LIBRARY
OF THL
U N 1VER5 ITY
or ILLl NOIS
>.\
KLINOIS HISTOSICAL SUMt
JIJI,
STARK COUNTY
ILLINOIS
AND ITS PEOPLE
A RECORD OF SETTLEMENT, ORGANIZATION,
PROGRESS AND ACHIEVEMENT
J. KNOX HALL
SUPERVISING EDITOR
ILLUSTRATED
VOLUME I
Chicago
THE PIONEER PUBLISHING COMPANY
1916
^ -^..f .^r'^y
CONTENTS
CHAPTER I
<^ PHYSICAL FEATURES, GEOLOGY, ETC.
LOCATIOX AND BOUNDARIES — SURFACE — RIVERS AND CREEKS — GENERAL
CHARACTER NATIVE A'EGETATION ANLMALS AND BIRDS GEOLOGY
— THE COAL MEASURES — SECTIONS OF MINING SH^Vl'TS — EXTENT OF
THE COAL DEPOSITS — BUILDING STONE — THE GLACIAL EPOCH HOAV
STARK COUNTY ^VAS FORMED — CHARACTER OF THE GLACIAL DRIFT —
THE AVATER SUPPIA' 9
CHAPTER II
ABORIGINAL INHABITANTS
.MOUND BUILDERS FIRST NOTICE OF MOUNDS IN THE UNITED STATES
CHARACTER AND STRUCTURE OF THE MOUNDS — EARLY INVESTIGA-
TIONS AND THEORIES WORK OF THE BUREAU OF ETHNOLOGY — DIS-
TRICTS IX THE UNITED STATES — WHO WERE THE MOUND BUILDERS —
MORE THEORIES — RELICS IX THE COUNTY OF STARK — ADAMS AND
shallexberger's work 22
CHAPTER III
INDIAN HISTORY
DISTRIBUTIOX OF IXDIAX NATIO>JS AT THE CLOSE OF THE FIFTEENTH
CENTURY" — THE ILLINOIS — SUBORDINATE TRIBES — THE SACS AND
FOXES THE BLACK HAWK WAR DEATH OF BLACK HAWK THE
POTTAWATOMI THEIR VILLAGES IN STARK COUNTY SHAB-BO-NEE
— TREATIES WITH THE POTTAWATOMI THEIR CHARACTER THE
WINNEBAGO INDIAN NA:MES 31
\ iii
\ I I 0948 I
iv CONTENTS
CHAPTER IV
THE PERIOD OF PREPARATION
EiiRLY EXPLORATIONS IN AMERICA SPANISH, FRENCH AND ENG-
LISH CLAIMS TO TERRITORY IN THE NEA\^ WORLD — THE JESUIT
MISSIONARIES — DISCOVERY OF THE MISSISSIPPI — :MARQUETTE AND
JOLIET LA SALLE's EXPEDITIONS LOUISIANA CROXAT AND LAW
THE MISSISSIPPI BUBBLE — CONFLICT OF INTERESTS — FRENCH AND
INDIAN AVAR — ILLINOIS A BRITISH POSSESSION THE WAR OF THE
REVOLUTION CLARK's CONQUEST OF THE NORTHWEST ILLINOIS
UNDER VARIOUS JURISDICTIONS ADMITTED AS A STATE EVOLUTION
OF STARK COUNTY — RECAPITULATION 45
CHAPTER V
SETTLEMENT OF STARK COUNTY
AN OLD TRADING POST EVELAND AND ROSS — ISAAC B. ESSEX THE ORIG-
INAL PIONEER — FIRST CABIN IN STARK COUNTY — LIST OF SETTLERS
EACH YEAR TO 1839 — PIONEER LIFE AND CUSTOMS — THE HOUSE
RAISING — FURNITURE AND UTENSILS — SWAPPING WORK — AMUSE-
MENTS AND PASTIMES — MARKING ANIMALS — THE OLD TRAPPER's
SOLILOQUY 58
CHAPTER VI
STARK COUNTY ORGANIZED
THE MILITARY LAND GRANT — FORGED TITLES — FIRST COUNTIES IN THE
ILLINOIS VALLEY — STARK COUNTY — THE ORGANIC ACT — FIRST ELEC-
TIONS — THE COUNTY SEAT — CHANGE IN GOA'ERNMENT — THE COURT-
HOUSE — THE ANNEX — THE COUNTY JAIL — SHERIFF MURCHISON's
REPORT — THE POOR FARM — HOW THE COUNTY WAS NAMED 70
CHAPTER VII
TOWNSHIP HISTORY
ORIGIN OF THE TOWNSHIP — FIRST TOWNSHIPS IN THE UNITED STATES —
justices' districts in STxVRK COUNTY — ESTABLISHMENT OF CIVIL
CONTENTS V
TOAVNSHIPS IX 1853 — ELM IRA — ESSEX— GOSHEN — OSCEOLA — PENN
— TOULON — VALLEY — WEST JERSEY — MILITARY LAND ENTRIES IN
E^CH — HOW THE TOAVNSHIPS AVERE NAMED — EARLY SETTLERS-
PRESENT DAY CONDITIONS— RAILROADS— SCHOOLS— POPULATION AND
AVEALTH ^^
CHAPTER VIII
CITIES, TOWNS AND VILLAGES
SPECULATION IN EARLY DAYS — NUMEROUS TOWNS PROJECTED — LIST OF
TOAVNS AND VILLAGES IN STARK COUNTY — CITIES OF TOULON AND
WYOMING INCORPORATED VILLAGES OF BRADFORD AND LAFAYETTE
MINOR VILLAGES HISTORICAL SKETCH OF EACPI PRESENT DAY
CONDITIONS POSTOFFICES AND RURAL MAIL ROUTES Ill
CHAPTER IX
MILITARY HISTORY
AVAR OF 1812 BLACK HAAVK AA^VR AVAR AVITH MEXICO AA'AR OF 1861-
'65 — CONDITIONS LEADING UP TO THE AVAR — THE SLAA'ERY QUESTION
C0MPR03IISE LEGISLATION — KANSAS-NEBRASKA BILL — POLITICAL
CAMPAIGN OF 1860 — SECESSION OF THE SLAA'E STATES — FALL OF FORT
SUMTER — CALL FOR A'OLUNTEERS — AVAR MEETING AT TOULON — ILLI-
NOIS' RESPONSE — EARLY ENLISTMENTS — BRIEF HISTORIES OF THE
REGIMENTS IN AVHICH STARK COUNTY AVAS REPRESENTED — ROSTER
OF STARK COUNTY COMPANIES — MISCELLANEOUS INFANTRY ENLIST-
MENTS — CAA^ALRY SERVICE — ARTILLERY — SOLDIERs' MONUJIENT^
THE AVORK AT HOME 135
CHAPTER X
INTERNAL II^IPROVEMENTS
EARLY CONDITIONS IN STARK COUNTY — ^DIFFICULTIES OF EARLY TRAVEL
— INDIAN TRAILS — PUBLIC HIGHAVAYS — KNOXVILLE & GALENA STATE
ROAD FIRST ROAD DISTRICTS AND SUPERVISORS PETITIONS AND
VIEAVERS MODERN HIGHAVAYS STATE HIGHAVAY COMMISSION-
STATE INTERNAL IMPROAEMENTS — ILLINOIS & MICHIGAN CANAL —
vi CONTENTS
ACT OF 1836 LxUJGE APPROPRIATIONS FOR RIVER IMPROVEMENTS
AND RAILRO^VDS THE RAILROAD ERA WESTERN AIR LINE A3IER-
ICAN CENTRAL — CHICAGO, ROCK ISLAND &: PACIFIC — CHICAGO, BUR-
LINGTON & QUINCY — CHICAGO & NORTHWESTERN — VALUE OF RAIL-
ROAD PROPERTY IN THE COUNTY 162
CHAPTER XI
FINANCE AND INDUSTRY
PUBLIC REVENUES — PROPERTY VALUES — PRINCIPAL FUNDS RAISED BY
TAXATION — BANKING INSTITUTIONS — GENERAL HISTORY — EARLY
BANKING IN ILLINOIS STARK COUNTY BANKS AGRICULTUItE^
CROP AND LIVE STOCK STATISTICS STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE
farmers' INSTITUTES — COAL MINING — MANUFACTURING TELE-
PHONE COMPANIES 177
CHAPTER XII
EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
CHARACTER OF THE EARLY SCHOOLS — SCHOOLHOUSE AND FURNITURE —
TEXT-BOOKS SPELLING SCHOOLS — THE THREE r's — PUBLIC SCHOOL
SYSTEM — STARK COUNTY SCHOOLS PIONEER TEACHERS — EDUCA-
TION^VL PROGRESS BY TOWNSHIPS THE SEMINARY TOULON PUBLIC
SCHOOLS — TOULON ACADEMY WYOMING PUBLIC SCHOOLS — SCHOOL
OFFICERS TEACHERS^ INSTITUTE — TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION — THE
PRESS — BRIEF HISTORIES OF THE VARIOUS NEWSPAPERS — EXTINCT
NEAVSPAPERS PUBLIC LIBRARIES WYOJIING TOULON LAFAY-
ETTE BRADFORD ELMIRA IJBRARY ASSOCIATION SCHOOL
LIBRARIES. ....... ^ 194
CHAPTER XIII
THE BENCH AND BAR
PURPOSE OF THE COURTS — THE LAWYER AS A CITIZEN — EARLY COURTS
OF STARK COUNTY FIRST JURORS SKETCHES OF EARLY JUDGES- -
LIST OF CIRCUIT JUDGES SINCE 1839 — CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS
CONCERNING COURTS PROBATE COURT COUNTY COURT AND JUDGES
state's ATTORNEYS UNITED STATES COURTS THE BAR CONDI-
TIONS OF EARLY DAYS SKETCHES OF OLD-TIME LAWYERS THE BAR
OF 1915^ — CRIMINAL CASES A STRAY INCIDENT 219
COXTENTS vii
CHAPTER XIV
THE MEDICAL PKOFESSION
MEDICINE AX OLD I'UOl-ESSION HOME-:\rADE liEMEDIES CHARACTKli Ol''
THE PIONEER DOCTOR HIS METHODS OF TREATMENT^ HARDSHIPS
OF FRONTIER PRACTICE — STANDING OF THE DOCTOR AS A CITIZEN —
STARK COUNTY DOCTORS — BRIEF SKETCHES OF OLD-TIME PHYSICIANS
■ — STARK COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY — REGISTERED PHYSICIANS IN
191.3.... 236
CHAPTER XV
CHURCH HISTORY
DIFFICULTIES IN AVRITING CHURCH HISTORY — JESUIT MISSIONARIES —
THE METHODISTS — PEORIA MISSION THE BAPTISTS THE PRESBY-
TERIANS THE CONGREGATIONALISTS LATTER DAY SAINTS^ — CHRIS-
TIANS OR DISCIPLES — THE UNIVERSALISTS — UNITED BRETHREN —
THE CATHOLICS — HISTORIES OF THE VARIOUS CONGREGATIONS —
MISCELLANEOUS RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS 240
CHAPTER XVI
SOCIETIES AND FRATERNITIES
MUTUAL PROTECTION SOCIETY ITS AUMS AND OBJECTS — AGRICULTURAL
SOCIETIES AND FAIR ASSOCIATIONS OLD SETTLERs' ASSOCIATION —
THE LOG CABIN OLD SETTLERS' MONUMENT LETTERS FROM
PIONEERS MASONIC FRATERNITY ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR
INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS — DAUGHTERS OF REBEKAH —
GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC — TEMPERANCE SOCIETIES — MISCEL-
LANEOUS SOCIETIES '2C}(>
CHAPTER XVII
MISCELLANEOUS HISTORY
PURPOSE OF THIS CHAPTER — FIRST THINGS — PRICES AND AYAGES — LIN-
COLN AND DOUGLAS AT TOULON — THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD —
FOUNTAIN AV ATKINS TELLS A STORY- — A RESOLUTION THE FIRST
POLITICAL CAMPAIGN INDIAN RETALIATION HUNTING IN EARLY
DAYS — THE MORMON PROPHET — A POLITICAL HERO 280
viii CONTENTS
CHAPTER XVIII
STATISTICAL REVIEW
POPULATIOX AT EACH UNITED STATES CENSUS — CONSTITUTIONAL CON-
VENTIONS — CONGRESSION.VI. DISTRICTS — GENERAL ASSE5IBLY — HOW
STARK HAS BEEN REPRESENTED IN THE LEGISLATURE OEITCIAL ROS-
TER — LIST OF PUBLIC OFFICLXXS SINCE 1839 — VOTE FOR PRESIDENT
AT EACH ELECTION SINCE 1840 — SUMMARY OF THE PRINCIPAL
E^'ENTS CONNECTED WITH THE COUNTy's HISTORY 305
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
UR6ANA
J. KNOX HALL
History of Stark County
CHAPTER I
PHYSICAL FEATURES, GEOLOGY, ETC.
LOCATIOX AND BOUNDARIES SURFACE RIVERS AND CREEKS GENERAL
CHARACTER NATIVE VEGETATION ANIMALS AND BIRDS GEOLOGY
— THE COAL MEASURES — SECTIONS OF MINING SHAFTS — EXTENT OF
THE COAL DEPOSITS— BUILDING STONE — THE GLACIAL EPOCH — HOW
STARK COUNTY AVAS FORJIED CHARACTER OF THE GLACIAL DRIFT
THE WATER SUPPLY.
Stark County is situated northwest of the center of the state, its
western Hue being about fifty miles from tlie INIississippi River at
Keithsburg. and its northern bounthiry is eighty-seven miles from the
\\'isc()nsin state line. On the north it is bounded by the counties of
Rureau and Henry; on the east l)y Rureau and Marshall counties;
on the south by Peoria County, and on the west by Knox and Heiu-y
cdunties. It embraces Congressional townshi])s 12 and 13 north.
Range o east; townships 12. l.'i and U, Range (i; and townships 12.
I. "J and 14, Range 7. As each of these townships contains thirty-six
square miles, the total area of the county is 288 square miles.
The general surface of the county is slightly undulating, or roll-
ing, except in the vicinity of the Spoon River and at some places along
Indian Creek, where it is more or less broken. More than nine-tenths
of the 184.320 acres responds easily to cultivation, and the remaining
tenth is by no means waste land, though its cultivation is attended
by greater effort. Natural drainage is afforded by the Spoon River.
Indian and AValnut creeks, Cooper's Defeat, Camping Run, Jack
Creek, ]Mud Run, Jug Run and a number of smaller streams.
The Spoon River is composed of two branches. The East Fork
rises in Rureau County and the West Fork in Henry County, the
former flowing in a southwesterly direction and the latter toward the
10 IIISTORV OF STARK COUNTY
southeast until they form a junction in the northeastern part of Tou-
lon Township, Stark Countj'. From this point the main stream fol-
lows a general southerly course through the townships of Toulon
and Essex. It finally empties into the Illinois River near the town
of Havana, Mason County. The Indian name of this stream was
"]Maquon," which in the Pottawatomi language means "Feather,"
certainly a more euphonious name than the one adopted by the white
people.
Indian Creek, the second largest stream in the county, has its
source not far from the town of Galva, Henry County. It enters
Stark County about two miles west of the northeast corner of Goshen
Township, and follows a general southeasterly direction until it
empties into the Spoon River a short distance above the old settlement
known as Slackwater. This creek takes its name from the fact that
when the first white men came to what is now Stark County they
found a few Indians living along its banks.
Walnut Creek, so named because of the number of walnut trees
that once grew along its course, rises near the little village of Xekoma,
Henry County, whence it flows southeast until it enters Stark County
a little south of I^afayette. Its course is then almost south through
Goshen and West Jersey townships until it mingles its waters with
those of the Spoon River in the northwestern part of Peoria County.
The creek known as Cooper's Defeat begins in the southern part
of Bureau County. Its general course is westward and it finally emp-
ties into the East Fork of the Spoon River in the southwest corner of
Osceola Township. About three miles above its mouth it bends south-
ward into Penn Township, where William and Jeremiah Cooper were
frozen to death in the severe snow storm just before Christmas in is:n,
from which incident the creek takes its name. A further account of
this event Avill be found in another chapter.
Some seven or eight miles south of Coojjer's Defeat and flowing
in the same general direction is Cam])ing Rim, or Camp Creek, as it
is sometimes called. It has its beginning a short distance east of
Camp Grove, in INIarshall County, and joins the Spoon River about
a mile and a half west of the little village of Stark. Before the advent
of the railroad emigrant parties frequently encamped in the grove
near the headwaters of the creek, from which custom it took its name.
Still farther south is ]Mud (or ]Muddy) Run. \\hich rises in ^Slar-
shall County and flows westAvard through the southern part of Valley
Township until it empties into Camping Run about half a mile from
the mouth of the latter. Its name indicates its character.
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 11
Jack Creek rises near the western boundary of Elniira Township
and Hows in a southeasterly direction througli that township and Tou-
lon, finally falling into the Spoon River a short distance below the
village of JNlodena.
.Jug Riui parallels the course of Jack Creek about two miles
farther south. It is a short stream and is all in Toulon Township.
Of the smaller streams the most important are Fitch Creek, which
rises in Knox County and touches the northwest corner of Goshen
Township; and Silver Creek, a tributary of the East Fork of the
Spoon River in the northeast corner of Osceola Township.
GEXEKAh CIIAKACTEU
Originally the greater part of the county was prairie, with groves
of timber interspersed in such a way that none of the prairies con-
sisted of more than a few square miles. The largest prairie was be-
tween Cooper's Defeat Creek and Camping Run, in what are now
Pcmi and \'alley townships. The absence of timber \ii)on the tracts
of land called prairies has been the subject of considerable specula-
tion among geologists. geogra]ihcrs and botanists as to the cause of the
vast, treeless plains in the ^Middle West and the smaller tracts of sim-
ilar character in other parts of the country. It is a notable fact that
no prairies existed east of the State of Ohio. Professor Whitney,
who made .some observations on this subject, says:
"The cause of the absence of trees on the prairies is due to the physi-
cal character of the soil, and especially its exceeding fineness, which is
prejudicial to the growth of anything but a superficial vegetation, the
smallness of the particles of the soil being an insuperable barrier to
the necessary access of air to the roots of dee])ly-rootcd vegetation,
such as trees. \Vherever, in the midst of the extraordinary tine soil
of the prairies, coarse and gravelly patches exist, there dense forests
occur."
Dr. Charles A. White, who held the office of state geologist in
Iowa for several years in the early '7()s, made a somewhat extended
investigation of the subject and reached a different conclusion from
that of Professor Whitney. After calling attention to the fact tliat
])rairies are found resting uj)on all kinds of bed rock, from the Azoic
to the Cretaceous ages, and that all kinds of soil — alluvial, drift and
lacrustral, including sand, clay, gravel and loam — are frecinently
found upon the same prairie, he says:
"Thus, whatever the origin of the jirairies might have been, wc have
12 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
positive assurance that their present existence is not due to the influ-
ence of the chmate, the character or composition of tlie soil, nor to the
character of any underlying formations.
"There seems to be no good reason why we should regard the for-
ests as any more natural or normal condition than are the prairies.
Indeed it seems the more natural inference that the occupation of
the surface has taken place by dispersion from original centers, and
that they encroached upon the unoccupied surface until they were
met and checked by the destructive power of fires. The prairies
doubtless existed as such almost immediately after the close of the
glacial epoch."
Doctor White's statement, that the prairies are not due to any
character or composition of the soil, is borne out by the fact that in
the towns that have been built up on the prairies, and in the artificial
groves around many of the farm houses in the West, trees have grown
M'ith as much vigor as though the surface had once been covered by a
gnjw th of native timber. But, no matter how the prairies originated,
the pioneers of Stark County found upon them a soil — a dark loam in
.structure — that \\hen properly drained and rightly cultivated is unsur-
passed in productiveness.
Along the streams the first settlers foimd belts of timber, vai'ying
in width, the principal varieties of native trees being oak, maple, lin-
den, hickory, black walnut and elm. Smaller and less important spe-
cies were the dogwood, hawthorn, red bud. wild plum, crab apple, etc.
The soil of the timbered lands is lighter in color than that of the ])rai-
ries and not so deep, but with the right kind of care and cultivation it
can be made to produce excellent crops.
Before the plow and the spade of civilization disturbed the nati\'e
vegetation of the ])rairies the land was covered with flowers of various
hues. First in im])ortance was probably the tall plant known as
"Queen of the prairie," which often grew to a height of six feet and
bore at the top a large cluster of flowers resembling the blossoms of
the peach tree. Then there were the white, yellow and ]Hu-])le lady
slipper, the golden rod, the buttercup, the INIay api)le. the blue bell,
the forget-me-not, several members of the phlox family, the best
know n of which was the modest little flower known as the sweet wil-
liam. and numerous others, all of which have disappeared except in
very rare instances.
Along the banks of the streams and around the ponds could be
found three or four species of water lilies, the cowslip, the cat tail
and blue flags, various kinds of mint, etc. In the Avoods the wild mari-
HISTORY OF STxVRK COUNTY 13
gold, tlie bell flower, the yellow honey suckle, aiieinones, the clematis,
the trumpet creeper and the modest violet grew ahuiidantly, and some
of these flowers are still to be seen in a few secluded places, wjicrc the
ravages of civilized man have not yet encompassed their destruction,
in the early days, before the physician and the drug store had
become established institutions, many herbs were gathered and pre-
served for their medicinal properties. Foremost among these were
the horehound, boneset, pennyroyal, catnip, wild garlic, barberiy, yel-
low water dock, burdock, wild senna, gentian, lobelia, and a species of
wormwood. A i'eA\- straggling siJecimens of these plants may be seen,
but whei-e they once grew in pi'oi'usion are now the cultivated fields
of the thrifty husbandman.
ANIMALS AND lilKIlS
Time was when the l)ison. or American I)uff"alo, roamed in great
berds over the prairies of Illinois. At several points along the Spoon
IJivei-, within the limits of Stark County, large quantities of the bones
of these animals have !)een found. It is supposed that these bone
heaps are due to the bufl'aloes seeking shelter in the timber along the
river from some violent storm, and that here the whole herd perished.
What the storms failed to accomjjlish toward the extinguishment of
the bison the rifle of the pioneer and the encroachments of civilization
did accomplish, and they have gone, never to return.
The Virginia deer was also once plentiful in what is now Stark
County and venison formed a considerable jjortion of the meat sui)i)ly
for the family of the early settler. Occasionally a black bear could
be seen prowling about some frontier settlement, but when some
pioneer "drew a bead" on him with the long barreled rifle his tenure of
life was limited to a few seconds at most, and then the family ^^ould
least on bear meat for a short season.
Although not so plentiful as the bufl'alo or tlie deei\ tiie elk was
one of the native animals of the S])oon River \'allev. The beaver,
ottei', nniik. raccoon and nmskrat were the best known of the fur-
bearing animals and in early days were tra])ped in large numbei's for
the revenue that their skins woidd bring. The beaver and otter have
joined the bufi^alo, bear, deer and elk in oblivion and oidy on r;u-e
occasions are any of the others to be seen.
Among the predatory animals, or beasts of ])rey, the prairie and
timber wolf, the lynx, the pantbei-. the catamomit. the wildcat, the
grav and red fox were those most common. Of these the wolves were
14 HISTORY OF STARK COUXTY
probably tbe most troublesome. In JNlarcb, IH^J', the county com-
missioners offered a bounty of $1 for the scalp of each big wolf and
;50 cents for that of each prairie wolf "six months old killed in Stark
County during the year 1844." As late as December 18, 1884, a large
wolf was killed a few miles west of Toulon, and on ^Nlay 23, 188.3, the
county clerk paid E. H. Bates, of Osceola, $24 on fourteen young
wolf scalps. There are still living in the county jjersons who can
I'emember how, when they were children, they were wont to cuddle
more closely together in their beds as the mournful howl of some wolf,
engaged upon his nightly foraging expedition, came to their ears in
the lonely cabin on the frontier.
Other wild animals that were common in the early days were the
IMaryland marmot — commonly called the woodchuck or ground hog —
the rabbit, which is still found in considerable mmibers, several species
of squirrels, the skunk, the opossum, the weasel and a few others.
The gray squirrel, the striped and spotted prairie squirrel have dis-
api)eared aTul the other varieties are found only in limited numbers
compared with former years.
In October, 1867, Robert Church killed an American eagle near
the bridge over Indian Creek on the road leading from Toulon to
Lafayette. The bird was a magnificent specimen, measuring seven
feet from tip to tip of its wings. So far as can be learned this M'as
the last eagle killed in the county, where the bald eagle was once (piite
common and occasionally the golden eagle cotild be seen. Closely
allied to the eagle in habits, but much smaller, are the hawks, several
s|)ecies of which were once quite nmnerous in Stark County. Those
best known were the pigeon hawk, the sparrow hawk. Cooper's, the
sharp-shinned, the red-tailed and the swallow-tailed hawks, while the
fish hawk, the red shouldered hawk and the marsh hawk were more rare.
Of the owls, the most common was the ordinary screech owl.
Next was the barred or barn owl. The long and short eared, the
great horned owl and the snowy owl were to be seen in the smaller
numbers, the last named being rather rare.
Game birds, or birds used for food, were abundant. The wild
turkey, several species of wild ducks, the wild goose, the loon and the
gull Mere the largest of such fowl, though some of the smaller varieties
made u]) in numbers what they lacked in size. The most familiar of
this class were the prairie chicken and some other members of the
grouse family, the quail, the snipe, of which tliere were several kinds,
the plover, and last, but not least in importance, the passenger pigeon.
Prior to 187o great flocks of wild pigeons numbering thousands of
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 15
birds would pass over the county during the migratory seasons. At
night they wouhl pause to roost in some forest and would perch upon
the rimhs of the trees in such numbers that often branches several
inches in diameter would give wav under the weight. Those were red-
letter days for the sportsman and the birds were killed by hundreds,
merely for the sport of the killing. In the early '70s the size of the
flocks began to diminisli and a few years later the ])assenger pigeon
disappeared altogether. The question has l)een asked many times
where they went or what became of them, as they have not been heard
from anywliere. Their disappearance is still shrouded in mystery.
Other birds once seen here in considerable numbers that are now
entirely extinct or exceedingly rare were the turkey buzzard, the
C'aroliit* parrot, the whippoorwill, the cuckoo, the crane, the heron,
the common crow, the tintle dove and quite a number of song birds,
such as the thrush, the finch family, several species of warblers, the
oriole, etc. Then tliei'e were the swallows, of which there were several
kinds, the bunting, the little wren, the titmouse, the chickadee, the
native sparrows, the red throated humming bird, the meadow lark,
the nuthatch, the fly catcher, the jn'airie skylark, the pewee, the blue
bird and some others that have entirely (lisa])peared or are extremely
rare. The ax, the plow and the scythe destroyed many of their
accustomed haunts and drove them to seek other (piarters, and the
pugnacious, worthless English sparrow has added to the destructive
work of man in driving out many of the native birds. The wood-
pecker, the l)lack bird and the uliiquitous lilue jay are still seen in the
county, but in smaller numbers tlian formerly, and on rare occasions
some of the other species mentioned above are to be met with, as
thougli they had returned to mourn over the scenes of their l)y-gone
ha])piness. It is to be regretted that greater and timely protection
was not given to the song ])irds and insect-eating varieties, which
could have done so much toward adding to the cheerfulness of the
liiiiiian familj' and the protection of the farmers' crops.
GEOLOGY
Although America is called the Xew ^Vorld, geologists believe
that it is older than any of the continents of the Eastern Hemis])here.
P]-ofessor Agassiz says: "Here Avas the first dry land lifted out of
the waters; here the first shores were Avashed by the ocean that en-
velo])ed all the earth besides; and while Europe was represented onlv
by islands rising here and there above the sea, America already
16 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
stretched in one unbroken line of dry land from Nova Scotia to the
far West."
It is not witliin the province of a history such as tliis to discuss the
methods by which geok)gists readied this conclusion, but other eminent
autliorities, as well known in scientific circles as Professor Agassiz,
are inclined to favor the same theory regarding the age of the conti-
nent upon which we live. If their hypothesis be correct. Stark County
may have been the home of the creatures of the reptilian type belong-
ing to the Jura-Trias and Cretaceous eras, while the so-called Old
World was still under water.
The first official geological survey of the conditions existing in
Stark County was made by H. A. Green, under the auspices of the
state geological survey, and published in the report for 1870. ]Mr.
Green found in his investigations that all the stratified rocks of the
county belong to the Coal INIeasures, including all the lower portion
of the series from coal No. 7 to coal Xo. 2, inclusive. Coal Xo. 7 was
observed in only a few places, the most notable of which was in section
10, township 14, range 7, where S. C. Francis was engaged in oper-
ating a mine near the east fork of the Spoon River. A section of
the shaft at this mine, as given by Mr. Green, shows the following
formation :
Ft. In.
Yellow clay 2
Red sand 2
Xodular limestone 2 4
Light colored clay G 10
Clay shale 2
Sandstone 8
Blue clay shale 4 2
Sandstone 1 4
Blue clay shale 8
Dark clay shale 5 8
Coal ...". ■ 2
Blue clay shale 12
Impure limestone 3
Clay shale 8
Impure limestone 2
Blue clay shale 1 4
Dark clav shale 3
Coal ..." 2 7
Depth of shaft 62 6
HISTOKV OF STAKK COUNTY 17
Concerning the product of this mine and the coal deposits in the
vicinity, Mr. Green says: "Tliis coal appears to occupy the ])osition
of coal No. 7, and prohal)ly l»eh)ngs to that seam. The coal worked
at the Bradford shaft, which is hut a short distance from here, in
section 21, is thought to he some thirty or forty feet helow, and is
probahly No. G."
With regard to the coal deposits in general his report says : "Stark
County has an abundant supply of coal, which is at present derived
mainly from coal No. i>. It crops out along the West Fork in JOImii-a
Township, along the Spoon River in Toulon, at intervals for about
twenty miles, and can i)robably be found and worked along the
streams and their tributaries for the entire distance. This coal varies
in thickness from 2I/2 to 6 feet, seldom reaching the extreme, but
averaging from 3\-> to .) feet. Immense quantities of coal have been
taken from this seam at its outcrops along the diff'erent streams. In
Osceola Township one shaft has been sunk near the East Fork, and
several others are pai'tially completed. Shafts have also been sunk
at ]Modena. near Wyoming, in Toulon Township and at Cox's Mill
in Essex Township."
That was wi'itten in 1870. Since then several new developments
have been made in the mining industry. Coal No. (i is the ])i'inci])al
seam worked in the county. It first appears in the bluffs along the
West Fork, in the southeast part of section .'}. townshij) 14, range 0.
From that point to the southeast quarter of section 10, in the same
township and range, it has been worked at intervals along the west
side of the stream. In section 16 a number of openings have been
made and considerable quantities of coal have been taken out. Here
the coal crops out of the bluff, some ten or fifteen feet above the level
of the creek. The seam nms from fom- to five feet thick, with a clay
parting of about two inches near the middle. No. seam is also
worked at what is kno\\n as the Bradford shaft, located on the east
side of the East Fork in section 28, township 14, range 7. The shaft
here shows as follows:
Ft. In.
Yellow elaj' .'J
Limestone 4
I^ight colored clay 4 6
IJght colored clay shale 8 4
Limestone 2 4
Clay shale 9 10
Coal 2
18 IIISTOKV OF STARK COUXTV
Soft black slate (fossiliferous) 4
Clay 4 5
Sandstone 22 2
Clay shale
limestone 4
Light colored clay shale 6
Green clay shale 2 4
Dark clay shale 3 2
Impure limestone 1 6
Dark clay shale 2 6
Coal (with 3-inch clay parting) 4
Depth of shaft 88 7
At IModena the vein ranges from 41/.' to .jl/ feet in thickness and
is rarely more than thirty feet below the surface. Coal has also been
noted in the bed of Jack Creek, in section 4, township 13, range 6,
where some of the deposits have been worked a little. In sections 2.
11 and 12, of the same township and range, a short distance south of
jNIodena, the coal crojjs out along the bluff from eight to ten feet above
the bed of the creek and several mines were in operation in this part
of the county at the time of IMr. Green's sur^'ey.
According to Green, coal Xo. 4 is found at only one place in the
county, viz: in section 19, township 12. range .5. near Walnut Creek,
about two miles southwest of the "N'illage of ^Vest Jersey. Here he
found a vein of coal 41/. feet in thickness, below which was a layer
of impure cannel coal, varying from six to ten inches in thickness and
containing the fossil remains of plants and fishes. The vein of No. 4
coal at this point is only about fifteen feet below the surface. Fur-
ther mention of the coal deposits and their develoiMiient will be found
in the chapter on Finance and Industry.
BUILDING STONE
When INIr. Green visited the county in his geological research in
1870, he found only a small quantity of building stone of value. The
best deposit of limestone worked at that time was in the quarries in
sections 21-22, township 14, range 7. a short distance northwest of
Bradford. This he pronounced the largest bed exposed anvwhere in
the countv, being from six to twelve feet thick, but in thin ledges,
I
HISTORY OF STARK COUXTV 19
none of which was over six inches thick. The stone from this (iiiarry
is of a light drab coh)r, conij)act and of even textnre, moderately hard
and stands exposure to tlie weather. It can be l)urned into a lime
suitable for masonry, but too dark in color to be used for plastering.
Near the Spoon River, in section 14, township 1"2, range G, jNlr.
Green found a deposit of sandstone which he considered the best in
the county. About three miles west of this, in section 17 and near
Inilian Creek, he found another sandstone deposit, \\hich furnishes a
fair ([uality of building material. An old house near the quarry, con-
structed of this stone, shows that the weather has l)ut little effect
upon it after years of exposure. Another bed of sandstone is in sec-
tion 20, township 12, range 5, near ^Valnut Creek; a soft sandstone
exists in considerable quantities in section Ki, township 14, range (i,
and a better quality is found in section 13, township 13, range 6, but
neither of these deposits has been worked to any extent. The thick
vein of sandstone (22 feet (J niches) in tiie Jiradford coal mine could
be used for building purposes, but the fact that it lies from thiity-five
to i'orty feet below the surface has prevented its develoi)ment.
THE GLACIAL El'Ot'U
Far back in the geologic past, while the coal beds of Stark County
were in j^rocess of formation, the siu'face was probably one vast marsh
covered with tangled masses of vegetation and inhabited only by
reptiles. ^Vbout the close of the Tertiary period came the I'leistocene
or "Ice Age," during which the upper Mississippi Valley was covered
l)y one vast sheet of ice called a glacier. This glacier extended from
tile country about the (ireat Lakes to the Rocky ^lountains on the
west, and southward to about the latitude of St. Louis. It was formed
in the northern part of the continent by successive falls of snow, each
of wliich added to the weight of the great mass liclow until it was
compressed into one solid body of ice. After many years of the
formative process, a change in tlie tenqicrature started the glacier to
moving slowly soutliward, carrying with it great bow Idcrs. clays, soils,
etc.. to be deposited u])on the bed rocks of a region i'ar distant from
that where they were first placed by the hand of nature. As the
huge mass moved slowly along, the bowlders and other hard sub-
stances at the bottom of the glacier left scratches (called stri;e In- the
geologists) u])f)n the bed rocks, and from these markings the course
of the glacier can be determintd w Itli a fair degree of accuracy. Ex-
aminations of the stria' at various places in the IMississippi Vallev,
20 HISTOKV or STARK COUXTY
where the bed rock is exposed, show that the general direction followed
by the great central glacier was toward the southeast.
-(\.s the ice melted in the warmer latitude, the materials carried by
the glacier Aiere deposited upon the bed rock in the form of drift,
composed of till, loess and alluvium. It was through this method
that the great swamp above mentioned underwent a change. At the
close of the Pleistocene the earth's surface, over which the glacier had
])assc(l. was void of either animal or vegetable life. In time the action
of tile rain and wind gradually leveled the surface, the heat from the
sun warmed it, and life in the most primitive forms made its
appearance.
l"V)r the rich heritage of soil in Stark County, the region is indebted
to the great glacier that once overflowed the country. In its slow
mai-ch it ground up the rocks over which it passed, mixed the fresh
rock flour with the granites of British America and Northern jNIinne-
sota, with the pulverized limestones and shales of the more southern
latitudes, and de2)osited these materials upon the rocks of earlier
geologic periods. Everywhere the soil is the product of rock disinte-
gration. In Stark County the glacial drift is from twenty to sixty
feet deep, giving it one of the most fertile soils in the state.
It was through the action of the glacier that the surface of Xorth-
ern Illinois was formed. At the edge of the glacier, as it moved
forA\ai-<l. it left a ridge called a "lateral moraine." Where two glacial
bodies came together a larger ridge running parallel to the stria^ was
formed and is called a "median moraine." At the terminus of the ice
sheet, where all the remaining solid materials carried by the glacier
were deposited, the ridge thus formed is known as the "terminal
moraine." As no evidences of a moi-aine of any kind have been
noticed in Stark County, it is almost certain that tliis portion of
Illinois was in the heart of the glacier, an indication that is furtlier
borne out by the almost uniform thickness of the drift when comjnired
with those parts of the country where the moraines are known to exist.
CHARACTER OF THE DRIIT
At the bottom of the glacial deposits lies the till — called by some
geologists the lower till — composed of a blue clay or a dark shale,
charged with liowlders and sometimes mixed with sand. This till is
seen in the strata immediately overlying the Coal Pleasures, as shown
by the sections of shafts given in the preceding pages.
The loess is a fine ash-colored silt, or a porous clay, rich in carbon-
IIISTOKV OF STARK COrXTV 21
ate of lime. Tliis substance was (lei)()site(l very irregularly and so
far as known no deposits of it have been found in Stark County.
Above tb.e loess conies the alluvium or .soil, which is made up of
the lighter materials cariied i)y the glacier, to which has been added a
large volume of decayed vegetable matter that has accumulated since
the close of the glacial epoch. As this portion of the drift constitutes
the surface, and is seen everywhere in Stark County, it is too well
known to requii-e further description.
The bowldeis cuinnionly called "nigger heads" that may be seen
in greater or less numbers in all parts of the state, are uiuiuestionably
of glacial origin. They are of a different texture from the bed rock, a
fact that sustains the theory that they are foreign to this part of the
country. IMost of them are found below the surface, but those left
u[)()ii the higher portions of the glacial deposits have remained where
they can still be seen, the lighter materials of the alluvium having
been deposited around them without disturbing their resting places.
THE WATER SUPPLY
There are but comparatively few natural springs in the county.
]Most of the wells derive their svqjply of water from veins in the drift.
only a few of them penetrating to the Coal ^Measiu'cs. The deepest
well in the county is the one at Toulon, from which the town's water
'su])]ily is taken. It is over fourteen hundred feet in de])th. A further
descrijjtion of it, as well as of the wells at Wyoming and Bradford,
will be found in connection with the history of those towns.
CHAPTER II
ABORIGINAL IXIIABITANTS
MOUND BUILDERS — I'lKST NOTICE OF MOUNDS IN THE UNITED STATES—
CHAKACTER AND STRUCTURE OF THE MOUNDS EARLY INVESTIGA-
TIONS AND THEORIES WORK OF THE BUREAU OF ETHNOLOGY DIS-
TRICTS IN THE UNITED STATES WHO WERE THE MOUND BUILDERS-
MORE THEORIES — RELICS IN THE COUNTY OF STARK — ADAMS AND
SHALLENBERGER's A\'(niK.
Yov nearly a ccntui-y and a half after the first white settlements
were made along the Atlantic coast, in what is now the United States,
the general belief was that the Indian tribes found here by the first
Europeans were the t)riginal inhabitants of the country. Then evi-
dences were discovered in the interior of the continent that led arch-
aeologists to believe that the great valleys of the Ohio and ^Mississippi
rivers had once been occupied by a peculiar race of people entirely
separate and distinct from the Indian. These evidences were found
in the numerous mounds and earthworks, fragments of pottery, stone
implements, weapons, etc. A report issued by the United States
Bureau of Ethnology says :
"During a period beginning some time after the close of the Ic«
Age and ending with the coming of the \\'hite man — or only a few
years before — the central part of North ^Vmerica was inhabited by a
people who had emerged to some extent from the darkness of sav-
agery, had acquired certain domestic arts, and practiced some well
defined lines of industry. The location and boundaries inhabited by
them are fairly well marked by tlie mounds and earthworks they
erected."
The center of this ancient civilization — if such it may be called —
seems to have been in the present State of Ohio, where the mounds
and relics are more mmierous than in any other part of the country,
though Illinois was well Avithin the confines of the domain once occu-
])ied by this peculiar race, to which the name of "IMound Builders"
has been given by archaeologists, and various theories have been ad-
22
HISTORY OF STARK C'OUXTV 23
vaiiced conceniing- tlieir origin, identity and tlie manner in wliieli llu-y
became extinct.
It may be interesting to the reader to know something of these
theories regarding tiie 31onnd RniUlers, as well as something of the
character of the works they constructed, ^lost of the monnds are of
conical form, varying in height, and when opened they have nsnally
been fomid to contain human skeletons. For this reason they have
lieeii designated by ai'chaeologists as bui'ial mounds. Next to the
burial mound comes the truncated pyi'amid — that is, a mound scjuare
or lectangular at the base and tlattened at the top. ^lounds ol' this
class ai'c nearly always higher than the highest of the burial mounds
and u})on the top of several such mounds charcoal has been found.
The greater heigiit and the charcoal gave rise to the theory that they
were used as lookout or signal stations, upon the top of ^vhich signal
Mres had once been lighted.
In some sections of the country can still be seen well defined lines
of earthworks, sometimes in the foi-m of a scjuare, but more often of
oval or circular shape, bearing every indication of having been erected
as ])laces of defense against hostile invaders. Still another class of
works, less numerous and widely separated, consists of one large
mound surrounded by an embankment, outside of which are a number
of smaller mounds. In such groups the smaller mounds are nearly
always devoid of human bones or other relics, and even the larger
mound within the end)ankment yields l)ut few relics. The absence of
skeletons, implements, weapons, etc., and the arrangement of the
mounds in works of this nature have led anticiuarians to form the
theory that they were centers of sacrifice or religious ceremonies of
some character.
Xot for years after the mounds were first noticed was anv svs-
tematic investigation of the origin made. The earliest persons to
examine the mounds were Squier and Davis, who, about 18.)(), pub-
lished a work entitled "Ancient JNIonuments of the Mississippi Val-
ley." Between the years 184.5 and 1848 these two archaeologists,
working together, explored over two hundred mounds and other earth-
works, the description of which was published by the Smithsonian
Institution. Following them came Baldwin, INIcLcan and a number
f others, ])ractica]ly all of whom held to the theory that the Mound
Builders belonged to a scjnirate and distinct race and that many of the
relics were of great antiquity.
Some of these early writers on the subject took the view that the
^lound Builders first established their civilization in the Ohio Vallev,
o
24 lllSTORV OF STARK COUNTY
from which region they gradually moved toward the southwest into
^Mexico and Central America, where the white man found their de-
scendants in the Aztec Indians. Otliers, with arguments equally
plausible, contended that the people who left these interesting relics
oriuinated in the Soutii and slowly made their way northward to the
country about the Great Lakes, where they were met and driven back
by hostile tribes. Upon only one phase of the subject were these
early authors in accord, and that was that the JNIound Builders consti-
tuted a very ancient and extinct race. This theory was sustained by
the fact that the Indian tribes with whom the first white men came in
contact had no traditions relating to the mounds or tlie people who
built them, while the claim of great antiquity was supported by the
i-reat trees, often several feet in diameter, that were found growing
upon the mounds and earthworks.
Shortly after the United States Bureau of Ethnology was estab-
lished it undertook the work of making an exhaustive and scientific
investigation of the mounds and other relics left by the Mound
Builders. Cyrus Thomas, who had charge of this branch of ethnolog-
ical research, in his analysis and comi)ilation of the information col-
lected, has divided the region once inhabited by the JNIound Builders
into eight districts, each of mIucIi is marked by certain features not
common to the others. In making this division ^Nlr. Thunuis evidently
did not adhere to any of the theories advanced as to the origin or first
location of the ancient people, as he begins in the northwestern part
of the country and proceeds toward the south and east. His districts
are as follows :
1. The Dakota District, which includes North and South Dakota.
INIinnesota, the northwest corner of Iowa and the State of Wisconsin.
In this district the chief objects of interest to the archaeologists are
the beautiful efiigy mounds, constructed in the form of some bird or
animal. Wisconsin is especially rich in mounds of this class. Near
the Town of Prairieville is a mound resembling a turtle, fifty-six feet
in length, and not far from the Town of Blue INIounds is a mound
120 feet long representing a man lying on. his back. Some writers are
of the opinion that the effigy mounds were made to represent the totem
of some tribe or clan, and others think they are the images of some
living creature that Avas an object of veneration.
2. The Huron-Iroquois District takes its name from the country
comprising the district, which was once inhabited by the Huron and
Iroquois Indians. This district includes the lower peninsula of INIich-
igan. the southern part of Canada, a strij) across the northern part of
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 25
Ohio ami the greater portion of the State of ]S'ew York. Xear Toledo
and Sandusky, Ohio, a few well defined fortifications have been ob-
served, but by far the greater i)art of the relics are the small burial
mounds and tiie "hut rings," small circular embankments, whicii are
supposed to have been the foundations of ancient dwellings.
3. The Illinois District embraces the middle and eastern portions
of Iowa, Northeastern INlissouri, Northern Illinois and the western
half of Indiana. That part of Illinois lying within this district in-
cludes about two-thirds oJ" the state. Stark County lies within this
district, in whicli the l)urial mounds are cjuite numerous and a few
fortifications have been found, but they are greatly inferior, both in
size and the manner of construction, to those of the Ohio District. In
the southern part of the district several mounds of the truncated
pyramid variety have been found, the great mound near Cahokia
being one of the finest examples of this class known to students of
American archaeology.
4. The Ohio District takes in all of the State of Ohio, except the
strip across the northern ])art. which is included in District No. 2, the
eastern half of Indiana and the southwestern part of West Virginia.
Here the Mound Builder evidently flourished in all his glory. Burial
mounds ai-e larger and more numerous than in any other part of the
country, many of them having a diameter of one lumdi'cd feet or more
and rising to the height of sixty or eighty feet. JNIore than ten thcni-
sand mounds have been explored in the State of Ohio alone. The
(irave Creek Mound, in West Virginia, is one of the largest lookout
or signal mounds yet discovered. The earthworks of this district
sur])ass those of all the others. The "(ireat Seriient." a fortification
in tile I'orm of a snake, is situated on a blufi' in ^Vdams County, Ohio.
It is nearly fourteen iiundred feet long and is one of the best pre-
served and most ])erfect specimens of the Mound Builders' fortifica-
tions. Its site has recently been pin-chased by the state in order that
the ancient fort may be kept intact. Near Anderson, Indiana, is a
circular fortification, with a lookout mound inside the embankment.
A peculiar feature of tliis woi-k is a subterranean ])assage leading to
the ^Vhite River, some three hundred feet distant, indicating that the
work had been constructed with a view to obtaining a snp])lv of water
in the event of a siege.
.5. The Appalachian District takes its name from the mountains
included within its borders. It embraces East Tennessee, the south-
western part of Virginia. "Western North Carolina and Northern
(ieorgia. Throughout this district abundant evide?ices have been
26 HISTORY OF STxVKK COUNTY
found to show that the inliabitants were in many respects different
from those of the other districts. The mounds are differently con-
structed; stone graves are numerous; copper awls, needles, knives and
othei' utensils have been found; tobacco pipes made of clay and baked,
and some pipes carved fioni a pecidiar kind of stone are among the
relics found here.
6. The Tennessee District, which adjoins the Appalachian on the
west, includes the southern third of Illinois, nearly all the State of
Kentucky, a small jjortion of Xorthern Alabama. Middle and Western
Tennessee and the central part of Georgia. The distinguishing fea-
ture of this district is its pottery, a long-necked water jar of graceful
outline being especially abundant. Fragments of pottery indicated
that they were part of vessels from three to four feet in diameter and
capable of holding several gallons. Several forts have been noted, a
few of which are connected with nearby streams by subterranean pas-
sages, and some of the mounds have yielded up stone images, believed
by archaeologists to have been objects of worship.
7. The Arkansas District includes the State of Arkansas, the
northern part of Louisiana and the southeast corner of ]Missouri.
Burial mounds here are small and few in number, ^'illage sites have
been located by means of the hut rings and pottery has been found in
abundance.
8. The Gulf District includes the country bordering on the Gulf
of JNIexico. In this district are a number of fine tnmcated pyramids,
some of them built in terraces; skeletons buried in bark coffins have
been unearthed and other skeletons have been foimd in caves; the
entire district is rich in pottery, and a peculiarity of this region is the
large numlier of polished stone implements and weapons of obsidian.
WHO WERE THE 5I0UXD BUILDERS?
Going back to the theories regarding the origin and age of the
]Mound Builders, it is worthy of note that in more recent years arch-
asologists are inclined to doubt the idea of great anticjuity. or that the
IMound Builders differed materially in racial characteristics from the
IVorth American Indian. Those who have made extensive research
among the mounds, or a careful and systematic study of the relics in
connection with the work of the United States Bureau of Ktlmolouv,
are practically a unit in the belief that the Indians found here l)y the
first white men are the descendants of the ]Mound Buildei-s. but that
the traditions of the latter have been lost. Even some of the earliest
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 27
writers on the subject expressed the opinion that the Aztecs were
(lesceiuhmts of the ancient tribes who once inhabited the interior of
Xortli ^Vnierica.
That the tlieory of threat age is erroneous, to some extent at least,
becomes apparent \\ iuii it is known that the early French and Spanish
explorers in the soullic rn \)nvt of what is now the I'^nited States, dis-
covered that among the Natchez Indians the house of the chief was
always built ujjou an artificial mound. Mention of this fact is seen
in a numbci' of the early French archives, and as eminent an authority
as I'ierre Margry says: "When a chief dies they demolish his cabin
and then raise a new mound, on which they build the cabin of the chief
who is to replace the one deceased in this dignity, for the chief never
Iddges in the house of his predecessor."
How long this custom had prevailed among the southern Indians
no one knows. l)ut it may account for the large number of small
mounds throughout the region once inhabited by the Natchez and their
ancestors. It has also been learned that the Yamasee Indians of
Georgia built mounds over the warriors slain in l)attle. and Charlevoix
found amony- the Canadian tribes some who built earthworks similar
in many respects to those described by Thomas in the Iluron-lnxiuois
District.
Early investigators found in many of the small mounds burnt or
baked clay and charcoal, for which they were at a loss to account.
Snbst(|uent research has disclosed the fact that among certain tribes.
|)artieularly those of the lower M ississi])])i country, the family hut
was built u])on an artificial mound in many instances. This has led
Jirintoii to advance the theory that the house was constructed of ])oles
and the cracks l)etween the ]K)les filled with clay. When the head of
the familv died, the body was buried under the center of the hut. which
was then burned. i\s it is now known that this custom was followed
for prrha])s many generations. Ri-inton"s theory would account I'or
the binnt clay and charcoal, as well as for the large number of small
mounds, each contaim'ng a single human skeleton.
^Vnother evidence that there is some relationship bL'tweeii the
Mound Builders and the Indians of more recent times is found in tiie
jiotterv made by some of the southwestern tribes, which is very similar
in both texture and design to the ])ottery found in ancient mounds.
Among the cliff dwellers archicologists have fomid wea]Jons and
utensils almost exactly like some of those found in the mounds, and
some have even gone so far as to assert that the cliff dwellers are but
the remnant of the once numerous and widely distriliuted Mound
Builders.
28 IIISTOIIV OF STAKK COL'XTV
In the light of these discoveries, it is not surprising tliat ethnologists
are discarding the theory of a separate race and great age and advanc-
ing in its stead one of a vastly different nature, viz: That the Mound
Builder was nothing more than the ancestor, more or less remote, of
the North American Indian. The new theory, however, has not de-
creased the interest in the ^Moiind Buildeivs and their works. Says
Thomas: "The hoj)e of idtinuitely solving the great problem is per-
haps as lively today as in former years. But, with the vast increase
of knowledge in recent years, a modification of the hope has taken
ace.
MOUNDS IN STAKK COUNTY
Nearly every county in the State of Illinois contains some evidence
of having been inhabited by INIound Builders. Stark County is no
exception. ^Slany of the mounds in the state have been completely
obliterated by the plow and many others show only slight traces of
their former outlines. Flint spear and arrow heads, stone axes, hvmian
bones and a few specimens of pottery have all been found within the
limits of Stark County. Formerly the spear and arrow heads were
so numerous as to excite but little interest or comment. The most
noted mound anywhere near Stark County is probably the one de-
scribed by W. H. Adams, of Rochester, Peoria County, in a communi-
cation to the Smithsonian Institution in 188.5. ^Ir. Adams says:
"(On the north side of the Spoon River, eighty rods west of the
east line and twenty rods south of the north line of section 12. town-
shi]) 11, range 4, east of the fourth principal meridian, is a round
mound about thirty feet in diameter, called by those in the neighbor-
hood 'the hogback.' On the highest ])art of this hogback, at the
surface, is some evidence of fire. The e^'idenees of a former fire
increase very rapidly. At a depth of twelve to sixteen inches I found
five skeletons, nearly all the liones of which were calcined i)y fire, and
many of them entirely consumed. One of the skulls lay to the north,
one to the northwest, one to the southwest, one to the south and one
to the northeast. With the bones were fragments of sandstone burned
red. At or near each skull, and nearly on a line between the point of
the shoulder and the ear. was a water-worn pebble, except in one
instance, and that was an angular ])iece of flint. The pebliles had not
been acted upon by the fire, so that they were evidently placed there
after the intense heat of the fire had subsided. From the appearance
of the earth one would be strongly inclined to believe that the fire in
\
HISTORY OF STARK COrXTV 29
this instance luul hccn one of unusual intensity. From the position
ol" the skulls to each other, the feet of one body would reach to his
neit^lihor's head, if laid at full length. One of the skulls was rather
thinner than those we usually tind in other mounds. Some of the
teeth belonged to a person of great age; others of the teeth were very
small, but 1 cannot say tliat they belonged to an infant. The skulls
were in fragments, the largest piece obtained being about two inches
square. On another hogback, east of the one described, commencing
on section 12, township 11, range 4 east, extending across the north-
west coi'ner of section 7. township 11, range 5 east, and also some
distance on section (>. township 11, are thirteen common round mounds,
varying in height from eighteen inches to tive feet. As far as ex-
amined these are burial mounds and in one I found nineteen skeletons.
This one was forty-tive feet in diameter and five feet high. The bones
wei'C' ill a fair state of preservation. I opened four or five of this
group and in each were found pieces of trap rock from one and one-
half to two inches square; pieces oi' burned sand rock, small water-
worn pebbles, and in the largest mound a very small fragment of red
pottery."
Although the mounds thus described by jSIr. Adams are not within
the limits of Stark County they are situated near its southwest corner.
The first "hogback" mentioned by him is a little southeast of the
Village of Ftherley, Knox County, and the thirteen burial mounds
.ihiiost touch the southwest corner of Stark. All are near enough to
sustain the belief that the ^lound Huilder was once an inhabitant of
the county. Mr. Adams and T. jM. Shalleiiberger gave considerable
attention to the archieology of the Spoon River \'^alley, and after the
Indians Mere removed from the country these two men visited all the
old cam])ing grounds and villages of the red men, leveling numerous
small mounds in search of historic relics. Few were found, however,
exce])t arrow and spear heads, such as those above referred to, and
some I'ragmentary .skeletons. It is doubtful whether the skeletons
found on the old village sites were those of Mound Builders or the
bones of Indians buried there in comparatively recent years.
There is a sort of grim pathos in the reflection that where the
Avhite people of Stark County now live in peace and prosperity there
once dwelt a people of widely different manners and customs: that in
the march of time they ])assed out of existence, leaving only here and
there the mounds and other relics to mark their ])lace of residence.
After the Mound Builder came the Indian, who in turn retired before
30
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
the superior civili/,atii)ii of the wliite man, and there is also a pathos
in the refleetion that 2,000 years hence another race may indulge in as
much speculation over the relics left hy the present occupants of the
country as our scientists have indulged in over the mounds and earth-
woi'ks of America's aboriginal inhabitants.
I
CHAPTER III
INDIAN HISTORY
DISTKIBUTION Or INDIAN NATIONS AT THE CLOSE OF THE EIFTEENTH
CENTURY — THE n.IJNOIS — SUBORDINATE TRIBES — THE SACS AND
rOXES THE BLACK HAAVK WAR DEATH OF BLACK HAWK THE
POTTAMATOMI THEIR TILLAGES IN STARK COUNTY SHAB-BO-XEE
— TREATIES WITH THE POTTAWATOMl THEIR CHARACTER THE
AVINNEBAGO INDIAN NAMES.
When Christopher Cohimhiis first discovered the Western Hemis-
phere, in l-^D-i, he heheved that he had at hist reached the goal of his
k)ng- cherished desires and that the country was the eastern shore of
Asia. The first European explorers in America, entertaining a sim-
ilar belief, thought the country was India and gave to the race of
copper colored peojjle they found here the name of Indians. Later
explorations established the fact that Columbus had actually dis-
covered a land hitherto unknown, but the name conferred upon the
natives still remains. This race is divided into several groups, or
families, each of which is marked by certain physical characteristics
and the language spoken. At the beginning of the Sixteenth century
the \arious groups, or at least the leading ones, were distributed over
the continent of North America as follows :
In the far north were the Eskimo, a tribe that never played any
iiiipdrtaiit part in history. Their descendants still inhabit the country
in tlie vicinity of the Arctic Circle, where some of them are occa-
sionally employed as guides to polar expeditions.
The Algonquian family, the largest and most powerful of all the
Indian nations or groups, occupied a large triangle, roughly liounded
l)y the Atlantic coast from the most eastern point of Labrador to
Ca]je Hatteras and lines from those two points to the western end of
Lake Superior. To this great group belonged the tribes that once
inhabited what is now the State of Illinois, the principal of which were
tlie Illinois, the Sacs, the Foxes, the Shawnees, the ^Vinnebagoes, the
Ottawas, and the Pottawatomies.
31
32 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
In the center of the Algonquian countiy — along the shores of
Lake Ontario and the upper waters of the St. I>a\\rence River — was
the home of tlie Irociuoian trihes, to wit: The Oneidas, Onondagas,
JMoliawks, Cayugas and Senecas. To the early colonists these tribes
became known as the "I^'ive Nations." Some years later the Tus-
caroras were added to the confederacy, whicii then took the name of
the "Six Nations."
South of the Alguntjuian and Iroquoian families lay the country of
the JMuskhogean family, the principal tribes of which were the Creeks,
Chickasaws, Choctaws and Cherokees. The people of this group were
among the most intelligent and aggressive of the North American
Indians.
In the great Northwest, about the sources of the Mississippi River
and extending westward to the IMissouri, Mas the country of the
Siouan group, which was composed of a number of tribes noted for
their physical prowess and warlike tendencies. South and west of
this lay the domain of the bold, vindictive Comanche, Apache and
other tribes, closely allied to the Sioux in appearance, language and
customs, while in various parts of the continent were minor tribes
which claimed kinship with none of the great families. They were
generally inferior in numbers, often nomadic in their habits, and con-
sequently are of little historic importance.
Yolinnes have been written upon the subject of the North Amer-
ican Indian — his legends, traditions and habits — and it has not yet
been exhausted. In a work of this nature it is not the design to give
those tribes whose history is connected with the country now included
an extended account of the Indian race as a whole, but to notice onlj'
within the State of Illinois and Stark County.
THE ILLINOIS
The Illinois — or Illini, as they were at first known to the white
men — belonged to the Algonquian family and was the tribe from
Avhich the State of Illinois took its name. The organization of the
Illinois was in the natiu-e of a confederacy, which \\as conq)osed of
five subordinate tribes — the Peoria, Kaskaskia, Tamaroa, jNIichigani
(or jMoingwena) and the Cahokia. According to their traditions they
were once a powerful tribe and took ])ossession of their lands in Illinois
by driving out some of the Siouan group. Later they made war on
the Winnebago Indians and drove them northward, after which they
held undisinited possession of the broad prairies of Illinois until about
I
I
lUSTOUV OF STARK COUNTY 33
the middle of tlie Seventeenth century, wlien they were attacked by
tlie warh'ke Irociuois and forced to rehn(iuish part of tlieir domain.
The Illinois were expert hunters, skilled in the use of the bow and
arrow, but could not successfully handle a canoe. The principal cen-
ter of their coirfederacy was at Kaskaskia, which, during the most
prosperous days of the tribe, numbered some eight thousand inhabi-
tants. Their cabins here were well built and covered with a water])r()of
matting. Generally each cabin contained four tires, around which
the inmates would gather of evenings, the old warriors relating in-
stances of skill and bravery in the chase or in battle for the edification
of the members of the younger generation.
.Vbout the beginning of the war with the Iroquois, in Ki.jd, some
of the Illinois crossed the Mississippi River and established several
villages in what is now Lee County, Iowa, where they were visited by
JNIarquette and Joliet in tlie summer of 1073.
In the summer of 1G80 anotiier invasion of the Illinois country
was made by the Iroquois, who attacked the Peoria and Kaskaskia
tribes, the object having been to drive them out and get possession of
their hunting grounds. ]Many of the Illinois were killed, their homes
burned, their crops destroyed and about nine hundred were carried
away as prisoners.
In 1709 the Ottawa chief, Pontiac, who had formed the conspiracy
and led the uprising against the white settlements six years before,
was killed by some of the Illinois Indians. The great chieftain was
the idoj of his tribe and was also held in high esteem by the Chii)pe\va
and Pottawatomi Indians. The three tribes allied themselves in a wai-
upon the Illinois to avenge the death of Pontiac. The Illinois, who
had never fully recovered from the onslaughts of the Iroquois, were
in no condition to meet such powerful enemies. Defeat after defeat
followed in (piiek succession and the remnant of the tribe was driven
to the summit of the bluff known as "Starved Rock," on the Illinois
River, about half way between the ])resent cities of La Salle and
Ottawa. The bluff offered a good ])lace of defense, as the sides of
the rock are perpendicular, except in one place, and there not more
than two persons could ascend abreast. Assault was therefore out of
the question and the allies settled down to a siege. The Illinois held
out until one dark, stormy night, when they made a sortie, but only a
few succeeded in making their escape. Those few took to canoes and
])ad(lled down the river, finally reaching St. Louis, where they were
given shelter and food by the white occu])ants of the fort.
One account says that their pursuers soon afterward appeared be-
34 HISTOKY OF STxVHK COUNTY
fore the fort and demanded the surrender of the Illinois, that the
tribe might be comijlctely exterminated, and that when their demands
Avere denied they departetl witli threats of Nengeance against the fort —
threats that were never carried into execution. After spending some
time at the fort, until their strength was fully recovered, the refugees
recrossed the Mississii^pi and joined their kindred tribes in Southern
Illinois.
Some writers say that tlie Illinois were greatly addicted to vice
and were almost constantly at \var until they were converted by the
teachings of Father JNIarquette and other Jesuit missionaries. But, so
far as can be learned, the only aggressive wars ever waged by tliem
were against the minor Siouan tribes and the Winnebagoes in the
early days of their history, the accounts of which are only vague tradi-
tions. In the wars with the Iroquois, and the allied tribes above
mentioned, the Illinois fought on the defensive.
THE SxVCS AXU FOXES
These two tribes, Ashicli at one time occujiied a large tract of
country in Western Illinois, and no doubt hunted where Stark County
is now situated, are usually sjioken of as one people, though they were
two separate and distinct tribes. They liecame allied by force of
circumstances for their mutual protection, each tribe maintaining its
identity, though one chief ruled over both.
The Sacs — also called Sauks and Saukies — belonged to the Algon-
quian family and were known as "The people of the outlet." Their
earliest known habitat was in the lower peninsula of IMichigan, where
they lived with the Pottawatomi. The name Saginaw, as applied to
a bay and city in ^Michigan, means "the place of the Sac," and marks
the place where they once dwelt. The Sacs are first mentioned as a
separate tribe in the Jesuit Relations for IGiO, though they were then
allied with the Pottawatomi, jNIascoutens, Foxes and Kickapoos, and
maintained friendly relations a\ ith the 3Iiami and Winnebago tribes.
Their ti'aditions tell how they were driven from the shores of Lake
Huron by the Iroquois and their allies before the middle of the
Seventeenth century. They then retired by A\'ay of jNIackinaw and a
few years later found a new abode along the shores of Green Bay,
AVisconsin. Father AUouez, one of the early Jesuit missionaries, in
Avriting of these Indians in 1667, says: "They are more savage than
any of the other people I have met ; they are a populous tribe, although
they have no fixed dwelling place, being Avanderers and vagabonds in
the forests."
IIISTOKV OF STARK COUXTV 35
That portion of their traditions rchiting to their expulsion from
the eountry on the west shore of Lake Huron and their pilgriniage to
Green Bay is first told by Father Uablon, in the Jesuit Kelations for
KiTl. Says he: ''The Sacs, Pottawatomies and neighboring tribes,
being ilriven from their own countries, which are the lands southward
from ^Nlissilimakinac, have taken refuge at the head of this bay, be-
yond which one can see inland the Nation of Fire, with one of the
Illinois tribes called Oumiami and the Foxes."
In the same year that this was written, the Ilurons and Ottawas
startetl on an invasion of the Sioux country. On the way they per-
suaded the Sacs and I'ottawatomi to join the expedition. They were
defeated in the undertaking and the surviving Sacs returned to Green
Hay, where they were content to live in peace for several years before
making any more warlike demonstrations.
Dorsey divides the tribe into fourteen gentes, or clans. ^Marriages
were usually made between men and wouien of different clans, though
they were not forbidden among persons of the same clan. Polygamy
was practiced to some extent, though in this respect the Sacs were
not so bad as some of the other AIg(iii(|uian tribes. Their religion
consisted of a belief in numerous "JNlanitous" and was rich in myth
and fable.
The Foxes, also an Algonquian tribe, resembled in many particu-
lars the Sacs, with whom they became confederated. Their Indian
name was JMesh-kwa-ke-lnig (nearly always written INIusquakies),
signifying' "Peojile of the red earth." Their original dwelling place
is somewhat uncertain. According to their traditions they once lived
along the Atlantic coast in the vicinity of the present State of Rhode
Island. Subsequently some of them occu])ied the country along the
southern shore of Lake Sii])erior, from which they were driven by the
Chippewas. In IG.'Ji Jean Nicollet found some of them on the Fox
River, not far from Gi'cen Bay, Wisconsin, and in 107(5 Father
.Allouez visited a band of Foxes on the Wolf River, in the same state.
In his rejxirt of his year's work he speaks of a "IMus()uakie village of
about five thousand inhabitants."
The name "Fox" originated with the French, who called these
Indians "Reynors." They were regarded by the neighboring tribes
as "avaricious, thieving. ])assionate and (|iiarrelsome." With an in-
tense hati-cd for the French they planned the attack upon the ])ost at
Detroit in 1712. The timely arrival of reinforcements saved the post
and the Indians were signally defeated. The Foxes that took ])art
in this movement then joined those spoken of by Father Allouez on
the ^Volf River.
36 HISTORY OF STAHK COUNTY
About 1730 the Dutch and EngHsh traders, knowing the hatred
of the Foxes for the French, formed an alliance with the tribe for the
jjurpose of driving French conijjetition from the fur country about
the Great Lakes. On the othei- hand the French enhsted the coopera-
tion of the Huron, Ottawa, Pottawatomi and some minor tribes. In
the war which followed the Foxes were defeated and sought shelter
M'ith the Sacs who lived near Green Bay. The French authorities,
thinking the Foxes had not been sutticiently punished, sent a force of
French soldiers and Indians, ccjmmanded by an officer named De Vil-
liers, to the Sac village on the shores of Green Bay to demand their
surrender. The demand was rei'used by the Sac chiefs and a hard
fought battle ensued, in which the Sacs were defeated, but the refugees
were not surrendered. This was the beginning of the alliance which
afterward resulted in the two tribes being generally recognized as one.
In the meantime some of the Sacs had migrated southward, into
what is now the State of Illinois, and in 1731 they fovmded the Village
of Sau-ke-nuk on the Kock River near its mouth. ^Vhen those who
remained in Wisconsin were defeated bj' the French and their Indian
allies for defending the Foxes, they brought their refugees and joined
the Sacs on the Rock River. At the beginning of the Xineteenth
century there were about eight thousand Sacs and Foxes living along
the Rock River, their hunting grounds extending eastward to the
Illhiois River. When Lieut. Zebulon ]M. Pike went up the Mississippi
River in 180.5, he visited the Sac and Fox villages in Illinois.
Of all the Indian tribes, the Foxes were prol)ably the only one
that had what might be called a coat of arms. The design consisted
of an obli(|ue line (supposed to represent a river), with the figure of
a fox at each end, but on opposite sides. Following a victory in Mar
this emblem was ])ainted or carved on rocks and trees to tell the story
of their valor and at the same time serve as a warning to their enemies.
The Fox tribe, according to Dorsey, was divided into twelve gentes.
Their pi'incipal deities were Wisaka and Kiyapata. mIio were bi'others.
The former ruled the day and the latter the night. The princijial
features of their religion were animal fable and a crude mythology,
and they had many ceremonial observances, anniversaries, etc. The
Fox Indians practiced agriculture in a primitive way. raising corn,
beans, tobacco, squashes and some other vegetables. In a few cases
some big chief or warrior of note would l)e i)ermitted to have more
than one squaAv, but jjolygamous marriages were the exception rather
than the rule.
Two of the greatest chiefs in the history of the North American
I
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 37
Indians hflonoed to tlif allied tribes of the Sacs and Foxes. They
were Rlaek Hawk and Keokuk, both born of Sac parents, but recog-
nized as chiefs by the Foxes. Black Hawk was a warrior and Keokuk
was a politician. The latter never played any considerable part in
the history of Illinois.
THE m.ACK HAWK WAli
Black Hawk, whose Indian name was INIa-ka-ta-wi-nie-sha-ka-ka,
was born at the Sac village on the Rock River in 1767. His father,
l*y-e-sa, was a direct descendant of Xan-a-nia-kee (Thunder) and
l?lack Hawk was therefoi-c a member oi' the Thunder clan. Accord-
ing to tribal tradition, Xan-a-ma-kee had been intrusted by the (ireat
Spii'it with the great medicine bag of the Sac nation and instructed
to keep it always within the clan. ^Vhen Black Hawk was about nine-
teen years old his fatiier was killed in an encounter with the Cherokee
Indians and the youth thus became the custodian of the sacred medi-
cine bag. This medicine bag had never been disgraced, and to ])re])are
himself for the duty of preserving it unsullied Black Hawk took no
part in the military affairs of his ])coi)le for about five years, although
be bad l)een trained in tlie arts of war by liis father and bad already
(Hstinguished himself upon the Held of battle. The five years were
s{)ent in praying to the (ireat S])irit to endow him with the necessary
strength and wisdom to perform his duty. During that ])criod he
would fre(iuently go to the i)romontory near his home on tlie Roeli
IJivcr. where be would pass hours at a time smoking and meditating.
'IMie pi'omontory is still called "HIack Hawk's ^Vatch Tower."
On November ."}, 1804, (xcn. William H. Harrison, then governor
of the Indiana Territory, negotiated a treaty at St. I>ouis with some
of the ihinor chiefs of the Sacs and Foxes, by which the confederated
tribes ceded their lands cast of the JNIississippi Rivei- to the United
States, retaim'ng the ])rivilege of dwelling thei'eon until the lands were
actually taken up by white settlers, wiien they were to remove to a
new reservation west of the IMississippi River. There was a great
deal of dissatisfaction among a large element of the Sacs and Foxes
over the terms of this treaty. It was then the custom for these tribes
to instruct their chiefs or delegates to a treaty council in advance as to
what course was to be pursued, or afterward confirm the action of
such chiefs or delegates by a vote. Some of the Indians claimed that
the chiefs who attended the council at St. Louis had no definite in-
structions to sell the lands east of the Mississi])pi, and a |)ortion of
38 IIISTOKY^ OF STARK COUNTY
the allied tribes, uiuler the leadershij) of Black Hawk, refused to
confirm their action.
At the heginnino- of tlie War of 1812 part of tlie Sacs and l-'oxes
joined tile British and became known as the "British Hand of Rock
River," of which Black Hawk was tlie leader. Shortly aftei- tiie
conclusion of the war treaties were made with the several tribes or
bands wiiich had fought on the side of England, but it was not until
JNIay 13, 1816, that Black Hawk and twenty-one other head men of
the Rock River Sacs could be persuaded to enter into an agreement
to keep the peace. On that date, at St. Louis, those twenty-two
Indians "touched the goose quill," or signed a treaty reaffirming the
treaty of November 3, 1804, though Black Hawk afterward declared
that he did not understand what he was signing and repudiated his
action.
In 1828 President Adams issued a proclamation declaring the
lands ceded by the treaty of ISO-t opened to white settlement and
ordering the removal of the Indians to the west side of the JNIississipjji.
As a matter of fact Chief Keokuk and his band had removed to the
west side of the river about two years before the proclamation was
issued, but Black Hawk refused to vacate until the United States
Government actually sold the section of land upon which his village
was situated. In 1830 he and his followers crossed tiie river "under
protest," the old chief being far from reconciled to the situation.
In the spring of 1831, «'ith a number of his braves and their
families, he recrossed the river antl they took possession of their old
cabins and cornfields. The white settlers appealed to Governor Rey-
nolds, of Illinois, for protection and the governor sent General Gaines
to Rock Island with a force large enough to compel the Indians to go
back to their new home west of the river.
During the winter of 1831-32 the Indians underwent severe hard-
ships in their new homes. Their houses were poorly built and pro-
visions were scarce, so that thej' suffered from both cold and hunger.
About this time Black Hawk fell under the influence of AVa-bo-kie-
shiek, a "bad medicine man," who advised him to recross the ^lissis-
sippi, ostensibly to visit the Winnebagoes, secure the cooperation of
that tribe and the Pottawatomies, and drive out the hated pale faces.
Accordingly, on April (!. 1832. he again crossed over to the east side
of the jMississippi within ])lain view of the garrison at Fort Arm-
strong, giving out the information that he was on his way to visit the
\Vinnebagoes and join witli tliein in raising a crop of corn. His
disobedience Avas construed as a hostile demonstration, however, bv
I
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY ;^9
the military authoritifs. who feared that he ini^ht attempt to take
possession of his old village on the Roek River. There is no evidence
that he made or attempted to make any such an attempt, and some of
the settlers, knowing that an Indian war party was never accomi)anie(l
hy the old men. women and children of the trihe, expressed the opinion
that J}laek Hawk was on a peaceful mission.
Although the settlers felt no special alarm over the expedition,
Governor Reynolds took the view that Black Hawk's conduct in the
]jast had heen such that he would "hear watching." He therefore
ordered out the state militia to the numher of •2,000 men, which force,
under command of General Whiteside, was sent to the aid of the
gai-i-ison at Fort Armstrong. There has al\\a\s heen a difference of
opinion as to whether Black Hawk's intentions were really hostile,
it is certain, however, that the first warlike movement was made hy
tlie M-hites. 31ajor Stillman was sent out with a force. of 2.50 moimted
meu to turn hack the Indians. The detachment came upon Black
Hawk and about fort>- of his warriors at some distance from where
the main body of the Indians were encamped. Black Hawk sent for-
ward five of his men bearing a flag of truce, to ask for a parley, but
Stillman's men opened fire and two of the messengers were killed.
The Indians then took up the fight according to the tactics of their
race, concealing themselves behind trees and rocks and picking off
the white troopers. Stillman's men being mounted fought at a disad-
vantage and in a short time were uttei'ly routed, abandoning their
provisions and camp equipage in their fiight.
Up to this time no hostile demonstration had been made by the
Indians. The killing of the two warriors while engaged in bearing
a Hag of truce was the beginning of hostilities. This occurred on ^lay
12. 18.'}2. and during the next month some raids were made by the
Inrlians upon the unprotected settlements. But not all the atrocities
were committed by the members of Black Hawk's band. A number
of 'Wimiebagoes and Pottawatonn'es took advantage of the disturbed
conditions to kill and ])lunder. though they declined the invitation tv
join Black Hawk and "fight like men."
Stark County was at that time a ])art of Putnam, and though at
some distance from the seat of war the settlers Avere greatly alarmed
for fear that some straggling war ])arty would reach the Spoon River
A'alley. ]Mrs. Shallenberger, in her "Stark County and Its Pioneers,"
savs: "Manj' settlers along the frontiers of Northern Illinois, in
dread of the untold horrors of savage warfare, fled from their lands
and homes, some of them never to return. It was at this crisis that
40 lUSTOKV OF STiVRK COUNTY
volunteers from Spoon River rciulezvoiised at Hennepin, as related
hv Mr. Clifford, under the direetion of the gallant Colonel Strawii in
'Honajjarte hat and laced coat,' and it is said that no less than fifteen
hundred men reported themselves for service at that point."
Colonel Strawn's name does not appear in any published account
of the war and it is possible that his men were employed for local
defense. Immediately after Stillman's defeat volunteers were called
foi' and on June 1.3, 18.'32. there were three brigades in camp at Dixon's
Ferry, commanded by Gens. Alexander Posey, Milton R. Alexander
and James D. Ilein-y. In addition to these volunteer l)rigades. there
were the regular ti'oops at Fort Armstrong, commanded by General
Atkinson, and the state militia under General Whiteside. And all
this military array was considered necessary to overcome the little,
half-starved band of Sacs and Foxes, whose hostile intentions had not
j^et been made certain.
General Atkinson being between Black Ha^\k and the ^Mississippi
River, the chief started for the \Visconsin River, intending to descend
that stream and recross the jNIississippi. Early in June jNIaj. Henry
Dodge, with his Galena Battalion, joined the forces at Dixon's Fei-ry.
^^'hen it was learned that Black Hawk was making for the \Visc()nsin
River, General Henry and Major Dodge started in pursuit. On
July 21, 18.32, they overtook the Indians at the Wisconsin, about fifty
miles above its mouth, and Black Hawk was forced to make a stand
until the women, children and old men could retreat across the river.
With his few warriors he held the white soldiers at ba.y until the squaws
constructed light rafts for the transportation of the goods and small
ehildi-en. These rafts thej' pushed across the stream, at the same time
leading the ponies. When the noncombatants were out of danger
on the other side. Black Hawk sent half his fighting force over. From
the opposite shore these braves opened fire to cover the retreat of
the chief and the remainder of his little band, who then swam across
to safety. This feat was accomplished with fewer than two hundred
warriors in the face of a vastly superior force, with a loss of oidy six
men. Jefferson Davis, then an ofi^cer in Dodge's Battalion, afterward
president of the Southern Confederacy, said of this maneuver:
"This was the most brilliant exhibition of military tactics that I
ever witnessed; a feat of most consummate management and bravery
in the face of an enemy of greatly superior numl)ers. I never read of
anything that could be compared -^ith it. Had it, been performed by
white men it would have been immortalized as one of the most wonder-
ful achievements in military history."
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 41
The last battle of the Black Hawk War was fought at the mouth
of the Bad Axe River on August '2, 1832. Here all the white troops
were concentrated against Black Hawk, and a steamboat luul been
sent up the river from Fort Crawford to i)revent the Indians from
crossing the ^lississippi. The force on this boat kept up a tire on tlie
red men in front, while from all sides the Indians were assailed by
the land forces. Yet, in spite of the great inequality in the strength of
the two armies. Black Hawk held out for about two hours, hoping
vainly for some fortunate turn in the battle that would permit at
least a part of liis people to escape. Some even attempted to swim
the ^lississippi, but the steamboat ran in among tliem, capturing a
few and dro\^ning others.
After the battle of tlie Bad Axe, Black Hawk escaped to the
\\'innebago village at Prairie la Crosse. Through the treachery of
two AVinnebago Indians, he was turned over to General Street, the
huhan agent at Prairie (hi Chien, as a prisoner. His two sons were
also captured and held as ])risoners of war. They were contined at
Fortress ^Monroe, ^'^a., until June -4, 1833. when President Jack-
son ordered their release. Under the escort ol' Major (iarland the
three Indians were then taken on a tour of the country, in order that
they might behold the greatness of the United States and the futility
of again making war against the white men. AVhen taken ])efore
President Jackson, Black Hawk said:
"I am a man; you are only another. We did not expect to con-
(pier the whites. Thej'' had too many men. I took up the hatchet to
avenge injiu'ies my ])eo])le could no longer endure. Had I borne
them longer without striking, my people would have said Black Hawk
is a s(|uaw; he is too old to be chief; he is no Sac. These retlections
caused me to raise the war whoop. The result is known to you. I say
no more."
This speech has been quoted to show that Black Hawk really
crossed the Mississii)pi with a hostile object in view. At its conclusion
President Jackson presented the old chief Avith a beautiful sword — ■
"a gift from one warrior to another." Black Hawk then rejoined the
remnant of his band in Iowa and died there on October 3, 1838. An
old ^Vtlas of Stark County states that Black Hawk once had an
encampment in what is now Goshen Township, but there is no cor-
roborative testimony to show that he ever sojourned, even for a brief
pei'iod. in the present county of Stark.
42 HISTORY (JF STARK COUNTY
THE POTTAAVATOJII
Tribal traditions and accounts in the Jesuit relations go to show
that the Pottawatonii once constituted one of the powerful tribes of
the Algonquian family. French missionaries and traders first came
in contact with them near the northern limits of the lower ^Michigan
peninsula, where they were known as the "Nation of Fire." Nicollet
met with some of tliem in Wisconsin as early as 1664. Bacqueville
de la Potherie. an early French writer, says: "In 1665 or 1666 the
Pottawatonii took the southern and the Sac the northern shores of
Green Bay, and the ^Viimebago, who were not fishermen, went back
into the forests to live on venison and bear meat."
A few years later the Pottawatonii moved southward in large
numbers and took possession of the country around the head of Lake
^lichigan. In 1674. some of this tribe met Father ^Marcjuette on his
return from the ^Nlississipjji River and acted as his escort part of the
way back to Canada. As already related, they joined with the Ottawa
and Chipi^ewa tribes in a war with the Illinois Indians after the death
of Pontiac, and as a result of that war became possessed of a jjortion
of the lands once inhabited by the Illinois.
About the close of the Revolutionary war a part of the tribe
moved eastward and in the early years of the nineteenth centuiy
occupied practically all that part of Indiana lying north of the
\Vabash River. By the treaty of August '2i. 1816, they ceded their
lands along the shores of Lake ^Michigan to the United States and
received in exchange some of the Sac and Fox lands in Western
Illinois. This brought them into the valley of the Illinois River and
some of the tribe established their homes along Walnut Creek, in
what is now Stark County. In 1830 the band removed to Indian
Creek, in the i)reseiit townships of Goshen and Toulon, where they
were joined by others, and for a time this region A\as the principal
hunting ground.
The leading Pottawatonii chief in this part of the state was Shab-
bo-nee, who was really an Ottawa, ])ut became chief through his mar-
riage to a Pottawatonii maiden, daughter of a chief. In the War of
1812 he listened to the blandishments of the ShaMnee chief, Tecumseli,
and joined the British, but afterward proved to be a good friend to the
white settlers. In 1832, at the time of the Black Hawk war, he visited
the settlers on the Spoon River and warned tliein to leave, as tlie war
was likely to extend to that part of the country. Acting upon liis
information David Cooper and the three Essex families went to the
HISTORY OF STAKK COUNTY 43
flirt at the foot of Peoria Lake, tliough they all returned to their
liouies in Stark County with the exeeption of Thomas Essex, Jr., who
settled near Peoria. Shab-bo-nee died in Grundy County, Illinois,
•July 17. 1H.5!).
On August 17, IH-'l. a council was held at Chicago, when (icn.
Lewis Cass, as the coniniissioner of the United States, defined the
Pottawatonii country as "extending along both sides of the Illinois
Kiver and all its tributaries, and along the western shore of Lake
JMichiiian to CTreen Bav, with certain lands south of Lake Erie."
At tlie same time the trilie reliiKiuished title to about five millions of
acres in Michigan and Northern Indiana.
Another council was held at Chicago on September 26, 1833, when
the Pottawatomi chiefs and head men ceded all their remaining lands
in Indiana, and all their possessions in Illinois, to the United States.
Two years later they received their last annuity east of the ^Mississippi
and soon afterward removed to reservations in Iowa and INIissouri.
A few of this once powerful tribe are still living in Kansas.
Says ]Mrs. Shallenberger: "Our pioneers report those they found
here as a dirty, shiftless, set. the men of the tribe eking out a precarious
living by hunting and fishing, while the women broke the sod, built
the 'pony fences,' and raised paltry cro])s of coi-n. They were given
to begging most importunately, if not to stealing from their white
neighbors; their villages or encampments, of which there were several
within our present county limits, formed rendezvous, especially on
Sundays, for the idle and vicious, where horse trading and liquor
drinking went on. much as in later days at a gipsy camp. So destitute
of any element of poetry or romance were the last days of the red
man in this region, and their trails, their corn pits, and the graves
of their dead were the legacies they left us when they took up their
enforced march west of the Mississippi about 183.5-3(5."
THE AVINNEBAGO
Originally this tribe belonged to the Siouan family, but far back
in the past they became allied with the Algonquian tribes living about
the Great Lakes, and some ethnologists class them as being one of
tiie iMgonquian tribes. They are first mentioned in history as early
as l(i()l). wlien they were allied with the Pottawatonii, Chippewa, Sac
and Fox and other members of the Algonquian group.
In the Revolutionary war some of the Winnebago fought with
the Rritish. and in the summer of 179-i some took i)art in the battle
44 HISTOllV OF STAllK COUNTY
of Falk'ii Tiiiihers against the white forces coininaiided by Gen.
^Viithuny Wayne. A few were en<>a<>'e(l in the battle of Tippecanoe
in Novenibei", 1811, and witii the I'ottavvatomi were active in the
massacre at Fort Dearborn (now Chicago) in 1812. Shortly after
that tiiey located in that part of Illinois lying north and west of the
Hock Kiver, tliongh they frecinently visited their Pottawatonii breth-
ren farther south, and it is quite likely that some of them passed
through Stark County. They were friendly to Black Hawk at the
time of his mvasion of Illinois in 18.'32, though it was through the
treachery of two members of the tribe tliat Black Hawk was captured.
Not long after that they were given the strip known as the "neutral
ground" in Iowa for a reservation in excliange for their lands east of
the INIississippi. They intermarried freely with the Sacs and Foxes
and were closely allied to those tribes. — so closely in fact that some
of the last treaties made by the Sacs and Foxes were submitted to
the ^Vinnebago chiefs and head men before they became effective.
The foregoing includes probably all the Indian tribes that inliab-
ited or hunted over that part of Illinois now included in Stark County.
As the march of civilization proceeded westward the Indian retired
before the superior race, and about all that is left as a reminder of
their former occupation of the country are the names of certain
streams and towns which ai-e of unquestionable Indian origin. The
county seat of Gallatin County, in the southern part of the state,
bears the name of Shawneetown. in memory of the Indian tribe that
once liA-ed in that region. Kaskaskia. Kandolj))) County; Cahokia,
St. Clair County; Tamaroa, Perry County; and the city and county
of Peoria all bear names of minor tribes of the great Illinois confed-
eracy, and Indian Creek, in Stark County, marks the site of the Potta-
watomies' old hunting grounds.
chapter iv
tup: period of phepakation
EARIA' EXPLOKATIOXS IX AMERICA SPANISH, FRENCH ANH ENG-
IJSH CLAIMS TO TERRITORY IN THE NEW WORLD — THE JESUIT
.AIISSIONARIES — DISCOVERY OF THE MISSISSIPPI MARQUETTE AND
JOIJET LA SALLE's EXPEDITIONS LOUISIANA CROZAT AND LAW
— THE MISSISSIPPI BUBBLE — CONFLICT OF INTERESTS — FRENCH AND
INDIAN WAR — H.LIXOIS A BRITISH POSSESSION THE WAR OF THE
REVOLUTION CLARK's CONQUEST OF THE NORTHWEST ILLINOIS
UXDER VARIOUS JURISDICTIONS — ADMITTED AS A STATE EVOLUTION
OF STARK COUNTY RECAPITULATION.
Eastiat. thv eminent Freneh writei- on political economy, once
wrote an essay entitled "The Seen and the Unseen." People of the
present generation see the conditions around them, hut they are not
always so well acquainted with the conditions of former years, and
therefore do not fully appreciate the influence of the ])ast upon the
])resent. Civilization is the outgrowth of a gradual evolution. Stark
County, like all the political suhdivisions of the Lhiited States, is the
])r()(luet of a series of events running hack for many years. The
part of each event may have heen small, hut tlie gradual development
constitutes the "unseen" history of the county. It is therefore deemed
ad\isaiile to devote a chapter to this subject, in order that the reader
may he able to form some general idea of the evolution of the State of
Illinois and the County of vStark.
In 14!).'J. the year iollow ing the first voyage of Columbus to
America, the pojjc granted to the King and Queen of Spain "all
countries inhabited by infidels." At that time the extent of the conti-
nent (liseovered by Columbus was not known, but in a vague way this
papal grant included the present State of Illinois, the region then
inhabited by Indian tribes who knew not the religion of the Catholic
Church, and therefore came within the categoiy of infidels.
