History of Tower Hill and vicinity

EILER

977.3798

E15h

1973

HISTORY OF TOWER HILL

AND VICINITY

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HISTORY OF TOWER HILL

AND VICINITY

By
HOMER EILER

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Scenes On The Stock Farm Of David O. Miller

HISTORY OF TOWER HILL
AND VICINITY

By
HOMER EILER

First Printed In
THE TOWER HILL TIMES

Edited By The
SHELBY COUNTY HISTORICAL
AND GENEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Reprinted By
THE SHELBY COUNTY NEWS GAZETTE

1973

MR. AND MRS. HOMER EILER

FOREWORD

In the years 186S to 1895, there lived in Tower Hill one of the
few real historians of Shelby County- -Homer Eiler. He wrote a
series of local history articles which were published in the TO WEB
HiLL TIMES in 1227 and again in 1937. He was interested in his
home town after he left it for the west, first for Topeka, Kansas,
and later, Altadena, California.

Addressing the SHELBYVILLE DEMOCRAT in 1937, Mr. Eiler
wrote complimenting Mrs. F. P. Auld on her new county history
column and at the same time urging the formation of a Shelby
County Historical Society. In his introduction to the "History of
Tower Hill and Vicinity," he says, "We beg your patience if any
errors- -and AGAIN trust each one will preserve these copies for the
FUTURE." Alas, the paper on whch THE TIMES was printed is
now crumbling into dust. The Shelby County Historical and
Genealogical Society feels that the author (wherever he is)
would appove of the reprnting of his columns in booklet form.

Mr. Eiler devoted the last years of his life to writing his
family history and tliat of his wife's family. In fact he authored
seventeen fam.ily histories in all. Among his related activities
were memberships in The Sons of the American Revolution, The
Society of the War of 1812, The National Society of the Sons of
Civil War Veterans, The Military Order of the Loyal Legion,
U. S. A., The Kansas Authors' Club and member and director of
The Kansas State Historical Society.

It is with the cooperation and approval of Homer C. Witten of
Altadena, California, grandson of the author, that the "History of
Tower Hill and Vicinity'^, is republished as a part of our observance
of the United States Sse^icentennial.

The Shelby County Historical and Genealogical Society
August 1973

K

^T?. '!>'?^8 EARLY DAYS ,W^Z*^^ t:^

\^?'^The first business venture was that of Alexander (Elic) Hunt-
er, the father cf your esteemed citizen, Mr. J. W. Hunter. He had
bouiht out the John Sharrock business at Westminster, and
with keen business judgment, realizing that the coming
of the new railroad would be a great boon and ad-
vantage to the new town of Tower Hill, moved his building and
stock to the new village. This store was as usual of the general
merchandise variety to suit the needs of the early pioneers. The
list of items then carried for sale would not now in these days be
considered at all in the selection of a stock of merchandise.

The postoffice was at first located in a part of this building
and the first postmaster was Thomas Craddick, who according to
the official record that I possess from Washington, had been a-
ppointed postm.aster at Westminster Aug. 23, 1854, and continued
until May 11, 1857, when the office was discontinued at West-
minster and m.oved to Tower Hill, and Elic Hunter becoming post-
master.

Later on I will devote a separate space to the history of the
Tower Hill postoffice. Soon other business houses with their stocks
of goods were moved from Westminster to the Hill, as it was
evident that the new railroad would sound the death knell of that
once thriving village.

Then new town was fast building up into a respectable front-
ier village, so that during the early days of the great Civil War,
that soon followed in the 60's, Tower Hill township had a popula-
tion of 312 according to the 1860 census.

The records available show that the second business house
was a stock of the usual general merchandise owned by Mr. Ed-
ward Bolins from Pana. The third business venture was the firm
of Corley & Moore, but this firm soon sold out to a new merchant
whose name is an honored one in the early annals of the village,
Mr. A. V. Harper, the new firm being Corley & Harper.

The first business building erected of a pretentous size was
built by Neil & Moses. It was a two-story structure, known as the
L. Eiler & Son stoie building, which stood on the corner facing
the railroad where the late George Roberts restaurant now stands-

The owners of the building put in a general line but more
classy for those times. In the early 70's this firm sold out to a new
partnership — Craddick & Eiler. A. M. Craddick being the son of
the postmaster, and Lewis Eiler being the father of the compiler
of this record. In a year or so Lewis Eiler sold out his interest to

LIEHAKY
,1_ UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

M URBANA-CHAMPAIGN

his partner, who after continuing for a few years sold out to John
Sharrock & Sors. Tliis firm continued in business until 1884 when
they sold out to Lewis Eiier, who continued until 1891 when the
style of the firm was changed to L. Eiler & Son. This building and
contents were destroyed in a disastrous fire in the early 1900's. The
town was prosperous during its early days of the 60's and TO's and
enjoyed a wide range of trade. The block east across the street
from the Neil & Moses building soon built up with a two-story
structure.

With business came the saloon and the element that follows
it, so that the early moral history of Tower Hill is not of that high
standard. As in all pioneer frontiers there is a rough element, and
this vicinity was no excepton to the rule. Unless I am incorrectly
informed, on the corner wb.ere Culley's Meat Market is now locat-
ed stood the main saloon of the town, and it was here that a
murder or two occurred among the floating element of railroad
employees, that soon aroused the fighting spirit of the better
element and it was not long until the saloon was voted out, never
tO' come back until the days of the coal mine only a few years ago
and distinctly remembered very vividly by the present generation.

With the going of the saloon went the bad element as is al-
ways the case and with the growth of the churches, the town
soon earned a respectable name that it has always tried to main-
tain.

We must not forget to state that while the business center was
fast building, and tae saloon followed, there also came that great
uplifting and leavening process, the church, and all that it stood
for. In those days there were "giants" in that leavening process,
and this is such an interesting subject, and one that has always
been cherished by men in my deliberations that I am going later
to devote a separate space for its consideration.

With the growth oi the village, you must not forget that this
was made possible only by the growth of the rural country. The
history of Tower Hill cannot be written without a record of the
early settlers, and as I said who had made it possible for the
growth of the town.

This leads us back to veiy early history. It seems strange to-
day to even realize that speaking from the organization stand-
point, that Illinois was at one time part of the province known as
Florida, the Spanish territory, then later as French territory be-
longing to Canada, then after the Revolutionary War as a county
of Virginia known as Illinois county, then later organized into a
separate Northwest territory, finally emerging as a State in 1818.

-2—

The County of Shelby was named after Col. Isaac Shelby, an
old Revolutionary soldier, born in Maryland about 1750, who be-
came a very prominent character in the settlement of the new
territory of Kentucky and Illinois, beyond the "Ridge" as the
mountains of Pennsylvania and Virginia were then called. Isaac
Shelby was a great Indian fighter, living in the same period as
Daniel B:>cne and v/ith many others of their day, were blazing
the way for the early settler and civilization. I am pleased to note
that We are now only beginning to realize the greatness of these
early characters, who did that superhuman work of development,
which today, as we look at it with all our modern conveniences
seems unbelievable.

The old State of Kentucky within the last few years has with
great expense and much pomp and thanks, with much gratitude,
had the bones of that intrepid and undauntable pioneer, the peer
of them all to my mind, Daniel Boone, removed from their original
resting place in Missouri, to a suitable location within her own
bounds. A monument erected to his memory, speaks in volumes
of the graciousness of a grateful commonwealth.

By way of digression, how appropriate it would be to the
coming generation of this town and community to erect in a
prominent place a fitting memorial to the memory of the early
pioneer. Place these words upon the everlasting granite: "Erected
to our pioneers, who made it possible by self sacrifice tTTat we
might enjoy tlie blessings of life and the pursuit of happiness."

But back to Col. Isaac Shelby. His warring adventures led him
him into this territory where under his leadreship, he was driving
the Indian savage back across the Mississippi. His name was one
known far and wide, especially through Kentucky, and because
of his character as a builder he was made Governor of tnat State,
which position he held until 1816. There were counties in every
western and almost every southern State, named after him, and
the name Shelbyville, is found in every one also.

Shelby County was organized in 1827 from which date all re-
cords are dated as a county. The various townships were organiz-
ed practically as they are today.

It may be a surprise to you as it was to the writer,
the very earliest settlements of Shelby County, were made
in Cold Spring Township. Also that the prominent name of Wake-
field is among the first of the earliest settlers in old Shelby. One
historian makes the statement that the Wakefield family were the
FIRST settlers as pioneers in Shelby county.

Charles Wakefield, Sr., came to what is now known as Will-
iamsburg in 1818, the date of admission of Illinois as a State. With
him were his family of three married sons with their families,
namely, Simeon, John, Enoch and the youngest son unmarried,
Charles Jr., also the married daughters with their families. They
settled near the spot now called the Horsman place, where is
located the famous "Cold Spring" known far and wide, and from
which the present township takes its name. History records the
Kickapoo Indians as very numerous in that section of the country,
as it was their favorite hunting place, being ideal because of the
timber, abounding with a great variety of wild animals, and the
numerous springs both indispensable items with the wild savage.
But after the Black Hawk War in 1832, the last Indian had dis-
appeared westward into their reservations. It was no trouble even
for the later pioneer to find many evidences of Indian habitation.
Your own S. W. Dutlon says he has found upon the Hill, Indian
arrows, when he was a boy.

It is a matter of record that this Charles Wakefield, Sr., was
a great friend of the Indian, and held their esteem and confidence.
Because of this mutual feeling, he was enabled to do extensive
trading with them.

It is recorded that among the first log cabins, used by a
pioneer settler, was one built by this Charles Wakefield, Sr., in
1818, the pioneer of old Shelby, and the ancestor of the present
respected and numerous familie.^ of Wakefield who live in that
vicinity.

How interesting to recall to the present generation the great
variety of wild animals which roamed this vicinity around Tower
Hill, especially in the wooded section at the time of this earlie.st
settler in 1818. There were bears and ferocious black ones too,
panthers, catamounts, wild cats, wolves of a great variety and
numerous, too, squirrels by the thousands, and deer in great
droves. In the fowl line there was abundance of all native birds,
and many now forgotten. The wild turkey was more numerous
than some of the present day wild birds. In fact I have it from
early pioneers that on account of the scarcity of ammunition, that
not much was wasted upon them, but bigger game was bagged.
Later though the wild turkey came in for his part in the slaughter.
Many of these wild animals and fowls were a real menace to the
pioneer, devouring his crops and destroying the stock. The wolf
led them all, and it was a daily occurrence that the hounds would
take up the trail and catch their victim. The squirrel and crow

with other rodents and fowls were a continual nuisance to the
growing crops. Fields had to be tended near the cabin for protec-
tion, and many always carried their rifle to the field for the
defense of their crops from these marauders.

Because of this constant warfare the boys and girls grew up
to become crack shots with the rifle. From this fact, is
noted the statement of Col. Jackson's Tennessee riflemen at the
battle of New Orleans in 1815, and where every soldier brought
down his man.

Yet on the other hand, the early pioneer found untold bless-
ings in the wild anim.als and fowls of the forest. Without them
they could not have withstood the hardships of this early life. The
skins furnished him with his clothing, and bedding, and meat.
The traditional lore about the "coonskin" cap had its origin as a
matter of necessity.

It is related in the records the statement of another early
pioneer whO' will be spoken of at more length later, namely
Thomas Pugh, who came to Cold Spring neighborhood as early
as 1820 from Kentucky, that he had no trouble in finding plenty
of buffalo and elk skulls and even their bones, in Tower Hill
township and the adjacent territory. Verily there hath been much
change.

RAILROADS

In the late 50's the Terre Haute & Alton R.R. then building
through central Illinois, designated the place where Tower Hill
row stands as a logical site for a station on its line, to serve the
adjacent territory that was fast settling. The first actual settlers
were of a temporary- nature, in the way of railroad employes who
were then living in camps and engaged in digging gravel from
the hill to be used in m.aking the road bed, but was later discon-
tinued because of too much sand.

The eld graded roadway to the hill was very much in evidence
even as late as the 90's running diagonal from the hill southeast
connecting with the main line near the crossing close to the old
coal mine.

Many interesting incidents are told of youngsters of those days
in the vicinity who thought it great fun to loosen the brakes on
these gravel cars standing in the cut, and watch them coast down
the grade toward tlie main line.

The new railroad known then as the Terre Haute & Alton, was
chartered by the Illinois Legislature in June 1857. Later because

—5—

oi tne extension oi ihe line, its name was changed to the Inaian-
apoiis & bt. L.Guib, renown as ine i. & bt. L. 'men in the eany yu's
because oi consoiiaation, it was known as the Big Four, anci now
i^ecctuse OI lunner coiiionaaiions, as part ol tne isew lorK
v^enciai system.

The coming of the railroad was of great interest to tne new
counLiy, both as a biessmg and as a great curiosity, for be it re-
membered, but very lew of those eany settlers had ever seen a
passenger or freight train.

It might be of interest to know that I have heard my mother
say, that when it was noised aoout that on a certain day about
1858, that the first passenger train would make its first trip, the
settlers came from tar and near to witness the occasion. She told
of coming from the rJd Sharrock homestead about two miles south-
west of town, and with many others gathered on the highest points
of observation to observe the much heralded event.

Many of the folk were skeptical about getting too close and
kept a respectable distance. Soon the "monster" appeared and
fear and anxiety soon gave way to amazement to see the accom-
plishment of man's inventive genius.

Great criticism was made at the time as usual always on the
advent of some crystallized idea of progression, that the "crittur"
would scare the horses and cattle out of the prairies, the belching
smoke a nuisance, and the soaring sparks a great source of danger
as wood was used for fuel. But amidst it all it was a welcome
visitor and amidst all the criticism it was looked upon with favor
as a great help in the developing of these Illinois prairies.

The name Tower Hill takes its suggestion from the adjacent
hill, known in the early days of the Indian as "Pilot Knob" be-
cause of its prominence as a land mark in the guidance of the
wandering Indian tribes and travelers. Standing out as a lone
sentinel on the prairie it could be seen for miles. Before the days
of the pioneer settler there was evidence that this prominence was
used by the wild savage as a vantage point for signaling between
native tribes.

The site for the village was owned by Messrs. P. C. Huggins
and Simeon Ryder. In laying off the new village into streets,
alleys, blocks and lots, they employed in June 1857 the County
Surveyor Elias Smith to do the work. Curious to relate, but it is a
fact, that all the first houses built, invariably faced the railroad,
making no difference where they were erected. For instance to cite

you to a few mat are yet standing, the writer's old home, known
as the Dr. Browne property located on the west side of the Hill.
The old Hook property, the Tilley home in the west part of town,
the property across from the Presbyterian church and several
others among the first built, but have been remodeled to conform
with m.odern regulations and conditions.

I recall several that this generation do not know of at all, but
fifty years ago, m my boyhood, they were ver>' prominent. Among
these might be mentioned the old John F. Moore property, the
present site of the Masonic home. In fact, the old well is still pre-
served , and water is brought from it in the basement of the
building. Then there was a low cottage structure, just across the
street west, from the present Christian church, occupied in an
early day by the Munson family, later by John Weeks, a well
known citizen of the Hill. Then a row of houses just south of the
Big Four tracks near the present old Andes elevator. Then on the
side of the hill a row of homes and many more now removed or
torn down.

The second railroad to build through Tower Hill was charter-
ed in 1865. This was known as the Springfield & Pana railroad.
Later when it exlendea througn lower Hill to the southward it
became known as the Spnngfieid & Sou theas tern railroad. About
1875 it was sold to an eastern syndicate and the name was chang-
ed to Ohio & Mississippi or O. & M.

The first construction train to make the entire run is recorded
as October 28, 186iJ. The first recorded through train from Beards -
town to Shawneetown was March 28, 1872. In the construction of
this road from Pana southward, the firm of Craddock & Filer
(Lew^is Filer, the father of the writer) dealers in general merchan-
dise in Tower Hill suffered heav>^ losses by the failure of the con-
struction company to make payment for supplies of food and
clothing to their gangs of workmen. Those were the days when no
laws were in effect for making collections from such w^orthless
construction outfits.

WILLIAMSBURG, WESTMINSTER AND ROBINSON CREEK

As I noted it is impossible to record the history- of Tower Hill,
and not take into account the record of other communities. Among
those that first attract my attention is the village of Westminster,
now only a memor>'. Located about a mile or more southeast of
the Filer church, the records show that it was laid out as a trading
post by the owner of the farm, Washboume Wade, in 1849. Strange
to say that the original name of the place was "Manyawper" and

—7—

wnat it means I am unable to say, but it must have been an
Indian name.

A man by the name of William Collins built the first storehouse
in Westmmster, wliich contained the usual line of general mer-
chanaise. 'ihe second store was built by ii,verard Sharrock. (ihese
are the writer's great-grandfather and grandfather respectively j
These were built in the early 50's. Everard Sharrock soon sold to
his son, John Sharrock, who had just returned from his adventur-
ous trip to California gold fields, while he enamored of the glow-
ing accounts of tha Oregon country, hied himself to that new field
of pioneer adventure, where he died in 1886.

John Sharrock did not stay long in the merchandise game, and
sold out to Alexander (Elickj Huijter, whom we have related about
moving the store to Tower Hill, John Sharrock removed back to the
old homestead about one mile east in a due line from the Eiler
church, where he lived until in the early 70's as we related, hav-
ing bought out A.M. Craddick in Tower Hill.

Other buildings were erected that spoke for a healthy growth
for the new village. Among these was a blacksmith shop kept by
John Mattox. In the meantime the name of the town had been
changed to Westminster, and made a postoffice with Washbourne
Wade as postmaster, according to the offical records which show
that he was appointed Oct. 2, 1849.

The mail was delivered twice a week by a carrier who plied be-
tween Shelbyville and Hillsboro. By way of interest the writer re-
lates that he has in his possession letters which were mailed at
Westminster, and as stamps were scarce in those days, the post-
master wrote on one corner of the envelope — "Westminster,
nis., Paid 3c." I have several also mailed from Tower Hill in the
late 50's and early 60's, some stamped with the usual 3-cent stamp
while others bore no stamp but written on the corner by the post-
master: "Tower Hill, Ills., Paid 3c." These letters were written by
my grandfather, Conrad Eiler, to relatives in Ohio, and speak
interestingly of those early pioneer days. (Sometime with the
consent of your patient Editor, I would be pleased to contribute a
personal recital of the times and events of those early days).

Westminster had at one time the promise of a very thriving
village, but the coming of the railroad to Tower Hill sealed its
future, and today there is nothing to even indicate there was ever
a thriving village there 75 years ago. A Mr. Weller lives on the
spot, and the once prosperous settlement is now only a memory
and a cultivated field.

Thi;: extinct \ illage is closely connected with my own immediate
family. As related, my great-grandfather Everard Sharrock and
grandfather John Sharrock, both were early merchants. Here 2 or
3 children of John Sharrock and wife were born, and my own
mother spent the early part of her childhood in this place. I have
heard my grandpaients and my mother relate some of the ex-
periences and conditions that confronted those early pioneer mer-
chants, which at the present day do not seem credible, with all
cur boasted civilization.

The greatest drawback the merchant had in those days was the
lack of circulating money. It was a very scarce article. The paper
money in those days was mostly issued by banks and you had to
consult a table issued very frequently to ascertain its worth.
Merchandising was nothing more than an exchange of goods. The
settler exchanged his various products of the farm and forage for
items of use in the family. These were such as shelled corn, turs
of a great variety, (and they were a most common item of ex-
change,) wool, flax, ginsbery root, indigo root bark for tanning,
dried fruits, feathers, beeswax, wild honey, butter, eggs, lard,
home cured meats, and scores of other items of barter.

With this array of exchanges the merchant had to deliver to St.
Louis to turn into cash to purchase more merchandise. Then to
think of the method of transporting this motley lot of items to
market. The ox team w^as about the best method to be relied upon.
The livestock such as hogs and turkeys were driven on foot to
St. Louis. Think of driving a flock of several hundred turkeys for
over a hundred miles over primitive roads wth scarcely any
bridges, and absolutely no grading, then you have a faint idea of
the perils of the early day merchant. It was the safe experience
with a large drove of hogs. It was toil, toil, and the hardest toil at
anything you engaged in. For instance, the corn was shelled by
hand, all members of the family taking part. Then it v/as hauled
to St. Louis and sold for 10c to 20c per bushel. The one secret of
success in those days, and it holds good today, but little practise'^,
was economy. The day's work was from sun to sun, and every
member of the family was a full fledged partner in the mainten-
ance of the family. No child labor law engaged their attention,
and no walking delegate to see if you worked overtime.

The items of merchandise as kept by the pioneer merchant,
seem so strange as compared to this day of moderen merchandis-
ing. Whiskey was sold by the measure as we sell vinegar. It was
the one great curse then as it has always been and alw^ays will be.

«-9—

wniie a good portion oi the clothing was woven by the women of
the household, yet the store cioth was consiaered a great luxury,
bucn as jeans in all coiois, coLiunaaes m various stripes, linsey-
wooloey, bioaacio th a very good item, in plain color and colored
iloweis, red liannei, and a great variety ot dress goods ranging in
the highly colored calicoes to more expensive patterns. Heavy
calfskin ooots and shoes were considered items ae-luxe. 'leas and
coffee were bought only as a luxury.

The manner of life of those early pioneers, living in the crudest
of cabins at the start, and improved as advantages of skill be-
came more evident. With the lack of even the direst of accom-
modations as compelled to modern improvements, it is a marvel
that the pioneer raised his large families. Yet we see large fam-
ilies of ten to fifteen children occupying less than half the house
space that the modern family has with even one or two children.
I am assured that the death rate was not as high a percentage
then as now. It looks like we have thrown away the secret of a
healthy family.

Most of us are acquainted with the old log house of our ances-
tors. Hewn from mostly the walnut or whiteoak tree, it gave
promise of long life. By way of interest, on ,my recent visit, it was
my priviledge to see some pieces of logs used in the cabin of John
May, my great-grandfather, north of Tower Hill, which are marly
one hundred years old.

The mode of construction was of the most economical, built in
square rooms, sixteen to twenty feet square, and with a large open
fireplace in one, or sometimes both ends of the building. For wind-
ows the early cabins resorted to oiled or rather greased paper, or
thin skins. No hinges of iron, but leather or wood. No locks but
the draw- pin. The fireplace served as a heater and a cooker. The
swinging crane, from which swung a large kettle used for all
sorts of purposes. I'he fireplace skillet with three legs, and thre«
legs on the lid was a much favored utensil. These were used from
boiling the water to the roasting of the venison, the baking of the
bread, and the stew pot.

