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977.301
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1480992
GENEALOGY COLLECTION
' ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRAB
3 1833 00828 2193
Joseph Stevens.
THE FIRST SETTLER OF MACON COUNTY.
[NOW LIVING.]
history"^
Macon County,
ILLINOIS
FROM ITS ORGANIZATION TO 1876.
OHN W. SMITH, ESQ
OK THE MACON COl NTY BAR.
SPRINGFIELD :
KOKKKR'S PRINTING HOUSE.
1870.
Respectp'uli.y Dedicated
Pioneers of Macon County,
BY THE AUTHOR.
CONTENTS.
1480992
Chapter I. — Illinois. — The Indians; Discovery of Illinois; Its
Settlements; Its Government under the French, English, Cana-
dians, Virginians, United States Government, Northw^estern Ter-
ritory, Indiana Territory, Illinois Territory, and State Organiza-
tion.
Chapter II. — Macon County. — Its Organization; Original
and present boundaries; Location of County Seat; Comparative
advantages of County in location, public sentiment, intelligence,
business, etc.; Its settlement: where made, drawbacks, fencing,
speculators, markets, ague, etc., etc.
Chapter III. — Cotittiy Officers. — County Commissioners' Coui't;
County Court; Board of Supervisors; Judges of Circuit Court;
Judges of County Court; State's Attorneys; Masters in Chancery;
Circuit Clerks; County Clerks; County Treasurers; Sheriffs;
Circuit Courts; Character of first cases; Early Juries; Attorneys;
Biographical sketches of all county officers from organization of
the county, etc.
Chapter IV. — Record of the County in the Black Hawk war,
Mexican war, and Late w^ar; Principal engagements each Com-
pany and Regiment participated in; Names of all who enlisted
from Macon County, dates of enlistment, discharge, and if killed
or wounded, when and where, etc.
Chapter V. — Incidents connected with the Early History of
the County; Deep Snow; Sudden Change; Hard trials and
tribulations of pioneer life; Games; Amusements; Bee Hunt-
ing, Deer Hunting, etc., etc.
CONTENTS.
Chapter VI. — Churches of the County: Methodist, Presby-
terian, etc.; When Organized; Respective Pastors; Present con-
dition, statistics, etc. ; Sunday Schools: when organized, statistics,
etc.
Chapter VII. — Our Manufactures, Improvements, Raih'oads,
Agriculture, and Present Status of Each.
Chapter VIII. — Our Cities, Towns and Villages: Decatur,
Maroa, Macon, etc.; Officers of Each.
Chapter IX.- — Our Educational Interests; Early Schools; Ye
Okie vSchoolmaster; Early Methods of Teaching; School-houses
and furniture; Comparison of Past and Present Educational
Facilities; School Statistics, etc.
Chapter X.- — Biographical Sketches of Early Settlers who
came here prior to 1S36, and their families, up to the Present
time; Births, Marriages, Deaths, etc.
PREFACE.
In the presentation to the public of a History of Macon county,
the author feels that it is incumbent on him to make a few state-
ments, partly by way of apolo-y, and partly by way of explana-
tion. He admits, in the outstart, that the work is by no means
perfect, for the expectations of a remuneration for the time and
labor necessary to be employed in its preparation have not been such
as to justify him in devoting the time requisite for a more
perfect work. In fact, the time and labor actually expended have
been such as the author could illy afford to take from the business
of his profession, however much pleasure it might have afforded
him in other situations in life. The necessity of an accurate and
authentic History of Macon County, from the organization to the
present time, no one will probably deny. Fifty years hence that
demand will be much more keenly felt. This being the Centen-
nial year of the nation's history, a somewhat general interest has
pervaded the public mind in reference thereto, which has awakened
a kindred feeling, to some extent, regarding our more local affairs.
In the Eastern States many counties, cities, towns, and even fami-
lies, have their histories in book form, which are kept complete,
and to which the interested turn with pride and satisfaction.'
Though over half a century has passed since the earliest settle-
ments were made within the present limits of the county, scarcely
VI PREFACE.
a page has ever been written and embodied in book form, by
which might be preserved, to some extent at least, the trials and
incidents connected with Macon county pioneer life. It is already
too late to make a complete and authentic record of these events.
Many of the early settlers have long since passed away.
Many others have moved to other localities, and thence to still
others, and all trace of them is lost. The first settler, now living
within the county, and whose portrait forms the frontispiece of
this work, is almost on the verge of the grave. His physical and
mental organizations are enfeebled, insomuch that he is unable to
give an accurate account of his own family. The second settler in
order, who pui'chased the first tract of land in the present limits of
the county, has just removed to Kansas, leaving but one male rep-
resentative of his family behind him. On the county records are
found names of persons who participated in the early affiiirs of the
county, of whom, after diligent inquiry, absolutely nothing can be
ascertained. In the preparation of the family history of many
of the pioneers, much difficulty has been experienced. Much of
the information obtained in this regard is inaccurate; and especially
so in reference to dates. Many large and influential families have
been met with that have no written family record of the births,
deaths and marriages of their individual members. Many others
who were here, and took part in the scenes and prominent inci-
dents connected with the early development of the county, can
give from memory no accurate information as to dates. They may
remember that the particular object of inquiry took place a few
years before, or a few years after, the " deep snow, " but when
that was, to save their lives they cannot tell.
Yet, with the materials at command, the author has endeavored,
as near as possible, to be accurate. It is hoped that all matter
herein contained, from the county and city records, will be found
substantially correct. The record of those who participated in the
Black Hawk and Mexican wars has been taken from the muster
PREFACE.
rolls, and, of course, is reliable. The history of the participants
in the late war, in which an attempt has been made to give the
dates of enlistment, death, discharge, mustering out, etc., of
those who enlisted from Macon county, has been taken from the
Adjutant General's reports, and verified, as far as possible, by the
recollection of members of the different companies in the various
regiments. Of course no effort has been made to include in this
work anything relating to those who are now residents, who
enlisted from other counties or States, or of those who were then
residents of this county, but were accredited to other counties or
States. The war record has been made as full, complete and
accurate as possible, so as to place in the hands of each who desires
it, the personal record of all who engaged ni the suppression of
the rebellion who are accredited to this county. No tangible
record of this kind exists, except the Adjutant General's reports,
and they constitute eight large volumes, and are not suitable or
designed for general circulation.
That part of this book devoted to incidents connected with the
early history of the county, such as the " Deep Snow," " Sudden
Change," " Hardships and Trials of Pioneer Life," etc., etc., has
been prepared from the recollection of those who were witnesses
and participants, and it is believed, will be found, in the main, a
faithful portrayal, though by no means as exhaustive as it might be.
The author acknowledges with gratitude the assistance ren-
dered by many of the early settlers, without which he would have
failed in many important particulars. No effort has been made,
whatever, at rhetorical embellishment; but on the contrary, sim-
plicity has been sought to be attained.
It is hoped, therefore, that the public will, to some extent,
appreciate and lend their assistance to this, the first feeble effort
made to place in a permanent form the early history of the county,
and overlook what imperfections and deficiencies may be found
herein.
MEMORIAL LINES
Hallowed mem'ries cluster round
On the consecrated ground
Where we tread;
Of the pioneers who came,
Battling for a home and name,
All are dead.
Savage yell, nor howling storms.
Famine's pangs, nor war's alarms.
Drove them hence.
Here the native log they hewed;
Here with strength and grace imbued;
Men of sense
Gathered 'round the cheerful blaze.
Telling tales of childhood's days —
Here they sat,
With contentment and hard " pokes,"
Here they told the old-time jokes.
This and that.
Roughened hand and sunburned face
Mingled hei'e with rustic grace,
In the dance :
Gentle grew the manly tone.
While the eyes that youthful shone
Looked askance;
And the eye of beauty fell
With the tale which all must tell.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
Soon or late.
Since in Eden Adam loved,
Time has always fully proved
'Tis man's fate.
Here, with rev'rent feet they trod,
As the pioneer of God
Read the Word.
Simple was the style, and rude,
With the grace of being good —
So they heard.
In this quiet, lonely spot.
May have stood a home forgot
By all on earth.
Not a trace of it to-day —
Time has spirited away
All its mirth.
In those quiet, silent graves.
Yonder where the river laves.
With its breast
Laden with the wildwood's bloom-
Peaceful in each silent tomb.
Low they rest.
Solemn stillness reigns supreme.
And the clouds e'en silent seem
In the skies.
So we stand with bending head
In the presence of the dead.
With sad eyes.
As the breezes glide along.
Whispering an angel's song.
With hearts moved,
Here all silently we stand.
Clasping with our spirit hand
Those we loved.
Decatur
2
Dece?ftber 19, 1S76,
M. L. C.
CHAPTER I.
ILLINOIS
THE INDIANS.
No authentic history of the successive tribes of Indians occupy-
ing the limits of the present State of Illinois has ever been written.
What we have on the subject is largely founded on tradition and
conjecture. Perhaps the Algo7iquins were the first that occupied
that portion of the country, as far back as we have any authentic
account. The Illinois Indians^ or Illinois Confederacy^ which
was of Algonquin lineage, about the middle of the seventeenth
century occupied the country southwest of Lake Michigan, extend-
ing down the Illinois river, and to the mouth of the Ohio. They
were known as the " Illini," or " Illinois," and it is to them wc
owe the name of our State and of our principal river. The origi-
nal signification of the word Illini is " real men," or "superior
men," and of course is attributable to the characteristics of the
Indians bearing that name. This confederation was composed of
five tribes: the Tamaroas, Michagamies, Kaskaskies, Cahokies,
and Peorias. Towards the close of the seventeenth century the
Illinois Confederation was driven southward by a more hostile
tribe from the north, and the greater portion of their territory
passed into the possession of the Pottowotamies. This nation is
said to have been the greatest, most warlike and hostile of modern
times, and extended throughout the greater portion of Illinois,
Michigan, Wisconsin and Indiana. The Piankashaws were in
possession of the entire portion of the State along the Wabash.
The Winnebagoes — "Having an ancient, fishy smell," — were
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
occupants of the Rock River country. From tradition we learn
that this tribe came from the west, and had a language entirely
dissimilar to all other tribes. In 1763 the Kickapoos occwpied the
country southwest of the southern extremity of Lake Michigan.
At a later day they emigrated southward, and were in the posses-
sion of the territory along the Mackinaw and the Sangamon rivers.
They were the immediate predecessors of the white man on the
territorv of the present Macon county, and are said to have been
" more civilized, industrious, energetic, and cleanly " than their
neighboring tribes, but were the most implacable and inveterate
haters of the white people. It was this tribe that led in the fierce
charges at Tippecanoe, and was conspicuous In many of the bloody
hostilities of the northwest. When they were finally overcome,
they refused longer to live within the limits of the United States,
and removed to Texas, then a province of Mexico. The Sacs afid
Foxes lived In the northwest part of the State, in the vicinity of
Rock Island. They were formerly from the neighborhood of
Quebec, and were driven west by the Iroquois, and took a con-
spicuous part, with the Pottowotamles, in driving out, and almost
exterminating, the Illinois Confederacy. It was this tribe, led by
the great chief Black Hawk, that waged the war of 1S31-2, known
as the Black Hawk war.*
THE DISCOVERY OF ILLINOIS.
About the middle of May, 1673, Jacques Marquette,f a Jesuit
missionary. In company with M. Joliett, a Quebec merchant, left
the missionary station at Mackinaw for a two-fold purpose, as
expressed by Marquette : " My friend," i-eferrlng to Joliett, " is
an envoy of France, to discover new countries; and I am an em-
bassador of God, to enlighten them [the Indians] with the truths
of the Gospel."J They proceeded to Green Bay, thence up the
Fox river and Lake Winnebago to the Portage, where they trans-
*It is related upon the authority of a participant in this war, who still resides
near Clinton, 111., that there were three men who served in the war — two in
the same regiment, and another in the same brigade — that afterwards became
famous in the history of the country, viz: Col. Zachary Taylor, Lieut.-Col.
Jefferson Davis, and Capt. Abraham Lincoln.
f James Marquette, as given by Reynold's.
\ Monctte's " Valley of the Mississippi."
§ Called by the Indians, " Peckitanoni."
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
ferred their canoes, a distance of three miles, across the Wisconsin,
and thence down that river to the Mississippi, which they discov-
ered on the 17th of June. Thence they sailed down the " Father
of Waters," discovering the confluence of the Missouri and Missis-
sippi, which Marquette called " the most beautiful confluence of
rivers in the world." Journeying southward, they discovered the
mouth of the Ohio, which they mistook for the Wabash, and then
to the site of the present city of Memphis, where they were met
by the hostile Arkansas Indians, and barely escaped destruction.
On the 17th of July, of the same year, they commenced ascending
the river, and on reaching the mouth of the Illinois, they were
informed by the Indians that it was much nearer for their return
by that river, and they changed their course, and by so doing,
traversed for the first time, by white men, that region which Mar-
quette described as follows: " Nowhere did we see such grounds,
meadows, woods, stags, buflEiiloes, deer, wildcats, bustards, swans,
ducks, paroquetts, and even beavers, as on the Illinois river." M.
Joliett hastened on to Canada, to make his discoveries known there
and in France. This discovery and reportjl in France and Canada
resulted in its settlement.
The object of Marquette's voyage seems to have been two-fold :
I^'irst^the christianization of the Indians; and second^ the discovery
of a northwest passage to the East Indies and China. The news
of Marquette's discoveries soon reached Canada, and thence spread
to France, through which, and in consequence of the interest
awakened by these, and the subsequent discoveries by LaSalle and
Hennepin, the early French settlements were made in Illinois, and
the country passed under the national control of France. M.
Joliett was mainly instrumental in bringing this newly discovered
country to the attention of the world.
SETTLEMENT OF ILLINOIS.
Between 1680 and 1690, — perhaps about the year 1688* — the
first settlements in Illinois were made — or commenced rather. The
first military occupation of the country was at Fort Creve-Coeur,
in February, 1680; but there is no reliable information that a settle-
ment was attempted there until sometime afterward.f The first
II By the capsizing of Joliett's canoe in Lachine Rapids, he lost all his papers
relating to the voyage and discovery.
^Reynolds, f Annals of the West.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. I3
settlement in Illinois, or in the Mississippi valley, was commenced
by the building of Fort St. Louis, on the Illinois river, in 1682; J
but it remained in existence but a few years, so that Kaskaskia is
now regarded as the first permanent settlement in Illinois. ||
Settlements were also made at Peoria and Kaskaskia, about the
same time. M. Tonti 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 imagination or ambi-
tion pleased to allow. He spent twenty-one years in establishing
forts and organizing the first settlements of Illinois. On the 14th
of September, 171 3, the French government granted a monopoly
of all the trade and commerce of the country to M. Crozat, a
wealthy merchant of Paris, who established a trading company in
Illinois, and it was by this means that the early settlements became
permanent and others established. From the impetus thus given,
the people began to turn their attention to agricultural and commer-
cial pursuits. The marvelous development of the State in popula-
tion, improvement and wealth would be a theme upon which we
could dwell with pleasure, but space, in this connection, forbids
further mention.
ITS GOVERNMENT.
In 1 717, M. Crozat, heretofore mentioned, surrendered his char-
ter, and the Company of the West was organized, to " aid and
assist" the banking system of John Law. Under this company a
commandant and secretary were sent to Illinois, which constituted
its first organized government. A branch of this company, called
the Company of St. Philip's, was soon afterwards organized for
the express purpose of working the rich silver mines supposed to be
in Illinois, and Philip Francis Renault was appointed as its agent.
In 1 7 19 he sailed from France with two hundred miners, laborers
and mechanics, which was the greatest acquisition to Illinois yet
made.§ During 1719 the Company of the West was, by royal
order, united with the " Royal Company of the Indies," but the
charter was not surrendered until 1732, when Illinois became a part
|Bancroft. | Bancroft.
ti^Renault purchased in the West Indies, en route to Illinois, five hundred
negro slaves to work in his expected mines. This was the introduction of
slavery in Illinois.
H
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
of the Royal Government of Quebec, with D' Artaquette^ as its
local Governor. La Buissonierre was appointed his successor, who
was succeeded by Chevalier McCarty, who remained Governor
until a short time previous to the cession of New France to Eng-
land, in 1763, at which time M. St. Ange de Belle Rive was
appointed Governor, and remained until 1765, when Capt. Sterling
took possession under the treat}^ of two years previous. Frazier,
Reed, Wllkins, Rocheflave, and perhaps others, were successive
Governors. On the 4th of July, 1778, Kaskaskia was captured by
Col. Clark, in pursuance of a plan matured by Patrick Henry
(then Governor of Virginia), Thomas Jefferson, George Wyth and
George Mason, in January previous. In a short time thereafter
the county of Illinois was created by the Legislature of Virginia.
It included Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin' and Michigan. John
Todd* was made commander of Illinois, and in 1779 he organized
courts and established a government. Timothy De Mountebrun
was his successor. In 17S4 Illinois was ceded to the United States
by Virginia, and in 1787 Congress passed an ordinance for the
government of the new territory — called the Northwest Territory
— and Arthur St. Clair was appointed Governor, who continued in
office until 1S02. In that year Indiana Territory was formed, which
included the present terrritory of Illinois, and William H. Harrison
was appointed Governor. In the General Assembly of the new
territory, in 1808, Jesse B. Thomas was elected as a delegate to
Congress, and was instructed to obtain a division of the territory ;
and on the 23d of February, 1S09, the Territory of Illinois was
established, which extended on the north to the British possessions.
A territorial government was organized, and Ninian Edwards was
appointed Governor (through the solicitation of Henry Clay),
Nathaniel Pope, Secretary, and Jesse B, Thomas, William Sprigg,
and Alexander Stuart, Judges, by President James Madison. The
Governor appointed John J. Crittenden§ Attorney General, who
^JThis gallant and fearless man was, on May 20, 1736, dangerously wounded
in an engagement between the French and Chickasaw Indians, near the source
of the Tallahatchie river, in Mississippi, and was taken prisoner, and after-
wards tortured and burned at the stake.
*Killed at Blue Lick, Kentucky, August i8, 1782.
§He returned to Kentucky, and afterwards became famous in Kentucky and
national history.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
15
was in a short time succeeded by his brother, William P. Critten-
den. In iSiS a petition was prepared by the territorial legislature,
petitioning- Congress for admission into the Union. On April
iSth the Enabling Act was approved, and in July following the
Constitution was signed, and Shadrach Bond was elected Govenor;
and on the 3d of December, 1S18, Illinois was admitted into the
Union.
COLUMBIA'S REVIEW
I see the nations gathering to my hundreth jubilee,
And hear their loud hosannahs on the welkin of the free.
Outspread before me lie the trophies of a hundred years,
By wisdom won, by toil, by sacrificial blood and tears.
Behold this magic enginei'y, which with all curious art,
Fills full the lap of luxury in every merchant mart.
Here are my sacred battle-fiags, blood-reddened, rent and torn.
Amid the death and carnage on a hundred fields upborne.
The curse of slavery gone — its stain expunged by fiery flood.
And all its wounds healed in the balsam of the nation's blood.
And shall the nation live? — born of the struggling past in pain.
Yet mightly as Olympian Jove, or Neptune of the Main.
The glad fruition of all hope, the answer of all prayer.
The pledge of equal rights, and freedom's earnest everywhere.
Unyielding, stern, she yet shall stand — all time's assault defy;
And at her feet shall Treason quail, and Fraud, despairing, die.
The nation, from its perils passed, a stronger life shall draw.
And justice, undismayed, assert the majesty of law.
The rushing of each headlight, and the rocking of each fleet.
Are but the pulse of commerce beating strong beneath my feet.
Oh! how my spirit strengthens with the marching of the years,
As, promise-crowned, the future beckons, while the century disap-
pears !
A. J. Wallace.
Decatur, 111., Dec. 75, 1876.
CHAPTER II.
MACON COUNTY
TS ORGANIZATION.
Previous to the meeting of the Legishiturc, in 1S39, Benjamin
R. Austin, Andrew W. Smith, and John Ward, had been selected
to go to Vandalia, then capital of the State, and procure the pass-
age of an act dividing the county of Shelby, of which the present
county of Macon then formed a part., and forming a new county of
the territory thus detached. They were successful; and at that
session the following act was approved establishing the county of
Macon.*
*NoTE. — Macon county derived its name from Hon. Nathaniel Macon, of
North Carolina, whose fame, at the time of the formation of the county
extended throughout the nation. He was born in Warren county, N. C, in
1757, and died in the same county, June 29th, 1837. He was educated at
Princeton, N. J., and was there at the opening of the War of the Revolution.
In 1777 he left college, and served for a short time as a private in a company
of volunteers. At the expiration of his term of service, he commenced the
study of law, but soon re-enlisted in the army under his brother John. He
continued in the service until peace was declared. He was present at the fall
of Charleston. For all his arduous services in the war, he steadily refused
compensation, nor would he accept a pension after the government had pro-
vided one. Before he left the army he had been elected to the State Senate, in
which he served until 1785. When the Constitution of the United States was
proposed, he, like Patrick Henry, thought it " squinted too much in the direc-
tion of monarchy," and therefore opposed its adoption. He thought the gen-
eral government proposed was too independent of the States. Mr. Macon was
elected to the lower house of Congress in 1791, where he continued to serve
until 1S15, serving as Speaker from 1801 to 1806. Froni the lower house he
was transferred to the U. S. Senate, in 1816, where he remained until 1828,
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
" AN ACT TO ESTABLISH A NEW COUNTY TO BE CALLED THE
COUNTY OF MACON.
" Section i. Be it enacted by t/ic people of the State of Illinois^
represented in the General Assembly^ That all that tract of coun-
try lying within the following bounderies, to-wit : beginning at the
southwest corner of section numbered eighteen, in township num-
bered fourteen north, of range numbered one east of the third
principal meridian; thence due north with the said third principal
meridian line to the northwest corner of township numbered
twenty north, of range numbered one east ; thence due east with
the line between townships numbered twenty and twenty-one
north, to the northeast corner of township numbered twenty north,
of range numbered six east; thence due south with the line between
ranges numbered six and seven east, to the southeast corner of sec-
tion numbered thirteen, in township number fourteen north, of
range numbered six east; and from thence due west along through
the middle of townships numbered fourteen north, to the place of
beginning, shall constitute a county, to be called the county of
Macon; and the seat of justice therein, when located, shall be
called the town of Decatur.
" Sec. 2. For the purpose of locating the seat of justice of the
said county of Macon, the following named persons are appointed
Commissioners, to-wit: John Fleming, Jesse Rhodes and Easton
Whitton, whose duty it shall be 'to meet at the house of James
Ward, in said county, on the first Monday in April next, or within
ten days thereafter, and after being duly sworn before some justice
of the peace of this State, faithfully and impartially to discharge
the duties imposed upon them by this act, shall proceed to deter-
mine upon a place for the location of the said seat of justice, having
and was President /ro tern, of that body in 1825-7. He was thirty-seven years
in Congress, uninterruptedly — the longest continuous service of any one
man.* Twice during Jefferson's administration he declined the office of Post-
master General. He was a Democrat in politics, and had an earnest convic-
tion in the ability of the people for self-government. Jefferson said he was
" the last of the old Romans," and Randolph called him " the wisest man he
ever knew." In his temperment he was a stoic, disregarding style and con-
ventionalties, and in all things practiced the strictest economy.
*American Encyclopredia.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
19
due regard to the situation of the settlements, the convenience of
the people, and the future population of said county.
" Sec. 3. The said Commissioners are hereby authorized to
locate the said seat of justice on the land of any person or persons,
who may be the fee simple owners thereof, if the proprietor or
proprietors of such land shall donate and convey, with covenants
of general warranty, to the Qounty Commissioners, for the use of
said county, a quantity of land not less than twenty acres, in a
square or oblong form, upon which to erect the public buildings;
or otherwise, the said Commissioners may, in their discretion,
locate the said seat of justice on any of the public lands in said county,
as may seem to be the most advantageous to the future interest of
said county.
" Sec. 4. As soon as said service shall be performed, the said
Commissioners shall make a report of their proceedings, under
their proper hands and seals, to the first County Commissioners'
Court, to be held for and in said county, designating particularly
the place selected, and a description of the same. And if the situ-
uation on the public lands shall be preferred, after examination as
aforesaid, the half quarter or quarter section of land upon which
the same may be located shall be stated in said report; and in that
event, it shall be the duty of the said County Commissioners, as
soon thereafter as they may be enabled, to enter and purchase the
same, at the proper land office, in their respective names, as County
Commissioners, for the use of the* county of Macon; all of which
said proceedings the County Commissioners' Court shall cause to
be entered at large on their books of record.
" Sec. 5. As soon as a suitable site shall have been selected for
the seat of justice, and a report made thereof, as aforesaid, it shall
be the duty of the County Commissioners to cause such donation,
,or tract of land (if public land should be selected), or so much
thereof as they may deem advisable, to be laid off into lots, and be
sold upon such terms and conditions as may be considered most
advantageous to the interests of the county, and the proceeds of
such sales shall be applied to the erection of a court house and jail,
and such other public works as may be necessary for the use of
said county. And as often as any lots shall be sold as aforesaid, it
shall be the further duty of said County Commissioners to make
conveyances for the same to the purchasers thereof, in their own
names, as Commissioners for and in behalf of said county.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
" Sec. 6. Until public buildings shall be erected for the pur-
pose, the courts shall be held at the house of James Ward, in said
county.
" Sec. 7. x^n election shall be held at the house of James
Ward, on the second Monday of April next, for one Sheriff, one
Coroner and three County Commissioners, for said county, who
shall hold their offices, respectively, until the next general election,
and until their successors are qualified ; which said election shall be
conducted in all respects agreeably to the pi-ovisions of the law
regulating elections: Provided^ that the qualified voters present
may elect from among their number three qualified voters to act as
judges of said election, who shall appoint two qualified voters to
act as clerks.
Sec. S. It shall be the duty of the Clerk of the Circuit Court,
who may be appointed for such county, to give public notice, at
least fifteen days previous to said election, of the time and place,
when and where the same will be held, and the officers to be elect-
ed thereat ; and in case there should be no clerk, it shall be the
duty of the recorder, or any justice of the peace residing within
the limits of said county, to give notice of the time and place of
holding the same as aforesaid.
" Sec. 9. The Commissioners appointed to locate the seat of
justice, as aforesaid, shall receive the sum of one dollar and fifty
cents per day for each day by them necessarily consumed in dis-
charging the duties imposed upon them by this act, to be allowed
by the County Commissioners' Court, and paid out of the treasury
of said county.
" Sec. 10. Until the next apportionment of members of the
General Assembly shall be made, said county of Macon shall vote
with the counties of Fayette, Bond, Montgomery, Shelby and
Tazewell; and the clerk of the said county of Macon shall meet
the clerks of the said counties of Fayette, Bond, Montgomery,
Shelby and Tazewell, at Vandalia, the seat of justice of Fayette
county, to compare the number of votes given for Senator and
Representatives to the General Assembly, and sign the necessary
certificate of election, at Vandalia, and deliver the same to the per-
son or persons entitled thereto.
"Sec. II. The said county of Macon shall be and is hereby
attached to the first judicial circuit.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
" This Act to take effect from ^iid after its passage."
Approved January 19, 1S29.
It will be observed by the foregoing act that the county, so formed,
was much larger than it is at present. It then included all of what
is now DeWitt county, except the northern tier of townships; all
of Piatt county, except one township, and about half of Moultrie
county. On the first of March, 1839, DeWitt county was formed,
establishing the northern line of this county where it now is. On
the following day an act was passed adding to the county of Macon
that portion now known as Niantic township. It may be remarked,
in this connection, that the formation of DeWitt, and the losing of
that much territory to this county, was a source of but little con-
cern to our people. In fact, at the time it was urged that the
southern line of DeWitt should be extended far enough south
to include the present towns of Maroa, Austin and Friends Creek.
This tract of land, now rich, highly productive, and as finely im-
proved as any other portion of the county, was then considered a
burden, and not desired by Macon, and not wanted by DeWitt. It
was not thought possible to cultivate the soil, or that it would ever
be inhabited; and the expense of keeping up roads through it was
considered to be largely in excess of the income to be derived. At
that day there were but few people who dreamed even of the large
prairies becoming settled and put into cultivation. The most that
was claimed was that the farms would extend but a short distance
from the timber, and the prairies remain forever wild, and used for
grazing purposes only. Many of the early settlers made " clear-
ings," and started their little farms in the timber, as they had been
accustomed to do in the States from which they came. It is not
strange, however, that the opinion was entertained that much of
the prairie land was absolutely useless and valueless, for at that
period, for the greater portion of the year, they were almost sub-
merged with water. Horses and cattle would mire on land now
considered dry, and forming some of the best farms in the county.
It is asserted by some of our then residents of the county, that the
object of securing the addition to the county of the present Niantic
township, was to prevent the removal of the county seat from
Decatur to a little town then just commenced in the township of
Friends Creek, called Murfreesboro. It will be remembered that
Piatt county was then a part of Macon, and the proposed new
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
county seat, being nearer the center of the county than Decatur,
may have actuated Mr. Gouge, who was then our representative in
the legislature, in procuring this addition to our western territory.
The assertion, however, that any such notions were entertained as
to the proposed change in the county seat, is denied by others who
were residents at the time. It is very probable, however, that
there was a change of the " seat of justice " anticipated, for the
Niantic territory was considered worthless, except as so much bal-
last to counterbalance the eastern portion of the county. And the
prospects of Murfreesboro, it seems, were blighted about that time, .
and it has long since ceased to be, except in the recollection of a
very few of our oldest residents.
In January, 1 84 1, Piatt county was formed from portions of DeWitt
and Macon counties, and in February, 1843, the county of Moul-
trie was formed from portions of Shelby and Macon counties, each
by acts of the legislature. Macon county now remains as left after
the passage of the last act, forming Moultrie county. It now con-
tains an area of five hundred and seventy-seven square miles, or
369,280 acres.
The Commissioners appointed by virtue of the foregoing act,
met on the tenth day of April, 1829, and proceeded to view the
several proposed locations for a "seat of justice;" and as a result
of their deliberation, made the following report, as appears by the
record of the County Commissioners' Court:
" We, the Commissioners appointed for the purpose of locating
the seat of justice for Macon county, after being duly sworn before
John Miller, an acting justice of the peace for said county of
Macon, having carefully and impartially viewed and examined the
situation and convenience, likewise the advantages, of the present
and future population, have located the said seat on the fifteenth
section in township sixteen north, in range two east, northeast
quai'ter and east half of said quarter, the southeast corner of said
above-named half quarter, in compliance to an act of the General
Assembly requiring us so to act. Approved January 19, 1829.
Whereunto we have set our hands and seals this tenth day of
April, in the year of our Lord, 1829.
"John Fleming, [Seal.]
"Jesse Rhodes, [Seal.]
" Easton Whitton." [Seal.]
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
When the site had been selected, as referred to in the above
report, an order was made on the first day of June, 1S29, by the
County Commissioners, directing the "laying off" of the town of
Decatur, as follows:
" Ordered^ That Benjamin R. Austin, County Surveyor for the
county of Macon, be and is hereby required to lay off the town of
Decatur, in said county, after the form of Shelbyville, and make
and return to one of the commissioners of this court, a complete
plat of the same on or before the first day of July next,"
Under the above order the " old town " of Decatur was laid out
and platted, which contained twenty acres. Its boundaries were :
Prairie street on the north, Water street on the east. Wood street
on the south, and Church street on the west, and was divided by
Main street, running east and west, and by North Main street, run-
ning north and south. The " old town " remains substantially as
platted, " after the form of Shelbyville," with the exception that
Merchant street has been formed since, and some of the lots are
divided so as to run north and south instead of east and west, as
laid out.
By the act creating this county, the land upon which the Com-
missioners located the " seat of justice " was to be donated to the
county. The land on which the county seat was located had not,
in fact, been entered from the government at the time, but was
afterwards entered by Parmenius Smallwood, Easton Whitton
and Charles Prentice, and a deed was by them made to the County
Commissioners, on the eighth day of October, 1831.
A sale of town lots, however, had been made by the County
Commissioners on the tenth day of July, 1829, and bonds given to
the purchasers.
The order of the Commissioners, under which this sale was
made, is as follows:
'•'•Ordered^ That a sale of lots take place in the town of Decatur,
in this county, on the tenth day of July next, on the following
terms, to-wit: K credit of twelve months will he given, and note
with approved security will be required, and that the clerk of this
court is recpiired to advertise the sale in the paper printed in
Vandalia, until the day of sale."
The following order was also made, which we insert, showing
the rate of taxation and the articles of property to be assessed :
24 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
" Ordered^ That for the purpose of raising a revenue to defray
expenses of the county for the year 1829, that a tax of one-half per
cent, be levied upon the following personal property, to-wit: On
slaves and indentured or registered negro or mulatto servants; on
pleasure carriages; on distilleries; on stock in trade; on all horses,
mares, mules or asses, and neat cattle over three years old; and
on w^atches, with their appendages, and on all other personal prop-
erty except the lawful fire-arms of each individual."
This tax, when collected, amounted to the sum of $109.33^.
At the same term of Court, the tavern rates were also fixed as
follows :
'•'•Ordered^ That the tavern rates for this county shall hereafter
be as follows, to-wit: For breakfast and horse fed, 37^ cents;
keeping man and horse each night (the man to have supper and
lodging), 631^ cents; dinner and horse fed, 37^ cents; brandy,
rum, gin, wine or cordial, 35 cents per half pint; whisky, or cider
brandy, 131^ cents per half pint."
This was also for the purpose of defraying the county expenses:
No person was allowed to go into any sort of merchandising busi-
ness without a license " first had and obtained " from the County
Commissioners, for which a fee of from three to five dollars was
charged. Ferries were established on the river, and license granted,
and the rates of ferriage fixed by the court.
In connection with the organization of the county, a few things
may be said in reference to its location, character of population,
and commanding influence with reference to neighboring counties,
etc. It is the geographical centre of the State — east and west,
north and south. Its entire area is within the great corn-growing
belt of Illinois, and it possesses a soil unsurpassed in rich and pro-
ductive qualities. There is not an acre of it, scarcely, that is not
susceptible of cultivation. Its population, composed, as it is, of
emigrants from the east and south, in about an equal proportion,
is a modification of the temperaments and sentiments of the two
sections, possessing the extremes of neither. Politically, it has
been Whig, Democratic and Republican, and never either way by
a large majority. A just estimate of the political sentiment of
Macon county has always been, almost without an exception, a
true criterion of the sentiment of the State. As it has been in
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 2K
politics, so it has been in religion, in morality, in business. In the
latter, we have never had the wealth of some other counties, nor
the wild, reckless, speculating spirit of some others; but our busi-
ness men have always been of the safe, conservative sort, that make
gradual progress, and with that are satisfied, reference, of course,
being here made to the general mass. We have never launched out
into a system of public expenditures for this public improvement or
that, not consistent with our actual wants and our ability to pay.
We have no public city or county debt hanging over us and weigh-
ing us down to such an extent as to cripple our industries, and
drive away our population. Our taxes are, and have always been
medium, as compared with other counties in the State. Our im-
provements have been, for both county and city, just such as the
public demands suggested. We have no court house at the present,
it is true; but we have what satisfies the public in both economy
and convenience, and have no one, two or three million dollar court
house debt eating out the material prosperity of the. people. Our
school houses are ample in size, well built, and constructed usually
with a view to health, comfort and convenience, rather than show
and splendor. We have kept on straight forward, as the crow flies,
and have met with no reverses, such as have overtaken other coun-
ties. In peace we have been peaceful, maintained order, and had
but little or no outlawry. In war we have been actuated by the
dictates of true and genuine patriotism, and have done our whole
duty. In the Black Hawk war we furnished 50 men; in the Mexi
can war, 79; in the late war, a reference to Chapter IV of this
work will satisfy everyone that Macon county was " in the fray."
In the ranks we were not behind. Our Tuppers, Pughs, Oglesbys,
Moores, Smiths, and a host of others were there. In education
with but 1 8 persons in the county, between the ages of 12 and 21,
who can neither read nor write, we have nothing to be ashamed of,.
In crimes and misdemeanors our position is not unenviable. Smaller
counties, with one-fourth our population, furnish more penitentiary
convicts than we do.
Hence we say, for these reasons, and many others that might be
mentioned in this connection, that while we are not boastful, and
" have none of that other spirit that would drag angels down," vet
we, as a county, can claim our share of whatever glory there may
be in making Illinois one of the first States in the Union, in pros-
—4
26 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
perity, wealth and commanding influence. We arrogate to our-
selves nothing but what justly belongs to us, but if it were possible
to blot our State from existence, the shock would affect the com-
mercial world from center to circumference.
ITS SETTLEMENT.
The first house erected within the present limits of Macon county
was the "trading house," about eight miles north-east of Decatur,
on premises belonging to Wm. C. Johns, Esq., which was a log
structure, built by Lortons for the purpose of trading with the
Indians. A thriving business was carried on by these men until
1825 or '6, when the Indians ceased to visit this part of the country,
except in very small companies. Prior to that, from 200 to 500
Indians would sometimes be camped in the vicinity at once. The
men were principally engaged in hunting, and would bring to Lor-
tons whatever furs or other articles they had for exchange, and
purchase powder, whisky, blankets, etc. The trading house was
erected about the year 18 16. The Lortons were from St. Joe,
Michigan, and returned to that place when the Indians left this part
of Illinois. The second house erected in the present limits of
Macon county was built by William Downing, near the present
residence of Capt. D. L. Allin, on the south side of the Sangamon
river. This was in fact the first residence, for the one built by
Lortons was not intended as a permanent residence, but only for
the purpose of trafficking with the Indians so long as they remained
in the vicinity. Downing is said to have come into this vicinity for
the purpose of trapping and gathering honey. He left the neigh-
borhood of Vandalia in the spring of 1820, and built his cabin some
time in the fall of that year. Downing remained here but a short
time, and sold his "improvements" to John Ward, upon the latter's
arrival in this vicinity. He then removed to Bond county, Illinois,
where he lived a great many years. It is regretted that a more
extended sketch of Downing cannot be given in this connection,
but he was here but a few years, and there is, perhaps, but one man
now living in the county who was here any portion of the time
that Downing was; and it being over half a century since, he
remembers but little of the old trapper and bee hunter.
The next house built was by Buel Stevens, in 1S22, near what
is now known as Stevens' creek, about three miles northwest of
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 27
Decatur. This became the nucleus of what was afterwaixls known
as the Stevens' Settlement, which, with the Ward Settlement, on
the south side of the river, were the only settlements within the
present line of Macon county until about the year 1828, when peo-
ple began to come into the county, and settle both up and down
the river.
For an account of the early settlements made within what was
then Macon, but which now constitutes Piatt county, we make the
following extracts from a historical sketch of the latter county,
read at Monticello on the Fourth of July, 1876, prepared by a
committee consisting of William H. Piatt, Ezra Marquis and C.
D. Moore, old and respected citizens of that county:
"Settlements commenced as early as 1833 — over half a century
ago. The first known settler in the territory comprising Piatt
county was George Hayworth, a Quaker from Tennessee, who,
in 1833, located on a piece of land included in the present city
limits of Monticello, and built the first cabin. This historic struc-
ture is still standing in Monticello, and is used for a stable. He
was joined during the same year by a Mr. Daggett, who erected a
cabin on a spot just north of Monticello, where N. E. Rhodes'
barn now stands. On the following March, 1S34, Abraham Hane-
line, of Green county, Ohio, moved here with his sons, including
Nathan, who is the oldest resident now living in the county.
They located in the Sangamon timber, about four miles northeast
of Monticello, at Coon's Spring. About the same time James
and John Martin, from Virginia, built on Furnes' run, about a
mile above the spring. The next year brought another settler by
the name of York, who stopped near the mouth of Goose Creek.
In 1S38 James A. Piatt, Sen.,* formerly of Ohio, but Fater of
Indianapolis, Indiana, purchased the claim of Hayw^orth, and in
April, 1839, moved upon the claim with his fomily. In the
autumn of the same year, Jeremiah Terry settled on what is now
the Piatt county fair grounds. In 1S31, Peter Souders, of Lee
*NoTE. — The James A. Piatt mentioned in the above extract, was for years
a member of the County Commissioners' Court of Macon county, and was a
very efficient and vakiable officer. The records show that he was seldom ab-
sent from the meetings of the court, though he was compelled to ride a dis-
tance of over twenty miles over roads that must have been almost impassable
at times.
28 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
county, Virginia, moved his family to the northeast part of the
county, in the Sangamon timber. Settlers now began to increase
more rapidly, but the rich, rolling prairie, with all its fertility and
beauty, seemed to have few charms as a dwelling place for these
early settlers. Instead, they invariably selected some spot in the
timber for their abiding place, and it was not long before the first
settlers had neighbors in all the belts of timber that line the banks
of the Sangamon, Okaw, Camp Creek, Goose Creek, Willow
Branch and Madden's Run. Among the early settlers that fol-
lowed close upon the heels of those already mentioned, were
Abraham and Ezra Marquiss, of Ohio; George Widick, a Mr.
Dillow, James Chambers of Kentucky; John Madden, John
Argo, William Wright, Peter Croninger, I. V. Williams, Joseph
Mallory, George Boyer, Samuel and Jacob Cline, Thomas Welch,
John Bailey, George Evans, A. Rizor, Samuel Suver, John
Hughes, A. J. Wiley, Luther and Joe Moore, William Monroe,
Simon Shonkwiler, Daniel Stickel, and others."
We are also permitted to make the following extract from the
history of DeWitt county, by Mr. W. L. Glessner, of Clinton,
which was prepared for the Fourth of July celebration of the
present year, and published in the Clinton Register of the yth of
July, 1876. It will be remembered that the portions of DeWitt
county 'referred to, constituted a part of Macon until 1839, so that
all the settlements referred to were made in what was then Macon
county, and are interesting as a part of Macon county history:
" The first settlers of DeWitt county, as near as I have been able
to ascertain, were a party consisting of six persons: Zion Shugart,
Edom ^hugart, their mother, Elisha Butler and his wife, and John
Coppenbarger, of whom the only living member is Edom Shu-
gart, who now resides at Marysville, Nebraska. This party
arrived in what is now section seven, Tunbridge township (on
what is known as the Emily Hayes farm), on the 29th day of
October, 1824. They put up a hastily constructed log cabin, and
made ready for the winter. During the winter of 1824, Nathan
Vestal, with a large family, moved in and settled a short distance
from the Shugarts, and in the following spring John Coppenbar-
ger removed his family into the neighborhood, and thus was com-
menced the settlement of that portion of the territory of Illinois
now known as DeWitt county. During the winter of 1824 a
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
29
little girl of Nathan Vestal's died, and was buried on the hill near
Emily Hayes' residence. As there was no lumber in the country,
a coffin was made by splitting slabs out of trees and hewing them
into shape. The nearest settlement to the Shugarts', at that time,
was the residence of a man named Laughery, ten miles down Salt
Creek, in what is now Logan county.
" Another settlement was made in what was called Fork Prairie,
in the vicinity of the present town of Marion, in 1831 and '32, the
fii-st settlers being Thomas R. Davis, James Morris, John Morris,
Benjamin Lisenby, Alexander Dale, Josian Harp, Charles McCord
and Hugh Davenport.
" The first settlement about Clinton was made by Joseph (or
Josiah) Clion, in 1830. He erected a cabin on what is now
known as the Paschal Mills farm, about one mile west of Clinton."
There were also early settlements made in what was then this
county, but which now forms a part of Moultrie, as early as 1829
and '30.
It is worthy of remark that the first who came here, as a general
thing, commenced their improvements in the timber. But few,
for a great many years, thought it advisable to attempt farming in
the prairie. They at first were not satisfied that crops could be
successfully cultivated there. It was almost the unanimous opin-
ion that the large prairies never would be in a state of cultivation,
but useful only for grazing purposes. Another obstacle was in the
way for a good many years, and that was, there were no plows
suitable for breaking the prairie land. The sod was very much
tougher then than it was in after years when the stock had pastured
the prairies and killed out the grass to some extent. It would be
astonishing to many of our present residents to see the immense
crops of prairie grass that in early days grew upon their present
fields. It grew in places to the height of from six to twelve feet,
and was " almost as thick," some of the old settlers say, " as the
hair on a dog's back." It was these immense crops of grass that
furnished the fuel for the terrible fires that swept over the prairies
during the fall season of the year, and were so often productive of
loss of life and property. And then, again, there was so much of
the prairie land that was considered too wet to be ever suitable for
cultivation. Thousands of acres that now constitute some of the
best farms, in the highest state of cultivation, and possessing the
30 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
very richest of soil, were condemned as swamp lands. The fact is
that there is much of the land of Macon county that is now con-
sidered high and dry, or at least sufficiently so for all practical
farming purposes, that was so wet that during a greater portion of
the year il was absolutely dangerous to ride over it on horseback,
for fear of miring. There was another drawback in the settlement
of the prairies, and that was the great labor and cost of fencing.
It is a well authenticated fact that the northern portion of Illinois
might have been under a general state of improvement a great many
years sooner than it was, but for the difficulty and great expense of
fencing the farms. The Supreme Court of this State, at an early
day, entertaining the idea generally prevailing, that our immense
prairies would always remain commons, and used only for pastur-
ing purposes, reversed the common law idea prevailing almost uni-
versally, in consequence of which every man was compelled to fence
his entire farm so as to keep his neighbor's stock out, in order to
protect his crop. It would have been much less expensive for each
man to have protected himself against his own stock, than to have
protected himself against the stock of the entire neighborhood.
This decision of the Supreme Court, requiring stock to be fenced
out instead of in, has been the most expensive decision to the people
of Illinois of any other, perhaps, ever made. It has cost the farmers
of Macon county, who entered their land of the government, more
to build these fences and keep them in repair, by far, than the land
cost, and all the necessary implements of husbandry. Our prairies
would have been in a splendid state of cultivation long before they
were, but for the inability of the people to build the necessary fences
to protect their crops from destruction by the few cattle that were
permitted to run at large and feed on the commons or speculator's
land. One-tenth of the land that might have been in cultivation but
for the expense of fencing, would have produced more than suffi-
cient corn to have fattened all the hogs running at large merely for
the sake of the fall masts. Another thing retarded the early settle-
ment of the county to some extent, which was the fact of specu-
lators and capitalists from the east coming into the county and
buying up large tracts of the best and most available lands, and
holding them for an advance in price occasioned by the development
and improvement of the surrounding lands. Every person who
came into the county to make it his home was welcomed. He was
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
assisted in every possible way to induce him to become a resident.
But the speculator, who brought nothing into the county, and did
nothing whatever to develop the growth of the country by building
or improvements of any kind, was not held in very high esteem by
the residents generally. He bought his lands and paid the small
annual assessments thereon, and waited for other people's labor and
money to enhance the value of his investments. It should be men-
tioned, however, in this connection, that Philo Hale, who owned as
much if not more land in Macon county than any one else, was an
exception to the rule just stated. He owned large bodies of land
in the county, but he came here and made this his home. He was
one of the people. He induced others to come, and did all in his
power to advance the material prosperity of the county. He pub-
lished in the eastern papers flaming accounts of our rolling prairies,
rich soil, etc., etc. The people of the county were often astonished
at reading in the newspapers published in the eastern States, glow-
ing accounts of large and enthusiastic mass meetings, at which
Judge so and so presided, and Captain so and so acted as secretary,
when and where resolutions were passed endorsing this or that local
improvement, and expressing the gratitude of the people for the
rapid progress in the construction of a railroad from Chicago to St.
Louis or Chicago to New Orleans, or Vincennes to Nauvoo! Of
course the meetings and the resolutions passed only existed in the
mind of Mr. Hale, and, of course, the result to be accomplished
was commendable, whether some of the means he resorted to were
justifiable or not. Had he lived to old age, Mr. H. would have
been instrumental in aiding immensely in the material advancement
and improvement of the county.*
Another obstacle was also in the way of the rapid advancement
of the country, and that was, the lack of markets for the produce
raised, which continued until railroad facilities were oflfered by the
opening of the great Western Railroad (now T., W. & W. R. R.),
and the Illinois Central — the former in 1853, and the latter in 1S54.
The hogs and cattle sold had to be driven overland to St. Louis,
Chicago and other markets. There was no sale, of course, for
*NoTE.— He died about 1836, and was buried on the " Hale farm," in Mt.
Zion township. His grave is said to be unmarked and neglected, although at
the time of his death he owned thousands of acres of land in this county
which has since become valuable!
32 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
corn — or comparatively none — and wheat, when hauled to Spring-
field, but very seldom realized over thirty-three cents per
bushel, so that there was no impetus given to the raising of grain
of any sort, except lor home consumption. But upon the con-
struction of the railroads above mentioned, dividing the county into
four quarters, a new era commenced in the history of Macon
county. The fact is, that the day that the first train of cars ran
into Decatur, is the day from which the material advancement of
Macon county dates. That was the beginning of our improve-
ments; that was the beginning of our settlement proper; that was
the beginning of our agricultural development. It was the com-
mencement of our manufacturing institutions; it was the com-
mencement of the city of Decatur. According to the United
States census for 1S50, the entire population of Macon county at
that time was but 3,998. From 1S50 to 1870 — a period of twenty
years — the population had increased to 26,481. In 1830, the year
after the organization of the county, our population was but 1,132,
so that the increase in population for the twenty years preceding
the construction of our two leading railroads was but 2,876, and
for the twenty years following was 22,483. In 1850 but a small
portion of our prairies were in cultivation, but now they are a
solid mass of farms, and many of them are in a splendid state of
cultivation. There were in cultivation during the year 1876,
258,315 acres of land. But it must be remembered that this vast
body of land now in cultivation, does not produce as much by one-
half as it is capable of under a judicious and systematic treatment,
such as we find in some of the older states.
Another influence also operated in retarding the rapid settlement
of the county during its early history, and that was what was
variously styled the " ague," " chills and fever," and " Illinois
shakes." It was a terror to newcomers. In the fall season of the
year, like Brady's bitters, everybody took it. It was no respecter
of persons; everybody shook with it, and it was in everybody's
system. They all looked pale and yellow, as though they were
frost-bitten. It was not contageous, but was a kind of mi^smi that
floated around the atmosphere and was absorbed in the system. It
kept on absorbing and accumulating from day to day, until the
whole body corporate became charged with it as with electricity,
and then the shock came; and the shock was a regular shake, with
1
HISTORY OP MACON COUNTY. 33
a fixed beginning and an ending, coming on each day, or each
alternate day, with a regularity that was surprising. And after the
shake, then came the fever, and this " last estate was worse than
the first." It was a burning hot fever, and one that lasted for
hours. When you had the chill you couldn't get warm, and when
you had the fever you couldn't get cool. It was awkward in this
respect. It was, indeed. It would not stop, either, for any sort of
contingency. Not even a wedding in the family would stop it.
It was imperative and exacting. When the appointed hour came
around, everything else had to be stopped to attend to its demands.
It didn't have any Sundays or holidays. After the fever went
down, you didn't still feel much better. You felt as though you
had gone through some sort of a collision, and came out not killed,
but badly demoralized. You felt weak, as though you had run too
far after something, and then didn't catch it. You felt languid,
stupid and sore, and was down in the mouth and heel and partially
raveled out, so to speak. Your back was out of fix, and your
appetite was in a worse fix than that. Your eyes had more white
in them than usual-, and altogether, you felt poor, disconsolate and
sad. You didn't think much of yourself, and didn't believe other
people did either. Your didn't care whether there was any school
or not. You didn't think much of suicide, but at the same time
you almost made up your mind that under certain circumstances it
was justifiable. You imagined that even the dogs looked at you
with a kind of self-complacency. You thought the sun had a kind
of sickly shine about it. About this time you came to the conclu-
sion that you would not take the whole State of Illinois as a gift,
and picked up Hannah and the baby and your traps, and went
back " yander" to Injeany, Ohio, or old Kaintuck.
The above is no picture of the imagination. It occurred in hun-
dreds of cases. It put us in bad repute with our neighbors, and
for that reason they refused to come and settle with us. Whole
families would sometimes be sick at once, and not one member
scarcely able to wait on t^ie others. And when an emigrant hap-
pened to *stop. in a neighborhood aflfectcd with this disease, he did
not stay long.
Persons emigrating to the county usually selected their locations
and commenced their improvements on government land, and
waited until they were able to amass from the scanty resources
34 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
enough to purchase the forty or eighty acres — as the case might be
— at the sales at the land office at Vandalia. In the earlier days
the government price of land was fixed at $1.25 per acre. Amus-
ing incidents are related in connection with the races that were
sometimes made by different persons desiring to enter the same
piece of land. It was not unfrequent that men who had about
exhausted their means in reaching the country, and had labored
hard and undergone all sorts of privations in securing a comfortable
home and other necessary improvements, and had, perhaps, a few
acres of ground in cultivation — when they had at last obtained, by
the strictest economy, or perhaps borrowed enough money, to
purchase from the government their little forty-acre home, found
that some speculator had preceded them and entered their land.
It is said, however, that in some instances the speculator did not
retain the improvements ; for, by some magical power or otherwise,
in a remarkable short space of time almost, the identical improve-
ments appeared at some other locality not far away, and having
the same occupants.
The first piece of land ever entered in Macon county was the
west half of the northeast quarter of section thirty-one, in town-
ship sixteen north, range two east of the third principal meridian,
on the ninth day of November, 1827, by Lewis B. Ward. This
was owned by Mr. Ward until the fall of 1876, when it was sold to
Bartley G. Henry. There were about eight hundred acres of land
entered during that year, and there is now probably not an acre of
land in the county belonging to the government.
1480392 .
CHAPTER III.
COUNTY OFFICERS.
At the time of the formation of the county, all county affairs
were transacted by the County Commissioners' Court, which was
composed of three men, who were usually selected with reference
to their qualifications for the peculiar and responsible duties of the
office. This court assumed jurisdiction upon almost all manner of
subjects, except the exercise of judicial functions, and the record
shows that, even in this respect, upon one occasion at least, the
court assumed to fine a man for an indignity to that honorable bod}',
which supposed indignity the court characterised as " flouting,"
whatever that may mean.
COUNTY commissioners' COURT. f
1S29-30 — Benjamin Wilson,
Elisha Freeman,
James Miller,
I S3 1 -32 — James Miller,
L C. Pugh,
David Davis,
1S33-34 — Elisha Freeman,
Hugh Bolls,
PhiHp D. Willi.tms.
183^-36 — James A. Piatt,
Wm. Muirhead,
Benj. Wilson.
1830-31 — Elisha Freeman,
James Miller,
I. C. Pugh.
1833-33 — James Miller,
I. C. Pugh,
David Davis.
1S34-35 — James A. Piatt,
Wm. Muirhead,
Benj. Wilson.
1836-37 — -James A. Piatt,
Wm. Muirhead,
Benj. Wilson.
fEstablished under act of March 22, 1819.
36 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
1837-38— James A. Piatt, 1S38-39 — Wm. Muirhead,
Wm. Muirhead, James A. Piatt,
Josiah Clifton. Abram Chapin.
1S39-40 — *Elisha Freeman, 3 yrs 1840-41 — Elisha Freeman,
*Benj. Wilson, 2 yrs., Benj. Wilson,
*Hiram Chapin, i yr. John Rucker.
1841-42 — Elisha Freeman, 1842-43 — John Rucker,
John Rucker, Abraham H. Keller,
Abraham H. Keller. Leonard Ashton.
1843-44 — John Rucker, 1S44-45 — John Rucker,
Leonard Ashton, Andrew W. Smith,
Andrew W. Smith. James D. Tait.
1845-46 — Andrew W. Smith, 1846-47 — Elisha Freeman,
James D. Tait, Samuel Rea,
Elisha Freeman. James D. Campbell.
1847-48 — Elisha Freeman, 1848-49 — Elisha Freeman,
Samuel Rea, Samuel Rea,
James D. Campbell. James D. Campbell.
It will be noticed that there are but two members of the above
court remaining in Macon county, viz: James D. Tait and Samuel
Rea. The others are either dead or have ceased to be residents.
By an act of the Legislature, approved February 12, 1849, the
County Commissioners' Court was abolished, and the County
Court established. This act provided for the election of a county
judge and two additional justices of the peace, whose duty it should
be " to sit with the county judge as members of the court, for the
transaction of all county business." The County Court was in
existence from 1850 to i860. The following constituted our
County Court during that period :
COUNTY COURT.
1850-51 — William Prather, County Judge.
Jacob Hostetler, Associate Justice.
John Rucker, Associate Justice.
*These Commissioners were allotted to the respective terms opposite their
names by the County Clerk, under an act approved March ist, 1837. Under
this act the term of service of the County Commissioners was fixed at three
years, one to be elected each year.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 37
1851-52 — William Prather, County Judge.
Jacob Hosteller, Associate Justice.
John Rucker, Associate Justice.
1852-53 — William Prather, County Judge.
Jacob Hostetler, Associate Justice.
John Rucker, Associate Justice.
1853-54 — William Prather, County Judge.
Jacob Hostetler, Associate Justice.
John Rucker, Associate Justice.
1854-55 — William Prather, County Judge.
Jacob Hostetler, Associate Justice.
John Rucker, Associate Justice.
1855-56 — William Prather, County Judge.
Jocob Hostetler, Associate Justice.
John Rucker, Associate Justice.
18^6-57 — John Rickets, County Judge.
Jacob Hostetler, Associate Justice.
John Rucker, Associate Justice.
1857-58 — John Rickets, County Judge.
Jacob Spangler, Associate Justice.
M. G. Camron, Associate Justice.
18^8-59 — John Rickets, County Judge.
Jacob Spangler, Associate Justice.
M. G. Camron, Associate Justice.
1869-70 — -John Rickets County Judge.
Jacob Spangler, Associate Justice.
M. G. Camron, Associate Justice.
There are but three members of the old County Court now
living, viz: Judge John Rickets, and Associate Justices Jacob
Spangler and M. G. Camron.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.*
i860.
Hickory Point, J. Y. Braden. Oakly, G. W. Forest.
Austin, James Parker. Long Creek, John Rucker.
Note. — On the lyth of February, 1851, an act was passed authorizing coun-
ties to adopt the system of "Township Organization" therein prescribed,
upon the petition and vote of citizens of the county. At the September
38
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
Mai-oa, William Crawford.
Friends Creek, D. K. Wilson,
Decatur, H. B. Durfee.
Niantic, J. H. Hughes.
S, Wneatland, I. S. Boardman.
Whitmore, Jas. Lichtenberger.
Harristown, Abraham Eyman.
Decatur, John W. Koehler, ast.
Mt. Zion, W. C. Meyers.
South Macon, W. D. Hamilton.
Blue Mound, J. C. Armstrong.
1861.
Decatur, H. B. Durfee.
Friends Creek, D. K. Wilson.
Maroa, W. F, Crawford.
Hickory Point, J. Y. Braden,
Niantic, J. H. Hughes.
Oakley, G. W. Forest.
Long Creek, J. C. Rucker.
Decatur, John W. Koehler, ast.
Blue Mound, W. T. Moffett.
Mt. Zion, W. C. Meyers.
S. Wheatland, I. S. Boardman.
Harristown, J. H. Pickrell.
South Macon, L. M. Clement.
Whitmore, Henry Rhodes.
Austin, T. S. Parker.
Harristown, J. B. Hanks,
Whitmore, Jas. Lichtenberger.
Long Creek, J. C. Rucker.
Niantic, J. A. Pritchett.
S. Wheatland, L S. Boardman.
South Macon, A. H. Martin.
Decatur, John W. Koehler.
1S62.
Hickory Point, J. Y. Braden.
Maroa, W. F. Crawford.
Mt. Zion, B. W. Davidson.
Friends Creek, Comely Lukens.
Blue Mound, F. A. Brown.
Decatur, H. B. Durfee.
Austin, A. Emery.
Oakley, Laban Chambers.
term, 1859, of the County Court, a vote of the county was authorized to be
submitted to the legal voters at the November election ensuing. The propo-
sition to go into township organization was carried, and at the December term
following of the County Court, William Cantrill, David Garver and James
Dingman, were appointed as commissioners to divide the county into town-
ships, which they did, and reported to the court their action on the 14th of
January, i860. At that time the county was divided into fourteen townships,
as follows: (i) Friends Creek (2) Maroa, (3) Montgomery (afterwards changed
to Austin), (4) Bull Point (afterwards changed to Hickory, and then to Hickory
Point), (5) Decatur, (6) Long Creek, (7) Whitmore, (8) Oakley, (9) Harris
(afterwards changed to Harristown, (10) Wilson (afterwards changed to Mt.
Zion), (11) South Wheatland, (12) South Macon, (13) Madison (afterwards
changed to Blue Mound), (14) Niantic. Illini, Milam, and Pleasant View have
been since formed of parts of other townships.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
39
1S63.
Harristown, M. G. Camron.
Whitmore, John Gill.
Long Creek, John S. Kizer.
Niantic, J. W. Corbett.
S. Wheatland, I. S. Boardman.
South Macon, W. W. Dean.
Decatur, B. F. Dillehunt.
Hickory Ponit, J. Y. Braden.
Maroa, W. F. Crawford.
Mt. Zion, B. VV. Davidson.
Friends Creek, Andrew Dickey.
Blue Mound, F. A. Brown.
Decatur, H. B. Durfee.
Austin, J. S. Parker.
Oakley, H. McCoy
Hickory Point, J. Y, Braden,
Whitmore, Charles Wooster.
Niantic, J. W. Corbett.
Decatur, J. E. Roberts.
Maroa, W. F. Crawford.
South Macon, Frank Babcock.
Mt. Zion, John Scott.
Blue Mound, W. T. Moftett.
Hickory Point, J. Y. Braden.
Whitmore, Joshua Green.
Niantic, J. W. Corbett.
Decatur, W. O. Jones.
Maroa, Anderson Franklin.
S. Macon, Frank Babcock.
Mt. Zion, Jehu Scott.
Blue Mound, W. T. Moftett.
H. Point, W. F. Montgomery.
Whitmore, Joshua Green.
Niantic, J. W. Corbett.
Decatur, H. B. Durfee.
Maroa, John Crocker,
South Macon, N. Failing.
Mt. Zion, John A. Henry.
Blue Mound, W. T. Moftett.
:864.
Illini,J. H. Pickrell.
Austin, J. S. Parker.
S. Wheatland, I. S. Boardman.
Decatur, David Morgan.
Oakley, H. McCoy.
Friends Creek, Comely Lukens.f
Long Creek, John W. Tyler.
Harristown, M. G. Camron.
1S65.
mini, John S. Childs.
Austin, J. S. Parker.
S. Wheatland, L S. Boardman.
Decatur, David Morgan.
Oakley, O. J. Doyle.
Friends Creek, D. K. Wilson.
Long Creek, John W. Tyler.
Harristown, M. G. Camron.
1 866.
mini, J. S. Childs.
Austin, C. F. Emery.
S. Wheatland, Jno. Montgomery.
Decatur, W. A. Barnes.
Oakley, O. J. Doyle.
Friends Creek, William Daves.
Long Creek, John W. Tyler.
Harristown, M. G. Camron.
fResigned.
40
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
Decatur, H. B. Durfee.
Whitmore, Jas. Lichtenbergei
South Macon, R. Gray.
Niantic, A. W. Pritchett.
South Macon, N. Faihng.
Mt. Zion, J. A. Henry,
mini, J. S. Childs.
Harristown, M. G. Camron.
Decatur, H. B. Durfee.
Whitmore, J. G. Harnesbergei
South Macon, Joel T. Walker
Niantic, Sheldon Parks.
South Macon, John Lyon.
Mt. Zion. J. A. Henry,
mini. J. C. Tucker.
Harristown, M. G. Camron.
Decatur, James Milliken.
Whitmore, J. G. Harnesberger
Macon, Joel T. Walker.
Niantic, Shaw Pease.
Maroa, John T. Lyon.
Mt. Zion, R. M. Foster,
mini, J. J. Bachelder.
Harristown, M. G. Camron.
Pleasant V
Decatur, Reuben Betzer.
Whitmore, Jas. Lichtenberger
Macon, J. T. Walker.
Niantic, Thomas Acom.
Maroa, John T. Lyon.
Mt. Zion, R. M. Foster.
1867.
Decatur, W. A. Barnes.
Friends Creek, Wm. Daves.
Austin, C. F. Emery.
Blue Mound, W. T. Moffett.
S. Wheatland, L S. Boardman.
Long Creek, J. S. Kizer.
Oakley, E. Rhodes.
H. Point, W. F. Montgomery.
1 868.
Decatur, M. Forstmeyer.
Friends Creek, S. Payne.
. Austin, T. B. Campbell.
Blue Mound, W. T. Moffett.
S. Wheatland, L S. Boardman.
; Long Creek, Joseph Spangler.
Oakley, E. Rhodes.
Hickory Point, H. S. Mannon.
1869.
Decatur, M. Forstmeyer.
. Friends Cr'k, Payne & Swantes.
Austin, Robert T. Morris.
Blue Mound, W. T. Moffett.
S. Wheatland, I. S. Boardman.
Long Creek, Samuel Gillispie.
Oakley, Reed Spencer.
Hickory Point, A. McBride.
iew, D. Powles.
1870.
Decatur, M. Forstmeyer.
Friends Creek, F. Swantes.*
Austin, Peter Bennett.
Blue Mound, R. H. Hill.
Wheatland, L S. Boardman.
Long Creek, J. Benson Myers.
♦Resigned, and T. H. Barr appointed.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
mini, J. J. Bachelder.
Hasristown, M. G. Camron.
Pleasant View, D. D. Povvles.
Milam, G. A. Bartlett,
Mt. Zion, William Davis.
Decatur, M. Forstmeyer.
Whitmore, Joshua Green.
Maroa, Samuel Lowe.
Long Creek, J. B. Myers.
Pleasant View, D. D. Powles.
mini, J. C. Tucker.
South Macon, J. T. Walker.
Harristown, M. G. Camron.
Whitmore, Joshua Green.
Decatur, PL Hummell.
Hickory Point, A. McBride.
Mt. Zion, G. A. Smith.
Long Creek, A. T. Davis.
Austin, D. Patterson.
S. Wheatland, Hiram Ward.
Pleasant View, John Hatfield.
Harristown, M; G. Camron.
Blue Mound, Frank Colemai
Mt. Zion, Wm. Davis.
Macon, N. Failing.
Decatur, Jacob Spangler.
Hickory Point, H. Lehman.
Maroa, John Orr.
Friends Creek, R. H. Park.
Whitmore, J. C. Ruddock.
Harristown, M. G. Camron,
Oakley, Reed Spencer.
Hickory Point, A. McBride.
Milam, J. B. Gleason.f
1S71.
Harristown, M. G. Camron.
Austin, C. F. Emery,
Decatur, Joseph Mills.
Blue Mound, R. H. Hill.
Friends Creek, John Marsh.
Hickory Point, A. McBride.
Oakley, E. Rhodes.
S. Wheatland, Hiram Ward.
Niantic, S. Parks.
1S73.
South Macon, N. Failing.
Niantic, John Gordy.
Decatur, Jacob Spangler.
Maroa, Jason Rogers.
Oakley, Read Spencer.
Niantic, S. Parks,
mini, J. C. Tucker.
Milam, G. A. Bartlett.
Blue Mound, D. F. Barber.
Oakley, Dr. S. Cooper.
Long Creek, A. T. Davis.
Niantic, James Dingman.
Decatur, David S. Hughes.
Pleasant View, E. House,
mini, L. R. Morse.
Austin, D. Patterson.
Milam, J. W. Rogers.
S. Wheatland, H. Ward.
1S74.
Oakley, Dr. S. Cooper.
^Organized in
—6
42
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
Blue Mound, Frank Coleman.
Niantic, James Dingman.
Macon, W. S. Gage.
Decatur, Jacob Spangler.
Pleasant View, E. House.
Hickory Point, A. McBride.
Friends Creek, J. Ruddock.
Wheatland, H. Ward.
Mt. Zion, Wm. Davis.
Oakley, Wm. Grason.
Decatur, David Hughes.
Decatur, H. Hummel.
Austin, Robert Morris.
Maroa, John Orr.
Maroa, Jason Rogers.
Long- Creek, Samuel Gi
llispie.
Blue Mound, F. M. Coleman.
Whitmore, J. C. Ruddock.
Decatur, H. B. Durfee.
Oakley, William Grason.
Long Creek, Samuel Gillispie.
Mt. Zion, J. A. Henry.
Austin, Robert Morris,
mini, L. R. Morse.
Friends Creek, Jas. W. Brown.
1875-
Harristown, M. G. Camron.
Decatur, M. Forstmeyer.
Decatur, Jacob Spangler.
South Macon, W. S. Gage.
Pleasant View, E. House.
Milam, W. E. Kyker.
Hickory Point, A. McBride.
Maroa, John Orr.
South Wheatland, H. Ward.
Decatur, Samuel Powers.
Decatur, M. Forstmeyer.
Pleasant View, E. House.
Oakley, William Grason.
Hickory Point, Henry Lehman,
mini, L. R. Morse.
Harristown, M. G. Camron.
Mt. Zion, W. H. Wallace.
Blue Mound, W. T. Moffett.
Austin, A
876.
Decatur, D. L. Hughes.
Milam, W. E. Kyker.
Maroa, John Longstreet.
Wheatland, H. Ward.
Whitmore, J. C. Ruddock.
Long Creek, H. W. Davis.
Niantic, A. C. Edgar.
Friends Creek, J. W. Brown.
Macon, R. H. Woodcock.
Hackyard.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
43
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HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
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HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
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HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 47
The first Circuit Court held in the county was in the town of
Decatur, commencing on the eighth day of May, 1830, and was
presided over by Judge Samuel D. Lockwood. Wm. Warnick
was sheriff, and Daniel McCall clerk, and John H. Pugh was
prosecuting attorney. There were on the docket for trial, at this
term, the following cases: Thomas Cowan vs. Wm. King, appeal ;
John Hanks vs. John Henderson, slander; Wm. Webb vs. Hub-
bell Sprague, slander; Wm. Webb vs. Phillip D. Williams, appeal.
The two appeal cases were dismissed at the cost of the defend-
ants, and the first slander suit was dismissed at the cost of the
plaintiff, and the second at the cost of the defendant. At the
March term, 1S30, of the County Commissioners' Court, the fol-
lowing order was made, and the persons therein named constituted
the first grand and petit jurors:
'''■Ordered^ That the following named persons appear before the
Circuit Court, to be held at Decatur on the sixth day of May next,
at the hour of eleven o'clock A. m., to serve as grand jurors, to-wit :
Benjamin R. Austin, Francis G. Hill,* Robert Foster, William
Freeman, Lambert G. Bearden, James Ward, Jeremiah Ward,
William D. Baker*, Michael Myres, William Wheeler, Edmund
McDaniel,* William Miller, John Miller, sr., James Hanks, Isaac
Miller, David Miller (2d), Samuel Miller, William King, Thomas
Cowan, Luther Stevens, John Miller (3d), John Hanks,* and Jon-
athan Miller; and that the following named persons apjDcar at the
Circuit Court, at the time and place above mentioned, to serve as
petit jurors, to-wit: David Miller, Doras Stevens, Matthias
Anderson, Parmenas Smallwood, James Owens, Winkfield
Everett, William Ward, John Widick, Samuel Widick, James
W\ D. Taylor, James A. Ward, James Myres, John Mowry,
Henry Ewing, James Finly, James McGinas, George Widick,
Landy Harrell, Peter Walker, William Cox, Berry Rose, Ran-
dolph Rose, David Davis and John Warnick."
Substantially the same juries were selected at the August term,
1S39, of the County Commissioners' Court, to serve at a fall term
of the Circuit Court to have been held at the house of James
Ward. The writs issued were returnable at a court to be held at
James Wards also; but there is no record of a court held in the
*Four of this grand jury are still living; but none of the petit jury.
48 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
fall of 1829, and one of the jurors who served at the first term of
court informs me that it was held in Decatur in 1830. There is
an impression, however, in the minds of many, that the first court
was held at Ward's, four miles south of Decatur.
The grand jury selected as above stated, were charged by John
H. Pugh, after which they retired "to consider the presentments."
On the same day they " returned into court, and having no busi-
ness, nor the attorney for the people any for them," were dis-
charged.
There appears to be no evidence as to what attorney attended
this term of court, either from the record files or docket, excepting
Mr. Pugh.
The second term of court was held on the second and third days
of May, I S3 1. At this term there were six cases pending for trial,
one of which was an indictment for cheating, on change of venue
from Tazewell county, which was continued. Another was for
" damages," which was dismissed by the plaintiff. The other four
cases were for slander, two of which wei^e continued by consent,
one dismissed by the plaintiff, and one tried, in which the jury
rendered a verdict of guilty, and assessed the plaintiff's damages at
one cent.