Three years later Henry Xll of England granted to John Cabot
and his sons a patent of discovery, possession and trade "to all lands
45
J6 II IS TORY OF STAKK COUNTY
they may discover and lay claim to in the name of the Knglish crown."
Before the close of the century the Cahots had made exjjlorations
aloni>' the Atlantic coast from Cape Ilatteras northward, and their
discoveries formed the hasis of England's claim to all the central por-
tion of North America.
While Spain was pushing her explorations through the West
Inches and along the coast of the (iulf of ^Mexico, and Kngland was
oi)erating along the xVtlantic seahoard farther north, the French Gov-
ernment sent Jacques Cartier on an expedition to the New World.
He discovered and laid claim to the Valley of the St. Lawrence River
and the country ahout the Great I^akes, from which hase the French
suhse(iuently pushed their explorations and claims westward to the
JNIississippi River and southward into the Ohio Valley.
Following the usage of that jjcriod, each of these three great Euro-
])ean nations claimed title to certain territory "by right of discovery."
Spain's 2)apal grant was strengtliened by the expedition of Hernando
de Soto into the interior in 1.54U-i2, one result of whicli was the dis-
covery of the Mississippi River. De Soto died in the wilds and his
body was buried in the great river. The few survivors, after many
hardships, finally reached the Sjianish colony at St. Augustine and
upon their report Spain, in 1.54.;j. claimed all the land bordering upon
the iMississippi as well as the gulf coast. In this way what is now the
State of Illinois became Spanish territory.
In 1()20 the Eritisli crown, ignoring the authority of the pope
and the explorations of De Soto, issued a charter to the Plymoutli
Company including "all the lands between the fortieth and forty-
eighth parallels of north latitude from sea to sea." The southern
l)oundary of this grant crossed Illinois about fifteen miles north of the
present city of Springfield, and wliat is now Stark County was there-
fore included in the old Plymouth Company grant.
Eight years later (in 1(;2S) the ^lassacliusetts Bay Company
received a grant that included a strip of land al>out one Inmdred miles
Avide "extending from sea to sea." The northern boundary of this
stri]) crossed tiie Mississippi River not far from tlie present city of
Prairie du Chien. Wis., and the southern crossed the State of
Illinois about ten miles north of the noi-th line of Stark County. Thus
at least a part of the state was claimed by both Spain and England
"by right of discovery." but no effort was made by either nation to
extend colonization into the interior. S])ain was so busily engaged in
the search for the rumored rich gold and silver mines that she paid but
little attention to the establishment of permanent settlements, whil^
1
HISTORY OF STAKK COUNTY 47
the English were apparently content with tlie little colonies at James-
town. Vii., and in Xew England.
^leantinie the l<'rench were not idle. Quebec was fouiuled by
Samuel Champlain in 1608, only one year after the English colony
was planted at Jamestown. In KH I Jesuit missionaries from Quebec
visited the Indian tribes living about the Great I>akes, and in l(>ir>
a French explorer named Le Caron \isited the country of the Huron
and Inuiuois tribes. The reports of Le Caron and the missionaries
C(in\iiieed the r'rencii authorities that it was possible to open up a
jM-otitable trade with the natives, particularly in furs, and explorations
were pushed still farther westward. In KJ.'U Jean Nicollet reached
the Fox River country, in what is now the State of ^Visconsin. For
more than half a century, however, after the founding of Quebec,
no systematic eff'ort was made to establish anything like a colony in
the (ireat Lake basin.
In the fall of KHi.j Claude xVllouez, one of the most zealous of the
Jesuit missionaries, held a council with the Indians at the Chippewa
village on the southern shore of Lake Superior. Chiefs of tiie Sioux,
Chippewa, Sac, Fox, Pottawatomi and Illinois tribes were present
and to them and their jjcople Alloue/. promised the j^rotection of the
great French father, thus opening the way for the establishment of
trading posts in the Indian country. Some of the Sioux and Illinois
chiefs told .Alloue/, of a great river farther to the westward, "called bj^
them the ^le-sa-sip-pi, which they said no white man had yet seen
(they knew nothing of the expedition of Ue Soto), and along which
fur bearing animals abounded."
This same Fa4:her Allouez and another missionary named Claude
Dablon founded the JNIission of St. jNIarys — the first white settlement
in Michigan — in lOCtH. Friendly relations were soon established
between the people of the mission and the neighboring Indians. In
1(J71 Jac(jues INIarquette, one of the most influential of the Jesuit
missionai'ies in Aniei'ica. founded the Mission of Point St. Ignace,
near the present city of INIackinaw, for the benefit of the Huron
Indians. For many years this mission was considered as the key to
the great, unexplored West.
Father .Marquette had first heard of the great river through the
report given bj" Allouez of the coimcil held at the Chippewa village
in IfU!.). and as time passed he grew more desirous of verifying the
Indian accounts of its existence. Fearing hostility, or at least opposi-
tion, on the part of the natives, he made no attempt to reach the river
until after the founding of the mission at Point St. Ignace. Some
48 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
time was then sixnt in making his preparations and in obtaining the
consent of the Canadian colonial officials. In the spring of 1073,
armed with the proper credentials, he went to Michilimackinac to
com])Iete his final arrangements for the expedition. It is said that the
friendly Indians, w^ien they learned of his intention, tried to dissuade
him from the undertaking by telling him that the Indians who lived
alonsi' the great river were cruel and treacherous, and that the river
itself was the abiding place of great monsters that could easily swal-
low a canoe loaded with men.
Giving no credence to the horrible stories, JNIarquette continued
his work of preparation and on ^Nlay 13. 1673, accompanied by Louis
Joliet. an explorer and trader, and five voyageurs, with two large
canoes, the little expedition left the mission.
DISCOVERY OF THE MISSISSIPPI
Passing up Green Bay to the mouth of the Fox River, they
ascended that stream to the portage, crossed over to the Wisconsin
River and drifted down that stream in the belief and hope that it
emptied into the great river of which they were in search. Xor were
their hopes idle and their belief without foundation. On the morning
of June 17, 1673, a little over a month from the time they left Point
St. Ignace, their canoes floated out upon the broad bosom of the Mis-
sissipi)i. Turning their canoes down the mighty stream, a few days
later they came to what is now the State of Illinois, opposite the city
of Dubuque, Iowa, and were probably the first white men to see the
western part of the state.
On their way down the river ^Marquette and Joliet visited some of
the villages of the Illinois Indians in Southeastern Iowa, after which
they continued their voyage until they met with a tribe of Indians
whose language they coidd not understand, when they retraced their
steps and returned to the French settlements about IMichilimackinac.
They had been absent about four months and had traveled about two
thousand five hundred miles, through an unknown region, anchoring
at night in mid-stream to prevent attacks by foes, and to avoid any
rocks or rapids that might be in the river.
Joliet was a good topographer and prepared a map of the countrj'^
through which he and jNIarquette had passed. The reiJorts of their
voyage, when presented to the French authorities, made the knowledge
of the ]Mississippi's existence certain and it was not long until a move-
ment was started to claim the countrv drained bv it for France.
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 49
LA SAI.LK's expeditions
Robert Cavalier, Sieur tie la Salle, in \(\7i. was granted the
seigneury of Fort I'rontenac, where the eity of Kingston, Canada,
is now located, and on ]May 12, 1078, Louis XIV, then King of
France, granted him a permit to continue the explorations of Mar-
quette and Joliet, "tind a port for the king's ships in the (iulf of
3Iexico, discover the western parts of New France, and find a \\ay
to penetrate Mexico."
Nicholas Perrot had already made some explorations in the Illinois
country in l()71:"the missionaries Allouez and Dablon visited the Illi-
nois Indians in 1(572; and in 1073 Father ^Nlaniuette ascended the
Illinois and Desplaines rivers. The information gained from the
reports of these early explorers led La Salle to select the Illinois
River route as the best way to reach the Mississippi. His first attemj)t
ended in failure, chiefly because his preparations had not been care-
fullv made. As his desire was to explore the great river from its
source to its mouth, he sent Father Louis Hennepin in 1680 to lead
an expedition from the mouth of the Illinois River to the headwaters
of the Mississippi, and in April of that year Heimei)in reached the
Falls of St. Anthony, where the City of Minneapolis, Minnesota, now
stands.
Late in December, 1681, La Salle, accompanied by his lieutenant,
Henri de Tonti; .Taccivies de la ]Metairie, a notary; Jean ^Michel, a
surgeon; Father Zenobe 31endjre, a Recollet missionary, and "a num-
ber of Frenchmen carrying arms," started upon the second expedi-
tion to the mouth of the JMississipjji. After a weary journey in the
dead of winter, they arrived at- Peoria Lake on January 2.3, 1082.
La Salle had reached this ])oint about two years before, and had here
built Fort Creveeoeur (liroken Heart), so named because it was here
he had been forced to abandon his first expedition. A short rest was
taken at the old fort and on February (>, 1082, the whole party reached
the mouth of the Illinois. Here another halt of a week was made
until the Indian members of the expedition came up, their progress
having been impeded by the heavy snow and ice. On the 13th the
canoes started down the Mississippi and on i\])ril S. 1(582, I^a Salle
and Tonti jjassed through two of the channels that led to the (iulf of
Mexico. The next day La Salle formally took possession of all the
country drained by the great river and its ti'ibutaries in the name of
France, and conferred upon it the name of Louisiana, in lionor of
Louis XIV, the French king. Under this claim Illinois became a
dependency of France.
50 HISTORY^ OF STARK COUNTY
Before the close of the year 1682 settlements were established by
the French at Kaskaskia and Cahokia — the oldest settlements on the
INlississippi River. A little later settlements or trading posts were
established at Fort Chartres, Prairie du Rocher, Prairie du Pont and
Peoria. To the French therefore belongs the honor of founding the
first settlements within the limits of the present State of Illinois.
It is not surprising that in time a conflict of interests arose among
the English, French and Spanish. Spain claimed the interior of the
continent by virtue of De Soto's discovery of the ]Mississippi River.
England had sent no expeditions into the interior, but upon the dis-
coveries made by the Cahots claimed the country "from sea to sea."
Neither Sjiain nor England made any attempt to found settlements
in the ^Mississippi Valley. The claim of La Salle was acknowledged
by other European nations after some dispute and hesitation and
France remained in control of the great valley for more than three-
quarters of a century. At the beginning of the eighteenth centiuy
the English settlements occupied the Atlantic coast from INlaine to
Georgia; Spain was in possession of the Peninsula of Florida and that
part of the Gulf coast not included in Louisiana: and France held
the Valley of the St. Lawrence, the Great Lake Basin and the
Mississippi Valley.
In 1712 the French Government granted to Antoine Crozat, a
wealthy merchant of Paris, a charter giving him exclusive control of
the Louisiana trade under certain conditions. But when his agents
arrived in the Gulf of ^Mexico they found the Spanish ports closed to
Crozat's ships, for Spain, while recognizing France's claim to Loui-
siana, as based upon the discovery of La Salle, A\as jealous of French
ambitions. xAfter five years, tired of -constantly combating the Spanisli
ojiposition and other difKculties, Crozat surrendered his charter.
Crozat was succeeded by the INIississijjpi Company, which A\as
organized by John I^aw as a branch of the Bank of France. In 1718
Law^ sent about eight hundred colonists to Louisiana and the next
year Philipe Renault went up the ]Mississippi to the Illinois country
with about two himdred colonists. He reestablished the settlement
at Kaskaskia and laid the foundations of the settlements at Prairie du
Rocher and Prairie du Pont. Law AA-as a good promoter, but a poor
executive. In 1720 his whole scheme collajised and so dismal was the
failure that his company is known in history as the "^Nlississijjpi Bub-
ble." In 1730 the white i)opulation of the French settlements in the
Illinois country was about three hundred and fifty, and in 1732 Law
surrendered his charter and Louisiana again became a French crown
province.
lilSTOUV OF STAUK COLNTV 51
l-'KEXCir AND INDIAN AVAR
111 the iiicaiitinif the English had l)eeii gnulually ])iishiiig the
frontier of their eivihzation farther westward. As early as 1()(>7 the
Hudson's Bay Company had been organized and its trappers and trad-
ers passed freely among the Indian tribes around the Great Lakes and
in the Upper .Mississippi \'alley, despite the French claim to the
territory and oblivious to the French protests against their trespasses.
The attack of the Fox Indians on the French post at Detroit in 1712
was incited by the English traders. iVgain in 1730 the English and
Dutch traders infiuenced some of the tril)es to make war on the French
in the hope of driving them from the country. The first open rupture
between France and England did not come until 17.53, when the
former began the establishment of a line of forts from the Great
Lakes to the Ohio Kiver, for the pur])osc of holding back the threat-
ened English occupation of the Ohio \'alley. The French claimed
that the Allegheny JNIountains formed a natural boundary, west of
whieli the British had no right to pass. One of the French forts was
located upon land claimed by Virginia, and (Governor Dinwiddie of
that colony sent George ^Vashington, then just turned twenty-one, to
demand of the French commandant an explanation of this invasion
of English territory while the nations were at peace. The reply A\as
unsatisfactory, not to say insolent, and in 1754 Washington was sent
into the disputed territory with a detachment of troo])s. having been
promoted to lieutenant-colonel.
Some years before this a charter had been granted by the British
Government to an association called the Ohio Company. The charter
carried with it a large tract of country and the right to trade with the
Indians on the Great Miami River. In 17.50 the Ohio Company built
a fort and opened a trading post near the site of the present Citj^ of
Piqua. Ohio. The Canadian authorities, regarding this as an en-
croachment upon French territory, sent a body of soldiers and Indians
to break up the post. The Ohio Com]iany then began a ne\v ]K>st at
the head of the Ohio River, where the City of Pittsi)urgli is now-
located, but again they were driven away by the French. Part of
Washington's instructions in 175-1 was "to complete the fort already
commenced by the Ohio Comi)any at the forks of the Ohio, and to
capture, kill or drive out all who attem])te(l to interfere with the
English posts."
.Vn order of this kind naturally aroused the indignation of the
French and in Mav, 17.5(). that nation formallv declared war against
52 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
England. The conflict that followed is known in American history
as the "French and Indian war," which in the end had a great iniluence
upon the history of the Illinois country. After keeping the Indian
tribes and Ajnerican colonies in a state of tvn-nioil for several years,
the war was concluded by the treaty of Fontainebleau on November
3, 17()2, by which France ceded that ])art of Louisiana lying east of
the ^Mississippi River (except the City of New Orleans and the island
upon which it is situated) to Great Britain. The treaty was ratified
by the treaty of Paris on February 10. 1768, and on the same day it
was announced that, by an agreement jireviously made in secret, all
that part of Louisiana lying west of the ^Nlississijjpi was ceded to
Sjjain. Through the operation of these two treaties the jurisdiction
of France came to an end in what is now the LTnited States and
Illinois became a British jjossession.
]Many of the French subjects living east of the INIississippi refused
to acknowledge allegiance to Cireat Britain ami removed to the west
side of the river. When the English colonies in America became in-
volved in war with the JNIother Country in 177.>, a large number of the
French, who had formerly lived in Illinois, recrossed the river and
joined the colonists in their struggle for independence.
Clark's conquest of the northwest
In the territory acquired by England by the treaty of 1763, several
posts had been established by the French, prior to the cession. Near
the present City of East St. Louis was Cahokia. Forty-five miles
down the river was St. Philippe. A few miles below St. Philippe were
Prairie du Rocher and Nouvelle Chartres (on the site of the old fort
of that name), and a little farther south was Kaskaskia. On the
Wabash River, in what is now the State of Indiana, were the posts of
Ouiatenon and Vincennes, and still farther north was Detroit, the
most important post of all. These posts Avere occupied by the British
at the beginning of the Revolutionary war.
In 1777 George Rogers Clark, a colonel of the Virginia line, sent
two spies — Samuel INIoore and Benjamin Liim — into the Illinois
country disguised as hunters to ascertain the conditions there. LTpon
their return they reported the population of Cahokia as 300 whites and
100 negroes; that a few French families Avere living at St. Philijjpe
and Prairie du Rocher; that Kaskaskia consisted of eighty houses,
500 white inhabitants and nearly as many negroes; that in none of the
posts was the garrison very strong, and that many of the French
inhabitants were friendly to the American cause.
HISTORY OF STAllK COUXTY 53
Armed with this inloriiiation, Chirk Merit before the Viroinia
Assembly and presented a phm for the overthrow of British power in
the Mississippi Valley. On Jannary 2, 1778, the Assembly voted
£1,200 to defray the expenses of the expedition and the same day
Governor Patriek Henry gave Colonel Clark seeret instruetions au-
thori/ing him to raise seven companies of fifty men each, ol)tain boats
at Fort Pitt (Pittsburgh) for the transportation of troops, ammmii-
tion and supplies down the Ohio River, "and during the whole trans-
aetion you are to take especial care to kee]) the true destination of
your forces secret. '
Clark raised but four of the seven companies. These four, com-
manded by Captains John Montgomery, Joseph Bowman, Leonard
Helm and \Villiam Ilarrod, rendezvoused on Corn Island, in the Ohio
Ri\er, not far from the present City of Louisville, Kentucky. On
June 24, 1778, the little ai-my left the island and droi)i)ed down the
Ohio, Clark's intention beiirg to ascend the \\'abash and attack the
])ost at ^^incennes first. Circumstances caused him to change his plan
and begin his campaign at Kaskaskia. Leaving the boats at the
mouth of the Tennessee Rivei-, Clark marched his force across the
country to Kaskaskia, which place was captured without opposition
on the night of Jidy 4, 1778.
The inhabitants were treated with every consideration and some
of them joined Captain Bowman, who was sent up the river Avith his
com])any to capture the post at Cahokia. Here another bloodless
victory was won and the inhabitants cheerfully took the oath of alle-
giance to Virginia. Clark then commenced his preparations for the
reduction of the ])ost at Vincennes. Father Pierre (ribault, who liad
been in charge of the parishes between the Wabash and ^Mississippi
rivers for ten years, volunteered to bring the people of A'incennes
over to the American interests without any military demonstration,
provided his name should not be used openly in the transaction and
that Dr. Jean Baptiste LafFont, a ])hysician of Kaskaskia. might be
cliarged with the temporal i)art of the mission.
The priest anil the doctor, with tlieir attendants, left Kaskaskia
on the 14th of July, with an address to the ])co])le of Vincennes au-
thorizing them to garrison their own town. etc. They succeeded in
their embassy and Clark placed the post under the command of Capt.
Leonard Helm, who was also appointed Indian agent for the dcjiart-
ment of the Wabash.
So far everything had worked well and Clark had succeeded be-
yond his most sanguine expectations. But late in the fall Henry
54 HISTUllV OF STAllK COUNTY
Hamilton, the British lieutenant-governor at Detroit, eolleeted a force
of thirty regulars, fifty French volunteers and 400 Indians, with
which he descended the Wabash and on December 1.5, 1778, recap-
tured the post at Vincennes. No attempt was made by the inhabitants
to defend the place. They were disarmed and Captain Helm wa.s
detained as a prisoner of war. When this unfortunate event occurred
Clark was making his preparations for his advance upon 13etroit, but
now he deemed it more important to take and hold Vincennes.
On January 29, 1779, Francis Vigo, a Spanish merchant who liad
been at Vincennes, arrived at Kaskaskia and gave Clark the informa-
tion that Hamilton had weakened his garrison by sending his Indians
against the frontier settlements: that the garrison did not number
more than seventy-tive or eighty men, and that the plan was to have
the Indians gather at Vincennes eai-ly in the spring for the purpose
of driving the Virginians from Kaskaskia and Cahokia. Ui^on learn-
ing these things Clark realized that there was no time to be lost. On
February 4, 1779, Capt. John Rogers and forty-six men embarked
on a large keel-boat, with two four-pounders and four swivels and a
su])ply of ammunition and provisions, under instructions to drop down
the ^lississippi and ascend the Ohio and AVabash rivers with all sjiecd
jiossible, while Clark, with the remainder of his force and some French
volunteers marched across the country.
Crossing the Kaskaskia River, Clark followed the old trail be-
tween the two posts imtil he reached the Embarrass River, near the
present City of Lawrenceville, where the flooded condition of the
country caused him to change his course and he struck the \A'abash
River about ten miles below the post. The march was one of great
hardshijis. the men often wading in water up to their waists and the
rations were limited for the greater portion of the march. Notwith-
standing all the obstacles, on the morning of February 18, 1779, they
were near enough to the fort to hear Hamilton's morning gun. Three
days later, two canoes having been found, the men were ferried over
the ^Vabash not far from the j^resent Town of St. Francisville.
In his account of the expedition Clark says: "Our fate was now
to be determined, probably in a few hours. We knew that nothing Init
the most daring conduct would insure success." Confident that some
of the inhabitants were friendly to the American cause, and believing
that he had some friends among the Indians, Clark inaugurated his
"daring conduct" polic_y by writing the following address:
IIISTORV OF STARK COUNTY 55
"To the Inhabitants of Post Viiicennes:
"Gentlemen — Bein,i>' now within two miles of your villa<);e, with
my army, determined to takeyoui- fort this night, and not heini>- \villiiii>-
to surprise you, I take this method to request sueh of you as are true
eiti/ens and willing to enjoy the liberty I brin<)- you. to remain still in
your houses. And those, if any there be. that are friends to the king-,
will instantly repair to the fort and join the hair-buyer general, and
tight like men. And if any sueh as do not go to tlie i'ort shall be dis-
covered afterwards, they may depend on severe punishment. On the
contrary, those who are true friends to liberty may depend on being-
well treated, and 1 once more recpiest them to keep out of the streets.
For every one I find in arms on my arrival I shall treat him as an
enemy.
"G. R. Claimv."
After sending this by messenger, Clark l)egan to maneuvei- his
force in such a way as to make it appear much more formidable then
it really was. A few horses had been captured from some hunters near
the i)ost. These were now mounted by the officers, who rode about in
all directions, as though carrying orders. There were several stands
of colors, each of which was fixed on a long jjole and carried so that
it could l)e seen above the top of one of the ridges, while the man who
carried it remained out of view. These maneuvers were kept up until
dark, wiien the direction of the ad\ance was suddenly changed and
before the inhabitants were aware of what was taking place Clark had
gained the heights back of the village. Lieutenant liaylej' advanced
with fourteen men and opened fire upon the fort, the main body taking
])ossession of the town.
\Vithout going into details regarding the events of the next forty-
eight lioin's, early on the morning of the "i-ith Clark sent the following
communication to Hamilton under a flag of truce:
"Sir: In order to save yourself from the impending storm that
now threatens you, I order you immediately to surrender yourself,
\vith all your garrison, stores, etc. Foi- if I am obliged to storm,
you may depend on such treatment as is justly due to a murderer.
Beware of destroying stores of any kind, or any jjapers or letters that
are in your possession, or hurting one house in town — for, by Heavens !
if you do. there shall be no mercy shown you.
"G. R. Clakk."
Hamilton replied that he and his garrison were not disposed "to
be awed into any action unworthy British subjects." and the attack
56 HISTORY OF STARK COUXTY
on the fort was renewed. Some of the men begged to be permitted to
storm the fort, but Clark knew he had no men to spare and kept his
solchers from exposing themselves as much as possible. In the after-
noon Hamilton asked for a truce for three days, which Clark denied,
and even refused to go to the gate of the fort for a conference, fearing
treachery on the part of the British commander, who liad won the
appellation of "the hair-buyer general" through his custom of paying-
Indians a certain price for American scalps. However, Clark offered
to meet Hamilton at the church, some eighty yards from the fort, and
requested that Captain Helm, who was still a prisoner, be present at
the jjai-ley. The result of the meeting was the surrender of the fort,
with all its stores and munitions and Clark took possession at 10 o'clock
the next morning. Three days later Hamilton and liis troops took
their departure from Vincennes. During the siege Clark lost one man
wounded, while the British casualties amounted to seven wounded.
Virginia claimed the territory captured by Colonel Clark and in
October, 1778, the Legislature of that colony passed an act providing
tliat the conquered region should comprise the "County of Illinois,"
of A\hich Col. John Todd was appointed county lieutenant in the
spring of 1779. Soon after receiving his commission Colonel Todd
visited Vincennes and Kaskaskia and organized in each place a tem-
porary government, in accordance witli the provisions of the act
creating the county.
The importance of Colonel Clark's conquest can hardly be over-
estimated. By the treaty of Sei^tember 3, 1783. which ended the
Revolutionary war. the western boundary of the United States \vas
fixed at the JNIississippi River. Had it not been for the action of
Colonel Clark and his little band of heroes in driving the British out
of tile 31ississip2)i ^"alley, the chances are that the treaty would have
applied only to the territory included in the thirteen original colonies,
the western boundary of which would in all probability have been fixed
along the summit of the Apj^alachian ]Mountains, and the interior of
the continent would have remained an English possession. In 1784.
Virginia relinquished her claim to the region and Illinois became
territory of the United States. By the Ordinance of 1787 the country
ac(]uired by and through tlie campaign of Colonel Clark — lying north
and west of the Ohio River — was organized as the Xoithwest
Territory.
In 1800 all the Northwest Territory, except the present State of
Ohio, was erected by an act of Congress into the Territory of Indiana,
of M-Iiich Illinois formed a part. On February 3. 1809. President
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 57
Jeft'erisou approved tlic act uiaking lUiiujis a separate territory and
appointed Xinian Edwards governor. At that time there were but
two organized counties within tlie present state limits — Randolph and
St. Clair. Immigration itito the new territory was ra])id and on April
18, 1818, I'resident Monroe approved the "Enabling Act," which
authorized the people of Illinois to elect delegates to a constitutional
convention and adopt a constitution, preparatory to admission into
the Union as a state. The convention assembled at Kaskaskia in
July, the constitution was ratitied by the people and a])proved by
Congress, and on IJecember .'3. 1818, Illinois was formally admitted
to statehood. The two counties of 1809 have been multiplied until
there are now 102 counties in the state. Stark became a separate and
independent county in 1839.
Having thus briefly traced the evolution of Stark County, step by
steji, let us recapitulate. In 1.543 the territory now comprising the
comity was claimed by Spain. Through the claim of La Salle, made
on ^Vpril 9, 1682, it was included in I^ouisiana and became a part of
the French possessions in iVmerica. Ry the treaty of February 10,
17(i"J. which ended the French ami Indian war, it was ceded to Great
Rritain and remained a dependency of that government until the re-
duction of the Rritish posts by George Rogers Clark in 1778. It was
then a part of ^"irginia until 1784, when it was ceded l)y that state to
the United States. Ry the Ordinance of 1787 it was made a part of
the Northwest Territory. From 1800 to 1809 it formed a part of the
Territory' of Indiana. It was then included in the Territory of Illi-
nois, which was admitted to statehood in 1818, when Stark was still
lield by the IndiaTis. Ry the treaty of Chicago, Se])tember 2(), 1833.
the IniUan title to the land was extinguished and the white man came
into full possession.
What were once the hunting grounds of the Pottawatomi Indians
are now cultivated fields. Where once was the Indian trail is now
tile railroad. The whistle of the locomotive has sup])Ianted the war-
whooj) of the savage. The tepee of the red man has given way to the
schoolhouse and the halls of legislation have taken the place of the
trilial council. Indian villages have disappeared and in their stead
have come the towns of civilization, with paved streets, electric lights,
public libraries and all the evidences of modern progress. To tell the
story of this progress is the aim of the subsequent chapters of this
liistorv.
CHAPTER V
SETTLEINIEXT OF STARK COUXTY
AX 01,I) TKAUIXG POST EA'ELAND AND KOSS ISAAC B. ESSEX THE (JKIG-
IXAL I'lOXEEK FIRST CA15IX IX STAKK COUXTY LIST OF SETTLERS
EACH YEAR TO 1839 PIOXEER LIFE AXD CUSTOMS THE HOUSE
RAISIXG FURXITURE AXD UTEXSILS SWAPPIXG AVORK A:MUSE-
3IEXTS AXD PASTI3IES ilARKIXG xVXIMALS THE OLD TRAPI'ER's
SOLILOQUY'.
During the French occupation of the Illinois Valley a trading
jjost was established at the site of the old Peoria Indian village, near
the outlet of Peoria Lake. When Illinois was organized as a territory
in 1809 and Ninian Edwards was appointed governor, this post Avas
still in existence. Shortly after the beginning of the War of 1812
Governor Edwards became convinced of the sympathy of the inhabi-
tants with the British cause. He therefore ordered the inhabitants
banished and the seventy houses that then constituted the village de-
stroyed. ^Vhile the post was in existence, no doubt some of the traders
there dealt with the Indians who lived within the present borders of
Stark County, and these traders were probably the first white men to
visit this portion of the state. They made no settlements away from
the post, however, and it was not until some years later that the atten-
tion of immigrants was attracted to the fertile Spoon River Valley.
In 1828 AVilliam Eveland and Harvey L. Ross, accompanied by
the French interpi-eter, Edouard Plude, left Lewistown. Fulton
County, with a wagon loaded with goods for the piu'pose of trading
with the Indians in Peoria, Stark and Knox counties of the present
day. They were gone nearly a month, when they returned to Lewis-
town, where they re])orted a jjrofitable trade, and that they found ])ut
two white settlers north of the Town of Canton.
In the fall of that year Isaac B. Essex came to the SjJoon River
Valley and selected a claim in section 1.5, township 12, range 6. He
remained there long enough to cut logs and make the clapboards for a
cabin, after which he returned to the "Sliual Creek Colony," M'here
58
HlSTOllY OF STARK COUNTY 59
the ti-a(liii^i>- i)()st had hceii destroyed hy order of Governor Edwards,
and there passed the winter. In April, IS'il), equipped witli two
horses and a wagon laden with tools and supplies, and accompanied
by his Avil'e and little children, he set out for his home on the frontier.
Pausing for a short time at the settlement known as "Prince's Grove,"
a short distance northwest of the jjresent Town of Prineeville, he there
enlisted the cooperation of Daniel Prince, Frank Thomas, two Baptist
preachers — Elders Silliman and Allen — Simon Reed, Stephen French,
and periiaps one or two others, all of whom agreed to go with him to
his claim and assist him in building his cabin. They arrived at the
place late in the day and encamped the first night in the woods, but
before sunset of the next day the cal)in was completed and they "had
a house to sleep in." This cal)in was the first dwelling erected by
civilized man within the ])resent limits of Stark County.
Isaac B. Essex was born in Virginia in January. 1800. From his
native state he went to Ohio, and while still a young man came to
Illinois and was appointed teacher to the Indian children by Rev.
Jesse "Walker, the first INIethodist minister in the state. After teach-
ing a short time he took up a claim on the l)ank of the INIississippi
River a short distance Ijelow Rock Island. Here he laid out a town,
which he called Quebec, but the project failed and he went to I'eoria,
or the Shoal Creek Colony, where he remained until he came to Stark
County. He continued to reside in Stark for many years, when he
went to Dongola. Union County, where he passed the closing years of
his life. Isaac B. Essex was a son of Thomas and Elizabeth Essex,
who were married in Virginia in IT'.'l. when he was twenty and she
eighteen years of age. They followed their son to Stark County,
where Elizabeth Essex died on January "iO. 18.53, and her husband
followed her to the grave on May 1.), 18.53. Essex Townshii). where
thej^ first settled, was named in honoi- of this pioneer family. Others
of the Essex family who settled in Stark County were Thomas. Jr.,
William, David and Josej)h. l)rothers of Isaac, and a sister who was
the wife of David Cooper. Further mention of this family will be
found in the history of Essex Township.
The second wliite man to build a cabin in what is now Stark County
was John B. Dodge, who located in section 14, township 12, range 6.
not far from Mr. Essex. After a short residence there he entered
land in section 3 and his cabin in section 1-i was occupied by John E.
O wings. ]Mr. Dodge it seems was a i-estless sort of an individual, who
preferred life on the frontier and went to Texas aliout the time that
state was annexed to the Ignited States.
60 IllSTOllV OF STAllK COUNTY
III tlie spriiii^- of 1830 Eenjaiiiiii Smith, the father-in-law of John
li. Dodge, became a resident of tlie county. He was accompanied by
three others of the family — Sewell, Greenleaf and \\"illiam P. Smith
— and they built their cabin not far from that of JNIr. Dodge, ^\'illiam
D. Grant also came in 1830.
On the southeast corner of the public scjuare. in the Town of Tou-
lon, is a log cal)in which was erected by the Old Settlers' Association
and on August 2.5, 1898, it was dedicated to the "Old Settlers of
Stark Count)'." In the Toulon Public Library are two large, en-
grossed panels, framed and covered with glass, giving a list of the
county's pioneers to whom the cabin is dedicated. From this list it is
learned that the inhabitants of the county in 1831 were: Isaac B.
Essex, Thomas Essex, Sr., Joseph Essex, Henry Seely, Benjamin,
Greenleaf, Sewell and William P. Smith, David Cooper, Harris W.
IMiner, Sylvanus jMoore, David Gregory, AVilliam D. Grant, John
B. Dodge and Peter Sheets.
Those who came during the years 1832-33 were as follows: Par-
don B. Dodge, Conrad, Jacob and Joseph Emery, John P. Hays,
Jesse W. Heath, James Holgate, Elijah ]McClenahan, Sr., Elijah
McClenahan, Jr., James and Robert ^NlcClenahan, Isi-ael Seely,
iMinott Silliman, Lewis Sturms, Gen. Samuel Thomas and Jefferson
Trickle. In this list there are a few names that are still well remem-
bered in the county. IMinott Silliman, a son of the elder Silliman,
who helped Isaac Essex to build the first cabin in the county, was the
first treasurer of Stark County. The first election in the county was
held at the house of Elijah INIcClenahan, Sr., and Stephen Trickle
was a member of the first board of county commissioners.
In 1834, according to the list, twenty-two families were added to
the population, to wit: George Albright, Augustus Bailey, Isaac
Chatfield, Giles C. Dana, Daniel Davis, John Finley, Xelson Grant,
Charles Lake, Henry McClenahan, William ^loore, Nero Mounts,
Joseph Newton, William Parks, Charles Pierce, Ira and Lyman
Riddle, Thomas Scott, Peter Shafer. Robert Sharer, Henry Sturms,
jNIathias Stin-ms, Dexter Wall and Thomas Winn.
The next year witnessed even a larger increase, as thirty-two
pioneers settled within the county. They were: Thomas Bradford,
James Buswell, Capt. Henry Butler, Henry Butler, Jr.. Samuel But-
ler, Jarville Chaffee, David Currier. Peter Davidson, John Davis,
Augustus Dunn, Barnabas Frail, Hugh Frail, John B. Howard,
James and Robert IMoore, Benjamin Newton, George Parker, Adam,
Lewis and Swift Perrv, John T. Phenix, Peter Pratt, Doctor Rich-
OLD sKT'ri.iats' (Ai;i.\, kh mi.n
U3RARY
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
URBANA
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 61
ards, jMiltoii and Silas Richards, ^Vhitney Smith, Isaac Spencer,
Nathaniel Swartz, James Thompson, Stephen Trickle, Thomas Watts
and Calvin Winslow.
In the year 18:30 the immigration passed the hall'-centm-y mark,
over fifty new residents establishing their homes in Stark Couiil> .
Those wiio came this year were: John W. Agard. Ephraim Rarnett.
J. II. Rarnett. Moses Roardman, Charles Rolt. William Rowen.
jNIyrtle G. Rrace, Henry Rreese, E. S. Rroadhead, John Rrowii,
Jacob Claybangh. Henry Colwell, Presley Colwell, Enoch and Nathan
Cox, Lemnel Horrance, Andrew Dray, Ezekiah and Martin Dukes,
William Dunbar, George R. Eckley, Lewis Finch. Rrady Fowler.
Orange Fuller. Frank Grady. George, John. Langley. Robert and
William Hall, Smith Hayes, John W. and Col. William Henderson.
Renjamin F. Hilliard, Philip Keller, Joseph 1). Lane. Joseph K.
Lane, Nathaniel JMcClure, William JNIahany, Richar<l Maskel. John
.Miller, Josiah lAIofKt, Howard Ogle. William Ogle. A^irgil Pike. John
Pratz, Christopher Sammis, Sumner Shaw, Aslnn- Smith, Jacob Smith.
John Spencer, Andrew Swartz, Edward Trickle, Horace Vail, Archi-
bald and Charles Vandyke, John White, Nehemiah Wycoft".
Those who settled in the co\inty in 18:57 Avere: P. J. Anschutz,
Zebulon Avery, Carson and John Rerfield, Nelson Ronham. Dr.
Alfred Castle," Thomas S. Clark, \Villiam Cue, Adam Day, W. W.
Drummond, Calvin and Stephen Eastman, Joseph and Levi Eckley,
Caleb Flint, Ansil Fuller, Luther Geer, Joshua Grant, David Guyer,
Dr. Thomas Hall, John Hamilton. Aaron Harvey, Harry Hays,
John Hester, Jonathan Hodgson, 1). S. Ilurd, Theodore F. Ilurd,
Henry T. Ives, Lemuel R. Leonard, AVilliam Lyall, Thomas Lyle,
Thomas McNaught, Abiah JNIanning, Newton Matthews, Orin INIax-
field, Charles H. and Rev. Jonathan ^Miner. Adam and Thomas
Oliver, Stephen Ordway, Joseph Palmer. Rnloff and Squire Parrish,
Joseph Perry, Isaac Polhamus, P^dward Porter, William Porter,
Calvin Powell, Sr., William Pratt, Ren.jamiii Ricker, W. W. Riggin.
Robert Rule, David, Jacob and John Simmerman. Israel Stoddard,
liberty Stone. John F. Tbom])son, Charles Todd. John Turnbull.
AN'illiam Wheeler, Oliver Whitaker and Ilewes White.
The list of settlers for 1838 includes the following: Philander
Arnold, Royal Arnold, David W. Rrown, Timothy and AVilliam
Carter. Riley Chamberlain, Dr. Ebenezer Clarfield. John Culbertson.
John CurdifF. Eli jab Eltzi'otb. Joshua Gilfillan. Christian (Tingrich.
Daniel Gingrich. Daniel Hodgson, H. M. Jackson, Jonathan H. anf^
James Jackson, John Lackey, Caleb Lyon, David Rouse, Philip
62 HISTOllY OF STAllK COUNTY
Shaner, John and Nathan Snare, Levi Stephens, Jacob Stites,
Lunian Thurston, Robert Turnbull, Cyril ^Vard, Ira \Vard and
Joseph H. Wilhcr.
In JNlarch, IH'M, the Legislature of Illinois passed the act provid-
ing for the organization of Stark County. During that year the
following persons and their families settled in the new county: James
L. Ayers, Jeremiah Bennett, Joseph and William D. Blancliard,
Samuel Camp, Alexander Christy, Asa Currier, Luther Driscoll,
Ellis Uwire. F. W. Emery, James Headly, George Jackson, Sheri-
dan Jones, John Me^^^illiams, ^Villiam Mason, E. C. Merritt, John
Pryor, John Kiggin, John Kussell, Benjamin Turner and ^^^ A.
Walters.
Tile above list of pioneers, compiled as it is from the records of
the Old Settlers' Association, is probably as nearly correct as it can
be made and includes a majority, if not all, of those who settled in the
county prior to its organization. Further mention of many of these
early settlers, giving the places where they located and some account
of their achievements, will be found in the chapter on Township
History.
PIONEER LIFE AND CUSTC^MS
Looking back over a period of four score and six years, to the
time when Isaac B. Essex built his lonely cabin on the banks of the
Spoon River, about two and a half miles southwest of the present
Town of Wyoming, it occurs to the writer that the young people of
the present generation may find some interest in learning how the first
settlers in Stark County lived. Imagine a vast unbroken tract of
country, interspersed with forest and prairie, stretching away toward
the JNIississippi River, with but few white settlers between the Shoal
Creek Colony at Peoria and the great Father of Waters. It was into
this wild region that the Stark County pioneers came — not as con-
(|uerers, seeking to enrich themselves with the spoils of a vanquished
foe, but, armed with axes, rifles and farming utensils, they came to
coiKjuer and subdue the wilderness, build roads, schoolhouses and
churches, and develop the resources of a state that today ranks second
to none in the American LTnion.
One of the first things that confronted the pioneer was the neces-
sity oi' some sort of shelter for himself and family. The manner in
whicli the first cabin in Stark County was l)uilt has ah'eady been told.
Sometimes two or more families woidd come into a new country to-
gether. In such cases one cabin Mould be erected, in which all would
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 63
live- tugetlier until each settler could stake his ckiui and build a dwell-
ing of his own. liun)ber and brick were luxuries unknown to the
frontier settlement, hence the log cabin was the universal type of
residence. The first cabins were built of round logs, but a little later
some of the more aristocratic citizens put up hewed log houses. And
what an event was a "house-raising" in a new settlement.
After the settler had cut his logs and dragged them to the site of
the cabin — quite likely with a team of oxen — invitations were sent to
the neighbors, some of whom lived several miles distant, to attend the
"raising." Verv seldom was such an invitation declined. AVhen all
were assembled the first thing was to select four men, skilled in the
use of the ax. to "carry up the corners." It was the duty of these
four men to take their stations at the four corners of the cabin and, as
the logs were lifted up to them, to shape a "saddle" upon the top of
each log and cut a notch in the under side of the next to fit upon the
saddle. The notch in the butt end of the log had to be cut a little
deeper than the one in the top end, in order that the walls nnght be
carried u]) ap])roximately level, a work that was aided by alternating
the butt and top ends of the logs on each side and end of the cabin.
No plumb line was used to keep the walls perjiendicular, that \nivt oi'
the woik depending upon the eye of the cornerman.
No openings were left for doors and windows, l)ut these were
sawed or chopped out afterward. i\t one end an opening was made
for the fireplace, just outside of which was constructed a chimney.
If stone was convenient the chimney was built of stone: if not it was
built of sticks and claJ^ The roof was invariably of cla])boards, split
or "rived" with an instrument called a frow, and were held in place
bv a pole running the full length of the cabin and fastened to the end
logs with wooden pins. The floor, if there was one, was made of
l)unchcons — that is, slabs of timber s])lit as nearly the same thickness
as ])()ssible and smoothed ofi' on the ui)])er surface after the floor was
laid. The door was also made of thin puncheons, hung on wooden
hinges and provided with a wooden latch. To lift the latch from the
outside a thong of Inickskin was passed through a small hole in the
door. At night the latch string was drawn inside and the door was
locked. This custom gave rise to the saying, "The latch string is
always out." used to signify that a visitor would be welcome at any
time. Nails were rare and not infrequently the entire cabin Mould be -
finished without a single piece of iron being used in its construction.
The furniture was usually of the "home-made" variety and of the
simplest character. Holes bored in the logs of the walls and fitted
^4 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
with pins, upon wliicli boards were laid, formed the "china closet."
Smaller pins driven into the walls were used to hang clothing on and
constituted the only "wardrobe" of the family. Boards taken from
packing cases, or claplioards, battened together, formed the top of a
table, which was supported on two trestles. When not in use, the top
of the table could be leaned against the wall, or set outside the cabin,
and the trestles could be placed one on top of the other to make more
room. In one corner of the cabin was the bedstead, which was made
by boring holes in the logs at a suitable distance from the corner for
the length and width of a bed and inserting poles, which were sup-
ported at the outer corner by a post. Across this framework clap-
boards were laid, one end resting on the "bed rail" and the other in a
crack of the cabin, and on these boards was placed the "straw tick."
Benches and stools took the place of chairs. A few immigrants
brought with them a little factory made furniture and a sash tilled
with glass for a cabin window, but in a majority of cases the furniture
was "liome made." and light was admitted through oiled paper in-
stead of glass.
Stoves were unknown and the cooking was done at the tireplace,
an iron teakettle, a copper-bottomed coffee pot, a long-handled skillet
and a large iron pot being the principal cooking utensils. The skillet
was used for frying meat and baking bread and the iron pot was used
in the preparation of the "boiled dinner." While doing the cooking
the housewife often wore a deep sunbonnet to protect her face fi-om
the heat of the open fire. "Johnny cake" was made by spreading a
stiff dough of corn meal upon one side of a smooth board and pro])])ing
it up in front of the fire. AVhen one side was baked sufiiciently. the
dough would be turned over so that the other side might have its
inning. A liberal supply of johnny cake and a bowl of fresh milk
often constituted the only supper of the pioneer.
Somewhere in the cabin, two hooks, formed from the forks of
small trees, Avould be pinned against the Avail or to one of the ujjper
joists for a gun rack. Here rested the long, heavy rifle of the settler
and suspended from its muzzle 6r one of the hooks hung the bullet-
jiouch and powder-horn.
After the "house-raising" came the "house-warming." A new-
cabin was hardly considered fit to live in until it had been properly
dedicated. In nearly every frontier settlement there was at least one
man who could play the violin. The "fiddler" was called into requisi-
tion and the new cabin would become a "sound of revelry by night."
The two-step, the tango or the hesitation waltz were not known, but
HISTOKV OF STARK C'OLXTV 65
the Virginia reel, the stately luimiet or the old-fashioned cotillion, in
which someone called the figures in a stenotorian voice, were very
much in evidence. It is doubtful if the guests at a presidential
inaugural ball ever derived as much genuine pleasure from the occa-
sion as did these peojjle of tlie frontier at a house-wariuiiig. If the
owner of the cabin had scruples against dancing, the house was warmed
by festivities of a different character, but it iiad to be "warmed" in
some way before the family took full possession.
How easy it is at the present time to enter a i-oom at night, turn a
switch and flood the whole place with electric light! It was not so
four score years ago in Stark County. The ho\isewife devised a lamp
bj- ushig a shallow dish, in which was placed a quantity of lard or
bear's grease. In this grease was immersed a loosely twisted rag, one
end of which was allowed to project slightly over one side, and the
projecting end was lighted. The smoke and odor emitted by such a
lamp could hardly be endured by fastidious ])ersons of the present
day, but it answered the purpose then and gave light enough to enable
the good woman to perform her household duties. Next came the
tallow candle, made in moulds of tin. Sometimes only one set of
candle moulds could be found in a new settlement and they passed
freely from liouse to Iiouse until all had a supply of candles laid away
in a cool, dry place sufficient to last for many weeks. Often, during
the winter seasons, the family would spend the evening with no light
except that which came from the roaring fire in the great fire])lace.
Xo one Avore "store clothes" in the early days. The housewife
would card her wool by hand M'ith a pair of broad-backed Avire brushes,
the teeth of which were slightly bent all in one direction. Then the
rolls would be spun into yarn on an old-fashioned spinning wheel.
She would next weave the yarn into cloth u]}on the old wooden hand
loom and make it into garments for the members of the family, doing
all the sewing with a needle. A girl sixteen j'^ears of age, who could
not spin her "six cuts" a day and make her own dresses Avas hard to
find in a new settlement. How many graduates of the Stark County
high schools in 1910 know what "six cuts" means ^
In these days, with plenty of money in circulation, when anyone
needs assistance he hires someone to come and hel]) him. When the
first white men came to Stark County, money was exceedingly scai'ce
and they overcame the difficulty by helping each other. Cooperation
was the rule. All the settlers in a commimity would join in raising a
cabin for a newcomer, although a total stranger. If a clearing was
made in the timl)er they would all join in the "log-rolling." l?v this
66 IIISTOHV OF STARK COUNTY
means the logs Mould be ijiled in great heaps, so that they could be
burned. The same system was followed in harvest time. Fre(iuently
ten or a dozen men would gather in a neighbor's wheat tield, and while
some would swing the cradle others would bind the sheaves and shock
them, after which the whole crowd would move on to the next field
where the Avheat was ripe, and so on imtil the entire crop of the neigh-
borhood was cared for, or at least made ready for threshing. Xo
threshing machines had as yet made their a))pearance and the grain
was separated from the straw with a flail or tramped out by horses or
cattle upon a smooth piece of ground, or upon a barn floor, if the
settler was fortunate enough to have a barn \vith a floor that was
suitable.
And the community of interests, the custf)m of "swapping work,"
did not apply alone to the men. ^Vhile they were raising the cabin,
rolling the logs or harvesting the wheat, the "women folks" would get
together and prepare dinner, each one bringing from her own store
some delicacy that she thought the others might not be able to supply.
If the weather was pleasant the table would be set out of doors. Bear
meat and venison took the place of terrapin and canvas-back duck,
but each man had a good ai)petite by the time the meal was ready and
the quality of the food was not criticized. The main thing was to
have plenty of it, and when they arose from the table it "looked like
a cyclone had struck it." Each family had its turn and by the time
the year rolled around no one suffered any disadvantage in the amoimt
of food consumed.
Now, when a family needs a supjily of breadstuff, all that is neces-
sary is to step to the telephone and order the grocer to send out a sack
or a barrel of flour, but in the early days going to mill was no light
affair. ]\Iills were few and far a])art and the settler would often
have to go such a distance that two or three days, or even more, AAOuld
be required to make the trip. To obviate this difficulty various meth-
ods were introduced for making at home corn meal — which was the
principal breadstuff of the first settlers. One of these methods was
to build a fire upon the top of a large stump of some hard wood and
keep it burning until a hollow was formed. The charred wood was
then carefully cleaned out of the "mortar," corn poured in small quan-
tities into the mortar and beaten into a coarse meal with a hard wood
"pestle" or a smooth stone. In the fall of the year, before the corn
was fully hardened, the "grater" was brought into requisition. This
implement was made by launching holes closely together through a
sheet of tin. which was then fastened to a board, rough side upward.
HISTOKV OF STARK COUNTY
67
so tliat the till woukl be slightly convex on the outer surface. Then
the corn would he rubbed over the i-ougli surface, the meal passing-
through the holes and sliding down the hoard into a vessel ])laced to
receive it. A slow and tedious process was this, but a bowl of mush
made from grated corn meal and accompanied by a generous supjily
of good milk formed a repast that was not to be sneered at, and one
wiiich no pioneer blushed to place before a visitor.
^latches were exceedingly rare and a little tire was always kept
somewhere about the cabin "for seed." During the fall, winter and
early spring months, the fire \\as kept in the fireplace, but when the
weatlier grew warm a fire was kept burning out of iloors. If, by
some misha]), the fire was allowed to become extinguished one of the
family would have to go to the nearest neighbor's for a new supply.
But if the pioneers had their hardships, they also had their amuse-
ments and pastimes. Old settlers can recall tlie shooting matches,
when men met to try their skill with the rifle, the i)ri/e being a turkey,
a haunch of venison or a (juarter of beef. And some of these old
pioneers with their hair-trigger rities, could hold their own with the
l)est of our military sharpshooters. Then there was the "husking bee,"
in which pleasure and profit were combined. On such occasions the
corn to he husked would be divided into two piles, as nearly etjual in
size as ])ossil)le. Two of the invited guests would then "choose up"
and divide those present into two sides, the contest being to see which
side woidd first finish its pile of corn, ^len and women alike took
])art and the young man who foimd a red ear was permitted by the
rules of the game to kiss the lassie next to him. "^Nlany a merry laugh
went round" when someone found the red ear and the lassie objected
to being kissed. Sometimes the young men would })lay an underhand
game by passing a red ear surreptitiously from one to another.
After the orchards were old enough to bear fruit, the "a])ple cut-
ting" became a popular form of amusement, when a numl)er of young
])eople would assemble to pare and slice enough apples to dry for the
winter's supjjly. The husking bee and the apple cutting nearly al-
ways wound up with a dance, the orchestra consisting of the one lone
fiddler in the neighborhood. lie might not have been a classic musi-
cian, but he could make his old fiddle respond to such tunes as "Turkey
in the Straw," "Money Musk," "The Bowery Gals," and "The ^Vind
That Shakes the Barley Fields," and he never grew tired in furnishing
the melody while the others tri])i)ed the light fantastic toe.
On grinding days at the old grist mill a number of men would
meet, and while waiting for their grists would pass the time in athletic
68 HISTORY OF STAKK COUXTV
contests, such as foot races, wrestling matches or iiitching horseslioes.
The women had their (luilting parties, and after the puhhc school
system was introchiced, the spelling school became a frequent place of
meeting. At the close of the s])elling match the young men could
"see the girls home," and if the acquaintance thus commenced ripened
into an intimacy that ended in a wedding, it was usually followed by
a charivari, or, as it was pronounced on the frontier, a "shivaree,"
which was a serenade in which noise took the place of harmony. The
proceedings were kept up until the bride and groom came out where
they could be seen, and the affair ended all the more pleasantly if
each member of the shivareeing party was presented with a slice of
wedtling cake to place under his pillow to inlluence his dreams.
There was one custom of olden times that should not be overlooked,
and that was the manner in which each settler marked his domestic
animals so that they could be identified. There were Jiot many fences
and stock of all kinds was i)erinitted to run at large. To jirotect him-
self, the pioneer farmer cropped the ears of his cattle, hogs and sheep
in a peculiar manner and these marks were made a matter of record.
The i^rincipal marks were the plain crop, the upper and under bits,
the swallow fork, the upper and lower slopes, the slit, the roimd hole,
and perhai^s a few others, by a combination of which each settler could
mark his stock in a way different from that of any of his neighbors.
The "upper bit" was a small notch cut in the upper side of the ear;
the "under bit" was just the reverse: the "swallow fork" Avas made by
cutting a deep notch in the end of the ear similar in shape to the tail
of a swallow, from which it derived its name, and so on. If someone
found a stray animal marked with an "up])er bit in the left ear and a
swallow fork in the right," all he had to do was to inquire at the re-
corder's office for the owner of such a mark. These marks were seldom
violated and they protected the settler as surely as the manufacturer
is protected in the right to use his registered trade mark.
One accustomed to the conveniences of modern civilization would
sui)pose that the early settlers would be glad to escape the hardships
and disadvantages of frontier life. But there were some who evi-
dently preferred it to any other. JNIany who came to Illinois in an
early day and aided in the tlevelopment of the state's resources after-
ward crossed the ]Mississi]:)pi aiid became pioneers a second time in
Iowa, Xebraska or Kansas. There is a freedom on the frontier that
becomes restricted as population increases, and many preferred the
freedom with its hardshi])s to the advantages of an older comnumity
Avith its conventionalities. Such persons are well described in Brinin-
stool's beautiful jioem : '^
1
I
IIISTOKV OF STARK COUNTY 69
TIIK OLD TKAPrER's SOLILOQUY
I've taken toll from every .stream that held a lurry prize,
Eiit now my traps are nistin' in tlie sun;
Where once the broad, free ranges, wild, unbroken met my eyes,
Their acres have been civilized and won.
The deer have left the bottom lands; the antelope the plain,
And the howlin' of the wolf no more 1 hear,
But the busy sounds of commerce warn me of an alien reign,
As the saw and hammer echo in my ear.
I've lived to see the prairie soil a-sproutin' schools and stores.
And wire fences stretch on every hand;
I've seen the nesters crowdin" in i'rom distant foreign shores.
And the hated railroads creej) across the land.
]\Jy heart has burned within me. and my eyes have misty grown.
As Progress came unbidden to my shack;
jNIy streams have all been harnessed and my concjuest overthrown,
.\nd I've been ])ushed aside and ci-owded back.
I've seen men come with manners and with custouLs new and strange,
To take the land which I have fought to hold;
I've watched the white-topped wagons joltin' on across the range
With those who sought to lure the hidden gold.
I've seen the red man vanquished and the buffalo depart,
^Vnd cowmen take the land which they ])ossessed.
And now there's somethin' tuggin' and a-pullin' at my heart,
And biddin' me m()\e on to'rds the West.
There aint no elbow room no more to circulate around.
Since Civ'lization stopped beside my door;
I'll pack my kit and rifle and I'll find new stompin' ground.
Where things is like they was in days of yore.
I've heard the mountains whisper, and the old, free wild life calls.
Where men and Progress never yet have trod;
And III go back and worship in my rugged canyon walls.
Where the pine trees croon and Nature is my Ciod.
CHAPTER VI
STARK COUNTY ORGANIZED
THE JIILITARY LAND GRANT FORGED TITLES FIRST COUNTIES IN i'lIK
ILLINOIS VALLEY STARK COUNTY THE ORGANIC ACT FIRST ELEC-
TIONS THE COUNTY SEAT CHANGE IN GOVERNMENT — THE COURT-
HOUSE THE ANNEX THE COUNTY JAIL SHERIFF MURCHISON'fv
REPORT THE POOR FARM HOW THE COUNTY WAS NAMED.
Shortly after tlie close of the War of 1812 the United States
Cioverninent api)ropriated and had surveyed a lai\n'e tract of land in
Illinois to be given to the soldiers who took part in that war. The
"^Jilitary Bounty Land Grant," as it was called, was situated be-
tween the Illinois and JNIississippi rivers and extended northward to
about the north line of Henry and Bureau counties. While a large
number of the veterans took advantage of the Government's liberality
to secure warrants, or patents, to a "(juarter section," there were only
a few who became actual settlers on their claims. A large majority
of them traded their patents to speculators, rarely receiving the real
worth of the land. When the actual settlers began to come into the
tract, in which Stark County Avas included, they found a badly mixed-
up situation with regard to land titles, with no sure May of telling
wiiich quarter section belonged to some individual under the military
bounty act, and which was subject to entry. Those who held patents
to th.e lands generally kept out of sight until some settler would make
imjjrovements, when they would turn uj) with a "prior title." These
land sharks showed but little mercy to the pioneers — the men who
were really developing the country — and in numerous instances deeds
and patents were actually forged for the purpose of defrauding the
settlers. Claim associations were organized in several places through-
nut the tract, one of which was formed by the settlers about Osceola
Grove, now in the northeast part of Stark County. Thnmgh the
operation of these associations the land shark antl sjjeculator was
sometimes given short shrift and the settlers were able to hold their
lands until they could jjurchase them from the Government. One of
70
I'l ni.ii si.ii Alii;, ini i.dx
nSRARY
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
URBANA
I
HISTOllY OF STARK COLNTV 71
the most notorious of tlie land sliarks and claim jum])L'r,s was a man
named Toliver Craig, who was charged with forging titles, and who,
it is said, placed forty fraudulent deeds on record in one day at Knox-
ville. In 18.54 he was arrested in the State of New York and taken
to the jail at Cincinnati, Ohio, where he tried to commit suicide by
taking arsenic. After remaining in jail about a year he was released
on hail and disajjpeared.
This condition of affairs is here mentioned to show one of the
phases of frontier life that the early settler in this section of Illinois
had to contend with, along with the other hardships, and tliat the men
who came here with the determination to make homes for themselves
could not be defeated in their pur])ose, no matter how adverse the
conditions. It was several years before the conflict over titles to the
land was finally settled.
In the preceding chapter is given a list of those who settled within
the present limits of Stark County between the years 18"Ji) and 18:i9.
At the time the first of these settlers came into the Spoon Kiver Valley
the territory was attached to Peoria County for all legislative and
judicial pur])oses. Peoria County was created in 182.) and the act
j)ro\ iding for its organization attached to it all the territory north of
it within the State of Illinois, "on both sides of the Illinois Kiver as
far east as the third principal meridian," which marks the present
eastern boundary of Putnam and Bureau counties.
Knox, Henry and Putnam counties were set off' from Fulton
County, and by the act of A\m\ 2. 1831, Putnam was divided into
four precincts, one of which, known as "Spoon Kiver Precinct." in-
cluded "all the county south of the direct line from the head oi' Crow
Prairie to Six ^Nlile Grove, thence northwest to the original county
line." Bureau Precinct embraced all the present county of that name
and portions of ]\Iarshall and Stark.
As the number of settlers in the Spoon River Valley increased
they began to feel the inconvenience of having to go to Hennepin to
attend court and transact their county business, and a movement was
started for the organization of a new county. At the legislative ses-
sion of 1836-37 the County of Bureau was established and an act "for
the formation of Coffee County" was also ])assed and ajjproved by
the governor. Says Mrs. Shallenbcrger: "Now as Col. William
llentlerson was, from his first settlement here, prominent in local
politics, and known to be an enthusiastic admirer of the Tennessee
hero, General Coffee, with or under whom he had done militarv serv-
ice, it is highly prol)able that this, as well as subsequent acts for the
same purpose, was secured through his instrumentality."
72 HISTORY OF STARK COL XT V
Under the act of 1836 the County of Coffee was to consist of nine
Congressional townships, six of which were to be taken from Put-
nam, two from Knox and one from Henry. Benjamin Mitchell,
Richard X. CuUom and Samuel Hackleton were named in the act as
commissioners to locate the county seat, which was to be called Ripley,
unless some town already established should be selected. The act was
not to become effecti\-e, however, unless a majority of the voters ofi
Knox and Henry counties should give their assent to the formation
of the new county at an election to be held on April 10, 1837. Putnam
was not allowed the opportunity of voting on the proposition, and in
the other counties a majority was against the establishment of the
new county. That was the end of Coifee County.
In February, 1838. a meeting was held at the house of James
Holgate, near Wyoming, to discuss the question of petitioning the
next session of the Legislature to organize a new comity. A factional
fight arose over the question of the eastern boundary, some wanting
the county to extend eastward to the Illinois River, and a spirited
campaign followed in 1838. Colonel Henderson was elected to the
I^egislature and on January Ifi. 1839, he presented a petition from a
large number of citizens of Putnam, Knox and Henry counties pray-
ing for the erection of a new county. Just a week later a bill was
introduced in the Legislature for the establishment of Stark County.
This measure contained some features that were not satisfactory to
Colonel Henderson, and upon his motion it was laid on the table. On
February Ttli the bill and proposed amendments were referred to a
special committee, which reported it back on the 11th, with the recom-
mendation that it pass, but on the final vote it was defeated.
Then a bill was introduced under the title of "An act to dispose of
the territory west of the Illinois River in the County of Putnam, and
for other purposes." On February 28, 1839, the Senate reported that
it had made several amendments to the bill, one of which provided for
the formation of Stark County. The House concurred in the amend-
ments and on March 2, 1839, the council of revision reported a])])roval
of the act, which bore the title of "An act for the formation of the
Count}' of Stark, and for other purposes."
THE ORGANIC ACT
That part of the act relating to Stark County is as follows:
"Section 2. That townships 12 and 13 north, of ranges 5, 6 and 7,
east of the Fourth Principal ]Meridian, shall constitute a new county.
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 73
to be called Stark; Provided, however, that townships 12 and 13 of
range number .5 east shall not constitute or coini)ose any part of
the County of Stark, except upon the condition that a majority t)f the
legal voters in said township shall consent thereto; and to enable the
said voters to decide the question and give or withhold their consent,
an election shall be held at the house of Henry JNlcClenahan, on the
third Monday of March, under the superintendence of Jonathan
Hoduson, Es(i.. Silas Richards. Henrv jNIcClenahan and Conrad
Emery, who shall act as judges and clerk of said election, and whose
duty it shall be to attend at the time and place aforesaid and hold an
election. A poll-l)ook shall be o])ene(l, with cohunns in favor of and
auainst being included in the said Countv of Stark; and the legal
^ oters aforesaid shall be permitted to vote for either proposition. The
polls shall be kept open from !) o'clock A. INI. to .3 o'clock P. M.: and
upon receiving the votes, the said judges and clerk shall certify the
result upon the poll-book, and within five days thereafter deliver said
Ixiok. certitied as aforesaid, to the clerk of the county commissioners'
court of Knox County; and said clerk shall, in the i^resence of two
justices of the peace, or two of the county commissioners, open and
examine the said ])oll-b()ok and compare the ccrtiticate with the votes
given, and thereupon make duplicate certificates of the result of said
election, which shall be signed by the clerk and justices or commis-
sioners as aforesaid; and if it shall appear that a majority of said
votes are in favor of being included in the County of Stark, the said
townshi]) shall be included in said county; otherwise said townshi])
shall continue to form and constitute a part of the County of Knox.
One of the certificates made as aforesaid shall be transmitted to the
secretary of state, to be by him filed with the em-olled bill enacting the
county : and one shall be entered of record in the county commissioners'
com-t of Knox County; but if the majority of said votes shall be
against being included in the said county, the certificates shall be trans-
mitted and recorded as aforesaid, and the boundaries of Stark shall be
as fixed in the foregoing section, excluding the townships aforesaid.
If the y)ersons herein appointed to act as judges and clerk of said
election, or any one of them, shall fail or refuse to act, the voters,
when assembled, shall select others to act in their stead, wlio shall
execute this act as though they were named herein. Notice of said
election shall be ])osted u]) at tln-ee ])laces in said townshi]). at least
five days preceding said election, by Henry JMcClenahan."
Section 3 gave to the county commissioners of Stark County the
power "to vacate, locate and relocate roads, and to use and exercise
exclusive jurisdiction in the premises."
74 IIISTOUY OF STARK COUNTY
"Section 5. The commissioners of the County of Stark, when
elected, shall jjroceed immediately to demand of the county treasurer
of Putnam County the one-sixth ]nirt of '$9,870, paid liim by the Fund
Commissioners, together with fJ per cent per annum upon the
one-sixth part of the sum aforesaid; and should the treasurer of the
County of Putnam fail promptly to pay over the sum aforesaid, then
it is hereby made the duty of the County Commissioners of the
County of Stark to bring suit against the treasurer of Putnam County
and his sureties for the sum aforesaid, it being $1,645, together with
interest as aforesaid from the time of loaning said money imtil paid —
said sum being hereby appropriated to the County of Stark, to be
applied agreeable to the provisions of 'An act to establish and main-
tain a general system of internal improvement;' provided, ho^vever,
that nothing in this act shall be so construed as to release the present
commissioners of the County of Putnam from any liability which they
may have incurred by illegally authorizing the fund aforesaid to be
used for any other object than that for which it was legitimately
approjiriated.
"Section 7. That the legal voters of the County of Stark shall
meet at the house of Elijah ]McClenahan, Sr., on the first ^Monday
in April next, and proceed to choose their own judges and clerks, who,
after being duly sworn, shall proceed to open the polls and hold an
election for the purjjose of electing county officers. It shall be the
duty of Closes Boardman, or, in case of his absence, any justice of
the peace within the bounds of said county, to give at least ten days'
notice of the time and place of holding said election, and, when said
election is over, to give certificates of election to the persons elected
comity commissioners and make retiu'ns to the secretary of state for
comity officers.
"Section 8. The County Commissioners of the said County of
Stark shall meet at the house of Elijah ^McClenahan, Sr., within ten
days after their election, and after being qualified shall proceed to
layoff said county into justices' districts and rpad districts and order
elections for all justices of the peace and constables; to levy a tax for
all county purjjoses for the present year, unless the revenue law shall
be changed, and to do and perform all the duties required of the county
commissioners' courts by law.
"Section 9. The courts of said county shall be held at sueh place
as the county commissioners' court may designate, until a suitable
preparation can be made at the county seat; which county seat, when
located, shall be called Toulon. Said county shall form a part of the
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 75
same judicial circuit with the counties of Putnam and Marsliall: and
the circuit court shall he held for said comity twice in each year at
such times as the judye of said circuit may desi<^'iiate.
"Section 10. Tiie (jualitled voters of the County of Stark, in all
elections except county elections, shall vote with the senatorial aii<l
representative district composed of the counties of Peoria, Putnam.
Hureau and Marshall, until otherwise provided hy law, hut shall make
election returns to the secretary of state in the same manner that is
now required hy law from the other counties in this state."
Section 12 provides that the school commissioner of Putnam
County should turn over to the proper authorities in the County of
Stark all money, hooks, records, etc., pertainin<>; to the schools within
the territory- comprising the new county.
THE FIRST ELECTIONS.
The Legislature having done its })art hy the passage of the ahove
act. it devolved ujion the people of the countj^ to complete the organi-
zation. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 7 of the organic act,
the legal voters living within the limits of the County of Stark met
at the house of Klijah ^McClenahan, Sr., on the first Monday in
April, 1839, which was the first day of the month, and i)roeee(led to
elect the following officers: Commissioners, Jonathan Hodgsoti,
Steplien Trickle and Calvin Winslow; commissioners' clerk, Oliver
^Vhitaker; sheriff, Augustus A. Duim; treasurer, ^Minott Silliman;
recorder, Jesse W. Heath; prohate judge, William Ogle; surveyor,
.John W. Agard.
On Thursday, April 4, 1839, the county commissioners met, for
the first time, at the house of Mr. JMcClenahan, where the election, was
held, and carried out the provisions of the organic act as set forth in
Section 8. ^Vt tlie .lune term the coimnissioners made provisions for
the general election to he held on iVugust .), 1839, by ordering that
each justice's district should he an election precinct, appointing
judges of election in each precinct and designating the voting
places. In precinct Xo. 1, Ri-ady Fowler, Nicholas Sturm and
M. G. Brace were ajipointed judges, and the Northern school
house named as the voting jjlace. No. 2, James Holgate, Samuel
Thomas and Ilemy Rreese, judges; vote at the house of James Hol-
gate. No. 3, Calvin Powell, William W. Webster and ]Moses Board-
man, judges; election at the house of Lewis Finch. No. -1, Conrad
Emery, John ]Mc Williams and Israel Stoddard, judges; election to
76 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
be held at Theodore F. Hurds store in Lafayette. Xo. 5, ^Villiani
Ogle, Adam Perry and Angnstus Richards, judges; election at tiic
house of William Henderson.
The election of April, 1839, was for the purjiose of electing county
officers to serve until the next regular election, which occurred on
August 5, 1839. At the August election Oliver Whitaker and Minott
Sillinian were re-elected clerk and treasurer, respectively; William
Ogle succeeded Stephen Trickle on the board of county commission-
ers; Carson Berfield was chosen surveyor to succeed J. W. Agard;
John :Miller succeeded William Ogle as probate judge; and B. M.
Jackson was elected recorder. The new board of commissioners
organized on September 3, 1839, when lots were drawn for the \ arious
terms. William Ogle drew the one-year term; Calvin Winslow, two
years ; and Jonathan Hodgson, three years. The machinery of county
government Avas now permanently established.
THE COUXTV SEAT
Although the organic act gave the name of Toulon to the coimty
seat, '"when located," no provision was made in the act of ]March 2,
1839, for its location. On February 27, 1841, an act was passed
naming John Dawson. Peter Van Bergen and William F. Elkin, all
of the County of Sangamon, to locate the town of Toulon. The act
stipulated that the commissioners should meet at "the house of Wil-
liam H. Henderson, in said county, on the second ^Monday in April,
1841, thereafter, or as soon as might suit their convenience, and being
first duly sworn, as l)y said act retiuired. to discharge faithfully tlie
duties assigned them by said act, should then proceed to locate the said
town of Toulon, having due regard in making said location to the
})resent and future population of said County of Stark, the promotion
of the general good, the eligibility of the site, and as near as may be,
after considering all other provisions of said act. the geographical
center of the county."
The commissioners did not meet until in ^Slay. Their report, tiled
with the county commissioners and entered in the records of the
county, contains the following:
"And, whereas, said commissioners did on the 17th day of ]May,
1841, meet at the house of William H. Henderson, in said County
of Stark, and did take and subscribe to an oath prescribed by said
act, and which said oath is filed in the clerk's office of the county
commissioners' court of said Countv of Stark, and after having
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 77
inspected the territory of said county in all tilings appertaining to
the discharge of the (hities assigned them by said act above referred
to, have h)eated, and do hereby locate, the town of Touh)n, the county
seat of Stark County, on ninety rods scjuare of hnid, at present owned
l)y John Miller, of said County of Stark, and known and described
as follows, to-wit: It being ])ait of the southwest (juarter of Section
Xo. 19, in Townshij) No. 13 north, of Range 6, east of the Fourth
Principal ^Meridian, whieli said ninety rods square lies twelve rods
east and twelve rods north of the west and south boundary lines of
said (juarter section: upon this condition, however, that the said .loiiii
Miller execute to the county eonunissioners in office a good and sutH-
cient deed in fee simple to the said ninety rods s(iuare of land."
On July 28, 1841, John ^Miller and his wife. Mary Ann Miller,
executed the recjuired deed and Stark County became possessed of
tile site of its seat of justice. (For the further history of the Town
of Toulon see the chajiter on Cities, Towns and \^illages.)
CHANGE IX GOVEKNMEXT
When Stark County was first organized the transaction of tlie
public business was intrusted to a board of three coiinuissioners. This
system was continued until the adojjtion of the Constitution of 1848.
which gave to the several counties of Illinois the privilege of adopting
township organization. A majority of the legal voters of Stark
County, at the general election in November, 18.)2, voted in favor of
townshij) organization, the inauguration of which changed the execu-
tive officials of the county from a l)oard of three commissioners to
a board of supervisors, composed of one member from each ci\ il
township. The first board of supervisors, as shown by the minutes
of Se])tember 12, 18.).'J. when they held their, first meeting, was made
up as follows: Elmira Townshi]), Thomas IjvIc: Kssex, IamhucI
Dixon; Goshen, Lewis II. Fitch: Osceola, Bradford S. Foster; I'enn,
James Holgate: Toulon, Calvin I.,. Eastman: Valley, Charles C.
Wilson; West Jersey, William W. Webster. The system thus intro-
duced has been continued to the ])resent time.
THE COURTHOUSE
l-'or more than two years after the orgam"zation of the county,
the public business was transacted and the sessions of the Circuit Court
were held in private dwellings. Some time in the early part of 1842
78 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
a contract was made by the county commissioners with Abel ]Mott,
an elder of tlie ^Mormon Church, to erect a courthouse upon tlie public
square in the Town of Toulon. It seems that ]Mr. JNIott failed to
carry out his part of the agreement to the satisfaction of the board of
conmiissioners, as the records show that Cyril Ward, John Shores
and J. H. Wilber were appointed to arbitrate the differences or mis-
understandings between the contracting parties. On January 20,
184."3, after the arbitrators had rendered their decision and made their
report, the commissioners ordered "that the treasurer pay to Abel
Mott the sum of $360.36, to be paid out of the notes given for the
sale of lots in the Town of Toulon, it being a balance due him in
full for building said courthouse in said town."
On 3Iarch 8, 1843, ^linott Silliman, the treasurer of Stark County,
tiled a claim for $21.7.5 for commission on $1,087.2.5 \\'orth of notes
taken in jjayment for lots in the Town of Toulon and turned over
to Abel jNIott since JNIarch 10, 184.2. The sum represented by these
notes was probably somewhere near the cost of Stark County's first
courthouse, so far as the contractor was concerned. There were some
extra charges, howe\'er, as shown by the minutes of the commission-
ers' court. Notice was given by the board on September 7, 1842,
that a contract would be let on the 20th of October "to under])in the
courthouse with stone in a good and workmanlike manner, payable
either in notes of the sales of lots in the Town of Toulon, or State
Bank of Illinois paper."
At the same time W. T. Vandeveer was appointed agent of the
county to award the contract and oversee the work "to the best advan-
tage for said county." For some reason the contract was not let at
tlie ai)pointed time, for on July 3, 1843, the bid of Calvin Powell,
of $74.00. for underpinning the courthouse, was accepted by the
boartl, the work to be completed by the first ]Monday in September.
On tlie same date the commissioners made a private agreement with
Minott Silliman, by whicli the latter was to "build six chimneys for
stove i^ipes in the cotn-thouse," for the sum of $33.50, the chimneys
to be finished by the first ^Monday in September.
Tiie old frame courthouse continued in use for nearly fifteen
years before any agitation was started in favor of a new one. On
Seiitember 10, 1856, John Berfield, Henry Breese and C. JNI. S. I>yons
were appointed a committee "to visit I^acon, in ^Marshall County,
and obtain a full description of the courthouse at that place — its
size, the material of which it is constructed, its cost and manner of
construction — together with such drafts, models, plats, etc., of said
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 79
building, or such other phits as they may deem expedient; to consult
with experienced builders, and to make such other arrangements
pre])aratory to building a new courthouse as they may think necessary
and report to this board at its next meeting."
Tile committee reported on October 11, 18.50. and with the rei)ort
submitted plans and specifications for a new courthouse. The re])ort
and i)lans were accepted and ai)i)roved by the board and the committee
was discharged as a committee of in(}uiry and investigation, but the
same men were immediately appointed a building committee, witii
instructions to advertise for bids and report progress at the next
meeting. On December 9, 18.5G, the committee reported that three
sealed proposals for the erection of the courthouse had been received,
to-wit:
Thomas B. Starrett and Edward Nixon $12,700
Stephen ^M. Fisher 10,.500
Parker C. Spaulding 8,300
The bid of Mr. Spaulding, whose home was in Knoxville, 111.,
was accepteil. but before the contract was entered into he came for-
wai'd with the complaint that the advertisement, upon which he had
based his estimate, stated that the building was to be fifty-six feet
in length, while the plans and specifications called for a building sixty-
four feet long. He therefore asked the board to jjermit him to add
$1,185 to his original bid, which was granted, his figures then being
more than one thousand dollars below those of the next lowest bidder.
A contract Avas then made with Mr. Spaulding, in which he agreed
to furnish all materials and labor necessary to complete the court-
liouse for $9,48.5. This contract was dated December 23, 18.5('), and
Mr. Spaulding agreed to have the building completed by the first
day of December. 18.57.
Before the courthouse was more than half done the contractor
assigned to Elias Spaulding, who failed to finish the building within
the stipulated time. On December 9, 18.57. the county clerk was
directed to issue an order on the county treasurer for $1,0()(). due
February 1.5, 18.58, the last payment to Elias Spaulding for building
the C()\u-thouse. The contractor was allowed $104. ()8 for extra work,
and some other extras added l)y the board amounted to ai)ont fifty
dollars.
On August 4, 18.57, it was ordered by the supervisors that the
clerk advertise and sell the old courthouse at auction on the first day
of the October term of court, the purchaser to remove the building
80 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
from the public square within thirty days after the sale. The house
was h()u<^ht by Jett'erson Cooley, who removed it to the east end of
his hotel lot, on the northwest corner of Main and ^filler streets,
Avhere it was used for years as a livery barn. It was then sold to
M. B. Downend, who removed it to his farm a short distance east of
Toulon and converted it into a cattle shed.
THE ANNEX
The fireproof building, immediately west of the courthouse, which
for want of a better name is here called the annex, was erected for
the pin-poses of obtaining more room for the transaction of county
business and providing a safe depository for the jiublic records. It
had its inception on September 12, 1883, when James H. Quinn, the
supervisor from Goshen Township, offered the following preamble
and resolution:
"Whereas, it is the duty of the board of supervisors to provide
necessary bviildings and suitable fireproof safes or offices to keep and
inoperly protect the records of the county, and
"Whereas, the present buildings and offices of Stark County,
Illinois, are entirely inadequate for that purpose, both as to capacity
and protection from fire, and each property holder in the county,
as w'ell as each one who is affected by the records of the county, is
without such protection as an ordinarily thoughtful and prudent man
would provide for his own ^^rivate interests, and
"Whereas, the finances of the county are such that we can and
should immediately make such provision as we are required by law,
and in duty bound to do by the obligation of the oath of our office;
it is therefore
"Resolved l)y this board, and we do hereby appropriate the sum
of .$6,000 for the purjiose of building a suitable fireproof structure
for offices and for the records of said county, said offices to be built on
the coin-fhouse square in the Village of Toulon, in said county, and
we do further direct that the said sum of money be levied and extended
ujjon the tax books of the respective townships that are now being-
prepared for the taxes assessed for the year 1883."
Ujjon the roll being called, the supervisors from Goshen. Elmira,
Toulon and West Jersey townships voted aye; and those from Essex,
Osceola, Penn and ^"alley voted no. The result being a tie vote, the
resolution was declared lost. The next day JNIr. Quinn. not willing
to accept defeat, presented another resolution to appropriate $G.000
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 81
for a fireproof building, provided: "That the sum of $2,000 be raised
by the eitizens of the said Village of Toulon and api)ropriated by thcni
to aid in the erection and construction of said lircproof building, in
addition to the above named sum of $(),000."
After some discussion this resolution was laid on the table and no
further action in the matter was taken until the following spring.
On April 29, 1884., the resolution was taken from the table and upon
the final vote was rejected. Robert Armstrong, the member of the
board from Elmira Township, then offered a resolution similar in
character to that of IMr. Quinn, except that the amount to be appro-
priated was left blank, to be filled in after the cost of such a building
was ascertained, and the peojjle of Toulon were not required to appro-
priate any part of the cost of said building. Mr. Armstrong and
William P. Caverly were appointed a committee to procure plans,
specifications and estimates and report at the next meeting of the
boai'd.
On 31ay 27, 1884, they reported that they had employed Charles
Ulricson, an architect of Peoria, to make plans, which were submitted
to and approved by tlie board. The next day, on motion of J. S.
Atherton, the sum of $7,.)0() was appropriated for the building and
W . P. Caverly, of Toulon, Robert Armstrong, of Elmira, and .lohn
Jordan, of Essex, were appointed a building committee. Rids were
advertised for and were opened on .Inly 14. 1884. The contract was
awarded to John Volk & Company, of Rock Island, for $7,414. and
^V. P. Caverly was appointed to oversee the erection of the building.
In this fireproof structure are the offices of the recorder, surveyor,
county and circuit clerks.
THE COUNTY JAIL
A careful seairli tlirough the records fails to reveal just when and
how the first jail in Stark County was built. For several years after
the organization of the county prisoners were kept in the jails of
some of the adjacent counties. On September 8, 184(), the county
commissioners ordered the treasurer to pay to the treasurer of Mar-
shall County the sum of $134.03 "for keeping, boarding and guarding
Josiah Kemp and Robert Brown," etc.
The next entry in the commissioners' record relating to a jail is
found in the minutes of September 3, 1849, when the following war-
rants were drawn on the county treasury for labor or material used
in building a fence around the jail lot at the southwest cornei- of
82 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
Franklin and Jefferson streets, opposite the public squai'e: Alexan-
der xVhel. $10.62; Jacob Holgate, $8..-)(): David Winter, $5.2.5; John
A. Williams (for self and boy), $10.00; Henry ^Vhite, $10..J0,
making a total allowance of $4.4.. 87 for the fence.
Just a year later — September 3, 18.50 — the clerk was ordered "to
make out and transmit to the clerk of Knox County so much of the
record as may be necessary to exhibit the amount i)aid by the County
of Stark for expenses incurred by AVashiugton Stair, a prisoner
in the Stark Count)' jail on change of venue from said County of
Knox," etc.
From these three entries it may be seen that the jail was built
some time between the years 1840 and 1850 — probably in 1849, at
the time the lot was fenced. It was a brick building, the jail proper
being on the first floor, Avhile upstairs were living rooms for the jailer
and his family. The brick walls of the lower story were reinforced
by a lining of heavy timbers, studded with nails. Init even this precau-
tion was not sufficient to prevent prisoners from working their way to
liberty when they were so inclined. There was at least one jail
delivery that is still remembered by old settlers.
It was a sort of oiien secret that "Uncle" John Culbertson was in
the habit of keeping a considerable sum of money about his house.
One Sunday morning, while ]Mr. Culbertson and his family were
attending church, four men broke into the house and ransacked until
they found at least a portion of the gold and silver coin, which they
divided into four shares and concealed the money in hollow trees near
Toulon. There was a slight snow on the ground, and when 3Ir. Cul-
bertson returned from church and saw what had happened he raised
the alarm. The neighbors soon gathered and had no difficulty in track-
ing the housebreakers into the woods, where three parcels of the
money were recovered. The men were afterward arrested and con-
fined in the old jail, where they kept up a noise every night, singing,
hallooing, etc.. to prevent the sheriff from hearing their efforts to
break through the wall. The only heat in the cell room was furnished
by a stove. Heating the ])oker in the stove, the prisoners used it to
burn out a section of the timber, hanging their clothes over the place
during the day so that their work would not be discovered. After the
timber was burned away they pounded a hole through the brick wall —
singing and yelling all the time as usual — and made a dash for free-
dom. Their escape was soon discovered, however, and a pursuit insti-
tuted that resulted in the recapture of the fugitives. The Civil war
was on at the time and they were given the oi^portunity of enlisting,
corx'i^ .lAii. AM) siii;i;iii-s kksiuknck. TdiLoN
UNiVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
URBANA
HISTORY OF STAKK COUNTY 83
instead of .spending a term in prison. Tliey accepted the alternative
and entered the army.
In Decemhcr. 18().>, the sheriff' was iHrectcd to ascertain tlie cost
of two iron cells for the jail. The following March John ^I. Jirown,
then sheriff, reported that two cells wonld cost $1,150, hut the hoard
of supervisors decided that it was too nuich money to spend on a
jail that had alxnit outlived its usefulness and the cells were not
installed. Xo mcncnicnt for the erection of a new jail was made for
nearly thirty years after that date, notwithstanding that every grand
jury for the greater pait of that period condennied the jail as unsafe
mid unsanitary. On ]Mareh 1, 189.5, Sheriff Donald INIurchison suh-
mitted to the hoard of su])ervisors the following report:
"To the Honorable Board of Supervisors of Stark County,
Illinois:
"Gentlemen: — The statute. Chapter 75, Section T2, makes it the
duty of the sheriff, from time to time, to report to the board the
condition of the county jail, and the fact that the board may, in some
measure at least, be ac(|uainte(l with the condition of the jail does
not relieve the sheriff from the duty of making such a report, or of
the responsibility whicii would attach to his failure to make known
to the board the condition of the jail. Therefore, I would rejjort to
your honorable board :
"First — That the jail is in such a condition that it would he con-
sidered unfit for the confinement of brute beasts, much less a fit place
for the confinement of human beings. It is a pure impossibility either
to ventilate or light (except with artificial light) the miserable den.
"Second — It is in such a condition that it is utterly impossible to
confine and keep prisoners safely within its walls.
"Third — It is in such a condition that it is wholly lacking in facili-
ties for liandling prisoners witli safety.
"Fourth — There is only one apartment or cell for all classes of
prisoners, whereas, the statute. Chapter 75, Section 11, forbids the
confining of men and women together, and minors with notoi'ious
offenders in the same room. I would therefore urge on the board
the necessity of at once making such rei)airs and imjjrovements on
the jail as will afford proper light and ventilation, and such as will
insure, at least to a reasonable degree, the safe keeping and handling
of ])ri.soners. Also, to ])i-ovide such apartments as will enable the
jailer to com])ly with the statute in kee])ing the vai'ious classes of
prisoners apart as above set forth. The roof leaks badly and needs
rejDairing. All of which is respectfully submitted.
"DoxAi.D MuRCHisoN, Sheriff."
84 IIISTOKV OF STAHK COUNTY
The board took the sheriff's report under advisement and after
exaniinini>- the jail decided that ^Ir. ]Murchison's caustic criticisms
were not witiiout foundation. On -May 2, 18t).5, the cliairman of the
board was instructed to procure plans and estimates for a ne\v jail
and report at the next meeting.
On .July 3. 189.), it was "moved and seconded that the supervisors
build a jail for Stark County, not to exceed the cost of $8,000, pro-
vided they can sell the west eighty acres of land belonging to the
poor farm, at not less than $80 per acre, and apply the proceeds as
jjart payment on said jail."
On the same date the clerk was ordered to advertise for bids on
the west eighty acres of the poor farm and on the old jail lot. and
also for bids for the construction of a new jail until 10 o'clock A. 31.,
August 0, 189.5. When the bids were opened it was found that the
Champion Iron Works had submitted the best proposition, offering
to build the jail comidete for $7,"200, and that concern was awarded
the contract. All bids on the eighty acres of land were rejected and
the board levied a tax that would net $8,000 foi- the construction
of the jail. The southwest corner of the public square was selected as
the location and John P. Williams was employed to superintend the
building of the jail. It was completed hi JNlarch, 189(j. With the
new jail, which includes a residence for the sheriff. Stark County can
claim to be as well provided in this i-espect as any county of its class
in the State of Illinois.
THE POOR FARM
Concerning the first poorhouse, or poor farm, in Stark County.
Mrs. Shallenberger, on page 82 of her history, says : "The first county
2)oorhouse was located a little northeast of Toidon, on what was long
familiarly known as 'Adam Perry's place:' indeed the house was but
the old residence enlarged and adapted in various ways to its new
duties. But this being deemed insufficient to meet the demands liable
to be made by the increase of ])au])ers as the county grew in years and
numbers, it was decided in 1808 to buy a larger farm, farther from
town, and to erect upon it a good, substantial and commodious poor-
house. Accordingly a tract of land described as the northeast (|uarter
of Section 12, ToMiiship 12 north, Range 5 east, in Stark County,
was ])urchased from 3Ir. Davis Lowman. at a cost of about eight
thousand dollars, and early in the following year preparations for
building began — the committee in charge being C. M. S. Lyons, J. H.
Quinn and H. Shivvers.
HISTORY OF STARK COT^XTY 85
"The 1)1(1 buildings were sold, the old iarm platted and sold in
small lots, and the eontract for the new building- let to William
Caverly for the sum of -$1(),()()0. This was eonsidered by some an
unneeessary expense, eonsidering the small number of our paupers,
and the project met with some opposition and a good deal of ridicule."
