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LIBRARY OF THE

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN

977.352
R36p

v.l

I.H.S.

PEORIA

CITY AND COUNTY

ILLINOIS

A Rec(Md of Settlement, Organization, Progress and

Achievement

By COL. JAMES M. RICE

Local liistoiy is tlie ultimate substance of national history— Wilson

ILLUSTRATED

VOLUME

CHICAGO

THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING COMPANY
1912

1 1^ .

CONTENTS

PART ONE

CHAPTER I

THE BEGINNING OF PKORIA '

CHAPTER n

THE ABORIGINES 5

CHAPTER HI

FORCES WIIRH MADE PEORIA AND THE MATERIAL OF WHICH IT WAS MADE... \J

CHAPTER IV

DISCOVERY I'.l' TH IC FRENCH 21

CHAPTER V

TAKING POSSESSION V.Y I. A SAI.LE ^S

CHAPTER VI

PEORIA UNDER THE FRICNl II 3^

CHAPTER Vn

liKITISH RULE IN ILLINOIS 1 763- 1 7/8 39

iii

00 J 070

iv CONTENTS

CHAPTER VIII

ILLINOIS AS A PART OF VIRGINIA I778-I784 47

CHAPTER IX

THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY 5'

CHAPTER X

PEORIA PART OF INDIANA TERRITORY — 180O-1809 57

CHAPTER XI

REMINISCENCES OF OLD SETTLERS 59

PART TWO

CHAPTER XII

GEOLOGIC FORMATION AND GEOGRAPHY OF THIS SECTION OF THE COUNTY MANY

VAI.UAI'.LE COAL VEINS STONE OF COMMERCIAL IMPORTANCE GRAVEL SAND —

TIMBER SOIL AND ITS PRODUCTIVITY VEGETATION 79

CHAPTER XIII

CREATION AND ORGANIZATION OF PEORIA COUNTY DIFFICULTIES IN OBTAINING

TITLE TO COUNTY SEAT PRESIDENT JOHN QUINCY ADAMS LENDS HIS ASSIST-
ANCE WILLIAM S. HAMILTON, SON OF ALEXANDER HAMILTON, ATTORNEY FOR

THE COUNTY CLAIMS TO LAND OF JOHN HAMLIN AND OTHERS ADJUSTED. . 85

CHAPTER XIV

PROCEEDI.N(;S OF THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT THE COUNTY SEAT IS NAMED

PEORIA — GRAND AND PETIT JURY SELECTED — FINANCIAL CONDITION REPORTED —
ELECTION PRECINCTS ESTABLISHED — COOK COUNTY A PART OF PEORIA COUNTY —
FIRST ELECTION HELD IN CHICAGO — COUNTY COURT SUPERSEDES BOARD OF
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS — TOWI^SHIP SYSTEM ADOPTED — THE PROBATE COURT 95

CHAPTER XV

SELECTION OF A SITE FOR AND ERECTION OF A COURT HOUSE CIRCUIT COURT

JAILS — THE FIRST COURT HOUSE, SO-CALLED, A LOG CABIN THE FIRST BUILD-
ING ERECTED BY THE COUNTY A BRICK STRUCTURE THE SECOND COURT HOUSE

COUNTY INFIRMARY HOME FOR THE INSANE COUNTY OFFICERS IO5

CONTENTS V

CHAPTER X\T

'old PEOUIAS" HOME OF THE FRENXII AND INDIANS FOUNDED AIIOUT I763 IN 1778

THE NF.W VILLAGE WAS ESTAULISHED BY JEAN BAPTISTE MAILETT AND SINCE

KNOWN AS FORT CLARK, THE PRESENT CITY OF PEORIA THE VILLAGE DESTROYED

IN 1S12 — DESCRIPTION OF EARLY INHABITANTS AND THEIR HOMES — SOME WHO
LIVED IN OLD PEORIA SKTTLEM ICNT OF FR1-:N(I1 CLAIMS TO TRACTS OF LAXD. . 121

CHAr'TKR XVIT

EARLY THOROUGHFARES FIRST ROAD LAID OUT BY PEORIA AUTHORITIES — FERRIES

AND BRIDGES — DIXON's FERRY — THE ILLINt)IS RIVER — PRIMITIVE STEAMBOAT-
ING PEORIA AN IMPORTANT KAll.ROAl) CENTER — ILLINOIS TRACTION SYS-
TEM 135

CHAPTER XYIU

RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS OF PEORIA COUNTY THE CATHOLIC CHURCH FIRST IN

THE FIELD THE METHODISTS STRONG IN THE FAITH AND IN NUMBERS —

HISTORY OF MANY CHURCHES TO BE FOUND IN THIS CHAPTER I43

CHAPTER XIX

CONTINUATION OF CHURCH HISTORY — EARLY METHODISM IN PEORIA COUNTY —
THE "shack" or LOG CABIN HOME OF THE EARLY SETTLER THE MEETING PLACE
FOR THE CIRCUIT RIDER AND HIS FLOCK I7I

CHAPTER XX

THE TIME THAT TRIED MEN's SOULS — AN INTERESTING BIT OF UNTOLD HISTORY AS
WRITTEN BY COLONEL RICE LINCOLN AND JUDGE KELLOC.C, 203

CHAPTER XXr

THE CIVIL WAR — PRESIDENT LINCOLN CALLS FOR SEVENTY-FIVE THOUSAND MEN
AND PEORIANS RESPOND LOYALLY AND HEARTILY— PARTY LINES ARE DIMMED

AND PRACTICALLY ALL ARE FOR THE UNION ROBERT G. INGERSOLL TENDERS HIS

SERVICES AND BECOMES COLONEL OF A REGIMENT COMPLETE LIST OF PEORIA'S

HEROES — OTHER WARS — SOLDIERS' MONUMENTS 213

CHAPTER XXn

THE TOWNSHIPS OF PEORIA COUNTY^ WHEN SETTLED AND ORGANIZED PIONEER

FARMERS AND INTERESTING STORIES TOLD OF THEM' — FIRST SCHOOLS AND
CHURCHES BUILDING OF TOWNS AND VILLAGES — ALL PROSPEROUS COMMUNI-
TIES 261

vi CONTENTS

CHAPTER XXIII

VILLAGE OF PEORIA INCORPORATED IN 183I FIRST OFFICIALS VARIOUS INDUSTRIES

AND MERCANTILE CONCERNS OF THAT TIME EARLY CHURCHES, PREACHERS,

NEWSPAPERS AND DIRECTORIES PEORIA INCORPORATED AS A CITY IN WINTER OF

1844 — FIRST OFFICIALS FOR WHICH ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY-SEVEN VOTES
WERE CAST FIRST AND PRESENT PUBLIC BUILDINGS UTILITIES AND GOVERN-
MENT OF THE CITY — THE POSTOFFICE 325

CHAPTER XXIV

MEDICAL PERSONAGES AND AFFAIRS ASSOCIATED WITH THE HISTORY OF PEORIA

COUNTY- — PIONEER DOCTORS AND THEIR WAYS ^THE FRATERNITY AND THE

METHODS OF ITS MEMBERS OF TODAY AS SHOWN BY DR. O. E. WILL OSTEOP-
ATHY 347

CHAPTER XXV

THE BENCH AND EAR FIRST COURTS, JUDGES AND LAWYERS — AN INDIAN TRIED

FOR MURDER — SKETCHES OF SOME OF PEORIA's FAMOUS ADVOCATES — ^THE LATE
JUDGE m'cULLOCH's RECOLLECTIONS DESCRIPTION OF LINCOLN-DOUGLAS DE-
BATE— COLONEL ROBERT G. INGERSOLL — PEORIA BAR ASSOCIATION 365

CHAPTER XXVI

THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF PEORIA BRADLEY POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE PEORIA PUB-
LIC LIBRARY PARK SYSTEM HOTELS PLACES OF AMUSEMENT 387

CHAPTER XXVII

THE PEORIA PRESS ^THE FIRST EDITOR A SCHOLARLY MAN TRIALS AND TRIEULA

TIONS OF THE PIONEER PRINTER SKETCHES OF THE VARIOUS NEWSPAPERS OF

THE CITY THE PAPERS OF THE DAY VIE WITH ANY IN THE STATE 405

CHAPTER XXMII

ORGANIZATIONS OLD SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION THE PEORIA WOMEN's CHRISTIAN

HOME MISSION JOHN C. PROCTOR ENDOWMENT YOUNG MEn's CHRISTIAN

ASSOCIATION YOUNG WOMEN's CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION WOMAN's CLLHB AND

.OTHERS DEACONESS HOSPITAL FRATERNAL ORDERS 4I7

CHAPTER XXIX

HI.STORY OF BANKING IN PEORIA MEN WHO TOOK THE INITIATIVE IN THE BUSINESS

FIRST BANK BUILDINGS PEORIA STRONG IN ITS FINANCIAL CONCERNS

MODERN BANKS AND BANKING THE PEORIA CLEARING HOUSE 447

CHAPTER XXX

THE BOARD OF TRADE — INDUSTRIAL PEORIA USES MORE CORN THAN ANY CITY

IN THE UNITED STATES MILLIONS PAID THE GOVERNMENT YEARLY IN REV-
ENUE GREAT MANUF.\CTURING PLANTS AND M.\NV OF THEM 461

^ o

PART ONE

CHAPTER I
THE BEGINNING OF PEORIA

"Tlie student of history delights in a good foundation on which to start to
write history, without which, it is like beginning in the middle of a story." —
Rufiis Blanchard.

The history of Peoria is one of unusual interest. Emerging as it does grad-
ually from the dim, unknown and unknowable past, it connects the myths, fable,
and fancy of the Indian with the wonderful things of our modern life — the
Piasa bird with the flying machine. At the time when the first persons who
were able to write permanent and intelligible records of what they saw and
heard visited this country, the beautiful valley of the Illinois was in the posses-
sion of the "Illinois," a confederacy composed of five Indian tribes, the Kas-
kaskias, Peorias, Cahokias, Tamaroas, and ^litchigamies. The nanne of the
confederacy is now seen and will be forever recognized in the names of our
glorious state and our own lovely river connecting the great lakes on the north
with the great river, "Father of Waters," on the west.

I feel inclined to call the Pe-o'-rias our tribes, because their melodious name
is made imperishable in the name of our own fair city and our beautiful lake.

The Kaskaskias, who were the strongest tribe of the confederacy, have
given their name to one of the largest rivers in Illinois and also to the first
capital of the state.

The Cahokias are remembered in the name of a town near St. Louis which,
in many ways, is closely connected with the history of Peoria.

Sixty miles southeast of St. Louis the City of Tamaroa perpetuates the
memory of another tribe and the Mitchigamies have given their name to the
great lake on our north-eastern borders.

Thus, although the melancholy tale of the sufferings and extermination of
these Indians is read in the setting sun, their names will remind us forever of
those who were here before the coming of the white men.

When the first missionary asked the Indians what they were called, they
replied that they were "Illini" saying the word meant perfect, manly men.
The missionaries added the letters "ois" a French termination meaning a race
or tribe; hence the word "Illinois" means a race of perfect manly men. May
it long be truly characteristic of those who shall live within our boimdaries !

Peoria is situated near forty degrees and forty minutes north.

Peorians sometimes complain of the climate. It does occasionally change
a great many degrees in a short time but it changes more rapidly in some other
places in the temperate zone. Of course, in the far north it is always cold and
in the torrid zone it is always hot and little change either place and for some
ailments of persons of delicate health the Peoria climate is not suitable, but
for persons in good health, it is probably as healthy a climate as can be found
anywhere and it is believed that for the majority of such persons there is no
climate more desirable.

If we desire to learn what other places are situated in our latitude and would
follow our latitude eastward, we would pass near Logansport, Indiana ; Lima

2 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

and Canton, Ohio ; Pittsburg, Pennsylvania and a little south of New York
City ; crossing the Atlantic, we would land about one-third of the way down
on the coast of Portugal ; pass near .Madrid, Spain ; pass through the north end
of Sardena; then near Naples and Brindisi in Italy; Salonika in Greece; near
Constantinople and Erzerum ; near Baku on the western side of the Caspian, the
great oil country ; then in Central Asia ; near Bokahra and Samarkand in the
Steppes of Central Asia where it is often fifty degrees below zero in winter
and of tropical heat in summer, although it is about the same latitude as Peoria ;
then near Peking, China; within sixty miles of the north end of the great Jap-
anese island of Nipon; and crossing the Pacific land on the Pacific coast about
half way between San Francisco and the southern boundary of Oregon ; then
near Salt Lake City, the northern line of Colorado ; through Lincoln, Nebraska ;
and Burlington, Iowa, to Peoria.

Peoria is eighty-nine degrees and forty minutes west of Greenwich. If we
would follow that degree of longitude south, we would pass near Cairo. Mem-
phis and New Orleans and out in the Pacific Ocean, five hundred miles west
of Panama, going past the South pole and coming north on the opposite parallel,
we would pass near Calcutta ; Lasso, the great religious center of Thibet, the
holy capital city of the Buddhists ; thence through Siberia to the North pole
and from there down on this side of the earth, through the center of the west
one-third of Hudson Bay and through the west one-third of Lake Superior.

The contour of the earth's surface in this valley of the Illinois was of course,
the same when first seen by white men as it is now ; but in some portions of it,
swamps, the ancient habitant of ducks and wild geese, beavers and muskrats,
have been drained and turned into the most valuable of farms, gardens and
orchards, happy homes for happy families. This section of Illinois is very pro-
ductive, well watered and well supplied with coal and it will receive attention
in a subsequent chapter.

The vegetation has greatly changed. At that time, along the rivers and the
ravines leading to them, there were forests of hickory, oak, elm, walnut, locust,
ash, Cottonwood, hard maple or sugar trees, soft maple, wild cherry, red haws,
black haws, pers'mmons and pawpaws, together with wild plums, crab apples,
blackberries, raspberries, grapes, strawberries and gooseberries ; and away from
the streams were broad prairies covered with a kind of coarse tall prairie grass
— the seed stems of which were six or eight feet high — interspersed with rosin
weeds and with a blue flower so that at certain seasons of the year the prairies
seemed blue and purple, and in other seasons, gray, green or yellow. This vegeta-
tion, we are told by early pioneers, grew so high that horsemen on the level prairies
two or three hundred yards apart could not see each other ; and when in full
growth, it was waved by the summer breeze like the rolling billows of the deep
ocean, blue and green, very beautiful and enchanting. Some of these prairies
were fifteen or twenty miles wide and some of them extended in all directions
as far as the eye could reach. If at the season of the year when this prairie
grass was dry, it happened purposely or accidentally to be ignited, the confla-
gration was at once terrible and magnificent, and could be seen for a score of
miles. All these varieties of trees may still be found in reduced numbers here
and there, along the streams, but the prairie grass, the golden rosin weeds, and
the purple flowers are almost entirely things of the past though a specimen may
be found here and there, perhaps, in some country church yard that has never
been cultivated or pastured.

The Illinois valley was from its earliest history known to be a remarkable
producer of Indian corn. It seems to have been "The Corn Belt" from the very
start. The Indians also cultivated beans, melons and squashes. The productive-
ness of this part of the country was recognized from the beginning by the In-
dians in the name they gave their village, Peori.^. which signifies "The Land
of Fat Beasts." Marquette says of it that his party had seen nothing like the
Illinois valley for fertility.

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 3

The animals consisted chiefly of the bison wliich roamed in immense herds,
numbering thouscUids. These when stampeded could neither be stopped nor
turned aside, and one's only safety was to escape out of their way. The bison
were generally mis-called bulYalo by the inhabitants. They were not much like
the bufifalo. They were called "cattle" by some of the early missionaries and
explorers but they were not cattle in the sense in which we now use the word.
They were a separate and distinct species peculiar to this part of the world.
What we now call cattle in this country were lirst brought over to America by
Columl)us on his second voyage and from that time on were frequently
imported by the Spaniards. The bison were not valuable as dairy animals;
they furnished very little milk, although what they did give was rich
and good. Moreover, notwithstanding what Hennepin says, they probably were
not, and could not have been made useful as draft animals or for any domestic
purposes. Some of the early missionaries and pioneers tried to take them when
young and train them for draft purposes but on reaching their growth, they
would often run away to join any herd of their wild roving kindred coming
into the neighborhood ; si.x months afterward they might be found with the herd
with their halters or harness still on them. From the earliest time of which we
have any knowledge they were extremely numerous but about the time the
Indian left, they all migrated to the west in a body apparently and our Illinois
country knew them no more. Their departure was sudden and complete.

The Indians had no horses. These too were brought over from Europe by
the Spaniards, and probably by others of the white race. They eventually
became numerous ; and at the present time large herds of wild horses, the de-
scendants of the early importations, are found on some of our western plains.
These wild horses or ponies are smaller than those in our domestic use, but
hardy and enduring, and cattle ranchers use them because they can live on the
short grass of our semi-arid plains summer and winter without other food or
shelter. It was only after the Indians obtained and learned to use them, that
they were able to inhabit or migrate across the prairies.

Bears were to be found and the Indians greatly prized their meat for food.
There were also turkeys, ducks, geese, rabbits and foxes. The bears and foxes
are gone. The wolves that then abounded are now very scarce and rapidly
passing away. There were wild pigeons by the million but these are jow no
more. There were prairie chickens but now one can seldom be found. There
doubtless were c|uail and we still have them as well as the rabbits among us;
and thanks to our game laws, the quail may be preserved, for although they
are not a domestic bird they do not seem to flee from civilization.

It is not known that the Indians had any domestic animal except prol>al)ly
the dog.

The rivers, especially the Illinois, were at that time as now, filled with an
al)un<iance of the finest kind of fish and they were largely used for food by the
Indians.

CHAPTER II
THE ABORIGINES

"There's a sweetness in thy name,

Illinois, Illinois!
That betrays from whence it came,

Illinois, Illinois!
Soft and mellow are its sounds,
Loved beyond thy river bounds,
Land of prairies and of mounds,

Illinois, Illinois!
Land of prairies and of mounds,

Illinois, Illinois !"

There is indeed music in the word Illinois (Ill-i-noi).

Historians agree that the Indians who were in the valley of the Illinois when
it was first visited by the missionaries were neither the original inhabitants nor
their descendants, but that this whole country in the valley of the Mississippi
river comprising the states of Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Ohio, and Indiana, to-
gether with some other northern states and also Arizona and New Mexico were
formerly inhabited by a race which has either perished from the earth or, going
farther south became the forefathers of the Aztecs, Toltecs and other ancient
peoples of Mexico and Central America. This early race has received the name
of Mound Builders because mound building was one of their chief characteris-
tics and the one by which we now know of their existence. Their mounds are
found without number in Ohio and other central western states. Many scores
of them are found opposite St. Louis on the Illinois side of the Mississippi
river and some within the boundaries of St. Louis itself. Some such mounds
have been seen by the writer in Arizona. There are some smaller mounds on
the east side of the Illinois river near Peoria and some within Peoria County near
Chillicothe.

These ancient people seem to have been tillers of the soil, and from the rec-
ords which they have left, such as they are, ethnologists have concluded that
they did not live chiefly by hunting or fishing. It is thought that the buffalo
were not here in their day. Whence the mound builders came or whither they
have gone is as yet a matter of conjecture. It is an interesting study which the
limits of our history do not permit us to pursue.

Mankind in ancient times and in many ancient countries as well as in
Mexico have built mounds of somewhat similar character, sometimes building
of stone, sometimes of sunburnt brick. In North America, they are often
built in terraces, the lowest part reaching a height of twenty or thirty feet,
upon which one or more smaller mounds are superimposed, as is the case
with the great Cahokia Mound. They are supposed to have been built as places
of religious worship and those who have built them are generally supposed to
have been worshippers of the sun.

There are many of these mounds in the United States, some of them being
regular and perfect pyramids or cones of earth, not faced with stone. The

6 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

largest group is situated on the level plain of the rich lowland bordering the
Mississippi opposite the city of St. Louis, within the bounds of our own Illinois
confederacy at the time of the first discoveries. In the midst of this plain
where its width is ten or twelve miles, there are still to be seen remains of a
mound builders' city, which in the interest, and extent of its ruin will compare
favorably with anything of the kind in the world. There are a great number
of mounds and earthworks there. In the midst stands the great Cahokia pyra-
mid, which, though not so high is said to be larger in the amount of ground it
covers than the largest of the pyramids of Eg}'pt and reaches a height of one
hundred and two feet. It covers an area of sixteen acres. Three sides, the
north, south and east, still retain their straight lines. The other has been some-
what washed away, probably by rains and from the pasturing of cattle on the
sides. From the terrace, a well eighty feet in depth penetrates the base of the
structure, which is seen to be composed almost wholly of the black sticky soil
of the surrounding plain. This is not an oval mound but a pyramid with straight
sides. A picture of it is presented on the adjoining page.

We may readily suppose that this large mound was built by manual labor,
the earth being simply carried and deposited in a pile.

The curious may study further details in regard to the Cahokia Mound in
"The Antiquities of Cahokia" where it is described by Breckinridge who visited
it in 1811.

The mounds in Illinois have never been as thoroughly investigated as we
could wish, but among the works of similar and probably related pre-historic
people is a mound which the writer has seen in Arizona about seven hundred
or eight hundred feet long and half as broad and probably twenty-five feet
high, about ten miles northeast of Phoenix. It has been explored by several
reliable parties and reports of their explorations may be seen in the office of
the Smithsonian Tnstitution.

The ancient cliff dwellers may have belonged to the same or a similar race.
Neither thev nor the INIound Builders seem to have known anything of the use
of iron. They and the Mound Builders had all disappeared before the Indians
came who occupied that territory both in Illinois and Arizona when first dis-
covered by white men as appears from the fact that the Indians of Illinois when
first seen by white men were unable to tell anything about the builders of any
of the mounds, or the houses of the cliff dwellers, or when they were built, or
why. They seem in fact hardly to have noticed their existence.

Among' other remains of these prehistoric people are painted rocks, with
their scarcelv intelligible records. The most remarkable of these pictographs
in Illinois were found between Alton and the mouth of the lUlinois river at the
mouth of the Piasa (pronounced Pi"-a-saw ) Creek. They are the two pictures
of the Piasa Bird— half dragon and half bird— cut into the rock one hundred
feet up the face of the cliff and painted in extremely durable colors of green,
red, and black. Near these pictures of the Piasa bird there were several pic-
torial writings which archaeologists think they are able to interpret. Who
will be the Champollian who shall read these Rosetta stones? Unfortunately
the Piasa bird and other ]3ictographs in that neighborhood are now gone for-
ever for within the last generation those bluffs have been quarried by the m-
mates of the Alton penite'ntiary to obtain rock to manufacture lime. However,
several earlv copies were made and are to be found in books of history and
romance. The picture of the Piasa bird as described by Marquette and copied
from the drawing which he is said to have made is given on an adjoining page.

^larquette, who was the first white man to see it, gives the following de-
scription : t • 1 J

"As we coasted along rocks (near Alton), frightful for their height and
length, we saw two monsters painted on one of these rocks, which startled us
at first, and on which the boldest Indian dare not gaze long. They are as large
as a calf, with horns on the head like a deer, a fearful look, red eyes, bearded

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 7

like a tiger, the face somewhat Hke a man's, the body covered with scales, and
the tail so long that it twice makes the turn of the body, passing over the head
and down between the legs, and ending at last in a fish's tail. Green, red, and
a kind of black, are the colors employed. On the whole, these two monsters
are so well painted that we conld not believe any Indian to have been the
designer, as good painters in France would find it hard to do as well ; besides
this, they are so high ui)on the rock that it is hard to get conveniently at them
to paint them. This is prettv nearh- the tigure of these monsters, as I drew
it off."

The pictures of that Piasa Bird as seen by white men before the rocks were
destroyed were much larger than calves. Marquette must have been deceived
by the distance they were from his canoes.

The Piasa Bird, on account of its being such a work of art and so terrible,
has become the subject of traditions amongst the Indians since Marquette's
time, but such traditions as ignorant and imaginative people might originate
themselves. It is possibly worth our time to relate one of' these traditions. It
is as follows :

"Many thousand moons before the arrival of the pale faces, when the great
Magalonyx and Mastodon, whose bones are now dug up, were still living in the
land of green prairies, there existed a bird of such dimensions that he could
easily carry oft' in his talons a full-grown deer. Having obtained a taste for
human flesh, from that time he would prey on nothing else. He was as artful
as he was powerful, and would dart suddenl}- and unex])ectcdly upon an
Indian, bear him oft' into one of the caves of the bluft'. and devour him. Hun-
dreds of warriors attempted for years to destroy him, but without success.
Whole villages were nearly depopulated, and consternation spread through all
the tribes of the Illini.

