavalry Division under Gen. Davidson leaving Arcadia for
the South, passing through Southeast Missouri to the St. Francis
river in Arkansas, down that stream to the vicinity Helena, where
the Division formed the advance of the 7th Army Corps upon
Little Rock, which place was taken on the 10th of September, 1863.

The 7th was made patrol guard for the city, the Lieutenant-
Colonel being appointed Provost Marshal. January, 1864, ordered
to Pine Bluff, one of the outposts of the army, where it was
kept constantly employed in scouting and picketing.

On April 25, 1864, occurred the battle of Mark's Mills, Ar-
kansas, in which 120 of the regiment were engaged, 60 of whom
were either killed, wounded or captured. The regiment lost a
great many men during the summer, from the malarial diseases
peculiar to the country; at one time but 60 men could be found fit
for duty, and not an officer. A number of the men, having re-en-
listed, went home on their veteran furlough during the summer,
and the term of service of many others expired during the sum-
mer and fall. The veterans and recruits were consolidated with
the First Missouri Cavalry, remained until spring of 1865, when
all were mustered out of service, the war being over.

Of the Captains of the Hancock companies. Captain Berdett

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 487

was promoted Major, and was killed in battle of Prairie Grove ;
Captain Martin was killed in the vicinity of Little Rock, by
bushwhackers, and Captain Miller was mustered out on account of
disability July 23, 1S63.

LIST OF CASUALTIES- • ,,'

among Hancock soldiers in the service of the United States dur-
ing the Rebellion, collated from the Adjutant-General's reports
and other sources.

In the \^th Infantry: Co. D. — Sergeant Oscar Dickinson, ot
Hamilton, wound.ed at Caldwell Station, Mo., Aug. 16, 1861; died
September 1; Corporal George O. Felt, Hamilton, killed at same
time and place; John McGovern, Hamilton, killed at Peach Tree
creek, Georgia, July 17, 186'1; Clarence C. Ritchey, Hamilton,
died December 15, 1861. Henry A. Fortua, Montebello, died May
4, 1865, of wounds; Jewett White, Carthage, died June 20, 1862.
Philo C. White, Montebello, killed at Bentonville, N. C, March 20,
1865. Co. /.—Adam Bird, Dallas, killed at St. Joe, Mo.. Sep-
tember 25, 1861; T. Ashton, Dallas, died September 12, 1861; F.
Dolby, Dallas, killed at Buzzard's Roost, Ga., Mav 9, 1864; Thos.
H. Duffield, Dallas, killed at Bentonville, N. C, March 20, 1865;
Frank A. Humilke, Warsaw, died of wounds May 12, 1864; Geo.
W. Lauthlin, Dallas, died January 16, 1864; John Martin, Dallas,
died June 30, 1864, of wounds; John Purtle, Dallas, died May 1,
1865; M. Wellover, Dallas, died August 20,1864; Joseph Burger,
Nauvoo, died July 28, 1864; C. W. Pershin, Dallas, died July 20,
1864.

In the 32d Infantry: Co. ^.—-Joseph Robertson, Carthage,
died at Camp Butler, Nov. 3, 1861; Dearborn P. French, Hamil-
ton, died at Memphis, Tenn., February 26, 1863; Thomas Swigel-
son, Hamilton, killed at Hatchie river, October 6, 1863; J. S.
Hickman, Carthage, died at Wilmington, N. C, March 23, 1865.

In the 4:Qth Infantry, Co. D. — Geo. W. Manning, Hamilton,
died of wounds at Keokuk, August 21, 1863.

In the 50th Infantry, Co. F. — John W. Alexander, Dallas,
died of wounds, Oct. 22, 1862; Ebon Barker, Wythe, died at
Quincy; Barnes R. McKaig, Poiitoosuc, died at St. Louis, of
wounds; Oliver G. Rauck, Nauvoo, killed at AUatona, Ga., Oct. 6,
1864. Co. G. — Jacob Landers, La Harpe, died at Clarksville,
Tenn., March 14, 1862,- David Barnes, La Harpe, died April 16,
1862; Wm. Bray, La Harpe, killed at Rome, Ga., Sept. 2, 1864;
G. W. Kirkpatrick, Prairie, died at Newbern, JST. C, April 5, 1865.

In the b^th Infantry: Co. I. — M. M. Hendrickson, Plymouth,
killed at Shiloh, April 6, '62; James Barnes, St. Mary's, died at
Pittsburg, Tenn., Dec. 19, '62; W. T. Lawrence, Plymouth, died at
Athens, Ala., April 3, '64.

In the 64<A Infantry: Co. D. — John W. Savage, Fountain
Green, died at Rome, Ga., June, '64.

In the l^th Infantry : Co. D. — John L. Bell, Plymouth, died

488 HISTOBT OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

at Louisville, Ky.. Feb. 3, '63; L. C. Barton, Plymouth, died Jnne
26, '64, of wounds; John Carroll, Carthage, killed at Chicka-
manga, Sept. 26, '63; W. H. Crotts, Chili, died Aug. 11, '64, of
wounds; Wm. S. Davis, Hamilton, died Sept. 17, '64, of wounds
at Atlanta, Ga. ; Daniel G. Hawkins, St. Mary's, died at Louisville,
Ky., May 12, '63; Jeremiah M. Stuart, Hamilton, killed at Big
Shanty, Ga., June 16, '64; Albert Wallace, Hamilton, killed at
Jonesboro, Ga., Sept. 1, '64.

Co. i?.— Wm. J. L. Ward, Dallas, died at Nashville, Tenn., Feb.
28, '63; Wm. J. Thomas, Durliam, killed at Jonesboro, Ga., Sept.
1, '64; Joseph Beerman, Dallas, died Sept. 20, '63; Joseph Coke,
Dallas, died at Nashville, Tenn., March 7, '63; C. H. Dolbert,
Dallas, killed at Chickamauga Sept. 20, '63; Martin Ellis, Dallas,
died near Nashville Feb. 7^ "63; Solomon Huff, Durham, died at
Franklin, Tenn., May 9, '63; Albert Lincoln, Durham, died at
Franklin, Tenn., May 9, '63; S. L. Lhornidlen, Dallas, died at
Goldsboro, N. C, March .30, '65, of wounds; John W. Pate, Dallas,
died at Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 7, '63; Thomas Robinson, Pontoosuc,
died of wounds, Sept. 2, '64.

7?i the SSth Infantry: Co. F. — Thomas ' A. Cassingham, La
Harpe, killed at Mission Ridge, Nov. 25, '63; B. Duplancy, La
Harpe, killed at Perryville, Ky., Oct. 8, '62; Newton B. Filson
Carthage, died at Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 20, '64; Andrew Hutch-
inson, La Harpe, killed at Mission Ridge Nov. 25, '63; Thomas
Norris, La Harpe, died at Annapolis, Md., Feb. 24, '63.

In the %'dth Infantry: Co. A. — John Butlers, Augusta, died at
Andersonville prison, Sept. 14, '64; No. of grave, 8,776; J. J.
Ferguson, Augusta, died at Danville, Ky., Oct. 15, '62; Enoch D.
T. Sharpe, Augusta, died at Andersonville prison, June 13, '64;
No. of grave, 1,899.

In the llith Infantry: Co. A. — Hiram Chamberlain, Fountain
Green, died at Carrollton, La., Oct. 16, '63; Marcus Alton, Foun-
tain Green, died at Island No. 10 June 5, '63; Thomas Bramley,
Fountain Green, died at Memphis, Tenn., Dec. 23, '62; Richard B.
Brandon, Fountain Green, died at Milliken's Bend, La., March 15,
'63; Otis E. Brunson, Fountain Green, died at Memphis, Tenn.,
Dec. 28, '62; Andrew Bright, Hancock, died in Louisiana, May 2,
'63; John Conner, Fountain Green, died at Port Hudson, La., Feb.
26, '64; George W. Glass, Fountain Green, died at Young's Point,
La., March 13, '63; John N. Harrell, Fountain Green, died at Ben-
ton Barracks, Mo., July 2, '63; David Line, Hancock, died at
Memphis, Tenn., Dec. 31, '62; George Lathrop, Fountain Green,
died at Jefferson Barracks, Mo., Jan. 28, '63 ; Robert Riggs, Foun-
tain Green, died at St. Louis, March 26, '63; J. C. Roberts, Foun-
tain Green, died at Camp Butler, Nov. 30, '62; Jesse W. Roberts,
Fountain Green, died on steamer Di Vernon, Jan. 19, '63; Alex-
ander Wright, Fountain Green, died at New Orleans, Sept. 11, '63.

Co. B. — Sergt. David Sholl, Carthage, died of wounds. May
9, '63; Sergt. Samuel Davis, died at St. Louis, Aug. 18, '63; David

HISTOKV OF HANCOCK COUNTT. 489

Bayles, Bear Creek, died at Memphis, Tenn., Dec. 19, '62; M.
Bavles, Harmony, died Dec. 9, '62; Marion Bayles, Bear Creek,
died April 26, '65; Wm. M. Grisham, Pilot Grove, killed at
Thompson's Hill, Miss., May 1,' 63; F. M. Keyoier, Rock Creek,
killed at Vicksbur^ May 22, '63; Thomas Mix, Carthage, killed
at Eedwood, La., Aug. 25, '64; John L. Symonds, Prairie, died in
camp at Black River Bridge, Miss., Dec. 19, '62; Wm. Sleater,
Carthage, died at Memphis, Tenn., Dec. 19, '62; Edwin C.
Stevens, Montebello, died of wounds received at Yazoo Landing,
Miss., Jan. 6, '63; George J. Weir, Carthage, died Jan. 21, '63;
Francis Warner, Fountain Green, died at Mound City, 111., Jan. 4,
'63; Geo. W. Delano, Carthage, died Oct. 11, '61; Wm. A. Miner,
Carthage, died Aug. 1, '64.

Co. C. — Sergt. Henry Moore, Hamilton, died at Milliken's
Bend, La., June 27, '63; Frank Benner, Sonora, died at Baton
Rouge, La., Feb. 5, '65; Frank J. Barker, Wythe, died at Milli-
ken's Bend, La., April 22, '63; Samuel Bechtold, Nauvoo, died on
hospital boat, April 18, '63; Wm. T. Curtis, Hamilton, died at
Keokuk, Aug. 11, '63; Joseph H. Cate, Hamilton, killed at Vicks-
burg. Miss., May 22, '63; Henry Chandler, Wilcox, killed at
Washington, La., Oct. 24, '63; Joseph Ferguson, Wythe, died at
Baton Rouge, Jan. IS, '65; James McFadden, Wythe, died on
hospital boat, Jan. 22, '63; Henry Moore, Hamilton, died at St.
Louis, March 31, '63; Calvin Newcomb, Hamilton, died at Port
Hudson, La., Feb. 21, '64; John Poole, Wythe, died at Memphis,
Tenn., Jan. 5, '63; Casper Sharts, Hamilton, died at Mound City,
111., Jan. 19,'63;Henry J. Trussell, Hamilton, died at St. Louis, Mo.,
Ma}' 10,'63; Henry Teigen, Sonora, died at Louisiana, Oct. IS, '64;
Patrick Welch, Hamilton, died while a prisoner of war at Jackson,
Miss., March 13, '63; Geo. McClintock, St. Alban's,died Jan. 30, '63.
Samuel M. Crawford, Walker, died at Keokuk, Feb. 22, '65.

Co. E. — Sergt. Wm. H.Masgan, Warsaw, died at Port Hudson,
La., Aug. 9, '64, of wounds; G. W. Bankson, Warsaw, killed on
Yazoo river, Jan. 2, '63; Wra. M. Silsby, Warsaw, died July 24,
'63, at Milliken's Bend, La.; David L. Smith, Nauvoo, died of
wounds received at Thompson's Hill, Miss., July 9, '63; Henry
Wedding, Harmony, died at Baton Rouge, La., Feb. 16, '65;

Co. G. — Provine Burch, La Harpe, died at Memphis, Dec. 20,
'62; Alexander Spiker, La Harpe, died at Milliken's Bend, June
19, '63.

Co. H. — Corp. Thomas Kerr, Wythe, died at Milliken's Bend,
March 13, '63, of wounds; Christopher Allen, Walker, died at
Keokuk, Oct. 12, '63; Charles Allen, Walker, died at Milliken's
Bend, March 21, '63; Alexander Bennett, Rock}' Run, died on
hospital boat, Dec. IS, '62; W. P. Brown, Wythe, died Sept. 14,
'63; Joseph Bricker, Rock}- Run, killed at Yicksburg, May 20,
'63; Henry Carpenter, Prairie, died at Milliken's Bend,'Feb. 4, '63;
Wm. H. Hayne, Wythe, died at Milliken's Bend, April 5, 63; A.
C. Lilley, Chili, died at Memphis, Dec. 25, '62; Wm. Marshall, St.
Mary's, died at Memphis, Dec. 31, '62; Martin H. ISfessick, Walker,

490 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

died at New Orleans, 'Nov. 13, '63; Andrew J. Polite, St. Mary's,
died Feb. 11, '65; Austin Rhodes. Bear Creek, died at Carrollton,
La., Oct. 24, '63; T. S. Staler, Rocky Run, died at Bruinsburg,
Miss., Ma}' 16, '63, of wounds; Wm. Farlev, Warsaw, died March
17, '65.

Co. I. — George W. Xewkirk, Hancock, died at Alton. 111., June
30, '65.

Co. E. — Geo. W. Bloyd, Hancock Co., died at Memphis, Jan.
9, '63; James Mesacor, LaHarpe, died at Memphis, Feb. 19, '63.

In the lldth Infantry: Co. G. — John A. Archer, Warsaw, died
at Red River Landing, La., May 20, '64, wounds.

Co. K. — Thomas Clifton, Augusta, killed at Yellow bayou. La.,
May 18. '64; Wm. Jump, died of wounds at Jeiferson Barracks,
June 3, '64.

In the IZlth Infantry: Co. A. — John A. Davenport, Warsaw,
died at Memphis, Aug. 26, '64; John Hubbard, Augusta, died
Sept. 12, '64.

Ill the 14Sz!A Infantry: Co. B. — E. H. Patterson, Pilot Grove,
died at Qnincy, 111., Feb. 10, "65.

Co, G.— \^\ H. Roseberry, Carthage, Feb. 11, 'Co.

In the \alst Infantry: Co. D. — I. D. Clark, I'.mtoosuc, died at
Dalton, Ga. April 3, '65.

In2d Cavalrxj: Co. G. — Jaines Comstock, LaHarpe, killed in
action at Holly Springs, Miss., Dec. 20, '62; Ed. C. Simms, Foun-
tain Green, died at Paducah, Ky , Dec. IS, '61; John Mack, Elvas-
ton, died of wounds, June 30, '63: Wm. A. Payne, Chili, died at
New Orleans, March, '64; John N. Parker, Fountain Green, died
at Bolivar, Tenn., Sept. 12, '62; Isaac B. Ritter, Carthage, killed
by a mob at home, June 9, '63; Benj. L. Scott, Hamilton, died at
Metropolis, 111.; Eii Spiu-ry, LaHarpe, died at Keokuk, March 30,
'64, of wounds; James Blackburn, Carthage, died at Bolivar, Tenn.,
Jan. 14, '62 ; Hiram E. Neal, Carthage, died Jan. 14, '63, of wounds.

In the \'±th Cavalry: Co. G. — John Ellis, Hancock Co., died of
wounds received at Gett^'sburg; George Minor, Bear Creek, killed
at Upperville, Va., June 21, '63; Orlando Aleshire, Carthage, died
at Napoleon ville, La., June 26, '64; F. Crow, Bear Creek, died at
Baltimore, Md.. July 13, '63.

Co. M. — Joseph Hasse, Pontoosuc, died at New Orleans, May
21, '64; Josiah Matlock, Durham, died at New Orleans, June 3, '64;
James Phelps, Hancock Co., died at Donaldsonville, La., Oct. 7,
'64; Gideon Thompson, Durham, died at New Orleans, June 18,
'64.

In the l-iith Cavalry: Co. A. — Zeno Hillard, Hancock Co., died at
Wilmington, N. C, March 23, '65.

//; the I6th Cavalry: Co. I. — Robert H. Durand, Warsaw, died
at Andersonville, Ga.. July 31, '64 ; John Little, Warsaw, killed in
action at Jonesville, Va., Jan. 3, '64; Clark Reed, Warsaw, died at
Augusta. Ga., April 1. '64.

Co. K. — James B. Ellis, Augusta, died at Savannah, Ga., Oct
26, '64.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 491

In the 2nd liegt. Artilleri/; Co. H.—Wn\. Ward. Dallas, died at
Fort Donelson, May 30, '63; Marquis Averj-, Augusta, died at
Camp Butler, 111., April 30, '04.

MISCELLANEOUS.

Milton Brawner, Warsaw, Captain Co. A, 7tli Mo. Cav., promoted
to Major and Colonel ; died at home, Dec. 16, 1S66. Joseph Brawner,
"Warsaw, 1st Lieut. Co. K., Stli Mo. Inft., died in La Harpe, '76;
Charles Coolidge, "Warsaw, Lieut. Col. .50th 111. Inft. Surgeon in the
field and Examining Surgeon this district, died in 1S70; AVm.
Brawner, "\Yarsaw, 1st Lieut. 2d Iowa, killed at battle of Shiloh;
Malcolm Andrews, Warsaw, 7th Mo. Cav., killed at battle of Lone
Jack, Mo. ; Thaddeus Ketchura, Warsaw, 7th Mo. Cav., killed at
battle of Lone Jack; John Walther, Captain and Pastor Ger. M.
E. Oh., Warsaw, killed at Pittsburg Landing; Dr. Wni. A. Russell,
Hamilton, Capt. Co. F, 10th Mo., killed at iSattle of Mission Ridge;
Joseph Lloyd, Hamilton, 10th Mo., wounded at Mission Ridge,
afterward killed at home; Geo. White, Hamilton, killed at battle
of Jackson, Miss. ; Elijah T. Swigert, Hamilton, died in hospital
in Hermann, Mo., '61 ; Ernst Fleisback, Warsaw, 7tli Mo. Cav.,
died at Macon, Mo.; Ernst Hazelstrange, Warsaw, 7th Mo. Cav.,
killed at Lone Jack; James H. Creese, Warsaw, died at Little Rock,
Ark.; Henry Brasche, Warsaw, 8th Mo., died in service; Dr. Wm.
English, Warsaw, Captain of supply boat on river, captured by
enemy and held several months prisoner, died at home; Jonathan
J. Smith, Quartermaster 137th 111., killed at Memphis, Teun.,
Aug., 21, '61.

When the draft was about coming, one " Jerey Sceoggs," not
having the fear of it before him, published in the local paper the
following jeu (Tesiwit:

THE DRAFT.

O, don't you see the draft is coming, boys ?
And sure tliere's no use now in running, boj's!

O, not a bit — O, not a wliit
Of use is tliere at all in running, boys.

All ye Smiths, from Charles to "Fred ;

All j-e Browns, from A to Zed ;

Omen Quinn and Patrick Flynn

Ked O'Bryan, Michael Ryan,—

Just skin your eye, and don't you cry —
For sure enough the draft is coming, boj's.

Uncle Sam — bless his soul ! — is calling, boys !
Don't you hear ? 'Tis Sam-u-el that's calling, boys !

And not a whit — never a bit
Will you stand back -u-lien Sam is calling, boys.

All ye Clarks and all ye Howells,

All j'e Thompsons, all ye Powells,

All ye Rivers, Fords and Floods,

All ye Forests, Groves and Woods,
Be ye ready — ever ready —
To answer to the call of Samuel, boys.

4:92 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

The country's banner high is waving, boys !
The country's life is worthy saving, boys!
Far in tlie sky that flag must fly.
And ever there you'll keep it waving, boys !
All ye Delaplaius and Dillons,
All ye McNultys and McMillans,
All the Austins and Adairs,
All the Butlers and the Blairs,
Gerard NiiUen, Patrick Dolan,
William Fields and Jimmy Shields, —
Keep — keep your eye up to the sky.
And keep that flag forever waving, boys !
Dec. 25, 1863. Jekry Sckoggs.

No apology is offered for writing — and none for ptiblisliing in
this connection — the following, written during the dai'k days of
1864:

RUTH;

A POEM OF THE KEBELLION,

By Thomas Gregg.

To hose who recognize in the lessons of the Past and the tokens of the Present, -
promise of a glorious Future for our beloved country, and especially to those
heartstricken ones who mourn the sacrifices laid upon the Country's Altar, this
humble tribute is respectfully inscribed.

I.

Grandma Ruth, in her easy chair,

Sat plying her needles bright.
While by her side lay Harry, the pet.

In the taper's cheerful light.
And each to her evening task, there bent.

Were Sarah, and .Jane, and Sue —
These, father and mother, John anct James,

Composed that household true.

Without, the broken clouds drove past.

Beneath a moon-lit sky ;
And giant shadows, in phantom forms.

Stalked through the forest by.
At intervals the big drops fell,

A-pattering on the pane.
Borne on the tempest's fitful blast —

The chilling April rain.

Grandma sat humming a good old tune.

And still her needles plied ;
" Poor boy ! " she said, as the little form

Lay sleeping at her side.
Her thoughts had flown to far-ofl' scenes,

Full many a year before.
When she, a little bright-eyed girl,

Dwelt on Potomac's shore.

And so she hummed her olden tune, —

The hymn that long before
She had sung so oft in the old church choir,

On that remembered shore.
She hummed away, and the stitches flew.

The needles faster plied, —
" Poor boy ! I wonder if he'll ever know

How his great-grandpa died ! "

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 493

And then upon her wrinkled hands

Her liead she gentlj' leant,
And a silver lock, from out her cap,

In shining wavelets bent.
Forgotten, in her spacious lap,

Her work neglected lay ;
Her thoughts were busy with the scenes

Of her early childhood's day.

Her home, her friends, — the present, all, —

Had faded from her sight ;
These, with their dear realities,

Had taken wings in flight.
The dead of eighty years before

In magic column stood ;
The deeds of eighty years rolled on.

In a tumultuous flood.

The scenes of eighty years ago —

The hamlet by the main,
The grass-plot and the old school-house.

Rose to her sight again.
And, oh ! her childhood's early home,

How vividly it came I
The well, the grove, the rippling rill, —

The same, ah 1 still the same !

Still in that home in loveUness,

Each form transfigured stood;
The mother, in her modest robes —

The beautiful, the good.
The sister's easy, gentle grace,

The brother's manly form.
The father, idol of her heart,

The babe, with lip so warm.

She thought of him, her father dear.

Her glory and her pride ;
How. at his country's call he went,

And for his comitry died !
And those after years of agony.

Of penury and of pain.
Now, in her second childhood's hour.

She lived all o'er again.

She stood with him on battle-fields

Stained red with human gore,
And with him trod, through wintry blasts,

FuU man}' an ice-bound shore ;
She marched with him, for weary months,

On many a hard campaign,
With bleeding feet and sun-bm-nt brow,

Through storm, and snow, and rain !

On Bunker's Heights with him she stood,

And then at Bennington ;
With him his battles nobly fought,

With him his victories won!
On Saratoga's gory plain

At Princeton's well-fought field,
She saw the foeman bite the dust,

She saw the foeman yield !

494 HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

She saw again that brother bold,

When captured by the foe ;
She saw that sister's flowing tears —

That mother's deepest woe;
Because he would not bend the Ivuee,

And Freedom's cause deny, —
Because he would not to King-Craft bow

They led him forth to die !

That father once again appeared,

As, when at even-tide,
The battle's bloody contest o'er,

Down near the brooklet's side
They found him— dead, and stiff, and pale;

From many a ghastly wound
His blood had flown in lirid streams.

And crimsoned o'er the ground.

II.

Thus grandma sat but, hark ! a sound !

'The^cannon's deep-toned roar
Breaks in upon their solitude,

And swells along the shore!
The News of Sumter!— like a shock,

Has startled all the land !
The Deed op Sumter ! black and foul !

Has nerved each Freeman's hand !

Full long the Southern breeze had borne

Defiance on its wings,
And loyal hearts full long been filled

With grave imaginings.
One thought now fills each patriot breast.

One impulse tires each soul —
The desolating scourge of war

Must o'er the traitor roll !

" Go forth !" the aged woman spoke—

Her grandsons at her side ;
" Go forth !" 't was in just such a cause

My good old father died !
Gird on j'our armor, boys, and go !

Be valiant in the fight ;
Your Country calls her loyal sons

To Battle for The Rigut !

" That flag, which nearly fourscore years.

Has floated o'er the land.
Must not lie trailing in the dust.

By coward traitors' hand !
Go, boys! and bear that banner high!

Your Country's call obi-y !
The blood of Revolutionary sires

Must show itself to-day!"

And there went out unnumbered hosts —

Poured forth stout-hearted men
From every sunny hillside home —

From every mountain glen.
And, marshalled on a hundred fields,

Were heroes marching on ;
And bristling bayonets flashed their light

Beneath each inorniug sun.

ol^^S.Pfp^C/feV:

HANCOCKTp.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 4:97

From where Peuobscot pours his flood,

By Saco's rushing tide —
From Susquehanna's fertile vales,

Where Hudson's waters glide ; —
From Mississippi's sounding shore,

From Ohio's placid wave, —
Rushed forth a thousand valiant bands,

The Nation's life to save!

With sword and musket, lance and steel.

They gird them for the fight ;
They go, in Heaven's name, to wage

The Battle of the Right !
They go to teacli thu traitor hordes

The majesty of law !
They go — and at their martial tread

The Nations stand in awe !

The plow is left to rust its share —

The reaper lieth still;
IJncared, the cattle rove the fields,

And silent stands the mill ;
And peaceful skies look down from where

The smoke of steamer rose.
And plain, and vale, and hillside home,

Lie wrapped in deep repose.

III.

Three years have past ! and Grandma's form

Is bowing to the grave ;
And James and John, those stalwart boys,

Sleep 'neath Kanawha's wave ;
And thousand true hearts, such as theirs

Have poured their richest bloody
To mingle with the Hatteras sands,

Or tinge Tal'hatchie's flood.

And on a hundred battle plains

Dead corpses bleeding lie.
And maimed and sickened foemen writhe

Beneath the arching sky.
And twice ten thousand widowed wives

Are left to mourn their fate ;
And thrice ten thousand happy homes

Are rendered desolate !

And War, the Demon, drives his car

O'er plain, and hill, and dale;
And Caruage gluts his thirst for blood

In many a sunny vale.
And Wrong, and Hate, and Treason, still

Their flaunting flag furl wide;
And bold Defiance, blind with rage.

Strikes out on every side !

But God, who sends the earthquake's shock,

The tempest's fiery wrath.
And bids the dread sirocco bring

Destruction in its path, —
Will rule the Evil still for Good,

And heal the Nation's woe !
Lo ! now against the curtained East,

See ! See ! the Promise-Bow !

498 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

IV.

Grandma, as ia that April night,

Sits by the chimney place ;
And, as before, her wrinkled hands

Still shield her aged face.
She musing sits. But visions now

Of future prospects rise ;
Turned from the past with grief away,

She scans the coming skies.

She musing sits. For her no more

Potomac's waters run —
No more for her the Blue Ridge peaks

Smile 'neath the morning sun.
No more the strife of Shiloh's fiffht —

The blo.id at Malvern Hill, — "
Or carnage on a hundred fields.

Her mind with horrors fill.

But far awaj% on Time's broad sea,

The opening years uprise;
Whose rolling waves, in vistas clear,

Blend with th" encircling skies.
The vistas sweep around — expand.

The shadows roll away.
The golden tints of morning burst

Into effulgent day.

A vast expanse looms up to view

From Equatorial sea,
And from Atlantic's surge, to where

Pacific's waves roll free ;
O'er plain and mountain, lake and vale,

O'er pebbly-margined river,
The beams of Peace triumphant smile.

And Freedom's sunbeams quiver!

No more the wail of woe is heard.

No more the clank of chain ;
No more the dusky bondmen bow

Beneath their load of pain.
No more the traitor dares to act

A parricidal part.
Nor reaches forth his bloody hand.

To strike the Nation's heart !

But plenty, joy, and love, abound!

Schools, churches, cities, rise !
The ham of industry ascends.

And echoes through the skies!
And M.\x stands forth, at length, redeemed.

From power of brother Man;
And Equ.^l Rights is writ anew.

In God's Eternal Pl\k !

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COXTNTT. 499

CONCLUSION.

When the Rebellion began, no one expected it to be of long con-
tinuance. Even President Lincoln seemed to hold the prevalent
opinion that the 75,000 men first called for would be ample to put
it down. And they would have been amplj' sufficient had all who
were not engaged in it been true to their country and their flag.
Had it been realized that it would require more than "a million of
men and a sacrifice of two hundred thousand lives to subdue it,
the whole people would have stood aghast with horror; and had
these results been foreseen, it surely would never have been begun.

But now, after the lapse of years, we are enabled to comprehend
the causes for its long continuance. We can now more fully realize
that, though inaugurated by the violence and fraud of the few,
against the wislies and sober judgment of the many, it was the aid
and support it received elsewhere, coupled with the " fire in the
rear" that raged " all along the line," that contributed largely to
its four 3'ears' duration.

Hancock county stood abreast with her sisters in furnishing the
complement of men required, in answer to the various calls for vol-
unteers; yet it cannot be concealed tliat she, too, contained citizens
whose sympathies were with the Stripes and Bars. This fact was
made more apparent toward the close of the struggle, during the
dark days of lS6i. And while stern justice demands that these
things should be made matters of history, we shrink from the task
, of recording them, preferring that the sea of oblivion shall hide
them, and unwilling to cast even a pebble into the waters whose
troubles have subsided. Be it enough that the Stars and Stripes
still wave.

We would, if we could, record the many patriotic efforts of our
people to furnish supplies to the soldiers in hospital and field, and
the many noble acts of self-sacrifice to that end. Suffice it to say,
that the citizens all over the county vied with each other to aid in
the cause, and thousands upon thousands were contributed in pro-
visions, clothing and money, for that purpose, and sent to the
front. Great credit is due to the noble women everywhere, for
their eflorts; and many thanks and many a pi'ayer went up trom
the " boys" in hospital and camp in behalf of their sisters and
friends at home. Lo, these things, are they not all written in the
great book of human account!

We must not omit to state tliat, after several efforts to pass orders
in behalf of drafted and substitute men and their families, one was
finally passed and put into eftect, appropriating §120,000 for that
purpose, and disbursed by an agent in depreciated county orders.

CHAPTEE XXIV.

MISCELLANEOUS.
LA MOINE EIVEK.

Crooked creek, in the east part of the county, is on some of the
old maps called La Moine river, — said to signify River of the
Monk. Whether the name had the same or a similar origin witli
that of the Des Moines river, which emp"ties into the Mississippi
opposite Fort Edwards, we are unable to say. And of the origin
of its name there are two statements; which is the correct one
might require even a learned Frenchman to decide. One is, that
the name is an abbreviation of Moim^onas^ a tribe of Indians
who inhabited the country. Another, that the French term
La Riviere des Moines., is a translation of Kc-ish-shaxv-qud' s scfo,
the river of the man who lives alone; such a man having been
found on its banks many moons ago, when the Sacs and Fo.xes
settled there. This the French pioneers interpreted as the
river of the monk.

ANECDOTE OF AMZI DOOLITTLE.

A correspondent tells the following story ; " Mr. Doolittle was
a thorough-going, energetic man, yet kind-hearted and true. But
he was a most inveterate, profane swearer. An incident is told
about him that illustrates this habit. He was at Quincy attend-
ing to some business, and as usual, was letting off a string of oaths
at every other breath. A man, who was in an adjoining room,
hearing Mr. Doolittle going on, and the door being partly open, ob-
served in Ml-. D.'s hearing that lie beat any person swearing he ever
heard, except one man. and that was Amzi Doolittle, of Appa-
noose. This, of course, was a poser to Mr. D., and on his way
home he reflected on the matter and decided to turn over a new
leaf, which he did, and subsequently joined the Baptist Church."

SOME PONTOOSnC PIONEERS.

Thomas Harris — Settled in seven north, seven west, in 1833; was
a native of Kentucky. Horse thieves sometimes prowled around,
and occasionally got off with a good one. Mrs. Harris owned two
very fine mares, and several attempts had been made by a well-
known bad man, who lived in the woods on the river bluff, but had
failed. However, one dark night he concluded he must have one
of the mares. Mr. Harris had taken the precaution to tie them
(500)

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 501

close to his cabin door, but this did not deter the thief from trying
to stampede thera. The horses making an effort to break away,
waked the owner, and he rushed out, rifle in hand, and fired at
random. He then tied tliem close to the door and lay down to
sleep again. But the ardor of the rascal did not abate. Waiting
till near two o'clock, he once more crept up, and began to untie
the horses, but they received him with a snort. This time Mr.
Harris was fully aroused, and seizing his gun, he aimed a blow at
the persistent thief, which sent him awaj- howling through the
woods. His horses were molested no more.

Mr. Harris has now reached the ripe old age of 84, in good
health, and bids fair to be a centenarian.

Johnson C. Clark — Was a native of Indiana; emigrated to this
county in 1832. During the Indian troubles he settled on section
10, 7 n, 7 w; was the husband of two wives, by whom he had
eleven children each — 22 in all ! He was appointed by the War
Department to build a block house or small fort at Spillman's
Landing (now Pontoosuc), and in the discharge of this duty he
was assisted by Hezekiah Spillman and Andrew Deboneyer. Mr.
Clark, who wasa man of courage, would mount the fort, swing his old
white hat, cheer for Gen. Jackson, and curse the red-skins; then
down into the trench again, would work away with pick and
shovel, throwing up breast- works; all tlie while telling the men
they must work or the red-skins would get their hair.

Mr. Clark lived to the advanced age of 85.

Elijah Pease — Emigrated from Ohio in 1834, and settled in the
timber near Mr. Harris. He was of the old Baptist school, some-
times known as the " Iron Jackets," and was noted for his honesty
and fair dealing. So much did this trait mark his character that
he was known as " honest old Elijah." An incident occurred dur-
ing the latter period of his life which characterizes that trait of his
nature. He was owing a man in Adams county the sum of $11,
or, at least, supposed he was. The hard times of 1837 prevented
him from discharging the debt at the time it was due ; but as soon
as he got fenough money together, he called on Esq. Mendenhall,
then living five miles distant, and requested him to take the money
and pay the man, Mr. M. being in the habit of attending the land
sales at Quincy. Mr. M. took the money, but on his visit to Quincy
could learn nothing of the man anywhere in tlie countv. The
money was returned to Mr. P., who expressed sincere regret, but
the man could never be found.

SPELLING SCHOOLS

had their day, or nights, among tlie early settlers. Common
schools were yet scarce in the sparsely settled sections; but the
hardy men and women of toil were ever ready to make up for any
lack of improvement. So, in a circuit of ten or fifteen miles, the
few young men and women would assemble in the winter time, once

502 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

or twice a week, at a designated house, and spend a few hours at
spelling, words given either from a small dictionary or Webster's
old spelling-book. This was an amusement of a three-fold benefit.
First, it was instructive; second, it served to pass away tlie long
winter nights, and to vary the monotony of frontier life; and, third,
it served as an auxiliary to courting by the young folks, and the
laying of plans for future business in that direction. The 3'outh of
to-day know little of the luxury of sparking in the winter time, by
a huge hickory-wood fire, in a one-story, one-room log cabin, with
nine children sprawling around watching, and the old woman
quietly knitting, and the old man quietly nodding, with one eye
open, in the chimney corners. Things are sadly changed now!

THE LOST CHILD.

Every county, almost every neighborhood, has a story of a lost
child. Here is one from the bluffs of Camp creek:

Early in the spring of 1S35. Michael Hildebrand removed from
near Quincy and settled on the Camp creek bluffs, near the farm
now owned and occupied by O. S. Avery. The country was wild,
and settlers were few and far between. The dusky form of the red
man was frequently seen, and ferocious wild beasts were plenty.

Mr. H. cleared a patch of ground, fenced it in and put up a log
cabin near a spring some SO rods from his little field. He had
planted his patch in corn, potatoes, pumpkins, etc., and as the
autumn days drew nigh, it furnished him and his small family of
three children with roasting ears and tlie various kinds of vegetables
for the table. Several times Mrs. Hildebrand would take her eldest
daughter, then six years old, and go to the field to get supplies for
the table; little Sarah, or "Sallie," as she was called, thus learned
the way to the field.

One day, whilst her mother was v ery busy about her household
duties, little Sallie. who was playing in the yard, took it into her
head to go to the field for roasting ears. ]^o sooner had she con-
ceived the idea than she put it in execution. Starting to the field
alone and unnoticed by her mother, she arrived there, plucked a
green cucumber and an ear of corn, and started on her return, but
missed her wa\', and became lost in the woods and underbrush.
Mrs. H. did not miss her little one for some time, thinking all the
time she was playing in the yard with her trinkets. On going to
the door, and not seeing her. she began calling her by name. Kot
receiving any answer, she hurried around the house and 3'ard, exam-
ining the play-house and accustomed haunts of the little girl, but
still no response. At this the mother became very much alarmed,
calling frantically for her dear child.- The cries of alarm reached
the ears of her husband, who was at work in the woods not far
away. Coming to her at once, and learning the facts, both parents
joined in the search for the child. Every nook and corner was
rigidly searched. By this time the cries and callings of the dis-

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 503

tractod parents were heard l)y a iieiirhbor passing by. Comintr to
their assistance, and learninij the tacts, lie immediately set off to
call the few settlers around the country.

The child was missed about ten o'clock a., m., and by night quite
a number of settlers were searching through the woods for the lost
one; but no tidings or signs could be had. A brief consultation
was held, and it was decided to continue the search through the
night, with lanterns and torches, while two or three, on good horses,
should carry the news to the nearest settlers, and ask their aid.
The general conclusion was, that the child had been either carried
off' by some savage beast, or by Indians.

It was very distressing to see the poor parents call for their lost
one. The mother had called and rambled through the woods, until
she fell to the ground from mere exhaustion. Although tenderly
urged and cared for by the neighboring women, she would not sit
down and take rest. As the night wore on, a slight rain came on;
then it was that the agony of the nu>ther was unbounded — " My
child ! my poor child ! in this rain, — every drop of which pierces
my heart like a dagger !" The women in attendance urged her to
shut the door and keep the chill air out. "No!" she replied,
"open wide the door; place a bright light on the table; open the
window; perhaps my child maj' see the light and come to it."

But the child was too far away to see any light. -Toward the
dawn of day the mother seemed to despair of tinding her child,
and gradually sunk under it. Her cries became low moanings and
mutterings. Frequently she would call her darling to her, and
then endeavor to lull it to sleep in her arms; and then she would
start up with a wild cry of " 0, where is my child ! Have you
found my child ?"

The sturdy pioneers kept up the search all night long, but with
no success. Morning at length dawned, and with it came a hun-
dred or more of men to join in the search. The men who had gone
out to tell the news traveled hard and all night, sparing not their
horses, and by morning a circuit of thirty miles had been alarmed.
The trusty rifle was the companion of the pioneer in those days;
and no one was often away from home witliout his shot-pouch,
powder horn and tried firelock.

Another consultation was held at seven o'clock, and a plan of
search agreed upon by the company. Many expressed their fears
that, if found at all, the child would be dead. It was agreed to
make a more thorough search of the corn patch, and then the
woods around. On examination, some little prints of the child's
feet were seen, as though coming out of the plowed ground. This
trail was taken up, but soon lost again.

It was agreed that if she was found a gun was to be fired. The
search went on until the sun had nearly attained its meridian,
when a sliot was heard nearly a mile ofl'; then another, and
another, was fired. This, then, was the signal for the finding of
the child. It was found! The mother knew the signal; but

604 HISTOEY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

whether her child was dead or alive, she knew not ; her agony and
suspense were too much, and she sunk to the earth in a swoon.

About a mile from the house the little one was found. She was
first seen by one of the hunters, sitting on a log, eating away at her
roasting ear. She had been lying down beside the log on a bed of
leaves. When found she had a wild and haggard look, and started
off to evade the man who found her. She was free from any harm,
and only complained of a little hunger. Gradually the joyful news
was conveyed to the mother; but the shock was so great to her
system, that for many months she suffered severely.

Those sun-browned, hardy pioneers gathered around the parents
and child, grasping each other by the hand; while the big tears
rolled down their cheeks, as they expressed their joy to Mr. Hilde-
bi'and and his wife, and to one another. Every one must take the
little one and caress it ! The father and mother would cry and laugh
by turns. And finally when leaving for their homes, each would
press the hands of parent and child, and with a fervent " God Bless
you!" and a tear of gratitude, mount their horses and tide away.

JUMPING CLAIMS.

To a correspondent we are indebted for the following; On one
occasion, a settler had made a claim on Camp creek, and put up a
good hewed-log house, and lived in it during the summer; but as
winter approached, and some of his family being sick and provision
scarce, he went back to the older settlement where subsistence
could be had in plenty.

During the winter his improvement attracted the greedy eye of
a speculator, who "jumped the claim" by moving into the empty
house. This was looked upon l)y the settlers as a violation of the
rules of frontier honesty. A deputation of them accordingly waited
on the jumper of the claim and notified hira to leave. But this he
refused to do, and declared his intention of going to Quinc}' to enter
the land, it then being in the market. The first owner had returned
to the claim and demanded possession, but all in vain. Finallj', as
the land sales drew on, the jumper, to secure matters, as he thought,
threw the roof off, after taking his family out and putting them
in a tent, and proceeded to Quincy to enter the land. This was done
in order to prevent any one from moving into the house. But on
returning from the land sales, not a vestige of the house remained!
Everything had been quietly removed by the settlers.

The same writer closes with the following description of

PIONEER LIFE.

Mr. B. Mendenhall,of Dallas City, says: "The writer of this was
a small boy in those days, and he has sat at the log fires of the
earh' settlers (the fire-place occupying nearly the entire end of a
cabin), and listened with eager delight to the stories of the pioneers,
as they gathered around the hearth on winter nights, and recounted

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 605

to one another the hardships, toils and dangers encountered, in
order to gain a t'ootliold in the Western wilds.

" Over the huge lire-place hung the trusty rifle, on the prongs of
the sturdy buck-horns. The well-filled shot-bag, made of the skin
of some wild animal, generally the raccoon or fox, hung by the
rifle. In one corner was the meal sack, accompanied by the tin
grater. If the former failed, resort was had to the latter, which
never failed. Overhead were long strings of golden-colored pump-
kins, cut in rings and hung up to dry. Generally the pumpkin was
interspersed with quantities of dried venison steaks. A barrel ot
honey was almost always found in the cabin of the settler.

" Frequently, as the meal sack would become low, the anxious
housewife would state the fact to the husband, and a new supply
would be looked after. But many times supplies could not be had,
as the mills were so few and far away. So, to lengthen out the
meal, the housewife would steam the dried pumpkin, and mixing
it with the meal in equal parts, bake it into bread. It was good
and palatable, and kept hunger away.

" People enjoyed themselves in those days, but they have passed
away, and with them the early settlers also. One by one at first,
and then by twos and threes, the)' have passed away and are at
rest. But few remain. Occasionally a white-haired sire remains,
a living monument of the hardy frontier settler, waiting and
watching with an eye of faith, when he, too, will be called on to
join his companions in that home beyond the skies, where all is
joy and peace.

" The younger ones are pressing on, filling their places in the
great drama of human life. But the eagerness to obtain wealth
and position has eflaced from these young ones many of the noble
and generous traits of character that were prominent in their
fathers."

THE WINDMILL.

Among the objects of interest well remembered by all the old
citizens of the county was the unfinished windmill, which stood
on the southeast of Carthage, on the southwest ten acres of the
quarter section on which the college is located. It was originated
by Rev. John Lawton, elsewhere named in these pages, who, in
conjunction with E. D. Vandervoort, a mechanic, undertook its
erection about 1835 or '06. Of its plan we know but little, but
remember that it was a high and strong frame, in the center ot
which rose an immense shaft, to which were attached a number of
16-foot wings. Shortly after its erection a storm of wind blew
down some of the wings, and otherwise injured it. About the
same time Mr. Y. was crippled in the machinery. This accident,
coupled with the fact that their funds and credit were about
exhausted, determined the firm to abandon it. It stood in that
unfinished condition for several years, it and the dome of the new
coiirt-house being the two first objects visible on approaching the

506 HISTOEY OF HANCOCK CODNTT.

town. After Mr. Lawton's death in 1842 it was taken down and
sold.

THE FIRST TWO-STOEY FEAME.

Mr. Samuel Gordon says: "I well recollect the excitement inci-
dent to the raising of the first two-story frame house in the county.
It was in the month of June, A. D. 1832, when the enterprising
proprietor, Mr. Luther AVhitney. conceiving the idea of enlarging
his accommodations for the comfort of his guests of the Monte-
bello House, projected a two-story frame, 20 by 50 feet. A raid
upon the forest was made for the necessary material, and according
to the notions of the day tiie timber must be about three times the
size now used. Consequently the frame was very heavy. When
everything was ready, all the inhabitants for ten miles around
were invited to the raising. The timbers were fastened to-
gether broad side at a time. The first side was carried up without
ditticulty; but the second bent was much more formidable. AVhen
about one-third the way up, matters came to a stand-still, and the
i;tmost exertions of all engaged could not gain an inch. The sit-
uation had become extremely critical, the great danger being ot
losing control, and the frame falling back and killing or crippling
all below. Just as all were about giving up in despair, the "boss"
happened to think that there were a dozen or so of women in the
house near by, and perhaps their strength might help him out of
the difliculty. Their aid was invoked, and promptly responded to,
and by the united efforts of the whole west half of the county, the
frame was raised and finished, and to-day stands as a monument ot
the past, and also as tiie oldest frame building in the county."

THE FIRST MUEDEE.

To Mr. Gordon we are also indebted for the particulars of tlie
first murder in the county, which we have failed to" obtain else-
where :

"The first murder committed in the county was in the summer
of 1832. The parties were Enoch Hankins and Abram Moore.
It seems that they had been neighbors in Ohio, and had an old
grudge not settled. On the fatal day they were both in the court
room, rather the worse for liquor, when the quarrel was renewed.
Moore being almost twice the size and strength of Hankins,
gathered hold of him and threw him head first out of doors, the
floor being several feet above the ground. The fall was a hard
one. Hankins was so enraged that he took out his knife, opened
it, but put it back into his pocket, and returned into the court
room. Moore seeing him back again, made the second attempt
to throw him out, whereupon Hankins drew out his knife and
inflicted a fatal \vound, which caused Moore's death in 24 hours.
Hankins was arrested, and bound over for his appearance to Court.
Not being able to give bond, and there being no jail in the count}',

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 507

he was taken to Qiiincy for safe keeping, Adams county having a
log jail. Hankins, after a few months in jail got tired of such close
quarters; so one night he dug through the wall and cleared himself
for Texas. The family of Moore offered a reward of $500, the
county $500, and Gov. fleynolds $200; but Hankins was never
caught."

SONS OF TEMPERANCE. ,

About the year 1846 or '7, a temperance wave struck Hancock
county, and resulted in the organization of a number of Divisions
of the Sons and Daughters of Temperance. Of the Sons there
were about a dozen Divisions in the county, one at each of the
towns and villages. The total number of members could not be
told, as they were liable to so many changes. The Division at
Warsaw initiated nearly 500 members, during the period of about
eight years that it existed ; and Divisions at other points had nearly
as many. But these institutions in time ceased to be beneficial, and
passed away, none we believe now existing in the county, though
the order still exists.

MORMON TRAIL.

It seems that a portion of the Mormon brotherhood had an intro-
duction to Hancock count}' four or five years before they settled at
Nauvoo. There is, or was, not long since, a well-beaten, but grass-
grown, track through the southeastern section of the county, known
as the Mormon Trails made by that people when on their passage
from Ohio to the promised land in Missouri, in 1833 or '34. It
entered the county from Schuyler, and crossed the prairie between
Plymouth and Augusta, in the direction of Quincy, that being the
objective point on the Mississippi river. So that, in coming from
Missouri to this county in lS3S-'9, in pursuance of a later revela-
tion, they were onl}- taking the " back track " over a road some ot
them had traveled years before.

THE DESERTERS.

To John R. Tull, Esq., of Fruitland, we are indebted for a good
many incidents of personal and county history. Here is one ot
them, which occurred the first summer of his residence in the
county: "'On a Friday night, near the middle of June, there was
a tap on my cabin door ; I opened it, and there stood two men of
suspicious appearance, with guns in their hands. They begged to
come in ; I let them in, and they asked for something to eat, saying
they had been without food for nearly two days. By close ques-
rioning they told me they were deserters from the U. S. barracks
at the head of the rapids, and that they were so cruelly treated by
the officer in command they could stand it no longer. I gave them
of our little store of provisions. The next morning they begged
to remain over Sunday, and they would work for me to pay for

608 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

their board. I consented. But on Sunday one of tlietn discovered
a company of Indians at a distance, and, supposing they were sent
out from the fort on their trail, they both got into the cabin as quickly
as possible, got their guns, and secreted themselves, declaring they
would not be taken alive. I went out to watch the movements of
the Indians, and, if possible, to divert tiieir attention on eastward.
They did not, however, attempt to enter, but, after looking around
a little, passed on, to our great relief On Monday morning one of
the men saw a man riding rapidly in the direction of where he was,
and supposing him to be one of the officers of the barracks, both
deserters broke for the brush, and made their escape, leaving their
guns and bundles behind. About a month afterward they returned,
got their guns and bundles, and I have never seen them since."

LUSU8 NATURE.

Dr. G. gives this item as occurring in his practice in this county:
A woman on whom he was called to attend professionally, gave
birth to a monster child. It had two well-formed heads, joined at
the shoulders; four arms, and three Isgs — a more remarkable lusus
naturce than the Siamese twins. The child was alive, but died in
the delivery.

GANGRENE AND QUININE.

Speaking of medical cases, we may mention one as having
occurred near the eastern line of the county many years ago. A
man had two fingers cut otf b}' a circulau saw. He was living in a
malarial district, and, at the time of the accident, was full of
malaria. He was negligent of the wound, until it became extremely
painful and swollen, and gangrene had set in, and the arm was
gangrened nearly to the shoulder. Several physicians were called,
and while a majority said amputation of the arm was all that could
save his life, another said No, claiming that it would not stop the
gangrene, and that he could be cured by other means. He was
allowed to pursue his own plan. He resorted to quinine. With a
knife he cut away all the gangrenous flesh clean, and filled the
wound full of quinine, giving, at the same time, copious doses inter-
nally. And that, too, when quinine was quoted at six dollars an
ounce. The patient recovered, retaining both his arms.

A MISCALCULATION.

An old settler relates the following story in the history of Appa-
noose. About the time it was laid out by Messrs. White and I)oo-
little, a man from Kentucky oiiered them $4,000 for two blocks on
the river at the upper end, and would obligate himself to put up
large flouring and lumber mills. This ofier the short-sighted pro-
prietors refused, but wanted $6,000, which he refused to give, and
went away. It can be now seen that they would have done well to
have made him a free gift of the blocks, on the condition that he
would thus improve them.

HISTORY OF HAXCOCK COUNTY.

509

SPILLMAN S FORT.

During the scare of the Black Hawk war, Mr. Hezekiah Spill-
man was authorized to build a fort or block- house, near his place,
for the protection of the inhabitants. The house was built of
large logs, twenty or twenty-iive feet long, knotched up solidly, and
ten or twelve feet high, and then with longer logs projecting
two or three feet over. The whole was covered with a heavy clap-
board roof. All around, above and below, were port holes, to open
or close as necessity required. This building was enclosed all ai'ound,
some twenty-five or thirty feet distant, with a stockade of logs set
in the ground.

CHAPTER XXIV.

TOWNSHIP HISTORIES.

In this most important chapter of the history of Hancock county,
we ejive the respective history of townships, with short biographical
sketches of their leading citizens. At tlie close of the introductory
portion we give a list of supervisors, clerks, assessors and collectors,
as complete as we could obtain from the records. Each ofScer is
credited with the year in whicli he was elected, and many were re-
elected for successive 3'ears, For want of full returns the list
doubtless contains errors.

AUGUSTA TOWNSHIP.

Congressional, or surveyed, townsiiip number three north and
range number five west of the fourth principal meridian (usually
written 3 n. 5 w., or 3-5 for short) is named Augusta, after the
handsome and ambitious little cit}' within its borders. The town-
ship is about one-third timbered land, the rest prairie; the timber
skirting the head watei's of Panther creek in the northwest,
Flower creek near the center, and William's creek near the south
line. Augusta contains much valuable land and many fine farms.
Many of its settlers are farmers of the first class — emigrants from
the East and South, who came to the county to make permanent
homes for themselves and their families.

The first settlers we can learn of in this townsiiip (and we cannot
pretend to name them all, or in the order of their coming) were
Alexander Oliver, Jesse and Shelton Phillips, Dr. Adolphus Allen,
Benjamin Gould, Christopher E. Yates, George Sadler, Isaac
Pidgeon, Solomon Stanley (these two last Quakers), Joel Catlin,
Wni. D. Abernethy, Dr. Samuel B. Mead, Horace Mead, Alfred
Mead and Jonathan Mead (the father died aged S7), James Bow-
man, P. P. Jones, Roger Ireland, Thomas Trimble, Thomas Rice,
David II. Rice, John Wilson, P. P. JSTewcomb, Wm. Dexter, Wm.
M. Dexter, Emsley Jackson, George W. Hawley, Benjamin Bacon,
Alfred Skinner, Silas Grifliti), John Jackson, George Jackson
and E. S. Austin.

A number of these left the county again, while many of the
more aged ones have gone to their reward.

Mr. Oliver settled over the line, in Adams county, but his land

was in Hancock. He came in August preceding the "deep snow"

(1S30). He purchased his supply of provisions for the winter in

Rushville, just before the snow, and was notable to get them home

(510)

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 511

till March, consequently hominy was the main support of himself,
■wife, and eight children during the winter. His stock suffered
severely, and he had to cut down bass-wood trees to keep his cattle
from starving, they eating the tops.

In July, 1832, during the Bhick Hawk war, Joel Catliu and Wni.
D. Abernethy (brothers-in-law) came to " Oliver's Settlement,"
from Augusta, Georgia, though they were Eastern men. They
located where the town of Augusta now stands, and gave the name
to the place. Mr. Catlin resided there, an honored and influential
citizen for a number of years, then removed to Jacksonville, where
we believe he still lives at an advanced age. Mr. Abernethy was
afterward Sheriff of the count)', and subsequently went into busi-
ness in Warsaw, where he died, about 1850, of cholera.

The Phillipses left early. One of them is remembered as being
the manufacturer of the primitive mills for grinding corn, in use
in those early days. He is not known to have ever patented it, so
that any one is still at liberty to construct one for himself. We
describe it for the benefit of our readers and for posterity. The mill
was constructed in this wise : A boulder of proper size was ob-
tained from Flower creek, or at any other creek, and made as level
and flat as possible. It was then placed on top of a sawed log set
endwise, or on a rude frame made for the purpose. This was then
surmounted by another boulder of similar construction, set face to
face, and these composed the upper and the nether millstones.
They were held in place by a pivot in center, and made to turn as
easily as possible. A hole was drilled in the upper stone near to
one edge, into which a handle would be placed for turning it. The
regular price for one of these mills was two dollars and a half.

Dr. Mead came to Augusta in 1833; his father and brothers
still later. He thinks he was, perhaps, the second practicing Phy-
sician in the county. Dr. Isaac Galland being before him at Kiver-
side, while Dr. John F. Charles came a little later to Carthage.
See biography of Dr. Mead on a suiisequent page.

In 1834 a postofKce was established at Augusta, W. D. Abernethy
being the first postmaster. Elder Thomas H. Owen was con-
tractor and carried the mail on route from Kushville to Carthage
on horseback once a week. Dr. Mead was postmaster from 1840 to
1857.

In August or Septeml)er, 1833, occurred the first burial in Au-
gusta cemetery, the remains of Mr. John Anderson.

The first wedding that took place in the township, says Mr.
Gould (and he is supposed to know), was that of Mr. Benjamin-
Gould and Miss Kebecca J. Jones, on Christmas Day, 1833,
Christopher E. Yates, Esq., performing the ceremony. " No
cards."

The first Irth-of-July celebration in Augusta took place in the
beautiful "Round Grove," which has since disappeared. This was
in 1S39 or 1840. Orator of the day, William N. Grover, Esq., of
Warsaw.

512 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Miss Ruth Bateman, sister to State Superintendent Bateman,
taught the first school in 1835.

What was known in the early days as "Round Prairie," em-
braced a portion of Augusta township, a part of St. Mary's, and
the adjoining portions of McDonough and Schuyler counties.
This section, as a unit, ranks among the earliest settlements in the
south part of the county, and embraces much beautiful country
and many fine farms. It does not include the town of Augusta,
and just how far it extends in other directions is not strictly de-
fined. Like the "Great West," its borders are indefinite. Mr.
Phillips, Mr. Yates, Dr. Allen, Mr. Bowman, Mr. Solomon Stan-
ley and Mr. Pidgeon are perhaps the very first settlers in that
part of Round Prairie belonging to Augusta.

Flour creek, now more properly written Flower, is said to have
received its name from the following circumstance : In the
spring of 1834, Mr. Pruitt and Mr. Box, of St. Mary's, were re-
turning from the Brooklyn mill with their grists one Sunday eve-
ning, when the " creek was up," crossing at the ford south of Plym-
outh with their ox team, a large and well-filled sack oi flour
was swept out of their wagon by the deep and rapid stream and
supposed to be lost, but on the Wednesday following it was fished
out, well preserved and in good order, except a thin crust next
the sack — so saith the "oldest inhabitant," Mr. Allen Melton. —
Young'' s Hist. Round Prairie.

How Panther creek obtained its title we can only guess; but a
feir presumption is, that animals of that name existed, or were
supposed to exist, in its woods.

On William's creek, south of the town, are coal veins, which
have supplied considerable quantities of coal for local use. But
the vein is thin, and the cost of obtaining it too great; and that
article is now chiefly supplied from abroad by rail.

The town of Augusta was laid out by Joel Catlin, Wm. D.
Abernethy and Samuel B. Mead, Feb., 1836, and surveyed by
James W. Brattle. Mr. Brattle was an early surveyor and an
early settler in the county, now residing at Macomb, in a green
old age. And right here we must tell an incident concerning him,
related by Mr. Lawton, of Augusta township. Mr. B., old as he is,
has not forgotten the business of his younger days; and so, a year
or two ago, Mr. L. had him re-establish some lines he had run 30
or 40 years ago. While so engaged, a j'oung man of the vicinity
came along, who did not know Mr. Brattle. The young man was
asked if he knew who had planted a certain stake. He replied, "I
don't know unless it was old Jimmy Brattle." "This is Mr.
Brattle," said Lawton. The young man looked at him again : "I
mean old marb Brattle."

Augusta also contains the village of Pulaski, named for the
patriot Polish count. It was laid out in 1836 by Alexander
Oliver, Wm. "McCready and Benjamin Bacon. Its growth has been
very slow.

J^, ^.O^^Lc^

AUGUSTA

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 515

Mechanicsville, laid out in 1842, by Alansoii Lyon, was also in
this township. It was designed for a manufacturing center, and
for a time bid fair to be a town of importance. But for some
cause (probabl}- the death of Mr. Lyon) it failed, and it is now one
of the forgotten towns.

Ilr. Benjamin Gould, to whose reminiscences, in the Augusta
Herald we are much indebted, says: " On the 22d of Feb., 1833, 1
celebrated Washington's birth-day by hauling logs for the first
house ever built in the city of Augusta." Then he and Henry
Abernethy kept "bach" in it. The same summer he put up the
log house in whicli the first religious services were held. Both
these buildings we believe are still standing, forlorn looking as a
candidate who has been left out.

In the severe storm of July 4, 1873. the Christian church at
Augusta was moved from its foundation and the spire blown down.
The Presbyterian church had its spire also blown ofi:' with part of
the roof, and a number of other buildings blown down. No one
hurt.

The first grist-mill in the township was established in 1833, by
John AVilson; run by horse-power.

The venerable P. P. Newcomb, born in Mass., 1804, and raised
in Vt., came to Rushville 1830, to Augusta, 1836. The Rebellion
dealt hard with this aged gentleman's family. Two sons went into
the army; the eldest, Wilbur Fiske, was wounded at the assault on
Vicksburg under Grant, on 22d of June, and died 31st of June,
on board the hospital boat J. C. Wood, at Memphis. The second,
William L., was wounded Nov. 30, 1864, at Franklin, Tenn. ; was
brought home and died 14th Jan., 1865; and his mother, Mrs. Ann
(Munson) Newcomb died six days afterward from virus in dress-
ing his wounds.

I)r. Adolphus Allen removed to Riverside and died many years
ago; Mr. Yates to Nauvoo, still living at an advanced age. Pid-
geon went to Salem, Iowa; Stanley back to N. C. The elder Mead
and his sons Horace and Alfred, we believe are all deceased. So
are Messrs. Dexter, Hawley, Ireland and Skinner. The latter was
for many years one of the most active business men in the county.
Mr. Bacon was a leading and honored citizen, resident at Pulaski,
died much regretted many years since.

There are many other respected and honored pioneers of Au-
gusta township, some of them still living, whom we would be glad
to mention, if space would warrant. J3ut a history of Angusta
would not be complete that failed to name Eliphalet Strong
Austin, the genuine, true-blue, whole-souled, musical Free-soiler,
from the land of wooden nutmegs. Born in 1809, his parents
removed to Ashtabula, O., in 1811, and in 1843 Strong came to
Augusta. Was always an ardent Whig; assisted in organizing the
Republican party, and it is his boast to-day that he hesitated not
to accept position as conductor on the U. G. R. R., and that no
train under his care ever jumped the track or met with a smash-up.

31

516 HISTOEY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Mr. A. married Miss. Julia W. Hawley,in Northern Ohio, also from
Conn. They have several children residing "out We. r;" and it
was while on a lengthy visit to these a I'ew years ago, tha„ Mrs. A.
mcmfully marched up to the polh in Wyoming with other women,
and deposited a ballot for the right. Perhaps she is the one solitary
woman in Hancock connty who has ever exercised the elective
franchise.

RELIGIOUS PROGRESS.

We have mentioned that Mr. Gould put up the log house in
which the first religious exercises were held. Mr. G. mentions the
first Sunday-school, in which Mr. Oliver was Superintendent, but
does not gives its date. It seems to have been previous to the
summer of ISo-t. The Presbyterian Church was organized July
2S, lS3-±, by Rev. Cyrus L. Watson, of Rushville at that time ;
Rev. Reuben K. McKoy, of Clayton, now deceased; Dr. Blackburn,
of Kentucky, was present, and probably Rev. John Lawton, of Car-
thage. The members then received were nine, viz.: Alexan-ler
Denny, deceased 1S6S; Mrs. Elizabeth Denny, deceased 1837;
Phebe W. Candee, lately living in St. Louis, over SO; Samuel B.
Mead; Arietta Mead, deceased 1865; Evelina M. Abernethy, now
of jSTebraska; Benjamin Gould, Mr. and Mrs. Dunbar, who soon
afterward left the place.

The first sermons preached in Augusta township were probably
by Revs. Wm. McCoy, Ralston, Boren and VanHorn ; Father
Cartwright a little later, and Rev. Lawton about 1S34-7.

The Christian Church at Augusta was organized in 1813, at Mr.
Gould's residence; James Stark and B. Gould, Elders; E. G.
Browning, Deacon. First membership, Benjamin and Rebecca
Gould, James and Mary Siark, William and Mary Ann Dron, Mrs.
Cynthia Jones, Mrs. ISTancy Tarr, Mrs. Mary Craig, and Hiram
Jones. In 1851 the church building in Augusta was erected and
dedicated. New building erected about 1870. Present member-
ship about 230.

The M. E. organization was first in Pulaski; removed'to Augusta
in 1849. Held first meetings in school-houses. First church erect-
ed about 1856. New brick erected five or six years ago. Names
of members at organization in town, by Rev. Halton: David Rice,
class leader; Samuel Parrott and wife Mary; Thomas Leach and
wife Dorcas Ann; Mrs. Sophronia Sullivan, Mrs. Elizabeth Ken-
nedy and David Rice and wife Clarinda.

There is also a United Brethren Church near the southwest
corner of the township, of which we have no particulars.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

As a portion of the history of Augusta township, we give bio-
graphical sketches of pioneer and leading citizens, believing such
personal mention forms tlie better part of local history. Those

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 517

whose lives have made history deserve special mention in a work
of tills nature.

T. E. Antrim was born, in Lo^an county, Ohio, March 15, 1828.
In 1S44 he learned the blacksmith's trade, at which he has contin-
ued to work to the present time. He owns one lot with dwelling,
and one lot with shop in Augusta; has held the office of Justice
of the Peace eight years, and Town Trustee thi'ee years. Was
married in this county in 1850 to Elizabeth J. Saunders, a native
of Ohio, born in 1S32; they have had 6 children, 3 of whom
are living, George, Orlando and Ada. In politics Mr. A. is a
Republican , and in religion a Freethinker.

E. S. Austin was born in Connecticut April 27, 1809, and came
to this county in 1843; was married in Ohio in 1835 to Julia R.
Hawley, born in Ohio in 1807, and they have 3 children, —
Julia E. , Eugene S. and Lida J. Mr. A. has been Constable ten
years, was through the Mormon war, and is a member of the Con-
gregational Church. Mrs. A. is a Presbyterian.

A. E. Bacon, farmer, P. O., Augusta; owns 150 acres of land
worth, $50 per acre, on sec. 14. He is a son of Benjamin and Lois
(Everetts) Bacon, the former a native of Massachusetts and
the latter of Connecticiit. He was born in 1811 in Vermont,
and was raised on a farm ; was in the mercantile business six years,
and came to this county in 1857; was married in Vermont, in 1838,
to Abigail Rowker, a native of Vermont, and born in 1815. They
have these children: Anna E., Eleanor E., Hiram E., Carrie R.
Mr. B. has been Justice of the Peace two terms; is a Universalist
and a Democrat.

Benjamin F . Bacon, farmer, sec. 36; P. O., Augusta; owns
180 acres of land worth 850 per acre; is a son of Benjamin and
Elizabeth Bacon, both of French descent; he was born in Missouri,
Feb. 27, 1832, and came with his parents to this county in 18S5;
was married in Adams county, this State, in 1871, to Mahala J.
Gordon, a native of New York, born in 1836; they have 2 chil-
dren, Franklin and Mary L. Mr. B. is a member of the M. E.
Church and is a Republican.

Nixon Balfour, farmer, sec. 28; is a native of North Carolina,,
born in 1826; came to this State in 1835, settling in Adams county,
and came to this county in 1870. He was married in Adams
county in 1848, to Keziah Robbins, who was born in 1826, and they
have had 12 children, 8 of whom are living; James H., Andrew
M., Theodore S., Mary E., jSTellie D., Anna E., Minnie I. and
Jennie E. Mr. B. is handling some fine horses.

A. J. Boman, farmer, sec. 2; P. O., Plymouth; owns 159 acres of
land, worth 835 per acre; was born in this county in 1840 and was
raised on a farm ; in 1860 he married Elizabeth C. Cooper, a native
of this county, born in 1843, and they have 5 living children —
Jennie and Jessie E. (twins), Marion W., Rosie E., Myrtle A. Two
ai-e deceased. Mr. B. has been School Director; is a member of
the M. E. Church and is a Democrat.

51S HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTT.

B. R. Boman, farmer, sec. 10; P. O., Auo^usta; son of James and
Arcade (Sturgis) Boman, and was born in this county in 1S37. He
lives on a farm and owns 160 acres of land, worth $35 per acre. He
was married in tiiis cunnty in 1S67, to Mary Stark, born in this
county in 1846. Mr. B. had but little property to commence with,
but by industry and economy has acquired a good competence. In
politics he is a Democrat.

E. K. Boman, farmer, sec. 2; P. O., Plymouth; is a sou of James
and Arcade (Sturgis) Boman. He was born in this county April
13, 1826, and was the eldest of. 11 children; was married in this
county in 1852 to Mary Wade, who was born in Tennessee in 1834-,
and they are the parents of S children — Allie, Fannie H., Henry
C, Paul K., Edward H., Benjamin E., Kittie F. and Ira L. Mr.
B. has been School Director and Road Commissioner; was in the
Mormon war; is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the
Christian Church.

James Boman, farmer, sec. 2; P. O., Plymouth; is a native of
Georgia, born August 10, 1803: came to this State in 1815 and
to this county in 1834. In 1825 he was married, in Sangamon
county, to Arcade Sturgis, a native of North Carolina, l)orn Feb-
ruary 28, 1802; they are the parents of 11 children — Ezekiel C,
John R., William S., Melinda J., Rebecca J., James B., R. M.,
Benjamin R., A. J., Margaret A. and Arcade E. Mr. B. was in
the Mormon war. He owns 70 acres of land, Ijelongs to the M. E.
Church, is a Democrat and is one of the old and honored citizens
of Hancock county.

Oeorge W. Campbell was born in Schuyler county. 111., in 1852. •
He is the namesake of his father, who died in 1865; his mother is
at present the wife of Squire Gould, of Adatns county. 111. Her
maiden name was Esther Harney, and she married Mr. Gould in
1876. Mr. C was educated in the common schools of Augusta,
and resides on section 30. September 6, 1873, he married Elizabeth
Worman, and they are members of the United Brethren Church.
His father was of German descent. He is a farmer and a Democrat.

John H. Catlin, farmer and stock-dealer, son of Joseph and
^Calista (^Hawley) Catlin, was born in Georgia in 1821, and is of
English descent. The first of the name of Catlin in America is
Thomas Catlin, of Hartford, Connecticut, who came to America in
16S7. John H. came with his father's family to this State in 1832,
and he now lives on the same farm where his father settled. He
owns 800 acres of. fine land, worth $50 per acre. He was first
married in this county in 1845 to Lydia Hawley, born in Ohio in
1823 and died in 1860. They had 3 children: Allie S., wife of
James Stark, Camelia. and Nettie, wife of Benjamin Crane, of
Augusta. In 1861 he marrietl Alice E. A.dams, a native of New
York, born in 1829. Mr. Catlin has held the oflice of Justice of
the Peace four years; helped lay out the town of Augusta, and
was on the first School Board. He is one of the most extensive

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 519

stock-dealers in Hancock coniitv. Is a Republican, ami himself
antl wife beloiig to the Presln'terian Church.

Wilyo7i Chxmibers, farniei, sec. 21; P. O., Augusta; owns 75
acres of land, worth §50 per acre. He is a native of North Carolina,
and was born in 1804. He came from Tennessee to this county in
1844; in 1825 he married Elizabeth Ridings, a native of North
Carolina, born in 1802, and raised in Tennessee. They are the
parents of 9 children — John M., James R., Joel R., Martha J.,
Laura, Emily, and Susan. Two are deceased. Both Mr. and Mrs.
C. are members of the Baptist Church.

Benjamin B. Crain^ dry-goods merchant and clothier, is a son
of William and Harriet (Tongue) Crain, who came to this county
in 1S34. He was born in Schuyler county, this State, in 1851, and
has been in business in Augusta since 1878, where he commands a
large trade. He was married June 1, 1877, to Nettie A. Catlin, a
native of this county, and they have one child, Lydia R., born
June 18, 1878.

Alexander Denny, deceased, was a native of North Carolina,
and came to this county in 1833. In 1822 he was married in Bond
county, this State, to Elizabeth Gilmer, who was born in Kentucky
in 1805 and died in 1837. They had 6 children — John, Henry,
Brown, Lee, Mary, and Robert. In 1839 Mr. Denny married
Sarah Allen, born in New York in 1812, and they had 4 children,
one daughter and 3 sons. Mrs. Denny died in 1851, and in 1852
Mr. D. married Margaret S. Denny, who was born in North Caro-
lina in 1809, and they had une child, Hiram F. Mr. D. was a
Republican, and at the time of his death owned 160 acres of land.

6. N. Edwards was born in Nebraska in 1850, and is a son of
George and Mary Edwards, both of English descent. He came to
this county in 1866, and in ISSO, in Schuyler count}', he married
Fanny Pearce, a native of North Carolina. He owns 20 acres of
land in Pulaski, with dwelling house, — also a coal bank or shaft,
which takes up as many as 200 bushels per day, and this generally
sells at seven cents per bushel; the coal is of excellent qftality. Mr.
E is a Republican. P. O., Augusta.

David Ellis, physician and surgeon, was born in Kentucky in
1826; came to this county in 1852 and settled in Augusta. In
1847 he commenced the study of medicine, and graduated in 1852;
he was married in Kentucky in 1855 to Elizabeth T. Fisher, who
was born in Kentucky in 1833, and they have 6 children, James
P.. Mary (wife of Richard Valentine, of Ky.) John, David and
an infant. One is deceased. The Doctor owns 160 acres of fine
farm land, and one lot with dwelling. He is liberal in his relig-
ious views.

J. P. Fosdycic, carpenter and joiner, was born in New York
in 1829, and came to this county in 1857; was married in New
York in 1850 to Abigail McCann, also a native of New York.
They have 8 children. Mr. F. owns three lots, one with dwell-
ing and one with shop. He is a Freemason and a Republican.

520 HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

James Garwood, farmer, sec. 11; owns 240 acres of land,
worth 835 per acre. He was born in this State in 1S4S, and came
to this connty in 1860; was maiTied in 1S76 to Mary McClain,
uho was born in this county in ls5(i, and they have 2 children —
Mabel, born June 17, 1S7S, and Jennie, born ISSO. Mr. G. is a
member of the Christian Chnrch and a Democrat. P. O., Au-

G. IF. Hmvley, deceased, was born in Ohio in 1S06, and came
to this county in 1833, settling in Augusta. He built the first
store-house, and bought and sold the first dry goods brought to
Augusta. Mr. H. was first married in Ohio to Julia W. Sale, born
in Connecticut, and died in 1834. They had 2 children, one liv-
ing— Edgar E. In 1855 he again married, in Connecticut, Mary
F. C. Chapman, born in 1810. At the time of liis death, which
occurred in 1873, Mr. Hawley owned 120 acres of fine farm land;
the widow lives on the old homestead. He was an industrious
man and a good citizen.

JB. P. Heioitt, attorney at law, was born in Oliio in ISIS, and
came to this county in 1S64. He was married in Ohio in 1837, to
Esther McLain, also a native of Ohio, born in 1818, and they have
had 6 children, 4 of whom are living. Mr. Hewitt has held the
office of Circuit Judge for nine years. He is a Master Mason, and
owns one lot with dwelling.

0. Horton, veterinary physician and surgeon, is a native ot
Ohio, born in 1840, and is son of Silas and Virginia Horton, both
natives of Ohio. Xov. 6, 1865, he married, in Fulton county, Lau-
setta Shayga, also a native of Ohio, born in 1S42; they have one
child, — Belle. The Doctor settled in Augusta in 1875. where he has
since practiced his profession, commanding an extensive patronage.
He is a Democrat.

Johnson Irwin, farmer, sec. 9; P. O., Augusta; was l)orn in
Ohio in 1818, and came to this county with his parents in 1837.
His father was William and his mother Mary (Johnston) Irwin,
both natives of Ohio, the former of Irish and the latter of Scotch
descent. In 1857 he married Sallie A. Tucker, born in 1834, and
they have 3 children — Jennie, "Whitney L. and Joseph M. He was
in the Mormon war and is a Democrat.

J. R. Kelly, physician and surgeon, is a native of this State, born
in 1847. In lS72"he graduated at the Michigan University, and
commenced the practice of medicine in Kensington, Adams county,
this State, and in 1878 settled in Augusta, where he has since had
a large and successful practice. He was married in Adams county
in 1873, to Maggie E.Kichardson, born in that county in 1855,
and they have 3 children — Helen F., Melvina C. and Mabel.

Jacob Klepinr, keeper of sale, livery and feed stable, was born
in Schuyler county, this State, in 1835, and came to this county in
1874. He was married in Putnam county in June, 1859. to Cynthia
Alvin, who was born in 1837. Mr. and Mrs. Klepper have 3 chil-
dren, Nancy P., Asenath and Clyde. He owns two lots, one with

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 521

dwelling and one with stable. He keeps a full supply of horses
and buggies. He belongs to the M. E. Church, and is a Free-
mason.

John H. Laicton, born in Vermont, Feb. 22, 1819. In 1820
his parents removed to Hillsboro, ]S'. H., and took the promising
youth along. Went to school at three years, until 11 years old;
then went to Boston for three years. In 1834 his father brought
him to Ohio, and entered him at Oberlin College. It only took
him three months to finish his education there, when he left and
worked his way back to Boston, his father being in the West. In
the spring of 1S35 his father returned, and in the fall brought
John with him to Carthage. Here his labors were multifarious;
worked aboTit town, helped get out the timber for the windmill,
did the circular work on the first number of the Carthagenian.
In the fall of 1836 went to New Orleans, and spent tlie winter shell-
ing corn; summer of '37 back in Carthage; clerked some in Mat-
thew's store; painted some for Homer Brown. Next six years were
spent in Carthage, Warsaw, Commerce, St. Mary's, Montebello and
New Orleans, clerking, painting, driving stage, blacksmithing, act-
ing Constable, etc.. etc.

June, ISio, Mr. L. went East, where, at New Salem, Mass., on
April 15, 1817, he was married to Miss Hannah N. Felton, a native
of that place, born Oct. 13, 1819. The^- are the parents of 4
children, all living. Lived at Plymouth during the piast 24 years,
where he was P. M. about five years.

Mr. Lawton claims that there is but one man now residing in
Cartilage — C. S. Hamilton — who was there when became.

William E. H. Lemon, physician and surgeon, was born in
Pennsylvania in 1848. He commenced the practice of medicine in
this State, in Jacksonvile, in 1868, and graduated in 1871: he settled
in Augusta in 1877, where he commands a good practice. He was
married in this county to Adel A. Gordon, daughter of George and
Louisa Gordon. both natives of New York they have .5 children, 3 liv-
ing— William, Frederick and Bertha. The Doctor owns one lot, with
dwelling and office. He is a Methodist and a Republican.

Edtoard A. Lyon, farmer and stock dealer, sec. 8; P. O.,
Augusta; was born in Vermont in 18§4, and was reared a farmer,
which occupiation he has always followed. His father, Alanson Lyon,
was a native of Massachusetts and of English descent; his
mother Harriet (Parrell) Lyon was also a native of Massachusetts
and of Welsh descent. Mr. L. married in this county, in 1852,
Julia H. Blandin, daughter of Joseph and Asenath Blandin; she
was born in 1833. Mr. and Mrs. Lyon are the parents of 8 chil-
dren— Alice, wife of O. J. Colton, of Galesburg, Edward B.,
Charles A., George H., Willis L., Frederick, Mary and Albert.
Mr. L. has been Road Commissioner, owns 380 acres of fine farm
land,is a Presbyterian and a Repul)licau. His father,Alanson Lyon,
laid out Blandin5ville,McDonough county, in 183S, and established
a wagon factory where he employed 24 hands, manufacturing 400

522 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

wagons annually for several years. He made four trips to California,
and finally died there in 1858.

A. B. Matthews, farmer, sec. 8 ; P. 0., Augusta; was born in
Koss county, Ohio, in 1817; was married in Parke county,
Indiana, in 1838, to Emily Davis, a native of that State, born in
1818 and died in 1841. They had 3 children — one living. In
18i2 he married Diana Kalley, a native of Indiana, born in 1828,
and they have 9 children. Mr. M. owns 190 acres of land, and is
one of the old and honored citizens of Hancock county.

Anthony McGuilvery, farmer, sec. 9; P. O., Augusta; son of
Alexander and Prudence McGuilvery, tlie former of Scotch and
the latter of German descent. He was born in 1818, in Ohio, and
was raised on a farm. At tlie age of 18 he learned the carpenter's
trade, and worked at it for 15 years. He came to this county in
1855, and was married in Indiana in 1849 to Sarah E. Johnson,
wlio was born in Virginia in 1825, and is a daughter of Lemuel
and Permelia Johnson, natives of Virginia, and of English descent.
They have 3 children — ]\Ielvina (wife of Alfred Stuart of this tp.);
Katie, born in 1852; and William, born in 1854. Mr. McG. has
been Commissioner of Higliways, and owns 136 acres of land; he
belongs to the M. E. Church, and is a Republican.

Dr. Sarntiel B. Mead — The parents of this gentleman were
Jonathan Mead, born August 24, 1769, and Martha (Barnum) Mead,
whom he married in 1798. She was a daughter of Dr. Samuel
Barnum, of North Salem, Xew York, and died in June, 1812,
leaving 4 sons and 3 daughters, our subject being the eldest,
and was born in Greenwich, Connecticut, Oct. 18, 1799. A few
days before her death her youngest son, Alfred, was born. He came
to Augusta in 1836, but now resides in Colusa, Cal. The eldest
daughter, Caroline, born early in 1801, now resides in Colorado.
Jonathan Mead was married to his second wife, whose name was
Betsey Bradley, of Greenfield, Conn., in 1817, by whom he had
one son and two daughters. The second wife died at Augusta, this
county, June 26, 1847, aged 65 years. Jonathan Mead died at
Augusta September 11, 1851, aged 82 years and 22 days. He came
to Augusta to live early in June, 1837.

Dr. Samuel B. Mead lived on his father's farm until about 15
years of age, receiving, during this time, a common.-school educa-
tion. He then received a collegiate course and graduated at Yale
College, Xew Haven, Conn., in 1S20. He studied medicine and
received his diploma to practice from the same college, Feb. 25,
1824. He emigrated to Illinois in tlie spring of 1833, living a
short time at Rushville; the following August he came to Hancock
■ county and located at Augusta, then called '' Oliver's Settlement,''
and commenced the practice of his profession, which he continued
till 1860, commanding an extensive practice. He was next to the
first regular physician that practiced medicine in this county. In
1833 Dr. Isaac Galland was said to be the only practicing physician
in the count}-, and probably was the first. In 1834 Dr. John F.

HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 523

Charles settled in Garthage. On Dr. Mead's arrival at "Oliver's
Settlement," now Augusta, he immediately selected a site for a
dwelling: first had a well dng and engaged a hewed log-cabin built;
this was in July. It was finished in August, and he moved into
it, with his family. It was the first cabin built on the site of Au-
gusta. In February, 1S36, the town was laid out by the proprie-
tors, William D. Abernethy, Joel Catlin and Dr. S. B. Mead. Oc-
tober 1, 1834, Dr. Mead was appointed " Surgeon Mate" in the
regiment of militia for Hancock county, by Dr. Isaac Galland,
Colonel; September 12, 1S40, he was appointed Postmaster at Au-
gusta; Nov. li, 184:0, tooiv charge of the same and continued as
Postmaster until Feb. 2, 1857. He received the first mail carried
by railroad into Augusta, Feb. 6, 1856. He has kept meteorological
observations for the Smithsonian Institution at Washington, D. C,
nearly since its beginning — till it turned them over to the War
Department, and he still keeps them. He has many years devoted
much time to the study of botany, and has discovered several inter-
esting plants. As a botanist he lias a world-wide reputation, fre-
quently receiving letters from Europe and other distant places,
asking for information in matters pertaining to plants, etc. Several
plants are named after him.

Dr. Mead was married to Arietta Purdy Jan. 9, 1822, daughter
of Ebeuezer Purdy, Esq., of North Salem, ^Yestchester county, N. Y.
She was born July 27, 1804. They had 6 children. Only one is
now living, Mrs. Velia Bredett, of Augusta. Mrs. Mead died May
7, 1865. April 18, 1866, the Doctor married his present wife,
whose name was Martha Putnam, of Putnam, Ohio, and whose
father was a nephew of Gen. Rufus Putnam, the founder of Ma-
rietta, Ohio. They had one child, Ora Mead, born Aug. 23, 1868.
The Doctor is still living at Augusta, very pleasantly and comfort-
ably situated, and is respected and honored bj' all. Although now
nearly SI years of age, he is still active, with his mental faculties
unimpaired, and is prepared to enjoj' life for many years to come;
that it may be so is the wish of many friends. His portrait is
foiind in this volume.

William H. Mead, attorney at law, is a son of Horace and Mary
B. Mead, both natives of Conn., where he was born July 10, 1839.
He commenced the study of the law iji 1861, and was admitted to
the Bar in 1862, and has been practicing up to the present time,
commanding a good patronage. He was married in this county in
1862, to Ann Y. Bacon, a native of Yermont, born in 1841, and
they are the parents of 7 children — Mary V., Millie B., Charlie,
Allie A., John A., Nellie and Jennie. Mr. M. owns one lot with
dwelling, and 185 acres of farm land, worth $50 per acre. He has
been Supervisor of his township ten years; Village Trustee fifteen
years; is a member of the A. O. U. W. and 1. O. M. A. He is a
Presbyterian.

F. H. C. Nei.ccomb, farmer and stock-raiser, is a son of P. P.
and Sarah A. (^Munson) Newcomb, the former a native of Massachu-

52i HISTORT OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

setts and the latter of Vermont. He was born in 1829, and in 1860
he married Sarah E. Gordon, a native of Jfew York, born in 1840.
Mr. N. owns 220 acres of land in this tp., and 2-40 in Kansas.
Mr. and Mrs. Newcomb are the parents of 4 children, John E.,
Sarah A., Susan and Martha. Mr. N. makes the raising of fine
horses a specialty, having some very fine and fast trotting horses,
and also pacing horses. He is one of the solid and influential men
of his count)'.

P. P. Nexocomh was born in this county January 15, 1834, and
is a son of P. P. and Sarah (Munson) Newcomb, natives of Ver-
mont. He came with his parents to this county in 1830, first
settling in Schuyler county, and in Augusta in 1S36. He is at
present engaged in the lumber trade, also keeps a good stock of
agricultural implements on hand, and deals in grain. He has
taught several terms of school, has been Supervisor of his tp.
four years, and belongs to the Masonic order. He was married in
this count}', Jan. 15, 1869, to Mercy Compton, a native of this
county, born in 1841. They are the parents of 4 children, James
C, Alia H., Mary C. and Helen. Mr. N. is a Republican. P. O.,
Augusta.

Savuiel PiclcBns, farmer section 35; P. O., Augusta; is one of
the most extensive farmers in this tp. He owns 700 acres of land,
and was at one time an extensive cattle, horse and mule dealer.
He was born in Pennsylvania in 1810, and came to this county in
1S50, where he still resides. In 1889 he married N^aucy Steele, and
they have 9 children, "William A., Mary E., George W,, Jehu P.,
Allen S., Arthur A., Edward J., Margaret J. and Amelia E. Mr.
P. is a Democrat.

TF- J. Pitney, Justice of the Peace and Collector, was born in
1824 and raised on a farm ; was married in Ohio in 1846 to Anna
Eichard, a native of Ohio, and they have had 7 children, 3 of
whom are living, Frank B., Florence T. and Wilborn E. Mr. P.
has been Justice of the Peace 14 years; he owns" 30 acres of land
joining Augusta, and one lot with dwelling, and five other lots. He
is a member of the M. E. Church and a Eepublican.

James Stark was born in the ■ town and parish Auchter-
muchty, Fifeshire, Scotland, about 1817. Parents were James
and Jessie(Dron) Stark, both natives of the same place in Scotland.
When his mother died, his father came to the United States, in
1837, locating in Hancock county, where he died, aged about 42.
Our subject came to America in 1836, locating at Jacksonville,
111., and afterward at this place. In 1838 he was married to Miss
Mary York, who was born in 1820, in Kentucky, a daughter of
Newman \ ork.

Of this marriage were born James W., John N., Ellen M. (now
the wife of D. P. Coft'man, of Augusta, this county), and Mary J.
In 1842 the subject of this sketch first came to Hancock county,
locating at Augusta, where he immediateh' established himself in
the mercantile business, and may be classed among the very first

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 525

merchants who sold goods at that place; has continued to carry on
a mercantile business at Augusta from the date of his first estab-
lishment in lSi2 until the present time, without intermission.
The stj'le of the fii-m is now J. & G. Stark, his brother George
being the partner. They now carry on an average a $6,000 stock
of general goods, and employ four clerks. Our subject had but very
little of this world's goods on arriving in America, but with that
indomitable pluck and perseverance which is a characteristic of his
countrymen he set to work to make a competence for himself and
posterity, and with nothing Imt his hands and a fair education to
start with, his success has been complete. He is the owner of one
of the pleasantest residences in Augusta, in which he lives with
his famil}', and has some 6i0 acres of fine farm lauds in the vicinity.
Mr. Stark is a member of the Christian Church, of which he has
been an Elder, or preacher, for nearly 40 years, and is now acting
in that capacity each alternate Sabbath in Augusta. Mr. S. has
served as Supervisor eight or ten years in Augusta tp. He was
elected to the Illinois Legislature in lS46-'7 on the Anti-Mormon
ticket, in which capacity he served with honor to himself and the
general satisfaction of his constituents. Since the oi'ganization ot
the Republican party he has acted with them. He served as
Presidential Elector of this district in 1860, when President
Lincoln was elected. He has taken a decided and active part in
political afiairs, having ''stumped" the county on several occasions in
the interests of Republicanism. As one of Hancock county's pioneer
citizens and an honorable, upright. Christian gentleman, we give
Mr. Stark's portrait.

Some 11 years since Mr. S., in company with his wife and
daughter, made the tour of Europe, visiting his native country
(Scotland) on the round. The trip occupied some six months.
Again, in 1S76, he visited his native place, making a five months'
visit, accompanied by his wife and daughter.

James R. Stark, farmer, was born in this county in 1852, and
was married in this count}' in 1872 to Sophronia Sullivan, also a
native of Hancock coimty, born in 1852. They have 2 living
children, Carroll and Jessie. Clyde is deceased. They live on the
old homestead on sec. 3. Mr. S. is a member of the Christian
Church and is a Republican.

TF". L. Stochton, farmer, sec. 23; P. O., Augusta; was born
in Kentucky in 1818 and emigrated to Morgan county. 111., where
he married in 1849, Miss Frances A. White, who was born in Ken-
tucky in 1828. They have 6 living children — Mary, wife of F.
J. Holt, of this tp., Josephine, Charles E.. James B., George
C, and Allen L. Two are deceased. The removal of the family to
Hancock county was in 1864. Mr. S. is a Mason and an Odd
Fellow; a member of the Christian Church and a Democrat.

William Sullivaji, farmer, sec. 9; P. 0., Augusta; was born
in New Jersey- in 1817, and is a son of Benjamin and Rachel Sul-
livan, both of Irish descent. He was raised on a farm, and he has

526 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

followed fanning through life. He was married in Schuyler county,
this State, in 1842, to Jane Mahuran, who was born in Vermont in
1S20, and died in 1S57. The}' had 3 children — -Sallie, wife of
John Stewart, of this tp. ; Sophronia, wife of James R. Stark;
and Mary, wife of AVilliam McClure. In 1859 he married Mary
Tucker, born in Virginia in 1S27, and they have one child, George
F., born in 1861. Mr. S. owns 170 acres of fine farm land. He
was in Carthage the day Joe Smith was killed. He is a Republican.
. S. G. Swansoji, farmer, sec. 5; P. O., Augusta; was born in
Sweden in 1845, and came to this county in 1860. In 1875 he mar-
ried Anna Hillock, of Wisconsin, daughter of Nelson and Emma
(Powell) Hillock, and they have one child, Lewella, born Jul}' 3,
1877. Mr. S. owns 160 acres of line farm land, is a member of the
A. 0. U. W., and also of the Lutheran Church. The father ot
Mrs. S. was one of the pioneers of this county, having settled here
iu 1835, and he was all throngli the Mormon war. Her mother
was, born in 1811, and is still living.

D. H. Sicisegood, farmer, sec. 12; P. O., Augusta; was born in
North Carolina in 1822 and came to this county in 1846. He was
married in Schuyler county in 1847, to Anna C. Ilaynes, a native
of North Carolina, and born in 1823. They aw- the parents ot
9 children, of whom 6 are living — John T., Lauretta, Cornelia
A., wife of Joseph Ogle; Lida, George P. and Thomas. Three
infants are deceased. Mr. S. is a Mason and a Democrat.

Sam^cel Tarr, farmer and stock dealer, is a son of John and Re-
becca Tarr, natives of Virginia and of German descent. He was
born in 1813 in Ohio, and came to this county in 1862, settling in
Augusta. He was married in Ohio in 1833, to Nancy Hollenshead,
also a native of Ohio and born in 1813, of French descent. Mr.
and Mrs. Tarr are the parents of 6 children — Mandana B., wife
of Robert Ruys, of Iowa; Pinckney, John, Lemira, wife of Robert
Johnson, of Iowa; George and Mary A. Mr. T. is a Democrat.

Thomas G. Thornton, farmer; P. O., Augusta; was born in North
Carolina in 1824, and has followed farming through life. He came
to this county in 1858; was married in Precise county, N. C, in
1845, to Rachel Smith, born in N. C. in 1820 and died in 1876.
They had 9 children — Oliver C, Martha A., Jacob B., Cleopatra,
John H., Sanford V., Lona M. and Victoria, deceased. In 1878 he
married again. He came to this county in 1858, where he now
owns 60 acres of good farm land. He belongs to the M. E. Church,
is a Freemason, and a Democrat.

Elian E. Wade, farmer, sec. 2; P. O., Plymouth; was born in
Pennsylvania in 1832; was married in this county in 1862 to Mar-
garet N. Bowen, who was born in this count}' in 1842 and died in
1875. They had 3 children — James, Nancy and Martha. In
1878 Mr. W. married Plarriet Richards, born in Indiana in 1853.
They have had one child, an infant, deceased. Mr. W. owns 100
acres of good land.

Robert T. Wade, farmer and stock dealer, sec. 2 ; owns 400 acres

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COCNTI. 527

of land, worth $40 per acre. He was born in Schuyler county, this
State, in 183S. In 1859 he was married in this county, to Mary
Fowler, also a native of Schuyler county, born in 1837, and they
have 7 children — Sarah, Celestia, George. Mary, David, Roliert
and Ethel. Mr. Wade deals extensively in hogs and cattle, buying
and shipping them. He is a Democrat.

Frederick M. Walio?i. — This pioneer, of whom a portrait is
given in this volume from a photo taken at the age of 65 years, was
a native of Masou county, Ky., where he was born Jan. 9, 1809.
He was a son of William and Barbara Walton, both natives of
Kentucky, and of German and Welsh descent. The subject of this
sketch was raised in the occupation of a farmer, which he success-
fully followed through life. He came to this county in 1835, set-
tling on sec. 8, in Augusta tp., where he remained until his death,
April 9. 1880. Mr. AValton was married in Mason county, Kv., in
1831, to Emily Kice, also a native of Kentucky, and a daughter of
Ezekiel and Fanny (Garnett) Rice, both natives of Virginia, and of
German ancestry. From this union there were 8 children. 6 ot
whom are living. Their names are Wesley and Jolin, born iu
Kentucky, Frances, Matilda. Wm. C, Simeon M. and Malvina, who
died aged 2J years, and Moses S., who died aged about IS years.
All those living are settled in life and holding highly respectable
positions in society. Mr. Walton had but little means; but pos-
sessing in an eminent degree a high order of intelligence, strict in-
tegrity and industry, he accumulated a large property, owning at
one time about 1,000 acres of land, the most of which he had distrib-
uted among his children during his life, leaving the homestead of
some 200 acres at his death. On this place his widow now resides
with her youngest son, Simeon M. In his younger days, Mr. F.
M. Walton participated quite actively in public affairs, and was on
various occasions elected to local offices of trust and responsibility,
which he tilled with honor to himself and fidelity to the public.
He was an honest, conscientious man, an excellent neighbor, and a
true husband and fatlier, in ever}' sense a good citizen and respected
bv all who knew him. His remains were laid in the family burial
place upon the home farm in Augusta tp. He was a member of
the Baptist Church. His funeral was conducted by Elder McCor-
mick, of the Missionary Baptist Church, of Plymouth, assisted b}-
the venerable Joseph Batts, now iu his 91 st year, who knew him
when a boy in Kentuek}'.

John Walton, farmer and stock dealer; P. O., Plymouth; was
born in Kentuckj' in 1834. He owns 200 acres of land worth $40
per acre. He was married in this county in 18G5 to Mary Fowler,
a native of Connecticut, born in 1815; they are the parents of 6
children, — Ruth L., Moses S., Frederick W., Hugh A., Mary E. and
Fannj' A. Mr. W. is an influential farmer, a member of the
Baptist Church and a Masou.

George Watt, retired merchant, was born in Scotland in 1816,
and came to this count}- in 1841, settling in Nauvoo, and came to

528 HISTOftY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Aug:usta in 1S65. He was married in Scotland in 1S35 to Mary
McAndrew, born in ISl!?. They have had 7 children, 6 ot
whom are living, — Margaret, wife of Oliver G-ay, of Quinc}':
George, Charles, Mary A., wife of John Easterday; Bird and
Josephine, wife of Thomas Roina; Samuel is deceased. Mr. "W.
has been Postmaster and has filled other offices. He is a Dem-
ocrat.

Henry Welhorn, farmer, sec. 7; P. O., Augusta; was born in
North Carolina in 1S17, and is a son of Samuel and Catharine
(Clinard) "Welborn, both natives of North Carolina. He came to
this connty in 1850, and is an influential citizen.' He has always
followed farming, owns 150 acres of farm land. He was first mar-
ried in North Carolina in 1849. to Phcebe Haney, born in that
State in 1S26 and died in 1850. They had one child, Julia, wife of
Thomas Garwood, of this tp. Mr. W. then married Lucinda
Bodenhammer, a native of this State, born in 1832 and died in 1855,
leaving one child, John; in 1856 he married Alice Harrison, born
in Indiana in 1817. Mr. W. has been Road Commissioner one
term, is a Freemason and a Democrat.

E. B. West, butcher, son of Solomon and Harriet (Bichnoll)
"West, both of English descent, was born in Peimsylvania in 1844;
came to this county in 1857, and settled in Augusta. He was
married in Schuyler county, this State, in 1866, to Alice Melvin, a
native of this State, boru in 1846, and they are the parents of 5
children, — Harriet, Earl, Edith, Solomon and William. He owns 10
acres of land joining Augusta, two lots, one with house and one
with shop. He served in the late war and was in several hard-fought
battles; was in Andersonville prison.

Daniel D. Worrnan, farmer, sec. 30; P. O., Augusta, was born
in Pennsylvania, in 1828, where he was married in 1848 to Catha-
rine Myers, also a native of that State, born in 1830 and died in 1869.
They had 7 children, — Lawrence, Elizabetli, John, George, Abra-
ham, Mary and Catharine. In 1870 he was married in Pennsyl-
vania to Mary A. Strowfer, born in Pennsylvania in 1829, and
they have one child, Ada. Mr. W. is a member of the United
Brethren Church and a Republican.

Albert L. Yates, deceased, was born in New York in 1828, and
died, in 1865. He was married in this county in 1849 to Mary M.
Saunders, and they have 6 living children, — Mar}^ C, wife o'f
Elias Agnew; Christopher E., Charles H., Gracie C, Carrie B.,
and Everett L. Mr. Yates had but little to commence life with,
but by industry, perseverance and economy he accumulated consid-
erable property. He owned 500 acres of land. His widow lives
on the old homestead on sec. 14.

Henry A. Young, harness-maker, on the west side ot Main
street, Augusta, is a son of Colwell and Mary Young, both of Eng-
lish descent. He was born in Virginia, January 27, 1820. At the
age of 14 he learned the harness trade, which he has since followed.
He came to Augusta in 1844, was married in New York in 1840,

HISTORY OF -HANCOOK COUNTY. 529

to Abigail D. Graw, born in ISTew York in 1S22 and died in 1862.
They had 5 children; 2 are living, — Henry W. and Mary E. The
deceased are Julia Snsan^and Abigail. Dec. 29, 1863, Mr. Young
married Mary A. Van Brunt, a native of New York, born in 182S,
and their children are Alexander, Alnilda, Julia, Cihvell, Benja-
min and George. Mr. Young has been School Director and
Trustee ; has been President of the Town Board, and High Priest of
the Roj'al Arch Masons. Is a Christian and a Republican. Owns
three lots with dwelling and one lot with shop; keeps a good stock
of harness on hand.

TOWNSHIP OFFICEES.

Here is a schedule of the principal town officers of Augusta
township since its organization, as fully as the returns enabled us
to compile:

SUPERVISOES,

James Stark 1850 .James Stark 1876

P. P. Newcomb 1861 P. P. Newcomb 1877

Wm. H. Mead 1SC5 H. L. Beard 1880

Andrew J. Winfield 1874

CLEEKS.

Giles Hawley 1868 E. W. Wood 1871

I.B. Leach 1861 Ell Gillett 1874

William Cassaday 1865 W.H.Watson 1877

A.B. Crooks 1806 I. B. Leach -.1880

Jas. C. Bertholff 1869

Giles Hawley 1858 E. P. Hawley 1868

J. R. Combs 1861 A. G. Bacon 1870

B. J. Lono; 1863 E. P. Hawley 1871

J. C. Bertholf 1863 John W. Browning 1874

J. A. Dexter 1864 E. P. Hawley 1875

F. M. Kinsey 1805 John Avery 1876

Wm. Rowland 1866 E. P. Hawley 1880

Wm. J. Pitney 1867

COLLECTOES.

Beniamin Bacon 1858 Robert Booker 1875

E.P. Hawley 1861 A.J. Winfield 1876

Henrv A. Young 1863 D. E. Belden 1877

W. J.'Pitnev 1864 Wm. JIcGilVery , 1877

A. J. Winfi'eld 1866 Abner Murphy 1878

A. L.Weed 1867 D.J. Kuiss 1879

Wm. C Cassaday 1872 A. J. Winfield 1880

L B. Leach 1874

CHILI TOWNSHIP.

Township 3-6 received its much-mispronoiinced name from the
little viIlao;e of Chili, near its southwest corner. This village was
laid out bj Elisha Worrell, Esq., one of its early and much
respected pioneers, in the year 1S36. The township is composed
mainly of prairie land, though the head waters of Bear and
Panther creeks supply it with some small bodies of wood land.
Considerable of it is rather flat prairie, while other portions are
rolling and well drained. It contains much valuable farm land,
and a large proportion of well-improved and productive farms.
This township is settled by an intelligent and enterprising class of
emigrants from many of the States of the Union.

Its only villages are Chili, before mentioned, and Bowen, of later
origin, built on the line of the Toledo, Wabash & Western Rail-
road. These towns are both in tlie midst of thriving communities.
The former has grown but little and begins to show age, and prob-
ably contains no greater population than it did twenty years ago.
Bowen was laid out in 1863 by Mr. Peter C. Bowen, from whom
it derives its name. It is six miles due west from Augusta, and
about fourteen southeast from the county seat.

The postoffice was established in Chili when Amos Kendall
was Postmaster-General, Moses Stevens, postmabter, and Elisha
Worrell assistant, and performing the duties. After him came
George N. Crowley, then Alfred T. Dickinson for a year or so,
then Mr. Crowley again for several years, then J. Clarkson Caine
for a year or two, then Mr. Crowley again, who still holds the
office, having held it for from thirty to thirty-five years — one of
the oldest postmasters in the county.

Among the earlier settlers in this township we may mention
Stephen Owen, Sr., and his sons Ainsley, John L., B. C, Archi-
bald C, Isaac and William, who were immigrants of 1831 ; William
Pike and his sons John, Thomas, William and James, who were
settlers of 1832; Joseph Stevens and his sons John, George,
Joseph and Frank, 1833; S. Garner and Evan Bettisworth and
his sons David, Charles and Evan, Jr., in 1833. Then we have
among those whose date' of settlement we cannot exactlj- fix, the
names of Rev. Joseph Worrell, David F. Parker, and his son
Samuel C. Parker; Wm. Sullivan, Stephen Tripp, John Wilhite,
Joseph Harter, David Todd, Alpha Forsythe, John and James Prutz-
man, Zachariah, Henry, David and Woods, and Geo. N. Crowley.
There may be others whose settlement in the township was as
earl}' as some of these, but whose names we cannot now recall.
Many of these pioneers are since deceased; others have removed
(530)

'a-t/'/yf'

CHILI T.P.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 533

from the townsliip to make homes elsewhere, while a few of the
younger class, with here and there a white head among them,
remain.

RELIGIOUS PROGRESS.

Of the Methodist Episcopal Church, the Revs. Oliver, Elliott
and Griggs are remembered as being among the earliest. The
date of their ministry is not iixed. Meetings were held in houses
of members, or in such school-hou.ses as were in existence. Rev.
Peter Cartwright, so well known everywhere, is remembered as
having held services there in early days. The history of the M.
E. Church in Chili, other than as above, we have failed to obtain.
Concerning the Presbyterian we have been more successful. To
Mr. J. Clarkson Caine, deacon in said hurch, Cwe are indebted for
the following sketch of its history:

" In IS-il Rev. Joseph Buffington came and preached here and at
Woodville, in Adams county, where there was a Congregational
Church organized (he was liew School Presbyterian). During his
stay here there was a brick house of worship built of 20 I)}- 30
feet, then supposed to be lai-ge enough to accommodate the place
for some time; this was in 1843.

" In January, 1847, Rev. Edward Hollister, assisted by Rev.
Warren Nichols, organized a Church here, called the First Presby-
terian Church of Chili, consisting of the following named persons:
Levi Weldin, John Slater, David F. Parker, Samuel C. Parker,
Stephen A. Eckley, George J. Weldin, Jonathan W. Todd, David
G. Todd, Joseph C. Caine, Eliza Weldin, Jemima Todd, Mary
T. Hollister, Tryphena Holden, Elizabeth Eckley, Sarah E. Todd,
Mary A. Caine, Mary T. Hollister, 2d, Emily G. Hollister, Eliza J.
Dee, Eleanor Howell, and Sarah Ann Worrell, and soon after,
Elisha Worrell.

" In May, 1847, Daniel F. Parker was chosen an Elder. Rev. E.
Hollister continued to preach here until Dec, 1850. The Church
was then supplied with occasional preaching by Rev. Henry Aber-
nethy till 1857. Rev. Joseph Worrell took charge of it at that
date, and continued till April, 1868, when Rev. James T. Bliss took
charge, and continued with it till 1870. In 1S72 Rev. John C.
Wagaraan came and preached for the people till Sept., 1877.

■'In 1878 Rev. Bloomfield Wall took charge of the Church, and
is its present supply."

Elders. — John Mills and Josepli C. Caine, 1857; Wm. Kennedy,
1855; David G. Todd, 1866; Alex Cochran, 1879.

The Society used the little brick house till 1867, when a much
larger frame was built, and is still in use.

In Bowen there is a Congregational and also a Methodist Episco-
pal Church; both been built since the town was begitn in 1863.
We have no data concerning them.

Up in the northwest corner of the township is a Church belong-
ing to the Second Adventist denomination, and in which they wor-
ship. No statistics of this congregation obtained.

534 HISTOEY OF HANCOCK CODNTT.

PERSONAL SKETCHES.

We refrain from dwelling longer on the general history of the
township, or any of its villages, choosing rather to devote the space
to giving personal sketches of tlie more prominent citizens, heliev-
ing such sketches are of equal importance and afford greater
interest.

E. 'W. Bennett, farmer, was born in Vermont in 1S19, the son
of Oliver and Mary (Rice) Bennett, natives of Vermont, and of
English descent. He was educated at the academy at "Waterford,
Penn.; spent his early life in teacliing; in 1S43 he married Mary
Pratt, and of their 3 children 2 are living: E. J. and Mary
L. Mrs. B. is a member of the Presbyterian Church in Chili.
Mr. W's father moved from Vermont to Pennsylvania, and in
1856 E. W. came West and settled near Lawrence, Kan.; in about
six years he came to Fulton county, 111., and in 1863 to Hancock
county, settling at Chili; while in Kansas he was robbed by the
border ruffians. He is a Republican, has been Commissioner of
Highways, Justice of tlie Peace in Chili tp. 10 or 12 years. He
owns 80 acres of land joining Chili and 40 near Bowensburg, and
has been successful as a farmer; he has a nice herd of short-horn
and otlier cattle and raises large-size Berkshire swine.

Franhlin Carlin, farmer, sec. 18; P.O., West Point; was born
in Maryland Oct. 27, 1811, son of Josiah and Elizabeth (Hughes)
Cariin, natives of Maryland, and of French descent; received his
education in the common schools; Jan. 5, 1868, he married Hannah
Brian, and they have one son and two daughters. She is a member
of the M. E. Church in Chili; he is a Republican. He came from
Maryland to Illinois in 1865, settling near Columbus, Adains
county, where he worked on a farm by the month till he was
married; after that he rented a farm; he came to Hancock county
in 1876, locating on sec. 18, this tp., where he owns a farm,and has
been moderatelj' successful. He is now serving his second term
as School Trustee, and is a Justice of the Peace. In 1862 he
enlisted in Co. H, 8th Md. Inft., and was discharged August 27,
1863.

Elijah C'rossland, farmer and butcher, sec. 11; P.O., Bowen;
was born in Fayette count}'. Pa., in 1821, the son of Elijah and
Catharine (Smith) Crossland, natives of Marj'land, father of English
descent and mother of German. In 1850 he married Margaret
Strickler, and they have had 6 sons and 2 daughters, all of
whom are living. Mrs. C. died Dec. 10, 1871, a member of the
M. E. Church. Mr. C. came to Illinois in 1862, settling in Adams
county, where he followed farming, and in 1869 he came to this
county, settling in Chili, where he owns two farms. He is really
one of the neatest farmers in the county. In politics he is a
Republican.

Richard Eells, farmer, sec. 24; P.O.,Bowen; was born in Adams
county, 111., in 1837, the son of William E. and Eliza (Bester) Eells,

HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 536

natives of Connecticut, and of English ancestry. Dec. 11, 1860,
he married Susan Gabriel, and the}' have 5 cliildren living.
She is a member of the M. E. Church, and he is a Kepublican, and
has been School Director and Trustee and Road Commissioner.
He came to this county in 1862, and now has 2Si acres of farming
land. He has made all that he now owns since 1S63, except a team ;
he buys and ships hogs; has run a threshing-machine IS 3'ears,
and at present owns and runs a steam thresher; he ran the first
steam thresher ever operated in this part of the county; he has
also been selling agricultural implements in Bowen.

S. E. Elliott, farmer, was born in Union tp., Butler county, O.,
in 1816, the son of C. and Elizabeth (Enyart) Elliott,natives of the
Empire State; Mr. E's grandfather settled in Butler county, O., in
1801. The subject of this sketch has been successful as a farmer,
but at present has sold all of his farming land, retaining a neat
and substantial residence in Chili. In 1867 lie married Catharine
Newland, and they have a son and a daughter. Mrs. E. is a Pres-
byterian, and Mr. E. is a Republican.

Shivered Garner, farmer, sec. 3; P. O., Denver; was born in
Morgan county. 111, Feb. 1, 1832, son of "William and Sarah
(Robertson) Garner; father was born in 1791:, in the South, has
lived in Illinois nearly half a century; can see to read without
spectacles, walks almost erect, retaining tlie soldier step which he
learned in the war of 1S12; in that war he served a year with the
Rangers; he has spent the most of his useful life as a farmer, and
is now'the oldest man living in Chili tp. His son Shiveral has also
been a successful farmer, owning at present 285 acres of land, 45 ot
which is timber. At the age of 24 he married Miss Cynthia A.
Jackson, and they have had 9 children, 7 of whom are living. He
and his wife are both members of the M. E. Church, and in
politics he is a Republican. He has been School Director several
terms in the district where he now lives.

T. N. Gillis, farmer; residence, Bowen; was born in East Ten-
nessee in 1835, the son of John and Mary (Register) Gillis, the
former a native of Virginia, and of English descent, and the latter
of Delaware, of Irish descent; received his education in the com-
mon schools of Iowa; in 1859 he married Miss R. E. Haworth, and
their children are William T. and Ella May. He emigrated to
Adams county, 111., in 1858, and into this county in 1864, settling
northwest of Bowen; for four years he kept a general store at
Denver, and in 1870 he moved it to Bowen. He and his brother
bought the mill in Bowen, ran it two years, sold out, and went to
traveling. At the present time he is dealing in grain, and enjoying
fair success. He has 55 acres of good land. He is a Republican,
and while at Denver he was Postmaster; is also a member of the
M. E. Church.

John M. Graham, farmer, sec. 17; P. O., Bowen; was born
in Ohio March 16. 1S33, the son of Theodore and Elizabeth
(Meekens) Graham, the former of Irish descent, and the latter of

536 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Scottish, and born in Ohio. In 185S he married Sarilda E. Stewart,
and. of their 2 children Emma is living, who was born Dec. 27,
1860, and was married in 1877, to Alvin Sfott, a farmer in this
county. Mrs. G-. is a member of the Adventist Church. Mr. G.
is a Democrat, has been a School Director nine years, and School
Trustee three years. He came to Illinois in 1851. settling in
Adams county; in 1853 he came to this county, settling on sec.
19, Augusta tp. ; thence in 1863 he moved to section 17, Chili tp.
He has 160 acres of good land and is entirely out of debt. He is a
public-spirited man, believes in modern enterprises and scientific
farming, employing intelligent help.

John OTijfitts, grain and stock-raiser, sec. 14; P. O., Bowen;
was born March 4, 1830, son of William and Mary (Cain) Griflitts,
natives of Tennessee, father of Prussian descent, and mother of
German; he received no education; was brought by his parents to
this county when only one year old. Oct. 15, 1865, he married
Amanda Hopson, and of their 3 children '2 are living. Mr. G.
was present in 1843 when the first threshing-macliine was started
in Hancock county by Mr. Robison; it was a '' chafl'-piler. " Mr. G.
also owned and ran the first thresher in Chili tp., in 1850, and he
continued business with it for 11 years. In 1844 he helped to run
the first reaper he ever saw. He has made all he owns by his own
exertions, having had to run in debt for his first machine. He has
split more rails than Mr. Lincoln ever did. Mr. G. is a Democrat,
and is now School Director. He owns 250 acres of land, which he
fenced and improved when there was no improved land joining him.

J. V. Harter, farmer, sec. 5; P. O., Denver; was born in Vir-
ginia in 1829, the son of Christian and Orpah (Wilson) Harter,
natives of Virginia, father of German and mother of Irish ancestry;
was educated in the common schools of this county; in May, 1852,
lie married Barbara Ann Summers, and of their 9 children 7 are
boys. Mr. Harter's emigration to this county was in 1835, and he
has lived here ever since, except that he ran a saw-mill in Wiscon-
sin a short time, and a grist-mill in Iowa; and he also kept store
three years. When he first came to St. Mary's Prairie there was
nothing to ripple that tall grass besides the wind, and now and then
a deer's tail could be seen above the grass sailing along. Mr.
Harter started with 100 acres of land, but he has now 480 acres.
He has the best stock-farm in tlie county. Near tlie center of his
farm is a natural curiosity in the shape of an ever-living spring,
which occasionally sends up bubljles of sulphureted hydrogen gas,
that can be lighted with a match. In politics Mr. H. is a
Democrat.

Joi^eph Harter, farmer, sec. 6; P. O., Denver; was biirn in
Franklin county, Va., May 9, 1809, son of Henry and Elizabeth
(Young) Harter, natives of the same county, and of German descent.
Tiae Harters first settled in Maryland, and the Youngs were early
settlers in Virginia; one of tlie latter was a Captain under Gener^.
Washington in the war of the Revolution. Joseph's father came ^

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 537

this county about 183i or 1835, settling in St. Mary's tp., where
he followed I'arrainu;; he died in 1S56, aged about 80 years, a mem-
ber of the old Baptist Church. His wife died in 1865, a member
of the same Church; they are both buried on the old farm. In
1833 Mr. Joseph Harter married Susannah Dodd, a native of Vir-
ginia and a daughter of Benjamin and Mary Dodd, probably of
English descent. Sixteen years after his marriage he sold out
everything except two span of horses and some houseiiold goods,
and, with them and his family of a wife and S children, emi-
grated to this county, arrivins' late in the fall of 1849, and he rented
a quarter of land east of Warsaw, which he worked the following
season; in 1850 he bought the northeast quarter of sec. 6, this tp.;
on the south part of this quarter there was a log house about 18
feet square and nearl3-two stories high; into this building he moved
his family in 1851, and here they lived eight or ten 3-ears, making
some additions to the building; in 1857 Mr. H. builthis present-resi-
dence, of brick, 20 by 40, two stories high, and the L 14 by 24 feet,
with good barns and outbuildings. The old homestead now consists
of 720 acres of fine land, and Mr. H. has about 150 acres in other
places. He came to this county with a property of only ,§1,500;
he is now one of the most prosperous and extensive farmers in the
county. In politics he is a Jacksonian Democrat; and although
taking considerable interest in political matters, he has never
allowed iiimself to run for ofBce. Himself and wife are members
of the old Baptist Church, and have been for many years. Mr. H.
has always been liberal in his contributions to the support of relig-
ion and education, probably more than his proportion. Children — •
George; Mary, dec; Caleb, who died in California at theage of 27;
Henry. Sarah, Josepli, Harve}', Alverda. Isaac Foster, who is prac-
ticing medicine in Illinois near Burlington, Iowa; Ballard; William,
who died in infancy; and Leander Douglass. The first 8 were born
in Virginia, and were brought b\' their parents in emigration to
this count}'; and the last 4 were born in this county. We give
Mr. Harter's portrait in this volume.

William Herring, farmer, sec. 6; P. O., Denver; was born in
Brown county. 111., Dec. 7, 1835, the son of John C. and Lucinda
(Rush) Herring, father a native of Alabama and of Irish ancestry,
and mother a native of Kentucky and of German and English de-
scent; received his education in the common schools of Brown county
and Perry, Pike Co.; April 22, 1860, he married Rachel Ingram;
their 3 children, Nelson, Mary F. and Harvey, are all living.
Mr. and Mrs. H. are members of the Adventist Church, which
meets at the Antioch house of worship, in Chili; and Mr. H. is a
Democrat. He came to Hancock count}' in February, 1865, and
now owns 130 acres ol Ipnd, besides seven shares of the home place,
amounting to 184^ acres

Joseph Ivins, nurseryman in Bowen, was born in Butler county
O., in 1828. and is the son of Daniel and Theodocia (Cuberla) Ivins,
natives of New Jersey; he received his education principally in

53S HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Franklin College, Indiana; in 1S59 he married Hetty Fordyce, and
of their 7 children 6 are living, 3 of each sex. He and wife are
members of the JI. E. Chnrch, and he is a Democrat. He came to
this county in 1S5.5, stopping in La Harpe a short time, and then
went to Basco, and in ls62 to Bowen and engaged in raising Osage
orange hedge plants, but has extended his business to that of a gen-
eral nursery, in which lie is successful; he has more orders this
year than he can supply. He seldom employs an agent.

Samuel H. Kelley, farmer, sec. 18; P. O., West Point; was
born in Adams county, HI., in 1S47. The eldest son of Joseph
and Jane (Seaton) Kelley, natives of Kentucky, father of Irish and
German ancestry, and mother of English; father was a farmer all
his life. The subject of this sketch received his education in the
common schools, and at the graded schools at Cam]) Point, 111.
Dec. 4, 1873, he married Clara E. Truitt, a native of Kentucky,
and a good cook. Of their 3 children these 2 are living, Eden
Irene, born Jan. 8, 1S75, and Warren Ebert, May S", 1879.
Mr. Kelley is a member of the Christian Church, and his wife ot
the M. E. Church; in politics he is a Republican. He came to
Hancock countv in 1S76, and he now owns 80 acres of land on sec.
18, Chili tp.

A. T. King, farmer, sec. 22; P. O., Bowen; was born in Ohio
in 1836, and is the son of William and Mary (Bonde) King, the
former a native of Pennsylvania. Mr. King was in the dry-goods
business four years in Ohio. In 1850 he married Miss T. W. Pome-
roy, who is a member of the Congregational Church. He is a
Republican. He came to this county in 1851, settled in St. A.lbans
tp., and in 1853 in Chili tp. Oct. 10, 1861, he enlisted in Co. I,
10th Mo. Inf., and was transferred to Co. C, where he served nearly
two years, when he was commissioned Captain in the 50th U. S.C.
T., and was mustered out March 25, 1865, at Yicksbnrg. In 1877-'8
he kept hotel in Keokuk. He Jiow has a farm of 65 acres.

William S . Liini, physician, sec. 21; P.O., Bowen; was born
in Ohio in 1829, and is the son of John and Nancy (Gant) Linn,
father a native of Pennsylvania, and mother of North Carolina.
He received his education in the common school in Adams county,
111., and his medical education at Iowa University, where he gradu-
ated in 1852; after practicing one year in Adams county he came
to Chili, but since 1868 he has been on sec. 21, where he owns 230
acres of land. In 1855 ho married Mary Ann Smith, and they
have 1: children living. Mrs. L. is a member of the Presbyterian
Church. The Doctor is a Republican, and as a physician has an
extensive practice.

Wilfo7'd W. Manlove, was born in Knox count}', 111., April 4,
1841, and is the son of J. H. and Susan (Cecil) Manlove; father a
uative of North Carolina, and mother of Kentucky, and both of
French ancestry; attended school but three months in iiis life, and
is a self-made man. Nov. 10, 1871, he married Sarah Waggoner,
and they have 2 boys, Lawrence L. and George S.,- about eight and

HISTOKT OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 539

seven years of age respectively. Mr. and Mrs. M. are members of the
M. E. Church, and he is a Republican. Mr. M. came to Hancock
county in 1867, settlint; on sec. 29. Aug. 14, 1862, he enlisted in
Co. D, TSth 111, Vol. Inf., under Captain Black, of Carthage, and
was discharged May 18, 1865. He was teamster the first year, and
after that was in all the battles. A brother of his was killed at
Kenesaw Mountain. He was in the same Co.

William B. Marvel, farmer, sec. 21; P. 0., Bowen; was born
in Delaware in 1836; the son of Thomas J. and Sally Ann (Broad-
way) Marvel; attended Middletown Seminary in Delaware. In
1S61 he married Mary Powell, and of their 7 children 6 are living.
He came to this county in 1865, and now owns 280 acres. He is a
Democrat, and both himself and wifeai'e Presbyterians.

Dr. Arch. E. McNeil was born near Goshen, Clermont
county, Ohio, in October, 1827, son of Arthur McJS^eil, a native of
Lancaster county, Penn., who was a descendant of a Scotch High-
lander of the same name and a leader in the Rebellion of 1745, of
tlie house of Stuart against the British Crown. The Doctor's mother,
whose maiden name was Elizabeth Boyer, was a native of Wash-
ington count}', Md., and of German parents. They emigrated in
1811 to Ohio and settled in the then small town of Cincinnati,
later, in 1828, locating in the town of Goshen, Clermont Co., Ohio,
where they engaged in mercantile pursuits till accumulated years
obliged them to retire from active life. They were ardent followers
of John Wesley in their religions beliefs and forms of worship, as
are all their children save the subject of this sketch. Their family
consisted of 9 children, 4 boys and 5 girls, 7 of whom are now
living, viz: Dr. A. B. McNeil, Columbus, Adams Co., 111., aged
70; Rev. M. M. McNeil, Bowensburg, 111., aged Qi: Mrs. Eliza-
beth Brunson, Bowensburg, 111., aged 65; Mrs. Matilda Myers,
New Hartford, Pike Co., 111., aged 59 years; Mrs. Permelia Hall,
Barry, Pike Co., 111., aged 57; Dr. Arch. E. McNeil, aged 52 years;
and David F. McNeil, Esq., Bowensburg, 111., aged 47 years; Mrs.
Susan Bell dying Dec. 1844, aged 27, mother of 4 children, all
living, the other and 9th child dying in infancy. In later j'ears
the parents abandoned all domestic pursuits and came to Illinois,
spending their last days visiting and enjoying the society and loving
attentions of their children. The mother died July 3, 1865, and
the father the following April at the home of their daughter, Mrs.
Matilda Myers, in the ripeness and fruition of a well-spent life,
and with an abiding assurance, through faith in the written promises
of their God, of eternal life and happiness.

Dr. McNeil was educated in the common schools of Ohio and at
a private select school under the management of one Prof. Gains,
near Goshen, Ohio. Began the study of medicine in 1846 with one
Dr. Isaac N. Thacker, and completed a collegiate medical course
of lectures spring of 1850, at Starling Medical College, Columbus,
Ohio. Was the recipient also of the honorary degree of medicine
from the faculty of the Iowa Medical College, at Keokuk, Iowa,

540 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

February, A. D. 1868. Has been twice married: First at Dayton,
Ohio, September 22, 1849. to Miss Martha A. Deal, a native of
West Charleston, Miami count}', Ohio, and who died October 20
1867. Of this marriage there were born 3 children, 2 boys
and one girl, only one of which, viz., George E. McNeil, born July
20, 1856, at New Hartford, Pike county. 111., is now living. Was
married the second time Nov. 11, 1868, at Keokuk, Iowa, to
Miss Mary E. Hutchinson of that city, and a native of Washington,
Washington county, Fenn. Of this marriage there are 4
children, one girl and 3 boys, all living. The Doctor began
the practice of his profession the spring of 1850 in the place of his
nativity, and October, 1858. moved to Adams county. 111. The
following year, July 22, settled at New Hartford, in Pike county,
this State, where he practiced medicine successfully up to Septem-
ber, 1862, when he enlisted in the 99th Regt. Inf'try Vols., and at
the organization of the regiment was chosen by the unanimous
voice of both men and officers, and subsequently commissioned by
Gov. Richard Yates, a Surgeon of the regiment, in which capacity
he labored zealously and acquitted himself with credit, as the sub-
joined higiily complimentary expressions of his associates plainly
indicate, until from physical disability he was forced to leave the
service:

COPY- OF EXPRESSIONS OF COMRADES.

14Tn Division, Hospital op the 13th Army Corps of Miss.,

IN REAR ViCKSBDRG, JUNE 4tH, 1863,

Arch E. McNeil, M. B., Senior Axsistd/it Siirgeo/i, 99th Segt., Ill Vol. Infantry.
Dear Sir : — It is wilh pleasure I hand you the enclosed resolution. It was the
promptings of friends and Surgeons who appreciate your worth. You leave us
with the respect and confidence of every Surgeon belonging to the Division, as
well as their regrets. Hoping to hear of "your restoration to health, I am your sin-
cere friend, ' WM. H. WHITE,

Surg. 22d Iowa Infantry and Chairman Division

Operating Board of Surgeons.

(RESOLUTION.)

HospiT.Ui 14Tn Division, 13th Army Corps, rear Vicksburg, June 4, 1863.
Having; learned that our associate, Arch. E. McNeil, Senior Assistant Surgeon of
the 99th Regt. Infantry Vols., owing to cause j3e3-ond his control, finds it necessary
to leave the arm\', therefore, Resolved, That wo consider him a gentleman of
fine feelings, of noble sympathies, a true friend and one of the most accomplished
surgeons and physicians in the army. That we deeply regret his departure, and
his loss to the department.

H. P. Strong, Medical Director.

Wm. H. White, Surg. 22d Infantry, Iowa.

Geo. p. Rex, Surg. 33d Regt. 111. Vol. Infantry.

Alfred B. Lee, Asst Surg. 22d Iowa Infantry.

Wm. L. Orr, Surg. 21st Iowa Infantry.

J. H. Ledlie, Surg. 99th Regt. 111. Infantry.

Henry T. Axtis, Asst. Surg^SSd III. Infantry.

O. Peabodt, Surg. 23d Iowa Infantry.

Edwin May, Senior Asst. Surg. 33d 111. Infantry.

J. W. Bigelow, Senior Asst. §urg. in charge of

8th and 18th Indiana Vol. Infantry.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 541

After the Doctor's return to civil life in 1865, he moved to Han-
cock county and purchased the farm originally settled by Peter C
Bowen and a part of the original town of Bowensbnrg, where he now
resides, and is engaged in the mixed pursuits of agriculture, medi-
cine and milling with a fair average of success. For the benefit of
his health in 1S71 he moved to Greenwood county, Kansas. There
he engaged in agriculture and stock cnltui'e,but after four years' expe-
rience, with unsatisfactory results, returned to his former home in
this county. In 1848 became a member of the order of Masons.
In 1S75 a member of Odd Fellows. Of his own choice is not now
affiliated with either order. Is not a member of any religious
orgjanization. Thinks for himself on all subjects. In politics is
now and ever has been intensely Republican. Prides iiimself on
his early abolition proclivities. Began voting in the interest of
humanity as against organized oppression under color of law, and
is still voting that way. Was a candidate in 1864 on the Republi-
can ticket for the Legislature from the Legislative district composed
of the counties of Pike and Green of this State, and though not
elected was beaten by a smaller majority than any one on the ticket.
In 1874 was again made a candidate for the Republican party ot
Greenwood count}-, Kansas, for the Legislature, but withdrew his
name, and refused to suffer himself voted for by the people, because
the nominating convention passed a resolution instructing him how
to vote on certain local issues. In all matters of general interest
for the public good, he is ever full of ardent zeal. To this pecul-
iarity of character, the'present very elegant and commodious school
building of the town of Bowensbnrg, in which is now taught one
of the best of graded district schools, may very justly be charged,
as the volumes of abuse and hard words of the tax-payers toward
him at the annual period for collecting taxes would testify, while
the debt incurred ibr the building and its beautiful decorative sur-
roundings were being liquidated. Chief among the business insti-
tutions of the town of B. is the Excelsior Flouring Mills, which,
though erected a dozen years ago, ever fell short of its intended
mission in the interest of the public or benefit of proprietors, till
since recently it was pitrchased by the Doctor, and by dint of his
energy and native ingenuousness , has been improved and modern-
ized till it is now the pride of the owner and is rapidly becoming
the subject of praise and patronage from the people of a large region
of surrounding country. The Doctor is the owner of one of the
best improved farms in this neighborhood, and in the highest state
of cultivation. Is also owner of considerable town property of
value; also quite a bod}- of wild land in Greenwood county, Kansas.
His untiring industry and perseverance, progressive and aggress-
ive spirit in anything he undertakes, makes him a most valuable
factor in the realm of a citizen.

M. McNeall, carpenter, merchant, etc.. Chili, was born in Ohio
in 1S12, the son of A. and Elizabeth (Boyer) McNeall, the former a
native of Pennsylvania, of Scotch-Irish ancestry, and the latter of

542 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Maryland, of German ancestry. Mr. McNeall has followed several
vocations successfully, but has had the misfortune to break up,
paying, however, every cent of his indebtedness. In 1S33 he mar-
ried Elizabeth Brown, and of their 8 children 5 are living
and are married, the daughter living near Blandinsville. Mr. M.
has been a member of the M. E. Church since 1824:; has been an
exhorter and preacher 45 years. His wife is also a member of the
same Church. He came to this county in 1864, and was agent at
the 2'ailroad depot 13 years; was known as the "railroad preacher."
In 1866 he started a furniture store in Bowen. Besides the store
he owns 25S acres of land, a substantial residence, and other town
property. His son, however, is part owner of the land. Mr. McN .
is a Democrat, and has acted as Justice of the Peace, Police Magis-
trate, School Director and Supervisor.

James W. Norris, farmer, sec. 29; P. O., Chili; was born in Bal-
timore county, Md., Feb. 17, 1840, the son of Walter W. and Cath-
erine (Stabler) Xorris, fatlier a native of Maryland, and motlier ot
Penns3ivania, and of German descent. Dec. 2, 1875, he married
Elizabeth Sterrett, daughter of R. C. Sterrett, a native of Maryland,
who is now living in this tyj., the owner of 200 acres of good
land. J. Harvey is their only child, born June 27, 1S77. Mrs. N.
is a member of the M. E. Church and Mr. N. i? a Republican. His
father came to Adams county. 111., fi-om Maryland, in 1S54, and
lived there until 1876, when he came to this county and settled on
sec. 29. The subject of this sketch and his brother have 200 acres
of land in good cultivation.

David F. Parker, farmer, sec. 29; P. O., Chili; was born.in York
county. Pa., in 1806, son of Samuel and Ann (Cunningham) Parker,
natives of the same State, father of English and mother of Irish
descent, education in the subscription schools ot' his native State.
In 184S, in this county, he married Sarah E. Todd, a native of
Vermont, and of their 4 children 2 are living — Alice, wife ot
C. W. Clinefelter, and Benjamin Francis. Mrs. P. was, and Mr. P.
is yet a Presbyterian. In 1837 he came West and settled in this
tp. Mrs. P. died in 1868. In politics Mr. P. is a Republican.
He owns a total of 167 acres of land, and is a good, honest farmer
and successful; is well posted in the history of the county.

Henry K. Ramsey, farmer, sec. 2; P. O., Bowen; was born in
Indiana in 1826, the son of Samuel and Eleanor (Klme) Ramsey,
father a native of Kentucky and of English descent, and mother of
German ancestry'. In 1845 he married Marj' A. Garner, daughter
of Wm. Garner, who came to Illinois in 1831, settling in Adams
county. She is also a native of Indiana. Their 4 children are —
Mai-y Susan, Samuel Henry, Hattie E. and Eva K. Mr. R. was a
farmer all his life. He was a member of the M. E. Church, and
in politics is a Republican; was Supervisor and School Director,
and was the owner of 2,000 acres of laud. He died Oct. 31, 1875.
Mrs. R. is also a member of the M. E. Church. Her father is living

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 543

with her at the present time. He was born in 1794; was in the war
of 1S12, and came to this State in 1831.

D. P. Rohinson, farmer, sec. 28; P. O., Bowen; was born in
North Carolina in 1819, son of John and Cynthia (Bell) Robinson,
natives of that State, father of Irish and mother of English descent.
His father came to Illinois in 1838. May 10, 1849, he married
Theresa Hani, a native of Missonri, and a daughter of John C.
Ham. Of their 4 children 2 are living, John W., born Sept.
8, 1852, and Thomas Jefferson, born April 16, 1855. Mr. and Mrs.
E. are members of the Congregational Clinrch. He came to this
county in 1851, settling on sec. IS, Chili tp., and now lives
on sec. 28. He has been School Director three years and Road
Commissioner one year. He owns 160 acres of good prairie land
in good cultivation.

John P. Rowland. I'armer, Chili, was born in Ohio in 1816,
the son of Philip and Rebecca (Perlee) Rowland, of French
descent, father a native of New Jersey and mother of Ohio. In
1839 he married Sarah R. McComas, and of their 10 childi'en 9
are living. Two sons and one son-in-law were in the late war.
He came to this county in 1S64, settling in Augusta tp., and
removed to this tp. in 1869. Has been a successful farmer, now
owning 103 acres of good land. Has been Road Commissioner;
is a Republican. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian
Church, and he has been Deacon in the Church.

Daniel T. Scoft. farmer, sec. 4; P. O., Bowen; was born in Cass
county. 111., in 1835, and is a son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Martin)
Scott, father of Scotch descent. In 1861 he married Miss Nanc}"
S. Woods, and they have 5 children, 4 of whom are girls. Mrs. S.
is a member ot the M. E. Church. He was reared in Beardstown,
111. He did not have a cent of mone^y when he commenced for
himself, but he now owns 200 acres of good land. He is a
Democrat.

O. K. Seaton, farmer, sec. 7; P. O., West Point; was born in
Kentucky Aug. 16, 1829; son of C. D. and Elizabeth (Payne)
Seaton, of English descent, father a native of Kentucky, and mother
of Virginia. In 1855 he married Elizabeth Harding, who died in
May, 1865. In 1866 he married Adeline Bartholomew, and 4 of
their 6 children are living, 3 of whom are boys. He and wife are
members of the Christian Church at AVest Point, but attend
Chiirch at Denver. He came to this county in March, 1853,
settling in St. Alban's tp., and came to Chili in 1857, settling on
sec. 7, where he now resides. He is a Republican, and has been
School Director eight years and Road Commissioner three years.
He owns 270 acres of land. Has made most of his property by
his own hard earnings, and is a very neat farmer. He had one
brother, 5 brothers-in-law and one nephew in the late war. He is
the owner of one ot the best dwellings in the tp. His father
came to Adams county in 1844.

L. P. Slater, farmer, sec. 18; P. O., West Point; was born in

544 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Vermont in 1834, and is the son of John and Ruth E. (Nutting)
Slater, of English descent, father a native of Vermont, and mother
of Connecticut. In 1855 he married Sarepta S. Stone, and they
have 4 daughters and one son. Two of the daughters were educated
in Cartilage College, and are teachers. Mr. S. was ordained as a
minister in the Free-Will Baptist Church in 1858, and followed the
ministry until 1869, since which time he has been farming. He
is a Republican, and is School Director and Trustee; was Clerk ot
the Central Division of this Church several years. His father
came to this county in 1834.

Joseph C. Stevens, farmer, sec. 19; P. O., Chili; was born in
this county in 1837, and has spent his life here. He is a son ot
Joseph and Almira (Dee) Stevens, father a native of New York,
and mother of Vermont. In 1860 he married Miss Thamzin
McLean, a member of the M. E. Church. He is a Democrat and
has been Collector and School Director. His father came to this
county in 1833, and died here in 1846. Mr. S. well remembers
the experience of pioneer life in the prairie West, the great fires,
etc., one of which burned up all his fences, and he let the farm for
a term of three years to a party who should repl^ice them.

William T. Siratton, farmer, sec. 10; P. 0., Bo". en; was born in
Connecticut in 1833, and is the son of G. W. and I'atience (Aikins)
Stratton, father a native of Massachusetts and of English descent,
mother of New York State and of Scottish descent. In 1853 he
married Harriet Stevens, and they have 6 children. He came to
Illinois in 1855, settling in Knox county, and the same fall moved
to Hancock county, settling on the northeast of sec. 10. When
he first came to this State he had oidy §20, but he now owns 200
acres of land. He is a Democrat.

George Thrasher^ farmer, sec. 21; P. 0., Bowen; was born in
Ohio in 1827, son of Charles and Malinda (Hicks) Thrasher, both
natives of Connecticut and of English descent; he was married in
Hamilton county April 11, 1852, to Hester Ann Hubbard, and
4 of their 6 children are now living. Both are members- of
the Congregational Church in Bowen. He came to this county in
1854, and now owns 260 acres of good land. He is a Republican.

Gilbert Tillapaugh, farmer, sec. 5; P. O., Denver; was born
in New York State in 1830, and is the son of John and Hannah
(Ivniskern) T., natives of New York, and of German descent;
educated in the common school and at Schoharie Academy; in
early life was a school-teacher. April 4, 1855, he married Eliza-
beth Machene, and they have 2 daughters living, Hattie L.,
graduate of Carthage College in 1879, and Helen E., also an
attendant at the same college. Mr. T. and wife and eldest daugh-
ter are members of the Free-Will Baptist Church at St. Alban's.
He came to this county from New York in 1854, settling on sec.
15, and moved here in 1869, locating on sec. 5. He owns 160
acres of well improved land. He is a Republican, and has been

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 545

Clerk of his tp. fonr years, Collector, School Trustee and Director,
and Superintendent of the Sabbath- school at Denver.

David G. Todd, farmer, sec. 30; P. O., Chili; was born in
1S35, son of Jonathan and Jemima (Warner) Todd, father a native
of Vermont, and mother of Connecticut, and both of Etifflish
descent. Attended common school and Knox College a short time;
has taught school some, but has followed farming principally;
came to this county in 1S37, where he has lived ever since. He
has been moderately successful as a farmer. He is a Iiep\iblican,
and ^ave Lincoln his first vote. His father was born Sept. 6, 1796,
and died in this county in 1S43; ins mother was born May S, 179S,
and is still living with her son David and her daughter Charlotte
on their farm, which consists of 100 acres of good land.

David N. Yan Brunt, farmer, sec. 25; P. O., Augusta; was
born in the State of Isew York in 1831, son of Isaac and Hannah
(Lnckey) Van Brunt, natives of the Empire State, the father of
Dutch, and the mother of Irisli, descent. InlS5S he married Irene
Campbell, and their 3 children are all living. Mrs. Van B. is
a member of the United Brethren Church. In 1862 Mr. Van B.
enlisted in Co. K, 119th 111. Vol. Inft., nnder Capt. Johnson, and
was in all the battles except two in which the regiment was
engaged; he was captured at Batford Station in Tennessee; at the
close of the war he was discharged at Mobile, and was mustered
ont at Camp Butler. He came to this county June 2, 1852, settling
on sec. 25, where he owns 80 acres of land and made nearly all
the improvements.

Alexander Waggoner, farmer, sec. 20, was horn in Fayette
county, Pa., in 1840, and is the son of Lewis M. and Mary
(McLain) Waggoner, natives of Pennsjdvania, father of German
and mother of English descent. In 1868 he married Sarah A.
Overman, a native of Adams county. 111., where she was born Oct.
31, 1814. They have 2 daughters,— Aines Ethel, born Ang. 8,
1872, and Alma Berenice, Aug. 10, 1878. Mr. and Mrs. W. are
members of the M. E. Chnrch, and he is a Democrat. He came
to this county with his father from Penns3'lvania in 1844, settling
near Chili, on sec. 20, where he now resides. His father im-
proved the first farm between Chili and Augusta. In lS63-'4 he
was in Nevada and Colorado Territories. As a farmer he has been
successful.

John William Wlllhite, farmer, sec. 7; P. O., Denver; was
born in Virginia March 4, 1824, and is a son of William and Sarah
(Weaver) Willhite, natives of the old Dominion, and of German
descent ; he never went to school more than three mouths. Dec.
14, 1843, he mai'ried Eliza Miller, and of their 12 children 11 are
living, 3 of whom are boys. Five of the children are married.
Mr. and Mrs. W. are members of the Adventist Church at
Antioch. He is a Jackson Democrat. He came to this county
in 1839, settling on sec. 36 in Harmony tp. As a farmer he
has been moderately successful, owning 223 acres of land; located

546 HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

on his present place about 1866; when he married he was not
worth $50. His daughter Arinina has attended Carthage College
and is teaching school. Mr. W. was in the Mormon war, and was
in Carthage the day tlie Smiths were killed. Re says the Mor-
mons ran one way and the citizens the otlier.

L. S. Worman, farmer, sec. 25; P. O., Augusta; was born in
Pennsylvania in 1850, son of D. D. and Catharine (Myers) Wor-
man, natives of the Keystone State, and of German descent; he
attended the University at Otterbein. Feb. 22, 1877, he married
Rebecca S. Smith, and both are members of the United Brethren
Church, at Washington Chapel. He came to this countv in 1873.
Has been a farmer all his life, now owning 80 acres of land.

John H. W/'isten, farmer, sec. 10; P. 0., Bowen; was born in
Christian county, Ky,, in 1822. His father, Thomas Wristen, was
a native of Kentucky, and liis mother, Hannah Boggess, was a
native of Virginia. He came to this county in 1851, settling^witli-
in three miles of where he now lives. In 1874 lie married Rachel
Griffitts, his last wife. Both are members of the Baptist denom-
ination at the Providence Church. He is a Democrat, and has
been School Director several times, in this district live years. He
commenced life with a pair of ponies only, and he now owns 150
acres of good land. He has 9 children living, 7 at home.
Thomas C. and William Lee are school-teachers.

Joseph N. Yarnell, farmer, sec. 28; P. O., Bowen; was born
in Lancaster county, Pa., in 1841, son of David and Margaret
(Nell) Yarnell, natives also of the Keystone State; father was
raised a Quaker, mother of remote L'ish ancestry. In 1872 he
married Mary E. Boshen, and they have two sons and two daugh-
ters. Mrs. Y. is a native of Illinois, and is a member of the M. E.
Church at Chili. In 1862 Mr. Yarnell enlisted in Co. D, 78th
Reg., under Capt. R. M. Black; was discharged in 1865; was on
detached service for some time afterward. His politics is Repub-
lican. He owns nearly 100 acres of land, all under cultivation, and
bids fair to rank as one of the neatest farmers of the township.

TOWN OFFICERS.

Those who served the township in the four leading official capaci-
ties are as follows, as completely as the list could be made out from
the returns:

SUPEEVISOES.

GilmoreCallison 1850 Albert Holmes 1866

Ellsha Worrell 1851 A. E. jMc>^eaU 1867

Levi G. Patchin 1853 T. C. Clavton 1868

Elisha Won-ell 1855 Jos. C. Caine • 1870

lUilton K. Pomeroy 1856 Eugeue B. Davis 1873

Levi W. Pomerov". 1858 Hem-v K. Ramsey 1874

Joseph C. Caine.". 1859 Joseph C. Caine 1876

George W. Mm-phy 1863 JIathias McNeall 1877

Levi G. Patchin 1864 CharlesCook 1878

Joseph C. Caine 1865

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

547

"William Sullivan 1855

Nicholas Hanson 1856

Jonathan W. Todd 1858

Gilbert Tillnpaugh 1863

Joseph Ivins 1864

L. W. Pomeroy 1865

William Prescott 1867

Wm. J. Dimmock ' 1869

George W. Nash 1870

Charles C. Marsh 1873

John F. WiUiams 1874

H. B. Nash 1876

Oscar Weiseuberg 1877

H. B. Nash 1878

T. N. Gillis 1880

ASSESSORS.

A. T. Dickerson 1855

Levi Pomeroy 1856

A. T. Dickerson 1858

Geo. W. Stevens 1864

D. G. Todd 1865

Samuel E. EUiott 1866

Joseph C. Caine 1867

A. Holmes 1868

John J. Worley 1870

Levi W. Pomeroy 1871

Daniel Smith 1873

Sam'l E. Elliott 1873

Benj. C. Edwards 1874

David Van Brimt 1876

Wm. B. Marvil 1877

Clark Caine 1878

J. C. Caine 1880

COLLECTORS.

A. T. Dickerson 1855

Levi Pomeroy 1856

A. T. Dickerson 1858

Daniel Smith 1865

Gilbert Tillapaugh 1866

A. T. King 1867

J. A. Cunningham 1868

Adam Reeves 1869

Isaac Newland 1870

David P. Worrell 1871

Jesse Palmer 1873

John F. WiUiams 1873

David P. Worrell 1874

J. R. Fordyce 1875

C. B. Taylor 1876

Oliver Stevens 1877

Wm. Palmer 1878

Henry Garner 1879

Thomas Tatemau 1880

ST. ALBAN'S TOWNSHIP.