Items of tableware were few consisting of pewter plates for
table use, home made vessels for various uses in cooking. Knives
and forks and spoons were very rare in the early pioneer life but
later, they with additions of china, made matters more agreeable.

The household furniture was all home made in the early day,
until the modes of transportation and ability to purchase, enabled
one to visit the larger trading cente,rs and possess those articles
of necessity, which even today are eagerly sought after.

—10—

I have heard my mother say, that she saw her father on one
occasion, step to tho door on a spring day, when the deer jumped
into the garden for cnip at the tendered lettuce, and bring him
down with a well directed shot. And this took place at the old
Sharrock homestead during the early 60's.

The matter of securing ground meal and flour was one of the
dilemmas the early settler had to contend with. It is recorded that
the first mill of any consequence, to accommodate the very early
settlers in Shelby was in Bond county at Greenville. Later a grist
mill was established at Robinson Creek by Thomas Craddick when
he first came to this country, and one at Williamsburg by Chas.
Wakefield in 1821. And as the settlers increased, likewise the
advantages sought after by antique hunters.

The interior arrangement of these pioneer log houses was made
as comfortable as skill and tools would permit. Usually there was
an attic, reached by pegs driven into the wall. It was in this sort
of an attic that the immortal Lincoln climbed up at evening to
lay his weary and tired body down upon a pallet of straw, with
but scant covering. And in the winter time, God Himself seemed
to pity this child of the forest, and through the openings in the
clapboard roof, sifted a mantle of pure snow upon him for pro-
tection.

The eatables were of the forest mostly, such as meats, fruits,
honey, nuts, berries, dried fruits, together with the cultivated ar-
ticles which enabled the average family to live well. In the mat-
ter of what we call store groceries they were few. Salt and spices.
New Orleans dark brown sugar, tea and coffee were the most one
could purchase and these not even in the very early days of the
pioneer. It is said that tea and coffee were used only for weddings
and the coming of the preacher.

The products of the forest were the one redeeming feature of the
early settler. He could step to the door and bring down his winter
meat. And by the aid of the grist and saw mill could take
care of their needs. But it was always a task to go to the mill and
secure the grist. It is a matter of family record in the Eiler family,
that my uncle, the late William Eiler, upon several occasions
when going to get the grist, was compelled to stay over until the
next day to get his "turn."

The wearing apparel was of the home made article, the work of
the family, from the cultivated flax, and the raising of the wool,
and the preparing of the skins of animals into the finished pro-
duct. Weaving was an art perfected by the women of the family
who were deft in preparing many grades of cloth from the flax

—11—

and wool for the various needs of the home. The old spinning
wheel of that day is treasured today as a precious heirloom. For
the early settlers buckskin pants for the men and even skirts for
the women. Shoes from the home made tanned skins of the
animals. The famous "cccnskin" cap for headgear has been pre-
served in memory and adoration. I have heard my relatives say
that on many occasions the women folk would walk barefoot to
church or some social gathering, carrying their shoes, until near
their destination.

As I view this early pioneer who settled around Tower Hill, I
see in him many .staunch qualities that we lack today. His posi-
tive stand for a real citizen of the community. At all times at the
service of his neighbor. His Christian character infusing into
those large families the necessty of clean lives. The old family
Bible, now a tradition, was then the sacred object of the family
circle. Many descendants can today testify that at the close of the
day's toil, the father with reverent hands opened the Book, and
after reading words that seemed to fit into the tired body sat-
isfying a longing desire, then raised his voice in the earnest pray-
er that echoed through the forest, and with a resounding echo,
brought a contentment amid the most desperate hazards that
could confront any human creature.

It has been said that "we are the heirs of the ages," and how
thankful we ought tO' be, that we can refer to such an ancestry,
and become amazed that we owe to them such a debt of gratitude
we never can repay.

However meager the opportunities were for schooling and so-
cial and spiritual culture, yet we have it recorded that they
grasped every chance to enrich their very being along needed
lines.

It is fitting here that we record the history of perhaps the oldest
village in Shelby County, namely: Cold Spring, afterwards known
as Williamsburg in Cold Spring township.

We have related the coming of Charles Wakefield, Sr., to this
place in 1818, settling on what is now known as the Horsman
Place, so as to be close to the noted spring prized so highly by the
Indians.

The first trading was carried on by Mr. Wakefield with the
Indians, but it was not long until other settlers made it possible to
increase the extent of the business. It was Charles Wakefield, Sr.,
who in 1821 erected the first horsepower grist mill in Shelby
county, and it not only served the community, but for great dis-
tances settlers came for their grinding. The mill continued for

—12—

years. The records show that John O. Prentiss was among the
first merchants of Cold Spring. It may be of interest to many to
knew that this John Prentiss is the father of Owen Prentiss, who
became in after years a very prominent merchant in Shelbyville.

John O. Prentiss in 1828 bought a cabin from Simeon Wake-
field and opened a general merchandise store. Note that this is
twenty years before Westminster opened up as a trading place,
and thirty years before Tower Hill was a place of business. This
gives you some idea of the age of Cold Spring and Williamsburg's
early settlements.

Prentiss was soon sucessful in getting a postoffice established
in his store, and became the first postmaster. The first physician
was a Dr. Rooks, a sort of herb doctor, but very successful. The
first schoolhouse v/as erected on the Wakefield place and Moses
Storey was the teacher. Gradually the name Cold Spring gave way
to Williamsburg when another enterprise opened up in 1839 by
William Horsman and a Dr. Thomas H. Williams erected a new
store building and changed the name of the place to Williamsburg
in honor of Dr. Williams. The new town of Williamsburg was now
doing a very extens've business with settlers in all directions,
with a grist mill and blacksmith shop, and two doctors, and a
postoffice.

Dr. Thomas Williams died in 1844 and a brother, Dr. Ralph
Williams, took up the practice, remaining there for several years,
finally removing to Kansas.

The church organizations kept pace with the progress of the
business interest, and this community was specially noted for its
camp meetings because of the splendid accommodations in
shade and water. The noted Peter Cartwright held camp meetings
here frequently in what is known as the "Ridge Camp Ground."
So strong did the religious element grow that the Methodist organ-
ization entered into a partnership with the Masonic Lodge in
Williamsburg, to erect a two-story building, the lower for church
and the upper for Masonic meetings.

The Masonic Lodge was organized July 26, 1866, as number 513
with the following charter officers: I. B. McNutt, Thos. J. Fritts,
W. C. McClanahan, G. B. Jones, J W. Henderson, A. J. Corley, C.
Corley, and J. C. Whittington.

Cold Spring has the record of the first land entry in Shelby
county issued to Charles Wakefield, Sr., July 19, 1821. But the
coming of the railroad to Tower Hill spelt the doom of Williams-
burg and all other near frontier villages, so that today they are
only a memory.

—13—

I have spoken of that earliest settler, the Wakefield family.
Close upon their coming was Thomas Pugh with his family from
Kentucky about 1820, and settled also in Cold Spring, near the
Wakefield settlemest. Later he removed to the Knobs vicinity,
and there raised his family. The name Pugh is a household word
to this day in Tower Hill and vicinity, and many descendants
still live here. The Pthodes family, the Thomas Eiler family, and
many who still carry the same Pugh in the male line.

Jonathan C. Corley of Kentucky came about 1823 settling first
at Robinson Creek, which had at that time attained quite a settle-
ment. In fact many of the Tower Hill residents can claim that
section as the first settlement of their ancestors. It is recorded
that Mr. Corley was the first blacksmith in Shelby county.

Levi Casey, another Kentucky pioneer, also settled in Robin-
son Creek about 1824.

Tower Hill vicinity was largely settled by Kentucky folks. This
is true of my own ancestors through the Sharrock-May line.
John May, my great-grandfather, came from Prestonburg, Ky.,
about 1830, finally locating with his large family of ten children,
about two hundred yards or more directly northwest of where
Charley Smith nov,' lives on the old Sammy Smith homestead.
Here he lived for several years, but after the death of his wife
and the children had married off, he went to live with his
daughter Catharine, the wife of John Sharrock, where he died in
1849, and is buried in the Middlesworth graveyard, about a mile
north of Tower Hill. The reader will please pardon a personal
allusion, but upon a recent visit to this spot, it was easy to follow
the foundation outline one hundred years ago. The rotted stumps
of mulberry trees is the yard were still visible. All these spoke to
me in greater volumes than words, of the children who had
romped about, and especially little Catharine, who later became
my Grandmother Sharrock.

James Abbott, another Kentuckian, who preceded John May,
was the original one to enter this old May homestead, selling out
to him.

The great immigration to old Shelby seems to have been in the
30's and the majority from Kentucky and Tennessee. Later in the
40's the settlers were from Ohio and the eastern states.

From the records I find a Burwell Massey settled near the Knobs
about 1830. Also one Daniel Agles at the same time, but I am not
able to' place that name. The Smith family came from Kentucky,

—14—

settled in this vicinity about 1831, and our" 6ld respected Uncle
Sammy Smith was a boy of about 7 years of age when his father
cast his lot as a pioneer among these early settlers.

A talk with Charley Smith, one of Tower Hill's most respected
citizens and a descendant of this Smith family, can reveal to you
the sturdy nature of these old pioneerrs, and the deep seated re-
ligious nature practiced in their daily walk. And how when the
Sabbath day was approaching it became necessary on Saturday
to make all due preparations to carry the family over the
hallowed day witJi the- least bit of labor. It was to this pioneer
famiy a day so sacred that the utmost precaution was made to see
that the family was not molested at all in their holy devotion.

Peter Killam, another Kentuckian, was a settler in the Knobs
region about 1830. Here is a family that for all these years have
been among the respected residents of this community. Many de-
scendants still live in the vicinity.

Franklin Hudson settled in 1832 on what is now the Neil place.
The Neil family were from Tennessee and came early in the 30's
settling in the Knobs: region. Here is another old family who have
oeen active in all affairs that build up for a better community.
There are many descendants still living near the old home site

W. W. Peek, also from Tennessee, settled near Shelbyville at
first about 1834, later in Rose township. A few descendants still
live near the Hill. Washbourne Wade came from Ohio about 1837
settling on the land where we recorded Westminster. He lived to a
very old age. Benjamin Hobson from Ohio settled in this region.

Jonathan Riley came also the same time from Ohio. Gassett
Horace, also from Ohio in 1837, settled on what was later known as
the Jester place. In fact he sold out to Stephen Jester about 1841.
Daniel Puckett, another pioneer from Ohio about 1837 settled in
the vicinity of Westminster. Most of these names are still house-
hold memories, and descendants of nearly all still live in the
vicinity of the residences of their ancestors.

Thomas W. Craddick, a familiar name in Tower Hill during
he passing generation, and specially remembered because they
'ollowed merchandising for most of their lives in this community,
*-irst settled near Robinson Creek, where it is recorded that he
erected the first mill in western Shelby county. He soon removed
to Westminster where we recorded he bought out the store of John
Sharrock, and then to Tower Hill. Thomas Craddick was not only
the first postmaster in Tower Hill, but the first justice of the peace,
the first railroad agent.

—IS—

h was amidst such surroundiftgs that the soYi Ambrose, known
better by his initials as A. M., learned the merchandise game
which he followed for many, many years in the Hill. In the early
70's A.M. and my father Lewis Eiler were in the general merchan-
dise business, under the firm name of Craddick & Eiler.

A. M. Craddick became one of Tower Hill's foremost citizens
holding many public offices, finally becoming county treasurer.
He married the daughter of another pioneer merchant, namely
John Moore, of the firm of Corley & Moore.

Abraham Middlesworth was another Kentucky settler but near
Shelbyville at first, later living on what is now the old Middles-
worth homestead about two miles north of Tower Hill. Here the
son, Ner, built a substantial brick residence in the early 60's that
is a credit to any community to this day- (By the way of personal
mention, my father when a young man helped burn the bricks
for that house.) Ner Middlesworth raised a large family here, and
several are yet alive and live in old Shelby.

Thomas May, the son of our John May, settled in 1840 near
Westminster on what is now known as the Weller place. In 1846
he sold out and removed to Oregon where he became a prominent
citizen in his community. It might be of general interest to say
here that the history of Oregon records our Thomas May as being
among the first who set out extensive orchards in Oregon, he
having purchased the sprouts in San Francisco enroute.

Everard Sharrock, our great-grandfather, came from Ohio
about 1832 and first settled in Christian county, but soon moved
over the line into old Shelby settling on Flat Branch. We have re-
corded his doings at Westminster and later removing to Oregon.

Conrad Hanson was an old settler coming directly from In-
diana about 1832, settling just west of the John May settlement.
He had a large family of twelve children who mostly settled
around Tower Hill in their early married life. There are many
direct descendants still living in the community. Conrad died in
1853 and is buried near John May, his brother-in-law, in the
Middlesworth graveyard.

The Ferryman family were very early settlers over on Mitchell
Creek near Shelbyville, but later moved near the Rocky Branch
region where the family grew up as part of the Tower Hill citi-
zenry. One son born on Mitchell Creek in 1836 named J. W. Perry-
man is still alive, aged 90 years, and lives near Oconee. I under-
stand he has written a book entitled, "Ninety Years in Illinois."

I'll warrant it would be interesting reading. He had already
published a volume of poems and early reminiscences.

—16—

Ccnrad Eiler came to Tower Hill with the immigration from
Ohio and the east that came in the 40's he coming in 1849, settling
en the old Eiler homestead, new occupied by Oscar Warren. Here
with the family of four boys born in Ohio, he grappled with the
task of making a home, succeeding amidst all the hardships that
come to all pioneers. Conrad Eiler though had a greater vision
than the bounds of his own homestead, it was the interest of the
community. So the Eiler Church became the great center for
religious and social welfare, and to this day is a household name
far and wide.

With Conrad Eiler came other Ohio folks, the Warrens, Mes-
sicks, Wireys, Jesters, and others, all names being among the
prominent families cf this community. And the list is lengthy,
and time and space wouM fail me to mention them all, but these
are familiar names as follov/s: Bon-er, Metsker, Andes, Higgin-
botham, Brownback, Hooks, Harper, Story, Evey, Cannon, Stumpf,
Morgan, Fringer, Fluckey, Scovil, Hunter, Bowman, Button, and
scores of others. But a visit to the old time cemeteries will reveal
other names who-^e descesdants moved away years ago, or death
has ended the line.

FLOUB MILLS

Flour Mills— Tower Hill can look back with a great source of
pride, forty or more years ago to her milling interests. Those were
the days when you had to get in line for your grist. People came
here far and near to the Tower Hill mills for all manner of grists.
Tower Hill flour was of a high grade and its well known brands
were asked for in all the nearby markets.

I remember as a boy that old red mill with its sloping roof,
located on the old mill site, familiar to all. I believe that a Mr.
Oliver was the first owner. Then a Mr. Warner. In the early 80's
this mill burned down and was afterwards rebuilt with a three-
story structure, with all the latest improved roller process of flour
making. Your own citizen, Crawford Ward, was for many years
an employe here, continuing through several ownerships, and
during the last ownership of Wolf and Evey it was destroyed and
never rebuilt.

MERCANTILE INTERESTS

Mercantile Interests— On Feb. 22, 1884, my father, Lewis Eiler,
bought out his father- in -law, John Sharrock, in the general mer-
chandise business. It is from this date that I began my business
career. It is with m^uch surprise that I look back to those days of
merchandising in methods and general lines to the present. I

—17—

know greater strides and improvements have been made in the
line cf merchandising than in any other vocation. In the early
days we had not as many of the conveniences as the present
merchant.

The grocery line has had the greatest improvements. In tho.se
days most every item was sold in bulk, such as sugar, coffee, tea,
crackers, spices, etc. Then we had no bags for containers, but old
fashioned brown paper was used for most everything. Paper twine
mostly for binding. California canned goods were unknown and
what little canned fruits were of the east in small cans.

In dry goods, there was nothing of ready-to-wear, as all wear-
ing apparel was sold by the yard and 10 yards or more was a
dress pattern as compared to three or four today. In shoes it was
mostly calf skin or for fine wear the kid, and built for service and
wear. Today the slipper variety with a fancy strip or two above
the light sole.

Forty years ago or more, Tower Hill was as busy a place for
business as one could wish, especially on a Saturday. Heavy stocks
of goods of all variety. Three splendid clothing stores, and dry
goods stores, besides large heavy stocks of grocery stores, large
hardware and furniture stores, and all else in comparison. Busi-
ness in all lines was flourishing. The railroads were busy with
shipping grains, stock, hay and produce. Space forbids to enu-
merate the amount and variety of business, that attracted trade
from all directions.

TOWER HILL SPOKE FACTORY

Tower Hill Spoke Factory— I wonder how many of the older
generation remember and how many of the yout\£er generation
ever dreamed that at one time Tower Hill had a spoke and handle
factory of considerable prominence. An uncle of mine named
Frank Sharrock, after his return from the Black Hills, where he
had gone with the great gold rush of 1875-76, established a factory
of this nature on the site where the Andes property is now located.
If I am correctly informed also this Frank Sharrock was the owner
of the first steam threshing engine in Tower Hill township and
possibly in a greater scope of territory than that. It was the Huber
engine, and I, though a very small boy, somehow remember that
engine as it was to me one of the many wonders of the world to
my boyish mind.

During the fall and winter, this factory which employed
around 10 to 12 men, was busy turning out spokes for wagon and
buggy wheels, also handles of various sorts. The sheds were full
of the finished products, ready for shipping in March 1876, and in
fact, the empty cars were on the siding ready to begin loading on
a Monday morning when on the Saturday eve preceding, the whole
plant, stock, machinery, and all, was burned to the ground. There

—18—

had been considerable mutterings from certain neighbors as to its
location, and while no proof couid ever be found, yet it is con-
sidered a fire of incendiary oiigin. It certainly was a great loss to
the owner, Frank Sharrock, and put an end to a highly prospective
proposition, that was giving employment to several men in the
town, besides making a great market for the immense amount of
available timber that grew within a few miles of the village.

An experienced man named Gus Williams had been brought
from the city to superintend the manufacture of this much de-
manded article and he too with the rest of those interested felt it
a great loss, because of its prospective prosperity. So little by little
that great demon, "FIRE" has wiped out many interesting and
profitable institutions, and business houses in the Hill.

OUR BURYING GROUNDS

Our Burying Grounds — Part and parcel of any community, is
its burying grounds. It is the sacred spot where friend and foe
meet on the same level. We may be a Croesus in worldly goods,
but our last habitation of ownership is a space of only 3 by 6. The
country around Tower Hill abounds in many old graveyards.
Perhaps the oldest is the one near Williamsburg in Cold Spring
township. It is reported as the oldest in the county. Here are
buried the first settlers not only of this entire community, but the
first in Shelby county. In those days it was necessary to fill the
upper part of the grave with rock to prevent the wolves and other
fierce carnivorous animals from burrowing down to the bodies.
In fact, I am told that graves located in this ancient spot, bear
evidence of that fact.

There is an old burying ground at New Hope in the Zion neigh-
borhood, where many of the old settlers are buried. Here are found
the ancestors of most of the present residents of that section of
the country.

One among the oldest, and perhaps the largest, is the Eiler
cemetery, located near the Eiler church, one of the earliest centers
of community interest in the region round about. No doubt here
are buried more of its early settlers, and relatives reaching to the
present than any other spot. It is a sightly place on a hill, that
commands a view in every direction. On a recent visit there I was
pleased to note the neat appearance and well kept grounds, so
different from forty years ago when it was a briar patch and the
surroundings was the favored region known far and near for its
profuse growth of blackberries. Thanks to someone with a vision
of civic pride. This spot is very dear to the writer, as the resting
place of numerous of my kin.

—19—

Another old graveyard, as they were called in the early days, is the one
known as the Middlesworth yard, located on the top of a hill in the middle
oi a field, about a mile and one-half north of Tower Hill. This ground is in a
desperate condition, in fact it is what is known as a deserted graveyard,
abandoned to Nature. This spot is of deep interest to me as containing the
bodies of my great-great-grandmother Hanson and my great-grandfather
John May, besides several great aunts and uncles and lesser kin. There are
84 graves in this spot, and all among the very earliest settlers. This spot
is nearly 100 years old, perhaps the next oldest anywhere.

The Knobs is another oM sacred spot to scores of present day citizens in
that region. It too ranks along toward a century mark in age, as the Knobs
was the first settled place in this part of the country, antedating the town of
Tower Hill by at least 20 years.

I must confess that my recent visit there was of a disappointment, as to
the attention or rather lack of attention, given to this hallowed ground. I was
surprised to find it a tangled mass of briars, thorns and shrubs. There is a
splendid opportunity for some to add to his laurels in starting a general
cleanup, and what now borders on a disgrace, to become an object of admir-
ation and beauty. Who will start this project?

Then there is the Robinson Creek and Rocky Branch and several other
small burial spots, all containing the resting places of the early settlers,
names that are yet familiar to all. A visit to each of these enumerated would
reveal names and dates in connection with the early settlement of all this
region.

But the present generation is interested more in their own burial ground
known as the Tower Hill cemetery. And well they may and point with pride
to its well kept grounds. Here is a spot that is pleasing to the eye, and restful
to the feelings that their loved ones are lying in a beautiful "God's Acre."
Tower Hill cemetery ground was bought from H. P. Faught and laid out in
February, 1882. It contains 20 acres, laid out in 477 lots with 240 yet unsold.
There are 120 lots in the "permanent kept" list, which is a token of esteem
and pride to the owners. This perpetual fund is now $4200 and still growing.
There are about a dozen burials in the pauper field, but they are as rich in
their possession as the richest of earth. How true that saying, "But two feet
of earth make us all of one size."

The first officers were: Robert Fleming, president; H. K. Baines, secretary,
and G. W. Fringer, treasurer. The first board of trustees were the following:
J. A. Andes, A. M. Craddick, John Morgan. The original board of incorporation
was composed of the following: A. M. Craddick, C. M. Ross, G. W. Fluckey,
Robert Fleming, H. R. Fairchild, James McKittrick, H. K. Baines, George Cor-
ley, J. A. Andes, and G. W. Fringer. There have been only 2 presidents in all
this tme, namely Robert Flem.ing for 28 years and the present incumbent,
A. A. Filer, for 17 years. To show the flight of time, you will note that every
one of the original offices of any position at the beginning of the associa-
tion are now dead. The present list of officers is as follows: A. A. Filer,
president; W. O. Shanks, secretary; John R. Warren, treasurer. Trustees are:
L. B. Fluckey, W. E. Cannon, Charles Ashe, C. E. Sibbitt, S. W. Dutton, Eli
Read, H. S. Fairchild and L. W. Morrison.