The poorhouse erected in 1S()8 was destroyed by tire in the early
part of December, 1«8(). and a few days later Edward Colgan, chair-
man of the board of supervisors, was authorized to "make, sign and
execute proofs of loss," etc., in order to obtain the indemnity from
the insurance companies — $2,.j0() in each of two companies. Some
of the citizens of the county advocated the purchase of a new farm
and the board ajjpointed a committee to examine farms, ascertain the
prices at which they could !)c purchased and report. Several farms
were examined by the committee, but upon final consideration of
the matter the board decided to retain the farm already owned by
the county, and on Jamiary 18, 1887, appointed John F. Rhodes,
John W. Smith and John Ilazen a conunittee to build a new poor-
house on the old foundation walls according to plans made by John
Hawks. On February 18, 1887, the building committee entered into
a contract with Ira F. Ilayden to erect the new poorhouse for $0,909,
and some additional ex])ense was incurred in repairing the foundation
walls where they had been injured by the fire, making the total cost
oi' the l)uil(ling a little over seven thousand dollars. It was completed
and accepted by the board on September 14, 1887. has been kept in
good re])air and is still in use.
now THE COUXTV WAS NAMED
In the early part f)f this chapter is given an account of the effort
to establish Coffee County in the legislative session of 18.3(i-37, as
taken from ^Nlrs. Shallenberger's work on Stark County. The same
autlioi- says, regarding the name of Stark County: "To whose taste
this name was due is sometimes a matter of curiosity among our
people, who had formerly suggested 'Coffee.' There is no means of
ascei'taining this to a certainty now, and it is a matter of small
importance, but the writer is well convinced that the name was a
])olitic concession on the part of Colonel Henderson to the wishes of
his constituents from Yermont, many of whom lived about Osceola
Grove, and who also urged Bennington as a suitable name for the
county seat."
John Stark, in whose honor the county was named, was a native
86 HISTORY OF STAKK COUNTY
of New Hanii).sliirc, where he was horn on Augxist 28, 1728, of Irish
l^arents, who came to iVnieriea some ten years l)ef()re. He served
with distinction in the colonial army during the Revolutionary war
and \\as a memher of the council that arranged the terms of General
Rurgoyne's surrender at Saratoga. With seventy-one Irishmen in
his command, he was at the hattle of Runker Hill, and it is said he
was the officer who first gave the command: "Hold your tire, hoys,
till you see the whites of their eyes," a jjolicy that carried death and
defeat to the forces of General Howe. On another occasion, at the
lieginning of an engagement, he urged his men forward hy saying:
"\Ve must win today, or tonight ]MoIly Stark is a widow." AMiile
it may have been a source of some regret to Colonel Henderson that
the county was not named after his old military commander, it was
named for a hero who was no less illustrious.
CHAPTER VII
TOWXSIIir HISTORY
ORIGIN or THE TOWNSHIP ITRST TOWNSHIPS IN THE UNITED STATES
justices' DISTKlfTS IN STARK COUNTY ESTABLISHMENT OF CIVIL
TO\\NSHlPS IN 18.33 ELMIRA ESSEX — GOSHEN OSCEOLA PENN
TOULON VALLEY WEST JERSEY MILITARY LAND ENTRIES IN
EACH HOW THE TOWNSHIPS WERE NAMED EARLY SETTLERS —
PRESENT DAY CONDITIONS — RAILROADS SCHOOLS POPULATION AND
WEALTH.
The townsliip as a suhordiiuite civic division orioinatcd in England
in Anglo-Saxon times and was called the "tunscipe." It was the polit-
ical unit of poi)ular expression, which took the form of a mass
convention or popnlar assembly called the "tun moot." The chief
executive of the tunscipe was the "tun reeve," who, with the parish
priest and four lay delegates, rejirescnted the tunscipe in the shire
meeting. Says Fiske: "Aliout 871 A. D. King Alfred instituted a
small territorial .subdivision nearest in character to and probal)ly con-
taining the germ of the American township."
In the settlement of New England the colonies there were first
governed by a general court, or legislature, composed of the governor
and a small council, generally made up of the most influential citizens,
'i'he general court was also a judicial body, deciding both civil and
criminal causes. In JNIarch, 103.5, the (Jeneral Court of Massachusetts
])assc(l the following ordinance:
■Whereas, particular towns have many things that concern only
themselves, and the ordering of their own affairs and disposing of
l)usiness in their own town, therefore, the freemen of every town, or
a majority of them, shall have the ])ower to dispose of their own lands
and woods, and all the appurtenances of said towns; to grant lots,
and to make such orders as may concern the well ordering of their own
towns, not repugnant to the laws and orders established by the Cien-
eral Court.
"Said freemen, or a majority of them, shall also have power to
choose their own particular officers, such as constables, petty magis-
87
88 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
trates, surveyors for the highways, and may impose fines for violation
of rules established by the freemen of the town; provided that sueh
fines shall in no single ease exeeed twenty shillings."
That was the beginning of the township system in the United
States. Connecticut followed with a similar provision regarding local
self government, and from New England the system was carried to
the new states of the Middle West.
In the southern colonies the county was made the political unit.
Kight counties were organized in Virginia in H'uii and the system
spread to the other colonies, except in South Carolina the counties
are called districts and in Louisiana, ])arishes. The Illinois country
became a comity of ^'^irginia after the conquest by George Rogers
Clark in 1778.
The first provision for a civil township northwest of the Ohio
River was made by Governor St. Clair and the judges of the North-
west Territory in 17!K). The term "civil township" is here used to
distinguish the township with local officers from the Congressional
township of the Government survey. The latter is always six miles
square, but the civil township varies in size and its boundaries are
often marked by natural features, such as creeks, rivers, etc.
In New England the townshij) is still far more important in local
matters than the county. The town meeting, which is the successor
of the old "tun moot" of Anglo-Saxon days, wields great influence
in sueh matters as the levying of local taxes, appropriating funds
and issuing bonds for j^nWic improvements within the townshi])
limits. In the South the township is little more than name, all the
local business being transacted by the county authorities. Through-
out the great Middle West there is a well balanced combination of
the two systems, schools and roads being usually in charge of town-
ship officials, while business that affects more than one civil township
is handled by the county.
When Illinois Avas first admitted into the Union as a state, no
provision was made in its constitution for the introduction of a town-
ship organization. This idea may have been iniierited from its old
county organization, first established in 1778, while the territory com-
])rising the state was claimed by Virginia. The nearest approach to
the civil township was the "justice's district." Section 8 of the act
of Mai-eh 2. 1839, organizing the Comity of Stark, provides that the
county commissioners, as soon as elected, or within ten days, "shall
proceed to lay off said county into justices' districts," etc.
l^msuant to this provision, on Thursday, April 4, 1839, the county
HISTORY OF STxVRK COUNTY 89
coiiiinissioners — Calvin ^Vin.sk)\v, Jonathan Hodgson and Stephen
Trickle — established the following justices' districts:
1. Township 14, Ranges G and 7. (This district included the
present townships of Elmira and Osceola.)
2. "To eoninience at the northeast corner of Township 13, Range
7; tlienee west to the northwest corner of Section 3, Township 13,
Range 0; thence south to the southwest corner of Section 34; thence
east to the southwest corner of Section 3.5 ; thence south to the south-
west corner of Section 3.5, Townsiiip V2, Range (i; thence east to
the southeast corner of Township 12, Range 7, and thence north to
the place of beginning." (As thus established No. '2 contained the
])resent townships of Penn and Valley and practically the east half
of Toulon and Kssex.)
3. "Beginning at the southwest corner of Township 12, Range
5; thence east to the southwest corner of Section 35, Township 12,
Range (J; thence north to the southwest corner of Section 11; thence
west to the southwest corner of Section 7. Townshi]) 12, Range 5;
tlience south to the place of begiiuiing." (This district included a
strip four miles wide and ten miles long in the southwest corner of
tlie county.)
4. "Beginning at the northwest corner of Township 13, Range
.5; thence south to the southwest corner of Section 7, Township 12,
Range .>; thence east to the southeast corner of Section 10; thence
north to the northeast of Section 3, Township 13, Range .5; thence
west to the place of beginning." (No. 4 contained thirty-two square
miles, including the western two-thirds of Goshen Townshiji and eight
sections in the northwest part of \\'est Jersey.)
.). "Beginning at the northeast corner of Section 4, Township
13. Range 6; thence west to the noithwest corner of Section 2, Town-
ship 13, Range .5; thence south to the southwest corner of Section 11,
Township 12, Range .5; thence east to the southeast corner of Section
3; thence west to the northwest corner of Section 3; thence north to
tlie i)lace of beginning." (This district included all that part of the
county not contained in the other districts, to-wit: The west half
of the ])resent Township of Toulon: eight sections in the nortliwest
coi-ner of Kssex Township, a strip two miles wide oft' the east side
of (ioshen Township, and four sections in the northeast cornei- of
West Jersej^ Township.)
Assessors were appointed for the several districts as follows: No.
1. Isaac Spencer; No. 2, John W. x\gard; No. 3, J. II. Barnett;
No. 4. Silas Richards; No. 5, Adam Perrv.
90 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
On ]March 3, 1840, the board of county commissioners ordered
that each of the justices' districts be made an election precinct and
names were adopted instead of numbers. District Xo. 1 became
Osceola precinct; No. 2, Wyoming; No. 3, Massillon; No. 4,
Lafayette, and No. 5, CentraL
Section 6, Article 7, of the Constitution of 1848 reads as follows:
"The legislature shall pro\ide by law that the legal voters of any
comity in the state may adopt a township form of government within
the county, by a majority of the votes cast at any general election
within such county."
In accordance with this constitutional provision, the General
Assembly jjassed an act on February 12, 1849, authorizing the various
counties of the state to vote on the question of adopting a township
organization. In Stark County the question was voted upon at the
general election held on Tuesday, November 2, 18.52. The total
number of votes cast at that election ^^'as 774, of which 443 were in
favor of the adoption of a township form of government and 173
were ojjposed, 1.58 voters not expressing themselves upon the question.
The records of the commissioners' court for jNIonday, December 6,
1852, contains the following entry:
"And it appearing to the court that a majority of all the votes
cast at said election were in favor of township organization, it is
therefore ordered bj' the court that Theodore F. Hurd, Henry Bi-eese
and Calvin L. Eastman be, and they are hereby appointed, commis-
sioners to divide the countv into towns or townships as required by
law."
Commissions were issued to these three men December 13. 18.52.
They met at the courthouse in Toulon on JNIonday, January 3. 18.53,
and divided the county into eight townships. On ^larch 7, 18.53, they
filed their report with the commissioners and it was made a
matter of record. The townships as then established have never been
changed, to-wit: Elmira Township includes Township 14, Range H;
Essex, Township 12, Range 6; Goshen, Townshij) 13. Range .5:
Osceola, Township 14. Range 7; Penn. Townshij) 13. Range 7;
Toulon. Township 13. Range (!: Valley, Township 12, Range 7; \Vest
Jersey, Townsliip 12. Range .5.
ELMIRA TOAVXSPriP
This townshiiJ is one of the northern tier. It embraces Congres-
sional Township 14, Range 6, and therefore has an area of thirty-six
HISTORY OF STARK COUXTY 91
square miles. On the nortli it is hounded by Bureau County; on tlie
east by Osceola Township; on the soiitli by Toulon Townshi]), and nn
tile west by the County of Plenry. The surface is generally level
or (gently undulatin,L>- and is well watered. The west fork of the
Spoon River flows diagonally across the township from northwest to
southeast; Jack Creek touches the southwest corner, and there are a
few minor streams. The soil is fertile and some of the finest farms
in the county are in this township. Originally there was some native
timber along the water courses and artiheial groves have been planted
around some of the houses upon the prairie. The township has some
valuable coal deposits, ])ut they have never been fully developed.
In a preceding chapter mention was made of the land warrants
filed on Stark County lands by veterans of the War of 1812. During
the years 1817-lH more than three score military claims were tiled
upon lands in what is now Klmira Township. Godfrey Reemer
located a claim In Section 1; James Thomas. Robert Hall, A. F.
S])cncei' and William She])herd, Section 'i: Reuiieu Close. Section 1;
John Hughes and Charles Armstrong, Section .3; William Walsh,
Section 6; John Fleming, Section 7; David Armstead and A. O.
Smith. Section 8; John IMartin and Henry Atkins, Section 9; James
Patterson. Richard Gates, Charles Smith and Frederick Jenkins,
Section 11: Richard Howard, Hemy Shannon, ^Nloses Sears and
]^l)hraim Small, Section 1.3; Michael Conway, Aaron liurbank and
two men named Roberts and Stenhert, Section 17; Daniel (iaskel.
Section 10; Isaac Smith, Section 20: William Thompson, John
liainett. Section 21; Klias Hughes, Section 22: Malbry Palmer and
John Potter, Section 2.'}; John Jones, Section 24; Benjamin Barrett,
Thomas ^IcFaddeii and John Wood, Section 26; James D. Wells,
John Ciowell and Henry Davenport, Section 27; Bela Dexter, Sec-
tion 28; Francis IJncoln, James Tiner and Bird I^avender, Sectioii
2!); Hradford \Villis and Stephen Benjamin, Section 30; Chai'les
Board and Henry Cruser, Section .31 ; .John Timberlake and W. S.
Tom])kins, Section 32; Timothy Weston, Lewis Bronson and .Folin
\Vhitlock, Section .33: Robert Goodwin and Lewis Green, Section 34;
Richard Scott, .John Davis. John (liers and Seward Walters, Section
3.5; .James Joyce, Conrad Sarr, William Sears and II. Edwards,
Section 36.
The first settlement in the townshi]) was not made, however, until
in December, 183.3. Maj. Robert Moore, who conducted a ferry
across the Illinois River at Peoria, had obtained a ma]) showing which
lands had been patented under the military bounty act and which were
92 HISTORY OF STAKK COUNTY
subject to entry. His object was to encourage immigration to tbat
pai't of the county, w itli a view to building u]) a town, of which he was
to be the proprietor. In December, IH.'J.j, he led thither a party of
prospective settlers, auiong whom were James IJuswell, Isaac Spencer,
Thomas Watts, Giles A. Dana and the Pratts, all irom Vermont.
They selected lands and began the work of establishing their homes
upon the frontier. The following June came William Hall and his
wife, Robert and Mary Hall, Archibald and Charles ^"andyke,
JNIyrtle G. Brace, E. S. Brodhead and several meml)ers of a family
named Davis. The first of the Sturms family had located at Seeley's
Point as early as 1834. Other members of the family came later and
located claims along the south side of Osceola Grove, in what is now
Elmira Township. ^Irs. Shallenberger describes the Sturms as "regu-
lar frontiersmen, every one 'mighty hunters;' of tall stature, combin-
ing strength and activity in an unusual degree. Wearing an Indian
garb of fringed buckskins, their feet encased in moccasins, with bowie
knife in the belt and rifle on the shoulder; no wonder many a new-
comer started from them in aft'right, supposing they had encountered
genuine 'scalpers.' But these men were by no means as savage as they
seemed, but had hearts to which friend or stranger never appealed in
vain."
On June 17, 1837, the Turnbull and Oliver families left their
"Bonnie Scotland" to seek homes in America. After a voyage of
six weeks they reached Quebec, and nearly six weeks more were con-
sumed in the journey to Chicago. From there they went to Joliet,
where they found two vacant cabins, which they were permitted to
occupy, the settlers there showing them every kindness. But they
were anxious to enter lands of their own. At Joliet they met a man
named Parker, who owned a quarter section of land in what is now
Stark County, and John Turnbull set out on foot to meet Parker
at ^Vyoming, his intention being to purchase the land. He did not
buy Parker's land, however, but, after looking around through the
new settlement, purchased forty acres from John and Thomas Lyle.
in Osceola Grove, u]wu which there was a small cabin, with the under-
standing that if ^Ir. Oliver came on the Lyles would sell him the
adjoining forty acres. On February 14, 1838. John Turnbull and
Andrew Oliver, with their families, took possession of their new pur-
chases. That was the beginning of the "Scotch Colony" in Elmira.
Says INIrs. Shallenberger: "The four families, consisting of eight
Lyles and thirteen of the Turnbulls and Olivers, contrived to live until
s])i-ing opened, in one room, and that one 16 by 18 feet. That they
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 9iJ
succeeded in doing this harmoniously, so that the survivors can now
look hack through the mists of nearly forty years, and make merry
over the experiences of that tirst winter in Osceola, is creditable to all
concerned."
Letters from the Turnbulls and Olivers to friends and relatives
in Scotland soon brought others from that country, and the JMurrays,
the Grieves, the Armstrongs, the ]McDonalds. McRaes, JNlurchisons.
Finlaysons and McLennans joined the Scottish settlement in Stark
County. They patiently endured the hardships and inconveniences
of frontier civilization, and with that industry and determination that
lia\ e alwaj's been such dominant characteristics of the Scotch people
they built up a neighborhood that is remarkable for its thrift :nid
independence.
In 1837 a jjostoffice was established where the village of Osceola
is now situated. It was named "Elmira" by Oliver \Vhitakei-, after
his old home in New York, and when township organization went
into effect in 18.5.'J the name was conferred on the township.
The population of the township in 1910, according to the United
States census, was 884, and in 1914 the property was appraised at
$7.58,198 for taxation — a valuation of over eight hundred dollars for
each man, woman and child residing in the township. Elmira has
seven schoolhouses. valued at $1 ().()()(). and employs nine teachers in
the public schools.
ESSEX TOWNSHIP
Essex is the middle township of the southern tier and includes
Congressional Township 12, Range 6. It is bounded on the north
by Toulon Township; on the east by Valley; on the south by Peoria
County, and on the west by the Township of West Jersey. The
Spoon River enters from the north about two miles west of the north-
east corner and flows in a southerly direction across the township,
and the western part is watered by Indian Creek, which forms a
junction with Spoon River in Section 33. In the southeastern part
Camping Run and Mvul Run flow westwardly through a small section
of Essex, their waters finally nn'ngling with those of the S])oon
River. Along the streams the surface is slightly broken, but by
far the greater part of the tow^nship consists of a gently undulating
surface, with a fertile soil, and there is very little waste land.
This township was named for Isaac Essex, the first white settler
in what is now Stark County. Prior to the inaugm-ation of the town-
shij) system in 18.53, this portion of the county was known as Massillon
94 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
Precinct. Between the years 1817 and 1820 land entries were made
in this townshij) under the ohl MiUtary Rounty Act as follows:
Section 1. William Kly and John Trask; Section 2. John McClf)ud
and ^Vl)ram Walton; Section 3, aiaron Graham and John Xewkirk;
Section 4, Joseph Cox, Peter Lawrence and Ralph Tucker; Section 6,
William Lloyd and James McCray; Section 7, John JNleeks; Section
8. (xardner Herring and Oilman Smith; Section !). Nathan Bennett,
Jarville Chaft'ee, John A. Newiiall and James Zings; Section 10,
Benjamin Davis, R()l)ert King. John B. ]McKenny and John ^Vorts-
hough; Section 11, Tryon Fuller, Solomon Libhy, John Odam and
Joseph Wright; Section 12, Roswell Post, Harvey Sperry and Joseph
Woodmansee: Section 13, John II. ^Martin, James Reed, James Selah
and J. II. Winney; Section 14. John Baptiste, Benjamin Lovell and
John Lovell; Section 15, John Bruce and Rufus Stanley; Section 17,
Samuel Banner, George Blanchard, Aaron Scott and Joseph Elliott;
Section 18, Thomas Hamilton and Jacob House; Section 10, John
Union and George ^V. ^Voods; Section 20, Thomas Briggs and Jacob
Yost; Section 21. Henry Harmon, Cornelius Overlock, Abram
Parker and Abram Prior; Section 22, Timothy Green and John
Miller; Section 23, Taylor Hardin. John INlurray. D. A. JMyers and
Israel D. Towle; Section 24. Uavid Bell. Charles Cain and Henry
Smith; Section 2.5, jNliehael Colebrough, Herman Fisher, Ldward
Keough and Jeffrey AVorthington ; Section 26, John Francis, Abra-
ham Lucky, George IMiller and Amos L. Smith; Section 27, Orra
Bardsley. J. V. Fcagles, George Phipps and Peter Pilgrim; Section
28. John ^IcLaughlin. Joseph Lutz and Samuel Little; Section 29,
Ldmund Ueady and Jt)hn Dickaman; Section 30, Abraham Birch
and Jeremiah Hillers; Section 31, William HoUings. Joshua Nelson
and Tyre Nelson; Section 33, Charles Austin, James Coleman and
Thomas ]\Ierritt: Section 34. John J. Uunbar. Silas Hodson. Ezra
Hutchings and Consider Yeames; Section 3.3, John Hyatt, Charles
JNIaynard, Francis JMorrow and Reuben Rowe; Section 30, Richard
Ford, Charles Frost, William Goodman and Andrew Gott.
]Most of these entries were for a quarter section each, hence it
Avill be seen that more than fifteen thousand acres of the land in Essex
Township were claimed on land wari'ants by the veterans of the War
of 1812. A few of the claimants afterward became actual settlers,
but the greater number sold their titles, which caused considerable
trouble to those who came in later years.
Isaac Essex, the original Stark County pioneer, located u])on the
south half of the northeast quarter of Section 15, a short distance
HISTOKY OF STARK COUNTY 95
west of the Spoon River, about two miles soutli and one mile west of
the present city of \Vyoming. Here he built his cabin in the spring
of 1829, cleared a few acres of ground, and raised that year the first
crop ever grown by civili/ed man in Stark County. Compared with
])resent day conilitions it was not much of a crop, but it marked the
beginning.
In the fall of 1829 John B. Dodge located a claim and built a
cabin in Section 14, directly east of Isaac Essex. His cal)in was the
second house in the county. The following spring Renjamin Smith,
Dodge's father-in-law, settled in Section 14.. His son, Greenleaf
Smith, came a little later and located in the same neighborhood. The
three cabins of Essex, Dodge and Smith constituted the only habita-
tions in the county at the close of the year 1830. In 1831 came \\i\-
liam D. Grant, Tiiomas Essex, David Cooper, John E. Owings (who
occupied the cabin built by Dodge) , Sewell and William P. Smith, and
a few others, all of whom settled in what is now Essex Township.
An election was held at the house of Renjamin Smith in August,
1881, when John E. Owings was elected justice of the peace. He
held the office until in 1834, when he sold out to Moses Boardman
and removed to Canton, Fulton County.
Retween the years 1831 and 183.5 a number of immigrants came
in and established homes within the present township Ihnits. Among
them were the Leeks, father and son, wiio came from Tazewell County
early in 1832 and built a saw and grist mill on the Spoon River, a
short distance southwest of where Wyoming now stands. The mill
was washed away by a flood about four years later, but while it stood
it was a great convenience to the settlers. Samuel Merrill settled in the
northwestern part of the township, about a mile south of the City of
Toulon, and a little farther south was the house of Elijah iNIcClena-
han, Sr., where the first election was held after Stark County was
created by the act of March 2, 1839. Stephen Worley settled south
of ^McClenahan and in 1834 Thomas Winn came from Indiana and
built a cabin in Section 16.
Jarville Chaffee, who laid claim to a part of Section 9 under the
IVIilitary Rounty Act in 1818, came from Michigan in ^Nlay, 1834, and
stopped with one of the settlers until he could build a house of his
own. Concerning that house, Leeson's History of Stark County
says: "Thinking to get up something extra he split the logs, white-
washed the inside, and had an upstairs reached by a ladder."
To Essex Township belongs the distinction of being the site of
the first postoffice and the first schoolhouse in Stark County. A
96 HISTORY OF STAKK COUNTY
weekly mail route was established from Springfield, via Peoria, to
Galena in 18.'}8 and the same year an otfiee was opened in the "Essex
Settlement," with Isaae B. Essex as postmaster. The neighbors took
turns in bringing the mail from the "office under the bluff" in Peoria
County. Mrs. Shallenberger says: "The office was an old boot
box, set ui^on pins driven into the wall, high and dry, and above the
reach of the children in the cabin of Mr. Essex. In 1833 only two
newspapers were taken in the county — one by Mr. Essex antl the
other by Benjamin Smith. At this date two weeks were required to
get a paper from Springfield, and a proportionately longer time to
get intelligence from Washington or the East." The office was at first
called Essex, but after the Town of Wyoming began to grow it was
removed to that place and the name changed to Wyoming.
By the act of IMarch 1, 1833, Isaac B. Essex was appointed
commissioner of the school fund in his settlement and authorized to
sell section 16. The section was sold on February 4, 1834, for
'$9(58.70. JMadison \Vinn, in a paper read before the meeting of the
Old Settlers' Association in 1886, says:
"On the fourth day of July, 1834, the people came together for
the purpose of building a schoolhouse. The site chosen was near the
northeast corner of section 15, in Essex Township. The building was
planned to be twenty feet square and all went to Avork with a will,
some cutting, some hauling, some making clapboards and others build-
ing. By noon it was built up Avaist high, and there coming a shower
we ari'anged the clajiboards over the wall and underneath ate our
Fourtli of July dinner. The first daj^ the walls were built up to the
roof, which was soon covered, and from Leek's Mill slabs were brought
for seats. A post was driven into the ground and a slab laid on it for
a teacher's desk, while mother earth was the floor. Adam Perry
commenced school about July 1.5th, with about thirty scholars, out of
which number I am the only one living."
Fi-oni that humble beginning the school system of Essex has de-
veloped until in 1914 the township had ten public school buildings,
valued at $26, 7.50, and employed sixteen teachers. One of the school
buildings is in the City of Wyoming.
Two lines of railway — the Chicago, Rock Island iSs: Pacific and the
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy — furnish transportation to the people
living east of the Spoon River, the stations being Duncan and Wyo-
ming, and those living in the northwestern part of the townshij) find
their railroad accommodations at Toulon.
The population of Essex ToMiiship in 1910 was 1,131, which in-
IIISTOllV OF STARK COUNTY 97
eluded the Third AVard of the City of Wyoming, and in 1914 the
property was valued tor tax ])urpose.s at .$87'2,44.().
tiOSHEX TOWNSHIP
of
Congressional townshij) l.'i, range .5, prior to the introduction o
the township system in 18.5:{, was known as "Lafayette Preeinet."
In that year it was organized as a eivil township and was named
"(iosheii." hecause a number of the early settlers in that part of the
county came from tlie Town of (loshen, Clermont County, Ohio. It
is hounded on the north by Henry County; on the east by Toulon
Township: on the south l)y the Township of West Jersey, and on the
west by Knox County. The surface is generally level or slightly
I'olling. well drained by Indian Creek and its tributaries in the eastern
l)art and by AValnut Ci-eek in the southwest. There is some prairie
land in the township and the Walnut Creek Valley is one of the most
fertile jjortions of the county.
Probably owing to the fact that this part oi' the county was in-
habited by Indians for several years after the ^Var of 1812. fewer
enti'ies of land were made by soldiers in Goshen than in the other
to\\nships of Stark County. Consequently the early settlers here
were not subjected to the uncertainty of titles that attached tt) many
other parts of the military tract. Among those who entered lands
under the provisions of the JNIilitary Bounty Act were:
Daniel Shattuck, E. B. Ware and James Ware, section 1: Isaac
Bingham. Klisha Courtney and Rubull Parrish, section 2; Isaac Fos-
ter, section 7; iVlcxander Frazier and Francis Tibbins, section 11;
Jesse Bradbury, Daniel Hand and James Matthews, section T2;
(ieorge Xewton and Henry Webb, section 13; John Foster, section
24'; Solomon Dodd and Herman Johnson, section 2.5; Jonas Witti-
ford, section 3.5; Matthew Caldwell and Walter Thornton, section 30.
After the removal of the Indians a few of these veterans settled upon
their claims, but most of the lands were sold to speculators.
The first settlements in this section were made in 1830, some nine
years before the organization of Stark County. ^lichacl Fraker
located in the grove a short distance west of the i)resent Village of
Lafayette, which still bears the name of Fraker's Cirove. There he
erected a hand mill for the use of himself and his neighbors. This
mill was afterward purchased by William Dunbar, one of the ])ioneevs
of Goshen Township, familiarly known as the "Old Hatter." It is
said that settlers from all parts of the county would bring their furs —
98 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
from rabbit to bea\'er skins — to jMr. Dunbar to have them made into
hats. So well did he do liis work his hats would last for years, the
owner coming in several times to iiave them cleaned and reblocked.
Other early settlers were the ^liners, Parrishes, Ilitchcoeks, Fitches
and a few other families, some of whom lived in what is now Stark
County and the others just across the line in Knox.
In 18.34 Henry ^NlcClenahan settled in the township, entered 2-1-0
acres of land in section 31, and continued to reside there until his
death in Julie, 1857. The next year (1835) Conrad and Jacob Emery
came from Ohio and settled in the township. Conrad Emery was a
veteran of the War of 1812. Xelson Grant, a native of Connecticut,
also settled in Goshen in 183.5. John White came with his family from
Ohio in 1836 and the next year Sanuiel Parrisli, the founder of the
Parrish family in Stark County, located on lands which he had pre-
viously entered in Goshen Township. He served in the Revolutionary
war, afterward settling in Canada and coming from that country to
Illinois. He joined the ]Mormon Church about a year after coming
to Illinois and removed to Xauvoo, where he died. Some of his
children remained in Stark County, where their descendants still live.
JNIinott Silliman, the first treasurer of Stark County, entered sev-
eral tracts of land in Goshen Townshij) and became a resident of that
townshiiJ in 1837. Barnabas M. and James Jackson and Elijah
Eltzroth were among the settlers of 1838. INIr. Eltzroth was a caliinet
maker by trade and made a large part of the fui-niture used by the
first families. The first election for school trustees in Goshen Town-
ship was held at his house on April 6, 1839, when Luther Driscoll.
Charles H. JMiner and Samuel Parrish were elected. Jeremiah Ren-
nett was likewise a settler of 1838.
Lafayette is the only town or village in the township. It is situ-
ated near the Avestern border, on the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific
Railroad, which runs almost due east and west through the central
part of the township. A history of the village will be found in the
next chapter. Goshen is therefore an agricultural community, though
considerable attention has been given in recent years to fruit raising,
and there are two large nurseries near Lafayette.
The nine jniblic school buildings in the township, including the
one in Lafayette, are valued at $17,500 and twelve teachers were
employed during the school year of 1914-15. The population in 1910
was 1.145 and in 1914 the assessed value of the property was
$1,063,077.
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 99
OSCEOLA TOWN SHIP
The Townslii]) of Osceola oeci]])ies the novtlicastern corner of the
county, including' Congressional township 14, range 7. It is bounded
on the north and east by Bureau County; on the south by Penn Town-
ship, and on the west by the Township of Elmira. The East Fork of
the Spoon River flows iliagonally across the township from northeast
to southwest, Silver Creek drains the northeastern portion and across
the southern part Cooper's Defeat Creek Hows westwardly initil it
empties into the East Fork in section ."Jl. ]More than 80 per cent of
the 2."{.()40 acres of land lying within this township is capable of being
cultivated and yields abundant crops, owing to the great fertility of
the soil. ^Vhen the first white men came to this part of the county
they found here a beautiful ])rairie, which may account in a great
measure for the large number of soldiers' land warrants being filed
between the years 1817 and 1820. In those years lands were entered
in this township by veterans of the War of 1812 as follows:
In section 1, Daniel Prestman and John Wingtield; section 2,
John Cochran and Richard INIarsliall; section 3, Levi Spaulding and
John Spencer; section 4, Isaac Irvine and George Rowland; section
5. II. J. Balch and Jacol) Seeders: section 0, John S^^■isson: section 7,
Timothy Carter and Daniel ^Vhisker; section 8. ^Vlanson Adams,
Samuel Adams, John Pilsbury and 3Iargaret Smith ; section 9, James
C. Angell, Alexander JNIcConkey, John T. Swords and Stephen
\\'hip])le: section 10. Charles Aveiy, Nathan Brown, Samuel Shannon
and William \Veavcr; section 11, Stejjhen Bridges, John Gowen,
Rensselaer Lee and Shelton Lockwood; section 12, Joseph Cutler;
section 1.3, David Flagg and Jonathan Pike; section 14, William
JJrower, Andrew Campbell, Frederick Devoe and Asahel Stanley:
section 1.3, John Barker, Fj^hraim l*ratt. Timothv Thompson and
Gerard Tracy; section 17, John Carroll, John Langfitt, Jacob Sticker
and James Wiley; section 18, Amos Bunnell and Asa INIanning; sec-
tion 19, William Kurnin: section 20, James Bush; section 21. Fli
Brady and Andrew (iroynne; section 22, William Crowson. William
Graham and Jabez Graves; section 2.*J, Samuel Allen. I'hilip .Andrews,
Isaac McCarter and James Taylor; section 24, Frederick Ilomi. Sam-
uel Neal, Elijah Nickerson and George Stall; section 25, Job Haskell,
Hudson Knight and F. K. Robinson; section 26, John Coon, Josiah
Brantley. Orson Menard and J. C. Parker: section 27, E. F. Nichols,
Richard Hardy. \\'illiam F. Reed and Amos Small; section 28, Wil-
h'am Eaton and George Stanton; section 31, Zachary Gray; section
100 HISTOKY 01< hiWKK COl^XTV
32, Grandeson B. Cooper; section 33, ^Vinship Gordon and Lawrence
Hoots; section Hi, Saimiel K. Jenkins, John Lennon, Samuel ]Moul-
tonand Arthur Slierrard; section 3.>, George Anway, Joseph Kenion,
George Longniire and William blading; section 3G, Jacob 31orton.
The eighty-seven soldiers' claims of 160 acres each absorbed 13,920
acres, or a little more than 60 per cent of the entire township. When
actual settlers began to come in there were several disputes and law-
suits over title to the lands, which retarded to some extent the develop-
ment of the township. The vexed question was finally settled, how-
ever, and since then Osceola has grown to be one of the wealthiest,
most populous and prosperous townships of Stark County.
When the first settlers came to the townshij) in 183.5 they found a
beautiful grove in the northwestern j^art, extending into what is now
Khiiira Township, and it was here that they located. At that time
the Seminole Indians in Florida were at war with the United States
under the leadersliij) of the half-lireed chief. Osceola. This chief was
the son of a white man named \Villis Powell and a Creek squaw. He
Avas born in Georgia, but while he was still in his youth his mother
deserted her own tribe and joined the Seminoles. Some of the early
settlers, admiring the skill and bravery of the adopted chief in resist-
ing the removal of the Seminoles from their favorite hunting grounds
in Florida, named the grove "Osceola Grove," and this name was
afterward conferred upon the civil township established in 18.53.
The first land entries made by actual settlers were in the grove
above mentioned and along the East Fork of the Spoon Kiver.
Nicholas Sturm and Henry Seely located claims in section 28 in 183.5.
The following year Robert and ^^'^illiam Hall entered land in section
6; James Buswell in section 7: Isaac Spencer, section 18: James
Clark and Samuel Love, section 19: Mathias Sturm, section 21, and
Joseph Xewton, section 28. In 1837 Myrtle G. Brace located in sec-
tion 6, John Watts in section 19, and W. H. Boardman in section 31.
Although Osceola is an agricultuial comnumity, considerable coal
mining has been done in the township. As early as 1861 John ]Mc-
Ivaughlin was mining coal at a place known as Foster's coal bank,
about two and a half miles west of Bradford, and there were other
mines along the Spoon River and about Lombardville. A more com-
plete account of the mining interests of the county will be found in the
chapter on Finance and Industry.
The Buda & Rushville branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy
railway system runs through the eastern part of the township, with
stations at Bradford and Lombardville, and furnishes transportation
facilities to the people living east of the Spoon River.
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 1<J1
The first election of school trustees in Osceola Township was on
Jimc ;5. 1840, when Liberty Stone, 1. W. Searl and Zebnlon Avery
were elected. Immediately after their election the trustees divided
the township into three school districts. In I'Jl.J there were nine
pnl)lic school huil(lin<-s, valued at $1(),«0(), and during the preceding-
school year sixteen teachers were employed. The population of the
townsliip in lUlO, including the incorporated Yilhige of Bradford,
was 1,.")77. and in 11)14 tlie pro])crty was valued for tax ])urposes at
,*l,()'.tO,874.
PENN TOWXSHIl'
This is the middle township of the eastern tier and embraces Con-
gressional townshi]) i;5 nortli. range 7 east. It is bounded on the
north by Osceohi Township; on the east by Marshall Covuity, on the
south by Valley Township, and on the west by the Township of Tou-
lon. The surface is moderately diversified and originally a large part
of the townshi]) was ])rairie land, with a soil above the average in fer-
tility. Coal deposits underlie the township and in a few places have
been found beds of a good quality of tire clay, but they have not been
devehtped. The only stream of any consequence is a tribntary of
Cooper's Defeat Creek in the northeastern portion. Cajjfain Ilaaeke,
one of the early settlers of Peoria, several years ago told the story of
how this creek received its name. His account is as follows:
•'The winter of lH.'31-3-2 was the winter of the deep snow. Tlie
M-eather before Christmas being pleasant a party of four men was
ecjuipped by a trader by the name of John Hamlin, then of Peoria,
wh.o was buying furs for the American Fur Com])any. Fitting them
out with an ox team of two yoke and provisions for their journey
trom I'eoria to the Winnebago swamjjs, with goods to trade to the
Winnebam) and Pottawatomi Indians, thev started on their journev.
Soon snow connnenced to fall, the air grew colder, and continued to
grow more so as they went along, until they were compelled by the
fierce cold and driving snow to abandon their team. In fact the snow
was so deep that the cattle got swamped and they were left to their
fate. With BoycTs (irove in view, the men started, guided by a large
tree and a light at the grove. A man named Ridgeway was the only
one of the party who succeeded in reaching the grove. The other
tiuec. two ol' whom wvvv AVilliam and Jerry Cooper (the other name
forgotten), perished on the prairie near a stream southwest of lioyd's
Grove. The bones of the men and the cattle were seen in the spring-
following, also the sled, as the soldiers of the Black Hawk war were
102 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
marching, all mounted, 260 strong, to make battle with the Sac and
Fox Indians. The stream where the men jierished has since been
known as 'Cooper's Defeat.' "
Township 1.'}, range 7, seems to have been a favorite field for the
veterans of the War of 1812, as nearly one hundred land warrants
were located in what is now Penn Township. Following is a list of
entries made betMeen the years 1817 and 1820:
Section 1, AVilliam Y. Knapp, Elizabeth I^eonard (soldier's
Avidow) and James Rogers; section 2, Daniel Robertson; section 3,
Francis Cook and James Scandling; section 4, John and William
Owen; section ,5, William A. JNIcLane and Samuel Tyler; section (!,
Benjamin Howard; section 7, Peter Kerns and Job Price; section 8,
Charles Brewster, William H. Fann and John Hoagden: section
9, Samuel Earl, Samuel Ellis, William Kelly and Levi Pratt: sec-
tion 10, George Coates, Ebenezer Cobb, William Loomis and Stephen
Xewburg: section 11, Richard Carver, William Gordon. Philip
Plielps; section 12, George Kindle, Elijah Loveless, jMoses Taylor
and Thomas Tyler; section 13, Patrick Freeman. John W. Ingersoll
and ^Villiam Trottenberger; section 14. Daniel Bennett. John Connor,
John J. Jewell and William Sheets; section 1.5. John Beals. John
Cook, JNIathias Boyd ajid Robert INIcIntosh: section 17, Ira Ilolman,
Thomas Johnson, Henry Parker and George Suter: section 18,
Nathan Convers and Aaron ^Voodworth; section 19, Abiezer Wash-
burn and Asa Winslow; section 20, Richard Bayard, Jonathan Drake,
Shelby Hobbs and Nathan Shepherd: section 21, Alvin Dillingham,
Samuel Lane. Joseph INIcFarlin ;nid James Parks; section 22, Benja-
min Brown, Samuel Lewis, William Stewart and Joseph AVindell;
section 23, Moses Heath. Archibald McCrary and Christian Right;
section 24, Amos C. Babcock, John W. Ingersoll, Bernard JMc^NIahon
and John iMason; section 25, John Norfleet and Jacob Skinner; sec-
tion 26, James Giles, Paul Green. Thomas ^NIcCov and Joshua Regis-
ter; section 27, Timothy Dixon. Richard Eml)ley, Josc])h ]Morse and
Warren Sartwell; section 28, AVilliam Briggs, John Adams. Thomas
Dennis and Richard Edmunds; section 29, Giles C. Dana, George
Decker, Joseph Dockham and John Nichols; section 30. Horace
Clark and Harvey Gaylord; section 31. Adonijah Ball and Peter
Ricker; section 32. John Brandon. Christo])her Brockctt and Jacob
Trishour; section 33, Peter Brown, Robert Devine, Jeremiah Gillilan
and William ]Matthews; section 34, Adam Sufford, Nathaniel Yar-
nuin, Thomas AValden and Horace Witheville: section 35, jNIoses
HISTORY OF STAKK COUNTY 103
Aldrich, John ]Messing ami Jtiiks Waite; section 'Mi, Thomas Lee
and Jolm \V. IngersoU.
Thv actnal settlement of the township began before the organiza-
tion of the eonnty. One of the earliest settlers was James Ilolgate,
who was born in Philadelphia, Pa., Jnly 26, 1804.. and when sixteen
years of age went to Lnzerne County, in his native state, where he
learned the miller's trade. In 18.*}.'} he left Pennsylvania and came to
Illinois, locating in section 19, in what is now Penn Township. lie
held tile otHce of county judge for eight years; was justice of the peace
and a member of the Legislature; was one of the democratic leaders
in Stark County, and was an energetic and useful citizen. He died
about 188.J.
Henry Seely, anoliier pioneer of I'enn, was a native of New ^'ork
State, but came west while still a young man and was mari'ied in
Indiana. Soon after his marriage he came to Illinois and acquired
:i-20 acres of land in what is now Penn Township. His place was long
known as "Seely's Point" and is located in sections 27 and 28. He
Mas elected to several otRces on the republican ticket and was an active
member of the Methodist Church. His death occurred in JSIarch, 187().
Others who settled or entered land in this townshi]) in the '.'JOs
were Dexter Wall, Benjamin and Uavid Newton. John T. I'henix.
Henry lireese, I^emuel S. Uorranee, Sylvanus ]Moore, Klisha C. and
Nehemiah ]Merritt. Then came the Averys, the Bunnells, the Snares,
the Bococks and other families, many of whose descendants still reside
in the township.
Prior to the introduction of the township system in 18.).'J the terri-
tory comprising Penn Township was included in the "Spoon River
Precinct." After the people of Stark County had voted to adopt the
township organization, Henry Breese was appointed one of the com-
im'ssioners to divide the county into civil townshi{)s. He was from
Pennsylvania, as were a number of his neighbors, and suggested the
name of "Pennsylvania" for his township, but the other two commis-
sioners thought the name too long, so it was shortened to "Penn."
Castleton, a little northwest of the center of the townshi]). is the
only town. It is located on the line of the Chicago, Burlington &
Quincy Railroad, which runs from northeast to southwest thi'ough the
township.
Perm reported a population of 931 in 1910, Avhich was a slight
decrease from the census of ten years before. In 1914 the pro])erty
was valued for taxation at $88.5. .501. The nine schoolhonses are
valued at $9,3,50, and ten teachers are emploj-ed in the public schools.
104 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
TOULON TOWNSHIP
Of the eight townshi]).s coniprisino- Stark County. Toulon is the
most centrally located. It includes Congressional Township 13 north,
range 6 east. Elniira Township bounds it on the north; Penn on the
east; Essex on the south, and Goshen on the west. Spoon River tiows
soutliwardly across the eastern portion and the southwest corner is
watered by Indian Creek. Along the streams the surface is somewhat
broken, but the greater part of the township consists of rolling land
\\ ith a fertile soil, well adapted to agricultural purposes. Some coal
has been mined in the township. AVhen Stark County was first organ-
ized in 1839 the eastern half of this township was in the Wyoming
Precinct and the western half in the Central Precinct. Fourteen
years later the township system was adopted and the name of "Tou-
lon" was given to the township, from the county seat, which is located
near its western border.
More than one hundred military land warrants were located in
Toulon Township between the years 1817 and 1820. Jonathan ]Mat-
thews and Samuel P. Tufts selected claims in section 1; ]Michael Cun-
ningham and Xathan Chadwick, section 2: William Dunlap and
Charles Gist, section 3: Erastus Backus and Joseph Banks, section 4;
Solomon Plutchinson and Jesse Seeley, section ,5; Jacob Rheam, sec-
tion 6; David Park, Hiram Stevens and William Wiley, section 7:
Elijah Coates, Ira Ellmore and Sanniel McCahan. section 8: Daniel
Dudley, Amos J. Eagleson, Silas McCuUough and Robert 3Iorton,
-section 9 ; Hester Faust, Bela Hall, Joseph Porter and Ira Reming-
ton, section 10; Isaac Dyer, Benjamin Pratt. James Thomas and
Benjamin H. Tozer, section 11: Luke Blackshire. Abram Bowman
and Samuel Grimes, section 12; David Fulwell, Jesse Ormsby, George
^\'. Russell and Isaac Patch, section 13: John Dawson, John Pike,
Robert D. Thompson and David R. Whiteley, section 14; Samuel
Null, Abram Rader, Thomas Thompson and John R. Turner, section
15; James Bulley, William Davidson. Yalentine ^Matthews and John
Yearns, section 17; John Wallace and William Young, section 18;
William Bennett and (iideon W. 3Ioody. section 19: Lydia Barrett.
Edward D. Strickland. Robert Vallally and William Yanderman.
section 20; Jeptha Cloud. Robert Fry. Moses McClay and Roliert
Miner, section 21; Xicholas Cook, Allen B. Strong and John Wells,
section 22: Reuben Boles. Richard Hill and W. B. McKennan, sec-
tion 23; Abel H. Coleman, Silas ^I. ]Moore and Isaac Parcelles, sec-
tion 24; Joseph Joy, William Karns, John Thompson and Asaph
Ki;sl|)KM K i)\- A. .1. ADAMS. WYOMING
UNIVERSITY OF ILLIMOIS
URBANA
HISTORV OF STARK COUNTY 105
AVethcrill, section 25 ; George Metzinger, Tlionias Rogers and Joseph
AVildey. section '26; Timothy Cook, Joseph S. Ciorniaii. Joh Park-
lieatl and Polly Tucker, section 27; Ebene'/.er Gilkey, Samuel CTritlitli,
Jacob Slantler and Phineas Spilman, section 28; Asa Hill, W^illiam
Hyde, Henry Rol)erts and James Trumbull, section 29; Philip Law-
less and Adam ^IcCaslin, section ."30; Sijuire \Villiams and Peter
Wolf, section 31; James Baldwin, David llambleton. Isaac lliggins
and Thomas \Vandell, section 32; Henry Bailey, James Chancey,
Josejjh Cram and Joim Cross, section 33; Jeremiah Davis, Richard
Nixon. William Oaks and John Short, section 34; John Bussell, Luke
G. Hasley. Benjamin Hughes and Henry ^Murphy, section 3.5; John
Lynes, John Ilageman, Patrick Sliort and Thomas W. Way,
.section 36.
The first lands entered for actual settlement were the southwest
([uarter of section 30 and the nortlnvest quarter of section 31, which
were entered on June 24, 1839, the former by Adam Perry and the
latter l)y William H. Henderson. On September G, 1839, John ^Miller
entered the southwest quarter of section 19, where the City of Toulon
now stands, and on the 28th of the same month .Tohn Culbertson en-
tered the quarter section directly north of ^Miller's. Lewis Perry,
Chauncey D. Fuller and William Mahaney also entered lands in the
township in the fall of 1839.
Col. ^Villiam H. Henderson, one of the early settlers in Toulon
Township and a man who i)layed an important part in the early his-
tory of Stark County, was born in Garrard County, Ky., Novem-
ber 16, 1793. At the beginning of the War of 1812 he enlisted in
the Kentucky ^Mounted Riflemen, commanded by Col. Richard ^L
Johnson, and with his regiment was at the battle of the Thames,
October .5, 1813. T^pon retiring from the army he located in Stewart
County, Tenn., where he was married on ;Tanuary 11, 1816, to
Miss Lucinda W^imberly. He served as sheriff of Stewart County
and afterward removed to Haywood County, in the western ])art of
tile state. In 1831 he visited Illinois and selected lands in what is now
La .Salle County, about fifteen miles north of the present City of
Ottawa. In the spring of 1832 his father and mother, two of his
brothers and a man named Robert Norris, with two of his wife's
brothers, set out for the new possessions. Just then the Black Hawk
war came on. Robert Norris was killed ])y the Indians and the other
members of the family were comi)elled to vacate their claims. Colonel
Henderson therefore remained in Tennessee and in 183.5 was elected
to represent his district in the State Senate. He resigned his seat.
106 HISTOKY OF STAllK COUNTY
however, before the exijiration of his term, and on July 2, 1836, landed
in Stark County. Plis work in securing the organization of the county
is told in another chapter; the first session of tlie Circuit Court of
Stark County was held at his house; he was a member of the last
Legislature that met at ^^andalia and the first that met at Springfield,
and was otherwise active in public affairs. In 184o he removed to
Iowa and died in that state on January 27, 186-1. His son, Thomas J.
Henderson, was colonel of the One Himdred and Twelfth Illinois
Infantry in the Civil war.
In 1841 the county seat was located at Toulon and much of the
history of Toulon Township is intimately associated with the county
seat. It is therefore told in connection with the history of the City of
Toulon in another chajiter. The Peoria & Rock Island (now the
Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific) Railroad was built through the
township in 1871.
According to the Ljiited States census for 1910 the population in
that year was 2, .379, which included parts of the cities of Toulon and
Wyoming. There are nine school districts in tlie township, outside
of the City of Toulon, in which ten teachers were employed during
the school year of 1914-1.5. and in 1914 the taxable value of the prop-
erty, including railroad property, was $1,401,244.
VALLEY TO ^y N S H I P
Valley Township occui)ies the southeast corner of the county and
embraces Congressional Township 12 north, range 7 east. It is
bounded on the north bj' Penn Township; on the east by ^Marshall
County: on the south by Peoria County, and on the west by the Town-
ship of Essex. Previous to the introduction of the township system
in 18.53, this part of the county formed a part of the ^Vyoming
Precinct. AVhen the county was divided into townships the name
"Valley" was conferred ujion this political subdivision for the i-eason
that it occupies the broad, fertile valley at the foot of the highest divide
in the state. Camping Run flows in a westerly direction through the
northern part and ]Mud Run through the southern part. With a
generally level or slightly rolling surface and a productive soil, some
of the finest farms in the county are in Valley Township.
With the exception of section 16 — the public school section — and
a few isolated tracts here and tliere. practically the entire township
was claimed by veterans of the War of 1812 under the ^lilitary Bounty
Act. Following is a list of soldiers' land Avarrants located between
the years 1817 and 1820:
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 107
Section 1, Charles Gibhard and Linus Gilbert; section 2, Justus
Cobb and Thomas Edwards; section 3, Joseph JMcCord and Jtjhn
Thornburg; section 4, John ^'inchane and Charles Youn<>': section .J,
Welcome Rutterworth (320 acres) ; section (i, Jolm Sargent and
James Sawyer; section 7. Isaac Paulding and Samuel P. Stegner;
section 8, Isaac Cliihis, John Erskine. Hugh IJobh and Xeheniiah
Wood; section D. Richard Ilorton. \Viniani Ilerrald, William W.
Sickles and Nicholas Xau Stcyke; section 10, Renjamin Fall, Caleb
Johnson, Leverett Richardson and John Vanderbeck; section 11, John
Green, David Page and Edward Wyman; section 12, William Heath,
Thomas PI. Parker and John Pritchard; section 13, Robert Rrown,
]*hilip Clarke, Robert Cockk's and Thom])son White; section li,
Zerah Call, John Coffey, 01i])hant Coleman and Charles Kitchen;
section 1.5, Eodowick Rlackley, James Rriggs and Jolm ONeil; sec-
tion 17, George Armstrong, John Concannon, Hampton Owens and
John Thom])son; section 18. Isaac Ackerman, James Reardwine,
Pleasant ]Meredith and Peter Rotis; section 19, John Ringham, Nor-
man Collins and Renjamin R. JNIeredith; section 20, Daniel Rurns,
"William Dillon, Philip Kinston and Nathaniel White; section 21,
John Rooth, Cierard (iibson, Jolm Ij. Griswold and William "Walker;
section 22, David Durand and Charles Tabor; section 23, John An-
drews, Isaac Garrett and Nathan Hall; section 24, Charles Curran,
William T. Graves, William McGlynn and Owen Riley; section 25,
Sanuiel Adams, Thomas Carty, James Sproul and Joseph Yates;
section 2G, Frederick Cook. Frank liowder. John ^NlcCormack and
Renjamin Tarr; section 27, Ichabod Colby, Thomas Harris and Con-
rad ^Mandell; section 28, Clement C. INIinor; section 29, David Guth-
rie, David Rringman, Francis Dudley and ]Moses Hamphill; section
30. John .Ai'chibald, Renjamin S. Snyder and Alexander \Yaistcoat;
section 31, John Ayler, Henry Emery, INIichael Gebhart and Daniel
Palmer; section 32, Silas Reverstock, Sanniel Chatterton. Calvin Iloyt
and John Lackey; section 33, William Hearn, ^Villiam JNIartland,
Aaron Turner and Horton Wood; section 34, Peter Holloway, Isaac
Snn'th, William Tajjp and Daniel Woolford; section 3.3. Putnam
Conouss, Aha/, Cook and James II. Rowland ; section 30, Luke Rar-
ton, iMoses Davis and Zeba Parmeley.
As in the other townships of the county, these military titles sub-
sequently caused numerous misunderstandings and retarded settle-
ment to some extent. Among those who entered lands along in the
'30s for actual occupation were Edwin and Titus Hutchinson, Wil-
liam C. Cunnnings, Joseph Sulliman, Charles Pope and a few othei-s.
The scliool section was not disposed of until 18.51.
los HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
On July 17, 1847, the first scliool trustees — David Rouse, Z. G.
Bliss and William C. Cunmiings — were chosen at an election held at
the house of David Rouse, and the township was soon afterward
organized for school purposes. There were then hut nine families,
with forty-one children, and only two districts were established. Since
then the two original districts have been subdivided until in 1915
there were eight. The eight schoolhouses in the township were then
valued at $8,(j.50 and during the school year of 191-4-15 ten teachers
were employed.
Valley is fairly well provided with transportation facilities, the
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad passing through the western
part and the Chicago & Northwestern through the southeastern por-
tion. Stark on the former and S])eer on the latter are the only rail-
road stations. In 1910 the population was 821. an increase of 33
during the preceding decade, and in 1914 the assessed value of the
proj^erty, including railroads, was $806, 836.
WEST JEESEY TOWNSHIP
This township is situated in the southwest corner of the county and
includes Congressional Township 12 north, range 5 east. The surface
is gently undidating and the only stream of conseciuence is Walnut
Creek, which flows in a southerly direction through the western half.
Some coal and fire clay deposits have been found in the township.
With the exception of a small tract of sandy land called the "Bar-
rens," the entire townshiiJ is well adapted to agriculture and produces
fine crops of corn, wheat, oats and other farm products suited to this
section of the state. Fruit growing has received considerable atten-
tion in recent years and West Jersey boasts some of the best orchards
in the county.
For some reason the Walnut Creek ^^alley was not looked upon
with favor by the veterans of the War of 1812 and comparatively few
military "floats" were located in this section. Solomon INIarshall en-
tered by military land warrant the northeast quarter of section 1 ;
Daniel Trash, section 4; Hezekiah Adcock, section 17: Charles Davis,
section 20; Benjamin Sherman, section 21; Nicholas Walsh, section
22; George Dearborn, section 2.5; Sheldon Clark, section 28; Charles
Higgins, section 29; Charles Hoover, in the same section; Elijah
Smith and Ebenezer Nichols, section 32; John Scott and Peleg Tup-
per. section 33; Robert C. Jackson and Edward Stewart, section 34;
Cromwell Bullock, Cato Bunnell and Henry S. Hunt, section 33;
Da\ id Bowen and John Phillips, section 36.
IIISTOHY OF STAKK COUNTY 109
Tlie first actual settler in tlic township was Jacob B. Smith, who
came from Fulton County. 111., in February, IB.'U?, entered the
southeast (quarter of section ;5.), built his lot)- c-abiiiTuul began the work
of I)uil(lins4' uj) a home in the wilderness. George Kckley came soon
afterward with his wife and five children from Seneca County, Ohio,
and located in section 2.). Before the close of the year 18;j() rhilip
Keller. Michael Jones, Washing-ton and Stei)hen Trickle, Fphraim
Jiarnttt. John Brown and a few others settled in various ])arts of the
townshij). The year 18.'i7 witnessed the arrival of \N'illiam W . Web-
ster, Nehemiah WykofF, Newton JNIatthews. John Pratz and some
others. Josej)!) Palmer came almut this time and on .July 4. 1838, a
"celebration" was held at his house, near Walnut Creek. Forty-six
])ers()ns took dinner with Mr. Palmer. Caleb North delivered the ora-
tion, and'the affair wound up with a dance, William Mason furnishing
the nuisic. George A. Clifford says Mr. JNIason li\ ed near the present
City of Toulon and that he received nine dollars on this occasion, "the
fii-sf money he ever took in for music."
Jose])!] I'almer, at whose house this celebration was given, was a
native of Brattleboro. A"t.. where he was born in 1802. When about
twenty-five years of age he decided to "Go West and grow u]) with
the country," and located in iVshland County. Ohio, where he mar-
ried a ]Miss ^Nlary Slocum. In ]8;}7 he came to Stark County and
purchased 320 acres of land in what is now AVest Jersey Townshi]).
In 1844 he was elected a member of the old board of county commis-
sioners and served one term. After the Civil war he removed to Gales-
burg. 111., where he ])asscd the remaining years of his life.
Jacob B. Smith, the original jjioneer of \Vest Jersey, was born
near Beading, Pa., in 1801. He afterward went to Ashland County,
Ohio, where he married Mrs. ^laria JMurphy, nee Trickle, and in IS.'}.)
came to Stark County as above stated. His first dwelling here was a
log cabin sixteen feet square. After a residence of several years in
Stark County, he removed to Galva, 111., and died there in Septem-
ber. 1884.
WHien Stark County was organized in 1839 the territory now coni-
prisitig the Townshij) of West Jersey was included in justice's district
No. 3, which afterward became known as ^Massillon Precinct. Be-,
tween 183(5 and 18.50 several families from New Jersey settled in this
part of the county. Among them wei'e the Bodines, Boyds. Ha/.cns,
A\'ileys. Voungs and some others. W^hen the townshi]) .system was
introduced in 18.)3 these people re()uested that their township be called
West Jersey, which request was granted and in that way the town-
no HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
ship was named. Some say the township was named after the village
of West Jersey, hnt that is a mistake, as the village was not platted
until three years after the townships of the county were oi-ganized and
named.
Washington Smith, a son of Jaeoh Smith, was the first white child
hoiii in the toAvnship. The first frame house was built by Washington
Trickle in 1838. The first school was taught by ]Miss Columbia A.
Dunn, a sister of Rev. R. C. Dunn, and the first schoolhouse was built
in 1837 or 1838. In 191.5 there were eight public schoolhouses in the
township, valued at $8,200, and one teacher was employed in each
district during the preceding school year.
West Jersey is one of the two townships of Stark County without
a railroad. The people living in the northern half of the township find
railroad accommodations at Toulon or Lafayette, and those living in
the southern part are within reach of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa
Fe Railroad, which runs through the northern part of Peoria County.
In 1910 the population of West Jersey Township was 818 and in
1914 the property was assessed for taxation at $73.5,8.51.
CHAPTER VIII
CITIES. TOWNS AND VILLAGES
SPECULATIOX IX EAUIA' DAYS — NUMEROUS TOWNS PROJECTED LIST OF
TOWNS AND VILLAGES IN STARK COUNTY CITIES OF TOULON AND
WYOMING — INCORPORATED VILLAGES OF BRADFORD AND LAFAY'ETTE
MINOR VILLAGES HISTORICAL SKETCH OF EACH PRESENT DAY'
CONDITIONS POSTOFFICES AND RURAL MAIL ROUTES.
In the early settlement of the West there seems to luive been a sort
of mania for layin<>- off towns. Companies were organized for the
purpose of preempting- the most available sites, employing surveyors
to make plats, copies of which were sent to cities in the East to adver-
tise the advantages of the coming metropolis of this or that locality.
In some of the counties there were more towns two or three years after
tlie first settlements were made than there are today, if a paper ])lat
constituted a town, and nearly every man or company that had a
town-site had a map made to show that particular town as being the
best situated for the county seat.
Scarcely had the first settlements been made in what is now Stark
County until the speculator and promoter were in the field laying oft'
towns. Some of tlie towns thus projected have sur\'ived and grown
into commercial centers of consideral)le importance ; others are merely
small railroad stations, neighborhood trading jjoints. or postotfices for
a rural community: and still others have passed out of existence.
From a careful examination of the official plat l)ooks, old atlases and
newspaper files, the following list of towns that are or have been in
Stark County has been compiled: Bradford, Camp Grove, Castleton,
Duncan. Elmira, Lafayette, Lombardville. Massillon, INIodena,
IVIorse, ^loulton, Osceola. Pleasant (rreen, Puckerbrush, Slackwater,
Speer, Stark, Starwano, Stringtown, Toidon, Wady Petra, \Valden,
West Jersey and Wyoming. A few of these places, such as Pucker-
brush and Stringtown, were never officially platted, but, like Topsy in
Uncle Tom's Cabin, they "jest growed."
Ill
112 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
\Vliile the above list is arranged alphabetically, in giving their
history, the to^viis will be considered in the order of their importance,
beginnhig with
TOULOX
Section 9 of the act of March 2, 1839, under which Stark County
Avas organized, provided that the county seat should be called "Tou-
lon," and in Chapter XI will be found an account of the manner in
which the location was selected. At the time the site was chosen for
the seat of justice in 184.1, the only house upon the original plat of the
toAvn was a small cabin. Avhich was occupied l)y John Miller and his
family. This cabin had been erected by :Minott Silliman in the spring
of 18;3.5 and sold, with the land, to John :Miller, the place afterward
becoming known as "Miller's Point." Leeson's History of Stark
County says: 'Tn 1832 Harris W. Miner erected a cabin not far
from the Toulon depot: and it is further claimed for him and tliis
section that here the beginnings of cultivation of lands in this town-
ship were made, although ^Nlinott Silliman, who came later, does not
state positively that any evidences of such improAcment were observed
by him."
On July 28. 1841, John ^Miller and his wife executed a deed, con-
veying to the conunissioners of Stark County the tract selected for
a county seat. The "ninety rods square" included in the deed was
laid off"" into lots by Carson Berfield in August. 1841. The original
plat shows sixteen blocks of ten lots each, with 3Iiller, Franklin,
Washington and Henderson streets running north and south, and
Yine, ]Main and Jeff'erson streets running east and west. Between
the north and south streets were three alleys, each twenty feet in
width, named Plum, Cherry and Grape. Since that plat was filed in
the office of the county recorder several additions have been made to
the town, tlie most important of which is Henderson & Whitaker's
addition, which consists of thirty blocks. Then there are Culbert-
son's Eastern and Western additions, the Assessor's addition and
Turner's addition. Tliese additions have increased the area of the
town more than three times that shown by the original plat.
The first sale of lots in Toulon was held on September 14-1.'). 1841.
Bidders were plentiful and 122 lots were sold. The highest price
paid for any one lot was $80, which was paid for lot 10 in block (J. and
the lowest price was $.5, for lot 2. ])lock 9, and lot 1, block 1. Among
the ])ui-ehasers Avere Oliver Whitaker, John W. Henderson, Jonathan
Hodgson, Benjamin Turner. Cyril Ward, JNIinott Silliman. David
r^'-^w-^iv*
IM r.l.Ii SI III ml.. Till I.I IX
ITl'.I.K l.lliKAHV. TOl'LON
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOi
URBANA
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 113
Essex, Nero W. Mounts, John JNIiller, Henry Breese, Calvin Powell,
Harris JMiner and several others whose names figure prominently in
early Starlv County history. In October following the sale Benjamin
Turner built the tirst "real house" in the town. A postoffice was
established a little later and ]Mr. Turner was appointed the first
postmaster.
John Culbertson, who located just outside the town ])lat in 184.1
and brouglit a stock of goods, was jjrobably the first merchant. He
commanded a large trade in and around Toulon, built a flour mill and
established a woolen factory, and was otherwise active in building up
the new county seat. His investments in real estate were extensive
and a neighlior once remarked: "Uncle John will not be satisfied
until he owns all of this township and the one west of it." Another
jjioneer of 18-il was Dr. Thomas Hall, who was the first resident
physician.
The first hotel was kept by Benjamin Turner, who also ke[)t a
small stock of goods in one of the front rooms. The building in which
his hotel was kept was afterward removed to the northwest corner of
the public square, where it was occupied by various persons as a mer-
cantile establishment for a number of years. Other early hotel keepers
were B. A. Hall and AVilliam Rose. Alexander ^Vliel kei)t a tavern
on the north side of ]Main Street, between Franklin and Miller, where
the Virginia House was built by J. A. Cooley in 1849.
The first school in Toulon was taught bj^ JNIiss Elizabeth Buswell,
in an upper room of the courthouse, in 1843. It was known as a
common school, while JNIiss Susan (rill, daughter of Elder Elisha Gill,
taught a "select" school in an adjoining room. The first schoolhouse,
still referred to by old i-esidents as the "old brick," was built on
Jefferson Street, in the Avestern part of town. It was but one story '
high and was built by Ira "Ward, Jr., at a cost of $000. T. J. Hen-
derson taught the first school in the building after it was finished.
The brick for the structvn'e was burned especially for it by W. B.
Sweet, and the lumber was hauled from the Illinois River. That was
the beginning of Toulon's ])ul)lic school system, which has developed
into two magnificent modern buildings, in which seventeen teachers
are em])loycd.
A Methodist class was organized just south of the town in 1841.
Avith Caleb B. Flint as class leader. This was the beginning of the
Toulon ^Methodist Chiu'ch, the first religious organization in tlic town.
A more com])lete account of the churclies of Toulon will be found in
Chapter XV.
114 IIISTOKY OF STAKK COUNTY
III October, 18.57, a movement was instituted for the incorpora-
tion of Toulon. At a meeting of the citizens, held at the clerk's ottice
early in ^larch, 18.58, thirty-four votes were cast in favor of the
proiJosition and only two were opposed. E. L. Emery, Oliver Whit-
aker, INliles A. Fuller, William Lowman and Isaac C. Reed were
elected as the first board of trustees. No record can be found con-
cerning this lirst corporate government of the town, but on February
11,1 859, the Legislature passed an act defining the powers and duties
of the trustees of Toulon.
A reorganization of the town government took place in the spring
of 1868. At an election held on the first jMonday of April in that
year, Caleb M. S. Lyons, Davis Lowman, Amos P. Gill, Hugh Y.
Godfrey and David Tinlin were chosen trustees. In the organization
of the new board, Mr. Lyons was elected president ; JNIr. Tinlin, clerk :
JMr. Gill, treasurer, and Miles A. Fuller was appointed attorney. On
A])ril 17, 1868, fourteen ordinances were passed and ordered printed
in the Stark County News. The first related to public morality, health
and iJolice regulations; the second prohibited gaming houses; the third
fixed a 2)cnalty for interfering with the town officers in the discharge
of their duties; the fourth ])rovided for the punishment of persons
disturbing the peace; the fifth prohibited certain animals from running
at large; the sixth related to streets and alleys and prohibited fast
driving within the corporate limits; the seventh altered certain streets
and alleys; the eighth and ninth dealt with labor upon the streets and
alleys; the tenth forbade the sale of intoxicating liquors; the eleventh
licensed and regulated the keeping of billiard tables; the twelfth pro-
vided for licensing peddlers and auctioneers ; the thirteenth related to
legal ])roceedings, and the fourteenth to the election and appointment
of officers.
The railroad was completed to Toulon in June, 1871, and during
the next year there were a number of additions to the population.
Consequently the board of trustees on IMarch .5, 1873, issued a call for
an election to be held at the courthouse on April 7. 1873. "to submit
to the voters of the said town the (juestion whether the said town shall
become incorporated as a city (village) under the general incorpora-
tion laws of the State of Illinois."
A majority of the votes were cast in favor of the change in
municipal government and the following trustees were elected: Den-
nis JNTawbey, .James Nowlan, H. StaufFer. Benjamin C. Follett and
Warren Williams. The village government thus established con-
tinued for thirty-six years. On A])ril 20, 1909, an election was held
IIISTORV OF STARK COUNTY US
to decide the question whether Toulon should incorporate as a city.
A majority of the votes were cast in favor of the chanoc and the
charter bears date of April 22, lUOU. The lirst city othcers were:
George Xowlan, mayor; Arthur Shinii, clerk; Harry B. Davis, treas-
urer; A'ictor G. Fuller, attorney; F. C. INIcClenahan, Thomas J.
Malone, William A. Newton, Orlando Brace, Amiel F. Lehman and
E. H. Lloyd, aldermen. Mr. Nowlan served as mayor until the spring
of ini.>, when he was succeeded by J. H. Baker.
ELECTRIC LIGHT
On .Tune 0, 1892. the board of trustees granted to ^Nfiles A. Fuller
a fianchise to construct and maintain an electric lighting plant, tiie
life of said franchise to be twenty-five years. Mr. Fuller and his
associates went to work almost immediately upon the ])lant and the
result was that on the evening of Decembtr 2.), 1892. the Town of
Toulon was lighted for the first time by electricity. Some years later
the business was incorporated under the name of the "Toulon Light
and Power Company." The power-house, which is located on Frank-
lin Street between JNIain and Vine, is ecjuijjped with modern electric
machinery and the comj)any besides furnishing light to the people of
Toulon also furnishes power for pumping water for the municiiJal
^^■aterworks.
WATERWORKS
^Vbout the time the form of government was changed from village
to city, the question of establishing a sJ^stenl of waterworks was agi-
tated by some of the progressive citizens. The movement gained
headway and on .Tune 0, 1910, the city council passed an ordinance
calling a special election for the ])urpose of voting on the question of
issuing bonds to the amount of -f l.l.OOO to establish waterworks. The
])ro))osition to issue the bonds was carried by a substantial ma joiity
at the election and the engineering firm of W. S. Shields & Company
was given the contract for the erection of the tower and reservoir and
the installation of the ])um])ing machinery.
Gray Brothers, well drillers, were em])loved to sink a deep well
and during the summer of 1911 about foui- and a half miles of mains
were laid, the mains being paid for by a s])ecial assessment against
the property benefited. The well which furnishes the water supplv is
1,44.8 feet in depth. iV reservoir of .)(),()()() gallons and a steel taidc
mounted upon a tower also having a capacity of 50,000 gallons, hold
116 HISTORY OF STARK COL XT Y
a supply of water equal to any demand that is likely to arise. The
ordinary jjuniping capacity is sutficient to furnish water for daily use,
and in adtlition there is a reserve pump that can be called into requisi-
tion in case of fire, etc. The cost of the plant complete, including the
special assessment for the mains, was about thirty thousand dollars.
Few cities in the state, the size of Toulon, can boast a better system of
waterworks or a more bountiful supply of pure, wholesome water.
PUBLIC BUILDINGS, ETC.
The City Hall, located on Franklin Street, adjoining the water
tower and the electric light plant, was erected in 1910 at a cost of
$6,000. It is two stories high, with walls of concrete block, steel ceil-
ings, etc. In the lower story are kept the fire engine, hook and ladder
truck and other property of the fire company, and the second story
contains the offices of the mayor, city clerk, council chamber, and in
the rear a room for the members of the fire dei)artment. The Iniilding
is heated by a finnace and well provided with toilet rooms and lockers
for the municipal officials and employees.
On ]March (5, 1914, the council passed an ordinance for the con-
struction of a sewer system, to be paid for by special assessment. The
contract was awarded to W. S. Shields & Company, the same firm
that built the ^vaterworks. This firm has made a special study of
sewer problems in connection with cities, and at Toulon an op])or-
tunity was given for the construction of a model system. A septic
tank was built southeast of the city and about four miles of sewer laid,
the total cost being about twenty-five thousand dollars. So well has
this system done its work that other cities about to install sewers have
sent committees to Toulon to study the methods used, and all have
gene away satisfied that the city "got its money's worth" in building
the way it did.
A fire department was organized in the early "90s and Charles S.
^IcKee was appointed chief a little later, a position he has held ever
since. The first apparatus purchased for the use of the company was
a second-hand hose reel, which was bought from the City of Clalva.
Then came the hook and ladder truck. Later ^Ir. McKee went to
Indianapolis, Ind., and purchased a combined gas engine and hose
cart fi'om the Howe ^Manufacturing Company of that city. With
this acquisition to the fire fighting eqi!i])ment of the city, Toulon is
well prepared to combat any fire that is likely to lireak out. The
company consists of twenty-five members and holds meetings for
instruction and drill on the third ^Nlondav eveniny in each month.
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 117
The Toulon Civic Club was or<«auize(l at the opera house on Thurs-
day evening, August 5, 191.). The objects of the club, as stated in
the articles of association, are "to develop, promote and enhance the
civiC; industrial, eoniniercial and agricultural interests of Toulon and
vicinity." C. D. ]McClenahan was elected president of the club;
W. U. Sickles, vice president; and M. D. Dewey, secretary antl
treasurer.
^lention has been made of the establishment oJ' tlie postolliee at
Toulon in 1841 and the api)ointment of Benjamin Turner as post-
master. ^Ir. Turner continued in charge of the office until President
liuchanan came into office in 18.57, when he was succeeded by Oliver
Whitaker. In 191.3 the office enii)loye(l two clerks, a man to carry
mail from the ofHce to the railroad station and return, five I'ural cai'-
riei's. and the total receipts for the fiscal year ending on June .'{(),
191."). amounted to nearly seven thousand dollars. At that time the
])ostmaster was Otto Raemeister.
From the single log cabin of John ^liller in 1841. Toulon had
grown to a city of 1,208 inhabitants in 1910, with many modern
homes. It has two fine public scliool liuildings, a public library. Bap-
tist, Catholic, Christian, Congregational and INIethodist Episcopal
chiu'clies, two lai'ge grain eknators, two banks, stock yards, several
miles of cement sidewalks, a telei)hone exchange, telegraph and ex-
press service, a number of well appointed mercantile establishments,
a weekly newspaper, a motion picture tlieater, an opera house, a base
ball club, and on every hand ai'c to be seen evidences of progress and
pi'osperit}'.
CITY OF AVYOMING
Wyoming, the largest city in Stark County, also claims the dis-
tinction of being the oldest town in the county. It was surveyed in
INIarch. 18.36. by B. M. Hayes, then surveyor of Putnam County, for
Cien. Samuel Thomas, and the plat was filed the following INIay. The
oi'iginai town contains eighteen blocks or squares, one of which was
set aside by General Thomas for a jjublic square. William Street,
the northern boundary, is the line between Essex and Toulon town-
ships, the plat being entirely within Essex Townshij). The other
streets running east and west are Main. Smith and Agard. Beginning
at the west line of the plat the north and soutli streets are numbered
from First to Seventh, inclusive. Since the original plat was filed
additions have been made wliich increase the area of the cor])oration
to more than four times that of the first toA\'n laid out by General
118 IllSTOUV OF STARK COUNTY
Thomas. The most important additions are Thomas', Dana's, Scott
& W'rigley's, and the two additions hiid out hv Dr. Alfred Castle,
sometimes called "Xorth \Vy()ming."
Gen. Samuel Thomas, the founder of Wyoming, was horn in the
State of Connecticut, February 2, 1787. When about nineteen or
twenty years old he went to the Wyoming Valley, in Pennsylvania.
At the beginning of the War of 1812, he was captain of a company
of young men who were well drilled in artillery tactics. He ofi'ered
the services of his conqjany to the Cxovernment and the offer was
accepted, the company being ordered to Erie, Pennsylvania, where
Commodore Perry was engaged in building his fleet. Captain Thomas
was placed in command of the post and several times thwarted the
British in their attempts to burn Perry's ships before they were com-
pleted. His company then joined the army under Gen. William PI.
Harrison and he was present at the battle of the Thames, where the
celebrated Shawnee chief, Tecumseh, was killed. After the war he
was apiJointed inspector of the Pennsylvania militia and in 1828 was
commissioned brigadier-general. After serving two terms in the
Legislature of Pennsylvania he decided to seek his fortunes in the
West, and in October, 183-i, he purchased the claim of his brother-in-
law, Sylvanus ]Moore, who had preceded him to Stark County, 111.
When he concluded to lay off a town, his recollections of the Wyoming
Valley prompted him to confer that name upon his town. General
Thomas was engaged in farming and keeping store until his death, on
July 21, 186j. He was one of the leading members of the 3Iethodist
Church, a member of the Masonic fraternity, and took an active in-
terest in political affairs as a democrat.
Concerning the earlv history and growth of Wyoming, jMrs. Shal-
'o
lenberger, in her "Stark County and its Pioneers," says: "For a long
time it had little but a name. In a communication to the Lacon Herald
in 1838, it is spoken of as having upon its site 'one second hand log
smoke house, which serves the double purpose of store and postoffice.'
Xevertheless, its name appears upon several maps of that time, and
it was a prominent candidate for the county seat. It is said that some
speculators interested in the sale of lots, had circulars struck off and
circulated in the eastern states, in which this town ^^•as represented in
1837 at the head of navigation on Spoon River, with fine warehouses
towering aloft and boats lying at the wharf which negroes were load-
ing and unloading, giving the appearance of a busy commercial mart.
This may be but a story, still it serves to illustrate the speculating
mania of those days; which disease has not yet ceased to afHict man-
kind. l)ut has only traveled a few degrees farther west."
\ iKW \()i;iii UN M,i;i II si:\ i:\Tii stkiokt. \\■^"(IMIXI;
PI i;i-ii i.ii,i;ai:\ , w voMl.NU
UNIVERSITY OF ILLiNOiS
URBANA
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY n*
Whether the stoiy of the eircular he true or not — and it may have
been, as such occurrences were bj' no means rare in those days — ^Vyo-
niino- has i)assc(l the point wliere such subterfuges are necessary to call
attention to its couunereial importance. In 18G.5, just after tiie close
of the Civil war, there was a marked increase in the number of inhabi-
tants and in response to a petition the "Town of Wyoming" was duly
incorporated under the laws of Illinois. Unfortunately the early
records of the village under this first government have not been pre-
served. In fact, but little attention was paid to nuinici])al matters
until after the completion of the two railroads in 1871. Then a more
active interest was awakened and in 1872 A. G. Hammond, Otis T.
Dyer, Perry H. Smith, A. J. Conover and C. Collier were elected
trustees. In the organization of the board Perry II. Smith was
elected president and JNIr. Collier, clerk.
In the spring of 1898 a census was taken, which showed the lumi-
ber of inhabitants to be 1,311. An ordinance was then passed by the
board of trustees dividing the town into three wards and ordering an
election to determine whether or not Wyoming should be incorporated
as a city under the general laws of the state. The voting places were
designated as follows: Fir^t Ward, Engine House No. 2, on ^lain
Street; Second Ward, Engine House No. 1, on the north side of
William Street; Third \Vard. King Brotliers' store, on the south side
of William Street. The election was held on April 19. 1898, and a
majority of the citizens cast their votes in favor of a city government.
A special meeting of the old board of trustees was then held on
April 2<j, 1898, for the purpose of inaugurating the new regime. As
this was the last meeting of the town officials under the old village
system, it may be of interest to know w ho tlie men were that changed
Wyoming from a village to a city. C. P. ]McCorkle was president of
the board; W. E. Nixon, clerk;' II. R. Brown, J. A. Klock, M. P.
Ryan, W. J. Townsend, 31arshall Winn and Peter Lane, trustees.
The first and most important business of the special meeting Avas to
appoint the 19th day of INIay as the date of the first election for city
officers. On that date S. R. Perkins was chosen mayor; A. W. Hig-
bee, Henry Duckworth, Fred Stevenson, Fred Ditewig, H. R. Rrown
and C. F. Hamilton, trustees; Ernest Mortimer, clerk; M. H. Lutes,
treasurer.
In 1899 A. J. Harty was elected mayor and served until 190.),
when he was succeeded ])y John W. Smith. George F. Garden was
elected mayor in 1909 and was succeeded by the present incumbent,
William H. Hartz, in 1913. The other members of the city govern-
120 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
ineiit in 1915 were: Frank Jacobs, clerk; Charles Peve, treasurer;
F. S. Foster, Elting Arganbright, Charles Ingram, C. F. Scott, A. C.
Cooper and A. C. Stagg, aldermen.
THE rosTOiaicF,
As stated in the chapter on Township History, the first postoffice
in Stark Comity was established in the Essex Settlement in 1833,
with Isaac B. Essex as postmaster. When Gen. Samuel Thomas came
to the county in IHSi he was accompanietl by several others, among
whom was a man named ^Villiam Cxodley. Two years later the Town
of Wyoming was platted and a movement was started to secure the
removal of the postofiice to the new town. This project was favored
by the people living about Osceola Grove and those living along the
Spoon River above the Essex Settlement, as a matter of convenience,
and a petition was circulated asking for the removal of the office and
the appointment of ^YiIliam Godley as postmaster. The petition was
granted and the new appointee, accompanied by James Holgate, went
to the Essex dwelling to receive possession of the property appertain-
ing to the postoffice. What happened upon their arrival there is thus
told by INIrs. Shallenberger:
"JNlr. Holgate soon noticed indications of a coming storm in the
countenance and conduct of ^Irs. Essex. She was washing when they
entered, and for awhile continued her occupation with a vim that
astonished her visitors, rubbing and scrubbing almost furiously, then
she deliberatelj^ turned from her tub, wiped her arms and hands, sat
down and gave them her opinion of men who would steal a postoffice.
in terms which those gentlemen can never forget. Later in the day a
neighbor coming in and observing she was excited, inquired the cause,
when she made the apt, Init petulant, play upon their names, INIr.
Clifford has recorded, saying: 'God Almighty and Hellsgate have
come and taken away our postoffice.' Surely enough to upset any
woman, and coming on washday at that!"
It could hardly have been the income that at that time made JNIr.
Essex so desirous of retaining the postoffice. but rather the prestige it
gave him in the settlement. The affair created some strife between
the settlements on the lower and upper jjortions of the Spoon River,
but the office remained at Wyoming and in time the affair was
forgotten.
At the close of the fiscal year ending on June 30, 101.), the Wyo-
nn'ng ])ostoffice showed receipts of about five thousand dollars, em-
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 1:^1
ployed two people in tlie office and four mral carriers who delivered
mail daily to a lar<>e tract of the surrounding" country. P. B. Colwell
was then postmaster.
ELECTRIC LIGHT
On April 7. IH'.H). an ordinance was passed by the village board
granting a francliise to R. C. Jordan & Company to light the Town
of Wyoming with electricity. It seems that tlie recipients of this
favor failed to do anything under the provisions of the franchise, and
on July t>, 1892. another ordinance relating to the subject was passed,
giving to E. B. Hillman c^ Company, of Peoria, authority "to con-
struct maintain and operate an electric light and power plant." Hxing
tlie rates to be cliarged by the firm, and containing i)rovisions for the
purchase of the plant l)y the village. Soon after the passage of the
ordinance, Mr. Hillman and his associates began the construction of
a power-house just west of the Rock Island Railroad station, setting
poles and running wires througli tlie streets, and l)efore the close of the
year Wyoming was rejoicing in the fact that it had an electric lighting
system in operation.
On November 6, 1912, the company was reorganized and incor-
porated for fifty years, under the name of the Stark County Power
Com])any. with a cajjital stock of !p2(),()()(). held by Edwin B. HiUman,
Adele S. Hillman and Edgar P. Reeder. Tliis company now fur-
nishes electric light and power to tlie towns of Castleton and Brad-
ford, as well as to the City of Wyoming. Its plant is ecjuipped with
modern machinery and the service is as good as is generally found in
cities of Wyoming's class.
AVATEIMVOlUvS
The first move toward establishing a system of waterworks for
the City of Wyoming was the ])assage of an ordinance by the city
council on April 22, 1902, granting to S. V. Deem, of Galva. 111., a
franchise to construct a water system at a cost of $28,()()(). the life of
the fianchise to be twenty years. INIr. Deem carried out the pro-
visions of the ordinance and the waterworks were completed the fol-
lowing year.
On March 7. 1904. the city council passed an ordinance entitled
the "Waterworks I'mrhase Oi-dinance," under the i)rovisions of which
the city purchased the entire plant from S. Y. Deem for $.'}().()8.j.
The first bond, or waterwoi-ks certificate, for .f()8.). was made pay-
122 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
able on the first day of Ajjril, 11)04, and the reauiining $30,000 in
certificates of $1,000 each, payable annually and bearing interest
at the rate of 5 per cent per annnni. The amount of these bonds or
certificates outstanding on September 1, 1915, was $9,000. Both
the franchise for the construction of the plant and the purchase
ordinance were adt)pted during the administration of flavor
A. J. Harty.
The system consists of a Mater tower 100 feet in height, with a
capacity of .'id, 000 gallons: five miles of mains, and a pumping
capacity of 200 gallons per minute. The rates charged are 3.5 cents
per 1.000 gallons per month, up to 10,000 gallons, and all over that
amount 25 cents per 1,000 gallons per month. The number of con-
sumers on October 1, 1915, was 245. The supply comes from a deep
well and the quality of the Avater is excellent.
PUBLIC PARKS
Wyoming has two public parks — the public square laid out by
General Thomas when he platted the town in 1836, and Central Park,
at the northeast corner of Galena Avenue and Van Buren Street, in
Scott & Wrigley's addition. The latter was set apart at the time
the addition w^as platted as a site for the courthouse in the event
Wyoming secured the county seat, which the people were then trying
to obtain. Both are real "beauty spots," being provided with band-
stands, seats, swings for the little ones, handsome shade trees, etc.,
and they form jjlaces for recreation and amusement for the people.
OTHER PUBLIC IMPROVE5IEXTS
About the time the waterworks were completed the subject of a
sewer system began to engage the attention of the people. The first
sewer, which was constructed by general taxation, runs from a jjoint
on the south side of Van Buren Street, opposite Central Park, to
the southwestern part of the city, near the cemetery. Since it was
built other sewers have been added from time to time by special
assessments until Wyoming has a method of disposing of its sewage
that is as good as that found in most cities of its size.
The fire department is a volunteer organizatiou. but is marked
by efficiency and promptness in time of need. Prior to the estal)lish-
ment of the city government two engine houses were built by the
municipality — one on the north side of William Street and the other
■■^viMr^:^^^^^*'
STREET SCENE IN BRADFORD
? f nt^ r n^/
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
URBANA
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 123
on the south side of the same street— and botli were supplied with
approved tire-fij>htin<>- apparatus. AVith the completion of tlie
waterworks an additional supply of hose was purchased, to he
attached to the hydrants in case of tire, and this assured ample tire
protection for all ordinary occasions.
Within recent years \Vyoming has given considerable attention
to building sidewalks and oiling the roadways of the streets. The
result is several miles of excellent concrete sidewalks and dustless,
streets that makes the little city one of the cleanest in the State of
Illinois.
MISCELLANEOUS
The fair grounds of the AVyoming Agricultural Society are
located in the eastern part of the city, a short distance east of the
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad and within easy walking
distance of the business district. The first fair was held here in Sep-)
tember. 1881.
Resides lieing the oldest town in the county, Wyoming claims the
honor of having the first frame house. A year or two after the town
was started by General Thomas, Whitney Smith erected a small
frame building, \\ hieli he used for a store, and it is generally conceded
that this was the first frame structure of any kind to be erected in
Stai-k County.
Two modern pul)lic school buildings, one known as the South Side
School and the other as the North Side, furnish excellent educational
facilities for the city. During the school year of 1!)14-1.3 eleven
teachers were employed.
AVyoming has two banks, a pul)lic library, a weekly newspaper,
a number of mercantile houses that compare favorably with those of
larger cities. Congregational, Catholic, Episcopal and ^Methodist
churches, grain elevators, lumber and coal yards, hotel and restaurants,
a large ])oultry house, a motion ])icture theater, an opera house, a
baseball club, a large number of cozy homes, and in 1!)10 reported a
population of 1,;50(). Being located at the junction of the Chicago,
Burlington & Quincy and the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific rail-
roads, it is the princi])al shij)ping ])oint for a rich agricultural district
in Essex, Penn, Toulon and Valley townships and large (|uantities of
grain and livestock are handled here annually.
BRADFORD
Bradford, the third largest town in the county, is situated in the
northeastern part of the county, the original plat being in sections 23
124 lUSTOKY OF STARK COLMV
and "20, Osceola Township. It was surveyed on ^Vpril 27, 18.5-t, by
Sylvester F. Ottman, then county surveyor, for Bradford S. Foster
and derived its name from the Chi'istian name of the proprietor. In
making the survey, JNIr. Ottman located Main Street on the section
line. North of this is one tier of lots. The next street south is Arbor
and Soutli Street forms the southern boundary of the original town.
Between ^Main and Arbor (at first called Bowery) streets was left
a "market square," and north of JMain Street was a public square,
intersected by a short street called Park. This scjuare was vacated by
a vote of the citizens at an election held on Sei)tember 22, 18(39. The
noi'th and south streets in the original plat were Peoria, Park and
Kim, and the total number of lots was thirty-seven. Since then
Foster's and Phenix's first and second additions have extended the
limits of the town toward the south and west, and Drawyer's,
Pilgrim's. Real's and some minor additions have extended the limits
northward and eastward into sections 24 and 2.5 until the corporation
includes about one square mile.