"Such was the state of affairs when Ouatogo, the great chief of the Illini,
whose fame extended beyond the great lakes, separating himself from the rest
of his tribe, fasted in solitude for the space of a whole moon, and prayed to
the Great Spirit, the Master of Life, that he would protect his children from
the Piasa.

"On the last night of the fast the Great Spirit appeared to Ouatogo in a
dream, and directed him to select twenty of his bravest warriors, each armed
with a bow and poisoned arrows, and conceal them in a designated spot. Near
the place of concealment another warrior was to stand in open view, as a victim
for the Piasa, which they must shoot the instant he pounced upon his prey.

"When the chief awoke in the morning, he thanked the Great Spirit, and
returning to his tribe told them his vision. The warriors were C|uickly selected
and placed in ambush as directed. Ouatogo offered himself as the victim. He
was willing to die for his people. Placing himself in open view on the bluff's,
he soon saw the Piasa perched on the cliff eyeing his prey. The chief drew up
his manly form to his utmost height, and, planting his feet firmly upon the
earth, he began to chant the deathsong of an Indian warrior. The moment after,
the Piasa arose into the air, and swift as the thunderbolt darted down on his
victim. Scarcely had the horrid creature reached his prey before every bow
was sprung and every arrow was sent c|uivering to the feather into his body.
The Piasa uttered a fearful scream, that sounded far over the opposite side
of the river, and expired. Ouatogo was unharmed. Not an arrow, not even
the talons of the bird, had touched him. The Master of Life, in admiration
of Ouatogo's deed, had held over him an invisible shield.

"There was the wildest rejoicing among the Illini, and the brave chief was
carried in triumph to the council house, where it was solemnly agreed that in
memorv of the great event in their nation's history, the image of the Pia.sa
should be engraved on the bluff.

"Such is the Indian tradition. Of course I cannot vouch for its truth. This
much, however, is certain, that the figure of a huge bird, out in the solid rock,
is still there, and at a height that is perfectly inaccessible.

8 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

"How and for what purpose it was made I leave it for others to determine.
Even at this day an Indian never passes the spot in his canoe without firing his
gun at the figure of the Piasa. The marks of the balls on the rock are almost
innumerable."

These works of the ])re-historic races are interesting to us because they are
within the territory occupied by our Illinois confederacy, and the story of the
Piasa bird because it was probably the invention of the Illinois and had the
chief of that tribe for its hero. The fact that the Indians who were here when
Marquette and other missionaries came really knew nothing about these old
ruins leads archaeologists to believe that the mound builders had gone long
before our tribes came, as otherwise our tribes would probably have had some
tradition of their presence or of how they were driven out. The mound builders
seem to have enjoyed a higher state of civilization than the Indian tribes who
succeeded them. Sic transit gloria miuidi.

The Indians who were found here were a barbarous and savage race, as
were most of those then found within the present territory of the United
States, though our tribes were probably not so fierce and brutal as many others.
Much as we most sincerely regret the fate of the Indians who seem to be passing
away, the author — as a present representative of a family which, for seven
generations, has lived each generation on the Indian frontier, — may be pardoned
if he suggests that there seems to have been some excuse for the maxim of the
old pioneers that "there were no good Indians but dead Indians." This, like all
rules, of course, is to be understood with its exceptions, some of which will
have attention later. There were some noble red men, and many of them were
barbarously treated by infamous white men. It is a painful fact that the selfish,
cunning and strong from that day to this have always imposed upon, trodden
down and destroyed the weak, unwary and unwise, whether white, red or black,
and are doing it in our very midst to-day notwithstanding all our efiforts and
all our constitutions and laws made to prevent it.

The laws of nature and the laws of God. which are the same thing, forbid
that the magnificent prairies and forests with which He has blessed mankind
should be permitted to remain in their primitive state as pasture ground for
bison and bears in order to accommodate Indians who were unwilling to work,
thus violating God's first command to man — "In the sweat of thy face shalt thou
eat bread" — while men who are willing to work and who can make one acre
produce more food than an Indian obtained from a whole section must be al-
lowed to go hungry. The Indians had no title to the land, and they could not
use it. They did not even have possession of any of it except for villages in
which they made no valuable improvements. They lived here and there.
Wherever" thev could find fishing, they set up their wigwams or built little
cabins sometimes of logs plastered with mud and covered with grass.

We must also remember that the first white men that came to visit the
Indians came for the purpose of teaching them a better mode of living, a thing
they needed to know but were very slow to learn.

The most beautiful parts of Virginia and Kentucky, the Shenandoah \'alley
and the P>lue Grass region of Kentucky were never settled by the Indians at
all but were left wildernesses and were the constant scenes of their internecine
wars, savages fighting savages in a war of destruction and extermination, and
this before ever the white men came. The name Kentucky, which the Indians
gave to that country meant in their language "the dark and bloody ground"
and they had made it such, while now to many "the old Kentucky Home" is
the most heavenly place on earth.

Nor can the white men be charged with killing ofif the Indians by fightmg
them; for between the time the first white men came and the time when they
could exert any influence over the Indians or fight them aggressively, many
more Indians were killed by Indians than were ever killed by white men.

It is the usual characteristic of all Indian warriors that they indulged in

'■-^^.^

IIORSHOR MILL, KASI' SIDK ( IK PEOIUA LAKK

^-^Sr

■*t*?^^^^"

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KUKAl'OO ROAD SCENE— OLD LOi; HI T

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 9

polygamy, made slaves of their squaws, refusing to work themselves, tortured
their captives, offered human sacrifices to their pagan gods and fought neigh-
boring tribes to extermination.

THE PEORIAS

VVe are now ready to be introduced to the Peorias and as it is the first time
that we have met them and as Marquette is our only mutual friend, we will
permit him to introduce us in his own way.

The time is the 25th of June, 1673; the place, the western bank of the
Mississippi, between Burlington and I'^ort Madison at the mouth of the Des
Moines.

Manjuette's introduction is somewhat long but very interesting and he gives
us a pretty good description of their manner of life and their hospitality. Al-
though neither he nor Joliet had ever met this tribe, each party had learned
something of the other through the traders and Marquette and Joliet under-
stood to some extent the languages of the Indians in this part of the country.
In his own words as translated for our better understanding by John G. Shea,
Marquette says :

"We advanced constantly, but as we did not know where we were going,
having already made more than a hundred leagues without having discovered
anything but beasts and birds, we kept well on our guard. Accordingly we
made only a little fire on the shore at night to prepare our meal, and after sup-
per kept as far from it as possible, passing the night in our canoes, which we
anchored in the river pretty far from the bank. Even this did not prevent one
of us from always serving as a sentinel, for fear of a surprise.

"At last, on the 25th of June, w-e perceived footprints of men by the water-
side, and a beaten path entering a beautiful prairie. We stopped to examine it,
and concluding that it was a path leading to some Indian village, we resolved
to go and reconnoitre ; we accordingly left our two canoes in charge of our
people, cautioning them strictly to beware of a surprise; then M. Jollyet and I
undertook this rather hazardous discovery for two single men. who thus put
themselves at the discretion of an unknown and barbarous people. VVe fol-
lowed the little path in silence, and having advanced about two leagues, we
discovered a village on the banks of the river, and two others on a hill, half a
league from the former.

"Then, indeed, we recommended ourselves to God, with all our hearts ; and,
having implored His help, we passed on undiscovered, and came so near that
we even heard the Indians talking. We then deemed it time to announce our-
selves, as we did by a cry, which we raised with all our strength, and then
halted without advancing any farther. At this cry the Indians rushed out of
their cabins, and having probably recognized us as French, especially seeing a
black gown, or at least having no reason to distrust us, seeing we were but two,
and had made known our coming, they deputed four old men to come and
speak with us. Two carried tol)acco-])ipes well-adorned, and trimmed with
many kinds of feathers. They marched slowly, lifting their pipes toward the
sun as if offering them to him'to smoke, but yet without uttering a single word.
They were a long time coming the little way from the village to us. Having
reached us at last, they stopped to consider us attentively. I now took courage,
seeing these ceremonies, which are used by them only with friends, and still
more on seeing them covered with stuffs, which made me to judge them to
be allies. I, therefore, spoke to them first, and asked them who they were;
they answered that they were Illinois, and, in token of jjeace, they presented
their pipes to smoke. The\- then invited us to their village where all the tribe
awaited us with impatience.' These pipes for smoking are called in the country,
calumets, a word that is so much in use that I shall be obliged to employ it
in order to be understood, as I shall have to speak of it freciuently.

10 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

■'At the door of the cabin in which we were to be received, was an old man
awaiting us in a very remarkable posture, which is their usual ceremony in
receiving strangers. This man was standing, perfectly naked, with his hands
stretched out and raised toward the sun, as if he wished to screen himself
from its rays, which nevertheless passed through his fingers to his face. When
we came near him, he paid us this compliment: "How beautiful is the sun, O
Frenchman, when thou comest to visit us I All our town awaits thee, and thou
shalt enter all our cabins in peace." He then took us into his cabin where there was
a crowd of people, who devoured us with their eyes, but kept a profound
silence. We heard, however, these words occasionally addressed to us : 'Well
done, brothers, to visit us !'

"As soon as we had taken our places, they showed us the usual civility of
the country, which is to present the calumet. You must not refuse it, unless
you would pass for an enemy, or at least for being impolite. It is, however,
enough to pretend to smoke. While all the old men smoked after us to honor
us, some came to invite us on behalf of the great sachem of all the Illinois to
proceed to his town, where he wished to hold a council with us. We w-ent with
a good retinue, for all the people who had never seen a Frenchman among
them could not tire looking at us ; they threw themselves on the grass by the
wayside, they ran ahead, then turned and walked back to see us again. All this
was done without noise, and with marks of a great respect entertained for us.

"Having arrived at the great sachem's town, we espied liim at his cabin-door,
between two old men, all three standing naked, with their calumet turned to
the sun. He harangued us in a few words, to congratulate us on our arrival,
and then presented us his calumet and made us smoke ; at the same time we
entered his cabin, where we received all their usual greetings. Seeing all
assembled and in silence, I spoke to them by four presents which I made: by
the first, I said that we marched in peace to visit the nations on the river to
the sea; by the second, I declared to them that God their Creator had pity on
them, since, after their having been so long ignorant of Him, He wished to
become known to all nations ; that I was sent on His behalf with this design ;
that it was for them to acknowledge and obey Him ; by the third, that the great
chief of the French informed them that he spread peace everywhere, and had
overcome the Iroquois. Lastly, by the fourth, we begged them to give us all
the information they had of the sea, and of the nations through which we
should have to pass to reach it.

"When I had finished my speech, the sachem rose, and laying his hand on
the head of a little slave, whom he was about to give us, spoke thus: T thank
thee, Blackgown, and thee. Frenchman,' addressing M. Jollyet, "for taking so
much pains to come and visit us ; never has the earth been so beautiful, nor the
sun so bright, as today; never has our river been so calm, nor so free from
rocks, which your canoes have removed as they passed ; never has our tobacco
had so fine a 'flavor, nor our corn appeared so beautiful as w^e behold it today.
Here is mv son, that I give thee, that thou mayest know my heart. I pray thee
to take pitv on me and all my nation. Thou knowest the Great Spirit who has
made us ail; thou speakest to Him and hearest His word; ask Him to give me
life and health, and come and dwell with us, that we may know Him.' Saying
this, he placed the little slave near us and made us a second present, an all-
mysterious calumet, which they value more than a slave; by this present he
showed us his esteem for our governor, after the account we had given of him ;
by the third, he begged us, on behalf of his whole nation, not to proceed further,
on account of the great dangers to which we exposed ourselves.

•T replied, that I did not fear death, and that I esteemed no happiness
greater than that of losing my life for the glory of Him who made all. But
this these poor people could not understand.

"The council was followed bv a great feast which consisted of four courses,
w hich we had to take with all their ways ; the first course was a great wooden

HISTORY ()!■ PEORIA COUXTY 1]

dish full of sagnniity. that is to say, of Indian meal boiled in water and seasoned
with grease. The master of ceremonies, with a spoonful of sagamity, pre-
sented it three or four times to my mouth, as we would do with a little chil.l;
he did the same to M. Jollyet. I""or the second course, he brought in a second
dish containing three fish ; he took some pains to remove the bones, and having
blown u[)on it to cool it, put it in my mouth, as we would food to a bird ; for
the third course, they produced a large dog, which they had just killed, hut
learning that we did not eat it, it was withdrawn. Finally, the fourth course
was a piece of wild ox, the fattest portions of which were init into our mouths

"After this feast we had to visit the whole village, which consists of full
three hundred cal)ins. ^Vhile we marched through the streets, an orator was
constantly haranguing, to oblige all to see us without being troublesome ; we
were everywhere presented with belts, garters, and other articles made of the
hair of the bear and wild cattle, dyed red, yellow and gray. These are ihcir
rareties ; but not l^eing of consequence, we did not burthen ourselves with them.

"We slept in the sachem's cabin, and the next day took leave of him, promis-
ing to pass back through his town in four moons. He escorted us to our canoes
with nearly si.x hundred persons, who saw us embark, evincing in every possible
way the pleasure our visit had given them. On taking leave, I personally
promised that I would return the next year to stay with them, and instruct
them. Rut before leaving the Illinois country, it will be well to relate what
I remarked of their customs and manners.

"To say Illinois is, in their language, to say 'the men" as if other Indians
compared to them were mere beasts. And it must be admitted that they have
an air of humanity that we had not remarked in the other nations that we had
seen on the way. The short stay I made with them did not permit me to
acquire all tlie information I would have desired. The following is what I
remarked in their manners :

"They are divided into several villages, some of which are quite distant from
that of which I speak, and which is called Peouarea. This produces a diversity
in their language which in general has a great affinity to the Algonquin, so that
we easily understood one another. They are mild and tractable in their dis-
position, as we experienced in the reception they gave us. They have many
wives, of whom they are extremely jealous ; they watch them carefully, and
cut off their nose or ears when they do not behave well ; I saw several who bore
the marks of their infidelity. They are well-formed, nimble, and very adroit in
using the bow and arrow ; they use guns also, which they buy of our Indian
allies who trade with the French ; they use them especially to terrify their
enemies by the noise and smoke, the others lying too far to the west, have never
seen them, and do not know their use. They are war-like and formidable to
distant nations in the south and west, where they go to carry off slaves, whom
they make an article of trade, selling them at a high price to other nations for
goods.

"The distant nations against whom they go to war, have no knowledge of
Europeans ; thev are acquainted with neither iron nor cojjper, antl have nothing
but stone knives. When the Illinois set out on a war jiarty, the whole village
is notified by a loud cry made at the door of their huts tlie morning and evening
before they set out. The chiefs are distinguished from the soldiers by their
wearing a scarf ingeniously made of the hair of bears and wild oxen. The face
is painted with red lead or ochre, which is found in great quantities a few days'
journey from their village. They live by game, which is abundant in this coun-
try, and on Indian corn, of which they always gather a good crop, so that they
have never suffered from famine. They also sow beans and melons, which are
excellent, especially those with a red seed. Their s(|uashes are not of the best;
they dry them in the sun, to eat in the winter and spring.

"Their cabins are verv large : they are lined and floored with rush mats.
Thev make all their dishes of wood, and their s])oons of the bones of the buffalo,
which thev cut so well that it serves them to eat their sagamity easily.

12 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

"They are liberal in their maladies, and believe that the medicines given
them operate in proportion to the presents they have made the medicine-man.
Their only clothes are skins ; their women are always dressed very modestly
and decently, while the men do not take any pains to cover themselves. Through
what superstition I know not, some Illinois, as well as some Nadouessi (Sioux
or Dacotas), while yet young, assume the female dress, and keep it all their
life. There is some mystery about it, for they never marry, and glory in de-
basing themselves to do all that is done by women ; yet they go to war, though
allowed to use only a club, and not the bow and arrow, the peculiar arm of men ;
they are present at all the juggleries and solemn dances in honor of the calumet;
they are permitted to sing, but not to dance; they attend the councils, and
nothing can be decided without their advice ; finally, by the profession of an
extraordinary life, they pass for manitous (that is, for genii), or persons of
consequence.

"It now only remains for me to speak of the calumet, than which there is
nothing among them more mysterious or more esteemed. Men do not pay to
the crowns and sceptres of kings the honor they pay to it ; it seems to be the
god of peace and war, the arbiter of life and death. Carry it about you and
show it, and you can march fearlessly amid enemies, who even in the heat of
battle lay down their arms when it is shown. Hence the Illinois gave me one, to
serve as my safeguard amid all the nations that I had to pass on my voyage.
There is a calumet for peace, and one for war, distinguished only by the color
of the feathers with which they are adorned, red being the sign of war. They
use them also for settling disputes, strengthening alliances, and speaking to
strangers. It is made of a polished red stone, like marble, so pierced that one
end serves to hold the tobacco, while the other is fastened on the stem, which is
a stick two feet long, as thick as a common cane, and pierced in the middle ;
it is ornamented with the head and neck of difl:'erent birds of beautiful plumage;
they also add large feathers of red. green and other colors, with which it is
all covered. They esteem it particularly because they regard it as the calumet
of the sun ; and, in fact, they present it to him to smoke when they wish to
obtain calm, or rain, or fair weather. They scruple to bathe at the beginning
of summer, or to eat new fruits, till they have danced it. They do it thus:

"The calumet dance, which is very famous among these Indians, is per-
formed only for important matters, sometimes to strengthen a peace or to as-
semble for' some great war; at other times for a public rejoicing; sometimes
they do this honor to a nation who is invited to be present ; sometimes they use
it to receive some important personage, as if they wished to give him the en-
tertainment of a ball or comedy. In winter the ceremony is performed in a
cabin, in summer in the open fields. They select a place surrounded with trees,
so as to be sheltered beneath their foliage against the heat of the sun. In the
middle of the space they spread out a large parti-colored mat of rushes; this
serves as a carpet, on which to place with honor the god of the one who gives
the dance; for every one has his own god, or manitou as they call it, which is
a snake, a bird, or 'something of the kind, which they have dreamed in their
sleep, and in which they put all their trust for the success of their wars, fishing,
and hunts. Near this 'manitou and at its right, they put the calumet in honor
of which the feast is given, making around about it a kind of trophy, spreading
there the arms used by the warriors of these tribes, namely, the war-club, bow,
hatchet, quiver, and arrows.

"Things being thus arranged, and the hour for dancing having arrived, those
who are to sing take the most honorable place under the foliage. They are the
men and the women who have the finest voices, and who accord perfectly. The
spectators then come and take their places around under the branches ; but each
one on arrival must salute the manitou. which he does by inhaling the smoke
and then puffing it from his mouth upon it. as if offering incense. Each one
goes first and takes the calumet respectfully, and supporting it with both hands,

TTISTORV ()I- PEORTA COUNTY 13

makes it dance in cadence, suitiiii,' himself to the air of the song; he makes it
go through various figures, sometimes showing it to the whole assembly by
turning it from side to side.

"After this, he who is to begin the dance appears in the midst of the as-
sembly, and goes first ; sometimes he presents it to the sun, as if he wished it to
smoke ; sometimes he inclines it to the earth ; and at other times he spreads
its wings as if for it to fly; at other times, he approaches it to the mouths of
the spectators for them to smoke, the whole in cadence. This is the first scene
of the ballet.

"The second consists in a combat, to the sound of a kind of drum, which
succeeds the songs, or rather joins them, harmonizing cjuite well. The dancer
beckons to some brave to come and take the arms on the mat, and challenges
him to fight to the sound of the drums ; the other approaches, takes his bow
and arrow, and begins a duel against the dancer who has no defence but the
calmnet. This spectacle is very pleasing, especially as it is always done in time,
for one attacks, the other defends; one strikes, the other parries; one flies, the
other pursues ; then he who fled faces and puts his enemy to flight. This is
all done so well with measured steps, and the regular sound of voices and
drums, that it might i)ass for a very pretty opening of a ballet in I'rance.

"The third scene consists of a speech delivered by the holder of the calumet,
for the combat being ended without bloodshed, he relates the battles he was in,
the victories he has gained ; he names the nations, the places, the captives he
has taken, and as a reward, he who presides at the dance jjresents him with a
beautiful beaver robe, or something else, which he receives, and then he presents
the calumet to another, who hands it to a third, and so to all the rest, till all
having done their duty, the presitling chief presents the calumet itself to the
nation invited to this ceremony in token of the eternal peace which shall reign
between the two tribes."

Indian customs form a very enticing study but space forbids more being
said about them here. H. H. Bancroft in discussing these questions says that
his work embodies the researches of some five hundred travelers.

Hennepin gives the following account of the village of the Kaskaskias near
Starved Rock.

"It contains four hundred and si.xty cabins made like long arbors and cov-
ered with double mats of flat flags, so well sewed that they are never pene-
trated by the wind, snow or rain. Each cabin has four or five fires, and each
fire has one or two families, who all live together in a good understanding."

This was probably the largest and best built village in the territory occupied
by the Illinois tribes at that time.

More frequently they lived in wigwams, a kind of a rude tent made by
setting a circle of poles in the ground, tying the tops together and covering them
over with skins of wild animals. These wigwams they could take down and
move as quickly as a soldier could move his tent. This they did frequently, and
would leave even their villages in .-i body for their hunting grounds, only re-
turning with the change of season.

Concerning tribal boundaries, H. H. Bancroft says:

".Accurately to draw partition lines between primitive nations is impossible.
Migrating with the seasons, constantly at war, driving and being driven far past
the limits of hereditary boundaries, extirpating and being extirpated, over-
whelming, intermingling: like a human sea, swelling and .surging in its wild
struggle with the winds of fate, they come and go, here to-day, yonder to-mor-
row. A traveler passing over the country finds it inhabited by certain tribes ;
another coming after finds all changed. ' One writer gives certain names to
certain nations; another changes the name, or gives to the nation a totally dif-
ferent locality. An approximation, however, can be made sufficiently correct
for ])ractical purposes."

The location of our Illinois tribes is somewhat difficult for they made no

14 • HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

permanent improvements. They never owned their land in severalty. Xo
Intlian could point out a piece of land as belonging to him and to his family
after him. and as being his to improve it for their benefit.

MIGR.\TIOXS OF THE ILLINOIS

The location of our Indian tribes is shown as definitely as possible by the
adjoining maps.

I'ractically, when first discovered, our Illinois tribes occupied the Illinois
\'al!ey and the banks of the Mississippi for a little distance below it. { See
first cut on the adjoining page.)

Our own Peorians occupied a village where Peoria City now stands and
one on the west bank of the Mississippi river, almost due west from Peoria
together with all of the territory between the Illinois and ^Mississippi rivers,
south of a line connecting these two villages.

The Kickapoos were found between the Rock River and the Mississippi.
The Pottawottomies in the southeastern corner of Wisconsin and our tribes
were bounded on the northeast by the W'ea Aliamis and on the southeast by
the Piankeshaw Miamis, while the powerful and bloody Shawnees extended
over into the southeast corner of Illinois along the Ohio river.

Eighty-one years later in 1765 (see cut number two), when this territory
was ceded by France to England, the Indians had moved further south. The
Sauks and Foxes then inhabited the territory between the Illinois river and the
Mississippi. The Pottawottomies had come to occupy the territory about the
southern end of Lake Michigan. The Kickapoos who were at first found in
the neighborhood of Galena were now occupying central Illinois east of the
Illinois river, and the Illinois tribes, very much reduced in number were driven
down and were living about the mouth of the Kaskaskia river opposite St.
Louis. Yet later, at the outbreak of the war of 1812, between the Americans
and the English, w'hile the W'innebagos had crowded down and were occupying
part of the territory north of the Rock River, the Sauks and Foxes were still
up along the Mississippi river. The Pottawottomies, who so mercilessly mas-
sacred the Kaskaskias near Starved Rock, were occupying the northern half
of the valley of the Illinois and the Kickapoos were in the southern part of
Illinois. The Piankeshaw Miamis were driven over into Indiana and the rem-
nant that was left of our poor Illinois tribes were occupying a little territory
down near St. Louis.

General William IJ. Harrison in a letter dated 1814 says that when he was
first appointed governor of Indiana territory, in 1800, our once powerful Illinois
confederacy was reduced to about thirty warriors of whom twenty-five were
Kaskaskias, four Peorias and one a Mitchigamian. A furious war between
them and the Sauks had reduced them to this forlorn remnant and they had
taken refuge among the white people of the towns of Kaskaskia and St. Gene-
vieve. Since 1800 they have been moved from reservation to reservation until
in 1872 they had dwindled to forty men, women, and children, and were located
in the northeast corner of what is now Oklahoma, having merged with the
!Miamis and other tribes.