—20—

TOWER HILL HORSE COMPANY

Tcv.cr Kill Hone Company— Afi;er the close of the Civil War there spread
throughout the counto' a reign of terror in horse and cattle thieving. It be-
came so bad that communities had to organize for mutual protection. Perhaps
the most prominent organization of this kind in central Illinois was that of
the Tower Hill Horse Company, that not only confined its workings to the
immediate community but to neighboring counties. This organization was
compoced ol men of fearless attitude and bravery, men who had seen service
in the great Civil War and had no hestitancy in administering very severe
treatment to the guilty culprits. This formed the backbone to the organiza-
tion and was the m.eans of making it a force not to be reckoned with. Many
weird and strange tales had crept out from time to time as to the treatment
meted out to captives when caught, and because of this harsh punishment
was the effective means that soon cleared this community of the roving bands
of thieves. The leader among this effective organization was my grand-
father, the late John Sharrock, a man of absolute fearlessness when dealing
with this class of citizenry. He was the central figure for many years in its
organization. It was he who was sent for when the posse formed for taking
up the trail for horse thieves, and he was unanimously always chosen as the
judge advocate to deal with the captives. I have many records of personal
encounters between he and tlie pursuit of these tough criminals, who even
counted life as of no value in making their escapes. The general headquarters
was the place now known as the Eiler church. But the membership scattered
far and wide, for men everywhere sought to join its ranks for this mutual
protection. It developed that this thievery was carried on by an organized
band too often it was found that men living in the community were engaged
in that hazardous yet very profitable occupation. But by the extreme means
as meted out to the captives, it was effective in a few years in almost wiping
out this nefarious trade.

The one event that helped carry on the enthusiasm for the organization
was the annual Horse Company picnic. It was an established event and al-
ways looked to with great interest. People cam.e from far and near. It was the
one great annual event. Great preparations were made in the way of enjoy-
ment. To look back upon one of these events from our modern standpoint of
enjoyment, appears tame, but the folks enjoyed themselves hugely and were
loathe to leave the varied scenes of activity and companionship. But in time,
through the clearing of the country of these roving bands of thieves, and the
death of many of the principal leaders, the organization ceased its work and
annual picnics, so that for years the Tower Hill Horse Company has gone
into the records of the past.

"FORTY-NINERS"

"Forty-Niners" — As far as I have been able to find out, Tower Hill has the
honor to have furnished only two California gold seekers in that memorable
rush of 1849, namely my grandfather, John Sharrock, and his brother-in-law,
Lafayette May. About May Ist, 1849 they left the Sharrock homestead in an

—21—

ox-wagon well provisioned for that long, tedious and dangerous journey
across the plains and mountains to try their luck in the new gold fields.
After six months of traveling, enduring untold hardships and privations un-
dreamed of, they came into tlie gold region with the same ox team, but only
a very crude affair of a box fastened upon the two hind wheels of the origi-
nal wagon. In fact, they counted themselves very fortunate in arriving in
that condition as compared to others in the company of 135 teams that form-
ed the original train at Independence, Mo.

Foftunately about forty years ago the writer who had always been inter-
ested in the tales of adventure as told by my grandfather, secured his interest
and permission to take down in writing the record of that memorable trip. I
prize very highly the tale of that woderful journey, which was this personal
account printed in the Tower Hill Breeze at the time.

When we compare this wonderful journey with our modem methods of
travel one is simply amazed that men would risk their lives for the chance
of making a strike in the gold fields. Just think of the separation from the
family of wife and children for a year or more and not a single letter either
way, and the expensive and dangerous journey across the plains anl
mountains, inhabited with rovings bands of savage Indians, and the expos-
ure to the rigorous winters in the mining camp, and the inconveniences of
camp life, with unreasonable prices for food stuffs and clothing which reads
like fiction rather than the real facts as they with thousands of others exper-
ienced this state of affairs, and all for the chance of a lucky find. Thousands
of men never returned to iheir eastern homes as life was not counted of
much value in those days of the mad rush for wealth. The least disputes in
the camp were settled by the first at the trigger. Legal action and moral
rights were unheard of.

Our grandfather has stated that it was one continual watch against
robbery and murder during the entire stay in camp. Because of this condition
of lawlessness, and the hardships, and the fact that he had not heard a
word from home, such a thing being impossible, he decided to return home.
But remembering the awful endurance of the overland journey, he decided
to return via the Isthmus of Panama, where the great canal is today located.
Landing at the Isthmus is the chstom for safety to start in large compa-
nies and very early so as to make the trip across in one day. This one
day's walk he said was the worst experience in all his mining adventure. A
narrow path leads through the tropical jungle infested not only with wild
animals but continuously with bands of robbers lying in wait for the return-
gold seekers. To lag the least bit was to be set upon by these human
vultures. During the day, eight men becoming weary from the terrible heat
and lagging behind were caught by these bandits and waylaid and robbed.
There was no use to stop for a defense, because of becoming lost in the
jungle and the fast creeping darkness which meant death for all.

—22—

Taking a boat on the Atlantic side, he later landed at New Orleans where
he exchanged his gold for currency, because they were allowed more than at
San Francisco. Taking a river boat he finally landed at St. Louis where he
purchased a horse and started over land for home, arriving at dark the
second day. A great surprise for the family for they had never heard a sin-
gle word from him since the day he left, over a year ago, refusing to believe
that he would never return and always consoling themselves with a fort-
unate return.

But what a surprise to him to learn that one of his children had died in
his absence, and the death of his father-in-law, John May, but thankful and
gracious to greet a new baby born shortly afler his leaving.

Verily the hardship and endurance of the early pioneers has been without
equal. Truly it has been said, "We are the heirs of the ages."

METEOR OF 1876

Meteor of 1876 — Who of the old timers remember that wonderful meteoric
display in the winter of 1876? I was only a lad of eight years, and while I
did not see it directly, yet I remember so distinctly many circumstances
connected with the visit of this heavenly messenger. Ihe visit of this
heavenly body was of much magnitude, and recorded as one of the great-
est on record. I have this from the official authority on meteors. It passed
over Tower Hill about 9 p.m. on the night of December 21, 1876. My parents
were then living in the house on the northeast corner of the block in which
is located the Christian church. Suddenly we noticed a very dazzling light
in the windows. Father was startled, but mother made this very reply which
I remember so well, her saying, "O that was the light from Crawford Ward's
lantern as he is coming home from prayer meeting." I have lately consulted
a perpetual calendar and confirm this statement, for Dec 21, was on Thurs-
day, the night of the regular Methodist prayer meeting.

The record states that this immense meteor was first seen in Kansas, and
and last seen while exploding in Ohio, where many fragments fell. It was
accompanied by a terrific, heavy, rumbling noise and the pyrotechnic dis-
play is recalled in the annals of astronomy as the greatest ever recorded. Of
course it was the subject of much talk that night and even for days. As usual,
many saw in it evil omens.

CENTENNIAL EXPOSITION

Centennial Exposition — Tower Hill can boast of being represented at the
Centennial Exposition in 1876 held in Philadelphia, it being the occasion of
the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
These favored persons were Dr. G. W. Fringer and wife, very prominent
citizens, living in the homeplace on the south side of the hill, being the
second house east of the school building. On my last visit there, I noticed
with sadness, what at one time was considered one of the nicest cottages in
the town, now fallen into a decaying condition.

—23—

ASSASSINATION OF GARFIELD

How many readers of the Times recall the news of the assassination on
July 2, 1881? This happened on Saturday at 8 a.m. in Washington D. C. All
the news that came to Tower Hill was given out by the local agent of the
I. & St. L., as he caught the message over the wires. No details were obtain-
able at all as compared to these days of quick transmitting of news, so we
had to wait until the next day, Sunday and run the chance of securing a
daily St. Louis paper. As expected they were all sold out long before the train
reached Tower Hill. But a passenger alighted from the train grabbed a paper
from a dozing passenger and ran into the waiting room as the train pulled
out. He stood on one of the seats in the corner and read to the crowd as they
jammed tightly around him. I was present with my father and other relatives
and remembered the occasion distinctly.

PICNICS

Picnics — In the 70's and 80's the universal custom of having a good time
in which the entire community could take part was that old fashioned picnic.
Foremost of all and I have spoken of it in a previous article was the Annual
Horse Company picnic. This was the one that drew the crowds from far and
near, because of this organization extending over such a large territory.

The next in importance and as regular as clockwork for many years was
the annual Knobs Sunday School picnic. This was the great drawing card
for the young folks of the country for invitations were always extended to all
schools and a great rivalry existed as to the largest delegations, the most
elaborate float, and the best singing and recitations. I can see yet those pro-
cessions of schools in wagons and buggies loaded to the limit with children
all togged out in their best, and flags, and banners floating in the breeze.
White dresses and pink sashes were prevailing fash'on. While for eats tlie
"last word" had been said in its preparation. Surely, "them were the days."
event that was looked to many months ahead, as to the annual neighbors,
cementing all together in a common brotherhood for the best interest of aP.

Then in different sections of the country were the local affairs, held at
Robinson Creek, Rocky Branch, Wi'liamsburg, Zion, etc., each event adding
to the communal interest. These annual gatherings were the one great social

But the one great event that seemed to top all other neighborhood gather-
ings was the old-fashioned, handed down from forefathers, the 4th of July
picnic. This was the real thing and Tov/er Hill for many years put on this
annual gala day. (I wish I had space to do justice to what I am thinking
about, but can only touch a few high spots. Some day if all is willing I
promise you that I will give you a touch of the real thing.)

I can now after forty years hear the anvils boom, boom, real early in the
mornmgs arousing the populace (and the small boy, too), to the fact that
this was the day, and the only day of all the year. Someh-^w it sont a thrill
through your very being, and what you had read in your school history about
Bunker Hill and Lexington .<^eemed now as an epoch to t^^-^t historic event.
Some time away back in the earlier history of Tower Hi P. so I am told
cannon, yes real cannon, were used to usher in this glorious day and thu?
make it more impressive upon the public.

—24—

Here is some history that I will vouch for its accuracy, but somehow ir
stays wit!i mo that two of Towe.- Hill's most respected present day citizens,
and very dear friends of mine, name^ Charles Conrad and Crawford Ward,
have each gene through life minus a thumb each, lost on this eventful day
because they were not trained gunners in touching off the cannon's salute.
If I am wrong I beg pardon, but if true they carry with them the record of a
sacrifice for their country. This day was the delight of the boy, for with fire-
crackers and other noise makers, and red lemonade, he asked for no other
delight on earth or Heaven itself.

And the orator of the occasion will we ever forget him? Standing there
there on the raised platform with flags and streamers flaunted to the breeze,
this important personage spread anew the gospel of patriotism, to as eager
a crowd as ever hungered for a recurrence of the doings and valor of their
ancestors. Are we losing out because we have drifted away from this time-
honored custom? May we ponder well and listen.

REVIVALS

Revivals — With the passing of these annual events of community fest-
ivities, there is another phase of early activities of a religious nature that I
fear will be a subject for the historian of the future. I allude to the old
fashioned revivals of religion as held in all churches at generally the fall or
winter season. Space forbids of an extended account of these religious events,
of so much interest to me and no doubt to the passing generation. I view
with regret and am inclined to be a bit pessimistic to note the passing of
this once great uplift of religion and morality in the community. Let us be
criticized by those who dare, but give me the church with its annual revivals.
There was an awakening in these special services that is not now perceivable
with its discontinuance.

COAL MINES

In the latter part of the SO's considerable community talk was going on,
as to the possibility of coal lying at a reasonable depth below the surface of
Tower Hill territory, and noting the success of our neighboring city of Pana
was enjoying from a business standpoint, many spirited citizens of the
village formed an organization for the purpose of employing a drilling con-
cern to bore a hole into the regions below and ascertain the extent of their
dreams.

So the records are, as near my memory serves me, that in the late part
of 1891 and early part of 1892, a contract was made with the Diamond Pros-
pecting Company, to bore with a diamond drill, so as to preserve a core of
the various strata, and settle once and for all if Tower Hill had coal.

I remember so well that drilling operation, which took place in what was
then called "Bowman's Pasture," a spot northward about 100 yards from
where your citizen Ed S. McLean now resides, and who has furnished the
greater part of this coal history.

—25—

It certainly was intoresting to note the time of hoisting the drill, and
see the core as it was brought to the surface, revealing the different strata
that underlie the surface. Fortunately I have this day in my possession a
section or two of this core, one showing stone and the other of coal.

Right here is a good place to state that the entire core was eventually
boxed and stored in R. E. Cannon's store, but unfortunately was destroyed
when this firm had a disastrous fire which destroyed the entire row of build-
ings and sad we were to see our tangible evidence of our coal prospects go
the way of destruction.

My friend Homer Jones of Chicago has so kindly furnished me with an
official coal log signed May 25, 1892, by the driller in charge, a Mr. Harry
Cossette, which gives an account of every inch of the 747 feet of this prospect
hole, which in a few years lod to the opening of a real coal mine in the Hill.

I feel it will be of interest to Times readers to briefly give a resume ot
the various strata passed through and which were verified by the actual
cores, which as we said were later destroyed.

I see by this log that at 87 feet a 6- inch vein of coal was shown, after
passing through soil, then limestone and layers of shale.

Then at 157 feet a vein of coal one foot thick was reached, and again a^
291 feet another vein of only 7 inches. The strata all the way down were
alternating stone, and shale of various color.

At 494 feet a vein of coal again one foot was shown and the citizens were
now very hopeful that soon the much expected workable vein of coal would
soon be reached.

I I r J

But as the drilling went on, from day to day, and no coal veins were
being shown, the cheerful spirits of our citizens, turned into "Doubting
Thomases" and it began to look that our money was going into an emoty
hole.

One hundred feet passed and no signs, and then another ICK) feet was
shown and still no coal, and many gave up — when the next 50 feet was the
Mecca for which we all had sought, for at 747 feet and 7 inches the drill
brought up a core of coal 7 feet and 4 inches.

It was sure one jubilant day and we all had visions of a future Tower
Hill surrounded by coal mines and no doubt many industries that would
locate in our midst.

And thus finishes the verification of this log and signed on May 25, 1892,
and every one felt that thoy had made a good investment, and time alone
would make "dreams come true."

One very interesting event or citation took place during this prospecting,
as a Tower Hill h(oy, George Weeks, the son of the Postmaster, John Weeks,
took a very active interest in this boring process, in fact so interested was
he that he became a handy boy around the drilling, being employed, and
when this firm of drillers left the town George went with them on the pay-
roll, and how strange to relate George followed this firm of drillers into
Africa, England, staying with them for years and years, finally dying in
England. He became an expert at this diamond drill work.

—26—

After several years, about 1903 the citizens again revived interest in
lorming a Citizens Coal organization to secure coal rights preparatory to
persuading some company to open this wonderful vein of black diamond.

And right here comes my good friend Ed S. McLean with the information
that this organization elected Squire A. R. Robinson, as president and Ed S.
McLean as secretary. Their duty was to get coal right signers, preparatory
to inducing some firm to open the mine.

A total of 2400 acres \. as secured, some donating, but most were paid,
v/hich was the valuable inducement that finally led the Edwards Coal com-
pany to begin operations and fmally began lioisting coal to the surface, as
described later on.

Ed writes me that other members of this coal right orgamization included
A. M. Craddock, Doug Corley, Lewis Eiler, and many others.

Further quoting Mr. McLean, he says that A. M. Craddock was the
booster of the community, for opening up a mine, especially when the
citizens knew they had the coal, and this organization had gone out and
secured coal rights, then the point was to get the company.

It appears from those very familiar with the opening of the mine, such
as McLean and Burr Fluckey and other old timers, that our "Bud" Craddock
had an old friend, a descendant of the pioneer Brisbane family, namely, Capt.
Brisbane, a name perpetuated in the Brisbane school west of town, who was
a Civil engineer and in the employ of Edwards & Sons of Minneapolis, Min.,
coal mine operators, and lumber dealers and very wealthy.

So it was through this Capt. Brisbane that the entire proposition was laid
before this Edwards Co., the inducement being coal rights, 15 acres of land
donated through the business men's organization, and eventually contracts
were signed, and work started on an opening 8 by 8 feet for a shaft to the
heavy vein of coal below.

A depth of 820 feet was sunk and the 8 foot vein was reached, and here
was what proved eventually a fatal mistake in only making the shaft 8 by 8
when it should have been 8 by 16, so as to allow the hoisting and lowering
a cage at the same time thereby lessening the expense practically one-half
in raising the coal to the surface.

With a shaft of this sm.all dimension, the company was compelled to
compete with Hillsboro, Pana and Nokomis mines. Other fatalities in the
operating of the mine will be recorded later.

A very interesting geological incident is remembered in sinking this
shaft of 820 feet, which of course passes through many strata of rock, shale of
vorious colors, small veins of coal here and there, and at one place a bed of
compressed mass of shells, an inch to 2 inches in diameter, was encountered.
The excavators brought to the surface a large mass the size of a nail keg,
which was on exhibition and was some curiosity. Verily there are mysteries
in the earth as well as the sky above. Mr. McLean advances the idea and he
is correct in his conclusions — that this strata of shells at this depth is the
result of the glacial period in the eons of ages of the past.

—27—

The sinking of the shaft opened work for a lot of men. a,nd when the
mine became operative, a force running as low as 100 to the greatest number
of 450 brought a lot of business to the village.

The records show that shipments of coal ran from 8 to 10 cars as the
lowest to a high of 22 daily and the town put on some airs in business
activity.

As usual with the opening up of coal mines, the saloon follows and the
village soon had 2 places dispensing liquors. The records show that they
were not patronized by local miners, they mostly preferring to hike to Pana
where there was more variery and fellow associates, w:th the result that one
went out of business before their license expired, and the other had to take
care of a slack business.

As time went on it was apparent that Edwards and Co., as operators
were not making the fortune which was apparent from the prospects at the
start.

Here again I quote our friend Mr. McLean who says "Tower Hill coal
was of a fme quality, rated as best soft coal in state, however for steam pur-
poses in railroad engines it iioneycombed in the flues, unless experienced
firemen were on the job and knew how to fire accordingly, and a multitude
of complaints c ame from the railroads using it. The Big Four contracted for
a large number of cars daily, only to withdraw their contracts on account of
this reason."

The mine continued losing business for this and other reasons, namely
one with Chicago customers, rejecting many cars of coal because of slate
and sulphur.

This appeared to be the fault of the weighman at the mines who let
what is known as "dirty coal" be loaded in the car, when it was supposed to
be sorted.

Later we find Edwards & Sons selling out to New York capitalists who
continued operating the mine for some time, selling coal as a local proposi-
tion along towns of the Big Four and B. & O. railroads.

But the old troubles of quality followed them and it was a foreseen con-
clusion that the mine was doomed as a paying proposition, with the result
that it was finally abandoned.

Another reason in the matter of overhead expenses as a contributing
cause for loss, was of the immense amount of timbers used to make the mine
safe to work in, the depth ef the vein called for heavy props and plenty of
them.

So the work of abandonment went on, the donated ground and equip-
ment were all sold for what it would bring at quick sale, and today all that
is left of the Century Coal Co. of Tower Hill is the spot showing the sunken
shaft, piles of shale, rock and waste material, and a vivid memory of a wond-
erful experience for all parties concerned.

^28—

I am going to lay aside coal history for a moment and tell the Times
readers more about this printed official log as sent me by my dear friend
Homer Jones ol Chicago. This .s a cardboard advertising placard with the
various business and professional firms in 1892 displaying the nature of
their business, there being a total of 44 firms arranged in 2 columns with the
coal log as a middle column. And for interesting reading it revels in pure
memory of over 40 years ago.

Out of a total of 57 names of individuals in these various 44 firms there
is to my information only 8 persons now living. That certainly tells the
story what old "Father Time" has been doing these 44 years. You will be
interested in knowing the 8 now living, who were in 1892 connected with thcit
total of 57 persons connected in the business and professional activities of
the "Old Home Town." So here they are:

Phil Robinson now of Lakewood, in 1892 with Hish & Robinson, novelty
works; Dr. J. R. Young, Physician; Samuel Dart, stock breader; Ervin Foor,
buggies and farm implements; J.J. Leighty, groceries; Inman of Inman Bros.,
cabinet makers; John R. Hentcn, painter & paper hanger; Homer Eiler of
L. Eiler & Son, dry goods.

Perhaps it would be interesting to enumerate those in the other ads who
have answered the last roll call and are through with all earth's activities.

I will run down the column as they come. Wesley Dean & Sam Fuget of
Dean & Fuget, dry goods; Dr. J. H. Shelton, physician; Mrs. A. Jones, milliner
(mother of Homer Jones); Joss Foor, stock breeder; J. F. Bennett, restaurant;
James Miller, harness; G. B. Partlow, contractor; I. K. Story, notary public;
Joe Woods, barber; I. G. Holt, publisher, Tower Hill Breeze (and this firm
printed this coal log on June 2, 1892); Charley Conrad, general merchandise;
A. R. Robinson, justice of the peace; John Callendar, stock buyer; Nelson
Jones, horse buyer; Read & Smith, restaurant; S. W. Dutton, hardware; W.
F. Hilsabeck, blacksmithing; John Weeks, postmaster; Smith Bros., livery-
men; John Runkel & Son, flour mill; Dr. I. L. Brant, physician; Taylor Goben
sewing machines; J. A. Andes, hay & grain; W. C. Jones, restaurant;
Lafayette Higginbotham, drugs; John H. Price, hotel; R. E. Cannon, hardware
& Lumber; O. T. Jones, poultry; Lewis Eiler of L. Eiler & Son, general
merchandise; J. S. Evey, thoroughbred horses; Noah Freeze, blacksmithing;
James Rhodes, stock buyer; Joe Smith, stock buyer; Fred Stumpf, Sr., funeral
director; Isaiah Henton, wagon maker; H. H. Ingalls, Big Four agent; Gross
Bros, meat market; George Butts and John Seigfried, contractors; Jacob
Leighty, sewing machines.

To me personally these where all my business associates and close
friends of my day in business in Tower Hill, when our villages was at its;
best in all activities. And to think that out of 57 individuals mentioned in
the 44 firms on the coal log record advertising sheet, with only 8 of them
now alive is certainly startling.

And to report now that out of 44 advertising firms as mentioned, that
only four are in Tower Hill today, namely; The Big Four R. R. Co., (now the
N. Y. Central) ; Fred Stumpf, Jr., undertaker, the R. E. Cannon Hardware &

—29—

Lumoer Co., new represen.ej by a son, and the Higginbotliam Drug Co.,
i.ow represeniea by a son, leaving -^0 lirms in ousmess in IHjJ now extinct,
cciiu nuL a ve^Lige oi lueiiiiiy leit.