The attorneys engaged in these cases were: George Forquer,
John H. Pugh, W. L. D. Ewing, and Hon. John T. Stuart, all of
Springfield.
The following persons constituted the grand jury: James John-
son, foreman; Benjamin Wilson, Thomas Ward, Ephraim Cox,
Hiram Reavis, William Christopher, John Walker, William Muir-
heid, Richard Dauget, Benjamin Frazie, Jacob Coppenbarger,
John Ballard, Moses Harrel, Christopher Miller, Joseph Stevens,
John Taylor, David L. Allin, John Ingram, Reuben Beecher,
Josiah Allen, James Bone, John Smith and Landy Harrell, who,
on being sworn and charged, " retired to consult;" after which
they brought into court one indictment charging the defendant
with larceny.
The petit jury at this term was as follows: Emanuel Widick,
Lewis B. Ward, Jacob Caulk, Elisha Freeman, John Rose, Lem-
uel Walker, Henry Traughber, Allen Travis, Kinian Ingram,
Thomas S. Taylor, William Shepard, James Shepard, George
Hawks, John Coppenbarger, Alexander Scott, James Miller, Jona-
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 49
than Flory, Philip Ballard, Alfred Layman, Thomas Johnson,
Daniel Shinkle, Abraham Shepard, Isaac Bigelow and Philip D.
Williams.
But one of the grand jurors — David L. Allin — and four of the
petit jurors are now living. At the close of the first day the court
adjourned until s/x o'clock the next morning, at which time, it
having no further business, adjourned until court in course.
There would be much of public interest connected with a de-
tailed analysis of the early courts of this county, and a more exten-
sive notice of the lawyers who engaged in the early practice ; but
our limits forbid. Many of the illustrious men of this country, who
have since become famous in its politics, jurisprudence and national
history, have practiced at the Macon county bar. Among them
we mention: Abraham Lincoln, Stephen A. Douglas, David
Davis, Edward D. Baker, John A. McDougall, Anthony Thorn-
ton, Horatio M, Vandeveer, Charles Emerson, Leonard Swett,
John T. Stuart, U. F. Linder, Josiah Lamborn and Stephen T.
Logan.
Mr. Emerson was the first resident attorney, and came here in
the spring of 1S34*; Kirby Benedict* was the second, who came
here in 1836; and J. S. Post was the first attorney admitted to
practice from the county.* George Powers* and Jerome R.
Gorin* were admitted next in order.
BIOGRAPHIES OF COUNTY OFFICERS.
COUNTY JUDGES.
Daniel McCall, I^/rsf County Judgc. — Vf&wxQX McCall
moved from Fayette countv to Macon in the early part of 1S29.
He was then about thirty-six years of age. He was postmaster at
the time of the organization of the county, and also held the offices
of probate judge, circuit clerk and county clerk at the same time.
But little is known of his early history prior to his coming to this
county, or after he left here. He was educated, and had the ability
to be a useful and influential member of the community, but, unfor-
tunately, was very much dissipated. He left this count}' and emi-
*See sketch, chapter 10.
—7
5© HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
grated to Texas, and, as reported, died there; but at what period
we have been unable to learn.
Charles Emerson, Second County yudge. — [See sketch in
chapter lo.]
KiRBY Benedict, Third County yudge. — [See sketch in chap-
ter lo.]
Dr. John G. Spear, Fourth County Judge. — [See sketch in
chapter lo.]
Thomas H. Read, Fifth County Judge. — [See sketch in
chapter lo.]
William Prather, Sixth County Judge. — Mr. P. was born
in Maryland about the year iSo6, and died on the twenty-ninth
day of August, 1S70, He was appointed circuit clerk in 1847, and
elected to the same office in 1848, and re-elected in 1S52. In 1S50
he was elected county judge, and retained that position until 1856.
He always had very infirm health.
John Rickets, Seventh County Judge. — Mr. R. was born in
1814, in Lynchburg, Campbell county, Va. In 1S33 he moved
with his father to Kentucky, and came to Illinois in 1834, and loca-
ted at Bloomington, where he remained until 1839, when he came
to Decatur. In 1841 he removed to Monticello, where he re-
mained until 1847, ^^^^ then returned to Decatur. Was a justice
of the peace for a good many years, and was judge of the county
court from 1856 to 1861.
Samuel F. Greer, Eighth County Judge. — Mr. G. was born
in Fairfield county, Ohio, September 8, 1824, and removed to
Macon county in 1854. He engaged in the sale of dry goods for
about five years. He was elected judge of the county court in
1861, and has been re-elected at the expiration of each term since.
Has also been a member of the board of education, and has held
other offices of trust and responsibility.
CIRCUIT clerks.
D. McCall, First Circuit Clerk.— [See sketch above.]
H. M. GoRiN, Secotid Circuit Clerk. — Mr. Gorin was born
October 14, 18 12, in Kentucky, and came to Macon county in 183 1
or '32, and was clerk of the circuit court from 1834 or '40 — having
been appointed in the place of D. McCall, discharged — and was
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 5I
clerk of the county court from 1837 to 1840. He removed from
Macon county, in 1840, to Scotland county, Mo., where he was
afterwards elected clerk of the circuit court, and where he now
resides. He married Mary Ann Love, and was a brother of
Jerome R. Gorin, of Decatur.
N. W. Peddicord, Third Circuit Clerk. — Mr. Peddicord
was born in Montgomery county, Maryland, and removed to
Macon county in 1836, where he engaged as a clerk for Adam-
son & P rather, and afterwards formed a co-partnership with Joseph
Stickel in merchandising. He was appointed clerk of the circuit
court to succeed Mr. Gorin, in 1840, and served in that capacity
until 1847, "^"^^^ ^'^'^ ^^^° clerk of the county court from 1840 to
1846. He removed from Macon county and became a resident of
Missouri, California and Iowa. He died in the latter state about
1870.
William Pkather, Fourth Circuit Clerk. — [See above, as
county judge.]
Joseph Q. A. Odor, Fifth Circuit Clerk. — Mr. Odor was born
May 30, 1837, in Garrard county, Kentucky, and came to Macon
county in April, iS^z, where he engaged in farming and teaching
school until 1854, when he was appointed deputy sheriff under
Stephen M. Whitehouse. He was elected clerk of the circuit
court in 1856, and served four years. In 1861 he became a member
of the firm of Milliken & Odor, in the banking business, and con-
tinued until 1863, when he went to Louisville, Kentucky, and
again engaged in banking. In 1869 he returned to Macon county,
and resumed business here as a member of the firm of Smiths,
Hammer & Co., and afterwards, upon the dissolution of that firm,
became a partner in the firm of Rucker, Hammer & Co., which
position he now holds.
William L. Hammer, Sixth Circuit Clerk. — William L.
Hammer, the sixth circuit clerk of Macon county, was born Nov.
2, 181 7, in Winchester, Clark county, Kentucky, and came from
Kentucky to Sangamon county, Illinois, in 1827. From there he
removed to that pai't of Shelby county, now Christian county, in
1837, ^"'^ thence to l/Iacon county in 1854. In i860 he was elected
circuit clerk of Macon county, and was re-elected in 1864, serving
two full terms with entire satisfaction to his constituents. On
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
retiring- from office he became a director, and subsequently presi-
dent, of the First National Bank of Decatur, and on the liquida-
tion of that institution he became senior member of the banking
house of Rucker, Hammer & Co, He was mayor of the city of
Decatur in 1869, and a miember of the board of education of Deca-
tur school district from 1S65 to 1S74, and was largely instrumental
in the erection of the elegant and commodious school buildings
that are a pride to the citizens of Decatur. Mr. H., in his business
and official relations, has been gentlemanly and upright. In his
social and domestic relations he is kind and indulgent.
E. McClellan, SevodJi Circ?nt Clerk. — Mr. McClellan was
born October, iSiS, in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, and came
to Illinois in 1S35. He was elected sheriff in 1S56, and served two
years. He was city marshal from 1863 to 1S65. He was elected
circuit clerk in 1868, and re-elected in 1873, and again in 1876, and
also served as deputy clerk, under Mr. Hammer, for three years.
He married Judith Snyder, who was born in Kentucky in 1S25 or
'6, and removed to Macon county in 1834.
COUNTY CLERKS.
D. McCall, First Coioity Clerk. — [See county judge above.]
H. M. GoRiN, Second County Clerk. — [See circuit clerk above.]
N. W. Peddicord, Third Co/n/ty Clerk. — [See circuit clerk
above.]
E. B. Hale, Fourth Connty Clerk. — Mr. Hale was a son of
Philo Hale, elsewhere mentioned in this work. He is a resident
of Cleveland, Ohio, and is ths owner of a large amount of land in
Macon county which was entered by his father, and is said to be
wealthy. We have applied to Mr. H. for information regarding
his father's and his own history, but have received no response.
Warner W. Oglesby, Fifth County Clerk. — Mr. O. was
born October i, 1S17, in Kentucky. He held the office of county
clerk from 1847 to 1856. He died on the twenty-second day of
August, i860. He held other positions of trust, and was loved
and respected by all.
Samuel Rea, Sixth County Clerk. — [See sketch in chapter 10.]
I. C. PuGH, Seventh County Clerk. — [See sketch in chapter 10.]
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 53
H. W. Waggoner, Eighth County Clerk. — Mr. W. was born
November 9, 1S35, in Perry county, Pennsylvania. He removed
to Chicago in 1S55, and a short time afterwards to Macon county.
He was deputy county clerk from 1S55 to 1866, and in 1869 was
elected clerk of that court, and was re-elected in 1873.
SHERIFFS.
WiEFiAM Warnick, First Sheriff. — [See sketch in chapter 10.]
John McMennamy, Second Sheriff. — [See sketch in chapter
James Stevens, Third Sheriff. — [See sketch in chapter 10.]
William Wheeler, Fourth Sheriff. — [See sketch in chapter
Samuel Rea, Fifth Sheriff. — [See sketch in chapter 10.]
Stephen M. Whitehouse, Sixth Sheriff. — Mr, W. was born
February 8, 183 1, in Washington county, Virginia, and came to
Illinois in 1S46, and located in this county. He married Mary E.
Falconer, March 7, 1850, and was elected sheriff in the fall of
1854, and served two years. He removed to Kansas in 1869,
where he died, December 6, 1875.
E. McClellan, Seventh Sheriff. — [See sketch as circuit clerk.]
George Goodman, Eighth Sheriff. — Mr. Goodman was born
in Coles county, Indiana, in 1823, and came to this state in 1836,
and located on the Okaw, in what is now Moultrie county, but
then a part of Macon. He came to Decatur in 1S37, ^^""^^ elected
sheriff of Macon county in i86o,- and served two years, and has
been a justice of the peace for seventeen years. He says, in his
early days he was a most excellent shoemaker.
John W. Bear, Ninth Sheriff. — Mr. B. was born about 1S30,
in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and came to Illinois in the spring
of 1854. He was elected sheriff in 1S62, and served two years,
and also served as a member of the city council, and was a justice
of the peace. He is now a resident of Wichita, Kansas.
A. A.Murray, Tenth Sheriff.— ^Ix. M. was born in 1822, in
Jefferson county, New York. He removed to Illinois in 1847, ''^"*^
located in Springfield, Illinois, where he remained five years, and
then went to Bloomington and remamed four years, and came to
Decatur, Illinois, in 1S57. Was elected sheriff in 1864, since
54
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
which time he has been engaged in the sale of agricultural imple-
ments.
John E. Jones, Eleventh Sheriff. — Mr. Jones was born in
Madison county, Ohio, and came to Macon county in 1854, and
was in the army during the late war. After his return he engaged
in merchandising for a short time, and was elected sheriff in 1867,
and served one term. He died in Decatur in August, 1870.
James Travis, Txvelfth Sheriff. — Was born in Kentucky
about 1810. He removed to Tippecanoe county, Indiana, and
thence to Macon county, where he was elected sheriff in 1868, and
served for one term. In 1873 he removed to Grand Rapids, Michi-
gan. His present residence unknown.
George M. Wood, Thirteenth Sheriff. — Mr. W. was born in
Hart county, Kentucky, in May, 1828, and came to Illinois in 1835,
and settled in Greene county. He remained there until 1849, and
went to Texas and staid two years. Thence he returned to Illi-
nois and located in Springfield, and came to Macon county in 1854,
and engaged in the sale of dry goods. He was elected sheriff in
November, 1S70, and served two years, and was then appointed
deputy under Mr. Jennings, and served in that capacity until
November, 1875, when he was elected county treasurer, which
position he now holds.
I. D. Jennings, Fourteenth Sheriff. — Mr. J. was born July 10,
1835, in Somerset county, New Jersey, where the rocks are so
thick that the noses of the shee2D are compelled to be sharpened
before they — the sheep — can subsist on the grass that grows be-
tween the rocks. He came to Illinois in 1850, and located at Jack-
sonville, where he remained until 1853, when he came to Decatur.
He was elected sheriff in 1873, and served two years, and was re-
elected in 1874, and also served as deputy under Sheriff Wood.
He was city marshal from 1867 to 1870.
Martin Forstmeyer, Fifteenth Sheriff. — Was born in South
Bavaria, March 21, 1830, and emigrated to America in 1S53, and
located in Decatur in 1854. With the exception of two years he
has been a member of the board of supervisors since 1864, ^"^^
was mayor of the city of Decatur in 1873, and was a member of
the city council from 1863 to 1871. At the recent election he was
elected sheriff by a large majority.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 55
COUNTY TREASURERS.
B. R. Austin, First County Treasurer. — [See sketch in chap-
ter lO.]
John Miller, Second Coinity l^rcasurcr. — We have been
unable to learn much of Mr. M. He was probably born in Vir-
ginia, and was about fifty years of age when he held the othce of
county treasurer.
James Johnson, Third County Treasurer. — Came from Ken-
tucky to Macon county at least as early as 1830. He was county
treasurer in 1S32 and '3, and was colonel in the Black Hawk war.
He removed from Macon county to Pike county, Illinois, where
he died — date unknown.
Joseph Hostetler, FourtJi County Treasurer. — [See sketch
in chapter 10.]
Joseph Stevens, Fifth Cou)ity Treasurer. — [See sketch in
chapter 10.]
James Renshaw, Sixth County Treasurer. — [See sketch in
chapter 10.]
David Davis, Seventh Cou/ity Treasurer, — [See sketch in
chapter 10.]
Henry Snyder, Eighth County Treasurer — [See sketch in
chapter 10.]
Thomas H. Read, Al?ith County l^reasurer. — [See sketch in
chapter 10.]
George Powers, Tenth Coinity Treasurer. — [See sketch in
chapter 10.]
Samuel C. Allen, Eleventh County l^reasurer. — [See sketch
in chapter 10.]
I. C. Pugh, Txvelfth County V^reasurer. — [See sketch in
chapter 10.]
William Cantrill, Thirtce)ith County Treasurer. — [See
sketch in chapter 10.]
Ira B. Curtis, Fourteenth County Treasurer. — [See sketch in
chapter 10.]
William M. Boyd, Fifteenth County Treasurer. — Mr. Boyd
was born on the thirtieth of May, 1842, in Warren county, Vir
56 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
ginia, and came to Decatur, Illinois, in the fall of 1S60. He was
elected county treasurer in the fall of 1S69, and served two terms,
and was elected as a member of the city council in 1875, and has
been for several years occupying an important and responsible
position in the banking house of Peddecord & Burrows.
R. H. Park, Sixteejith County Treasurer. — Mr. Park was
born November 11, 1S33, in Madison county, Kentucky; came to
Illinois, March, 1861; settled in Macon county; was elected treas-
urer in 1S73, and served two years.
George M. Wood, SevoiteentJi County l^rcasurcr. — [See
sketch as sheriff, above.]
state's attorneys.*
D. L. BuNN, Ninth State'' s Attorney. — D. L, Bunn, " was born
on the banks of the raging Okaw," as he strenuously insists, McLean
county. 111., on the 27th day of September, 1837, and came to Macon
county in 1S55. He was appointed prosecuting attorney by Gov.
Yates, in 1862, to fill out the unexpired term of James P. Boyd,
and was re-elected in 1864, and served four yeai's, and then "retired
in good order." Mr. B., in his official capacity, was regarded by
all as a successful prosecutor, and faithfully discharged the duties of
his office.
M. B. Thompson, Tenth States Attorney. — Mr. Thompson was
born in 1S33, in Vigo county, Indiana, and came to Illinois in 1856,
and settled in Urbana, Champaign county. He was elected state's
attorney in 1868, for the seventeenth judicial circuit, of which Ma-
con county formed a part at that time.
Chas. C. yicCoMP^s., Eleventh State'' s Attorney. — Mr. McComas
was born in Jasper county, Illinois, August 10, 1844, and came to
Macon county in 1861, where he enlisted and served for three years
in the army. After his return he studied law, and was admitted (o
practice in 1869, and in 1872 was elected prosecuting attorney for
Macon county, being the first elected for the countv under the con-
stitution of 1870.
I. A. Buckingham, Twelfth State''s Attorney. — Mr. Bucking-
ham was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, July 25, 1S40. He studied
*NoTE. — We are enabled to give sketches of" the state's attorneys from 1S64
only.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 57
law with Tilden & Caldwell in Cincinnati, Ohio, and was admit-
ted to the bar in 1S53, and came to Macon county in September,
1S63, at which time he formed a co-partnership with Capt. J. S.
Post in the practice of law, and has been in active practice ever
since. He was appointed city attorney for the years 1873, '4, '5 ;ind
'6, respectively, and in Nov., 1S76, was elected state's attorney for
Macon county for the period of four years.
MASTERS IX CHANCERY.
I. C. PuGH, First Master in CJiancery. — -[Sec sketch in chap-
ter 10.]
Wm. a. Barnes, Second Master in C//a?/cery. — Wm. A.
Barnes was born in Claremont, Sullivan countv, N. H., Alarch 13,
1S24, and came to this county in 18^3. He now holds the positions of
president of the board of education of Decatur, president of the
public library board, and president of the Citizens' Association of
Decatur. Was Master in Chancery from 18 — to 1S64.
R. H. Merri WEATHER, TJiird Master in C/mncery.—
Was born in Howard county, Md., June 33, 1820, and came to Ma-
con county in 18^8. He was appointed Master in Chancery in May,
1864, and continued to hold the ofhce until January, 1874. He was
deputy circuit clerk for four years under Hammer, and most of the
time under McClellan.
John A. BR,owN,7^(?«r/'// Master in C/iancery. — John A. Brown
was born July 33, 1S43, in Abington, Mass. Removed from
that state, with his father, to Cincinnati, Ohio, and thence to Mis-
souri in 18^7, and thence to Illinois in i860, and to Decatur, 111.,
in 1863. Was connected with the newspapers at Decatur, Illinois,
for three years. He then commenced the study of law, and after
the usual course of study was admitted to the bar in 1876, and im-
mediately entered into a co-partnership with F. B. Tait in the prac-
tice of law at Decatur, He was appointed by Judge C. B. Smith
master in chancery of !}»Iacon county, in 1873, and has performed
the duties pertaining to the othce faithfullv and ethcientlv.
—8
CHAPTER IV.
THE BLACK HAWK WAR.
In 1 83 1 a treaty was made by which Black Hawk and his tribes
of Indians were to remove to the west side of the Mississippi river,
and release all claim upon the east side. Emissaries of the British
government, from Canada, induced the Indians to disregard the
treaty and return to their former homes in Illinois. On the sixth
day of April, 1833, Black Hawk, with his followers, crossed the
Mississippi, bringing with them their women, children and prop-
erty. He announced that his mission was peaceful — but no doubt
his object was to reclaim the territory he had released under the
treaty of the year before. Governor Reynolds, learning of the
movement of Black Hawk, called for volunteers to ]:;epel the inva-
ders. Eighteen hundred volunteers, under Whiteside and Rey-
nolds, were mustered into sei'vice, and General Atkinson dispatched
them in pursuit of the Indians. On the twelfth of May they
reached Dixon's ferry, where they were joined by Major Stillman
with 275 men. Stillman considered his command independent
of Whiteside, and declined to join Whiteside's brigade. Stillman,
with Major Baily, received orders to go to " Old Man's creek,"
now Stillman's run, to ascertain the movements of the Indians.
The two battalions camped about ten miles from the ferry on the
evening of the thirteenth, and on the morning of the fourteenth
Stillman took command of both battalions, and continued in pur-
suit until sunset, when they encamped in "front of a small creek"
(Stillman's run) about thirty miles from Dixon. Black Hawk hearing
of their approach, sent out three men to meet them and take them
to his camp, that a council might be held; but the men were taken
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 59
prisoners. Five others were sent out for the same purpose, but
two of them were killed. This aroused Black Hawk, and with
about forty men he met the assailants — the main body of his war-
riors being about ten miles away — and routed them completely,
and in great confusion. Some of Stillman's men, it is said, did not
stop until they reached Dixon. In the fight. Major Perkins, Capt.
Adams, and nine men, were killed, one of whom, James Milton,
was from Macon county. William Cox, and others from this
county, had their horses shot.
The following is a complete copy of the muster roll of the com-
pany from Macon county engaged in the war, showing the names
of the volunteers, date of enlistment, date of discharge, and status
of company at the time of discharge:
" Muster roll of Captain Johnson's company of mounted volun-
teers, belonging to the Fifth regiment, commanded by James
Johnson, of the brigade of mounted volunteers of Illinois militia,
commanded by Brigadier General Samuel Whiteside. Mustered
out of service of United States at mouth of Fox river, the state of
Illinois, on the 37th day of May, 1S33; distance, miles, 150 from
place of enrollment.
[The date of enlistment of all was April 34, 1S33; and the term
was 35 days.]
I Jas. Johnson, Captain, promoted to Colonel 16 May, 1S33.
3 William Warnick, ist Lieutenant, absent with leave.
3 I. C. Pugh, 3d Lieut., promoted to Captain 16 May, 1833.
4 J. D. Wright, ist Sergeant, absent on extra duty,
5 James A. Ward, 3d Sergeant, promoted to 3d Lieutenant.
6 Walter Bowls, 3d Sergeant, absent with leave.
7 Joseph Hanks, 4th Sergeant.
8 Henry M. Gorin, 1st Corporal.
9 S. R. Shepard, 3d Corporal.
10 G. Coppenbarger, 3d Corporal, absent with leave.
1 1 James Milton, 4th Corporal, killed in battle.
13 Asher Simpson, private.
13 A. W. Bell, private.
14 Abram Black, private.
15 D. McCall, private.
16 D. H. Stewart, private, absent on extra duty.
17 Elisha Butler, private, absent with leave.
18 G. D. Smallwood, private.
6o HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
19 John Hanks, private.
20 Jacob Lane, private, absent on extra duty.
21 John Henderson, private, absent with leave.
22 James Querry, private.
23 James Miller, private.
24 John Manly, private.
25 James Ennis; private, absent with leave.
26 John Clifton, private, absent with leave.
27 Jesse Dickey, private, wounded in battle.
28 John Williams, private, absent with leave.
29 John Murph}', private.
30 Jacob Black, absent with leave.
31 James Herrod, private, absent with leave.
32 Kinian Ingram, private, absent with leave.
33 C. Hooper, private, absent with leave.
34 Robert Smith, private.
3^ S. B. Dewees, private, sick.
36 S. Miller, private.
37 S. Troxel, private, absent with leave.
38 Thos. Devanport, private, absent with leave.
39 William Hanks, private, absent with leave.
40 William Adams, private, absent with leave,
41 William Miller, private.
42 William Hooper, private, absent with leave.
43 William Cox, private, absent with leave.
44 Joseph Clifton, prixate, absent with leave.
I certify, on honor, that the muster roll exhibits the true state of
the company of inounted volunteers under my command, of the
Illinois militia, of the brigade of mounted volunteers under the com-
mand of Brigadier General Samuel Whiteside on this day, and
that the remarks set opposite the names of the men, are accurate
and just.
Signed Fox River, 111., this the 27th day of May, 1S33.
I. C. PuGH, Captain,
Conimandiiig the Company.''''
There was also a companj' of Rangers organized during the
summer of 1832, commanded by Captain William Warnick. This
company w:is out in the vicinity of Kickapoo town near the head
of the Big Vermilion, but found no Indians and soon returned.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY, 6l
THE MEXICAN WAR.
War was dcchired with Mexico in May, 1S46, and Illinois, under
the call for volunteers, was entitled to three I'egiments. The sheriff
of Macon county, under the proclamation of Gov. Ford, called for
the enlistment of volunteers. Under this call company C of what
was afterwards the 4th regiment was raised, consisting of 78 men.
When the company reached Springfield thirty companies had al-
ready reported, and the three regiments were full. E. D. Bajcer*
then a prominent man of Illinois, through the influence of Hon.
0. B. Ficklin, our member in Congress, prevailed on President
Folk to allow him to raise a 4th regiment from Illinois, and by this
means the Macon county men entered the service. Mr. Baker was
elected Colonel, Lieut. Gov. Moore was elected Lieutenant Colonel,
and Thomas Harrisf was elected Major of the regiment. The late
Gen. I. C. Pugh was elected Captain of company C, and Senator
R. J. Oglesby, 1st Lieutenant; Anderson Fromon, 2d Lieutenant;
John P. Post, 3d Lieutenant; Stephen Osborn, ist Sergeant; G.
W. Galbreath, 3d Sergeant; B. F. Oglesby, 3d Sergaant; B. L.
Martin, ist Corporal; James Hollingsworth, 2d Corporal; W. J.
Usrey, 3d Corporal; and G. W. Nelson, 4th Corporal.
The following is a list of the volunteers:
Madison Bradshaw, G. M. Braden, W. W. Chapman,
P. T. Bebee, A. Botkin, G. W. Church,
Laban Chambers, George Carver, J. B. Case,
J. M. Dickey, G. VV. Dillow, \v. Dean,
W. P. Davidson, Daniel Davis, A. Greenfield,
James Greenfield, David PIufTman, Sterne Helm,
J. Horner, D. Howell, S. K. Harrell,
Wm. Hawks, M. M. Henry, W. D. B. Henry,
Levi Hite, John Henry, I. Inman,
T. Johnson, J. A. Lovvrie, J. C. Leadbetter,
H. Lord, Thomas Lord, A. B. Lee,
J. C. Malson, G. J. Malson, Ben. Martin,
1. Martin, H. Martin, Wm. McDaniel,
Chris. Mayers, Chas. Nelson, Wm. Nesbitt,
*Afterwards Senator from Oregon, Major General in the late war, and who
was killed at Ball's Bluff",
f After whom Harristown was afterwards named.
63 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
J. S. Post, J. Ferryman, S. Rice,
James Rea, Wm. Robinson, E. Rice,
J. Sheppard, Jason Sprague, R. H. Stewart,
D. G. Stevens, W. E. Lee, Dan. Spangler,
J. A. Shepley, T. Soutlier, J. Saunders,
James Turner, F. E. Travis, J. B. Travis,
J. D. Travis, T. D. Turney, William Wheeler,
W. R. Wheeler, Lewis Ward, B. E. Wells,
W. E. Warnick, J. W. White, B. White,
Robert Warnick, James Freeman,* J. M. Arwood,
Richard Barnwell, Miles Bosworth, Jesse Butler,
David Bailer.
Company C marched from Decatur to Springfield about the
middle of June, 1846, where the regiment was formed. After re-
maining at Springfield a short time, the regiment marched to
Alton, where arms were in store, which the regiment procured by
a little maneuvering on the part of Col. Baker and Capt. J. S. Post.
Col. J. J. Hardin, believing that he was entitled to these arms,
stoutly protested against their appropriation by Col. Baker, and a
wordy warfare ensued which came near resulting in a duel. From
Alton the regiment was transferred to Jefferson Barracks, and
there placed under charge of Col. Churchill, commandant, under
whom it received thorough discipline and drill. About the 20th
of July the regiment was mustered into service by Col. Crogan, of
Fort Meigs notoriety. In a few days the regiment received oi'ders
and embarked for New Orleans, and thence to Brazos, Santiago
Bay, four miles north of the mouth of the Rio Grande, where it
disembarked. After remaining at this point for about a week,
orders were received to march up the Rio Grande eight miles,
where occurred the first death in Co. C, viz: Second Sergeant
George Galbreath. As Col. Baker and a squad of twelve men,
all from Macon county, detailed to bury Mr G., were about to
return to camp, they heard a disturbance on board of a steamboat
near by, and on arriving at the scene, they learned that an Irish
company, in a drunken melee, had driven from the boat the Ken-
nesaw rangers. Baker ordered his handful of men on the boat to
quell the disturbance; but no sooner had he done so, than a hand-
*Joined the company at Brazos.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 63
to-hand encounter ensued, in which the colonel and his squad were
soon overpowered and compelled to retire : but not without loss.
Col. Baker received a rapier thrust, penetrating his mouth and ex-
tending through the back of his neck; Capt. J. S. Post was
wounded in the breast, having a rib broken; Charles Dillow,*
killed; R. H. Stewart, bayoneted in the thigh; and seven others of
the squad more or less injured. At this point orders were received
to move still further up the river to Matamoras, on the Mexican
side, where they remained a few days, and then moved on to
Camargo, where a great deal of sickness ensued. Returning to
Matamoras, they then marched to Victoria — marching on Christ-
mas day forty-five miles. About the first of January, 1847, orders
were received to March to Tampico, two hundred miles distant, at
which place preparations were made for an attack on Vera Cruz.
Taking ship at Tampico about the first of February, Vera Cruz
was reached in sixteen days, and Company C assisted in the con-
struction of the batteries and the bombardment of the city, which
surrendered March 29. After the taking of the city of Vera
Cruz, Scott's army marched for the City of Mexico, and 01 route
met Santa Anna, at the mountain pass of Cerro Gordo, on the
eighteenth of April, where a battle was fought. Company C had
but forty-eight men in this engagement, two of whom were killed
and ten wounded. The killed were J. C. Malson and George
Nelson.
At this battle Santa Anna came near being taken prisoner, and
in his effort to escape left in his carriage $25,000 in silver and his
cork leg, which were captured by Company C, it being at the
head of the brigade. The next morning ensuing the battle. Gen.
Scott followed on to Jalapa, where Company C remained about a
month, when the time of enlistment expired, and the company
returned via New Orleans and St. Louis, arriving at home about
the first of June, 1847, bringing with them the banner received
from the citizens on their departure. They were very enthusiastic-
ally received. A grand barbecue was prepared for the returning
volunteers, and day of general rejoicing was had, still remembered
with satisfaction by the participants.
*His last words were: *' If I have got to go, the road to heaven is just as
near from here as from Macon county."
6/\. HISTORY OF MACON COUNTV.
THE LATE WAR.
It is unnecessary in this connection, and, in fact, would consume
entirely too much space, to give any details as to the causes of the
rebellion. It is our purpose, rather, to give Macon county's record,
as complete as we can, in the suppression of that rebellion. The
long list of names following, of those who were sacrificed on the
altar of their country, will sutficiently attest the patriotic impulses
that actuated our people, and convince the most casual observer
that Macon county, when called, was at her post and performed
her whole duty valiantly.
In the succeeding pages of this chapter we give a brief synopsis
of the principal engagements of the various regiments, together
with a regimental and company roster, and the names, date of
enlistment, discharge, etc., of those only who enlisted from the
county.
SEVENTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY.
The yth Cavalry was organized at Camp Butler, Illinois, and
mustered into service Oct. 13, 1861. The companies A, C, I and
G were directly ordered to Bird's Point, Missouri, where the other
eight companies arrived on the 25th of December. Some time in
January, all, except companies B, C, I and L, moved to Cape Gir-
ardeau, Mo. Company I, to which most of the men from Macon
county belonged, remained at Bird's Point, and were engaged in
scouting during the winter. At New Madrid the regiment again
united. Was at Island No. 10. After this moved to Hamburg Land-
ing, Tennessee river, thence in the direction of Corinth. Was en-
gaged in the battle of luka, and afterwards at Corinth, Oct 2d, 3d
and 4th. Nov. 23, seven companies met Richardson near Somer-
ville; Dec. i, assigned to Col. Dickey's command of cavalry. At
Holly .Springs, Miss.; followed Price as far south as Coffeeville and
retreated. In Western Tenneessee. On the 17th of April, started
on " Grierson's Raid " to Baton Rouge. Dec. 26th, the regiment
fought the entire force of Forrest. In an engagement at Moscow,
Tenn. Moved to Decatur, Ala. Returned to Nashville, and was
mustered out of service, and received its final pay and discharge at
Camp Butler, 111., Nov. 17, 1S65. Its period of service was about
four years and three months.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 65
ROSTER SEVENTH CAVALRY— COMPANY "I."
Name^ and date of Rank. Kc/narks.
COLONELS.
W. P. Kellogg, Sept. 8, iS6i. Resigned June i, 1862.
Edward Prince, June i, '63. Tm. exp'd Oct. i5,'64, was Lt. Col.
John M. Graham, Mar. i,'65. Must'd out Nov. 4, '65, was Maj.
LIEUTENANT COLONELS.
W D. Blackburn, Feb. 10, '63. Died of wounds May 17, '63.
Geo. W. Trafton, Mar. 17, '63. Dismissed Nov. 4, '64.
H. C. Forbes, Mar. i, '65. Must'd out Nov. 4, 65, was Maj.
MAJORS.
Cyrus Hall, Sept. 21, '61. Res. for promotion Feb. 9, '62.
Jas. Rawalt, Sept. 31, '61. Res. June 10, '62.
Z. Applington, Nov. 13, '61. Killed in battle May it;, 62.
Henry Case, Feb. i, '62. Resigned Apr. 4, '62.
H. C. Nelson, April 24, '62. Resigned June 22, '63.
A. P. Koehler, May. 15, '62. Resigned May 14, '63.
A.W. MDconald, June 22, '63. Mustered out Nov. 4, '65.
Geo. A. Root, May 10, '65. Must'd out Nov. 4,'65, was Adjt.
M. G. Wiley, May 10, '65. Mustered out Nov. 4, '65.
ADJUTANTS.
Henry Stockdale, Jan. 30 '62. Mustered out May 26,'62.
Allen W. Heald, May 10, '65, Mustered out Nov. 4, '65.
BATTALION ADJUTANTS.
Geo. Bestor, Jan. 15. Mustered out '62.
Chas. Wills, Jan. 15. Mustered out '62.
QUARTERMASTERS.
W. A. Dickerson, Oct. 25, '61. Mustered out May 26, '62.
BATTALION QUARTERMASTERS.
Jas. T. Myers, Dec. 25, ''62. ]Mustered out '62.
John W. Resor, Dec. 25, '61. Mustered out May 26, '62.
—9
66 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
Natne^ and date of Ra?ik. Remarks.
SURGEONS.
C, D. Rankin, Oct. 28, '61. Resigned Jan. i. '62.
Daniel Stahl, Sept. 9, '62. Discharged Sept 9, '64.
Thos. J. Riggs, Sept. 16, '64. Must, out Nov. 4, '65, was ist Ast.
FIRST ASSISTANT SURGEON.
Chas. H. Novell, April 3, '65. Mustered out Nov. 4, '65.
SECOND ASSISTANT SURGEON.
A. G. Gilbert, May 29, '63. Discharged Sept. 5, '64.
M. W. Nesmith, Apr. 16, '65. Mustered out Nov. 4, 65.
CHAPLAIN.
Simon G. Meinor, Oct. 3, '61. Term expired Oct 15, '64.
COMMISSARIES.
H. F. Barker, Oct. i, '62. Term expired Oct 15, '64.
Daniel F. Robbins, Oct. 4, '64. Mustered out Nov. 4, '65.
CAPTAINS.
A.J. Gallagher, Aug. 16, '61. Resigned June 20, '62.
Wm. Ashmead, Jnne 20, '62. Term expired Oct. 15, '64; was 2d
[Lieutenant.
Byron H. Tuller, Nov. 28, '65. Mustered out Nov. 4, '65.
FIRST LIEUTENANTS.
Wm. H. Stratton, Aug. 19, '61. Term expired Oct. 15, '65.
Horace K. Rice, May 28, '65. Mustered out Nov. 4, '65.
SECOND LIEUTENANTS.
S. G. Washburn, June 20, '62. Term expired Oct. 4, '64.
O. L. Kendall, June 28, '65. Mustered out Nov. 4, '65.
FIRST SERGEANT.
Clark, Wm. F., Sept. 3, '61. Killed in action Mar. i, '62.
QUARTERMASTER SERGEANT.
Flattery, Geo., Sept. 3, '61. Mustered out Oct. 15, '64.
SERGEANTS.
Haworth, Jno. W., Sept. 3, '61. Mustered out Oct. 15, '64.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
67
Remarks.
Name, and date of Rank.
Ruby, Matthew, Sept. 3, '61. Mustered out Oct. 15, '64.
Gardner, Geo. H., Sept. 3, '61. Mustered out Oct. 15, '64.
Washburn, S, G., Sept. 3, '61. Promoted 2d Lieut.
CORPORALS.
Dickson, Archb'ld, Sept. 3, '61. Re-enHsted as veteran.
Dunbar, Daniel H., Sept. 3, '61. Mustered out Oct. 15, '64.
Kaylor, Geo. W., Sept. 3, '61. Killed in action May i, '62.
Ashmead, Marion, Sept. 3, '61. Killed in action May 30, '62.
McComas, W. D., Sept. 3, '61. Discharged Dec. i, '62.
Jordan, Abner H., Sept. 2, '61. Killed in action May 30, ''62.
Varney, Thad. P., Sept 3, '61. Mustered out Sept. 8, '64.
Hilt, Wm, Sept. 3, '61. Mustered out Oct. 15, '64.
BUGLERS.
King, Davis T., Sept 3, '61,
Strong, Jos. J., Sept 3, '61.
Promoted chief bugler.
Promoted Chief bugler.
FARRIER.
'6 1. Mustered out Oct. 15, '64.
BLACKSMITH.
Mustered out Oct. 15, '64.
WAGONER.
Mustered out Oct. 15, '64.
PRIVATES.
Adams, John O., Sept. 3, '61. Re-enlisted as veteran.
Furr, Argyle W., Sept. 3,
Fornof, Geo., Sept. 3. '61.
Deal, Wm., Sept. 3, '61.
Bohrer, John, Sept. 3, '61.
Belknap, C. M., Sept. 3, '61,
Mustered out Oct. 15, '65.
Re-enlisted as veteran; mustered
[out Nov. 4, '65, as sergeant.
Bartlett, Robt., Sept, 3, '61.
Beals, Luther, Sept. 3, '61.
Calhoun, Webster, Sept. 3, '61.
Calhoun, David, Sept. 3, '61.
Cornwell, Isaac P., Sept. 3, '61. Re-enlisted as veteran; mustered
[out Nov. 4, '65.
Clark, Geo., Sept. 3, '61. Re-enlisted as veteran; mustered
[out Nov. 4, '65.
Discharged Oct., '62.
Mustered out Oct. 15, '64.
68
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY
Name^ and date of Rank.
Dugan, Chas., Sept. 3, '61.
Dugger, Wm. A., Sept. 3, '61.
Doner, Wm. H., Sept. 3, '61.
Dawson, Eb., Sept. 3, '61.
Dickson, Geo., Sept. 3, '61.
Earles, Walter, Sept. 3, '61.
Fletcher, Geo. W., Sept. 3, '61.
Gibbs, Ed. M., Sept., 3, '61.
Goff, Chas., Sept. 3, '61.
Grove, Wm., Sept. 3, '61.
Grady, Henry, Sept. 3, '61.
Hartman, Jno. P., Sept. 3, '61.
Hopkins, Chas. P., Sept. 3, '61,
Hays, John, Sept. 3, '61.
Haworth, Frank, Sept. 3, '61.
Hafrau, Jas., Sept. 3, '61.
Jones, Jas. M., Sept. 3, '61.
Jones, John S., Sept. 3, '61.
Kendall, O. L., Sept. 3, '61.
Knipple, Henry, Sept. 3, '61.
Ledbetter, Jas. C, Sept. 3, '61.
Martin, Wm., Sept. 3, '61.
Martin, Henry, Sept. 3, '61.
May, Marion, Sept. 3, '61.
Myers, Henry, Sept. 3, '61.
McRay or McKay, Sept. 3, '61.
Melville, Etiward, Sept. 3, '61.
Miller, Lawrence, Sept. 3, '61.
McElroy, Jas., Sept. 3, '61.
McDougal, J. R., Sept. 3, '61.
McCay, Thos., Sept. 3, '61.
Remarks.
Re-enlisted as veteran; mustered
[ont Nov. 4, '65.
Mustered out Oct. 15, '64.
Re-enlisted as veteran.
Must'd out Oct. 15, '64, as sergt.
Mustered out Oct. 15, '64.
Discharged April 8, '63, as corp'l.
Must'd out Oct. 15, '64, as sergt.
Discharged Mai'ch 4, '62.
Re-enlisted as veteran; mustered
[out Nov. 4, '65.
Mustered out Oct. 15, '65.
Discharged July, '62.
Mustered out Oct. 15, '64.
Died Andersonville, Aug. 10, '64.
Died Andersonville, July 23, '64.
Mustered out Oct. 15, '64.
Must'd out Oct. 15, '64, as serg't.
Re-enlisted as veteran, private, ser-
[geant, then lieutenant.
Re-enlisted as veteran; mustered
[out Nov. 4, '65, as corporal.
Discharged July, '62.
Re-enlisted as vet.; mustered out
[Nov. 4, '65.
Discharged Oct., '62.
Discharged Dec, '62.
Transferred to Co. M.
Must'd out Oct. 15, '64, as corpr'l.
Re-enlisted as vet.; mustered out
[Nov. 4, '65, as sergeant.
Died of wounds received in camp.
Discharged April 6, '63.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
69
Naine^ and date of Rank.
Nicholson, Jas., Sept. 3, '61.
Nicholson, Jas. P., Sept. 3, '61.
Powers, John, Sept. 3, '61. .
Powers, Michael, Sept. 3, '61.
Paine, Robert S., Sept. 3, '61.
Riley, Wm., Sept. 3, '61.
Ruby, Henry, Sept. 3, '61.
Rice, Horace K., Sept. 3, '61.
Sullivan, M., Sept. 3, '61.
Tuller, Byron H., Sept. 3, '61.
Smith, Cyrus B., Sept. 3, '61.
Stookey, Jno. A., Sept. 3, '61.
Smythe, Chas. E., Sept. 3, '61.
Temple, Pulaski L., Sept. 3, '61
Tater, Henry, Sept. 3, '61.
Remarks.
Re-enlisted as vet.; mustered out
_ [Nov. 4, '65.
Discharged May, '62.
Died wounds received Dec. 5, '62.
Re-enlisted as vet.; mustered out
[Nov. 4, '65, as veteran.
Mustered out Oct. 4, '64.
Mustered orat Oct. 15, '64.
Re-enlisted as vet.; mustered out
[Nov. 4, '65, as corporal.
Promoted serg't, then ist lieut.
Mustered out Nov. 4, '65, as corp.
Promoted to captain.
Discharged Jan., '62.
Died Feb. 11, '62.
Mustered out Sept. 20, '65.
Discharged Sept., '62.
Discharged April 16, '63.
Taber, Augustus A., Sept. 3, '61. Private hospital steward, U. S. A.
Thomas, Jno. R., Sept. 3, '61. Mustered out Aug. 29, '64.
Vancourt, Jno. D., Sept. 3, '61. Disch'd April 30, '62, as corporal.
Weatherby, W. D., Sept. 3, '61. Discharged July, '62.
Williams, Chas., Sept. 3, '61. Discharged July, '62.
Wood, Geo. W., Sept. 3, '61. Mustered out Oct. 15, '64.
Webb, Edward S., Sept. 3, '61. Discharged Sept., '62.
Westfall, Chas., Sept. 3, '61. Discharged May, '62.
Walters, Jas. L., Sept. 3, '61. Discharged Mar. 4, '62.
Yopes, Simon, Sept. 3, '61. Mustered out Sept. 8, '64.
RECRUITS.
Arbuckle, Jno. H., Aug. 6, '62. Mustered out July 12, '65.
Adams, David, Dec. 22, '63. Mustered out Nov. 4,. '65.
Able, Dempsey, Dec. 15, '63.
Ater, Wm. H., Sept. 3, '61.
Anderson, Jacob, Aug. 12, '62.
Bradley, Worth R., Feb. 2, '64.
Rockway, D. S., Jan. 24, ''64.
Boddy, Robert, Dec. 14, '63.
Carmean, Robt., Dec. 14, '63.
Mustered out Nov. 4, '65.
Died Nov. 14, '63.
Mustered out Nov. 4, '65.
Mustered out Nov. 4, '65.
Mustered out Nov. 4, '65.
Mustered out Nov. 4, '65.
70
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
Name^ and date of Rank.
Carmean, G. W., Dec. 18, '63.
Daniels, Jas. W., Jan. 29, '64.
Dunston,J. O., Jan. 4, '64.
Daily, Jno., March iS, '64.
Dunston, Chas., Jan. 4, '64.
Earles, Edward, Jan. 30, '64.
Emerson, Jerome, Feb. 7, '65.
Gregerty, John, Jan. 27, '64.
Gibbs, Jas. A., Jan, 15, '64.
Hall, Eugene, Dec. 10, '63.
Holman, Wm., Jan. 36, '64.
Hoffman, Peter, Jan. 10, '64.
Holman, And. J. Feb. 9, '64.
Lawson, Taylor, Jan. 16, '64.
Lehn, Wilson, April 25, '64.
Martin, Henry, Dec. 15, '63.
McDougal, Jno. R.,Jan.4, '64.
McCune, Martin, Dec. 19, '63.
May, Theodore, Dec. 19, '63.
Pate, Robert, April, 7, '64.
Ruby, Horace S., Jan. 30, '64.
Rea, John T., Jan. i, '64.
Reed, Elhannan, April i, '64.
Reedy, Jas. A., Jan. 26, '64.
Scott, Wm. F., Dec. 31, '63.
Shinneman, A. T., Feb. 13, '64.
Stookey, H. L., Jan, 30, '64.
Smith, Wm., Dec. 11, '63.
Stewart, Wm. C, Mar. 30, '64.
Wood, James, April 16, '64.
Williams, Chas., Jan. 35, '64.
Webber Philip, Feb. i, '64.
Wood, Geo. W., Feb. 9, '65.
Young, Geo., Mar. 24, '64.
Rrjnarks.
Mustered out Nov. 4, '65.
Must'd out Nov. 4, '65, as sergt.
Mustered out Nov. 4, '65.
Mustered out Nov. 4, '65.
Died at LaGrange, Tenn., July 14,
['64, wounded.
Mustered out Nov. 4, '65.
Mustered out Nov. 4. '65.
Mustered out Nov. 4, '65.
Must'd out Nov. 4, '64, as corp.
Mustered out Nov. 4, '65.
Mustered out Nov. 4, '65.
Must'd out Nov. 4, '65, as corp.
Died at Memphis, Tenn; June 9,
[1864.
Mustered out Nov. 4, '65.
Mustered out June 5, '65.
Mustered out Nov. 4, '65.
Mustered out Nov. 4. '65.
Mustered out Nov. 4, '65.
Mustered out Nov. 4. '65.
Mustered out Nov. 4, '65.
Mustered out Nov. 4, '65.
Mustered out Nov. 4, '65.
Mustered out Nov. 4, '65.
Must'd out Nov. 4, '65, as corp.
Mustered out Nov. 4, '65.
Mustered out Nov. 4, '65.
Absent, sick at mustering out of
[regiment.
Absent, sick at mustering out of
[regiment.
Vet.; mustered out Nov. 4, '65.
Discharged Dec. 8, '65.
Mustered out Nov. 4, '65.
Mustered out Nov. 4, '65.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 7I
Name^ and date of Rank. Remarks.
UNASSIGNED RECRUITS.
Dorris, Jas., Jan. 26, '64.
Daniels, Jas., Feb. 12, '64.
Earles, Chas. W., April 7, '64. Rejected.
Glove, Alonzo M., Jan. 27, '64. Discharged May 10, '64.
Saunders, Forest, Jan. 23, '64. Discharged July 2, '64.
Scott, Wm. F., Dec. 31, 'di.
Wilson, Wm. H., Mar. 9, ''6^ Discharged May 11, ''G^.
White, Wm. D., Mar. 7, '65.
EIGHTH ILLINOIS' INFANTRY.
This regiment was organized on the 25th day of April, iS6i,for
the three months service. Col. R. J. Oglesby commanding. Sta-
tioned at Cairo until mustered out, at close of term. Re-organized
for three years service; moved to Bird's Point, Mo., Feb. 2, 1862;
embarked for Tennessee river; engaged enemv near Ft. Henry;
attacked Ft. Donelson about middle of Feb., where most valuable
service was rendered, and where serious loss was sustained. Maj.
John P. Post was taken prisoner in this battle. Was engaged in
the battle of Shiloh. Actively participated at the seige of Cor-
inth, where Col. Oglesby was dangerously wounded and borne
from the field in expectation of immediate death. Met enemy at
Raymond. Sent to Camp Butler in '64, on veteran furlough. Af-
terwards the regiment was in Western Tennessee, Mississippi and
Louisiana. Mustered out of service at Baton Rouge, May 4, 1866.
Ordered to Springfield for final payment and discharge, where it
arrived May 13, i866.
ROSTER EIGHTH ILL. INFANTRY. (Three Months.)
COLONEL.
R.J. Oglesby, May 3,^61. Re-enlisted 3 years service.
LIEUTENANT COLONEL.
Frank L. Rhodes, May 3, '61. Re-enlisted 3 years service.
MAJORS.
John P. Post, May 3, '61. Re-enlisted 3 years service.
Herman Leib, Oct. 7, ''Gz. Promoted Col. 9th Inf. (col.)
72 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
Name^ and date of Rank. Remarks.
CAPTAIN CO. " A."
I. C. Pugh, April 23, '61. Re-enlisted 3 years service; Col.
[41st regiment.
FIRST LIEUTENANT.
I. N. Martin, April 33, '61.
SECOND LIEUTENANT.
G. M. Bruce, April 23, '61. Re-enlisted 3 years service.
CAPTAINS CO. " B."
H. p. Westerfield, Apr. 30, '61.
John P. Post.
FIRST LIEUTENANT.
John M. Lowry, Apr. 25, '61. Resigned Sept, 3, '62.
SECOND LIEUTENANT.
Thos. Goodman, April 25, '61. Resigned July 25, '61.
ROSTER EIGHTH REGIMENT INF. (Three Years.)
COLONELS.
R.J. Oglesby, April 25, '61. Promoted Brig.-Gen. April i, '62;
Major-Gen. Nov. 9, '62.
F. L. Rhodes, April i, '62. Resigned Oct. 7, '62.
John P. Post, Oct. 7, '62. Resigned Sept. 28, '63.
Josiah A. Shietz, Sept. 23, '63. Prom, to Brevet Brig.-Gen. Nov.
[25, '65; resigned Feb. 9, '66.
Loyd Wheaton, Feb. 9, '64. Mustered out May 4, ''66.
LIEUTENANT COLONELS.
R. H. Sturges, Oct. 7, '62. Resigned July 25, '63.
Noah Dennison, Nov. 8, ''66. Mustered out May 4, ''66.
MAJORS.
H. Lieb, Oct. 7, '62. Prom. Col. 9th Louisiana (col.)
Daniel Sayers, Mar. 8, ^66. Mustered out May 4, ''66.
ADJUTANTS.
W. C. Clark, Jan. 25, '61. Resigned June 25, '62.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 73
Name^ a^id date of Ra?tk. Re77iarks.
B. F. Monroe, June 25, '62. Promoted Capt. Co. "I."
Fred. A. King, July 25, '64. Resigned Oct. 9, '64.
Wm. W. Carver, Oct. 9, '64.
Leander A. Sheetz, Nov, 25, '65, Mustered out May 4, '6-.
QUARTERMASTERS.
Sam'l Rhodes, Jan. 25, '61. Resigned Dec. 9, '61.
H, N. Pearse, Dec. 10, '61. Resigned Aug. i, '63.
R. T. Mercer, Aug. i, '63. Mustered out May 4, '66.
SURGEONS.
S. T. Trowbridge, Apr. 25, '61. Mustered out July 27, '64.
C. N. Dennison, July 27, '64. Mustered out May 4, "^66.
FIRST ASSISTANT SURGEONS.
John. M. Phipps, Api-il 25, '61. Resigned Feb. 16, '63.
W. F. Buck, Nov. 28, '63, Mustered out May 4, 66.
SECOND ASSISTANT SURGEON.
C. M. Spalding, May 27, '65. Mustered out May 4, '66.
CHAPLAIN.
Samuel Day, Jan. 28, ''66. Mustered out Jan. 29, '65.
CAPTAINS.
G. M. Price, July 25, '61. Resigned Feb. 5, '62.
Frank Leeper, Feb. 5, '62. Killed in battle.
Geo. D. Durfee, May 14, '63. Mustered out May 4, ''66.
FIRST LIEUTENANTS.
VV. J. Taylor, Feb. 5, '62. Resigned Jan. 28, '63.
W. A. Albert, May 14, '63. Term expired Jan. 27, '64.
Sam'l Nicholson, Jan. 27, '64. Mustered out May 4, ''66.
SECOND LIEUTENANT.
J. W. Reavis, Jan. 28, '64. Mustered out May 4, ''66.
SERGEANT.
D. W. Greenawalt,July 25,'6i. Died at Bird's Point, Mo., Nov.
[18, '61.
— 10
74
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
Name^ and date of Rank.
Remarks.
CORPORALS.
James Dunbar, July 25, '61.
Michael Matthews, July 25, '61,
Wm. M. Bullai-d, July 25, '61.
Robert E. Horey,Jnly 25, '61.
Geo. S. Leach, July 25, '61.
John B. Lowell, July 25, '61.
Marcellus Warner, July 25, '61.
Re-enlisted as vet.; mustered out
[May 4, 'Gd.
Killed at Ft. Donelson, Feb. i5,'62.
Died at Cincinnati, O., Mar. 4, '62,
[of wound rec'd at Donelson.
Discharged July 24, '64.
Killed at Ft. Donelson, Feb, 15, '62.
Died Bird's Point, Mo., Nov. i,'6i.
Killed at Raymond, Miss., May
[12, '63.
PRIVATES.
Baker, Abijah J. July 25, '61. '
Bashford, G. D., July 25, '61.
Bacon, John H., July 25, '61.
Cochrane, Henry, July, 25, '61.
Cook, Andrew E., July 25, '61.
Dunn, James W., July 25, '61.
Denniston, Wm.
July 35, '61.
61.
Dudley, Jos. S., July 25
Florey, A.J.,July 25, '61.
Fouch, Jos., July 25, '61.
Greer, B. F., July 25, '61.
Hagart A. H., July 25, '61.
Helm, L., July 25, '61.
Hess, Joseph, July 25, '61.
Hudson, James, July 25, '61.
Idell, Robert, July 25, '61.
Jefferson, W. J., July 25, '61.
Tames, Geo. W., July 25, '61.
From, sergeant; died June 4, '63,
[of wounds rec'd at Vicksburg.
Promoted sergeant.
Mustered out May 4, ''()6.
Killed at Shiloh, April 6, '62.
Re-enlisted as veteran.
Mustered out July 30, '64.
Killed at Shiloh, April 6, '62.
Promoted corporal; mustered out
[May 4, '66.
Disch'd Aug. 15, '62, of wounds
[at Donelson.
Prom, serg't; disch'd July 10, '65,
[of wounds rec'd at Jackson.
Re enlisted.
Prom. Corp.; M. O. May 4, '66.
Prom, sergeant; dis. Jan. 27, '62.
Discharged June 23, '62, of wounds
[received at Donelson.
Killed at Raymond, Miss., May
[May 12, '63.
Mustered out May 4, '66.
Killed at Ft, Donelson, Feb. 15, '62.
Prom. Corp.; killed at Champion
[Hill, May 16, '63.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY
75
JVame, and date of Rank. Remarks.
Jones, Andrew, July 25, '61. Killed at Ft. Donelson, Feb. 15, '62.
Livingston, M. C, July 25, '61. Mustered out July 30, '64.
Leach, James, July 25, '61. Mustered out July 30, '64.
Leland, Jas. H., July 25, '61.
Muirhead, T. J., July, 25, '61. Killed at Shiloh April 6, '62.
McDonald, J. C, July 25, '61.
Moskell, Ellis, July 25, '61. Mustered out May 28, ''66.
Pope, Geo. S., July 25, '61. Killed at Shiloh April 6, '62.
Reavis, Jas. W., July 25, '61. Promoted to 2d lieut.
Rock, Jos. W., July 25, '61. Mustered out May 4, ^66.
Shively, H. C, July 25, '61. " July 30, '64.
Smith, Jos. W., July 25, '61. " "
Whitbeck, H., July 25, '61. Killed at Fort Donelson Feb. i :^,
V62.
RECRUITS.
Albert, Wm. A., Aug. 15. '61. Promoted lieut.
Ault, Jos., Dec. 1 1, '63. Promoted sergeant; mustered out
[May 4, '66.
Bradbury, J. A., Aug. 15, '61. Promoted sergeant; killed at Shi-
[loh April 6, '62.
Craine, Robt. W., Aug. 5, '61. Discharged Dec. 27, '61.
Dumman, J. W., Aug. 15, '61. Discharged Aug. 15, '62, of wound
[at Donelson.
Green, John H., Aug. 10, '61. Killed at Raymond, Miss., May
[12, '63.
Helpman, Irwin, Aug. 15, '61. Re-enlisted as vet.
Holtz, Ernest, Aug. 15, '61. Discharged July 22, '62, of wound
[at Donelson.
Hatchett, Wm., Aug. 15, '62. Discharged Aug 14, '64.
Haggard, Jas., Aug. 16, '61. Died at Decatur, Ala., April 11,
S^6z.
James, B. F., Aug. 15, '61. Killed at Donelson Feb. 15, '62.
Kunkleman, J. H*., Aug. 10, '61.
McCarty, Patrick, Aug. 5, '61. Died at Carthage, La., of wounds
[received on steamer Moderator.
Marsh, Peter, Dec. 15, '61. Mustered out May 4, '66.
j6 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
Nafne^ and date of Rank. Remarks.
McKinly, W. A. Aug. lo, '6i. Died at Memphis, Tenn., Mar. lo,
['63.
Norris, John H., Aug. 5, '61. Discharged Feb. 19, '63.
Nicholson, J. R., Aug. 15, '61. Mustered out May 4, ''(>().
Nicholson, Jer., Aug. 15, '61. Discharged Aug. 14, '64; tm. exp.
Paine, R. T., Aug; 5, '61. Transferred to 9th regt. La. Inft.
[May 5, '63.
Pearce, Irwin, Aug. 25, '61. Discharged Dec. 25, '61.
Pope, Wm. F.Jan. I, '62. Promoted capt.; discharged Oct.
[31, '65; disabled.
Rector, John W., Dec. 15, '62. Died in hospital at Vicksburg,July
[2, '63, disease.
Stevenson, W. B. Aug. 2, '61. Transferred, and disch'd Feb. 2,
S^66^ of wounds at Jackson, Miss.
Squire, Geo. W., Aug. 15, '61. Died at Memphis, Tenn., Sept. 12,
_ ['63-
Steel, Jas. F., Aug. 15, '61. Discharged Aug. 14, '64;tm. expd.
DRAFTS AND RECRUITS.
Bosworth, J. B., Sept. 26, '64. Mustered out Sept. 26, '65.
Company " B."
CAPTAINS.
H. Lieb, Jan. 25, '61. Promoted major.
Peter Schlosser, Oct. 7, '62. Term expired Jan. 27. '64.
H. A. Miller, Jan. 28, '64. Mustered out May 4, ''Gd.
FIRST LIEUTENANTS.
B. Zick, Oct. 7, '62. Term expired Jan. 28, '64.
Thos. Mclnery, Jan, 28, '64. Mustered out May 4, ""66.
SECOND LIEUTENANTS.
H. J. Marsh, Jan. 25, '61. Killed at Ft. Donelson.
John Collmer, Oct. 7, '62, Term expired Jan. 27, '64.
FIRST SERGEANT.
H. C. Oglesby, July 25, '61. Reduced to ranks; drummed out
of service, Sept. 15, '63.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
77
Name, and date of Rank. Remarks.
SERGEANTS.
B. F. Snow, July 25, '6i. Disch'd Sept. 22, '62, of wounds
[at Donelson.
W. F. Gardenhire, July 25, '61. Discharged May 3, '62; disabled.
Chas. Albert, July 35, '61. Mustered out July 30, '64.
CORPORALS.
John M. Collmer, July 25, '61. Promoted 2d lieut.
C. P. A. Goddard, July 2^5, '61. Died Oct. 31, '63.
Chas. Fechner, July 35, '61. Killed at Shiloh April 6, '62.
John Smith, July 25, '61. Mustered out July 30, '64.
Thos. Scantlin, July 25, '61. Transferred to non-com. staff as
[com. sergt.
PRIVATES.
Athons, W. H.,July 25, '61,
Abin, Geo., July 25, '61.
Bech, Jno. M., July 25, '61.
Basler,J. G.,July,25, '61.
Becker, Wm., July 25, '61.
Bruner, John, July 25, '61.
Berlin, D. M.,July 25, '61.
Bruner, J. D., July, 25, '61.
Baner, Jacob, July 25, '61.
Breitsprecker, W., July 25, '61.
Culligan, John, July 25, '61.
Cunningham, S. B., July 35, '61
Campbell, Jno. E., July 25, '61.
Durant, F., July 25, '61.
Dutcher, Chas., July 25, '61.
Dunham, A., July 25, '61.
Everman, J. C, July 25, '61.
"f^ Elliot, Jos., July 25, '61.
Died April 8, '64, of wounds reed.
[at Raymond, Miss.
Disch'd Sept. 8, '62, of wounds at
[Donelson.
Mustered out July 30, '64.
" July 20, '64.
Died at Vicksburg, June 30, '63.
Died May 25, '63, of wounds reed.
[at Champion Hills.
Mustered out July i,'65.
Mustered out July 30, '64.
" May 4, '64.
Accidently killed May 20, '62.
Discharged Oct. 14, '61.
Killed at Ft. Donelson Feb. i :^, '6:
Mustered out Aug. 6, '64.
Died at Cairo, 111., (no date.)
78
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
Name^ and date of Rank.
Flora, Jasper, July 35, '61.
Gardenhire,J. M., July 35, '61.
Gemer, A., July 35, '61.
Genert, August, July 35, '61.
Geswinder, N., July 35, '61.
Gardenhire, Geo,, July 35, '61.
Humphrey, J. A., July 25, '61.
Jameson, Joshua, July 25, '61.
Johnson, Moses, July 35, '61.
Krebs, Chris., July 35, '61.
Keller, Jacob, July 25, '61.
Kelly, John, July, 35, '61.
Lynch,Jas.,July 35, '61.
Leeper, Wm., July 25, '61.
Miller, F. C.,July 35, '6r.
Miller, H. A.,July 35, '61.
Manchon, H., July 35, '61.
O'Brien, Peter, July 35, '61.
O'Neil, John, July 25, '61.
Priest, John W., July 25, '61.
Peters, Geo., July 35, '61.
Robinett, John, July 25, '61.
Rouse, Geo. W.,July 25, '61.
Rust, M. N., July 25, '61.
Switzer, John M., July 25, '61.
Staines, Button, July 25, '61.
Steward, E. O., July 25, '61.
Seiter, John C.July 25, '61.
Tansey, V. G., July 25, '61.
Wardner, H., July 35, '61.
Warren, J. July 35, '61.
Remarks.
Discharged Jvily 35, '62, by order
[of Grant. 1
Discharged May 2, '62, by order of
[Grant.
Died Aug. 14, '61.
Mustered out Mar. 21, ''66.
Killed at Donelson Feb. 15, '62.
Absent at mustering out.
Discharged Oct. 14, '61.
Disch'd July 24, '62, of wounds at
[Donelson and Shiloh.
Killed at Donelson Feb. 15, '62.
Murdered at Norfolk, Mo., Sept.
[17/61.
Mustered out July 30, '64.
Transferred to N. C. S. as Mus.
Killed at Donelson, Feb. 15, '62.
Promoted captain Jwly 14, '64.
Discharged July 10, '63; disabled.
Discharged July 25, '64: tm. expd.
Killed at Donelson Feb. 15, '62.
Mustered out May 4, '64.
Transferred to 12th 111. infantry.
Promoted sergt.
Promoted corpl.; disch'd Sept. 24,
['62.
Discharged Oct. 14, '61.
Mustered out May 4, '66.
Discharged Oct. 14, '61.
Transferred to Inv. Corps Sept. 15,
\^62.
Discharged N(jv. S, '63, of wounds
[at Vicksburg. j?
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
79
Name, and date of Rank. Remarks.
Wills, Andrew, July 25, '6 1. Died Feb. 17, '62, of wounds at
[Donelson.
RECRUITS, DRAFTS AND SUBSTITUTES.
Anthons, Josephus, Apr. 5, '64. Prom, corp.; mustered out May 4,
f'66.
Andrish, Antoine, Aug. 17, '61. Killed at Shiloh April 6, '62.
Beecher, Peter, Aug. 17, '61. Disch'd Sept. 9, '62, of wounds at
[Shiloh.
Brown, Henry, Aug. 29, '61. Disch'd Sept. 5, '62, of wounds at
[Shiloh.
Dunham, Dayton, Aug. 16, '61. Wounded at Donelson; discharged
[April 1 1, '62.
Dunz, John, Aug. 29, '61. Mustered out May 4, '65.
Frank, Peter, Sept. 7, '61.
Fluke, August, Aug. 29, '62. Discharged Oct. 1 1, '63.
Grosh, Jacob, Aug. 17, '61. Mustered out Aug. 5, '64.
Gross, Jacob, Aug. 22, '61.
Gunter, Hugo, Nov. 27, '61. Mustered out March 2, '66.
Grob, Jno. J., Jan 5, '64. - May 4, '66.
Hatchly, Isaac, Nov. 26, '61. Disch'd May i, '62. of wounds at
[Shiloh. "
Hawley, Jno. D., Sept. 19, '61.
Jones, R. F. Mustered out May 14, '66.
Kepler, M., Sept. 7, '61. Disch'd Dec. i s, '62, of wounds at
[Shiloh.
Lehman, Jacob, Aug. S, '61. Disharged Aug. 7, '64.
Langheld, August, Aug. 5, '61. Disch'd Aug. 8, '63, of wounds at
[Raymond, Miss.
Lynn, Robt., Aug. 29, '61. Died Oct. 31, '61.
Lankerman, Jacob, Jan. i, '62. Mustered out May 4, '66.
Mossman, Wm., Dec. iS, '63. " "
Magae, Jno. S., April 28, '64. " "
Mathys, Jno., April 16, '64. " "
McGorry, Thos., Dec. i, '61. Promoted ist lieut.
0'Connol,J. H., Aug. 13, '61.
Preston, Thos., Aug. 23, '61. Disch'd Oct. 15, '63, of wounds at
[Vicksburg.
8o HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
Name^ and date of Rank. Remarks.
Pfeifer, Frank, April 15, '64. Mustered out July i, '65.
Reister, Leonard, Sept. 2, '61.
Walker, Michael, Aug. 13, '61. Mustered out May 4, ''dd.
Webber, Chas., Sept. 28, '61. Killed at Charleston, Mo., Oct. 16,
['61.
Zimm, Jno., April 28, '64. Mustered out May 4, '66.
TWENTY-FIRST ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
The Twenty-first Illinois Regiment Infantry was mustered into
the service in the latter part of June, 1S61, under command of U.
S.Grant. Went to Ironton, Mo. Engaged in battle at Perryville
and Chaplin Hill. In a skirmish at Knob Gap. Engaged in bat-
tle near Murfreesboro, Tenn.; lost many men in this engage-
ment. Was with Gen. Rosecrans' army, from Murfreesboi-o to
Chattanooga. Engaged in a severe skirmish at Liberty Gap, June
25, 1863. In the battle of Chicamauga, Sept. 19-20, 1863.
After this battle, regiment remained at Bridgeport, Ala., three
months.
Mustered out Dec. 16, 1865, at San Antonio, Texas. Arrived at
Camp Butler Jan. x8, 1866, for final pay and discharge.
ROSTER TWENTY-FIRST INFANTRY— CO. " A."
Name., and date of Rank. Remarks.
COLONELS.
U. S. Grant, June 16, '61. Promoted Brig. Gen. Aug. 5, '61;
[Maj. Gen. Feb. 16, '62.
J. W. Alexander, Aug. 23, '61. Killed in battle Sept. 20, '63.
Jas. E.Calloway, May 11, '65. Mustered out Dec. 16, '65.
Wm. H. Jamison, July 13, '65. " "
LIEUTENANT COLONELS.
Geo. W. Peck, Sept 2, '61. Dischd, ill health, Sept. 19, '62.
W. E. McMaken, Sept. 19, '62. Term expired Nov. 16, '64.
MAJOR.
Jno. L. Wilson, June 2, '65. Mustered out Dec. 16, '65.
r
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 8l
Name^ and date of Rank. Remarks.
ADJUTANTS.
Chas. B. Steele, Sept. 6, '6i, Resigned July 3o, '64.
J. R. Duncan, July 20, '64. Prom. capt. company " A;" mus-
tered out Dec. 16, '65.
Jno. A. Pierce, Aug. 21, '65. Mustered out Dec. 16, '6~^.
QUARTERMASTERS.
Jno. E.Jones, May 15, '61. Mustered out Aug. iS, '64.
Simeon Paddleford, Aug. iS, '64. " Dec. 16, '65.
Eden M. Seeley, Aug. 21, '62. Res. May 21, '64.
Jas. J. Reat, May 21, '64. Mustered out Dec. x6, '65.
CHAPLAIN.
E. D. Wilkins, Oct. 12, '61. Res. July 9, '64.
CAPTAINS.
S. S. Goode, May 7, '61. State service, ten regt. bill.
Geo. S. Dunning, May 17, '61. Res. Oct. 24, '62.
Geo. F. Eaton, Oct. 24, '62. Mustered out July 5, '64.
FIRST LIEUTENANTS.
E. D. Coxe, Oct. 24, '62. Mustered out July 5, '64.
B. F. Osborne, July 5, '64. Dismissed July 3, '6^,
J. R. Sheperd, Aug. 21, '65. Mustered out Dec. 16, '65.
SECOND LIEUTENANTS.
J. L. Bowman, May 7, '61. Res. April 14, '62.
Jos. C. Alvord, Oct. 24, '62. Killed in battle Dec. 31. '62.
Theo. Gross, June i,'63. Res. May 12, '6y
Alvin Colmus, Dec. 16, '65. Mustered out Dec. 16, '65.
FIRST SERGEANT.
Edward D. Coxe, June 15, '61. Promoted 2d lieutenant.
SECOND SERGEANT.
Charles Disbrow, June, 15, '61. Discharged Aug. 10, '62, disability.
— 1 1
82
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
Nanie^ and date of Rank. Remarks.
CORPORALS.
Elijah Smith, June 15, '61. Killed at Stone river Dec. 30, '62.
Wm. R. Wheeler,June 15, '61, Discharged Sept. i,'63.
Ben. F. Osborne, June 15, '61. Re-enlisted as vet. ; promoted ist
lieut.
Joseph Wagoner, June 15, '61. Discharged April 23, '63.
G. W, Stephens, June 15, '61. Re-enlisted as vet,; mustered out
Dec. 16, '65.
MUSICIAN.
J, D. L. Meeks, June 15, '61. Mustered out July 5, 64.
WAGONER.
Jno, Hanks, June 15, '61. Mustered out July 5, '64.
PRIVATES.
Joseph Barber, June 23, '61. Re-enlisted as vet.; mustered out
Dec. 16, '65.
Jas. T; Baker, June 15, '61. Discharged Oct. 16, '62.
Hugh Bacon, June 15, '61. Killed at Stone river Dec. 31, '62.
Philip Bloss, June 15, '61. Died at Andersonville prison June
15, '64.
Jacob ConoufF, June 15, '61. Killed at Stone river Dec. 30, '62.
Wm. H. Clipson,June 15, '61. Re-enlisted as vet.; mustered out
July 13, '65. Prisoner of war.
Jas. Clark, June 21, '61. Re-enlisted as vet-; transferred to
eng. corps Aug. 2, '64.
Henry Cruise, July 21, '61.
David Crawford, June 26, '61. Re-enlisted as vet.; mustered out
July 13, '65. Prisoner of war.
Frank Ernst, June 15, '61. Dischd Aug. 10, '62; disability.
F. H. Fammer, June 15, '61.
H. F, Fletcher, June 15, '61. Mustered out July 5, '64.
Daniel Foley, June 15, '61, Killed at Chickamauga Sept. 10,
'63.