Centrally on the south line of the comity lie.s St. Alban's — num-
bered 3 north, 7 west. This township is pretty nearly equally divi-
ded between woodland and prairie, — the former predominating in
the west half, and the prairie over the east half. It contains many
fine farms and much good farming land, and considerable blutf and
broken woodland. This last is to be found on the borders of the
Bear creek branches. Its two towns are —

"Westpoint — laid out in March, 1856, by David Wigle; and

Stillwell— laid out Dec, 1S70, by Wm.'H. Zinn and'Arthur Still-

. well; botli on the Qnincy, Carthage & Burlington Railroad, and

six or' seven miles westwardly from Bowen, on the T. W. & TV.

The former road runs directly south through this township, near

its center.

Among the early settlers of the county, and who were here pre-
cedent to organization, we have the names of John Harding, and
Robert and Aaron (Abel) Harding, who are sui:)posed to have been
his brothers or more distant relatives. John Harding transferred
his claim, lying due west of and adjoining the village of Chili, to
Elisha Worrell, Esq., in 1S35, having occupied it for seven years.
Through Mr. Worrell we have the statement that this same claim
— north half of section 25, St. Alban's township — had been owned
and occupied since 1S23, by Col. Daniel B. Whipple, late of Ad-
ams county, at a date when his nearest neighbors were Fort Ed-
wards, Rushville and Quinc}-. If so. Col. Whipple must have been
one among the very earliest settlers in Hancock county — indeed,
t/ie earliest of whom we have any account, if we except the officers
and people at the fort. Col. W. and his uncle, Barnabas B. Whip-
ple, were the patentees of the claim, having been in service in the
war of 1S12-'14, with Great Britain.

Among the other early settlers of this township were Garrett
Beau and his brother-in-law, Mr. Mills, wlio came to where Mr. B.
now resides in 1S36. [For a very interesting narrative of Mr.
Bean, see another chapter.] He resides below Stillwell on the
county line. Mr. Mills moved to Missouri over 30 years ago. and
is now deceased. Other pioneers were, Jonathan Todd, Wm. Pike,
Jesse Richai-dson, Dr. Cook, N'oah Stokes, John Slater, Wm. Bride,
Benoin C. Bride, Truman Kinney, Joseph Kinney, James E. Moore,
Wm. Owen, Eldridge Renshaw, C. W. Hicks, Alexander McDon-
ald, David Wigle, Bradley Hecox, James Knott.

RELIGIOUS PE0GRE5S.

The well-known Peter Akers is mentioned as among the first
itinerant preachers in this township, and is said to have visited and
(548)

ST.ALBANSTi

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 651

preached in ])rivate houses as early as 1S37 or '3S. The new towns
of West Point and Stillwell each have churches, data concerning
which we have been unable to obtain.

PERSONAL SKETCHES.

In connection with the foregoing historical sketch we give brief
biographies of the old settlers and prominent persons of the town-
ship. They will be found to form an interesting feature of tliis
volume.

Garrett Bean was born in Kentucky in 1807. At the age of
20 he emigrated to Pike county, 111., where he lived one year, then
to G-alena, III., for a short time, and then to Quincy, 111., where he
worked one winter for John Wood, afterward Governor of Illinois,
for whom Mr. B. made 4,000 rails and 2,000 shingles. After living
in Adams county one year, Mr. B., in 1S36, came to Hancock county,
111., and located in St. Albans tp., on the farm where he now lives.
Although placed in the wilderness with nothing excepting willing
hands and a noble wife, he has accumulated a handsome fortune.
He has a farm of 3-16 acres of good timber and prairie land.

He was married in 1S31 to Miss Nancy Crow, of Adams county,
111., and 4 boys and 4 girls were born to this union, — Sarah E.,
William, John, Martha, Mary A. and Henrj' are those that are
living. Mr. B. lias held the office of School Trustee and is a mem-
ber of the Methodist Church.

Jesse TP! Brown, miller at Stillwell, is a native of the Buckeye
State and was born in 1S47. His father was Isaac C, native of Ohio
and born in 1809. His mother was Rachel Hurt, who was born
in Vermont in 1801. Jesse W. remained with his parents till 1864,
when he enlisted at Camp Butler in tlie 32d 111. Inft., under Col.
Logan. He did his tirst fighting at Kingston, Georgia, where he
got hurt and was not able to do any more active service. After
returning home he was at Chili, then he went to Burlington, Iowa,
where he was engaged in the shingle factory for a short time; then
he worked for the C.,B. & Q. bridge contractors, and helped build
their bridge over the Mississippi river, and then he returned to
Chili; tlien acted as foreman over a company of men who were en-
gaged in moving houses for the railroad company. He next was
engineer at the mills at Stillwell, 111., for 2^ 3'ears, then in the same
business at La Harpe, 111., and has been in the milling business at
Stillwell sii^ice 1874. He is a Freemason, being a member of Dills
Lodge, No. 295; is also a Methodist and a. Republican.

N. R. Butler, farmer, was born in Kentucky in 1827. His
father, Hezekiah Butler, was a native of Maryland, and was born
in 1799; his mother, Margarette, nee Payne, was born in ISOS. At
the age of 24 he was married to Apphia Seaton, who was a native
of Kentucky, and died in 1864. There were 3 children bj- this
union. Mr. Butler came to his present farm in 1852, and has lived
there ever since. He owns a farm of 190 acres of land, valued at

552 HISTOKY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

$40 per acre. Mr. B. takes unusual interest in his family, neatness
and thrift being manifested in all the surroundinsjs. In educational
matters Mr. B. takes great interest in giving his own children the
benefits of schools, and also in advancing the interests of education
in any way that he possibly can. He was married a second time, to
Hannah Clark, of Hancock county, 111., in 1S67, and their 2 chil-
dren are Frank and George F.

Henry <7fa?'^, farmer, sec. 5; P. O., West Point; was born in
1S23, in ]^ew York, His father, Calvin Clark, was a native also of
New York, and was born in 1799; was weigh-master in the war of
1813, at Sacket's Harbor. His mother's maiden name was Fannie
Searles, and she was born in Bennington, Yt., in 1804, and died in
1835. Grandfather Searles was born in 1764. in Rhode Island.
His grandmother Searles was born in 1766 in Rhode Island. Mr.
C. lived with his parents until 18 years of age, then lived in Oneida
county for the next two years, then emigrated to Wisconsin,
remaining till 1858, when he came to Hancock county. 111., and
moved into the same house where he now lives. Before locating on
this farm Mr. Clark spent several years clerking in stores. He
owns 120 acres of land, most of which is improved. In 1848 he
married Gertrude M. Striker (since deceased), who bore him 2 chil-
dren. He married his second wife in 1860, Abby B. Striker, a sister
of his former wife, a native of JTew York, and born in 1825. Of the
2 children bj' this union Ruth E. is living. Mr. C. has been asso-
ciated with many Indian tribes in his early history with the West,
and can speak several Indian languages. He is a Democrat.

Dr. V. B. Corey, West Point, was born June 3, 1S2S, in Penn
Yan, Yates county, N. Y. ; his parents were Joseph A. and Mer-
cy (Andrews) Corey, natives of Rhode Island. The grandparents

of our subject were Joseph A. and (Griggs) Corey, of English

descent. The parents of Mercy Andrews were Samuel and Waty
(Briggs) Andrews, of Providence, R. I., and of Euglisii ancestry.
The subject of this notice left home at the age of 14; learned the
blacksmith's trade, whicli he followed until 22, but at the age of 20
he commenced the study of medicine, having the use of the library
of Dr. Andrew F. Oliver. In 1854 he came West, visited several
States, and located first at Quincy, 111., where he read medicine in
the ofSce of Dr. John Parson for two years, when he came and
settled at West Point, this county, and established himself in a
good practice. Being a strong Republican and a [Tnion man, he
enlisted Aug. 28, 1862, as a private in Co. C. 118th 111. Vol. Inf ,
to serve three years; the regiment was organized at Camp Butler,
Springfield, 111., and the Doctor was appointed Hospital Steward
of the regiment; May 16, 1863, at the battle of Chamjiion Hills,
Miss., he was detailed to act as Assistant Surgeon, which position
he continued to hold until the regiment was mustered out in Oc-
tober, 1865. The Doctor was in the battle of Chickasaw Bluff,
Miss., Dec, 1862, and the engagements at Arkansas Post, Jan. 11,
1S63; the regiment was then in camp at Young's Point, La., until

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 553

March 9 next, when it was moved to Milliken's Bend, and April 2
it was ordered to the rear of Vicksburs;, in the siege of which it
participated, nuder Gen. Grant. May 1 they met the enemy at
Port Gibson, then at Champion Hills; but previous to the last the
Doctor had been sent back to the hospital at Raymond, Miss. At
this place he was taken prisoner, but paroled, and afterwards re-
turned to the regiment as Assistant Surgeon, at Black River Bridge,
in the rear of Vicksburg. The regiment was transferred to the
Department of the Gnlf under Gen. Banks, then ordered to Port
Hudson, La., in January, 1864, and July following to Baton Rouge,
where in October, 1S65, they were mustered out. The Doctor then
returned to West Point, where he has since resided, in the enjoy-
ment of a lucrative practice.

He was married in Qnincy, 111., Oct. 29, 1855, to Miss Mary O.
Conyers, a native of Missouri and a daughter of John Conyers,
who was a native of Kentucky and of Irish and German descent.
The Doctor has had 5 children, of whom 4 are living — ^Martha J.,
now the wife of G. G. Lohr, residing at Columbus, Adams county,
111.; JohnT. ; Charles F, and Agnes A., the last living at home. Dr.
Corey is a Freemason, a Republican, and was Postmaster four years
in Pike county. His portrait is given elsewhere in this volume.

Francis Eghers, farmer, sec. 23; P. 0., West Point; was born in
New Orleans, La., in 1835. He was a son of Charles and Magdalen
(Amon's) Egbers, both of whom were natives of Germany. The
former was born in 1800 and the latter in 1812. The subject
of this sketch was brought up under the parental roof until his 24th
year, when he emigrated to the mountains in the West, and for a
year and a half engaged in various kinds of work; in 1860 he
returned home and remained onej'car, and then, in 1861, took unto
himself a wife in the person of Elizabeth Wilcox, who was born
in 1820 in England. Unto them have been born 4 children, 3 of
whom are still living; viz., WiberS., Robert C. and Guy F. After
marriage Mr. E. located on his father's farm in Rocky Run tp., and -
then on a farm of his own in same tp., where he lived seven years,
and then located in St. Alban's, near West Point, and was there
until he located in Stillwell, where he was engaged in the flouring
business for one year, and then he purchased the farm on which he
now resides. His farm of 110 acres is valued at $4,000. Mr. E.
and his estimable wife are members of the Methodist Church.

William H. Felgar, farmer, sec. 24; P. O., West Point. In
the subject of this sketch we have one of St. Alban's most active
business men. He was born in Pennsylvania in 1841. His
parents were from the same State. His father, John Felgar, was
born in 1818. During the first 28 years of his successful life he
remained at home; then was united in marriage to Mary A. Hardy,
of Adair county. 111., in 1868. They have been blessed with 7
children — May I., John B., Minnie G., Harry H., Oliver H.,
William S. and Olive A. (dec). After marriage Mr. F. located on

554 HISTORY OF HAXCOOK COUNTY.

his present farm of 2i0 acres. This home is valued at 810,000.
Mr. F, is a Lutheran and a Democrat.

J^. L. F aimer, farmer, sec. 9; P. O. West Point; was born near
Niao-ara Falls, in Canada, in 1840. His father. Jacol;> Fulmer, was
a native of Pennsylvania, and was born in 180i. His mother was
a native of New Y'ork State, and was born in 1808. Her maiden
name was Marv J. Merrill. After he was 21 years old. Mr. F.
came to Jacksonville. 111., and was employed in the Insane Hospital
for two years. He then married Miss Mary J.Bayless and moved
to Wisconsin, locating at Iron Ride, Dodd Co.. and farmed two
years. Then he moved to Hancock county and located near West
Point, and has resided here most of the time since. Was in
Keokuk two 3'ears as bridge-keeper, then in Carthage one year,
having chai-ge of the poor farm. Mr. F. owns 1 10 acres of well
improved land. He is one of St. Alban's representative farmers.
He is a member of the M. E. Church at West Point. Their chil-
dren are Lee D. and Maud.

J. J. Guthrie, grocer. West Point, was born in Kentucky in
1S35. He was the son of John and Sarah (Johnston) Guthrie.
Mr. G. remained at home until 21 years of age, receiving more
than an ordinary education, enabling him to teach school for several
terms. He was married in 1858 to Sarah Crampton, who was born
in Sciiuyler county. 111., in 1837. She has borne him 10 children, 6
of whom are living — Wm. L., Ella. John F.. Adie, Charles L.
and Henry. Air. G. owns a beautiful home in the village, besides his
well-stocked store. He is a member of the Lutheran Church; has
been Supervisor, and for 15 years Justice of the Peace, and is now
School Treasurer, which office he has filled with unanimous satis-
faction for Ave years.

Green Harding, farmer; P. O., Stillwell; was born in 1820, in
Adair county, Ky. He is a son of Abel and Julia (Bettisworth
Harding; his father was a native of Kentucky, and was born in
1798. His mother was born in Virginia in 1791. The sul)ject ot
this sketch is the eldest of 12 children. He came to Hancock
county, 111., with his parents, in 1831, which makes him one of the
earliest settlers in this county. When his father settled here there
were only four families in St. Alban's tp. His father lived the rest ot
his long and useful life in the county. He died in 1861. At the
age of 17 Mr. Green Harding left home and lived with an uncle
for three years, giving most of his time to hunting. He was united
in marriage in 1812, with Miss Sarah A. Stokes, who bore him 9
children, 5 boys and 4 girls. She died in Oct., 1862. He married
his present wife, Elizabeth Bucklew. of Hancock county, 111., in 1871,
who was a native of Ohio and born in 18-10. Julia K., Wesliau
G. and Edwin Irvin G. have been born to them. Mr. H. first
located on land on which a part of the town of Stillwell now stands.
He lived there 20 years, when, in 1863, he sold out and purchased
the farm on which he now lives. Mr. H. owns 166 acres of im-
proved land. His home surroundings are such as will make his old

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 555

age a pleasant one. He has been School Trustee for 20 vears and
Justice of the Peace 10 years. He bei;an his Christian life with
the M. E. Clinrch, but "now he is a believer in the Universalist
doctrine.

John Hicks, is.rn\e\\ sec. 9; P. 0., West Point; was born in
Pennsylvania in 1844, and was the son of Constant W. and
Snsanah (Kelly) Hicks. The former was born in Vermont in
1820, and died in 1878. His grandfather Kelly was in the war of

1812, and died in . His'' grandmother Kelly died in 1793.

His great-grandfather Kelly was born in 1766, was in the Revolu-
tionary wa'i- and died in 1850. The subject of this sketch was
married in 1874. He began accumulating for himself on the farm
where he now lives, and now owns 166 acres of improved land.
He enlisted in the late war in 1864, in the 28th 111. Inft. ; was in
the battle of Spanish Fort, Ala. His 2 children are, Susanah, born
Sept. 13, 1875, and Constant JB , born March 16, 1878,

Henry Hmkle, farmer, sec. 14; P. O., "West Point; is the
S(.n of Andrew and Catharine (Shew) Hinkle, and was born in
Pennsylvania in 1827. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania,
and his father is still living at the age of 85. Mr. H. assisted his
father nntil he attained his majority, when he took unto himself a
wife in the person of Sophia Frantz, who was a native of the Key-
stone State, and born in 1828; 5 of their 9 children are living,
Samuel A., Catharine D., Elijah E., Mary M., Franklin A. Mr.
H. resided in Pennsylvania till 1858, working at his trade, which
was blacksmitliing. He then came West and located in Adair
county. 111., where he lived four years, then came to St. Alban's tp.
wliere he has farmed ever since. Mr. H. owns 130 acres of
good land, and has the reputation of being one of St. Alban's rep-
resentative farmers. He and his estimable wife are members of •
the Christian Church.

Elliott S. Hoffman, farmer, sec. 22; was born Jan. 7. 1826, in
Madison county, Va.; his parents were James and Mary H. (Finks)
Hoft'man, natives of the same county, and of German and English
ancestry; the former was born in 1800 and the latter in J8(.l6.
Elliott Finks, the grandfather of Mr. Hotiman, was a Major in the
war of 1812. The subject of this notice commenced life for him-
self at the age of 24; lived in Virginia several years, then in Mary-
land fonryears,and about 1860 came to Hancock county. In October,
1864, he enlisted in Co. C, 42d 111. Vol. Inf., and served one year,
being in the battles of Franklin, Spring Hill, Kashville, etc. Since
the close of the war he has resided in this county except six or
seven years in Adams county, 111., four years of which time he lived
ten miles south of Quincy. By trade Mr. H. is a carpenter and
joiner, but since his marriage he has followed farming. He was
married in October, 1866, to Mrs. Mung. nee Isabella Gregory,
daughter of John Gregory, of Adams county. 111., and formerly of
Virginia. She was born "in 1828. Mr. G. was of Irish descent and
his wife of Scotch. Mr. Hotiman has a farm of 154 acres, valued

556 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

at $30 per acre, in this tp., on sec. 22, where he resides, and he has
also io acres in Livingston county, Mo., and 320 in Adams county,
on sec. 22, Fall Creek tp., valued at §100 per acre and yielding a
rental of §1,000 a year. In politics Mr. H. is a Democrat; was form-
erly an old-line Whig. He is also a member of the Advent Chris-
tian Church, at Antioch, of which he and his wife have been mem-
bers for about five years; they were formerly Baptists.

Geo. M. Jones., farmer, sec. 26: P. O., Stillwell; was born in
Ohio in 1833; when IS years old he went to the Golden State where
he mined and farmed for four years; then he returned to Hancock
county. 111., in 1855, where he has lived ever since excepting the
three years he has served his country in the war for the sup|)ression
of the Reliellion. He enlisted in the 10th Missouri Infantry, under
Col. Holmes, and was in many of the hard-fought battles of the war,
among which are the first and second sieges of Corinth, and the
battle of luka, and was wounded in the battle at Jackson, and was
then taken prisoner, sent to Richmond, Ya., and cast into Libby
prison; but was soon removed from thereto Annapolis, Md., and
placed in the navy hospital; was sent from there to the parol camp
at St. Louis, Mo. After going to the front again he was doing
garrison duty most of the time and was in the battle of Kesaca, Ga.
He was discharged at Cartersville, Ga., in 1S64:. Since his return
home he has lived on his present farm. He has been twice mar-
ried. His first marriage was with Miss Eliza Stokes, in 1855 ; names
of the children are Wilson J. and Delia E. His present wife is a
sister of his former wife and a daughter of Noah Stokes, whose biog-
raphy is given further on. Mr. J. is School Trustee at this time.
In politics he is a Reiiublican.

Charles H. G. KessUr, farmer, sec. 17; P. O-, West i^int.
This gentleman is a native of Germany, where he was born in TS17.
He is the 10th of 11 children born to John and Mary (Wies) Kessler
His parents having died when he was )'oung, he was raised by an
uncle until he was 14 years old. when he was apprenticed for three
years to learn the book-binding trade. Completing his apprentice-
ship, he emigrated to America in company with his brother John,
in 1S36. He first lived in the south part of Missouri for 10 years,
then he came to Hancock count\\ and resided in Warsaw for two
years, then to the bottoms for two years, then to the bluffs for seven
years, and finally to the farm where he now resides, which consists
of 190 acres of mostly improved land. Mr. K. was married in 1841
to Elizabeth Benner. of Missouri, but a native of Germain'. 11
children have been born to this union, only 4 of whom are liv-
ing ; viz., Charles W., Elizabeth, Philip and Annie. His children
have more than an ordinary education. Charles has attended the
Wesleyan College of Missouri. Methodist. Eepublicau.

Joseph R. Kinny, deceased, well and favorably known, and none
more honored or loved, was born in Erie county, N. Y., June 23,
1820. In 1837, when 17 years old, he came to Illinois,' and located
in St. Alban's tp. with his parents. At the age of 23 he was

HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUXTT. 557

united in marriage with Miss Ann J. Graham, wlio was a native of
Pennsylvania, and born in 1S27. He leaves to nionrn liis loss his
aged widow and 6 of 11 children. Mr. Kinny, althongh never
aspiring to become wealth}^ accnmnlated a handsome fortune to
leave his family. This was accomplished, too. by his own unceas-
ing industry, and strict honesty. He began the strifes and toils
of life with onh' §200, which was given to them by Mrs. Kinny's
grandfather Graham. He first purchased 50 acres of land, which
is the part of his present tarm on which are the home improve-
ments. He owned 165 acres of land, most of which was well im-
proved. Tlie names of the 6 living children are — Mary P., born
in 18i9; Minerva A., born in 1851; Sylvia A., born in 1853;
Lutina J., born in 1855; Emma L., born in 1857; Charles O., born
in 1866; and Albert T.. born in 1870. Mr. Kinny early embraced
the Savior, and, together with his young wife, united with St.
Alban's Free-Will Baptist Church, of which he remained a faithful
member until his deatii. " He was a noble Christian, a tender
husband, a loving father, a kind nei^ghbor."

John M.Kittel, farmer, sec. 16; P. O., "West Point; is one of the
pioneers of Hancock county, and also of St. Alban's tp. He has
been a resident of the county for 28 years, and IS years in this tp.
When Mr. K. located where he now lives there were but few im-
proved farms in the county. He has made all of his large fortune
of i30 acres of good land, by the sweat of his brow and strict hon-
esty. Mr. K. is not onl}' one of St. Alban's wealthy men, but he is
known as one of the solid men of Western Illinois. He is a native
of Germany, born in 1824; came to America in 1850, and first
iocated in Adair count}-, !N. Y.; thence to Quincy, 111., and was
mere till 1852, and then he went to Warsaw, where he lived for
10%ears, teaming most of the time. In 1862 he came to his
present farm, where he has resided ever sincfe. He was married in
1852 to Margaretta Geits, of Quincy, 111., but a native of Germany.
The children by this union are 7, — 4 boys and 3 girls. His
second union was with Miss Margarette Kittel, in 1868, and they
have 4 children living; viz., Sophira, Elizabeth, Martha, and Peter.
Mr. K. has more than an ordinary education, and is able to read
German and English fluently. Methodist. Republican.

G.W. Linn, druggist. West Point, was born in Indiana in 1832.
His parents were natives of Ohio; his father, John Linn, was liorn
in 1803, his mother was born in 1S05. Mr. Linn at the age of IS
began learning the blacksmith trade, and continued in this employ-
ment until 1860, when he engaged in mercantile lousiness for the
next 5 years. In 1873 he moved to Hancock county. 111., and
commenced the drug business, in which he has been ever since.
This is the only drug store in the village. Mr. L. has a large stock
of goods, and not only enjoys a lucrative trade, iaut by his social
qualities and courteous treatment of customers he is universally
esteemed. He was married to Mary E. Carter, of Ohio, in 1853.
She has borne him 3 children; viz., Mary A., Emma C, and Nettie

558 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

F. Mr. Linn's wife died May 20, 1'873. He was married to his
second wit'e,Mrs. Irene Taylor, of Liberty, 111., in September, 1863.
There are 2 children by this union, — George H.,born in JS'ovember,
IST-i, and Cory G., born in July, 1879. Mr. L. is a member of
Masonic and Odd Fellow orders. Has been Collector. Methodist.
Republican.

James W. Madison was born in Schuyler county, 111., in 1873.
He was a son of Roland T. Madison, whose sketch is given elsewhere
in this work. His mother's 'maiden name was Nancy Amy, who
was born in Virginia in lS2i. James remained with his parents
till he was 27 years old, when he enlisted in the army at Camp
Douglas, December, 1861, in the 57th 111. Vol. Inf., and served
most of the time as a recruiting officer under Lieutenant Christo-
pher of the regular army. Mr. M. was in the battles at Pittsburg
Landing and Corinth, where he was discharged in 1863, because of
injuries received. In 1868 he entered Abingdon College, and con-
tinued there three years completing the Biblical course. After gradu-_
ation he en<jaged with the Christian Church, and labored for them for
10 years, when he became dissatisfied with the doctrines of that
denomination and' united with the Methodist Episcopal Church,
and was appointed to West Point Circuit in September, 1879.
Mr. M. is a very zealous worker among his people. He was mar-
ried in 1864 to Fanny Doty; 5 of their 7 children are living; viz.,
Edmund H., Louis A., Amelia S., Mestyl and Blanche. Mr. M. is
a Master M'ason; has been Assessor of St. Alban's township. He
owns some town property.

J. K. Mason, dealer in groceries, produce, notions, etc., West
Keokuk, Iowa, was born in Adair county. Mo., in 1840, wheiwtji^
county was almost a wilderness; (Tame to Hancock county in islf,
settling in 1845 on the farm where Basco now stands; here h^at-
tended his first school; in 1853 lie went to his father's store in Ti-
oga, thence to Warsaw in 1859, where he learned the cooper's
trade; in August, 1862, he enlisted in Co. A, 19th Iowa, and fought
in the battle of Springfield, Mo., Jan. 7 and 8, 1863; was in the
army on the frontier, where long marches were common, until June,
1863, when he went to Vicksburg and was in the trenches during
the siege; was in the battle and capture of Yazoo City; was taken
pi-isoner at the battle of Morganzie, or Sterling Farm, La., in Sep-
tember, 1863. Of his escape from the rebel prison Mr. Mason has
published a detailed account which is too long for insertion here.
The prison pen was at Tyler, Smith Co., Texas, from which he es-
caped on the night of Nov. 24, 1S63. The distance to the nearest
Union forces was 260 miles. This long and ]ierilous journey was
undertaken witii only one day's rations of corn bread and four bis-
cuit to subsist upon; he seemed to suffer all the hardships possible
for man to suffer and live. He reached Ellis Cliff", 12 miles below
INatchez, Dec. 24, 1863, where he was taken aboard the Union Mon-
itor Osage. He was then in the hospital at New Orleans until the
3d of July next, when he crossed the Bluff" to Brazos, Santiago'

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 559

in a small 6o-ton sailing vessel, being eight days ont of sight of land;
reached Brazos Jul}' 12, and joined the regiment at Fort Brown on
the Kio Grande; had a skirmish at White Ptanch, Texas, in Au-
gust; went from there to Pensacola, Fla.. where he was detailed for
a while in the Provost Marshal's office; from there he went to Fort
Gaines, Ala., thence to Pascagoula, Miss., then to Fort Morgan
and wound up at Mobile, Ala. Carried collars at assault and dur-
ing the 12 days' siege of Spanish Fort; was wounded, a part of his
lower jaw being carried away by a piece of shell. He was finally
discharged from the hospital at Mound City, 111., June 22, 1865.
He carries also a wound in his breast.

After stopping in Warsaw awhile he went to La Grange, Mo.,
where he engaged for a time with B. R. Lafton in the grocery busi-
ness; in the spring of 1S67 he moved to Warsaw, where he mar-
ried his present wife, Pachel L. Markley, of Wittsburg, Ark. Her
only child, Nellie was born Feb. 14, 1S63. Mr. Mason moved to
Keoknk from Wythe township in 1S73, engaging in the grocery
business at the lower end of 5th street, where he has built np a
prosperous trade. In 1879 he was elected Alderman by a majority
of 1878 in a total vote of 482. He is now a member of the City
Council, where he stands as high as any other member in the esti-
mation of the people.

Josej)h McKenzie, merchant and Postmaster, Stillwell, is one of
St. Alban's pioneer settlers. He was born in Lexington, Ky., in
1825, of Scotch and American ancestry. His parents were John
and Sarah (Milligau) McKenzie. At the early age of 13 he left
homej^jd for the next few years traveled most of the time. From.
^§434)1^6 he lived in Parke Co., Ind. When he was 21 years of age
he came to Hancock Co., Ill, and located eight miles south of Car-
tha^; followed farmingthere till 1857,when he went to Texas; thence
to the Rocky mountains, and then back to McDonough Co., 111.
for three years ; and in 1865 he located in Hancock Co., where he
has resided ever since. He has been in the village of Stillwell since
1873 engaged in mercantile business. He has also been Postmas-
ter for six years. His first marriage was to Miss Ellen Pike, daugh-
ter of William Pike, one of the pioTieers of Hancock county. He
was a native of Kentucky, and located in Hancock count}' in 1830,
when it took all the men in the county to make a jury. At one
time for eight weeks he never saw the face of a white person except
those of his own family. Mr. McM. was married a second time
to Mrs. Brenneman. Henrietta and Freddie W. are the children
living by this union. Mr. McM. is a Freemason, and a Free- Will
Baptist.

Joseph McMillan, farmer, sec. 10; P. O., West Point; was born
in Ireland in 1822. His parents were Alexander and Jane (Oliver
McMillan, born in 1800. Joseph remained in his native land unti
1847, when he came to America and worked in Adams county. 111.,
near the town of Liberty. Then he was employed for one year as
cattle drover, and at the' outlook of the California gold fever he

660 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

went to tlie mines and was there eight mouths; in 1851 he returned
and purchased the farm where he now lives and also a farm at Lib-
ert}', where he farmed for one year in partnership with a Mr.
Henry. He then sold his interest to him and came to where he
now resides; has lived on this farm 27 years. By untiring indus-
try and good management Mr. McMillan lias acci^mulated a hand-
some fortune. He owns about 600 acres of good land, most ot
which is well improved. He is a member of the Adventist Church.
He took for his life partner Mary J. Morgan in 1S52; she was a
native of Kentucky and was born in 1832. They have been the
pareuts ot 7 children, 4 of wliom are living; viz., Charles M.. lioru
in August, 1853; Julia A., born December, 1860; Elizabeth, born
October, 1863 and MiloL.,born February, 1866. Charles M. grad-
uated at Carthage College in 1878 with the highest honors as math-
ematician,— higher than those of any one who had ever graduated
at that institution. He is now Pi-incipal of West Point schools,
under whose administration this village has one of the best schools
in the county.

F. G. Mourning, lumber merchant, West Point, was born in
Kentucky, and is a son of John and Hannah (Ball") Mourning.
The former was a native of Ireland, and the latter of Virginia; he
died in 1846, and she in 1837. The subject of our sketch was one
of the pioneer settlers of Hancock county, having come here in
1839, and resided in Ihe county ever since with the exception
of two years, during which time he lived in McDonough county.
Mr. M. has experienced the trials and hardships of Western life,
but by honesty and hard labor he has secured a good home and a
flourishing lumber business. Mr. M. has followed carj^Nfceriil^
most of his life, until the last six years, during which time he has
been a lumber dealer. He was united in marriage with Miss
l^ancy Watson in 1839. She was a native of Adair county, Ken-
tucky. They have had 6 children; viz., Joel W., Adaline H.,
Elizabeth J., Miranda M., Nancy and Charles W. Mr. M. has
served as Supervisor, and Town Clerk two terms. Has been a Free-
mason for 25 years. Mr. M. enlisted in Co. C, 12th Cavalry;
transferred to llSth 111. Inf. and was made Captain of Co. H. He
is a Kepublican.

Tobias A. Olson, shoemaker, West Point, is a native of Norway;
born in lSi6. His parents were natives of Norway and were born
respectively in 1825 and 1826. Mr. O. at the age of 22 left his
native home, came to America and located first at Oswego, Kendall
county, 111., in 1868; then at Aurora, Kane county, and was there
1^ years; then at West Point in 1871, where he has been ever since.
He learned his trade at the age of 15 and has continiied at it his
whole life, and now enjoys an extensive custom. Mr. O. was mar-
ried in 1872 to Nancy J. Hughes who was born in Adams county,
111., in 1852, since deceased. They have had 3 children, 2 of whom
are living, — Ida J., born in August, 1876; and Orville A. in Octo-
ber, 1877. Lutheran. Republican.

HISTOEY OF HANCOCK CCUNTT. 561

H. C. Stephen, waajon-maker, West Point, is a son of Christopher
and Elizalieth (Wolf) Stepiien, and born in 8t. Louis, Mo., in 1S42.
His parents were natives of Germany, and his fatlier a wheelwright
bv trade. H. C. assisted his father in the shop until he was 20
years old, at which time he began for himself, working for a year
first at Warsaw, 111,, and then engaged in wagon-making in Burling-
ton for about seven years. He then was in Warsaw two years, then
at Burlington again for a year; and in the fall of 1872 he located
at West Point, where he has been ever since. By his industry Mr,
S, has met with abundant success, having purchased a good home,
and also owns his shop. Mr. S. has been twice married. His first
marriage was to Miss Cany L. Hentz, of Berlin, Pa„ in 1873.
There were 2 children by this marriage, Arthur and William, both
of whom are dead. His second wife was Christina Kassell, of Bur-
lington, Iowa, married in 1876. One child, Harry C, was born
to them, Aug. 2, 1877. In politics Mr. S. is a Republican.

Noah Stojces, retired farmer, came here in 1838, when there was
only one house between his present home and Warsaw. He is a
native of Caroline county, on the eastern shore of Maryland, where
he was born in 1798. His parents were also natives of Maryland.
His father, William, was born in 1757. His mother, Sarah Cohee,
was born in 1760. After he obtained his majority he went to
Chester county. Pa., where he lived till 1838, and then emigrated
to Illinois, near where he now lives. He was married to Mary
Willson in 1819, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1799. Ten
children have been born to them, onl}' 3 of whom are living; viz.,
Ruthana (Jones), with whom he now lives, Emma (Jackson) and
Harriett (Cox). Although '• Grandpa" is 82 years old ho still
possesses a strong memory. He is a man who has been and is yet
firm in his opinions on all subjects. About two j'ears since he lost
his sight entirelj'. He has always been a Democrat.

Josej)h L. Sullivan, blacksmith and engineer, Stillwell, was born
in Lancaster county. Pa., in 1831. His parents M'ere natives of
the same State, tbe former born in 1808, and the latter in 1809.
His mother's maiden name was Eliza Quigley. He remained at
home till 22 years old, and then emigrated to California and was
there 17 years, mining and blacksmithing. In 1870 he returned to
Hancock county, and lias made it his home here ever since. He is
at present engineer in the grist-mill at Stillwell. He is a Metho-
dist and a Democrat.

Enos S. Tuttle, deceased, was a native of Connecticut, and born
in 1796. He was a miller by trade. His wife, nee Ehoda
Benson, was born in New York in 1803. He moved to Indiana
in 1817, in which State he was a prominent man; served one term
as County Commissioner in 1845-'6. He was elected Representative
j'rora the counties of Fulton and Marshall in 1S18. and served in
the session of that year. He died at the age of 51. in Hancock
county. 111., in 1850. He was an intimate friend of Hon. Schuyler
Colfax.

562 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Enos B. Tuttle, wagon-maker at Stilhvell, is a sou ot the pre-
ceding, and was born in Clarke county, Ind., in 1S37. When 21
years of age he went to the Rocky mountains and remained a year;
then came to this county and enlisted in tlie war, at Quincy, under
Capt. Anderson, and served three years; was taken prisoner at Mul-
drough Hill, Ky., and was prisoner nine months. He participated in
the battles of Missionary Ridge, Cold Water, Resaca and Nash-
ville, with man}' otliers. Mr. T. was married in 1S60, to Miss
Mary J. Tamer, who was born in 1842, and is a native of Indiana.
Only one of their 5 children is living, namely, Enos W., born
October, 1878. In 1871 Mr. T. located in Stillwell, and has been
workiny- at his trade ever since. He is one of the best workmen
in the county, and enjoys a hicrative trade. He has held the
offices of Town Clerk and Assessor. Is a member of the Adven-
tist Church.

James O.Ward, i-nvmer and stock dealer, sec. 13; P. -O., West
Point; is a native of Adams county, 111., and was born in 1841.
His father's name was James Ward, and he was a native of Eng-
land, and born in 1784. By occupation he was n lilaeksmith and
wheelright. He emigrated to America in 1S3'> and located in
New York city, where he lived for 5 years. AVhile residing in
this city he took unto himself as a partner in lilo Mary Truelock,
who was a native of St. John's New Brunswick; she was born in
1804. In 1841 he came to Payson, Adams county. 111., and erected
a mill, which has never been surpassed in this section of the coun-
try. After 12 years' residence in that county he moved to Hancock
county, where he resided until his death in 1876. He was a ineni-
ber of the English Church. Although he knew nothing of figures,
with a slate and pencil he could calculate the cost of anything with
great rapidity and exactness. The subject of this sketch was mar-
ried in 1S62 to Miss Harriet Wigle, of Adams county. 111. Mr.
W. owns 90 acres of land, which he farms, besides a block in West
Point. He deals extensively in stock, having shipped to the south
over 2,000 mules and horses to this date, 300 of which have been
shipped this year. He is keeping a fine stallion known as " Young
Montezuma;" he is eight years old; was sired by James M. Nelson's
"Whip Horse." His dam was "Diomede" and "Bertram."
Weight 1,600 lbs.

Levi Wolf, farmer; P. O., West Point; was born in 1S29 in
Adams county, Pa.; is a son of John and Julia (Sowers) Wolf. The
former was a native of Pennsylvania, and was born in 1801. He was
a shoemaker by trade; his mother was a native of Pennsylvania,
and was born in 1806. Levi remained at hoine until 1850, when
he was united in marriage to Mrs. S. L. Corhin. who was a native
of New York, and born in 1813. She had 4 children by her former
husband 2of whom ai'e living; namely, Parker, now of Kansas; and
Jacob S., now of Quincy. John H. and Geo. W., have been born
to this union. Mr. W. first located on his farm seven miles south-

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 563

east of Qiiincy, 111., and lived there 16 years; went to West Point
in 1867, where he has been engaged in mercantile business most of
the time since. In the tirst fonr years of this business Mr. W. was
first in partnership with Mr. Franks, and then with Mr. Corbin,
after which Mr. W. continued the business alone until latel,y. when
he sold out to his son Geo. W. Mr. W. owns 160 acres of land,
besides valuable town property. He held the office of Collector
in Adams county two years. He is a Freemason, a Methodist and
a Republican.

J. Wl York, farmer, sec. 5; P. O., West Point; was born in
Kentuck}' in 1821. His parents were natives of the same State.
His father, Jesse York, was a farmer. His mother's maiden name
was Betty Wright. He lived at home until he reached his majority,
when he farmed and coopered for 12 years, and then took to him-
self a life partner in 1827. His wife, Neoma Morris, was a native
of Ohio, but was married in Jacksonville, 111. Of their 7 children
5 are living; viz., Laura J., Anderson D., Arthur, Harry and
Fanny. Mr. York first located near Tioga, where he farmed for 15
years. He then sold out his farm there and came to St. Alban's
tp., to the farm where he now lives, four miles northwest from
West Point, and has lived there ever since. He owns 270 acres of
good land, and improved. Mr. York began the battle of lite with
only $16 in money, and has accumulated his present wealth and
comfortable home by hard labor and good management on the
part of himself and his industrious and amiable wife. Mr. York
and wife are both members of the Congregational Church of West
Point.

William H. Zinn, farmer, sec. 23; P. O., Stillwell; was born in
1S3S in West Virginia. His father's name was Samuel G., and he
was born in 1805. His mother's maiden name was Mary Dawson,
and she was a native of Virginia. Our subject had the pleasure
and benefits of parental influence till he was 22 years of age, when
he came to St. Alban's tp.. in 1862, where he has resided ever
since. Was united in the bonds of holy matrimony in 1S62, to
Martha E. Short, of St. Alban's. She died in 1865. 'There are 2
children by this nnion living— Mary A. and Henrietta. His sec-
ond marriage occurred in 1866, and was to Florence A. Craw-
ford, of Walker tp., native of Illinois. Nellie M., Wra. G. and
Harry C. are their children. Mr. Z. owns and has under cultiva-
tion 245 acres of land, valued at §10,000. He has held the
office of Township Supervisor for three years.

TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS.

The Supervisors, Town Clerks, Assessors and- Collectors of this
township are as follows, with perhaps some unavoidable omissions:

56i

HISTOKT OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

StJPERVISORS.

Alexander McDonald 1850

David Wigle .' . . . 1851

Sylvester H. Crouch 1858

M. T. Hart 1861

Charles Overman 1863

S. H. Crouch 1864:

David Wiijle 1866

John J. Guthrie 1867

J. C. Knott 1871

John J. Guthrie 1873

Bradley Hecox 1873

James M. Nelson 1875

James B. Moore 1876

Wm. H. Zinn 1877

TVm. P. Sutherland 1880

WilUam Hart 1855

Alexander McDonald 1856

A. B. Crooks 1858

W. B. Stanton 1861

Marcus L. Fife 1863

W. B. Stanton 1864

Geo. W. Guthrie 1866

James Wirfe 1867

E. B. Turtle 1871

Milan Smith 1873

Calvin S. Clark 1873

George W. Wolf 1874

Geo. W. Guthrie , 1875

AVm. A. Davis 1878

Charles M. McMillan 1879-

ASSESSOKS.

James Knott 1855

WilliamFite 1856

Samuel Zinn 1858

Lavalette Kinney , 1859

James McClintock . . 1861

J.F.Hart 1863

Aaron O. Dayton 1866

Peter Prey - 1868

LavaletteKinney 1870

J. W. Madison 1871

B. B. Tuttle 1873

Peter Prey 1873

R. W. Harding 1874

John F. HartT 1875

Samuel W. Layton 1876

E. B. Rhodes 1877

Lewis jMartiu 1878

Elijah B. Rhodes 1879-80

COLLECTORS.

Lavalette Kinney 1855

J. F. Hart 1863

LeviP. Bissell 18C4

John P. Hart 1866

S. L. Symmonds 1868

Peter Prey 1869

Sam'l W. Slay ton 1873

Geo. W. Wolf 1874

Arthur F. Day 1877

Geo. W. Linn 1878

Arthm- F. Day 1879-

WALKER TOWNSHIP.

The township jS'o. 3-S was named Walker, from Hon. George
Walker, one of its earliest and most honored citizens. Its north
half is a most excellent tract of rich prairie country, and well settled
by well-to-do farmers. Its south half is principally timbered, on
the waters of Bear creek, and considerabl)' broken, though contain-
ing good farms and farming lands. This township contains two
villages:

Breckenridge, on the east side, was laid out by C. P. Smith and
C. ^'". Gentry, March, 1S57; and,

Tioga, laid out by George Ensminger, in March, 1855, near the
south line of the township. This latter occupies the site of what
was Yelrome, or Morley Town, in the Mormon days, and which was
so ruthlessly burnt out in the fall of ISio, and its inhabitants driven
away. [See Chapter YL]

The first settlers in this township were Hon. George Walker,
from whom it was named, Col. Levi Williams and sons, John Harris,
Elder Joseph Hatchett and his sons, Enoch Hankins, Kobert and
Eli D. Gillham, Harrison Grant, B. F. Howes, Harrison Kan es,
and others.

Mr. Walker was a conspicuous mail in the county, having served
in the Board of County Commissioners and several times in the
Legislature, as will be seen in other chapters. Mr. Williams was
also a conspicuous leader in the Mormon war, was Colonel of one of
the regiments at the time the Smiths were killed, and was one of
the nine indicted for that offense. [See Mormon Histor}'.] He
was a settler of about 1S32, and on coming to the county first located
at Calamus Spring, below Fort Edwards, in the cabin that Major
Marston had occupied. He soon afterward took a claim up in
Green Plains, where he resided till his death.

Esquire Walker and Col. Williams were neither of them educated
men, yet were each leading men in the community — the one an
unswerving Democrat and the other as pronounced a Whig of the
old school.

Rev. Joseph Hatchett was a Yirginian, a descendant of the
French Huguenots; was reared in Kentucky; emigrated to Indiana
in 1821, to Illinois in 1S33. Has children now residing in the
township. Logan Hatchett, a young son, went, about 183-1, across
the river to help build Fort Des Moines, where he died and was
buried, Dec, 1834. His brother Livy, and brother-in-law, John
Harris, went to Montebello, crossed the river in a skiff with Hazen
Bedell and Cyrus. Felt, in the ice, saw the body buried, and returned
the same evening.

(565>

566 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Of Enoch Hankins the least said the better. He has the reputa-
tion of heing the first murderer in the county. His story is told,
however, in another chapter.

The first school taught in the township was probablj' by Rev.
Hatchett, in 1S33 or 183i. The first school-house built was of logs,
located on Col. Williams' farm, and in it the first teacher was Mrs.
Kinney, the mother-in-law of John R. Wilcox, at Fort Edwards.

The first deatlis were probably two of Col. Williams' children;
Mrs. Joseph Hatchett died near tiie same period — 1833.

The first child born is supposed to have been Mrs. Elizabeth
(Harris) Vaughn, now of New Mexico, in the spring of 1834. It
is claimed that one of Mrs. Williams' (Mrs. Hardin Massey) was
earlier. John E. Walker, now of Warsaw, was born in 1835.

RELIGIOUS PROGRESS.

As stated. Revs. Hatchett and Knox were the earliest preachers
about Green Plains. They each held meetings in the neighborhood,
at the houses of settlers; often at the residence of Col. Williams.
Mr. Walker was also an occasional exhorter. It is stated that Rev.
Norman Parks, a Missionary Baptist, was ordained to preach at
the Colonel's house, what year not recollected. Of later Church
organizations and work we are not informed.

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:

Ijifayette H. F^azer was born in Harrison county, Ky., Sept.
11, 1818, and is a son'of George Frazer, deceased, so well known
in the early history of Adams county. 111. George Frazer emigrated
with his family to Adams county in the spring of 1827, where he
labored hard, and, like other pioneers, endured many privations in
preparing the waj' for the prosperity of future generations. The
Indians at that time were numerous, and the wild animals were to
be seen on almost every liill, and in every valley of the land. While
these pioneers endured untold hardships, they never lacked meat.
Wild honey was also to be found in great abundance. Our subject
■was raised a " farmer's boy," and is now engaged in farming and
stock-raising, and resides on section 30, Walker township. He was
married Feb. 10, 1848, to Miss Caroline Wilson, daughter of Isaac
Wilson, deceased, an early settler of Adams and Hancock counties.
This union has been blessed with 2 children; viz., James C. and
George W.

Win. Guymon was born in North Carolina Jan. 23, 1815, and is
a son of Thomas and Sarah Guymon, deceased. He came to Edgar
county. 111., in 1827, where he remained until 1838, when he
removed to this county. He was married in 1834 to Miss Sally H.
Hanks, daughter of Cornelius Hanks, deceased. They liave had
13 children, of whom but 6 are living; viz., Julia A. (now Mrs.
Robert F. Laughlin, of this county), AYashington, Jefterson, Alonzo,

PRAIRIE TP.

HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 569

Charles H. and John E. Mr. Guymon has always been a farmer,
and now reside.'? at Breckenrid(i;e; P. O., Hickory Ridge.

Basel D. Howard was born in North Carolina Oct. 13, 1817,
and is a son of Leven and Tabitha Howard, deceased. He came to
Adams county about the year 1844. He was married Feb. 17,
1848, to Leah M. Brenneman, by whom he had 9 children. Of these
but 3 are livina:; yiz., William, Jasper and Walter. Mrs. Howard
died Oct. 2, 1871. She was a consistent Christian and worthy
member of the M. E. Church. She was a kind wife and tender
mother, and none knew her but to respect her. Mr. Howard resides
on sec. 36, Walker tp., and is engaged in farming and stock-raising.

Dr. Yirgil Kingsley, physician and surgeon, Tioga, 111. The
Doctor is a native of Hancock county. 111., and was born April 7,
1852, in the old Montebello House, near Hamilton. His parents
•were A. S. and Cynthia Kingsley, who came to Illinois about 1845.
The former was a prominent farmer of this county, and was sadly
missed after his death, whicli occurred Feb. 3. 1878, at the age of
70 years, 9 months and 17 days. Our subject is related to the
well known Piggotts, who were among the first settlers of St. Louis.
The Doctor graduated at the Keoknk College of Physicians, June
14, 1877, with high honors. He also attended lectures in the St.
Louis Medical College during tlie session of lS75-'6. He began
practice July 25, 1877, in Tioga, this county, where he now has a
good patronage. He was married Sept. 15, 1874, to Miss Pearle O.
Howes, daughter of F. M. Howes, of Montebello tp., an early
settler of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Kingsley have 2 children, —
Chester H. and Cleo M. The Doctor has also made a very fine
collection of geological specimens, and is still pursuing this study
with energy. During the winter of 1878-'9, he delivered a
course of lectures to the citizens of Tioga, on the subject of human
anatomy, the laws of health, and hygiene.

Dr. Isaac Loclcioood, P. O., Hickory Ridge. The Doctor is a
native of Cayuga county, IST. Y., and was born April 27, 1805. His
parents were Daty and Anna Lockwood. He removed to Penn-
sylvania in 1834, to Cleveland. Ohio, in 1838, to Indiana in 1845,
to Kentucky in 1857, to Iowa in 1859, and to this county in 1861.
He is a physician of the Eclectic School, and has had a large prac-
tice. Being very old he does not ride much now, but makes the
curing of cancers a specialty. He has never failed to cure the
cancer in a single instance. He cures them without cutting or
burning. He was married in 1837 to Miss Elizabeth Baird, by
whom he had 7 children {sX\ dead ). He married a second time in
1846, this time Anna M. Riggin. This union was blessed with
3 children; viz., Cordelia J., Nancy A: and Laura Bell.

James Ramply was born in Hartford county, Md., Aug. 11,
1803, and is a son of Thomas and Christiana Ramply (dec), natives
also of Maryland. Our subject was reared on a farm and educated
in a subscription school. He came to Adams county, 111., in 1847,

570 HISTOEY OF HANCOCK COCNTT.

where he remained for two years, when he removed to this county
and settled on sec. 24, Walker tp., where he still resides, engaged
in farming and stock-raising. He also carried on the coopering
business in connection with farming, for several ^-ears after he
located here. He was married in 1831, to Miss Elizabeth Cheney,
by whom he has had 7 children, of whom 5 are living; viz.,
Thomas, Hiley, John, Martha and James. Martha is now Mrs.
John Loft. Riley, John and James were soldiers for Uncle Sam
during the late Rebellion, and fought nobly for the stars and stripes,
and won laurels that will ever be remembered.

J. W. Rankin was born in this tp. March 26, 1S49, and is a son
of J. S. Rankin (dec), au early settler of Adams count3% 111., and
who came to this county in 1847. He was a farmer and resided on
sec. 23, Walker tp., where Mr. J. W. bow resides. The latter was
raised a farmer's boy and educated in the common schools. He
was married March 29, 1871, to Miss Elizabeth Symmonds, daughter
of Dr. S. L. Symmonds, of Breckenridge. This union .has been
blessed with 2 children, Sanford and Sarah E.

Adam Snyder (^dec.) was born in Washington county, Ind., Feb.
9, 1815; was a brick-molder and worked as such until his death.
He came to Indiana in 1838, where he married Miss Catharine
Burns, Jan. 21 of the same year. They emigrated to this county
in 1840, where Mrs. Snyder still lives on the old home place on sec.
30, Walker tp. They had 5 children, of whom 3 are living;
viz., John S., Mary J. and Geo. Thomas. Mr. Snyder died June
27, 1852.

TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS.

Below is a list, somewhat imperfect, of the Supervisors, Clerks,
Assessors and Collectors of the past and present Boards of Walker
township:

SUPEBVISOES.

Allen 1850 B. F. Rankin 1870

George Walker 1851 Eli D. Gillham 1871

Jackson Ewing 1856 W. H. Shepherd 1872

Thomas Crawford 1858 Geo. W. Barnett 1874

.John B. Hill . ., J 1863 Philip Ensminger 1875

George Walker 1864 Geo. W. Barnett 1876

Jackson Ewing 1866 A. N. Cherry 1877

B. F. Rankin 1868 William Guvmon 1879

Philip Ensminger 1869 A. N. Cheriy 1880

John S. Jenifer 1855 W. H. Shepherd 1870

G. Ensminger 1856 Eli D. Gillham 1873

George Games 1858 Washington Guymon 1873

James Harrison 1862 Jos. H. Ensminger 1875

Eli D. Gillham 1866 Richard Stringer- 1877

J. T. Hopkins 1868 D. Anderson 1879-1880

A. W. Simmons 1869

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

571

ASSESSORS.

Pliny Hutchett 1835

S. Sutton l^'yG

Pliny Hatchett 1858

B. F. Riinkin 1863

Eli D. Gillham 18«8

L. P. Bissell 1869

A. J.Ewing 1872

L. P. Bissdl 1873

O.J. Reese 1874

Jesse Berry. 1877

O.J.Reese 1878

L. Weiler 1879

George W. Berry.. 1870 J. L. Wesler 1880

COLLECTORS.

M. J. Jenifer 18.55

B. F. Rankin 1856

And. Lindsay 1863

E. D. Gillham 1865

Beui. F. Rankin 1866

R. F. Laughlin 1868

G. W. Baruett 1869

A. J.Ewins; 1870

B. F. Rankm 1871

James T. Frazee 1873

Geo. W. Ewing 1873

J. H.Oliver 1874

I.N. Harris 1875

J. H. Oliver 1876

Charles Humke 1877

J. T. Battles 1878

J. H. Ensminger 1879-1880

ROCKY RUN TOWNSHIP.

This township at the present writing (July 1, 1880) about half
under water, embraces No. 3 north, 9 west, and what the Missis-
sippi has left of 3-10. It receives its name from a stream that runs
through it from the prairie of Walker township. Three-fifths of
this township is bottom land, composing the rich alluvial bot-
toms bordering the river, and subject to overflow in seasons of high
water. It is intersected by numerous bayous (called sloughs) from
Warsaw down through Wilcox and Rocky Run, and emptying into
a broad pond on the south line of the county, called Lima lake.
This bottom land is generally warm, sandy and rich; and the best
and most productive corn land in the county. A portion of it was
covered with a fine growth of valuable timber, most of which has
now been cut ofi' by its owners, thousands of cords in old times
having been sold to steamboats, or sawed into lumber.

An efibrt has been made to reclaim this land from overflow, by
leveeing, under the State Drainage act, with encouraging prospects.
In ordinary spring rises, this will be probably ample protection;
but when the Father of Waters gets on a boom, such as we have
witnessed four or five times within the last forty years, it will be
found that his efiorts to spread himself will not be so easil}' con-
trolled.

The portion of the township on the bluff is mostly broken tim-
bered land, among which are some good farms and thrifty farmers.
It is excellent for wheat, and cannot be excelled in the county for
fruit, a fact which its citizens are not slow to profit by, as the in-
ci'ease of orchards there will testif}'.

Among the early settlers of Rocky Run may be named several who
were in the county previous to organization; viz., Luther Whitney
(resided at one time in Montebello), Daniel Crenshaw, Davis Hill,
Curtis Caldwell, Henry Nichols, Leonard L. Abney and Charles
Hill; others later are Henry Newton, Stephen S. Weston, Charles
C. Stevens, Hiram Woodworth, John Banks, John Harness, Luther
Ferry, William Shlpe, John A. Morrison, James Carmean, Daniel
P. Clark, John Fletcher, A. Daugherty, Joseph Caldwell, the Jen-
ifers, Fraziers, Fredericks, Bolts, Worthingtons, etc.

Andreas' Atlas of Hancock county states that Luther Whitney
built the first house in Rocky Run in 1822: a statement that needs
confirmation. That was two years before the evacuation of Fort
Edwards by the soldiers; and we nowhere meet with any evidence
of a settlement below the fort previous to that event. A relative
of Mr. Whitney informs us that he came to the county just previ-
ous to the Black Hawk war, a statement wide of the mark, as he

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 573

was a juryman in Adams previous to the separation, and had a
ferry license granted him at Montebello soon after organization in
1829.

If, however, Mr. Whitney was a settler in 1822, he was the earli-
est one in the county of whom we have any account, antedating Col.
Whipple of St. Alban's by one year, and Capt. White and John
Waggonner, of the rapids, by two years.

The son, Edson Whitney, so long Sheriff of the county, resided
for many years on a farm about nine miles below the fort, near
where Judge Henry Nichols, his brother-in-law, also resided. The
first marriage in the township is said to have been Mr. Nichols to
Miss Sophronia Whitney. The Crenshaws were early settlers, the
elder being one of the first ofiicials; and the first death reported is
said to have been a member of the family.

RELIGIOUS PKOGEESS.

The first preaching in this township was doubtless by those same
pioneers who led in AYalkerand Wythe, namely, Walker, Hatchett
and Knox, as the}' were in close proximitj-. Of this we have no
data. There are two or three church organizations in the townsliip,
with church buildings, but we fail to obtain statistics concerning
them.

BIOGRAPHIES.

The personal mention of any community forms a most interest-
ing feature of its history; therefore, as part of the history of
Rocky Run tp., we make mention of the following early settlers and
prominent citizens:

David Ayers, deceased, was a native of Ireland, and came to
America in 1836, and to this county in the fall of tlie same year,
settling in Rocky Run tp., whea-e he resided, engaging in farming
and stock-raising until his death, which occurred in June, 1876.

David Clair, the subject of this sketch, was a native of West-
moreland county, Penn., and was born Sept. "20, 1829, the
son of Benjamin Clair. He was married in the year 18-57, to Miss
Martha J.Martin, of Indiana, by whom he had 7 children; of these
6 are living; viz., Benjamin, John, Mary A., Joseph W., Jennie
M., Jessie M. Mr. Clair came to Adams county. III., in 1850, and
to this county in the year 1851, and located in Rocky Run tp.,
where he has since resided. He was here during the time of the
Mississippi overfiow, and when game was very plentiful, such as
deer, wolves, turkeys, prairie chickens, etc., and he participated in
many a hunting expedition in the forests of this tp. He owns a
farm of 154 acres, located on sees. 2 and 3.

Be7ijamin F. Crenshaw, sec. 26. The subject of this sketch is a,
native of Jefferson county. 111., and was born Sept. .30,1818. His
father, Daniel Crenshaw, was a native of Yirginia, but resided in
Georgia a short time, and then started for Illinois, placing all his
chattels on a keel-boat, which sank on the way, and all his goods
were lost. He was one of the first settlers of Jefferson county, and

674 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

did much toward improving and making that county. In a few
years he removed to Jefferson count}', Mo., where he remained
until 1827, when he returned to III, and settled in Hancock county.
He is the youngest of 8 children, 6 boys and 2 girls; was raised a
farmer's boy, but spent a portion of his time in mining, selling
goods and blacksmithing; but his general vocation is farming and
stock-raising. He was married in 184-5, to Miss Teresa A. Allen,
a native of Jefferson county, 111., and .they have had 6 children, of
whom 3 are living, — John T., Joel F., and Celatha A. Mrs. Cren-
shaw died Sept. 28, 1860, and Mr. C. again married in December,
1861, Miss Martha A. Ellis, by whom he has 6 children; viz., Lucy
J., Wm. D., Charles L., Sarah E., Henry "W. and Isaac W.
When Mr. Crenshaw first came to this county the Indians were
very numerous. He traded a great deal with them, and learned to
speak their language. He took part in driving the Mormons from
this county during the Mormorn war.

David Frederick was born Jan. 22, 1831, near Lancaster, Fair-
field county, O., and was of German descent. His parents, Abra-
ham and Catharine Frederick, were Germans. Our subject was
married Dec. 28, 1S5S, to Miss Harriet Huse, b}' whom he had 10
children. Of these, 9 are living; viz., Henry C, Waldo S., Flora A.,
Willard T., Edwin P., Maurice H., Charles K., Harriet A., Fred.
C. Mr. Frederick came to this county April 11, 1848, and located
in this tp., where he has since resided, engaged in farming and
stock-raising. Our subject owns a farm of 287 acres; of this, 160
acres are in the Mississippi valley and the rest are in two different
lots.

William W. Jones is a native of Hancock county, and was born
March 17, 1852. His parents are Thomas and Nancy Jones, of
Eocky Hun tp. Mr. Jones is a farmer and stock-raiser, and resides
on sec. 11, this tp. He is the present Constable for this tp., and
performs the duties of the ofiice to the entire satisfaction of his
many constituents.

Geo. W. McKlmie was born in Clarke county. Mo., March 28,
1838, and is a son of James McKinzie, deceased, who emigrated to
Clarke county. Mo., from Henderson county, Ivv., in the year 1832.
James McKinzie and a brother, Wm. H., were in the Black Hawk
war. The McKinzies were among the first pioneers of Clarke
county. Our subject's grandmother, Webb, lived to the age of 104.
Mr. McKinzie came to this county in 1852, and worked as a farm
hand for Mr. John Morrison, now of Eocky Eun tp. His mother
died when he was but two years old, and at the age of about five
years, his father obtained a new mother for him, who did not seem
as a mother to him. He therefore left home to battle with the cold
and heartless world. He first resided with his brother-in-law, A.
A. Weston, for two years. He then worked with Mr. 0. Freeman,
at eight dollars per month, for nearly a year. Then he went to
Winchester, Mo., where he engaged in breaking prairie; returned
to Illinois and labored for J. A. Morrison until 1856, when he emi-

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COCNTr. 575

grated to Lake Pepin, Minn., where he engaged in driving and
herding cattle until autumn, when he returned and worked for Mr.
Morrison again until 1S.58. He tlien went to the Rocky niountains
in the spring of 1859, and while on the head waters of the Republican
river, was captured by the Ute Indians, and was held by difterent tribes
until August, when he escaped in the night and arrived at Fort
Riley, Kan., and remained in tliat vicinity until in September, when
he returned and began work for Mr. Weston. He remained here
until 1S61, when lie went to Alexandria county. 111., but he soon
returned and enlisted in tlie army, in Co. E, 7th Mo. Cav., and
fought for Uncle Sam until Nov. 20, 1S64. Of 136 who went out
in that company but 15 returned. They were known a.5 the " South-
western Missouri Scouts " in the service of the United States. He
was married Sept. 17, 1865, to Miss Lucinda Worthington, daughter
of Samuel J. Wortliington, of this tp., and they have had 8 children,
of whom 5 are living; viz., Clarissa S., Willis H., Viola, James S.
and Artiiur. Mr. McKinzie is engaged in farming and stock-rais-
ing, on sec. 15.

James H. Morrison. — The subject of this sketch was born in
this (Rocky Run) township, Nov. 23, 1852, and was married Feb.
18, 1875, to Miss Florence B. Richardson, b^' whom he has had
2 children; of these, one is living, Alfred M. Mr. Morrison is
engaged in bee culture, and is very successful.

William S. Shipe is a native of Pennsylvania, and was born
July 12, 1832, the son of John and Sarah Shipe, and was married
Nov. 7, 1853, to Miss Mary C. Shipe, by whom he. has had 8 chil-
dren; of these, 6 are living; viz., Martin L., Rebecca E. (now Mrs.
Frazier), Emma J., Cora A., Hattie G., and Catie. Mr. Shipe came
to this State in 18i2, and in 1852 came to this county, locating in
this tp., where he has since resided, engaged in agriculture, stock-
raising, and fruit-tree culture. Mr. Shipe is a very prominent man
in this vicinity, and has been elected to some of the most important
township offices, but declined to fill them. He owns a valuable
farm of 280 acres on sec. 25, and his residence is the finest in that
vicinity.

James M. Shipe was born in Hancock county. III, in the year
1856, and is a son of John and America Ships, of this county. He
received a common-school education, and was raised a farmer's boy.
He was married Jan. 20, 1876, to Miss Susan E. Quick, by whom
he has one child, Rosa. Mr. Shipe is engaged in farming and
raising stock. He has two very fine horses, — one. Eureka II. , sired
by Eureka, of French Percheron stock. The latter was imported
from France about the year 1872 or '73. His other horse is Romeo,
sired by same. Eureka II. is four years old and weiglis 1,450
pounds.

H. C. Parker was a native of Kentucky, born March 1-1, 1834;
was the sun of William and Rebecca Parker; was married March
23, 1854, to Miss Eliza E. Weaver, by whom he had 10 children;
of these 7 are living; viz., Mary A. (now Mrs. Peoples), Gustina H.,

576 HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Susanah H., Emmit J., Lewis E., Aniietta B., and Florence L. Mr.
Parker came to this county in the year 1851, and afterward located
in this tp., where he has since resided, engaged in agriculture and
stock-raising, and owns a very fine fruit orchard. Mr. Parker lives
in one of the finest residences in that part of the tp.

George A. Trautvetter is a native of Germany, and was born
Aug. 16, 184:2; was married Jan. 20, 1869, to Miss Anna Schildt-
mann, by whom he had 4 children; viz., Elizabeth, Anna S., Henry
Harman, and Francis L. Mr. T. emigrated to America July 3,
1853, and located in this township Sept. 10 following, where he
has since resided. Mr. Trantvetter was a soldier in the late war, in
Co. H, 14th 111. Vol. Inf., under Col. Hull and Gen. Stallbrand;
served one year, during which time he traveled over Virginia
and North Carolina. When he was on his way to Kansas to pro-
tect the white settlers on the frontier, on arriving at Ft. Scott the
army was disbanded and he returned home and resumed his former
occupation, farming and stock-raising. Mr. Trautvetter has in his
possession a sword which his great-grandfather used at the battle of
Waterloo, under the command of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Morris A. Weaver, sec. 2, is a jolly bachelor, residing on his
little farm near the Mississippi river. He was born in Clermont
county, O., Nov. 29, 1849, and is a son of Thomas and Mary Weaver
of this county. He came to Hancock county with his parents in
the spring of 1852, where he has since resided, and is now engaged
in farming and stock-raising.

William C. Worth ingto?iv^a.s born July 26, 1852, in Lee county,
Iowa. His father's name is Samuel J. He was married in No-
vember, 1874, to Miss Martha E. Clark, and of their 2 children one
is living, William C. Mr. Worthington came to this county with
his father in the year 1856 and located in this tp. Farming has
been his occupation. He owns a farm of 280 acres, a part of sec.
10, which is one of the finest farms in the Mississippi valley.

TOWNSHIP OFFICERS.

Below we give a list of the township oflicers serving since its
organization, as completely as we could obtain them:

•SUPERVISORS.

John Banks 1850 Joseph Bolt 1870

Hiram Woodworth 1854 Aquilla Daugherty 1873

Stephen S. Weston 1858 Alfred N. Cherry ( . o'-a

Hiram Woodworth 1859 Aquilla Daugherty \

Daniel P. Clark 1863 Aquilla Daugherty 1875

Hiram Woodworth 1865 Jolm A. Jlorrison 1877

Daniel P. Clark 1868 Daniel P. Clark 1878

Hiram Woodworth 1869

George Smith 1858 OUver O. Jenifer 1874

William Shipe 1859 Wm. C. Worthington 1875

C.W.Banks 1861 Henry R. Smith 1877

William Shipe 186.3 George Smith 1878

George Smith 1870 V,"iu."C. Worthi'.igton 1880

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

577

Luther Perry 1858

Charles Egbers 1859

James Carmeau 1860

A. J. Strough 1861

J. D. Stroupe 1863

a W. Banks 1863

Hiram Woodworth 186-t

Daniel P. Clark 1805

A. N. Cherry 1866

Daniel P. Clark 1867

A. N. Cherry 1868

Daniel P. Clark 1869

John A. Morrison 1870

Joseph S. Smith 1^71

Gustine Parker 1873

John Shipe 1874

Daniel P. Clark 1875

J. K. Stroupe 1876

Daniel P. Clark 1877

John E. Exon 1878-1880

COLLECTORS.

Joseph S. Smith 1858

A. J. Strough 1860

James Carmean 1861

John Shipe 1868

John Gillham 1869

Joseph S. Smith 1870

Wm. H. Straight 1871

Alexander B. Mackie 1873

John A. Morrison 1873

James J. Frazier 1874

Jacob D. Stroup 1875

John S. Exon 1876

Alexander Mackie 1877

Morris A. Weaver 1879-1880

ST. MARY'S TOWNSHIP.

St. Maiy's township (-in., 5w.), second from the south, on the
east line of the conntj, is anotlier of the rich and well-settled
townships. It is well watered and wooded by a section of Crooked
creek in the northeast, and by Bronson's creek, one of its tribu-
taries, running through tlie center. It has much valuable land
within its limits, about two-thirds being prairie. It derives its
name from the village of St. Mary's, one of the old towns of the
county, laid out bv Walter R Hurst and Wesley Williams in
1835.

Among its earlier settlers were Mathew Melton and his son
Allen, and John Trammel, his son-in-law, Ezekiel Bowman,
Edward Wade, Daniel Cain, Jesse Cain, Jacob Castlebury, Jesse
Koberts, John and Robert Box, John Shelton, Peter Wood, Uriah
Dodd,'AbijahTerrill,Roswell Terrill, Dr. Blackburn, John Atchison,
Edward Bryant, Wm. Irwin, Benjamin Terrill, John Martin, Mr.
Lanman, Paul Brattan, Lamarcus A. Cook, Joshua Owen, James
R. Smith, T. Madison, Wm. Page, Byrd Smith, Samuel Haggard, Si-
las Griffith, Reuben Graves and sons, Henry Garnett, Frederick
Walton,';Charles Friend, John T.Johnson, Wm. Darnell, Dr. Jona-
than Berry, Jesse W. Bell, David Greenleaf, Elias Johnson, Otho
Johnson, Benjamin Talbot, John Wilson, Jonathan Printy, Dr. H.
P. Griswold, Wm. M. King. Minor R. Deming, John W. Crockett,
Geo. W. P. Cook, Dr. A. W. King.

Two of St. Mary's very oldest citiziens are still living in Ply-
mouth, Allen Melton and Edward Wade; others as early reside in
the vicinity. John Atchison, in the northwest, a native of Ireland,
is thought to be one of the oldest settlers now in the county.
Minor R. Deming is supposed to have been one of the first school-
teachers in the tp. His career is fully treated of in the chapter on
Mormon aflairs. Jesse Roberts and family reached their new home
near the village of St. Mary's, the evening the " stars fell," 1833.
The first elephant show ever in the county was exhibited on Mr.
Roberts' place. Mr. Roberts died in 1851. His widow was still
living a year ago.

Capt. Rowland T. Madison (Lieutenant in the regular service
U. S. 28th Infantry, and previously in Ky. Militia) was born in
1794, near Bowling Green. Was at the battle of Fort Meiggs, and
served under Harrison in the Canada campaign. Came to Rush-
ville 1836, and to Plymouth, 18-10.

The first cabin built and occupied by the Cains was cut and
built in a day. Jesse kept house ten years without buying a table
(578)

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 579

or a chair. These as well as the bedsteads were made from punch-
eons.

Aug., 1831, Mr. Matliew Melton, his son Allen and John Tram-
mell, settled ou sec. 36, on which Plymouth now stands. Mr.
Melton's daughter Marissa, afterward Mrs. Ezekiel Bowman, is
said to have been the first white woman on Eound Prairie; and her
daughter, Eliza Jane, born March, 1833, now Mrs. Walty, of Ply-
Hiouth, the first child born there.

Joshua Owen and John Box both removed to Lee county,
Iowa, and each served a term in the Territorial Legislature.

John W. Crockett was said to have been a relative of the re-
nowned '-Davy," of Tennessee and Texas fame. David Green-
leaf held various public ofiices, among (hem that of Probate Judge,
and HOW resides in Carthage.

Crockett, James Clark, Benjamin Terrill and Lamarcus A. Cook
succeeded the Melton family on sec. 36, and in January, 1836, laid
out the town of Plymouth. Levier Tadlock erected the first build-
ing.

There is a big "snake story" connected with Cedar Bluff, up
north of Plymouth, good enough to be told here.

" One bright spring day in 1833, Mr. Ezekiel Bowman, who but a
short time before had become the happy father of his first-born
child. — now Mrs. "Walty, — started out, with his infant in his arms,
for a walk. Led, perhaps, by that intuitive love for nature in her
wilder forms, so common in the human breast, he found himself
presently at Cedar Bluti". Here his wandering steps were suddenly
arrested by an ominous rattle and coiled form, that man never meets
unexpectedly without being startled. Unarmed for fight, his first
impulse was to seek a place of temporary safety for his precious
luggage, and then a weapon of stick or stone for the attack; but
as he turned another met his gaze, and then another, and another. In
fact, hecould see snakes all around him without the aid, now retfuired,
of numerous glasses of strychnine whisky. Picking his way can-
tiously out of the enemy's encampment, the attack was deferred
until reinforcements could be brought up. Returning with two of
his brothers-in-law, Allen and ilenry Melton, the slaughter began.
The enemy proved to be strongly intrenched within the rocky ledge;
their den was inaccessible, but by frequent raids during that season
and part of the next, surprising and killing them as they ventured
ont of the den, over 600 rattlesnakes were killed by these parties at
that locality." — Young'' s History. Snakes enough for one township.

Benjamin Whitaker, Esq., now of Wilcox, kept the first store in
Plymouth; removed fi-oui Kiverside in 1837.

Jesse W. Bell kept the first hotel, and has continued in the
business almost ever since. A public school-house was built also
in 1S37.

A postotfice was established in the place in the fall of 1836,
Carroll O'Neil being the first Postmaster. He was succeeded by
Wm. M. King, Esq., who held it from 1839 to '57. Then followed

580 HISTOKT OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

William Melton, John Cleaveland, H. P. "Weir, John H. Lawton,
Samuel Haga^ard, Mrs. E. S. Haines and E. J. Ellis.

David Higby, a citizeu of Plymouth for several years, had pre-
viously met with a tragical experience. He and his family were
passengers on the ill-fated steamer Moselle, which blew up at Cin-
cinnati, about 1S36, with such destruction to human life. By the
disaster, Mr. H was blown into the air, falling in the water,
wounded, and maimed for life, and his wife and children killed.

The first celebration of the Fourth of July in this township, and
probably the first barbacue in the county, was held in 1S37 in Ply-
mouth, Senator Little orator of the day.

Mr. L. A. Cook spent a year or two at an early day, in company
with his wife,asan agent of the Government, among the Winnebago
Indians, at Fort Atkinson, west of Prairie du Chien; then returned
to Plymouth, where he still resides, aged about S6 years.

The people of St. Mary's, like all the rest of the early settlers,
had more trouble to solve the Iread than the meat question. The
immigrants of the first year or two came mostly from Morgan or
Sangamon counties, and brought supplies with them; afterward
they could produce the raw material for bread at home. But to
turn it into flour and meal was the question. Of course the " hom-
iny block'- was easily made, and most families were provided with
one, or else with that more elaborate and costly contrivance, the
Phillips mill. With either of these the ghost of famine was kept
away. Wild game supplied them with the best of meat, and hogs
soon multiplied. A mill at Quincy, one at the mouth of the Mau-
vaisterre, at Beardstown, and later, one at Brooklyn, on Crooked
creek, were to be reached at great labor and difficulty. Prairies
had to be crossed without roads, creeks forded, marshes and ravines
avoided or " stuck" in — all generally on horseback or with other
poor modes of conveyance. The pioneer, it may well be believed,
earned his bread by the sweat of his brow.

At Cedar Bluft'are a number of small mounds, and also indica-
tions of an Indian encampment. We are not aware that the
mounds have ever been excavated to any extent.

The village of St. Mary's, so many years the center of business
for that region, has been outgrown by its more favored rival on the
railroad. Another station still nearer than Plymouth — Colmar,
in McDonough couutj' — has also injured its trade in that direction.
It is beautifulh" situated, however, and surrounded b}- one of the
richest and handsomest farming sections in the county. We have
no record of its early Postmasters. John R. Nichols, at the same
time a Justice of the Peace, held the office in 1846.

The first death in St. Mary's township was probably that of Jane
Box, a daughter of Robert Box, 1-ith of May, 1833: buried in
Augusta.

The first marriage, that of Hezekiah Cain, son of Daniel, to
Irene Woodard, in 1833, daughter of Henry Woodard.

Dr. Orville Blackburn, the first physician in Plymouth prairie,
removed to Brooklyn, Schuyler county.

HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 581

G. "W". P. Cook was born in Conn, in 1801, came to the county
in 1834, to PhMnouth in 1837, where he died a few months ago.

Mrs. Sabra (Wilkes) Botts, wife of Rev. Joseph Botts, married
in Ky. in ISIO, died in St. Mary's in 1865, aged 76, — after a conju-
gal union of fitty-five years, — and now lies in the St. Mary's
churchyard.

RELIGIOUS PROGRESS.

Revs. Thomas H. Owen and Bradley were, perhaps, the earliest
ministers of the Baptist denomination in St. Mary's. We do not
learn where Mr. Bradley resided, but Mr. O. lived just over the
line in tlie Carthage township. They ministered frequently in St.
Mary's and other parts of the county. Rev. Joseph Botts, a ven-
erable minister, now residing near the village of St. Mary's, in bis
91st year, came to the county in 1S36, and since his residence here
has organized and assisted in organizing 12 or 15 Churches of this
denomination in Hancock and adjoining counties. In 1837 he or-
ganized the St. Mary's Baptist Church, with the following as mem-
bers: Reuben Graves and wife, William Graves and wife, Henry
Garnett, Mrs. Frederic Walton, Charles Friend and sister, and
Joseph Botts and wife — ten members. This was in St. Mary's
village. For place of worship they used the old building in town,
till 1866, when a new church was erected. Present membership
over 150.

Mr. B. also assisted in organizing the Church in Plymouth in
1857. Thisconsistedof eight members. Present number about 100.

Providence Church, in the west part of the township, was organ-
ized about 1835.

Rev. Mr. Botts tells the following anecdote, which he had from
his friend Bradley, and as it illustrates " religious progress," will
do to insert here. Mr. Bradley tells that, in early times, having
occasion to cross the Mississippi on Amzi Doolittle's ferry boat, in
offering to pay his ferriage, he was told by Mr. D. that he would
not charge him anything, as he was a minister; but he would like
to have him pray for him. Mr. Bradley replied, " I don't like to
remain in your debt; come out on the bank and I will pay the
bill." And the bill was settled to the satisfaction of both parties.

Rev. John Logan, of McDonough county, was also an early min-
ister of this section in St. Mary's.

The first M. E. class was formed in 1833, but nearly all its mem-
bers resided out of St. Mary's. Rev. Henry Summers, and Revs.
Boring, Pitner and T. N. Ralston, were ministers in the early days.
The noted Rev. Peter Cartwright sometimes officiated among them.
So did Rev. Applebee, now of Hamilton. In 1853 this society
built their church in Plymouth. Membership at present, about 100.

The Congregational Church of Round Prairie (Plymouth) was
organized in 1836, over in Schuyler county. A meeting-house was
built in 1837. Later, in July, 1855, a neat house in Plymouth was
dedicated. Among its pastors have been Rev. John Lawton (occa-

582 HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTT.

sioual), Win. Kinby, Anson Hubbard, Guv C. Sampson, Z. K.
Hawlev, C. E. Murdock and Wm. C. Rankin. Later have been
Revs. Milton Kimball, N. P. Coltrin, Wm. B. Atkinson and Wm.
A. Chainberlin. Later pastors not named.

The Presbyterian Church at Plymouth, though with a house of
its own, has for ten years of its life been joined with the Congre-
gational, and for many other years, when separate, has united with
that in the support of pastors. It was organized in 1836, and of late
years its membership has ranged between 50 and SO.

The Christian Church at Plymouth was organized in 1855, with
28 members; lias increased since to over 100 persons. It occupies
a house built in 1866. It has had among its pastors the following:
Elders James and J. Carroll Stark, of Augusta; E. J. Lampton,
George Brewster, E. Browning, James R. Ross and others.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

As the most essential part of the history of a township consists
in biographical sketches of its principal citizens, we give as many
of them in this connection as space will permit.

Esta Bidwell, blacksmith and dealer in agricultural implements,
Plymouth, was born in New York in 1830, and came to Illinois
in 1848, settling in Fulton county, until 1855, and then
came to Plymouth. In 1851 he married Hannah R. Whaley, who
was born in Indiana in 1832, and they are the parents of 9 chil-
dren, 7 of whom are living; Effie, wife of E. J. Ellis, of Plymouth;
Elizabeth, wife of M. M. Mark, of Plymouth; Anna E'; Hattie
and Homer, twins; Minnie; Charlotte, deceased; Thomas L. and
an infant. Mr. B. owns two lots, with dwelling and shop. He is
a member of the Masonic fraternity' and of the Presbyterian
Church.

Alonzo Blair, farmer and stock dealer; P. O., Plymouth; was
born in Ohio in 1824, and is a son of Robert and Mary (Johnson)
Blair, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Ohio;
mother still living, at the age of 80. Mr. B. has followed his
present business through life except for 15 years, in which he
taught school. He owns about 500 acres of fine farm land. He
fattens and sells 50 to 75 head of cattle every season, besides some
hogs. In this county, in 1861, he married Miss Mildred Coke,
daughter of James and Luc}' Coke, natives of Kentucky, and Mrs.
Blair was also born in that State, in 1840. The 4 children are,
Mardula, Edgar L., Frances M., and Ina. Mr. Blair has been
Supervisor four years, and Assessor four years. He is a Free-
mason and a Republican.

Jacob J. Blair, brother of the preceding, is a farmer on sec. 4,
owning 160 acres of land; P. O., St. Mary's; he was born in Ohio
in 1818, married in this countj' in 1844 to Mary Nichols, daughter
of John R. and Elizabeth (Rhodes) Nichols ; they are the parents
of 5 children, — Mary, Robert, Elizabeth, Alice and Alonzo J. Mr.

UISTOKY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 583

B. has been Road Commissioner; he is a member of the Masonic
fraternity. Was in the Mormon war six weeks. Politically he is
a Republican.

J. D. Botts^ farmer sec. 2 , owning 280 acres of land, was born
in Kentucky in 1,^33, reared on a farm, and has followed farming
through life; taught school several terms; came with his parents
to this county in 1836; was tnarried in 1859 to Mary E. Perkins,
danghter of Jefferson and Charlotte Perkins, natives of Rhode
Island; she was born in 1839; of their 8 children 7 are living:
Sarah F., Mary, Miner J., Helen, Harriet, Cora, Carey and an
infant, deceased. Mr. Botts is a Republican, and has been Town-
ship Assessor.

Joseph Botts, retired farmer, sec. 2, was born in Virginia in
1790; came to this county at a very early day; in 1835 he was
ordained a Minister of the gospel in the Baptist Church, and has
been in the ministry ever since, althongh 90 years of age; walks a
half-mile yet to preach. In Kentucky, in 1810, he married Sarah
Weeks, who was born in Kentucky in 1790, and they had 12 chil-
dren, 6 of whom are living: Matilda, Jane, William O., Absalom,
James and Louisa. Mr. B. owns 240 acres of fine farm land. He
is much respected in his neighborhood.

William 0. Botts, farmer and stock-dealer, sec. 11; P. O., Ply-
mouth. This gentleman was born in Kentucky in 1817, and emi-
grated to this county in 18-12. He has been twice married, the first
time in this county in 18i2, to Marj- Darnell, who was born in
Ohio in 1825, and died in 1850, leaving 3 children — Sidney J., wife
of Edward Gilcyhurst; and Margaret E., wife of Robert White, of
Iowa. Dec. 26, 1850, Mr. B. again married, this time to Mary F.
Walker, and they have 5 children — Robert W., Joseph J., Myrtle
A., AVilliam G. and Charles. Mr. B. is a member of the Baptist
Church, is a Republican, has held the oflices of Assessor and Col-
lector, and in earlier days was a participant in the Mormon war.

William D. Burdett, keeper of livery stable in St. Mary's, was
born in Castle county, Ky., in 1835, and is a son of Thomas and
Martha Burdett, both natives also of Kentucky, and of German de-
scent; he came to this county in 1851, settling in Plymouth, where
he followed butchering eleven years, but for the past three years
has kept a livery stable. In 1867, in this county, Mr. Burdett
married Miss Harriet Ellis, a native of this county, and born in 1848 ;
she is a daughter of William and Margaret Ellis, natives of Vir-
ginia. Mr. and Mrs. B. have 3 children, Charles, Otto and Winnie
E. Mr. B. has held the office of Constable. He owns four lots in
St. Mary's, four dwellings and the livery stable.

W. K. Cornell, dealer in boots and shoes and ready-made cloth-
ing, west side of the public square, Plymouth, was born in Wash-
ington county, N. Y., in 1^20, and came to this county in 1844;
in 1862, in Iroquois county. 111., he married a native of New York.
Since he has been in this county he has dealt very largely in live
stock, especially sheep. He owns three lots, with dwelling and
store-house, in Plymouth.

584 IIISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

J. W. Cox, farmer and dealer in stock; P. O. , St. Mary's; was
born in Virginia in 1822; was brought np in the vocation of farm-
ing, which he has followed through life with success; he came to
this county in 1843. In 1847 he married Julia Wilson, a daughter
of John and Elizabeth Wilson, of Scotch descent, who came to this
county in 1833; she was born in Virginia in 1823, and she is the
mother of 6 children, 4 of whom are living, namely, Webster,
Amanda, Allie H. and Esther; deceased, George and Belle. Mr.
Cox owns 560 acres of well improved farm land, and deals exten-
sively in cattle. He also was in the "Mormon war." Politically
he is a Democrat.

William B. Ellis, proprietor of a wagon and repair shop, St.
Mary's, was born in Virginia in 1816, and was married in that State

in 1837, to Miss Elizabeth A. , who was born in Virginia

in 1819, and of their 9 children, 8 are living — Mary, Frances, Eliza
A., Harriet J., George W., Elizabeth A. and David A. Jane is
deceased. Mr. E. is a Republican, and has been Commissioner of
Highways. His maternal grandfather served seven years in the
Revolutionary war; and his father was in the war of 1812. Mr.
Ellis owns three blocks in St. Mary's.

John G. EoUin, Y>^iysicia.n and surgeon, Plymouth, is a son ot
Daniel and Hannah (Ewis) Follin, natives of Virginia, and was
born in Ohio, Oct. 7, 1825; early opportunities for a school educa-
tion limited; followed farming until he was 21; in 1847 he com-
menced the stud}' of medicine, and graduated in 1849, at Cleveland,
O.; he also graduated at the university of Iowa, in 1861; he com-
menced the practice of medicine in 1850, in Missouri; he settled
in Plymouth in 1864, where he has had an extensive and successful
practice. In 1849, near Bowling Green, Ky., he married a native
of that State, who was born in 1834. Of their 10 children, 5 are
living, — Mary, wife ofWm. Ramick, of this tp.; Julia C, Ida B.,
James and Ernest. The Doctor owns four lots, with dwellings,
here, and 60 acres of land in Kentucky, three miles from Bowling
Green. In politics the doctor is a Democrat.

Elias Giohs, farmer, sec. 5, owning 130 acres; P. O., St. Mary's;
was born in Burlington county, N. J., in 1819, and came to this
State in 1842, settling in Schuyler county; came to this county in
1870. In 1847, in Schuyler county, he married Sarah A. Boder, a
native of Ohio, born in 1828, and they are the parents of 9 children;
namely, Mary A., wife of Frank Newcomb, of Missouri; Henry B.,
Smith J., Sarah, wife of Walter Case, of this tp. ; William B.,
Philip N.; Nettie, wife of Samuel Coke, of this tp.; Charlie and
Carl. Mr. Gibbs is a member of the I. O. O. F., and is a prosper-
ous farmer.

Lewis Graham, undertaker, Plymouth, was born in Ohio in 1820;
emigrated to this county in 1836; settled in Plymouth in 1854.
Was married in 1843, in Schuyler county, 111., to Frances M.
Lansdon, who was born in Kentucky in 1822, and they are the

H

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M^\

4'^(ayi£Q^ i^/VoUX^^?-^

ST. MARYS Tp

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 587

parents of 6 children, only one of whom is living; namely, Henri-
etta, wife of Samuel S. Fox, of this tp. Both of Mr. Graham's
grandfathers were in the Revolutionary war. He has been Town
Trustee. He owns two lots, one with dwelling and one with shop.
He keeps a good supplv of stock in his line.

Henry A. Hendricks, farmer, sec. 34; P. O., St. Mary^s; is a son
of John and Nancy Hendricks, natives of Tennessee, and of Ger-
man descent, and was born in that State in 1822; in 1841 he mar-
ried Melvina Jones, who was born in Kentucky in 1826, and they
are the parents of 10 children, 6 of whom are living; namely,
William S., James Lavender, George E., Cord and lona; John and
3 infants are deceased. Mr. H. came to this county in 18.51, where
he owns 146 acres of tine land. He is a Baptist, a Freemason and
a Democrat; has been Commissioner of Highways.

W. S. Hendricks, physician and surgeon, St. Mary's, was born
in Kentucky, Jan. 31, 1851; was brought to this county in 1852;
commenced the study of medicine in 1869; studied and taught
school for five years; graduated at the Keokuk Medical College in
1875; settled in this county in 1877, where he has since been
practicing. In 1878 the doctor married Mattie P. Johnson, who
was born'in this county in 1854, and they have one child, named
Pearl. Dr. Hendricks owns five lots in St. Mary's, one with store
building where he keeps groceries and notions, and one lot with
dwelling house. He has been Postmaster since 1878.

John J. Hippie, merchant, Plymouth, is a son of Henry and
Catharine Hippie, the former a native of Maryland and the latter
of Pennsylvania; Mr. H. was born in Ohio in 1821, and came to
this county in 1855, settling in Plymouth, where he now keeps a
general store, of dry goods, groceries, etc., on the south side of the
public square. He owns one lot with dwelling, and 350 acres of
fine farm land. He was married in this county in 1848, to Miss
Caroline Darnell, who was born in Ohio in 1830, and they have
had but one child, Catharine, the wife of W. E. King, of Plymouth.
Mr. H. has been Town Trustee six years, Supervisor one term. Both
his grandfathers were in the Revolutionary war, and his father was
in the war of 1812. Politically Mr. Hippie is a Democrat.

Hiram B. Johnson, farmer, etc., sec. 14; P. O., St. Mary's; is a
son of John T. and Maria Johnson, natives of Ohio, and of Irish
descent; they came to this county in 1839, where Hiram was born
in 1844 and raised on a farm; he was married in this county, Oct.
30, 1872, to Lizzie Hendricks, who was born in this county in 1854,
and their 2 children are Frankie and Freddie L. Mr. J. is a Re-
publican.

J. T. Johnson and wife emigrated from Champaign county, O., in
1839, tq this county, in company with his parents, a brother and
two sisters, the brother having a wife with him and one sister a
husband. Mr. J. and wife also had their only child_ with them.
Since that time, in 1840, the younger sister married John J.
Graves, now of Carthage; Mr. J.'s mother died in 1845, his young-

35

588 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

est sister in 1S52, brotiier in 1857, and father in 1S69, in tlie 81st
year of his age. His sister, Mrs. Talbot, and himself are the only
ones left of the family now alive. Mr. Johnson settled on the N.
E_ i of sec. 2. St. Mary's tp., one and a half miles north of
the town of St. Mary's, a piece of land which his father bought of
Judo-e Williams, of Carthage. Mr. J.'s house was then the out-
side one of the settlement in that direction, and he and his family
were very lonely indeed. Mr. Johnson's first work was to make
400 sugar-troughs, as there M'as a good stand of sugar trees near,
which has indeed yielded well ever since. After laying in provis-
ions for the winter Mr. J. had $50 left, which he loaned to Mr.
Comer, of Carthage; but he took his uncle's advice, who had told
him: " John, when you git to Eelinoise, buy calves." He did so,
lias made money, and has not been out of the calf trade since. He
drove his lot of'calves, which he had kept till the fall of lSi3, to
Warsaw, and sold them for §11 a head, or about 75 cents a cwt.
The first pork he sold was in ls42, which he hauled to Quincy and
sold for $1.50 a cwt. net; it took four days to make the trip. After
that he sold his pork to Benny Clark, of Carthage. While his
neio-hbors all consumed the proceeds of their pork sales in store
o-oods he could call for money in payment. One day Mr. Clark
asked: "Johnson, what do you live on at your house? 1 always
have to pay you the money." The reply was, " Hog and hominy."
The old man grunted a little and paid over the money.

One day in 1840 Mrs. J. came out to the field to her husband,
with her babe in her arms, and said there was the awfulest big
snake in the house she ever saw. Mr. J. returned to the house with
her, and sure enough, there lay coiled up in a corner a big black
snake over four feet long.

In 1843 Mr. and Mrsrj. returned to Ohio on a visit, not cross-
ino- a single railroad on the whole route. They repeated the visit
in"'l851, going by wagon. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have now been
keeping house 45 years, have raised 7 children, all of whom are
married and settled in the vicinity. The parents live alone now,
aged respectively 68 and 65. In 1S76 Mr. J. visited the principal
Eastern cities.

Mr. Johnson is a farmer and stock-dealer on sec. 10, owning
1,300 acres of land; P. O., St. Mary's; was born in Ohio in 1813,
and married in same State, in 1836, Miss Maria Wright, also a
native of Ohio and born in 1816; of their 10 children 7 are living
—Mason, Hiram, Joseph, Nelson, Martha, wife of W. S. Hend-
ricks; Orella, wife of Lewis C. Green. Mr. J. has been Eoad
Commissioner, is a Kepublican, a Baptist, and took part in the
" Mormon war."

Andrew J. Massingill, blacksmith, St. Mary's, was born in
McDonough county in 1836; was married in this State in 1866, to
Georgia A. Rankin, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1845, and
they have 5 children, Hattie M., Andrew J., Anna B., Yiola and
William R. Mr. M. owns 15 acres joining St. Mary's, and one lot

HISTORV OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 589

with shop. In 1S61 he enlisted in Co. G, 72d 111. Vol. Inf., and
served three years; was in the siej^e of Vicksburo-, the battle of
Franklin, Tenn., and several other hard-fought engagements. He is
a member of the Baptist Church.

Ii. C. Michaels, local agent of railroad, Plj'mouth, was born in
Maine June 21, 1822, and came to this State in 1S61, settling in
Knox count}'. He married in Maine in 1852, to Charlotte Estes,
a native also of that State, and the following are their children:
John R., train-master on the C, B. & Q. R. R. ; Mary E. ; Lewis E.,
agent at Sagetown; Charles E., telegraph operator at Kirkwood;
and Nellie G. Mr. M. has been agent for the road 16 years; has
been Township Collector one term, Assessor one term, which office
he now holds. His paternal grandfather was in the war of 1812.
He owns one lot witli dwelling, belongs to the Masonic fraternity
and is a Democrat.

J. W.Moore, farmer and stock dealer, sec. 9; P. 0., Plj'mouth;
was born in Canada in 1832, and is a son of John and Maria Moore,
of English ancestry; they came to America in 18-31, and to this
county in 1841, where Mr. J. W. Moore has ever since resided.
He now owns 200 acres of tine farm land, worth .$35 per acre. He
deals in cattle, horses, sheep and hogs. His first marriage was to
Catharine McCurdy, in this county, in 1852; she was born in Ken-
tucky in 1833, and died in 1875. Mr. M. again married, in this
county, in 1876, Honore Wolf, a native of this county, and born in
1850; their 2 children are Maud and George. Mr. Moore is a Free-
mason, a Baptist and a Democrat.

Elmer D. Olmsted, physician and surgeon, Plymouth, was born
June 6, 1848, in the State of New York; commenced the study of
medicine in 1872, at a medical college, where he graduated in 1877,
but he began practice in 1875; he settled in Plymouth in 1878, and
now has an extensive and successful practice. He was married in
Knox county, 111., in 1869, to Ella F. Lane, a daughter of John and
May Lane; she was born in this State in 1852, but died in 1874,
leaving 2 children. Amy F., and Cary E. Mr. O. is a member of
the Masonic and Good Templar orders, and in religion is a Liber-
alist.

Jefferson Perkins, farmer, sec. 33; P. O., St. Mary's; was born
in New Hampshire in 1809, and came to this county in 1845; mar-
ried a native of Massachusetts in 1837, and thej' have had 5 chil-
dren, of whom 4 are living; viz., Mary E., wife of James G. Botts;
Charlotte, wife of Thomas Smith, of Macomb; Alia C, wife of
John "\Y. Wilson, of Missouri; Emma G., wife of R. R. Price, also
of Missouri; James, deceased. Mr. Perkins owns 130 acres of fine
farm land. Being in the county during the Mormon troubles he
had a hand in driving them out of the State. His father was killed
in the war of 1812. He is a member of the Protestant Episcopal
Church.

Thomas J. Printy, farmer, sec. 5, owning 90 acres, worth $35
per acre; P. O., Plymouth; came to this county in 1840; in 1858

590 HISTOET OF HANCdCK COUNTY.

married Margarett Scott, who was born in 1S33 in Kentucky. Of
tbeir 8 children 6 are living: David F., Marcus, Mary E., Lenora
and Eleanora, twins, and Edward. ]\Ir. P. has been Constable and
School Director, and is a Republican.

Stephen E. Roberts, farmer and stock dealer, sec. 14; P. O.,
Plymouth; is a son of Jesse and Elizabeth Roberts, the former a
native of Virginia and the latter of Kentuck}-; was born in this
State in 1830, and came to this county in 1833 with his parents.
He now owns 400 acres of fine farm land; buys, feeds and ships
cattle and hogs extensivel}'. In McDonough county, in 1852, he
married Junia A. Smitli, who was born in that county in 1836, and
died in 1858, and their only child is John M. Mr. R. again mar
ried in 1865 Nancy E. Robertson, who was also born in McDonough
county, in 1841, and they have 4 children: Jesse, Eliza, Josie and
Jose. Mr. Roberts is a Freemason and a Democrat.

Nezvell Sapj}, physician and surgeon, Plymouth, was born in
North Carolina in 1825, and came to this State in 1831, settling in
Rnshville; came to this county in 1866. He commenced the
study of medicine in 1846, and graduated in ls64: lie has had an
extensive and successful practice. He owns a farm of 160 acres in
Schuyler county. 111. Was married in Galesburg, 111., Jan. 18,
1855, to Martha L. Payne, who was born in Vermont in 1834, and
they have 5 children, only one of whom is living, Cora. Mr. and
Mrs. S. belong to the Congregational Church. He owns one lot
and dwelling in Plymouth. He was in the "Mormon war" under
Gov. Ford.

Joseph E. Talbott, farmer and stock dealer, sec. 14. owning 410
acres, valued at $40 an acre. He is a son of Benjamin and Cynthia
Talbott, natives of Ohio. He was born in this county March 7,
1858, and raised on a farm. Was married in this county in 1879
to Miss L. Kate Graves, who was born in Kentucky' Nov. 15, 1857.
Mr. T's father was one of the pioneers of this county, having come
here in 1839. The subject of this sketch is a prosperous farmer,
and is a Republican. P. 0., Plymouth.

George H. Tuck, dealer in boots and shoes, south side public
square, Plymouth, was born in Massachusetts Sept. 29, 1849;
taught school six years; engaged in his present business in 1878,
and does a lively business. Was married in this county in 1879
to Annie S. Bell, who was born in this county in 1854. Mr. T. is
a Republican in politics.

Henry Tuck, boot and shoe manufacturer, Plymouth, was born
in England in 1821, and came to America in 1844 and to this
county in 1855, settling in Plymouth. In Maine, in 1849, he
married Miss Perry, who was a native of that 'State, born in 1823,
and they have 8 children: George H., Alice J., Nathan H.,
Angelica, Charlie S., Edward P., William O. and Benjamin F. P.
Mr. Tuck owns one lot, with shop, one with dwelling, and three
acres joining town and 107 acres of fine farm land. He is a mem-
ber of the I. 0. O. F., and is a Republican.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTl'. 591

William D. Wade, physician and surgeon, Plj-mouth, is a son
of David and Nancj Wade, the former a native of Virginia and
the latter of Georgia, and both of English descent. Wm. D. was
born March 22, 184:1, in Schuyler county, III; passed his boyhood
days on a farm ; commenced the study of medicine at the age of
IS, and graduated in 1S69 at Cincinnati; commenced the practice of
medicine in lS61at Doddsville, Schuyler county; he settled in Ply-
inouth in 1866, where he has commanded a large practice, attended
with good success. Was married in Carthage in 1862 to Elizabeth
Fowler, who was born in Schuyler county, 111., in 18-43, and died
Dec. 25, 1869, leaving 3 children— Elizabeth M., Lillie M. and
Jennie. Mr. Wade owns 110 acres of fine laud, and one lot with
dwelling. Is a Democrat.

Wesley Walton, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 36; P. O., Denver;
was born in Boone count}', Ky., Sept. 20, 1S31, a son of Frederick
M. and Emily (Eice) Walton, both natives of Kentucky, and their
parents were from Virginia and of Welsh extraction. The grand-
father of the subject of this notice, William Walton, was a soldier
in the Revolution. Fred. M. Walton, his father, emigrated to Illi-
nois in lS3o, bringing with him 2 children, Wesley and John, first
locating on sec. 3, Augusta tp. This land, except a little more than
20 acres, had never been cultivated by white man. Here he lived
until his death. He left about 2s0 acres of land at the homestead,
but before his death he gave each of his 6 children over J sec.
He was a Baptist, a Whig and a Eepublican. He was a most worthy
citizen. At the age of 22 Mr. Wesley Walton married Martha L.
Browning. Sept. 14, 1854, near Eushville. She was a daughter of
AbsalomBrowning, who was born in Virginia and moved to Ken-
tucky, and thence to Illinois. ]Mr. W. lives on sec. 31, this tp.,
where he has about 254 acres of fine farm land, and raises stock,
feeding about all the grain that he raises. He has been Collector
in this tp. one term, and is a Eepublican, and a member of
the Christian Church, and now an Elder. His brothers and sisters
are: Wesley, John. Frances, Matilda A., William C. and Simeon M.
The deceased are Malvina, aged 2^ years, and Mons. S., who died
when about grown. We give Mr. Walton's portrait in this volume.

H. P. Wier was born in North Carolina in 1825, and came to this
State with his parents in 1835, settling in Schuyler county, and
settled in this county in 1847. In 1848 he married Amanda M.
Whittington, who was born in tiiis State in 1831, and of their 4
children 3 are living: Lida, Sandril and Eay; James is deceased.
Mr. Wier owns one lot, with dwelling. He has been Deputy Sherifl',
Postmaster, and was Constable several years. He is a Democrat.
P. O., St. Mary's.

William L. Wristen, keeper of a restaurant, west side of the
public square, Plymouth, was born in this State in 1845 ; taught
school 14 years. He is a member of the Christian Church and a
Democrat.

592

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

TOWNSHIP OFFICERS.

.1865

The following is a catalogue of the officers who have served and
are now serving in St. Mary's township, as complete as returns
enabled us to compile:

SUPERVISORS.

William Darnell 1850 John W. Cox.

Wm. Darnell 18.54

Geo. M. Berry 1854

Bryant F. Peterson 1856

Alonzo H. Blair 18.58

John 11. Lawton 1859

Jonas Aleshire 1860

Jacob Castlebury 1862

Thomas L. Gannon 1863

John A. Ross 1866

A.T.Cloud 1871

John A. Ross 1873

T. B. Brumback 1875

John J. Graves 1877

John J. Hippie 1877

Douglas Aleshire 1878

Joshua M. Botts 1855

Louis Graham 1858

Geo. W. Ross 1860

John A. Ross 1863

David Currens 1865

Cyrus Elliot 1806

G. W. Kelly 1867

Louis Graham 1868

Henry H.Ross 1869

James S. Wade 1870

J. W. Shafler 1871

James S- Wade 1875

George H. Tuck 1877

David E. Wade 1878-1880

Napoleon B. Lawrence 1855

Benjamin Warner 1856

William O. Botts 1858

James Irwin 1859

Jacob Rich 1860

John W. Shaffer 1862

Wm. N. Kington 1865

James Irwin 1866

J.R. Nichols 1867

Samuel Long 1868

Henry B. Brumback 1869

T. B. Brumback 1870

J. G. Garnett 1871

T. B. Brumback 1873

Thos. W. Monk 1874

Jas. D. Botts 1877

Joel G. Garnett 1878

R. C. Michaels 1879-1880

COLLECTORS.

George D. Chapman 1855

David P. Palmer 18.58

George D. Chapman 1859

John'W. Shaffer 1860

H. p. Weir 1863

John W. Romick 1866

Merritt Berry 1867

G. E. Kelly 1868

John W. Romick 1 869

Robert H. Ellis 1870

Jesse Wright 1871

Jas. W. Huey . ...1873

Wesley Walton 1873

W. S. Br ,%vuing 1871

John M. ( age 1875

W. S. P. Turner 1877

A. S. Eidson 1878

W. S. Browning 1880

HARMONY TOWNSHIP.

Township 4—6, with a harmonious name, is seven-eighths prai-
rie-land, there being a few sections of partly broken and rough-
timbered land on the head-waters of Bronson's creek, and another
small body on another tributary of Crooked creek. A portion of
tliis township is rich flat prairie, valuable for meadow; and a large
part is sufficiently rolling for corn and grain. It has flne farms, and
some rich and enterprising farmers. This township, being so
largely prairie, was not settled as early as the townships surrounding
it. It contains two villages on the T., W. & W. railroad, Bentley
and Denver, both small places but doing considerable local busi-
ness.

Bentley lies ten miles west from St. Mary's and five southerly
from Carthage, and was laid out in August, 1863, by John Sutton,
Jr., and first called after his name, but for some cause changed to
Bentley. It lies just south of the well-known Big Meadow. Post-
masters in Bentley — T. J. Bates, A. R. Robinson, J. A. James,
pi'esent incumbent.

Denver was laid out Jan., 186J:,by S. C. Seybold andG. W. Bush.
It is distant nine miles from the county seat, and ten miles due
west from Plymouth. The P. 0. was formerly called Rough and
Ready.

Among the earlier settlers in this township we may name George
M. Browning, Truman Hecox, E. S. Cannon, S. B. Walton, B. F.
Tucker, George Langford, Samuel Ramsey, Isaac S. Burner, Sam-
uel Dickenson, Larkin Scott, Wm. Pike, Mr. Feebler, Mr. Wed-
ding, Mr. CoUison, James Major, and the several sons of Samuel
Ramsey — Enoch, Henry K. and Samuel F.

RELIGIOUS PBOGEESS.

The oldest Church in Harmony is that known as Mount Pleasant,
belonging to the Christian denomination, located on sec. 13, near
the east end of the township. It was organized about 1837, and
the building erected as early as 1850. No statistics.

The Christian Church in Denver was built about 1873.

The M. E. Church at Bentley was organized about 1864, before
the town was built, with the following named members: J. W.
O'Hara, Paulina O'Hara, Wm. J. Bates', M.A.Bates, J. A. James,
Wm. R. Lackey, ]S^ancy Lackey, Barbara Shoup and Wm. A.
Thompson. The building was erected in 1875.

The Baptist Church was organized about 1873, with a small
membership. The edifice was erected about the same period; pres-
ent number of members about 20 or 25.
(593)

594: HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

BIOGEAPHICAL.

Following we give personal sketches of the early settlers and
prominent citizens of Harmony township, which form an impor-
tant factor in its history:

Joseph C. Anderson, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Ken-
tucky in 1810, son of John and Elizabeth (Conaway) Anderson, the
former a native of Maryland, and of Irish descent; and the latter
of Kentucky, and of German descent. Was educated in the common
schools of Morgan county, 111.; in 1832 he married Melinda Wilhite,
and they have had one son and one daughter; the latter is married.
Mr. A. came to this county in 1833, settling near Augusta, where
he commenced a poor man, but by industry and ecunomy has been
successful as a farmer, now owning 190 acres of highly improved
land; he is a Democrat.

j\I. D. Bal:er, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Washington
county, lud., Jan. 14,181:2; is a sonof Zephaniahand Polly (Davis)
Baker, of English descent, the father a native of New York, and the
latter of North Carolina; he was educated in the common schools
of this county; in 1861 he married Mary Frances Scott, and 5 of
their 9 children are living. Both Mr. and Mrs. B. are members of
the Christian Church in Denver, 111. Mrs. B. was born April 1,
1839, in Kentucky, and is of English ancestry. Mr. Baker came to
this county in 1851 from Indiana, and has lived here ever since.
He owns 90 acres of land, and resides on sec. 22. In politics he is
a Democrat, and has been School Director five years, and Commis-
sioner of Highways.

B. W. Beijler, farmer, sec. 11; P. 0., Bentley; was born in Page
county, Va., in 1833, and is the son of Samnel and Eliza (Wood)
Beyler; has had a common-school education; as a farmer and dealer
in stock for 15 years he has been successful. In 1856 he mar-
ried Ann R. Lionberger, a native of Virginia, and they have had
2 children, Ardella, born April 7, 1860, and Willie H.", June 25,
1870. His immigration to tliis county was also in 1856. In politics
he is a Democrat, and he is a studious reader. His father was killed
during the last war by some desperadoes because he had said that
the North would whip the South; he was taken out and shot down
like a brute and left lying on the ground for some time. He was
an intelligent, well-posted man.

H. H. BJack, physician and surgeon, Denver; was born in Todd
county', Ky., in 1810, the son of James Black, a farmer now of
Denver. The Doctor graduated in 1865 at the Northwestern Chris-
tian University (now called Butler University), with honor, and
Feb. 28, 1878, he received a diploma from the Indiana Medical
College. Dr. Black was a diligent and determined student, and his
efforts for a high standard of qualification for his work have been
attended with success. Nov. IS, 1869, he was united in marriage
with Sarah Jane Kelley, and they iiave had 5 children, 3 of whom
are living. The}' are both members of the Christian Church, in

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 595

Denver, and he is a Republican. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. E., 71st
111. Vol. Inf., under Captain Parker, and served during his term.
He commenced the practice of medicine in Indianapolis, Iiid., in
1878, with Dr. John A. Campbell, under whom he continued his
studies of the healing art.

John H. Boston, farmer, sec. 3; P. O., Carthage; was born in
Kentucky, Feb. 27, 1832, and is the son of George and Mahala
(Southerlin) Boston, natives of Kentucky; he was educated in sub-
scription schools of this county, having been brought here by liis
j'arents in 1836. In 1867 he married Charlotte Fletcher, and of
their 6 children 4 are living, 2 boys and 2 girls. Mr. B. owns
151 acres of land. Although he is a good speller he cannot
write. In politics he is a Democrat, and he and his wife are mem-
bers of the M. E. Church.

George M. Browning , Sr., farmer, sec. 35; was born in Davidson
county, Tenn., March 25, 1820, son of David and Vashti (West)
Browning. His father was a native of Virginia, and was the son
of Edmund Browning, a native of the same State, and his father
emigrated from England, his native country, prior to the Revolu-
tionary war, locating in Culpepper county, Va. The parents of

Mrs. Vashti Browning were John and (Sanders) West, who

were of English ancestrj'. Edmund Browning emigrated to Illinois
in an early day, settling in Wayne county, where he died. David
Browning came to Illinois in the spring of 1835, locating in
Augusta tp., this county; he was a cooper by trade, but always fol-
lowed farming in this county. He brought a family of 11 children
with him here, only i of whom now live in this county; all of the
11 lived to be heads of families, and nine of them are still living.
David Browning died in 1839 and his widow Aug. 9, 186-4; they
are both buried in the Providence Church burying ground in St.
Mary's tj). They were both members of the Baptist Church, and
in politics he was a Whig.

The subject of this biography was the fifth child of the preceding,
and passed his earl}' years on his father's farm; at the age of 22,
Xov. 25, 1841, he married Hannah Ramsey, who was born in Clarke
county, Ind., July 22, 1821, daughter of Samuel and Eleanor (Kime)
Ramsey, the former probably a^ native of Kentucky, and the latter
of North Carolina. The Ramseys are of Scotch-Irish descent and
the Kimes of German. Samuel Ramsey's parents were James and
Betsey (Pitman) Ramsey. He came to this county in the fall of
1836, locating in Chili tp. for one year, and then moved to sec. 25,
Harmony tp., where he lived until his death, April 27, 1861. His
wife died in Dec, 1873, and they are both buried on the old home-
stead. They brought 4 children with them to this county, and 2
others were bora to them here; 5 of these descendants are still liv-
ing. Tiiev were members of the Cliristian Church, and he was a
Republican.

When Mr. George M. Browning was married he located on the
s. e. J sec. 35, which was given to him by his wife's father; tliey

596 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

moved into a house on tliis land, 16 feet square and one story high,
with frame clapboards inside and out, and mud-and-stick chimney.
Here they lived about five years, and here their first 2 children
were born — Eleanor V., born Feb. 19, 1813, and Sarah, Jan. 20,
1845. Then he built a part of his present residence on the north
part of the quarter, where the rest of their children were born,
namely: Adaline, born Ang. 16, 1847, died at the age of 18; Han-
nah, deceased, born Dec. 29, 1849; George M., born April 11, 1852;
Hannah J., born Sept. 30, 1854; Melinda, born March 22, 1858;
David S., deceased, born Jan. 2, 1861; John J., born July 22,
1862, and Fannie M., deceased, born June 7, 1868. All the living
children have families except John J., who is single and living at
home.

In 1842 and 1846 Mr. B. hauled pork to Warsaw, selling it at
$1.25 per cwt. and wheat at37i cents a bushel; he hauled 10 bushels
of oats to market and sold them for just money enough to buy a
pair of stoga boots and one pound of nails; he had the oats tramped
out by horses. He started in life bare-handed, going in debt for
a team.

Mr. Browning's homestead now contains 280 acres of laud, and
he has given all of his children 160 acres or its equivalent, and all
are doing well. Mr. Browning has been a member of the Chris-
tian Church lor ten years and Mrs. B. about 40 years. In politics
he is a Democrat, has been Supervisor seven 3'ears, Commissioner
of Highways 10 or 12 years. Assessor, School Director, etc.

Mr. Browning's portrait will be found in this volume.

George Madhon Browning^ Jr., farmer, see. 36; P. O., Denver;
son of the preceding, was married in 1874 to Martha J. Brown and
they have one son, Holla, who was born Sept, 28, 1875. He is a
successful farmer and stock raiser, owning 240 acres of land; is a
Democrat. His wife is a member of the Adventist Church.

J. W. Burton, physician and surgeon, Bentley, was born in
Davidson count}-, N. C, Jan. 3, 1847, the son of John V. and
Elizabeth (Klinard) Burton, natives of the sunny South, father of
English descent and mother of German. The Doctor worked on a
farm with his father in his boyhood, and also worked at carriage-
making and blacksmithing; and to this day, although having a
good practice as a physician, be makes many usefnl articles, having
ingenuity and skill enough to do almost anything in the mechan-
ical line. He is a man of nerve and ambition and a diligent student.
During the last war he was a member of the Junior Reserves, the
first regiment of North Carolina, being in the Quartermaster's
Department most of the time, where he improved his penmanship
and advanced his general education. His medical education he
received at Washington University, in Baltimore, where he gradu-
ated Feb. 22, 1872, but he had practiced three years previously,
commencing at Highport, Guilford county, N. C. He came to
Bentley in 1876, where he established a reputation in advance of
bringing his wife here. In this vicinity he stands at the head of
his profession.

HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 597

Rev. A. C. Calkins, B. xS., a minister of the M. E. Cliurcb, was
born near Oneida, 111., Dec. 11, 181:9. His father, Edwin Calkins,
formerly of Columbia county, iS^. Y., is one of the earliest settlers
of Illinois, arriving in 1S37. Ilis mother, now dead, was a
daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Parke, and sister to the noted
Baptist divine. Rev. S. F. Parke, of Clifton Springs, N. Y. Rev.
Calkins was the fourth child in a family of live, and of course did
not personally feel the brunt of toil and privations incident to the
settlers of a new country; yet from his earliest years he was
accustomed to bear his part of labor on the old homestead farm.
Being possessed of maturity beyond others of his years, young
Calkins was soon recognized as a leader among his fellows, and was
in danger, from his ardent temperament, of becoming reckless
and dissipated. His conversion, in January, 1S66, was a fortunate
occurrence, and wrought a wonderful change in his previously skep-
tical opinions. After his conversion he remained out of the Church
about a year, which he much regrets. In January of the following
year he united with the M. E. Church, at Oneida, 111. Under his
own convictions as well as the expectations of his brethren of the
Church, he reluctantly confessed to a call to preach the gospel.
This was a battle, as he had set his heart upon the study of
medicine.

Though possessed at this time of a good common-school educa-
tion, he wisely concluded this was not sufficient for a Methodist
preacher, and in September, 1867, he was enrolled a student of
Hedding College, at Abingdon, 111. He was enthusiastic in his
stiidies, especially of the natural sciences, and graduated with
honor in the class of 1871. On the day of his graduation (June 15,
1871), he was united in marriage to one of Abingdon's fair
daughters. Miss Mary L. Vanvleet, who was also a student of Hed-
ding. This pleasant episode was followed in September by a recom-
mendation to the "traveling connection" of the Central Illinois
Conference of the M. E. Church. Rev. Calkins labored for three
years in the eastern part of the State, the balance of his ministry
mostly in McDonough county. He was ordained Deacon by Bishop
Andrews, at Galesburg, in 1873, and to the office of Elder, two
years later, at Moline, by the venerable Bishop Ames, now
deceased.

Mr. Calkins is an earnest, vigorous speaker, careful, though
qi;ick in utterance, using correct language, and is a good elocu-
tionist. Possessed of no extraordinary talent, yet he is a successful
minister, a pleasant speaker and is very acceptable among the
people he serves. As this is only his ninth year in his chosen
profession, it is quite certain that he has not yet reached the zenith
of his power as a pulpit orator. His personal appearance contrib-
utes to his success. Possessing a well-proportioned body, express-
ive face, high forehead, long flowing beard, combined with a well-
stored mind and courteous manners, he certainly can appear well.
As a friend he is social, though not talkative. Though courteous

598 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

with those of opposite opinions, he is decided in his convictions,
rendering him an opponent difficult to move.

As to his family, his wife is a companion in all his work as a
Methodist preacher, sustaining the shock of frequent removals from
one appointment to another, enjoined by the itinerant system of
the Church of their choice, with uniiinching courage. Of a pleas-
ant and social nature, Mrs. Calkins is always a favorite upon the
various charges that her husband has occupied. Mr. Calkins and
wife have been blessed with 3 bright, romping children, — 2 girls
and a boy, who make the parsonage home complete.

At the present date (1880) Mr. Calkins occupies an important
field of labor known as the Bentley Circuit, including Bentley,
Elm Tree, St. Mary's and Franklin " appointments."

George TF. Capron was born in this county in 1843, and is the
son of George H. and Mary (Read) Capron, of English descent, the
former of Rhode Island and the latter of Ohio. George W. was
educated in the common schools, and attended Hedding College at
Abingdon, Knox county, 111., one year. In 1870 he married Ellen
Bickford, and they have a son and a daughter. He is a member
of the M. E. Church; is a KepublicaTi, and has been Road Commis-
sioner. He owns 281 acres of well-improved land. Like his highly-
respected father, Mr. C. maintains a high standing in the com-
munity for industry, integrity, etc.

M. L. ClarTi was born in New York in 1837, son of Henry and
Sarah Clark. Being left alone in the world at an early age his
advantages for education and a good start in life M'ere rather lim-
ited; but, contrary to the general rule, he has been steady, remaining
at one place, namely, with Mr. Albert T. Cloud, who certifies to
the high character of our subject. Mr. Clark, in 1865, married
Nannie Summers, and their two children are Lawrence R. and
"William Linn. Mrs. C. is a member of the Christian Church, and
he is a Democrat, and has been School Director three years. He
has been remarkably successful in business, being a farmer and
general trader. He ran a store in Carthage; a lumber j'ard one
year al>out the close of the war, and has dealt in dry goods and
groceries in Denver nearly four years. He is now a dealer in grain
at Denver and two other stations, and is prosperous. He came to
St. Mary's tp., this county, in 1812. His life has been a peculiar one.
W. 0. Oouchman, farmer, sec. 11 ; P. O., Bentley; was born in
Clarke county. Mo., in 1838, and is the son of M. and Delia
(White) Couchman; parents of German and Irish descent, natives
of Kentucky, the former of Bourbon county' and the latter of Car-
I'oU county. The subject of this notice was brought to this count}'
by his parents in 1843, where he received his education in the com-
mon schools. In 1868 he married Eliza Metcalf, and their three
children are all living. Mrs. C. is a member of the M. E. Church.
Mr. C. is a prominent member of the I. O. O. F. He has traveled
considerabl}', especially in the West, among the mountains. He
owns a well-improved farm. His father has been County Judge,

HISTOKY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 599

Sheriff, etc., and has taken a jjroininent part in tlie welfare of tlie
county. He is still living.

Samuel Dickhi-^on, farmer, sec. 2; P. O., Bentlej; was born in
Queen county, Ireland, in 1819. and is the son of Thomas and Jane
(Deveral) Dickinson, natives also of Erin's Green Isle. He has at-
tended school but three months in his life, but can read and write
with ease. He was brought to America when 13 years of age, and to
this county when 17. He is now 61. He has lived in this county
nearly all the time since 1S32. He was in Carthage the day Joe
Smith was killed, and was one of the guards to the jail, being re-
lieved just before the mob came. He was opposed to that style of
doing things. His tirst marriage was to Martha Johnson in 1845,
and of their 4 children only one is living. Mrs. D. died in 1S51 or
'52, and he married again in 1855, Nancy Atchinson, a pioneer's
daughter. Her father is a liberal, high-minded gentleman, and a
well-known Democrat, and is still living in St. Mary's tp. Mr. D.
and wife are both members of the M. E. Church, and they have 3
sons and 2 daughters. Mr. D. owns 311 acres of choice land. He
has seen many changes in the history of the county since his arrival
here. He helped to build the first jail in the county. He was
formerly a Whig, but is now a Democrat. He has been Road Com-
missioner, Commissioner of Highways and School Director several
years. Is still, and always will be, interested in school matters.

Samuel B. Fleming, farmer, sec. 28; P. O., Denver; was born
March 5, 1835, in Delaware, and is the son of William and Eliza
Fleming, natives of Ireland, but mother of English ancestry. He
was brought b\' his parents in 1838, to this county, settling in
Plymouth. He was educated in the common schools here, and
brought up in the farmer's life that is characteristic of the West.
In ISGo he married Miss Sarah J., daughter of Samuel Ramsey, a
native of this county. They have 6 children, all living. Mr. F.
owns •400 acres of land ; is not in debt, and raises and sells stock to
some extent. In early days he broke prairie with an ox team; ran
a threshing-machine seven years, and as a consequence of pioneer
discipline he has been successful. Mr. and Mrs. F. are members
of the Christian Church in Denver.

John E. Oerdes, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 18; P. O., Eent-
ley; was born in Germany Feb. 3, 1823. In 1850 he was married
in Germany, and has had 2 children, both girls ; the eldest died when
only six months old; the other, Rachel, was born in 1856, married
in 1874 to Hiram Jnrjens, and they have had 4 children, 3 of whom
are living. Her husband died in April, 1880. Mr. Gerdes lost
his companion the same month and his daughter is now keeping
house for him. He owns 425 acres of land, most of it in good cul-
tivation. Lutherans. Democrats.

Hiram Geren, farmer, sec. 29; P. O., Denver; was born in Knox
county, Tenn., in 1825, and is the son of Iliram and Celia Ann
(Sumpter) Geren, natives also of Tennessee, and of French descent;

600 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

was educated in the common schools of Indiana; he has been twice
married, but both wives are dead. His first wife left 4 children,
3 of whom are married; the second wife left one child, a son. He
and both his wives were members of the Adventist Church. He
came to this countj-, Nov. 15, 1$48, settling in Chili tp. As a
farmer he has been successful, being a hard-working man, attend-
ing strictly to his own business. He owns 205 acres of good land;
is a Democrat.

Truman Hecox, proprietor of the Denver House, was born in
New York, June 21, 1798; his parents, Truman and Sallie (Hos-
ford) Hecox, were natives of Kentucky and of English descent; was
raised on a farm, but is able to do many kinds of mechanical work,
— wagon-making, carpentering, etc. In 1822 he married Martha
E. Quinby, and they have had 5 children, 2 of whom are living.
He located in Hancock county in 1836. He is a regular Jackson
Democrat, has been Constable, School Director and Trustee.

Eden Hopkins, deceased, was born in Virginia in 1833, and is of
English descent; he came to Hancock county about 1855. In 1858
he married Emeline Cox. who was born in this county, and they
have 3 children, all living. Mr. Hopkins was brought up on a
farm, and followed farming and stock-raising on sec. 1 in Har-
mony tp. Mr..H. enlisted in the 118th 111. Vol. Inf.; was enrolled
March 17, 1865, and was discharged the following October. He
died of diseases contracted in the army, in 1866; was a Baptist. Polit-
ically he was a Republican. His sous manage the farm. Mrs.
H. is the owner of 183 acres of land. The children are: Ernest E.,
born July 7, 1860; Edgar Carlton, March 9, 1862; Isaac Eden. April
12, 1864.

TFi7^iaTO t/ames, deceased, was born in Indiana in 1834; was a
farmer all his life; in 1S55 he came to Hancock, and in 1859 he
married Mary Wack, who was born in New Jersey, March 5, 1849,
of German-English descent; her great-grandfather was a preacher,
and preached in Geo. Washington's array, in the forenoon in the
English language, and in the afternoon in German. Mr. and Mrs.
James had 3 children, 2 boys aud one girl. Both members of the
M. E. Church. He was also a Democrat. Since her husband's
death Mrs. J. has carried on the farm very successfully.

Rev. Thomas Jones, farmer, sec. 15; P. O., Bentley; was boi'u in
East Tennessee, in 1811; his parents, James and Nancy (Butler)
Jones, were natives of the South, the former of Welsh aud the
latter of English descent; he was raised on a farm, and has plowed
every year of his life since he was 11 years old. Aug. 13,1830, he
married Harriet C. Haggard, a native also of Tennessee, and they
have raised 14 children. One sou was killed in the Rebellion; 2
daughters died since their marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Jones have
been members of the Primitive Baptist Church 54 years. He was
ordained in 1853 by Revs. Jacob Castlebury, Joel G. Williams and
Geo. Walker. He has preached 36 years; has had charge of the
Middle Creek 28 years, and is still their Pastor. In Tennessee he

HISTORY OF IIAXCOCK COUNTY. 601

was Captain of the militia three years, and was then jironioted
Major, whicli position lie held until he came to Illinois in 1851
and settled in Harmony tp. Has been successful as a farmer and
is the owner of 100 acres of land. He has been Supervisor one
term, but will not have any office. He is a Democrat.

Wilei/ Jone-i, t'&vmei; sec. 15; was born in Tennessee April 3,
1S34; his parents, James and Nancy (i3utler) Jones, are natives of
the south; he was first married to Polly Jenkins, and they had 3
children; only one, a daughter, is living, and is the wife of James
T. Tucker, of this county. His second wife was Mary Jane Tura-
mons, and four of their live children are living. Mrs. J. is a good
cook, and the family seems to be a happy one. Mr. J. owns 172J
acres of land on sec. 15. He came to this count}- in 1850, settling
six miles north of Carthage. In 1851: he worked out by the month
for -SISO per annum. His father gave him about $800, but his
house was afterward burned down and he had to commence again
without anything. He votes the Democratic ticket, and does not
want any office.

Robert M. Kimbrouglb vi2i% born in this county April 20, 1814;
his parents, William and Martha B. (Canthorn) Kimbrough, were
natives of Kentucky. Jan. 19, 1871, he married Almera Bryant,
a native of this county, and the}' have had one son and one daugh-
ter. Mrs. K's parents were natives of Virginia. Mr. K. is a
Democrat; is a School Director. Mrs. Iv. owns 228 acres of land,
and they i-eside on sec. 1, raising stock, etc. P. O., Middle Creek.

T. J . Lionberi>er, ia.Ym&v, &QC. 21; P. O., Bentley; was born in
Virginia Dec. 2, 1825, the 6tli child of a family of 9 children, all
living; his parents, Abraham and Anna (Koontz) L. were natives
of Virginia, and came to Hancock county in 1887. T. J., obtained
his education in the cabin subscription schools of his time. In 1850
he married Sarah Tracy, daughter of Elder Geo. Tracy; she died in
1877: 7 of their 11 children are living. In 1878 he married Eliza-
beth Miller, and they have one child. Mr. L. has seen as many as
37 deer in one drove, as he came here in pioneer daj's. He started
without money or property , and is now the owner of M6 acres
of land, worth .$80 per acre. In politics he is a Democrat. His
wife is a member of the M. E. Church.

John McAllistei\ fai-mer and stock-raiser, sec. 1 ; was born in
Ireland in 1S48; his parents, James and Barbara (Humphrey) McA.,
were also natives of the Emerald Isle; in 1860 he married Mary Cal-
lister, and they have one son and two daughters. He came to this
count}' in 1861. Now owns 90 acres of choice land. Is a Demo-
crat; has been Stewacd of the M. E. Church, of which he and his
wife are members.

Jccmes McAnultj/, feirmer, sec. 12; P. O., Bentley; was born in
Ohio Feb. 23, 1S30; his parents. Wm. and Tlinrsy ('McFarlin) Mc-
Anulty, were natives of Ohio and of Scottish descent, who came
to Adams county. 111., in 1832; James came to Hancock county in
1855 and settled on sec. 12, where he has lived ever since. Feb. 1,

602 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

1852, near Camp Point, he married Susan Robertson, daughter of
James Robertson, an early settler of that county'. She is a native
of Illinois, and her parents are of German ancestry. They have
had 7 children, 5 boys and 2 girls. Mr. McAnnlty's father was
in the Mormon war, sickened and died in Carthage from the
effects of exposure. Mr. McA. owns 140 acres of well-improved
land, and is one of the leading farmers in this section of the county.
He raises a car-load of cattle almost every year.

E. McClure, merchant and Postmaster at Denver; was born in
St. Mary's tp., this county, in 181:7; his parents were Thomas and
Mary E. (Samuel) McClure, father of Scotch descent, and a native
of Kentucky, and mother of Polish ancestry and native of Virginia;
he was educated in the common school, and also attended Abing-
don and Knox Colleges. He married Mary Scott, and 2 of their
3 children are living. Mrs. McC. is a member 'of the Adventist
Church. Mr. McClure enlisted in Co. A, 137th 111. Vol. Inf. ; was
under ex-Gov. Wood, who was Colonel of the regiment. He came
to this tp. in 1S72. Has taught school three terms. Is noted for
his genial and obliging manner, and is a Republican.

Thomas W. Orton. farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 33; P. O.,
Denver; was born in Kentucky in 1831. His parents, Thomas and
Mary (Ashby) Orton, are also natives of Kentucky, father of Irish
and mother of Scotch descent. He came to this county in 185i,
and in 1858 lie married Eleanor V. Browning, and they are the
parents of 2 children. He owns 190 acres of land, 160 of which
are under a high state of cultivation. He and his wife are members
of the Christian Church. He is a Democrat.

Enoch Ramsey^ farmer and dealer in stock, etc., sec. 34; P. O.
Denver; was born in Clarke county, Ind., in 1824. His father,
Samuel Ramsey, was a native of Kentucky, and his mother, Eleanor
(Kine) Ramsey, was a native of North Carolina, and of German
descent. He emigrated to this county in 1836. He has been
remarkably successful in business; owns 1,840 acres of land in this
State, most of which is very choice and is largely stocked. He
owns considerable town property, and is also a money-lender to a
great extent. He pays as much tax as any man in the county, if
not more. He seldom has any trouble in business; is a happy and
contented man. He was heir to 160 acres of land, worth, at the
time, $10 an acre. The rest of his propert}' he has made himself.
In 1853 he married, and of his 7 children 3 are living. His son is
a merchant in Denver, doing a good business. He has been Super-
visor two tei'ms. School Director and Township Treasurer for 20
years, and School Treasurer and Collector. He is a Democrat.

Amos R. Robertson is a man of medinm height, and weighs 140
pounds, is quick in movement and wears a genial sunshine upon
his countenance, which betokens his natural good humor. He
assumes a plain, business-like appearance, and allows none to sur-
pass him in neatness; neither in his dress nor in dispatching his
business. Although young in years, he is the oldest settler in the

F,^ f. ■

/}n /^.

HARMONY T.P.

"^

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 606

town of Bentley, where he now resides. He was born at Camp
Point, Adams county, III., in 1S42. His father, James Robertson,
is still living at that place. He is a Hoosier by birth, and has spent
the most of his life in farming. He married Eliza Downing, for-
merly a resident of Virginia, who is a lady much respected in her
community for her liberality and Christian virtues. The subject of
this sketch was educated in the graded schools, and began business
early in life, in his native town. Since his removal to this county,
15 years ago, he has been in the employ of the T., W. & W. Rail-
road Company, where he is still engaged. He has generally been
successful in his business, and has accumulated a reasonable share
of real estate in the way of a small farm, town property, etc.
Among business men he is counted the best financier in the tp.
He has also been Postmaster, Town Clerk, Collector, etc. At the
age of IS he married Miss Sarah A. Browning. Neither he nor
his wife is a member of any particular denomination, yet they are
hearty supporters of public morals, and make the Churches feel that
they are their true friends, if not members. They have 4 children
living, — Idella, OUie, Walter and George. Mr. R. makes home
comforts and happiness a chief item of his social life, as any one
can see. In social circles Mr. Robertson is counted the most hand-
some man, and in politics the most " contrary" one, being a
staunch Democrat.

S. G. Rook, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 34; P. O., Denver; was
born in North Carolina in 1819. His father, Stephen Rook, was a
native of Maryland,' and his mother, Charlotte (Couch) Rook was a
native of North Carolina. In 1842 and 1844 he came to Illinois,
settling in McDonough county; in 1849 he went to California,
where he remained two years; in 1854 he settled in this county on
sec. 34. He has been married three times; his third wife was
Mary McCoy, whom he married in 1855; they have had 8 children,
of whom 3 boys and 2 girls are living. The family are Methodists.
He owns 520 acres of land, most'oi which is in good cultivation.
"When he first settled in Illinois he had but $54.25. He attributes
a large share of his success to his wife. Her mother, who was
born in 1789, is living with them. The children are receiving a
collegiate education.

Harm Rosenhomn, farmer, was born in Germany in 1845; in
1873 he married Mary Klatenberg. Their 2 children are Tonjes
and Jans. He owns 50 acres of good land. He came to Hancock
county in 1870; is a Lutheran, and in politics a Democrat.

Moses Scott, farmer, sec. 25 ; P. O., Denver ; was born in Ken-
tucky, Feb. 2, 1816. His parents, William and Mary(Ryle) Scott,
were also natives of Kentucky, father of Scotch-Irish descent, and
mother's parents were natives of North Carolina. Oct. 20, 1836, he
married Harriet Rice, a native of Kentucky. They have had 13
children, of whom 7 are living, and are all married; there are 14
grandchildren. They came to Hancock county in 1850 and settled
on sec. 25, this tp. He owns 320 acres of land, most of which is in

36

606 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNXr.

high cultivation; he has a good, substantial residence. Mrs. Scott
is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. Scott used to
be a Whig, and now votes for men, not part}-.

Perry A. Scott, farmer, sec. 22; P. O., Den%-er; was born in
Kentucky Oct., 27, 1846. His parents, Moses and Harriet (Kice)
Scott, were natives also of Kentucky, and of German descent. He
came to this county in 1849. He was married by Rev. Mr. Stark,
in Augusta, Oct. 1, 1874, to Miss Hattie Browning, a native of this
county, and tlieir 2 children are Sir AValter, born Sept. 1, 1875;
Mattie Iva, July 9, 1878. Mr. Scott belongs to the 'Missionary
Baptist Church, and Mrs. S. to the Christian Church. Mr. S. ran
a threshing machine for live years; owns 86 acres of good land; is
a Hepublican.

Abraham Shoitj), farmer, sec. 10; P. O.. Bentley; was born in
Pennsylvania April 27, 1808. His parents. Michael and Mary
(Keller) Shoup, were also natives of the Keystone State, and of Ger-
man-English descent. He came to Fulton county, III., in 1837,
settling in Canton, and came to Carthage in 1851; he lived within
one mile of Carthage 16 3'ears, and then moved to his present i-esi-
dence. He has been twice married; his first wife died in 1842,
leaving 6 children; his second wife was Sarah E. Patterson; they
have 10 children. He owns 172i^ acres of well-improved land. He
has been School Director, Trustee and Commissioner of Highwa3-s;
is a Democrat.

William A. Vcmce, farmer and stock-raiser, Denver, was born
in Pennsylvania April IS, 1S35. His parents, Josepli and Jane
(Cook) Vance, were also natives of that State, and of English an-
cestiT. He emigrated to this county in 1854 and settled in Chili
tp.; in 1871 he moved to his present home. In 1862 he married
Lydia Dick, who was also a native of the Kej'stone State. Of their
5 children 2 boys are living — Sherman Dick, 13 years old, and
Thomas Cook, 7 years old. In 1864 he enlisted in the 36th 111. Inf.
and served one j'ear, being engaged in several battles; he was dis-
charged at Springfield. He owns 465 acres of land, mostly prairie.
He has been School Director, and is a Republican; lie is a man
who attends to his own business, refraining from public dictation
and political prominence.

Simeon B. Walton, farmer, was born in Kentucky Nov. 9, 1818;
his parents, Wm. and Barbara Walton, were natives of Virginia,
and father of Welsh descent. He emigrated to this county in 1840,
settling on sec. 13. Jan. 20, 1842, he married Elizabeth Stark, a
native of Scotland, and they have 7 children, all living and married.
Both Mr. and Mrs. W. belong to the Christian Church. He used
to be a Whig, and is now a Repiiblican ; he has been Highway
Commissioner and School Director several terms, and has been
elected to other offices which he would not accept. He owns 280
acres of well-improved land; he gave 5 of his children 80 acres
of land and the other 2, $2,500 apiece.

William C Walton, farmer, sec. 27; P. O., Denver; was born

HISTOEY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 607

in this county Ang. 15, ISi-i; his father, F. M. Walton, was a native
oflventnck}', who died April ICi, ISSO, in Augusta tp.; his mother
is living; her maiden name was Emily Rice, and her parents were
also natives of Kentucky. Feb. 14, 1S67, married Mary C. Clark,
and their 3 children are, Frederick M., Emily Ann and an infant.
Both the parents belong to the Missionary Baptist Church. Mr.
W. owns 200 acres of good land, well improved, 40 acres being
timber. Kepublican.

TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS.

The following is a list of the Supervisors, Town Clerks, Assessors
and Collectors who have served or are now serving Harmony town-
ship, with perhaps some unavoidable omissions:

SUPEEVISORS.

Moses Scott 1856 Jefferson O'Hara 1865

Samuel Ramsey 1858 George M. Browning 1867

Samuel Grove 1859 Isaac S. Burner 1873

Cortland Vaudvke 1860 Enoch Eamse}- 1874

Jeremiah M. Slusher 1863 Isaac S. Burner 1878

JosephMassie 1863 George W. Shinkle 1879

James Dodd 1856 Thos. A. Thompson 1872

James Black 1858 W. A. Slusher 1873

Peter Comer 1860 Thos. A. Thompson 1875

C. T. Cannon 1863 Josephus Huff 1876

Isaac S. Burner 1864 W. O. Davis 1877

A. R. Coffman 1869 T, N. Kinbrough 1878

Thos. A. Thompson 1870 H. R. Robertson 1880

Isaac S. Burner 1871

ASSESSORS .

George W. Capron 1855 Sam'l S. Waggoner 1867

Isaac S. Bm-ner 1856 Thomas M. Orton 1868

Joseph Massie 1858 Sam'l D. Wallace 1870

Peter Comer 1859 George W. Jones 1871

Isaac S. Bm-ner 1860 Pleasant Cox ) -,s,„c

Samuel S. Waggoner 1861 A. R. Coffman / ^^'"^

C.T. Cannon.." 1863 E. J. Bush 1875

George M. Browning 1864 Henry W. Shoup.. 1876

Samuel F. Ramsey 1865 E. W. McCoy 1878

Thomas Hardy 1866 Michael P. Shoup 1878-1879

COLLECTORS.

Enoch Ramsey 1855 F. N. Pennock 1871

S. L. Symmonds 1860 Enoch Ramsey 1872

Aaron EB vers 1861 James A. Mabry : 1873

G. W. Ewiug 1863 Dickerson Thompson 1875

T. M. Ortou." 1864 William A. Jones 1877

And. R. Coffman 1865 James A. Mabry. 1878

Michael P. Shoup 1866 William Black 1879-1880

M. M. Buford 1870

BEAR CREEK TOWNSHIP.

Township 4 — 7 received its name from a crooked and ugly stream
which meanders through it, heading in the township above and
passing into Walker, enters Adams county, emptying into the Mis-
sissippi above Quinc^'. This, like St. Alban's, is about half prairie
and half timbered lands. The C, B. & Q. railroad passes about
centrally through it from north to sonth. It contains its one vil-
lage, Basco, lying on said road, near the center of the township,
laid out Feb., 1871, by Wm. S. Woods. It occupies the same, or
nearly the same, site as Somerset, a town laid out in 1853 by Abra-
ham Baldwin, and since vacated.

Among the names of the earliest settlers in Bear Creek town-
ship, we recall those of James S. Kimball and his sons, Sidney A.
Knowlton, Richard Wilton, Thomas Graham, Samnel Russell,
Thomas Morgan, Nicliolas Wren, Elijah Pike, John Pike, Moses
Van Winkle, Robert Wilhite, Elder Addis, Jesse Carnes, John
Carnes, Jesse Gordon, Thompson Frakes, Riley Young, Thomas
and Edward Daw, James Tweed, W. A. Patterson, Andrew and
Wm. S. Moore, James and G. W. Wedding, Mahlon Fell, Wra.
Meredith, Vernon Doty, Peter and John Fry, James Boyles, Cor-
nelius Elson, Lafibrd Totten, W. W. Mason, Hiram Simmons, Felix
G. Monrning, Samuel AJeGee, Guilford Fuller, Henry Kent, David
Cole. William George, James M. Charles, Dr. Alvin Thompsoi',
William Wallace, John Pavy, Wm. B. Skinner, John Hutf, David
Bedford, Benjamin G. Wright, David Crow.

Of the above we note specially James S. Kimball and Sidney A.
Knowlton, the former from New Hampshire and the latter from
Ohio, who emigrated together in 1S35. The Kimballs were Metho-
dists, the Knowlton's were " Campbellites," but both subsequently
joined the Mormons and removed to Salt Lake with them, leaving
this county in 1847. Mr. Kimball died in Salt Lake ten years
thereafter, and Mr. Knowlton at a later period, each near about the
ao:e of 70. Their widows were still living as late as 1875.

Richard Wilton will be remembered as having been elected
School Commissioner of Hancock county in 1841, the first year of
contest between the old citizens and Mormons. Mr. Wilton left
the county a few years afterward. Subsequently h'is farm came
into possession of Benjamin ^i. Wright, Esq., a native of Belmont
county, Ohio. Mr. Wright was a remarkable man; had been edu-
cated in the common schools onh'; was possessed of a strong mind;
a deep thinker; radical in his opinions, which he embraced without
inquiry as to their popularity or ortliodoxy. He did not remain
long in the county. Desiring to settle his family whei-e land was
(608)

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 609

cheaper, he removed to Henry county in this State, where he pro-
cured a large body of land and settled his sons each on a farm
around him. There he was residing when the Rebellion broke out.
He had long ago eml)raced the doctrines of the Virginia and Ken-
tucky resolutions, and hence when these troubles arose he was
strongly in favor of allowing " the wayward sisters to go in peace."
His opposition to the war and the war measures of President Lin-
coln became so violent as to render him extremely unpopular in his
county. In 1872 he was put on the extreme Democratic bolters'
ticket fiir Governor — of course, with no hope of an election. He
received but 25 votes in this coiinty. Mr. W. was still living Jan.,
ISSO, at an advanced age of about SO years.

The postotKce known as Sylvan Dale was established at his place
and at his instance.

jMany of the persons named in the foregoing list are long since
deceased; numbers of others have gone to newer States and Terri-
tories.

RELIGIOUS PEOGRESS.

We have but a meager report of religious matters for Bear Creek
township. The town of Basco contains its solitaiT church edifice,
built by the L^uited Presbyterians, now owned and occupied by the
Methodist Episcopal, who have for their pastor Bev. Mr. Madison,
who has been preaching several years in that and the adjacent
townships. On the east line, near the noi'theast corner, stands
another church belonging to the Baptist denomination, which has
been in existence somewhere near thirty years. We know of no
other Church organizations in the township.

PERSONAL SKETCHES.

We will now make personal mention of the leading citizens and
old settlers of this township.

William H. Allen, carpenter, was born in Steubenville, Ohio, in
1833; remained at home until his marriage to Eleanora McGinnis
1854; she was a native of West Virginia; aliout six months after-
ward Mr. Allen moved to Portage City, Columbia county. Wis.,
where he remained one year; he then lived in Clarke county. Mo.,
two years, then in Fulton county. 111., one year, then in Bushnell a
few years, which place he helped to found; after moving around
elsewhere he finally located at Carthage, 111., where he has helped
to build many of the fine residences and publicbuildings to be seen
there. In 1878 he moved to Basco, where he now resides and works
at his chosen profession. His children are, Lorilla R., William D.,
Elmer M. (dec), Frank W., Charles G. and Louisa M. (dec). Mr.
Allen served in the army during the war, being engaged in many
hard-fought battles to save his country, as Pittsburg Landing, Vicks-
burg. Fort Donelson, etc. He enlisted at Fountain Green, this

610 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

county, in 1861, under Col. Lawler. Mr. Allen's father was a pat-
tern-raaker by occupation.

James A. Anderson., tanner, was born in Bottetonrt county, Ya.,
in ISiO, and was the son of Matthew and Mary A. (McClure) An-
derson; at 19 he went to Colorado, where he lived four years; re-
turning, he located on the farm where he now lives. In 1875 he
married Mary E. Mourning, a native of Kentucky. About this
time he began business in Basco, a member of the firm of Gordon
& Anderson. In three years Mr. A. sold his interest in the store
to his brother, "W. P., for his interest in the homestead, where he
has ever since resided. Besides farming and dealing in stock he
now devotes a good deal of his time to fruit-growing, having an
orchard of 700 apple-trees. He owns 150 acres of well-improved
land equal in productions to any farm in the township. Mr. A.,
has been Assessor and Supervisor; the latter position he now holds.
In 1863 he was made a Master Mason of Basco Lodge No. 618, and
served three years; he is also a member of Carthage Chapter, No.
33, ofRoyal-Arch Masons, lliscliildren are Mattie M., born Nov.
11, 1876, and Clyde, March 7, 1878.