The Illinois confederacy had already commenced to decline when the first
white men came here, but they were once a powerful organization. Father
^lembre says that in 1680 they had seven or eight thousand souls in their one
village at Starved Rock. In the days of their power, they had nearly exter-
minated the \\"innebagos, and their war parties had penetrated the towns of
the Iroquois as far east as the valleys of the Mohawk and the Genesee. Mar-
quette himself says in the passage quoted above, "They had an air of humanity
that we had not remarked in the other nations we had seen."

A daughter of a sub-chief of the Peoria tribe gave birth to a son in 1793
where the Kaskaskia and the "River of the Plains" unite to form the beginning

A SCENK IX 1'.1;A1)I-KV I'AI;K

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 15

of the Illinois and called him Eaptiste Peoria. His reputed father was a French-
Canadian trader named Baptiste. The son was a man of large stature, pos-
sessed of great strength, activity and courage and was like Keokuk, the great
chief of the Sac and Fox Indians, a fearless and expert horseman. He soon
came into prominence and his known integrity and ability secured the confidence
of all so that he was for many years in the employ of the United States govern-
ment. By precept and example he spent the better portion of a busy life in
persistent efforts to save the fragment of the Illinois and Miamis by encourag-
ing them to adopt the ways of civilized life. He finally collected the remnants
of the scattered tribes of Indians and in 1867 led them out to the northeast
corner of Indian Territory, where he died at the age of eighty years.

It will be interesting to those who now reside in Peoria and vicinity and
own and occupy the land once occupied by the Peorias as hunting and fishing
grounds when the white men first came, to know what has become of the rem-
nant of the Indians who lived here at that time.

The different tribes composing the Illinois confederacy were amalgamated
with each other and they all then jjecanie known as the Peorias, and then again
thev were amalgamated with the Miamis and were called the Peoria-Miami
Indians and we have seen that they moved out to northeastern Oklahoma to a
reservation there, where they are now living, under the leadership of Baptiste
Peoria, one of their leading men.

All but five of the one hundred forty-four Peorias wear citizen's dress —
that is, white man's dress.

The Indians in the accepted sense have disappeared leaving a race in which
white blood predominates — a people having nothing in common with the Indian
and having everything in common with the whites.

As long ago as 1890, of the one hundred sixty Indians, one hundred forty
could converse in English well enough for ordinary purposes.

Twenty years ago, all the Peorias were made citizens of the United States
and of Oklahoma. Those people are self-supporting, not having received any
pension for the last twenty years. In that community there are three white
persons to each Indian.

Upon their reservation is incorporated a town called Peoria, where they
have a postofTice, about twelve miles northeast of Wyandotte, with a popula-
tion in 1Q04 of two hundred, at which time out of one hundred ninety-two
Peorias, there were seventy-one half blood or more and one hundred twenty-one
of less than half blood.

In estimating the number of Indians now living and in estimating their in-
crease or decrease a mistake is almost always made. They count every person
of more or less Indian blood as an Indian just as fully as if he were a full
blooded Indian. It might be if this process was kept up long enough we would
all be counted as Indians. For this reason, in really estimating the number of
Indians of the Peoria-Miami tribes in existence at present, of the two hundred
who are half bloods, more or less, that ought to be considered as one hundred
Indians and one hundred whites. The whites are as well entitled to count a
half blood as the Indians are. According to this way of reckoning, it will be
seen that the Indians of the Peoria-Miami tribe now .should be considered as
er]ual to one hundred full blood Indians.

The restriction on the sale of their homesteads of our tribes will expire in

in marriage and divorce and all other matters, they follow the laws of then-
state..

^ince they have become citizens, the government of the United States has
no further control over their persons. .Although some Indians are poor, the
Peorias, as a rule, are in comfortable circumstances according to the standard
of communities such as theirs. They are a fairly well-to-do people, there being
among them some thrifty and successful farmers and stock raisers. Therd are

16 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

a few uneducated ones in the tribe. A number of them are people of intelli-
gence, education and refinement, comparing more than favorably with a large
proportion of the whites who have settled among them. Several reside and
are engaged in business in Miami, Oklahoma, a modern town of about three
thousand people located within the agency on the Neosho river.

There remain a very few full bloods, yet among these are some of the best
citizens. Many of the tribe are members of the Society of Friends and others
belong to various denominations.

The wife of the present member of the legislature from their county is a
Peoria, a member of one of the old and respected families of the tribe.

Soon the Indians like the Angles, the Saxons, the Danes and the Celts, the
Normans and the Gauls will cease to exist among us as a separate people.

Should some future Bulwer Lytton write the romance of "The Last of the
Roving Red Monarchs of the Prairies" his hero would be Baptiste Peoria.

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CHAPTER III

FORCES WHICH MADE PEORIA AND THE .MATERIAL OF WHICH

IT WAS MADE

"I beg pardon, once and for all, of those readers who take up 'history'
merely for amusement, for plaguing them so long with old fashioned jjolitics,
and Whig and Tory, and Hanoverians and Jacobites. The truth is, I cannot
promise them that this story shall be intelligible, not to say probable, without it."
— Sir Jl'alter Scott.

There prevailed in Europe in the days of Le Grand Monarque and the great
protector, about the middle of the seventeenth century, many fundamental
principles and ideas influencing society, ecclesiastical and civil, which were
strenuously contending with each other for supremacy. These warring ele-
ments prompted and controlled the discovery and settlement of North America
and influenced our development, determining the character and progress of our
people and being still efl:'ective in the shaping of our institutions, our laws, and
our civilization. The predominance of some of them in North America and
their former suppression in South America have made the difference that
exists to-day between the people, the laws, the civilization and progress, the
happiness and glory of these two continents. Our southern sister republics are
now making great advances and for several decades have been but this has come
about largelv through their efforts to follow our example and because they have
been under the shadow of our flag. In all probability there would not be a
republic there to-day if the United States had not demonstrated the proposition
that a government of the people, by the people and for the people can live, at
least for a hundred years and more.

The colonies in South America were a hundred years old at the inception
of those in North America. This was perhaps a disadvantage to them for they
were begun at a time when civil and religious liberty were little understood any-
where in the whole world, and they were controlled by Spain and other nations
which in these respects were the least progressive of all — church and state were
allied and autocratic ; and the greatest ambition of the people was the acquisition
of gold. Only one party was allowed in Spain, the leaders being selfish, cor-
rupt and tyrannical while the working people were little better than serfs or
beasts of the plow.

On the other hand when our continent was colonized personal liberty, espe-
cially the liberty of the mind, had begun to be developed ; men were beginning
to pursue their own wav of thinking and to express their opinions freely and
IHiblicly and the plain working people were more respected through all luirope.

In England at this time four great classes of fundamental principles of gov-
ernment were at work each represented by a political party and each favoring
and favored by some special religious faith and form of church government.
The churches differed from each other as much in their form of government as
in their creeds and each endeavored to have the civil government brought as
nearly as possible to the rules and forms under which it controlled its ecclesias-
tical matters. The Independents carried their radical democratic principles not
only into matters of church but into matters of state as well. The Presbyte-

VoL 1—2 _

18 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

rians were in both respects more conservative and stood for the principles of
representative republican government. Then there was the established Episcopal
Church with its prelates and bishops, its hierarchy in church and its specially
favored nobilitv and gentry, its primogeniture and entailed estates. The fourth
party was that of the Roman Catholics, a powerful element in the state. Charles
II was a professional member of the Episcopal Church but in his heart he was
a sympathizer and lover of the Roman Catholic Church and died in its confession.
His brother and heir apparent to the succession was an open and pronounced
Roman Catholic and wdien he came to the throne, lived on a pension from Louis
XI\' the grand master of absolutism. The kings of France and England both
believe in the right of kings to rule absolutely by divine appointment and with-
out the consent of the people. Fortunately no one of these four principal politi-
cal parties had the uncontrolled power for any great length of time.

In France, under Louis XI\", the last of these four principles of absolutism
held full sway. The church and state were absolutely allied and thoroughly
autocratic, and the king allowed no opposition to his own views or wishes. He
surrounded himself with able men who merely executed his will and whose
highest aim was to increase and spread abroad the glory of the king. Colbert,
his great promoter of French industry, manufactures and trade, and his gen-
erals Turenne, Conde and A'aban surpassed the statesmen and soldiers of all
other countries while Louis himself was pre-eminently able, efficient, and accom-
plished among the kings and princes of his time which he rendered the most
illustrious in the French annals. He caused the court of \'ersailles to be every-
where admired as the model of taste, refinement and distinction but he sought
nothing but the gratification of his own selfishness and love of pleasure, his
pride and desire of renown and splendor. His reign became the grave of free-
dom, of morals, of firmness of character, and of manly sentiment. Court favor
was the end of everv effort of his subjects and flattery the surest means of
reaching it. \'irtue and merit met with little acknowledgment. He built up
the glory and magnificence of his own age and nation while he destroyed the
only sure and permanent foundations of government. Without the free power
in the people to conscientiously criticize superiors with impunity, no country can
be progressive and enduring. Louis permitted nothing of the kind in either
church or state. Without power in the citizen to act according to his own in-
dividual judgment and on his own initiative, controlled only by necessary and
equitable laws and his own conscience undominated by the dictation of auto-
cratic superiors, no people can be intelligent, progressive, courageous, strong or
safe. This power in either church or state, Louis completely crushed out in his
kingdom. The magnificent centralization of wealth and splendor in his tnne
ended after a few generations in a terrible downfall and the horrors of the
French revolution and Louis and his wrong principles were responsible for it.
There was onlv one clause in the constitution of France and that was made by
the king himself. It reads thus, "The State, I am the State."

Spain too was a monarchy under the absolute control of the Catholic Church.
There were other feebler nations that made settlements in what is now the
territory of the United States. But the three great kingdoms of Europe —
Spain, England and France — were almost equal in strength, and for hundreds
of years it was the policy of European nations to preserve, if possible, the bal-
ance of power.

At the time the history of Peoria begins, from the Gulf of :\Iexico to the
North Pole, there were very few European settlements situated more than ten
miles distant from a port accessible to ocean vessels and these were small and
insignificant.

Florida was held bv the Spaniards. St. Augustine is the oldest settlement
in the L^nited States. It was and is a walled town, founded in 1565 by Spaniards.
Possibly Santa Fe. New Mexico, also Spanish, was the next. French Calvinists,
under the patronage of Admiral Coligny, had made a settlement a short time

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 19

before at St. John in Florida, Ijui the Spanish navy ruthlessly destroyed the
place, murdering the women and children and making slaves of the men whom
they did not murder. These peoi>le were destroyed because they were Protes-
tants.

Meanwhile the Fnglish were planting enduring colonies. The Dutch had
settled in New York and the Swedes in Delaware but their control was of
short duration. Except for these little colonies, which were soon absorbed by
the English, the Atlantic coast was settled from Florida to Canada under the
auspices and protection of the English government. However, the colonies dif-
fered greatlv in character. Each one of the four parties of England was spe-
cially interested in its own particular colony and the people of each colony par-
took of the characteristic of the party, church or sect which colonized it.

New England was colonized by the Independents. They were divided into
different sects and were not always tolerant of each other, but they did not differ
greatly in the character of their people or even in important matters of creed
or of ecclesiastical and civil government.

The Dutch colony of New York (New Amsterdam) soon passed into the
control of the Duke of York, a Roman Catholic, but all religions were tolerated
and most were to be found there.

Pennsylvania belonged to a Quaker and Quakers predominated there ; but
it also contained man\- Presbyterians and men of other sects, all of whom en-
joyed religious liberty.

New Jersey and Delaware were settled partly by Swedes and Quakers and
largely by Presbyterians.

Maryland belonged to a Roman Catholic proprietor but although thus owned
and governed the majority of the people were Protestants from a very early
day. Religious liberty prevailed there until 1692 when it passed for a short
time under the control of the PZpiscopalians.

The leading \irginians were from the beginning lovers and imitators of the
English gentry. They loved the English Episcopal Church, which was the es-
tablished church until after the beginning of the Revolutionary War, and it was
rather intolerant in the lower counties, nevertheless the \'irginians were always
strong and valiant defenders of liberty. For business reasons, the Lutherans
were tolerated by sjjecial statute at an early date ; and the valleys of the Shenan-
doah and Holston rivers were first settled by the Scotch and Scotch-Irish Pres-
byterians, whom Gov. Gooch sought to introduce, on account of their heroic
fighting qualities, as a defense against the Shawnees, Cherokees, and other war-
like Indians promising that they should be allowed to enjoy their own religion
in their own way. There were also some Dutch immigrants who were Protestant
dissenters. It will be seen in another chapter that Virginia was really Illinois'
mother country.

Neither of the Carolinas nor Georgia was sufficiently settled before the mid-
dle of the seventeenth century to make it an appreciable element in early colonial
life or politics.

At the time of the discovery of Illinois, there were jirobably 150,000 white
people settled on the shores of the .Atlantic Ocean within the present territory of
the United States ; to the west of them in a territory bounded ijy the great lakes,
the Mississippi river, and the Gulf of Mexico, there were approximately an
equal number of Indians (150,000). Probably Plymouth had 6,500 whites;
Connecticut, 13,000; Massachusetts, 19,000; Maine, New Hampshire, and Rhode
Island had about 3,500 each; New York, icS,ooo; Virginia about 42,000; Mary-
land probablv ifi,ooo; Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware possibly 6,000;
the Carolinas and Georgia together, 7,000.

We have given this review of the condition of the eastern colonies because
they were at that time establishing and developing those great principles of
civil and religious liberty upon which they united and formed of themselves a
great nation which from the days of George Rogers Clark and his \'irginians

20 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

protected and defended us and of which we ourselves have since become a
part so that their destiny and ours have become one ; and further because the
men of heroic character, indomitable energy, self-rehance and individual initia-
tive who made Peoria were themselves the unique product of those older
colonies.

There was not a prelate of any church or sect within the territory of the
colonies until after the Revolutionary War nor a nobleman, except those who
were made noble in nature by the grace of God and their own efforts.

The attempt of France to colonize the new world had not been very success-
ful. They made their first permanent settlement at Port Royal three years
before Jamestown was settled. Champlain established a colony at Quebec in
1608. In 1644 Cardinal Richelieu organized the "Company of New France"
which was to have the monopoly of trade for fifteen years and on the other hand
it agreed to take three hundred French Roman Catholic settlers each year to
the colony and to provide each settlement with three priests.

In 1660 there were no more than two thousand French settlers in New France
and there were not probably more than two or three times that many at the time
Marquette and Joliet visited Illinois.

CHAPTER IV
DISCO\ERY BY THE FRENCH

"Thou too sail on. O ship of State!

Sail on, O Union, strong and great!

Humanity with all its fears,

With all the hopes of future years,

Is hanging breathless on thy fate !

We know what .Master laid thy keel.

What Workman wrought thy ribs of steel.

Who made each mast, and sail, and rope,

What anvils rang, what hammers beat,

In what a forge and what a heat

Were shaped the anchors of thy hope."
■'Our hearts, our hopes, are all with thee,

Our hearts, our hopes, our prayers, our tears,

Our faith triumphant o'er our fears,

Are all with thee, — are all with thee!"

In the foregoing pages we have given something like a "flying machine" view
of the forces that united in the making of Peoria and have controlled its destiny
It remains to see how, when, and for what purpose, those various influence;
explored and finally colonized and developed our city and county.

We have seen how our beautiful valley of the Illinois and the whole valley
of the Mississippi were inhabited successively by two great races which have
moved away forever or perished from the earth. Meanwhile the forces oi
history were preparing for the coming of the third, — the white race. We have
seen that in Euro])e \his race was then divided into four great parties, each
of which was represented in America, and we have seen how they differed among
themselves in principles and ideas of government. We have omitted discussion
of the Quakers and other small sects, which did not much believe in any form
of government. How these great parties contended on the farther side of the
Atlantic and on this side, and have continued to contend to the present day. and
how their principles have affected us and still affect us and how we Americans
have endeavored with more or less success to eliminate the bad and retain the
good of each, are among the interesting questions now before us.

Earlv in the seventeenth century the French had commenced to establish
trading posts and missionary stations on our northern lakes. There was one
of these at La Pointe near the southwestern corner of Lake Superior, surrounded
by the Apostle Islands, almost due north from the western part of Peoria
County. It was from there in 1653. — twenty years before Marquette and Joliet
started on their vovage of discovery, when the Grand Monarch has been ten
years on the throne of France, ten years after the formation of the first con-
federacv between the New England colonies for the purpose of resisting the
encroachment of the French and Indians, and about the time Cromwell was
dissolving the Long Parliament — that a missionary. Father Jean Dequcrre. a
Jesuit, early in 1653, started for the Illinois and, it is said, established a flourish-

22 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

ing mission — the first mission in the Mississippi valley — probably at the place
where Peoria is now situated. "He visited various Indian nations on the borders
of the Mississippi, and was slain in the midst of his apostolical labors in 1661.
"In 1657, Father Jean Charles Drocoux, Jesuit, went to the Illinois, and re-
turned to Quebec the same year."

"In 1663, Father Claude Jean Allouez was appointed Vicar General of the
north and west, including Illinois. He preached to the Pottawottomies and
Aliamis about Green Bay; in 1665, he returned to Quebec, and went to the Illi-
nois in 1668, and visited the missions on the Mississippi."

"In 1670, Father Hugues Pinet, Jesuit, went to the Illinois, and established
a mission among the Tamarois, or Cahokias, at or near the present site of the
village of Cahokia, on the borders of the Mississippi. He remained there until
the year 1686, and was at that mission when Marquette and Joliet went down
the Mississippi. In the same year M. Bergier, priest of the Seminary of Quebec,
succeeded him in the mission to the Tamaroas or Cahokias: and Father Pinet
returned to the mission of St. Louis (Peoria), where he remained until he died,
the i6th of Tulv, 1704, at the age of seventy-nine."

"In 1670," M'. Augustine Meulan de Circe, priest of the Seminary of Quebec,
went to Illinois. He left the mission there in 1675 and returned to France."
"Thus it will be seen that for tzventy years, to wit. from 1653 to 1673, anterior
to the discovery of Marquette and joliet, there was a succession of missions in
the Illinois." "There are no other memorials of these missions now extant,
as known to us, except those preserved in the Seminary of Quebec, from a copy
of which the above notices are taken. The only object is to show, that for
years before Marquette and Joliet visited the country, the 'Illinois' and 'Mis-
sissippi' had been discovered, and missions actually established on their
borders. That these good fathers made notes on their travels, and rendered
accounts of the various Indian tribes which they visited along the Father of
Waters, to their superiors, there can be no doubt. What have become of these
memorials of early western adventure and discovery now? It is impossible to
say. That they would throw much light on the early history of the west, there
can be no doubt."

The Grand Monarque who always had in his service the most alert, ac-
complished, able and devoted officers, i'n 1873 had Count de Frontenac as governor
of Canada, M. Talon, as Intendent, or Supervisor of the Civil Government,
and Claud F. Dablon, as the Father Superior of the Jesuit :\Iissions. These
able men knew the importance of the' discoveries made by the missionaries and
traders, for they had been told about the Mississippi and believed that it emptied
either into the Gulf of California or into the Gulf of :\Iexico; and they now
determined to have that matter thoroughly and officially explored. For this
purpose they selected Sieur Jollyet, who was a most able and thoroughly com-
petent young man, born in this" country and endowed with every quality that
could be desired in such an enterprise, having experience and a knowledge of
the languages of the Ottawa Country, where he had spent several years; hav-
ing moreover the tact and prudence necessary for an expedition so dangerous
and difficult, and a courage that feared nothing.

For several years, Father James Marquette, a Jesuit missionary, has longed
to have the great river and the prairies of Illinois explored and the Gospel car-
ried to the Indians; and when an opportunity was offered of accompanying
Toliet he at once accepted it with delight and enthusiasm, putting their expedi-
tion under the protection of the Blessed \'irgin Immaculate, and promising
her that if she did him the grace to discover the great river, he would give it the
name of "Conception." In 1669 while stationed at Che-goi-me-gon he selected
a young Illinois as a companion by whose instructions he became familiar with
the dialect of that tribe. . , t ■

Toliet and Marquette with two canoes and five service men started on their
trip the 17th of May, 1673, from the Mission of St. Ignez opposite Mackinack.

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 23

They coasted along the northern shore of Lake Michigan and entered the waters
of Green Bay ; from its head they passed the portage into the river Wisconsin
and down that into the Mississippi, the great river, tiien without a name, and
named it Conception River. This discovery was made on the i/th of June,
1673, just thirty days after they started. Without many interesting incidents
they followed down the Mississippi until they arrived at three little villages of
the I'eorias, members of the Illinois Confederacy, on the western shore of the
Mississippi almost directly west of Peoria. Marquette's description of this visit
has been already quoted. From there they went on south to the vicinity of the
Arkansas River where they found a different and more warlike people. They
were already convinced that the great river emptied into the Gulf of Mexico,
and they were told that it w^ould be very dangerous for them to go any farther,
not only because the Indians there were unfriendly and warlike, but because
they might meet Spanish explorers. For these reasons they wisely concluded
to return and report their valuable discoveries rather than to go on further and
by their own deaths cause the loss of all they had gained. They therefore
started up the .Mississippi River but on reaching the mouth of the Illinois they
determined to take it as a shorter route to the lakes. Near Alton they dis-
covered the pictures of the Piasa Bird and other pictographs already described.

It was on the 17th of July, just thirty days after their discovery of the
Mississippi, that they began their return voyage. Marquette expresses his
admiration of what he saw in the Illinois valley in the following language:

"We had seen nothing like this river for the fertility of the land, its prairies,
woods, wild cattle, stag, deer, wild-cats, bustards, swans, ducks, parrots and even
beaver ; its many little lakes and rivers. That on which we sailed is broad, deep,
and gentle for sixty-five leagues. During the spring and part of the summer,
the only portage is half a league."

^Marquette was a very devoted missionary and never lost an opportunity to
publish the Gospel to the Indians whom he met. He stopped three days at the
village of Peoria, preaching his faith in all their Cabins. As he was embarking,
the Indians brought to him at the water's edge a dying child which he baptized
a little before it expired; deeming this, as he says, "an admirable providence"
for the salvation of that innocent soul and one by which all the fatigue of his
voyage was. well repaid.

We regret exceedingly that Manjuette did not more fully describe his visit
to our Peoria village. He says nothing of the previous visits of Father Jean
Dec|uerre, or by any of the other priests that are said to have been here before
him. Perhaps he may not have known atwut these visits or he may have had
his own reason for not mentioning them. I believe he does not mention the fact
that the Indians here were the same tribe that he met in Iowa but this was
undoubtedly the case. At any rate, he seems to have been well received and to
have spent a busy three days with them and to have baptized a child.^ Perhaps,
though he does not refer to it, the Indians already knew something of Christianity
from former missionaries.

This expedition of Jolict and .Marquette "was a w^onderful journey," says
Stephen L. Spear, "without serious accident or misadventure from start to
finish. Xo deaths, no sickness, no desertions, no dissensions among them-
selves, no conflicts wdth the natives, no fatal scarcity of corn, no waste of time,
no change of plan, none of the usual misfortunes accompanying such expeditions
in those days — a canoe voyage of more than 2,300 miles in bark canoes over an
uncharted route without map or guide — without shelter from scorching sun
or pelting rain or driving wind — anchoring near mid-stream at night, not daring
to go forward for fear of rock and rapids ; not daring to camp on shore for fear
of surprise by hostile natives ; refraining from shooting the game with which the
country abounded for fear of attracting the attention of unwelcome neighbors —
their little stock of corn and dried meat the only commissary on which they could
draw for supplies ; yet 20 miles a day upstream and down, through foul weather

24 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

and fair, including all stops and portages, returning to their point of departure
without a mishap worthy of record."

Marcjuette has generally been considered the historian of that exploring
expedition. Joliet lost his instruments and his memoranda and nearly lost his
life at La Chine Rapids, yet he nevertheless prepared a map from memory,
which was sent to France by Frontenac. The report of Marquette was intended
as Joliet's official report of his voyage.

CHAPTER V
TAKING POSSESSION BY LA SALLE

The last chapter gave an account of the discovery of the Illinois country.
This will describe how it was claimed and held for the French King and the
Roman Catholic Church.