Joseph E. Hobson, June 15, '61. Mustered out July 5, '64.
Jasper H. Hixson, June 15, '61. Disch'd March 11, '64; disability.
Wm. H. Higgins, June* 24, '61. Killed at Stone river Dec. 30, '62.
Orlando Hogan, June 24, '61. Mustered out July 5, '64.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
83
Name^ and date of Rank.
Wm. Johnson, June 35, '61.
Thos. E. Jefferson, June 25, '6i<
Jas. R. Kennedy, June 35, '61.
Jno. B. Lembeck, June 35, '61.
Jno. Leigh, June 34, '61.
Wm. McPherson, June 15, '61.
H. B. F. Martin, June 15, '61.
Jno. McAvoy, June 15, '61.
L. D. Morgan, June 33, '61.
Abe. McKitrick, June 33, '61.
Wm. McGrath, June 15, '61.
C. M. Pope, June 15, '61.
Wm. H. Ross, June 35, '61.
C. Rosenberger, June 15, '61.
Daniel Shutter, June 33, '61.
Peter Shelt, June 15, '61.
Geo. S. Stuart, June 15, '61.
Henry C. Stuart, June 15, '61.
Edward Stockton, June 15, *'6i.
Jos. Sheperd, June 15, '61.
John Smith, June 15, '61.
John Sti'eet, June 15, '61.
Patrick Shannon, June 15, '61.
Jas. Shepherd, June 23, '61.
Wm. H. Stewart, June 33, '61.
Martin Tibbett, June 15, '61.
John Thute, June 34, '61.
Jno. L. Whitton, June 15, '61.
Benj. F. Witts, June 23, '61.
Re?narks.
Discharged Oct. i, '61.
Mustered out July 5, '64.
Disch'd Sept. 39, ^62^ wounds.
Ti-ansferred to inv. corps March
Mustered out July 5, '64.
Re-enlisted as vet.; died Oct. 30,
'64.
Re-enlisted as vet.; mustered out
July 13, '65. Prisoner of war.
Mustered out July 5, '64.
Disch'd April 30, '63 ; disability.
Discharged Oct. 7, '61.
Mustered out July 5, '64.
" " as corp.
Re-enlisted as vet.; mustered out
Dec, 16, '65.
Died at Annapoljs, Md., Nov., '64.
Re-enlisted as vet.; mustered out
Dec. 16, '65.
Mustered out July 5, '64.
Re-enlisted as vet.; mustered out
Dec. 16, '65, as corporal.
Discharged to re-enlist in 15th U.
S. Inf , Dec. 34, '63.
Re-enlisted as vet.; prom, ist lieut.
Mustered out Dec. 16, '65.
Mustered out July 5, '64.
Re-enlisted as vet.; mustered out
Dec. 16, '65.
Disch'd Aug. iS, '63 — disability.
Died Jan. 7, '63 — wounds.
§4 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
JVame, and date of Rank. Remarks.
Wm. H. Witts, June 34, '61. Mustered out July 5, '64.
Rodolph Zorger, June 22, '61. Died Jan. 22, '63, of wounds.
RECRUITS.
John Cram, Oct. 12, '61. Died Nov. 10, '63.
John Eckart,Jan. 23, '62. Mustered out Jan. 28, '65.
Martin Fitzpatrick, Oct. 13, '61. " " Feb. 13, '65.
Taylor Florey, Oct. 13, '61. " " April 27, '65.
Albert Fowkes, Oct. 12, '61.
Silas W. West, Aug. 13, '61. Discharged Feb. i, '62— disability.
Company " K."
CAPTAINS.
A. M. Pattison, May 16, '61. Resigned Nov. 21, '62.
John L. Wilson, Nov. 31, '63. Promoted Major.
Sydney B. Wade, July iS, '65. Mustered out Dec. 16, '65.
SECOND LIEUTENANT.
John F. Weitzel, Jan. 31, '63. Killed at Chickamauga, Sep.19,'63.
PRIVATES.
Pat. S. Curtis, June 14, '61.
John F. Weitzel, June 35, '61. Promoted sergeant and 3d lieut.
UNASSIGNED RECRUITS.
John^Barrett, Dec. 19, '63.
THIRTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
The Thirty-fifth Illinois Infantry v^^as organized in Decatur, on
the third day of July, 1861. On the tw^enty-third it vv^as accepted
by the Secretary of War, as Col. G. A. Smith's Independent Regi-
ment of Illinois Volunteers. Left Decatur August 4th; arrived at
Jefferson Barracks, Mo., the 5th; thence to the Marine Hospital,
St. Louis; moved to JefFerson City, Mo.; next to Otterville;
marched to Sedalia and joined Gen. Siegel's advance on Spring-
field, arriving there the 36th; moved from Springfield to Rolla;
returned to Springfield the 13th of February, 1862. In an
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 85
engagement at Pea Ridge, Col. G. A. Smith was severely
wounded. The principal places of action were at Rocky-faced
Ridge, Resaca, Dallas, Mud Creek, Kenesaw, Perryville, Stone
River and Chickamauga. Mustered out at Springfield, 111., on the
27th day of September, 1S64.
ROSTER THIRTY-FIFTH REGIMENT INFANTRY,
JVame, and date of Rank. Remarks.
COLONELS.
G. A. Smith, July 2, '61. Prom. Brig.-Gen. Sept. 19, '63;
discharged Sept. 32, '63.
W. P. Chandler, Sept. 22, '63. Term expired Sept. 27, '64; jvas
Lieutenant Colonel.
John Mcllwain, July 3, '61. Killed at Kenesaw Mountain, June
22, '64.
ADJUTANTS.
W.J. Usrey, Sept. i, '61. Resigned A\yY\\ 15, '62.
Uriah Fox, April 15, '62. Resigned Nov. 17, '63.
Samuel W. Bird, Nov. 17, '63. Term expired Sept. 27, '64.
QUARTERMASTER.
John G. Miles, July 3, '61. Term expired Sept. 27, '64.
SURGEONS.
W.J. Chenoweth, Sep. 35, '61. Resigned Dec. 14, '63.
S. B. Hawley, Dec. 9, '63. Term expired Sept. 37, '64.
FIRST ASSISTANT SURGEON.
D. C. Titball, Sept. 35, '61. Term expired Sept. 37, '64.
SECOND ASSISTANT SURGEON.
Jonathan D. Wjdie, Dec. 8, '63. Term expired Sept. 37, '64.
CHAPLAINS.
p. D. Hammond, July 3, '61. Resigned ^May 13, '63.
86 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
JVame, and date of Rank. Remarks.
R. E. Harris, May 12, '63. Left at Florence, Ala., Aug. 18,
'62; not heard from.
NON-COMMISSIONED StAFF.
SERGEANT MAJOR.
Geo. B. Peake, July 3, '61. Prom. 2d lieut. Co. A, and capt'n.
HOSPITAL STEWARD.
Jos. T. DeWatney, July 3, '61. Reduced, and returned to Co. A.
PRINCIPAL MUSICIANS.
Newlin B. Davis, July 3, '61.
Archibald Monroe, July 3, '61. Promoted to principal musician.
SECOND CLASS MUSICIAN.
Joseph Ricketts, July 3, '61.
Company " A."
CAPTAINS.
B. M. Tables, July 3, '61. Resigned Dec. 20, '61.
Pierre W. Thomas, Dec. 25,'6i. Resigned Jan. 31, '64.
Geo. B. Peake, July 3, '61. Term expired Sept. 27, '64.
FIRST LIEUTENANTS.
George F. Deitz, Dec. 25, '61. Died July 8, '63.
John W. Peen, Jan. 31, '64. Term expired Sept. 27, '64.
SECOND LIEUTENANT.
Jas. ShoafF, July 3, '61. Resigned Feb. 3, '62.
privates.
Augusta Glatz, July 3, '61. Discharged Aug. 9, '62 — wounds.
Conover Hatfield, July 3, '61. Disch'd Dec. 12, '61 — disability.
Wm. C. Stewart, July 3, '61. Disch'd June 15, '62 — disability.
Andrew Stewart, July 3, '61.
Joseph McMullen, July 3, '61.
John D. McFadden, July 3, '61.
John Hager, July 3, '61.
Curtis Awstin, July 3, '61. Transferred to 59th reg't.
Frank Rea, July 3, '61.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 87
JVame, and date of Rank. Remarks.
Company " F."
N. L. F. Monroe, July 3, '61. Disch'd March 24, '63 — disability.
FORTY-FIRST ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
The Forty-first Infantry Illinois Volunteers was organized at
Decatur, Illinois, in the month of August, 1S61, by Col. Isaac C.
Pugh. Moved to St. Louis August 7; 29th moved to Bird's
Point, Mo., and assigned to the command of General Prentiss;
September 8th moved to Paducah, Ky., and assigned to General
B. F. Smith's command; February 5th, '62, moved to Fort Henry;
nth marched to Fort Donelson, and was engaged, 13th, 14th and
15th in the siege, under Colonel McArthur; March 10 moved for
Pittsburg Landing, arriving the 14th; engaged in the battle of
Shiloh, April 6th and 7th, 1862; engaged in the siege at Corinth;
marched to Memphis, arriving July II, and remained until Sept.
6; moved for Bolivar; moved from Bolivar*to LaGrange, Nov. 3;
Arrived at Memphis, Tenn., March 10, 1863; sent to Hernando,
Miss.; in an engagement at Cold water; returned to Memphis;
moved to Vicksburg May 12th, etc.; was at last consolidated with
the Fifty-third regiment.
ROSTER FORTY-FIRST REGIMENT INFANTRY.
Name., and date of Rank. Remarks.
colonel.
Isaac C. Pugh, July 27, '61. Mustered out Aug. 20, '64.
lieutenant colonels.
Ansel Tupper, July 27, '61. Killed at Pittsburg Landing April
6, '62.
Jno. Warner, April 8, '62. Discharged Nov. 26, '62.
Jno. H. Nale. Mustered out Aug. 2, '64.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
Name, and date of Rank. Re?Harks.
MAJORS.
F. M. Long. Killed in action July 12, '63.
R. H. McFadden. Transferred to field staff as con-
solidated.
ADJUUTANTS.
B. G. Pugh, Dec. 12, '61. Res. March 17, '62.
Wm. C. Gillespie. Mustered out Aug. 20, '64.
QUARTERMASTERS.
H. C. Bradsbyjuly 27, '61. Res. June 9, '62.
I. R. Pugh, Sept. 30, '62. Res. Aug. i, '63.
John Boughman. Mustered out Aug, 20, '64.
SURGEONS.
Wm. M. Gray. Mustered out March 29, '62.
Chas. Carle. cc ^ug. 20, '64.
FIRST ASSISTANT SURGEON.
Geo. W. Short, July 27, '61. Resigned.
O. M. Warmoth, April 12, '62. Transferred to field and staff as
consolidated.
SECOND ASSISTANT SURGEON.
Jno. W. Coleman, Sept. 30, '62. Term expired '66.
Company " A."
CAPTAINS.
Jno. H. Nale, July 27, '61. Promoted.
M. F. Kanan, April 8, '62. Transferred to Co. A as consolida-
ted.
FIRST LIEUTENANTS.
Geo. R. Steele, April 8, '62. Res. Aug. 3, '63.
Rolando Bell, April 8, '62. Prom, from 2d lieut.; must'd out
Aug. 20, '64.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. So
Nafue, and date of Rank. Remarks.
\ NON-COMMISSIONED StAFF.
f ' SERGEANT MAJOR.
Hartley G. Pugh, Aug. 5, '6i. Promoted adjutant.
QUARTERMASTER SERGEANT.
Alonzo Burgess, Aug. 5/61. Mustered out Aug. 20, '64.
HOSPITAL STEWARD.
Jas. W. Routh, Aug. 5, '61. Mustered out Aug. 20, '64.
PRINCIPAL MUSICIAN.
Alex. Allsbury, Aug. 5, '61. Reduced to ranks Sept. i, '62.
FIRST SERGEANT.
Lewis B. Morton, Aug. 5, '61. Died at Paducah, Ky., Sep. 19, '61.
SERGEANTS.
Roland Bell, Aug, 5, '61. Promoted 2d lieut.
Bryant Kelsey, Aug. 5, '61. Died June 30, '63; wounds.
W. E. Winholtz. Aug. 5, '61. Mustered out Aug. 30, '64, as ist
sergt. ; wounds.
David S. Morse, Aug. 5, '61. Died at Moscow, Tenn., Jan. 33,
\
CORPORALS.
Wm. H. Hecocks, Aug. 5, '61. Sergt., killed at Jackson, Miss.,
July 12, '63.
Moses A. Stare, Aug. 5, '61.
Henry C. Payne, Aug. 5, '61. Mustered out Aug. 30, '64.
H. M. Streever, Aug. 5, '61. " » as sergt.
Jno. W. Sheperd, Aug. 5, '61. Discharged Nov. 10, '63; wounds.
Fred. O. Spooner, Aug. 5, '61. Killed at Shiloh, April 6, '62.
Horace W. Clark, Aug. 5, '61.
PRIVATES.
Anderson, Jas. W., Aug. 5, '61. Mustered out Aug. 30, '64.
Asher, Robert, Aug. 5, '61. " «
Albert, John, Aug. 5, '61. " «
Bryant, James, Aug. 5, '61. « «
90
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
Name^ and date of Rank.
Boring, John, Aug. 5, '61.
Beamer, Marion, Aug. 5, '61.
Betzer, Geo. W., Aug. 5, '61.
Bell, Albert, Aug. 5, '61.
Bridleman, Sam., Aug. 5, '61.
Bear, Sam..W., Aug. 5, '61.
Brancet, Marion, Aug. 5, '61.
Buck, Latham, Aug. 5, '61.
Cole, Aaron, Aug. 5, '61.
Chambers, Henry, Aug. 5, '61.
Collady, Hen. S., Aug. 5, '61.
Crandall, Chris., Aug. 5, '61.
Clark, Henry G., Aug. 5, '61.
Culver, L, L., Aug. 5, '61.
Cox, Jas. S., Aug. 5, '61.
Drennen,J. B., Aug. 5, '61.
Dubois, M, C, Aug. 5, '61,
Delany, Elijah, Aug. 5, '61.
Davis, Geo. W., Aug. 5, '61.
Davis, John M., Aug. 5, '61.
Edmundson, J. W., Aug. 5, '61
Ebord, Adam, Aug. 5, '61.
Fuller, Henry, Aug. 5, '61.
Fike,John, Aug. 5, '61.
Fennor, Elijah B., Aug. 5, '61,
Forin, John L., Aug. 5, '61.
Greene, Enoch D., Aug. 5, '61.
Giblin, Michael, Aug. 5, '61.
Classic, R. W., Aug. 5, '61.
Guthbred, Richd., Aug. 5, '61.
Greene, Wm. H., Aug. 5. '61.
Hays, John, Aug. 5, '61.
Hull, John R., Aug. 5, '61.
Hull, James E., Aug. 5, '61.
Harter, Thos. J., Aug. 5, '61.
Remarks.
Mustered out Aug. 20, '64.
Discharged Sept. 28, '62; wounds.
Mustered out Aug. 20, '64.
(( ((
Disch'd Oct. iS, '62; disability.
Mustered out Aug. 20, '64.
Re-enlisted as vet.; transferred to
Co. A, vet. bat.
Re-enlisted as vet.; wounded.
Disch'd June 10, '62; disabiUty.
Discharged for disability.
Mustered out Aug. 20, '64.
Died Nov,, '61.
Mustered out Aug. 20, '64.
Killed at Shiloh April 6, '62.
Killed at Donelson f'eb. 15, '62.
Died at home Sept. 23, '63; w'nds.
Mustered out Aug. 20, '64.
Disch'd Nov. 24, '61 ; disability.
. Mustered out Aug. 20, '64.
" " w'nded.
Mustered out Aug. 20, '64.
Supposed died at Decatur, 111.
Mustered out Aug. 20, '64.
" " as Corp.
Discharged Aug. 6, '61, by writ of
habeas corpus.
Discharged April S, '63, as corp. ;
disability.
Died in hands of enemy; w'nded.
Disch'd Dec. 5, '62 ; wounds.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
91
Name^ and date of Rank.
Huston, Walt. B., Aug, 5, '61.
Huston, Norv., Aug. 5, '61.
Hackney, Thos., Aug. 5, '61.
Jordan, I. N., Aug. 5. '61.
Jennison, Geo., Aug. 5, '61.
Kelse, Oscar A., Aug. 5, '61.
Kile, Isaac W., Aug. 5, '61.
Kummisson, J.W. Aug. 5, '61.
Longabaugh, R., Aug. 5, '61.
Longabaugh, C, Aug. 5, '61.
Morlan, Wm. M., Aug. 5, '61.
Manderville, Geo., Aug. 5, '61.
Moore, Jas. W., Aug. 5, '61.
McDonald, Hugh, Aug. 5, '61.
Monohon,J. M., Aug. 5, '61.
Parr, Wm., Aug. 5, '61.
Ray, Jos., Aug. 5, '61.
Smick, Aaron, Aug. 5, '61.
Sides, Jas. M., Aug. 5, '61.
Stookey, H. L., Aug. 5, '61.
Stookey, Wm. H., Aug. 5, '61.
Strope, Thos. B., Aug. 5, '61.
Smith, Wm. W., Aug. 5, '61.
Sweet, Michael, Aug. 5, '61.
Senseman, Daniel, Aug. 5, '61.
Smith, Wm. H., Aug. 5, '61.
Short, William T., Aug. 5, '61,
Spainhower, D., Aug. 5, '61.
Stewart, Jas. H., Aug. 5, '61.
Troxell, Jas. B., Aug. 5, '61.
Todd, Geo. E., Aug. 5, '61.
Tuttle, George, Aug. 5, '61.
Remarks.
Mustered out Aug. 20, '64.
Killed at Shiloh April 6, '62.
Disch'd Sept. 19, '62; wounds.
Wounded at Shiloh; killed at
Vicksburg June 7, '63.
Captured, paroled.
W'nded at Donelson ; disch'd Oct.
33, '63, as Corp., and prom.
Mustered out Aug. 30, '64, as corp.
Trans, to in v. corps Sept. 15, '63.
Re-enlisted as vet.; transferred to
Co. A, vet. bat.
Disch'd Nov. 7, ''62 ; wounds.
Mustered out Aug. 30, '64.
Died at Paducah, Ky., Feb. 7, '63.
Died at Paducah, Ky., Dec. 38, '61.
Must'd out Aug. 30, '64 (vet. bat.)
Wounded at Shiloh; re-enlisted as
vet.; transferred to Co. A.
M. O. Aug. 3o, '64, as sergeant;
wounded.
Mustered out Aug. 30, '64.
Discharged Aug. 3, '64; wounds.
Died at Alexandria, La., Ap.17,'64.
Disch'd April 37, '62; disability.
Discharged Sept. 19, ''Gz-^ wounds.
Discharged Sept. 3o, ''G'i^., as corp.;
wounds.
Serg't; died April 16, '63; wounds.
Disch'd Feb. 37, '63; disability.
Disch'd Sept. iS, '63; disability.
M. O. Aug. 3o, '64; wounded.
(C 1.1. IC 1.1.
Disch'd April 7, ""Gz ; disability.
Killed at Shiloh, April 6, '()2.
92 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
Name^ and date of Rank. Remarks.
Thompson, G. W., Aug. 5, '61. Disch'd Nov. 17, '62; disability.
Timmons, S. H., Aug. 5, '61. Mustered out Aug. 20, '64.
Timmons, M. F., Aug. 5, '61. Died at Natchez Oct. 20, '63, of
wounds.
Tansy, Alex. W„ Aug. 5, '61. Disch'd Nov. 25, '62; disability.
Vaughan, Wm. D., Aug. 5, '61. Disch'd Aug. 4, '62; disability.
Westcott, W. H., Aug. 5 '61. Mustered out Aug. 20, '64,
White, John R., Aug. 5, '6t. Re-enlisted as vet.; transferred to
Co. A., Vet. Bat.
Williams, Andrew, Aug. 5, '61. Transferred to invalid corps, Sept.
15, '63-
Williams, John E., Aug. 5, '61. Died at Jackson, Tenn.
Wilson, Hiram R., Aug. 5, '61. Disch'd Aug. 2, '62; wounds.
Ward, John J., Aug. 5, '61. Mustered out Aug. 20, '64.
Whitesell, Wm. H., Aug. 5, '61.
RECRUITS.
Grain, Jas. H. Died at home, Oct. 27, '63.
Hull, Joel. Mustered out Aug. 20, '64.
McDonald, Samuel A, Deserted.
Robey, Kilburn H. Disch'd Nov. 24, '61; disability.
Schroll, George B. Disch'd Sept. 18, '62; wounds.
Wheeler, William. Mustered out May 3, ''66^ to date
Aug. 25, '62.
Company " B."
CAPTAINS.
A. B. Lee, July 27, '61. Resigned Aug. 11, '63.
John H. Davis, Aug, 15, '63. Term expired Aug. 20, '64; was
1st lieutenant.
FIRST LIEUTENANT.
Wm. H. Palmer, Aug. 15, '63. Transferred to Co. B, as consoli-
dated; was 2d lieutenant.
SECOND LIEUTENANT.
Jackson A. Alelick, July 27, '61. Died at Mound City, Mar. i, '62.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. o^
Na?ne, and date of Rank. Remarks.
PRIVATE.
Good, John C, Jan. 3, '64. Transferred to Co. B, Vet. Bat.;
transferred to Co. G, 53d.
Company "E."
CAPTAIN.
Jno. L. Armstrong, Jul}' 27,'6i. Died Dec. 11, '61.
W. S. Oglesby, Dec. 12, '61. Killed in action, April 6, '62; was
1st lieutenant.
Oscar Short, Sept. i, '62. Term expired Aug. 20, '64.
FIRST LIEUTENANTS.
Robert Warnick, Dec. 12, '61. Dismissed as 2d lieut.
Jas. A. Wilson, April 18, '62. Term expired Aug. 20, '64.
I SECOND LIEUTENANTS.
Jas. M. Taylor, Dec. 12, '61. Resigned April 26, '62.
S. R. Appleton, Sept. 30, '62. Resigned Nov. 18, '62.
Jos. Cathervvood, Nov. iS, '62. Term expired Aug. 20, '64.
SERGEANT.
Pasley, Buckner H., Aug. 5, '61. Mustered out Aug. 20, '64.
Wilson, Jas. A., Aug. 5, '61. Promoted ist lieutenant.
Yick, Joseph, Aug. 5, '61. Died April 8, '62; wounds.
CORPORALS.
Rose, Albert D., Aug. 5, '61. Disch'd Sept. 6, '62; disability.
Bennett, Jno. H., Aug. 5, '6i. Disch'd April 18, '62; disability.
Strait, Oscar, Aug. 5, '61, Promoted sergeant, then captain.
Stevens, Henry, Aug. 5, '61. M. O. Aug. 20, '64, as private.
Graham, Harrison, Aug. 5, '61. Drowned near Decatur, June 19,
'62.
Stevens, Jas. M., Aug. 5, '6\. Mustered out Aug. 30, '64.
Burke, Jas. W., Aug. 5, '61. Discharged Oct. 9, '62.
Graham, Jacob, Aug. 5, '61. Killed at Shiloh, April 6, '63.
PRIVATES.
Armstrong, T.J,, Aug. 5, '61. Mustered out Aug. 20, '64.
Austin, Edmiston, Aue. < '61. " «
94
HISJORY OF MACON COUNTY.
Name^ and date of Rank.
Botts, Wm. D., Aug. 5, '61.
Berry, Jesse R., Aug. 5, '6 1 .
Barrel!, John P., Aug. 5, '61.
Bennett, Wm., Aug. 5, '61.
Beshle, John, Aug. 5, '61.
Berry, Benjamin, Aug. 5, '61.
Brookshire, J. P., Aug. 5, '61.
Barker, C. S., Aug. 5, '61.
Bentley, Charles, Aug. 5, '61.
Brewington, H. I., Aug. 5, '61.
Clark, Benjamin, Aug. 5, '61.
Clark, Martin, Aug. 5, '61.
Crouch, Alex., Aug. 5, '61.
Carmean, Pearson, Aug. 5, '61.
Davis, David M., Aug. 5, '61.
Douglas, Edward, Aug. 5, '61.
Dillon, Job A., Aug. 5, '61.
Evans, Robert, Aug. 5, '61.
Graham, Wm. J., Aug. 5, '61.
Griffee, Levi, Aug. 5, '61.
Gull, John Z., Aug. 5, '61. ♦
Hemstead, Henry, Aug. 5, '61.
Herring, Thomas, Aug. 5, '61.
Jostis, Henry, Aug. 5, '61.
Jostis, William, Aug. 5, '61.
Jones, David, Aug. 5, '61.
Kirbaugh, Wm., Aug, 5, '61.
Langdon, S., Aug. 5, '61.
Long, Jas, W., Aug. 5, '61.
Little, James W., Aug. 5, '61.
Lutrelle, John, Aug, 5, '61.
Remarks.
Disch'd Sept. 19, '62; disability.
Died Nov. II, '63; wounds.
Disch'd Mar. 2, '63; disability.
Mustered out Aug. 20, '64.
Re-enlisted as vet.; transferred to
Co. A, Vet. Bat.
Died Aug. 6, '62 ; wounds.
Serg't; died at Keokuk, July i,'62.
Disch'd April 10, '63; disability.
Re-enlisted as vet.; transferred to
Co. A, Vet. Bat.
Re enlisted as vet.; transferred to
Co. A.
In marine service; said to have
been discharged.
Mustered out Aug. 20, '64.
Re-enlisted as vet. ; transferred to
Co. A, Vet. Bat.
Disch'd Dec, 7, '61; disability.
Killed at Shiloh, April 2, '62.
Re-enlisted as veteran.
Mustered out Aug. 20, '64.
Disch'd June 19, '63; disability.
Prisoner of war; mustered out of
regiment.
Disch'd Jan. 8, '62; disability.
Died at Albany, Ind., June 9, '62.
Serg't; died July 18, '63; wounds.
Mustered out Aug. 20, '64,
(.1. ((
Disch'd June 17, '62; disability.
Re-enlisted as veteraji.
Died at Paducah, Ky., Dec. 2, '61.
Died July 21, '63; wounds.
Mustered out Aug. 20, '64.
Died at Columbus, Ky., Dec. 4, '62.
HISTORY OF MACON COU*fTY.
95
JVame^ and date of Rank.
McQuality, Jas. Aug. 5, '6i.
Malon, Perry, Aug. 5, '61.
Nicholson, J. N., Aug. 5, '61.
Odor, Henry C, Aug. 5, '61.
Peck, Geo. A., Aug.
'61.
5, '61.
Pasley, Jos. A., Aug. 5, 'C
Pasley, M. L., Aug. 5, '61
Pope, John, Aug, 5, '61.
Read, John, Aug. 5, '61.
Ralls, Geo. W., Au<
Rose, Wm. C, Aug
. 5, '61.
^ 5/61.
Scott, John, Aug. 5, '61.
Shovtel, John, Aug. 5, '61.
Stephens, Jos. F., Aug. 5, '61.
Stith, Geo. W., Aug. 5, '61.
Sinnard, Ben. P., Aug. 5, '61.
Smith, Simon D., Aug. 5, '61
Uh
Chas., Aug-.
Ward, John, Aug. 5, '61.
Allsbury, Alex.
Green, Aaron.
Remarks.
Disch'd N(
15, '62; disability.
Mustered out Aug. 20. '64.
Missing since Feb. 10, ''62.
posed dead.
sup-
Sergeant; died at Mound City.
March S, '62.
Mustered out Aug 20, '64.
Died at Paducah, Ky., Dec. 4, '61.
Trans, to inv. corps Dec. i, '63.
Killed at Ft. Donelson.
Mustered out Aug. 20, '64.
Died AjDril 13, ^62; wounds.
Murray, Patrick.
Nevins, Chas.
Perdue, James T., Dec. 22, '63-
Stevens, F. M.
Stevens John D.
Smith, Joseph.
Walker, Joseph L.,Jan. 5, '64.
Wheeler, And. M.
Mustered out in the field.
Disch'd Dec. 20, '61; disability.
Killed at Shiloh April 6, '62.
Disch'd Feb. 14, '63; disability.
Disch'd Sept. i, '62, as corp.; dis-
ability.
'61. Mustered out Aug. 20, '64.
" " as ser-
geant; wounded.
RECRUITS.
Re-enlisted at vet.
Mustered out Aug. 20, '64, as 1st
sergt.
Transferred to Co. A. vet. bat.
Re-enlisted as vet.
Mustered out Aug. 20, '64.
Died at Memphis, Tenn., April 3,
'63.
Trans, to Co. A, vet. bat.
Mustered out May 29, '65.
96
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
Name^ and date of Raitk. Remarks.
Company » F."
CAPTAINS.
David P. Brown, July 27, '6i. Res. March 28, '62.
J. C. Lewis, March 28, '62. Resigned Oct. 16, '62; was ist
Heut. and 2d Heut.
Jesse F. Harrold, Oct. 16, '62. Term expired Aug, 20, '64; was
1st heut.
P'IRST LIEUTENANTS.
H. C. McCook, July 27, '61. Promoted chaplain.
Henry Bevis, Oct. i, '61. Res. Feb. 10, '62.
Wm. H. Taylor, Oct. 16, '62. Term expired Aug. 20, '64; was
2d lieutenant.
SECOND LIEUTENANT.
Ed. C. Sackett, Oct. 16, '62. Term expired Aug. 20, '64.
PRIVATES.
Rogers, Henry, Aug. 7, '61. Re-enlisted as vet.
Petrey, Solomon. Mustered out Aug. 20, '64.
Rouse, Levi. Disch'd May 5, '62; disability.
Company " G."
CAPTAINS.
Francis M. Long, July 27, '61. Prom, major.
Daniel H. Hall, Sept. i. '62. Prom, by President May 26, '64;
was 1st lieut.
T.J. Anderson, May 27, '64. Term expired Aug. 20, '64; was
1st lieut. and 2d lieut.
FIRST LIEUTENANTS.
John B. Butler, Sept. i, '62. Res. June 18, '63; was 2d lieut.
Chas G. Young, May 27, '64. Term expired Aug. 20, '64.
SECOND LIEUTENANT.
John C. Cox, July 27, '61. Died April 9, '62; wounds rec'd at
Pittsburg- Landing.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
97
Name, and date of Rafik. Remarks,
PRIVATES.
Redely, Wm. H., July 26, '61. Killed at Shiloh April 6, '62.
Ready, John W. Disch'd Sept, 18, '62; disability.
Company " H."
CAPTAINS.
H. Blackstone, July 27, '61. Res. Jan. 14, '62.
John H. HufFner, Jan. 28, '62. Killed in battle April 6, '62; was
ist lieut.
Luther H. Wilber, April 7, '62. Died April 38, '62; was 1st lieut.
Wm. F. Turney, April 29, '62. Term expired Aug. 20, '64; was 2d
lieut.
FIRST LIEUTENANTS.
James S. Steen,July 27, '61. Res. Dec. 21, '61.
D. M. Turney, April 29, '62 . Term expired Aug. 20, '64.
SECOND LIEUTENANTS.
H. H. Hardy, Dec. 25, '61 . Res. May 31, '62.
Chris. Corneley, May 22, '62. Killed in action July 12, '63.
PRIVATES.
Pugh, Isaac R. Prom, regimental quartermaster.
Company " I."
CAPTAINS.
Ben. B. Bacon, July 27, '61 . Res. Mar. 4, '62 .
F. M. Green, Mar 5, '62. Term expired Aug. 20, '64; was
2d lieutenant.
FIRST LIEUTENANTS.
B. R. Parrish,July 27, '61 . Res. Sept. 28, '62.
Leander Green, Nov. 5, '62 . Term expired Aug. 20, '64; was
2d lieut.
SECOND LIEUTENANT.
P.J. Frederick, Sept. 28, '62. Term expired Aug. 20, '64.
—13
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
JVame, and date of Rank. Reinarks.
PRIVATES.
Carmon, Jno. P., Aug. 5, '6i. Promoted commissary sergt.
Gross, Sam'l E., Aug. 5, '61, Discharged Aug. 16, '61.
Jacobs, Geo., Aug. 5, '61. Mustered out Aug. 20, '64.
Wells, Elijah, Aug. 5, '61. " "
White, Henry, Aug. 5, '61. Died accidental w'nds Sept. 13, '62
Wellhouse, Peter, Aug. 5, '61. Mustered out Aug. 20, '64.
VETERANS.
Conrad, Edward, Jan. 21, '64. Transferred to Co. A, vet. bat.
Frazee, Ben. F., Dec. 18, '63. Transferred to vet. bat.
Jones, James, Jan. 5, '64. " "
Snyder, Henry, Dec. iS, '63. " "
Smith, Wm. H., Dec. 18, '63.
Woodward, Sam., Feb. 10, '64. " "
Davidson, Jo., April 5, '64.
Gaines, Maxwell, Oct. 31, '63.
Stingley, Daniel, Jan. 15, '64.
SIXTY-THIRD INFANTRY.
The Sixty-third Infantry, Illinois Volunteers, was organized at
Camp Dubois, Anna, Illinois, in the month of December, 1861, by
Colonel Francis Moro, and mustered into United States service
April 10, 1S63. Ordered to Cairo April 27; to Henderson, Ky.,
July 13; returned to Cairo 22d. August 4th moved to Jackson,
Tenn., and assigned to Fourth Brigade, Seventh Division, Seven-
teenth Army Corps, Col. John D. Stephenson, Seventh Missouri
Infantry, commanding brigade. Brig. -Gen. John A. Logan com-
manding division. November 10 moved to LaGrange; 2Sth
moved against Pemberton, and returned to LaGrange January 16,
1863. May loth, 1863, ordered to Vicksburg, Miss.; on picket
duty at Young's Point till May 21st; June 7th assigned to Mower's
Brigade, and moved to Millikin's Bend. In an engagement at
Richmond, La.; returned to Young's Point, thence to Vicksburg;
July 5th, 1863, moved to Helena, Ark; 38th moved to Memphis;
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY,
99
moved towards Chattanooga; November i6th arrived at Bridge-
port, Ala.; arrived at Chattanooga November 20th; engaged in
battle at Mission Ridge, 23d and 24th of November, 1863; arrived
at Huntsville Dec. 36th, and went into winter quarters. Ordered to
Illinois on veteran furlough, April 3, and returned to Huntsville,
May 3 1st, 1S64. June 22d moved to Kingston; command ordered
to join Gen. Sherman; December loth, 1864, arrived at Savannah,
and moved to Miller's Station, on the Gulf Railroad; started on a
trip through the Carolinas; returned to Savannah. Participated
in the battle of Bentonville, N. C, March 21st, and entered Golds-
boro March 24, 1S65; moved to Raleigh; moved from Raleigh
April 29th, and arrived at Richmond May 10; went to Alexan-
dria; participated in the grand review^ at Washington, May 24;
moved to Parkersburg, on the Ohio river, thence to Louisville, Ky.
July 13, 1S65, mustered out of United States service, and left for
Camp Butler, Illinois, arriving there July i6th, after having trav-
eled 6,453 miles.
ROSTER SIXTY-THIRD INFANTRY.
Name^ and date of Rank. Remarks.
COLONELS.
Francis Moro, Dec. i, '61. Resigned Sept. 29, '62.
Jos. B. McCown, Sept. 29, '62. M. O. April 9, '65; was Lt.-Col.
James Isaminger, July 12, '65. M. O.July 12, '65; was Lt.-Col
LIEUTENANT COLONEL.
Henry Glaze, Sept. 24, '62. Res. June 30, '63; was Major.
MAJORS. .
Joseph K. Lemen, Sept. 29, ''Gz. Mustered out April 9, '65,
J. R. Stanford, June 4, '65. " July 135 '65.
ADJUTANTS.
C. S. Chambers, April 10, '62. Resigned [Dec. 16, '62.
W. P. Richardson, Dec. 16, '62. Mustered out April 9, '65.
Theodore Elfes, June 6, '65. " July 13, '65.
lOO HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
JVame^ and date of Rank. Remarks.
QUARTERMASTERS.
John M. Maris, Feb. 28, '62. Mustered out April 9, '65.
Benj, Robertson, June 6, '65. " J«ly ^S? '^S-
SURGEONS.
Wm. M. Gray, May 26, '62. Resigned Sept. 12, '62,
J. W. McKinney, Sept. 15, '62. Mustered out April 9, '65.
Alex. A. Lodge, June 6, '65. M. O. July 13, '65; was ist asst.
surgeon and 2d.
FIRST ASSISTANT SURGEON.
Lyman Hall, April 10, '62. Resigned Dec. 31, '62.
CHAPLAINS.
Stephen Blair, April 10, '62. Died.
John Glaze, Feb. 2, '63. Commission canceled.
George Compton, May 22, '63. Mustered out July 13, '65.
Company '.' H."
■ captains.
S. G. Parker, April 10, '62. Discharged July 14, '63.
John M. Davis, July 14, '63. Discharged April 30, '64; was ist
lieutenant.
Geo. W. Baxter, July 12, '65. M. O.July 12, 65; was ist lieut.
FIRST LIEUTENANTS.
Wilson F. Cox, July 14, '63. M. O. May 24, '65; was 2d lieut.
A.J. Bixler, July 12, '65. M. O.July 13, '65.
SECOND LIEUTENANTS.
James Houselman, April 10, '62. Discharged Dec. 2, '63.
Thos. Abernethy, July 13, '65. Mustered out July 13, '65.
FIRST SERGEANT.
Snides, Daniel D., Dec. 16, '61.
SERGEANTS.
Cox, Wilson T., Dec. 16, '61. Promoted 2d lieut.
Baxter, Geo. W., Dec. 16, '61, Re-enlisted as veteran.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
Name, and date of Rank. Retnarks.
Freeman, R„ Dec. i6, '6i. Re-enlisted as veteran.
Mettlin, Jas. C, Dec, i6, '6i. " "
CORPORALS.
McQuay, Jos., Dec. i6, '6i.
Peterson, J. M. B., Dec. i6, '6i. Died at Jackson, Tenn., Sept. 15,
'63.
Dawson, D. L,, Dec. 16, '61 . Re-enlisted as veteran.
Kohr, Samuel W., Dec. 16, '61.
Robinson, David, Dec. 16, '61. Died, Jackson, Tenn., Sept. I4,'62.
Lawrence, Y. P., Dec. 16, '61. Mustered out April 9, '65.
Hill, Joel, Dec. 16, '61.
Holmes, W. H,, Dec. 16, '61. Disch'd Nov. 14, '62; disability.
WAGONER.
Rowe, Absalom, Dec. 16, '61. Disch'd Nov. 14, '63; disability.
PRIVATES.
Ayers, Dan. C, Dec. 16, '61. Re-enlisted as vet.; mustered out
July 13, '65.
Armstrong, S. A., Dec. 16, '61. Died at Cairo, May 12, '62.
Abbott, Josiah, Dec. 16, '61.
Abernethy, Thos., Dec. 16, '61. Re-enlisted as vet.; mustered out
July 13, '65, as serg't.
Asbury, Levi, Dec. 16, '61. Re-enlisted as veteran,
Barnes, Wm. H., Dec. 16, '61. " "
Brockway, A., Dec. 16, '61.
Brockway, D. L,, Dec, 16, '61, Disch'd Nov, 14, '62; disability.
Bixler, A, J,, Dec, 16, '61, Re-enlisted as vet.; mustered out
July 13, ''6^^, as ist serg't.
Bruce, Franklin, Dec. 16, '61. Mustered out May 31, '65,
Brower, Godfrey, Dec, 16, '61,
Bozarth, Jno. S., Dec. 16, '61. Re-enlisted as vet; mustered out
July 13, '65.
Burch, George, Dec. 16, '61. Re-enlisted as vet,; mustered out
July 13, '65,
Barnhart, Jacob, Dec. 16, '61. Died at Anna, 111., April 27, '62,
Baily, Samuel, Dec, 16, '61, Discharged June 28, '64.
Crawford, Eli, Dec. 16, '61,
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
Name^ and date of Rank.
Crawford, Wm,, Dec. i6, '6i.
Crawford, S., Dec. i6, '6i.
Culver, S. M., Dec. i6, '6i.
Campbell, S. D., Dec. i6, '6i.
Cadwallader, A., Dec. i6, '6i.
Church, George, Dec. 16, '6i.
Cline, Simon, Dec. 16, '61.
Crigler, Wm. H., Dec. 16, '61.
Doolen, J. L., Dec. 16, '61.
Day, Richard, Dec. 16, '61.
Earles, Joshua, Dec. 16, '61.
Earls, Booker, Dec. 16, '61.
Ebbert,John J., Dec. 16, '61.
Ford, Wm. C, Dec. 16, '61.
Flaherty, Jno., Dec. 16, '61.
Harrigan, Jno., Dec. 16, '61.
Holly, Michael, Dec. 16, '61.
Harman, Jesse, Dec. 16, '61.
Hogan, John, Dec. 16, '61.
Jones, James H., Dec. 16, '61.
Lynch, Myter, Dec. 16, '61.
Lacost, John, Dec. 16, '61.
Lord, Andrew, Dec. 16, '61.
Meddleton, B., Dec. 16, '61.
McWilliams, H., Dec. 16, '61,
Moore John, Dec. 16, '61.
Morgan, Samuel, Dec. 16, '61.
Newton, Wm., Dec. 16, '61.
Piatt, Phinneas, Dec. 16, 61,
Querry, Wm., Dec. 16, '61.
Roberts, Jos., Dec. 16, '61.
Remarks.
Re-enlisted as vet. ; mustered out
July 15, '65.
Disch'd Nov. 14, '62; disability.
Mustered out April 9, '65.
Died at Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 3,
'64.
Re-enlisted as vet.; mustered out
July 13, '65.
Disch'd Nov. 14, '62; disability.
Mustered out April 9, '65.
Disch'd Sept. 9, '62; disability.
Re-enlisted as veteran.
Re-enlisted as veteran.
Re-enlisted as vet.; mustered out
July 12, '65.
Re-enlisted as vet.
Re-enlisted as vet.; mustered out
July 15, '65.
Mustered out April 9, '65.
Retained to make good the time
lost.
Mustered out April 29, '65.
Mustered out April 11, ''6'-^.
Re-enlisted as vet.; musteved out
J"iy 15. '65-
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
[O3
Name^ and date of Rajik.
Sheets, Joseph, Dec. 16, '61.
Sheets, Isaiah, Dec, 16, '61.
Smith, James, Dec. 16, '61.
Smith, George, Dec. 16, '61.
SparHng, And., Dec. 16, '61.
Sparhng, Isaac, Dec. 16, '61.
Suck, Jacob, Dec. 16, '61.
Sullivan, Orrea S. Dec. 16, '6i.
Umbei-t, Chas. F., Dec. 16, '61.
Wimmer, B., Dec. 16, '61.
Wilson, W. A., Dec. 16, '61.
Wilson, John B., Dec. 16, '61.
Wright Harrison, Dec. 16, '61.
Watkins, Joel, Dec. 16, '61.
Waller, Eli, Dec. 16, '61.
Weiver, Isaac, Dec. 16, '61.
Waggoner, Thos., Dec. 16, '61.
Waggoner, R., Dec. 16, '61.
Young, George, Dec. 16, '61.
Young, Jas. B., Dec. 16, '61.
Remarks.
Died at Mound City May 20, '62.
Re-enlisted as vet.; mustered out
Re-enlisted as vet.
" " mustered out
Re-enlisted as vet.
Mustered out April 9, '65.
Disch'd July 19, '62; disability.
Mustered out April 9, '65.
Re-enlisted as vet.; mustered out
July 13, '65.
Re-enlisted as vet.
Discharged July 33, '62.
Re-enlisted as vet.
RECRUITS.
Abbott, Isaiah, Dec. 16, '61.
Beach, Harmon, Feb. 27, '64.
Davis, Allen, Feb. 37, '64.
Mustered out July 13, '65.
ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTEENTH REGIMENT ILLI-
NOIS INFANTRY.
This regiment left Camp Butler the 4th of Oct., 1S62; reported
to Gen. Wright, at Cincinnati, the 6th, and crossed over into Ken-
tucky and reported to Brig. Gen. A. J. Smith, and was assigned to
Second Brigade Second Division, Army of Kentucky. Passed to
I04 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
Richmond, Kentucky, and remained there about two months.
About the 21st of December, went to Danville, Ky.; from Dan-
ville to Louisville, thence to Nashville, Tenn., and went into camp.
From Nashville to Franklin, and wgnt into camp. In March, '63,
under Baird and Atkins, they assisted in driving VanDorn across
the Duck river, and then returned to camp and remained until June
1st, 1863. Went to Triune, Tenn., and June 24, with the Army of
the Cumberland, drove Gen. Bragg across the Tennessee. Went
into camp at Tullahoma, but soon marched towards Chattanooga,
with a forced march across the Cumberland mountains to Ross-
ville, Ga. On the 19th and 20th of September, engaged the
enemy on the field of Chickamauga. In this engagement, lost five
men from Macon county. After the engagement marched against
Dalton, Ga. ; returned to camp near Cleveland, Tenn.; remained
there until the 3d day of May, then joined Sherman's Army on the
Atlantic campaign. This regiment led the charge at Tunnel Hill,
Ga., and engaged in battle at Resaca, Ga., on the 15th and i6th of
May, 1864. This regiment took an active part in the engagements
of November and December, 1864, which resulted in the destruc-
tion of Bragg's old veteran army, known as the Army of the Ten-
nessee, under Gen. Hood. The Brigade to which the 115th Illinois
was attached for nearlv two years was known as the " Iron Brig-
ade."
On the 23d of December, 1S64, while pursuing Hood in his re-
treat from Nashville, Col. J. H. Moore of the 115th Illinois took
command of this Brigade, of which the 115th was a part. This
position he kept until the regiment w^as mustered out of service at
the close of the war. The regiment went to Huntsville, Ala., and
went into camp the 5th of Jan., 1865. On the 14th of March
went into East Tennessee, then to Nashville, where it remained
until it was mustered out of service at the close of the war, June
II, 1865. Arrived at Camp Butler, 111., June 16; received pay, and
discharged, June 23.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. IO5
ROSTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTEENTH REGI-
MENT INFANTRY.
Name., and date of Rank. Retnarks.
COI>ONEL.
Jesse H. Moore, Sept. 13, '62. Promoted Brevet Brig. -Gen., May
LIEUTENANT COLONELS.
Wm. Kinman, Sept. 13, '62. Killed in battle, Sept. 20, '63.
Geo. A. Poteet, Sept. 20, '63. Must'd out June 11, '65; was Maj.
MAJOR.
Jno. W. Lapham, Sept. 20, '63. Mustered out June, 11, '65; was
Capt. Co. A.
ADJUUTANTS.
John H. Woods, Sept. 13, '62. Resigned April 10, '63.
A. Litsinberger, April 10, '63. Resigned Oct. 26, '63.
W. W. Peddecord, Oct. 26, '63. Mustered out June 11, '65.
I QUARTERMASTERS.
B. F. Farly, Sept. 13, '62. Resigned April i, '63.
Chas. W.Jerome, April i, '63. Mustered out June 11, '65.
SURGEONS.
Enoch W. Moore, Oct. 4, '62. Resigned xA.pril 17, '63.
Chas. W. Higgins, June S, '63. Declined commission.
Garner H. Bane, June 17, '63. Mustered out June 11, '65.
FIRST ASSISTANT SURGEONS.
N. G. Blalock, Sept. 13, '62. Resigned July 27, '63.
Clark E. Loomis, Aug. 17, '64. Mustered out June 11, ''G^.
SECOND ASSISTANT SURGEON.
James A. Jones, Oct. 3, '62. Murdered by guerrillas, Tunnel
Hill, Ga., July 1 1, '64.
CHAPLAINS.
Arthur Bradshaw, Sept. 33, '62. Resigned Dec. 30, '62.
— 14
Io6 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
JVame, and date of Rank. Remarks.
Richard Holding, Jan. i,'63. Declined commission.
Wm. S. Crissey,July 30, '63. Mustered out June 11, '65.
Company "A."
CAPTAIN.
Jesse Hannon, Sept. 20, '63. Mustered out June 11, '65; was ist
lieut. and 2d lieut.
FIRST LIEUTENANTS.
A. C. Bankson, Sept. 13, '62. Resigned Dec. 30, '62.
Jos. B. Gore, Sept. 20, '63. , Mu&tered out June 11, '63; was
2d lieut.
PRIVATE.
Wm. Reese, Aug. 11, '62. Died at Nashville, Tenn., Oct. 12,
'63; wounds.
Company " E."
CAPTAINS.
John M. Lane, Sept, 13, '62. Resigned May 11, '63.
Jas. A. Whitaker, May 11, '63, Mustered out June ii, '65; was
ist lieut.
FIRST LIEUTENANTS.
David S. MofRtt, Sept. 13, '62. Resigned Mar. 25, '63.
Jesse F. Hedges, May II, '63. Mustered out June 11, '65; was
2d lieut.
SECOND LIEUTENANTS.
Adam C. Allison, Sept. 13, '63. Resigned Feb. 28, '63.
I. H. C. Royse, May 11, '63. Mustered out June 11, '65.
PRIVATES.
Abrams, F. M., Aug. 3, '62. Mustered out June 11, '65.
Armstrong, J. A., Aug. 13, '62. " "
Armstrong, M. S., Aug. 13, '62. Died at Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 3,
'63-
Ashmead, M. J., Aug. 13, '62. Killed at Chickamauga, Sept. 30,
'63.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY
107
JVame^ and date of Rank.
Amsler, John, Aug. 23, '62,
Biddle, Alex. W., Aug. 22, '62
Breeden, Jno. M., Aug. 22, ''62
Breeden, C. M., Aug, 22, '62.
Barnes, John A., Aug. 22, '62.
Bivens, Robert, Aug. 22, '62.
Clements, D. T., x\ug. 22, '62.
Clements, M. H., Aug. 22, '62
Clements, Philip, Aug. 32, '62.
Cummings, Jno., Aug, 23, '62.
Cummings, J. H., Aug. 22, '62
Crocks, G. W., Aug. 15, '62.
Crafton, John, Aug. 32, '62.
Clements, E. T., Aug. 13, '62,
Douglas, A. C, Aug. 13, '62.
Darmer, Jno. O., Aug. 15, '62.
Darmer, Wm. C, Aug. 15, ''62
DeAtley, A.' H., Aug. 13, '62.
Gay, David H., Aug. 13, '62.
Hight, James L., Aug. 13, '62.
Hedges, Jesse T., Aug. 13, '63.
Johnson, Jos., Aug. 11, '62.
Jacobs, Jas. C, Aug. 22, '62.
Markwell,W. A., Aug, 33, '63.
Myers, Jno. W., Aug. 15, '62.
Martin, Jas. M., Aug. 13, '63,
Pope, Zachariah, Aug, 13, '62,
Pope, James M,, Aug, 13, '62,
Quick, Sam. W., Aug. 13, '62.
Roberson, Jar., Aug. 1 3, '62.
Remarks.
Disch'd June 30, '63; disability.
. Trans, to V. R. C, April 30, '64.
Discharged Jan. 5, '63; disability.
Mustered out June 11, '65, as corp.
Disch'd Mar, 33, ''6^\ wounds.
Missing in action. Sept, 30, '63,
, Disch'd Dec, 14, '63; disability,
Must'd out June 11, '65, as corp.
Absent, sick, at muster out of reg.
. Mustered out June 11, '65.
Died in Christian county. 111., Nov.
6, '63.
Died at Nashville, Tenn., March
4, '63-
Must'd out June 11, ''6-^., as sergt.
Promoted hospital stew^ard.
Disch'd May 15, '65; wounds.
, Mustered out July i, '65; was
prisoner.
Died at Nashville, Tenn., March
3, '63.
Disch'd April 3, '63; disability.
Corporal; transferred to V. R. C.
April 30, '64.
1st sergt; promoted 3d lieut.
Corporal; killed at Chickamauga,
Sept. 30, '63.
Mustered out June 11, '65.
Mustered out June 11, '62.
'" " as sergt.
Died at Lexington Kv., Nov. 10,
'62.
Died at Danville, Ky., Dec. 31, '62.
Mustered out June 11, '65.
Transferred to eng. corps Aug. 11,
'64.
lo8 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
Nanie^ and date of Rank. Remarks.
Rose, John V., Aug, 13, '62. Died at Resaca, Ga., May 26, '64.
Ruby, Henrv J., Aug. 13, '62. Killed at Chickamauga Sept. 20,
'63-
Ruby, Jas. A., Aug. 13, '62. Mustered out June 11, '65.
Rugh, Samuel, Aug. 13, '62. " "
Wood, Newell, Aug. 13, '62. " "
Whitaker, J. A., Aug. 15, '62. Promoted ist lieut.
White, Levi, Aug. 13, '62. Disch'd Aug. 6, '63; disability.
Waterman, G. A., Aug. 13, '62.
RECRUITS.
Deatley,Jos. A., Jan. 22, '63. Transferred to Co. A, 21 111. Inf.
Elder, Wm. F., Jan. 28, '63. Disch'd Jan. 2. '65; wounds.
Plugle, John. Died at Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 14,
'63-
Company " F."
CAPTAINS.
F. L. Hays, wSept 13, '62. Prom, by President to major and
payment, April 6,* '64.
Chas. GrifHth, April 7, '64. Mustered out June 11, '64.
PIRST LIEUTENANTS.
Jas. Smith, Sept. 13, '62. Res. Feb. 6, '63.
Mat. Freeman, Feb. 6, '63. Died March 30, '63; was ist lieut.
Wm. F. Slocum, Mar. 30, '63. Res. Nov. 28, '63; was ist lieut.
Jacob Porter, Nov. 28, '63. Killed May 15, '64.
Gordon W. Mills, May 15, '64. Resigned Feb. 14, '64.
C. C. McComas, March 13, '65. Mustered out June 11, '65.
SECOND LIEUTENANT.
David Reed, March 30, '63. Died Sept. 27, '63; wounds.
PRIVATES.
Carter, Jas. F., Aug. 7, '62. Mustered out July 12, "^6^.
Lutrell, Alex., Aug. 12, '62. Killed at Chickamauga Sept. 20,
'63-
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
[O9
JVame, and date of Rank. Remarks.
Goodman, Chas., Aug. 16, '62. Mustered out June 11, ''6^,
Moore, Edward, Aug. 18, '62. Disch'd Aug. 6, '63; disability
Sanderson, J. D,, Aug. 21, '62. Mustered out June 11, 'Gy
Cline, Andy, Aug. 6, '62.
Chew, Wm. L., Aug. 13, ''Gz.
Freeland, G. C, Aug. 12, '62.
Garver, Abe. M., Aug. 14, ''Gz.
Imboden, C. M., Aug. 6, '62.
Kramer, Elias, Aug. 6, '62.
Kepler, Andrew, Aug. 1 1, '62.
Kaufman, I. S., Aug. 12, '62.
Kaufman, M, S., Aug. 1 1, '62,
Kolp, Wm. H., Aug. 9, '62.
Lutrell, The, Aug. 6, '62.
Moore Albert T., Aug. 6, '62.
Meridith, Jas. W., Aug. 7, '62.
Oglesby, C. E., Sept, 11, '62.
Priest, John, Sept. 6, '62.
Pierce, Wm. W., Aug. 11, '62.
Roe, Geo. L., Aug. 1 1, ''Gz.
Ross, Jos., Aug. 15, '62.
Roberts, Richard, Aug. 9, '62.
Shively, Alf., Aug. 11, '62.
Shull, Richard, Aug. 11, '62.
Company
Disch'd May 30, '63; disability,
Disch'd April i, '63; disability.
Mustered out June 1 1 ; '65, as corp.
Disch'd Feb. 29, '64; wounds.
Disch'd Oct. 4, '62; disability.
Mustered out June 11, '65.
" " as sergt.
" " as corp.
Prom, principal musician.
Disch'd Dec. 16, '63; disability.
Mustered out June 11, '6^; sergt.
Died at Franklin, Tenn, Apr. 6,'63.
Disch'd April 14, '63; disability.
Disch'd Jan. 22, '63; disability.
Sergt.; killed at Chickamauga
Sept. 20, '63.
Mustered out June 1 1, ^Gy
H.
CAPTAINS.
Henry Pratt, Sept. 13, '62. Res. April 16, '63.
J. O. Reardon, April 24, '63. Mustered out June 11, '65; was ist
lieut. and 2d Heut.
FIRST LIEUTENANTS.
Silas Parker, Sept. 13, '62. Res. Nov. 12, '63.
Jos. J. Slaughter, April 24, '63. Mustered out June 1 1, '65.
SECOND LIEUTENANT.
S. R. Hatfield, March 12, '63. Mustered out June ii,'65.
no HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
Na?ne^ and date of Rank. Rejnarks.
PRIVATES.
Boze, Alvis H., Aug. 15, '62. Discharged March 31, '63.
PHtsenberger, A., July 6, '62. Promoted coin, sergt.
Peddecord,W.W. Aug, 5, '62. Promoted sergt. major.
Quinlan, John, Aug. 7, '62. Discharged March 20, '63.
Weatherford,W., Aug. 13, '63. Mustered out June 11, '65.
Company " K."
CAPTAINS.
Jas. Steele, Sept. 13, '62. Dismissed March 3, '63.
Alanson Pierce, March 3, '63. Resigned Sej)t. 24, '64.
Philip Riley, Sept. 24, '64. Mustered out June 11, '65; was ist
lieut. and 2d lieut.
FIRST LIEUTENANTS.
Sylvester Baily, Sept. 13, '63. Resigned Dec. 28, '63.
Sam. Alexander, Sept. 34, '64. Mustered out June 11,, '64.
PRIVATE.
Throckmorton, J. W.
ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTEENTH ILLINOIS
INFANTRY.
The One Hundred and Sixteenth Regiment Illinois Volunteers
was made up almost entii-ely from Macon county. The campanies
began to go into camp in the fair ground, near Decatur, about the
15th August, 1862. They were sworn into the United States service
on the 6th day of September, but ranks not being full, were only
mustered as a battalion. On the 31st were mustered as a regiment.
Left Decatur November 8th, arriving at Cairo on the 9th; left on
the same evening for Memphis, where it remained until the 26th,
during which time the Fifteenth Army Corps was organized under
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
the command of Gen. W. T. Sherman, and was assigned to the
First Brigade, Second Division. The commander of this division
was Maj.-Gen. Morgan L. Smith, and the brigade commander,
Gen. Giles A. Smith. From Memphis marched to Tallahatchie,
which was reached December 13th. On the 20th started down the
Mississippi; entered the mouth of the Yazoo the 26th, and landed
about fifteen miles above the mouth of that river. On the next
dav the battle of Chickasaw began, and continued until the 30th.
This was the first engagement of the regiment. About the ist of
January, 1S63, passed down the Yazoo, and sailed up the Missis-
sippi and Arkansas rivers to Arkansas Post, where was fought the
second battle in which this regiment was engaged, January 10 and
II. On the 22d landed at Young's Point, La., opposite Vicks-
burg. During the winter made attempts to get around Vicksburg
by canals, etc. In the spring crossed the river near Port Gibson,
and were under fire at Black River and Champion Hills, and were
engaged in the bloody charges upon the works in the rear of
Vicksburg, May iS and 22, and were present at the surrender of
that place, July 4th. The next morning started in search of Gen.
Johnston, who was stationed beyond Black river; followed him
until he took refuge .in Jackson, Miss. By several engagements,
drove him beyond the Pearl river. Went into camp near Black
river, July 25th; the camp was called Camp Sherman. Here the
regiment remained until about the first of October, then removed
to Vicksburg, then sailed to Memphis, and then went to Corinth,
and then marched for Chattanooga, which was reached November
2 1st. On the night of the 33d the ii6th, in company with the 6th
Missouri, embarked in pontoon boats, floated down the Tennessee
and landed at the mouth of the Chickamauga, within less than one
mile of the enemy's entrenchments on Missionary Ridge, and held
the position until the balance of the corps was brought over, and
captured all of Bragg's pickets. Then marched to the foot of the
ridge on the evening of the 34th; engaged in a skirmish in which
Gen. Giles A. Smith was w^ounded, the command of the brigade
devolving on Col. Tupper. On the 25th were present at the
storming of Missionary Ridge. After this victory this regiment
was marched to the relief of Knoxville, and was constantly on
the move until the 9th of January, 1S64; then went into winter
quarters at Larkensville, Ala.; remained in quarters until May 16
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
and was engaged in the charge and capture of Resaca; was at the
battles of Dallas, May 25 to 28, and Big Shanty; next at Kenesaw
Mountain, on 27th of June; thence crossed the Chattahoochie and
fought the battle of Stone Mountain, and drove the enemy to the
immediate vicinity of Atlanta, where the battle of June 22d was
fought, recapturing the works after the enemy had taken them
from us.
On the 28th fought the battle of Ezra Chapel, in which the
enemy was badly beaten and driven back; moved up and formed
lines within 800 yards of enemy, August 3d, at Atlanta, and en-
gaged in the siege of that place, fighting the battle of Jonesboro,
the 14th, which was virtually an end of the siege. After the bat-
tle of Jonesboro, went into camp at Atlanta; remained there until
orders were given to break camp and begin " Sherman's March to
the Sea," with occasional skirmishes on the march, until the
vicinity of Savannah was reached ; then participated in the capture
of Fort McAllister, on December 13, Then the regiment marched
to Savannah, and entered that city December 21, and went into
camp. Then took shipping and went to Beaufort, S. C, and
marched thence to Pocatalago, and fought a battle there, and had
general skirmishing until . the city of Columbia was reached;
went into camp after the burning of that city; moved thence to
Benton ville, N. C, and had a severe battle; went into camp;
moved thence to Raleigh, which surrendered without opposition;
thence ordered to Washington, and went into camp and remained
until ordered home to be mustered out of service, which was done
June 7, 1865.
For some unaccountable reason, no mention is made of the noble
record of this regiment in the Adjutant General's Reports. A
similar omission is made in the Patriotism of Illinois. The brief
history of the regiment above given, the author has prepared partly
from the recollection of Capt. William Grason, and partly from
memoranda furnished by Chaplain N, M. Baker, and Surgeon Ira
N. Barnes. The citizens of Macon county have erected to the
memory of the brave Col. Tupper, in Greenwood Cemetery, a
monument, as a recognition of his services; and the long list of
killed and wounded in battle, given below, will forever speak,
louder than words, of the splendid record of the Ii6th.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. II3
REGIMENTAL ROSTER.
JVame^ and date of Rank. Remarks.
COLONELS.
N. W. Tupper, Sept. 30, '62. Died at Decatur, Mar. 10, '64.
John E. Maddux, June 7, '65. Mustered out June 7, '65; was
Lieutenant Colonel.
LIEUTENANT COLONELS.
J. P. Boyd, Sept. 6, '62. Resigned Jan. 28, '64.
Anderson Froman, Jan, 28, '64. Died June 16, '64; was Major.
John \. Windsor, May 15, '65, Must'd out June 7, '65; was Maj.
MAJORS.
Austin McCleery, Jan. 28, '64. Resigned Sept. 26, '64.
Nich. Geshwind, June 7, '65. Mustered out June 7, '65, as Capt.
Company F.
ADJUTANTS.
Chas. H. Fuller, Sept. 30, '62. Resigned June 27, '63.
Wm. E. Crissey, June 27, '63. Discharged Jan. 30, '65.
Myron Holcomb, Jan. 30, '65. Mustered out June 7, '65.
QUARTERMASTERS.
Lyman King, Sept. 3, '63. Resigned Mar. 2, '63.
Chas. F. Emery, Mar. 2, '62. Prom, by President, Jan. 9, '64.
John H. Porter, Jan. 9, '64. Mustered out June 7, '65.
SURGEON.
Ira N. Barnes, Mar. 26, '63. Mustered out June 7, '65.
FIRST ASSISTANT SURGEON.
J. A. Heckleman, Sept. 17, '62. Mustered out June 7, ''6^.
SECOND ASSISTANT SURGEON.
J. A. W. Hostetler, Oct. i, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65.
CHAPLAINS.
N. M. Baker, Sept. 30, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65.
—15
114 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTV.
Name^ and date of Rank. Remarks.
NON-COMMISSIOXED StAFF.
Crocker, R. C, Aug. 7, '63. Sergt. major; trans, to Co. D.
Holcomb, Mj'ron. Promoted adjutant.
Ward, Thos. J., Aug. 9, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65; was
prisoner.
Porter, John J. Promoted reg. quartermaster.
Hopkins, Allen F., Aug. 9, '62. Quartermaster sergt; mustered out
June 7, '65; was quar. sergt.
Crissey, Wm. E., Aug. 9, '62. Com. sergt.; promoted- adjutant :
was com. sergt.
Jennings, I. D., Aug. 7, '62. Com. sergt.; mustered out June 7,
'65.
Lukens, Edward, Aug. 13, '62. Hospital steward; mustered out
June 7, '65.
Barret, Martin L., Aug. 14, '62. Principal musician; mustered out
June 7, '65.
Henneby, Francis, Aug. 7, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65; principal
musician.
Company "A."
CAPTAINS.
W. F. Brown, Sept. 6, '62. Resigned April 20, '63.
Guston F. Hardy, April 30, '63. Died June I3, '63; was 2d lieut.
Wm. Grasson, June 12, '63. Mustered out June 7, '65; was ist
lieut.
FIRST LIEUTENANTS.
John B. Perdew, Sept. 6, '63. Died March 27, '63.
J. L. Shellabarger,June I2,'63. Mustered out June 1 3, '65; was 3d
lieut.
SECOND LIEUTENANT.
Jas. Boswell, June 7, '65. Mustered out June 7, '65.
SERGEANTS.
Boswell, Jas. H., July 26, '63. Sergt.; mustered out June 7, '65.
Stephens, A. C, Aug. 4, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65.
Farrow, Geo. L., Aug. 4, '63.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
Name, and date of Rank. Remarks.
CORPORALS.
Harrington, R. H., Aug. 9, '62. Disch'd Feb. 2, '63; disability.
Cox, Jerome A., Aug. 8, 'dz. Mustered out May 20, '6^
Stine, Jas., Aug. 6, '62. Discharged Feb. 2, '65, as sergnt.;
Eads, James, Aug. 6, '62. Mustered out June 7, '6^.
Baty, Samuel, Aug. 6, '62. Killed at Vicksburg May 19, '63.
Furdeu, Wm. M., Aug. 4, '62. Mustered out June 7, '6y
MUSICIANS.
Widick, Jas. H., Aug. 6, '62. Must'd out June 7, 'G'^, as private.
Lyons, Geo. W., Aug. 7, '62. " " "'
WAGONER.
Steel, Wm. M., Aug. 4, '62. Disch'd March 4, ^63; disability.
PRIVATES,
Agen, Monathan, Aug. S, '62. Mustered out June 7, '6^.
Allen, Elisha, Aug. 2, '62. Died of wounds received Arkansas
Post, Jan. 1 1, '63.
Balch, Alex, H., July 26, '62. Died at Van Burcn, Ark., June 1,
'63-
Died at Young's Point, March 5,
'63.
Bear, Henry C, Aug 9, '62, Absent, wounded at mustering out
of regiment.
Beamer, Jacob E., Aug. 21, '62. Died at Memphis Sept. z^, 'G^.
Bilby, Geo., Aug. 14, '62. Mustered out June 7, "65.
Bowen, Daniel, Aug. 9, '62. '■ "
Bowdle, Wm. H., Aug. 6, '62. Discharged Dec. 21, '64; wounds.
Bowman, Sol. S., Aug. 6, '(y2. Transferred to V. R. C., [an. 10,
Brackney, Eli, Aug. 4, '62.
Brown, Wes. M., Aug. 6, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65,
Brown, Thos.W., Aug. 13, '62. Trans to in v. corps, Aug. i,'63.
Bundy, Hardin, Aug. 9, '62. Died at Benton Barracks July 17,
'63-
Burke, Thos. F., Aug. 6. '62. Mustered out June 7, '6^, as sergt.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
Name^ and date of Rank. Remarks.
Caulk, Albert, Aug. 9, '62. Andersonville prison record says
died.
Cheek, Alonzo, Aug. 26, '62. Died at Young's Point, La.
Davis, Geo. W., Aug. 2, '62. Sergt; killed at Atlanta, Ga., July
22, '64.
Green, Michael, Aug. 6, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65.
Glaze, Wm., July 26, '62. Absent, sick, at mustering out.
Guffy, Nathaniel, Aug. 6, '62. " " • "
GufFy, Jacob, Aug. 14, '62. Transferred to inv. corps August i,
'63-
Hickman, Wm., Aug. 6, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65, as corp.
Hollandsworth,W. Aug. 6, '62. Died at Young's Point April 19,
'63.
Houseman, John, Aug. 6, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65.
Houseman, N., Aug. 21, '62. Absent, sick, at mustering out of
regiment.
Houseman, W., Aug. 6, '62. Transferred to V. R. C, Aug. 10,
'64.
Jabine, Jas. T., Aug. 12, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65, as corp.
Littleton, T. M., Aug. 28, '62. " "
Long, Jas., Aug. 6, '62. " "
Long, Thos., M. Transferred to inv. corps, Sept. i,
'63-
McKee, And., Aug. 7, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65.
Makey, Horace D., Aug. 8, '62. " " 26, '65.
Marsh, Samuel D., Aug. 22, '62. Died at St. Louis April 29, '63.
Michener, J. A., Aug. 6, '62. Died at Camp Butler, 111., Jan. 4^
'64.
Miller, Daniel, Aug. 24, '62. Died at Young's Point March 4,
'63-
Morris, Lewis, Aug. 5, '62. Sergt.; wounded; transferred to
inv. corps Feb. 15, '64.
Morris, Wm. T., Aug. 8, '62. Died at Marietta, Ga., Aug. 3, '64;
wounds.
McCurdy, Chas., Aug. 7, '62. Died at Memphis June 28, '63.
Nelson, Samuel, July 30, '62. Disch'd March 16, '63; disability.
Neyhard, John J., Aug. 6, '62. Mustered out June 7, 65.
Nichols, John W., Aug. 6, '62. Disch'd Feb. 6, '64; wounds.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. Iiy
Name^ and date of Rank. Retnarks.
Perdew, Joel F., Aug. 9, '62. Absent, sick, at mustering out of
regiment.
Page, Moses B., Aug. 21, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65.
Peck, John, July 21, '62. Sergt. ; died at home Sept. 28, '63.
Peck, Jacob, July 24, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65.
Pasley, Arthur, Aug. 6, '62. Transferred to inv. corps, Dec. i.
Palmer, Jos. V., Aug. 8, '62. Died June 4, '63; wounds.
Porter, Jno. H., Aug. 20, '62. Promoted quartermaster sergt.
Reason, Wm. J., Aug. 6, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65,
Rimmell, H. M., Aug, 9, ''dz. Died at Memphis, Tenn., Jan. 21,
'63-
Ritter, Jno. M., Aug. 11, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65, as sergt.
Rose, Elijah T., Aug. 7, '62. Died May 22, '63, wounds at siege
of Vicksburg.
Rundle, Chas. W., Aug. 6, ''62. Mustered out June 7, '65.
Rogers, Jno. W., Aug. 6, '62. Killed near Kingston, N. C, Mar.
8, '65.
Scheer, F. W., Aug. 23, '62. Mustered out June 7, '6^.
Skinner, John R., Aug. 6, '62. Disch'd Sept. 16, '63; of wounds.
Stafford, Nelson, Aug. 6, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65.
Stapp, David, Aug. 6, '62. Died at Lawson hospital May 5,
'63-
Stewart, Thos. C, Aug. 6, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65; was pris-
oner.
Walker, Henry, Aug. 11, '62. Died at Memphis Tenn., April 3
'64.
Walker, Peter, Aug. 9, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65; w'nded.
Wear, Jonathan, Aug. 6, '62. " " as corp.
Wilson, George, Aug. 6, '62. Absent, sick, at mustering out of
regiment.
Wright, C. F., Aug. 6, '62. Died at Jefferson barracks July
RECRUITS.
Moffat, Jos. E., Feb. i, '64. Trans, to Co. H, 55th 111. Inf.
Walters, Wm. J., Feb. i, '64. Died at Kennesaw Mountain June
27, '64; wounds.
Il8 HISTOYR OF MACON COUNTY.
JVame, and date of Ra?ik. Remarks.
John Leslie. Died of w'nds rec'd at Kennesaw
June 37, '64.
Joseph Blythe. Wounded at Kennesaw June 27.
W. H. Clay. " Ft. McAllister.
John W. Steward. Died in hospital.
Josiah D. Steward. Killed at Jonesboro Aug. 13.