Charles W. Baldwin, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 10; P.O.,
Basco; was born in the State of New York in 1827; educational ad-
vantages limited; his father, Abraham Baldwin, a native of New
Jersey was a hatter by trade, but also followed farming; his mother,
nee Bridget VanWaggoner, was also a native of New Jersey. • He
remained at liome until 21 years of age, when he began business for
himself in this county, having only $20 in money with which to
make the first payment on his land; after awhile he sold so as to
clear $1,000; purchased again and soon made another §1,000 by
selling; and thus he continued until he accumulated a handsome
fortune. He now owns a farm of 400 acres, valued at $1,600, which
is one of the best improved farms in the township. He also ships
stock extensively every week to Chicago or the East. In 1852 he
married Mrs. Mary A. McPherson, nee Wiley, and they have had
6 children, all of whom are married except the son and the young-
est daughter. Mr. 13. has been Supervisor, Road Commissioner,
School Trustee, and Postmaster at Basco. ,

Charles Bettisworth, son of Ivin and Drusilla (Bean) Bettis-
worth, was born in Virginia in 1816; when 25 years of age he left
home, and in 1843 he married Mary E. Wilhite, of Illinois, and
moved on a farm near where he now lives; after a few years he
purchased 40 acres of his present farm of 125 acres, made his own
rails and fenced the same; paid $12 a ton for prairie hay; and after
years of industrious toil he has made a comfortable home. By his
first wife he had but one child, Clarkson, born in 1850. For his
second wife he married, in 1857, Agnes R. Byres, of this county, and
their 3 children are Andrew J., Charles D. and Amanda.

Louis Brault, grape- grower, was born in Southwestern France,
in 1827; parents were born in 1795 and 1793, and died at the age
of 73 and 69. At 17 became to A.merica and located at Concordia,

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 611

La., where lie remained two and a halt' years; he then followed gar-
dening two years in New Orleans; tlien was in Arkansas one year
making staves for European markets; in 1862 he came to this county,
locating on the farm where he has ever since lived. In 18G6 he
married Harriet Gavillet, of this county, and their 2 children
are Augusta E. E. and Harriet C. F. He owns 80 acres of land,
on which is his line vineyard. He is one of the firm of Brault
Brothers, who own in common a 50-acre vineyard, 16 acres of
which is controlled by Louis. This vineyard was set out in 1864;
there arc 900 vines to the acre, in rows eight feet apart, and six
feet apart in the row; kept at the height of three feet, only one
wire being used; they are ail of the Concord variety. In 187i this
vineyard of 16 acres produced 173 barrels of wine. In this indus-
try the Brault Brothers are second to none in the West.

C. Cadieux, farmer, was born in France in 1836; father was born
in 1792, and liis mother, Catharine (Girard) Cacheux, was a native
of France. He came to America in 1853, stoppingone year at New
Springfield, 111., then located near Cincinnati; learned the cooper's
trade, at which he worked most of the time until 1868, when he
came to this county, where he first engaged in general merchandis-
ing, at Warsaw, and then moved to Basco, where he remained
eight years. He owns a beautiful farm of 200 acres, where he ex-
hibits much pride in the home surroundings. He has a small
vineyard of 600 plants. His wife, Catharine, nee Clerc, is a native
of France. Two of the 3 children are living, — Frank, born in 18.57,
and George in 1865.

Harmon Crea, farmer, sec. 25, was born in Prussia in 1812, the
son of Jasper and Margarette L. S. (^Wilborn) Crea, natives of Prus-
sia; his father was born in 1779. At 26 he married Margarette
L. Charlotte, a native also of Prussia. In 1852 he came to Amer-
ica, locating near Quincy, 111., where he remained three years, then
purchased a farm of 100 acres, near Basco, where he now lives.
Having had the advantage of a good early education himself, he has
given his children like advantages. In 1842 he married, as his
second wife, ilary Tasen, of Prussia, and they liave had 9 chil-
dren. Mr. C. is one of the best histoi'ians in the county.

John H. Crea, farmer, sec. 22; P. O., Basco; was born in Prus-
sia in 1812; in 1869, at Basco, he married Mary A. Eads, a native
of Iowa, soon after which, he moved to his present farm near
Basco, where he has remained ever since. Mr. and Mrs. C.'s
children are, — Mary A., Charles H., John F., Jacob W. (dec),
Wilmette. Both are members of tlie Lutheran Church. Mr. 0.
takes great interest in his occupation and also in educational
matters.

David Crow was born in St. Charles county. Mo., in 1803; his
father. Wm. Crow, was a Pennsylvania farmer; at 21 he com-
menced life's battles alone. Capt. Crow commanded with great
success a company of men in the Black Hawk war. He has been
Magistrate, Postmaster and Notary Public for several years. He

612 HISTOKT OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

lived in Adams county until 1S16, when he came to this county.
His first wife was Mary Bean, by whom he had 9 children;
namely, Esther A., born in 1S2.5; William N., dec, in 1827; John
M., 1830; James L., dec, born in 1S32; Lemuel F., born in 1834;
Nancy J., dec, born in 1837; Fielding M.,dec., born in 1839; Mary
A., born in 1841; and Susan A., in 1843. James and Fielding were
members of the 12th 111. Cav. in the late war. In 1847 Capt.
Crow married Catharine Stiles, and their children are — David G.,
born in 1848; Thomas L., in 1850; Catharine E., 1852; Abigail L.,
(dec), in 1854; and Hannah J., born in 1858. He is a Republican.

John Daw, farmer, sees. 7 and 8; P. O., Basco; was a son of
Edward Daw, who was a native of England, born there in 1809, and
came to America in 1840, locating in Hancock county, where he
has since lived; in 1842 he married Eliza Wilson, a native of Dela-
ware; they had 5 children, of whom our subject was the youngest,
■who was born in this county in 1845, where he has since lived; in
1870 he married Miss E. A. Anderson, a native of Virginia, and
their 2 living children are Arthur, born Oct. 4, 1875, and Clinton,
Oct. 29, 1878. He owns 145 acres of good land and handles some
stock. He has been Assessor for two years,

Lyman Doty, merchant, was born in this tp. in 1844; lived
with his father, Vernon Doty, until 20 years of age, then farmed
on his own land of 40 acres on sec. 15. He came to Basco in 1871,
engaged in business for himself until next year, when he formed a
partnership with Mr. Gordon, composing the firm of Doty &
Gordon, who continued in business five years; then Mr. Doty
moved to Bentley, where he was in partnership with Mr. Peak two
years; but now Mr. D. is a member of the firm of Doty & Gordon
at Basco, who are doing a good business in general merchandise.
In 1865 he married Miss Jane Jessup, daughter of Samuel and
Frances Jessup, of this county, and their only child is Emma, who
was born in February, 1866. Mr. D. is a Freemason and a Repub-
lican.

JE. S. Freeman, son of Wm. and Margaret (Shaw) Freeman, was
born in Lebanon, Ohio, in 1801. At 14 he learned the blacksmith's
trade, which he has always followed; at 21 he moved to Indiana,
and in 1826 came to Illinois, locating at Quincv in 1828, when
there was neither brick nor frame house in town; in 1834 he came
to Carthage, and that year he heard the first sermon ever preached
in that place; he became a member of the class organized b}' the
celebrated Peter Cartwright, and is the only member of that class
now living. He has lived in Basco since 1853. He was first mar-
ried in 1823 to Miss Sarah Gruell. His second wife, Mary A., nee
Rose, was a native of Quincy, and died in 1872, having lieen a
member of the M. E. Church 44 years. They had 5 sons and 3
daughters. Col. Freeman has been very industrious at his trade,
at which he worked until after he was 70 years old.

Riossell 0. Fuller, retired farmer; P. O., Basco; was born in
Ohio in 1810, the son of Russell and Nabby (Guilford) Fuller,

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 613

natives of Aslifield, Mass. In 1834 be married Abby Ackley: tbey
lived ill Marietta six years, tben in Warren count}-, tliis State, four
years, tben came to Basco, wbere tliey now reside. Mr. and Mrs.
Fuller bad 10 cliildren — Asa, Rufus W., Mary J., Nabby, Eusebius,
Andrew, Matilda, Hulda, Fanny and Lana. Euseliins enlisted in
the 5tb 111. Cav. in 1S62, and was in the siege at Yieksburg. Mr.
Fuller was married the second time in 1863 to Mrs. William
Homez, and their 2 children are Rosa B., born Nov., 1865, and
Augustina (dec), born March 9, 1864. Mr. Fuller's father died at
the age of 84, and his mother at 80.

George W. Oarard, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Penn-
sylvania August 12, 1825, and was a son of Justus Garard, also a
native of Pennsylvania. Fie was thrown upon his own resources
at the age of 11 years; worked at the distillery business for several
years, then became proprietor of a hotel at Brownsville, Penn.; in
two years he returned to his former home and again engaged in the
distiller}' business. The next year he emigrated with his family to
Woodford county, this State, and remained there 13 years, doing
much toward developing the agricultural and educational interests
of tliat county, and in 1867 he moved to Hancock county, where he
purchased the farm on which ho now lives. He has in this farm
500 acres of well-improved land, which is tilled and managed by
his sons, while he himself is engaged in the stock commission busi-
ness in Peoria, 111., under the firm name of Wilcox, Sherman &
Garard. In 1849 he married Frances J. Minor, of Pennsylvania, and
they have had 12 children, 7 of whom are living; viz.. Minor C,
William B., John H., Lewis C. Justus F., Mary E. and Ciiarles A.
Mr. and Mrs. G. have been members of the Christian Ciiurch for
many years.

George C. Gordon, merchant, was born in this tp. in 1842, and
was a son of J. J. Gordon, a native of Ohio, and of German parent-
age. His fatlier died in 1S7S, aged 67; his mother still lives and
is 64 years old. George C. taught school several terms in this and
Adams county with good success. In 1872 he married Miss Mary
E. George, daughter of William George, of this tp., and their chil-
dren are Ethel, born in 1874, and Pearly, born January, 1876. Mr.
G. has lived in Basco eight years engaged in general merchandising
under the firm name of Gordon & Anderson.

Henry II. Groom, son of William and Nancy (Haney) Gi'oom,
natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania, respectively, was born in
Park county, Ky., in 1822. He was left at the early age of 15 to
earn his own support and also assist in the support of his widowed
mother and her children. In August, 1844, he married Martha
Simmons, a native of Kentucky; 3 of their 7 children are
living, — William R., Lucinda and Robert H. Mr. G. remained in
Scott county two years; came to this county in 1846, locating in
St. Alban's, and in 1864 settled in Basco, where he now lives with
his father-in-law, Hiram Simmons. Mr. Groom served in the late
war nine months in the 118th 111. Inf., under Gapt. James Logan.

614 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

He has been a member of the Baptist Church 40 years, and is an
honest, hard-working man.

W. L. Harris, farmer and stock dealer, was born in Hendricks
conntj, Ind., in 1S34. His ftither was Riley Harris, born in 1807,
and his mother was Matilda (Bramblet) Harris. He worked on a
farm at home until 30 years of age, and in 1861 he married Mary
Dennis, a native of Ohio. He went to Missouii in 1859, working
on his own farm of 900 acres, thence to Adams county. 111., where
he remained 9 A'ears and then came to this county in 1873, locat-
ing on his present farm of 320 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Harris are the
parents of 5 children now living, 3 boys and 2 girls. Mr. H. was in
the Missouri militia during 1861-"2 and in 1864 he went out in the
Slst 111. and remained until the close of the war. He was engaged
in several battles, among which were Springfield, Columbus, Frank-
lin, jSFashville and Pulaski.

Jesse E. Huff, farmer; P. O., Basco; is a son of John and Susan
(Mathers) Huff, natives of North Carolina, and was born in Schuy-
ler count}', 111., 1837. When he had attained his majority he mai"-
ried Miss Rebecca Bryant at Carthage, and settled on his farm near
the same city. In two years he sold out and purchased a farm
near Basco and lived there si^ years engaged in stock trading. He
again sold out and moved upon the Quincy & Carthage road, live
miles from Basco, where he farmed two years, and in 1871 he moved
on to the farm where he now lives, which is valued at $3,000; he
also owns property in Basco. Mr. and Mrs. Huff have 3
children: viz., Lvman B., born Nov. 29, 1861; Charles F., born
December 28, 1862 and William L., August 26, 1863. Mrs. Hoff has
been a member of the M. E. Church 12 years. Mr. H. is an Odd
Fellow.

John Kirkpatrick, fiirmer, was a son of John Kirkpatrick, a
native of Tennessee and born in 1802, and Eliza (Cocks) Kirkpat-
rick, born in 1808. He commenced working for himself at the age
of 21 years, locating at first near Elvaston, farming there ab6ut 11
years and then purchased his present farm of 90 acres. In 1871 he
married Victoria Rohrbough, a native of Virginia, and the\' have
one child, Cecil B., born August 1, 1874. Both are members of the
M. E. Church of Elvaston.

William C. Logan, retired farmer, was born in Kentucky, in
1805. His father, Joseph Logan, was a native of New Jerse}' and
died at tlie age of 60; his mother, Sarah Logan, also a native of
New Jersey, died at the advanced age of 85. In 1822 he married
Margaret Thomas, of Ohio, and they at once emigrated to Jefferson
county, Ind., where they remained 36 years, following farming; in
1859 they came to this county where they have lived ever since.
Mr. L. has not farmed any since 1870; he is 79 years of age; is a
very temperate man, never used tobacco, tea or coffee, has not
tasted drink, except for medicinal purposes for 50 years; has not
tasted even cider for 20 years, and has been a professor of religion
for 60 years. Six of tlieir 9 children are living, — Eliza A., Rebecca

HISTORY OF HAXOOCK COUNTY. 615

S., Joseph, James E., Harriet, Margaret and William. Mrs. L. is 77
years of age.

W. W. Mason, hotel proprietor, Basco, 111., was born in Buffalo,
New York, in 1812. His father was a lawyer and jiracticed in St.
Louis. He was raised by John Clark, of Morgan county, 111., with
whom he remained until he was 17 years of age; he then went to
Quincy and worked on a farm; thence to Morgan count}' and
worked in a briok yard; was at Winchester two years, then at Exe-
ter, Scott county, in a mill, then at Wincliester again, learning the
cabinet business, then in Adair county. Wis., four years. In this
county, in 183S, he married Polly, daughter of Thomas Allen of
the same county. He next removed to Quincy and worked for
John Wood, afterward Governor of the State. He then moved
near Baseo, where he purchased a farm and lived live years; he
finally located in Basco in 1870, where he has been in the hotel busi-
ness ever since. By his first wife he had 3 sons and 2 daughters,
and has had one child by his second wife. For five years Mr. M.
was Deacon of the Missionary Baptist Church at Warsaw.

Su-icin Matthews, deceased, was born in North Carolina, Sept.
15, 1^03. She was the wife of John Hufi', who was born in North
Carolina in 1799. They were married in 1S25 and had 12 chil-
dren. Mrs. Hnft''s father died when she was only five years old,
leaving a widow and 10 children with but little means of support,
which fact necessitated the older children to be bound out; Mrs.
M. was bound out to a farmer when only nine years old, and at this
age she was made to carry water for the family suflicient to last
all day, help do all the morning work and then walk three miles to
school; after returning home at night she had to help do the
chores after night, and card wool and^cotton until late, and if seen
nodding would get punished; in the spring she was made to plow;
having no shoes the briars would cut her feet and make the blood
run from them; she had to go half a mile to strain milk, go alone
on horseback to mill, pound flax, and dojmany other things fit to
be done only by old slaves. She remained at this home until she was
16 years old, when she was bound out to a neighbor, where she re-
mained two years treated in the same way; bat ever afterward she
had a happier and brighter time; she had a kind husband and loving
children; everj' circumstance of her later life was surrounded with
pleasant recollections. For 57 years she was a true and. devoted
Christian, being a member ot the Baptist Church part of the time
and of the M. E. Church the rest of the time. She died Jan. 30,
ISSO.

James M. McCall, farmer, was born in Tennessee in 1840, in
which State also his parents were born, Joseph S. and Melinda A.
(Craddick) McCall. He first came to this county in 1851, and
worked as a common laborer for three years on a farm near Car-
thage; during the next five years he lived in Oregon, teaching
school and dealing in cattle; in 1869 he returned to this county,
settling upon the home farm. In 1869 he married Mary E. Sur-

616 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

ber, a native of Oregon, and their children are: Mary M., born in
July, 1870; Melinda A., JuW, 1S72: Fanny, J., March, ls7i; Leah,
August. 1876, and George A. in Dec, 1878. Mr. McCali owns
145 acres of well-improved land, valued at $5,00U. Both he and
his wife are members of the Christian Church at Sylvandale. Mr.
McCall has some valuable specimens of rock from the mines of the
West.

Dorrance McGinnis, Basco. The ancestors of this gentleman
were natives of Eastern Pennsylvania, living near the Delaware
river, a short distance from Philadelphia, in the same county; his
father was of Scotch descent, and mother of German. She was the
eldest daughter of Robert Burke. Soon after the Declaration of
Independence Mr. Burke joined the Federal army under Washing-
ton, and continued in the service, except at intervals, till the war
closed. Mr. McGinnis' parents were married May 10, 1789, in
which year they moved West, crossed the mountains, reached the
Ohio river, and settled about 50 miles below Pittsburg, in West
Virginia, on the Ohio river bottom, a short distance back from the
river. It was a rough wilderness country, but the land productive.
The family succeeded in improving a large tarm, which produced
well, especially small grain. There was plentj- of wild game, deer
in abundance, some bears, and a great variety of other animals.

The children in this family were, in order, James, George, Dor-
rance, Louis, Amanda, who died in infancy, and Louis, who died in
his fourth year.

At an early day most of the surplus produce raised in the Ohio
valley found a ready market in New Orleans. It was shipped there
on flat-boats. It took from two to three months to make the trip.
In the fall of 1814 Mr. McG. loaded a flat-boat with produce for
that market, and started, Sept. 2, with two hired hands for assist-
ants, both strangers, but who appeared to be river men. He reached
the falls of the Ohio and crossed. Between the falls and the mouth
of the Ohio river he met with an acquaintance, a river man. At
that time Mr. McG. was in good health and spirits, but never
afterward was he or his cargo ever heard from ! There were many
conjectures regarding his fate. Ever}' exertion was made to obtain
information as to his fate, but all in vain. About a year previous
to that, James McG., above mentioned, joined the Northern army
under General Scott. He served five years, was discharged and
returned home, to find the old homestead in the occupancy of
strangers. Some years after the death of Mr. McG. his widow
married an old farmer, a widower, a resident of Belmont county,
Ohio, by the name of Farnsworth. By that marriage she had
2 children, a boy and a girl. George McGinnis had gone to live
with an uncle in Ohio. Part of the time during boyhood Dor-
rance lived with his mother, and part of the time was hired out,
till he reached the years of manhood. He made the acquaintance
of a young lady, about 17 years of age. Her father was a farmer
and had come from Germany. Her mother was Pennsylvania

IIISTOEY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 617

Grennan. Tliey lived a short distance tVoin AVheeliiio', W. Ya. lie
was joined in marriage to Elizaljotli Cotts, Nov. IS, 1828. His
birthday was August 25, 1809; hers, Jan. S, IS12. Their iirst
child, Elizabeth M., was born Dec. 1, ls31), and died June 22, 1832;
George Washington, the second child, was born Oct. 16, IsSO, and
died in infancy; Rosanna Antoinette was born June 10, 1832;
John Randolph, June 10, 1831; Eleanor Virginia, Aug. 12, 1836;
Caroline Melissa, jSTov. 17, 1838; Mary Louisa, May 22, 1841;
Elizabeth Clarissa, July 12, 181:1:. Mary Louisa was married to
James Hughes, by whom she had 3 children, who are living. She
died August 7, 1867.

Soon after Dorrance's marriage he titted up a store-room in South
Wheeling, near the bridge. The room was of good size, but only
one storj' high. The dwelling was a large two-story frame building
joining store on the west. For several years they had a good trade
and made money. In the winter of 1832 there were heavy falls of
snow. In the valley of the Alleghany it was from ten to twelve
feet in depth. In February a warm spell occurred and snow melted
so rapidly that water was from hill to hill. From Pittsburg down
the Ohio most of the farm buildings were swept awa}' by the flood.
In Wheeling, on Main street, below the hill, a large steamer floated
along. Lumber yards were all swept away. From South Wheeling
there were 38 buildings swept away. Mr. McGinnis' store-house
and goods, and liis large dwelling house were among the number.
JSTothing was saved. As soon as the waters receded lie procured a
dwelling in Middle Wheeling. At that time the Asiatic cholera
was raging and carried ofl' scores. In tlie fall of 1832 it made its
appearance in Wheeling. A few contracted the disease, some of
whom died. Mr. McGinnis was stricken down with it, bad as any
one could have it to recover. He removed to a high, beautiful
location on what was called Chapman's Hill. In the spring of
1833 the cholera appeared again. The deaths each day increased
from a few till they numbered 28 per day. then decreased in the
same ratio. Something over 300 had been interred in the cemetery
before the disease disappeared.

Mr. McG. then purchased a large store-house on the east side of
Market Square at $5,000; he put in a large stock of goods to suit
the country ti-ade. There were from 100 to 300 wagons backed up
to that market house twice a week, unless bad weather or roads
prevented their coming. Mr. McG. had charge of that market for
a number of years, for which service he was paid $300 per annum.
He was also acting City Marshal, for which he was paid a liberal
compensation. He kept good faithful clerks in the store, which
did a profitable business. He continued in business there about
IS years before selling out.

Jan. 9, 1816, Mrs. McGinnis died, the mother of 6 children.
For several years after her death the bereaved husband continued
in the mercantile business. He fitted up a large fine building on
Market near Mocroe street, in which he lived several years; he

618 HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

then rented the property and moved to the island. He sold out
his store-house and all real estate except his large residence on
Market street.

In 1855 he moved to the West, and landed at Alexandria, Mo.,
opposite Wai'saw, where he purchased i'20 acres of laud on the Des
Moines bottom. A few years later he sold the land, and purchased
a residence in Warsaw, to which he moved and planted a vineyard.
Having an offer in 1856 of $5,000 from the Odd Fellows in Wheel-
ing for his residence there, he returned to transact the sale; but
they declining certain terms, he sold to another part}'. After re-
siding in Warsaw a few years and the vineyard had commenced
bearing, Mr. McGinnis had a good offer for the property, sold out
and moved to Basco, where he now resides. He purchased several
farms and tracts of land in Bear Creek tp., one lying north of and
joining the old village of Summersett. He had part of the land
surveyed in streets, alleys and town lots. It is called McGinnis'
Addition to Summersett. Some of the best residences in the
village are built on it.

Dec. 11, 186i. Mr. McGinnis married Matilda C. Downs, nee
Huff. From that marriage 3 children were born; Eugene, May
19, 1866, who died in infancy; C. C. Franklin, boru Aug. 4, 1870;
Caroline Isabel, born Oct. 20, 1874.

In political matters Mr. McGinnis is a Democrat; he has acted
as Justice of the Peace for many years, has been Supervisor of this
tp. several years; is a Knight Templar, has served as Mas-
ter of the Lodge several years; and, having been left an orphan
when young, lie is a self-made man, a man of the highest integrity,
and we count him as one of the most substantial and worthy citi-
zens of Hancock county. We give his portrait in this volume.

Matthew Merriman, deceased, was born in Lincolnshire, Eng-
land, in 1813, the 9tli of 12 children boru to Eichard and Mary
(Pitts) Merriman, natives of England. Matthew followed farming
in the old country until 1S55, when he came with his wife and
children to the United States, first settling in Pike county,
111., where he remained for 11 years; he then came to this
county, where he lived until his death in 1871. By honest labor
Mr. M. became enabled to leave to his wife and 5 children a farm
of 285 acres, valued at $15,000. Since his death the management
of the farm has been in the hands of his son Joseph, by whose
energy and business skill has been erected within the last few
years a large three-story house finished according to the latest pat-
terns. He has also put up a new and large barn which will hold
100 tons of hay, besides giving room for small grains
and stock. He also deals largely' in cattle. His marriage to Mary
Saunders, of England, was in 1843. The children are, Mary A.,
Jane, Elizabeth, dec, Joseph and Elizabeth. Mrs. M. is a member
of the Baptist Church. P. O., Basco.

Albert Naegelin, druggist, was born in Kentucky in 1854, son of
Emile and Annis (Thevenin) Naegelin, natives of France; they

HISTOEY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 619

moved to the United States in 1853, and now reside in St. Louis,
wliere Mr. N. follows his trade of lithograpli_y. When about seven
j'ears old Albert was taken b}- bis parents in emigration to this
county, and after mature years returned with them to Kentucky;
in 1S68 he returned to this county, where he followed farming
until one year ago, when he came to Basco and studied telegrajshy
for awhile, and then purchased a half interest in the drug store
now known as Naegelin & Mourning's, on Main Street, near the
center of the village. The postoffice is in the same building.
This firm has a full stock of goods in their line, and they are one
of the leading liusiness firms in the count}'. In 1875 Mr. M.
married Eliza >T. Tanner, daughter of Doctor Tanner, of Basco.

Adam Kohrhough, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 15; P. O., Basco;
was born in Virginia August 6, 1827, the son of George Rohr-
bough, who was born in Hardin county, Va., in 1792, and died in
this county in 1874, leaving 11 children, 61 grandchildren, and 29
great-grandchildren, in all 101. At IS years of age Adam left his
home and married Miss Susan Curtis, of Lewis county, Va.; after
remaining on the home farm for about seven years they moved to
this county, having $300 in money, one span of horses and a
wagon; but Mr. R. has been industrious and now owns 567 acres
of land, valued at $18,000; his farm is near the county-seat and is
one of the best improved in Western Illinois. Mr. R. takes a
great interest in education and lias given a college course to some
of his children, and some are away from home now attending
schooL Their names are: Benia E., Marion, who was graduated
at Carthage College in 1878, and is now professor in Mt. Morris
College in this State; Lee J., who has taken a commercial course
at Quincy, 111., and has the honor of being the second best who
has ever graduated at the Quincy Business College; George A.,
now a student at Carthage College; and Mary A. Mr. R. has
also raised an orphan boy named Henry Carpenter, who was in
llSth 111. Vol. Inft.,in the late war, liaving enlisted in 1862 under
Capt. Mourning; he died at Vicksburg. Mr. R. is a strong tem-
perance man and has been a member of the M. E. Church 35
years. He does not remember of being guilty of profane swear-
ing in his life.

Samuel Rose was born in Lexington, Ky.. in 1S09, and is the
seventh of nine childi-en of James and Phrebe (Coulter) jRose,
the former a native of New York and the latter of New Jersey.
Mr. James Rose was a Lieutenant in the expedition sent out by
Washington to subdue the Whisky Rebellion. Both he and his
wife died at Lexington in 1813, when young Samuel was taken to
an uncle, with wliom he lived until he was fifteen years of age;
he then went to Frankfort and learned the confectionery business,
completing the trade at Lexington in 1S29; he then came to Illi-
nois and was in Quincy in 1830-'l; thence he went to Jacksonville
and worked at carpentry until 1849; was then several years in
California, meeting with good success; in 1857 he returned and

620 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

settled on his farm in this county near Carthage, since which date
he has spent most of his time Ininting and trapping, having
made as much as $20 in one day, Ivilling deer, trapping mink and
other animals; he is best known, however, as a wolf hunter, as he
has killed since his residence here about 250 wolves in Illinois,
Iowa and Missouri, more than 60 of these in this county.
Although he does not now follow farming, he owns an excellent
tract of land of 170 acres near Basco, and has personal property
worth about $2,000. Although he is now 71 years of age he can
walk farther in a day tiian most young men of these times,
and lias a good memory. He has been a member of the Christian
Church for many years. He was never married.

Samuel Russell, farmer, sec. 25; P. O., Denver; is a native of
Ireland, and ever since he was nine years of age he has been bat-
tling with the cold world, and by untiring energy and strictest in-
tegrity, he has accumulated a liandsome fortune; he now owns 400
acres of improved land, valued at $12,000. In 1831 he landed at
Quebec having but three cents, English monej'; about three years
afterward he went to Delaware and learned carpentry*; he then emi-
grated West and settled near Alton. 111., wiiere he worked at his
trade, although he owned some farming land there; he sold out at
the end of 12 years, and after sto]3ping one year in Adams
county, he came to this county and settled on the farm where he
now resides; has lived here since 1S57. Mr. R. is a very careful
and painstaking agriculturist. In 1842 he married Jemima A.
Hickman, who was born in New Jersey in 1823, and of their 10
children only these 4 are living: James H., Nancy, Mary J. and
Joseph S.

John G. Seag&r was born in New York city in 1807, the son of
John and Eunice (AUston) Seager, natives of New York, who lived
to a good old age. John was a prominent minister of the Baptist
Church, being connected with the First Baptist Church of New
York city, and afterward 19 years Pastor of the Church at Haights-
town. Pa. ; he then returned to New York and took charge of the
Baptist congregation on Long Island. John G. remained at home
until about 16 years old, receiving a good education, having attended
the lirst academy in the city of New York; and because of superior
qualitications he was solicited to attend college at Hamilton, N. Y.
He learned the cabinet trade, but has spent most of his long and
useful life in preaching the gospel. He came West in 1839, locat-
ing at Mendon, Adams county. 111., and after laboring in that vicin-
ity for about seven years, he came to this county and constituted
the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, and in a few years more the Basco
IJaptist Church. He now serves these two Churches; he has also
established many other Churches in this section, among which are
Mount Vernon, Starr and Jubilee. For his first wife he married
Rebecca Chamberlain, of Haightstown, N. J.; she died in 1844,
having had in her life-time 6 children; namely, Charles A., dec.-;
Caroline, now widow of ]VIr. Doty, of Carthage; Lydia A., now of

x/

BEAR CREEK. Tp

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 623

Quincy, Hickory county, Mo. ; Euoch C, a member of the 118th 111.
Vol. Inf., who died at Camp Butler, aged 21; Catherine E., dec,
who was the wife of Slieriff Dammeron; and John E., living in
Basco, For a second wife Mr. Seager married Mary Pendergast in
1854, a native of Pennsylvania, and tliey have had i sons and 2
daughters. Mr. S. owns property in Basco and seems to be happy
in his old age. His power of vision is nearly as good as ever. He
has been Town Clerk and School Treasurer ten years each, and Col-
lector five years: and was recently elected Town Clerk.

Hiram Simmons, farmer; P. O., Basco. Mr. S. is one of the
early settlers of Bear Creek tp., and has done much to make it and
the county what they are. He was born in Kentucky in 1803. a
son of Eobert and Flora (Chenworth) Simmons, the former born in
Maryland in 177H, and the latter in Virginia in 1787. At the age
of ly Mr. S. married Nancy Caulkins, of JSTew York, and located in
Hardin county, Ky., where he remained four years; then he came
to Scott county, 111., where he lived 20 years; then he came to this
tp., locating 7iear Basco, where lie has ever since resided. Childi-en
--Martha, born July 4, 1822; William B., deceased, born June 2,
1824; Mary E., born June 5, 1827; Robert H., Feb. 22, 1829;
Hiram S.. deceased, born Dec. 19, 1831; Franklin, deceased, born
Oct. 20, 1834; Lucinda, deceased, born July 12, 1837; Isaac C,
deceased, born June 12,1840; Nancy J., deceased, born May 19,
1842. Mr. S. now owns a comfortable home and a small farm join-
ing Basco on the southeast. His son Isaac was a member of the
llStli 111. Vol. Inf , under James Logan, for about a year.

Samuel Staples, farmer, was born in 1818 in Indiana. His par-
ents were natives of Virginia, and his mother's maiden name was
Rebecca Coons. In 1840 the subject of this sketch was united in
marriage witli Mar}' A. James, also a native of Indiana; after re-
maining in Jeiferson county, Ind., for two years, thej' came to this
count}' and settled near Augusta. As a specimen of pioneer dis-
couragements we may relate that at one time he went to a horse-
mill to get some grinding done, and in the commencement of tlie
grinding an accident occurred to his horse, which was at work in
the mil] ; he at once went home, saying he would '' eat parched corn
and potatoes." He then lived in Adams county four years, then he
settled upon his own farm of 80 acres in this county, which is a part
of his present farm of 190 acres. Of his 3 children only John W. is
living. Mr. S. has been School Trustee, Justice of the Peace and
Road Commissioner, which latter oflSce he now holds. He is a
member of the Methodist Church.

S. A. Thompson, physician, was born in Tennessee in 1812, son
of William Thompson, who was a Revolutionary soldier five years,
and was present at the surrender of Lord Cornwallis. At the age
of 20 our subject l)egan business for himself; in 1832 he went to
Alabama, where he remained one year and returned to middle
Tennessee. Here he was an eye witness of the great star-fall of
1833. He removed to Crawfordsville, Ind., and afterward *settled
in this countv in 1847. He has 40 acres of sood land. He has
37 "

624 HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTT.

practiced medicine here 18 years, on eclectic principles. For his
first wife he married Isabel Ogle, in 1839, and they had 12 chil-
dren. For his second wife he married Mary A. Satertield in 1872,
a native of Missouri. The Doctor has the honor of being the first
Supervisor of this tp. He used to be a Democrat, but is now a
staunch Greenbacker.

Luater S. Wyckoff, a fanner, was born in Schuyler county. 111.,
in 1840, tlie son of Gerritt and Nancy (McKee) Wyckoff, who were
araono- the earliest pioneers of the great West, there being only
three white families west of the Illinois river when tliey came
here. In 1S60 L. S. married Nancy C. Irvin, of Schuyler county,
who was born in 18-15. Of their 6 children only 2 are living;
namelv, Maggie J., born in June, 1862, and Elizabeth A., in Nov.,
1864. ' The' first ten years after his marriage Mr. W. lived in
Schuyler county. 111., then lived in Missouri awhile, and in 1879
located at his present home at Basco.

TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS.

The following is a list of the ofiicers that have served this town-
ship since its organization, as far as could be obtained from the
records:

SUPERVISORS.

Almon Tliompsou 1850 David AV. Browning 1868

Felix G Mourning 1853 D. McGinnis 1869

ThomasLogan 1855 W.C.Williams 1870

C.W.Baldwin 1858 Wm. P. Dainron 1872

Wm. S. Moore 1859 Jameson H. AVetzel 1873

Chas. H. Steffey I860 Jesse E. Gerard 1874

Jolm W. Tatraan 1861 Wm. P. Damron 1876

Wm. B. Skinner 1863 Wm. A. Anderson 1877

John R. McGinnis 1866 Constant Cacheaux 1878

Wm. B. Skiimer 1867 James A. Anderson 1879

CLEKKS.

John G. Se^er 1855 John G. Seger 1868

William Hawkins 1858 Albert NaegeUn 1879

William Fleming 1865 Jolm G. Seger 1880

ASSESSORS.

John M. Wetzell 1855 James Anderson 1872

Andi-ew Jloore 1858 Edward Harrison 1873

Charles W. Baldwin 1860 A. H. Caywood 1874

Elisha McGee 1862 Geo. H. Damron I 1875

John W. Tatman 1864 A. H. Caywood )

\lmon Thompson 1865 Clark Lewis 1876

C. W. Baldwin 1866 J. H. Wetzel 1877

Geo C Gordon 1867 John Daw 1878

E. Brown, Jr., 1869 Wm. a Mott 1880

Wm. P. Damron 1870

COLLECTORS.

William S. Jloore 1855 G. C. Gordon 1870

J G. Se-^er 1858 John D. Page 1871

Nicholas Wren 1862 John J. Hawkins 1872

J R McGinnis 1863 Nathaniel C. Caywood 1873

ciiarles H. Steffey 1864 Josephus Huff 1874

Wm P Damron 1866 G. C. Gordon 1875

J IT Wetzell 1867 J. R. McGinnis 1876

Willia • Drvde-- 1869 G. 0. Gordon 1878-80

WYTHE TOWNSHIP.

This township, named after an old Revohitionary Virginian, Nos.
4-8. It is chiefly prairie,located between the head waters of Bear creek
and those flowing westward into the Mississippi. One long branch
of Bear creek traverses its southeastern corner, supplying some tim-
ber and some broken country. The remaining portion is well-ly-
ing, mostly rolling prairie, chieflj' owned and occupied by intelli-
gent, enterprising and rich farmers.

This township contains the two recorded towns of Elderville and
Prairieville, containing each a few houses only. Wythe, being
prairie, was settled later than Walker and Montebello, on each side
of it. Among its early settlers were named Benjamin F. Marsh,
Sr.; Rodolphus Chandler, Mark Phelps, Andrew McMahan,
William Crawford, Samuel Knox, Davidson Harris, Moses Ham-
mond, Slocum Woolley, John S. Johnson, Robert Ayers, David
Ayers, Samuel Chandler, Isaac Bliss, H. P. Griswold, Thomas
Crawford, Joshua C. Berry, Lyman L. Calkin, Wm. A. Smith, L.
Horney, Wm. J. Ash, J. D. Browning, William Wallace Reed,
Wm. Jackson, Alonzo Sanford, Charles Ames, Wm. Shinn, L. L.
Piggott, and the Robinsons, Yanewines, McGees, Butlers, Dough-
tys, Livelys and others.

The early settlement, known for so many years as Green Plains,
was partly in Wythe and partly in Walker, Wilcox and Rocky
Run townships, its center being near the corner connecting the four
townships. Hence, in naming the early settlers in each, some of
them tnay be located over the line of the township for which they
are named.

Benjamin F. Marsh, named above, was an early settler. His
farm east of Warsaw was for years the extreme settlement on the
route toward the county seat, all beyond being an unbroken and
almost treeless prairie. Mr. M. was born in His Majesty's dominions
of North America, New Brunswick, we believe, and was until his
death a man of note in the county. His son, B. F. Marsh, Jr., our
present talented and genial member of Congress, was born on the
home farm in Wythe, and in his boyhood days hunted rabbits and
squirrels, and gathered nuts and things in the timber brakes ad-
joining.

Mark Phelps was a man of remarkable character in the eastern
part of the township. Free, jovial, reckless, wild, good-natured,
always ready for an adventure or a spree, and always on hand in a
crowd; everybody knew and joked and drank with Mark, — water, of
course; lager had not then been imported from Germany, and the
(625)

626 IIISTOEY OF HANCOCK. COUNTY.

country was too new for cider. He still lives, showing the hand of
time upon his brow.

The brothers Aj'res were natives of the Emerald Isle, came to
-America and settled in Hancock county at an early day.

Numbers of these pioneers have gone.

William Crawford was probably the first to build a house in
^ythe township, in the fall of 1832. Andrew McMahan and Sam-
uel Knox also came in 1832.

Of the foregoing, Messrs. B. F. Marsh, Wm. Crawford, Thomas
Crawford, Rodolphus Chandler, Samuel Knox, Robert Ayers, Sam-
uel Chandler, Moses Hammond, and ]>erhaps others, are now de-
ceased. Andrew McMahan and Silas Robinson still remain, with
the frosts of over 75 winters upon their heads.

RELIGIOUS PROGRESS.

Elders Joseph Hatchett and Samuel Knox, earl}' residents of
Green Plains settlement, both residing, we believe, in Walker,
were the earliest preachers in that section. The first religions
organization within the limits of Wythe of which we have any
record is that of the Congregational Church, on the west line of
the township. This society was organized in 1851, with the follow-
ing members; viz., Hurlburt P. Griswold, Lucy Griswold, Moses
Hammond, Elizabeth Hammond, Caroline Hammond, Asaph C.
Hammond, Ero Chandler, Emeline Chandler, Benjamin Whitaker,
Eliza Whitaker, William F. Frazee, Isaac Bliss, Elizabeth Bliss,
David A. Robinson, Edward C. Griswold, Walter R. Glover, Agnes
W. Glover, John A. Howes, Elinor Howes, and Lorinda Chandler
— 20. Some of these resided in adjoining townships. The mem-
bership has since increased to about 75. The church edifice is of
frame, built about 20 years ago, and has a parsonage adjoining.
The pastors who have officiated there are Rev. George J. Barrett,
Rev. Mr. Johnson, Revs. Samuel Dilley, Nathaniel P. Coltrin, A.
R. Mitchell, John H. Shay, W. B. Bachtell, C. C. Irland and
Joseph Wolf.

The Wythe Presbyterian Church, on sec. 17, was organized later,
exact date not stated; it occupies also a neat frame building, erected
some 10 or 12 years ago. Its membership is not large. Both it and
the Congregational Church have been in the habit of joining with
the Churches in Hamilton in support of their pastors.

Two miles immediately south of the Presbyterian Church,
stands a neat brick church edifice, belonging to the Campbellite
denomination. It was built a few years ago, in the midst of a
flourishing settlement and beantiful country. We have no partic-
ulars further of its membership or work.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

In justice to the pioneers and prominent citizens of the city
and township of Carthage, we wish to speak personally, and short
biographical sketches of them here follow:

HISTORY OF UANCOCK COUNTY. 627

QottUeh Altheide was born Dec. li, 1S25. His parents were
Peter and Reaka (^Steffe) Altheide. He came to Quincy in 1855,
where lie followed tailoring five years. His sight tailing him, he
removed to a farm in this count}' and began agricnltural life. He
is now a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of Wythe township,
residing on sec. 3Jr, and owns 210 acres of valuable land. Pie was
married in September, lS5-i, to Miss Reaka Hakker, by whom he
has had S children: of these, 7 are living; viz., Annie, Fred,
Minnie, Henry, Gottlieb, Caroline and Johnnie.

Wm. J. Ash was born in McMinn county, Tennessee, June 6,
1825, and was reared to manhood iu the State of Alabama by his
parents, Hugh B. and Nancy Asii, the former a native of South
Carolina, and the latter of Greene county, Tenn. Our subject
came to this State in the year 1846, and stayed until 18i9, when he
went back to Alabama on a visit, and returned to Illinois in the same
year. While in Alabama he was married to Miss Eliza A.Culpepper,
by whom he has had 9 children; of these, 7 are living; viz., Sarah
L. (now Mrs. King), Mary A. (now Mrs. Paine), Joel B. (married
to Miss Allen), Louisa A , Amanda J., Alice A. and Arsisa E.
Mr. Ash has resided here since the year lS-i9,engaged iu farming and
stock raisiiig. He owns a fine farm of 3i0 acres, located on sees.
9, 10, and 16 Wythe tp. He also worked at the tanning work for
seven years. Mr. Ash is of Scottish ancestry; his great-grand-
father came from Scotland, and fought in tire war of 1776.

Roht. Ayers, deceased, was a native of Ireland, and was born Nov.
21, 1836. His father's name was also Robert Ayers. The subject
of this sketch was brought to America by his parents in 1838: he
was reai'ed on a farm and received a common-school education; was
married April 6, 1859, to Miss Jane Ann Watt, hj whom he had 7
children; of these, 6 are living; viz, Robert W., Chas. D., John
W., Jesse C, Jennie E. and Maggie M. Mr. Ayers was a promi-
nent farmer and stock-dealer of Wythe tp.; he owned 410 acres of
valuable land. He was killed at Keokuk, Iowa, by a switch engine
while crossing the railroad track, Nov. IS, 1879.

Joshua C . Berty is a native of Pittsfield, Merrimack Co.,N.H., and
was born Nov. 28, 1811 ; he is a son of Joshua and Patience Berry,
both natives of New Hampshire. Our subject was joined in mar-
riage April 21, 1835, to Mary B. Barker, of Acton, Mass., and they
have had 4 children, of whom 3 are living; viz., George C, Clara
E., (now Mrs. Horney), Charles B., deceased, and Mary A. Mr.
Berry was County Surveyor for three years in this county. Mr.
Berry, on his father's side, is of English ancestry; his grandfather
and great-grandfather were both Englishmen, Captains in the Rev-
olutionary war. His grandfather, Capt. Joshua Berry, was at the
head of the expedition to export guns and ammunition of war over
the Green Mountains to Ticonderoga. Mr. Berry has in his pos-
session a two-dollar bill of Continental money which was found in
his grandfather's drawer. As was supposed, he had received this
money for his service m the Revolutionary war. Mr. Bon-y's wife

628 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

is a descendant of John Adams, once President of the United States.
Mr. Berry owns 160 acres of land .

Isaac Bliss was the second son and fourth child of a family of 11
children; he was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, Sept. 9, 1824.
His father, Samuel Bliss, was a native of Vermont, and died in 1852,
at the age of 61. On his father's side he is of English ancestors.
Two grand-uncles, both Englishmen, fought in the war of 1776, one
in the British and the other in the American army. Both were
Captains, and it is said they met in battle on the field. In 1848
Mr. Bliss lelt his native State and moved to his present place in
Wythe tp. In obtaining his education Mr. Bliss enjoyed pre-emi-
nent advantages. Besides pursuing the common English branches
he gave his attention to many of the sciences. During his past life
we see the fruits of his " much study," 26 years spent in teaching
in the school-room. Realizing the advantages derived from a good
education, he is giving his cliildren a thorough schooling. Oct. 4,
1849, Mr. Bliss was joined in marriage to Elizabeth M. Reairs, and
they have had 4 children. Mr. and Mrs. Bliss early became workers
in the cause of Christ, by uniting with the Presbyterian Church.
In the Sabbath-school he had participated in the highest offices for
20 years. Both children are members of the Church. Mr. Bliss
has a farm of 340 acres, with a good residence and fine surround-
ings. He carries on farming to a great extent and is also a dealer in
fine stock.

Wallace Bride, son of Samuel and Esther Bride, of Warsaw, was
born Jan. 31, 1846; was reared on a farm, and educated in a com-
mon school. Was married in 1873 to Josephine Cayton, by whom
he has 4 children; viz., Clara, Estella, Annie and Birdie. He is
engaged in farming and stock-raising, and resides on sec. 20,
Wythe tp.

Wm. Brown, deceased, was a native of Prince William county,
Va., and was left an orphan when quite young. He was reared on
a farm and received a limited education in a subscription school.
He came to Adams county, 111., in 1S49, and to this county in
1852. He was married July 15, 1829, to Miss Helen Atkinson,
daughter of George and Elizabeth Atkinson. The former is a
native of England and the latter of Virginia. They have had 17
children, 9 sons and 8 daughters. Only 10 of these are living. Mr.
Brown was a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of Wythe township,
residing on sec. 29. He died Apr. 11, 1866; was a member of
the M. E. Church for many years.

Hurman Busing is a native of Germany, and was born Jan. 5,
1852. His parents, Wm. B. and Mary Busing, emigrated with
their family to Adams county. 111., in the year 1854. Mr. B. was
raised on a farm and educated in a common school. He was mar-
ried April 28, 1S77, to Miss Carrie Keller, by whom he has one
child, Emma. He owns 160 acres of valuable land, and is engaged
in farming and stock-raising on sec. 34, having located here in 1875.
Lyman L. Calkins was born in Bradford county. Pa., Nov. 27,

HISTOEY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 629

1811, and married Zilphia White Sept., 27, 1S34; Oct. 1, 1836, he
started West witli a large coiiipaii}', coming with teams; after arriv-
ing in Indiana lie turned back as far as Cincinnati, took passage on
a boat, and after a tedious journey he landed at Warsaw, 111., in
November, on the last boat up the river that fall; after spending
the winter here he returned East and started to emigrate, but upon
reaching Pittsburg tlie weariness of wife and child impelled him to
take a boat, sending the teams on, which arrived not long after him;
he reached Warsaw June 15, 1S37. The only friend or relative at
the time was Mr. H. Kent, a brother-in-law of Mrs. Calkins, living
nine miles east of Warsaw; settled in Wythe tp., on sec. 22, where
he lived 13 years, when he sold out and bought of Judge Skinner a
half of sec. 10, where he has since resided. He attended the first
town meeting.- The naming of the tp. belongs to Davidson Harris,
a resident at that time and for many years afterward. He rarely
misses an election, is a Republican, though not strictly a party
man. He remained through all the Mormon difficulties, often
going to Nauvoo to their meetings, and though being well known
as against them he was never molested. He has always been
engaged in farming, and still boasts of doing as much as any man
of his years. He lias 5 sons and i daughters, all living and engaged
in farming; 7 are married and living on farms of their own. The
entire family are members of ortliodo.x Churches, having united
with the Church while children at home. In the fall of 1S54 they
visited their old home for the first time, taking the train at Rock
Island, that being the nearest railway station at that time. In the
spring of 1859 Mr. Calkins took a trip to the Rocky Mountains,
and was gone four months. In 1876, in company with wife and
daughter, he again visited their old home in Pennsylvania.

Mr. C.'s ancestors were descendants of Scotch parentage, who
settled at Sharon, Conn., in an early day. His grandfather was in
the Revolutionary war, and early emigrated to Bradford county,
Pa., where he raised a large family, who settled also in that State
aTid New York. His father, Joel Calkins, remained all his life
near the old place and died only a few years ago. The subject of
this biography is from a long-lived ancestry, hearty and hale, many
reaching nearly 100 years of age. Mrs. C.'s ancestors were from
Connecticut and Vermont, and also noted for longevity.

A. D. Crouch was born in Jefferson county. New \ ork, Dec.
22, 1S19, and is a son of Ebenezer and Sarah Crouch, both natives
of Vermont. Mr. Crouch came to this State in 1835 and settled
in Adams county, where he staid with his mother and brothers until
1852, when he came to this county, where he has since resided en-
gaged in fanning and stock raising. In 181:5 he married Eliza-
beth Hughes, of Adams county. They have had -t children, of
whom only 2 are living, Francis C. and Flora E. (now Mrs. Wei-
senbourger). Mr. Crouch owns a farm of 160 acres in sec. 3.

James E. Dowjhty was born in Nicholas Co., Ky., Nov. 23,
1804, and is a son of' John and Jane (Ellis) Doughty. The former

630 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

lived to the age of 96 years. Mr. D. was married about 1827,
to jidary McMahon, by whom he had 7 children, of whom 6 are
living;' viz., Wm. T., "S. J., John R., Ann H., Ellen H. and Z.
Taylor. Oar subject came to Warsaw in 1843. Mrs. Doughty
died in June, 1864. and Mr. D. again married, May 6, 1866, this
time, Mrs. Ruth J. Cobalt, by whom he has had 4 children ; of these,
3 are living; viz., Barton S., Clara V.,and Ketnrah C. Mr. D.
went overland to California in 1852, with an ox team, and returned
in 1854. He now is engaged in farming, and resides on sec. 32;
P. O., Sutter.

B. B. Gates deceased. The subject of this sketch was born in
Rutland county, Vt., Marcli 2, 1800. He was reared and educated in
the town of Mina, near Chautauqua lake; was a carpenter and
millwright. He was married in 1829 to Miss Susannah Alvord,
daughter of Samuel and Ursula Alvord (deceased), and a sister to
Mr. Alvord, of Hamilton, 111. They had 9 children, of whom but
3 are living. Mr. Gates came to this county in 1836, where he
resided until his death in 1849.

George D. Gates was born near Augusta, Feb. 17, 1837; son of
Mr. B. B. Gates, just mentioned above, and his mother of New
York. She is still living, at the advanced age of 65. Mr. Gates
was reared in this county, and was educated at Knox College,
Galesburg. In 1858 he went to Pike's Peak, and returned in
1860. He was married Jan. 31, 1861, to Helen M. Rockwell, by
whom he had 2 children, Edgar C. and Ilarley C. (deceased). In
1859 his wife died. He was again married Sept. 4, 1873, to Jennie
P. Stewart. They have had one child, Gertrude C. Mr. Gates
owns a farm of 62 acres, 55 acres of which is orchard, his occupa-
tion being that of horticulture, etc.

S. J. Hammond is a native of Muskingum county, Ohio, and
was born Sept. 6, 1S39; son of Mo.ses and Elizabeth Hammond.
His fatiier was a native of Massachusetts, and his mother of Ver-
mont. Our subjecs came to this county in 1847 and settled in
Wythe tp., where he has since resided, engaged in general farming.
He has for several years been engaged in horticulture, he and his
brother having an orchard of 130 acres. Mr. Hammond owns a fine
farm of 500 acres. He was united in marriage Feb. 22, 1865, to
Miss Emeline Chandler. This n:iarriage was blessed with 8 chil-
dren, of whom 6 are living; viz., Elizabeth, Julia E., Arthur R.
Henrietta, Harley R. and John. Mr. Hammond was the enroll-
ing officer of this township during the last war.

J. H. H. Homey, the subject of this sketch, was born in Warren
comity 111., Aug. 3, 1841, and is a son of Lemuel and Cynthia
Horney, the former a native of North Carolina, and the latter of
Ohio. Mr. Horney was reared on a farm and educated at Mon-
mouth, 111.; he began teaching in 186 L, and has taught for the most
part since that time, save during the war. He served one year in
the late war in Co. H, 118th I. V. I., filling the office of Ser-
geant. He was discharged on account of disability at the expira-

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 631

tion of one year. The best evidence ,we have of Mr. Ilorney's
merits as a teacher is, that lie teaches two or three years in tiie
same school. He was married Jan. 30, 1868, to Miss Clara E.
Berry, daughter of Joshua C. Berry, of Wythe tp. ; they have had 3
children, 2 of whom are living; viz., Frank B. and Marietta A.
Mr. Horney is also a practical surveyor.

B. F . Howes was born in Nicholas county, Ky., Feb. 15, 1832.
He is a son of Reuben and Catharine Plowes, the former a native of
Maryland, and the latter of Kentucky. Our subject came and
settled in this county in 1850, where he has since resided. He
went to California in 1852, and staid there until the year 1856,
when he returned to Illinois; during this time he was engaged iu
gold mining. When he came home he resumed his former occu-
pation; viz., farming and stock-raising. In 1860 he went to Mon-
tana, but staid only a short time. Mr. Howes was married Nov.
4, 1858, to Mary A. Doughty, and they have had 4 children; viz.,
Eugene A., Mary E., Paul and Ettie M. Mr. Howes owns a farm
of 100 acres, and is located in sec. 33.

James H.Karr was born in Yates county, N. Y., April 13, 1812,
and is a son of Samuel and Phojbe Karr, (dec). His parents
brought him to the vicinity of Cincinnati, 0., when he was quite
small. In 1845 they removed to Indiana, and to this county in
1849. He was married in Ohio, in 1834, to Miss Sarah Cook, by
whom he has hail 10 children; of these, 5 are living; viz., Harvey
L., Geo. C, John E.., Milton C. and Amanda. Another son,
William (dec), lived to manhood. Mrs. K. died in Feb. ,1863. Mr. K.
again married in March, 1864, Sarah J. Thompson, who was born
and reared iu Ohio. John B. and Mr. Karr were both soldiers in
the late war. Mr. Karr is a farmer and resides on sec. 4.

J. TF. Marshall was born in Guernsej' county, Ohio, Jan. 25,
1825, and is a son of Samuel and Catharine Marshall, natives of
Westmoreland county. Pa. They removed to Ohio in 1823. J.
W. was reared on a farm, and received a conimon-school education;
was married in October, 1848, to Miss Lydia Ferguson, of Penn-
sylvania. They have had 9 children, of whom 8 are living; viz.,
Catharine J., Wm. F., Robert R., Clara B., Geo. A., Samuel W.,
Charles B. and Lucy C. Mr. M. came to this county in 1852,
farming rented land for two years, then located on the S. W.
quarter of sec. 8, Wythe tp., where he is engaged in farming and
stock-raising. The family are all members of the Presbyterian
Church.

Hardin Massie, farmer and stock dealer, sec 33; P. O., Sutter;
was born in Kentucky, in 1830, and is a son of Thomas and Polly
(Suttle) Massie, natives of Virginia. He came to this county in
1847, and Nov. 10, 1853, he married Miss Mary J., daughter of
Col. Levi and Polly Williams, born in this State in 1833, and they
have had 8 children, of whom 6 are living: Mary A., wife of John
Eggles, of this county; Georgie M., John A., Anna L., Ulysses H.
and Virgil C. James S. and Garland R. are deceased, Mr. M. owns

632 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

255 acres of good land. He and his wife belong to the Christian
Church.

John C. MoMahan is a native of this county and was born Sept.
15, 1843, a son of Andrew and Mary McMahan, now residents of
Warsaw; was married in 1872 to Cara Reed, formerly of Ohio,
and they have had 3 children; of these, 2 are living; viz., Leea
and Bertrand. Mr. McMahan resides on the old homestead, where
he owns a farm of 210 acres, 13 acres of which is orchard. His
farm is located on sec. 31, this tp.

Boht. W. MoMahan was born in Nicholas Co., Ky., June 15,
1830, and is a son of Andrew and Mary McMahan, who removed
with their family to this county in 1831. He was reared on a
farm and received a common-school education. He was married
July 13, 1859, to Miss Susan Walker, an early settler of this
county. They have had 6 children, of whom 4 are living; Charles
H.. Mary I., Nellie R., and George W. W. Mr. McMahan owns
378 acres of valuable land, and resides on sec. 30, engaged in farming
and stock-raising. Pie also pays some attention to fruit-growing.
,. Ezehiel McCune was born in Morgan Co., O., Marcli 10, 1832,
and is a son of Samuel and Nancy McCuue, the former a native of
Morgan county also, and the latter of Virginia. The McCunes were
veryearly settlers of Ohio, locating near Salt creek, on the Muskin-
gum river. Ezekiel was reared on a farm and received a common-
school education. He came to this county in the year 18o6,reraained
one year and returned to Ohio. He was married in 1858, to Miss
Mary J. Peairs, by whom he has had one son, Wm. B., who is now
attending school at Chaddock University, in Quincy, 111. Mr.
McCune removed to this county in 1864, and afterward purchased
the beautiful farm of Dr. H. P. Griswellin, in Wythe county, and
is now engaged in farming and fruit-growing.

Henry Nagel is a very prominent German, residing on sec. 28,
this township. He was born in Germany, Oct. 11, 1827, and emi-
grated to America in 1864, and settled in Warsaw, 111., where he
lived for a year, when he purchased Iiis farm and moved upon it.
His vocation is that of farming and stock-raising. He was married
in 1861, to Miss Maria Magdalena, by whom he has had 6 chil-
dren; of these, 5 are living; viz., Rathey, Frederick, John, Matilda,
and Zeno. Mr. Nagel owns a farm of 380 acres.

J. S. Feebler was born in Simpson county, Kan., May 7, 1816.
He was brought by his parents, Michael and Esther Peebler, to San-
gamon county 111., in J 826, where they remained until 1835, when
they came to tliis county. Here he has since resided, engaged in
agriculture and stock-raising, etc. He was married in 1838 to
Philistia Kendall, by whom he has had 7 children ; of these, 5 are
living; viz.,. Susan E. (now Mrs. Wolfe), Anna E. (now Mrs.
Grubb), Mary I., William M. and Ovando 0. Mr. Peebler owns
a farm of 180 acres, on sec. 2.

HISTORY OF UANCOOK COUNTY. 633

Wm. W. Reed was born in St. Louis, Mo., B^eb. 8, 1820, and is
a son of Capt. Jacob Reed, wlio commanded the tirst steamer tliat
came from the mouth of the Ohio river to St. Louis, in ISlt], arriv-
ing in St. Louis June 17. Capt. Reed was an early settler of Ohio,
and afterward came to St. Louis, where he engaged in boating on
the Mississippi river. He died at Natchez, of the yellow fever, in
the summer of 1820. Wm. AV. came to this county in 1836,
remaining but one year, when he went to St. Louis, and remained
there as a clerk in a store until 1838. He then went to Arkansas,
and returned to this county in 1839. He now resides on sec. 19,
this tp., engaged in farming and stock-raising. He also raises a

freat deal of hay, bales it at home, and ships it to St. Louis. Mr.
[eed was a soldier in the Mormon war, under CoL Brockman. He
was married March 1, 1850, to Salina Chandler, daughter of
Rudolphus Chandler, deceased. They had 7 children, of whom five
are living, viz., Clara (now Mrs. John C. McMahan, of this tp.),
Dayton W., Lydia (now Mrs. Stevenson), Julia and Alice. Mrs. Reed
died Sept. 23, 1866, and Mr. Reed again married, Jan 17, 1867, Mrs.
Margaret Scott. In the year 1863 Mr. R. met with a sad accident.
While standing near a threshing machine his right arm was caught
in the cylinder and torn off.

A. W. Robinson is a native of Muskingum Co., Ohio, and was
born Feb. 29, 1836; he came to this county in 1836, settling in this
tp., where he resided until the war broke out. Then, in August,
1862, he enlisted as a private soldier in Co. C, 118th 111. Vol. Inf.
He was elected by his company 2d Lieut., and afterward 1st
Lieut., and subsequently was promoted Captain of the same com-
pany. He and his company fought in the following battles: Vicks-
burg, Arkansas Post, Carrion Crow Bayou and Liberty, besides
many others of note. The company was a division of Gen Grant's
army. Capt. Robinson served for 3J 3'ears, with acceptability,
for the liberty of our country. He returned home in October,
1865, and resumed his former occupation, farming, etc. He was
married in April, 1866, to Miss Eva J. Muzzy, and they have had
3 children — Myrtie M., Oral M. and Draper. Mr. Robinson owns
a farm of 2i0 acres, with good residence and fine surroundings.

Asa D. Rockwell w{is born in the town of Butternuts, Otsego,
Co., N. Y., Jan. 1, 1812, and is a son of Uriah and Hannah (Nash)
Rockwell, natives of Connecticut. The latter witnessed the burn-
ing of Daniniry, Conn., by the British, during the Revolutionary
war. Our subject was reared on a farm near Gilbertsville, N. 1l.,
and received a common-school education. He went to Steuben Co.,
N. Y., in 1832, where he labored as a farm hand for some time. He
afterward purchased a farm between Seneca lake and the town of
Corning, at the head of Chemung river. Here he remained until
1853, engaging in farming, lumbering and the nursery business.
He was married Aug. 15, lS3h, to Miss Fannie Suydan, a native of
Albany, N. Y. This union has been blessed with 4 children —
Charles, Helen (deceased), wife of George D. Gates, of this town-

634 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

sliip. She left one son, Edwin, Alice (now Mrs. ilelvin Green, of
Saline, Kan.) and an infant, deceased. Mr. Rockwell came to this
county in 1S53, where he still resides, on sec. -i, engaged in farming
and stock-raising. His great-grandfather JVash was killed at the
battle of Danbur}' Garden, Conn., and his grandfather Nash was
wounded at the same time and place. Mr. Rockwell is a very de-
voted husband and father, and is noted for his generous disposition.
W7n. A. Smith, deceased, was born in Alabama in the 3'ear 1821,
and was a son of James and Elizabeth Smith. He was reared on a
farm, and came to Illinois with his parents in 1830, and to this
count}' in 1S31. He was a soldier in the Mormon war; was mar-
ried Feb. 16, 1843, to Miss Sarah, daughter of Bennett and Susan
Smart, so well known in the early settlement of this county. This
union was blessed with 7 children — Amanda J., John P., Harriet
E., Wm. H., Isabelle, Alice and Celestia. He was a farmer and
resided on sec. 35. He was a worthy member of the Baptist Church
for many years.

John P. Tull, deceased, was born in Kentucky June 2, 1824.
He came to this county in 1846 and located in this tp., where he
resided until his death March 7, ISSO. He was joined in marriage
in 1867 to Nancy J. Morley. To this union were born 5 children,
of whom 4 are living; viz., Anna P., Perry C, William P. and
OUie S. Mr. Tail's occupation was that of farming and stock-
raising. He left a farm of 260 acres in sec. 36.

Wm. Wallace is a native of Canada, and was born Nov. 1, 1826.
His parents were Francis and Sarah Wallace. Pie was reared on a
farm; came to this county about the year 1841 or '42. The
prairies were vacant, and wild animals roamed over them at that
time. Mr. Wallace was married, Aug. 23, 1S46, to Miss Esther
Louisa Wells, by whom he has had 9 children. Of these, 5 are
living; viz., Mary L., George V., James A., Oce L. and Homer.
Mr. Wallace is a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of this tp., on
sec. 1. and owns over 200 acres of valuable land.

J^red White is an old bachelor in the " — tieths." He was born
Jan. 22, 1822, in Bradford county, Penu., and is a son of Lemuel
and Nancy White. His father was a native of Rutland county,
Vermont, and his mother of New Haven, Conn. He died at the
age of 79 and she at the advanced age of 87 years. On his father's
side he is of English, and on his mother's side of Irish, ancestry.
His grandfather on his mother's side was a soldier in the Revolu-
tionary war from beginning to end. He was in the engagement on
the water when the first victory was won. Mr. White came to
this comity in Marcli, 1856, and located in Wythe tp., where he has
since resided, engaged in farming, etc. He owns a farm of 94
acres on sec. 11.

John White is a native of Harrison county, Va., and was born
May 18, 1812, son of Wm. and ' Louisa White, and of Scotch
descent. His father enlisted in the war of 1812; was brought by
his mother when only ten years old to Sangamon county, 111., where

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 635

he was reared a farmer's bo.y with Abo Lincohi; has cradled with
him in the liarvest field. He was 19 years old at the beginning of
the Black Hawk war. He was married in February, 1837, to Lucy
Lasley, and of their 10 children 7 are living; namely, Jimri, Jas-
per, Sylvester, John W., James P., Wm. M. and Charles P. Mr.
White owns 140 acres and is engaged in farming and stock-raising.
£. W. Winans was born in New York Q.\ty, Nov. 8, 1825, and
is a son of Alfred G. and Anne (Hutchinson) Winans. He came
with his parents to McKean county. Pa., about 1830, and to a point
about -4 miles West of Jacksonville, III., in 1836. There the}' re-
mained until 1840, when the}- removed to this county. Old Mr.
Winans died in Topeka, Kan., iu 1872. Mrs. Winans resides with
her children in Hamilton, this county. She was born Oct. 31,
1795. and therefore is in her 85th year. Mr. E. W. Winans was mar-
ried Dec. 4, 1847, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Joseph and
Margaret Kinney. They have had 8 children, 7 of whom are
living: Audubon, Linnaeus, Wilson E,., Martha A-. Margaret A.,
Ephraim J. and Elizabeth K Mr. Winans resided in Kansas 7
years. He now resides on sec. 6, this tp., engaged in farming and
fruit-growing.

TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS.

The following is a list of ^nen who have served this township in
an official capacity since its organization, as completely as could be
made out from the means at command:

SUPERVISORS.

Slocum WooUey 1850 Asa D. Rockwell 1866

H.P. Grlswold 1853 George P. Walker 1868

John S. Jolmson 1855 James Eldei- 1871

Lemuel Homey 1856 Geo. P. Walker 1873

Wm. F. Frazee 1858 Joseph Larimore , 1874

Davidson Harris 1859 Geo. P. Walker 1875

Wm. A. Smith 1861 E. P. Denton 1876

Wm. I. Price 1863 George D. Gates 1878

J. L. Pigffott 1864 E. P. Deuton 1879

A. R. Jordan 1865 A. D. Barber 1880

Michael G. Bush 1855 Augustus M. Green 1867

Davidson Harris 18.56 Hugh M. Elder 1868

Jeptha S. Dillon 1859 James King 1869

John Ashlock 1861 James G. Cochran 1870

Hemy P. Harper 1863 Hugh M. Elder 1877

Joseph Larimore 1864 W. B. Slattery 1880

D. T.S. Jack 1866

Jonathan D. BrowTiing 1855 J. H. Karr 1867

William Jackson 18.56 John C. McMahan 1868

J. C. Berry 1858 A. W. Robinson 1870

J. H. Cobwell 1859 Jasper K. Mason 1871

William I. Price 1860 B. Robinson 1873

John Ashlock 1863 W. J. Ash 1874

J. H. Karr 1864 A. D. Barber 1878

B. Robinson 1865 Wm. J. Ash 1880

636

HISTORY OF HANCOCK OOUNTT.

COLLECTOES.

1856

Walter T. Glover

Samuel A. Smithy

J. D. Knox 1858

J. M. Browning 1860

HeniT K. Calkins 1861

J. M.'Browning 1862

E. P. Denton 1865

J. M. Browning 1867

Benson 1868

Hugh M. Elder. .

A. T. Denton

J. W. Smith

George C. Carr. . .

J W. Smith

Henry Duerkopf.

T. P. Calkin

Jas. G. Cochran . .
J. W. Smith

1870

1871
1873
1875
1876
1878
1879
1880

WARSAW AND WILCOX TOWNSHIPS.

I

Surveyed township No. -J— 9 einbraces about two-thirds of a full
township, and contains at present two organizations for township
purposes. It was originally called Warsaw; but when the city was
erected into a township the conntr}- portion was detached and called
Wilcox, — named from Major John R. AVilcox, an officer in the ser-
vice at Fort Edwards, and afterward a prominent citizen of Warsaw
and one of its proprietors. About one-fourth of it is river bottom,
beginning at the city limits and extending down the river to Rocky
Run tp. The remainder is chiefly woodland, there being a narrow
strip of prairie on the east line. The upland portion is a good deal
broken and cut up by ravines and water courses, running in all di-
rections. It contains, however, many beautiful and picturesque
sites, and many tracts of valuable land. The whole is eminently
adapted to the cultivation of fruit, both of orchard and small fruits,
and the attention of the people is steadily turning in that direction.

The City of Warsaw is located on the bluSs in the bend of the
Mississippi, opposite the mouth of the Des Moines river. Its east
and south lines are each about three miles long, running at right
angles, and intersecting the river on the north and west, the line
along the river shore between the termini of these lines being over
four miles in length. The bluffs in front are abrupt, rising from
the water's edge to a height of SO or 100 feet, on which the town is
built. The sites of the old Forts Johnson and Edwards are within
the city limits; the former on the high point 200 yards below Main
street, and overlooking Albers & Co.'s steam mill, and immediately
opposite the principal mouth of the Des Moines; the latter occupy-
ing a bold bluff a half mile further up the river, and fronting toward
Keokuk and the Iowa shore. The city is handsomely situated,
though portions of it are rough and cut up bj' deep I'avines. From
the top of the bluff back for three-fourths of a mile there is a gradual
rise till it reaches the level of the back country, thus affording ground
for handsome streets and picturesque building sites.

Warsaw was laid out in 1834 by John R. Wilcox, Mark Aldrich,
John Montague and John W. Yinej'ard; and in 1S36, addition was
made to it by Mark Aldrich, John Montague, L. Allen Key, Richard
F. Barrett, Joseph Duncan and Calvin A. Warren. Since then
large additions have been made on the east and south, notably
among which was that of the 16th section adjoining on the south,
and which in 1S41 came so near falling into Mormon hands and be-
coming a Mormon city.

Of its original proprietors, not one remains, and but two are
known to be living at this date — L. Allen Key, in California, and

(637 J

638 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

C. A. Warren, Esq., of Quincy. Mr. Vineyard long ago settled in
Western Missouri; John Montague removed to Kentucky many
years ago and died there; ex-Gov. Duncan, of Illinois, and Dr.
Barrett, of St. Louis, are long since dead; and Mr. Aldrich went to
Calfornia during the gold excitement, and thence to Arizona, where
he died a few years since. A notice of Major Wilcox will be found
in another chapter.

By the census of 1845 Warsaw contained a population of only
472 persons. The next largest village in the county was Mace-
donia, the Mormon town in the Fountain Green township (now
Webster), which had 380. Bv that census Nauvoo contained 11,-
036.

The 16th section was sold at an early day to speculators for over
$17,000, but the purchasers being unable to stand up to thfe bargain,
a special act ot Legislature was procured, allowing the tract to re-
vert to the township. It was wliile in these men's hands, it came
so near being purchased by thfe Mormon prophet. In course of
time, however, the tract was again sold in blocks, and the whole
section is now included within the city limits, and considerably
improved. •

Previous to 1840 there were but few if any foreign-born residents
in Warsaw; but later a large portion of the papulation has become
German and of German extraction, generally an economical and in-
dustrious people, and good citizens. They are emigrants from the
dift'erent States of the German Empire. Ireland also has furnished
her complement, and France a few. Other European countries
have sent us but few emigrants. The same statements may be made
of the other towns and villages in the county, especially those on
the river.

Among the earlier settlers from Europe, now recollected, were
George Clark and his sons, from Ireland; Adam Switfel, Joseph
Ochsuer, Christopher Stevens, Claus Albers, John F. Spitze, An-
drew Swinehart, Henry J. Stroh, Henry P. Itoth, John Long, Wm.
A. Katz, Caspar Hartmann, Frank Herberts, Charles C. Hoppe,
Charles Hilker, Mathcw Goddertz, A. and C. Eymaun, Wm. Euler,
Peter Brill, M. Berdolt, W. Schmitz and others from Germany.

Of those of native birth, beside the proprietors already named,
the following occur to us: Isham Cochran, Daniel S. AV^itter,
James Gregg, Jesse R. Cunningham, Mr. Chamberlin, Andrew.
Monroe, James A. Wells, Wm. H. Roosevelt, Malcolm McGregor,
Thomas Morrison, Dr. Mon-ison, Dr. Joseph Wilkinson, Calvin A.
Warren, Rev. Benjamin F. Morris, T. N. Reynolds, John Hill, John

D. Mellen, Homer Mellen, Amos H. Worthen, James L. Kimball.
Samuel^. Brown. IsaacH. Brown, John E.Johnston, Abram I. Chit-
tenden and sons, George, Edward, Abram B., James and William, —
George Rockwell, Robert L. Robertson, Wm. Ayers, Calvin Cole,
James H. Wood, David W. Mathews. Robert Miller, R. B. Davis,
Edward A. Bedell, Wm. N. Gruver, Jacob C. Davis, John Soott,,
Samuel Mussotter, Wm. F. Barnes, Josliua Cole, — all of whom
came previous to 1840. Of these, and numbers of others, wliose

M

.-^-, .'i^j

/

V^ILCOX Tp.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 641

names do not now occur to us, alas! a few remain! 26 of them are
known to be dead, and barely six remain in the place.

Among the settlers in Wilcox proper we mention Lewis Peyton,
John Dedman, Dr. Ero Chandler, John Peyton, Pierre A. Barker,
Patrick Cnlliner, Benjamin F. Tyree, B. Whitaker, Samuel Har-
ris, etc.

Of the many Warsaw enterprises worthy of note, we must not
omit to mention the following.

TheWooien MUl^ built about 1866, by a company of which
Hill, Knox & Co., were the chief stockholders. It is probably the
best, most costly and substantial mill in the West, and was built
under the supervision and plans of one of the Hill owners, a ma-
chinist of great ability. It has proven to be, however, an unprofit-
able concern, paying but small dividends and frequently standing
idle. It is situated in Lower Warsaw.

The Plow Factory of Cress Brothers & Co., established many
years ago by that excellent mechanic and citizen, James H. Wood,
in conjunction with George Cress and others. This firm turns out
a large number of plows and other agricultural implements, which
have gained a wide and growing reputation.

The Flouring Mill of C. Albers & Co. (Albers senior) began
the milling business in Warsaw many years ago, and has carried it
on with varied success to the present time; and now the firm, of
which the son Henry is the active business manager, has one of the
best appointed mills in the country', and their brands are known
and sought for far and wide.

Many other enterprises in Warsaw, of more or less note, we
should be glad to record, but want of room forbids.

RELIGIOUS PEOGEESS.

For a notice of the Presbyterian Church of Warsaw (which we
are obliged to condense), we are indebted to Rev. J. G. Rankin, its
pastor.

The initiatory steps looking to the organization of a Presbyterian
Church in Warsaw, were taken in Sept. and Oct., 1842. In Sept.,
18 persons formed themselves into a '' fieligious Society," in ac-
cordance with an act of the General Assembly of the State of Illi-
nois, entitled "An Act Concerning Religious Societies." Five trus-
tees were appointed ; namely, Silas Williams, Andrew Weir, Wm.
Y. Patch, Robert Miller and George A. Chittenden. The church
was organized Dec. 3, 1843, with the following members: Andrew
Weir, Harriet V. Weir, Silas Williams, Elizabeth B. Williams,
Louisa A. Williams, Janette B. Miller, Maria M. Barnes, Eliza S.
Chittenden, Wm. Y. Patch and Eliza J. Swope; Rev. Wm. King,
of Plymouth, officiating.

Previous to this a Congregational Church had been organized, as
early as 1836, by Revs. Asa Turner, Wm. Kirby and Julias A.
Reed, which was the earliest religious organization in the place.
Most, if not all, the ten members constituting the Presbyterian

'642 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

society, had been tor a shorter or a longer period with the Congre-
gational Church. Mr. Benjamin F. Morris was preaching to the
first, and the two united in his support as pastor, meeting together
in the same house.

In 1846 the Congregational Church was dissolved, and the fol-
lowing members united witli the Presbj'terian: Dr. Charles Cool-
idge, Mary Coolidge, William S. Spencer, Susan Spencer, Sarah D.
Gregg, Keyes F. Steele, Sophia Steele, Constantia Stevens, Amelia
Chandler and Laurinda Chandler.

The following have been Elders in the church since organization:
Silas Williams, Andrew AVeir, Sr., Charles Coolidge, VVilliam S.
Spencer, S. A. Call, Jacob Elliott, Dr. J. W. Hollowbush; and
Joseph Miller and William W. Chittenden the present acting
Board.

The ministers of the church have been — Revs. B. F. Morris;
1844, J. N. Grout; 1848, John G. Rankin; 1850, W. H. Williams;
1850, George J. Barrett; 1853, C. J. Watson; 1858, J. J. Marks;
1861, J. G. Rankin again; 1868, S. W. Worth; 1869, J. N. Crit-
tenden; 1873, again J. G. Rankin, who has continued its pastor to
the present.

Much of the intervening time the Church has been without a
pastor.

The first Sabbath-school in Warsaw was organized in 1836, prob-
ably cotemporary with the Congregational Church. Mr. George
Hitchcock was tlie first superintendent. For ten years it was the
only one in the place. It has been kept up, summer and winter,
since its organization, except for a short period during the Mormon
troubles, and is still, after a lapse of more than 40 years, a live and
prosperous school. Its superintendents have been — Andrew Weir,
William S. Spencer, J. B. Parker, Dr. Charles Coolidge, H. A.
Roberts, William F. Barnes, J. G. Rankin, N. A. Prentiss, S. R.
Holmes, Charles H. Case, C. L. Stinson, J. W. Hollowbush, Henry
Albers. Mr. A. is the present superintendent (1879), and has filled
the place with great acceptance for seven or eight years past.

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, WARSAW.

Before 1849 only about four Catholic families were in Warsaw;
viz., Messrs. Ochsner, C. W. Schmitz and C. Miser and brother.
Then one of the leading members of the congregation and the
Catholic settlement arrived from German^' (Rhin-Prussia), namely,
Mr. C. Hartmann, with five more countrj'men of his, whom two
more soon followed.

In the year 1850, the first Catholic priest. Rev. Alleman, came
from Fort Madison and said mass in a private house four times a
year. In 1853, Rev. Schilling, from JSTauvoo, attended Warsaw;
and in his time the first church was built, at a cost of about $1,000.

Rev. Miller, O. S. B. and Vicar-General of Chicago, preceded
Rev. Philip Albrecht, who worked for the congregation from about
1857 until 1861, visiting Warsaw once eveiy month, from Macomb.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 643

Eev. Hendricks was the first resident, and left tiie congregation in
1S67. From this date on, the Franciscan fathers from Quincy
gave religious services here once every month, until Rev. F. H.
Heller took charge of the mission in 1871. as the second resident
priest. One new splendid brick church and parish house were
built under his administration; he moved to Lincoln, 111., in 1877.
Rev. Allgeyer was liis immediate successor, but stayed seven
months only. Since July 27, 1878, Rev. L. Znmbuchl has been
the resident pastor of Warsaw.

Warsaw has a Catholic school with about 80 pupils on an average,
attended by sisters of St. Francis, from La Crosse, Wis. The con-
vent, about two blocks east from the church, is a present from the
deceased Mr. Stephen Roach, an Irishman; and the Benedictine
Sisters from Chicago were first sent here by Rt. Rev. Foley, Bishop
of Chicago. They quit Warsaw in 1878. The school property
was bought in 1S64; before this the Catholic school was tauglit in
the old church.

The past history of the congregation has been one of many
troubles, trials and difficulties, some of which were of a rather
malicious character, and not to the advantage of those who caused
them, or the community; and some were tlie natural consequences
of poverty and great enterprises. Today the congregation counts
about 100 active families, mostly German; some are farmers, but
the greater part are living in the town.

[For the foregoing history of the Catholic work in Warsaw, we
are indebted to Rev. L. Znmbuchl, the present learned pastor of the
congregation in that city.]

There are five other Churches in the city, namely: the Episcopal
and Methodist Episcopal (American"), and the Methodist, Lutheran
and Evangelican (German), all of which have good and substantial
church edifices and some of them numerous congregations. Of
these the Methodist has fieen the longest organized, and next the
Episcopal. We have tailed to procure data concerning these, and
must therefore be content with this partial notice.

BIOGRAPHIES.

Tlie most important part of the history of the township will be
found in the personal sketches wliich follow:

WILCOX TOWNSHIP.

Wm. P. .4«,(^rews was born in Madison, New York, Oct. 3, 1818,
and is a son of Elisha M. and Sarah G. Andrus. Elisha M. Andrus
■was a hatter by trade and also " carried on a farm " at the same
time. Wni. P. learned the hatter's trade, at which he worked for
13 years in the towns of Utica and Hamilton, N. T. He went on
a farm in 1846. on account of ill health. In 1855 he came to this
county, where he still resides, engaged in farming and stock-raising
on sec. 12, Wilcox township, and owns 101 acres of land, having

644 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

had at one time here over 200 acres, but has since sold a portion of
it. He was married Jan. 17, 1S43 to Miss Loretta E. Luddington,
bv wlinra he lias liad 7 cliildren; of tiiese, 5 are living, Grosvner S.,
Sarali E., Maria, Ellen G. and Charles W. An interesting item in
Mr. Andrus' lite is the following: In 1878 he had a farm hand
named John Douglas, who sickened and died. Mr. Andrus buried
him near his house and some grave-robbers came, exhumed the
body, enclosed it in a sack, and were about to make good their
escape, when Mr. Andrus apprehended them and shot them both,
killing them almost instantly. He tiien went before the Grand
Jurv, which was then in session at Cartilage, and immediately
informed that body of what he had done. But the Jury discharged
him with no verdict, stating that he ought to have shot the man
who held the grave-robber's team.

Samuel Bride was a native of New Hampshire, where he was
born Jan. 4,. 1810, and is a son of William and Mary (Scripture)
Bride, rhe former a native of Massachusetts, and the latter of New
Hampshire, and of Irish and English descent respectively. Samuel
Bride was married in Vermont in 1836, to Esther Dyer, a daughter
of Elislia and lluth (Heath) Dyer, the former a native of Massachu-
setts and the latter of New Hampshire. Mrs. Bride was born in
Vermont in 1812. Both her parents were of English ancestry.
Mr. and Mrs. B. have 3 children living, whose names are Frances
E., now tiie wife of Albert C. Shinii, of Kansas; Wallace S. and
James. Leroy is deceased. Samuel Bride first came to Illinois in
1S42, locating' in St. Alban's tp.. Hancock Co. He had very little
means, probably- not over $50. when he coramenced business for
himself, but with that characteristic New England stick-to-it-ive-
ness, of making "everything go that has go in it," combined with
hard labor, industry and economy, he accumulated a tine property,
consisting of over 700 acres of land, all in this county and under a
good state of cultivation, besides other property. He is now living
just in the suburbs of the town of Warsaw; he has of late years re-
tired ]>artial!y, only having some 20 acres attached to the homestead,
renting the rest of his land. He is now one of the most substantial
citizens of Hancock county, respected and honored by all who know
him. He has always contributed liberally to the cause of religion
and education. We present a good portrait of Mr. Bride to our
readers.

Frederick Bucheft is a native of Germany and was born April 5,
1828; came to this country in 1850 and to St. Louis the same year,
where he staid until 1851, when lie came to this county, where he
has since resided, engaged in farming and stock-raising. In 1859
he was united in marriage to Catharine Wallembroke, and they
have had 8 children, of whom 7 are living; viz., Harry, Christian,
William, Catharine, Anna, Larry and Elizabeth.

Dr. Ero Chandler, sec. 25, Wilcox tp., is an early settler of Illi-
nois, having located where Jacksonville now stands in 1820. He
was born in tlie town of Tinraouth, Vermont, Dec. 14, 1795. He

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COnNTY. 645

came with his parents to Zaiiesville, Ohio, in 1804, where he re-
mained until ISIS. From there he removed to the Scioto valley,
in Ohio, remainiiig there two years, when he emigrated, as before
stated, in 1820, to the present site of Jacksonville. Here he prac-
ticed medicine until 1836, when he came to this county. Since
that time he has been engaged in farming and stock-raising. He
is a descendant of CajU. Miles Standish, one of the Pilgrim fathers
wiio located in Massachusetts in 1620. The Chandler family had a
pewter plate which was brought from England in the Mayflower;
it was the property of Miles Standish, and had his name in full en-
graved on it. This plate was iniierited by the youngest daughter,
from generation to generation, and therefore became the property of
Dr. Chandler's mother, at the death of his grandmother. It was
carelessly placed upon the fire one day, by the Doctor's sister, and
before she thought, it was melted. The Doctor was married in
June, 1826, to Mrs. Emeline (Reed) Cook, by whom he had 8
children. Of these. 5 are living; namely, Harris, Henrietta (now
Mrs. A. C. Hammond), Julia (now Mrs. S. B. Langhridge), Eme-
line (now Mrs. Salem Hammond), Seabury and Charles. Dr. C.
owns 20O acres of land, and has given 300 acres to his children.

James F. Crcnoford. farmer, sec. 24; P. O., Warsaw; is a son of
Thomas Crawford, deceased, who emigrated from Bourbon county,
Ky.. to this county in 1832. He was born in this county Sept. 2,
1851; raised a farmer's boy, and now resides on the farm his father
occupied prior to his death, and has completed the beautiful resi-
dence that his father had erected just before he died. He was mar-
ried Oct. 10, 1876, to Miss Lydia M. Tapp, of Quincy, by whom
he lias one child, Earle T. Mr. Crawford is now serving his second
term as Supervisor.

Henry Oash, farmer, sec. 26; P. O., Warsaw; is a native of Lin-
colnshire, England, and was born March 24, 1831; emigrated to
America in 1851, and settled in Hancock county, 111. He was mar-
ried in 1858, to Miss Sarah Tyree, by whom he had 3 children;
namely, Mary A.. Frederick O. and William T., deceased. Mr.
Gash is engaged in farming, and owns 120 acres of land.

Jonn Gillham was born in Campbell county, Ky., June 17, 1823.
His parents' names were Robert and Elizabeth (Walker) Gillham,
the former a native of Buncombe county. South Carolina, and the
latter of Baltimore, Md. Robert Gillham and wife came and settled
in Walker tp., this county, in 1835. His wife died at the home-
stead on sec. 8, in 1855, and he moved to Monroe, Mo., about 1872,
and died in May, 1879. His son, Eli B.. now owns and occupies the
old homestead in Walker tp. John Gillham, the subject of this
sketch, was married April 15. 1849, to Ann H. Woodworth, daughter
of Charles G. and Elizabeth (Stone) Woodworth, of Hannibal, Mo.
Thev were formerly of Virginia. John Gillham and wife have a
family of 4 children, named Robert E., James E., George L. and
Charfes W. Robert E. inarried Ann M. Pell, daughter of John
Pell, of Michigan, and this son lives with Mr. G. Jam^s E.

646 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

married Etta Barber, daughter of Frederick and Lydia Barber, and
resides in Rocky Run tp. John Gillham successt'ulj followed gold-
mining in California from 1S50 to 1S55, returning with a hand-
some sum of money. He now lives on sec. 26, this tp. ; his resi-
dence is a fine two-story brick, and he has 351 acres of good land.
He is considered one of the most substantial citizens. He has
alwaj'S been a Democrat in principle, but partly endorses the
"National Greenback" party; has assisted in erecting churches
and supporting the cause of religion, although he does not belong
to any religious denomination. Has been a member of the Masonic
order since 1S60, of which he is a Master Mason. We give Mr.
Gillham's portrait in tins volume.

Asaph C. Hammond was born in Worcester county, Mass., in
the town of Charlton, Nov. 2, 1831. His ])arents' names are Moses
and Elizabeth (Chandler) Hammond, former native of Massachu-
setts, and latter of Vermont. The founder of theHammonds in Amer-
ica was Thomas Hammond, an Englishman who settled in Newton,
12 miles from Boston, Mass., in thej-ear 1632. Aaron Hammond one
of his descendants, moved to Charlton, Worcester Co., Mass. , early
in 1700, where he raised a family. His son Moses was the grand-
parent of our subject and lived and died at Charlton. His son,
Moses, Jr., was the fatlier of our subject, and came to this county
in 181:6, settling in Wj'the tp., sec. ly, where he folhiwed farming.
He died in 1865, aged 65 year. His wife died in lS6i, and both
are buried near the Congregational church in Wythe tp. They
brought a family of 4 children to this county. Caroline, deceased,
Asaph C, Harley and Salem J. The three last are all living in
this county. Asapli C. Hammond was married April 3, 1855, to
Henrietta Chandler, daughter of Dr. Ero Chandler, an early settler
in this county, and still living in Wilcox tp. They have one child liv-
ing, Miles Standish. Mr. Hammond lives on sec. 23, Wilcox tp.,
a very pleasant locality. He is a Republican in politics and has
held various tp. ofKces, although he has never sought political promi-
nence. Has for a number of years been actively interested in the
promotion of agricultural and horticultural interests through the
different societies organized for that purpose, and has been a mem-
ber of the Illinois State Horticultural Society for about 15 years,
and an officer in the society for about 10 years, and has also acted
as President for the same for one year. Mr. H. has been President
for the past 12 years of the •' Warsaw Horticultural Society," and
in fact is probably one of the best working members in promoting
the interests for which these si^cieties are formed. Mr. H. was
also an active worker in the " Grange " movement, and acted as Mas-
ter,'or presiding officer, of the "Hancock County Grange." The
society is now disorganized.

The Chandlers are also of Puritan stock, and trace their descent
from the famous "Miles Standish." Tliey also took part in the
war of the Revolution. The great-grandparent of Mr. Hammond
was Benjamin Chandler, and was killed while fighting in the Con-

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. • 647

tinentiil army at the battle of Bennington. Mr. H. has a farm of 200
acres, the residence being on sec. 23, Wilcox tp. This land is
among the very best cultivated In the county. Upon it Is an or-
chard of 75 acres, consisting of 4,000 trees, all grafted, which have
borne as high as 8,000 bushels of apples. In the fall of 1879 Mr. H.
made and sold over 400 barrels of cider. Besides this orchard the
place is bountifully supplied with pears, peaches, plumbs, and a
vineyard of about an acre. He is probably the most extensive fruit-
grower in the county. Tlie grounds about the residence' are deco-
rated in a very pleasant and tasteful manner, with evergreens, etc.,
among which is a beautiful evergreen hedge, surrounding the front
yard, of Norway spruce, etc., etc.

Mr. Hammond's portrait is presented in this book.

Franklin Harris was born in Franklin county, Vermont, Nov.
13, 1829, and is a son of Samuel and Athildred Harris, who came
to Adams county, 111., in 1834, and to this county in 1836. Our
subject is one of 11 children, and has 4 brothers and 3 sisters living;
viz., Nancy, Moses, Kodney, William H., Julia A., Caroline and
Francis M. His father died, July 28, 1870. He owns 370 acres
of land, and is engaged in farming and stock-raising, on sec. 12;
P. ()., Warsaw.

James T. Johnson. — Among the wortliy, prominent citizens of
Hancock count}', the subject of this brief sketch deserves a place.
He was born April 11, 1827, on the banks of the beautiful Ohio,
on a small farm in Campbell county, Ky., and was the 11th of 12
children. His parents were George Johnson (of the numerous
family of Johnsons of Old Virginia) and Nancy, nee Botts. also
of the same State. Few men have given better evidence of what
a self-reliant, determined and studious man may accomplish than
Mr. Johnson, Left at a tender age, without either means, or edu-
cation, he firmly resolved to acquire a good degree of both, and to
this end he resolved to use neither tobacco, nor intoxicating drinks,
and to applj' the money thus wasted (by too many), for books and
papers. This, like all the resolutions of his life, has been strictly
adhered to; and many times the small hours of the night have
found him by the light of the hickory-bark torch prosecuting his
studies; and to- day, at the advanced age of 53, he is as active a
student as ever, his present chief hobbies being botany, horticul-
ture, floriculture, agriculture, chemistry and philosophy. Upon
these questions he is perhaps "fanatical;" for if a new apple is
presented to him, lie is not satisfied until this apple is so studied
and fixed in his mind, as to its character, appearance, and quality,
that he may readily distinguish it wherever found; and this is true
of him in regard to all of our horticultural productions. Dr.
John A. Worder, of Ohio, the author of " American Pomology,"
has said of him, "Truly, there is not in all America a dozen men
who know so much about the apple as my friend James T. John-
son, of Warsaw, 111." He is at present Vice President of the
Horticultural Society of Illinois; also member of the "Great

648 HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTT.

Mississippi Valley Horticultural Society," and Corresponding Sec-
retary of' the Warsaw Horticultural Society.

He is the father of 6 children, 4 sons and 2 daughters; all ot
whom are living. Mr. J. is the proprietor of one of the most
comfortable, and profitable farms in Hancock county, of its size;
his farm is handsomely situated on one of the high biuifs of " The
Father of Waters," and is known by the name of " Orchard Home."
His home is one of most generous hospitality. In manners he
is affable and unreserved; in politics, he is an independent Dem-
ocrat, yielding to none in good efforts for the good of the masses;
and in religion, a Christian Liberal Baptist. In short, the one
great object of his life is, a missionary effort for the improvement
of the world.

Mr. Johnson has served his tp. four terms as Supervisor, and has
also served in all other local offices, including. Justice of the Peace
for the past 12 years, etc. , etc. He was married April 11,1854,
to Miss Jennie Battles. Her parents were formerly from Worcester
county, Mass., and later of this connty. From this union 6 chil-
dren have been born; namely, Edward P., married and living in
Wilcox tp. ; Nancy A., now the wife of B. W. Nicely, and lives
in Lima, Adams county, III. ; Clarence M., Charles W., Martha E.
and Reuben, the last four living at home.

Mr. Johnson's portrait is given in this volume.

John Peyton. — The first of this family that emigrated to Amer-
ica were two Englishmen, brothers, who settled in Amherst county,
Virginia. The first of -SYhom we have any authentic account was
the grandfather of the subject of this sketch. He lived in Amherst
county, and his name was James Peyton; he married a Miss Cox,
in Virginia. James Peyton was a soldier under Washington
during the Revolutionary war, serving for nearly the whole seven
years. After the war he, with his family, moved to Kentucky, to
what is now called Casey county, where he bought a large tract of
land some five or six miles in length. He died in that county aged
about 50 years, leaving a large family.

Louis Peyton, the father of our subject, was the next to the oldest
son of James Peyton, and came to Kentucky with his parents when
he was about 16 years of age. Louis Peyton was married in Ken-
tucky to Miss Sarah Roach, a daughter of Isaac and Sarah (Sassene)
Roach. Isaac Roach was also a soldier in the Revolution, serving
as Way-master in the Continental army, under Washington.

Thus we have attempted to give some idea of the ancestry of the
Peytons before they came to this county, and find, firstly, that they
are of English descent and of good old Revolutionary stock, having
risked their lives and fortunes to found the Government which we
now enjoy.

Louis Peyton, before mentioned, after his marriage, sold out his
effects in Kentucky and moved with his family, consisting of his
wife, 3 sons and one daughter, to Illinois, locating on the S. W.
quarter sec. 24, Wilcox tp., arriving there in the spring of 1830.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 649

He broke thetirst land with a plow on the Grand prairie, and raised
a patch of live acres of corn without a fence, cut it and shucked and
gathered it in the spring, nothing having touched it except a coon
or deer.

Tlie names of the children were John, our subject; James Isaac,
who died witli the cholera in 1851, leaving a widow and two chil-
dren; George AVashington, who also died with the cholera in 1851,
a single man; Amelia S., who is now the wife of James Barker.
Louis Peyton alvvaj's followed farming; was quiet and unostenta-
tious in his manner and habits, respected and honored by his family
and friends. lie was also of very strong religious convictions and
a member of the Missionary Baptist ChurcTi. He died, aged 66
years, from the effects of a cold which affected his lungs and linall}'
terminated in consumption. His widow is still living on the old
homestead, on sec. 24, whicli consists of 175 acres. John Peyton
was born Dec. 10, 1818 ; at the age of 20 years lie was given his time
by his father, and he went to Iowa, where he remained about one
year, having sold what property he had made during this time,
amounting to some $125, soon after his return in this county. His
parents helped him with some $300, with which, and the money he
had made, he bought the northeast quarter of sec. 3i, Wilco.x tp.,
for $400. This land was entirely in a wild state; as Mr. Peyton
says: Nothing had disturbed it except " the wild deer eating a bit
of grass." The deed transferring this land to Mr. Peyton is dated
in August, 1840. Tlie following spring Mr. Peyton commenced
opening this farm, fencing some 25 acres, and planted 16 acres; also
built a hewed log house in the winter of 1841, about 16x18 feet, '
which is still standing some 300 yards from his present tine frame
residence, on the northeast quarter of see. 34, Wilcox tp. A year
or two afterward he bought an adjoining quarter sec. — southeast
sec. 34. Having got his half sec. under a good state of cultivation
Mr. Peyton concluded it was about time to give up keeping bache-
lor's hall, which he had done up to this time, and on June 4, 1848,
he was married to Miss Alice Elizabeth Peyton, a daughter of Geo.
W. and Ginsey Peyton; she was born in Montgomery county, Ind.
They had 4 children born, only 2 of whom are living: Alverum W.,
now living at home with his father; Mary Alice, now the wife of
Charles Loudensslaker, and living on southwest quarter sec. 26, Wil-
cox tp.

Mr. Peyton has since added to the land which he first bought, so
that now lie is one of the largest land-holders in this section of the
country. His possessions consist of a little over 2,500 acres of land,
1,260 of which lie in the rich Mississippi bottoms. He is one of
the foremost fruit growers in theeountv. In politics Mr. Pej'ton
is a Democrat, and has served his township in all the offices that he
would hold or accept, including that of Justice of tlie Peace eight
years, and Road Commissioner. He was the tirst Supervisor of
Wilcox t])., and has subsequently served many years in the same
office. Mr. Peyton is a man of strong religious convictions, and

650 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

was for many years a member of the Baptist Church, and for the
last five or six 3'ears has been a member of the Christian Church.
He is a zealous member of the Royal Arch Masons. Mr. Peyton
is now in his 62d year, and is still strong, active and vigorous; in
fact, his movements would indicate a man rather of 45 tJian 60, the
gray hairs only indicating his age. During his youth he was noted
for his activity in all maidy exercises, especially in wrestling, jump-
ing, etc., in which lie was seldom excelled.

We give a good portrait of Mr. Peyton on another page.

Oustine Parher, a native of Campbell county, Kentucky, was
born Feb. 10, 1842, and was brought to this county in 1S51 by his
parents, William and Rebecca J. Parker. Here Gustine was raised
to manhood by his parents. In September, 1861, he was united in
marriage with Sarah J. Peytun, daughter of the last mentioned.
To this couple 5 childi-en were born, of whom 4 are living; viz.,
William C, George W., Jesse C. and Minnie Gertrude. Mr. Par-
ker owns a farm of 50 acres, located on sec. 26, Wythe tp.

A. W. Sinwions was born in Indiana, Nov. 4, 1828, and is a son
of Adam and Mary (Cathcart) Simmons, who removed with their
family to what is now Burlington, Iowa, in the year 1833. At that
time Burlington was simply a trading post, and no town at all.
His mother's brother, William Cathcart, served two term's in the
U. S. Senate. Mr. and Mrs. Simmons both died in Iowa. Our
subject is a teacher by profession, and has taught in all, 33 terms.
Experience and study have given him knowledge, and he is always
honored with a first-grade teacher's certificate. Ten years of his
teaching was in Iowa. He was married in 1&56, to Miss Martha
C. Simpson, daughter of Luke and Anna Simpson, of Adams
county. 111. This union has been blessed with 8 children, of whom
6 are living; viz., Lizzie, Minnie, Josie, Luke, Chas. B. and Fred-
die. Mr. Simmons is also engaged in farming, and owns a nice
little farm in the Mississippi vallev.

John G. Smith, a native of Germany, was born Nov. 3, 1840
and emigrated to America m 1853; first settled in Missouri, where
he resided until 1858, when he came to Warsaw (this county),
where he staid for awbile; then moved out in the country where
he has since resided, engaged in farming, etc. He was married in
the year 1867 to Miss Theresa Mezter, and they have had 6 chil-
dren; viz., Laoliver, Emma, Carl, Frank, Horner and Helene.

Wm. S. Tyree is a son of the late Benjamin F. Tyree, who emi-
grated to Illinois in-1832, settling in Schuyler county,when the bears,
wolves, deer and Indians were numerous. Benjamin F. Tyree
married Miss Charlotte Sylvester, by whom he had 3 children;
viz., Sarah, Ann E. and William S. Mr. Tyree was a soldier in
the Mormon war. He removed with his family to this county in
1849. Our subject, William S. Tyree, was raised on a farm and
received a common-school education; was married in 1872, to
Mary E. Clark, daughter of Abraham Clark (dec, and a soldier in
the war of 1812). He resides on sec. 26, engaged in farming.

HISTOKY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 651

Whaley c6 Vance, livery-men, Warsaw, 111., engaged in their
business under tliis lirm name in the j'ear 1878, in Warsaw, and
are doing a large business. Their principal business, however,
is farming and dealing in stock. Mr. Whaley came to Keokuk in
1854, and to this county in 1856. Mr. Vance came to Warsaw
when but a boy, where he has since resided.

George B. Worthen is a native of Warsaw, this county, and
was born Jan. 30, 1837. He is a son of Amos H. and Sarah B.
Wortheu. The former is a native of Vermont, and the latter of
New Hampshire. They are now living in Warsaw. Our subject
was reared and educated in Warsaw, and was joined in marriage
Dec. 23, 1S6S, to Mrs. Mary L. Dath, formerly Bedell. They
have had 5 children; of these, only 2 are living; viz., George B.
and Jesse M. Mr. Worthen owns a farm of 10 acres on sec. 27.
He is one of the most prominent horticulturists in Wilcox tp.

Hannah Young, nee Frazey, wife of Isaac Young (deceased), is
a native of New Jerse}'. She is a daughter of Samuel and Mary
Fraze}', both natives of New Jersey. Her husband was a native
of England. He came to America in the year 1S2S, and remained
in New Jersey until 1832, when he and Miss Frazey were united
in the bond of holy matrimony. To this union were born 5 chil-
dren, of whom 2 are living; viz., Carrie (now Mrs. Wright,) and
Worthen. In 1815 they removed to this count}', where they pur-
chased a farm, where thev resided until his death, in Dec, 1S77.
The bereft wife still lives on the old homestead in this tp. Mr.
Young was by craft a machinest; but while he was here he pur-
sued the occupation of farming, etc.

TOWN OFFICIALS.

The following catalogue of town officers is as complete as could
be compiled from the means at hand.

SDPEBVISOES.

Benjamin Wliitaker 1858 JohnPeyton 1869

Pierre A. Earlier 1800 James T. Johnson 1871

Benjamin Wliitalier 1862 Jolin Pe.yton 1875

JohnPeyton 1865 .John C.'McMahan 1876

Pierre A. Barker 1866 James E. Crawford 1878

J.D.Sharn 1867 JohnPeyton 1879

P. M. Howes 1868 James E. Crawford 1880

Gideon Granger Galloway 1858 William Pemberton 1872

G.J.Thomas 1860 Jesse Barker 1873

John D. Shaw 1862 John T. McMahan 1874

W.B.Huston.... 1866 James F. Crawford 1876

Wm. S. Tyree 1869 John D. Shaw 1878

R. Huston 1871 A. W. Simmons 1879-1880

652

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

ASSESSORS.

C. J. Thomas 18.58

James Campbell 1860

Melton G. Doughty 1802

James Campbell 1864

Benj. Whitaker 1866

James Campbell 1867

Peter Boernson 1869

W.B.Tyree 1871

Peter Boernson 1874

Benj. Whitaker 1875

John C. McMahan 1878

B. Whitaker 1879-1880

COLLECTORS.

John Peyton 1858

John A. Howes 1860

Wm. S. Tyree 1861

Joseph Hartman 1863

Francis M. Howes 1864

Joseph Hartman 1865

Robert G. Huston 1867

James T. Johnson 1868

John Hartman 1871

John R. Shain 1873

John Hartman 1874

Charles Hermann 1875

Harrison O. Knox 1876

Rodney Harris 1877

Edward P. Johnson 1879-1880

WARSAW TOWNSHIP.

BIOGRAPHIES.

Cyrus B. Adams, proprietor of the Adams House of Warsaw,
is a native of Rochester, New York; was born May 25. 1S22, and
is a son of J. D. Adams, who was a native of Vermont. He was
reared and educated in JSTew York; came to Warsaw in 1858, and
brought tlie first locomotive on the T., P. &. W. R. R. to Warsaw.
He was master meciianic and assistant superintendent of the raih'oad
until 1862, when he entered the navy; was 1st Asst. Engineer of
the Mississippi squadron, being 3 years in the service, which closed
in 1865. Soon afterward he opened the Adams House, and is still
proprietor, and keeps a first-class hotel. He was married Dec. 12,
1843, to Catharine Lanard, of Canada. On his father's side he is
of Scotch ancestry. His father was in the war of 1812, and partici-
pated in the battle of Lake Champlain. He was Ensign in the
navy. His grandfather was a soldier in the Revolutionary war,
participating in the first battle of the Revolution. On his mother's
side he is of French ancestry. Her uncle was a soldier in the Revo-
lutionary war; also was in the frigate Boston; was ranked as Cap-
tain in the army. The Master was taken prisoner and confined in
Dartmere prison in London, about 8 months.

C. Alhers is a native of Hanover, German^', and was born in 1817.
He emigrated to America in 1836, and to Warsaw in 1847. He
here became a prominent merchant, and in 1856 erected a large
flouring mill at a cost of $30,000. This mill is known far and near
as the " Grace Mills," and stands on the foundation of the Water
street mill that was erected in 1854, and was burned in 1855, dur-
ing the great conflagration that occurred in Warsaw at that
time. C. Albers & Co. manufacture the best of flour, and have
entirely a merchant trade. They use Thropp's patent middlings
purifier, and Becker's brusher. There are 6 stands of burrs, which
are driven by an 80 horse-power engine. The present capacity of
the mill is 250 barrels in 24 hours.

Mr. Albers was married in Cincinnati, Ohio, March 5, 1839, to
Miss Rebecca Knoop, by whom he had 10 children; of these, 7 are
living; viz., Henry, a partner of his father; Sophia (now Mrs. Van-
marter. of Florence, Italy); Anna (now Mrs. Kev. J. G. Kessler,
of Warrington, Mo.); Rebecca (now Mrs. William Zuppann, of
Warsaw, 111.); Charles, Wm. Edward and Homer.

MarJc A. Aldrich was born in Warren county. New York, in
1801. He was of English descent, his ancestors emigratingto this
country prior to the American Revolution. He received a thorough
(653)

654 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

collegiate education, and commenced the study of law, whicli he
subsequently abandoned. In 18"29 he married Miss Margaret Wil-
kinson, of Calvert county, Md., and removed to St. Louis, where he
received an appointment in the American Fur Company. He left
St. Louis June 19, 1829, on the steamboat Red Rover, and after
a two weeks' trip, landed at the Point (now Keokuk, Iowa), on the
2d of July, and took charge of the company's station at that place.
In 1832 he removed to Fort Edwards, and in 1833 entered the land
where Warsaw now stands, and built the second house that was
erected outside of the fort. In 1836 he was elected to the Legisla-
ture, and in 1838 was re-elected to the same office. Two of his
cotemporaries in that body in after years inscribed their names in
imperishable characters on the roll of fame: Abraham Lincoln and
the gifted and lamented Stephen A. Douglas. Mr. Aldrich was a
man of great enterprise, and took a leading and active part in the
early affairs of Hancock county. In 1850 he removed to California,
and a few years later went to Arizona. He was a member of the
Arizona Legislature for five years, and held other important offices
in the Territory. Pie died in Tucson, Arizona, on the 22d of Oc-
tober, 1874.

His wife, Margaret Wilkinson Aldrich, was born in St. Gene-
vieve, Missouri, in 1812. Her father. Dr. Josejih Wilkinson, a
Surgeon in the United States Army, was at that time stationed at
Jefferson Barracks. Mrs. Aldrich's ancestors were among the earliest
settlers of Calvert county, Maryland. Her great-grandfather, James
Wilkinson, second son of Sir Robert Wilkinson, of Northumber-
land county, England, came to this country in 1693. Her grand-
father, General Joseph Wilkinson, and her uncle. General James
Wilkinson, both served with distinction through the war of the
Revolution. The latter afterward became one of the most emi-
nent men of his day. In 1817 Mrs. Aldrich's father resigned his
commission in the army and returned to his father's home, in Cal-
vert county, where he died the following year. In her grandfather's
home and in the city of Baltimore, Mrs. Aldrich spent her child-
hood and youth; but, after her marriage, in 1829, she cheerfully
bade adieu to the refined associations and luxuries of her native
place, and went forth to encounter the privations and vulgarisms of
a new country. When Mrs. Aldrich landed at Keokuk, in 1829,
there was but one wihte woman in the place. She remained in
Keokuk two years, and in 1831 removed to Fort Edwards. In 1834
she moved into her own house, where she still resides — in the old
home, made dear to her by a thousand tender and joyful, as well as
sad and melancholy, scenes. In fact, her life may well be consid-
ered an episode in the history of Hancock county. From the un-
broken solitude of the forest she has seen cities and towns spring
up, as if by magic, from the bosom of the earth. Where once her
eyes beheld the wild flowers and waving grass of the prairie, she
sees the tokens of untiring industry and ceaseless labor; and over
the bright waters of the great river, once broken only by the birch

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 655

canoe of the savage, she hears the sullen roar of the iron gods, as
with labored breath thej bear their floating palaces along the waves.
The whir and noise of constant toil has driven the genii of silence
from every nook and corner of the land; they have wandered off
with the birds and the wild flowers to faraway regions in the glow-
ing West. In the fifty years that she has lived within her quiet
home slie has seen the rise and fall of two generations — looked upon
a thousand changes in the social world around her, as the busy
wlieel of life, with its noiseless rotation, has reeled off the threads
of fate. One by one she has seen the friends of her early life pass
away; seen them float out into the shadows of that troubled seaover
whose waters no return boat is ever seen to glide, until she is left
alone — one of the few remaining links in the great chain that binds
the bustliTig, toiling, rushing present to the silent, half-forgotten
memories of the beautiful past.

Dr. Joseph Atkinson was born in Brook county, Ya., and is a son
of John Atkinson, deceased. The Doctor received a dental educa-
tion under Dr. King, of Pittsburg, Pa., and came to Illinois in
1864, locating in Rushville. where he engaged in the practice of
dentistry a few years, assisted bj- his sons. He then resided seven
yeai'S in Bloomfleld, Iowa. He afterward spent about five years in
Chicago. He located in Warsaw in January, 1879, where he still
resides, engaged in his profession, with good success.

Dr. J. M. Barth is a son of Rev. Philip Barth, Pastor of the
M. E. Church of Jacksonville, 111., and is a native of Nashville,
Tenn. He was educated at Rock Island, 111., and Iowa City, Iowa,
and began the practice of his chosen profession (dentistrj-) in 1875.
In JVov., 1879, he located in Warsaw, where he is enjoying good
practice. The Doctor's work recommends itself, and his business
is constantly increasing.

Geo. J. Bird was born in Highland county, Va., Nov. 27, 1852,
and is a son of Andrew J. Bird, deceased. Mr. Bird came to Elvas-
ton, this county, in 1870, where he soon after engaged in teaching
music, which he followed until recently, when he commenced the
sale of Whitney & Holmes' organs, of Quincy, 111. He is a suc-
cess, both as a teacher and salesman. He was married Oct. 31,
1876, to Miss Laura A. Crouch, b}' whom he has 2 children. Bertha
B. and Carlos A.

A. F. Bliesner was born in Germany Feb. 2, 1839. His father's
name was William F. Bliesner. Our subject emigrated to America
in the year 1869, and came to this county in the year 1875. Was
married March 31, 1872, to Minnie Gaede, by whom he had 5 chil-
dren; of these but one is living: its name is Willis. In the year
1876 Mr. Bliesner purchased the flouring mill known as the Planet
mill, of Warsaw. This mill has 2 sets of burrs, which are driven by
a 20 horse-power engine. Mr. B. manufactures the best quality
of flour and does both custom and merchant work. The capacity
of the mill is 35 barrels in 12 hours.

656 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

R. A. Brinhnmi, druggist and apothecary, Warsaw, keeps on
hand a full stock of drugs, medicines, paints, oils, varnishes, lamps,
fancy goods, perfumery, sponges, etc., etc. He was born in St.
Louis Oct. 14, 18 — , and is the son of Henr^' and Mary Brinknian,
who reside in Warsaw. H. A. came here as an apprentice when
the establishment was in other hands, and in the year 1867 he pur-
chased an interest in the stock and continued until 1872 when he
bought the entire stock, which is now estimated at -$5,000, and has
since been conducting the business witli good success.

H. G. Bristoui, a native of Cumberland county, Ky., was born
Aug. iJl, 1824, and was brought by his parents, Elijah and Susanna
Bristow, to McDonough county, this State, when three years old,
where he was reared. He remained thereuntil 1867, when he came
to this city, Warsaw,, where he has since resided, and is at present en-
gaged on the Toledo, Peoria & Warsaw railroad. Our subject also
participated in the battle against the Mormons, was one of the
soldiers that guarded the jail at Carthage, wherein Joseph Smith
was contined, and was discharged by the Governor on the morning
of the day that Joseph Smith was killed. Mr. Bristow was mar-
ried in December, 1846, to Miss Sarah Cherry, by whom he had
5 children; of these, 4 are living; viz., Etna, Addle, Jennie and
Harry.

Werner Brtickman, a native of Prussia, was born in 1829, and
came to America in 1849, settling in New York; in 1874 he came
to this city, Warsaw, where lie has since resided. Our subject was
married in 1853 to Catharine Beiesle. They have had one child;
viz., Elizabeth. Mr. Bruckinan owns a house and about five acres
surrounding it.

W. W. Chittenden came from Oxford, Ohio (the place of his
birth), to Adams county, 111., in 1834, where he remained until
1839, when he removed to Warsaw. He has resided here since that
time, save eight years he was engaged in the mercantile business in
Montrose, Iowa In early days Mr. Chittenden endured hardships
and privations in this then wild country', even though he was but a
bo}' when he first came. He hauled beef to Carthage, a distance of
35 miles, selling it for $1.50 a quarter, which was something over
1-| cts. per pound. He relates an incident that would be well
enough for the boys of to-day to notice. On one occasion, when on
his way to Carthage with a load of beef, he encountered a fearful
snow storm. It grew dark, and he was compelled to get out and
grope along on his hands and knees to find the road, while a min-
ister who was with him drove the horses after him. Mr. C. states
that the preacher was very much cast down, and very frequently
almost gave up in despair, saying that they must perish there in
the blinding storm; but Mr. Chittenden, then about 17 years old
and not a Christian, reprimanded him severely for not having more
faith in his God and religion than that. But they arrived at a farm
house not long after, and were safely housed until the next morning,
when they yei'y readily made their way to Carthage, and there dis-

M.^

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WILCOX To

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 669

posed of tlieir beef. This incident occurred upon the Big Meadow
soutli of Carthage. Mr. Chittenden sold flour in Keokuk wlien
there were but four houses in that phice, besides the Government
buildings. He states that t!ie Government oflicers guarded their
money with pistols and "Arkansas tooth-picks." Mr. Chittenden
took an active part in driving the Mormons from Illinois, and was
present when Smitli, the Mormon prophet, was killed. He knew
the men who tired the fatal shots — tiiere were four of them. Our
subject was married Feb. 3, 18i!2, to Miss Helen M. Aldrich, by
whom he has 6 children ; viz., Mary C, William W., Isla J., Helen
M., Arthur W. and Clara E. Mr. and Mrs. Chittenden are both
members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. C. is engaged in fruit-
growing in Warsaw, and has also recently planted a vineyard. He
was born in Oxford, Ohio, Feb. 28, 1818, where he was reared and
educated in the Oxford University.

E. R. Clemens was born April 23, 1818, in Kentucky. He is a
son of David Clemens, who was a native of Virginia, and is of
Scotch ancestry. Our subject came to this county in 1843, where
he has since made his home; engaged as an engineer on a boat ply-
ing the Mississippi. During the last war he was engineer on the
gun-boat " Mound City," of a Mississippi squadron of the United
States navy. This boat, with the full fleet, participated in the battle of
Vicksburg, which lasted for the space of five hours. The fleet also
fought at Greenville, the mouth of the Yazoo river and Red river.
At the last named place Mr. Clemens was discharged on account of
his inability to perform his duty; and when on his way home, he
happened at Fort Pillow when General Forest made a raid on the
soldiers and inhabitants there, and massacred them. Mr. Clemens
was married June .5, 1843, to Mary J. Monday, by whom he has
had 4 children. Of these ouly one is living, Endora.

D. H. Cox, agent for the St. Louis & Keokuk Packet Co., at
Warsaw, 111., was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, June 7, 1824,
and is a son of John Cox, deceased. He was educated at Delaware
College, Delaware, O., and at A. C. Cumming's select school,
in Pickaway county, O. He engaged for the most part in the mer-
cantile business, until October, 1819, when he came to Warsaw,
where he again followed merchandising for three years;
since that time, with the exception of two years, he has been
in the commission business, at Warsaw, and also agent for the
Packet Company, as above stated. He was married in 1852, to
Miss Eliza J. Armstrong, daughter of the late Reed Armstrong, a
native of Ohio, who came to this county in 1851, and they have had
8 children, of whom 6 ai'e living; viz., Dan M., Edward V., Cora
A., Anna B., Fannie and Harry E..

Philip Dallam, editor of the Warsaw Bulletin, was born in St.
Louis, Mo., May 22, 1853, and is a son of Francis A. and Anna
M. Dallam, the former a native of Kentucky, and the latter of New
York. Our subject was educated for the most part in Quincy, 111.
He began to learn the printer's trade in 1868, under his father, at

660 HISTOKY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Warsaw. In the year 1S70, he was emploj'ed as a proof-reader ia
tlie U. S. proof-readir.g room at Washington, but his health fail-
ing him he returned in the autumn of the same year. He took
charge of the Warsaw Bulletin in 1875, which he is now success-
fully operating. He was niari'ied Mar. 17, 1880, to Miss Eugenia,
daughter of M. T. Hunt, deceased.

Chai'les H. Davis, an enterprising young Pennsylvanian, from
the region of Philadelphia, came to Warsaw say thirty years ago,
and settled; finally engaged in the milling business, which he fol-
lowed successfully several years. He married Miss Beta Wood, a
sister to James H. Wood, Esq. Some ten years since the}' each
emigrated to Denver, Colorado, where Mr. Wood since died. Mr.
D. engaged there also in ihe business of milling, and has a fine
establishment there known as the " West Denver Flouring Mills."
We are glad to learn that Mr. D. has been quite successful as a '
business man, and is now ranked among Denver's many successful
men, and is a subscriber to this history of his old home county.

0. C. DtiSowchet, of the firm of Du Sowchet & Sons, is a
native of Cambridge, Ohio, and was born Aug. 8, 1S2S; he re-
moved to Mt. Vernon, Ind., where he remained until the spring of
1863. He then c;ime to Warsaw and engaged in the lumber busi-
ness with Hill, Knox & Co., for whom he worked two or three
j-ears. The firm then changed to Hill it Co., and continued by
that name until the spring of 1879, when Mr. Du Sowchet and his
sons purchased the entire stock, and are now selling at wholesale
and retail with unlimited success. They carry a stock of about
$30,000, consisting of lumber, lath, shingles, doors, sash and blinds.
Their annual sales amount to about $25,000. They are men of per-
severence and enterprise; consequently their business will increase
surel}' and steadih'.

Briggs J. Fuller, dentist, Warsaw, 111., is a native of Lee,
Mass., and was born Dec. 8. 1845. His father was the late Albert
Fuller, and the family are descendants of Dr. Wm. Fuller, one
of the pilgrims who came to America in the Mayflower, The
subject of this sketch came to Illinois with his parents in 1856,
and settled in Warsaw, where he was educated. He is a graduate
of the Missouri Dental College, of St. Louis. He began the prac-
tice of dentistry in Warsaw in 1874, and has been very successful,
and has a large run of custom.

John H. Finlay . Mr. Finlay would not give his consent for us
to insert his biography in this work, but we will just say (without
his knowledge) that Mr. Finlay is one of the most prominent law-
yers of Warsaw, and has a large practice.

First National Bank of Warsaw was established in 1864, by
William Hill and others, with a cash capital of $100,000; first
President, Wm. Hill; first Cashier, C. H. Mellen; first Board ot
Directors, Wm. Hill, C. H. Mellen, Henry Hill, J. W. Knox, John
and James B. Hill and James H. Wood. Mr. Mellen resigned his
position as Cashier March 1, 1869, and James B. Dodge was

HISTOEY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 661

elected in his place, who still holds that position. Jane 14, 1875,
on account of high local ta.xes, the company reduced their capital
stock to $50,000, which is the present amount. At a meeting of
the stock-holders June 10, 1S71, tiie number of Directors was re-
duced from seven to five.

Christian Green was horn Aug. 25, 1822, in Washington county,
Penns3'lvania, and is a son of Jacob and Catharine Green, who came
to this city witii them in 1854, and is a partner in the firm of Rie-
man & Green, millei's (see Rieman's biography). He was married
three times, and is the father of 12 children, 7 of whom are living,
as follows: Sarah, Thos., Daniel, Laura, Edward, Kenben and
Cora.

Daniel A. Oardner, deceased, was a native of New York, and
was born in 1817. He received a common-school education in
New York, and came to Illinois in an early day. He was married
in 1853 to Miss L. T. Ingersoll, by whom he had 4 children ; of these,
2 are living, Charles H. and George W. Mrs. Gardner is a daugh-
ter of Moses Ingersoll, deceased, who was a relative of the cele-
brated orator, Robert G, Ingersoll. Mr. Gardner removed to War-
saw the same year of his marriage, where he engaged in the lumber
trade until about the year 1861, when he retired. He resided in
Warsaw until his death, which occurred May 2, 1868. His re-
mains were consigned to the narrow limits of the grave in Oakland
cemetery, Warsaw, 111.

Dr. Charles Hay was born in Fayette county, Ky., in 1801. His
father's name was John Hay, born in Berkeley county, Va., and his
mother's name was Jemima Coulter, who was born at Red Stone
old fort, in Pennsylvania. Mr. Hay's parents located in Kentucky
in 1794, with whom he lived during his youth, working on the farm
and attending school. Charles attended Transylvania Medical
College, located at Lexington, Ky. He graduated in 1829 with a
record admired by class-mates and faculty. The Doctor has had
great success in his chosen profession, ranking among the first
physicians in the States where he has practiced. He was examin-
ing pension physician for the United States at Warsaw from 1864
to 1879, when, from his own choice, he i-esigned, being too old to
attend to his many duties. Mr. Hay was married in 1831 to Helen
Leonard, and their children are Edward L. (deceased), Augustus L.
(now a Captain in the 9th U. S. Vol. Infantry, stationed in Wyom-
ing Territory), Mary P. (widow of Major Austin Woolfolk), John,
Charles E. and Helen J. (deceased). John Hay is a graduate of
Brown University, at Providence, R. I. While reading law in
Springfield he became acquainted with Abraham Lincoln, who
afterward appointed him as his private secretary', which position he
held about four years, during the late war. Mr. Lincoln in 1865
appointed him as Adjutant General, with the rank of Major, upon
Gen. Gilmore's staflf. He also received an appointment from Lin-
coln as Secretary of the Legation that went to Paris in 1865. He was
present at Lincoln's assassination. John was also " leader editor"

(662 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

■of the New York Tribune for four years, and is now 1st Assistant
•Secretary of State at Washington. Charles E. Hay was an aid-de-
camp to Gen. Hunter during the late war, and is at present a lead-
ing grocer in Springfield, 111. Dr. Hay came to Warsaw in 1841,
and by his integrity and untiring energy has amassed considerable
property. His residence is one of the finest in the city, and is
furnished with all the luxuries necessary to make old age comfort-
able and happy. When he came to Warsaw the census showed a
population of abo\it 400. Most of the land on which the city now
stands was covered with heavj' timber, principally oak. The ground
on which Mr. Hay's house now stands was known as Fort Fraction,
intended for hospital purposes. Fort Edwards, of historical impor-
tance, was built by Zachary Taylor, afterward President of the U. S.
The fort was located at the head of Fort street.

John Say. — Hon. John Hay, present Assistant Secretai'y of the
Treasury- at Washington, though for years residing abroad, is
claimed as a Hancock count}- boj'. He was born in Indiana in Oct.,
1838, two or three years before his father, Dr. Charles Hay, emi-
grated to Warsaw. In Warsaw he received a common-school edu-
cation, aud was sent to the State University at Springfield, and
afterward to Brown University, at Providence, R. I., where he
graduated with honor. He chose the profession of law, and
studied with his Uncle Milton in Springfield, of the then firm of
Hay, CuUom & Campbell. The election of Abraham Lincoln to
the Presidency necessitated tlie employment of private secretaries,
and he chose John Hay as one of them, and then coranaeiiced that
course of public life which has resulted in giving to young Hay a
national reputation as a diplomatist and statesman. He seems to
have been throughout the honored confidant of the President, and
was placed b}' him in many positions of trust, in all of wliich he ac-
quitted himself with credit. He was sent to Paris as Secretary ot
Legation under Minister Bigelow; afterward to Austria as Charge
d' Affaires; and again as Secretary of Legation to Spain under
Gen. Sickles. He was, also, for a period during the war, on Gens.
Hunter and Gilmore's staflfas Adjutant, with the rank of Major.

Afterward, in an eifort to start a new Republican paper in Chi-
cago, Dana, now of the New York Sun, was engaged as editor-in-
chief at an excessive salary; and on his failure, Col. Hay, with his
friend and former associate. Private Secretary Nicolay, were put in
charge. But the venture proved unsuccessful, and the Chicago
jRepuhlican ceased to exist. Mr. Hay also served for four years
as one of the chief editorial writers on the New York Tribune, a
position he was compelled reluctantly to resign on account of fail-
ing health. Since his marriage he has been residing chiefly in
Cleveland, Ohio, until elected by President Hayes and Secretary
Evarts to fill the post of Assistant Secretary, in Oct., 1879.

Notwithstanding Col. Hay's brilliant public career, he is, per-
haps, most wideh' known as a writer. He has been from his youth
a well-read historian and scholar; and his long residence abroad

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 663

gave hiin extraordinary advantages in his literary studies. As a
prose writer lie has few superiors, and his reputation as poet is
equal to that of any other of tlie later American poets. His
scholarship, his line literary taste, his extensive knowledge of his-
tory and general literature, and his European experiences have
made him a most agreeable and fascinating writer. The regret is
lately felt that the cares of public and private life are drawing him
awa}' from literary pursuits, for which he has such eminent quali-
fications, and in which he would achieve an exalted and enduring
reputation.

It is understood the Messrs. Ha}' and Nicolay have been for
years engaged on a Life of President Lincoln, a work which is
anxiously looked for, and one which will, doubtless, occupy a high
place among American biographies.

This tribute to a Warsaw boy is given — without his knowledge
— by one who has known and esteemed him from his childhood up,
and who takes pride in being thus able to write truthfully of his
most successful career.

Charles Hilker is a native of the province of "Westphalen, Prus-
sia, and was born in ISIO. He came to America in January, 1844,
locating in Augusta, Mo., where he resided until 1850, and was a
carpenter and cabinet-maker. In 1850 he removed to Warsaw,
where also he engaged in his trade for about 14 years, when, in
1S64, he was elected to the ofSce of Police Magistrate, which office
he held for 12 years, being re-elected twice. He was then elected
City Clerk, which office he held one year, having had the same
office in connection with that of Police Magistrate the year previous.
Was again elected to the office of City Clerk in 1879. He was
married in 1833, to Dorothy Koch, by whom he has had 11 chil-
dren, of whom but 3 are living, Gottlieb, Wilhelmina, in Kansas,
and William, of St. Louis.

Jaraes B. Hill^ deceased, was a native of England, and was born
May 12, 1S30. His parents emigrated with their family to Amer-
ica in 1834, and located in Pennsylvania. They were John and
Harriet Hill. They brought their family to Warsaw in 1885.
James B. was educated in Warsaw, and was married May 25,1850,
to Miss Charlotte Ellis, by whom he had 9 children; of these, 7 are
living; viz., Cora, Willis, Belle, Harry, Lottie, Frances and James
Etta. Cora has been married, and has 2 children, — Frank and
Guy. Mr. Hill was a machinist, and was engineer on the Mississippi
river the greater part of his life. He died Febuary 4, 1869, much
loved and esteemed by the citizens of Warsaw. He was a very gen-
erous man, alwaj's lending a helping hand to the needy. He took
seven orphan children under his charge, educating and otherwise
caring for tliem as he did for his own children. He was a soldier
in the Mormon war.

Geo. S. Knox, deceased, was born in Steuben county, N. Y.,
March 9, 1S2S, and was a son of Wm. D. and Sail}' Ann (Winters)
Knox. He was educated in Ifew York State, and came with his

664 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

parents to this county in 1844. He afterward went to Galena, 111.,
where he engaged in mining a few years. In 1S52 he returned to
Warsaw, where he was identified with business enterprises that
helped to develop the place. He was interested in the AVarsaw
woolen mills also. By enterprise, keen foresight and close atten-
tion to business he amassed a large fortune. In later years he lived
a retired life. He was married May 6, 1857, to Miss Emily A.
Hill, daughter of John Hill (deceased), so well known in the early
history of Warsaw, and a sister of the popular banker of Warsaw,
Mr. William Hill. This union was blessed with 3 children, of
whom but one, Clara E., is living. Mr. Knox died in Cliicago, Oct.
28, 1879, while located temporarily there for his health.

Benjamin Franklin Marsh, the present efficient member of
Congress for the 10th Illinois district, is a native of Hancock
county,born on his father's farm four miles east of Warsaw, and
is now about 40 years old. We have no particulars of his early
life, and only know that his boyhood days were spent on the farm,
that man}' of them were employed in driving an ox-team in
turning over the prairie sod, in plowing corn and potatoes, making
fence, and feeding hogs and cattle,and in other laborious and
exacting farm labor. At home the facilities for acquiring the ru-
diments of an education were very limited so at times he was
sent to the village to school. In time he reached college, wiiere,
we do not remember, nor for how long a period. From college he
went into a law oftice, and afterward to the practice of law,
chiefly with his brother John W., at Warsaw. When the Rebell-
ion broke out, Frank took up arms for the U'nion, as did also his
brother Artiiur (whose life was sacrificed in the cause). J\>r his
career in the army the reader is referred to the report in anotiier
chapter.

In 1S76 he received the Republican nomination for Congress
and was elected, and returned again in 1878, in both of which
terms he served his constituents faithfully and with honor, and
ac(juired a prominent standing with his fellow members. And at
the late Republican Convention (ISSO) lie received a unanimous
vote for a third term, a compliment seldom extended to a candi-
date.

This meager account of "our ujember " is hastily thrown
together from the recollection of the writer, without data before
him from which to make a more extended report.

Thomas McDougal was born in Jackson countv, Ohio, Sept. 4,
1833, and is a sou of Richard and Mary McDougal. He came to
Warsaw in 1856, where, in 1866 he engaged in the liver}' business,
which he is still pursuing with prosperity. He was married in
1856 to Miss Mary F. Lewis, by whom he has 2 children, Jennie
(dec.) and Donald.

George 8. McFcrran was born in Beaver county. Pa.. May 10,
1827. He was reared and educated in Hookstown, Pa., and came to
Warsaw in 1859, where he has since resided. He is a mechanic,

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 665

and is employed as bridge-bnilder, on the T., P. & W. R. R. He

lielped erect this road in the winter of 1S67-'S. He has been mar-
ried twice, and is the t'atlier of 5 children, of whom 2 are living,
George M, and Willy D. George is a member of the graduating
class in the Warsaw high school (April, ISSO). Mr. McFerrau's
present wife was Miss Mary J. Mackey. She came to America on
a visit to her sister in 1859, and has prolonged her visit until the
present. She became the wife of Mr. McFerran in 1862.

Lemuel Mussetter was born in Frederick county, Md., Nov. 11,
1806, and was raised on a farm, on which the principal crops were
tobacco. His father was the first man in the United States to sell
tobacco at $25 per cwt. after the war of 1812. When Lemuel was
23 years of age he was employed by the Baltimore & Ohio R. R.
Company; in about a year and a half he was taken sick, and after
recovery he commenced in the grocery business at a new town called
Ijainsville, and was appointed Postmaster at that ])lace by the in-
fluence of George C. Washington, a nephew of the old General, the
'• Father of our Country," and soon ailded dry goods to his line of
trade. June 7, 1836, he left for the West; spent the summer in
Ohio, and tlie last day of September arrived in this State, where
his first erapkiymeut was to assist James Brattle, the County Sur-
ve3-or, in the survey of lots of the town of Warsaw, for public sale.
He boarded with Mr. Newberry at the old Fort Edwards. From that
time until 181:3 Mr. M. followed various kinds of busiuLSs; he then
bought the grocery of John Swett, situated on the river. When
Mr. M. first landed at Warsaw there were more Indians than white
people in the vicinity. In 1845 he was appointed Postmaster, and
in this capacity served until the inauguration of President Taylor,
when he was removed on political grounds. Then Mr. M. moved
to the hill and added drj^ goods, etc., to his business, and continued
until 1859, when he sold out to Wm. Cooper and lost $3,000 by
the operation.

In 1845 Mr. Mussetter married Miss Hannah Aegus, and they
have had 10 children. In 1869 Mr. M. made a trip to the Rocky
Mountains, spending a summer there; that region is now Colorado.
He has been Trustee, Councilman, Magistrate, Member of the
Legislature, etc. Was elected Supervisor on the first adoption of
tp. organization. He has seen this county develop from its
original wild condition to that of wealth and refinement, and has
been jirominently identified with that progress.

E W. Oliver is h native of Adams county. 111., and was born, Nov.
2, 1836. llis father, Elias Oliver, of Decatur, was among the
first pioneers who settled in Adams county. He was tendered 20
acres of land where Quincy now stands, as payment for three
months' work. They came to this county about 1847, where Mr.
E. W. Oliver still resides, the popular artist of Warsaw. He en-
gaged in photograph}^ in the autumn of 1863, in Warsaw, having
learned the art in Quincy; traveled some throughout the country.
He has since i-emained'in Warsaw, except two year? ot this time.

666 HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

which he spent in St. Louis and Qiiincy. He was married in the
fall of 1860, to Miss Mary J. Walker, daughter of John Walker
(dec), of Brecken ridge, 111. This union has been blessed with 4
children, of whom 3 are living; viz., Warren M., Eufus W. and
Cora A. Mr. Oliver's reputation as a photograplier is well known
in this locality, and he deserves the patronage of the people.

David Ogden, a native of Buffalo city, N. Y., was born Apr.
27, 1823, a son of Jesse B. and Charlotte Ogden, both natives of
that State. He came to this (Hancock) county in 1856. He is a
machinist by occupation, having learned his art in the Buffalo city
steam engine works; is now the engineer of the Grace Mill, of War-
saw. He was married Aug. 14, 1858, to Miss Sarah E. Dorsey, by
whom he has had 7 children; of these, 4 are living: Lurenda, Lilly,
George, Eudora.

Rev. John Q. SanJctn, a native of East Tennessee, was born
March 31, 1821, and is a son of Rev. Wm. C. Rankin, a Presbyte-
rian minister, who removed with his family to Soutliern Indiana
in 1837, where he engaged in the ministry for about 5 years, when
he removed to Des Moines count}', Iowa; here he took charge of
the Yellow Springs (now Kossuth) Church. He remained there
but two or thi-ee years, when he removed to this county and engaged
in the missionary work for the most part, until 1870. He now
lives a retired life at Fort Madison, Iowa, at the age of 85 3'ears.

Our subject, Rev. John G. Rankin, graduated at Mission Insti-
tute, near Quincy, 111., in 1845, and at Lane Theological Seminary,
Cincinnati, O., May 5, 1847. He was ordained by the Schuyler
Presbytery, Sept. 13, 1849. He commenced laboring with the
First Presbyterian Church, of Warsaw, 111., Sept. 10, 1848; resigned
in March, 1850. In March, 1851, he took charge of Carrollton
Church, Greene Co., 111., where he remained 10 years. In March,
1861, he returned to Warsaw and continued until December, 1868;
he then took charge of Monticello Church, Madison Co., 111., and
was Chaplain of Monticello Seminary. In 1872 he was with the
Ferguson Church, St. Louis county, Mo. His next field was Cen-
tralia. 111., from whence he returned to his old field, Warsaw, 111.,
where he still remains the Pastor of the Church. He was married
in Quincy, 111., to Miss Philomela Prentiss, April 3, 1851. Her
native place is Prattsburg, Steuben county, N. Y. Her father,
Harvey P. Prentiss, still resides in Quincy. Her motlier was
Livonia Loomis, daughter of Deacon Gamaliel Loomis, of Pratts-
burg, N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Rankin have no children.

J. P. Rieman was born near Gettj'sburg, Adam.s Co., Pa., Jan.
7, 1827; came to Warsaw in April, 1854; was a son of John and
Lydia Rieman. He worked as a laborer at various occupations
until 1863, when he purchased an interest with Christian Green in
a flour mill, and has since continued in business there. The mill
is now known as the " Eagle Mills" of Warsaw. The capacity of
this mill is 30 barrels per 12 hours, and the flour is of the very best
quality. They also manufacture patent floijr. Tliey use McGin-

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 667

nis's patented snnitter. Mr. Rieman was married to Martha Ann
Benson in 1S55, by whom he liad i children; of these, 2 are living,
Edward F. and John William.

Silas Rohinson, son of the noted Fayette Robinson, America's
great showman (more commonly known as "Yankee Robin-
son "), was born in Dansville, N. Y., Jnly 22, lS-i5. He was edu-
cated in Canandaigua, N. Y.; when the war broke out in 1861 he
enlisted in the 13th N. Y. Heavy Artillery, but was rejected on
account of a wound he received in 1857. He came to this county
in 1879 and edited the Augusta Herald for one year, when, iu the
spring of 1880, he removed to Warsaw, where he establislied the
Warsaw DemoGrat, and also is editor of the VV^arsaw Daily Inde-
pendent, the first and only dail}' paper in Hancock county since
1857. He was married Sept. 3, 1869, to Miss Jennie Smith. His
father, Fayette Robinson, was born at Dennison's Corners, N. Y.,
and was the first to render the celebrated Uncle Tom's Cabin under
a canvas.

A. Boeder, dealer in stoves, tinware, hollow-ware and house-
furnishing goods, AVarsaw, has, since 1854, continued in this line of
business, sustaining a high reputation and enjoying an extensive
patronage. He was born in Germany; came to America in 1848,
stopping in St. Louis, Mo., and in 1851 settled in Warsaw. In
1851 he married Miss Susan Rett, and of their 4 children 2 are
living — Rudolph and Oscar. Mr. Roesler is the pi-eseut Mayor of
Warsaw.

John Scott, deceased, was born July 9, 1S04, in Ashe county, N.
C. He removed to Kentucky in the fall of 1816, and to Madison
county, 111., in 1817, when it was a Territory; then he moved to
Morgan county, 111., where for the first two years he had to go 80
miles to mill. He came to AVarsaw in the spring of 1834. He
was married Dec. 13, 1836, to Louisa J. Frazier, of Quincy, 111.,
and they have had 5 children, 3 of whom are living — Mary F.
(now Mrs. George J. Rogers, of Carthage), Louisa (at home with
her mother) and John F., who is the present Deputy County Clerk
at Carthage. Mr. Scott died May 1, 1865. He was a merchant and
commission agent most of his life.

Christopher Stephens, deceased, was a native of Germany, and
was born in 1802. He came to America in 1843, stopping for a
season at Baltimore, Md., and in the year 1844 he came to St.
Louis, and thence to Warsaw the same year. He was a wagon-
maker at Warsaw for many years. He died in Jnly, 1866, loved and ,
respected by his many friends and acquaintances. He was a prom-
inent citizen.

Eev. Peter Wallace, pastor of the Warsaw M. E. Church, was
born in Mason county, Ky., April 11, 1813, and is a son of Thomas
and Catherine Wallace, deceased. His parents removed to Brown
county, Ohio, when he was but an infant. He was here reared on
a farm, witii but limited educational advantages; but by hard study
he has mastered several branches of literature and science, and is-

668 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

therefore a self-made man. He came to SpringSeld, III., in 1833;
and in 1835 married Miss Emeline Johnson, bj whom he had 6
children. Of these, 3 are living; viz., Joseph, Laura (now Mrs.
Clark), and Emma (now Mrs. Arrowsmith). Mrs. Wallace died
Oct. IS, 1860. While a young man in Springfield Mr. Wallace
had for associates such persons as Abraham Lincoln, Stephen A.
Douglas, E. D. Baker, Milton Hav and others, afterward noted
men. His first vote was cast for Lincoln for the Illinois Legisla-
ture. Mr. W. became a member of the M. E. Conference at Beards-
town, 111., in 1853. He labored in the ministrv until 1860. In 1862
he organized a company of soldiers, mostly from Sangamon county,
which was mnstei-ed into the United States service Aug. 21, 1862.
Mr. Wallace was elected Captain of the company, and they partic-
ipated in the battles of Perry ville, Ky., Stone Elver, Nashville, and
other smaller engagements. He commanded the regiment during
most of the battle of Stone River. He was discharged from the
service on account of physical disability in May, 1864. He then
supplied the Park Street M. E. Church, of Cincinnati, O., until
his own (Illinois) conference met at Danville, 111., in the fall of the
same year, when he received an appointment to Moweaqua. He was
appointed Presiding Elder of Mattoon district in 1867, and in 1871
was appointed Presiding Elder of Quincy district, which he trav-
eled for four years. He was President of the Board of Trustees of
Chaddock College si.\ years; afterward pastor at Wincliester and
Beardstown stations, and is now stationed at Warsaw, 111., in
charge of the M. E. Church.

Major John II. Wilcox, the subject of this memoir, was born in
Addison county, Vermont, in 17!:*8'. His ancestors were among the
earliest settlers of that State. His childhood and youth were em-
ployed in obtaining the best education that the schools of his
native town afforded. In very early life he accompanied hisYather
to Portage county, Ohio. In 1818 he was appointed a cadet to
West Point, by Congressman Sloan, and performed the jonrne}'
from his home to West Point, a distance of many hundred miles,
on horseback. He graduated in 1822, received an appointment of
2d Lieutenant, and was ordered to Fort St. Anthony. He
arrived at the fort about the time of its completion, and was present
when General Scott, in compliment to its brave commander. Col.
Snelling, changed its name from Fort St. Anthony to Fort Snelling.
The winter of 1822-'23 he spent in Jefferson Barracks, and in the
spring was ordered to Fort Edwards, now Warsaw, 111'., at that
time considered the ne plus ultra of civilization. In the fall of
1823 he acted as second in a duel that was fought between Col.
Marston, the commander of the fort, and Captain Home. In 1S24,
Major Wilcox resigned his commission in the army, and soon after
received an appointment in the American Fnr Companj'. In 1826
he svent to the Galena lead mines, but subsequently returned and
settled in Warsaw, where he resided until his death, in 1839. In
1*^24 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Kinney, daugiiter

HISTOEV OF HANCOCK COUNTF. ^69

of Col. Lonis Kinney, one of the first settlers of Louis coiwit}',
Missouri. The fruits of this union were 7 children, 3 of whom died
in infancy. Major Wilcox died at his home in Warsaw, on the
3rd of October, 1S39, which event had been preceded by tlie death
of his amiable and accomplished wife, two years before. Major
Wilcox was a social, benevolent, high-toned gentleman — a man of
understanding, well informed, sincere, and honest. His feelings
were strong but tender, and in the domestic circle they shone with
peculiar lustre. To the testimony of private friendship may be
added that of less partial strangers, who have borne witness to the
many virtues of one whom it was impossible to know without
esteeming, or to see without admiring. Major and Mrs. Wilcox
left 4 cliildren. The eldest daughter, Martha, attended school in
Hancock county for several years after her father's death, then
went to Ohio, completed her education, and married Dr. William
English, who was for many years a prominent physician of War-
saw. The second daughter, Elizabeth, was adopted and raised by
an aunt in Ohio, where she married and is still living. The young-
est daughter, Virginia, was adopted by another aunt, Mrs. Gal-
laud, wife of Dr. Galland, a gentleman who occupied a prominent
place in the early history of Hancock county. This daughter, cele-
brated as well for her amiability and grace of manner as for her
wit and beauty, married Mr. William Ivens, of Keokuk, Iowa, and
with the exception of a few years spent in California, has resided
in that city, an acknowledged queen of society. Their only son,
Louis Kinney Wilcox, was reared and educated in Vermont;
returned to Warsaw in ISJrS. and commenced the study of medi-
cine witli his brother-in-law. Dr. English; attended lectui-es at the
medical college in St. Louis, from which institute he graduated
•with high honors. In 1852 he commenced the practice of medi-
cine in Warsaw, and, with the exception of a year spent at the
medical college at Philadelphia, and three years in the army, has made
that city his home, where he has had for many years an extensive and
lucrative practice, being considered one of the most skillful and
prominent physicians in the county. Major Wilcox and his wife
passed away in the summer of their lives, ere the journey of life
was half completed; passed away while j^et the golden floss of youth
entwined their hearts, and tiie dim gray shadows of old age were
but phantoms hovering in the distance. For long years they have
slumbered in their darkened palaces of rest, and while the pitying
stars have kept their everlasting watch and ward above them, and
the night winds have sung a never-ceasing requiem o'er their
graves, the Genius of improvement has passed with hurried tread
over the scenes once familiar to their mortal eyes.

Capt.J. B. Williams was born in Madison county, Ky., March
28, 1816, and is a son of Levi and Polly (Reid) Williams, also
natives of Kentucky, who came to this county in 1831. Mr. Levi
Williams was a soldier in the war of 1812, the Black Hawk war
and the Mormon war. He was the father of 6 children, of w^r.ni

670 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

the subject of this sketch is the eldest. Captain Williams was
married in 1849, to Miss Angeline A. McMahan, daughter of
Andrew McMahan, of Warsaw. This union has been blessed with
8 children, of whom but 3 are living, — Mary, Flora J. and Thomas
L. Mr. Williams operated the steam ferry at Warsaw for eight
years, and since 1865 has been a Captain for the Eagle Packet
Company, now operating on the Mississippi at all points between
St. Louis and Keokuk. He still owns the old homestead on the
]Sr. W. J of sec. 6, Walker tp. Thomas L. Williams is engaged in
farming near Warsaw.