In the fall of 18G9, when it became certain that the Dixon, Peoria
& Hannibal (now the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy) Railroad was
to be built through Bradford, the town experienced its first boom.
A number of energetic, progressive men bought lots and established
homes and business houses. The town was incorporated on August 13,
18(i9. and ]M. S. Curtiss was elected the first president of the board
of trustees. At the general election held on Xovember 4. 187'3. the
question of incorporating under the general laws of the state was
carried bj^ a substantial majoritj^ and the present form of municipal
government was shortly afterward inaugurated. .Toshua Prouty was
elected the first president of the board under the new charter. In
191.5 the village government was composed of Albert Deyo, president;
George A. ISIarsh, clerk: R. W. Sharp, Walter Scholes, W. S. Ribley,
R. C. Hay, O. C. Boyd and R. D. Lackman, trustees.
A postoffice was established at Bradford soon after the town was
surveyed, but the name of the first jxistmaster could not be learned
by the writer. Some idea of the growth of the town and the develo])-
ment of its business interests may be gained from the knowledge
that in 191.5 the postoffice had risen to a third-class office, Avith annual
receipts of about four thousand dollars, em])l()ying two people and
being the source of five rural routes that distrii)ute mail daily over a
large territory. T. .T. Mowbray was then postmaster.
On September 7, 1896, "in compliance with a vote of the legal
voters at a special election." the board of trustees passed an ordinance
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 125
to issue five bonds of $1,000 each, tlie first due in five years aiul the
hist ill nine, with interest at (5 per cent per annum, for the purpose
of instalhng a system of waterworks for the viUage. A deep well
was sunk, a pumphouse erected, a large tank mounted upon a tall
tower and a reserve tank constructed, mains laid upon the princi-
pal streets, and in the summer of 18U7 the water was turned on.
The fire department was organized imdei- the provisions of an
ordinance passed on April 4. 1904. The force consists of twenty-five
men (volunteers) and the equipment of hosecarts, the pressure from
the waterworks being suHicient to furnish enough water to extinguish
any fire that is likely to occur. The members of the department meet
at regidar intervals for drill and instruction.
Jiiadford has two hanks, a weekly newspapei'. churches of several
faiths, a fine jjublic school building, in which eight teachers are em-
ployed, well kept streets, good sidewalks, several well stocked stores,
two large grain elevators, a number of handsome residences, and the
visitor to the town is impressed by the air of prosperity and couimer-
cial activity. In 11)10 the population of Bradford was 770.
LAFAYETTE
Located on the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad, six miles
west of Toulon and near the Knox Countj' line, is the incorporated
Village of Lafayette. The original plat — blocks 1 to 10, of eight lots
each — was surveyed on July 7, IS.'JG, by George A. Charles, then
county surveyor of Knox County, for William Dunbar. On the north
of tills part of the town is JMonroe Street. From Monroe Street it
extends southward to Franklin, bounded on the east bj^ Hodgson
Street and on the west by Timber. Additions have since been made
until now the town embraces forty squares of eight lots each. The
north and south streets are Willow, JMulberry, East INIain, Hodgson,
jNIain and Timber, the last named forming the western limits of the
town. Ikginning at the north, the east and west streets are Monroe,
Jefferson, Lafayette, Washington, Jackson, Franklin, ]Madison and
Adams, and there is one row of l)locks south of Adams Street. The
northern tier of lots in block 20 and the southern tier of block 21 were
taken to form a public sfjuare, which is intersected by Jackson Street.
The railroad cuts off the north side of this square and the remainder
of it forms a ])leasant little ])ublic ])ark. The additions to the first
plat were made by Jonathan Hodgson, Henry Dunbar and John
Lundy, August 8, 1836.
126 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
One of the first houses in Lafayette was built by Wilhani Uunbar, |
the "Okl Hatter," mentioned in a former chapter. Few lots were
sold until about 184'2 and 1843, when Asahel Holmes, George W.
Jackson, George W. Dunbar, James J. Wilson, Joshua Woodbury,
William Wheeler and a few others all bought property in the new
town. Other early settlers were Peter F. JNIiner, Daniel J. and Theo-
dore F. Hurd, William D. Runyan, Jehial Bouton, James B. Lewis,
Gilbert \\^ard, Thomas N. Fitch, \\"alter Hock, James Dunn and
James E. White, some of whom located as early as 1837. Several
of these Lafayette pioneers afterward became prominent in the
affairs of Stark County.
Jesse C. Ware was the first merchant and is said to have been the
first man to build a house within the limits of the town. Theodore F.
Hurd and Barnabas M. Jackson were other early merchants, and Ira
Reed opened a shoe shop as early as 1838. Some years later a few
enterprising individuals organized a stock company to build a carding
mill and woolen factory, but it proved to be a financial failure.
At an election held in ISGO the vote on the question of incor-
poration was forty-one for to thirteen against tlie proposition. The
first board of trustees was composed of Thomas W. Ross, J. H.
Nichols. Daniel J. Hurd. Dennis Lee and James Martin. The gov-
ernment thus established existed until September, 1872, when tlie
vote on the question of obtaining a new charter was twenty-four for
to eighteen opposed. The first trustees under the new charter ^\•ere
M. S. Barnett, James ^Martin, Samuel White, B. H. Snyder, Daniel
J. Hurd and Dr. J. H. Nichols. The election of clerk was declared
illegal and C. P. Jackson was elected in 1874. In lOl.') J. H. Wliite
was jjresident of the village board; F. T. Gelvin, clerk: Joshua Grant,
Samuel Hanks, James Norton, S. E. White, V. H. Brown and
Wiley Plankel, trustees.
Some years ago the village board granted to Jesse S. Atherton a
i'ranchise to build, ecjuij) and operate an electric light plant. Mr.
Atherton built the plant and conducted it for some time when he
sold out to some parties in Galva, 111., and Lafayette is now suj)-
plied with light from Galva. The streets of the village are kept well
oiled, keeping down the dust; there are several blocks of good cement
sidewalks; the village has a commodious public scliool building in
which foiu" teachers are employed during the school year. Formerlv
there were several churches, but they have all fallen into disuse except
the ^Metliodist I^piscopal, which is now the only active denomination.
The Inisiness interests of the village include a bank, several stores
i;a\k AM) iM r.i.ii l.ll■.l:Al;^ . i.a lA^l;^■|■|■;
l-rULK' I'AUK. I.A I A^ I.I 11.
UNIVERSITY OF /LLflVOIS
URBANA
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 127
haudliny practically all lines of goods, grain elevators, restanrants,
etc., and there are two large nurseries near the town that ship fruit
trees and plants. Lafayette also has a public library, the gift of Mrs.
Reed, an account of which will be found in the chapter on Educational
Development. The pt)pulation in 11)10 was 287.
The smaller villages of the county, those not incorporated and
those that have ceased to exist, are treated in alphabetical order,
beginning with
CAMP GROVE
Strictly siJeaking. Camp Grove is no longer in Stark County. It
was established at an early date on the lines between Stark and
Marshall counties, near the southeast corner of Penn Township.
Among the early business men here were: J. Townsend and Cyrus
Rocock, general merchants; R. G. Fargo, dealer in iron and metals;
William Evans, butcher; S. H. Nichols, contractor and builder, and
^^\ J. Townsend. postmaster. When the Chicago & Northwestern
Railroad from Peoria to Nelson was built in 1902, it passed about
hall' a mile east of Camp Grove and most of the business concerns
"pulled up stakes" and removed to the railroad. About all that is
left of the old village is the Catholic Church and cemetery.
CASTLETOX
This thriving little place is situated in sections 9 and 16 of Penn
Township, on the Ruda & Rushville division of the Chicago, Rurling-
ton &: Quincy Railroad. It was surveyed by Edwin Rutler, surveyor
of Stark County, on ^Nlarch -1, 1870. for Dr. Alfred II. Castle, after
whom it was named. The original ])lat shows seven blocks averaging
sixteen lots each, the north and south streets being Main. Washington
and I^incoln, and the cast and west streets, Smith, Shei'man and State.
Since the original plat was filed three additions have been made to
the town — Julg's and Fuller's, of six lots each, and Kissinger's, of
foity-five lots. Among the early business concerns of Castleton were
Klock & Fleming's grain elevator, Leo Julg's boot and shoe store,
D. \V. Crum's drug store. G. Wright's hardware and farm implement
house, ]Mrs. Stewart's hotel and II. I). ^lartin's wagon and paint sho]).
The Castleton of 191.) boasts several good mercantile establish-
ments, a branch of Scott. Walters & Rakestraw's bank, three churches,
a fine ])ublic school liuilding, two grain elevators, a town hall, a number
of minor business concerns and many pretty homes. Tiie streets and
128 lllSTOKV OF STAKK CUL'M'V
sidewalks are in good condition and tlie town is lighted by electricity
from the plant of the Stark Connty Power Company at Wyoming.
It ships considerable quantities of grain and livestock, and in 1910
reported a population of 201.
DUNCAN
On June 10, 1870, Edwin IJutler, county surveyor, platted the
Town of Duncan for Dr. Alfred H. Castle, with six blocks (104 lots)
though blocks 1 and 4 were afterward vacated. The streets running
north and south are ^Monroe, Adams and Jefferson, and those running-
east and west are Main, Washington and Galena. Duncan is located
in section 35, Erssex Township, on the Buda & Rushville division of
the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, seven miles south of
Wyoming. F. F. Brockway and John H. Slater were among the
first merciiants of the town; George Fautz oi)ened a hardware store,
^Villiam Heath conducted a grocery store and a hotel, John Barker
was the village blacksmith, and Dr. T. C. Thomas was probably the
first resident physician. A postoffice was started soon after the
village was laid out in 1870, with W. H. Miller as postmaster.
Although a shipping point of considerable importance, Duncan has
never grown to be a town of any great projiortions. Rand &
]McXally give the pojjulation in 1910 as 12.5. Scott, Walters & Rake-
straw, of Wyoming, have a branch bank at Duncan. The village
has general stores, a grain elevator, lumber yard, hotel, several small
shoi^s, a church and a public school.
ELMIRA
W. R. Sandham, of Wyoming, who has given considerable atten-
tion to the origin of Stark County names, says: "Elmira is the name
given to a postoffice which was first established about tlie j-ear 1837,
where the jiresent Village of Osceola is now located. It Avas named
by Oliver ^Vhitaker, its first postmaster, after his former home,
Elmira, New York. About the year 1845 the postoffice was mo\ed
to its present location on the Avest side of Spoon River and the name
moved with it."
However, the Village of Elmira had its beginning some two years
before the removal of the postoffice as mentioned by ]Mr. Sandham.
In 1843 Ambrose Fuller entered the quarter section of land upon
wliicli the village stands and ojjened a store. Fuller's store soon
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 129
became a sort of rallying point for the people of the neighborhood,
the MetluKhsts anil Presbyterians located' churches there, several
families purchased lots and built dwellings, thus starting a town. No
otiicial plat of Elmira was ever filed with the county recorder, though
part of the town is known as "Parsons' subdivision." In 1!>15 Elmira
had two churches, two general stores, some small business concerns, a
public school and a few residences. Rand & McXally give the po])ula-
tion in I'JIO as 7tJ. The postoHice has been discontinued and mail is
now delivered by rural carrier from Toulon.
LOMBAKDVILLE
On June 15, 1870, Edwin Butler, then county surveyor, surveyed
the Town of Lombardville for Julia A. Lombard and Dr. Alfred H.
Castle, and the plat was filed on the 8th of July following. Lombard-
ville is located on the Buda & Rushville division of the Chicago, Bur-
lington <Sc Quincy Railroail, on the line dividing sections 2 and 11,
Osceola Township. The original i)lat shows 104 lots, with State,
Frajiklin, Lombard and Duncan streets running north and south, and
Howard, JNIain and Washington rim east and west. The hotel and
elevator were completed in the fall of 1870, the I^ombardville Mining
Comj)any began operations about the same time, and for some time
the village showed signs of becoming a town of some importance, lint
the coal deposits were worked out, much of the trade was diverted to
Bradford and other towns and Lombardville never came up to the
expectations of its foimders. A public school, a general store and
grain elevators are the jirincipal institutions. INIail is delivered by
rural carrier from the postoflRce at Bradford.
MASSU.I.ON
Says Mrs. Shallenberger: "Massillon was situated seven miles
nearly due south of the present Town of Toulon, not far from the
southern boundary of the county. Its projector and pro])rictor was
Stephen Trickle. Date of survej', April, 18.'}7."
This is the only written account of ISIassillon that the writer has
been able to find. It is known that one of the precincts of the county
war; named "^Massillon," from which it may be inferred that the town
Avas once a j)lace of some consequence, though it is now nothing more
than a memorv.
130 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
MODENA
Tlie \"illage of JNIodena is located in the southeast quarter of sec-
tion 1, ill the northeastern part of Toulon Township and on the west
bank of Spoon River. It was surveyed on IMarch 24, 1853, for JNIiles
A. and Williston K. Fuller. The plat was filed in July and shows
thirty-one lots, with Main and Second streets running- nortli and south
and Locust and Chestnut, east and west. The Hour mill and the coal
mines in the iiiiniediate vicinity were the principal industries of early
days. A. Y. Fuller, who was one of the early purchasers of lots,
opened a general store, and B. .A. Newton also conducted a store
here for some time. Mr. Saiidhaiu says the name was suggested by
^lodeiia in Italy. A Baptist Church Avas erected here about 1850.
In 191,5 a general store and the public school were the principal fea-
tures of the village, which reported a population of 3.5 in 1910. It is
on one of the rural mail routes from the postoffice at ^Vyoming.
MORSE
This is one of the new towns of the county and owes its existence
to the building of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad through the
county in 1901-02. It is located in the extreme northeast corner of
the Township of Osceola and is only a short distance east of Lombard-
ville. No official plat of the village Avas ever filed in the office of
the county recorder, but an atlas of the county, published in 1907,
shows fourteen lots — six north and eight south of the railroad station.
Rand & McNally give the population in 1910 as 50. jNIail is delivered
by rual carrier from Bradford.
aiOULTON
The extinct town of IMoulton was located near the northern border
of Essex Townshiji, about three miles west of Wyoming, in the Indian
Creek Valley. It was surveyed in August, 183G, l»y Roliert Schuyler,
Russell H. Nevins. William Couch, David Lee and Abijah Fisher.
George and AVilliam Sanimis had a store. on the site at the time the
town was laid out. At one time INIoulton had aspirations to become
the county seat of Stark County, but Toulon won that honor and
the close proximity of Wyoming also contributed to INIoulton's down-
fall. A frame house was erected there by Eugenius Frum a year or
two after the town was platted, but tliis l)uilding was afterAvard pur-
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 131
chased by Beiijamiii Turner and removed to Toulon, \vliere it stood
until 188G.
OSCKOI>A
The village of Osceola is situated in the southeast quarter of section
11, Elmira Township, a small portion of the place extending south-
ward into section 1-i. The first settlers in this part of the county came
late in the year 18.'j.5. Among them were Giles C. Dana, Isaac
Spencer, James Buswell, Thomas Watts and the Pratts, one of whom
was a physician. Mrs. Shallenherger saj's: "They came out under
the auspices of ^laj. Robert ^Sloore, who encouraged emigration
hither, with a view to building up a town, which he had surveyed and
called Osceola."
If such a tuwi) \\as e\er surveyed it failed to become a reality,
though the first settler named the grove in which they built their
cabins "Osceola Grove," after the celebrated Seminole Indian leader
in the Florida war. When the postof!ice was established there in
18.'37 it was named Elmira, as already stated, and a settlement grew
up around the postofRce. After the removal of the postoffice to the
present village of Klmira, the village where it was first established
took the name of Osceola. Being some distance from a railroad, the
village has never grown to any considerable proportions, but it forms
a trading point and meeting place for the people in the northeastern
part of Elmira Township. The population in 1910 was only 55.
It has a general store, a Baptist Church, a iNlethodist Chiu'ch and
parsonage, a public school and a few dwellings, and is on one of the
rural mail routes fi'om Neponset, in Bureau County.
PLEASANT GIJEEN
An old map of Stark County shows the settlement of Pleasant
Green near the center of section 3.3, Osceola Townshi]i. It was never
formally laid (jut as a town, but a rural p(Jstotlice was maintained here
for some time in early days and some coal was mined in the vicinity.
The district school known as the "Pleasant Green" school is all that
is left to tell the story.
PUCKl'.IUtKUSH
This is another settlement that "just growed." It is located in
section 7, Penn Township, a little south of the site of the old village
of ^Valden, and consists of six lots along the south side of the higli-
wav. Just how the settlement obtained its name is uncertain.
132 HISTOKV OF STAKK COUNTY
SLACK AVATER
Just east of the Spoon river, in section 33, Essex Township, is
the old viUage of Shickwater, which at one time was a trading point
and neighhorliood center of some importance. The building of the
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad and the foundhig of the town
of Duncan, only a mile and half east on the railroad, robbed Slack-
water of its prestige and it sank into insignificance.
SPEEK
While the Peoria & Nelson branch of the Chicago & Northwestern
Railroad was under construction, James A. Speer, who owned a
farm on the line of the railroad in section 36, Valley Township, con-
ceived the idea of founding a town. Accordingly, on December 5,
1901, Henry H. Oliver, county surveyor, platted the town of Speer,
in the northwest quarter of the above named section. The original
])lat showed twenty-four lots west of the railroad. Iiut on April 1.5,
1003, 31r. Oliver made a revised plat of the original town and Speer's
first addition thereto. Front Street runs north and south next to
the railroad and farther west is jMcKinley Avenue. The streets run-
ning east and west are IMain and South, and one not named on the
plat. Speer soon came into prominence as a trading and shipj^ing
})oint for the southeastern part of the county. It reported a popula-
tion of 1.50 in 1910: has general and hardware stores, a bank, livery
barn, planing mill, postofRce, lumber yard, grain elevators, and is one
of the flourishing little towns of Stark County.
STARK
Five miles east of \Vyoming, on the Chicago, Rock Island &
Pacific Railroad, is the little village of Stark, which grcAv up soon
after the railroad was completed, but was never officially platted. A
postoffice was established in the early '70s; Simpson ds: Smith and
Charles N. Hull opened general stores; Joseph Anderson began
dealing in grain and drain tile, and a few other business enterprises
were established. In 1910 the population was 7-5. It has a large
grain elevator, general stores, a Congregational Church, etc., and
does a good business in shipping grain and livestock. It derives its
name from the county.
STARWAXO
No plat of this settlement — for it can hardly be called a town — ■
was ever recorded. It is located in West Jersey Township, near the
HISTORY OF STARK COLNTY
133
eastern boundary. A JNIethodist Church was organized here at an
early date and is still in existence, l)ut the coiniiicrcial activity of Star-
waiio has departed.
STRINGTOWN
In the atlas of Stark County, pul)lished in 1907, is shown a thickly
settled neighhorhood in the sonthwcstcrn part of Essex Township
(sections 30 and 31 ) which has long been known as "Stringtown." Its
location is almost identical with that of the old Town of ^Nlassillon pre-
viously mentioned. A church and public school are the only institu-
tions worthy of note.
AV.U)Y I'ETKA
This little town with the oriental name was platted on June 2,
1873, by Edwin Rutler, then surveyor of Stark County, for "Sirs.
Anna K. Chase. It is located on the Chicago. Rock Island & Pacific
Railroad, in section 31. Valley Township, only about one mile east
of the ^"illage of Stark. Front Street runs parallel to the railroad
and a square farther east is Chase Street. The north and south streets
are ]Main and Hamilton. The original plat shows fifty-five lots.
Wady Petra is a typical little railroad station, with the usual local
business enterprises. In 1910 the population was given as forty-five.
INlail is delivered by rural carrier from the postofl^ce at Stark.
AVAI,DEN
The old Town of Walden was situated in the nortii side of section
7, Penn Township, just across the Spoon River from Modena. It
is said to have taken its name from Dexter Wall, and was sometimes
M-ritten "Wallden." JMr. Wall built a steam mill there at an early
date and a general store was opened, but the name of the pioneer
niei'cliant has apparently been i'orgotten. "Wall's Schoolhouse,"
which stood not far from the mill, was a favorite place for holding
religious services by ministers of different denonn'nations. In time
^Ir. Wall removed his mill to Wyoming and the Town of Walden
disajjpeared from the map.
"O'EST JERSEY
Karly in the year 18.56 Jacob ^'oung employed Carson Berfield,
wlio Iiad previously served as county surveyor, to lay off a town
134 HISTOKV OF STARK COUNTY
almost in the exact geographical center of West Jersey Township,
which town was named West Jersey. Seminary and Jersey streets
and Plum Alley are shown on the original plat as the thoroughfares.
The plat was filed for record on February 19, 1850, and ten years
later only twenty-four lots had been sold. Dm-ing the next twenty
years the growth was "slow but sure," and in 188G about seventy lots
had been sold. Among the early industries and business houses of
West Jersey may be mentioned Snediker's mill, John Catton's coal
mines, Giwitts & Son's planing mill. ^V. II. IJttle's harness shop,
\Villiam Atkinson's blacksmith shop and W. II. Jolinsons store.
The ^Methodist Church was built about 1860. A postoffice was estab-
lished here before the Civil war, but it has been discontinued and
mail is now addressed to Toulon and delivered by rural carrier. \Vest
Jersey has a public school building, a church, general stores, some
smaller business concerns, a hall for pul)lic entertainments, and in
11)10 reported a population of seventy.
POSTOFFICES
With the introduction of the free rural delivery system, several
of the postoffices of Stark County were discontinued. The United
States Postal Guide for July, 191.5, gives the following offices in the
county, the figiu'cs in parentheses following the name indicating the
number of rural mail routes: Bradford (.5) ; Castleton, Dimcan,
Lafayette (2) ; Speer (1) ; Stark (1) ; Toulon (.5) ; Wyoming (4).
Everj' office in the county is authorized to issue money orders. Those
at Bradford, Toulon and Wyoming issue international money orders
and are postal savings depositories.
CHAPTER IX
:Mn.lTARY HISTORY
WAR or 1812 BLACK HAAVK WAR MAR WITH ilEXICO WAR OF 18G1-
"0.5 CONDITIONS LEADING UP TO THE WAR THE SLAVERY QUESTION
COMPROMISE LEGISLATION KANSAS-NEBRASKA BILL POLITICAL
CAMPAIGN OF 1860 SECESSION OF THE SLAVE STATES FALL OF FORT
SUMTER CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS AVAR JIEETING AT TOULON ILLI-
NOIS' RESPONSE— EARLY ENLISTMENTS BRIEF HISTORIES OF THE
REGIMENTS IN WHICH STARK COUNTY AVAS REPRESENTED — ROSTER
OF STARK COUNTY COMPANIES — MISCELLANEOUS INFANTRY ENLIST-
^IE>;-fS CAA'ALRY SERVICE ARTILLERY SOLDIERS' :\IONU5IENT
THE AAORK AT HOME.
At the time of the War of 1812 there was not a single Avhite man
living within the present borders of Stark County. As previously
mentioned, the United States Government, soon after the close of
that war, set apart a large tract of land in Illinois, including the
present County of Stark, to be given to those who had served as
volunteers during the Avar. A few veterans of the War of 1812
afterward became residents of the county, though the most of them
sold their land Avarrants to speculators for a small pittance. In the
fall of 1800 a meeting of old soldiers of 1812 Avas held at Toulon, at
Avhich probably a dozen Avere ji resent.
In the Black HaAvk Avar of 1832 the name of Thomas Essex ap-
pears upon one of the muster rolls — the only one from Stark County —
thouiih the countA' Avas not then organized and there Avere but feAv
Avhite men living Avithin its limits.
On INIarch 1, 184'.j. Congress passed a bill to annex the Re])ublic
of Texas to the I'^nited States. This lirought on a Avar Avith ^Mexico,
Avhich countiy claimed Texas, and Gen. Zachary Taylor Avas sent
Avith the "Army of Occupation" to hold the territory until the bound-
ary question could be settled. Taylor fought the ])attles of Palo Alto
and Resaca de la Palma. defeating the Mexicans in both engage-
ments, and on ]May 11. 1840, tAvo days after the battle of Resaca de
135
136 HISTORY OF STxVRK COUNTY
la I'alnia, Congress declared that "war already exists by act of the
JNlexican government," jjlaced a fund of -$10,000,000 at the disposal
of the administration, and authorized the President to accept the
services of 50,000 volunteers.
^Vithin a few days Illinois offered the President 8,370 men, but
only 3,7-0 were accepted. These men formed the tirst six regiments
of Illinois Infantry. A few Stark County men were included in the
enlistments, but in the absence of nmster rolls it is impossible to give
their names.
THE W.VK OF 1861-05
Soon after the establishment of the American Republic, the slav-
ery question became a "bone of contention" that was gnawed at by
jDoliticians for years in nearly every campaign. In 1808, the earliest
date at which legislation on the subject could be constitutionally en-
acted. Congress passed a law abolishing the foreign slave trade. By
1819 seven of the tliirteen original states had abolished slavery. Ken-
tucky, Tennessee, Louisiana, ^Mississippi and Alabama had been
athnitted to the Union as slave states, and Vermont. Ohio, Indiana
and Illinois as free states, making eleven of each. This was the situa-
tion in 1820, when the people of JNIissouri asked for admission. After
a long and somewhat acrimonious debate, that state was admitted
under the i)rovisions of the act known as the "^lissouri Compromise,"
which agreed to the admission of 3Iissouri without any restrictions as
to slavery, but expressly stipulated that in all the remaining portion
of the Louisiana Purchase north of the line marking the latitude of
36° 30' slavery shoidd be forever i)rohibited.
The ^Mexican war gave to the United States a large territory, to
wliicli the advocates of slaveiy laid claim. According to the views of
the opponents of slavery, the "Omnibus Bill," or Compromise of
1850, was a violation of the terms of the ^Missouri Compromise, in
that it sought to extend slavery north of the line of 36' 30'. The
Kansas-Xebraska Bill of 1854 added fresh fuel to the already raging
flames. The passage of this bill was one of the principal causes that
led to the organization of the republican party, Avhich opjiosed the
extension of slavery beyond the territory where it already existed.
In the political campaign of 1860 some of the southern states
announced their intention of withdrawing from the Union in the event
of Abraham Lincoln's election to the presidency. The people of the
Xorth regarded these declarations as idle threats, made solely for
political effect. Through a division in the democratic ])arty. Mr. Lin-
SOLDIERS" AX I) S \II.01!S- MOXr^IKXT. TOT'T.OX"
f-IBRARY
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
URBANA
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 137
coin was elected and on December 20, 1860, South Carolina proceeded
to carry out her threat to withdraw, a convention of delegates, chosen
for the purpose, passing an ordinance of secession, declaring that all
allegiance to the United States was at an end. IMississippi followed
with a similar ordinance on January 9, 18G1; Florida, .January 10th;
Georgia, January 19th; Louisiana, January 26th, and Texas, Febru-
ary 1, 1861. On February 4, 1861, delegates from six of these states
(Texas was not represented) met at Montgomery, Alabama, adopted
a i)rovisional constitution, elected Jefferson Davis, of Mississippi,
provisional president, and Alexander H. Stephens, of Georgia, pro-
visional vice president of the "Confederate States of America." Davis
and Stephens were inaugurated on 1^'ebruary 22, 1861, the anniversary
of tiie birth of George ^Vashington.
Hence it was that when ^Ir. Lincoln was inaugurated on iVIarch
4, 1861, he found seven states, with an organized government, in open
opposition to his administration. Notwithstanding this serious con-
dition of affairs, the President, his inniiediate advisers and the people
of tlie North generally, entertained the hope tliat the situation could
be met without an open rupture between the North and South, and
that the citizens of the seceded states could be persuaded to return to
their allegiance. Vain hope!
About the beginning of the year 1861, Maj. Robert Anderson,
who was in connnand of all the defenses of the harbor at Charleston,
South Carolina, decided that Fort Sumter offered a better oppor-
tunity for defense than Fort Moultrie, where he and his garrison
were stationed. Secretly removing his stores and men, he ordered
the guns at Fort INIoultrie to be spiked, rendering them unlit for
ser\ice. JNIajor Anderson's action immediately raised a storm of
protest from the secessionists. They claimed that the removal to Fort
Sumter was a violation of an agreement made with President
Buchanan. Lincoln's predecessor. On the other hand the people of
the North upheld Anderson and the northern press was almost a unit
in demanding that additional supplies be sent to Anderson, and tliat
he be given a force sufficient to hold the fort. President Buchanan
was still in office, and not liking to invoke too much criticism from
the loyal North, he sent the steamer Star of the West, with 2.50 men
and a stock of ])rovisions, mmiitions of war, etc., to Fort Sumter. On
January 9. 1861. as tlie vessel was passing iMorris Island, she was
fii-ed upon by a masked battery and forced to turn back. This inci-
dent is regarded in the official records as the beginning of the Civil
Mai-, thougli the popular awakening did not come until about three
months later.
138 lUSTORV OF STARK COUNTY
Early in A])i-il, 18G1, General Beanregard, who was in command
of the Confederate forces at Charleston, opened negotiations A\ith
Major Anderson looking to the evacuation of Fort Sumter. Ander-
son's provisions were running low and on April 11, 1861, he advised
General Beauregard that the fort would he vacated on the 1.5th, uidess
orders were received from the war department to remain and the
needed sui^ijlies were sent to the garrison. This answer was not
satisfactory to Beauregard, who feared that Anderson might be rein-
forced before that time. He therefore sent back the reply, at 3:20
A. ]\L on Friday, April 12, 1861, that within an hour fire would be
opened upon the fort. At 4:30 Capt. (ieorge Janes, commanding a
battery at Forf Johnson, fired the signal gun and the shell l)urst
almost directly over the fort. A few moments later a solid shot
from a liattery on Cummings Point went crashing against the walls
of Fort Sumter. The war had begun.
The garrison responded promptly and the cannonading continued
throughout the day. Fire broke out in one of the casemates of the
fort, which was observed by the Confederates, who increased their
fire, hoping to force a surrender. Anderson held out against des-
perate odds until Sunday morning, when he was permitted to leave
the fort with honors of war, even saluting his flag with fifty guns
l)ef'ore hauling it down.
■When the telegraph flashed the news of Sumter's sin-render
through the North, all hope of conciliation was abandoned. Political
differences of the past were forgotton in the insult to the flag, and
there was but one sentiment: "The Union must and shall be jn-e-
served." On INIonday, April lo, 1861, President Lincoln issued a
proclamation calling for 7.5,000 militia and appealing to "all loyal
citizens for state aid in this effort to maintain the laws, integrity,
national union, perpetuity of popular government, and to redress
wrongs long enough endured."
"WAR MEETING
The first war meeting in Stark County was held at Toulon on
INIonday evening, April 15, 1861, the very day that the President issued
his call for 75.000 volunteers. Judge Elihu N. Powell presided and
James A. Henderson was chosen secretary. George A. Clifford,
Dr. William Chamberlain, J. H. Howe, Levi North, Alexander ^Ic-
Coy and Thomas J. Henderson all made short addresses urging the
necessity for united action in support of the national administration.
Among the resolutions — unanimously adojited — was the following:
IIISTOUV OF STARK COUNTY "'J
"That in the present crisis ol' our country, we will ij-nore all uure
l^arty considerations and uphold the administration in enforcing the
laws North and South, and in putting down rebellion wherever it may
arise. And to that end we invoke the entire power of the Govern-
ment, and we hereby adopt as our motto those memorable words
uttered long since by a patriot now in his grave: 'Liberty and Union
now an<l forever, one and inseparable.' "
Illinois' kksi'oxse
Wiieii the war commenced the prevailing opinion throughout the
North was that it would be of short duration — a mere "breakfast
s])ell." That this view was entertained by the President is seen in his
first call for only T.j.OOO troops, which he thought would be sufficient
to suppress the rebellion. Before the conclusion of the conflict ()\'er
two million loj^al citizens of the North had been called into military
service. Illinois prom])tly responded to each call for volunteers and
during the war furnished 18.5,l»41 infantry, ;J2.()82 cavalry, and 7,277
artillery, a grand total (not including reenlistments) of 22.), 800 men.
Stark County was represented in thirty-six infantry regiments, five
cavalry regiments, and the Second Light Artillery. Having fur-
nished six regiments of infantry in the ^lexican war, the first regi-
ment that went out from Illinois in 1801 was the
SEVENTH IXFAXTRY
This regiment was mustered in at Camp Yates on April 2.5, 18()1,
for three months service, during which time it was on guard duty at
Alton, Cairo, St. Louis and other points. It was reorganized for the
three years' service on July 2.3, 18r>l. Early hi 18(52 it joined the
army under Gen. U. S. Grant, took part in the capture of Fort
Donelson and the battle of Shiloh, after which it continued in service
in Mississippi and Tennessee. It was veteranized in December, 18(5.'3,
and in Company B of the Veteran Seventh the following men were
credited to Stark County: Hugh J. Cosgrove, ca])tain; George II.
31ai'tin, first lieutenant; Andrew Nelson and Isaiah V. Bates, ser-
geants; Alexander Headley and Henry Stauffer, corporals.
Privates — Heiny II. Ballentine, Jacob Bogard, Oliver Boggs,
Willis Burgess, Silas Cha])pell. Thomas II. Crowe, .rf)hn Dawson,
Thomas Dawson, John Ditman, Henry Duckworth, Thomas Fal-
coner, John L. Foulk, John Garvin, Jasper Graves, ^Villiam W.
14U HISTORY OF STARK COLXTY
Isenberg, James L. Jarman, John ^lartiii, John Otto, Patrick Plill-
Ih'II. FraiikHn Pratt. Timothy liatclift', Henry Rouse, John Rouse,
William Shipley, ^lason Stauli'er, Jotham K. Taylor, vStephen Tim-
mons, Edward H. Trickle, David White, Henry H. Witcher, Ben-
jamin Witter and William Zumwalt. The regiment was mustered out
at Louisville, Kentucky. July 0. 1865.
EARLY ENLISTMENTS
In several of the first regiments that went out from the state there
were one or more Stark County men. Henry Speers A\as a recruit
in Company C, Eleventh Infantry; Thomas Carroll was a private
in Company H, Twelfth Infantry, until wounded and discharged in
August, 1862; jNIichael Casey, Thomas Doyle, James IMaloney and
Frank Williamson were enrolled in Conqjany C, Fourteenth Infantry;
in the same regiment Thomas J. ^larshall and John Xorris served in
Company E; Livingston Sharrach, Company G; and Samuel A.
Patten was a corporal in Company H ; Thomas D. Bonar and David
^V. Snyder enlisted as privates in Company D, Seventeenth Infantry,
in May. 1861; and in Company F. Fjighteenth Infantry, were George
W. Bowers, Charles McLaughlin, John Gladden and John P. Smith.
NINETEENTH INFANTRY
Not until the organization of the X'ineteenth Infantry, in June,
1861, was Stark County enabled to furnish a full company for the
\()lunteer service. Before the President issued his first call for troops,
Capt. Charles Stuart had commenced the formation of a comjiany
called die "Elmira RiHes." This company was mustered in as Com-
])auy B, Xineteentli Infantry, which regiment was commanded by
Col. John B. Turchin. At the time of the muster in it was officered
as follows:
Captain, Charles Stuart; first lieutenant, Stephen W. Hill; sec-
ond lieutenant, Alexander ]Murchison. Captain Stuart resigned on
Juh' 15, 1862, and Lieutenant JNIurchison was promoted to the com-
mand of the company. Lieutenant Hill having resigned in X^o\ em-
ber, 1861.
Sergeants — John S. Pashley, William Jackson (promoted first
lieutenant), John H. Hunter (promoted second lieutenant), James
G. Boardman, James INIontooth.
Corporals — James Jackson, Charles H. Brace. Robert A. Turn-
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 141
bull, Joseph Rlanchard, John G. Laniper, Thomas Robinson, Joliii T.
Thornton (promoted second lieutenant), George B. Hutchinson.
Isaiah Y. Bates and Isaac M. Spencer enlisted as musicians, and
John Douglas was the company's wagoner.
Privates — John Q. xVdams, Uavid W. Aldrich, Dax-id Allen,
James Atherton, Isaac Bannister, John Blackburn. Charles Black-
well, Frederick P. Bloom, Lenuiel U. Bullis, John Bourke, Henry
Burrows. William A. Cade, Owen Carlin. Julius A. Case, DeForest
Chamberlain. James Cinnamon, ^Vsa Clark, Walter Clark, George
Comstock, Adrian Coon, Urban Coon, I^ewis Corsan, Aaron T.
Courier, Francis Crowden, George Crowden. Ileiny F. Uavison,
AVilliam Douglas, Leonard C. Drawyer. Henry Drury, George Du-
gan, Edward Ervin. Adam G. Fell, Robert Fell, William H. Flem-
ming, Philip A. Galley, Springer Galley, Reuben Gardiner, Charles
(Jreenfield, Wesley Hall, Chester P. Harsh, Leonard D. Henderson,
Frank Ilorrigan. James Hutchins, Alfred S. Hurment, James O.
Imcs. John Imcs. Martin Imes, ^Villiam Imes. William Ingles. David
Jackson, William Johnson, Edward M. Jordan. \N'illard Jordan,
Arnold Kempion, John I^. Kennedy. Isaac Kenyon. John M. Lamper,
Joseph M. Leacox, Charles N. Leeson, Madison Linsley, Alonzo
IjUcc. John ]McConchie. John McShcrry. Jose})h C. Meigs. James
JMeri'ill. Samuel Montooth. Daniel J. Moon, Columbus ^lorgan. Com-
fort Morgan, Cornelius ^Morgan, William X. Nelson, William H.
Newcomer, Thomas AV. Oziah, Joseph X. Park, George P. Richer,
George N. Ryerson, Robert T. Scott, (ieoi-ge T. Sharrer. Heni'v C.
Shull, John (). S])aidding. (ieorge II. Stone. Albert Terwilliger. Eli-
jah N. Terwilliger. James (i. Turnbull, Thomas TurnbuU. Amos
Yinson, Edwin D. Way. John Webber, Fred H. Whitaker, Lewis
Williams, Henry B. Worth.
On the r2th of July the regiment was ordered to Quincy. where
it arrived the next day, and was immediately sent to the line of the
Hannibal & St. Joseph llailroad in Missouri. It was next sent to St.
Ijouis. where it remained for a few weeks, when it joined General
Buelfs Army of the Ohio in Tennessee. After seeing the Nineteenth
drill, GeTieral Buell ])ronounced it the best drilled regiment he bad
seen and assigned COionel Turchin to the command ol' the Eighth
Brigade, Third Division, Army of the Ohio. The regiment was
actively engaged in the second day's battle at Shilob: took i)art in
the battle of Perry ville. Ky. ; formed part of General Negley's
division in the battle of Chickamauga, and took part in the military
ojjerations around Chattanooga in the fall of 180.'}. especially the
142 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
engagement at Missionary Ridge. In the spring of 1864 it joined
the army commanded by Gen. W. T. Sherman for the Atlanta cam-
paign and took jjart in several engagements before it was mustered
outon July 9, 18t)4.
THIRTY-THIRD IXFAXTRY
The next regiment in which Stark County was represented by any
considerable number of men was the Thirty-third, in which a large
])art of Company B came from little old Stark. Of that company
C. Judson Gill was mustered in as first lieutenant and promoted to
captain in January. 1803. Xelson G. Gill, who Avas mustered in as a
sergeant was promoted to first lieutenant, and Walter T. Hall, who
entered the service as a corporal, was promoted to sergeant.
Privates — Jesse Armstrong, William Biggs, Xewton G. B. Brow n
(promoted second lieutenant), Calvin Butler, George Dewey, Daniel
Donovan, Otis T. Dyer. Harrison W. Ellis. Levi^ T. Elli.s, Walter
A. Fell, George Fezler, Alvin Galley, Hugh Y. Godfrey, Charles
Green (transferred to the regimental band), Charles C. Hotchkiss.
^Murray Hotchkiss, Edward H. Ingraham, Charles S. Johnson,
George A. Lowman (transferred to regimental l)andK Andrew Mc-
Kee. William J. R. ^Nlayo, Thomas ^y. Rule. Charles Shinn, John
H. Stickney, Sanford Strowbridge, Lewis Thomas, Andrew Turnbull.
John Peterson and Adam Rush served in Company K of the
Thirty-third, which was mustered into the United States service in
August. 1861. It served in ^Missouri and Arkansas until the spring of
1863, when it was ordered to join General Grant's army for the siege
of Vicksburg. The regiment was in action at Champion's Hill, Port
Gibson and the Black River Bi-idge. After the surrender of Yicks-
burg it took part in the battle of Jackson. ^liss. In August,
1863. it was assigned to the Thirteenth Corps and ordered to Eoui-
siana. Its last active military service was in the movement against
jNIobiie in the sjjring of 186.5. and on Xovember 24, 186.?. it was
mustered out.
THIRTY-SEVENTH IXFAXTRY*
About the time the comi)any known as the Elmira RiHes was
organized, the patriotic people of Goshen Township organized the
"Fafavette Rifles," under command of Ca})t. Charles V. Dickinson.
The comi)any entered the service as Company B. Thirty-seventh In-
fantry, with Charles V. Dickinson as captain: Cassimir P. Jackson,
first lieutenant: Francis A. Jones, second lieutenant; David L. Ash,
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 143
William X. Perry and Fayette Lacey, sergeants; Oliver S. Risdon,
Thomas J. ]Mel3aniel, Luman P. Ilimes, Chillon R. Redtield, Joshua
S. Dudley, James S. Lundy. John A. Perry and William Nieholson,
corporals: and George Ransom, musician. Lieutenant Jackson re-
signed on July 1>, 18<>2, and Lieutenant Jones was promoted to the
vacancy, Sergeant Ash being made second lieutenant. Corporals Ris-
don ami McDaniel were promoted sergeants, and Corporal Himes rose
to the rank of first lieutenant.
Privates — Andrew Anderson, John Anderson, xVaron S. Anshutz,
David Anshutz. William W. Atkins, Joseph Rarlow, William H.
Barney, Alva W. Brown, Emery S. BufFum, John W. Buffum. John
Charleson. Lucius Church. William H. Craig, Henry B. Dexter,
William T. Dickinson. Fldridge B. DriscoU. John A. Eddy, ^Michael
M. Emery, Luther Fitch, Martin Fitch, Cummings Force, JNIatthew
T. Godfrey, Nelson Grant, N. G. Hilliard, Charles F. Himes, George
H. Hurd, W. H. Hurd, Thomas Hughes, Norman Ives, Moses S.
Jones. Julius Kelsey. Alvin Kiem, Daniel Kiem. Anthony Kennard,
Thomas R. Lake. Dennis Lee. James E. Lee, Samuel Lemoine, Dan-
iel Lundy, Chauncey R. ]Miner, Benjamin H. JMorgan, Ira Newton,
Joseph H. NeAvton, William J. Noran, David Nowlan, Edward Per-
kins. \Villiam J. Pilgrim, John Reed, Robert C. Reed. George W.
Rouse. Hartford J. Rowe. John Sackrisson. Henry Sipe. David W.
Snyder, Henry W. Wilbur. ]Martin \Vilcox, Samuel W. Young.
The Thirty-seventh was mustered in at Chicago early in Septem-
ber. 1861, and soon afterward was ordered to Arkansas. In January.
1802. it was in the battle of Pea Ridge, after which it was engaged at
Fayetteville, Newtonia and Prairie Grove. During the remainder of
its service it was in a number of battles and skirmishes and was mus-
tered out in May. 18(16.
FOKTY-SECOXn IXFAXTRY
Fourteen Stark County men served in this regiment, to wit : Hcniy
Boyle. Company B ; James Hall, Frank Horn, Robert jNIiller and
John W. Shoemaker, Company D; Cyrenus Dewey. Case D. Dubois,
Sanuiel P. Hankins and Amos Hodges, Com|)any F; Silas Avery,
Mordecai Bevier, Joseph G. Fowler, Springer Galley and Thomas
W. Oziah, Company K.
The regiment was mustered in at Chicago in Sejitember, 1861;
served in ]Missouri and Kansas until the spring of 18()2; was then in
Mississippi for a short time; took part in the engagements at Stone's
144 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
River, on the Tullahoma cami)ai^n, Chickaniauga and Missionary
Ridge; was with Sherman in the Athnita campaign of 1864 and par-
ticipated in a number of the actions incident to that movement, in-
cliuhng the charge at Ivenesaw JMountain, Peaclitree Creek and
Atlanta. In September, 1864, it was ordered to New Orleans and
served in the Department of the Gulf until mustered out on January
10, 1866.
FORTY-SEVENTH INFANTRY
Stark County Avas well represented in this regiment, having a few
men in each of Companies A and D, and Company K was organized
in the county. Charles S. Blood, who went out as a sergeant in Com-
pany A, was promoted to second lieutenant, and Benjamin Anient
and Benjamin F. Ellis served as privates in the company. In Com-
pany D were the following jirivates: Nathaniel Childs, Alliert G.
Conley, William Crow, Robert Davidson, Perry Kent, William R.
Kiger, John ]\lcKinnon, Robert S. ]Martin, James Richart, Allen H.
Spellman, William ^V. Stewart. Alva W. Sturdevant, Abraham A"an-
dusen. James Drummond was a i)rivate in Company H, being the
only Stark County man in that company.
The officers of Company K at the time of muster in were as fol-
lows: Jacob Jamison, captain; David DeWolf, first lieutenant (pro-
moted ca2)tain) ; James A. Henderson, second lieutenant. Sergeants —
John ]M. Brown (promoted captain), William H. Denchtield (jiro-
moted first lieutenant) ; Elisha Dixon, Philip A. Templeton, Charles
Butler. Corporals — Adam Torrance, Charles D. Paul, Joseph W.
Jamison, Henry Dixon, D. W. Davis, Henry Hixon, Charles Ed-
munds. Wagoner — John H. Waller.
Privates — James Alderman, Henry Allen, John Barler, Benja-
min Blackburn, Hiram Boardman, Wilson Boggs, Allen Chaffee,
George A. Clifford, ^Nliles Colwell, Ross Colwell, Amos Cornish,
Thomas Cross, William Cross, Oliver Crowder, William Dailey, Joel
Dixon, William Dixon, Jasper Doleson, Carson W. Drummond,
Socrates Drummond, John D. Eby, Sanmel Ebv, Lewis Egbert,
George W. Ellis, Andrew Eutzler, Daniel Fast, Robert Garner, ^
Charles Goodrich, George Hachtel, John Hawks (promoted second
lieutenant), Oscar G. Hixon, Charles S. Hitchcock, Daniel Howard,
John Hum, Jacob Hutchinson, William Jamison, James W. Jarna-
gin, James Kinkade, Robert Lambert, Daniel ]McCrady, Theodore
W. ]\IcDaniel, James T. ^Marshall, George H. Martin, Thomas
Nichols, David Oziah, George F. Pyles, Robert Pyles, Edward Som-
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 145
mers, Sylvester Sylcott, John E. Tlirall Barton Tlmi-ston, Jesse
West, John G. ^Vhite, Rohert L. Wright.
The Forty-seventh was organized at Peoria in >;Vugnst and Sep-
tember, 1861. Soon after being mustered in it moved to Benton
Barracks at St. Louis. It was first under fire at Farming-ton, ^liss.,
May 9, 1862; took part in the action of ^lay 28, 1862, at Corinth,
wliere Colonel Tln-ush was killed, and in 3Iay. 1868, joined General
Grant at Vicksburg. After the fall of Vieksbin-g it was ordered to
Louisiana. When the men whose time had expired were mustered out
in 1864. the veterans and recruits were consolidated with some from
other regiments. The Stark County men in the consolidated Forty-
seventh were as follows:
Company A — James B. Riley and Richard Lynch.
Company B — Henry Weiar, corporal (promoted captain) : Wil-
son Boggs, first lieutenant; and the followhig privates: J. Bates,
Socrates Drummond. Cliarles (roodrich. (ieorgc Ilachtel. Henry
Hixon, Oscar G. Hixon, James Kinkade, Uavid Oziah, Sylvester
Sylcott, Jacob Weiar, ^Michael Weiar.
Company C — Benjamin Ellis, corporal.
Company E — Philip C. Scott, corporal; Charles Byrne, Thomas
Byrne. William Conklin, James Farrell. Charles Hall, John Keely
and Robert Keusler, privates.
Company H — George Edwards, John Hartley, Uaniel Hogan
and Charles jNIcBride, privates.
Company I — In this company were four privates, viz: Uaniel
Ballard, John Burns, Abram Loudenburgh, Theodore Vandyke.
Company K — Albert Papeneau, sergeant; Alexander Davis,
George W. Sailer and Alexander Sanies, corporals : Robert Lambert,
wagoner; David Biddleman, Enoch Foble, Thomas J. Fuller, Thomas
Fryman, Samuel A. Glassford, Samuel S. Glassford. Stephen H.
Jackson, John W. ^lorrison and Robert Sames, privates.
After the consolidation above mentioned the regiment continued
on duty in Louisiana and Alabama. It was mustered out at Sehna,
Ala., in January, 1866.
SIXTY-FIFTH INFANTRY
The next regiment in which Stark County was represented by any
considerable number of men was the Sixty-fifth, which was mustered
in at Chicago on ]May 1, 1862. In Company A were James K. iVllen,
Ezekiel Bogard, Joseph Bogard, Asa Greenfield, Bethuel Greenfield,
146 HISTORY OF STAKK COUNTY
Sylvester Greenfield and Robert H. Hitchcock. There were three
jjrivates in Conijjany D — Finley ^IcClellan, William \V. Updike and
Daniel P. White — and in Company G were Corporal John Richer,
James F. Ausman, William H. Ausman, privates.
A mimber of men in Company L came from Stark County.
George II. Brown was mustered in as a sergeant and promoted to
second lieutenant; James K. Oziah served as corporal, and the follow-
ing as privates: Isaac Bannister, Benjamin Blackburn, Stephen S.
Burnham. Alfred Cornish, James Dalrymple, Freeman R. Davison,
Chauncey Gardner, Henry C. Hall, Robert Heimessy, Harmon
Ilochstrasser, Osro C. Huckins, Frederick K. Ketzenberger, Alex-
ander C. Lord, Peter Xelson, Arthur R. Olds, George W. Pate,
James C. Powell, Samuel C. Sharrer, William Shirts, Harvey L.
Way. \V. W. Weaver. John Whitclier and Robert ^y. ^Vood.
The Sixty-fifth, sometimes calleil the "Scotch Regiment," served
in ^"irginia until the sjjring of 1863, when it was assigned to the Army
of Eastern Kentucky. In the spring of 1864 it joined General Sher-
man for the Atlanta campaign and was in numerous engagements,
especially distinguishing itself at Lost Mountain and the charge at
Kenesaw ^Mountain. Like the Forty-seventh, some of the veterans
and reci-uits of other regiments were consolidated with tlie Sixty-fifth,
and in the consolidated regiment the following men were credited to
Stark County:
Company B — David C. Jf)nes, sergeant; Josejjh W. Richer, cor-
jjoral ; George JMaxfield and David Woodard, privates.
Company F — Elmer Sage, first lieutenant; Frank L. Yale and
Luther Graham, corporals; George A. Brown, William A. Brown,
Zachary T. Brown, James L. Fox, ^lelvin Gage, William J. Hamil-
ton, Ira F. Hayden, ^Martin Plickman, Andrew Jackson, A\'illiam J.
Lamper, ]Morris C. Lami^son, John Lee, Solomon Leighton, Isaac
Luce, Jacob W. McDaniel, Bailey C. Ogden, George W. Pate,
Thomas Patterson, Adam Rush. George Rush. James M. Tacket,
Stephen Talbot, Anson Tanner, Elisha E. Taylor, privates.
Company H — James K. Allen, Joseph Bogard, Bethuel Green-
field, Sylvester Greenfield, Robert H. Hitchcock and Daniel P.
White, privates.
Company I — In this company Freeman R. Davison and Osro C.
Huckins served as privates, and in Company K. George H. Brown
Mas second lieutenant. The consolidated Sixty-fifth was mustered
out on July 13, 1865.
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY li7
SIXTY-NINTH INFANTRY
Tliirty-onc men from Stark County saw service in Company D,
Sixty-nintli Infantry, which was mustered into the United States
service on June 14, 18152. Jedediah Luce, George ^V. Smith, Mat-
thew Rounds and James Adams were enrolled as corporals, and the
following- served as privates: oMoses jM. Adams. ^Villiam Rowden,
Edward Rrown, Robert Royd, Lucius Church, \Villiam H. Davidson,
Algernon Fitch, Ransom 1). Foster, William Foster, INlichael Gil-
lespie, William Hamilton. David Ilimes, ^Michael Hum, Renjamin
F- I^ewis, Henry R. Lewis, George ^V. McDanicl. Cieorge Pate, Kd-
Mard Perry, Edwin R. Pomeroy, John AV. Rounds, Wilson Rounds,
F^rederick Russell, Jasper Smith, Theron Wallei-, ^Villiam F.
Wheeler, Lorenzo K. Wiley, Isaac INI. AVitter.
EIGHTY-SIXTH INFANTRY
This regiment was organized at Peoi'ia and was mustered in on
August 27, 1H()2. Stark County furnished nineteen men to Com-
pany E, and three men to Company II. George H. Smith was mus-
tered in as a sergeant in the former company and was promoted to the
captaincy on July 1.3, 18G4. The privates were: Renton Carrington,
Joseph Carter, ^Villiam Cooper, Williaiu Dawson, Harvey Fore-
man (promoted to second lieutenant, but not mustered), Alonzo
Goodale, James C. Hall, John A. Job, Andrew Xehlig, Thomas
Reader, James ^V. Reagan, Tighlman S. Reagan, James S. Schank,
Jacol) Schleigh. AVilliam F. Speers, John R. Waldron, Eli Wilson
and Louis \V()odward. The three men in Company II were: Cyrus
A. Fox, who was enrolled as musician, and privates Alexander Ilep-
perly and John Jenkeson.
The regiment was ordered to Ijouisville, Ky., immediately
after it was mustered in and served for several moiitlis in that state.
It was engaged at Perryville, Chickamauga, ^lissionaiy Ridge and
in several of the battles and skirmishes of the Atlanta campaign in
18(>1.. aftei- which it accompanied Sherman's army on the historic
"JMarcli to the sea" and the campaign of the Carolinas. It was mus-
tered out at AVashington, D. C, June 6, 18G.3.
NINETY-THIRD INFANTRY"
In September, 1802, this regiment was organized at Chicago and
when mustered into the United States service Nicholas C. Ruswell,
148 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
of Stark County, held the rank of heutei)aiit-colonel. He was pro-
moted to colonel on Xo\einber 2.5, 18(53, but was not mustered as such.
In Company H the following Stark County boys were enrolled as
privates: George Gardner, Thomas Goodwin, Edgar Hall, William
C. Ifall, John Ilellener, ^Matthew Landon, Fred Selaghter, Seth K.
Stoughton, Xathan Thorn and ^Morgan L. Weaver.
In November, ISC'i, the regiment was ordered to ^lemphis, Tenn.,
and the next ^Nlareh it took part in the famous Y^azoo Pass expedi-
tion. It was in the battle of Rlack River Bridge, the siege of Vicks-
burg, a number of the engagements on the Atlanta eampaign of IHfii,
marched with Sherman to the sea and up through the Carolinas, and
was mustered out on June 23, 1865.
ONE HUNDRED AND TWELFTH INFANTRY
On xVugust 8, 18(;2, the commissioned officers of three Stark
County companies and sevoi Henry County companies met at Cialva
ami took the jireliminary stejjs to organize a regiment. The result of
tliis movement was that on September 20-22, 1862, the One Hundred
and Twelfth was mustered in at Peoria, with Thomas J. Henderson,
of Toulon, as colonel, and Luther S. JNIillikin, of Wyoming, as as-
sistant surgeon, afterward promoted surgeon. "With the exception
of a few men. Companies B, E and F were raised in Stark County.
In Company B the commissioned officers at the time of muster in
Mere: James B. Doyle, captain; Jonathan C. Dickerson, first lieu-
tenant ; John Gudgell, second lieutenant. Captain Doyle resigned on
March 31, 1863, and Lieutenant Dickerson was promoted to the
vacancy. He Mas killed in action on September 18, 1863, Mhen I>ieu-
tenant Ciudgell became captain and served until discharged on ^Nlarch
27, 1865. Bradford F. Thompson Mas then promoted to the cap-
taincy and held that rank until the regiment was mustered out.
Sergeants — Bradford F. Thompson (promoted to lieutenant and
captain), William H. Doyle (i)romoted first lieutenant). Charles P..
Foster (promoted second lieutenant), John II. Bunnell and Willard
B. Foster.
Corporals — Eli C. Jones (promoted sergeant), George W. Reed
(promoted sergeant), Nicholas Hill, Augustus J. Thomi)son | jirn-
moted sergeant), Edward J. Riley.
Privates — Robert Alexander, Charles H. Barber, George Barber,
Orlin Bevier (promoted corporal), Andrew J. Brode, Charles N.
Crook (])romoted corporal), Isaac N. Dalrymple, Thomas E. De-
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 149
•
Jaiit'v. Uriah Dunn. Spencer KIston, Joseph Fleming, Fiioeh \N'.
l'\)stt'r, ^Morris Fowler, Samuel 13. Francis, John P. Freeman, ^Vil-
liam 1). Freeman, AVashington Garside, Hiram P. Cieer. Kphraim
(ilidden. James A. Goudrich, .John Hall, Charles II. Handley, \Vil-
liani Handley, .James Hare, Henry S. Haj'den (mustered out as
musician), Louis T. Ilinkle (promoted corporal), Kdwin Holmes,
George Jennings, ^^'iiliam H. Johnson, Levi W. Jones (promoted
corporal), .John R. .Jones (promoted sergeant), Peter .Tones, Daniel
Kane, Francis J. Leggett, Charles Leighton, John C. Leighton,
.James A. I^ong (promoted corporal), William C. Lopeman, George
Ijudlum, Henry MeKihhons. .John JNIcLaughlin, Hiram P. jNIallory
(promoted corporal). Llias Miller, Ornian X. xMiiler, Horace iNIorri-
son. .Jolm ()lenl)in-g (promoted corporal) , J-'^her S. Oshorn (mustered
out as wagoner), Lewis Oshorn, Irwin Oxherger, James Partridge,
.Jacol) H. Perkey, Ira Porter, Samuel Redding, George W. Scott,
Henry Shim]). Dennis Spellman. Henry Stacy, Nathan D. Stewart,
George W. Stone, Cyrus Sturm, Isaac Sturm, .John Sturm, Alva ^V.
Sturtevant, Clark N. Sturtevant, Joseph Taylor, Charles R. Thomp-
son, .John Wallace, William P. Wilson.
Recruits — Joseph H. Raldwin, George A. Brown, IMelvin Gage,
Ira F. Hayden, ^Villiam .T. 1 tamper, .John Lee, Solomon Leighton,
Isaac Luce.
Sanford I^. Ives, of Goshen Township, was a sergeant in Com-
pany 1), and Robert Creighton, Walter N. Jones, Lemuel F.
JNlathews, Baillie C. Ogden and Ste])hen Talhot. ])rivates in the same
company, Avere credited to Stark County.
Sylvester F. Otman, of Wyoming, was mustered in as captain of.
Company K; Cranner W. Brown, first lieutenant: Elmer A. Sage,
second lieutenant. The last named was transferred to the Sixty-fiftli
regiment and Henry Graves was made second lieutenant.
Sergeants — Henry .T. Otman, Henry Graves (promoted second
lieutenant). Dixon Solomon, John E. Charrett and Charles B. Hitch-
cock.
Corporals— Timothy Bailey, John B. Pettit. William G. Wilkin-
son, I'eter ]M. Swords, Carey G. Colhurn. AVilliam C. JMc^Iillen.
James B. Blackmore. David Fast.
Wagoner — John D. INIartin.
Privates — ^Michael Alderman. iMfred B. Armstrong. .Terry IT.
Bailey. William B. Barr. David Barrett. James D. Bloomer (])i-(i-
moted sergeant), Gershom Bui'nett, .Tames FL Bush. Sidnev D. But-
ler (promoted corporal), William Cassatt, William T. Carter,
150 lllSTOliV Ol' STAKK LOLNTV
Thomas Cohvell, William Cohvcll, John Cole, Absalom J. Cooper,
Klijali Cox, Joel Cox, Douglas X. Crone (promoted eorporal),
Charles B. Davis, David Dawson, John Dawson, Xewton Dolison,
\\'illiam Ellis, James Elston, Wallace W. Emanuel, Whitfield Evans,
Andrew Fautz, Xoah Fautz, Shephard Green, Stephen ^^^ Cxreen,
Henry A. Greenerwalt, Jonathan Ciraves. Charles Hall, Charles
Hart, Eugene Hart, John Harvey, William Herridge, Lewis Hihack,
JNlichael Hire, \Villiam Holgate, IMedora Hoover, X'athan H. Hull,
David Kerns, Calvin B. Laskell, Curwine McCoy, John IMcCoy,
Kiley .AJaranville, George B. Marlatt, David S. .Miller, William H.
jNIorgan, William J. jNlorgan, George W. Nicholas, John Oldaker
(promoted corporal), Charles W. Phenix. Frank Pross, James W.
KatclifF, James Ray, Simon Ray, William Ray, John Sigel, William
E. L. Smith, Cyrus Snare (promoted corporal), Henry Soper,
Joseph Sparks, ^Michael Springer, James Strinhurg, Sylvester H.
Stofer, John D. Swain, Thaddeus Thurston, Ananias Timmons (pro-
moted corj^oral). Philip ^I. Trapp, Josiah F. Umbaugh, David
Wandling, Russell White, Ancil H. \Voodcock.
Recruits — James I^. Fox, jMorris C. Lampson, Adam Rush,
Geoi-ge Rush, Francis M. Sollars, James JNl. Tacket, Anson Tanner.
Companj' F was officered at the time of muster in as follows:
William W. Wright, captain; Jackson Lawrence, first lieutenant;
Robert E. Westfall, second lieutenant. Captain Wright died on
June 24, 1864, and was succeeded by James G. Armstrong, who was
mustered in as first sergeant, Robert E. Westfall being promoted to
first lieutenant.
Sergeants — James G. Armstrong (promoted captain), George
C. ]\Iaxfield (promoted second lieutenant), Edwin Butler. AVilliam
P. Finiey, Bushrod Tapp (promoted first lieutenant).
Corporals — John H. Lane (jiromoted sergeant), Henry B. Perry
(promoted second lieutenant), William C. Bell, Andrew G. Pike
(})romoted sergeant), William Rounds, Levi Silliman, ^Milton
Trickle. John F. Rhodes (promoted sergeant).
Privates — Henry C. Ackley, John L. Adams. Samuel 3L H.
Adams (promoted corporal), Alfred C. Ballentine, William P. Bal-
lentine (promoted sergeant), Elmore Barnhill. AVilliam H. Barton,
William Beiderdeck. John Black. George Iif)yd. William Boyd,
Xathaniel Crabtree, William ]M. Creighton, John W. Curfman. James
W. Davison, Darius Demont. Robert INI. Denney (promoted cor-
poral), Samuel ]M. Eldridge, George Ely, William H. Ely. James
Essex. John D. Essex, William T. Essex. James E. Finlev (mustered
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 151
out as corporal), Olaus Forss, Heiuy Garner, James R. Gelviu (pro-
moted sergeant) , George Graen, William II. Harris, Anderson Harty
(promoted sergeant), James P. Headlev. Milton Headley, Austin C.
Ilimes, William Himes, .Joseph Hoppock. James Hughes (promoted
corporal), Uaniel Huselton, George W. Johnson, Ilavilah B. John-
son, Timothy Kennedy, Andrew Kamerer, John Kindle, Royal Laf-
ferty, Jesse Likens, Theodore ^MeDaniel. James M. ^NlcSharry.
Jeremiah D. ^Madden, Job G. ]MaIiaft'ey, Robert Makings, Isaac
^lessinger, George ^liller, Josiah Minoi-, John F. Negus, Zarah II.
Newton, Cieorge W. Oziah. Hiram G. Parrish, William B. Price,
Thomas Proctor, George Rockwell, (ieorge W. Rhodes, Ira Scran-
ton, Kphraim ^V. Smith, Jacob Stanffer. Milton Stevens, George G.
Stone (promotetl eor])oral), Robert Ci. Stowe, William A. Stowe,
Presley Terrell, David Tiidin, Benjamin F. Todd, Jacob Vulgamott
(promoted corporal), William Vulgamott, David Webster, Thomas
T. White, John W. ^Vhitten. Curtis Wright.
liecruits — Joseph II. Burwick. Futher Graham, Henry C. Hall,
William J. Hamilton, Peter C. Johnson, J. AV. ^NlcDaniel, George
W. Pate, Thomas Patterson, Elisha J. Taylor, Jesse B. Taylor,
Henry J. Stone.
In Company G. Joseph Berry, Charles Kezer, George ^lelbourne,
Louis E. jMorton, John A. Tarble, AVilliam A. Brown, Ransom D.
Foster, Andrew Jackson, INIyron Waters and Frank L. Yale served
as privates, and the following recruits from Stark County were nnas-
signed to comjnniies: John Berier, Ciba A. Dunlap, Noah Hidle-
baugh. Jonas Johnson, Arnold Volney.
The I'egiment left Peoria on October 8, 18(»2, and on the 11th re-
])orted to Gen. Gordon Granger, at Covington, Ky. It remained in
camp at Lexington for about five months, after which it was on guard
and scolding duty in Kentucky until the summer of 1803, several
times being engaged with small bodies of the enemy. It Avas then
moved to East Tennessee and took part in all the military operations
there in the fall of 1863 and the early part of ISfU. In :May, 1804, it
joined General Sherman at Tunnel Hill, Ga.. and was in several of
the hottest engagements of the .Atlanta campaign. When General
Hood evacuated Atlanta and started northward, the regiment, as part
of the Twenty-third Army Corps, moved back to Tennessee. It took
part in the battles of Franklin and Nashville, which virtually ended
the war in the ^Vest. After pursuing Hood's retreating army to the
Tennessee River, the One Hundred and Twelfth i)roceeded by steam-
boat to Cincinnati, Ohio, thence by rail to ^Vashington, D. C, and
152 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY'
was next engaged in the reduction of Fort Fisher. Its last service was
in North CaroHna. It was mustered out at Cliicago on July 7, IHGo.
Colonel Henderson was in conunand of the hrigade the greater part
of the time after August 8, 1863, and on November 30, 1864i, was
pi'omoted to the rank of brevet brigadier-general.
ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FOUKTH INFANTRY
Sixteen Stark Comity men served in this regiment, though some
of them were credited to Henry County. Asa Bunton was corporal
in Company A at the time of muster in, but was promoted to sergeant,
and Uaniel S. Adams, Frank Hudson, Levi Leek, Fred ^l. Leacroft
and Asa Smith enlisted as privates in the same company. In Ccni-
pany F. George S. Green was a sergeant; Samuel ^I. Likes, a cor-
poral; and the following privates: Nathaniel Copper. Walter A.
Fell, x\lvin Galley, Tliomas :Murray. Thomas W. Rule, Sylvester
Sweet. Andrew Turnbidl and ^Alexander Wier.
The regiment was mustered in on September 10, 1862, with
Thomas J. Sloan as colonel. Its first active service was in Tennessee;
then it took part in the siege of Vicksburg and several of the engage-
ments of that cam})aign. In January. 1864, it won the prize banner
offered by Gen. M. D. Leggett for the best drilled regiment in the
division. Its last service was in Alabama. It was mustered out at
Springfield, 111., August 16, I860.
ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-NINTH INFANTRY
In this regiment, as in the preceding one, some of the men who
went out from Stark County are credited to other counties. Stephen
V. R. Bates, of Toulon, was a member of the regimental band; Otis
P. Dyer was a corporal in Company A ; James Swank was a corporal
m Company E; Ansel J. Wright was first lieutenant in Company H;
Gorham P. Blood and George Dugan were sergeants in the same
company; Oliver P. Crowell, Nathaniel W. Dewey and \Villiam O.
Johnson were corporals, and the following served as privates: Wil-
liam J. Barnett, Samuel Burge, Thomas W, Cade, George W, Dewey,
Joseph Flansburg, Adam Gardner, Abram H. Loudenburg, Don C,
I>yon, Oren ^Nlaxfield, Jr., Elisha ]Mosher, ^Villiam II. Newcomer,
Harrison Newton, Joseph II. Newton, Harvey J. Remington, Reu-
ben Rounds, John S. Roof, Charles D. Sharrer, William Searl,
Joseph H. Sharrer. Theodore Vandyke, Andrew J. Whitaker, Ben-
I
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 153
jainin J. \Vitcher, Isaac M. Witter, Benjamin Witter, William "\V.
WrJMht.
Tliis regiment was mustered in on June 1, 1804., for 100 days and
was soon afterward sent to Columbus, Ky., via St. Louis. Its only
encounter with the enemy was in capturing horses and cattle to replace
some taken by guerrillas, who had taken some Government cattle
from steamboats near Padueah. Some of the stock was recaptured
and enough taken from secession sympathizers to make good the loss.
It was then in pursuit of General Price in Missouri. It was mustered
out at Peoria on October 2.). 18()4. having served nearly two months
beyond the term of its enlistment.
ONE HUXDREl) AXU I'IFTV-FIKST INFANTRY
Fayette Lacey, who had previously served in the Thirty-seventh
Regiment, was made sergeant-major of the One Hundred and Fifty-
first; Lafayette Schanip was a private in Company A; ^V. II. Rover,
Allen Gingrich and C. W. Phenix served as privates in Company E,
and a large ])art of Company I came from Stark County.
The commissioned officers of Company I were as follows: Casimir
P.Jackson, captain; James INIontooth, first lieutenant; Andrew^ Gal-
braith, second lieutenant. James ^lontooth resigned on June 20,
18(5.5. and Lieutenant Galbraith was promoted to the vacancy, Ser-
geant George R. Fezler being made second lieutenant.
Sei-geants — George Dugan. Cieorge R. Fezler. George W. ]Mc-
Daniels, Samuel Keyes.
Corporals — Rufus S. Jones, Samuel Dixon, Thomas Homer,
James F. Thompson, John S. Roof and Herod ]Murnan.
JMusicians — Thomas S. Craig and Charles W. Orr.
^Vagoner — Jonathan Rounds, of Goshen Township.
Privates — Atkinson Coe, David Crumb, Austin DeWolf, Joseph
Dixon. George W. Gilson, Orson Grant. Edward A. Johnson, Leon-
idas H. Jones. Elias R. Ia'w is, Samuel K. Lowman, Ira J. JMcCon-
nell. Samuel Masters. .lohn H. ^Nloncrief, Edward A. Perry. Rethuel
Pierson. Daniel Rockwell, Seth F. Rockwell, Henry W. Thomas and
David Woodard.
The regiment was organized at Quincy and was mustered into the
United .States service on February 2'J. ISfi.l. for one yeai-. Two days
later the men were armed and equi])ped at Springfield, and on March
7, 186.5, the One Hundred and I'ifty-first reported to Gen. James B.
Steadman at Chattanooga, Tennessee. It was present at Resaca, Ga.,
154 HISTOKV (JF STAllK COUM'V
Avlien Confederate General AVarford surrendered his command to
lOjiUO men in May, and spent the remainder of its term of service in
that state, breaking uji guerrilla bands, guarding Government stores,
etc. It was mustered out at Columbus, Ga., January "Ji, 18GG.
MISCELLANEOUS INFAXTRY ENLISTMENTS
In addition to the comijany rosters given above, a number of Stark
County men were scattered through the various infantiy regiments
sent out by the state. An examination of the adjutant-general's re-
ports shows that Keuben Crook and George \y. Leighton served in
Company A, and Lemuel G. JNlarsh in Company G, Sixteenth
Infantry.
In the Twentieth, William Borter, Zelotas Kendall and ^Matthew
Rounds, were enrolled in Company E; William Keeper and Calvin
Vulgamott, Company D: James Farrell, PhiliiJ Graves, Finley C.
JNIcClellan, Edward Quirk and Herman Schrader, Company E;
Thomas Graves, Company F; ^Michael Flynn and William H. Little,
Company I.
Jerome B. Thomas, of Wyoming, went to Kewanee and enlisted
in the Twentj^-fourth, of which regiment he was commissioned assis-
tant 'surgeon on jNIarch 3, 1862.
Six Stark County boys served in the Twenty-eighth, viz: James
C. Hall and John Waldron, in Company E (later transferred to the
Thirt_y-fourth Regiment) ; Edress ]M. Conklin, Company F; George
A. Armstrong, Jeremiah Fergiison and James JNI. Paden, Company K,
In the Thirty-eighth Regiment, John ]M. Cole, Thomas C. Davis
and Peter Lane served as privates in Company E. John Timmons
was a recruit in Company D, Fortieth Infantry, and Hugh D. Keff er
was a private in Company G of the same regiment. James D. Ander-
son was enrolled in Company D, Forty-first.
John L. Lee and William C. Grant were recruits in the Forty-
ninth, the former in Company B and the latter in Com])any K. and
Jolni Ryan was a private in the Fiftieth.
The Fifty-first was organized in the winter of 1861-62. In Com-
pany II were Hugh Donnelly, Eli PLlison, Erick From, Thomas Imes,
Cyrus .lacobs, James Kemiedy. James Kinneman. Charles W. New-
ton, Joseph Pew, David Simmerman, Solomon R. Shockley, Anthony
Sturm and Paul Ward. Cyrus A. Anthony enlisted as a private in
Company K, but was promoted to quartermaster sergeant and later
to captain of Company B.
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY ]55
In the Fifty-third, Francis Bradlej^ was enrolled in Company A;
James W. Albro and James Lee, Company C; William Oziah, Com-
pany F.
Five Stark County men enlisted in Company G of the Fifty-lifth,
to-wit: L. S. Coggswell, George W. Eckley, James A. Eckley,
Joseph C. Hiner and George E. ^Vitter. Three of these five were
promoted to noncommissioned officers.
In the Fifty-sixth, Edward Keffer and Osmand C. Griswold en-
listed at ]McEeansboro. The former rose to be captain of his com-
pany and tiie latter was mustered out as a second lieutenant.
Thomas J. Blake, James Kelley and Joseph ^Manning enlisted in
Company F, Fifty-seventh Tid'antry: James Nichols and Thomas C.
Xicliols in Company K, and William P. Clifford in Company H.
In the Fifty-eighth, Rudolph Shipman enlisted in Company I);
Edward Ueffleg and Isaac Dudley in Company E; Franklin IMaxey
and James C. JNIaxey, Comjjany I; and John Ryan joined the regi-
ment as an unassigned recruit in February, 180,5.
Stephen liabb served in the Sixty-fourth, and in the Sixty-sixth
were Charles Atherton, Andrew Hamilton and Daniel Holmes.
In Company A, Seventy-second Infantry, were Miles Avery,
Jacob Galley, Scepta T. Harding, James U. Heath and Robert
Holmes, and George W. Dunbar, Jr., and W. II. Harris served in
Company E, Eighty-third.
In the One Hundred and Sixth. Henjamin Williams was ca])tain
of Company G, and James W. Berry, who enlisted as a corporal in
C()m])any H, was promoted to first lieutenant.
In the One Hun(h-ed and Eighth, Ricliard I^ynch was a member
of Company C. and James Riley of Company I). Miles A. Collin-
berry was in Company K. One Hundred and Thirteenth, and John
C. Copestake was first assistant sui'geon of the One Hmidred and
Fourteenth.
In Company H, One Hundred and Twenty-seventh regiment,
were Abram Bevier. Robert J. Dickinson, Uriah (xiwitts, William
H. Giwitts and George Kinter.
In the One Hundred and Thirty-second were two privates fi'om
Stark County — Cliarles C. Hotchkiss and Barney M. Jackson — both
members of Company G.
In Coni])any I, One Hundred and Forty-eighth (a one-year regi-
ment), Mf)ses B. Robinson was a sergeant: Edwin B. Pomeroy. a
corporal; and ^^'illiam D. Cundiff, Charles Hester and Unman Ilinies
served as privates.
156 III STORY OF STARK COLXTY
Four men Avere credited to Stark County in Company I, One
Hundred and Fifty-fifth Infantry, viz: William Cross, Patrick
JNlcGuire, Edward ORrien and Oliver P. White.
CAV.VLKY SERVICE
Illinois furnisheil seventeen regiments of cavalry to the Union
army during the Civil war. Stark County was represented in seven
of the seventeen regiments, though in no instance did a whole com-
pany enlist from the county.
In Company A, Third Cavalry, which was mustered in on Sep-
tember 21, 1861. were James H. Chaddock, John ^V. Highlands and
Samuel A. Highlands. After the ranks of the regiment were depleted
liy a long and arduous service, it was consolidated with portions of
other commands and in Company C, Consolidated Third, were Sam-
uel H. Aten. George Boardman, Harrison Rurkhart, William P.
Burns, Hugh R. Creighton, Albert P. Finley, Robert Garner, John
Green, John King, Theodore W. IMcDaniel, George F. Pyle, Henry
Sinunerman and John Simmerman. Andrew J. Walker served in
Company K.
Joseph E. ]McKinstrey was a corporal in Company A, Fourth
Ca^•all•y; William Douglas was a member of Company D. and Wil-
liam Crooks, who enlisted in Company K, was promoted to sergeant-
major.
In the Seventh, which Mas mustered in at Camj) Rutler in August,
18(51, Charles Butcher and William Butcher were unassigned recruits
credited to Stark Comity.
Twenty Stai-k Comity men were enrolled in the Ninth. Chris-
to])lu'r Flanagan, Thomas Flanagan. Henry Lewis. Samuel R. Lewis,
•John C. Shaw, Patrick Smith and John Stokes were privates in Com-
])anv H ; J. O. H. Spinney was promoted to the captaincy of Com-
pany K; John Jamison and Francis ]M. Lamper served as sergeants
m the same company, in MJiich the following were enrolled as privates:
Fowler Rryant, E. AV. Curtis, Frank U. Doyle. Thomas A. Foster,
Wesley F. Foster, Francis Griswold, Christopher Handley, John S.
Hayden, William S. Luce, Henry IMcKibbon, Isaac ]Moon, iSIartin
Shay (imassigned recruit), James Sherlock, James ]M. Stanley, Her-
man D. Sturm. C. :VI. Wheeler, William F. Wheeler.
Andrew Caldwell enlisted in Company C of the Eleventh Cavalry;
William A. Glaze was a member of Company M, and Baxter ]M.
]Mahany was an unassigned recruit.
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 157
In the Twelfth Cavahy were Corporal Joseph E. JNIcKinstrey
and William Douglas, who ^\ere transferred from the Fourth, and
Joseph Johnson.
De\Vitt C. Recce was a member of Company A, and Isaac Dennis
of Company M, Fourteenth Cavalry.
AliTII.I.EUY
In Comi)any A, Second Fight Artillery, were twenty-three men
credited to Stark County. Harvey I'ierce was a corporal and the
following served as privates: Morris Ayres, William Beers, Joseph
G. Bloomer, Alva \V. Brown, Stephen W. Carney, John Cox, Clem-
ens R. Defendener, Albert Eagan. Samuel Eagan. Thomas J. Ellis.
David X. Iliffner, Charles X. Hull, John Hull. Nathan H. Hull,
Emanuel Kissel, Calvin Rockwell, Hugh Stockner, John R. Stratton,
Charles Thomas, Lorenzo K. Wiley, INLirshall Winn, Warren Winn.
In the Marine Artillery were: John J. Campbell, Dennis Clark,
James \V. Dexter. Samuel Dyer. Andrew Gall)raith, ]Marion (God-
frey, James Hall. John Ilotchkiss. Joiiii I^al)arr, Henry ]Marchant,
Charles IMaxfield, Jeptha ^Nlosher, John H. Parks, Carleton Rhodes,
Isaac Whitaker, Oliver White, JMarshall Winn and Warren Winn.
The two last named in the above paragraph were transferred from
the Second I^ight iVrtillery, and ^Villiam Cross and George Rouse
served in the First United States Artillery.
There were also a few Stark County men who served in regiments
belonging to other states or in the regular army. Upon the official
muster I'olls a name now and then is marked as a "deserter." but the
percentage of this class is no larger than that of the other counties,
and in fact not so large as many of them. In whatever arm of the
service — infantry, cavalry, artillery oi- the navy — the Stark County
boys as a rule rendered a good account of themselves, and the peoi)le
of the ])resent genei-ation hold in grateful remembrance the valor and
patriotism of the "Boys in Blue," as is witnessed by the monument
erected to the memory of the Stark County soldiers and sailors upon
the north side of the ])ublic square in Toulon.
A Stark County Soldiers' IMonument Association was organized
at Toulon on the last day of October, 18G7, by Dr. J. C. Copestake,
Capt. J. M. Brown, Andrew Galbraith and others, but no record can
be found of its further proceedings. Early in the year 1901 the board
of su])ervisors took up the question of ajijH-opriating a sum of money
for the ])urpose of erecting a monument to commemorate the services
of the soldiers and sailors who went out from the countv^ during the
158 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
dark days of the nation from 1861-6.3. George T. Oliver, 3Iordecai
Rc'vier and W. ii. JJallentine Avere appointed a eoniniittee to select a
design, ascertain the cost, and report.
The committee reported on INIarch 1, 1901, in favor of the design
suhmitted by Messrs. Drummond, of Bradford, and Teets, of Wyo-
ming, the monnment to cost $:$,()()() complete. The report Avas ap-
]>i()ved l)y the hoard and on the same day it was ordered that "the sum
of .$3,000 be set aside and appropriated out of the county tax levied
for the year 1900 for the purpose of erecting a soldiers' monument
for Stark County."
Xot long afterward the contract was formally awarded to Drum-
mond & Teets and the work was commenced. On September 3, 1901,
the clerk was ordered to draw a warrant for $3,000 in favor of Drum-
mond & Teets, to be payable when the monument was completed and
accepted by the committee. The monument was dedicated on Thurs-
day, June 12, 1902. Gen. William G. Cochran, of Sullivan, 111., who
had been engaged to deliver the address, failed to make his appearance
and the principal speech was made by Gen. Thomas J. Henderson,
who followed George T. Oliver, the chairman of the board of super-
visors, in an address of welcome, in which he presented the monument
to the countj'.
The monument is a handsome specimen of the sculptor's art; an
imposing shaft of graj' granite some forty feet in height, surmounted
by the figure of an infantry soldier at parade rest. On the north side,
facing ]Main Street, is the inscription selected by the board of su])er-
visors: "In Memory of the Soldiers and Sailors of Stark County,"
and (in the reverse is the simple statement — "Dedicated June 12,
1902."
THE WORK AT HOilE
W'hile those at the front wei'c imdergoing the inconveniences of
camp life, the hardships of the long march and the dangers of battle,
the friends they left behind them were not unmindful of the soldier's
needs. On June 10, 1861, the board of supervisors ordered: "Tiiat
the sum of $3,000 be appropriated for the pvu'pose of uniforming
volunteer militia companies organized or to be organized in Stark
County, at the rate of $6 per man, under certain conditions and
restrictions. Also that in the event of immediate call of Ca]itain
Stuart's company — the 'Elmira Rifles' — the clerk shall issue an order
immediately on the treasurer for such amounts as shall be found due
them by disbursing agents," etc.
HISTORY OF STARK COUXTV 159
The next day, pursuant to a plan reported by a committee pre-
viously appointed, a tax of 20 cents on each $100 worth of projjcrty
in the county was levied for the year 1861, "for the purpose ol' aiding
and assisting volunteer soldiers and their families." One thousand
dollars of the money thus raised were ordered to be set apart i'or
aiding the families of volunteers and the remainder to be used for
uniforms and equipment for the men.
David McC'ance, Davis Lowman and Oliver Whitaker were
appointed a connnittee to take charge of the disbursements. On
December 3, 1861, this committee reported the following disburse-
ments : t
'\'^
To the Elnura Rities (106 men) $ 630.00
To the Lafayette Rifles (76 men) 456.00
To the Stark County Rifles (77 men) 462.00
■ For relief —
Elmira Township 86.78
Goshen Township 106.87
Osceola Township 9.00
Penn Township 20.71
Toulon Townshij) 70.62
Valley Township 12.00
Total $1,859.98
On June 2, 1862, the committee reported the additional expenditure
of $348.45 for the relief of soldiers' families. At the September term
in 1862 the supervisors appropriated $4,000 for the purpose of aiding
the families of volunteers and at the same time directed the supervisor
in each townshij) to report the number of families in his jurisdiction,
the heads of which were in the army, when the amount appropriated
should be divided or apportioned among the several townships, each
supervisor to act as disbiu'sing agent in his township, though the old
committee was continued to audit the accounts of the supervisors. A
bounty of $50 was authorized to be paid to each man enlisting from
Stark County and a tax of 5 mills on the dollar was levied for the
purpose of paying bounties and the accumulation of the $4,000 relief
fund. At the next session the supervisors reported the number of
families and the fund was apportioned as follows:
160 HISTOKV OF STAKK COUNTY
Elniira Towii.ship 28 families $ 533.32
Essex Townslii]) 33 " (;28..5(;
Goshen Township 20 " 380.9()
Osceola Township 37 " 704.70
Penn Township 21 " 400.00
Toulon Township 33 " 028.50
\'alley Township 12 " 228.57
West Jersey Township 26 " 4.95.24
Total 210 families $4,000.00
Of this sum there was an unexpended balance on September 14,
1803, but during the winter the fund was exhausted and on March 14,
1804, the board ordered an appropriation of $2,600 for the support
of soldiers' families. On September 13, 1864, a tax of 50 cents on
each $100 worth of property was levied to pay boimties and aid the
families of volunteers. Another appropriation, amounting to $2,760,
was made on March 7, 1865, for relief purposes and several years
after the war was over bounties, the payment of which had been de-
layed, were handed over to the veterans. For this reason it is difficult
to state just what sum was paid by the county in bounties.
Besides the relief given by the county in its official capacity, there
were several organizations formed for the purpose of assisting the
families of those who were engaged in fighting the battles of their
country. The Soldiers" Relief Circle of Toulon \vas organized on
November 12, 1861, with Mrs. Oliver Whitaker, president; JNIrs. O.
Gardner, vice president; Miss F. JNIarvin, secretary; JNlrs. Calvin
Eastman, treasurer; jNIrs. P. M. Blair, JMrs. S. S. Kaysbier, Mrs.
31. A. Fuller and ]Miss R. AVhite, committee on supplies.
The Wyoming Soldiers" Relief Society was organized about the
same time, with Mrs. M. A. Hoist, president; JNIrs. A. G. Ham-
mond, secretary; Miss Lucy Butler, treasui'er; ]\Iesdames Isaac
Thomas, B. F. Foster, W. B. Armstrong. P. Pettit, JMary Butler,
J. AVrigley, J. B. Lashels and J. jNIatthews, committee on collections.
On July 27, 1863, the women of Penn Township organized a
"Loyal League," with JMrs. J. JNI. Ricker, jiresident, and JMrs. S. S.
Rockwell, secretary. There were also a number of meetings held in
different parts of the county for the purpose of collecting money and
supplies for the families of the boys in the field.
The amount of aid extended by these societies and spontaneous
gatherings cannot be ascertained, and no approximate estimate can
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 161
he made of the assistance reiulertd hy individual offerings. ^^^R'n-
ever some sokher's family stood in need of aid it was forthcoming.
The sum thus eontrihuted ran into thousands of dollars, of which no
account was kept. JNIany a basket of provisions found its way to the
home of some soldier; shoes, clothing, school hooks, etc.. wci-c ])ro-
vided for soldiers' children; sons and daughters of volunteers were
given preference in the matter of employment hy loyal citizens, and
in many other ways relief was afforded to those who had sent their
loved ones to the defense of the Union.
CHAPTER X
INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS
EARLY CONDITIONS IN STARK COUNTY — DIFFICULTIES OF EARLY TRAVEL
INDIAN TRAILS PUBLIC HIGHWAYS KNOXVILLE & GALENA STATE
KOAD FIRST ROAD DISTRICTS AND SUPERVISORS PETITIONS AND
VIEAVERS 5JODERN HIGHAVAYS STATE HIGHWAY COMMISSION —
STATE INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS ILLINOIS & MICHIGAN CANAL
ACT OF 1836 — L.UJGE APPROPRIATIONS FOR RIVER IMPROVEMENTS
AND RAILROADS THE RAILROAD ERA WESTERN AIR LINE AMER-
ICAN CENTRAL CHICAGO, ROCK KLAND & PACIFIC CHICAGO, BUR-
LINGTON & QUINCY CHICAGO & NORTHWESTERN VALUE OF RAIL-
ROAD PROPERTY IN THE COUNTY.