Eight years before Joliet and ]\Iarquette made their historic exploration,
Jean Talon, Coun.selor and Intendant to Louis XIY, wrote to John Colbert,
the King's Prime '^Minister, as follows:

"Canada is of such a vast e.xtent that I know not of its limits on the north,
thev are so great a distance from us. and on the south there is nothing to prevent
his Majesty's name and arms being carried as far as Florida, New Sweden,
New Netherlands, New England ; and that through the first of these countries
access can be had even to Mexico. All this country is diversely watered by the
Saint Lawrence and the beautiful rivers that flow into it latterly, that com-
municate with divers Indian nations rich in furs, especially the more northern
of them. The southern nations can also be reached by way of Lake Ontario, if
the portages (beyond) with which we are not yet acquainted, are not very
difficult, though this may be overcome. If these southern nations do not abound
in peltries as those of the north, they may have more precious commodities.
And if we do not know of these last, it is because our enemies, the Iroquois,
intervene between us and the countries that produce them."

Talon does not seem to consider the possibility of reaching the southern
country by the way of the Illinois and Mississippi, or even by the way of the
Wabash and Ohio, which afterwards were avenues of trade and travel. Per-
haps he was not sufficiently sure about them. His plan seems to have been
to follow up some river and make a connection by a portage with the
head waters of the Ohio. Talon's scheme would probably have been better
than the western ones if he could have succeeded and held it, because it would
have confined the Atlantic colonies east of the mountains more easily; but it
would have been more difficult to hold because the portage would have been
longer and the Iroquois and the colonies were dangerously near.

Talon also wrote Colbert in 1671, two years before Marquette's expedition,
as follows : ■ .

"I am no Courtier, and assert, not through a mere desire to please the King,
nor without just reason that this portion of the F"rench Monarch will become
something grand." "What I discover around me causes me to foresee this, and
those colonies of various nations so long settled on the seaboard already tremble
with afifright in view of what his Majesty has accomplished here in the interior
within seven years. Measures adopted to confine them within narrow limits
by taking possession, which I have caused to be effected, do not allow them to
spread, without subjecting themselves at the same time to be treated as usurpers
and to have war waged against them, and this truth is what, by all their acts,
they seem to greatly fear. They already know that your name is spread abroad
among the savages' throughout all those countries and that he alone is there
regarded by them, (the savages) as the arbitrator of peace and war. All detach
themselves insensibly from other Europeans and excepting the Iroquois, of

26 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUXTY

whom I am not as yet assured, we may safely promise ourselves to make the
others take up arms whenever we please."

The King's able minister and his intendant saw the great importance of tak-
ing possession of the valleys of the ^Mississippi, Illinois, and Ohio, and of hemming
in and confining the Atlantic seaboard colonies to the eastern side of the Alle-
ghany Alountains, for they belonged to rival nations in Europe and were founded
on theories of government — as regards both church and state and social life —
very different from those of P'rance, besides being aggressive competitors for
the Indian trade.

La Salle was an extraordinary man. "It is easy to reckon up his defects
but it is not easy to hide from sight the Roman virtues that redeemed them.
Beset by a throng of enemies, he stands like a King of Israel, head and shoulders
above them all. He was a tower of adamant against whose front hardships
and dangers, the rage of men, of the elements, the southern sun, the northern
blast, fatigue, famine and disease, delay, disappointment and hope deferred,
emptied their cjuivers in vain.''

Four years before Joliet's discovery La Salle had fitted out an expedition
to explore the Ohio from its source to the sea, and had actually started on
the expedition ; but owing to disagreements with the ecclesiastical part of his
associates, he was diverted from his purpose and returned home without even
reaching the Ohio. Then for some years he led the life of a "Runner of the
Woods,'' but he was more than a runner. He was of good birth and education
and of correct habits, a promoter of great enterprises whose management he
imposed on himself, a man of great ambition and tenacity, shirking no hard-
ships, apparently incapable of discouragement and unconscious of defeat to the
last.

Joliet, after his return from his exploring expedition with Marquette, met
La Salle at Fort Frontenac. Here the two celebrated explorers conferred
together as to the geography of the country and its future possibilities. La Salle,
enterprising and ambitious as he was, saw in its development a great opportunity
and seized it with delight, energy and enthusiasm. He applied to the King for
a charter, which was granted. May 12, 1678. This authorized him to build a
new and much stronger fort at Fort Frontenac, (now Kingston, Canada) granted
him a large tract of land in the vicinity and authorized him to take possession
of the country, of which they hoped to make a glorious New France, and to
fortify it and hold it for the great King and the Roman Catholic Church.

His party was soon gathered. Chevalier Henri de Tonti, an Italian by birth,
son of the merchant who invented the Tontine system of accumulating money.
a professional soldier with much experience in European wars, a brave and able
man, who afterwards proved himself to be a most faithful and loyal friend of
La Salle, was introduced to him by Prince de Conti ; and they, together with
Louis Hennepin, a Franciscan Friar, Father Gabriel de La Ribourde, and Zeno-
bius or Zenoble Membre, all members of the Franciscan order of the Roman
Catholic Church, furnished the ability, intelligence and character for the new
expedition. The priests of this order were sometimes called "Gray Friars,"
and they were also known in Belgium, Holland and France as "Recollects,"
while the Indians called them "Bare Feet'' or "Gray Gowns." La Salle seems
to have preferred this order to that of the Jesuits, although both orders were
prominent and devoted to the missionary work everywhere ; and the writings
of these two orders constitute nearly the entire written history of this valley
until it was ceded by France to England in 1763, or even as late as July 4th,
1778, when George Rogers Clark under a commission from Patrick Henry, the
Governor, took possession of this country for Virginia.

La Salle and Tonti organized their expedition and built at Fort Frontenac,
a ship called the Griffon, with whicli they expect to keep up the communication
with the settlements on the western lakes and carry on their commerce. La
Salle, Tonti, Hennepin, and the two Recollects, with thirty-two persons in all

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 27

sailed from Fort I-'rontenac the 7tli of August, 1679, after the "Te Deum" and
amid the firing of cannon, bringing a good supply of arms, merchandise, and
seven small cannon.

La Salle's plan was to seize and fortify the Mississippi and Illinois rivers and
establish trading posts and missionary stations which should be put under the
charge of the Friars.

Reaching Mackinac with his party in September, 1679, he passed on to
Green P)ay and remained there until their vessel, the Griffon, was loaded with
furs. This was sent back with a pilot and five good sailors for Montreal to
dispose of the cargo and return as soon as possible with the additional sup-
plies needed for the furtherance of the expedition. Among other things it was
to bring iron and material to build and equip a vessel on the Illinois river to be
used in navigating that river and the Mississippi. La Salle and fourteen men
then proceeded with four canoes, considerable merchandise and a quantity of
utensils and tools to the southern bend of Lake Michigan and built a fort at
the mouth of St. Joseph's river, where he was joined by Tonti with twenty addi-
tional men.

On the third of December, La Salle with thirty men and eight canoes ascended
the Miami river to a point near South Bend to make a portage to the Kankakee
and thus reach the Illinois. When they reached the village of the Kaskaskias
at Starved Rock, they found it deserted. The Indians, however, as was their
custom on leaving their villages in the fall for a hunting season in the. south,
had stored some corn for their use on their return. La Salle was compelled to
take about twenty bushel of this for he was out of provisions.

With these fresh supplies he passed on down the Illinois to Peoria Lake.
Here they saw a number of wooden canoes on both sides of the river and about
eight cabins full of Indians, who did not see them until they had doubled a point
behind which the Illinois were encamped within half a gun shot. La Salle and
his men were in eight canoes abreast with all their arms in their hands. At
first the Indians were alarmed and ran away. He managed to call them back
and after a day spent in dancing and feasting, Hennepin notified them that
they had come not to trade but to preach. For this purpose, they assembled the
chiefs of the villages, which were on both sides of the river. La Salle explained
that the French desired to be their allies and that they would bring over addi-
tional Frenchmen, who would protect them from the attacks of their enemies
and would furnish them all the goods they needed, and that they intended to
build a great wooden canoe and sail down to the sea bringing them all kinds of
merchandise by that shorter and more easy route. The Indians agreed and gave
a description of the Mississippi river.

At Peoria La Salle met a large number of t!ie Kaskaskias returning to their
village. La Salle explained to them that he had taken some of their corn as a
matter of necessity and he settled with them for it to their satisfaction. La Salle
now decided to' remain at Peoria until the opening of the river in the spring.

The next day after they landed, a Miami chief named Monso arrived with
a lot of kettles, axes, knives, etc.. in order bv these presents to make the Illinois
believe that the F"renchmen intended to join their enemies who lived beyond the
Colbert (Mississippi) river. One of the Illinois chiefs, named Omaouha, notified
La Salle that the Miamies were working against them. La Salle believed that
Monso had been sent by other Frenchmen who were jealous of his success for
he was surprised to find that Monso knew all about his affairs in detail.

Nicanape, a brother of the most important of the Illinois chiefs, made a speech
at the feast trying to persuade the Frenchmen to abandon their idea of going on
down the river, telling them that the river was unnavigalile. full of falls and
sandbars and infested with dangerous enemies. .After the meal La Salle explained
to Nicanape that when Monso was plotting with him the night before in secret.
La Salle had not been asleep and his manifest knowledge of the motive of
Nicanape silenced him. In the meantime Monso started back. The Indians sent

28 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

runners after Monso to bring him back for cross-examination but as his tracks
were hidden by a recent fall of snow they were unable to overtake him. Never-
theless La Salle's men were somewhat disheartened and six of them deserted.
They were at that time probably on the western side of the river near Birket's
Hollow.

La Salle, having gotten consent of the Indians, now commenced to build a
fort, a stockade of logs. This was soon finished and named Fort Creve Coeur.
Concerning the location of this fort there has been a great deal of controversy
and argument. It seems certain, however, that the main fort was built at the
southern extremity of the lake on the eastern side of the Illinois river: some think
it was located above the lower end of the lake near the upper free bridge, and
some that it was located three miles below, near Wesley City. Each of these
locations has been marked by a stone and both are on high points of the bluff.

It is now confidently asserted by Daniel R. Sheen, Esquire, of this city, that
Fort Creve Coeur was situated just across the river from Peoria on the line of
Fayette street, and on a little mound only a few feet above high water mark.
Notwithstanding the fact that both of the other locations for Creve Coeur have
been endorsed by enthusiastic societies and marked by monuments, I am rather
inclined to think that Fort Creve Coeur was located in the latter place, not only
because it seems to meet the descriptions given by the builders better, but because
it is the most reasonable place for such a fort built for the purpose for which
this was constructed. At that place and from there on down, the river is always
open in the spring several weeks earlier than it is above. There is also at that
place a bend in the shore and a slough making a kind of port or harbor. The
ground is high enough to avoid the danger of overflow in high water and it is
low enough for boats to be brought up close to the fort or even within the pali-
sades. It is manifest that this would be desirable as the fort was not built for a
temporary purpose only, but as a protection to the commerce they hoped to
establish on the Illinois river; and for this latter purpose it would be necessary
that it should be close to the harbor and to the boats that were to be protected.
The white men had no cannon of long range; and the Indians had none at
all, while their muskets were only short range guns. They did most of their
fighting with clubs and bows and arrows. Thus a fort on a high point of the
bluff would afiford no protection to a boat in the water below. jNIoreover it
would be hard to keep a fort so located supplied with provisions and water, a
very essential thing. From a military point of view it seems to me altogether
probable that the fort would have been built on a little bay near the water's
edge at a place where the water from the numerous springs coming into the
river would keep it open and free from ice a much greater part of the year
than it would be a little farther up, and where the boats would not be threatened
with floating ice as they would have been if anchored near where Wesley City
now stands. Also, it would have been placed near enough to the village of
Peoria on the western shore to be in easy communication with it and yet free
from danger of an attack from it. The location of this fort is a very interesting
question because the buildings there were the first ones erected by white men
in Illinois.

It would be well to have careful examination made into this matter and to
examine the old remains of the fort that are alleged to be found at the place
named h\ Mr. Sheen and perhaps erect another monumental stone to show the
location of the first building erected by white men in Illinois. Peorians are
specially interested in this location for if the fort were standing now where Mr.
Sheen claims it stood it would face our city and be plainly visible from our
steamboat landing.

At the same time that the fort was being built the keel for a vessel was laid
near the fort, but before the work on the boat had advanced far, some of Tonti's
men deserted, partly from want of pay, perhaps partly through a disposition to
cut lose from restraint and perhaps from fear of the Irociuois. This made it

HISTORY OI' PKORIA COUXTY 29

necessary to suspend work on the vessel and La Salle and Tonti agreed that
the former should go back on foot to enlist a fresh force of men and bring the
necessary supply of materials for finishing and furnishing the boat and that
Tonti should liave the river explored farther west and south.

A young Illinois passing La Salle's shipyard traced for them with coal a
fairly accurate map of the Mississippi river, assuring them that there were no
falls or rapids between them and the gulf, giving the names of the nations along
the shore. The next morning, after public prayers, La Salle visited the village,
where he found the Illinois assembled having a feast. They again tried to per-
suade him of the dangers of proceeding down the river. La Salle informed them
that he knew all about it and the savages thought he had learned it all in some
very mysterious way. Tlie Illinois then apologized saying that they had told
him their false stories only with the desire to keep the Frenchmen with the
Illinois ; and they then all admitted that the river was navigable to the sea. The
chief Oumahouha ( Omaha ) adopted Zenoble Membre as his son. Tiie tribe
lived at that time only half a league from Fort Creve Coeur.

Early in March La Salle left Tonti in command at Fort Creve Coeur and
taking five men went back to Niagara to look after the Griffon and secure neces-
sary supplies. Hennepin started down the river Illinois on his exploring expedi-
tion. February 29, 1680. He describes the river as skirted by hills, ascending
which you discover prairie further than the eye can reach. Hennepin reached
the Tamaroas, two leagues from the mouth of the Illinois, Alarch 7, 1680. The
Tamaroas then had their village six or seven leagues below the mouth of the
Illinois and west of the river ^Mississippi. On April 11, 1680, Hennepin was
captured by Indians on the upper Mississippi. After a long captivity and much
suffering, he was rescued by Daniel Greysolon Duluth, a cousin of Tonti.

When Hennepin and La Salle were gone, Tonti commenced the construc-
tion of another fort on the western side of the river, supposed to be where the
old pottery stood near llirket's Hollow. In all this work the French were
doubtless very greatly assisted by the Illinois, who as well as the French would
feel the need of it as a defense against their terrible common enemies, the
Iroquois. When Tonti was left by La Salle in command of F'ort Creve Coeur,
he was supplied with powder and lead, guns and other arms to defend himself
in case he was attacked by the Iroquois.

La Salle while on his trip east sent back orders to Tonti to go to Starved
Rock and build a strong fort there, and for this purpose Tonti started north-
ward. On the way, however, all of his men deserted except two Recollects
and three men newly arrived from France, taking with them everything that
was most valuable. Tonti went back to hold Fort Creve Coeur with his six
men and did hold it all summer.

On September 10, 1680, sudden as a clap of thunder, the Iroquois invaded
the Illinois. Tonti had only a few hours notice and in trying to negotiate with
the Iroquois came near being treacherously killed. The Illinois fled down the
river, leaving everything behind, even their corn, which was destroyed. Tonti
and Zenoble met the Irof|uois in council .September 18, 1680. The Iroquois
told Tonti they were going to eat some of the Illinois before they went away,
whereupon Tonti resenting the inference that he might be persuaded to desert
his friends, kicked away their presents and the parley broke up in anger. I'onti
expected to be killed before morning and resolved to sell his life dearly. At
day-break, however, the Iroquois told Tonti and his men to depart, which they
promptly did knowing they could no longer, by remaining, be useful to the Illi-
nois. Tonti was wounded during the parley but was allowed to start for Green
Bay with his few men. The next day. September 19th, after Tonti started
back. Father Gabriel Ribourde, who had retired a short distance for private
prayer was killed by a band of renegade Kickapoos. The Iroquois returned to
New York taking a large number of female jirisoners with them. During the
continuation of this parley, the Iroquois must have been encamped or had a

30 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

village near Fort Creve Coeur. This probably was a very temporary village as
well as temporary fort because the Iroquois had come in only eight days before
like a clap of thunder. Their fort must have been near Creve Coeur because
they exchanged messages several times a day.

Tonti went on up to Canada hoping to join La Salle but for the time being
failed to find him.

La Salle, meanwhile, on returning to Peoria, finding that his fort was de-
stroyed and that the Indians had been driven away, passed on down the river
seeking for Tonti. but not finding him, he returned to Fort St. Joseph. There
he met Tonti and proceeded with consummate ability to organize a great con-
federacy of the western Indians, including the Illinois, ]\Iiamies, Foxes, Shaw-
nees, Tamaroas and others, forming an alliance offensive and defensive with the
French and each other against their mutual enemies, the Iroquois, who were the
allies of the colonies east of the Alleghanies. La Salle then returned east for
new supplies, again leaving Tonti in command.

La Salle again rejoined Tonti in December, 1681, and started on the third
winter's journey down the Illinois for the mouth of the Alississippi river with
a party of twenty-three Frenchmen and thirty-one Indians. This time they
crossed Lake Michigan and entered the mouth of the Chicago river. From there
they followed down the course of the Deep Waterway Canal (which was not
built then, and is not yet. but will be soon) and halted at Peoria long enough
to repair their canoes and transfer their supplies from the sledges to the boats,
for this trip as far as Peoria had been made by placing their boats on sledges
and drawing them by hand on the ice on the frozen rivers and on the snow
across the portage. They then successfully passed on down the Illinois and
Mississippi river to the Gulf of ^Mexico, and took possession of the country and
all its seas, harbors, ports, etc., including the long string of particulars that in
those days were included in documents of that sort, in the name of the "most
high, mighty, invincible and victorious Prince Louis the Great, by the Grace of
God, King of France and Navarre, P^ourteenlh, by that name," April 9. 1682.

They then started on their return. La Salle fell sick and had to be left behind
at Chickasaw Bluffs, while Tonti came on ahead. La Salle followed later and
joined him at Alackinac. All this magnificent domain was then, according to
the charter granted him by the Grand Monarch, "La Salle's Country" to be
held by him for and in the name of the French King and for his own profit.

La Salle on his return proceeded, in the winter of 1682 and 1683, to erect a
fort at Starved Rock called Fort St. Louis du Rocher, about which he gathered
the remnant of many western tribes, twenty thousand or more Indians. This
was to be the military headquarters of La Salle's Country, the principal trad-
ing post of the whole region, the rallying point of all of the western red war-
riors in opposition to the Iroquois. \\'hen it was finished, he placed Tonti in
command and early in the summer of 1683, La Salle left his glorious domain —
never to see it again. Some time after he was gone. Tonti led or accompanied
his Illinois allies and joining a body of French and Canadian Indians drove the
Iroquois back to their home villages and punished them severely.

La Salle's friend. Count Frontinac, had been succeeded by La Barre. who was
an enemy of La Salle's and thwarted him in every possible way; so that now
La Salle was compelled to return to France and appeal directly to the French
King. There he was successful and organized a new expedition with the inten-
tion of returning to America and establishing a fort and a commercial city for
his territory at the mouth of the Mississippi river. It was a grand conception
and if he had not accidentally missed the mouth of the Mississippi, landing
further west on the shore of Texas, thus losing his ships and his life in an
efifort to return, it is hard to determine how great a colony that able man
might have developed. His plans were magnificent. His ability was great. His
life was terminated by the treachery of one of his own men.

CHAPTER VI
PEORIA UNDER THE FRENCH

Joliet and Marquette, La Salle and Tonti had come and gone like meteors
in the sky, wonderful in their brilliant achievements as any of the knights of
old. After them there is little to be told of the French occupation of the Mis-
sissippi valley that is creditable to the mother country.

Tonti was left by La Salle in charge at Starved Rock of all his fortifications
and headquarters for all his wide domain and for the confederacy of the west-
ern Indians which he had organized. But the enemies of La Salle were in charge
of Quebec and they sent Chevalier de Bogis to supersede Tonti in his com-
mand, which he did but retained Tonti as a captain of troops. They remained
in charge of the Fort at Starved Rock, representing different interests and hav-
ing but little symi)athy with each other's plans. In the following March, the
approach of their common enemy, the Iroquois, compelled them to unite in a
defense of their post, where they were besieged for six days by two thousand
warriors. Their position, however, was so strong and their means of defense
so adequate that the hitherto victorious Iroquois were repulsed with loss and
compelled to abandon the siege. This was the last invasion of the savages from
the east. From this time on for many years, the Illinois and allied tribes re-
sumed their yearly residence in the vicinity of the fort without molestation. The
protecting guns of the French and the presence of Tonti, who made the fort his
headquarters for many years, rendered their safety secure. It was also the
abode of many French traders and merchants with their families.

From this point Tonti roamed the Western world over, and trading, fight-
ing, and exploring, he made six trips up and down the Mississippi and visited
Montreal. i\lackinac and points on Lake Michigan. In 1702 he was deprived
of his command and joined d'Iberville to aid him in his efforts to colonize lower
Louisiana, and the fort at Starved Rock was ordered abandoned. It was, how-
ever, occasionally occu[)ied as a trading port, until 1718, when it was raided by
the Indians and burned on account of the licentiousness of the French
inhabitants.

In 1686-9 he accompanied Rev. J. F. Buisson Sentsome on his trip with a
company of priests from Mackinaw down to Natchez.

To the Recollet monks of St. Francis was first assigned the care of the
American mission l)Ut Cardinal Richelieu superseded this order and confined the
spiritual welfare of the natives and settlers of Canada to the Jesuits. There
were accremonious quarrels between these two rival religious orders, which
were intensitied by the ])articipation therein of the civil authorities and which
continued until the suppression of the Jesuits in most of the provinces of France
and their expulsion from the province of Louisiana, in 1763 or before, and from
the entire Dominion of France in 1764.

After the departure of La Salle there was luit little done by the French in
Illinois for the next thirty years. An account of the succession of priests, who
were sent to the missions at Peoria by the religious orders to which they be-
longed to care for the spiritual welfare of the French traders and Indians, is
all there is to keep up the continuity of the story. It is a melancholy tale of

32 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

suffering and death, and an evidence of the warmth, zeal, and piety of these
faithful followers of the cross.

Father Gabriel Lanibronde, Jesuit, went as a missionary to the Illinois in
1678 and was slain at his mission in 1680.

Father Maxime Le Clerc went to the Illinois in 1678. He was killed by the
Indians in 1687.

Father Zenoble Membre, Recollet, went to the Illinois in 1678, returned in
1680, and was employed in visiting the tribes on the Mississippi.

Father Louis Hennepin went to the Illinois in 1678 with La Salle; was oc-
cupied in making discoveries on the Mississippi where he was made prisoner
in 1680 and afterwards ransomed.

M. Jean Bergier, mentioned as the successor of Father Pinet, priest of the
Seminary of Quebec, went to the Illinois in 1686; was at the Tamaroas or
Cahokia mission; died there in 1699; was buried by Father Marest, who was
in the mission to the Kaskaskias.

During the year 1694-5 Father Grevierre attended his labors among Peorias
until 1699 when he was recalled. He returned to the Illinois mission in 1700
and continued his labors with the Peorias, where he was assaulted by a med-
icine man of the tribe from whom he received a severe wound which finally
resulted in his death, at Mobile in 1706.

Peoria then was left without a priest until the Indians had promised better
behavior, when Father Deville was sent to them.

M. Phillip Boucher, priest of the Seminary of Quebec, was sent to the Tam-
aroas or Cahokia mission, to assist M. Bergier; remained with him until 1696,
when he went to visit the Arkansas and other Indian tribes on the lower Mis-
sissippi: returned and died at Peoria in 1719.

In 1692, Father Louis Hyacinth Simon, went as missionary to "St. Louis,"
(Peoria) ; went from there in 1694 to visit the different establishments and posts
on the Mississippi; returned to Quebec in 1699.

Father Julien Benettau, Jesuit priest, went to the Illinois in 1696; labored
at the mission of (Peoria?) St. Louis with great success; died there in 1709.

M. Francois Juliet de Montigney, priest, in 1696 was sent to Louisiana in
the character of vicar-general, by the bishop of Quebec. He visited the mis-
sions in Illinois. St. Louis, the Tamaroas or Cahokias, while M. Bergier was
there, traversed the whole country, and returned to Quebec in 1718.

M. Michael Antoine Gamelin, priest of the Seminary of Quebec, accom-
panied him. They descended the Mississippi, and went as far as Mobile.

Father Gabriel Marest, Jesuit, went to the Illinois in 1699; fixed his resi-
dence at Kaskaskia ; died there in 1727.