Amos H. Worthen was born in Bradford, Orange county, Vt.,
Oct. 31, 1813 ; was married to Miss Sarah B. Kimball, of Warren,
N. H., Jan. 11:, 1834; removed to Harrison county, Ky., and taught
school a year; thence to Illinois in 1836, locating in Warsaw. In
that place he entered into the mercantile business, which he follow-
ed for a number of years, with moderate success.

In 1851 Mr. W. was appointed assistant geologist in the Illinois
Geological Survey, and remained in that position for about three
years. In 1855 he was appointed an assistant in the Geological
Survey of Iowa, and was thus engaged when he was appointed State
Geologist of Illinois by Gov. Bissell, March, 1858.

Prof. Worthen may justly be termed a self-educated man. With
no education beyond that acquired at the common schools of New
England, and no scientific training, he took up the study of geology
and mastered it, to an extent excelled by few; and this, too, after
his settlement in Warsaw, and amid the cares of a family and while
engaged in business.

His attention was first drawn to the science of geology by
observing the interesting minerals and fossils that were met with
in such profusion on every hand. AV^e well remember seeing him
out in the morning or evening, with basket and hammer, rambling
over the blufis and among the ravines, collecting specimens, and
then thought he was unprofitably engaged. The ravines were then
full of geodes that had weathered out of the decomposing shales of
the geode beds, and the beautiful crystals with which they were
lined were objects of great interest. The limestones were also full
of fossils; and although the forms of organic life they presented
were entirely new to him, they excited an intense desire to know
something of their history, and of the specific character of the
animals to which they once belonged.

There had been no elementary work on geology published in this
country at that time, and the first books he was able to obtain that
contained any account of fossils, were a copy of Dr. Mantell's
"Medals of Creation," and "Wonders of Geology," published in
England. These, though they threw no light on the specific char-
acter of the specimens he gathered in his excursions among the
rocks here, gave him some insight into the manner in which the
rocks were formed, and how the remains of living beings came to
be preserved in them. By collecting the minerals and fossils that

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 671

were found in the vicinity ot" Warsaw, and exchanging them witli
other collections, he gradnallj' acquired the information so much
desired. Through these collections and exchanges, and by other
means. Prof. W. obtained a valuable geological museum, which,
when he was called to Springfield, thousands would not have pur-
chased. Subsequently tlie first volumes of the Paleontology of New
York were published, affording the first figures and descriptions of
American fossils that he had been able to obtain. Those who com-
mence the study of geology now, when the characteristic fossils of
every formation on the North American continent have been figured
and described in published works, that are accessible to the student,
in public and private libraries, can form but little idea of the diffi-
culties with which students in the same field had to contend
40 years ago.

Prof. Worthen's labors as State Geologist resulted in an extended
survey of every county in the State, and the publication of six
large volumes as a record of the work,— a publicatioa deemed of
great value to the scientific world.

More lately Gov. Cullom has appointed Mr. W. to the position
of Curator in the State Historical Library and Natural History
Museum, a post which he now holds.

liev. L. Zumb'uehl, present Pastor of the Catholic Ciiurcli in
Warsaw, a native of Switzerland, was in 1846 in the city of Lu-
zerne. He entered the college of said city in 1860; in 1864 he con-
tinued his classical course in the renowned College of Schwyz, a
town in the Canton Schwyz. After having been a short period a
member of the University in Friburg, Baden, he graduated in the
Theological Seminary of Kiir Graubiindten, in the Grisons, and
was admitted to the dignity of priesthood the 19tli day of April,
1870. He emigrated with the P>ishop of Cleveland, Ohio, Rt.
Rev. Rapp, to his first field of labor. In 1877 he started West,
and joined the newly established Diocese of Peoria, Ills., of which
the nephew of the deceased Archbishop Spalding of Baltimore, the
most learned and eloquent T. L. Spalding, is the first Bishop.

TOWNSHIP OFFICERS.

Below is a list of the officers who have served the township since
its organization, as near as could be compiled from the records:

SUPERVISORS.

Lemuel Mussetter 1850 Charles A. Warner 1871

JohnPevton 1854 Charles C. Hoppe 1873

Charles Coolidge 1858 John H. Fiulay 1875

Thos. C. Sharp 1863 Henry R. Chittenden 1877

William H. Roosevelt 1864 Lemuel Mussetter 1878

Joseph M. True 1866 Fred Dross 1879

B. Frank Marsh 1867 Oliver Edwards 1880

Charles 0. Hoppe 18G9

672

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Edward E. Lane 1858

Peter Baker 1861

Henry Albers 1864

John K. Simmons 1866

Thomas M. Brawner 1870

John K. Simmons 1871

Charles Hilker 1874

Peter W. Plantz 1876-1880

ASSESSORS.

"W. S. Hathaway 1858

Joseph Burton 1859

W. S. Hathaway 1861

David L. Spencer 1863

Fnnik Herberts 1866

William I. Price 1868

Harvey Tufts .\ . . . 1870

C. D. Kruskopf 1871

Frank Herberts 1872

Calvin Cole 1874

F. C. Floto 1875

Franz Scherer 1879-1880

COLLECTORS.

E.D.Baldwin 1858

Wm. W. Chittenden 1861

Conrad Nagel 1862

George B. Worthen 1864

Heniy W. Comer 1866

Francis Shearer 1868

Peter Kaiser 1869

Henry P. Roth 1871

Henry P. Anderson 1872

Abe Greenwood 1873

Conrad Kehm 1874

Ed. C. Simms 1875

Peter Kaiser 1876

Charles Weiseman 1877

WillardG.Aldrich } ^g-g

Joseph Hartman f

F.C. Floto 1880

HANCOCK TOWNSHIP.

Township 5 — 5, in the center, on tlie east line, and impropei'ly
named after the county, was for some time attached to St. Mary's
and Fountain Green. It is largely timbered and broken, but has
some beautiful prairie land and fine farms. The west branch of
Crooked creek runs an extremely tortuous course through this tp.,
entering it at sec. 26 and crossing into McDonough from 36.
From the northwest corner of 28 to the southeast of 26, less than
three and a half miles, this stream meanders a distance of about
12 miles, at one point making a circuit of over three miles and
returning to within 40 rods of its starting place. It is appropri-
ately nameil Crooked creek. The east branch enters the tp.
from McDonough county, and the united stream flows again into
that county from sec. 36.

Among the pioneers of this tp., we are unable to mention but a
few; viz.. Major AVilliams, the Yetters, Wrights, Spangles, Longs,
Anthony Dufly, Dr. Wm. Booze, James G. Smith, T, B.
McCubbin, A. G. Botts, J. Lenox, T. Callihan, Lewis Rhea, etc.

In all the earlier history of the county the people of this tp.
were known as citizens of St. Mary's or Fountain Green, respect-
ively, as they lived north or south of the center.

The mills on Crooked creek have, in the early days, supplied
mucli of the lumber for the eastern portion of the county, and
much of the flour and meal for their breadstufl^s. But since the
advent of railroads and the introduction of steam, and the gradual
failure of the stream, the}' have fallen into decay. Timber is still
plenty, and hard-wood lumber is still manut'actured for local

There is no village in the limits of this tp., neither is there a
postoffice, the oflices of St. Mary's, Fountain Green, Webster and
Middle Creek supplying the inhabitants with their mail facilities.

In the south part of Hancock tp. is a locality known to the
earlier settlers as Black Hawk Ridge, or Black Hawk Headquarters,
from a tradition that the old chief made it a frequent residence,
during the Indian occupancy of the county. It has evidently
once been an extensive Indian encampment, and even yet such
relics as arrow-heads, stone implements, pottery and heads are
found there. The forests and blufls of Crooked creek and its trib-
utaries are as much noted for these Indian remains as the bluff's
along the river.

RELIGIOUS PROGRESS.

We have been unable to learn the actual number of Church
organizations in this township, or wliether there are any but the one

(673)

674: HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

church building. This one is situated on section 28, and about
three miles east of the old Middle Creek Baptist Church, in Car-
thage township. Concerning it we have no report. Members of
the various religious societies south of the creek, it is presumed,
unite with the Churches in St. Mary's, and those north of the creek
with the Churches in Fountain Green.

BIOGKAPHICAI,.

Following are brief personal sketches of the more prominent citi-
zens and old settlers, whose lives constitute an important portion
of the history of this township:

Charles Austin, sec. 31; P.O., Middle Creek; is a native of
Addison county, Vermont; born in 1830, a son of Francis B. and
Eleanor (Whittle) Austin, also natives of Vermont. Charles emi-
grated to this State with his parents in 1846, and at the age of 21
was united in marriage with Harriet S. Allton, who was born in
Indiana in 1833. After marriage Mr. A. located in Fountain Green
tp., and followed farming for six years; from there he went to
McDonough county and remained one year, and in 1868 located in
Hancock tp., where he has since resided. He owns 80 acres of
improved land.

Their marriage has been blessed with 5 children, 4 of whom are
living; viz., Charles L., Sarah A., Richard L. and Harvey D. Mr.
A. has held the office of Township Trustee for six years. He and his
excellent wife are members of the Christian Church.

Mr. A. served his country three years in the late war. He enlisted
at Fountain Green, under Capt. Campbell, in Co. A, llSth 111.
Inf. He was present during the siege of Vicksburg; was mustered
out in April, 1865. Republican.

Lucius M. Austin, farmer, sec. 31 ; P. O., Middle Creek. He
was born in 18:^6 in the State of Vermont. In the year 1847 he
located in Burlington, Iowa, and worked at the cabinet and chair
business for five years. He then came to Hancock Co., 111., in 1863,
and married Elizabeth Hobert in Jan., 1853. Children by this
union 11, 8 of whom are living; namel3% Winfield S., Norman H.,
Errias, LodeniaL., Caroline, Febe, Harriet, James N. He owns 80
acres of land. Mr. A . and wife are members of the Christian
Church. He is a Republican.

Francis E. Belknap, farmer, sec. 34; P. O., Joetta. The orig-
inal ancestry of this family came from Wales about 200 years ago.
There were 3 brothers, Joseph, Seth and Samuel. The subject of
this sketch is a descendant of Samuel, who is his great-great-grand-
father. His great-grandfather was Simeon, and Francis was his
grand-father. His father was Francis, Jr., who was a native of
Conn., and born in 1781. He emigrated to 111. in 1836, in Han-
cock township, sec. 33. Died in 1846.

Our subject was born in 1825, in Windsor, Conn.; was the oldest
of h children. He came to 111. in 1837, one year after his father

<*'^-*«lfc«faiK-J*,

HANCOCK Tt

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 677

died. Married his present wife in 1874. Her name was Emma
Mitchell. Pie has been Town Clerk. Is a Democrat.

Ly Sander Belknap, deceased, was born in Connecticut in 1817.
His wife's maiden name was Mary Thurber, and she was born in
Illinois Dec, 1S24-. He emigrated to Illinois in 1836 and located
on the farm where he lived until his death in 1876, at the age of
58. His wife died Nov. 12, 1879. Mr. B. came to Hancock county
in an early day, and like the other pioneers, had experiences which
were both trying and unpleasant. Although he lived in the county
44: years, he never made but one move, which was from the old log
hut into his large farm dwelling. Mr. B. is the only one of the
family who ever came West, excepting a half-brother,"whose history
appears in this work. Mr. B. owned 160 acres of land. The home
farm is cultivated by his son Orville, who lives with his sisters
Annie and Elsie in the home house. He was married March, 1844,
to Mary Thurber, who bore him 10 children, 7 of whom are living,
— Amelia, Annie, Scott, Willie, Orville, Walter, Elsie.

Joel F. Sooz, farmer, sec. 23; P. O., Joetta; was born in this
county in 1841. Mr. B. assists in carrjdng on the farm of Mrs.
John Martin. He married Miss Marietta B. Martin in 1867, and
they have 4 living children, — John L., Charles L., William W.
and Ethel Pearl. He has been Town Clerk, also Tax Collector,
which office he now holds. He enlisted in the 10th Missouri Inf.
in 1861. He was engaged in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, and
Port Gibson, and was taken prisoner at Jackson, and sent to Rich-
mond, Virginia; was exchanged at Benton Barracks and rejoined
the regiment at Corinth, Miss. ; was in it till the close of the war. He
is a Republican.

William £ooz, M. D., farmer and physician, sec. 33; P. O.,
Carthage. In the person of this sketch we have one of the pio-
neers of Hancock county, and a representative citizen of Hancock
tp. He was born in Kentucky in 1831. His father, Richard, was a
native of the same State, and was born Aug. 20, 1810. His mother
was born in 1812; her maiden name was Frances A. McCallister.
When six years of age William came with his parents to Morgan Co.,
111., in 1836, and in the following year to Hancock Co., where he has
resided ever since. His father lived here until his death which
occurred in 1845. During the next three years William spent his
time in teaching and going to school.

He began the study of medicine with T. A. Barnes, of Carthage,
111., and in 1855 he entered the Iowa State University and finished the
course of study. Mr. B. then located on his present farm and has
resided there ever since. He afterward graduated at Keokuk in
the College of Physicians and Surgeons. He has been in the active
practice of medicine in his home neighborhood for the last 24 years,
and with one exception is the oldest 'practicing physician in the
county. His success both as a physician and farmer has been
flattering. He owns 280 acres of land . His home improvements
are among the best in the township. Mr. B. has been personally

40

^^678 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

identified witli the interests of his township for many years. Po-
litically he is a staunch Democrat and has taken an active part in
the politics of the county. He stumped the county in the Douglas
and Lincoli] campaign and met in joint discussion some of the
prominent orators of those times. Mr. B. has also been an active
citizen in promoting tlie moral interests of his community. He
has been a licensed minister of the Christian denomination since
1849. Mr. B. was united in marriage to E. J. E. McCubbin, who was
a native of Kentucky, born in 1832 and daughter of Joseph Mc-
Cubbin, of that county. Twelve children, 10 of whom are living,
have been born unto them : Sarah E., Lenora W., Fannie E., Joseph
M., Emma W., Dora M., Elizabetli A., Willie M., Zilpha F. and
Nellie J. Mr. B. has been Town Supervisor 11^ years, and Assessor
two years. Is a Freemason.

Reuhen Craven^ farmer, sec. 33; P. O., Middle Creek; was born
in Pennsylvania in 1831, son of Joseph and Mary (Brown) Craven,
natives also of Pennsylvania; the former was born in 1806, and the
latter in 1804. The father emigrated to Illinois in 1841 and located
in St. Mary's tp., on sec. 5. In this and Carthage towns he con-
tinued to reside till his death in 1871. His widow is still living,
at the advanced age of 76. Reuben lived at home until he arrived
at his majority when he began teaching school. He has continued
to teach during the winter months most of the time since, farming
in the summer. He was married in 1855 to Margarette L. Ewing,
who was a native of Ohio, and born in 1837. They have been
blessed with 8 children ; Linneus P., Mary M., Emma M., Joseph R.,
John E., Clara J., Jenoa G., Frank L. His children, Linneus P.
and Maggie, graduated with honors at Carthage College in 1878.
The former holds a professorship of mathematics at Mt. Morris,
111., Academy. Mr. C. owns 117 acres of good land. He has held
the office of Justice of the Peace for eight years, Supervisor and
School Trustee. He is a Republican.

Adam Curry ^ who is the son of Matthew and Jane Curry, is of
Irish descent, and was born in Pennsylvania in 1840. He emi-
grated to this State in 1852, and first settled in Fountain Green tp.,
where he lived until 1854, and then settled where his mother now
lives, on sec. 7, in Hancock tp. He is at present a farmer on the
same section. He was married in 1867, to Louisa Long, who had
one child from her former^ husband, whose name is William, and
who is now living at home. S!ie is also the mother of 5 children,
of whom 4 are living, from her second husband, Mr. C, the sub-
ject of this sketch. Their names are: James E., Mary B.,— F.
and an infant child. Mr. C. owiis wliere he lives, his share of his
father's estate consisting of 290 acres, to which there are heirs. He
has never held any office except Collector one term. His educa-
tional advantages were only ordinary, and he is, politically, a Re-
publican.

Anthony Duffy was born Aug. 20, 1811, in Cumberland county,
Pa., son of John and Elizabeth (Graft) Duffy, father a native of

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 679

Ireland, and mother of Pennsylvania, and of German descent.
He came "West in the Spring ot 1836 and settled on sees. 5 and 8,
Hancock tp., this county, where he bought 160 acres of land,
which was then entirely wild; here on sec. 8 he built a log cabin
16 teet square, with lialf a room above; in this he lived until 1850,
when he built a fine brick residence on sec. 5; in this lie has lived
about 28 years, when he moved into the place which he now occu-

Sies. Nov. 17, 1835 he mai-ried Mary Matilda Sjiangler, at Mt.
lock, Cumberland county, Pa. She was a daughter of Samuel
and Rebecca Spangler, of German and Holland descent, and she
died July 20, 1873, since which time Mr. Duffy has not kept
house, but lives with his sons, William J. and Scott A., on sec. 5.
All of his 8 children are living. The eldest, Samuel S., is a farmer
on sec. 5, where his father first settled. Mary E. is the wife of I.
N. Hobart, a farmer in this tp. ; John S. is a farmer in Carthage
tp.; Joseph T. is also a farmer in Nodaway county. Mo.; Rebecca
Ellen is the wife of Jerome Evans, a farmer also in the last named
place; Robert M. is a stock-dealer in Burnside, this county. Mr.
D. has given all his property to his children except 40 or 50 acres,
on sees. 5 and 9. The home farm consists of 155 acres, 115 of
which are under good cultivation, being worth about $50 per acre.

Mr. Duffy is a Republican, and has been School Director and
Trustee, etc., but has never aspired to office. In early days he had
not the good advantages of a school education; he was compelled
to go two miles to attend school in a log house long before the free-
school system was inaugurated, and he came to this county when it
was a complete wilderness. He is of course familiar with the Mormon
history of this county, and was one of the foremost men when
Governor Ford called out the Militia to arrest Jo Smith and bring
him to Carthage. He had just returned home when Smith was
shot, having had pretty good authority beforehand that such a
thing would be done. Mr. D. is a prominent and highly respected
citizen, and we give his portrait in this work.

Pleasant C. GilUnioater, farmer; P. O., Middle Creek; was
born in East Tennessee, Hawkins county, in 1812; his parents
were also natives of Tennessee; his father, David, was born in
1789, and his mother, Cisire, nee Willson, was born in 1790.

The subject of this sketch is the eldest of 15 children. Pleasant
C. resided in Schu3'ler county 18 years., and in 1856 he located in
Hancock county, St. Mary's tp. ; was there 8 years, then moved to
his present farm in Hancock tp. in 1864, where he now resides,
owning 40 acres of land, valued at $1,000. In 1839 he took unto
himself a partner in the person of Martha Huff, also a native of
Tennessee, and born in 1819; they have 8 children: James E.,
Louis W., David E., May F., Joseph C. (dec), Henry K., Seals J.,
Amanda A. and John T. They raised also Lester M. Mitchell
who still lives with them. Louis W., farmer, married his first wife,
May E. Worthington, in Indiana. One child, Edith, was born to

680 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

them. He married his second wife in Dec, 1878. L. W. was in
the late war, in the 57tii 111. Inft., three years ; was in battles of Fort
Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth, and witli Gen. Sherman on his march
to the sea.

Charles Harder^ an intelligent farmer of his community, of Ger-
man descent, is a son of Peter and Mary Harder, and was born in
New York in" 1830. Comino^ to Hancock county in 1869, he set-
tled where he now lives, on sec. 4 of Hancock tp. He was married
at the age of 28, to Jennie Kingsley, who is the mother of 5 chil-
dren, all of whom are living; namely, Hattie, Albert, William, Anna
and Robert. Mr. H. owns a farm of 105 acres, where he lives, all
of which is pretty well improved; has on it a neat little house, and
makes for himself and family a convenient and pleasant home.
Politically he is a Republican, and although his educational ad-
vantages were not the best, yet he is an enterprising man and
takes an interest in home affairs, and everything of a literary
nature. Mrs. H. is a member of the Presbyterian Church; also
her eldest daughter.

Isaac N. liobert, farmer, sec. 6; P. O., Carthage; is the eldest
son of Norman Hobert, who was born in Essex, N. Y., Dec. 29,
1810; came to Illinois in 1S33, and located at Rushville, where he
was married in 1834, to Miss Ura Holladay; after marriage he
came to this county and settled in Fountain Green tp. He helped
to make the first track that crossed the county, and was an active
participant in the early settlement of the count}'. He was a house
carpenter by occupation, and erected many buildings in Carthage.
Prior to his removal to this city, he erected and carried on milling
on Crooked creek, which he afterward moved to Carthage, and
continued in that business 13 years. His demise, which occurred
Dec. 13, 1878, was a bereavement to a large circle of friends and
relatives. He was for many years a local preacher, and one of the
sincerest Christian men that ever honored the principles of true
religion. The milling interests he willed to his sons, who are now
engaged near Hamilton. The esteemed widow and mother who
survives, is a daughter of Moses and Celia (Skirvin) Holladay,
who settled in Lexington, Ky., before the Revolutionary war.
They were the parents of 11 children, but 3 of whom are living.
Isaac N., our subject, was born in this county, and was married
June 21, 1861, to Miss Mary E. Duffy, a native of this county, and
thev have had 10 children, all of whom are living, — Marv E., Carrie
L., Joseph N., Dennis W., Eva E., Lillie E., Matilda E., Ura A.,
Isaac N., Jr. and Blanche. Sidney L., the next child, married
Elizabeth Pickens; have one child, not christened. Maria, the last
named of his living children. The subject of this sketch resides at
his stock farm in Hancock tp., consistingof 235 acres. Healso owns
the homestead of 135 acres, in Carthage tp. The family is of the
earliest settlers of the county.

John Martin, deceased, was born in Ky., in 1812; resided in
that State until 1861, during which time he was engaged in farm-

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 681

ing and manutacturinof. Since coining to Illinois and locating on the
farm, where he always resided, he has been engaged in farming and
milling; in these vocations he has been quite successful. He left
to mourn his loss a wife and 2 children. He was married in 1845,
to Mildreth S. Vincent, of Ky., and born in 1824. The farm left
his family consists of 280 acres of improved land. Mr. M. held
the office of School Trustee, and was also an Elder in the Presby-
terian Church.

James Martin, miller; P. O., Joetta; is a son of John Martin,
born in 1845. He has lived at home assisting his parents all his
life. He is now running the mill which his father controlled. He
was married in 1873, to Susan F. Kelley, a native of Illinois, and was
born in 1849. They have 2 children to make home happy. James
E. and Margaretta. Mr. M. has held the office of Town Clerk and
Postmaster since his father's death.

William Long, an aged and respectable man and a very old set-
tler of Hancock county, the son of John and Maiy Long, who
were of German descent, was born in 1807, in Penn. Coming to
Illinois in 1835, he settled in Bear Creek township, where he re-
sided ten years; then came to the place on which he now lives on
sec. 8. He was married in 1830 to Mary Yetter, who lived only
about five years after their marriage. He was married the second
time in 1839, to Mary Giphart, who died in 1872. Mr. L. had, by
his first wife, 2 children, of whom one is living, whose name is Levi,
and who is now living with his father, on his farm. Mr. L. owns
the land on which he is living, consistingof 160 acres, of which 100
acres are pretty well improved; 60 acres are brush. He has also 40
acres of timber on sec. 17 of same township. He is an honest and
upright citizen, a devoted member of the Lutheran Church, and
had poor advantages for obtaining an education when young. He
was, at one time, Collector for five or six years; was Assessor one
3'ear; Justice of the Peace for four years, and was Township Trus-
tee-for 15 years. Mr. L., although he is, in fact, politically a Demo-
crat, is very liberal in his political views concerning home affairs.

Thomas B. McCuhhin, son of Joseph and Ellen McC, was born
in 1839 on sec. 32, in Hancock township, Hancock county, 111., and
is of Irish descent. Here he spent his boyhood daj'sand was mar-
ried in 1860 to Martha Camren. His wife is the mother of 6
children, of whom 3 are living. Their names are John, Rue
and Dove. Mr. McCubhin is 41 3'ears of age, is a prominent man
in his community, and by hard work and by the " sweat of his
brow" has succeeded in accumulating considerable wealth. He is
now living 011 sec. 29 of Hancock township, where he owns a good
farm, consisting of 160 acres, of which 150 are under cultivation.
His land is worth about §35 per acre, and is well-improved. Has
a good two-story frame house, size 28x32, which he built in 1871.
Has also a substantial barn, 28x30, which he built in 1S77. He
owns, besides the tract of land on which he lives, 100 acres of
timber on section 29, 80 acres of timber and 40 acres of prairie

682 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

on section 20 of same township. Mr. McCubbin has been a farm-
er all his life, and has labored hard to sustain the reputation of
men of that profession without meddling with political affairs. He
has been Assessor once, and is at present School Director. Polit-
ically he is Independent. Eis educational advantages when young
were quite limited, being compelled to attend school in a log
school-house. He and his wife, Martha, are both earnest members
of the Christian Church. Joseph McCubbin, who is quite an
aged man, is living with his son Thomas, the subject of this sketch.
He is at present 84 years old, and is quite feeble, being confined to
his room most of the time, and is also almost entirely deaf.

J. L. Miller was born in Ohio in 1824; is the son of Leonard
and Mary Miller, and is of German descent. He emigrated to Illi-
nois in 1856, .iiid first settled on section 6, where he lived for nine
years; thence he removed to where he now resides, also on sec. 6,
of Hancock tp. He was married in 1852 to Nancy Meyers, who
is now 45 years old, and who is the mother of ten children, all of
whom are living. Their names, beginning with the oldest, are as
follows-. Mary, Ellen, Alfred, Matilda, Jennie, "Walter, Charles,
John, Manda and Alice. Mr. M. owns a large farm where he lives,
consisting of 182 acres; and has besides 108 acres on sec. lY, 20
acres on sec. 9, 20 acres on sec. 2, all in same township. The farm-
ing land is all very well improved, and is worth about $50 per
acre. He is in politics a Republican, but is not at all radical in
township and county affairs. His educational advantages when
young were only ordinary.

Armstead Mosely, sec. 31; P. O., Middle Creek; was born in
Kentucky in 1796. Forty years ago Hancock county received one of
her many excellent and influential pioneers in the person of this
sketch. Previous to his locating in this county in 1839, he lived
in Texas, Kentucky, and Indiana. For 29 years Mr. M. has lived
upon his present farm of 207 acres, which is now valued at about
$7,000. Mr. M. was married in 1831 to Miss Nancy Driskill,, of
Kentucky, who was born in 1815, and they have a family of 10
children living; namely, Mary E., Martha J., William V., Winston
E., Simeon A., Samuel F., Sarah F., John F., Nancy A., Amanda
E. Simeon and Winston enlisted in the 42nd 111. Inf, in 1864;
• were in the battles of Franklin, Spring Hill, Nashville. Were dis-
charged at Port Lavacca, Texas, in 1865. Mr. M. is a Democrat,
He and his wife are members of the Christian Church.

James Samons, farmer, sec. 24; P. O., Joetta; was born May 24,
1835. He is a son of Edward and Anna M. (Hays) Samons, the
former a native of Vir^^inia, and born in 1800; the latter a
native of Kutherford Co., Tenn., was born in 1818. Edward came to
Illinois in 1831, and lived in Morgan county until 1847, when he
moved into St. Mary's town, and was there eight years. He finally
moved to the State of Missouri, and lived there until his death in
1857. At the age of 20 James located in McDonough county and
there remained four years, and then moved to Hancock county, and

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 683

has since resided on his present farm of 267 acres, valued at $30
per acre. Mr. S. was married in 1855 to Sarali E. Way, native of
Illinois, and was born in 1840. They have been blessed with 7
children; viz., Mary J.. Edmond, Chas. W., Ruth E., Louisa,
Stephen A., Ida May. Mr. S. enlisted in Co. A, 118th Reg., under
Capt. Campbell, in 1862; was in battles of Thompkins Hill, and
Baker Creek; discharged at Fort Hudson, Louisana, in 1864. He
is a Republican.

Robert Sample, who has been a resident of Hancock tp., Hancock
county, 111., for about 30 years, was born in Pennsylvania in 1803.
He is the son of John and Ann Sample, and is of Irish descent.
He came west in 1849 and first settled in Fulton county, where he
remained for 18 months, when he came to Hancock county and
settled on sec. 4. of Hancock tp., thence he removed to sec. 6,
where he has lived for 11 years. He was married in 1826 to Jane
Hawthorne, who died in 1868. She was the mother of 13 child-
ren of whom only 7 are living, and whose names are as follows:
James, John, Frank, Calvin, Anna, Jane and Sarah.

Mr. S. owns 80 acres of land on sec. 4, 40 acres on sec. 16, and
20 acres on sec. 9. However, he is now living with his daughter,
Jane, a widow woman, on sec. 6. The value of his land per acre is
about $25. lie is, politically, a Republican, and a devoted mem-
ber of the Presbyterian Church; has held the oflice of Highway
Commissioner two terms; Township Trustee two terms; and
School Director a number of years. Mr. S. had, for securing an
education, only the opportunities and advantages that were afforded
to all children of Pennsylvania before the free-school system was
adopted. He is, however, an intelligent, upright, and revered old
gentleman in his community; he is pretty badly crippled with
rheumatism, but is making the best of his last days, and is trying
to take life easy by being an earnest Christian man, before the last
summer's sun shall have set upon his silvered locks and gone down
behind the horizon of time and eternity forever.

Philipj) Siepel was born in Germany in 1819, a son of Milton
Siepel, also a native of Germany, born in 1785. When Philipp
was 14 years old he was apprenticed to the cooper trade; when 34
years of age he emigrated to America and located in Shenandoah
county, Virginia, where he remained until 1854, when he moved
to his present farm in Hancock county. 111., where he still lives,
owning a nice farm of 330 acres, which he has secured by his own
honesty and economy. He was married in 1848 to Liza A.
Fivever, a native of Virginia, born in 1823. Their living children
are, Handley, John, Eleanor, Nathaniel, George W. and Lavina F.
Mr. Siepel and his estimable wife are members of the Christian
Church.

George Soivers, who is an old settler in Hancock county, was
born in Pennsylvania in 1830. He is of German descent, the son
of Samuel and Sarah Sowers. Came to this State in 1854 and
first settled in Fountain Green tp.,where he lived 13 years, and after-

684: HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

ward settled where he now is on sec. 6 in 1871. He was married
in 1856 to Willimina McGhecan, who is the mother of 10 children
of whom all are living except one. Their names are: William,
Samuel, Maggie, Charles, John, Delia, James, Belle and Nellie.
Mr. S. is now living on the place owned by his son, consisting of
98 acres. The land is tolerably' well improved, and is worth about
$20 per acre. Mr. S. had very poor advantages for securing an
education; is a man who is independent in politics and has never
held any offices except School Director. Mrs. S. is a member of
the Presbyterian Church.

Joseph, T. Spangler is one of the oldest settlers of Hancock tp.,
and is the son of Samuel and Rebecca Spangler, natives of Penn-
sylvania. He was born in 1817, and is of German descent on his
father's side, and French and Welsh on his mother's side. He
came to this State in 1838 and settled on sec. 5, of Hancock tp.,
where he still resides. He was married in 1851 to Anna Mary
Sample, who is now 52 years of age and is the mother of 7 chil-
dren, of whom 5 are living. Their names, beginning with the oldest,
are as follows: Jane R, Sarah V., Mary E., Joseph T. and Samuel
E. Mr. Spangler owns 320 acres of land where he lives and has,
besides, 80 acres in another tract, all of which is well improved.
He has a very good house and barn on the home place, and values
the land at about $30 per acre. His educational advantages were
only such as were afforded to all children of that day before the
free-school sj-stem was established. His family are members of
the Presbyterian Church. Mr. S. has held the office of Supervisor
a number of years, and now holds the office of School Treasurer,
which he has held 32 years.

By being independent in politics and always looking to the best
interests of his country at home, Mr. S. has, for some time, been
taking life easy in his aged years, regarding necessity as a virtue,
and is thus honest and upright, and a man of considerable local
repute.

Peter E. Weakley, merchant, was born near Carlisle, Cumber-
land county, Pa., July 31, 1823, and is a son of W. L. and Martha
W. (Ege) Weakley, of German and English descent. His advan-
tages for early education were of course far inferior to those of the
present day. In 1846 he married Miss Harriet M. Black, a daughter
of Thomas W. and Catharine (Slentz) Black, all natives of Penn-
sylvania, Mr. Black of Irish ancestry, and Mr. Slentz of German.
Mrs. W. was born in Adams county. Pa., Oct. 8, 1825. She is a
member of the Presbyterian Church. In 1849 Mr. Weakley came
West and first settled in Morgan county. 111., and the next year he
located on sec. 2, Hancock tp., this county, where he lived 20 years,
when he sold his farm and entered mercantile business at Union-
town, sec. 11, where he has carried a general stock of goods ever
since, sales averaging $15,000 to $20,000 a year. He is very care-
ful in making his purchases, so that he is enabled to sell a good

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 685

quality o^ goods very cheap. He has, therefore, a very good run of
trade, doing a lively local business. In politics he is a Republi-
can, but is very liberal in local affairs; is now serving his fifth term
as Supervisor, and has been School Director. He is one of the
most enterprising and substantial citizens of the county, a man of
fine manners, well known and highly respected. We give in this
volume Mr. Weakley's portrait, made from a photograph taken at
the age of about 45 years.

S. A. Wright, the sou of Hickerson and Cynthia Wright, is
another of the many very old settlers of Hancock county, and was
boru Oct. 9, 1825, in Tenn. He is of Scotch and Irish descent;
came to this State in 1S33 and settled in Fountain Green tp., where
he lived until 9 years ago, when he settled in Hancock tp. He was
first married in 1849 to Susan Bond, who lived until about 4 years
ago; was married the second time in 1877, to Elizabeth Murray.
He is the father of 4 children, of whom only 2, Minnie S. and
Mintie L., are now living. Mr. W. owns 52f acres of land where
he lives, on sec. 3; has in another place 60 acres of timber; also
100 acres of good land in Fountain Green tp. The average estimate
of his land per acre is about $40/ all the farming land is well improv-
ed and he has a fine, substantial house on the home place. Politi-
cally he is a Democrat and is an upright, well-to-do farmer.

OFFICERS

Of Hancock township who have served, or are now in oflice:

SOPERVISORS.

J. T. Spaugler 1856 Joseph T. Spangler 1874

PeteiE. Weakley 1861 Reuben Cravens 1875

William Booz. .. 1863 Wm. Booz 1876

J. H. Folts 1868 George Brewster 1877

Peter E. Weakley ... 1869 J. T. Spangler 1878

Wm. Booz 1870 Peter E. Weakley 1879

JohnDenison 1856 Joel T. Booz 1874

F. E. Belknap 1863 Albert S. Bear 1875

John J. Grohegan 1864 John Martindale 1876

George W. Jones 1865 Levi J. Rhea 1877

Thomas McAvoy 1867 Jerome B. Jones 1878

Wm. M. Anderson 1868 John Campbell 1879

Jerome B. Jones 1871 James L. Martin 1880

Wm. M. Anderson 1873

ASSESSORS.

A. G. Botts 1856 Levi Smith 1868

William Booz 1858 John H. Parker 1869

Jefferson Perkins 1860 Levi Smith 1870

J. H. Parker 1863 'James G. Smith 1871

Levi Smith 1864 Thos.B. McOubbin 1874

William Long 1865 James G. Smith 1875

Thomas Cambron 1866 J. T. Spangler 1879

Wm.Long 1867 Geo. W. Green 1880

686

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

COLLECTORS.

Wimam Long 1856

Emaimel Jones 1858

William Long 1860

Wm. Spangler 1861

"William Long 1863

John H. Parker 1864

William Long 1866

Levi Smith 1867

CaUoway L. Rhea 1868

John W. Huston 1869

James G. Smith 1870

John Martindale 1871

Monroe Riggins 1873

Samuel Duffy 1874

Stephen A. KeUy 1875

Albert S. Bear 1877

C.L.Rhea 1878

Joel T. Booz 1879-1880

CARTHAGE TOWNSHIP

Received its name from the county seat on its west line. It is
numbered 5-6; is princi]5ally prairie land, but has bodies of timber
on Middle, Prairie, Long and Rock creeks, tributaries of Crooked
creek. Certain portions of this township are level and prairie, and
consequently better suited to meadow and stock-raising tiian to
grain. Large quantities of corn are grown, however, in all direc-
tions. This township has many finely improved farms and sub-
stantial and neat residences, owned by independent farmers.

Carthage, lieing in the midst of an extensive prairie, was not
settled as early as the western and eastern portions of the county;
and had it not been for the tact that the county-seat was located in
it, its settlement would have advanced no faster, perhaps, than those
of Harmony, Prairie and Pilot Grove adjoining. We are not
advised that it had an inhabitant within its limits (other than Elder
Thomas H. Owen, who came in 1831), when in March, 1833,
William Gillhara and Scott Riggs located the county-seat on sec.
19. That event of course gave an impetus to settlement; and we
find that on April 2 of the same year a special term of the
County Commissioners' Court was held there, at the house of
Thomas Brewer, whicli, if not there before, must have been a tempo-
rary building hastily put up. At that meeting Thomas H. Owen
was appointed to build a court-house, and it was to be finished
before Aug. 25th! for the use of the Circuit Court soon to be held.
Ex-Secretary O. H. Browning, then a young lawyer on the Circuit,
attended that Court, as he had otiiers before at Venus. Here is his
account of that event, and description of Carthage at that time.
We quote from his address delivered before the "Hancock County
Pioneers' Association," in the court-house, June 15, 1869: "He
said he remembered attending the first Court held at Carthage. The
Temple of Justice at that day was a log cabin of limited dimen-
sions, roofed with clapboards. The Bench and Bar boarded with a
family near the timber, and near the subsequent residence of Mr.
Baldwin. The 'hotel' of Carthage was a sort of rail-pen, 12 feet
square, the provisions and whisky being dealt out through the
cracks to the outsiders. The site of the present court-house was a
frog-pond ; and yet this unpromising beginning had culminated in
the present town of Carthage, one of the neatest and prettiest
villages he had ever visited."

As we have seen, the town site was pre-empted by the county,

and the County Surveyor (John Johnson, of Riverside) employed

to lay out the town at once, to be completed by May 1. This time

seems to have been too short for him to do his work well, for we

(687)

688 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

find that afterward a new survey was ordered and a new plat made.
Clerk Williams immediately removed to the new town, and we find
that a special term of the County Court was held at his house on
the 3d of June. The regular term, Sept. 2, was held at the new
court-house.

At this term that singular attorney at law, Louis Masquerier, was
licensed to keep a tavern and also to sell goods. Counting the
'' boarding house," referred to b}' Mr. Browning as the first one,
this tavern of Masqnerier's must have been the second one in the
town or township, and his store the first store. He was still there
in 1836, but soon returned to New York.

Thomas Brewer must have emigrated soon, as we hear nothing
more concerning him.

Among the early settlers of Carthage, as we remember them,
were Gad Hamilton and his sons Artois and Canfield, Samuel
Williams, Walter Bagby, Frederick Loring, Rev. John Lawton,
Dr. John F. Charles, Louis Masquerier, James B., Hamilton C.
and David W. Mathews, Senator Little, Robert Miller, Joshua and
Jonas Hobart, Elam S. Freeman, Homer Brown, Ellis Hughes,
Capt. Robert F. Smith, Ebenezer Rand, Franklin A. Worrell,
Harmon T. Wilson, Charles Main, Lewis Stevenson, Samuel
Comer, Jesse B. Winn, George W. Thatcher, Miles B. Mann, James
Baird, Isaac Galland, James W. Woods, James W. Brattle, Samuel
Marshall, Malcolm McGregor, Chauncey Robison, Sylvester
Thompson, U. C. Taylor, John Wilson. John Wilson Williams,
George W. Stigall, Dr. Barnes, Micliael Barnes. lu the vicinity
were David Baldwin, Epaphras B. Baldwin, William C. Hawley,
Michael Rickard, Richard Cannon, Allen McQuary, Thomas Met-
calf. T. Gridley. Thomas J. Kimbrough, W. J. Dale, John Booth,
Robert G. Bernethy, Norman Hobart, I. N. Cauthorn, George C.
Waggoner, Samuel F. Pray, Alexander Barnes.

Of the foregoing 50 odd individuals, more than half ai-e known
to have died, numbers of them long years ago. Many others left
the county, some of them still living. Several will be recognized
as men of note in the county's history. Three — Little, Marshall
and Worrell — met violent deaths, which are mentioned elsewhere.

BUSINESS OF CARTHAGE.

The following men comprise the business circle of Carthage:
Chris Y. Long is Postmaster, and keeper of a book-store. Shultz
& Son, Wm. T. Smith and Dwight Cutler are engaged in the drug
business; the latter also keeps a large stock of books and stationery.
James Sample controls the furniture trade. Wm. Hughes has a
large business in saddlery and harnesses. Dr. E. M. Robbins
is the prominent dentist. The'dry-goods trade is represented princi-

Eally by Wm. B. Bennett, J. C. Williams and J.W. Everett; the latter
as also a branch millinery department on the north side of square.
Mr. Dale is also in the same business. Wm. H. Patterson is the

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 689

oldest living merchant in the city, deals in grain, etc. Also J. B.
Strader & Son have an extensive warediDiise, and otter a S].)ecialty
iu fence posts and drain tile. Also Fontch & Shiiltz, Taylor Bros.,
iu the same business. J. INIack Sliollard and John Boyd control
the hardware, and Charles G. Clark & Sons are extensive dealers
in lumber. Stephen S. Wilson is the miller. W. P. McKee has
a lucrative trade in agricultural implements. O. P. Carlton also
in the grocery business. Jas. N. Currens runs a nice trade in boots
and shoes. Will O. Sharp is the only photographer. J. S. Johnson,
patentee on corn-husker, does a large manufacturing business. F. B.
Miller & Co., located near the depot, are large grain dealers. Chas. E.
Smale and John Ilelfrich both have a good market business. The
lawyers are Judges J. M. Ferris, and T.C. Sharp, W. E. Mason, State's
Atty.,M. P. and O. F. Berry, W. H. Manier,Geo. G. Rogers.C. J. Sco-
field, T. J. Scofield, A. W. O'Harra and others. Dr. J. W. Carlton,
W.M. Kellogg, R. C. Halladay, W. T. Ilannan, W. D. Noyes, J. II.
Callahan, are the pliysicians. Dr. Adam Spilter is a retired physi-
cian. The banking interests are represented by the Hancock
County Bank, FI. G. Ferris, President; A. J. Griffith, Vice Presi-
dent; William Griffith, Cashier. A second institution of the kind
isrun by Sholl & Cherill. Henry C. Wilson and E. T. Dorothy
have the trade for livery business. The Stevens House, located on
the square, is being run by J. Jackson. The Hohrer House, two
blocks northwest of the square, is controlled by C. G. Kolirer.

EELIGIODS PEOGBESS.

The first religious services held at the county-seat were in the
log-cabin court-house south of the square. The date of the first
cannot be fixed; but as Rev. John Lawton, the Home Missionary
of the Congregational Church, settled there in ISSi, and as its
builder. Elder Owen, was also a minister of the gospel, the pre-
sumption is that services were held in it soon after its erection.
The first authentic information we have of any Church organization
in the town, is that of the Cong. Church, organized in March, 1836.
It was supplied by Revs. B. F. Morris, Joseph Mason, James A.
Hawley, Wm. E. Catlin and Wm. B. Atkinson, but gradually de-
clined, most of its members going to other denominations, and for
15 or 20 years past the organization has ceased to exist.

About the same period a society of Methodists and also of Bap-
tists was formed, all holding their meetings in the log court-house,
and none of them having regular pastors. A Methodist Episcopal
Sunday-school is said to have been established as early as 1835, Col.
Freeman, Superintendent.

There are at present seven church edifices in Carthage, the hand-
somest and costliest being the Lutheran. There is also a German
Lutheran, an unpretentious frame building; a Presbyterian, of
brick; a Methodist Episcopal, of brick; a Missionary Baptist, of
brick; a Christian, of frame; and a Catholic, of brick. Most or all

690 HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

s

of the above have their regular services and regular pastors, and
some of them large congregations. There is also a small society
of Episcopalians, who, without a church, rent a building for church
services. We have no further statistics of any of the foregoing.
There is also a new M. E. Church at Middle Creek village, and a
congregation worshiping there.

The only other church in the township, we believe, is that known
as the Old Brick Church at Middle Creek, in the southeast corner.
This is undoubtedly the oldest Church organization in the county.
It is of the Old-School Baptist order, and was organized, its records
say. "on Saturday before the second Lord's Day in August, 1832,"
by Elder William Bradley and John Rhea, upon articles of faith
submitted. Said Church has kept up its regular organization since,
meeting in the same little old brick in the woods. Elder Thomas
H. Owen was Clerk at said organization, and afterward preached to
the congregation for many years. Its membership has been at
times quite large, but has of late become reduced to 25 or 30. The
late Elder Dennis Smith, of Carthage, to whom we are indebted
for these facts, was a Pastor of this Church for several years.

PERSONAL SKETCHES.

We continue the history of this township by'giving short sketches
of the old settlers and prominent citizens, which will be found of
peculiar interest:

Francis S. Austin, farmer, sec. 35; P. O., Carthage; was born
in Addison county, Vt., in 1824. His parents, Francis B. and
Eleanor (Whitten) Austin, were natives of Massachusetts, and emi-
grated from New York State to Illinois in 1848, settling in Foun-
tain Green, Hancock Co., where he resided until his death, in 1865.
She died in Kansas in 1875. The subject of this sketch was mar-
ried in 1845, to Miss Phffibe Mapes, a native of Indiana. To this
union 9 children have been born, 7 of whom are living: George
W., Charles, H. H., Frank B., Edward F., Alice P., Josephine and
John T.: Mary J. and Emma deceased. Mr. A. came to this
county in 1852, and settled on his present estate of 445 acres, val-
ued at $50 per acre. He was Town Constable three years in Car-
thage, and was largely engaged in the livery business the same length
of time, where he resided nine years. Has been School Director, and
was formerly a member of the Methodist Church. Politically he
was an old-time Whig, and now adheres to the Republican admin-
istration, and is an early pioneer of Hancock.

Levi Barber, Jr., farmer, sec. 3; P. O., Carthage; was born in
Pittsfield, Pike county. 111., in 1839; is son of Austin Barber, of
that city, and one of the oldest settlers and respected citizens of
that connty. The subject of this sketch was engaged in merchan-
dising in Pittsfield until the war broke out, when he enlisted in
April, 1861, in Co. G, 8th 111. Vol. Inf. as 1st Sergeant, and served
three months, when he re-enlisted in same regiment, and served until

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COtJNTT. 691

June, 1864, when he was discharged by the President to raise a
company of 100-day men. This he accomplished at Pittsfield, and
was connected to the 137tli Regt. 111. Vol. Inf. with rank of Cap-
tain of Co. H. With this regiment he served until the close of the
term. He was with the Sth at the battle of Fort Donelson, where
he was wounded and confined at the hospital at Paducah, Ky., one
month. Upon recovery he again entered the ranks and partici-
pated in the battles of Shiloh, siege of Yicksburg, and in all the
smaller engagements in which that regiment participated. He was
at Memphis with the 137th when Forrest made his eventful raid
on that city. On his return home he was appointed Clerk in the
general office of Provost Marshal at Springfield, where he was
engaged one year. He afterwai'd engaged in the livery business
and merchandising in his native city until 1873, when he moved to
this county and settled on his present estate of 160 acres, valued at
$50 per acre. He was married in 1861 to Miss Amelia T. Scam-
mon, a native of Pittsfield, who died in 1875, leaving born to him
one child, Carrie. His present wife. Miss Mary E. Johnson, is a
native of Aurora, 111. To this union one son has been born, Lute.
Mr. B. served one year as Assistant Internal Revenue Collector at
Pittsfield, and was in other ways distinguished. He is a member
of the Masonic order, the A. O. U. W., and of the State Militia;
also, the family are members of the Presbyterian Church.

Ei. F. Bartholomew, professor of natural and phj'sical science,
was born in Northumberland county, Pa., in 1816. He received
his early education at the academj' of Foburgh, Snyder county,
Pa. The success attending his studies in this school is greatly due
to E. G. Erlenmeyer, professor of languages in that institution, to
whom he makes grateful remembrance in shaping his course in
life. Two years afterward he was employed as assistant in the same
institution eighteen months, where he entered the Missionary
Institute at Selin's Grove, Pennsylvania, and prepared for his col-
legiate studies. In the fall of 1868, he entered the sophomore class
of the Pennsylvania college at Gettysburg, and graduated with
second honors of his class in 1871, standing second in a class of
twenty-one. In the fall of the same year he was appointed prin-
cipal of the academy at Clark City, Mo., and the following year
moved to Cahoka, where he officiated as principal of the high school
two years. In 1872 he was united in marriage to Miss Kate L.
Fasold, a native of Northumberland county, Pa. To this union
3 children have been born, Nettie C, Frank R. and Cottie.
He was elected to the chair he now fills at Carthage College in
1874, and settled in this city, where he has since made it his home.
In 1875 he took ministerial orders in "Washington county. Ills.,
and subsequently filled the pulpit at Hamilton, this county, and
Mendon, Adams county. He has served as Secretary of the Synod
of Central Illinois two years, and officiates in the Trinity Lutheran
Church of this city. He has also been connected with the Sabbath-
school of the same Church as superintendent for four years.

692 HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

"William Bartholomew, his father, was a native of Christian county.
Pa., where he was born September 21, 1796. He died March 9. 1S61.
His mother, Susan E. (Wolf) Bartholomew, was born in Lehigh
county. Pa., July 10, 1800, and is, at this writing, a resident of that
State.

William D. Bennett, merchant, established _in 1872, has one
of the most extensive dry-goods houses in the city. Mr. B. carries
a stock of $9,000 and has an increasing trade. He was born in
Adams county, 111., in 1848; is son of W. L. and Bethier (Cord)
Bennett, natives of Ohio, who emigrated to this county at an ear-
ly day, and settled near Augusta where they resided until the
spring of 1860, when they moved to this city, where Mr. B. died
in 1868. His wife is still living. Mr. Bennett was engaged as
clerk in the hardware trade, until he opened his present place of
business. He was married in 1868 to Miss Mary A. Carlin, a
native of this county. To this union one child has been born,
Mabel. He is a member of A. O. U. W., and the family all mem-
bers ot the M. E. Church. Politically he is a Democrat.

Robert G. Bernethy, farmer, sec. 19; P. O., Carthage; is son of
James and Elizabeth (Gilliland) Bernethy, who emigrated to
Brown county, Ohio, at an early day, where they were married,
and moved to this county in May, 1835. He entered 120 acres of
land in LaHarpe tp., upon which he settled, and resided until his
death in January, 1877. He was one of the oldest pioneers of the
county. His estimable wife and 4 children survive. The subject
of this sketch was born in Brown county, O., in 1823, and is the
oldest of seven brothers. He laid out a farm from the Military Tract
in Fountain Green tp., which he cultivated from the stump. It
remains to-day one of the finest arranged farms in the county. In
1869 he disposed of his farm, and moved to his present e3|^*te of
70 acres which he has greatly improved, and is valued at $100 per
acre. He was united in marriage in Dec, 1863, to Mary, daughter
of Jabez A. Bebee, an early pilgrim of Fountain Green tp., now
deceased. Mr. B. has never aspired to public prominence, being
of a retiring disposition. His advantages for education were only
such as the pioneer sons of tliu county could get, but possessed of
energy and industry he has acquired a fine farm and enjoys the
circle of his home. Politically he was a strong Abolitionist, dyed
in the wool, and in war times was a Republican. He is now
allied to the Greenback platform. His influence was used in the
settlement of the Mormon difiiculties, after which time he traveled
extensively for one year.

MaVoi/ri P. Berry, lawyer, of the firm of Berry Bros. & Sharp,
was born in McDonough county. 111., in 1853. His father, Lebury
Berry, emigrated from Pennsylvania in 18-41 or '2, and settled in
Fountain Green tp. and engaged in farming. He resided there
until his wife died, in 1848, when he moved to McDonough county.
He was again married in 1851. He had 3 children, — Orville, Clar-
ence L. and Melvin P. He was a prominent man in McDonough

J^. G/aJK^A^

CARTHAGE

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 695

county, serving as Deputy Sheriff two terms and twice elected Sher-
iff of tlie county. He was Captain of Militia in the Mormon attack,
and after a life of usefulness, died in 1858. The subject of tliis sketch
read law in the office of Mack & Beard of this citj', attended colle-
giate studies, and was admitted to the Bar in Feb., 1879, and has
been in successful practice since that time. He was married to
Miss Hattie Campbell, a native of McDonough county, by whom
he has one child, Leota R. Mr. B. is connected with Judge Sharp
and his brother Orville in the practice of his profession. The
firm numbers auiong the pi-ominent members of the county Bar,
and represent a trio of Republicans in principles and politics.

Orville F. Berry, lawyer, firm of Berry Bros. & Sharp, is a son of
Lebury and Martha Berry, and was born in McDonough county
in 1852. His father was a prominent man in that county,
where he served as Deputy Sheriff" two terms, was twice elected
Sheriff of the county, and served as Captain of Militia in the
Mormon outbreak, and after a life of industry and usefulness
died in 1858. His mother died in 1860. Mr. B. secured his
education at the high school at Fountain Green, was admitted
to the Bar by the Supreme Court in 1877, and in January of the
same year formed a partnership with Judge Sharp, where he has
since been actively and successfully engaged in his profession. His
brother, M. P., was also admitted to this firm, which forms a circle of
the best legal fraternity of the c\iy. He was married in Fountain
Green tp. in 1873, to Miss Anna Barr, a native of Pennsylvania,
where she was born in 1850. One child has been born to them,
Clarence L.

Edward O. Boswell was the son of John and Catharine (Gam-
brel) Boswell. and was born in Ripley, near Cincinnati, Ohio, in
1825. The family resided in Ohio until 1865, at which time they
removed to Palmyra, Mo., and spent one winter. In the spring of
the same year they moved to Griggsville, Pike county. 111., and four
years afterward came to Hancock county, and settled on a farm
near Dallas. The following year Mr. B. retired from the active
field of life and moved to this city, where he resided until his death,
which occurred in 1873. He was largely engaged in the mercantile
business in Preble county, O., where he was married, in 1849, to
Miss Sophia Vanllorn, a native of the same county. To this
union 8 children were born, 7 of whom are living, — Anna, Mary,
Kate P., "William E. (the eldest son, at this time connected with
the postolfice of this city), Roscoe T., James M. and Libbie E. Mr.
B. followed merchandising at Griggsville, and by close attention to
business, energy, prudence, and industry realized success. He was
a modest, unassuming man, and a citizen highly esteemed and
honored by all who knew him.

John Boyd, hardware merchant, established in 1863, carries a
stock of $■4,000 and does a good business. He was born in Harri-
son county, O., in 1828. Is son of Samuel and Ellen (Leckard)
Boyd, natives of Ireland, who emigrated to America in 1812, and

41

696 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

settled in Ohio in 1813, and in 1S49 moved to Fairfield county,
Iowa, where they both died. Mr. B. became engaged in the mer-
cantile and grain business in Keokuk, where lie was largely' inter-
ested until 1863, when he came to this city, where he has since made
it his home. He was married in 186.5 to Miss Margaret O'llarra,
a native of Indiana. By this marriage 5 children have been born,
4 of whom are living, Cora B., Arthur W., Walter K. and Lettie F.
Politically Mr. B. is Democratic, and he is a thorough business man
of Carthage.

James H. Callahan, physician, was born in Adams county, 111.,
in 1844; his parents, John and Jane (Henry) Callahan, were
natives of Kentucky and Ireland. Grandfather Callahan emigrated
to Illinois and settled in Adams county, where he resided until his
death. His son, John, was then an infant, and is now one of the
oldest settlers ol that county, and resides in Columbia tp. The
subject of this sketch attended a course of studies at Bush Medical
College, at Chicago, 111., when he entered the Bellevue college,
N. Y., and was graduated at that institution in 1870. After a
few months' practice in Kingston, Adams county, he moved to this
city in October, 1870, where he has since been in active and suc-
cessful practice. The following year he was married to Miss
Emma Yeargain, a native of Adams county, who died in 1872.
His present wife. Miss Martha E. Simpson, is a native of Ken-
tucky. By this marriage 2 children have been born, one of
whom is living, Lena M. The Doctor is a member of the Metho-
dist E]uscopal Church, and of the I. O. M. A. He has a farm of
220 acres on sec. 23, valued at $40 per acre. In politics the Doctor
is Democratic.

A. M. Cannon, farmer, sec. 35; P. O., Carthage; is a native of
Howard county, Mo., where he was born in 1S21. His parents,
Simeon and Sarah (Cornelius) Cannon, are of German descent, and
settled in Missouri in 1808. where they both died in Macon county.
The subject of this sketch came to this county in 1844, and resided
•for two years in Harmony tp. He was married in 1845 to Miss
Elizabeth Gibson, a native of Indiana. Their children are all
living; William B., a prominent resident, and engaged in the
mercantile business in Huerfano county. Col.; Mary M.; JohnW.,
a resident physician of Grant City, Iowa; Sarah E.; James R., also
a resident of Colorado, and a large stock dealer; Alvin, Miles and
Fraidc. In 1846, Mr. Cannon moved to his present farm of 285
acres, where he has since made it his home and numbers among
those of the early settlers of the county; has served as School Direc-
tor, and in politics has been identified with the Bepublican party
for twenty years.

Melancton S. Carey.- -This gentleman, whose portrait, taken at
the age of 48, we give in this volume, was a native of the town of
Coventry, Chenan'go county, N". Y., where he was born March 1,
1820. At the age of 22 he left the homestead and en^ged in
teaching the village school at Brooklyn, Susquehanna Co., Pa.;

iflSTORT OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 697

next spring he returned to liis father's farm, and the following
winter returned to Pennsylvania, locating in Luzerne county, re-
suming his labors as a teacher; 1SJ:5-'J:9, he was clerk and pay-
master for Jonathan Wasley, a miner and coal operator at Potts-
ville. Pa.; in 1S50 he first came to Hancock county, locating at
Nanvoo, and followed farming for a time, varying that pursuit
with school teaching and keeping books. In 1853 or 1854 he
served that city as Mayor, and afterward served as Deputy under
Sheriffs Hamilton and Clarkson. He afterward moved to Car-
thage,where he was employed as assistant in various ofKcial positions.
-In 1S60 he was elected Sheriff, which office he filled two years
with credit; 1862-'4r, he was most of the time Deputy in the office
of the County Clerk, under F. M. Corby; in 186i he was elected
Circuit Clerk, and in 1S6S was re-elected, serving until 1872, since
which time he has served only on the Board of Supervisors, desir-
ing to devote his attention more exclusively to his personal affairs.
In the spring of 1S7S he went to Hot Springs, Ark., with his
wife and only living child, for his health; and there, May 20, of
that spring, he died. In private life, and in all his dealings with
others, he was a man above reproach; he was methodical and care-
ful in all his business affairs, whether public or private; as an offi-
cial he was exact, painstaking, punctual and courteous; as a citizen
he stood deservedly high, being a friend of education and contribut-
ing liberally to the growth and advancement of every interest of
the community. For two year? previous to his death he was a
member of the Presbyterian Church. He was buried in the family
plat in the east cemetery near Carthage, whither 4 of his chil-
dren had preceded him. Two of his sisters survive.

Oct. 2, 1853, Mr. Carey married Mrs. Esther C. Mix, of ISTauvoo;
she was born in Christie county. Pa., in 1820, the daughter of Mr. '
Lindsey; in 1837 she married Philip Mix, who was a machinist,
and settled in JS^auvoo in 1846. He went to California in 1849, and
died in 1852, while on his return home by way of the Isthmus,
leaving 3 children, 2 of whom died in Pennsylvania, and one
son, Thomas E., who enlisted in 1862 in Co. B, 118th 111. Vol. Inf.,
and after participating in many battles was killed in August, 1865.
Mrs. Carey and daughter Nellie still reside at Carthage. She has
one adopted son, Frank.

John Carlin\ P. O., Carthage; was born in Madison county,
Ky., in 1818. He was married in 1843, at Quincy, to Miss Martha
J. Flood, who was born in Montgomery county, Ky., in 1825,
daughter of "William J. and Jane Anderson, who settled in Adams
county in 1830, where Mrs. Anderson died in 1836; Mr. A. is liv-
ing with his widowed daughter in this city in the 76th year of his
age. Mr. Carliu came to this county from Quincy with the rifle
company during the Mormon disturbance in 1846; subsequently
he was engaged as Clerk in the Recorder's office, and afterward
elected to that position which he filled some years. He also was
elected Sheriff of the county, and was otherwise prominently

-698 HISTOKT OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

identified in the county and township. In fact, the whole time of
his residence in the county was devoted to the public good. He
"was a quiet, unassuming man, and his demise, which occurred in
this city in 1865, was a bereavement to a wide circle of friends.
He was an honored member of the Masonic fraternity, and the
father of 6 children, -i of whom are living: James W., Mary A.,
Lewis C. and Martha W. Mrs. C. has a pleasant home near the
■city, with 30 acres of valuable and productive land, where she re-
sides with her children. The familj' are members of the M. E.
Church.

James W. Carlton^ M. D., was born in Grant county, Ky., in
1835; is son of George W. and Maranda Tull, both natives of that
State, who emigrated to Illinois in 18-12, and settled in Beards-
town, Cass county. Two years afterward they removed to this
county, and settled in St. Alban's tp., where Mr. C. engaged in
farming and resided until 1859, when he made a permanent home
in Carthage tp., where he now lives. The subject of this sketch
received his early education at the Academic School, at New-
town, Kentucky, was a merchant a few years, attended med-
ical lectures in 1869 and '60, at the medical department of the
State University, at Keokuk, at which institution he was grad-
uated in 1865; was also a graduate of the AJissouri Medical Col-
lege, at St. Louis, Mo., in 1869. He began the practice of medi-
cine in 1861, in Harmony tp., where he was located eight years,
then settled in this citv, where he has since been in constant prac-
tice. He was married in 1S59 to Miss N. J. Hendricks, daughter
of John Hendricks, and a native of Grant county, Ky. To this
union 3 children have been born, all of whom are living; Eva M.,
Willie O. and Lelia M. The Dr. enjoys a well established prac-
tice, and is one of the oldest and ablest practitioners in the county,
as well as an early settler. Politically, is a Democrat.

0. P. Carlton, grocer, established in 1863, on west side of the
square, where he carried on business for three years ; was appointed
Deputy Circuit Clerk, and filled that oflice for eight years, when
he opened his present place of business. He carries a stock of
$2,000 and has a lucrative trade. He came to this county with his
parents, George W. and Maranda (Tull) Carlton, who emigrated to
this county in IBiO, where his mother died in 1858. His father is
still a living resident of this county. Mr. C. was married in 1867
to Miss Lucy Hendricks, a native ot Kentlicky, by whom he has
2 children, Carrie and Charlie P. He is a member of the A. O. U.
W., and politically is Democratic.

Charles Q. Clark, firm of Clark & Co., grain and lumber dealers,
was born in Otsego county, N. Y., in 1820; is son of Charles J.
and Eachel (Kaple) Clark, natives of New York, where the father
died at an early day. The mother is still living in this city in the
81st year of her age. Mr. C. was married in 1846, to Miss Mary
Andrews, a native of Otsego county, JST. Y. He first "studied for
the law in his native State, was admitted to the Bar in 1846, and

I

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 699

practiced his profession in Schoharie and Jamestown from 1855
to 1863. He came to this county in 1863 to settle the estate of a
deceased uncle, Benjamin Clark, who settled in this county in 1810.
Mr. C. becanae engaged in the grain business in 1865, and the
lumber trade in 1S67. In 1S73 he erected the large and commo-
dious elevator, and the firm, consisting of himself and his only 2
living children, Edward and Charles, carr}' on a large and success-
ful ti-ade. He is also largely engaged in the agricultural pursuit,
owning farming lands of 2,000 acres to which lie is devoting time
and attention; is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and in
politics is Republican.

James B. C'j'aw/brfZ, farmer, sec. 30; P. O., Carthage; was born
in Pock Castle county, Ky., in March, 1836; is youngest child of
Harrison and Alice (Thompson) Crawford, natives of that State,
who emigrated to this county in the spring of 1850, and settled on
the homestead of their surviving son. Mr. C. was a blacksmith by
trade, and engaged a portion of his time in that business during
his residence here. The farm was all prairie at that time, and the
subject of this sketch (then a boy) turned over the first sod in this
tp. His mother died in 1865, and his father survived until 1870.
Mr. C. was married in 1S5S, to Miss Josephine Davis, a native of
Butler count\\ O. To this union 9 children were born, 6 of whom
are living, — Alice C, Lizzie H., Nellie, Eva, Edward C. and Jose-
phine; deceased are Joplin, James E. and Edith. Edward and
Edith were twins, as also were James E. and Josephine. Of his
father's family there were 4 children : Margaret, wife of Thomas
Hill; Josiah J., died Xov., 1856; Elizabeth, wife of Charles R. Sco-
field. Josiah was a graduate of the McDowell Medical College, St.
Louis, and practiced here until his death, and was among the lead-
ing and early physicians of this county. The homestead farm con-
sists of 60 acres, valued at $50 per acre. Mr. C. is a member of
A. 0. CJ. W., and of the Christian Church. Politically is Demo-
cratic, and numbers among those of the early settlers, and is well
and favorably known throughout the town and county.

James JV. Curretis. boots and shoes; this house was established
in August, 1878, in present location; carries a stock of $3,500, and
has a good trade. Mr. C. is a native of Adams county, Peun.,
where he was born in 1856. His parents are Charles M. and Eliza
(Kandolpli) Currens, both natives of that State, who emigrated to
Hlinois in 1860, and settled in Plymouth, where Mrs. C. died in
1862. He is yet living at that place. The subject of this sketch
was married March 25, 1880, to Miss Josie, daughter of J. W.
Hawley, of this city. lie is a member of the A. O. U. W., and of
the Presbyterian Church, and is one of the rising young business
men of Carthage. Politically, is a Republican.

Dwight C. Cutler, druggist, book and news dealer, succeeded A.

F. Sims in this business in 1874; carries a stock of $4,000 and

L enjoys a good trade. Mr. C. is a native of Erie county, N. Y.,

where he was born in 1848. His parents were Albert and Permelia

700 HISTOKT OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Cutler, natives of that State, who emigrated to this county in 1S69,
and settled in this city, where they are yet living. The sul)jeet of
this sketch has been engaged in the book business ever since his
coming to the county. He was married in 1875 to Miss Elizabeth
Showers, a native of Ohio. To them have been born 3 children, —
Elsy, Homer and the youngest, not yet christened. Mr. C. filled
the office of Town Clerk two terms, and is a member of the A. O.
U. W. Politically he is Democratic.

Nathan Cutler, farmer, sec. 28; P. O., Carthage; was born in
Erie county, N. T., in 1819; is son of Jonas P. and Martha (Jones)
Cutler, natives of Vermont, who emigrated to Illinois in 1838, and
settled in Canton, Fulton county. In 1S52 they moved to this
county, and settled in Pilot Grove tjx, where Mr. C. died in 1858.
The subject of this sketch was married in ISli to Miss Hannah
Ward, a native of Pennsylvania, and daughter ot Aaron Ward, wlio
settled in Fulton county in 1828. Py this marriage •! children have
been born, all of whom are living. Parkurst W., eldest son, married
Fannie G. Barker. The fruits of this union are 2 cliildren, Natlian

B. and Ward A. James C. married Mary A. Barker, and they
had one child, Francis G. ; also an adopted child, Nellie. Frances
N. and Martha C. The two wives and mothers, are daughters of
Augustus Barker, of Iowa, deceased. They are both natives of
Ohio. The mother, Catherine Barker, is living in this tp. Mr.

C. and his sons reside on the estate, consisting of 700 acres of
valuable and productive land. He was the eldest of 11 children,
10 of whom are living. He was left without means, and his accu-
mulations have been secured only by his own industry and energy.
The family are members of the Baptist Church.

William P. Damron, a native of Pendleton county Va., where
he was born March 7, 1833, is a son of George H. and Jane
(Lyon) Damron, natives of that State, who emigrated to Hancock
county in 1855, and settled in Bear Creek tp., where they both died
in 1859. The subject of this sketch engaged in farming until
elected to his present position as Sheriff in 1878. He enlisted in
1861 in the 18th 111. Vol. Inf, and served until the close of the
war. The following year he was married to Miss Catherine E.
Seger, a native of New Jersey. To tJiis union 2 children have
been born, Lena L. and William H. Mr. D. has been prominently
identified with the interests of the county for many years; was first
elected Constabk, and afterward served five times as Supervisor,
Justice of the Peace, Assessor, Collector and School Director, most of
the time during his residence in the county. Also, is a prominent
member of the Masonic order. In politics he is a Democrat.

James Monroe Davidson, editor of The Carthage Repuilican,
was born in Madison county. 111., on May 22, 1828. He came with
his parents to the town of Petersburg, then in Sangamon, now
Menard, county, in 1833. From thence the family removed to
Lewistown. Fulton county, in 1838. He served a ])eriod of appren-
ticeship to the printing business in Lewistown during the years

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. VOl

1843-'4; and in lSi5, in connection with another young man, a
3'ear or two older than himself, started a newspaper called The
Fulton Gazette^ the publication of which was continued some 12
or 14 months. He then read law during the year or two following.
He was engaged by employment in a newspaper enterprise in
Canton, in the same county, trom some time in 1847 to ls4S.

Mr. Davidson was married to Miss Susan Candace Springer at
Springfield, Illinois, on Nov. 28, 1853. Twelve children were born
to this marriage, of whom 11 are living. 5 sons and 6 daughters.

In 1855 Mr. Davidson established The Fulton Democrat, at Lewis-
town, 111. In the fall of 1S59 he sold the paper to his brother, William
T. Davidson, Esq., its present able proprietor. During the winter
following, he was employed as Legisative correspondent, at Spring-
tield, for the St. Louis Republican and Ciiicago Times. From the
fall of 1859 to some time in 1861 he published the Squatter Sover-
eign, at Havana, Mason county. During a part of 1862 he was
connected with the Chicago Times, as traveling correspondent,
and for a short time as telegraph editor.

In Sept., 1863, he purchased an assumed control of The Carthage
Republican, and has since continued its proprietor and editor.

William De Hart, farmer, sec. 9; P. O., Carthage; is a native of
"Whitby tp., Upper Canada, where he was born in 1828. He came
to this county in 1S38, with his parents, Thomas and Rebecca
(McCausland) DeHart, both natives of that Dominion, who settled
in Pilot Grove tp. In 1850 the father crossed the plains to California,
where he died the same year. The wife and mother died at Pilot
Grove in 1874. The subject of this sketch was married in 1858
to Miss Mary Hillegoss, a native of Indiana. To this union 9
children have been born, 7 of whom are living: Charles, the eldest
son, is a student of law in the ofhce of Schofield &, Edmunds of
this cit}', and a graduate of Carthage College in 1877; Emma,
Martha, Ellen, George, William and Carrie. Mr. D. moved to
this tp. in 1870 and settled on his present estate, consisting of
500 acres, valued at $40 per acre. He also owns the homestead at
Pilot Grove, of one section, and other lands, constituting a grand
total of 1,040 acres. He is probably the largest landholder in
Hancock county. His opportunities for education were such as
could be afforded the children of pioneer settlers. His fine and
convenient residence at Fairview is a monnment to his industry
and his success. Politically, he used to be an old-line Wiiig, and is
now a Republican.

F. T. Dorothy, livery-stable keeper, is the son of Archibald and
Sarah (Perkins) Dorothy, natives of Kentucky and Tennessee.
His mother was a daughter of Ephi-aim Perkins, who settled in this
county in 1826. She is a living resident of this township, in the
63d year of her age. Archibald Dorothy settled in McDonough
county in 1836, before township organization. He was a farmer
and a prominent stock-dealer of that count}-. In 1854 he moved
to this county and settled in this township, where he died in 1863.

702 : HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNIT.

He was widely and favorably known throughout the county. The
subject of this sketch resided on the farm until he opened his pres-
ent place of business in April, 1879. He has a good stock of
horses and carriages, and enjoys a good trade. He was married in
1868 to Miss Augusta, daughter of David Baxter, a native of this
county. Two children are the fruits of this marriage, Stella and
Archie. Mr. D. owns the homestead farm in this township, of 160
acres, valued at $75 per acre. He is a member of the I. O. M. A.,
and a living relic of the Hancock pioneer family.

John S. Duffy, farmer, sec. 30; P. O., Carthage; is the son of
Anthony and Matilda (Spangler) Dufiy, and was born in Hancock
county in 1842. His parents were both born in Pennsylvania, and
they came to this county in 1S33. He entered and purcliased land,
and is one of the oldest living settlers of the county. The subject
of this sketch moved to this township in 1868, and the following
year located on his present farm of 80 acres valued at §40 per acre.
He was married in 1871 to Miss Lydia, daughter of David Barr,
an early settler of Fountain Green township, who died in Kansas
while on a visit to that State. Slie was a native of Mercer county,
Pa. Mr. D. enlisted in 1862 and served until the close of the war.
He participated in tiie battles of Arkansas Post, siege of Yicks-
burg, Yazoo River, Port Gibson, Champion Hills, Jackson and all
the battles of that regiment. He is a member of the A. 0. U. W.,
and in politics is a Republican.

Prof. L. F . M. Misterday, A. M., of Carthage College. Levi
Fast Easterday was born near the town of York, of Yellow Creek,
in Knox tp., Jefferson county, O., Oct. 21, 1839. He is the second
in a family of 9 children, all of whom with parents are living.
His father was born in Jefferson county, O., Oct. 19, 1813.
His grandfather, Christian, was born in Maryland Oct. 18, 1789.
His great-grandfather, Martin, at about the age of six years, and
between the years 1760 and 1770, wasbrought by his father Martin,
from Alsace, Germany, to Maryland. The name of the family
while in Germany was Ostertag, but it was Anglicised after their
removal to this country. The mother of Prof. Easterday, whose
maiden name was Jane Robertson, was born in Jefferson county,
O., Aug. 8, 1816. From his mother Prof. E. derives both Irish
and Scotch blood, but from his fatiier only German. The subject
of this sketch was reared upon a farm, and taught to labor dili-
gently with his hands. AVhen 12 j-ears of age the famil}' removed
to Illinois and settled upon a farm in Montgomery county. He had
the ordinary educational advantages as afforded at country schools at
that time. He was sent to college a few weeks befoi'e he attained
' the age of 19 years, and at the age of 23 years graduated with
honor at a college then known as the Illinois State Univei'sity,
Springfield, 111. Having in his student life exhibited a fondness
for and special success in the study of mathematics, and also an
aptness in teaching, on the day of iiis graduation he was elected
to the professorship of mathematics in his own abna mater. Find-

\ /

-'-?«^t^'^«4^

CARTHAGE

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 705

ing this institution could not be sustained on account of a lack of
funds, at the end of the fourth j'ear he withdrew. He then
accepted the principalship of the Hillsboro Academy, at Ilills-
boro. 111. He managed this for two years, beginning with 17
pupils and enrolling during the second year the names of 164. In
the summer of 1870, he was called to the principalship of a classical
school preparatory to a prospective Carthage College, at Carthage,
111. He first entered Carthage on the morning of August ,18, 1870,
and by September 5 this school was opened with an attendance
of 12 students. For two years he was alone in this new enterprise.
On the organization of a faculty for the college, three years after-
ward, he was made Professor of Mathematics and Astronomy in the
institution. This position he still holds. After the death of his
co-laborer, President Tressler, he was made treasurer of this col-
lege. He received the degree of A. B. on his graduation, and the
degree of A. M. was conferred upon him two years later by the
board of trustees of the same institution. In June, 1874, the
board of trustees of Pennsylvania College at Gettysburg, Pa., con-
ferred upon him the honorary degree of A. M. Prof. Easterday
was married to Miss Abbie Warren Hunsaker, of Carthage, III., on
the evening of August 18, 1874. To this union 3 sons have been
born, Fred Ralph, Phil Rufus and Cad Roy. Blessed with an
excellent constitution and corresponding energ3% coupled with
mirthfulness, the Professor has the reputation of a hard-worker
in both physical and mental development. He has done much
toward the success of Carthage College, and his ability and success
is fully attested by the universal confidence and respect of his fel-
low-citizens.

John W. Everett, merchant, was born in Franklin county, Pa.,
Dec. 9, 1839, son of John and Lydia (Neusbaun) Everett, both na-
tives of that State, where she died in, 1880. He is still a resident
of that county. The subject of this sketch enlisted Aug. 20, 1862,
in the 126th Pa. Vol. Inf , nine months' service, and participated
in the battles of Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg and Chancel-
lorsville, and served 10 months. He re-enlisted as first-class pri-
vate of Capt. O. H. Howard's detachment of the Signal Service, U.
S. A., Feb. 27, 1864, and discharged Aug. 3d, 1865. He displayed
all the qualities of a good soldier at the battles of New Market,
Piedmont, Lexington, Lynchburg, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek,
"Waynesboro', Dinwiddie C. H., Five Forks, Tailor's Creek, Appo-
mattox Station and C. H., and was the only person not a general
ofiicer that was present at Lee's surrender. In May, 1866, he
came to this county and engaged in the mercantile trade at Foun-
tain Green until 187.5, when he moved to this city and established
himself on the Public Square. In 1878 he occupied his present
place, where he has since been engaged. He carries a stock of
$6,000 and enjoys a lucrative trade. He was married in June,
1868, to Miss Sarah Stark, a native of Franklin Co., Pa., where she
was born April 8, 1843, and died in this city Sept. 19,1877. Mr.

706 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

E. has been identified as Supervisor, is a member of the A. O. U.
"W., and a member of the Presbyterian Church. Politically he is
a Republican.

Hiram O. Ferris is a son of Stephen Gano Ferris, and was born
in Steuben county, N. Y., in 1S2^. He was educated at Knox Col-
lege, 111.; after completing his studies there in 1850, he crossed the
plains to California, where he attained considerable prominence in
politics. In the winter of 1851-'2 he was appointed by the Legis-
lature of the State of California as one of the commissioners to or-
ganize the county of Siskij'ou. After serving on this commission
until their work was finished, he was elected County Clerk of that
county, in which capacity he served for two terms. In 1856 he
returned to this county (Hancock). Having previously read and
studied law, he made application to the Supreme Court of Illinois
for admission to the " Bar," which, after undergoing an examina-
tion by that honorable court, was granted. Soon afterward, Mr.
Ferris formed a partnership with Hooker & Edmunds, Att'ys, at
Carthage, under the firm name of Ferris, Hooker & Edmunds.
This firm was dissolved in 1863, and the business continued by
Ferris & Hooker. In 1864 this firm was also dissolved, Mr. Fer-
ris continuing the same until 1865. During this year he associ-
ated himself with F. M. Corby, and organized a banking institu-
tion, the firm being Ferris & Corby. They were also largely in-
terested in real estate transactions.

This banking institution formed the nucleus of what is now
" The Hancock County National Bank, of Carthage," which was
organized under certificate of authority dated May 18, 1865, by the
Comptroller of Currency at Washington, D. C. The institution
opened its doors for business as a national Ijank June 5, 1865. Mr.
Ferris was at ouce elected President of this bank, continuing to
hold the position to the present time. This bank is considered one
of the most solid and substantial in the country, having passed
through all the panics with credit unimpaired. Its officers have
the unlimited confidence of the people in all transactions. The
bank building is situated on the northwest corner of the Public
Square in Carthage. It is a substantial brick structure and was
built in 18Y1.

Mr. Ferris is a Royal Arch Mason and Knight Templar, and has
been a member of the Masonic order since January, 1850. While
in California he was Senior Grand Deacon of the Grand Lodge of
the State for one year. He has also held the office of Master of
Hancock Lodge JMo. 20, of Carthage, of the A, F. & A. M., at dif-
ferent times, collectively making about five years. In politics, Mr.
Ferris entertains the views and principles re])resented by the Demo-
cratic part}', and during the " war " of Secession, was firm in sup-
porting the Union cause, using his influence and his means for the
speedy crushing of the Rebellion. Mr. Ferris has served four
terms as President of the Board of Trustees of the town of Car-
thage, being elected on the anti -license ticket; and has also served

HISTOEY OF HANCOCK COUNTV. 707

as Supervisor, and has bad various other local offices, having re-
ceived nominations from each political party.

Mr. Ferris wa? married in McDonongh county-, 111., Aug. 20,
1857, to Miss Julia E. Ilolton, a native of" that county. They now
reside at Carthage, and are surrounded by a family of 9 children:
Junius C, a graduate of Carthage College, and now attending
Columbia College, N. Y.; Esta M.,Stephen II., Julia, Ellen, Phojbe,
Hiram B., Joel E. and Harold G.

J. M. Ferris, Justice of the Peace, was born in Chenango
county, N. Y., in 1816; is the oldest son of Stephen Gano Ferris,
who was born in Hillsdale, Columbia county, N. Y., Aug. 11, 1788,
and Eunice (Beebe) Ferris, a native of New London, Conn., who
emigrated to Hancock in 1832, landing at Traders' Point, now
Keokuk, in December of that year. The family, consisting of his
wife and 6 children, landed on the Illinois shore opposite Keokuk,
Dec. 13, 1832, and made a settlement in Lick Grove, now Fountain
Green, where he opened a farm and resided until 1846, when he
sold his estate and made his home with his son in this city. He
died at Fountain Green Nov. 29, 1876. He was one of the earliest
pioneers of Hancock, and left a wide circle of friends to mourn
his loss. The subject of this sketch resided at home until 21 years
of age, when he began the practice of law. He has been Justice
of the Peace 15 or 20 years. County Judge 8 years, and has made
his home in this city since 1852, in which year he was married to
Miss Lavina White, a native of Alleghany county, N. Y. To them
have been born 3 children: Ella (wife of J. M. Davidson), Maggie
and Frank L. Mr. F. is one of the oldest professional lawyers in
the county, aud one of the oldest living pioneers. Politically he
is a Republican, and strong in the endorsement of the principles

foverning that part}', and is solid for Grant as President of the
Lcpublic.

Stephen Qano Ferris. — This gentleman, whose portrait is given
on another page (from a photograph taken at the age of 86), was
widely known throughout this and adjoining counties as one of the
earliest pioneer settlers in this part of the State. His history will
not be without interest to the present reader, or those of the far
future, especiallj' as to the methods of travel from the Eastern
States to the West, and some of the characteristics of frontier life.
Stephen Gano Ferris was born in the town of Hillsdale, Columbia
county, N. Y., Aug. 11, 1788. At the age of four years he accom-
panied his father's family in their removal to North Norwich, Che-
nango county, N. Y., then a frontier county and quite sparsely
settled. Here in the course of time he learned the tanner aud
currier's trade, and followed that business until his father removed
to Yates county, N. Y., probably 1810 or 1812. On Aug. 11, 1814,
(the 23d anniversary of his birth) he was married to Miss Eunice
Beebe, in Chenango count}', N. Y. About the year 1820 he re-
moved to the town of Howard, Steuben county, N. Y., which was
then a frontier county. Here he remained until the spring of 1832,

70S HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

when, pursuant to an arrangement between himself and his brother-
in-law, Mr. Jabez A. Beebe (the latter havinej come West the pre-
vious year and purchased land where Fountain Green now stands),
with his family, consisting of a wife and 6 children, he started
West by the way of the Alleghany, Ohio and Mississippi rivers,
via Cincinnati and St. Louis. His intention was to come down the
Alleghany river to Pittsburg on a lumber raft, but in consequence
of low water was detained at Olean Point, N. Y., until some time
in the fall. When Mr. Ferris got ready for another start he was
joined by Wm. Stearns (an early settler in this county), and a man
named Carman, with their families. They purchased a flat-boat,
which they covered and provided with the necessary facilities for
cooking and lodging for their families. In this boat they journeyed
leisurely with the current. They arrived in Cincinnati some time in
October, having been about nine weeks on the river. Here they
sold the flat-boat and transferred themselves and goods to the steam-
boat Niagara, bound for St. Louis, Mo., at which point they ar-
rived about Dec. 1.

While in Cincinnati Mr. Ferris and Mr. Carmau were approached
by a man named Austin, who endeavored to persuade them to
divert their course to Texas, offering to each several leagues of good
land free of charge if they would go there with their families; but,
having made other arrangements, they declined the tempting offer.
Austin was afterward prominently identified with Texas and its
struggle for independence from Mexico. The town of Austin, now
the capital of Texas, was named after him.

On the arrival of the steamboat Niagara at Jefferson Barracks,
eight miles below St. Louis, it was obliged to wait some eight hours,
unloading Government stores. It happened that the celebrated
Indian Chief, Black Hawk, was a prisoner of war at the barracks
at that time, and Mr. Ferris, accompanied by his son Hiram G.,
then 10 years old, went up to the barracks and saw the chief and
talked with him.

Arriving at St. Louis, it seemed as if the lateness ot the season
would compel the party to seek winter quarters in that vicinity;
but luckily a small steamboat called the William Wallace was
about to attempt the trip to Traders' Point, now Keokuk. Mr.
Ferris engaged passage for himself and family, altiiough the Cap-
tain would not agree to carry them to any particular point in view
of the possible closing of navigation at any hour. On arriving at
Quiucy the Captain declined going any farther unless liberally paid
for it. Mr. Ferris and others paid the price demanded, and the
avaricious Captain — who was in addition to his rough manners a
hrutal felloiv — came on to Traders' Point, landing there about the
10th or lltli of December. At that time Traders' Point com-
prised three or four log cabins at the base of the hill. The popu-
lation consisted of three or four traders and their families, and 100
or so of Indians and half-breeds who were loafing about. There
was no house where Hamilton now stands. The first house above

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 709

Fort Edwards (now Warsaw) was the cabin of Abraham Smith,
about two and a half miles above the present town of Hamilton.
Desiring to cross the river to Mr. Smith's place, Mr. Ferris paid a
man $16 to ferry his family and personal etfects across the river.
The boat was a crazy afiair, very leaky and not at all adequate to
the burthen imposed upon it. After loading the boat with its
living freight and household goods, it was towed some three miles
up the river by horses, and from that point " poled" across. In the
boat, in addition to Mr. Ferris' family and effects, were Mr. Stearns
and his family and eii'ects. and a horse and wagon. After various
and exciting besetments with the rapids and rocks, the boat, about
one-third full of water, was finally landed not far from Mr.
Smith's cabin, and the long and tedious journey by water was
ended.

As landed upon the shores of Illinois, Mr. Ferris' family com-
prised himself and wife and 6 children, as follows: John M., the
eldest son, now a prominent citizen of Carthage; Leonard T.,
second son, now a prominent physician at Fountain Green; Fran-
cina R., the eldest daughter, afterward the wife of S. H. Tyler, Jr.
(died at Fountain Gi'een in fall of 1S59) ; Hiram G., third son, now
President of the Hancock County iNational Bank, of Carthage;
Dorothy L., second daughter, died at Fountain Green, Sept. 5, 1842,
in her 17th year, unmarried; Fidelia B., third daughter, first wife
of Dr. A. J. Grifiith. and mother of W. H. Griffith, Esq., of this
city. This lady died in Philadelphia, Pa., Jan. 2S, 1S49, in her
19th year. Her remains were brought back and buried at Fountain
Green.

The crossing at Traders' Point was made on the 13th of Decem-
ber, 1832; and on the following day Mr. Ferris and his son John
M. walked across to Horse Lick Grove (now Fountain Green), some
22 miles, where they employed a man named Geo. W. Howard to
haul his familj^ and goods to their destination. Tiie trip was made
with an ox team to haul the household goods, and a one-horse
■wagon to haul the family. They arrived at Fountain Green Dec.
15, 1832. Mr. Beebe and family, having arrived the year previous,
had a comfortable double log house, which he shared with Mr.
Ferris' family until spring. Mr. Ferris then purchased of Mr.
Beebe 110 acres of lami, upon which, on the ground now occupied
by Mr. McClaughry's residence, in Fountain Green, he built a com-
fortable log house; in the spring of 1833 he opened out the farm
and built a small tannery. The latter, after a fair trial, proved
impracticable on account of scarcity of bark. Some five years
later he built a small saw-mill on the creek not far from Fountain
Green. This proved unprofitable, and thenceforward until 18-15 he
gave his attention mainly to farming. July 15, 1836, he sold the
most of his farm to Mr. McClaughry. Sept. 14, 1860, his wife
died at Fountain Green. Then he came to Carthage and made his
home with the family of his son, Hiram G. Ferris, where he lived,
with few absences, until his death, which occurred on the evening

710 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

of I^ovember 29, 1876, while on a visit at the house of his son, Dr.
L. T. Ferris, in Foimtain Green, at the age of 88 years, 3 months
and 18 days. He was buried iu the village grave-yard by the side
of his wife, where lie the remains of other members of his family.

Stephen G. Ferris, besides being one of the earliest pioneers in
this county, is given the highest tribute, by those who knew him
best during his life-time, as being in an eminent degree an honest
man, a good neighbor, a kind friend and Christian gentleman. In
early life he became a member of the Baptist Church, and main-
tained that membership and the faith it taught until his death.
When he tirst settled at Horse Lick Grove there were not to exceed
200 people within the present boundaries of Hancock county. The
nearest mill was 60 miles distant; and in lieu of flour, people had
to be content with coarse meal pounded from dry corn in a wooden
mortar. These, among others, were some of the vicissitudes and
hardships endured by the pioneers, that we might enjoy the con-
veuiencies and luxuries of the present day.

John. Fletcher, farmer,sec. 21; P. O., Carthage; is the eldest son of
William and Ann (Davidson) Fletcher, and was born in Scotland
in August, 1831. When Ave years of age his parents emigrated
to America, stopping one year in Canada, and located in Hamilton
county, O., the following year, where they resided until Nov.,
1841, at which time they settled in this tp., where he is still living,
in the 79tli year of his age. His respected wife has attained her
80th year. Tiie subject of this sketch was married in 1853, to
Miss Amanda Powell, a native of Ohio. By this marriage 5 chil-
dren have been born, 4 of whom are living: Margaret A., William
A., Edward U. and Minnie; Mary E., deceased. After marriage
he settled south of his father's farm, on his present estate, in the
fall of 1863, which he improved, and erected a fine, commodious
dwelling. This farm, consisting of 300 acres, is valued at $55 per
acre. Mr. F. has dealt considerably in stock since 1862, besides
attending to the farming interests, and the duties of his public
position. He has filled the office of Chairman of the Republican
Committee for 15 years, Justice of the Peace five years, Commis-
sioner of Highways, Treasurer of the Board, and School Director
a number of years, was elected Collector in the spi-ing of 1880,
and has otherwise been prominently distinguished. In politics he
is a stalwart Republican, and in a strict sense of the word is a
self made man. He commenced life in very limited circumstan-
ces, but, through energy and good management, has attained
success. Being an active politician in the Republican ranks, he exer-
cises considerable influence, believing that the principles of Repub-
licanism are the only ones calculated to advance the best interests of
this country. The family number among those of the early and
respected families of the county.

George Flynn^ farmer, sec. 3; P. O., Carthage; was born in
Ireland in 1835, emigrated to America in 1850, and settled in
Butler county, O., where he worked on a farm and teamed it be-

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 711

tween that point and Cincinnati. In 1S5S he came to this county,
and rented until lie had, by prudence, secured enough means to
purchase a portion of his present estate, now consisting of 160
acres, with 50 acres on south side of the road. This farm is one
of the most valuable and productive in the tp. Mr. F. was mar-
ried in 1S59, to Miss Delia Donohue, a native of Ireland, who
died in 1S76, leaving 6 children, all of whom are living; George
O., Frank, John, William H., Mary J. and Delia. His present
wife, Ellen A. Kelly, is a native of Ireland and daughter of
Laurence Kelly, of Hock Creek, who came to this county in
1850, is still a resident of this tp. , and in the 7Sth year of his age.
By this marriage, one child has been born, Catherine. The family
are members of the Catholic Church at Carthage. Mr. F. values
his land at $50 per acre. He dealt largely in stock during the
war, and is considerably engaged in that business at this time.
Politically, he does not bind himself to any party, but votes for
the man most worthy of support.

John L. Foutch, merchant, firm of Foiitch & Shultz, was born
in Washington county, Md., March 3, 1S21:; is a son of William and
Catherine (Caashter) Foutch, natives of Virginia, who emigrated to
Maryland, where they both died. He came to this State in 18-17, and
located in Springfield; same year he removed to Canton, Fulton Co.,
where he lived until 1S57, when he moved to this city. He was
a blacksmith and worked at his trade until he enlisted in 1862, as
2d Sergt. in Co. K, llSth I. V. I., and served until Oct., 1865. He
participated in the battles on the Yazoo. Ark. Post^ Milliken's Bend
Vicksburg, Thompson's Hill, Raymond, Champion Hills, Black
river bridge, siege of Vicksburg, Port Hudson, Baton Rouge, and all
the smaller engagements in which the regiment was engased. He
was mustered out Oct. 1, 1865; was married March 14, 1849 to
Miss Mary Cutler, a native of Erie county', N. Y. Two children
have been born to this marriage, one of whom is living, Amanda,
wife of A. C. Shultz. Mr. F. is a member of the Baptist Church,
and is Republican in politics.

Chas. W. Goodrich^ farmer sec. 22; P. O. Carthage; is a son of
I^eshach Goodrich, who was born in Rensselaer county, N. Y. in
1794. When 16 years of a^e he went to Shenandoah county, Va.,
where he was married in l\Iay, 1815, to Miss Rebecca Ruddell, a
native of the same county. In 1818 he purchased the land of his
present estate of 160 acres from the soldiers, it being patent land,
and settled on the same in 1839. He raised a family of 12 children,
7 of whom are living, Susan, Sarah and John, all residents of San
Francisco; Charles, Amanda, wife of Wm. Raleigh, a descendant
of Walter Raleigh, residents of Chicago; James, who lives in the
township, and Frank, of McDonough county. Mr. G. was drafted
in the war of 1812, but the retreat of the British secured him his
discharge. He is one of the oldest living pioneers of the county.
For two years past he has been an invalid, and confined most
of the time to his bed; he became associated with the Christian

712 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Church when 19 years of age and has always led a devout Christian
life. The subject uf this sketch was born in this township in
1813. He was united in matrimony to Miss Mildred D. Davis, a
native of Virginia. Their children are: Ada E., John F., Charles E.
and Emma M. Mr. G. has resided on the homestead all bis life;
has a farm of 60 acres, and 10 acres in sec. 26, and numbers among
the pioneers of the county. Politicallj'. is Democratic. The family
are lineal descendants of the Goodrich family that emigrated to
America in the days of early pilgrimage, and are extensively
known.

A. J. Griffith, physician, was born in Highland county, O., in
1822; is son of L. L. "VVillin and Hannah (Hope) Griffith, who
emigrated to Illinois in 1S12, and settled in Fulton county, where
they resided until 1856, when they moved to this county and
settled in Fountain Green where his father worked at his trade,
wagon-making. He began the study of medicine in the office
of P. S. Secon, at Fountain Green; was educated at Missouri
Medical College, and attended medical lectures at the Jefferson
Medical School at Philadelphia; in 1816 he began the practice
of medicine at Fountain Green. In 1818 he was married to Miss
Fidelia, youngest child of Stephen G. Ferris, a native of jSTew York,
who died in 1849 leaving one child, "William. In 1850 he crossed
the plains to California, where he remained two years. In 1854
he moved to this city and followed his profession for some years,
when he retired from practice, and in 1865 became associated with
the Hancock JSTational Bank, of which he is Vice-President and a
large stockholder. He was again married in 1854 to Miss Margaret
McClaughry, a native of New York city, by whom he has two
children, Kate and Ralph. Mr. G. is largely interested in the
Kepublican press of this city, has been a member of the Masonic
order since 1846, and is one of the prominent business men of
Carthage. Politically is a Democrat.

William Griffith, cashier Hancock National Bank, was born in
Philadelphia, Pa., in Jan., 1849, and with his parents settled in
this city, where he has since made it his home. In Sept., 1867, he
was called to fill his present position in the bank, where he has
been continuously engaged ever since. He served as Town Clerk
one term and Town Treasurer two terms. He was married Oct.,
1873, to Miss Clara M., daughter of David E. Head. By this
marriage they have one child, Ethil. Mr. G. is a member of the
A. O. U. W. and of the Baptist Church.

Artois Hamilton. — This pioneer settler, whose portrait is given
on another page, was born in Tolland, Mass., Aug. 15. 1795; he
moved to Montgomery county, N. Y., in 1822, and was married to
Miss Atta Bentley, of that county, February 22, 1827. In 1835 Mr.
Hamilton removed his family, then consisting of his wife and four
children, to Hancock county, 111.; he travei'sed the entire distance
with horse teams, consuming nearly two months on the road. He
arrived at Carthage July 22 of that year. During the first two

--- ''^■■

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'tnrit/l/rv^

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 715

weeks that be speut in Carthage, himself and fanaily slept in
their wagons and prepared their food hard by on the prairie. He
fed his horses on the grass which he cut as needed on the open
prairie, where the court-house now stands. At the end of two
weeks Mr. Hamilton leased a dwelling on the site, now occupied by
the dwelling of Mrs. Dr. Randolph, where he lived some three
months. In the spring he purchased a small log house, into which
he moved with his family. To this house he added other rooms
until it was large enough to entertain travelers, and his dwelliag
thereafter became by common consent the hotel of the village,
which he kept uninterruptedly until 1851, and maintained its repu-
tation above the reproach of either "saint" or "gentile." He,
withal, had leisure time to enter and improve five or six quarter
sections of land in the vicinity of his new home. Close attention to
his accumulating interests and prudent management soon made Mr.
Hamilton the wealthiest man in the county.

During the eventful period of the Mormon war, he was neces-
sarily a spectator to most of the stirring events of that time. His
hotel being the general headquarters for the traveling public at Car-
thage, very frequently he was compelled to entertain guests at the
same hour holding the most antagonistic views on the Mormon
question. When Joseph and Hyrum Smith were killed at the Car-
thage jail, Mr. Hamilton, as soon as he heard of it, went to the jail
with a wagon and conveyed the bodies to his house, where he con-
structed rude coffins in which they were placed. On the following
morning, accompanied by two of his sons and two neighbors, he
conveyed the bodies in a wagon to ISlauvoo and delivered them to
their friends. For this humane act he was cordially thanked by
the Mormon people, and was also offered substantial tokens of their
gratitude. The last, however, he declined. During the hostiities
that followed between the Mormons and Anti-Mormons, an artillery
company at Carthage had, for some cause, disbanded, and a six-
pound iron cannon belonging to it had, to some extent, be-
come public property. Mr. Hamilton, learning that a Mormon
squad headed by one Jo Backenstos, a " Jack Mormon" leader,
was coming ■ to take away the cannon, unlimbered the gun and hid
it in a cornfield, where it staid until the arrival of the State forces,
to whom he gave it up.

In July, 1851, a great calamity fell upon Mr. Hamilton, in the
loss of five members of his family by cholera. One sister and a
daughter died on the 16th-, his wife, on the 18th; his oldest son,
Marvin, on the 19th, and his remaining sister, on the 23d. In 1852
Mr. H. married Mrs. Susan Smith, who survives him and still re-
sides at Carthage.

In 1855 Mr. Hamilton laid out the town, now city, of Hamilton,
opposite Keokuk. This enterprise did not prove a pecuniary suc-
cess. His reticence during his life relative to this enterprise neces-
sarily abridges what would doubtless have been a valuable and in-
teresting portion of the history of the " City of Hamilton." It is

716 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

said by some that Mr. H. never had but one hobby in his life, and
that was the 4th of July . It was his habit from childhood to regard
the day as one of peculiar significance to Americans, — a day to be
observed and honored witli ceremonies appropriate to its patriotic
inspirations. He was a leading and directing spirit in every 4th of
July celebration taking place in the town or vicinity.

For the celebration of the 4tii of July, 1873, at Carthage, Mr.
Hamilton had spent much time, labor and expense. The programme
for the day was mostly gotten up by him. It was to consist, in a
large part, of a military display and mock battle by the "Army of
the Revolution," as Mr. Hamilton delighted to call it. This army
consisted of some 300 boys, for whom military hats and wooden
guns had been provided by Mr. H. The military parade took
place, the mimic battle was fought to the satisfaction of all, and
the general programme for the day was carried out as the old vet-
eran had devised. The troops were then mustered into line and
marched to his residence, after which arms were stocked, and the
troops were dismissed. While there, assembled at his well, he made
the boys a little speech. "Boys," said he, "you have done nobly
to-day; you have acted like patriots and gentlemen, and lam proud
of you. This is the last 4th of July I will ever celebrate, boys,
and I want you to remember this: Mind your parents and remem-
ber the 4th of July, and you will all make good men and be an
honor to the country." The boys then dispersed to their homes.
Mr. Hamilton then sat down on the porch of his home to con-
verse with his family and visiting friends. In a short time he com-
plained of feeling sick. He went into the house and lay down,
while his daughter fanned him. Shortly he said he felt better. His
sons, William and Elisha, were with him, and he conversed with
them easily and cheerfully some minutes. Soon he ceased to con-
verse, and lay with his eyes closed, as if asleep. It was then dis-
covered that his limbs were quite cold, and that he was unconscious.
Physicians were sent for and restoratives applied, but he was beyond
the aid of medical skill, or the kind offices of friends. The old
patriot was dead. He passed away as peacefully as an infant falls
asleep in its mother's arms. The precise moment of his death is
not known, but it could not have been far from one-half past six
o'clock p. M., or about one hour after he had dismissed the " boy
soldiers," at his house.

Thus lived and died the patriot citizen; doubtless had he been
permitted to select the hour of his death, he would not have wished
it differently. The celebration he had planned and labored for
with such zeal, had happily passed off to his complete satisfaction.
He had said, " Boys, this is my last 4th of July." He evidently
thought that it was, and thus feeling, he doubtless welcomed the
summons to rest. Four of his children yet survive him, whose
names are as follows: William R. Hamilton, who was born in
Johnstown, N. Y., Nov. 5, 1829; he was elected Sheriff of Han-
cock county in 1858, and has filled various other offices of trust

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 717

and honor, among which is Supervisor, etc., etc. He now resides
at Carthage. John D. Hamilton was also a native of Johnstown,
N. Y., and born April 30, 1S33. He served as Sergeant Major in
the 16th 111. Vol. Inf. during the war of the Rebellion. He is
now a Clerk in the Illinois Penitentiary, at Chester, 111. Mary
B. Hamilton, the only surviving daughter, lives at Carthage.
Elisha B. Hamilton was a soldier in the late war, and acted as 1st
Lieut. Co. B, in the 118th 111. Vol. Inf. He is a lawyer by pro-
fession, and resides in Quincy, 111. He is now Inspector General
of the Illinois National Guard, and a member of the Governor's
Staff.

Elisha Bentley Hamilton, youngest son of Artois Hamilton,
was born Oct. 5, 1S3S, at Carthage, 111., in the old house there,
then known as " Hamilton's Tavern," situated on north Main street.
Spent his early life about the farm, saw-mill and tavern, and ia
1856 entered Illinois College, at Jacksonville; graduated in June,
1860, with the degree of B. S. Enlisted as a private, in August,
1862, and assisted in raising Capt. McClaughry's company, wliich
became Co. B in the 118th Inf. Vols., and on the formation of
regiment at Camp Butler, was appointed Quartermaster Sergeant;
was promoted to 1st Lieutenant Co. B, Nov. 14, 1863. Served
almost continuously with the regiment, which was with Shermaji
at the first attack on Vicksburg, at the capture of Arkansas Post,
through the Vicksburg campaign and capture, capture of Jack-
son, Miss., Franklin's campaign in "Western La., in 1864, and Gen.
Davidson's march to the Gulf. [See Hist, of llSth Regt.] Was
mustered out with the regiment at Springfield, Oct. 13, 1865,
having served over three years. In June, 1866, Lieut. H. entered
the office of Warren & Wheat, at Quincy, 111., to study law, and
was admitted to practice in the State Coiirts June 1, 1868, and the
U. S. Circuit and District Courts in January, 1872. On admis-
sion to the Bar, he was taken as a member of the firm, which
became Warren, Wheat & Hamilton, afterward. Wheat, Ewing &
Hamilton, at present, Ewing & Hamilton. On March 3, 1868,
Mr. H. was appointed Surveyor of Customs for the port of Quincy,
by Pres. Johnson, and re-appointed by Pres. Grant April, 1872,
which office he resigned July, 1875, and recommended its abolition
Jan. 14, 1873. Mr. Hamilton was commissioned by Gov. Oglesby
as 1st Lieut, of the Quincy National Guards, a fine military organ-
ization, and was. May 26, 1876, commissioned as Captain of the
Co. by Gov. Beveridge. By direction of Gov. Cullom, he took
command of the 8th Regt. of I. N. G.,and went to East St. Louis,
during the riots of 1877, and received for his course on that occa-
sion warm praise from the commanding General. Feb. 26, 1878,
was placed on the staff of Gov. Cullom, as Brig.-Gen. and Chief
of Artillery; and on Jan. 5, 1880, was commissioned by the Gov-
ernor as Inspector General of the I. N. G., which position he now
holds. In June, 1878, Illinois College voluntarily conferred on

718 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Gen. Hamilton the degree of M. A. Married Sept. 10, 1878, to
Miss Mary E. Fisk, at Qnincy, 111.

Wlllmm R. Hainiltoti, Deputy Circuit Clerk, is a son of the
venerable Artois Hamilton, whose biography is given elsewhere in
this volume, and was born in Johnstown, Fulton county, N. Y.,
Nov. 5, 1829. He was married in this county in June, 1854, to
Miss Martha H., daughter of AVarren Miller, a native of Elmira,
N. Y., by whom he has 3 children: Ida A., Willard C. and
Herbert. In 1855 Mr. H. was appointed Census-taker, and com-
piled the records of the census of that j^ear. He served as Super-
visor five years in Prairie township, and was elected Sheriff" in
1858, serving two years; in fact, his whole life has been spent in
an official capacity. Mr. H. is one of the oldest pioneers of Hancock
county, and at present fills the position of Deputy Circuit Clerk.
He is grandson of Gad and Ann Hamilton, the former born April
12, 1768, and died May 8, 1848; the latter born March 11, 1776,
and died Aug, 3, 1851.

William T. Hannon, physician, was born in "Wood county, O.,
in 1839. He commenced the battle of life without means, and ac-
quired his education by his own energy and industry. His early
schooling was obtained at Waterville, O., and when 17 years ot
age took charge of the seminary in Coles county, O., which he
conducted one year with satisfaction. He then read law one year,
and commenced the study of medicine with P. G.Corkins, of Lib-
erty, Adams Co. When the dark cloud of Rebellion broke over the
land he enlisted in Co. D, 4th I. V. I., and served one year; was
severely wounded on the Gasconade river. Mo., while on picket
duty, by a minie-ball through his foot and two bayonet thrusts in his
body. He was confined in the field hospital some time, and taken
to the home of a local physician, where he was kindly cared for
until able to return home in Maj^, 1862. He returned to his stud-
ies with Dr. Corkins, and attended lectures prior to his army ser-
vice at Ann Arbor, Mich. In 1869 he received his diploma from
the Iowa University. He instituted the class of anatomy in that
school, and was connected with that college for four years. He
first began practice in Denver, Hancock Co., and in 1871 moved to
this city, where he has since been in active and successful practice.
In the fall of 1863 he married Miss Emma S. Young, a native ot
Fort Madison, Iowa, and daughter of Colonel Thomas E. Young,
of Pennsylvania. They have 5 living children: Mary L., "William
H., John T., Bertha J. and George R. The Doctor is a member
ot the Masonic order and one of the most prominent and success-
ful physicians of the county. Politically, he iisually votes the
Democratic ticket. His parents, John and Fannie (Barr) Hannon,
were natives of Ireland. His father was born in Narragansett Bay,
■while the vessel was en route to America. He settled in Ohio, in
1825, where they both died during the boyhood days of our subject.
Samuel E. Sarnest, farmer, sec. 25; P. O., Carthage; is son of
John and Anna (Spitler) Harnest, natives of Upshur county, "W. Ya.,

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUKTT. 719

and was born in Champaign coiinty, O., in 1835. His parents em-
igrated to that State at an early day, and to tliis county in 1838,
and resided in Hancock tp. until 1863, then moved to this tp.,
where he died in 1866. The mother still survives, in the 71st year
of her age. The subject of this sketch was married in 1861 to
Miss Matilda A. Walton, a native of this county, and their children
are: Mary E., John W. and Frederick E. Mr. H. has a farm of 240
acres, valued at $10 per acre; has been School Director, and is one
of the early settlers of Hancock; is a member of the Baptist
Church, and is well and favorably known.

George W. Haynie, farmer, sec. 27; P. O., Carthage; was born
in Scott county, 111, in 1839. His parents, Henry and Nellie
(Hight) Haynie, were natives of Kentucky, and settled in the
above county in 1820 or 1S21. His father entered land in that
county, and moved to this county in 1853, and located in Wythe
tp., where he died in Dec, 1872; his mother died in March of the
same year. He was one of the oldest settlers of Scott county, and
a pioneer of the State. The subject of this sketch enlisted in 1861
in Co. F, 50th Eegt. I. V. I., and served three years. He participated
in the battle of Ft. Henry, Donelson, siege of Corinth, Corinth,
Reseca, and was honorably discharged in 1866. He was united in
matrimony to Miss Charlotte, daughter of Henry Bartlett, of Lee
county, Iowa, and their two children are Nellie and Henry E.
Mr. H. came to this county in 1853, and settled on his present
farm in 1869. It consists of 80 acres, valued at $65 per acre.
This valuable land is said to be the best 80-acre farm in the county.
He is School Director, and member of the Presbyterian Church.
Politically is Republican and was a strong Grant man.

R. C. Halladay, M . D., was born in McDonough county, 111., in
1852; is son of John and Catharine (Fugate) Halladay, natives of
Kentucky and Virginia, who settled in Lamoyn tp., McDonough
county, in 1832, where he became prominently distinguished, serv-
ing many years as Justice of the Peace, and filling many other
offices. In 1877 he moved to Carroll county, Mo., where he now
resides. The subject of this sketch began the study of medicine
with Dr. D. G. Fugate, of McDonough county, and attended medi-
cal lectures at the St. Louis, Mo., Medical School in 1873-'71. He
then entered the medical college at Keokuk, Iowa, and graduated
at that institution in 1878. He began the practice of his pro-
fession at Elm Tree, Hancock county, where he resided until the
spring of 1880, when he moved here, and became associated with
Wm.F. Hannou of this city. This firm have established them-
selves on the Public Square and have a large practice. Dr. H.
was united in marriage June 5, 1877, to Miss Clemmie White, a
native of Harrison county, O. They have one child, Blanche.
The Dr. is a member of the Hancock Medical Society, and the
family are members of the M. E. Church; politically he is a Demo-
crat.

720 HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

John Helfrich, proprietor of meat market, Carthage, was born
in Germany in 1834; emigrated to America in 1849, and settled
in Hamilto n county, O., where he was engaged in farming for
eight years, then started for California, going only to New Or-
leans, La., where he stopped one year. In 1855 he moved to this
city, and in 1860 established himself in his present business. The
same year he married Miss Josephine Loring, a native of this city,
by whom he has 7 children, — Edward, Mary, Stella, Charles,
John, George and Burt. In 1862 Mr. H. enlisted in Co. B, 118th
Eegt. I. V. I., and served until the close of the war. He partici-
pated in the battles of Vicksburg, Yazoo River, Port Gibson,
Champion Hills, Black River, the charge on Vicksburg, Jackson,
Miss., Apaloosa, Ala., and all the battles in which thatRegt. was
engaged. Two years of this service he had the position of Bugler
Mr. H. is a member of the Catholic Church, a member of the A.
O. U. W. and one of the oldest and most respected business men
of Carthage. Politically he is a Republican.

William W. Hughes, dealer in harness and saddlery, Carthage,
was born in Bourbon county, Ky., in 1821, and son of William
and Nancy (Hayden) Hughes, native of Maryland, who emigrated
to Kentucky, where they both died. He came to this country in
1854, and opened the first harness shop in the city, where he has
since been actively engaged. He served an apprenticeship at his
trade, in his native State, and at one time ran a drug store, har-
ness shop and farm in this county. His advantages for education
were limited, and he began work in a cotton factory when a boy.
By industry and perseverance he has realized success, and has ac-
cumulated a nice property, and is one of the oldest and respected
merchants of Carthage. He was married in 1846 to Miss Eliza-
beth Payne, a native of Kentucky. He is a member of the Ma-
sonic order, and of the Christian Church. He erected the store he
now occupies in 1876, and has a very lucrative trade. Politically,
is a Democrat. Mr. and Mrs. Hughes have 4 children, — Perry,
Leroy, Albert and Henry.

George T. Hunsaker, hardware merchant, was born in Fayette
county, Pa., in 1820. His parents, Jacob and Mary (Troutman)Hun-
saker, were natives of Pennsylvania, and settled in Butler county,
O., in 1821, where his father died in 1863; his mother died at Cin-
cinnati, in 1832. He came to this county in the fall of 1860, and
was for some time engaged in the express and postoffice. He
then opened a dry-goods house on the North Side, and the follow-
ing year engaged in the grocery trade. In 1865, he opened his
present place of business, where he has since been industriously at
work. He was married in 1844, to Miss Amelia Coddington, of
Cincinnati, and they have 4 children: Anna, Abbie W., wife of
Prof. Easterday; Walter J., of the Oazette,2indL Robert L. He was
acting Postmaster two years, and express agent same time. Is a
member of the I. O. O. F., and of the Presbyterian Church. Po-

HISTORY OF HANCOCK OODNTT. 721

litically, is an ardent supporter of Republican administration, and
a citizen highly esteemed by all who know him.

John yacfcfH, proprietor of the Stevens House, Carthage, is a son
of William and Lettie (Ellis) Jackson, who came friim Kentucky,
their native State, to this county in 1852. Four years afterward
they settled on the original Pilot Grove farm in that tp. , where he
died in 1874. John J. was born in Bracken county, Ky., in 1848.
Was married in 1870 to Miss Anna Brunk, widow of Richard D.
Haines, a native of Schuyler county. Mr. J. remained on the
homestead until the fall of 1879, when he assumed the proprietor-
ship of the Stevens House, which he is now conducting success-
fully. The house, under his management, commands the patron-
age of the best traveling public.

James G. Johnson^ manufacturer of corn-hnskers, was born in
Jefferson count}', Ky., Dec. 24, 1827, and moved with his parents,
George and Eleanor (Guthrie) Johnson, to Adams county, 111., in
1831, where his father died in 1869. He was entensively engaged
in the nursery business, and was reputed the oldest nursery man in
the county, and was extensively known throughout the county.
His wife and mother, who survive, reside in that county. The sub-
ject of this sketch came to this county in 1855, and located in Dur-
ham tp., where he resided nine years. After a residence of three
years in Elvaston he moved to Carthage. In 1871 his ingenious
faculties worked out a corn-husker, upon which he obtained a patent,
and he is now largely engaged in the manufacture of this article,
with which he has a large and increasing trade. He erected a fac-
tory on the lot in the rear of his residence, and has completed all
arrangements for this trade. Mr. J. was married in 1850 to Miss
Melvina J. Thomas, a native of this State. Their two children are
Ella and Alice. Mr. J. is a member of the A. O. U. W. and of the
M. E. Church. His early education was limited, and his success is
wholly due to his energy and natural inventive talent. Politically
he is a Republican.

Oeo. M. Kellogg, M. D., was born in Chautauqua county, N. Y.,
in 1S3G. He received his collegiate education at Oberlin College,
O. ; then he entered the Ohio Medical College, at Cincinnati, and
began practice in that city. He spent the years 1857 and '58
in Minnesota, and the following year moved to Keokuk. At the
outbreak of the war he enlisted as Surgeon in the army, and served
in the Department of the Cumberland under Buell. He had charge
of the general hospitals at Lebanon, Ky., and in April, 1862, was
sent to Virginia, and assigned to the Kanawha Division, and Chief
Surgeon of the 8th Army Corps. He served until the close of the
war and returned to Keokuk, continuing his practice. He became
interested in the study of anatomy, and delivered the lectures of
eight sessions at the Keokuk Medical College. In the spring of
1875 he moved to Carthage, where he has since followed his profes-
sion. He was married in 1866 to Miss Sarah W. Brown, a native
of Tennessee, where she was left an orphan. She was educated in

722

HISTOKT OF HANCOCK COUNTT.

the Female Seminary, at BuflFalo,]S'. Y., and graduated with honors
at that school — a person of cultivated taste, refinement, educa-
tion, and a fluent writer. She is a correspondent of some of the
popular magazines published in the country. To this union 3 chil-
dren have been born, 2 of whom are living, Marion and Julia. The
Doctor is a member of the Mutual Aid Association and Medical
Examiner, and a physician of great experience.

Thomas J. Lane, former, sec. 36; P. 0., Carthage; was born in
Hancock county in 1811, and is a son of Frederick W. and Julia
A. (Rucker) Lane, who came to this county in 1839; located one
year in Chili tp., and moved to Bear Creek, where he resided till
his death. The widow and mother and 10 children survive. The
subject of this sketch was married in Sept., 1861, to Miss Mary E.
Jones, a native of Cincinnati, O. They have 4cliildren: Mary V.,
Lawrence D., Wilemina K. and "Walter S. After marriage they
settled on his present estate of 80 acres, valued at $35 per acre; he
also owns 80 acres on sec. 35; same valuation. In 1862 he enlisted
iu Co. H, 118th I. V. I., and served until the close of the war. He
participated in the baltles of Yazoo River, Arkansas Post, Thomp-
son's Hill, Jackson, Miss., Baker's Creek, Black River bridge,
siege of Vicksburg, Jackson (2d), and other skirmishes. He was
wounded at Thompson's Hill in the knee by a spent ball, and lost
a finger in a skirmish in the rear of Vicksburg, May 14, 186i.

Samuel W. Layton, Count}' Superintendent of Schools, was born
in Sussex county, Del., in 1831, son of John and Elizabeth (White)
Layton, natives of that State, where they both died. The subject
of this sketch came to this State in 1864-, and settled in Adams
county, where he engaged in teaching. From 1850 until 1863 he
followed this calling iu Marion county, Mo. He received his edu-
cation at the Baptist Seminary at Palmyra, Mo., and he became a
thorough student in the mathematical and scientific branches. In
1865 he removed to this county, and in 1868 was married to Miss
Mary J. Henderson, a native of Adams county. 111. He served as
Collector and Assessor in St. Alban's tp. and has always been iden-
tified with the interests of the county. He was elected to his present
position in 1877. He is also member of the Independent Mutual
Aid Insurance Company, and of the Methodist Church. He is the
father of -i children, 3 boys and one girl; Charles, Robert, James
and Julia.

Chris. Y. Long, Postmaster, is a son of Christian and Catherine
(Yetter) Long, natives of Lancaster county. Pa., who emigrated to
Ohio in 1837, where they resided until 1856, when they moved to this
county and settled in this tp., where she died with cholera
in 1848. He is a resident of this tp. They had 4 children, 2
of whom are living: Mary A., wife of Joseph A. Deahner,
and the subject of this sketch, who was born in Marion county,
Ohio, in 1842. He followed farming until 1861, when he
enlisted in Co. B, 32d 111. "Vol. Inf.; was promoted to 1st Lieuten-
ant and served until the close of the war. He participated in the

a

CARTHAGE

HISTOKY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 725

battles of Pittsburof Landing, where he was wounded, and confined
in the hospital at St. Louis. Kecovering, he returned home on a
furlough of 60 days and rejoined his regiment. Was engaged in
the siege of Corinth, Platchie Eiver, siege of Vicksburg, and with
Sherman on his march to the sea, through the grand review at
Washington, and mustered out at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas. Ke-
turned home and went to Pontiac, 111., where he was engaged with
a dry-goods firm one year, when he came back to this county and
followed fai-ming three years. Subsequently he filled a clerkship until
appointed Postmaster, October 28, 1873. Was re-appointed in
1877, and has filled that oflnce to the general satisfaction of the
public. He was married in 1865 to Miss Sarah E. Weir, a native
of Washington count}-, Ind., where she was born in 1S4S. Their
two children are Mabel and Pearl. In July, 1877, he organized Co.
G, of the 8th I. E". G., was elected Major and commissioned Sept.
16, 1877. His grandparents were John and Elizabeth (Young)
Long, descendants of the family of Longs who were sold for their
passage from Germany to America in 1760, to the Captain of the
vessel that conveyed them to American soil.

Edward Lowery, farmer, sec. 4; P. O., Carthage; was born in
Tompkins county, N. Y., in 1814. He was married in 1841 to
Miss Harriet Crossen, a native of Dutchess county, !N. Y. Two years
afterward he moved to this State and located in Schuyler Co.
where he resided until 1866, at which time he moved to this tp
and on his present estate in 1875, consisting of 110 acres, valued at
$45 per acre. Mr. L. has been connected with the M. E. Church
for 40 years, and numbers among the enterprising farmers of this
tp. He has raised a family of 6 children, all of whom are living,
— James, Mary A., John, Andrew, Asbury and Harriet.

Wesley H. Manier, son of John and Ann G. Manier, was born
Oct. 2, 1829 ; married Oct. 25, 1854, to Sarah A. Allen, in Car-
thage, 111., who was born in Montgomery co., Ky. He had the fol-
lowing brothers and sisters: Mary J. Manier, born Dec. 3, 1831,
married Aug. 18, 1853, to James J.W. Kelly, in Winchester, Ky.,
and afterward to William O'jSTeal. She died Oct. 21, 1865, in
Carthage, 111., leaving 2 children, Anna Liza and Josephine
Maria Kelly. John W. F. Manier, born Aug. 7, 1S34, and died
JS'ov. 24, 1860, in Carthage, 111. Martha E. Manier, born May 24,
1837, and married Nov. 17, 1853, in Winchester, Ky., to John W.
Eose; died in Mt. Sterling, Ky. Robert F. C. Manier, born
April 24, 1839, and died July 27, 1860. Joseph W. Manier, born
Feb. IS, 1842, now deceased. Ann A. Manier, born June 15,
1845, and died Oct. 17, 1848. Thomas J. Manier, born June 11,
1847, and died Jan. 18, 1865.

Tracing the ancestry backward, his father, John Manier, was
born Aug. 4, 1804, and married Ann G. Williams Dec. 18, 1828,
and died in Mt. Sterling, Ky., March 17, 1866; his wife died Sept.
16, 1863. His father was also John Manier, who was born Dec. 18,
1779, in Virginia; his parents were Jonathan Manier and Magden

726 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COTjlfTY.

Manier, and he died in 1856. He was married four times, to the
following persons, by whom he had children as follows: John
Manier, Sr., was first married Dec. 9, 1801, to Sibba Howell, in
Virginia, when they came to Kentucky and settled in Fleming
count}', on the Licking river, near Gill's Mills. His first wife died
Oct. 1, 1810. 2. To jerusha McOartv, Aug. 15, 1811, who died
Jan. 13, 1827. 3. To Sal lie McKinzie, Dec. 18, 1827, who died
Sept. 13, 1845. 4. To Polly A. Feron, Sept. 26, 1847, who sur-
vived him. The following are his children and the dates of their
births, deaths, etc.: Polly Manier, by Sibba Manier, bora Oct.
19, 1802, who was married to James Harty and died Aug. 18,
1835. John Manier, by Sibba Manier, born Aug. 4, 1804; married
Dec. 18, 1828, to Ann G. Williams; he died March 17, 1866.
Howell Manier, by Sibba Manier, born Aug. 7, 1809, was married
to Nancy Lindsay, of Mt. Sterling, Ky.; he died June 22, 1843.
Sibba Manier, by Sallie Manier, born Oct. 29, 1828, and was mar-
ried to Daniel Crear in Montgomery county, Ky., and is still liv-
ing. Jonathan Manier, bj' same wife, was born Jan. 3, 1831.
Martha Manier, by the same wife, was born May 29, 1833, who
was married to her cousin, Jonathan Manier. Nancy Manier, by
the same wife, was born Sept. 1, 1835, and was married to George
Berkley in Mt. Sterling, Ky., where he is still living. Lydia Ma-
nier, by the same wife, was born April 1, 1838.

Jonathan Manier, the father of John Manier, Sr., was born in Yir-

finia in the year 1759, was killed in his twenty-fourth year, by tlie
ndians, in 1783. He married Magdalen Peavler, by whom he had

3 children ; Polly, who married Sailers in 1777 ; John

Manier, born Dec. 18, 1779, and Jonathan Manier, a few years
younger. John Manier, or Minneer, father of Jonathan Manier,

was born in Germany and was married to Fox. They came to

this country before the Revolution and settled in Virginia.

The subject of the present sketch came from Montgomery county
in May, 1851, to Quincy, Illinois, then just past twenty one years
of age. He immediately commenced the study of the law, in the
law office of Williams & Lawrence, the firm consisting of the Hon.
Archibald Williams, afterward appointed United States District
Judge for Kansas, and Charles B. Lawrence, afterward and for many
years Judge of the Supreme (]ourt of this State, now a resident of
the city of Chicago, where he has a large and lucrative practice. He
was admitted to the Bar to practice law by the license of the Judges
of the Supreme Court, then composed of the Hon. S. H. Treat,
Lyman Trumbul, and John D. Caton. His license was issued in
1852. He came and located in Carthage, Hancock county, about
the 1st of June, and opened a law oflfice. In the course of the year
he formed a partnership with John M. Ferris, with whom he re-
mained in the practice as partner until in the spring of 1856 or
1857, when a new firm was formed consisting of the Hon. B. F.
Scotield, John M. Ferris and himself, which was continued some
six or eight years, the practice proving rather lucrative. After the

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTIT. 727

dissolution of that iirm, he formed a partnership with Bryant F.
Person, and in a few years afterward John D. Miller was admitted
into the firm, which continned for quite a number of years. His
partner now is Mr. Miller, who was admitted to the Bar while a
student in the office of Mauler & Peterson, who has made great
proficienc}' in the practice of the law, and now stands deservedly
higli as a young advocate and counselor.

For the last six years the subject of this sketch has been devoting
the most of his time in assisting the reporter of the Supreme Court
in preparing head notes of adjudged cases, which frequently calls
him away from home and his office. His politics are Democratic,
but not of so decisive a cast as to make him forfeit the friendship
and esteem of many who are opposed to him politically. In matters
of religion he does not ally himself with any particular tenets or
dogmas, but is rather disposed to take a liberal view in all such
matters. His portrait is given in this work.

William E. Mason, State's Attorney, is a native of Harrison
county, W. Virginia, where he was born in 1852, son of Peter and
Tabitha (Shinn) Mason, native of Connecticut, and grandson of
Isaac and Nancy Shinn, who settled in W. Virginia in 1810, and
were the original founders of Shinnstown, so named in honor of the
family. His parents came to this county in 1854 and settled in
Durham tp., on sec. 33, where they at this time reside. The subject
of this sketch received his early education at the La Harpehigh
school, and afterward completed his studies at Adrian College,
Adrian, Mich., at which institution he was graduated in 1872. The
same year he was married at Adrian, Mich., to Miss Helen, daugh-
ter of H. Osborn, a native of Seneca Co., N. Y. The following
year he was admitted to the Bar, and began the practice of his pro-
fession in this city. Was elected State's Attorney in 1876, which
office he fills to the entire satisfaction of his many friends ; although
young in his profession he has at this time prosecuted a number of
important cases at Springfield, 111., with mai'ked success. He is
the father of 3 children, — Penfield E., Waldo O. and Vera H.

James Madden, farmer, sec. 6; P. O., Carthage; was born in
Ireland in 1819. He was married July 22, 181:0, to Miss Mary
Wright, a native of Ireland, and the following year emigrated to
America, stopping a short time in Canada, and locating in Rut-
land county, Vt. Here he obtained employment on the railroad,
and secured work in any available capacity. He traveled consider-
ably over the different States, and Nov. 6, 1856, settled on the spot
of ground he now occupies, which, by his energy and industry, now
consists of 740 acres. He also owns two quarters in Rock Creek
tp., one quarter in Prairie, and 80 acres in Pilot Grove. He
erected his fine and commodious residence in 1861, which is the
finest farming residence in the tp. He had no advantages for edu-
cation, and wlien he landed in America he had but 50 cents in his
pocket. Of the several children that have been born to him, 6 are
living, — Frank, Eliza, Ellen, Sarah, Mary and Susan. The deceased

Y28

HISTOEY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

are Mary, James, William, Thomas, Edward and Charles. The
family are members of the Catholic Church.

Matthew McClaughry vf3.& born in Delaware county, N. T., Jan.
17, 1803. He settled in Hancock county, 111., at Fountain Green,
in 1837. and resided there until his death, which occurred August
12, 1879. His mother was born in County Antrim, Ireland, and
was a first cousin of Gen. Richard Montgomery, who fell at the
storming of Quebec. Matthew McClaughry was thrice married.
His first wife, Margaret Seal, died in 1833, and was buried in New
York. Her daughter Margaret still survives, and is the wife of
Dr. A. J. Grifiith, of Carthage. His second wife, Mary Hume,
whom he married in 1838, was the daughter of Robert and Catha-
rine Hume, both natives of Scotland, born near Abbotsford, the
home of Walter Scott. By this wife he had 3 children, 2 of whom,
R. W. McClaughry, of Joliet, and Mrs. Rev. D. G. Bradford, of
Princeton, still survive. The youngest, Mrs. S. S. Findley, died in
Carthage, May 19, 1878, aged 34 years. Mrs. Mary Hume
McClaughry died at Fountain Green July 5, 1852, at the age of 89.
His third wife was Miss Eliza Campbell, to whom he was married
in New York in the fall of 1853, and who still survives him.
Judge Sharp, who knew him well, tlius speaks of him in the
Gazette of August 20, 1879 : " Mr. McClaughry was a man of
great industry and energy of character, but his manners were always
quiet and unobtrusive. We became acquainted with him in 1841,
and have always known him as one of the most useful, public-
spirited and benevolent men of the county. He was widely known
among the old settlers, and was prominent in Mormon times, as a
staunch, reliable, but discreet opponent of Mormon aggressions. In
his intercourse with his fellow-men he was always on the side ot
religion and morality; charitable, but unostentatious in his chari-
ties. He was the friend of the deserving poor, and was ever ready
to help those who were willing to help themselves. -He was a good
man in all the relations of life, and set an example in his daily walk
and in his intercourse with his neighbors, that young men would do
well to follow."

Major Robert W. McClaughry, the present able and efiicient
Warden of the Northern Penitentiary at Joliet, is a native of this
county. He was born July 22, 1839, in a log house, where now is
the village of Fountain Green. His father, Mr. Matthew Mc-
. Claughry, settled there in ] 836. His mother's maiden name was
Mary Hume. She was the daughter of Robert Hume, a Scotchman,
who traced his family back to the " Lord Home," of whom Sir
Walter Scott speaks in one of his poems. Mr. McClaughry was
raised on his father's farm, attending school at the villaee during
winters, until the winter of 1853-'4, when he was sent to school at
Macomb, 111. The winter of 1854-'5 was also spent in Macomb,
and in November, 1856, he entered Monmouth College, where he
graduated in 1860. The year after his graduation was spent in
teaching in the same institution, when he was tendered the Profes-

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTT. 729

sorsliip of Languages, which he declined on account of ill health.
In July, 1861, Mr. McClaughry came to Carthage, and in com-
pany with his brother-in-law. Dr. A. J. Griffith, purchased of G.
M. Child the Carthage Republican, and issued the first number
under the new management Aug. 1, 1861, Mr. McClaughry as
editor. Under Mr. Child it had been, as is well remembered, a
Democratic journal, strongly opposed to putting down the Rebel-
lion which was then raging, by force of arms. The battle of Ma-
nassas was fought July 22, 1861, and the last editorial written by
Mr. Child was an argument to prove by its results the impossi-
bility of putting down the Eebellion, and the necessity of letting
" the wayward sisters go in peace." Mr. McClaughry had been an
ardent Douglas Democrat, and supported him in nothing more
heartily than in his declaration that Rebellion must be crushed by
force of arms, and so long as it existed there '' could be but two
parties, patriots and traitors." Consequently he was a pronounced
"War Democrat," and so conducted the Republican.

As recruiting was at that time going quite briskly for the Union
army, he was often called upon during the fall of 1861 to attend
meetings and speak in favor of enlistments. In this way he helped
recruit the 2d 111. Cavalry, the 7th Mo. Cavalry, part of which
was raised in Hancock county; and, in the spring and summer ot

1862, the 78th 111., the 84th 111., and the 118th 111. Inf.

Major McClaughry was married on the 17th of June, 1862, to
Miss Elizabeth C. Madden, of Monmouth, 111.

On the 15th of August he enlisted as a private, in what was
afterward kuown as Co. B, 118th 111. Vols. Upon the completion
of the company organization, he was w/iawiwioifsZy elected Captain,
receiving every vote except his own. He proceeded to Springfield
and tendered his command to Gov. Yates, who at once commis-
sioned him to take command of the five companies then organized
in Hancock county, under the call of July, 1862, and conduct
them to the rendezvous at Camp Butler, near Springfield. This
mission he fulfilled, and after reaching camp, the 118th regiment
111. Yols., was completed, of which he was elected Major.

In this capacity he served with his regiment in the campaign
against Vicksburg, conducted by Gen. Sherman in the winter of
1862; the campaign against Arkansas Post, under Gen. McCler-
uand in Jan., 1863; also the campaign under Gen. Grant, which
resulted in the capture of Vicksburg in July, 1863; participating
with it in the battles of Champion Hills (May 16, 1863), Big Black
(May 17), the investment of Vicksburg (May 19), and the move-
ments and battles of May 20 and 21, which culminated in the
bloody but unsuccessful assault unon the Rebel works. May 22,

1863. He also took part in the siege of Jackson, Miss., July 1863,
after which was ordered with his regiment to Port Hudson, and
afterward to New Orleans, reaching the latter city Aug. 16, 1S63.

About the middle of October of that year, his health failing,
the Major came home on sick leave; but before he was able to

730 HISTORY OF HANCOCK CODNTT.

rejoin his command, he was detailed by Gen. Banks, then command-
ing Department of the Gnlf, on recruiting service, and spent the
early months of 1864 on that duty in Illinois.

In June, 1864, he was transferred from the field to the Pay
Department, ordered to Springfield, and there served as Paymaster
until Oct. 14, 1865, when he was honorably mustered out of ser-
vice, having served three 3-ears and two months through some of
the most difficult and exciting campaigns of the war.

But the Major was not long permitted to remain in private life.
In November, 1865, he was elected County Clerk of Hancock
county, and held the office until Dec. 1, 1869.

In lSf,9 and '70 he was associated with Messrs. Wm. Patterson,
Wm. Timberman and Guy Wells, of Keokuk, in furnishing stone
for the foundation of the new State House at Springfield, and also for
the piers of the bridge spanning the Mississippi between Keokuk
and Hamilton. It may here be proper to mention that he was one
of the original incorporators of that Bridge Company, and voted
steadily along with Col. Alexander Sympson, H. G. Ferris, A. J.
Griffith and F. M. Corby, Esqs., against transferring the charter to
its present owners until they would contract and bind themselves
to make said bridge a waoon and foot bridge as well as a railroad
bridge. They fought over the matter all one day with Mr. Strong,
of Keokuk, and others, who represented the railroad, who urged
that a wagon bridge could not be built in connection with a rail-
road bridge. Major McClaughry and his associates maintained
that it could and must be so built, or they could not have the char-
ter, and finally carried the point, to the great benefit of Hancock
county and the community generally.

In 1871 the Major removed to St. Louis to look after some quarry
interests he held at St. Genevieve, but the venture proving unsuc-
cessful, and his health failing, he returned in 1872, and was resid-
ing at Monmouth when appointed Warden of the Illinois State
Penitentiary at Joliet, Aug. 1, 1874, which position he still holds.

Major McClaughry possesses remarkable executive ability,
which, associated with good judgment and a kindly disposition,,
qualifies him pre-eminently for the position, and we but echo the
prevailing opinion among the State officials and people, when we
say that the penitentiary has never been under better management.

The Major is a good writer and fluent speaker, and in addition
to the services rendered during the recruiting days, before alluded
to, in behalf of the Union cause, he has since made many efi'ective
speeches in aid of the Republican party.

Francis W. McClellan, principal of Highland School, Car-
thage, was born in Washington county, N. Y., in 1831, son of
Robert and Eliza (Small) McClellan, both natives of that county,
who emigrated to Will county. III, in 1850, where they resided
until the fall of 1857, when they moved to Russell county, Kan.,
wliere they yet reside. The subject of this sketch was educated in
his native county and began teaching in Will county. 111., where he

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 731

was enjjaged until 1856, when he moved to Tama county, Iowa.
Here he enu^aged in teaching and served as Captain of Militia ia
the Home Guard. In 1S63 he enlisted as Lieutenant in the 4th
Iowa Battery and sers-ed until the close of the war. Upon his
return in 1S65, he was appointed principal of the Wills School,
Iowa, where he officiated six years. In 1870 he purchased and set-
tled upon a farm of 160 acres in Prairie tp., this county, and
engaged in farming until appointed to his present position in 1879,
when he moved to this city. He was married in 1856 to Miss
Sarah A. Selvey, a native of Kendall county, 111., who died ia
1859. She was a daughter of Walter Selvej', Esq., a pioneer who
participated in the Sauk war. He had one child by his first wife,
Francis H. He was again married June 9, 1870, to Miss Sarah R.,
daughter of Peter Jackson, and a native of Ohio, and they have 2
children living — Ethel C. and Myrta L. Mr. McClellan served as
Assessor two terms in Tama county, Iowa, and was Justice of the
Peace four years, and is a member of the Masonic order. Politi-
cally is a Republican.

JamenW. McKee, farmer, sec. 16; P. O., Carthage; was born in
Brown count3% O., in 1840. His parents, James and Mary (Pang-
burn) McKee, were natives of that State, and emigrated to Illinois
in 1857, and settled in this tp., where they resided until their
death. The subject of this sketcli was married in October, 1859,
to Miss Margaret, daughter of Wm. Weir, a native of this county.
To this union 7 children were born, 5 of whom are living: Ida, Al-
bert A., Margaret J., Effie and Maud; Edgar and Clarence are de-
ceased. Mr. M. settled on his present estate iu 1865, consisting of
40 acres, valued at $60 per acre. Also owns 33 acres of timber in
Hancock tp. He is Road Commissioner. The family are members
of the Presbyterian Church. Politically, Mr. M. endorses Repub-
lican administration.

I^. P. McKee, dealer in agricultural implements, is a native oi
Brown county, 0., where he was born in 1845, and is the youngest liv-
ingchild of James and Mary N. (Pangburn) McKee, natives of Penn-
sylvania, who settled in Ohio at an early time, and moved to this
county in 1857, and died in 1859. He was a veteran of the war of
1812, and his father, James, was a relic of the Revolutionary war.
She died in this tp. in 1860. The subject of this sketch engaged
in farming until 1862, when he enlisted in Co. F, 7th Mo. Cav.,
and served until the close of the war. He participated in the bat-
tles of Lone Jack, Marks Mills, Prairie Grove, and others in which
the regiment was engaged. He was principally engaged in scout-
ing and hunting guerrillas. He was honorably discharged and
mustered out at Little Rock, Ark. Returning home he engaged in
farming two years, and in 1869 joined a partnership and entered
the mercantile trade. Three years afterward he was appointed
Constable and served one year. The following two years he served
as night watchman in the National Bank of tliis city. He then
became interested in the sale of agricultural implements, and has

Y32 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

established a good trade. In 1870 he was married to Miss Ella R.
Johnson, a native of this State. To them have been born 2 chil-
dren: William T. and Irwin G. Mr. McKee is First Lieutenant
of Co. G, 8th Regt., I. N. G.; is a member of the Masonic order,
and of the Presbyterian Church. Politically he is a Republican.

Thos. J. McMalion, farmer, sec. 31; P. O., Carthage; was born
in Hancock county, Ill.,in 1845, son of Andrew and Mary (Craw-
ford) McMahon, natives of Kentucky, who emigrated to this county
in 1832, and settled near Chili, where be entered land. The follow-
ing year he moved to Wythe tp. and secured the second farm taken
up in that township. Grandfather Crawford also came in at the
same time, and took up land, and the families are among the early
pioneers of Hancock. Thos. J.'s mother died in 1870. His father
resides in Wythe tp. Mr. McMahon has always been engaged in
farming, and by industry and energy has made it a complete suc-
cess. He was married in 1870 to Miss Anna, daughter of J. K.
Shinn, a native of this county. By this marriage 3 children have
been born, 2 of whom are living: Argyll J. and Letta May. Harry
C. is deceased. The farm of 170 acres is valued at $60 per acre.
He also has a large tract in Harmony tp., valued at $30 per acre.
Mr. McM. is School Director at the present time, and niieraber of
the Christian Church. Politically he is Democratic.

F. B. Miller, of the firm of Berry & Miller, grocers and grain
dealers, Carthage. The subject ot this sketch was born in Herkimer
county, N. Y., in 18i2; son of Erastus and Sophia (Gaylord) Miller,
natives of Herkimer and Oneida counties, who emigrated to Han-
cock county in 1864, and settled in Dallas tp., where he resided
until his death in 1871. He was extensively engaged in the dairy
business in Herkimer county, N. Y., but lived a quiet and retired
life during his residence in this county. The wife and mother sur-
vive him, and are residents of Ilion, N. Y. Our subject first be-
came engaged in the U. S. mail service, running between Ft.
Madison and Davenport, Iowa. Two years afterward he began opera-
tions in the dairy business in Dallas tp., in which he has been en-
tirely successful. His stock farm at that place, consisting of 476
acres, is considered one of the finest stock farms in the county.
With a large and convenient factory, and from 75 to 100 head of
cows, he does a thriving trade. Mr. M. was married in December,
1871, to Miss Kate M. Black, a native of Pennsylvania, and their
4 children are — Grace, Frederick B., Henry B. and Maud. The
eldest daughter is deceased. In November, 1879, Mr, M. commenced
under the present firm name in the grain and grocery business.
The house is one of the solid concerns in Carthage. He also has a
farm of 185 acres of land in this tp., and is always busy in some
department of his trade. He has been a member of the Masonic
order for 12 years, and is a member of the A. O. U. W. The
family are members of the Presbyterian Church. Politically he is
a Republican.

William H. D. Noyes, M. D., was born in Bowling Green, Pike
county, Mo., in 1834. He received his collegiate education at

CARTHAGE /

^

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. T35

Slmrtleff Colleoje, 111., and attended medical lectures at the Mis-
souri Medical College, at which institution he sraduated in 1S61.
The appeal of the Government for troops awoke his enthusiastic
nature, and he enlisted in Co. K, 16th I. V. I., and after a service
of four months was appointed as Surgeon in the TJ. S. navj', and
assigned to the bark Brazzalier, of tlie North Atlantic Blockading
Squadron, stationed at Cape Hatteras. Subsequently he was trans-
ferred to the flag-ship "South&eld," of Burnside's Division, and
participated in the battles of Roanoke, JSTewbern, and other smaller
engagements. From this department he was transferred to the
hospital service, and assigned to a vessel running between St. Louis
and Vicksburg. After a faithful service in this department he re-
signed and began the practice of his profession at Pittstield, Pike
county, 111., where he remained until he came to this county in
1864, and settled in this city, where he has since been in active
and successful practice. He was married in 1863 to Miss Elizabeth
Lynde, a native of Griggsville, 111., who died in 1872. The Doctor
was again married in 1874 to Miss Laura Miller, a native of ISTew-
ville, Cumberland count}', Pa. They have had 2 children — Fannie
E. and Mary C. One adopted daughter, Haidee, completes the family
record. The Doctor was elected Supervisor the spring of 1880,
and fills the office of Master in Masonry. Politically he is a strong
advocate of Republican principles and administration. His parents
were M. J. and Eliza (Tate) Noj^es, natives of New Hampshire and
Kentucky. They were married in 1816, and the following year
moved to Missouri, where they resided iintil 1812, when they
moved to Pittsfield, 111., where he founded the first newspaper in
that county, and died in 1867. He was a farmer, but was promi-
nently identified with the interests of his township (Bowling Green
Mo.V Mrs. N. is, at this time, a resident of Pittstield, 111.

William Og'dvie, farmer, sec. S;' P. O., Carthage; was born in
Columbiana county, O., in 1808. His parents, George and Isa-
bella (Forsyth) Ogilvie, were natives of Scotland and emigrated to
America in 1800, and the following year settled in Ohio, where
they both died. The subject of this sketch was married in 1832 to
Miss Hannah Campbell, a native of Armstrong county, Pa. ; to
them 9 children have been born, 8 of whom are living, as follows:
Belle, George, Elizabeth, John, William, Hannah J., James and
Willie. Mr. O. settled in Schuyler county in 1850, where he re-
sided until the spring of 1853, when he settled ,on his parents' es-
tate in 1859, consisting of 80 acres, valued at $35 per acre. He is
Town Trustee at the present time, and has been a member of the
Presbyterian Church for -10 years. Politically he is a Democrat,
"dyed in the wool," as was his father before him.

A. W. O^Harra, lawyer at Carthage, was born in Adams county,
111., in 1857. His parents, Jeflerson W. and Paulina (Robertson)
O'Harra, were natives of Indiana and Illinois, and settled in
Adams county in 1845, where he became prominent in the town-
ship where he resided. He moved to this county in 1859 and set-

736 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

tied in Bentley, where he now lives. The subject of this sketch
began the stud}' of law in the office of C. J. Scofield, of Carthage,
•where he entered the Carthage College, and was graduated at that
institution with second honors of his class. He began the prac-
tice of his profession in 1879 in this city, and though young, is an
able and active practitioner.