In this year 1916 of the Christian era, when a citizen of Stark
County has occasion to visit the county seat, or make a short journey
into some of the adjacent counties, it is a comparatively easy matter
to step into his automohile and glide along over a public highway to his
destination. Should it be necessary for him to take a longer journej',
he can take his seat in a reclining chair car or a Pullman coacli on
one of the great railway systems of the country and be transported
across the land at the rate of fifty or sixty miles an hour. But does
he ever pause to consider hoA\- all these conveniences were brought
about for his comfort and acconmiodatif)n. I^et him for a moment
draw upon his imagination for the conditions that existed in what is
now Stark County when Isaac B. Essex and his earlj- neighboi's came
to the Spoon River Valley in 1829.
Then all this region was "fresh from the hands of Nature." Along
the stream still known as Indian Creek the Pottawatomi villages were
to be seen, the men hunting where now are cultivated fields and the
squaws raising some corn and a few other vegetables in a desultory
sort of way. Through the groves and across the prairies prowded the
wolf, and the oidy white men were the hunters, trappers or agents of
the great fur companies who came at intervals to catch the fur-bearing
animals or trade with the Indians. No roads had yet been opened for
162
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 163
the white man's travel and the pioneers eanic with the ox teams and
"prairie schooners," i>nidin^' their way l)y the sun and "f()Uowin<>- tlie
line of least resistance."' Streams were unhridgcd, and it was no un-
usual thing for a jjarty of immigrants to reach the bank of an ordi-
narily insignificant creek to find it swollen by recent rains and wait
for the waters to subside before they could continue their journey.
Through the forests or over the jjrairies wound an occasional Indian
trail. These trails were the only thoroughfares and they were only
narrow paths, the Indians always traveling in single file. A man on
horseback might follow one, but they were practically useless to the
man with a team and vehicle. However, the red man's trail ])ossessed
some advantages. They led as directly from one point to another as
the nature of the ground permitted, and they struck the streams at
the best possible fording places.
\\'hen the first wliite men came to Stark County the nearest land
offices were at Q>iincy and (ialcna, and tliither they must go to enter
tlieir lands. 3Irs. Siui]lenl)erger descril)es these journeys to the land
offices as being made "with no roads, no bridges, no places of shelter,
notliing to direct their course save the sun and wind (which latter
would sometimes sadly deceive tliem by an unnoticed change), and
sometimes an Indian trail; these were reliable guides wherever they
existed, and were followed witii perfect confidence by the true back-
woodsmaUi"
In the early part of the nineteentli century a few adventiu-ous
individuals liad clustered around the lead mines at Galena and there
was a small settlement where the City of Peoria now stands. The
fii-st road to pass through what is now Stark County was that known
as "Kellogg's Trail," which ran by a "devious way" from Peoria to
the lead mines. It was opened in 182.), but after a lapse of foin- score
and ten years it is impossible to descril)e the i-oute it followed, as there
Mas neither bridge, ferry nor white man's habitation along the entire
distance.
A\^iiere the Indian trails could be widened for the passage of
vehicles they were used by the first settlers until better highways could
be constructed. The first roads made by civilized man were crude
aflf'airs — generally a route marked out at will, the trees blazed through
the woodlands, Mith liere and there some of the timber removed to
permit the ])assage of wagons. They nearly always passed from one
grove to another, the groves being marked places and serving as land-
marks or guides to the strange traveler. Low places were filled \\ith
small logs, thrown crosswise of the driveway, thus forming the famous
164 HISTOllV OF STAllK COL'XTY
old "corduroy" road, which Avas neither easy on the team nor com-
fortable lor the driver, but it kept the wagon from '"miring down."
PUBLIC HIGHWAYS
Prol)ably the first thoroughfare in Stark County, to be established
by official authority, was the state road running from Knoxville to
Galena. From Knoxville it followed a generally northeastern direc-
tion until it struck the western boundary of what is now Stark County
not far from the southwest corner of Goshen Township. Thence it
followed a more easterly direction, passing through the grove south
of the jjresent City of Toulon, near the dwelling of Elijah ]SIcClen-
ahan. Si-., and from there to the grove near James Holgate's. From
Holgate's it ran to Boyd's Grove, then to Dixon, where it turned
northward toward Galena.
In September, 1831, while Stark was a part of Putnam County,
the authorities of that county ordered a road to be surveyed and marked
from Hennepin to Smith's Ford on the Spoon River. Three years
later the commissioners of Putnam County established road districts.
The Spoon Kiver settlement was in District Xo. 17, of which Sylvanus
JNIoore was appointed supervisor, but that was all that was done, as
no roads were ever built by Putnam County for the settlement, and
Mr. ]Moore really had nothing to "supervise."
Stark County was organized under the provisions of the act of
March 2, 1839, and on the .5th of April following the first board of
county commissioners divided the county into nine road districts as
follows :
District Xo. 1 included the present townships of Elmira and
Osceola, of which John Lyle was api)ointed supervisor.
District Xo. 2 was described as "beginning at the northeast corner
!of township 13, range 7 ; thence west to the northwest corner of sec-
tion 3, township 13, range 6: thence south to the southwest corner of
section 34: thence east to the southeast corner of township 13, range
7; thence north to the place of beginning." James Holgate was ap-
pointed supervisor of this district, ^^hich included all the present
Township of Penn and the eastern half of Toulon.
District X^'o. 3 was bounded as follows: "Beginning at the north-
east corner of township 12, range 7; thence west to the northwest
corner of section 2, township 12, range 6; thence south to the south-
west corner of section 3.5, township 12, range 6: thence east to the
southeast corner of township 12, range 7, and thence north to the
i
l;i)AlJ i:LlLI)L\t- IN ^lARK ( OrXTV
UBRARY
UNIVERSITY-OF ILLINOIS
URBANA
HISTORY OF STAKK C'Ol NTV 165
place of beginning." This district embraced all of Valley Township
and a strip two miles wide across the eastern ])art of Essex. \N'hitney
Smith was appointed supervisor.
District No. 4 began "at the southeast corner of section 10, town-
ship 12, range 6; thence west to the southeast corner of section 10,
township 12, range .5; thence south to the southeast corner of section
34.; thence east to the southeast corner of section 34, townshi}) 12,
range (5; thence north to the place of beginning." This district in-
cluded sixteen sections in the southwestern part of Essex Township
and eight sections in the southeastern part of West Jersey. JeflFer-
son Trickle, su]iervisor.
District Xo. .3 connnenced "at the southeast corner of section 10,
townshii^ 12, range 5; thence west to the southwest corner of section
7; thence south to the southwest corner of the township; thence east
to the southeast corner of section .'34, township 12, range 5; thence
north to the place of begiiming." This was one of the smallest of the
nine districts, embracing a tract four miles square in the southwestern
part of West Jersey Townshi]). \\'illiam W. Webster was appointed
supervisor.
District Xo. began "at the southwest corner of section 7, town-
ship 12, range •>; thence east to the southeast corner of section 10;
thence north to the northwest corner of section 26, township 13, range
.5; thence west to the range line between ranges 4 and ."5; thence north
to the place of beginning." This district was also four miles square,
including eight sections in the northwestern part of West Jersey
Townsliip and the same in the southwest i)art of Goshen. Joseph
Palmer was appointed supervisor of tiiis disti'iet.
District Xo. 7 was described as "beginning at the northwest corner
of townshi]) 13, range o: thence east to the northeast corner of section
3: thence south four miles; thence west to the range line, and thence
noith to the place of beginning." These boundaries include a tract
four miles s(]uare in the northwestern part of (roshen Townsliip.
Peter F. Miner was aijjjointed supervisor.
District X"o. 8 commenced "at the northwest corner of section 20.
townshi]) 13. range .5; thence south to the southwest corner of section
11. townshi]) 12, range .3; thence east to the southeast corner of sec-
tion 10, township 12, range G; thence north to the southwest corner of
section So. township 13, range (J; thence west to the southeast corner
of section 33, townsiii]) 13, range (5; thence north to the northeast cor-
ner of section 28; thence west to the place of beginning." Xo. 8
included a tract of eight sections in the northwest ])art of Essex Town-
166 HISTOKY OF STARK COUNTY
ship; four sections in the northeast corner of West Jersey, four sec-
tions in the southeast corner of Goshen, and six in tlie southwest
corner of Toulon. S. G. Worley was appointed supervisor.
District No. 9 began "at the southwest corner of section 23. to\\n-
ship 13, range .); thence north to the nortliwest corner of section 2;
thence east to the northwest corner of section 3, township 13, range 6;
thence south to the northwest corner of section 27, and tlience west to
the place of beginning." This district included twelve scjuare miles in
the northwestern jiart of Toulon Township and eight square miles
in the northeastern part of Goshen. John ^liller was appointed
supervisor.
The same day that these districts were established it Mas ordered
by the board of commissioners "that each and e\ery able bodied man
sul)ject to work on the higinvay shall be required to perform three
days' labor on the pul)lic roads." But as no roads had as yet been
established, it is probable that the "able bodied" men had an easy time
in the year 1839, so far as work on the public highways was concerned.
The first mention of a public road in the records of Stark County
was on September 2, 1839. when Virgil Pike and tliirty-two others
])resented a petition for the opening of a road "commencing at the
east line of the said County of Stark in the direction of Boyd's Grove
from Seely's Point ; thence at or near the above mentioned point the
nearest and best route through the neighborhood of Cooper's Defeat
in the direction of L. S. Dorrance's mill, terminating at the state
road on the line between L. S. Dorrance and Henry Breese."
John Hester, Joseph D. Lane and Adam Perry were appointed to
"view, mark and locate said road," which was the first highway estab-
lished by the county authorities. They re])orted in favor of the road
on Deceml)er 3. 1839, and the next season the "able bodied" men in
that part of the county had something to do in the way of working on
the highway.
On Septeml)er 3, 1839. John Hester and about thirty other citi-
zens petitioned for a change in the Knoxville and Galena state road
"from the east end of Jackson Street in the Town of Lafayette,
through township 13, range o," etc. ISIyrtle G. Brace, James Buswell
and John Lyle were appointed to view the route proposed by the
jietitioners and report. The change was subsequentlv ordered.
On the same day John Finley and others came forward with a
petition asking for a change in the same road between ^Villiam Hen-
derson's and ^Nfassillon. The viewers appointed for this proposed
change were William Bow-en, Charles H. jNIiner and Israel Stoddard.
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 167
but their report could not be found by the writer. Other petitions
were jjresented at ahiiost every one of the early sessions of the county
commissioners, the people of every neighborhood seemingly being
anxious to secure a highway for their accommodation, whether the
other parts of the county received sucli encouragement or not. I kittle
work was done on these early roads. exce])t such as the settlers them-
selves performed under the road law which required them to perform
so many days' work each year under the direction of the district
supervisor.
The first roads did not follow the section lines, but took the
shortest and most available route between the points it was meant to
connect. Rut as the lands were entered and settled, it became neces-
sary to alter a number of the roads, in order to make them conform
to the lines of the official survey. On March 9, 1842, the board of
commissioners redistricted the county, making eleven road districts,
and levied a tax of 10 cents on each $100 worth of property in the
county for the purpose of improving the roads. This is the first
record of a road tax in Stark County. In 1914. the road and bridge
fund amounted to $44..703.80.
Within recen.t years quite a number of the states have adopted the
plan of supervising the construction and improvement of highways.
A state highway commission was created in Illinois by an act of the
Legislature, approved June 27, 1913. The highway commissioners
in 191.5 were: A. D. Gash, of Chicago: S. E. Rradt. of De Kalb;
and James P. Wilson, of Polo. Under the new system the state is
divided into seven districts, each of which is in charge of a highway
engineer, to whom all plans for the improvement of roads must be
submitted, and there is a chief engineer who has charge of the entire
state. Road building in Illinois has not kept pace with that of some
of her sister states — chiefly for lack of suitable material for the con-
struction of improved highways — but it is hoped that the new system
will result in giving to the people a better class of roads.
STATE INTERNAL IMPKUVE.MENTS
Although Stark Comity had not been created when the state in-
augurated its gigantic scheme for internal improvements, it came into
existence in time to assist in paying for the folly. One of the first
great Avorks undertaken was the construction of the Illinois & iNIich-
igan Canal. It is uncertain who first suggested such a canal — to con-
nect the waters of Lake ^Michigan with the ^Mississippi River — but
168 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
during the War of 1812 it was made manifest tliat some method of
transportation between tlie Great Lakes and the ^Mississippi Valley
was sorely needed.
On INIarch 30, 1822, Congress, in response to a petition from the
Illinois Legislatm-e, granted to the state a strip of ground ninety feet
wide on each side of the bed of tlie canal. The grant was accepted l)y
the next session of the Legislature, which appointed a board of canal
commissioners, who reported that the cost of the canal would be about
tliree-quarters of a million dollars. Subsequent events showed that
their estimate was far too low, and they have been charged with pur-
posely making it so, in order to get the state involved in its con-
struction.
After several futile efforts to get Congress to grant more land,
the Legislature passed the act of January 17. 182.3. incorporating the
"Illinois & ]Michigan Canal Association," with a capital stock of
$1,000,000. None of the stock was ever sold or subscribed and on
JNIarch 3, 1827, Congress passed a bill granting to the State of Illinois
alternate sections of land in a strip five miles wide on each side of the
proposed canal. A new canal board was appointed on January 12,
1829, and the new conmiissioners announced that the canal would cost
$4,000,000. The new estimate caused doubts in the minds of many
of the people as to the advisability of the state's undertaking the cost
of the construction of the canal, and some opposition to the scheme
developed. But the friends of artificial waterways argued that such
improvements had been made in some of the eastern states, notablj'^
the Erie Canal in New York, and that the tolls had not only paid the
cost of construction l)ut also yielded a permanent income to the state.
These advocates of internal improvements insisted that the people of
Illinois must bestir themselves, if they expected to see Illinois occu^iy
a place in the front rank of states.
After about five years of discussion pro and con, the Legislature
in 183(5 authorized the governor to borrow $.)00.000 with wliicli to
commence the construction of the canal, giving tlie canal lands and
tolls as security. Other loans followed and by January 1, 1839,
nearly two millions of dollars had been expended. Then the Legisla-
ture authorized a loan of $4,000,000 all at once. Some of this money
was borrowed from tlie state school fund. Delay after delay followed,
but finally, on April 10. 1848. the canal boat "General Fry" passed
through the canal from Lockpoi-t to Chicago, and on the 23d of the
same month the "General Thornton" completed the trip the full length
of the canal from Chicago to I^a Salle. The canal was finislied. The
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 169
tolls collected covered the operating- expenses until 1879, when the
railroads took nuich of the freighting husiness away from the canal.
Notwithstanding tliis, the canal wielded a great inthience in the de-
velopment of the Upper Illinois Valley and acting as a restraint upon
any imdue advance in railroad freight rates.
The Illinois & ^lichigan Canal was not really a part of the great
system of internal improvements, which had its inception in the wave
of jjuhlic sentiment in favor of huilding canals and turnpike roads,
which swept over the counti'y in the early '30s. Before anything
definite along these lines had heen done hy Illinois, the railroad hegan
to make its influence felt and pul)lic sentiment shifted to the construc-
tion of railroads rather than the huilding' of turnpikes. By 183.5
several lines of railway had been constructed in the East and were
being operated with success. The advocates of an internal improve-
ment system for Illinois did not pause to consider the difference in
the density of population and the greater demand for common carriers
in the East, but, in season and out of season, urged the state to make
large appropriations for the improvement of the natural waterways
and the encouragement of railroad building. As a result of all this
agitation, the Legislature of 183(5 inaugurated the state scheme of
internal improvements by making the following ajjpropriations:
For River Improvements —
Great \Vabash River $10().()()()
Little Wabash River .50.000
Illinois River 100,000
Rock River 100,000
Kaskaskia River .50,000
Total for river improvement $4.00,000
For Railroad Construction —
From Cairo U) the Illinois & ^Michigan Canal $3,500,000
Branch of the above to Terre Haute, Indiana 0.50.000
From iVlton to jNIount Carmel and Shawiieetown 1,(100. 000
Branch of the al)ove to the Cairo line (JOO.OOO
Quincy to the Indiana State line ' 1,8.50,000
Peoria to ^Varsaw 700.000
Belleville to JNIount Carmel 1.50,000
Bloouungton to 3Iackinaw 3;50,O00
Total for railroads $9,400,000
Vol.1 —II
170 HISTORY OF STAllK COUNTY
111 addition to the above there were appropriations of >f'--50,0U0
for the improveiiient of the Great Western ^lail Route and $200,000
to the eounties that received no direct benefit from the proposed pubhc
improvenients, making a grand total of $10/2.50,000. Several of the
enterprises contemplated by the bill were commenced, but none was
ever completed and the money sunk in the state system of internal
improvements was lost bej'ond recovery. The railroad from Cairo to
the Illinois & JMichigan Canal, at La Salle, was afterward finished by
a company and now forms a part of the Illinois Central, and the
Quiiicy & Indiana State Line road was built over another route, after-
ward becoming a part of the Toledo, ^Vabash & Western.
Charles ]M. Thompson, in an article in one of tlie Illinois His-
torical Collections, says: "Within three years the craze had run its
course, leaving the people, as a reminder of their folly, a debt that
hung over them for decades. The impossibility of the scheme was
not revealed until the time came when the bonds were unsalable."
^^^len Governor Ford was inaugurated in 184.2, the state debt
was nearly fifteen and a half millions of dollars. Stark County was
then about three years old. The only benefit this county received from
the internal improvement scheme was under the provision of section 5
of the act of INIarch 2, 1839, that the treasurer of Putnam County
should pay to the treasurer of Stark County the sum of $1.64.5, with
interest at 12 per cent, etc. Putnam was one of the counties that
received a portion of the appropriation of $200,000 that went to the
counties not directly affected by the public improvements, her share
amounting to $9,870. When Stark was cut off she was given one-
sixth of this sum, with accrued interest. Upon demanding the money
from Putnam County-, it was learned that Amnion ]Moon, the treas-
urer of that county, had loaned the funds without taking adequate
security, though Stark finally received her share of the spoils. It is
])robal)le. however, that the people paid back more tlian that amount
in taxes in li(iuidatiiig the enormous debt incurred through the intei'iial
imiJrovement scheme.
THE RAILROAD ERA
The first railroad in the United States to be operated successfully
was a line about nine miles in length, running from the City of ^Nlaiich
Chunk, Pa., to some coal mines. Within a few years men of sagacity
and foresight realized that the railroad was destined to become an
inijiortant factor in the development of the country, and the people
of the AVest began to offer every encouragement to their introduc-
HISTORY OF STARK C'OUXTV 171
tion. The proposition was not favored unanimously, however, but
met with consideralile opposition, some of wliieh merely insisted that
flnaneial aid be withliehl until the eountry was in better eondilion,
while other opposition was unquestionably based upon prejudice.
About 1880 some young men of Lancaster, Ohio, formed themselves
into a debatin<>' society and reijuested the school board to permit them
to use the schoolhouse to discuss the railroad question. To this request
tiie board made the followiny; reply:
"We are \villini>' to allow you the use of the schoolhouse to debate
all jiroper questions in, but such subjects as railroads are rank in-
fidelity and not tit to be discussed in a building erected for the purpose
of educating our children. If the ^Vlmighty had intended tor His
creatures to travel across the face of the country at the frightful speed
of fifteen miles an hour, he would clearly have foretold it through His
holy projjhets. It is a device of Satan to lead immoi-tal souls down to
hell."
Despite the objections of the Lancaster School Board, and otiiers
of that class, railroad building went on. Each year found more people
interested and willing to vote aid to secure a railroad through theii-
respective comnuuiities. And the railroad that today could not run
its trains at a greater rate of speed than the "frightful fifteen miles an
liour" so feared by the Ohio school board, would neither receive nor
deserve a large amount of patronage.
WESTERN AIK LINE
The first railroad project to interest the people of Stark County
was the Western Air Line Railroad, which was first mentioned in
18.50. After about three years of ]ireliminary work, the County
Court, on June 0, 18.>.'}, took the following action:
"Whereas, it has been represented to this court that it would be
for the welfare and advantage of Stark County, and that the citizens
thereof are desirous that said county sliould subscribe to the capital
stock of the 'Western Air Line Railroad Company' to aid in the con-
struction of said road ; it is therefore
"Ordered by the court tliat an election be held in the several town-
ships in said county on the 13th day of August next, at the usual
places of holding elections or town meetings in said towns, for the
purpose of voting for or against the subscri])ti()n by the said County
of Stark to the capital stock of the said 'Western Air Line Railroad
Company' of the amount of $.J0.000. Bonds to be issued for said sum
172 lllSTOUV OF STARK COUNTY
(in case a majority of the legal voters, as required l)y law, shall vote
for said subscription) running twenty years and bearing (J per cent
interest, by the proper authorities under the laws of. the state.
"And it is further ordered that the clerk give notice as required
by law. The bonds to be issued on condition that said road shall run
througii the central part of the county, as near as practicable."
The result of the election was o'.H votes in favor of the stock sub-
sciiption and 141 against it. About a month after the election the old
county court was superseded by the board of supervisors and nothing
further was done concerning the railroad stock until July 31, 18,55.
The minutes of the supervisors' meeting for that date show that it was
"Ordered that the chairman of the board of supervisors he, and
he is hereby, authorized to subscribe $.50,000 to the cajjital stock of the
Western Air Line Railroad, and that the clerk be authorized to issue
to said company $.50,000 of the bonds of Stark County, payable in
twenty years from the date hereof, bearing interest at the rate of
per cent per annum, payable at such place as said company maj^ desig-
nate. Said bonds may be in such sums as may he designated by said
company, not less than $1,000 each, and shall have coupons attached,
which said bonds and coupons shall be signed by the chairman of this
board and attested by the clerk, with the seal of the county attached
thereto."
Pursuant to this order, fifty bonds of $1,000 each were issued and
turned over to the railroad company by William W. Webster, chair-
man of the board of supervisors, and JNliles A. Fuller, clerk, who
received for the county $50,000 in stock of the company. The gen-
eral offices of the company were established at Lacon. the county
seat of ^larshall County. At the amuial meeting of the stockholders
in 1850, Mr. \Vebster cast the vote of Stark County. The next year
Isaac Thomas cast the county's vote. The meeting of 1858 was lield
on the 'id of IMarch. The day before the meeting the board of super-
visors appointed Isaac Thomas to cast the vote for the county, and
instructed him to vote for Dr. Thomas Hall for director.
Like many of the early railroad enter])rises in the West, the
Western Air Line never became a reality. The bonds issued by Stark
County produced more litigation than miles of railroad. In .July,
1858, the board of supervisors appointed T. F. Hurd to obtain legal
a(l\ice as to whether the county was legally bound to pay the bonds,
and in September following the board adopted a resolution declaring
"that the board deems it advisable to decline paying the interest now
d>ie." \y. \y. ^Vinslow was authorized to tender the certificates of
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 173
stock lulcl l)y the county to the railroad company and demand in
return the bonds issued by the county. The offer was declined and
on September 1.5, 18.58, Olai" Johnson tiled suit against the county for
the amount of interest due. In the Circuit Court the suit was dis-
missed, whereupon Johnson carried it to the Suprenje Court, wliere a
decision was rendered in April, 18(il, ordering Stark County to pay
both principal and interest of the bonds.
AMEUICAN CEXTKAL KAIEKOAU
Some work was done on the proposed line by the Western Air
Line Company. Says Mrs. Shallenberoer: "In Sei>tember, 18.).>,
the 'breakin<^- gromid' was celebrated at Toulon by a public dinner on
the square and appropriate speeches. Great enthusiasm prevailed and
a good portion of the vast assemblage afterward adjourned to the
prairie east of town to see the first shovelful of earth thrown up on
the much desired road."
In the suit of Johnson vs. Stark County, it was shown that about
eighty miles of the road bed had been graded and made ready for the
ties and rails. Some of tlie ])eople of Stark County were not willing
to see all this work go to waste, hence a new company, known as the
American Central Railroad Company, was organized to succeed the
Western Air Line. \Villiam Lownian, of Toulon, was chosen treas-
urer, and ^^'illiam F. Thomas, of Wyoming, was one of the directors.
The new company was no more successful than its predecessor and
after a short time the interest in the effort to build a railroad waned
and the project was abandoned.
CHICAGO, liOCK ISLAND & PACIFIC
On March 7, 18()7. a charter was granted to the Peoria l\; Rock
Island l{ailroad Com])any to build a railroad between the points
named. The new comi)any acquired the right of way of the old ^^''est-
ern Air I^ine for $-27,(H)() and began making active ])reparations for
construction. Xew encouragement was thus given to the jieople of
Stark County and on ^Vugust 2(\, 18(;7, a railroad meeting was held in
Toulon. Charles JNIyers presided and Oliver ^VIlite acted as secretary.
Resolutions indorsing the proposed railroad were adopted and Pat-
rick JSI. Blair, Benjamin Turner, Martin Shallenberger, Davis Low-
man and Oliver Whitaker were appointed a committee to formulate
and present a i)lan by which the county could aid in building the road.
174 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
^At a second meeting, Novemhei- 9, 18(57, resolutions pledging
Toulon Township to subscribe -^.50,000 to the capital stock of the
company were adopted and JNIiles A. Fuller, JNIartin Shallenberger
and Davis Lowman were appointed a committee to solicit subscrip-
tions to the stock fund. Three days later the first board of directors
was elected. ^Villiam R. Hamilton was chosen president; Patrick M.
Blair, vice president; C. P. James, secretary; and H. ]M. ^Vheeler,
treasurer.
On November 22, 1867, a large number of the citizens of Toulon,
Penn, Essex and Valley townshi])s — through which it was supposed
the road would pass — assembled at ^Vyoming to consider the question
of granting financial assistance to the company. H. A. Hoist pre-
sided and Dr. J. C. Copestake was elected secretary. A motion to
appoint a committee on resolutions, consisting of two from each town-
ship, was carried and the following were appointed: Toulon, John
Wrigley and Isaac Thomas; Essex, A. G. Hammond and C. H.
Butler; Penn, Charles Holgate and George Nicholas; Valley, Thomas
Crone and Elisha Dixon. The committee offered a resolution pledg-
ing each of the townships to subscribe $.50,000, which was adopted.
About this time the survey of the road was completed through the
county and it was discovered that it did not touch Penn Township.
Instead it passed through Goshen and on January 27, 1868, an elec-
tion was held in the townships of ^^alley, Essex, Toulon and Goshon on
the question of subscribing the stock recommended bv the Wyoming
meeting the preceding November. The proposition carried, though
Valley Township voted only $30,000. The lesson of the old Western
Air Line bonds was not lost on the people of Stark County, and in the
case of the Peoria & Rock Island the l)onds issued by the townships
were safeguarded by such conditions that default on the part of the
company w-as impossible.
Work on the road was commenced in the spring of 1869 and early
in June, 1871, the fii'st train arrived at Toulon. Although it was
only a construction train, the occasion was one of rejoicing on the
part of the denizens of the town, and the incident was celebrated by
a big dinner served in Judge Ogle"s grove, at whicli the officials and
em])loyes of the railroad company were invited guests. The first
regular passenger train passed over the road on July 8, 1871. Pre-
vious to that time the Peoria & Rock Island Railroad Company had
formed a consolidation with the Rock Island tV Pacific. The road is
now known as the Peoria & Rock Island division of the great
Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific svsteni.
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 175
CHICAGO, BURLINGTON .*;. QUINCY
Tlie branch of this great system whicli runs tln-ough Stark County
had its inception in 18.3.5, in the Peoria & Hannibal Raih-oad, of
which James H. Stipp was the principal projector. Some tive or
six years later Mr. Stipp, on behalf of his company, gave a perpetual
lease to James F. Joy and E. R. Ward, agents of the Chicago. Hur-
lington & Quincy, with the stipulation that the line would be com-
pleted and operated by that company. Early in 1869 the road was
finished and trains were running between Canton and Rushville. The
Ime was then called the Peoria, Dixon & Hannibal Railroad. About
that time the townships of Osceola, Penn, Yalley and Essex, in
Stark County, took up the question of granting some financial aid
to the company, in order to hasten the completion of the road.
In this work Ur. Alfred Castle, of Wyoming, was one of the
leading spirits. Through the influence of him and his associates,
lil)eral subsidies were granted and the work was pushed with such
viaor that before the close of the year the line had crossed the boun-
dary of Stark County being the first railroad in the county. In 1870
it was finished to Ruda. where it connects with the main line of the
Chicago. Rurlington i<c Quincy system. It is now known as the Ruda
6c Rushville branch. It passes through Essex, Toulon, Penn and
Osceola townships, the Stark County stations on the road being Dun-
can, Wyoming, Castleton, Bradford and Lombardville.
CHICAGO & NORTHWESTERN
About the close of the nineteenth century the Chicago & North-
western Railroad Company decided to build a branch from some point
on the main line to Peoria. After surveying several routes the one
decided upon was from Nelson, six miles west of Dixon on the main
line, southward through Lee, Bureau, Marshall and Stark counties.
No subsidies were asked by the railroad company, the right of way
was ])urchased. construction commenced and in 1902 the road Avas
com]jlete and in running order. From Ruda to the Stark Comity
line it runs almost parallel to the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Rail-
road. Upon reaching the northern boundary of Stark County it veers
slightly eastward, crossing the northeast corner of Osceola Townshi])
and entering ^Marshall County. Just south of Camp Grove it again
turns tf)ward the west and re-enters Stark County in section 12, Yalley
Township. It crosses the southern boundary of the county about
176 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
three-fourths of a mile west of the southeast corner. Two stations
have heen established in Stark County by the Chicago k Northwestern
Railroad Company — Morse, in the northeast corner of Osceola Town-
ship, and Speer, in the southeastern part of Valley Township.
Two townships of Stark Comity — Elmira and ^Vest Jersey —
are without raili'oads. In the other six the valuation of railroad
property is as follows: Essex, $116,382; Goshen, $63,428; Osceola,
$107.02'9; Penn, $78,3.54; Toulon, $82,644; Valley, $77,881. This
total of $.52.5,718 is the value as fixed for tax purposes, but it is far
below the real value of the property.
CHAPTER XI
FINANCE AND INDUSTRY
PUBLIC REVENUES PROPERTY VALUES PRINCIPAL FUNDS RAISED BV
TAXATION — BANKING INSTITUTIONS GENERAL HISTORY EARLY
BANKING IX ILLINOIS STARK COUNTY BANKS AGRICULTURE. —
CROP AND LIVE STOCK STATISTICS — STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE — ■
farmers' INSTITUTES COAL MINING — .^lANUFACTURING TELE-
PHONE COMPANIES.
There is a story of an old man wlio once counseled his son tliat
"The best way to establish and keep a good credit is never to use it."
This seems to have been the ])olicy of Stark County from the time
of its organization in 1839. With the exception of the railroad bonds
mentioned in the preceding chapter, and a few county warrants to
cover a small floating debt at times, the county has never issued
promises to pay, but has lived strictly within its income. And it is
worthy of comment tiiat during the entire three-quarters of a century
of the county's corporate existence there has never been a defalcation
on the part of any public othcial, nor any serious charge of unusual
or unwonted extravagance in the expenditure of public funds. ^Vith
such a record it is not surprising that the county has an uncjuestionable
reputation in the matter of public credit. Should the authorities find
it necessary to issue bonds, it is an easy matter to predict that they
Avould command a good price in the market and find ready purchasers.
Few counties in the United States — especially those that have been
organized for three-quarters of a century — can say, "We do not owe
a single dollar."
The property values of the several townships and corporations
in 1914, as shown by the official records, were as follows:
EJmira 'Township $ 758,198
Essex Township 7o().().38
Goshen Township 1,()()().249
Osceola Township 98.'}, 84.5
Penn Township 807,147
177
178 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
rt^
Tuulun Township 1,318,000
Valley Township 778,955
West Jersey Township 735,851
Chicago. Rock Island & Pacific R. R 17(),998
Chicago, Rurlington & Quincy R. R 295,978
Chicago & Northwestern R. R 5'2,7i'2
Total $7,664,621
In the above table the assessed values of the cities of Toulon and
AVyoniing and the villages of Bradford and Lafayette are included
in the townships in which they are located. In the State of Illinois
the custom prevails of assessing property for taxation at about one-
third of its real value. AVhen this fact is taken into consideration it
will be seen that the taxables of Stark County are easily worth, in
round lunnbers, $24,000,000. And even this estimate is too low. Of
the 184,320 acres of land in the county, the average valuation, based
upon recent actual sales, would be not far from $200 per acre. This
gives a valuation of $36,874,000 for the lands alone. Add to these
figures the value of improvements, jiersonal and corporation property,
moneys and credits, and the property of the coimty «ould show a
valuation of fifty millions or more.
The total amount of tax collected in 1914 was $213,929.96, the
jjrincipal items of Mbich were as follows:
State tax $36,800.53
County tax 26.070.77
Road and bridge fund 44,703.80
School fund 61,134.03
Total $168,709.13
Deducting the total of these four principal items from the entire
amount of tax collected leaves a balance of $45,220.83 to be used for
all other purposes. The tax rate upon the low valuation of $7,664,621
is less than 3 per cent, and if the property of the county Avere
appraised for tax purposes at its actual value, with the same amount
of revenue collected, the rate of taxation would jirobably he the
lowest in the United States.
BANKING INSTITUTIONS
A crude system of banking was inaugui-ated early in the Christian
era by the "\''enetian money-changers. The Rank of Venice was
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 179
established in 117"2 and continued in business until 1707. Jewish
money-lenders invented "forei<^ii bills of exchange" in the latter part
of the thirteenth century, but the Rank of Rarcelona (established in
1401 ) was the first financial institution that made a business of issuing
them. The Rank of Cienoa. which commenced business in 1407. was
the first to issue notes that passed as currency. They passed by en-
dorsement, however, not being made "payable to bearer." The same
bank introduced the system of drawing against deposit accounts by
checks. The Rank of Hamburg was opened in 1619 and the Rank
of England in 101)4. Each of the above institutions was an iini)rove-
ment upon its predecessors, hence the business of banking as conducted
today is the product of nearly eight centuries of evolution since the
fii'st organized bank was established in Venice.
The first Iianking house in the Ignited States was formed l)y an
association of citizens of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, June 18. 1780.
Four days later Congress passed an act granting the association
authority to conduct a general banking business, and two years after-
ward a "perpetual charter" was granted to the Rank of Xo)'th
America, located at Philadelphia. In 1784 the Rank of Massachusetts
was chartered. In the same year the Rank of New York commenced
operations, but it did not receive its charter until 1791.
The Rank of the United States was established by act of Congress
in 1791. At first a majority of the stock was held by the United States
Government, but this was gradually dis])osed of and the bank became
a private corporation. In 18.'32 a bill to recharter the bank was vetoed
by President Andrew Jackson. This caused the bank to lose a great
deal of its prestige as a financial institution; the panic of 1837 so
seriously affected its affairs that on October 5, 1838, it was forced
to suspend specie payments. iVfter a precarious career of about five
years more, the bank finally closed its doors in 1843.
Then came the era of state and ])rivate banks which lasted until
the beginning of the Civil war. During this period tlie country was
flooded l)y what l)ecame known as "wild cat" banks — that is, banks
established by individuals or corporations without sufficient capital
for successfully conducting a banking Inisiness or adequate means for
meeting their obligations. In 1803 an act of Congress established the
national banking system, and the first comjitroller of the currency was
appointed in 18()4. In March, 1800, another act of Congress levied
a 10 ])er cent tax upon the note issues of all state and ])rivate banks
and since that time all paper currency in the United States has been
issued bv the Government or bv the national l)anks.
180 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
EAlilA* I5AXKIXG IX ILLINOIS
One of th(^ first banks in Illinois was the Bank of Sliawneetown,
which was chartered by the Territorial Legislature for twenty years,
beginnino- on January 1, 1817. The next year Illinois was admitted
into the Union as a state. Article 8, section 21, of the constitution
adopted in that j^ear j^i-ovided :
"There shall be no other banks or moneyed institutions in this state
than those already established by law, except a state bank and its
branches, which may be established and regulated by the General
Assembly of the state as they may think proper."
From the time the state was admitted to al)out 18;J0, its experience
in banking was unpleasant, if not actually disastrous, but in the face
of necessity for some form of circulating medium adequate to the
demands of business the lesson such an experience should teach was
forgotten. The internal improvement scheme was inaugurated and a
large amount of state bonds were sold to construct the contemplated
improvements authorized. The ninth General Assembly provided for
a new state bank with a capital stock of $1.. 500.000 and the state was
given the right to subscribe for ,$100,000 of the stock '^\henever in
the judgment of the General Assembly the condition of the treasury
Avould justify such action." The charter of the state bank thus estab-
lished was to expire on January 1, 1860. At the same session the
charter of the old Bank of Sliawneetown, \\hich had been inactive for
ten years, was extended for twenty years beyond the original date of
expiration (January 1, 1837) and the bank reorganized under the
name of the Bank of Illinois.
At the next session of the Legislature the capital stock of the State
Bank of Illinois was increased from $1., 300,000 to^.'J. .500,000, and
that of the Bank of Illinois from $300,000 to $1,700,000, the state
reserving the riglit to subscribe for all the increase of the former and
$1,000,000 of the latter. Then came the panic of 1837, when Imth
. banks were forced to suspend specie payment. The State Bank failed
in February, 1842, and the Bank of Illinois closed its doors the follow-
ing June, notwithstanding the most liberal laws had been passed in
the hoj^e of keeping their heads above water.
The winter of 1842-43 was a critical j^eriod in the financial history
of the state. The failure of the l)anks. in which the state held large
interests, had a depressing effect upon the public credit of Illinois.
The state debt was over fifteen millions of dollars, with interest past
due. and the bonds fell lielow par, selling sometimes as low as 20 cents
HlSTOllV OF STARK COUNTY 181
on the dollar. Without banks there was a scareity of eirculatinii^
iiiediuin and all lines of industry languished. Many people elainied
that large sums had been wasted in the inteiiuil iiii])rovenient scheme
and in speculation, and advocated the repudiation of the debt.
Stark County, then only abt)ut four years old. was affected by
the existing conditions. On March 8. 1843, the board of commis-
sioners ordered: "That ^linott Silliman, treasurer of Stark County,
be employed and authorized to exchange the State Bank money now
in the treasury of said cdunty, amounting to about sixteen hundred
dollars, for the pro rata of s])ecie ]>aid by said bank, and the balance
in certificates of State Bank indebtedness, and that he have the same
in the treasury' as soon as practicable."
jNIr. Silliman made the exchange, receiving .$4()7.31 in specie and
•f 1.147.37 in certificates of indebtedness, or a total of $l.(iM.68. Some
of the certificates were paid out to county officials "for services" at
the rate of ,50 cents on the dollar, and some time later the state
redeemed the pi-oportion represented by stock held in the defunct
l)ank.
Before the state fully recovered from the ])amc of 1837 and the
de])ression caused by the gigantic internal imi)rovement scheme,
the second state constitution was adopted. Article 10, section 3, of the
constitution of 1848 provided that "no state bank shall hereafter be
created, nor shall the state own or be liable for any stock in any cor-
poration or joint stock association for banking ])urposes, to be here-
after created."
The constitution also provided that individual stock holders in
every bank should be liable to the full amount of stock owned by
them. It was a case of the "burnt child dreads the fire," and the
framers of the new constitution took the precautions to j^revent the
state, through its law makers, from again commiting the folly of
becoming a stockholder in any banking institution. The provisions
of the constitution of 1848 were incorporated in the present constitu-
tion when it was adopted in 1870, so far as state ownership of bank
stock is concerned.
STAliK COUNTY BANKS
The first bank in Stark County was established at Toulon in 1860.
It was known as the Bank of Toulon and was conducted by the
fii'm of Small & Walley, though the real proprietor was Benjamin
Lombard. Bonds of the states of Georgia and South Carolina were
used as the basis* of security for the l)ank's circulation. When the
182 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
bank failed, after a short career, the holders of its notes lost al)out
25 per cent of their face value and the depositors lost even more.
About the close of the Civil war Samuel M. Dewey, a Toulon
merchant, began loaning money, and in December, 1865, the banking-
house of Dewey & Rurge was oi)ened on the north side of Main Street,
nearly opposite the northwest corner of the public scjuare. 31r. Dewey
died in August, 1806, but the firm of Dewey & Rin-ge continued until
1869, when Samuel Rurge purchased the interest of tlie Dewey estate.
In 1875 he erected the building at the northwest corner of ^Slain and
Washington streets and removed the bank to new (juarters. Charles
P. Dewey, a son of the founder, became a partner in 1870. The busi-
ness is now conducted imder the firm name of Dewey, Rurge & Gould,
the partners being Charles P. Dew^ey, Samuel D. Rurge and ^Villiam
E. Gould. The i)aid up capital stock of the bank is 5*^.50.000. and the
surplus }f2.5,000, and the deposits $.500,000.
The Exchange Rank of Wyoming was opened in 1869 by A. R.
^liner, with Otis Dyer as resident manager. After a short time the
name of Exchange Rank was dropped and the business was continued
under the firm name of A. R. ]Miner & Company. In 1876 William
Holgate and four others purchased the interests of A. R. ]Miner &
Company and changed the name of the institution to the Farmers
Rank. The five partners then conducted the bank as a private con-
cern until the fall of 1882, when it was reorganized as the First
National Rank of Wyoming, with James Holgate, i)resident: Wil-
liam Holgate, Cyrus Rocock, Levi Silliman, John A. Klock and
W. P. Ruswell, vice presidents; Andrew F. Stickney, cashier. It
began business as a national bank on jNIarch 15, 1883, and continued
as such until early in the year 1885, when it went into voluntary
liquidation, the interests being transferred to the banking house of
Scott & Wrigley.
The Scott & Wrigley Rank of Wyoming commenced business as
a private bank in 1870. A few years later H. A. Hammond was
admitted to a partnership and the firm took the name of Scott, Wrig-
ley & Hammond. In 1910 the name was again changed, the firm
then becoming Scott, Walters & Rakestraw, under ^\llich it still con-
tinues. This is one of the leading banking concerns of the county and
maintains branches at Castleton and Duncan, W. II. Hartz being
in charge of the Castleton brancli and E. V. Graves at Duncan.
^Villiam Leet opened the Exchange Rank at Rradford in 1872 as
a private banking house. It is now known as the Rradford Exchange
Rank, with Rosa L. Thompson, president; Robert Thompson, cashier;
T
T "^■■■■"'■•■■M^,-^^J
■ ■ ■ II
I'lIKXlX liANK. r.i;Al)K<)l!l>
INTEKlOi; \ li:\V OF rUKXIX liAXK
LIBRARY
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
URBANA
HISTUUV OF STAKK COUNTY 183
J. E. Harney, assistant cashier. C. W. & Harmon Plienix also liegan
the hanking husiness at Bradford ahout the time the Exchange Bank
was started. The husiness they estahhshed is now conducted under
tlie name of the Phenix Banking Company.
The State Bank of Speer was organized in 19()'2 under the general
hanking hiws of the State of llhnois with a capital stock of i{?2.5,()00.
It has heen jirosjierous from the heginning and in Septeniher, 191;),
reported a surplus fund of $14,000 and deposits of $100,000. At
that time the officers of the hank were as follows: John TurnhuU.
president; Adam Daxidson, vice president; Benjamin E. 13avis,
cashier.
Two hanks were estahlished in Stark County in 1903 — the State
Bank of Toulon and the National Bank of Wyoming. The capital
stock of the State Bank of Toulon was fixed at $2.11,000 and the first
officers were: S. M. xVdams, president; D. K. Fell, vice president;
W. W. Fuller, cashier. In Septeniher, 191.), this hank reported a
surjjlus of $25,000, undivided profits amounting to $10,711, and
deposits of $27.5,000. S. M. Adams was then president; R. E. Taylor,
vice ])resident; E. H. Lloyd, cashier, George Nowlan, assistant
cashier.
The National Bank of A\'yoming occupies a neat and well
arranged huilding erected expressly for the purpose. The capital
stock of the hank is $.)().000; the surplus, $2.5.000 ; and the deposits,
$27.5,000. In Octoher, 191.5. James Ilarty was president; Jolin T.
Colgan, vice president; A. J. Adams, cashier; D. J. Colgan and Ilazel
Sellon, assistant cashiers. This hank enjoys the distinction of heing
the only national bank in Stark County.
The first bank in Lafayette was o])ened ])y Bailey &: Beecher as a
private banking house, in the building occupied in 191.5 by Aldredge's
store. Bailey & Beecher sold out to Dewey & Potter, who conducted
the bank but a short time when they in turn sold to A. jM. Janes. Mr.
Janes continued the institution as a private bank until early in the
s])ring of 191.5. when it was incorjiorated as the State Bank of I^afay-
ette, heginning business under the new name on ]March 9. 191.5, witli
a capital stock of $2.5,000 and the following officers: A. M. Janes,
})resident; Baxter Fuller and Alexander Inglis, vice presidents; W. N.
Nelson, cashier. The hank has its home in a substantial l)uilding
erected purposely for its acconniiodation, and on September 30, 191.5,
I'eported deposits of $8.5,000.
Six of the eight banks in the county reported deposits in Sep-
tember, 191.5, aggregating $1, 23.5,000. Scott. Walters & Rakestraw,
184 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
of ^Vyonling, and tlie two Bradford banks, l)ein<>- private institu-
tit)n.s. cliose to exercise the privilege granted to such hanks of with-
liokhng information regarding the amount of their deposits. It is
probable, however, that they carry deposits that would raise the total
for the entire county to nearly or quite two million dollars — approxi-
mately two hundred dollars for each man, woman and child residing
in the county. If the bank deposits of a community form any index
to its prosperity. Stark County certainly has no cause for complaint.
AGRICULTURE
Farming and stock raising have always been the leading occupa-
tions of the citizens of Stark County. From the small clearing in the
timber or the sod cornfield on the prairie in 1840, the agricultural
interests have gradually developed until in ltn.3 practically all the
agricultural land of the county was under culti\ation. Originally
some of the land was too wet to produce good crops, but, according
to a bulletin issued by the State Board of Agriculture on August 1,
1915, there are over one thousand miles (.5,401. .540 feet) of drain
tile u2)on the farms of the county, and the total number of acres under
cultivation ^vas 180, .570.
There is neither poetry nor romance in figm'cs, and statistics as
a rule are regarded as "dry reading," but the storv of a community's
•-»'■
progress can often be better told in statistics than in any other way.
Adopting that method, then, for the purpose of showing Stark
County's agricultural status, the following tables have been compiled
from the bulletin of the State Board of Agriculture of December 1.
1914, to show the principal crops, miscellaneous products, and live
stock conditions:
Acres Bushels Value
Corn 60,232 1,32.5,104 ^ 79.5,002
Oats 37,600 2,2.56,000 924,960
Wheat 2,270 .58,.572 ;56.71.5
Rye 795 15,900 12,243
Barley 650 19,500 15,600
Potatoes 115 2,330 1,980
Hay (all kinds) . 40,000 50,000 tons 650.000
Pasture 33.650 168,250
'"1'^
rotal 175,312 $2,624,810
HISTORY OF STAKK COUNTY 185
The value of the ero])s was determined by the eoncHtion of the
market at tlie time the hidletiii was issued by the State Board of
Agriculture and would ha\e brought the prices indicated had the
products been sold on December 1, 1914«.
Deducting the total acreage, as given in the above table, from
180,.)7i>, the number of acres under cultivation, leaves .),'284 acres for
"truck patches" and lawns about the homes of the farmers. In addi-
tion to the crops given in the table, the farmers of Stark County s(jld
during the year the following miscellaneous products:
Amount Value
Timothy seed 24 bushels $ 96.00
Clover seed 21 bushels 210.00
Millet seed 27 bushels 100.00
\Vool 16,93.) pounds 4,234.00
Butter l.),7T2 pounds 4,732.00
Honey 988 pounds 119.00
Milk 2,567 gallons 770.00
Poultry 4,098.00
Eggs 1,82.).00
Cheese 187.00
Total value $16,371.00
The number and value of domestic animals on May 1, 1914, as
estimated by the State Board of Agricultiu-e, was as follows:
Number A'alue
Horses 7,197 Not given
Hogs 11,888 $133,204
Cattle 13,977 282,370
Sheep 3,978 23,486
Total value $'439,060
Of the cattle enumerated, 1,27-3 were dairy cows. During the
year the numbei- of sheep sold was 87.'); the number of hogs, 9,867;
the number of cattle, 2,921, the value of the entire product being
based upon the jn-iees received for those marketed. It will be noticed
that the value of horses is not given. If it were included, together
with the value of animals not mentioned in the agricultural l)ulletiii.
such as mules, goats, etc., the value of the live stock of Stark County
in 1914 would easily reach half a million dollars.
Vol. I— 1 2
186 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
STATE BOARD OF AGKICULTURE
The Illinois State Roard of Agriculture was created by the act
of Ai)ril 1.5, 1872. and duriny the forty-three years it has been in
existence it has wiehled a wide inHuence upon tiie farming and stock
raising interests of the state. The lioard is composed of one member
from each Congressional district, who is a vice president of the board.
In 191.5 the member from the Sixteenth district was J. P. Code, of
Rradford, Stark County. Resides the state fair, which is held under
the supervision of the State Roard of Agriculture each year, and
which is generally recognized as one of the finest agricultural exhibits
in the country, the board collects and publishes every year a statistical
report of the crops throughout the state. To accomplish this work
in a manner that will insure authenticity in the results, a corps of crop
correspondents, representing every county in the state, collects and
sends in the necessary information. In 1914 the croj) correspondents
for Stark County were: Duncan JNIcKenzie, 31. R. Downend and
A. Leroy Hazen.
farmers' institutes
Along toward the close of the Nineteenth Century the custom of
holding farmers' institutes was adopted in most of the states of the
3Iiddle ^Vest. The Illinois State Farmers" Institute was created i)y
the act of June 2-i, 189.5. The act provided for an ex-officio board
of directors to be composed of the superintendent of public instruc-
tion, the dean of the College of Agriculture, and the presidents of
the State Roard of Agriculture, the State Horticultural Society and
the State Dairymen's Association. In addition to this there is a
board of twenty-five directors, elective by Congressional districts.
This state institute undertook the work of directing the county insti-
tutes, the state making a small appropriation to such counties as
would hold farmers' institutes under certain conditions.
An act of the Legislature, approved on June 5, 1911, authorized
the boards of county su])ervisors in comities having township organiza-
tion, or the commissioners in counties without township organization,
"to appro})riate from the county treasury, for the use of the county
farmers' institutes in their efforts to promote the adoption of the
latest approved methods of crop production, the conservation of soil
fertility, and the improvement of agricultural conditions generally;
])rovided, that in no case shall it be lawful for a county board to ap])ro-
priate more than $300 in any one year for the above purj^oses."
HISTORY OF STAllK COUNTY 187
For a miiiiber of years the farmers of Stark County held institutes
at some time during the winter months. On a number of these occa-
sions the hoard of supervisors made appropriations under tlie al)ove
mentioned aet to assist in defraying the expenses. Instructors from
the State College of xVgrieidture gave lectures on various subjects
in which the farmers are interested; corn contests were conducted
under the auspices of the institute otficials and prizes awarded to the
winners; boys and young men were taught to judge the "jioints" of
various kinds of live stock; the best methods of preparing ground,
selecting seed, and many otlier subjects of hve interest to the farmer
were discussed. The attendance was generally good and those who
came went away feeling well repaid for their time and tiouble.
The last institute held in the co\uity was in 1913. M. B. Downend
was then pi'esident: W. W. Wi'ight, secretary; Fred Winans. treas-
urer. These three men and their associates spared no effort to make
the institute a success and their efforts were rewarded by the largest
attendance ever witnessed at an institute in Stark County, about five
hundred people being present. Much of the work formerly done
through the county institutes is now l)eing done by the ])ublic schools.
In the township high school at Toulon, and some of the other schools
of the county, instruction is given and experimental work done in
various branches of agriculture.
With the annual products of the farms, in crops and live stock,
running over three millions of dollars; with more than a thousand
miles of drain tile in the wet land districts; with a soil unsurjjassed
in i'ertility, and with the influence of the College of Agi-iculture per-
meating every nook and corner, the business of farming in Stark
County is constantly rising to a higher ])lane and being conducted
upon a more scientific basis. Other industries may be establistied and
may ])rosper, but it is quite certain that for years to come "corn is
king" in the little County of Stark.
COAL MINING
In the first chai)ter of this work some account is given of the coal
dejjosits, in their relation to the geology of the county. Probably the
fii'st attention to the coal l)eds of Stark County was attracted through
the report of Professor Wilbur, who made some investigations in this
part of the state and gave the product the name of "Spoon River"
coal. Professor Wilbur predicted a profitable business in mining
coal. Says he: "The fortunate position of the Spoon River coal
188 HISTOllV OF STARK COUNTY^
field gives lis oceasioii to make a few remarks as regards its future
value. It is situated near the Mississippi River, whose eoal trade in
barges northward will soon equal its lumber trade southward, dis-
tributing these mining products at the depots of 15,000 miles of shore,
on either side. It is bounded on the north l)y the Silliman district,
which occupies 17,000 scjuare miles of Northern Illinois, all of ^Viscon-
sin and ^Minnesota, and Xorthern Iowa. This vast area is entirely
void of coal, depending solely upon transportation from the nearest
coal deposits.
"The limit of workable coal may be safely put at eighty miles
northwest and southeast by thirty miles northeast and southwest,
giving an area of 2,400 square miles. In this field there are two veins
of coal, having a combined thickness of nine feet. To measure the
amoimt in tons we must take one cubic yard for every ton as a measur-
ing vmit. A stratum of coal three feet thick would therefore give a
cubic yard for every square yard of surface. Hence, an acre of three-
foot coal would contain 4,840 tons; but in this field we have a thickness
of nine feet, and an acre here must therefore contain 14, .520 tons. The
aG'oreoate of tons contained in the field, whose limit we have assumed
as eighty by thirty miles, is 22,302,720.000 tons. Now, if we distribute
1,000 tons per day, it will require 75,000 years to exhaust the supply,
allowing 300 working days per year."
These predictions are certainly optimistic enough, >iut subsetp-.ent
developments demonstrated that Professor Wilbur was somewhat
mistaken in his calculations, both as to the area of the field and the
thickness of the deposits.
So far as can be learned, the first coal mined in the county was
about 18.)4 or 185.5. when a few of the early settlers commenced taking
coal in small quantities from the outcrops along Jack Creek and Jug
Rim. A little later David and William Howard opened a mine in
section 23, Toulon Township, about two miles and a half north of
Wyoming and not far from the Spoon River. About the same time
the Howards opened their mine, John Robinson and Richard
Howarth (commonly called "Shanty Dick" by his neighbors) did some
mining on section 25. about a mile and a half southeast of the Howard
mine. A shaft was sunk in this locality some years later and a consid-
erable quantity of coal was taken out. The passenger on the Chicago,
Rurlington & Quiney Railroad can still see the I'uins of the abantloned
mine from the car windows.
In 1857 James Fraser came from England and settled in Stark
County. He was a practical miner, having previously worked in the
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 189
Xewcastle collieries in his native land, lie I'ornied a partnership with
Thomas Tunsall, another Knglishnian, and the two leased a part of
section 14, Toulon Township, from Elisha Dixon. Their mine was
worked systematically, the slack and sulphur heinff taken from the
coal, and the product of the Fraser & Tunsall mine found a ready sale.
In IS.jS this firm purchased a part of Section 23, near the Howard
mine, opened a mine tliere and that year sold about one thousand tons.
About the beyinm'nn' of the Civil wai' in 18(n, John Mcl^au<>hlin
was earryiiii)- on a successful mininfj- business at what was called the
Foster coal bank, two and a half miles west of Bradford, near the
Fast L'ork of the Spoon River. North of that about two miles was
the S. C. Francis mine, mentioned by H. A. Green in his geological
report of the county for 1870, and between the JMcLoughlin and
Francis mines was the Bradford shaft, in section 21, also mentioned
by Green in his report.
Shortly alter the close of the Civil war the Lathrop Coal Com])any
began mining on a more extensive scale than had up to that time been
attemjjted in the county. The mines of this company were constructed
on the most a])proved plans known to that period, being provided with
steam hoisting aj)paratus, jjumjjs for keeping the mines clear of water,
escape shafts for the miners, side tracks, screens, chutes, etc., and
tenements and boarding houses for the miners. It was operated in
the vicimty of Wyoming and the products of its mines were shipped
to distant cities, so the local miners had no opposition from the big
concern. In IBTl' the output of the Lathi-op mines was about three
hundred and tifty tons daily. At the same time the local miners, who
were operating on a smaller scale and supjjlying the local market,
were turning out about 7.000 bushels of coal every week.
Among these local operators were Fred Charleston, Peter Iler-
])erger, William and Hemy Newton and John Cununings, whose
mines were situated at different points in Toulon Township. William
Newton's nu"ne, known as the "Coe coal bank," was opened about
18(>r> and at one time employed about fifteen men. Around Modena
Avas also a favorite field for the operator with small capital.
In Elmira Township the outcrops along the West Fork of the
Spoon River were worked at an early date by some of the settlers,
who thiis obtained a su])ply of coal for their own use. So far as can
be learned, the first shaft sunk in this township was that of Thomas
Oliver, which was opened late in the year 188.3. It was located about
a mile north of the village of Elmira and turned out a large block
coal e(|ual in ([uality to any produced in the countv.
190 HISTOHV OF STARK COUNTY
When Green made his geological survey of tlie county in 180!)-70,
he found a number of workings around Modena, in Osceola Township,
along Jack Creek and near Cox's mill in Essex Township. But in
recent years many of the mines have become "worked out" and have
been abandoned, the great piles of shale and the ramshackle buildings
standing as mute monuments to a bygone industry. Some mining
is still carried on in the county, the largest single working prol)ably
being the "Big Hit" mine, which is situated directly east of the
Chicago, Bm'lington & Quincy Railroad, between Wyoming and
Castleton.
MANUFACTURING
Stark has never been a manufacturing county to any considerable
extent. The first factories of any kind were grist mills, to supply the
])ioneers with material for making the "staff of life," and saw mills,
for the purpose of providing them with lumber that they might have
shelter for themselves and families. Perhaps the first mill in the
county was the one built by Harmon Leek on the Simoon River, not
far from where the Wyoming and Toulon road crosses the sti'eam.
Mrs. Shallenberger says: "It was built as early as 1833 or 183-1,
had one run of stone, and there was a saw mill attached to it. The
dam was made of brush, hay and gravel, and the whole thing was
poorly constructed. In the winter of 183.5 or 183(5 Minott Silliman
rented the entire concern for the coming year for thirty dollars. But
the high waters of the opening spring swept dam and mill away, to
the dead loss of JNIr. Silliman of the thirty dollars ])aid in advance,
and an equal amoimt of prospective profits."
Sylvanus ^loore built a mill at an early date a short distance above
liCek's, on the farm afterward known as the "General Thomas Home-
stead," and Lemuel S. Dorrance had a mill on the river not far from
the jjresent village of JNIodena. The latter was afterward known as
Fuller's mill. Shortly after the Dorrance mill was completed he
took Samuel G. Brcese into partnership and the Dorrance and Breese
mill was one of the landmarks of Stark County for years. One of
the l)uhrs used in this old mill was kept by Mr. Breese as a relic for
fully half a century.
In 1837 Enoch Cox came from Ohio, where he had followed the
milling business, and built a mill on Indian Creek a short distance from
its mouth. It was not long until he found the supply of water insuffi-
cient for the purpose of furnishing the power, and removed to the
mouth of Camping Run. about three and a half miles south of
HISTORY OF STAKK COUNTY TJl
Wyoming, where he built a larger and better equipped mill, his
brother, Thomas Cox, becoming associated with him in the latter
enterprise.
Andrew Dray, one of the early settlers, built a mill on Indian
Creek, Parker & Bradford had one on Jack Creek, and Amsey New-
man's mill was on Cooper's Defeat, near the northern boundary of
Penn Township. Newman also had a chair factory, where he made
the old-fashioned split bottom chairs and spinning wheels, which
found a ready sale among the early families of the county. Asher
Smith had a tanyard near Newman's mill and made a good cjuality
of leather. John Prior, of Toulon, also made chairs and a few other
articles of furniture of the primitive type.
Probably the first steam mill in the county was the one built by
Dexter Wall at the oUl village of Waldron, in the northwestern part
of Penn Township. After running the mill there for a while he
removed it to ^Vyoming, where it became widely known as the Viola
]\lills. having three run of buhrs. In 188() the mill was remodeled and
the roller process introduced, after which, it was operated for some
time by Charles C. Priester. The machinery was then moved away
and the building in 191.5 was used by Frank S. Foster as a feather
.sorting and renovating estal)lishment.
The Valley Mills at Wyoming stood about one block w^est of the
Rock Island Railroad station and were conducted for several years
by C. S. Payne. This mill had three run of buhrs and did a successful
business, a considerable <iuantity of flour being shipped to Peoria
and otliei- markets. The ruins of the old mill can still be seen. There
were a few other mills in the county at various periods of its history,
but the ones above mentioned were the best known.
One of the most ])retentious manufacturing establishments of early
days was the Hour and woolen mills of John Culbertson at Toulon.
Says ]\Irs. Shallenberger: "While he never expected to reap great
profits himself from this investment, he did hope to make these mills
a public l)enefit and link his name with home enterprises and indus-
tries." The mills were operated under his personal sui)ervision and
employed a number of people, some of whom were skilled workmen,
but after JNIr. Culbertson's death in 1869 the industry was allowed to
languish and finally Avent down.
Another ]iioneer carding mill was located on Walnut Creek, in
West Jersey Township, or as it was then known "Massillon Precinct."
It was owned by Charles Yocum and \Vashing1;on Trickle and did a
thriving business at a time when the good women of the county spun
192 HISTOKV OF STARK COUNTY
their own yarn, wove it into flannel and jeans, and made most of the
garments worn by the several members of the family.
In the history of Goshen Township mention is made of \Villiaui
Dunbar, the "Old Hatter" of Lafayette. It is said that he would
take a large number of hats fastened together, throw them over his
shoulders, mount a horse and start out on a peddling expedition,
remaining away until his stock was disposed of, when he would return
home and begin the manufacture of another supply. In this Avay he
carried on a successfvd trade for a number of years, or until the "fac-
tory" hats, which sold for lower prices, forced him out of the market.
A cheese manufactui-ing company was organized at Toulon in
December, 1874, with a capital stock of $5,000, and began operations
in May, 187o. Its first year's product amovmted to 4.1,800 pounds of
cheese. After running for a few years the business was discontinued,
and in January, 1885, the old cheese factory was converted into a
skating rink. A bulletin of the State Board of Agriculture issued on
December 1, 1914, shows that during the preceding year there were
1,24'4. jjounds of cheese manufactured in the county.
^Muchmore & Phenix engaged in the manufacture of wagons at
Bradford at a comparatively early date. W. AMiite cV Company con-
ducted a wagon and carriage factory at Toulon, and J. B. Robinson
was engaged in the same line of business at Wyoming. John B.
Maxfield began making brick near Toulon about the close of the Civil
war; James P. Headley operated a brick yard at Toulon along in
the '80s; Higbee & Damon were engaged in the mamifacture of brick
and tile at Wyoming at the same time, and among the other manu-
factured products of the county may be mentioned cigars, harnesti,
sorghum molasses and a few other minor articles. In 1915 a large
bakery at Wyoming shipped bread to a number of the surrounding
towns.
TELEPHONE COMPANIES
Although the telephone company is not an "industry,"" in the sense
that it mamifactures or produces any commodity, it is one of the
greatest aids to business of all kinds in modern times. Before the in-
ti'oduction of the telephone and the free rural delivery of mail, the
farmer de])ended largely upon his weekly newspaper and the informa-
tion bi-ought by his neighbors when they "went to town" for his
market reports. Now many of the farmers have telephones in their
houses and the rural carriers bring the daily jjapers to nearly every
household in Stark County.
On jNIarch 1, 1902, the Toulon Mutual Telephone Comj^any was
HISTORY OF STAKK COUNTY 193
granted right of way for their hues along certain liighways in the
county by the board of .supervisors, and soon afterward the work of
construction was commenced. Just a inontii hiter (April 1, 1902)
the Castleton Telephone Company, which was organized by A. U.
Hoff' and A. L. Johnson, was granted right of way over some of the
roads in the eastern part of the county. About five years later the
interests of these two companies Avere consolidated in the Stark
County Telephone Company, which was duly incorporated under the
laws of the State of Illinois, with a capital stock of $2(),()()0. In
October, 191.), the com])any was o])erating exchanges at Toulon,
W'voming, Castleton, Camp (irove, Duncan and Elmira, with about
two thousand telephones comiected with its lines. The building at
Toulon, ill which are the exchange and general otfices of the company,
was erected expressly for the purpose in 191-1, and tlie exchange
building at Camj) Grove is also owned by the company, the other
exchanges occupying leased quarters. The officers of the company
in 1915 were: W. F. Price, president and general manager; A. B.
Hoft', manager of the eastern division; W. R. Sandham, secretary;
C. P. Dewey, treasurer. The boai'd of directors was com])osed of
the above officers, J. W. Walters, Arthur Walters, .Tames T. Rogers,
Jehiel Fuller, William Jackson and J. H. Duncan.
On June 2, 1900, the Osceola-Neponset Telephone Com])any and
the Buda-Rradford Telephone Com])anv were both granted the ])rivi-
lege of setting poles and running wires along highways mentioned in
their respective petitions. Of the former company Frank ^V. Bates
was then president and A. E. Stetson, secretary; and of the latter
com])any Frank Kopp was president and Hollis Blauvelt, secretary.
The Lafayette Telephone Company — C. A. Buffum, president;
F. \Y. Kltzroth, secretary — was granted a right of way on iVpril 17,
1901. The Milo-Bradford Telej^hone Company, of which Festus
Bently was president and Cyrus Bocock, secretary, was granted simi-
lar concessions on ]March 11. 1902; the Duncan Telephone Com])any,
through its secretary, J. W. McXay, filed a petition with the board
of supervisors on April 1.), 1902, which was granted the same day;
and on June 10, 1902. right of way was granted to the West Jersey
Tcle])hone Com])any, of which Watson Egbert was president, and
Thomas J. Dryden, secretary.
By an arrangement with the Stark County Telephone Company,
all the lines of these local companies are connected through the
exchanges of the former, giving long distance senice to all parts of
the county. The advantages resulting from this service can hardly
be estimated.
CHAPTER XII
EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
CHARACTER OF THE EARIA' SCHOOLS SCHOOI.HOUSE AND FURNITURE
TEXT-BOOKS SPELLING SCHOOLS THE THREE r's PUBLIC SCHOOL
SYSTEJI STARK COUNTY SCHOOLS PIONEER TEACHERS EDUCA-
TIONAL PROGRESS BY TOWNSHIPS THE SEMINARY TOULON PUBLIC
SCHOOLS TOULON ACADEMY WYOMING PUBLIC SCHOOLS SCHOOL
OFFICERS teachers' INSTITUTE TEACHERs' ASSOCIATION THE
PRESS BRIEF HISTORIES OF THE VARIOUS NEWSPAPERS EXTINCT
NEWSPAPERS PUBLIC LIBRARIES WVOilING TOULON LAFAY-
ETTE BRA n F () R D EL:\riRA LIBRARY ASSOCIATION SCHOOL
LIBRARIES.
The young jjeople who enjoy the excellent educational facilities
offered by the Stark County public schools in this year 1916 can
hardly be exjiected to realize the difficulties encountered by their fath-
ers and grandfathers in the acquisition of an education three-quarters
of a century ago, when the first white people in what is now Stark
County established their homes. Then there were no public funds
with which to build schoolhouses and pay the salaries of teachers.
When a sufficient number of settlers had located in a neighborhood to
support a school they would join together in the erection of a school-
house at some central point, where it would be most convenient for
the children. These early schoolhouses ^vere invariably of logs, with
clapboard roof and puncheon floor, sometimes, in fact, having no
floor except "mother earth." If money enough could be raised in
the frontier settlement, and it was not too far to some trading post,
a real window of sash and glass would be placed in each side of the
building, but in many instances the only light came through oiled
paper fastened to a framework of slender strips over the aperture
formed by leaving out a section of one of the logs. Stoves were a
luxury and the school room was imperfectly heated liy a great fire-
place at one end. On cold days those sitting near the fire would
become too warm, while those farther away would be suffering with
194
HlSTOltV OF STARK COUNTY 195
cold. One can imagine the confusion in tiie school caused by pupils
constantly changing their scats to "get warm."
The furniture of the school room was of the most i)riniitive charac-
ter. Seats were made by splitting in halves a tree of some eight or
ten inches in diameter, driving pins into holes bored in the half-round
sides for legs, and then smoothing the upi)er surface with a draw-
knife. The legs stood at an angle that would insure stability to the
"bench." Under the window was the writing desk, which was made
by boring holes in the wall at a slight angle and driving stout pins into
the holes to support a wide board, the top of which would be dressed
smooth to serve as a table, at which the ])u])ils would take their turns
at writing.
The text-books used in that day were usually Webster's spelling-
book, the English or McGuffey's readers. Pike's. Ual)oirs, Tal])ott's
or Ray's arithmetics, and if the teacher knew enough to teach such
studies and the district was inclined to be aristocratic. Olney's geog-
ra])hy and Kirkluun's or Butler's grammar. The teacher of that day
was seldom a graduate of a higher institution of learning, knew nothing
of normal school training, and rarely made any special preparation for
the work. If he could read and spell well, write well enough to "set
copies" for the children to imitate, and could "do all the sums" in the
arithmetic up to and including the "Rule of Three," he was qualified to
teach. There was one qualification, howevei-, which could not be over-
looked in the teacher of that ])erio(l. He must be a man of sufficient
physical strength to hold the unruly boys in subjection and i)rescrve or-
der in the school. AVith the pioneer pedagogue "to spare the rod was to
spoil the child." Xot many children were spoiled, for at the beginning
of the term a bundle of tough switches were gathered and displayed
to the best advantage as a sort of ])rophylactic. If the mere sight of
these switches did not deter the bad l)oy from committing some infrac-
tion of the rules, a vijSforous application of one of them generally had
a tendency to cure his fi-olicsome disposition.
On the theory that no one could become a good reader without
first being a good s])eller, more attention was given to orthography
during the child's early school days than to any other branch of study.
Spelling schools of evenings were of frequent occurrence, and in these
matches the parents would nearly always take part. Two "captains"
would be selected to "choose up," the one Avinning the first choice
would select the best speller ])resent, the other the next best, and so
on until all who desired to participate were divided into two equal
sides. Then the teacher "gave out" the words alternately from side
196 HISTORY OF STxVKK COUNTY
t(j side. When one mis-spelled a word he took his seat. The one
who stood longest won the victory, and to "spell down" a whole school
district was considered (juite an achievement.
After the child could sjjell fairly well he was taught to read. Then
came the writing lessons. The copy-books used in the early schools
bore no lithographed line at the top. They were generally of the
"home-made" variety, consisting of a few sheets of foolscap paper
covei'ed ^\ith a sheet of heavy wrapping paper. xVt the top of the
page the teacher woidd write a line or "copy," which was usually some
motto or jjroverb intended to convey a moral lesson as well as to give
the pu])il a specimen of penmanshij) to imitate; such as "Evil com-
munications corrupt good manners," "Whatever is worth doing is
worth doing well," etc. When one stoi)s to consider that the term of
school was rarely over three months, that the same teacher hardly ever
taught two terms in succession in the same place, and that each teacher
had a diiFerent style of penmanship, it is a wonder the young peoj^le
of that day learned to write as well as many of them did.
Xext came the arithmetic. In the pronunciation of this word the
soimd of the initial letter was often dropped and it was ])ronounced
'rithmetic. And the fact that Keadin", 'Ritin' and 'Rithmetic were
regarded as the essentials of a practical education gave rise to the
exjjression "the three R's." If one imderstood the three R's he was
equi])])ed for the great liattle of life, so far as ordinary business affairs
were concerned.
But during the years that have passed since the tirst white man
came to Stark County educational development has kept steji with
industrial progress. The old log schoolhouse, with its crude furniture,
has disappeared and in its place has come the commodious structure
of brick or stone. Steam heat, or a warm air furnace, has su2)planted
the old fireplace, giving a uniform temperatm-e to the school room.
The teacher now must show fitness and training for his calling. The
bundle of "gads" is no longer kept on exhibition as a terror to evil-
doers and corporal jjunishment is no longer considered a necessary
part of the educational system. Yet, under the old regime, profes-
sional men who afterward achieved world-wide reputations, chief jus-
tices. United States senators, great inventors, and even presidents of
the United States accjuired their rudimentary education in the old
log schoolhouse.
PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM
The enabling act of April 18. 1818. which authorized the ])cople
of Illinois to adopt a constitution preparatory to being admitted into
HISTORY OF STAllK COUNTY 197
the Union as a state, set apart section Ifi in eaeli Cono-rcssional town-
ship as the basis of a per])etnal common school fund, the income of
which was to be used for the ecUication of the youth of the state. At
the beginning of the present century the vahie of these sections was
$11. ()(){).()()(), but the school hinds then unsold were valued at only
<t4.()'J.).000.
In IHtiit Congress passed an act dividing the surplus in the national
treasury among the states. Illinois received $33.5,000, which was
added to the permanent school fund. Technically this distribution
was a loan to the state, but no demand has ever licen made for its
repayment — nor is any demand likely to be made — and the state's
school fund has been permanently enriched by that amount.
A county school fund ^\as established by the Legislature of 1837,
the income of which was to be added to the general school fund each
year. The county school fund amounted to $1()"2,0()0 at the begin-
ning, but has been slightly increased by the addition of certain
unclaimed funds in the public treasury, etc. From these several
soui'ces, Illinois has built up a school fund of about fourteen millions
of dollars, which can be increased, but cannot l)e legally diminished.
The permanent school fund is loaned to the state, the interest amount-
ing to about seven hundred thousand dollars per animm, which is
used for the support of the i)ul)lic schools, and which is apportioned
among the counties in proportion to the number of persons between
the ages of five and twenty-one years.
In addition to these various sources of school revenue, each county
levies a tax for the supjjort of its free schools under the following
provision of the Constitution of 1870: "The General Assembly shall
])i'()vide a thorough and efficient system of free schools, wherel)y all
children of this state may receive a good conunon school education."
Pursuant to the above constitutional provision, the Legislature of
Illinois has from time to time passed laws for the improvement of the
public school system until the state offers to its young people educa-
tional facilities that rank high among those of the states of the Uniom
.Stark County's local school tax in li)14 amounted to $()1,134'.()3, or
$2.34 for each pupil enumerated.
STARK COUNTY SCHOOLS
In the chapter on Townshij) History will be found some mention
of some of the early schools and the number of school districts in each
t()wnshi|) at the present time. The first schoolhouse in the county was
198 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
raised in Essex Township uii July i, 1834. An account of the 'rais-
ing," as given by JMadison Winn, is given in connection witli the
history of that township. A school district had been organized there
the year before, with Renjaniin Smith, Sylvanus IMoore and Green-
leaf Smith as trustees for the territory embracing township 12 north,
range G east. After the erection of the schoolhouse the next vear,
Adam Perry taught the first school in the new structure, which is
believed to liave been the fii'st school ever taught in the county. ^Irs.
Sliallenberger, in her "Stark County and Its Pioneers," gives the
following copy of the receipt signed by Mr. Perry for his salary:
":March 1.5, IS.S.").
"Received of Isaac E. Essex $.j.5..5U, in full, for teaching a school
three months in town 12 X., range 6 E., which school ended this day.
"Adam Perky."
Stark County Mas then a part of Putnam and Isaac B. Essex was
commissioner of the school fund for the townshii) that now bears his
name. Under his direction section 10 (the school section) was sold
on February 4, 18.'34. for $968.70.
The second school in the county was probably that taught bv ]Miss
Sabrina Chatfield, which ended on July 8, 183.5, and for which she
received $13.00, the term being thi-ee months. ^liss Chatfield after-
ward became the wife of B. L. Hilliard and removed to Clark County,
Iowa, where she died some years later. ]Mary Lake also taught a
short term in the fall of that year, her receipt being dated Xovem-
ber 3, 183.5. It states that she taught six weeks and two days, for
which she received $6.3li/x.
Other early teachers were Jesse Heath, Jose})h R. Xewton, James
Dalrymple and William Sammis. ^Ir. Clifford says of Jesse Heath:
"He was a man of fair education, from St. Louis, a 'good fellow'
out of school, but a rigid disciplinarian within. He seemed to regard
the scholars as blockheads and dolts, because they were so back^\ard.
He fi-ightened one of the boys so much that the little fellow stayed
at home two weeks in bed, feigning sickness to avoid going to school."
The early schools were frecjuently of the type known as "sub-
scription schools," for the reason that the ])ublic fund was then too
small to defray all the expenses of the teacher's salary, provide fuel,
etc. L. E. INIiner, in a communication to one of the Stark County
newspapers some years ago. gives the following account of a school
taught b}' him shortly after the County of Stark was organized:
HISTORY OF STAKK COUNTY 199
"In 1839 I was rcciucsted to teach a scliool at Col. W. H. Hender-
son's. I received snbscriptions for scholarships and Colonel Hender-
son furnished a place for the school in one of his buildings, which was
fitted up by cutting a log out of the west side of the cabin and putting-
greased newspapers in the place of the log. This was all the light we
had in the school room. The scholars came from Spoon River — John
Bowen from up Indian Creek — besides those nearer by who could
walk to school. It was in the winter of 1839-40. There was one fam-
ily in Toulon at that time, that of John ^Miller. Colonel Henderson
sent seven scholars to my school: William, Thomas. Henry, \\'eb-
ster, Stephen and James, and Felix ^Vilkinson, a nephew of Mrs.
Henderson. John \V. Henderson was with his father in attendance
on the Legislature at Yandalia."
iMr. JNIiner fails to state the amount of tuition he received for each
scholar, but his descrii)tion of the schoolhouse will give the reader
some idea of the ditficulties that had to be encountered and overcome
in obtaining an education in the "good old times."
The public school system of Stark County may be said to have
had its beginning in the action of the county commissioners at their
first session. On April .5, 1839, they appointed James Ilolgate school
commissioner and the next day announced the appointment of the
following trustees of the school lands: Township 17, range 7 (now
Osceola), J. C. Avery, Henry Seely and A. JNI. Smith; township 13,
range 7 (Penn), Henry Breese, Samuel Camp and Isaac Spencer;
township 13, range 6 (Toulon), J. W. Heath, Samuel Seely and
Adam Perry; township 12, range 6 (Essex), Calvin Powell, Sr.,
Moses Boardman and Whitney Smith; township 12, range 5 (West
Jersey). William W. Webster. Joseph Palmer and ^Milton Richards;
townshij) 13, range .> (Goshen), C. H. Miner, Luther UriscoU and
Samuel Parrish.
No trustees were appointed for Elmira and \'allcy townships, and
it is difficult to understand why trustees of school lands were appointed
for the Townshi]) of Essex, in which the school section had been sold
some five years before.
An election was held at the house of Robert JNIoore, in Osceola
Precinct, on January 10, 1838. to vote on the question of incorporating
township 14. range C> (Ehnira). for school purposes. Ten votes were
cast, all of them in favor of the ])r()position and Robert jMoore, INIathias
Sturm, R()])ert Hall. Thomas Watts. Myrtle G. Brace and James
Buswell were elected trustees. Stark County was then a ])ait of
Putnam and no report can be found as to the number of schools, if
200 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
any, that were conducted in tlie township. In 18 1.) a petition from
the people of this township was presented to James B. Lewis, sdiool
commissioner, asking for the sale of the school lanils. The early
school records of this township have disappeared and none prior to
1801 can he found. In 1914 the township enumerated 2.3.5 persons
of scliool age: possesseil school property worth $10, GOO, apparatus
valued at $1,080, and employed nine teachers.
The school section in Essex Township was sold in February, 1834,
as already stated, and tlie money ai)])lied to the support of the com-
mon schools. On June 30, 1840, twenty-three votes were cast in favor
of organizing the township for school purposes, but the names of the
first trustees cannot be learned. During the school year of 1914-1. >
Essex enrolled 283 pujjils in the ten school districts; the school prop-
erty, including the south side school building in the City of Wyoming-
was valued at $20,7-5O, and the value of apparatus was $2, 27.3.
The school history of Goshen Township begins with the appoint-
ment of jNIessrs. INIiner, Driscoll and Parrish as trustees on April 6,
1839, though subscription schools had no doubt been taught within
the township limits prior to that date. On September .3, 184.3, a
2)etition signed by seventy-five legal voters asked for the sale of the
school section, and the last of the school lands in this township was
dis2)osed of in February, 18.51. Says Leeson: "One of the first, if
not the first schoolhouse in Goshen Township, was that overlooking
the Indian camp, two miles from the Harris farn), on the old state
road." The first school election was held at the house of Elijah Eltz-
worth in October, 1840. Luther Driscoll, Charles H. INIiner, Jeremiah
Bennett, Jacob Emery and Samuel Parrish were chosen trustees and
Theodore F. Hiu'd was elected treasurer. The first act of the new
trustees was to divide the township into the Lafayette, Emery, Indian
Creek and Fahrenheit school districts. In January. 1841, the people
of this township wrote to Col. W. H. Henderson, then a member of
the Legislature, asking him to introduce a bill providing for the pay-
ment to Stark County of its share of the school fund ajjportioned to
Knox and Putnam counties. The bill was passed in July, 1843,
Goshen Township receiving $60.30. In 191.3 the nine districts of
Goshen em-olled 24.3 pupils, the property was valued at $17,500, and
the apparatus at $1,000.
The first election of trustees in Osceola of which there is any
record, was held at the house of John Shawls on May 17, 184.3. Four-
teen votes were cast and Liberty Stone, Isaac W. Searle and Zebulon
A-\-ery were the successful candidates. The same day the township
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 'Ml
was (lividtnl into three districts. These three districts have since been
sul)divided until in 1D1.3 there were nine districts, huildin,i>s vahicd at
$10, 800, apparatus worth $1,650, and 392 pupils cni-olled.
Penn Township inaugurated its school system as early as 18:)6, -
three years before the organization of Stark County, when Wall's
schoolhouse was erected in section 7. Subscription schools were taught
here at an early date, but the names of the teachers appear to have
been forgotten. The township \\as organized for school purposes in
184.5, but the earliest record is that of June, 1846, when an election
was held at the house of Lcniuel S. Dorrance. Henry Ereese, John
Todd and Xeheniiah Merritt were chosen trustees. In response to a
petition, the school lands were sold in 1849-50. The nine districts of
Penn ToAvnship during the school year of 1914-15 enrolled 286 pupils.
Two teachers wei-e employed in the graded school at Castleton and
one in each of the other districts. The schoolhouses are valued at
$9.;}50 and the apparatus at $1,500.
^'alley Township was organized for school purposes on July 17, -
1847. when an election was held at the house of David Rouse and
Z. G. Bliss. David Rouse and William Cummings were elected trus-
tees. At that time there were but nine families, with forty-one chil-
dren, living in the township. Four years later there were twenty-seven
legal voters, twenty-three of whom signed a petition asking for the
sale of the school section. Among the early teachers in this townshi])
were P. A. Ferbrache, Ithamer Daybault and Joseph Xewton. Dur-
ing the school year of 1914-15, Valley Township enrolled 219 pupils
in the eight districts, the schoolhouses were val'ued at $8,650 and the
apparatus at $950.
West Jersey Township held an election at the house of Philander -
Arnold on April 5, 1842, at which twenty-two votes were cast, the
decision being unanimous in favor of incorjDorating the township for
school purposes. The township was then divided into two districts.
The records prior to 1846 cannot be found. In 1846 C. M. S. Lyon,
A. G. Dunn and Washington Trickle were the trustees. D. V. Frazer
and A. C. Col well were among the first teachers in this part of the
county. In 1915 there were eight school districts in the township, 220
pu])ils were enrolled, the schoolhouses were then valued at $8,200 and
the a])i)iiratus used in the schools at $1,700.
Tt)ulon Township, which contains the greater pai-t of the cities of
Toulon and Wyoming, may be said to be the educational center of the
county, as it is the most centrally located geographically. The first
.schoolhouse in Toulon — the "Old Brick" — has been described in Chap-
202 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
tei- Vlll, in connection with the City of Toulon. One of the early
institutions of learning in the county seat was
THE SEMINARY
The first mention of the seminary in the public records of the
county was on December -i, 1849, when the county court appointed
Samuel G. Wright, Oliver Whitaker and Samuel Reatty a conunittee
to "receive subscriptions and report plans for the building of a female
seminarj' in the Town of Toulon, under the third section of 'An act
to authorize the County Commissioners' Court, or the County Court,
when organized, to sell lots in the Town of Toulon,' ap^n-oved Febru-
ary 12, 1849, and report at the ]March term of this court in 18.50."
On ^Nlarch 3, 18.50, the conmiittee appointed as above reported that
the funds received from the sale of lots were insufficient to build a
suitable building for a seminary, and that the people showed an un-
willingness to subscribe, unless the seminary could be opened to both
sexes. Judge Holgate, of the County Court, then directed the mem-
bers of the conmiittee to solicit subscriptions with the understanding
that boj's and girls would both be eligible for admission to the insti-
tution.
On September 2, 18.50, the county treasurer was ordered to pay to
the committee the sum necessary for the purchase of material, but it
seems that the work went on too slowly to suit some of the citizens,
for on December 6, 1852, Calvin L. Eastman presented a petition to
the County Court, the jH-incipal features of which were: "That the
Comity Court direct and order the committee having charge of tlie
seminary fund, either in receiving, managing or disbursing it, to report
especially upon the following matters:
"1 — The total amount of the said fund, principal and interest.
"2 — The amount paid in, what they have done about the building,
the condition of the woi-k, materials, etc.
"3 — The amount outstanding, in whose hands, and when due.
"4 — The amount expended and for what, giving the same by items.
"5 — Their reasons, if any, for not having discharged the trust
committed to them, and
"6 — What they projjose to do."
After due consideration of the petition, the court ordered "That
Oliver Whitaker, Samuel Reatty and Samuel G. Wright, committee
to superintend the building of said seminary, be required to report at
this term of court upon the foregoing petition, and that the clerk
notifv them immediatelv."
HISTOKY OF STARK COUXTY 203
The committee came in and reported the expcncHture ol' .^(U) for
a site lor the seminary; .%)-i2.71 for l)rick, lumber and shingles and
for work done; that the total paid out, ineludhig a note for $02.81,
was .$()().5.52, and the amount drawn from the county treasury was
$004.. l(i. After a few more delays the seminary was completed, as the
records show that on September Ki, IH.Vt, W. W. Webster, John Eer-
fiekl and L. II. Fitch, of the board of supervisors, were appointed a
committee to confer with T. J. Wright, of the building committee, as
to the best plan for seating the seminary. The first term opened a
few weeks later.
Hy an act of the General Assembly, approved February 14, 18.55,
the board of supervisors was authorized to appoint five trustees for
the Toulon Seminary. Samuel G. Wright, Oliver Whitaker, Ben-
jamin Turner, John Berfield and ]Martin Shallenbcrger were ap-
pointed. Under their management, or that of their successors, the
seminary continued until Septeml)er 9, 1861, when it was leased to
Davis Fowman, Isaac C. Reed and Warham ^Nlordoff, the school
trustees of the Town of Toulon, for a term of five years. By the act
of February 18, 1807. the supervisors were authorized to sell the
seminary and it became a part of the public school system. It was
then used as a sort of high school for some years, when the building-
was sold and converted into a residence. In the fall of 191,5 it was
still standing, located on its original site at the northwest corner of
'Washington and Vine streets, and was then the residence of II. C.
Bradley.
TOULON PUm.lC SCHOOLS
In the fall of 18.58 two new school buildings in Toulon were com-
pleted. One stood upon what was then called Soap Hill and the
other near the northwest corner of the cemeterj'. The latter was
known as the "Fair-ground School." Miss Mary Perry taught the
first school in this building, a ^Ir. C'arjienter taught that year in the
old brick, and William Campbell was made principal of the seminary.
The Soap Hill schoolhouse was afterward sold and converted into a
residence.
Toulon in 191.5 had two ])ublic school Iniildings — the East Side, or
old high school building, and the Township High School in the south-
eastei-n part of the city. The site of the former building was selected
by vote of the people and the interest in the question was as great as
was ever displayed in a ])residential election. Several sites were pro-
posed, l)ut when the votes were counted It was found tliat the one on
20i HISTORY OF STARK COLXTY
the east side of Olive Street, between Vine and Thomas had won, and
here a substantial and cominndious building was erected. The attend-
ance at the two schools during the school year of 191-1-1.5, according
to the county superintendent's report, was 595. Seventeen teacher.?
are employed in the city schools, the value of the buildings is about
thirty thousand dollars, and nearly two thousand dollars' worth of
apparatus is used in the school rooms. The Township High School
was formerly the
TOULON ACADEMY
xVbout 1882 some of the citizens of Toulon, desirous of having a
school that would offer a course of study not provided by the public
schools, conceived the idea of establishing an academy. Among those
who were acti\c in the movement were J. F. Rhodes, J. A. Hender-
son, E. F. Thompson, E. C. Follett. Dr. Theodore Eacmeister, W.