Father Antoine Darion, priest, went in 1700 on a mission to the Tunicas, a
tribe living on the Mississippi; and adjoining the Natchez. He went from
Quebec.

Rev. Phillip Boucher labored a while at St. Louis (Peoria) and died there
in 1718.

Under the French government the territory of Illinois was at first under
the administration of the governor of Canada, the seat of government being at
Quebec. The region being so very remote and the population so exceedingly
sparce, little if any civil authority was exercised over the people. As the Illi-
nois country had been settled by Frenchmen coming through Canada, who had
left manv relatives there, and as they liad always traded there, the affections
of the old French settlers still remained with Canada ; but in consequence of
La Salle's discovery of the mouth of the Mississippi and of his taking posses-
sion, in the name of his king, of all the countries drained by it, the people of
France now began to come into the Mississippi valley by way of the Gulf, as
La Salle had foreseen and planned. As early as the year 1700, they had pene-
trated as far north as the River Maramac, not more than twenty miles south
from St. Louis, and had there begun the smelting of lead with which that region
was supposed to abound.

\1K\V (iK A I'KdUIA 1!KS11)KX( K STIIKKT

Vli:\V OF PKORIA'S PRINCIPAL BUSIXKSS S'lRKET

PKdlMA WAIKi; l-Kn\r. I-|;(IM TIIK l.oWKi; KUKK ISKIDiiK

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 33

In 171 1 that portion of Canada or New France in which this part of the
State of IlHnois is located was detached from Canada and attached to the prov-
ince of Louisiana, and thereafter continued for many years to constitute a part
of it.

In those days fabulous stories of the great wealth of Louisiana in gold,
silver, pearls and precious stones were circulated in Europe. Such paltry
things as the great fertility of the soil, or as coal, iron, and lead were uot much
thought of. Adventurers explored the country throughout its entire extent in
search of the precious metals, little of which was found, but great discoveries
were made of lead, iron and mineral coal.

In the spring, 1712, the French at Fort St. Louis "The Rock" (Starved
Rock) established a trading post here at Peoria Lake, and a number of families
came thither from Canada and built cabins in the Indian village. For fifty
years French and half-breeds continued to live in the town with the Indians as
one people, and during that time peace and harmony prevailed between them.

On August 17, 1 71 7, John Law, the celebrated financier, procured from the
king a charter for the Company of the Occident for the whole of the colony of
Louisiana, which included Illinois, with power to sell and alienate the lands in
such manner as they might think proper, and with power to appoint governors
and other superior officers and to dismiss them and to appoint others. They
were also given a monopoly of the tobacco and slave trades and the
exclusive right to refine gold and silver. In pursuance of this charter,
a government was organized over the whole territory, including the Illinois
country. On the 9th of F"ebruary, 1718, there arrived at Mobile by ship from
France, Pierre Duque Boisbriant, a Canadian gentleman, with the commission
of Commandant at Illinois. He was a cousin of Bienville, then governor of
Louisiana, and had already served under him in that province. In October of
the same year, one hundred years before Illinois became a state, accompanied
by several officers and a detachment of troops, he departed for the Illinois coun-
try, where he was ordered to construct a fort. Late in the year Boisbriant
reaclwJ Kaskaskia and selected a site for his fort sixteen miles above the vil-
lage,|^n the left bank of the JMississippi. Merrily rang the a.xes of the soldiers
in the forest by the mighty river, as they hewed out the ponderous timbers for
IJalisades and bastian. And by degrees the walls arose, and the barracks and
commandant's house, and the store house and great hall of the Indian company
were built and the cannon, bearing the Coat of Arms of Louis XIV, were
placed in position. In the spring of 1720 all was finished and the lilies of the
Bourbons floated over the work which was named "Fort Chartres."

In 1719, while Fort Chartres was in process of erection, the company of
the East Indies, established years before by Colbert, was tmited with the Com-
pany of the \\ est under the name of the Company of the Indies, which latter
company then assumed jurisdiction over the province of Louisiana. Under its
authority a provincial council for Illinois was established.

This council speedily made Fort Chartres the center of the civil govern-
ment and of the colony, and its members executed grants of land upon which
some titles still rest, though but few permanent improvements and actual settle-
ments were made. They dispensed justice, regulated titles and administered
estates, in fact established the court which for more than forty years decided
the causes which arose in the Illinois country according to the principles and
mode of procedure recognized by the civil law.

Phillip Francis Renault, director general of the mines of the Company of
the Indies, and formerly a banker of Paris, reached Fort Chartres before its
completion and made his headquarters at the post. He brought with him two
hundred and fifty miners and soldiers and five hundred slaves from San Do-
mingo. This is said to have been the beginning of slavery in Illinois.

Renault, as director of the Mines, pursued for years with indefatigable en-
ergy the exploration of the Mississippi valley for mineral, carrying his pros-

34 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

pecting far up the Missouri to the Rocky Mountain and up the Ohio and its
tributaries to the Alleghanies. He obtained a concession to himself of several
tracts of laud some of which are known to have contained valuable mines. The
concession in which we Peorians are most interested embraced a tract of land on
Peoria lake, which under the name of Renault claims gave rise to much contro-
versy in congress, as well as some unrest at Peoria.

This claim was described as: "One league in front at Pimiteau ou the
River Illinois facing the east and adjoining to the lake bearing the name of the
village, and on the other side of the banks opposite the village for a half league
above it with a depth of five leagues, the point of the compass following the
Illinois river down the same upon one side and ascending by the river of Arcary
[de d'Arescy, elsewhere called the des Arcouy. — Ed.] which forms the middle
through the rest of the depth."

The wording of this grant goes to show that at that time, June 14, 1723,
there was a village located on Lake Pimiteau, or Lake Peoria, the precise loca-
tion of which is not definitely stated. The heirs of Renault have, from time
to time, set up a claim to the land so granted at Lake Peoria. Their last claim
was that it embraced a tract lying on both sides of the Kickapoo creek at its
mouth extending up the river as far as Bridge street, and following the creek
as its middle line for a distance of five leagues, or fifteen miles by one league,
or three miles, in width. The description however is of such an uncertain na-
ture it was not possible to locate it with any degree of accuracy, and it never
has been recognized by the government in any of its surveys.

Here we have the fact well authenticated by a grant of land based thereon
that in 1723 there existed at Pimiteau ( Pimiteoui ) a village bearing the same
name as the lake upon which it was situated. Whether or not this was the
same village mentioned by IMarquette, St. Cosme, and Grevierre, does not appear.
But that it was a French village can scarcely be doubted. Tradition says that
the object of this grant was to secure control of a lead mine, of which some
evidence had been found. In the light of the present day it would seem more
highly probable that Renault's aim was to secure control of the valuaWPKSroal
fields which, it was evident, bordered upon the Kickapoo creek, then calT^anhe
Arcary or Arcoury.

In 1732 the charter of the Company of the Indies was surrendered, and
Louisiana, including what is now the state of Illinois, was thereafter governed
by officers appointed directly by the French crown, under a code of laws known
as the Common Law of Paris. These laws however not being adapted to the
exigency of civil or social relations in a new country were not generally en-
forced ; the commandant exercising an arbitrary but mild authority which was
acquiesced without complaint.

The majority of the colonies who had come with the Indies company were
poor and illiterate and for the most part they took themselves to hunting and
iDoating. Few men of talent and enterprise remained and became merchants
and traders on a large scale with the Indians.

In 1734 Pierre d'Artaguiette was appointed commander of the Illinois dis-
trict and his administration was popular and successful. In 1736, however, he
conducted a disastrous expedition against the Chickasaws who had long op-
posed the advancement of the French settlers on the Mississippi. His force
was composed of a part of the garrison of Fort Chartres, a company of vol-
unteers from the French villages, and a large portion of the warriors of the Kas-
kaskias. making an army of two hundred French and four hundred Indians.
The Illinois and Miami Indians were under the command of chief Chicagou.
Major d'Artaguiette had been promised re-inforcements from New Orleans
but they failed to arrive and there was nothing left to the brave young com-
mander but to fight. He was severely wounded in the engagement as were
manv of his officers. His Indian armies fled and the Chickasaws soon remained
masters of the bloody field. D'Artaguiette and some other Frenchmen were
taken prisoners and burned at the stake.

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 35

We have reached the point where the names of Washington and Virginia
come into our story.

In 1611, March 12th, the English king had granted to the Virginia company
all the land between parallels thirty and forty-one nmning from the Atlantic to
the western sea. The northern line of \'irginia under that charter ran about
three miles north of Peoria county, so that the whole of Peoria county was in
Virginia.

As the French and English colonies increased in population and extended
their settlements, the question of the boundary between them became one of in-
creasing importance and brought the two rival nations into collision with each
other. The first strong competition took place on the head waters of the Ohio
river. The first exciting cause of this was the formation of the Ohio Com-
pany under a grant from the English crown. Not an Englishman had at that
time settled northwest of the Ohio river. The Indians held the whole country
with a tenacious grip and had not even a distant fear that the English would
ever be able to dispossess them.

The grant to the Ohio company was obtained for a tract situated within the
present limits of the state of Ohio. The company was composed of eight asso-
ciates, of whom Lawrence Washington, Augustine, and George Washington
were three. Measures for the occupancy of these lands were taken by com-
mencing to build a fort near where Pittsburg now stands but the men there
employed were driven away by a large force of French and Indians. This was
the beginning of the French and Indian war, which lasted from 1754 to 1759.
It involved nearly the whole of Europe in the struggle, for its issue was en-
tangled with the old question as to the balance of power on the continent.

The Canadian tribes of Indians sided with the French ; the Iroquois and
others sided with the English, and all of the Indians were on the warpath on
one side or on the other to help settle this question, one of the momentous ques-
tions of the world's history, as events have proven.

Washington had investigated the situation on the head waters of the Ohio
to learn what was the strength of the enemies and of their forts and what they
were proixibly ])lanning to do. The information brought by Washington con-
vinced the governor of Virginia that the French were preparing to take posses-
sion of the Ohio valley, and Major Washington, as he then was, was ordered
to the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers to superintend the
completion of a fort there. V^hen he arrived at the place, he found that it had
already been taken possession of by the French with a force of a thousand men.
He thereupon determined to proceed to the mouth of Red Stone Creek where
the warehouses of the Ohio company were situated. He encountered Sieur de
Jumonville de \'illiers, who had been despatched with a military force and a
summons to Washington to require him to withdraw from French territory. On
May 28th, Washington successfully attacked him, killed ten of the French in-
cluding De\'illiers, and captured twenty-one prisoners, while his own loss was
one killed and three wounded. This was Washington's first battle, in which he
was twenty-two years old.

Coulan, a brother of the deceased French general, was sent from Montreal
with twelve hundred French and Indians. As Washington only had three hun-
dred all told, he retreated to Fort Necessity. Here he was attacked on July 3rd
and compelled to surrender.

Fort Chartres, Illinois, at this time was garrisoned by a regiment of grena-
diers and the fort had just been rebuilt of stone, for it had been of wood, at a
cost of a million dollars.

Upon learning of the defeat of Jumonville de Villiers, Captain Neyon de
Villiers of Fort Chartres was despatched with a company to join the force of
his brother Coulan from Fort Duquesne to aid in overcoming "Monsieur de
Wachenston." The result of this campaign brought to the gallant Captain
\'illicrs and his post on the Mississippi a well earned distinction, for the Illinois

36 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

country was largely depended upon for supplies, which were transported in
boats down the Mississippi and up the Ohio to Fort Duquesne, in which ser-
vice Neyon de Villiers rendered valuable aid. His honors in this war were
dearly bought for he was the only one of several brothers, who was not slain
in the defense of Canada.

Five years before this time, that is, in 1749, the British white population of
the thirteen colonies was estimated at one million, fifty-one thousand. That of
the French in all of New France, exclusive of their Indian allies, was about
fifty-two thousand.

The desire of the English colonists to speculate in the lands northwest of the
Ohio was very strong and many prominent men were connected with all such
schemes, including Ijesides the Washingtons already mentioned, John Murray,
Earl Dunmore, Governor of Virginia, and the Franklins, father and son.

The French and Indian war which was begun as we have seen, at what is
now Pittsburg, was practically ended five years later, Sept. 13, 1759, on the
plains of Abraham at Quebec where the gallant and able commanders on each
side lost their lives. From this time forth France lost all power and control
in Canada and the whole north west.

As soon thereafter as the dilatory movements of the governments could bring
it about, France surrendered all her claims to her remaining possessions in
North America to Great Britain by the treaty of Paris, which was signed in
1763. She had ceded her territory west of the Mississippi to Spain the year
before.

Thus ended the magnificent scheme planned by La Salle for making in the
Mississippi valley a new France, even greater than the old. It failed because
it was not based upon proper fundamental principles of government. Abso-
lutism and despotism cannot succeed in a new country such as this was.

At the end of almost ninety years of French control, it will be interesting
to consider w-hat Illinois gained by it. In the year 1763 when France ceded this
country to Great Britain, what did she transfer within that part now included
in Illinois? A population consisting of about two thousand whites and five or
six hundred negro slaves — and a system of legalized slavery. The soil and
forests as nature had made them. Here and there a little wooden town; a
magnificent stone fortress, the grandest that up to that time had been built within
the present borders of the United States, standing on a sandy foundation too close
to the channel of the erratic Mississippi ; a rude wooden village insecurely
founded on the same treacherous stream ; three or four other villages scarcely
worth naming and a few inefficient water mills located on unreliable streams.
And wdiat else besides? No agriculture beyond the supply of immediate wants,
and possibly for export, as much flour, bacon, pork, hides, tallow and leather
as would be produced on one good prairie farm of six hundred acres ; no build-
ings but the rudest and they of wood — there were no brick; no commerce ex-
cept trade and barter with the natives of the forest ; no mines developed ; no
looms or churns in use and no factories built, no schools established, no print-
ing press set up, no roads except the trail of the Indian and the buff^alo, no
bridge other than an occasional tree felled across a narrow stream and no trans-
portation facilities superior to those of the red men : no civil officers, no popular
election ever held, few people outside of the priests who were able to read, and
there were not many of them — the Jesuits having just been expelled in a sum-
mary manner — no civil courts and no legislatures. There were only a few
homesteads so owned by the occupants, that they could develop and improve
them, leave them to their heirs with a good title. There was nothing to broaden
and strengthen the intellectual life of the people or their political life. There
was nothing to produce the strong, active, self-reliant, progressive, and courage-
ous characters that are necessarily found in the successful frontiersman or
pioneer. There was little or no inducement to the citizen to do anything for
the progress of the country, and little ability on the part of the people to ac-

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 37

complisli it if they had so desired. All of this was the fault of their institu-
tions. The government was centralized and autocratic both of church and state.
The initiative was not accepted or desired on the part of the private citizen, or
indeed permitted to them. Without these no new country can prosper. I-"rench
institutions themselves on both sides of the sea were tottering. The Grand
Monarque had died many years before. The financial interests of the country
had been committed to John Law, the author of the Mississippi bubble, and the
bubble had burst and John Law had died in poverty. Even the kingdom of
France was approaching its downfall. The whole institutions of government in
every branch were resting on foundations as insecure as the foundation of their
magnificent fort. It remains to be .seen when Clarke and his \'irginians come
what can be done with the same natural advantages by free men under free
institutions which allow the citizens a large degree of personal, religious, and
civil freedom and cultivate in him self-reliance and energy, train him to do his
own thinking, and offer him an opportunity to labor for his own benefit and
the benefit of his children and heirs, guaranteeing to him the reward of his
labor. The government heretofore has existed for the benefit of the governing
class and the result shows beyond a doubt that such a government will ulti-
mately be a failure evervwhere. The French made no effort to establish colonies
of self-supporting, self-governing people.

CHAPTER VII
BRITISH RULE IN ILLINOIS— 1763-1778

We have already seen that the government of the I'rench over this region for
eiglity years or more had been of httle or no benefit to the people of Illinois.
We will now see that the government exercised by the English was worse, for it
was as damaging as they could make it.

The English government desired colonies solely for the benefit they could
derive from them in the way of trade and they used every means to keep them
in such a state of subjection that England could monopolize that trade, a policy
which they had already so successfully and so cruelly carried out in the case of
Ireland. This they hoped to be able to do in the colonies along the sea-coast,
for by their navy they controlled the ocean ; but they felt sure they would not
be able to secure any considerable amount of benefit to themselves from the
inland settlements, for the transportation from there to Great Britain for pro-
duce and from Great Britain to them for manufactured articles would be so
great that such commerce could not be made profitable. For this reason they
discouraged settlement in the northwest.

Another strong reason they had for not wishing to encourage such settlement
was that they hoiked by use of the Indian tribes on the frontiers to be able to
keep the eastern colonies in a more servile state of subjection. In furtherance
of this policy, they continually made large presents to the Indians and endeav-
ored in every possible way to prejudice them against the colonists, and prom-
ised them that the vast territory of the Ohio and Illinois valleys and western
lakes should be kept as one vast hunting ground for the red men.

Notwithstanding this, after England had driven the French from Canada and
the Northwest, the Indians fearing they could no longer rely upon the protection
of the French, and that they would be entirely within the despotic power of the
English when the colonies and the king should be united, shrewdly concluded
they must at once make a strong and desperate defense of the country west of
the .\lleghanies or be driven from the lands of their fathers.

They had been taught by the French to hate the English and many of the
tribes near the colonies who had been friendly to them up to this time, began to
think that they must unite with their red brethren of the west or be rendered
entirely helpless.

Pontiac, who has been called the Colossal Chief of the Northwest, the King
and Lord of all that country. Chief of the Ottowas, respected and adored in a
manner by all of the Indians, a man of "integrity and humanity" according to
the morals of the wilderness, of a comprehensive mind, fertile in resources and
of an undaunted nature, conceived the idea of uniting all of the Indian tribes
and entirely driving out the whites from the whole of the northwest and the
Mississippi' valley. He proceeded with consummate ability to execute his plan.
He secured the co-operation of nearly all of the Indian tribes and planned that
on one and the same fateful day, May i, 1763, they should surprise, attack,
and destrov all of the forts of the white men west of the Alleghanies. This
they carried out within sixty days in a way that would seem incredible. The
forts were all surprised and destroyed except two.

40 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

Jt would be an interesting story to tell how each of these forts was captured
without any intimation of the coming calamity, and men, women, and children
massacred. The only two forts in all the country that were not surprised and
captured were those at Detroit and Pittsburg. They managed to withstand a
siege until they were relieved. Except them, the entire northwest was in the
power of Pontiac. Under his able leadership this unexampled and magnificent
confederation of Indians had intended to make this a war of extermination of the
whites west of the Alleghanies. They hoped to get rid of the white men at
once and forever in all this country and so terrify the English that none of
them would ever attempt to enter their hunting grounds again. "They roamed
the wilderness, massacring all whom they met. They struck down more than
a hundred traders in the woods, scalping every one of them ; quaffing their
gushing life-blood, horribly mutilating their bodies. They prowled round the
cabins of the husbandmen of the frontiers ; and their tomahawks struck alike
the laborer in the field or the child in the cradle. They menaced Fort Ligonier,
at the western foot of the Alleghanies, the outpost of Fort Pitt. They passed
the mountains and spread death even to Ikdford. The unhappy emigrant knew
not whether to brave danger, or to leave his home and his planted fields, for
wretchedness and poverty." Of course we know that Pontiac and his allies
were fighting against the inevitable. His people with their methods of life, with
their civilization and their government such as it was, were unable to develop
the strength of the wonderful regions they possessed and must submit to the
power of Great Britain, which sent in regiments of regular soldiers and called
out the volunteers and militia and soon put an end to Pontiac"s reign. It had
not been possible for him to know the tremendous forces of the colonies and the
king beyond the Alleghanies and the ocean, wdiom he had set himself up to
oppose, or he W'ould never have tried it.

Amherst, the British commander, then stationed at New York and represen-
tative of the British government in North America, treated the Indians with con-
tempt. He issued an order, August lo, 1763, offering one hundred pounds to
anyone who would assassinate Pontiac and ordered his soldiers to take no pris-
oners but to put to death all that fell into their hands. He deemed the Indians
as unfit to be accepted as allies and unworthy to be respected as enemies, and he
ordered his soldiers to take no prisoners but to put to death all that fell into
their hands of the "nations who had so unjustly and cruelly committed
depredation."

Pontiac appealed to the French for further assistance but was told that the
French had ceded this country to the English and could no longer assist them.
Despondent, yet revengeful, he returned to the Illinois country. Here is where
he had first received the encouragement which determined him to make the
attempt to drive out the English, and here at least he thought he would find a
friend in Neyon de \'illiers, the only survivor of six brothers who lost their lives
in fighting the English ; but receiving answer that he had already been sent word
that France and Great Britain were at peace and that his scheme was imprac-
ticable, and when he was still further assured by Crogan that the French would
adhere to their treaty with the English and could no longer oiifer the Indians
any support, his feelings can be more easily imagined than described; seeing
that his cause w^as lost, he surrendered and made peace, a treaty which he there-
after respected.

As compared with the officers of the English government who attempted to
secure the assassination of the peaceful farmers and traders of their own blood
and religion, by offering gold and trinkets to bloody savages for the scalps of
citizens murdered by stealth in their quiet homes, and who finally offered five
hundred dollars for the assassination of Pontiac himself, Pontiac — considering
that he was raised a barbarian — was a man of integrity and honor worthy of our
esteem. He had led out his Ottowa warriors to assist in Braddock's defeat.
He organized his brother red men in order to drive the invader from the land

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 41

of his fatliers, led them and ])lanned for them with consummate abihty until
overwhelmed by superior force.

It is said that Pontiac while visiting^ his old friends, St. Ange and Chouteau
at St. Louis, then a Spanish colony, learned that the Indians were carousing
at Cahokia and concluded to join the party. While he was there and they were
all drinking heavily, a hired assassin, for the promise of a barrel of wdiiskey,
stole up behind him and buried his tomahawk in his brains, and left him lying
where he fell until St. .Ange claimed his body and buried it in St. Louis, early
in April, 1769.

Pontiac's red friends of the Northwest most wrongfully blamed the Illinois
Indians with the murdering of Pontiac and resolved to exterminate them. They
attacked them at their chief village, La Vantum, in sight of Starved Rock, where
the most of them were at that time assembled, and after terrific and bloody
fighting for a whole d^y, in which a large proportion of the Illinois warrior's
were slain, compelled them to retire during the night to the summit of Starved
Rock. There they were starved to death and perished, all but one young warrior
who during a severe rain-storm and darkness of the night took a buckskin cord,
which had been used for drawing water, and fastening it to the trunk of a cedar
tree let himself down into the river and thus made his escape, the only survivor
of this fearful tragedy. This young warrior was partly white, being a descend-
ant, on his father's side, from the French who lived at Fort St. Louis many
years before. Being alone in the world, without friends or kindred, he went to
Peoria, joined the colony, and there ended his days. He embraced Christianity,
became an officer in the church, assuming the name of Antonia La Bell, and
his descendants were living in 1882 near Prairie du Rocher, one of them, Charles
La Bell, being a party to a suit in the United States court to recover a part of
the land where Peoria now stands.

ENGLISH T.\KE POSSESSION

Going back to four years before the death and Imrial of Pontiac. we find
that the first step of the English toward taking actual possession of the north-
west was to send George Croghan on an expedition down the Ohio on his way
to Illinois. On reaching the soil of Illinois, just below the mouth of the Wabash,
he was attacked, on the 6th of June, 1765, by eight Kickapoo warriors and com-
pelled to surrender. When he had been taken as far as Vincennes, the Indians
found they had a man not to be trifled with, since he was the representative and
agent of the great and powerful nations which had just put a successful end to
Pontiac's War. They released him on the i8th of July and he started for the
Illinois villages. On the way he met Pontiac at the head of a detachment of
Indians. Now for the first time, Pontiac's stubborn resolution gave way and he
consented to confer with Croghan as to peaceful relations, which resulted in his
renouncing his hostile policy and promising to use his influence in favor of
peace. This made it unnecessary for Croghan to go further and he started for
Detroit, where he had a council with other Indians.

A detachment of the 42d regiment of the Highlanders under Captain Stirling
was sent to Fort Chartres, where they arrived on the loth of October, 1765, by
the way of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers and on that day the last flag bearing
the lilies of France within the state of Illinois fell from the flag staflf and the
cross of St. George rose in its stead.