Thomns H. Owen while residing in the county was one of its
well-known and conspicuous men. He was born in Buncombe
county, N. C, June [25, 1797. His father, Mosby Owen, was a
well-to-do farmer in that section. At about 19, he, with his par-
ents, removed to Franklin county. 111., and settled in the town of
Frankfort. April 2, at the age of 21, he was married to Miss
Mary Wren, a native of Kentucky. About eight years afterward
he became a professor of religion, and united with the Old-School
Baptist Church, and soon after became an ordained minister, which
position in good standing he ever afterward held. Mrs. O. also
became a member about the same time and continued faithful
through life.

In 1S31 he removed with his family to Hancock county and set-
tled six miles east of Carthage, — at that time not laid out. Mr. O.
soon became prominent, religiously and politically. He led in
constituting the first and all theBaptist Churches organized in the
county while he was a resident, ;having sometimes the supervision
of three or four, preaching alternately. He was long a member of
the Middle Creek Church.

Mr. O. was strongly attached to the Democratic school, and was
very popular with his part}'. He was several times elected to the
Legislature, and held other offices of honor and trust, as will ap-
pear in the course of this historj'. His friends claim that he was
a strong Anti-Mormon — "Held Mormon doctrines in perfect ab-
horence, considering them a great nuisance and detriment to the
country, and encouraged every lawful means to get rid of them;
but disapproved of many of the unlawful measures taken by the
party. He was a law-abiding man, and approved of the course
that Governor Ford took in regard to sending troops to quell the
disturbances and keep peace."

In the winter of 1846 he sold his farm to Joseph Craven, and
purchased property near ISTauvoo and removed there. The same
year he was appointed Postmaster at Nauvoo, to succeed Almon
W. Babbitt. In 1849 he sold off all his eflects, and started for the
gold field of California, accompanied by his two sons, L. F. and
J. C. Owen, leaving wife and j-ounger children with his son-in-law,
Newton Cauthorn. They were over a year on the way; took the
southern I'oute, and did not reach California till the spring of 1850.
Hesettled on a farm in Suisun vallej', Solano Co., 50 miles west
of Sacramento, and sent for the remainder of his family. In the
fall of 1852 he was elected to the California Legislature on the
Democratic ticket, and served through the term, thus terminating
his ofiieial career.

HISTOEY OF HANCOCK COUNfy. 737

Longing for the Church privileges to which lie had been accus-
tomed, he began to look about for the scattered members, and
found enough to organize a Church of the O. S. Baptists, at Santa
Uosa. Sonoma Co., the first of that order ever founded in the State.
In 1S(jO, Mr. O. wrote a book, entitled " Rise and Progress of the
Church,"' many of which are now in possession of his friends in
Hancock. In 1S67 he located in Napa Co., where he resided till
1876. Here his wife died in the 79th year of her age.

Latterly, Mr. O. resided with his children at Santa Rosa, broken
in health of body and mind, till the 27th of Feb., 18S0, when he
quietly passed away, in the S3rd year of his age.

The deceased left a number of children, some of whom were
well known in the county, viz:

Adaline, eldest daughter, married in 1835, to A. B. "Welch; died
in Appanoose 1S52.

Mosby Riley, eldest son, married to Miss Henrietta Patten,
of Knox Co., in 1842; taught school in Hancock; studied law in
Peoria and served as Mayor of the city; to Quincy in practice
of law; thence to Benton, Franklin Co., 111., where he was killed
in the Reltellion troubles in 1862.

John Wren went to Cal. in 1851; to Arizona in 1864, as Captain
of a volunteer Co. ; was elected to Territorial Legislature, held other
Government positions, and died there in 1877.

Leander married a daughter of Joshua Hobarts; resides in
California.

Minerva, now Mrs. Newton Cauthorn, of Middle Creek, Carthage
township. 111.

Carroll, Ellen (Mi's. Cannon), Thomas Jeiferson and Martin
Van Buren all reside in California.

William A. Patterson, one of the early settlers (coming here in
1836), was born in Patterson, Putnam Co., N. Y., Jan. 24, 1811;
leaving Somerstown March 2, 1836, he came the whole distance to
this State by horseback, arriving in Coles county the 21st of that
month; in April he came to this coTinty, having spent a week in
Iowa; this year he bought J of sec. 29, Prairie tp., and at once
commenced work. He built a log house 16 feet square on this
place in 1839 and moved into it, where he kept bach part of the
time, and part of the time had a family with him. In 1842 he
married Mrs. Georgiana Allen, and continued to live in this cabin
and another until 1847. This farm and one on sees. 5 and 6, Bear
creek tp., also one on J sec. of 22, Prairie tp. and a J of sec. 27,
were all first improved by Mr. Patterson. His health failing in
1847, in March he removed to Carthage, where he took a prominent
part in the politics of the county, running in 1848 for Sheriff on
the Democratic ticket, but was defeated by 75 votes majority;
being a candidate again in 1850, he was elected; at the expiration
of his term of office he erected the " Patterson House," on the
southwest corner of the public square, opening it to the public;
in the fall of this year '(1853) he was elected County Treasurer,

738 HISTORY OF HANCOCK. COUNTY.

which office he held three terms. He kept the hotel until 1S57; this
year he sold the hotel and entered into partnership with Jacob
Shoel in mercantile business; three years afterward they dissolved;
in 1866 he entered partnership with Mr. Hunsaker, and three
years subsequently they dissolved; in 1872 he bought back the
"Patterson House," which he conducted until 1879; but since
1877 he has been keeping one of the largest stocks of groceries,
crockery, etc., in the city.

Matthew Patterson, the grandfather of the subject of the sketch,
was an officer in the British army, and came to America connected
officially with the engineer corps, during the French and Indian
war, and was retired on half pay; he settled in Putnam county,
N. Y., where he was living at the breaking out of the Revolutionary
war. His son, Alexander K. , married Elizabeth Palmer, a native
of Connecticut, and they were the parents of Wm. A., the subject
of this notice. Her father, Ebenezer Palmer was a minute-man
during the Revolution. The Palmers were of English descent, of
Puritan stock, and emigrated to Xew England in an early day.

An amusing instance of pioneer history we will record here, as it
occurred in the early days of Mr. Patterson's residence in this
county, and when a small log building was the court-house. The
Grand Jury held its meeting under a tree in a ravine near by, and
the Petit Jury was holding its meeting in the open air at a little
distance, when a thunder-shower began to approach. The Constable
in charge, anxious to have his Jury agree in time to get in-doors
before the rain commenced on them, and seeing that they were not
likely to agree, threw off" his coat and declared that if they did not
instantly come to an agreement he would thrash every one of them.
They instantly agreed, — so the story goes. The Constable was
brought up before the Court and fined, but the fine was remitted.

Mr. Patterson as well as being an early settler has done
much towai-d developing and improving this county, and always
threw the weight of his'influence as well as substantial aid. in
favor of education, temperance and good order. He is one among
a very few of the " Pioneers " that are still living, and we present
his portrait on another page.

Luke P. Prentice, retired farmer, was born in Otsego county,
N. Y., in 1817, and is a son of Nathan and Eliza Briggs, natives
of New York and Connecticut, who emigrated to Illinois in 1836 and
settled in McDonough county, where they resided until 1846, when
he moved to this county and settled in Nauvoo, where they both died.
He was an early settler of both counties, and residing on the
main i-oad for many years, was widely known and highly esteemed
by all who knew him. The subject of this sketch was married in
181:7 to Miss Christiana Hall, a native of Erie county, N. Y., who
died in 1853. Two children were born to this marriage, Lucia 1.,
wife of William Walters, residing at Dallas City, and Mary E.,
wife of James Gill, deceased. His present wife, Lydia Quimby, is
a native of Ohio. They have had 3 children, Wm. H., Ella

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 739

and Addie. Mr. P. still owns the homestead at Naiivoo, and has
for many years been largely engaged in real estate transactions.
He was Alderman of Nauvoo many years, and served one year on
the Town Board. When Ford called for troops, he was one to
respond to the call with the militia of McDonough county. His
opportunities for an early education were quite limited, but by dint
of energ}' and frugality helms accumulated a handsome property.
In 1S74 he settled on his present estate, where he is living in re-
tirement from all active pursuits. The family are members of the
M. E. Church. Politically he is a ilepui:)lican.

Jesse B, Quinhy was born in Harford county, Md., August 5,
1S22. His parents settled in Wilmington county, O., where he
was converted and joined the M. E. Church. In 1S41 he came to
Knox county, 111., and qualified himself for the ministry at Abing-
don College. In 1848 he entered the ministry of his chosen
Chui'ch, serving his first year on the Macomb circuit, the next
year on the Carthage circuit, the next on the Nauvoo, to which
place he moved in 1851. In the latter place, April 25, 1852, he
married Miss Elizabeth H. Betts, and their children were: Mary
Elizabeth, Erasmus Collins and Wilbur Chaffee, the second of
whom only now survives. Mr. Quinby continued in the ministry
until 1862, when he was on the Ivickapoo circuit in Peoria county;
here his health began to fail and he returned to Abingdon and
engaged in merchandising. At this place, April 22, 1864, his wife
died, and the same year he removed to Carthage, continuing in
the same business, and adding agricultural implements to his
trade; in this place he married Miss Mary R. Sympson, of Car-
thage, daughter of Alexander and Nancy Sympson. By this mar-
riage were born Nancy Addie, Mattie Bell, Mary Sympson and
Jessie May; the latter died in infancy. Nov. 21, 1878, Mr. Quinby
ran a nail into his foot at Ferris, which eventually produced lock-
jaw and intense suffering, resulting in his death, Dec. -i following.
He retained his faculties till the last, being able to converse intel-
ligently except when under the strong influence of opiates. The
funeral, which was one of the largest ever in the place, was con-
ducted by an old friend of the deceased. Elder F. M. Chaflee. The
burial was under Masonic honors.

During a residence of less than 14 years in Carthage, Mr. Q. did
more for the prosperity of the city than any other citizen in the
same length of time, having built a dwelling house in the sum-
mer of 1865, and in 1867 he erected a business block, on the north
side of the square, at a cost of $6,000. The Gazette office still
occupies the upper floor of this building. His loss to the business
communit}' was deeply felt, and his character and principles will
last so long as life and reason endure. The wife and mother who
survives is a daughter of Col. Alexander Sympson, who was born
in Green county, Ky., Nov. 8, 1807. In 1829 he was married
to Miss Nancy Caster, and in the spring of 1837 settled in Mc-
Donough county, Illinois. In 1844 he moved to Carthage while

740 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNXy.

the people were agitated by the Mormon question, and took strong
Anti-Mormon ground. In 1S55 he was elected a clerk of the Illi-
nois House of Eepresentatives, and at the demise of the AVhigpartv
went with the Republicans. At the outbreak of the Rebellion he
threw his whole soul into the conflict as a supporter of the Union,
and accepted a commission as Captain and Quartermaster, and
afterward was assigned to the staft' of Gen. Chittenden, where he
soon obtained the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. At Stone river he
displayed great personal gallantry and took part in the Chicka-
manga campaign, and received the thanks of Gen. Rosecrans for
the performance of his duties at Chattanooga. In 1S64 he resigned
his commission in consequence of his shattered health, and that of
his wife ; subsequently he was awarded the contract for grading
the Carthage ik. Burlington Railroad, in which he was engaged
at the time of his death, Aug. 15, 1867. His character as a private
citizen was too well known to need comment from the pen of the
writer. He was a man of strongest convictions, a nexitral upon no
question. His hospitality was unbounded. He would befriend the poor
and assist the needy, regardless of his own wants. At his death
lie was Treasurer of tlie Carthage Royal Arch Chapter of Masons,
and was buried with honors by that fi-aternity. The bereaved widow
and mother survived his loss until Dec. 14. 1867, when her spirit
winged its way to its brighter and happier home. She was born in
Halifax county, Virginia, June 30, 1803. and emigrated to Green
county, Ky., in her youth, and was the last of a family of eight
children. Mr. Quinby's portrait appears in this book.

D?'. J. M. Handolph was born in Adams count}', near Gettys-
burg, Fa., Aug. 26, 1818 ; he attended the colleges of Gettysburg
and Cannonsburg, but on account of declining health he relinquished
his studies before graduating ; in 1840 he came to Illinois and
studied medicine under Dr. Pearce, of Canton, 111. ; he then attended
medical lectures at Cincinnati two terms, and afterward located
for practice at Birmingham, Schuyler Co., 111. ; in a year or two he
became part owner of a mill at Lamoine, McDonough county, to
which place he removed, meanwhile continuing the practice of
medicine; in 1850 he was elected to the Legislature from ilc-
Donough county ; in 1851 he abandoned the medical jjrofession
and removed to Plymouth, Hancock Co., where he engaged actively
and successfully in the mercantile business ; in 1856 he established
a branch store' at Carthage; he ultimately disposed of his Plymouth
trade and moved to Carthage, in October, 1867. Sept. 25 of this
year he married Miss Anna G. Walker, youngest sister of Hon.
Pinckney H. Walker, of Rushville.

Dr. Randolph, being a Arm believer in the principles of temper-
ance, entertained but little hope of the growth of Carthage until
the question of license was settled b}' an overwhelming vote of the
citizens against further tolerating liquor-selling. His energies
■were thenceforwai-d devoted to building up the town. As a pre-
liminarj' step, tlie establishment of Carthage College received his

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 741

warmest support; in 1S73 be erected a handsome brick residence,
which, together with subsequent improvements, cost nearly or quite
$20,000; in 1S75 he built a fine two-story brick business block on
the north side of the public square, at a cost of $5,000; the same
year he built two tenement houses, and in other ways he did much
to build up and improve Carthage.

In 1874 or 1875 he disposed of his dry-goocls business in Car-
thage to W. D. Bennett, who had long been with him as a sales-
man; a branch store at Burnside he continued to own until his
death, which occurred April 12, 1876, from paralysis; his widow
and two sons, James and Arthur, survive him, and reside at the
homestead, in Carthage. Walter, another son, was killed at Fort
Madison, June 16, 1879, as he was attempting to get aboard a train
of cars.

Dr. R. was a reticent man concerning himself and private affairs,
but in all his dealings with his neighbors and the public, he ever
maintained the highest integrity, and was generally considered
one of the most perfect men, morally, in the connt}'. He was a
Presbyterian, but had never transferred his Church membership to
this cit3^ He was a constant attendant at Church services, and lib-
erally supported the interests of religion.

As one of Hancock county's most honored, beloved and respected
citizens, who have passed away to that world from which none re-
turn, we present on another page of this volume a portrait of Dr.
Randolph, engraved from a picture taken at the age of 40 years.

A. B. Regn'iei\ insurance agent, is a son of Dr. Felix Eecrnier,
now living with him, who is a native of Otsego count}', N. Y., and
came to Marietta, O., with his parents when two years of age. He
was born Dec. 25. 1801, was educated at Marietta, and studied med-
icine with Dr. Hildreth, a celebrated author and scientist of early
days. He received his diploma from the Medical Society of Ohio,
and began the practice of his profession at Gallipolis about 1824.
He was married in 1826, to Miss Eliza DeVacht, a native of Gralli-
polis. In 1831 he removed to Jacksonville, and in 1833 returned to
Ohio on account of his wife's declining health, but buried her on
the way home. One girl, Josephine, now deceased, was the only
child. Mr. R. afterward became successfully engaged in the prac-
tice of his profession at Harmon, Ohio, a suburb of Marietta, where
he married Elizabeth Barber Sept. 24, 1835. She was born in
Harmon, Feb. 24, 1807, and died Aug. 22, 1859. By this marriage
3 children were born, all of whom are living: Austin B., Felix,
Jr., and Charles F. He was again married, May 1, 1861, to Miss
Julia C. Gardiner, a native of Ohio, who was born July 24, 1823,
and died July 10, 1877, leaving one child, Earl. The grandfather
of our subject was Dr. John Baptiste Regnier, who was born in
Paris, France, in 1769. His maternal grandfather was Colonel
Levi Barber, of Harmon, 0., who represented his district in Con-
gress, was president of the Marietta branch of the State bank of
Ohio, and held various other responsible trusts. The subject of

742 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

this sketch, Austin B., was born at Harmon, 0., May 13, 1835, on
the site of the old block house at the confluence of the Muskin-
gum and Ohio rivers, the place where the first settlement by
whites was made west of the Alleghany mountains. He graduated
at Marietta College in 1857, and began the study of law with Judge
Arins Nye, and David Alban. In 1859 he graduated at the Cin-
cinnati law school, and began the practice of his profession in that
city. Subsequently, his health failing, he abandoned his profession,
and engaged in various out-door occupations. He moved to this
county in 1866, and followed farming for 14 years. He has
recently removed to Carthage, and is engaged in the business of
fire insurance. Among his companies are the old Continental, of
N. Y., and American Central, of St. Louis. He was married June
21, 1860, to Miss Eunice E. Anderson, of Marietta, O., who was
born April i, 1841. Their children are: Austin B., Jr., Louis E.,
Eunice A., Mary E., David A., Felix and Gertrude.

Perry Reger, a farmer, sec. 27; P. O., Carthage: is a native of
Upshur county, W. Va., where he was born in 1836. His parents,
Abram and Pamelia (Roherbaugh) Reger, were natives of that State;
came to this county in 1859, and settled in Carthage tp., where
he resided until 1S76; then he returned to Virginia, and is now in
the8Sth year of his age. He was an early pioneer of Virginia, a
soldier in the Revolutionary war, and the father of 23 children by
two marriages. His first wife died in 1872. The subject of this
sketch came to this county in 1858. He was married in 1860 to
Miss Susan F. Boothe, a native of this county. Of their chil-
dren 6 are living; namely, John A., Nancy A., Peryger, Maggie,
George F. and Victoria. Mr. Reger located on his present farm
of 80 acres in 1876. Politically he has always endorsed the Demo-
cratic platform.

James W. RicKard, Professor of Latin and History, Carthage
College, was born in Frederick county, Va., in 1843. He received
his early education in the Roanoke school at Salem, Virginia, and
entered upon a course of studies in the college at Gettysburg, Pa.
He graduated at that institution in 1868, and served as tutor eight-
een months prior to his coming to Illinois. He was a thorough
reader and student, especially of the sciences, and devoted three
years of his life to the study of theology. In 1871 he accepted a
pastoral call of the Evangelical Lutheran Church at Sterling, 111.,
where he was married tiie following year, to Miss Matilda E. Tress-
ler, a native of Perry county. Pa. They are the parents of one
child, Mary L. Prof. Richard became a resident of Carthage in
Aug., 1873, since which time he has been engaged in his pres-
ent position. He has always taken an active interest in the
cause of religion, and his life has been consistent with his profes-
sion. He is a devout member and supporter of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church and fills the office of Secretary of the Synod of
Central Illinois, and is Pastor of the TrinityLutheran Church of
Carthage.

^--^^-^S^^.

CARTHAGE

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 745

Edward M. Rohbins, dentist, was born in Lagrange county, Ind.,
in 1S42; is son of Eppaah and Mary (Clark) Robbins, natives
of Pennsylvania and New York, who came to this county in 1861.
He is a practicing physician and a resident of Osage, Kan. Edward
M. came to this countv with his parents and settled in Nauvoo,
and in 1862 enlisted in Co. H, 7Sth 111. Vol. Inf., and served until
the close of the war. lie participated in the battles of Chicka-
mauga, Chattanooga, Missionary Ridge, Lookout Mountain, Buz-
zard's Roost, Kenesaw Mountain, Jonesboro, Bentonville, with
Sherman on his march to the sea, and through the grand review at
AVashington. During the entire service he was absent from his
command but two da3's. He was married in 1870 to Miss Mary
Brownlee, a native of this county, and daughter of Samuel Brown-
lee, and their children are: Eulalie, Eddie and Sammy. Mr.
Robbins has been in his present place five years, and has a large
practice. He is a member of the A. O. (J. W., I. O. O. F. and
Knights of Pythias; family are members of Trinity Lutheran
Church. Politically, is a strong Republican .

Georrje J. Rogers, lawyer, was born in Albany, N. Y., in 1824;
son of Penuel and Mary (White) Rogers, natives of that State, who
emigrated to this State in 1865 and settled in Quincy, where his
mother died in 1867. His father is at this time a resident of that
city. George J. secured his classical education in the office of
Jas. R. Dayton, of Quincy. He was admitted to the Bar in 1848,
and read law in the office of Almeron Wheat until 1849, when he
crossed the plains to California. In two years he returned and
began the practice of his profession at Quincj'. In 18.54 he moved
to this city, and in the fall of 1857 was married to Miss Mary F.,
daughter of Major John Scott. Mr. Rogers was City Clerk at AYar-
saw, and in 1860 was appointed U. S. Marshal to take the Sth
census of the county, which he executed with ability and satisfac-
tion. He was a member of the Board of Education some j'ears and
was elected County Clerk in 1869. This office he filled until 1877
and then returned to the duties of his profession, to which he has
since devoted his time. He is the father of 7 children, 5 of whom
are living: Minnie, wife of Lieutenant J. W. Carlin, U. S. Navy;
Hiram S., Anna, Nellie C. and John W. Politically Mr. R. is a
Democrat.

Charles O. Rohrer. proprietor of the Rohrer House, was born Mar.
15, 1843 in Asch, Austria; isa son of John Adam and Reginia (Wald-
zeck) Rohrer, natives of that empire, where his father died in 1860.
His mother with one child emigrated to America in 1861, and
resided in this city. Charles G. emigrated to this country with a
younger sister in 1860, and settled in Vicksburg, where he was
engaged in hotel business for two years, then entered the mer-
cantile business which he disposed of in 1863, and turned his
attention toward the liberation from Confederacy. He was a strong
adherent of the Union cause, and during his confinement in the
Confederate lines was subject to many trials and sufferings. He
came to this county in 1863, and worked at his trade, painting, and

Y46 ' HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

in 1866 returned to Vicksburg where he remained two years, then
came back to Carthage, where lie has since made it his home. He
was married in 1877 to Miss Kate L. Dedwiler, a native of Chester
county, Pa. He opened his iine residence as a hotel in June, 1S78.
The house under his charge has an extended reputation, and is
patronized wholly by the traveling public and commercial men.
The cuisine and all appurtenances are of the best. ]\Ir. R. is
agent for the Northwestern National Insurance Co., of Milwaukee,
the German, of Freeport, a member of the Masonic and I. O. O. F.
orders, and the family are members of the M. E. Church. He is the
father of 2 children, Willie L. and Ralph G.

A. J. Ruchei\ farmer, sec. 27; P. O., Carthage; was born in
Grant county, in 1830. His parents were James M. and Julia A.
(Loyd) Rucker, natives of Virginia, who came to Illinois in 1835,
and settled in Schuyler county, where he resided until his death.
His mother also died in that county. He was married in 1862, in
Schuyler county, to Miss Abigail Lashmet, a native of North Caro-
lina. He came to this State when three years of age. Mr. and
Mrs. R. have 3 living children — William E., John T. and Mary E.
They came to this county in 1S65, and settled on his present estate,
consisting of 160 acres, valued at $50 per acre. Mr. R. is School
Director, and is an old settler of Illinois; is a well-known and
honored resident of the county. His advantages for education were
limited, and his success has been attained bj^ his own industry. In
politics he is a Democrat.

E. Rucker, farmer, sec. 29; P. O., Carthage; was born in Kenton
county, Ky., in 1826. His parents, William M. and Julia A.
(Loj'd) Rucker, were natives of that State, and moved to Schuyler
county. 111., in 1835, where they both died. He was married in
1843, in Schuyler countj-, to Miss Polly A. Lashmet, a native of
Virginia and daughter of John Laslimet, a pioneer of that State.
Mr. R. has one adopted daughter, Adaline, wife of Thomas Metcalf,
of this tp. He came to this county in 1865, and located on his
present farm, consisting of 160 acres, valued at $50 per acre. His
advantages for education were limited, but through energy and
industry he has secured a good farm and comfortable home. Politi-
cally he has been an advocate of Democratic principles, and always
voted that ticket.

Wm. W. Sackman. farmer, sec. 23; P. 0., Carthage; was born
in Jefferson county, Va., in 1816; is a son of William and Susauah
(Wright) Sackman, who settled in Morgan county'. 111., in 1828,
where he purchased patent land and resided until 1835, when he
moved to Schuyler count}'. Mo., where he died in 1874. His wife
died previously in Ohio. He was for 50 years a minister, and was
well known throughout the State. The subject of this sketch was
married in 1842, in Schuyler county, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter
of John Baker, a native of Tennessee. By this marriage 3 children
have been born, 2 of whom are living, AVilliam F. and Erastus B.
Mr. S. came to this county in April, 1847, and settled at West
Point, in St. Alban's tp., where he resided until 1850, when he

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 747

moved to his present home. He has a farm of 201 acres, and is
one of the earlj' pioneers of the county and State. He was Magis-
trate for 20 years, and is well and favorably known. In politics he
is a Democrat.

James Sample, furniture dealer, is eldest son of Robert and
Jane (Hawthorn) Sample, natives of Pa., who emiojrated to Illi-
nois in 1850, and settled in Canton, Fulton county. The following
year he moved to this county and settled in Hancock tp., where
Mrs. Sample died in 1868. Mr. S. has been prominentl}' identifi-
ed with the interests of Hancock tp., and resides with a sister. The
subject of this sketch was born in Lancaster county. Pa., in 1836.
He remained on the farm until 1S52, when he was married to Miss
Eliza, daughter of Samuel Spangler, a native of Cumberland
county'. Pa. He moved to Carthage and opened a shop, where he
applied himself to his trade, cabinet-making, and undertaker of the
city. When the war broke out he enlisted in Co. B, 118th Pegt.
I. Y. I., was promoted to Lieutenant, and participated in the bat-
tles of Haines' Bluff, Arkansas Post, Vicksburg, Thompson's Hill,
Champion Hills, siege of Vicksburg, where he^vas sent out on a
reconnoitering expedition 20 miles from that place, and while in
command of the company was ambushed and shot through the
shoulder. He was secured by the rebels, and carried to a rebel
house, where he was left for dead, and afterward rescued by the
Union forces, and conveyed to a farm house, where he was kindly
cared for, and confined to the house six weeks, when he was sent
home. For several years he was greatly disabled by this wound,
and his resignation was accepted with official inducements to
occupy other positions, which he declined. When able, with the
little accumulations saved from his army service, he began at his
trade on a small scale, and by energy and industry is enabled to
occupy a good position in the business community of this city. In
1875 he erected the store lie now occupies, 20 by 70 feet, and car-
ries a stock of .$4,000, and enjoys a liberal patronage. They have
one child, adopted, Katie. Tlic family are members of the Pres-
byterian Church. Politically Mr. S. is Republican.

Charles J. Scojield, lawyer, was born in Carthage, 111., in 1853;
is son of Charles and Elizabeth (Crawford) Scofield, natives of
Kew York and Kentucky, who emigrated to this county in 1850,
where he died in Jan., 1857. She died May 27, 1877. Charles J.
began the stud}- of law in the office of Scofield & Hooker, of this
city, and attended school at Canton University, Mo., where he was
graduated in 1871. Tiiree years afterward he took the degree of
A. M., and began the practice of his profession in this city. In
June, 1875, he was appointed Master in Chancery, and in Mai-ch,
1879, the partnership of Dayton ite Scofield was formed. In 1876
he was united in marriage to Miss Rosa, adopted daughter of Dr.
A. Spiiler, of this city. Mr. S. served as Town Attorney; is a
member of the I. O. M. A., and a member of the Christian Church.
Politically, is a Democrat, and although young in years, is one of
the most earnest and able workers in the legal profession.

7iS HI5T0ET OF HANCOCK COUNTY. .

T. J. Scofield, lawyer, is a son of Charles K. and Elizabeth (Craw-
ford) Scofield, early settlers of this conuty, where tliey both died.
He was born in Carthage in 1856; began the study of law in the
office of Edmunds & Hooker, of tliis city; w^as educated in the
Carthage College, and after graduation w-as admitted to the Bar in
187S. He was married in 1877, to Miss Georgia H., daughter of
Jndge 11. Edmunds, of this city. She is a native of this county.
They have 2 children, whose names are Charles J. and Jessie.
Mr. S. spent a portion of 1877-'8 in Colorado, and began practice
in this cit}' in the fall of 1878, forming partnersliip with J. C.
Williams. He is a member of the I. O. M. A., and politically is a
Democrat.

Thomas CoJce Sharp was born Sept. 25, 1818, at Mt. Holly, N. J.
His father, Eev. Solomon Sharp, was a native of the eastern shore of
Maryland, and a noted pioneer Methodist preacher of the Philadel-
phia Conference. His mother was a member of the extensive
Budd family, of Pemberton, Burlington connty, N. J. The earliest
recollections of Thomas C. were of Trenton, N. J. After that his
father was stationed at Philadelphia, then Wilmington, Del., Salem
Circuit, N. J., Christiana Circuit, Del., Smyrna Circuit, Dover
Circuit, and thence back to Smyrna, when, on account of age and
disease, he was placed on the superannuated list, and died soon
after.

In 1835 Thomas entered Dickinson College, Carlisle, Penn., but
took only the scientific course. In August, 1837, he entered the
law school of Judge Eeed, Carlisle, supporting himself during the
last 18 months of his law course by teaching the male high school
of the town, which he took charge of at the age of 20 years, and
during a six months' absence of Prof. McClintock was a tutor of
mathematics in Dickinson College. He graduated in the law school
and was admitted to the Cumberland County Bar, April 14, 18-iO.
In July of the same year he started West, arriving at Quincy
August 11. Here lie opened a law office, but after a few weeks
became discouraged with the prospect and changed his residence to
Warsaw, where he arrived Sept. 24, 1840; remained there continu-
oiisly until Dec. 26, 1865, and then removed to Carthage, where he
has resided ever since. On his arrival at Warsaw he opened a law
office and continued the practice for about a }'ear, but being afflicted
with a dullness of hearing, which seriously interfered with him
in tlie trial of cases, he became discouraged, abandoned the practice,
and did not resume the same until 1858, since which time he has
been continuously engaged in the practice of his profession.

At the time of his arrival in Warsaw the onl}' newspaper pub-
lished in the county was the Western World, which had been
established in that town by D. N. White, afterward of the Pitts-
burgh Gazette, in May, 1840. Mr. W., becoaiing convinced that
Warsaw did not offer sufficient inducements for him to remain
there, determined to return to Pittsburgh, and offered to sell the
office to Mr. Sharp and James Gamble, bis foreman, who was an

IIISTOKY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 749

excellent practical printer, now an eminent pli\'sician of Le Clerc,
Iowa. The boys (Mr. S. being the oldest, and only 22 years of age)
bit at the bait, and on the 6th of November, 1840, became pro-
prietors. They were both green in business matters, but managed
to make a paper which was highly complimented by citizens and
the press tor its typographical and editorial excellence. It was
Whig in politics, but in the spring of ISil, Mr. S., who had been
raised a Jackson Democrat, and who had been drawn into the
Harrison ranks by the cry of retrenchment and reform, raised in
the hard cider campaign of 1S40, drifted back to his first love, as
soon as the tariff and financial schemes of the Whigs developed
themselves in Congress, and from that time on the paper main-
tained a neutral position in politics. In May, 1841, the proprietors
deeming the name of the paper too big for the size of the town it
was published in, changed it to Warsaw Signal. In Nov., IS-tl,
Mr. Gamble retired from the firm, and from that time until the
summer of 1842 the paper was conducted h\ Mr. S. alone, when,
becoming convinced that the establishment could never pay the
debt accumulated upon it, he gave it up, and it again went into the
hands of D. N. White.

At the time Mr. S. came to the county there was but little feel-
ing discernible on the surface against the Mormons, but the syco-
phancy of politicians to the Mormon leaders had disgusted some of
the people, and the Mormons themselves, who were very humble
and docile when they first came, were daily growing insolent and
overbearing. The conduct of the Legislature in 1840-41 in grant-
ing the charters they asked for with all the powers they sought to
have inserted, and the anxiety of both Whigs and Democrats to
cater to them with the evident purpose in each party that the
other should not get the lead in securing Mormon favor, created
much dissatisfaction; but it appeared but little on the surface.
Judge Douglas was appointed to the circuit in which Hancock
was situated, and presided for the first time in the Hancock Circuit
Court at the March term, 1841. To placate the Mormons who had
become embittered against the Democrats in Missouri, appeared to
be a part of his mission, and he came under a promise to appoint
J. B. Backinstos, a Jack Mormon, Circuit Clerk; but the Judge
saw signs of dissatisfaction, which caused him to pause, and J. C.
Davis received tlie appointment. At the June term, however, the
Judge appointed Gen. J. C. Bennett, of the Nauvoo Legion, Mas-
ter in Chancery. This appointment, it was thought, was made in
order to give the Mormons the ofiicer who had power to issue writs
oi fuiheas corpus in the absence of the Judge, and thus defeat any
attempt that might be made to transport any of the Mormon lead-
ers to Missouri, under a requisition from the Governor. On the
making of the appointment, the Signal opened fire and denounced
the toadying manifested by politicians to the Mormons, particularly
referring to the appointment of Bennett as one not fit to be made.
This article brought to the surface all the latest disafiection which

750 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

had been smoldering in the breasts of the people, and the result was
a sudden outburst of indignation from members of both political
parties. The Mormons were also terribly excited. The Signal
followed up its assaults on tlie politicians and the Mormons, until
the matter appeared to be ripe for action, when, on its^own hook,
it called a convention to nominate an Anti-Mormon ticket. The
first attempt was a failure, owing to the notice being too short, but
the few wiio met adjourned to a subsequent day, when a full con-
vention assembled and a ticket for county officers was nominated.
Some of the Democrats got up an opposition, but the Anti-Mor-
mons carried the election by a good majority. By tlie next year
the Mormons had increased to such an extent that they and their
friends carried the county, as tliey did at all subsequent elections
during their stay. The Signal continued, however, to pour hot
shot into the Mormons until its suspension.

On Sept. 6, 18i2, Mr. S. was married to Mrs. Hannah G. Wil-
cox, widow of John R. Wilcox, one of the original proprietors of
Warsaw, and lived with her until her death, which occurred at
Carthage, Oct. 3, 1879. She was a lady highly esteemed and re-
spected by all who knew her. She was the mother of 6 children,
one by her first husband, still living, and 5 by her last, 3 of whom
survive her.

After the suspension of the Warsaw Signal, Mr. S. employed
himself in clearing land, intending to engage in farming, but after
about eighteen months' experience, concluded that nature did not
intend him for a tiller of the soil, and made an arrangement for re-
suscitating the Warsaw Signal, whicli was efi^ected in Feb.
1844, succeeding the Warsaw Message, conducted by Mr. Gregg.
As the organ of the old settlers or Anti-Mormons of Hancock
county, the Signal, after its resuscitation, became famous through-
out the whole country. Upon the liead of its editor, whose slash-
ing articles made the fur fly, the wrath of the Mormons was poured
with concentrated venom. He was the subject of their vitu-
peration and ridicule, and was more dreaded and hated by the
whole Mormon tribe than any other Anti-Mormon in the county.
The editorials of the Signal were extensively copied into other
papers throughout the country, and from their pugnacious and
violent character, people at a distance were led to believe that
" Old Tom Sharp" (as the Mormons were accustomed to call the
young man who wrote them), was a perfect walking arsenal, his
person bristling with bowie knives and pistols, who would rather
fight than eat, instead of the mild-mannered, good-natured and
rather conservative individual tJiat he has always appeared to his
most intimate acquaintances.

At the time of the resuscitation of the Signal excitement in the
county ran high on the Mormon question, and the advent of such
a hot-blooded, slashing writer as Mr. S. at the head of the Anti-
Mormon newspaper, was not calculated to allay it. While the
Signal was lashing into fury the blood of the Gentiles, outside of

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTT. 751

Naiivoo, internal dissensions sprang up within the city, caused by
the secret propagation of Jo Smith's famous revelation, sanction-
ing polygamy and enjoining its practice on tiie Saints, and the
secret practice of polygamy under tiie name of spiritnal-wifeism,
by many of the leaders. Against this doctrine and the practice
under it, several of the most influential and wealthy of the Mor-
mon brethren rebelled. Great excitement ensued, and finally the
protesting brethren bought a printing office and commenced the
publication of the Nauvoo Expositor. The first number ap-
peared filled witli proofs of the existence of the revelation, which
the leaders had not dared to publish, and of attempts made by
sundry Mormon leaders to seduce virtuous females, under the
guise of "Thus saitli the Lord." The crisis had become immi-
nent; it would not do for such literature to be circulated in the
Holy City, and therefore the city council was convened, an order
passed declaring the Expositor a nuisance, and the Marshal was
ordered to suppress it, which lie proceeded to do by breaking up
the press and furniture, and scattering the type through the
streets. The dissenting Mormons fied the city, seeking refuge
with the Gentiles in the various towns, and the story "of their
treatment, added to the fiery appeals of theWarsaw Signal, lashed the
Anti-Mormons into a perfect foam of excitement. Writs were issued
for Jo and Hyrum Smith, an officer sent to Nauvoo to arrest them,
but they refused to obey. The Governor was appealed to, the mil-
itia of neighboring counties ordered out, and soon Gov. Ford in
pei'son appeared in Carthage. In the meantime Jo Smith had
declared martial law, and converted the city of Jfauvoo into a
camp, allowing neither [ingress nor egress without a pass. Writs
were now issued against Jo Smith and otliers for treason, and
officers sent to Nauvoo to make the arrests; but their mission was
futile. Governor Ford then commenced negotiations with Jo
Smith and the Mormon leaders, and by promises induced them to
surrender. To the Anti-Mormons, who understood the situation,
the whole aftair had now assumed the form of a broad farce. Jo
Smith controlled a large majority of the votes in the county, he
elected whom he pleased for county officers, these officers selected
the jurors; and what fear need Jo and his fellow prisoners have of
a conviction when they could, through their minions in office,
select the jurors that were to try them? Jo Smith did not fear,
and had no need to fear the law, no matter what outrage he might
commit on life or property. The only thing he feared was the
mob. When Mr. S. who was in Carthage heard of the determina-
tion to disband the troops, knowing that the Warsaw force was
already in motion to Nauvoo under previous orders issued by the
Governor, he borrowed a horse and rapidly rode toward Warsaw
to stop the further progress until official orders could reach them.
He met the advance at Prentice's shanty, a halt was called, the
men formed in line by Mayor Aldrich, who was in command, and
the announcement made that orders had been countermanded, and

752 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

that they wovild halt where the,y were until official orders were re-
ceived. The men called on Aldrich for a speech, but he declining,
Sharp was called for and he addressed them in his usual fiery style,
but declined to recommend any course of procedure. He then
mounted his horse and returned to Carthage, meeting the Gover-
nor's messengers a mile or two away. After he had left, volunteers
were called for to go to Carthage, and the result was, that a part
of this force marched to Carthage, and killed Jo and Hyrum Smith.
This occurred on the 27th day of June, 1844. The death of their
leaders broke the power of tlie Mormons in Hancock, and the
riddance of the county of the whole tribe became only a question
of time. The indignation against the Anti-Mormons, on account
of the killing of the Smiths, was intense outside of the county,
and the Signal was kept hot in its efforts to vindicate them.

In September, 1844, occurred the famous "Wolf Hunt War."
Handbills were issued announcing a wolf hunt on a certain daj',
and giving the programme in the usual style. The getters up of
the handbills designed nothing more than a bona fide wolf hunt,
and had not the most distant idea of any interference with the Mor-
mons; but, after the bills were out, the Saints began to suspect that
maybe they were the wolves wliich were to be hunted, and expressed
their suspicions to some Anti-Mormons. The wags took the hint,
and soon stuffed the Mormons with the most enormous stories of
the thousands and tens of thousands that were coming from Mis-
souri and the surroiinding counties to take part in this wonderful
hunt. The Saints, who had grown timid since the death of Jo
Smitli, became seriously alarmed, and sent deputations to the Gov-
ernor asking for protection. The Governor allowed himself to be
humbugged, and called out the uniformed companies of Springfield,
Jacksonville and Quincy, and ordered them to proceed to Hancock
to disperse the expected mob. Col. E. D. Baker (afterward killed
at Ball's Blufl) was put in command of this force. The army came,
accompanied by the Governor, but when Hancock was reached, and
the truth became known in the camp, the position of the Governor
became highly ridiculous. He was simply furioi;s, and to redeem
himself, concluded he would accomplish at least the arrest of some
of the Anti-Mormon leaders, whom rumor pointed to as being con-
cerned in the killing of Jo Smith. Writs were therefore issued in
Nauvoo for Sharp and Williams. A constable named Hose wentto
Warsaw and arrested Shar]), but was told by him that unless the
citizens of Warsaw so advised, he would not go to Nauvoo. The
citizens objected, and Rose left town. Ford's army was then ap-
proaching, and Sharp and Williams skipped across to Alexandria
to await developments. The Governor and his soldiers finally en-
tered Warsaw to find that the birds had flown. The whole perform-
ance had become exceedingl}' ridiculous, and Ford seemed anxious
to get out of his scrape, by accomplishing atleast something by the
expedition, which was highly expensive to the State. He therefore
sent Col. Baker to Alexandria authorizing him to negotiate with

^^-^ L Ju^O^^l-

WiLCOXTp

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 755

Sharp and "Williams for their surrender, on terms; that is, they
should give bail and be allowed to go free. The treaty was signed.
Col. Baker pledged himself that it should be observed to the letter,
or he would send Sharp and "Williams back into Missouri. Sharp
and "^"illiams then went to the Governor's camp in "Warsaw; the
Sheriff read his writ to them, and turned Jiis prisoners over to Col.
Baker, who accompanied them to Quincy, where Judge Thomas
was holding Court. IS o effort was made to confine the prisoners,
and they went where the}' pleased. The matter coming up before
Judge Thomas, his Honor refused to observe the terms of the
treaty, which required that the Attorney-General, who was present,
should admit that the crime charged against the prisoners was not
evident, or the presumption great, so that they could be admitted
to bail; but consented that if the prisoners would waive an exami-
nation, he would hold them to bail in a small amount. This was
agreed to under protest of innocence; bail given, and the farcical
character of the whole proceeding made more apparent than ever.
It was on this occasion that Judge Douglas, entering a crowd
which was making merry at the Governor's ridiculous position, ex-
claimed: "Gentlemen, this matter has passed beyond ridicule;
it is time for sympathy."

At the October Term of Court following, indictments were
found against five leading Anti-Mormons and four otliers, who were
said to be concerned in the killing of the Smiths. These indict-
ments were procured by the perjured testimony of Mormon wit-
nesses. Mr. Sharp was one of the persons indicted. After the
adjournment of Court no effort was made to arrest the defendants
until some time in the winter, and this was so handsomely frus-
trated, that it was not repeated. At the March term of the Circuit
Court, the five principal men indicted appeared, Judge Young pre-
siding. By consent of Josiah Lamborn, who had been sent by
the Governor to Hancock to prosecute the defendants, and who,
by the by, was the strongest prosecutor in the State, the defendants
were recognized to appear from day to day during the trial, and

were held under no restraint. The trial occupied • days, and

was conducted throughout with as much decorum as any trial ever
conducted in Hancock county, the slanderous statements of John
Hay in the Atlantic Monthly to the contrar}', notwithstanding.
Everybody respected Judge Young, and not the slightest indignity
was offered to him. Mr. Lamborn made no complaint of unfair
treatment, but on the other hand expressed himself as having great
leniency accorded to him, the Court, by consent of the defendants,
adjourning over at an early hour in order to give Mr. L. time to
send for a witness to try and corroborate one of his impeached wit-
nesses. The prosecution made out their case by three Mormon
witnesses, and the defendants so completely and overwhelmingly
impeached them by contradictory evidence and the contradictions
they made of themselves on cross-examination, that when Mr.
Lamborn arose to address the jury, he said he would not ask the

756 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

jury to believe them ; that in tlie course of his practice he had never
known witnesses as effectually broken down. In reference to Mr.
Sharp it was not pretended that he went with the crowd that did
the killing to the jail ; all he was accused of was stirring up the
boys in that little speech he made at Prentice's shanty. The sub-
stance of that speech was proved by willing witnesses to the jury,
and there was nothing in it but what made up the burden of Anti-
Mormon speeches of that day. The jury was out but a short time,
aud brought in a verdict of " Not guilty," and as had been pre-
viously arranged, there was no demonstration of applause in the
audience. Throughout the whole -trial there was no " armed mob
in the court-house," which " stamped applause or hissed defiance,
according as they approved or disapproved the proceedings." This
charge, made by John Hay, in his Atlantic Monthly article, and
copied into Davidson & Stuve's " History of Illinois," is a lie
made out of whole cloth. Nor is it true thac the whole people
knew the defendants were guilty, for it was a matter that Anti-Mor-
mons- were very close-mouthed about ; and who were concerned in
the affairs and who were not, was known only to the people gener-
ally by uncertain rumor.

Mr. Sharp continued at the head of the Warsaw Signal until
the Mormons had evacuated Nauvoo in the fall of 1846. In the
final war Mr. S. acted as an aid to General Singleton who first had
command, and after his retirement he occupied the same position
on General Brockman's staff; was in the battle at Nauvoo and was
sent with the Lima Company to make a feint on the Mormon bat-
tery on our right, while the General at the head of the main force
made a flank movement on the left. This feint executed, Mr. S.
with his command joined the main force, conveyed the orders
that brought the 1st Regiment into the fight, and in person led the
2nd Regiment up to the support of the exposed artillery, during
which movement several of the men were wounded.

After the Mormons had left the country, Mr. S. turned the Sig-
nal over to Thomas Gregg, and engaged in various out-door busi-
nesses, his long confinement to the office and the excitement of the
Mormon struggle having worn on his health, so as to make the
change necessary.

In the spring of 1847, Mr. S. was elected a member of the Con-
stitutional Convention with four others from Hancock county, and
assisted, as a member of said Convention, in drafting the constitu-
tion, which was adopted by the people in 1S48.

In the winter of 1S51, having been elected Justice of the Peace,
at a time when there was a vast deal of business in that line in
Warsaw, he returned to the office work. In 1853 he was elected
first Mayor of Warsaw, and kept the office for three successive
yearly terms; was again elected in 1858 and 1859. In 1854 he
started the Warsaw Express, neutral in politics, and mainly de-
voted to the railroad projects then warmly discussed in the county.
He tired of this in about fifteen months, and sold out to G. G.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 757

Galloway. During the Mormon war, Mr. S. ceased to be a parti-
san Democrat, but acted witii the party in the main, until the in-
troduction of the Nebraska bill, in 185i, by Mr. Douglas, when he
joined the anti-Nebraska opposition, and drifted with it into the
Kepublican party, with which he has been strongly and zealously
identified ever since.

In the summer of 1856, he was nominated by the Republicans
of the then 5th Congressional District, as a candidate for Congress
to succeed Colonel Richardson, who had resigned to be a candidate
for Governor. The district was overwhelmingly Democratic, and
the nomination was but an empty honor, but Mr. S. canvassed the
district, making speeches in ever}' county.

In 1S6-I:, being called on by the Union League of Hancock coun-
ty, to take charge of a Union paper, he started the Warsaw New
Era, which he conducted successfully for one year, and after that,
it seeming to be the general wish, outside of Warsaw, that the
paper be removed to Carthage, as more central, he sold out to
Alex. Sympson, in June, 1S65. and the material was taken to Car-
thage, placed in the hands of -F. E. Fowler, and the Carthage Ga-
zette started by him June 29, 1865. In the fall of 1865, Mr. S.
was nominated by the Republicans for County Judge, and being
elected, he assumed the duties of the ofSce, and removed his family
to Carthage. This otHce he held four years, was nominated unani-
mously for re-election, but the Democrats having regained their
ascendancy in the county, temporarily lost at the close of the war;
the whole Republican ticket was defeated. At the close of his offi-
cial career as Countj' Judge, he formed a partnership with H. W.
Draper, and with him practiced law three years. In December,
1869, at the urgent solicitation of Mr. Fowler, who had received a
Government appointment, Mr. S. assumed editorial control of the
Carthage Gazette, expecting it to be but temporary; but his
old passion for the journalistic profession being revived by edito-
rial work, he, in June, 1870, bought the office, and with the excep-
tion of about thirteen months, when the office was in the hands of
C. M. Shultz, has continued the management ever since. During
this time he has continued in the practice of the law, now being
the head of the law firm of Sharp & Berry Bros. Mr. Sharp's por-
trait is given on page 387.

Will 0. Sharp, photographer, was born in this county in 1854i
is the son of Judge Thos. Sharp of this city. He served eight
years in the printing office, and opened his present place of busi-
ness in 1878, where he enjoys a fair trade. He was married in
April, 1878, to Miss Georgiana Cannon, a native of this tp. They
have one child, named Ethel K. Mr. S. is a member of the A. O.
U. W., and is a respected citizen.

J. Mack Sholl, hardware merchant, firm Shell Brothers. The
subject of this sketch is a native of Preble Co., O., and was born in
1851. His parents were Jacob and Mariah(Mack) Sholl, natives of
Pennsylvania, who came to this county in 1852, and is a resident
of this city. He established himself in the mercantile trade in

758 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

1866, and was succeeded by our subject and his brother Aleck, at
this time Cashier of the Illinois State Penitentiary. Mr. S. was mar-
ried in Sept., 1879, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Geo. T. Wilson, a
native of Warsaw. The firm of Sholl Brothers is one of the oldest
in the city and carries a stock of $i,000, with a good trade. Mr. S.
is a member of the A. O. U. W., and is a Kepublican.

A. C. Shultz, firm Foutch & Shultz, merchants. This firm was
established in 1878. The house carries a stock of 81^600 and has
a good trade.

The subject of this sketch was born in Rockbridge county, E.
Va., in 184:3, son of Jackson and Elizabeth (Spliter) Shultz, who
emigrated to this county in 1854, and is now an established mer-
chant of this city.

A. C. lived on the homestead until 1862, when he enlisted in Co.
H, 118th. I. V. I., and served until the close of the war. He
participated in battles of Arkansas Post, Thompson's Hill, Mission-
ary Kidge, Raymond, Vicksburg, Black River Bridge, Jackson,
Miss., where he was taken sick and put on detached service, and
filled his honorable career in the Union cause, and was honorably
discharged. He returned home and entered the mercantile trade
in partnership with O. P. Carlton. Two years afterward he sold
and engaged in the cigar trade one year, when he moved to Adrian,
111., and represented himself in the business circle of that place in
the dry-goods trade, where he remained two years and returned to
this city. He was married in 1878 to Miss Amanda E., daughter
of John L. Foutch. They have 2 children, John L. and Grace.
He is a member of the A. O. U. W., and of the Baptist Church.
Politically he is a Republican.

Charles E. Stnales, market, Carthage, is a native of Virginia,
where he was born in 1818. His parents, Matthias and Melinda
(West) Smales, are residents of that State. He enlisted in 1862 in
Co. H, oOtii Yol. Inf., and served nearly three years. He was
assigned principally to detail service, and was honorably discharged
at the close of his service. In 1865 he came to this State and
located in McLean county, where he was married in 1869, to Miss
Lucy F., daughter of John Benson, an early settler of that county,
where he died in March, 1877. The wife and mother survive. To
this union 3 children have been born, all of whom are living:
Clyde, Clara and Dixie. Mr. Smales was engaged in his present
occupation at Lexington, McLean count}', and moved to Carthage
in 1870. He opened his present place of business in 1873, and en-
joys a lucrative trade. He is a member of the Masonic order and
A. O. U.W., and one of the active business young men of this city.
Politically, is Republican.

William T. Smith, druggist, established in present location in
1876. Carries a stock of $2,500, and has a good patronage. He
was born in Adams county. 111., in 1851; is son of John K. and
Susan (Curry) Smith, who emigrated to the West in 1832, and set-
tled in Adams county, near Columbus; subsequently he moved to

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 759

Clayton, where he resided until his death, which occurred in Feb.,
1880. His wife is still livino; in this city. Mr. S. was married in
18S0 to Miss Lillian Fielding, daughter of Mrs. R. II. Hardy. He
is a member of the A. O. U. W. and of the Episcopal Church of this
city, and is one of the active business men of Carthage. In poli-
tics, isRepublican.

William M. Spangler, retired farmer, was born in Cumberland
county, Pa., in 1823; is a son of Samuel and Rebecca (Trego)
Spangler, natives of that State, who emigrated to this county in
1838, and settled in Fountain Green tp., where he engaged in farm-
ing, and resided until his death. Wm. M. was married in 1844 to
Miss Emily Rensliaw, a native of Sangamon county. 111. They
have had S children, 7 of whom are living — Matilda, Evaline, Vir-
ginia, Josephine, Mary, Nellie and James R. Mr. Spangler is one
of the oldest living pioneers of Hancock count}'. He moved to
this city and settled on his present home in 1866, where he is liv-
ing upon the fruits of his industrj'. His advantages for education
were limited, and only such as were accorded to the pioneer youths
of Illinois. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church. In
politics he was, until the Rebellion, a Democrat, but now endorses
Republican principles.

Adam Sjntler, retired physician, is a native of Augusta county,
Va., where he was born in 1816. He received his early education
in his native county and entered the university at Louisville, Ky.,
at which institution he graduated in March, 1850. The following
year he began the practice of his profession in Upshur county, Va.,
where he resided 11 or 12 j-ears. In 1857 he settled in this city
and followed his professional calling until the spring of 1880. He
then retired from the active duties of life, and is living upon the
fruits of his well-earned industry. He was married in 1851 to
Miss Carrie A., daughter of James Janney, a native of Virginia.
He is a member of the American National Medical Association,
President of the Hancock Medical Society, and a member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church since 1833. Until 10 years of age he
lived in Augusta with his parents, Daniel and Eleanor (Emory)
Spitler, both natives of Virgina, who moved from Rockbridge to
this county in 185-1, and settled in St. Mary's tp. ; subsequently he
moved to Carthage, where he died in 1861. She died in 1S75. The
family number among the early settlers and are highly respected in
this community.

John D. Stevens, retired, was born in Greene county, 111., in
1826; is a sou of Joseph and Elmira, deceased, natives of New
York city and Vermont, and among the early pioneers of that
county, where they were married. Joseph was a hatter by trade and
traveled extensively through the Western country, trading in furs
among the Indians. In 1828 he moved to Hazel Green,
Wisconsin, and became engaged in the lead mines at that place.
In the fall of the same year he sent his wife and 2 children down
the Mississippi river, on a keel-boat, and landed on the east bank

760 HISTOET OF HAKCOCK COUNTY.

of the river, where Little Cincinnati now is, and made his
settlement in what is now Louisiana, Pike county, Mo.
Here he established a trading post and engaged in the fur
trade. Large bands of Indians sought his post to trade,
and he was widely known among the tribes of the West.
From that point he came to this county in lS33,and settled in what
is now Chili tp., whei'e he entered 2J sections of land, upon which
he made improvements and engaged in farming. Hewas at one
time Mail-carrier and Contractor, and kept the first hotel in
his growing settlement. 'He was widely known throughout the
county and was among the early pioneers of the State and county.
He died on the homestead in 1846. The widow and mother sur-
vived him until 1S63, when her spirit took its flight to its better
home.

The subject of this sketch has been engaged ^mostly in farming
and mining. In 1S50 he crossed the plains to California, and re-
mained until 1855, when he returned, having an eventful journey
by way of Arizona and Texas. Mr. S. was married in 1857 to
Miss Julia A. Towler, a native of Ind. To this union 3 children
have been born, all of whom are living: Leona M., Clara B. and
Almira A. He engaged in farming and became an active partici-
pant in the public issues of the county. In 1870 he was elected
Sheriff of the county, and re-elected in 1872 to the same office, the
duties of which he filled with satisfaction to his constituents. He
also was Justice of the Peace in Chili tp., and has been otherwise
distinguished. In 1876 he erected the Stevens House, at a cost of
$11,000, furnished, which he conducted successfully 11 years. In
1879, by reason of poor health, he rented the house and retired to
the quietness of his home. The Stevens House is located on the
south side of the Square, is built of brick, and will accommodate
many guests. Its arrangements are of the best, and its location
is all that could be desired. In fact, this is a reliable and the only
first-class hotel building in the city.

L. C. Stevenson, retired, was born in Baltimore, Md., in 1809;
is a son of Sater and Priscilla (Cole) Stevenson, both natives of
that State, where she died in 1815. He moved to Franklin
county, O., where he died in 1S1:9. L. C. came to Illinois in 1836,
stopped one year in Chicago, and settled in this city in 1837, where
he engaged in the cabinet and furniture business, in a log shanty
that occupied the present site of the bank. Some years afterward
he purchased a farm, and engaged in that business until he retired
from all active pursuits, to the quietness and comforts of his pleas-
ant home. He was married May 23, 18i4, to Miss Susan Gallop,
a native of Eockland, where she was born April 26, 1827. Of
their 11 children 5 are living; viz., Charles, Willie, Hattie, Fred-
erick and Edward. Mr. S. is one of the oldest living settlers of
Carthage, honored and respected by all who know him. Politi-
cally, he is a descendant of the old-line Whig party, and a strong
advocate of Republican principles.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 761

J. B. Strader, firm of J. B. Strader & Son, grocers. This firm
was established in 1863, and was located on the lot of ground now
occupied by the Hancock National Bank. In 1864 Mr. S. pur-
chased his present premises, and from a small capital has gained a
success, and is one of the prominent and active merchants of this
city. The firm carry a stock of $6,000; a large warehouse is con-
nected in the rear, and a large trade is realized in thejsale of feed and
hay, sawed and split fence posts and drain tile. Mr. Strader was
born in West Yirginia in 1822; is a son ot Martin and Mary (Rohr-
bough) Strader, natives of that State, both deceased. He came to
this county in 1856 and settled in this city. For nearly two years he
was engaged in the lumber business, and taught school four years,
and engaged in various speculations until 1863. He was married
to Miss Susannah Shultz. a native of Virginia, who died in 1855.
They had 4 children: David S., Ellen J., Lenton M. and Willis L.
He was married to his present wife. Miss Mary Rogers, in 1865. She
is a native of Virginia. Mr. S. has been Superintendent of the
Sunday-school in the M. E. Church 11 years. Trustee of the Church,
and is highly esteemed by all who know him. The junior partner
of this firm, D. S. Strader, was born in Upshur county, W. Va., in
1848. He was united in marriage to Miss Cynthia J. Mathews in
1867, who was born in Gallapolis, Gallia county, O., in 1846.
Their children are Eddie L., Frank A. and William A.

C. W. Taylor, firm of Taylor Bros., grocers, was born in Gar-
rard county, Ky., in 1841; is a son of David and Eliza (Thompson)
Taylor, natives of that State, where he died in 1855. The widow
came to this county in 1856, with 9 children, and settled in this
city. Our subject was engaged in clerking until 1862, when he
enlisted in Co. B, ll8th 111. Vol. Inf , and served until the close of
the war. Participated in battles of Chickasaw Blufts, Jackson,
Miss., and all the engagements of the regiment. He was married
in 1871 to Miss Margaret Latimer, a native of Adams county, by
whom he has 3 children, Charles E., William R. and Joseph.
This firm was established in 1868 and has a good trade. Mr. T.
was Town Trustee one term; is a member of the A. O. U. W. and
is a Republican.

E. D. Taylor, firm of Taylor Bros., grocers, brother of the pre-
ceding, was born in Garrard county, Ky., in 1845. E. D. became
associated with his brother in 1869. In 1875 he went to Nebraska
and Kansas, and engaged in sheep-raising, but returned after a few
years. Mr. T. was Town Trustee two years; is a member of the A.
O. U. W., and of the military and fire department, and one of the
city fathers. Politically, he is a Republican, and is a member of the
Baptist Church.

Z>. L. Tressler, late President of Carthage College, though but
a few years a citizen of Hancock county, deserves some notice in
this work, and we give his portrait on page 441.

He came here an entire stranger, to take a Professorship

762 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

in the new College, was chosen its President and also its Treasurer,
and by bis kind and Christian deportment, his zeal and earnestness
in the cause of education, his courteous- manners, his talents and
eloquence, he soon endeared himself to his college associates and
pupils under his charge, and won in a high degree the public
esteem. Born in 1S39, he had not reached half the allotted three
score and ten, and was but barely 40 when called away from the
broad and still unreaped field of his usefulness.

President Tressler, in addition to his college duties, was Pastor
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Carthage, and also fre-
quently assumed calls to preach in neighboring pulpits of kindred
denominations. He was greatly instrumental in building up the
Church in Carthage, and contributed freely of his time, talents and
means toward the erection of the fine edifice belonging to it. On
last New Year's eve, a new bell, having been placed in position,
was dedicated; and in the hour of the Old Year's departure, it was
tolled — " ringinw the Old Year out and the New Year in." On
that occasion. President Tressler made a feeling address, in the
course of which he said, " For whom of us all shall this bell first
toll the funeral knell 'i" An ear attuned to prophecy might have
interpreted in its clear tones, as they quiveringly died away on
the prairies, the answer — '■'■For David Loy TresslerV for within
60 days of the new year, that bell tolled its first funeral notes for
him.

Tolling, tolling!
Stirring passions past controlling;
Every measured knell was rolling
Over hearts by grief oppressed.

Ringing, ringing!
Every solemn peal was singing
Of a new-born spirit, winging

Swift its way to perfect rest.

'^" Moaning, sigUing!

Echo of the heart's out^crying
When its t'easured all is lying.
Stricken ere the harvest time.
Calling, greeting
Anguished souls with soft entreating,
Soothingly the words repeating —
•' Transferred to a better clime."

President Tressler's father was a man of character and note in
Pennsylvania, ever active in the cause of education and of the
Church in which he was an exemplary member. He built of his
own means an institution of learning at Loysville, called the Loys-
ville Academy. In this institution David Loy received his prep-
aration fur college, and after his graduation became its principal.
The war took teachers and pupils to the '' tented field," and the
Academy became a Soldiers' Orphans' Home, under the care of the
State, the property still in the ownership of the Tressler estate. At
eriifth it was sold, tlirougii the exertions of President Tressler, to

/

' ^.

ROCK CREEK TP.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. Y66

the Lutheran Church, of Pa., for a permanent Orphans' Home, and
is now occupied as such.

President T. was one of a large family; his eldest brother, a
young man of much talent and high promise, died at the age of
24, while occiipying the chair of mathematics and natural philos-
ophy in the Capital University at Columbus, Ohio.

The widowed mother still lives in Carthage, as well as one
sister, Mrs. Prof. J. W. Richard, and youngest brother. Dr. M.
L. Tressler, druggist and bookseller.

As previously stated, Prest. Tressler was Pastor of the large
Lutheran Church in Carthage, a position which he sustained for
seven years. This fine edifice, the finest and costliest in the county,
stands as a monument of his energy and labor.

The following notice of President Tressler's life and work is
copied from the '^ Carthaginian,^' the college journal for March,
1880:

"death of pkesident tressler.

" It becomes our mournful duty to chronicle the death of our be-
loved President, Rev. Prof. D. L. Tressler, Ph. 1). This sad event
occurred at his home in Carthage, at seven o'clock, Friday morning,
Feb. 20th. On tlie 1st of Feb. he went to West Point, a village
twelve miles distant from Carthage, to fill an appointment for
jjreaching. Owing to the bad condition of the roads he made the
tri]) on horseback, a mode of traveling to which he had not recently
been accustomed. On his arrival home in the evening he was very
much fatigued, and found that he had taken a severe cold. He
heard his college classes on Monday, but did not feel well enough
the next morning to continue his work. On Thursday evening he
presided at a faculty meeting held at his residence. A day or two
afterward typhoid pneumonia made its appearance. This grad-
ually assumed a rheumatic character, and was soon followed by a
complication of other disorders. During the last week of his sick-
ness he was delirious much of the time. In his intervals of con-
sciousness he spoke tender farewell words to the members of his
family, commending them to the loving care of God, and rejoicing
in the blessed comforts and triumphs of the Christian faith.

" As we stood by the bedside of this good and useful man, and
saw him calmly and peacefully breathe his last, it was hard to
realize that one so eminent in the Master's service upon the earth,
and just in the prime of life, and who but a few weeks before was
so active and hopeful among us, was passing away from our bodily
sight. It is difficult to think that he is gone. Wliy sliould he be
taken? This is a mystery whicli, perhaps, we can not now under-
stand, but we know that God rules wisely and well, and we humbly
submit to His will.

"Dr. Tressler was born Feb. 15, 1839, at Loysville, Pa. His father
died in 18-59. His aged mother, i brothers and 5 sisters survive

766

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

him. He was faithfully instructed by his parents in the truth of
the Scriptures, and at an early age united with the Lutheran
Church of which they were prominent members. He prepared for
college at the Loysville Academy, an institution founded by his
father. In 1857 he was admitted to the sophomore class of Penn-
sylvania College at Gettysburg, from which institution he was
graduated with honor in 1860, having received tlie appointment of
valedictorian of his class. Soon afterward he took charge of the
Loysville Academy, which he conducted with success. While en-
gaged in teaching he also pursued the study of law. In 1862 he
raised a company of volunteers, and entered the army as a Captain.
He participated in the battles of South Mountain, Antietam, Fred-
ericksburg, and Chancellorsville, receiving two severe wounds at
Fredericksburg. In 1861 he was admitted to the Bar, and devoted
the next fivej-ears to the practice of law. In 1865 he was mar-
ried to Ada J., daughter of B. Mclntyre, Esq. In 1870 he re-
moved to Mendota, 111., and in the same j-ear entered the Lutheran
ministry and accepted a call to Lena, III. In 1872 he was elected
to a professorship in Carthage College, and the following year he
was chosen president of the same institution. In connection with
the duties of this oiBce he had charge of the financial affairs of the
college, which gave him a great deal of additional labor, and he
was also Pastor of the Trinity Lutheran Church of the city.

'' President Tressler possessed a rare combination of excellent
qualities which admirably fitted him for the important position
whicli he held. He was a man of higli purposes and indomitable
energy, of quick intellect and fine business tact, of a kind, gener-
ous and sympathetic nature, of a cheerful disposition, inclined to
look upon the bright side of things, of ready and pleasing address,
capable of easily adapting himself to all classes of people and
making the humblest feel at ease in his presence.

" With untiring efforts and unfiaggingzeal he labored for the wel-
fare of Carthage College, and, through this instrumentality, for
the advancement of Christ's kingdom and the promotion of God's
glory. In this great work he sacrificed his life, and in his death
the Church has lost one of her most eificient leadersj^one of her
most useful servants. But his memory will abide with us as an
inspiration to stimulate us to increased activity in the glorious
cause to which he was so earnestly devoted.

" The funeral was largely attended. Many persons from a dis-
tance were present. Kev. Mr. Kuhl conducted the services. The
church was heavily draped. A number of beautiful floral offer-
ings testified to the high esteem in which the deceased was held by
loving friends. Rev. Mr. Sparr, of Fairfield, la., read selections
from the Scriptures. Kev. Mr. Behringer, of Mendon, 111., offered
prayer. Dr. Rhodes, of St. Louis, delivered the discourse. This
was followed by brief addresses by Eev. Mr. Anderson, of the
Congregational Church, of Quincy, and Eev. Dr. Craig, of the

HISTOKT OF HANCOCK COUNTY. Y6Z

Presbyterian Church, of Keokuk, la. Eev. Mr. Culler, of Newton,
la., pronounced the benediction."

J. C. Willicyms, merchant, was born in Madison county, Ky., in
1819; is son of Richard G. and Catherine (daughter of Col. John
Holden), early pioneers of Clark county, Ky., where he died in
1876. She is still a resident of that county. The subject of this
sketch came to this county in 1857 and settled in this city. He
became engaged in the mercantile trade as early as ISW, and estab-
lished in this city in 1857. He erected the buildingUie now occu-
pies in 1866, and carries a stock of $10,000, and ;has a fair trade.
He was married in 1850 to Miss Mary Collier, a native of Lincoln
county, Ky., where she was born in 1826. He represented this
district to the Senate, member of the 27th General Assembl}* in
1871 and 1872. Has filled the ofiice of Town Trustee, President of
the Town Council and is otherwise identified with the interests of
the county. He has been a member of the Masonic order 35 years,
and is one of the oldest and most liiglily respected merchants of
this city. Oscar W., William, Josiah J., Susan and Jessie are his
living children.

J. J. Williams, lawyer, was born in Carthage in 1858; is son of
J. C. Williams, one of the oldest merchants of this city. He re-
ceived his education at the Carthage College, and was graduated
at that institution in 1877. He began tlie study of law with
Edmunds & Scofield of this city, and was admitted to the Bar in
1879. The same year formed the present partnership of Scofield and
Williams, and began practice in this city. Politically, he is a
Democrat.

Henry C. Wilson, livery stable ; established in this business in
1879, moved to present location in April, 1880, where he keeps a
large stock of horses and carriages at all times. He was born in
Carthage, 111., in Isil: ; is son of J. and Mary (Stuart) Wilson, who
came to this county from Kentucky in 1834, and settled in this tp.;
subsequently he removed to this city and opened the Wilson House,
where he became popularly known and resided until his death in
1873. He entered and purchased land on sec. 16, and dealt con-
siderably in landed property, and was one of the early pioneers of
Hancock county. His widow is still living in this city. Henry
C. was married in 1865 to Miss Ellen E. Ferry, a native of this
county. To them have been born 4 children, 3 of whom are living,
— Roila H., Mary L. and Tessie.

Stephen S. Wilson, miller, succeeded S. L. Hobart in the
purchase and business in the mill in 1876, where he is doing a
good business. He also owns a farm of 250 acres in this tp.,
valued at $20 per acre, and deals considerably in stock. He was
born in Garrard county, Ky., in 1844; is son of James F. and
Elizabeth (Stewart) AVilson, natives of New York and West
Yirginia, who emigrated to this county in 1849 and settled in this
tp. on sec. 16, where he resided until liis death in 1854. She died
in 1864. Our subject enlisted in April, 1861, in Co. D, 16th I. V. I.,
and served until July, 1865. He participated in the battles of

768 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Corinth, Stone River, Murfreesboro, and with Sherman on his
march to the sea, through the grand review at Washington, and was
mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky. He received a slight
wound in his left hand^at Bentonville, and was twice taken prisoner,
but escaped. He was married in 1869 to Miss Arabella Buckman,
a native of Kentucky, who died in 1872, leaving one child, Lela B.
He was again married to Miss Leah Johnson, a native of West
Virginia. Mr. W. is Trustee of the town and was elected Assessor
in April, 18S0; is a member of the Masonic order, and of the M. E.
Church. Politically is Republican.

William ^V^l$on, farmer, sec. 9; P. O., Carthage; was born in
Pock Castle county, Ky., in 1835; is son of James and Elizabeth
(Stewart) Wilson, who emigrated to Hancock county in 18-19, and
settled in Carthage tp., where he resided until 1S5S. She died in
1868. The subject of this sketch was married in 1861 to Miss
Lydia, daughter of Joseph Deuel, a native of Ohio, and their 7
children are: Ida L., George C, Ellen, Eva, William, Mary and
Lula. Mr. W. settled on his present land in 1872, consisting
of 140 acres, valued at $50 per acre. He is a School Director, and
in politics is a Republican.

James F. Woodhurn; P. 0., Carthage; was born in Carthage in
1839, son of William and Gracie (Irving) Woodburn, natives of
Kentucky, who emigrated to this county in 1831 and settled in this
tp., where he entered 40 acres of land, and is yet a resident of
Carthage, in the 75th year of his age. She died in July, 1872.
The subject of this sketch enlisted in 1862 in Co. B, 118th t. V. I.,
and served until the close of the war. He participated in the
battles of Arkansas Post, Vicksburg, and in nearly all the battles
in which that regiment was engaged. By exposure in the service
he lost his sight and slowly became totally blind. He was able to
complete his service and return home, where lie engaged in farming
until his sight was entirely gone. He was married in 1869 to Miss
Angeline, daughter of Thompson T. McCants, a native of this tp.
To this union one son has been born, John E. Mr. W. is ably
supported bj^ the Government in his afliiction, and resides in the
quiet and enjoj'meut of his home. Politically he is divided, and
casts his vote only for those whom he considers capable and
trustworthy.

Stanley Fdioards Wom'cll was born in Carthage in April,
1845, about live months before his father, Lieut. Franklin A. Wor-
rell, was killed in the Mormon troubles. After his father's death,
his widowed mother (Anne Elizabeth Lawton) resided chiefly in
Quincy, for seven or eight years, until her re-marriage with Dr.
George L. Hewitt, and for a number of years thereafter, when they
removed to Hannibal, Mo. At Quincy and Hannibal young Stan-
ley was reared, and in the latter place he is settled, having married
Miss Virginia Warner, in New Hampshire, about New Year's
day, 1873.

-Franklin A. Worrell was a Pennsylvanian, a nephew of Elisha
Worrell, Esq.. and the late Rev. Joseph Worrell, of Chili; and emi-

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 769

grated with his mother (now Mrs. Leebvick) and brothers to Quincy.
There the family settled, and Frank located in Carthage and en-
gaged in merchandising. Dnring his sliort career in that place he
gained the reputation of an active, excellent and public-spirited
young man, and died much regretted.

Colman Wyatt, farmer, sec. 22: P. O., Carthage; was born in
Cheshire county, Ky., in 1817. When one year old he was taken
to Knox count}^ Tenn., by liis parents, where they died. When
17 years of age he started for the West, arriving in this tp. Nov. 9,
1S34, with but 50 cents in his pocket. He entered 90 acres of his
present farm, which was but a wild prairie, upon which he settled
and has since made it his home. He was married in April, 183.5,
to Miss Elizabeth Kimbrough, daughter of James Kimbrough,
deceased, an early pioneer of Hancock county. To this union i
children have been born, all deceased. Mr. Wyatt is one of the
oldest living settlers of this tp. and county. He hauled the first
foot of lumber ever brought to this tp. His advantages for educa-
tion were limited, and only by industry, economy and energy has
he succeeded. The homestead now consists of 120 acres, valued at
$40 per acre. He took an active interest in the Mormon difficul-
ties, being in active service with the militia in 1844, by which ser-
vice he lost a crop from his improved lands. Politically he is a
Democrat.

D.J. Wylie, farmer, sec. 27; P. O., Carthage; is a native of
Garrard county, Ky., where he was born Nov. 16, 1822. His pa-
rents, John and Mary (Thompson) Wylie, were both natives of that
State. The wife and mother, with 9 ciiildren, moved to McDon-
ough county in 1850, where she resided until her death in Febru-
ary, 1875. The subject of this sketch was married Nov. 4, 1845,
to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of John Patterson, of Madison count}',
Ky. Three children, the fruits of this marriage, are all married,
as follows: Mary J., wife of F. M. Esterbrook, residing in Ne-
braska; Sarah M., wife of AVm. Coker, of this county; and Ange-
line, wife of Geo. T. Proctor, resides in this tp. Besides, Mr. W.
has one adopted son, George. Mr. Wylie came to this county in
1850 and settled on sec. 16, in this tp. A few years later he moved
to Carthage, where he resided some yeai-s, and in 1S57 purchased
his present farm, of Artois Hamilton, consisting of 160 acres, val-
ued at §60 per acre. The same year he erected his present fine
residence, and now has one of the best improved farms in the
county. His opportunities for education were very limited. Left
without means, his accumulations and his position have been se-
cured only through energy and industry. In politics he was for
years an old-line Whig, but now indorses the Democi'atic platform.
His first vote cast was for Millard Filmore.

TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS.

We give a list of the Supervisors, Clerks,''Assessors and Collec-
tors who have served Carthage township since its organization,
with the years of the beginning of their respective terms:

770 HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

STJPERVISOES.

James A. Winston 1850 J.M.Randolph 1871

John Booth 1851 W. C. Williams 1872

Claiborne Winston 1858 Melancton S. Carey 1873

Mela:ar Couchman 1863 Wesley H. Manier 1874

John W. Cherry 1864 Hiram G. Ferris 1876

Thos. C. Miller 1866 Melancton S. Carey 1877

John M. Ferris 1867 George J. Rogers 1878

Nathan Cutler 1868 Wm. H. D. Noyes 1880

JohnD. Miller 1869

Emanuel Showers 1858 Nathan Cutler 1872

William J. Dale 1859 Oscar W. AYilliams 1873

Emanuel Showers 1863 John Elder 1874

Huddleston M. Steater 1866 B.C. Cutler 1876

James Abbott 1868 John F. Scott 1878

E. T. Dorothy 1870 John K. Alexander 1880

John Carliu 1858 Thos. J. Kimbrough 1870

Melgar Couchman 1859 Ephraim P. Dorothy 1872

Chas. B. Ruggles 1863 Thos. J. Kimbrough 1873

Thos. B. Griffiths 1863 Washington JIartm 1874

William Ogilvie 1864 A. J. Carlton 1875

Jackson Shultz 1866 Wm. A. Cutler 1878

F. M. Fain 1867 Ste. S.Wilson 1880

Peter Wolfe 1868

COLLECTOKS.

W. H. Williams 1858 J. H. Kirkpatrick 1871

Walter B. Loring 1863 Washington Martin 1873

Charles B. Ruggles 1863 A.J. Carlton 1873

Jas. B. Crawford 1864 Stevens W. MerriU. ... , 1874

Daniel P. White 1865 Wm. A. Cutler 1876

Wm. Kimbrough 1868 George T. Proctor 1877

Asbury Ruggles 1869 Cicero L. Roll 1879

A. J. Carlton 1870 John Fletcher 1880

PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP.

This township, 5 — 6, is, as its name implies, all prairie land, ex-
cepting about two sections of dwarf woodland on the breaks of
Long creek. Lying so far inland, it was not settled as early as
those portions of the county nearer the borders; but later it began
to fill up with enterprising farmers, and has now become one of the
best improved townships in the county. It is favored with more
railroad line than any other township. It has the T., W. & W.
running across it from Elvaston to Carthage, six miles; about the
same length of the T., P. & W"., northeastwardly; and fully seven
miles of the Q., C. & B. running southwardly. There is no point
in the township, except its extreme northwest corner, that is more
than two miles from one of these roads.

Being in the center of the great Hancock prairie, it contains the
highest land between the river and Crooked creek, and with Rock
Creek township, constitutes the dividing line between those waters.

Its one village is the thriving and pleasant town of Elvaston, on
its west line, laid out May, 1858, by Albert L. Connable and George
B. Smythe, of Keokuk; E. C. A. Cushman, of Hamilton, and W.
L. Judson, of Elvaston.

Among the early settlers of Prairie (most of whom had pre-
viously resided in other townships) we name William R. Hamilton,
Ebenezer Rand and his sons, James Tweed, Joseph W. Hawley, L.
Wells, George Wells, William A. Moore, Henry Walker, John
Lively, W. H. Moore, the Ewings, Rohrboughs, etc.

RELIGIOUS PEOGEESS.

At Elvaston there are two or three Church organizations, each
with small but neat and substantial church edifices. The Presby-
terian and the M. E. societies have been organized ten or twelve
years, and have now regular services and good and increasing con-
gregations.

A large portion of the people of Prairie, on its eastern border,
bordei-ing on Carthage, connect themselves with the Churches at
the county-seat.

BIOGEAPHICAI,.

We continue the history of Prairie township, by giving detailed
biographical accounts of the most prominent residents, so far as
space permits:

Dr. Thomas Boude, an old settler in this county, was born in
Bracken county, Ky., June IS, 1800; his parents were John and
(771)

772 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Ann (Thome) Boiide, the first a native of Lancaster, Pa., whose
father was Joseph Boude, a native of France, and reared in England.
He came to America in 1740. Ann (Thome) Boude was a native
of Scotland, and was married at Marietta, Pa. Her husband, a
farmer, died in Brown county, O., and she died at the residence of
one of her children in Bracken county, Ky. The subject of this
sketch was educated in the public schools of Ohio and at the Acad-
emy' of Chillicothe, O. He commenced his medical studies at the
age of 21 with Dr. Mackie, of Augusta, Ky., remaining with him
about four 3'ears, attending one course of lectures at Lexington,
Ky., and one at Philadelphia, Pa., also practicing ^\nth the Doctor
the latter part of this four years. In 1826 he moved to Felicity,
O., where he practiced medicine 15 years. May 20, 1821:, he married
Martha B. Sharpe, a daughter of Thomas Sharpe, of Bracken
county, Ky., and formerly of Maryland. Dr. B. came to this
county April 8, 1854, locating on sec. 14, this tp., where he has
resided to the present On settling here he bought 480 acres of
land, a part of which he has since given to his sons, so that now
the homestead consists of 187 acres. The improvements on this
place were mostly' made by the Doctor. His children are Mary A.,.
John Knox, Edgar Austin and Charles Eugene, besides 2 deceased;
Thomas, who died in infancy, in Felicity, O., and Euphrasia J.,
who died at the age of 17, at Oxfoi'd, Butler county, O., where the
Doctor resided 12 years. The first 10 years of his residence in this
county the Doctor followed his profession, but since then has de-
voted his attention to farming, in which he has been quite suc-
cessful. One season he raised 1,800 pounds of honey. Mrs. Boude
died Sept. 11, 1875, a member of the Presbyterian Church, and
was laid at rest in the cemetery at Carthage. Dr. B. was formerly
a Whig, but is now a Republican. He is also a member of the
Presbyterian Church, which relation he has now held for 50 years.
William Clark, farmer, sec. 18; P. O., Elvaston; was born in
Adams county, O., in 1823. His parents, John and Elizabeth
(Gall) Clark, were natives of Ireland and Virginia, who settled in
Ohio, where they both died. The subject of this sketch came to
Illinois in 1847, and located on a farm in Peoria county. In 1863 he
moved to this county and settled on his present estate of 100 acres,
valued at $50 per acre. Mr. C. has never been married. He is a
man of unostentatious manners, and follows a quiet, unobtrusive
life in the enjoyment of his home, which is properly carried on by
a sister. Politically he was a strong abolitionist, and now is an
earnest advocate of Republican administration.

Henry Davis was born in Bedford county, Pa., Dec. 9, 1815, and
is a son of William and Maria (Putt) Davis (deceased), also natives of
the same county. Mr. Davis was reared on a farm, and at the age of
18 he removed with his parents to Zanesville, Ohio, where he
engaged as pilot on a steamer between Zanesville and Dresden, for
three years. He then went to Jackson county, Ohio, where he
operated a steam grist and saw mill for about five years. He then.

av^ o^^^-

PRAIRIE T,E

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 775

in 1846, came to tliis county and settled in Prairie tp., where he still
resides, and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. He was
married in 1840 to Miss Mary Ann Tyler, hy whom he has had
8 children; of these, 4 are living; viz., Jane, James A., Maria E. and
Richard Edwin. His son James A. served three years and four
months in the late war, for Uncle Sam, in Co. B, 118th I. V. I., and
participated in the battles of Arkansas Post, Vicksburg, Tliompson's
Hill and others. He was sick and at the point of death at Raymond
while in the service. Pie was a member of a scouting party at Baton
Rouge for some time.

John W. Eicing, farmer, sec. 20; P. O., Elvaston; is a son of
John C. and Isabel (Huston) Ewing, natives of Kentucky and
Pennsylvania, who came to this State in 1847 and located in Adams
county. Three years afterward they moved to this county and
passed the remainder of their lives upon earth. The subject of this
sketch was born in Brown county, O., in 1828. He was united in
matrimony with Miss Mary, daughter of James Tweed, in 1860. To
this union 7 children have been born, — Emma E., James E., AVesley
C, Ella E., Eifie E., Ida M. and Alice. Mr. E. settled on his present
farm in 1876, consisting of 178 acres of valuable and productive
soil. He fills the oflflce of School Director, and is highly esteemed.
Politically, he is always Democratic.

James F. Harper^ M. D., Elvaston, was born in York county,
S. C, in 1819, and is a son of James and Nancy (Dodds) Harper,
natives of that State, who settled in Obion county, Tenn., in Feb-
ruary, 1825, where they boih died in December, 1838. The
subject of this notice began the study of medicine at Tipton,
Tenn., with an elder brother; studied the English and Latin
branches thoroughly, and attended lectures at the medical school
at Memphis, Tenn., in lS46-'7; began the practice of his profession
in Tipton county, Tenn., where he continued with success nntilthe
breaking out of the war, when he moved to Clayton, Adams county,
111., in October, 1862. Seven years afterward he moved to this
county, settling in Elvastofi, where he has since been in successful
practice; but prior to this, he had graduated at the medical school
in 1S70. In 1844 he married, in Tipton county, Tenn., Miss
Elizabeth S. Johnston, a native of South Carolina, and of their 5
children 2 are living : Margaret J., wife of Salem Anderson, of
Adams county, who have 5 children — Nina, Frank, Robert, Lena
and Everett; Ella, wife of William Mack, who have 2 children,PearI
and Nellie; the deceased children are Nancy C, and 2 who died in
infancy, and Martha A., wife of W. H. Marshall of this county ; she
died in December, 1877, leaving 2 children — Ruby, and one not yet
christened. Since 1843 the Doctor has been a member of the
Presbyterian Church, of which he has been an Elder for 20 years,
but is not now acting in that capacity. As a physician he has a
successful practice, and as a citizen is highly esteemed by the com-
munity.

45

776 .HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Oeorge Johnson, grain and coal dealer, Elvaston, was born in
Franklin county, Pa., in 1816; his parents, Samuel and Hannah
(Araby) Johnson, were also natives of that State, both deceased; he
was married in 1840 to Miss Marv McClintock, a native also of the
Kej'stone State, and in 1849 they located in Ohio, where they re-
sided until 1866, when they moved to McDonough county, 111., and
in 1875 to this county. By trade Mr. J. is a carpenter, and has
devoted the most of his life to this business and farming. He
established himself in his present business in 1875, in which he has
a large trade. He has 7 living children: Harriet, Susan, Francis,
Samuel, George, Jane and Finley.

Joseph Johnston, of the firm of "Watt & Johnston, grain deal-
ers, Elvaston, was born in Scotland in 1832; he came to America
when 16 years of age, and for many years was engaged in the cot-
ton business in New Orleans. In 1858 he married Miss Jennie
Youner, a native also of Scotland. His health failing him, he visit-
ed Europe in 1870, being absent four years. As he returned to
this country he stopped one year in Detroit, Mich., and the fol-
lowing year he settled in Elvaston. In 1876 he was admitted to
partnership with A. "Watt in their present business, in which he
has since been successfully engaged. The firm deal largely in
grain and hay, and are the largest business house in Elvaston. Mr.
J. js a Freemason and a Presbyterian.

William N. McCall, farmer and grain dealer, is a son of Eobert
S. and Jemima (Nelson) McCall, natives of Tennessee, both de-
ceased. He was born in Washington county, Tenn., in 1817; he
was married in Virginia in 1845, to Miss Sarah S. Lyon, a native of
the same State; he moved to this county in 1851, and upon his
present estate the following year. His farm consists of 244 acres,
valued at $40 per acre. Mr. McCall has served as Supervisor,
Assessor, Town Clerk and Postmaster at '* McCall's" station,
named in honor of him ; he has also been Justice of the Peace
seven years, and is now tilling his second term in that ofiice. Of
his 11 children 9 are living: Robert F., Amanda L., John W.,
Florence E., George W., Tennessee A., Wm. H., David B. and
Charles W. Mr. McCall is a Democrat.

Thomas McFarland was born in Clermont county, O., in May,
1837; his parents were John and Phoebe (Smith) McFarland, na-
tives also of Ohio, the first of Scotch-Irish descent and the last of
German ancestry. They came in 1842, to Adams county, 111.,
where Mr. McF. now lives, his wife having died there in 1844.
Thomas was educated in Hancock county common schools and the
seminary at Warsaw; at the age of 25 he rented land and put in
30 acres of corn. The following year he bought 65 acres more of
land east of Carthage, where he lived one year. He then went to
Idaho and Colorado, where he followed mining, etc., for eight
months; returning, he bought 60 acres of land in Carthage tp. ; one
year afterward he moved to McCall's station, where he bought 80
ncres; then moved two miles south and bought 160 acres, N. W.

HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 777

quarter of sec. 16. After living here two. years, he purchased
120 acres on sec. 2, where he now resides. He now owns 288 acres
of land. He has been successful in his present business, that of
stock-raising. In January, 1862, he married Louisa McColm,
daughter of John McColm, of Clermont county, O., and of Irish
descent. They have 4 children, namely, A. Homer, Charles T.,
Jennie Rachel and May. Mr. McF. has served in his tp. as Collec-
tor, Road Commissioner, etc., filling nearly all tp. ofiices. He is a
Democrat.

Samuel P. McGaio. — The founders of the family in America,
of whom our subject is a descendant, was John McGaw, a native
of the north of Ireland. In company with his brother William he
emigrated to America some years previous to the Revolutionary
war, and located in Abbeville district (now count}'). South Carolina.
John McGaw served in the Continental army under Washington.
He died in Abbeville county, leaving a large famih', namely, John,
the grandfather of our subject, Samuel, Benjamin, Josiah, Moses
and otliers. John, the last mentioned, was born and raised in
South Carolina, where he lived until 60 years of age and over,
when he came to Illinois and settled at Little York, Warren county,
where he died. He married a Miss Cochran, and his 4 chi-ldren
were, Agnes, the mother of the subject of this sketch, Mary, now
deceased, Jane, also deceased, and John P., who is living in Bates
county. Mo.

Samuel McGaw, a grandfather of Samuel P. M-cGaw, was
born in. South Carolina, where he lived all his life. He married
Miss Anderson, of that State, and their children were, John (the
present Samuel P.'s father), Mary, James, Clark, Caroline. John
was born in 1801, and Oct. 5, 182'±, he married Agnes McGaw,
his cousin, at Abbeville, S. C. She was born in 1803, and in 1833
they moved to Preble county, Ohio ; in September, 1835. they came
and settled in Warren county, near Little York. John died on
an island above Oquawka, June 30, 1S38, leaving a family of 6
children, — Sarah, Samuel P., Mary L., John B., James A. P., and
the last, ^gnes, was born after her father's death. After the settle-
ment of the father's estate it proved to be insolvent, leaving the
children in destitute circumstances. The eldest child was but 13
years old, and there was only one grown relative in the State, an
aunt. The grandfather on the mother's side, John McGaw, came
to Illinois and took the children with him to Warren county, and
they lived with him from 1838 to 1812.

Samuel P. McGaw, the subject of this biographical notice, was
born Oct. 5, 1827, and Oct. 14, 1851, he married Alvira J. Hop-
kins. In the fall of 1842 Mr. Mc Gaw went to his uncle's at
Oquawka, Daniel M. Gordon, who had married Jane Mc Gaw, to
learn with him the tailor's trade ; he served four years ; at 19 years
of age he opened a shop at Oquawka and continued it six years. la
November, 1852, he was elected Sherifl" of Henderson county on the
Whig ticket ; at the close of his term in 1854 he bought a farm in

778 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

that county west of Biggsville. Ajiril 5, 1855, liis wife died, leav-
ing; two children, Sarah L. and John H. The last died Oct. 2,
1855. Nov .5, 1S56, Mr. McGaw married Mrs. Elizabeth P. i^nee
Leslie), widow of Milton McGaw, and a native of Ohio ; her parents
were from South Carolina and of Scotch-Irish descent. ■

In August, 1S62, S. P. and his brother John raised a full com-
pany (Co. K) of men to serve in the Union army, John being
elected Captain ; they were mustered in at Qnincy, 111., and at-
tached to the 84th 111. Vol. Inf , commanded by Col. Waters ; S. P.
served with the regiment IJ years ; was at the battle of Perry-
ville. Stone river, etc., and was severely wounded Sept. 20, 1863,
at the battle of Chicknmauga: his left arm was completely shattered
by a rainie-ball. He was honorably discharged Feb. 25, 1864.

Returning home to Henderson county, he sold his property,
and in the spring of 1866 moved to Hancock county, locating in
Montebello tp. near Elvaston, where he bought a farm ; he sold
that place afterward and moved to his present farm on sec. 17,
Prairie tp., of 240 acres, with a fine two-story house, good out build-
inas, etc., all of which improvements were made by Mr. McGaw
since he came to the place.

In politics Mr. Mc G. is a Republican ; is now Assistant U.S.
Marshal to take the census of the west half of Hancock count}' ; he
has held nearly every township office, including that of Supervisor,
Justice of the Peace, Collector, etc. He is a member of the Pres-
byterian Church, where he is an Elder. His wife is also a member
of that Church.

Their children are : Francis A., James "W., Albert G., Gracie E.,
Alice L. and Mary A. Mrs. McGaw's child by her former husband
is Melissa, wlio married Rev. R. T. Presly, a Presbyterian minister
living at Mt. Sterling. Sarah L. married Thos. S Riddell, and
lives near her father's. Frank is attending college at Carthage,
and Alice L. is at Urbana, Ohio, attending school and boarding
witli her uncle.

As one of Hancock county's most respected and representative
citizens, we give Mr. Mc Gaw's portrait in this volume.

Ehenezer Rand was born in Marblehead, Mass., Marcli 26,
1804. His father's name was Enoch Rand, and a native of N. H.,and
his mother's name was Mar}' Hills, married in 1803. About thi-ee
years after his marriage, Enoch Rand, a carpenter by trade, went
on board at Rye, N. H., the ship Congo, bound for the coast of
Africa, and was never afterward heard from, ship and all on board
supposed to have been lost at sea. The widow was left quite desti-
tute, but managed to support herself, son and mother, by weaving
cotton cloth at eight and ten cents per yard — that being before the
advent of cotton factories. ■

Mr. R. well remembers the war of 1812-'15, between the U. S. and
Great Britain, being then about 8 years old. Could see from his
house in Marblehead the British frigates cruising in the bay, and
once saw the Constitution chased by two of them into the harbor.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 779

He also saw the battle and heard the guns, off Marblehead, of that
desperate struggle between the Shannon and the Chesapeake.

At 14 Mr. R. was apprenticed to the boot and shoe making busi-
ness, which he followed for many years, both tliereand in Cartilage.
On Christmas day, 1S26, he was married to Miss Hannah Caller, a
daughter of Capt. Tiiomas Cailey, at Marblehead. In 1830 both
families removed to Illinois, stopping at Lewistown, but in 1831
settling at Camp Point, in Adams Co. In 1837 he removed to
Carthage, and in 1851 bought land in Prairie township, two miles
southwest of town, where he has since resided. Mr. R. has been
three times married, his first and second wives being sisters, Han-
nah and Elizabeth Cailey. His present wife, ?iee Miss Joanna C.
Lawton, is the second daughter of Rev. John Lawton, of Car-
thage, to whom he was married Apr. 22, 1812.

James P. Sincle, farmer, sec. S; P. O., Elvaston; is a native
of France, where he was born in 1833. He emigrated to America
in 1855, and located in Bear Creek tp. The following year he was
married to Miss Justine Jolidon, a native of France. Subsequently
he moved to Missouri, then to Pleasant Hill tp.. Pike Co., from
which point he made his final settlement on his present estate, con-
sisting of 360 acres, valued at $-40 per acre. He has had 10 chil-
dren, 9 of whom are living — Peter, Mary, Frank, George, Ellen,
Agnes, Annie, Alice and Jessie, the two last, twins. Family are
members of the Catholic Church. Mr. S. has by his own energy,
industry and economy succeeded in securing his large farm. Po-
litically he binds himself to no party, but casts his vote for the
man lie deems worthy of support.

John Somerville, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 14-, was born in
Blair county, Pa., at the village of HoUidaysburg, Feb. 22, 1828;
his parents were James and Susan (Stover) Somerville, the first a
native of HoUidaysburg and the other of Maryland, near Fred-
ericksburg. At the age of 15, John, with the rest of the faniily,
came to Wayne county, Ind.; he received his education at the
public schools in Pennsylvania and Indiana; was employed during
his early years in farming; in 1849 he came to Hancock county,
locating a^t Carthage, and worked at fiirining; the following year
his parents came to this county and settled in Carthage; his mother
died in 1855. • In 1853 his father went to California and returned
in 1856; he died in 1871; both are buried in the old Carthage
cemetery. In July, 1861, John enlisted in the 16th 111. Vol. Inf.,
as wagon-master; March 9, 1862, he enlisted in the 7th Mo. Cav.,
with which he served 3 years and 11 days, as Orderly Sergeant.
Aug. 16, 1862, he was in the battle of Lone Jack, and Dec. 1863, at
that of Perrv Grove, Ark. His company was^continually employed
as skirmishers at Mark's Mills, Ark.-; he and 120 wagons were
captured, but in 11 days he escaped while the guard was taking
him and some others for water.

James Somerville had 8 children, 5 of whom were girls; the 7
living children are: John; Samuel, who died in California; Ruth,

780 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

the wife of James Byers, of Clark county, Mo. ; "William, who was
a Captain in the 16th Reg. Ill . Inf., and since the war has been con-
nected with the internal revenue service; Mary Jane, now the wife
of John Mofhtt. of Chicago; Maria, now the wife of C. E. Stead-
man, a lawyer at Osage Mission. Kan.; Susan, wife of J. W. Ilobbs,
in Keokuk; and Hattie, who is unmarried.

John Soraerville was married to Sarah Huntoon, April 7, 1870,
and they have one child, and Mrs. S. has one by a former hu.sband,
Mr. Bentley. The names of these 2 children are William S.
Bentley and Susan Somerville.

William Stewart, farmer, sec. 9; P. O., McCall Station ; is a
native of Ireland, where he was horn in 1815. He was married in
Scotland in 1834, to Miss Elizabeth Taylor, a native of that country.
The following year they crossed the sea to America, and located in
Steubenville, O., where he resided until he moved to his present
home in 1S67. His farm ot 250 acres is valued at $50 per acre.
This he has secured by his untiring energy, industry and economy.
When he stepped upon the "land of the free" he had not a dollar
to his name. He is the father of 12 children, 8 of whom are living
— Sarah. William, Jane, Thomas, Mary, John, Catharine and
Martin. In politics Mr. S. voted with the old-line Whigs, and now
strongly endorses the Kepublican administration.

Henry M. Walker, farmer, sec. 27; P. 0., Carthage; was born in
Campbell county, Ky., March 21, 1S27. His parents, George and
Eachel (Clark) Walker, were natives of Maryland and Pennsyl-
vania, and emigrated to this county in 1833, with their family; but
prior to this, he made a visit in 1831, and entered a quarter-section of
land, and was among the earliest pioneers to make a settlement in
Walker tp., where he resided until his death in October, 1879, in
the 76th year of his age; the widow and mother survives in the 72d
year of her age.

The subject of this sketch was married Sept. 22, 1853, to Miss
Sophronia Ann Rankii!, who was born June 8, 1833, in Harrison
county, Ky.. daughter of James S. and Sarah Josephine (Laughlin)
Rankin, both natives of Kentucky, and of Irish and German de-
scent. The}' are the parents of 7 children, 6 of whom are living,
namely: Charles W., born Dec. 30, 1855; George Sanford, Feb. 4,
1857; Franklin Wilson, March 28, 1858; John H. C, Aug. 29,
1861; Oscar PL, Oct. 17. 1862, and Ptachel Josephine, March 21^
1866. Benjamin Washington was born Feb. 22, 1876, and died
three days afterward.

Mr. W. settled on his present estate in 1866, where his home
farm consists of 320 acres. He is the largest landholder in the
township, owning altogether about 1,000 acres; he is also an exten-
sive stock-raiser and dealer. In 1849 he went to California, where
he prospected for three years and was successful. He is a Demo-
crat, and both himself and wife are members of the Methodist
Clinreh.

Alexander Watt, of the firm of Watt & Johnston, merchants
and grain dealers, Elvaston. was born in Philadelphia county, Pa.,

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 781

Feb. 4, 1820. His marriage to Miss Sarah Donald, of the same
county, occurred in 1845. Four years later he came to this county,
and engaged in farming in Durham tp. His wife died in 1863, and
in 1866 he moved to, and established his present business at, Elvns-
ton, where he has since been actively and successfully engaged.
The junior partner of this firm was admitted to the grain and hay
trade in 1876, and the house control large shipments of grain to
various points. Mr. W. was again married, to Miss Fannie C.
"Wilcox, a native of Connecticut. To this union 2 children, Lyman
and Herman, have been born. Mr. W. is a member of the M. E.
Church.
Jiidge Wesley Williams was connected as follows:
Roger Williams is thetirstin the line of ancestry of the "Williams
family that can he traced in this country with any certainty. The
first residence of the family in America was in Brunswick county,
Va. The family is of Welsh descent and came from "Wales or
Scotland before the American Revolution. He is said to have
been married seven times and raised a large family of children,
who have since scattered to all parts of the United States. He was
killed at an advanced age and his body for.nd secreted in the hol-
low of a tree. He was supposed to have been killed b}' some one of
his negroes. The date of his death is not known to the writer.

Hukey Williams, one of the sons of Roger Williams, lived in
Brunswick county, Ya., between the Meherin and Nottoway
rivers. The date of his birth is not known, or whether he was
born in this country, or before his father emigrated. He was mar-
ried to Miss Sarah Jones, who was a sister of Roger Jones and
William Jones, also of Welsh extraction, either in 1762 or 1763.
The Jones family are said to have been related to Paul Jones, who
distinguished hin^self by his bravery in the war with Great Britain.
That family resided in Granville county, X. C. Hukey Williams,
not long before the birth of his son John Williams, and in the year
1761, was strangely murdered and robbed by two desperate men.
The circumstances of the afiiiir, as handed down, are these: He
traded principally in the town of Petersburg, Va. On his way
there one morning he heard the cries of a woman in distress a short
distance from the road, in the thick pine woods. He immediately
urged forwai'd to her assistance and found the woman and two men
who were about violating her person. He assaulted them and they
fled, leaving the woman. He took her behind him on his horse and
learning that she was the wife of a respectable citizen, carried her
to her house, where he tarried for dinner at the urgent request of
the lady and her husband, after which he proceeded on his way to
Petersburg. This was the last time he was ever seen alive, and not
returning home, inquiry was made and it was ascertained that he
never arrived in Petersburg. Search was then made along the
road and his dead body was found about two miles from the house
where he took dinner, a short distance from the road, sunk in a
little pool of water in the creek. It was recognized, taken home

782 HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

and buried, but no clue led to the discover}' of the assassins until
about eighteen months afterward, when the gentleman whose wife
had been rescued on riding into Petersburg discovered Mr.Williams'
horse hitched in the outskirts of the town, which he immediately
recognized. He went into town and gave information of his dis-
covery, when the officers and citizens placed persons to watch the
horse and see who should come after it. Toward evening two men
came to where the horses were fastened and one of them took this
horse and the other another one near by. They were both arrested,
and the gentleman's wife was sent for, who on sight recognized and
identified them as the two men who had attempted to violate her
person and from whom the deceased had rescued her. They were
tried and convicted of the murder of H.Williams and were both hung
in Petersburg, but before execution they confessed the murder. They
said thej' killed Mr. "Williams because he assaulted them and res-
cued the woman, and also for his horse and his money. The horse
and his watch were all that was recovered. After his death
his wife went back to her relatives in Granville, N. C, and
took her son, John Williams, with her. She subsequently married
Mr. John Bobbit, by whom she had 3 sous, Archibald and Clai-
borne. The Hon. Archibald Williams, late of Quincy, 111., was
named after the first. Ai'ch Bobbit died while young. Claiborne
Bobbit about 1857 was living in the extreme southern part of
Tennessee.

John Williams, son of Hukey Williams, was born Sept 19, 1764,
in Brunswick county, Ya. After his father's death, and while an
infant, he was taken by his mother to Granville county, N". C. He
was raised by his uncle, Poger Jones, with whom he lived and
clerked in his store until her marriage. He was married to Amelia
Gill, in Franklin county, N. C, at her father's residence, on Nov.
15, 17S7, and in the same year emi2:rated and settled in Lincoln
county, Ky., where he resided until his oldest children were born.
He then moved to Montgomery count}-, Ky., where all his other chil-
dren were born, and where he remained until the spring of 1831,
when he moved to Adams county. 111., where he remained until his
death, which took place Oct. 11, 1833, from the fever and ague.
When he came to Illinois he intended settling in Hancock county,
but was induced not to do so on account of the Black Hawk war.
He never was a very stout man, but never had a gray hair or lost a
tooth. His hair was curly and black as jet. He was a man of
great sobriety, strict order and piety, having been nearly all his life
a very zealous and exemplary member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. He was aged 72 years and 22 days at his death. His
wife, Amelia, the daughter of Joseph Gill, was born in Franklin
county. May 28, 1772. She died at the residence of her daughter,
Amelia Thompson, in New Hartford, Pike county, in the summer
or fall of 1852. Her mother's name was Owens before marriage.
The Gills and Owens were all of Welsh descent. The following is
an account of the children of John and Amelia Williams:

\

^^Ok^^^

PRAIRIE T.P.

HISTOKY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. YS5

Joseph Gill Williams, born in Lincoln county, Ky.,Jan. 9, 1789.
He died Feb. IS, 1857, of rheumatism, on Licking river, near the
mouth of Beaver creek, in Bath. county, Ky., since which most ail
of his children have departed this life. Wesley Williams, born in
Lincohi county, Ky., on March 21:, 1792; died at the residence of
his daughter, Isabel C. Spangler. He came to Illinois about the
year 1823, first settling in Quincy, 111., and afterward coming to
Hancock county at its first organization, in 1825 or 1826. Aug.
14, 1829, he was appointed the first Clerk of the Circuit Court by
the Hon. Kichard M. Young, Judge of the Fifth Judicial Circuit.
The first Courts were held at Montebello, the site of which is a few
miles above the city of Plamilton. When Carthage was made the
county-seat, in 1835, he moved and settled there. He continued to
reside there for many years, and at one time was the incumbent of
most of the county offices. He was married twice; first to Elizabeth
Ayres, in Bourbon county, Ky., April 2, 1816, and second to Ruth
Scoby, June 9, 1831. Sarah Jones Williams, born in Lincoln county,
Ky., Dec. 11. 1793; married Jesse Steel, and died in Adams county
in 1851. John A. Williams, born in Montgomery county, Ky.,
Nov. 15, 1795; married Miss Ann Alphrey in 1826, and removed
to Adams county, 111., near Liberty, where he died, in 1845, from
the effects of a fall from a house being raised. Francis T. Williams
was born Sept. 20, 1797; now deceased. Amelia Williams was born
July 15, 1799; married Thomas Tliompsen in Quincy, 111., in the
fall of 1831, and is now deceased. Archibald Williams was born
June 10, 1801, and was married to Miss Nancy Kemp; died at
his residence in Quincy 111, Sept. 21, 1863. Isabel Williams was
born March 27, 1803, and died Dec. 10. 1827, in Kentucky. Eobert
E. Williams was born May 6, 1805, and died Aug. 22, 1841, in
Quincy, 111. Ann G. Williams was born Sept. 6, 1808, and was
married to John Manier Dec. 18, 1828; died at her home in Mt.
Sterling, Ky., Sept. 16, 1863. William Thomas Williams was born
April 10, 1810, and is still living, near Mt. Vernon, Ills. George
W. Williams was born Aug. 11, 1812, and is still living, near
Quincy, 111.

Wesley Williams, son of John and Amelia Williams, had 8
children, as follows: Eli H. Williams, born June IS, 1817; now re-
siding in Carthage, 111. Samuel Otis Williams, born Aug. 20,
1819, and died in Carthage, Nov. 2S, 1844. John N. Williams was
born Nov. 7, 1821. Mary A. Williams was born May 5, 1824;
died May 14, 1840. Isabel Cutler Williams was born Aug.
22, 1832, and was married to Samuel L. Spangler Sept. 26, 1850.
Wesley C. Williams was born Aug. 12, 1833, and was married to
Miss Mary C. Morse June 6, 1860. Olive Catharine Williams was
born June 7, 1835, and married to Henry S. Baker, July 16, 1857.
Henry Clay Williams was born July 5, 1837, and died Sept. 5, 1839.

Judge Wesley Williams was one of the earliest and most re-
spected pioneer settlers of this county. He was born in Lincoln
county, Ky., March 24, 1792, and w-as the second child of John and

786 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Amelia (Gill) Williams, who were married ia Franklin county, N".
C.^Nov. 15, 17S7, and immediately settled in Lincoln county, Ky.,
where they resided until 179i, when they removed to Montgomery
county in that State. They had a family of 12 children, most of
whom settled at an early day in Adams county, 111.

Our subject served one campaign in the war with Great Britain,
and also in some of the Indian wars with Gen. Harrison; he also
filled many offices of trust and honor. While in Kentucky he was
elected and commissioned as an Ensign of theJ14th regiment, July
17, 181S, and was commissioned Captain of the 71st regiment
Nov. 6, 1821, by Gov. John Adair. Jul}^ 2, 1824, he was commis-
sioned Lieutenant of the Sith regiment. In 1825 or 1826 he
came to Illinois, locating at Quincy Sept. 6, 1827. He was com-
missioned one of the first Justices of the Peace of Adams county, by
Gov. Ninian Edwards.

Upon the organization of this county (Hancock) he removed to
Montebello, where the first Courts were held. He was appointed
the first Circuit Clerk, Oct. 27, 1829, which oflSce he held till 1811.
The first Circuit Court was held at the house of James White, Esq.,
at the head of the Lower or Ues Moines Rapids. He also was ap-
pointed the first Clerk of the County Commissioners' Court, and
filled that oflice until 1837. He was also Judge of Probate from
Nov. 21, 1829, to April. 1836; was appointed Recorder of the
county Nov. 21, 1829, and re-appointed Jan. 15, 1831, and held the
oflice till 1838; was commissioned Notary Public Jan. 18, 1831;
Mavis, 1833, he was appointed Postmaster at Carthage, by Wm. T.
Barry, then Postmaster-General: in 1835 he was elected Recorder,
the oflice having then been made elective; in 1853 he was elected
Justice of the Peace for Carthage precinct, and in 1854 re-elected;
in June, 1857, he was elected Police Magistrate of Carthage,
which oflice he held until about 1868, when he removed to Elvaston.
When Carthage was made the county-seat he moved to that place,
and attended the first Circuit Court, held June 4, 1833. He soon
afterward purchased several lots here and built the first house
erected in Carthage; it was located on the north side of the Public
Square near the present postoflice. His son, Wesley C, born Aug.
12, 1833, was the first white child born in the town.

Besides devoting so much of his time to the service of the pub-
lic. Judge Williams was at diiferent times extensively interested in
and identified with the business interests of the county. He built
and operated the old Crooked creek mill near the bridge ou the
Macomb road; also engaged in mercantile business at Carthage,
and followed farming to some extent.

He was married April 2, 1816, in Bourbon county. Ivy., to
Elizabeth Ayers, and they had 4 children: Eli H., of Carthage;
S. O., now deceased; John W., of Kentucky; and Mary E., de-
ceased. His second marriage was to Mrs. Ruth Scoby, June 9,
1831, in this county, and they had also 4 children: Isabel, now
the wife of Samuel C. Spangler; Wesley C, Olive C, now the

HISTORY OF UANCOCK COUNTY. 787

wife of Henry S. Baker; and Henry C, who died in infancy Sept.
5, 1S39.

Judge Williams died at his son-in-law's, Sam'l L. Spangler, May
12, 1870. In all the public offices which he filled he showed great
competency and abilitj-, and won many friends by his integrity.
He was of a lively and genial disposition and possessed great
conversational powers. His great mental capacity fitted him for
almost any position. For many years he was a member of the
Methodist Church. As in his private life and business relations,
so he was in religion, free from all ostentation. He was also a
member of the Masonic order, and was buried with full Masonic
honors.

Wesley Cutler Williams, second son of Wesley W. and Ruth
(Scoby) Williams, now re. ides on sec. 15, Prairie tp. He received
his early education at the common subscription schools of this
county ; in 1S52, when about 19 years of age, he went to California,
overland, leaving liere March 7 and arriving Sept. 12 at Colusa and
Red Bluft', Cal. When near Humboldt he bought two ponies for
another man and himself, and in company with another of the train,
struck out for themselves. While camping out one night the In-
dians stole their ponies. On waking in the morning and finding
them gone, they commenced looking around for them. Mr. Williams
was the only man who had a revolver, and one of the party asked
him for it, saying he would go and look for water, leaving him in a
small patch of sage brush. Soon hearing a hallooing, he looked
over the brush and saw his two comrades chased by 12 Indians. He
fell in with the others and ran, expecting to be overtaken and killed
every minute. Mr. W. says he tried to pray, and the only thing
he could think of to say was, "Now 1 lay me down to sleep!"
They finally outran the Indians, and footed the rest of the distance,
some 300 miles. While in California he was engaged nearly all the
time in the freighting business, in which he was quite successful.
In 1S50 he returned to this county, and June 6, 1S59, he married
Miss Mary E. Moore, daughter of Andrew Moore, an old settler in
this county, who located in Bear Creek tp., in 1835. He and his
wife now reside in Marion county.

The subject of this sketch has principally been engaged in farm-
ing and raising and dealing in stock. In politics he is a Democrat.
He served as Supervisor of Bear Creek tp., in lS71-'2, and in the
town of Carthage in 1873 ; in the spring of 1880 he was elected to
that oflice in tlietp. where he now resides. The first time he was
elected on an independent ticket, but the last two times on the
Democratic.

Mr. and Mrs. W. have a family of i cliildren, all boys : Homer
G., born July 13, 1863 ; John AV., Nov. 18, 1865; Archibald, March
21, 1868 ; and Robert, Sept. 20, 1873. The first child, Hebe, born
Sept. li, 1861, died the 30th of the same month, and Edward, born
Dec. 2, 1869, died Aug. 11, 1870.

Mr. Williams, like his father, is eminently respected by all, not

788 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

only for Lis business integrity, but for his social qualities and con-
versational powers, as is proven by his being elected as Supervisor
in a Republican townsliip, where they voted for the man and not
the " party."

As one of Hancock county's substantial and representative citi-
zens, we present Mr. Williams' portrait in this volume.

George Wills, farmer, sec. 30; P. O., Elvaston; was born in Cay-
uga county, N. Y., in 1830. In 1842 he came to this county with
his parents, Lorenzo and Lucy A. (Lowry) "Wills, both natives of
the same State. They settled in Carthage tp., and in 1846 moved
to Prairie, and located one mile east of Elvaston. His house was
open for entertainment to travelers, and was the first hotel in the
place. He was wideh' known throughout the county, and highly
esteemed by all who knew him. Both died at this place. The subject
of this sketch was married in 1851, to Martha, daughter of Thomas
Bedo, of Anderson county. He erected his present residence in
186S, and is largely and successfully engaged in farming. His farm
of one-half of sections 31 and 32 is valued at $40 per acre. He also
has a farm of 160 acres in Montebello tp., and 20 acres in Bear
Creek. His educational advantages were very limited, and his
success is entirely due to his industry and economy. He is a mem-
ber of the Town Board, and is a well-known and highly-respected
citizen.

William L. Whittlesey, County-House Superintendent, was
born in Butler county, O., in 1837, and is a son of Samuel and
Kosanna (Lewis) Whittlesey, who emigrated to Illinois in 1850
and located in Adams county, where Mrs. W. died Feb. 3, 1864.
The same year Mr. W. and children came to this county, where
they resided until his death, Jan. 15, 1875. The subject of this
sketch was married in 1863 to Miss Mahala Prather, a native of
Indiana, and of their 5 children 3 are living: Sarah E.,
James E. and Ida B. Mr. W. was elected to his present position
in 1877, which he has filled to the highest degree of satisfaction.
Politicall}' he has always been a stalwart Democrat, and endorses
the principles of that party. The family are members of the M. E.
Church.

The Supervisors, Clerks, Assessors and Collectors who have
served or are now serving Prairie township are about as follows:

SUFEEVISOES.

Wm. N. McCall 1855 David Mack 1866

Dennis Smith 1858 William A. Patterson 1867

Lorenzo Wells 1859 Boyd Braden 1868

Wm. N. McCall 1861 Wm. R. Hamilton 1870

Lorenzo Wells 1862 J. R.Miller 1875

Wm.N. McCall 1863 Saml. P. ;jIcGaw 1876

Elmore J. Rohrbough 1864 Wm. H. Moore 1879

Wm. N. McCall «1865 W. C. Williams 1880

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

789

Ebenezer Rand 1855

T.B. Wallace 1857

James S. Miller 1858

Wm. M. Ewiiig 1800

Ebenezer Rand. 1862

James M. McCall 1803

T. G. Moore 1805

John B. Heurj' 1860

Wm. N. McCall 1868

John Ashlock 1869

John R. Karr 1870

Hugh Markey 1873

J. H. Lemon 1874

J. S. Spangler 1875

M. H. Cochran 1876

John J. Randlemon 1877

M.H.Cochran 1878

Washington Enlow 1880

D. W. McCall 18.55

Henry Davis 1850

Thomas Gill 1858

D. W. McCall 1859

James S. Miller 1800

Charles Abbott 1801

D. W. McCal! 1803

Wm. R. Hamilton 1863

Joseph Miner 1804

G. W. Zern 1805

Wm. Rohrbough 1806

John R. Miller 1868

John Ashlock 1870

David MiUer 1871

Wm. N. McCall 1873

James Tweed 1874

E. J. Rohrbough 1875

J. S. Spangler 1876

Thomas G. Moore 1877

James Tweed 1878

JohnL. Rand 1880

COLLECTORS.

Thomas P. Gill 1855

D. C. Miller 1856

Wm. N. McCaU 1858

Orlan Abbott 1859

Thomas T. Gill 1800

Wm. Rohrbough 1861

Wm.N. McCall 1803

J. AV. Ewing 1803

Wm. A. Moore 1804

E. J. Rohrbough 1805

A. E. Boude 18G6

James Tweed 1867

Wm. A. Moore 1868

Thomas McParland 1869

A.J. Moore 1870

Isaac Roseberry 1871

Henry S. Batchelder 1873

A. J. Moore 1874

S. P. McGaw 1875

Thomas McFarland 1876

Wilson 31. Wetzel 1877

Thomas J. Ruddell , 1878

George S. Walker 1880

MONTEBELLO TOWNSHIP.

This township, numbered 5 — 8, was probably named for Monte
Belle, in France (now the practice to write it Montebello). Who
had the honor of naming it, we do not know. There were French-
men about the fort and along the river when the village on the
rapids received this cognomen, but none of its proprietors were
French. It was laid out in 1832 by Luther Whitney and William
Vance, on the southwest of sec. 18, the place now owned by C. F.
Darnell, two miles above the present site of Hamilton.

This township, containing the settlements of John Waggonner,
Luther Whitney, Eich and Cheney and others of the period pre-
ceding organization, may be called one of the oldest settled in the
county. Who made the actual first settlement in the township,
may now never be known ; but we can learn of none earlier than that
of Mr. Waggonner in 1824 There were several in it, however.before
organization (1829), settled along the river and on its contiguous
bluffs. Among them, we can recall the names, besides Messrs.
Waggonner, Whitney and Cheney, of Wm. Vance, Isaac R. Camp-
bell, John Johnson and Hazen Bedell. Among those of a later
period are Oliver and Cyrus Felt, Samuel Steele, John Gordon,
John Cochran, A. P. Cochran, Abram Smith, Enoch D. Brown,
Frederick Loring, James and Mathew Gray, Dr. Adolphus Allen,
Homer Brown, Ebenezer Carrier, H. K. Dickinson, Bryant Bart-
lett, Austin Wardwell, Gen. R. F. Smith and others.

Messrs. O. and C. Felt, with Major Wm. Smith, of I^a Harpe,
came to the county with a stock of goods; and while the latter
went to Crooked Creek with a portion, the two brothers established
on the rapids at Montebello. The elder Felt died a few years after-
ward, and Cyrus continued the business. The County Court was
held there for several terms, and at that day Montebello was one
of the most important points in the county, rivalling Venus at the
head ot the rapids, and competing with her for the county-seat.
It is now dead and vacated.

We have above mentioned the men of the township previous
to organization. Others are also worthy of mention. Of these was
Isaac Newton Waggonner. His name stands on the record of the
Hancock County Pioneers' Association, as (at that date) the earliest
living settler m the county. Isaac N. was a youth of about 15 in
1824, wben his father settled on the homestead at Riverside. He
soon took to the water, first as assistant on the keel-boats, then
running the river, and as a pilot to steer them, under Captain
James White (whose daughter he married), and afterward for
many years on steamers plying between St. Louis and the lead
(790;

BISTORT OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 791

mines of Galena and Dubuque. He was first pilot apprentice with
Capt. Throckmorton (name of boat not recollected), and afterward
with the same officer, on the celebrated Warrior and was on that
vessel at the time of the capture of Black Hawk on tlie upper
Mi8sissi])pi.

Mr. W. was a pilot on the river almost continuously, sometimes
as part owner of the boat he steered, for many years; and he knew
as much of the Mississippi sloughs and bluffs, and sand-bars,
whirlpools, snags and eddies, and how to manage a steamer in all
the vicissitudes of river navigation, as perhaps any other man. who
ran its waters.

Later in life he left the river and devoted himself to the duties
of his farm and tlie care of a steam mill and shipping house at
Riverside. He was a remarkabl}' quiet and unostentatious man,
firm in his convictions, and respected by all his neighbors. He
died Jan. 27, 1877, aged about 68 years.

Hamilton is now the only town in the township, including Oak-
wood, a separate survey, but united by act of incorporation. It
lies at the foot of the rapids, opposite Keokuk, Iowa, between
which, across the Mississippi river, lies the great iron railroad and
wagon bridge. It was laid out in 1852, by Bryant Bartlett, Wm.
R. Hamilton, Powers Ritchej', Henry R. Dickinson, Sanford
Faught, Henry Davis and George Edmunds, Jr. The late Artois
Hamilton, of Carthage, was an active proprietor, but we find the
record uses, the name of his s^A William R., who was then a
young man. Samuel Gordon, resfding at the place, was also inter-
ested, having furnished a portidn of the land, but his name does
not appear of record. In tlie Kumihon DoUar Monthly of June,
1873, is a notice of the origin of this town, which we reproduce
in part in this place:

" The eight or ten square miles of territory — embracing bluff,
river-buttom, slough, hill and dale, woodland and sand-ridge —
lying opposite Keokuk, the '• Gate " of Iowa, is dignified by act
of General Assembly with the title of city — the City of Ham-
ilton.

People abroad might very naturally conclude that it received its
name, as all the other twenty odd Hamiltons in the U.S. did, from
Alexander Hamilton, one of the Fathers of the Republic; but it
did not.

"There is a legend that runneth in this wise: That in the years
of the dim past, in the beginning of the embryo city that was to
rival the then thriving village across the water, a conclave of the
proprietors was held to give the bantling a name. Of these pro-
prietors we can only now name the following: Bryant Bartlett,
who had supplied much of the hard labor and a good deal of the
gas; Henry R. Dickinson, also a hard worker on the foundation of
the city; Samuel Gordon, who had resided on the spot, as child
and man, from the time whereof the memory of man runneth not
to the contrary, and who furnished a goodly portion of the land;

792 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

and Artois Hamilton, of Carthage, who was supposed to hold
pretty considerable sized money-bags. Money, ' the root of all
evil,' is also considered the root of some good, and in this case
was regarded as the 'one thing needful,' so it was decided to give
the new town the name of the holder of the aforesaid money-bags,
in the hope that the honor might induce him to ' shell out.' Of
course other names were presented and duly discussed, — as ' Bart-
lett,' 'Gordon,' 'Rapids City,' 'East Keokuk,' etc., etc. -But
the question of finance outweighed all others, and it received the
name it now bears.

"And Mr. H. did 'shell out' for a time, and commendable
efforts were made hj all concerned to build up a city. But the
fates were against them, and a contrary decree had gone forth.
The city would not come. They planned, they strove, they gassed;
they planted stakes, they run streets and alleys, they laid out
wharves and dykes. In their very desperation they invoked the
aid of the Commonwealth, and its august representatives at
Springfield came to their aid, and passed an act compelling it to
be a city at any rate, — for, said they, the people will come to it
afterward. But with an unpardonable lack of discernment and
hard common sense, the people still stay away — congregate in
other places. And so he of the money-bags, long ago seeing how
things were going, — or standing still, rather, — shook the dust off
his feet and left in disgust, and the city which once knew him so
well, now knows him no more.B^* * * *.» *

''But, seriously, there was^Mfc|rong committed. The place
should have been called ' BartleW.' In Mr. Bartlett's fertile
brain it was first conceived. He originated the thought. He
labored hard, in and out of season, to put it on its legs; not always
wisel}', perhaps, but witii a zeal that knew no abatement, an
energy that never flagged, and a conviction that seemed prophetic.
He struggled against difficulties; indeed he overcame diflSculties
that would have disheartened many other men. It was the object
of his affections and the burden of his thoughts for twenty years;
and they failed in duty to him when they gave it the name of
another. We are not aware that he ever aspired to the honor, or
desired such a result. Certain it is that he labored as zealously
after the naming as before, and for long years continued to cherish
the hope of his earlier days. But even his faith at length gave
out, and he, too, pulled up his stakes and planted them in another
field."

Oakwood was laid out in June, 1S55, by John Morse, Thomas
J. Potts and T. Dewitt Carey. It lies a half mile east, and now
comprises the third ward of Hamilton.

Hamilton was incorporated into a city in 1859.

Besides originating the city of Hamilton, Messrs. Bartlett and
Dickinson, b}' their untiring zeal and energy, in conjunction with
Henry W. Sample, Esq., of Keokuk, and others, succeeded in es-
tablishing a steam ferry between the two points. At that time the

:^^/MUZ:tyx

AUGUSTA

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 795

whole river bottom was covered with dense timber and fallen
trees; and numerous sloughs and sand-bars rendered the construc-
tion of a road across and a landing place at the shore, a matter of
great difficulty. These were gradually made to disappear, at great
labor and cost; and when the l)ridge was built and the ferry sus-
pended, a crooked dyke was left, which has since been taken and
improved by the bridge company, as an approach to the bridge.

THE KEOKUK AND HAMILTON BRIDGE.

A railroad and wagon bridge was built under a charter from the
States of Illinois and Iowa, ratified by Congress, and was opened
to the public in June, 1S71. It is constructed entirely of iron,
excepting the road bed, which is of heavy-sawed white-oak lumber.
It was about two years in building, delayed at several different
times by ice and high water. Its cost was one million and five
thousand dollars (.Si, 00.5, 000). It is two thousand one hundred
and ninetj'-four (2,19i) feet long, and rests on eleven stone piers,
exclusive of the abutments. Its draw, for the passage of steam-
boats and other river craft, is 378 feet in length, turned by steam
machinerj' on a pivot in the center. One end of this draw, when
in ])lace, rests on the abutment at the Iowa shore — the main chan-
nel of the river being on that side, as it sweeps around the point.
The bridge was built by the Keystone Bridge Co., of Pittsburg.
As a matter of public interest, adifi for future reference, we insert
below its

RATES OF FARE.

For a foot passenger $ .05

For man and horse 15

For one-horse vehicle 20

For two do. do. 25

Head of cattle, each 10

Head of sheep and hogs, each 05

' President of the Bridge Company, Andrew Carnegie, New
York; Theodore Giliian, Treasurer, New York.

Hazen Bedell was the first Postmaster in Montebello, appointed
by President Jackson in 1820, and holding it till 1835, when he
died. Was succeeded by John Johnson till his death in 1836;
then Cyrus Felt, till ISil; then Enoch D. Brown for about a year,
when it was removed to Df.'Allen's town, Des Moines city, and
there kept by Levi Jackman. In 1843 again at Montebello,
E. D. Brown, P.M. In 1845 Mr. B. removed to Quincy, and B.
B. Gates was P.M. Brown returned in '47, and was reappointed,
and held it till 1853, when it was removed to Hamilton. Here
Dr. Githeus was first P.M., then John C. Cox to '57, Thomas
Keid to '61, Benjamin J. Welch to '64, E. C. A. Cushman to '66,
James Nolan to '69, Thomas Gregg to '76, and then and ever

46

796 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

since Dr. Githens again, after an interregnum of a quarter of a
century.

RELIGIOUS PROGRESS.

The first preaching in Montebello remembered by Mr. Gordon,
tlien quite young, was by Rev. John Lawton, of Carthage, in
lS3i, '5 and '6. As Kevs. Peter Williams and Charles Robison
both i-esided in the vicinity precedent to organization, there doubt-
less must have been preaching years before Mr. Lawton came to
the county. Of this, however, we have no proof.

The first Church organization of which we have any account, in
Montebello, was at Riverside, about 1859, Rev. Joseph Mason
officiating as Pastor for some six months. The membership was
limited to nine, six female members and three males, namely:
John Morse. William Donald and A. H. Leavings. Mr. Mason
was followed by Rev. John G. Rankin, of Warsaw, Rev. Mr.
Henry, and by Rev. Wui. C. Merritt, who remained its Pastor till
1856. About this time the society built a new house of worship
at Oakwood, and soon afterward Rev. Mason again became its
Pastor, and so remained until in 1859, when such changes in his
docti'inal views occurred as led to his removal. During the early
period of the Rebellion Rev. E. N^. Bartlett, who had been driven
from Missouri for his Union sentiments, was engaged as Pastor
between this Church and the yojBcg Church at Hamilton.

This Church was organized in 1859, with a membership of fifteen
persons, names not obtained. Mr. Bartlett remained two or three
years. In course of time the Presbyterian element becoming pre-
dominant, the organization was changed to Presbyterian. They
were without a church building until 1874:,when a neat little church
was erected, the society previously using the Baptist church part
of the time.

The Baptist Church (Missionary Branch) was organized in 1852
by Elder Henry Davis, who removed to Texas in 1856. In 1857,
Elder Caleb M. Sewell organized a Free-Will Baptist society, and
the Brick Church was soou after built by them. Mr S. resided in
the town, and remained its Pastor mainly until his death in Nov.,
1875. Since his death the society has been without a regular Pastor
most of the time. Latterly Rev. D. C. Miller, a physician of the
town, occasionally supplies the pulpit.

The M. E. organization was effected about the time the town was
laid out, with a small membership. The church building they oc-
cupy was erected say six or eight years thereafter. Latterly its
membership has been about 60, which is as large as that of any of
the others.

PERSONAL SKETCHES.

Short biographies of many of the most prominent settlers and resi-
dents of Montebello township afford the most interesting feature of
its history, and they here follow:

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 797

J. A. Anderson, Hamilton, was born Sept. 25, 1816. lie was
taken by his parents, Robert and Nancy Anderson, when quite
young to Clark Co.. Ohio, where he was reared to manhood. In
1850 he engaged in the manufactory of cars and agricultural imple-
ments in Springtield. Ohio. He continued at this business until
1855, when he went to Minnesota. He was one of the framers of
the constitution of that State, and also served in the 2d Minnesota
Legislature. He came to this county in 1873, where he has since
resided. Mr. A. was first married in 1843 to Catharine Miholland,
who died in 1856. In 1859 he was again married to Louesa Hitch,
by whom he has had 3 children. He also had 3 children by his
former wife.

H. W. Alvord was born in Lockport, Niagara Co., N. Y., Dec.
29, 1823. His parents were Samuel and Ursula (Smith) Alvord.
Mr. Alvord was raised on a farm, and received a common-school
education. He came to this county in 1816, and was engaged in
farming. He was married in 1850 to Miss Angeline Sullivan, by
whom he had -1 children, of which only one is living; namely,
Susannah (now Mrs. Amasa Hager). Mr. Alvord is engaged in
fruit-growing and gardening.

Hev. Samuel Alvord, father of the above, was born in Mass.,
Mar. 16, 1784, and died in Hamilton, 111., Aug. 13, 1871, in the
88th 3'ear of his age. In 1804 moved to Madison Co., N. Y.;
in 1810, to Lockport; in 1825 to Chautauqua county; in 1830
to Warren Co., Pa., and finally, in 1846, to Hamilton. Was
twice married; to Miss Bates in 1809, and afterward to Miss Ursula
Smith, with whom he lived nearly 51 years. United first with the
Presbyterian Church at 17; afterward, 1809, with the Baptist.
Licensed to preach in 1812, was a successful and earnest preacher.
Pastor of several Churches in N. Y. and Pa. Never resumed pastoral
labor in 111., but frequently preached to destitute Churches, as op-
portunity offered. He was a great sufferer during the latter years
of his life, but calmly awaited the end.

Rev. B. Applehee is a native of Muskingum county, Ohio,
where he was born Sept. 5, 1820. He is a sou of Benjamin and
Elizabeth (Ghoist) Applebee At the age of 17 years he was
brought by his parents to Fulton count}', 111., where he remained
till he was of age.

He was educated at Marietta, in that county. He is conversant
in all languages connected with his ministry. He was licensed to
preach, July 25, 1845, and was ordained Elder in 1850. In 1847
he traveled Carthage circuit, which then comprised all of Hancock
county and a part of both McDonough and Schuyler counties. His
work in this itinerancy was blessed with glorious results; on the
above named circuit the first and second years. Two hundred and
twenty-five accessions were made to his societies. He re-organized
the societies which had been scattered by the Mormons. He also
organized the first Methodist society in Hamilton. Rev. Applebee
was Pastor of the M. E. Church at the following important stations:

798 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Carthage three years; Galesburg, and built the first church there;
Peoria four years, and manj^ others. He is the present Pastor of
the M. E. society in Hamilton, and is closing up the 35th year
of his ministr3\ The following is an extract from the Kauvoo
Independent:

" The Rev. B. Applebee is a minister of great convictions, of
ministerial obligations, as well as marked pulpit and i'e\ ival ability,
and a leader in the great moral and religions reforms of the age.
He was the first Pastor of the M. E. Church in Hancock county
to re-organize Methodist societies and Sunday-schools, after the
Mormon trouble, throughout this county. In 1847 he came to
Carthage, as I liave before stated. He was a most efficient minis-
ter, then a young man acting a prominent part in tiie public
gatherings connected with Sunday-school celebrations; and on the
4th of July, 1848, he visited the city and addressed the Sunday-
school which assembled on that day in the Hibbard Grove, south
of the city. He visited the city again in 1856 and conducted a
quarterly meeting. He is now (Feb. 20, 1S80) again in the city,
and has met with a cordial welcome in the home of Mr. and Mrs.
Schwarz, besides the love and respect of many others."

Eev. A. was joined in the bonds of holy matrimony, Feb. 12,
1849, to Miss Catharine Gardener, daughter of an early pioneer of
this county, 4 children being the fruit of this union ; viz., Mary
M. (now Mrs. D. B. Spencer), of Iowa; Jabez 0., a fine scholar,
having gi'aduated in the Wesleyan^Universit}'; John W. (dec.) and
Pytsea B.

J. M. Berry is a native of Merrimack county, N. IL, and was
born April 25, 1S21. He is a son of Joshua and Patience C.
Berry, who were botli natives of the same State. In 1858 he was
joined in marriage to Miss Harriet M. Berry, of his native State.
This union was blessed with 3 children: of these only one is
living, Mary (now Mrs. Gilman), who resides in Burlington, Iowa.
Mr. Berry came to tiiis countj^ in 1858 and settled in Montebello
tp., where he has since resided, engaged in farming and stock-
raising. He owns a farm of 123 acres in sec. 36.

Homer D. Brown was born March 9, 1846, in Quincy, 111., and
is a son of Homer and Hannah Brown. He was married, Oct. 26,
1869, to Miss Alice Harvey, by whom he has 2 children: Nellie
and Harvey. Mr. Brown is the proprietor of the Montebello Nur-
series, of Hamilton, and has a large local trade. In ISSU he was
unable to supply the demand. He makes a specialty of the Ben
Davis apple; has this j'car (ISSO) over three acres of this kind
alone. Mr. Brown is also proprietor of the Wildcat Springs, that
are becoming popular as a place for summer resorts.

Dr. Thomas J. Bull, dentist, Hamilton, was born July 6, 1810,
in New York. He was brought by his parents to Ohio, where he
was reared to manhood. He staid there until 1855, when he came
to this State, and soon after to this county, where he has since
rooided, engaged in the practice of his profession. He was educated

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 799

in this business in St. Louis. The Doctor was married Dec. 16,
1834, to Nancy A. "Westcott, by whom lie has had 12 children;
9 living, — 5 sons and 4 daughters.

J. M. Campbell, farmer, sec. 24; P. O., Elvaston; was born Jan.
28, 1843, in Pennsylvania. He was brought by his parents, James
and Eliza Campbell, to this county in 1S52, wlieu nine years of
age. Here he was reared, and in 1862, when he was only 19 years
old, he enlisted in the military service in Co. A, 118th Reg. 111.
Mounted Infantry. He was mustered out Nov. 7, 1862. He par-
ticipated in the battles, siege, and surrender of Vicksburg, Cham-
pion Hills, Thompson's Hills, Arkansas Post and many others.
He returned liorae in October, 1865, having served three years. Mr.
C. was married Nov. 21, 1872, to Harriet Houston, and of their
4 children 8 are living; viz., James W., Anna G. (deceased), Her-
bert L. and Thomas O.

Ehenezer Carrier was born in Connecticut Sept., 1811; came to
this county in 1840, and was married the same year to Martha S.
Winans, daughter of Alfred L. Winans, an early pioneer of this
county. Mr. Carrier lias resided in Hamilton ever since his
settlement in this county. He took an active part against the
Mormons, at one time just escaping death at their hands. They
stole wood from him and he had them arrested and tried at Warsaw,
and was coming home after night when they, intoxicated, took him
out of the wagon to kill him, and would have succeeded had it not
been for Mr. Hyde.

Joseph Cate, who has traveled from ocean to ocean, and wit-
nessed many interesting sights, was born in Stafford county, N. H.,
Jan. 20, 1811, and is a son of Walter and Polly (Wiggins) Cate,
the latter of whom is deceased. He was reared on a farm and
educated in a common school. He came to Quincy, 111., in 1S37,
where he became acquainted with Miss Sarah J. Wilson, whom he
married March 8, 1838. They have had 5 children, of whom 3 are
living; viz., Margaret J., George A. and Horatio W. The latter is
now in California. Another son, Joseph, was killed at the siege of
Vicksburg in the struggle for liberty during the late war. During
the first gold excitement in 1849, Mr. Cate went overland in an ox
wagon to California. In 1851 he returned by way of the Isthmus
of Panama. In 1852 he again went to California, and returned in
1854. In 1855 he removed to this county, where he still resides.
He was a farmer until he became disabled, when he sold his farm
and removed to Hamilton, where he now resides in that portion of
the town known as Oakwood.

Charles L. Cochran was born Feb. 20, 1823, in Randolph
county, this State. He was brought by his parents, John and
Mary Cochran, to this county when eight years of age (1831), where
he was reared to manhood. His educational facilities were
much limited. He went to the first school that was taught in Mon-
tebello tp. The school was held in a log structure about 14 by 16
feet, by Mrs. McKinney. About that time the Black Hawk war

800 HISTOEY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

was under way. Charles L. had one brother, who was a soldier of
the "band of rangers." Time rolled on and nothing transpired
worthy of note till the rise and tronble of Mormonism, when
the Smiths wei-e killed. About this time he took an active part in
expelling them from the State. Mr. Cochran remained here until
1854, when lie went to California. He remained in the Western
Territories and along the Paciiic coast for 17 years, when he returned
home. His vocation is that of farming, etc. His father died Jan.
10, 1843, at the ripe age of 72. Mr. Cochran is Vice-President of
the "Old Settlers'. Association."

Dr. Sylvester L. Comer, deceased, was born Sept. 9, 1830, in
Ohio. He was brought by his parents, when a child, to Carthage,
this county, where he was reared and educated. He also at-
tended school at Jacksonville, and after studying medicine under
some very skillful physicians here, he attended the Chicago and
the Keokuk medical colleges, at the latter of which he graduated
with honors. During the war Dr. Comer was Surgeon in the Keo-
kuk hospital. After the war closed he came to this county and
followed his profession till his death, March 3, 1879. Dr. Comer
was married Sept. 2, 1862, to Alice Griswold. To them were born
4 children, 3 of whom are living — Hattie L., Samuel H., Frank G.

Eimdous Carlos Allen Cushman was born at Hartford, Vt.,
June 5, 1811. His father, Joshua Cushman, was born Sept. 20,
1778, at Mansfield, Conn., and his mother, Mary Dorman Bridge-
man, was born Nov. 24, 1783, at Hanover, '"N. H., near Dartmouth
College. Mr. Cushman was a descendant of the Cushmans who
were connected with the expedition of the Mayflower, and a relative
on the one side of the celebrated Laura Bridgeman, and of Char-
lotte Cushman on the other.

At Lebanon, N. H., Mr. Cushman in his youth, learned the
trade of machinist, which, however, he never followed, except as
manager.

On May 30, 1838, having emigrated to Ohio, he was married in
Muskingum county to Miss Margaret A. Bainter, who still sur-
vives him. In Licking county in that State and afterward in St.
Louis, Mo., he was engaged for several years in the manufacture
and sale of the Parker Reaction and Percussion Water-wheel. He
removed to Ohio in 1834, to St. Louis in 1840, to Hancock county
(Pilot Grove) in 1851, and to Hamilton in 1853. Here he was one
of the first settlers, and was ever one of its most public spirited
men, frequently holding office under the town and city government.
His main business was that of real estate and insurance, but he
also long held the position of Justice of the Peace and Notary
Public and that of Postmaster. During the Rebellion he was
enrolling and drafting officer for this district. And in all these
positions, public and private, he was esteemed for his courtesy and
kindness of heart. He was, in addition, one of the charter mem-
beys of the Black Hawk Lodge and Royal Arch Chapter of Masons,
and held high office in each.

HISTOKY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 801

Mr. Cusliman was never connected with any Cliurcli, but was
chosen trustee of tlie Presbyterian Church in Hamilton, ■^hich he
held from its organization till his death, always taking an interest
in its welfare and contributing liberally to its support. He made
no profession, yet was a firm believer in the Christian religion,
and died trusting in the Savior. He died May 21, 1S79, having
gained the esteem and aftection of his friends, and much lamented
by all.

Charles Dadant, a very prominent bee-culturist in this tp.,
was born in France May 23, 1S17; came to this country in 1863
and settled in this tp., where he has since resided, engaged in the
keeping of Italian bees (imported). He has at present 500 stands
of these, all raised from two stands. He also manufactures bees-
wax (refined). In the year lS7i> his bees made 15,000 lbs of honey.
Mr. D. was married in lSi7 to Gabrielle Parison, and they have
had 3 children: Mary D., Eniile D. and Eugene D. His post-
ofiice address is Hamilton.

Henry R. Dickinson was born in Keene, N. H., Dec. 10, 1818.
His education was limited to the common schools of the town, in
those days not remarkable for their excellence. At the early age
of twelve he engaged as an apprentice to the carpenter's trade,
which he followed industriously for six years in New Hampshire,
and then, at the age of about IS, emigrated to Greene county. 111.
At Carrollton, the county seat of Greene, he followed the business
till, in 1849, heremo%'ed to and settled in Hancock. His first loca-
tion here was in a cabin in the woods, near the big spring, on the
present site of Hamilton. This was two or three years before the
town was laid out. In 1850, in conjunction with Bryant Bartlett,
his brother-in-law, a charter for a ferrj' was obtained between
Keokuk and this shore; and in 1852 the town of Hamilton was laid
out by them and other parties, a notice of which will be found
elsewhere. At great expense and an immense amount of labor a
roadway was constructed across the bottom to the river shore, and
landings built, much of which had to be renewed every year, till
finally the steamer Salina was put on and the ferry fully estab-
lished. Mr. Hugh W. Sample, of Keokuk, becoming associated
with them. In this enterprise Mr. D. and his co-partners are
thought to have expended not less than $10,000 in securing the
ferry road and approaches, independent of all other expenses. But
it proved a success and a great public benefit for many years, until
it was superseded by the great iron bridge. Much of its success
was due to Mr. Dickinson's energy and means. He withdrew from
the concern a number of j'ears before it was discontinued, and has
since employed his time and means in carrying on two or three
farms, and in the lumbering business in the town.

Mr. D. is the parent of 7 children — 5 sons and 2 daughters,
the eldest of whom, Oscar, was one of the first men killed in the
16th regiment. (See page 487.) The others are still living.

Mr. Dickinson has held several ofiices of honor and trust: that

802 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

of Mayor of Hamilton for two terms; Alderman for six or ei^ht
years, and several times Assessor of Montebello township. He has
also long been a member of the Masonic order, in which he has
held responsible positions.

Dr. T. J. Dodge, the renowned "magnetic healer," is a native
of Fulton county. 111.; born Jan. 24, 1844. He is a son of Henry
and Lorana Dodge; was principally raised in McDonongh county,
this State. He received a common district-school education. He
engaged in general business until 1871, when he started as a Bap-
tist evangelist; traveled for 6 successive years, and wonderful were
the results of his preaching. Sometimes infidels would fall as if
the shaft of death had pierced their hearts, so aftecting was his
preaching. About the year 1S75 he perceived that he had the "gift
of healing," and frequently and instantaneously healed persons of
various diseases while in Church. Dr. Dodge was an infidel in belief
prior to his conversion, which occurred Feb. 5, 1S60. He soon
after felt convinced that he should preach, and immediately entered
the ministry. In 1877 he had strong convictions to cease the work
of an evangelist, and to devote his time principally to healing the
afilicted. Jan. 1, 187S, Dr. Dodge entered partnership with Dr.
Ringland in the " Riverside Institute." His treatment is followed
by unprecedented success in the permanent healing of patients.
His first cure wrought in the Riverside Institute was a case of
apoplexy of several years' standing, which he cured in less than five
minutes' time. Dr. Dodge has a wonderful magnetic power, and
at will can make a person stand or sit unmovable as a statue. He
frequently preaches at the Institute and in the surrounding country.
Dr. D. was united in marriage Sept. 25, 1863, with Caroline
Atwater, and they have 8 children— 5 sons and 3 daughters. He is
now 36 years of age and weighs 310 pounds.

Charles Dormaii was born in Gloucester county, N. J., Nov. 28,
1817, and is a son of James and Amy Dorman. He served an
apprenticeship at blacksmithing when but a boy, at Good Intent,
a manufacturing village of his native State. His 'father was a
cabinet-maker. Mr. Dorman followed blacksmithing until 1863,
when he enlisted in the 133d 111. Yol. Inf. and served as a soldier
in the late war. He was married in April, 1838, to Miss Anna M.
Northrop, by whom he has had 7 children; of these, 5 are liv-
ing; viz., Albert, James, Hattie, Amy and Anna. Mr. Dorman
engaged in the mercantile business in 1865, in that part of Hamil-
ton known as Oakwood, where he carries a stock of about $2,000,
consisting of hardware, groceries and notions. His grandfather,
Ned Parker, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and his father
was an officer in the war of 1812.