And mus we conciuue aie iiiscory ot the lOwer Hill coal industry ivom
facts and inlOimation sent us uy our iriend Mr. Mci^ean to whom 1 e^ceiia
my personal thanks.

TOWER HILL IN THE 70's AND 80's

The Hill was the "Mecca" lor the kids at all seasons, for in the summer
it was to dig in the sand pu, or cut, or romp tiie siopmg sides, or in winter
the snow and ice aiforaed us a sliding place, in fact the aault was very
conspicuous by his presence.

The generation of tre 80's can tell of hair- breadth escapes and their
prowess as manipulators of all sorts of sleds I wonder who remembers of the
accident one winier when Lena Keadon, the daughter of a well known
pioneer, Tom Headen, while she was coasting down the east side of the hiil
tumbled from her sled in a mhx-up and broke her leg.

That accident put a slow down to the recklessness in coasting. A few
years ago I had the pleasure of visiting Miss Lena (now a past middle aged
woman) in Lawrence, Kansas, and we talked of this particular accident,
which she remembered so distinctly.

After nearly 60 years I can visualize the grown-up folks who made
merry night and day with fancy sleds, bob-sleds, homemade sleds and it
seemed like the frostier the night, specially during the full moon, the crowds
seemed the largest. Those of my generation, can you recall these who could
all be counted ready for the coasting fun? Such names as George Johnson,
Willis Ward, Headen Harper, Nick Narry, Line Sharrock, McCullough, Chas.
Baines, "Willie" Fringer, the Brown boy and girls, the Glenn boys, Guinneo
young folks, Gibbie Hunt, the Harper and Sharrock girls, Alta and Scott
Heady, and OH MY the list grows, and how sad to think that fully 99 per
cent of these have passed away.

In those days of late TC's & early 80's our town was growing very fast,
reaching out for trade, from a wide circle of territory. The merchants carried
a great variety of merchandise, suitable for all the needs of the community.

The shipping interests were increasing by leaps and bounds - taking care
of the farmer's crops. Corn shellers were busy and the cobs were piling
"mountain" high, and free for the hauling, for winter heating and summer
cooking.

Two elevators were busy during wheat season taking care of that import-
ant crop, for Tower Hill township was a vast wheat field, and what a beauti-
ful sight to view from the hill top the golden grain waving in billows as far
as the eye could view. The timothy hay industry was fast becoming one of
the farmer's main crops, and many of the Times readers easy remember in
the 80's of the vast loads hauled to the local hay barns for pressing and
shipping to city markets.

I have often reminded myself of the art achieved by many haulers of
that day in the way they loaded, to the limit, in width and length those
immense loads.

—30—

It afforded labor all winter and spring for scores of men taking care of
an industry now almost extiiict. The railroads were kept busy taking care of
the "loads" and "empties," fcr all sorts of the farmers products.

In the cattle line, Tower Hill was a central market far and near. And who
of my generation — and even younger — remember John Callendar of very
heavy avoirdupois weigh i arouiid 250 or more, riding that little sorrel mare,
looking as a fit subject for cruelty to animals. Jim Rhoades was another heavy
buyer, besides the scores of stockmen who did their own shipping. It was
nothing to see almost daily some cars and often a string of loaded cattle cars
bound for the markets.

Of course this belongs to the period back of our history to be recorded
from 1900 to the present, but it is for CONTRAST that I recall it. I'll warrant
that it is a rare sight to see a loaded car of wheat, shelled corn, baled hay,
cattle, sheep or hogs, leaving the Hill for the markets, at the present time, or
many years past.

Of course this is a contributing cause for the loss of retail merchant, so
I must not go farther without mentioning that busiest man of all men,
highly esteemed by the entire community, named James Andes.
For during those busy days of shipping in the years past and
gone, he was the farmer's friend, in securing for them the best prices
for their products. His purchases for the year during that properous period
must have run into the thousands upon thousands, and never to my know-
ledge or I'll warrant it never happened he took, or even thought of taking,
an undue advantage upon the farming element in his immense dealings with
them.

What a lasting monument to leave to posterity, and would that we had
more in our present economic industry!

It was my good fortune to be associated with my father, the late Lewis
Eiler, in the boom period of the Old Home Town. What memories must have
come to my old-time friend and business associate, J. J. Leighty of Carthage,
Mo., who has been visiting the Hill, in October this year, as he visualized
those boom days of the late 80's and early 90's, as compared to the present
times, as he walked the streets of Tower Hill and of course noted the contrast
with the past.

But Tower Hill's dilemma is not hers alone, for the decay of the small
town is universal. The annual report of discontinued post offices even is
amazing and hardly believable, all being the result of the growth of the
large cities and centralization ol retail business in more central points.

The paved road and auto spelled the doom of the village and cross roads
town, as space has given way to time and an hour of the days of the prosper-
ous village is only a minute now to speed away to the large cit>'.

The matter of miles today is a very small factor when the mind is made
up to go somewhere.

I must not pass this part of our history without going farther into this
CONTRAST for the benefit of this present generation, to show them^ that we
are in a changing world, especially of things material, not to mention those
of an industral, spiritual and econmical.

—31—

These prosperous days of big business for our village are re-
called by the oiuer generation, now passing but who are familiar with the
decline felt soon after ihe entry into the new century. No doubt this was
evident to J.J. Leighty, a recent visitor.

Looking backward from today, we can hardly believe the record and the
amount and class of goods sold then, but which now are not even taken into
account. For instance to realize that during the days of L. Eiler & Son, Gen-
eral Merchandise, there were 3 large stocks of clothing, dry goods, boots &
shoes, etc., beside several exclusive grocery stores, all doing a big business,
drawing trade for many miles.

Gradually the town has settled down to a local business, and unfort-
unately, I can not visualize any advances tor reasons economically stated.

I am fearful what the future historian of 50 years might write about our
Old Home Town, so dear to us all.

We will now proceed to give as best we can in the limited time we have
had to prepare, the various subjects outlined for consideration. Unfortunately
they are not arranged to our desire, but to each subject as completed.

The first one we are pleased to record is about the railroads and the
telegraph business, which follows next week.

THE RAILROAD INDUSTRY

I aim deeply indebted to Ed S. McLean, because of his personal know-
ledge, for his information concerning this most important part of any village
or city's success as a business community.

As a matter of fact, Tower Hill owes its existence to the building of a
railroad in the late 50's as per the opening statement of this History of
Tower Hill. Remember there were other villages ten to fifteen years old close
by in a very prosperous condition, namely Westminster and Williamsburg.
Each had arisen to a designation as having a post office, and business of a
general nature that gave them a future for considerable growth. But a rail-
road building through the adjacent country, started the village of Tower Hill,
and spelled the doom of all surrounding villages.

My earliest recollection of a railroad in our village dates back to the
late 70's, and I can visualize the engine even as of yesterday. A small affair,
with the smokestack the largest part of its makeup, perhaps the headligiTt
was next in immensity. Only two large driving wheels, with a cowcatcher
extending quite a distance in front, built for Ihose times because of the open
country and stock running at large, so they could be shoved to one side in
easy manner.

Wood was the fuel and there were great stacks of cord wood on the
space directly across the tracks from the present depot.

Those of my generation of course remember the water tank just as you
entered the depot platform, and say! how those long icicles huncr there in
the winter time to the danger of pedestrians. The power for pumping was
obtained by mules going the rounds of a horse-power. That old pioneer of
R. R. affairs in Tower Hill, Mike Guinnee, was not only section foreman, but
in charge of all water necessities. Today I recall that continuing grinding of
the cogs which set in motion the entire pumping machinery.

—32—

Later this old water tank, eyesore to the community, not to mention the
unsightly stable right in th<- cenier oi the business seciion, was removed, and
eveniuaily the Hxll was omitteu as a watering place.

All these years me village was growing, ana becoming a center of
traae lor miles around, because oi tne commg or tne railroad lo take care ol
Lhe neeus oi the community.

So in the early 80's the town increasing its local business, and the pros-
perous times of the agricultural inierests, likewise the railroad added to its
local needs, and branched out in the system oi saiety signals, taking it away
from the local depot and erecting a tower for that purpose at the crossing of
the two R.R.'s and among the first, if not even the first tower man was our
friend, Ed. S. McLean, who after over 50 years at this one station retired from
active service only this last year or so.

It is Ed who should write the accurate history of our old home town for
the last 50 years, for he has been a constant resident and is familiar with all
the changes, even to practically a new generation.

Recently yielding to my persuasion he gave me a brief account of this
period, specially adhering to R. R. records, vvhich I am taking the liberty
to use here in this R. R. chapter. The following is the record as he sent me.

"I (Ed S. McLean) came to Tower Hill as tower operator in the summer
of 1884 from the Cleveland division of the then 'Bee Line.' The line up of
R. R. agents for Tower Hill was about as follows: A Mr. Craddick was the
first, then a skip of some years, and a Mr. Campbell, followed by a J. Thorn-
brough, Clark Browne, Harry Dickey, H. H. Ingalls (recently deceased), Lee
Sammons, Ross Miller, Henry Taylor, Mike Guinnee, and the present agent,
Harry Kidwell. This may not be the actual lineup, but these persons have
served as agents.

"The B. & O. agents were about as follows in a general way: Slick Gross,
Carson Nanny, William Swoazy, Clint Robinson, Bert White and Lee Twiss."

Sad to relate that the B. & O. is practically non-existent as far as doing
business with the Hill, even the depot having been moved away.

Here follows some very interesting history of R. R. affairs by Mr. McLean,
and I again quote: "In the early 80's the I. & St. L. R. R., which is now the N.
Y. Central, moved some 12 passenger trains daily through Tower Hill, with
four making regular stops. Over this same road there passed daily 6 regular
through freight trains, and two locals.

Over the B. & O. R. R. there were 4 local passenger trains, and 2 through
freights with 2 locals daily, making a grand total of 28 trains passing
through the town.

"The section foreman for the Big Four R.R. was that much beloved citizen
Mike Guinnee, serving longer than any other in the same position, and for
the B. & O. R. R. was William Dunn."

Listen to this part of R. R. and business activity, as told by Mr. McLean
and I again quote: "Much business was done by the railroads at the Hill in
the 80's taking care of the outputs of two large hay barns, as operated by Jim
Andes, and the two large elevators operated by Craddick and Brownback

—33—

filled to capacity daily with grains, being leaded for the markets, and two
large stock yards with almost daily shipments of stock, besides the coming
in of loaded cars of merchandise daily for the local merchants. So you see we
had activity in railroad affairs.

"I have seen v/agons of hay and grain of all kinds block the streets for
a block at a time waiting to get in line for unloading. During the wheat har-
vest season, I have seen that open space around the elevators so dusty from
the great amount of travel by loaded wagons, you could scarcely see ten feet.

"During the coal mine's busy season, some 15 to 25 cars were shipped
daily which made some activity and business for the railroads.

As to the telegraph business, it was the only source of outside informat-
ion in the 80's and early 90's and our cash telegraph receipts ran some 20
times or more than at present time. The grain and hay and stock business
called for much wire service.

"When I came to the Tower to accept the tower service, the system was
safety-gates operated from within the tower by levers, being installed in the
new building at the crossing of the two roads. Later the Saxby-Parmer leaf-
locking inter-locking plant was installed, being quite an improvement. This
was an English invention, which used one lever for each operating function,
such as a derail which would ditch a train if they failed to stop on a 'red,'
and we had to be very careful as operators and manipulators.

"The tower was rebuilt three times in adding improvements. I think
Clark Brown was the first operator to manipulate the gates on the Big Four
R. R., and Ed Owen as operator for the B. & O. (Mr. Owen married Miss Effie
Fringer, a Tower Hill girl, and now resides at Olney, 111.)

"For almost fifty years I was in that same position at Tower Hill as first
trick operator and manager of the local Western Union business.

"Others acting in the service followed as near as I can place them, as
follows: Jim Watson, Winfield Carston, Mr, Dobbins, Jim Roberts, Milt
Nerstheimer, Mike Guinnee, and Harry Kidwell, and scores of relief men I
can not recall.

"In my early days in the service we used coal oil lamps in the signal
lamps. Some of these signals were half a mile out, and we had 13 lamps to
bring in, and clean and put out before dark, and in ALL kinds of weather,
and many are the mornings and afternoons when we faced terrible blizzards
and snow storms in this daily routine work as no holidays in placing signal
lights.

"This work necessitated the hiring of boys, and quite a number too, to
assist in this daily task, aside from our office work. Many of these boys
never learned or even cared to learn the telegraph business, as I was always
eager that they become interested, thus fitting them for positions In life.

"I was always on the alert to note boys who seemed interested, and
taught them the system of telegraphy and tower work, and today feel quite
proud to know of so many who have made good in this calling.

—34—

•WriwMiini'iimi'Ti'ii «""»"

-iim *--->^ ^

" SSs^lJ^S^Ski. ^ihim^^Js

Tower Hill Band, 1904

Tower Hill Fire Department

.ifc. .:.. .---.».

Craddick Residence, 1889

i'^^JMUiMg^i .<^«

Eiler and Son Dry Goods

Tower Hill School, burned in 1895

J. J. Leighty Grocery and Queensware in the late 80's

^g^!g<@as;-5:S#'

The Linder Micldlesworth Home, North of Tower Hill

'^

ft\^

*

.

•M^

V

life

1^

^k

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|T

Western Union Telegraph Office, 1896

"Mike Guinnee was my first helper and today holds my old position,
having served in R. R. positions of trust all these years in many important
places, such as Pana, Wapolia, Witt, agent at Tower Hill and now tower
man and telegraph operator.

"Homer Jones was alert and earnest in his effort to learn the work, and
later occupied many positions on the Big Four and Clover Leaf. He then took
up the study of mail service and served in that capacity for several years,
finally filling the position of chief clerk in Chicago.

"Dan Guinnee Jr. (deceased), another of my boys, filled the position of
dispatcher in Mattoon. Worth Weekers became very efficient and now holds
the position as agent at Pekin, HI., a high class office. Claude Leighty, who J
guess has been advanced more than any others whom I taught the system,
went to the Wisconsin Central R. R., working up to chief & train master, and
during the World War was appointed by Lord Schnaumessey of Canada as
Superintendent of telegraph of the whole Canadan Pacific Railway system at
Toronto, Canada, with a fat pay check each month.

"After the war Claude had to give way, as per the custom, to a titled
crippled Englishman. He is :iow superintendent of the Oregon Short Line R
R. at Portland Oregon. W. O. Shanks, another tower graduate of the McLean
School, has spent most of his R. R. work at Tower Hill.

"Freddie McLean (my son) is now in New York City holding a respons-
ible position as "marker-up" on the N. Y. Stock Exchange, a position which
requires only the very best. Freddie has worked in dispatcher's office on the
Wabash in Mattoon, then the general office in Decatur and Chicago, was
press operator in Chicago, New York and Berkeley, Calif. He was one of the
first 5,000 to leave Chicago for France as a soldier in the World War. A short
time before enlisting he had a class in Chicago, teaching telegraph and
similar work. I am quite certain a Tower Hill boy by name Edgar Russell was
a student.

'Fred was rated as one of the most rapid telegraph transmitters of the
code in the U.S.A., as some here now can testify.

"John Guinnee, another one of my pupils (now deceased), worked differ-
ent offices, finally a steady position at the home town. Jim Roberts is another
and now is agent on the Northwestern R. R. somewhere in Iowa. William
Nance worked for several years at this calling, finally engaging in other
business.

"Elmer Leighty and Bennie Henton learned the system, yet neither took
it up for a permanent occupation. Bennie as w^e all know became the great
saxophone player in Sousa's band. Elmer is in Decatur in the grocery
business.

"Eddie Sidwell worked a short time on the road, then applied and was
made wireless operator on a government war vessel. Later he returned to
N. Y. where he is handling a flock of ticker tape machines in Stock
Exchanges.

—35—

•'As I new Icok back at those days I have the satisfaction j)f knowing
that when any of my boys made applications for places of trust, with
efficiency as the talking point, that by personal recommendation to the R. R.
officials was sufficient recommendation, and I never had a call down as to
qualifications.

"By the way, it may be of interest to the public to know that Tower Hill
was the first town outside of Cook county to install the interlocking system,
and I was the first operator to handle such a system. So the Old Home Town
is first in some thing."

Thus ends the first history of the R. R. and Telegraph Industr>' as fur-
nished by Ed S. Mclean.

CORRECTION — In issue of "Railroads,'* unfortunately, we omitted the
name of Frank Fogarty, who for 20 years was second trick operator at the
Tower. He is now supt. of a soda ash deposit operating company in Michigan.

TRAGEDIES

The C'ld home t*own is no exception to the rule in that it has had its
share of the tragedies of life. This is the sad page in the history of any
community-, but a part of its record. However, we can say that most all
the tragedies of Tower Hill were of an accidental nature, and not many
cf the premeditated affairs.

In all this list I stand corrected as to details, but remember the actual
occurance as a whole only. In the first years of the town's history there are
many traditional reports of tragedies, some as serious as a murder. These
no doubt were occasioned by the saloon and the rough character of the
individuals building the railroad, and the usual condition found in the
founding of a new town.

The first tragedy that comes to my mind, is the burning to death oi
the Guinnee twins. I will confess I was too small to know of the actual
occurance but have heard of it so often that I feel I was old enough to
remember this sad incident. This must have occured around about 1874.
earlier and perhaps later. These children were the twins of Mr. and Mrs.
Mike Guinnee, who lived at the old home near the business part of town,
and known intimately even down to the present generation. (By way oi
digression, I cannot refrain from stating that on a recent visit to the old
home town, I was so saddened as I stood and viewed the spot and ruins
of that once popular and happy hom.e. Forty years ago there was no
livelier nor happier home in the town, occasioned by so many section
boarders and the large family of popular young people. It was from here
that happened one of Tower Hill's most sensational elopements. The daugh-
ter, Ella Guinnee, being assisted in her flight by my uncle, Line Sharrock,
she being a few hours later the bride of a popular young man, Clark Brown.
But, as usual, the good common sense of the parents of the bride, soon
extended the welcome hand and all was lovely. But back to the tragedy.
Three small children is some way procured the coal oil can and poured
the contents upon smoldering embers in the stove, with the usual result of
an explosion. They were burned so badly that death ended their suffering

in a few hours. I have often heard my parents, as no doubt a score ol
others ever afterward, warned their children about pouring oil on a stove,
h.'Oiding up this awful catastrophy as a warning lesson.

Another accidental tragedy happening perhaps a little later than this
was The smothering to death of a Gross boy in the wheat bin of the brici^
elevaior. It appears that he with other boys had a fashion of jumping
into the large bin of wheat tliat was being let run through a chute into a
car on the siding. In some way he was caught in the suction and carried
into the chute where he soon suffocated. I stand corrected but I believe
this little boy was a brother of the wife of Mr. James Hunter of our city.

Perliaps of all the tragedies of Tower Hill, there is none so pathetic
and in which the whole town poured out their sympathy so universally
as that of Alta Heady, who was burned to death through an explosion of a
coal oil lamp and which happened in the home near where the present
building of the "Times" is located. I remember this so well, and it must
have happened in 1877 or 1888, and saddened the entire community. Early
one Monday morning in the summer time, Alta picked up the lamp, and
wishing to extinguish it blew down the chimney when lo, an explosion
that scattered the burning oil at her feet. Immediately she was a blazing
torch, and ran screaming through the rooms, crying for help. Incidentally at
this moment. Uncle Jimmy Jones was passing and hearing the screams burst
open the door, and found poor Alta had taken refuge behind the door, as her
scant clothing had been burned off her body. Medical aid was summoned but
to no avail and a few hours soon relieved her of her suffering. Alta was
among the most popular of the young people of that day. A member of the
Methodist choir, a beautiful, sweet young girl and a spotless character.

I remember as well as yesterday that funeral, because of one incident
that fastened itself upon my memory. According to reports current at the
time, Alta was engaged to a Tower Hill young man by the nam.e of Charley
Baines. While the funeral was in progress at the old Methodist church (now
the present Christian church) he stood on the outside refusing to go inside
because of his deep grief. I with other kiddies stood in the yard observing
what was going on, boy like fashion. Strange but I can see him today as
plainly as on that summer afternoon when Charley Baines passed through
his Gethsemane, and found no solace for his broken heart. It was only a few
days until he left the scenes of his deep sorrow, and turned to the great West
for relief. He never returned, and for many years no one knew of his where-
abouts.

Many in Tower Hill today remember this awful tragedy and the events
and incidents connected with it, and which I have no space to record. But one
related by my aunt, Amanda Brant now of Decatur, is very touching. Alta
was conscious during her few hours of suffering, and had summoned all her
her girl friends to be with her in her last hours. Her one last touching
request was "Oh girl, don't forget me when I'm gone". Her last few moments
were spent exclusively with her fiance. Alta Heady was a sister-in-law of
your fellow citizen, Crawford Ward.

-37—

The next tradedy that ccmes to my mind is that of the suicide of Tom
Shelton, the son of Dr. Shelton, one of Tower Hill's most favored citizens
during the 80's. I am unable to give any details of this sad event or the
causes that led to such a jash act. I remember this, that the entire community
went out on deepest sympathy lO the doctor and his wife, who were much
esteemed citizens.

Along in the early 90's the community was shocked again by a similar
tragedy in the person of Otto Holt. No greater suprise could have come to
any community than the sudden self-destruction of a very promising young
man as Otto. This is one of the mysteries of life, and we can only say, "some
day, some where."

Most everyone has a memory of some event that happened along with
some special day. Just so with me, as there is hardly a Thanksgiving day
that comes around but what I think of the sad accidental death of John
Brown, one of Tower Hills brightest young men. This awful tragedy happened
in the late 80's when he was boarding a train at Shelbyville for home. The
sympathy of the entire community went out to the widowed mother, brother
and sisters.

Another mysterious tragedy of an accidental nature happened during
the 80's when Mr. Jones, the father of Homer and Frank Jones, met with a
mysterious death in Dakota. My vague memory is that he was found in a
cave where it appeared that some wild animal had pursued and killed him.

In the early 90's the town was suddenly aroused by the unloading on a
car door from the noon passenger train on the Big Four, the body of a young
girl who had been struck by the engine this side of Pana. Of all the myster-
ies in the village this so remains to this day as to her identity. I remember
her as she lay there in the baggage room, while many of the scholars, and
some teachers were viewing the remains. It was Mrs. Sallie (Richards)
Winkleman (who was very deeply affected) and made the emotional remark,
•'poor girl, some mother's baby." She was buried as I recalled, the first pauper
in the Tower Hill cemetery.