W. Wright, ]Mrs. Sarah A. Chamberlain, Andrew Oliver, Samuel
Eurge, G. W. Dewey and JNIiles A. Fuller. The institution \\'as
opened on October 12, 1888, with J. W. Stephens as principal. After
earnest work and the overcoming of many obstacles, sufficient funds
were accumulated to erect a handsome building, just outside the city
limits at the southeastern part of the town, and here the academy
continued its useful work imtil it was incorporated into the public
school system and made the Township High School.
WYOMING PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The early records of the Wyoming schools are not available, hence
the city's educational histoiy prior to 1857 is somewhat uncertain. In
]May, 1857, the district composed of the northeast corner of Essex
Township and the southeast corner of Toulon, embracing the Town
of Wyoming, was imder the charge of the following board of di-
rectors: J. E. Erown, William E. Armstrong, Dr. Luther ]Milliken.
Svlvcster F. Ottman and Isaac Thomas. A summer school was taught
that year by ^Nliss Harriet Milliken and in the fall Enoch K. Evans
was engaged to teach the winter school. There was but one school-
house at that time and the district was not financially able to build a
new one — or at least a majority of the voters so expressed themselves
on June 22. 1857. by a vote of twenty to seventeen. Some repairs were
made upon the old building, which continued in use for several years
before the peoiile could be induced to sanction the erection of a new
one.
ni'.i.u suKKii- luii.nixi:. w vo.mix(;
LIBRARY
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY :i05
In September, 1870, the first movement was made toward the
hiiildiii^' of a modern sehoolhonse. adequate to the needs of the town.
The phui was to issue bonds to the amount of .$5,()()() and levy a tax to
create a sinking fund for their payment. The bonds were sold in
July, 1871, the people having voted in favor of inereasing the in-
debtedness of the sehool district to .) per cent of the assessed valuation.
Tile South Side sehool opened in tlie new building in September, 1871,
with William Xowhni as prineii)al. He Avas succeeded in 1873 by
W. R. Sandham, in eliarge of tlie high sehool department. In Janu-
ary, 1877, the building was almost completely destroyed by tire, but
was immediately rebuilt with the money received from insurance com-
panies. In the si)ring of 188ti a loan of -t.'J.OOO was authorized for
the purpose of making an addition to the building.
The North Side Ixiilding, which was erected aliout the same time,
is well located for the accommodation of the ])eople living in the north-
ern j)art of the city. It occupies an elevated site on ^ladison Street,
extending from Seventh Street to Galena Avenue, and when first
built had a capacity of over two hundred pupils, although less than
that number were enrolled upon the opening of the school in Septem-
ber, with S. S. Wood as jjrincipal. The South Side building is situated
at the southeast corner of Fifth and Main streets, lacing the public
scjuare as laid out by General Thomas when he established the original
town. The value of the two buildings is approximately twenty thou-
sand dollars. Din-ing the school year of 1914-1.> eleven teachers were
em])loyed and the mmiber of ])u])ils in actual attendance was about
four hundred.
SCH(X)L OFFICERS
When Stark County was orgam'/.ed in 18:39, the law of Illinois
provided for an oflicial called a school commissioner, whose duty it
was to take charge of the i)ublic schools of the county, investigate the
(lualifications of teachers, etc. In 18(>.") the office of school conunis-
sioner was abolished and that of county superintendent of schools
created. Following is a list of those who have held these offices in
Stark County:
School Commissioners — James Holgate, 1840; Charles H. ISIiner,
1841 : James B. Fewis, 184.); Samuel G. ^Vright, 1840; R. C. Dmin,
18.).); Nelson F. Atkins, 18(51 (re-elected in 18(5:3 and died before the
expiration of his second term, John W. Agard being appointed to fill
the vacancy ) .
County Superintendents— B. G. Hall, 18(5.): Aloir/.o B. Abbott.
206 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
1873; Amelia L. Halsey, 1877; William R. Sandham. 1882; George
O. Frank, 1898 (resigned and W. R. Sandham appointed for the un-
expired term); Mary P. Edmunds, 1902; George C. Baker, 190(i
(still serving in 191.3).
TEACHEKS' INSTITUTE
^Villiam Xowlan, in a paper read before the Stark County Teach-
ers' Association some years ago, said: "It is not certain when the
first institute was held in Stark County, l)ut it was about 18.52 or 18.33,
while S. G. Wright was school commissioner. Rev. A. Lyman, of
Genesee, was the conductor, and Rev. R. C. Dunn afterward stated
that it was the first county institute held in the State of Illinois."
Some meetings of the teachers had lieen held prior to that time, but
JNlr. Xowlan expressed the opinion that the first regular institute was •
held in October, 1852. That was the beginning of the institute sys-
tem that has since been of such great lienefit to the teachers in bringing -
them together for the purpose of getting acquainted and adopting a
uniform method of teaching throughout the public schools. In recent
years an appropriation is made from the public — a fund to defray the
expenses of an institute (by fee of $1) which lasts for one week or
more each year, just before the opening of the schools. The institute
for 191.3 was held in August, in the East Side school building at Tou-
lon, under the management of George C. Baker, county superintend-
ent. Prof. H. E. Waite, of Princeton, 111., and ^Nliss :Mary L.
Robinson, of the Peoria public schools, were the conductors. .
teachers' association
According to William Xowlan. in the paper above referred to, the
Stark County Teachers' Association was first organized in 18.38. and
was reorganized in October, 18.39. by a few teachers who met foi- that
purpose at the house of Rev. R. C. Dunn a short time after the close
of the institute for that year. Then began a propaganda, which re- j
suited in a majority of the regular teachers of the county becoming
members of the association. Through this association fraternal rela-
tions have been kept up among the teachers, the meetings being less
formal than those of the county institute, each member feeling per-
fectly free to express his views or to criticize those of his fellow
teachers.
\y. R. Sandham. of Wyoming, still has in his possession the paper "
read before the association bv JNIr. X"o\\lan, in which is related a num-
IIIFTOHY OF STARK COUNTY
207
ber of amusing incidents that show the character of tlie early schools.
One of these incidents tells how a hoy of some fourteen years of age
was discovered "doing sums" in compound numbers, whereupon the
teacher, a young lady of slight experience and limited education, sent
word home that the boy need not bring his arithmetic to school any
more, because she had "never been any farther than long division and
had not been cmi)loyed to teaeli arithmetic, any how."
Another incident told by Mi: Xowlan is of a reading contest at
one of the meetings of the association. C. J. Gill, commonly called
"Jud" Gill, Avon the prize, reading the poem of the Spider and the Fly,
illustrating the actions of the insects by what he supposed were ap-
proi)riate gestures. ^Vt the close of the reading Hev. G. A. Leaver
"asked for information" if "Jud's" rendition of tlie poem was an
elocutionary or a gymnastic exercise.
From this it will be seen that the teachers were not too dignified to
enjoy a little levity now and then in their sessions. The association
organized more than half a century ago is still kept up, regular meet-
ings of two days being held in the winter or spring every year, the
teachers being paid by the county the regular Uvo days' wages for
attending the association meetings.
THE PRESS
The newspaper is unquestionably an important factor in the edu-
cational development of the nation. Through the dissemination of
general news the neoj^le are kept in touch with the woidd's progress,
and by the publication of special articles on scientific, industrial,
economic or domestic subjects every household is moi-e or less benefited.
It is therefore considered appropriate to include in this chapter some
account of the newspapers of Stark County — past and ])resent.
Dr. Franklin W. Scott, of the University of lUinois, in 1910 com-
piled a list of the newspapers of Illinois by counties, which list was
published in the Historical Collections for that year. lie states that
the first newspaper ever ]niblished in the state was the Illinois Herald,
the first numl)er of which was issued at Kaskaskia in INIay, 1814, by
]Matthew Dmican "Printer to the territory and publisher of the laws
of tile Union." The oldest number ol" tliis paper in existence is No.
30, dated Wednesday, December 13, 1814. INIr. Duncan was a Ken-
tuck ian by birth, a lirother of Governor .Joseph Dimcan and a grad-
uate of Yale College. He served in the Black Hawk war and died at
Shelliyville, 111.. January 16, 1844. He was the pioneer journalist of
Illinois.
208 , HISTORY OF STxVKK COUNTY
The first newspaper in Stark County was the Prairie Advocate,
the first number of which appeared on January 4. 18.)(), bearing tlie
names of John G. Hewitt as editor and John Smith, printer and pub-
lisher. Prior to that time 31r. Smith liad been conchicting a news-
paper at Pekin. ]Mr. Hewitt interested a number of the Toulon
citizens, raised a bonus of $300. ^\itIl which he went to Pekin and
induced Smith to remove to Stark County. The old style type used
in the production of that first number of the Prairie Advocate could
hardly find a place in a newspaper office of the present day, and the
press upon which it ^vas printed is said to liave been the third printing
press ever brought into the state. After a few months Smith sold his
interest to Hewitt, who continued the publication of the paper until
18o7, when he sold to Rev. R. C. Uunn, who changed the name to the
Stark County News.
After a few months INIr. Dunn sold the News to Whitaker & Hen-
derson, who placed Dr. S. S. Kaysbier in charge as editor. About the
close of the year 1860 the paper suspended publication, but in the fall
of 18t)l it was revived by W. H. Butler, who named it the Stark
County Union. ]Mr. Butler undertook to run a paper of strong union
sentiment, but witliout being partisan. The result was the Union was
short-lived.
In the spring of 18(J3 the Stark County News was resumed by
Dr. S. S. Kaysbier, who in January, 1864, associated with him Oliver
White. In July of that year ]Mr. White purchased his partner's in-
terest, becoming sole proprietor. A half interest was sold to Joseph
Smethurst in the fall of 1868 and the next spring ]Mr. White sold his
interest to Edwin liutler. Several minor changes in ownership and
management then followed until it passed into tlie hands of Charles
T. Henderson. In October. 1897, the News was purchased by Charles
E. Nixon, of Peoria, and James A. Nowlan, the latter becoming sole
owner and proprietor by the purchase of ]Mr. Nixon's interest in 1904.
In January, 191.5, ]Mr. Nowlan purchased the Galva Standard, and
al)()ut the first of November following bought the Galva News, con-
solidating the two papers, which after January 1, 1916, were ])ub-
lishcd under the name of the Galva News. He is still the owner of
the Stark County News, however, which paper receives his personal
attention.
While the political campaign of 1860 was in progress, some of the
democi-ats of Stark County keenly felt the need of a party organ.
Accordingly a meeting of the Douglas Club on July 6. 1860. started
the preliminary steps toward the publication of the Stark County
HISTORY OF STAKK COUNTY 209
Democrat. A stock company was ornaui/.fcl, with the uiulcrstandiiig
that il' the paper shouhl become self-supporting the remainder of the
stock sliould be paid in and used for printing and distributing Doughis
literature. The subscription price was fixed at 50 cents for the cam-
l)aign. The first number of the Democrat made its appearance on
July 1*J, 18U0, with the following editorial stafi": Martin Shallenber-
ger, chief; G. A. Clifford, W. H. Butler, Charles Myers, Benjamin
Williams, J. II. Anthony, J. H. Russell. W. D. Hicks and Thomas
Ross, assistants. This was rather an imposing array of editorial talent
for a small town like Toulon, but it must be remembered that none of
the editors drew a salary, donating their services "for the good of the
cause."
The paper was printed in Kewanee and in the issue of November
3, 18<)(), appeared the following notice: "PAY UP! AVe shall pub-
lish one more number of this paper, giving the full election returns
throughout the United States, when the Democrat will no longer be
published. We expect every man who is in arrears will pay up now."
The Democrat was 13 by 19 inches in size and contained very little
except politics, the ])rinci])al aim of the i)aper being to keep the demo-
cratic party supplied with ammunition until the election.
Seth F. Rockwell began the publication of another Stark County
Democrat on August 2, 18()7, with ^Martin Shallenberger as political
editor. It a])pearc(l regularly until Christmas day, when the publisher
announced that it wovdd be suspended until after the holidays. The
next number was issued on January 8, 1808. ]Mr. Rockwell retired
in August of that year and the paper came under the editorial manage-
ment of ]\Ir. Shallenberger and Benjamin W. Seaton, who in Novem-
ber changed the name to the Prairie Chief. The paper was owned by
a company composed of Benjamin Turner, Patrick Nowlan, James
Nowlan, Martin Shallenberger and Branson Lowman, who bought
from John Smith tlie ])ress that had been used in the publication of
the first Stark County News in 18.>r). In 1800 Mr. Seaton ])urchased
the outfit and continued the publication of the Chief until the s])ring
of 187*2, when he sold to Dr. Henry JNI. Hall. He changed the name
to the New Era and published until January, 1870, when he removed
to Red Oak, Iowa, and Stark County was without a democratic paper.
The Stark County Sentinel, another Toulon ncws])a])er that ac-
quired some ])r()minence, was first issued on October 8, 1880, by ^V. F.
Nixon and Thomas H. Blair. On the last day of April, 1881, J. Knox
Hall succeeded INIr. Blair, and in INIay, 1882, JNIr. Hall became sole
owner. On January 1, 1884, Gus Hulsi/.er pin-chased an interest, but
210 HlSTOllV OF STiMlK COUNTY
the partnership betweezi Hall and Ilulsizer was dissolved on February
13, 188.5, the former retiring from the paper. Under the manage-
ment of ^Ir. Hnlsizer the Sentinel became a strong advocate of pro-
hibition, wJiich policy was followed until circumstances forced it to
susjiend.
Wyoming's fii-st newspaper was started in 1872, when E. H.
Phelps, at the earnest solicitation of some of the citizens of the town,
began the publication of the Post-Chronicle. The name was adopted
by reason of the fact that the Bradford Chronicle, which had been
started a few months before, had already acquired some circulation in
the eastern townships and it was consolidated with the Wyoming Post,
the name selected by jMr. Phelps for his paper. The first number
of the Post-Chronicle was issued on August 9. 1872. A few months
later the latter part of the name was dropped and the paper continued
under the name of the Wyoming Post.
In 1876 Phelps sold out to J. D. Gilchrist, who conducted the
paper until some time in 1879, when it was purchased by Craddock &
Vosbui-g. In 188.5 this firm was succeeded by W. R. Sandham. Con-
nected with this paper was one of those newspaper controversies that
frequently occur over the question of "good will" and the exclusive
right to a certain territory. It is said that when INIr. Pheljis sold out
to Ciilchrist he agreed not to publish a paper in Stark County for five
years. On July 2. 1880, he issued the first number of the Toulon
Herald, but early in 1881 removed the office of publication to Wyo-
ming. "Sir. Sandham went into court and asked for an injimction
against the publication of the Herald, but finally solved the problem
by purchasing that paper and consolidating it with his own under the
name of the Wyoming Post-Herald.
^V. E. Xixon and J. M. Newton purchased the Post-Herald in
1889 and conducted it until August, 189.5, when Mr. Nixoii ])ecame
sole o^^•ner. In 1902 Mr. Nixon was elected county clerk and on
January 1, 1904, he sold a half interest to Harrison Thomas. A little
later ^Villiam G. and Gladstone JNIoore purchased the entire outfit
and continued the publication of the paper under the firm name of
]\Ioore & Son. In November, 1914, the Post-Herald was bought by
Scott Brothers, the present proprietors.
The Bradford Chronicle above mentioned was founded by B. F.
Thompson, editor, E. H. Edwards, publisher, in the fall of 1871. It
was ])rinted at Princeton until it was consolidated with the Wyoming
Post in August, 1872. The Bradford Times was first issued on
Christmas day in 1880, with F. N. Prout as editor. It -was not ])rinted
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 211
in the village. The first ncws])a])c'r to he ])i'iiite(l in Ri-adl'ord was the
Rradford Independent, the first nuniher of which was issued on June
4, 188.5, by C. F. Hamilton and J. C. Blaisdell. On June 1, 1880,
]Mr. Rhiisdell retired, leaviiif^- Mi-. Hamilton sole owner. Suhse-
<|uently Mr. Blaisdell established the Rradford Re])ubliean, whieh be
sold to R. L. Hreen, the present editor and ])nblisber, in the sjjring
of 11107.
EXTINCT XKWSl'.VPERS
Several of the newspa])ers above enumerated passed out of exist-
enee after a short time, and there wei'e some other ventures in journal-
ism that failed "for want of adequate support." One of the earliest
of these evanescent publications was the Ku Klux Rulletin, which first
made its appearance on oNIay 7, 1869, with the motto "'Chide mildly
the erring." The editorial staff was announced as "White Alligator,"
"Rattling Skeleton" and "(irand Cyclops," supposed to have been
Chailes \V. Wright, Albinus Nance (afterward governor of Ne-
braska) and Thomas Sballenberger. The Bulletin was pui)lished at
Toulon and in the salutatory its principles were set forth as follows:
"Our Rulletin is not a religious paper. Others may prate of the
orthodox, the martj^rs and the clergy; of the peace and happiness of
religion, and spiritual comfort; but we ])refer to deal with the human
creatures al)out us. We do not confine ourselves to any sect or creed;
we are on the side of reform, and our field of labor is as broad as the
universe. Toulon needs reorganizing and we attempt to reorganize
her. Let us hope that we may meet with better success than iVrtemus
Ward, when he attempted to reorganize Betsy Jane."
But the (Jrand Cyelo])s and his editorial associates found the woi-k
of reorganization a difficult task and after publishing the Bulletin for
a short time let it die a natural death.
In 1876 Oliver White conmienced the iniblication of the tri-weeklv
newspa])er to which he gave the name of INIolly Stark. INIr. White's
notion of a newspa])er was to avoid "boiler plate," or "patent insides,"
and pul)lish ])aragrai)hs of local interest or articles giving the pith of
the latest news. The INIolly Stark was unflinchingly republican in its
political views and its mission seemed to be the election of James Q.
Blaine to the Presidency. Bill Nye, the humorist, used to tell of a
l)rintcr who went bankru])t trying to run a nonpareil news])a])er in a
long primei- town. INIr. White had a similar experience with a hi-
weckly pa])er in Toulon. Although be did not become bankrupt, be
found the INfolly Stark an un])rofitable enter])rise and discontinued
its ])ublication.
212 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
The Stark County Rce was started at Wyoming', contempora-
neously witli the ]Molly Stark, hy JNl. M. JNIonteith. It was published
as an independent paper, though it was noticed that its leanings were
strongly toward the republican party. Such a policy alienated the
democrats, while the republicans wanted a paper more pronounced in
principle, hence, as one old resident of ^Vyoming expresses it. "the
Bee soon ceased to buzz."
Another tri-weekly i^aper was the Call, published by Nixon
Brothers at Toulon. The first number bore the date of March 2U,
]88."}. and after a few issues was jjublished semi-weekly. The last
number of the Call was issued on August 16, 1883.
In October, 1883, S. A. Miller began the publication of the Lafay-
ette Annex. The name was changed to the Lafayette Sentinel in
.June, 1884, but Mr. INliller learned that a change of name did not
eidarge the field for his pajjcr and a little later the Sentinel succinnbed
to the inevitable.
PUBLIC LI15KARIES
Col. Robert G. Ingersoll once said: "A house with a library in it
has a soul." The same thing might be approjiriately said of a town
or city. The jjublic library has been one of the most potent agencies
in recent years in furnishing many people with the means of acquiring
information upon a multitude of subjects — information they might
never liave gained through other channels. The peoijle of Stark
County apparently recognize the importance of the pul)lic library as
an educational factor, as there are four libraries maintained at public
expense, viz: Toulon, Wyoming, Bradford and Lafayette.
The first mention of a library in the official records of the county
was on July 16, 18.51, when the County Court ordered that George A.
Cliflf'ord be permitted t(j use the room in the courthouse "at present
occupied by the Toulon Social Library, provided that an arrange-
ment can be effected with those interested in said library, if not the
said Clifford shall be permitted to use either of the jury rooms during
the vacation of the Circuit Court, upon payment of .$1 per mouthy"
The Toulon Social l^ibrary was not a public library, but was a
small society, the members of which contributed a certain sum annually
for books to be circulated among themselves, or rented to others for a
small weekly fee.
Wyoming was the pioneer in the movement to establish a public
library. xVbout the year 1890, while yet a village, some of the ])co|)le
inaugurated a movement for the establishment of a public library, by
IllSTOKV OF STARK CUL'M'V 213
inducing tlie village trustees ti) eall an election to vote on the projjosi-
tion to establish such an institution. A uiajority oi' the votes were
opposed to the measure and the subject was drop])e(l.
In the early part of 1907 the Tuesday Club, at several ol' its
meetings discussed the subject of a public library, the discussions
finally culminating in the ap])ointment of Albert W. King and Hev.
\\ illiam 31oore a committee to present the matter to the city council.
They personally appeared before tiie council, but the time was ajjpar-
ently inopportune. The eouncilmen listened attentively to the com-
mittee, but declined to act. The Tuesday Club, however, continued
the agitation and on October 29, 1907, ^Irs. Harry A. llammonil,
Mrs. William liolgate and INIrs. William H. Hewitt were appointed
a committee to investigate the practicability and suggest a plan for
the establishment of a [)ublic reading room, as a sort of forerunner of
a ])ublie library.
The counnittee held several meetings, but nothing was accom-
plished mitil December, 1908, when a reading room was opened in
the basement of the Scott, Walters & llakestraw bank building. The
reading room was supported by su])scri])tions and it was ho])ed interest
enough would be aroused to lead to the establishment of a public
library. But after a few months the reading room was discontinued,
chiefly for lack of suitable quarters. The library question, like Ban-
(juo's ghost, would not down, and during the next three years it was
re])eatedly discussed at the meetings of the Tuesday Club and in the
columns of the Post-IIerald. In 191 2 the Women's Christian Tem-
j)erance Union, the Ladies' League of the Catholic Church, the Merry
Makers' Club and the Birthday Club all became interested in the
subject and with the Tuesday Club joined in the formation of the
Wyoming \Voman's Library Association, with JNlrs. Lliza Steer as
})resident and INL's. Nellie K. Reeder, secretary and treasurer.
Woi'k now began in earnest and the campaign resulted in the pass-
age of an ordinance by the city council on July 7. 191.'$, "to establish a
free ])ublic library in accordance with the library law of the State of
Illinois." A little later the following library l)oard was appointed:
William R. Sandham. president; INIrs. Eliza Steer, vice president;
Mrs. Xellie K. Reeder, secretary; Frank Jacobs, ^Villiam J. Forster,
Odillon B. Slane, iVbnei- C. Cooper. ^Irs. Cecelia B. Colwell and Mvs.
Augustine Ryan. This board on August 18, 1913, ap])lied to the
Carnegie Corporation of New York for assistance in erecting a suit-
able l)uilding for a ])ublic library and on November 9. 1913, came a
rejjly that the sum of '$.).G0() would ])e donated for a building in Wyo-
f
214 HISTOKV OF ST AUK COCXTV
niing, provided the city would furnish a suitable site. Then com-
menced the camjiaign to procure a site, which culminated on February
2-4, 11)14, by the city voting to issue bonds to the amount of $1,.500 for
the purchase of a lot. The site selected was owned by a number of
heirs and it was not until July 10. 1914, that the deeds were all signed i
and the city came into possession.
The plans submitted by Keeves & Bailie, architects of Peoria, were
approved by the Carnegie Corporation and on July 18, 1914, the con- |
tract for the building was awarded to F. L. Boher, of Abingdon, 111. j
The heating plant and the plumbing were installed by Brown & Up-
perman. of \Vyoming. The building is of hollow tile, veneered with
a liard mat brick, roof of l)lack Bangor slate, and consists of the main
Hoor and basement. It is 27 by 63 feet in size, the library occupying j
the main floor, while the basement contains an assembly room, store j
room, space for the heating plant, toilet rooms, etc. It was opened to
the public on April 1, 191.5. The total cost of the building, including
the heating plant and plumbing, was $0,075, and up to April 1, 191.5,
the Woman's Library Association had raised $1,140 for the benelit of
the institution.
The library board on October 1, 191.5, was composed of A. C.
Cooper, president; Mrs. Nellie K. Heeder, secretary, C. A. Smith, ■
A. W. King, J. W. Walters, INIiss INIary Colgan, ^Irs. Hepsey Ear- I
hart and INIrs. Bessie M. Strattan. The flrst librarian, Mrs. Augustine f
Byan, resigned on August 1, 191.5, and INIiss Mary W. Townsend 1
was appointed. The library now contains about twelve hundred vol- 1
umes. It is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday afternoons and
evenings. The amovmt of tax levied for its support in 1914 was
$.534.0(5 and for 1915 it was $700.
The Toulon Public Library dates its beginning from January 29,
1891, when James H. ^Miller and B. F. Thompson filed a petition with
the village clerk, George S. Walker, asking the town board to levy a
tax in accordance with the state law for the support of a public library.
That petition was signed by sixty legal voters and at the town election,
April 21, 1891, the proposition to levy the library tax was carried by a
good majority.
Nothing further was done toward the actual establishment of the
library until April 19, 1892, when a board of six directors was elected,
to-wit: B. F. Thompson and Gus Flulsizer, for three years; W. W.
Wright and U. J. Overman, for two years; INIartin Shallenberger
and Theodore Bacmeister, for one year. In July, 1892, the first year's
tax was paid in and found to net $314.21. The directors considered
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY ^1^
this amount too small to do umch toward establishing a library and
again there was a delay of several months.
At a meeting held in the otKce of Ur. Theodore Bacmeistci- on
Febriiarj' 2, 1893, ]Mr. Thompson was elected president of the l)oar(i
of directors, and Doctor Eacmcister was chosen secretary, ^lessrs.
Hulsizer, J^acmeister and Shalleiiberger were appointed a committee
to draft rnles and regulations for the government of the library.
Another meeting was held on JNlarch 2, 1893, when JNlessrs. Bac-
nieister, Hulsizer and Overman were appointed a committee to look
for a location and report at the next meeting. The committee re-
ported that suitable rooms could be secured in \Villiam Caverly's new
block at a rental of $4 per month, and Mr. Hulsizer offered to donate
his services as librarian anil to keep the library open three evenings
each week.
So far everything had worked well, but it was impossible to open
a library without books. At a meeting on March 30, 1893, Mr. Cav-
erly's offer was accepted, a list of books was decided on, and on iVpi-il
7, 1893, ]Mr. Overman went to Chicago to purchase the books selected.
They arrived a few days later and the Toidon Public Library was
opened on the evening of the 18th, at which time Mr. Overman re-
ported that the amount expended for books was $34.-1.38; his personal
expenses, $11. 7-), and freight on the books. $3.0.5, making a total of
$3.59.T8.
The library remained in the Caverly Building until April 11, 1898,
when it was voted to remove to B. F. Thompson's new brick block on
the west side of the public square. \Vhen the library went into its new
quarters ^Nliss Pauline Xowlan succeeded jNIr. Hulsizer as librarian.
She was in turn succeeded by jNlartha K. Cree, under whose adminis-
tration the library was removed to the second Hoor of Dr. E. B.
Packer's building on West ^lain Street. In April, 1911, JNIiss Har-
riet J. Byatt, the present lil)rarian, succeeded INIiss Cree.
Early in the summer of 1914 the library board wrote to the Car-
negie Corporation, of New York City, explaining the needs of the
Toulon library, and asking for a donation for the purpose of erecting
a suitable building for the library's home. In August the board re-
ceived the pleasing information that the corporation would give $(),000
and preparations were immediately commenced for the erection of
the building. The first thing necessary was to obtain a site. After
some "pulling and hauling" Percy Shallenberger offered to donate
the lot at the southwest corner of Jefferson and Henderson streets
and give $.500 to defray the expenses of grading and lieautifying the
216 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
grounds. The offer was accepted and the contract for the erection of
the hiiihhno- was let to F. L. Boher, the same man who erected the
hbrary building at ^Vyoming.
The $6,000 given bj^ the Carnegie Corporation was all used in
paying for the building and the furniture and fixtures, which cost $900
more, were paid for out of a fund raised by popular subscription. The
building was opened to the public on September 7, 1913. At that
time there were about two thousand volumes in the library, which is
kept open on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday afternoons and even-
in os. The amount of tax collected in 1914 for the support of the
library was $.563.12.
In October. 191.5, the library board was composed of F. J. Rhodes,
Elmer H. Buffum, Dr. Clyde Berfield, George S. ^Valker, Waiter
F. Young, Fred JNIiller, ]Mrs. L. T. Jackson, JNIrs. Florence Kinney
and ^Nliss Ellen Silliman. Mr. Rhodes was president of the hoard and
jNIiss Silliman, secretary.
The Ira C. Reed Public Library, of Lafayette, had its origin in a
collection of books that Mrs. Ira C. Reed placed upon the shelves of
the two-story brick building erected for her own residence in 1897.
For about nine years those books were loaned through the library
association which was formed for that purpose. At the death of ^Slrs.
Reed the books and building passed by bequest to the Village of
Lafayette, but at the request of the trustees continued under the con-
trol of the original association for about two years longer.
In the spring of 1909, T. U. Church circulated a petition asking
the village government to levy a tax for the library's support, in
accorilance with the state law. A 2-mill tax was accordingly levied
and the Ira C. Reed Public Library became really a public institution.
The next move was to hold a special election to select the members of
a board to control the affairs of the library.
Prior to 1907 the library was kept open somewhat irregularly, as
tlieie was no regular librarian mucb of the time to look after its man-
agement. Miss Lydia Hamilton and other pulilic spirited young
people took turns in acting as librarian, but in 1907 ^liss Olive Hayes
was employed to attend to the needs of the library and lend books two
afternoons and evenings in each week.
In 1911 the board of trustees organized the library according to
law. by introducing the proper records, etc., and JNIiss INIay C. Smith
succeeded ]Miss Hayes as librarian. The reading room, which has
proven to be a popular adjunct to the library, was opened in 1912. and
in 191-1 a "rental shelf" was added at the recpiest of some of the
mSTOKV OF STARK COUNTY 217
patrons. Upon this shelf will he found some of the latest works of
fietion, for wiiieh a small I'ee is eharged.
The lihrary hoard in Oetoher, 1915, was composed of ^liss JNIay
C. Smith, who is president, INliss Julia Snyder, INIrs. Agnes Hoadley,
C. G. Reed, A. L. Dickerson and Rev. T. O. Lee. Mrs. Hoadley is
clerk of the hoard. Regular meetings are held monthly.
The amount of tax collected in 1914 for the support of the lihrary
w-as $110.77. Tlieie is also the interest on a small endowment of $700
and some additional income from the Reed estate. On June 1, 1915,
the lihrary numhered 1,08() volumes, quite a numher of which were
given hy puhlic spirited citizens. The lihrary also has a large collec-
tion of fossils, minerals, etc., the gift of Jesse Atherton.
In the early part of the year 1902, twelve young ladies of ]?rad-
ford, all memhers of the same cluh, conceived the idea of a puhlic
library. After formulating a plan they succeeded in interesting sev-
eral of the leading citizens, with the result that the following lihrary
board was elected: Cyrus Bocock, president; INIrs. H. R. JNIayhew,
secretary; Mrs. Streeter, Mrs. Doctor Boardman, D. .T. (^wens and
Doctor Minnick.
Xext came the ])rohlem of finances. The young ladies who first
proposed a lihrary went to work with a will to make articles of all
kinds to be sold at a bazaar, and by this means they raised $12.5. Eight
hundred dollars more were added to the fund through subscri])tions on
the part of the townspeople, and with this fund the first books were
purchased. Quite a number of books were donated by generously
inclined people, and the Bradford Public Library began to show evi-
dences that it had "come to stay." The library was first o]:)ened on
Saturday, i\ugust Ki, ]9()2. with ^Irs. Streeter as librarian, in the hall
formeily occupied by the Odd Fellows' lodge.
For about three years the Bradford Library Association continued
in charge, the yoimg ladies who first projected the enterprise giving
bazaars for the sale of bric-brac and articles of cookery, producing
"home talent" plays, etc., the proceeds going to the library fund. In
June, 1905, the people of the village voted to levy a tax for the sup-
port of the libi-ary, and it became the property of the village. The
amount of the library tax collected in 1914 was $337. '30. The mem-
bers of the board in October, 1915, were: J. IT. Scliolcs, president;
jNIrs. G. A. ^larsh, secretary; J. A. IMcGifford, Mrs. Klizabeth Ren-
nick, INIrs. John Trimmer and jNIrs. Bert Deyo. JNIrs. Mary L. (ierard
was tlien librarian. The Bradford library is ke])t open on Tuesday,
Thursday and Saturday evenings and Saturday afternoon of each
218 HISTOKV OF STARK COUNTY
week. About one thousand volumes are on tlie slielves and a number
of periodicals are to be found on the tal)les in the reading room. The
\Voman's League, composed of fifty of the representative women of
the town, have recently started a movement for tiie erection of a
library building.
The Elmira I^ibrary Association was organized at the village
schoolhouse on January 18, 18.5(), with Adam Oliver as president and
William Moffitt, secretary. Each member of the association paid cer-
tain dues each year and was entitled to draw books from the library.
This library has never been made a public librai'y. but is for the ex-
clusive use of the members of the association.
In every school district of the county there are a number of books
for the use of the pupils. The volumes are generally of a historical
or scientific character, books of travel, etc., calculated to be of assist-
ance to the scholars in their school work. The number of volumes in
these school libraries at the close of the school year in 1915 was 8.026.
CHAPTER XIII
THE BEXCIT AND RAK
I'UKl'OSE OF THE C'OUISTS — THE LAAVYER AS A CITIZEN EARLY COUR'l'S
or STARK C'OUXTY^ — I'IRST JURORS SKETCHES OK EARLY .TIMXJKS- -
LIST OF CIUCUIT JUDGES SINCE 1839— CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS
CONCERNING COURTS PROBATE COURT COUNTY COURT AND JUDGES
— state's ATTORNEYS UNITED STATES COURTS THE BAR CONDI-
■I'lONS OF EARIA- DAYS — SKETCHES OF OLD-TIME LAWYERS — THE BAR
OF 1915 CRIMINAL CASES A STRAY INCIDENT.
Ill the very dawn of civilization the legishitor and the lawyer made
their appearance and imieh of the history of every civilized country or
coniiiiunity centers about the law s and the manner in which they are
enforced. "To establish justice" was written into the Federal C'cn-
stitution by the founders of the American Republic as one of the
j)rimary and jKiramount purposes of government. The founders of
that republic also showed their wisdom in separatino- the functions of
the g()vernment into three departments — the legislative, the executive
and the judicial — the first to enact, the second to execute, and the
third to interpret the nation's laws. States have copied this system,
so that in every state there are a Legislature to i)ass laws, a sui)reme
and subordinate courts to interpret them and a governor as the chief
executive otficer to see that they are fairly and impartially enforced.
The law is a jealous profession. It demands of the judge on the
bench and the attorney at the bar alike a careful, conscientious effort
to secure the administration of justice — "speedy and substantial, effi-
cient, equitable and economical." Within recent years there have
been some rather caustic criticisms of the courts for their delays, and
a great deal has been said in the columns of the public press about the
need of "judicial rel'orm." Concerning the tendency to criticize the
courts, one of the justices of the Ohio Supreme Court recently said:
"A reasonable amount of criticism is good for a public otficer —
even a judge. It keeps reminding him that, after all. he is only a
public servant; that he must give an account of his stewardshi]), as to
219
o
220 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
his efficiency, the same as any other servant ; that the same tests applied
to private servants in private husiness should he applied to public
servants in public business, whether executives, legislators or judges —
at least that is the public view. \V()uld it not be more wholesome if
more public officers, especially judges, took the same view?"
Perhaps some of the criticisms have been made for good cause, but
unfortunately many have condemned the entire judiciary system be-
cause some judge has failed to measiu-e up to the proper standard, and
the entire legal profession has been denounced as one of trickery be-
cause some lawyer has adopted the tactics of the pettifogger. It
sh.ould not be forgotten, in exercising the right of free press or free
speech, that some of the greatest men in our national history were
lawyers. John Marshall, one of the early chief justices of the United
States Supreme Court, was a man whose memory is revered by the
American people and his legal oj^inions are still quoted with confidence
and respect by his profession. Thomas Jefferson, Robert R. Living-
ston and James JNIonroe, who negotiated the Louisiana Purchase and
gave to their country an empire in extent, were all laAvyers. Daniel
Webster, Heiuy Clay, Salmon P. Chase, Stephen A. Douglas,
Thomas M. Cooley and a host of other eminent Americans wrote
th.eir names permanently upon history's pages through their knowl-
edge and interpretation of the laws, and all were men whose jjatriotism
and love of justice were unquestioned. And last, but not least, was
Abraham Lincoln, self-educated and self-reliant, whose consummate
tact and statesmanship saved the Union from disruption.
THE CIRCUIT COURT
The first session of the Stark County Circuit Court was held at the
house of William H. Henderson, about one mile south of the jjresent
county seat, lieginning on October 11. 18.39. Judge Thomas Ford pre-
sided, Augustus A. Dunn was sheriff, John W. Henderson, who was
not quite twenty-one years of age, was appointed clerk for the occa-
sion, and Xorman J. Purple appeared as state's attorney. In anticipa-
tion of the session, the county commissioners, on June .j, 1839. had
selected the following citizens to serve as grand jurors: ^l. G. Brace,
Asa Currier, Henry Seely, Joseph Avery, INIoses Boardman, Henry
Breese, Samuel Love, Samuel Seely, Nero Mounts, IIo\\ar(l Ogle,
John Finley, William Porter, Sumner Shaw, Nehemiah Wycoff,
Luther Driscoll, Conrad Emery, John Hester. David Simmerman.
Nathaniel Swarts, Israel Dawson, Adam Day, Adam Perry and
AN'illiam jNIahanev.
IIISTORV OF STARK COUNTY 221
Tlie petit jurors, selected at the same time, were: Uol)ert Sliarer,
Xielioias Sturm, Isaac Spencer, James Euswell, Horace \'ail, Xehe-
miah Merritt, Christopher Sammis, Thomas Timmouds, Washington
Trickle, Thomas S. Clark, George Eckley, Jacob Smitli. Washington
Colwell, Samuel Harris, Calvin Powell, Sr., P^lijah Elt/roth. Daniel
Hodgson. Heiu-v MeCknahan. Milton Hichards, Jeremiah Bennett,
3Jinott Silliman. William Rowen, David Cooper and Josiah Motlit.
From each of these lists were to be selected "twelve good men and
true," to perform the duties of jui-ors as re(|uiied l)y law. Some of
those summoned as grand jurors i'ailed to appear and the court or-
dered the sheriff to summon two others from the l)ystanders. James
:McClenahan and ^^'illiam \V. Drmumond were chosen, Luther Dris-
coU was appointed foreman, and the grand jury retired to a corn crib
to hear and determine such business as might come before it. Gen.
Thomas J. Henderson, in an address before the Old Settlers' Asso-
ciation some years afterward, said:
'T can hardly remember where these juries met, but think one of
them at least occupied a log crib or stable belonging to my father:
however, I do well recall that the first lessons in jin-ispiudence which
I received were taken in a board loft, looking down thn)ugh the cracks,
u])on that most dignified tribunal, the first Circuit Court of Stark
County."
.fudae Thomas Ford, who i)resided at that term of court, was
born in the State of Pennsylvania in the year 1800. When but four
years old he was taken by his widowed mother to Missouri, where the
family lived but a short time, when they removed to Illinois. He was
given a good education, studied law, and before being elevated to the
bench served as state's attorney. Mrs. Shallenberger describes hi)n
as "a man thoroughly resi)ected by all classes of the community, both
for the evenhanded justice he dispensed from the bench and the staiji-
less integrity that ever characterized him as a politician." Under the
constitution of 1818. the Legislature appointed the judges of the cir-
cuit courts, conseciuently Judge Foi-d held his office by legislative
a])pointment. After serving on the bench until August, 1842, he re-
signed to l)ecome a candidate for governor of Illinois, having been
nominated for that high office l)y the democratic party. He was
elected governor in the fall of that year and at the conclusion of his
term devoted some time to writing a history of the state, which was
published in 184.7. His death occiu-red in 18.50.
On August 20. 1842, immediately after the resignation of Judge
Ford. John Dean Caton was a])pointed judge of the old Ninth Judicial
222 HlSTOliY OF STARK COUXTV
Circuit, ol' which Stark County formed a part. The circuit, at the
time of Ju(l<j;c Caton's a])])oiiitmciit, was composed of the counties of
Peoria, Marshall, Putnam, La Salle, Kendall, De Kalh, Kane, O^le,
Bureau and Stai'k, a territory of over five thousand square miles.
Judge Caton was a man of fair legal attainments, though it has been
said that "his strict adherence to the dogmas of the democratic jjarty
sometimes blinded his sense of justice. One of the duties of the circuit
jutlge of that ^Jcriod was the ajjpointment of a clerk ui' the Circuit
Court. In Stark Count}' there arose a spirited contest between John
W. Henderson and Oliver Whitaker for the office. The latter, being
a democrat, received the appointment, which caused Judge Caton to
be criticized by some of Henderson's friends, though after the clerk's
office was made elective, JMr. Whitaker was chosen by the people and
held the jjosition for several years.
Following Judge Caton came Judge Koerner, who remained on
the bench until the adoption of the constitution of 1848, by which the
cii-cuit judges were made elective by the people. Under the new con-
stitution Stark County was placed in the Xinth Judicial Circuit, of
^\hich T. L. Dickey, of Peoria, was elected judge. He was a lawyer
of more than ordinary ability, a good judge, and many regretted the
change which placed Stark Comity in the Tenth Circuit, throwing
Judge Dickey into another district.
H. M. Wead was elected the first judge of the Tenth Circuit, but
for some reason failed to (|ualify and William Kellogg was appointed
to the vacancy. Judge Kellogg was one of the leading lawyers of this
section of the state prior to his elevation to the bench. In 18.50 he was
elected for a second term and served until another change in the judicial
districts placed Stark County in the Sixteenth Circuit in 1853. After
retiring from the bench Judge Kellogg was elected to Congress. He
then resumed the practice of law in Peoria, where he died some years
later.
Onslow Peters was elected judge of the Sixteenth Circuit in
March, 18.53. He was a native of INIassachusetts, studied law in his
native state, came to Peoria, Avhere he built up a lucrative practice
and won the reputation of being an able and successful attorney. He
was a lawyer of the old school, scholarly, courteous and dignified, and
well liked by everybody with whom he came in contact. His death
occurred at Washington, D. C, in February. 1850.
In April, 18.5(5, following the death of Judge Peters, Jacob Gale
was elected judge of the Sixteenth Circuit, but, like Judge Wead, he
declined to serve. Elihu N. Powell was ajipointed and at the expira-
HISTOKV OF STARK COL'NTV 223
tion of the tei'iu lie was elected to the office and eontiimed on the l)eiich
until 18(J1. Before becoming jud<>e he was engaged in the practice
of law at Peoria, and upon retiring from the office resumed his prac-
tice in that city. He died there on July 1.3, 1871.
Amos L. JMerriman was elected circuit judge in 1861, defeating
Judge Powell. Prior to that time he had been associated with his
brother, H. O. Merriman, in the practice of law at Peoria and the
firm of jMerriman & IMerriman had an enviable reputation throughout
a large jjortion of the Illinois Valley. He resigned in 18(53, a short
time before the expiration of the term for which he was elected, and
removed to Washington, D. C.
In Xovember, 1863, JMarion \\'^illiamson was elected circuit judge,
his opponent having been iNIartin Shallenberger, of Stark County.
Judge ^Villiamson was a native of Adams County, Ohio, but came
to Peoria soon after his admission to the bar and rose rapidly in his
profession. He continued on the bench until 1867 and his decisions
were noted for their simplicity of language and clear statements of
the law. His death occurred at Peoria in 1868.
Sabin D. Puterliaugh was elected in 1867 to succeed Judge Wil-
liamson and continued on the bench until the adoption of the new
State Constitution of 1870. He was the author of a w-ork on "Plead-
ing and Practice," \\ hich has been widely used in the courts of Illinois
and is recognized as an authority on those branches of law.
Article VI, section 13, of the Constitution of 1870, provides that
"The state, exclusive of Cook County and other counties bavin"- a
population of 100,000, shall be divided into judicial circuits, prior to
the expiration of the terms of office of the present judges of the
circuit courts. Such circuits shall be formed of contiguous counties,
in as nearly compact form and as nearly equal as circumstances will
permit, having due regard to business, territory and population, atid
shall not exceed in number one circuit for every 100.000 population
in the state."
It was also provided in the constitution that the first election of
judges under the new regime should occur on "'the first JNIonday in
June, 1873, and each six years thereafter."
Pm-suant to these constitutional provisions, the General Assembly
passed an act. a]>proved March '28, 1873, dividing the state into
judicial districts, the counties of Peoria and Stark constituting the
Ninth Circuit. At the election on the first Monday in June, 1873,
Sal)in D. Puterbaugh, John Eurns and Joseph W. Cochran were
elected judges, each district being entitled to three. Judge Pviter-
224 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
baugh resigned soon after his election and was succeeded by Henry B.
Hopkins, of Peoria.
Uavid jNlcCiilloch succeeded Juilge Cochran in aVugust, 1877, and
in 1870 the judges elected were John Burns, David ^McCulloch and
JNIilton ^1. Laws. In the meantime a change had been made in the
circuit, the counties of Putnam, jNlaishall, ^Voodford, Tazewell,
Peoria and Stark constituting the Eighth Judicial Circuit under the
provisions of the act of June 2, 1877.
In 1885 there was a complete change in the judges of the Eighth
Circuit, Thomas M. Shaw, Nathan W. Green and Samuel S. Page
being elected. Judge Page retired and on April 5, 1890, L. W.
James was appointed to fill out the unexpired term. The judges
elected in 1891 were: Nathan W. Green, Thomas ]M. Shaw and
Nicholas E. Worthington.
Another change in the judicial districts was made by the act of
April 23. 1897, whicli placed the counties of Peoria. ^Nlarslial!. Put-
nam, Stark and Tazewell in the Tenth Circuit, Woodford County
being added to the Eleventh. Under the new law the following judges
were elected for the Tenth Circuit on the first INIonday in June, 1897:
Tliomas JNI. Shaw, of Lacon; Leslie D. Puterbaugh and Nicholas E.
AVorthington, of Peoria. Judge Shaw dieil before the expiration of
liis term ami on September 3, 1901, Theodore N. Green, of Peoria,
was elected at a special election to the vacancy. All three of these
judges — Puterbaugh, Green and Worthington — were reelected in
1903 and again in 1909.
Judge Puterbaugh resigned in October, 1913, to become a candi-
date for judge of the Supreme Court of Illinois, and John INI. Niehaus
was elected for the remainder of the term. In June, 1915, the present
judges of the Circuit Court — John INI. Niehaus, Theodore N. Green
and Clyde E. Stone — were elected.
Such in brief has been the history and personnel of the Circuit
Court since the organization of Stark County in 1839. And though
none of the men who luive presided over the Stark Circuit Court has
been a judge of "national re])utation," most of them liave been ca])-
able, conscientious judges, discharging their official duties with due
regard to the dignity of their office, the riglits of litigants and the
general Melfare of the community.
PROBATE COURT
The Constitution of 1818, under which Illinois was admitted to
stateliood, provided for an official known as the probate justice in each
HISTORV OF STAKK COUNTY 225
county. John Millev was elected ])rol)ate justice of Stark County on
August .5, 18yi>, the tirst man to hold tliat olHeial position in the county.
He was succeeded in IHi'ii by Jonathan Hodgson, wiio served until
184.T, when he in turn was succeeded by S. ^\^ J^astnian. 'I'he last
probate justice in the county was Harvey J. Kliodes, who was elected
in April. 184.9, to fill out the unexpired term of Mr. Eastman. He
served but a short time, when the otfiee was abolished by law. The
probate justice was not requiied to have a profound knowledge of
rhe law, his business, as the name indicates, being mereh^ to act in
matters of a probate nature, such as the settlement of estates, etc.
COUNTY COURT
Article VI, section 18, of the Constitution of 1870, provides that
"There shall be elected in and for each countj% one county judge and
one clerk of the county court, whose terms of office shall be four
years. * * * County courts shall be coiu'ts of record, and
shall have original jurisdiction in all matters of probate, settlement
of estates of deceased ])ersons. appointment of guardians and conserv-
ators, and settlement of their accounts, in all matters pei'taining to
apprentices, and in proceedings for the collection of taxes and assess-
ments, and such other jurisdiction as may he provided for by general
law."
Prior to the ado})tion of that constitution, however, the office of
county judge had been created by the Constitution of 18-18, the county
court thus established taking the place of the l)oar(l of county com-
missioners until the adoi)tion of township organization. The county
judges of Stark County, with the year in which each Avas elected, have
been as follows: James Holgate, 184-1); David JNlcCance, 18G1 ; Hugh
Rhodes, 18().j; W. W. Wright, 1873; ^liles A. Fuller, 1886; W. W.
Wright, 1890; Bradford F. Thompson, 1902 (reelected and died in
office, Frank Thomas being elected to the vacancy in December,
1912) ; Frank Thomas, 1914.
STATERS ATTOENEY
Before the adoption of the Constitution of 1848 the state's attor-
ney "rode the circuit," practicing in all the counties of the judicial
district. The first man to serve in that capacity in Stark County was
Xornian H. Purple, Avho was in attendance upon the court at the first
session, which was held at the house of Colonel Henderson in October,
226 HlSTOllV OF STAHK COUNTY
1839. JNIr. Purple was distinguished for his legal ability and served
as judge of Fulton County from 184.5 to 1849. After that he declined
all public honors and devoted his time to his profession. Benjanun F.
Fridley, of Ottawa, was the last state's attorney previous to the adop-
tion of a new constitution in 1848. Since that time Stark County has
always had a state's attorney of her own, to-wit: Burton C. Cook,
1848; Aaron Tyler, Jr., 18.50; E. G. Johnson, 18.5-2; Alexander
iAlcCoy, 1856; Charles P. Taggart, 1864; James H. JNIiller, 1872;
Bradford F. Thompson, 1876; John E. Decker, 1884; B. F. Thomp-
son. 1888; J. li. Rennick, 1892; John W. Fling, Jr., 1912.
UNITED .STATES COUKTS
The State of Illinois is divided into three Federal Court districts —
the Northern, Southern and Eastern. The Southern District is sub-
divided into two divisions. The northern division is composed of the
counties of Bureau, Fulton, Henderson, Henry, Knox, Livingston,
]\IcDonough, INIarshall, JNIercer, Putnam, Peoria, Rock Island, Stark,
Tazewell, Warren and Woodford. Two terms of the United States
District Covu't are held in this division annually, beginning on tlie
third JMonday in April and October at Peoria.
THE BAK
In early days it was the exception rather than the rule for a lawyer
to have a nicely furnished office and an extensive library. Litigants
Mere somewhat scarce, large fees were seldom charged or collected for
legal services, and about all the lawyer in a young and growing com-
munity could do was "to hang on and hope for lietter times." The
judicial circuit generally comprised several counties and as the judge
rode from one county seat to another to hold court, he was often
accompanied by several attorneys, carrying the principal jiortion of
their libraries in their saddlebags with a clean shirt and an extra pair
of socks. Sometimes these attorneys would have a client in the county
to which they were bound, but many times they "just went along,"
hoping to pick up a case Avhen the court opened.
"Riding the circuit" was a strenuous way of practicing law. but it
was not altogether void of pleasant ex])eriences. After the adjoui-n-
ment of court for the day, the judge and the attorneys would gather
in the big room of the tavern and spend the evening "swapping yarns."
relating their experiences in coiu't. and occasionally taking a small
IIISTORV OF STARK COUNTY 227
drink of something to ward off malaria. In fact, there was a frater-
nity among tlie hiwyers and judges of "ye olden time" that has heeii
dispelled by the increase of litigation and tiie iael that nearly every
attorney of the present day has a library of his own anil is not com-
pelletl to borrow books from counsel of the opposition.
And there were good lawyers in those days — men whose knowl-
edge of law and powers of oratory were equal to many of tlie grad-
uates of law schools oi" later years. Tliey were students of human
nature and knew how to swing the jury to their side, and they were
nearly always attentive to the needs of their clients, conscientious in
their advice, and persistent in their efforts to win their cases, not
simply for the fee or the honor that would come to them, but because
their client would profit bv the court's decision.
When Stark County was organr/.ed there was not an attorney
within its limits. Consequently, the practice in the early courts was
nearly all given to the "circuit riders." Among those who practiced
in the Stark Circuit Court prior to the Civil war w^ere: J. S. Fancher,
William F. Bryan. T.orin G. Pratt, L. B. Knowlton, Ilemy B. Hop-
kins. E. G. Johnson, Ezra G. Sanger and JNlerriman ^: ^lerriman, of
Peoria; H. G. Reynolds, Leander Douglas, H. N. Keightly and
Julius JMamiing. of-Knoxville; Levi North, C. K. Ladd and John II.
Howe, of Kewanee; C. K. Harvey, Ira O. ^Vilkinson and Robert
Wilkinson, of Rock Island; Silas Ramsey and Ira J. Fenn. of Lacon;
Hiram Bigelow, of Galva, and George W. Stipp, commonly called
"Judge" Stipp, of Bureau County.
Several of these pioneer lawyers achieved ijrominence in their
chosen profession, and a few of them became known in other connec-
tions. John H. Howe, of Kewanee, was colonel of the One Hundred
and Twenty-fourth Illinois Infantry in the Civil war, and after the
wai- served as circuit judge. H. G. Reynolds, who located at Knox-
ville about 18.51 was state's attorney and postmaster. In 18.54 he
removed to Springfield and later to Kansas, where he became promi-
nent as an attorney. Lorin G. Pratt went from Peoria to Chicago
soon after the war and won a high standing at the Cook County bar.
C. K. Harvey was a typical circuit riding lawyer. Full of enthusiasm
for his work, (juick to gras]) a situation, and never averse to playing
a practical joke on some brother attorney, he was regarded as one of
the ])opular and reliable lawyers of his day.
One of the most noted lawyers of pioneer times was Richard M.
^'ounff, who held the first circuit conrt in Putnam Countv in ^lav.
18.'n. He was a Kentnckian bv liirth. but came to Illinois while still
228 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
a young man and in 1828 was appointed circuit judge. He remained
on the bench until 1837, when he resigned to accept a seat in the
United States Senate. He was recognized as an authority on the con-
stitution and laws of state and nation and tried a few cases in Stark
County during the early history of the Circuit Court. After many
years of usefulness he became insane and died without regaining his
reason.
Of the resident lawyers of Stark County, \V. W. Drunmiond is
credited with being the first. In his early practice in the Circuit Court
of Stark County he was frequently assisted by Julius ]\Ianning, who
was a very able and successful lawyer. W. J. Phelps, the second resi-
dent attorney, located at Toulon soon after the county seat was estab-
lished there, but did not remain long, leaving in 1846 for the West.
One of the best remembered lawyers of early days was ^Martin
Shallenberger. He was born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania,
December 3, 182.5. and received a common school education in that
county. In 18.38 his family removed to Illinois, locating in the north-
ern part of Fulton County. INIartin finished his education in the
Peoria Academy and early in the year 18-46 began the study of law
under Onslow Peters, afterward judge of the circuit court. By
Morking diligently for a little over a year, he was ready for admission,
])assed the examination with credit and was formally admitted to the
bar by Judges Caton and Treat of the Illinois Supreme Court. The
same year he opened an office in Toulon and for more than iialf a
century was a leading figure at' the Stark County bar. Although
always interested in public affairs, ^Ir. Shallenberger never held but
one political office, that of representative in the Legislature of 18.57.
He was an artist of more than ordinary ability and it is said painted
more than two hundred pictures, many of them of rare excellence.
Several young men studied law with ]Mr. Shallenberger. Among
these may be named Robert Barr, Ford D. Smith, Thomas D. Higgs
and Frank ]Marsh, all of whom practiced in the Stark Circuit Court
at some period of its history with honor to themselves and their pre-
cejitor.
jNIr. Shallenberger's Swiss ancestors dwelt upon the mountain
called the Schallenberg, in Canton Uri, and when sm-names were
adopted l)y the Swiss i^eojile in the Eleventh Century they became
known as the "Schallenbergers." This was the origin of the name,
though in later years the spelling was simplified by dropping the letter
"c" from the first syllable. In June, 1840, he married ]Miss Eliza H.,
daugliter of Dr. Thomas Hall, who in 1876 published her "Stark
IIISTOKV OF STARK COUNTY 229
County and Its Pioneers," an interesting little vohinie containing
many valuable facts concerning the early days in Stark County. One
son of this marriage, Ashton C. Shallenherger, was at one time gover-
nor of Nebraska and is now (1915) a member of Congress from that
state.
On at least one occasion ^lartin Shalienberger turned his artistic
talent to good account in his law practice. lie was employed to
defend a man charged with stealing a hog. \Vhile the state's attorney
was addressing the jury, INIr. Shallenherger took a piece of charcoal
from the stove in the old court room and in a fit of apparent absent-
mindedness began drawing a jMcture of a man driving a hog, on the
wall opposite the jury box. The jurors grew so intent in watching
the work of the artist that they lost the thread of the prosecutor's arg\i-
ment and Shallenherger won his case. Similar stories of his eccen-
tricities are told by old residents of Toulon, but taken all in all JNIartin
Shalienberger was uncpiestionably one of the ablest lawyers that ever
])racticed in Stark County. His death occurred on January 4, 1904.
C^eorge A. Clifford, who lias been repeatedly mentioned in these
pages, was another ])ioneer lawyer of Stark. He was a native of
Massachusetts, but at an early date came to Illinois and settled at
Rochester, in the northern part of Peoria County. His first law prac-
tice in Illinois was in the Circuit Court at Knoxville. after which he
went to Chicago and there became city editor of the old Chicago
Democrat. Returning to Toulon he resumed the ])racticc of law and
in 1S.J8 formed a partnership with Patrick M. Hlair. Two years
later he was one of the editors of the Stark County Democrat dni'ing
the political campaign and in lS(i2 was appointed master in chancery.
He also served on numerous occasions as stenogra])her and court
reporter. JNIr. Clifford had a taste for literary work and wrote the
first history of Stark County. In later years he became dissijiated in
his habits and met his death by falling from a window in Washing-
ton. 1). C.
Patrick ^I. Rlair. mentioned in tlie above paragra])h. was born
at Frankfort, Ky., April 10, 1829, only a few days before Isaac
R. Essex, the first white man to settle in Stark County, l)uilt
his cal)iii in the Sjioon River Valley. His ancestors took part in the
Revolutionary war and the War of 1812. He was educated at the
St. Louis F^niversity, studied law with his cousin, ^Montgomery Rlair,
and was admitted to the bar at Ottawa. 111., in 18.)0. Four years
later he became a resident of Toulon, where he and .lohn Rerfield
o])ened the first lumber yard ever known to the town. In 18.)8 he and
230 IIISTOllV OF STARK COUNTY
George A. Clifford formed a partnership for the practice of hn\ and
for a time had their office in the courthouse. The partnershij)
(Hd not hist long and after its dissolution ^Ir. Jilair became associated
with James Hewitt. In 1800 he was elected circuit clerk, which office
he held for eight years, and he was one of the active organizers of the
Peoria & Rock Island Railroad Company. In 1886 he was appointed
master in chancery. Throughout his legal career he was recognized
as an able and consistent lawyer, always attentive to the interests of
his clients.
Thomas J. Henderson, a member of the well known Henderson
family which played a conspicuous part in the early history of Stark
County, was born at Brownsville, Tenn.. Xovember 29, IS'Jl, and
came to Stark County with his parents when he was twelve years
of age. Before arriving at his majority he taught school in what is
now West Jersey Township and later in the "Old Brick" at Toulon.
In 1847 he was elected clerk to the board of county commissioners.
Two years later, when the county court took the place of the com-
missioners, he was made clerk of that tribunal and served until 18,33,
when he began the practice of law. In lH5i he was elected to the
lower house of the Illinois Legislature, and in 18.50 was elected state
senator for the district composed of Henry, Knox, fiercer. Rock
Island, Stark and Warren counties. On August 11, 1802, he was
mustered into the United States service as colonel of the One Hundred
and Twelfth Illinois Infantry and served until the close of the war,
being made brigadier-general by brevet by President Lincoln on
January 6, 180.5, "for gallant and meritorious services."
Upon returning home from the army he decided to renu)\e to
Princeton, the county seat of Bureau County, believing that town
offered a better opportunity for the practice of his profession. There
he formed a partnershii^ with Joseph L. Taylor, under the firm name
of Taylor & Henderson, which lasted until 1871, when General Hen-
derson Avas appointed collector of internal revenue. He afterward
served in Congress and one who knew him well describes him as "a
brave and generous man, a patriotic citizen, a good soldier, an upright
politician, and a pleasant and impressive speaker." One of his last
visits to Stark County was on the occasion of the dedication of the
soldiers' monument at Toulon, June 12, 1902, when he delivered the
princi])al address.
Harvey J. Rhodes, a jiioneer justice of the peace in Stark County,
began the practice of law in 18.51. and Charles C. ^Vilson. the first
supervisor elected from Valley, connnenced practice in 18.57. The
HISTOKV OF STARK COUNTY 231
former died many years ago and the latter removed to Priiieeton,
from there to Kewanee, where he continued in practice until a short
time before his death.
Aaron Tyler, Sr., appeared in the Stark Circuit Court in a number
of cases in 184(). His son, Aaron Tyler, Jr., studied law under Judge
Onslow Peters and located in Toulon. In 18.50 he was elected state's
attorney. At the close of his term he removed to St. Louis and from
there to Knoxville, Illinois, where he was aijpointed circuit judge.
He died in the City of Chicago some years later.
William ^V. Wright, who was admitted to the bar at ^Mount
Vernon, 111., in Xovembei-, 18()(), came to Toulon shortly afterward
and won distinction as a lawyer. He was born in Fulton County,
Illinois, September 10, 1842, and passed his early years upon a farm
in Goshen Townshij), Stark County. During the latter part of the
war he served in the One Hundred and Thirty-ninth Illinois Infantry.
In 1873 he was elected county judge and sei'ved for about thirteen
years, and in 18!)0 he was again elected to the office and served for
twelve years more. He was also master in chancery for one term.
James H. JMiller, who was admitted to the bar in the spring of
1869, was born in \Vyandotte County, Ohio, xVugust 29, 184.3. His
parents came to Illinois in 18.51, first settling in ^Vinnebago County,
but in 18()1 they removed to Stark County and located in West Jersey
Townshij). In the fall of 18(12 young INIiller was commissioned to
recruit a company for the Fourteenth Illinois Cavalry. While engaged
in this work he met with an injury to his hip which prevented him from
entering the military service and kept him on crutches for several
years. During this time he studied law and in 1809 opened his office
in Toulon. In 1872 he was elected state's attorney and held the office
for four years, having previously served as justice of the peace. For
several terms he was counsel for the Village of Toulon and from 1884
to 1890 was a member of the lower branch of the Illinois Legislature.
In connection with Judge Thompson, he was one of the jjrojectors of
the Toulon Public Library early in 1891, l)ut died before he could
enjoy the fruit of his labors.
Bradford F. Thompson was of good old New England stock, liis
parents, Benjamin M. and Ann (^IcLaughlin) Thompson, coming to
Stark County from Elaine in 18.50. He received a good education,
studied law, and his name first appears upon the docket of the Stark
Circuit Court in 1878. In that year he was elected a member of the
Toulon village board and two years later was made village attorney.
He was elected state's attornev in 1870 and re-elected four vears later.
232 HISTORY OF STAKK COUNTY
and in 1888 he was again elected for one term. On January 29, 1891,
he appeared before tlie vilhif^e board with a petition to estabhsli a public
library; was the first president of the library board, and maintained
his interest in the institution as long as he lived. In 1902 he was
elected county judge and held the office by repeated re-elections until
his death in 1912. For several terms Judge Thompson presided over
Toidoii Masonic Lodge as worshipful master, and he was a member
of ^V. W. AYright Post, Xo. 327, Grand Army of the Republic,
having served as a sergeant in Company B, One Hundred and Twelfth
Illinois Infantry.
Frank X. Prout, a native of X^^ewark, X". J., came to the
County of Stark in his boyhood with his parents, X'elson and Jane
(Davis) Prout. He studied law under James H. INIiller and was
admitted to the bar in Stark County, but soon afterward removed to
Blue Spring, X^eb., where he rose to prominence in his profession
and was elected attorney-general of the state.
It would be impossible to give detailed sketches of every attorney
who has ever practiced in the county, but in addition to those above
mentioned may be added the names of Benjamin F. Williams, who
jjracticed in Toulon about the beginning of the Civil war and was
captain of Company G, One Hundred and Sixth Illinois Infantry;
Tillottson & Guiteau, Avho began practice here in 1874, the former
staying in the office at Bradford and the latter at Toulon; W. W.
Hammond, a son of A. G. Hammond, of Wyoming, who after his
admission to the bar located in Peoria; Harry Pierce, who was
admitted to the bar in ^Nlay, 1883; H. L. and A. P. :Miller, the former
one of the early lawyers and the latter admitted in 1879; Frank A.
Kerns, a native of the county, admitted in 1888 and practiced here
for several years, then went to Chicago and later to Philadelphift.
and D. C. Young, who practiced in Toulon for a few years inmie-
diately after the Civil war.
Xo history of the bench and bar of Stark County Avoidd l)e com-
plete without some mention of Miles A. Fuller, who was one of the
best known lawyers and citizens of the county for many years. Mr.
Fidler was born in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. April 2.5, 1822. j
"^Yhen he was about twelve years of age his parents came to Stark
County and settled in what is now Penn Township. When Allies
grew to manhood he became associated with his brother in the milling
business, building the "Modena ^Slills." He was elected county clerk
in 18.)3 and Iield the office for thirteen years, during which time he
I'ead law and was admitted to the bar in 18()2. just before the expira-
HISTOKY OF STARK COUNTY 233
tioii of his last term as clerk. For a few years he did not practice
regularly, but after 1869 devoted his time to his profession. That
year he was elected a delegate to the constitutional convention, and in
1870 was elected to the lower branch of the Legislature as the repre-
sentative from Stark County. During the war ^Slr. Fuller was
appointed a special commissioner from Stark to go to Springfield to
iiKluire into the military credits in connection with the county's qviota
of volunteers. He served several terms as attorney for the Village of
Toulon, was granted a franchise and built the electric light plant, and
in other ways gave evidence of his enterprise and public spirit. In
191,5 the Old Settlers' Association honored IMr. Fuller's memory by
placing his portrait upon the badge worn at the annual picnic. His
son, 'N^ictor G. Fuller, was also a popular attorney. For a number of
years he was city attorney of Toulon, holding the office at the time
of his death in December, 1913.
THE BAR OF 191.5
From the bar docket of the Stark Circuit Coiu-t for the June
term, 1915, the following list of court officers and attorneys is taken:
Judges, T. X. Green, John INI. Niehaus and N. E. Worthington (the
last named since succeeded by Clyde E. Stone) : state's attorney,
John W. Fling, Jr.; master in chancery, JNI. L. Hay; clerk, Walter F.
Young; sheriff, James K. Fuller.
Attorneys — Frank Thomas (comity judge), J. H. Rennick,
W. ^V. ^^'right, Jr., M. L. Hay and T. W. Hoopes, Toulon; John ^V.
Fling, Jr. (state's attorney) . 'Wyoming: LesHe N. Cullom. Bradford.
CRnilXAI. CASES
By far the greater ])art of the court business in Stark County has
been in connection with civil cases. A number of such cases have
been carried to the Supreme Court and argued before that tribunal
by members of the Stark County Bar. In cases of this character the
Stark County attorney has demonstrated his knowledge of the la\v
and his ability to liold his own. l)ut the county has never produced a
lawver who has distinguished himself as a si^ecialist in criminal cases.
The reason is plain. The pioneers of Stark County were not of the
criminal class. A diligent search of the court records reveals but very
few occasions where the professional criminal lawyer would find an
opportunity for the display of his peculiar talents.
234 HlSTOllY OF STARK COUNTY
There has never been a legal exeeution in the county, and but one
man received a sentence of life imprisonment. On December 1. 1881,
Peter lluber, of West Jersey Township, was killed by Andrew J.
Church. A coroner's jury brought in a verdict that Huber met his
death by a knife wound inflicted by the said Church, death occurring
within a few minutes after the stabbing was done. Chmx'h tried to
make his escape, but was overtaken l)y William II. Bell and Robert
H. Thompson and confined in the jail at Toulon. At the April term
in 1882 he was arraigned for trial. State's Attorney Thompson was
assisted in the prosecution by James H. JNIiller and the defense was
represented by J. E. Decker and A. P. Miller. The evidence brought
out the fact that Church was a man of rather unsavory reputation.
The jury brought in a verdict of guilty and he was sentenced to "hard
labor for life."
While retin-ning to his home from the postoftice in Lafayette on
the evening of October Vi, 18(i7, Joseph H. Wilbur was assaulted and
killed by David Anschutz. The assailant was soon afterward arrested
and was tried in November, 1868. ^lartin Shallenberger conducted
the prosecution and John H. Howe, of Kewanee, appeared for the
defense. A verdict of guilty was returned by the jury and Anschutz
was sentenced to twenty-one years in the state's prison. These are
the two most noted criminal cases that have ever occurred in the court
annals of Stark County.
A STRAY INCIDENT
While the judge of early years was generally capable and con-
scientious in the performance of his duties, he was not always marked
by that "judicial dignity" that in later years has l)ecome a distinguish-
ing characteristic of the court official. Judj^^ homas Ford, the f irst
judge to hold court in Stark County, used to have a fund of anecdotes
relating to tile methods in vogiTeTn the pioneer courts of Illinois. One
of these stories of the humors and eccentricities of judges not thor-
oughly versed in the law, nor in the fundamental principles of English
grammar, was of the manner in which the sentence of death was
jM-onounced upon a prisoner. As told by Judge Ford the judge called
the prisoner before him and said:
"]\Ir. Green, the jury in their verdict say you are guilty of murder,
and the law says you must be hung. Now, I want you and your
friends to know that it is not I who condemns you, but it is the jury
and the law. The law allows you time for preparation, so the com-t
wants to know what time you would like to he hung."
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 235
To this the prisoner resi)oiule(l tliat he was ready at any time, as
he had his preparations all made, after whieh the judge eontinued:
"Mr. Green, do you realize that it is a serious matter to he huni>'?
It is a thing that ean't happen hut onee in a man's life, so you had
better take all the time you can get. 1 shall give you mitil this day
four weeks — Mr. Clerk, look and see if this day four weeks falls on
unday.
The clerk looked at the calendar — or pretended to — and replied,
that the day fell on Thursday, whereupon the judge completed his
sentence as follows:
"Very well, then, ]Mr. Green, you will be hung this day four weeks,
in accordance with the law and the verdict rendered by the jury."
James Turney, then attorney-general of Illinois, was present and
requested permission to say a few words. Permission being granted
he addressed the court in this manner: "INlay it please the court, on
solemn occasions like the present, when the life of a fellow human
being is to be sentenced awav b\' an earthly tribunal for crime, it is
usual and proper for the coin-t to pronounce a formal sentence, in
which the leading features of the crime shall be brought to the recol-
lection of the prisoner, a sense of his guilt impressed upon his
conscience, and in which the prisoner should be duly exhorted to
repentance and waiued against the judgment in the world to come."
The presiding judge listened attentively to INIr. Turney's remarks
and when the attorney-general had concluded replied: "Why, Mr.
Turney, Mr. Green understands tlie whole business just as well as if
I had preached to him for a whole month. He knows he's got to be
hung in four weeks, don't you, Mr. Green?"
The prisoner answei-ed in the aftii'inative and the court added:
"^Vell, then, the business before the court is settled and the court now
stands adjourned."
CHAPTER XIV
THE MEDICAL PROFESSIOX
:medicixe ax old professiox — hoiie-made ke:\iedies — .character of
THE PIOXEER DOCTOR HIS METHODS OF TREAT:MEXT HARDSHIPS
OF FRONTIER PRACTICE STANDIXG OF THE DOCTOR AS A CITIZEN
STARK COUXTY DOCTORS BRIEF SKETCHES OF OLD-TIME PHYSICIANS
STARK COUNTY MEDIC.VL SOCIETY' REGISTERED PHYSICIANS IX
1915.
Efforts to ameliorate pain, relieve suffering, heal the sick and
eradicate disease are as old as the human race. When the first man
was afflicted by some malady he sought among the vegetables for some
remedy that would cure his ailment. If a remedy was found the plant
was remembered and perhaps garnered for future use. Among the
ancient physicians the names of^Esculapius, Galen and Hippocrates
stand out pre-eminent, the last named having been called the "Father
of JNIedicine." Yet the growth of medical science and the healing art
has had a slow and gradual development, the doctor often having to
undergo the sneers and ridicule of the people, who mistrusted his
methods and questioned his ability. Even as late as the earlj"^ years
of the nineteenth centmy Voltaire defined a physician as "A man
who crams drugs of Mhich he knows little into a body of which he
knows less." That may have been true of a certain class of French
empirics at the time it was written, but since Voltaire's day the profes-
.sion has made almost marvelous strides forward, and the physician of
the present day is generally a man entitled to honor and respect, both
for his professional knowledge and his place in the community as
a citizen.
In the early settlement of Illinois almost every family kept on
hand a stock of roots and herbs, and common ailments were treated
l)y the administration of "home-made" remedies, without the aid of a
doctor. Old settlers can no doubt remember the time when boneset
tea. the burdock bitters, the decoctions of wild cherry bark, or sarsa-
parilla root were common: or they may remember how "Grandma" oi-
236
HISTORY OF STAKK C'OUNTV 237
■Aunt Jane" would make a poultiee or plaster for some external
injury and apply it with more solemnity than is now displayed hy a
skillful surgeon when he euts open a man and robs him of his appen-
dix. Still, these "home-made" remedies were not without some merit,
and many a time they have been given with good effect, when the
nearest physician was perhaps miles away.
Such was the condition when the pioneer doctor made his apjiear-
ance in the frontier settlement, and probably no addition to the
population was ever received with warmer welcome. The life of the
frontier physician was no sinecure, however, and about the only in-
ducement for him to cast his lot in a new country was "to get in on the
ground tioor" and establish himself in practice before a competitor
arrived in the field. The old-time doctor was not always a graduate
of a medical college. In fact, a majority of them had obtained their
])rofessional education by "reading" for a few months with some
older physician and assisting their preceptors in their practice. When
the young student thought he knew enough to begin practice on his
own responsibility, he began to look about for a location. Then it was
that the new settlement seemed to him to present the best opening
and he became a citizen of some community where the oldest resident
had been established but a few months, and where he could hear the
howling of the wolf from his office door or upon his long night rides
to visit some patient. Of course, there were exceptions to this rule,
for sometimes a ])hysiciau well established in practice would be caught
by the "wanderlust" and decide to try his fortunes in some young and
growing comnmmty.
If the professional or technical knowledge of the pioneer doctor
was limited, his .stock of drugs and medicines was ecjually limited.
Duncan, in his "Early Reminiscences of the ^ledical Profession,"
says the first thing necessary was a liberal supply of English calomel.
Added to this were some jalap, aloes, Dover's powder, ipecac, castor
oil and Peruvian bark (sulphate of quinine was too rare and expensive
for general use), and j)robably a few other well known drugs. In
cases of fever it was considered the ])roper thing to relieve the ])atient
of a considerable (juantity of blood, hence every physician carried one
or moie lancets. And every one knew the formula for making "Cook's
])ills." If a drastic cathartic, supplemented by letting of blood, and
])er]ia])s a "fly blister" over the scat of the pain did not improve the
condition of the patient, the doctor would "look wise and trust to a
rugged constitution to ])ull the sick person through."
Rut, greatly to the credit of these pioneer physicians, it can lie
238 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
truthfully said that they were just as conscientious in their work and
jilaced as much faith in the remedies they administered as the most
celebrated specialist of the present <4eneration. It can be said further
that a majority of them, as the popidation of the new settlement
grew and tlie demands for their professional services increased, were
not content to remain in the mediocre class. They therefore attended
some established medical school and received the coveted degree of
M. D., even after they had been engaged in practice for years.
AVhen the tirst physicians commenced practice in Stark County
they did not visit their patients in automobiles. Even if the automo-
bile had been invented the condition of the roads — where there were
any roads at all — was such that the vehicle would have been practically
useless. His rounds of visits were therefore made on horseback. As
his practice extended over a large expanse of country he frequently
carried a lantern with him at night to enable him to find the "blazed
trail" in case he lost his way. If he did not remain with the patient
on such occasions imtil daylight, on his way home he would di'o]) the
reins upon the horse's neck and trust to the animal's instinct to tind
the way home.
There Mere then no drug stores to fill prescriptions, so the doctor
carried his medicines with him in a pair of "pill-bags." This was a
contrivance composed of two leathern boxes, each divided into compart-
ments for vials of various sizes, and connected by a broad strap that
could be thrown across the rear of the saddle. INIoney was a scarce
article and his fees — if he collected any at all — were paid in such
])roduce as the pioneer farmer could spare and the doctor coidd use.
Resides the lancet, his principal surgical instrument was the "turn-
key" for extracting teeth, for the old-time doctor was dentist as well
as physician. A story is told of a man who went into a barber shoj^
for a shave and complained to the negro barl)er that the razor ])idled.
to which the colored man replied: "Yes. sah: but if de razor handle
doesn't break, de beard am bound to come off." So it was when the
frontier doctor was called upon to act as dentist. Once he got that
turnkey firndy fastened upon an aching tooth, if the instrument did
not lireak the tooth was bound to come out.
^Vnd yet these old-time doctors, crude as many of their methods
now seem, were the forerunners of and paved the way for the special-
ists of this Twentieth Century. They were not selfish and if one of
them discovered a new remedy or developed a new way of administer-
ing an old one he was always ready and willing to im])art his informa-
tion to his professional brethren. If one of these old physicians could
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 239
coiiR- back to earth and casually walk into the othce of some leading
physician, he would no doubt stand aghast at the array of scientific
apparatus, such as microscopes, stethoscopes, X-ray machines, etc.
He would hardly be able to realize that he had played his humble part
in bringing about this march of medical progress; yet it is even so.
The doctor, over and above his professional calling and position,
Mas generally a man of prominence and influence in other matters.
His advice was often sought in affairs entirely foreign to his business.
In his travels about the settlement he came in contact with all the
latest news and gossip, which made him a welcome visitor in other
households, and on the occasion of these visits the best piece of fried
chicken or the juiciest piece of pie found its way to the doctor's plate.
He Avas the one man in the community who subscribed for and read
a weekly newspaper, and this led his neighbors to follow his leadership
in matters political. Look back over the history of almost any county
in the Mississip])i Yalley and the names of ])hysicians will appear as
members of the Legislature, incumbents of important county offices,
and in a number of instances some physician has been called from his
practice to represent a district in Congress. JNIany a boy has been
named for the family jihysician.
Leeson's. History of Stark County (page 191) says: "The first
resident physician of Stark County was Dr. Eliphalet EUsw'orth, who
l)racticed here before the Black Hawk war, and made a permanent
settlement here in 183-4." His name does not appear in the list of
settlers for that year, as compiled by the Old Settlers' Association
and given in one of the preceding chapters of this work. A DtJctor
Pratt located in Elmira Township in 1835, and two years later Dr.
Thomas Hall came to the same township.
Dr. Thomas Hall was born in Derl)yshire, England, ^lay 12. 180.).
After attending schools at Hulland, West-IJnder-Wood, Rrailsford
and Quarndon, he began the study of medicine under Doctor Cole-
luau. of Woh'erhampton, witli wiiom he spent an ai)prenticeship of
five years. In 1828 he was graduated at the Royal College of Sur-
geons in London. Among the names on his diploma are those of Sir
Astley Cooper and Dr. John ^Vbei-nethy, two of the best known phys-
icians in England at that time. On ]May 14, 1829, he married INIiss
]\Iatilda INIanifold, of Findern, Derbyshire, and in 1837 came to the
United States. He first settled in what is now Elmira Township and
])racticed there until the county seat of Stark County was located at
Toulon, when he removed there and resumed his jirofessional labors.
He brought with him from his native land a well selected medical
24U HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
library and a number of surgical instruments and appliances of the
most approved pattern known to that period. ^Vith this equipment,
and his ten years previous experience as a phj^sician in England, he
rose rapidly in the profession in this country, becoming so well and so
widely known that the Rush Medical College of Chicago, in February,
18.50, conferred on him the lu)norary degree of Doctor of Medicine.
The year 1840 was one of great sickness among the settlers of Stark
and adjoining counties. Tt is related of Doctor Hall that during the
season he rode for nine successive weeks, eighty miles one day and
fifty-six the next, alternately, treating patients for typhoid fever and
dysentery, both of which were almost epidemic. He used to tell how,
after he had won his diploma and was about to leave home to begin
his ]:)rofessional career, his mother followed him to the gate, laid her
hand affectionately on his shoulder and said: "Tom, do your duty
by all, but especially remember the poor." His mother's injunction
was never forgotten and he was always ready to respond to a call,
whetlier there was a prospective fee in it or not. In his old age he
was wont to say: "I am not afraid to meet my mother, for she knows
I have done as she told me." His death occiu-red in 1876. His son,
Dr. Walter T. Hall, is still practicing in Toulon, and his daughter
Eliza, who married jNIartin Shallenberger, was the author of "Stark
County and Its Pioneers," which was ])ublished about the time of her
father's death.
In 1840 Dr. William Chamberlain came to Stark County and soon
after his arrival formed a partnership with Dr. Thomas Hall. In
1846 these two physicians treated fifteen hundred cases of fever and
ague, or other forms of malarial trouble, using in their practice enough
of the extract of Peruvian bark to have made eighty ounces of the sul-
phate of quinine. Doctor Chamberlain died at Toulon on November
2, 1882, continuing in practice until a short time before liis death.
Dr. Hiram Nance, who was probably the first ])hysician to locate
in Lafayette, was a successful practitioner and accumulated a comfort-
able competence. Old settlers in the northern part of the county still
remember him as an energetic, public spirited man and an influential
citizen. After practicing at Lafayette for a number of years lie
removed to Kewanee, where he built a fine residence that was the
admiration of the people for several miles around. There he con-
tinued in practice until a short time before his death. One of his sons
was at one time governor of the State of Nebraska. Another son is
now (im.'}) an alderman in the City of Chicago, and a third son is
living at Galesburg, 111.
HISTOKV OF STARK COUXTV 241
Dr. J. H. Nichols, another early physician in Lafayette, came to
Stark County in 1840. He was born in New Jersey on December 18,
1818, though he did not begin the practice of medicine until after he
graduated at the Ohio ^Medical College in 1844. Like all pioneer
doctors, he made his visits on horseback and built up a lucrative prac-
tice as the population grew in numbers. During the Gariield-xVrthur
administration from 1881 to 188.5 he served as an internal revenue
officer at Peoria. He was a charter member of the JNIasonic lodge at
Lafayette and was active in jjromoting the welfare of that village.
Dr. Alfred Castle, who located at Wyoming in 1843, was l)oi-n at
Sullivan, :Madison County, X. Y., September 22, 18UG. His an-
cestors came from Ireland during the colonial days and his father was
a cousin of Col. Ethan Allen, who demanded the surrender of Ticon-
deroga "In the name of the Great Jehovah and the Continental Con-
gress." Doctor Castle received a good literary education and began
the practice of medicine in 1832 at Brockport, N. Y. Two years
later he received the degree of M. D. from the Berkshire School of
Medicine and in 1836 came to Illinois. For four or five j^ears he was
located at Peoria, after which he went to Vermont, but in 1842
returned to Illinois and the next year established himself at \\'yoniing.
He Avas a successful physician and was active in other business enter-
prises, laying out two additions to the Town of Wyoming and doing
all he could to encourage the building of the Buda & Rushville (now
the Chicago. Burlington ^: Quiney) Railroad, of which his son xVlfred
was president. He donated the lot for the Catholic Church in Wyom-
ing and is remembered by old residents as a public spirited citizen as
well as a good physician.
In 1849 Dr. Edwin R. Boardman received the degree of M. D.
from the Indiana ^Medical School, at Laporte, Ind., and soon after-
Avard began practice in Elmira Township. He was born in Pennsyl-
vania, March 3, 1829. came with his parents to Illinois when he was
about eleven years of age and settled near Pawpaw, in Lee County.
His son. Edwin O. Boardman, also studied medicine, graduated at
Rush Medical College, Chicago, in 1878 and began practice with his
father, but soon afterward removed to Osceola. James G. Boardman,
another member of the family, also practiced medicine some time at
Bradford.
Dr. Theodore Bacmeister, for many years a j)racticing ]ihysician
of Toulon, was born in the city of Esslingen, Wittenberg, Germany,
January 19, 1830. At the age of seventeen years he came to the
United States. Here he studied medicine, selecting the homeopathic
242 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
school, and lie was one of the first doctors to practice according to
that system in Stark County. Doctor Bacmeister served as president
of the village board of Toulon, before the city government was inaugu-
rated. He was active in organizing the public library and was the
first secretary of the library board. His death occurred on JNIarch 8,
1911. His son Otto is now postmaster at Toulon.
Among the first A\()men to practice medicine in the county were
Dr. Henrietta K. JNIorris and I3r. Annie L. Green, both of whom
were located at Bradford. The former was elected vice president of
the Illinois State Eclectic JNIedical Association in 1886. and the latter
i-emoved to Princeton about ten years prior to that date. Other early
physicians of Bradford were: O. C. Darling, S. A. Davison, S. T. C.
\N'^ashburn, and Doctors Young and Lamper.
Dr. Daniel Tyrrell located at Duncan at an early date and ])rac-
ticed for several years before he retired. Another early physician in
that i^art of the county was Dr. Azra Lee, \\ ho served as an army sui--
geon in the War of 1812. He died at Duncan in August. 1870. Dr. J.
S. Farrell and a Doctor Thomas likewise practiced at Duncan in the
years gone by.
Augustus A. Dunn, the first sheriff of Stark County, Avas a native
of the State of Georgia, where his father died. In 1831 liis widowed
mother j-emoved to Ohio and about five years later came to Stark
County, entering a jMcce of land in what is now West Jersey Town-
shi]). After serving as sheriff, JNIr. Dunn studied medicine, graduated,
and practiced at Cambridge, Henry County, until 1802. when he
enlisted in Com])any D. One Hundred and Twelfth Illinois Infantry.
He lost his left hand in the engagement at Kelly's Ford, Tennessee,
and was again wounded at the battle of Franklin, after which he was
honorably discharged and located in Chicago. There his death occurred
on March 2. 1869, as a result of the wound received at Franklin,
Tenn. Although he never practiced medicine in Stark County, he
is here mentioned because of his early connection with the county's
political history.
JMention has been made of Dr. Hiram Nance and Dr. J. H.
Nichols, who were among the early physicians of Lafayette. Dr.
R. O. Phillips also practiced in that town for several years before he
removed to California, and Loyal T. Sprague was engaged in ])rac-
tice at Lafayette Avhile Doctor Nichols \Aas located there. Dr. John
R. Crawford was another I^afayette i)hysician along in the '80s.
^Among the physicians of the past in Wyoming were Dr. Thomas
blotter, who was found dead in his office in Januarv, 188.) ; Dr. J. G.
HISTOKV OF STAKK COUNTY 243
Greene, who died in 1879 after a residence of several years; Dr. ^V.
Swen, who removed to Kansas in 1880; J. C. Copestake, a native of
England, assistant surgeon of the One Hundred and Fourteenth
Illinois Infantry ; Harvey N. Fox and D. W. Magee. The last named
was horn in 3Iifflin County, Pemisylvania, in June, 18"2.), a grandson
of Charles Magee, who came from Belfast, Ireland, with his brother
Thomas, and both served in the colonial army during the Revolu-
tionary war. Dr. D. W. Magee followed various occupations initil
tlie beginning of the Civil war. He was then a partner in the mercan-
tile firm of J. T. Robinson & Comi)any. of Peoria, 111. In the
fall of 1802 he raised Company II, Kighty-sixth Illinois Infantry,
and was mustered in as lieutenant-colonel. In 18(5.5 he was commis-
sioned colonel of the Fortj'-seventh Illinois Veteran Infantry and was
mustered out with that regiment. At the close of the war he was
brevetted brigadier-general "for distinguished services" and assigned
to the command of the District of Alabama, with head(iuarters at
]Montgomery. After being nmstered out he took up the study of
medicine, attended Rush ^ledieal College, Chicago, and in 1879 began
])ractice in ^Vyoming.
A list of Toulon doctors of former years would include Dr. S. S.
Kaysbier, Mho was at one time editor and ])ul)lisher of the Stark
County News, afterward removing to Kansas; Dr. Clark Demuth,
who came from Plymouth, Mich., and ])raeticed in Toulon along
in the '70s and early '80s; Doctor Swazey, who organized the first
baseball club in Stark County; Doctor Curtiss, who removed to Cleve-
land, Ohio, and died there in June, 1888; Dr. A. W. Peterson, who
came from Germany; Doctor Kinkade and a Doctor (xarfield, who
|)racticed in the county scat from 1844 to 1848, when he removed to
La Salle, 111. Dr. Henry .AI. Hall, a son of Dr. Thomas Hall,
also practiced for some time in Toulon. He later located in Kansas.
Other early physicians who deserve mention were Drs. W. ^V.
Chiyl)augh. W. S. McClenahan and Hedges, of West Jersey: liUther
S. ^lillikin, of Wyoming, who served as surgeon of the One Hundred
and Twelfth Illinois Infantry. Doctor Dunn, a brother of Rev. R. C.