James B. Oilliland, farmer, sec. 12; P. O., Elvaston; was born
in New York city, and was raised there and in Philadelphia. He
was married in New York, Oct. 27, 1836, to Miss Margaret S.
Glenn, daughter of David Glenn. (The Glenns were early settlers
of Philadelphia.) Eleven children were the fruit of this union, of

(^^/ca.'^/^^^^t^

Durham Tp.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 805

whom 5 are living; viz., Stephen E., George W., William M.,
James P. (missionai-j in S. America), and Sarah (a Holiness
preacher). Mr. Gilliland and family came to Pekin, 111., in 185i,
and to this county in 1858. While in Philadelphia, Mr. Gilliland
engaged in the manufacture of cotton goods, but is now engaged
in farming.

Dr. W. H. Githens was born in Ohio, Dec. 11, 1826; he is a
son of John Githens, who was a native of New Jersey. He was
reared and educated in his native State. He also began the study
of medicine there about the year 1847, and in 1850 came to Keo-
kuk, Iowa, where he finished his course of medical study, and
graduated; in 1852 he came to this county and began the practice
of medicine. March 4, 1849, he was married to Sarah P. Robbins.
To them were born 10 children; only 4 are living; viz., Louise
I. (now Mrs. Anderson), Wm. E., Helen M. and Mary A.

Mr. G. was a Surgeon in the 16th 111. Vol. Inf. for a time, when
lie came to Keokuk and was in the Government service, in the
hospital of that place, for one year, when he went back and served
the remainder of the war, under Gen. Sherman. He partici-
pated in the following battles; viz., Chickamauga, Mission Eidge,
Vicksburg, Lookout and Kenesaw Mountains, and many others.

Samuel Oordon, one of the pioneers of this county, was born in
Peterboro', N. H., May 3, 1825; emigrated witli his parents to
Montebello, in Hancock county, when it contained less than 500
inhabitants, in Oct., 1831. In the spring of 1833, he removed to
the farm on which he now resides, twenty years before the city of
Hamilton was laid out. He received his education from the com-
mon schools in the neighborhood.

Mr. Gordon has been an office holder; held the office of Clerk of
Montebello township for 14 years, between 1857 and 1874; was 20
years a member of the School Board ; two years City Clerk; six years
City Treasurer, and twice a member of the City Council of Ham-
ilton. In Aug., 1862, he enlisted as a private in Co. C, llSth 111.
Inf. Vol.; was on continuous duty for three years and two months,
until Oct. 13, 1865, when his regiment was discharged. He partic-
ipated in the following battles: Chickasaw Blufifs, near Vicksburg,
Dec. 26 to 30, 1862; Arkansas Post, Jan. 10 and 11, 1863; Thomp-
son's Hill, May 1, 1863; Champion Hills, May 16, 1863; Black
river bridge. May 17, 1863; siege of Vicksburg until after the
assault of May 23, 1863; Grand Caton bayou, Nov. 3, 1863; as-
sault on Port Hudson, Apr. 7, 1864.

He was married Apr. 3, 1851, to Miss Permelia Alvord, born in
Warren county. Pa., Aug. 3, 1832; youngest daughter of Eev.
Samuel Alvord, of Oakwood.

John Gordon, father of the above, was born in Peterboro', N.
H., Dec. 10, 1790; married Elizabeth Smith, Dec. 31, 1819; emi-

f rated to Hancock county, and settled in Montebello tp. in 1831.
[e died Apr. 3, 1839, aged 48. His widow died Aug. 12, 1845,
aged 51. They had 5 children, 3 sons and 2 daughters ; 3 died in

806 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

infancy. They brought 2 sons with them ; the eldest, Jonathan J.,
died March 27, 1S79, aged 16.

The grandfather, also named John, was born in Ireland in 1732;
emigrated to America prior to 1750, and settled in Massachusetts.
Was a volunteer during the Revolution, with "VVaahington on his
retreat through the Jerseys. He emigrated to New Hampshire
and settled in Peterboro' in 1780; died Dec. 2, ISIS, aged 86.

Dr. H. P. Griswold was born in Herkimer county, N. Y., Oct.
1, 1814. Received a common-school education, and was entered at
16 at Fairfield Academy, and at IS entered Union College, Sche-
nectady, 1»kiug a scientific course, which he continued for two years.
Studied medicine with Dr. Brown, of Salisbury, Herkimer county.
In 1S37 he emigrated to Hancock count}' and settled at Plymouth,
at which place he resided and continued in the practice of medi-
cine for thirteen years. In 1850 he purchased a farm in Wythe
township, about six miles east of Warsaw, to which he removed,

still continuing in the practice of medicine until the year IS

he removed to Hamilton, where he still resides.

About 1841 Dr. G. commenced the nursery business on a small
scale at Plymouth, which he followed for five or six years. From
his nursery most of the old orchards in St. Mary's and Round
Prairies were supplied, and tlie general good character of their
fruit attest the soundness of his judgment in the propagation of
varieties. On his removal to Wythe township, he transplanted
from his nursery a large orchard at his new home, which has borne
much excellent fruit. It is now in possession of E. McCune, Esq.

In removing to Hamilton, Dr. G. retired from practice, prefer-
ring to live at his ease in the enjoyment of a moderate fortune,
and in the cultivation of fruits and flowers and the adornment of
his home.

Charles Gruhh was born in Lehigh Co., Pa., Nov. 8, 1822, and is
a son of Samuel and Catharine (GroflT) Grubb, also natives of Penn-
sylvania. He was married in ISil to Miss Dinah Davison, by whom
he has had 11 children; of these, 9 are living; viz., Wayne, Eras-
mus, Garret, Lizzie, Ida, Kate, George, Louisa and Ellen. Mr.
Grubb learned the blacksmith's trade when young, at which he
worked five years. He came to this county in 1859, and purchased
100 acres of land on sec. 35, Montebello tp., where he still resides
and is engaged in farming, stock raising. Himself and 5 brothers
were in the war, and all returned without a wound.

Ephraim Gruhh, deceased, brother of the preceding, was born
in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, February 23, 1824. He was
reared on a farm, but at the age of IS learned the blacksmith's
trade, which he followed in after years. He emigrated to Adams
county. 111., in 1845, where he followed his trade until 1850.
He then came to this county, settling on sec. 26, this tp., where he
engaged in farming until his death, save the time he served in the late
war. He, however, became disabled by sickness while in the service
and was discharged for this reason before his time expired. He

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 807

was married Jan. 7, 1849, to Miss Susan Grnbb, daughter of Jonas
and Sarah Grnbb (dec), who emigrated from Pennsylvania to
Adams county, 111., in 1839.

Mr. and Mrs. Grubb had 5 children, of whom but 2 are living;
viz., Frances and Olive. Mr. Grubb was a worthy member of the
Presbyterian Church and had lived a devoted Christian life since
quite young. He filled the office of Commissioner of Highways
several times, and was always found upon the side of temperance
and morality. He was always ready to assist the needy and lift
up the down-fallen; in fact, he was a public benefactor, for no truly
charitable enterprise ever passed by him unnoticed or unaided.

He died Sep. 21, 1866, loved and respected by all who knew him.
The family lost a kind husband and father, and the community a
valuable member of society in the death of Mr. Grubb.

William L. Giithrie, Assessor of Montebello tp. ; P. O., Hamil-
ton; was born in Kentucky July 1, 1832. His parents, John P.
and Sarah Guthrie, were both natives of Kentucky, who came to
this State in 1839 and settled near Quincy, and in 1857 he came to
this county. W. L. has been Deputy Sheriff 12 years. In 1857 he
was married to Amanda Breckbill. To them were born 8 children,
4 now living; viz., James P., William E., Laura A. and Ida M.

Edw. J. Hall was born June 12, 1836, in Baltimore, Md. He is
a son of Robert G. Hall, M. D., who practiced medicine for 40 years
in this State. He was reared and educated in Illinois. His voca-
tion used to be druggist, in which he was e;igaged for about
25 years, until 1862, when he came to Hamilton, where he still
resides. He is at present engaged in business with Daniel F. Tie-
man (ex-Mayor) & Co., of JSIew York city. Mr. H. was joined in
marriage to Emily R. Kerr, of Jacksonville, this State.

B. F. Hambhtoii is a native of Columbiana county, Ohio, and
was born April 23, 1826. His parents were James and Martha
Hambleton, natives of Eastern Pennsylvania. They were members
of the Society of Friends (or Quakers), and each lived, to the age of
81 years. James Hambleton and two of his brothers, Benjamin
and Charles, emigrated to Ohio in 1814, and located on Little
Beaver Creek, in Columbiana county, where they engaged in milling,
farming and mercantile business. This was carried on in partner-
ship until 1838, when the firm dissolved. Our subject worked in
a woolen factory in Ohio for three years, and in 1846 he helped
drive a fiock of sheep from Ohio to Mahaska county, Iowa. He
returned to Ohio the same fall, and in 185 1 moved to Iowa to make
his home in the West. In 1854 he settled in Keokuk, where he
engaged with Connable & Smith, wholesale grocers, for about three
mouths. He then was employed with Moody & Thompson, whole-
sale boot and shoe merchants. This firm dissolved and he remained
in Mr. Moody's employ in the same house until 1863, when he
became Mr. Moody's partner. In 1864 Mr. Moody's health failed,
and Mr. Hambleton formed a partnership with H. C. Huiskamp,
who remained in the business until 1873, when Mr. H. sold his

808 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

interests to Huiskamp & Brother. Mr. Hambleton, however, had
removed across the river to Illinois in 1S71. He was married in
1853 to Miss Maria E. Thompson, daughter of Eev. Aaron F. Thomp-
son, a Presbyterian minister, now of Winchester, 111. This union
has been blessed with 5 children, of whom 4 are living; viz.,
Clarence, Cora, Arthur and Helen. Mr. H. now resides in a large
stone dwelling, on a beautiful eminence overlooking the Mississippi
river and a portion of the city of Keokuk. He owns the Imperial
Flouring Mills, of Keokuk, and also a large interest in the whole-
sale grocery store of Collier, Robertson & Hambleton, in Keokuk,
besides farming and raising stock to some extent.

Daniel Hanmn was born April 23, 1S32, in Pickaway county,
Ohio. He is a son of Daniel, Sr., and Barbara Hanson, natives of
Virginia. He was brought to this county by his parents when
young, and here he was reared to mature years. His educational
advantages were limited, as he received but a common-school edu-
cation. Mr. Hanson was married April 16, 1S66, to Emma Hol-
comb, by whom he has had 4 children; viz., Grace M., Minnie,
DeWitt Clinton and Freddie. Mr. Hanson's father was a soldier
in the war of 1S12, and his father was a soldier in the Kevolution-
ary war. Mr. H. is a farmer on sec. 25; P. O., Elvaston, 111.

David Honce was born in Monmouth county, N. J., Sept. 10,
1822. His parents were Hendrick and Elizabeth (Rogers) Honce,
the latter deceased. Mr. Honce was raised on a farm, and was
engaged some years in the oyster traffic, a saloon and bakery. He
was married in New Jersey, in 1S57, to Miss Rachel Williams, by
whom he had 7 children; of these, 5 are living: Orval, Oliver,
Wm. H., Sarah E. and Cieorgia M. He came to this county in
1861, where he is engaged in farming and stock-raising on sec. 15,
in this tp. His son William lives in Colorado.

William H. Honce, brother of the preceding, was born in
Monmouth county, jST. J., in July, 1820; was reared on a farm,
educated in a common-school; was married Nov. 27, 1818, to Miss
Sarah J. McBroom, daughter of Andrew and Jane McBroom.
This union has been blessed with 7 children, of whom 6 are living;
viz., Lydia J., Elizabeth, Alpliia, Anna, Olive and William R.
Mr. Honce removed to Adams county, 111., in 1851, and to this
county in 1854. He resides on sec. 9, Montebello tp., and is en-
gaged in farming and stock-raising.

Ilarloxo Hosford, sec. 10; P. O., Hamilton; was born in Brook-
iield, Ohio, March 26, 1824, and is a son of Truman and Elizabeth
Hosford. He was reared on a farm, and received a common-school
education. He came to this county in 1835. He was married in
1850, to Miss Mary Wright, by whom he has 6 children; viz.,
Harris T., Anna E., Isaac N., Edwin W., Harriet O. and Mary J.
Mr. Hosford was a soldier in the Mormon war, as were also liis
father and brother, participating in the battle at Nauvoo. Mr.
Hosford is engaged in farming and stock-raising, on sec. 10, and
owns 475 acres of valuable land.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 809

Henry Ikerd, deceased, was born in Lawrence county, Indiana,
Jan. 19, 1806. He was a son of John and ^Margaret Ikerd; was
married Feb. 2, 1823, to Nauc}' Fish, by whom he has had 10
children; viz., David J., Sarah A., William V., Malinda C. (now
Mrs. Head), Mary J. (now Mrs. Douglas), ilargaret E. (now Mrs.
Horton), Henry L., Logan II., Mary L. (now Mrs. Stumpp). Mr.
and Mrs. Ikerd came to this county in 1855, where they settled
and resided until the union was broken by his death, Oct. 5, 1866.
His wile is yet living, at the advanced age of 70.

Aaron S. Kiugslcy, deceased, was born April 21, 1807, in
Genesee county, N. Y., and was a son of Solomon Kingsley (dec),
of New York.

Solomon Kingsley was a farmer and a tanner, at both of which
businesses our subject worked in early life. He received a com-
mon-school education in New York. He went to Canada in 1834,
where he became acquainted with Miss Cynthia M. Piggott, whom
he married Dec. 24, 1838. She is a daughter of James Piggott,
who removed from St. Louis, Mo., to Canada jirior to the war of
1812. Mrs. Kingsley's grandfather. Captain James Piggott, of
Kevolutionar}' fame, was an earl}' settler of St. Louis. He estab-
lished a fort not far from the bluff in the American bottom, west
of the present town of Columbia, in Monroe county. 111., which,
was the largest fortification erected by the Americans in Illinois
at that day; Captain Piggott was a native of Connecticut. His
service in the Revolution was principally under Generals Wash-
ington and St. Clair. He died in 1799. Mi', and Mrs. Kingsley
had S children, of whom 5 are living; viz., Yirgil, Jennie (now
Mrs. Augustus Bakeman), Anna (now Mrs. Geo. W. Richardson),
Nellie (now Mrs. Geo. PI. EduKjndson) and Clara.

The Kingsley family removed to this county in 1846. Mr.
Kingsley taught school for two years after arriving here, and then
was in the mercantile business for the period of two years. He
then engaged in farming until his death, which occurred Feb. 4,
187S. He was a consistent Christian and worthy member of the
M. E. Church for about 45 years, but was not connected with it at
all times.

Sarah D. Lawton, eldest daughter of Rev. John Lawton, was
one of the first school ma'ms in the county. She came West with
her father in 1834, and taught that year in Quincy; at Warsaw,
1835; at Montebello, 1835-'6; at Carthage, 1836, at Warsaw again,
1840-'l-'2, and at intervals thereafter, and at Hamilton, 1S60. She
was married to Mr. Gregg of the Carthagenian newspaper Nov.
10, 1836.

Her father was a native of Massachusetts, and was a graduate ot
Middlebury College, Vt. He studied for the ministry while prin-
cipal of an academy at Pougldieepsie, N. Y., and was afterward
settled for ten years as Pastor of a Congregational Church at Wind-
ham, Vt., and subsequently at Hillsboro' Center, N. H.

In 1834 Mr. L. was sent to supply destitute places in the West

810 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

by the Presbyterian Board of Missions. Located at Carthage,
he for a number of years preached in that comniunit}' and other
sections of the county, and assisted in organizing several Chiirches.
While here he was mainly instrumental in procuring tlie charter
for the Carthage Female Seminary (see page 435), and was
appointed by the trustees to procure aid for it in the East. Going
East, he soon afterward died there in April, 1842, aged 62.

His other children are: Joanna C. (now Mrs. Ebenzer Hand)
who preceded her father West, and taught school in Payson and at
Venus in 1833; Abigail N. (the deceased wife of the late Frederic
W. Symonds of Carthage), Jacob (now of Kansas), Harriet N.
(Mrs. Lucius Parker, formerly of Carthage, 7iow of Keokuk Junc-
tion), John H. (of Plymouth), and Anne E. (wife of the murdered
Lieut. F. E. Worrell, and widow of the late Dr. Hewitt, of Hanni-
bal).

John A. Leas, foreman of the freight department of the T., P. &
W. and W., St. L. & P. railroad, office at Keokuk, P. O., Hamilton,
111., was born June 22, 1837, in Pennsylvania, a son of Francis and
Sarah Leas. At 13 years of age he went out on the great theater
of life to act for himself He spent most of his early manhood
with a corps of civil engineers, assisting in the location of several
railroads in Pennsylvania. In 1856 he came to Keokuk, and was
for a while one of the city engineer corps, and afterward engaged
in hotel business, in which he continued iintil 1866, when he came
to Hamilton and i-e-engaged in engineering. Aug. 85, 1858, he
married Lydia A. Tully, and they have had one child, Charles H.
In 1876 Mr. Leas went to his native home in Pennsjdvania, and
also spent some time at the "world-renowned" Exposition (?'. e.,
Centennial). He has one brother (Thomas H.), who is Quarter-
master-General at West Point. His ancestors were long-lived
people. His mother died in 1877, at 86, and his father some years
ago, aged 62.

John Matice, farmer, sec. 6; P. O., Hamilton; is a son of Peter
and Sarah Matice, and was born Jan. 1, 1834; was brought to this
country by his parents in 1843. In 1859 he married Adelaide
Allen. In Feb., 1865, he enlisted in the military service in Co. I,
156th Reg. 111. Inf., and was discharged at the close of the war,
having served eight months. He then returned home and resumed
his former occupation. To Mr. and Mrs. Matice were born 6 chil-
dren, 3 sons and 3 daughters. His father-in-law. Dr. . A. Allen,
was an early pioneer of this county and built the first mill in the
county at the mouth of Allen's or Golden's creek, and ground the
first corn that was ground in the county. His father was a soldier,
both in the Revolutionary war and war of 1812.

Wm. T. McLellan was born April 16, 1835, in the town of
Thomaston, Maine, and is a son of Thomas and Nancy McLellan,
who brought their family to this county about 30 years ago. He
was married Oct. 15, 1858, to Miss Mary R. Debitt, daughter of
Wm. and Rosetta Debitt. Of their 4 children 3 are living; viz..

HISTOKT OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 811

Arthur 11., Edward E. and Willie D. Mr. McLellan is conductor
on the Wabash Railroad.

Dr. D. C. Miller was born in Saratoga county, N. Y., inside of
the entrenchments of the battle-ground of Bemis Heights, Sept.
26, 1820. His parents were Newell and Matilda (Carter) Miller.
He was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools, and
Tro}' Academy, at Troy, N. Y. At the age of 23 years he studied
medicine, but feeling it his duty to engage in the ministry he went
to Wisconsin in 184G, where he labored as a missionary in the em-
ploy of the Free-Will Baptist Home Mission Society several years.
He then labored for some time without any aid from the mission-
ary society. His labors while there were very great. He has ridden
50 miles and preached three sermons all in one day. He drove his
team 5,582 miles in one j'ear, besides traveling to some extent on
cars and steamboat. He was married, June 17, 18-17, to Miss Eliza
Babcock, by whom he has had 9 children ; of these 5 are living; viz.,
Eugene'A., Alvin A., D. Gay, Effa and Harry T. Alvin and
Eugene are married. Mr. Miller met with a severe accident in
1869, in this wise: While the train he was on was standing at a
station about eight miles west of Madison, Wis., an extra (or "wild")
train came up behind and ran into this one, causing a fearful wreck.
The Doctor practiced medicine some prior to leaving the ministry,
but as his disability rendered him unable to preach, he has since
devoted his entire attention to the practice of medicine, and has
attained a good patronage.

F. J. Potts, a native of New York, was born Aug. 23, 1816.
When 16 years of age he entered the machine shops and spent five
years in learning that trade. He came to this county in 1845, where
he followed the same business. Mr. Potts was first married Feb.
15, 1840, to Mary J. Bredett, who died in 1843; he was again mar-
ried in 184S to Emily Bredett. She died in 1875. Mr. P. was
married the third time Dec. 5, 1878, to Mary H. Smith.

SaimielF. Pray, farmer and stock-dealer; P. O., Hamilton; was
born in New Hampshire; was principally reared in Massachusetts.
He spent two years of his early manhood in clerking in a dry-goods
store; in 1842 came to this county and settled near Carthage. There
he lived until 1S5S. Three years of this time was spent as diver in
the Mississippi river seeking for wrecked boats. In 1850 he went
to California, and returned in 1851. He has resided near Hamilton
since 1858. Mr. Pray has been a stock-dealer and shipper for
about 23 years. He owns a farm of 800 acres and a fine residence.
He took an active part against the Mormons, was appointed com-
mander of the " Carthage Piflemen," and was at their head in the
skirmish at Nauvoo, which lasted 2J hours: 14 of his men were
wounded; but one proved fatal. Mr. Pray was married Nov. 26,
1849, to Frances J. Haggard. lie is of English ancestry. His
father had two brothers that fought in the Revolutionary war His
progenitors were among the early settlers of America.

812 HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

A. Puntenny is a native of Adams countj, O., where he was
born Feb. 10, 1S34; is a son of John and Araminta Puntenny,
both natives of Ohio. He came to Keokuk, la., with his grawd-
father in 18J:6, "and lived with him till he was of age. In Febru-
ary, 1865, he enlisted in the army, Co. K, 156th Regiment, 111.
Inft., under Colonel A. F. Smith; was mustered 'out Sept. 15,
1865, and the 28th of the same month he was discharged and
returned home. He was married Feb. 16, 1861, to Isabella Kerr.
They have had 5 children, 4 are living — 3 sons and 1 daughter-
His occupation is farming; P. O., Elvaston.

Malachi Richardson was born in Bucks county, Pa., Jan. 28,
1802, and is a son of Clement and Catharine (Baker) Richardson
(dec). He was raised on a farm until 16 years old.

He engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods in the town of
Butler, Pa., for iifteen years; removed to Cincinnati, O., in 1839,
where he engaged in silver-plating with a brother-in-law for about
ten years. He then removed to Hamilton, O., and again engaged
in the woolen business, which he carried on for about eight or
nine yeai's. He came to Keokuk, la., about the year 1856, and to
this county in 1857.

While in Keokuk, he owned a farm near that place. He has
been married three times, and is the father of 11 children. He
was married to his first wife, Miss Sarah Patterson, Apr. 1, 1823,
in Butler, Pa. ; to his second wife. Miss Margaret Finney, Sept.
30, 1852; and to his present wife, Mary A. Campbell, Dec. 27,
1864. His children are, Elizabeth A., Catharine J., Sarah F.,
Mary A., Susan P., James C, Selina E., John JST. (dec), Wm. B.,
Malachi H. and Loyal C. The last named died while in the service
during the late war.

James C. is President of the Halderman Paper Mills, of Cincin-
nati, O.; Malachi is a member of the firm of Stephens & Co., gro-
cers, on Fourth street, Cincinnati, O. ; Wm. B. is Government
Ganger of Liquors at Cincinnati, O.; Elizabeth is now Mrs. Rev.
Henry Allen, of Jersey City, N. J.; Catharine is Mrs. David
Combs, of Indiana; Sarah is Mrs. Robert French, of St. Louis,
Mo.; Mary is Mrs. R. B. French, of Cincinnati, O.; Susan, widow
Combs, of Clinton county, Ind.; Selina, Mrs. John Monroe, of
Chicago, 111. Our subject resides in section 24, Montebello.

Dr. E. B. Bingland was born in Washington county. Pa., Jan.
4, 1845, and is a son of Newton and Jane Ringland, also natives of
Pennsylvania. He is a grandson of Colonel Thomas Ringland,
who was Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Pennsyl-
vania Legislature two terms.

Our subject received a common-school education in his native
county, and received a medical education in Dr. Trail's Hygeio-
Theraputic College, near Philadelphia, Pa. He is also a graduate
of the Keokuk College of Physicians and Surgeons.

He married Miss Sallie E. Weir, in May, 1869, and opened the
Riverside Health Institution in 1871; since that time he spent

^

'~--^;!>^

iJj^A.

DURHAM, TP.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 815

two years with Dr. Paul Caster, of Ottumwa, la., using his cele-
brated Swedish movements in Caster's establishment. He
reopened the Riverside Institute in 1878, and has secured the ser-
vices of Dr. Dodge, the noted magnetic physician. Hundreds of
cases of paralysis, rheumatism, deformities, epilepsy, etc., have
been speedily cured at Riverside by the combined influences of
his magnetic power. Dr. Ringland's Swedish movements, and the
water cure. Dr. Ringland was two years and a half in tlie late
war. He enlisted in the medical department, and was promoted
to Second Lieutenant.

Thomas Buggies was born December 13, 1823, in Davis county,
Indiana, and is a son of Jacob and Henrietta (McDonald) Ruggles,
natives of Kentucky. He was reared on a farm and received a
limited education in an old log school-house in his native State. He
has since that time educated himself by his own exertions, and
afterward became an attorney at law. He obtained law books of
his uncle, David McDonald, who was afterward appointed U. S.
District Judge by Abraham Lincoln. Mr. Ruggles came to this
county in 1S4S, where he engaged in farming a few years ; and
then engaged in the mercantile business for several years, with a
Mr. Allen. He has served as Justice of the Peace for 12 years, and
was Supervisor several terms, and was one of the first Trustees of
the town of Hamilton. He was married in 1849, to Miss Elizabeth
Waller, by whom he had 4 children ; only one is living; viz., Kate.
Mrs. Ruggles died in 1857, and Mr. R. again married, in 1858, this
time to Miss Hannah Q. Choate, by whom he had 6 children ; 4
of these are living; viz., Thomas G., Clara, Edmond and Leon,
Mrs. R. died in 1872, and Mr. R. married his third wife in 1874,
Mrs. Anna B. Mason. Mr. Ruggles came to Illinois alone and on
horseback, being attracted here by the reports of Mormon troubles.
He is now an attorney at law.

Stephen F. Safford and Louisa Hunt, the former born at New
Ipswich, Mass., July 7, 1809, the latter at Peterborough, JSI.H., Oct.
11, 1812, were married May 17, 1836, settling in Quincy, 111., where
Mr. Saftbrd had located when he emigrated to the West, in 1832.
They resided in this county until the fall of 1856, when they re-
moved to Hamilton, Hancock county. 111. The first few years of
their Western life were devoted to teaching school, after which
they became the owners of a small farm, and from this beginning,
by prudence, industry and perseverance, grew to become the owners
of a comfortable estate free from any dishonorable stain. Always
active in religious, philanthropic and educational work, they did
much for the best interests of Hamilton, and the death of Mr.
Safford, Jan. 7, 1860, deprived the community of an earnest
worker and public-spirited citizen. The writer of his obituary says :
" He was universally esteemed for his rectitude and strict integrity
in his dealings and intercourse with his fellow-men. He had a
deep and abiding reverence for the practical excellencies of the
Christian religion, and ever seemed prompt to evince it by his ready

47

816 ,HISTOEY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

succor of the needy and distressed, and kind and obliging conduct
to all. Naturally of reilective mood and with a large share of practical
sense, he attached more importance to the substance of things
than the form, which made him, though not an ultraistin opinion,
more than commonly liberal and tolerant. Though not obtrusive
of his views, he was an independent thinker and spoke his convic-
tions with freedom and decision."

He was early interefted in the cause of the colored race, and
more than once imperiled his life by his protection of fugitive
slaves. After his death Mrs. Saiibrd remained on the home farm,
devoting herself to the care of their children and the management
of the estate, until the spring of 1874, when she moved into a
pleasant home in the village of Oakwood, where she now resides.
Of 7 children 5 are now living, 3 sons and 2 daughters.

S. E. Simpson is a native of Cayuga county, Oliio, and was
born Jan. 5, 1S23. His parents were Sylvanus L. and Susannah
(Harrington) Simpson. He was reared on a farm, and educated in
a common school. In 1860 he married Miss Sarah N. Reed, by
whom he has 3 children; viz., S. Ensign, Cassius A. and Empire
L. He came to this county in the autumn of 1861, and settled on
sec. 8, Montebello tp., where he still resides, and is engaged in
farming and stock-raising. His grandfather, Alexander Simpson,
was a soldier in the Revolution, and his father served in the war of
1812. Mr. Simpson went overland to California in 1853 ; from
there to Mexico, and returned by ship in 1857. While in Mexico
he was taken prisoner by the Mexicans, but they were compelled to
release him.

Gen. Robert F. Smith. — This gentleman was born in Phila-
delphia, Pa., August 2, 1806, and is a son of John and Mary (Ray-
mond) Smith, natives of London, Eng. ; was reared and educated in
his native city, where he learned the harness and saddlery trade; he
came to this county in the spring of 1833, but returned the follow-
ing autumn; June 19, 1834, he married Miss Amanda Benton, and
came back to this county. Their 14 children are all living; namely,
Emma, Louisa, John, George, Robert, Henry, Mary H., Clara D.,
Franklin W., Annette, Edward H., Alexander S., Eleanor S. and
Cora. Mr. Smith was an officer in the Mormon war, and was
wounded in the neck at the battle of Nauvoo; he also served with
distinction in the late war, enlisting in Co. G, 16th 111. Vol. Inf , in
1861, of which Co. he was made Captain; he was soon afterward
commissioned Colonel; he took part in the battles of New Madrid,
Island No. 10, Tiptonville, Corinth, the bombardment of Fort
Pillow and others, and was in reserve at Stone River. His regiment
was ordered to Northwestern Missouri to protect the transportation
line, where it remained during 1861-'2. The Colonel became
disabled by the bursting of a torpedo, and left the command when
at Atlanta, Ga., but joined it again in about three months and
remained in the service until the close of the war. He was bre-
veted Brigadier General. He is now farming and raising stock,
residing on sec. 27, this tp. P. O., Hamilton.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 817

Samuel Steele (deceased), one of the pioneers of this county, was
a native of Hillsborough county, X. H., born Sept. 1, 1796. He
was reared in liis native State, educated in a New Hampshire
academy, and in after years followed school-teaching to a consider-
able extent. He came to this county in 1830, when but few settle-
ments were made; he was a soldier of the band of "rangers"
during the Black Hawk war.

He was quite active in the expulsion of the Mormons, main-
tained the right of executive power, and aided in carrying it out
against those unchristianized, troublesome people. He was Justice
ot the Peace for 2S years, and also Assessor for several terms. Dec.
25, 1832, he married Jane Cochran. He wae a farmer and lived
in peace with all his neighbors. He died Nov. 30, 1861; his wife
is yet living, at a very advanced age.

George Torher was born in Germany, May 16, 1822, and is a son
of John and Sophia Torber. He was educated in the high school at
Farchin, Mechlenburgh, Germany; came to New York in 1847,
where he engaged in the manufacture of pianos for four years; then
went to Louisville, Ky., where he remained until 1856, when he
removed to Tennessee. In 1860 he emigrated to Ohio, locating in
Toledo in 1861. He came to this count)' in 1878, and engaged in the
furniture and undertaker's business in Hamilton, in company with
Chas. Dregeer. They also deal in the Palace organ, which is a
very fine instrument, both in finish and in quality of tone.

Mr. Torber was married, in 1852, to Miss Margaret Kachelman,
by whom he has had 9 children: of these, 4 are living, viz., Augusta,
Emma, George and Edward.

Albert Urton, son of Burr and Mary Urton, of Prairie tp., was
born Sept. 12, 1856, in Ohio. His parents brought him to Peoria
county. 111., in 1856 or 1857, where they remained until 1866, then
removed to this county. Our subject was married, Jan. 7, 1880,
to Miss Emma J. Benson, daughter of AVm. Benson, of Mendon,
Adams county, 111. Mr. Urton is a farmer and resides on section
35, Montebello tp., on a very beautiful and fertile tract of land.
His future prospects are bright, for his energy and diligence will
crown him with success.

A. Vanae7vnan, farmer, etc., sec. 22; P.O., Hamilton, 111.; was
born in New York, March 24, 1823; is a son of Abram and
Christina Vanaerman. He received but an ordinai'y education;
came to this county in the fall of 1854, and has since resided within
its limits. In 1861 he enlisted as a soldier in Co. A, 1st Reg. Iowa
Cavalry (an independent regiment); participated in the following
skirmishes: Prairie Grove, Boonville, and Bice Mertra; at the last
named place he was shot through the wrist, which disabled him,
and he returned home. Aug. 6, 1864, having served three years.
He was married. May 2, 1846, to Susan Wardwell.by whomhe has
had 4 children; viz., Geo. M., Chas. H.,Wm. B. and Eanson D.

Ji. M. Wilsoji, farmer, sec. 9; P.O., Hamilton ; is a native of Ohio,
and was born April 16, 1841. His parents, Kobert and Mary Wilson,

818

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

were natives of Penn. He was reared in his native State and
received but a common-school education.

He came to this county in 1871 and has since resided here. He
was married, Dec. 1, 1870, to Mary A. Buchanan, and their 2
children are Mary E. and Flora B.

Mr. W. owns a farm of 160 acres in sees. 4 and 9.

OFFICIALS. :

The following is a list of the Supervisors, Clerks, Assessors and
Collectors that nave served in this township since its organization,
with the years in which their respective terms began.

SUPEEVISOES.

RobertF. Smith 1850

Samuel Steele 1852

Robt. F. Smith 1853

Thomas Ruffgles 1858

Thos. McLellan 1859

Ephraim Grubb 1861

Thos. McLellan 1863

Wm. O. Sanford 1863

Thomas Ruggles 1865

"William Stewart 1866

Thomas Riiggles 1867

Jonathan IVL Berry 1868

James Reynolds 1870

Jonathan M. Berry 1871

Thomas Ruggles 1872

David Hanson 1874

Ebenezer D. Crouch 1875

Sylvester L. Comer 1876

Henry C. Hanson 1877

Gideon Alkire 1855

Samuel Gordon 1858

D. W. C. Harris 1863

Francis J. Russell 1865

Samuel Gordon 1866

Wm.O. Sanford 1874

George D. Savller 1875

S. P. Hubbarcl 1876

George D. Sayller 1877

Frank C. Crane 1878

Marshall B. Lane 1880

Enoch D.Brown 18.58

A. L.Miller 1859

Benjamin J. Welch 1860

Thomas Gregg 1861

E. C. A. Cushman 1862

Edward Law 1863

Edward F. Humphrey 1864

Heniy R. Dickinson 1866

J. C. Paxton 1867

Cyrus H. Wright 1870

Henrv R. Dickinson 1871

J. R.Marshall 1872

O.J. Loring 1874

James Burchard 1875

Henry R. Dickinson 1876

W. L. Guthrie 1879-1880

COLLECTOKS.

Samuel Gordon 1855

William H. Githens 1858

Thomas Reid 1859

Enoch D. Brown 1860

E. C. A. Cushman 1861

Thomas Reid 1863

Horace J. Mack 1863

Thomas J. Potts 1865

P. K. Tuttle 18G6

.Tohn R. Marshall 1868

John McClaughry 1870

John R. Marshall 1871

James E. Morrison 1873

William C. Peake 1874

Edgar Stewart 1875

David buter 1876

Ezra H. Stuart 1877

David Suter 1878

Albert E. Connable 1879

Edward Grubb 1880

FOUNTAIN GREEN TOWNSHIP.

The beautiful village with fanciful name gave title to township
6 n, 5 w. It is agreeably diversified with woodland and prairie,
and about evenly divided. Its timbered and broken lands lie along
the several branches of Crooked creek.

The village of Fountain Green was laid out in 1835, by Jabez A.
Beebe and Stephen G. Ferris, two of its early and enterprising
settlers. The township also contains the town of Webster. This
was originally a Mormon town, laid out in 1840 by Wm. Wight-
man, and called Ramus, or Macedonia. After they left, its name
was changed to Webster. Its population in 1815 had reached about
600, mostly Mormons. The villages are only about a mile apart;
the first is much better built than the latter, and seems to be in a
more flourishing condition.

This township now contains a large number of excellent and
well-improved farms and substantial farmers, many of them
descendants of early settlers who have passed away. A few of
them are yet remaining, their heads whitened by the frosts of
many winters.

The earliest settler in the township is supposed to have been
Ute Perkins, who came in 1826. The next was John Brewer, in
1S27; followed by Abram, James and Mordecai Lincoln, Benjamin
Mudd, John Day, Andrew and Pittillo Perkins and Wm. Saylors,
all in or about 1830. Then Wm. DuflF, Jabez Ia. Beebe and Jona-
than Prior, 1831; Stephen G. Ferris, 1832; Amos Hobart, 1833;
"Wm. Allton, 183i; Jary White, 1835; Martin Hopkins, 1836; CoL
Thomas Geddes, 1836; David Allton, 1836.

James Lincoln was the first Justice of the Peace in the town-
ship, from 1832 to 1836. From his docket, still extant, in the
hands of L. Vandyne, Esq., of Webster, we obtain the following
additional names, either as parties in cases or jurymen: William
Robertson, Eben Wiggins, James Gray, Edward Farley, William
Shipley, George W. lioward, John Secrist, John Massingall, Nich-
olas Jarvis, Leney Bloyd, Edward Shipley, Ira Gridley, Samuel
Prentice, Evan Martin, John Shelton, Jacob Coilman, Jacob Clark,
Thomas Whitaker, Samuel Brown, Daniel Prentis and Anson
Hobart. Charles Hungate succeeded to the docket in 1836.

On the tombstones in the Fountain Green cemetery we find the
following:

(819)

820 HISTOET OF HANCOCK COTJNTT.

Died. Aged. Died. Aged.

Bteplien P. Freeman 1860 70 Stephen H. "Tyler, Jr 1855 43

Wm. Bullocli 1872 65 Hannali Tyler 1874 84

James Westfall 1858 50 Eunice Ferris 1860 73

Jary White 1844 57 Thomas Callihan 1863 83

Lucena White 1864 74 Margaret Callihan 1869 80

Basil Wright 1865 56 Jared Prentis 18.57 53

Matt. Curry 1864 46 John Campbell 18.58 54

Matt. Curry 1870 88 James Campbell 1877 71

Matt. Curry 1876 73 Jabez A. Beebe 1871 83

Stephen H. Tyler, Sr 1871 85

Some of the foregoing were very probably residents of other
townships, and some may not have been among the pioneers.

The first child born in the township is said to have been Thomas
J. Brewer, son of John Brewer, in 1829; the second, James Day,
son of John Day, August, 1831; and third (perhaps second, date
not obtained), Alexander Saylors, also in 1831, son of William
Saylors.

The first death was that of Pittillo Perkins, Sept. 15, 1834, who
died from the efiTects of poisonous herbs taken for the ague. Wm.
Duff died 1837, killed by a limb falling on him from a tree.

Tlie Perkinses joined the Mormons at Ramus, and went with them
to Salt Lake. Andrew Perkins was a County Commissioner at the
time, and left his seat vacant.

The Lincoln brothers were from Kentucky, and were cousins to
President Lincoln. They were connected by marriage with Day
and Mudd. The latter left years ago for Missouri. All three are
deceased years ago; Mordecai, the latest, in 1866. He had lived a
bachelor.

David Alton was born in Connecticut about the year 1786, and
was married to Lucy Farwell, a native of Vermont. Mr. A. died
at Fountain Green about 1850, aged 64 years. ]\Irs. Alton survived
him till the month of May, 1880, when she passed away, at the ad-
vanced age of 92.

A postoflice was established two years before the town was laid
out, in 1S33, and Jabez A. Beebe appointed Postmaster. The first
regular school-teacher is supposed to have been Judge John M.
Ferris, son of S. G. Ferris, and now of Carthage. The first school
house was erected about 1836.

Mr. Beebe was a New Yorker, born July 1, 1789; came to Fort
Edwards previous to deep snow, and wintered on the Aldrich
place in the vicinity ; in the spring settled in Fountain Green, where
he died July 2, 1871, aged 82.

Who was first to open store in the village we are not advised;
but Martin Hopkins (at present living there), Mathew McClaughry
and Stephen H. Tyler, junior, carried on general merchandising busi-
ness there as a firm for many years. They were all prominent and
much respected men in the community.

Wm. Saylors was born in Tennessee about 1802, came to Foun-
tain Green with the Perkinses in 1830; died in 1850, aged 48.

John Brewer was a Kentuckian, died about 1852 ; was out in a
campaign in the Black Hawk war.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 821

Hickerson Wright, born in Virginia, 1791; came to the county
in 1833; died, January, 1877.

Jary White, Sr., was born in Wales about 1790; came to America
in 1811, and settled in Fountain Green in 1835; his death occurred
September 8, 18-±4; aged 57.

John Day, born in Kentucky, 1796; came to Hancock in 1S30;
date of his death not given ; Mrs. D. still living at an advanced age.

Daniel Prentis, still living in the village, was a native of Vermont,
son of a Revolutionary soldier, and was born in 1799; came to
Fountain Green and settled in 1833; was engaged in merchandis-
ing in Carthage about 1835, and under the wild scheme of internal
improvements had a contract with the State for grading a portion
of the Warsaw & Peoria Railroad, in 1838-'9. "Prentis' Shanty,"
on the line of said road, was for years a well-known landmark.

EELIGIOUS PKOGEESS.

Revs. Abell, Logan and Lawton are remembered as among the
earliest gospel ministers in Fountain Green. There were a num-
ber of Catholic families in the neighborhood, and a Catholic So-
ciety was organized at an early day, and a house of worship erected
about the year 1838. The organization was kept up but for a few
years, when the edifice was sold. This organization was eflected
through the instrumentality of Rev. Mr. St. Cyr. ,

Of the several Churches in Fountain Green we have only been
able to procure the history of the Presbyterian, for which we ai-e
indebted to Rev. Thomas M. Walker, its Pastor.

The Presbyterian Church of Fountain Gi-een was organized Nov.
27, 1840, by a committee of the Presbytery of Scliuyler (O. S.),
consisting of Revs. Wm. Stewart and James M. Chase, of Macomb,
in the district school-house in the village. Members enrolled:
Thomas Geddes, Susan Geddes, James McConnell, Margaret
McConnell, Martha McConnell, Samuel Glass, Rachel Glass, Jane
Seal, Wm. Foy, Ruth Foy, Irene Foy, and Mary McClaughry;
Thomas Geddes and James McConnell, Elders.

The congregation was supplied by the before-named ministers
till the summer of 1849; then for nearly two years by Rev. Ralph
Harris, residing in Carthage; afterward by Rev. Joseph Worrell,
of Chili. In June, 1852, an invitation was extended to Rev.
Thomas M. Walker to become the stated supply, and in 1853 he
was regularly installed Pastor of the Church, and from that time to
the present (1880), he has, almost without interruption, ministered
to this congregation. Other Elders: Aug., 1852, James Blair, John
M. Walker and James Miller; March, 1855, James Campbell and
John McClaughry; Oct., 1874, Solomon Ivions, Joseph Spangler
and Cyrus M. Geddes. The present session consists of Thomas
Geddes, John M. Walker, Joseph Spangler and Cyrus Geddes.

A neat and commodious house of worship was erected in 1851,
costing about $1,000. In 1872 this property was disposed of to

822 HISTOEY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

the M. E. Church, and the new one now occupied, erected at a cost
of about $6,000. This is a neat and handsome church, 34 by 62

feet, with a full-size basement, all suitably furnished.

This Church has enjoyed at least an ordinary degree of prosperity.
In the winter of 1S73 an extensive revival of religion added about
forty to the number of its membership; and again, in 1ST5, seven-
teen more wei-e added by profession of faith. But while there
have been additions, there have also been losses by almost contin-
ual emigration to the West, so that this Church has stood in the
relation of a feeder to many newer congregations in the localities
beyond the Mississippi, and to some nearer home. There were
115 reported as members in the spring of 1879.

BIOGRAPHIES.

As personal sketches are the most interesting and important
part of the history of a community, we give a number of them
here:

William Allton was born in Lewis county, N. Y., in 1811.
He is of a family of 11 children, 7 of whom are living. The
father, David Allton. was of English descent; was a farmer by
occupation; emigrated to Western K. Y. in 1S20, and in 1S36,
to this State, settling in Fountain Green tp. He died in 1848, 65
years of age. The mother, who died recently, at the advanced age
of 91, was also of English descent and a native of the same State.
The oldest daughter, Salona, the wife of Conrad Cratzenbui-g, died
in this county in 1854. David F., the elder brother, was married
in New York; emigrated to this State in 1834, and died in 1871,
leaving a widow and 8 children. Lucy, the oldest sister, is the
wife of Cyrus Kyes, of New York. Betse}', wife of Henry E. Yro-
man, emigrated to this State in 1834; her husband dying, she
married Clement Logston, of Macomb, who died in 1 866. W. S.,
N. A., Elliott and Miles, are farmers of this county. Miles died a
soldier before Vicksburg, in 1865.

William, the subject of this sketch, the third in age, in early
life a farmer, emigrated to Rushro in 1833; was educated in the
common schools. He was married in 1840, to Mar}' A. Gibson,
who, wirhone child, died in 1843. He then came West to Indiana,
where he was engaged for a time in merchandising at Crown Point.
Here he remained eleven years, returning in 1854 to New York,
and settled as a farmer. In 1860 he came to Knox county, near
Galesburg, where he engaged in farming. He was married
again, to Sarah Meredith, who became the mother of one child, Wm.
B., who died with*his mother in 1866. He was married again in
1874, to Miss Maggie Fitch, of New York, with whom, and their
sweet little girl Lillie, he is now enjoying the greatest blessings of
a domestic lite. Mr. A. resides within a quarter of a mile of the
village of Fountain Green, where he settled on a farm of 80 acres,
in section 33, also 40 of timber. His neat and commodious

(/ol^ ^u

SONORA TP.

' HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 825

residence stands upon a rise of ground so as to give liim a view of
the surrounding country to be seen in no otlier part of the tp.
Mr. A. has never been before the people as a candidate for ofBce,
but from his extensive librarj', and his genial, social qualities, he
would not be an unfit servant for any position in which his friends
might place him.

Richard Branden was born in Adams county. Pa., in 1S09, and
died at the age of 4.5, near Iowa City. He was an early settler of
this tp., and the father of a family of 11 children, 6 of whom are
living. The mother, whose maiden name was Mary M. Favorite,
of the same nativity, and of French-German descent, is living, at
this writing, in good health, and enjoj'ing a happy life at the old
homestead. The family came from Ohio to McDonough county in
1839, and in '46 to the farm now occupied b}^ Mrs. B., on sec. 15,
consisting of 160 acres. The oldest daughter, Teresene, is the
widow of Daniel Kimport, of Pa. She now resides in Macomb.
James F., now a widower, is salesman for the McCormick Reaper
Company. He has 3 little children — Ernest, Richard B. and Myrt
Mabel. Lizzie, the third in the family, is the wife of Robert
Geddes, a farmer of this township. Richard B. died in the late
war. Edward E. died in infancy. Mary A. died near the date of
the father's death, at the age of seven. Elias M. (wife, Susan Hay)
has one child, Bessie. Julia F. is the wife of John Miller. Edward
B. is now carr^'ing on the farm with his mother. George was born
in McDonough county in 1S42. His early experience was on the
farm and in the common schools. He was married in 1871 to Miss
Laura Geddes, daughter of Col. Geddes, a lady devoted not only to
her husband and children, but to her Christian work. Mr. B. ha^
a family of 2 sons and one daughter — Maud, Royle and Robert G.
The Branden family are Presb3'terianin religious faith and Repub-
lican in political principles. George was with the memorable llSth
under Col. Fonda; was gone three years, and was discharged when
the war was over. He moved to his farm in 1S71, and in 1876
built the neat residence which may be seen three-fourths of a mile
south of Fountain Green. George is a wide-awake citizen,^ and
from his movements does not intend to rest complacently and see
the world drive unless he is one of the drivers.

Johii Bullock was born in Western Canada in 1819, his father
emigrating from Scotland a short time before. Mr. B. is of a family
of S sons and 4 daughters. Five of the sons came to this county.
John came in 1853, ten years after his brother William, who is
reckoned among the early and most progressive settlers. His father
and mother died at an advanced age, at their old home in Canada.
John stayed with his father until he was 26 years of age, when he
began farming on his own hook. He was married in 1834, to Miss
Jennet Anderson, a Scotch lady of refined taste and manners. She
is now the mother of 8 living children — Margaret, the wife of A.
M. Cratzenburg; Thomas, Gilbert, John, Jennet, William and Mary
(twins) and Gracie, the j'oungest.

826 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTT,

Mr. B., learning of the agricultural features of this country, and
being a farmer, came here for the purpose of staying. He makes
■wheat-raising a specialty, and considers it as sure as any other crop.
He owns 260 acres of good land on sec. 16, all in cultivation or
pasture. Himself and lady have been members of the Christian
Church for 16 years. Mr. B. is not a Radical in politics, and the
treatment a stranger receives at the hands of the family is indica-
tive of their generous Scotch hospitality.

William Bullock, father of John II., was born in Glasgow, Scot-
land, in 1S07; came to Canada in 181S with his parents, settling at
Lanark, in Lanark county. He was married about 1830, to Miss
Christina McDougal, a Highland Scotch lady. His children were
all born in Canada, namely, Catharine, Thomas A., John H., An-
drew R. and James S. Mr. B. came to Hancock county in 1842,
and resided in Fountain Green tp. until his death, June 23, 1872.
His wife died May 24-, 1845. Two of Mr. B.'s sons were in our
last war, Thomas A., a member of Co. A, llSth 111. Vol. Inf., and
John H. in Co. G, 2d 111. Cav. The company was raised by Col.
B. F. Marsh, as good a commander as ever drew a saber.

Thomas Campbell was born in Franklin county. Pa., in 1805.
His father, of the same name and nativity, died at his old home at
the age of 68. Mr. C. was of a family of 2 sisters and 8 brothers.
His mother, whose maiden name was Isabel Elder, was buried be-
side his father in 1816. He began to learn the hatter's trade, after-
ward taking an interest in the business, and carried on the factory
for 39 years. He was married at the age of 22 to Margaret Camp-
bell, of the same county and State, daughter of John Campbell.
Mr. C. and lady have raised a family of 9 children, 2 sons and
7 daughters, who are scattered from Eastern Pennsylvania to West-
ern Kansas. Henrietta is with her parents.

Mr. Campbell emigrated to this State in 1853, settling in this tp.
directly south of the village of Fountain Green, where he purchased a
farm of 80 acres; built a commodious residence, and after occupy-
ing it for nearly 20 years, he engaged for a short time in mer-
chandising. He is now living a retired life in the attractive little
village of " The Green."

Mr. C. was a Whig before the war and has been a Republican
since. He sacrificed one son, John W., in the memorable trials
before Vicksburg on Black river. Mr. C. and family are con-
nected with the Presbyterian Church, and are among the faithful
ones who have preserved the fair name of their little village from
being tarnished by intemperance.

John M. J. Cox was born in Breckenridge county, Ky., in 1820.
He was the 3d in a family of 6 children; Benjamin and Elizabeth,
the father and mother. ' The father was born in Westminster
county. Pa., in 1774. The mother, whose maiden name was Mid-
cap, was a Virginian by birth. Mr. Cox was a farmer in early
life, receiving the merest benefits of the subscription schools,
traveling four miles to procure what he did. He has one sister in

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 827

this tp., the wife of George McElvain. After spending a few-
years on the farm with liis father, he hegan teaching, and followed
that business during the winter terms for eight or ten years. He
was married to Miss Elizabeth E. Welch, tlie daughter of James
"Welch, an early settler of this county. They have no children. In
1872 Mr. Cox purchased an interest in the store run by Riley &
"Wright in 1873, but sold out to Smith ifc Booze. In the spring of
1876 he engaged in business with John B. "Welch, who went "VYest
in 1878. Hethen moved the goods to where he now holds forth in
the village of "Webster, doing a general merchandising business.
He was appointed Postmaster in 1876, which position he now holds.
Mr. C. has held the office of Justice of the Peace 20 years. He is a
sound Republican and a genial friend; this, with the pleasant
address of his lady (which is a characteristic of the Welch family),
cause all to feel comfortable in their presence.

B-injamin Crahill was born in Shenandoah county, Va., in 1815.
His father, John C, of German descent, died at the advanced age
of 91. His mother died in Ohio, nearly 70 years of age, where the
family had emigrated a few years before. Mr. C.'s school days
were like the Irishman's potatoes, few and far between. He was
married in Ohio in 1836, to Angeline Steinburger, whose parents
were natives of Virginia. She was a member of the Baptist
Church, and died Jan. 1, 1880. Had raised a family of 7 children,
as follows: John H., Olander, William, Joseph R., Lizzie, Louis
and Lucinda. Lizzie died at the age of 33. Mr. C. came to this
county in 1819, and settled on sec. 5, where he now has 280 acres
of land well improved, on which he built a large and commodious
brick building in 1858. John H., the eldest of the family, remained
with his father in early life, and was married in 1861 to Miss Pru-
dence Typton, daughter of John Typton, of Macomb, formerly from
Ohio. After wandering for a few years in Iowa and elsewhere he
finally took charge of the old homestead, where he has since
resided. The father, now being relieved of the cares of the farm,
enjoys his declining days with a happy group of grandchildren,
8 in number: Ida "W.,Ella A., Benjamin, Emma L., John F., Mary
E., Jane A. and Freddie AV. The family, one and all, know how
to dispense kindness and hospitality, making the Crabill residence
assume the character of the stranger's home.

Morris Crump, M.D.,, is the «on of Wm. Crump, a native of Chel-
ton, Eng.,and formerly editor and proprietor of the Chelton Morning
Chronicle; emigrating to Philadelphia in 1836, he became editor-
in-chief of the Pennsylvania Enquirer. Died about 1860, ao;ed
66. Morris is the 5th of a family of 7 sons and 3 daughters. His
brother George is now acting as British Vice-Consul. John is the
proprietor of the noted Colonnade Hotel at Philadelphia.

Morris spent his early life with his father in the Quaker city,
attending the public schools. He entered Philadelphia College ot
Medicine, graduating in 1851, locating the first year as resident
physician of the Philadelphia Clinical Infirmary. He came to this

82S HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

county in 1855, settled in tlie village of Fountain Green, where lie
has since had a reasonable practice. Mr. C. was married in 1860 to
Miss Rachel White, daughter of Major White, of McDonough
county, who died in 1866. She is the mother of 4 children, 2 girls
and 2 boys. Marj', the eldest daughter, is now taking a course of
study at St. Mai-y's College, Nauvoo; Janie, aged about nine;
Wm, H. and George, the 2 boys at home. Mr. Crump has begun
a residence, which, when finished, will be a model of taste and com-
fort. Though somewhat eccentric in manners, he does not allow
any one who calls to escape his genial hospitality.

Solomon Dill was born in Jackson county, Tenn., in 1822; his
father, Stephen Bill, was of Scotch descent, and a native of Penn-
sylvania; fought under Gen. Jackson in the war of 1812. His
grandfather also fought the British under Gen. Washington, in 1776.
The father emigrated to this State with his family in 1832, and
died at an advanced age about 1858. His mother, whose maiden
name was Catharine Harris, and who was a native of North Caro-
lina, died in 1870. Solomon, the fifth in a family of 7 children, is
now 58 years of age, has had general success in life and goodhealth.
He has one sister living now in Iowa, and a brother in Kansas.
Mr. D. was deprived of the advantages of an education when a boy,
and is showing his appreciation of the loss by giving his children
all the advantages accessible. He was married in McDonough
county in 1842 to Leanna Harris. She is the mother of 7 chil-
dren living, 4 sons and 3 daughters, whose names are Mary, Elijah,
Anna. Ada, Reuben, Ethelbert and Charley. Anna is the wife of
Samuel Brown, and Ada of a Mr. Dorothy, both farmers of this tp.
Mr. D. owns near 470 acres of land, 160 acres in his home farm in a
fine state of cultivation. His residence and barn are plain but
neat, and are surrounded by tasteful clusters of trees, some of
which are of more than a century's growth.

Dr. Leonard T. Ferris was born in Chenango county, N. Y., in
1817. He is the son of Stephen G., whose biography is given on
page 707. He was a native of Dutchess county, where the fam-
ily had settled at an early day; emigrated to this county in Dec,
1832, and was one of the foundersof the village of Fountain Green.
He improved a farm near this place and raised a family of 3 sons,
J. M., H. G. and the Doctor, all well known in this county. He
removed to Carthage, and after remaining 12 years, died
at the residence of his son in Fountain Green, in November,
1877. The mother, who was a sister of Jacob Beebe, who
was the chief founder of the village spoken of, died in 1857,
and is buried beside her husband in the beautiful cemetery of
Fountain Green. Dr. L. T. Ferris was employed in early life on
the farm with his father; after receiving his first education in the
common schools he graduated in the study of medicine at the medi-
cal department in the St. Louis University, in the spring of 1848,
and began practicing soon after. Mr. Ferris was married in
McDonough county in May, 1859, to Helen M. Gilchrist, sister of

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. S29

Gen. Gilchrist, civil engineer. They have a family of 7 children
living, 4 sons and three daughters: Charles L., Lelia, Alice L.,
Ulysses S., Ralph W., Helen, a little girl of 10, and lliram G., a
boy of 8. Charles S., the oldest son, after graduating at Carthage
College in the class of '76, attended Rush Medical College, Chi-
cago, and also graduated there in 1S7S, since which time he has
had an encouraging practice with his father. He was married in
1878 to Miss Ella Connor, of Warsaw, 111. Mr. F. was attending
school during the Mormon difficulties in lS4:5-'46, and therefore
took little part with his fellow citizens in that noted affair, although
he was a Whig and an Anti-Mormon. He owns a farm of SO acres
besides his town residence and a few other lots. He is one of the
quiet and imassuming business men of his tp.

John G. Fonda was born on the Mohawk river, in Mont-
gomery county, jNfew York, March 8, 1S22. His parents were Giles
Fonda and Maria, nee Dockstader. The Fonda famil}' are of Low
Dutch descent and the Dockstader, of German. The subject of this
sketch came to Hancock county with his parents in 1835, and has
regarded this as his home most of the time since. In 1840 he com-
menced the practice of surveying with J. Wilson Williams, and
the greater portion of his life has been spent as a surveyor and
civil engineer, in which profession he is engaged at the present
time. From 1841 to 1843 he acted as Deputy Connty Surveyor
under J. Wilson Williams. In 1844, in company with Alanson
Lyon, he visited the island of Cuba. In 1847 he enlisted as a
private in Capt. Stapp's company of J^llinois Mounted Volunteers,
and went to Mexico; did service between Vera Cruz and the city
of Mexico. At the close of the war, the following year, he was
discharged as a Lieutenant. In 1849 he was married to Mary
McConnell, and the same year was elected County Surveyor, and
settled in Carthage; lived there until 1854, when he moved to War-
saw and was appointed an assistant engineer on the Warsaw &
Eockford Railroad.

In 1860 he spent the summer in Colorado and New Mexico. In
July, 1861, he entered the L^nited States Volunteer Service as a
Lieutenant in Capt. B. F. Marsh's Company of 2d Illinois Cavalry.
In January, 1862, he was appointed Major of the 12th Illinois
Cavalry, and soon after placed in command of Camp Butler, near
Springfield. In October he was made Colonel of the 118th Vol.
Inf., and in December went with his regiment to Louisiana, where
he served most of the time in command of a brigade until the close
of the war. With his regiment he participated in all the battles
about Vicksburg. After the fall of Vicksburg he had command
of a cavalry brigade, and was breveted Brigadier-General. After
the close of the war, in 1866, he settled on a farm near Fountain
Green, and lives there yet. In July, 1877, he was appointed a
Commissioner of the Southern Illinois Penitentiary, and still holds
the position. In September, 1879, he was appointed Chief Engi-

830 ■ HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

neer to construct levees between Warsaw and Quincy, to protect
the low lands from overflow. This work is still in progress.

William M. Hartley was born in Union county Ky., in 1S31,
aTid is the son of John Hardey, of English descent, and a native of
Maryland, who emigrated to this county in 1835 and settled on sec.
36 of this tp., where he died at the old homestead, aged 79.

The mother, whose maiden name was Mary A. Riley, a native of
Kentucky, is still living (1880), aged 74. William has had the
whole experience of a farmer's life, and being satisfied, will be
likely to continue that branch of industry. He attended the com-
mon s^chook of this county, which were not the best, 40 years ago.
lie was married in 1869 to Maria Tallis, daughter of Wm. Tallis,
a native of Ireland, now in McDonough county. They have had
4 children : AVilliam 11., Eva, Kittle and Blanche. Mr. H. has the
care of his father's farm, now belonging to the Ilardey heirs: it
consists of 320 acres.

There are 3 brothers and 5 sisters of the family, none of whom
reside in this tp. except William. Mr. Hardey and lady have been
life-long members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Hardey is liberal
in his views, charitable in action, and has the faculty of making one
feel at home in his company.

Byers Hensly is the eldest son of Nathan Hensly, who was a
native of Kentucky, and who died at the age of 65, in Hopkins,
Mo. The father was of English descent; emigrated from Kentucky
to Indiana. After remaining there for some time he sold his
farm, moved to Texas and began dealing in money and stocks. He
resided for a time in Washington city, then went to Hopkins, Mo.,
where the mother still resides, aged 65. The mother, whose maiden
name was Mary Mosier, was a native of Middle Tennessee, and of
German descent.

Byers and Henry, a younger brother, are among the thriving
farmers of this tp., and take deep interest in educational and
religious interests.

Byers came from Texas in 1856, and in 1858 was married to
Martha Anderson. In 1868 he came to this county, settling finally
on sec. 14, where he has a farm of 80 acres. Having a very strong
taste for mechanism he early began work at the carpenter's bench,
in the end proving himself to be quite a success, and winding up
his career in that branch by constructing a very neat and substan-
tial residence, in 1876, upon his own farm.

Mr. H. has a family of 2 daughters, Mary and Lizzie. Sparing
no pains to show his appreciation of the value of an education, he
gave them all the advantages at his command. They are both suc-
cessful teachers, at this writing, and are teaching in districts near
their home.

Alfred B. Hotchkiss was born in New Haven county, Connecti-
cut, in 1820; he is the son of Alfred Hotchkiss, of French descent,
a shoemaker by trade and in later life a farmer. He died at eighty-
six years of age in Cayuga county, N. Y. His mother, whose

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 831

maiden name was Lana Rosa, of Scotch- German blood, died in
Cortland county, N. Y., 1839. Mr. H. has but two brothers living,
Andrew A., a farmer in Micliigan, and Samuel L., a hotel-keeper in
Chenango county, N. Y. When but a small boy Mr. H. was left
alone, and like many of the homeless yet ambitious orphan boys of
New York, sought employment as a " tow boy " on the Erie Canal.
After four years' drive in this capacity he was promoted to the
position of pilot, afterward Captain, on J. H. Hooker's line. He
next went to London, Canada, where he drove stage for some time,
and followed the same business at Detroit, Kalamazoo, Chicago,
Burlington, Barnesville, Virginia, etc. April 18, 1849, he was
married at Montrose, Iowa, to Miss Sarah P. Campbell, a lady from
Burlington, Iowa; she is of Scotch-Irish blood and the mother of
2 children, living; Roseltha, the wife of Wm. Mull, of Joliet, 111.,
and Carrie B., an accomplished young lady at home. Mr. II. had
a scant advantage of the subscription schools of New York in 1830;
he took an interest in a livery stable at Keokuk, began running
transportation wagons in that city, and with Wm. Graham owned
and ran a stage line between Keokuk and Augusta; he afterward
purchased a livery in Plymouth and remained there two years,
when he went back to Keokuk in 1860; he enlisted in Co. C, of
the 3d Iowa Cavalry, was promoted Veterinary Surgeon for the
coi^ipany, afterward for the regiment; so remained until discharged
at the close of the war. He was engaged for a time as contractor
on the D. M. R. R. ; came to Hamilton, where he remained until
he began a general merchandising business in Fountain Green in
1877. Mr. H. is one who believes in an active life, and is one also
who enjoys his home, family and friends in the highest degree.

Joel Howd was born in Oneida county, N. Y., 1821, the second
son of Isaac and Anna (Johnson) Howd, both of Connecticut. The
mother died in Oneida county, N. Y., in February, 1833, 34 years
of age. The father came to this State and died at Pontoosuc, this
county, March, 1856, 56 years of age. Joel in earlj^ life attended
the farm with his father, during which time a white swelling caused
one of his lower limbs to become shorter than the other. The
family emigrated to Pilot Grove tp., and were the first to turn the
sod on sec. 16. The sad misfortune which befel Joel caused him
to look for an occupation better suited to his physical condition ;
he therefore went to Warsaw in 1841 and remained three j'ears,
learning the tailor's trade. He began business in that line at Web-
ster, about the time the Mormons made their exit, 1846, which he
continued till 1855; he then began a general merchandising busi-
ness in the same place which he has since continued, and is now
doing a successful business. Mr. H. during this time held the post-
office twenty-four years, resigning in 1875; was also J. P. for a
number of years. March 26, 1849, he was married to Hester Mc-
Elvain, whose parents had emigratedifrom Ohio; have 4 children
living; Inez, the wife of Geurge Evans, a merchant of Burnside;
Sarah J. wifeof B.Wright, of Fountain Green; Hattie E. and Nellie

832 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

B., at home. Mr. Howd during his past life has not merely en-
couraged the moral elevation of his community by words and walk,
but has actually sacrificed time and money. His neighbors testify
to his life-long struggle against the monster evil, intemperance, in
wliich his toils have not been in vain; for one knowing what the
village of Webster was ten years ago he could hardly suppose it
would now be without a licensed saloon. To know that he has
prospered socially and financially one needs only to go and visit his
business establishment and see his residence and family, where,
in their music and merriment, he in his decline of life is spending
his happiest days. His portrait appears on the opposite page.

The first of this family we can learn by name is Samuel Howd, a
native of Connecticut, a farmer, who moved to Oneida county, N.
Y., where he died about 82 years of age. His son, Isaac C, was
born in Connecticut, and from the age of ten years was brought up
in Oneida county, N. Y., where he was married in 1S18. His wife
died in 1833, leaving a family of 8 children: Edmund, Joel, Betsey,
Otis, Smith, Julius and Julia (twins), and Eveline. The second
time Mr. Isaac C. Howd married Mary Roe, and moved to Crawford
county, Pennsylvania, with his family in 1835, where he remained
until 1837, when he, with his wife and 5 children, removed to this
county, settling in Carthage. He bought a farm in Pilot Grove,
tp., where he lived many years, and afterward moved to Pontoosmc,
where he built the Franldin House, which he kept as a hotel nearly
until his death. Mr. H. was Justice of the Peace for many years
in this county, and was a man highly esteemed by the community
for his many sterling qualities.

David Leach was born in Litchfield county, N. Y., in 1816; he
emigrated to this State finally in 1852, settling on the northwest
of sec. 31, this tp. Being of an ingenious mind, he turned his .
attention early in life to mechanical exercise, serving for a time as
a carpenter upon vessels at sea. Later he has attended strictly to
the duties of farm life, paying some attention to bees and horti-
culture. Mr. Leach was married Feb. 26, 1838, to Eliza Sherwood,
nativity same as himself. She died Feb. 28, 1878.

Mr. Leach has had 8 children, 4 now living: Jesse, Sarah, Ken-
drick, Barak, Henry, George, Ilettie and Chitty are their names
in order of their ages. The i younger boys are not living. Ken-
drick was with Sherman in the 2d Iowa, was left sick at Lovejoy
Station, where it is supposed he died in 186i. Barak was in Co.
A, 7th Mo. Cav., under Capt. Brawner; he died at Sedalia, Mo.,
Oct. 6, 1852. Mr. Leach being on the decline of life, has given
the management of his farm into the hands of Jesse, who is now
running it. Jesse, like his father, uses every spare moment in
perusing substantial works on science and art.

K. Jy. Leach, brother of the preceding, was born in the State of
New York in ISIS. He emigrated to this State in 1852, purchased
a farm owned by Jabez Beebe, directly north of the village of
Fountain Green, which he still owns. His father, Jesse Leach,

V i

u Fountain Green Tp.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 835

was a native of Litchiield county, Conn., and of English blood.
He died in 1S31, aged 53 years. Ilis mother, nee Zaruah Loomis,
was of the same connty and State as his father. She was also
of English descent and a relative not far distant from Prof Loomis,
of Yale College, who has published a genealogy of the family.
She was born^May 16, 1791. She died in New" York, nearly 80
years of age. Mr. Leach was employed in early life on the farm,
and at the age of IS, engaged as a tow boy on the Erie canal. "Was
with Col. Stephenson on his expedition around the Gape to Cali-
fornia, during the Mexican war. Mr. L. was married in New York
in 1S51, to Mary J. Read, whose parents were from Mass-. She is
the mother of 3 children living; 2 sons and one daughter. Benja-
min F., is a drover in Kansas; Silas, a farmer at home, and Celia,
a miss of 10, also at home. Mr. Leach has had reasonable success
in life, though but little encouragement to start from. He has
been Justice of the Peace longer than any one now living in the
county, 28 3'ears, His chances for education when young were
poor, but he has gained a practical knowledge of things as he has
advanced through life, and seems to be at home with scientific
subjects. He owns the most costly and beaiitiful residence in the
tp., which was built in lS62-'3, situated on the south end of his
farm of 185 acres, adjoining Fountain Green. Mr. Leach is a
Republican, and is not ashamed of his faith.

James McConnell emigrated to this county in 1838, and pur-
chased an improved farm on sec. 29. He was born in Franklin
county Pa., and is of Scotch descent. The family consisted of 6
children, 4 of whom are still living. The mother, who is of the
same nativity, has died. Martha, the eldest sister, is the wife of
the late Alex. Walker, of this tp. Samuel went to Colorado during
the gold excitement of 1850, and has since died, leaving one son.
Mary is the wife of Gen. John G. Fonda, now of Quincy, III.
Alexander, the elder of the two brothers, now residing in this tp.J
spent his early life on the farm, and is still making agricultui-e his
chief vocation. He was married in 1851, to Miss Mary E. Walker,
daughter of John M. Walker, of this tp. A family of 5 children
have blessed their domestic ties, two of whom are married. Fannie,
the second in age, is the wife of Frank Fortney ; and Aima is the
wife of Price Lathro, both farmers by occupation. Linda, Charley
and Johnny are at home. Mr. McConnell has 300 acres of land,
principally on sec. 29, to which place he moved in 1866. James,
the younger of the two mentioned, is now keeping hotel in the
village of Fountain Green. He was born in Franklin county, Pa.,
in 1827, and emigrated to this county with his father; was married
during middle life, in 1868, to Mrs. E. L. Conner, of Pennsylvania.
She is the mother of one child, Ealph, a boy now 10 years of age.
Mr. M. began the business in which he is now engaged in 1869,
during which time he has held the postofEce. He was Sergeant
three years with Co. G, 12th 111. Cav. ; was on the Stoneman raid
to Richmond, at Antietam, Gettysburg, etc.

48

836 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Robert McConnell was born in Franklin county, Pa., and emi-
grated to this count}' in 18i5. His father, Francis McConnell, was
of English-Irish descent, who also emigrated to this county and
died soon after, at the age of 83. His mother, whose maiden name
was Hannah Campbell, died at the age of 72 in this tp. Robert,
now 70 years of age, is of a family of 11 children. He has been
engaged in farming during his entire life, and now owns a farm of
160 acres on sec. 29, this tp., where his father and mother are
buried. He was married in 1849, to Miss Joanna Brewer, daughter
of John Brewer, an early settler of this county. She is the mother
of 3 children, living; viz., Morris C, Mary P. and Walter L.; all
at home. Mr. M. was here in time to take part in the Mormon
troubles. He was detailed to transport supplies to the brave (?)
defenders of our liberties, near JVauvoo, and was present when the
last remnant were placed on the opposite shore of the great river.
"Uncle Bobby" has been several times Supervisor of his tp., and
is still held among his people as a kind and generous citizen.

Thomas Miller, deceased, emigrated to this county in May, 1836;
was born in Cumberland count}', Pa., in 1795. He opened up a
farm on sec. 21, where he raised a family of 8 children: 4 sons and
4 daughters. Mrs. Miller, whose maiden name was Margaret
Meredith, was born in 1817; is of Irish-German descent, and a
native of Pennsylvania. The father died in 1878, being 83 years
of age. The mother is still living, and in good health at this
writing. Kebecca died at the age of 7. The sons are all farmers
of this tp. William is on a farm of 160 acres, in sec. 15, where he
has resided since March, 1868. William was married in 1868 to
Mi^^ Christina Sibert, who is the motlier of a happy little group
of 3 children — James C, George W. and Josephine E., the last a
little girl of 7 years. Mary is the wife of Wm. McCullough; Kate,
unmarried, is a milliner at Fountain Green. Sarah E . is the wife
of John Sibert. Robert, the second son, was born in 1842. At the
age of 20 he enlisted in the war, under Col. Marsh, and was with
that regiment for over two years; was at the engagements of siege
of Yicksburg, Jackson's Mills, Holly Springs, etc.; was wounded
at the latter place, but was not discharged until after that mem-
orable 4th of Jul}', 1863, when V^icksburg yielded to the great
General. James, born Sept. 4, 1846, also enlisted in the late war,
but in the 12tli 111. Cav., Co. G. He was only 17 years old at the
time, and therefore had to take a turn holding horses ; was with the
regiment on the Red river expedition, and was discharged at the
close of the war. He was married Sept. 19, 1875, to AnnaKelley,
whose father, James Kelley, was a native of Kentucky. The little
girl, Maggie, a loving little child, died June 13, 1880. James
resides on sec. 15, where he owns 80 acres of good prairie land.
John Miller, the youngest of the family, who now resides on the
old homestead, was married in 1877, to Julia Brandon. They have
but one child, a little girl of one year. The Miller family were
amon£{ the oldest settlers here, and have all settled in life in the

J

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 837

immediate neighborhood where they were brought up. The fatlier
was active during the ]\[ormon ditficulties, and was a live Repub-
lican during the late war. The Presbyterian Church record con-
tains several of the family as members.

L. J. Rhea is a native of this county, and was born in 1834, of
Scotch descent, and is a son of Lewis Rhea, of Tennessee. Mr. R.
received his early education in the common schools of this
county, afterward graduating in the Keokuk Medical College
in 1856. After traveling for some time in the West, he enlisted
early in 1861, in Co. B, 2d Inf., under Gen. Lyon. He was
among the troops ordered to Fort Scott to settle the Jayhawkers,
thence to St. Louis; afterward he was at the 2d Bull Run.
Among other engagements was " the seven-days fight," Gettys-
burg, Chancellorsville and Fredericksburg. He was discharged at
the close of the war at Washington city, 1865. His father and
mother died at the ages of 64 and 58, and lie buried in Hancock
tp. , this county. Mr. R., at an advanced age in life, was married
in 1876, to Mrs. White, widow of Jno. W. White, deceased.

Mrs. Rhea is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Conn, of
Hancock tp., formerly from !N^ew York, who are still living, aged
74 and 72 respectively. Ermina was born in Cattaraugus county,
N. Y., in 1821. She was married to Mr. White in March, 1865;
by him she has 2 children, J. AVillard and John Prosper. Also
has under her cai-e Lewis Leslie Rhea and little Ralph Parsons, a
grandchild. Mrs. R. has 2 sisters, Caroline Bullock and Lucy
Rhea. Marlow M. and Lorenzo T. are two brothers, in Hancock
tp.

Charles C. Tyler, though young in looks and action, is among
the oldest settlers in the village of Fountain Green. He is the son of
Alvin Tyler, and the nephew of Stephen Tyler, so well known in
the northeastern part of the county. The family is of English
ancestry, and emigrated at an early day to Connecticut. Alvin
was born in Harwinton, of that State, in 1809; emigrated to Mari-
etta, O., where he settled and began practicing medicine. He
raised his family here and was very successful in his business. He
visited his relatives in this county in 1846, and on his return he
sickened and died at Gilead, 111., aged 47. The mother, whose
maiden name was Adaline E. Church, was of same descent and
nativity, and came West in 1854, residing with Chas. C. until her
death, at the age of 46. C. C. was born Dec. 22, 1837; has one
brother living, John H, an engineer of this county. He received
his education principally at Macomb College, after which he was
salesman for a time for Begby & Payton, a dry-goods firm in
LaHarpe; was in Northern Illinois from 1858 to 1860, at the end
of which time he purchased an interest in a general merchandising
store with Mathew McClaughry, father of Warden McClaughry,
of Joliet. He purchased his partner's interest in 1864, since
which time he has been in business alone in the building popularly
known as th€ "Arcade," erected in 1864. Mr. Tyler was appointed

83S HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Postmaster in 1875, and from the hosts of friends who daily com-
pliment his management of the office, one wonld judge that no
presidential change ^vould be apt to affect his position. C. C. was
married in June, 1860, to Johan "Webster, daughter of Chauncy
"Webster, of Harwinton, Conn. She is the mother of 8 children,
5 of whom are living, — i sons and one daughter: Charles L.,
George C, Albert S., Clark L. and Mary F.

Mr. Tyler and family are members of no denomination, but they
make the Churches feel their friendship. His residence, the old
homestead, is both neat and tastefully arranged. He also has a
farm of 90 acres one mile north of the village. Mr. T. is a man
who enjoys the blessings of home comforts, and does much to
make others do likewise.

Hev. Thomas M. Walker is the son of Alexander "Walker; nativ-
ity, Rockbridge county, Va.; he is also a half brother of the late
Cyrus Walker, so well remembered as the recipient of Mormon
treachery. Mr. "W. was born in Adair county, Ky., Feb. 26, 1S19.
His grandfather is of Scotch-Irish birth, and came to tlie United
States in 1736; stopped in Chester county, Pa., afterward in Rock-
bridge county, Ya. His father, a farmer by occupation, emigrated
to Adair county, Ky., in early times, where he remained until he
died, at the age of 62. His mother, nee Margaret Frost, afterward the
widow of H. L. Combs, and the mother of one child, Jesse Combs,
was a pious Christian lady, and after several j-ears' residence, died
in McDonough county, and is buried in Hickory Grove cemeter3^
Mr. "W. remained with his father on the farm and attended the
common-schools until 20 jeavs old, when he entered the Macomb
College. He received private instruction under the Rev. Chase, of
Macomb, after which he graduated at the Theological Seminary at
New Albany, completing his course in 181:5; was ordained the next
year a minister of the Presbyterian Church, and located at "Willow
Creek, 111. His wife, nee Mary Montgomery, is the daughter of
"Wm. Montgomery, an Indian missionary, residing in Arkansas.
She is the mother of 5 sons and one daughter: William, Alexander,
James, Thomas, Charles and 'Margaret. Mr. Walker came to this
county in June, 1852, locating as Pastor of the Presbyterian
Church of the village named.

Jary White was born in Mt. Holly, Vt., in 1809. His father,
Jary W., was a native of Wales; he emigrated from Vermont to
New York, in 1812, and remained until 1835, when he came to this
county, arriving June 17 of that year. He, with 2 brothers, took
an active part in the Mormon war.

His mother, nee Lucina Lawrence, was a native of Connecticut.
Both his parents lie buried in the Fountain Green cemetery. Mr. W:
is one of the pioneers of this county; he came when there was no
mill nearer than Rushville, 35 miles distant. He knows how to
make a " lizzard" (a kind of sled made from the fork of a tree,
much used by the frontiersmen), and has yet in his possession one
of the old-time corn-meal graters. He was married in 1833, to Miss

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. , 839

Laura Eaton, daughter of Frazier Eaton, of Allegany county, N.
Y. Mrs. "W". was the mother of 8 children, 4 of whom are still
living: George, Charles, Laura and Augustus. She died May 21,
1860. Mr. W. was married a second time, July 11, 1861, to Mrs.
Elizabeth James, daughter of John "Williams, a veteran soldier of
1812.

Mrs. AVhite has 5 children: Henrietta, James, Noble S., Clara E.,
Louis L., now dead, Laura E. and Frances E.

Mr. W. located on a piece of Congress land, on sec. 23, 80 acres,
where he still resides. Mr. W. had two sons, Daniel and George,
in the late war. Daniel entered the Sith 111. Inf., under Capt.
Parrot, Sept., 1S61, enlisting for three years, during which time he
was taken prisoner, took the small-pox, and he was taken to a pest-
house in Maryland and died. George entered the 84:th 111. Inf. in
1862, was wounded at Stone river in 18G3, was in the hospital 9
months, re-entered his regiment, and was discharged June 9, 1S6.5,
having received two wounds, one in the thigh and one in the head,
the latter injuring him for life.

Hickerson Wright, now deceased, was born in Virginia and
raised in Kentucky. His grandfather came from Scotland prior to
the Revolution. His father died when he, Hickerson, was a small
boy; not having the advantages of school, he did not even learn to
distinguish the denominations of paper money, nevertheless, after
coming to this count}' with his brother Basil in 1S33, he accumu-
lated considerable real proj^ert}' and proved to be a good financier.
Wilson and Hubbard, two younger brothers, came soon after. Mr.
Wright was the father of 11 children; viz., Sebean, Seneca, Pattrice
W., Thomas G., Charles G., Henry D., now in California, Arzilla
Ward, Martha Yetter, Cynthia, Willey, and James B., who died at
the old homestead in 1851. Seneca, the oldest in thistp., remained
at home until 22 years of age, when he was married in 18J-9 to
Miss Eliza A. Burnham, who died in Dec, 1866, leaving 2 children,
Douglas and Seneca L. Between the years 1850 and 1855 he
made three trips across the Bocky Mountains, coming back by
way of Nicaragua and New York. Growing somewhat tired of the
traveler's life, he built a residence in 1860 on sec. 32, where he now
owns 130 acres of tillable land, besides 40 acres of timber. In 1868
he was married a second time to Miss Damietta Rose, whose parent-
age was of New York; the mother now resides in Carthage, the
wife of Garland Beneathy.

By his last wife he has" 3 children: Cora D., Ella A. and Robert
Bruce, a little boy of seven summers. Mr. W. grew like a sun-
flower and is considerably above the average in statue, now weighing
over 200 lbs. The family generallj' hold to no sectarian faith, and
are liberal in sentiment both in politics and religion. To realize
their liberality, socially, one needs only to call at their homes,
where he will share whatever may be reasonably bestowed by the
family.

840

HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

TOWNSHIP OFFICERS.

Below is a list of the Town Officers, past and present, who
have served in this township :

SUPEEVISOES.

Stephen H. Tyler 1850

James M. Renshaw 1853

Martin Hopkins 1856

James Campbell 1859

Daniel Prentis 1861

Robert McConnell 1863

Thomas Geddos 1864

T. McGinley Campbell 1866

Daniel Prentis 1867

Thomas Geddes 1868

John G. Fonda 1870

A. W. McConnell 1871

John H. Bullock 1873

Samuel Walker 1875

John H. Bullock 1876

And. R. Simmons 1878

A. W. McConnell 1880

John F. Mooney 1856

James E. McConnell 1858

J. H. Emrick 1859

John G. Schenck 1860

J. H. Emrick 1861

L. T.Ferris 1863

Morris Crump 1863

John A. Messie 1864

D. C. Simons 1866

Wm. T. Campbell 1867

James E. McConnell 1870

James F. Brandon 1873

James E. McConnell 1874-1880

ASSESSOES.

James E. Roberts ' 1856

Daniel Prentis 1858

Thomas J. Campbell 1861

J. H. Emrick 1862

John B Yager 1863

A. J. Bainter 1864

James E. McConnell 1866

"William Miller 1867

William C. Walker 1868

Jas. C. Brakens 1870

JohnM. Cox 1871

A. R. Bullock 1873

James E. McConnell 1873

O. F. Berry 1874

Robert P. Geddes 1876

W. AV. McCullough 1877

And. R. Bullock 1878

John M. Bainter 1879-1880

COLLECTOES.

Henry Alton 1856

John F. Mooney 1858

Thomas J. Campbell 1859

Daniel Kimport 1860

William Callihan 1861

A. W. McConnell 1863

Miles Alton 1863

James Midcap 1864

C. C. Robbins 1866

A. D. Williams 1867

Robert N. Withrow 1868

John H. Bullock 1870

Don. C. Salisbury 1871

J. P. Brandon 1873

Jas. Miller 1873

J.S.Bullock 1874

W. W. Glass 1875

Wm. Callihan 1876

A. W. McConnell 1877

George Latherow 1878

Jesse W. Taylor 1879-1880

PILOT GROVE TOWNSHIP

Numbered 6-6, was named for a grove of timber, which stood alone
in tlie prairie, in the early days, near the old Indian Trail, or what
we in Hancock county termed the " Rock Island Trail." This
trail ran from point to point on the prairie, following the general
course of the Mississippi, avoiding thus its many tortuous wind-
ings. In Hancock county it ran from Green Plains to Golden's
Point, thence past this grove and through Durham, to some point
in Henderson county, and so on to Rock Island. It had apparently
been long traveled, and when the white settlements began, it
became a much-used local road.

This township was settled mainly by people from Virginia, Ohio,
Kentucky, and New York. They are mostly a thrifty and hospi-
table class of immigrants, and have come generally to stay, as may
be judged by the appearance of their farms and residences. They
have a cemetery, but claim that it is seldom used, except for the
interment of those who die of old age, or who come in from other
parts of the county. What was a wide expanse of prairie, covered
with ducks and deer and waving grass and wild flowers forty years
ago, is now as one beautiful checkered farm, with not a single open
quarter section. Grain and stock are the chief products, Peoria
furnishing the principal market for both. Politically, this town-
ship has usually given from 20 to 40 Democratic majorities.

The first postofEce was called Pilot Grove, and was kept by
Nelson Andrews; afterward removed to the village of Burnside.
The first J. P.'s were Isaac C. Howd, Nathan Mason and John
Huckins. William Glaze is the oldest man in the township at
this time, aged 86; and Mrs. Perkins is the oldest woman, aged
85. She says she came there early enough to have Indians about
her door, and to have to hide her meat from the wolves.

Probably the first settler in the township was one Franklin, a
few miles northeast of Carthage. This was about 1830. This claim
was bought by Ephraim Perkins, in 1835, a son of Ute Perkins,
who was about the first settler in Fountain Green. Among other
early settlers in the township, we have the names of Neill McKay,
Joseph Lionberger, Thomas Perkins, Elting Thompson, Wm. B.
Wilson, Wilson Wright, John Ilamrick, Ralph Gorrell, James
Goldsburg, Mr. DeHart, Dr. Cheney, and Nelson Andrews— all
now deceased. Among those living are, Merrill Andrews, Nathan
S. Cheney, Isaac Cooper, John Bailey, Solomon Elifritz, Harry
Earles, James Gibson, Wm. Gorrell, Isaac C. Howd, Mr. Hath-
away, John Huckins, John Manering, Nathan Mason, Samuel F.
Pray (now of Montebello), Neil Rice, John Roth, Joseph Thomp-

(841)

842 HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

son, Geo. C. Wagoner, Wm. and L. Y. Aleshire, Smith Howd,
Benjamin and J. W. Lionberger, J. B. McMillan, "Wm. G. Mc-
Cubbin, William Tjner, Miles B. Mann, I. K. Jacobs, J. Hem-
mingway.

Pilot Grove stands well in the line of common schools. Her
people are fully up to the standard in that respect. She now counts
nine school houses used exclusively for that purpose. Beginning
in the northeast, they are named — The Rock, Pilot Grove, Madi-
son, Liberty, Burnside, Oak Grove, Cottage, Jubilee, and Grant.
The Burnside school building has two departments, and is well
suited to the wants of the people. This and the Cottage are men-
tioned as creditable to the community.

In Mormon times John Huckins formed a company of Anti-
Mormon warriors, which were called the " Brick-Batters."

Pilot Grove sports one very pleasant little village on the line of
the T., P. & W. Railway, Burnside. It was laid out by J. B. Mc-
Millan in ls6S. It now contains near 300 inhabitants. There are
10 business houses and one mill doing a good business. And far
from the least item to its credit, it has no saloon, and few who
would patronize one.

Another, La Crosse, also on the line of the railway, is on the
extreme eastern edge of the township, on land owned by John W.
Lionberger, who was its first P. M. It has but two or three busi-
ness houses and thirty or forty inhabitants. Both La Crosse and
Burnside are surrounded by fine fai'ms and thriving and enter-
prising farmers.

RELIGIOUS PEOGEESS.

Concerning early religious work in this township we have little
data. The village of Burnside contains two churches. The Christian
church was built in 1S73, at a cost of about $4,000. The Metho-
dist Episcopal church was built the next year, costing about the
same amount.

The Jubilee school-house, in the southwestern portion of the
township, was formerly also used for church purposes, and very
likely others also.

EIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES.

Following are sketches of many of the pioneers and eminent
citizens of Pilot Grove township:

William Aleshire was born in Meigs county, Ohio, in 1814;
emigrated to this State, Fulton count}'. 111., in 1842, and to this
county in 1848, where he has since resided. He received no other
education than such as the common schools of his day afforded
him, but has been generally successful in life, and has raised a con-
siderable family. His father, Ephraim Aleshire, was a native of
Ohio, and after moving to this county, died in 1864. His mother

PILOT GROVE TP.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. S45

whose maiden name was Elizabeth Williams, and who was a native
of the same State, is still living and in good health; she is now 83
years of age. Mr. Aleshire was married in 1S37 to Sarah Ewing;
she is a native of Ohio, and of Scotch Irish descent; she is the
mother of 10 children, S of whom are still living, 2 girls and 6
boys; the oldest, Sauford, is a merchant of Coburg, Iowa; Levi is
a farmer in this township; "William is a teacher, and is now travel-
ing in Southern Illinois; Edward is in Stanbury, Mo., an attorncfv at
law; Albert is still with the family at home; Oscar E., who is a youth
of 18, is attending school at Carthage College, in the third year
of liis course. The girls, Angeline and Margaret, are married, and
are the wives of two industrious citizens of this tp. Mr. Alesliire
has spent the greater part of his life as a farmer, but is now running
a hotel in the village of Burnside, this tp., where he has been en-
gaged for six years past. He has passed through several tinancial
discouragements, but has accumulated a reasonable amount of real
and personal property. Besides his hotel he owns a small farm in
this vicinit}' and some personal property.

JoJin A. Barr is of light complexion, medium stature, weighs
160 pounds, and wears a genial smile upon his countenance, indica-
tive of his natural good humor. He was born in Breckenridge
county, Kj\, in 1S51, and emigrated with his parents to this county
in the spring of 18-59, settling in Rock Creek tp. His father,
Charles Barr, is of German descent, and a native of Kentucky; a
farmer by occupation, and a member of the Methodist Church.
His mother, whose maiden name was Sallie Beaucham, is of
French descent, and a native of Kentucky. She is a zealous mem-
ber of the M. E. Church, and the mother of 11 children, all living,
5 boys and 6 girls. The Doctor received his literarj' education at
the LaHarpe Seminary of this county, and after graduating at the
Keokuk Medical College he received a diploma from the faculty of
the Jefferson Medical College, Indiana. He is now a practicing
physician, having good practice at Burnside, this tp., where he has
been located for four years. He is a member of the Hancock
County Medical Society; also belongs to the Christian Church of
his village. The Doctor is a young man for one of his experience,
unmarried, and owns a beautiful and comfortable residence, besides
a liberal share of personal property. He visited Philadelphia and
the New England States during the Centennial of 1S76; has been
very successful in the business operations of life. He now holds
80 acres of well-improved land in Rock Creek tp., besides an undi-
vided interest in the home farm of 160 acres.

William Bray was born in Somerset, Ky., Jan. 7, 1S26 ; his
father, Xathan Bray, is of English descent and a native of North
Carolina; he is a hatter by trade, in later life becoming a farmer,
and is now 81 years of age. William's mother, nee Catharine
Rauard, was of Welsh descent and a native of Kentucky; of her
children, 2 daughters and -1 sons, William is the only one in this

846 HISTOKT OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

county. Mr. B. received his education in the Indiana State Uni-
versity, and was engaged for a time as teacher in Mississippi. He
■was married in Indiana to Martha A. Foster of Monroe county, of
that State; she has raised a family of 9 children, 5 sons and 4
daughters. Mr. Bray, a farmer by occupation, moved to this
county and settled on sec. 20 of Pilot Grove tp., where he now has
300 acres of land and a plain and unassuming but commodious resi-
dence; does not court public note nor political favor, yet he is
awake to the necessit^^ of moral and political elevation of our nation.
Mr. B. and lady have been for thirty-five years connected with the
Church known as the Disciples Church, with which he has labored
as Elder for several years. He is politically a Republican but not
a radical; has represented his township as Supervisor several terms,
and is now enjoying the highest blessing shared in this life, i. e.,
a quiet country home with a kind wife and a happy group of
children.

Williarn R. Bu7-hridoe is small in stature, quick in movement
and wears an expression indicative of his knowledge, sagacity and
determination. He was born in Paris. Bourbon county, Ky., in
1S46. His father, Robert Burbridge. was a native of Kentucky,
and of French-German descent. He was a Baptist minister by
faith and profession, and died at the age of 61, at Paris. The
grandfather, with 6 brothers, were a part of the crew with LaFay-
ette, in 1777. Mr. B.'s mother, whose maiden name was Mary
Rader, was a native of Nashville, Tenn., and of Anglo-Prussian
blood. She died at the age of 59, in Tazewell county, of this
State.

Mr. Burbridge began as an apprentice to learn the blacksmith
trade in 1862. After engaging in steady business in a plow factory,
he was married in lS6s to Josephine Blizzard, of Mason county,
111. She was the mother of one child, now a bright little girl of
10 years, and died when Annie was seven, leaving her and her
father, the only members of the household. She was buried in the
McKay cemetery, in the vicinity of Burnside. She was a member
of the Christian Church, and of the Eastern Star order. Mr. Bur-
bridge was married the second time. May 9, 1880, to Miss Annie
Steffey, of Basco, 111., a worthy'and accomplished young lady. She
is the daughter of a highly educated widow lady of Eastern birth,
and an early member of the M. E. Church.

Mr. B. has been generally successful in his business, having
traveled as salesman for J. H. Power & Co., Cincinnati. He has
gained by this means a thorough knowledge of men and things, and
has a very neat little residence, a shop, and other town property.
He is doing a fair business and enjoys life in an equally high degree.

Charles B. Coleman WAS, born at Zanesville, 0., in 1828. His
father, John C. Coleman, was a native of Pennsylvania, and of
Scotch descent; emigrated to this State, settling in Fountain Green
tp., in 1S42, where, after spending a few years with his children,
he died, at the age of 82. His mother, whose maiden name was

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 847

Lutitia Erwin, of Scotch descent, died in May, 1S55. Mr. Cole-
man had the poorest advantages of the common-schools for an
education, but is practical in business and has spared no pains in
giving his family all the benefits his circumstances would permit.
He was married to Nancy M. Hnckins, daughter of John Huckins,
•who is one of the early settlers of this county, and has been iden-
tified with the history of Pilot Grove tp. for more than 80 years.
He has had 6 children, 5 of whom are still living. The 3 younger
are Mattie E., Edwin G. and Lula M. The 3 older, Charles O.,
Anna A. and Addie, began a general merchandising business in
LaCrosse, in 1S7S, but in a short time a sad misfortune left the
young firm with but two members. Addie, a kind and loving
sister, was burned to death by the explosion of a kerosene lamp.
Charles and Anna still remain, having the postoflice added. They
are not only esteemed in business circles, but socially their genial
hospitality makes them many friends.

Zalus Davis, medium-sized, man weighing 140 lbs., was born in
Preston county, W. Va., in 1824. At the age of 18, he enlisted
as an engineer upon the packet Irene, running from Cincinnati to
Parkersburg, W. Va. He followed the Ohio as an engineer for 14
years, and during the war had charge of the Tigris, the headquar-
ter vessel of Gen. Grant and Com . Graham during their river
engagements up the Tennessee and Cumberland. He was present
at the noted battles of Pittsburg Landing, Ft. Andrews and Ft.
Henry. His father, James Davis, a Virginian by birth, was an
early pioneer of the West. His mother's maiden name was Mar-
garet Hughes; she was also a native of Virginia. Mr. Davis was
mai'ried in Racine, O., in 1850, to Margaret Bailey, a native of
that State. Mr. Davis emigrated to Richland county. 111., where he
remained but a short time, when he removed to this county and
settled in Dallas City. He remained here six years and moved to
Clinton, Iowa, and after six years stay at this place, he came to
Burnside, this tp., where he purchased a grist-mill and is now
doing a good business in this line. Mr. Davis has 7 children liv-
ing, 4 boys and 3 girls. He traveled westward during the year
1872, exploring the Indian Territory and New Mexico. He has
struck a bonanza in the business in which he is now engaged,
and is enjoying the comforts of a pleasant life with his happy
family.

Cromwell Gibson is the son of James Gibson, one among the
oldest settlers of this county, and a native of the Emerald Isle.
He was born in 1813, and emigrated with his father to New York,
when very young. His father, Robert Gibson, /removed to this
State in 1837; he died and is buried on Green river in Bureau
county. The mother of James, whose maiden was name Jane Black,
was a native of the same countr}', and died in New York, aged 33.
James was married in Nevv York, to xlngeline Bennet, and their
children are 3 girls and one boy. She died in 1860, and is buried
in the McKay cemetery. He next married Mrs. Hannah Dufiield,

»4b HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

■whose maiden name was Halbertson. She was of German descent,
born in Pennsylvania, and came to this State with her former hus-
band.

Mr. G. received little of the advantages of the common
schools of his day; has been remarkably successful in his business
transactions, being a man who has never shrunk from the hardest
manual labor. lie has the hard-earned results, consisting of two
farms in this tp., comprising 156 and 230 acres respectively, eich
well improved and upon each a residence, both extensive and beau-
tiful, iiis two eldest daughters, Achsah and Mary, are residing
with their husbands in this county.

His son, Eobert Cromwell, was married in 1S73 to Hattie Lowry'
of Schuyler county, this State. She is the mother of 3 boys, Elmer,
Charles and James F. He and his accomplished lady are enjoying
all the blessings of a domestic life together, residing 2^ miles
southeast of Burnside. Cromwell is a farmer by occupation,
and is a joUj' one. for he does not allow the " blues " to settle over
himself nor any one with whom he associates.

John L. Goldsherry is the son of James Goldsberry, who was
born 171 Hampshire count}', Va.; emigrated to Hlinois in 1S39;
went back to Virginia, married, and came a second time, in 1S43;
removed to Kansas in 1S56, and died near fifty years of age. The
mother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Gibonj-, was a native of
Worefield, Va., is buried in the McKay cemetery, this tp. Mr. G.
has one brother, George H., who is a farmer residing in this
county, Carthage tp. John was born herein 1814; has served the
faithful life of a farmer, and now resides on his 90-acre farm, on
sec. 34. He spent his years from 11 to 16 in Kansas, and in 1875
took a trip to California; was married in 1870 to Elizabeth Knowles,
daughter of Captain Knowles, of a merchant vessel at Baltimore,
the same Captain Knowles who saved a crew at Jersey Island, for
which the Government presented him a fine telescope. She was
born in Baltimore, Md., is of English descent, and the mother of
one son and 3 daughters: Charley C, Annie M., Edith A. and
Sarah E. Mr. G.'s grandfather was one of the few who survived
the expedition with Lewis and Clark in the West.

Dr. John S. Gordon was born in Greene county, Penn.,in 1825.
His father, Bazel Gordon, was a native of ]New Jersey, and of
Scotch descent. He was killed in liis 28th year, by accident, at a
house-raising. His mother, Sarah nee Shriver, was of German de-
scent, and a native of Virginia; she died in Pennsylvania, 46 years
of age. The Doctor, after his parents died, made his home with
his uncle for a time; received a limited education in the common
schools; afterward attended Green Academy, teaching through the
winter and attending the Academy through the summer. He be-
gan studying medicine under Dr. Alexander Shaw, now of Des
Moines, Iowa. He graduated at Jeiferson Medical College, and
began the practice of medicine in Pilot Grove tp. in 1860, where

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 849

he has since been located. Dr. Gordon has been a remarkably suc-
cessful physician, and has become the owner of considerable real
estate. He occupies a choice residence in the north part of Burn-
side, where he shares the comfort of his own home with his many
friends. He owns 295 acres of land in this county. The Doctor
was married in 1850 to Lucinda Whitlatch, a native also of Penn-
sylvania, and of English descent. Slie is the mother of -i boys, 3
of whom are living: Sylvanus H., Thomas J. (who died at 22), Albert
M., now a dentist in Keokuk, and William M., a youth of 15, at
home .

3frs. E. A. Hamrick was born in Muskingum county, O. Her
father, Henry Baty, was a native of Virginia, and died in Ohio at
the age of 55. Her mother, whose maiden name was Mary A.
Watts, was a native of Eolt, Md., and emigrated to Ohio with her
parents when only three years old. She is living at this writing, at
the age of 78. Wm. M. Hamrick was a native of Clarksburg Va.,
and was married in 1852; emigrated to this tp., and settled, in 1853.
Mr. Hamrick was a farmer b}' occupation, and after a successful
career as such, he died in May, 1873. He left a comfortable resi-
dence and a good farm of 310 acres to his wife and heirs. Mrs. H.
has 6 children living, 3 girls and 3 bo^'s — Alice, Delia, Frank,
Willie, Alva and Effie. Alice, the oldest, is attending school at
Carthage College, and paying some attention to music. She is
active, energetic, and seems to be the chief operator of the Ham-
rick farm. Her mother is a lady much respected in her community,
and has a business tact seldom equaled by her sex.

Smith Howd was born in Camden, X. Y., in 1827. His father,
Isaac Howd, a native of iNew York, emigrated to Pennsylvania in
1832, thence to Hlinois, where he settled in Carthage in 1836, and
where he remained five years, after which he settled in this tp., the
first time on sec. 16. He died at Pontoosucin 1856. His mother,
whose maiden name was Annie Johnson, died when he was but four
years old. Mr. Howd was in this county too early to have the ben-
efits of a common-school education. He went West in 185-4 and
traveled in Nevada and California, remaining ten years. He was a
miner, and one of the successful ones. He understands the meaning
and use of "sluice," "box," "rocker," "flume," etc. When he
came back to Hancock he purchased land, and in 1864 was married
to Catharine Yetter, of this county, who is now the mother of 6
children, 5 of whom are living — Emma, Curtis, Flora, Joel and
Barr. Mr. Howd has been equally successful as a farmer and stock-
raiser, and now owns an extensive farm, fertile and well improved,
consisting of four 80's, besides several timber lots, — 433 acres
in all. Mr. Howd has met with few financial discouragements
through life, and has had general good health, attending strictly to
his farm duties.

Stephen Jacob, aged 69, was born in Rensselaer county, N. Y.,
and emigrated to this county in 1837. His father, Udney H. , was
a native of Massachusetts, and of German descent. After remainino;

850 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

here for several years he went to Utah (soon after the Mormons
were driven from this county), where he died, nearly 78 years of age.
His mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Hubbard, the mother of
7 children, all of whom lived to be men and women. The elder
son, Norton, built the first mill in this county, run by Wilcox &
Co., at Warsaw, in 1834. Mr. Jacob has been a farmer during his
past life, and was married in New York, to Minerva Ostrander, of
Saratoga county. She is of German descent, and the mother of 5
sons and 4 daughters — Margaret A., a milliner, of La Harpe;
Abraham, Mary, Marvin, Emma, Elisha P., Eliza J., Prosper H.
and Stephen. Two of the above are at home; two are dead." Eliza,
after teaching four yeairs, died a few months since with consump-
tion, contracted by exposure. Mr. Jacob is one of the old pioneers
of this countj% but took no part in the Mormon war.

Wellington Jenney was born in Wheeling, W. Va., May 14,
1820. He is of large stature, weighs 240 lbs., and bears a dignified
yet unassuming appearance. He emigrated to this county, Dur-
ham tp., in 1860; after remaining 6 years he removed to where he
now resides in this tp.. on sec. 7. His father, Andrew Jenney,
was a native of Massachusetts, of English descent, and was in early
life a farmer, later a sailor and river captain, running the first,
steamboat that was ever run up the Wabash river. He died in
West Virginia, after a few years of retired life, at the age of 62. Mr.
Jenney's mother, whose maiden name was Eliza Copeland, was
a native of Massachusetts, and of English-German descent. She
died in Marshall county, Va.

Wellington, her onl)' sou, was married to Sarah Wayt, and
by her has 7 children living, — Annie, Eliza, Charles, a teacher by
profession, Ella W., William, Laura and Perry L., a youth at home.
Mr. Jenney, when a boy of 19, began life at his own risk as a
teacher, and afterward became a farmer. He represented his dis-
trict in Virginia, in 1849-'50, as a member of the General Assem-
bly; was sent from this county to Illinois Legislature in 1876.
He also served as Supervisor from this and Durham tps., for six
years. He is now living with his second wife, a kind and loving
mother and a worthy member of the M. E. Church.

After passing through the financial disaster of four years ago,
which shook the faith of so many farmers of this commiinity, he
is now afloat with tlie following real estate: 80 acres in Rock Creek
tp., well improved, and a home farm of 80 acres, where he now
resides.

Mr. Jenney deals no longer in the uncertainty of politics, but is
contented with the domestic endearments of a home life.

John W. Lionberger was born in Page county, Virginia, and
emigrated with his father to this county in 1835, finally settling
on sec. 12 of Pilot Grove tp. ; his father, Joseph Lionberger, was of
German descent, also a native of Virginia; he was a farmer by oc-
cupation, but built the first saw and grist mill in the township, on

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 851

Crooked creek, in ISSS. He made this the chief care of his busi-
ness life, but was also engaged in merchandising with a man by the
name of Grove, in LaHarpe. After raising a lai-ge family, died at
74 years of age, and was buried in the Andrews Cemetery, January
15, 1S6S. His motlier's maiden name was Esther Burner, and she
was of German-English descent, a Calvin istic Baptist by faith, and a
native of Virginia; she died nearly 72 years of age, and is buried be-
side her husband. She was the mother of 7 children, 4 sons and 3
daughters. J. W. is the youngest living son, and resides now on
the old home farm ; though quite young at the time he took an
active part in the Mormon difficulty, being one of the Artillery
Corps of gun number two; he was among those who bid the un-
fortunate Brighamites a last farewell at Nauvoo, as they took tlieir
departure for Zion. Mr. L. was the recipient of instruction such
as the common schools of ISli afforded, but he did not stop with
this; by faithful practice he gained a fair business education. He
was married in 1850 to Philena Roberts, a native of New York, and
of Scotch-English blood; she is the mother of 5 children, 3 sons and
2 daughters. The eldest, Mary, is the wife of W. A. Pickernell, a
farmer of this tp. ; Edward, Clara, Robert and John are still under
the parental roof. Mr. L. has been tortured with the official honors
of his tp., all the way from Supervisor up to School Director, and
is still suffering a like oppression. He was the founder of the little
village of LaCrosse, and was tlie first Postmaster, in 1S6S; he has
been actively engaged as a grain and stock shipper for several years
past, and makes it still his chief care. He has been remarkably
successful in his business operations, as a census of his estate will
show. Home farm, 200 acres; timber, 180, and SO acres on sec. 10.
Mr. L. is a hard worker and takes special care that none with whom
he comes in contact escape his genial hospitality.

Miles B. Mann was born in Buffalo, IN". Y., in 1813; his father,
Nathan Mann, a native of Massachusetts and a mechanic by occu-
pation, died soon after settling in New York. His mother, whose
maiden name was Cynthia Blakely, was of English descent, a
Methodist by faith, and died in Wisconsin in 1872, at 81 years of
age. Mr. M., now 67 years of age, has two brothers and two sisters
living, at last accounts. He emigrated to this county in 1839, and
was employed for a time with Streets & Bro., then doing an exten-
sive merchandising business in Carthage; during the time he was
married (1842) to Amanda Hamilton, who was born in Ohio, and
of German origin; she is the mother of 9 children, only 3 of whom
are now living: Delia M. is the wife of Charles Hyslop, a merchant
in Missouri; Celestia M., who was one of the successful lady-teach-
ers of this county in lS73-'5, is now the wife of R. S. Woodruff', of
Iowa; Mary E., a girl at home. Mr. M. has had his full share of
misfortunes to bear, yet he has maintained a high repute as a citi-
zen, and has accumulated a reasonable share of real estate, chattels,
etc. His farm of 210 acres lies on either side of the Dallas and
Carthage road, and is under high cultivation and improvement.

852 HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTT.

Mr. M. has acted as Justice of Peace eight years, and has assessed
his township seven times; he was among those of his time who
worked for his board and paid his own tuition while attending
school, a rare circumstance now, but common then.

Sidney C. Mendenhall is the son of Nathan Mendenhall, whohas
been so long identified with the history of Durham tp. The father is
a native of Madison county, Ind., but his forefathers, formerly from
England, settled in North Carolina. lie emigrated to Sangamon
count}', 111., in 1S35, thence to Henderson, and to Hancock in
1837, settling in Durham tp. He is now engaged in farming, near
Appleton City, Mo., St. Clair county. His mother, whose maiden
name was Lucy "VV. Lincoln, was born in New York and is still liv-
ing, 55 years of age. She with her husband have been identified
with the Christian Church 29 years. She is the mother of 4 sons
and 5 daughters. Milo, a boy of five, died in St. Clair county.
Mo.; Nathaniel died in this county, at the age of three years;
Eliza died in 1S56, an infant of one year, as also did Lucy J.;
Paris J. is now a young man of 20, with his father; Lucetta is the
wife of Wm. H. Hutchison, a farmer of Bates county. Mo.;
Mary Etta is the wife of John D. Smith; Sidney C, the subject
of this sketch, was born in Durham tp., in 1853, is of medium
stature and weight, dark hair and eyes, wears a piercing yet sin-
gularly pleasant expression upon his countenance. He left the
farm at IS, after sharing the benefits of the common schools of
this county, and the graded schools of Appleton, Mo., and engaged
as an artist in the last named place. He went from this place to
Girard, Kansas, thence to Oswego, of the same State, where he
was married Dec. 3, 1875, to Alice V. Kinnear, formerly from
Indiana. Her father, John L. Kinnear, emigrated to Missouri in
1S66 and to Kansas in 1873. He was a mechanic by occupation,
and of Irish descent. Mrs. Mendenhall is the mother of one child,
a little girl, one and a half years old; belongs to the Christian order.
Mr. M. is identified at present with Ross & Springer, as salesman.
He owns a neat little residence in the little village of La Crosse,
where he and his young wife share all tlie joys of a wedded life.

Johi D. Miller, now permanently located on sec. 2 of this tp.,
was born in Scott county, 111., and is a son of Wm. Miller, a native
of Eastern Tenn. Mr. Miller's father was a farmer by occupation,
and died when his son was but four years of age, after he had emi-
grated to this county in 1S37.

William's mother, whose maiden name was Margaret Dixon,
was of Irish descent and also a native of Tennessee. She died in
Durham tp., at the age of 50, in 1866. Mr. Miller was married
first in this county, in Dec, 1857, to Mary E. Riggins, who died
Feb. 18, 1879, leaving 7 children, one girl and 6 boys, whose ages
range from four to 20. He was married a second time, to Victoria
Saj'r, of this county, with whom he now enjoys the comforts of
home and family. Mr. M. began life with no resources other than
his good will and muscle,'and by this means has succeeded in gain-

^ e^ ^^.^^-r^.^

ROCK CREEK TP.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 855

ing a well-improved farm of 120 acres, a neat and comfortable res-
idence, besides his personal property. He had the advantages of
instruction such as the common schools aiiorded, and has a special
delight for works of art and history.

Thomas 2^iohoh'07i, a native of Carlisle, England, was born in
ISoO. He emigrated to Boston. Mass., in 1S32, where he and his
father were employed in the cotton factories. He was the son of
George Nicholson, a flax-dresser by occupation, who died soon after
settling in this tp., in 1S37. His mother died in Winsington,
Mass., in lS3i. Mr. N., who has never bowed before the hymeneal
altar, or assumed the cares and responsi])ilities of a wedded life, is
enjoying his happy old days of seventy-live years, the principal
light, life, and substance, of the little village of LaCrosse. Mr. W.
has two living sisters and one brother: Wallace, Elizabeth and
Mary. Elizabeth is the wife of Calvin Westfall, a farmer of this
tp. Mary McCollock, a widowed lady who cares for the domestic
interests of Mr. N., is the younger sister, and the mother of 2 chil-
dren. "Uncle Tommy" is of a genial turn of mind, always in a
good humor, and with his appearance, the " blues " and all
despondent feelings must vanish. During his better days he took
a tour to California, Central America, and New York; was one of
the boys who gave the Mormons their special invitation to cross the
Mississippi. He resides on his farm near LaCrosse, where he owns
several business houses and lots.

Henri/ Pennoch is the son of Syh'ester Pennock, who was a
native of New York, and came to tliis county in 1S40. After staying
one year in Fountain Green, he settled on sec. 22 of this tp., where
the old residence still stands. He died in 1S62, and his remains
are interred on the old home farm, where he raised a large family.
His mother, also a native of New York, died in Jan., ISSO, and lies
buried beside his fathei-. She was a Methodist by faith and the
mother of 5 sons and 5 daughters. Henry, the oldest son, is of
medium stature, weighs 1-1:5 lbs., and was born in N. Y. in 1834.
He is a farmer and stock-raiser, and resides on sec. 22, where he
owns 3-15 acres of land. He also owns 80 acres in sec. 3. He was
married in 1859 to Margaret Tyner, a daughter of Squire Tyner,
of Burnside. She is the mother of 5 girls and 2 boys: George,
Virginia, Lucy, Murry, Florence, Ethel andLula; and are all at
this time, on the home farm. Mr. P. shared with many others
the financial disaster of 1876, but otherwise has been a successful
manager. He has one of the best farms in the county, and a very
neat residence in which, with his happy family, he spends his
leisure hours.

Alexander Phillippi is a farmer by occupation. He was born
in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. His father, George
Phillippi, was a native of Penn., and of German ancestry. He is
a member of the Church of L^nited Brethren. He is living, at
this writing, aged 78 years.

His mother, who died (1837) when Alexander was quite young,

49

856 HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTT.

•was of Irish descent, and a member of the United Brethren Church.
Her maiden name was Mary McClellan.

His step-mother, Catharine Knomire, was of German descent
and a native of Penn. She is still living, and is but seven daj's his
father's junior.

Mr. rhillippi emigrated to Fulton county. 111., in 1862. He
was married in that county in 1856 to Martha Burnett, a native of
the same county. She died Jivh' 6, 1S65. Her only child, George,
is now a boy of 17. Mr. Phillippi was married the second time to
Mrs. Mary Frye, of Fulton county, in 1868. She at that time was
the mother of two girls. Alma and Emma. Alma is now a teacher.
Ella and Frank, aged respectively twelve and seven, are of the last
union. Mr. Phillippi received an education such as the common
schools of his day afforded. He has been successful as a farmer,
and now owns 28 acres of well-improved prairie land, on which he
has recently constructed a comfortable residence and barn costing
nearly $3,000.

Joseph F. Place was born near Winchester, Frederick county,
Va., Feb. 13, 1816; parents' names, Abraham and Siarah (Kin-
drick) Place, both natives of Ya. Abraham Place was of English
descent, his father having come from " Merry England."

When the subject of this sketch was si.x years of age, his parents
moved to Muskingum county, Ohio, taking him with them. One
3'ear afterward his father died in that county. His mother then
moved to Pickaway county, Ohio, near Circleville. About one
month after her arrival in that county, she also died, leaving a
family of 8 children, 6 at home, our subject, Joseph F. Place,
being next to the youngest. Thus, at the tender age of seven years,
he was thrown upon the world. His mother's brother, Thornton
Kindrick, took him home, where he lived some six years. During
his uncle's absence he returned to Muskingum county, O., and
lived with a brother-in-law, George Gayer, six years. Then being
about nineteen years of age, he commenced working on his own
hook, at seven dollars per month, on a farm. During the following
two years he attended the district school, two months each winter,
in all four months. This, with intervals of a few daj's at differ-
ent times, was all the opportunities for education that Mr. Place
ever had. He estimates that ten months would include all his time
spent in school. Mr. P. worked in this way up to the fall of 1839,
when he sowed a crop of thirty acres of wheat on shares. Before
this was harvested he entered 120 acres of land in Putnam county,
Ohio. This cost him $150 in money that he had saved while work-
ing by the month. He then "cropped" with Samuel Baxter for
the next two years, at which they were successful. In 1812 he
was married to Eliza Garsuch, who died in Februar\', 1815. He
followed farming and cropping on his and other lands until 1846,
when he engaged in trading and dealing in sheep, driving them
to market across the Alleghany mountains into Yirginia and
Maryland, selling to farmers, etc. In 1848 he was married to his

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 857

present wife, whose name was Eleanor Baxter, daughter of Samuel
Baxter, a native of Virginia. About this time Mr. P. turned his
attention to farming and stock-raising on a larger scale than he had
previously, renting large farms of 300 acres, and giving half of what
was raised — the same as $2,000 per year. He fallowed farming in
this way until the war broke out. He then bought twenty-three
acres of land on credit of four years. Before this time expired, he
bought fifty acres more adjoining, at $50 per acre. In 1864 he
sold this seventy-three acres for $5,500, and came to Illinois, locat-
ing on section 15, Pilot Grove tp., June 5, 1865. The homestead
now consists of 1-40 acres of good farm lands and 36 acres of timber.
Mr. Place has a family of 3 children — Rilla F., Charles B., who
married Mary James, and now lives in Disco (they have one child),
and John B.. who lives at home with his parents.

Mr. Place is a Republican, and while in Ohio served as Super-
visor, School Trustee, and County Clerk. He has the repu-
tation of being a thoroughly honest and conscientious man in all
dealings with others, and generous and hospitable in an eminent
degree. When quite a young man he was often selected bj' neigh-
bors to arbitrate and settle differences where they existed, they
having the utmost confidence in his good judgment and impar-
tiality in deciding an}' case presented to him. As an acquaintance
who has known him for years says, he is '* honest" for the pure love
of honesty. A higher compliment could scarcely be paid to
any one.

We give Mr. Place's portrait in this volume, on page 843.

Joseph Thompson was born in Wayne county, O., in 1823. His
father, Archibald Thompson, was a native of Virginia, of Scotch
origin, and a mechanic by trade. He died at the age of 74, and
is buried in Wayne county, O. His mother's maiden name was
Martha Fitzsimmons. She was of Irish descent, a native of Penn-
sylvania, and she died a Presbyterian by faith, at the age of nearly
74, in Ohio. Mr. Thompson is a farmer, and has had good health
during his entire life. He was married in Crawford county, O.,
in 1847, to Sarah E. Flarper, of Pennsylvania. She is the mother
of 4 daughters and one son: Jennie, Mattie, Alice, Walter and
Hettie. Alice is a teacher of acknowledged ability and seven
years' experience. Walter, a young man of 20, has taught one
term, and is now attending Carthage College.

Mr. Thompson shared but few of the benefits of the schools of
his day, and is wisely profiting by his own loss, in giving his chil-
dren due encouragement. He has weathered through all financial
disasters. Has a comfortable home of 174 acres, on sections 9
and 17 of this tp., where he settled in September, 1854.

William Tyner is one of the oldest settlers in this tp. ; is 64
years of age, weighs 180 pounds, and has enjoyed good health dur-
ing his entire life. He was born in Franklin county, Ky., in 1814,
and emigrated to this county in 1846. He has been a resident of
this tp. 34 years. His father, Solomon Tyner, was a native of South

858 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Carolina, and of Scocth descent. He was a farmer by occupa-
tion, and a Calvinistic Baptist by faith. His mother, whose
maiden name was Jemima Henderson, was also of Scotch descent
a member of the same Church as his father, and a native of South
Carolina. His parents in early life emigrated to Franklin county,
lud., thence to Hancock county of the same State, where they
remained until death. Mr. Tyner was married in 1832, to Susan
Egan, of Franklin county, Ind. She is a worthy member of the
Christian Church, and the mother of 9 children, 8 of whom are
now living — 3 boys and 5 girls. Mr. Tyner received his education
at the Greenfield (Ind.) Seminary, and was sent to the Legislature
from Hancock county, in 1856; has acted as Township Treasurer of
school funds 28 years, and Justice of Peace 24 years. He has been
very successful in his business, which has been chiefly farming.
He is now making loans and dealing in notes, bonds, etc. He has
a large and beautiful residence in Burnside, where he makes the
eomfort and happiness of his family the chief object of his life.

George Waggener is the son of James Waggener, an early
settler of Kentucky, formerly from Virginia. George was the
only son in a family of 3 childi-en. He was born in Jefterson
county, Ky., afterward removing to Todd county, where, after his
father died, he was the overseer of a large farm. His mother was
also a native of Virginia, and died in Todd county, Ky. After
his mother died, George emigrated to this State, and settled on
sec. 31, of this tp., in 1837. He had such advantages for educa-
tion as the subscription schools of that day aft'orded, which were
very meager. He was married before he emigrated, in 1835, to
Mary F. Anderson; nativity, Kentucky; parents, from Virginia.
She is the mother of 3 sons and 2 daughters, all living; James N.,
William J., Jasper B., Sarah E, and Mary O., all residing in this
vicinity, except William, who is farming in Jasper county, Iowa.
Mr. W. by occupation is a farmer and stock-raiser; also has a small
farm or two and a handsome income, which amply provides for his
declining years. Although a man of 60, he has the business snap
of most men of 30. He was an active operator in the Mormon
difficulties, not one of those who did the shooting, but the man
who hauled the amunition for those who did. He was first into
the jail when the Smiths were killed, and picking up the revolver
which Smith had emptied, presented it to the authorities when
called on the Coroner's jury. Uncle George is loyal from the
ground up. He had 2 sons, William and Jasper, in the 2d 111.
Cav., under Col. Marsh; were in several battles, among which were
Holly Springs, Vicksburg, etc.; were taken prisoners at Organza.
Uncle George and lady belong to the Missionary Baptist society.
He and Stephen Jacobs are the only pioneers of 1837 remaining
in Pilot Grove tp.

Henry C. Yetter is a man of medium height and weight, quick
movement and the appearance of a shrewd, sagacious business man.
He was born in Dayton, O., in 1843; came to this county in 1853, and

HISTOKY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 869

settled in this tp. His father, Louis Yetter, was a native of Pennsyl '
vania, and a farmer by occupation. Ills mother's maiden name was
Elizabeth Bear. She was a native of the same State; her chief
characteristic was the interest she took in the moral advancement
of her community, and an honored member of the Christian
Church. She lies buried in the Fountain Green cemetery, beside
her husband.

Mr. Yetter was married Sept. 2, 1877, to Miss Ida McGee, ot
Zanesville, O. Her parents removed to this county, and now re-
side in Rock Creek tp. This marriage has been blessed with 2
children, one boy and one girl. Mr. Yetter has suffered no mate-
rial financial losses in his time, and is now engaged in the drug
business. He is in easy circumstances, living a happy life with
his little family, at this place. He is, politically, a Republican in
every sense of the word. He belongs to no particular religious
denomination, yet is a hearty supporter of temperance, and the
highest moral standard of his community. He has had charge of
the Burnside postoliice 10 years; served a term of three years in
the late civil war. He was in several very warm engagements,
among which were the battles of Champion Hills, Fort Gibson,
Black river bridge, siege of Yicksburg, besides several minor
skirmishes. He received an honorable discharge at Baton Rouge,
and arrived safe in Hancock county, without the slightest scratch.

TOWNSHIP J OFFICIALS.

Following is a catalogue of the officers, with the years in which
they were elected, that have served this township since its organ-
ization:

SUPEEVISOES.

Samuel K. Richey 1850 John "W. Lionberger 1870

William Tyner 1851 Wellington Janney 1871

William Bray 1858 William Pettit 1872

Thomas Jones 1863 C. H.Phelps 1873

Thomas Nichelson 1863 Wellington Janney 1874

William Tyner 1865 William Black 1875

John W. Lionberger 1866 Wellington Janney 1877

William Tyner 1868 William Bray 1879

Wellington Jimney 1869 Alexander Phillippi 1880

James W. Roath 1855 M. E. Jacobs 1871

Merrill Andrews 1856 Neil O. McKay 1872

J. K. Duffield 1858 Ed. E. Aleshire 1877

W. W. Simms 1861 Jas. McCormick 1878

Neil O. McKay 1863 Jas. H. Jackson 1879

J. P. Lair 1868 D. C Tyner 1880

Wm. H. Doss 1870

860

HISTORY OF HArCOOK COUNTY.

ASSrSJOES.

James Westfall 1855

James Waggoner 1858

M. B. Mann 1861

Alfred Pettit 1863

Peter Cheney 1863

Iroby S. Perkins 1865

Thomas McGhan 1866

Isaac Cooper 1867

Alfred M. Glaze " 1868

William Pettit 1870

Alfred M. Glaze 1872

James E. Decker 1873

John W. Lionberger 1874

Ed. E. Aleshire..? 1878

Hiram Sears 18';9

Slater Shriver 1880

COLLECTOES.

Merrill Andrews 1855

Clinton Cutler 1856

Merrill Andrews 1858

J. S. Perkins 1861

Wm. W. Simms 1863

John W. Lionberger 1863

William Pettit 1865

John M. Springer :...1867

Neil O. McKay 1868

Wm. H. Grove 1869

Wm. H. Doss 1870

M. E. Jacobs 1871

Solomon Saulsbury 1872

Thomas McGhan 1874

Jas. McCormick 1875

Josiah Hemingway 1876

M. V. Riley 1879

John W. Lionberger 1880

ROCK CREEK TOWNSHIP.

This township, 6-7, as elsewhere stated, is all prairie laad.
Larry's creek, emptying into the Mississippi, and Kock creek and
Pilot Grove creek emptying into Crooked creek, all head within its
limits, and yet none of them have any timber. It contains about
three miles of the T., P. & W. across its southeast corner, and six
miles of the C, B. & Q., on a due north line. The villages of
Ferris and Adrian are two pleasant little places witliin its limits.
The first laid out, June, 1869, by Charles G. Gilchrist and Hiram
G. Ferris, is at the crossing of the T., P. & W. and C, B. & Q.
roads.

Adrian, on the latter, was laid out by Warren Yaple and G. "W.
Jacks, September, 1S73, and named from Adrian, Mich., by Arthur
Rice, son of Orrin Rice, then running as postal clerk on the C, B.
& Q. Railroad. Orrin Rice was born in New York, came from
Cincinnati, 0., about 1857, to Oakwood, and settled in this town-
ship in 1866.

Among the first settlers in Rock Creek township may be named
the Ellisons, Lamberts, Saulsburys, Yaples, McCalls, Baileys,
Abl)otts, Alstons, Terrys, Thornbers, etc. Isaac Roseberry, George
Singleton, Isaac Bellew, Jedediah Bellew, John Bellew, are old
settlers in the neighborhood.

For the following statement concerning the first school taught in
the township, we are indebted to Mr. M. Alston, a present citizen
there. The first meeting held for the election of school officers, was
at the residence of Mr. John Alston, a log cabin 15 feet square,
located on the southwest quarter of sec. 9, now no more, having
gone into stove-wood. [We have before us a sketch of this cabin
for insertion, but must omit it, as we could print little else if we
undertook to insert all tlie log cabins of 18-17.] The meeting was
held Oct. 16, 1847, nine voters present, electing Henry Thornber,
Timothy Ten-y and Matthew Ellison, Sr., for Trustees, and John
Alston, Treasurer.

After the election of officers, the next thing must be a school.
But there was no school-house, and no funds to build one. So it
was decided to employ Mrs. Ann Alston, wife of John Alston,
school to be taught at their residence. A bargain was made for her
to teach ten weeks for $20.00. School began in January and ended
in March, 1818. The following are the names of the pupils, ten in
number: Thomas Ellison, Margaret Ellison, Mary H. Ellison,
Ralph Ellison, John Terry, Sarah Terry, George Terry, Ellen E.
Terry, Matthew Alston, Ellen Jane Alston. The old original
schedule of said school is still in possession of John Alston.
(861)

862 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Our correspondent refers to this as a school of the " pioneer
times," and it is for that prairie township; but he will find men-
tion herein of schools taught fifteen years earlier in the county.

There are a number of neat school buildings in this township at
present, indicating that educational matters have progressed at
even pace with other improvements from that first small beginning.

RELIGIOUS PROGRESS.

Our information of Church matters in this township is very
limited. There is a Methodist church edifice and society at
Adrian, number of members not stated ; and one, if not more
churches and societies, at Ferris, of which we have no account.

There is a congregation of the Reorganized Church of Latter-
Day Saints (commonly known as the Josephite Mormons) located
near the west line of the township. It was organized in 1S63, by
Elder James Burgess, with about 20 members. It was composed
principally of persons wlio, having belonged to the old organization,
rejected the polygamy doctrines and other teachings and practices
of the Brighamites, and chose to remain behind, rather than follow
a false prophet into the wilderness. This branch continued steadily
to increase, and now (1879) numbers iO or 50 members, Elder
Lambert being its Pastor. The snug little building for worship
erected for this branch is situated near Mr. Lambert's residence,
and was put up several years ago.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

Charles Ahhott, being an earlier settler of the "West, deserves
more than a passing notice in a work like this. He was born in
Lorain county, Ohio, Dec. 8, 1833, and is a son of Orlan and
Lucinda Abbott; he came with his parents to Schuyler county, 111.,
in 1840, and to this county in 1844; at that time wild animals
were numerous; he saw at one time sixty deer in a single drove.
Mr. Abbott was reared on a farm and educated in a subscription
school. When they first located in Illinois there were no schools
of any character within his reacli; he attended the academy at
Carthage about eight months, but in the main he is a self-made
man. He has taught school for eighteen winters, farming in the
summer. He was married in 1850 to Miss Nancy J. Jones, a native
of Tennessee; they have had 11 children, of whom 6 boys and 3
girls are living. Mr. Abbott also owns an agricultural store in
Ferris, in which he keeps all kinds of agricultural implements, and
is doing a good business. His brother George was a soldier in the
late war; his father resides in Jefferson county, Kansas, at the age
of 75 years.

David Akin was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, October 12,
1809, and is a son of John and Jane (Weatherspoon) Akin; the
former was a blacksmith, and our subject earh' learned to sling
the hammer and make the anvil ring. He worked at this trade the

,^ . ^^C6^-ai^^

ROCK CREEK TP.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 865

greater part of his life, and also added wagon work to it, which
gave hiiii a great deal of work both in iron and wood. He was
married in 1831 to Miss Hannah Cooper, by whom he has had 4
children; of these, 3 are living; viz., James F., John W. (a
Doctor in Tennessee, Illinois) and Rachel Jane. Mr. Akin came to
Schuyler county, Illinois, in 1859, and to this county in 1S6S; in
1875 he engaged in thesaleof agricultural implements in the town
of Adrian; in this he has been very successful; he also sells a great
number of wagons; he resides on sec. 9, Hock Creek tp.

W. O. Alphin. — This enterprising young business man was born
in Schuyler county, Illinois, February 26, 1850, and is a son of
Henry and Hannah Alphin ; the former laid out the original first
part of the town of Adrian, in 1871. W. O. was reared on a
farm and educated in common schools and Hedding College at
Abingdon, Illinois; he was married in 1874 to Miss Mary Leonard,
by whom he has had 3 children, 2 of whom are still living; viz.,
Llewella and Adda. Mr. Alphin came to this county in 1874, and
engaged in farming for three yeai's; he commenced the drug busi-
ness in Adrian in 1877, and now carries a full line of drugs, notions,
groceries, cutlery, etc., and is doing a good business. One very
remarkable feature in his business is, he is strictly a temperance
man, and neither keeps nor sells spirituous liquors.

Matthew Alston is a native of Hancock county. 111., and was
born December 11, 1S42. His parents, John and Ann Alston,
removed to Chicago when Matthew was but two years old, where
they remained three years. His mother taught the first school in
Rock Creek tp. Mr. Alston was reared on a farm and educated ir
the common schools. He served thi-ee years in the late war, in Co.
F, 50th Regt. I.V. I., and participated in the battles of Fort Henry,
Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth, Resaca and others. He was mar-
ried October 14, 1867, to Miss Tabitha A. McConkey, by whom
he has 2 children; viz., Robert H. and David J. Mr. Alston owns
106 acres of valuable land, and is engaged in farming and stock-
raising, on sec. 4.

J. E. Atkins was born in "Wake county, N. C, March 26, 1826.
His parents were Wm . L. and Frances Atkins. Mr. J. R. Atkins
was reared on a farm and educated in a subscription school. He
was married in 1848 to Miss Roxana Hargraves, by whom he had
12 children; of these, 7 are living; viz., Robert, Alexander, Benja-
min, William, Charles, Eva and Nettie. Mr. Atkins removed to
this county in 1850, where he still resides and is engaged in farm-
ing and stock-raising. Mr. A. began life with nothing, and now
he owns 200 acres of valuable land. Mrs. Atkins died Jan. 16,
1876.

Wright B. Bailey was born in Harrison county, Ya., Oct. 7,
1810, and is a son of Samuel and Agnes (Hudson) Bailey (dec. .
The latter was a descendant of the noted Henry Hudson, who first
discovered and sailed up the Hudson river. Mr. Bailey was
reared on a farm and received a very limited education in a sub-

866 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

scription school. His text-books consisted of a Testament, a
speller, and an arithmetic. So anxious was he to learn to write, that
he procured a piece of soapstoue from the creek and dressed its
side smooth, and when a neighbor would happen in, he would have
him make the letters of the alphabet at the top of this rude slate,
and Mr. B. would sit for hours imitating the copy. He never
heard a grammar lesson recited in school. He was married in 1834,
to Miss Melinda Bailej-, by whom he has had 9 children: oftliese,
7 are living; viz., Margaret, Sallie, Colbert, George, Maria, Vic-
toria and James 0. They removed to this county in 1850. Mr.
Bailey is a farmer and stock-raiser, on sec. i.

Alfred E. Barnard was born in Canada July 14, 1841. His
parents were John and Freelove Barnard (dec). Mr. Barnard was
reared on a farm near Rockville, Canada, on the St. Lawrence river.
He was educated in a common school taught in a log house. He
went to Buiialo, New- York, in 1859, whei-e lie learned the carpen-
ter's trade. He came to this county in 1866, and pursued his
trade for 2 years. He was married May 18, 1867, to Miss Mary
Alston, and they have had 4 children, of whom two are living,
Anna G. and Frances T. Mr. B. erected a store-house in 1874, in
Adrian, and engaged in the drug business for two years there, when
he sold out and commenced farming. He has been Justice of the
Peace for Rock Creek tp. for 3 years, and is the present incum-
bent.

Dr. R. W. Barr was born in Wood county, Ohio, April 7, 1847.
He was reared on a farm and received a common-school education.
He served 2 years in the late war, being a member of Co. A., 14th
O. V. I. He first went into the war merely as company for some
of his friends, as he was at that time but 14 years old. But he
soon afterward enlisted, and carried a gun, too. He was taken
prisoner at Shenandoah Valley, and held for one year. He was
kept three months in the noted Libby prison, and his brother John
was also kept 40 days in the same place. Dr. Barr participated
also in the battles of Wildcat, Cumberland Gap, Mill Springs,
Pittsburg Landing, Wilmington and others. He was present and
saw Gen. Frye shoot and kill Gen. ZoUicofler at Mill Springs. The
Doctor was married in 1S73, to Miss Genevra E. Lynd, by whom
he has had 2 children; viz., William H. (dec.) and Frederick.

Dr. Barr is a graduate of the Keokuk College of Physicians
and Surgeons, and began the practice of medicine in Ferris, this
county, in 1872, and by close attention to business and the consci-
entious discharge of ever}' known duty, has won the confidence of
the people, and has thus built up a large practice, which is steadily
increasing.

James H. Camphell was born in McDonough county, Illinois,
May 1, 1836, and is a son ot Nicholas and Mary (McGee) Camp-
bell, pioneers of McDonough county. Mr. C. was reared on a farm
and received a common-school education. He came to this county
with his parents in 1851; was married Aug. 9, 1856, to Miss

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTV. 867

America Frakes, by whom he has 2 children; viz., Francis M.
and Ida A. Francis M. is a leader of the Ferris Cornet Band,
which was organized in 1S77. Mr. Campbell took a Western tour
in 1864, through Montana, Idaho, LFtah, and other Western coun-
tries, visiting Salt Lake City and other noted cities in the West.
He resides on sec. 33, engaged in farming.

Samuel Coleman, deceased, was born in Zanesville, Ohio, March
16, 1850, and was a son of John and Letitia Coleman (dec); was
reared on a farm and received a common-school education. He
was married in March, 1842, to Miss Jane Bennett, daughter of
Silas and Lucinda Bennett (dec). They have had 9 children, of
whom 7 are living: Letitia, John W. , Lucinda M., Rosaltha,
Charles, Martin L. and Harry I. A son, Clifton T., died in
Colorado, Jan. 11, 1879.

Mr. Coleman and family came to Greene county. 111., in 1843,
and to this county in 1844. He was a farmer by occupation. He
died May 9, 1874.

Christian Craraherg was born in Prussia, July 2, 1835, and is
a son of John V. and Martha E. Cramberg: he was reared and
educated in the town of Niederdorla, Prussia. He came to this
country in 1851, by way of !New Orleans and St. Louis, stop-
ping in Adams county. 111. While at New Orleans he came near
losing his life when bathing in the gulf. He there labored on a
farm. He was married in 1857 to Mary Weisenborn, by whom he
had 8 children; viz., Emily, George, Sophia, Ida, Johnnie, Tillie,
Anna and Oscar. He came to this county in 1872. He owns 160
acres of valuable land on sec. 3, and is engaged in farming,

Benjamin Franklin Duvall was born in Todd county,- Ky.,
May 24, 1835; his parents names were Moses and Martha (Butler)
Duvall, the former of Virginia, and of French ancestry, and the lat-
ter of Kentucky and of Irish descent; they both died in Todd
county, Ky. He was a farmer and stone-cutter. Benj. F. lived
in Todd county until nearly 21 years of age, when, in November,
1855, he came to Harmony tp., this count}-; attended school the
first winter here; in the spring commenced working as a hired
hand on a farm, at $16 or $17 a month; taught school the following
two winters. September 2, 1858, he married Sarah J. Burnett, who
died Feb. 22, 1863, leaving 3 children, Martha E., William H. and
Joseph J., who are still living. Mr. D. lived in Macoupin county,
111., from the time of his marriage until his wife's death. In the
fall of 1863 he returned to this county and bought 50 acres on
sec. 15, Harmony tp. ; sold it the next year and purchased theN.W.
\ of sec. 23, Rock Creek tp., a piece of raw prairie land. He
immediately built a small house, 16 by 24, and also put up barns,
fences, orchard, etc. January 1, 1867, he married Miss Mary F. Mil-
ler, a native of Kentucky and a resident of Macoupin county at the
time of marriage. Their children are: Charles E., George F., Fred-
erick A., Albert G. and Clara A. In the spring of 1872 Mr. D.
exchanged the last-mentioned farm for his present one, which is the

868 HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

N. W. i of sec. 15, this tp. He carried on the ^rain and commis-
sion business at Ferris for several years, but at present liis chief
occupation is that of agriculture, the raising of live stock, etc.;
pays considerable attention also to the buying and shipping of
stock.

Being left a half-orphan at the age of 14, his father having died,
he was early thrown upon his own resources, and he was the eldest
of S children. They were obliged to rent land, and young
Benjamin was virtually the head of the family until he left home.
Through his exertions all the children received some education.
At tlie age of 20 he was given time by his mother, and he imme-
diately came to Illinois.

In politics, Mr. Duvall is a Democrat, and is now serving his
eighth year as Supervisor; has also been Justice of the Peace four
years.

Mr. Duvall's portrait is given in this book, on p. 853.

O'dhert Eirl was born in Schoharie county, N. Y., Jan. 3,
1823, and is a son of John E. and Hannah Earl, also natives of
New York. Tiiey were the parents of 7 boys and 3 girls, of whom
5 boys and one girl are living. Gilbert was reared on a farm,
and received a common-school education. In 1841: John E. Earl
and family (except his eldest son, Stephen D.) came to this county
by the following circuitous route: By boat on the Erie canal to
Buffalo; thence on Lake Erie to Cleveland, Ohio; thence by the
Ohio canal to Portsmoutli, Ohio.; thence down the Ohio river to
Cairo, and from there on the Mississippi river to Warsaw. They
were three weeks and three days in accomplishing the journey.
The Earl family are considerably scattered. Three are in this State,
two in Minnesota, and the sister in Kansas. Mr. Earl was
married in September, 1853, to Miss Arsula Thompson, by whom
he had 7 children; of these but 2 are living — John and Frances.
Mrs. Earl died April 10, 1863. Mr. Earl was again married April
22, 1865; this time to Miss Minerva A. Jackson, by whom he has
had 4 children; of these, 3 are living — Elizabeth, Charles G. and
Jane. Mr. Earl was a soldier in the Mormon war, and stood guard
over some fire-arms while the Mormons were crossing the river in
their flight from Xauvoo, to prevent their being stolen by the
Mormons. He took an active part in the battle of Nauvoo, and
has corrected the statement that seven of the citizens were killed
in this contest. He states that 13 men were wounded, and one
mortally wounded; but not a man was killed outright. Mr. Earl is
a farmer b}' occupation, but now has his farm rented, and resides
in Ferris, where he owns four houses and as many town lots. His
elder brother, Stephen D., who came from Xew York in the fall of
1879, now resides with him in Ferris. It would be proper here to
remark that when the Earl family arrived in Warsaw in 1844, the
father had but ,^2.50 in money, and but very little if anything with
which to begin keeping liouse.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 869

Thomas Ellison, fanner, sec. 9; P. O., Adrian; was born in
Yorkshire, Enc;land, Nov. 18, 1830, and is a son of Matthew and
Jane Ellison (deceased), who emigrated to this county in 1843, set-
tling in Rock Creek tp., and was among the first who made im-
provements in the tp. "When the Ellison family arrived here there
were four men in Rock Creek tp. ; viz., Timothy T. Terry, Abraham
Shaw, Richard Lambert and a Mr. Spencer. Mr. Ellison was reared
on a farm, and received a common-school education. He was married
Nov. 12, 187-i. to Miss Eleanor, daughter of John Davison, of this
tp. Mr. and Mrs. Ellison have one child, Ida. Mr. E. is engaged
in farming and stock-raising, owning 620 acres of valuable land.

John Spicer Ewell. — Mr. Ewell, whose portrait is given on
page 863, was born in Greene county. Pa., April 4, 1835. His
parents' names were Thos. H. and Abigail (Phillips) Ewell, the
former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Pennsylvania. Plesy
Ewell was the father of Tlios. H., and lived in Virginia. John S.
Ewell's advantages in an educational way were limited; his father
being a farmer, his time in the summer was employed on the farm,
and he attended school only in the winter and very little at that.

In May, 1S57, Mr. Ewell was married to Miss Nancy Schriver, a
daughter of Abraham Schriver, of Monongahela county, Virginia.
Mr. Ewell afterward took up his residence in that county and com-
menced farming. On the breaking out of the war of the great
Rebellion he, being an ardent Union man, felt it to be his duty to
enlist as a soldier for the defense of the nation's life. With this
purpose in view, he lett his family to the care of his friends and
enlisted in the 14th West Virginia Volunteer Infantry in 1862;
with this regiment he served three 3-ears, being one year a prisoner
of war. He was with his regiment at the battles of Martinsburg,
Va., Williamsport, Md., and Little Petersburg, Va., and partici-
pated in the battle of " Flo3-d's Mountain," Va. ; in this engage-
ment he was shot three times: first, on the upper lip; second, on the
left shoulder; and third, under the right arm. Each was made by
a musket ball. None of these wounds was of a very serious nature
and did not discommode him. He with 35 men belonging to his
company were detailed to take care of the wounded on the battle-
field, and while doing so were captured by Rebel cavalry under
command of John Morgan. The battle occurred on May 9, 1864;
and toward the last of May he and his comrades, 36 in all, found
themselves inmatesof Andersonvilleprison, Georgia. At this "prison
pen " he with the others sufiered untold misery from hunger,
thirst, filth and disease; and saw prisoners subjected to all manner
of cruelty and abuse, even in some cases shooting them in their
sleep. Mr. Ewell had dwindled nearly to a skeleton, when the
news of Gen. Sherman's famous march alarmed the prison authori-
ties and they ordered the prisoners removed to other quarters
for safer keeping. After leaving Andersonville the prisoners wei-e
" corraled " in camp at a place called ''Black Shear." Mr. Ewell
and a comrade succeeded in m^aking their escape in this wise:

870 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

There were guards or sentries stationed all around the camp. Mr.
E. and comrade approached one of tlie guards and requested to be
allowed to step out a few feet to gather some pine kuots to bnild a
fire, as it had been raining; and the guard, being a good-natured
fellow, granted the request. Not over 50 feet from the camp was a
dense swamp. Thej' commenced (as the guard doubtless thought)
picking up pine knots, but in reality getting nearer the edge of
the swamp; and while the guard's back was turned, on a signal
from Mr. E., both jumped into the edge of the swamp, as it was down
a bank and in dense bushes. They of course were out of sight,
though they expected to be fired upon by the guard instantly, but
were happily disappointed, and never could account for this fact,
except that the guard was afraid to attract attention to the escape,
as his part in allowing them to pass might be discovered. They
struggled through the swamp, and that night at great risk
approached a house which they found occupied by a gay party of
dancers. Rebel officers; in a cellar near this house they dug out
some sweet potatoes, even while people were passing in a path 15
feet away, but were not discovered. They immediately retired to
the timber, built a fire and ate roasted sweet potatoes until morning.
The next day or so they were given food by a negro, who also pi-
loted them on their way toward the Union lines. Finally one
morning they were discovered by some citizens, when they took
refuge in a swamp, which was immediately surrounded by a picket
guard; but that night they crept through the guard, and when
only 12 miles from the Union lines they were captured again by
the Rebels. Thus it lifid been nearly six days since their escape;
had lived on sweet potatoes all the time, and had traveled over 250
miles. After an absence of 12 days they were sent back to " Black
Shear" camp, and some time afterward returned to Andersonville.
April 28, 1865, Mr. Ewell was released from Andersonville, he
and two others being all that were left alive of the 36 that were
taken prisoners at the same time.