Along the same year another shock came to the community when it was
reported that a prominent citizen, namely, John E. Lane, had met a like
tragedy as related, when he was struck by a Big Four engine while walking
home from Pana. It is strange that one who had braved the horrors of war
should meet death in such an unexpected manner. But like thousands, no
doubt, his mind was thinking of other matters than immediate danger. John
E. Lane was the first commander of the J. R. Tilley Post, No. 304, in Tower
Hill.

In the early 90's, a Mr. Schaffer, the father of Mrs. Sam Fuget, met a
tragic death just a few rods east of the Andes elevator, while crossing the
track and emerging from behind seme box cars on the siding, and just in
time to be struck by the afternoon passenger train. His partial deafness no
doubt was responsible for his precarious position to be on the tracks at that
time.

—38^

Most all cities can point to many ct their public buildings which
during the course of erection were the scene of many an accidental death.
Tower Hill, while not m the city class, has the sad record of the accidental
tragedy of Scott Heady, who met his untimely death in an accidental manner
while employed in the building of tlie Methodist church. Scott is a brother of
Alta of v.'hom we related her tragic death. There is a memorial window in the
church in his memory.

Along in the 90's Mr. Harwood, an elderly; man living in the property west
of the Stumpi property, while burnin-g trash in the yard in some unaccount-
able manner found his clothing on fire. Being very feeble he was unable to
extinguish it immediately, the burns being so severe as to cause his death iix
a short time.

In the early 90's Mrs. Jones, the wife of Uncle Jimmy, while coming hom.e
on a Sunday afternoon from a meeting at the church and nearing the crossing
near the old mill site, thinking she had time to cross the track, and knowing
of the approaching fast train was struck and hurled for a considerable
distance causing her immediate death.

"Verily in the midst of life we are in the midst of death." As often re-
marked that, "death is no respector of persons." We can also say that trag-
edies are are no respector of homes, or the standing of the near relatives.
Such is the case as regards the home of Rev. Parks, one of the most respected
ministers who ever lived in Tower Hill- On the late 90's his son Tommy, was,
found several miles from home in a field with all indications of self destruc-
tion.

It was about this time that I moved away from Tower Hill and the events
since are mostly remicmbered by the present generation. As this record is one
of the early history of the community, events of these later years must wait
for some future historian.

FIRES IN TOWER HILL

Tower Hill like all towns has had her share of conflagrations. It was a
long while starting but became a very frequent visitor to the financial hard-
ship of many citizens.

I will stand corrected as to the correct dates as found in an old scrap
book of clippings from the Tower Hill Breeze.

The first general fire was that of the destruction of the original building
on the east side of the main street when the row of buildings from L. D.
Jester's Grocery on the east end to the alley across the present Masonic build-
ing. This included the doctor offices of Fringer and Shelton, the Corley drug
store, the building on the corner, and all buildings to the alley.

The first one recorded by the Breeze is dated May 18th (not able to give
year) and burned over practically the same ground.

The next one appears to be recorded Sept. 26, 1895, at noon, when a fire
broke out in Selby's restaurant and destroyed all the buildings in that block
on the south side of the railroad. Sparks being carried by a high wind set
fire to the school building causing a total loss. Also Dr. Young's barn was
destroyed by fire from flying sparks. The next appears to have been Aug. 19,
1901, and originated in the Diamond restaurant, being discovered ^y Otis
Jester so the account states.

—39—

It is stated here that the new Howe fighting fire equpment had recently
been purchased and this was a fair lest of its ability.

The next one is dated Jan. 27, 1905 starting on Sunday morning about
3 A.M. and destroyed tlie A. R. Robinson and Miller buildings. Another one
not dated was the destrcuction of the Price elevator. Then later the fire on the
west side, destroying the Eiler & Son building and adjacent structures. Then
shortly the Gross Hotel, and in later years the Wilkinson building. So Tower
Hill has been rebuilt over and again because of her many disastrous fires.

THE DOCTORS

Tower Hill has been very fortunate in its past history to boast of a splen-
did Eirray of medical talent, in fact, above the average for a village of this
size. Unfortunately I am unable to appeal to a real pioneer who can assist me
as to the early history of the phy.sicians who were residents in the Hill even
from the beginning down thru the Civil War days and into the early 70's.

But probably as in all pioneer villages there were numerous so-called
"country doctors" more from a neighborhood experience and a natural in-
stinct as "good in sickness" rather than their knowledge of medical science.

Then in birth cases there were women in every community who were call-
ed on to assist. In fact, women in pioneer days were almost universally de-
manded in this particular case of medical need, known as mid-wife.

Right here I can record a bit of family knowledge that has come down in
our family from authenic sources regarding the part women played in sick-
ness in the community.

I refer to my great-great grandmother, Mrs. Mary Magdalene (Wall)
Hanson, the wife of our Revolutionary ancestor, John Hanson. She was born
in 1765 in Virginia, and died in the "Knobs" community in 1845, and is buried
in the abandoned Milldesworth cemetery, a mile and a half north of Tower
Hill.

Her tombstone is standing and in good state of preservation, and I would
be pleased to have my friends visit the spot and place a wreath as a token
of her services in pioneer days. No doubt at all but what she was present in
scores of cases of births of ancestors of many citizens of our community.

She was known all over this section of the country for her ability in
handling very successfully all manners of ailments. I mention this particular
case, because she was typical of many in pioneer days, who assisted by
means of common knowledge of using "herbs" and homemade appliances,
battled very successfully with all manner of ailments common to the early
settler.

The men folk were active also in lines of service requiring more acute
skill and strength, such as setting broken bones, dislocated joints, pulling
teeth, bleeding a patient and other such strenuous cases as the necessity
demanded.

Again I call attention to another one of our family, and known by many
in this community. I refer to my grandfather, John Sharrock, who came to
this community in 1832 and died in this village in 1896.

—40—

He was a pioneer in Ihe early 40's with his wife (Catherine May) living
on tlie SharrocK homestead, about a half mile clue east ci the Efler ce,metery
in what is now a plowed field.

I have in my possession an account from Headen Neil, known by many
here, oi the part "Uncle" John Sharrock played in the role of country doctor.
He was being constantly called on to assist in setting broken bones,
dislocated jomts, and pulling teeth, and bleeding folks. Only recently it was
my privilege to see the forceps he used in this pioneer dentistry. They
sure are cruel lookng instruments, not so much in the pulling process but
a twisting alfair that certainly was very painful, bordering on torture.

It is recorded in our family that he would be called at all hours of day
and night in the midsi: of his daily work, but never too busy to lend aid to
to one in distress. I refer particularly to broken bones and such surgical work
that required strength and nerve. Even at the noon meal time a rider
would come galloping into the yard urging immediate help, a as neighbor
had met the misfortune in breaking an arm or leg or something else as
serious.

Throwing a sheepskin over his favorite traveling horse, perhaps bare-
headed and coatless, he rode at breakneck speed to the neighbor needing im-
mediate assistance. From his pioneer experience and unspeakable nerve in
handling these extreme surgical cases, being taught from his childhood how
to handle these serious mishaps, he became skilled in this activity ol needed
assistance.

Never receiving any "pay" as it was the pioneer custom for every one to
assist the community in any manner where help was needed. If anything ap-
proached to payment, it was rendered by lending assistance at hog-killing
times, or rail splitting, or some farm task.

So this is a partial picture of early days around Tower Hill before the
advent of the "Diploma Graduate" physician.

The average pioneer community were slow in admitting the "newcomer"
with his sheepskin guaranteed knowledge of all the ailments the human body
was subject, and the university rem.edies recommended for a cure.

This primitive descripton of the old-fashioned country doctor brings us
down to the period of the Civil War and the 70's.

And here your writer can stretch his memory to around the days of 1876.

My first dim recollection is of one whom I now look back and see bridged
the gap so to speak of the days of great-great-grandfather Hanson and
Grandfather Sharrock to the sheepskin graduate of medical science.

I refer to that old pioneer family doctor, of the early days of Tower Hill,
Doctor Brown, the father of the Brown family so well known even in this
generation, namely — Cass, John, Clark, Lucy, Mae and Ollie.

He was our family doctor, and honestly I feel I owe my life to his natural
skill and nursing me in a serious ailment, it being a relapse of that dreaded
child disease, the measles.

I have often heard my dear mother tell the story when I was so low when
even Dr. Brown led my mother from the sick room, saying, "Julia you had
better retire, for it will all be over in a few minutes."

—41—

But she said "Doc Brcwn never left me a minute," working alone with all
his natural skill to thwart a fatality. And he won. I mention this because
Dr. Brown even with only one leg, was of that old type, using a common sense
diagnosis of the cause of the ailment, and applying home made remedies to
a miraculous success. Ke had if any, only a limited college medical education.

Along at this same period Tower Hill had 2 other physicians who were of
the university type, namely Dr. Fringer and Dr. Morgan. And they soon wove
their medical personalities into the favor of the community, so the days of
the old fashioned doctor was past. Dr. Morgan later gave up the practice and
engaged in the drug store business. I remember so distinctly that old drug
store, because at Christmas times it was the only place where toys and
candies were kept.

Soon another college doctor hung out his shingle in the Hill, a Dr. Hunt —
and I expect almost forgotten by the few old timers. Dr. Hunt was a scholar
and educator, taking a keen interest in the public school system, being a
member of the school board, and by his interest assisted greatly in making
the schools of that day well spoken of as to organization and high grade
teachers. Just as a proof take a glance of these names who even today are
recognized as examples not even excelled to this period.

Professors— W. G. Kelley (late Judge Keliey of Shelby ville). Wash Rarer
(Uncle, I think of Emma Freeze), T. C. Eiler, Cass Brown, Frances Baines, I.
L. Brant afterwards a prominent doctor in the Hill), C. O. Bennett (afterwards
a prominent physician in Missouri), and so on.

Dr. Hunt was here only a short time, removing about 1880 to Warsaw, 111.
Dr. Fringer was a resident for many years — and remembered by many old
timers.

Dr. Morgan after his wife's death sold his drug store to Dr. Fringer, and
with his daughter, Anna, removed to Denver, where he died only a few years
ago. Then came Dr. Shelton from the south and spent the remainder of his
life here. He was a well respected citizen, and his family entered into the
life of the community in an affectionate manner.

Then was added another doctor who endeared himself to the community
— not only from his medical experience but his interest in music. His life in
our midst needs no comment as well know by this generation. Up to about
the year 1937 he is the only living doctor of our past medical history. I refer
to Dr. Young.

During this period of the late 80's there entered another university grad-
uate and with his many years of university experience he possessed what is
considered the greatest asset any physician can possess, that is a natural
instinct for diagnosing a sickness. I refer to my dearly beloved uncle. Dr. I.
L. Brant. He first settled in Lakewood, but soon felt the Hill offered a more
lucrative practice and a broader field of activity. It is common knowledge
that he was the most successful doctor in all manners of sickness that ever
lived in our community.

But his life was cut short by an early demise in 1897.

And here is where from a personal knowledge we close our history of
the medical fraternity, and record from now on the facts and information as
furnished by our able assistant Ed S. McLean:

—42—

Ed writes me that the 90's recorded in addition to Doctors Brant and
Sheltcn, Dr. A. J. Humphrey, Dr. Frank Martin, a Tower Hill boy, so well
known and who married one of our home town girls, namely IVFiss Ollie Mc-
Cullcugh. As WG all know Dr. Martin passed away only a few years ago in
i-aiia \v'ncre he had removed ana built up xeiy lucraliNC practice.

Then another boy of the community hung out his shingle in our midst,
Dr. Homer Corley, who still resides in the village. Homer belongs to that old
pioneer lamily ox Corleys who are connected not only with early pioneer life
but in the mercantile business and preaching profession as well.

From the period of 1900 to the present there has appeared other doctors,
as Dr. E. A. Doweil, and Dr. A. J. Hitt. I am iniormed that Doctors Corley and
Hitt are the present physicians in the village.

Two other doctors in denistry are recorded as practicing their pro.
fession at aifierent periods since 1900, namely Dr. E. B. Strange, who married
Miss Floy Cannon of thai old time respected family. Then Dr. John V/. Green
of the same profession, who resided here from 1914 to 1926 and who also
married another of our home grown girls, namely Miss Ruth Foor.

And thus ends our record of the medical fraternity.

NEWSPAPERS

The records show tha^ the earliest paper established was called the "True
Democrat" edited by Mit A. Bates. Tiiis was shortlived and possibly more of
a political nature than one founded upon the interest of the community.

For many years the newspaper interests shied clear of the prosperous
village until the early 90's when I. G. Holt started a paper by having the
printing done in Indiana. He christened it the "Tower Hill Breeze," a name
that became a household word for many years, although there were many
shifting scenes in the management.

Later Mr. Holt made arrangements whereby he established a home print-
ing plant. He furnished the community with a good paper, and it was well
patronized, but in the midsL of its popularity, he died. My recollection is that
the plant was idle for some time until purchased by Grant Huntoon, who
continued it for several years.

About 1906-7, Mr. Huntoon sold out the "Breeze" to a Mr. Danenberger,
who operated the plant for a short timxC only, and for some time the com-
munity was without a paper. It was idle foi several years until Mr. W. E.
Feuerhan established a paper known as the Tower Hill Times. The records
show the first issue was dated Oct. 5, 1921, and has continued in this name
to the present.

Before the writer leaves the information about the Breeze under the
management of Mr. Huntoon, I want to speak of my recollections of at least
3 persons who were in his employ from time to time and who are well re-
membered by many of the present generation.

First, a Mr. Lewis L. Sharrock (a cousin of mine) who had in mind the
making of the newspaper business his calling, but later changed to a med-
ical profession as a chiropractor, and very successful, finally locating in Los
Angeles, where he died in 1926.

—43—

Second, Miss Mae Price, who became V3iy efficient as a typesetter, and
general newspaper work, later resigned, removing to Kansas City, where she j
passed away.

Third, Mr. Worth Weeks, in the employ ot the Breeze for some time, later
took up the telegraph work under the splendid tutelage of our esteemed
citizen, Ed S.McLean, and was not long in finding his place in railway work,
following it all these years until today we find him as station agent in the
great city of Pekin, Illinois. A letter from h:m recently spoke of his excellent
position and his love for the "Old Home Town."

Going back to the Times under Mr. Feuerhan, we find he gave the com-
munity a splendid newsy paper, and in connection had a large outlay in
presses and printing material, doing a big job business.

But from lack of local advertising and support of the subscribing ele-
ment, about 10 years ago he combined his plant with that of his Assumption
office, and finally in Decem.ber, 1935, announced the discontinuance of the
printing of the Times.

At that time the present owners, Pana News Inc., bought right, title and
interest and continued publication.

A personal remark here, and I feel it is unanimous that of all newspapers
published in the Hill, for general local news, writeups, and general make-up,
the present owners are giving the community the best country paper possible,
and best ever published. But I want to sound a note of warning to the public
in general, that from my past experience of 40 years with the business end
of the country newspaper, it can't be run as a donation to the public, bul
must have the united support of both the merchants and the public in
general in a monetaiy way. The village paper should be the civic pride of the
community and arrangements made to support its publication, if in no other
way then by a subsidized endowment. This is a suggestion that should not
be cast aside.

MASONIC LODGE

In addition to the various items of interest that make for a community
besides its churches, schoolhouses and printing office, of which Tower Hill
can boast of, one more modern structure adorns her business center, which
stands as a monument not only to civic pride, but of the culmination of a
long cherished desire of a group of men whose "dream, came true," is that
splendid Masonic building. Built upon that old pioneer spot known as the
John F. Moore corner, it occupies a commanding position, facing west with its
imposing front of Grecian architecture.

Tower Hill Lodge A. F. & A. M., No. 493, organized in 1866 is the proud
owner of this structure. (By way of special interest I find the records show
that among the original charter members of this lodge organized in 1866,
that only recently the last one passed away, namely, Martin Hanson, dying
at the age of 88 years).

An interesting page in the history of Tower Hill and the community is the
official census record as furnished by the Department at Washington.

44-

Yr. Cold Spring Twp. Tower Hill Twp. Vil.

1860 1017 312

1870 1656 1176

1880 1S64 1478 392

1890 2021 1549 543

1900 1133 1538 615

1910 978 1832 1040

1920 910 1541 769

THE POSTOFFICE

Previously I spoke ol the first postmaster, Mr. Thomas Craddock, who
was appointed postmaster at Westminster August 23, 1854, and so continued
until May 11, 1857, when the postoffice at Westminster was discontinued,
and Alexander (Elick) Hunter was made the first postmaster at Tower Hill.
The others are as follows: Robert B. Poors, Sept. 27, 1858; Thomas Craddock
again Feb. 15, 1859; and strange to relate and which may be a surprise to
many, I see by the official records that the office at Tower Hill was dis
continued that same year on Oct. 28, 1859, and re-established Dec. 15, 1860.
No reason is given, but for over a year Tower Hill was without a postoffice.
On the same day of re-establishing, Thomas W. Craddock was re- instated as
postmaster Dec 15, 1860. To this day there has been a continuous office as
follows: William Harrison, July 9, 1863; Alburtus V. Harper, April 10, 1866;
Ambrose M. Craddock, Feb. 24, 1868; Ner Middlesworth, April 15, 1869; Harvey
B. Baines, March 31, 1873; John Wrecks, Nov. 16, 1881; Henry K. Baines, Aug.
31, 1885; Susan E. Baines, Dec. 7, 1888; John Weeks, April 13, 1889; John W.
Deane, June 23, 1893; Hugh P. Faught, July 20, 1897 (20 years); Fannie S.
Morrison, April 24, 1917; Thomas Verner Filer, Dec. 22, 1921.

In our previous article about the post office we left off w^ith Verner Filer
being appointed Postmaster on Dec. 22, 1921, and served until 1929. His wife,
Mary Filer, as deputy, becam.e acting postmistress in 1929 and served until
1933 when Ora C. Maze succeeded as postmaster and continues to the present
time.

Through his kindness Mr. Maze has given me the rural department re-
cord as follows: The records show that Tower Hill office was designated as a
rural center in April, 1901, with our old friend Lem W. Morrison as the first
rural carrier. He served in this capacity until 1922, retiring on a government
pension.

Others who were given rural routes in the beginning and at later times
serving 4 routes were as follows: William Tilley, Ray Stumpf, Charles Morri-
son, Wm. Fluckey, George Myers, Charles Inman, Roy Rhodes, Frank Lane,
Jesse Cullumber, L. F. Story.

A few years ago the 4 routes were consolidated into 2 with John J. Rhodes
serving route No. 1 with a mileage of 43 miles and Walter Myers serving
route No.2 with 42.90 miles.

In the boom days of the late 80's and 90's the mail receipts were heavy,
and my recollection is that the office received mail daily from 6 trains and
possibly more. The morning mail from the B. & O. was the heaviest, and I
can yet visualize the crowds in the office awaiting the final distribution of
the mail.

Tne outstanding characters as postmasters as I look back 50 years or
more were H. K. Baines, with his wife as deputy, then came that most oblig.
ing public servant the Hon. John Weeks, with his gracious deputy, the
daughter, Miss Stella.

Others who follow -d later were no doubt just as obliging, but my removal
fiom the Hill left me without personal acquaintance. (I have been persuad-
ing Miss Stella Weeks (now Mrs. Hunter) to write of her experience as post-
mistress in the Hill fifty years ago, and hope she will respond, for no doubt
it would be very interesting in speaking of the citizens of that day and their
peculiarities. It is a generation almost gone).

(The following is the personal rem.iniscence of the oldest official of the
history of the Post Office at Tower Hill, in the person of Mrs. Stella (Weeks)
Hunter, now of Cowden. She is the daughter ol John Weeks who was P. M. in
the late 80's and the daughter, then Miss Stella, was the efficient deputy. This
installment has to do with history reaching back almost a half century, and
I feel the Times readers will appreciate the effort. H. E.)

I felt quite honored, recently, wlien I received a letter from my old-time
friend and classmate Homer Eiler, ncv/ of Pasadena, California, asking me to
contribute a chapter, or, rather, a few reminiscences to the history of Tower
Hill which he is at present writing and publishing in the Tcwer Hill Times.
I am happy to add my contribution. Tower Hill is my native town. Mr. Eiler
has asked me to write of the time when my father, the late John Weeks,
was postmaster, and I was his deputj'.

My father served 2 terms, the first under the Garfield -Arthur administra-
tion. My mother helped him during that teim for I had not reached the age
required by the postal laws. I think I helped him some at the last of his
term.

Grover Cleveland was the next president of the United States and since
the policy of each of the 2 great political parties had long been "to the victor
belong the spoils," it was to be expected that a man of the same political
faith as that of the president would succeed my father. If I remember correct-
ly the new appointee was the same man wliom my father had succeeded,
namely, H. K. Baines-. Mr. B. with ?.IrF. B. as his assistant, were good, plea-
sant, accommodating officials.

Benjamin Harrison was elected on the Republican ticket at the close of
Mr. Cleveland's first lerm, and my father v.-as appointed postmaster, again
succeeding Mr. Baines. I was his assistant until late 1892, when I was married.

I like to remembc my father's integrity, there, as elsewhere, his desire
to please, his willingrcs to accommodate his patrons in ever>' way possible,
his patience in explaming the minutest details, and I pause here to pay
tribute to his memory. Of course he made mistakes — he was human. I re-
member one he made very well. In distributing the mail one morning he put
a card in a box adjoining the right one. The man to whom the card belonged
came in soon after and I gave him his mali. In the meantime I had dis-
covered the error and put the card in the right box. T.ate", this man came
in on ar.other errand, saw the card in his box, asked for it and also asked

me how it happened ihat he hadn't got it when he got the rest of his mail

—46—

that morning for there had been no other mails in since. He told my father
a number cf years afterward about it and said that I had very nonchalanfjy
replied, "Oh, I hadn't had time to read it theni" I do not remember saying
that, but I certainly shall not deny it, nor try to excuse myself, for it was
grcscly impudent. I wonder if E. S. McLean slill remembers that episode.

During my father's 2 terms the post office was housed in 4 different
buildings. First, in Iho little frame house just north of the Corley brick store
bu-j-ding, then across the street next to the Button and Craddock store, then
in the building just east of the M. Guinnee residence, and finally to a build-
ing between the railroads and just across the street from the old Gross hotel-

Those were the days before Rural Free Delivery had been made possible,
the days before paved or gravelled or any kind of surfaced roads and it
seems to me as I look back that the dirt roado that we have today never get
as muddy as those did. Mud to the axles, roads well nigh impassible for
weeks at a time during the winter and spring months! How the mail did pile
up for the folk living in the rural districts; stacks of newspapers, numbers
of letters, sometimes over a period of a month or 6 weeks. But anyway, they
were news when the owners did get tliem, for we had no party line tele-
phones and there was no radio to bring the world's latest news to us as we
sat in our comfortable living rooms, news we now know before we looITat
the morning paper. If Edward ^/ll had lived in those times we would have
been compelled to learn from the paper that he felt unable to carry on as
king without the "help and support of the woman he loved."