M. M. Betzer. Transferred to 55th 111.
James Peck. " "
John McKee. " "
James McKee. " "
Company " B." *'
CAPTAINS.
Austin McClurg, Sept. 6, '62. Promoted Major.
C. Reibsame, Jan. 28, '64. Mustered out June 7, '65; was ist
Lieutenant.
FIRST LIEUTENANTS.
John S. Taylor, Sept. 6, '62. Killed Jan. 8, '63.
Chas. E. Bolles, Jan. 28, '64. Commission canceled; was 2d lieut.
John H. Miller, Jan. 28, '64. Mustered out June 7, '65; was 2d
lieut.
SECOND LIEUTENANT.
A.J. Williams, Sept. 6, '62. Resigned Mar. 17, '63.
FIRST SERGEANT.
Isaac D. Jennings, Aug. 7, '62. Promoted com. sergeant.
SERGEANTS.
Miller, John H., Aug. 7, '62. Promoted 3d lieut.
Menaugh, W. T., Aug. 7, ''62. Absent, sick, at muster out of regt.
Songer, John A., Aug. 9, '62. Mustered out July 10, '65, as priv.
Songer, Adiniron, Aug. 9, '62.
CORPORALS.
Brown, K. A., Aug. 7, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65.
Funk, William, Aug. 8, '62. " "
Rogers, Reuben, Aug. 9, '62. " " as priv.
HISTORY OF MACON COUXTV.
Natne^ and date of Rank. Remarks.
.Shirley, Geo. W., Aug. 9, '62. Absent, sick, at muster out of reg.
Troutman, J. W., Aug. 9, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65.
Troutman, Sam., Aug. 9, '62. " "
MUSICIANS.
Carter, H. W., Aug. 8, '62. Discharged Jan. 28, '63.
Goodman, J. E., Aug. 11, '62. Discharged Sept. 20, '63.
WAGONER.
Welty, Geo. H., Aug. 12, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65.
PRIVATES.
Adams, James, Aug. 5, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65.
Andrews, J. B., Aug. 9, '62. Absent, sick, at muster out of reg.
Boles, Chas. E., Aug. 13, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65, as sergt;
com'd lieut.
Billings, Milton, Aug. 8, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65.
Bear, John M., Aug. 6, '62. Sergeant; absent, sick, at muster
out of regiment.
Bradon, John E., Aug. 11, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65.
Burgess, T. J., Aug, 5, '62.
Baily, John W., Aug. 15, '62. Mustered out July 1, '65, as corjD.;
wounded.
Beck, William, Aug. 15, '62. Absent, sick, at muster out of reg.
Bills, R., Jr., Aug. 14, '62. Killed at Arkansas Post, January
II, '63.
Braden, S. R., Aug. 12, '62. Absent, wounded, at muster out of
regiment.
Bradshaw, S. C, Aug. 9, '62. Died at Young's Point, La., April
3, '63.
Burke, Patrick, Aug. 7, '62. Died at Young's Point, La., April
8, '63.
Burke, William, Aug. 7, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65.
Bell, Charles V., Aug. 15, '62. Died in Mississippi, Mar. 23, '63.
Dilliner, James, Aug. 7, '62. Absent, sick, at muster out of reg.
Daily, Austin, Aug. 19, '62. Mustered out June 7, '6^.
Disbrow, Lewis, Aug. 14, '62. Sergeant; died at Young's Point,
April 15, '63.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
Name^ and date of Rank.
Dugan, Michael, Aug. 14, '62.
Earls, Stephen, July 19, '62.
Enterline, E., Aug. 19, '62.
Enos, Thomas, Aug. 9, '62.
Enterline, Conrad, Aug. 9, '62.
Ellis, David A., Aug. 14, '62.
Frank, S. G., Aug. 6, '62.
Foster, John W., Aug. 20, '62.
Fry, Amos, July 19, '62.
Fuller, Fred., Aug. 7, '62.
Gill, John, Aug. 9, '62.
Garver, F. M., Aug. 9, '62.
Garver, C, Aug. 14, '62.
Houck, Lewis, Aug. 9, '62.
Huggins, J. H., Aug. 14, '62.
Henson, R. S., Aug. 9, '62.
Houck, Geo. L., Aug. 9, '62.
Hays, Thompson, Aug. 7, '62.
Henley ,or Heneby,F.Aug. 7,'62
Hays, John G., Aug. 7, '62.
Hough, John S., Aug. 9, '62.
Jordan, John W., Aug. 8, '62.
Retnarks.
Mustered out July 2, '65.
Absent, sick, at muster out of reg.
Discharged March 14, '63.
Died at Young's Point, Feb. 1 1,'63.
Discharged March 20, '64.
Trans, to V. R. C, Sept. i, '63.
Died at St. Louis, April 11, '63.
Mustered out June 7, '65.
Mustered out July 19, '65; w'nded.
Mustered out June 7, '65.
" " as corp.
Died at St. Louis, May 17, '63.
Mustered out June 7, '65.
" " was pris'r.
, Promoted principal musician.
Discharged Aug. 7, '63.
Absent, sick, at muster out of reg.
Died at Young's Point, La., Feb.
Jordan, Wm. H., Aug. 8, '62.
Jordan, Jeremiah, Aug. 9, '62.
Kelley, Michael, Aug. 15, '62.
Larken, T. H., Aug. 7, '62.
Maher, Edward, Aug. 15, '62.
McWhinney, Jno., July 30, '62.
Myer, William, Aug. 2, '62.
McDonald, R., July 17, '62.
Nolan, Patrick, Aug. 21, '62.
Nix, Wm. H., Aug. 7, '62.
Nesbitt, H. W., Aug. 11, '62.
Olney, Geo. W., Aug. 11, '62
Pricer, Aaron, Aug. 9, '62.
Peaker, John W., Aug. 8, '62.
Mustered out June 7, '65.
Died at Young's Point, February
II, '63.
Mustered out June 7, '65.
as corp.
Died at Memphis, Oct. 4, '63.
Mustered out June 7, '65.
Absent, sick, at muster out of reg.
Died at Keokuk, la., Jan. 27, '63.
Died at Memphis, Mar. 17, '63.
Mustered out June 7, '65.
Absent, wounded, at M. O. of reg.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
Name^ and date of Rank. Remarks.
Patterson, A., Aug. 9, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65.
Patterson, G. W., Aug. 20, '62. Killed at Kenesaw Mountain,
June 27, '64.
Quackenbush, S., July 30, '62. Mustered out July 10, '65.
Rogers, R. A., Aug. 9, '62. Absent, sick, at muster out of reg.
Reibsame, C, Aug. 11, '62. Promoted sergt., then ist lieut.
Rutherford, G. W., Aug. 8, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65.
Smoot, Ben. F., Aug. 9, '62. Died at Young's Point, February
15, '63-
Sherman, Jas. D., Aug. 20, '62. Died on steamer City of Memphis,
May 25, '63.
Street, Wesley, Aug. 15, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65.
Stains, John A., Aug. 8, '62. Died at Young's Point, June 4,'63.
Shelton, Martin, Aug. 11, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65.
Shepherd, J. H., Aug. 9, '62. " "
Sickafonse, J. W., Aug. 15, '62. " "
Shepherd, A., Aug. 8, '62. Killed at Arkansas Post, January
II, '63.
Shutter, Daniel, Aug. 9, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65.
Tolles, Cyrus N., Aug. 8, '62.
Wall, Richard, Aug. 14, '62. " '^
Wydick, John, Aug. 9, '62. " "
Weikel, Samuel, Aug. 15, '62. Absent, sick, at muster out of reg-
Westfall, J. W., July 30, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65, as sergt.
Wheeler, Amos, Aug. 11, ''62. Sick at muster out of regiment.
W^arnick, W. C, Aug. 15, '62. Sick at muster out of regiment.
Wheeler, A. J., Aug. 12, '6z. Mustered out June 7, '65.
RECRUITS.
Sites, Henry, Feb. 25, '64. Trans, to Co. F, 55th 111. Inf.
Shutter, Felix, Feb. 24, '64. " " «•
Westfall, Jas. K., April 13, '64.
Company " C."
^ captains.
Thos. White, Sept. 6, '62. Killed in battle Llay 26, '64,
—16
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
Name^ and date of Rank. Remarks.
R. M. Foster, June 7, '64. Mustered out June 7, '65; was ist
lieut. and 2d lieut.
FIRST LIEUTENANTS.
Jas. M. Wallace, Sept. 6, '62. Resigned March 2, '63.
Z. R. Prather, April 20, '65. Mustered out June 7, '65; was 2d
lieut.
SECOND LIEUTENANT.
Jacob B. Schroll, June 7, '65, Mustered out June 7, '65.
FIRST SERGEANT.
Ellis, John W., Aug. 9, '62, Died at Young's Point Feb. 23,
'63-
SERGEANT.
Metzler, Abe., Aug. 13, '62. Wounded at muster out of regt.
Camp, W. P., Aug. 9, '62. Died at Milliken's Bend June 23,
'63.
Montgomery, T., Aug. 9, '62. Trans, to V. R. C, Feb. i, '64.
Davidson, John B., Aug. 9, '62. Died at Young's Point Feb. 8, '63.
CORPORALS.
Dunbar, Elias L., Aug, 9, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65.
Edwards, J. W., Aug. 9, '62. Disch'd April 13, '63; disability.
Fenton, Philo S, Aug. 9, ''dz. Absent, wounded, at muster out of
regiment.
Maeyers, Sam. T., Aug. 9, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65.
Jones, Jas. H., Aug. 13, '62. Disch'd Feb., '63; wounds.
Markel, Israel W., Aug. 9, '62. Died at Memphis Feb. 30, '63.
Prather, Z. R., Aug. 9, '62. Promoted 2d lieut.
Warnick, R. G., Aug. 9, '62. Died at Memphis, May 22, '63.
MUSICIANS.
Helpman, D. C, Aug. 9, '62. Mustered out July 22, '65; was
prisoner.
Wallace, W. R., Aug. 6, '62. Died on steamer D. A. January,
March 7, '63.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. I25
Name^ and date of Rank. Remarks.
WAGONER.
Niles, Ei-astus, Aug. 9, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65.
PRIVATES.
Aaron, James L., Aug. 9, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65.
Altumjas. W., Aug. 13, '62. Died at Young's Point May 12,
'63.
Akers, Wm. A., Aug. 18, '62. Died at Young's Point Feb. 10
'63-
Black, Robert M., Aug. 9, '62. Disch'd June 3, '63; disability.
Beedles, Jas. P., Aug. 9, '62. Died on City of Memphis, March
16, '63.
Bohrer, John W., Aug. 9, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65.
Bohrer, Geo. W., Aug. 9, '62. Disch'd Jan. 9, '63; disability.
Champion, A. B., Aug. 9, '62. Mustered out June 7, '6^, as sergt
Cochran, Jas. A., Aug. 9, '62. " July, '65, as corporal,
prisoner of war.
Coomb, Elijah, Aug. 9, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65.
Devore, Jos., Aug. 9, '62. Discharged April 25, '64.
Dickey, Jno. B., Aug. 9, '62. Trans, to signal corps June 7, '64.
Davidson, Jas. B., Aug. 9, '62. Disch'd Feb. 5, '63; disability.
Davidson, D. L., Aug. 13, '62. Mustered out July 11, '65; prison-
er of w^ar.
Davis, Wm., Aug. 9, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65.
Davidson, R. L., Aug. 9, '62 . Died at home Dec. 5, '63.
Dividson, Alex., Aug. 13, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65.
Davidson, D. P., Aug. 13, '62. " u
Davidson, T. K., Aug. 15, '62. Killed near Jonesboro, Ga., Aug.
31. '65-
Ellis, Jas. A., Aug. 9, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65.
Gregory, David, Aug. 9, '62. Died at Louisiana April 16, '63.
Grennel, Chas., Aug. 9, '62. Died at Mound City Dec. 15, '63.
GofF, Edward L., Aug. 9, '62. Died at Mound City Nov. 2, '63.
Goff, Leonard J., Aug. 9, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65, as' wag-
oner.
Gault, John M., Aug. 9, '62. Absent, wounded, at muster out of
resrt.
24 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
Name^ and date of Rank. Remarks.
Hopkins, A. F., Aug. 9, '62. Prom, sergt., then quartermaster
sergt.
Hill, Joshua F., Aug. 9, '62. Prisoner of war; died July 23, '63;
wounds.
Herrington, D. J., Aug. 11, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65, as musi-
cian.
Howell, E.J. , Aug. 1 1, '62. . Died at Richmond, Va., Feb. 15,
'65. Prisoner of war.
Jones, Hugh, Aug. 13, '62. Died at Memphis, Tenn., Dec. 24,
'62.
Krone, Jacob, Sept. 15, ''62. Died at Paducah, Ky., Feb. 20, '64.
Mcllheran, John, Aug. 9, ''dz. Absent, wounded, at muster out of
regt. ; prisoner of war.
Maeyers, John, Aug. 9,'62. Died at Andersonville prison, June
17, '64:
Montgomery, Eli, Aug. 9, '62. Died at Mound City Dec. 7, '64.
McConnaughty, S. B. " Died at Walnut Hills, Miss., May
19, '63; wounds.
Myers, Wm. J., Aug. 9, '62. Disch'd Jan. 24, '63; disability.
May, Henry F., Aug. 13, '62. Disch'd March 20, '63; disability.
McMurty, J. L., Aug. 13, '62. Must'd out July i, '65; was pris.
Pound, D. K., Aug. 13, '62. " June 7, '65; was pris.
Riber, E., Aug. 13, '62. " " was prom.
sergt.
Stoner, John H., Aug. 9, '62, Mustered out May 27, '65.
Smith, John R., Aug. 9, '62. Disch'd Feb. 6, '64; disability.
Smith, Jos. P., Aug. 9, '62. Disch'd Aug. 4, '63; disability.
Snyder, Sam. W., Aug. 9, '63. Mustered out June 7, '65.
Stine, Hiram S., Aug. 9, '62. Disch'd July 7, '63; disability.
Scott, James, T., Aug. 9, '62. Disch'd Jan., '63; disability.
Scott, Henry C, Aug. 9, '63. Died at Memphis July 8, '63;
wounds. \
Schroll, Jacob B., Aug. 9, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65, as sergt. I
Com. 2d lieut. ; was prisoner.
Spaulding, J. A., Aug. 9, '62. Died at Camp Sherman, Miss.,
Aug. 6, '63.
Turpin, Beechem, Aug. 9, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
125
Name^ and date of Rank.
Thomas, Wm., Aug. 9, '62.
Traughber, R. S., Aug. 9, '63.
Travis, J. D. C, Aug. 13, '62.
Travis, Isaac W., Aug, 13, '62.
Travis, Sam. H., Aug. 13, '62.
Travis, U. D., Aug. 13, '62.
Timmons, Eph., Aug. 12, '62.
Timmons, Lam., Aug. 13, '62.
Traughber, H. C, Aug. 18, '62.
Urbain, John, Aug. 9, '62.
VHet, Amos W., Aug. 9, '62.
Wallace, Wm., Aug. 9, '62.
Ward, Thos. J., Aug. 9, '62.
Wilson, Robt. D., Aug. 9, '62.
Webber, Lewis, Aug. 18, '62.
Remarks.
Died at Richmond, Va., Feb. 10,
'64; prisoner of war.
Died on Stmr. Citv of Memphis
Feb. 8, '63.
Disch'd Feb. 16, '63; disability.
Died at St. Louis Sept. 3, '63.
Died on Stmr. Planet Jan. 5, '63.
Died in La., April 27, '63.
Disch'd Feb. 25, '63; disability.
Died at Memphis March 16, '63.
Mustered out June 7, '65.
Disch'd Sept. 5, '63; disability.
Mustered out June 7, '65.
Disch'd April, '63; disability.
Sergt. ; prom, sergt. major; was
prisoner of war.
Mustered out June 7, '65.
Died at Richmond, Va., March 16,
'64.
RECRUITS.
Aaron, John C, Feb. 11, '64.
Baker, N. M.
Devore, Benjamin F.
Dulaney, John, March 29, '64,
Johnson, W. H., Feb. 27, '64.
Kimberlin, John A.
Kitt, Samuel.
Trans, to Co. F, 55th 111. Inf.
Trans, to Co. K, before muster in.
Trans, to Co. F, 55th 111. Inf
(( (( ((
Trans, to Co. K, before muster in.
Company " D."
CAPTAINS.
Joseph Lingle, Sept. 6, '62. Resigned Feb. 29, '64.
Geo. A. Milmine, Feb, 29, '64. Discharged Jan. 30, '65; was ist
lieut. and 2d lieut.
FIRST LIEUTENANTS.
Jas. R. Briggs, Sept. 6, ''62. Resigned April 6, '63.
126 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
Name^ and date of Rank. Remarks.
Thad. Collins, Feb. 39, '64. Mustered out June 7, '65 ; was 2d
lieut.
SECOND LIEUTENANT.
Hugh A. Lyons, June 7, '65. Mustered out June 7, '65.
FIRST SERGEANT.
George, J. W., Aug. 15, '62. Discharged Aug. 3, '63.
SERGEANTS.
Hoagland, J. E., Aug. 7, '62. Disch'd June 7, '63; disability.
Williams, G. W., Aug. 7, '62. Died on steamer City of Memphis
Feb. 18, '63.
Collins, Thad., Aug. 7, '62. Promoted 2d lieut.
Lyons, Hugh A., Aug, 13, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65, as ist
sergt. ; com'd 2d lieut.
CORPORALS.
Armstrong, D. T., Aug. 13, '62. Sergeant; died at St. Louis April
7. '63-
Bowser, John F., Aug. 9, '62. Died at Chattanooga May 21, '64;
wounds.
Gill, David, Aug. 9, '62. Died at Chickasaw Bayou Dec.
31, '62.
Watson, A. J., Aug. 9, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65.
Streever, J. B., Aug. 9, '62. Died at Annapolis, Md., Novem-
ber I, '63.
Spore, Seth F., Aug. 9, '62. Trans, to Co. F, 55th 111. Inf.
Slifer, N. W., Aug. 9, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65, as sergt.
Long, J. G., Aug. 9, '62. Died at Richmond, Va., Feb. 20,
'64; prisoner of war.
MUSICIANS.
Barger, Elias, Aug, 9, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65.
Robertson, Amos, Aug. 13, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65, as corp.
WAGONER.
Emery, C. F., Aug. 8, '62. Discharged March 2, '63.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
127
JVame, and date of Rarik.
Remarks.
PRIVATES.
Armstrong, John, Aug. 15, '62
Adams, Andrew, Aug. 11, "^62
Antrim, B. F., Aug. 7, '62.
Allen, J. L., Aug. 9, '62.
Amber, Wm., Aug. 9, '62.
Amber, H., Aug. 9, '62.
Adams, Joel B., Aug. 9, '62.
Arbuckle, J. I., Aug. 9, '62.
Alexander, Sam., Aug. 9, '62.
Briggs, Wm., Aug. 9, '62.
Belford, R. A., Aug. 12, '62.
Chism, John A., Aug. 8, '62.
Chapman, L. N., Aug. 9, '62.
Cory, Arthur O., Aug. 9, '62.
Cooper, N., Aug. 13, '62.
Craft, John, Aug. 15, '62.
Corn, A. F., Aug. 9, '62.
Crocker, R. C, Aug.
'62.
Davidson, E. H., Aug. 9, '62.
Daves, Wm., Aug. 9, '62.
Evans, Andrew, Aug. 13, '62.
Emerick, Geo., Aug. 7, '62.
Elliott, J. W., Aug. 15, '62.
Fesler, Isaac, Aug. 9, '62.
Fenner, John W., Aug. 9, ''61
Fesler, Larkin, Aug. 15, '62.
Gash, H. B., Aug. 9, '62.
Huckaboy, Jas., Aug. 7, '62.
Kline, John, Aug. 15, '62.
Corporal; died at Richmond, Va.,
Jan. 27, '64; prisoner of war.
Mustered out June 7, '65, as sergt.
Mustered out June 7, '65.
Died at Young's Point January
20, '63.
Died at Vicksburg, July 25, '63.
Mustered out June 8, '65.
Mustered out June 7, '65, as corp.
Died at home Dec. 21, '63.
Discharged Feb. 1, '63.
Mustered out June 7, '65.
Mustered out June 7, '65, as corp.
Mustered out June 7, '65, as pris-
oner of war.
Died at Memphis, Tenn., March
6, '63.
Died at St. Louis April 5, '64.
Died on steamer City of Memphis
Feb. 18, '63.
Promoted sergeant major.
Absent, sick, at muster out of reg.
Mustered out June 7, '65, as sergt.
Corporal; died at Annapolis, Md.,
Aug. 25, '63.
Discharged April 3, '63.
Killed at Walnut Hills, Miss.,
May 19, '63.
Mustered out June 7, '65.
Mustered out June 7, '65, as corp.
Discharged Jan. 19, '63.
128
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
JVame^ and date of Rank.
Kennedy, John, Aug, 13, '62.
Lukens, Edwards, Aug, 13, '62.
Lukens, Wm. F,, Aug, 13, '62,
Liston, J. E., Aug. 13, '62,
Locke, Philip, Aug, 27, '62,
McKeevei-, H, D,, Aug, 13, '62.
Miller, John, Aug. 13, '62,
Miller, Clarke, Aug, 7, '62.
Millmine, E, K,, Aug. 9, '62.
Martin, Robert, Aug. 13, '62.
O'Neal, Barnett, Aug. 13, '62.
Pope, Richard, Aug, 23, '62.
Payne, Sanford, Aug, 13, '62,
Plater, J. Y., Aug. 7, '62,
Querry, James, Aug. 13, '62,
Querry, Eri, Aug, 18, '62.
Ray, Alonzo, Aug. 8, '62,
Rinehart, Wm., Aug, 15, '62,
Reed, Squire, Aug. 7, '62.
Ryan, Joseph, Aug, 7, '62.
Shannon, W. G,, Aug, 22, '62,
Schenck, B. W,, Aug, 7, '62,
Schenck, Wm,, Aug, 7, '62,
Sperling, Jacob, Aug, 9, '62.
Smith, Fred,, Aug, 9, '62.
Scott, David, Aug, 7, '62,
Sellers, Peter, Aug, 18, '62,
Salters, J, W., Aug. 9, '62.
Shannon, John, Aug. 9, '62.
Sandy, Edward, Aug, 9, '62,
Thornburg, Thos., Aug, 7, '62.
Towers, Wm,, Aug, 9, '62.
Tooly, Charles, Aug, 9, '62.
Vanler, Wm, A,, Aug. 5, '62.
VanVoorhees, S. N., Aug, 9,'62,
Remarks.
Promoted hospital steward.
Died in Mississippi June 32, '63,
Killed at Atlanta, Ga,, July 32,'64.
Mustered out June 7, '65,
" " as pris.
Discharged Sept, 2, '63.
Discharged Sept. 23, '63.
Discharged March 12, '63.
Sergeant; died at Memphis April
4, '63.
Mustered out June 7,'65; prisoner.
Mustered out June 7, '65.
Discharged Jan. 19, '63.
Died at Camp Butler, 111., March
19, '64.
Mustered out June 7, '65,
" " as corp.
" " as sergt.
Sergeant; died at Cleveland,
Tenn., Jan. 28, '65,
Mustered out June 7, '65; was pris.
Discharged Aug, I3, '63,
Mustered out June 7, '65,
Discharged Feb. 6, '64.
Mustered out June 7, '65.
Discharged Jan. 16, '63.
Discharged January, '63.
as corp.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. I29
JVame, and date of Rank. Remarks.
Williams, A. G., Aug. ii, '62, Died at Richmond, Va., March 5,
'64; prisoner of war.
Williams, M, J., Aug. 11, '63. Died at St. Louis March 26, '63.
Withers, Alex., Aug. 9, ''Gi. Died at Young's Point March 23,
Withers, Ira, Aug. 9, ''6z. Died at Milliken's Bend April 27,
'63.
Wright, A. J., Aug. 12, '63. Died at Young's Point Feb. 17,
'63-
Zinn, Jacob, Aug. 15, ''Gz. Mustered out June 7, '65.
RF.CRLTITS.
Briggs, Alex. Died on Stmr. Planet Jan. 20, '63.
Gill, Wm. H. H.
Harris, E.
Company " E.'*
CAPTAINS.
Lewis J. Eyman, Sept. 6, '62. Killed Jan. 11, '63.
J, S. Windsor, Jan. 31, '63. Promoted major.
R. M. Hamilton, Sept. 26, '64. Mustered out June 7, '65; was ist
lieut.
FIRST lieutenants.
S. H. Varney, .Sept. 6, ''Gz, Resigned March 5, '63.
Jos. D. Noon, March 5, '63. Died June 18, '63.
Wm. N. Streeter, June 3, '63. Resigned May 27, '64.
Sam, J. Varney, Sept. 26, '64. Died small pox Feb. 13, '65.
W. H. Dickerson, Apr. 20, '65. Mustered out June 7, '65.
SECOND lieutenants.
W. L. Harris, Sept. 6, '62. Resigned June 28, '63.
Amsi H. Baker, June 7, '65. Mustered out June 7, '65.
sergeants.
Mackey, L. J., Aug. 15, '62, Absent, sick, at muster out of regt.
Hamilton, R. M., Aug. 15, '62. Promoted ist lieut.
130
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
Name^ and date of Rank. Remarks.
Noon, Jos. D., Aug. 6, '62. Died at Memphis, June 18, '63.
Baker, Amsi H., Aug. 6, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65; com'd 2d
lieut.
CORPORALS.
Eyman, Ed. C, Aug. 6, '62. Died at Milliken's Bend April 26,
Died at Young's Point Feb. 23, '63.
Mustered out June 2, '65.
June 7, '65.
Trans, to V. R. C, Jan. 15, '64.
Mustered out June 7, '65.
Boyd, E. H., Aug. 2, '62.
Gepford, Jer., Aug. 2, '62.
Rinehart, Joel, Aug. 2, '62.
Eyman, John, Aug. 6, '62.
Danley, John, Aug. 6, '62.
Parr, Andrew, Aug. 7, '62. " "
Goodner, Geo., Aug. 7, '62. " "
MUSICIANS.
Kitch, Robert G., Aug. 6, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65.
Gepford, Silas, Aug. 10, '62.
WAGONER,
Nicholson, H, B., Aug. 6, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65.
Allen, Wm. G., Aug. 8, '62.
Boyd, James H., Aug. 2, '62.
Benton, Chas. F., Aug. 6, '62.
Brewer, Geo. W., Aug. 6, '62.
Bullard, Chas. S., Aug. 6, '62.
Bruce, Joel, Aug. 8, '62.
Bruce, Geo. W., Aug. 6, '62.
Benton, E. L., Aug. 8, '62.
Barnhart, J., Aug. 10, '62.
Burt, Silas, Aug. 2, '62.
Clark, Ira E., Aug. 6, '62.
Corn, John W., Aug. 6, '62.
Cross, Jacob, Aug. 6, '62.
Clark, Chas. H., Aug. 6, '62.
Carver, M., Aug. 7, '62.
IVATES.
Mustered out June 7, '65.
Absent, sick, at muster out of regt.
Mustered out June 7, '65.
Absent, sick, at muster out of regt.
Died at Young's Point Feb. 9, '63.
Died at Decatur Aug. 31, '63.
Died on hospital boat Mar. 18, '63.
Mustered out June 7, '65; prisoner
of war.
Mustered out June 7, '65.
Died at Decatur, 111., Nov. 6, '62.
Mustered out June 7, '65.
Died at Young's Point Feb. 11,
'63.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
131
Name, and date of Rank.
Cox, John H., Aug. 7, '62.
Cross, Israel M., Aug. 9, '62.
Dickerson, W. H., Aug. 2, '62
Downey, John, Aug. 6, '62.
Danley, F. M., Aug. 6, '62.
Douglas, S. A., Aug. 6, '62.
Dunham, L. H., Aug. 13, '62.
Eaton, Michael, Aug. 8, '62.
French, H. W., Aug. 2, '62.
Farnam, M. A., Aug. 2, '62.
Farnam, Stephen, Aug. 2, '62.
Farnam, Chester, Aug. 6, '62.
Farnam, David, Aug. 6, '63.
Farnam, Lindsay, Aug. 6, '62.
Free, James, Aug. 6, '63.
Fowler, J. W., Aug. 6, '62.
Gooden, Jos., Aug. 6, '62.
Greeley, M., Aug. 6, '62.
Graham, Thos., Aug. 7, '62.
Gass, E. M., Sept. 29, '62.
Gepford, W. H., Sept. 16, '62.
Hornbeck, S. C, Sept. 18, '62.
Houser, Geo. W., Sept. 18, '62.
Houston, Wm., Aug. 3, '63.
Hunt, Wm., Aug. 2, '62.
Holcomb, Byron, Aug. 2, '62.
Hawk, James M., Aug. 6, '62.
Hobbs, Jacob J., Aug. 6, '62.
Havener, Jos., Aug. 6, '62.
Harrison, Ben., Aug. 6, '62.
Hatchett, Jno. H., Aug. 6, '63.
Jones, Young P., Aug. 7, '62.
Remarks.
Discharged at St. Louis.
Died at Young's Point March 26,
'63.
Promoted corporal, sergeant and
1st lieut.
Mustered out June 7, '65.
Died at Young's Point March =;,
'63.
Mustered out June 7, 'Sy
Trans, to V. R. C. May i, '64.
Discharged Nov. 25, '63.
Trans, to inv. corps. Sept 30, '63.
Mustered out June 7, '65.
" " as sergt.
Corporal; killed at Resaca, Ga.,
May 14, '64.
Mustered out June 7, '6^.
Absent, sick, at muster out of reo-.
Mustered out June 7, '65.
Killed at Walnut Hills, Miss., Llay
19, '63.
Mustered out June 7, '65.
" as Corp.
« a
Died at Memphis Oct. 31, '63.
Mustered out June 7, '6^, as corp.
as Corp.
Killed near Atlanta, Ga,, July 22,
'64.
Mustered out June 7, '6^.
Promoted sergt. major.
Mustered out June 7, '65, as corp.
Sergt.; died July 30, '64; wounds.
Mustered out June 7, 'Gy
Died at Camp Butler Feb. 24, '64.
Mustered out June 7, '65; sero-t.
132
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
Name^ and date of Rank.
Johnson, F. M., Aug. 6, '62.
Jones, Wm. G., Aug. 7, '62.
Johnson, E. M., Aug. 7, '62.
James, J. L., Aug. 8, '62.
Kitch, Solomon, Aug. 6, '62.
Kile, Edward M., Aug. 6, '62.
Kelsey, Harper, Aug. 13, '62.
Kile, John W., Aug. 6, '62.
Land, Moses, Aug. 6, '62.
Nelson, Eli, Aug. 7, '62.
Pettit, Geo., Aug. 6, '62.
Parr, James H., Aug. 6, '62.
Rittenhouse, I. W., Aug. 6, '62.
Rager, Wm. H., Aug. 2, '62.
Shartzer, A., Aug. 2, '62.
Sprague, Jas. H., Aug. 2, '62.
Stocton, R. M., Aug. 6, '62.
Sollars, R. G., Aug. 6, '62.
Stout, Leonard, Aug. 6, '62.
Sprague, Nat., Aug. 5, '62.
Smalley, Allen, Aug. 6, '62.
Snyder, Thos. A., Aug. 18, '62.
VanGundy, Geo., Aug. 6, '62.
Varney, Sam. J., Aug. 14, '62.
Wheeler, Larkin, Aug. 2, '62.
White, Lewis E., Aug. 2, '62.
Wood, Basil, Aug. 6, '62.
Young, Jos. H., Aug. 6, '62.
Remarks. *
Absent, sick, at muster out of reg.
Died at Decatur, 111., Oct. 16, '63.
Discharged June 14, '63.
Mustered out June 7, '65, as corp.
Died at Memphis Aug. 5, '63.
Mustered out June 7, '65.
Died at Cherry Grove, 111., Nov.
25, '63-
Disch'd Feb. iS, '65; disability.
Died near Dallas, Ga., May 31, '64.
Died at Young's Point March 2,
'63.
Corp.; died at Decatur, 111., Sept.
29, '64; wounds.
Mustered out June 7, '65.
" " as sergt.
Discharged Sept. 16, '64.
Discharged March 28, '64.
Mustered out June 7, '65, as corp.
Died at Camp Sherman, Miss.,
Aug. 31, '63.
Died at St. Louis July 3, '63.
Died at Young's Point Mar. i6,'63.
Sergt; com'd 1st lieut.; not must'd;
died at Annapolis Feb. 3, '65.
Discharged Aug. 14, '63.
Mustered out June 7, '65.
Died at Memphis April 13, '63.
Benton, William P.
RECRUITS.
Died at Memphis, January, '63.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1 33
Name^and date of Rank. Remarks.
Company " F."
captains.
Sam'l N. Bishop, Sept. 6, '62. Resigned April 12, '63.
N. Geschwind, April 12, '63. Promoted Major.
Wm. P. Goodner, June 7, '65. Mustered out June 7, '65,
FIRST LIEUTENANTS.
John B. Tutt, Sept. 6, '62. Died Jan. 26, '63.
S. R. Riggs, April 12, '63. Resigned Dec 11, '64.
John A. Cochran, June 7, ''d^. Mustered out June 7, '65.
SECOND LIEUTENANTS.
E. R. Pratt, Sept. 30, '62. Died March 30, '63.
J. C. Stansbury, April 28, '63. Died April 19, '63.
John P. Lewis, June 7, '65. Mustered out June 7, '65.
PRIVATES.
Lourish, Benj., Sept. 5, '62. Died at Young's Point February
15. '63-
Lourish, David, Aug. 11, '62. Discharged March 20, '63.
Young, Geo. E., Sept. 14, '62. Absent, sick, at muster out of reg.
Company « G."
CAPTAINS.
Alonzo B. Davis, Sept. 30, '62. Died Dec. 22, '63.
Harvey Mahannah, Dec. 22,'63. Mustered out June 7, '65; was ist
lieut.
FIRST LIEUTENANT.
Jas. P. Barnett, Dec. 22, '63. Mustered out June 7, '65.
SECOND LIEUTENANTS.
Lafayette Helm, Sept. 30, '62. Died Feb. 16, '63.
Byron Barrett, Mar. 15, '63. Mustered out June 7, '65.
134 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
Name^ and date of Rank. Retnarks. •
FIRST SERGEANT,
Barnett, Jas. P.^ Aug. ii, '62. Prom, ist lieut.
SERGEANTS.
Landis, D. B., Aug. 18, '62. Wounded; transferred to V. R.
C. Sept. 15, '63.
Davis, Wm. B„ Aug. 12, '62.
Doyle, Michael, Aug. 9, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65.
Burdick, Z. C, Aug. i2,'62.
CORPORALS.
Smith, Wm., Aug. 1 1, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65, as sergt.
Rouse, Oren S., Aug. 12, '62. " " "
Kitrick, Abe., Aug. 14, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65.
Bragg, John E., Aug. 12, '62. " "
MUSICIAN.
Rea, David, Aug, 12, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65.
WAGONER.
Horton, Wm. H., Aug. 12, '62.
PRIVATES.
Andrev^s, Elijah, Sept. 28, '62.
Andrews, Elias, Sept. 28, '62.
Barret, M. L., Aug. 14, '62. Promoted principal musician.
Barrett, Chas., Sept. 14, '62. Died at Young's Point February
22, '63.
Brooks, Wm., Aug. 12, '62.
Baird, Joseph C, Aug. 12, '62. Discharged March 31, '63.
Cotterell, Thos., Aug. 12, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65.
Crissey, Wm. E., Aug. 12, '62. Promoted com. sergeant.
Dickey, Wm. W., Aug. 15, '62. Killed at Atlanta, Ga,, July 22,'64.
Dickey, D. A., Sept. 9, '62. Corporal; killed at Atlanta, Ga.,
July 22, '64.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY,
135
Name^ and date of Rank.
Fry, Wm., Sept. 9, '62.
Fuller, Lafayette, Sept. 29, '62.
Gant, Jackson, Sept. 11, '62.
Higgins, Jno. T., Aug. 14, '62.
Howell, Brice, Aug. 12, '62.
Howell, Lewis, Aug. 15, '62.
Hoots, Alex., Aug. 12, '62.
Helm, John S., Aug. iS, '62.
Harper, C. R., Aug. 11, '62.
Hooker, Wm. C, Aug. 15, '62.
Huston, Servantus, Aug. i3,'62.
Huusley, C. E., Aug. 14, '62.
Henson, J., Aug. 20, '62.
Hanks, Dunham, Aug. 12, '62.
Kemp, Isaac, Aug. 12, '62.
Kemp, Philip, Aug. 15, '62.
Lyons, Wm., Aug. 12, '62.
Lickliter, G. W., Sept. 29, '63.
Lukens, John, Aug. 14, '62.
Latham, Henry, Aug. 2, '62.
Moore, David, Aug. 20, '62.
Moore, Wm., Aug. 15, '62.
Mahannah, H., Aug. 11, '62.
Mott, Geo. W., Sept. 11, '62.
Rosa, S. W., Aug. 12, '62.
Rhodes, Wm. H., Sept. iS, '62,
Smith, A. L., Aug. 12, '62.
Shupp, Samuel, Aug. 26, '62.
Shasted, Wm. E., Aug. 14, '62.
Smith, T. W., Aug. 11, 62.
Startsman, L., Aug. iS, ''62.
Remarks.
Absent, sick, at muster out of reg.
Died at Memphis, Tenn., October
10, '63.
Detached at muster out of reg.
Mustered out June 7, '65, as corp.
Died Jan. 12, '65; wounds.
Died at Memphis March 30, '63.
Mustered out June 7, '65.
Mustered out June 7, '65, as sergt.
Absent, sick, at muster out of reg.
Died at Memphis May i, '63.
Mustered out June 7, '65; woun'd.
Mustered out June 7, '65.
Discharged Feb. 18, '65, as sergt.;
wounds.
Discharged March 11, ""^i.
Discharged Dec. 18, '62.
Died at Young's Point January
27, '63-
1st sergt.; absent, sick, at muster
out of regiment.
Died at Young's Point February
20, '63.
Mustered out June 7, '65.
136 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
Natne^ and date of Rank. Remarks.
Secrist, Wm., Aug. i2,'62. Died at Moand City, 111., August
I, '63-
Smith, Jno. W., Sept. iS, '63. Discharged Sept. 12, '63.
Schmitz, M., Sept. 13, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65.
Spear, Wm., Aug. 14, '62. Discharged March 3, '65.
Troxell, John A., Aug. 14, '62. Transferred to V. R. C. June 15,
'63-
Willett, Jas. L., Aug. 12, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65, as corp.
Williams, L. A,, Aug. 17, ''Gz. Transferred to V. R. C. December
15, '63.
Wheeler, Wesley, Aug. 12, ''Gz. Discharged June 6, '63.
Company " H."
captains.
J. L. Dobson, Sept. 30, '62. Resigned June 13, '63,
John P. Lamb, June 13, '63. Resigned Dec. 22, '64.
Chas, P. Essick, April 20, '65. Mustered out June 7, '65.
FIRST I>IEUTENANTS.
Isom Simmons, April 28, '63. Killed Dec. 22, '64.
Jas. Goodwin, April 20, .'65. Mustered out June 7, '65.
SECOND LIEUTENANTS.
The. Short, Sept. 20, '62. Died Feb. 6, '63.
Wm. W. Winn, June 7, '65. Mustered out June 7, '65.
MUSICIAN.
Robinson, Jos. Sept. iS, '62. Trans, to Inv, Corps Dec. 17, '63.
PRIVATE.
Sollars, Chas., Sept. 10, '62.
RECRUIT.
Bacon, Geo. W., Feb. 28, '64. Trans, to Co. F, 55th 111. Inf.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. I37
JVame, and date of Rank. Remarks.
Company " I."
CAPTAINS.
Uriah P. Forbes, Sept. 30, '62. Resigned x\pril 25, '63.
John F. Bishop, April 25, '63. Resigned March 30, '64, was 1st
Heut.
Isaac N. Martin, Mar. 13, '64. Mustered out June 7, '65; was ist
lieut.
FIRST LIEUTENANT.
P^red. Schwab, March 13, '64. Mustered out June 7, '65.
SECOND LIEUTENANTS.
Irwin Miller, Sept. 30, '62. Dismissed Jan. 19, '65.
Joshua K. Carr, June 7, '65. Mustered out June 7, '65.
SERGEANTS.
Sheppard, F. M., Aug. 13, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65, as priv,
Carr, Joshua K., Aug. 6, '62. " " as 1st
sergt.; com. 2d lieut.
VVorkheiser, E., Aug. 14, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65, as priv.
Phillips, W. H., Aug. 22, '62. Priv.; detached at muster out of
regiment.
CORPORALS.
Vermillion, M., Aug. 14, '62. Priv.; died Larkinsville, Ala., Feb.
4, '64.
Carter, J. E., Aug. 8, '62. Mustered out June 7, '6^, as priv.
Martin, Geo., Aug. 12, '62. '' " as sergt,
Hammond, J. H., Aug. 14, ^62. " " as priv.
Schuh, Peter, Avig. 13, '62. " "
Kingsberry, Asa, Aug. 8, ''62. Absent, sick, at muster out of reg.
Scott, John, Aug. 14, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65, as priv.
Mendenhall, G. W.,Aug. 8, '62. " " was pris.
MUSICIAN.
VVhelan, Henry, Aug. 22, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65.
— 18
138
HISTORY Of MACON COUNTY.
JVame^ and date of Rank.
PR
Art, Joseph, Aug. 12, '62.
Barth, Jacob, Aug. 22, '62.
Bratz, Jacob, Aug. 14, '62.
Bailey, G. C, Aug. iS, '62.
Barnett, Samuel, Sept. 27, '62.
Conaly, M. C, Aug. 13, '62.
Collins, E. R., Aug. 8, '62.
Cline, Henry, Aug. 15, '62.
Cothen, Cors, Aug. 14, '62.
Church, Geo. W., Aug. 11, '62
Drain, Joseph, Aug. 22, '62.
Enkie,Jno. Q., Aug. 14, '62.
Ebert, Henry, Aug. 14, '62.
Fry, Michael, Aug. 8, '62.
Flaherty, J. J., Aug. 13, '62.
Fulk, Henry, Aug. 16, '62.
Flaherty, M., Aug. 27, '62.
Fulk, John W., Aug. 22, '62.
Fry, John, Aug. 22, '62.
Guthrie, David, Aug. 14, '62.
Guthrie, Wm. S., Aug. 14, '62
Gehrt, Ferd., Aug. 21, '62.
Garver, Dan. H., Sept. 19, '62.
Gloden, Michael, Aug. 14, '62.
Goodpasture, J., Aug. 9, '62.
Hammond, T. R., Aug. 9, '62.
Hoff, Michael, Aug. 9, '62.
Harris, Henry, Aug. 22, '62.
Heinold, And., Aug. 12, '62.
Herrindeen, O., Sept. 27, ''Gz.
Remarks.
:VATES.
Died on hospital boat March 15,
'63.
Died on hospital boat March 15,
Died at Young's Point, La., Feb.
22, '63.
Mustered out June 7, '65.
" " as corp.
" " as sergt.
Transferred to Co. A, 55th 111, Inf.
Disch'd May 5, '65; disability.
Disch'd April 8, '63 ; disability.
Sergt.; absent, sick, at muster out
of regiment.
Mustered out June 7, '65, as corp.
U 1.1.
Absent, sick, at muster out of reg.
Must'd out June 7, '65; was pris.
Died at Young's Point, La., Jan.
29, '63.
Trans, to Co. A, 55th 111. Inf.
Mustered out June 7, '65.
Died at Young's Point Feb. 9, '63.
Absent, sick, at muster out of reg.
Mustered out June 7, '65, as corp.
Discharged Oct. 9, '62 ; writ habeas
corpus.
Mustered out June 7, '65, as sergt.
" " as corp.
(( ((
Died at Quincy, 111., Mar. 25, '65.
Died on hospital boat March 13,
'63-
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
'39
Name^ and date of Rank.
Jenkins, S. T., Sept, lo, '62,
Keller, Mathias, Aug, 9, '62,
Kitchen, J, B,, Aug. 12, '62,
Koehler, Ernest, Aug, 12, '62.
Latch, J., jr., Aug. 8, '62,
Latch, Geo. B., Aug. 8, '62.
Latch, Theo. R., Aug. 8, '62.
Morganthall, J., Aug, 8, '62,
Martin, Jo'-'u, Aug, 14, '62,
Miller, Alex,, Aug, 9, '62.
Miles, Samuel, Aug. 13, '62.
Mang, John, Sept. 26, '62.
Miller, Henry S., Aug. 9, '62,
Morrel, Andrew, Aug, 14, '6?
Mendenha, H,, Aug. 20, '62.
Nier, Fred., Aug. 12, '62,
Odle, Wm., Aug. 12, '62,
Reynolds, S, V,, Aug, 13, '62.
Smith, Val., Aug, 14, '62.
Smoot, M, A., Aug, 14, '62.
Strickland, Jos,, Aug. 15, '62,
Shinnaman, H., Aug, 19, '62,
Stumpff, John, Aug, 19, '62.
Smith, Fred,, Aug, 22, '62,
Smith, E,, Sept. 13, '62.
Tool, Geo., Aug, 22, '62,
Vogle, Philip A., Aug. 14, '62,
Veail, David, Aug, 13, '62.
Witt, Michael, Aug, 29, '62,
Westerhaver, H., Aug. 8, '62 .
Younger, Josiah, Aug. 12, '62.
Younger, J, Q., Aug, 14, 'dz.
Remarks.
Disch'd Jan. 24, '63; disability.
Died at Quincy, 111., Oct. 25, '63.
Disch'd March 27, '63; disability.
Died at Chattanooga, Tenn,, Feb.
19, '64,
Absent, sick, at muster out of reg.
Killed at Resaca, Ga,, May 14,
'64,
Mustered out June 7, '65,
Disch'd Sept. 2, '63; disability.
Mustered out June 7, '65.
Killed at Arkansas Post Jan. 11,
'63-
Disch'd March 6, '63; disability.
Mustered out June 7, 65.
Disch'd March ii,'63; disability.
Died at Decatur Oct. 8, '62.
Mustered out June 7, '65.
Died on str. Planet Feb, 18, '63,
Died at Evansville Jan, 10, '65,
Died at St, Louis March 4, '63.
Mustered out June 7, '65,
Mustered out June 7, '65, as corp.
Trans to V. R. C, May i, '64,
Disch'd May 22, '63; disability.
Mustered out June 7, '65.
Wagoner; absent, sick at muster
out of regiment.
Corp,; killed at Vicksburg July 2,
'63-
Disch'd Mar. 28, '63; disability.
[40 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
Name^ and date of Rank. Refuarks.
Young, Wm., Aug. 12, '62. Corp.; absent, wounded, at muster
out of regiment.
KECRUIT.
Miller, VVm. H., Aug. 12, '62. Trans, to Co. A, 55th 111. Inf.
Company " K."
CAPTAINS.
John E. Maddox, Sept. 30, '62. Promoted Lieut. Col.
Jas. H. Glore, June 15, '64. Mustered out June 7, '65; was ist
lieut. and 2d lieut.
FIRST LIEUTENANTS.
John S. Windsor, Sept. 30, '62. Promoted captain Co. E.
Jos. D. Mackey, June 15, '64. Mustered out June 7, '65.
SECOND LIEUTENANTS.
N. W. Wheeler, Sept. 30, '62. Killed March 19, '63; siege of
Vicksburg.
li. G. Eppler, June 7, '65. Mustered out June 7, '65.
SERGEANTS.
Green, G. W., July 17, '62. Absent, sick, at muster out of reg.
}/IcCann, Thos. Died at Milliken's Bend, La., May
S, '63.
Dermot, Jas,, July 9, '62. Disch'd March 20, '64, as priv.
CORPORALS.
Tedroe, Wm. L., July 26, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65; was pris.
Stackhouse, John, Aug. 6, '62. " "
Purtroff, John, July 29, '62. Died at Mound City Sept. 7, '63.
Young, J. J. H.,July 14, '63. Discharged April 11, '63.
Harbour, M. V., Aug. 14, '62. Sergt.; absent, wounded, at mus-
ter out of regiment.
Thompson, Wm., Aug. 14, '62. Absent, sick, at muster out of reg.
Ilerrin, John, Aug. 14, '62. Died at Young's Point May 24,
'6.3-
(jriffm, Wm. T., Aug. 6, '62.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. I4I
Name^ and date of Rank. Remarks.
MUSICIANS.
Mclntyre, Dan., Aug. 15, '62. Discharged July 3, '64.
Berickman, B. C, Aug. 19, '62.
WAGONER.
Young, Wm., Aug. 6, '62. Absent, sick, at muster out of reg.
PRIVATES.
Ater, Geo., Aug. 7, '62. Trans to Inv. Corps Sept. i, '63.
Ashberry, J. W., Aug. 24, '62. Corp.; died at Rome, Ga., Sept. 9,
'64; wounds.
Brewer, Wm, J., Aug. 14, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65.
Burt, G. W., Aug. 15, '62. Transferred to Invalid Corps Jan.
17/64.
Baird, C. M., July 25, '62. Died at Young's Point February
23. '63-
Badger, James, July 22, '62. Absent, sick, at muster out of reg.
Brooks, Jasj^er, Aug. 24, '62. Died at Young's Point February
3/63.
Brooks, R. K., Aug. 24, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65, as sergt.
Chafin, Amos, Aug. 15, '62.
Coleman, Adam, Aug. 15, '62. Died at Memphis March 21, '63.
Clarke, Michael, Aug. 28, '62. Died at Memphis Jan. 31, '63.
Carr, Clark, Aug. 22, '62.
Clay, Wm., Aug. 2, '62.
Collins, Naman, Aug. 8, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65, as sergt.
Cook, N. T., July 15, '62.
Clark, Hugh, July 22, '62. " "
Cox, Jerome, Aug. 8, '62. Discharged July i, '63.
Chafin, Joseph, Aug. 25, '62.
Deboy, George, Aug. 13, '62. Died at Atlanta, Ga.,July 25, '64;
wounds.
Devore, Benj., Aug. 9, '62. Died at Decatur Nov. 18, '63.
Eldridge, B., Aug. 19, '62. Absent, sick, at muster out of reg.
Epler, Hiram. Mustered out June 7, '65, as sergt.
Follis, Levi, Aug. 11, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65.
Follis, Alex., Aug. 11, '62. Died on hospital boat May 23, '63.
Fry, Jesse, Aug. 7, '62. Discharged January 8, '65.
142
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
JVame, and date of Rank.
Gingle, Andrew, Aug. 6, '62.
Hunter, J. S., Aug. 15, '62.
Hix, Richard, Aug. 27, '62.
Hampshire, Wm., Aug. 22, '62.
Herrold, J. A., Aug. 22, '62.
Hegar, or Haaka,H. Aug. 28,'62.
Heck, John, Aug. 2, '62.
Holder, Wm., Aug. 1, '62.
James, Jacob, Aug. 11, '62.
James, Daniel, Aug. 11, '62.
Johnson, J., Aug. 25, '62.
Jones, J., Aug. 2, '62.
Kimberland, J. A., Aug. i5,'62.
Luster, Wm., Aug. 11, '62.
Leigh, G. W., Aug. 2, '62.
Mattox, Maley, Aug. 14, '62.
McGloughlin, M., Aug. 6, '62.
Murphy, Patrick, Aug. 20, '62.
McCantus, Owen, Aug. 22, '62.
Maples, Jacob, Aug. 15, '62.
McCune, Wm., Aug. 22, '62.
O'Neil, John, Aug. 25, '62.
Poindexter, S. H., Aug. 22, '62.
Poyner, S., Aug. 16, '62.
Purkey, David, Aug. 7, '62.
Ryan, James, Aug. 15, '62.
Reed, J. W., Aug. 8, '62.
» Reed, T. J., Aug. 22, '62.
Staines, Daniel, Aug. 15, '62.
Remarks.
Missing since May 31, '65; sup-
posed insane.
Discharged May 6, '65, as corp.
Died on hospital boat Jan. 31, '63.
Absent, sick, at muster out of reg.
Transferred to Invalid Corps Sept.
30» '63-
Died at Big Shanty June 23, '64;
wounds.
Mustered out June 7, '65.
Died at Chattanooga June 14, '64.
Killed near Atlanta, Ga., July 22,
'64.
Died at St. Louis July 20, '63.
Died at Decatur Nov. 25, '62.
Mustered out June 7, '65.
Died at Memphis Nov. 26, '62.
Corporal; died at Young's Point
Feb. I, '63.
Mustered out June 7, '65. .
Discharged Dec. 4, '63.
Absent, sick, at muster out of reg.
(( (( ((
Discharged Sept. 29, '63.
Absent, sick, at muster out of reg.
Died at Pana, 111., June 20, '64.
Transferred to Invalid Corps Sept.
1, '63.
Sergeant; died at Big Shanty,
Ga., July 17, '64; wounded.
Died at Keokuk, Iowa, Oct. 5, '63.
Died at Young's Point February
II, '63.
Died at Young's Point February
7, '63-
HISTORY OP MACON COUNTY. I43
JVame, and date of Rank. Remarks.
Shields, John, Aug. 15, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65.
Shoemaker, David, Aug. S, '62. " "
Shaw, Henry, July 15, '62. Discharged April 15, '63.
Smith, C. R., July 25, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65.
See, William, Aug. 27, '62. Discharged April 10, '63.
Terrll, David B., Aug. 9, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65, as corp.
Vest, Tollver, Jul}^ 17, '62. Com. In 2d Miss. Colored Inf.
Wannell, Jas. W., Aug. 9, '62. Mustered out June 7, '65.
Wallace, David, Aug. 12, '62. " "
Wood, Jas. W., Aug. 18, '62. Died at Young's Point January
31/63.
RECRUITS.
Chappin, E. C, Nov. 3, '62. Killed at Resaca, Ga,, May 14, '64.
Dobson, John.
Hlnes, Wm., Feb. 15, '64.
Richardson, Isaac. Died at Camp Butler Mar. 36, '64.
C H A P T E R V.
"THE DEEP SNOW."
Among the memorable events associated with the early history
of the county, is the " deep snow." This is one of the land-marks
of the early settler. It is his mile-stone, from which he counts in
dating preceding or succeeding events. He reckons the date of his
coming, his marriage, and the births of his children, from it. You
ask him the age of John, Sarah or Susan, and he seldom fails to
fix their births at so many years before or after the deep snow.
You may locate a certain event as occurring Anno Domini, so and
so, and your ante-deep-snow resident will at once commence count-
ing on his fingers the intervening years between the deep snow
and the particular time in question, in order to verify your date.
The fact is, that the deep snow was an important and very extra-
ordinary phenomenon. There has been nothing equal to it in this
latitude for the last hundred years — if the Indian traditions are cor-
rect as to what occurred before the white man's advent. Accord-
ing to their traditions, as related to the first white settlers, a snow
fell, from fifty to seventy-five years before the settlement by the
white people, which swept away the immense herds of buffalo and
elk that then roamed over our vast prairies. This tradition was
verified by the vast quantity of buffalo and elk bones remaining in
different localities upon our prairies when first visited by white
men.
The deep snow under consideration occurred in the' winter of
i830-'3i.
It commenced snowing early in the fall, and continued, at inter-
vals, throughout the entire winter. The snow falls would be sue-
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. * I45
ceeded by heavy sleets, forming crusts of ice between the layers of
snow. There were weeks that the sun was not visible, and the
cold was so intense that not a particle of snow would melt upon
the sides of the houses facing the south. People were for weeks
absolutely blockaded or housed up, and remained so until starva-
tion compelled them to go forth in search of food, or to procure
corn and to get It ground at the few horse mills then in the coun-
try. It may be of interest, in this connection, to relate an incident
connected with the early histor}- of the late Abraham Lincoln,
who was at that time a resident of Macon county. Late in the
winter, Mr. Lincoln and John Hanks, vvith great difficulty made
their way across the Sangamon to a horse mill owned by Robert
Smith, five and a half miles southwest of Decatur, for the purpose
of getting some corn ground. They found Mr. S. in the field
gathering corn. He had succeeded in getting a road opened to
the field, and would drive a yoke of oxen, attached to a sled, to the
end of the road, lift the sled around, turning the cattle in the direc-
tion from which they came, and then, with baskets, gather the
corn that was exposed above the snow, and carry it and deposit it
in the sled. Mr. S. was engaged at this when Mr. Lincoln made
his appearance, requesting his " grist " to be ground. Mr. Lincoln
was asked if he had to labor under such difficulties on his side of
the river. " Yes," said he, "we have to do worse than that, for we
have used up all of our corn, and now have to go to our neighbors
for assistance."
It is not known that any one starved or was frozen during this
trying ordeal; but sufTering, hunger and untold hardships were
endured by the people. Game, such as prairie chickens, quails,
deer, etc., prior to that time, had been abundant, but for years after-
wards was very scarce, having perished in the snow. Deer were
often caught and killed without the aid of guns or other fire-arms,
being unable to get through the snow or walk on top. Later in
winter, when the mass of snow and ice had become compact,
fences that were staked and ridcred were driven over with heavily
loaded vehicles, and, in fact, in places could not be seen. The
snow is usually estimated at three feet deep at places where it was
not drifted, and of course would have been much deeper than that
if it had fallen in a short space of time. In the spring, when this
immense amount of snow melted, the river and streams were very
— 19
146 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
high, and, for this reason, it was ahnost as difficult to get from a
place as it was during the winter.
THE "sudden frep:ze," or "sudden change."
In January, 1836, occurred an extraordinary atmospheric phen-
omenon experienced by the residents of this county, known as the
" sudden freeze." It was attended with loss of life to both man
and beast, and the most intense suffering from cold. Incidents are
related in connection with this " sudden change," that, to the in-
credulous, seem marvelous' and highly colored, and as some have
expressed it, " rather fishy." Immediately preceding the storm
the ground had been covered with snow, which, from rain falling
on the day of the occurrence, had become " slushy." The storm
came from the northwest, and the clouds, upon its approach,
assumed a very threatening and extraordinary aspect, those above
being dark, and those below of a white, frosty appearance. The
air seemed to be filled with innumerable particles of frozen mist,
and the moment the storm struck the unfortunate person away
from shelter, he seemed to be instantaneously transferred from a
temperate to a most frigid zone. The father of the writer, as this
storm approached, was going on an errand, not over a quarter of
a mile distant. As he went, the ground was covered with sleet and
water; on his immediate return home, the ice had formed sufficient
in thickness that he could walk on top.
" The late Gen. I. C. Pugh left town on horseback in the rain,
for his home on the Bloomington road, and when he reached the
large pond which foi"merly lay on the east side of North Water
street, the cold was so intense that long needles of ice were shoot-
ing over the surface of the pond in every direction, presenting a
very singular appearance, and in a few moments it was frozen en-
tirely over. The late Dr. Thomas Read came near freezing to
death on the prairie, on his way to Shelbyville, on horseback, at
that time, and several persons did lose their lives by being on the
prairie and unable to reach a shelter. Cattle that were in the
fields were held fast by the "slush" freezing about their feet, and it
became necessary to cut away the ice to liberate them. Ducks and
geese were imprisoned in the same way. It was scarcely fifteen
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. I47
minutes from the time the cold wave swept over the place, before
the water and melting snow were hard enough to bear up a horse."*
Another instance is related of a man who came into his house
and remained but a few minutes, when some member of the family
came in and remarked that the ice and snow had frozen so hard
that it would bear a person up. The man at once flatly contra-
dicted the assertion, and accused the person making it of prevarica-
tion, and was only convinced when he had made the experiment
himself.
METEOROLOGICAL.
In connection with the abo\e atmospheric phenomena, we would
desire to extend our observations, but there have been no records
kept in this locality until within the last two years. Meteorology
is a science entitled to as much consideration as astronomy or other
natural sciences. It owes its origin to the observations and study
of meteors and their connection with the planetar}^ system. It has
extended its field so as to embrace atmospheric phenomena, and
their climatology, as well as the changing influences of nature on
land and sea. Records are now being made and tabulated, from
which much very valuable information mav be derived by the
great agricultural west. We have no doubt but a few years more
of observation and study of this science, will result in the predic-
tion of all unusual and extraordinary atmospheric phenomena,
with almost as much certainty as eclipses, transits, etc., are foretold.
We give below^ tables of observations made at Decatur for the last
twenty-one months, which, so far as we know, is the only record
kept in the county.
*Historical sketch of Macon County, read at Decatur, July 4, 1876.
148
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
SYNOPSIS
Of Meteorological Record for the twenty -one ni07tths commencifig
April 1st, iS'/J, and ending December JJst, iSyd; Decatur,
III.; latitude, jg deg. ^j niin.; longitude, 88 deg. 50 min.^
elevatio)i of barometer above mean sea level, 68^. ly feet.
Table No. i.
April
May .
29.9-23
29.895
Mean of 2 spring
months, 1875
June
July
August
Mean of sum'r
Sept
October
November
Mean of fall .
December
Mean of 9 m ths
ending Dec. 31/75
January..
February .
Mean of winter
1875-''76
March
April .
May..
BAROMETER.
39.927
29.86^
29.88?
30.029
30.005
30.055
30.2,52
30.432
29.409
29>*ei
.783
1.171
30.232 29.. 595
30.223 29.6.50
30.239 29.539
30.270
30.474
30.646
30.029
29.945 30.393
30.096
30.067
Mean of spring.
29.976
29.952
29.925
30.638
30.510
30.459
30.249
30.299
29.654 .622
29.390 1.084
29.619 1.027
29.336
29.428
29.113
29.363
29.632
1.34(i
.931
.667
THERMOMETER.
71.40
77.63
71.38
73.47
52.03
39.64
52.06
40.32
37.12
36.61
37.38
64.06
66.23
84
81.4
80.12
77.13
75! 07
75.52
75.74
72.16
61.88
61.49
6.41
12.49
4.77
2.23
2.82
1.25
6.30
1.37
3. £6
3.56
5.84
3.57
3.13
5.9
18.8
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY
Table No. i. — Continued.
BAROMETER.
June —
July....
August .
Mean of sum'r.
September
October
November
Mean of fall.
December
Mean of vear..
■l^).i,ai 30.075
20.942 30.149
29.96S
29.958
30.011
29.979
30.129
30.241
30.483
30.2b2
30.536
30.038
29.4ti9
29.714
29.744
29.657
29.395
29.489
29.664
39.113
.584
1.08-.
.773
THERMOMETER.
71.65
78.
77.26
75.64
65.83
52.79
38.98
52.53
19.95
52.99
74.60
64.51
74.44
71.14
69.74
9.35
3.46
3.80
4.40
1.96
13.73
37
50.07
3.7
30.2
Compiled by J. Stebbins King, M. D.,
Observer Signal Service, U. S. Army.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
STATEMENT
Showing hoxu many times ivi?id was observed blowing from the
eight cardinal points o^ the compass^ during each months
from. April i", /c^/j", to Dec. ji^ i8j6; also^ aspect of the sky.
Table No. 2.
!2
id
^
t
.^
^
i
10
i
(2
i
1
1
i
1
1
»
"f;
0
2
i
S
C
%
1
3
<
^'
^
•5'
<
1"
1
>^
c
^
3"
j;
^
g
5
1-5
»^
5
<
X
-2
0
0
i
^
^
North
■^
11
10
5
8
18
0
11
0
4
12
5
10
4
4
9
7
6
7
10
150
Northeast
i>0
6
18
18
5
0
5
13
2
8
8
14
18
8
14
10
10
1
8
s
188
East
4
7
5
4
8
7
7
2
3
5
8
5
4
0
15
18
0
8
2
118
Southeast
5
11
0
10
8
5
H
17
0
0
15
8
4
13
14
17
12
12
18
0
198
South
4
17
'/\',
14
',-11
2T
28
15
IV
25
35
14
12
20
24
18
24
18
23
15
12
400
Southwest
10 18
15
81
17
17
20
»
10
22
3
8
22
15
21
25
10
0
22
10
24
843
West
12 7
5
5
V?.
9
1!»
9
18
17
18
10
14
8
18
4
1
0
12
20
12
22(i
Northwest
14 5
7
14
17
10
20
10
14
18
24
19
11
4
8
0
0
10
11
19
19
284
Calm
U
11
10
10
14
7
4
'!.
4
\
1
'^
'f.
3
1
4
1
1
0
0
0
91
1988
Clear
?,■},
3^
17
19
38
42
80
27
28
37
28
19
20
32
18
29
41
29
44
14
34
617
Fair
IS
^4
,S'>
20
27
18
2(i
15
11
7
2()
10
20
31
24
34
28
19
19
14
17
458
Partly cloudy
14
m
22
17
l(i
17
25
12
10
17
17
10
28
10
23
10
12
12
13
12
15
850
Cloudy
26
18
19
31
12
13
28
35
42
81
10
42
15
14
25
14
12
30
IV
50
27
512
1937
Explanation of Tables, etc.
Clear indicates no clouds, or not more than one-tenth cloudy.
Fair, two to four tenths, inclusive.
Partly cloudy, five to eight-tenths of clouds.
Cloudy, nine-tenths and upwards.
Regula's observations are taken at 6.48 A. M., 3.48 and 10.13 P. M., each day, Decatur
mean time, which corresponds with Washington, D. C, mean time of 7.35 A.M., 4.35 and
11 P. M., that being the hour at which all observations are taken at Regula's Signal Ser-
vice Stations, corrections being made for local time to correspond therewith.
Other observations of the instruments, direction of the wind, etc., are taken as may be
demanded. It will be seen, by Table 2, that 1988 observations of direction of wind were
noted, and but 1937 of aspect of the sky ; the difference is caused by observations taken
during the approach of storms, when the wind has shifted often, while the aspect of the
sky has remained unchanged and not mentioned. In Table 1, in column mean of sea-
sons, nine months and of year, the mean of the barometer, thermometer and hygrome-
ter are given, while in the other footings in said colunms the range, difference and sums
are given.
The minus mark, thus — , placed before figures pertaining to the Ithermometer, indi-
cates below zero
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
151
Summary of the Nine Months ending Dec. 31, 1875.
Highest observed thermometer 9^, 3.48 P. M., July 16.
Lowest " " —4, 6.48 A. M., Dec 17
Difference no dec-.
Highest daily mean thermometer 87. 2, July 16.
Lowest " » 3.25, Dec. 17.
Difference 83.95 t^eg-
Highest monthly mean thermometer. 77-63, July.
Lowest " " 39.63, November.
Difference 3S.00 deg.
Highest observed barometer 30.646, 10 A. M., Nov. 24.
Lowest '• " 29.261, 7.35 A. M. May i .
Differenc
1.3S5 inche
Highest daily mean barometer 30.^58, November 21.
Lowest " " 29.391, May 7.
Difference 1.167 inches.
Highest monthly mean barometer ' . . 30.0=; 5, November.
Lowest " " 29.S68,July.
Difference 187 inches.
Last freeze of spring, May 16; ice one-thirty-second of an inch
formed. Last white frost, May 17^10 ice. First frost and ice in
fall, September 31 ; ice thickness of letter paper. First cold day of
fall, freezing during entire 24 hours, November i6. First snow,
December 7. River frozen over for first time, December 17th; on
19th ice was four inches thick. All ice and frost had disappeared on
the 2 1 St. Latter part of December was warm and pleasant; on
the 30th and 31st frogs were heard croaking in numerous ponds
near the city ; and at adjoining railroad stations, some farmers plow-
ing on the 30th.
Heaviest fall of rain in 24 hours, on May 23d, on which day 4.60
inches fell from 3.34 P. M., to 10.10 P. M., of which 2.0S inches
fell in 31 minutes, viz: from 3.24 to 3.5:5 P. M.
No snow storms during these nine months. Light snows fell on
eight days, during the months of April and December; as will be
seen by reference to table i, less than two inches fall.
152
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
Summary of the Year 1876.
Highest observed thermometer 94, 2 P. M., July 19.
Lowest " " — 12, 6.4S A. M., Dec. 9.
Difference 106 deg.
Highest daily mean thermometer S6.25, July 19.
Lowest " " — 2.66, Dec. 9.
Difference 88.9 1
Highest monthly mean thermometer . . 78 July.
Lowest " " • ■ 19-9, December.
Difference 58. i deg.
Highest observed barometer 30.536, Dec. 4th.
Lowest " " 29.1 13, March 16.
Difference 1.423 inches.
Highest daily mean barometer 30.446, Dec. 3.
Lowest " " 39.378, March 16.
Difference 1.068 inches.
Highest monthly mean barometer 30.129, December.
Lowest " " 29.852, June.
Difference 377 inches.
Last freeze of spring, May i ; thin ice formed. Last white frost
observed in city. May 3d; no ice. May 23d, alight white frost was
reported from some low lands in the country.
First white frost in fall, September 27th; no injury done to veg-
etation. First killing frost, with thin ice, October 7th. First ice
of any thickness, October 15; % "^ch thick. First cold day, freez-
ing during same, November 18. First snow, November 14.
River frozen over on the Sth of December; from that to 31st ice
formed to thickness of 10 inches.
During the winter of 1S74-5, ground was frozen to an average
depth of 38 inches; winter of 1875-6, 6 inches; and thus far in
winter of 1876-7, 12 inches.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1 53
HIGH WATER.
It is said said that the greatest raiii-tall that has occurred in this
country was in the year 1S35. There was no record kept of the
amount that fell by any of the methods of to-day, and all we have
to judge by is the high water in the river and creeks. The Sanga-
mon is said to have been higher than at the breaking up of the
deep snow in the spring of 1S31, or at any time since. The rains
commenced falling in the early spring, and continued throughout
the early summer. There have l^een, perhaps, other seasons just
as wet, but the streams were never so high at any other time.
There were a great many hard rains, and a storm of rain, thunder
and lightning occurred in the early part of July, that, for severity,
has scarcely ever been excelled. It extended throughout the west,
as far as information extended. Our prairies, then undrained,
resembled an immense lake, and fish were abundant in almost
every locality. It may not be known to many, but it is a well
attested fact, that the large ponds upon our prairies, in early days,
contained fish, large enough for domestic purposes, almost every
spring, and that, too, when the ponds would annually dry up
entirely. How the presence of such fish was to be accounted for
surpassed the comprehension of ye old settler, except that they were
*' rained down when small." During this year but little in the way
of crops was attempted to be raised. Hogs were fattened in the
fall upon the mast, and those that were not killed for food had to
subsist during the winter upon the acorns. With them it was lit-
erally " root hog or die." Cattle wintered upon buds, the trees
being cut down for that purpose. Eighteen hundred and forty-two
and 1 8^8 are also notable as years of great rain-fall. During the
early history of the county, when there were no bridges, much diffi-
culty was experienced in getting from place to place in the spring
time, on account of the high waters. The people, however, were
nearly all expert swimmers, and it was seldom that life was lost
from the high water. We are sometimes at a loss to know why
ferries were established and licensed on the Sangamon; but it
should be remembered the river " was up " a great deal longer in
those days, when the land was not improved, and when
there were no drains to carry the water oif rapidly. The water
then had to seek the natural drainage, and its course was
retarded by many obstructions. We arc disposed to believe
— 20
154
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
that the elements "cut more capers," in the shape of deep
snows, sudden changes, severe storms, when this whole western
country was a wild waste. They say civilization is a great leveler ;
and perhaps it has had something to do in toneing down the ele-
ments. And we had no signal service bureau then, charged by the
government with the duty of looking after those matters. " Old
Probabilities" didn't then put out his daily weather bulletin at the
corner of the postoffice to warn us of the approaching " cold snap,"
so that we were then often caught without any oil in our lamps, so
to speak.
CHARACTERISTICS OF EARLY SETTLERS.
For true and genuine hospitality, the pioneers of this western
country were remarkable. This, no doubt, is attributable, in part,
to inherent characteristics of the people, but largely so to the pecu-
liar surroundings and circumstances in which they were placed.
The sympathetic emotions of man become more and more obtuse
as he is placed in situations of independence. Selfishness is not
wholly a characteristic of the individual. Cosmopolitan ideas are
assumed as wealth and independence place a person beyond the
demands of succor and help from others. The requirements of
want and deprivation are calculated to make one feel kind and hos-
pitable to all. Napoleon, as an exile at Helena, was not the austere
commander at Austerlitz and Mount Tabor. The haughty child of
fortune inay, and often does, become, when old age and misfortune
have overtaken him or her, the very embodiment of kindness and
universal friendship. While the wants and necessities of pioneer
life are few and simple, yet their supply is none the less exacting.
Hence, we find the pioneers of Macon county, governed by the
same law, and manifesting the same spirit of generosity that actu-
ates the human breast, under similar circumstances, everywhere.