The first English court ever convened in Illinois held its first session at Fort
Chartres, December 9, 1768, under orders from General Gage. By proclama-
tions from George III, dated 1765 and 1772, private ownership in the soil was
forbidden. The inference was plain that he intended to divide the whole country
up into baronial estates, still following the policy that the country was to be
governed for the benefit of the rulers rather than of the people, a policy which
could not succeed in a new country to be settled by independent Americans.

42 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

The thirteen colonies were already beginning to be insubordinate and were still
further provoked by the act of June 2, 1774, called the Quebec Bill, by which
parliament extended the limits of Canada to include all of the territory north
of the Ohio, in seeming utter disregard of the jurisdictional rights of \'irginia
and some other colonies under their charter from the king. The people com-
posing the French province were of a character much more easily to be ruled
by the autocratic decrees of their superiors than were the people of tlie thir-
teen colonies.

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

This policy of suppression led to the Declaration of Independence on the
4th day of July, 1776. Although this northwestern territory was not repre-
sented in the convention that adopted that declaration, wrongs to the north\yest-
ern territory were given as some of the reasons for the dissolution of the political
bands. The charges against the king were that "He had endeavored to prevent
the population of these states ; for that purpose obstructing the laws for natural-
ization of foreigners; refusing to pass others, to encourage their migration
hither, and raising the conditions of new appropriations of lands." His consent
to laws "for cutting off our trade with all parts of the world;" "For abolishing
the free system of English laws in a neighboring province (Canada), establish-
ing therein an arbitrary government, enlarging its boundaries so as to render it
at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into
these colonies ;" and, "he has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has
endeavored to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers the merciless Indian
savages, whose known rule of warfare is an undistinguished destruction of all
the ages, sexes and conditions."

Virginia's conquest of the northwest

The attack of the Indians on the American frontier had become so numerous,
so treacherous, and so bloody, and were so evidently excited by the British,
that George Rogers Clark, one of the great men of the frontier, who had been
appointed by Mrginia to organize the militia in what was afterward the county
of Kentuck'v, concluded that the proper way to prevent those attacks was to
drive the British out of the Northwest. For this purpose he called on Patrick
Henry, the governor, and received a commission to raise volunteers for the
defense of Kentucky. The success of the expedition depended so largely on the
celerity and the secrecv with which it should be carried out, that it was not
thought practicable to take anyone into confidence except the governor, Patrick
Henrv, and George \\'vthe, George Mason, and Thomas Jefferson. They gave
Clark twelve hundred pounds in money and promised to use their influence
to secure three hundred acres of land for every man who should engage in the
expedition.

The secret instructions to Clark were to go west ostensibly for the purpose
shown by his commission and open letter of instructions, and then under a
private letter of instructions, suddenly to attack the British at Fort Chartres
and \'incennes and then at Detroit. \Mien he told his men at Louisville, Ky.,
the object of his expedition, a considerable part of them refused to go further.
W'ith one hundred and fifty-three men, instead of the three hundred and fifty
which he expected to have, he concluded to press forward. He had been notified
by spies whom he sent out for that purpose, of the condition of affairs at Fort
Chartres and Vincennes. He passed down the Ohio in boats with his oars double
manned and working night and day continuously, reached the soil of Illinois,
landed and at once proceeded on foot without any sort of baggage wagons to
Fort Chartres, which he reached in six days more, making ten days from Louis-
ville to Fort Chartres. He arrived in the evening of the 4th of July, and con-

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 43

cealed his men on the east side of the river until dark, in the meantime sending
out spies to reconnoiter. After dark he proceeded to and took possession of the
old ferry house about a mile above the town, making prisoners of the family.
They waited until the town was wrapped in slumber, when, with his men as-
sembled around him, Col. Clark delivered to them a short address. This
address is printed in full as nothing could so well, so authoritatively and plainly,
describe the motives and feelings that compelled these men to undergo the
privations they did :

"Soldiers, we are near the enemy for which we have been struggling for
years. We are not fighting alone for liberty and independence, but for the
defense of our frontiers from the tomahawk and scalping knife of the Indians.
We are defending the lives of our women and children, although a long distance
from them. These British garrisons furnish the Indians with powder and lead
to desolate our frontiers, and pay gold for human scalps.

"We must take and destroy these garrisons. The fort before us is one of
them, and it must be taken. \\'e cannot retreat, we have no provisions, and
we must conquer.

"This is the 4th of July ; we must act to honor it and let it not be said in
after times that \'irginians were defeated on that memorable day. The fort and
town, I repeat it, must be taken at all hazards.

"After these stirring remarks they began crossing the river in silence, to
accomplish which took about two hours. He immediately divided his little
army into two divisions and marched half his men quietly into the town at one
end, and half at the other. When in the town they raised their horrible, un-
earthly yell, which struck terror into all of the inhabitants, for it was the first
intimation they had that the "Long Knives' were in the country. The garrison
oblivious of an enemy were taken completely by surprise.

"Simon Kenton, at the head of a small detachment, sought the quarters of
Gov. Rocheblave, and found that official peacefully sleeping beside his wife, he
having no intimation of danger until Kenton, tapping him on the shoulder,
informed him he was a prisoner.

"The capture of the post was complete.

"What little knowledge of French the Americans possessed was utilized in
proclaiming to the French inhabitants tliat if they remained in their homes
cjuictly they would not be molested, but if they acted to the contrary, they would
be annihilated."

Clark's policy was to terrorize the inhabitants at first and make them feel
their helplessness and then show them leniency.

The next day when the priest came to ask permission to have religious services
in the church to seek the divine blessing before leaving, and asked permission to
take some of their provisions with them, Clark suddenly changing his aspect,
wished to know why they wanted to go away, telling them that he had come to
take them in as citizens of the United Colonies and did not wish to interfere
with their religion, or their property, or their laws, or their business; but that
if any of them desired to leave, they might peacefully withdraw. He also
told them that the king of France had united his armies with those of the Ameri-
cans, which was news to them and greatly pleased both the French and Indians
and added to their confidence in the American cause. The inhabitants were
so well pleased that the French immediately took the oath of allegiance to the
United Colonies with enthusiasm.

Col. Clark was disposed also to deal leniently with Rocheblave, and invited
him to dine with him; but instead of meeting his courtesies half-way and making
the best of his misfortunes, the disgruntled Franco-British officer became violent
and insulting. To such a length did he carry his insolence that the colonel felt
compelled to place him in irons, and soon after sent him to Williamsburg as a
prisoner of war. In 1780, breaking his parole, he made his way to New York,
where, in 17S1, he applied for a command and authority to recapture the Illinois

44 HISTO"RY OF PEORIA COUNTY

posts. His slaves were confiscated and sold, the proceeds, amounting to five
hundred pounds, being distributed among the troops of Col. Clark.

When Clark was about to proceed to V'incennes to capture that post, Gibault,
the priest, persuaded him not to do it but to send him over as ambassador, which
Clark did ; Gibault went over with a small party and as there were no forces
there except French and Indians, easily persuaded them to take the oath of
allegiance to the United Colonies. Captain Helm of Clark's regiment, who had
gone over with Gibault, took charge.

When Hamilton at Detroit learned what had happened, he took a detach-
ment of three hundred fifty warriors in October, 1778, to retake possession of
Vincennes. As he approached the fort and was within hailing distance. Captain
Flelm haulted him, standing by his gun with a lighted fuse. When Hamilton
called for his surrender at discretion. Helm refused unless he was granted the
honors of war, which was done. He then surrendered himself and one man,
all he had.

When news of what had happened came to George Rogers Clark, he knew
that his own situation was desperate. He was receiving no support from
Virginia and his forces were too small to withstand a siege, although he com-
menced to prepare for one, the best he could. Just then Francis \ igo, an Italian
trader of St. Louis, arrived from \'incennes and informed Clark that Hamil-
ton was confident that nothing would be done until spring, at which time he
proposed to make an advance in force ; but in the meantime had weakened him-
self by sending out his force of Indians in dift'erent directions, especially down
to the Ohio river to prevent Clark from returning to \'irginia and to prevent
reinforcements being sent to Clark. The genius of Clark came to his relief.
He knew and said that he must immediately take Hamilton prisoner or Hamilton
would take him. He thereupon called together all the forces he could, a con-
siderable part of which were Frenchmen, and on the 7th of February started
across the country to capture \'incennes. In eleven days he reached the edge
of the drowned lands of the Wabash river, which were flooded. To cross these
required five days more, during two of which they had to travel in water up to
their breasts at times.

Hamilton was one of the most bloodthirsty of the representatives of the
British government in this country. He was methodical in his use of the In-
dians. He gave standing rewards for scalps but offered none for prisoners,
thereby winning for himself the nickname of "The Hair Buyer." His contin-
uous volunteer parties composed of Indians and whites, spared neither men,
women nor children.

He promised that in the coming year as early as possible all of the nations
from the Chickasaws and Cherokees to the Hurons and Five Nations should
join in the expedition against A'irginia.

Clark's force on reaching dry land made no delay whatever but with drum
beating and white flag flying, entered Mncennes at the lower end of the vil-
lage. The town surrendered immediately and assisted in the siege of the
fort, which was immediately invested. During the night Clark threw up in-
trenchments within rifle shot of the fort, and under their protection his riflemen
silenced two pieces of cannon. In the forenoon when Hamilton asked for
parley, Clark demanded his surrender at discretion, to which the British replied
they would sooner perish to the last man; and oft'ered to capitulate on the con-
dition that they might march out with the honors of war, and return to Detroit.
Clark replied that he could by no means agree to that. He said. "I will not
again leave it in your power to spirit up the Indian nations to scalp men, women,
and children." Before night Hamilton and his garrison, hopeless of succor and
destitute of provisions, and overestimating Clark's strength, surrendered as
prisoners of war.

Steps were immediately taken to conciliate the Indians, "who, observing the
success of the Americans in obtaining possession of so many important British

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 45

posts, began to reflect whether it was not for their interest to make friends with
the winning side. The consideration which most inlliicnced their decision, how-
ever, was the fact, repeatedly urged upon them, that 'their old father, the king
of the French, had come to life again and was mad at them for fighting for the
British.' A council was held at which all the tribes of the Wabash were repre-
sented, who declared themselves to have changed their minds in favor of the
Americans."

The forces that X'irginia had raised to send to reinforce Clark were neces-
sarily diverted to an attack upon the Cherokees, who were part of the force
relied upon by Hamilton and who were terribly punished by those X'irginia
troops.

For the rest of the year the western settlements enjoyed peace, and the con-
tinued flow of immigrants through the mountains of Kentucky and the country
on the Holston river so strengthened them that they were never again in danger
of being broken up by any alliance of the savages.

This ended the control of the liritish, such as it was. over the state of Illi-
nois and the northwest. It lasted for fifteen years, during which time the
British government had shown itself unfriendly to the people of this country
and during the last three years of which she had been carrying on ilie war of
the Revolution, with the aid of the Indians. From this time on the govern-
ment passed to the commonwealth of Virginia.

CHAPTER VIII
ILLINOIS AS A PART OF X'IRGIXIA— 1778-1784

With the capture of Kaskaskia and the fort there on the 4th of July, 1778,
the Northwest ceased to be a part of the British dominion and became a part
of the Commonwealth of Virginia — at least as far north as the limits of the Vir-
ginia charter — and it so remained until March ist, 1784.

During all of this time except the last months the Revolutionary war was
still pending, and through all of that time there were murderous excursions by
the Indians, prompted by the English, into all of the Northwest, into Kentucky
and the western part of X'irginia. These were stealthy parties, as a rule, and
were of almost weekly occurrence, but they were at this time usually confined
to the country now within the states of Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and western
\'irginia ; Illinois being comparatively free from them.

We have seen that the regiment that was raised by the Commonwealth of
\^irginia to re-inforce Col. Clark was diverted to intercept the Cherokees. who
were preparing to come to the support of the British in the Northwest. That
attack was very successful but it left Col. Clark unsupported. With wonderful
ability he succeeded in securing and retaining the support of the French and
Indians and managed to hold the country for X'irginia.

The \'irginia llouse of Burgesses or delegates proceeded immediately to
extend a civil jurisdiction over the country, and in October, within three
months of the capture of Kaskaskia, it enacted a law establishing the county
of Illinois, which included then all of the Northwest, and provided for the
appointment of a county lieutenant or commandant, who should take the oath
of fidelity to the commonwealth according to his own religion, whatever that
might be. .All of the civil officers to which the inhabitants had Ijeen accustomed,
necessary for the preservation of peace and the administration of justice, were
to be continued and the officers, except those of the militia, were to be chosen
by the majority of the citizens at elections to be convened for that purpose in
their respective districts by the county lieutenant or his deputy, such officers to
be commissioned by the county lieutenant.

Patrick Henry being then the governor of X'irginia. thus became ex-officio
the first governor of Illinois. He appointed Col. John Todd of Kentucky
county, the first commandant of the county of Illinois and gave him a letter
instructing him to cultivate the good friendship of the French and Indians, for,
if unhappily this territory should be lost to the French, it might never be again
secured, since early prejudices are so hard to wear out.

As the head of the civil government. Todd was to have command of the
militia, who were however not to be under command until ordered out by the
civil authority to act in conjunction with it.

Col. Todd was born in Montgomery county. Pa., but was reared and edu-
cated in X'irginia by his uncle, the Rev. John Todd of Hanover county, \'a.,
who conducted a school or college there. Todd studied law and settled in Fin-
castle in X'irginia. where he practiced for several years and about 1775 moved to
Kentucky.

Col. John Todd immediatelv entered upon the duties of his office as county

48 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

lieutenant and was seldom absent from his government up to the time of his
death. He was authorized to raise a regiment for the defense of the frontier.
His career was ended by his death in the llattle of Blue Licks. He was a man
of fine personal appearance and talents, an accomplished gentleman, universally
beloved, and died without a stain upon his character and without even one enemy
upon earth.

The elections provided for by this act of Virginia are believed to be the first
elections held in Illinois under authority of law, and, the settlers there being
mostly French, they resulted in the election of Frenchmen to nearly all of the
offices except those in the militia.

To prevent the taking uj) of large tracts of land by prospectors and specu-
lators, Todd issued a proclamation enjoining all persons from making any new
settlements of lands and requiring the exhibition to duly appointed officers of
the evidence of title of those already in possession. To those who are ac-
quainted with the difficulties arising from the complication of title in a new
settlement or country by speculators under doubtful laws, and where the lands
had not been properly surveyed in advance, this will be recognized as a very
wise provision.

Licenses to erect factories, conduct stores and traffic in general merchan-
dise were granted without restrictions.

Under instruction from Governor Henry, Todd proposed to the Spanish
authorities in St. Louis and St. Genevieve, the establishing of commercial rela-
tions between the governments of Spain and Virginia and oft'ered military as-
sistance in case it should be needed. This offered friendship was in the end
basely betrayed.

In 1779 Todd was commissioned colonel of a \'irginia regmient and was
thereafter actively engaged in military operations throughout the west but con-
tinued to fulfill his duties as commandant as well as distance and the calls of
duty upon him would permit.

August 5th, 1779, Gen. Clark turned over his military command of Ilhnois
to Col. John Montgomery with headquarters at Kaskaskia, who assigned Capt.
Linetot to duty along the Illinois river.

It was feared that the English would endeavor to recover the territory of
Illinois and it was not clear that the Spaniards would not willingly suffer these
Illinois settlements — although they were their allies — to fall into British hands,
hoping in that case for an opportunity to retake them and make them
Spanish territory. The governor of Canada did proceed, under instructions
from home, to organize an attack upon the Spanish posts along the Alississippi
and upon the Illinois settlements, and the governors of the British garrisons
were instructed by secret circular letters to co-operate in the movement. This
was discovered by the interception of letters by the Spanish governor at New
Orleans, who immediately attacked the English stations in the vicinity and thus
prevented the re-inforcements expected by the British in their attack on St.
Louis, St. Genevieve, and the Illinois settlements.

The English expedition arrived on May 26, 1780, before St. Louis and pre-
pared to make the attack. Clark, who had been informed of this while at the
Falls of the Ohio, hastened to and arrived at Cahokia with a small force twenty-
four hours' before the appearance of the British and their allies. His mere
presence was a tower of strength.

The commander of the English expedition reported to his superior that they
failed on account of the infidelitv of some of their Indian allies but boastfully
claimed that sixty-eight of the enemy were killed, eighteen black and white
people made prisoners, many cattle destroyed, and forty-three scalps brought m.
The retreat of the English was a very hasty one, they being closely followed
by Col. John Montgomery with a force of three hundred fifty men, including a
party of" Spanish allies. 'Montgomery followed them to Peoria lake and thence
to Rock river, destroying towns and crops on the way. Thereafter, the In-
dians were not disposed to attack the people of Illinois

CHILDREN'S PLAV CKdlM) IN (;LK\ liAK I'AUK

(I.X lioSK ISLAND. CiLEN UAK I'AIIK

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 49

Some time after the repulse of this invading force of the liritish, a company
of only seventeen Illinoisans, commanded by Thomas Brady, a patriotic citizen
of Cahokia. retaliated by attacking the British post at St. Joseph in what is now
the state of Michigan, and capturing it; but he was ambushed and defeated on
his way back to Illinois and most of his command taken prisoners. He escaped
and St. Joseph fell again into the hands of the British. Thereupon the author-
ities at St. Louis and Cahokia, joining the forces of the Illinoisans and the
Spanish, organized an expedition of about thirty Spaniards under the command
of Don Ugenio Pourre, and aijout thirty French under the command of Jean
(John) Baptiste Maillet. and some two hundred Indians, and proceeded to re-
take it. The Spanish officer was senior in rank and had command of the ex-
pedition. They placated the Indians on the way and captured St. Joseph again
without striking a blow; the British flag there was replaced by that of Spain
and possession taken in the name of his Catholic Majesty who claiined not only
St. Joseph and its dependencies but also the valley of Illinois river, an extreme
exhibition of infidelity to the Illinoisans who had assisted in the campaign. The
Spanish commander made such reports to .Madrid as to create an important
complication in the final settlement of the treaty between England and the
United States and might have given Spain the country north of the Ohio river
but that his Catholic Majesty demanded too much from the British, including
the cession of Gibralter. To this demand the British never would consent but
were prompted by it to release their claim to the Northwest to the United States
to prevent it from falling into the power of Spain. Since St. Joseph at the time
it was captured was not a part of the Illinois country, either as a district or
territory, the claim of the Illinois river as a sequence to the capture of that fort
was a l)arefaced fraud without a shadow of evidence to supj)ort it ; nevertheless,
it required all of the sagacity, firmness, and wisdom of Jay, Franklin and Adams
to prevent the claim from being allowed. If Spain had succeeded in making
the Northwest Spanish territory instead of American, it would have been the
death blow to the prosperity of Peoria and all of the Northwest, as well as to
the whole United States, and would have made the Father of Waters a private
Spanish canal.

This Jean Baptiste Maillet is the same man who settled in Peoria in 1778,
and in 1779 was commissioned captain of militia for Peoria, receiving his com-
mission from Cahokia to which district Peoria then belonged. It is probable
that at the time this expedition started, he was at Cahokia, for the French had
been driven down there temporarily and most of his men, although they may
have been Peorians, were probably there at the time they started for St. Joseph.
This is the same Maillet also who started Ville de Maillet or Lower Peoria
about 1778 about where Bridge and Llarrison streets are, which new village
was named for him. Maillet deserved to have the new village named for him
for in his time he was one of Peoria's greatest men. He extended his trading
operations far and wide even to the Rocky Mountains. He was killed in 1801.

This is the last expedition during the Revolutionary war in which Peorians
or other Illinoisans took part.

On account of the attention of Virginia being diverted to resisting the at-
tacks of the Indians n.earer home, the county of Illinois received very little at-
tention and was practically without a government imtil it passed beyond the
control of \''irginia by the cession of the country to the United States.

Through this interim the French inhabitants were the greatest sufferers, be-
ing easily imposed upon and not being of the character of people to defend
themselves.

Several years before the close of the Revolutionary war, it began to be ap-
parent that the confederation of the colonies did not confer power enough upon
the general government to enable it to preserve its own existence, and that a
closer bond of union must be provided or the government would fall to pieces ;
but the smaller colonies which had no territory west of the mountains, feared to

50 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

go into a closer bond with the large colonies with their great expanse of terri-
tory for fear they would be overruled and be deprived of their equal rights in
the government. Congress, therefore, in 1780 recommended to those states
which owned territory in the west, to cede it all to the United Colonies. This
they finally concluded to do.

Virginia by an act passed January 2, 1781, authorized her delegates in the
confederate congress to transfer her claims to western lands, as well as her
jurisdiction over the country, to the United States on certain conditions. This
tender was accepted by the general government and Virginia by a new act of
December 20. 1783, authorized her delegates in the confederate congress, by
proper deed under their hands and seals, to convey, transfer, assign, and make
over to the United States in congress assembled, for the benefit of said states,
all right, title, and claim, as well the soil as the jurisdiction which the common-
wealth had to the country within the limits of the Virginia charter lying north-
west of the Ohio river — upon the condition that the territory so ceded should
be laid out and formed into distinct republican states, having the same right
of sovereignty, freedom, and independence as the other states, congress to pay
\'irginia the necessary reasonable expenses incurred by that state in subduing
the P.ritish forts and maintaining forts and garrisons and defending them. That
the French and Canadian inhabitants who had professed themselves citizens of
\'irginia should have their possessions confirmed to them and should be pro-
tected in the enjoyment of their rights and liberties. Also, that a quantity of
land, not exceeding one hundred fifty thousand acres, promised by Virginia to
George Rogers Clark and the soldiers of his regiment, should be laid ofif in one
tract, to be afterwards divided among the said officers and men in due propor-
tion "according to the laws of \'irginia. All other lands, which were more than
one hundred and sixtv-six million acres, should be considered as a common fund
for the use and benefit for the United States, including the state of Mrginia.

The provisions of this act of the House of Burgesses were carried out on
March i, 1784. by a deed of cession signed by Thomas Jefiferson, Samuel Hardy,
Arthur Lee, and James Monroe, who were then delegates for the commonwealth
of \'irginia in the confederate congress. Two of the signers of this deed by
\'irginia to the congress afterwards became presidents of the United States.

This document was signed, sealed and delivered in a little less than seven
weeks after the definitive freaty of peace with Great Britain was ratified by con-
gress, and from that time forth Illinois ceased to be a part of the State of Vir-
ginia or in any way under its control and became territory of the United States.

CHAPTER IX
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY

By the deed of cession of ^larch i, 1784. not only all property interest but
the right of sovereignty passed from X'irginia to tiie continental congress and
Virginia no longer attempted to exercise any control over the territory. Con-
gress, as soon as a proper bill could be prepared, on April 23, 1784, passed an
ordinance to establish a form of government from the entire region from the
gulf to the lakes, although possession had not at that time been entirely acquired.
This law was never put in force and was repealed by the ordinance of 1787. The
territory continued to exist vuider the laws in force at the date of that deed as
they were administered by the otiticers then in power.

That transfer provided that the Erench settlers should Ijc protected in all
their rights and that they should be allowed to live under their old laws, which
they did in a satisfactory way, for they were not a quarrelsome or litigious
people.

From the time of the cession of this country by Virginia, congress was so
engaged in its efforts to secure concessions from other colonies and to secure
a re-organization of the United States by the adoption of a constitution to
"create a more perfect union'' that little attention was paid to the Northwest
territory until 1787. During this period of three years, the power of Virginia
to control had ceased and the government by congress had practically not begun
so that the people were without any superior control and were without any sub-
stantial protection from congress.

In 1785, an ordinance for ascertaining the mode of disposing of lands in the
western territory was passed by the continental congress which provided for
the present plan of surveying and platting the land into townships six miles
square and numbered consecutively from south to north and in ranges numbered
east and west from a base line and section one mile square, also numbered con-
secutively. Sections numbered sixteen of every township were reserved for
school i)urposes. which reservation has been continued through all forms of
government to the present time. This platting of the land into townships and
sections before selling it, is a wonderful advantage in locating and finding the
land, in describing it, and in indexing and abstracting the title. Nothing was done
under this law at this time in Illinois, which was then a neglected wilderness
harrassed by the predatory incursions of Indians, although none were of suffi-
cient importance to be called a war.

On July 13, 1787, the congress of the confederation passed the celebrated
ordinance of that date by which they provided that the whole territory northwest
of the Ohio river should be constituted one district for the purpose of temporary
government.

It will be interesting to notice the provisions of this ordinance at some
length for two reasons. It attempted to determine what the future laws of the
Northwest should be, and in this manner, to make it a sort of a bill of rights
for all time to come. It is also to be studied as a most valuable indication of
the progress of ideas, for it is a fact not generally understood that laws are not
made. They grow in the minds of the people from time to time and are a con-

52 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

trolling power before they are enacted into statutes, and sometimes they have
not much force after they are enacted because they are not grounded in the
hearts as well as the minds of the people.