We had 4 mails a day, 2 each on the B.&O. and the Big Four, later, there
was a closed early mail besides. WIio can forget the coming in of the mail?
It was an event occurring 4 times evei-y day and yet each event just a bit
different. I doubt if one could find a corporal's guard of those who used to
"wait for the mail" and yet the front of the office was usually full. Some
would be waiting for letters that gave them a starry-eyed look just in antici-
pation, older people waited for their favorite newspapers, others waited who
didn't expect mail and were not disappointed — all in all it was always a
happy crowd, typical of the small community, knowing each others' good and
bad qualities, and excusing the bad, remembered the good and continued to
be kind and neighborly, and as they waited they laughed and joked and
kidded one another, and discussed the affairs of the da.y, local and otherwise.

Ever>^where groups are largely the same. Some are courteous, ofHers are
not So in the village post office. Some demanded being waited on, no matter
how busy one was, others politely waited their turn, gave a smile and a
"thank you."

Once in a while a patron would declare that a certain letter should be
there and darkly hint that there was a possibility of something being crook-
ed about that particular post office. I remember one lovely spring afternoon
I was alone in the office and a woman came to the window and asked for
mail for a certain name. I looked in the general delivery and there were
neither letters nor papers and told her as nicely as I knew how that fhere
was nothing for that name. She informed me that there should be a large
number of newspapers, I have forgotten now how many, that they had been
destroyed at that place and that she was going to have such carelessness

—47—

looked into and I think that she painted the prison for us, and besides, keep-
ing all her papers, she said that that very day a money order had been
bought at the Robinson Creek post office, payable to her and mailed that
very day to her at Tower Hill on the afternoon train and here I said she had
no mail, and so on.

My dad always said try to explain but never talk back to patrons. I tried
to tell her that Robinson Creek was not a money order office but didn't get
much of a chance. She finally ran down as people and clocks do, but I have
often wondered if she ever got that money. Well, that is just one disagree-
able, unreasonable person one meets in any kind of public work" to one
hundred, kindly, understanding, reasonable ones. One soon forgets the one
in the pleasure derived from the other hundred.

I think of the friendly business men of old T, H. who came to the office,
R. E. Cannon, J. A. Andes, the Eilers, Fred Stumpf, Doug Corley, always with
a new joke, and so many more that I haven't space to name. I think every
one of them that I knew when I worked in the Tower Hill post office are
sleeping out in the cemetery along with my own parents and my brother,
Chase.

The mail order houses in those days had hardly passed the embryo stage,
there were not so many inagazines and periodicals as now, Christmas was
not the time of extensive giving as it is at present, Christmas, birthday and
Easter cards were yet to be thought of. Mother's Day and Dad's Day had not
been placed on the calendar, the parcel post law was 2 or more decades in
the future — consequently the volume of mail was small compared to these
days when even a baby has been sent by parcel and thousands of baby
chicks, eggs and hundreds of other things that we never dreamed .of now
reach their destination thru the efficiency of Uncle Sam's mail service. The
only thing alive that I ever remember going through our office was a queen
bee consigned to Geo. W. Grisso from that great bee man, A. I. Root, Medina,
Ohio. There was some royal buzzing in the office that day until Mr. Grisso
took her majesty home.

At the time of which I am writing, tho Towner Hill post office was a
fourth class office, and as such, the boxes and rentals belonged to the post-
master. The rental was ten cents a quarter, and my dad manifained that
everyone should own a box, but somehow he never succeeded in getting the
matter entirely over.

Looking back across the more than forty years of a busy life with its
attendant problems and perplexities, its joys and sorrows, I am surprised that
I still remember so many of the box numbers and their owners. The rental
was donated to the different ministers. I can still almost hear the old
Presbyterian minister, so long the shepherd of the flock in Tower Hill, the
Rev. Adam Johnston, call in his gruff Scotch voice, "77." The Methodist
minister's box was 47, and that of the Free Methodist, 37.

There are confidences and other peoples' secrets associated with a village
post office that are to be kept inviolate and I am glad to be able to say that
so far as I know neither my father nor I ever betrayed these things. I have
often wondered, if some things had been told just what sort of an uproar
would have been created.

-4S—

Memories are crowding in faster than I can make my typewriter go and
I almost forget that there are lines on my face and gray hairs on my temples,
for it seems but yesterday that I was handing out mail to so many that I am
thinking of, who have been gone so long, Miss Jennie Hook, for one, who
came regularly every day, rain or shine. Homer says she wore a red Paisley
shawl .1 don't remember about that.

Well, one who used to wait for the mai] is postmaster there now, and
I am wondering. Do folks still wait for the mail? Are some still critical and
accusing and fault-finding and refuse to understand? Are some still kindly
and charitable if a mistake is made? Do some come in with a cheery "Goo^
Morning"? Are there still some who smile and say "Thank you"? Does the
ratio still stand one hundred nice, pleasan^ patrons to the one habitual
grouch? Human nature doesn't change much and "We are the same that our
fathers have been."

Respectfully,

Mrs. Stella (Weeks) Hunter.

THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

This interesting item was very intelligently compiled during the last
year by Mrs. Eva Myres and others, and with their courtesy will incorporate
into this history bits of that history.

Mrs. Eva (Hook) Cannon wrote of her early memory: "In 1866 the first
school building, a one-room frame building stood facing the south about
where the present wesr wing of the present building stands^ It had two front
doors and the teacher's desk just between them. There were nine double
desks and seats on the east side and nine on the west, with recitation seats
in the center of the building. Mrs. Dave Canaan was one of the first teachers,
also a one-armed man, a Mr. Miller, who taught about 1867. D. S. Brown
taught two terms during the last of which the pupils were divided, Cass
Brown taking the first and second grades to a building just between the
present post office and the M.E. parsonage. (This building is at present H.
H. Runkel's garage).

In these earlier days it w^as often the privilege of the older pupils to teach
the younger pupils, just to help the teacher. Imagine a class of eighteen or
twenty standing up just before evening closing in the 'big spelling class-'
The one at the head went to the foot for the next day, but often a good
speller has spelled down the whole class, and stands at the head the next
day."

From, other records I find that the first schoolhouse erected in Tower Hill
township was called "Old Hickory," a log cabin building. It stood in the
center of section 3, Charles McCabe was the first teacher. It must be re-
membered that there were other school buildings in different sections of the
county. And ever so interesting to note that a school building had been
erected as early as 1821 in the Cold Spring village with Moses Storey as
teacher. This wias fully thirty- five years before the one at "Old Hickory."
This gives you an idea of the early records as to settlement of Williamsburg.

In the late GCs a second building was elected on the site of the prezent
schoolground, because of the growth of the village of Tower Hill. In the early
70's J. W. Sharrock, a Civil War veteran, was one cf the teachers. The readers
of the Times will remember of reading his obituary published during the
last year, he dying at the age of 84 years. It was the writer's privilege to be
a scholar in 1874 in the room of this respected citizen, soldier, and teacher.
He was my first teacher and very distinctly do I remember my first day of
school. I note with much interest the change in methods of teaching in those
days as compared to ihe present. Then it was the A.B.C. method and form-
ulating into words, now the word and sentence method.

In the late 70's Miss Frances (Frank) Baines, and W- C. Keliey (a lawyer
of Shelbyville) and Wash Rarer were teachers. Dr. I. L. Brant was a teacher
in 1879.

Mrs. Sarah E. Howard contributed the following: "In 1880 Dexter Corley
was principal, Louis Leighty and Sarah E. Howard as teachers. A school
building west of town had been moved in and joined to the first building.
(At present these buildings are residences in Tower Hill, one occupied by
O. Y. Roberts, the other by Miss Nettie Crout)."

In the early 80's Cass and John were teachers, and the Tower

Hill high school had establishod a reputation for thcroughness, and was at-
tracting many students from the surrounding country.

For want of space we refrain from recording the list of teachers from
this time until the present.

The frame buildings stood for several years until a fire destroyed them.
They have been built from tim.e to time until today a modern plant is the
pride of the community. The curriculum has also been improved until today
the various courses compare favorably with larger communities.

THE COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL
While the village of Tower Hill has met ? very decided adverse record as
to the matter of general merchandise business as a trading center, and a
stock and grain shipping point for the community, as compared to the period
of the '80's and 90's and the same decline applying to the population, church
and Sunday school, yet it has made an extraordinary advancement in the
matter of general education in local grade work, and specially in the estab-
lishment of a Community High school.

Previous to the '20s it had been the community talk pro and con, as to
the advisability of the establishment of a Community High school to meet
the demands of the 8th grade graduates of the town and rural centers, that
these pupils could have the advantage of an accredited high school witTiin
their midst, and thus from an economical view secure for them this advanced
course, without seeking such in other established educational centers.

Meeting the demands of the surrounding districts, the proposition of
organization was finally taken up with those interested, and the dream finally
took definite form with the boundaries fixed at 62 square miles, with 230
property owners in this district, all legal matters adjusted properly, and in
the fall of 1922 saw the opening officially of the Tower Hill Communtiy High
school, with Mrs. Etta M. Russell as principal, and assistants Miss Opal M.
Fry and L. C. Cannonj

—50—

The enrollment the first year was 47 with a graduating class of 3. It may-
be of intoroct to recall that the first commencement was held in the Fluckey
Opera house, and in connection all those ^events that go, to make 'up that
very interesting program. The baccalaureate sermon was delivered by the
Rev. J. C. Yeck, paster of the Free Methodist church of the village.

The graduates were Leah Selby. now Mrs. Ernest Crum, living in Colo-
rado; Grace Selby, now Mrs. Roland Meyers, living near Tower Hill, and
Frederick Blauth, a citizen of the town, and now serving as Highway Com-
missioner for the township. ~~

The records show a fourth member of the class as Miss Ethel Henderson,
who died at near Christmas time of the year.

It was apparent that the establishment of this advanced grade of learn-
ing was meeting with the approval by the community interests, because of
the economical advantage of having within their own midst, that advantage
for which students liad to seek elsewhere.

Then the decision of the educational board to emphasize the courses of
study that would apply directly to this agricultural region, such as Com-
mercial and Vocational Agriculture, made many friends of the project.

In addition to this there is the regular high school course of Math-
ematics, Languages, History, Literature and the Sciences.

The matter of stressing the athletic phase of the curriculum met with
favor as such a course is a universal support in all institutions, so a pro-
gram commensurate with the institution was planned and is being carried
out.

The records show that a regular athletic schedule was introduced by Prof.
W. B. Garvin of the faculty who had succeeded Mrs. Russell as principal in
1923-24.

The games basketball and football were played for a time, under the
coaching of L. C. Cannon. After a few years the department dropped football,
but basketball continued and ^^emains as a definite program of athletic con-
tests to the present time.

Athletic work for girls was introduced into the school program in 1925,
when Miss Hazel J. Wheeler became a mem.ber of the faculty. Inter- high
school contests have never been sponsored for girls because of the ruling by
the Illinois State High School Athletic association to that effect.

Class teams of basketball for girls have been organized each year and
compete with each other during athletic class periods.

The coaches who have directed the basketball teams have been as fol-
lows: W. B. Gar\in, L. C. Cannon, Walter Smith, Roy Adams, Harlan Walley,
Albert Millington, and the present coach, Dawn Neil, who has been a mem-
ber of the faculty for 4 years, and is a graduate of the class of '27.

I wish it were possible to extend the history and give a list of all the
members of the faculty from the beginning, also to include a catalogue of
the course of study, and the listing of the text books, with comments on the
courses of study, as compared to that of 50 > cars ago when the writer was a
student in the Tower Hill grade school, but space forbids.

As we have already noted, the establishment of the school met with a
hearty response by the patrons of the district. The enrollment increasing each
year it was soon apparent that larger quarters would be necessary to take
care of the increase.

—51—

So while it was learned in 1934 that Federal agencies monetary
assistance could be secured, the board tooi^ necessary steps in an election
held to vote on a proposition of a new school building, which was carried

A new building, Iccaied in the south pari of town, costing around $68,000
was erected and occupied in February of 1935. This building is the result of
the architect's best planning for conveniences, and is sufficient to take care
of the needs for many years to come.

At the time of planning and construction of this new building, the Board
of Education was composed of the following citizens: C. J. Sibbitt, pres., Paul
Blauth, clerk, and directors Edward Schoch, George Fringer and Dale Glick.

For the year 1936-7 a faculty of 6 comprise the teaching staff, with an
enrollment of 102 and a graduating class of 18 which record speaks for itself
as to the popularity of the school.

The present principal is Miss Hazel J. Wheeler, who came to the school
in 1925 as a member of the faculty, from the Central Missouri State Teachers
college with her B.S. and A.B. degrees and the Degree of A.M. from Missouri
State university.

The present Board of Education is Charles J. Sibbitt, pres., Paul Blauth,
as clerk, and directors Albert Doll, Dale Glick and Roy Hockaday.

The writer wishes to add this bit of comment, in complimenting the youth
of today on their excel] ent opportunities in obtaining at home what those of
a generatin ago had to migrate to som.e distant seat of learning, to possess
knowledge of a character perhaps not as well presented as at the present
time.

Special acknowledgment is due the principal. Miss Wheeler, for the facts
and information in general so kindly given the writer in presenting this
record.

CHURCH HISTORY

As previously related the churches came to the Hill with the advent ot
the first showing of citizens sufficient for an organization. The traveling
preacher was in evidence with the first settlers and community gatherings
were frequent. Camp meetings were the most popular method of reaching
the people. As stated Williamsburg led the country for its old-fashioned,
prolonged religious gatherings, because of the splendid natural advantages
in shade and spring water. Many of the early settlers of Tower Hill dale their
religious experience to the Ridge camp meeting.

Organized classes of Methodists and Baptists were formed in many ot
the settlements, long before there was a Tower Hill. So when the new town
started it meant another organized class, and as the town grew, so did the
classes.

I find that the first sermon preached in Tower Hill was in 1857 by Rev.
Levi Munson, a local preacher, who resided west of town. He organized the
first Sunday School, and a class meeting which formed the beginning of the
Methodist church in Tower Hill.

These organizations of different denominations met in the homes, school-
houses and open camp grounds until they were strong enough to build

—52—

About 1866 the Methodists built a church on the site of the present Chris-
tian church. Later it was rebuilt larger and improved, the present building
of the Christians being the one the last generation is familiar with. Prominent
among those who contributed lo the new building were: Rev. B. W. F. Corley,
Rev. Elisha Hook, H. K. Baines and James P. Selby. The building was de-
dicated by the Rev. Hiiam Buck.

From the official records I find the Methodist minister who made Tower
Hill as one of their preaching points started in 1862 with Rev. T. S. Johnson.
The list continues as follows: In 1863 to '65 it was supplied by Rev. B. W. F.
Corley; 1865 by Rev. J. W. Boon; 1866 by Rev. J. Villars; 1867, Rev. J. W.
Warfield; 1868, Rev. V7. A. Gales; 1869, Rev T. M. Dillon; 187D, Rev. P. A.
Swartz; 1871, Rev. J. Pollet; 1872, Rev. D. H. Stubblefield; 1873-4, Rev. I. N.
Rhodes; 1875, Rev. J. W. Warfield; 1876, Rev. D. H. Stubblefield; 1877, Rev. E.
S. Wambsley; 1878-9. Rev. M. B- McFadden; 1880-1, Rev. A. B. McElfrcsh;
1881-4, Rev. H. T. Collins; 1885-6, Rev. J. B. Martin, who built the present
building dedicated in November 1893. The balance of the ministers are
remembered.

The Baptists were very strong in the rural districts, specially in the
Williamsburg region and the Knobs, wherv"? church buildings were erected
and to this day organizations are active.

The United Erethren also wore a strong body, specially in the Eiler
church community, where they maintained one of the s trongest organiza-
tions in all the country. Tim.e and space will not permit of the history of this
body, only to say that they continued their work there until the early 80's
when the organization was disbanded.

The Presbyterians came in 1867 and formed an organization with sixteen
members, which was perfected by Rev. A. T. Norton and Rev. William Tits-
worth of the Alton Presbytery. They erected a building in the 70's on the
site of the present location, the eastern part of the present building being
the original structure. This church has been a great force in forming and
moulding Christian character in Tower Hill-

There is one m.inister of the Presbyterian church who deserves special
mention, because of the practical work as a pastor of a flock. Though dead
these many years, the name of Rev. Adam Johnson, together with his devout
wife is still held in reverence by many residents of Tower Hill to this day.

The Free Methodist congregation estabiished themselves here in the
early 80's and are a great spiritual power in the community. The history of
the church can never be written intelligently without weaving into its re-
cord the name of that early pioneer settler, merchant, respected citizen and
preacher, the Rev. B. W. F. Corley.

An incident of unusual interest connected with this church is the sudden
death of this respected mem.ber while the funeral sermon of his wife was
being preached. The services were abruptly ended and the following day a
double funeral was performed.

The Christian church located here in the 90's, purchasing the old Metho-
dist building. They have succeeded splendidly in building up a fine organisa-
tion and are very zealous in their spiritual endeavors.

— !>3—

METHODIST CHURCH

In the former history of the Methodist church, I left off with the dedica-
tion of the present church on Nov. 3, 1893, with Rev. J. B. Marfin as pastor,
and the writer as superintendent of the Sunday school, and I feel highly
honored to know that I held the first religious service in the present building.

Those were prosperous days for ihe church, in fact all the churches of the
village reached what we now look back to as "peak years" in interest, and
membership. For historical record we feel it is necessary to give a list of the
pastors who have served the congregation from where we left off in our former
write-up, which was Rev. H. T. Collins, who ended his pastorate in 1885.

Others down to the present are as follows, as furnished by the present
pastor, the Rev. Paul J. DuBois, who has so kindly assisted in the history.

Rev. T. O. Batey 1885-87; Rev. Peter Slagle 1887-90; Rev. A. M. Camp-
bell 1890-92; Rev. John B. Martin 1892-95; Rev. J. L. B. Ellis 1895-96; Rev.
Jasper Miller 1896-99; Rev. G. W- Olmstead 1899-1902; Rev. T. F. Shouse
1902-04; Rev. Walter Mitchell 1904-06; Rev. T. F. Garrett 19'06-08; Rev. J. D.
Hennesey 1908-10; Rev. H. U. Krusan 1910-14; Rev. F. C. Bonnefan
1914-16; Rev. Charles Wehrman 1916-18; Rev. Homer Delap 1918-19; Rev. S. R.
Reno 1919-22; Rev. S. F. Weaver 1922-24; Rev. Harry M. Ingram 1924-27; Rev.
George Fidler 1927-29; Rev. Paul Wilson 1929-35; Rev. Ray Corrothers 1935-36;
Rev. Paul J. Dubois 1936 — present pastor.

The present pastor is the 39th in number who has served this community.
The membership, like in all the churches, has been in a decreasing number
for many, many years, until at present it is no secret that for efficiency in
church activity,in the small village there must come sooner or later a general
uniting under the head of Community Fellowship.

The days of hair-splitting creeds and dogmas and denominationalism is
fast passing into history as the public is looking at the proposition, notwith-
standing the many "die-hards" in denominations are trying to block the
coming of the future church. It is being done in foreign fields — ^why not at
home? It is coming — the Community church- the present generation
demand it.

Continuing our history of the present church, not much can be added
since the occupation of the present building in 1893. The only improvement
has been the excavation of a basement where many social functions can be
better accommodated. A furnace was installed, adding greatly to the com-
fort of the congregation.

The history of tlie church is not complete without an account of the activ-
ity all these fifty years or more of the young folks. Here is where I can
speak personally of the organization of that splendid young people's society,
namely the Epworth League, for with others I had a part in starting this
organization.

In searching for back records, I was finally rewarded in receiving from
my dear sister, Mrs. Mar>' (Eiler) Robinson, of Denver, Colo., a church direc-
tory of the Tower Hill Methodist church, dated 1900, which certainly is a
very interesting document.

—54—

Here I find the following facts relative to the Epworth League, it being
organized Dec. 3, 1889, with a charter number 1584, and the following of-
ficials: Prcs., John A. McCormick; 1st vice-pres., Mary C. Eiler; 2nd vice-pres.,
Lillie Cannon; 3rd vice- pres., Pruella Reed; 4th vice-pres., Nellie Higgin-
botham; secy., W.T. Ward; treas., Hattie Evey.

It is remarkable tnat afler 48 years, fhere has been only one death, name-
ly John A. McCormick, and 3 still live in the town. Unfortunately, for some
unknown reason we find the statement, thai; this society did not flourish, and
was discontinued after a few months, but on Nov. 12, 1890, there was a re-
organization and has continued ever since.

I find the officers for the year 1900 were as follows: Pres., Mrs. Anna
Lane; 1st vice-pres., Miss Hattie Evey; 2nd vice-pres., Mrs. Maude (Richard-
son) Miller; 3rd vice-pres., Frank Lane; 4th vice-pres., Mrs- Olmstead (wife
of the pastor); secy., Miss Emma Freeze, treas., Miss Bertha Higginbotham;
organist. Miss Gertie Charlton; asst., Miss Oma Dean; chorister. Miss Emma
Dutton.

I find the membership was 66 in 1900, and the list is very interesting, for
to my personal knowledge 20 are dead; 20 have moved away; the balance
are strange names. The Junior League was in 19(X) very active with 34 mem-
bers with Miss Jennie O'Brien as superintendent.

The present membership of the Senior Epworth League is 28 with the
following officers:

Pres., Glenn Stilgebauer; 1st vice-pres., John Nicol; 2nd vice-pres., Winona
Hamilton; 3rd vice pres., Helen Borton; 4th vice pres., James Riley; secy.-
treas., Helen Pauley.

Because of the historical value of this wonderful find of my sister, of the
Methodist directory for 1900, I can not pass it by without relating some very
interesting facts for future records.

Rev. G. W. Olmsted was pastor, and the membership was 188 with names
listed, and certainly is very interesting to study them. Here are a few facts
that I glean. Personally that I know there are 90 dead; 55 moved away, and
balance are strangers to me. Verily the finger of time deals harshly in a
space of only 37 years.

Then there are 2 full pages of pictures of officials, one page being of the
9 trustees, and 7 are dead; 2 alive are Elvin Maze and John R. Henton. Note
this list of deceased: D. C. W^ard, S. W. Dutton, A. R. Robinson, Jesse W. Foor,
Jimmy Jones, David Ashe, J. W. Dean.