Chapter after chapter of individual acts of kindness might here be re-
lated, of those who took part in the early settlement of this county, if
we only had the space to devote. No doubt lessons of profit might
be learned therefrom by us, in this golden age of steam, of im-
provement, and civilization. We sometimes laugh at what we
call the simplicity and old-fogy notions of our fathers; but what-
ever we may say on that point, of their generosity, their devotion
to each other, of their friendship, of their kind treatment of stran-
gers, as well as acquaintances and neighbors, the less we say, by
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1 55
way of comparison, the better. To divide they were always
willing; and to give all, in cases of extreme sympathy, was not
uncommon. To charge a stranger for a night's loding was an act
of gross impropriety not to be tolerated.
Twenty miles was a short distance to ride, over the then bad
roads, to see a sick neighbor. It was never too cold or wet to lend
assistance to the needy. If a neighbor, by sickness or other mis-
fortune, was unable to plant his corn, sow or reap his wheat, they
all "turned in" and assisted or did it for him. It was never too far
to go to assist a " new comer " to " raise " his house, or help rebuild
one destroyed by fire. The tools of one man were almost property
in common. The refusal to lend almost any article of personal
property, was an act of hostility that the whole neighborhood re-
sented. They did not all drink, but among those who did, a re-
fusal to drink with a friend was the unkindest cut of all; it was an
act of social ostracism. Another peculiarity of the early pioneers
was the readiness they manifested in resenting real or imaginary
wrongs or insults. They are said to have been always ready for a
fight. The court dockets show that they were as ready for a legal
contest, and the amounts involved seems to have had but little
weight in the institution of legal proceedings. It was the wrong
they sought to correct, and not the amount involved that determined
whether they would resort to litigation or not. Slander suits were
quite common. Of the four suits brought at the first term of the
Macon county circuit court, two were for slander; and of the six
at the next term, four were for the same thing.
From the results arrived at, in the cases mentioned, we presume the
suits were not very meritorious; yet it is a well established fact
that in those early days the people were vei'y jealous in guarding
their reputations and that of their families. Character was not to
be assailed without just cause. Aside from the fact that in sparsely
settled communities every person knows every other person's busi-
ness, and is for that i^eason perhaps more disposed to talk, we do
not believe the tongue of slander is more energetic or more dis-
posed to injure, under such surroundings, than in densely populated
districts ; and probably not so much so. The disposition to resent
insult, real or seeming, is, however, more marked. There was
another characteristic of the pioneers that it is proper to mention
in this connection, and which we still see among the survivors, and
ic^6 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
that was the impHcit confidence reposed in each other in their
promises and business relations. It is true their contracts were few
and simple, and their business transactions by no means complica-
ted, yet there was usually the most implicit confidence reposed in
the honor and integrity of those with whom they dealt. A man's
promise upon his honor was sure to be met, no matter what sacri-
fices were requii'ed. His word was as good as his bond, if the last
cow or hog had to be given up to make it so. Promissory notes
were given sometimes, but the person required to give one thought
it was a slight reflection upon his integrity. He looked upon it as
a transaction tinged a little bit with suspicion and doubt in the mind
of the payee, and he usually managed to "take up" that note as
soon as possible. He regarded it as a dangerous instrument, and he
breathed freer when he had borrowed the money from a neighbor
and got his name torn oflf the note. Of course, there were excep-
tions to these characteristics, but the general rule, nevertheless, pre-
vailed. The old credit system, existing in early days in this coun-
try, grew out of the confidence reposed in the public by the mer-
chants. The necessities of the times, growing out of the scarcity
of money, the lack of markets and the few commodities for sale or
exhange, of course, had much to do with making a credit system
the only system. The merchants bought on long time and sold on
long time, and usually at profits that would justify it.
We should make one remark further in this connection, with
reference to the state of society during the early settlement of the
county. Notwithstanding on muster-days, holidays and Saturdays,
when the people generally came together, there was always more
or less quarreling or fighting, yet there was none of the reckless
lawlessness we find in some parts of the country. It was seldom
the parties resorted to knives or pistols; that was gross cowardice.
When two men became enraged, or disputed about anything, there
was no resort to the "code of honor," now, happily almost entirely
banished from the United States, but it was settled in the fisticuff
style, and the fellow that was beaten said so, and they quit, shook
hands and were friends again. Those who were privileged, by
reason of opportunity, to see the fight, looked on as spectators,
anxious to see who was the best man, and exerted themselves, not
to part the combatants, but to see that they had a " fair fight." It
was a common remark made by the early settlers that such and such
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. I57
a man would rathei- fight than eat. But, while they were disposed
to be " on their muscle," and fighting was quite common among
these pioneers, there was seldom anything more serious resulting
than a black eye or a swollen nose, or a few bruises that lasted but
a few days. The first murder that ever occurred in the county was
that of Wesley Bohrer, who was murdered by Samuel Huffman,
in 1846, seventeen years after the organization of the county. There
was but little of the outlawry and bloodshed that has disgraced
other portions of the country in the early days, or later days, for
that matter. It is said that but one challenge for a duel was ever
given and accepted, and that the result of that was not very san-
guinary, more laughable in fact than bloody.
"HARD TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS."
None but those who have experienced them can dulv appreciate
the difficulties to be surmounted, the hardships to be met and en-
dured, the deprivations and wants experienced that are incident to
pioneer life. We talk of the depressions in trade; we bemoan the
scarcity of a circulating medium; we talk of the absolute stagna-
tion of the markets for this produce or that; we become enraged
at the excessive charges for freights and transportation; we talk of
poverty and starvation staring us in the face; we hear political as-
pirants proclaiming from the rostrums (the stumps of pioneer life)
the absolute necessity of the naked, starving, downtrodden oppres-
sed people arising in their might and throwing off the yoke of op-
pression, or hurling from power this administration or that, which
they insist is dragging the people down to poverty and ruin. There
yet live in this county men who not only have seen trade depressed,
but absolutely no trade; have seen money so scarce that letters
from friends had to remain in the post office for days and weeks for
want of money to pay the postage ; who have hauled their wheat
to Chicago, St. Louis and Springfield, in wagons drawn by oxen,
over roads termed highways that did not deserve the name of cart-
ways, and when they reached their destination could get but
little more than half enough for a bushel of wheat to buy a yard
of calico; who have been compelled to live for weeks upon hom-
ney, and if bread at all it was bread made from corn ground in
hand mills or pounded up with mortars; whose children have been
destitute of shoes during the entire winter; whose families had no
158 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
clothing except what was carded, spun, wove and made into gar-
ments by their own hands; schools, they had none; churches, they
had none; afflicted with sickness incident to all new countries,
sometimes the whole family at once; luxuries of life, they had
none; conveniences of modern life, they had none; the auxilliariesi
improvements, inventions and labor-saving machinery of to-day they
had none; and what they possessed was obtained by the hardest of
labor, and the sweat of individual exertions; yet they bore these
things without murmuring, hoping for better times to come, and
often too, with but little prospect of realization. These were times
that tried mens' souls. We often hear it remarked by these old
settlers and pioneers that it will do for the young men to go west to
the new countries and help build them up, but for them there is no
anxiety to try the vicissitudes incident to the early settlement again.
They have been there. To them there is no novelty about the
thing enticing enough to induce them to leave a home of comfort.
We hear people talk about the old fogy ideas and fogy ways,
and want of energy of the old men who have gone through the
experiences of pioneer life. Sometimes, perhaps, such remarks are
just, but, considering the experiences, education and whole life of
such men, such remarks are just as well unsaid. They have had
their trials, misfortunes, hardships and adventures, aud shall we,
now as they are passing far down the western declivity of life, and
many of them gone, point at them the finger of derision and laugh
and sneer at the simplicity of their ways? Let us rather cheer
them up, revere and respect them, for beneath those rough exteri-
ors beat hearts as noble as ever throbbed the human breast. Sena-
tor Oglesby, in his fourth of July address of 1876, surrounded by
the few remaining pioneers, paid them a most glowing tribute of
respect. He said that we of this generation could never duly
appreciate the great sacrifices of those people. They had toiled on and
on through adversity and untold trials, that we their distant and re-
mote successors might enjoy the fruits of their sacrifices. He said it
was a serious question of the hour, and one that addressed itself to
each of us, whether or not we are not so swallowed up in materialism,
so wrapped up in personal gain and the acquisition of filthy lucre, as
to lose sight of the sturdy women and men who laid the founda-
tions of the republic and placed in the solid earth the corner stones
upon which had been reared the fabrics of our material and politi-
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 159
cal prosperity. He made further prediction, which, he said, had
haunted him tor years, as he had contemplated the condition and
tendencies of our affairs, which was this: that when we as a peo-
ple in the vain pursuits of life, struggling for wealth, distinction and
fame, allowed the love of the past to die out in our hearts, then the
republic would have taken its first downward step.
As it is in our political affairs and the enjoyment of our civil and
religious liberties, so it is with our material comforts. We are
blessed with a rich soil, splendid harvests, medium climate and
many other things that make us a contented, prosperous and happy
people; but we owe much to those who opened up these aven-
ues that have led to our present condition and happy sur-
roundings. Unremitting toil and labor have driven off the sickly
miasmas that brooded over our swampy prairies. Energy and per-
severence have peopled every section of our wild lands, and
changed them from wastes and deserts to gardens of beauty and
profit. Where but a few years ago th^ howling wolves made the
night hideous with their wild shrieks, now is heard only the low-
ing and bleating of domestic animals. But fifty years ago the wild
whoop of the Indian was heard where now is heard the engine and
rumbling trains of cars, bearing away to the east and to the old
world the products of our labor and soil. Then the savage built
his rude hut on the spot where rises the dwellings and school-houses
and church spires of civilized life. Transformation indeed ! And
all done not through the chimerical process of Kubla Kahn, but
the incessant toil and aggregated labor of thousands of tired hands
and brave hearts, and the impulses of such as make any country
great. No, we will not forget what we owe to the pioneers of our
country. They had their faults, but who does not? If charity be
an attribute of the human heart, let us throw around them that
mantle as one by one they depart. Let us drop a sympathetic
tear over their last resting places as they are gathered, we hope, to
a better land, where the rude blasts of winter do not penetrate their
abodes, and where storms and winds and sickness and fatigue are
unknown.
What will another half century accomplish? These old men
who are yet lingering among us as connecting links of the past
with the present, what do they think as with their dim eyes thty
view the scenes that surround them? Thev have seen the old and
l6o HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
new worlds connected with cords that pulsate with the life of in-
dustry and progress. They have seen the oceans bound together
with metalic bonds, and the whole country traversed with high-
ways of commerce. They have seen the nation rise in majesty and
become an influence felt and respected throughout the world. They
have seen the spirit of liberty grow up and assert itself to its pres-
ent commanding influence. They have seen the initiation of that
principal of universal brotherhood which dictates the settlement of
international disputes by arbitration, rather than a resort to war.
They may yet see the same spirit of equity and fairness assert itself
in the adjustment of our own domestic affairs. They may live to
see the machinery of government so adjusted as that no jars and
thunderings of civil war will be felt and heard upon the result
of presidential contests. They have seen the religious intoleration
that existed to some extent in the early history of the country al-
most entirely obliterated, so that all men everywhere worship ac-
cording to the dictates of their own consience, as it was designed
they should. They have seen what we are pleased to term the
civilization of the nineteenth century permeating every department
of human experience, and asserting its influence in all directions for
the general good of mankind. They have seen complete revolu-
tions in almost every branch of industry. They have seen the
steamboat and railroad supplant the old-time methods of travel.
They have seen the reaper and mower and corn-planter succeed
the sickle, scythe and hoe. They have seen their households in-
vaded by Howe and Wheeler & Wilson and Singer, and all that
long list of labor and time saving machinery that have driven
away the stitch, stitch, stitch, so truthfully portrayed by Hood.
They view the surroundings with the same strange, wondering as-
tonishment as did Rip VanWinkle on his return from his long sleep
in the mountains. Again we ask, what will the next half century
accomplish? With the advantages that surround us, what is ex-
pected of us? With the capital we have, what shall be expected
as our increase? The late Senator Harris frequently remarked to
his students of the grave responsibilities resting upon them with
the advantages they posssessed. He said, though then near 70
years of age, he could scarcely realize that he was not a young man,
the opportunities the times brought were so enticing, so fraught
with interest to every one who sought to lead a life of usetulness.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. l6l
With tears in his eyes he dismissed his students with the motto for
each, that: —
"Tis infamy to die and not be missed."
None of us can do much of ourselves, but what has been done in
the last thirty, forty or fifty years has been by the accumulated la-
bor of all that have come and gone before us. What we accom-
plish will be in the same way, and with doubts and anxious solici-
tude we leave it for the future historian to record.
A RETROSPECT.
BY A. J. WALLACE.
Fair Genius of the West, whose magic wand
Spreads fadeless beauty o'er this westei'n land —
Where nature o'er the rude and savage wild
Reigned, ere the city or the farm-house smiled ;
Or yet was waked the echoes of the horn,
Or dreams of wealth in these wide wastes were born,
Bid thou the light of recollection flow .
Back o'er the scenes of fifty years ago.
The savage, then, with never yielding will
Pursues the frightened deer with sleuth-hound skill
And tireless feet, till, with unerring aim.
The fateful arrow slays the panting game;
Or shadows, with a panther's step, his foe —
The hated pale-face — cause of all his woe;
Turns deaf his ear at each imploring cry.
And shouts with joy to see his victim die;
Then, with the nightfall seeks his dusky mates.
And all his triumphs of the day relates;
Or, urged by soft infatuations pent,
The same which heav'n to all mankind has sent.
He quits the crown, to gentle conquest moves.
And worships at the feet of her he loves.
Hard by the borders of yon sheltering wood .
We pass the spot where once a cabin stood ;
But sec no sign — ^save that the grain-stalk spears
21
l62 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
More rankly o'er the garnered mould of years.
Gone, with the builder gone — and yet how dear
The rough-hewn cottage of the pioneer!
Its doors unshut, and generous all its laws,
Broad as the ingle-place its welcome was.
Warm as the hearthstone, ever cleanly swept,
So warm the heart that with each sufferer wept.
Bright as the flame that up. the chimney flew.
So bright the joy that round the fireside grew ;
And when the night with silent step advanced
On slumb'rous couch the household sank entranced;
And dreams as blissful filled each sleeper's head
As e're filled prince's in his downy bed.
Rough were the men who ploughed the virgin lea,
Swept by the billows of a grassy sea.
Rewarded was their toil; the golden grain
Waved answering undulations o'er the plain.
Uncouth their manners, cordial as the day.
No unfed beggar toiled his weary way.
The traveler unknown, belated, lost,
E'er found a welcome and a kindly host.
These gallant men with ax and plough and spade.
The deep foundations of the nation laid;
And built so well that ages hence will see
An ever-widening home for all the free.
The patriots ever as the poet's heart
Hoards up the memories as the years depart;
Leaps with the joy and feels the battle thrill
That Putnam felt at glorious Bunker Hill.
The rarest gems in nature's rich array
Are valued ever by the pince we pay;
Forgot the cost, and we forget the trace
That lends the magic to the diamond's face; —
So when the nation, all ungrateful grows,
Forgets the past, its struggles, and its woes.
In swift retreat 'twill take, with hurried breath.
Its first step downward to the shores of death.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 163
If evil with unrighteous rule prevails,
'Tis not the heritage the past entails.
The wanton child of Luxury and Lust,
Unknown to shame or virtuous distrust.
Runs riot through the heart's enchanted ground,
And leaps its walled defenses at a bound.
The "fast" young man, less noble than his sire,
A slave to wealth and to untamed desire.
In youth decayed, in trembling age unblessed,
Sinks unregretted to his solemn rest.
See Fashion all-adored, though lovely less
Than maiden nature in her homespun dress.
What is the flame her tinseled robes inspire
To fervid nature's fierce magnetic fire?
See wild Ambition, on his fiery car
(Behind him famine, pestilence and war,)
Lift high the flaming truncheon in his hand.
And to destruction doom a smiling land.
Thus great the evil, not without some good;
Or else the prospect is a blackening flood.
Sure, Science in her study brooding brings
Some compensation on the agile wings
Of Enterprise, that mobile as the wind,
Seeks every good that blesses human kind;
And Art enraptured, beautiful and true,
Whose magic pencil steals the sunset hue,
Whose chisel stroke the heroe's living mold,
Doth fix forever in the marble cold.
Smooths down unpolished nature to the line,
And in designing proves itself divine.
Then, reigned a rude and simple rustic grace.
And, now. Refinement sits with smiling face,
A hundred comforts fill our daily store
To one that blessed the pioneer of yore.
His life is past, his labor all is done,
And we now reap the harvest that he won.
164 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
NAVIGATION UNDER DIFFICULTIES.
It may not be known to many of our present residents that the
Sangamon has ever been navigated. Such is the fact, how^ever.
A small sized steamboat is said to have come up as far as Spring-
field at one time, but experienced considerable difficulty in turning
around, and the captain probably abandoned further efforts in that
direction in disgust. The legislature at one time declared the San-
gamon navigable, but the law did not make it so in fact and soon
became a "dead letter." In 1S45 the navigation fever struck this
vicinity, and a flat-boat was built and went down the i-iver, com-
manded by Capt. Wm. Rea. In 1846 five more boats were built
destined for New Orleans, and were loaded with hogs and corn.
They got as far as Long Point (a short distance south of Niantic)
that year, and landed for the winter, awaiting high water in the
spi'ing of 1847. That spring three of the boats were fitted up and
the loads of the other two transferred to them, and another attempt
made to get to their destination, with more success. Two were
loaded with hogs and one with corn. At Beardstown, the river
becoming deeper and the loads being too light, a large quantity of
bran was bought and taken on board, partly, perhaps, as ballast and
partly as an article of merchandise. Two of the boats went through
to New Orleans, and one stopped at Natchez. The captains of
these several vessels were Uncle John Hanks, J. G. Braden and
Hosea Armstrong. The latter became tired of seafai'ing at Beards-
town and transferred his command to Moses Spencer. The firm
engaged in this laudable enterprise was composed of the following
gentlemen : Hosea Armstrong, J. J. PeddecM'd and Henry Prather.
We have tried to ascertain the profits derived from these ship-
ments, but have only been able to ascertain that they were not very
large. The losses, however, were not very large, for the prices
paid for the corn was not to exceed eight cents per bushel, and the
hogs were purchased far about one dollar per head. The people
along the river were very much interested in the success of this
flat-boat experiment. " Uncle Henry Prather," in the autumns of
1845 and 1846, went along down the river and made speeches,
urging the necessity of the people turning out and assisting in remov-
ing the obstructions in the river. They did so, many of them
working for days in cutting out the logs and drifts that had accu-
mulated so that during the high water of the spring following the
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 165
obstructions would float out in advance of the arrival of the boats
When the boats were passing, crowds of people would be found
congregated upon the banks of the river to observe the passing flo-
tilla of commerce, so to speak, the people even followed the boats
in some instances for miles, to see that no harm should overtake the
infant enterprise, and to assist in getting the boats over the logs and
mill-dams that impeded their progress. After this effort, all fur-
ther attempts at navigating the Sangamon ceased.
DEER HUNTINGS.
It was also customary to have neighborhood huntings, when all
the men, young and old, would meet together at some appointed
place with their hounds, generally on Saturday afternoon, and en-
gage in hunting. The locality was selected, and the participants
placed in their positions, which were called "stands,;" then the
" driver " with the hounds would go out to " start up " the deer,
which, when started, would pass the stands where it was generally
shot, for there were but few of the eai'ly settlers but were " good
shots," and rarely failed to bring down their game. It should be
mentioned in this connection that deer have their regular runs or
courses they follow, and it was necessary in these hunts to be fam-
iliar with them, in order to secure positions or stands the game
would pass.
Wolf hunts and fox hunts were also quite common. In the early
settlement of the county wolves were very common, especially
prairie wolves. They could be heard at night in droves, barking
like so many dogs. They were very destructive of sheep, and no
farmer ever dared leave his out of the " sheep house " over night,
and they were often attacked in day time in close proximity to the
dwelling. As a means of exterminating these ravenous creatures,
a reward of one dollar was provided for by an act of the legislature
in 1837, for each wolf scalp exhibited to the clerk of the county
court. The black wolves, which were very large, when hungry,
have ben known to attack persons, but they wei^e never plentiful
in this county. Wolf " chases " were among the many amuse-
ments of the early inhabitants, and were a source of protection as
well. Wolves ordinarily run very fast, and their endurance was
wonderful, the chase often being given up as fruitless when hounds
and horses had been completely exhausted. They, even when
taken very young, could not be tamed.
l66 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
The red fox and gray fox were also to be found in this county,
though they were not as plentiful as in other localities. The fox
chase, owing to the peculiarities of this animal, was always a source
of great amusement, not only here, but in all countries. They
were often caught and confined for days, until those who desired to
take part were ready for the chase, when the excitement of the
chase was next to that of " mustering day."
Shooting matches were also very common to the early settlers,
and especially so about the holdays. Almost every man was an ex-
pert in the use of " fire-arms," especially the rifle. Pioneer life is
productive of good marksmen.
COURT DAYS.
Among the notable days in the early history of the county, was
court day. The convening of court was one of the events of the
year. On that day nearly everybody went to town. If he hap-
pened not to be on one of the juries, or a witness, or a suitor, he
felt it to be his duty to "go to court" to see and hear what was
going on. It answered the place of the shows and circuses of a
later day, and perhaps was as instructive if not as entertaining.
When court was over in the evening, the judge, lawyers and citi-
zens congregated in the bar rooms of the taverns, where stories
were told, and the evenings spent in conversation, regarded by the
" old inhabitants as very entertaining. No doubt but they were,
for Lincoln and Douglas and Baker and McDougal and Stuart and
Emerson and Lockwood and Treat and Logan and Davis, and
others of world-wide reputation, were there and engaged therein.
It is said that the immense fund of anecdotes possessed by the late
President Lincoln was largely derived from collections made "while
on the circuit."
HOUSE RAISINGS.
In the early settlement of the county, the dwellings were mostly
built of logs, and those who built houses of such proportions as not
to be called " cabins " were compelled to give what was called a
" house raising," to which all the inhabitants far and near were in-
vited to assist. The logs were prepared, sometimes hewed and
sometimes not, and brought to the place where the house was to be
erected, then when the people had all gathered in, those who were
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 167
the more dexterous in the use of the axe were selected to " carry up
the corners," i. e. notching the logs so they would fit the one upon
the other, and the others would divide off in pairs of correspond-
ing strength, and would carry the logs and place them in position as
the building progressed. At the raising of a barn on the farm of
the author's father, and which is now the oldest barn standing in
the county (erected in 1829), people came the distance of 20 miles
to assist in its " raising." At these gatherings in the early days, it
was considered improper, in fact an act highly reprehensible, not to
have " liquor," as it was then called, to drink. And it may also be
noted that while almost every one drank, yet, it was seldom that
intoxication was to be seen. Log-rollings and rail-maulings were
also common in those days.
THE MAILS.
For a good many years after the organization of the county the
mails were not of great dimensions. The arrival of the mail car-
rier was not a very important event, excepting for a few weeks
after election. The news, which was generally by letter, was not
fresh and racy when received, as it is to-day. It was more ex-
pensive, however, for the postage on a letter cost 25 cents, and it
was not always that the recipient could raise the necessary funds to
liquidate the government dues. The law was that the postage
might be paid at either end of the route, and upon the anti-biblical
doctrine that it is more pleasant to receive than to give, the person
receiving the letter as a usual thing was compelled to pay the car-
riage. Letters were often weeks and even months in arriving at
their destination. The " fast mails " of " Old Father Taft," though
not yet an assured success are of quite late invention. The mails
were carried on horseback, usually in a pair of saddle bags more
frequently unlocked than locked. The wolves sometimes chased
the mail carrier, who was often but a lad, so that at times the mail
arrived " ahead of time," which is about the only instance of at-
tempts at fast mail carrying of early days. Sometimes the mail
carrier got the ague enroute, or his horse got sick, or the rain or
snow stopped him, and then the mail would be "behind time" for
a few hours or a few days perhaps. Then instead of the mails
coming once or twice a day and from all directions, they came once
a week and from Shelbyville only. That was the point of dis-
l68 • HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
tribution for us. Afterwards and before the era of railroads, the
mails were carried by the stage lines, some of which ran east and
west and some north and south. This was an improvement, for
the mails were then more frequent. We insert the following no-
tice of arrivals and departures of mails in 1851 :
ARRn'ALS AND DEPARTURES OF THE MAILS.
Arrives from Springfield, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays,
at 8 o'clock p. M.
From Covington, Indiana, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays,
at I o'clock p. M.
From Bloomington, Fridays, at 12 o'clock m. Returns^same
day at i o'clock p. m.
From Charleston, Thursday, 12 o'clock m. Returning same
day at i o'clock p. m.
From Ewington, Saturdays, 6 o'clock p. m. Returns Wendes-
days, at 6 o'clock a. m.
From Paris, Thursdays, at 6 o'clock p, m. Returns Fridays,
at 6 o'clock A. M.
From Edwardsville, Wednesdays, at 6 o'clock p. m. Returns
next day at six o'clock a. m.
Decatur, July, 1S51.
P. BUTLER, P.. T/.^
arrival and departure of mails in 1876.
Post Office Hours.
Office open at 7 a. m.; closes at 8 p. m.
Sundays from 9 to 10 A. m.
Money Order and Registering office open from 7.30 a. m. to 7 1
p. M. 'I
Mails Close.
For Terre Haute on 111. M. R. R 9.40 A. m.
West and St. Louis, on T., W. and W 10.40 A. M.
East and Chicago, on T., W. and W 1 1.30 a. m.
East, on Ind., D. and S. R. R i .00 p. m.
Peoria, on 111. M. R. R i .00 p. m.
Monticello and Champaign, on I., B. and W i.oo p. m.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 169
From Pekin and Peoria, on T., W. and W. R. R 3.30 r. m.
" Chicago and St. Louis 8.00 p. m.
" Lafayette and East 8.00 p. m.
" North, on 111. Cent. R. R 8.00 p. .m.
j\/ails Arrive.
From South and St. Louis 5.45 a, m.
" Lafayette, on T., W. and W 5.45 a. m.
" Peoria, on I. M. R. R 5.4:; a. m.
" Pekin and Peoria, on T., W. and \W . and 111. M.
R. R., 10-30 A. M.
" East II .20 A. M .
" Monticello and Champaign, on I., B. and W .... 11.30 a. m.
" East, on Ind., D. and S. R. R 1 1.30 a. m.
" West and St. Louis, on T., W. and W 13.20 p. m.
^' East, on 111. Mid. R. R 1.30 p. M.
North on Illinois Central 5.45 p. m.
R. P. LYTLE, P. M.
Decatuk, III., May i", i8-j6.
THE STAGES.
But few now here remember those old fashioned stages wc used
to have, that ran between Terre Haute and Springfield, Shelb)--
ville and Bloomington, The arrival of the stage with its passen-
gers and mails was a more important event than the arrival of the
mail carrier. The stage stand in our villages, which was usually
the tavern, was a place of very considerable local interest. The
stage driver was usually considered as a little larger man and entitled
to a few more privileges than ordinary mortals. Albeit he was
a man of functionary privileges, and you were required by law to
give the entire road to him as he passed.
The passing of his stage was a matter of as much interest as the
passing of a new train of cars. He had a peculiar swing and crack
of his whip that the little boys would strive to attain. The stage
was a peculia'- piece of mechanism that rocked prodigiously, as if
to keep the passengers awake. It was never full, for in staging it
was a proverbial saying that there was always room for one more.
It had a "boot" fastened on behind for the storage of the luggage and
mails, that was almost as capacious as the stage itself. These stages
lyo HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
are still seen in some of oui- western states and territories, and as in
our pre-railroad times are yet carrying the mails. With us, how-
ever, they are of the past— gone west, like Greely's young man, or
the star of empire, as it were. But we are not to forget them.
They were of use and importance in their day and generation, and
they were of dignity as well, for Clay, as Senator, and Jackson, as
President, rode to Washington in them. They were not remark-
able for ease and comfort and not to be compared to the palace cars
of to-day, but were endurable nevertheless, for some of our oldest
citizens came to the country in them, making an uninterrupted
journey of fourteen days and nights. In this day a trip can be
made across the continent and back in the same length of time and
with immeasurably less fatigue.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 171
CHAPTER VI.
THE CHURCHES, Etc.
I say the pulpit (in the sober use
Of its legitimate peculiar powers)
Must stand acknowledged while the world shall stand
The most important and effectual guard,
Support and ornament of virtue's cause.
It would be idle to speculate as to which of the various denomi-
nations has done most in bringing about the present condition of
society, so far as morals are concerned. Which they have all
accomplished in the aggregate there are no methods of ascertain-
ing. If
" There's a Divinity that shapes our ends,
Rough hew them as we will,"
We are disposed to believe that He in his providence has devised .
the church in all its branches for the accomplishment of certain
purposes, and the whys and wherefores are matters of little concern
to us. If the theological disquisitions and discussions that have
taken place in the last hundred years had been devoted to the erad-
ication of evil rather than heated contests, long drawn out, as to
whether this denomination or that one was i/ie church specially
recognized and sanctioned by holy writ, perhaps equally as much
good would have been accomplished. If there shall be a time
coming when the lamb and lion shall lie down together and a little
child shall lead them, then the asperities engendered by the wordy
warfares over the ipse d/xi'^s of creeds and doctrinal points, whether
essentials or non-essentials, will have entirely disappeared. The
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
millennium will in all probability obliterate all the speculations of
doctrinaries and consign to oblivion many learned theories of innu-
merable learned D. D.'s. He that shall stand in the light then
shining may, perhaps, look into the past centuries and see the paths
of at least twelve tribes all converging towards the promised land.
There is no royal highway leading up to the New Jerusalem of
which anv particular corporation has exclusive JDrivileges and sole
control. On the contrary there are many ways. That which, for
designation, we call the Methodist way, may be a little rough, and
its trains may run, at times, at what may seem a reckless speed;
and that other wav, which we may call the Presbyterian way, may
seem more solid and better ballasted, and its trains may run with a
more solemn stillness, as it were; yet they both tend to the same
point. The trains on each are through trains. The managers of
each may speak in terms of praise of the safety and ease and peace
of mind vouchsafed b}- the respective routes, but the passenger,
when through, on either, is tired and glad to escape the incidents
of travel. It is not our design, therefore, in the very brief sketches
of the various denominations mentioned in this chapter to enter into
any analogies of their differences, their accomplishments or special
characteristics. We give the dates of their organizations, as near
as attainable, present membership, etc. Before that, however, we
may be pardoned for mentioning specially the
PIONEER PREACHER.
About as far back as we had settlers we had Baptists, Presbyte-
rians, Methodists, etc. By and by along came the preacher, and he
selected out his followers. The sheep, though terribly scattered,
heard the voice of the shepherd, and came following. Those early
shepherds — those pioneer preachers — deserve a passing notice.
Their's was no easy lot. Their lives did not fall in pleasant places.
Those who stood upon the outskirts of civilization and proclaimed
the Word of God, held no enviable positions. It was no place of
ease and comfort. It was like picket duty, and just as necessary.
Those early pioneer preachers were men of endurance, and
sometimes their hearers as well. They wore their homespun and
preached homespun sermons to homespun hearers, in similar logic,
and on similar subjects. They had no fine churches with carpeted
floors and cushioned seats, and windows of stained glass, and Gothic
HISTGRY OF MACON COUNTY. 173
roofs, frescoed over with bugled angels. None of this. Their
meeting houses .were often groves, with grass for carpets, rude logs
for seats, and the broad canop^y of heaven for a covering. Their
position, however, was not unenviable. Their songs mingled with
the songs of the birds. Their prayers ascended to heaven on bree-
zes bedewed with the perfumes of millions of wild flowers. Their
voices echoed through the forests planted and decorated by the hand
of God himself. There were no reverberations from painted and
papered walls, borne upon an oxidized atmosphere filled with gases
from cracked furnaces, and poisonous from diseased lungs. With
pure and gentle breezes playing around him, the preacher preached
to reprove, persuade and convince, and not to keep his hearers
awake. He kept on preaching, too, after his thirty minutes were
out, for his hearers came to stay all day. He finished up his sub-
ject to his own satisfaction, at the end of an hour, an hour and a
half or two hours. It was not necessar}^ to bring part of it up at
the next meeting as luifinished business. That subject, or doctrine,
was nailed down and riveted. No, the thirty minute executioner
didn't stand over your pioneer preacher ready to lop the sermon in
two at the end of secondly. The pioneer preacher was also in the
habit of speaking out in meeting. No subject laid upon his mind
for weeks and months waiting for a favorable opportunity for ex-
pression. He had no wrestling with his conscience about whether
he ought or ought not to reprove brother or sister so and so. He
spoke as he was moved by the spirit, as it were, unmindful of what
brother was hit or missed. He preached what he believed to be
true, no matter if it ruffled the belief of half his congregation. He
had no knack at tempering the winds to shorn lambs. He was
bold and fearless in this respect. He could preach Perseverance of
the Saints to a whole conference of Methodists. He could pi'each
Falling from Grace to a synod of Presbyterians. When he saw
the enemy attempting a flank movement, he moved on him and
attacked him in his most vulnerable point. When the devil showed
himself he was sure to be struck then and there. There was no
coaxing and diplomacy resorted to to dislodge satan from his strong-
hold. The pioneer preacher never used tufts of grass. He took
a stone in the first instance, and he threw it. A two-edged sword
was his constant companion, and he kept it whetted sharp.
174 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY
Ami then again your pioneer in the wilderness was a man of no
great pretensions. He was what he was, and made no effort at
appearing to be anything else. While his calling was high, yet,
like his Master, he was found among all classes and conditions of
society; among the rich and those that dwelt on fine lands and in
pleasant surroundings; among the poor and the wretched, where
the wolf was continually at their doors. He was a man of simpli-
city and plainness. What he was upon one day of the week he
was sure to be upon all the others. He had no special Sunday cloak
that covered up a multitude of weekly sins. His conduct was as
the crow flies, straight on, without shadow of turning. He was
always a poor man. Like Goldsmith's parson, his income was
exceedingly meagre.
THE CIRCUIT RIDER.
The next who followed in the footsteps of the pioneer preacher,
was the regularly appointed circuit rider. As the early school-
master was a revolving genius, so was the circuit rider, except that
his territory was larger and he revolved on horseback. With a
bible, hymn book, horse, bridle and saddle, and a pair of saddle
bags that contained a change of raiment, the circuit rider's outfit was
complete. He had long rides to make across wide prairies and
through dense forests. He faced the cold winds like a hero. He
battled with the elements with bravery. The rain was scarcely
ever too hard or the snow too deep to stop him. Like the train
conductor, he felt bound to meet his connections. He studied and
practiced on his sermons and " pitched his tunes " on horseback, as
he rode from one appointment to another. The good old mothers
often stuffed his pockets with new socks, carded, spun and knit
with their own hands. Now and then a new pair of trousers were
given him as the result of the " chipping in " of two or more
neighbors. They did not always fit exactly, for thev were made
"by guess," but that was a small circumstance, for the circuit rider
was none of your fastidious men. He could not afford it and his
calling was an embargo in that direction. The pioneer preacher
and the circuit rider are about numbered with the things that were.
Meetings are no longer held in the private houses as in very early
days; nor in the school houses, as in a later day. The substantial
and most expensive church houses that exist in our cities, and the
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1^5
neat and modest ones of the country neighborhoods have supplant-
ed them,
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The Methodist church was estabhshed when tliere were but few
inhabitants in the country, and has kept pace with the population,
constantly advancing until it has reached its present membership.
The first Methodist preaching done in this county, was in the
Steven's settlement; and the first organization was effected there by
Rev. W. L. Deneen, which formed part of what was then known
as the " Salt Creek Circuit," Peter Cartwright being the presiding
elder. This organization was formed in the fall of 1829, and con-
sisted of about twelve members, of which the following are some
of the. names: Buel Stevens and wife, Luther Stevens and wife,
Dorus Stevens, Joseph Stevens, Hollenback, David Owen and wife,
and John Frazee. In the following year several additions were
made to the society from the families of Jonathan and Isaac Miller,
who moved to the county.
The same year Dr. Wm. T. Crissey, Alonzo Lapham and their
families moved from Edgar county and settled in Decatur and vicin-
ity, and connected themselves with the church.
The first Methodist camp meeting was held the same year, in
the Stevens neighborhood, on the farm of David Owens, on what
is now known as the Andrew .Williams place. This was reserved
for a camp ground several years.
In the fall of 1831- the preaching and society were transferred
from that neighborhood to Decatur.
So far as is now known, the first preaching by a Methodist min-
ister in Decatur was in May, 1831, by Rev. W. S. Crissey,
who came from Indiana on a visit to his uncle. Dr. W. T. Crissey.
In the same year several preaching places were established in Ma-
con county.
The first Methodist church building in the county was erected in
1835, ih the town of Decatur. It was a frame building, twenty-
five feet by thirty feet, and a very rude, insignificant structure com-
pared with those of 1876. From this beginning as seen from its
early history, it has progressed to what is shown by following facts
concerning its present standing:
176
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
There are now in Macon county seven English and two German
stations and circuits, making nine, all of which have regular pas-
tors.
There are thirteen English and two German churches in the
county.
The entire membership of the county consists of 2030 members.
There are fifteen church buildings and five parsonages.
The above church property is valued at $140,000. There are also
of this denomination fifteen Sunday schools with about 2000 schol-
ars, and a requisite number of teachers and libraries.
In addition to the above, there is in the city of Decatur an Afri-
can M. E. church of forty members, with a church house valued at
$1500. There is also a flourishing Sunday school of forty mem-
bers at the same place.
THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF DECATUR.
Was organized in the house of Mr. Samuel Powers, on the ist day
of May, 1852, by the Rev. Robert H. Lilly, who was appointed a
committee for that purpose by the Presbytery of Palestine. The
members at the organization were, David Hopkins, Catherine, his
wife, and Lydia, their daughter, Nancy Eagar, Mrs. Mary Lilly,
Miss Agness McCormick, John Nicholson and his wife Julia, and
Robert Motfit and his wife Elizabeth. David Hopkins was elected
and installed first ruling elder. Rev. Augustus F. Pratt gathered
up this little church and preached to them one year. After him
the Rev. David Manfort, D. D., then quite an old and feeble man,
served the church faithfully till October, 1S54. About the middle
of the next month the church secured the services of the Rev.
Erastus W. Thayer, who preached ably to them till the spring of
1S57.
The congregation up to about this time worshiped in the old
court house, then in the old academy, and in a new building which
was erected on east Main street, on a lot belonging to Dr. Roberts
and designed ultimately for a store house. About this time, the
congregation, having increased in numbers and pecuniary strength,
began to take the first steps towards the erection of a church edi-
fice, which resulted in the brick church on Prairie street.
The next minister was the Rev. P, D. Young, who preached
one year, and left, for reasons to the writer unknown. Rev. T. M.
Oveatt was invited to the charge of the church in July, 1S5S, and
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY, 177
was, in the following spring, installed as the first regular pastor of
this church. He continued in the pastoral relation till Jan. 1863,
and was succeeded in the following spring by Rev. D. C. Marquis,
who was called from this church to the North Presbyterian Church
in Chicago, in January, 1866. The church, during the pastorate of
these last two men, had a steady and a much more rapid growth.
Mr. Marquis, though a young man, just out of the Theological
Seminar}^ at Chicago, had preaching powers of no ordinary char-
acter. His sermons were evangelical, clear, and profound, and
were delivered with great force and animation. If he has had any
equal as a sermonizer among the young men in central Illinois, it
was his immediate successor, the Rev. Samuel Conn, now of New
Albany, Indiana. Both these gentlemen were early honored with
the degree of Doctor Divinitatis; because by native power and hard
study they earned the distinction. Mr. Conn's health, which was
never firm, suffered under the labor and care of the church, and in
September, 1868, he closed his labors here. During the last year
of Mr. Conn's pastorate a second church was organized in connec-
tion with what was called the New School General Assembly, with
forty-two members from the First Church, and seven from other
quarters. This branch of the church enjoyed the very acceptable
services of the Rev. A. L. Brooks till after the union of the two
General Assemblies, when he accepted a call to Danville, Illinois,
and the two churches united into one harmonious church. The
elders of both churches were elected to constitute the session of the
re-united church. After Mr. Conn left the Rev. John Brown,
D. D., came over on Saturday and supplied this church during the
greater part of the next winter.
In the spring of 1869 Rev. James E. Moffatt, a young man from
the Chicago Theological Seminary, was settled as pastor, and re-
mained four years. After him came the Rev. Robert McKenzie,
and preached a few months over two years.
In September, 1876, Rev. W. H. Prestly accepted a call to this
church, and is now preaching most acceptably to full houses.
The church, which began with ten members and one ruling
elder, now has about three hundred members, a full bench of ruling
elders, and full boards of deacons and trustees.
A large and successful Sunday School is organized under the
auspices of this church.
—33
IjS HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY,
THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
The first sermon by this denomination ever preached in Macon
county, was by Rev. John Berry, and was in an old log school
house three and a half miles southwest of Decatur, near the present
residence of P. M. WikofF.
The Mt. Zion Cumberland Presbyterian Church was organized
on the 34th of April, 1S30, at the house of the Rev. David Foster,
with the following members: Allen Travis, Peggy Travis, An-
drew Wilson, Mary A. Wilson, Alexander M. Wilson, Nancy
Wilson, Katharine Wilson, James D, Campbell, Lovina Campbell,
Andrew Davidson, Asseneth R. Davidson, Elizabeth Bell, Alex-
ander Bell, Nancy Jane Bell, John Davidson, Rhoda Davidson,
Rebecca Travis, David Davis, Polly M. Davis, John Smith, Peggy
Smith, Samuel Davidson, Elizabeth Davidson, Nancy Davidson,
Eleanor Davidson, William D. Baker, Marilla Baker, Robert
Smith, Nancy Smith, Robert Foster, Margaret Foster, David Fos-
ter, Anna Foster, Wm. C. Foster, Isabel Foster, and Nancy Allen
Foster.
The following are the names of the ministers who have had
charoe of this congregation: David Foster, by whom the church
was organized, Neil Johnson, Daniel Traughber, Samuel Ashton,
John D. Cowan, J. T. A. Henderson, John C. Smith, R. T. Mar-
low, R. T. Lester, R, G. Carden, N. M. Baker, and P. H. Crider,
the present pastor.
The church has at present about 175 members, and a Sunday
School of about 70 members. The first Sunday School in the
county was organized at this place by the Rev. David Foster in
1831. The first superintendent was James Scott, and Andrew Wil-
son, assistant.
The North Fork C. P. Church was organized in April, 1855,
by the Rev. John C. Smith, at the Emerson school house, and con-
sisted of 54 members, all but six of which had previously been
members of the Mt. Zion congregation.
Present membership, 53.
Present membership of Sunday school, 66.
The successive pastors have been, Daniel Traughber, John C.
Smith, Joseph R. Lawrence, G. W. Kinsolving, W. P. Baker, M.
Dillow, W. L. Bankson, and N. M. Baker, the present pastor.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1 79
The first Sunday school in this a icinity was organized by Miss
Charlotte Emerson, sister of the late Judge Emerson, who acted
as superintendent and teacher. This was organized in a small
house in her father's yard, in the year 1S40.
Bethlehem C. P. Church was organized in 1S50, by the Rev.
John C. Smith. It consisted of 51 members; some of which were
from Mt. Zion and Mt. Carmel congregations. At present it has
100 members, and a Sunday school of 60 members.
The successive pastors have been John C. Smith, Abner Lans-
dcn, James Pantier, N, M. Baker, W. Pinckney Baker, Ryan,
Thomas Montgomery, J. T. A. Henderson, Robert G. Carden, J.
R. Lowrance, T. G. Stansberry, and the present pastor, W. L.
Bankson.
The Madisox C. P. Church was organized by the Rev. John
C. Smith, from members formerly belonging to the Bethlehem and
Mt. Carmel congregations, and has a flourishing membership and
Sunday school. The present pastor is Rev. Jesse Beals.
There are also organized churches of this denomination near
Argenta, in Friend's Creek township; at Prairie Hall, in Mt. Zion
township, and at Shady Grove, in Wheatland township.
THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
This chuch was organized in the year 1S30, bv Elder Joseph
Hostetler, of whom a biographical sketch may be found in another
part of this book. The place of organization was in the old log
court house, which then stood on the west side of the old square,
but has since been moved east of Decatur.
The charter members of the organization were, Thomas Cowan
and wife, Warner G. Strickland and wife, Elizabeth Cantrall, Steph-
en Shepherd and wife Dr. Bartley Gorin and wife. Col. Joseph
Johnson and wife, Charlotte Turpin, and Mrs. Harrold, none of
whom are now living.
The following have served this church in the ministry: Joseph
Hostetler, John W. Tyler, George A. Patterson, James Fanning,
B. W. Henry, Robert Foster, J. P. Lancaster, Hughey Bowles,
Walter P. Bovles, Wm. Harrow, Tobias Grider, A.J. Kane, W.
B. Happy, Wm. Ebert, Dr. John Hughes, Wm. C. Dawson, P. D.
Vermillion, Ira Mitchell, Lucius Ames, A. D. Northcutt, and the
present pastor, F. S. Haynes.
l8o HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
The present membership is 235. Its Sunday school was organ-
ized in 1S55, by E. M. Nabb, who was its first superintendent.
Ransom Wright, W. E. Nelson, W. W. Shockey, W. E. Brigham,
L. B. C. Leffingwell, N. S. Haynes and W. L. Hammer have suc-
ceeded to the superintendency. The present enrollment of this
school is 154. The value of church property is $10,000.
THE UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH.
The first sermon preached in this county by a U. B. preacher
was by Rev. James Parks, in the spring of 184S, at the house of
Rev. M. T. Chew, five miles southwest of Decatur. The first
class consisted of these two persons and Mrs. M. T. Chew. In
the fall they petitioned to the annual conference to send them a
preacher. James Parks was licensed b\- the conference and re-
turned to act as minister of this small class. There were but three
families in the community, and often there were but two or three
present at the meetings.
The first church in Decatur of this denomination was organized
in 1856, by the Rev. M. Ambrose, in the old Masonic Hall. The
charter' members were, S. B. McClelland, J. E. McClelland,
Rachel McClelland, S. W. Hamsher, Sarah Hamsher, Jacob Bohn
and Mary Bohn. The next year they succeeded in erecting a
church house on Cerro Gordo and North Main streets.
The following are the names of the ministers who have had
charge of this congregation: M. Ambrose, A. Winsett, T. A.
Tawney, S. P. Hay, L. M. Bennett, H. H. Hilbish, A. A. Shesler,
S. Levi'ck, H. Elwell, L. Fields, and Isaac Kretzinger, the present
pastor. In 1873 the church purchased two lots at a cost of $2350,
and erected a new house at a cost of $5000. This is located on the
corner of Broadway and Edwards streets. The present member-
ship is 85, and a Sunday-school of 115 scholars.
The following^re the statistics of the county :
Number of church houses, 10.
Members in county, 500.
Number of Sunday schools, 11.
Total number of scholars, 620.
Total value of church property, $19,600.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
BAPTIST DENOMINATIONS.
The Decatur Baptist church (United Baptist) was organized on
the 14th of September, 1843, '^^ ^^'^^ house of David L. Allen.
It was composed in its first organization of the following mem-
bers of the United Baptist church of Springfield : David L. Allen,
Julia E. Allen, Thomas H. Read, Elizabeth Read, David Brett,
Margaret Brett, Henry Rigs, Malinda Rigs, Lemuel Allen, Rob-
ert Allen, Margaret Pratt, and S. C. Allen. It was organized by
Elder H. W. Dodge.
The first house of worship, on the northeast corner of Water
and William streets, was dedicated Dec. 37, 1S57. They have now
a much more commodious and elegant building on North street,
between Water and Franklin streets. The successive pastors have
been, H. W. Dodge, Moses Lemon, B. Carpenter, C. H. Gates, N.
Alvord, J. N. Tolman, B. F. Thomas, S. G. Miner, F. M. Ellis, F.
G. Thearle, S. F. Holt, J. C. Banham, and W. G. Inman. The
present number of members is about 175. It has also a flourishing
Sabbath School of over 200 members.
THE ROLLING MILL CHAPEL
Was erected by the Baptist church in 1871, at a cost of $3500. It
has a Sabbath school of 150 members.
ANTIOCH, AFRICAN.
This was organized in the year 1S5S, with 14 members. House
of worship on South Main street, near Brambles' Grove.
There is also a new church of this denomination at Oreana.
SALEM CHURCH (SEPARATE BAPTIST.)
This church is located five miles southwest of Decatur. It was
organized in 1846, with the following members: John Burke?
Micajah Burke, L. B. Ward, Elizabeth Ward, Coleman Brown,
Elizabeth Brown, Ephriam Cox, Nancy Cox and Amos Walker.
The successive pastors have been, Robert Henson, J. W. Vaughan,
John Turner, F. S. Randolph, S. B. N. Vaughan, and others. The
membership at present numbers about 40. It has a Sunday school
of about 40 members.
The cemetery at this church, perhaps the oldest in the county,
was commenced in the year 1S29 or 1830. A Mr. Mangrin and
wife were the first buried there.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
OLD SCHOOL OR PRESBYTERIAN BAPTIST.
This church never had a regular church Organization in this
county, though there have been ministers and preaching since a
very early day indifferent localities throughout the county. There
is a membership of about 50 persons, who belong to the different
societies throughout the Sangamon Association, which extends
throughout Central Illinois. The first minister of this denomina-
tion who preached in this county was William Shields, who was
the contractor for the old court house. The next was Michael
Mann, from Logan county. John B. Moore, C. B. Stafford, John
Alsbury, Charles Alsbury, Stephen Hugle, Chester Carpenter^
Richard Newport, Daniel Parker, P. McCary, Lemuel Davis,
William A. Thompson, Joseph Richardson, Edmund T. Morris,
William L. Campbell, A. W. Murray, James H. Ring, and John
H. Myers have successively preached to the people of this denom
ination throughout the county. Mr. Myers, who is one of our
oldest native born citizens, is now preaching regularl}^ in the city
of Decatur, and expects to organize a church during the spring of
1877.
UNIVERSALIST CHURCH.
This society was organized in 1854, by Rev. D. P. Bunn. The
early members of the organization were Joseph Spangler, sr. ;
Joseph Spangler, jr. ; Jacob Spangler, J. B. Hanks and wife, John
Rickets and wife, John Capps and wife. The present member-
ship is about 75. The successive pastors of the church have been,
D. P. Bunn, (14 years,) S. S. Hebberd, S. F. Gibb, and M. W.
Tabor. The present value of the church property is $10,000.
A Sunday school was organized in connection with the church
in 1854, and has continued uninterruptedly since, with a present
membership of 50.
CHURCH OF GOD.
Decatur Church, — This church was organized in May, 1S57,
by Elder A. J. Fenton, with 1 1 members, viz : Jackson Fisher
and wife, Mrs. Howenstine, Mrs. David Givler, David Hamsher,
John Hamsher and wife, J. Fenton and wife, Mrs. Fisher, and Ja-
cob Knisely. The successive pastors have been, A. J. Fenton,
David Kyle, J. H. Hurley, James Worner, Connelly, Thomas
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
^83
DeSherry, R. White, J. B. Soule, S. M. Newcomer, Henry L.
Soule, O. V. Kennison, and W, B. Allin.
Present membership^ 75.
There is a Sunday school under the control of the church of
about 75 scholars.
Value of church joroperty, $4,000.
There are churches of this denomination at Boiling Springs,
Hickory township; Fairview, in same township; Warrensburg and
near Macon.
CATHOLIC CHURCH.
St. Patrick's Church was organized in 1S54, and the present
church building erected in 1S63, which, at the time, was the most
costly church edifice in the county. There is a membership of
something over three hundred families, and a large Sunday school
in connection with the church. The present pastor is the Rev.
Mr. Hickey.
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
St. Johns, of Decatur. — This church was organized in 1S56,
with the following members: Wm. Prather, C. H. Fuller, M. S.
Fuller, Cyril Fuller, Maurice Fuller, Chas. B. Smythe, Elam Rust,
M. E. F. Rust, Chas. M. Smythe, J. W. Richardson, Jas. Simpson,
Sarah Simpson, Emma Lutrell, S. D. Macy, A. S. Halbert. The
successive Rectors of the church have been, Rev. S. R. Child, Rev.
W. L. Bostwick, Rev. E. P. Wright, Rev. Wm. M. Steel, Rev.
Silas Totten, D. D., Rev. S. D. Pulford, Rev. P. McKim, Rev.
W. W. DeWolf, and Rev. Stephen H. Cranberry. The latter is
the jDresent rector.
Note. — We notice tlic different churches of Maroa, Macon, etc., in con-
nection with the history of those towns found in Chap. VIII.
184 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
MASONIC ORGANIZATIONS.
MACON LODGE NO. 5, A. F. & A. M.
This Lodge was chartered Oct, 5, 1S41, by the Grand Lodge of
the State. Its charter members were George A. Patterson, Joseph
King, William Laforgee, Henry Prather, Elijah League, Leonard
Ashton, and James Ashton. The officers were—
Geo. A. Patterson W. M. | Joseph King S. W.
Wm. Laforgee J. W.
The present officers are —
W. W. Foster W. M. | W. L. Hammer T.
F. M. Cox S. W. I J. S. Carter S.
A. C. Corman J- W. | James L. Peake Tyler.
This Lodge is, as will be seen by its number, one of the oldest
Lodges in the State, and is the owner of considerable property in
Decatur.
IONIC LODGE NO. 3 1 2, A. F. & A. M.
Ionic Lodge was chartered in Oct. 1S59— the following named
persons constituting the charter members: A. B. Bunn, Geo. R.
Moffitt, D. W. C. Hardy, S. S. Goode, Joseph Lowenstein, J. M,
Lowry, and George Goodman. It has at present a membership of
96. The following are the present officers —
A . A . Murry Treas .
John O. Barnes Sec'y.
Wm . Towling Tiler .
J.N. Baker W.M.
W. H. Stoer S.W.
Wm . Young . J ■ W .
MACON CHAPTER NO. 51, R. A. M.
This Chapter was organized Sept. 39, 1855, by the Grand Chap-
ter of the State of Illinois, with the following named persons as
officers :
D. P. Bunn H. P.
J . R . Gorin King .
Henry Prather Scribe.
Josiah Hunt C . H .
W. H. Ennis M. 1st V
W . W . Oglesby P . S .
Jos. King R.A.C.
J . C . Weaver M . 3d V .
J.J. Peddecord M . 2d V .
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
Present officers —
A. A. Murry H. P.
J . S . King K .
E. D. Carter S.
R. C. Crocker C. 11.
W . H . Gipson P . S .
A. C. Corman R. A. C.
W . H . Starr G . M . 3V.
J.N. Baker G . M . 2 V .
A. L. Roberts.... G.M. i V.
W. L. Hammer. . . .Treasurer.
W . II . Wilson Secretar}' .
Wm . Towling Tiler.
BEAUMANOIR COMMANDERY NO. 9, K. T.
This Commandery was organized Nov. 3, 1859, by the Grand
Commandery of IlHnois, with the following named persons as
charter members: Robert Green, S. T. Greer, I. C. Pugh, C. H.
Fuller, John N. Fuller, Geo. W. Bright, Jerome R. Gorin, Henry
Hummell, Wm. Dewees, Wm. Martin.
The following persons are the present officers:
A . A . Murray E . C .
D. P. Elwood Gen'l'mo.
W. M. Camp C. G.
J . H . Babbitt S . W
J. N. Baker T. W
W
W. L. Hammer T.
J . S . Hand Recorder .
J. T. Barnett . . . . St'd. Bearer.
W.J. Wayne .... Sw'd Bearer.
CM. Imboden Warden.
Towling C. of G.
ODD FELLOWS' ORGANIZATIONS.
DECATUR LODGE NO. 65, I. O. OF O. F.
This lodge was organized in July, 1S50, with the following named
persons as charter members: S. K, Thompson, H. Hummell, J.
R. Turner, B. F. Oglesby and John W. Koehler. This is the old-
est lodge of this order in Decatur, and has considerable property.
The present officers are :
Wm . Ragan N . G . P . D . Kline P . S .
Bruce Woodruff. V . G . R . John Ulrich T.
Rev . Inman R . S . J . W . Rock way . . D. D. G. M .
-24
[86
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY
CELESTIAL LODGE NO. lS6, I. O, OF O. F.
This lodge was organized Oct. I3, 1855, with the following
named persons as charter members: W. W. Oglesby, P. D. Kline,
S. K. Thompson, Henry P. Elliott, R. F. Jones, Joseph King,Jas.
Shoaff, J. L. Peake, A. J. Wolf, C. H. Fuller, Geo. W. Baker, B.
H. Cassell, and John J. Ballentine.
The present officers are:
....P. S.
T.
John Armstrong N. G.
Samuel Funk V . G .
John Mark R. S.
Joseph Gates
I. VV. Ehrman
G. W. Patterson, D. D. G. M,
ENCAMPMENT NO. 37, I. O. OF O. F.
I ^This encampment was organized Dec, 1S56, with the following
persons as charter members: G. A. Smith, H. Kain, B. F. McCoy,
Hamilton McCoy, William T. Peake, Stephen Grimes, Peter Ter-
rell and Alonzo Pierce.
The present officers are :
....C. P.
,...H. P.
Henry Bower . . .
JohnG. Cloyd .
P. D. Kline ....
F'.
, ..S. VV.
Richmond
George Cole
Wm . Towling . . . .
Geo. W. Patterson
...D. D. G. M.
J. W.
Scribe .
T.
DAUGHTERS OF REBEKAH.
BENEVOLENT LODGE NO. 6l, I. O. OF O. F.
This lodge was organized October 14, 1S73, with the following
persons as charter members: I. N. Martin, P. L. Kline, Wm.
Towling, G.W.Baker, Newton Edwards, B.J. Schock, Joseph
Mills, Wm. McDonald, B. Stine, John Ulrich, M. Forstmeyer, E.
Swartz, O. F. McKim, Mrs. I. N. Martin, Miss Kate Towling,
Mrs. Kate Baker, H. Swartz, Mrs. R. Jones, Mrs. Ballentine.
The present officers are :
W . Patterson N . G . Mrs . E . P . Tuttle R . S .
Mrs . Wm . Young V . G . Mrs . H . H . Stafford . . . . F . S .
Mrs . L . L . Haworth T . Geo. Patterson . . . . D. D. G. M .
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY, 187
Decatur Lodge No. 568, of the Independent Order of Good
Templars, was chartered on the 23d day of February, 1874. The
following named persons are among the 60 charter members who
assisted in the organization and who still reside in the county: D.
L. Bunn, Jesse Lefargee, Aurilla Culver, S. A. Jones, Jennie
Young, S. H. Gorman, Sallie Blair, Mattie Hanks (Righter), Theo.
Goleman, J.J, U. Young, W. H. Hubbard, M. Y. Givler, Gasper
Bazou, Mary Bazou, and Ben. H. Righter.
The present officers are:
D . L . Bunn L . D . I Theo . Goleman W . G . T .
W. G. Inman P. W. C. T. | Ruth Gulver W. V. T.
John House W . S .
DECATUR PUBLIC LIBRARY.
This library was the result of the labors of the Ladies' Library
Association, which was organized some eight years ago. The li-
brary was collected and managed by that association until Sept. 9,
1S75, when all the books and furniture were transferred to the city
of Decatur, and is is now under the auspices of the city council.
There were in the library when control was assumed Dy the city
1693 volumes and at the end of the first half year there were 1300
borrowers. During this period 17,572 books had been loaned, or
an average of 117 per day, and 28,345 persons had visited the
rooms. At the end of the first year 24,933 books had been loaned,
or 3130 per month, and 40,138 persons had visited the library and
recorded their names, which the librarian estimates is not more than
half the actual visitors, as many visitors do not record their names.
At present the[number of volumes in the library is in excess of 2000
and is being increased as the funds under the control of the library
board will justify. The library is supported by a tax levied upon
the city property under the law of the state. There is in connec-
tion with the library a reading room, on the files of which are kept
all the leading newspapers, journals, magazines, etc., of the United
States. Fifty different newspapers alone are on file. The books
in the library have been selected with care and judgment, and it is
useless to add anything more than the above exhibit of the number
of readers to show the benefit being derived by the public through
iSS HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
this small library. It is hoped that the number of books will soon
be increased so as to meet the public demand, as it is felt that the
present facilities are entirely inadequate. The interest the commu-
nity takes in reading and general information derived from a gen-
eral library and reading rooms, is a matter of education to a large
extent. The aggregate value to be attached to this channel of in-
formation cannot be estimated. Many young persons are found
daily at the library and reading rooms, engaged in reading useful
books or papers who otherwise would be denied any privi-
leges in that direction for want of means. Othei's are there who
have cultivated a taste for the study and perusal of useful books,
who otherwise might be cultivating a taste for vice in some one of
its thousand enticing forms.
The following constitute the present members of the library man-
agement:
W. A. Barnes, President.
Mrs. S. F. Greer, vSecretary.
R. L. Evans, Librarian.
Directors. — W. A. Barnes, J. L. Peake. W. L. Hammer, Mrs.
S. F. Greer, Mrs. B. F. Sibley, Mrs. C. A. Ewing, W. W. Foster,
Fred. Kuney, W. T. Wells.
STANDINC; committees.
Administration.— yV. L. Hammer, W. T. Wells, Mrs. B. F.
vSibley.
Finance. — J. L. Peake, W. L. Hammer, Mrs. C. A. Ewing.
Buildings and Gro?mds. — Fred. Kuney, J. L. Peake, Mrs. C.
A. Ewing.
By-Laivs and Regulations. — W. W. Foster, Fred. Kuney,
Mrs. B. F. Sibley.
Library and Reading Room. — W. T. Wells, W. W. Foster,
Mrs. S. F. Greer.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
CHAPTER VII
OUR MANUFACTORIES.
We g'wc below a few brief sketches of some of our principal
inanufacturiag institutions, though we f;iil to notice all, for want of
space, what we have to say is not in the way of laudation (;r ful-
some praise of any of the institutions mentioned, nor as an adver-
tisement to either of them;* but to illustrate as best we can the
present condition of the county in this department of wealth and
progress. We have aimed thus far in this work to treat of facts as
we find them, without undue praise or partiality. Of the import-
ance to be attached to manutacture in adding to the prosperity of a
city or locality, nothing need be said. We only need point to
places having equal facilities — one with manufacturing institutions,
and the other with none. The one is alive with energy and activ-
ity, the other is dead; the streets of one city are noisy and bustling
with business and trade, and those of the other are lifeless and inac-
tive; the one grows rapidly, and soon has its buildings, Its churches.
Its schools and colleges of superior merit and magnificence, the other
has Its old tumble-down, rickety rookeries, and its grog-shops are
the principal places where the people congregate.
Among the early ... nufacturing Institutions of the county was
the " old ox mill," erected just east of the old Revere house site, in
the }'ear 1S39. This was erected by J.J. Pcddecord, NInlan Ped-
decord and E. O. vSnilth. The motive power was obtained by pla-
cing three or four cows upon an Inclined wheel, their heads being
* No institutien mentioned in this chapter has contributed one cent for the
notice "iven it, and some of them not even subscribed for this work.
190 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
secured to a cross beam. JVTuch difficulty was experienced for some
time after this mill was set in operation, in getting the machinery so
regulated as to be under the control of the person in charge. The
gearing apparatus was not perfect, and occasionally a cog slipped,
or the connections between the wheel and the mill machinery be-
came detached, and then there was a runaway. The cows would
become frightened and commence running, which gave the revolu-
tions of the wheel more velocity, and then a scene of general con-
sternation spread throughout the village. All kind-hearted citizens
would rush to the rescue, and assist " Uncle Henry " in stopping
his mill, by throwing rails and logs under the wheel. Some of the
cows on the wheel being larger unable to keep up with it, its rev-
olutions were so rapid, would be found dragging by the head. The
bellowing of the cows, the screaking of the machinery, the smash-
ing of the rails; the quick, excited and shrill voice of "Uncle Hen-
ry," in giving orders, are remembered by many of the old settlers,
and related with wonderful minuteness. When it was announced
that the mill was running away with itself, then there was running
to and fro like there was at Belgium's capital, on a certain noted
occasion.
The principal product of this mill was corn meal, and the tolls
derived glutted the market, and there being no demand except the
home demand, the mill soon proved an unprofitable investment, and
was sold to Joseph Stickel. He sought to make it a paying invest-
ment by grinding corn for Allen's distillery. As soon, however,
as it was known that he was, in this indirect way, giving "aid and
comfort," as it were, to the production of whisky, he was brought
before the church, of which he was a member, and required to
produce the " thus saith the Lord," for his iniquitous and nefarious
traffic, or be expelled from the church. What the result was of
the indictment of Bro. Joe, we do not know, but so it was, how-
ever, in a short time the mill ceased to run, and was purchased by
a man fi'om Clinton, by the name of Ward, and was converted into
a carding factory, and run as such for a great many years.
It may not be known to many that lime was ever manufactured
in this county, but such is the fact. Capt. D. L. Allen, at an early
day erected a lime kiln on the river, a short distance southwest of
the city of Decatur, at what is still known as the "old lime kiln
ford." He manufactured a considerable quantity of lime from lime-
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
191
Stone obtained in that vicinity, sufficient, at least, to meet the wants
of our people. The lime produced is said to have been of a very fine
grade, and w^as purchased by builders in Springfield on account of
the superior finishing qualities it possessed.
Senator R. J. Oglesby was imbued, in his early days, with the
idea that rope making would be a success, and started a rope fac-
tory. Hemp was raised and ropes were actually made and placed
in the market by Mr. O., but the remuneration not being adequate
to meet his expectations, the rope works, after a year or so, were
abandoned.
THE DECATUR FURNITURE COMPANY.
This is one of our largest manufacturing establishments. It was
commenced in 1S66, under the firm name of Wm. Lintner & Co.
Mr. L. sold his interest in 1875 to his co-partners, Messrs. Pedde-
cord & Burrows, who are now the owners of the entire establish-
ment. This firm is engaged in the manufacture of all kinds of
furniture, and has a capital invested in the business of about one
hundred thousand dollars. The furniture manufactured by this
firm is shipped to all parts of Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, and Indiana;
the sales of which amount, in the aggregate, to one hundred and
fifty thousand dollars annually. The lumber used by the*company
is obtained from southern Illinois, Indiana, and Tennessee, and is
required to be selected with great care, as none but the best is suit-
able for the grades of furniture manufactured by this company.
The yearly pay-roll will average about 100 men, to whom is paid
annually about $50,000. It is a matter of verification that the
number of persons deriving a su^Dport from this factory alone, will
equal in numbers, if not exceed, the entire population of Decatur
prior to the building of our railroads.
The company is also engaged in the manufacture of wood pumps,
which are sold largely throughout the northwest. The business
was commenced by the manufacture of this article in 1S63, by
Messrs. Barnes & Lintner, who employed, at the commencement,
not to exceed a half dozen men. As the business increased, new
buildings were erected and machinery purchased, until at present
the main building used by the company is 108x36 feet, five stories
high, with two additional buildings 100x32 and 99x92, each three
'92
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
stories high, besides other out houses used for the drying and stor-
age of lumber.
The raih-oad facihties at this point enables this firm to compete
successfully with the older and larger establishments of Cincinnati
and eastern cities.
The established reputation and capital of the Decatur Furniture
Co., will continue to render it one of the manufacturing institutions
which Decatur and Macon county may justly be proud of,
UNION IKON WORKS.
These works are among the most important of our manufactur-
ing institutions. They were commenced in 1864 by Burroughs &
Co., upon a limited scale, intending at th* time only to start a first-
class repair shop for machinery. Like all institutions of the kind,
however, that are backed by capital and industry, their work in-
creased as its character became known. Additions have been made
to the buildings, machinery facilities, etc., from time to time, to the
extent of $75,000. The company is at present engaged in the
manufacture of steam engines, mill and elevator machinery, the
Western Corn-Sheller and Cleaner, and general repairing. Their
facilities are such that engines of the most powerful construction, as
well as of*the most intricate nature, are being made here and ship-
ped to all parts of the west, and east as far as Ohio, and south as
far as Tennessee.
About one hundred thousand dollars worth of work is annually
turned out by the firm, requiring a working force of at least thirty-
five men — the most of whom are skilled mechanics. The chief
characteristics of the engines manufactured are, durability, simpli-
city and symmetry. In the construction of the various parts thev
a\'oid clumsiness and weight, except where absolutely necessary for
strength. Fi'om all the information we have been able to obtain
from persons who have used engines manufactured by the Union
Iron Works, we do not hesitate to say that their work is entitled
to be classed as equal to any other product of western skill. The
work of manufacturing engines is divided into separate and distinct
departments, and each department has a superintendent who has
attained his position by years of practical experience.
Another branch of the business of this firm is devoted to furnish-
ing plans and specifications, and superintending the construction of
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. I93
flour mills and elevators. Millwrights are constantly kept em-
ployed in this department.
Within the last two years, the manufacture of the "Western
Corn Sheller" and the "Western Corn Cleaner" has been engaged
in. These machines are the inventions of C. C. Burroughs, one of
the members of the firm, and are meeting with a success scarcely
anticipated by the inventor. They are supplanting the old ma-
chines that have been in popular favor for years, and are destined to
be of material benefit to the whole agricultural west. Three of
the principal articles of manufacture of Macon county are Macon
county inventions, and are designed to supply the wants of our ag-
ricultural community. The one above mentioned, while we have
no space to devote to a description of its merits, we doubt not will
become, when properly before the public, an article of remuner-
ation to its inventor and manufacturers, as w^ell as a valuable ma-
chine in the speedy preparation of our immense crops of corn for the
market.
The Union Iron Works are owned by C. C. Burroughs, James
Millikin, John M. Flood and Charles Gradweld, the latter two hav-
ing become members of the firm in 1S73.
DECATUR BAGGING CO.
During the summer of 1S75, the Decatur Bagging Co. was
formed, composed of the following parties: Moses Jerome, A. W.
Conklin and D. S. Shellaboj^er. Immediately after the organiza-
tion of the company very large and extensive buildings were erec-
ted on the Toledo, Wabash and Western Railroad, in the city of
Decatur, for the purpose of carrying on the business in. These
buildings, together with the necessary machinery, engines and fix-
tures, were erected at a cost of over $50,000. The business of the
company is the manufacture of but a single article, viz : "bagging,"
which is used only for covering cotton bales. The market for this
article of manufacture is all points south devoted to the culture of
cotton.
In connection with this manufactory, and belonging to the com-
pany, are four tow-mills, located as follows: Paxton, Buckley, Ran-
toul and Onarga, which gost about $35,000. The flax lint is man-
ufactured into tow in these mills and shipped in bales to the factory
here, where it is spun and wove into cloth and shipped south.
194 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
This manufactory requires the labor of i6o hands, who are em-
ployed winter and summer alike, one-half of whom are females, and
the average pay of all is $i per day. We were pained to learn that
five-sixths of the raw inaterial used by this companv in the manu-
facture of its goods is raised in other counties than our own, so that,
while the location of the manufactory is here and the most of the
employees are residents, which are of great benefit to Decatur and
the county, it might be made to contribute far more to our material
worth, if the farmers of the county were to devote attention to the
cultivation of flax and hemp, so as to supply the demands of the fac-
tory. If the culture of the raw material be a source of income to
the farmers of Ford and Champaign counties, why may it not be
to our own people, especially when the cost of transportation must
of necesssity be taken from the price paid in those foreign counties.
Besides, it is a well attested fact that our soil, climate, etc., are
equally if not better suited for the successful cultivation of this ar-
ticle. This, together with the fact that hemp and flax are articles
of easv culture, very prolific, and will meet with a home mar-
ket, ought to stimulate some of our farmers to devote some atten-
tion to this article of agriculture. We are disposed to assert,
from an examination given to this subject, that if our farmers would
devote some part of their farms to the culture of hemp and flax, so
as to supply the demands of the factory, it would save to the peo-
ple of the county thousands of dollars that are annually expended
elsewhere, and induce the bringing to this county the tow mills
now erected in other counties, besides being a source of revenue
and profit- to our own people.
The bagging factory is nov»- owned entirely by Messrs. A. W.
and C. A. Conklin, who are men of capital, energy and perseve-
rance, and who are now thoroughly initiated in the business. We
have no doubt they will, with their business qualifications, soon
make this, to us, new branch of industry one of the best paying in-
stitutions located in our midst. The class of persons furnished em-
ployment in the factory though not what are termed skilled me-
chanics, yet they are of that industrious and peaceable sort who
otherwise might have difficulty in obtaining employment or means
of support for themselves and their families, and whose earnings
are devoted to that purpose rather than indulgence and vice, as we
see among employees of other manufacturing institutions. We
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. I95
have no hesitancy whatever in saving that the Decatur Bagging
factory is now one of our most important manufacturing institutions,
and one of which Macon county ouglit to be proud, and is destined
to be of far greater importance to us.