Dunn, who died in Chicago in the spring of 1809: Dr. Charles F.
Jordan. mIio was principal of the Castleton public schools and after-
ward began practice in Nebraska: Dr. S. T. W. Potter, of AVady
Petra, Drs. J. Fieldhouse and John li. ]McDee, of Cam]) (irove: and
Doctors Hampton, Barnett, Upshaw, Kohn, Shaw and Fiin'gh,
located at \ari<)us ])laces in the county.
244 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
STAUK COUNTY :ME1)IC'AL SOCIETY
In a county like Stark, where agriculture is the principal occupa-
tion of the jjeople and there are no large cities or towns, it could hardly
he exjjected that a medical society of any considerable number of
members would be found. But from the earliest history of the pro-
fession in this part of the state the physicians have known the advan-
tages to l)e derived from organization. ]More than half a century
ago, when there were but few resident physicians here, the doctors of
Stark County united with those of adjacent counties in the fonnation
of the "^lilitary Tract ^Medical Society," and took a commendable
interest in its proceedings. As population increased several of the
counties in the military grant organized county societies and the old
society gradually w^ent down until, as one old physician expressed it,
"It died a natural death for want of adequate support."
The Stark County ^Medical Society Avas organized on April 8,
1902, in the office of Dr. J. S. Wead, in Wyoming. Those present
were: A. M. Pierce and J. S. Wead, of AVyoming; ]M. T. Ward
and W. T. Hall, of Toulon: J. G. Boardman and L. S. Hopkins, of
Bradford, and A. L. Johnson, of Castleton.
Dr. A. JNI. Pierce was made temporary chairman, and Dr. j\I. T.
AVard, temj^orary secretary. A constitution and by-laws were
adopted, after which the following officers were elected: Dr. A. ]M.
Pierce, president; Dr. L. S. Hopkins, vice president; Dr. 31. T. Ward,
secretary and treasurer; Drs. J. S. Wead, J. G. Boardman and A. L.
Johnson, censors. Article 2 of the constitution adopted at that time
declares the objects of the society to be "the promotion of friendly
intercourse among tlie members; the advancement of medical knowl-
edge, and the promotion of the material interests of the profession."
In the original constitution it was provided that the regvdar meet-
ings shoidd be held on the second Tuesday in January, April, July
and October of each year. This was afterward amended so that the
regular meetings are held only in April and October. The .April
meeting is regarded as the annual meeting, at which time officers
shall be elected. At a special meeting held on Jime 1.5. 1903, Drs.
J. R. Holgate. L. F. Brown. William Garrison and H. A. Wyllys
were admitted to membership. The constitution further provides that
the society shall be affiliated with the Illinois State jNIedical Society
and the American INIedical Association.
The officers of the society in 191.) were as follows: Dr. .Tames R.
Holgate, of Wyoming, president: Dr. E. B. Packer, of Toulon, vice
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 245
president; Dr. Clyde Berfield, of Toulon, secretary and treasurer;
Drs. E. E. Church, Clyde Rerfield and J. S. W^ead, censors; Dr.
E. li. Packer, delegate to the meeting of the State JNledical Associa-
tion, and Dr. J. S. \Vead, alternate. A majority of the physicians
of the county are members of the county medical society.
KEGISTEHEl) I'UYSICIAXS
The following list of registered and regularly licensed physicians
in Stark County is taken from the report of the Illinois State Board
of Health for the year 191,3: Toulon— Clyde Rertield, Elmer E.
Ciiurch, \V. T. Hall, L. L. Long and Elmer B. Packer; ^Vyoming —
John Ct. Hanson, James R. Holgate, Robert JNI. King, Curtis C.
jNIcMackin, Newton B. Morse (homeopath), James S. Wead and
Alma T. ^Vead: Bradford— H. D. Boswell, W. D. Chrisman. ^Vil-
liam C. 31itchell, Ciilman C. Shaw and Viola E. Shaw; Lafayette —
George J. Brand; Castleton— Charles W. Neill; Elmira— L. M.
Linker; Osceola — Philij) F. Roberts; Speer — Clauson M. Wilmot;
West Jersey — William L. Garrison.
\Vhile Stark County has never tuiTied out a physician of "national
reputation," as a rule her doctors have been capable and conscientious
])ractitioners. jNIost of them have been graduates of recognized medi-
cal colleges and have kept up with the times by reading medical jour-
nals and modern works on various ])hases of their chosen profession.
CHAPTER XV
CHURCH HISTORY
DIl-l'ICULTIES IX WRITING CHURCH HISTORY JESUIT illSSIOXARIES —
THE METHODISTS PEORIA MISSION THE BAPTISTS THE PRESBY-
TERIANS THE CONGREGATIONALISTS LATTER DAY SAINTS CHRIS-
TIANS OR DISCIPLES THE UNIVEKSALISTS UNITED BRETHREN
THE CATHOLICS — HISTORIES OF THE VARIOUS CONGREGATIONS — ■
MISCELLANEOUS RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS.
To write a complete and correct history of the cluirch organiza-
tions of a county is perhaps the most difficult task that could be as-
signed to the local historian. The founders of the churches have
jjassed away, the early records have been poorly kept in some instances
and in many cases have been lost, pastors come and go. and few people
can be found who can give any clear account of the congregation.
Long before any effort was made by white men to found settle-
ments in the ^Mississippi Valley, Jesuit missionaries visited the region
with a view to converting the Indians to the Catholic faith. Father
Jaques Marquette jjassed up the Illinois River as early as 1673. ]Mis-
sionaries Allouez, Dablon and Zenobe Membre worked among the
Indians about the head of Lake Michigan and the Illinois Valley
before the close of the seventeenth century, and it is possible that
some of tliem visited the territory now included in Stark County.
THE METHODISTS
After the white men began to settle in the Illinois Valley, the
^Methodists were the first to organize classes in the territory. Jesse
Walker, the first ^Methodist preacher in Illinois, appointed Isaac B.
Essex teacher to the Indians. Just where Essex's school was located
is not certain, but it was somewhere near the present City of Peoria.
When he settled in Stark County in 1829 he was still an earnest be-
liever in the doctrines of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and as soon
as a few neighbors had located around him he endeavored to interest
246
HISTUKV OF STAllK COUNTY '247
tliciii in tlie formation of a class of chuTch. In 18;5.) Rev. ^Villianl C.
Cuniniing's was appointed by Eisliop Roberts from the Illinois con-
ference to the "Peoria ^Mission," which embraced the present counties
of Peoria, Fulton. Knox, Stark and ^Marshall. In writing of his
experiences as a missionary, INlr. Cummings says: '"I preached at
Father Fraker's, whose name is of precious memory in the churches,
and rode from there over the ground where Toulon and Lafayette
now stand, though they probably iuid not then been thought of. Not
far I'roni the jjresent site of Toulon lived Adam Perry, whom I ap-
])ointed class leader of a small society in the Essex Settlement, where
we held a quarterly meeting in 18.'J.5, at which ^V. 13. ^lack and
Stephen R. Beggs Avere present."
In the class thus organized by Mr. Cummings were : Gen. Samuel
Thomas, James Holgate, J. W. Agard and their wives, George SjKirr,
Adam Day, Mrs. Perry, Ann Carney and Elizabeth Essex. It was
undoubtedly the beginning of church organization in Stark County.
Adam Perry afterward joined the ]Mormon Church and J. W. Agard
became the leader of the class.
In 18.'3() ]Mr. Cummings organized a society at Wyoming, which
was the beginning of the ^Vyoming Methodist Church. The meeting
was held at the house of General Thomas. Most of those included in
the class of the previo\is year transferred their membershii) to Wyom-
ing. jNIr. Cummings also orgam'zed a class at Dexter Wall's, of which
AViJliam Hall was made leader. ]Mr. and ^Nlrs. James Ilolgate became
members of this class, along with ]Mr. and ]Mrs. Phenix, JNIrs. Wall,
]\[rs. Asher Smith, Mrs. AVilliam Hall and Miss ]\Iary Hall.
About the time these classes were formed Rev. Jesse Heath, father
of the first county recorder, preached for the society at Wyoming,
and he was followed by Rev. Zadoc Hall and Rev. L. C. Walker.
Services were held at the residences of the members, in ^Vhitney
Smith's store and in the schoolhouse until 18.50, when a house of wor-
ship was Iniilt on ground donated by General Thomas. In 1837
(iencral Thomas gave the church one and a half acres of land. u\nn\
which George Sparr built a parsonage in 1838. The old church build-
ing was sold to C. S. Payne in 1882 and the present edifice, a neat
frame building, was erected.
William Hall contiimed as leader of the class at Wall's for about
ten years. He was succeeded by John Drawyer. In 18.32 this class
was divided, j\Ir. Drawyer taking charge of a ucav class at Seeley's
Point. When the Chicago, Btu'lington & Quincy Railroad was com-
pleted through the county members of these two classes united in the
>v
248 HISTORY OF STAUK COUNTY
organizing of the Methodist Church of Castleton. Among them were,
the Miners, Drawyers, Norrises, Pryors, Holgates, Browns, Fosters,
Bunnclls and other leading families of Penn Township.
The ^Methodist P^piscopal Churcli of Toulon had its beginning in
the year 1841, when a class was formed just south of the town, with
Caleb B. Flint as leader. The next year the meetings were held at the
cabin of John Prior, the pioneer chairmaker. His house and the
meetings held there arc thus described by INlrs. Shallcnberger: "This
structure, which was of hewn logs and but partly finished, never hav-
ing the loft more than half floored, was very serviceable to the first
comers here, serving them alternately as church and schoolhouse. The
fireplace was rough and large, into which good sized logs could be
thrown when occasion required ; a pole, the dimensions of a connnon
handsiJike, served as poker, or lever, and an old saw inverted ])layed
shovel. Then, as a pointed illustration of the proverb, 'shoemakers'
wives always go barefoot,' there never was a whole chair seen in this
establishment. A number of chair frames with shingles laid on them
accommodated the adult listeners, while a turning lathe in the corner
afforded perching places for the little folks. Thus the people gath-
ered, the men wearing patches without shame, and the girls in sun-
l)onnets and coarse shoes, or the little ones without any, and listened
to the Powells. Blakes, Wilkinsons and Boyers of old: but \\hat our
memory still retains of those meetings with peculiar pleasure is tlie
rich, full tenor of Caleb Flint, which, when wedded to some of ^Yes-
ley's glowing lines, bore all hearts aloft and made a sanctuary of the
rough dwelling where we met."
In 1846 a quarterly meeting was held at the house of Samuel
Beatty, with Rev. A. E. Phelps, presiding elder: Rev. John G. Whit-
comb, minister in charge. Rev. ^Y. C. Cummings, the first missionarj^
on the Peoria JNIission was also present. Like the Wyoming INIeth-
odist Church, the society met in the homes of the members and variotis
other places for a number of years. On June "2, 18.53, a meeting was
called to discuss the advisability of erecting a church. Rev. C. Lazen-
bec presided and Samuel Beatty acted as secretary. Joseph Catterlin,
who had been class leader for several years, Joseph H. Riddle, Charles
N. Johnson, Bushrod Tapp and Samuel Beatty were elected trustees
and authorized to build a church. Subsequently W. F. Thomas and
T. J. Wright were appointed a building committee. Early in 18.54
a frame house of worship Avas com])leted and formally dedicated.
The building thus erected served the congregation for a little over
thirty years. Its original cost was $2,000. In 180,5 about fi\e hun-
HlSTOllV OF STARK COUNTY 249
(Ircd dollars were expended in repairs and alterations, and again in
1870 several hundred dollars were spent in making the huilding e(iual
to the demands of the congregation. On October 1, 1884, Rev. W. W.
Carr came to the church as pastor and soon afterward started a move-
ment for a new building. In :May, 1885, he reported that $4,000 had
been subscribed. The trustees then bought the lot at the northeast
corner of "Slam and Henderson streets, the corner-stone was laid on
August 0, 188.J. and before the close of the year the congregation took
possession of the new structure. The first sessions of the Toulon
Academy Mere held in the old frame ^lethodist Church, and it is a
rather singular coincidence that the building should have been sold to
the same man (H. C. Bradley) who bought the old seminary, using
the latter for a residence and the old church edifice for a workshop.
In 1846, while Rev. A. E. Phelps was presiding elder, a series of
meetings were conducted at Lafayette lasting nearly three weeks.
Previous to that time meetings had been held in the village and a
camp meeting had been held there in 1842 — the second in the county,
the first having been held at Wyoming in 1840. The result of the
"revival" was the organization of the ^Methodist society. The early
history of the Lafayette 31ethodist Church is shrouded in obscurity,
but it is believed that Rev. George C. Holmes, a "circuit rider." was
the first to serve as regular pastor. Early in the '.)0s Rev. John ]Morey
came. He founded the Methodist Church at Galva, which with Lafay-
ette and West Jersey constituted a circuit.
Rev. Amos ]Morey took charge of the circuit in 18.57 and during
his first year granted about thirty letters to members of the congrega-
tion who wanted to go West, chiefly to Kansas. This weakened the
church somewhat, but a revival toward the close of the year added
about one hundred new members. Amos ^Nlorey died on January 14,
18it2, at the home of his daughter, INIrs. Rhoda M. Jackson, in Abing-
don. 111. He was then seventy-nine years of age and had spent about
fifty years in active work as a minister. INIrs. Jackson now lives in
liafayette.
The first church erected by the Lafayette INIethodists was a frame
structure, which stood where the present church now stands. On July
31. 1873. the church was incorporated with James ^Martin. Edward G.
Hill. .lohii Williams, .Tames Thomson and P^mcry Buffum as trus-
tees. The ])resent house of worshij), a handsome brick building, was
erected in 11)00. at a cost of about eight thousand dollars.
A Methodist society was organized at Star^\ano at an early date
and in 1868 a house of worship was erected at a cost of $2,200. IMeet-
250 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
ings were held here until the Methodist Church at West Jersey was
destroyed by fire, when the Starwano building was removed to West
Jersey and used in the construction of a new house of worshi]). the
two congregations then becoming consolidated.
Among the early settlers in Osceola Grove were a few who be-
O longed to the jNIethodist Episcopal Church and meetings were held at
an early date. In 18.51 the "Osceola Class" was holding regular
meetings in the schoolhouse, with Caleli B. Flint as class leader.
Among the members of this class were William and Ann Hall, Diana
Flint, \Villiam H. and Hannah Jones, the Stidhams, the Curriers
and a few others. About the close of the Civil war a regular church
was organized and a house of worship erected. For several years the
congregation prospered. Then death and removals thinned the ranks
and meetings were held onlj' at irregiilar intervals for a time. This
church received a handsome bequest from Winthrop E. Lyford. mIio
in his will gave the trustees six acres of land where he lived and the
income from the proceeds of the sale of 107 acres of land, on condition
that they would erect a church, to cost at least five thousand dollars.
His will is dated December .5, 1912.
About 18.51 or 18.52 a ]Methodist class of some twenty-five or thirty
members was organized at the Indian Creek schoolhouse, in Goshen
Township. Charles Howater was the class leader. Xo church build-
ing was ever erected and after a time the members united with other
convenient INIethodist societies.
Soon after the first settlements were made in what is no^v AVest
Jersey Township, meetings were held by JMethodist ministers who
visited that part of the county at intervals. The West Jersey INIeth-
odist Church is the outgrowth of a class organized at Hazen's school-
house. The class at Finch's schoolhouse, near the east line of the
township, developed into the Starwano INIethodist Church ])reviously
mentioned. Isaac jNI. AVitter of the latter class was a local preacher.
There was also a class organized at Trickle's schoolhouse, which in
time united with the class at Hazen's in the formation of the West
Jersey JNIethodist Episcopal Church. This was about 18.52. and a few
years later a neat frame house of worship was erected in the village.
It was destroyed by fire a few years ago, when the Starwano church
building was removed to the village and used in the erection of a new
building as above stated.
The jNIethodists living at Elmira and in the vicinity organized a
class early in the '.50s, Avhich included the Fuller, Clark, Ferris and
Hudson families and a few of their neighbors. In 18.59 a series of
HISTORY OF STxVKK COUNTY 251
revival meetings weix- held by Rev. W. J. Smith and at the close of
the revival a movement was started for the erection of a ehnrch. W.
INI. Fnller, JNIatthew Rell and Elislm Clark were appointed a bnilding
committee; ^I. G. Rrace donated a site; funds were solicited, and in
the fall of 1859 a neat frame house of worship was dedicated. The
society prospered for several years, when death and removals weakened
the connregation. The surviving members tlien united with other
churches and the Klmira church went down.
Soon after the Town of Bradford was surveyed in the spring of
18.)4 and a few people had settled there, some of the JMethodists be-
longing to the classes at \Vairs schoolhouse and Seeley's Point began
to discuss the advisability of uniting and organizing a church at Brad-
ford. Several years elapsed before the movement took definite shape,
but the early records of the congregation cannot be found, hence the
history of the church prior to about 1875 is uncertain. In that year a
frame house of worship was erected at a cost of •$.'$, 500. It was dedi-
cated on March 12. 187(>, and ten years later it was extensively altered
and repaired. This church is now known as the "Leet Memorial
Methodist Episcopal Church." Tln-ough the generosity of AVilliani
Leet, Bradford's first banker, a new building was erected and dedi-
cated on June 11. 18!)!), giving the Bradford ^lethodists one of the
l)est houses of worship in the county. It is located on the north side
of Main Street, a short distance east of Peoria Street.
About 1849 several members of the ^Methodist Protestant Church
settled in the Snare iieighborhood in the eastern part of the county.
A class was soon afterward organized by Rev. JMoses .Tared, of Canton.
'I'he next year a parsonage was purchased, but it was sold in 1882 and
the church was removed to Castleton. Among the early members of
this ehurch were' the Snare. Holmes. i\dams. Ackley. Morris and
Smith families, Alexander and Rhoda Ballentine, Ilemy and Cynthia
Newton, Laura and Ella Dixon and the Fultons.
A Methodist Protestant Church was organized at Wady Petra in
February, 1868. The old record shows that the first members were:
'Weldon and Sarah Reagan, Richard and j\mi I light. Daniel S. and
Clarinda Tiiurston, John C. and Rachel Wright. Thomas and iVnn
Haywood, John and INIary Haines, Joseph and Rebecca Essex, INIaria
Luper, Emma Pilgrim, Viola Keeling, Elizabeth Pettit and Eliza-
beth Simms. During the next twenty years the cliurch prospered, but
the old members have nearly all died or are unable to attend regularly,
and in recent years the church has lost some of its former prestige.
There is also a Methodist Episcopal Church in the southwestern
252 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
l^art of Essex Township, in the settlement known as "Stringtown."
^ It was established many j^ears ago, but little can be learned of its
history.
THE BAPTISTS
Close behind the JNIethodists came the Baptists. On June 1j, 183U,
when Stark County was but about three months old, the Society of
Baptists known as the Fahrenheit Church, was organized in Goshen
o Township, in what was called the ^liner Settlement. Among the
early members were Charles H. jNIiner and his wife, Selden ]Miner
and wife, Elisha Gill and wife, jNlrs. Parrish, J. M. Stickney and
wife, and Susan ]\I. Eastman. Elder Jonathan INIiner, who was aetiv e
in organizing the church, served as pastor until 1844. ^Meetings were
held at ^Nlrs. Chas. H. ^Miner's until about 18.50, when the church
bm'lding at Lafayette was completed.
In 1848 a Baptist Church was organized at Toulon. J. ]\I. Stick-
ney, Elisha Gill and H. T. Ives were chosen delegates to the Illinois
River Association. Stickney and Gill had withdrawn from the Fah-
renheit Clun-ch, as had a number of others, to assist in the organization
of the Toulon BajJtist Church. Up to 1851 meetings were generally
held in the courthouse. A revival in November, 18.51, added several
new members to the congregation and early in 18.5'J a movement was
started to build a clun-ch. Nothing definite was done, however, vmtil
in October, when the pastor was requested to confer with an architect
regarding plans and a campaign was started to raise funds. The
chinrh building was completed and was dedicated in April, 18j.5.
Early in 1868 a number of the members withdrew, owing to dis-
sensions over the ownership and management of the churcli j)roperty,
which dissensions dated back for nearly ten years. Those who with-
drew then organized the Second Baptist Clun-ch of Toulon. They
])(n-chased a lot at the northwest corner of jNIain and Olive streets, and
bef(u-e the close of the year 1868 dedicated a frame church edifice,
which had been erected at a cost of $2,37j. Rev. W. A. Welsher was
the first regular pastor.
In the meantime the remaining members of the old church tried to
effect a reconciliation. In February. 1868. they adojited a resolution
])lacing the church property in the bands of trustees, to be held for a
new church organization, and on July 8, 1868. they again met and
passed resolutions of a conciliatory nature, but the withdrawing mem-
l)ers Avere not to be ajipeased. and for more than ten years Toulon
had two weak Baptist churches instead of one strong one. In 1877
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 253
the old contentions were happily adjusted, the two churches again
united and the building erected by the Second Church was sold to tiie
Catholics.
Among- those who signed the constitution of the consolidated
ciiurches in September, 1877, were: JMartha and Sarah Berfield, An-
drew and Julia Baldwin, Abram Bowers and wife, Albert Bowers and
wife. Harriet Hall, I^ettie and Sarah Sillinian. Frank ^Villiams and
wife, l>uther, Avery and Kate Cieer, J. C. Hart and wife, JNlrs. A.
(iill. Flora Gill, and a number of others. Benjamin Packer, Owen
Thomas, Hugh Y. Godfrey, N. F. Winans and S. W. Eastman \\eie
elected trustees and the name adopted was "The Ba]3tist Church of
Toulon." The following April the old church property was sold and
witliin a short time afterward the present church edifice, located on
the southeast corner of Jefferson and ^Vashington streets, was erected.
This building was thoi'onghly remodeled in the summer and fall of
11)1.5. making one of the best houses of worship in the county.
The Baptist Church at Lafayette, which was also an offspring of
the old Falu'cnheit Church, continued for a number of years, when the
congregation became so weakened that it was forced to disband. The
church l)uilding was sold to E. G. Hill, who converted it into a planing
mill.
On August 15, 18.>3, the Stark Predestinarian Baptist Society was
oi'ganized at JNIodena by a number of members of the old Sandy
Creek Association, who changed the name to the Spoon River Pre-
destinarian Ba])tist Association. Among the founders of this society
were the \"an(likes, Chenoweths, Fillinghams, Isaac Babbitt. George
Beall. Benjamin and Jane Newton, David Potter and Elder Robert F.
Haynes, several of whom lived in Henry County. On October 1,
18.50, the new meeting house at ]Modena was opened, the meetings
prior to that time having been held in the Franklin schoolhouse. The
record of this church closes in 1877. though a few of the members
continued to hold meetings for some time after that date.
The Baptist Church of Osceola was organized on February 10,
1800, in the schoolhouse, Dr. E. R. Boardman presiding and J. G.
Boardman acting as secretary. The little society continued to meet
in the schoolhouse until the following year. On January 12, 1801,
Isaac Spencer, E. R. Boardman, M. H. Weaver, Otis Gardner and
M. J. Weaver were appointed a building committee, but the w^ork
went slowly and the building was not ready for occupancy until in
180.3. This society is one of the active Baptist congregations of the
county.
254 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
One of the early Rajjtist organizations was the Free Will Baptist
Society of Khnira, Avliich was organized several years before the he-
ginning of the Civil war, though little can be learned of its history.
Among the members were John Leason and his family, the Winslows,
ihe Berrys, Adaline Condell, Charles Bolt, the Fairbanks family and
the Griswolds, of Boyd's Grove. Xo house of worship was ever erected
and after a number of years the society went down. The descendants
of some of the early members now belong to the Baptist Society that
holds meetings in a schoolhouse on Jug Run.
Elder Dodge, of Toulon, A. J. Wright, of Saxon, and J. ^I.
Stickney visited Wyoming in August, 18G7, and organized a Baptist
Church witli the following members. J. INI. Stickney. who was the
first pastor, Ephraim and Eliza jNI. Holton, JMargaret A. Conover,
Sarah and ^Martha E. Wilson, ]Mary Butler, Josephine Holton. Rachel
Eong, Adelaide Cole, Lucy Timmons, Louisa Hearse and Rachel
Davis. Francis Walker Mas also a member at an early date in the
society's history. INIeetings Avere held in such quarters as could be
obtained until July 10. 1872, w'hen the frame church on Galena Avenue
was dedicated and the Baptists moved into their new home out of debt.
For more than forty years this house stood and meetings were held
there regularly for many years, but in the summer of 191.5 it was torn
down and nuned away, nearly all the original members having died
and the church grew so weak that it was unal)le to emi)loy a pastor.
On December 12, 1809. Elder Stickney, upon invitation of some
of the Baptists living in Bradford, attended a meeting in that village
and presented articles of association providing for the formation of a
Baptist Church, which articles were signed by J. ]\L Stickney, Andrew
and Eunice Britton. Annie Prout, John R. and Sarah Hatch. John
and 3Iary Winslow, William F. and ]Madge J. Patt. Hannah S. Ful-
kerson and perhaps one or tAvo others. The first services were held by
Elder Stickney on January 23. 1870. and on the first day of ]May
following, the Bradford Baptist Church was formally organized.
The society adopted the name of the "First Regidar Baptist Church
of Bradford" at a meeting a little later and Rev. F. B. Ives preached
occasionally during the first year. The first regular pastor was Rev.
G. D. Kent, who came to Bradford in February. 1871, and the fol-
lowing ^Vpril the church became connected Avith the Ottawa Baptist
Association.
On July 21, 1871, AndreAv Leslie Avas aAvarded the contract to
erect a church building for •'^2,27.5. The first services Avere held in the
ncAv house the day before Christmas, 1871. The building is still occu-
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 255
pied l)y the congregation, anil, although the oldest church edifice in
Bradford, it is in good repair. It is the most centrally located of any
of the churches, being on the south side of ^lain Street, only a short
distance east of the Chicago, Burlingtt)n ilk Quincy Railroad.
THE PRESBYTEKIANS
The first Presbyterian organization in Stark County was the
Osceola Society, which was organized on June 8, 1839, though a meet-
ing had been called on the 25th of JMay, at which the prelhuinary steps
were taken for the establishment of a church. On that date five mem-
bers of the Davis family — John, Polly, JNIargaret, Frances and
Rosanna — Helen Rrydon. Thomas and IMargaret Oliver, Calvin and
Betsey Winslow, John and ^largaret Turnbull, William and Agnes
Parks, IMary Wiseman, Sarah Spencer, Robert and JNIargaret Turn-
hull, Hannah Pike, Magaret INIoore, Adam Oliver and Hannah Ful-
ler, all were admitted to membership "on certificate."
The record shows that "William Parks, who had been ordained
an elder in A'irginia, was duly elected with John Davis, ruling elders
in this church: that they declared their acceptance of the office, and
covenanted to discharge the duties thereof, according to the Confes-
sion of Faith and the Book of Discipline of the Presbyterian Church
in the United States."
Says ]Mrs. Shallenberger: "We doubt if any other religious or-
ganization within our borders sprang into life with such an array of
names as this — and we mean no play u]X)n the frequent recurrence of
the name '^largaret,' although that is singular — but whether con-
.sidered numerically, or as to character and standing, it was a strong-
church for the time when it was formed; and it was no child's play,
but a solemn compact of mature men and women to make their in-
fluence felt for good in forming the opinions and habits of the new
county."
The church never had a regular pastor. Services were held at
intervals by Revs. R. B. Dobbins, W. J. Frazer, E. S. High, and
William F. Vail. In the organization all but four of the members
voted for the adoption of the Old School form of worship, which
method was followed as long as the church existed. After the removal
of the postotfice to Elmira and the establishment of the Presbyterian
Church there, the Osceola Society went down, the last records bearing
date of August 14, 18.).).
Another Presln'terian Church of 1839 was the one organized In
what is now West Jersey Township. Among the members in 1841
256 HISTOKY OF STAKK COUNTY
(the earliest records preserved) were James llulsizer, S. G. W'riglit,
James Ferguson, Francis Anthony, Wesley Heath, Newton Mat-
thews, Rev. A. C. Miller, the Mclntoshes, JMcKinstrys, Eatons, Bo-
dines, Yomigs and other pioneer families whose names are familiar
in the early history of the coimty. The last regular pastor was Rev.
J. C. Hannah, who preached there in 1877. Not long after that the
church disbanded.
The Presbyterian Church of Lafayette dates its beginning from
1841, when Rev. S. G. ^^'right, afterward school commissioner,
preached in the village and several persons expressed their desire to
oroanize a church. No house of worship was ever erected and when in
1846 some of the members withdrew to join the Congregational Church
at Toulon, the Lafayette Society passed out of existence.
3Irs. Shallenberger, whose book was published in 1876, says of
the United Presbyterian Church of Elmira: "This church was orig-
inally known as the 'Associate Reformed Congregation of Osceola,'
changed in 1852 from Osceola to Elmira to correspond with the name
of the nearest postotfice. And the Associate and Associate Refoi-m
churches of the United States being formally united in May, 1858,
the congregation became known by that union as 'The United Presby-
terian Church of Elmira,' l)y which name it is still recognized."
Although the formal organization of the church dates from 1852,
Rev. N. C. Weede, a Presbyterian minister of ^Marshall County, had
held meetings and preached in Elmira as early as 1849. Among the
early members of this church were the Turnbulls, Olivers and some
others who had been identified with the Presbyterian Church at Osce-
ola. Then there were the ]Murchisons, Grieves, Murrays. Jacksons,
Scotts, ^NlcLennans and other well known families who were atfiliated
with this congregation at an early day and active in its support. In
1853 an acre of land was bought from Clinton Fuller and a frame
church. 30 by 40 feet, was built for $1,275.
To quote again from ]Mrs. Shallenberger: "In the spring of 18(54
a considerable number left this congregation (the United Presbyterian
of Elmira) to constitute the 'Knox Church of Elmira,' which is in
connection with the Canada Presbyterian Church. ]Much interest at-
taches to this Knox Church, partly because its communicants are
mainly Scotch Highlanders, or Gaelic people, and services have usually
been performed in the Gaelic tongue."
As early as 1856 some of the Scotch Presbyterians in and about
Elmira applied to the Canada Synod of the Presbyterian Church to
send a minister who could preach in eitlier Gaelic or English. Not
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 257
long after that, Rev. Duncan JMcUerniid came and jji-eached two ser-
mons, and in 18(>'2 Rev. Adam JNlcKay visited them for two successive
Sundays. In 18(34. l{ev. Loehhn Cameron, of Acton, Ontario, came
and remained for ahout six weeks. It was under his ministrations that
the church was formally organized. He was succeeded hy Rev. Arch-
ibald McDermid, and" on September 27, 1804., John ^McLennan,
Donald ^IcDonald and James Armstrong were elected elders. JNIeet-
ings were held in the homes of the members or in the jNIethodist Church
until 18(JG, when a house of worship was erected.
A third Presbyterian Church was oi-ganized at Elmira on May 8,
1881. by Revs. T. G. Scott and John Weston. While several mem-
bers of this society were Scotch, a large number were English speak-
ing people, who could not understand the Gaelic language. At a
meeting held on December 20, 1881, to consider the question of build-
ing a church, a majority decided in favor of the pro])osition and John
Roberts, John Fowler, John G. Turnbull, George Armstrong, Joseph
Cliapman, Daniel Dodd, \Villiam Reattie, George E. Holmes, John
Ilindmarsh, Henry Scott, James Cinnamon, Alexander Buchanan
and William Stevenson were appointed a committee to take charge
of the movement. About a week later Clinton Fuller donated a lot and
in the fall of 1882 the church edifice was completed at a cost of $j,()0().
The first services were held in the new house on December 15, 1882.
A parsonage was erected in 1885 at a cost of $2,500. It is located on
the Toulon road, a little southwest of the village.
I^eeson's History of Stark County, published in 1887, says: "It
is notable that the three Presbyterian churches of Elmira Township
pay $3,000 as salaries annually, and about the same amount for other
church purposes."
A society of Cumberland Presbyterians, known as the "^lound
Church," Avas organized at !Modena some time in the '4.0s. It was
never ])rosi:)erous and after a few years it went down. The house of
worshi]) erected by this church became the property of the Old School
Raptists, who in turn disbanded.
THE COXCJREGATIOXALISTS
A year or two after Stark County was organized, a few persons
living in the southern ])art, near the Peoria County line, held meetings
and Avorshiped according to the Congregational faith. There is a
tradition that a church was organized there, but none of its records
have been preserved. There was an effort made to oi-ganize a Con-
258 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
greyatioiial Clmich at La Fayette about 18-il or 18-12, but iiotliiug
definite can be learned of the movement.
It is therefore (luite probable tliat the Congregational Church of
Toulon is entitled to recognition as the first society of tliat denomina-
tion in the county. In November, 1840, Rev. S. G. Wright, Rev. L.
II. Parker, Hugh Rhodes and a few others met in the court room at
Toulon and took the necessary steps to organize a church by adopting
the confession of faith covenant recognized by the Congregational
i-itual. The charter members were Hugh and Jonatlian Rhodes and
their wives, Giles C. Dana and wife, ]Mrs. Elizabeth Rhodes, Frank-
lin and Eliza Rhodes. Of the nine original members, seven belonged
to the Rhodes family, and the little society became known as the
"Rhodes Church."
In March. 184.7, at a meeting held at the house of Hugh Rhodes,
nine new members were received into the church. They were S. G.
Wright, Robert Nicholson and wife, Orrin Rhodes" and wife, John
Pollock, Jane Bradley, JMrs. 3Iatilda Hall and ^Nliss Eliza Hall.
Rev. S. G. Wriglit was the first pastor. He was identified witli the
society until December, 1854.
The first movement toward the erection of a house of worship was
made on August 24, 1849, when James Flint, Charles F. White and
Hugh Rhodes were appointed a committee to confer with tlie ^leth-
odist congregation with a view of effecting some arrangement by
wliich the two societies could be united in the erection of a house of
worship to be used by both. But the ^Methodists declined to co-operate.
Mr. "Wright then started out with a subscription paper, secured pledges
or subscriptions amounting to a little over one lumdred dollars, went
to Henry County and made arrangements for lumber, and finally
borrowed $700 from a Fulton County man. He also "drafted" men
to go to the quarry, and teams to havd stone for the foundation, and
on September 21, 18.31, the congregation worshiped for the first time
in the "new Congregational Churcli on Henderson Street," tliough
the house Avas not fully completed until some months later.
In July, 1882. James H. JSIiller and R. J. Dickinson were ap-
pointed a committee to inquire into and report on the cost of rejxiiring
the old cluu-ch or building a new one. Their report, which favored a
new building, was adopted by the congregation and on August 8,
1882. a majority of the members voted in favor of erecting the new
cliui-cli upon tlie site of the old one. The building committee at the
same time was instructed to sell the old church and on October 1.5,
1882, it was sold to Charles S. Payne, of Wyoming, for $175. A
HISTOKV OF ST AUK COUATV 259
little later JNIr. Pajne purchased the old JNlethodist Churcli of Wyo-
ming and out of the two lie built the Wyoniing ()])era House. Tlie
new Congregational Church was dedicated on January 3, ISS^, and
was used by the society until 1914, when the present niagniticent
house of worship was dedicated. It is located at the southeast corner
of Thomas and Henderson streets and was erected at a cost of about
thirty thousand dollars.
The Congregational Church of Bradford was organized on Novem-
ber 28, 1869, by Rev. B. jM. Hoy, but none of the church records can
be found. ^Meetings were held in a hall or in the Baptist Church until
about ISTJ-, when the few members grew discouraged, disbanded their
organization and united with churches elsewhere.
On April 3, 1873, fourteen Congregationalists living in \V^y()ming
got together and organized the Wyoming Congregational Church.
The next Sunday Rev. A. A. Stevens, of Peoria, preached for the
little society and a little later Rev. W. Walters took charge as pastor.
lie remained with the church until 1883, when he was called to the
church at Lacon. 111. The original fourteen members of this church
were Dr. John C. and Sarah C. Copestake, John and Prudence Rock-
hold, lleiu-y V. and Charlotte Turner, Jolin and Augusta Hawks,
James and Susannah Buckley, William and ]Mary A. Walters, JNIary
C. Scott and Ann Wrigley.
On July 1.5, 1874, the pastor, John Hawks and Henry F. Turner
were appointed a l)uilding committee. A lot on INIain Street was
])urchased for .$100 from W. F. Thomas, who donated the adjoining-
lot, and the cliurch edifice was built thereon at a cost of $3, .585. At
the time it was completed and dedicated (May 4, 1875), it was con-
sidered the finest church building in Stark County. The society is
still an active power for good in Wyoming and in 191.3 was under the
pastoral charge of Rev. ^Villiam JMoore.
In 1880 a few Congregationalists living in the little Village of
Stark and the adjacent country organized a small society and for a
time held meetings in Simpson & Smith's warehouse. Later the
abandoned cheese factory was obtained as a place of holding services,
and here a Sunday school was organized in the spring of 1883. The
persons who kept up the Sunday school and the religious meetings
did not claim to be a regular church, and it was not initil February 19,
188.). that a meeting was called for the purpose of effecting a formal
organization. Then the Stark Congregational Church was founded
and M. S. Smith, H. F. Blood, W. F. Speer, L. Dixon and Charles
Hampson were appointed a finance committee, to solicit aid for tlie
building of a church.
V
260 HlSTOliY OF STAKK COUNTY
The organization of the cliurch was finally completed on April 19,
1885, when eighteen members signed the articles of association. The
work of erecting a church was pushed with vigor and on September
20, 188.5, the house of worship was dedicated. Its cost was -$2,000.
]{cv. J. K. Tomkins, of Chicago, preached the sermon on that occasion.
LATTER DAY SAINTS
For some five or six years following tlie organization of Stark
County the 3Iormons, or Latter Day Saints, were (juite active in the
Spoon River Valley. Mormon elders and evangelists visited every
settlement and wherever given an opportunity exjiounded the peculiar
doctrines of their church. And they made some converts in quarters
Avhere such a thing coidd hardly have been expected, a few of the
pioneers selling all they had to follow the fortunes of the "saints."
Walnut Creek is referred to in Rev. S. G. Wright's diary as "the
heart of the ]Mormon settlement," though no organized church was
ever established in the county. The elders operated about West Jer-
sey, in Essex Township and in the vicinity of Lafayette. Among
their converts were Adam Perry and some members of the Essex
family.
PEOTESTAXT EPISCOP.VL CHURCH
This denomination has never l)een strong in Stark County, the
only church being the one at Wyoming. It dates from the year 1848,
Avhen Rev. Richard Radley, of Jubilee, Peoria County, came to AVyo-
ming and conducted services at the house of Henry Butler. ]Mr.
Radley made monthly visits until 31arch, 18,51, when he left for Xew
York. He was succeeded by Rev. Philander Chase, who formally
organized the parish in Sejitember, 18.51, as "St. Luke's Protestant
Episcopal Church." The articles of association were signed by H. A.
Hoist, Charles S. Payne, Dr. Luther S. :\Iilliken. W. B. :Mcbonald,
Thomas B. Whiff en and Henry Butler.
The parish was admitted into union with the diocese on October
18, 185.5, and in ]May, 18.57, a movement was inaugurated for the erec-
tion of a church building. In July H. A. Hoist, A. B. Butler and
J. H. Hopkins were appointed a building committee, the building was
finished in due time and was dedicated on the last day of February,
18.58. The cost of the edifice was $1,020, of whicli the people of
Cliicago gave $271 and $172 came from Episcojial clnu'ches in the
East. In the course of a few years the business district of Wyoming
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 261
spread until the location of the church became un(lesiial)le and the
conoi-fo-ation accepted the offer of Ur. Alfred Castle to donate a lot
on North Cralena xVvenue, to which tlie building was removed in the
early part of 1874.
In July, 1883, Rev. Cieorge Moore, then pastor of the Episcopal
Church at Wyoming, conducted services in Bradford as a sort of
exiX'riment. He had a good audience and twenty-six persons were
found in and near the village Avho expressed a desire to become mem-
bers of the Episcopal Church. Accordingly, at a business meeting
Iield on July 2.5. 1883, tlie necessary papers were ])repared and signed
to send to Bishop Burgess at Quincy, requesting his approval of and
assistance in organizing a mission at Bradford, to be known as St.
James. The bishop gave his approval and in December sent Rev. R.
C. AVall. of Tiskihva, to take charge of the mission, under instructions
to hold services on the second and fourth Sundays of cacli month. A
room was rented in which to hold these services and the attendance was
fairly good for four or five years. Then it began to fall off and the
mission of St. James was soon afterward abandoned.
CHKISTIAXS OR DISCIPLES
The first Christian Church to be organized in the county is the one
at Toulon, which dates back to July l.>, 1849, when a meeting was
held in the old courthouse and the following persons signed the nieni-
bership roll: Elijah and Sarah ]McClenalian, Edward and ^lartha J.
AVilson, Davitl and Mary J. INIcCance, Henry Sweet and James
Bates. Rev. ^lilton'P. King, who was present at the meeting, was
the first pastor of the church. In 185.) a church edifice was erected on
the east side of Washington Street, between ^Nlain and Vine. The
l)uil(ling. a substantial l)riek structure, is still used by the congi-ega- T
tion. though a few years ago it was generally overhauled and re-
modeled, the walls covered with cement and "penciled" to resemble
stone. The property is valued at $.).()00. During an electrical storm
in August, 191.), lightning struck the church, tore the top off the
chimney and damaged the roof to a small extent.
Prior to the organization of the Toulon chiu'ch. Rev. ]Milton P.
King had conducted meetings near the south line of the county, in
wh:it was then known as the "Pratz Settlement," and several persons
united with the church, but no regular church organization was effected.
INIr. King also preached at Wyoming and I^afayette and a Christian
Church was finally organized at the latter place on August 1, 1873,
r
262 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
under the name of the "Chureh of Christ," with John Boyd, James
Ingles and J. H. Quinii, trustees. A building was soon afterward
erected and services held regularly for several years, w hen tlie society
Avent down and its records have been lost.
THE UXIVEESALISTS
Three Universalist congregations have been organized in Stark
County, but none was in existence in 191.). Rev. R. ]M. Bartlett came
to Toulon in the winter of 1860-Gl and preached in tlie Odd Fellows'
Hall, though ])revious to this time sermons had been i)reached in tlie
town by Universalist ministers, whose names have been lost. A small
society was organized in Toidon liy Reverend Bartlett. but no house
of worsliiiJ was ever built and about 1873 tlie Universalists ceased to
hold meetings.
On November 16, 1867, a society of Universalists was organized
at Bradford and took the name of the First Universalist Church.
Among the meml)ers were Bradford S. Foster, William ]M. and ]Mary
E. Pilgrim, Alonzo Abbott, Lydia K. Abbott, B. F. Thompson, ^V.
B. Foster, Francis and Nancy Davis, the Curtisses, the Spinneys and
several others who were members of the leading families in that part
of the county. Soon after the organization of tlie church tlie old
schoolhouse was piu'chased and remodeled for a house of worship, and
B. F. Thomjison, Willard B. Foster and J. O. H. Spinney were
elected trustees. The last board of trustees of which any record can
be found was comjjosed of Silas ]Moody, ]Melvin Gage and JMordecai
Bevier.
Tlie Universalist Church of Lafayette was organized on Novem-
ber 29, 1873, by Rev. John Hughes. Among the members of this
society were: G. H. Redfield and wife, Charles B. and P. H. Smith,
A. M. Snyder and wife. Samuel White and wife, !Mrs. T. D. Cliurch,
]Mrs. Sarah Churcli, ]Mrs. A. E. Parker, ]Mrs. Ann Dunl)ar and Julia
Lake. In 187.) a neat frame church was erected at the northeast cor-
ner of Lafayette and Hodgson streets, at a cost of $3,300. and
meetings were held regularly for several years, wlien reverses came
and the society went down.
UNITED BRETHREJf
liike the Protestant Episco])al Cliurcli. tliis denomination has
never been very strong in the county. In 18(17 the "Pleasant A'alley
sr. .lu||.\> ( A'I'llnl.li ( HI IK II. |',l;AI)|n|;|>
I
LIBRARY
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
mzmn
I
I
HISTORY OF STARK COUXTV 263
Chuicli" was organized in the southeastern part of Essex Township
and numbered anion^y- its uienibers the Fautzes, Springers, Joneses,
Colwells. Eekleys, Andrew, Peter and George Sheets and a few others.
Tlie ehureh lot and cemetery were platted in August, 1873, in the
northeast quarter of section 32, by Edwin Butler, tlien county sur-
veyor. Although this ehureh has fallen off' in numbers in recent years,
meetings are still held occasionally.
Another United Brethren Church was established at Wyoming in
1872 and continued in existence for about ten years. Samuel and
Eorina Farden, Jesse and Cynthia Redding, the Bogards. Baldwin.s,
Beavers, Samuel Bishoj). Sanuiel and Lucretia Redding. Henry Curf-
man and wife and ^lalinda O'Vanda were the tirst members. The
last services here were conducted by Rev. J. S. Smith on October 28,
1882. The church building was sold to Thomas Dugdale, who con-
verted it into a residence.
THE CATHOLICS
Among the first settlers around Bradford were a few Catholic
families and some years after the town was laid out others were added
to the pojjulation. Priests came there at intervals and said mass in
the homes of some of the believers, and early in the "7()s steps were
taken to organize a parish. Among the leaders in the movement may
be mentioned Owen Sharkey, ^Michael Real, John Hickey, Thomas
Powers, Edward Ilarty and Walter Ilennebury, \\ho were appointed
as a building committee in 187-5. Then there were the Codes, Gor-
mans, O'Briens, ]Mahaneys. ^Valshes, Cooneys, Caseys, JNIcSherrys
and some others who had been brought up in the Roman Catholic faith,
and \\ho were active supporters of the new church, which was given
the name of St. John's Parish.
The first church edifice was dedicated on January 8, 1870. the
priest at that time being Father O'Gara. The present pastor, Rev.
P. H. IMcCarron, came to the j)arish in 1893. Under his ministrations
a magnificent new church has been erected at a cost of $.)0.000 and the
old frame building has l)een converted into a public hall, sometimes
called the "Bradford Opera House." In October, 191.5, the parish
numbered 115 families.
St. Dominic's Catholic Church, at Wyoming, Avas organized in
1880 and the chin-ch building was dedicated on July 27, 1881. Bishop T
Spalding officiating. It is located in the northeastern part of the city,
on a lot that was donated by Dr. Alfred Castle. John Colgan, John
Seibold and INIichael Colgan were the building committee and the
■264 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
edifice cost about thirty-five hundred dollars. For some time before
the parish was established the Catholic families were visited bj' priests
from Peoria, Lacon and other convenient points. Father iNIoynihan
was the first resident priest. In 191.5 the parish was under the charge
of Father JM. A. Humphreys.
As early as 1840 the Nowlans, Drinnins and a few other Catholic
families settled in the neighborhood of the pi'esent City of Toulon
and priests came here at times and said mass in the homes. About
18G7 a mission was established at Toulon and was attended by priests
from Bradford, Kewanee and other places for several years. Rev,
John ]Moore said mass in the Second Baptist Church on December 30,
1877, shortly after the two Baptist congregations had agreed to con-
solidate, and the following March the building formerly occupied by
the Second Ba])tist Church was sold to the Catholics. This is still a
mission and in 191.5 Avas attended by Father Richard D. O'Loughlin,
of Galva.
MISCELLANEOUS
About the close of the war some of the citizens of Goshen Town-
ship imited with some of the people living in Henry County in
building a Union Church at Saxon. Here ministers of various de-
uon)inations have held services. The Union Church was dedicated on
August 31, 186.5.
St. Timothy's German Evangelical Lutheran Church at Castleton
was organized in 1878, by Rev. F. R. Bess, of Peoria. Here the Con-
rads. Dunkelmanns, Brinkmanns, \Vagners, Bm-meisters, Schwartzes,
Zinunermans and other German families of Penn Township have
since worshiped according to the tenets of the faith in which they were
brought up. Rev. Carl Proehl was the first pastor and the house of
Avorshij), a modest frame, was dedicated on December 8, 1878.
A Young Men's Christian Association was organized at Toulon
in ]March, 188.5, with nineteen members. Charles II. Christy was the
first ])resident and W. F. Nicholson the first secretary. The associa-
tion continued for some time, but for want of a suitable home was
finally disbanded.
The Wyoming Camp ^Meeting dissociation was formed in 1883,
although camp meetings had been held there nearly every year since
1840. The second camp meeting in the county was held at Lafayette
in 1842, as previously stated. In 1883 James :M. Rogers, B. G. Hall
and K. J. Edwards Mere appointed an executive committee for the
Wyoming Camj) ^Meeting Association and made several needed im-
IIISTOKV OF STARK COUNTY 265
provenifiits upon the camp grouiul, so that the meetings since that
time have I)een l)etter accommodated.
The Starlv County liible Society was organized in 18.5(> with Nor-
man Hutler. president; C. M. Johnson, vice president; T. IJ. Starrett,
secretary; Davis Lowman, treasurer; Rev. R. C. Dunn, chairman of
the executive committee; Samuel ITalsted. Benjamin Packer and
Hopkins Shivvers, local agents; Mrs. Norman Butler and ^liss Sarah
iVi-mstrong, collectors. It continued in existence for several years
and was influential ill placing copies of the Bible in the homes of
several families throughout the county.
The Elmira Bihle Society was organized on June "J-t, 18.37. with
John Turnbull, president; W. M. Fuller and Joseph Blanchard, vice
presidents; M. G. Brace, secretary; Dr. E. M. Boardman, treasurer.
Liberal contributions were made by this society to the American Bible
Society for several years, in fact for some time after regular meetings
ceased.
The Stark County Sunday School Union was formed in 1866 and
held its first meeting in James Holgate's grove that year. Davis
Uowman was the first president and W. W. Wright the first secre-
tary. INIeetings or conventions have been held annually since that
time. The fiftieth annual convention was held in the ^Methodist Church
at Bradford on October 28-29, 1915. At that time the officers of the
union were: H. D. D. ISIartin, president; George C. Strattan, vice
president; ^Nlrs. INI. L. Earhart, secretary and treasurer.
In connection with several of the Stark County churches are ladies'
aid societies, auxiliary missionary circles, etc., so that the church work
is carried on systematically and without friction.
Vol. I-
CHAPTER XVI
SOCIETIES AND FRATERNITIES
MUTUAL PEOTFXTION SOCIETY ITS AIJIS AXD OBJECTS AGRICULTURAL
SOCIETIES AXD EAIR ASSOCIATIONS OLD SETTLERs' ASSOCIATION
THE LOG CABIN OLD SETTLERs' MONUMENT LETTERS FROM
PIONEERS MASONIC FRATERNITY — ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR
INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS — DAUGHTERS OF REBEKAH —
GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC TEZMPERANCE SOCIETIES MISCEL-
LANEOUS SOCIETIES.
One of the earliest Stark County societies of which there is any
record was tlie Stark County JNIutual Protection Society. In early
(lays the Illinois Valley was infested by gangs of horse thieves and
other outlaws, who were constantly coniniitting depredations upon the
property of the frontier settlers. The legal machinery of civil gov-
ernment was in its infancj' and it was not an easy matter to secure
the arrest and conviction of the offenders through regular channels,
hence in a few cases lynch law was resorted to by the pioneers to break
up the gangs of thieves and bring law and order to the community.
There is no record of a lynching ever having occurred within the limits
of Stark County, but the settlers suffered losses through the opera-
tions of the DriscoU. Brodie and Aikens gangs, the leaders of which
lived in the northern part of the state and could always be relied upon
to furnish an alibi when one of the gang might be arrested.
In the summer of 1848, after the county had been organized for
more than nine years and the gangs of outlaws were still operating
through this part of the state, some of the citizens of Stark County
began to discuss the advisability of organizing for the purpose of
aiding the legal authorities in putting a stop to the depredations. The
result of the agitation was that a meeting was called at the courthouse
in Toulon for August 12, 1848, at which the Stark Coimty ]Mutual
Pi'otection Society was organized. ^Myrtle G. Brace was elected
president; Hugh Rhodes, secretary; and ^Vheeler B. Sweet, organizer.
Committees were appointed for the five precincts of the coimty as
266
HISTORY OF STxVllK COUNTY 267
follows: Massillou — Edward Trickle, Thomas S. Clark and iVllen
Greenlee; Toulon — William Oyle, George Buchanan and Oliver
Whitaker; ^^\vonlin<4■ — Henry IJutler, Jose])!! Newton and James
Ilolgate; Lafayette — William Pratt, M. Atherton and .Jacob Emery;
Osceola — John Lyle, William Dodd and Walter Fvdler.
It may be of interest to the reader to know just who belonged to
the society. Besides the officers and committees above named, those
who em-olled themselves as members were: Isaiah Ackley, II. S.
Aibiight, Joseph Atherton, .1. II. Barnett, .Josepli Blauchard, Wil-
liam Bowen, Henry Brice, A. K. Hutler, Samuel Ct. Butler, ^V. II.
Butler. ^Villiam Chamberlain, .Joseph Cox, John Dodd, Lemuel S.
Dorrance, Thomas Dugan, W. K. Klston, Conrad Emery, David
Emery, .Jesse Emery, .Joseph Emery, Brady Fowler, W. T. Fuller,
Christian Gingrich, Thomas Hall, William Hall, A. W. Harrod,
J. W. Henderson, Thomas J. Henderson, Jacob Holgate, Henry T.
Ives, William Lyle, Elijah ]McClenahan, William ^Nloore, Philip
3Iunson, Josej^h K. Newton, Lewis Perry, .John Pollok, Peter E.
Pratt, .John Prior, .John Kichey, Hugh Rhodes, W. M. Rose, George
Sheets, ]\Iinott Silliman, Nathan Snare, Henry Sturm, ^lathias
Sturm, (xcorge Sumner, Jacob Sumner. W. B. Sweet, Isaac Thomas,
Samuel Thomas, Henderson Truman, .John Turnbull, Ira Ward,
Hugh White, George A. ^Vorley and Sanuiel G. Wright.
A few of the members lived in Knox and Henry counties, but in
the above list will be found the names of a large number of the pioneer
settlei-s of Stark County who left the impress of their character upon
local institutions. All were law-abiding citizens and the society con-
tinned in existence until the reign of law was fully established and
the country was rid of the desi^eradoes.
AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES
The first move toward organizing an agricultural society in Stark
County was made in the fall of 184.3, when a number of farmers met
in the old courthouse at Toulon for that purpose. .Jonathan ]Miner
was called to the chair and Henry Butler was chosen secretary. The
lattei- delivered an address, urging the necessity for and importance
of such a society. After some discussion a society was organized Avith
Col. W. H. Henderson, ])resident: Lemuel S. Dorrance, vice presi-
dent: Oliver Whitaker, secretary; .JonathaiU Hodgson, treasurer;
.James Holgate, Sylvanus ]Moore and Cyril Wai-d, executive com-
mittee. Committees of three w^ere chosen in each of the precincts of
268 IIISTOKV OF STARK COUNTY
the county, but tlie society never did any active work for the promotion
of the agricultural interests, such as holding county fairs, etc.
On October 29, 1853, the society was reorganized, or it might be
more proper to say a new one was organized to take its place, although
quite a number of the members of the old society retained their mem-
bership under the reorganization. The first fair was held at Toulon,
beginning on September 20, 1854. Concerning this fair Mrs. Shal-
lenberger says: "Some still remember that first fair in 1854-, \\hen
the stock was quartered in JNIr. ^Vhitaker's yard and exhibited in the
public square, while the products of the dairy, kitchen and loom were
disposed of within the old courthouse, the table containing a few fancy
articles which a gentleman lifted up, one by one, that they might be
seen by the assemblage. * * * But in one respect, at least, tliis
little fair of 1854 was a prototype of all its successors, viz: disap-
jwinted competitors for premiums felt at liberty to vent their chagrin
on or at the judges of the various departments, whom they thought
had been instrumental in wounding their vanit>-. The writer recalls
that she was unfortunately a judge of dairy products on this occasion,
and being concerned in awarding the first premium ever awarded in
Stark County for butter, to IMrs. Ann Hartley, was soundly berated
before leaving the house by another competitor, who infoi-med the
judges one and all that 'they couldn't know good ])utter when they
saw it;' but they still think they did."
On June 3, 185G, the society petitioned the board of supervisors
to lease seven acres of land in the southwest corner of the poor farm
I'or a fair ground, with the right to make such impro\ements as might
be necessary for holding fairs successfully. The petition was granted
and the board of supervisors leased the seven acres to the society for a
term of twenty-five years, at a rental of 1 cent annually. Five addi-
tional acres were leased to the society on December 12, 1859. Fairs
were held here until 1808, when the society decided to incorporate and
])urchase the fair grounds. The supervisors' minutes for October IG,
1868, contain the following entry:
"At a meeting held at the courthouse in the Town of Toulon, in
the County of Stark and the State of Illinois, on the 10th day of
October, A. D. 1868, for the purpose of incorporating the Stark
County Agricultural Society, due notice whereof had been previously
given, P. M. Blair. J. H. Quinn, P. Nowlan, John Turnbull. D. Tin-
lin, James Frail, Davis Lowman, William Nowlan, William Low-
man, B. H. Bush, Benjamin B. Brown, I. W. Searle. Liberty Stone,
S. P. Fast. Benjamin Boughn, xVndrew Oliver, G. \V. Dewey, John
1
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 269
Ilepijerl}', C. M. S. Lyon, H. M. Hall, James Shivvcrs, Perry ^Vill^,
J. M. Rrown, R. J. Uickinson, John W. Rii4;i>s. Rol)ert McKeighan,
Charles Myers, Xathan Lankford, and James Holgate, legal voters
of said county, being present, it was inianimously resolved that the
above named persons be and are organized into a society to be known
as the 'Stark County Agricultural Society,' and upon the adoption of
a constitution and by-laws for said societ}', Oliver ^Vhitaker was
chosen president; Patrick Xowlan. recording secretaiv. and William
Lownian, treasurer of said society."
Soon after the incoriJoration. the society purchased the twelve
acres leased iinm the county some years before, and a little later ])ur-
cliased three acres adjoim'ng. Fairs were held annually upon these
grounds until about 1888, when the society decided to disband. A
portion of the fair grounds was sold in 1889 to JNliles A. Fuller, who
bought another section in 1891, and in 189.'} the remaining portion
was sold to Burge & Dewey.
In the winter of 187''}-74 some of the citizens of Wyoming made
an effort to have the Stark County Agricultural Society remove its
fail's to that town. James Holgate, F. F. Brockway, ^V. F. Thomas,
Alfred Castle, Perry StanclifF, Isaac and Sanniel Thomas agreed to
remove the lumber from Toulon to Wyoming free of charge, and
W'intield Scott guaranteed the payment of $800 for the purpose of
fencing and improving new fair grounds. On the other hand B. C.
Follett. Doctor Bacmeister and J. D. Rhodes, of Toulon, tendered
the society the free use of five acres adjoining the fair grounds on the
east, on condition that the fairs should be held at Toulon for ten years.
On .January '24; 1874, the ])ropositions were taken under consideration
by the society and the vote to remain at Toulon was seven to six,
Wyoming losing by one vote.
The people of Wyonn'ng were not altogether satisfied to remain
without a fair, and on October 2'.i. 1878, a meeting was called to con-
sider the question of organizing the "Central Agrieult\n-al Society of
Stark County." A. G. Hammond ])resided and F. B. Wall acted as
secretary. A committee was ajjpointed to solicit subscriptions to a
ca])ital stock, but nothing definite was accomplished for al)ont two
years.
Another meeting w-as held on February 5, 1881, at which a con-
stitution was adopted, signed by Benjamin Bunnell, George W. and
Winfield Scott. T. B. Wall. .Tames :M. Thomas. Samuel Wi-igley,
.Tohn S|)eer. .lames ^NIcKean. .John ^Nlonier and A. G. Hammond.
A\'infiel(l Scott was chosen president; Samuel Wrigley, vice president;
270 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
J. ]M. Thomas, recording secretary; T. E. Wall, general secretary;
G. W. Scott, treasurer. In April, 1881, the new society purchased
39^ acres of ground from INIrs. M. A. ^larkham and the work of
improving was commenced. The first fair was held here beginnin.g on
September G, 1881. and lasting four days, $4., 000 being paid in
premimns.
Doubtless the competition offered by the Wyoming fair had its
influence upon the old Stark County Agricultural Society and has-
tened its downfall, but there were other influences at work in that
direction. Xot the least of these was the fact that the society had
incurred some indebtedness that it found diflieult to liquidate and
Anally decided that the best way out was to sell the property.
In 1913 the officers of the Central Agricultural Society, or Wyo-
ming Fair Association, as it is conmionly called, were as follows:
W. II. Wrigley, jiresident; John P. Code, vice president; E. Argan-
bright, secretary; J. E. King, treasurer. The board of directors was
then constituted of the above oflficers and W. H. Hartz, Orpheus
Bailey, D. J. Colgan and J. J. ]Moran, of Wyoming, and E. C.
Caverly, of Toulon.
The Lafayette Horse and Fair Association held its tenth annual
fair on August 31, September 1, 2 and 3, 191.5. The fair gi-ounds
include sixty-five acres a short distance west of the town, located in a
natural park that is conceded to be one of the prettiest groves in the
state. The groimds are equipped with modern horse and cattle barns,
a good half-mile race track, etc. The farmers of three counties —
Knox, Stark and Henry — are interested in this fair association and
have cooperated to make the exhibits here as good as any county fair
in the State of Illinois. In 191.5 A. H. Jackson Avas president: F. E.
Winans, vice president; F. T. Gelvin, secretary and treasui'er. The
directors were: J. G. Reed. F. F. Quinn, A. 31. .lanes and Arthur
Baltimore, of Lafayette; ]M B. Downend and E. L. Packer, of Tou-
lon: \y. I. Sellon. Vvilliam Reals and Will Cardiff, of Galva.
OLD settlers' associatiox
Although the pioneers in a new settlement on the frontier of
civilization may come from widely different sections of the country,
or even from foreign climes; may speak different languages and wor-
shi]) at different shrines; may hold o])posing views on ]5olitical ques-
tions, they soon learn that they are dependent upon each other to a
great extent and coojjerate for the general good. They borrow and
HISTORY OF STARK COIXTY 271
k'lul freely, attend each other in times of sickness, share their good
fortune in times of prosperity and sympathize with each other iti ad-
versity. The fraternal relations thus established become hallowed by
fond memories as the years pass by and another <>eneration comes upon
the scene. It is l)ut natural, and it is well that such is the case, for
these old settlers to enjoj- meeting together and talking over the inci-
dents of former years. Through this spirit old settlers' associations
liave been organized in numerous places throughout the great JMidtlle
West, and through these associations have been jjreserved many in-
teresting facts regarding local events — facts that otherwise would
iiave been lost to history.
The first attem])t to organize an old settlers' association in Stark
County was made on January '1, 18GG, when a meeting was held at the
Town of Toulon for that purpose. Dr. Thomas Hall was chosen to
l)i-eside and Oliver ^^^litaker was elected secretary. T. J. Hender-
son. C. L. Eastman and C. M. S. Lyon were a])pointed a committee
to make arrangements for another meeting, to be held on April 4,
18<i(). and a committee, consisting of one member from each townshij),
was chosen to prepare a list of all persons residing in the county on
April 4. 1839, when the county commissioners met for the first time.
That committee Mas composed as follows: JNI. G. Brace, Ehnira
Township; W. II. Rutler. Essex; Eewis Perry, Goshen; W. W.
Winslow, Osceola; James Holgate, Penn; C. L. Eastman, Toulon;
Harry Hull. A'alley; Washington Trickle. West Jersey. The com-
nn'ttee. or at least some of the members thereof, performed its duty,
but if a meeting was held in April following no record of it can be
i'oniid.
On December 13, 1878, over one hundred old settlers assembled
at the Toulon House, where a sumptuous dinner was served, after
which they marched through a severe snow storm to the town hall to
consider the question of an old settlers' society of some character.
After the meeting was called to order by Benjamin Turner, Oliver
Whitaker was chosen chairman and E. H. Phelps, secretary. INIinott
Silliman. Benjamin Turner and James Holgate were ap])ointed a
committee on resolutions. They reported in favor of organizing the
"Stark County Old Settlei-s' Association," and suggested that oidy
those should be eligible to membership who had resided for twenty-five
yea is or more in the comity. The report was adopted and the asso-
ciation was then organized by the election of the following officers:
Oliver Whitaker, president; W. II. Butler, secretary; Benjamin
Tinner, treasurer; Edwin Butler, E. H. Phelps and Dr. W. T. Hall,
272 HISTOKY OF STARK COUNTY
executive committee. ^V motion was tlieii carried to hold the first
annual meeting at the courthouse on Sei^tember 1, 1879.
After the business in hand was disposed of the meeting was turned
into a sort of informal social gathering. Charles ^Nlyers acted as toast
master. Elder Keane spoke on the "Pioneer ^Ministry;" Xorman
Butler on "Our Earliest Settlers;" JNIartin Shallenberger on "The
Stark County Bar;" E. II. Phelps on "The Press;" B. F. Thompson
on "Education," and Ur. W. T. Hall on "The Physician." The
meeting closed with a vote of thanks to ]Mr. Stockner. proprietor of
the hotel, for his kindness in opening his house to the old settlers and
the excellent dinner he had preinired.
Subsequently a vice president was elected for each township, to-
wit: Elmira, M. B. Parks; Essex, Jefferson Trickle; Goshen, D. J.
Hurd; Osceola, W. W. Winslow; Penn, James Holgate; Toulon,
Brady Fowler; Valley, Edward Colgan; West Jersey, Levi Eckley.
Although the date of September 1, 1879, was fixed for the first
annual meeting, it was not held until the 3d, when fully one thousand
people gathered in the public square at Toulon to attend the first old
settlers' picnic ever held in Stark County. After music by the Toulon
band, prayer by Rev. J. ]M. Stickney, and the song "We've Come
Home Again," by the Toulon Glee Club, JNIartin Shallenberger de-
livered the address of welcome. This was responded to by Gen. T. J.
Henderson, who made the j^rincipal speech of the occasion. In the
business meeting the president, secretary and treasurer were
reelected for another year, and Orlando Brace, Henry Perry and
Levi Silliman were elected members of the executive committee.
On motion of B. F. Thompson, it was decided to erect a monument
to Dr. Thomas Hall and a committee was appointed to solicit sub-
scrijitions. The old settlers responded liberally and a handsome
monument was placed over Doctor Hall's resting place in the Toulon
Cemetery as a tribute of respect from his old friends and neighbors.
A good sized volume might be written on the doings of tiie Old
Settlers' Association at its annual meetings since it was organized in
1878, but there are two of these annual meetings that stand out with
more prominence than others. One was the meeting of 1898. when
the log cabin on the public square was raised as a memorial to the
county's pioneers. By previous arrangement a number of the pioneer
families each contributed a log and on the ap])ointed day here came
the Olivers, Turnbulls, Turners, Holgates, Vandykes, Whitakers,
Halls, Hendersons, Thomases, Sheetses, Nowlans, ]McClenahans,
Winslows. Winns and other old time families, each bringing a log.
1
HISTORY OF STARK COUXTV 273
JNIadison Winn was inastLi- of ceremonies and the cabin was "j-aised"
with all the customs of pioneer days. The meetin<)- of that year was
held on August '2.'Ah. and after the cabin was raised it was formally
dedicated by Cien. T. J. Henderson in an address, the closing para-
graphs of which were as follows:
"This log cabin, representing as it does the primitive homes of
early settlers of Stark County, has been erected here in this place
under the authority of the board of supervisors of this county as a
memorial of the men and women who were the first settlers, the
pioneers of the county, ami I am here, upon the invitation of your
association, to dedicate it to their memory.
"The first house of the first white settler in this county was a log
cabin, and the homes of all the pioneers who followed for many years
were log cabins. The first schoolhouse built was a log schoolhouse.
The first marriage celebrated in this county was solemnized in a log
cabin. The first wliite child born in this county was born in a log
cabin, and the first courts held in this county were held in a log cabin
built by my father, and which was a part of our home for many years.
It was therefore a fit and proper thing to. do, JNIr. President, to erect
here, in this public place, a log cabin representing the early homes
of our fathers, in memory of their settlement of the county. And I
esteem it not oidy a privilege, but a great honor, now to dedicate
this building to the memory of the jnoneers of the county, whose names
I have mentioned in my address, as well as to those I have omitted
through forgetfulness.
"Long may this cabin endure, to perpetuate the memory of the
early settlers of Stark County."
Within the cabin are stored a number of relics of early days. I lere
one may see the old-fashioned spinning Avheel, the old brass candle-
stick and "snuffers." tlie huge fireplace with its heavy andirons, the
straight-backed chair with its splint bottom, the cooking utensils and
many other things used by the first settlers of Stark County. A list
of the settlers to whom this cabin is dedicated is given in Chapter V
of this work.
The other meeting of more than unusual interest was that of 1912,
when the old settlers' monument w'as dedicated, P. G. Rennick, of
Peoria, delivering the address. The movement to erect a monument
to the county's pioneers was inaugin-ated the year before. Twelve
hundred dollars were raised by ])o])ular suliscription and the board of
supervisors approjn-iated $300. W'ltix the •'{^K.'jOO thus provided a
handsome monument of granite was placed on the west side of the
274 HISTORY OF STAKK COUNTY
]\Iain Street entrance to the public sfiiiare. On the north side, facing
JNIain Street, is the inscription: "In INIemory of the Pioneers of
Stark County," and al)ove the inscription is a kettle suspended from
an iron crane, such as were used in the firL'i)laces of the pioneer cabins.
The west side bears the inscription: "In ^Memory of Stephen A.
Douglas, who spoke here October 5, 18.58;" the east side is inscribed:
"In Memorj^ of Abraham Lincoln, who sj^oke here October 6, 18.)8,"
and on the south is the simple statement: "Dedicated August 28,
1912."
At nearly every meeting of the Old Settlers' Association letters
from former residents of the county have been read, expressing regret
that the writers were unable to be present and frequently referring to
events of former years. Sometimes a letter from some old resident,
who had moved away, would be published in some of the Stark County
papers. A letter of this character was written from Casper,
Wyo., by Percy H. Shallenberger and published in the Stark County
Sentinel of JNIarch 7, 1900, a short time after his mother's death. In
that letter he says :
"I feel it to be a sad duty which I owe to my poor mother to make
known to her old friends about Toulon how fondly she had cherished
the hope of seeing them just once again; to breathe once more the
fragrance of those friendships which had bloomed in the summer of her
heart. To every friend who kindly came to cheer her here she told
the story of her jirecious anticipations. How her dear old face would
brighten as she told to strangers in this distant land how she hoped to
spend her seventieth birthday in old Toulon and be pi-esent at the old
settlers' meeting. As day by day her little strength went from her, she
sat a silent watcher by the bedside of this dying hope. One of her first
questions to the doctor when she reached Hastings was as to whether
he thiOught she would live to go back to Illinois in the spring. He
kindly told her that he thought she would.
"She wanted to go again to Osceola Grove, to find the site of the
old Henderson cabin, where she had learned to know a noble woman
and her family, to look again on the old Major ]\IcClenahan house,
and to ^\alk once more into the old office which her father built.
"The last time she ever went to church, she said on returning that
they had sung some old hymns which alone rejiaid her for the effort
(which was no small one) of going. She loved to repeat those which
reminded her of other days. One had been sung at the first funeral in
Osceola Grove: another had been used at the first Christmas service
ever held in Toulon, when old John Prior led the singing and Brother
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY ^75
AVoolIascraft preached; one had been a favorite with Caleb Flint, and
another sung by Mrs. Whitaker at the old tcniperanee meetings. . . .
One line ujjon my mother's tomb should read: 'She loved Stark
County and its pioneers.' "
:Mrs. Shallenberger was the daughter of Dr. Thomas Hall and
the author of the little l)ook. "Stark County and Its Pioneers." The
letter written by her son is illustrative of how i)ersons and places with
which one has long been associated may become endeared to memory.
The last meeting of the Old Settlers' Association was held on the
public square at Toulon, September 8, 191o. A. C. Shallenberger, a
native of Stark County and former governor of Nebraska, and Con-
gressman C. U. Stone were among the speakers. For many years it
has been the custom for the ladies of the leading churches to serve
dinner on the public s(iuare on the day of the old settlers' meeting. In
191.J the dinner was served by the ladies of the Rajitist Church.
Dr. W. T. Hall was elected president of the association and Klmer
S. Rutfmn, secretary.
MASONIC TRATERNITY
It is generally conceded that of all the secret orders, INIasom-y
.stands first in point of seniority. A tradition of the order says it was
introduced into England by Prince Edwin, about <.)-2() A. D., and there
are still in existence JNIasonic documents dated back to 1390. ^Mother
Kilwinning Lodge of Scotland was organized in 1.599 and has been
in continuous existence since that time, being the oldest known lodge
of :Masons in the world. In June, 1717. the Cirand Lodge of England
was instituted and it is the mother of all ^Masonic bodies in the Englisb-
s])eaking nations.
In 1730 the English Grand Lodge appointed Daniel Coxe, of
New Jersey, "pro\ incial grand master of the provinces of New York,
New Jersey and I'ennsylvania in ^Vmerica." About the same time a
provincial grand master was apjwinted for the Ne\v England colonies.
Before the close of that year a lodge was estal)lished at Phila(lel])hia
and one in New Hampshire, each of whicji claims to be the oldest
lodge in what is now the United States.
The first ^Masonic meeting in Stark County, of which there is any
record, was liehl at Toulon on INIarch 2.5, 1850, when several members
of the fraternity assembled and took the prelinn'nary steps toward
the organization of a lodge. On October 20. 18.)(), the lodge received
its charter as "Toulon Lodge No. 9.'3, Ancient Free and Acce])ted
INIasons." Says Mrs. Shallenberger: "The names upon the charter
276 HISTORV OF STARK COUNTY
are: Orcn 31axtiel(l, ^Villiam Kose, W. W. Dnmiinoiid. KUisoii
Annis, Cajit. Henry Butler, \Villiam A. Heed and Cien. Samuel
Tlioinas. From these the grand master, C. G. Y. Taylor, appointed
W. ^V^ Drnmniond worshij)fnl master, William Rose, senior warden,
and Oren ]Maxtield, junior warden.
To complete the complement of officers, an election was held on
November 19, 18.50, when Thomas J. Henderson was chosen secre-
tary; William F. Thomas, treasurer; William A. Reed, senior deacon;
Samuel Tliomas, junior deacon; Simon S. Heller and Thomas J.
AN'right, stewards, and C. F. White, tiler.
For many years Toulon Lodge Avas the only JNIasonic organization
between Peoria and Cambridge. It is the parent of the lodges at
Bradford, Lafayette and Wyoming. Notwithstanding the numerous
withdrawals to form these lodges, No. 93 still has over one hundred
members and is in a prosperous condition. In 191.5 ISIelvin C. Pratt
\vas worshipful master and Walter F. Young was secretary. This
lodge once owned its own hall, located on the north side of ]Main Street,
near the northwest corner of the public square, but the building, with
all its contents, including the charter and records of the lodge, was
destroyed by fire on jMay 17, 1877.
Lawn Ridge Lodge No. 41.5 was organized at Lawn Ridge, a little
village in the extreme southwest corner of jNIarshall Countv, about the
close of the Civil war. When the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad
was built through the eastern part of Stark County and the Town of
Speer was established, a majority of the members of the lodge voted
to remove to the new town on the railroad, but the name of the lodge
was not changed. Lawn Ridge Lodge now has about fifty members,
a good hall and is gradually increasing in membership and influence.
Some time in the winter of 186.5-66 a few members of the IMasonic
fraternity living at ^Vyoming began to discuss the question of organ-
izing a lodge. Informal meetings were held, but no one could be found
Avho felt "suitable proficiency" to do the work of worshipful mastei-
and file subject was dropped for the time. Rev. John W. Agard.
who had formerly lived in Wyoming, returned about this time, and in
him the oNIasons found a man who could "do the work."' A petition,
sio-ned l)v Mr. Agard. Heiu-v A. Hoist. Isaac Thomas. W. F. Thomas.
T. W. Bloomer. S. K. Conover, G. W. Scott and J. II. Cox, m as sent
to the grand master of the Grand Lodge of Illinois, asking for a dis-
pensation to organize a lodge.
The dispensation Avas granted and on February 28. 1806. the first
meeting of the lodge at Wyoming was convened, with .Toh.n W. Agard.
HISTORY OF STxVKK COUNTY 277
wtJi-shipful master; W. F. Thomas, senior warden; George W. Scott,
junior warden; Henry A. Hoist, secretary; S. K. Conover, senior
deacon: Thomas \V. Bloomer, junior deacon: William N. Brown,
tiler.
On October 3, 18(5(5, the Illinois Grand Lodge granted a charter
to tliis lodge, under the title and designation of "Wyoming Lodge
No. 4.79, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons." The first place of
meeting was over Hoist's drug store. From there it removed to a hall
in the Thomas buihling, next to a building on the corner of Seventh
and William streets, which was erected by John W. Agard principally
for a Masonic hall. In January, 1882, the lodge again moved its
quarters, this time to a hall over Hammond & Walters' store. The
membership in 191.3 was 1"2.5, with F. K. Wickwire, worshipful master,
and G. F. Earhart, secretary. Ilegular meetings are held on the
second Thursday of each month.
Stark Lodge No. 501, located at Lafayette, was organized early
in the year 18()() and was granted a charter the following October.
^^^ B. Smith was the first worshipful master; Ur. Joseph H. Nichols,
senior warden; Austin Smith, junior warden. These three officers
and the following constituted the charter members: J. S. xVtherton,
Isaac (irant, II. P. Grant, E. G. Hill, J. M. Jones, ^Villiam T. Dick-
inson. E. J. ^NlcClenahan, G. II. ^IcClenahan, Thomas W. Ross and
John B. Smith. On Ai)ril 26, 1881, the lodge room, records, furniture
and charter were destroyed by fire, and in oNIay a copy of the original
charter was issued by tlie Illinois Grand I^odge. Stark Lodge now lias
about forty members. The worshipful master for 1915 was Howard
Pierce, and tlie secretary was J. H. White. Regular meetings are
on Saturday evening "on or before the full moon."
On the evening of August 1(5. 18(;(), the first meeting of the
INlasonic I^odge at Bradford was lield "under dispensation," with
James B. Doyle, woi-shipful master; B. F. Thomi)st)n, senior warden;
Harmon Phenix, junior warden. Later in the same year a charter
was granted by the Illinois Grand I^odge to "Bradford Lodge
No. 514, Ancient Free and Accepted jNIasons." The master and war-
dens appointed under the dis])ensation continued to serve until the
time for the first regular election according to ^Masonic usage, and
the other officers under the charter were as follows: S. A. Davidson,
secretary; George W. Longmire, treasurer; William H. Doyle, senior
deacon: Charles B. Foster, jimior deacon; .lohn Winslow. tiler. In
1915 this lodge mnnbered about fifty members, with Dr. ^V. C'.
Mitchell, worshipful master, and Thaddeus Ash, secretary.
278 IIISTORV OF STARK COUNTY
Wyoming Chapter Xo. 133, Royal Arch ^Masons, was first organ-
ized hi 1806, but no cliarter was obtained until October 9, 18G8. The
first officers of the chapter were: John W . Agard, high jjriest; \Vil-
liam Lownian, king; J. jNI. Rogers, principal sojourner; Charles Wes-
ton. ca])tain of the host; M. S. Curtiss, royal arch captain; ^Vlvin
Abbott, master of the first veil; S. A. Davis, master of the second
veil; Charles Kerr, master of the third veil; George W. Scott, scribe.
On October 1, 1915, the chapter numbered over one hundred members,
with H. C. Cox, high priest, and Albert W. King, secretary. This is
the only Royal Arch chapter in the county and inckides among its
members several JMasons who belong to the blue lodges at Toulon,
I^afayette, Speer and Bradford.
OKDER or THE EASTERN STAR
The Order of the Eastern Star is a "side degree" of the ^Masonic
fraternity, to which the wives, daughters or other near female relatives
of ^Master jNIasons are eligible. The local bodies are called chapters.
The oldest Eastern Star body in Stark County is the chapter at
AVyoming, which was first organized on ]May 29. 18(>8, under the name
of the "Family of the Eastern Star Xo. 134," with twelve members,
to-wit: Rev. John W. Agard, George W. Scott, S. K. Conover, John
Wrigley, J. M. Rogers, H. A. Hoist, JNIartha P. Agard, Mary C.
Scott, ^largaret A. Conover, Ann Wrigley, Harriet Rogers and
Rebecca Butler. ^Irs. ^Margaret A. Conover was the first worthy
matron and John W. Agard the first Avorthy patron.
On February 18, 1871, the "family" was reorganized under a
charter granted by the Su])reme Grand Chapter of X"ew York as
Wyoming Chapter X^o. .V2. When the Grand Chapter of Illinois was
established, the Wyoming organization Mas the first to apply for a
charter under the new jurisdiction. Strictly speaking, therefore, it
should have been No. 1, but by some means other Eastern Star bodies
i-eceived their charters before this one. which was reorganized imder
a charter dated October 16, 1877, as Wyoming Chapter Xo. 8, Order
of the Eastern Star.
One incident in the history of Wyoming Chapter of which the
members have just cause to feel proud was the visit of Robert ]Morris,
author of the ritual and founder of the Eastern Star degree, who
came to Wyoming early in the "70s and instructed the officers and
members in the work. This is an honor that few chapters can claim.
The membership in 1915 was 162, with INIrs. Alma L. Wead worthy
matron and A. J. Adams worthy patron.
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 279
Toulon Chapter No. 10 was first organized under a charter dated
February 17, 1871, issued by the Supreme Grand Lodge of New
York, whence all the early Eastern Star chapters received their author-
ity. The charter and reconls of the chapter were burned in the fire
of May 17, 1877, which destroyed tlie ^lasonic Hall, and on October
2, 1877, a new charter was obtained from the Grand Chapter of Illi-
nois. Owing to the l)urning of the charter and records it is impossible
to give a correct list of the charter members. In 191.5 the chapter
numbered over one hundred members, with INlrs. H. C. Smith, worthy
matron; H. C. Smith, worthy patron, and ]Mrs. Ella Johnston,
secretary.
The Eastern Star chapter at Lafayette was instituted on Febru-
ary 1, 188(), Avith the following charter members: I. G. Foster, A. H.
Whiit, T. U. Church, T. W. Ross, J. H. ^Vhite, Daniel White, An-
drew Jackson and their wives. The chapter is still in existence and
has a strong membership. There is also an Eastern Star chapter at
Bradford.
INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS
The modern order of Odd Fellows owes its origin to a society or-
ganized in England in the latter part of the eighteenth century under
the name of the "'Ancient and Most Noble Order of Bucks," the
])rincipal emblem of wiiich was a stag's head with spreading antlers.
About 1773 this order declined, but it was revived in a slightly differ-
ent form, and some four or five years later the words "Odd Fellow"
first occurred in the ritual. In 1813 several lodges sent delegates to
iSIanchester and organized the ^Manchester Unity of Odd Fellows,
which was the first effort to establish anything like a grand lodge.
Soon after this Shakspere Lodge, Xo. 1, was organized in New
York, but it did not last long. The first permanent lodge in the
United States was organized by Thomas H. AVildey, of Baltimore,
in IHli). From that parent lodge Odd Fellowship has spread to all
parts of the country and it is now one of the strongest and most in-
fluential of the American fraternal orders.
Stark Lodge, Xo. 9G. located at Toulon, was the first Odd Fel-
lows' lodge to be established in Stark County. It was organized on
X'ovember 8, 18.51, with the following charter members: Amos 1'.
Gill. Alexander INIoncrief, Oliver Whitaker, Thomas J. Wright and
William Clark. The charter bears date of October 17. 18.)1. For
niori tlian ten years the lodge grew steadily in numbers and influence,
l)ut with the breaking out of tb.c Civil war in 1 801 so many of the
280 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
members enlisted in the army tluit it was susiJended by order of the
Grand Lodge of Ilhnois in 18G2. Its charter was not taken up, how-
ever, and in April, 1806, regular meetings and woi-k were resumed.
In I8T0 the lodge fitted up a hall in the second story of the bank Iniild-
ingof Eurge & Company at an expense of over two thousand dollars,
\\hich included the cost of the second story of the building. Subse-
quently the lodge sold its interest in this building to the banking firm
and joined with JNIr. Sundquist in the erection of the two-story brick
structure at the northwest corner of ]Main and Franklin streets, the
south end of the second story being built by the Odd Fellows for a
lodge room.
At one time this lodge numbered about one hundred members, but
some withdrew to assist in the formation of other lodges in the county,
others died and still others moved away, so that in 191.5 the member-
ship was but little over sixty. At that time James ]McCulioch held
the office of noble grand and E. B. Redlield that of secretary.
The second Odd Fellows' lodge in the county was organized at
Wvomin"-, under a charter dated October 1.5, 18.57, and officially
designated as Wyoming Lodge, Xo. 24-i. Tlie ciiarter members of
this lodge were: Henry A. Hoist, John Hawks, Isaac X. Tidd, V.
M. Whiffen, C. W. Brown and ^^^ B. Armstrong. After a some-
■\vhat })recarious career of six years the lodge surrendered its charter
in October, 1863. It was afterward reinstated under the original
name and number and the reorganized lodge was held on February 6,
1871, with Henry A. Hoist as noble grand.
This is now the strongest Odd Fellows' lodge in the county, having
in October, 191.5, over one hundred members. In 1913 the lodge
erected one of the handsomest business buildings in ^Vyoming at a
cost of $10,000. The lower floor is devoted to mercantile purposes,
while on the second floor is fitted up one of the best appointed lodge
halls in this section of the state. C. P. Pratt held the office of noble
grand in 191.5 and J. ISl. Earhart was secretary.
Bradford Lodge, X"o. .579, was organized under a charter dated
June J-, 187.5. The original members were Cyrus Bocock, Joshua
Prouty, A. J. Sturm, J. D. Woods, A. ]M. Hutchinson, H. J. Cos-
grove,' E. F. Lyman, Edmund Ewing, W. H. Hall and W. A. Hol-
man. Joshua Prouty was the first noble grand. In October, 1915,
the lodge numbered 115 members, with William Ribley, noble grand,
and J. X. Kitterman, secretary. Regular meetings are held on Friday
evening of each week.
On X'ovember 20, 1878, a charter was issued by the Grand liodge
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 2S1
of Illinois to Upton H. Brown, Joseph A. Cisney, David B. Cragin,
R. O. Phillips and W . J. Hamilton to organize an Odd Fellows' lodge
at Lafayette, to l)e known as Lafayette Lodge, No. 0.57. At one
time tiiis lodge had about eighty members, but death, removals and
withdrawals had reduced the membership in 191.5 to about tifty.
Alexander JNlortison was then nol)le grand and A. H. White was
secretary. JNIeetings are held on Saturday evenings in the hall over
the postofRee.
In December, 18S.5, JS. J. Fox and a few other Odd Fellows living
at W'est Jersey and in the immediate vicinity held a meeting and
|)repared a petition to the Grand Lodge of Illinois asking for a char-
ter. The ])etition was granted and West Jersey I^odge was instituted
on 3Iarch 29, 188(j, as Xo. 234, the lodge formerly holding that num-
ber having jjassed out of existence. The charter members were: S. J.
Fox. J. H. Emery, W. M. Grey, C. B. Vansickle, N. E. Pomeroy,
J. \y. Wick and Alexander Ingles. The first meeting ])lace was the
hall over Doctor Perry's store. In 191.5 this lodge numbered al)out
forty members.
Wyoming Encampment, No. 20.5, Independent Order of Odd
I'ellows, was first organized on JNIarch 24, 1876, as No. 174, with C. F.
TTamilton as the first patriarch and the following charter members:
J. ^1. Brown, J. ^1. Cox, II. J. Cosgrove. I. P. Carpenter. Dennis
Guyre. J. D. Woods, T. B. ^Vall, J. L. ]Moffitt, John Hawks, D. S.
Hewitt and C. F. Hamilton. Meetings are held in the Odd Fellows'
new Irtiilding on the first and third Thursdays of each month. The
meml)ership in October, 1915, was about fifty.
DAUGHTERS OF KEBEKAH
This is the ladies' degree of Odd Fellowshi]). It was founded
some years after the original order for the M'ives, daughters, sisters
and mothers of Odd Fellows. The members are generally referred to
as "Rebekahs." and the lodges as "Rebekah Degree Lodges." The
first Rebekah lodge in Stark County was organized at Ivafayette on
November 17. 1880, as Stark. No. 110. For some reason this numlier
was al'terward given to the Rebekah lodge at Toulon and the I^afay-
ctte organization \\as rechristened Merry Rebekah Lodge, No. 1.39.
The lodge is still in existence and is in a fairly prosjjcrous condition.