The 2nd page is the choir of 11 members and I note 5 are deceased. Here
is the list: Lizzie Cannon, Mrs. Lucy Foor, Miss G. Charlton, Mrs. Gertie
Henton (D), F.H. Lane, Emma Dutton, Hattie Evey, W. J. Richardson (D), Mrs.
Ida Longwell, S. W. Dutton (D), W. F. Miller (D). (Those marked (D) de-
ceased; balance have moved to other parts).

Note the booklet contains list of merchants advertising, and only 2 are
now of Tower Hill, namely, L. B. Fluckey ai;d Ed S. McLean.

There is a large picture of that dear saint to us all, Mrs. Marcelia
Stumpf, only deceased 2 years ago. She wa.3 S.S. superintendent in 1900.

Thus endeth the Methodist history. Please preserve for the future. Thanks
to Miss Helen Pauley for her deep interest in assisting with securing of
records.

—55—

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

In our old history' ^e spoke of the organization of this church in 1867, and
the erection of the present building in the early 70's, and paid special men-
tion to one well known minister, Rev. Adam. Johnson, who became pastor in
1876 and served until 1887-

For the benefit of our readers and future generations, we are pleased to
give an official list of all pasters to date from 1876. Unfortunately we were
not able to secure dates, so give names only, as follows: Rev. Adam Johnson
1876-1887; Rev. Dunn, Rev. S. W. Zeller, Rev. Leonard Keeler, Rev. Thomas
Parks, Rev. Elijah Thompson, Rev. W. C. Gieen, Rev. Geo. B. Smith, Rev. S.
W. Patterson, Rev. Henry Love, Rev. John McMillan, Rev. R. H. McHenry, Rev.
T. C. Hackenburg, Rev. J. M. Hicks, Rev. S. D. McKrackin, Rev. Ello, Rev. R.
L. McWherter, Rev. Hess from 1929 to 1931, and from this date there has
been no regular pastor.

The records show that at present the oldest members are Miss Sarah
Leighty, Mrs. Mary Siobitt, Miss Ella Leighty, Mrs. Mattie Leighty, Mrs.
Sam McKittruck, Lem Morrison, and there may possibly be others, so pardon.

It is remarkable u) note that the Misses Sarah and Ella Leighty have
been members since 1876 — a record of 61 years, no doubt unequalled by any
member of any church in the village or perhaps in surrounding territory.

It is with pleasure chat we are enabled to record the history of the young
people who have alwaj'S been a potent factor in the activities of the church,
and specially in their Christian Endeavor society. From the records we find
that this society wah organized in the fall of 1890 under the leadership of the
pastor. Rev. Keeler.

The charter members now living are Mrs. Sallie (Richards) Elliott, Mrs.
Minnie (Leighty) Ward, Mrs. Mattie (Richards) Jones, and Elvin Maze^ The
charter members who have died are as follows: Miss Minnie Fleming, Miss
Ada Tilley, Mrs. Nannie (Shelton) Jones, Steplien Richards, Mrs. Lucy (Maze)
Butts, Mrs. Berta (Hoffman) Keeler ,Mrs. Bcttie (Shelton) Twiss, Mrs. S. E.
Baines, Fred Stumpf, sr.. Rev. L. Keeler, and Mrs. Maude (Tilley) Elliott.

The society has a past record of splendid activity, and during the times
the church was without a pastor, they have carried on. Later because of death
and removal of so many active members the society has had a varied career
of existence and became inactive for several years, and then a resurrection
would take place, and such has been the record for many years, while for the
present the Endeavor and Ladies' Aid Society have been very active.

Because of a great loss in membership and financial assistance the
church has been without a pastor for several years and has had a struggle
for existence, in fact common to other religious societies.

Personally speaking, my uncle, the late Asa A. Filer, who passed away
in September, 1936, was among the oldest members and officials of this
church, and in many letters the past years he has deplored to the point of
extreme sadness the inactivity of the Presbyterian church in Tower Hill. For
he had been through the years of great activity, with a full house at both
morning and evening service.s — and pointed with pride to the choir main-
tained years ago by the church which rendered great service.

—56—

I have a picture of that choir taken over 40 years ago and note only 6 out
cf 12 are now living, namely: A. L. Leighty, Mrs. Sallie (Richards) Elliott,
Mrs. Mattie (Richards) Jones, Mrs. Minnie (Leighty) Ward, Miss Elizabeth
Jones and Walter Jones. Those dead are: Mis.^ Ada Tilley, Mrs. Maude (Tilley)
Elliott, A. Eiler, John Price, Miss Mary Leighty.

Personal compliments are extended to Miss Ella Leighty and Lem Morri-
son for valuable information in preparing this contribution.

THE CHURCHES (continued)

In cur former record, as recently printed in the Times, we treated of the
early history of the 2 oldest established churches in Tower Hill, namely the
Methodist and Presbyterian.

Of these 2 we treated their early history down to about the 90's, and will
now proceed to bring them up to the present. The other 2 churches, the Free
Methodist and the Christian, we will give their history in full as we had no
records when our first history was writlen.

Unfortunately the average citizen fails to realize the great moral and
leavening influenc2 of the church organization upon the local community,
always taking it for granted, not entering into the zeal and enthusiasm to
make its power for the "C^lden Rule" way of living more efficient.

Eternity alone can tell what the churches of Tower Hill have done to
mould Christian character, and even stricter moral ways of living, to the
army of young people of this community who in the 50 or 60 years or more
have gone out into all parts of the great U- S. A., to mingle with the public
in all manner of vocations of life.

I can speak of personal experience, when I claim that the church in-
fluence in my boyhood and youth age fitted me beyond words to express for
many of the ordeals one meets when dealing with a soulless world.

The influence of the church is still there, but sorry to note the "falling
away" in the zeal and attentiveness of its members in this present age.

In my questionnaire I asked this quetion what is the matter with the
churches today, and note the general opinion of the many agencies existing
today that are a hindrance to the aggressiveness of the village church. It is
evident that as a village grows in business affairs, likewise we see its ef-
fect upon the organized church. So the things that hinder the growth of a
village have an effect on the churches.

Of course the paved highv/ays have led in this lessened membership,
tending to centralize a vast community imo the larger cities of nearby
location.

The great migration of the young folks from the farming community to
go to the city for the "white collar" job has weakened the church organiza-
tion mightily.

The old fashioned "rural country church" is fast becoming a matter of
history. I wish I could take the space of this patient editor's paper and recall
the history of those early country churches of the community surrounding
Tower Hill for miles in every direction. It would be the most interesting page
of this article. Even wth my limited memory I could name Iterally scores of
these country boys and girls whose early life was moulded for a character,

—57—

that stayed with them all through life and many, yes many, of them have
left their impression in all the activities of life wherever they went.

Think of the mJnisters of the gospel who have gone out from these sur-
rounding communties, missionaries, minister's wives, song writers, teachers
with a moral character that steadied fchem in many a trying ordeal, not to
mention the hundreds of citizens whose standard of living was the ideal
"golden rule," all the result of the old-fashioned country- church.

It alarms me to think this age is v^^itnessing the passing of this great
agency, which has proven its usefulness in the past, and soon to be past
history. There is no use to deny it, for the annual statistics of every denom-
ination reveals this sad intelligence, to the dismay of our great leaders.

For history's sake let us make a partial record of those early church com-
munities around Tower Hill, that in their day were powerful in their res-
pective communities. Of course the oldest is Williamsburg — known far and
wide in an early day for its camp meetings running for weeks at a time
when folks came from a distance and camped for the time. Following
around a circle, note the Zion and New Hope communities, and even today
organizations are extant.

Then follows Westminster, but not so great as the old Eiler church, or-
ganization of the United Brethen which really had among the greatest bodies
of members, next to the Baptists, possible next were the Methodists, all
pioneers in religious work. Com.ing on around we find one of the greatest
church communities was the "Knobs." A volume could be written here,
where 2 large organizations, the Baptists and Methodists date back to pioneer
days and even today "carry on." Following on around we take in the great
centers in the German neighborhood, and one that you never hear about
today, and which my grandfather Conrad Eiler was a great leader in, was
"Locust Grove,"outside of Williamsburg. This was considered the greatest
religious community in all the regions, and one of the oldest.

Located on Flat Branch, for the northern part of Shelby county, it was
the center of religious worship and community interest. One scarcely hears
of this once active center today, which shows the trend of the rural country
church, toward the city center.

Going on around this circle, we come to Robinson Creek, then Rocky
Branch, which were very active church centers in pioneer days, especially
Rocky Branch.

This shows perhaps you may have never known how Tower Hill was
girdled with religious centers, and no Vv^onder when our village began to grow
it drew from this community circle citizens who knew the value of religious
and moral training.

And this leads up to our old history as just published — how the different
denominations started and grew to be very active in Christian activity. We
have given previously the history uf both the Methodist and Presbyterian
down to a period where we will now, continue to the present, with the addi-
tion of new history of the Free Methodist and Christian denominations, not
available when we wrote the old history.

-58—

THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH

In our previous record we stated, this church was organized during the
early 80's. From the present pastor and officials we learn the first meeting
held advancing this particular creed, was held by 2 young ladies, namely
Etta Rowdybush and Katie Hornbeck, in a tent on the east side of the Hill
in 1883.

Because of the satisfactory results of this meeting a Free Methodist
church was organized in the small frame building that stood in the early
days just north of the present Corley brick building. This meeting which con-
summated in the final organization was held by Rev. Nolan and Rev. John
Kelley.

Plans were made for a new church building and in 1885 the present
building was erected, being dedicated oy Rev. Colt, and the church has been
very active to the present.

It is with pleasure we have the record of the trustees who were active
in the construction of the building and other official duties. They are very
familiar names, and though all have passed away yet they have left an im-
press of Christian character that will never fade. The 7 officials were: Rev.
B. W. F. Corley, John Sharrock (my beloved grandfather), John Wintz, A. P.
Everett, John Weeks, William Wirey and Archibcld Roberts.

The ministers who have served this church from the beginning are as
fellows: Rev. Colthern 1885, Rev. A. J. Edwards 1886, Rev. Williford 1887, Rev.
B. F. Grigg 1888, Rev. D. W. Sala 1890, Rev. M. A. Cox 1891, Rev. Bruce 1892,
Rev. A .J. Smith 1894, Rev. H. Ahlmeyer 1896, Rev. A. L. Crumley 1899, Rev.
Dehmeyer 1900, Rev. A. J. Smith 1901, Rev. R W. Sanderson 1903, Rev. B. F.
Ray 1905, Rev. John Hockett 1907, Rev. W. Kelley 1908, Rev. C. J. Turnbow
1910, Rev. J. G. Yeck 1912, Rev. J. A. Williams 1915, Rev. J. D. Lockard
1917, Rev. J. G. Yeck 1918, Rev. Frank Bolding, Rev. J. O. Hendrickson 1923,
Rev. A. J. Smith 1924, Rev. J. N. Van Natten 1925, Rev. W. Taylor 1926, Rev.
J. G. Yeck 1927, Rev. V. G. Kackley 1929, Rev. C. E. Ring 1930, Rev. E. Lawary
1933, Rev. R. C. Nowlin 1935, Rev. C. J. Turnbow 1936 — the present pastor.

The church has maintained a splendid Sunday School and other societies
in active co-operation with the main membership body. Its membership dur-
ing its organizaton has numbered many of the town's prominent citizens, and
eternity alone can unfold the results of the efforts put forth to constrain
members of the comimunity to become active in their duty in building Chris-
tian character in the hom^e, and community that will endure for all time.

Special acknowledgment is due Mr. Bart Nichols for valuable
information.

THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

We are indebted to Mrs. Julia Maze and Miss Mary Peek for the informa-
tion concerning the Christian church of Tower Hill.

The records show the church was organized here in 1893 with the follow-
ing as charter member: John T. Killam and wife, Naomi, Charles L. Smith
and wife, Elizabeth, Henry Bullington and wife, Nancy, Clint Crook and wife,
Emma, Isaiah Henton and wife, Susan, John Crook and wife, Lottie, Mrs.
Rebecca Peek and daughter. Miss Mary Peek, Mrs. Julia (Bullington) Maze.

—59—

All of above are deceased except Miss Mary Peek, Mrs. Julia Maze and
Mrs. Emma (Crook) Ness. Verily the reaper hath garnered in a great harvest
of these charter members.

Unfortunately, Lhe original church records were destroyed in the brick
hotel fire several years ago, and much time has been taken in obtaining
such records as were available from more recent dates.

We find the organization started from a very successful meefmg con- j
ducted by Rev.W. H. Boles in September, 1893, with a membership of around
100 members.

In the following Jan. 1894, Rev. Boles returned and through another very
active service an additional 50 members were added so the church started
out with very bright prospects of a strong active organization.

Our informants report that the death roll has been more than the aver-
age since organization, and thus handicapped the activity planned from the
beginning.

In fact the records show fully one-half, possibly more, of the total mem-
bership have answered the last roll call, this being accounted for as I
scan the membership list as being of the older generation.

The pastors who have L'erved this organization from its beginning have
been as follows: Reverends Doughty, J. O. Henry, Smith, Marity, Allen, Dun-
lap, Baker, Reed, Williams, Griffin, Childs, Neathery, Hostettler, Spurlin and
Mahon.

For the last few years the church has been without a resident pastor, but
the membership have kept up the v/ork in Sunday School and the young
folks' societies. But like all church organizations in the small town where
the village itself has been on the decline from a general business stand-
point, where is a very decided decline in church activity also, which is not
a very pleasant subject to dwell on.

This organization occupies the old original building of the Methodist
church, built in the early 70's, which they purchased in 1893 when the new
building of the Methodists were erected which they occupy at the present
time.

But for some alterations as to the single entrance and the belfry tower
it is remindful of the days of long ago, when the writer was a small boy and
lived on the corner north in the same block.

In those days there was a singlo large square tower in the center,
housing the bell, and there were 2 entrances. While 60 years have rolled
by there are so many memories connected with this sacred spot, dear to so
many of my generation. If I live to be a Methuselah I will never forget the
tone of that old bell, and often v/onder what ever became of it. Surely it de-
serves a place in some historical chamber, but to many generations it is
enshrined in our minds and hearts, and so many sentiments are con-
nected with it, and this old building that it becomes sacred. No doubt there
are scores who will read this and remember those old fashioned revivals,
and that old sacred mourners bench around which hundreds of new Eves
were born, and lived a devoted Christian life.

—60—

To me personally it is sacred for this very thought, that I pledged my
life for an active Christian career. I have kept that faith to this present hour,
and that was in Jan., 1887, just fifty years ago the 30th of last month.

I cannot dismiss this article without recalling a few memorable incidents.
The first I remember was as a member of the primary class when Mrs.
Stumpf was my teacher, and as I have oftexi said before, I could not recount
a word or sentence she ever said in these days of 70's but 'twas the life she
lived that impressed me and instilled into me the value of a church
organization.

The second memorable incident was the funeral of Miss Alta Heauy in
1878 who was burned to death by the exploding of a kerosene lamp — which I
have treated at length in the old part of this history. Today it is so vivid to
me as I see her fiancee, Charley Baines, standing near the door on the out-
side, with a broken heart, which no balm or healing power has ever been
found to even soothe its shattered wreck. Only a few days after, Charley left
for the wild west of California, and I have learned that here he passed away
an old man, but his heart was in a silent unmarked grave in the Knobbs
graveyard. What a subject for a romance from true life!

Another, in fact it was a series of remembrances and was on funeral
occasions, the tolling ol the old bell of ine village church. You remember How
it was always planned, that watchmen were placed at proper comers to
give the signal so the bell would begin tolling when the procession started
from the home of the deceased and kept tolling until the body was placed at
the chancel rail in front of the pulpit. The same procedure wa§ gone
through with when the procession left the church. Somehow today in these
so-called modern times we have lost the saciedness of our departing friends
by up-to-date methods.

Another time of remembrance was when I led a bridal procession at the
close of a Sunday evening service to the front and they were married by the
preacher, whose name I have forgotten. The couple were a Mr. Clossen and
Lottie Roberts, who now live in Decatur. And so on, I could go, indefinitely,
not only incidents but those who lived, moved and were so active in that old
meeting house.

To dwell on them would take an additional chapter, for their names are
legion, and all gone these many, many yeart to their final reward. Note this
list — Crawford Ward, Uncle Jimmy Jcnes, Squire Robinson, Jesse Foor, Palmer
Everett and wife, L. D. Jester and wife, Geo. Corley and wife, I. G. Holt, John
Ward, R. E. Cannon, Milo Darst and wife, the Morgan family, Doves. They
all sowed well and the harvest is still going on.

The world will never forget the value of the village church.

HISTORY OF THE CLASS OF '87

Rightly belonging as part of the history of Tower Hill is the so-called
"graduating class" of 1887 from the Tower Hill grade schools, said class being
ever afterwards known as the "Class of '87."

—61—

It is one of the most remarkable items of interest that belongs to the
archives, that after 50 years the same self appointed historian of the class
(Homer Eiler) is able to record the history of almost every one of that class
of 17 boys and 13 girls to the present, time (1937).

It was in the sprmg of 1887 when this "A" class, as we were called in
the grade schools of that day, completed the course of study, and many took
the county examination icr teachers, all passing and entering the teaching
fraternity.

In a year or so, wo each found our real places in life, changing to voca-
tions more suitable to our liking and the economical conditions, with a
record of their different pursuits worthy of emulation.

The writer as self-appointed historian made his first write-up in 1894
and I have a copy before m.e with these interesting facts:

I not the summary gives at that time, 20 teachers (some part-time),

2 ministers, 3 stenographers, 3 merchants, 5 music teachers, 17 who attended
college, 16 married and 2 deaths-

It was 30 years until I wrote the next write-up of the class, and find only

3 more had passed to that Beyond. The memorial list then was: Nora Brown,
Belle Warren, Hom.er Fairchilds, John Pfeiffer and Sattie McDermoth.

To the present time we can add the following: Ed F. Karls, Howard
Fleming, Maude (Tilley) Elliott, Aiadgie (Baiey) Miller, Mary Leichty,
Charles Faught, William J. Richardson, and Frank Rhodes.

I am unable to give a definite record on the following: Riley Middleton,
Thomas Inman and David Ashe. But a remarkable record to know that after
a half century there are 14 yet alive. They are scattered far and wide, and I
suspect the writer lives the farthest of any, but my interest in that class
has followed me all these 50 years and would unto the ends of the earth.

Briefly I will now give a record of the class, and trust that there may
be many exchanges of letters, renewing old-time class friendships.

ELLA LEIGHTY. Of all these 30 classmates, she is the only one who has
continued her residence for all these 50 years in the old home towm. Her only
vocation in life was leaching, retiring many years ago. Living a life of
single blessedness, she now resides in the old family household, looking down
the vista of the future, toward another home in the Beyond, into which she
will graduate from this earthly class into one of eternal assurance of a well
spent life.

MARY LEIGHTY. A sister of Ella's, also followed teaching for several
years, then entered the mercantile vocation in Chicago, serving with several
of the world's largest institutions. Mary never married, and always called
Tower Hill her home.

But how sad to relate the record of her untimely death in the fall of 1933
when she met a fatal auto accident, and is buried in the home cemetery.

MAUDE (Tilley) ELLIOTT. Another one who followed teaching and lived
for many years in the village, a leader in Hie Presbyterian church. She was
married to Rev. Elliott, a Presbyterian minister, and they made their home in
various parts of the country. It was while residing in Medford, New Jersey,
that Maude met her untimely death in an auto collision, leaving the husband
and 2 well-educated children.

—62—

ELLA (Cannon) SMITH. Ella followed the musical career, until matri-
mony gave her a calling to a household of her own. She was married to
Ed Smith, but sad to relate after a few years she was left a widow with a
family to look after and train for useful vocations of life. Happily she has
seen this accomplished alter much sacrifice and careful planning. Ella now
resides in Kansas City, Mo., and would be pleased to hear from her old
classmates.

EMMA (Metsker) KARLS. Another of Shelby county's teachers, which
profession she followed for several years. Emma was married to her class-
mate, Ed F. Karls. They finally settled in southwestern Missouri, where 2 sad
memories will forever follow her, one the losing of her dear husband, and
the other — a Gold Star Mother sacrifice of a son in the World War. Emma
now resides in Columbia, Missouri, Route 5.

STELLA (Weeks) HUNTER. I see the write-up of 1894 states Stella also
followed teaching, even to Nebraska, but later yield to yearning for home,
returned to the parental roof. But the matrimonial "bug" buzzed once too
often and 'twas no more Miss Stella, but Mrs. M. Hunter of Cowden, 111. But
the sad hand of fate entered the home of Mr. Hunter, the husband-father, was
no more of the family circle. Stella was a vvidow with 2 children, who have'
made splendid records in vocations to their liking, while mother still lives
at the old home in Cowdon.

LORA (Fuget) NAZOR. One of our number who chose music as a voca-
tion, and has been very much interested in the same down to the present, and
for her love for music has a musical family. Lora has been a widow for many
years, and now lives in Memphis, Tenn., at 1898 Madison Avenue.

MINNIE (Fuget) FESTON. While musically inclined, Minnie chose a
home life, and was wedded to a Tower Hill boy, Mike Fenton. They have one
child, a son, who lives in Chicago, while their home is in Carlinville, 111., at
617 Summer Street.

MADGIE (Batey) MILLER. The only one of our class of foreign birth
(English). Born and raised in a Methodist parsonage, she chose for life a
Methodist minister in the person of Rev. A. C. Miller. As usual with ministers,
her home has been one of changing abodes. But for several years she has
resided at Yankton, South Dakota, 916 Pine Street. Here we are compelled to
record another Gold Star mother, she having lost a son in the World War.
In fact, this great loss hastened the demise of Madgie, which occurred in
August, 1933.

EFFIE ^Fringer) OWEN. Unfortunately not much of a record for the
daughter of one of Tower Hill's most popular physicians, of the '80s and
early '90s. We are informed she married a Mr. Owen, at one time the agent
of the B & O railroad at the Hill. She now lives at Olney, 111., 218 South
Morgan Street.

SATTIE (McDermith) STOCKWELL. Removed to Kansas, where she was
married and lived the farming life. Later moved to Los Angeles, where as a
widow she lived until 192G, when she too passed away. We have visited her
last residence at 510 East 47th Street, Los Angeles, where a sister and other
members of the family still reside.

NORA BROWNE. Very soon after the class had finished the term of
school, we were shocked at the early passing of a popular member of the
class. Fifty years hove rolled by but her memory still lingers. She was the
daughter of Dr. Brown, one of the Hill's earliest physicians, and whom we
have spoken of in glowing terms in our chapter of physicians.