By a study of this ordinance of '87, we will find how far social and political
ideas had progressed up to that time and be able to learn what advancement
we have made since. It provided for the descent of property in equal shares,
substantially as under our present laws. This just principle was not then
generally recognized in the states; (it, however, reserved to the French and
Canadian inhabitants who had become citizens of Virginia the laws and customs
under which they had lived, relative to descent and conveyancing.)

The governor was to be elected for three years and was required to be the
owner of at least one thousand acres of land. The secretary's term was four
years and he must be the owner of five hundred acres. A court was provided
for of three judges, who must each be the owner of five hundred acres. It will
be noted that their term of ofiice was during good behavior. All the above
officers were elected bv congress and were required to have been residents of the
district for the three years last past or to have been for the same time citizens
of one of the states, and to take an oath of office.

In considering these laws, we must remember that the people were so scat-
tered that some provisions that we would consider essential to good government
would have been utterly impossible of operation at that time, for the people
could not assemble in convention and it was not possible for them to consult
with each other as we can do, and they had necessarily very, very few news-
papers, if any. This may excuse the provision that as a protection against unwise
experiments, they could adopt only laws that were already in force in some one
of the original "states, and even after adoption, congress might disapprove of
them and they were to remain in force only until the organization of a general
assemblv, which might alter, repeal, or re-adopt them.

The' governor was constituted commander-in-chief of the militia, with the
power to appoint all officers below the grade of general, and, until the organiza-
tion of the general assembly, the governor was to appoint all of the civil officers
in each county. He was to establish counties from time to time to whose limits,
legal process 'was to run. When the territory should have five thousand free
male inhabitants of full age, it was to be entitled to a general assembly, the time
and place of election to be" fixed by the governor. Each five hundred voters were
entitled to one representative until the number reach twenty-five, after which
the legislature itself was to regulate the number.

A member of the legislature was to be elected for two years and was required
to be a resident in the territory for three years, or have had a citizenship in some
state for three years and a present residence in the territory and a fee simple
right to two hundred acres of land within the territory.

" The makers of this ordinance had confidence in the immigrants to the dis-
trict who came from any one of the states. He was supposed to be a developed
American. We have already seen the importance of studying in the beginning
the development of the older colonies for it was in them our first lUinoisans
were made. .

An elector must have been a citizen of one of the states or have a residence
of two years in the district and in either case have a freehold of fifty acres.

The'assembly consisted of the governor and council and the house of repre-
sentatives. The council was to consist of five members, three to constitute a
quorum, term of service five vears unless the members were sooner removed
by congress. Congress w^as to 'select the council from ten men-residents of the
territory, each having a freehold of five hundred acres— nominated by the House
of Representatives. Bills to become laws must be passed by both houses and
be approved by the governor. The two houses by joint ballot were to elect a
delegate to congress who was allowed to debate but not to vote. An oath of
office was to be taken by each of these officers.

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 53

It will be seen from the following extract from the ordinance that it was
intended to make it in many respects practically perpetual.

"13. And for extending the fundamental principles of civil and religious lib-
erty, which form the basis whereupon these republics, their laws, and constitu-
tion, are erected ; to fix and establish those principles as the basis of all laws,
constitutions and governments, which forever hereafter shall be formed in the
said territory ; to provide, also, for the establishment of states, and permanent
government therein, and for their admission to a share in the federal councils on
an e<|ual footing with the original states, at as early periods as may be consistent
with the general interest :

"14. It is hereby ordained and declared, by the authority aforesaid, that the
following articles shall be considered as articles of compact between the original
states and the people and states in the said territory, and forever remain unalter-
able, imless by common consent."

Among the unalteraljle provisions were these : That any one demeaning
himself in an ortlerly manner shall never be molested on account of his mode of
worship or religious sentiments. That the inhabitant shall always be entitled
to the benefits of the habeas corpus and of the trial l)y jury; of a proportionate
representation in the legislature and of judicial proceedings according to the
common law. All persons shall be bailable, unless for capital ofifenses, where the
proof shall be evident and the presumption great. All fines shall be moderate,
and no cruel or unusual punishment shall be inflicted. No one shall be deprived
of his libertv or property, but by the judgment of his peers, and the law of the
land. Private property shall not be taken for public use nor shall particular
services of anyone be required without full compensation made for the same,
and no law ought to be made or have force in said territory that shall in any
manner whatever interfere with or afi^ect private contracts or engagements
bona fide and without fraud, previously formed.

It will be seen that this in many respects is wonderfully like the old Magna
Charta of King John.

"Religion, morality and knowledge being necessary to good government and
the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be
encouraged."

The utmost good faith was required toward the Indians. Their land and
propertv should never be taken from them without consent and their property
rights and liberty should never be invaded or disturbed unless by just and lawful
wars authorized by congress ; but laws founded in justice and humanity shall
from time to time be made for preventing wrongs being done to them and for
preserving peace and friendship with them.

States formed from the territory were to remain forever a part of the gen-
eral government and to pay their proportionate part of the national debt. The
states were not to interfere with the disposal of the public lands by congress
nor tax those lands, nor to tax the land of non-resident proprietors higher than
they did that of residents. The navigable waters were to be forever free, as
well as the carrying places between the same, and should become highways to
the citizens of the United States. The territory was eventually to be divided in
not less than three nor more than five independent states.

It was provided that there should be neither slavery nor involuntary servi-
tude in said territory otherwise than in punishment of crime whereof the party
to be punished should have been duly convicted.

From the celebrated ordinance of 1787, which was the charter or constitution
of the Northwest territory, we have been able to learn something of the ideas
of the members of the continental congress at that time in regard to what was
necessary and expedient for the organization and construction of a govern-
ment for the people in a country such as the Northwest.

Major General Arthur St. Clair, who had been an officer in the English
army but resigned and settled in Pennsylvania, had rendered distinguished service

54 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

iiiuler Wolfe in the storming of Quebec in 1759, and had also served with honor
during the Revolutionary war, was elected by congress, governor of the North-
west territory. The three judges required by that ordinance were also elected
and entered upon the duties of their office July 15, 1778, and they with the gov-
ernor proceeded to legislate for the territories.

We must remember that many of the laws we now have would have been
impossible of execution under the circumstances of the country at that time.
There were no jails, workhouses, or penitentiaries in which convicts could be
confined, and the people were too poor and too widely scattered to build them ;
conse(|Ucntly that mode of punishment so common with us could not be adopted
by them. Some of the offenses, such as horse-stealing, which are the hardest to
suppress in new countries, were punished more severely than we would think
advisable. Their punishments were summary: Death for murder, treason and
arson (if loss of life ensued therefrom) ; whipping with thirty-nine lashes and
fine for larceny, burglary and robbery; for perjury, whipping, fine or standing
in the pillory : for forgery, fine, disf ranchizement, and standing in the pillory ;
drunkenness, fine, for non-payment of which to stand in the stocks ; for non-
payment of fines generally, the sheriff was empowered to bind out the convict
for a term not exceeding seven years ; obscene conversation and profane swear-
ing were admonished against and threatened with the loss of the government's
confidence; morality and piety were enjoyed and the Sabbath pronounced sacred.

President Washington wrote to Governor St. Clair that one of the most
important things to be accomplished as soon as possible was to quit the titles
to the lands of the settlers, and publication was made that all persons claiming
titles should bring them in to the government to be examined, approved if found
correct, and recorded. The difficulties of those in charge of this work were
very great, ^lany of the titles presented were fraudulent, forgeries, or issued
without authority. When a title was found correct, it became necessary to make
an accurate survey of the ground and stake it ofif so the owner not only would
know what his title was but would know exactly the boundaries of his land. The
law provided that the cost of the surveying and marking corners must be paid
by the owner of the land. Many of the settlers at that time were very poor,
indeed. They were not good managers. They had been harassed by warfare
and by the uncertain condition of business, and unfortunately at this same time
there had been unusual overfiows of the .Mississippi, destroying most of their
crops for a year or two in succession, so that they were utterly unable to pay
the necessary cost of staking off their land. The result was that their lands,
many of them, fell into the hands of land speculators who advanced the money
to pay for the cost of surveying. Many of the French inhabitants petitioned
congress to relieve them of the cost of surveying. Their pathetic and earnest
petition was drawn up by Father Gibault, the same priest who was so efficient
in securing the support t)f the French at Kaskaskia and also at Vincennes for
George Rogers Clarke. It certainly appears to us at this time that congress
should have paid that cost of surveying from the treasury.

The instructions of congress to Governor St. Clair were to promote peace
and harmony between the Indians and the United States, to defeat all com-
binations or confederacies between them and to neglect no opportunity to ex-
tinguish the Indian titles to lands westward as far as the Mississippi and north
as far as the forty-first degree of latitude. Why they should limit it in this man-
ner, does not appear. We" know that the forty-first degree was the northern line
of the claim of Virginia under its charter, but why stop at the boundary fixed by
the charter of old Virginia?

In 1790, there was only one lawyer in the Northwestern territory but he
was a very able man of Welsh descent, an accomplished linguist with a classical
education and a thorough knowledge of law, a hard worker and a forceful
speaker. Later when the territory of Indiana was organized, he moved to
Vincennes and rendered important services in revising the statutes for the terri-

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 55

tory of Indiana. His name was jolin Rice Jones. He left several distinguished
sons.

A curious record is mentioned by Governor Reynolds of a trial at Prairie
du Rocher which indicates the ai)sence of states attorneys or any other lawyers.
The jury, wishing to indict a negro, examined what books they had and con-
cluded to and did indict him, and under the indictment convicted him of the
"murder" of a hog. He had not stolen it, only shot it as a piece of malicious
mischief.

The neighborhood of Peoria was free from Indian massacres, incursions, or
battles, during the existence of the northwest territory but there were two or
three battles of importance farther east.

General St. Clair suffered a disastrous defeat November 4tli, 1791, on a
small branch of the \\'abash. He lost eight hundred ninety men out of a force
of fourteen hundred engaged in battle. Six hundred skulls were found three years
afterwards and buried Ijy men from General Wayne's army. The Indian force
consisted of one thousand forty men under the command of Little Turtle, chief
of the Aliamis. This battlefield was afterwards known as Fort Recovery.

Afterward, the conduct of the war was placed in the hands of General
Anthony Wayne, whose home was in the immediate vicinity of Valley Forge,
Pennsylvania. His campaign during the summer of 1794, culminated in a very
decisive victory on the 20th of August on the Maumee river. This was fol-
lowed by negotiations with (ireat llritain in which the king pledged a firm
peace with the United States and agreed to withdraw all his troops and garri-
sons from the posts within the boundary lines of the United States as fixed
by the treaty of 1783. This took away from the Indians the last hope of
British aid and the various chiefs hastened to the headquarters of General Wayne
during the winter and signed preliminary articles of peace which resulted in
the treaty of Greenville, in which all the sachems and chiefs of the confederacy
signed a lasting treaty of peace on the 3d of August, 1795.

Governor St. Clair, as we have seen, was himself a Pennsylvanian l)y adop-
tion and it appears that four-fifths of the laws, which were all imported from
other states, were from Pennsylvania. Among other things they adopted the
common law of England, and the statutes of parliament in aid thereof of a
general nature not local to that kingdom, down to the fourth year of James I,
which is the law in Illinois to this day except as varied by statute.

In 1796, the ]iopulation of the territory had become so large as to entitle
it to a delegate in congress and Shadrach Bond was elected. He was after-
wards the first governor of the state of Illinois. The representatives in the
legislature of the territory nominated ten men, in accordance with the provisions
of the ordinance of '87, from which President Adams selected five, who con-
stituted the legislative council. These were confirmed by the Senate and on
the i6th of September, 1799, both houses met and perfected their organization
on the 24th. This was the first time that the people of this country through
representatives elected by themselves enacted their own laws for their own
local government. The legislature confirmed many of the laws enacted by the
governor and judges, and passed forty-eight new ones, of w-hich the government
vetoed eleven. They were prorogued December 17, 1799.

This territorial government existed for only a few months, for on May 7,
1800, the territory was divided.

CHAPTER X
PEORIA PART OF INDIANA TERRITORY— 1800-1809

Congress, l)y an act approved 'May 7, 1800, divided the immense territory
of the northwest and the present states of Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and
Indiana, except a little strip on the eastern side, were constituted the territory
of Indiana and so remained for nine years, which were not very eventful ones.

The act|uisition of land titles from the resident Indian tribes, and the settle-
ment of land titles, were the principle subjects receiving attention.

Captain William PI. Harrison, afterwards president, was appointed governor
and superintendent of Indian affairs and given full powers to negotiate treaties
between the United States and the several resident Indian tribes for the cession
of their lands.

There had been only one term of court with jurisdiction of criminal matters
held within that territory for five years.

In 1799, while Harrison was secretary of the great territory of the northwest,
he had been elected delegate to congress, and it was largely through his influence
that congress had created the territory of Indiana from the territory of the
northwest, and also provided for the sale of public lands in tracts as small as
three hundred twenty acres, upon cash payment of one-fourth the price, the
balance to be paid in one. two, and three years. Before that time, the smallest
tract sold was four hundred acres and cash payments were recjuired.

The first term of the general court under the law for Indiana Territory was
held on the _^d of March, 1801. It was about this time that the able, accomplished,
and distinguished scoundrel and traitor, Aaron Burr, attempted to organize an
independent nation including a large part of the coimtry between the AUe-
ghanies and the Mississippi river. After a long trial he was not convicted,
although universally believed to be guilty.

All the territory between the Illinois and the Mississippi rivers was acquired
from the Sac and Fox nations, by the treaty of St. Louis, November 3, 1804,
the Indians surrendering all jurisdiction over it and giving up all claim of title
to the lands, but it will be seen that the country was practically not opened to
settlement for several years, for the lands had not been surveyed and there was
no opportunity to acquire title to them, which is the chief object of the pioneer.
Land offices were established in T%:}:-at Kaskaskia, in which district Peoria /%0
county was situated, and the settlement of disputed land claims was begun.
This proved to be an exceedingly difficult matter. The register and receiver
examined eight hundred ninety land claims, of which three hundred seventy
were supported by perjury and a considerable number were forged. It seems
there was no less perjury and graft in that day than in this, and it is unpleasant
to contemplate that the names of many of the most prominent, respected, and
influential families were tarnished. This placed a terrible responsibility upon
the commissioners, who were compelled to resist these claimants who attacked
them viciously in every way. The commissioners felt this grievously and closed
their report with the following words :

"We close this melancholy picture of human depravity, by rendering our
devout acknowledgments that, in the awful alternative in which we have been

58 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

placed, of either admitting perjured testimony in support of the claims before
us, or having it turned against our characters and lives, it has, as yet, pleased
Divine Providence which rules over the affairs of men, to preserve us both from
legal murder and private assassination."

By vote taken in 1S04. September nth, the people adopted the second grade
of territorial government, under which they elected a general assembly. The
members elected to the legislature from Illinois were Shadrach Bond, afterwards
first governor of the state, William Biggs of St. Clair, and George Fisher of
Randolph. The legislature elected ten men from whom the president was author-
ized to select five to act as members of the council. The president waived that
right to nominate them and delegated that power to Harrison, only asking him
that he reject "land jobbers, dishonest men, and those who, though honest,
might suffer themselves to be warped by party prejudice." Perry and Menard
were selected for Illinois.

The legislature met the 29th of June, 1805. This was the second time that the
people of this country, through their representatives, exercised the law making
power for their own local government.

The governor in his first message recommended the passage of laws to pre-
vent the sale of intoxicating liquors to the Indians saying: "You have seen our
towns crowded with drunken savages ; our streets flowing with blood ; their
arms and clothing bartered for the liquor that destroys them ; and their miser-
able women and children enduring all the extremities of cold and hunger;
whole villages have been swept away. A miserable remnant is all that remains
to mark the situation of many warlike tribes."

The legislature enacted many general laws and provided for a thorough
collection and revision of the same by a commission. This was done by John
Rice Tones and John Johnson and the laws were printed in a bound volume, the
paper for which was brought on horseback from Georgetown, Kentucky. These
laws were not very different from those already in force. Gambling, profane
swearing, and Sabbath breaking were each punished by fine.

During the continuance of the territory of Indiana, the expedition of Lewis
and Clark to the far west was organized. This Clark was a brother of George
Rogers Clark. This expedition extended and preserved our boundaries west-
ward to the Pacific Ocean.

Here ends the work of Colonel Rice on the manuscript for this history.
"Man proposes, but God disposes," is an aphorism which has been fully exem-
plified in the plans of the author of the foregoing pages of historical events.
His aim and ambition were to leave to Peorians a work that would meet their
wishes and approval and. at the same time, redound to his credit and come up
to the anticipations of his many friends. He had given the matter his earnest,
sincere and careful attention, laying out a plan which would cover the subject
truthfullv and completelv : but, the'hand of death unexpectedly intervened and.
while in 'the full flush of apparently good health, he was laid low and another
was delegated to continue the program as mapped out by him and in accordance
with his wishes.

CHAPTER XI
REMINISCENCES OF OLD SETTLERS

The spirit of former times, and the hopes, desires, and ambitions of the old
pioneers, tlie motives that caused them to move to a new country, the spirit
that governed them in their social life and business, their trials, hardships and
their pleasures, the difficulties they had to overcome and the methods they took
to accomplish this and makeshifts they were compelled to resort to, their modes
of entertainment and the happy spirit they preserved with it all are best shown
by permitting them to tell their own story in their own way. Therefore, a
number of reminiscences and recollections of the old settlers themselves, ex-
pressed in their own words as nearly as practicable are embodied in this history.
Nothing else could give us such a vivid picture of those early days or could it
make it so attractive. In reading these reminiscences, we know we are getting
a description of the situation at first hands, and, if in some cases, their views
were different from ours, it indicates the progress of civilization and develop-
ment, for better or worse, as the case may be.

These early reminiscences will give the origin of many of the families now
living in Peoria and will be doubly interesting to their descendants because
given in the language of the actors in that stirring time.

Considerable effort has been made to secure as many of these reminiscences
as possible and make them as full as the lapse of time will permit.

The first one presented will be that of Airs. Julia M. Ballance who came to
Peoria in 1835 and became the wife of Charles ilallance who wrote one of the
first histories of Peoria.

Mrs. Ballance at the time these recollections were penned was an old lady
but her remembrance of persons and events was remarkably full and clear.
The reminiscences here given were written at the request of the Herald-Trans-
script, and printed in that paper in 1899, but one year before her death.

REMINISCENCES OF JULIA M. BALLANCE

My father's second wife was a Presbyterian, unused to slave labor and with
no faculty for controlling them. Naturally she disliked the blacks, a feeling
they were all too ready to reciprocate, and when Rev. Isaac Kellar, who was
married to my father's sister, moved to Illinois and wrote back glowing accounts
of the promise of the new country my step-mother added her entreaty to his
that we should break up our home in Alaryland and join the Kellar's in Peoria.
One line of argument had great weight with my father. He had four sons
rapidly approaching manhood, his farm was not large enough to settle them all
with the corresponding negro hands, other good farm land in the neighborhood
was scarce as well as high in price, and there seemed no better way to provide
for all these boys than to seek a new country. Accordingly in 1835, after the
crops were all gathered, he closed up his business, sold or rented his slaves
and started for the land of promise.

JOURNEY TO A NEW COUNTRY

The journey of course had to be made overland and for that purpose he
provided a large covered wagon drawn by four and sometimes five horses for

60 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

the accommodation of my brothers, John, David, Washington and Henry, my
sisters, Susan and Amanda and myself ; another wagon drawn by two horses
in which clothing, camp equipage and food were carried ; and a covered carriage
for father, his wife and two little children. Our horses were large, strong ani-
mals, our wagons provided with every comfort and convenience, experience or
ingenuity could suggest, and one beautiful sunny day in October we started on
our journey. It must have been hard for the older people to leave all that was
dear to them by association or recollection, but the young looked forward rather
than l)ack and in the excitement of that first day's travel my brothers and I
drew beautiful fancy pictures of the life that was before us.

So far as I can recollect our journey through Maryland and Pennsylvania
was uneventful. The road was perfect, the weather fine, and we easily made
a drive of twenty-five miles per day. As a rule there was no difficulty in obtain-
ing accommodations at a hotel or farmhouse, but if these failed we young
people thought it no hardship to spend the night in the wagons. Bedding was
abundant, and we were exceedingly comfortable. F"ather was particular about
the observance of the Sabbath, and we always laid by from Saturday till Mon-
day morning, but these stops must have been at unimportant points, for I remem-
ber none till we reached Wheeling, Virginia. Here we remained for two or
three days to readjust the loads of goods, the heavy and bulky articles being
separated from the others and shipped by water down the Ohio and up the
Illinois river to Peoria. This we accomplished through Mr. John R. Forsyth,
a commission merchant in Wheeling, who took charge of and shipped them to
the care of Andrew Gray, a commission man in Peoria, and our only knowledge
of the shipment for many long weeks was through this latter gentleman, who
was finally notified when they were transferred to another boat at St. Louis.
It may be mentioned in passing that Mr. Forsyth was the father of Henry
Forsvth, for a number of years clerk of our county court, and the grandfather
of Airs. C. R. \Varner. He removed to Peoria soon after we did, and formed
a partnership with Mr. Gray, whom all old citizens will remember and who
is still represented in our midst by his daughter, Mrs. John McDougal and her
sons. Both of these gentlemen were from the north of Ireland and were fine
specimens of that elocjuent and courtly race. There was much to interest us
in Wheeling, but unfortunately we had all been made more or less ill by eating
pawpaws gathered by the wayside and were unable to avail ourselves of half
our opportunities. One thing, however, we felt that all must see and that was
the steamer Algonquin, on which our goods were being stored. The Chesapeake
and Ohio canal was in operation and the older members of the family had in-
spected the boats on the canal and considered them a triumph of luxury, but
not even my father had seen anything so fine as a steamboat and to all of us
it seemed a floating palace. The boys were especially excited and could not
sufficiently admire its various parts from the wheel in the pilot house to the
conveniences for storing freight in the hold.

Another curiosity and. delight was the glass factory still in its infancy but
quite sufiiciently developed to draw crowds of interested observers. I remained
at the hotel, too unwell to undertake such an" expedition, but grew quite familiar
with its wonders at second-hand in the long days that followed.

On Monday we were all feeling much better and with our load of goods
greatly lightened, took up our journey across Ohio, still keeping to the National
road. Various schemes for facilitating travel were being urged but Illinois knew
of these things only by distant rumor. On the whole the greatest civilizer of
this and neighboring states was the National Road,* of which such fre(iuent

* This National Road at the time it was built was probably as important to the people
as the Union Pacific was at the time it was built and it cost the general government in
proportion to its means as much as the Transcontinental Railroad. It was built by Con-
gress under desires to provide for the mail service and was operated as a mail route, very
important in that particular and very important to bind the nation together by union of inter-

I.AKK AT (;IJ-;X OAK I'AlMv

LOG CABIN AT GLEX OAK I'AKK l!t ll.T \:\ I'KiHMA ((UXTY PIONEERS

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 61

and grateful mention is made by early settlers. Starting from Cumberland it
was finished as far as Wheeling in 1820 at a cost of $17,000,000, but was subse-
quently extended across Ohio and Indiana. In the language of Professor
Andrews, "It was thirty-five feet wide thoroughly macadamized, and had no
grade above five degrees." As it was kept in repair for the sake of the govern-
ment mail it can easily be imagined what a boon it must have been to immigrants
with their heavy wagons and helpless families. The first stop that I remember
was at Zanesville, which was considered a flourishing town, and for some
reason had an especial attraction for us, but I cannot remember why. Columbus
also met with our approval, but we drove briskly through it till we reached some
shade trees, where we rested and ate luncheon. W'e especially commended the
apples which were very fine and abimdant.

At this point my father decided to go by way of Dayton, so we left the

National road and drove through mud and slush for half a da)' to reach it. I

am not sure whether it was by appointment or accident, but at Dayton we met

a family of the name of W onderlich. the father of whom was an uncle of my

communications. It is proliable tliat railroads by facilitating intercourse as well as commerce
between different neigbborboods and states are not only among tbe greatest civilizers by en-
abling eacb portion of tbe country to learn the best tilings from otber parts but it enables the
people to become acquainted with each other.