It asks no bonus or support from us other than what is to the in-
terest and profit of our people to give, in the way of material fur-
nished, for which a market is made. Its owners are our own citi-
zens and of us and expect to remain with us.
HA WORTH & SONS.
•' To save time is to leiigtlieu life,"'
Is an old saying, and as true as it is old. The object sought to be
obtained in almost all of our modern inventions is time and labor.
So with Haworth's Check-Rower. Its main object is to save the
time and labor of the farmer in the corn-planting season, when
every minute of time saved is almost as precious as minutes of gold.
When he is ready for planting his corn, every hour lost is a propor-
tionate loss in bushels at the ensuing autumn. The check-rower is
the invention of George D. Haworth, one of the members of the
firm, and was completed and a patent obtained therefor in the year
1869. Valuable improvements have been added to it from time to
time since as experience has dictated, so that farmers who under-
stand and have had the use of this machine attach to it a value
next in importance to the corn-planter itself. Upon level western
prairies, where the soil is such that the weeds grow as rapidly as
the corn, and sprout and commence growing as soon as the ground
is broken up, it is found very desirable that the corn should be
planted in rows each way, and planted as soon as possible after
the soil is turned over, so that the corn will have an equal chance
with the weeds and grass. Without the use of the check-rower it
is necessary that the entire piece of land, ten or twenty acres as the
case may be, shall be broken up, then it must be marked off with
a marker so as to make the cross rows, by which it is found that by
the time the entire piece of land is broken up and crossed off the
weeds are beginning to show themselves above ground in the part
first plowed. But with the check-rower this difficulty is obviated,
and that too, even if the farmer has but one team to use.
But it is useless to dilate upon the merits of this machine; as such
it is an invention of the county, and of which the people will yet
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
more thoroughly appreciate. The firm engaged in the manufacture
of this implement are M. Haworth, L. L. Haworth, J. W. Haworth,
and George D. Haworth — father and sons. They were formerly
from Clinton county, Ohio, and removed to lUinois in 1853, and to
Macon county in 1857. They are all men of energy and thorough
business qualifications. They took hold of this invention a few
years since, and by industry and perseverance have overcome the
natural prejudice existing among the people against all new inven-
tions; so that now increasing demands are coming from Illinois,
Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and Texas, for it.
During the past year the original shops, machinery and facilities
for manufacture, have been increased to more than four times their
original capacity. The value of the real estate, shops, machinery,
warerooms, of the firm does not probably vary far from $150,000.
Thirty-five men are einployed by the firm. One feature connected
with the manufacture of the check-rower is that every part of the
machine is made here in the shops, so that there is but a very small
outlay of money by the firm that Macon county does not receive
the benefit of. The value of the manufactures of this firnl for the
year 1876 will not vary far from $200,000.
ROBERTS, LYTLE & CO.
This firm has been in business but three years, and is composed
of the following named gentlemen: T.T.Roberts, R. P. Lytic
and O. Z. Green. While the articles manufactured by this firm,
viz : wooden burial cases and caskets, are not pleasant to contem-
plate, and never purchased except when painful necessity requires,
yet in these pre-cremation days the demands therefor is steady and
constant, and unaffected by the fluctuating influences operating
upon other articles of manufacture. $40,000 worth of burial cases are
annually manufactured by this firm, and shipped throughout Illinois,
Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and other States. The lumber used is ob-
tained from southern Illinois, Michigan and Tennessee. Twenty
men are employed by the firm the year round.
The members of this firm are all young men of energy and business
qualifications, and their growing business will soon create a demand
for much larger works and a greater investment of capital. Their
present grounds, buildings and machinery cost in the neighborhood
of $20,000.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. I97
H. W. HILL & CO.,
Manufacturers of Harchvare Specialties attd Hog Rings and Ringers.
This firm is composed of H. W. Hill and C. P. Housum, and
commenced business in 1S72. They were first engaged in the man-
ufacture of H. W. Hill's hog ringer and rings; and by perseve-
rance and energy have established a business in that line of work
exceeding all others combined. With their present machinery they
have a capacity of manufacturing 140,000 rings daily, and have
placed upon the market in four years 30,000,000 rings, consuming
900 miles of wire. The market for this article of commerce ex-
tends from Maine to California and Texas, and some goods have
been exported to Europe. The demand for this device, manufac-
tured by this firm, is increasing as its merits become known by the
farming community. Over nine millions and a half of rings have
been sold during the past year, which is fifty per cent, in excess of
the sales the year previous.
The firm commenced business on a limited capital, and under
disadvantages arising from imperfect machinery, or rather no ma-
chinery at all; from prejudices naturally existing against all new
and valuable improvements, and have been harrassed b}' litigations
in reference to patents, almost without number. But notwithstand-
ing these obstacles, they have by business tact and energy over-
come them, and now constitute one of the substantial and securely
established manufacturing institutions of which we may well feel
proud, and have a capital of $30,000 invested. They also manu-
facture, to a considerable extent, corn-huskers, ladles, etc., which
are inventions of the firm. They also have in connection with
their business a printing office, by which they are enabled to do all
their own printing and advertising.
H. W. Hill, the senior member of the firm, is a native of North
Carolina, And has been a resident of Macon county about 1 1 years.
Charles P. Housum, the junior member, is a native of Ohio, and
has been a resident of Macon county about 1 1 years.
The reputation of Decatur as a manufacturing city and railroad
center has been largely increased through the extensive advertising
done 'by the firm. About three tons of advertising matter are an-
nually distributed to all parts of the United States by them.
I9S HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
CHAMBERS, BEHRING & QUIXLAX,
Manufacturers of Champion Hog Ringer^ Rings and Holder^ Englebill Corn
Husker, and Barnes'' Wire Check-Rower.
The firm of Chambers & Quinlan was formed in the spring of
1875, for the purpose of manufacturing the Champion Hog Ringer,
Rings and Holder. By their perseverance and devotion to the
manufacture of tlieir articles, they have succeeded in building up a
business that is growing and permanent; so that they in Dec. 1S76,
associated with them Mr. J. Ed. Behring, as a partner, and exten-
ded the list of articles manufiictured by them, and are now manu-
facturing the Eagle-bill Corn-Husker, Barnes' Wire Check-Rower,
and Brown's Hog Ringer and Rings.
We have no space to enter into an examination of the merits of
the various articles manufactured by the firm. It will be seen that
all the articles are intended to meet the demands of our farming
community. The Champion hog ringer and rings made by the
firm is the only invention of the kind in use. The ring is a double
ring and is said to have advantages over the single ring. It is suf-
ficient to say that this article is found upon the shelves of hardware
dealers throughout the United States, and is being introduced in
Europe.
The Barnes' check-rower, made by this firm, has only been upon
the market for a short time, and its merits not fully understood.
The advantages claimed for it are, durabilitv; that it will not con-
tract or extend; no side draft; convenience in use, and adaptability
to all planters.
The firm employs on an average about 14 hands, and occupies
the old agricultural shops.
The members of this firm are thorough business men. Mr.
Chambers is now (1S76) mayor of the city of Decatur, and Mr.
Quinlan is an old and respected citizen of the county. '
W. & B. SAWYER.
Linseed Oil and Oil Cake.
The oil mill of this firm was put in operation in 1867, and with
the additions made since, including machinery, is valued at $30,000,
There are $75,000 worth of oil and cake annually manufactured.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY,
[99
the principal markets for which are St. Louis and New York. A
large proportion of the oil cake is exported to Europe. They
also have a retail trade extending- throuo-hout Illinois, Indiana and
Missouri. The number of men employed by the firm is 13. The
flax seed consumed by the mill averages about 50 thousand bushels
per annum, and is principally raised in Southern Illinois, for
which $1,40 to $1,50 per bushel is paid.
The firm is composed of AA^illiam Sawyer and Benjamin Saw-
yer. The latter has been a resident of Macon County since 1S36,
and the former since 1867. ^^^ the business qualifications of the
firm nothing need be said. It is a straightforward business firm;
energetic and responsible.
r.OVn, HASKELL ,t CO.
''Decatur Woolen Mills.'''
This is among the oltlest existing manufacturing institutions of
the County, having been established in 1S59, by the present firm
composed of the following persons, viz: Wm. H. Boyd, L. C.
Haskell and W. J. Myers. The principal goods manufactured
are flannels, yarns, blankets, jeans, and, also, card and spin. The
wool used by the firm is procured from Macon and adjoining
counties entirely, and the products of the factory are sold through-
out Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan and Indiana; amounting
annually to about $75,000 in value.
In 1 868 the mills were destroyed by fire, but were immediately
rebuilt. The value of mills, including machinery, is not far from
$30,000. The firm are thoroughly initiated in all the details of
the business, and are sound business men, and have in their employ
about 25 persons the year round.
Prior to their engaging in this business here in 1859, Mr. Boyd
was a resident of Maryland, Mr. Haskell of New York, and Mr.
Myers of Pennsylvania. The latter has been an influential mem-
ber of the city council.
This firm, but with little attempt at show or display, has been, and
continues to be, engaged in a department of manufacture that
Macon County could illy afford to be without.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
PETER LOEB.
Manufacturer of Agricultural and Gray Iron Castings.
Mr. L. erected his shops and foundry in the summer of 1876, and
is a man of twenty years experience in his Hne of business. He
has on an average ten men in his employment since ready for busi-
ness. He says with the patronage thus far received, and the facili-
ties he has, he will in a short time more than double his present
amount of business, which he estimates for 1876 at $15,000. The
necessity for a foundry of the character of Mr. L's., of course can
not be denied. Our farmers annually expend thousands of dollars
for the repairs of machinery ordered at Cincinnati, Pittsburg and
elsewhere, which might just as well be expended at home. Loss of
time and the freights in the shipment should be considered and
would be no small items in the aggregate.
II. MUELLER & CO.
Manufacturers of Water Main Tappers., Toy Pistols., Gunsmithing and General
Repairing of Machinery.
This firm has been in business since April, 1874, the senior mem-
ber having carried on a gunsmith and general repairing shop for
a great many years. He is thoroughly conversant with his busi-
ness in all of its branches, and the firm is wide awake and thorough-
ly energetic in all things pertaining to their line of work. Their
annual manufactures will run from twelve to fifteen thousand dol-
lars per annum, and the monthly pay-roll will not fall short of nine
men. Their business is increasing, and their shops, machinery,
etc., speak well for the present and future. The water main tap-
per made by the firm is an ingenious and very simple invention,
perfected and patented by H. Mueller.
KRAMER & MCCLELLAND.
Manufacturers of Road, Spring and Lumber Wagons Carrias^es and Buggies.
This is one of the oldest firms, if not the oldest in the county,
having been established in 1S54. Each member of the firm has
been a resident of the county since 1853. The firm has a capital
HISTORY OF MACOX COUNTY.
invested of $10,000, and their annual manufacture aggregates in
the neighborhood of that amount. Their wagons, etc., find a mar-
ket in this and adjoining counties, and some are shipped to Indiana
and New Mexico. Their work, as thousands of their customers
can verify, is of the most substantial character, as well as orna-
mental, and needs no commendation. They make a specialty of
"Jump seats and Greencastle bodies."
WAYNE BROS.
This firm is enofag-cd in the manufacture of carriaoes, busfsfies
and spring wagons, and also do a large repairing business. The
members of the firm are, John B. and Wm. J, Wayne. They are
natives of Pennsylvania, but have been residents of Illinois for
about 35 years, and of Macon county four vears. Each of the firm
is thoroughly conversant with all the minutia^ of the business.
Their average annual manufacture of vehicles of various kinds ag-
gregate $30,000, the most of which is sold to home customers;
some goods, however, are shipped to Iowa, Kansas and Texas.
The material used by the firm is obtained in the eastern markets,
and is selected with the greatest of care. The carriages and bug-
gies made are substantial and well built, and this firm has turned
owt some of the finest work in Central Illinois. They have in their
employ about 30 of the most skillful mechanics, in the different de-
partments of their work.
D. S. SHELLABARGER.
Flour Mills.
This firm commenced business in Decatur in 1S63, and is coui-
posed of D. S. Shellabarger, John B. Shellabarger and Wm. Bow-
ers, though we believe some changes have been made in the firm
in that time. Each member of the firm is thoroughly acquainted
with the flouring business in all its departments. The senior inem-
ber of the firm has been mayor of the city, as well as alderman.
They have a capital invested in the milling business, consisting of
real estate, machinery, etc., of $35,000. The average annual value
of manufactures will run from $175,000 to $300,000. They have
in their employ eight men, and their principal market is Macon
county and surrounding country.
—26
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY
GEO. PRIEST & C
Flour Mills.
One of the oldest flour mills in the county is that of Geo. Priest
& Co. The firm is now composed of Geo. Priest and A. N. Deal,
both of whom are thoroughly initiated in all the departments of
their business. They have a capital invested in the business of
about $33,000, and the annual product of flour, etc., manufactured
amounting to $150,000, requiring the labor of eight men. Their
business extends throughout the county and along the railroad lines
leading from Decatur.
' GREENFIELD, BELL & CO.
Flour Mills.
This mill has been in operation about eight years, and has an
mvestment of $20,000 in real estate, buildings and machinery, with
a capacity of producing annually 11,000 barrels of flour, employing
six men, and has a trade extending in almost every direction within
a radius of thirty to forty miles from Decatur. The members of
this firm are old residents of Macon county, Mr. Bell having been
born here, and Mr. Greenfield came at a very early day.
HARPSTRITE & SCHLANDEMAN.
AIa?i2(facturers of Beer.
This firm began business in 1S62, in Decatur. The members of
the firm are Edward Harpstrite, who came from Clinton county in
1S55, and Henry Schlandeman, who came from Logansport, Ind.,
in 1856. They have an investment of $60,000 in their business, and
their annual manufactures amount to about $40,000, which finds a
market in Macon and adjoining counties. They annually consume
about 10,000 bushels of barley, for which they pay on an average
ninety cents per bushel, which is shipped to them from Kansas,
Nebraska and Minnesota. Their hops are obtained from New
York. Ten men are in the employ of the firm.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
FERRIS & EMMONS.
203
ManufactKrers of and Dealers in Lubricating- afid Ilittminatin^-
Oils and Ax/e Grease, and Dealers in Animal Oils.
This firm was organized in 1S75. The members of the firm are
W. P. Ferris, who came to Macon county in 1871, and was en-
gaged until 1S75 as conductor on the T., W. and W. R. R. G.
W. Emmons came to Macon county in 1S70, and was conductor
on the above road until 1S74. Mr. F. is a native of New York,
and Mr. E. of New Hampshire. The annual sales of goods man-
ufactured and on sale, are $100,000 per annum. Number of men
employed by firm, six. Principle market for goods, Illinois, and some
have been shipped to Kansas. The carbon oil used by this firm is
shipped in large iron tanks made expressly for the purpose, and
transferred directly from the tanks bv means of siphons to the tanks
of the firm, which have a capacity of 8,000 gallons. From these
tanks the oil is transferred to the barrels for distribution.
ELWOOD & CO.
Mantifactjirers of Doors, Sash, Blinds, etc.
This firm was organized in 1S65; the Messrs. Elwood having
been residents of the county for 22 years. They have a cash
capital invested in this county of about $40,000, and have been
doing a large and increasing business in their line since they came
to Decatur. They own large pineries in Michigan, which are
under the charge of D. Elwood, one of the members of the firm,
from which they obtain the principal part of their lumber. The
annual average manufactures of the firm amount to $40,000, and
from 23 to 25 men are employed by them. The firm manufactures
and sells about two million feet of lumber per annum, which finds
a market in Macon and adjoining counties.
204 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
RAILROADS*
A history of the raihoad interests of the State, would be a
vohime of itself, and not devoid of interest.
From the introduction of railroads in this country, Illinois has
been destined to be a railroad State. The foresight of Hon. Ste-
NoTK. The ilrst successful locomotive steam engine in the world was in-
vented by George Stephenson, and is still preserved at Darlington, England.
Prior to its invention Mr. S. was regarded as "the craziest man in all Eng-
land," but after its successful operation, on its trial trip he v\ras regarded as "the
smartest man in all England and in all the world." The first railroad and upon
which this engine ran, was completed from Stockton to Darlington, England,
Sept. 27, iS-TS- The project of Stephenson was ridiculed in parliament, and a
large concourse of people gathered upon the occasion of the trial to ridicule
the "insane " Stephenson. The engine was attached to a train of 34 coal
wagons and coaches, which were about the size of an ordinary old-fashioned
stage coach. The passengers took their places in the coaches, and a man on
horseback took his position in front of the engine to herald the approach of the
coming train ! The signal for starting was given, and the engine started oft" with
the cars like a "thing of life." The gentleman who was to ride on horseback in
front of the train to announce its coming, soon found it convenient to " look
out for the cars," and left the track in disgust! The ridiculing spectators who
were left behind, were in a ridiculous state of mind at the unexpected success-
ful working of the crazy man's engine. The journey was completed at the
speed of 15 miles an hour, and from that time since the name of George Ste-
phenson has been written high upon the scale of the world's benefactors.
In 1831 a railroad was completed from Albany to Schenectady, New York,
a distance of 16 miles, which was among the first roads upon which a train
of cars were propelled by steam in America, and took place the year the road
was finished. The trains upon this I'oad, however, ran very slowly- The road
ran over hills and down into the valleys, so that it was necessary to draw
the trains up acclivities, in places, by stationary engines. The first engine
upon this road was the "John Bull," which was made in England, and
weighed four tons. The venerable Thurlow Weed was among the 15 passen- ^
gers upon the first train of passenger cars propelled by steam. But little did he|
suspect on the morning of that excursion that in much less than half a century
he would behold trains running through that Mohawk valley at the rate of 40
and 50 miles an hour, and still others bearing freight sufficient in value to
have paid for the entire Mohawk & Hudson Railroad, with its equipment.
One of Stephenson's engines was put upon a road constructed by the Dela-
ware and Hudson Canal Co., from their coal mines to Honesdale, in 1S29, but
it was not used for passenger traffic to any great extent, if at all.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 205
phen A. Douglas In getting the Illinois Central Railroad construc-
ted from Cairo to Chicago and Dunleith, has resulted in incalcula-
ble benefit in opening up the fertile prairies of Illinois to cultivation.
He lived long enough to see his expectations more than realized,
and his predictions fully met. The early railway legislation of this
State fully manifests the popular feeling as to the necessity of some
means for the transportation of our grain and herds of cattle and
hogs. The means of attaining the requisite railways, however,
were matters of serious consideration, and of no well-defined opin-
ion. One crude idea that seems to have pervaded the entire legis-
lature in 1S35-6-7, was that these great highways of commerce
might be legislated into existence; hence it was that in those years
there were enacted that gigantic enterprise that has since been
known as the internal improvement scheme. It had for its object
the construction of canals and railways, branching out to almost all
parts of the countr}-; all to be built and owned by the State; the
construction of one-half of which would ha\e bankrupted Illinois
beyond all hopes of recovery.
It was a gigantic undertaking without any means of accomplish-
ing. It was a brilliant idea, without any sort of conception as to the
requisite amount of capital to give it practical shape and direction.
It was akin to that other idea, and had about as much consistency
in it, by which the fellow undertook to jump across the Mississippi
by taking hold of his boot straps. The whole internal improve-
ment scheme collapsed with the financial panic of 1837. Several
millions of dollars were appropriated from the treasury and ex-
pended with scarcely a dollar to show therefor except a few em-
bankments in different parts of the State, i^mong the projected
lines of railway under which work was commenced under the
Improvement system was that of the Northern Cross Railroad,
chartered in 1S37, running from Quincy to Danville and the State
line. The first locomotive engine that ever ran In Illinois was
placed upon this road, and ran through from Meredosia to Jackson-
ville, perhaps in the winter of 1S3S-9.
The above road was -completed through to Springfield from
Jacksonville in 1S43, and the cars made three trips to the Illinois
river every week; which feat Is spoken of by the journals of that
day as wonderful! This road was constructed by nailing flat joieces
of iron upon long pieces of timber, running lengthwise with the
2o6 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
road. The road, however, had not been in use long before the
track became uneven and rough, and the engine was so out of re-
pair that it had to be taken off the road, and the cars were then
propelled by mules! This process of locomotion finally became
unendurable, and the whole road was sold by the State for a mere
nominal consideration. We mention these facts, as they constitute the
first railroad experience of Illinois; and also for the reason that the
Northern Cross Railroad formed a part of the line, which, after
various consolidations, became the
TOLEDO, WABASH & WESTERN RAILWAY.*
This, though built under a different name, was the first railroad
that was constructed through the county of Macon. From the
time its cars ran into Decatur in April, 1S54, commences the rapid
improvement and almost unexampled prosperity of our county. At
that date commences the real history of our agricultural and com-
mercial advancement. Then all the stock in trade of all the mer-
chants in the county would have made but a few dray loads. From
that period hog drovers became scarce. Thenceforward those old-
fashioned, broad-tyred Virginia wagons, with their inevitable
accompaniments — the two dogs and a tar bucket — ceased to be vehi-
cles transporting our dry-goods and groceries from St. Louis and
Chicago. Their owners, who had hitherto made the principal part
of their living by " wagoning," looked upon the construction of
the railroads with an eye of suspicion, and regarded it as an inter-
ference, to some extent at least, with " vested rights." Other ob-
jections were urged against the construction of railroads, that to us
in this day would ^eem laughable indeed; among others it was
urged that the whistling of the engines and noise of the cars would
drive away all the game! Others said the ranges would all be des-
troyed, and poor people would have to keep their cattle and hogs
enclosed.
The T., W. & W. R. R. has been one of the two roads that has
been largely instrumental in making our county what it is. To
our merchants and our farmers who ship stock and grain east, this
road has been of incalculable value.
* We understand that after January, 1877, the name of this road is to be
changed to the Wabash Railway.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY,
The length of the road is as follows:
Main line from Toledo to Quincy 473 miles.
St. Louis Division (from Decatur to E. St. Louis) 1 10 "
Keokuk Branch 41 "
Naples Branch , 3 "
Total 637
Of these 627 miles there are in Illinois ^i^SG miles.
The annual shipments forwarded by this line will average from
350 to 400 thousand dollars, and the annual receipts are about one
hundred an 1 twenty thousand dollars from Decatur station, as
shown by the books of the company. The passenger traffic from
Decatur varies between 90 and 100 thousand dollars. The pay-
roll for men employed in Decatur, runs between five and six thou-
sand dollars per month.
THE ILLINOIS CKNTKAL RAILROAD, /
In September, 1S50, an act of Congress was passed granting
lands to the State of Illinois for the purpose of constructing a rail-
road through Central Illinois. The legislature of Illinois in 1S51
incorporated the Illinois Central Railroad, and the lands held in
trust by the State were transferred to the company upon a compli-
ance with the conditions of the charter. The road was completed
through Macon county in 1S54, from the north, and the entire line
soon thereafter opened to the public.
The procurement of aid from the general government, by the
donation of lands, was a subject that the people of the county had
taken an interest in for several years prior to the passage of the act.
It became a question in the election of representatives to the legis-
lature, and was made one of the issues of the campaign of 1S4S.
It is said that a senator from Macon county was the first to intro-
duce and secure the passage of a resolution by the legislature re-
questing and urging our senators and representatives in congress to
secure the desired aid from the general government. As elsewhere
remarked, Senator Douglas, who was always alive to anything that
had for its object the improvement of the State, and the benefit
of our people; acting upon the resolution, secured the passage of
the law, donating to the State for the use of the railroad, every
alternate section for the distance of six miles upon each side of the
proposed line.
2o8 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
There was some little apprehension existing for a while in refer-
ence to the location of the road through the county. An effort
was made to locate the road six miles west of Decatur, crossing the
river at what was, in early days, known as the " cut-off," and a
survey upon this Hne was made, but through the exertions of Hon.
E. O. Smith and other citizens of Decatur, the " cut-off route" was
abandoned, and the present route selected, though said by the en-
gineer, Chas. A. Tuttle, to be more expensive.
This road, by judicious management, and the capital derived
from the sale of its lands, has always been upon a sound financial
basis. Its treatment of its patrons has been such as to call for no
great amount of complaint, for want of equipment or means and
proper facilities for transportation. Its management has been such
that but rarely are suits brought for the recovery of damages for
negligence on the part of its agents.
The passenger cars upon the road have never been remarkable
for their costliness or splendor of their appointments; yet are
usually substantial, safe, and have all the necessaries for ease and
comfort. Its employees have been well paid and selected with
reference to their qualifications and abilities. Engineers, conduct-
ors and agents, who were in the employment of the company in
1S54, still hold their positions.
There are 705 miles of road in Illinois, under the management
of this company, distributed as follows:
Main hne (Cairo to Dunleith) 455 i^i^^s.
Chicago branch (Centralia to Chicago) 250 "
By an arrangement recently consummated this company has now
the control of a road extending to New Orleans, from Cairo, ma-
king an entire line from either vSioux City or Chicago to New
Orleans.
The average annual shipment forwarded by this road from De-
catur, amounts to $25,000; and the receipts will double that amount,
as shown by the books of the company. The ticket sales at the
Decatur office do not vary far from $20,000 annually.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 209
DECATUR AND EAST ST. UOUIS RAILROAD.
This road was chartered in 1S67 and built in 1S68, under the
management of the T., W. & W. R. R., and has since been un-
der the control of that road. It runs to East St, Louis, a distance of
loS miles, and since the construction of the great bridge across the
Mississippi its trains run into the city of St. Louis. This road is
regarded as one of our best and most important roads, and should
it be extended to Chicago, as it was intended that it should be, it
will be second to none as a means of furnishing transportation to
the markets for our producing people. When we have a direct
outlet to both Chicago and St. Louis — the great cities of the south-
west— then our railroad facilities will be most ample and complete.
We sought to accomplish this by means of the
i
DECATUR AND STATE LINE RAILROAD,
the charter for which was more than once defeated by the Chicago
& Alton Co. It is asserted by some of our best informed citizens
that the construction of this road after the charter had been obtain-
ed was defeated through manipulations originating from the same
source. We do not know where the blame lies for the loss to the
people of this county of this very important road, but whoever was
instrumental in it has a conscience inimical to the public interests
of Macon county. The road was important; the subscriptions
along the line were sufficient for its construction; it was under con-
tract and i^artially built; and Decatur six years ago anticipated soon
being the principal city on the shortest line of road through the
most fertile portions of the state, between ///c cities of the northwest,
but awoke one morning and found the work suspended and the
people along the entire line dumblounded, like the workmen at the
tower of Babel. But why, the author is unable to state.
PEKIN, LINCOLN AND DECATUR RAILROAD.
This road was chartered in 1S61, and the charter amended in
1S65, and constructed in 1S71. It is 67 miles in length, and was
leased by the T., W. & W. R. R. Co. at its completion, and has
been under its management until 1S76. It extends from Decatur to
Pekin on the Illinois river, but its trains run through to Peoria.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY,
THE DECATUR, MONTICELLO AND CHAMPAIGN R. R.
This road was constructed in the year 1S73, and extends to
Champaign, 111., where it connects with the branch of the I. C. R.
R., north, and the I., B. & W. R. R., east. It is now consolida-
ted with the latter road, and is known as the Decatur branch of
the Indianapolis, Bloomington & Western, It secures to us com-
petition for eastern transportation,
DECATUR, SUI.LIVAN AND MATTOON R. R,
This road was chartered in iS6i,and constructed in 1S72, and ex-
tends to Mattoon, 111, It was intended that this road should be ex-
tended through to Grayville, on the Ohio river, securing to us a
southeastern travel and transportation but financial embarrassments
have prevented its construction farther than Mattoon.
ILLINOIS MIDLAND R. R,
This is a consolidation of the Peoria, Atlanta & Decatur and
Paris & Decatur Railroads, The road was constructed in 1S72.
Its line extends from Terre Haute, Ind., to Peoria, 111.
Entire length 1 76 miles.
Entire length in Illinois 16S miles.
INDIANAPOLIS, DECATUR AND"sPRINGFIELD R. R.
tral R. R., but was not constructed until 1S73, and then finished
only to Montezuma, on the Wabash. It is thought that it will
shortly be constructed through to Indianapolis, and when done will
be one of our most important roads. The name was changed in
1876,
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
AGRICULTURE.
This is the oldest branch of industry. It needs no words of com-
mendation. Those who engage in tiUing the soil form a large and
very important element in society — a necessary element, and one
just as dignified, when duly appreciated, as any of the others. In
character, influence and relative position the agricultural class is
what its members make it. It is high or low, as its masses are en-
ergetic, educated and skilled. In some localities the sun seems to
be always shining. The firmers are busy the year round. Their
farms are neat and well fenced. Their barns and outhouses are
painted and in perfect repair. They have reapers, mowers, corn
planters and all the modern improvements in the art. The dwel-
lings are neat and comfortable, and their occupants seem always
cheerful, and are intelligent, refined, social, industrious, and are
always glad to have you come and see them. This is what people
call "a good neighborhood to live in," "a good farming commu-
nity," etc., etc.
There is another community, sometimes but a few miles distant,
occupying a position at the other extreme. There seems to be
always a cloud over it. It is hedged in and about with ennui and
lassitude and laziness of the most reckless sort. The fields are
haggard and torn and lacerated, and seem to have been cultivated
in a haphazard sort of a way without reference to the points of the
compass. The fences are racked and partially down, and where
standing seem to cling to the shrubs and trees for support. The
plows, reapers and mowers stand in the field, as they were left
when last used. The farm house is in the last stages of decay, and
ready to tumble down upon the slightest provocation. Its doors
are old and weatherbeaten and fasten with a latch and string. The
windows are dilapidated and pretty well filled up with hats of
ancient date or pillows sable and dusky hued. The inmates are
living specimens of inertia, dejected and downhearted, whose whole
travel seems to have been over stony roads. They have a corduroy
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
look about them, as though they had spent many weary nights in
pondering over Mark Twain's Roughing It. The head of the
household trudges about with one boot and one shoe and a single
suspender, as though he was continually weighing in his mind
the question whether he ought or ought not to. His "old woman"
— ^^that is his wife — poor soul, does as well as she can, endures all,
works hard and dies young, an object of pity and neglect. The
children, a half dozen or more, grow up in rags and penury, half
starved, half clothed, half educated and sore-eyed, and are contin-
ually knocked and buffeted about in the world, and pricked and
stung by the ragged edges of poverty. The barn is a cross be-
tween a rail pen and a "straw-stack," and is "fearfully and wonder-
fully made." The team of "critters" is a bona-fide spectacle piti-
ful to look at, lame and often blind. The yellow dogs that lie in
the front door yard have scarcely sufficient energy to recognize a
stranger or bark a good square bark. They look as though they
wanted something and did not know where to get it.
Such are pictures of the two classes of farmers. The latter
class is becoming rare in this age of steam and progress. They
have been rooted out and gone off " where it aint so thickly set-
tled."
There is a most perfect harmony existing between the agricul-
turalist and the manufacture)-, the mechanic and professional man.
Thei-e is no agency at work, when their relations are properly under-
stood, that tears the one down to build the other up. They each have
a work to perform and a sphere to fill. Our whole industrial system
is like a perfect machine. vSome parts may be more powerful and
exert a greater influence than others, yet all the parts are of equal
utility. The farmer is not independent, nor is the mechanic, the
laborer, the lawyer, the doctor, nor any one who labors with mus-
cle or brain.
We do not deem it material to devote space to notice the differ-
ent agricultural and horticultural products of the county. They
are substantially the same throughout Central Illinois. Corn is
now, and no doubt will remain our staple product. As our prairies
were being opened up for cultivation, and when the soil was very
rich, a very large acreage of wheat was sown. But of late years
the wheat crop has been on the decline so that now it is fequently
the case that we do not raise enough of this cereal for home con-
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 213
sumption.* This is owing to several reasons; the decline in price
since the war, the destruction of late years by chinch-bugs, rust,
severe winters, etc., the labor required to produce it, as compared
with corn, and other products. If the amount of labor that is be-
stowed upon wheat culture in St. Clair and other wheat-growing
counties, was expended here, our wheat crops would double their
present yield. The timber soil of this county is better adapted to
wheat raising than that of the prairie; which, no doubt, is owing to
the protection the wheat receives from the snow lying upon the
ground more evcnlv upon timber fields, and also owing to the fact
of there being more clay in the timber soil, which seems to be bet-
ter adapted to prevent the injury arising from constant freezing and
thawing. The soil is more compact, and seems to protect the roots
better.
But little spring wheat is sowed, and very little rye and barley —
though good crops are raised of both the latter. Of late years a
great deal more attention is being given to pasturage. Formerly
but a small proportion of our farms was devoted to meadows, but
now many c^f our farmers de^■ote more space to grass than to grain.
Our soil and climate are admirably adapted to the culture of timo-
thy and clover, and the labor required for the preservation of these
crops is insignificant when compared to that required for. corn and
wheat. Oats are raised in sufficient amount for home use, but not
largely for foreign market.
A great deal of attention is now being given to the raising of
hogs and cattle. No doubt much more attention will be given
to this as our country grows older, than to the raising of grain for
the market. The stock of hogs now in the county is far superior
to that which we had in our early history; while our beef cattle
have improved equally as much. One of our oldest butchers states
that our cattle now upon the market for home consumption will
average at least one-third better than they did twenty years ago.
The "scrubs" and " hazle-splitters " of the last quarter of a cen-
tury are growing scarcer day bv da v. It costs no more to raise a good
cow or a good hog than a poor one, if indeed as much. Better stock —
thanks to our Pickrells, Taylors, Barbers, and a host of other names
we might mention — is upon exhibition now at our county fairs than
It is estimated that three-fourths of the wheat consumed by our mills
[875 and 1S76, is foreign wheat.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
could be found at our State foirs a few years since. As a breeder
of stock, especially short-horns, James H. Pickrell of Harristown,
is known among stock men throughout North America and Great
Britain. He holds the position of President of the North Ameri-
can Short-horn Association. In the fall of 1875 he visited England
and Scotland, and collected a herd of cattle perhaps not excelled in
the United States or Canada.
There are now but few sheep in the county — 11,349 ^" iSyo? ^^d
6,538 in 1S76.
We close this chapter with the following brief table, compiled
from the assessor's books for the years 1S60, 1870, 1S75 and 1S76,
though the valuations affixed, of course, are much below the real
value:
i860.
ARTICLES. NO. VALUK.
Horses 5,079 $2 1 3,300
Neat Cattle 1 1,601 125,737
Mules and Asses 483 23,265
Sheep 3,783 4,007
Hogs 13,728 35^109
Improved lands (acres) 305,558 2,315,909
Improvements on land 698,792
Acres in corn 49,410
Acres in wheat 16,322
Acres other field products 7,61 1
1870.
Horses io,SS8 295,765
Neat Cattle 15,623 160,754
Mules and Asses 1,480 45,684
Sheep 11,549 5,453
Hogs 30,102 58,862
Improved lands (acres) 305,558 2,315,909
Improvements on land 648,792
Acres in corn 91,929
Acres in wheat 30,145
Acres other field products 25,085
1875-
Horses 1 2,568 659,603
Cattle 19,617 404,128
Mules and Asses 2,387 161,014
Hogs 45^750 195^242
Improved lands (acres) 344,621 8,881,791
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY,
ARTICLES.
1875.
NO.
Unimproved lands 33,331 $390,679
Acres m corn i z^^6'i'Z
Acres in wheat H??!^ ■ •
Acres in oats 24. 162
Acres in meadow i^ xyj
Acres other field joroducts 9,279 . ! .' ! , ." [ '
Acres in pasture 47,209 ......
1S76.
goi'fs 12,607 6oS,iii
Mules and Asses 3,438 156,748
^heep 6,538 11,737
Improved lands (acres) 340,318 8,718,936
Unimproved lands 31 03i
Acres in corn 146^244
Acres in wheat 6 ^o.?
Acres in oats 24,8 1 7
Acres in meadow 30 ^8^
Acres other field protlucts 5'905
Acres in pasture 49,986
412,953
2l6 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
CHAPTER VIII
Our Cities, Towns and Villages.
THE CITY OF DECATUR."^
The history of a county and that of its county seat are so inti-
mately connected thai It is difficult to speak of them separately;
their interests are the same; that which advances one advances the
other; that which retards the one retards alike the other. But we
deem it necessary to devote a short space to the history of the city
proper. We sometinTCS observe the town advance more rapidly
*NoTE. — Stephen Decatur — This city was named after that gallant com-
mander Stephen Decatur, of whom it is proper in this connection to give a
short sketch of his brilliant history, successes, triumphs and the unfortunate ter-
mination of his earthly career. This "Bayard of the seas" was born in Worces-
ter county, Maryland, Jan. 5, 1779. At the age of nine years young Stephen
made a sea voyage with his father, from which, no doubt, he received the im-
pressions that determined his course of life. His early education was received
in Philadelphia, where he returned soon after the evacuation of that city by
the British. He was a leader in all the amusements at school, and was called
"Capt. Dick." Henextwas sentto Pennsylvania University, where he remained
but a short time.
We next find him assisting in the construction of the frigate "United States,"
which he afterwards commanded, and which became famous in our country's
naval history. He went with Commodore Barry on board the United States
on a cruise through the west Indies, to suppress the depredations of the French
privateers. On this voyage several successful encounters were had with French
vessels in the vicinity of Martinique, in all of which Decatur, then but twenty
years of age, manifested the bold, daring disposition of his future life, and ren-
HISTORY OF MACON CONNTY. 217
than the surrounding country, and vice vei-sa ; but that has not
been the case with Macon county ;ind the city of Decatur. They
have kept step by step in their advancement in wealth, improve-
ments, popuhition and general prosperity. Political demagogues
are sometimes, for their own seltish purposes, disposed to array
the city against the country or the country against the city, as the
case maybe; but to the true obser\er their interests are one and in-
separable, as a moment's reflection will demonstrate. The man
that takes no interest in his countv town and its advancement is an
dered signal services for wliich he was made lieutenant. He was next engaged
in cruising along the coast from Georgia to Cape Cod, protecting our commer-
cial interests. He then made two voyages across the ocean, after which a
treaty of peace was declared between the United States and France, which put
an end to the naval prospects of Decatur for the time being.
The United States soon after sent a squadron to the Mediterranean to stop
the depredations of the Tripolines and Algerines upon our commerce. Deca-
tur was commissioned first lieutenant under Capt. Bainbridge, on board the
Essex, which was stationed to guard the coasts and port of Tripoli, where he
remained until 1802, when the Essex was relieved by the Chesapeake, under
Com. Morris, when he returned home. After spending a few weeks at home
his restless spirit induced him to join the New York, under Capt. James Bar-
row, with whom he again set sail for the Mediterranean in Sept., 1S02. He re-
mained but a short time and returned home, where he was put in charge of the
Argus, on which he sailed to Gibraltar, where he assumed command of the
schooner Enterprise, with which, on the 23d of October, 1803, he captured the
Tripoline craft Mostico, with 70 prisoners. In the early part of 1S04, Captain
Bainbridge, being a prisoner in the City of Tripoli, and the gallant old ship
Philadelphia having been captured, which, with its forty guns, well
manned, effectually guarded the harbor of Tripoli, it was determined that
this ship should be burned, but who was to undertake the hazardous experi-
ment.'' Decatur volunteered his services. With his little schooner hitrepid,
with but a few guns, assisted by the Siren, he set sail for Tripoli, where he ar-
rived July 4, 1S04. They cautiously approached the harbor where the Philadel-
phia lay anchored, and oh a dark night the Intrepid, with Decatur at the helm,
came up to within a few yards of their coveted prize before being discovered.
They lashed the Intrepid to the towering form of the Philadelphia and Deca-
tur and his brave men jumped on deck of the latter, drew their swords and
rushed upon the panic stricken crew, and in five minutes killed and drove them
pell-mell into the water. The cables of the Philadelphia were cut and she was
set on fire, floating at the mercy of the winds. "As the streaming flame cir-
cled around mast and boom, flinging its lurid glare over the waste of water,
the old vessel floated along until her final explosion. The exultant shouts of
her captors penetrated the prison walls of Tripoli and proclaimed speedy liber-
ation."
—28
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
enemy of his count}'; and the resident of the town that Hkewise
disregards the interests of the surrounding- county, has studied but
httie of tlie rehative demands of each, and fails to see their mutual
interests, or his own interest even.
The land on which the original To%v)i of Decatur was located
was entered by Parmenius Smallwood, Easton Whitton and Chas.
Prentice, for which, at the time of the location of the towi;i, they
had received no patent from the government. On the 2oth day of
June, 1S29, they entered into bond with the then county commis-
A short time afterwards he commanded a division of gunboats at the bom-
bardment of Tripoli, in which he was engaged in several hand-to-hand encoun-
ters and was wounded with a pike in the hands of the captain, who had assas-
sinated his brother but a few minutes before. Decatur was now made post-cap-
tain, and received a sword for his gallantry displayed. At 25 he was in com-
mand of the Constitution, one of the finest vessels in the service. With this
he proceeded to Malta, and in a short time peace was declared and Decatur re-
turned home, where he was met with demonstrations of honor and esteem.
Soon after the close of the Tripoline war, England and France began their
system of spoliation on our commerce, and Decatur was placed in command of
a squadron on the Chesapeake. When the American embargo was declared,
Decatur was placed in command of the frigate Chesapeake. More elaborate prep-
arations were authorized by Congress. Among the vessels then put in prepara-
tion was the United States, the vessel he had assisted in constructing, and on
which he started in his naval career. He was transferred to the squadron of
Com. Rogers on June 21, iSii, and started on a cruise with a view of attacking
a British tleet bound for Jamaica. The fleet captured six vessels and returned
to Boston. On the 25th, he met, near the Island of Madeira, the English ship
Macedonian, commanded bj the experienced and highly accomplished Capt.
Corden. After a hard engagement, the latter surrendered, with 104 killed and
Avounded and the whole crew prisoners. Decatur lost 12 killed and wounded.
He then returned home. Great applause heralded his arrival. Resolutions
and medals from Congress and state legislatures were voted, and he was every-
where proclaimed the champion of the American navy.
The Macedonian and Hornet were now added to Decatur's command, and he
placed his squadron in Long Island Sound. In 1S14 he was again placed in
command of tlie President. In January, 1815, he fell in with the British squad-
ron, about fiitj miles east of Long Island, and after a bloody engagement was,
for the first time in his career, compelled to surrender. He was sent to Ber-
muda, and thence home. In the meantime peace was declared.
He was not content with peace, however. The piratical Algerines had been
creating havoc with our commerce, and Decatur was soon in command of a
squadron en-route for Gibraltar, on arriving at which place the whereabouts of
the Algerine fleet was ascertained, and he immediately started in pursuit and
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 2I9
sioners, that after they should receive a patent they would convey
to the commissioners a deed of gift for 30 acres of land, On which
the town had been located on the loth day of April, previous.
On the 1st day of June, 1S29, at a meeting- of the countv com-
missioners' court an order was made as follows :
" Ordered^ That Benj. R. Austin, county survevor for the county
of Macon, be and he is hereby recjuired to lay off the town of De-
catur, in said county, after the form of Shelbyville, and make and
return to one of the commissioners of this court a complete plat of
the. same, on or before the first dav of July next."
Under this order the survey was made and acknowledged on the
7th day of July following. At the same term of court the follow-
ing order was also made hv the commissioners:
soon overtook and captured a part of the squadron. He pushed on to Algiers
and dictated peace to the frightened inhabitants, which closed forever the Al-
gerine war and Algerine piratical thefts.
Notwithstanding the treaty made with the Tripoiitans, ensuing tlie war witli
that power above referred to, they continued to harrass our commerce in con-
nection witli the pirates of Tunis. Decatur left Algiers without autlioritv from
his government, and proceeded to Tunis and forced an indemnity. Thence he
proceeded to Tripoli, and the Bashaw, not willing again to meet the gallant
Decatur, likewise agreed upon terms.
Decatur then returned home, where he met the same enthusiastic reception
as before. He was appointed Commissioner of the Navy, which post he filled
with credit, which concluded his brilliant naval career, which will be honored
and respected as long as our flag floats over the seas.
The gallant commander's life was now shortly to close. We would gladly drop
the pen at this period in this wonderful man's career. Unfortunately, at that pe-
riod, the '■ code of honor," that relic of barbarism was still tolerated. On the 22d
of March, 1S20, he fell, mortally wounded in a duel with Com. Barrow, at
Bladensburg. He fell saying: " I am mortally wounded, and I wish that I had
fallen in defense of my country." He sank rapidly, beseeching his friends to
look after his wife, whom he tenderly loved, and not to l)im.
The following notice heralded to the world the unfortunate occurrence : " A
hero has fallen. Com. Decatur, one of the first officers of our navy, the pride
of his country; the gallant, noble-hearted gentleman is no more. Mourn Co-
lumbia, for one of thy brightest stars is set — a son without fear, without re-
proach, in the fullness of his fame, in the prime of his usefulness, has descend-
ed to his tomb." His remains repose on a beautiful site overlooking Washing-
ton and the potomac.
A worthy name for a rising young city of the west to assume.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY,
" Ordered^ That a sale of lots take place in the town of Decatur,
in this county, on the loth clay of July next, on the following
terms, to-wit: a credit of twelve mcMiths will be given, and note
with approved security will be required, and that the clerk of this
court is required to advertise the sale in the paper printed in Van-
dalia until the day of the sale."
At the next term of court wc find that D. McCall was allowed
$500 "for money paid to R. Blackwell, for warrants and advertis-
ing the sale of lots in the town of Decatur."
At the sale on the loth day of July, the first lot sold was lot No-
2, in block 3, where Priest's Hotel now stands, which being a
" corner lot," was bid in by John Manly, for $53.50. The second
lot sold was lot 6, in block i, where Armstrong's drug store now
is, which was bid in for $12.00.
'The first house erected in town was by James Renshaw — "Uncle
Jimm}' Renshaw," he was called — on lot 3, block 3, just north of
Priest's Hotel. The second house erected was by Philip D. Wil-
liams, on lot 4, block i, where the store of Close & Griswold now
stands. "Philip" kept a livery stable in those early days — or rather
a place for the "entertainment of beasts." There was a very large
log lying in north Water street, nearly opposite the entrance to the
present court room. Upon this log boxes had been nailed or trenches
cut in which the horses were fed. There was also a log lying in front
of Renshaw's house, which we omitted to mention was a tavern —
the first in Decatur — upon this log, in early days, card playing was
carried on. It was the card table, and rather conspicuous, we
should say. Whether any fortunes were lost and won, we are unable
to say; but, judging from the court records, and the number of en-
tries of "indictments for gaming," entered thereon, it appears that
gaming was a very common pass-time, and the number of "convic-
tions" would indicate that there was also playing " for money,"
and the names of the parties charged, would further indicate that
the "heads of town" were accessories, if not principals, in the en-
chanting games.
The otTicers of the town, and afterwards city of Decatur, since its
organizationj are as folloyvs;
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
BOARD OP" TRUSTEES.
1836. — Richard Oglesby, President. Trustees: Wm. T. Crissey,
G. R. White, *Wm. Webb, Thomas Cowan, fH. M. Gorin, Henry
Butler, Land}' Harrall. f Andrew Love, Clerk; James Carter and
Wm. Webb, Constables.
183S. — fjoseph Williams, Henry Snyder, Presidents. Trustees:
James Renshaw, James F. Montgomery, George R. White, Henry
Prather. Edmund McClellan, Clerk; Richard Oglesby, J. P.
Hickcok, Treasurer; John S. Adamson, Assessor; W^illiam Rad-
clifFand Thomas Cowan, Supervisors; J. H. Elliott, Constable.
1S39. — Trustees: William T. Crissey, S. B. Dewees, J. M. For-
dice, JJames F. Montgomer\-.
1S39. — -Kirby Benedict, President. Trustees: John S. Adam-
son, Thomas Cowan, Samuel B. Dewees, Jesse H. Elliott, William
T. Crissey, Thomas H. Read. H. M. Gorin, Clerk; George R.
White, Treasurer; H. Prather, Assessor and Collector; G. W.
Gilbrath, Zebulon Cantrall and William Webb, Constables.
1S40. — ^Joseph King, President. Trustees: Henry Goodman,
William Cantrill, B. F. Oglesby, David W^right, John G. Speer,
David E.;: Ralls. H. M. Gorin, Clerk; G. R. White, Treasurer;
L C. Pugh, Collector ;;William Webb, Constable.
II I S41.— Thomas P.^Rodgers, President. Trustees: J. H. Elliott,
D. E. Ralls, G. R. White, Henry Goodman, Benjamin R, Austin,
J. D. Tait. J. S. Post, Clerk; J. H. Read, Treasurer; Joseph Ste-
vens, Assessor and Collector; Wm. Webb, Constable.
1S46. — David Crone, President. Trustees: Elijah Krone, Jo-
seph Kauffman, Michael Elson, Thomas H. Read. E. B. Hale,
Clerk; G. A. Smith, Constable.
1847. — D. Crone, President. Trustees; J. H. Read, M. Elson,
Joseph Kauftman. Nathan P. W\>st, Clerk; E. McClellan, Con-
stable; B. H. Cassell, Assessor.
* Died, f Resiijned. | It does not appear from the record that these last
named trustees ever met, but that there was an election held on the 6th day of
May, 1S39, under a special act incorporating the town of Decatur, at which
election another board was chosen.
II This was the last meeting of the Trustees of the town of Decatur for five
years.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
184S.— J. H. Elliott, President. Trustees: H. Prather, H. Arm-
strong, E. O. Smith, Jos. King. N. P. West, Clerk; E. McClel-
lan. Constable; B. H. Cassell, Assessor and Treasurer.
iS-^g. — Joseph Kauffman, President. Trustees: H.J.Armstrong,
J. H. Elliott, Jos. King, W. S. Crissey. N. P. West, Clerk; B.
H. Cassell, Assessor and Treasurer; H. Goodman, Constable.
iS^o.— Joseph King, President. Trustees: W.J. Stamper, Wm,
Prather, C. H. Pringle, Wm. Wheeler. B. H. Cassell, Clerk;
Wm. Wheeler, Constable; B. H. Cassell, Assessor and Treas-
urer.
1S51. — Wm. S. Crissey, President. Trustees: Wm. Prather, C.
H. Pringle, Joseph King, W.J. Stamper. B. H. Cassell, Clerk,
Treasurer and Assessor.
1853.— W. J. Stamper, President. Trustees: W. S. Crissey,
Wm. Prather, C. H. Pringle, Jos. King. B. H. Cassell, Clerk,
Treasurer and Assessor.
1853.— Wm. Prather, President. Trustees: W. S. Crissey, W.
J. Stamper, Joseph King, John Ricketts. B. H. Cassell, Clerk,
Treasurer and Assessor.
1854. — William Prather, President. Trustees: William J. Stam-
per, William S. Crissey, Joseph King, Thomas H. Wingate. B.
H. Cassell, Clerk.
18:^4.— Thomas H. Wingate, President. Trustees: William S.
Crissey, Willam Martin, Elias Tanner, John Ricketts. B. H. Cas-
sell, Clerk; H. Churchman, Constable.
1855.— Thomas H. Wingate, President. Trustees: A. L. Kel-
lar, J. R. Gorin, William S. Crissey, William Martin, B. H.
Cassell, Clerk.
CITY COUNCIL.
*i856.— John p. Post, Mayor. Aldermen: Frank Priest, 1st
ward; E. O. Smith, 3d ward; J. R, Gorin, S. P. Ohr, 3d ward;
J. J. Ballentine, H. Taylor, 4th ward. C. C. Post, Clerk and At-
torney.
* An election was held for city officers, under a special charter, on the 7th
of January, 1856.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 223
1857. — William A. Barnes, Mayor. Aldermen: George Good-
man, Joseph Mills, 1st ward; H. B. Durfee, George Dempsey, 2d
ward; A. T. Hill, John P. Post, 3d ward; Israel B. Gring, Geo.
Wessels, 4th ward. J. P. Boyd, Clerk and iVttorney.
1S5S. — James ShoafT, Mayor. Aldermen : Joseph Mills, J. B.
Trull, 1st ward; H. B. Durfee, Isaac D.Jennings, -^d ward; John
P. Post, Samuel F. Greer, 3d ward; George Wessels, O. Powers,
4th ward. S. S. Goode, Clerk and Attorney.
1S59. — A. T. Hill, Mayor. Aldermen: James Simpson, J. L.
Mansfield, 1st ward; John W. Bear, M. Haworth, 2d ward; Sam-
uel F. Greer, William Lintner, 3d ward; O. Powers, J. C. Benton,
4th ward. S. S. Goode, Clerk and Attorney.
i860. — Sheridan Wait, Mayor. Aldermen: James Simpson,
S. S. Hale, 1st ward; E. McNabb, William J. Scanlan, 2d ward;
Wm. Lintner, Peter M. WykoIF, 3d ward; J. C. Benton, John'L,
Peake, 4th ward. J. R. Gorin, Clerk and Attorney.
1861. — E. O. Smith, Mayor. Aldermen: F. Priest, long term,
Chas. A. Tuttle, short term, ist ward; James Millikin, William J.
Scanlan, 2d ward; W. H. Bramble, P. M. Wykoft; 3d ward; Joel
C. Benton, long term, William A. Barnes, short term, 4th ward
J. R. Gorin, Clerk and Attorney.
1S62.— Thomas O. Smith, Mayor. Aldermen: F. Priest, D. H.
Elwood, 1st ward; James Millikin, Lowber Burrows, 2d ward;
Henry Goodman, W. H. Bramble, 3d ward; Joel C._ Benton, Ben-
son lienkle, 4th ward. J. R. Gorin, Clerk and Attorney.
1S63. — ]■]■ Peddecord, Mayor. Aldermen: D. H. Elwood,
Da\id S. Hughes, ist ward; [ames Millikin, Lowber Burrows,
2d ward; William H. Bramble, Henr\- Goodman, 3d ward; John
Ullerich, Benson Henkle, 4th ward. J. R. Gorin, Clerk and At-
torney.
1864.— J. J. Peddecord, Mayor. Aldermen: C. A. Tuttle, D. L.
Hughes, 1st ward; jNI. Y. Givler, James Millikin, 2d ward; M.
Forstme\er, J. (i. Starr, 3d ward; Benson Henkle, long term, T.
B. Albert, short term, 4th ward. K. H. Roby, Clerk and At-
torney.
f Resigned. * To fill vacancy.
224
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
1865. Franklin Priest, Mayor. Aldermen: Charles A. Tuttle,
Charles H. Fuller, ist ward; M. Y. Givler, William J. Usrey, 2d
ward; M. Forstmeyer, E. A. Barnwell, 3d ward; f Benson Henkle
S. T. Trowbridge, 4th ward. K. H. Roby, Clerk and Attorney.
iS66.— Franklin Priest, Mayor. fCharles H. Fuller, S. F. Haw-
ley, ist ward; W, J. Usrey, E. McNabb, 3d ward ; E.A.Barn-
well, M. Forstmeyer, 3d ward; G. Howell, short term, H. Muller,
long term, 4th ward. \A. B. Bunn, Clerk and Attorney.
1867.— John K. Warren, Mayor. Aldermen: S. F. Hawley,
Joseph Mills, ist ward; E. McNabb, 2d ward; M. Forstmeyer, J.
R. Gorin, 3d ward; H. Muller, B. F. Dodson, 4th ward. C. H.
Fuller, Register.
1868.— Isaac C. Pugh, Mayor. Aldermen: D. P. Elwood, Joseph
Mills, ist ward; L. L. Haworth, S. Burrows, 2d ward; M. Forst-
meyer, J. R. Gorin, 3d ward; B. F. Dodson, H. Prather,4th ward.
C. H. Fuller, Register.
1S69.— Wm. L. Plammer, Mayor, Aldermen: D. P. Elwood,
D. S. Shellabarger, ist ward; L. L. Haworth, J. L. Libby, 2d
ward; M. Forstmeyer, G. S. Simpson, 3d ward; H. Prather, W. F.
Busher, 4th ward. C. H. Fuller, Register:
1870.— F. Priest, Mayor. Aldermen: f E. M. Misner, D. S.
Shellabarger, ist ward; Benj. Dill, * E. McNabb, 2d ward; G. S.
Simpson, M. Forstmeyer, 3d ward; W. F. Busher, E. Harpstrite,
4th ward. C. H. Fuller, Register.
1S71.— E. M. Misner, Mayor. Aldermen : Joseph Mills, * Wm.
J. Myers, ist ward; Benj. Dill, E. McNabb, 2d ward; M. Forst-
meyer, Wm. H. Bramble, 3d ward; E. Harpstrite, Wm. Gabbler,
4th ward. C. H. Fuller, Register.
1872.— D. S. Shellabarger, Mayor. Aldermen: Joseph Mills,
W. J. Myers, ist ward; F. Hardy, E. McNabb, 2d ward; A. T.
Hill, Wm. H. Bramble, 3d ward; Wm. Gabbler, B. B. Richards,
4th ward. George P. Hardy, Register; Thomas Lee, Attorney ;
M. K. Hatch, Treasurer; G. V. Loring, City Engineer; John W.
Haworth, Marshal.
1873.— Martin Forstmeyer, Mayor. Aldermen: Geo. Stare, W.
J. Myers, ist ward; Frank Hardy, L. F. Muzzy, 2d ward; A. T.
Hill, T. J. Able, 3d ward; James Peake, B. B. Richards, 4th ward;
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
225
Joseph Leake, A. Shoemaker, 5th ward. Geo. Hardy, Register;
I.A.Buckingham, Attorne_y; G.. V. Loring, City Engineer; M.
K. Hatch, Treasurer; John \V . Haworth, MarshaL
1874.— F. Priest, Mayor. Aldermen: H. W. Waggoner, Geo.
Stare, ist ward; E. McNabb, L. F. Muzzy, 2d ward; J. T. Able,
Isaac Ehrman, 3d ward; James Peake, J. W. Butman, 4th ward;
Joseph Leake, R. N. Mills, 5th ward. Geo. P. Hardy, Register;
I. A. Buckingham, Attorney; M. K. Hatch, Treasurer; Geo. V.
Loring, City Engineer; John W. Haworth, Marshal.
1S75.— R. H. Merriweather, Mayor. Aldermen: H.W.Wag-
goner, W.J. Myers, ist ward ; Wm. M. Boyd, H. B. Durtee, 2d ward ;
Isaac Ehrman, B. F. Stephens, 3d ward; James Peake, J. W. But-
man, 4th ward; Joseph Leake, R. N. Mills, 5th ward. George P.
Hardy, Register; M. K. Hatch, Treasurer; 1. A. Buckingham,
Attorney; John W. Haworth, Marshal; S. Burgess, City Engi-
neer.
1S76.— W. B. Chambers, Mayor. Aldermen: W.J. Myers, W.
J. Wayne, ist ward; H. B. Durfee, L. F. Muzzy, 2d ward; I. W.
Ehrman, B. F. Stephens, 3d ward; James Peake, Edward Harps-
trite, 4th ward; Joseph Leake, Kilburn Harwood, 5th ward. Geo.
P. Hardy, Register; I. A. Buckingham, Attorney; M. K. Hatch,
Treasurer; S. Burgess, City Engineer; Joi.n W. Haw^orth, Mar-
shal.
ITS WATER WORKS.
The Sangamon river furnishes ample facilities to the city of De-
catur for fire protection and water privileges. It runs within a
short distance of the southern limits of the city. At the most avail-
able point on the river, just above the crossing of the Illinois Cen-
tral Railroad, and above the drainage and sewerage from the city,
is located the city water- works. There has probably been no
acquisition to the city, since the construction of the railroads, that
has addetl more to its ad\ancemcnt and permanent improvement
than the water-works. At the time of their construction there
were a few grumblers opposeil to their construction, for reasons
they no doubt thought were plausible, but at the present time it is
safe to say that there is not any enemy to them. It is a remark often
made that for fire protection alone more propert}', in value, has
been saved by means of the watcr-woi-ks than the entire cost of
—29
226 HISTORY OP MACON COUNTY
their construction and operation. They were constructed under
the direction of the city council, in 1S71, at a cost of $35,000, and
the additional mains, machinery, and other incidental expenditures
up to the present time amount in the aggregate to $130,000, which
has been paid with the exception of the oriofinal debt. The works
are constructed upon the holly system ; the engines being located
at the river, and the water forced from that point to all parts of the
city. Hydrants are placed at different points upon all the principal
streets, so that by the attachment of hose to them, we have what
is ecpial to a steam fire engine at the corner of almost every block in
the city. The mains are tapped by persons desiring the use of the
water for domestic, manufacturing and other purposes, and the rev-
enues derived from this source are now about equal to the expenses
of running the works, including labor, repairs, fuel, etc. There
are about 81/2 miles of pipes laid, and 81 fire plugs, which are
being extended from time to time, as necessity rec[uires. The capa-
city of the works is about eight hundred thousand gallons per day,
which will be sufficient to meet the demand for years. The water
furnished being filtered, is pure, and suitable for all domestic pur-
poses, in fact is very much preferable to that obtained from the
wells in the business part of town. The water is not impregnated
to any considerable extent with lime deposits, which renders it suit-
able for manufacturing purposes.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
In connection with the water works, it is proper to notice the
Decatur Fire Department. It is, as at present organized, perhaps
as efficient as any similar organization in the State. The compa-
nies, though unpaid, are prompt and energetic. The fire apparatus
of the various companies is excellent, and kept in good condition,
and is controlled by the companies with almost as much skill as is
displayed by the regular paid companies in our large cities.
The Hook and Ladder Company was first organized, which was
in June, 1868. Some of the meinbers of this company are among
our most wealthy merchants and business men. At present it has
a membership of fifty men, and is well uniformed, and has all the
implements pertaining to such companies. Homes Cloyd, fore-
man; Enos Kepler, ist assistant; Chas. Fletcher, 3d assistant.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 237
, Rescue Hose Company, No. i, was organized in 1871 ; W. W.
Foster is foreman; George Craft, ist assistant; N. Pringle, 2d
assistant.
Eldorado Hose Company No. 3, was organized in 1S71 ; Andrew
Slioemaker is foreman; John Sutler, ist assistant; 2d
assistant.
Neptune Hose Company No. 3, was organized in 1S75; W.J.
Wayne is foreman; Samuel Funk, ist assistant ; James Hughes,
3d assistant.
The department is under the control of a chief and two assistants,
viz: H. B. Durfee, chief; William Dodson, ist assistant; John
Ulrich, 3d assistant.
MAROA, ILLINOIS.
This is the largest and most important town, except Decatur,
within the limits of Macon county, and is located 13 miles north of
the latter city. It is situated at the junction of the Illinois Central
and Illinois Midland Railroads. The original plat of the town was
jointly laid out by the "Associated Land Company" and the "I. C.
R. R. Co." The Illinois Central Railroad was opened to the pub-
lic in 1S54, and that may be stated as the commencement of the
town of Maroa. Mr. John Crocker was appointed the Hrst agent
of the road, which position he held until 1S66.
The first house built in Maroa was in the fall of 1855, by G.J.
Schenck, which was then, and still is used by him as a dwelling;
part of it, however, has been used as a store-room.
The second house erected was also by Mr. Schenck, but was for
Mr. Barndt, in 1S56; and Mr. Friedman erected the next two— a
dwelling and a store-house. He started the first regular store in
Maroa, and he has continued in business to the present, and is the
oldest store-keeper in Maroa.
In 1S5S Wm. Greer erected the "Prairie Hotel," which was the
first hotel, though prior, and even since that time, Mr. Schenck's
hospitable home has alwas been a place open to the weary traveler.
In the same year the first school house was erected in Maroa, and
Robert Collins was the first school teacher. The present Maroa
school house was erected in 1S66, at a cost of $7,000, and furnishes
accommodations for 200 pupils.
228 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
Maroa Lodge No. 314, I. O. O. F., was organized May 3, 1865,
and the following officers installed: Thomas Hunter, N. G.; M.
Friedman, V. G. ; O. J. Harlow, S. ; James Huff", P. S. ; Jonah
Lingle, Treasurer. The lodge now numbers about 75 members.
Maroa Lodge No. 454, A . F. A. M., was organized July 4,
1865, and the first ofiicers installed were: John H. Crocker, W. M.;
R . C . Crocker, S . W . ; O . J . Harlow, J . W . ; G . W . Conover,
T. ; A. C. Kccver, S.D.; Jacob Cooper, J. D., and W. L.Webb,
Tyler.
Maroa Lodge, No. 102, Order of Patrons of Husbandry, was or-
ganized January, 1S73, with 27 members, with the following offi-
cers: J. B. Garvin, M.; Henry Jones, Overseer; J. B. Gardner,
Lecturer; John Longstreet, vSteward; A. Wykoff^, Assistant; J. B.
Parkhurst, Chaplain; W. P. Funk, Treasurer; Joseph Jones, Sec-
retary; W. O. Williams, G. K.; Mrs. Emma Williams, Ceres;
Miss Mary A. Garvin, Flora; Mrs. K. Cooper, Poma.
The Maroa Library Association was organized August 27, 1870,
through the instrumentality of the Rev. J. A. Hood, and is at pre-
sent organized under the State law. The library, though quite
small, has been a source of impro\emcnt to its patrons, and no doubt
will, in the course of a few years, become the nucleus of a library
that will be an honor to its founders and the citizens of Maroa. —
Among the liberal donors to this institution, as to all others that
have the improvement of his fellow-citizens as their object and aim,
we mention, specially, Elder John Crocker.
The Maroa Steam Flouring Mills were erected in 1866, by Con-
over Bros., >it a cost of from fifteen to twenty thousand dollars. It
has a cajDacity of about fifty thousand bushels per year, and is re-
garded as one of the best mills in Central Illinois. It is at present
under the management of W. J. Compton.
The Maroa Steam Elevator was erected in 1867, by J. W. Rich-
ards & Co., of Chicago, but is now under the management of Messrs.
Crocker & Co., and has a capacity for storage of 14,400 bushels, 1
and can shell and load five hundred bushels per hour. We might
mention still other business houses of Maroa, but space forbids. —
We can truthfullv say, however, that the business men of this town,
as a class, are energetic and successful. In fact, the tact of the
business men of Maroa has made the town what it is to-day. As
a town, it has had no more natural advantages than many others in
1
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 229
Central Illinois that it has outstripped and quadrupled in population
and advancement. As a shipping point, there are few, if any other
places along the entire line of the I. C. R. R., that excel it. There
has been shipped from this point, in a single year, as high as 650,-
000 bushels of grain. It is the second town in size in the county—
the population at present being about 1,500 — and has reached that
point in business and commercial importance, which assures it a
steady and onward progress. The town of Maroa was incorpora-
ted by special act of the legislature, March 7, 1S67. Job A. Race,
John B. Cary, Henry Stauffer, Joseph Wilson and Henry Jones,
being the incorporators. Mr. Race was the first President of the
Town Board, and Mr. Cary, Secretary. Maroa has four churches,
viz: Presbyterian, Methodist-Episcopal, Methodist-Protestajit, and
Christian. The former was organized January 30, 1S50, by the
Rev. A.J. Norton, and its church edifice erected in 1S67. It has a
regular pastor, a large membership, Sunday school, etc. The
Christian church was organized by Elder A. N. Page, May 4, 1868,
and the present church edifice was erected the following j'ear. The
membership is large, and the Sunday school well attended.
The Methodist-Episcopal and Methodist-Protestant churches are
in a good condition, so far as membership and progress are con-
cerned. Their church edifices are ample in size, and meet the de-
mands of respective congregations.
Maroa and surrounding community has supported a weekly
newspaper for several years. The first paper published was the
/Vwc^v, in 1867; T.J. Sharp, editor. This was succeeded by the
Tablet^ and that in turn by the Tribune^ in 1S68; A. H, Corman,
editor. This paper was removed in 1S72, to Decatur, and was suc-
ceeded by the Nexus^ which is at present owned by Mr. Corman,
and is an eight-page, forty-column sheet.
THE CITY OF MACON.
This place was incorporated as a city on the 19th of April, 1869.
The first house built was commenced by Esquire A. J. Harris, one
Sunday Morning in the spring of i860. The first store-house was
built by Charles Williams and James Seamens, in the year 1S59.
The first hotel was kept by the station agent, Mr. Ruby. After
the incorporation of the town, the first officers were J. H. Mat-
230
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
thews, Mayor; T. C. Drinkall, Clerk; and C. A.Turner, M. Dun-
lap, Charles Van Horn and Jacob Frick, Aldermen. Its present
officers are C. A. Turner, Mayor ; J. W. Harrah, Clerk; and James
L. Hight, Daniel Kalips, J. D. Peters and William Whitaker, Al-
dermen.
In 1865, the present school house was erected at a cost of about
$4,000. It has a capacity for about 250 pupils.
Macon Lodge, No. 467, A. F. A. M., was organized in 1865, and
is in a flourishing condition.
There is also a Lodge of the I. O. G. T., No. 884, that has
been in existence several years.
There are two large grain elevators in the town ; one owned by W.
Harbert & Co., and the other by N. Failing. The former was
erected in 1874, andjias a storage capacity of about thirty thousand
bushels, and with its facilities can shell and load two thousand bushr
els of grain per day, and in the shipping season employs four or
five men. The firm owning this elevator are W. Harbert and C.
Dunkel; the former has been a resident of Illinois since 1874, and
the latter since 1S76. The "Macon" elevator was erected in 1867,
by John Hatfield, Fletcher Miller, N. Failing and D. C. Webb, and
is at present owned by Mr. Failing. This elevator has a storage
capacity of twenty thousand bushels, and can shell and load five
thousand bushels per day. This elevator and machinery cost in
the neighborhood of twelve thousand dollars, and furnishes em-'
ployment forTour men. Mr. Failing came to Macon from Rock
Island in 1S63, and has represented his town in the board of super-
visors for several years. He is a thorough and safe business man,
and has done a great deal for the advancement of the interests of his
town. Macon formerly was one of the best shipping points for grain
on the I. C. Railroad, but the building of the town of Blue Mound,
on the St. Louis branch of the T. W. & W., has taken from it one-
third at least of its original shipping interest. The population at
present is in the neighborhood of 650. The business men of Ma-
con compare favorably with those of all our inland towns. It has
four churches, viz: Methodist-Episcopal, Presbyterian, Catholic,
and Lutheran- — all of which are well sustained. The church edifice of
the former was erected in 1865; the Presbyterian and Catholic in
1867, and the Lutheran in 1871.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 33I
BLUE MOUND.
Soon after the construction of the Decatur and East St. Louis
Raih'oad, in 1S6S, this town sprun;^ into existence, and has contin-
ued to increase in popuhition and a ct)mniercial point of view from
that time since. It has some residences and store-houses tliat would
be a credit to a much hu-ger place, and its streets often present a
scene of activity and business astonishing to one not acquainted
with the thiiving, go-ahead character of its merchants and business
men. There is more business transacted in some of our railroad
towns in one J.ay than there is in a week in towns of double their
size in some of our eastern states; and ]-)lue Mound is a fair illus-
tration of the truthfulness of this remark. The town was laid out
through the influence of Doctor (ioltra, ^vho ow^ned at the time of
the location of the railroad, the land upon which the town plat
was laid out.
This town has its churches and school — all of which are in suc-
cessful operation. It derived its name from two large mounds, situ-
ated not far distant. These mounds ha\e been objects of specula-
tion antl curiositv to our citizens from the time of the first visit of
wdiite men to this \icinity. Whether thev are of natural or artifi-
cial origin, will, in all probability, remain matters of conjecture?
and upon w hich the writer, in this connection, does not deem it
proper to add suggestions.
XIANTIC,
Is situated on the main line of the Wabash Railrcnid, west of De-
catur, and is an energetic, lively town. It is surrounded by an
excellent agricultural country, which was practically donated to
Macon county, as elsewhere noticed, because it was thought to be
absolutely worthless. Niantic aiKl Niantic township present a
marvelous outgrowth of the swampy appearance it presented in
early days. It is affirmed by some of our early settlers that the
swamp land commissioner could not have disposed of the whole
township for ten cents per acre in the first settlement of the county.
Now it is one of our best townships, and its town is one of our most
thriving and energetic.
Niantic is the home of the erratic poetical genius. Captain Joab
Wilkinson, wdio worships at the shrine of the muses, and whose
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
daily conversation bubbles up with poetical gems from Milton and
Burns.
HARRISTOWN,
Though situated too near Decatur to ever become large, deserves
special mention as a shipping point for the surrounding country.