BELLE WARREN. Not far apart was the passing of the second member
of the class. Miss Belle was the sister of Miss Nora Warren of Tower Hill at
the present writing. The Warren family were among the earliest pioneers in
the community, coming in 1849 with the Eilers, Brownbacks, and others.

HOMER FAIRCHILDS- In my former write-up I spoke of the thoroughness
of Homer as a student. He followed teaching for a while, later resided in
Chicago, where he studied law having a successful career. He is numbered
with those who have passed away— dying in Greenville, HI-, in 1920.

ED F. KARLS. Ed followed teaching for some time, later took the civil
service examinations, securing a position as postal clerk on the R. R. Later
changed to farming, and as slated married Fmma Metsker, and in after years
settled in Jasper county, Mo., where he passed away in 1925.

FRANK RHODES. Frank has had a varied career, attended a business
college but only active a short while, spent most oi his life on the farm.
Married and resided on the Robert Pugh homestead, and passed away in 1936.

L N. FLUCKEY. Followed teaching for a while, but fitted himself for
office work, finally securing a position in the U. S. Treasury at Washington,
D.C, where he has spent these many, many years. Married there, raised a
family but a year or so ago lost his wife, a very talented lady. Personally
speaking, it was our pleasure many years ago to visit Newt in his home. Only
the passing years have made any change, yet the same old time friend as

ever!

CHARLES C. O'FARRELL. This name will at once be recognized, as
Charles is the brother of Miss Mae O'Farrell of the village. Sorry to report
that a letter received a year or so ago from Charles painted a sad picture,
because of failing health and a great financial loss in all his business under,
takings. His P.O. address is General Delivery. Kansas City, Mo.

WILLIAM J. RICHARDSON. One of the very few who lived in Tower Hill,
or Shelbyville, all these 50 years, until death claimed him in 1935. Will
taught for short timjC, then entered business in the village, later in the real
estate business in Shelbyville, where he made quite a property accumulation.
He leaves a wife and family, and host of friends.

GEORGE LEIGHTY. A member of course of the old pioneer Leighty fam-
ily, and of the same calibre that has marked success in all their undertakings.
George left for Phillips, Wis-, many, many years ago, engaging in the rail-
road business, where he was agent for years, finally retiring. He is married
and has a family living in that city.

RILEY MIDDLETON. Here is one of our classmates marked "LOST" since
the first write-up in 1894, and the present whereabouts still unknown.

HOWARD FLEMING. A classmate respected by every one, for his kind
disposition. He entered business shortly after leaving school and followed
same all his life, with headquarters in Chicago. The last few years of his life

—64—

I

he was a general traveling salesman for ready-to-wear apparel, and died
very suddenly in Tulsa, Okla., in Dec. 1930, and was bur5ed in Tower Hill
cemetery. Left a wife and a son.

(Rev.) JAMES S. TOLLEY. One of the Knobs students, who finished the
common grades in the Hill. Took up preparation in several universities foi
the ministry, which he has followed all this half century with wonderful
success. Only a few years ago we had the pleasure of entertaining him and
wife in our Topeka home. His last address was Hillsdale, Michigan.

(Dr.) WALTER L. NEIL. I am proud to claim Walter as my chum and
seatmate during cur "finishing" up period in the Grade schools of T. H.
Followed teaching for several years, later trained for the dental profession,
which he followed the rest of his life in Deadwcod, South Dakota, where he
married a Tower Hill girl, Josie Peek (sister of May). Was saddened a few
years ago by her demise. Walter retired from his chosen profession few years
ago, and is now living near his children in Rapid City, South Dakota. Had
the pleasure of entertaining him and his son and family, only this last fall.
Certainly a wonderful meeting after all these eventful years.

CHARLES A. FAUGHT. Another record for the teaching profession, but
for short time only, as entered the railroad business, but later gave that up
for an office position in Decatur, where he married and continued to reside
until his death n 1934. Another one in our Memorial list.

JOHN D. PFEIFFER. One among the first to answer to that final roll call
after a short period in teaching near Cowden. He is a brother to our old time
friend, and so well known by all present citizens, namely Mrs. Mattie
Leighty.

DAVID ASHE. Unfortunately can not give any record of late years, not even
knowing if dead or alive. Followed teaching I know soon after the class separ-
ated in 1887. Also that he always lived in and around the Hill.

TOM INMAN. Will confess to my inability to add anything to these later
years, in fact, have no knowledge of his present whereabouts. Sorry. The
first part of his life was given to teaching, and he was principal of Ck)wderi
schools.

(Rev.) JOHN BRANDON. I certainly was pleased to receive within the last
year a letter from my old schoolmate of the early '80's in Frog Pond, and
later of the class of '87. John follov/ed teaching and the ministry for many
years. His present address is Owaneco.

HOMER EILER. I hestiate to start, as wanting to make it brief, for career
has been scattered over several states. Entered DePauw university, later in
a Kansas Normal school, health failing entered a business career, starting
with father as L. Eiler & Son, in the Hill. Have followed a line of business
rest of my active life, retiring few years ago, and hiking to California, as the
saying goes to the "Old Folks Home," meaning Sunny California — the play-
ground of America, and it surely is. Married in 1891 — we have our daughter
near and 2 grandchildren.

Have made a hobby of writing, since retiring, on various subjects, but
have specialized in Genealogy, having written 17 family histories. Beside con-
tributing to the paper of the Old Home Town for many years, subjects of a
reminiscent nature, knowing our old time friends are interested in the events
and happenings of the long ago.

—65—

Somehow when we recall all these and the folks connected with them,
our friendship is renewed, even lo a reverence. With this in all probability my
last write-up of our ciass of '87, i lender to you each the friendship and
esteem that started fifty years ago and has continued to this present time,
ripeiiing toward that Class of Eternity, where Life really begins. Good Bye.
flomer.

TOWER HILL CIVIL WAR SOLDIERS

The fcllowing is a list oi ihc soldiers who enlisted from Tower Hill Town-
ship ot the beginning of the Civil War, and recorded in the handwriting of
Mr. John M, Bowman, who man led Rachael Warren of the Warren family of
Tower Hill and vicinity. This list is certified to on January 17, 1865 before
Levi W. Munsell, a justice of the peace, by the following citizens of Tower
Hill Township. Signed by — John R. Warren, G. B. Scovil, Nathan Puckett, J.
H. Johnson and Samuel Smith.

This original document also bears the official attestation of the clerk of
the county court, Burrell Roberts, and dated Jan. 17, 1865- The seal of the
clerk's office is duly impressed, also the internal revenue stamp of 5c is
attached.

This original list is of great historical value to the community, as the
official record of those who enlsted for the war. The reader will recognize
many prominent names, the descendants of whom reside in this vicinity. It
is recorded that a draft was made for so many men in each township, and it
can be said that Tower Hill township furnished its full quota, and not a
single man drafted from this township.

The writer is informed that there is one man of the regiment still living,
but not from this list, who has reached the age of 106 years, a Mr. C. Boyer.

Lovell T. Dean, William Burnes, Benjamin Vermillion, Robert Read, Wil-
liam F. Thompson, John Shanks, Stephen H. Poindexter, Archabold Roberts,
Owen McAteer, Sam.uel Bowman, Edward T. Woolington, Elitia Colbert,
William Warren, Sylvester Piner, John J. Brown, Charles O. C. Brown, George
Brown, Daniel Brown, Calvin Brown, J. L. Brown, E. A. Brown, T. J.
Brown. G. F. Brown, J. R. Brown, Richard Shanks, Franklin Riley, William
Farmer, Frank Haven, William Piatt, Oscar Barrett, William May, I. W. A.
Neel, Francie A. Neel, Peter Shanks, James Hanson, Morgan T. Hanson, John
Watson, William W. Brandon, Elisha Gobbert, S. L. Horkey (records show
drafted and substituted), Aaron Gibbons, David Craddock^ Warren Turner,
W. C. Listen, William H. Riley, F- M. Garrett, John Inman^ Thomas Inman,
Lawrence Jester, B. V. K. Jester, Levi Cameron, Daniel H. Tetrick, James
May, William Walker, James R. Tilley, Stephen Tripp, William Glassgo, John
R. Cox, James Smith, Hartin Hanson, David Sharrock, James Lawton, Amos
Sharrock, Frank Sharrock, John W- Sharrock, Zebedee Smith, Samuel Wade,
John B. Brownback, William Brownback, Lewis Jester, William Filer, Lewis
Eiler, James Collins, Owen Rooley, Thomas Rooley, Henry Wilson, William
R. Jones, W. J. Anderson, Simond Sprinkle (served 3 months), H. J. Atkins,
Isaac Woodring, Franklin Millikin, James Sharrock, John Sharrock, George C.
Bennett, Josiah McDov/ell, Charles Perdew, Robert Kennedy, Williaiji Love,
William Allman, George Badman, William Bishop and George AicheJe (tlieir
companies not listed), also Marion Roberts, Isaiah Roberts and Dy Roberts.

These are those, who having served their first enlistment, then re-enlisted
in Company M, 3rd Calvaiy— Lewis Je>ter, Lewis Eiler, James Collins, Frank
Milligan, Lawrence Jester, C. O. C. Brown, L. C. Brown, E. A. Brown, Franklin
Ruffly. These two re-enlisted in Company H, Tth Calvary— George Aichele and
Aaron Aichele. Thomas Inman re-enlisted in Company H, 54th Infantry.

The writer is glad to inform the readers that Dave Sharrock above listed
is yet alive at Yoakum, Texas. This certainly is a very rare piece of history.
The original is in the possession of Mr. William Warren of Pana, 111., who has
so kindly loaned same for publication.

But we must draw this history of our "Old Home Town" to a close, and
leave for a more able pencil at some future day to record more fully the
various items that we have tried to describe. We are sorry that we have to
pass a score or more of subjects, and even to bring the record nearer fhe pre-
sent date.

We have as you noticed not treated of subjects nearer than about twenty-
years ago, as these come within the remembrance of the present generation
either by personal knowledge or hearsay, and thus the future historian will
have additional matter to treat of.

I assure you that the search for records has been a revelation to me and
I feel one of interest to you.

My earnest desire is that we have a greater respect and even a more
reverent spirit for our ancestors and forefathers, when we realize what they
have endured that we might be and are "The Heirs of the Ages."

To Times Readers: The compiler of this Tower Hill his-
tory be^s to inform you that this is the NEW History cover-
ing 1900 to 1937 and that I am deeply indebted to many old
time friends, especially Ed S. McLean — and others are
Charles Eiler, Burr Fluckey, Lem Morrison, M'ss Ella
Lei^rhtv, Mrs. Julia Maze, Miss Mary Peek, Rev. DuBois of
Methodist church. Rev. Calvin Tumb^w of the Free Metho-
dist church, Ora Maze, Prof. Hazel J. Wheeler of Community
High school, Fred Stumpf, and others.

We beg your patience if any errors — and AGAIN trust
each one will preserve these copies for the FUTTTRE.

— Homer Eiler.

-67—

— Concluding Chapters of History of Tower HilL HI., from 1900 to 1937

By Homer Eiler, Pasadena^ Calif.

(Personal note) The writer wishes at this time to thank the many friends
who have responded to my appeal for information, because it was impossible
for me to secure this history otherwise, as I left the Hill in 1895. At the proper
places I have given ample credit for such information.)

The History of Tower Hill that has been running as a serial for some
time, ends with this statement by the writer: "This brings the record down
to about the year 1900." As stated, I moved away in 1895.

Of course the records are not as familiar to me after 1900 as the years
of my entire life previous, so I have had to depend upon my many friends for
information and facts to cover this period of 1900 to 1937.

How I would like to have spent a month in the old home town gathering
material for this history, because it could have been secured from actual liv-
ing participants, and not hearsay or tradition.

There are so many subjects that ought to be treated at length, becausc
they are dominant factors in the history of the town for the last 36 years. To
us who have known the record of the village back almost 60 years can speak
authoritatively as to the rise, the developm.ent, boom period and the decline
of the once flourishing village on the hillside.

Somehow there rises a lump in my throat when I visualize the past, the
present and the future of the town, where I first saw the light of day, and
where even the soil is sort of "Holy Ground," and our bare feet ran hither
and thither, so as a boy we knew^ every pack and parcel of the landscape.

--€8—

SURNAME INDEX

Abbott — 14

Adams — 51 ,

Agles — 14

Ahlmeyer — 59

Aichele — 66, 69

Allen — 60

Allman — 66

Anderson 66

Andes — 17, 18, 20, 29, 31, 33, 48

Arthur — 46

Ashe — 20, 55, 62, 65

Atkins — 66

Badman — 66

Barnes — 20, 30, 37, 42, 45, 46, 50,
53, 56, 61

Baker — 60 , ,

Barrett — 66

Bates — 43

Batey — 54, 62, 63 i

Bennett — 29, 42, 66

Bishop — 66

Blauth — 51, 52 i

Bolding — 59 1

Boles — 60

Bolins — 1 I

Bonnefan — 54

Bonser — 17 ; •

Boone (Boon) — 3, 53

Borton — 55

Bowman — 17, 25, 66

Boyer — 66

Brandon — 65, 66 i

Brant — 29, 37, 42, 43, 50

Brisbane — 27

Brown — 30, 34, 36, 41, 42, 49, 62,

66, 67
Brownback — 17, 33, 66
Browne — 7, 33, 64
Bruce — 59
Buck — 53
BuUingtcn — 59
Burns — 66
Butts — 29, 56
Callendar — 29, 31
Campbell — 33, 54
Cameron — 66

Cannon (Canaan) — 20, 26, 29, 43,

48, 49, 50, 51, 55, 61, 63
Carston — 34
Cartwright — 13
Casey — 14
Charlton — 55
Childs — 60
Cleveland — 46
Clossen — 61
Colbert — 66
Collins — 8, 53, 54, 66, 67
Cole — 59
Cclthern — 59
Conrad — 25, 29

Corley — 1, 13, 14, 16, 20, 27, 39,

43, 47, 48, 50, 53, 59, 61
Corrothers — 54
Cox — 59, 66

Graddick (Graddock) — 1, 7, 8, 11,
15, 16, 20, 27, 33, 45, 47, 66
Crook — 59, 60
Crout — 50
Crum — 51
Crumley — 59
Culley — 2
Cullumber — 45
Danenberger — 43
Darst — 61
Dart — 92

Dean (Deane) — 29, 45, 55, 66
Dehmeyer — 59
Delap — 54
Dickey — 33
Dillon — 53
Dobbins — 34
Doll — 52
Doughty — 60
Dove — 61
Dowell — 43
DuBois — 54

Dunlap — 60

Dunn — 33, 56

Dutton — 4, 17, 20, 29, 47, 55

Edwards — 27, 28

Eiler — 1, 2, 7, 8, 11, 14, 17, 19; 20;
21, 27, 29, 31, 40, 41, 42,
45, 46, 48, 53, 55, 56, 57,
58, 65, 66, 67

SURNAME INDEX

Elliot — 56, 57, 62

Ellis — 54

Ello — 56

Everett — 59, 61

Evey — 17, 29, 55

Fairchild (Fairchilds) — 20, 62, 64

Farmer — 66

Faught — 20, 45, 62, 65

Feston — 63

Feuerhan — 43, 44

Fidler — 54

Fleming — 20, 56, 62, 64

Fluckey — 17, 20, 27, 45, 55, 64

Fogarty — 36

Foor — 29, 43, 55, 61

Freeze — 29, 42, 55

Fringer — 17, 20, 23, 30, 34, 39, 42;

52, 63
Fritts — 13
Fry — 50

Fuget — 29, 38, 63
Gales — 53
Garfield — 24, 46
Garrett — 54, 66
Garvin — 51
Gibbcns — 66
Glassgo — 66
Glenn — 30
Glick — 52
Gobbert — 66
Goben — 29
Green — 43, 56
Griffin — 60
Grigg — 59
Grisso — 48

Gross — 29, 33, 37, 40, 47
Guinnec — 30, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36,47
Hackenburg — 56
Hamilton — 55
Hanson — 16, 40, 41, 44, 66
Haiper — 1, 30, 45
Harrison — 45, 46
Harwood — 39
Haven — 66
Headen — 30
Heady — 30, 37, 39, 61

Henderson — 13, 51

Hendrickson — 59

Hennesey — 54

Henry — 60

Henton — 29, 35, 55

Hess — 56

Hicks — 56

Higginbotham — 17, 29, 30, 55

Hilsabeck — 29

Hish — 29

Hitt — 43

Hob'^cn — 15

Hockaday — 52

Hcckett — 59

Hoffman — 56

Holt — 29, 38, 43, 61

Hook — 7, 17, 49, 53

Horace — 15

Horkey — 66

Hornbeck — 59

Horsman — 12, 13

Hostettler — 60

Howard — 50

Hudson — 15

Huggins — 6

Humphrey — 43

Hunt — 30, 42 i

Hunter — 1, 8, 17, 37, 45, 46, 49: 63 '

Huntoon — 43

Ingalls — 29, 33

Ingram — 54

Inman — 29, 45, 62, 65, 66, 67

Jackson — 5

Jester — 15, 17, 39, 61, 66, 67

Johnson — 30, 53, 56, 66

Johnston — 48

Jones — 13, 26, 99, 3n, 37, 38, 39;
55, 56, 57. 01, 66

Kackley — 59

Karls — 62, 63, 64

Koefer — 56

Kelley — 42, 50, 59

Kennedy — 66

Kidwell — 33, 34

Killam — 15, 59

SURNAME INDEX

Krusan — 54

Lane — 38, 45, 55

Lavvton — 66

Leighty — 29, 31, 32, 35, 50, 56, 57,
62, 64

Lincoln — 11

Listen — 66 (

Lockard — 59

Longwell — 55

Love — 56, 66

Mahon — 60

Marity — 60

Martin — 43, 53, 54

Massey — 14

May — 10, 14, 16, 20, 23, 41, 66

Maze — 45, 55, 56, 59, 60

McAteer — 66

McCabe — 49

McClanahan — 13

McCormick — 55

McCullough — 30

McDermoth (McDermith) 62, 63

McDowell — 66

McElfresh — 53

McFadden — 53 ,

McHenry — 56

McKittrick — 20, 56

McKrackin — 56

McLean — 25, 27, 28, 30, 32, 33, 35,

36, 42, 44, 47, 55
McMillan — 56
McNutt — 13
McWherter — 56
Mesicks — 17
Metsker — 17, 63

Meyers (Myers, My res) — 45, 49, 51
Middlesworth — 14, 16, 20, 40, 45
Middleton — 62, 64
Miller — 29, 33, 40, 49, 54, 55,62, 63
Milligan — 67
Millikin — 66
Millington — 51
Mitchell — 54
Moore — 1, 7, 16, 44

Morgan — 17, 20, 42, 61

Morrison — 20, 45, 56, 57

Moses — 1, 2

Munsell — 66

Munson — 7, 52

Nance — 35

Nanny — 33

Narry — 30

Nazor — 63

Neathery — 60

Neil (Neel) — 1, 2, 15, 41, 51, 65, 66

Nerstheimer — 34

Ness — 60

Nicol (Nichols) — 55, 59
Nolan — 59
Norton — 53
O'Brien — 55
O'Farrell — 64
Oliver — 17
Olmstead — 54, 55
Owen — 34, 63
Parks — 39, 56
Partlow — 29
Patterson — 56
Pauley — 55
Peek — 15, 59, 60
Perdew — 66
Perryman .... 16
Pfeiffer — 62, 65
Piatt — 66
Piner — 66
Poindexter — 66
Pollet — 53
Poors — 45
Prentiss — 13
Price — 29, 44, 57
Puckett — 15, 66
Pugh — 5, 14
Rarer — 42, 50
Ray — 59

Read (Reed) — 20, 29, 55, 60, 66
Reno — 54

Rhodes (Rhoades) — 14, 29, 30, 45
62, 64

SURNAME INDEX

Richards — 56, 57
Richardson — 55, 62, 64
Riley — 15, 55, 66

Ring — 59

Roberts — 1, 34, 35, 50, 59, 61, 66

Robinson — 27, 29, 33, 40, 54, 55, 61

Rooks — 13

Rocley — 66

Root — 48

Ross — 20

Rovvdybush — 59

Ruffly — 67

Runkel — 29, 49

Russell — 35, 50, 51

Ryder — 6

Sala — 59

Sammons — 33

Sanderson — 59

Schaffer — 38

Schnaumessey — 35

Schoch — 52

Scovil — 17, 66

Seigfried — 29

Selby — 39, 51, 53

Shanks — 20, 35, 66

Sharrork — 1, 2, 6, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16;
17, 18, 19, 21, 30, 36, 40,
41, 43, 50, 59, 66, 67

Shelby — 3

Shelton — 29, 38, 39, 42, 43, 56

Shouse — 54

Sibbett — 20, 52, 56

Sidwell — 35

Slagle — 54

Smith — 6. 14, 15, 29, 51, 56,59, 60

63, 66
Sprinkle — 66
Spurlin — 60
Stilgebauer — 55
Stockwell — 63
Storey — 13, 29, 45, 49
Strange — 43
Stubblefield — 53
Stumpf — 29, 39, 45, 48, 55, 56, 61
Swartz — 53
Sweazy — 33

Taylor — 33, 59

Tetrick — 66

Thompson — 56, 66

Thornbrough — 33

Tilley — 7, 38, 45, 56, 62, 66

Titsworth — 53

Tolley — 65

Tripp — 66

Turnbovv — 59

Turner — 66

Twiss — 33, 56

VanNatten — 59

Vermillion — 66

Villars — 53

Wade — 7, 15, 66

Wakefield — 3, 4, 11, 12, 13, 14

Walker — 66

Walley — 51

Wambsley — 53

Ward — 17, 23, 25, 30, :37, 55, 56, 57;
61

V/arfield — 53

Warner — 17

Warren — 17, 20, 62, 64, 66, 67

Watson — 34, 66

Weaver — 54

Weekers — 35

Weeks — 7, 26, 29, 44, 45, 46, 59, 63

WeJirman — 54

Weller — 8, 16

Wheeler — 51, 52

White — 33

Whittington — 13

Wilkinson — 40

Williamson — 13, 19, 59, 60

Williford — 59

Wilson — 54, 66

Winkleman — 38

Wintz — 59

Wirey — 17, 59

Wolf — 17

Woodring — 66

Woods — 29

Woolington — 66

Young — 29, 39, 42

Zeller — 56

V

'A

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-URBANA

977.3798EI5H1973 C001

HISTORY OF TOWER HILL AND VICINITY. SHEL

3 0112 025397628