As the war was about ended, the regiment was some time after-
ward ordered to Columbus, Ohio, to be mustered out. Mr. E. had
not heard a word from his family for over a year. Before going to
Columbus, he went home. In passing up a path, approaching his
farm, he met a woman, who proved to be his wife; and after the
first words of greeting and surprise had passed, told him that her-
self and all his friends had heard that he was dead. It was a glad
surprise to all. On his return Mr. Ewell again went to work on
his farm, but believing that Illinois offered a better field for his
energies, in 1S67 lie moved to the State, locatingin Rock Creek
tp., on northwest J of sec. 11, buying SO acres. W^hen Mr. Ewell
first came to this tp., there was not a honse where Adrian now
stands. In the fall of 1871, Mr. Ewell entered the mercantile
business, opening a store for that purpose at Adrian, and in which
he has been engaged up to the jjresent time. He keeps a general
stock of goods, and his sales amount on an average from $25,000 to

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 871

$30,000 per year. He also deals largely in buying and shipping
stock and grain of all kinds; lias two warehouses which have a
capacity for 10,000 bushels of grain. He ships, on an average,
from 250 to 300 cars of grain perj'ear, and 7-5 cars of stock. Mr.
Ewell also owns the southeast J of sec. 14, in this tp. Mr. and
Mrs. Ewell reside at Adrian, and are surrounded by a family of 5
children, whose names are Marion D., Marvin Ellsworth, Wateman
T. AVillie, Daisey and an infant. Mr. Ewell is a Republican in
politics, and has been Postmaster at Adrian since 1S71.

William R. Frahes. Being a native of this county, Mr. Frakes
is identified with its history, and therefore is entitled to more than
a passing notice in a work like this. He was born, June 15, 1S35,
and is a son of Thompson and Elizabeth Frakes (dec), early
pioneers of this count}*. He has followed the pursuits of farming
and plastering. His education was received, for the most part, in a
subscription school. He was married in August, 1S71, to Mrs.
Am}' (Camp) Fisher, by whom he has had one child, William R.
Mrs. Frakes has one child by her former husband, Katie Fisher.
Mr. Frakes is engaged in farming and resides on sec. 33. His two
brothers, Daniel and Joel, were soldiers for Uncle Sam in the late
war.

Benton Heath is a native of Crawford county, 111., and was
born Jan. 28, 1834. His parents were Renick and Malinda
Heath, early settlers of that count}'. Mr. Heath was reared on a
farm and educated in a common school. He was united in mar-
riage in the year 1860, with Lydia A. Stiles, by whom he has had
7 children; of these, 4 are living;'viz., Malinda, Eleanor, Silas and
Lester. Mr. Heath came to this tp. in 1857, where he now re-
sides, on sec. 2, engaged in farming. His father was a soldier in
the Black Hawk war.

Elijah B. Hughes was born in Butler county, O., Kov. 10, 1845,
and is a son of Daniel and Elizabeth Hughes. He came with his
parents to Adams county, 111., in 1855. He was reared on a farm
and educated in the common school. He was married in 1867, to
Miss Laura Powell, by whom he has had 8 children; of these, 6 are
living — Emma E., Mary L., Annie E., Ella R., Elijah B. and an
infant girl. Mr. Hughes came to this county in 1879, and resides
on sec. 22, where he is engaged in farming and stock-raising.

Bichard Lambert -was horn Nov. 17, 1822, in Yorkshire, Eng.,
where he was reared and educated. His parents were Richard and
Patience Lambert. He emigrated to Nauvoo in 1840. In 1841 he
went to Carthage, where he engaged with Marvin & Charles Street,
as clerk and overseer of the warehouse, for the period of 15 mouths.
He then, in 1842, located in this tp. He was married in 1843, to
Miss Jane Thornber, by whom he has had 15 children; of these, 12
are living, 6 boys and 6 girls. Mr. Lambert owns 240 acres of
valuable land, and r sides on sec. 7, this tp., where he is engaged
in farming and stock-raising. He is a very prominent worker and
Elder in the re-orsranized church of the Latter Dav Saints.

872 HISTOEY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

John W. Lowrey was born in Schuyler county, 111., Aug. 23,
18i5, and is a son of Edward and Harriet Lowrey, now residing in
Carthage tp. He was raised a farmer's boy, and received a common-
school education. He was married Dec. 22, 1870, to Miss Anna
A. Boice, by whom he has had 4 children; of these, 3 are living;
namely., William E., Clara M. and Lina Irena. Mr. Lowrey is en-
gaged in farming on sec. 26; postoffice address, Ferris.

Robert F. McCall was born in East Tennessee, Jan. 10, 1847,
and is a son of Wm. N. and Sarah S. (Lyon) McCall, who removed
to Adams county. 111., in 1852, where Mr. McCall taught school
one winter. They removed to this county in 1853. Our subject's
grandfather, Asher Lyon, was a soldier in the war of 1812. He
died during the late war. Mr. McCall was reared on a farm. He
attended the academy at Fort Madison, Iowa, for two years, when
it was conducted by Prof. Knight, and afterward taught one month.
He was married March 18, 1873, to Miss Catherine Stewart, by
whom he has 2 children — "William W. and Bertha E. Mr. McCall
is engaged in farming and stock-raising, on sec. 36.

'William G. McCuhhin was born in Green county, Ky., Nov. 28,
1820, and is a son of Joseph and Eleanor McCubbin. He came with
his parents to Hancock tp., this county, in the year 1834. He was
raised on a farm and educated in a subscription school, as there
were no free schools here in the days of his boyiiood. He was
married May 4, 1854, to Miss Zilpha E., daughter of Ephraim and
Eda Perkins, who were very early settlers in this county. Mrs.
Perkins was the first white woman to reside in McDonough county,
111. She lived there two years, when she came to this county. She
learned to speak the Pottawatomie language, and can still speak
the language, though rather broken. She resides at Pilot Gi'ove,
in this county, and is in her 84th year. Our subject's father
resides in Hancock tp., at the age of 84 years. Mr. McCubbin
taught school in his younger days, but has been a farmer for the
most part through life. He owns 260 acres of land, besides a nice
residence and other property in the town of Ferris, this tp.
He is also a local agent for the Hartford Fire Insurance Company.
He is a member of the Christian Church at Ferris, of which he is
Elder. He is ever an uncompromising temperance worker. He
belongs to no political party, and in no case will vote for an
intemperate man for any office whatever. He has always managed,
by the aid of a few other temperance workers, to keep all saloons
out of the town or village in which, or near which, he resided.
Several times have the bad folks tried to establish a saloon in Ferris,
but Mr. McCubbin is always at his post to fight against the
monster, and has thus far been victorious in every battle.

George McKellips was born in Erie county, N. Y., near the city
of Buffalo, Dec. 29, 1837, and is a son of Deimis and Elizabeth
McKellips, who brought their family to Adams county, 111., in 1840.
Dennis McKellips was a contractor on railroads and other public
works, and died in 1863. The McKellips family removed to this

s^

t^ a^tj . c^J /-",

S O N O R A T P.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COnNTY. 875

county in 1851, when this township (Rock Creek) was then a wild
prairie. The wolves and deer were very numerous. The wolves
would catch the chickens in tlie yard, and Mr. McK. has shot deer
in the corn-field. He was married in May, 1861, to Miss Ellen
A. Gill, of English ancestors. They have had 8 children, of whom
6 are livinff; viz., Cecilia, Emma, Frank, Dora, Georgia and Marv.
Mr. McKellips was laboring in the South at the time the war broke
out, and in 18(31 or '62, when he returned, he was arrested, no one
knew for what. He was held a ])risoner for some time, and then
released. He has spent several winters in Mississippi. He now
resides on sec. 20, engaged in farming and stock-raising.

Welch N'ewnia7i was born near Louisville, Ky., Feb. 2, 1832,
and is a son of John and Charity Newman. His parents removed
with tlieir family to Pontoosnc, tiiis county, in 1836. This was in
a very early day, and Mr. Newman was early inured to pioneer
life. He saw the Indians at different times. He was reared on a
farm, except four years he worked in a wool and carding mill near
Payson, HI. His early educational advantages were very limited,
he having attended school but 12 months. Mr. Newman spent
six years of his Western life- in A.daras county. 111. He was mar-
-ried in 1857 to Miss Juliett Duff', by whom he had 5 childi-en;
viz., William W., Mary E., Thomas W., John A. and Bertha A.
Mrs. Newman died Dec. 1, 1876. She was a loving wife and a de-
voted mother. Mr. N. resides on sec. 16, engaged in farming.

George Singleton was born in Ireland, Aug. 15, 1819, and is a
soojaf Thomas and Ann (Mitchell) Singleton. He was reared and
educated in Ireland and came to Philadelphia, Pa., in 1815, where
he engaged for a time as a coach-driver. He then engaged in
farming until 185-1, when he came to this county'. Mr. Singleton
is a farmer on sec. 2, raising and feeding stock. He has been emi-
nently successful, and has done a 'great deal toward improving
and making this township. He owns 580 acres of valuable land,
20 of wliich is timber. He was married in Philadelphia in 1851,
to Miss Rebecca Wilson, by whom he has 7 children; viz., Anna,
Margaret, Rebecca, Thomas, Almira, George and William. Mr.
and Mrs. Singleton are members of the Presbyterian Church.

H. M. Sleater was born in Bath, England, Dec. 80, 1838, and is
a son of Robert and Mary Sleater, the former a native of Ireland,
and the latter of England. He was reared and educated in Eng-
land, and came to America with his parents in 1852. The first
work he did was to assist the Circuit Clerk in his duties at Car-
thage. In 1854 he engaged as a clerk in a dry -goods store in Car-
thage, where he remained until 1862. He then enlisted as a
private in Co. B, 118th 111. Vol. Inf., in the late war. He was
soon promoted Sergeant Major, afterward 2d Lieutenant. Dui'ing
the time he was Lieutenant, he was acting Adjutant of the regi-
ment. He participated in the battles of Chickasaw Blnffs, siege
of Vicksburg, Black river bridge, Jackson, Miss., Champion Hills,
Thompson Hill, and others. He then was transferred to the De-

50

876 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

partment of the Gulf, with monnted infantry. He was married in
1862, to Miss Emmaretta !Mack, by whom he has 5 children:
Robert. William, Loiiisa, ]S'ella and Helena. He was Deputy
County Treasurer for this county two years. He was clerk, pay-
master, etc., for Major McClaughry at his stone quarries for two
years. He removed to his farm in Rock Creek tp., on sec. 16, in
1869. He began business in Adrian, in 1872. He carries a large
stock of dry-goods, groceries, hardware, cjueen's-ware, etc., and
does a large business. He also buys and ships grain. He was en-
gaged in the grain business here, alone, for five years.

John Stevenson, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 8, was born in
Leicestershire, Eng., Oct. 31, 1833, and is a son of Thomas and
Ann Stevenson, of this tp., also natives of England. They came
to Nauvoo in the winter of 1846-'7, and remained a short time,
when they removed, in the year 1847, to Clarke county, Mo. In
1848 the family came to this (Rock Creek) township. Mr. S.
was married, September 13, 1855, to Miss Mary Ellison, by whom
he has had 9 children. Of these, 7 are living; namely, Mary A., Thos.
M., Ralph W., Emma L., Susannah E., John F. and Alice J. Mr.
Stevenson is engaged in farming and stock-raising, and owns 234
acres of valuable land. Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson are members of
the Latter Day Saints' Church, more commonly known as
Mormons.

Wm. Stevenson, a promipent farmer on sec. 8, is a native of
Nottinghamshire, Eng., and was born July 23, 1831. His par-
ents, Thomas and Ann Stevenson, are also natives of England, and
emigrated to America with their family in 1846, arriving at Nau-
voo in the winter. Early in 1847 they settled in Clarke countj%
Mo., remained there only until in 1848, when they located in this
tp. Mr. S. was married in 1863, to Miss Elizabeth Pilking-
ton, by whom he has 8 children; viz.. Magnolia, Alice J., John,
Adam, William, Ira M., Marlow and Ida.

Mr. Stevenson is a prominent member of the Church of the Lat-
ter Day Saints, which order has a thriving organization and a com-
modious church edifice in tliis tp. He gives us the following
information concerning Joseph Smith, the original leader of the
true Mormon Church. Mr. Smith was opposed to polygamy in
any form whatever, and never taught spiritual-wifery as was
charged upon him. He had but one wife himself, and never would
permit the nefarious practice of polygamy among his people.

Mr. Stevenson also states that the true Mormons think Smith's
death was indirectly caused by the polygamists. He further states
that the great crime of stealing, which the Mormons were charged
with, was largely committed by prejudiced Gentiles, who would
take the stolen property and place it in the fields and lots of Mor-
mons at Nauvoo, and then return and tell the owners of the miss-
ing property, that they had seen their piroperty at a certain place;
and the owners would go and find it as the persons had informed
them they would. And further, the polygamists would steal the

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 877

property of the non-poh'gamists, placing it in the temple lot at
Nauvoo; and when the owners attempted to take their own prop-
ert}', "they were shot down like dogs." These statements just
related were submitted to several leading men of Rock Creek tp.,
and were all corroborated, especially that one concerning the
stealing of property by the prejudiced Gentiles: for after the con-
tact was over, the G-en tiles acknowledged and boasted of it.

Henry Thornier is a native of the county of Lancaster, Eng-
land, and was born Jan. 10, ISlfi. His parents were liichard and
Anna Thornber, also natives of England. Our subject was reared
and educated in his native country. He then learned the trade of
wooden-shoemaker. He set sail Jan. 12, 1842, and arrived at New
Orleans March 9 of the same year. He then came up the Missis-
sippi river to jSTauvoo, where he remained four years. He then, in
1846. removed to this tp., where he still resides and is engaged in
farming and stock-raising. He was married July 11, 1845, to Miss
Lncy Ellison, by whom he has had 8 children ; of these, 6 are living;
viz., David R., Marj' II., John T., Lucy M., William H. and James
M. Mrs. Thornber died Jan. 25, 1866. Mr. Thornber again mar-
ried, March 3, 1868; this time, Margaret Pilkington, and they have
one child, Joseph. Mr. Thornber resides on sec. 6, and owns over
1,000 acres of valuable land.

Sylvester T. Turney, whose portrait is given on page 763, is a
native of Fairfield county, (Jonn., where he was born July 30, 1833.
His early years were spent on his father's farm in that county. His
advantages for an education were limited to attendance at the
common schools, mostly in the winter, until about the age of 17,
when he, being the only son, employed his winters in assisting
his father in cutting and hauling ship timbers, and in the sumn:er
working on the farm. This manner of life he followed until the
age of 22, when he left his father's house and commenced life's
labors on his own account, locating in Delaware county, N. Y.,
where he remained three months, and then went still farther West,
arriving in Chicago, 111., in the fall of 1855. In a day or two he
started for Peoria by rail, and from that point by stage to Canton,
Fulton connty. At this point, finding his means had dwindled
so that his worldly possessions amounted to only one $20 gold
piece, lie immediately looked np something to do, and soon
found work on a farm at §17 per month, at which he worked two
years. In 1857, realizing the usefulness of the Osage orange as a
hedge, he went into the bnsiness of raising hedge plants for market,
and planted 30 acres on land rented for the purpose. Owing to the
hard times of this year (1857), he found very little sale for the
plants in that section, and was obliged to haul them as far as 80 or
90 miles for a market. In 1858 bnsiness revived, and in 1859 he
turned his attention to contracting with parties and planting the
hedge himself, at §112 per mile. This spring (1859) he planted 30
miles of hedge in Hancock and Henderson counties. This same
year Mr. T. came to this county, locating at La Harpe, and in 1860

878 HISTOKT OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

planted 15 acres of hedge in Durham tp. This crop failed to come
up, and in ISGl he planted another 15 acres; this turned out well,
and he sold $3,750 worth of plants and set out about 15 miles of
hedge fence for parties besides. Mr. T. was the first to successfully
introduce the hedge fence in this section, his setting being abont
the first that did well.

In 1S61 Mr. T. was married to Miss Kittle A. Barr, born March
15, 1SJ:3, in Kentnck}', and a danghter of Elias and Sallie (Beau-
champ) Barr, both natives of Kentuck}', and came to this
county in 1859. The next year after his marriage he bought the
southwest one-fourth of sec. 1, Rock Creek tp., which was raw
prairie; not a fence or improvement had been placed upon it by
the hand of man. He immediately erected a frame house 16x2-1
feet, one and one- half stories high, which in those days was con-
sidered No. 1. He also built a frame stable. The house is still
standing near his present residence. This season Mr. T. bought
five yoke of cattle and started them, on one large plow, breaking
prairie, and, as he said, it was as much as they could do. The
country was covered with hazel-bush and willow, audit required all
the power of the five yoke to tear up their roots. He fenced the
whole with a four-board fence, and that fall sowed 50 acres of
wheat, which turned out 1,000 bushels. In lS6i lie put in 120
acres of wheat, doing all the work himself with the assistance of
a boy to drive a harrow. This turned out 2,000 bushels, which he
sold at §1.75 per bushel. These were the only two wheat crops he
ever put in. Since that time he lias turned his attention to raising
corn and feeding it to hogs and stock; never sold but two crops of
corn, — one. 2,000 bushels at 85 cts. ; and one, 2,500 bushels at 75 cts.;
has turned off in one 3'ear as high as 90 head of cattle and 200
hogs; on an average. 60 head of stock. In 1871 Mr. T. turned his
attention to breeding and raising a fine grade of draft horses, of
Norman stock, and introduced the first imported Norman stallion
(" Kothamagus") ever introduced into this country. Since that
time he has made it his whole business; has on hand now two
thoroughbred stallions, and eight graded stallions from one-half to
seven-eighths, and 27 brood mares of graded stock, as high as seven-
eio'hths. This business, besides being a benefit to the country at
large, in furnishing superior draft horses, has proved a paying invest-
ment to Mr. Tnrney. Mr. T. has since added to the home farm, so
that now it consists of 240 acres. Mr. T. also bought and improved
the northeast one-fourth of sec. 10, Rock Creek tp., but sold it in
1875, when he erected his present fine residence, at a cost
of 86,500. It is a 2-story frame, 50x33 feet, 10^ feet ceiling below
and nine feet ceiling above stairs; is fitted with all modern im-
provements; has hot and cold water up stairs and down. The place
is one of the pleasantest and best-improved in the county; has
also fine barns, etc., etc.

In politics Mr. Turney is a Democrat.

Mr. and Mrs. T. have a family of 3 children — Lowrie E., born

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 879

May 11, 1862; Everett Z., bora March 29, 1866; Abarilla P., born
July 31. lS7i. The Turneys are of EngHsh descent; the Barrs of
German, and Beanchamps of French origin.

Marshall V an Bii skirl:, deceased, was born May IS, 1821, was a
native of Tuscarawas county, Ohio, where he resided until 1850,
when he crossed the plains to California; there he sojourned until
1858, having twice visited in that time his old home; he then
returned to the place of his nativity; the same year moved to
Peoria, Illinois. He was a tailor by vocation, but on account of
failing health he abandoned this business and began traveling.
Becoming tired of traveling, after he arrived at Peoria, he purchased
a farm in Schujder county, Illinois, near the town of Huntsville. At
the latter place he married Miss Anna Baxter, in 1858, and they
have had 4 daughters and one son, of whom but two are living; viz.,
Annie May and Hattie E. The names of the deceased were
Marshall, Mattie and Elsie. Mr. VanBuskirk was made a Mason
by J. L. Anderson, Lodge ISfo. 318, located at Augusta, this
county. He was a worthy member of the M. E. Church and a con-
sistent Christian; he was also a member of the Chapter and Council
of Augusta, Knighted in Almoner Conimandery No. 32, Augusta,
on the second day of April, 1859. He was also a charter member
of Huntsville Lodge, A. F. and A. M., number -±65. In 1869 he
removed with his family to his farm one mile east of Adrian, and
became a member of the Dallas City Lodge, A. F. and A. M., num-
ber 235. He died February 12, 1879, with triumphs of living faith
in a crucified Eedeemer. He was a favorite among the citizens of
the different localities in which he dwelt, and was widely known
and a very prominent man ; none knew him but to love him.

Dwight Whitcomh was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, Novem-
ber 12, 1830, and is a son of AVyman and Lura Whitcomb, the
former a native of Vermont and the latter of New York. Our
subject was brought to Adams county, Illinois, by his parents in
1842; he never saw a school-hoiise until he was ten years old. The
citizens of the locality in which he spent his boyhood days erected
a school-house of split frame work and shaved boards; in this rude
•benches were placed, upon which the little Suckers would sit and
" larn their spellin' lesson." Mr. Whitcomb came to this county
in 1853, and in 1856 was married to Miss Mary H. ElliSon, by whom
he has had 13 children; of these but 5 are living; viz., "Wyraan T.,
Farnham M., John D., James A. and Lewis M. Mr. Whitcomb is
engaged in farming and stock-raising on sec. 6, this tp., and owns
410 acres of valuable land.

John Winship was born in Franklin county, Vermont, Feb. 19,
1833, and is a son of Josiah and Rebecca, also natives of Vermont.
He was reared mostly on a farm, and received a common-school
education. He was married in the spring of 1859, to Miss Mary
C. Ramey, by whom he has 4 children; viz., Llewella, Frances E.,
Wm. E. and Annie E. Our subject went to New York in 1842,
and came to Bureau county. III, in 1856, where he engaged in
farming until 1861, when he removed to Schu3'ler county, 111. He

880 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COCNTT.

came to this county in 1863, where he now resides, in the town of
Ferris, engaged in farming. He is also proprietor of the Ferris
Hotise, whicii, by tlie way, is a good liotel. A brother, Horace
Winship, died in the late war at Fort Birancus.

Warren Yaple was born in Madison county, 111., Mar. 20, 1824,
and is a son of John and Alice (Squires) Yaple. The former a
native of New York, and the latter of Connecticut. Mr. Yaple
was reared on a farm and educated in a common school. He early
learned the carpenter's trade. His parents removed with their
family to this county in 1831, and located in Poutoosuc township;
but at the beginning of the Indian troubles, just prior to the Black
Hawk war, tliey ^removed back to Madison county. Warren
came to this county in 1865. He married Miss Elizabeth Bates,
in 1816, a daughter of Joseph H. Bates, and they have had 11
children, of whom 9 are living; viz., Joseph J., Alice J., Leander
J., Belle M., Albina H., Thomas M., Letitia A., Artimisia E. and
Mary K. Mr. Yaple and family spent two years in Sedgwick
countv, Kansas. He is now engaged in farming and stock-raising
on sec. 12, owning 165 acres of valuable land.

Here is a list of the men wlio have served this township in an
official capacity, both past and present:

StJPEEVISOES.

Edwin McXeal 1856 Wm. H. Odell 1863

Alexander Roseberry 1858 John Davison 1864

John Davison 1859 Benj. P. Duvall 1870

Wm. H. Odell 1860 John Davison 1874

David T. Stai-key 1862 Benj. F. Duvall 1877

A. H. Osman 1856 Benj. F. DuvaU 1870

George Davis Trites 1858 W. S. Ramsey 1871

WiUiam H. Odell 1859 Richard C. Emert 1874

Simon Loop 1860 George W. Thompson 1875

George D. Trites 1861 C. O. Jenney 1877

Richard C. Emert 1864 J. A. Allison 1878

Benj. E. Washbm-n 1868 George W. Carlisle 1879-1880

ASSESSORS.

J. McNeal 1856 Elias Barr 1863

Charles Abbott 1858 Charles Abljott 1865

John Jenkins 1860 Hiram Tennehill 1870

John Davison 1861 Elijah Haines 1873-1880

HughMcCreary 1862

COLLECTOKS.

B. McNeal 1856 Jas. T. Anderson 1867

George Henry Pratt 1858 S. W. French 1869

Isaac Roseberry 1860 Richard C. Emert 1871

John Davison 1862 W. P. McCollum 1873

David W. Orr 1863 J. W. McCormick 1875

Thomas Lionberger 1864 A. B. Atkins 1877

Wm. McJIurphy 1866 James H. Campbell 1879-1880

SOXORA TOWNSHIP,

!N"uiriberecl 6 — 8, lies on the rapids, extending from the head of
Nauvoo to the mouth of l^arrj's creek. The bluffs of this stream
and of Chandler creek below Nauvoo, with those alonej the river
shore, supplj' considerable timber; and the land is very broken
over most of the distance for a mile or two, inland. The east two-
thirds of the township contains some handsome prairie laud. So-
nora contains some as valuable and well-appointed farms as are to
be found in the count}'. A portion in the northeast is very fiat,
and not well adapted 'to grain.

The first settlers were along the river. Several of the first jury-
men were in this township, at date of organization, among whom
we can name the Moiiitts, Hugh Wilson and his son James and
son-in-law Dunn, Kev. Charles Robison and others. Later
settlers were Abram Golden and his sons, Dr. Adolphus Allen,
Christian Ivreymeyer, Abel Casto, the Sheridans, Roger Hibbard,
Hezekiah Bradley. Still later we find tlie names of Geo. Benner,
G. W. Black, J. J. Gardner, D. G. Luce, Christopher Smith,
Joseph Miller, George Smith, Samuel Brownlee, O. J. Hall, John
Brown, W. H. Fulton, George Edmunds, Hezekiah Brant, Isaac,
Thomas, Henr}* Benner, and o.thers.

Sonora Landing is the business center on the river line, and Son-
era postoffice, at the same point, is the only postoffice in the town-
ship. The township seems to be well provided with school-houses,
they being, with one exception, located in thi'ee 'rows in each di-
rection across the township, and equi-distantfrom each other. No
other township in the county, except Rock Greek, approaches this
regularity.

Golden's Point, of noted fame in the history of the county,
received its name from Mr. Abram Golden, one of the early
settlers in the edge of the prairie. The place was at a point of
timber projecting into the prairie, at or near the farm since owned
by Mr. Chris. Smith.

Mr. G. was born in New Jersey, and raised in Kentucky. Was
a volunteer under Gov. Shelby at the battle of the Thames, when
Tecumseh was killed; and tells the story that he saw that chief's
hide stripped oli' him, by the soldiers, after he was killed, to make
razor straps of ! Mr. Golden was born in 17S0, and died aged 86.
Mrs. G. died in 1875, at about the same age.

The famous Sonora stone quarry is located on the river, about a
mile above the mouth of Larry's creek. Large quantities of build-
ing stone have been taken from this quarry, and shipped to various
points for use in public buildings.

(881)

882 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

EELIGIOUS PEOGEESS.

The only churches within Sonera, are; first, a Christian Church
in the forest near Larry's creek, just north of the Montebello line;
and another, free to all denominations, situated on the prairie
above Sonora Landing. The Christian Church must be 20 or 30
years old; has had a good congregation, now somewhat reduced,
and has been for some years past without a regular Pastor. The
building is a fi'ame, has been neglected of late, and looks dilapi-
dated.

The free church is a few years old only, and was built by a
union of the different sects with outsiders, a plan to be com-
mended by sparsely settled neighborhoods.

Settlers in the north part of the township attach themselves to
the different Churches in Nauvoo.

PEESONAL.

Following are short biographical outlines of many of the well
known residents of this township.

Isaac Baxter is a native of tliis countj% and was born Jan. 13,
1855; he is a son of David and Catharine Baxter, both natives of
New Jersey. He was reared in this county, educated in the
college at Carthage, but was deprived of the privilege of securing
a complete education on account of his father's ill health. His
father lived until June, 1879, when his disease became acute, and
death was the result. Isaac still runs the home farm. His mother
is still living, at the age of 61. Dec. 31, 1S79, he married Miss
Eugenie Kellogg, of this county.

Hezekiah Brant, whose portrait is presented on page 873, is
descended from British ancestry, but whether of Scotch, or English,
or both, is not certain. At all events the first of the family in
America were very early settlers here. The first by the family
name was John Brant, a soldier in the Eevolutionary war, under
"Washington, and a resident of Maryland. After that war he
moved to Kentucky, then to Indiana, near Evansville, where he
died about 1834 or 1835, aged about 82 years, leaving one son,
John, Jr., and 2 daughters. The son was married in Indiana to
Sybil White, a native of New York, near Buffalo, and a daughter
of Anson White, of English origin, and also a Eevolutionary
soldier. Soon after marriage John moved to Wabash county. 111.,
taking with him his wife and one child, Hezekiah, tlie subject of
this sketch, who was born Jan. 1, 1826. They located on Barnett's
Prairie, on a farm, although Mr. Brant was a cooper by trade;
about six years afterward they moved to Yincennes, Ind., where
Mr. B. followed coopering several years. He then moved to Law-
rence county. 111., where he died about 1836, leaving 6 children:
Hezekiah, Alfred, Silas, Horatio, Jolinson and John, all yet living
except John, who died in infancy. The widow married again, and

IsSSS^^f^

W'**"',

iJk^

/

/

LA HARPE

HISTOKT OF HANCOCK COUNTY. - 885

died in Clay coTinty, 111., March 1, 1879, aged about 75 years,
being at this time the grandmother of 44 children, and the great-
grandmother of 6 children. Her last husband was Mr. Chrisman.

Mr. Ilezekiah Brant's early advantages for a school education
were limited, his father dying when he was but 10 years of age and
the eldest of 6 children, and all in rather destitute circumstances.
He never learned a letter of the alphabet until he was 13 years old,
when he commenced to attend school some in the winter, but all
together he never attended school more than six months in his life.
The family moved to Clay county. 111., in 1839. The first work
Mr. B. did was on a ferrj'-boat at Vincennes; ne.xt he was hired out
by his mother to work on a farm at $40 a month; in seven months
he met with an accident which disabled him from work, and when
he went to his landlord for pay, the latter refused to pay more than
$5 or $6. Mr. B. worked at farming and other work until 1844,
when he commenced to labor at brick-making, which business he
followed two j^ears; at the age of 16 he went to Vincennes to learn
the blacksmith's trade with John B. Dunning, where he remained
until Jan. 1, 1847, when he went to Clay county and ran a black-
smith shop six months; then he followed the same trade at Dicks-
burg, lud., until 1850.

June 6, of this year, Mr. Brant married Isabella Dick, a native
of Ediaburgh, Scotland, and a daughter of James and Wilhelmina
(Watson) Dick. She came to this country, landing at New Orleans
in October, 1837. Mr. Dick had come the previous spring. His
family, consisting of wife and 4 children, namely, Marian, Isabella,
Wilhelmina and Jemima J., all but Mrs. Brant now deceased,
sailed from Liverpool on the "Tallahassie," arriving at New
Orleans only two hours after Mr. Dick's arrival there to meet them.
The latter located in Knox county, lud., where his uncles had lived,
and where he had visited when 18 years old. Here Mr. Dick lived
many years and became a prominent man in the State, being a
Member of the State Constitutional Convention of 1850. He was
a Democratic lawyer and a stump speaker. When a youth he
learned the tanner and courier's trade, and followed the business a
little after coming to this country. In Scotland he was brought up
on a farm. His father, Wm. Dick, was a first cousin to the great
scientific theologian, Thomas Dick, LL. D. His wife, Wilhelmina,
nee Watson, was a daughter of Robert Watson, an architect, of
Edinburgh, who died while on a visit to this counti-y. James Dick
followed farming, as well as the law, owning about 1 ,500 acres of
land. He died at the age of about 57 ^-ears, Nov. 24, 1863, leaving
a family of 5 children, 8 children having previously died.

Mr. Brant, after his marriage, moved to Olney, 111., where he
carried on blacksmithing from 1850 to 1855, when he moved with
his family to apiece of land in this tp., the patent to which his
father-in-law had bought in 1840. Mr. Dick had paid no attention
to the land represented by his patent except to come and look at it._
He often talked about his" "land in Hancock county," speaking of

886 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

its fertility, etc. One day while Mr. Brant was visiting him tliis
land was mentioned, and the former asked in a joking way what he
would sell it for. Mr. Dick i-eplied that he would give it to him,
which ofler was accepted and the deed was drawn up and signed.
Mr. B. afterward ascertained that the land had been sold 21 times,
for taxes. He bought the tax claim for ^90. This was the N. W.
J of sec. 34, Sonora tp. The homestead now consists of 560 acres.
He has since erected a very large, substantial stone house in 1873,
at a cost of $5,000. He has also a fine barn and other farm build-
ings. Indeed, Mr. B. has put on this place all the improvements
that are now on it. He raises grain and stock.

Politically, Mr. Brant is a Democrat, and he has served his tp.
in various local offices.

His 8 children are: James D., married and living on tlie home
farm; Hezekiah W., married and living in Nodaway county. Mo.;
Chauucy M.. married and residing with his father; Mina S., John
K., Herman S., George M. and Susan J.

Joel H. Bolton was born Aug. 16, 1849, and is a son of George
and Mary Bolton, the former a native of England and the latter of
Ohio. Our subject was taken when young to Schuyler county,
Missouri, where he was reared and educated. In 1860 he returned
here and staid until 1871, when he went to Colorado and engaged
in gold n'lining. He remained there until 1874, when he returned
to this county. He is at present a dealer in live stock. May 10,
1876, he married Floretta Z. Golden, by whom he has had one
child; viz., Ada. Our subject's grandfather on his mother's side
■was 1st Lieutenant in the war of 1812, and he was also a private
soldier in the Union Army of 1st Missouri cavalry.

John Brown, deceased, is a native of Berks county. Pa., and was
born July 18, 1808. He was a son of George Brown, who also was
a native of the Keystone State. He was reared in Ohio, and was
educated in one of the Ohio universities. Eighteen years he spent in
teaching school. He came to this State in the j'car 1860 and set-
tled in this county the same year. He resided here until his death,
which occurred July 10, 1879, at the advanced age of 72. He was
joined in marriage in 1827 to Sarah Seiferd, his now bereft wife.
They had S children; of these, 5 are living; viz., Michael, John C,
Luther A., Jacob S. and William H. The heirs own a farm of 320
acres in this tp., which their father procured in his industrious life.

David J. licercl was born January 13, 1827, in Lawrence county,
Indiana. He is a son of Henry and Nancy Ikerd, both natives of
North Carolina. Our subject went to Jasper county, Iowa, in 1854,
and staid there until 1856, when he came and located in this county,
where he resided until the time of the war, when he was drafted as a
soldier in Co. A, 57th jReg. 111. Inf. He was one year in the
military service and then returned home and resumed his former
occupation, namety, farming and stock-raising. He was married
December 28, 1848, to Beruetta Meglemre, by whom he has had

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 887

7 children; viz., William H., Jemima A., Nancy E., Thomas A.,
Beady A., Susan E. and Meredith J.

James A. Jones is a native of Jefferson county. Ken tuck}-, where
he was born September 11, 1S52, a son of Carter T.Jones; he came
to this county with his parents in 1S69, and here they have since
resided. The mother of James A. had one brother, who was
killed while a soldier in the Union army.

Thomas J. Leiois is a native of Chester county, Pennsylvania,
where he %vas born April 19, 18-31. He came to this county in 1853,
where he resided until Januar}- 1, ISGl, when he enlisted as a soldier
in Co. H, 2d Illinois Field Artillery, under Captain Steinbeck.
He became a veteran January 1, 1864, and was mustered out
August 5, 1865. He participated in the following battles; viz.,
Fort Donelsou, Pittsburg Landing, Chickamanga, and last at
Nashville. When peace was declared he returned home and
resumed his former business; viz., school-teaching. He was edu-
cated in his native couut3^

John Lightner is a native of Lancaster, Pennsjdvania, and was
born Januar}' 17, 1817; is a son of William and Esther Lightner,
both natives of Pennsylvania. He came to this county in 1852, and
settled near Nauvoo, where he has since resided, a farmer and hor-
ticulturist. He was married May 6, 1874, to Ila Balmer, of
Nauvoo, and they have had 2 children; viz., John and Minnie.

J.R. McBroom is a native of Butler county, Ohio. and born August
3,1832. He is a son of Andrew McBroom, who was a native of
Kentucky. J. K. was reared and educated in Butler county, Ohio,
and came to this State in 1853, and settled in Adams county, where
he stayed until 1873, when he came to this county and located in
Sonora tp., where he has since resided, engaged in farming and
stock-raising. He owns 160 acres of land in Adams count}'. He
was married in 1855 to Miss Susan A. Lowless; they have had 11
children; of these, 8 are living: viz., Mary E., John L., Olive S.,
Cora M., Susan M., Anna D., Milton and'Ethel K.

James Ogden is a native of Lancashire, Eng., and was born March
30, 1829. He is a son of Dennis and Elizabeth Ogden, both
natives of England. James emigrated to this country with his
mother in 1842, his father having died in England. He first set-
tled in Nauvoo, where he made his home until in 1850; during the
great gold excitement he went to California, where he engaged in
gold mining until 1854, when he returned home, and remained
during the winter of 1855; then he went again to California, where
be- staid until 1859 and then returned to tins countj', where he was
married to Miss Elnora Risse, of this county. Eemaiuing here
until April 22, 1862, he then started with a four-mule team across
the plains to Washington Territory, where lie remained until March,
1863, when he went to Idaho and engaged in mining. August of
that year he started home and arrived Nov. 5, 1863.

In January, 1864, he went to New York city, and from there to
San Francisco, via Panama. There he engaged in gold-mining

Oba HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

until December of the same year, wlien he returned to this county,
where he has since resided, engaged in farming and stock-raising,
on a farm of 160 acres. Mr. Ogden has had 9 children, of whom
6 are living; viz., Eliza J., James L., Samuel J., "William A.,
Barnhard J. and Levi H.

Mr. O. took an active part against the Mormons. He was then
living at Augusta, and was coming to Nauvoo to see his mother;
when near Carthage he was impressed by the Anti-Mormons as a
soldier to banish them from the State; and he participated in a
skirmish the next day after the soldiers camped in Nauvoo.

Henry T. Pitt is a native of England ; and was born July 15,
1837, and was brought here by his parents, Thomas and Charlotte
Pitt in '41 and first settled in N^auvoo, where they remained for one
year, when they moved out in Sonora tp., where they have since
resided. Dec. 12, 1S61, Mr. Pitt married Huldah J. Stevens, and
they have had S children, 7 of whom are living; viz., James E.,
William O., Ida M., Hattie C, Henry T., John E. and Milton W.;
Alice Ann is deceased. Mr. Pitt's educational facilities were
much limited; notwithstanding this, he attained a fair education,
mainly by reading. He is a prominent officer in the Church of
the Latter-Day Saints.

John Pitt. — The grandfather of the subject of this sketch was
Robert Pitt, a native of Herefordshire, England. His wife's
maiden name was Hannah Hill. They lived and died in the above-
named place. Thomas Pitt, his son, was the father of John, and a
native also of Herefordshire, England. He was married to Char-
lotte Hardwick, of his native place. He lived for several years
after his marriage in Herefordshire, following work at his trade,
which was that of a carpenter and millwright. When his family
had increased to 10 children (two of whom however were married),
he began to think of emigrating to the United States. In conform-
ity with plans tiuis laid, he sent his wife and part of the family in
the spring of 1S41, with a company of friends and acquaintances.
His son John (the subject of this sketch) followed in the fall, all
arriving safely in Hancock count}'. 111. The father, Thomas Pitt,
after settling his affairs in England, arrived in this county in the
spring of 1842, being one year after his wife's arrival with part of
the family. The names of his children that came to this county
were: James, now deceased ; John, the subject of this notice; Rob-
ert, who has been in California the past 30 j-ears; Henry and
Walter, of Sonora tp.; and Caroline, now tlie wife of Henry Ellar,
also living in Sonora tp.; Ellen, Ann, Emily and William are
deceased. The names of the two children that were married and
left in England were Eliza, who is now the wife of John Parsons
and lives in the city of Hereford, and Elizabeth, the wife of Samuel
Barnes, and lives in Mooreiiampton, all of England. Thomas Pitt
did not work at his trade in this count}', but bought a small farm
on sec. 11, this tp., on which he lived with his family until his
death, in his 78th year, mourned by his family and a large circle ot

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 889

friends. lie was a very temperate, exemplary man in all his babits,
and was respected by all. His widow, now aged 82 years, is still
living at the old homestead, and for her age is still very active and
enjoying excellent health.

John Pitt, the snbject of this sketch, is one of the largest and
most prominent farmers of Sonora township. He was born in the
village of Dymmock, Gloncestershire, England, Dec. 30. 1S27.
This village is sitnated on the line where three counties joined, the
names of the same being Herefordshire, Gloncestershire and Worces-
tershire. He was in his 1-ith year when he came with his father's
family to this county. His advantages for an education were verv
limited, and were chiefly obtained in the subscription schools before
leaving England. After arriving in this county his earl}' youth
was employed in working on his father's farm. AVhen he arrived
at the age of 19 years he was given " his time" by his father, when
he went to Macomb, 111., where he worked on a farm during the
summer; with the proceeds of this summer's work he bought him
a horse. The next winter he worked at chopping wood and split-
ting rails, and with the proceeds of the winter's work he bought
another hoi'se. He now had a team. The following spring he
returned home where he rented land and put in a crop of corn,
wheat, oats, etc. This crop, assisted by plenty of hard woi-k, turned
ont prosperous. For the lirst few j'ears he continued to rent land,
during which time he bought and ran a threshing machine for
several seasons. During the past few years he has become more
independent and forehanded. Pie married in March, 1853, Mary
J. Chadsey, who was a native of Indiana; soon afterward he bought
40 acres of land on sec. 11, Sonora tp., where his present residence
now stands. He has since added to the homestead, so that now it
consists of 270 acres. He has also 313 acres in other precincts,
making his landed possessions amount to 583 acres in all.

Mr. Pitt is a Kepublican in politics and has served his tp. in
various local ofiices. Mr. and Mrs. Pitt have 10 children living, 5
sons and 5 danghters. Their names are as follows: James A.,
Charlotte J., Mary M., Wm. H. S., Lillie F., John T. F., Charles
R., Eva J., Frederick C. and Cora E. James A. married Ida Datin
and lives in this tp. ; Charlotte J. married Duncan Cummings and
lives near Avon, Minnesota; Mary M. married Wm. Chadsey, of
Eushville, 111., and lives in Hock Creek tp., this county.

A portrait of John Pitt is given on page, 823, made from a
picture taken at the age of 53 years.

Charles Stevens is a native of Maine, and was born April 6,
1828. He was taken by his parents, Daniel and Mary Stevens, to
Meigs county, Ohio, where he was reared and educated ; came to
this connty in 1853, where he purchased a farm of 50 acres in this
tp. Here he resided nntil the war, when he enlisted as a soldier in
Co. F, 151st 111. Vol. Inf , a division of General Sherman's army.
Mr. Stevens served one year in the military service; he also had two
brothers who were soldiers in the army, Orin and Edwin C. Grin

890 HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

was a soldier from the first of the war to the last. Edwin C, his
other brother, participated in the first attack on Vicksburg, in
which he was wounded Januai'y 2, 1863, from the effects of which
he died in a few daj-s. A day or two previous to his death he
wrote the following letter: —

January 4, 1803.
Dear Father and Mother: — I take perhaps the last opportunity of writing you
a few lines. I received a severe wound on the boat before leaving the Yazoo, by
a shot from one of the Kebel skirmishers, who attacked the boat just before we
left, Ivilling one instantly and wounding three others. The ball struck me in the
mouth and lodged in the left side of the neck, carrying several of my teeth with it.
To-day, while I was gurgling some water in my throat, it caused bleeding, and I
came near bleeding to death before it pould be stopped. I have no hopes of ever
getting well. If I should not, don't mourn for me, but remember that Idled an
easy death, and in a good cause. Dispose of the little property I have in a way
that will make you most comfortable. The expedition that moved against Vicks-
burg proved a failure, a great many men lost and nothing accomplished. The
skirmishers fired on our boat; the fire was returned b\' our boys, killing
several. The gun-boats opened on them which soon put them to flight.

Respectfully, (Signed) Edwin C. Stevbns.

Charles is of Welsh! ancestry; hi.; grandfather on his father's
side was a soldier in tiie Revolutionary war under Gen. "Washington.
His wife's grandfather was a private in the saine war, and was
present when the Declaration of Independence was signed and
declared. Mr. S. was married April 30, 1S51, to Mary J. Belious;
they have had 6 cliildreu; viz., Luella T., Emma V., Orin C,
Edwin C, Tillie and Ilattie D.

J. T. TJwmas, a native of Nelson county, Kentucky, was
brought hy his parents, James and Abigail Tiiomas, to Adams
conntj% this State, when only three years of age, where he was
reared and educated. There were but nine houses in Quincy when
his father came there. Our subject left his parental roof in 1S52,
and came to this county and located in Sonora tp., wliere he has
since resided. He is one of the most prominent farmers in that
township; he owns a finp farm of over 600 acres, and a good resi-
dence. Mr. Thomas was married in 1850, to Louisa Nichols, 9
children being the fruit of this union; of tliese, 8 children are living;
viz., Laura A., Lilburn T., William H., Sarah L., Naoma J., Martha
E., James 11. and Purliet.

D. R. Thornher was born July 20, 1819, in this county. He is
a son of Henry and Lucy Thornber. The former is a native of
Lancashire, England, and the latter of Yorkshire. Our subject was
reared and educated in this county, and has for several years
devoted his time to scliool-teaching, all his education being attained
in a common district school. Politically he is a Greenbacker, and
of the most radical school. He was the man who established the
' paper known as the Labor Tribune, of Keokuk. The paper is still
published, and has an extensive circulation. Mr. T. was married
April 6, 1871, to Sarah J. Haigh. To them have been born 5
children, of whom i are living; viz., Lucy S., Mary E., Maggie A.
and Phebe J.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

891

TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS.

Below we give a list of the Supervisors, Clerks, Assessors and
Collectors of this township since its organization:

SUPERVISORS.

J. Gardner 1851

William Coe 1853

Geo. Edmunds, Jr 1858

Robert Davis 1859

James Moffitt 1861

Samuel Brownlee 1863

James Moffltt 1S63

William C. Paine 1866

Christopher Smith 1868

James Moffitt 1871

Christopher Smith 1873

Geo. Edmunds, Jr 1873

John Brown 1874

Christopher Smith 1876

James MotHitt 1879

J.N. Datin 1880

C. P. Golden 1858

Harvey Collins 18.59

Corydon Bradley 1861

James Bolton 1862

Geo. W. Black 1863

C. P. Golden 1866

O.W.Fulton 1869

Darwin Edmunds 1870

Chas. P. Golden 1871

John Brown 1873

James Bolton 1873

John Horton 1874

J. N. Datin 1875

John C. Brown 1876-1880

W. H. Fulton 1858

Wm. S. Williams 1859

John Page 1861

John Brown 1863

George Benner 1873

John L. D. Horton 1876

J. N.Datin 1878

John L. D. Horton 1880

APPANOOSE.

Benjamin Riter 1858 William Jackson 1863

George T. Thompson 1859 Charles C. Ritter 1867-1880

COLLECTORS.

Christopher Smith 1858

Erastus Rossitter 1859

George Benner 1861

Willilm L. Temple 1^62

John C. Brown 1869

C. G. Roljison 1870

Myron A. Black 1871

John Datin 1873

John G. Weber 1873

Milo P. Fulton 1874

J. J. Moffitt 1875

Luther A. Brown 1876

John Kendall 1877

Gust. Siegfried 1878

William temple 1879

John Datin 1880

LA HARPB TOWNSHIP.

Township 7-5 occupies the northeast corner of the county.
Nature has done much for it. it is well timbered, skirting two
branches of Crooked creek, and it lias as excellent a bod}' of ])rairie
land as can be found in the county. What is known as " North
Prairie," lying in the north part of the township, has always been
noted for its productiveness. Its settlers combine a goodly mix-
ture of Yankee, Middle State and Southern blood. Time has been,
before railroads changed things about, when La Harpe township
sold more wheat in the Warsaw market than any other, except per-
haps. Fountain Green, the north prairie being capable of 25, 30,
and even 40 bushels per acre. It may take the lead still.

The name given, first to the village, is that of one of tiie early
French explorers, who traversed the Illinois wilderness and prairies
200 years a^o. The town was laid out in 1836 by Major William
Smith and Marvin Tryon; previous to this date it had been called
Franklin, but was changed because Uncle Sara refused to give the
postoffice that name, there being enough Franklins already. In
1831, Maj. Smith settled there from N. H. with a stock of goods,
though to whom he expected to sell his goods is a mystery.
Another member of the firm was Mr. Oliver Felt, at Montebello,
with a portion of the stock. This can be understood, for all "along
shore" were squatters and keel-boat men and half-breeds and whole
breeds (red and white) for customers. Mr. Smith's was thus the
first store in the township. The La Harpe concern only lasted
about three years, the trade being too limited.

Louis R. Chaflin was the first Postmaster, a position which he
held till 1846. When Mormonism spread itself over the county,
Mr. Chaflin, among someothers of La Harpe, embraced it; and when
they lelt, in 1847, he left with them, and the last his old neighbors
heard of him he was a missionary of that sect, proselyting in the
wilds of Australia.

La Harpe is well supplied with railroads, the Toledo, Peoria &
Warsaw entering it from the east, and running to the city, where
it divides, the Warsaw branch running southwardly, and that to
Burlington taking a northwest course and crossing the line at Disco
iStation.

La Harpe is the only town in the township. It has become a
place of considerable business, the business center for all the north-
east portion of the county. It sports a bank, a good complement
of well stocked business houses, and a proportionate number of
tradesmen and manufactories and a newspaper. Its population is
(893)

y^. ^.^^

LA H A R P E TP.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTi*. 895

a stirring aud intelligent class, and manages to keep well even with
the people of other towns in the county.

Who succeeded to the office of Postmaster, after Louis E. Cliaf-
lin, we are not advised, though we find Henry Coulson in the office
not long afterward. Then followed Mr. Bliss, Mr. Coquillette,
Mr. John Warren, succeeded by his son, E. L. Warren, the pi-esent
incumbent.

Among the first settlers we may mention Jacob Compton and
Abraham Brewer, the former of whom sold to Major Smith. These
settlements were made about 1830. After these come Wright
Riggins, L. R. Chaffin, Mr. Hendricks, Mr. Hobraker, Jonathan
Wassom, Job Clinkenbeard, John Scott, Mr. Robinson, Jesse Sey-
bold, Isaac Sears, George Sears, Daniel Drake, Marvin Tryon,
Samuel White, Lot Moffit, Jeremiah Smith, Lewis C. Maynard,
Henry Comstock, Charles Comstock, James Gittings, Dr. George
Coulson, Daniel N. Bainter, Hezekiah Lincoln, Jasper Manifold,
John Warren, Benjamin Warren, Joseph W. Nudd, James Rey-
nolds, Dr. Richardson, George Oatman, Mr. Johnson, Lyman Wil-
cox, Joel Bradshaw, W. C. Bainter, H. H. Barnes, Smith Bryan,
Samuel Cogswell, L. S. Cogswell, John Manifold, W^m. F. Mani-
fold, H. R.'Painter, M. D. Sanford.

RELIGIOUS PROGRESS.

We are not advised as to the beginnings of religious work in
this township, the earliest ol)tained being that of the Congrega-
tional Church in March, 1836. In that month a Congregational
Church was organized, consisting of sixteen members. The names
of these members have not been obtained. Twelve years there-
after a re-organization took place, under the ministration of Rev.
Warren Nichols, with the following named 12 members: Sain-
nel Hntton, Henry Comstock and wife, L. C. Maynard and wife,
Lauren Tuttle and wife, Henry Bliss and wife, William Leavitt,
Mrs. W. A. Nichols and Mrs. S. W. Nudd. April 27, IS-IS, Lewis
C. Maynard was chosen Deacon. The church edifice was erected
about 1854. Of its earlier Pastors, we have the names of Revs.
Apthorp, Hawley, Williams, Rankin, Perkins, Babbitt, Nichols,
Henry, Johnson, Pennoyer and Atkinson.

For the foregoing we are indebted to a memorial pamphlet, pub-
lished by the Illinois Association in 1863. Repeated applications
have failed to elicit any data from the other Churches in La Harpe.
There is a Methodist Episcopal organization, a Protestant Method-
ist, a Christian and a Catholic, all of which, we believe, have
regular services, and most of them church buildings. There is
also a Protestant Methodist Church on North Prairie.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

Here are sketches of many of the well-known citizens of
La Harpe township:

IF. ^1. Bainfer, f&rmei; sec. 23; P. O., La Harpe; was born in
Muskingum county, O., in 1825, and is a sou of Peter and Mary

51

896 HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

(Emaler) Bainter, natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania, who came
to this county in 1853, settling in this tp. Botlrreside in La Harpe.
The subject of this sketch was married in 1849 to Miss Leran Rol-
ler, a native of Weldon coiint}', Va. , and they have had 5 children,
all living, — William L., Susan, Linda, Carrington A. and Martha.
He resides on the homestead, which consists of one-half section
of laud, valued at $10 ]3er acre. He is School Director, which
office he has filled 16 or 17 years; is also a member ot the Masonic
order. Politically, he is a Democrat.

H. H. Bar'nes, Justice of the Peace, was born in Madison count}',
N. T., in 1820; in 1837 became to Illinois and located on a
farm in Henderson county; in 1839, he went to the pineries of
Minnesota, then a Territory, and with ten others engaged in lum-
bering, near the St. Croix river. The Chippewa Indians were
exasperated at this intrusion and called a convention of war, and
the -whites were driven away. They were met by the Government
Agents who were sent to make the first payment for territory to
this tribe. Blankets and money were paid them, and the party
came away with 600 logs. He afterward returned and spent 11
mouths there, being kind!}' treated. On his return to this State,
he located at Peoria, and engaged in staging between that point
and Burlington, Iowa. In 1818, he came to La Harpe and engaged
at his trade, harness-making; subsequently he opened a salesroom
for wagons and carriages, and had a large trade; in 18.53, he was
elected Constable and served three or four years; also, he has served
as Deputy Sheriff 12 years, and City Marslial nine years; was Mayor
two terms, and Alderman a number of years; has been Justice
of the Peace since 1873. He also deals largely in horses, handling
from 400 to 500 a year, making purchases and selling to the Gov-
ernment. In 1844 he married Miss Mary, daughter of George
Coulson, and they have 4 children, — Robert, Franklin, Edward and
Harry.

Willis G. Bernethy, farmer, sec. 22; P. O., LaHar]3e; was born
in Bond count}'. 111., in 1832; his parents, James and Elizabeth
(Gilliland) Bernethy, emigrated to that county, about 1826; sub-
sequently tliej' moved to Canton. Fulton county. 111., and to
La Harpe tp. in 18.''5. He was a farmer, and although solicited to
fill many offices of trust, preferred the quiet of his home. He
raised a family of S children, 4 of whom are now living, — Robert
G., James H., Willis G. and Jane. His death occurred at the
homestead January 19, 1877; the widow, now in her 79th year,
resides on the homestead with her son and daughter, Willis and
Jane. The farm, consisting of 90 acres, is well improved.

Jocl JBradskaw, farmer, sec. 30; P. O., La Harpe; is one of the
oldest citizens of the county. He was born in AVhite county,
West Tennessee, Sept. 15,1812; when quite young he was brought
by his pareuts, John and Fannie Bradshaw, to Madison county 111.;
they afterward removed to Morgan county, where they died, re-
corded " Early State pioneers." The subject of this notice was

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 897

married in 1833 to Miss Catharine, daughter of Hiis^h Dickson;
she was born near Knoxville, East Tenn.; they liave had 10 chil-
dren, of whom 7 are living: Jane, Emma, Eliza, Wm. D., Geo. W.,
J. S. and James M. Mr. B. settled ou his present estate in August,
1837; his farm of IBS acres is valued at $60 per acre, being under
a high state of cultivation. He is a Democrat.

William D. Brads?tmo\ farmer, sec. 30; P. O., La Harpe; was
born in Morgan county. 111., in 1837, and is a son of the preceding.
In 1867 he married Mary E., daughter of Samuel M. Bainter, an
early pioneer of the county. He has one child, Sarah M. Mr. B.
settled on his present estate in 1867; it consists of 160 acres, and
is quite valuable. He is School Director.

John W. Bray, deceased, was born at Welsh Pool, Wales, Dec.
24, 1806, and married Miss Ann AVilkinson May 22, 1830, and a
few years later emigrated to America, settling near Philadelphia,
where he worked at his trade, that of tinsmithing; in this business
he succeeded well and accumulated some propert}'. In 1810 he
joined the Freemasons and soon became an enthusiast in the
principles of the order. He was a charter member of the La-
Harpe Lodge No. 195, and was the organizer of Bristol Lodge No.
653 I. O. O. F., at Bristol, Pa. In the former order he was S. W.,
W. M., Select Master, and when he died he was Scribe. He emi-
grated tu Carthage in 1852, and the following year he started in
business with his son Thomas. He was one of the first of the city
fathers, and was serving as Alderman at the time of his death,
Sept. 4, 1879. After dinner one day he lay down, and when he was
called and no response was heard, he was found dead. He was a
good and true man.

Thovias S. Bray, son of the preceding, was born in Bucks
county. Pa., in 1836; in 1862 he married Miss Emma, daughter of
Wm. Leavitt, an early settler of this tp. He has ser\'ed on the
Board of Education six years; has been an Alderman, and is one
of the oldest and most respected merchants of La Harpe. He has
3 children living: Edwin, Annie and Winnie. Politically Mr. B.
is a stalwart Republican, as was his respected father.

George W. Braymer. dealer in sewing machines, wall-paper, etc.,
was born in Montgomery county. Pa., in 1829; in 1855 he came to
La Harpe engaging in mechanical work iintil he opened his
present trade ill 1870. In 1851, in his native State, he married
Sarah H. Griffith, of the same State, and of their 7 children all
are living: Emma, Adell, Linford, Edward, William, George and
Bessie. "For years Mr. B. has been Superintendent in the Method-
ist Protestant Church, and is one of the active business men of
the community. He is a Republican.

E. C. Brockett,^Avmei\sec.. 23; P. 0., La Harpe; was born in
Trumbull county, O., in 1850; his parents, Hosea, and Aurilla
(Nutt) Brockett, were natives of New York and Ohio, and came
to this county in 1851, settling on the present farm. The home-
stead farm consists of 200 acres, valued at $15 per acre. The sub-

898 HISTOET OF HAKCOCK COUNTY.

ject of this sketch was married in ] 873 to Miss Mary E. Biggs, a
native of tliis county, and their 2 children are Eva O. and Clarence
W. Mr. B. is a son of one of the old settlers of the county and
tp. His tather is a resident of California, and his uncle lives on
the homestead. Politically Mr. B. is a Republican.

S. F. Bryan, farmer sec. 9; P. O., La Harpe; was born in Mercer
county, Pa., JSfov. 1, 1832 ; when eight years of age he was brought to
this county by his parents, Jacob and !!\Iary (Bagler) Bryan, in May,
1840; he settled in thistp. and engaged in farming manj^ j^ears, in
which he was successful. He moved to La Harpe, where he now
lives in retirement. The ages of these respected pioneers are 86 and
75 years. The subject of this notice in 1859 married Miss Dolena,
daughter of Joseph T. Painter, who settled on his farm in 1836,
where she was born in November of that year. Eight of their 9
children are living: Emma V., Josepli P., John F., William E.,
James K., Mary, Charles C. and one not yet christened. The
homestead farm consists of 160 acres, valued at $50 an acre. It has
a flow of living water upon it. This point is historic, as the cabin
of La Harpe stood but a short distance from it, as also the rem-
nants of an old fort supposed to have been occupied by a pre-his-
toric race.

William 0. Butler, dentist. La Harpe, is a son of Noah and L.
C. (Dickinson) Butler, natives of Kentucky and Tennessee, who
settled in La Harpe in 1851; father was a graduate of the Missouri
Medical College, and was a practicing ph^-sician in this city until
his death in 1876. He was prominently identified with the inter-
ests of the community. His estimable widow and five children
survive. The subject of this biography was born in Clarke county.
Mo., in 1850; he completed a course of study in the Missouri
Medical College and graduated at the Dental School of Pennsyl-
vania, and is the only graduate dentist in the county. In 1873 he
married Miss Kate Lisk, a native of La Harpe, and their two
children are Clyde and Edith. Dr. B. is an Alderman, a member
of the Masonic fraternity, of the A. O. U. W., and of the Illinois
State Dental Association. He is thoroughly devoted to his pro-
fession. He established in practice here in 1873, and has a good
patronage.

William T. Campbell and sisters, dealers in dry goods, millinery
and notions. La Harpe, established tliemselves in business here in
1872, and now control a large trade. They are the children of
James and Eliza (McCulloch) Campbell, natives of Pennsylvania,
who came to this county in 1853, settling in Fountain Green tp.; in
1874 they moved to La Harpe, where the father died in 1877; the
widow and eight children survive. William T. was born in Franklin
county, Pa., in 1839 ; in 1870 he married Mary A. Barr, a native of the
same State, and they have one boy, Charlie. Mr. C. served as Clerk
of Fountain Green tp., and is now an Alderman, a Superintendent
of the Sunday-school connected with the Congregational Church,

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 899

and is one of those enterprising men who have given prestige to the
business of La Ilarpe.

/.' W. Ca><sell, principal of La Harpe Seminarv, is a native of
Knox county, O., wliere he was born in 1839. He was educated at
Wittenburg College, Springfield, O., and graduated at that insti-
tution in 1866. In September of the same year he entered the
college at Adrian, Mich., as Professor of Greek and Latin, where
he oiiiciated six years. He organized and superintended the public
schools at Lincoln, !Neb., in 1872, where he was engaged two years.
On his return to Illinois he settled on a farm in this tp., where he
has resided until called to fill his present position. He entered the
ranks of the Union soldiers in Co. A, 20th O. V. I., in 1861 for three
years' service, and was discharged at Bolivar, Tenn., on account of
sickness, after one year of service. He was a participant in the
battles of Fort Donelson and Pittsburg Landing. In 1871 Prof.
C. was married to Miss Mary, daughter of James Gittings, an early
pilgrim of Hancock county. Their living children are Abbie, Robert
and Ort. The Professor and his wife are members of the Methodist
Protestant Church.

A. Claycomh, proprietor of the Tremont House, La Harpe, was
born in Breckenridge county, Kentucky, in 1812; his parents,
Coonrad and Xancy (AH) Claycomb, were natives of that State,
both deceased. Mr. C. was on a farm until thirty years of age. In
1835 he traveledextensively through the "Western States, selling
goods, but returned to his home, where he was married in 1817 to
Sliss Sarah Barr, a native of Kentucky. In 1853 he moved to La
Harpe and purchased the hotel on the site of the present house,
which was burned to the ground in 1871. He erected a new build-
ing the same year, which also was destroyed by fire, January 31,
1879. In these conflagrations he lost about $3,500, besides the
family wardrobe. Not discouraged by these losses, he erected the
present house ("Tremont ") at a cost of $3,000, which is the only
first-class hotel in La iTarpe; it has the best improvements, and a
livery stable attached, and commands the best trade of the traveling
public. Mr. C. also has a farm of 160 acres in St. Clair county,
Missouri, under a good state of cultivation. He is a member of the
Methodist Protestant Church, and the father of 2 children: Harry
E., who assists his father in the hotel, and Delia, deceased.

Albert Coinstoch, farmer, sec. 23; P. O., La Harpe; was born in
this tp. in 1813; his parents, Henry and Lucy (Cracker) Comstock,
natives of Conn., and Mass., came to this county in the fall of 1836,
and settled on this place; here they resided until his death, in 1879,
at the age of 85. His widow survives, aged 81 years. He was an
active man, identified with the interests of the county, and was
highly esteemed. The subject of this biography was married in
1866, to Miss Narcissa Strong, a native of this State. They have 7
children, all of whom are living: Grant P., Chesley H., Joseph,
Alfred, Ernest, Orpha S. and Robert R. The homestead farm
consists of 200 acres, valued at $15 per acre. Member of the Con-

900 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

gregational Church and the A. O. U. W. The family are among
the oldest and most respected of the county.

Charle'< W. Comstock, farmer, sec. 28; P. O., La Harpe; was
born in Hampden county, Massachusetts, July 28, 1S2S, son of
Charles and Sophia (Bonner) Comstock, natives of Connecticut and
Massachusetts, who came to this county in the fall of 1836, and
settled on the farm of the present estate, consisting of 120 acres,
valued at $JrO per acre. He was among the earliest settlers of this
tp., where he resided until his death in January, 1S80, in the Slst
year of his age. She died in ls67. He was a quiet, unostentatious
man and devoted to the Church. The subject of this sketch was
married in 1S52 to Miss Julia A. Haggerty, a native of Bourbon
county, Kentucky. They are the parents of .5 children, 4 of whom
are living: Laura M., wife of Pliny A. Maywood, resident of this
tp., Thomas D., Charles J., who died in June, 1879, in Sacramento,
California, in the 22d year of his age, Leonard A. and Herbert H.
Mr. C. assessed the town in 1S66, and is School Trustee at the
present time. He has been a member of the Masonic order since
1865. Politically he is a Republican. He was drafted into the
serviceof the army in 1864, and served until July, 1865; partici-
pated in the battles of Kingston, North Carolina, and was honorably
discharged.

William If. Com»toch, farmer, sec. 26; P. O., La Harpe; was
born in Hampden county, Mass., Jan. 20, 1825; is a son of Henry
and Lucy (Crocker) Comstock, natives of Connecticut and Massa-
chusetts, who came to this county in the fall of 1836, and settled in
this township, where they resided until his deatii in Jan., 1879. His
widow and 8 children survive. The sul)ject of this sketch was
married in 1850 to Miss Sarah Nutt, a native of Trumbull county,
O. They are the parents of 4 living children — Fannie, Mary,
"William and Frank. La 1869 Mr. C. settled on his present estate,
consisting of 230 acres, valued at §45 per acre. He is Commis-
sioner of Highways, and is one of the early living pioneers of the
county; is a member of the Masonic order, and is favorably
known throughout the county. Politically he is a Republican.

George Coulson^ hardware merchant. La Harpe, established in
the grocery business in 1870, and in his present business Jan. 1,
1879. carries a stock worth $3,000, and has a good trade. Mr. C.
was born in this county in 1843. His parents. Dr. George and
Nancy (Cossitt) Coulson, were natives of Virginia and Connec-
ticut, and came to this county in 1834, settling in this place. The
father was one of the first practicing physicians in La Harpe, and
one of the earliest settlers. In 1840 he moved to Council Bluifs,
Iowa, where he resided until his death, in 1851. Mrs. C. died in
this city in 1866. The subject of this sketch was married in 1869
to Miss Maggie, daughter of Daniel Bainter, of this tp. She died
in 1878, leaving 2 children, George and Mary, both living. His
present wife, Rebecca Mayer, was a native of this county. They
were married in 1879. Mr. C. filled the office of Assessor four

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 901

years; is a member of the I. O. O. F., and one of the oldest living
settlers of the county. Politically he is a Democrat.

James C. Covl-soii, editor of T/ie La Uarper, was born in La
Harpe, Sept. Si, 1844. Ilis lirst experience in the newspaper
business was at Raritan, Henderson county, 111., where he started
the Raritan BuUetin, a small paper 10x12 — a four-page weekly,
which he afterward enlarged to a five-column quarto; afterward
continuing this about one year. In November, 1877, he sold out
to his partners, Barnes and Butler, and in March, 1878, he bought
the office and good will of The La LLarpei\ of Mr. L. S. Cogswell,
and he has continued its proprietor and editor since that time, con-
ducting the paper as an independent in politics. It is a five-column
quarto, and has a circulation of about 600. Its advertisements are
all of a local character. It is a live paper, and is in a very pros-
perous condition.

Chas. P. Crum, farmer, sec. 6; P. O., Disco; was born in Cass
county. 111., in 1853; is a son of James and Christina (Ream)
Crum, natives of Indiana and Ohio, who settled in Cass county in
1830, where she died in May, 1878. He survives. The subject of
this sketch was married in 1875 to Miss Salina, daughter of A. J
Janes, a native of this county. They have 3 children, Roy, and
twins, not yet christened. Mr. Crum came to this county in the
spring of 1876, and engaged in the grain and mercantile business
at Disco, but kept up his farming. In 1878 he disposed of his
grain business, and turned his attention wholly to farming. He has
an excellent farm of 160 acres, valued at .§60 per acre, which is
under a good state of cultivation and well improved. He is a
member of the I. O. O. F., and of the Methodist Protestant Church.
Politically he was raised a Democrat, but is now a staunch sup-
porter of Republican principles.

J. G. Figley, miller, La Harpe, is a native of Columbiana county,
O., where he was born in 1824. In 1846 he visited this county,
and returned East. He married in 1849 Miss Elizabeth Hamilton,
a native of Pennsylvania. In 1851 he came to this county, and
located at Warsaw, where he resided until 1862, when he enlisted
in Co. C, 111. Vol. Inf., and served in the Quartermaster's depart-
ment until the close of the war. In 1868 he moved to Clarke
county. Mo., and in 1875 went to Kohaka, Wis., and for two years
engaged in the mercantile business. This he disposed of and pur-
chased the mill at La Harpe, upon which he has expended about
$3,000 in repairs, and he is now having a large and lucrative trade.
Mr. F. is serving his second term as Alderman ; is a member of
I. O. O. F.', and one of the active, enterprising merchants of
La Harpe. His parents, David and Dorcas Figley, were natives of
Washington county, and are both deceased. The following are his
six living children: Marv, Jasper M., Cora, Curtis, Isola and
Birdy.

Charles Finney Gill was born in Antwerp, Jeflerson county, IST.
Y., Oct. 22, 1829,' a son of Daniel L. Gill, who was born in 1783,

902 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTT.

in Yermont, and was during his life-time a fanner, and during the
war of 1812 was Captain. He removed from Xew York to Indiana
in 1S37, where he bought a farm a half mile from ]\[uncietown, Ind.,
and where he died in 1S3S, leaving a widow and 6 children, in
comfortable circumstances. Her maiden name was Sallie Cogs-
well, and she was also a native of Vermont and of Scotch ancestry;
in 18-il she moved to Illinois with her children, locating in Foun-
tain Green tp., on sec. 5; she died in Nauvoo Dec. 25, 1845.
Charles' education was limited to that of the common schools in
the winter, from 12 to 19 j'eai's of age. At 12 he commenced to
work on a farm for $4 a month, continuing with the same man
until he was 19, when he was employed by Geo. A. Chittenden in
Warsaw, as clerk in the forwarding and commission business; six
months afterward, in company with David Bettisworth, Mr. Gill
bought out Mr. Chittenden and continued six months longer, when
Mr. G. bought out Mr. Bettisworth's interest, and continued until
1852, when he went to California with three others, with 5 3'oke of
oxen; in California he engaged in various pursuits, but none of
them proving to be permanent, he returned home in 1S53, in Feb-
ruary; but in March he started for California again, taking 165
head of cattle, and he succeeded in getting them through, which
proved a profitable investment. In the spring of 1S55 he returned
overland, by mule train, and went to steam boating between St.
Louis and St. Paul, at first owning an interest in the " Julia Dean "
and '' Minnesota Belle," and followed the business until 1858,
when he bought a farm of 365 acres, the south i of sec. 29, Pon-
toosuc tp., where he lived nine years; he then came to La Harpe
and put Tip a large brick building and opened a private bank,
which he conducted from 1867 to 1875, when he sold out, on
account of failing health, to Hungate & Ward, and spent two years
in the South for his health. Mr. Gill was married, Dec. 20, 1855,
to Lucy S. A. Bainter, in Fountain Green tp., a native of Ohio and
daughter of Daniel X. and Sarah 'Bainter, who came to this county
in 1836, and are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Gill are now resid-
ing in La Harpe, in a verj' pleasant residence, with 4 children,
whose names are Ella, Charles F., John and Sarah M. Politically,
Mr. Gill is a Republican ; in 1877 he represented the 24th district
in the Illinois House of Representatives, which position he filled
with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. Since
that time his chief occupation has been the care of his property,
which consists of about 600 acres of farm land in this county,
some town property, securities, etc. He also carries on a general
produce and grocery store. He has been Treasurer of La Harpe
for the last eight or ten years. He and his wife are members of
the Congregational Church.

Mr. Gill's portrait will be found on page 883.

William W. Oillon, grocer. La Harpe, established in his present
business in 1879, carries a stock of 82,500 and has an increasing
trade. Mr. G. was born in London, England, in 1844, and emi-

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 903

grated to the United States in 1S6S, locating in this city, where he
began teaching school, and followed various pursuits until he was
enabled to open his present place. He was educated in the colleges
of London, and a graduate of the school of 1S59. Subsequently he
received an appointment as clerk in the office of the Crown
Solicitor, and three j'ears afterward entered the mercantile business
in London. In 1S63 he was married to Miss Rose Hagger, a native
of London. To this union 7 children have been born, 5 of whom
are living: Alice R., Amy C, AVilliam B., Henry E. and Cora X.
lie has three brothers, Henrj-, Edward and Bruce, in the East
Indies; two of them hold important offices in tlie civil service of
the English Government. Mr. G. is a professor of book-keeping
in the seminary of this citj*; is also a member and officer in the
I. O. O. F. and of the M. P. Churcii. In politics he endorses the
Kepublican party, and favored the nomination of Grant.

James Gittings, a pioneer settler of this county, was born in
Jefferson county ,Va., Feb. 21,1801; his parents were ASon and
Elizabeth (Clark) Gittings, who were born in Maryland, about
15 miles from Washington, D.C., of English ancestry, the first of
whom in America settled here long previous to the Revolution.
Ason Gittings was a farmer by occupation, and also followed
wagon-making to some extent. He lived in Muskingum county,
O., many j'ears, and died there. He had, however, lived in this
county awhile, with his famih', but was not satisfied; his wife died
in March, 18-17, and he returned to Ohio. The subject of this
sketch passed his earl}' years upon his father's farm; at the age- of
26 he commenced planting and raising tobacco, in Belmont county,
O., which he continued for three years, taking his tobacco to tlie
Baltimore market to sell. In 1830-'31 he engaged in flour and
freighting from Zanesville, O., to New Orleans, La. His first trip
was in 1829, when he went as supercargo, owning 100 barrels of
flour himself and taking charge of 400 barrels for others. The first
trip he made entirely on his own account, he cleared some 8500.
In 1833 he bought a farm in Muskingum county, of 320 acres, for
which he paid 81,600 in cash, and in 1835 he sold this farm and
came to Hancock county, 111., where he purchased, in 1836, the
north half of sec. 5, La Harpe tp. Previously he had spied out the
land and found it a goodly one in comparison with what he saw in
the East. Prior to 1837 he walked the entire distance from Zanes-
ville, O., to this county three iimex! On his new land in the West
he first broke about 80 acres and sowed it in wheat, in 1836, and in
the spring of 1837 he moved his family to this county. He built a
flat-boat on the Ohio above Zanesville, placed his family and goods
upon it, and with five other families he started West in that primi-
tive style; at Cincinnati he sold the boat and transferred all to a
steamboat bound for St. Louis; remaining at the latter place four
or five days the boat came on with them to Warsaw where they
landed in April, 1837, after having been a month on the way.
Thence they came by team to within three miles of. La Harpe,

904 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

where he had rented a house; here he lived about one year, build-
ing a hoiise on his own place, into which he moved in the spring
of 1838.

Sept. 17, 1S32, he married Jane Van Horn, and in 1842 she died,
leaving 5 children, 2 only of whom are now living, Elizabeth and
Robert. May 17, 1844, Mr. G. again married, this time Mrs.
Dogue, nee Susannah Thompson, daughter of John and Libbie
Thompson, natives of Maryland. Mrs. G. was born in Stokes
county, N. C. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson both died in Fountain
Green, this county, where they had settled in 1837. James Git-
tings has since added to his possessions so that he now has 2,700
acres, all connected in one piece, in Illinois, and besides he has 740
acres in Missouri. He commenced life with nothing, working for
only $6 a month, but through perseverance, energy, honesty and
frugality he has amassed this large estate.

Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Church. In
politics he has always been a strong supporter of human liberty,
and is now a Republican. By his last wife the 2 children are
Clarence R. and Mary Jane. The latter is now Mrs. Castle, and
lives in La Harpe. We present in this volume, on page 369, a
portrait of Mr. Gittings, from a photograph taken at the age of 72.

£. J. Headon, farmer, sec. 36; P. O., La Harpe; was born in
Morgan county, 111., in 1841. His parents, Thomas S. and Mar-
garet Moore, came to this State at an early time and settled in
Morgan county, where she died. He survives, in the7Sth year of
his age. The subject of this sketch was married in 1866 to Miss
Maria C. Coultas, a native of this county, and they are the parents
of 5 children living — "William, Marj^, George, Jennie and Rosa.
The two deceased are Joseph and Demont. Mr. II. came to this
county in 1868, and settled on his first estate of 200 acres in this
tp. and 87 in Fountain Green. He is a School Director and member
of the I. O. 0. F. Politically he is a Democrat.

J. H. Hungate, banker. La Harpe, of the firm of Hungate &
Ward, is a son of Adonijah and Eliza (Ward) Hungate, natives of
Kentucky, who emigrated to this county in 1833 and settled in
Fountain Green tp., where the subject of this sketch was born in
1838. The following year his parents moved to McDonough
county, and engaged in farming. When 17 years of age Mr. H.
took a course of studies in the schools of Knox county, and entered
the law college at the Chicago University, at which institution he
graduated in 1862, and began the practice of his profession with
Judge Bailey at Macomb. In 1864 he was elected Circuit Clerk
of McDonough county, and filled that position four years. In 1869
he moved to St. Louis, where he resided until 1S74, and then took
a trip to the East. The same year he formed the present partner-
ship, and succeeded T. Gill in the banking business, which has since
been successfully carried on. He made a strong race for State Sen-
ator on the Democratic ticket, and was again defeated after his
nomination to Congress in 1876. He was married in 1878 to Miss

HISTORT OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 905

Florence E., daughter of James W. Matliews, a prominent man of
Macoml) — a neice of Dr. Mathews, of Monmonth, and ilescendant
of the Stanley Mathews family of Virginia. They are the parents
of one son, Wheaton Ward. The firm of Hungate & Ward is one
of the most snccessful and solid institutions of La Plarpe. Opening
their business in adverse times, they have distinguished themselves
and been crowned with success. Mr. H. is a Democrat.

John N. Hurdle. — The ancestors of this gentleman were Scotch,
the first of whom we have any account being John Hurdle, a native
of Maryland, near Baltimore, whei-e he lived many years. lie after-
ward moved to Muskingum county, O., where he followed farming.
He died in this county in 18-13, aged 75 years, leaving 3 sons and one
daughter. He was an Abolitionist, and in his voting precinct in
Ohio there were but tliree others who voted with him. His son,
William V., who was the father of John N., was next to the youngest
child, and was born in Virginia and brought up on his father's
farm, but on attaining manhood he studied medicine, which he
practiced 15 or 20 years in Ohio. About 1826 he married Miss
Mary Kinney, a native of Huntingdon county. Pa., a daughter of
William and Margaret (Mahan) Kinney, both natives of Pennsyl-
vania, who afterward moved to Ohio, where Mr. William V.
married. In 1853 they, with 7 children, moved to Illinois, and
bought, in company with his son, John N., 320 acres of land, being
sees. 5 and S, La Harpe tp. In IStil he moved to Henderson county,
where he died in August, 1863. His widow now lives with her
son, John N.

John N. Hurdle was born Feb. 15, 1831, in Muskingum county,
O. His educatioa was chiefly confined to the public schools of his
native State, mostly in winter. At 18 he put in crops on rented
land, at times when he was not needed on his father's place; this
was on shares, and in this way he had accumulated some $600 by
the time he was 23 years old. Dec. 15, 1853, he married Mary
Wolf and immediately moved to Illinois, with a two-horse team, in
26 days, and located in Henderson county, where he bought a one-
fourth sec. for .$1,900, going in debt ,§1,500. This debt he paid in
just three years, and then he sold out for $i,600. 'In February,
1857, with his father, he bought a one-half sec. in La Harpe, 320
acres for §7,875. In 1861 Mr. H. bought out his father, giving a
mortgage on the same for nearly §4,000. These times, from 1857
to 186-1, were pretty hard, and he offered 6,000 bushels of corn for
10 cents a bushel, to pay the interest on the mortgage, which was
not accepted; the mortgagee sued for his interest, but finally com-
promised, and Mr. H. was to pay the same in June following, and
by that time he had sold his corn for 70 cents a bushel.

April 9, 1860. Mrs. Hurdle died, leaving 2 children; namely,
Edgar F., who was born July 13, 1856, and Emma F., born August
18,' 1858. Laura J., who was born August 7, 1855, died November
23, following. May 28, 1861, Mr. Hurdle again married, this time
Miss Elmira A. Barr, a native of Breckenridge county, Kentucky,

906 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

and daughter of Elias and Sallie A. (Beaucliamp) Barr, both natives
of that State. They came to this county in 1857, settling on sec. 1,
Rock Creek tp. Mrs. II. 's grandfather, Adam Barr, was a native
of Maryland, served in the Revolutionary war under Washington,
and died in Kentucky. Elias Barr was a Democrat, served as assessor,
etc., and died in Rock Creek tp., July IS, 1874, leaving 5 sons and
6 daughters, Mrs. Hurdle being next to the eldest. The widow,
. who with her children were left in good circumstances, is still
living on the old homestead. Mr. Barr was a high-minded and
honorable man.

Since his coming to this county Mr. Hurdle has added to his
possessions so that he now has 905 acres of land in the home farm.
His large residence 18 by 40, with L 32 by 18, was built in
1872. and is one of the finest farm houses in the county; it cost
$6,000 besides time and labor. In 1868 he also built a large frame
barn, at a cost of §4,000, size 40 by 60 feet, the carpenter work alone
amounting to $900.

Mr. Hurdle's children: Lula B., born March 19,1862; Sarah
Olive. July 19, 1863; Maggie C, October 2, 1855; Carrie A., June
14,1868; Willie Elias, January 24, 1870; Uora K., February 20,
1872; Henr3- A., March 5, 1876; and John Franklin. November
21, 1877; all living.

In 1873-'4 Mr. II. met with some reverses of fortune, by endeavor-
ing to assist and accommodate others, indorsing notes, etc., to the
extent of nearly §20,000, all of which he had to meet, as his fi-iends
failed to come to time; but he is fast recovering from the loss. He
is one of the most substantial and enterprising farmers and citizens
of the county; has strong religious convictions, and has been a
member of the Church ever since he was eighteen years of age; has
always observed with strictness the rigid habits of tem])erance,
honesty and integrit}', and has ever been a high-minded, honorable
Christian gentleman. He joined the Washitigtonian Temperance
Society when he was seven years of age, and has ever since adhered
strictl}' to his pledge. He and four of his children are members
of the Methodist Protestant Clnirch, and his life, according to the
uniform testimony of the neighbors, has ever been an exemplary one.
In politics he is a Republican. We give a portrait of Mr. Hurdle in
this volume, which may lie found on page 893.

Henry Hyatt, grain dealer. La Harpe, was born in Yates county,
N. Y., in 1825. His parents, Thomas and Hannah (Finch) H3'att,
were natives of New York, and remained there until 1855, at which
time they came to Hancock county and located in this tp., where
he resided until his death. The esteemed widow survives in the
76th year of her age. The subject of this sketch came to the city
in 1849. and engaged in the drag business. In 1850 he disposed
of his stock and entered the grain trade. He purchased the ele-
vator located near the depot, and makes large shipments of grain to
St. Louis and other points, where lie is connected. The average
amount of grain handled at this elevator is 100,000 bushels of

HISTOKY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 907

wheat, 30,000 to 40,000 of oats and 20,000 to 30,000 of rye. "Mr. H.
was married in 1S52, toMiss Fredonia Duncan, a native of Illinois,
who died in June, 1S66, leaving one child, George W. Mr.
Hyatt was again married in May, 1S67, to Miss Josephine Lane, a
native of Illinois. One daughter, Anna M., has been born to them.
Mr. H. has served as Mayor of the city, and has been otherwise
identified with the interests of the city and tp.

Andrew Jachson Jame><. — The ancestors of this gentleman on
his fathei''s side were of Welsh descent, and settled in Maryland
probably 60 years before the Revolutionary war. The lirst we
learn of the family by this name was Evan James, who lived at
Westport, now Tolona, Maryland. His wife was a Miss Firman.
He was a farmer by occupation, and died at the place mentioned,
leaving a widow and a large family of children. She afterward
moved to Muskingum county, Ohio, where she died at the age of
SI years. One of her sons, Evan, Jr., was born in Maryland in
1792, and married about 1812, Miss Lydia Wolf, in the same State;
soon afterward he moved with his family to Muskingum county,
O., where he followed farming, lumbering, etc.; afterward, in 185i,
he moved to Edgar countj', 111., where his wife died; he married
again, in that county, and subsequently moved to this county and
lived with his son, the subject of this sketch; he died in 1869.

A. J. James, our subject, was born Sept. 15, 1815, at West
Zanesville, Muskingum county, O., where he passed his early years
at farming, logging and lumbering; at the age of 21 his father
gave him a colt, saddle and bridle; this is all he had to start with,
and all he ever had given him. The first year, he worked a piece of
land on shares; the next year, in partnership with his brother, he
went into the logging and lumbering business, but was not success-
ful; the debts they contracted required the ne.xt two years of their
time to pay up; they then followed farming six years, on rented
land; then they dissolved partnership and A. J. continued on the
same land six years longer, paying 20 bushels of corn per acre for
rent, and hauling the grain two or three miles to a still-house; at
the end of this six years he had accumulated money enough to buy
240 acres of land; on this farm he lived two years; he then sold
out at $15 per^acre and moved with his family to this tp., locating
on sec. 17, Oct. 22, 1852, where he bought 500 acres of land at §10
an acre; since that time he has added to his possessions in this
county so that it now amounts to 1,311 acres, besides having 495
in Iowa. The improvements on the home farm on see. 7 are
among the finest in the county; the home farm consists of 640
acres ; the dwelling is a large two-story brick, and the fine, large
frame barn is built in the gothic style; they were built in 1868-'70,
at a cost of about 820,000, including all out-buildings, door-yard
fences, ice-houses, etc.

Mr. James was married in Coshocton county, O., Oct. 81, 1838,
to Miss Sidney Pigman, a native of that county and a daughter of
John and Jane (Thompson) Pigman, natives of Hampshire county,

90S HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Ya., who came to tliis county in 1S53 and li\-ed on Mr. A. J.
James' farm, where thej died, Mr. P. in 1S67, aged 81 years, and
Mrs. P. in March, 187S. Mr. Pigman was very widely and favor-
ably known in Ohio, where he spent the most of his life, in Coshoc-
ton county. In that place he served 20 years as Justice of the
Peace, besides holding various other offices of trust and honor.
He was in the war of 1S12, was a flag-bearer at the battle of Tippe-
canoe, and was present the time Tecumseh was killed, being the
second man to discover the fact. He always claimed tliat it was a
man named Wheatty that killed Tecumseh, instead of Gen. John-
son, who had the credit of it.

Mr. James' children: Lydia J., deceased, was born Oct. 1-i, 1S39;
John P., was born Aug 25, 1841- Evan, Nov. i, 18i3; Francis M..
April 11, 184:6; Josephine, deceased, was born Dec. 15, 1848;
Mary E., Nov. 6, 1851; Roxana, deceased, was born March 7,
1844; Salina, Sept. 8. 1856; Sidney, deceased, born Nov. 14, 1S5S;
Henrietta, Dec. 21, 1860; and Andrew J., Jr., Oct. 25, 1864^ The
five eldest were born in Muskingum county, O.

Mr. James is a Kepublican in politics, and has been Supervisor
and in various other official positions. His portrait will be found
on page 459.

J^. M. James, farmer, sec. 33; P. O., La Harpe; was born in
Muskingum county, Ohio, in .1840; is a son of Andrew J. and
Sidney' (Pigman) James, natives of Ohio, who came to this county
in 1852 and are among the living pioneers of the county. The
subject of this sketch was married in 1871 to Miss Frances A.
Vincent, a native of this tp. Charles C. is their only child. Mr.
J. is a member of the I. O. O. F. and of the Methodist Church.
The farm upon which he now resides consists of 163t acres of val-
uable and productive land. Politically Mr. J. endorses Republi-
can administration.

Oeorge Khlcpatriok, 2f. D., was born in Allegheny county, Pa., in
1818. His father, William Kirkpatrick, was a native of Scotland,
who emigrated to the United States at an early time and settled in
Penns3'lvania, where he married Miss Jane Jamison, a native of
the same State; both are deceased. The subject of this sketch was
educated for his profession at Cincinnati, O. He studied medicine
with his preceptor, Dr. J. H. Ogden, of Harrison county, W. Va.,
and attended lectures at the medical college of Cincinnati, at which
he graduated with honor. Subsequently he entered the drug busi-
ness in West Virginia, in which he was successful. In 1854 he
moved to Henry county, Iowa, near Mt. Pleasant, and for two
years followed the jjractice of his profession. He then moved to
this city and has since been in constant practice. He was married
in 1836 to Miss Maria Tretwell, a native of England and daugh-
ter of Thomas R. Tretwell, of Mercer county, deceased. They are
the parents of 6 children, all living: Jane. Elizabeth, Amanda,
William, Robert and Ida. Dr. K. has a very large, yet uniform.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 909

practice, and is widely known and esteemed. He is a member of
the Masonic order and of the Methodist Cliurch.

Hc'sekiak Zi)icol/i, retired (armer, a, son of Abraham Lincoln, a
cousin of the honored President of the United States. His mother's
maiden name was Elizabeth Mudd. His parents came to this
county in 1S29 and settled in Fountain Green tp. Tliey were
among the earliest pioneers of the county, and the farm is to this
day known as the '' Lincoln farm," and consists of 220 acres of
land, which he entered. He was the first Justice of the Peace for
20 years. Slie died in Sept., 1851. Abraham died in Jan., 1852.
The subject of this sketch was born in Hardin county, Ky., in 1829.
He was married in 1867 to Miss Phiebe Brewer, a native of New
York State. In 1863 he engaged in the dry-goods business at
Dallas City, in company witii Philip Knowles, to whom he sold
his interest, and formed a partnership with W. Block in the mer-
cantile business at Fountain Green. The firm came to this city
in the fall of 1865, and the following year he purchased Mr.
Block's interest and carried on the business alone until he sold and
retired from all active pursuits to the enjoyment of his industry.
He once served as Collector of Fountain Green tp. He is a
member of the Masonic order, and is one of the oldest pioneers
and business men of the county. Politically he is a Republican.

James Mayer, dealer in agricultural implements. La Harpe, was
born on the Mississippi river April 10, 184:2. His parents, John
and Eliza Bickerstaif, were natives of Preston, England, and em-
barked on a sailing vessel for the United States in 18i2. They
landed at Nauvoo, and shortly after came to La Harpe. He was a
lilacksmitli and worked studiously at his trade until his death in
1874. The wife and mother survives in the 5Sth year of her age.
The subject of this sketch followed the profession of his father
until 1870, when he entered the mercantile business, and has since
been actively engaged. He has served as City Marshal, Police
Magistrate, Supervisor, and is a member of the present School
Board, etc. He opened his present business in 1880, and is en-
gaged in fire insurance. Among liis comjianies are the Hartford,
of Hartford, Conn.; North American, of Philadelphia, Phojnix, of
Brooklyn: American and German, of Peoria. He was married in
1863 to Miss Laura Everson, a native of Ohio. Their children are
Ii-ving and oao not yet christenei.

Deacon L. C. Maynard. — The ancestors of the Maynard family
are of Scotch descent, and were among the very early pioneers who
settled in America. Tradition says that two brothers Maynard
were the founders of the family in America, of which L. C, the
subject of this notice, is a descendant. They settled in Massachu-
setts and raised families. Captain Gardner Maynard, who prob-
ably served in the Eevolutionary war, was a farmer in the town of
Phillipston, Worcester county, Massachusetts, where he died. His
son Calvin was the father of L. C, a resident of the same place, and

910 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

died when the latter was sixteen years old. His widow, nee Lncy
Piper, was left with a family of 4 children.

The subject of this sketch was born March 7, 1806, passed his
early youth on his father's farm and received a good common-school
education ; at sixteen he attended Amherst Academy three months;
taught school every winter until he was twenty-eight years of age,
attending to farm work in the summer. At the age of sixteen,
when liis father died, he went to live with Doctor Stone, with the
understanding that he could teach winters, the money he should
receive for which he was to keep; and the doctor was also to clothe
him and furnish his medical services free and give him 870 on his
21st birthday. This programme was faithfully carried out, and
Mr. M. found himself at that age with about 8300 on hand, most of
which he had earned at teaching. April 6, 1S35, he married Miss
Adeline Ward, daughter of Nahuni Ward, of Phillipston, Massa-
chusetts, and of Irisli descent. Artemas Ward, the great-grand-
father of Mrs. Maynard, was a General under Washington in the
Revolutionary war. Previous to his marriage, in 1831, Mr. L, C.
Maynard and his brother, Jeffrey Amherst Maynard, came to Illi-
nois on a prospecting tour, hunting a good place for a home, and
they selected a half section near Canton, Illinois, and bought a tax
title on a half section of timber land near the same place; they
afterward secured a clear title to both pieces of land. L. C. returned
to Massachusetts in the fall well pleased with the country; accord-
ingly, immediately after his marriage he started West with his wife,
mother and youngest brother, going by stage to Albany, i^. Y., by
railroad to Schenectady, by canal to Bufl'alo, by steamboat to
Cleveland, Ohio, where he visited friends; thence they were
taken by an uncle with a team to Morgan county, thence by team
to Marietta, Ohio, then by steamboat to St. Louis, Missouri, then by
steamboat to Havana, Illinois, and finally by a private team
to Canton, Illinois; the trip consuming six weeks of time;
but in a month or two Mr. Maynard removed to La Ilarpe,
having brought with him a general stock of goods, and started the
first store in this place. Continuing this establishment until 1838,
he sold out and purchased an unimproved farm, the N. W. \ of sec.
27, LaHarpe tp., which place he thoroughly improved with build-
ings, hedge fence, etc. During the hard times of 1833. Mr. M. was
broken up in trade, and he went upon his farm, which he mortgaged
and came near losing; but he finally paid for it; in 185-t he sold it
and bought another on the N. W. J of sec. 26, same tp., where he
now resides. Here he has put up a fine residence, barn and other
buildings; has improved it and added to it so that it now comprises
268 acres.

Mr. Maynard is not only one of the early pioneers who has by
his energy and labor made this country what it is, socially, morally
and financially, but he is honored and respected by every one for
his strict honesty, and his enterprise in things pertaining to the
benefit of his fellow men, for all of which his Durse and heart were

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 911

ever open. He was an abolitionist before the war; his house was
known among the officers of the under-ground railroad as a station,
and many black men, no doubt, to-day remember with grateful
hearts and memories the helping hand to freedom that was extended
to them from this station. Mr. M. is now a Republican, and has
filled various local offices in his tp. ; he has been a member of the
Congregational Church since his si.xteenth year, and Mrs. M. lias also
been a member from her youth. They have a family of S children;
4 of wlioni are living; namely, Lucv S., born May 22, 1S37; Louis
P., July 2, 1S39; Nahum W., March 2S, ISil, died September 11,
1S42; James S., September 16, 1S13, died November 2, 1846;
Calvin H., May T, 1846, died November 6, 1876; James W., Sep-
tember 19, 1848; Pliny A., March 16, 1851; and Joseph C, May
27, 1854, died October 20, 1863. James and Pliny are married
and live on the homestead; Lucy S. lives with her parents, and
Louis P. lives in Henderson count}', ten miles from the homestead.

On Mr. Maynard's arrival in this county there was no Congre-
gational Church at this place; in the summer of 1836 a company
was collected for the purpose of organizing a Church at his house,
a log cabin. Kev. Asa Turner, of Quincy, officiated on the occasion.
The members present were: Marvin Tryon and wife, Benjamin Rice
and wife, E. A. Doming and wife, Roswell C. Jerome and wife, L. C.
Maynard and wife, and others. This was the nucleus of the subse-
quently large Congregational Church of La Harpe. At this meeting
Mr. Maynard was elected Deacon, which office he has held con-
tinuously to the present time. And the Sunday-school that was
then organized has always been in existence, with few vacations, up
to the present. At the first meeting Mr. M. was also elected Super-
intendent of the Sunday-school, and he has officiated for 40 consecu-
tive years. In early times tiie school was held at various places; as,
Ross' school-house, Methodist meeting-house, etc. About twenty-
four 3'ears ago the society erected a house of worship in La Harpe,
since which time the Sunday-school has been held in it.

We give in this volume, on page 315, a portrait of Deacon May-
nard, from a photograph taken at the age of 73 years.

J. W. MaCoi-d, farmer, sec. 20; P. O., La Harpe; was born in Over-
ton county, Tenn., in 1815. His parents, John and Mary (Willard)
McCord, were natives of South Carolina and Tennessee, and made
their settlement in McDonough county in 1830, where he entered a
large tract of land, and they were among the first families to locate
in that county. They resided there until their death. The subject
of this sketch moved to this county in 1846, and settled on his
present estate, consisting of 190 acres, valued at $75 per acre. He
was married March 15, 1838, to Miss Nancy Manifold, a native of
Tennessee. They are the parents of S children, 6 of whom are
living,^Elizabeth, George, Sarah, John, Noah and Ida. Mr.
McCord and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, and are
highly esteemed. Politically Mr. McC. is Democratic.

52

912 HISTOET OF HANCOCK OOUNTT.

J. J. JlfcVey, farmer, sec. 29; P. O., La Plarpe; is a son ofHeni-y
and Mary (Jones) McVey, natives of Maryland. They were
among the pioneers of Ohio, and raised a family of 10 children.
Both died in Ohio, the wife attaining the age of 90 years. The
subject of this sketch was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, in 1824.
In 1S49 he was united in marriage to Miss Susan Kamsey, a native
of Muskingum county, O.; 3 of the 6 children that were born to
them are living, — Clara, Lawrence and Elmore. The deceased are
Luuda, Russell and Ernest. In 1860 Mr. McYey moved to this
tp. and settled on his present estate, consisting of 190 acres of land.
This is one of the finest farms in the tp. His wife is a member of
the Methodist Church. Politically he is a strong advocate of
Republicai' principles.

Joh?i Miller, farmer, sec. 18; P. O., Disco; is a native of Scott
county, 111., where he was born in 1832. William and Margaret
(Dickson) Miller, his parents, were natives of Tennessee, and early
pioneers in Morgan county, where he died in 1838. She died after
removal to this county in 1866. The subject of this sketch was
married in 1855 to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of John Scott, an early
pilgrim of Hancock, where she was born. The}' are the parents of
14: children, 11 of wliom are living, as follows: Mary J., George,
Delia, Waymon, John, Hattie, Eddie, Ollie, Andrew J., Nellie and
one not yet christened. Mr. M. settled on his present estate in
1857, now consisting of 520 acres, valued at $10 per acre. His
advantages for education were very limited, and only by energy and
industry he attained success. He has been School Director for 21
or 22 successive years, but never aspired to political position.
Politically he favors the Greenback platform.

Rufus N orris, blacksmith, La Harpe; was born in Chenango
county, N. Y., and came to this county in 1838, settling in this
place, engaging at his trade. He came from jSTew York on
horseback, which at that early day was an adventurous undertaking.
He is one of the oldest settlers of La Harpe. He served three years
in the war, in the 50th 111. Vol. Inf.

Fanner Nudd, farmer on sec. 33; P. O., La Harpe; was born in
this county in 1841, and is a son of Joseph W. and Sarah (Wales)
Nudd, natives of Massachusetts and New Hampshire, who came
to this county in the spring of 1835, settling on the place where
they yet reside. The subject of this sketch was married in 1868 to
Miss Rosabel Vincent, a native of tiiis county, where she was born
in 1S47, and they are the parents of 4 children — Joseph S., Harry
C, Clay, and one not yet named. Mr. Nudd settled on his present
farm after his marriage; it consists of 390 acres, ISO of which are
in Fountain Green tp., and is valued at §40 an acre. Mr. N. is
Road Supervisor, is a member of the Mutual Aid, has been School
Director, and in politics is a Democrat. He is one of the oldest
living settlers of the tp.

George F. Otto, furniture dealer, La Harpe, was born in Phila-
delphia, Pa., in 1834. His parents, William and Mary A. (Wood)

HISTOKY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 913

Otto, were natives of tliat State; both are deceased. Mr. Otto came
to this conuty in 1856, and the following year located in this city.
He was a carpenter by trade, and followed his occupation until he
established his present business in 1869. He carries a stock of
$1,.500, and has a good trade. In 18.57 he was married to Miss
Hettie A. Hyatt, a native of N"ew Y'ork State. Mr. O. has tilled
the office of City Treasurer and Alderman; was elected Mayor of
the city in 1879, and filled the same office pro tern two years; has
been a member of the Masonic order 1-t years, and is one of the
active business men of the city. His family are connected with the
Protestant Methodist Church.' Two brothers of Mr. Otto, William
H. and Leroy T., served through the war, and died with consump-
tion after returning home.

Henry R. Paintr, farmer, sec. 4; P. O., LaHarpe; was born in
Mercer (now Lawrence) county. Pa., in 1828. When nine years of
age he was brought to this county by his parents, William and
Hannah (Reynolds) Painter, who made their settlement on the
present farm, at that time, of SO acres. They resided here nntil
their death. The subject of this sketch has b}' energy, economy
and industry secured 320 acres, the most of which is well cultivated,
and is one of the finest farms in the county. He erected his com-
modious dwelling in 1871. His marriage to. Miss Jane Dawson
occurred in 1852. She is a native of Kentucky. Of their chil-
dren 7 are living — Joseph H., Anna, Flora, Marion, Charles W.,
Louis H. and Jennie E. Mr. P. is School' Director at the present
time, and numbers among the oldest and most respected citizens of
the county. Politically he was formerly a Whig, but now endorses
the Republican platform.

Oeorge W. Peck, farmer, sec. 28; P. O., La Harpe; was born in
Mason county. V^a., in 1819. In 1841 he moved to Gallia county,
O., where he was married June 10, 1841, to Miss Lucina Rowley, a
native of Ohio. In 1850 they came to this county and settled in
this tp., where they have since made their home. Of 10 children
born to them 9 are living. Their farm, consisting of 65 acres, is
valued at 850 per acre. They are members of the Methodist
Church, and among the oldest and respected families of the county.
Politicallj' he is Democratic.

William Perrin, Jr., druggist. La Harpe, commenced his pres-
ent business Dec. 1, 1871, carries a stock of $5,0U0, and has a
large trade. He was born in England in 1836, and emigrated to
the United States in 1847 with liis parents, William and Elizabeth
(Gulliver) Perrin, who located in Warren county. III. He after-
ward settled in Monmouth tp., where she died in 1869. The sub--
ject of this sketch enlisted in 1862 in Co. F, 83d I. V. I., and
served until the close C'f the war. He participated in the battle of
Fort Donelson, and against Forest at Nashville and Chattanooga.
In 1867 he was married to Miss Mary Todd, a native of Des
Moines county, Iowa. They are the parents of 6 children, 5 of
whom are living. Flora, Mary, Hattie, Arthur and George. Mr.

914 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

and Mrs. P. are members of the Christian Church, and Mr. P. is
among the active business men of La liarpe. He is Republican in
politics.

Charles B. Place, grain dealer; P. O., Disco; was born in
Muskingum count}-, O., in 1852, and is a son of Joseph and
Eleanor (Baxter) Place, natives of Virginia and Ohio, who came to
this count}' in 1865, and settled hi Pilot Grove tp., where they yet
reside. The suljject of this biography was married in June, 1877,
to Miss Mary, daughter of A. J. James, of this tp. They are the
parents of one child, Ernest. Mr. P. entered the mercantile busi-
ness at Disco in 1878; subsequently he disposed of his stock and
became largely engaged in the grain business. His shipments
average 100.000 bushels per year. He enjoys a good trade and is
one of the enterprising young merchants of Disco.

Joha S perry, retired, was born in East Bloomfleld, iST. Y., in
ISll, and came to this State in 1832. He stopped at Quincy, and
the following year his parents, George and Mary (Lemraon) Sperry.
came and located in Adams count}'. In 1833 the family moved to
this county and located at La Harpe. He was a carpenter and
erected many of the first buildings in the city. They both died at
Council Bluffs in 18i4 or '45. The subject of this sketch engaged
at various occupations until elected Jtistice of the Peace; he was
re-elected three times, serving 1-i or 15 years, when he resigned.
He has also held otiier public trusts. He was married in 1832 to
Miss Sarah, daughter of Lyman Oatman, an' old settler of the
county, now deceased. By this marriage 10 children have been
born, 8 of whom are living. Two sons, Eli and Aaron, lost their
lives in the late war.

Rohert Sutton, M. D., was born in England in lSi2, and when
four years of age emigrated to the United States with his parents,
Robert H. and Martha (Reay) Sutton. He was a clergyman of the
Metliodist faith, and located in Pittsburg, Pa. He followed his
professional calling until 1S58, when he became blind. Subse-
quently he returned to Pittsburg, recovered his sight, and in 1877
he retired from tiie ministry and moved to AVaynesborough, Pa., and
is living in quiet retirement. The subject of this biography received
his early education in the schools of Fairmont, W. Va., and Henry
College, 111. He attended lectures at the Chicago medical school,
and graduated at the Eclectic Medical College, Cincinnati, 0., in
1863. The same year he began the practice of his profession in this
city, where he has since been successfully engaged. He was married
in 1864 to Miss Susan G. Chenoiii-, who died in 1871. One child,
David C, is the surviving offspring. He was again married to
Miss Orpha E., daughter of Jesse C. Chandler, an early settler of
this county. They are the parents of 2 children, Mark C. and
Jesse IJ. Dr. S. is serving the sixth term as Superintendent of the
cit}' schools, is a member of the Methodist Protestant Church, and
enjoys a large practice as a physician.

HISTOKY OF UANCOCK COCNXr. 915

Benjamin Warren is a native of Shapleigb, York county, Maine,
and was born April 20, 1S2S, of Eni;lisli ancestry. The founder
of the lamily in America was also Benjamin Warren, the grand-
father of the subject of this sketch, who came to this country soou
after the Revolutionary war and settled in Waterborough, York
county, Me., where he died leaving 7 children. One of his sons,
Luther AVarren, was the father of the present Benjamin Warren,
and followed farming; he moved from Maine to Illinois in 1866
and made his home with his sons John and Benjamin, in this county;
he and wife are now deceased. The subject of this sketch re-
ceived his education in Maine previous to his 17th year, in the
common school ; he then went to Boston and attended a commer-
cial school for six months or a year; then followed clerking in that
city the ensuing five years in a real-estate broker's otfice, and after-
ward became partner. In 184S he returned to his native State,
attended school the following winter, and in February he started
for the prairie State. Illinois, and arrived in La Harpe, where he
commenced as clerk in the store of his brother John ; the latter had
come in 1850. He soon became a partner with his brother in
general merchandising and continued until 1863, when he retired,
and since then has been in no regular business in La Harpe, but
for three years past has been a member of the firm of Warren &
Co., at Peoria, produce and commission merchants.

Mr. Warren married Miss Portia Nutt, at La Harpe, Oct. 1, 1851,
who was born in Trumbull county, C)hio, and is a daughter of
Lecuster and Mary Ann (Cummings) Nutt, of that county. Mr.
Nutt was a native of Connecticut, and his wife, of Virginia. Mr. and
Mrs. Warren have a family of 7 children, as follows: Benjamin. Jr.,
now of the firm of Warren k, Co., Peoria; Charles A., Cora E.,
Mary C, John, Jr., Luther and Allen L. The first five are living
at home with their parents. The family are at present residing at
La Harpe, in one of the finest residences in the county, built by
Mr. Warren in 1871:-'5, at an expense of about $15,000, and fur-
nished with all modern improvements, with water up stairs and
down, and fitted for gas, etc.

In politics Mr. Warren is a Democrat, and he takes a very active
part in the promulgation of his principles. He has served his
township in nearly all the local offices, among which is that of
Supervisor; in this capacity he has served ten terms; he has also
been County Treasurer and ex officio Collector, and is filling this
office at present. In the fall of 1872 he was elected State Senator,
and in the 2Sth General Assembly he was a member of the Com-
mittees on Revenue, Finance, Agriculture, Railroads, Manufactures
and Mining; and in the 29th he was a member of the Committees
on Warehouses, Roads, Highways and Bridges, Education, State
Educational Institutions, and was chairman of tlie Committee on
Revenue.

John Warren^ retired merchant, is a son of Luther and Charlotte
Warren, both natives of York county, Me., and both born in 1792.

916 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Luther W. lived on a farm in his native county till 1S61, when he
came to La Ilarpe, where he died in October, 1871. His death
occurred on the cars, between this place and Canton, by the side
of his son John. He died without making a sound or giving any
intimation of his approaching demise. The wife and mother died
Nov. 17, 1879. The subject of this biography was born in York
county, Me., Jan. 6, 1815. He received the advantages of a good
English education, and when 19 years of age began teaching school
in liis native State, where lie taught the winter season for four
years. In May, 1838, he came to La Harpe, then containing but a
few log cabins, and engaged in brick-making in the summer and
school-teaching in the winter. He taught the first school ever
kept in La Harpe. On April 9, 184:4, he commenced mercantile
business on a small scale, and his was the second busines--place
opened at that time. He dealt extensively in produce, buying and
selling wheat and pork, and made large shipments to St. Louis;
and in his various opei'ations made and lost considerable money.
He was united in marriage, Dec. 28, 1845, to Miss Polly Ricker,
a native of Maine, who died April 10, 1847. He was again mar-
ried, to Miss Sophronia Ricker, July 9, 1848; she was also a native
of Maine, and a sister of the deceased. To this union 11 children
have been born, 7 of whom are living. In 1850 a partnership
with his brother was formed, which continued till 1862. In April,

1852, Mr. W. started overland to California with an ox team, and
was 111 days on the road. The party passed through the country
of the Modoc Indians, and only the strength of their numbers
saved them from annihilation. He engaged successfully in the
manufacture of brick in California, and returned via Panama in

1853. He erected his fine and commodious residence in 1856, and
in 1873 purchased the postoffice building and took charge of the
office, in connection with a business in books and stationery. A
few j-ears later he was stricken with paralysis, which deprived him
of speech, and the cares of his business passed into the hands of
his only son, Edgar L. Warren, who was born in this tp. in 1856.
He is a 3'oung man of excellent business qualifications, and con-
trols a large trade in stationery, wall-paper and fancy goods. For
six years he has been largely engaged in the insurance business,
and is agent for the ^Etna and Phojnix companies of Hartford,
Conn., and the Home Insurance Company, New York. His
father has held various offices, and the family are among the
oldest and respected of this community.

LutherWarren, dealer in dry goods, boots and shoes. La Harpe,
was born in York count}', Pennsylvania in 1838. In 1850 he came
to this county, and two years afterward crossed the plains to Cali-
fornia prospecting, where he remained three or four years. On his
return he entered the mercantile business, in this city, where he
has since been engaged. He was married in 1857 to Miss Etha-
line Stone, a native of Jeflferson county, 0. To this union 6 chil-
dren have been born, 4 of whom are living: Frank, Ruby M.,

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

917

Willis E. and George O. Mr. W. has held many prominent offices
and numbers among the oldest settlers and reliable business men
of La Harpe. Politically he is a Republican.

OFFICIALS.

The following is a list of the Supervisors, Clerks, Assessors and
Collectors that have served in this township since its organization.

SUPEKVISOES.

Samuel Cogswell 1851

David Gpchenour 1853

Jas. A. Lester 1856

William Smith 1858

Benjamin Warreu 18(34

Andrew J. James 1866

A. J. Bradsliaw 1868

L. S. Cogswell 1869

Cornelius C. Preston 1871

Benjamin Warren 1873

John Miller 1874

L. S. Cogswell 1875

James Mayor 1877

Benjamin Warren 1880

S W. King 1856

Francis M. Hurdle 1858

William Garrigues 1860

Jeremiah Smith 1861

D. B. Stone 1864

John P. Brundage 1805

John S. Peyton 1866

George Coulson 1868

Israel Brundage 1871

Theodore H. Stone 1872

Jeremiah Smith 1873

Benjamin Warren, Jr 1874

George W. Soule 1875

Theodore H. Stone 1876

H- S. Dickson 1878

Israel Brundage 1879

I. W. Hindman 1880

Henry C. Coulson 1856

Joseph T. Painter 1858

S. W. Leavitt 1860

Joseph T. Painter 1861

Joseph Nichols 1864

Charles F. Comstock 1866

Joseph Nichols 1867

John Miller 1869

Wm. J. Riggius 1870

Joseph Nichols 1871

John Miller 1872

William Bunger 1873

John Miller 1875

AVilliam Bunger 1876

John N. Painter 1877

George Coulson 1878-1880

COLLFCTOES.

HeniT C. Coulson 1856

Josep"h T. Painter 1858

F. M. Hurdle 1860

Benjamin Warren 1861

John Warreu 1862

Jas. M. Campbell 1864

James Ma3-or 1865

Wm. E. Coquillette 1866

John Warren 1867

Henrv Beckman 1868

Jeremiah Smith 1869

H. H. Bliss 1870

George Coulson 1871

Israel Brundage 1872

David H. Gochenour 1873

Walter H. Fordyce 1874

Charles Gochenour 1876

William Swisher 1877

John Sperry 1880

DURHAM TOWNSHIP.

There is probably no better township of land in the county than
that numbered 7-6, and named Durham. It lies on the extreme
north line of the count}', and is chiefly prairie, though much of it
is rolling and well drained. It has a small branch of Crooked
creek on its east side, and a portion of Camp creek in its north-
west corner, each of which are skirted by bodies of timber. Ail
the railroad it contains is about a mile of the Burlington branch of
the Toledo, from Disco across its northeast corner. Its northwest
corner lies less than two miles from the river at Dallas City. Dur-
ham may be called the western extension of what in the early days
was known as " North Prairie," a tract of splendid farming country
lying north of La Harpe and extending into Henderson county.
Disco, on the east line of the township, must be near the center of
it. This town was laid in Feb., 187G, by John Shutwell, and is
located on the line of Durham and La Ilarpe townships. It is
young and small yet, but seems to be a place of considerable busi-
ness as a railroad station.

Among the early settlers in Durham we have the names of
Thomas Dixon, Sr., George Weaver, John Gihnore and brothers, of
1835; and Jacob Mendenhall, "William Logan, Ferdinand Brent and
son, James and Wm. Meeker, and Jesse Avise, of 1S36. Among
those the dates of whose emigration we are not advised, are the
Bovses, Manifolds, Loftons, Harknesses, Wilsons, James Mills, I.
Wfmp, Wm. McGuire.

Among the first things in Durham township, we may mention:
First school-house, of hewed logs, built in 1S37, and called Camp
Creek school-house; first school taught by Mary Jane Jacobs, now
of Washington Territory. First preaching by Rev. Wm. Johnson,
Episcopalian; first Sabbath-school by Wm. McGuire, at same place;
first M. E. preacher was Hev. Pool; first P. O. was called Camp
Creek, John L. Avise, P. M. Concerning this P. O. it was on
sec. 18, west line of the tp. ; when Mr. Avise died it was kept by
his widow; and when she married Mr. Lyman Harkness, he was
made P. M., — three in one family. It was afterward removed to
Durham Corners, and kept by J. Hugh McGuire.

EELIGIOUS PROGRESS.

As stated above, the first preachings in Durham were by Eevs.
Johnson and Pool. We have no data as to Church organizations.
The M. E. society has a church edifice at Durham Center, built in
1865, which we believe is the only one in the township.
(918)

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 919

PERSONAL.

It will be more interesting to give short biographical sketches of
the best-known residents of this township, which we now proceed
to do.

0. S. Avery, a farmer of Durham tp., was born in Ohio in 1817.
His parents were Simeon Avery, a native of New York, and Re-
becca,7ied Passmore, a native of Ohio. Coming to Illinois in the fall
of 1843, he first settled in Dallas tp., where he resided till the
spring of 1847, when he came to Durham tp. In 1816 he was
married to Miss Eliza J. Atherton, who is now 52 years of age. From
this nnion she is the mother of 10 children, of whom 6 are now
living; namely, James O., Eliza J., Rebecca A., John M., Nancy J.,
and Lanra B. Mr. Avery owns 2-iO acres of land, of which about
150 acres are under cultivation. His educational advantages were
very poor. He never went to school three Tnonths in a year, and
yet he is a man who reads a great deal. He has been School Treas-
urer and Collector. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge, and
and is politicall}' a Republican.

David Byler, who is one of the man}' prominent farmers of
Durham tp., is the son of John Byler and Sarah (^Hay worth)
Byler, who were natives of Tenn., and of German descent. He is
also a native of Tenn., and was born in 1818. He first came to
Illinois in 18.36 and settled in Adams Co.; after having lived there
15 years, he came to Durham tp. lie is now on sec. 9. He was
married in 1840 to Miss Grace Jane Levi, who at her death
was the mother of 2 children, John P. and Silas H., who are
farmers in this tp. He was married a second time, in 1851 ; from
this marriage, his wife, at her death, was the mother of 4 children,
2 of whom are living, Grace Jane and Henry C. In 1858, he was
again married, to Miss Elizabeth Thompson, who is now 46 years
of age, and the mother of 3 children, all of whom are living :
Sarah, "William Newtun and Mary Bell Mr. B., when he first
came to the State, had very little to start on, but by close
management and the exercise of good judgment, he has succeeded
well in all his undertakings. He now owns where he lives three
qnarters of fine land, which he estimates at about $50 per acre.
He has also two quarters on sections 15 and 21, and nearly one
quarter of timber in same tp. In xVdams Co. he owns 200 acres
of good land, and has an interest in a quarter of land in Missouri.
He has held several township ofiices ; vvas Supervisor 10 or 12
years, and now holds the oflices of Justice of Peace, Township
Treasurer and School Director. His educational advantages were
very good, teaching school considerabl}' when young. He has been
a farmer all his life, and by hard work has earned what he has. He
and his wife have been for a number of years members of the Bap-
tist Church. Politically, he is a Democrat ; was a AVhig until 1852.

Stephen EcMes, a farmer of sec. 20 of Durham tp., was born in
Pennsylvania in 1827. He is the son of James Eckles and Eliza-

920 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COCNTY.

beth (Quick) Eckles, who were also natives ot Pennsylvania. Re-
moving to Illinois in 1S47, lie first settled in Adams Co., where he
resided until the spring of ISol, when he came to Hancock Co., and
settled where he now lives. In 1S65 he was married to Miss Lu-
cinda Walters, who is now .39 years of age, and the mother of 4
children : Calvin, Emma, Stephen and William, all of whom are
living. Mr. E. owns SO acres of land, all of which is verj' well im-
proved, and is worth about $45 per acre. The high esteem and lo-
cal repute in which he is held in his community is evidenced by
the fact that he has held every oflice in the township, from School
Director to Supervisor, which oflice he now competentl}' fills.
Mr. E. informs us that his advantages for securing an education
were very good for the times. Politically, he was, is, and always
expects to be a Democrat; has been elected by that party to the
position which he now occupies as Supervisor.

Daniel Farreii, who is the son of Daniel and Sarah (McAndry)
Farren, is a native of Ireland, and supposes himself to be about 70
years old, the exact date of his birth being unknown to him. He
came across the ocean to America in 1836, and first settled in Penn-
sylvania, where he lived two years, and then came to Illinois. He
came to Hancock Co. in 1852, and settled where he now is in
Durham tp., on sec. 4. In 1855 Mr. Farren was married to Cath-
arine Marke}', who was a native of Pennsylvania. She is now 50
years old, and is the mother of 7 children, all of whom are living :
John. Philip. Mary, William, James, Rosanua and Sarah. Mr. F.
owns 280 acres of very good land, not quite all of which is under
cultivation, and is worth about §40 per acre. Politically, he is a
Democrat, and is a member of the Catholic Church. His educa-
tional advantages were quite limited.

WHliam K. Oittbigx. — The ancestors of this worthy citizen ot
our county were from England, and settled in Baltimore county,
Maryland, prior to the Revolutionary war; the first we know of
them b}' this name was Kinsey Gittings, who married Mary Clera-
mons, and who moved to Washington county. Keutuck}', in an early
day, and followed farming; he died in that county about 1830,
aged 65 years, leaving a widow and (> children; the former died at
the ."^ame place about 1840. Their eldest son, William H. Gittings,
was raised on his father's farm in Kentucky, where he retnained
until he was 28 years old ; lie followed farming and boating to New
Orleans, etc. In October, 1818, he married Miss Ellen Mudd, a
native of Maryland, and a daughter of Richard and Mary (Berry)
Mudd, all of Maryland and English ancestry; Richard Mudd was
an oflicer in the Revolutionary war under Washington; at an early
day lie removed with his familyto Kentucky. After his marriage
Mr. William Heuson Gittings lived in Union county, Kentucky,
where 8 children were boi'n to him; in 1834 he moved to Illinois,
stopping a short time in Morgan county, and in 1835 came to this
count3% with his family, and settled in Fountain Green tp., on sec.
7, where he afterward bought of the Government 180 acres of partly

< V

//flMa^ii-^^tt^.

J

DURHAM TP.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 921

improved land. In politics he was a decided Whig-, and in 184>i
was a noiDiuee of his part}' lor the State Senate. In this county
he had nothing to commence with, but in time came to be one of
the wealthiest men in this section. He was a man of the strictest
integrity, whose word was as good as his bond. In his habits he
was ver3' temperate, and in all respects he was honored and respected
by the community. He was a member of the Catholic Church.
He died ISToveraber 7, 1S69, aged nearly 79 years, leaving 10 chil-
dren, who were all married at the time, and are all living at present.
He had a family of 15 children, but 5 are deceased.

William K. Gittings. the third child of the former, was born
November 5, 1822, and was on his father's farm until 26 years of
age, when he was married January 9, 1849, at the Church of St.
Peter, JSTanvoo, Illinois, by Father Gritiin, to Amelia E. Hardy, a
native of Kentucky and a"^ daughter of Ivo H. and Mary (Kiley)
Hardy, the formers native of Slaryland and the latter of Kentucky,
and of English descent. Ivo Hardy and wife moved to this county
in 1835; he is now dead, and his widow is now living with Mr. W.
K. Gittings. On Mr. G.'s marriage he immediately moved upon a
farm on sec. 1, Durham tp., consisting of about 80 acres, which he
had bought some time previous to his marriage. The first house
he built was a small log cabin 14 by 16; in this he lived one year,
when he built a small frame; in 1860 he erected a large two-story
and L, which he has since occupied.

In politics Mr. G. is a Democrat, and he has been Supervisor
four terms, and was one of the first Road Commissioners after the
organization of the county. He and his wife are members of the
Catholic Church. He has since added to the home farm until it
now consists of 720 acres, and he has given to two of his children
who are married 320 acres besides; his children are: Mary Ellen,
now the wife of Wm. L. Dean, of this tp.; Julia A., now Mrs Wm.
Yager, also of this tp. ; Cory I., now Mrs. John Arnold, and living
in Henderson county, near Burlington: Ivo James. Henry Mar-
cellus and Catharine Matilda, at home. Wm. Berry, Eose Ellen
and Sarah May are deceased.

Jason K. jacoh, who has been a resident of Durham tp., Hancock
county. 111., for over 40 years, is a native of Connecticut, and was
born Aug. 24, 1806. His parents' names were Udna and Elizabeth,
who were natives also of Connecticut. His father was a farmer,
also a mechanic by trade, and taught school some in his early life.
Mr. J's grandparents were early jnoneers of Connecticut, and his
father removed from Connecticut to New York about 1812, when
his son Jason, the subject of this sketch, was quite young. Here he
lived until 1820, whe'n he went to Indiana, and living there 6 or
7 years he again returned to New York, his son Jason returning
with him. Afterward, in 1838, his father and family came West and
settled on sec. 34 of Durham tp., where he (Jason) still lives. Mr.
J. was married in 1839 to Sarah A. Thompson, who is the mother
of 6 children, of whom 5 are living: Orson, the oldest, who is now

922 HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

traveling for S. Ilamill & Co., Keokuk; Milton, who is now running
a store and buying grain in Sciota, 111. ; Richford, who is farming
in the same tp. ; Viola, who is the wife of Marshall Terry, a clothier
in Blandinsville, 111.; and Horace, who is still farming at home
with his father. Mr. J. owns 30 acres of land where he now lives,
which is pretty well improved and worth about $2,000. His advan-
tages for an education were only such as log houses afforded.
Politically he is and always has been a Democrat, and has held
several offices, such as Magistrate eight years in this county, School
Director, Trustee, and Commissioner of Highways. He and his
wife are both members of the Christian Church.

James Edison 2Ianifold. — This man's father, George Manifold,
was a native of Tennessee, and came to Hancock county in 1836,
bringing with him a family of a wife and S children. The names
of the children were: Sarah, deceased; Elizabeth, Nancy, William
Fleming, Joseph N., James E., Benjamin, Jashur and John, all
living in this county except Joseph N., who lives in Rockford,
111. Geo. Manifold's wife's maiden name was Mary Persle}', and
she was a native of Tennessee. He died in this county a 3'ear and
a half after settling here. His occupation was that of a farmer, and
his farm consisted of three quarter-sections, and his residence was
one and a half miles west of La Harpe. He died somewhat in debt
for his land, but the widow and family afterward succeeded in
paying all balance due. She died about ten years ago, and her son
John now occupies the old homestead.

James E. Manifold lived on the old place with his mother,
sharing in clearing the place from debt, until he was 24 3'ears of
age, having received such a limited education as was afforded in
the primitive log school-houses of the day. In the spring of 1S53
he bought 160 acres on sec. 9, Durham tp., for which he paid $1,150,
$500 down, which latter sum he had made in raising a crop of wheat
on rented land. On this farm was a small log cabin and some
slight improvements; 100 acres of it was raw prairie; but the farm
is now one of the best cultivated in the county, with fine improve-
ments, fences, etc. The farm now comprises 280 acres, and Mr.
M. has also 240 acres on sec. 28, and SO on sec. 20. Mr. Manifold
has had but $200 given him in his life, and that was after his mar-
riage; and he has therefore made all his present possessions by
direct earning. He follows stock farming to some extent, feeding on
an average from 100 to 200 head of stock per annum; raises on an
average SO to 90 acres of corn, all of which, besides more, he feeds;
he raises wheat, oats, etc., for market. His residence is on sec. 9,
and he is very pleasantly situated.

In politics Mr. M. is a Republican, and in religion he has been
a member of the Methodist Church for the last fifteen years; Mrs.
M. has been a member of the same Church since she was IS years
of age. »

Mr. Manifold was married Nov. 17, 1853, to Elizabeth Logan,
near Dallas, in Henderson county; she was born in Indiana, Nov.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 923

28, 1830, and was a daughter of "Wm. and Elizabeth (McCarty)
Logan, formerly of Marion county, Ind., and moved to Hancock
county in 1835, locating on Camp creek, in Durham tp., where he
bought land, of which he finally owned a large quantity, he gave
each of liis 9 children 80 acres, and at his death left 160 acres. He
died in this county in 1847; his wife died in lSi3. In coming to
this county he brought 9 children with him; namely, Sarah, James
M., Benj. J., Wm. H., Enoch M., Jonathan B., Samuel W., Jane
and Elizabeth. These are all living, and gone farther west (Mis-
souri and Kansas) except Elizabeth and Enoch, who live in Mercer
conntv. 111. Mr. Manifold's portrait is given in this volume, p. 423.

J. B. McMillen, is the son of James McMillen and Eleanor
(Bernethy) McMillen, and was born in Brown county, O., in 1828.
Coming to Illinois in 1849 he first settled in La Ilarjje tp. ; living
there one year, he went to Fountain Green, thence to Pilot Grove,
where he remained for 20 years. "While here his occupation was a
farmer and at the same time was engaged in the drug business at
Burnside for a number of years with L. V. Aleshire. And after-
ward he removed to Durham tp. in the spring of '75, where he now
lives on sec. 34. He was married in the tall of 1854 to Miss Mar-
garet S. Evans, who is still living; from tliis marriage thej' have
had 8 children, of whom all are living except one. Their names
are: Eleanor A., the wife of John L. Heller, who is a druggist in
Abingdon, 111.; Ethel, who was recently married to W. W. Glass,
now a farmer of Fountain Green tp.; James E., who is a farmer in
Durham tp. ; Christina P., who is the wife of James Lionberger,
a farmer in Pilot Grove; Cj'rus Grant, Sarah B. and John Oscar,
who are still at home. Since he removed to Durham tp., Mr.
McM. has been an extensive farmer and stock-dealer. He has a
large farm consisting of 350 acres where he lives, and 115 acres in
Pilot Grove, on sec. 3. All of it is pretty well improved and he
estimates it at about $45 per acre. He has on his land a lai-ge
and commodious stone barn, probably the best in the tp. This
building is 40 by 60 feet in size and holds about 50 tons of hay;
has a basement story for 20 horses and 60 cattle; and altogether,
is a conveniently arranged structure. Mr. McM. has only one
lirother, John, who is a preacher and retired citizen of Winterset,
Iowa, and 3 living sisters, 2 of whom are in this State and one in
Iowa.

His educational advantages were only such as were aftbrded by a
district school. Politically he is a Republican. He and family
are members of the Christian Church, and all are highly esteemed
by those who know them.

James Mills, son of William Mills and Sarah Morrison, was
born in Ohio county, Virginia, near AVheeling, in 1816. He came
to Illinois in 1853 and settled in Durham tp., on sec. 20; here he
still resides, together with his three maiden sisters, Caroline, Sarah
Jane and Minerva Zane, who keeps house for their bachelor
brother James, the subject of this sketch. Mr. M. owns 160 acres

924 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

of pretty-well-improved land which is worth abont S50 per acre.
He has never held any office and never belonged to any secret
organization. His edncational advantages were only such as were
offered by subscription schools. Politicall}' he is a Republican.
Mr. M. stands higli in liis community as a gentleman of sterling
worth, and as a man whose integrity all admire.

Sarah Morris, the daughter of William Gather and Elizabeth
Gillet, who were of Yankee and Irish descent, was born in Peun-
sylvania in 1S36. Coming to 111. in 1S51 she first settled in Hen-
derson county, where she resided one winter and then came where
she now is, on sec. 12 of Durham tp. In 1856 she was married
to John Morris, who died in 1S76; from this union she is the
mother of 6 children, -t of whom are now living: Elizabeth, Day-
ton, Sumner and Charles. She owns 20 0 acres of good land
which is pretty well improved and is worth about $45 per acre.
Her educational advantages were somewhat limited. She is a
member of the Methodist Church. Politically her husband was a
Republican. Her mother is still living.

V. F. Parmelee, a merchant of Durham tp., is the son of Ormin
Parmelee and Phebe (Lyons) Parmelee, and was born in Conn., in
1S53. His parents, who wei-e of English descent and natives ot
Conn., are now both dead. He came to Illinois in 1870 and set-
tled in Durham tp., where he has been ever since. He went into
business at Durham Corners three years ago, buying the drj'-goods
and grocery store formerly owned by C. M. Thomas. He is now
doing a very good business and has a good home trade. He carries
a stock of about $1,500, and by fair, square dealing and prompt
attention to business, has gained the confidence of his many friends
in the community. Politically Mr. P. is a Democrat and now
holds the ofiice of Town Clerk. Before going into business here
he was a farmer. His father was also a farmer and stock dealer.

EeynoMs ct' liohertson, merchants, Disco. This young and enter-
prising firm established business in October, 1879. They carry a
stock of $5,000, and have a lucrative trade. The senior partner
of this firm, W. H. Robertson, was born in Lancaster county. Pa.,
in 1856, and came to Illinois with his parents, William and Ann
E. (Pennell) Robertson, who are residents of Terre Haute, Hender-
son county. Mr. R. had a large experience as clerk in the mercan-
tile houses of Terre Haute, and has adaptation and energy for suc-
cess. He was married in 1878, to Miss Jane Forseman. Edla is
their only^ child. The junior member, Mr. Reynolds, is a native of
Clinton county, O., where he was born in 1S4S. His parents are
residents of Henderson county, wliere they settled in 1879. Mr.
Reynolds was engaged in farming until the present partnership
was formed. He was appointed Postmaster at Disco, Jan. 1, 1880.

Josiah liitohey, a farmer of Durham tp., was born in Tennessee,
in 1830. He is the son of John M. Ritchey and Catherine Dough-
erty. He came to this State in ISol, and settled in Adams county;
after living there one year he came to Hancock, and first settled in

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 925

Dallas tp., where he resided until 1S62, when he removed to Dur-
ham, and settled on sec. 29, where he now lives. In 1S54- he was mar-
ried to Miss Amanda F. Knowles, who is now ii years of age;
I'rom this union she is the mother of 9 children, all of whom are
living: Hiram C, Philip M., John M., Sarah L., Margaret E.,
Catherine, James II., Lncy M. and Dora B. Mr. R. has SO acres
of well-improved land which is worth about $45 per acre. Has never
held any office except School Director, two terms. His educational
advantages were very much inferior to those of to-daj\

He has two sisters living, one in this tp., and one in Iowa. His
father is dead but his mother, 76 years old, is living in this tp.
Politically, Mr. R. is a Democrat. He and family are members
of the United Brethren Church.

James Rhea, one of the most prominent farmers of Durham
tp., is a native of Kentucky, and was born in 183-1. His parents'
names were William and Ann, who were of Irish and Dutch
descent. He came to Illinois in 1S50, and first settled in Adams
county, where he resided until 1856, when he came to the place on
which he now lives, on sec. 31. He was married in 1855 to Nancy J.
Smith, who died about four years after their marriage; and was mar-
ried a second time shortly afterward to Harriet I. Smith, a sister
to his former wife. His first wife was the mother of 2 children,
of whom one, whose name is Thomas, is now living. His second
wife is the mother of 7 children, of whom 4 are living. Their
names are: Theodore F., George, John and Adaline. His advan-
tages for an education, when young, were very poor, being com-
pelled to go four or five miles to attend school. Politically, he is
a Pepublican. Mr. P. owns in Durham tp., where he lives, 117
acres, all of which is well improved. He has a fine two-story
house, size, 28x32, with an L, which he built in 1872, at a cost of
about 83.000. He has, also, one of the finest barns in the tp., size,
44x68, which he built in 1874, at a cost of 82,000. Besides the
land on which he lives, he owns in Pilot Grove tp., 240 acres of
well-improved land , the average value of all of which is aboi;t 8-iO
per acre.

By hard work and strict adherence to the principles of right and
justice, Mr. P. has accumulated considerable w^ealth, and has suc-
ceeded in establishing a reputation beyond reproach.

Robert Thoniaa, one of the old settlers of Durham tp., but of
late a retired citizen of Carthage, 111., was born in Kentucky, in
1807. His parents, whose names were James and Sarah (Childers)
Thomas were also natives of Kentucky, and of English and Welsh
descent. Emigrating to Illinois in 1829, he first settled in Adams
county, where he lived about 25 3'ears. He next came to Hancock
county, in 1856, and settled at Durham Center, on sec. 16. He
was married in 1830, to Miss Pebecca Thompson, who is now 56
years old and the mother of 9 children, 6 of whom are living: Mel-
vina, Mary, Robert, Helen, Charles and George.

His educational advantages were rather poor, although he reads

926 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

considerably now. He has been a menibei- of the M. E. Church
for 4S years.

G. W. Yandruff, son of Josepli and Lavina (Nichols) Vandruif,
who were natives of Pennsylvania, was born in Pennsylvania, in
1S20. His descent is Holland Dutch. He emigrated to Illinois
in 18i9 and first settled at Mendon, where he lived three years;
he tlien went to Henderson county, where he remained about a
year and a half; thence he came to Hancock county, where he has
resided ever since; he is now on sec. 14. He was married in 1847,
to Miss Hettie Gillet, who died in about 25 years. He was mar-
ried the second time in 1873, to Susan Smith, who is now 52 years
old, and the mother of 5 children, all of whom are living, ilr. V.
owns 321 acres of land, which is well improved and worth about
$50 per acre.

When a boy, he attended a subscription school in a log cabin,
where they had greased paper for windows, and roughly hewn
boards for seats. He has held the ofiices of Collector and Road
Commissioner. He is now a member of the Masonic fraternit}" he
and his wife are both members of the Church of God, of which
there is a small denomination in his community. Politically, he is
a sincere Greenbacker.

Lintis L. Wilcox, a prominent farmer of Durham tp., was born
in Haddam, Middlesex county. Conn., July 6, 1S19. He is the
eldest son of Lyman and Emily (Hubbard) Wilcox, both natives of
Middlesex, Conn., and until 16 years of age he was on his father's
farm; he then spent three years as an apprentice at the tanner's
trade; then taught school one winter in Connecticut. April 3,
1S39, he married Miss Abigail Burr, of the same State, and imme-
diately removed to Hancock county, 111., settling in LaHarpetp. ;
the following winter he taught school in La Harpe, and his wife
taught the same winter in a log school-house one and one-half
miles east. In 1841, Mr. Wilcoxrented land in La Harpe tp., and
the next year he purchased the northeast quarter of sec. 22, Dur-
ham tp., which place he impro^'ed and occupied until 1856, when
his wife died, in Connecticut, July 12.

While on a visit to his native State in 1S49, with his family,
he became interested in a chain pump, which he was the first to
introduce at any point west ot the Alleghany mountains. He
manufactured and sold the article for about four years, employing
six to twelve men. After the death of his wife, as before men-
tioned, he built a portion of his present residence, which was
enlarged by additions and completed in 1872, at a cost of 8^,300.
His barn, erected in 1869, is one of the best in the country.
Evervthing on the premises is neatly arranged. Has a milk cellar
communicating with an ice-house, a very convenient contrivance for
taking off" the wagon bed and keeping it in an elevated position,
out of the way, an arrangement for loading corn (can load 40
bushels of shelled corn per minute), cultivator wheels usable also
for a hand cart, and various other conveniences wherein he is '• lit-

HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 927

tie ahead" of most of the world. He began life poor, but by hon-
est diligence has acquired a competence. He practices the cash
system in all his dealings.

He has taken a prominent part in the "farmers' movement," and
was Master of the first Grange organized in the northern part of
the county; was originally a Whig, then a Republican, and now
is a prominent Greenbacker; has been a member of the M. E.
Church for 42 years, and has been Recording Steward.

Mr. Wilcox has been twice married. By his first wife, already
mentioned, he had 5 sons and 2 daughters, 3 of whom are living —
Daniel W., Cynthia E. and Edwai'd A. Oct. 5, 1S58, he married
Fannie M. Buell, of Killingworth, Conn., and of their 4 children
3 are living — Ellsworth F., Collins H. and Freddie. Mr. W. has
three sisters — one in this tp., one in Elvaston, and one in Kansas.
He has two brothers — one in Good Hope, McDouough county, 111.,
and one in Kansas.

Mr. Wilcox is an intelligent, industrious and influential citizen,
and as a prominent man of his community, we present on page
SOS a portrait of him, from a photograph taken when he was 40
years of age.

TOWN OFFICEES.

Plere follows a list of the men who have served this township
officially, both past and present:

SUPERVISORS.

James Porter 1850 .lason E. .Jacobs 1865

Jesse Duffield 1853 Robert Inghram 1868

Jesse Avise 1856 David Byfer 1869

David Byler 1858 I. M. Morris 1874

Robert Ingliram 1860 Wm. K. Gittiags 1875

Wellington Jenney 1862 Stephen Eckles 1879

David Byler 1864

John McGuire 1835 AVesley Huston 1869

A. B. Stevens 1859 Wesley Pershin 1875

Stephen Eckles 1864 Geo. W. Hendrix 1876

Welliuston Jenney 1865 L. W. Buell 1877

John McGuire 1866 Ed. Wilcox 1878

William Scott 1867 V. P. Parmelee 1879-1880

Stephen Eckles 1868

ASSESSORS.

James Porter 1855 Stephen Eckles 1870

William Scott 1858 Robert Inghram 1871

J. B. Barr 1860 Stephen Eckles 1873

Stephen Eckles 1863 Wm. E. Atwater 1874

Jesse Avise 1863 J. N. Burr 1875

Walter Stiles 1864 Stephen Eckles 1876

John W. Hartzell 1865 Joseph Gittings 1877

Robert Inghram 1866 J. N. Bradfleld 1878

John C. Amnions : . 1867 Francis Wilson 1879-1880

Wesley Huston 1868

53

928

HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

COLLECTORS.

Stephen Eckles 1855

David Pershin 1859

Stephen Eckles 1860

William Eckles 1863

TVilliam Scott 1864

Stephen Eckles 1865

William Scolt 1867

Noah M. Hartzell 1868

Geoi-se W. Vandruff 1860

Wesley Huston 1870

Francis Wilson 1872

Wesley Huston 1873

S. W. Yaffer 1874

R. L. Phillips 1875

John W. Byers 1876

J. B. Rice 1878

Henrv Reiselt 1879

Josiaii Dickson 1880

^^^^

PONTOOSLIC AND DALLAS TOWNSHIPS,

Forming together township 7 n — 7 w, lie on the north line of the
connt_y and on the river, wlaich cuts off about half of the upper
tier of sections in Pontoosuc. The stream known as Snake Hollow
(we never heard of any big snake story connected with it, though
there must be one, of course) empties into the river at Pontoosuc.
Camp creek runs northeastwardly through the southern portion of
the township, into Durham. There is much valuable farm land in
this township, and is well settled with an intelligent and thrifty
community.

The township is divided for political purposes; the two and a
half tiers of sections on the east side being Dallas, and the three
and a half on the west side comprising Pontoosuc.

The town of Pontoosuc is on the river and was laid out in April,
1S37, by Hezekiah Spillman, Marvin Tryon and James W.
Brattle.

Dallas City is also on the river, three miles above, and was laid
out Oct., 184S, by John M. Finch. This is a town of considerable
trade, tind has a population of perhaps 1,000 souls.

Colusa, on the C. B. & Q. railroad, in Dallas township, is a small
village five miles south of Dallas City.

Perhaps the first settler in this township was Hezekiah Spill-
man, and one of the earliest permanent settlers in the county.
The exact date we have not been able to fix, but he was a citizen
when this was a part of Pike in 1S2.5. Spillman's Landing, on the
river, has been a place of note among all the early settlers; and it
was here that he, with a few of his neighbors constructed a rude
block house during the Black Hawk war. His death occurred 20
or 30 j'ears ago.

Of the other early settlers we can name Mr. Taple, Major John
McAuley, Esquire Bennett, George Meyers, John Welch, Brant
Aguew, Jesse Wimp, Elijah Pease, Johnson Clark, Thomas Harris,
Edward Davis. Louis Smith, Thomas Stevens, Israel Atherton,
Andrew Daubenheyer, John R. Tull, Reuben Tull, William Tull,
Alexander Martin, William Pratt, Robert Atherton, Aaron Ather-
ton, John R. Atherton, William H. Bennum, John Garner, Henry
Williams, Matthias Allis.

The first postofiice in the township was called East Bend, Thomas
Stevens, first Postmaster. In 1846 Jeremiah Smith, since of
La Harpe, was Postmaster at East Bend. At Dallas City, J. M.
Finch was first Postmaster, succeeded by R. M. Brewer, he bj' Mr.
Finch again, then G. H. Ames, then B. Mendenhail. The present
one is Mr. Tandy.

(929)

930 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

The tirst common school taught in the Spillraan's Landing settle-
ment, was by Mr. Reuben Tull, in a little cabin near the river. In
, the fall of 1S39 a hewed-log school-house was put up. This, like
most other school-houses in those daj's, was used for meetings of
all kinds, religious, political, social, etc.

Without doubt the oldest person resident of Hancock county is
Mrs. Lofton, tlie mother of Mr. IST. Lofton, of Durham, and Mr. J.
Lofton, of Dallas, and now residing with the latter. We are re-
liably informed that she was 102 years old on the 14th day of Feb-
ruary last (ISSO). having been born that day, 1778. It was only
about two years ago that she was in any way afflicted mentally, and
is yet in comparative!}' good health physically, but confined to her
bed.

RELIGIOUS PROGRESS.

The first religious movements about Spillman's Landing, was the
preaching of Mr. Bennett from Adams county, of the Protestant
Methodist Cliurch. In the si)ring of 1S38, Rev. Enos Thompson
was sent into the section by the Illinois Conference. He organized
the first M. E. society, with the following named members: John
R. Tull and wife, Alexander Martain and wife, Wra Tull and wife
and William Pratt and wife, with Mr. Pratt as leader.

A Presbyterian minister from Fort Madison, sometimes came
over and preached on Sunday afternoons (date not known) near the
river, under the sliade of trees, the audience seated around on
the grass.

Mr. Thompson occupied the field forabout two years preaching
every four weeks, his circuit being extensive. This afterward took
the name of Carthage circuit. The first quarterly meeting in the
north part of the county was at the house of Wm. Pratt, Rev.
Richard Haney, Presiding Elder.

The first Sunday-school in tlie section was on April 18, 1841,
John R. Tull, superintendent. It was composed of the Tulls,
Athertons, Van Tassels, Lakes, Loomises, Pratts, OUises, Martains,
Bennuras, Neals, Vaughns and McAuleys, 37 in number, nearly
half of whom are now in the spirit world, the remaining ones
nearly all members of Churches.

There was also preaching (date not given) at an early day, by a
Baptist minister, at the residence of Mr. Stevens.

The first church built in Dallas City was of stone, by the
United Brethren in 1855, of wliich we have no further data.

The Congregational Church of Dallas City was organized Jan.
17, 1859, by Rev. William Salter, of Burlington, and Rev. Andrew
L. Pennoyer. of La Harpe, witli 19 members; viz., Geo. R. Ames,
Mrs. Frances Ames. Henry F. Black, Mrs. Mary N. Black, Thos.
C. Patterson, Mrs. Catharine E. Patterson, John F. Thomas, Mrs.
Jane Thomas, Mrs. Marietta Rollosson, Stephen Jackson, Mrs. Sarah
Jackson,John D.Jackson, Mrs. Elizabeth Jackson, Lyman B. Rand,

HISTOET OF HANCOCK CODNTT. 931

Miss DianthaMcMullen, Miss Amanda Sayres, Miss Racliel Ann
Sayers, Miss Emma Stoops, Mrs. Julia M. Bryan, some of wliom
were members of other Churches. In 1S60, a ijrick church, with
stone basement, was built, 30 by 45 feet. Later data not obtained
Of the other Church organizations in Dallas and Pontoosuc, we
liave no record.

PERSONAL SKETCHES OF PARTIES IN THE TOWNSHIP OF
PONTOOSUC .