It is the home of J. H. Pickrell, our famous breeder of short-horns,
elsewhere noticed; also of M. G. Camron, who, as a member of
our board of supervisors, has been faithful and vigilant in guarding
the interests of the county.
WARRENSBURG,
In mini township, has grown up within the last few years,
since the construction of the Pekin, Lincoln & Decatur Railroad.
As a point for the shipment of grain and stock it is destined to be
of very considerable commercial importance.
MOUNT ZION,
Though until the construction of the P. & D. (now I. M.) Rail-
road, was without railroad facilities, has been known for a quarter
of a centur}' as the location of the Mt. Zion Seminary, which at
one time, was a flourishing school. The village is located near the
junction of the I. M. and M. S. & D. Railroad, and is in one of the
oldest, wealthiest and earliest settled neighborhoods of the county.
' FORSYTH,
Is situated on the I. C. Railroad; has an elevator, and is one of the
best grain markets in the county.
ARGENTA AND OREANA,
On the I. B. & W. Railroad, are towns growing in importance and
will, in a few years, become points of considerable commercial
interest.
OAKLEY, SANGAMON, WHEATUAND, BOODY,
Are villages of local interest to their surrounding neighborhoods,
and all have stores, and some of them elevators and other conven-
iences for shipping.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 333
CHAPTER IX
THE COMMON SCHOOLS.
A history of the countv without noticing- the educational interests,
would be incomplete, and yet we are unable to give much valuable
information in regard to the early school system of the county. The
fact is the early schools of the county were like angel's visits are said
to be, few and far between ; and the whole educational system — if sys-
tem it may be called — of Macon county, in common with the state,
was almost without order or management. There were good schools
taught, but as compared with the present system, and its advanta-
ges, they were far inferior. There were some good "school mas-
ters" in those days, who ^vere very successful in rearing the tender
minds and teaching the young ideas how to shoot; but the majority
were but poorly qualified for the duties of instructors. The popu-
lar standard of education was low, owing to the peculiar incidents
and surroundings of pioneer life. The country was sparsely set-
tled, and the people generally poor; and however anxious they may
have been for good educational advantages, it was utterly impos-
sible to obtain them. But few who had qualified themselves for
the profession of teaching wandered so fiir west. The school mas-
ter was generally some unfortunate, poverty-stricken wretch that
had been wafted to the outskirts of civilization, and had become
snow-bound, water-bound, or frost-bitten, and was compelled to
"take up a school" to keep soul and body together until a favorable
opportunity presented itself, for him to get to his destination, or
back to his home in the east. Not infrequently did it happen that
a man was to be found who was too lazy, in the popular estimation.
234 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
for anything else than a school teacher, who was induced to pass
around his "subscription for signers," and "take up" a school! Some
people seemed to have entertained the idea that laziness was one of
the qualifications of a school teacher! The Biblical camel could
about as well accomplish the needle's eye feat as one of these living
specimens of inertia could properly manage and "keep a school," in
those days, when the big boys were boiling over with mischief, and
had no great respect for the restraint of the school room, any how.
The teachers were, of necessity, poorly paid, and, all things con-
sidered, perhaps, rendered as much instruction in proportion to the
compensation, as those of the present day. It was certainly no
pleasant task in those days the teacher had to perform. He usually
"boarded round" with the scholars, and in this respect was like a
stray dog, having no fixed place of abode. He was compelled to
make long and laborious journeys to and from his temporary stop-
ping places; which, taken in connection with the fact that the poor
fellow was often poorly clad, and possessed no great amount of
vitality, at any rate, rendered him an object of mingled commisera-
tion and pity. He was likewise made the target at which was
hurled all the knotty questions of theology, mathematics, science
and politics, that had descended down to the different households
from generation to generation.
These knotty problems were piled on the poor pedagogue pro-
miscuously, and in pell-mell order, as though he were a creature of
infinite power, and had the ability to solve them, jrev/fl'/'/w, by some
magical power to the populace unknown. The teacher and big
boys of the neighboring district poured in on the poor fellow all
sorts of mathematical questions that would have puzzled the arith-
metic makers themselves, and it was a forfeiture of his standing in
the community if he did not furnish a solution and prove his den;i-
onstration by the rules of Smiley or Adams. It was not infrequent
in later days that the school-master was put through a most critical
examination on Kirkham or Smith, by paterfamilias, to determine
his fitness to teach Sarah Jane the rudiments of English Grammar,
and woe betide the unfortunate pedagogue if by chance he happen-
ed to transgress the ipse dixit of the inquisitor's favorite author.
He was, also, the neighborhood calculator of interest on all the paid
and unpaid notes of the community, and was also expected to fur-
nish each family with the mathematical data as to the required num-
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 235
ber of hog^s, at a given price, to purchase the adjoining forty acres
at the next sale, at the land office. He was also expected to furnish
to order reasonable and satisfactory arguments for combatting the
heretical dogmas of preacher so-and-so, who had a short time pre-
vious came near capturing the whole neighborhood with his "new-
light" doctrines, or anti-total-depravity-theories.
He hatl, also, divers other difficulties to meet and overcome. He
was usually compelled to court the good graces of the young men
who were his pupils. They sometimes were disposed, on slight
provocation, to plot treason against the government, which some-
times ripened into overt acts. It often happened that open rebel-
lion existed, and the poor teacher was subjected to a pummeling at
the hands of the refractory members of his school. At other times
the parents themselves, for grievances they supposed justifiable,
took the law into their own hands, and inflicted upon the offending
master, a punishment entirely too serious for a well-regulated com-
munity to tolerate. An instance is related of one poor fellow who
had offended his patrons, being compelled to make the best record
known in the community, in the shape of a foot-race, being urged
on and on, in front of a pair of brutal stogas which were propelled
by ^111 irate father. His coat-tails are said to have ever and anon
floated high in air, at the touch of the swearing, raging, pursuing
ursine. Whether, henceforth, the ofTending teacher became a wan-
derer, disconsolate and heart-broken, like Ichabod Crane, is not
stated.
Other instances might be given where ye pedagogue was bound
hand and foot by his pupils, taken by force of arms from his castle,
as it were, and ducked in the creek or frog-pond, and that, too,
when the temperature was almost as frigid as it is supposed to be
on the north side of the icebergs in Iceland. There was, also, a
habit in early days of baring the teacher out of the school-house on
Christmas if he would not treat the school to apples, candy, or
something of that nature equally as insignificant. It is even said
that the demands of the elder portion of the male pupils were often
for a jug of something stronger and more exhilarating. This was
a custom originating no one knows where, at one time rigidly ad-
hered to, but now passed away with many other aforetime usages.
The teacher had his pleasures and enjoyments as well. It w^as
not all thorns and thistles that grew along his pathway, A few
>36
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
flowers — puny, sickly blossoms of the morning-glory order, to us
they might seem but flowers, nevertheless — also grew among them.
He was one of the lords of creation, as he boarded around from
house to house. There was nothing too good in the eating line,
from the dried pumpkins that hung in strings on the wall, to honey
and venison and wild turkey, that was not placed before him.
There was nothing but the dyspepsia that prevented the revolving
teacher from farcing sumptuously everyday; and few remember
of having seen a school-teacher in those days of long walks, airy
school-houses, who was dyspeptic. The general experience of the
good old house-wives of those days is, that a school-teacher who
had eaten a cold dinner, or no dinner at all, and then after school
"was out" had walked from two to five miles to his evening domi-
cile, and had his appetite whetted by the appetising aroma that rose
from the semicircle of cooking victuals in front of the old-fashioned
fire-places, could come as near reading his title clear, to earthly en-
joyment, as anv one. He was generally able to do ample and com-
plete justice to the repast, so to speak. There was enjoyment in
it. He was ipso-facto^ for the time being, lord of all he surveyed,
and he surveyed with a kind of otiiim cvm dignitate grace that
would make a hungr}- mortal feci glorious.
If he had any knack at all in story-telling, he was undoubtedly
highly edified in sitting around the firesides during the long winter
evenings, and dealing out to the listening household those startling
stories that have descended down for generations, and have accu-
mulated in size and horror at~almost each repetition.^'. Old grandma,
too, was often on hand with her stories of goblins and ghosts, that
made the little folks, and teacher as well, feel shaky and down-
hearted, and almost afraid to move. There were in those early
days when most people had nothing to read, except, perhaps, the
Testament, Peep of Day, Life of Boone, or Marion, much real en-
joyment in story-telling, and the teacher was always expected to
do his duty in this regard, or else be voted an uncommon bore.
And then he was the generalissimo at all the parties and gatherings,
from the '•' apple-pealings " up to the wedding. At the latter place
he was regarded as but little lower than the parson himself, and
was expected to furnish the fun necessary for the occasion — and it
was usually a very cheap order of fun required, for on such occa-
sions the whole assembly was easily set wild with mirth and laugh-
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 237
ter on the slightest of provocations. An old-fashioned wedding
with the teacher left out, was not regarded as altogether a success.
The materials were all there, but it lacked a free and easy sort of a
fellow, such as the tcachei" usually was, to set the o-io-o-lino- nia-
cnniery a-gomg.
But it was in the school room of those early days that the teacher
showed his powers to the greatest advantage. There he was the
supreme autocrat, and ruled, usually, with a kind of sledge-hammer
bravado that was a terror to little urchins. The moment he called
"books" there was a mingled expression of sternness and gravity
that settled on his austere brow, as though he was born to rule the
storm. That very moment he become transposed from Philip
drunk, to Philip sober, as it were; and he gathered up all the hila-
rious faculties about him, and drowned them out as if thenceforth
and forever he expected to remain an iceberg of despair and solem-
nity. When he spoke, he spoke as one having authority; and his
orders were peremtory and absolute. There was no look of com-
promise in his appearance, and the black flag was kept continually
unfurled from his ramparts. On the morning school commenced
he read a string of rules as long as the code Napoleon, and alto-
gether more stringent. These rules he carried in his hat, read once
a day, by way of warning, and in the enforcing of which he direct-
ed more energy, mental and physical, than to imparting instruction.
There stood in the corner, or lay concealed in the desk, a weapon
of daily use, of hickory or hazel origin. This he used as a war
measure, both offensive and defensive. It was not used as a dernier
resort, but as a first resort, and that, too, often quite vigorously.
When the offending urchin had passed the line prescribed by the
oft repeated rules, no matter whether intentional or not, downcame
the rod, if for no other reason than to show the inexorable quality
of the aforesaid rules. Order was the first law of heaven, and the
keeping of order was the keeping of the rules. If, for instance,
the rules said, "No laughing out in school allowed," and by the
merest accident, and wholly unintentional, the most innocent little
titter was heard above the surrounding din, the dogs of war were
let loose, and the offender dragged to justice. Who that has ever
been in school with a lot of little, mirth-bning brats, all bubbling
over with fun, and does not know that there are little incidents
occuring in the school-room daily, that it would be worse than
death itself if the little fellows could not laugh. Just as well try
[■78 PIISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
to dam up the Niagara at the rapids, as suppress one of these invol-
untary laughs in a child full of spirit and life. "It won't down."
Yet the teacher had his rules, and these rules were absolutely with-
out provisos; and he enforced them without an if or a but. He
regarded it as a kind of dot-your-Z-and-cross-your-/ transaction. The
act was sure to bring on the penalty, without regard to intention or
any other element of crime.
The method of teaching was also quite different from that of the
present day. It is hardly susceptible of accurate description. It is
one of those things that ought to be seen to be duly appreciated.
The school books were very few. Webster's spelling book was
the book used by beginners, usually; though, perhaps, not used in
the first schools of the county. -There was the old English reader,
that succeeded next in order, after the spelling book; but few, how-
ever, were able to obtain it. There was no uniformity in the school
books. Almost every fi^mily of children had a different kind of
book, which their parents had used in their school days, and had
handed down usually in a good state of preservation. It was not
unusual that the children learned their a, b, c's from a shingle, upon
which the letters were cut or made with chalk or charcoal. The
New Testament was often used as a reader for all grades of ad-
vancement. It answered the purpose of a first, second, third, fourth
or fifth reader. It was in arithmetic, however, that the defects of
the early system of educational training were the most apparent.
In this there was absolutely no order or system. There were no
classes, and each pupil, provided with an arithmetic, slate and pen-
cil, "ciphered" on at his own pleasure, without explanation or ver-
ification. He was required to commit the rules to memory, or so
much of them as was printed in italics. This done, he launched
out into the solution of the problems, having but one object in view,
and that was to obtain the answer given. The whys and where-
fores of the different steps taken in procuring the answer were mat-
ters of no concern whatever. The "sum" stated, and the thus saith
the rule, were all the pupil desired, and all that the teacher requir-
ed. It was a kind of mechanical process that he went through
with without being able to give a single reason for a single step
taken, except the mere fact that the rule said so and so. When the
pupil came to an example, which, after a trial or two, he failed to
obtain the given answer, he reported the fact to the teacher, and
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 339
the solution was given on the slate, often without explanation, and
the pupil returned to his place in the school-room satisfied; not he-
cause he understood the modus operandi^ but because he had the
answer recpiired. This process was kept up until the pupil had
progressed as far as the "single," or, perhaps, the "double rule of
three," which was generally regarded as the ultima thule'm math-
ematical education; and that, too, quite often from an inability on
the part of the teacher to conduct — if conduct it may be called — his
pupil farther. All that lay beyond that, as a usual thing, was as a
sealed book — ;i frozen sea ow which the pupil dared not, or consid-
ered it usek-.-, to venture. The arithmetics of the early days were
far inferior and less suitable for pupils than those of to-day. The
old dry pages of Daball, with their pounds, shillings and pence,
would make a fit subject for comparison with the old bar-shear
plow of fifty years ago. If these two articles of the past were not
on exhibition at the Centennial of 1876, they should have been, as
mementos of the past, to mark our onward steps of progress.
English grammar was a study seldom pursued. It was consid-
ered as rather too effeminate in its nature for the hardy sons who
grew up in the early days of the county. It was sometimes stud-
ied, however, by the girls, as being more suitable to their natures
and mental characteristics. It was not until within the last few
years that anatomy, physiology and hygene, were made a part of
the common school curriculum. The laws of life and health were
singularly omitted in the education of the children under the old
system of education. It was considered, however, as highly pro-
per that the children should spend nine-tenths of their school-days
in learning to spell the contents of Webster's Elementary from
asperity to the pictures, without for once learning the simplest rudi-
ments pertaining to the preservation of health and life.
The methods of recitations and teaching were different from
those of to-day; and the modes of study and deportment of the
pupils were also very difierent. It was quite common during school
hours for all the pupils to study aloud ; some reading, some spell-
ing, some reciting; some in one tone of voice, and some in another,
and all striving, seemingly, to make a bedlam equal to Babel.
There were swells in the general racket when it seemed impossible
to distinguish, in the din, one idea of human origin or sense. The
noise and confusion were worse confounded than the iabherino- of
240
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
an army of monkeys in Africa. This would gradually die out until
some little urchin, alone, would be heard unconsciously coming
over hisb-a-k-e-r baker, s-h-a-d-y shady — the only audible sound
to be heard in the whole room. He, too, when nudged in the side
by some seat-mate, would see the ridiculousness of the situation,
and relapse into profound silence. Then the condition of affairs
would fitly illustrate the saying, that "after a storm the sea grows
calm."
The school-houses were likewise worthy of mention. They were
almost invariably built of logs, and were "chinked and daubed."
Some of them had no floors, and those that did have the floors were
made of puncheons hewed upon one side and not altogether as
smooth as marble floors. The school-house was heated from a
large fire-place at one end of the room. These fire-places were of
capacious dimensions. Huge logs were often rolled in or carried
in by the teacher and scholars, that, except in length, would have
made good saw logs. The chimneys were made of wood and clay, of
sufticient size to have permitted a good sized yearling elephant to
have been thrown down them. Of course most of the heat from
the fire-places below passed up the chimney, instead of being thrown
out into the room. The windows were usually made by cutting
out a log upon one side of the school-house, making the windows
rather wide but not very high. Glass, they had none, for the first
school-houses, and these "openings m the wall," that have been
described, were covered over with greased paper! The effect of
greasing the paper, in this glazing process, was to make it more
transparent, and also tougher, so as to withstand the storms of wind
and rain. It inust have been a mellow-tinted light, that which was
admitted through those tallow-dipped window panes! However,
whether good or bad, it was the only make-shift they had until
glass became accessible. The seats in those old school-houses
would be a terror to this generation. They, too, like the floors,
were made of slabs, hewed upon one side, and, of course, had no
backs to them. The little fellows were placed side by side on them
rough benches, six, eight or ten in a row, and scarcely any of these ^
could reach the floor with their feet, the benches were so high.
Legs were driven into the slabs from the lower side, and it was not
always that they were of the same length, so that, at times, the
benches would rock from side to side, greatly to the terror of the
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 34I
little boys or girls perched on the top, as the equilibrium was
changed.
It must not be inferred, however, from what has been said, that
there were no good results growing up from the educational facili-
ties I have mentioned, defective though they were. Men have
graced the presidential chair, and earned national and world-wide
reputations, whose minds received their first impulses in develop-
ment from just such school-rooms and educational advantages as I
have mentioned. Bud Means' are quite common in this western
country. And it may be debatable ground to-day whether Oxford
and Harvard have made more great men than the stinging, urging
necessities to self-improvement and self-education, growing out of
the defects and wants of educational facilities of these pioneer col-
leges. Perhaps the want of education, and the feeling of that want,
has built as many school-houses as the possession of education,
coupled with a consciousness of its advantages. "Wittles" were
what the hungry Sam Weller wanted most.
The writing desks were made of split logs, and in later days of
planks, which were ranged around the sides of the room, usually
under the windows. Pins were driven into the wall, and the slabs
or planks laid on them, and this constituted the writing desks for a
great many years. They were not of that gilt-edged and varnished
sort of to-day, but were quite as substantial. These are the desks
that the boys took such a vicious delight in defocing with their
jack-knives. They cut upon them all sorts of hieroglvphical char-
acters, checker-boards, and representations of beings human and not
human, some of which, no doul)t, would have made Th. Nast
ashamed of himself The larger boys and girls were privileged to
set at these desks, not only while writing, but while "doing their
sums." Blackboards and charts were unknown in those days, and
in fact, were not needed in the method of teaching then prevailing.
A good many young men remember when the new-fangled idea of
a blackboard was looked upon with a little bit of distrust by some
of the kind-hearted conservative old fellows. It was the same old
chaps who also winked a kind of knowing wink at each other when
the corn-planter was introduced.
Such as I have mentioned vsere the school-houses, school furni-
ture and schools of fifty, forty, and even thirty years ago. They
were the best that could then be afforded. It may seem, and it
—31
243
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
does seem to many who have witnessed the educational facilities
above detailed, that the present, generation of children do not duly
appreciate the advantages that surround them. They do not, per-
haps, duly appreciate their advantages for the same reason that the
person reared in wealth and luxury poorly understands the condi-
tion of the poverty-stricken wretch, that ekes out a miserable ex-
istence, always on the verge of want and starvation.
Now, then, a few words in reference to the present condition of
our educational interests. In 1855 the legislature of the State of
Illinois passed what is known as the free-school law. Like all laws
designed to reach innumerable evils, and embracing a subject com-
prehensive and complicated, it was in many respects defective.
Frequent amendments and modifications of the law have been, and
will continue to be made, as wisdom and experience may suggest.
One great object attained, partially, has been to bring order and
system in place of the chaotic and disjointed school machinery pre-
viously existing. That our school system is perfect, no one will
assume. That it will be perfect while our young men and women
employed as teachers, as a usual thing, engage therein as a tempo-
rary avocation and stepping-stone to something higher, of course,
is impossible. It is not the fault of the teachers that this is so. It
ought to be and will be so, that teaching will be a profession the
same as law and medicine. The requirements and qualifications of
a teacher should be just as exacting, and a course of preparation
and study for the one should be just as imperative as in the others.
No person can teach a six-months' school, properly, with the
thoughts and expectations of assuming another and different avoca-
tion or employment at the end of that period. It is not now so in
our cities to any considerable extent, but there are but few teachers
in our country schools that follow teaching as a business or profes-
sion. It is seldom they could do so if they desired; for the average
country school is perhaps not more than five months in length, and
no teacher can live properly and support a family upon five months'
wao-es. And then the management under our district system is
such, that even though a teacher qualify himself properly, and
teaches a good school for his patrons, he is liable to be thrown out
of his position by some nondescript that happens along who can
afford to underbid him, and does so. A cheap shoe is not always
the cheapest. It may answer the purposes for the time being, even
HISTORY OF MACON CONNTY. 3^3
though the material is poor and the fit is bad; but nine chances to
one, you will have corns, and it may be, bunyons, when it is done
with. Our school system is not }-et perfect, when a change of
residence from one district to another, involves the purchase of a
new set of school-books for the whole family of school-going chil-
dren. It is not perfect when there are placed together in one
school, perhaps forty pupils, all under the charge of one teacher,
and pursuing studies ranging from the lowest to the highest per-
mitted to be taught. None will receive the attention they require.
This difficulty, of course, will be remedied as our population be-
comes more compact, and graded schools are established.
Again, our school system is not and cannot be perfect, when there
are in the state forty-four thousand officers charged with the duty
of engineering and operating our school machinery. We have in
the state about tweh'e thousand school districts, and thirty-six thou-
sand school directors, and these thirty-six thousand directors, each
possessing his individual ideas as to the management, etc., of the
schools.* Each board is empowered with the authority to deter-
mine the kind of text books to be used, the methods of instruction,
the discipline and government required, and the kind of teacher,
mentallv and morally, to be employed. Is it possible, under this
army of school oificcrs, each board managing and controlling its
affairs in its own way, that there will be much uniformity or sys-
tem in our schools. No good results are accomplished, except by
system and order. When a hundred men are charged with a duty
which six, or even three, can perform, the probability is it will not
be done, or if done, the work will not be ver}' satisfactory, and
especially so, if each performs his part in his own way, not know-
ing or caring how or in what manner the others are doing their
part.
Again, suppose a teacher, by twenty years' teaching and practice,
had qualified himself for the duties of his profession, and understood
human nature, as displaved in the school-room, in all its phases, so
that by looking over the school-room, he could, by a glance, pick
out all the little "inglorious Aliltons," the sulky Johnies, and the
stubborn Sarah Janes, and knew at once the sauce for each, so to
speiak; and suppose he knew, by careful examination, the merits
and demerits of the whole list of school-books that have passed
* We have in Macon county 119 districts.
244 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
through the ten-cylinder presses of Hinkle & Wilson, what sort of
propriety would there be in allowing a board of directors who,
however well versed in hogs and cattle, and their peculiarities, in
plows and cultivators and their advantages, to say, "teach Ray's
series, Green's rudiments, McGuffey's readers; or, if the pupils
don't obe}-, flog 'em, its the only thing that will answer in this
deestrict, or you do thus and so, or don't you do thus and so?" So
it is, however.
Of course, there are still defects in our present educational sys-
tem. Nothing devised by man can be perfect. And still it is as-
tonishing to see the rapid strides we are making in the direction of
perfection. Ask our Superintendent of Public Instruction how .
many schools and school houses and school teachers — male and .
female — and the average salary paid them, and total number of
school children between certain ages, and the entire cost of the
education, and the average cost to each pupil in the state; and he
can tell you. Ask our County Superintendent how many there are
in the county between the ages of 6 and 3i, how many of these go
to school, and how many do not; how many of them can neither
read or write; the actual standing of each teacher in educational
qualifications; how much money is expended in the county for
schools, school-houses, school furniture, etc.; and he can tell you.
Every teacher, no matter if he pretends to have been a college
professor, must have a certificate in order to teach. If a board of
directors, for lack of funds, or otherwise, desire a teacher who
"passes muster" as a "second grade," it can have its wants, and
vice versa.
We conclude this chapter w^ow the schools of Macon county, by
giving the following table of statistics, compiled from the report
for the year ending Sept. 30, 1S76, of S. P. Micky, our County
Superintendent of Schools:
Total No. of schools in county, (free public).. 137
" " " school-houses 127
" " " graded schools 13
" " " teachers — male 144
" " " " female * 1 1 1
Total No. of teachers 255
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
245
Average wages paid male teachers $54 86
" " " female " 3S 41
" No. of months taught •. 7.9
Total No. of children in county between 6 and 3i 1O5379
" " " pupils enrolled 757*4
" " bet. 12 and 3i who can neither read nor write. . 18
" amount of money raised for school purposes from
' all sources, year ending Sept. 30, 1876 $122,008 38
" amount of money expended for all school purpo-
ses for year ending Sept. 30, 1876 990^5 24
In this connection it is proper to mention the Mount Zion Acad-
emy, which WHS erected in 1S56, through the instrumentality of
John Smith and other leading citizens of the village of Mt. Zion.
The first officers were: Rev. Daniel Troughber, President; Geo.
A. Smith, vSecretarv; and Hon. Charles Emerson, J. D. Campbell,
W. C. Moyers and John Smith, Trustees. The trustees secured
the services of Rev. P. H. Crider as first principal. He was suc-
ceeded by Rev. G. W. Kensolving, and he, in turn, bv A. J. Mc-
Glumphy, D. D., now President of Lincoln University, Lincoln,
Illinois. The school was j^rosperous until the establishment of the
latter school, soon after which the Mt. Zion Academy went down,
and is beyond all hopes of resuscitation.
246 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
CHAPTER X
BlOGRAPLICAL SKETCHES OF EaREY
Setteers.
BENJ. R. AUSTIN was born in Virginia, March 26, 1802, and -
removed to Macon county in the fall of 1S25. He was a surveyor,
and laid out the original town plat of Decatur, and was for a great
many years justice of the peace. He married Margaret Warnick,
who was born in Tennessee, February 23, 1S06. Of their chil-
dren—
Jane was born May 27, 1826; William was born Dec. 22, 182S;
Nancy C. was born Sept. 15, 1830; PerLina was born Sept. 5,
1832; died May 3, 1870; Lucinda was born Sept. 10, 1S34; died.
Susan was born Nov. 28, 1S36; died March 5, 1837. Margaret
A. was born Feb. 23, 1837; Edmiston was born Sept. 25, 1839;
Geo. W. was born August 21, 1851.
WM. A. AUSTIN was born in Virginia, April 26, 1806, and
removed to Macon county in 1828, where he married Eleanor
Warnick, who was born in Tennessee, January 23, 18 10. She was
a daughter of Wm. Wornick, and came to Macon county in 1825;
died Nov. 16, 1853. Of their children—
Henrietta was born Nov. 18, 1832. Lettecia J. was born
July 3, 1834; died Sept. 20, 1835. May E. was born May 3, 1836;
died June 13, 1840. Joseph was born Oct. 31, 1837. Benj. L.
was born Nov. 26, 1839. Geo. W. was born Aug. 21, 1841 ; died May
15, i860. Wm. C. was born Jan. i, 1843. Louisa M. was born Aug.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. ZA.'J
II, 1845; died August 21, 1845. John A. was born July 19, 1S46,
Nancy J. was born April 22, 1S49. Lewis N. was born Feb. 25,
1S51. Thomas J. was born Nov. :^, 1S53.
Mr. A. was married a second time, August 12, 1853. Children
by last wife—
Kate was born Jan. 12, 1S61. Ae^ix \V. was born Sept. 13,
1863, Mary E. was born Sept. 4, 1867. Infant son was born
Sept. 19, 1869; died Sept. 19, 1870. James M. was born May 4,
1873-
JESSE AUSTIN was born May 3, 18 18, in Rutherford county,
Tenn., and moved to Macon county in 1831; was married in 1847
to Catharine Faris. Of their seven children —
Nancy E. was born July 2, 1848; died 1853. Joseph II. was
born Feb. 16, 1850. Rosetta A. was born Sept. 14, 1851, and
was married to Wm. Getts, March 24, 1870. William I. was
born July 16, 1853. Mellissa E. was born August 25, 1862.
Elizabeth was born April 2, 1865. Mary J. was born Oct. 3,
1857-
JOSIAH ABRAMS was born in Ohio; moved to Sangamon
county in 1822, and to Macon county in 1829; married Nancy
Davis. Of their children —
Levi was born July 25, 1S08; married Mayon Moore. Eliza-
beth was born in 1810; married Dan, Howell. Henry A. was
born Oct. 12, 1812; married Elizabeth Frimm. Maria J. married
Burdinc Church (dead). Delila married A.J. Sinclair. [em:\ii-
MA married S. R. Wheeler. James married Louisa Johnson.
Susan married Felix Butler. Francis M.
Capt. DAVID L. ALLIN was born in Loudon county, Va.,
March 14, 1S06, and came to ^Slacon county in the fall of 1828, and
located where James C. Lake now resides, on North Watcv street.
There was at that time a small caliin, which had been built bv
Hubbell Sprague, standing near Mr. Lake's present residence,
which was regarded as a country residence. Mr. Allin entered from
the government the east half, northwest, section 14, town 16, 2 east,
which now embraces about one-fourth of the citv of Decatur, and
of which North Water street was the western line. Mr. A. built
the second water mill that was ever built in the county, in 183 1-2,
which was afterwards sold b}- him to Roliert Mafht, and known
248 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
for many years as Maffitt's Mill. Mr. Allin also made the first
lime ever manufactured in Macon county, at the " old lime kiln,"
a short distance southwest of Decatur, on the river. The lime
w^as said to be of a very superior quality, and a great deal of it w^as
hauled to Springfield, and used for finishing purposes, owing to its
superior quality. In September, 1S30, Capt. Allin married, in
Rutherford county, T.enn, Miss Julia E. Read, who was born in
Charlotte county, Va.
SAMUEL C. ALLEN was born in Loudon county, Va., Oct.
3, iSio; left Virginia in the fall (^f 1831; came on horseback
through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, and spent the winter in
Rutherford county, Tenn., and came to Illinois the next spring;
lived the first year in Sangamon county ; moved to Decatur the
next fall, and has made that and the vicinity his home ever since.
Was married to Jane E. Reid, Dec. 7, 1S58, (widow of Miner Reid,
and daughter of Enos Gore, of Adams county, Ohio.) She was born
in Loudon county, Va., July 37, 1S27. Of their children —
Edwin Gore was born May 37, i860. Wm. Lee was born
Oct. 21, 1861. Milton James was born Feb. 14, 1864; died Nov-
ember 36, 1866. Orviele Reid was born October 11, 1865.
Frank D. was born Jan. 34, 1868.
Mr. Allen has been school treasurer, county and township asses-
sor, and has been postmaster since his removal to this county. He
has been engaged as a farmer most of the time, but was in the
mercantile business several years.
ALEXANDER W. BELL was born in East Tennessee in
1813, and came to Macon county in 1839, and located in what is
now Mt. Zion township; was married to Mary Montgomery, who
was born in 1816, in Tennessee. Mr. Bell was a member of the
company from Macon county that enlisted in the Black Hawk
war. Of their children —
James M. was born April 17, 1848. Maggie L, was born
April, 185 1 ; married to Geo. T. Outten. Mattie A. was born
April 31, 1854; married to J. Edgar Davis.
SAMUEL BRADEN was born November 5th, 1769, in Ire-
land, and emigrated to America the year peace was declared; after
remaining in Philadelphia a short time he located in county,
South Carolina, where he married Nancy Young, who was born in
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 249
the latter state, near Charleston, during- the Revolutionary war,
(date unknown). They removed from South Carolina to Kentucky,
and thence to Tennessee, and from the latter state to Macon coun-
ty, 111., in September, 1S2S. Mr. B. died in 1S33, and Mrs. B. in
1843. Of their three children —
•Sidney R., was born November 4th, 1S14, in Tennessee; re-
moved to Illinois, with his father, and returned to Tennessee the
following year, where he died in 1S30.
John Y., was born March 23, iSiS, in Tennessee; was married
January 33d, 1S40, to Laura A. Hunting, who was born in Ver-
mont, December 34, 1S19, and came to Macon county in 1S40. Of
their nine children, Sidney R. Braden was born November 15,
1840, and married Jane E. Cox, May 23, 1861, and died January
II, 1S75, of wounds received at Vicksburg during- the late war.
John E. Braden was born September 26, 1842; married Mary
E. Bear, October 21, 1875. Alzina P. Braden, born December 3,
1S44; married Charles Nichols, December 35, 1861; died Septem-
ber 13, 1863. Jerome O. Braden was born February 13, 1S47;
married Ella Howerton, December 15, 1S73. Thos. J. Braden,
born August 25,1849. Maryette A. Braden, born September 13,
1851; married William Biven, i\pril 37, 1871; died April 11, 1S72.
Flora A. Braden, born August 26, 1S53; married William L. Bear,
December 30, 1S74, George A. Braden, born September 39, 1S55.
Cora A. Braden was born November 8, 1857.
George M., was born in 1S16 in Tennessee, and removed to
Illinois with his father. He died in 1852. Mary Y. — (See Miller.)
JOHN F. BLANKENSHIF was born in Virginia in 1801;
married to Hannah Wilson who was born in North Carolina, in
1805, and is now living in this county, Mr. B. died a few years
ago. Of their children —
Francis L, was born jNIarch 6, 1S37. P. W., was born January
9, 1833. J. T., was born March 25, 1834. Wm. F,, was born
August 15, 1837. George A., was born January 4, 1840, Nancy
W., was born June 27, 1843. Robert L., was born September
28, 1874; died 1S73.
NEWTON N. BAKER was born in Lincoln county, North
Carolina, February 2S, 1803; moved to Rutherford county, Tenn.,
when he was eleven years old, and moved to Macon county in
—32
250 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
1830 and settled 5 miles east of Decatur; was married to Tabitha
J. Hodge in 1835, and died May 37, 1S72. His wife was born in
Orange county, North Carolina, in 18 14, who came to Illinois in
1829, and settled in Sangamon county, remained one year and then
removed to Macon county; she is still living in Decatur. Of their
children —
Amzi H., was born in 1836; was married to Anna White, in
1867, and is now living in Decatur. Mary C, was born in 1839;
was married to S. C. Davis, in 1857, and is still living in this coun-
ty. Joseph N., was born , and is now living in Decatur.
James W., was born , also living in Decatur.
WILLIAM D. BAKER was born in Lincoln county, North
Carolina, on the 12th of September, 1800, and came to Macon
county in the fall of 1828, and settled in what is now Long Creek
township. Mr. Baker was a member of the first grand jury of
the county; he married in Tennessee, Marrila Martin. Their
children are Matilda L., wife of Andrew Dennis, Jas. T. Baker,
Rev. Wm. P. Baker of Grayville in White county, Mrs. Elizabeth
Smith and Rev. N. M. Baker. Mr. Baker was one of the few
men of whom in a long life no one can say ought against.
JAMES M. BAKER was born September 19, 181 1, in North
Carolina, and came to Macon county in 1830; was married to
Arraanna H. Hodge, who was born in North Carolina, May
15, 1816, and removed to Macon county in the winter of 1830-31.
Of their children —
Robert was born September 10, 1830. S. A. E., was born
March 7, 1S4S; married to James Gregory, and died in March,
iS73-
KIRBY BENEDICT was born November 25, 1810, at Kent,
Connecticut, and was married to Charlotte C. Curtis, October
23, 1834, who was born September 20, 1810, in Newton, Connecti-
cut; they removed to Sangamon county, Illinois, in 1835, and to
Macon county in March, 1836, where he engaged in the practice
of law, and remained here until 1849, when he removed to Paris,
Illinois; in the fall of 1853 he was appointed by President Pierce
as one of the associate justices of the territory of New Mexico, in
which capacity he served for three vears, when he was appointed
chief justice of the same territory, which position he held until his
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 251
removal by Andrew Johnson in the winter of iS66, After this
he again engaged in the practice of law and was editor and pro-
prietor of the New Mexico Union, until he died on the 28th day
of February, 1874. Mr. B. held the otlice of probate justice of
the peace of Macon county from 1S38 to 1842 and was the third
resident practicing lawyer of Macon county ; he received a common
school education, and afterwards became proficient in the
French and Spanish languages; he studied law with Judge Quit-
man in Xatches, Mississippi, where he was admitted to the bar. Of
their children —
Ophelia C, and Laura K., died when young. WoRTHi::vfK
C, married James Smith and resides near Moweaqua, Illinois and
KiRBY S., resides at Tuscola, Illinois.
RICHARD H. BRETT was born in Prince Williams county,
Va., November ist, 1772; was married to Margaret Lee, Novem-
ber 22, 179S, who was born May 6, 1779. They moved to Macon
county in 1S35. Of their 14 children —
Margaret was born Sept. 17, 1799; died 1S60. Frances Was
born March 31, iSoi ; was married to Jacob Munch. John was born
May 17, 1802; was married to Sarah Fergerson. Jane was born
March 29, 1804; was married to Reuben Rogers; she is now dead.
Mildred was born December 14, 1805; married to George Mont-
gomery in January, 1837, and has since died. Penelope was born
October 14, 1808; married to Franklin Montgomery in 1S36.
Sarah was born July 13, iSii. George E. was born February
4, 1813, and died in November, 183^. James E. was born October
II, 1814; died July 3, 1S33. Mary E. was born March 21, 1816;
was married to John Gulick in April, 1848; she is now dead.
Daniicl was born December 21, 181 7; was married to Elizabeth
Wheeler, February 4, 1847. Ann M. was born June 24, 1819;
died in September, 1836. x\lexander was born March 2, 1822;
was married to Rebecca Hays, who afterwards died; he then was
married to Martha Cox. Frederick S. was born January 3, 1825,
and was married to Martha Montgomery.
Mr. B. died ; Mrs. B. died . '
DAVID BARNWELL was born in South Carolina in 1S02,
and moved thence to Davidson county, Tenn., where he married
Elizabeth Haddick, who was about the same
^5^
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
Tennessee. They removed to Illinois in 1833, and first settled in
what is now Long Creek township. Mr. B. died in 1S36 or 7, in
Fayette county. Mrs. B. died about 1S40, in Macon county. Of
their six children —
Alfred A. was born January 30, 1S33, in Tennessee; died 1871.
Edward A. was born August 30, 1834, in Tennessee; now resides
in Cerro Gordo. Richard G. was born April 31, 1828, in Ten-
nessee; resides in Idaho Territory. Almira C. was born Septem-
ber 3, 1829, in Tennessee; married Orrin Foster, and now resides
in LaBette county Kansas. JoHxX B. was born May 19, 1832, in
Tennessee; resides in Macon county. Nancy E. was born about
1834; died in infancy.
MICAJAH M. BURKE was born in Kentucky, April 6, 1804
and came to this county in 1834, and married Lucy A. Pasly, who
was born in Kentucky, April 31, 1814. Mr. B. died May 26, 1863.
Of their children—
John H. was born March 39, 1835. James W. was born No-
vember 21, 1837. Robert Y. was born May 5, 1840. Thomas
was born April 3, 1S43. Delpha was born August 9, 1845. Jo-
seph was born February 30, 1848. Lewis B. was born January 8,
1851.
WILLIAM CANTRALL was born in Green county, Ky., Jan-
uary 17, iSoo; came to Sangamon county, 111., in 1835, and to Ma-
con county in 1833. The first part of his life in Illinois was spent
in selling goods. He has held several offices of trust since his con-
nection with Macon county. XVas married on the 14th of Febru-
ary, 1838, to Elizabeth Hall, vvho was born in 1S09, and died in
1 868. Of their children—
Thomas was born in November, 1839; died in Washington Ter-
ritory. Jane was born in 1831; married Dr. Kellar, who now
lives in Sullivan. Mary was born in 1835; married Dr. Dillon in
1854; they now reside in Adams county. Susan was born in 1844;
married Harl P. Christie; they are now living in Decatur.
Mr. Cantrall was married a second time, August 19, 1S69, to
Mrs. Han,"who was born in the^ State of Kentucky.
EFHRAIM COX was among the early settlers who came here
about 1838 or 9. We have no record of the family complete.
George M. Cox was born April 6, 1830, in Macon county,!
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 253
and married Ellen Downs, who was born in Ohio, March 15, 1833.
Of their children — •
Nancy C. was born October 24, 1S53; married John Woods,
December 17, 1S73. Mary A. was born February 27, 1854; mar-
ried John A. W, Bell, October 19, 1S76. William H, was born
March 8, 1856. John C. was born April 5, 1S5S; died February
23, 1862. M.J. was born August 16, i860. L. A. was born De-
cember 24, 1863; died August 15, 1864, Ida F. was born April
16, 1865. George E. was born November 15, 1S67. Eda A.
was born February 22, 1870; died February 26, 1870. S. C. was
born July 26, 1871.
Margaret E. was born March 14, 1S32; married Cornelius
Morris in 1848, who was born November 6th, 1825. Of their
children —
Nancy A. was born February 28, 1S49; died December 9, 1861.
Mary E. was born September 27, 1S50; married November 19,
1872, to C. W. Frew. Margaret M. w^as born February 22, 1853.
Lewis J. was born July 17, 1S56; died November 12, 1875. Thos.
F. was born April 23, 1861. Amanda E. was born April 7, 1864.
George W, v\»as born July i, 1867. Ada A. was born June 27,
1S70. Elmer O. was born May 8, 1872.
Rev. WM. S. CRISSEY was born in Connecticut, April 21,
181 1, and came to Macon county in 1831, on a visit, and removed
here in 1834. In 183 1-2, Mr. C. was upon the Tazewell Circuit,
which included a very large territory, viz: Peoria, Pekin, Bloom-
ington, etc. In 1832-3, he was assigned to the Jacksonville Circuit,
which was as extensive as his former field of labors. Of the experi-
ences of circuit rider among the pioneers of Illinois, Father Crissey
relates some very amusing instances. He has been a close observer
of men and events, and has a mind well stored with facts gathered
from a long life and varied experiences.
Col. E. D. CARTER, was born February 3, 1814, in Logan
county, Ky., and removed thence to Shelby ville in 1833, and thence
to Springfield in 1836, and thence to Decatur in 1838, where he
now resides. He married Christina Smick, who was born in Ken-
tucky in 18 1 2.
JAMES D. CAMPBELL was born June 26, 1S03, in North
Carolina; removed thence to Caldwell county, Kentucky, and
^54
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
thence to Wayne county, Illinois, in 1826; thence to Sangamon
county in 1S2S, and to Macon county in 1830. He married in Ken-
tucky Lavina Travis, who is still living, Mr. C. was a member of
the county commissioners' court, and for many years a justice of the
peace. He died in 1864. Their children are- —
Matilda, John T., Margaret, (married Thomas Warfield,) David,
Louisa, (married Wm. Foly,) and Mary, (married Geo. Schroll.)
WILLIAM COX was born in the State of Maryland, Decem-
ber 19, 1803; was married to Martha 1 J^'j 3? 1832, w^ho was
born April 14, 1806, in the state of Virginia; died December 18,
1867. Of their children —
Mary Elizabeth was born August 34, 1833; was married to
Harvey Travis; died February 6, 1862. Martha Ann was born
December 17, 1834. Almeda Virginia was born May 7, 1837;
was married to Gilbert McDaniel; died November 5, 1861. Wil-
liam Ephraim was born July 15, 1838; was married to Ellen
Traughber, now Hunt; died December 18, 1861. Triphena was
born November 5, 1840; was married to Thomas Price; died Feb-
ruary 34, 1862. Emily was born March 12, 1843; ^'^'^ December
27, 1861. Charlotte was born September 9, 1845; ^'^^^ married
to John Miller, and now resides in this county. Lucetta was
born January 14, 1848; was married to Harvey Epling, and now re-
sides in Kansas.
Dr. IRA B. CURTIS, the 17th county treasurer of Macon
count}', was born October 23, 1823, in Delaware county, Ohio, and
moved to Sangamon county. 111., in 183^, and has been a resident
of this county since 1844, excepting seven years of which time he
was a resident of Christian county. He was a physician in active
practice from 1846 until 1862, when he received a stroke of paraly-
sis in his lower limbs, and has been unable to walk since, which, of
course, destroyed largely his usefulness in his profession. In 1S63
he was elected county treasurer, which position he held until 1S69.
JACOB CAULK was born November 5, 1S03; was married
to Mary , January 7, 1830, who was born January 23, 1804.
Of their children —
James was born October 26, 1830; died September 5, 1833.
Martha was born February 19, 1832. John was born October
13 1833; married Malinda Found. They are now residents of
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 3C1;
Decatur. Albert was horn June 20. 1S37; supposed to have died
in the army. Mary was horn Novemher 19, 1S39. Sarah was
horn Decemher 23, 1S41. Jacoh Caulk and wife were among the
first settlers of this county; neither of them is now living,
DAVID DxWlvS was horn in Lincoln county, North Carolina
May 2, 179S. At the age of 17 he emigrated to Rutherford county'
Tennessee. In 182S he came to Illinois and settled in this county.
At the age of 23 he had the misfortune to hecome paralyzed in his
lower extremities, and throughout his long life he walked with
great difficulty. Notwithstanding this, he was ever energetic, and
gathered a handsome competence for himself, and provided liberal
means for heneficent charities. He died August 19, 1S75. He was
once county treasurer and one of the judges of the first election held
in Macon county. He was married to Mary Martin September 38,
1S25, who was born in Rutherford county, Tennessee, November
15,1806. Of their children—
Isabella C. was born August 17, 1826; was married to Michael
C. Rozzell, November 4, 1S45. Willl^m M. was born January
14, 1831; was married to S. J. Nicholson March 23, 1S54'. Syl-
vester C. was born June 8, 1S34; married to Mary C. Baker,
September 3, 1857. Milton Z. was born August 29,' 1835; mar-
ried to Emma Eichinger, September 3, 1865. Mary P. was born
January 11, 1S3S; married to Hiram G. Wheeler, October 11, 18^5.
Elizabeth E. was born September 6, 1841 ; married to John
Rucker, Decemher zS, 1858; died January 24, 1862. John L. was
born December 22, 1842; died April 26, 1865. Traughber L.
was born March 2, 1S45 ; was married to Mendosia Houseman, Sep-
tember 2^, 1873. M ARIEL A A. was boru Januarv 2, 1847; was
married to Thomas J. Odor, September 28, 1S69.
WILLIAM DICKEY, Sk., was born May 6, 1764, in Vir-
ginia, and removed thence to South Carolina, and was in the revo-
lutionary war; was married about 1790 to Mary Stephenson, in
North Carolina, who was born March 26, 1774'. Of their chil-
dren—
Sarah was born February 3, 1792; died same year. John was
born January 4, 1793; died in 1847. Martha was born Septem-
ber 9, 1795; died in 1S37. James was horn December 23, 1797;
died . Eda was born June 6, 1800; married M. Davis; died
1826. Mary was horn November 14, 1802; married James Cain.
2C6 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
William was born March 9, 1805. Sarah was born January 5,
1S07; died in infiincy. Jesse was born December 11, 1809, mar-
ried Mary Brown. Mathias was born April 2, 1812; died 1816.
Andrew was born November 15, 1814; married Ely Russell.
JOHN DICKEY was born in 1793, and came to Macon county
in 1S29; married Martha Stevenson; was killed by a run-a-way
team in 1846 or '7.
WM. DICKEY, Jr., was born in Kentucky, Oct. 11, 1814,
and married Isabella Foster, Nov. 30, 1837, who was born in Ten-
nessee. Mrs. D. died May 30, 1S52. Of their children—
John B. was born October 26, 1838. David A. was born
August 28, 1840; died July 32, 1864. Martha A. was born
March 20, 1S43; married J. W. Welton. Abner L. was born
March 5, 1S46; married E. Mendenhall. W. M. was born Jan-
uary 14, 1849, Mary C. was born May 8, 1851; died May 27,
1 85 1 .
Mr. Dickey married to his second wife, Mrs. Sarah A. Warner,
October 19, 1S52, who was born in Canada, August 25, 1828.
Mr. D. died January 17, 1875. Of their children—
Claretta was born Feb. 19, 1855. Sarah J, was born Dec.
27, 1856. Henry E. was born January 13, 1S59. Eliza A. was
born Februarv 17, 1861 ; died August 30, 1862. Geo. B. was born
September 20, 1862; died September 6, 1S63. Chas. A. was
born July 21, 1864. Margaret C. was born November 21, 1866.
Nancy B. was born February 15, 1S69. James H. was born
July 32, 1S73.
ALEXANDER C. DICKEY was born February 22, 1818;
married Nancy Foster.
HARVEY DICKEY was born February 23, 1S37; married
R. Dowling.
DAViD DICKEY was born March 19, 1817, in Lovington
county, Ky.; came to Macon county in 1829; was married to Mary
Chambers, Feb. 2, 1844, who was born February 27, 1821; died
November 10, 1865. Of their children—
Mary was born December 16, 1844; died October i, 1859.
Nancy was born February 26, 1847; died September 16, 1847.
James was born April I3, 1S51; died October 18, 1859.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 257
Mr. Dickey was married a 'second time to Nancy J. Dike, De-
cember 22, 1870. Their only child, Maggie, was born Sept. 17,
1S71.
SAMUEL DAVIDSON was born in South Carolina, in 1774.
From South Carolina he came to Southern Illinois; thence to
Macon county in 1S30; was married in South Carolina to Eliza-
beth Mays, who was born in the latter State in 1776. Mr. D. died
in 1S43, and Mrs. D. died in 1S44. Of their children —
John was born in 1796; died in 1S44. Polly was born in 179S;
died in 1S40. Andrew was born in 1S06; died in 1S71. Nancy
was born in iSoS. Ella J. was born in 1810. Elizabeth was
born in 1S13; died in 1S33. Cyntha was born in 1S16; died in
1835. Baxter was born in 1S17; was married to Elizabeth Har-
baugh in 1S42, who was born in 1S17; died in 1867. Of their
children —
D. L. was born in 1843; married in 1867 to Virginia .
John A. was born in 1845; married in 1871 to Mania .
M. R. was born in 1S48; married in 1S74 to Emma Reeme, who
was born in 1851. Arminda A. was born in 1850. Naoma A.
was born in 1S56. ^lariah F. was born in 1S59.
Mr. Davidson was married the second time, in 1S69, ^° Lovina
, who was born in 183^.
JAMES EDWARDS was born in 1806, near Raleigh, North
Carolina. When a young man he came to Tennessee, and re-
mained there a few months; then removed to Illinois, arriving in
Macon county in the fall of 1827, when there was but 160 acres of
land entered upon the south side of the river. He was accom-
panied to this county by Dempsey Pope and Jones Edwards — the
latter a brother of his, who remained 12 or 15 years, and removed
to Iowa, where he died. James E. worked the first year after he
came to Illinois for John Ward. Dfiring that time the Indians
made some threats against the Wards, and Edwards was one of a
company of 12 to assist in driving them away. A few more In-
dians made their appearance in the vicinity in 1828, but soon left,
and were followed and overtaken in the prairie, a short distance
east of Mt. Zion. There were twelve in number, besides
the squaws. A gun was taken from one of them, after a severe
struggle, by Smith Mounce, of the Ward company. It was re-
—33
258 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
turned, however, by order of John Ward, who had command of
the expedition, and the Indians were then ordered to move on,
which they did. This was the last appearance of the Kickapoos,
or other Indians, in Macon county. James E. was married to
Nancy L. Hill, in the winter of 1S30-31. She was born in Meck-
linburg county, Virginia, June 22, 1S06; moved to Rutherford
county, Tenn,; removed to Illinois in 1S29, and has ever since re-
sided in this county. Of their children —
Martha E. was born March 31, 1834, and married Abraham
Lynch, and died. Nancy E. was born January 26, 1836; married
John D. Smith, and died on the nth of August, 1869. Jerome
was born March 22, 1837, ^"<^^ married Mary J. Stingly. John
was born September 9, 183S, and died in Indiana on the 12th of
September, 1S62, Frank was born January 4, 1840, and was
married to Mrs. Henry Edwards, March 16, 1874. Sarah J. was
born August 4, 1841, and died March 20. 1854. Rufus was born
January i, 1843. Samuel S. was born June 22, 1844; married to
Isabel Allen, December 24, 1873, Ann was born August 13, 1846;
was married to Richard Whitley, In October, 1862, and now re-
sides in Vernon county. Mo. Henry was born April 6, 1S48;
married to Elizabeth Brown in 1869, and died on the 7th of No-
vember, 1872.
HON. CHARLES EMERSON was born in North Haverhill,
Grafton county. New Hampshire, April 15, 1811 ; he came to this
state in the year 1833 and located at Jacksonville, where he spent
one term in Illinois College; he removed thence to Springfield,
Illinois, and studied law under the instruction of Judge Keys; on
his being admitted to practice law he canie to Decatur and entered
upon the practice of his profession in the spring of 1834; in 1841
he married Nancy Harrell who died December 16, 1866; he
remained here until 1847 ^nd then went to Paris, Edgar county,
where he remained three years, returning in 1850; on his return
he was elected to the legislature and was re-elected in 1851; in
June, 1853, he was elected judge of the circuit court, which position
he filled until 1867, when he ran forjudge of the supreme court
but was defeated by a small majority by Judge Walker now of the
supreme bench; he then resumed practice and was elected to the
constitutional convention in 1S69. He attended the early parf of
that convention but was suffering with a severe cold and cough
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
''59
which terminated his earthly career, on day of April 1S70.
As to his judicial career his memory needs no comment; his mind
was evenly balanced and he held the scales of justice so impartially
that few dared to question th§ correctness of his adjudications; he
seemed to be absolutely unbiased. Though he was a man of strong
convictions predjudice was never attributed to him in the discharge
of his judicial duty. Meanness he absolutely detested, yet no man
was brought before him, however serious his crime, but received a
fair and impartial trial. He was a strong party man, yet, when on
the bench his opponents never had occasion to utter one word
against him as to predjudice, bias or partiality. His mind was broad
and grasping; the intricacies of the law he could comprehend
readily, and solve the most ditllcult and perj^lexing questions of law
and fact with scarcely a moment's reflection. He had the power of
presenting his views succinctly and in such a way that those who
heard him, in making a decision, at once acknowledged the justness
and correctness of his position in the matter in question. He was
charitable, his hands being open on all occasions to succor distress,
to encourage enterprise, and support good institutions. He was
modest and unafliected and possessed not one particle of personal
vanity; "he had no desire for display, and no ambition for admira-
tion." He made no effort to win attention in conversation or argu-
ment, beyond what the occasion absolutely required ; what he said
was always well said, because it was always from a full mind ac-
customed to deep reflection. He never obtruded his opinions upon
others, but brought them out only as they were sought, and then
with clearness and earnestness. To the casual observer, or on first
introduction he was thought to be cold and reserved ; but he was
neither the one or the other. He had great simplicity of manner,
dress and deportment, but his simplicity was never accompanied
with want of perception of what was rj'ght and fit for the occasion.
The first impression of a stranger was that of disappointment; it
hardly seemed credible that such simplicity should be accompanied
with his known position and reputation in life. The consciousness of
power was not there ; "there was no play of lights and shades of
rank; no study of effect in tone or bearing." He never thought of
himself and the air of office was not there. What was said of the
great Marshall may with equal truth be said of Judge Emerson :
"after all what may be said of his fame in the eyes of the world.
26o HISTORY OF MASON COUNTY.
that which in a just sense- was his highest glory, was the purity,
afFectionateness, Hberality and devotedness of his domestic Hfe. At
home he indulged himself in what he most loved, the duties and
blessings of the family circle. There his heart had full play. There
the sunshine of his soul diffused its soft radiance and cheered and
soothed and tranquilized the passing hours." The writer has seen
him in the family circle surrounded by his children, so completely
absorbed in their childish pranks, that he seemed almost oblivious
to all passing events; to them he was kind and affectionate, and
indulgent to a fault, almost. In his public character he was upright
and conscientious. He would not do what he thought to be wrong
no matter how popular or pressing was the public clamor; he
would not shrink from what he thought right though he might
stand alone in his position. In this he was as firm as a rock. On one
occasion, having made a decision, he was reminded that the su-
preme court had decided directly the contrary doctrine: "I know
that," he replied, "but they are wrong and I am right, and I will
give them one more chance to correct their error." He loved the
Taw, not as a trade, but as science: he disdained to mislead the court,
the 'jui'y oi" 1^'s client; the practice of law was to him the enforce-
ment of the principles of right and justice, rather than the tempo-
rary success his knowledge of the rules of practice might give him.
He resorted to no technicalities for success. His treatment of his
brethren at the bar was kind and courteous, whether practicing
with them or while on the bench. To the younger members of the
bar he was a friend indeed, and was never knovvn to take advantage
of their inexperience that he might show his own strength and
knowledge, as some petty judges delight to do. He was studious,
and his judicial learning was above the ordinary judges of our
courts, yet the original bias as well as choice of his mind was to
general principles and comprehensive views, rather than technical
and recondite learning. In his character, in his family circle, in his
practice, in his judicial career, in all the varied stations in life, he
was a model worthy of emulation, not perfect and without blemish,
but his better characteristics so far exceeding the imperfections and
blemishes, that the latter were almost unobserved. Of their child-
ren—
Albert was born February 5, 1S42, and is now residing in
Monticello, Piatt county, Illinois. Jerome was born December
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY,
261
35, 1S46, and is now livina^ at Clarinda, Iowa. Joseph was born
vSepteniber 21, iS^o; is now living- in Lake City, Moultrie county,
Illinois. Elizabeth was born November 3, 1S53, and married
S. H. Record, of Charleston, Illinois, where she now resides.
Laura M. was born February 11, 1S55, and died January 13, 1876.
Leora M. was born April 1 1, 1S57, and now resides in Decatur.
Lucy A. was born April 13, 1S59, and now resides in Charleston,
Illinois.
GEORGE W. FALCONER was born in 1777, in Frederick
county, Maryland, and came to this county in 1S39, and died Janu-
arv 6, 1856. His children were —
Jeremiah, Anna, Euiza, Enoch G. and Mary.
JOHN FALCONER was born January 21, 1S30, in Frederick
county Marvland, and came to Macon county in 1S39.
JEROME R. GORIN was born in Hopkinsville, Kentucky,
October 12, 1817, and came to Illinois in 1828 and settled at Van-
dalia, Illinois; he removed thence to Macon county in 1833; he
married in Decatur, April 1,1845, ^^'^^ Eleanor E. D. Fawcett
who was born Fel)ruary 18, 1824. in Jellerson county, Virginia.
Mr. G. was admitted to the bar in 1843, but has been engaged for
several years past in the banking business in the firm of J. ^lilliken
& Co.
DR. B. W. GORIN was born in Christian county, Kentucky,
in 1838, and came from there to Vandalia, in this state, where he
remained until 1831, when he removed to ShelbyAille and thence
to Decatm-, and was engaged in the practice of medicine. He re-
mained here but two years, and then went to Louisiana, Mo., where
he died in 1874.
HENRY M. GORIN was born in Christian county, Kentucky
in 1812, and removed thence to Vandalia, Illinois; he came to De-
catur, Illinois, in 1832, and remained until the yeari84i; he was
at one time circuit clerk and county clerk of ]Macon county; after
removing to Missouri he engaged in farming, and has held the
office of clerk of the circuit court in his county; his records kept by
him bear evidence of his carefulness and pains taking.
JACOB HOSTETTER was born in Shelby county, Kentucky,
July 6, 1810; married Tabitha Crum in March, 1835, and came to
262 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
Macon county in 1835, where he died in 1873 of smallpox. Mrs. H.
was born in Oldham county, Kentucky, November 4, tSi6. Of
their children —
Francis M. was born in Clark county, Indiana, February 3,
1835; niarried Elizabeth Wykel, 1857. Mary J. was born
October 15, 1836 and married Jane C. Campbell, March 8, 1865.
Malinda E. was born August 31, 1838; married Charles E,
HuNSLEY, October 25, 1865.
JAMES HERREL was born in Grayson county, Kentucky,
August 29, 18 1 3, where he remained until 1834, when he removed
to Macon county and remained two years; returned to Kentucky,
thence to New Orleans; thence to Florida, as teamster in the war
against the Seminole Indians; returned to Macon county in 1839,
where he married Mary Miller, November 26, 1840. Of their chil-
dren—
Albert G. was born January 6, 1843; married S. J. Miller.
Tabitha was born July 6, 1844; died February, 1845. Eliza-
beth A. was born October 18, 1845; ^^^"^ J^^^^ 1846. George
W. was born October 8, 1847. Francis M. was born June 14,
1850; dead. James C. was born January 27, 1852; dead.
JOHN HANKS, once the old friend and associate of Mr. Lin-
coln, was born in Kentucky about 1802, and come to Illinois in
1826 or '27, and settled on Stevens' creek; he married in Kentucky,
Susan Wilson, who was about the same age as Mr. H., and who
died in 1861. Of their children —
William, who lives in Piatt county, and Lewis, who lives in
Oregon, were both born in Kentucky. Jane was born January
15, 1831, in Illinois, and married to A. T, Metlin, who was born in
1830, in Pa. Emily, born in 1833, in Illinois, married to Lo-
mis, and resides at Minonk. Phelix, dead. Grason, resides in
Missouri. Levi resides in Macon county.
JAMES HOWELL was born in 1802, in Galleo county, Ohio,
and removed to Macon county in 1831, having been in the state
five years. His wife was born in Virginia in 1803.
Their children were Mary, William T., Emily, Nancy, Charles D.,
Brice A., John, Elizabeth.
WILLIAM HOWELL, DANIEL, JOSEPH and ISAAC,
were brothers of James, and came to Macon county early.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 263
DOLLISTON HEFTON was among the very early settlers
of the county. He was one of the old "forty gallon Baptist" preach-
ers, and had a sing-song tone to his preaching that was truly won-
derful. From the recollection of one of his hearers, we are enabled
to give a small extract from a sermon delivered by Mr. H. over 40
years ago, which illustrates the peculiar ah's and ideas of which his
sermons abounded. " My respected brethren-ah, hell-ah is like
takin' a pillow-slip of corn-ah and wadin' the snow-ah and rain-ah,
and goiu' to Jim Wheeler's mill-ah, and gettin' it ground-ah to
make mush -.ih! You grind and grind and grind-ah! Brethren-ah,
that is hell-ah. But, my hearers-ah, there is another good place-ah,
which we all expect to go to-ah, and when we get there-ah, will feast
forever-ahon spare-ribs, biscuits and cofFee-ah,and that's the place we
call heaven-ah." Mr. Hefton kept store at Mt. Gillead for a while,
and had his family, household goods and merchandise all in one
room. His stock of goods consisted of a barrel of pale whisky, that
would freeze up in winter, a small quantity of tin-ware, and a few
dollar's worth of sugar and coffee. One day some one offered to
buy his entire stock of tin-ware at a given price, but he refused to
sell, because it would "break his stock."
JAMES HERREL was born in Grayson county, Ky., in 1S13;
came to Illinois in 1833 or '4, and settled in Decatur; remained
there until 1S40, when he removed to the place where he now
lives, about 4 miles west of town. He was married to Mary Mil-
ler in 1S40, who was born April 22, iSii.
Albert G., son of J. and M. Herrel, was born in 1S43, ''^'^*^^ now
resides in this county.
JOSEPH HOSTETLER was born in Shelby county, Ky.,
February 37, 1797. His father and grandfiither were natives of
Pennsylvania. His great-grandfather was born in Germany, near
the river Rhine.
Joseph's mother, Agnes, was the daughter of Anthony Hard-
man, of whose ancestry nothing is known, Mr. Hostetler com-
menced preaching according to the "Yunker Doctrine," about the
year 1S15. In 1S16 he was married, and the same year authorized
to preach by the Yunker church. In 1S17 he moved to Washing-
ton county, Ind., and remained there two years. He then moved
to Orange county, in the same State, remaining there until 1832,
264 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
when he moved to Illinois, settling in this county, not far from
Decatur.
In 1 828, he, with others, renounced all " creeds," "confessions ot
faith," and took his stand with the Church of Christ, or Christian
church. After he came to Illinois he performed much hard labor
as a pioneer minister, as well as a pioneer farmer.
In October, 1S32, he organized a church in his neighborhood, of
fourteen members. The same church is still in existence, having
at present over one hundred members. In 1S33 he organized in
Decatur the Church of Christ, which exists to-day. In the fol-
lowing year he moved to Decatur, and commenced the practice of
medicine, in connection with his 2:>reaching. In 1836 he returned
to Indiana, and settled on an unimproved farm near Bedford, Law-
rence county. In 1S43 he moved to Sheboyagan county, Wiscon-
sin, where he opened a form in heavy timber land, and here, too,
he continued to preach and practice medicine. In 1855 he re-
moved to Salem, Washington county, Ind. Here he was engaged
principally in the practice of medicine. In 1S61 he moved to Lov-
ington, Moultrie county, Illinois. During all this time he was in-
cessantly engaged in preaching or practicing medicine. On the
27th day of August, 1S70, he died, at his residence, near Loving-
ton. His disease was a functional derangement of the heart. He
was a heavy built man, weighing about two hundred pounds; was
five feet eight inches high, and seemed to bear the weight of years
with remarkable firmness and strength.
ANDREW HAMILTON was born May 31, 1806; came to
Macon county in 1830; married Margaret Hall in 1829. Of their-
children —
John W. was born December 9, 1830; married to Amelia
Clements. Robert G. was born January 20, 1832; died Febru-
ary 21, 1S32. Martha F. was born February 21, 1833; died Jan-
uary 21, 1837. Alfred C. was born June 5, 1S35; died April 27,
1876. Margaret S. was born January 12, 1S38; died December
18, i860. Mary S. was born October 20, 1840; died November
20,1840. Emily H. was born April 17,1842; married N.Boies.
A. L. was born January 4, 1844; died December 4, 1844. Mary J.
was born May 9, 1849; died February 12, 1873.
ULYSSES HUSTON was born August 25, 1824, in Pickaway
county, Ohio; came to Macon county in the month of November,
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 265
1836; married to Matilda McCoy, Feb. 35, 1847, who was born
May 19, 1S35, in Montgomery county, Indiana, and came to Macon
county in 1840. Of their children —
Phebe was born January 5, 1S4S; was married to Robert M.
McCoy, November 5, 1866. John was born October 13, 1849;
died April 14, 1856. Robert was born August 22, 1S52. Orus
B. was born January 3, 18^6. Martha M. was boi;n February
18, 1S59. Emily J. was born January y, 1862. Wileiam N. was
born March 2, 1865. Mary E. was born December 12, 1S6S.
All of which now reside in Macon county.
SAMUEL HORNBACK was born May 8, 1808, in Bath
county, Ky., and was married September 2, 1830, to Margaret
Johnson, who was born February 34, 181 1, in the same county and
State. They removed to Macon county in September, 1830. Of
their nine children —
Abraham was born February 5, 1S35. Letha Ann was born
December 16, 1S35; was married December 17, 1856, to Geo. W.
Schroll. Isaac was born July 26^ 1S3S; married to Martha Hide,
December 30, 1858. Nancy J. was born October 33, 1S41 ; mar-
ried to Wm. Gepford, August 23, 1S65. Samuel C. was born
January i, 1844; married to Margaret Vice, May 6, 1866. Mar-
garet was born December 13, 1846; married to George Houser,
November 33, 1S65. Eliza i\. and Lou Ann, twins, were born
February 5, 1850. Jno. W. was born August 15, 1853.
ROBERT JOHNSON was born in Bath county, Ky., March.
3, 1807. Was married to Lou Ann Church April 5, 183 1,. who
was born July 13, 1813. They moved to Macon county in October,
183 1. They have no children.
Dr. JOSEPH KING was born in iSio, and came to Alacon
county in 1839, and married Packard. At that time there
were but two or three physicians in the county, Drs. Read and
Spear. Dr. Rogers came here in 1S40, and remained a few years.
Dr. K. received his medical education in Cincinnati, O., and soon
after his arrival had an extensive practice, and was often called
upon to ride 35 or 30 miles to see a patient. The Doctor relates
some very amusing incidents connected with the early practice in
the county, and some that were not so amusing to the jDarticipants;
—34
266 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
such as being lost on the large prairies, and riding all night in the
cold, when the wolves were uncomfortably thick. The Doctor
says he was always afraid of the wolves, and retains a distinct recol-
lection of the vigorous barking of these creatures as he would be
out riding late at night, perhaps miles from any habitation.
ALFRED LAYMONS was born in Grayson county, Ky,,
September '23, 180S, and removed to Macon county in 1829, where
he married Rhoda P. Shepherd, as his first wife, who was born in
Virginia, December 28, 1S13, and died September 27, 1836. Of
their two children —
Henderson M. was born April 15, 1833; died June, 1867.
W. W. was born March 14, 1835; died February, 1870.
Mr. Laymons' second v/ife was Jane Manly, who was born in
Grayson county, Ky., August 10, 1815, and died December 31, 1858.
Of their children —
Margaret A. was born May 22, 1839; died December, 1839.
Sarah E. was born Nov. 3, 1840; died May i, 1871. Jno. A.
was born October 5, 1842; died January, 1870. Jackson M. was
born January 9, 1847. Mary A. was born October 10, 1849.
Nancy E. was born June 27, 1854; died July, 1854.
Rev. ALONZO LAPHAM was born in New Hampshire,
May 29, 1797. He moved to Vermont; afterwards to Indiana,
where he became acquainted with, and in 1828 married, Margaret
Anderson. He came to Macon county at a very early date, when
there were but two houses in the city of Decatur, and soon after-
wards engaged in farming. Mr. Lapham was an ordained minis-
ter in the Methodist church, and assisted a great deal in the organ-
ization of churches in Central Illinois. Of the children of Alonzo
and Margaret —
Mary J. was born October 18, 1829; was married to David M.
Thornby, February 22, 1849, and are now living near Salt Creek.
John W. was born December 18, 1832; was married to Maria
Hammond. He is now engaged as a minister of the gospel, in
the M. E. church. Truman C. was born August 28, 1835; was
married to Jennie Downs, of Shelbyville, Illinois, January 6, 1863.
He is now engaged as a book and music merchant in Shelbyville,
Illinois. Wm. W. was born March 7, 1S36; was married to Mary
J. Crowder, of Springfield, Illinois, March 7, 1861. He is now
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 267
engaged in the wholesale music store of Story and Camp, St.
Louis, Mo. Martin A. was born January 3, 1S41; was married
to Frances Frazier, of Danville, Illinois, where he now resides. He
was for a time ^•ice-president of Quincy College, and receiving
officer of the Fort of New Orleans. A. Milton was born August
II, 1S43. He has been engaged as a photographer, real estate and
insurance agent in Decatur, Illinois, where he now resides.
GEO. POWERS was born in Charleston, Saratoga county,
N. Y., January 17, 1S14; was married to Almira A. Giles, in Ala-
bama, April 30, 1S40, who was born in Franklin county, Mass.
They removed to Macon county in 1S39. He was admitted to the
bar soon after his arrival, and was elected to the State Senate in
1S44. ^^' '^^^*^^ other otl^ces of trust and responsibility, and died in
1849, leaving three daughters: Emma, who married John K.
Warren; Sarah A., who married Geo. S. Durfee, and Ada, who
married E. D. Bartholomew.
JIOBERT LAW was born in Wilson county, Tenn., in No-
vember 1S07, and moved to Macon county in 1S30 — having been
here the year previous to see the countr}-. He was out with the
rangers in the Black-Hawk war, under Captain Warnick. He
built the old horse-mill at Whitehouse's, in Mt. Zion township, in
1S36-7, near where Mr. L. now resides.
JAMES LAW, John Law and Rose Ann, all came here about
the same time. They were brothers and sister of Robert; John ic
dead.
JOHN LOWRY was born in 1803, in Green county, Tenn.;
was married to Elizabeth Drennan in 1835. They removed to
Macon county in 1S34. Of their children —
James A. was born in 1836 or 7. Wm. A. was born in iSsS.
Jackson C. was born in 1830. Charles D. was born in 1833.
Mary P. was born in 1837.
ELDRIDGE H. McDANIEL was born November 35, 1807,
and married Mary Pope, September 5, 1836. They came to Macon
county in 1837, and resided here until their death. Mr. M. died
June 29, 1S59, and Mrs. M. died August 26, 187 1. They raised a
large family of children, the ages of which we cannot give.
j6S history of MACON COUNTY.
Elizabeth married Aaron Widick ; both dead. Salamanda
married Thomas Lord, Leacy married Jeremiah Turpin ; dead.
Wm. G., Dempsey, Thomas, (dead,) and John A. B.
CHRISTOPHER MILLER was born in South Carolina
about 17S9; moved with parents to Kentucky, where he married
Elizabeth Hays in iSoS. He removed thence to IMacon county in
1829, where he died in 1S55. Mrs. M. was born in North Caro-
lina in 1791; removed thence to Gravson county Va., and thence to
Grayson county, Ky., where she was married, and came with her
husband to Macon, where she is still living. Of their 11 children,
we can give ages of but three —
William was born in Kentucky in 1S09. Maky was born in
Kentucky in 1811. James was born in Kentucky in 1813.