Star Rel)ekah I>odge. No. 110, was instituted at Toulon on Febru-
ary 1(). 1882, by (xrand Secretary N. C. Nason, of Peoria, assisted by
members of the Rebekah lodges at Lafayette and Peoria. After the
Vol. I — IS
282 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
ceremony of institution was completed, D. S. Hewitt was installed as
noble grand; JNlrs. V. B. Thornton, vice grand; J. M. Brown, secre-
tary; iMrs. Howard Stanley, financial secretary, and ^Irs. U. Cham-
berlain, treasurer. In 191.) this lodge numbered about ninety
members.
^Vyoming Rebekah Lodge, No. 333, although not organized until
some years after the lodges at Lafayette and Toulon, is the strongest
in the county, reporting 120 members on October 1, 1915. Regular
meetings are held by this lodge on the first and third Wednesdays of
each month in the Odd Fellows' new building. Nearly every Odd
Fellows' lodge in the state has its auxiliary Rebekah Degree.
GRAND AR:MY OF THE REPUBLIC
Shortly after the close of the Civil war the survivors of the Union
army organized the Grand Army of the Republic, membership in
which was limited to those A\ho had served in the army or navy during
tlie war. I^ocal organizations are called posts. Each state consti-
tutes a "department," in which the highest officer is called the state
commander, or department commander. The objects of the Grand
Army have been to collect and preserve historic relics and documents
pertaining to the war; to mark the location of troops upon the gi'eat
battlefields, and to aid and assist sick and disabled conn-ades and their
families.
Probably the first Grand Army post in Stark Comity was the one
organized at Elmira under a charter dated ^Nlarch 11, 1867, and was
known as No. 244. Tlie original members were Orlando Brace. Robert
Turnbull, John Styers, Da\'id and AVilliam Jackson. Frank Hudson,
James Cinnamon, Asa Clark, jNIarshall Lecox and John ]McLean.
William Jackson was the first commander.
About 187.) the order underwent a reorganization and the Elmira
post received a new charter dated ISIarch 6, 187«'. under which it took
the name of James Jackson Post, No. 37, with A\"illiam Jackson again
the first commander. Very few of the original members are left.
DeWolf Post, No. 371. located at Wyoming, was organized some
time in the winter of 18B7-(>8. A short time before that Dr. J. C.
Copestake was nuistered into the Grand Army by Colonel Ford, de-
partment adjutant, and upon returning to Wyoming called a meeting
of veterans to discuss the question of organizing a post. Doctor
Co])estake was elected tlie first commander and the post started off
with about thirtv charter members. After a few months the orafan-
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 283
i/atiou was disbanded, hut was afterward reorganized with the original
naiiK' and nunil)cr. .\t one time this post numbered over seventy
members, but death and removals have weakened it until only a few
are left. Regular meetings are no longer held, though the organiza-
tion is kept up. The membership in Oetober, 1915, was sixteen, with
William llolgate commander and Charles F. Hamilton, adjutant.
Diekinson Post, No. 90, was organized at Bradford on Februai-y
9, 18S1. with ^Nlordecai Bevier as commander. A few years after it
was chartered it Iioasted a membership of seventy-three, l)ut like other
|)()sts it has gradually decreased in numbers until there is but a "cor-
poral's guard" left. In 191.5 J. N. Kitterman was commander.
\y. W. ^Vright Post, No. 327, was organized at Toulon under a
charter dated August 20, 18S.*5, with twenty-hve charter members.
The first commander was Capt. John M. Brown of Company K,
Forty-seventh Illinois Infantry. At one time tliis Mas the strongest
Cirand Army post in the county, having close to one hundred members.
The few that are left hold meetings in the ^lasonic Hall. The com-
mander in 191.5 was I^evi Silliman.
There is a'pathos in the history of the Grand Army of the Republic
that is not to be I'ound in that of any other fraternal order. In tlicir
voung and vigorous manhood the members left their homes and shops
to do battle for the preservation of the Union. The membership be-
ing limited to those who served in the army makes it impossible to
reci'uit new members from a succeeding generation and each yeai' on
^Memorial Day, when these old veterans turn out to decorate the
graves of their fallen coim-ades, the most casual observer cannot hell)
but note that the "line of blue" is growing thinner and more fcet)le.
A few years more and the last of the Grand Army will have answered
the last roll call and the patriotic order will be no more.
\early every (irand Army post has its auxiliary known as the
Women's Relief Corps, which has been a great factor in the charitable
work of the order in caring for the ])oor and disabled soldiers, their
\\ idows and orjihans. It is composed of the wives and daughters of
old soldiers.
TEMPERAXCF, SOCIETIES
As a I'ule the people of Stark County have always been believers
in temperance and the saloon has never done a profitable business any-
where in the county for any continued length of time. The Wash-
ington Temperance Society was organized in 184.5 and in February.
184.8, received a charter from the national organization. It numbered
284 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
amouQ- its members .such men as John W. and Thomas J. Henderson,
\V. \V. Drummond, John A. Wilhanis, Ohver W'hitaker, IJenjamin
Turner, Patrick INI. Blair, Martin Shallenberger, Ira \Vard, Sr. and
Samuel G. Butler. For a time the society was active in advocating
the cause of temperance. In 1848 it built a hall, which was afterward
owned and occupied by the JNlasonie lodge until it was destroyed by
fire in iNIay, 1877. Politics finally crept into the ranks, brought al)out
dissensions and the society disbanded.
Division No. 3, Sons of Temperance, was organized at Toulon on
March 17. 187-5. with Levi Silliman as president. Among the members
were several who had been members of the Washington Society.
In the early '80s the Independent Order of Good Templars be-
came prominent in the county. Lodges were organized at Toulon,
Osceola, Lafayette, Bradford, Castleton and Wyoming. This order
appealed to many because it was "secret," though its influence was
widely felt while it existed.
The Wj'oming Band of Hope, a temperance society, was organ-
ized in the spring of 1882, with ten members, among whom were John
Hawks, Dr. J. C. Copestake, W. H. Barrett and a nimiber of women
who were in favor of keeping saloons out of the town. Its influence
was chiefly exerted for that purpose.
MISCELLANEOUS SOCIETIES
Scattered over the county there are, or have been in the past, a
number of societies and organizations, some of which formed a part
of some great order or movement, and others purely local in their char-
acter. In the beginning of the jireparation of this work, letters were
sent to the secretaries of the societies now in existence, but unfortu-
nately for the historian only a few replied. It is therefore impossible
to give a detailed history of such organizations.
In the early '70s an order called the Patrons of Husbandry spread
over the nation and for a time threatened to become an important
influence in political aff"airs. The principal objects of the organiza-
tion Mere to secure a better price for farm jiroducts and a lower price
for merchandise of all kinds. To tliis end cooperative stores were
started in numerous cities of the comitry to eliminate the "middleman"
by buying direct from the manufacturer and selling direct to the con-
sumer. The local bodies were called "Gi*anges," several of which were
formed in Stark County. But, like all such movements, its useful-
ness was short-lived, owing to the fact that its members could not
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 285
agree on the question of whether the order shouhl "n'o into jjolities"
or not.
The JModern Woixhnen of iVnierica, an order of which fi'aternal
insni-anee is the leading feature, has h)dges at Wyoming, Toulon,
Rradi'ord and Lafayette. The Wyoming Camp, as the local lodges
are called, is probably the oldest in the county. It was organized in
July, 188(5, with E. A. Trimmer, venerable counsel, and J. ]M. Thomas,
Jr.. clerk. The camp now occupies the hall formerly occupied by the
Odd Fellows and owns the building in which it is located.
Bradford Camp, No. 1156, JModern \Voodmen of America, was
organized about the same time as the Wyoming Camp and in 191. j
numbered 138 members, with C. A. Austin, venerable counsel, and
Walter Scholes, clerk. Connected with the JModern ^Voodmen is a
ladies' degree called the Royal Neighbors, an organization of which is
auxiliary to every camp in the county.
Tile Knights of the JMaccabees. aiiother fratern.il insurance so-
ciety, have several "tents" in the county; the JMystic Workers, the
Court of Honor, the Sons of Veterans, and a few other fraternal
societies are also represented by organizations in most of the leading-
towns.
CHAPTER XVII
MISCELLANEOUS HISTORY
PUllPOSE OF THIS CHAPTER FIRST THINGS PRICES AND MAGES LIN-
COLN AND DOUGLAS AT TOULON THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD-
FOUNTAIN AV ATKINS TELLS A STORY A RESOLUTION THE FIRST
POLITICAL CAMPAIGN INDIAN RETALIATION HUNTING IN EARLY
DAYS — THE MORMON PROPHET — A POLITICAL ECHO.
In the early days on the frontier, when the thvellhig usually con-
sisted of one room and every inch of space had to be utilized to the
best possible advantage, it was a common occurrence for the prudent
housewife to provide some sort of receptacle for such small articles as
were not required for daily use. Such a receptacle was called a "catch
all." for the reason that it contained a varied assortment of little things
tluit were likely to be in the way elsewhere. This chapter on ]Mis-
cellaneous History is somewhat like the pioneer housewife's "catch
all," inasmuch as it is made up of events that do not properly l)el()ng
to the subjects treated in the other chapters and yet are of historic
interest. In presenting these miscellaneous events some repetitions
may occur, but this cannot well be avoided, and in many instances tliis
repeated reference to some incident of early days will help to refresh
the memory of the reader.
FIRST THINGS
The first white man to settle in Stark County was Isaac B. Essex.
His cabin, built in April. 1829, was the first civiliz.ed habitation, and
his son, born in 1829, was the first white child born in the county.
A\'ilson Smith was l)orn in what is now AVest Jersey Township the
same year, a little after the Essex child.
The first death was that of a little child of David Gregory, and the
first marriage was that of Harris W. ^Nliner and ^Nliss Xancy Gross,
which was solemnized some time in the winter of 1831-32, while Stark
was still a part of Putnam County.
The first land entries were made at the land offices at Quincy or
Galena, until a land office was opened at Dixon, about 1840. The first
286
HISTORY OF STAKK COUNTY 287
Iraiiic house was the store room of Whitney Smitli at Wyoming,
which was built in the fall of 1837. A small frame building or two
were built at Lafayette either that fall or the following spring.
The first mill was built by Harmon Leek in 18;W or 1S:U on the
Spoon River, near the road from Wyoming to Toulon. The first
bridge in the county was built oxer the Spoon River in the fall of
1H:J!>. not far from Leek's ^lill.
The first postotfice was establisiied at the house of Isaac B. Essex
in 18.33, but was later removed to Wyoming, and the first schoolhouse
was raised on July 4, 1834. in Essex Township.
Jesse W. Heath, who opened a small store at Wyoming, was
])robal)ly the first merchant. Dr. Elii)halet Ellsworth was the first
resident physician, and W. W. Drummond the first lawyer to locate
in the county.
Tiie first railroads were built through the county in 1871 and the
first car load of grain was shii)])ed from Toulon by Charles INIyers,
who built the first grain warehouse.
The first newspaper was published in January, 1856; the first
religious organization was Adam Perry's INIethodist class, which \\as
formed in 183.5 ; the first camp meeting was held in the summer of
1840. and the first coal was mined in 18,).).
PRICES AXn WAGES
Much has been said in recent years about the high cost of living,
but. when compared with conditions of three-quarters of a centiu'y
ago, the present day citizen has no cause for complaint. From old
account books kept by a merchant of McLean Covmty, 111., from 1830
to 183.5, it is learned that unbleached muslin then sold for from 20 to
30 cents per yard: cambric. 40 cents; calico, 37^2 cents; bed ticking,
40 to 7.5 cents; coffee, 25 to 40 cents per pound; tea. $1 to .$1.2.5; salt,
3 cents: sugar, 10 to 121/^ cents; nails, 121/. to 1.5 cents; tacks, 2;5 cents
])er paper: molasses, 37V2 P^i' gallon, and whisky, ;50 cents. As the
conditions in McLean County and what is now the County of Stark
were very nuich the same, it is fair to presume that the early settlers
here paid similar i)rices for their goods. Then a tin pail holding a
gallon and a hall' sold for 7-5 cents: pint tin cuj)s, 1.5 cents; and a set
of six common glass tumblers, 75 cents.
On the other hand the farmer sold his wheat for from 40 to .50
cents ])er bushel; corn, 10 to 2.5 cents; potatoes, 20 to 30 cents; bacon,
3f.> to .5 cents per ]K)und; butter, 10 to 1.5 cents, and other farm
288 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
pruducts in piupurtion. Not only were the prices low, but the farmer
had to haul his produce several miles to market, often over roads
Avhere in bad weather an empty wagon would be about all t^v() liorses
could draw. Farm hands worked for from .$8 to ^12 per month and
often split fence rails for 25 cents per 100. Notwithstanding the
low prices they received and the high prices of most of the stuff they
were compelled to buy, the farmers of Stark County kept on with
their labors, improved their farms, developed the country, and in
time grew sufficientlv wealthv to surround themselves with most of
the comforts and some of the luxuries of modern civilization. When
one stops to consider the obstacles the pioneers overcame and the
results they accomplished, he cannot help but agree with Robert Burns
that
"Buirdly chiefs and clever hizzies
Are bred in sic a way as this is."
LINCOLN AND DOUGLAS
The year 1858 is memorable in Illinois historj^ for the joint political
discussions between Abraham Lincoln, afterward President of the
United States, and Stejihen A. Douglas, called by his partisan ad-
mirers the "Little Giant." The passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Bill
only four years before had opened anew the subject of slavery. Doug-
las had voted for the jiassage of the bill and in the debates with
]Mr. Lincoln he "met a foeman worthy of his steel." ]Many of the
Stark County j^eople tried to have one of the joint discussions held
at Toulon, but prior engagements defeated the plan, though the two
great orators, on their way to one of their appointments, each fa\'ored
Toulon with a speech.
Douglas arrived on October ,5, 1858, and was the guest of the
hotel kept by B. A. Hall, which was democratic headquarters. There
were then no railroads in Stark County, the "IJttle Giant" came in
an open carriage, despite the rain, and was accompanied by Lieutenant-
Governor Payne, of Ohio. At the hotel he was greeted by a large
number of enthusiastic democrats and was Avelcomed by ]\Iartin Shal-
lenberger in a short but appropriate address, to which ]Mr. Douglas
responded briefly. After dinner he was escorted to the jjublic square,
where a platform had been erected for the speaker. So dense was the
crowd that some time was spent in getting through it to the speaker's
stand, many crowding forward to shake Mr. Douglas' hand. Although
hoarse from his long campaign and the rain was falling, he soon
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 289
warmed to his subject and the iiiultitude stood for an hour or more
listening- with rapt attention to his utterances.
The next day dawned and it was still raining; hut the republicans
seemed determined to make a greater slio\vini> than the democrats had
done on the day previous. At an early hour delciiations came poui-mn-
in t'rom every townshi]) in the county, and even from the ad.joinino-
counties. It could easily have been seen, by the most casual observer,
that if l)ou<>las was the idt)l of the democracy, Lincoln was the pop-
ular hero of the republican party, which was still in its swaddlin<'-
clothes. This vast assemblage rendezvoused on the Kewanee road, a
short distance north of the town, to await the coming of the speaker.
Oliver W'hitaker acted as chief marshal. Forming the people in a
hollow s(iuare, he instructed them to remain silent until he gave the
signal for applause. ]Mr. Lincoln's carriage approached at a moder-
iite gait, owing to the condition of the road, Mr. Whitaker waved his
iiand and the cheer that went up was so spontaneous and deafening
that the horses attached to the carriage were frightened to such an
extent that the safety of the occupants of the carriage was threatened.
Says JNIrs. Shallenberger: "Order being restored, the various dele-
gations paid their resi)ects to Mr. Lincoln and the ladies on horseback,
decorated with state badges, rode up. The one representing Illinois
was provided with a wreath of leaves and Howers, with which it is
presumed she meant to crown or encircle the man they delighted to
honor, but ]Mr. Lincoln very quietly said: 'Wear it yourself, dear,
they become you better than me.' "
A procession was then formed — claimed l)y many to be the largest
ever witnessed in the county ui) to that time — and Mr. Lincoln was
escorted to the Virginia Hotel on East ]\Liin Street. Here he de-
clined any formal greeting and remained in his room until dinner was
ready. After dinner he was escorted to the public sfpiare, where he
spoke from the stand that Mr. Douglas had spoken from the day
before. And, as at the Douglas meeting, the audience stood in the
rain to listen to him who two years later was called to the highest office
in the gift of the ])eople.
In the cam])aign of 18(50 these two men were the leading opposing
candidates for the Presidency. I^incoln was elected and when the
Southern States began to ado])t oi'dinances of secession Mr. Douglas
laid aside all former differences of opinion and became a firm su])-
porter of the administration. As a "war democrat" he gained in
popularity and many of his warmest friends were the most sincere
mourners when the telegraph in April, 180.5, flashed the message to
290 HISTOKV OF STARK COUNTY
the country: "Lincoln has been assassinated." In 1912 the Old
Settlers' Association erected a monument upon the site of the platform
from which these two great men spoke more than half a century be-
fore. The monument is described in another chapter.
THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD
About the time of the passage of the bill known as the "Missouri
Compromise" was passed by Congress in 1820, a number of persons
throughout the free states began to act in concert in passing runaway
negroes from one point to another on their way to Canada, where
they would be beyond the reach of the Fugitive Slave Law. Such per-
sons acted with great secrecy at first, but in a few years the operation
of the system became pretty well known and was given the name of
the "Underground Railroad." One of the best organized stations in
the State of Illinois was the one at Galesburg, the route to which lay
through Peoria and Stark counties.
Among the early settlers of Stark County were several who were
oj^posed to slavery and, although they were members of church and
good citizens, did not consider that they were doing wrong to violate
the Fugitive Slave Law and assist the poor black refugees on their
way to freedom. One of these was Rev. S. G. Wright, as the follow-
ing extracts from his diary will show: "February 6. 1843 — Another
fugitive from slavery came along, making tw enty-one that have passed
through this settlement on their way to Canada. jMay 22, 1843 —
Saturday went to Emery settlement, but found so strong an antipatliy
against abolitionists that few would hear me preach, so I went on and
preached at Toulon Sa])bath morning, ^lay 30 — The grand jin-y
found a bill against me and my elder, W. W. Webster, for harboring
runaway slaves. June 24 — Witness in case of The People vs. Cross,
for harboring runaway slaves."
The last extract refei's to the case of Re\'. John Cross, who was
indicted in Knox County for aiding in the escape of fugitive negroes.
Before the case came to trial, IMr. Cross removed to Bureau County
and a deputy sheriff was sent to arrest him and bring him back to
Knoxville. jNL-. Cross not only agreed to go willingly, but also fur-
nished his team and light wagon for the trip. Leaving Bureau County
on Saturday, they reached Oliver Whitaker's. at Osceola Grove, that
night and ]Mr. Cross pi'eached there the next morning. Before this
he had been arrested and confined in the jail at Galesburg, but had
been bailed out l)y some of his abolitionist friends. In his trial at
Knoxville in 1843 he was acquitted.
HISTORV OF STARK COUNTY 291
Elias and Xeheniiali Wycoff came to Stark County before it was
or<^ani/,e(l and settled in the Sjjoon River \"alley. not far from the
I'eoria County line. They soon l)eeame identitied with the Under-
ground Railroad and no doubt furnished aid to many a runaway slave.
In one of his pioneer sketches published in the old Stark County Sen-
tinel, ^V. H. Adams tells the following- story, as it was given to him
J)y Fountain ^^'atkins, the jjrincipal actor, who was known as "the
laughing abolitionist," on account of his sunny disposition:
"Some time late in the '-10s Eli Wilson brought to my place a
likely young darkey, who said he had been a waiter on a Mississippi
River steamboat. He stayed with us for about a week and ])layed
with the boys in the woods. Some of our kind friends at Farmington
sent me word one evening to push the boy ahead, as hunters were on
his track. It would not answer to start that night, for it would be
certain to invite pursuit. I finally concluded to wait until morning
and during the night studied out a plan how the old woman and me
would go visiting the next day on horseback. As the fall winds were
kinder hard on the women's faces, it was no more than natural for
her to iiave on a veil. So the next morning I saddled a gray team I
owned and had I'eter put on one of my wife's dresses and a veil, and
helped him to mount the horse with the side-saddle, just as though it
was my wife. I mounted the other horse and admonished Peter not
to talk unless I spoke to h.im.
"We struck out, taking a road that led in the direction of the east
side of the mound, west of the Town of Klmwood. The road across
the Kickapoo bottoms was lined on each side with a dense growth of
high weeds and brush. AVhile in this place we saw a team coming
toward us with Geoi'ge Pierce and John Daltou in the wagon. 1 had
been told that Dalton had been blowing around that if he ever caught
me 'i-uiming off a nigger' he would have me arrested. I pulled out to
the rigiit and Peter to the left to let the wagon jiass. I said 'Good
morning," and they said "(Tood morning,' but we had not gone more
than a rod or two when I heard George say: 'I'll be d d if I don't
lielieve Foimt has a nigger with him.' Here the road made a shar])
turn, the gi'ound was soft, and didn't we ])ly the bud and let the horses
go until we reached the high ground at tiie mound. Here we ])ulled
rein and looked back. Not a soul was in sight. I told Pete that it was
twelve miles to the next timber and we had to travel, as there Avas
danger of them cusses following us.
"We reached the hazel brush south of Rochester, on Spoon River,
where I hid Pete and started I'or town to find something to eat for the
292 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
horses, the nigger and myself. Meeting Dave Frisby, I did ni)t pre-
tend to notice liini. hut he recognized me and said: 'IleHo Fount!
How do you do:' Where are you goingf I replied: 'Just down
here to find a girl: my wife is not very well.' To this Dave replied
with a significant smile, 'You don't want a girl; you have a runaway
somewhere in the brush and are on the hunt of something to eat. I
know you, old fox, you can't fool Dave Frisby. How are the wife
and babies, anj* howT I said: 'Dave, where have you been^' He
replied that he was in business in Rochester, and then came back to
the subject of the fugitive: 'Say, Fount, you've got a nigger hid
some^\here, and don't you deny it. Do you see that house over there ^
That is where Elias AVycoff lives. I board there. He is a brother
to Xehemiah WycofF, who lives just across the line in Stark County,
and both are sound abolitionists.' 1 said: 'Dave, \Vycoff may be all
right, but you always said it was not right to help slaves get away
from their masters.' He replied: 'Fount, you know I have also al-
ways said slavery was wrong; then it is all right to set them free.
Here's my hand on that.
"I knew 1 could tie to Dave, so we shook hands and I went with
liini to the house. JMr. WycofF was not at home, l)ut was expected in a
short time. The horses were cared for and Frisby and I went out to
Pete's hiding ])lace. I gave the signal and 'the woman' steijped out.
We introduced 'her' to the family and to Mr. WycofF, who said he
M ould be delighted to help anyone out of bondage. Pete and I had
supper and soon afterward I informed our host that 'the lady' wished
to make some change in her dress. She was shown into a room and I
followed. Said I: 'Pete, take ofF yovn- dress.' WycofF was some-
what surprised and asked: 'Is that a man?' I said it was. that he had
on one of my Mife's dresses and that I wanted to take it home with
me, because dresses were not overly plenty at our house. Peter slipped
out of Ills dress and stood before us in a suit of l)roadcloth. Every-
body laughed, and as soon as it was dark I started for liome, leaving
the fugitive in the care of his new-found friends and that night Mr.
WycofF passed him along to the next station on the 'Great Southern
&: Canadian Underground Railroad.' "
Slavery was abolished by President Lincoln's Emancipation Proc-
lamation in 18G3 and many persons born since that time can hardly
realize that it was once a "divine institution" in the minds of some of
the citizens of the United States. The above account of the Under-
ground Railroad has been included in this work that the present gen-
eration mav form some idea of the conditions that existed A\hen the
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 293
first white men settled in Stark County. They were not law-hreakers,
bnt many of them believed that no one man had a moral ri<>ht to own
another, and that it was a righteons aet to violate the Fugitive Slave
Law. Sincere in these convictions, they did what they could in their
humble way to assist the black slave on his way to liberty.
A RESOLUTIOX
For several years after the close of the Civil war. political senti-
ment was very much divided over the enfranchisement of the negroes
and the adoption of the Fourteenth and Fifteenth amendments to the
Federal Constitution. The subject came before the board of super-
visors of Stark County at the June term in 18()(). when Mr. Ackley,
of reun Township, presented the following resolution:
"Whereas, section 1 of the constitutional amendment declares
Ihat slavery or involuntary servitude shall not exist in the United
States or any of the territories thereof, and section 2 provides that
Congress shall have jjower to enforce the foregoing section by api)ro-
priate legislation, and
"Whereas, the 'Civil Rights HilT was that appropriate legislation,
therefore be it
"Resolved that Andrew Johnson, in refusing to sign, and in
vetoing said bill, and in other acts has rendered himself unworthy the
confidence or respect of all loyal and ])atriotic men."
Mr. Parks, of Elmira Township, moved that the resolution be
indefinitely postponed, but the motion was lost. The resolution was
then adopted by a vote of six to two, Mr. Parks and Mr. Rogers, oi'
XiiWey Township, voting in the negative. The incident is here men-
tioned to show the intensity of feeling that pervaded Stark County
and how neighbors would differ in opinion. Andrew .Johnson was
then President of the United States and Messrs. Parks and Rogers
felt that it was presumption on the i)art of a board of county sujjcr-
visors to criticize his official acts or attempt to jjoint out to him the
course he should pursue. The majority thought differently, howevei-,
and placed themselves on record accordingly.
THE FIRST POLITICAL C'A:\II'AI0X
As stated in Chapter VI, the first election for county olTicers
was held at the house of Elijah McClenahan. The settlers in what
are now FjSscx, Penn and Osceola townshi])s got the impression that
the little circle "at the hub," known as the "Henderson men," was
294 HISTORY OF STAKK COUXTV
organizing to jnircel out the otKces. As a matter of fact, the emuhi-
ments of any ottice in the county at that period would hardly pay the
incumhent for the labor he would he required to perform in the dis-
charge of his official duties. But political honors appealed to the
average citizen then much as they do in the present day, and the voters
in the "out townships'" decided to put up a tight in opposition to "'the
ring."
The Henderson men were chiefly from Ohio, ^^irginia, Kentucky
and Tennessee. Opposed to them were the Yankees of Osceola Grove
and Penn Township and the Scotch of Elmira. Among the latter
was .James ]Moore, who was a shrewd individual and well calculated for
a political leader. He went to Osceola, where he enlisted the coopera-
tion of E. S. Brodhead, a brother-in-law of Oliver AVhitaker, and the
two started out to organize their forces for the fray. In what is now
Goshen Township they visited Buloft' Parrish and Conrad Emery,
who had been decided on as one of the judges of election. That eve-
ning a little caucus was held and the next day the two missionaries held
a meeting at Lafayette, where they promised Jonathan Hodgson the
office of county commissioner. This settled matters so far as that
l^art of the county was concerned, Hodgson's friends becoming active
supporters of the movement to down the Henderson men.
The next point was ]Massillon Precinct, or West Jersey Town-
shij). though it was not then known by either of those names. Here
the Eckleys, Dunns, AVebsters, Wycott's, Trickles and their neighbors
gathered and Stephen Trickle was decided upon as another available
candidate for county commissioner. Thus the links in tlie chain were
being welded. Moore and Brodhead next went to ^Vyoming. where
the latter was well acquainted, and where tlie support of General
Thomas and his friends was secured. Then touching the settlements
along the way, the two men returned to Osceola Gro\e, where a mon-
ster "mass meeting," attended by probably twenty-tive voters, was
held. The "slate" was then completed l)y the selection of ^Minott Silli-
man for treasurer, Jesse W. Heath for recorder, Oliver ^^"hitaker for
clerk, Augustus A. Dunn for sheriff, Calvin Winslow for the third
commissioner, Dr. Thomas Hall for coroner and John W. Agard for
surveyor.
Xow came the work of "getting out the vote." Teams and wagons
were pressed into service, every man was assigned to his post, and the
women folks were persuaded to make a flag to be carried at the head
of the procession when it moved ui)on the polls at McClenahan's. Tliis
flag is thus described liv ^Irs. Shallenberger:
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY ^95
"\Vhat matters it that bed linen brought from across the sea must
serve for bunting, a bhie silk handkerchief be transformed into an
azure Hekl for the stars, and a pair of genuine Enghsh cavalry pants
supply the scarlet '. It was a new combination and entirely successful,
the result being a grand United States flag that seemed to inspire the
men with all sorts of patriotic fervor."
The Henderson men, among whom were the McCleualians, Perrys,
Smiths, the several members of the Essex family, and their allies,
were inclined to look with derision on the "Pennamites," as they called
the Moore and Brodhead forces, and had published the threat that
none of them should ever hold office in the new county. But they
reckoned without their host. Even in that day "organization" counted
for something in political campaigns, and the Pemiamites liad an
organization that proved to be invulnerable when the final test came.
The morning of the first ISIonday in April (election day) daAvned
clear and bright and each faction began the work of marslialing its
h.osts. Wagons drawn by four horses and filled with voters left
Osceohi Grove at an early hour for the voting place. Among the
Scotch settlers were several musicians, \\\\o brought their instruments
with them, and as the procession moved along the sound of '"pil)e and
pibi'och echoed through the glen." At every settlement fresh detach-
ments of men joined the ranks, and by the time they reached Mc-
C'lenalian's the Pennamites were sufficiently strong to awaken some
alarm among their opponents. As they approached the voting place
with their flag flying, the liand playing, some in wagons, some on
horsel)ack and some on foot, James McClenahan is said to have made
tile in(|uiry: "Where in God's name did all these men come from?"
Colonel Henderson, the acknowledged leader of the opposition,
was seated upon the fence, calmly watcliing the arrival of the Penna-
mites. When all were assembled he mounted the "horse-block," read
the act of Legislature calling the election, and nominated Doctor
Kicliards, ]McClenahan's brother-in-law, for chairman of the meeting.
This pi'oposition was promptly voted down by the Pennamites, who
then put forward tiie name of William Parks, who was elected after
some confusion. Then the rest of the Moore and Brodhead program
was carried out with something of the "steam roller" methods of
modern politics. Whitney Smith and .John Finley, tlie men pre-
viously selected, were installed as judges of the election and tlie
"slate" went through without a hitch. As soon as the result of tlie
election was declared, the victors went to the grove, where they found
their horses and vehicles all safe, and then commenced a jubilant
296 HISTORY OF STARK COUXTY
cleiuunstratioii over their victory. Says ^Nlrs. Shallenberger: "They
took out their instruments of music and flung their Hag to the breeze,
driving up and down the road in tlie most exultant fashion. In the
first flush of victory they surely forgot to be magnanimous toward the
disappointed. But now, after tliirty-flve changeful years have swept
by, and heads are Avhite and bowed that then carried the honors of
early manhood, jierhaps too proudly, there are those who remember
with a twinge of remorse, the bitter reflection of Colonel Henderson,
uttered in the moment of defeat: 'I made the d d little county,
and this is my rewai-d." In view of all that he had accomplished for
us, they freely say, we were ungrateful. But they did not reason thus
tliat niglit in 1839, but loading up every straggler they could find,
commenced a sort of triumphant march toward ^Vyoming."
l^pon arriving at AVyoming the cavalcade drew up in front of
\N"hitney Smith's store, and as many of the men had not eaten any-
tliing since early morning, Mrs. Smith began bustling about to pre-
pare sometliing for them to eat. while Wliitney brouglit out a
good-sized demijohn filled with whisky to furnisli the "liquid refresli-
ments." While the demijohn was passing from hand to hand — or
rather from mouth to mouth — among the Osceola men in the wagon,
some one hit the horses a cut with the whip, the purpose being to carry
off Smith's whisky. But some of the more sober ones in the party
insisted that this was not a fair deal and that tlie demijohn should be
returned to its owner, to whom it was explained that the whole thing-
was merely intended as a joke.
There had been no lack of whisky during the day and the fresh
supply received at W\^oming put the men in good shape to finish up
the day's celebration in gorgeous style. On the way back to Osceola
Grove thev stopj^ed long enough to serenade several of the settlers,
receiving more to cat and drink. It was almost daylight the next
morning when the delegation reached Osceola and some of the best
citizens of that little community did not get the cobwebs out of their
brain all that day.
The next year came the presidential campaign, when the whigs,
imder the leadership of Colonel Henderson, carried tlie county for
Gen. \N'illiam H. Harrison by a majority of thirty-three over ^Martin
Viiu Buren, tlie democratic candidate. The victory for "Old Tippe-
canoe," as General Harrison was fondly designated, took some of the
sting out of the defeat at the first county election the year before.
HISTORV OF STAKK COUNTY 297
INDIAN KKTAI.IATIOX
AVlien Henry Seclcy built his caliiii ut "Seelej''s Point,"" in what
is now Penn Townsliip, in 1834, some of the Pottawatomi Indians
were still living along Indian Creek and a jjortion of the tribe for
several years after that date eanie regularly to winter at Walnut
(irove. ^Ir. Seeley and his family kept on good terms with these
Indians, and as Mr. Seeley himself understood their language, he,
traded freely with them. In 183.) he raised a good corn eroj) and when
the band came to the winter quarters in the grove that year he sold
them corn for themselves anfl ponies. One day, while ]Mr. Seeley was
attending to some business in I'eoria. an Inilian came to his cabin
with a large sack, which he wanted filled with shelled corn, tendering
a silver half dollar in jiayment.
]\Ji-. Seeley's father, a man well advanced in years and not phys-
ically strong, was the only man about the place. After conferring
with his daughter-in-law he decided that it was better to let the Indian
have the corn, although the .)() cents was less than half its valne.
When the sack was tilled the Indian threw it across his pony and de-
parted, no doubt langhing in his sleeve at the trick he had ])layed on a
white man. A few days later he returned with the same sack, or one
very much like it. and another half dollar. But this time Mr. Seeley
Mas at home. He was not afraid of the "Big Injun" and j^romptly
informed him that it would take two such coins to purchase the corn.
This time the Indian, not having the requisite sum of money, was
compelled to return to his people empty handed. ]\Ir. Seeley noticed
that the red man was quite sullen as he mounted his pony and knew
that in some way the Indian would endeavor to get even for the insult.
About a year later. Avhile the Indians were encam])ed at Walnut
Grove, Mr. Seeley and a neighbor, one of the Sturms boys, rode over
one day to see how their Pottawatomi friends were getting along. xVt
that time there was a French trading post not far from the Indian
camp, where gunpowder and whisky were among the leading com-
modities offered for sale. As Mr. Seeley and his com])anion ap-
proached the canq> it was plain to be seen that the Indians had been to
the trading post. The discoi-dant shouts and yells told as plainly as
words that the Indians were on a sjjree. while now and then would be
heard the report of firearms.
It was a custom among the Indians that when they wanted to
"go on a drunk" one man was either drafted or volunteered to stay
sober to i)revent the drunken ones from killing each other. ]\Ir.
■2dS HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
Seeley and his friend carried their rifies and rode forward to the camp,
knowing that the sober Indian would probably be able to control those
who were druiking, or, if not, they could take care of themselves.
Upon entering the camp a group of half-drunken savages came up to
them with a small cask of "tire-water" and invited the white men to
join them in a social drink. Sturms first took the little keg and held
it to his mouth for a few moments as though drinking, after which it
was passed to ]Mr. Seeley. But just as he was raising it to his lips the
Indian to whom he had refused the corn the year before rusb.ed out
of the crowd, snatched the keg and exclaimed: "Mean white man, no
sell Indian corn, he no have fire-water." The insult of the preceding-
year was wiped out.
\Vhile all this was taking place the squaws were busy gathering
and hiding the arms, for fear that their men folks would either assault
the white men, who had been kind to them, or injure each other in a
drunken brawl. The keg of liquor was quickly carried away by the
roisterers to a neighboring thicket and ^Nlr. Seeley rode away without
fear of any further enmity on the part of the Indian.
HUXTIXG IN EARLY DAYS
When the first settlers came to Stark County game of all kinds
was plentiful and the pioneer dependetl more upon his rifie than upon
his flocks and herds to furnish the family's supply of meat. Boys
were early taught to shoot and it was no unusual thing for a t\\ elve-
3'ear-old lad to bring in a Avild tiu'key or report that he had killed a deer
which was too hea\'y for him to carry. Among those who achie\ed
distinction as hunters were the Sturms boys — Henry, Xicholas, Sam-
uel, ^Matthias and Simon — all sons of ^Matthias, who settled in the
county in 1834. Clad in rough frontier garb and armed with the old
Kentucky "hammered barrel, hair triggered" rifle, they knew every
"deer lick" in the country round. Henry Sturms uSed to say that he
had killed as many as thirty deer in one week and dragged them home
by tying them to the tail of his horse.
They never carried their rifles on Sunday, and one Smulay morn-
ing, about ISio, while Henry Sturms and one of his cousins were re-
turning home from church, they discoA'ered a large buck, slightly
wounded, lying in the water of Spoon River, where lie had doubtless
crept to conceal himself from his pursuers. Henry leaped from a
blufi^ some eight or ten feet high, landed squarely npon the buck's
shoulders, seized him by the horns and forced his nostrils under water,
HISTORY OF STARK COl'XTV 299
holding liiiu tlifre l)y main strength nntil he was almost suffocated.
The (leer wa's then despatched with a heavy pocket knife, such as every
fronliersmaii usually carried, and the two youngsters dragged the deer
home, which was hut a short distance from the place where they found
him.
Rut, while deer and such animals were hunted for food, there was
an occasional wolf hunt for the purpose of lessening the number of
these animals that were preying upon the few domestic animals of the
settlers. Two or three years after Isaac R. Essex* and his associates
settled along the Spoon River, in what is now Essex Township, they
were invited to join with those living about Princeville, Peoria County,
in a \\()lf hunt. Minott Silliman. Renjamin Smith. David Cooper,
the ^Miners, Reeds, Daniel I'rince and several others joined in the
hunt and a number of wolves were killed. Another great wolf hunt
was "pulled off" in 18-4.1, in which over one hundred settlers par-
ticipated. Harvey L. Ross, while still in his "teens," caught twelve
wolves one season in steel traps set near the carcass of a dead horse.
EARLY OUTLAWRY
In the i)receding chapter mention is made of the INIutual Protection
Society, which was organized to protect the settlers against the depre-
dations of baiidits and horse thieves. The history of every frontier
shows that such settlements have been the resort of men who would
rather live by robbery than by honest labor. Then the reign of law
was in its infancy, courts and prisons were at some distance from the
"margin of civilization," and the outlaws stood a much better chance
of escaping the clutches of the law. Kaily in the nineteenth century
the notorious John A. INIurrell organized what was probably the first
regular chain of horse thieves and highwaymen, which extended from
the Ohio A'alley to the Southern States, where there was then a great
demand for horses. A stolen horse could be concealed throughout
the day in some convenient thicket and at night passed on to the next
station in the chain, until the market was reached.
Even after the death of ]Murrell, gangs contimied to operate in
Indiana, Illinois and some of the adjoining states. John Driscoll and
his two sons — William and David; John Brodie and three of his
sons; Samuel Aiken and his three sons; William K. Bridge and Nor-
ton R. Rovce: .Tack and William Britt, were some of the gang leaders
that managed the affairs of the outlaws about the time Stark County
was settled. They were the men who planned the robberies, jirovided
300 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
alibis for tiiose mIio were so unfortunate as to be arrested, furnished
liiding places for the stolen booty, laid out the route the stolen horse
was to be taken, concealed the members of the gang from the officers
(jf the law, and sometimes took a hand in the robberies themselves.
Some twenty-five or thirty years ago, W. H. xVdams, in one of his
'Tioneer Reminiscences," published in the Brimlield News, tells of
three men who came to John LafFerty's in April, 1838, pretending that
they were looking for land. 3Ir. Lafterty had come from Ohio two
years before and located in Knox County, not far from the present
boundary of Stark. On the night of JNIay 1, 1838, the "land buyers"
disappeared and the next morning JNIr. Lafferty discovered that a
team of fine black horses he ow^ned was missing. About the same
time John INIiller, Sewell Smith and Robert Colwell reported that
they had lost horses. A posse was soon organized to trace the thie\es.
The balance of the story is thus told by JNIr. Adams :
"jNleantime one Roantree, of Henderson Grove, arrived at ^lil-
ler's house Avith the information that two horses were in charge of a
boy at Washburn's Grove. John McCoy was sent to investigate,
identified the horses as Lafferty's, and then started in search of the
posse, meeting them on the way to "Washburn's. Arriving there, they
relieved the boy of the horses and began making preparations to hang
him. The boy was greatly alarmed, of course, and Mr. ^liller, taking
advantage of his fright, led him to one side and promised to intercede
for him if he would give information that would lead to the capture
of the thieves. This the young fellow- was glad to do. and when (pies-
tioned by Lafferty and Cohvell, told tliem that the rendezvous was in
the Wiimebago swamp. That niglit the party started for the swamp,
taking the boy with them to act as guide, and about daylight came to
a spot near the rendezvous. Just before sunrise one of the robbers
came out of the brush hut and was captured by John ]Miller. Two
others, alarmed by the scuffle, jumped from the hut and attempted to
make their escape, but were overtaken and captm-ed.
"The horses and saddles were then collected and the victors and
\anquished proceeded to another grove to try the robbers. The court
was organized, the boy's statement was noted, each of the settlers
identified his horses, after which a vote was taken upon the guilt or
innocence of the prisoners. The verdict was unanimous in favor of
their guilt and the trio were hanged. At Spring Creek, on tlie way
home, the posse was fired upon by friends of the men they had just
executed, but no one was hurt. The fire was returned liriskly and
thus ended the adventure of the earlv davs of ]Mav, 1838.
HISTORY' OF STARK COUNTY 301
"In June following. C'olwcll, Joe Druniniond and sonic others
happened to pass that way and one ol' the party called attention to
three bodies swinyini'- from the hraneh of a tree. Col well said: '1
wonder if them aint Injuns hung by the whites during the Rlaek
Hawk war?' Druniniond. turning to him, said: 'Uad, them's horse
thieves; you didn't shoot 'em. you hung 'em.' to which Colwell merely
replied: '1 guess they're dead.' and the party left the scene of the
tragedy."
Once or twice a year, owing to the amount of business done by the
gang, an "ad.iuster" would pass up the Spoon River \'alley to ])ay
each member of the gang his share of the ill-gotten gains. Charles S.
I*ayne. of Wyoming, freciucntly saw this man and dcscrilied him as
"a gentleman of very solemn demeanor, wearing green spectacles, and
talked very little."
JNIr. Adams also relates another incident of an attemjJted robbery
in 18-i4.. A trader named Smith, located at Rochester, had about two
hundred cattle, which he wanted taken to the Ciiicago market. As
there were no railroads at that time, he employed .roliii Emery, a
member of one of Stark County's pioneer families, to drive the cattle
across the country. iVecoiiipanied by John Pratz, Michael Smith and
Elias I.afFerty, ]Mr. Kmery started for Chicago with the cattle. At
the old tavern known as tiie Nine 31ile Ilt)use, on the Desplaiiies
Ri\'er, he sold a part of the herd, receiving therefor $200 in gold coin.
Fi)on reaching Chicago he found out that he could sell the cattle to
better advantage by having them slaughtered and disposing of the
dressed beef. Smith. Prat/ and Lafferty returned home, leaving
Kmery in Chicago.
\Vliile all this was going on some of the Rritt gang were watching
JNIr. P^mery's movements. When his companions left him alone in
Ciiicago the Britts surmised that he would travel home alone after the
cattle were sold, carrying the money w itii him. and began making their
preparations to relieve him of it. The cattle were slaughtered, the
meat sold, and Mr. Kmery. with the $'2()() in gold and $1,100 in paper
currency, started for Rochester. The first night out he i)assed at the
Nine Mile House, where he met Jack and Rill IJritt. The next morn-
ing Kmery and the two Britts rode together to Paw Paw Grove,
where Jack stopped while Kmery and Hill rode on to Princeton,
where they passed the night. At I'rinceton Mr. Kmery was intro-
duced to a woman and her son. from Meadville. Pa., who were on iheir
way to Carson Berfield's, in Stark County, and offered to guide them
the rest of the w^ay.
302 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
That evening two htrangers, well dressed and mounted upon tine
horses, arrived at the hotel in Princeton. They were the two members
of the gang assigned to the work of getting JNIr. Emery's money. Not
being apjjrised of the arrangement that had been made between JMr.
Emei-y and the woman, the t^vo highwaymen were surprised the next
morning to see a carriage drawn up in front and 31r. Emery's horse
saddled ready for the start. They hurried to the stable and saddled
their own horses, but were again surprised to see the lady and her son
come out of the hotel and greet INlr. Emery as an accpiaintance. After
she had stepped into the carriage she asked the cattle drover to hand
her his satchel and overcoat, which he did, and then turned to mount
his horse. Just then the two would-be robbers appeared upon the
scene. It seems that the landlady, suspicious of the two well dressed
strangers, had warned Mr. Emery and told some of the guests of her
suspicions. These guests were now on hand to see what was going to
happen. When JNlr. Emery gave the woman in the carriage his over-
coat and satchel, one of the robbers asked: "Are you going with
them folks r'
]Mr. Emery answered in the affirmative and then drawing his
money from his pocket said: "Here is over one thousand dollars in
pajier, and here (drawing a purse from another pocket) are $"2()0
in gold. I would like to see you try to get it. As soon as you came in
last night I saw bv Bill Britt's actions what vom- business was and
knew who set you dirty, contemptible, thieving skunks on my track,
^'ou can follow me if you think it will be healthy, or you can go back
to Paw Paw Grove and tell Jack Bi-itt that you failed to get m>-
money. Then you and the Britts can all go to hell together."
As ]Mr. Emery uttered the last words he swung himself into his
saddle, gallantly lifted his hat to the assembled guests in front of the
hotel and rode away, the carriage following. The two crestfallen
bandits watched him for a few minutes and then departed in the oppo-
site direction. IMr. Emery reached Rochester in good time and turned
the money over to his em])loyer.
THE MORJIOX PROPHET
It may not be generally known to the peo])le of Stark County
that Joseph Smith, the founder and first prophet of the IMormon
Church, was captured in this county a short time before his tragic
death in the jail at Carthage, the county seat of Hancock County, 111.
Wlun the ^Mormons were driven from ^lissouri thev went to a bcauti-
HISTORY OF STARK COUXTY 303
fill bluff, overlooking the JMississij^pi River, in Hancock County,
where they founded the City of Xauvoo. Robberies and murders
committed in Iowa were traced to Mormons and the people along the
]\Jississippi in that state and Illinois began to clamor for their re-
moval. ^Matters finally grew so hot that in the earlj^ spring of 184-t
Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum sought safety in flight.
AVorking tlieir way northeastward, they reached the old state road
running through Cioshen Township. On this road was a sehoolhouse
that overlooked the old Indian camp on Indian Creek. One morning
at recess a fine ci)vered carriage drawn by a team of beautifid gray
horses drew up in front of the sehoolhouse. In the carriage were two
men. both wearing silk hats and showing other evidences of ])rosperity.
who iiujuired the way to Osceola. Ahneron ^NI. Harris, afterward a
captain in a ^Missouri regiment in the Civil war, was one of the scholars
who happened to know the road to Osceola. Covered carriages were
rare in those days and the school children spent some time in specu-
lating who the rich gentlemen were who could afford such a turnout.
* Xot long after the carriage had passed the pursuing officers ar-
rived and also made inquiries at the sehoolhouse. Young Harris
described the men and the carriage, and directed the officers to Osceola.
That afternoon they returned with the two Smiths as prisoners. They
were taken back to Carthage, confined in jail to await trial, and on
tlie night of June 27, 1844, the two brothers were assassinated. The
death of .Toseph Smith left the ^lormon Church in a disorganized
condition for a time, Imt a new prophet was chosen and the IMornions
took up their march for Utah, where they founded Salt Lake City.
It is not certain why the fugitives were inquiring for Osceola, though
it may have been that they expected to find friends there who would
keep them concealed until it would be safe for them to leave the coun-
try. If such a "friend" dwelt at Osceola he kept his own counsel and
nobody ever found out his identity.
A POLITICAL ECHO
About a year after the l)eginning of the Civil war an organization
of Southern sym])athizers grew up in the X'^orth. This society, or
secret order, was known by various names, such as "Knights of the
Golden Circle," "Sons of Liberty," etc. Along the Ohio River, in
Southern Illinois and Indiana, the order flourished, but farther north
its members were not so numerous. In September, 1876. a Mi-iter in
I the Chicago Tribune gave what purported to be a histoiy of this
304 HISTOKY OF STARK COL'XTV
organization. Acconlino- to his account tlie Sons of liberty in Illinois
had a Avell concerted plan to cai)ture Camp Douglas in Xoveniber,
1864, release and arm the Confederate prisoners confined there, and
"carry the war into tlie enemy's country." The writer named several
prominent men of Illinois who were interested in the above plan,
among them being ^Martin Shallenberger, of Toulon. As a plain
matter of fact, the writer of that so-called history of the Knights of
the Golden Circle had evidently not made a very thorough investiga-
tion of the facts, for none of the men he mentioned entertained any
idea of such action. It was but an echo of days when sectional and
political feeling ran high, when neighbor was arrayed against neigh-
bor, and rumor as to the treasonable inclinations of this or that
individual was prevalent all over the North.
CHAPTER XVIII
STATISTICAL REVIEW
POPULATION AT EACH UNITED STATES CENSUS — CONSTITUTIONAL CON-
VENTIONS CONGKESSION.U. UISTKICTS GENERAL ASSEJIBLY HOW
STAKK HAS liEEN HEPKESENTED IN THE LEGISLATURE — OFIICIAL ROS-
TER LIST OF PUBLIC OFFICIALS SINCE 1839 VOTE FOR PRESIDENT
AT EACH ELECTION SINCE 1840 — SUMMARY OF THE PRINCIPAL
EVENTS CONNECTED WITH THE COUNTy's HISTORY.
Illinois was organized as a territory under the laws of the United
States in 1809, and December 3, 1918, will witness the close of her fii-st
century of statehood. Since the organization of the territory, the
growth in population, according to the United States census reports,
e
is shown in the following table
o
1810 12,282
1820 rj.),162
1830 1.57,4'45
18-tO 476,183
18.50 851,470
1860 1,711.9.51
1870 2,.539.801
1880 3,077,871
1800 3,826,3.51
1900 4,821,.550
1910 5,638..591
Four score and six years have passed since Isaac B. Essex built his
humble cabin about three miles southwest of the present City of
Wyoming, and thus established the first Avhite man's domicile within
the confines of what is now Stark Comity, and more than three-quar-
tei's of a century have elapsed since the county was organized under
the ju-ovisions of the act of the Illinois Legislature, approved on
JSIarch 2, 1839. The first United States census taken after the comity
305
306 HISTOKV OF STARK COUNT Y
was organized was in 1840. Since that time the orowth in popuhition
has been as follows:
1840 1,57a
18.)0 3,T10
18(J0 9,004
18T0 10,7.51
1880 11,209
1890 9,982
1900 10,18(i
1910 10,098
From this table it will be seen that the greatest proportionate
increase in any one decade was from 1840 to 18.50, when the growth
in the nnml)er of inhabitants was from 1,.)73 to 8,710, or nearly three-
fold. Twice in the history of the county there has been a decline dur-
ing a census decade — once from 1880 to 1890 and again from 1900
to 1910. The decrease in population during these periods is due
chiefly to the opening of new government lands in other parts of the
country, which offered inducements to men of moderate means to
acquire homes and farms of their own with a less outlay of capital.
Just as between the years 1840 and 18(50, when land was cheap in
Illinois, other states contributed to her growth, so she in turn con-
tributed to the growth of other sections of tlie country that ]n-esented
such opportunities as were found here in Stark County during the
twenty yeai's immediately i^receding the Civil ^\ar. The decrease in
population between the years 1900 and 1910 affected all parts of the
county about alike, as may be seen by a comparison of the last three
official census reports, given by townships, to-wit ;
Township 1890
Elmira 884
Essex 1,210
Goshen 1,017
Osceola 1,484
Penn 1,022
Toulon 2,.j79
Valley 810
West Jersey 976
1900
1910
89.3
841
1,188
1,131
1,212
1,145
1,663
1,577
998
931
2,.553
2,834
788
821
891
818
Total 9,982 10.180 10.098
IIISTOUV OF STARK COUNTY ao7
Tlie peoi)lc oi" Stai'k County liavt- no fuusc For liiiniiliation in tlie
decrease in tlie niiinhei- of inliahitants. Fifty eounties in the state
showed a decrease between the years 1!)00 and 1!)U) and in some of
them the decrease was two thousand or more. In the counties in
which hirge cities are located the census shows an increase, evidence
that in recent years there is a tendency among the people to crowd
into the cities, and in Stark County tlie cities of Toulon and Wyo-
ming both show an increase in tlie number of inhabitants during the
census period. Notwithstanding the falling off" in population, the
wealth of the county has not decreased, the taxable value of the prop-
erty and the agricultural products for the year 1914 showing that in
these respects Stark County has more than held her own.
CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS
The first constitution of Illinois — the one under which the state
was admitted in 1818 — was adoi)ted twenty-one years before Stark
County was organizx'd. It remained the organic law of the state until
a second constitutional convention was ordered by the Legislature in
1847. In that convention the district composed of Stark and INIar-
shall counties was represented l)y Henry D. Palmer. The convention
assembled at Springfield on June 7. 1847. and remained in session
until the last day of iVugust. The constitution was ratified by the
people at an election on INIarch (>, 1848, the vote in Stark County
being 233 to 84 in favor of the new constitution, which liecame eff'ective
on April 1. 1848.
Another constitutional convention met at S])ringfield on January
7, 18(;2. and completed its labors on the 24tli of March following.
Peoria and Stark counties formed a district, which was represented
in tlie convention by .lulius IManning and Xorman H. Purple. The
constitution framed by this convention was rejected by the ])eo])le at
an election held on June 17, 18(12. In Stark County the vote was il93
for rejection to 485 for ratification.
The present constitution of the state was adopted l)y a convention
which assembled at S])ringfield on December 13, 18(i!), and adjourned
sine die on INI ay 13. 1870. For this convention the state was divided
into sixty-one districts, from which eighty-five delegates were chosen.
The counties of Peoria and Stark again formed a delegate district,
which was represented by Henry W. Wells and INIiles A. Fidler.
The constitution was ratified liy the ])eo])le on July 2, 1870. and be-
came eff'ective on the 8th of iVugust following. Stark County cast
f)00 votes in favor of the constitution and bnlv 0.5 in the negative.
308 HISTOKY OF STARK COUNTY
CONGRESSIONAL DISTKICTS
When Stark County was cmited in 1839 the State of Hhnois was
divided into three Congressional (Hstricts. Putnam County, from
whieh the greater part of Stark was taken, was one of twenty-tuo
counties comprising the Third District, consequently Stark became a
part of that district and remained so until the apportionment under
the act (jf ]March 1, 1843, when the state was divided into seven districts.
Under this apportionment Stark, Jo Daviess, Stephenson. AVin-
nebago. Carroll, Ogle. Lee, Whiteside, Rock Island, Henry, fiercer,
Henderson, Warren, Knox, McDonough and Hancock constituted
the Sixth District.
The census of 1850 showed that the state was entitled to nine rep-
resentatives in Congress, and by the act of August 22, 18.52. the
Legislature api)ortioned or divided Illinois into nine districts. The
Fourth District was composed of Fulton, Henry, Knox, INIarshall,
Mason, fiercer, Peoria, Stark, Tazewell, Warren and Woodford.
By the act of April 24, 1861, the state was divided into thirteen
districts, Stark beconn'ng a part of the Fifth, which was composed of
Bureau, Henry, Knox, ^Marshall, Peoria, Putnam and Stark. It was
afterward discovered that the census of 1800 entitled the state to
fourteen representatives and the erroi- in the apportionment act was
corrected by electing one congressman from the state at large.
The census of 1870 showed that Illinois was entitled to nineteen
contiressmen. Bv the act of July 1, 1872, nineteen districts were
created, the first election under the new apportionment occurring in
November of that year. The Ninth District under this act consisted
of the counties of Fulton, Knox. Peoria and Stark.
Another representative was added by the census of 1880 and on
April 29, 1882, the Illinois Legislature passed an act dividing the
state into twenty districts. No change was made in the boundaries of
the district in which Stark was situated, but the number was changed
to the Tenth instead of the Ninth.
Twenty-two congressmen were given to Illinois by the census of
1890 and the state was accordingly divided into twenty-two districts
by the act of June 9, 1893. Under this apportionment the Tenth
District was made to consist of the counties of Ilein-y, Knox, ^Nlerccr.
Rock Island, Stark and AA^oodford. The first election was in Novem-
ber, 1894.
The last and present apportionment was made by the act of May
13, 1901, when twentv-five districts were estal)lishe<l. This a])i)or-
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 300
tionmeut places Stark in the Sixteenth District, along with Bnreau,
JNlarshali, Peoria, Putnam and Tazewell. The census of 1910 gave
the state twenty-seven congressmen and in 1912 two members were
elected from the state at large.
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
In the Eleventh General Assembly, which passed the act creating
the County of Stark, William H. Henderson was a member of the
lower house and is accredited to Riu-eau County in the official records,
though his home was within the limits of Stark. Colonel Henderson
was also elected to the Twelfth General Assembly in 18-10 and in this
session was accredited to Putnam County.
Section 0, Article 3, of the constitution of 1848 provided that "The
Senate shall consist of twenty-five members, and the House of Repre-
sentatix cs of seventy-five members, until the population of the state
sliall amount to 1,000, 000 of souls, when five members may be added
to the house and five additional members for every .)00,000 inhabitants
thereafter, until the whole number of representatives shall amount to
100; after which, the number shall neither be increased nor diminished;
to be ai)portioned among the several counties according to the number
of wliitc inhabitants. In all future ajjportionments. where more than
one county shall be thrown into a repi'esentative district, all the repre-
sentatives to which said counties may be entitled shall be elected by
the entire district."
Section 40 of the same article apportioned the representation in
the General Assembly at twenty-five senators and seventy-five repre-
sentatives, and another section provided that an apportiomnent shoidd
be made to l)ecome effective in 18.5.5, and every tenth year thereafter.
In the apportionment of 1848 the Nineteenth Senatorial District was
com])osed of the counties of Henry, IMercer. Knox, Rock Island. Stark
and Warren; and the Forty-third Representative District of the
counties of Henry, Rock Island and Stark, which was entitled to one
representative.
In the first session of tlie General Assembly imder this apportion-
ment, which convened at Springfield on Jamiary 1, 1840, John Denny,
of Knox County, was senator, and Joliii W. Henderson, of Stark,
representative. From that time until tlie next apportionment, the
district was represented as follows: 18,50, John Denny, senator;
.Tames "SI. Allen, of Henry, representative: 18.52. Renjamin Graham,
of Hemy, senator; A\'illiam Marshall, of Rock Island, representative.
A new apportionment was made by the act of February 27, 18.54,
31U HISTOKY OF STAKK COLM'V
under which representatives and senators were elected in the autumn
of that year. Xo change was made in the Senatorial District, except
that it was made the Ninth instead of the Nineteenth, but Peoria and
Stark counties were made to constitute the Forty-tirst Representative
District, which was given two members of the lower branch of the
Legislature. During the life of this apportionment the district was
represented as follows: 18o.5, Benjamin Graham, senator: Henry
Grove, of Peoria, and Thomas J. Henderson, of Stark, representa-
tives; 1857. Thomas J. Henderson, senator; ^Martin Shallenberger,
of Stark, and John T. Lindsey, of Peoria, representatives: 1S.59,
Thomas J. Henderson, senator; Myrtle G. Brace, of Stark, and
Thomas C. Moore, of Peoria, representatives; 1861, Thomas J. I'ick-
ctt. of Rock Island, senator; Elbridge G. Johnson, of Peoria, and
Theodore F. Hurd, of Stark, representatives.
By the act of January 31. 1801, the state was divided into ilistricts
for twenty-five senators and eighty-five representatives. The Six-
teenth Senatorial District was composed of the counties of ]Marshall,
Peoria, Putnam and Stark, and the Thirty-sixth Representative Dis-
trict of Peoria' and Stark counties. Under this aiijKirtionmcnt the
members from the districts were as follows:
Senators— John T. I.indsey, of Peoria, 1863; Greenbury L. Fort,
of ^Marshall, 1867. Reiwesentatives — James Holgate, of Stark, and
William W. O'Brien, of Peoria, 1863: Richard C. Dunn, of Stark,
and Alexander 3IcCoy. of Peoria, 186.5: Sylvester F. Ottman, of
Stark, and Thomas C. ]Moore. of Peoria. 1867; Bradford F. Thomp-
son, of Stark, and William E. Phelps, of Peoria, 1809.
The constitution of 1870 provided that the governor and secretai-y
of state should fix the apportionment for members of the General
Assembly, under certain restrictions regarding population, etc. Only
one session of the Legislature was held under this apportionment —
that elected in the fall of 1870 — in which the Sixteenth Senatorial
District, composed of :Marsliall. Peoria. Putnam and Stark counties,
was reiiresented liy INIark Bangs, of ^Marshall, and Lucien H. Kerr,
of Peoria. Stark County alone constituted the Seventy-fourth Rep-
resentative District, and was represented by INIiles A. Fuller.
By the act of :March 1, 1872, the state was divided into fifty-one
districts, each of which was entitled to one senator and three re])re-
sentatives. the counties of Bureau and Stark constituting the Six-
teenth District. During the ten years this apportionment lasted, the
following members of the General Assembly were elected from this
district:
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY ill
Senators— Lorenzo D. Whiting, of Bureau, 1872— re-elected in
1876 and 1880. Representatives— 1872, J. R. :Mulvane and Miuk R.
Dewey, of Bureau; Cyrus Bocock. of Stark; 1874., J. II. iSloore and
J. J. ilerron, of Bureau; A. G. Ilanmiond, of Stark; 187(). Charles
Bahhvin and J. J. Ilerron, of Bureau; Daniel J. Iluril of Stark;
1878. Alfred G. Scott and Simon Elliott, of Bureau, Sylvester l'\
Ottnian, of Stark; 1880, John II. Welsh and Charles Baldwin, o\'
Bureau: Sylvester F. Ottnian, of Stark.
liureau, Putnam an<l Stark counties were placed in the Twenty-
fifth District hy tlie apportiomnent act of May 6, 1882. the district
l)eing entitled to one senator and three representatives. ^lenihers of
the General Assemhly under this ai)portionment were as follows:
Senators — Lorenzo D. Whiting, 1882; Edward A. Washhurn, of
Bureau, 1886; Louis Zearing, of Bureau, 1890. Representatives —
1882,' James T. Thornton, of Putnam; John H. Welsh, of Bureau;
Jolm Lackie, of Stark; 1884., Alhert W. Boyden. of Bureau; Eli V.
Raley. of Putnam; James H. ^Miller, of Stark; 1886, Sterling Pom-
eroy and Anthony ^lorrisey, of Bureau; James H. ]Miller of Stark;
1888, Anthony JNIorrisey and Peter jNIcCall, of Bureau; James H.
3Iiller, of Stark; 1890, ^Michael Barton, of Bureau; Archihald W.
IIo])kins. of Putnam. Samuel White, of Stark; 1892. JNIichael Barton,
of Bureau; Archibald W. Hopkins, of Putnam; George jNIurray, of
Stark.
A new appoitionment was made by the act of June 15, 1893, which
])laced Bureau, Putnam, Stark and Whiteside counties in the Thirty-
first District, with one senator and three representatives. Following
is a list of the members of the General Assembly w^ho served from
this (Hstrict under the apportionment of 189.3:
Senators — 1894, James W. Templeton, of Bureau, avIio was re-
elected in 1898. Representatives — 1894., William M. Pilgrim and
George :Mnrray, of Stark; J. W. White, of Whiteside; 1896, George
JNIurray, of Stark; Jerry W. Dineen and Caleb C. Jolinson, of AVhite-
side; 1898, Alfred N. Abbott, of Whiteside; INIichael Kennedy, of
Bureau; Arc]iil)ald W. Hopkins, of Putnam; 1900. Allen P. JNIiller,
of Stark; Alfred X. Abl)ott and Edward Devine. of Whiteside.
An apportionment act passed by the General Assemhly and ap-
proved on January 11, 1898, was declared unconstitutional, so that
the next legal apportionment was that made by the act of May 10.
1901. which is still the law regidating the membership of the Legis-
lature. Under this act the counties of Bureau. Henry and Stark were
erected into the Thirty-seventh District, with one senator and three
312 HISTORY OF STARK COUXTV
rejJi't'.st'iitatives. The lisit of nienibers from tliis district includes the
following:
Senators — James \V. Templeton, of Bureau, 1902; B. Frank
Baker, of Henry, 1900; Hugh S. ^Nlagill, of Buicau. 1910; C. C. Per-
vicr, of Bureau, 1914. Representatives — 1902, James E. Xoyes, of
Stark; James K. Blish and Nathaniel W. Tibhets, of Henry; 1904,
James E. Noyes, of Stark; James E. Dabler, of Bureau; Nathaniel
W. Tibbetts, of Henry; 1906, Francis J. Liggett, of Stark; Clayton
C. Pervier, of Bureau; William J. JNIcGuire, of Henry; 1908. Francis
J. Liggett, of Stark; Clayton C. Pervier, of Bureau; William J.
INIcGuire, of Henry; 1910, Clayton C. Pervier, of Bvn-ean; \Villiam
J. ]McGuire and John R. Moore, of Henry; 1912, Randolph Boyd,
of Henry; Clayton C. Pervier and Frank W. IMorissey, of Bureau;
1914, Randol])h Boyd and John R. ]Moore, of Hemy; Frank W.
IMorissey, of Bureau.
OFFICIAL KOSTER
Following is a list of the county officials from the organization of
the county in 1839 to the general election of 1914, with the year in
which each Avas elected or assumed the duties of the office:
County Clerks— Oliver Whitaker, 1839; Thomas J. Henderson,
1847; JMiles A. Fuller. 18.53; Oliver Whitaker, 18G9; David AValker,
1873; Joseph Chase, 1890; William W. Fuller, 1894; William E.
Nixon, 1902.
Recorders— B. M. Jackson, 1839; J. W. Henderson, 1843; Sam-
uel G. Butler, 1847. 'With the adoption of the constitution of 1848
the office of recorder was abolished, except in counties having a popu-
lation of 60,000 or more, and the clerk of the Circuit Court was made
ex-officio recorder in counties having less than that number of in-
habitants.
Circuit Clerks— Oliver Whitaker. 1848; Jefferson Winn. 18,)2;
Patrick M. Blair. 1860; John M. Brown. 1868; James Kinney, 1888;
Joseph Chase, 1896; Elisha B. Redfield, 1904; Walter F. Young,
1912.
Sheriffs— Augustus A. Dunn. 1839; John Finley. 1840; John W.
Henderson. 1844; John Finley. 1848; William F. Thomas. 18.50;
Clinton Fuller, 1852; Joseph Blanchard, 18.54; Henry Breese, 18.56;
Oliver P. Emery. 18.58; Elisha Greenfield, 1860; B. Frank Fuller,
1862; John M. Brown, 1864; Jesse Likens, 1866; S. M. Adams,
1868; C. F. Hamilton. 1878; Samuel M. Adams. 1880; Andrew Gal-
braith. 1882; James Montooth. 1886; William Hughes. 1890; Donald
HISTORY OF STARK C OUNTY 313
Murchisoii, 1894; John P. Williams, 1898; Thomas J. Maloiif, 190-J;
Edwin Ci. \Villiams()ii, 190(!; Tliomas J. ^lalone, 1910; James K.
Fuller, 191 J..
Treasurers — ^liuott Silliiiuui, 18:i9; Reiijamiu Turner, 184.9;
Uavis Lowman, 1853; Hugh Rhodes, 1859; William Lovvman, 1861;
C. M, S. Lyons, 1803; R. J. Dickinson, 18(5.5; Orlando Brace, 1873;
John Hawks, 188(j; Donald ^Murchison. 189(): Jas])er N. Kitterman,
1891.: ^Vill)er P. Snare, 1898; Fred J. Rhodes, 1902; Charles W.
Rocock, 1906; E. G. Williamson, 1910; Henry D. D. Martin, 1914.
Surveyors — Carson Berfield, 1839; Sjdvester F. Ottnian, 18.53;
AVilliam Nowlan, 1861; Henry H. Oliver, 1863; Edwin Ruller, 186.5;
JMaiuiing A. Hall, 1879; Edwin Rutler, 1884; Henry H. Oliver, 1888;
Clement L. Cravens, 190'i; William F. >iieholson, 1912.
Coroners — Adam Day, 1840; John jMiller, 1844; Philip Anschutz,
184<;: William Chamberlain, 1848; Minott Silliman, 1850; David
JMcCance, 1852; Euther S. Milliken, 1854; Benjamin L. Hilliard,
1856; Jerome B. Thomas, 1860; Jeffrey A. Cooley, 1862; John F.
Rhodes, 1864; John Finley, 186(); Thomas Hall, 18(i8; P. P. Johnson,
1870; ^Villiam H. Butler, 1874; Wilson Trickle, 1876; W. B. Arm-
strong, 1878; John F. Rhodes, 1880; Charles W. Teeter, 1882; David
S. Burroughs, 1884; I^oyal T. S])rague. 1886; James d. Boardman.
1888: John X. Conger, 1900; James G. Boardman, 1904; J. C. Blais-
dell, 1906; William L. Garrison, 1912.
Commissioners^Calvin Winslow, Jonathan Hodgson and Ste-
l)hen Trickle, 1839; William Ogle, 1840: Brady Fowler, 1841;
Jonathan Hodgson (elected to succeed himself), 1842; Ijemuel S.
Dorrance, 1843; Joseph Palmer, 1844; .Jefferson Trickle, 1845; James
Holgate, 1846; Thomas Lyle, 1847; Theodore F. Hurd, 1848.
The constitution of 1848 changed the form of county government
by substituting a County Court, coiiijxjscd of a judge and two
justices of the peace, for the board of commissioners. James Hol-
gate was elected judge and the additional justices of the peace were
^Villiam Ogle and James B. Lewis. The first session oi' this court was
convened on December 3, 1849. Tlie same officials continued in office
until Sci)tember, 1852, when .John F. Thompson succeeded Mr. T^ewis.
By the adoi)tion of townshi]) organization in 1853, the ])()ard of super-
visors, consisting of one member from each township, took the place
of the County Court, the last session of which was held on June (i.
1853, and the next day the first board of su])ervisors met in special
session for the purpose of organizing. Following is a list of the super-
visors since that time:
314 HISTOUV OF STARK COUNTY
Elmira Township — Thomas JLyle, 1853; Myrtle G. Brace, 1854
Isaac Spencer, 1855; James Buswell, 1850; John Turnbull, 1858
James Buswell, 1861; Henry H. Oliver, 1862; Charles Stuart, 1863
Andrew Oliver, 1804.; Matthew B. Parks, 1806; Lewis Austin, 1808
Charles P. Bussell, 1869; Thomas Oliver, 1871; Matthew B. Parks,
18T4; Henry H. Oliver, 1877; Matthew B. Parks, 1880; Kobert
Ai'mstrong, 1882; ^V^illiam Jackson, 1885; Andrew Oliver, 1886;
William Jackson, 1887; George T. Oliver, 1894; George U. Board-
man, 1900 (re-elected at each succeeding election to 1914) .
Eissex Township — Lemuel Dixon, 1853; Josiah Mottitt, 1855;
Henry Colwell, 1857; John Chaffee, 1859; Jonathan Nicholas, 1802;
William H. Butler, 1803; Edward Trickle, 1865; Sylvester F. Ott-
jnan, 1866; Hopkins Shivvers, 1867; Phihp F. Earhart, 1870: John
H. Ogle, 1871; Timothy Bailey, 1874; Jacob Graves, 1875; Philip F.
Earhart, 1877; James M. Rogers, 1878; William H. Graves, 1879;
Philip F. Earhart, 1880; John Jordan, 1882; Philip F. Earhart, 1883;
John Jordan, 1886; John H. Ogle, 1890; M. R. Cox, 1891; Lemuel
Dixon, 1895; P. B. Colwell, 1905; S. B. Adams, 1913; W. L. Hag-
erty, 1914.
Goshen Township — Lewis H. Fitch, 1853; Henry Hayes, 1850;
Theodore F. Hurd, 1858; Jacob Emery, 1801; Joseph Atherton,
1863; James H. Quinn, 1805; Julius Ives, 1870; D. J. Hurd, 1871;
Julius Ives, 1872; D. J. Hurd, 1873; Harrison Miner, 1875; Joseph
D. Rhodes, 1879; Luman P. Ilimes, 1880; J. S. Atherton, 1882;
James II. Quinn, 1883; J. S. Atherton, 1884; John F. Rhodes, 1885;
Harrison Miner, 1890; E. S. BufFum, 1891; J. H. Baker, 1893; W.
F. Nicholson, 1903; Robert Fell, 1905; Edd Nowlan, 1913; David
Carstairs, 1915.
Osceola Township— Bradford S. Foster, 1853; William W.
Winslow, 1855; Isaac W. Searle, 1859; John Winslow, 1800; John
Lackie, 1801; Bradford F. Thompson. 1800; John Lackie. 1807;
Charles Wilson, 1808; Augustus L. Thompson, 1809; John Lackie,
1870; Philip Munson, 1872; John Lackie, 1874; John D. Hatfield,
1882; Mordecai Bevier, 1884; James Hall, 1887: Mordecai Bevier,
1889; William M. Pilgrim, 1890; ^Mordecai Bevier, 1894; Thomas
F. Fate, 1890; Thomas Ilickey, 1898; INIordecai Bevier. 1900; F. J.
Liggett, 1902; J. H. Hall, 1908; H. P. Hopkins, 1910; J. M. Liggett,
1912 ; H. P. Hopkins, 1914.
Penn Township — James Holgate, 1853; Nathan Snare, 1854
Henry Breese, 1850; IMilan B. Little. 1857: Benjamin Bimnell. 1858
Nathan Snare, 1800; Samuel Crum. 1802; Samuel G. Averv, 1803
HISTORY OF STAUK COL'XTV 315
Xatlian Doivjiiiig, 18G4: John Snare, 18(J.): John Ackley, 1800; Cynis
Eocock, 1808; G. W . Brown, 1872; Kohert xMcBocock, 1874.; James
Snare, 188(); Cyrus Eocock, 1887; William C. Eedding, 1890; E. F.
Gharrett, 1801; Zura Fuller, 1893; Weldon Reagan, 1890; Dominick
Flarty. 1897; C \V. Eocock, 1903; Uominick Ilarty, 1907; A. A.
Webber, 1909; Harry Earton. 1911 (re-elected at each succeeding
election to 1915).
Toulon Township — Calvin L. Eastman, 18.33; John Eerfield,
18.54; Amos P. Gill. 18.3.3; John Eerfield, 18.50; George W.
Dewey, 18.39; Davis l.owman, 1800; John JNlurnan, 1802; Erady
Fowler, 1803; Isaac Thomas, 1804; George W. Dewey, 180.3; C. M.
S. Lyon, 1808; Erady Fowler, 1809; C. M. S. Lyon, 1870; James
Fraser. 1871 : Jonathan Fowler, 1873; James Nowlan, 1875; William
P. Caverly, 1879; Jonathan Fowler, 1881; William P. Caverly, 1882;
John Fowler, 1883; AVilliam P. Caverly, 1884; John AV. Smith, 1885;
Samuel Eurge, 1887; William P. Caverly, 1891; J. A. Klock, 1895;
W. E. Eallentine, 1899; J. A. Klock, 1903; F. E. Nicholson, 1905 (re-
elected at each succeeding election until 1915).
Valley Township—Charles C. Wilson, 1853; Jacob Speer. 1855;
Charles C. Wilson, 1850; J. S. Llopkins, 1857; Simon Dixon, 1800;
Henry M. Rogers, 1801; James ^I. Rogers, 1803; Nathaniel Smith,
1805; James M. Rogers, 1800; John Speer, 1808; Henry M. Rog-
ers, 1809; John Jordan, 1875; Henry JVI. Rogers, 1870; Edward
Colgan, 1877; John Speer, 1887; Edward CVilgan, 1889; William
(iill, 1895; Owen W. Hurd, 1890; James JMcCurdy, 1900; AVilliam
Gorman, 1910; Grant Eurdick, 1912; James INIcCurdy, 1914.
West Jersey Township— William W. Webster, 1853; C. M. S.
Lyon, 1850; Sylvester H. Sanders, 1858; Ephraim iAIarkley, 1859;
C. M. S. Lyon, 1800; xVaron Schmuck, 1801; C. M. S. Lyon, 1802;
IMilton Atherton, 1803; Isaac L. Newman, 1804; Nelson Jones,
1805; Levi Eckley, 1808; Isaac L. Newman, 1809; Andrew J. John-
son, 1871; Daniel R. Gelvin, 1873; James McGiniiis. 1870; Andrew
J.Johnson, 1877; Isaac L. Newman. 1878; IT. C. Hyde, 1880; George
INI. Ilazen, 1881; Lewis C. Egbert, 1882; Philip Eeamer, 1884; Lewis
C. Egbert, 1885; John Hazen, 1880; Charles A\^ Terry, 1887; Lewis
C. Egbert, 1888; Carlon Rice, 1889; Thomas J. Dryden, 1892; L. A.
Kamerer, 1912: F. V. Addis, 1914.
PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS
Following is tlie vote of Stark County for I'resident and A^ice
Pi-esident from its organization to 1912, inclusive. In the tal)le the
316
IIISTORV OF STARK COUNTY i
whig and republican candidates are first given, followed by the demo-
cratic candidates, and in a few important instances third party
candidates are given as indicated in parentheses:
1840 — Harrison and Tyler 187
Van Buren and Johnson 1^4
1844- — Clay and Frelinghuysen 187
Polk and Dallas 206
1848— Taylor and Fillmore 214
Cass and Eutler 174
Van Buren and Dodge (Free Soil) 84
18.52— Scott and Graham 336
Pierce and King 3.30
Hale and Julian (Free Soil) 82
1856 — Fremont and Dayton 718
Buchanan and Breckenridge 352
Fillmore and Donelson (American) 1.52
1860— Lincoln and Hamlin 1,164
Douglas and Johnson 6.59
Breckenridge and Lane (Dem.) 1
Bell and Everett (American) 23
1864 — Lincoln and Johnson 1,174
McClellan and Pendleton 613
1868— Grant and Colfax 1,394
Seymour and lilair 705
1872— Grant and Wilson 1.218
Greeley and Brown 606
1876 — Hayes and Wheeler 1,440
Tilden and Hendricks 786
1880 — Garfield and Arthur 1,383
Hancock and English 681
1884 — Blaine and Logan 1,365
Cleveland and Hendricks 784
1888— Harrison and JNIorton 1,359
Cleveland and Thurman 826
1892 — Harrison and Beid 1.240
Cleveland and Stevenson 824
1896— IMcKinley and Hobart 1,636
Bryan and Sewall 1.020
Palmer and Buckner (Ciold Dem.) 17
1900— ]\IcKinley and Roosevelt 1.665
Brvan and Stevenson 939
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 317
1904 — Roosevelt and Fairbanks 1,704
Parker and Davis .'574
1908— Taft and Sherman l.(i;j.>
Bryan and Kern 7-38
1912— Taft and Sliernum o49
Wilson and IMarshall CM9
Roosevelt and Johnson (Progressive) . . . .1,0.5.'$
Chafhn and Watkins (Prohi.) 2.5
Debs and Seidel (Socialist) 41
CHRONOLOGY
In the foregoing chapters a conscientious effort has been made to
give an authentic and comprehensive account of the progress of Stark
County along industrial, educational, professional and religious lines,
as well as her part in the military affairs of the nation when treason
sought to disrupt the Union. As a conclusion to this work it is deemed
apiDrojiriate to give a list of the principal events leading up to the
settlement and organization (if the county, together with those that
have some bearing upon its more recent history. At tirst glance, some
of these events may seem to be only remotely connected with the
county's story, but it must be remembered that every political sub-
division is but the product of an evolution, its origin often being found
in some incident that hap])ened many years before, and perhaps in
some distant state, or even a foreign country. Hence each event in the
following list wielded its inlluence in shaping the destinies of Stark
County.
, 1671. Nicholas Perrot, the French explorer, visits the region
about the sources of the Illinois River.
, 1672. Fathers Allouezand Dablon, Jesuit missionaries, visit
some of the Indian tribes in the Illinois country.
, 1073. Father Martjuette passes up the Illinois and Des-
])laines rivers on his return from exploring the ]Mississi])])i River.
January 8, 1 080. I^a Salle reaches Lake Peoria on his first attcm])t
t(j find tiie mouth f)f the ^Mississippi.
April 9, 1682. La Salle reaches the mouth of the Mississippi and
claims all the country drained by the great river and its tributaries for
France under the name of "liouisiana." Under this claim the present
State of Illinois became a French ]Jossession.
, 1712. Antoine Crozat granted the exclusive ti-ade with Loui-
siana by the French Government. He was succeeded by the Western
Company in 1717.
318 HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
, 1718. French settlements made at Kaskaskia and Fort
Cliartres under the auspices of the Western Comiiany.
April 10, 1732. The Western Company surrenders its charter and
"Louisiana" (including- Illinois) again became a crown province.
February 10, 1708. French and Indian Avar concluded by the
Treaty of Paris. All that part of Louisiana lying east of the jVIissis-
sippi, except the Isle of Orleans, ceded to Great Britain and Illinois
thus becomes an English possession.
December 30, 1704. Gen. Thomas Gage issues a proclamation
providing for the safe removal of all French subjects who were un-
willing to become subjects of the British crown.
October 10, 170,5. Fort Chartres occupied by a detachment of
British soldiers.
, 1778. The British posts of Kaskaskia, Cahokia and Fort
Cliartres in Illinois, and Vincennes, Indiana, surrender to Gen. George
Rogers Clark.
October. 1778. The Comity of Illinois established by the Virginia
Legislatiu-e, that colony claiming the territory conquered by General
Clark.
December 12, 1778. John Todd, the lieutenant commander for
Illinois County aiipointed by Governor Patrick Henry, arrives at
Kaskaskia.
September 3, 1783. The Revolutionary war concluded by the
Treaty of Paris, which fixed the Mestern boundary of the United
States at the JNIississippi River. Illinois thus became a part of the
territory of the new re])ublic.
August 3, 179.5. Treaty with several Indian tribes negotiated at
Greenville, Ohio. A square mile of land where Chicago now stanils,
another square mile at the foot of Peoria Lake, and two stjuare miles
at the mouth of the Illinois River set ajiart as Indian reservations.
May, 1800. Indiana Territory, including the present State of
Illinois, established and Gen. William H. Harrison appointed gov-
ernor.
August 13, 1803. A treaty negotiated at Vincennes with the
Kaskaskia Indians and the remnants of other Illinois tribes, by which
those Indians ceded all their lands except 3.50 acres to the United
States.
November 3, 1804. A treaty concluded with the Sacs and Foxes
at St. Ix)uis, providing for the cession to the United States of all the
lands claimed by those tribes bounded by the Mississippi. Wisconsin,
Fox and Illinois rivers.
I
I
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 319
February 3, 1809. Territory of Illinois established by an act of
Congress and Xinian Edwards appointed governor.
, 181-i. Fort Clark built about where the City of Peoria now
stands. A French trading post had been in existence here for many
years. The fort was biu'ned in 1818. . '
May 13, 181G. Treaty of St. Louis, by which the Sacs and Foxes
confirm the conditions of the treaty of November 3, 1804.
April 18. 1818. Congress passes an act authorizing the people of
Illinois to hold a constitutional convention.
October 5, 1818. The state government organized at Kaskaskia.
December 3, 1818. Illinois admitted to the Union as a state.
, 1825. Organization of Putnam County, which included the
greater portion of the present County of Stark.
April, 1829. Isaac B. Essex, the first white man to settle in Stark
County, built his cabin about two and a half miles southwest of the
present City of ^Vyonling.
, 1831. Rev. Jesse Hale sent to the military tract as a mis-
sionary to the Indians.
August 2, 1832. Last battle of the Black Hawk war, in which the
Indians were signally defeated.
September 2G, 1833. Treaty with the Pottawatomi Indians at
Chicago. By this treaty the Indian title to the lands in Stark County
was extinguished and the country opened to settlement.
, 1833. A weekly mail route established from Springfield
via Peoria to Galena. This route passed through Stark Comity and
the first postofifice was establislied, with Isaac B. Essex as postmaster.
July i, 1834. The first schoolhouse in Stark County raised in
what is now Essex Township.
October 3, 1838. Death of Black Hawk, the celebrated Sac chief,
in Iowa.
INIarch 2, 1839. Act organizing the County of Stark approved.
April 1, 1839. First election in Stark County held at the house of
Elijah McClenahan.
April 4, 1839. First meeting of the board of county commissioners.
October 11, 1839. First session of the Circuit Court convenes at
the house of William Henderson. In tliis year the capital of the state
was removed from Vandalia to Springfield.
November 2, 1840. First presidential election after the organiza-
tion of Stark County. Harrison and Tyler carry the county by a
jjlurality of thirty-three votes.
■S20 HlSTOllY OF STARK COUNTY
Fel)niaiy 27, 1841. Act of the Legislature iiaaiing coinniissioiiers
to locate the county seat of Stark.
JNlay 17, 1841. The commissioners appointed to select the site for
the county seat selected the present site of Toulon.
July 28, 1841. John ^Miller and his wife deed the county seat
site to the county commissioners.
, 1842. First courthouse built by Abel JNIott.
, 1848. Illinois adopts a new constitution.
Deceml)er 3, 1849. First session of the County Covn-t, which took
the place of the conunissioners under the new constitution.
October 20, 1850. First ^Masonic lodge in the county organized
at Toulon.
November 8, 18.51. Stark Lodge, No. 96, Independent Order of
Odd Fellows organized at Toulon — the first Odd Fellows' lodge in
the county.
November 2, 18.52. Township organization carried at the general
election by a vote of 443 to 173.
June 0, 1853. Last session of the County Court.
June 7, 1853. First session of the board of supervisors. In tlie
fall of this year the first Illinois state fair was held at Springfield.
October 29, 1853. Stark County Agricultural Society organized.
Hugh Rhodes the first president.
September, 1855. Ground broken near Toulon for the AVestern
Air Line Railroad. Lvent celebrated by a big dinner, S2)eeches, etc.
Januarj^ 4, 1856. The Pr airie Adv ocate, the first newspaper pul)-
lished in Stark County, issued at Toulon by John G. Hewitt and
John Smith. In this year the present courthouse was completed.
April 15, 1861. Big "war meeting" at Toulon.
April 25, 1861. First volunteers from Stark County mustered
into the United States service as Company B, Seventh Illinois In-
fantry, with Hugh J. Cosgrove as captain.
]May 25, 1865. ^Meeting held at Toulon to rejoice over the return
of jjeace.
July 8, 1871'. First regular j^assenger train arrives at Toulon on
the Peoria & Rock Island Railroad.
December 13, 1878. Stark County Old Settlers' Association or-
ganized at Toulon.
April 19, 1898. Wyoming incorporated as a city. S. R. Perkins
elected the first mayor.
Jime 12, 1902. Soldiers' and Sailors' IMonument erected by the
comitv. dedicated at Toulon. In the fall of this vear the Chicago &
I
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 321
Northwestern Railroad was completed through the eastern part of
the county.
April "20, 1!)()9. Toidon incorporated as a city under the general
laws of Illinois. George Nowlan elected the first mayor.
April 1, 1915. Carnegie Lihrary at VV^yoming opened to tlie
public.
September 7, 191,5. Toulon Public Ijibrary opened.
October 28, 191.5. Part of Stark County placed under quarantine
on account of the "foot and mouth disease." Several hundred head
of cattle, hogs and sheep killed on the 3()th.
POSTSCUITT IN IJEU OF A PREFACE
To write of the good and true; to preserve a record of tiie deeds
and achievements of the past ; to keep green the memory of those who
played in the great drama oi' life before we came upon the stage of
action; to chronicle the doings of our ancestors, that we may emulate
their examples and profit by their mistakes, is a duty that every in-
dividual owes to a conunon humanity. ^Vnd to those in the ordinary
walks of life — the real builders of state and nation — the history of
their own jjcople conveys a greater lesson than a knowledge of the
Pimic wars, tlie accomplishments of iVlexander the Great, or the
victories and defeats of Napoleon.
In bidding the reader good-bye, the editor and publishers of this
History of Stark County and its People desire to say that no effort
has been spared to give to the people of the county a history that is at
once authentic and comprehensive — authentic, because so far as pos-
sible official records have been used as a source of information, and
comprehensive, because, it is believed, no important event connected
M-ith the county's history has been omitted.
The work has been one involving great care and labor and nmch
ol'the credit is due to old residents for their ready and willing coopera-
tion in the collection of data regarding events of by-gone years.
Tlie division of the history into topics is, we believe, the best that
could have been made, and an arrangement that the reader will find
at once logical and convenient.
In conclusion, the editor and his assistants desire to take this oppor-
tunity to express their obligations to the various county officials and
numerous citizens for their assistance while the woik was in prepara-
tion, and especially to thank the librarians of the pul)lic ll})raries at
Tjafayette, Toulon and ^Vyoming for their unifoi-m courtesies on all
occasions.