As biographical sketches of well-known ■ residents are interest-
ing, and as they legitimately constitute an important part of the
history of acommunit}', we now give a few:

Alexander AhernetJiy is the son of Dr. William Abernethy, who
was one of the iirst settlers of this county, a native of Canada, born
in 1S13, and who settled in this State in 1846, locating in Pontoo-
suc township, engaging in the practice of his profession, which he
continued until 1875, when he retired from active practice and en-
gaged in mercantile business, which he continued until his death,
June 22, 1878. Dr. Abernethey was the first physician in the
township, and was known as the " Pioneer Doctor." He took an
active part in expelling the Mormons from the county, and captured
several prisoners and a quantity of arms and ammunition. He was
married in 1836 to Miss Lucy E. Kreps, of West Virginia. They
have had 7 children, 5 of whom are now living. The Doctor was
for 19 years Postmaster at Pontoosuc, and held other ofBces of
importance in the township.

Alexander Abernethy was born in 1844, at Mount Pleasant,
Iowa, and came to this State with his parents in 1846. He was
engaged in teaching for nine years, and upon the death of his
father he bought the drugstore his father had established, and has
since been engaged in trade. He is now Postmaster at Pontoosuc,
being the successor of his father in office. He has the only drug
store in the place, and does a large and remunerative business.
He has held a number of township offices of importance. He
was a volunteer in the 16th Wis. Inf., and was with Sherman on
his march to the sea.

F. C. Little was born in Ohio in the year 1829, and emigrated
with his parents to this State in the spring of 1847. His parents
settled in Pontoosuc tp., in the fall of 1847, on sections 16, 17 and
20. Mr. Little now resides on sec. 16, having one of the best pro-
ducing farms in the tp. He was married in the spring of 1849 to
Miss Nancy McAuley, daughter of Major McAuley, of Pontoosuc.
She died in 1877, leaving him and five sons and four daughters to
mourn her loss. Mr. Little has a large number of friends and acr
quaintances, and is well and favorably known throughout the
county.

Captain James Logan, one of the pioneers of Hancock county,
was born in Indiana in 1816. He came to this State in 1835, and

032 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

settled in Warren county, where he lived until 1S38. He settled
in Durham tp., this county, in 1841, where he resided a short time,
and then came to Fontoosuc, where he now is. Mr. Logan was one
of the principal men in effecting an organized force to oppose the
depredations of the Mormons. He was Captain of the noted com-
pany known as tlie '' Bloody Poutoosiicians," through whose efforts
principally the Mormons were driven out of Nauvoo. Captain
Logan was married in Fort Madison, Iowa, in 1860. Mr. Logan
was engaged for a long time in mercantile business at Pontoosuc ;
also managed and owned a large l)rick-yard at the same place. He
is one of the self-made men, and is now in his old age enjoying the
fruits of his industr}' and energy in early life. He has many friends
and acquaintances in Pontoosuc and the surrounding country.

John Moyes, another of the early settlers of this county, is a na-
tive of Scotland, and was born in 1809; came to this country in
1833, and settled in ISTew York city. He moved to Ohio iu 1836,
and came to Illinois in the spring of 1S39, stopping a short time in
Springfield; he then came to Pontoosuc, where he has since resided.
He was in the U. S. Army during the Mexican war, and was with
Gen. Scott's division when they captured the city of Mexico. He
was married in Brooklyn, N. Y., in 1835, to Miss Catharine Fur-
geson. Mr. Moyes is one of the oldest residents now living of the
village of Pontoosuc. He has held a number of the town and
county offices, and has the confidence and esteem of the entire com-
munity^.

TT. J. Riggins. the second son of Right Riggins, one of the
pioneer settlers of Hancock county, was born in La Harpe tp.,
this county, in Jan., 1837, where he resided with liis parents until
1858, when he started out in life for himself. He was married to
Miss Eliza A. Peck, of Durham tp., in 1S5Y; moved into Pontoo-
suc tp. in 1S76, and purchased a farm on sec. 27, where he has since
resided. His wife died in 1871, leaving him and their children to
mourn her loss. Mr. Riggins has been identified with every move-
ment for the advancement of the township interests, having held
all the offices of importance and trust in the township. Mr. R.
has always been engaged in farming, and now has a farm of 160
acres under a high state of cultivation.

John M. Schramm was born in Germany Feb. 19, 1809, and
came to this country in 1S37, settling in Pickaway county, Ohio,
where he resided nine years ; he then came West and located at
Keokuk, Iowa, where he remained a short time; then went to
Burlington, Iowa, and built a flouring mill, which he ran for one
year, and then moved back to Keokuk. In 18-16 he came to this
State and settled in Pontoosuc, this county, where he now resides.
He built a large flouring mill and was superintendent of the same
for a number of years. In 1S41 he was married to Miss Annie
Miller, of Ohio. She died in 1843, leaving her husband with two
small children. In 1845 he was united in marriage with Miss
Eliza N. Swinhardt, of Ohio. They have 4 children now living.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COCNTY. 933

Mr. Schramm has been engaged in milling ever since he came to
this country, and he, in company with his three sons, now owns the
only flouring mill in the tp., the mill having a capacity of 40 barrels
per day of 10 hours. They have a large trade, giving especial
attention to custom business, and are popularly and favorably
known in this and adjoining townships. Mr. S. also has a farm of
40 acres near town. Mr. Schramm is one of the self-made men, and
has acquired his large property by his own industry and efforts.
lie has been a life-long Democrat, and a strict adherent to the party
and its principles.

John R. Tull was born March 26, 1807, near the bank of Nanti-
coke river, Sussex Co., Delaware. His parents and grandparents
were Asbury Methodists, the first churches in that country hav-
ing been planted b}' Bishop Asbur^' and his co-workers. Tiiey re-
mained on the same place till John was about twelve years old,
when they removed to a large farm three miles ofl', over in Mary-
land. Here they remained six years, when they came West to
Ohio, and settled on the Miami, eighteen miles north of Cincin-
nati.

Arriving at manhood, Mr. Tull returned to the place of his na-
tivity, and married Miss Nancy Langford, daughter of Littleton
and Hannah Langford. Here he lived two years and then returned
to Ohio, where he resided in various localities till 1836.

In the spring of that year he came with his family to Hancock
county, and squatted beside a hazel thicket on the southeast quar-
ter of sec. 7, in 7 north, 7 west. Here he obtained help to put up
a log cabin 16x18 feet, and moved in, with the ground for a floor,
himself, wife and four children. He then rented a few acres of
land from Hezekiah Spillman. About that time his brother, Reu-
ben Tull, arrived with a span of horses for him, and the}^ soon got
the ground planted to corn, potatoes, etc. But bread becoming
scarce, and none to be obtained, he succeeded in purchasing from a
steamboat that stopped to wood at Spillman's Landing, a barrel of
flour for $8.00, which sufiiced awhile longer.

Mr. Tull's experience in procuring corn for bread is given. He
heard of some for sale down below Lima, in Adams county. This
he procured, paying 2>1\ cents per bushel, and after. a hard drive of
forty miles and back, got it home; but now it was to be ground
into meal, and the nearest mill to get it done was down on Crooked
creek, some fifty miles awa}-. To this he went, obtained the meal,
and returned, after a travel altogether of ISO miles. This lasted
till roasting-ear time. Then the family had roasting ears for break-
fast, for dinner, and for supper; and when the corn became too
hard, they grated it for meal. By the time it became dry enough
to grind, there had been a horse-mill erected near Commerce. In
the fall deer and turkeys were plenty, and living was excellent.

At this time there wei-e settled in the neighborhood Edward
"White, Jonathan Lamme, John McAuley, John R. Atherton, Brant

934 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Agnew, John Garner, Henry Williams, Robert Atherton, Alexan-
der Martain and Aaron Atherton, perhaps others. In the spring
of 1837 Mr. T. received from the Shaker Village, in Ohio, a lot of
grafted apple-trees, which he planted. They all grew, and this was
the first orchard of grafted fruit set out in the north part of the
county.

Mr. Tull was throughout an active and discreet opponent of the
Mormon aggressions; and his personal experiences with that peo-
ple were of an interesting and often highly dramatic character.
Some of them are told in other chapters of this book. For notice
of his career as a nurseryman, see also chapter on '' Nurseries and
Horticulture."

Mr. T. has been through his long and useful life, an active and
devoted member of the M. E. Church, and since 1S50, a licensed
minister in its pulpit. He assisted in organizing the first Church
and Sabbath-school in his neighborhood, and was ever among the
foremost in sustaining them.

His residence is still on the land on which he settled 44 years ago;
and its fine condition and neat surroundings bear testimony to a
life of labor, industry and taste.

TOWNSHIP OFFICERS.

The Supervisors, Clerks, Assessors and Collectors of the town-
ship of Pontoosuc are as follows:

SUPERVISORS.

Joseph Kidson 1850 B. P. Hewitt 1867

H. 0. McMurphy 1853 Henrv Walker 1868

I. M. Agnew 1855 John S. Campbell. 1870

B. F. Newton 1858 John W. Maxwell 1871

Henrj' Walker 1859 Samuel Lamb 1875

I. B. Agnew 18G0 Thomas H. B. AValker 1879

Samuel Lamb.. . - 1861 William Riggins 1880

8.jH.McDonald 1855 J.I. Lionberger 1869

E. M. Sanlbid 1856 Jas. L. Sanford 1870

J. H. Brooks 1858 John S. Harper 1871

E. S. Mclntyre 1859 W. A. Feldhausen 1873

E. M. Sanford 1861 Wm. Englehardt 1873

John C. Woodworth 1863 Alexander Abernethy 1876

Henry Walker 1864 Riley Thomas 1878

Jacob Hettrick 1866 John Moyes 1879

Isaac N. Fisher 1868 Wm. Englehardt 1880

ASSESSORS.

James N. Johnson 1855 Robert Alexander 1867

E. M. Sanford 1856 John S. Campbell 1868

John R. Tull 1858 Waterman S. Wood 1869

John Bailey 18.59 Riley Smith 1872

Henry Walker 1861 Joseph D. Riter 1875

John R. Tull 1863 Heniy Walker 18T6

Robert Alexander 1863 John Lamb 1877

Joseph D. Riter 1865 Franklin C. Little 1879-1880

John M. Schramm 1866

Dallas

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 937

COLLECTORS.

S. R. Portua 1855 Samuel Lamb 1873

John H. McDonald 1856 J. "W. S. Wood 1873

John Lionberger 1859 Jacob Hettrick 1875

L. C. Barker 1860 Thos. H. B. Walker 1877

Jacob Hettnck 1861 Samuel Wright 1878

John R. Newton 1866 Jacob Hettrick 1879-1880

Jacob Hettrick 18iJ8

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES

of early settlers and prominent residents in Dallas township.

//•is SfTiYey was a native of Pennsylvania, having been born in
Lycoming county in 1834; he emigrated to this State in 1S52 and
settled in this county. He was married to Miss Martha J. Kedson,
of this State in 1S57. Mr. Bailey began life as a "cabin boy" on the
Mississippi river, which he followed for aliout two years; he then
engaged in farming and rtmning a threshing raacliine, which busi-
ness he continued for twelve years; he then engaged in trade on
the Mississippi, making trips from New Orleans to the North. In
1870 he engaged in the grain and stock trade at Colusa Station, this
county, and in 1871 opened a dry-goods and grocery store in con-
nection with his other business. In 1877 he sold his interest in the
store, and is now exclusively engaged in the stock and grain trade.
He owns and operates the elevator at Colusa, which is supplied with
all the modern improvements and has a capacity of 52,000 bushels.
He also owns a fine farm near the station. Mr. Bailey began life for
himself by working out. receiving for his labor 12i cents per day.
He is a self-made man, having begun at the bottom round of the
ladder, and has worked his wa}' up, being at the present time the
most extensive grain and stock dealer in this part of the county.

Ahram Clark was born in this township in 1831 and is one ot the
oldest settlers here; his father, Johnson Clark, emigrated to this
State from Virginia, and located in Dallas township in 1830, on sec.
11, where he resided until he died. Mr. Clark was married to
Miss Mary J. Farr, of this county, September 9, 1858. He
has been engaged in farming the greater portion of his life, and
now lives on the old homestead where he was born. His brothers
were volunteers in Captain Logan's company during the Mormon
troubles. Mr. Clark has a large farm in a high state of cultivation,
and is one of the prosperous farmers of this township.

Joseph F. Dietrich was born in Pennsylvania in 1826, emigrated
to this State in 1865, and located in Dallas tp., this county, in 1867;
was married in 1852 to Miss Sarah Ann Benner, of Pennsylvania;
in 18h2 she died, leaving him with 5 children; in 1865 he was
married to Miss Sarah E. Wolfe, of Pennsylvania, and they have 5
children now living. Mr. Dietrich has been engaged in farming
since he has been in this State; he has a fine farm under a very
high state of cultivation, on sec. 13, and he has the reputation of

938 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

being the mode] farmer of the tp. Mr. D. has been a life-long
Democrat and alwaj's a zealous supporter of his party and its nomi-
nees. He has held several offices of trust in the county, and is the
representative of Dallas tp. on the Board of Supervisors.

Thoina!< Dixon was a native of Pennsylvania, having been born
near Little York, in Troy, in 17S9; he moved with his parents to
Kuoxville, Tenn., when about 18 years of age. He was married to
Mrs. Susan Green, of Virginia, in the year 1811. They raised a
famil}' of 9 children. In 1830 he moved to Alabama, and in 1831
he came to this State and located in Morgan county, and in 1833,
to this county, locating in Durham tp., where he lived until 1855.
He then moved to Dallas City, where he lived until he died. Mr.
Dixon was a volunteer in the war of 1812, under Gen'l Johnson;
he was in the battle of Horse Shoe Bend, and many other
engagements.

In 1832 he again enlisted in the U. S. Army, and remained in
the service during the Black Hawk war. He was thefirst settler of
the township of Durham. The nearest postoffice was 12 miles dis-
tant, where the mail arrived about twice a month. Mr. Dixon was
present when the Smiths, the leaders of the Mormons, were killed,
and was Captain of the La Ilarpe company of volunteers, during
the Mormon troubles. His son, Thomas L. Dixon, was l)orn in the
State of Alabama, in 1828, and came to this State with his parents in
1831. He staid at Home and worked on the farm, until the year 1857,
when he traveled through the Southern States teaching penmanship;
returning in 1860, he settled in Dallas. In 1861: he removed to
Chicago, and was engaged upon public works as foreman six years.
He was married in 1861 to Miss Alline A. Hendel, of Waterbury,
Conn. They have 4 children now living. He was a volunteer in
Capt. Jim Logan's company during the fight with the Mormons
in this county. He has held many offices of importance in the
township and county.

John M. Finch was born in Pennsylvania, in 1815, and came to
this State in 1838, locating in Rock Island, and engaged for a short
time in stearaboating and speculating, being then the owner of
one of the best steamers on the Mississippi. In 1841 he went to
New Orleans and bought a very large stock of groceries, and land-
ing them at Warsaw, hauled them with teams to Nauvoo, where he
engaged in trade with Mr. Rollosson, the firm being known as
Finch tfe Rollosson. They continued in business at Nauvoo until
the killing of the Smiths, then the leaders of the Mormons, and it
not being safe to remain there longer, they moved their stock to
Appanoose, where they were stored for some time. They then
moved to Pontoosuc and opened a store there, also opening a branch
store at Appanoose and La Harpe. Subsequently Mr. Finch came
np the river to where the city of Dallas now stands, and after
looking over the country, he and Mr. Rollosson built a large ware-
house here, it then being the only building except a log farm house,
which Mr. Finch now owns, andjwhich is now a part of his resi-

mSTOEV OF HANCOCK COUXTY. 939

dence. The firm engaged in the grain and cattle trade and opened
a packing house.

At this time the_y bought the best quality of winter wheat for
25 cents per bushel, and corn, shelled, ready for market, at 6J cents,
and dressed pork for $1.25 per cwt. ; and it was a losing trade, even
at these rates. The next year Mr. Finch bought the Athertou
farm and subsermently the Thompson farm, constituting what is
now the city of Dallas. The firm added the grocery business to the
warehouse trade and moved their families here the same year, and
made the first plat of this city. They then built a flouring mill
and distillery, that turned out 100 barrels of flour and 20 barrels
of whisky per day. The mill and distillery burned down the fol-
lowing spring.

They continued in business here until the death of Mr. Eollos-
son, Mr. Finch continuing in business until 1S75. Mr. Finch
was actively engaged in the mercantile business for over 40 years,
and is one of the oldest merchants in Hancock county. He has
been identified with all enterprises of the city, and has done more
to advance the interests and build up the city than anj' other man
now living here. He was the first Postmaster of the city, and
could easily carry all the mail matter in his pocket; his first quar-
terly returns to the Government was ^1.06|-. He has been Maj-or
several terms and held other ofiices of importance and high trust.
He M'as a volunteer in Capt. "Jim " Logan's company of " Bloody
Pontoosucans," during the Mormon troubles. He has been a
life-long Democrat, and expects to live to vote that ticket for
many years to come.

John Hacker was born in Cruz, Germany, March 9, 1845, and
came to this country in 1857, landing in New York city on the
27th day of September, and went to work on a farm, which busi-
ness he followed until 1862. He then went to Dunkirk, N. Y.,
and engaged in sailing on the lakes until the fall of 1S63. Dec.
15, lS63,'he enlisted in the 22d Regt. N. Y. Cav., and was in all
the battles of the army of the Potomac, from that time until his
discharge. He had his horse shot under him twice, but was never
wounded. He was discharged in August, 1865, and again engaged
in sailing, which he followed until May 29, 1869, when he came to
this State and located at Dallas City, and engaged in butchering
and in buying and shipping cattle, and has been in that business
ever since. By strict attention to his business he has a large and
lucrative trade, and he is one of the progressing and enterpris-
ing men of the city.

Manford G. Harris was born in "Wheeling, Va., in 1841. He
migrated with his parents to this State in 1S53, locating in Dur-
ham tp. He worked upon a farm until 1861, and in August of that
year he enlisted in the 50th Ills. Vol. Inf , and served as a soldier
three years and two months, and was honorably discharged. He
was in the battles of Shiloh, Fort Donelson, Pittsburg Landing and

9i0 HISTORY or HANCOCK COUNTY.

Corinth. In IS 73 be located in Dallas City, and entered the mer-
cantile business, in which he is still engaged. He was married to
Miss Sarah G. Hagerty. of Dallas Cit}', Dec. 17, 1865, and they
have four children. Mr. Harris is one of the leading men of Dal-
las City, and has a large circle of friends and acquaintances in the
city and vicinity.

L. W. Landaker, M. D., was born in the District of Columbia,
March 3, 1820, where he remained with his parents until 183S. He
then went to "Winchester, Ya., and in the following year com-
menced the study of medicine with Dr. David T. Sulinstyne, remain-
ing with him four years. In ISIO he emigrated to Licking county,
Ohio, and engaged in the practice of medicine in Licking and Knox
counties. Dr. Eggleson being associated with him a part of the
time he was there. In 1851 he came to this county and purchased
a tract of land in Dallas, and in 1S56 removed his family to this
place, and commenced the practice of medicine and surgery, which
has been his exclusive business ever since. The Doctor was married
to Miss Elizabeth Garrett, of Kno.x county, Ohio, on the 4th of
July, 18-47. They have 6 children now living; viz., Napoleon
O'Brine, Helen Roecene, Justice Greenbury, Elizabeth Josephine,
Virginia Lee, and Claybonieur. His wife died in Januar\', 1865,
and the same year he was again married to Miss Barbara Hocker, of
Dallas City. His second wife died June 10, 1S72, and he was mar-
ried to Miss Eurena Humer, of Dallas City, in June, 1878. Dr.
Landaker is one of the pioneers of this township, and one of
the oldest pliysieians in the (j^ty of Dallas, has always had a large
and successful practice.

David S- Lionberger was born in Licking conntj', O., August 2,
1827, and emigrated to this State in 1838, locating in Dallas tp.,
this county, where he remained a short time, and then moved to
Adams county, where he lived until 1851, when he returned to this
county and located on sec. 13, this tp., where he has since resided.
Mr. Lionberger has been engaged in farming nearly all his life, and
is one of the well-to-do farmers of the county. He was married to
Miss Mary Brown, of Pike county. 111., in 1851. He has repre-
sented Dallas tp. in the Board ot Supervisors three years, and has
held other offices of trust in the tp. He is a member of the Ma-
sonic Lodge in Dallas City, and is one of the leading men in the
township.

John M. Lionherger was born in Licking county, Ohio, in 1835,
and came to this county with his parents in 1839 and located in
Pilot Grove township, where they remained a short time, and then
naoved to Adams county, and settled in Paysou township. In 1851
he returned to this county and located in Pontoosuc township, and
followed farming for several years, and then went into the nursery
business with J. P. TuU, which he continued amtil 18^0, when he
entered partnership with his brother and they engaged in the nurs-
ery business in Dallas township. He was married to Miss
Margaret J. TuU, daughter of J. E. Tull, in October, 1861, and his

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUXTY. 941

wife died March 7, 1S65. In the fall of 1862, he, in partnership
with his brother, went out with the llsth E&i>'. 111. Vol., as sutler,
and remained with the regiment until it returned and was mustered
out. In the fall of 1866 he went to Quincj' and studied dentistry,
and after the completion of his course of studies he located in
Dallas City. He is a member of the Blue Lodi^e, Chapter, and
Council. lie is also a member of the order of "Kni^•ht.s of
Pythias."

Dr. Lionberger has on sec. 12, this tp., one of the finest fruit
farms in tlie county, having over 1,000 fruit-trees. He has also
fitted up and put in excellent order a fine driving park, known as
the " Lionberger Driving Park." The Doctor is the only dentist
in Dallas Cit}-, and has a large and lucrative business. He is one
of the prominent men of .the city, and has many friends through-
out the county.

Benoni Alendenhall, the youngest son of Jacob Mendenhall, is
of Quaker origin, and was born Nov. 6, 1827, on Highland creek,
county of Washington, Ind.; removed with his parents in 1830 to
Tazewell county, this State, near Pekin. In 1833 they again re-
moved to AYarren county, this State, opposite Flint Hills, near
Burlington, la.; again removed to Camp Creek, this county, in
1836. Having obtained his majority, Benoni assisted his father
on the farm, and agreeably to an old custom, received the old home-
stead as a remuneration for taking care of his parents in their old
age. In lS4o-'6 he was a volunteer under Thos. Carlin, to assist
in expelling the Mormons from the county. In 1852 he, in com-
pany with 20 others, crossed the plains to the gold fields of the
Pacific coast. In 1854- he returned to the old homestead and was
united in marriage with Miss Margaret L. Phillips, March 30,
1854. In December, 1856, he removed to Dallas City and engaged
in the mercantile business with his cousin, P. C. Mendenhall,
which vocation he has followed, with a few short intermissions,
ever since. In 1861, being then Captain of an independent mili-
tary company, he immediately offered his company to tlie Govern-
ment for active service. On account of an aged invalid mother, he
resigned his command and waited until her death, when, under the
call for 600,000 volunteers, he enlisted as a private in Capt. Allen's
company (Co. H, 78th 111. Yol.), serving two years and six months,
when he was honorably discliarged at Camp Butler by reason of
the Surgeon's certificate of disability. Jan. 1, 1866, he was ap-
pointed Postmaster at Dallas City, which position he held for 11
years, then resigned. He has filled several offices of trust, and is
now a merchant.

The portrait of Mr. B. Mendenhall is found on page 935. It
is engraved from a photograph taken at the age of 46.

John Mendenhall came from England about 1685, with one
brother and one sister. He was cotemporary with Wm. Penn in
settling Pennsylvania. John married Elizabeth Maris, 5th mouth,
1685; she dying, he again married Esther Dix, 8th month, 1708

942 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

By his last wife he had 3 sons and 4 daughters: Mordeeai, the
eldest, married Charity 'Mills, and removed to New Garden, N. C,
(now Springfield), and had S sons and one daughter. Their names
were John, Mordecai, Moses, Thomas, Stephen, Isaac, Aaron,
Charity and Kichard. Isaac, the seventh son, married Rachel
Hoggatt and had S children ; viz., Ruth, Isaac, Jacob, Aaron,
Zadok, Mordecai, John and Miles. Jacob removed, when a young
man, to Wasliington county, Ind., then an Indian territory, and
married Rachel Lamb, and they had 3 sons and 2 daughters; viz.,
Zadok, Milo, Madison, Mary and Ruth. His first wife dying, he
married Nancy Hoggatt, and had 3 sons and one daughter; viz.,
Owen, Nathan, Rachel and Benoni. The first are all dead; of the hist
only 3 are living, — Owen, Nathan and Benoni, of Dallas City.

Jacob Mendenhall was born Oct. 10, 1784, in Guilford county,
N. C. Living with his parents until he attained his majority, he
was importuned by his father to remain at the old homestead, but
he had a ^-earning desire to try the new country then known as the
Northwestern Territor}'. So he bade adieu to home and the old red
hills of North Carolina, mounted his nag and made his way through
the States of Tennessee and Kentucky; crossing the Ohio at Louis-
ville (then a small village) and landing at a point where New
Albany now stands, he struck out through the back woods, intend-
ing to halt at Salem, Ind. There he went to work clearing up the
beech forests, fencing a patch and building a cabin. Obeying the
divine injunction, Jacob Mendenhall was united in marriage to
Rachel Lamb, in the 27th year of his age. in January, 1810, by
Avhom he had 5 children. Fortune smiled on his efforts, and after
six years of toil, he engaged in the mercantile business, which
proved very disastrous, and wound up by the Sheriff levying on
and selling everything in his possession (there were no exemption
laws then), even to the knives and forks of the dining table.

Misfortunes never come single; his faithful wife sickened and
died; still he bore up, kept his famih' of small children together;
was united again in marriage to Nancy Hoggatt, in ISIS, by whom
he had 4 children. Again misfortune frowned on him. Although
considered the stoutest man in Washington county — being six
feet two inches in his stocking feet — yet by exposure and hard-
ships he was attacked by inflammatory rheumatism, which com-
pletely prostrated him for six months.

Recovering, he resolved once more to try the West, and with his
family sought the wilderness prairies of Illinois. Arriving at
Pekin, on the Illinois river, he was advised to go no further, as
" old Black Hawk" was about to levy war on the whites. Here the
oldest son, Zadok, enlisted under Capt. Adams, and was killed at
the defeat of Maj. Stillman, on Rock river. Remaining at Pekin
until the war was over, he again faced westward, and settled eight
miles east of Burlington, which then contained only a few log huts;
was the first man that located the mill-seat and town of Warren
now in Henderson county. Finally settling in Hancock county'

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 943

he selected two quarter-sections in township seven north, six west,
on Camp creek; lie paid the entry fee and secured the United States
patent. Here he found a resting place, and commenced permanent
improvements, in lS3i. Putting up a large double cabin, and
fencing in a small patch of ground, he returned to Warren county
(now Henderson) to winter. In the spring of 1835 he brought his
family with liim, and went to work improving his new farm on a
larger scale. The nearest neiglibor was then eight or ten miles.
Deer, wolves, and other wild game, were in abundance. Prairie
chickens were trapped in the door-yard; deer were frequently
killed in the small fields close to the house. For several years
after settling on the Camp creek farm, the wolves were very trouble-
some, and made nightly raids on the pig-pens and sheep-folds. But
a plan of trapping soon developed, and the old gray wolves wei-e
made to succumb to the cunning of man. For a term of eight
years or more Jacob Mendenhall carried on an exterminating war-
fare against the wolves.

Jacob Mendenhall was noted for his kind and liberal heart and
square dealing. On his first settling in the county of Warren, he
was elected a Justice of the Peace, and many were the angry dis-
putes he was called on to settle between neighbors. Being reared
in the staid old Quaker school, he was noted for his urbanity and
just decisions. When removed to Hancock, he was again and again
called on to till the olfice of Esquire. His house was ever open to
the poor and needy; the stranger and emigrant seeking a home in
the West, found a resting place under his roof. When the Mor-
mons were driven out of Missouri, and settled at Commerce, they
woiild go out through the county begging for the necessaries of
life: they never went away from the door of Jacob Mendenhall
without being supplied and getting employment, if desired. This
kindness was ill repaid by them when tliey were ordered out of the
county, as they took a horse, saddle and bridle from him, and killed
one of his best cows. This was so aggravating, that, Quaker as he
was, he freely consented to driving them out of the county.

Prosperity crowned his latter days, and wealth finally came to
him in the shape of a large farm, with a good brick dwelling, large
barn, and other substantial improvements. But age was coming
on, and the days of his pilgrimage were drawing to a close.
Arranging his earthly affairs, like a true man, he prepared to pass
over the river, which he did on the 31st of January, 1857, in the
72d year of his age. He survived all his children but 3, who are
still living; 2 near the old homestead, and one in Missouri.

Dr. Benj. F. Newlon^^i, born in Louisville, Ky., July 27, 1833,
and emigrated with his parents, in infancy, to Edgar county. 111.,
who settled near Paris, where he was raised. He was educated at
the Edgar County Academy; he received his medical education at
Peoria, 111., under Dr. Shubal York. Dr. Xewlon first came to
Hancock county in 1845, and in 1847 located at Dallas City, and
commenced the practice of medicine in partnership with his elder

944 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

brother, Dr. Jolin F. Newloa, which partnership continued for fire
years. His brother then moving to Kansas, he continued the
practice alone. He had a large and lucrative pracitice until 1S62,
when his health failed him, and he had to give up. active business
for a time. He then formed a partnership with a younger brother,
Dr. Wra. L. Newlon, who relieved him of the laborious part of
the business; this partnership lasted for five years. Dr. Newlou
has practiced in his present location over 30 years, and has perhaps
given more medicine in tiiat time than any one jjhysician in the
count}'. He has given medicine to S-t persons in one day of 2-t hours.
In early times it was more sickly tiian of late years, and there were
fewer physicians. There is a familv now living in this vicinity
who were all sick at one time, that Dr. Newlon visited, and before
he left the house, issued 77 doses of medicine. Dr. Newlon has
been identified with all the enterprises of this city, was present
when the town was first surveyed and laid off. He wrote the charter
of the city, and was sent with Col. Eollosson, in 1S59, by the people,
to Springfield, to lobby it tlirough the Legislature, and was suc-
cessful. He penned the present ordinances of the city, that were
adopted when the city was first chartered. He was the first Mayor
of the city, which oflice he held two years. He has held the office
of Supervisor five terms.

Dr. Newlon was the founder of Dallas City Lodge No. 235, A.
F. & A. Masons; was its first "\Y. M., and is now and has been for
many years in that position; was one of the charter members of Dallas
Ciiapter No. Ill, and was its High Priest. He has also been Dis-
trict Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Masons of Illi-
nois. He has represented his Lodge and Chapter in their grand
bodies very frequently, and is i-egarded by those who know as
*' bright" in Masonic lore. He has also been a close student, not
only in science, but in the literature of the day. He at one time
edited the Dallas City Democrat, frequently corresponded with the
publications of the country, and his nom de plume, " Don Osso," is
well known and appreciated by the reading public.

Dr. Newlon was married three times, first to Mary Walker,
daughter of William Walker, an old citizen of this place. She died
in less than a year. His second wife was Almira A. Richards. She
died, leaving 3 girls and one boy. His third and present wife was
Kate Gassaway. daughter of Jas. Gassaway, of this place, b}' whom
he has 2 children, a son and a daughter. Dr. Newlon studied law
in his youth, and was admitted by tlie Supreme Court of this State,
but never practiced. He is a life-long Democrat, was a staunch
Union man during the war, and is liberal in his religious views, and
has many friends wherever known. He is one of the three surviv-
ing first settlers of Dallas City.

Hon. W. H. RolloKson was born in Williamsburg, Va., Jan. 8,
1S16. He received a classical education at William and Mary Col-
lege, Virginia. In 1840 he emigrated to the West, and settled in
jS'auvoo, 111., where he engaged in mercantile business until June,

HISTORY OF HANCOOK COUNTY. 945

1844, when, owing to the trouble with the Mormons, he moved his
goods to Appanoose, where they were stored for a short time; and
in the fall of 1844 he commenced business in Pontoosuc, having
branch stores in Appanoose and La Ilarpe. In 1846 he came to
Dallas City and built a large warehouse and store-room, and began
business, being largely engaged in the grain trade and packing,
and in the fall of 1847 he built a large flouring-mill and distillery.
He was one of the founders of the city of Dallas ; he platted and
laid out the original site of the town; drew its charter and
secured its adoption by the State Legislature. He was mar-
ried in 1855 to Miss Marietta Bostwick, of Fort Madi-
son, Iowa. Mr. Rollosson continued in business in Dallas Citj' until
his death, Oct. 9, 1SG4, leaving a widow and three sons, and a large
circle of friends and acquaintances to mourn his early loss. He was
a strong adherent to the Democratic party. In 1861 he received
the nomination of his party, and was elected a Kepresentative in the
Illinois Legislature. In 1858 he was appointed by Gov. Bissell
Inspector General of the State troops, with the rank of Colonel.
During his residence in this county he was actively engaged in
business pursuits, with the varying fortunes incident to commer-
cial life, but has ever maintained his character for honor and integ-
rity, and has done much to advance the material prosperity and
develop the resources of the country. Col. Rollosson was no ordinary
man — a perfect gentleman in his manners; a ripe scholar; a states-
man; noble, generous and brave; none knew him but to admire
him. Possessed of all the attributes calculated to adorn society,
alleviate want, he failed not to make a proper use of them.
Whilst living he was an honor to his family, the pride of his friends,
the benefactor of his race.

0. R. Rmsell^ the second child of Jonas Galusa Kussell, was
born near Rochester, IST. Y., Nov. 25,1840. In 1848 he moved
with his parents to Pioneer, Ohio, where he resided until he was 16
years old, when he entered Hillsdale College, Mich., where he re-
mained between three and four years; he then went to Ohio and
taught school for about 18 months, and returned to Pioneer in
June, 1861, and read medicine with Dr. J. G. Gordon ; in the fall
of the same year he attended medical lectures at the University of
Michigan, where he remained and pursued his medical studies for
two years. He was married to Miss Rosalia Morrison, of Ann Ar-
bor, Feb. 17, 1872, and now has one son, James G. In 1863 he lo-
cated at Amboy, Mich., and commenced the practice of medicine,
where he remained a little over a year. In tb.e spring of 1865 he
came to this State and taught school in Fulton county, and after
traveling through Missouri and Iowa, not being pleased with the
country,' concluded to return to New York. At Toledo he met a
friend who induced him to return to Illinois; he came to Henry
county, and located near Cambridge. During the spring of 1865
his father moved to Missouri ; in the fall he visited his father, and
on his return he stopped at Keokuk, and attended medical lectures

946 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

at the University of Iowa; then located there, where he remained
until he graduated in 1S66. He then settled in Freedom, this
State, where he practiced medicine for two years; he then moved to
Gilman, where he remained one j-ear. In the spring of 1869 he
was again married, to Mrs. Julia L. Gilman, of Galesburg, 111., and
moved to Northern Missouri, where he lived about a year. He
then returned to Illinois, and in 1872 located at Dallas City, where
he has since resided and followed his profession, having a large and
lucrative practice.

Hon. William Scott is a native of Indiana, having been born in
Pennsylvania county, Dec. 26, 1827. He was married June 28,
1849, to Miss Caroline Dickey,, and came to this count}', locating
in Fountain Green tp., where he resided three years; then moved
to Durham tp., where his wife and one child died, Nov. 3, 1860,
leaving him with si.x children. Dec. 31, 1861, he married Miss La-
vina Dickey, of this count}'. Until 1861 Mr. Scott was engaged in
farming and teaching. In the fall of 1861 he was elected County Su-
perintendent of Schools, and in the spring of 1S62 he removed to
Carthage and attended to the duties of his office. In the fall of 1862
he was the unanimous choice of his party for re-election to the office
he then held, but failed to be elected by about 27 votes. In the
fall of 1863 he returned to Durham tp., and resumed his former oc-
cupation. He moved to Henderson county in March, 1868, and
same year was elected Justice of the Peace, which office he has held
ever since. He was elected Representative to the State Legislature
in 1872 from the 24th Senatorial district, and served through two
sessions of the General Assembly. In 1876 he was_ elected State
Senator from this district, which office he now holds, and has served
through the 30th and 31st General Assemblies. In April, 1877»
he bought the Central Hotel in Dallas City, which he repaired and
refurnished, and opened to the public. His wife died October 6,
1877, leaving him with the care of seven small children. He was
elected Mayor of Dallas in 1878, and re-elected in 1879. He has
also held other offices of importance in the county and city. Mr.
Scott is a self-made man, and one of the prominent men of this Sen-
atorial district, and is possessed of many social qualities that endear
him to his many friends and acquaintances.

Mark Tandy was born in Burton tp., Adams county, in April,
1848. He remained in Adams county until 1872, working part of
the time on a farm, and part of the time was a clerk in the city of
Quinc}'. He then came to Dallas City and engaged in the mer-
cantile business, in which he has continued ever since. In 1869 he
was married to Miss Laura Tibbets, of Payson, 111. In July, 1877,
he was appointed Postmaster at Dallas City, which office he now
holds. His father, William H. Tandy, was Sheriff of Adams
county for several terms, and during the Mormon troubles in this
county, was called on to assist in expelling them. He was one of
the first settlers of Adams county, going there from Kentucky in
1832. He has one of the finest geological collections in this county.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTT. 947

In business lie has a large and lucrative trade, and is one of the
leading business men of this city.

Echvard H. Thomas, editor and proprietor of the Dallas City
2^cius, was born at Pittsburg, Louisa county, Iowa, Sept. 14, 1841.
Commencing in 1S53, he sers'ed an apprenticeship of four years at
the printing business in the office of the Wapello (Iowa) Intelli-
gencer. He worked at printing up to the commencement of the-
Rebellion, when he enlisted in the 19th Iowa Infantry, and served
until the close of the war. Since the war he has been connected
with the following papers, as publisher and part owner: Wapello
(Iowa) Republican, Keithsbnrg (111.) Kerana, Nauvoo (111.) Inde-
pendent, and Burlington (Iowa) Monday Morning News. Mr.
Thomas issued the first number of the Dallas City News April 6,
1S78. Owing to the many failures in the newspaper business in
the place, he had many difficulties to contend with in the establish-
ment of a new paper, but his experience of over 20 years in the
business, and a determination to succeed, enabled him to overcome
all obstacles and gain the confidence of the people; and the News
is now in a prosperous condition, receiving a large advertising
patronage from the merchants of Dallas City, Fort Madison and
Burlington.

Henry Walker. — This gentleman is a native of the Buckeye Sta^e,
and was born in 1808. He lived in Ohio 42 years; he worked nine
years at the carpenter trade, then engaged in farming until 1850,
when he emigrated to this State and settled in Pontoosuc, where
he now resides. He embarked in mercantile pursuits, which he
followed until 1860, when lie sold out and again engaged in agri-
culture, and is now one of the best farmers on the Mississippi
bottom. He was Postmaster at Pontoosuc for nine years, and has
.represented his township on the Board of Super visors several years.
He was married Oct. 13, 1835, to Miss Margaret Agnew, of Ohio.
They have 5 children now living. Mr. Walker has given consider-
able attention to political affiiirs, and is considered a leader of his
party in this township. He is a staunch Democrat.

Jesse Wimp was a native of Pennsylvania, and was born in the
year 1803. He moved with his parents to Kentucky in 1813, and came
and settled in Dallas township in 1830. He was married in 1826 to
Miss Elizabeth Simmons, and they have had eight children . His
entire life vvas spent in agricultural pursuits, and by his careful
management and industry he acquired a large property. He took
an active part in the Mormon war, and captured and held until
after the troubles were settled, a brother of the prophet Brigham
Young. He was a member of Capt. Logan's famous company of
" Bloody Pontoosucans." Mr. Wimp was one of the first settlers
of Dallas tp. He died April 24, 1S75, leaving a large circle of
friends and acquaintances to mourn his loss.

His youngest son, Jesse Wimp, who is now living on the old
homestead, was born in 1840 in this township, where he has always
resided. He was married in 1868 to Miss Susan Nolan, of this

948 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

count}'. They have 4 children. He is one of the leading farmers
of the county, having a fine pi-airie farm of 350 acres. He is also
an extensive dealer in stock.

TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS.

SUPERVISORS.

John M. Finch 1861 B. F. Johnson 1868

John Gibbs 1862' David S. Lionberger 1873

Benjamin Lionberger 1863 B. F. Newlcn 1876

John M. Finch 1867 J.F.Dietrich 1880

Jonathan Rice 1861 D. E. Johnson 1872

S. Gates 1863 John C. Hupfer 1874

H.C.Johnson 1864 Lawson S. Bliss 1876

Walter B. Lorina; 1869 Wm. A. Felthausen 1877-1880

H. C.Johnson..': 1870

ASSESSORS.

John Gibbs 1861 Henry Howard ; 1869

Benoni Mendenhall 1862 William V. Banks 1870

William .Jolly 1864 J. C. Hupfer 1875

Theo. Rhea 1866 John H. Rauck 1877

William V. Banks 1867 Thomas L. Dixon 1879-1880

COLLECTORS.

Owen Mendenhall 1861 Thomas Shaw 1873

Henry Howard 1863 William Ramsey 1874

•B. F. Johnson 1866 J. M. Carper 1875

Henry Howard 1867 Thomas L. Dixon 1877

Walter B. Loring 1868 J. F. Dieti-ich 1879

John K. Ruth 1871 Vernon Smith 1880

J. B. Duffy 1873

APPANOOSE TOWNSHIP.

Fractional township numbered 7-S lies above the bend of the
river at Nanvoo, and is the northwest townsliip in the county. It
loses about one- third of its dimensions b}' the river; one-third is
broken timbered bluff land, and the remainder prairie. The south
and south-eastern |)ortions of the township are composed mainly of
beautiful prairie land, embracing some fine farms owned by rich
and prosperous farmers. Three or four streams enter the river
from the south, heading out in the open prairie. Chief of these
are Tyson and Rollosson creeks, which furnisli considerable bodies
of timber.

The early settlers were Edward White and Amzi Doolittle.
Chauncy "Robison was an early settler in the county, though not
in this township till after the Mormon exodus. The celebrated big
prairie mound is located in this township, on section 25, on the
summit of which the late Amos Davis built his fine residence, and
where his widow still resides. The portion nearest to Nauvoo is
partly settled by some German and French foreign immigrants, who
came to the county after the Mormons left the city; some of them
belonged to the Icarian community. They are generally industrious
and thrifty citizens.

This township sports two towns, as yet very small ones. Appa-
noose, from which the township was named, was laid out bj^ Edward
White and Amzi Doolittle in 1S36, nearly opposite Fort Mad-
ison, Iowa.

Niota, a later town, near the mouth of Tyson creek, also on the
river, two miles below Appanoose. This was laid out by John H.
Knapp, William Adams, George P. Eaton and J. P. Harper,
in 1S57.

Appanoose was named for an Indian chief of the Sac and Fox
Indians, well known in those days about Fort Madison.

This township, lying on tlie river above tlie rapids, is supposed
to have been the residence of several of the settlers previous to
1829, but wlio left the county at an early day. We know of no one
in the township who was there previous to the Black Hawk war.
Many Mormons settled in this township and in Sonora, in the
vicinit}' of Nauvoo, and since they left, their places have been sup-
plied by newer immigrants.

BIOGRAPHIES.

Below are personal sketches of many of the old settlers and
leading citizens of this township.

(949)

950 HJSTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Amos Davis, deceased, was born Dec. 20, 1814, in Yermont,
where he grew to manhood; was educated in one of the universities
of his native State; emigrated to this county in 1841, settling first
in Nauvoo; was one of the leading merchants of that city at that
time. He followed that business until 1857, when he moved upon
his farm in Appanoose tp. When he first came to the county he
had only $1.50 in money, but by industry and economy he accumu-
lated considerable property, owning at the time of his death 1,300
acres of very fine land, mostly in this tp. He knew well the
achievements of self-education and experience. He despised not
the day of small things, and b}' and by great things were added to
his successful oftbrts. He was joined in marriage April 12, 1866,
to Mary J. Iseaberger, and' they had 4 children; viz., Amos, Jacob
W., Mary J. and Guy. Mr. Davis' death occurred March 22, 1872,
and in that event the community lost one of its most enterprising
farmers and worthy citizens.

Sarmtel T. Egan, one of the leading farmers of Appanoose tp.,
was born in Franklin county, Ind., Dec. 14, 1819. His parents,
James and Nancy, were both natives of Pennsylvania. His father
dying when he was but a small boy, and his mother when he was
16 years old, he was early thrown upon his own resources for a
training for the vicissitudes of life. The seeds of pure morality,
however, having been sown in his youthful heart, he persevered
through life, and has won a success far beyond that of many who
have had better early advantages. He has now a fine farm of 285
acres, on sec. 34, a good residence, etc., all acquired by his own
management and industry. Nov. 19, 1846, he married Cordelia
M. Maynard, and they have had 8 children, 7 of whom are living
— 4 sons and 3 daughters. His wife died Feb. 24, 1869, a member
of the Methodist Church.

Sarmiel V. Elliott, farmer and school-teacher, Nauvoo, was born
in Tioga county. Pa., May 12, 1845; was brought to this county
by his parents in 1850, where he grew to manhood and enjo^'cd
more extended advantages than many others at that day, especially
farmer boys; he received his education at the Fort Madison Acad-
emy; he now follows farming in the summer and teaching school
in the winter. March 27, 1873, he married Alice Cwerden. His
father died in 1875, aged 65 years; and his grandfather, John Rey-
nolds, was a soldier in the war of 1812.

James E. Green, farmer, sec. 34; P. 0., Appanoose; was born in
Pennsylvania, Nov. 8, 1820, and is a son of Samuel and Jane Green,
who also were natives of the Keystone State. James E. emigrated
from his native place to St. Louis, in 1853, and the same year came
to this county, where he has since resided, following farming.
Dec. 28, 1858, he married Anna Bolton, a native of England; she
died in 1860, and he again married in 1865, this time Eliza J.
Eeed, and they have had one child.

John Maigh, farmer, sec. 13; P. O., Appanoose; was born in
Philadelphia, Pa., July 26, 1821, and is a son of John and Mary

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 961

Haigh, natives of England; he was reared in his native city, but
was deprived of the advantages of an early education; at a very
early age he was placed in the Tecoraa cotton mills, which were
built hy liis father. It was among the first in that cit}\ The sub-
ject of this sketch worked in that establishment for seven years,
that is, until 1S3S, when he went to work in Gambol's morocco
works, of Philadelphia, and learned the art of dressing morocco;
he continued in this business until 1853. when he came to this
county, where he settled and has since resided, engaged in farming.
He owns a tine farm of 210 acres in this tp. In 1842 he married
Sarah Falcrod; she died soon afterward, and in 18i6 he married
Sarah E. Sheward.

James HanMnond, furmer, sec. IS; P. O., Fruitland; was born
in England Dec. 17, 1842, and was brought to this country by his
parents, Thomas and Mary A. Hammond, in 1843, first settling in
Nauvoo, where they lived until 1844, and then they moved to their
farm in this tp., where our subject has since resided, except a few
years. Feb. 4, 1S62, he enlisted in Co. B, 17th Iowa Inf,in which
he served till 1863, shortly after the surrender of Vicksburg, when
he was transferred to the Signal Corps, a division of the regular
army, where he served until April, 1865, when, on the expiration
of his term, he was discharged. He then returned home and has
ever since followed farming. In the fall of 1867 he married Mary
S. Boyle, and they have had 6 children, 2 sons and 4 daughters.

John SohhSy deceased, was born Dec. 4, 1801, in Pennsjdvania;
he went to Knox county, O., in 1823, and came to this count}' in
1856. Dec. 27, 1825, he married Anna Shipley, who died May 1,
1853; March 27, 1856, Mr. E. again married, Kebecca S. Zeigler,
and they have had one child, Alice May, deceased. Mr. Hobbs
lived near Nauvoo from the time ho first settled in this county
until his death. Jan. 5, 1871. He was a man highly respected by
all who knew him, for his generosity and good manners. His fu-
neral was ver}' largely attended.

L. A. ITohhs was born Oct. 26, 1835, iu "Washington county. Pa.,
and is a son of John (deceased) and Nancy Hobbs; he was taken to
Knox county, O., b}' his parents, when quite young, where they re-
mained until 1850, and then they removed to Delaware, O., where
he received a college education. He came West the first time with
his father in 1854, remaining here about six months, when he re-
turned to Ohio; during the following winter (1855) he attended and
graduated at the Cleveland Commercial College; in March, 1855,
he came to !Nauvoo, where he engaged as book-keeper in the store
of John B. Icking. In May, 1856, he returned to Ohio, and the
next fall came back to Illinois, and spent two years iu traveling
and other business. Nov. 26,1858, he married Miss Julia A. Henry,
and they have had 5 sons and 3 daughters. Mr. H.'s father died ia
March, 1871, aged 70 years.

Hugh Jackson \va.& born Sept. 23, 1837, in Fulton county, N. Y.,
and is a sou of James and Marj' Jackson, farmers by occupation and

952 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

distinguished for intelligence and piety ; they were in comfortable
circumstances and gave their children a good education; they were
natives of Scotland and came to America in 1832; at the age of 18
Hugh left the paternal roof in Albany county, N. Y., whither they
liad removed from Fulton county, and came to Illinois, settling in
Hancock county with but little of tliis world's goods; he had but
$5.25, but by industry and integrity, having during three years
saved some little money, he joined a party of friends and went to
Pike's Peak, thence to New Mexico and thence to New Orleans,
where he spent the winter; he then returned to Illinois for a short
time; after traveling some months in Missouri and this State, he
returned in the spring of 1S61 to this county, where he has since
remained. In 1865 he married Mary H. Hammond, a native of
England. Mr. J. is a Presbyterian.

itobert Jackson was born in Albany county, N. Y., a brother of
the preceding; he grew to manhood in his native State, where he
received a common-school education, and after he came here he at-
tended school at the Fort Madison Academy. April 13, 1865, he
enlisted in Co. E, 118th 111. Vol. Inf ; was discharged at the close
of the war, having served about six montlis.

William Jackson was born in Scotland June 27, 1808, and is a
son of James and Isabella Jackson, natives also of Scotland; he
emigrated to the United States in 1834, and lived in New York
until the fall of 1838, when he came and settled in this tp., where
he has since resided. During the Mormon troubles he took no part
on either side. He was here at the first immigration of the Mor-
mons, and heard Joe Smith make his first speech in Illinois, and
saw the corner-stone of the temple laid. An anecdote of Joe Smith
Mr. J. relates as follows: At that time live-stock was running at
large everywhere, and application was made to the city council to
adopt a law prohibiting this; tliey applied to Joe Smith, Mayor, to
make a proclamation to that effect; Smith refused to do so, but said
he would come out and make a speech; he did so, and said that if
any person had an}' more dogs than he could keep at home and
feed, he was one of the dog breed himself; and made a similar re-
mark concerning the people allowing hogs to run at large. In the
fall of 1844 Mr. J. married Allisa Winning. Mr. J. has for four-
teen years been township Treasurer, and has also been Supervisor
and Assessor for awhile. He owns a farm of 120 acres on sec. 29.

John Kennedy, deceased, was born in 1815, in Ireland, and came
to this country in 1830, first settling in Delaware county. Pa. ; in
1850, while there, he married Eliza Scanlin; in 1853 they came to
this county, locating in this tp., where they lived until his death,
Feb. 15, 1880. He was a very estimable citizen.

James Lindsay, Jr., was born Aug. 27, 1853, in this county, and
is a son of James and Anna Lindsay; was reared on a farm, re-
ceiving a common-school education; April 24, 1879, he married
Ella Ikerd, of this county. His grandfather was a soldier in the
Revolutionary war, serving also 18 months in the war of 1812.

niSTOKY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 953

James A. OUis, ia.rmer; P. O., Appanoose; was born Sept. 8,
1828, in Montgomery county, Ind.; and is a son of Matthias and
Catharine Ollis, father a native of England and mother of Ohio.
James A. was reared on a farm and received a common-school edu-
cation. March 2, ISSi, he married Martha Brown, and they had 5
children, 4 of whom are living: James A., Mary C, Sarah C. and
Elizabeth A. ]\Irs. Ollis died March 28, 1880, a consistent mem-
ber of the Presbyterian Church, which she had been for 18 years.
Mr. O. is also a member of the same Church.

Chauncy Rohhon was born March 27, 1805, in Oneida county,
N. Y.; came to this county with his parents, Charles and Jerusha
Eobison, in 1829; here he spent his early life, while the county
was first settling up. He had one brother, John K., who was a
soldier in the Black Hawk war. Chauncy entered as register in
the land-ofhce at Quincy, in which position he remained until
1837, when he went to Carthage, and there engaged in clerking in
a dry-goods store, whicli he followed till August, 1839, when he
was elected County Recorder, in which oifice he served eight years;
he then went to Louisiana, where he spent the winters of 1847-'S,
for the benetit of his wife's health ; in the spring of 184:7 he came to
Nauvoo, where he lived until 1850; he then purchased a farm in
Appanoose tp., where he has since resided. In 1841 he married
Hannah D. Hughes, of Carthage, and they have had 4 children, only
one of whom is now living, Ella M., now Mrs. Deusenburg. Mrs.
K. died March 27, 1861. Mr. R.'s grandfather on his mother's side
was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, under Gen. Washington.

Lewis Sleight, deceased, was born March 2, 1819, in JSfew Jersey;
when sixteen years of age he emigrated to St. Louis, where he
resided sixteen years, then came to Nauvoo, and was Captain of
the ferry-boat that ran from that place to Montrose, Iowa, from
that time, 1851, until his death, June 2, 1872. He was married
in 1842 to Sarah Frisby, and they had 3 children: Emma L., now
Mrs. Yiolett; Lulu L. and Ada. Several of Mrs. Sleight's ancestors
were valiant soldiers in both the Revolutionary war and the war of
1812.

James B. Wehb, son of Wm. and Harriet Webb, who came to
this county in 1841 with a company of Mormons, was reared here
and educated in the common school. December 21, 1869, he mar-
ried Mary E. Tyner, and they have had one child, Hattie U. Mr.
W. owns 80 acres of land on sec. 27.

John Zingree, physician and surgeon, Appanoose, was born in
Switzerland September 14, 1830, was educated at the Military
Academy of Berne, was 1st Lieutenant of the 3d Division of the
Swiss army under Gen. Doriass, one of Napoleon's old generals.
The Doctor came to this country in 1851, and the next year com-
menced the study of medicine under Dr. Branton, an eminent
physician of Cleveland, Ohio. In the spring of 1854 he graduated
at the AVestern Missouri Medical College, and soon after came to
Nauvoo, where he commenced the practice of medicine. He

964 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Nauvoo, where he commenced the practice of medicine. He
remained in Nauvoo till 1856, when he purchased a farm opposite
Fort Madison and moved upon it, where he has since resided,
engaged in farming and practicing medicine. He married his last
wife, Hattie Knapp, in April 1S77. Dr. Z. owns about 2,000 acres
of land in Illinois and Iowa.

TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS.

The town Officers that have served or are now serving this town-
ship are about as follows:

SUPEEVISOES .

James A. McCance 1850 I. D. Stone 1868

Fred. R. Prentice 1852 Amzi Doolittle 1869

Willii^m Jackson 1853 I. D. Stone 1871

Wm. P. Logan 1858 Samuel Elliott 1872

"William Jackson 1860 Hugh Jackson 1873

Samuel Elliott 1863 Jolm Jackson 1874

Peter Wilsey 1866 George H. Rudisil 1876

Amzi Doolittle 1807 Leonard A. Hobbs 1878

George T. Thompson 18.58 Charles G. Fish 1873

Hugh Jackson 1863 John Troutharl 1874

L. A. Hobbs 1866 Charles G. Fish '...1876

Hugh Jackson 1869 John W. Bertchi 1879

Samuel V. Elliott 1870 Alexander Haymart 1880

ASSESSORS.

Benjamin Ritter 1858 William Jackson 1863

Geo. T. Thompson 1859 Charles C. Ritter 1867-1880

COLLECTORS.

Robert Mackie 1858 James Webb 1871

Gershom Pope 1863 James Hammond 1872

Robert Mackie 1864 Wm. G. Webb 1873

John D. Johnson 1865 Leonard A. Hobbs 1874

L. A. Hobbs 1866 George H. Rudisil 1875

Hugh Jackson 1867 Leonard A. Hobbs 1876

George Elliott 1870 John W. Bertchi 1877-1880

NAUVOO TOWNSHIP.

Tliis city of " pleasant land " is a township by itself. It embraces
two small fractional townships, lying in the bend of the Mississippi,
and numbered 6 and 7 north, 9 west, the township line dividing
tliem striking the river a little north of the extreme point of the
bend, and dividing the city into two nearly equal parts. It
embraces within its limits what was ouce the site of Venus, as
well as the town of Commerce and the later Commerce City.
The portion on which the Mansion House and fatuous Nauvoo
House stand, is part of the farm originally pre-empted and owned
by Capt. James White, the first settler; and that on which the
Temple stood was a portion of the tarm of Daniel H. Wells, Esq.,
now Gen. Wells, of Utah. The stone from which the temple
was built was obtained partly from the great quarry a little below
the town in the river bluff.

We cannot learn from the records that there was ever any laid
out town at Venus. The name was given to it perhaps by Mr.
White, and that is the name Uncle Sam used for the postoffice
there, the first ever established in the county. It contained Alex-
ander White's store, and the residence of his father, and of
George Y. Cutler (in the same vicinity), but whether near enough
together to constitute a village, is unknown.

Commerce was laid out by Joseph B. Teas and Alexander White,
in lS3-i. Commerce City was laid out in 1837, by Horace R.
Hotchkiss and John Gillett, two speculators from Connecticut, and
lies a little above its namesake on the river. These plats seem not
to have been vacated; so that they are included in, but not a part
of, the plat of the city.

Nauvoo was laid out in 1839, by Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith,
Sidney Rigdon and George W. Robinson. Afterward, at inter-
vals, down to May, 1843, it received as many as fifteen additions
by Hiram and Ethan Kimball, Hyrum Smith, Daniel H. Wells,
Davidson Hibbard, Herringshaw and Thompson, Geo. W. Robin-
son, Joseph Smith, James Robisou's heirs, Benjamin Warrington
and John T. Barnett.

The situation of Nauvoo is most commanding and beautiful.
But few, if any, sites on the upper Mississippi can compare with
it. The Mississippi, which opposite Commerce is over a mile in width,
gracefully sweeps around its rock-bound shore in a semi-circle, then
falls ofl' to the first chain of the rapids. Above the city the river
approaches in a westerly course; below, it glides winding over the
rapids southward, presenting a long reach of green aud wooded bluflfe
on either side, to Keokuk and Hamilton, twelve miles below.
(055)

956 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTT.

From the immediate bank of the river — some feet above high water
mark — the ground is nearly level for six or seven blocks, when
begins a gradual ascent to Temple Block, where, after a rise of 60
or 70 feet, it again falls off level, away back into the prairie.
There are, however, some bad ravines and broken bluffs within the
city limits, which break the monotony and give variety to the
landscajje.

The curve of the river around the city forms a somewhat pointed
half circle. A straight line back of it, from where it intersects
the shore above and below, will measure about four miles; while
the water-line measurement around its western side is nearly twice
that distance. Some of the additions lie in Sonora township.

The towns of Commerce and Commerce City are laid out square
with the shore opposite them; but the whole of Nauvoo and all of
its additions are laid out on due east and west lines. The streets
of the city are named mostly after Mormon dignitaries — as Sidney,
Parley, Eipley, Kimball, Young, Knight, Hyrum, Carlos, Samuel,
Robinson, Wells, Woodruff, Page, etc. Major General Bennett,
Bishop Lee and Orrin P. Eockwell seem to have been slighted.

How many of the earliest settlers resided within the limits of
Nauvoo, it is hard to tell. Mr. White and his sons were there;
George Y. Cutler and Davidson Hibbard were tliere; Daniel Van
Burkloe is supposed to have been there also (there was a Yan
Burkloe tliere when the Mormons came); but of all the other
officei-s and jurymen at organization, none other is now known to
have resided there, though numbers were in the vicinity.

The history of this city from 1840 to 1847 can be found in
the chapter on the Mormon period.

After those people left, an entire new class of citizens appeared,
from all parts of the country and from Europe.

THE MOEMON TEMPLE

Was burnt October 9, 1848. Who the vandal was that applied the
torch has never been known, and it is not believed that good
grounds exist for suspicion against any one. There was a report,
some years since, that Mr. Joseph Agnew, late of Pontoosuc, was
the guilty person and had so confessed on his death-bed. After
diligent inquiry we find that there is no foundation whatever for
the story. Mr. A.'s friends, while admitting that he was a pro-
nounced and daring Anti-Mormon, scout at the idea that he was
capable of such an act. A large reward was offered for the appre-
hension and conviction of the criminal, by the citizens of Xauvoo,
but the perpetrator was never found. But whoever it may have
been, public opinion abroad has lixed the stigma upon the Anti-
Mormons. This has been unreasonable and unjust. Without pre-
tending to assert that it may not have been done by some reckless
Anti-Mormon, we do hnow and affirm that the great body of them
everywhere condemned the act. We heard no other expression

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 957

among tliein at the time but stern denunciation of tlie deed. There
is another theory in regard to its destruction that is quite as likely
to be the true one. The truth is, that, now that the Mormons
were leaving the city and State, the temple had liecome quite a
large elephant on their hands. It had cost them, as they claimed,
twelve hundred and fifty thousand dollars. In it the rank and file
had invested a large amount of their surplus earnings for j'ears;
and however suited it may have been for a Mormon Temple for
worship, it was evidently fit for nothiiig else. It had been spoken
of for an institution of learning; and it is said had actually been
contracted for by New York parties, for such a purpose. Two
hundred thousand dollars had been asked for it; but it was
evident that sum expended on a new building, properly con-
structed, would be a more economical investment. Yet still it
was an object of interest and an ornament to the city, and no
one, except the merest fanatic, could have desired its destruction.
There was dissention among the brotherhood; two or three parties
existed among them, all claiming to be the true Church, and the
others as heretics, and they hated each other. It has been guessed,
and we think not without reason, that some fanatical and over-
zealous member of one of these parties may have destroyed it in
order that the other should not reap the benefit of it. At any rate
the question so stands: The Mormons and many others believe that
the deed was committed by the Anti-Mormons; the latter, without
being able to establish the contrary, think it just as likely the deed
was consummated by some of themselves.

As stated, the temple was burned on the night of Oct. 9, 1848. It
was a beautiful night, and about two o'clock fire was discovered in
the cupola. It had made but little headway when first seen, but
spread rapidly, and in a very short period the lofty spire was a
mass of fiame, shooting high in the air, and illuminating a wide
extent of country. It was seen for miles away. The citizens
gathered around, but nothing could be done to save the structure.
It was entirely of wood except the walls, and nothing could have
stopped the progress of the flames. In two hours, and before the
sun dawned upon the earth, the proud structure, reared at so much
cost — an anomaly in architecture, and a monument of religious
zeal — stood with four blackened and smoking walls only remaining.

If any party or parties had been contemplating the purchase of
the temple, for any purpose, its destruction, of course, put an end
to the scheme.

THE ICAEIAN COMMUNITY.

In the year 1848, M. Etienne Cabet, a distinguished French
communist, conceived the idea of establishing in America an ex-
perimental colony of their sect. Accordingly a number of them
were landed at ]^ew Orleans, who proceeded to establish in Texas
what he termed an Icarian Community. But Texas not being deemed

958 HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

suitable, it was decided to remove and settle at Nauvoo. In the spring'
of 1849, a company of them, to the number of 75 or 100, settled
in that city, and during the ten years that followed, con-
tinued their organization there, under the presidency and manage-
ment of their eminent leader. Daring their stay in that city they
increased by ac essions to between 500 and 600.

Without undertaking to state correctly tlie principles of their
organization, we may say that their chief tenet seemed to be a
community of property and interests. While their family rela-
tions were kept up, eacli maintaining a separate liousehold, all were
required to eat at the same table, and to contribute of his and her
labor to the common fund. The children were regarded rather as
the wards of the Community than of the parents, and were re-
quired to be taught in the same school and with the same care and
attention.

They purchased the Temple Block and the remains of the struc-
ture, and were about to i-epair it, so as to make it habitable, when
a storm blew it down. Afterward, from its ruins, they constructed
a long, low stone building, which was used for the school. The
Community is said to have been composed mainly of intelligent,
moral and industrious men and women, and were well esteemed by
their neighbors. They carried on man}' branches of business, such
as farming, the manufacture of flour and lumber, and the various
mechanical trades. They also ran a distillery for a period.

Soon after establishing, they issued a weekly newspaper called
the Popular Tribune, under the editorship of M. Cabet. This
was afterward changed to the Revue iGarieiine, and was printed
partly in French and partly in English. While President Cabet was
in Europe, the paper was left in charge of M. Piquenard, a young
man who has since been conspicuous as architect of the new State
House at Springfield.

But the Community could not hold together; dissatisfaction
ai'ose; and in or about 1857 a considerable body left. In 1859 the
concern broke up, most of the members leaving; but a remnant,
consisting of less than a hnndred persons, held together and re-es-
tablished in Adams county, Iowa, where the colony still exists.

These people were nearly all French. On leaving the Commu-
nity a number of them settled in the county at various points, and
are generally regarded as good citizens.

At the time the Mormons were leaving Nauvoo, a great many
persons, influenced by the hope of obtaining cheap property,
settled in and around the city. A large portion of those in the
city soon afterward left, and their places became gradually filled by
foreigners, most of whom came to establish permanent homes, and
still remain, a class of industrious, frugal and peaceable citizens.
These people brought their European habits and customs with
them, and Naiivoo to-day is perhaps more of a German town than
any in the country. Beer, the national beverage, flows like water;
and the latter, though pure and good, has gone out of fashion.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 959

The business of grape-growing and wine-making is quite exten-
sively followed by these people, and the city and suburbs are
thickly dotted with well-planted and neatly kept vineyards. The
business, however, it may be observed, has met with its disappoint-
ments, and the golden anticipations of many who entered into it
have not been realized.

Among the early German settlers about Nauvoo, we mention tlie
following : George Bratz, a native of Wurtemburg, came in IS-tT ;
John G. Bratz, eldest son of the above, served in the 57th 111. Vol.,
and was afterward Mayor ; Leonard L. Bratz, merchant ; Frederic
Baum, from Baden ; John Bauer, a Bavarian, Justice of the Peace,
Notary, and Postmaster for many years; John B. Risse, a Prus-
sian, a lawyer, elected County Judge in 1869, and still holds the
position under successive elections ; John Dornseif, Frankfort-on-
the-Main, has held several offices, among others that of Supervisor;
Ghistav Eberdt, Max Reinbold. Peter F. Wahl, Albert Person,
John Engler, F. Mauck, G. H. Henckler, and others.

Among the native citizens since the Mormon period, we mention
Christopher E. Yates, Samuel Slocumb, Bryant Whittield, L. C.
Bidamon, Wm. Cliiibrd, Nathan Prentice, Luke P. Prentice, Adam
Swartz, Bryant Bartlett, Daniel Brown, R. H. Loomis, Milton M.
Morrill, Wm. McLennan, Prentice Pond, S. M. Wather, George
Edmunds, Reuben Mason, John Gearhart, D. B. Smith, Thomas
H. Owen.

RELIGIOUS PROGEESS.

There are four Church organizations in the city — all in posses-
sion of handsome and substantial church edifices. Of the most of
them we know but little. The Catholic has for its Pastor Rev. H.
T. Reinbold, who has served several years. The German Lutheran,
with Rev. Hertel for Pastor. The Methodist (German) Rev. S.
Saegesser for its Pastor. Tlie date of organization of any of these,
or their condition, we are unable to state. For the following
facts concerning the Presbyterian Church, we are indebted to the
courtesy of Adam Swartz, Esq., its clerk : Organized March 18,
1855, at the Seventies' Hall, by Rev. N. W. Williams, of Keokukj
with the following named members : Samuel Chapman, John Rice
Mrs. H. Elliott, Mrs. Louise Walthus, Mrs. H. A. Carey, Mrs.
John Rice, Mrs. M. E. Powers, Miss Sarah Dewey, and I. D.
Stevens: Chapman, Rice and Stevens, ruling Elders. Revs. Mc-
Cuistion, Waldenmeyer and Rice served as Pastors occasionally, or
by regular engpgement. Later particulars not stated. Mr. Swartz
became a member at an early date, and has acted as its Clerk since
1S68.

BIOGRAPHIES.

Following are sketches of several citizens of N auvoo township :
John Bauer, one of Nauvoo's influential citizens, was

960 HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

born April 14, 1807, in Ehinish Province of Bavaria. He was the
youngest of three sons of Jacob and Catharine (Deidesheinier)
Bauer. His father followed through life various businesses, of a mer-
cantile, mechanical and agricultural nature. He attained eminent
proficiency as a business man, an able cooper, a successful raiser of
the vine, and manufacturer of wine. He died in 1847, mourned
by a host of friends and relatives. Our subject received a common-
school education when^'oung, and has been a close reader through
life. His memory is very retentive, and his powers of observation
very discriminating.

At the age of 20 he began life in agricultural pursuits making
the cultivation of the grape, its proper grafting, training, etc., a
specialty.

In 1833 he came to America and settled in Ohio, where he
remained for several years, engaged in various pursuits. He was
also County Kecorder in Ohio three years. In 1850 he came to
Freeport, Stephenson county, Illinois, where he remained one year
as a successful merchant in the boot and shoe business. He then
came to Nauvoo, where he has since resided, jengaged in mercantile
and agricultural pursuits; and he has held many public offices,
such as Notary Public, Justice of the Peace, Alderman and Super-
visor, and was also Postmaster of ISTauvoo dui-iug the administra-
tions of Pierce and Buchanan. In 1833 he was married to Mar-
garet Ever, a native of Bavaria, by whom he had 13 children. She
died in 1858 in Nauvoo. In 1863 he was again married, this time to
Elizabeth Fleck, a native of Prussia; she became the mother of 3
children, two of whom are living. Politically Mr. Bauer is an
enthusiastic Democrat, of the Jacksonian and Stephen A. Douglas
school. Although he started in life poor, his situation is now very
prosperous.

Mr. Bauer was the first to introduce the making of wine in
Nauvoo.

Emil Baxter was born in St. Quentin, France, in the depart-
ment of the Aisne, and is a son of John and Agnes Baxter. He
came to America in 18-46, and returned the same year. He came
to New York in 1847, where he engaged in importing dry-goods
until the financial crisis of 1857; in 1858 he came to Nauvoo, where
he engaged in the culture of the grape and the manufacture of
wine. He tried many experiments, and made many improvements
in grape culture.

He has made such improvements in the work that he has in his
possession IS silver medals awarded by the Illinois State Board of
Agriculture at diiferent times for the best wines from different
varieties of grapes. He is the most extensive grape and wine pro-
ducer in the country, and ships his wines to St. Louis and Chicago,
being unable to supply the demand. Mr. Baxter has premiums and
diplomas for his wines from societies elsewhere.

He was married in 1852 to Miss Annett Powel, by whom he has
6 children, viz. : Emil E. J., Alfred, Annett, Thomas, Cecil J. and

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 961

Bertha. Mrs. Baxter died in 1S63. He again married in 1864;
tliis time Mary Wiuier, by whom he has one child, Adele.

Em'il E. J. Baxter, son of the preceding, was born in Newark,
X. J., May 13, 1S53. He was educated in the common school and
at the Academy of Denmark, Iowa. He was married June 21,
1S77, to Miss Eugenia Dadant. He studied law under McKinnie
one year, in Nauvoo, and one year under John Lyle King, a prom-
inent lawyer of Chicago. He now is engaged in the culture of the
Italian bee, having a branch apiary ot Charles Dadant's large
institution of Montebello township. Mr. B. has 100 stands of
bees in his care, and is doing a large business. He is at present a
member of the City Council of Nauvoo, and was Supervisor for this
township last year (1879).

John v. Bechtold, ex-Mayor of Nauvoo, is a native of Switzer-
land; was born July 3, 1837; he emigrated to this country in 1855,
and settled in Nauvoo, where he has since 'made it his home.
While in the old country he learned the business of blacksmithing,
at which he labored in after years. In June, 1861, he enlisted in
Co. K, Sth Mo. Inf., iinder Col. Morgan L. Smith; this company
was a division of Gen. Sherman's army. He fought in the battles
of Vicksburg, Shiloh, Corinth, Fort Donelson, Jackson, Atlanta
and Chattanooga, and was with Gen. Sherman on his " Meridian
March." He was discharged in August, 1864, and returned home.
Of late years he has been directing his attention to the culture of
the vine. The year 1879 he manufactured 1,300 gallons of wine.
He was married in 1866 to Margaret "WoliF. They have had 4
children; viz., Caroline, Angeline, Mar}' and Johnnie. Mr. Bech--
told served as School Treasurer for 11 years, and Mayor for 3
years.

Maj. Louis C. Bidanion was born in Virginia in 1806; came
and settled in Fultuu county, and was a resident there during the
early Mormon troubles in this county; was a Lieutenant Colonel of
the 3:id Regiment of Illinois Infantry'. He removed to Nauvoo in
1846, and thence took an active part arnong the new citizens in the
then existing difficulties; was married to Mrs. Emma Smith, the

prophet's widow, in 18 — , and joined her in keeping the

Mansion House; now occupying the new unfinished mansion at
the Riverside.

Thomas BlaJce, agent for the Keokuk and Northern Line boats,
is a native of Dublin, Ireland, and was born in 1835; came to this
county in 1850, and first settled in New York; remained there till
1859, when he came to this city, and for a time engaged in quarry-
ing for the Dubuque and Galena cnstom-house. He worked at that
till 1862, when he went to Tennessee; was in the P. T. Hughes
commission house there till 1868, when he i-eturned to Nauvoo and
engaged in the above-named business. He was nnirried in 1860 to
Alice Mur])hy, by whom he had 9 children — 2 sons and 7 daughters.
Chas.G. Burmeider v;a.s, born Dec. 10, 1840, in Germany; was
brought by his parents to this country in 1848 ; they first settled

y62 HISTOKi' OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

ill St. Louis ; there Charles grew to manhood and received his ed-
ucation. In 1860 he went to Iowa, and in 1868 back to St. Louis. In
1S71 he came to Nauvoo, where he has sinee followed wine-mak-
ing. He was married, in 1866, to Magdaleua Beckerle, by whom he
has had 6 children; 5 of these are living.

A. ir. jBurt was born Nov. 28, 1836, in Marion county, 111. He
was taken by his parents, Benjamin B. and Adaline Burt, to Iowa,
where he was reared to maturity. He received but an ordinary ed-
ucation. He came to this city in 18-56. In 1863 he enlisted in
Co. E, 118th 111. Inf, mounted; was mustered out Oct. 1, 1865.
He fought in the battle of Vicksburg and others, being princi-
pally in the Gulf Department. He was married, May 2, 1871, to
N". J. Motiitt. Have had 4 children, 3 of whom are living.

Hugh D. Burt, proprietor of the Knob Mills, Nauvoo, was
born April 17,- 1842, in Marion county, 111. He built the mills in
October, 1879, at a cost of $7,000 ; they have a 30-horse-power
engine, and all first-class machinery and latest improvements. Tiie
capacity of the mills is 20 barrels of " Fancy Merchants," flour per
12 hours. Mr. Burt followed milling in Kansas nine years. In
August, 1861, he enlisted in Co. F, 7th Mo. Inf, and participated
in the battles of Yicksburg, Fort Gibson, Champion Hills and in
the famous " Peach Orchard Charge," in which all were killed except
10. He was also with Sherman on liis Meridian raid. He was
discharged in August, 1864, having served three years for the liberty
of our country. Mr. B. was married January 9, 1S66, to Louisa
Tepper, and of 5 children born to them, 3 are sons and 2 daughters.

A. Burton was born in France, Dec. 24, 1816. He came to
jN"ew Orleans and St. Louis in 1833. He has been an active busi-
ness man through life, being engaged in trafficking in difierent lines.
He was Tuarried in 1853 to Miss Rosanna Dowell, by wiiom he has
had 2 children ; of these, 4 are living ; viz., Theodore L., Adda
L., Vinne and Douglas. Mr. Burton was a sutler in Gen. Taylor's
army in the Mexican war. He went to California in 1849, and re-
turned in 1853, and came to this county in the fall of the same 3'ear.
Mr. Burton owns 300 acres of land near Nauvoo. besides lands else-
where, and property in St. Louis, New Oi-leans and Sau Francisco.
He was formerly the most extensive grape-grower in Nauvoo.

Joseph N. Datin was burn in tiie town of Bullitsville, Ky., Dec.
17, 1828, and is a son of Noel and Nancy (McDonald) Datiii, who
I'eraoved with their famih- to Hannibal, Mo., in 1820, or rather to
the place where Hannibal now stand.-*, for there was no town
there then ; but instead, tliere were catamounts, wildcats, bears
and other wild animals. Our subject had a vivid recollection ot
playing with wild turkeys in 1833. Ho also saw the " stars" fall
the same year. He used to catch juimerous turkeys by digging
a narrow pit in the ground, about six feet in length, and erecting a
rail pen over one end of it. Over this pit, on the inside of the pen
next to the rails, he placed a broad board or oUier material so the
turkeys could walk over it, leaving the pit open in the middle of the

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 963

pen. The turkeys would go into the pen tlirougli the pit, and rise
at the other end of the pit, onlj' to tiiid themselves caught ; for
although the}' came in through tiie pit, the}' knew not how to get
out ; for a tui'key always looks u]>ward instead of downward when
he wants to get out of a confined place. Mr. D. was married in 1S48
to Miss Catharine A. Sparks, by whom he has had 15 children; of
these, 12 are living. Mr. Datin came to this county in 1S49, and
resides on sec. 10, Sonora tp. He is engaged in the sale of agri-
cultural implements, grass seeds and school furniture in Nauvoo,
and is doing a large business. His sales amount to $20,000 annu-
ally. His sales on the 22d day of May, 1880, readied only the
round sura of over §800.

Henry Disse, physician and surgeon, Nauvoo, was born in
Germany, Feb. 22, 1828, and was reared in the "old country"
and educated in medical department of the Berlin University. Oct.
8, 1853, Mr. Disse, in company with Dr. Fi-ed Kuithan, started on
a tour to South America. He visited the places of note, and after
near]}' a year spent, he returned to Germany. He came to tiiis
country in 1854 and first settled in Hamilton, Ohio, where he prac-
ticed medicine till 1855, when he went to St. Louis; here lie con-
tinued in medical practice till 1872, when became to Nauvoo. In
1859 he was married to Minnie Opermann, by whom he has had 4
children; viz., Ida, Anna, Frank and Kichard. The Doctor owns a
fine vineyard of 6 acres.

Dr. L. C. Ford was born in Keokuk, Iowa, July 4, 1852, and is
a son of Dr. E. R. and Margaret Ford, of Keokuk. The Doctor
received his medical education at the Keokuk College of Piiyslcians
and Surgeons. He began the practice of medicine in Keokuk, in
1875, and in 1S76 he located in Nauvoo, where he has built up a
good practice. He was married October 1(3, 1878, and lias one
child, L. C. The Doctor's father came West in 1834, and laid out
Ford's Addition to Keokuk, and was City Treasurer, and a promi-
nent banker of that city. He was also one of the incorporators of
the Keokuk College of Physicians and Surgeons, and was a Profes-
sor in said institution for some time. The Doctor's mother was the
first white child born in the city of Keokuk.

John Ham is a native of Black Forest, Germany, where he was
born December 8, 1849; was brought to America and this county
by his parents in 1859. They first settled in Appanoose tp.,
where our subject staid till 1863, wlien he went to Keokuk.
In 1872 he went to Fort Madison, and in May, 1874, he came to
Nauvoo. He was married April 8, 1875, to Rosa Humbreclit, and
they had 2 children, John A. and Emma M. Mr. H. is the pro-
prietor of tlie City Hall saloon.

Brooks B. Hamilton, M. Z>., physician and surgeon, Nauvoo,
was born in Pennsylvania, April 21, 1837, and is a son of "William
and Margaret Hamilton. He was brought by them to Knox
county, III, when eight years of age. There he was reared to man-
hood. He received an academic education, and in the spring of

96-i HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

1859 he began the study of medicine. lie completed his medical
course in the spring of 1862, and Sept. 4, the same year, he enlisted
in the army. He was appointed 2d Lient. of Co. I, 126th Eeg. 111.
Inf.; in FebruarJ^ 1864, he was promoted Captain of Co. B, of 126th
Keo-t. He served in that capacity till the close of the war; he was
mustered out August 1, 1865; he then returned home, having
served nearly three years; he fought at Vicksburg, Little Rock,
and in many other minor engagements. Soon after he returned
home he attended the medical department of the Iowa University,
at which lie graduated, and soon after came and located in Nauvoo,
where he has since resided, engaged in the practice of his profession.
He has an extensive and continued patronage. In July 1859,
he was married to Margaret O. Periton, by whom he has
had 3 children, 2 living: Emma H., Wm. W. and Edgar R.
(deceased).

Politically, Mr. H. is a Republican. He served one term as
Representative in the lower House of the General Assembly of
Illinois.

JEiViiest Heck was born In Germany, May 19, 1817; his parents
were Ernest and Louisa (Heft'rick) Heck. He was educated in his
native country, and emigrated to St. Louis, Mo., in 1845, and pur-
chased a farm afterward within three miles of Herman. He came
to this county in 1868. He has been married twice, and is the
father of 7 children, of whom 4 are living; viz., Wilhelmina,
Emma, Ida and Ernest. He is a sngar refiner and farmer by occu-
pation; and was also engaged in the culture of grapes, and the
manufacture of wine to some extent, while in Missouri. Mr. Heck
returned to his native land in 1S65, and in 1867 he attended the
Exposition at Paris, France. Mr. H. has been a hard worker, and
bv o-ood management has laid by a goodly share of this world's
(roods, which will make him comfortable in his old days.

William D. Hihhard, attorney at law, Nauvoo, was born in this
county, Oct. 22, 1848, and is a son of Wm. T. Hibbard; was
reared in this county and educated in ISTotre Dame University.
He began the study of law when seventeen years old, and was
admitted to Bar, in the District Court in Madison, Iowa. He came
back to Nauvoo, in 1870, where he has since resided, following his
profession. He is also Police Magistrate and ex-othcio Justice of
the Peace. Mr. Hibbard was joined in marriage December 31,
1868, to Mittie Whitefield, and tlieir three children are: Wade T.,
Emma and Robert I. Mr. H.'s grandfather was among the earli-
est settlers of this connty, settling here in 1829. For a more com-
plete sketch of that pioneer's life, see Chap. 11.

Phineas Kimhall \& & native of West Fairlee, Orange county,
Vermont, and was born May 1, 1822. He is the eighth of ten chil-
dren, whose parents were Phineas and Abigail (Colton) Kimball.
They were natives of Vermont, and people distinguished for piety
and intelligence. They were both ardent members of the Congrega-
tional Church. His father, known as Capt. Phineas Kimball, held

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 965

tlie rank of captain in the war of 1S12. In 1842, when the sub-
ject of tliis sketcli was 19 years of age, he left liis parental roof in
Vermont and came to Nauvoo. He first engaged as clerk in the
mercantile business for his brother Hiram, who had preceded him
some years, and was one of the earliest settlers in the place. Mr.
Kimball was here during the Mormon troubles. He delivered the
cartridges to the cannoneer during the battle, which lasted over
two hours. And after it was over, and the excitement had sub-
sided, he and a friend drove over the battle-field in a bucgy.
Clear and vivid are his recollections of that noted day. Mr. K.
continued in the mercantile business until 1849, when he went to
the gold regions of California to trj' his fortune. In 1852 he
returned to Vermont, having bettered his fortune materially. He
staid in his native State about six months and then returned to
Nauvoo, where he has since resided. The same year (1852) he
engaged in the foundry business, and continued at that for several
years. Of late years he has turned his attention to raising live
stock. He owns a farm of 700 acres, besides several other large
tracts. He also owns his homestead in Vermont. He started out
in life poor and he well understands the value of self-acquired
experience and propert}'. In 1857 he was united in marriage to
Louisa Bartholomew, a native of Vermont, and a daughter of Erastus
Bartholomew, a prominent manufacturer and business man of that
State. His wife departing this life, he was again married, July
25, 1866, this time to Dina Icking, a native of this State. Mr.
Kimball is the father of 8 children, 6 of whom are living. Polit-
ically he is a strong Democrat. He has always been temperate.
Temperance in language, action and social intercourse is with him a
rule of conduct. His name is intimately identified with the inter-
ests and early career of Nauvoo. Mr. Kimball was well acquainted
with the leading men of the Mormons. He had the esteem and
respect of them all; and i-efers with pleasure to his visits to Brig-
ham Young in Utah. Socially, he is pleasant and affable, and is
fond of company and conversation. He is a man who loves hia
family, and he is verj' hospitable and friendly.

He has a business turn of mind. He divides his time between
his home in Nauvoo and his business interests in New England.

George A. Lane was born in Pennsylvania, July 13, 1830. He
is a son of James B. and Jane Lane; the former a native of Penn-
sylvania, and the latter of Scotland. Our subject was reared in his
native State. In 1849 he went to St. Louis and some time after
came to Nauvoo. He went to Kansas in 1873; staid a short time,
and then returned to Nauvoo.

His father and grandfather were both soldiers in the Revolution-
ary war under Gen. Washington.

Frank A. Martsh is a native of Quincy, 111., and was born Sept.
14, 1856. He is a son of Augustus C. Marsh (dec), a prominent
man in Quincy. The father was for several years President of

966 HISTOKT OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

the First National Bank of that place and was in that position at
the time of his death, April 6, 1865. He came to Quincy in 1847.

Mr. Marsh was reared and educated principally in his native
citj'. He was clerk in a dry-goods store for several years in
Quincy. He is also a school-teacher. December 25 (Cliristmas
day), 1877, he was united in marriage to Mattie "Ward, daughter of
Edward and Betsie Ward, of LaPrairie, Adams county. Mr. Ward
is one of the leading farmers in that county.

Mr. and Mrs. Ward are natives of England; "emigrated to this
country in 1845. Mr. Marsh came to ISTauvoo in 1878. Here
he has since resided.

Joseph NeUon, editor of the Nauvoo Independent, is a native of
Nauvoo, and was born Sept. 15, 1S50. His parents, George and
Anna E. Nelson, died when he was an infant, and as soon as he was
old enough he went out to work by the month, as he had no
guardian. At the age of 17 years he started from his former home
with a fowling piece, a bloodhound, and five dollars in money, to
seek his fortune. He soon obtained some money by hard labor
and close attention to business, and at his own expense attended an
academy in Missouri. He then tauglit school for some time. In
the autumn of 1874 he became editor and proprietor of the
Nauvoo Independent, on which he is still engaged; this is a spicy
little sheet, which has a good circulation. Mr. Nelson was mar-
ried Oct. 2, 1879, to Miss Catharine L. Knaust.

Samuel Palmer, dealer in all kinds of musical instruments' and
musical books, Nauvoo, was born in 1825, in Licking county, O.,
and is a son of Kev. Ezekiel Palmer, a minister of the Christian
Church. Samuel wasbrought up in his native county, being educated
at Lee's Institute, in Franklin county, O.; he was for many years
school and music teacher. In his doctrinal views he is a radical,
being a decided materialist, etc. He came to this State in 1853,
locating in Chicago; in 1857 he went to Iowa, and in 1860 to this
county. April 25, 1861, he enlisted in Co. C, 14th 111. Vol. Inf., and
served eight months, and was discharged on account of disability. In
1846 he married Phoebe Dickson; she died in 1854, and in 1833,
Mr. P. married Poline Maliin, a sister of the editor of the Musca-
tine Journal, and of their 4 children 2 are living: Lily M. and
Charles.

Dr. R. M. Parker is a native of Madison county, N. Y., and
was born March 21, 1818. His parents were Leonard C. and
Betsey Pai-ker, natives of Massachusetts. The Doctor was educa-
ted in his native country. He received a medical education in the
Homeopathic Medical College, of Rochester, N. Y. He moved to
Cincinnati in 1845, where he built up a large practice. Having
a desire to " go West," he removed to St. Louis in 1863, where
he remained in the practice of his profession until 1866, when he
removed to Nauvoo. He lias a large practice here, which is still
on the increase. He is the father of 2 children: J. Willy and
Bessie G. Mrs. Parker died in_September, 1878.

HISTORY (IF HANCOCK COUNTY. 967

liev.H. I. Rebnbold, was born in Colos;iie, Prussia, ^[ay 31, lS-i2.
Ills tatlier, John ReiniboUl, after extensive travels in Euro])e and
Asia, held a position for some time under the Turkish Government.
On returning to his native city, Cologne, he engaged several years
in the real-estate and lumber business. In 1848 he and his brother,
Dr. Peter Keimbold, together with their families, came to America,
and after a short stay in Cincinnati, tiiuilly, within the same year,
located in Nauvoo, Hancock county, 111. Being of an enterprising
disposition, he soon entered quite extensively in the grain trade.
In the autumn of 1849 he returned home from a trip to St. Louis
in poor health, having contracted a serious cold, from which he
never recovered; health continuing to decline, he resigned himself
to the will of God, and died March 22, 1850, at the early age of
39 years.

Of an amiable disposition and pleasing address, he was highly
esteemed by all who knew him. Henry I. Reimbold, the eldest of
his 4 brothers, then almost eight years old, remained with his moth-
er and brothers after the death of his father, until 1857, when
he was sent to ISotre Dame University, near South J3end, Ind.
Having devoted four years to study, and feeling himself called to
the sacred ministry, he was sent in Sept., 1862, to St. Mary's Sem-
inary at Chicago, and after due preparation was ordained priest
for the diocese of Chicago, August 2, 1866, then being appointed
to the oiHce of Vice Rector of St. Mary's Seminary, which position
he held till July 1, 1867, he was then appointed Pastor of the
Catholic congregation at Nauvoo; entering upon his new duties
Jnly 4. 1867, and continuing in the same charge since.

Dr. Peter Keimbold, bi-other of John Reimbold, soon became the
leading physician of the count}^ retaining his popularity until
death, which occurred June 21, 1861. Max Reimbold, one of his
sons, is now a leading merchant in Nauvoo. Wm. Reimbold
Sr., brother to John and Dr. Peter Reimbold, came to America and
located here in 1850. He is still living in the spacious residence
which he had erected.

Vitus Schaefer was born in Baden, Germany, June 4, 1821.
He emigrated to this country in 1S45, and first settled in Marion
county. 111. Here he remained nntil 1851, when he came to Nau-
voo, where he has since resided, engaged in harness-making. Mr.
Schaefer was married in 1851, to Catharine StefSn. Mr. S.'s-father
was a soldier in the Franco-Prussian war.

Adam Swartz, attorney at law, Nauvoo, 111., was born in
Adams county, Pa., in 1814, and is a son of Adam Swsrtz (dec.)
Mr. Swartz was left an orphan at the age of eight years, and had
to battle with the world alone. He resided with a Mr. Marshall a
few years, and then went to live with Peter Eyster, a farmer and
tanner, who resided within 11 miles of Gettysburg; here he re-
mained for the period of five years. At the age of 15, he served
a three years' apprenticeship to the shoemaker's trade. He then
worked as a journeyman at his profession for five or six years,

968 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

mostl}' in different towns of Pennsylvania, but a portion of the
time in Baltimore, Md. He then formed a partnership with a Mr.
Dillion, in Carlisle, which partnership was dissolved after three
years. In 1838 he engasjed in the wholesale boot and sJioe busi-
ness in Carlisle, and in 1S43 he removed to Macomb, 111., bringing
a stock of boots and shoes with him. He remained in this place
for three years, when, in 1846, he came to Nauvoo. Mr. Swartz is
a self-educated man. In the year 1857 he was admitted to the Bar
as an attorne}' at law, and has since been engaged in the practice
of this profession. He was married, March 12, 1840, to Miss
Emily R. S. Denys, by whom he had one daughter, Mary Y. (dec).
Mr. S. again married, Dec. 26, 1844, this time Mary E. Prentice,
by wliom lie had 2 children, William and Josephine (dec). Mr.
Swartz is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

S- M. Walther, dealer in hardware, furnishing goods, etc., Nau-
voo. 111., was born in 1S21, in Bavaria, Europe. Came to America
in 1838, settling in Missouri; afterward went to Louisville, Ky.,
and in 1849, came to Nauvoo. He has ever since then been en-
gaged in his afore-named business. Mr. Walther was first mar-
ried, in 1842, to Elizabeth Garner. She departing this life, be
married Frances Leach.

Julius C. Wright, Jr., is a native of Scott county, Illinois, and
was born Sept. 14, 1836. He is the son of Julius C, Sr., and
Louise Wright. His father was a native of German}-, and his
mother of Ohio. When our subject was 16 years of age he
attended the Denmark (Iowa) Musical Institute. He attended
school at the above-named place for four years. He was leader of
the Montrose Brass Band for four years. July 30, 1861, he
recruited a music band for the 6th Eeg. Iowa Infantry. Of this
he was leader. He was in the service for one year; was mustered
out Aug. 27, 1862. He returned and resumed his former business,
teaching and training bands. He traveled for four j'ears as leader
of the band of the Champion Circus Show. He then stopped at
Bloomfield, Iowa, for one year. Then went as leader of the band
one summer for the Forest Dramatic Company. He then joined a
concert troup called the Davis Family; traveled with them all over
the western country during the space of three years. Wiiile at
Topeka, Kansas, he instructed the city band and also took the first
premium at the State Fair, which they were competing for. He
instructed bands in Chicago, St. Louis, and many other places:
also traveled with a troup from St. Louis over the Southern States.
May 16, 1876, he was married to Martha Wessenbourn, to whom
were born 2 children: Clarence L. and Thad C. (dec.) Mr. W. still
pursues music as his business, instructing the bands of tiie neigh-
boring cities.

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTV.

969

TOWNS ri IP OFFICIALS.

Nauvoo township has liad tlie following oflBcers:

SDPEEYISOKS.

James Irving 1850

J. W. Phillips 18r)2

George Kraum I806

JohirS. Icking 1858

JolmBauer », 1802

Adam Swaitz 1863

August Begar 1804

Jlilton M. Slorrill 1865

Jolm Dornseif 1869

Alonzo W. Burt 1874

Gustav Eberdt 1875

John Bauer 1880

Ed. Farrell 1856

John A. Hammond 1863

John P. Thomas 1864

George Bratz. 1872

Wm. D. Hibhard 1879-1880

Warrick M. Cosgrove 1856

JohnF. Neibhour 1858

J. B. Risse 1860

J. J. Heffleman 1865

John B. Risse 1866

John P. Thomas 1870

Anton Fischer 1873

Andrew Heberger. 1876

Albert Person 1878-1880

COLLECTOES.

Edward FarreU 1856

August Begar 1858

George Bratz 1803

Anton Fischer 1866

Gustav Eberdt 1870

John Machenheimer 1875

Michael Baumert 1876

Jacob Kemler 1879-1880

ADDITIONAL BIOGRAPHIES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 570.
WALKEK TOWNSHIP.

Charles Carter was born in Massachusetts JS'ov. 6, 1846, and is
a son of Philip and Martha E. Carter, natives of the same State.
Dec. 22, 1878, Cliarles married Miss Marietta Archer, and they
have only one child, Mabel. Mr. C. came to this county in 1850,
settliug in Walker tp., on the farm where Morley town stood, which
numbered 100 houses, and where he yet lives, engaged in agricul-
ture and stock-raising. His farm comprises 270 acres, and is on
sees. 31 and 32.

A. J. E%oing^ Tioga, 111., carries a stock of about $4,000 in dry
goods, groceries, hardware, medicines, ready-made clothing, hats,
caps, boots, shoes, etc., etc., and his annual cash sales amount to
about $7,000, besides credit accounts. He was born in Brown
count}', O., Oct. 28, 1838, the son of Jackson and Catherine Ewing,
who moved to Kentucky in 1841, and to this county in 1846, where
the subject of this sketch followed the farm until 1870, when he
began mercantile business in his present place. He has distin-
guished himself as an enterprising citizen. Feb. 8, 1863, he mar-
ried Miss Minerva Gray, and they have had 2 children, of whom
only one is living, Pink Ionia.

Dr. D. M. Harris, dealer in drugs, medicines, paints, oils, wines,
liquors (for medicinal purposes), etc., Tioga, 111., was born in Ken-
tucky in 1827; began the study of medicine in 1847, and in 1850
graduated with honors in the St. Louis Medical College; soon after-
ward he commenced the practice of medicine in Kentucky. In
1853 he came to Basco, then called Somerset. He changed the name
of the place to Basco. In 1859 he removed to Tioga, where he has
since followed his profession with unequaled success, both as phy-
sician and surgeon. In 1851 he married Miss Mary E. Thornton,
who died in 1863; they had 4 children— J. N., Crete, Arlie and
Effie. The Doctor owns a farm of 200 acres, on sees. 29 and 32,
besides 73 town lots.

Oeorge W. KinTcade, dealer in drugs, medicines, paints, oils,
toilet and fancy articles, etc., Breckenridge, 111., was born in Adams
county, this State, Sept. 21, 1847, the son of L. D. Kinkade; came
to this county in 1855, and followed farming until the commence-
ment of the war, when he enlisted in Co. B, 34th 111. Vol. Inf.,
under Col. Kirk, in a division of Gen. Sherman's array; was taken
with small- pox, and placed in the hospital at Cleveland, 0.; recov-
ering his health he returned home and resumed farming and raising
stock until October, 1879, when he purchased the drug store which
(970j

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 971

he now conducts. In 1870 he married Miss Nanc}' A. Lockwood,
and of their 3 children, Oklena E. and Belle are living.

Rev. Frederick I^lppc, Presbj'terian minister, was born in
Breslan, Prussia, Sept. 11, 1835; educated in Elizabeth College in
his native place; came to America in 1852; began studying for the
ministry in 1863, finishing the regular course in 1867, soon after
which he entered the ministerial work, in Osage county. Mo., where
he labored acceptably for nine successive years. He then removed
to New Frankfort, Saline Co., Mo., where he remained two 3'ears,
and then came to Hancock county, where he has since resided,
following the gospel ministry. He organized the Salem congrega-
tion, a Presbyterian Church of 36 members. He is a very efficient
Pastor. In 1867 he married Miss Sophia Nullnieyer, and they have
had 6 children, of whom 5 are living — Godfred, Clara, Calvin,
Gabriel and Martha.

Dr. If. C. Pocock, physician, Breckenridge, was born in JefiFer-
son county, O., ISTov. 1, 1817, son of Lloyd and Nancy Pocock; came
to Adams county, 111., in Oct,, 1837, entering medical practice.
He commenced his medical studies in 1832, and graduated with
high honors at both the Cincinnati and New Orleans regular med-
ical colleges. He now enjoys a very good run of practice. In
October, 1839, he married Miss Mary C. '^'"anderveer, and they have
had 5 children, namely: Nancy A., now Mrs. Baxter; Lloyd A.,
who married Susan I. Ewlallen; Mary E., now Mrs. Reemtsen;
Amy J., now Mrs. Adair, and Elizabeth J., now Mrs. Paydon. The
Doctor was again married, in August, 1857, to Margaret E. Mahon,
and they have had 3 children, as follows: Sarah C, George H. K.,
and Waldo B.

James Rampley, Jr.. was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, Oct.
22, 1844, son of James Rampley, Sr., who emigrated with his family
to Adams county, Illinois, in 1847, and in 1849 to this county. In
the last war he served nine months in Co. G, 58th 111. Yol. Inf. Dec.
8, 1872, he married Miss Nancy E., daughter of Edward E. Newman
of St. Alban's tp., by whom he had 2 children, namely; Sarah E.
and James E. Mr. Rampley owns a farm of 120 acres on sec. 27,
this tp.

George Walker was one of the oldest and most respected citi-
zens of this couEty who have departed this life. We give his
portrait on page 351 of this volume. He was born in Maryland
in 1804, his parents being John and Mary Walker, both natives of
Maryland and of German ancestry. The}' moved to Campbell county,
Kentucky, when George was four or five years old; he remained at
this place until 1833, when he first came to Hancock count}'. Pre-
vious to this, when he was 21 or 22 years of age he married Rachel
Clark, in Campbell county, Kentucky, who was 'born in Greene
county, Pennsylvania. June 27, 1808. In removing to this county
he brought with him his wife and four children: Henry M., born
March 21, 1827; John E., born February 13, 1829; Mary Jane,
born in .1831; and Rebecca, born in 1833; all within ten miles of

972 HISTORY OF -HANCOCK COUNTY.

Cincinnati, in Campbell county, Kentucky. On arriving in this
county he located on sec. 8, Walker tp., being the third family who
settled. He first bought the southwest J of sec. 8, but
the first year he lived on rented land, the northeast J of sec. 8. In
the fall of 1834 he built a hewn-log house IS by 24, in which he
dwelt until 1849, and where 3 of his children were born, namely;
James Eli, who died at the age of eight or nine years; George P.
and Susan. In 1849 he erected a brick house near the old cabin,
where two more children were born, Henrietta and Charles P.

George Wa;ker was a very large land-holder in this county, own-
ing at times during his life as much as 2,000 acres of land. He gave
to each of his children about a/|uarter section; and at the time of his
death he had about 1,000 acres in this count}' and 500 or COO acres
in Florida, where he had a large oranuje grove of 1,500 trees, to which
he devoted his time every winter for ten years previous to his death,
October 9, 1879. During the last live years of his life lie made
several trips to California, visiting two daughters, Mary Jane, the
wife of James Caples, and Pebecca, the wife of Joseph W. Her, who
live in Sacramento county.

At the age of 35 Mr. Walker was ordained a Baptist minister,
and he served the society' in that capacity in this county until he
was about 65 years of age. He erected on his own place a log
church building about 24 by 30 feet, principally at his own expense,
and by his own labor, except a very little assistance from neighbors.
This building was afterward used as a school-house; it is ilowtorn
down.

In politics Mr. W. was a Democrat, and he took a prominent
part in public affairs; indeed, he was a leader in his township,
although not an othce- seeker. He was elected to the Legislature
twice, the first time in 1848 and the second time in 1854. He was
for many years Justice of the Peace and Supervisor, Commissioner,
etc. He' may be classed as one of the fathers of the county, par-
ticularly of the settlement of his part of the county. He was
a man of deep religious convictions, of sterling integrity and
well calculated to leave an impressive mark in the world in favor of
justice and humanity. Ilis widow still resides at the old home-
stead in Walker tp.

J/rs-. Elizabeth Woodworth, wife of Charles Woodworth, deceased,
was born in Virginia in 1812, married November 24, 1829, and
had 7 children, of whom these 6 are still living: Ann G., Edwin,
John W., James, K. P., and George. The last named married
Rebecca Shipe, and had two children, Mary Alice and Anna. Mr.
Charles Woodworth was a hatter by occupation, and died December
3, 1841. The family moved to this county in early days when the
country was quite wild, and Mrs. W. has seen the many and wonder-
ful changes that have converged to make this land a land of plenty
and refinement. She has had but six months' schooling in her life,
but she now owns and enjoys a quiet home near where once stood

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTV. 973

the Mormon village of 100 houses, and where she has heard Jo
Smith and other Mormons preach their peculiar doctrines.

FOUNTAIN GREEN TOWNSHIP.

Oibson H. Dorothy is the son of Robert Dorothy, an old settler
of McDonough county who died in 1878, aged 82; was of English
descent and born in Fairfax county, Va. The two sons, Gibson and
Nathan, now reside in this tp., are well-to-do citizens, engaged in
farming and stock-raising. Their mother, whose maiden name
was Rhoda Stenate, was a native of Kentucky, and died at the old
homestead, aged 66. Gibson remained with his father until 20
years of age, when he was married to Miss Elizabeth Wright,
daughter of Basil Wright, an early settler of this tp. In 1856
Mr. D. purchased a farm of SO acres on sec. 8, afterward 48 acres
on sec. 17. Mr. D. has a family of 3 children, whose names are:
Charles B., John M. and Rachel; tlie latter is the wife of Samuel
McPherson, a farmer of this tp. Mr. D. is now on the decline of
life, but still is found plodding away on his farm preparing to make
life less burdensome in the future. Ilis liberal Church and politi-
cal views make his social life a pleasure both to himself and those
with whom he conies in contact. He has been extensively engaged
in shipping stock for nearly 20 years. John M., now the only son
at home, is still carrying on the business. Mrs. D. can tell of
many severe and trying privations thi-ough which the early settler
had to pass when she was quite young.

Alexander Walker, now deceased, was born in Franklin county,
Pa., Aug. 19, 1814, and came to Illinois, in Nov., 1838, settling in
this tp., where he had friends and relatives. In 1841 he went, in
company with Robert Gpddes, to New Orleans, where they were
engaged in business for eight years. Returning to this county in
1849, Mr. Walker began improving the farm on sec. 20, where he
died Dec. 2.'>, 1879. The Walker family is of Scotch-Irish descent
and of the Presbyterian faith. Mr. W. was married in 1843, to
Miss Martha McConnell, whose parents had emigrated to this
county a short time after he came. Mrs. Walker is still living,
on the old homestead, with her youngest son, John M. She is the
mother of 5 children. Samuel received a severe kick from a
vicious horse and died from the effects of the injuries. Maggie
died when quite young. Alice is the wife of Dr. R. I. Law, a
practicing physician in Fountain Green. James is a farmer of
this tp.. \vas married Nov. 28, 1872, to Miss Mary E. Young;
resides on a farm on sec. 32; has a family of 3 children — Martha
R., Maggie M. and Ambrose 0. John M., the youngest son, is now
residing on the homestead farm; was married Mar. 21, 1878, to Miss
Eva AUton, daughter of Miles Allton, of Fountain Green. The
favored pet of his little family is the little boy, Clarence, a year
and a half old. John has that peculiar quality of dispelling the
" blues " from those he meets and never permits any one to pass

974: HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

through his door with out sharing his hospitality. He is a farmer
by occupation and a Republican in political principles.

ST. mary's townshtp.

Thomm B. Brumback. — Daniel Brumback, by descent a Ger-
man, the great-grandfather of Thomas B. Brumback, came from
Pennsylvania in an early day, to Virginia, and settled near New
market; was a Baptist preacher ; had several children, but there
are only two that we know anything about, John and Henry.
John settled in Page county, Va. ; afterward moved to Ohio. He
was the grandfather of David and Henry Hanson, who are now liv-
ing near Oakwood, Hancock Co., 111. Henry Brumback, the
younger brother of John, improved a farm on the Shenandoah
river; he married Mary Grove, and their children were 11 in num-
ber,— John, Susan, Barbara, Anna, Samuel, Elizabeth, Jacob, Jo-
seph, Mary, Frances and Henry; all remained in Virginia except
Barbara, who married William "Wood and settled in Atchison
county, Mo., and Jacob, who married Nancy Grove in Virginia,
Feb. 5, 1S35, and settled on sec. 30, St. Mary's tp. Nancy Grove
was the daughter of Samuel Grove, of Virginia, who married Mary
Lionberger, the sister of Abraham, Joseph and Jacob Lionberger,
who moved to Hancock Co. in 1835. Samuel Grove was the father
of 9 children: Susan, John, David, Nancy, Barbara, Samuel, Mar-
tin, Mary and Isabella. He, with all of his children, except John,
moved to Hancock county in 1835, in company with his son-in-law,
Jacob Brumback. Both bought farms in St. Mary's and improved
the same. Jacob B. bought on sec. 30, 2i0 acres, and was at bis
death the owner of 1,100 acres. He was noted as a man of great
industry, a good financier; never united with any Church, but had a
decided preterence for the Old-School Baptist ; was a Democrat;
held no offices. He died Jan. 5, 1853, aged -±3 years. His chil-
dren were 8 in number, — Joseph S., Thomas B., Henry P., Mary E.,
Susan F., Emily E., John H. and Laura A.; 3 of whom died in
childhood.

Thomas B. Brumback was married Feb. 10, 1861, to a very esti-
mable and accomplished young lady. Miss Abbie D. Southwick,
who was born in Massachusetts, and is a daughter of Baruch and
Mary (Fowler) Southwick, also natives of that State. The latter
came to this county in 1856, with 3 children, locating in St. Mary's
tp., where Mr. S. resided until his death, July 16, 1871. His widow
is still living, and resides with her daughter, Ruth, who is now the
wife of George Shingle, of Harmony tp. Mary F.. another daughter
of Mrs. Southwick's, is now the wife of John Walton and resides in
Augusta tp. These three are the children brought in immigration
to the West. The Southwicks are of English origin, and were very
early settlers in America, coming here only 10 or 11 years after the
landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth. The first settler's name was
Lawrence Southwick, and he located at Salem, Mass. In religious

HISTORY t)F HANCOCK CODNTY. 975

belief they were Friends, and tliey suilered many persecutions in
common with many of their brethren, banishment being one of the
penalties. Mrs. Brumback's grandfather was George Southwick,
also a native of the Bay State.

Henry P. Bruraback married Susan Kendall, and lives in St.
Mary's tp; has 2 daugliters and one son. j\[ary E. Brumback mar-
ried Roland B. Cannon ; lives in St. Mary's ; has 6 daugliters and
one son. Emily E. Brumback married John W. Lewis, of Lafayette
county. Mo., and settled there; has 3 sons and 3 daughters. Laura
A. Brumback married John W. Grove, of Virginia, and is living
there at this time.

T. B. Brumback, tiie subject of this biography, was Ijorn in St.
Mary's, Hancock Co., 111., March 4-, 1S3S, on tlie farm where lie now
lives; at the age of 14 his father died, leaving liim, with his mother,
in charge of the farm. His advantages for an education were but few.
The first summer after marriage he lived in a log cabin on a part
of his mother's place; in the following fall moved back to the
homestead where he now resides. Was Supervisor of his township
in 186i; Assessor in lS6S-'9; was again elected Supervisor in 1875,
and served two years; was elected to the Legislature in 1878.

His business is farming and stock-raising; owns 600 acres of
land. He has but one child now living, Arthur H., the eldest, born
March 31, 1862; the others, 4 in number, one daughter and 3 sons,
died in childhood. "We give Mr. Brumback's portrait on page
297 of this volume.

DURHAM TOWNSHIP.

James Rhea, of whom a sketch is given on page 925, furnishes
the following items additional. His great-grandfather on his
father's side was a native of Ireland, and his motiier's grandfatlier a
native of Germany. On emigration to this country they first set-
tled in Old Virginia ; thence Wm. Ray (so spelled then), the father
of James, emigrated to Jefferson, Ky., 16 miles from Louisville. In
this new country he was offered two acres of land for riving 2,000
boards, in the heart of what is now the city. In this neighbor-
hood were four families spelling their name Ray, and in each family
a John; they therefore concluded to distinguish each from tlie
other by orthography, if not in pronunciation; namely, Ray, Rea,
Rhea and Reaugh. Before this the Johns were distinguished by
epithets, — Long John, Short John, Tobacco John and Whisky John.

James Rheawas but one year old when his father died, and but
seven when he left his mother, and he, the youngest of 8 children,
was thus left an orphan. At the age of 16 he left Kentucky and
came to Adams county. 111., where until 21 he worked by the
month, at $7 to $12 a month; at this age lie married and removed
to this county. His father-in-law, Pliilip K. Smith, is a native of
Kentucky, who married Rachel Gilliland, also a native of that
State. Dates of his children's birth : Tliomas J., Jan. 16, 1858;

976

HISTOKY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Theodore F., Dec. 7, 1860; George W., May 1, 1864; John H., Oct.

17, 1866; and Adaline C, Aug. 2, 1875.

In politics Mr. K. is a Republican, and in religion he makes no
profes'sion. He belongs to no society' of any kind.

When Mr. Rhea came to his present place in 1855, he hauled the
hewed frame timbers with him from Adams count}', and on arrival
here he had to get a neighbor to tell him where his land was, and
he unloaded his timbers in prairie grass as tall as the horses. For
lumber and shingles he had to go to Fort Madison.

CHAPTER XXVI.

THE CRIMINAL RECORD

In this work must be brief, — not because there have been no
crimes to record, but partly for reason of the difficulty in procur-
ing the proper data to make an intelligent report in each case. The
criminal records show, of course, that John Doe or Richard Roe
was indicted on such a day for murder, or burglary, or arson, as
the case may be, and on such a da}' was tried, convicted and sen-
tenced to the penitentiary; but they do not show who was the
sufferer, or where, when or how, the deed was committed. The
bare mention of a scamp's trial and conviction, we take to be not a
matter worthy of a place in history, in these days when human
life has become so cheap. Besides, we have a strong conviction
that the frequency with which these things are brought to the pub-
lic gaze, lias a tendency to increase the evil.

Since the organization of the county in 1829, we judge that not
less than a quarter of a hundred indictments for murder have been
recorded. Of the defendants in all these cases, only one has been
hung; and we take a special pleasure in recording the fact, that
only once in our history has that relic of barbarism, the gallows,
been seen on our prairies. A dozen others, perhaps far more guilty,
have escaped punishment altogether, through inefficiency of prose-
cutors, finely drawn scruples of jurymen, or insecurity of jails.
Not a few have shown themselves more fleet of foot than the
sheriff.

There have been a few cases, however, that from the enormity of
the offense, or for some other reason, have attracted unusual public
attention. Some of these we shall endeavor to notice.

In a preceding chapter the case of the first murderer — Hankins
— has been reported. He escaped from the log-cabin jail, at Quincy ;
though one might conclude that log-cabin jails would be quite as
secure as are the jails uow-a-days, built of iron and stone.

Fielding Frame.

The next is the case of him that was hung. The crime was
committed in Schuyler county, in a saloon, at the village of Fred-
eric, on the Illinois river. The indictment read: ''The People vs.
William Fraim," but he gave his name as Fielding Frame; was
a deck hand on the steamer " Hero," plying on the Illinois. The
indictment was found at the June term, 1838, in Schuyler county,
and was tried here on a change of venue. The murdered man was

56 " (977)

978 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

"William Neathaumer. Henry L. Brj'ant, of Fulton, was prosecut-
ing attorney; Ralston, Judge; Dickey, attorney for defense, assisted
by Abraham Lincoln. The latter moved aii arrest of judgment for
several causes, the paper being now on file among the others in the
case at Carthage, in Mr. Lincoln's own handwriting.

Frame was found guilty on the 2'l:th, after trial, at the April
term, 1839, and sentenced on the 25th by Judge Ralston, to be
hanged on Saturday, May 18, between the hours of 12 (noon) and
two o'clock in the afternoon, on a gallows to be erected within one
mile of Carthage. And it was done; the site selected was in or
near the ravine running southeasterly from town, the spectators
lining the sides.

The Mormon difficulty trials are reported at length in other
chapters.

JoshiM Vance.

The next case we report is that of " The People vs.
Joshua Yance," for murder ; on change of venue from Adams
county; verdict rendered at the April term, 18-19. In a drunken
brawl at Lima, Vance had killed a young man named Harness. The
verdict read — "The jury find the defendant, Joshua Vance, guilty
of feloniously slaying Jackson Harness, in manner and form as
charged in the aforesaid indictment, and affi.x the term of his im-
prisonment in the penitentiary at eight years." Sentenced for eight
years — one month solitary continemeiit — the remainder hard labor.

This case is more worthy of mention from the fact that it was so
ably prosecuted and defended. Robert I. Blackwell was prosecutor,
and he was assisted by Col. Edward D. Baker. The defense was
conducted by O. H. Browning, assisted, we believe, by Cyrus
Walker and Calvin A. Warren. Perhaps no three or four more el-
oquent and logical speeches were ever made in that court-house than
were made on that occasion.

Alfred Logan.

At a singing-school one night in Sonora township, Alfred
Logan stabbed and killed Charles Yates. They were both boj-s
and associates at school ; quarreled about some trivial matter, and
the result was the death of the latter. At the June terra of Court,
1871, Logan was put upon his trial ; prosecuted by Wm. G. Ewing,
public prosecutor, assisted by B. F. Scofield and George Edmunds;
and defended by Nehemiah Bushnell and R. W. McKinney. The
jury rendered a verdict of guilty, and fixed the punishment at 25
years in the penitentiary. We Ijelieve that after several years' ser-
vice Logan was reprieved by the Governor.

John Rose.

The next case we shall report is that of the murder of Jesse Rose,
of Carthage tp., by his son, John, aged IS, on Oct. 4, 1866. The

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.- 979

murdered man was what was called a " shiftless" man — not a good
provider ; passionate and sometimes abusive to his wife and chil-
dren ; and was at times "iven to liquor. The fatlier and sons seem
to have been possessed ot a rather low order of intellect, of but lit-
tle education and moral sense. The murder was committed in the
night, as the father was returning home, with an ax, and the body
left lying in the road till morning, where it was found by a 3'ounger
son. In his confession, the young man said he did it because his
father abused his mother; and that seems to have been the only
impelling motive. The young culprit was immediately arrested
and placed in jail. On Monday following, the 8th, the Circuit Court
being in session, a special grand jury was summoned, who on the
same day found a bill against him for murder. He plead guilty,
but was assigned counsel (Messrs. John D. Miller and Henry W.
Draper) and afterward placed on trial, pleading not guilty. The
testimony adduced was that the culprit lacked ordinary sense or
knowledge of human responsibility; and therefore counsel agreed
to enter the plea of manslaughter. This was done, and the Court
sentenced John Rose to the penitentiary for life.

Zaeh Wilson.

The murder of Thomas McDonald, at Plymouth, by ZachariahT.
Wilson, on Aug. 14, 1S76, was a peculiarly atrocious one. It was
the result of a quarrel between the two, growing out of a grievous
wrong done the daughter of the former by "Wilson. They had quar-
reled a few days before and on this fatal day again met, when the
quarrel was renewed. James Wilson, a brother of the murderer,
participated, and advised the shooting of McDonald, afterward
procuring a double-barreled shot-gun and loading it for the pur
pose. The parties separated, and all had become quiet, when Zaeh
took the gun and, passing to the door of Dr. Wade's drug store, on
the counter of which McDonald was sitting, snapped a cap at him.
McDonald slipped from the counter and drew his pistol. Wilson
again fired, killing McDonald instantl}'. The pistol was discharged
almost at the same moment, the ball penetrating the counter.
Zaeh immediately fled, and soon met Newton McDonald, the mur-
dered man's brother, at whom he snapped the gun again, struck
him with it, and again fled. McDonald pursued, discharging
three shots at the fugitive, but without eftect.

Zaeh escaped, and was not afterward heard of until the 15th of
October of the same year, when he was delivered to the Carthage
jail by a detective who had been on his track. He was arrested
near White river, in Arkansas. Arraigned for trial, he obtained a
change of venue to McDonough county, and while there escaped,
and is still at large.

The brother, James, was taken and brought to Carthage jail.
At the March term, 1877, he was tried, convicted and sentenced to
the penitentiary for 14 years. He, too, escaped after conviction.

980 HISTOKY OF HANCOCK OOUNTT,

and was at large until May, 1879, when he was arrested near his
home, delivered to the Sheriff, and safely deposited at Joliet.

MUEDEE OF DOCTOE PIERSON.

JBidward Ferguson, Marion Heti-ick, John Avey and
Leroy Worhing.

But perhaps the most atrocious and most astounding murder
ever perpetrated in Hancock county or the State, was that of Dr.
Daniel rierson, of Augusta, on Saturday, night, Nov. 22, 1878.
Dr. P. was a well-known, honored and respected, quiet and peace-
able citizen, and had resided there for many years, in the enjoy-
ment of a good practice, and without a known enemy. From the
Augusta Herald of the 29th, we obtain the following facts in re-
gard to the murder:

Between* 9 and 10 o'clock at night a man met him in the
street, and represented himself to be a messenger from Mrs. James
Garwood, residing two or three miles northwest of the town, saying
that she was sick, and desired his attendance at once. The doctor
informed his family of the call, and soon after started on his errand
of mercy, from which he never returned alive. He was found with
his head dreadfully bruised and mangled, lying in the road, about
an hour after leaving home, still living, but unable to utter more
than a few incoherent expressions. Near by him lay an iron bar,
with which the horrid deed had been done. He was conveyed to
a drug-store in town, where he soon breathed his last, no one sus-
pecting who the man was till after his death.

This murder produced intense excitement in Augusta and
throughout the whole country. No clue could be obtained suffi-
cient to turn suspicion upon any one. No known cause existed for
the commission of the deed. Thus matters stood for a month,
everybody watching everybody else, and ready to fasten upon every
word or deed that looked like guilt. It was very generally believed
that the man who had been seen riding after the doctor on a gray
horse was the one who had committed the deed. But who was
the man, and whose was the horse? The fact that such a man and
horse had been seen, a little later, going in the same direction the
doctor had taken, was certainly a strong point in the case. Another
fact was, the doctor's watch was missing.

In the meantime a number of leading citizens had been quietly
working together, to penetrate the mystery. For some cause their
attention had been drawn toward a colored man named Edward
Ferguson. In January, Ferguson had left town and gone to Min-
nesota. The suspicion became so strong against him, that it was
determined to bring him back. George Tarr was dispatched for
that purpose, and in a pawn-broker's shop there found the watch,
and soon afterward arrested the negro, and returned with him. On
the return, Ferguson made confession, and implicated three other
men, Marion Hetrick (one of the men who had first reached the

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 981

murdered man and helped convey him to town), John Avey and
LeJRoy Working. These were at once arrested, the former at home,
and the other two in Iowa. They were immediately remanded to
jail at Carthage.

At the June term, 1879, Hetrick, Avey and Working obtained
a change of venue to Adams county. At the September term they
were placed upon trial at Quincy, prosecuted by State's Attorney
Mason, assisted by W. H. Manier, of Carthage, and W. H. Govert,
of Adams. They were defended by H. W. Draper and C. J. Sco-
field, of Carthage. The jury acquitted all three.

Ferguson obtained a continuance. March, ISSO, he was brought
to trial, found guilty and sentenced for 24 years in the peniten-
tiary.

These two trials furnish a curious chapter in criminal proceed-
ings. Ferguson's testimony was used as against his accomplices,
and his confession against himself. In the latter case it was taken
for truth; in the former it was rejected. If true, it certainly was
conclusive against himself; but would only convict him of being
an accessory — equally guilty, perhaps, with the others. Yet there
could be no accessory without a principal. He was not proven to
have participated in the actual killing; then the question is. If
Hetrick, Avey and Working didn't kill Daniel Pierson, who did?
If the verdict of the Adams jury was a cori-ect one, then it is clear
that the murderers of Daniel Pierson are yet at large. But sup-
posing the verdict to have been wrong, it would not excuse a Han-
sock jury from the performance of a solemn duty, because an
Adams jury had failed to do theirs.

CHAPTER XXVII.

HANCOCK RAILWAYS.

The county of Hancock contains within its limits one hundred
and eleven miles, and three thousand seven hundred and eighty-
nine feet of railway line, supplying convenient transportation for
most of its citizens. The townships least favored with regard to
them are Hancock on the east; Nauvoo, Appanoose and Sonora on
the north-west; and Rocky Run, Walker and Wythe on the south-
west. Yet there is no township but has some portion of it within
five miles of one of these roads. Prairie contains more miles of
road than an}^ other — all the roads in the county, excepting the
Chicago and Quincy running through it. The Toledo, Peoria &
Warsaw, including the Burlington branch, has a length of 47 miles
and 3,848 feet within tlie county, through the townships of Wil-
cox, Montebello, Prairie, Rock Creek, Pilot Grove, Fountain Green
and La Harpe, and touching Durham. The Wabash has 22 miles
and 909 feet from Elvaston through Prairie, Carthage, Harmony and
Chili. The C, B. & Q., including botli lines, has 41 miles and
1,576 feet, from Dallas City tlirough Dallas, Rock Creek, Prairie,
Bear Creek and St. Alban's. The bridge road line measures 2,736
feet.

These roads are assessed for taxation purposes at valuations as
follows, viz.:

The C, B. & Q. at $229,414, and a total— other values included—
of *^3S7,730

The T., P. & W. at $123,738— total, $Ud,091.

The T., P. & W. branch at a total of $13,084.

The T., W. & W. at 77,603— total, $127,945.

The Bridge road at a total of $1,046.

Making a grand total of $698,896.

It would be nearly or quite as impossible to state what these
roads have cost the people of the county, as to estimate their bene-
fits. The former has been much more than has generally been
supposed; while the latter can be hardly overstated.

To give a brief outline of their liistoiy, we must go back to the
winter of 1836-'?. Under the Internal Improvement Act, passed
by the craz}' Legislature at that session, the State undertook the
construction of the Illinois and Michigan Canal, together with a
score or so of railroads. One of these, as part and parcel of the
vast scheme, was to be the Warsaw & Peoria railroad — 119 miles
in length. Surveyors were set at work all over the State, running
routes and planting stakes, and many of them were put partly
under contract and work begun as early as 1838. In that year this
W. & P. road was surveyed and sections at both ends put under
contract. In a year or two thereafter, when the State became

(982)

HISTOKY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 985

bankrupt, it was graded at the Warsaw end and some culverts
made as far as Carthage, with intervening portions unfinished.

This looked like being the end of railroad building in Illinois for
many years to come. Gradually the work of building them by
chartered companies gained i;round, and charters were as liberally
granted as befoi'e had been the legislation to build them at State
cost and with State effort.

The necessity for a railroad or other improvement around the
rapids was early felt on both sides of the river; and we believe the
first charter obtained after the great collapse, for any road in Han-
cock, was one granted in 1839 for the Des Moines Rapids railroad
Company. Under this books were opened at points along the
river for subscriptions to the stock. How much was subscribed we
do not know, but not enough to ensure success, and the project was
abandoned. A few years afterward, 1S47 or thereabouts, the AVar-
saw and Nauvoo project was revived and a charter obtained, or the
old one modified ; and subsequently, in 1851, the plan was enlarged
so as to include both rapids, and the Warsaw & Rockford railroad
company was chartered. About the same time, or later, the Mis-
sissippi & Wabash company was chartered. Subsequently it was
divided into sections, to be independent of each other, and com-
missioners appointed to each; the first section to embrace the line
between Warsaw and the Northern Cross railroad. In the mean
time, on petition, the County Board had ordered a vote on the
question of subscription of $100,000 to each road, which was
carried (see Elections Chapter); and in 1859 an act was passed,
among other provisions, legalizing this vote and subscription.

But the matter dragged ; and to this day the Warsaw & Rock-
ford railroad and the Warsaw & Nauvoo railroad are things ot
the future, if ever to be i-ealized. The subscription of $100,000 has
gone " whei'e the woodbine twineth;" but the bonds based thereon,
like Banquo's ghost, continue to rise up to vex the tax-payers.

The M. & W. was more successful. Other charters were obtained,
and repeals and amendments, too numerous to follow. One of these
charters was the Springfield, Keokuk & Warsaw; another the
Illinois & Southern Iowa, and through and by these, or a combi-
nation of them all, the original route was changed in the direction
of Springfield.

By the spring of 1858, the work had so far progressed as to
begin the laying of ties in April ; and that summer construction
trains were running upon the prairie, we believe as^far as Carthage.

The Peoria route had not been abandoned, and in 1864, that road
was built through the county, and subsequently the branch from
La Harpe to Burlington added. Following, in lS68-'70, the
Quincy & Burlington branch was built, under the auspices of
the C, B. & Q. This road (the old road, from Quincy to Gales-
burg), had been in progress, we believe, before work had been
begun on any of the other routes; and in 1855 the first car was
run in Hancock county on that road, through Augusta and Ply-
mouth.

HANCOCK CENSUS 1870—1880.

Townships. 1870—1880.

Augusta 1992—1894

St. Mary's 1650—1538

Hancock 926—1130

Fountain Green 1475—1254

- La Harpe 1741—1898

Chili 1601—1418

Harmony 1457—1246

Carthage 2448—2686

Pilot Grove 1217—1229

Durham 1019—1098

St. Alban's 1147—1280

Bear Creek 1117—1189

Prairie 1380—1229

Eock Creek 1 201—1444

Pontoosuc and Dallas 1949 —

Pontoosuc — 789

Dallas —1144

Walker 1474—1612

Wjthe 1219—1135

Montebello 2130—1977

Sonora 1485—1399

Appanoose 1018 — 846

Kocky Run 655— 855

Wilcox 475— 588

Warsaw 3583—3105

Nauvoo 1578-1399

35,935—35376
Loss 559

(986)

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. Common
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 wliat 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^
ranee of the law, by peripitting 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.

990 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS.

COUNTY 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 psace 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 l)ridges, and divide their respective towns into as
maoy 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 UF STATE LAWS. 991

nor more than three days in eacli 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 must 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 highwa3's, who has been assessed two da3-s or
more, and lias 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 hours is a days' work on the roads and there is a penalty of
twenty-five cents an hour against any person or siibstitute 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, S-i 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; ith. 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;

992 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 course, 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 fif't_y, nor more than sixty
feet wide. Roads 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 person 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 mu-
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. 993

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 and 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 concerning 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. Tlie 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 exi^ense 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 wliich 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.

994: 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 laud 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 the 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 party neglects or refuses to make or maintain a just proportion of
a division fence, when the party in default shall pay them.

DRAINAGE.

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 110 one has a right 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 sufficient, the owner is liable for the damage
done; but where the damage is done b}^ 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. 995

five dollars for each animal rescued, to be recovered by snit before
a justice of the peace, for the use of the school fund. Within twen-
ty-four hours after taking such animal into his possession, the per-
son taking it up must give notice of tlie fact to the owner, if known ;
or if unknown, notice must be posted in some public place near tlie
premises.

ESTRATS.

Stra}- 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 loth 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 conlpli-
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 afiidavit 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.

996 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS.

If a man finds estrays in his field be 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 refuses 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 a horse is liable for 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. 997

any daraagti -which the horse may receive. If, however, he keeps
the hired horse after a stipulated time, or uses it difl'erently 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 liimself.

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.

MARES AND BRANDS.

Owners of cattle, horses, hogs, sheep or goats, may have one ear-
mark and one brand, which shall be difl'ereut 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-facie
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 AGREEMENT.

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.

998 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS.

GENEKAL FOEM OF AGKEEMENT.

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 tlie said Damon Clarke, in consideration of
the agreement of the party of the second part, hereinafter contained,
contracts, and agrees to, and witli 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 iiereby 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:
8100 Chicago, III., May 1, 1S79.

Thirty days after date I promise to pay F. M. Chapmans
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, ever}' 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. 999

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 iudorser 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.

1^0 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 tlie 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 fact, 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 paj' 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 Illinois, 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 da}' 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. Daring the course of dealings between parties, a promise
to pay is implied, and the debtor is bound to pay. So also on an

1000 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 of 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 iirst default. Where, by
the term 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
lias 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 monej' 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 sum, and the obligor
shall receive credit for the interest on the amount paid until the
interest becomes due.

T!ie 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. 1001

month shall be considered a calendar mouth or twelfth of a year,
and for less than a month, a day shall be hgured 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 tace. 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 necessary
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 failure 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,

1002 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-
fving the executor of liaving 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
arc children and no widow.

3d. Expenses attending the last illness, not including the physi-
cian's bill.

4th. 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 liis estate
the amount received and not accounted for.

DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 1003

7th. All other debts and demands of whatsoever 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:

1st. 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 fomily, 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.

GENERAL FOKM OF WILL FOE REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY.

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 meraorj', 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 o%vned
by myself, in Ontario township, Knox county, Illinois, consisting
of one hundred and sixty acres, with ail the houses, tenements, and
improvements thereunto belonging; to have and to hold unto ray
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

1004 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 tlie Recorder'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 C, B. & Q. Railroad,
and my own one hundred and sixty acres of land and saw-mill
thereon, situated in Astoria, Illinois, witli 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, Tryuhena Lewis, all my household
furniture, goods, chattels, and personal property, about tn}' 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 Raih'oad, 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 ray store Uuildhig, at Canton, Illinois,
during the terra of his natural life. Said building and land there-
with revert to my said sons and daughters in equal proportions,
upon the demise of my said father.

Sixth. It is also my will and desire, that at the death of my
■wife, Trj'phena 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 Tryphcna Lewis, and my eldest son, Franklin
M. Lewis.

I furtlier 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.] Samuel 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. 1005

"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
Louan, has deceased, November tifth, eighteen hundred and seventy-
four, and, whereas, a son has been boi-n to me, which son is now
christened Charles Burchard 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 tliis 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, sealed, 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, brotliers
and sisters of the deceased, and their descendants, in equal parts,
the surviving parent, if either be dead, 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

1006 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 the 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 of
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
this 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 wai%'er of the
right of homestead."

DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. lOO"

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 safie ip,ind; 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 Ifave 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 tlie
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 contrar}', 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-
gager. 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.

lOOS 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.
Where, however, the mortgagee takes the property lor an absolute
discharge of the debt, then the equity or right of redemption is
barred. Sat ifif action, 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.

TRUST 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 officer authorized
by law to take acknowledgments. Foreclosures may be effected
iipon 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. 1009

between different creditors havintr liens, no preference is given to
the one whose contract was made first; but each sliares 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 einploved

by [here state whether to labor or to furnish material,

and substantially the nature of the demand] upon your [here state
m general terms description and situation of building], and that I
shall hold the [building, or as the ease may be], and 3'our 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 pi;blished in a n&wspaper 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 sufficient to pa}' such claim; if more
than oneclaim, 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

1010 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 keepers have a lien upon the
baggage and other valuables 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.

Stahle-keepers 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 tlie owner, or the person having the possession of the eame.

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 work or 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 projjerty.
The purchaser m\ist take actual possession of the property. Juries
have power to determine upon the fairness or unfairness of a bill
of sale.

COMMON FORM OF BILL OF SALE.

Know All Men by this instrument, that I, B. F. Lewis, of Chi-
cago, Illinois, of the tirst part, for and in consideration of six hun-
dred and lifty dollars, to me paid by Columbus C. Chapman,
Astoria, Illinois, of the second part, tlie receipt whereof is hereby
acknowledged, have sold, and by this instrument do convey unto

DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 101 1

the said Cliapnian, party of tlie second part, his executors, admin-
istrators, and a-signs, mj undivided lialf of ten acres of corn on
ray farm in the town of Deer Creek, Illinois ; one pair of horses,
twenty slieej), 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, liis 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 waiTant and defend
the sale of the aforementioned property and chattels unto the said
party of the second part, and his legal 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 seventv-nine.

B. F. Lewis.

DAYS OF GRACE.

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 efiiect
here; assault, slander, libel, replevin, one yeai-; 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.

1012 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS.

RECEIPTS.

Receipts should always state when received and what for; and if
receipt is in full it should be so stated. We give two forms:

FOK MONEY ON ACCOUNT.

"Received, Knoxville, 111., Nov. 10, 1S78, of J. C. Cover, sixty
dollars on account. $60. J. H. Feanklin.

FOR MONET ADVANCED ON A CONTEACT,

$100. Galesbceg, III., June 9, 1S6S.

Received of Fernando Ross, one hundred dollars, in advance, on
contract to build for him a brick house at Xo. 76 Kellogg street.

Samuel J. Chapman.

EXEMPTIONS FROM FORCED SALES.

Tlie folloxoing 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 tiiem 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 dollars'vvorth of other prop-
erty, to be selected by tlic 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 propertj' to be selected by the debtor, — provided
that such selection and exemption shall not be made b^- the debtor
or allowed to him or her from any money, salary or wages due him or
her from an}' 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 e.xe-

DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 1013

cution when judgment is obtained for the xoages of laborers or ser-
vants. Wages of a laborer who is the hoad of a family cannot be
garnisheed except for the sum due liim in excess of 825.
LANDLORDS AND TENANTS.
The ]>rincipal obligation on the part of a landlord, which is in
fact always lo 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 liaving 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 paymant 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 enjoj'ment 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 insured 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 in such an event protect himself from the payment
of rent during the unexpired balance of the term, unless exempted

1014 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 eflect; 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
ni;isance kept upon the premises, or by an obstruction of the high-
way's 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 live
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. 1015

The almve 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 written 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 KENT.

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 npon, 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 Record 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 all cases where the promises 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 gatliered, 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

101(5 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 oifense 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. Soi
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 net been altered or modified by legislation or judicial
decisions, they have the same force and effect as laws finally enacted.

DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 1017

Tlie following are some of the leading principles of the crimina!
law :

1. Every man is presumed to be innocent till the contrary is
sliown; 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 offense 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 sometimes 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 batterj'.

III. Offeiises against fulilio 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.

V. Offenses against pnllic justice — 1, perjury; 2, bribery; 3,
destroying public records; 4, counterfeiting public seals ; 5, jail
breach; 6, escape; 7, resistance to officers; 8, obstructing legal
process; 9, barratry; 10, maintenance; 11, champerty; 12, con-

lOlS DIGEST OF STATE LAWS.

tempt of court; 13, oppression; li, extortion; 15, suppression of
evidence; 16, compounding felony; 17, misprision of felony.

VI. Offenses against the public peace — 1, challenging or accept,
ing a challenge to a duel; 2, unlawful assembly; 3, rows; 4, riot;
0, breach of the peace; 0, libel.

VII. Offenses against chastity — 1, sodomy; 2, bestiality; 3,
adultery; 4, incest; 6, bigamy; 6, seduction; 7, fornication; S,
lascivious carriage; 9, keeping and frequenting houses of ill-fame.

VIII. Offenses against public j^olicy — 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. Ofenses against the currency, and jneblic 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 against 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. 1019

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
Connty Clerk of the amount for which it was sold, and twenty-five
per cent, thereon if redeemed within six months, titty per cent, if
redeemed between six and twelve months; if between twelve and
eighteen months, seventy -five per cent., and if between eighteen
montlis 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 each 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.

SUBSCRIPTION.

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 sucli agents bear
to their principal, and the law governing sncli 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 Ihe 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 emplo^^ed 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 tiie subscription conditional, or
modify or change the agreement of the publisiier, as set out by
tlie prospectus and sample, in order to bind the publishers, the

1020 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 the'y 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 cannot
extend the time of payment beyond the time of delivery, nor bind
their principal for payment of expenses incurred 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 benefit 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. 1021

for D only fifty-nine days, and then quit without any reasonable
excuse therefor, it was held that B might nevertheless recover from
D 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
pul)lic are interested, there never has been a rule which subjected
persons, private or public, to be falsely traduced. No publication
is privileged except a bo7ia 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 paj' 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 b'e made by the defendant person-
ally; if made by a third person, at his request, it is sufiicient; 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

1022 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS.

proffered, unless the creditor expressly or impliedly waives this
production. The debtor is not bound to count out the money, if he
lias 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 niore 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 cumbrous-
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 indicated, 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. 1023

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 nntil the time when the
promise is to be performed; but after that day has passed vvitliout
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 I'ully 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 bis 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 has never considered drunkenness alone as a suffi-
cient reason for invalidating any act.

When carried so far as to deprive the party of all consciousnessi
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.

Tlie law does, however, recognize two kinds of inculpable drunk-
enness, viz.; that which is produced by the " unskillfulness of his
physician," and tliat which is produced by the "contrivance of
enemies." To this may be added cases where a parly drinks no
more liquor than he has habitually used without being intoxicated,
and which exerts an unusually potent effect on the btain in con-
sequence of certain pathological conditions.

1024: DIGEST OF STATE LAWS.

MARRIAGE CONTRACT.

Marriage is a contract, made in due form of law, by wliicli a man
and woman reciprocally engage to live with each other during their
joint lives, and to discharge towards eacli other the duties imposed
by law on the relation of husband and wife. Tlie marriage contract
is in law a civil contract, to which the consent of the parties is
essential. Tlie 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 meiUin or
insane, or has a husband or wife living, the marriage is void.

The parties must eacii 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 liis wifeat hi mie, 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 lu.xuries 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; and 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 affairs 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 jiroper; 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 liusband.
and is bound to follow liim wherever in the country he may go and
establish himself, provided it is not for other causes unreasonable.

DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 102."

She is under obligation to be faithful in chastity to her marriage
vow. A wife has the right to the lore and protecting care of her
liusband; she has the right to share his bed and board; she can call
upon her husband to provide her 'witli the necessary food and
clotliing, according to her position in life, and if he neglects or re-
fuses to do so, she can procure them on his account.

MAEKIED 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 him 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 liusband to buy for
him and his family all things necessary, in kind and quantity, 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 liouse,
this is the same thing as turning her away; and she carries with her
his credit for all necessaries supplied to her. But what the mis-
conduct must be to give this 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 married woman all her rights.
But many women about to marry — or their friends for thera — ■
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 iu safe
and skillful hands. This can only be done by conveying and trans-
ferring the property to trustees; that is, to certain persons to hold
the same in trust.

1026 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS.

A married woman may sue and be sued. At the death of tho
hui^band, in addition to the widow's award, a married woman lias a
dower interest [one-third] in all real estate owned by her Imsband
after their marriajje, 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 MONTU.

NUMBER OF DAYS IN A SCHOOL MONTH TEACHEEs' HOLIDAYS.

The law of this State says that a school month shall 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 j^ational authority.

SCHOOL children's STUDIES.

The rulings of courts are that the trustees of a school district
may prescribe what studies shall 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 one
study simply because he is deficient in another; the rule requiring
his exclusion is unreasonable, and cannot be enforced.

IXFAiV'TS

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 voidable and
void. An infant's contract on a bill or note is voidable. His
liability may be established by ratification after full age.

The confirmation or ratification must be distinct, and with 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 SIAT.: LAWS. 10:27

an action thereon aganist himself. An infant may sue on a bill,
but he sues by his gnai-dian 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 anj' 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
affidavit substantially in the following form:

State of Illinois, ) •

County. \

I, , do solemnly swear [or affirm, as the case may be]

that at a meeting of the members of the [here insert the name of

lOJS DIGEST OF 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. D. 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 Recorder, and shall be,
or a certified copy made by the Recorder, received as evidence of
such corporation.

No 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 society, as elections are
held by a meeting called for that purpose. The property of the
society rests in the corporation. The corporation may 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, lohen
directed by the society, erect houses or improvements, and repair
and alter the same, and ma}' 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
effect 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 b}' the persons making the same.
Existing churches may organize in the manner herein set forth, and
have all the advantages thereof.

GAME

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. 1029

the people in having wise and just laws passed for tlie 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 he 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.

Tlie 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, lawn,
wild turkey, rufled 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 November 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 unlawful 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 hen or
chicken, ruffed grouse, quail, woodcock, wild goose, wild duck or
brant, or any snipe, in any county of this State, at an^' 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 everj' 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.

1030 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 purj)ose 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 sncceed-
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, Tliat 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 othee 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 tlie 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 oftending shall on conviction be fined the sum of five
dollars foi- 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 egg or eggs of such fowl or bird,
or for any person to buy, sell, have in possession or traffic in such

DIGEST Oj' STATIO LAWS. 1031

eggs, or willfully destroy the nest of such birds 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 turn. 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, oats7 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
it 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

1032 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS.

liable to contribute for tlie support of their poor relations excepfr
out of their separate property. It is the duty of the State's attorney
to make complaint to the County Court of his county against all the
relatives of such paupers in this State liable to support, and jirose-
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 power 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 ill 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 months 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 $100. 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 tern-
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 PRIVATE 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. 1033

with the other. The penalty for a violation of this provision is $5
for every offense, to be 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 the 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 liis 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 carriage on any public highway are prohib-
ited from running their horses upon any occasion, under a penalty
of a fine not exceeding $10, or imprisonment not exceeding sixty
days, at the discretion of the court. Horses attached lo 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 tliis 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 of passengers, or goods,
or either of them.

WAGERS 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
entitled to it, on demand. It is frequently questionable who is en-
titled to it. In case of an unlawful wager, although he may be jus-

1034 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS.

tified for delivering the thing to the winner, by tlie express or im •
plied consent of tlie 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 pa}' the winner, a payment made to him afterwards will be.
viiiadc 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 tliau 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 pio-
hibited; 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 whicli took place on
Sunday, it is not for this reason void. Tlius, if a note is signed on
Sunday, its validity is not impaired if it be Jiot 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, Englijh
money. @ stands for «< or to/ lb ior pound; bbl. for barrel; and
f) for -jycr or hy the. Thus, butter sells at 20@30c. "^ lb, and
flour at $6@10 "^ tbl. \„ stands for per cent., and |f for number.

In the example "May 1 — wheat sells at $1.05@1.10, seller
June," seller June means that the person who sells the wheat His
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 interes! of
the person selling " short" to depress the market as much as pojsi-
ble. in order that he may buy and fill his contract at a prufit. ■
Hence the " shorts" are termed "bears."

LEGAL WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.

"Whenever any of the following articles shall be contracted for,
or sold or delivered, and no special contract or agi'eement shail be

DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 100'

made to the contrary, the weight per bushel shall bo as follows,
to" wit:

Its. ll,s.

. Applea, dried. 24 Hemp seed 44

Barley 48 IliUr (plastering) .'...8

Beans, white 00 Lime, unslacked 80

Beans, castor 40 Onions 57

Buckwheat ... .52 Oats 32

Bran 30 Potatoes, Irish GO

Blue-glass seed 14 Peaches, dried 33

Broom-coru seed 40 Potatoes, sweet 55

Coal, stove 80 Rye 50

Corn, in the ear 70 Salt, fine 55

Corn, shelled ". 50 Salt, coarse 50

Corn meal 48 Turnips ^ 55

Clover seed 00 Timothy seed 45

Flax seed 50 "Wheat 00

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 wliich the tree grows, if unreclaimed ; but if reclaimed and identi-
fied tliey belong to their former owner. If a swarm has flown from
the hive of A, they are his so long as tliey 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
sucli 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 bis vicious propensities, a dog becomes
a common nuisance the owner may be indicted, and where one
commitaan injury, if the owner had knowledge of his miscliievous
propensities, he is liable for the injury'. A man lias a right to
keep a dog to guard his premises, but not to put him at the
entrance of his house, because a person coining there on lawful
business may be injured by him, thotigli 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.

1036 ' DIGEST OF STATE. LAWS.

CRUELTY TO ANIMALS.

Whoever shall willfully overdrive, overload, overwork, torture,
turnient, beat, deprive of necessary and proper food, drink, or
shelter, or cruelly kill any such animal, or work an old, niaimed,
sick, or disabled animal, or keep any animal in an unnecessarily
cruel manner, for each and every offense shall be liable to a line 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
name, 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 publishing a notice
thereof in a county newspaper for three consecutive weeks, the first
insertion to be at least six weeks prior to tlie first day of the term
of the eonrt in whicli the said petition is to be filed.