JAMES MILLER was born in Grayson county, Kentucky,
August 26, 1S13; removed to Macon count}^ in 1829 and married
Margaret Hostetler, of Moultrie county, who died in 1852; he
married a second time, in 1S53, to Elizabeth Miller. By his
first wife there were born nine children —
A.J. was born July 24, 1836. W. G. was born August 20, 1839,
(no record of others). By his second wife — Jane W. was born
June 4, 1853; married J. A. Vangundy. Wm. H. was born Aug.
II, 1855; died September 30, 1856. George W. was born Septem-
10, 1857; died December , 1862.
DAVID MILLER was born December 27, 1790, and married
as. his first wife Mary Muirhead, who was born July 17, 1S08.
Mrs. M. died September 19, 1832. Of their children —
James D. was born October 10, 1828. William M. was born
February iS, 1830; died March 20, 1831. Thomas E. B. was
born February 9, 1832; died February 10, 1844.
He was married a second time to Mary Y. Wheeler, widow
of Henry Wheeler (See W^heeler) by whom the following children
were born. Mr. M. died October 6, 1853.
Margaret T. was born July 3, 1835. Elvira V. was born
January 25, 1837; died February 29, 1844. May H. was born
July 12, 1S38. George S. was born July 26, 1S40. John H. was
born August 8, 1841; died September, 1841. Tryphosa was
born May 14, 1843; died September 17, 1S44, Lavenia M. was
born July 28, 1844. Lucetta and Genett were born February
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 269
36, 1S48; the latter died March 13, 1S4S. Daniel was born March
30, 1849. Harrett a. was born March 30, 18^3.
WILLIAM MUIRHEAD was born in Rockingham county,
Virginia, in ; he came to this state in 1S30 and settled at
Wykles Place, 4 miles west of Decatur, where he died. He had
5 children, to-wit :
Eliza]5Eth, who married Thomas Strain and moved in the
neighborhood of Clinton, Illinois, and died there. Andrew S.,
who was born in 1S04, and came here with his father. We are
unable to give names and ages of the other chikh-en.
EDMUND McDANIEL was born February 13, 1800, in Ogle-
thorpe county, Georgia, and removed to Robertson county, Tenn.,
thence to Vandalia, 111., and thence to Macon county, in 1S36. He
was married in Kentucky, to Margaret Widick, who was born Jan-
uary 10, 1800, in Virginia, and died November 3, 1S74. Mr. M.
was upon the tirst grand jurv in this county, and would make at
the present, a very efficient foreman. Of their children —
Joseph, born in Tenn., June 3^, 1831 ; married Kittie K. Wilson,
who was born January 3i, 1837, in Tennessee. Of their children —
Margaret J. was born vSeptember 13, 1844; married R. B. Wil-
son. David vS. was born January 3, 1847. Enoch was born
July 18, 1849; married C. Hammers. Mary E. was born July 38,
1854; married John L. Smith, January 10, 1S77.
William W. was born August 11, 1830, in Tennessee; married
Asenith , who was born May i ^, 1831. Of their children —
W. E. was born October 8, 1850. vS. C. was born March iS,
1853. Joseph H. was born February 10, 1855. E. Y. was born
June 33, 1S57. M^ F. was born September 18, 1859. A. A. was
born December 33, 1863. H. D. and R. C. were born January 18,
1865. J. B. was born March 4, 1869.
Emanuel was born in Macon county. May 27, 1837, and mar-
ried Caroline Hill. Their children are Margaret, Benjamin, Al-
bert and Adaline. Francis M. and John W. died when 3'oung,
Henry w^as born Feb. 30, 1833, and married Elizabeth Layton.
Thomas R. was born January, 183^; dead.
Elizabeth was born in 1S3S; married Wm. Boardman.
JOHN McMENNAMY was born March 10, 1793, in Ruther-
ford county, Tenn., and came to Macon county in October, 1S36,
270
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
with his brother-in-law, James Ward. He removed to Texas in
1839, and died there. Of his children —
John H. was born in 1814, in Tennessee, and has been constable
in Macon county for 30 years. His wife died "some 25 years ago.
He had two children —
George, who died a few years ago, and Dr. B. F. McMenna-
MY, now of Moultrie county.
LuciNDA (now Martin), who resides in Harristown township.
SAMUEL McKINLEY was born December 23, 1S16, in Ross
county, Ohio, and moved to Macon county in the month of March,
1834. Was married September 34, 1840, to Anna Hanen, who
was born January 10, 1822, in Morgan county, Ala. She came to
Macon county in the month of March, 1830. Of their children —
William A. was born September 3, 1841, and died in Memphis,
Tenn., March 19, 1863. John H. was born November 23,1843;
married to Catharine Ghear, December 30, 1869. Emma was born
April II, 1846; was married to John Hammond, June 18, 1868.
Eugene was born January 37, 1849. Amanda was born October
26, i85i;died September 24, 1852. Alice was born August 8,
1853; married to Joseph Baxter, October 16, 1873. Elsie was born
March 27, 1856; died April 24, 1S56. Mary E. was born May 22,
1858. Jennie was born December 6, 1S60. Edward S. was
born February 18, 1864.
WILLIAM F. MONTGOMERY was born January 7, 1S12,
in the State of Virginia; was married to Amelia , May 26,
1836, who was born January 14, 1814, and came to Macon county
in 1835. Of their children —
Rachael was born April 9, 1837; was married to John R.
Hays, March 26, 1857. Mary C. was born May 11, 1839; was
married to Grason Hanks, January 16, 1862. Emily S. was born
March 12, 1 841. Samuel K.was born December 17, 1842. John
F. was born February 11, 1846; was married to Ollie Campbell,
September 20, 1871. Patrick H. was born September 29, 1848.
Martha A. was born April 9, 1851; was married to Lafayette
Gulick, September 20, 1870.
JAMES MYERS was born October 4, 1804, in Grayson coun-
ty, Kentucky, and was married to Mary Meeks, who was born in
December, 1811, in Hardin county, Kentucky. They came to
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 271
Macon county in 1828, and settled the farm now known as the
Henry Davis nursei'y farm, in Long Creek township; Mr. M.
died in July, 1872, and Mrs. M. died in 1859. Of their chil-
dren—
John H. was born October 12, 1830; was married in 184S, to
Elizabeth A. Park, who was born in 1S28, in Virginia, and died
in December, 1851; married a second time to Emily J. Howell,
who was born June 3i, 1821, in Sangamon county. Mr. M. had
two children by his first wife, both dead; by his last wife has had
eleven children, of whom six are living, viz : James M., Charles
B., Livinda, Joseph, Daniel and Martha. James B. was born in
1849, now resides in Texas. Sarah J. was born in 1836; married
to Andrew Shoemaker. Angelina was born in 1847; "i^n'i'ied
to Thomas Atchison.
MICHAEL MYERS was born about 1779, in North Carolina,
and married Louisa Atteberry, who was born about the same
date in Kentucky; they removed to Macon county in 1S37 or '8.
Mr. M. died about 1856, and Mrs. M. about 1S62. Of their child-
ren—
Moses was born about 1S05, and now resides in Missouri. Eliz-
abeth, born in 1807 (about); married to Wm..Lacy; both dead.
Dennis, born 1809 (about), and died about 1861. His widow is
now the wife of J. D. C.Travis. Minerva, born about 181 1;
married John Wallace, who is dead, and she is the present wife of
Henry Rhodes. Nancy, born in 1813; married Andrew Allsman;
both dead. James was born in 1834; died in 1870 or '71 ; married
Nancy Howell; also dead.
SARAH MYERS was born about 1800, in North Carolina;
married in Kentucky to Joseph Davis. Came to Illinois in 1831 ,
and died in 1875. Of their children —
Matilda was born ; married Claiburn Jones. Lydia was
born ; married to John Kiger. John was born — — ; now in
Kansas. Henry was born . Mary was born ; married
A. Camp. Louisa was born . (See Henry Davis.)
JACOB MYERS was born in 1802, in North Carolina; was
married to Elizabeth Wood, who was born . Mr. M. died
November, 1854. Their children were —
272 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
Joseph B., born in 1842; John xA.., born in 1840; Mary A.,
James Wesley, Sarah C. and James.
Second marriage in 1S49, to Malinda White.
Nancy L. was born in 1851, and married James M. Bell, Octo-
ber, 1S71.
THOMAS NELMS came to Macon county in 1827, from Lo-
gan county, Ky., and settled where William C. Smith now resides;
died from the effects of a tree falling upon him, jDcrhaps about 1S30.
A remarkable incident is related in connection with the tree caus-
ing the death of Mr. N. After it was cut down, and before being
split, there was one continuous tingling sound came from it, similar
to that heard from the splinters when a tough stick of wood is
being split. This continued long after the logs were made into
rails and laid up in a fence. The attention of travelers was attracted
by the peculiar noise, while they were passing along the road by
the side of the fence. The fact of this singular and unexplainable
circumstance was attested by many of the early settlers — some of
whom are still living. That the strange freak had any connection
with the killing of Nelms, as was strenuously insisted, is probably
without foundation.
Hon. R. y. OGLESBY was born in Oldham county, Kentucky,
July 25, 1S24. His parents died when he was but eight years old,
and he was placed in charge of an uncle, and in 1836 was brought
to Decatur with the family of his uncle, Willis Oglesby. He had,
while in Kentucky, worked a year and a half at the carpenter's
trade, and after his removal to Decatur worked six months with
Hon. E. O. Smith. In 1S44 he commenced studying law at Spring-
field with Judge Silas Robins, and read with him one year, and
was admitted to the bar in 1845, and commenced the practice at
Sullivan, Illinois, and remained there until the spring of 1846. In
June of that year he went as Lieutenant in Co. C, 4th regiment, to
the Mexican war, and took part in the battles at Vera Cruz and
Cerro Gordo. On his return he continued to study and practice .
law; but on the breaking out of the gold fever, in 1849, he crossed
the plains to California, driving a six mule team en route, with a
company of eight men, of which Henry Prather was the leading
man. In 1852 he returned home to Macon county, and was a Scott
elector. In 1856 he visited Europe, Asia and Africa, and was ab-
sent twenty months. On his return he resumed practice, as a mem-
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 273
bei- of the firm of Gallagher, Wait & Oglesby. In 1S58 he ran as
the Republican candidate for congress, and was defeated by Hon.
J. C. Robinson. In 1S60 he was elected to the State senate. On
the evening the returns of this election were coming in, Mr. O. had
a fisti-cufF encounter with "Cerro Gordo Williams," in which he
came out victorious, and which was regarded as the first fight of the
i-ebellion. During the extra session of the legislature in 1861, Mr.
O. was elected colonel of the Sth Illinois infantry. He commanded
a brigade at Fort Donelson, and was stationed on the right of Gen.
Grant's army, and rendered valuable service in that famous battle,
where so many Macon county soldiers fell. He was engaged in
the battle of Corinth, and in a brave charge at this place, was
shot with an ounce ball, which he still retains, and was borne from
the field, as was supposed, mortally wounded. He had been pro-
moted to brigadier-general in April previous. After his partial
recovery he was promoted to major-general, as a merit for his val-
iant services, ranking from Nov. 1S62, and in the spring of 1S63
was assigned to the i6th army corps. Owing to inability from the
eflfects of his wound, to perform the arduous duties of his position,
he resigned his command in July, 1863; but Gen. Grant refused to
accept his resignation, and he was detailed, in Dec. 1863, to court
martial and try the surgeon-general of the army, at Washington,
where he remained until May, 1S64, when he returned to his home,
and was nominated and elected as the republican candidate for gov-
ernor of Illinois, and served four years. At the end of his term he
returned home to Decatur, and was re-elected governor in 1S72;
but upon the meeting of the legislature, in January^ 1^735 he was
elected to the senate of the United States, and resigned his office of
governor.
Senator Oglesby is a man of no common native ability. Almost
without education, and by the force of his own powers, he has
arisen step by step to his present position as senator of one of the
most important states in the Union. ^Vlacon county is j^roud of
Senator Oglesby, and we doubt not he is proud of Macon count}'.
JOSHUA G. PURDEW was born in Montgomery county,
Tennessee, March i, 181 1, and moved to Macon county in 1S32;
was married to Margaret Ward, who was born in Tennessee Janu-
ary II, 1S14; she died in 1862. Of their children —
—35
m
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
Mary E., born May i, 1S35; married W. A. Wilson. Phe-
RiBA A., born October 5, 1S36. John B., born March 37, 1S38;
married M. A. Frazee; died March 27, 1863. Nancy A., born
October 30, 1841 ; married John Neyhard; died March 31, 1861.
William M., born October 30, 1S41 ; married M. H. Pound. Joel
T., born December 12, 1S43; died March, 1863. James Y., born
May 12, 1845. Wilson S., born February 3, 1847. America
M., born November 21, 1S4S. Joshua L., born April 26, 1850.
Lewis M., born July 28, 18^4.
Mr. P. married a second time, to Mrs. Lucinda P. Widick, who
was born in Wayne county, Illinois, August i, 1825. Her first
husband was Daniel K. Pound. (See Pound,)
DANIEL K. POUND and Lucinda R. Davidson were mar-
ried, November 22, 1S42— (See Purdue). He died August 10,
1875. Of their children —
D. K., Jr. was born January 12, 1845; married April 29, 1866.
J. B. was born March 26, 1859; died March 15, 1850. M. H.
was born July 10, 1850; married W. M. Purdue, March, 1868.
Mrs. P. married Aaron Widick, January 22,' 1S58. Of their
children —
Larkin W., born January 23, 1850. Aaron K., born August
7, i860.
DEMPSEY POPE was born in North Carolina, and removed
thence to Tennessee, and thence to this county, in 1827, and settled
on Mosquito Creek. He married in North Carolina, Sarah Ed-
wards, who was born in 1794 and died 1874. Mr. P. died in 1S53
or '4. Their children were —
Martha, Mary, Tabitha, Elizabeth, William, Leacy J., Sarah,
James, Willis Zachariah, Penelope and Matilda.
NINIAN PEDDECORD was born in Montgomery county,
Maryland, and removed to Macon county in .1836, where he en-
gaged as a clerk for Adaiiison & P rather. He afterwards formed
a copartnership with Joseph Stickel. He was clerk of the circuit
court from 1840 to 1847, ''ifter which he went to Missouri, and thence
to Clinton, Iowa, where he died about 1870. He married a daugh-
ter of John Stickel.
JASPER J. PEDDICORD was born November 8, 1818, in
Montgomery county, Maryland, and came to Macon county in
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 275
June, 1 838. He married Ophelia W. Adamson, sister of Senator
R. Jr Oglesby, August 30, 1S43. Her first husband was John S.
Adamson, who died in 1S40. Mr. P. for a number of years was
engaged in merchandising, with Joseph Stickel, and afterwards
with Hosea Armstrong. In 1852 he formed a copartnership with
Lowber Burrows, in the banking business, besides engaging to a
large extent in manufacturing.
Capt. JOEL S, POST was born in the town of Ontario, In what
Is now Wayne county. New York, April 37, 18 16. In 1828 his
father removed to Washtinaw county, Michigan territory, where
he remained until the subject of this sketch was 23 yeai's old. In
1S39 Mr. Post removed to Macon county; and commenced the
study of law under-the late Judge Emerson in 1840; w^as admitted
to the bar in 1841, and entered Into the practice at Decatur, where
he has since remained, being now the oldest practitioner of the
Macon county bar. In 1S46 Mr. P. enlisted in the service for the
Mexican war and was appointed quartermaster with the rank of
captain. In 1856 he was elected to represent the senatorial district
including Macon, and other counties. In the State Senate, and serv-
ed two sessions. During this term of service he was mainly instru-
mental in securing the passage of a law establishing the Normal
University, at Normal, Illinois. Mr. Post married Sallv Ann
Bunn, the oldest daughter of Rev. D. P. Bunn, in November,
1S53. She was born in Ross county, Ohio, in 1823. Of their
children —
Bunn was born in iS^6. Hellen was born in 1859.
It Is proper in this connection to say, that in the preparation of
this work, we have been materially aided and assisted by Captain
Post. He has taken more interest in this effort by which some-
thing might be placed in a permanent shape, of the early history of
the county, than any other person.
Gen. ISAAC C. PUGH was born November 23, 1S05, in
Christian county, Ky. He came to Illinois in 182 1, and settled
with his father's family in, Shelby county, where he remained until
1829, when he came to Macon county; resided here until his death,
which occurred November 19, 1874. He was married to Elvira E.
Gorin, August 2, i83i,\vhowas born In Todd county, Kv., De-
cember 17, 1814, and came to Illinois in 1829, and to Macon county
in 183 1. Of their eleven children, five died in Infancv —
2y6 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
Maria M. was born June 4, 1S33, and married to J. Milton
Lowry, February 17, 1852. John H, was born December 30,
1S3S, and married Sophia Wood, May 39, 1862. Bartley G.
was born April 33, 1841 ; married Mary C. Rohrer, September 3,
1862. Isaac R. was born January 28, 1843; mai'i'ied Nellie M.
Upton, June 3i, 1867. He died July 20, 186S. Venitin Isabel
was born March 11, 1846; married Perry B. Gilham, September
26, 1865. Almira H. was born March 23, 1S51; married John
C. Mark, June 20, 1874.
Gen. Pugh has been prominently connected with all the impor-
tant affairs of the county, and took a lively interest in everything
calculated to advance the interest of the city and county. He was
in the Black Hawk war, and served as Captain at the time of
Stillman's defeat. He was also Captain of Co. C, in the Mexican
war, and took a prominent and active part in the late war. He was
Colonel of the 41st regiment, in the late war, and was promoted to
the grade of Brig. -General for meritorious conduct. In 1865 he was
elected clerk of the county court, and served for four years, and
held other positions of trust during his long residence in the county,
and always, whether in office or as a private citizen, was where
duty called him. He was kind hearted, affectionate, and in all re-
spects upright and honorable.
THOMAS H. READ was born February 24, 1798, in Charlotte
county, Virginia, and died on the first day of September, 1874, in
the city of Decatur. His father moved from Virginia to Ruther-
ford county, Tenn,, when Thomas was quite young. In the spring
of 1 83 1 the Doctor moved from Tennessee to this county; was
married on the 24th of August, 1836, to Elizabeth Allen, of
Loudon county, Virginia, who was born on the 4th of August,
i8i3, and came to Macon county in 1835. Names of children —
JuT-iA E. was born September 8, 1837, and died October 21,
1S37. John N. was born August 11, 1839. Mary S. was born
March 33, 1841. Annie H. was born February 3, 1843, ^^^ ^^^^
August 24, 1864. James A. was born JVTay 26, 1846. Emma F.
was born August 31, 1848. Susie C. was born January 13, 1831.
JAMES RE A was born February 9, 1799, in Green Briar
county, Va., and married in 181 7 to Hannah Hudsinpiller, and
came to Macon county in 1839, and remained until April, 1854,
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 2^7
when he removed to San Jose, Cal. Mrs. Readied in 1S71. Their
only child —
Wm. Rea, was born October 4, 1S33, in Gallio county, Ohio,
and came to this county with his father, and was married July 19,
1S41, to Mary Howell, who was born August 22, 1823, and died
Feb. 28, 1S72. Their children are —
Cyrene, (dead), Frank, Mary, David, Mellissa, (married to John
Shrader,) John and William.
SAMUEL REA was born in Virginia, January 17, 1S19, and
came to Illinois in 1830; was married March 11, 1856, to Catharine
Dennis, who was born in Penns3'lvania, January 31, 1823.
Mr. R., during his long residence in Macon countv, has been
honored bv his fellow citizens with a number of county offices,
which he filled to the entire satisfaction of his constituents, and is
everywhere respected. His honesty 'ind integrity perhaps no man
has ever questioned. His word was as good as his bond, and his
enemies, if any, are few and far between.
JAMES RENSFIAW was born November 21, 1794, in North
Carolina, and moved to Kentucky, where he married Sarah Phipps,
in 18 19, who was born in the latter State.
BERRY ROSE was born January 14, 1806; was married to
Martha Pope, November 23, 1826. He died March 12, 1835. ^'^
wife was born May 31, 1S08, and is now living in this county, six
miles southwest of Decatur. Of their children —
Albert was born January 24, 1828; was married to Louisa A.
Sprouse, October 10, 1850; is now living in Missouri. Mary
Jane was born September 31, 1829; was married to Andrew
Armstrong, July 25, 1835. They are now living in Blue Mound.
Benjamin W. was born July 28, 1S31; was married to Mary J.
Darmer, March 27, 1856, who died in Missouri. He has since
married Mrs. Rebecca Carter, September 6, at six o'clock. He is
now living in Blue Mound township. Elijah T. was born March
8, 1833; died in the army, January 23, 1S63. Berry J. was born
May 20, 1835; died July 10, 183^. Martha Ann was born Sep-
tember 20, 1836; was married to William C. Darmer, April 30,
1857; now living in Champaign county. John V. was born No-
vember 26^ 1838; died in the army. May 26, .1864. Wm. C. was .
278 HISTORY OF MASON COUNTY.
born July 15, 1841 ; died in the army, May 6, 1862. Nancy E.
was born July 14, 1843; married Thomas Armstrong, in the month
of March, 1865; now living in this county. Sarah E. was born
October 34, 1845; married John Jeter; now living in Champaign
county. James T. was born September 22, 1850; married to
Lizzie Cook; is now living in Daviess county. Mo.
REBECCA ROBINSON was born February 19, 1822, in Put-
nam county, Ind., and came to Macon county in 1831; was married
in 1847 *° John Drake, who was born October 5, 18 11, in Piqua
county, Ohio; came to Macon county in 1S34, and died March 12,
1855. Of their children —
Sarah Ann was born June 29, 1843; died October 26, 1.843.
Mary Jane was born October 26, 1844; died August 26, 1846.
Sylvanus was born August 30, 1S49. Isaac was born Decem-
ber 7, 1852; died February 5, 1872. John Lewis was born Octo-
ber 25, 1854. Mrs. Drake was married second time, to Lewis
Camp, about the year 1857. Of their children —
Samuel W. was born October 14, 1859; died in 1S61. Hattie May
was born November 4, 1865.
JOHN RUCKER was born in South Carolina in 1800, and re-
moved from that State when quite small, to McMinn count}-, Tenn.;
he remained there until 1833, when he removed to Macon county,
and resided here until he died, in the year 1872. He was a hard
working man all his life, and by industi-y 'succeeded in amassing
property sufficient to class him with 'the well-to-do men of the
county. He was for fourteen years one of the county commission-
ers of Macon county, holding the position longer than any other
man since the organization of the county. Mrs. Elizabeth Rucker,
his wife, is still living with her son-in-law, E. R. Eldridge, in De-
catur. Mr. R., was, in all his transactions, strict, and required all
he dealt with to observe the same thing. When he came to the
State, his worldly possessions were carried on two horses, and his
success in life is a monument to honest and patient toil and indus-
try.
JAMES SANDERS. There are but few old settlers of the
county who do not remember "Uncle Jimmy Sanders." He was
one of the noted men, and almost every one knew him, by reputa-
tion at least, for an area of a great many miles. He was born in
HISTORY OF MACON CONNTY. ^ 279
Spartanburg county, S. C, June 15, iSoo, and was taken on a pack-
pony when very small, to Rutherford county, Tenn., where he re-
mained until he was grown. In 1S23 he married Polly Wilson,
who was born in North Carolina in 1797, and died in Christian
county. 111., in 1S66. In the year 18 29, he removed with his family
to Illinois, where he has remained ever since On his arrival in
Illinois, he says he had a wife, five children and an "old plug of a
wagon, three old plugs of horses, one good mare, 6}.{ cents in
money. The monev he had in his pocket with his shot and bullets
a short tinu after his arrival, which "he accidentally lost, and
was therein' " broken up."" Mr. vSanders was a man of most pow-
erful constitution, and his strength and endurance were probably
not excelled by anv man in Central Illinois. On the day of Uncle
Joe Stevens' wedding, Mr. S., in a general trial of strength among
those persons present, took a piece of lead, 75 pounds in weight, in
each hand, and raised them on a level with his shoulders, and then
passed them around straight in front until they touched each other.
At one time he had been sick for some length of time, and when
he hud sufficiently recovered to walk to the blackberry patch, he
gathered his hat full of blackberries, and then sat down and ate
them all. He returned to the house and said, " Polly, I have cat a
few blackberries and feel 'better."
He was known far and wide as a good rail-maker, and would go
as far as 15 and 20 miles and make rails for parties at 2-^ cents per
hundred, *or 371,'^ cents in trade, which he regarded as a very liberal
price. He was a man that possessed a great many peculiarities, a
particular mention of which, would extend this sketch quite too far.
He* relates to-dav, with pride, as one of his greatest achievements,
the fact that he at one time in a wrestling match, threw down *Abe
Lincoln, who had thrown the bully of the county. Of Mr. San-
ders' children —
* Note. — It will be remembered in this connection, that Mr. Lincoln, when
he first came to Illinois, was a resident of Macon county, and he and Mr. San-
ders were great cronies and friends. Uncle Jim says that they spent many
Sundays together fishing in the Sangamon, and were often together at barn-
raisings, house-raisings, fox-chases and wolf-hunts. At these early gatherings,
when Mr. Lincoln was an awkward gangling boy, he was often called upon,
when the work was through, for a Jackson speech, and he seldom failed to re-
spond. Mr. L.'s father was a Jackson Democrat, and his son grew up in that
faith, and has made a great many Jackson speeches in this county. He after-
28o HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
Ei.LEN was born in 1S23, and now resides in Kansas. John,
their second, died in the Mexican war. James B. died in 1854.
Jane, wife of Prestly Travis, resides in Christian county. Peter
H., Peggy, Matilda, Bethany and Amanda, are dead. Frank,
the youngest child, was born in March, 1845, ^^'^ married Annis
Hollingsworth, with whom Uncle Jimmy now resides.
JOSEPH and BARBARA SPANGLER came to this county
in the fiill of 1S35, fi'O'i'' the county of York, in the State of Penn-
sylvania. They were among- the first permanent settlers of this
county. They had nine children born unto them, all of whom
came to this county with their parents, with the exception of the
oldest daughter, who married in Pennsylvania. Barbara Spangler
died in March, 1847. Joseph Spangler died February, 17, 1862,
leaving surviving him all of his children, except Felix, who had
moved to California in 1S52, and died while there.
wards changed his politics and became a Whig of the most pronounced type,
which incensed his lather no little. Mr. Lincoln commenced his law studies
in this county under the following circumstances : He had gone to "Uncle
Billy Warnick's" to see one of the girls; but in going, his shoes not being good,
he got his feet frost-bitten, and was unable to return home. He remained
there for a week or ten days under the medical treatment of old Mrs. Warnick,
and while so doing became greatly interested in reading the statutes and a few
other stray volumes of law-books, which, no doubt, afterwards materially de-
termined his course in adopting his profession. It was reported in the news-
papers during the campaign of i860, that Mr. Lincoln in his early day was a
great rail maker ; but Mr. Sanders says that while it is true that "Abe" did make
some rails, yet they were few in number. Mr. Sanders also relates the cir-
cumstance by which Mr. L. ceased to be a resident of this county, which is
this: A man by the name of Offit purchased a few hundred hogs, and Mr.
Lincoln and his step-brother, John Johnson, were employed to assist in driv-
ing the hogs to market at Beardstown. When they had disposed of the hogs
they invested the money in groceries, which consisted, as Uncle Jim says, of
"sod-corn," spun-cotton, sugar and coffee, powder and lead,' etc., the greater
part of which were brought back as far as Salem, where they started a grocery,
and Mr. Lincoln was left in charge of the goods, to keep store. This was the
last of Mr. Lincoln's personal history in connection with this county. Mr.
Sanders' last interview with Lincoln was but a day or so before Lincoln's de-
parture for Washington. As they were separating — which proved to be their
last — Mr. Sanders said, "Now, Abe, don't do any wrong." Mr. Lincoln re-
plied, "I will not, if I know it."
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 281
Jacob, Joseph and John Spangler, and Susan and Eliza,
the sons and daughters of Joseph and Barbara Spangler, still reside
in this county, each of whom have raised a family.
Their son, Daniel Spangler, moved to California in 1S52,
where he still resides.
Susan Spangler was married to James D. Tait in 1S42. James
D. Tait came to this county from Lawrence county, Pennsylvania,
in 1839. He opened the first saddle and harness shop ever opened
in Decatur. He walked across the country from Naples, on the
Illinois river, carrying his tools upon his back, frequently wading
water up to his chin, which filled every slough and hollow^ during
those days. He bought his stock of goods in Springfield, Illinois,
after deciding to stop in Decatur, and had them hauled here by
team. He followed his trade for several years, until he was obliged
to discontinue on account of his health. Mr. and Mrs. Tait had
born unto them five sons, to-wit: Joseph S. Tait was born March
2S, 1S43; was married to Marsha E. Dillahunt, January 34, 1S71.
Jam^es H. Tait was born June 29, iS47,and died July 9, 1S49. Felix
B Tait was born November 29, 1S50. Daniel T. Tait was born
February 35, 1S53, and died October S, 1S73. Robert M. Tait was
born December 10, 1856, and died November 17, 1873. Joseph S.
Tait is one of the largest farmers of this county. Felix B. Tait
graduated at the Illinois State Normal University, in June, 1873;
was principal of the Woodstock Seminary, in McHenry county,
Illinois, in 1S74-75; was licensed to practice law in June, 1876.
JOHN SCOTT, Sr., was born in North Carolina, in 1775, and
married Mary Dodd, in Kentucky, who was born in South Caro-
lina, in 1777. They removed from Tennessee to Indiana, in 1S16,
and thence to Illinois, in 1829. Mr. S. died December 20, 1S30, and
Mrs. S. died September 7, of the same year.
Of their two children, now residents of Macon county, see Fran-
cis and John, below.
Francis D. Scott was born July 13, 1819, in Gibson county,
Indiana, and removed to Illinois, with his father, in 1S29, and set-
tled in Macon county, in 1834, in Mt. Zion township. Mr. S. was
married April 24, 1846, to Lucinda Fruit, who was born in Ken-
tuck}' in August, 1S24. Of their children —
-36
282 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
Eli K. was born July 6, 1847. Albert was born October, 2, 1852.
Charles was born September 22, 1S58. Willie J. was born July
16, 1865.
John Scott, Jr., was born December 22, 182 1, and came to Illi-
nois with his father, as above stated. He married in March, 1852,
Mary J. Davidson, who was born in 1830, in Macon county. Of
their two children —
Oliver was born November i, 1858, Rhoda was born April 22,
1862.
LEONARD STEVENS, Sr. At this late day, and from the
data at hand, it is absolutely impossible to give an accurate account
of the ages, deaths, inarriages, etc., of this family. It is also impos-
sible to fix, with certainty, when Mr. vStevens came to what now
constitutes Macon county. Joseph Stevens, now in his 6Sth year,
and the yth child of Leonard Stevens, fixes the date of his father's
arrival at 1821; but his memory, I find, is quite treacherous, and
his general health is very infirm. It is certain, however, that Leon-
ard Stevens was the first settler of the county whose descendants
yet remain among us. He was born in Connecticut, it is thought,
about the year 1764; perhaps a few years earlier. His wife was
Alice Gates, also born in Connecticut, about one year after her hus-
band, and survived him about one year. They were married in
Connecticut, and emigrated a short time afterwards to the state of
New York, where most, if not all, of their children were born.
They emigrated to Illinois, Randolph county, in 1818, and come
from there to Macon about the year 1S21, as above stated; certainly
not later than 1823. Thomas Cowan, one of the commissioners
who located the county seat of Macon county, was a member of
Mr. Stevens' family, and removed to this county with them, from
Randolph county.
BuELL Stevens, the oldest son, was born in New York, about
the year 1796, as he was but 22 when his father came to Illinois in
181S. He died about the year 1836. His first wife was a Manville,
the date of whose death we have no means of ascertaining. His
second wife was Polly Gray, who died about 1S37. -^^^ children,
by his first wife, were Leonard Stevens, Jr., who was the first white
child born within the limits of Macon county; Ira Stevens, Clara
Stevens, and Perry Stevens. Those by his second wife were, Do-
rus, James, Truman C, Hattie, Mary and Elizabeth. Leonard
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 283
Stevens, Jr., died in this county, and was buried by Col. E. D. Car-
ter, as coroner; Ira was living in Stephenson county when last
heard from; Clara is dead; James died during the late war; Perry
was living, when last heard from, near Washington county, in this
state; Truman C. lives near Taylorville, Christian county; Hattie
married Kelso, near Washington.
Keziah Stevens, the second child of Leonard Stevens, Sr.,
married a man by the name of Lawrence, before the removal of her
father to Macon county, and was never a resident of the county.
Leonard Stevens, Jr., was born in New York, about the year
iSoo. He married Hannah Taylor, of Kaskaskia. He was not a
resident of Macon county.
Augustus Stevens was not a resident of the county. He mar-
ried, and he and wife both died within about two years of each
other; leaving no children. He was buried on Stevens' creek. He
was born about 1802.
Luther Stevens was born about 1S04, in New York. He
married Augusta Sprague, daughter of Abraham Sprague. He
moved from Macon county to Missouri about 30 years ago. His
children were, Augustus, Luther, John, Lewis, Alice and Elizabeth.
He and his wife have been dead for a few years.
Dorus Stevens was born about the year 1806, in New York,
married Nancy Biglaw, as his first wife; then the widow Cooper,
near Henkle's, in Sangamon county. The date of his death is not
known. His widow is still living. His children were. Perry, Hat-
tie and Mary.
Joseph Stevens, to whom we are indebted for what meagre
information we have of the Stevens' family, was born in New York,
March 7, 1808. He came to this county with his father, when he
was but 13 years old. He married in 1830 to Mary Warnick,
daughter of Wm. Warnick, the first sheriff of Macon county. By
his first wife he had three children, Francis M., now in Mo.; Wm.
Henry, now in this county; and James M., in Kansas. By his last
wife he had one child, Cyrus. His first wife died about 1848, and
he then married Mrs. Cunningham, whose maiden name was Mar-
garet Sentenay, who was born in Ky., and is still living; she was
born about 18 16. Mr. S. is now the oldest settler in the county.
284 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
Harriet Stevens married William Hollenback, and was, when
last heard from, living in Stephenson county. Their children's
names cannot be given.
James Stevens was born about 1812, in New York. His
second wife's name was Fordice, who died about 1S6S. He died
about three years ago, in Bloomington, Illinois.
ROBERT SMITH, Sr., was born in Guilford county. North
Carolina, September 11, 17S2. His father removed to Tennessee,
near Nashville, about the year 1S03, and remained there about a
year, and removed to Stones River, near Murphreysborough, where
he remained until his death, in 1830. Mr. Smith removed to
Illinois in 1828, and located in Sangamon county, where he remain-
ed until the spring of 1828, when he came to Macon county, where
he settled about six miles south-west of Decatur, and died in 1855.
His father whose name was also Robert, was engaged in the Rev-
olutionary war, and was taken prisoner in North Ca,rolina. Rob-
ert was with Jackson in the battle of New Orleans. His first wife
was Elenor Wilson, who died in 1824; he afterwards married Jane
Allen, who now lives in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. His children were —
Andrew W., Nancy, Robert, Wm. C. and Margaret; all by his
first wife.
ANDREW W. SMITH was born in Rutherford county, Ten-
nessee, November 25th, 1806. He married Elizabeth Blanken-
ship, who died in 1831. He afterwards married Rebecca R. Smith,
January 28, 1836; who died in November, 1875. He was a mem-
ber of the old county commissioners court for several years, and
was engaged in the Black Hawk war; he was with the company
of rangers that went out from Macon county, towards the head of
the Sangamon, in the vicinity of Cheney's Grove. He died in
Octobei', 1875, just one month previous to the death of his wife.
Of their children —
Elizabeth M. J. was born March 14, 1832; she married Jos.
Trobaugh, and now lives in Texas. Alexander A. was born
November 25, 1838; was married to Laura Jacobs, October 7, 1869.
He now resides in Wheatland township. Abigail E. was born
July, 30, 1840; was married to B. G. Henry; who now lives on
the Lewis Ward place. Margaret A. was born September 5,
1844; was married to Nelson Odor, October 6, 1868; now living
in Wheatland township.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 285
WM. C. SMITH was born in Rutherford county, Tennessee,
July 5, 1819, moved to this county in 1828, from Sangamon county;
married Leacy J. Pope, February 17, 1842, who was born in
Wake county, North Carohna, October 25, 18 19. Of their child-
ren—
John W. was born February 9, 1843; married Mattie J. Week-
ly, September r, 1S68; now resides in Decatur.
Georgk R. was born October 2, 1844; died November ry, 1845.
William B. was born January 5, 1S47; "I'li'i'ied Elizabeth GofF,
July 2, 1867; now lives in Wheatland township. Robert H. was
born November 27, 1849; married Belle Wilson, September 23,
1S75; now resides in Blue Mound township. Sarah E. was horn
Februarv 5, 1852. James M. was born March 20, 1854. Daniel
C.was born March 24, 18^7; died September 23, 1857.
PARMENAS SMALLWOOD was born in Virginia, near
Charleston, on the 27th of April, 1782; was married to Deborah
Brown, in the same state, on tlie 23d of June, 1807. She was born
near Charleston, May 12, 1792, and died November 7, 1873.
Parmenas S. died in the month of December, 18^1. Of their
children —
Yamzen B. was born May 9, 180S; married to John Murphy,
August I, 1832, who is now living on Salt Creek. Yamzen S.
died August 27, 183^. George D. was born March 31, 1810. John
B. was born November 5, 1811; died September 15, 1868. Sam-
uel A. was born April 37, 1813, and now lives north of Decatur.
James M. was born Noveinber 8, 1S14; died June, 1S52. Daniel
M. was born May i, 1816; died July 17, 1S39. Amelia A. was
born February 17, 1818; married William Bennett, and now re-
sides on Salt Creek, in Dewitt county. Elizabeth H. was born
December i, 1819; married Walter Roben, in Dewitt county.
Douglas B. was born July 6, 1821'; died September 25, 1844.
Susan C. V. was born February 14, 1828; married Emanuel
Davis, and now lives near Decatur. Parmenas A. was born Aug.
31, 1824; now lives in DeWitt county. Sarah J. was born July 37,
1827; died October 5, 1846. Joseph P. was born July 10, 1S29, and
now resides in Decatur. Asharinah was born November 27,
1S37; died in October, 1831. Gideon P. was born May 16, 1833;
now resides in Dewitt county.
286 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
JOHN SMITH was bom June 28, 1796, in Rutherford county,
Tennessee; where he married Margaret Wilson, who was born
at Guilford C. H,, North Carolina, July 25, 1801 . They removed
to Illinois about 1829 or '30, and settled at Mt. Zion, where he
died, a few years since, loved and respected by all who knew him.
Of their children —
Mary J. was born November 10, 1822; died at 18. George
A. was born April 6, 1825; died July 29, 1873; married Eliza-
beth Wilson and as second wife Martha Wilson. Louisa C. was
born May 2, 1829; married Rev. J. C. Smith. Candor R. was
born November 17, 1S32; died at 13. Nancy M. was born
November 20, 1837; married W. S. Parr.
Mrs. L. CATHARINE SMITH was born May 2, 1829,
in Windsor county, Tennessee, and married Rev. J. C. Smith,
July 22, 1845, who died January 4, 1872. Of their children —
M. R., born April 19, 1848; married Joseph Wood, September
19, 1872. Z. L., born August 16, 1851; died July 11, 1852. A. L.
born August 29, 1853. F. A., born April 14, 1855; died June 28,
1858. L. L., born October 13, 1866.
WILLIS STALLINGS was born in October, 1807, in Smith
county, Tenn., and came to Macon county in 1832; married in
1830 to Jane Law. Their children are —
Tames M., who now resides in Atchison, Kansas, Thomas B.
and R. M. Hill, residing in Macon county.
DAVID SMICK was born in 1798, in Lincoln county, Ky.;
came to this county from Kentucky in 1834, where he has ever
since resided; was inarried November 5, 1829, to Eliza Ann Fer-
ris, who was born in Kent county, Va., December 6, 1812. Of their
children —
Emily A. was born April 10, 1838; married to Dr. Carr, April
28, 1859, who was born May 13, 1832, in Sussex county, N.J,
They are now living in Newburgh, this county. Of their chil-
dren—
Aura was born May 25, i860. David E. was born March 22,
1863. Chas. W. was born September 5, 1865. Mary E. was
born November 25, 1867. Robert F. was born November 21,
1870. Walter S. was born July 14, 1874.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 287
Martha L. Smtck was born . Now living in Decatur.
Aaron was born December 7, 1S40; married to Florence E,
Hawkins, who was born in Clinton county, O. They now reside
in the city of Decatur. Of their children —
Walter C. was born May 17, 1S70. Mabel Clare was born Feb-
ruary 12, 1874. Elmer was born October 22, 1876.
HENRY TRAUGHBER January 9, 1S03, in Logan county,
Ky.; came to Illinois in November, 1825; staid there until 1829;
then came to Macon county, and was married to Nancy Smith,
who was born in Tennessee, and died in August, 1863. Of their
children —
Robert S., born September 2, 1830; died February 8, 1S63;
married Elizabeth Bell. David, born September 2, 1S32; died in
infancy. A. C, born April 3, 1833; married V. C. Whitehouse.
E. M. E., born about 1843; married Wm. Cox; dead. M. J. C.
married D. P. During. M. R. died in 1868. Caroline married
Kitt ; died in 1874.
Rev. DANIEL TRAUGHBER was born in Logan county,
Ky., in May, iSoo, and came to Illinois in 1837 or '8, and settled on
Big Creek, in Mt. Zion township. He married Mary Banks, in
Kentuck}-, by whom he had four children —
Elizabeth married Robert Lansden, Wilson county, Kansas.
Gabrella married Robert Foster, Wilson county, Kansas,
Henry married in Wilson county, Kansas.
Mr. T. married a second time to Elizabeth Foster, bv whom the
following children were born —
Cyrus lives at Ottawa, Kansas.
Mr. T. married a third time to Eliza Smalle}', by whom the
following children were born —
Mary A. married John Edwards; lives in Wilson countv, Kan.
Daniel B.; dead. Harris lives in Wilson county, Kan.
Mr. T. moved to Fredonia, Kan., in 1872, and now resides there.
JOHN TRAVIS was born in South Carolina in 1768, where he
married Rebecca Travis, born in South Carolina in 1777. He died
in Wayne county, Illinois, in 1824, and Mrs. T. in Macon county,
in 1850. Their children were Allen, Thomas, Finis and Harvey,
mentioned below.
288 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
ALLEN TRAVIS was born May i8, 1789, in York District,
South Carolina. In 1S05 his fother removed with the family to
Livingston county, Ky., where Allen was married, October 5,
1830, to Margaret Campbell, who was born March 5, 1801. They
removed to WaA'ne county, Illinois, perhaps in the spring of
1821, and to Macon county in March, 1829, in company with his
brothers Finis and Thomas, James D. Campbell, Andrew and
John Davidson. Mrs. Travis died some iive or six years ago. Of
their children —
John B. was born January 9, 1823, in Wayne covmty, Illinois.
James D, C. was born March 7, 1S25, in Wayne county, Illinois.
Presly a. was born April 24, 1827, in Wayne county, Illinois.
Rebecca was born February 24, 1S29, in Sangamon county. 111.
Wm. H. was born March 30, 1831, in Macon county, 111. Eliza-
beth J, was born May 23, 1834, in 'Macon county. 111.; died Jan-
uary 5, 1863. Samuel H. was born September 14, 1836, in
Macon county. 111.; died January 9, 1863. Ulysses D. was born
March 5,1839, in Macon county. 111.; died April 27, 1863. Mar-
garet Z. was born February 3, 184 1, in Macon county, Illinois.
Thomas C. was born March 2^^ 1844, in Macon county, 111.
THOMAS TRAVIS was born in South Carolina, and was
married before removing to Illinois, to Sarah Davidson, and set-
tled one and a half miles northwest of Mt. Zion.
FINIS TRAVIS was born in Kentucky, in i8io,in what is now
Crittenden county, and was married in 1840 to N-ancy J. Foster,
who was then the widow of Wm. Foster, maiden name Bell. She
died, and he married a second time to Nancy Mahollen. Both are
now dead.
HARVEY TRAVIS was born in Wayne county, Illinois, in
1823, and removed with the family to Macon county in 1830. In
185 1 he married Elizabeth Cox, who died in 1S62, and he married
a second time to Harriet M. F. Campbell; now resides in Decatur.
WM. TURPIN was born in Grayson county, Ky., in 1S09, and
came to Macon county in 1831, and settled on Big Creek.
MATTISON TURPIN was born in 18 13, and came to Macon
county with his brother William.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 289
EDMUND TURPIN was born in iSii. The two latter
brothers are still residents of the county.
JOHN WARD, the father of the Wards who were among the
early settlers of Macon county, was born in England, in 1769. He
emigrated, when a young, man, to South Carolina, where he mar-
ried Mary Ward, who was born in Ireland in iy68. They removed
thence to Tennessee, near Nashville, and remained a few years, and
removed to Logan county, Ky., where Mr. W. died in 181 1. Mrs.
W. and the family remained in Logan county, Ky., until 18 19, and
left in October of that year, and removed to within 1 1 miles of
Vandalia, Fayette county, Illinois, where they arrived November
II. They remained in the latter county until 1834, and then re-
moved to what is now Macon county, and settled on the south side
of the Sangamon river, and constituted what was known in early-
days as the "Ward settlement." Of their children —
JERRY WARD was born in South Carolina, January 27,
1788, His wife was Dolly Derrington, whom he married in Logan
county, Ky. He removed from Macon county to Missouri, and
thence to Texas in 1832, where he died.
JOHN WARD, Jr., was born in South Carolina, in 1790, and
married Jane Madol, in Logan county, Ky. They had a very
large family of children, 17, perhaps, in all. Mr. W. died in 1S31,
and is buried at Walnut Grove. Of such of their children as we
can obtain the names of —
Margaret (see Perdue.) Mary died in Fayette county.
John, Jr., 2d, died in Fayette county. Sarah married Moses
Turner; died in the poor house. Aaron and Joseph, twins;
Aaron died in Fayette county ; Joseph, dead. Lucinda married
Isaac Miller, and has children living here. Nancy married Nat'l.
Murphy; now resides in Missouri. Martha died of cholera in
1832.
JAMES WARD was born in South Carolina, in 1792, and was
married in Logan county, Ky., to Elizabeth Fre^nan; removed
from Illinois to Missouri, and thence to Texas, where both died.
They had six children, none of whom now reside here.
-37
290 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
SARAH WARD was born in South Carolina, in 1794. She
married Wm. Gambrel, in Logan county, Ky,; removed to Illi-
nois, thence back to Kentucky, thence to Missouri, thence to Texas,
where she died.
MARGARET WARD was born in South Carolina, in 1796,
and married in Kentucky to Elisha Freeman, who was one of the
first covnity commissioners of this county. They raised a large
family of children. Mr. F. died in 185S, and Mrs. F. in 1873.
Their children were : Polly, William, James, John, Jerry, Andrew,
Thomas, Albert and Henry.
POLLY WARD was born in South Carolina in 179S, and mar-
ried Wm. Freeman, and now resides in Missouri,
LUCY WARD was born in South Carolina, and came to Illi-
nois in 1S19, and married Hiram Reavis. They removed to Mis-
souri in 1833, and now reside in Vernon county.
WILLIAM WARD was born in South Carolina in 1802, and
came to Illlinois in 18 19, and lived here the remainder of his life.
He died, and was the father of Franklin, Hiram and John Ward,
who still reside here.
THOMAS WARD was born in 1804, and came to Illinois in
18 18; married Elizabeth Widick, daughter of Jacob Widick.
They had seven children, most of whom reside in Christian coun-
ty, where Mr. and Mrs. W. died.
NANCY WARD was born in 1S06, and married Lambert S.
Bearden, at Vandalia, Illinois, and moved to Macon county in 1823,
and removed to Missouri in 1832, where their children now reside.
LEWIS B. WARD was born in Logan county, Ky,, January
17, 1809, and removed to Illinois in 1819, and to Macon county in
1824. On the 33d of December, 1830, he married Elizabeth
Walker, who was born September 8, 181 3, in Rutherford county,
Tenn., and became a resident of Macon county in 1S39; died June
7, 1852. Of tjieir children —
Alfred was born October 16, 1831. Mary J, was born No-
vember 18, 1833; married S. B, N, Vaughan. Elizabeth was
born March 13, 1836; married Woodson Parker, Robert was
born June 13, 1838, Caroline was born November 14, 1840;
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY, 29 1
married J. B. Moore. Harriet was born November 26, 1844.
Rebecca was born November 39, 1846. Lewis J. was born Feb-
ruary 26, 184S. Nancy A, was born May 15, 1852; died Septem-
ber 28, 1853.
Mr. Ward was married a second time to Matilda Parker, who
was born August 14, 1832. He sold his farm in Macon county in
the fall of 1876, and removed to Girard, Kansas, prior to which he
was the second settler, in point of arrival, residing in the county.
From him we derived most of our information in reference to
the Ward family and Ward settlement. He fixes the dates
of the erection of the first houses in the county in the follow-
ing order: 1st, William Downing's, south of Sangamon; 2d,
Leonard Stevens', on Stevens' creek; 3d, Abraham Sprague's, just
south of fair-ground; 4th, Hubble Sprague's, on the inside of the
present fair-ground inclosure; 5th, William King's, a short distance
south of the fair-grounds. Mr. Ward says the first mill in Macon
county was on Stevens' creek, and was built by William King in
1S26, which was afterwards owned by and known as Renshaw's
mill; also, that the first house in the limits of the old town of De-
catur was just north of Priest's Hotel, and was built by Reuben
Miller, who sold out to James Renshaw, in which the first store
was kept. He also states that the first school house in the county
was on the old Widick place, now owned by P. M. Wickoff, three
and a half miles southwest of Decatur, and was erected in 1S25,
and the first school teacher was "Frozen" Taylor; and that the
second school house was on land now owned by W. C. Smith,
erected in 1828, in which one Nelson, "a little Yankee," taught.
At this school house Abraham Lincoln went to singings and spell-
ings. In the spring of 1826 Mr. W. raised 1,800 pounds of cotton
in Macon county.
HIRAM WARD was born in Macon county, Illinois, January
28, 1837; was married to Clara E. Odor, March 11, 1858, who
was born in Garrard county, Kentucky, January 7, 1843, ^^^'^ came
to this county in 1850. Of their children —
Lavena E. was born June 20, i860, and died July 24, 1861.
Hattie Bell was born March 10, 1863, and died July 30, 1S64.
Laura A. was born December 27, 1864. Eva May was born
May 17, 1867. Frank Nelson was born February 7, 1S69. Mir-
293 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
TIE LuELLA was born April 6, 1871; died August 30, 1873. In-
fimt son was born December 29, 1873; died January i6,'73. Sarah
Elizabeth was born February 8, 1874.
ROBERT WILSON was born October 4, 1779, in Mecklen-
burg county, North Carolina, and moved to Murray county, Tenn.,
when about 18 years old. He moved thence to Wilson county,
Tenn., where he married Jane Donald, who died in 1839. Of
their seven children —
Thomas F. was born July 36, 1813; died August 39, '35. Mary
B. was born June 14, 1815; died August 17, '39. Nancy E. was
born September 38, 181 7; died April 6, '34. Sarah G. was born
November i, 1S19; died November i,'53. William A. was born
August 33, 1833. Martha J. was born June 10, 1835; died ,
1850. Cyntha E, was born July 9, 1838; died , 1846.
Mr. Wilson's second wife was Mrs. Sallie Hodge, widow of Jo-
seph H. Hodge, and who was born April 36, 1793, in Orange coun-
ty. North Carolina. By her first husband the following children
were born : —
Henry J. Hodge, born March 11, 1813; died August 30, 1838;
married P. Traughber. Talitha J. Hodge, born December 9, 1814;
married N. N. Baker. Arraanna H., born June 35, 1816; married
J. M. Baker. Margaret C, born February i, 1819; died — , 1864;
married John Hanson. Joseph J., born February 10, 1833; died
September 7, 1S73; married M. A. Ferriss. -Eli L., born October
34, 1834; died March 26, 1849.
After the marriage of Mr. Wilson and Mrs. Hodge, in 1839, they
removed to Sangamon county, Illinois, and came to Macon county
in 1830, where Mr. W. died, Maixh 4, 1873, and Mrs. W. January
30, 1S73. By the last marriage there were three children —
Robert D. was born October 18, 1830; married Mary Outten.
Sarah A. was born January 5, 1833; married John H. Davidson.
James A. was born September 5, 1S35; married Sarah Jones.
D. K. WILSON was born March 37, 1825, in Rutherford coun-
ty, Tennessee; came to Macon county in 1835, and was married to
Mary J. Dickey, February 25, 1845, ^^""^ ^'^^ born July 31, 1827,
in Florence, Alabama, and came to Macon county in 1839. Of
their children —
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 293
Samuel was born April 17, 1S46; was married to Eveline Dres-
back in September, 1S6S, and died January, 1877. Margaret C.
was born December 17, 1S47; was married to S. B. Betz in March,
1S69. Eliza J. was born October S, 1S49; died April 16, 1866.
Andrew was born September i, 1851; was married to Ella Bun-
dy April 13, 1S75, who was born April 26, 1859, in Piqua county,
Ohio; came to this county in 1875, and died December 15, 1876.
Sarah A. was born October 2t^, 1853; was married to R.J. Ross
December 9, 1S74. Mary E. was born January 17, 1858; was
married to Marian Ranabarger, February 27, 1876. Zaritha M.
was born December 3, 18=59. William A. was born December 8,
1862. John \V. was born April 27, 1865; died September 17, '67.
George W. was born July 28, 1868,
BENJAMIN WILSON was among the early and prominent
citizens of Macon county, and came here in 1827, and was one of
the county commissioners who assisted in the county organization.
He held the position for a great many years. He was born at Guil-
ford Court House, in North Carolina, and removed thence to Ten-
nessee, and afterwards to Illinois. He married Jane Warnick
in the state of Tennessee, who was a sister of "Uncle Billy" War-
nick, the first sheriff of the county. Their children were, Polly,
(see Sanders,) Rachel, (see Hill,) Peggy Smith, (see John Smith,)
Robert, Nancy, Hannah, (see Blankenship,) and —
JoHX Wilson was born in Rutherford county, Tennessee, in
1813, came to Illinois in 1S28, and was married to Nancy Wilson,
March I, 1S32, who was born July 6, 1813, in Greene county, Ten-
nessee, and became a resident of Macon county about 1830. Of
their Children —
Benjamin T. was born August 19, 1S36; died February 5, 1S54.
Mary A. was born October 23, 1833, and married Joseph M. Daw-
son, who was born April 5, 1S28. Of their children —
John A. was born July 8, 1853. Thomas M. was born April 6,
1S55. Nancy A. was born January 19, 1857; died December 29,
1857. Luella B. was born August 4, 1859. C. E. was born Janu-
ary 18, 1863. Edwin P. was born December 17, 1S64. Oscar W.
was born April 26, 1867.
ANDREW WILSON was born March 3, 17S5, and was mar-
ried to Mary Ann Wilson, who was born January 30, 17S8.
294 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
They removed from East Tennessee to Macon county about 1830.
Mr. W. died August 10, '44, and Mrs. W. September 17, '72. Of
their children —
Thomas B. was born July 26, 1807; died July, '73. Alexan-
der M. was born May 6, 1S09. Eliza D. was born April 15,
181 1 ; died September 13, '15. Katharine was born 21,
1816; died January 7, '55. John A. was born January 9, 1819;
died December iS, '21, James J. was born November 12, 1822;
died April 28, '54.
WILLIAM WHEELER, Sr., was born in Virginia about
1790, and married Elizabeth Hays, who was born in the same
State. Mrs. W. died about 1836, and Mr. W. in 1866. Their
children were, James, Stacy, Henry, William, jr., Elizabeth, Ra-
liegh. Burton, Larkin and Nathaniel. Mr. Wheeler and family
removed to Illinois and settled in Macon county, in 1828.
James Wheeler was born in South Carolina in 1799, and died
in 1867. His wife was Margaret Mayberry.
Stacy Wheeler was born about iSoo, and married William
Christopher, and died about 1831.
Henry W^heeler was born in 1801, in Tennessee, and was
married in Tennessee to Mary Y. Braden, who was born January
4, 1800. Of their five children-
Elizabeth E. was born May 7, 1826; married David Brett; died
1864. Samuel R. was born August 16, 1827; married Jamima
Abrams, who was born in 1828, in Illinois. William E. was born
October 23, 1S2S; married Ellen Frazee; he died 1875. Nancy J.
was boi"n January 9, 1830; married Samuel Woodward, first hus-
band; Mason Packard, second husband; now resides in California.
Andrew J. was born January 16, 1832; married N. E. Cox, who
was born in Scott county, Illinois, 1837.
William Wheeler, Jr., was born on the 28th of Dec, 1809,
in Rutherford county, Tennessee; was married Oct 27, 1 831, to Sarah
A. Ward, (daughter of Jerry Ward,) who died in August, 1869.
Mr. Wheeler has been prominently connected with the affairs of
the county, and has been repeatedly elected sheriff, assessor and
collector. Of their 10 children, but two are living, viz: —
. Mary E., who married Thomas Inscho, now resides in San Jose,
CaHfornia; and Lewis Cass. Andrew M. died in '69; Calvin R.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 295
died in '6i ; Lucinda K. died in '63; William L. died in "'66; Hen-
rietta died in '63; James C. died in '51 ; Thomas B. died in infancy,
and Alice died in 1S74.
Elizabeth Wheeler was born in iSii, and married William
Ward, the father of Franklin and Hiram Ward, well known in
the count}-.
Ralekjh Wheeler was born in 1813, and died in 1S34; his
first wife was Rebecca Travis, and second Mary Fields.
Burton Wheeler was born in 1815, and resides in Moultrie
county, Illinois.
Larkin Wheeler was born in 1S17; died in 1S3S.
Nathaniel Wheeler was born in 1S19; died when young.
IRA WARNICK was born in Tennessee, August 7, 1833; he
moved to this county in 1835, and settled at the place afterwards
known as the William Warnick place, and has ever since resided
in this county; was married to Julietta Priscila Burke, Ajoril 17,
1843, who was born in Kentucky, June 30, 1S33, and came to this
county in 1S40. Of their nine children all of which are now liv-
ing-^
James W. was born April 11, 1844, and married Ann E. Ste-
vens, September 14, 1869. Elizabeth E. was born May 10, 1846;
and married Edward Hill. Arthusa D. was born August 6, 1848.
Thomas T. was born December 30, 1851, and was married to
Mary E. Lynch, in February, 1874. Nancy C. was born Febru-
ary 18, 1853, and married S. P. Falconer, September 18, 1873.
Major M. was born March 13, 1855. Henriette L. was born
December 10, 1857. Julietta A. was born September 37, i860.
Ira G. was born March 7, 1864.
WM. WARNICK, was born in 1784, in North Carolina, and
married , who was born the same year. He removed from
North Carolina to Rutherford county, Tennessee, and thence to
this county, in 1S35. He was the first sherifli" of Macon county
after its organization, and held the ofiice from 1S39 to 1835, '^""^^
was also re-elected again for two years, in 1S40. He was in
the Black Hawk war, and participated in the famous Stillman's
defeat, where he received a slight flesh wound. He was also cap-
tain of the rangers, during the same difficulty. It was Mr. W.
296 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
who, as sheriff of the county, whipped Redmon and Wyatt, by
order of the court, giving them 39 lashes apiece. This was the
only punishment of the kind ever inflicted in the county. Mr. W's
father, James Warnick, was from Ireland, landing in New Castle,
August 15, 1758. Their children were —
John, Margaret, Polly (first wife of Joseph Stevens), Jas.,
LuciNDA, Betsy (married John Taylor), Clark, Ira, Robert,
Sarah (married Benj. Taylor; now dead.) Mr. W. died Febru-
ary 12, 1S55.
LAVINA WILLIAMS, daughter of J. D. Long, was born
December 36, 1826, and married Jackson Williams, who was
born December 4, 1826. Of their children —
Lafayette was born July 17, 1852; died 1873. Jerome was
born August 3i, 1854; died 1S56. Walter L. was born Febru-
ary 26, 1S56. Laura M. was born September 12, 1857. Joseph
W. was born' November 6, 1S59. Mary C. was born May 11,
1S61. Edward was born August 25, 1864. Jasper was born
January 2, 1867. Effie was born March 13, 1869.
EMANUEL WIDICK was born February 2, 1806, in Ten-
nessee, and came to Illinois and settled in Macon county, in 1826.
He married Sarah A. Cox, who was born May 23, 181 1. Mr. W.
died March 4, 1863, ^"^^ Mrs. W. died December 10, 1863. Of
their children —
Albert was born September 3, 1835. William was born
August 8, 1837; ^^^^ March i, 1845. Margaret C. was born
May 5, 183S; died November 2, 1S53, John was born February
2, 1840. Andrew was born March 27, 1843. Ephriam was
born , 1844. Mary A. E. was born May 6. 1S47. ■ Eliza
J. and Aaron were born April 21, 1850.
JOHN WIDICK was born in Rockingham county, Virginia,
and removed to Macon county, in 1826. He married Cohorine
Traughber; but what was the date of the births and deaths of
each we cannot ascertain. Mrs. W. died perhaps, about November
I, 1S32. Their children were —
William, Margaret (See McDaniel ), Emanuel (dead),
Michael, Elizabeth (married Lemuel Walker), Rial (of Ho-
mer, Iowa), Aaron (dead), Eli (Saxton Station, Mo.), Edmund
(Moultrie county), Henry and Josiah.
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 297
Henry Widick was born September 30, 1828, in Macon coun-
ty, and was married to Elizabeth Mathews, October 30, 1850, who
was born May 3, 1833. ^^ their children —
Wm. H., born July 14, 1853. Sarah E., born June 8, 1S54.
Laura E., born August 9, 1856. Arminda E., born August 4,
1859. Lavena A., born October 13, 1863, Ida M., born July 39,
1867. George C, born August 33, 1873; died September 7, 1874.
Samuel, Jacob, George and Joseph Widick were all broth-
ers of John Widick, above mentioned, and removed to this county
in 1835, at least the former and latter did. Joseph settled at the
old Caulk place, recently purchased by P. M. WykofF, Samuel
on the old Wm, Young place and Jacob the place where Robert
H. Smith now resides. Joseph was accidentally killed by falling
on a pitchfork, and Samuel died at Jefferson Barracks, during the
late war.
Note.— The following were omitted in their proper places in this chapter.
HENRY PRATHER was born November 26, 1802, in Mont-
gomery county, Maryland, and removed to this state in 1836, and
settled in Macoupin county. His first wife was a Miss Ratcliff,
whom he married before leaving Maryland, who died in Macoupin
county. He came to Macon county in 1837, and in 1838 married
*Amanda Oglesby, who still resides in Decatur. He was killed
accidently by being thrown from a buggy in 1869. He was an
honest, upright citizen, prominently connected with all the public
enterprises tending to advance the interests of Macon county and
the city of Decatur. He was public spirited, and nothing calcula-
ted to advance the material prosperity of the city or county es-
caped his earnest solicitation and support in both means and influ-
ence. He was a member of the legislature in 1853. He left no
children. A fond recollection in the hearts of the people with
whom he associated will last during their lives.
DAVID FLORY was born in 1803, in Virginia. Came to
Illinois in 1835, and settled in what is now Macon county. Came
* See Oglesby.
-3S ■ .
298 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
with Draper, P. D. Williams and Epperson. Was married to
Isabella Wright, who was born in Virginia. One child was
born of this marriage — Jerome, who was born in 1838, now re-
sides in Macon county. Was married a second time to Rachael
RiTTENHOUSE, who was born in 1S26. Of their children —
J. W. was born in 1S50. Mellissa J. was born in 1858.
Franklin was born in 1862.
ERRATA.
On page 26, line 6, read 12 for " 8."
" " 26, read Leonard for " Buel " Stevens.
" " 31, Note, read 46 for " 36."
" " 50, last line but one, read 1834 to '40.
" " 57, 2d line, read 1863 for " 1853."
" '• 92, for " Sam'l A. McDonald, deserted," read, discharged on account of sickness.
" " 171, for "which they have all accomplished," read, what they have all accom-
plished.
" " 182, for " Old School or Presbyterian," read. Old School or Prede-stinarian.
" " 240, read, these for " them," and them for " these," in the line following.
" " 241, for " set " at these desks, read, sit, &c.
" " 244, for S. P. " Mickey," read, S. P. Nickey.
" " 285 \ 3, for James " M," read, James W.
299
INDEX
PAGE.
Austin, B. R 55-246
Austin, Win. A 246
Austin, Jesse 247
Allen, S. C 55-248
Agriculture 211
Argenta 232
Abrams, Josiah 247
Alien,!). L 247
B
Board of Supervisors 37
Biographies of County oflicers 49
Benedict, K 49-50-250
Bear, John W .53
Boyd, Wm. M .55
Buckingham 56
Bunn, D. L 56
Barnes, W. A .57
Brown, J. A 57
Black Hawk 58
Black Hawk War 38
Black Hawk War, Enlistments in. . . . 59
Baker, E. D 61
Baptist Church 181
Baptist, Separate 181
Baptist, Predestinarian 182
Boyd, Haskell & Co 199
Blue Mound 231
Boody : 232
Bell, Alexander 248
Braden, Samuel 248
Braden, J. T 249
Blankenship, John L 249
Baker, Newton 249
Baker, Wm. D 250
Baker, James M 250
Brett, Eichard 251
Barnwell, David 251
Burke, Micajah 252
C
Crozat, M 13
Company of West 13
Company Royal of 1 13
Crittenden, John and Wm 14
Columbia's Review 16
County Seat 22
300
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
Clinton 29
County Officers 35
County Commissioners' Court 35-36
County Court 36
County Clerl^;s 45-52
County Treasurers 45
Circuit Judges 43
Circuit Clerks 45-50
Circuit Courts 47
CourtDays, 166
Cantrall,Wm ■ 55-252
Curtis, IraB 55-254
Cavalry, 7tli 111 64
Cavalry, 7th 111., Enlistments in 67
Cliaracteristics of Early Settlers 154
Churches. . . 171
Circuit Kicler 174
Cumberland P. Church 178
Christian Church • 179
Church of God 182
Catholic Church 183
Chambers, Behring & Co 198
Cox, Ephraim 252
Cox, Wm 254
Crissey, W. S 253
Carter. E . D 253
Campbell, J. D..^ 253
Caulk, Jacob 254
Decatur laid out 23
Decatur, County Seat 22
Decatur, first sale of lots 23
Decatur Public Library 187
Decatur Furnitui'e Company 191
Decatur Bagging Company 193
Decatur, City of 216
Decatur, Stephen 216
Decatur, first Buildings in 220
Decatur, Trustees of 221
Decatur City Council 222
Davis, D. 55-2.55
Deep Snow 144
Deer Huntings 165
DeWitt County, Settlement of 28
Dickey, Wm., Sr 255
Dickey, John *. . .256
Dickey, William, Jr 256
Dickey, Alexander 256
Dickey, Harvey 256
Dickey, David 256
Davidson, Samuel 257
E
Emmerson, Charles 49-50-258
Elwood & Co 203
Edward, James 257
INDEX. 301
F
PAGE.
Forstmeyer, M 54
Fox Hunting 165
Ferris & Emmons 203
Fire Department 226
Forsyth 232
Falconer 261
Flory 297
(4rand Jury, 1st, 2d 47
Green, S.L ' 50
Gorin,H.M 50
Goodman, George 53
Good Templars 187
Greenfield, Bell & Co 202
Gorin 261
H
Hennepin 12
Hammer, W. L 51
Hale, E. B 52
Hostetler, Joseph 55
High Water 153
Hard Trials 157
House-Raisings 166
Haworth & Sons 195
Hill, H. W. & Co 197
Harpstrite & Schlandeman 202
Harristown .■ 232
Hostetler 261
Herrell, James 262
Hanks, John ^ 262
Howell 262
Hefton 263
Hamilton, Andrew 264
Huston, W 264
Hornback 265
niinois. Discovery of 11
Illinois, Government of 13
niinois. Settlement of 12
Infantry, 8 111 71
Infantry. 8 111, Roster 72, 73
Infantry, 8 111., Enlistments in 74
Infantry, 8 111 Co. A. 74, Co. B. 76
Infantry, 21 111., Roster 80
Infantry, 21 111., Enlistments Co. A 82, Co. K 84
Infantry, 35 111 84, Co. A 86
Infantry. 41 111., Roster 87, Co. A 88, Co. B 92, Co. E 93, Co. F 96, Co. H 97. Co. 107
Infantry, 68 111 Roster 99, Co. H lOo
Infantry, 115 111 103, Roster 105, Co. A 1O6, Co. E I06, Co. F 108, Co. H 109, Co. K 110
Infantry, 116 111 110, Roster 113, Uo. A 114, Co. B 118, Co. C 121, Co. D 125, Co. E 129
Infantry, 116 Hi Co. F 133, Co. G 133, Co. H 136, Co. 1 137, Co. K 140
Indians 10
302 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
Joliett M
J
11
Judge of Circuit Court
43
43 49
43
265
K
Laswell
L
12
Laymons
Lapliam
266
266
267
L
267
M
Marouette . . ....
11 13
Macon Nath
17
McCall D
... 49
McCIellan E
52 53
Miller John
55
McComas, C. C
Mexican War
•
56
M. E. Church
Masonic Organizations
184
Manufactories....
lyq
Macon County Organization
17
Macon County Act to Establish
18
Macon County— General Remarks ....
Mails
167
Mueller H & Co
200
Mt. Zion
Morris, Cornelius
253
McDaniel
276 269
Miller
268
Muirhead
McKlnley
Myers
270
303
N
Navigation of Sangamon I(j4
Niantio 231
Nelms 272
O
Odor, J. Q. A 51
Oglesby.W.W 52
Oglesby, R. J 272
Odd Fellows Organizations.. 185
Oreana 232
Oakley
Piatt County, Settlement of 27
Prather, Wm 50-51
Piatlier, Henry * 297
Peddicord, N. W , 51-274
Peddicord, J. J , 274
Powers, Geo 55-267
Pugh,I. C 55,35, 57, 59,275
Parks, R. H 56
Pioneer Preacher 172
Pioneer Circuit Rider 172
Pi'esbyterian Church , — 176
Presbyterian Cumberland Church 178
Protestant Episcopal 183
Priest & Co. Geo 202
Purdeu 273
Pound 274
Pope 274
Post 275
Read, T. H 50-55-276
Ricketts, John 50
Rea, Samuel .' 52-53-277
Rea, James. . . 277
Renshaw, James 55-277
Retrospect, a ■ 161
Roberts, Lyttle & Co : 146
Railroads, 204 ; Wabash, 206 ; Illinois Central, 207 ; D. & E. St. Louis, 209 ; D. & St. L., 209 :
P.,Q. &D.,209; D. M. C.,210; D.,S. &M.,210; Q. M., 210 ; I., D. & S , 210
Rose 277
Robinson 278
Rucker : 278
s
Slavery in Illinois 13
St. Clair, A 14
Settlements of County, When Made 29
Settlements of County, How Retarded 30-31-32
Supervisors' Courts 37
State's Attorney 43
Sheriffs 45
Spear, John G 50
Stevens, Jas 53
Stevens, Jos 55
304 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.
PAGE.
Snyder, H i 55
Sudden Freeze and Change 146
Sangamon Navigation. . : -V 164
Stages 169
Sawyer, W. & B 198
Sliellaboyer, D. S. & Co ...201
Sangamon ■ 232
Scliools 233
School Teaclier, Ye Olde 234
Scliool Houses 240
School Statistics 244
Sanders 278
Spangler 280
Scott 281
Stevens ., 282
Smith 284-286
Smallwood t 285
Stallings 286
Smick 286
T
Tonti, M 13
Todd,John 14
Taxation, Kate of in 1829 24
Tavern Eates in 1829 24
Travis, Jas 54-287
Thompson, M . B 56
Tait 281
Traughber 287
Turpin 288
U
United Bretheren Church 180
Universalist Church 182
Union Iron Works ^ 192
W
Waggoner, W. W 53
Warnick, Wm 53-295
Wlieeler,Wm 63-294
Whitehouse, S. M 53
Wood,G.M • 54
War, Black Hawk 58
War, Mexican 61
War, Late 64
Water, High ' 153
Wayne Bros 201
Waterworks 225
Warrensburg 232
Wheatland 232
Ward 289-290-291
Wilson 292-293
Williams ....296
Widick 296-297
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