"East of Alton was the town of Vandalia, where ended tbe unfinished National Pike.
The construction of that famous highway was begun at Cumberland, Maryland, in iSii; but
so slowly did the work progress that six years passed before tbe first mail-coach rolled over
it and entered Wheeling. Two years later Congress decided to continue the road from
Wheeling to some point on the Mississippi between St. Louis and the mouth of the Illinois
River, and appropriated ten thousand dollars for preliminary surveys. But five years elapsed
before a dollar was provided for building the road, and ground was broken at St. Clairs-
ville, a little town in Ohio, a few miles west of Wheeling. Columbus was reached bv 1830,
and when tbe last appropriation was made, in 1838, the road was finished as far as Spring-
field, and graded, bridged, and partially completed to Vandalia.

"In Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, the Cumberland Road wound and twisted
through the mountains, feut once across the Ohio the route was to be as straight as pos-
sible from Wheeling to the Mississippi, regardless of towns along the way. Against this
the General .Assembly of Illinois protested, and asked that tlie road should join the capital
cities of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. When tlierefore, the first appropriation for construc-
tion was made it was ordered that the great highway should pass through Columbus, In-
dianapolis, and Vandalia. then the capital of Illinois. Straightness, however, was not de-
parted from, and the road was built with little regard for topography. Hills were cut
through, lowlands were crossed on high embankments, and streams, large and small, were
spanned by massive stone bridges, the like of which cannot be found on any other road in
all our land.

"lo keep such a highway, eighty feet wide, in repair was .so costly a matter that Congress
ordered gates put up and tolls collected at regular intervals. This, in the opinion of Monroe,
was going too far; it was assuming jurisdiction over the land on which tbe road was built;
and tbe bill came back with his veto and a long dissertation on the intent and meaning of
the Constitution. Thereupon Congress repaired the road so far as built and turned it
over to the States through which it passed to be by them kept in repair forever. ,\s new
portions were constructed they, too, passed to tbe care of tbe States, wdiich at once put up
toll-gates.

"No highway was more travelled, more crowded, more interesting. Over it each day
went thousands of mail-coaches, passenger-coaches, freighters, .•\long its route had sprung
up hundreds of taverns, beneath whose roofs the travellers lodged, and hundreds of wagon
houses, where entertainment was provided for the teamsters and their beasts. Before tbe
doors of such taverns as went back to tbe early days of tbe road, might still be seen the
old-fashioned sign whereon was rudely painted tbe Green Tree, the Golden Lamb, tbe White
Horse, tbe Golden Swan, or tbe Indian Queen, by which the bouse was known. Those of
a later date had verandas and bore on their signs tbe names of their owners. Only the
newest were called .'\merican House. United States Hotel. National House, or Buckeye Hotel.

"On tbe outskirts of tbe towns and villages and at short distances along the road were
the wagon houses, plain frame buildings with great yards, long watering troughs and huge
barns, in many of which a hundred horses might rest. None but teamsters found enter-
tainment at such places, and at any of them after nightfall a group of wagoners might be
seen gathered at tlie bar or seated around the huge fireplace, and sleeping on tbe floor in
winter or in the great yard in summer.

"From each important town along tbe route stage lines ran out north and south." —
McMastcr.

62 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

step-mother. Tliis man was the grandfather of Mrs. Calvin Schnebly, of
Rich woods, and her mother was a young girl at the time and assisted in enter-
taining us. We remained two or three days with these kind friends, resting
and preparing for the worst part of the journey.

I remember little of Indianapolis, except from there on the road was very
had, and we seemed a long, long ways from home. The turnpike existed only
in spots from this time, and we would sometime jolt for hours over a corduroy
road formed of trees roughly cut and dropped carelessly into the oozy soil.
The prairies were uncultivated, and while the grass waved above the heads of
the horses the wagon wheel would suddenly sink to the hubs in an unsuspected
slough. This meant long delay. With a groan the boys would clamber from
their seats, double up teams, perhaps have to pry the wheels out of the mud,
and then repeat the process with the vehicles in the rear. Sometimes such
experiences would occur several times in a day, and were fiery trials to patience
and temper as well as weary bodies. Xow and then we would overtake movers
with oxen, and as it was a law of the road that each should help the other
these were often of great assistance to our lighter loads. The first question of
all such was: "Where are you going stranger?" and the almost invariable reply:
"To Logansport, Injianny." "Don't they have ague there?"' we would ask, and
the reply was: "Oh yes. sometimes." In fact malaria was the rule throughout
the state. In many houses where we stopped there was not a single well person
to wait upon the sick, and all the settlers looked bleached and sallow. Still all
were cheerful under the affliction and looked for better times in the spring —
not one was preparing to give it up and return east.

As we left the well settled portions of the country behind, we became more
dependent upon ourselves in the matter of food. We had brought with us a
liberal supply of potatoes, coffee, tea and dried fruit, nuts of various kinds
abounded in the woods and apples might generally be had for the asking ; eggs,
milk and butter were found at every farm house, and fish in every stream ; but
the great annoyance was the diflficulty of obtaining bread. Public bakers were
scarce and I recall one town where but a single loaf could be obtained. With
so large a family, this became a serious matter and at length my step-mother,
with the energy that distinguished her, took the matter in hand. Wherever we
might chance to camp at night, by the roadside or in the bleakest prairies, she
would set her bread to rise and then in the dim morning hours finish her baking
before the early drive began. The only utensil for this purpose was a large,
round iron pot or pan, with feet and a right cover, called a "Dutch oven," which
was heated by heaping coals beneath it and spreading a layer on the lid. In
the light of our present conveniences this appears a slow and troublesome proc-
ess, but after all these years it still seems to me that no cakes or bread or biscuit
were ever so sweet or so well baked as those turned out of that old "Dutch oven."

The ride through Indiana was dreary in the extreme ; we had seen no one
we knew anything about for days and when we reached Terre Haute and were
invited to dine with a J\Ir. StoU whom father had know-n as a boy the invitation
was eagerlv accepted. This gentleman was soon after appointed territorial
governor of Iowa and of course left the country, but I still think of Terre
Haute tenderlv for the sake of the dinner he gave us.

Richmond is also pleasantly remembered; the people were kind and hospitable
and we laid in a bountiful supply of provisions to last us through the wilderness
which stretched before us.

At another town in Indiana we had to lie by on account of the sickness of
a favorite mare named Dolly. I had never seen an animal doctored by filling
a bottle with medicine and forcibly pouring the dose down its throat and it
seemed very cruel, but in this case, at least, it was efficacious and the next day
DoUv was able to travel.

When we reached the Wabash the difficulties of the journey were greatly
increased. Hitherto we had crossed all streams by means of bridges, but here

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUXTY 63

there was only a rope ferry boat and when we drove on board all felt as if we
were taking our lives in our hands. For a long distance beyond this ferry we
drove through dark and forbidding woods and when at length we were called
upon to camp in their shadows we were all much depressed. To make the
situation more unpleasant we entirely lost our beloved National road from this
time. It had been surve^etl and partly graded in Illinois, but not a foot macad-
amized beyond the state line. For some reason our route lay midway between
Decatur and Springfield, and we passed no town in the state of sufficient im-
portance to vary the monotony.

Paris, our first stopping place, was not calculated to rouse our courage. The
ague was widespread and there was not an able bodied person in the town. As
a conse(|uence provisions were scarce and wc went on our way with many
forebodings.

The next day to our great surprise we met three cousins of father's who
had been through Iowa and Illinois buying land and were returning to Maryland.
Two of these gentlemen had made the entire journey on horseback, while the
third, who was lame, had driven in a buggy. We were much delighted to see
them, though our greetings were exchanged in the middle of a big prairie and
the visit lasted less than an hour. Their account of what they had seen did much
to encourage our party and we went on in far better spirits.

Pieyond Waynesville we had in a small way a really serious trouble, though
it seems insignificant enough in the retrospect — we lost our mush pot! Every
old housckeejjer will remember the value attached in the days before porcelain-
lined and galvanized \\are were invented, to any iron vessel that was perfectly
smooth and warranted not to discolor the most delicate food. Such a one was
our mush pot and valuable as it was under any circumstances, it was doubly
so in the present crisis. It had been tied throughout the journey to the wagon
pole and came loosened and rolled away. My step-mother felt ruined so far
as good cooking was concerned and would have driven back in search of her
treasure if mv father had not discouraged the attempt.

Coming through Indiana we became acquainted with a family by the name
of Boone, and as they were traveling to the same section of the country we
were often thrown together. The party consisted of the old gentleman, his
wife, who weighed over two hundred pounds, and six grown daughters, and a
married son with his wife and two children. Each family had what was called
a "Jersey" wagon and a pair of little horses to take them from their distant
home in the eastern part of Pennsylvania to central Illinois. Although pleasant
acquaintances they became a great drawback to traveling. Their horses were
quite unequal to the load they had to draw and several times a day our teams
would be unhitched to drag them out of the mud. Finally one of the young
ladies was taken sick, and as the family was unable to travel in consequence,
our boys hastened on, much pleased to think we were rid of them. But their
joy was short lived, for by means of early rising our friends soon overtook
us and we continued to help them out of the mud till we reached Mackinaw.
Here they remained for a couple of weeks, but eventually came to Peoria to
spend the winter. Miss Susan Boone afterwards married Dr. Maus, of Mack-
inaw, and they moved to Pekin. Hopkins Boone, the son. and his family went
to loliet, where they had relatives, and I lost sight of them.

Another family we met in traveling was that of Major Walker. They left
us to go to Springfield, but eventually settled in Lewistown.

A disease as much dreaded by immigrants as ague was the "milk sickness,"
which we heard of in Illinois. It was said to come from a weed the cattle ate,
which poisoned the milk, and was thereby communicated to human beings. Our
first knowledge of I'ekin was through a report that milk sickness was especially
prevalent there, though indeed every new place was suspected of the same con-
tamination.

From Mackinaw we struck across the country, expecting to come through

64 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

Tremont, hut accidentally took the wrong road and passed down Deacon street
instead, and soon came to the bluffs overlooking Peoria. It was a beautiful
afternoon, and as the sunlight gilded the tops of the trees and played hide-and-
seek among the shadows, the panorama that stretched before us was most at-
tractive. The hardships of the long weary way over which we had passed
were forgotten as we looked at the glistening river and the village so pictur-
es(|uely hidden by the surrounding bluffs. Even the horses seemed to feel that
rest was near and cantered briskly down the long slope that led to the ferry,
which plied at the foot of Bridge street, and over which we must pass before
reaching our destination. By the time we got to Main and Water streets dark-
ness had set in, and strangers as we were it was impossible to find accommoda-
tions for so large a party. At length an old man by the name of Hardesty, who
lived in a little house where the Colburn & Birks' building now stands, oft'ered
to shelter my father and mother. He had but one room to offer, and even that
had no bedstead, but we sent over our own bedding and made a bed upon the
floor. This would not have been considered a privation by persons who had
lived as we had through the last six weeks of our journey, but unfortunately
a terrific storm of rain and wind came up in the night, the rain drifted under
the outer door and ran in streams to the bed, which was thoroughly soaked,
and the occupants driven to chairs and tables for protection. Those of us who
had slept in the wagons were dry and warm but much frightened, and altogether
our first night in Peoria was not a happy one. Nor can it be wondered at;
but it is rather a surprise that any of us lived through the hardships of the
first season, to tell the truth. The girls especially had been delicately reared,
and had never done a stroke of work unless for their own pleasure. Servants
had always been plentiful to attend to their slightest wish, and the transition
from a life of ease to the labor and deprivations of pioneer life was enough to
appal the stoutest heart.

The Rev. Isaac Kellar, who was married to my father's sister and had lived
near us in Maryland, moved to Peoria in the s]iring of 1835 and it was at his
solicitation that we determined to make our new home in the same place. After
a few months' residence in town Uncle Kellar had purchased a farm about five
miles in the country which included what is now Kellar Station on the Rock
Island & Peoria Railroad. Here he hastily put up a house and moved his family
into it, but so difficult was it to get workmen that when w^e arrived, November
10, it was a shelter and no more. The walls and roof were up but the winter
wind whistled between the unchinked logs and the only partitions upstairs were
formed of strips of carpets or blankets. As there was not a house to be had
and it was too late in the season to think of building we thankfully accepted
the offer of a share in this unfinished house and seven Kellars and eleven
Schneblvs clustered together as best they could under one roof. All hands
immediately set to work to make the place more comfortable. Such apology
for carpenters as could be obtained were put to laying floors and making and
hanging inside doors, and in the meanwhile big fires were kept burning day
and night. As the new^er family, we were able to add many comforts to the
general store. There were too many of us to be lonely or low-spirited, and in
spite of hardships, we were not unhappy. Air. John Kellar had bought the
farm adjoining his brother's, and gradually we came to know other neighbors,
all of whom were most kind.

Nevertheless it was a dreadful winter. The intense cold set in on the 15th
of November, 1835, a full month sooner than was anticipated, and found no
one prepared for it. Provisions were scarce not only with us but in the stores,
and the Illinois river, the only highway to the base of supplies, was frozen over.
Snow soon fell to a greater depth than had ever been known before and ren-
dered the country roads well nigh impassable while it was fresh and entirely
so when it turned to mud and slush. At the new house it sifted through every
crevice and it was no raritv to shake several inches of snow off' our beds in

■7

*"^ ■

7^ '

KF.Y TO THE PICTURE OF PEORIA IX 1846.
The folliiiK'iii;/ iiaiucd [^hiccs arc represented as folltrn's:

a. The foot of l-'erry Street aii<l llie ferry, since called ISridge Street and the

bridge.

b. Orin Hamlin's tlour mill.

c. The fir.st court hotise.

d. The first home of Charles Pallance.

e. .\. S. Cole's warehouse. PjCtween Cole's warehouse and llallance's first home.

in \\'ater Street and in Liberty Street, full\- lilling l)0th of them, was
Fort Clark at a former day.

f. Curtenius & Ciriswold's general store.

g. Slough's, or L'nion Hotel.

li. h'irst two brick buildings erected in Peoria.

i. Clinton House.

j. Asahel Hale's home.

k. Delweiller's 1 lotel.

1. \'oris Bros.' general store.

m. A, S. Cole's store in 1S43.

n. I'^armers' Hotel.

o. The notorious W hig flagstaff in 1S44.

p. The old court house.

q. Old Hamilton Street Baptist Church, now the site of the county jail.

r. The old Peoria House.

s. John Rankin's flour mill.

t. The residence of Isaac L'nderhill, for whom the |)icturc was painted, now the

site of St. h'rancis Hospital,
u.

V. Orr &; Schnel)le\'s saw mill.

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 65

the morning which had settled upon us in the night. The situation was not
helped by the knowledge that there was no lack of money to make us com-
fortable but that this was a time when money was of little use. There were
few mechanics of any kind in the state and if there had been many, there was
a dearth of materials with which to work. Every foot of lumber for building
purposeswas obtained by cutting logs on the farm, hauling them to a saw mill
on the Kickapoo where they were sawed on the shares, and then hauling them
back. Teaming was a business for which there was good demand, and as we
had the best horses in the neighborhood our boys were often importuned to do
something of the kind. On one occasion brother John and an assistant was em-
ployed to take the boiler of a sunken steamboat to Chicago; for this job he
received $ioo, which does not seem a munificent sum for the time and labor
expended, but he was probably glad of the opportunity to see the country and
satisfied to pay expenses. On his return he brought a load of lumber, which
was considered an exceedingly bright thing to do.

As the winter progressed provisions of all sorts became scarce and ex-
pensive. Flour, I remember, was $12 per barrel. New Orleans molasses $1.25
per gallon, and butter unknown. The only thing our family had in plenty was
coffee which we had brought with us and which seemed to be providentially
inultiplied till the spring. Flour gave out altogether and many of us were made
sick by the constant use of corn-meal. At length we obtained a little wheat
from a neighbor but to be ground it had to be taken across the river to
Crocker's Mill at the Narrows, the only flour mill in that section of the country,
and so great was the pressure of business that our messenger had to wait three
days for his turn. \Mien he returned with the beautiful white flour we wel-
comed him with open arms. He also brought some middlings which we made
into battercakes. and though we had no proper griddle and had to bake the
cakes on the stove lid, after our long course of corn they seemed a great luxury.

The necessity for provisions finally became so great that teams were sent
to Beardstown where a steamer from St. Louis had been frozen in the ice, to
bring up her supply of groceries by the wagon road. I'^rom this time we were
not so badly oft", though even when the river opened, boats were timid about
coming so far. Citizens were much in the habit of betting as to the time when
the river would open and this year heavy odds were offered that it would not
be before January 3. Fortunately the thaw came on the third to the delight
of people generally, though it made those who had lost wagers unhappy.

Among Uncle Kellar's earliest acquaintances in Peoria was Mr. Charles
Ballance who had come out from Kentucky in 183 1, and, when the Kellars came
in 1835, was already well known as a prosperous young lawyer, land agent and
surveyor. He had i)urchased a house on the corner of Water and Libertv streets,!
the site of old Fort Clark, and here his sister kept house for him. As any sort .
of shelter was hard to find, wdien the Kellar family arrived, he invited them
to stop with him till they could get a house of their own. This hospitality they
accepted for two or three weeks and then rented a house belonging to Mr.
Dakley on the corner of Hamilton and Adams streets, where they remained
till they moved into the country as already described. When, therefore, father
began to look for a farm. Uncle Kellar took him to see Mr. Ballance as one
likely to know where such a one as he wanted could be found. It happened
that Mr. Ballance was in X'andalia at the time, but as soon as he returned he

t The picture "Peoria in 1831" shows this house of Mr. Ballance and also shows some
of the old stubs of the burnt pahsades. John F. Kinff. a contractor of Peoria, in putting a
sewer down on Liberty street cut throujjli the foundations of the bastion of this old fort.
It stood so as to nearly obstruct Water street and Liberty street if it had been still standing.
The main part of the fort connected with the bastion extended down Liberty street and
down Water street and included probably nearly all of the ground on which the power plant
of the Electric Light Company now stands. The Daughters of the American Revolution
have put up a brass tablet on the corner of the power plant of the Electric Light Company
to show the former location of Fort Clark.
Vol. 1—5

66 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

rode out to the Kellar farm, partly on business, partly to make a social call.
Unfortunately in selecting land father was hampered by the idea that ground
which did not produce big trees would not produce big corn,* and as the rich
alluvial prairies which appear ready-made for the plow had no charms for him
and the wooded lands near the streams were generally taken up, this caused
some delay. At length, however, a place was found that seemed to fill the
requirements, and it happily belonged to a man who wished to sell. To us
its surroundings seemed primitive, but the owner, "Sammy" Elson, was one
of those restless nj^en who always flee at the approach of civilization and the
bargain was soon made. The purchase included a small house, which after-
wards became a part of the Schnebly homestead, and into it my brothers moved,
taking sister Susan with them as housekeeper. C ' - ->

As early as possible after coming to Peoria, ^Uncle Kellar had begun to
preach in a frame building on Jackson between Adams and Washington streets.
Here he would no doubt have done well, but unfortunately the discussion which
resulted in new and old school Presbyterians was rife even in this distant place
and had resulted in the formation of two Presbyterian churches where there
was hardly room for one. On the 21st of December, 1834, Joshua Aiken, Aloses
Pettengill and Enoch Cross with the assistance of Rev. Flavel Bascom and Rev.
Romulus Darnes had organized a church of eleven members with new school
proclivities, and on the next day Samuel Lowry, a zealous Presbyterian from
the north of Ireland, and Rev. John Birch had organized a second church with
old school preferences. This latter organization included Samuel Lowry, Mrs.
Andrew Gray, Mrs. Matthew Taggart, John Sutherland, Nelson Buck and others.
All this occurred before I came to Peoria and had created not a little feeling,
but in my first knowledge of the place both churches were leading a precarious
existence, and Uncle Kellar was preaching for the so-called old school body.
When my father came with his large family and a little later Mrs. Lindsay with
hers and identified themselves with this latter church, it seemed established on
a firm basis. And so it might have been but for enemies within the fold, who
were far more destructive than those without. The real cause of the trouble
which resulted in dismemberment does not appear on the records but in the
language of a contemporary arose from "a strong disposition on the part of Mr.
Lowry to rule whatever he was concerned with and an equally strong disposition
on the part of Mr. Kellar not to be ruled." Be that as it may, it was said at
the time that Mr. Lowry had taken the deed to the church lot in his own name,
and that he subsequently sold the lot, took the money and went away never to
return. To straighten the matter out the synod sent a commission to investigate
the matter and this commission dissolved the church which Mr. Lowry claimed
to have organized and established another in its ruins, of which Mr. Kellar was
elected pastor, and such he continued to be for several years.

Miss Kate Kellar and I, being the young ladies of the family, usually ac-
companied him to church. As soon as possible father purchased a carriage for
the use of the family, but during the first winter our only mode of traveling
was on horseback. I remember that Cousin Kate and I had cloaks alike, made
very full, wadded and lined and pleated into a yoke. As we rode along these

* Mr. Schnebly seems to have preferred timber land to tlie prairie because he tliought
it was more fertile. Mr. George Poage Rice, the father of tlie editor, came to Illinois first
in 18,^4 and was in Peoria. He went west and settled in Monmouth. His idea was that the
prairie land was the best farm land but that farms could not get along without timber to
build houses, make fences and for fuel. He took up his farm land in the edge of the prairie
adjoining the timber and spent all the money he could spare in buying timber land amongst
the breaks thinking that he was getting the key of the situation. Some money he had to in-
vest for his sister, he put all in timber land and also when his nephew wished to come and
open a farm he sold forty acres of the timber and took up as good farm land as there is
in Illinois with the money. One could sell forty acres of that farm land a day without im-
provements for enough to buy a section of timber land, even with the timber standing on it
as good as it was in those days.

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 67

cloaks would fill with wind like a balloon and must have presented a funny
appearance if there had been any spectators on that lonely road. Both Mrs.
Gray and Mrs. Lowry were very kind to us and often asked us to spend a day
or two at a time with them. On one of these occasions we were invited to a
dance given somewhere on Main street, but as neither of us knew how to dance
and would have been thought dreadfully wicked if we had, the party was not
a success as far as we were concerned.

As we had come from a country where snow was plenty, sleighing was one
of our ciiief amusements. We had only a home-made jumper, it is true, and in
going up and down the hills had to cling to each other to prevent falling off,
but youth and high spirits atoned for all shortcomings and we enjoyed it. On
one occasion we took the "jumper" and went by invitation to spend the evening
at John Clifton's. There was but a single room when we arrived, and the only
light came from a huge log fire about which the family was gathered. After
a while with some difficulty they rigged up a witch's lamp — a piece of rag drawn
through a potato and set in a saucer of oil — and that furnished the balance of
the illumination. We were made most welcome, however, and before our de-
parture the lady of the house jjassed around a dish of raw turnips — the only
refreshments she had. It was most kindly meant, but we were too recently
from the land of apples not to be struck with the fun of it, though our own
entertainments were little less primitive, being confined to hickory nuts or
parched corn, to which the children sometimes added potatoes roasted in the hot
ashes. It was years before we had any fruit of our own raising.

For many reasons the family reading took a narrow range that season. Two
weekly papers, the I'liiladelphia Presbyterian for religious items, and the Hag-
, erstown Torchlight for news of our old neighbors, bad been ordered to our new
home, and were carefully read. In addition we had our choice of the Bible, a
voluminous Concordance, Josephus, a treatise on the Whole Duty of Woman,
Grimshaw's History of the United States. Lives of Washington, Calvin, Frank-
lin, Marion, Patrick Henry, and for light reading Scottish Chiefs, Charlotte
Temple and the Children of the Abbey. How these latter managed to creep
into such dignified company I cannot remember, but I, at least, read them with
avidity, 'and was thereby beguiled of many weary hours. A little later, through
the kindness of a friend. I had access to all of Cooper's novels, then just coming
into vogue, and had a new world opened up to me even though the noble red men,
as there portrayed, had no resemblance to the specimens with which vve oc-
casionally came in contact.

The winter of 1835-6 dragged its slow length along, as has been said.
In February my stepmother presented us with a tiny addition to the family,
and notwithstanding many discomforts inseparable with our crowded quarters,
as well as the newness of the country, mother and baby both throve well. A
few weeks later Mr. Ballance and I were married, Uncle Kellar being the
officiating clergyman. My gown was of white jaconet, the material for which
I had providentially brought from ^Maryland, and my one bridesmaid was Miss
Amelia Boone, one of the family who traveled with us in our journey through
Indiana. There were but two carriages in the town, and one of these Mr.
Ballance hired for the wedding, but owing to the darkness of the night and
the miseral)le condition of the roads it was thought best to defer the drive into
town till morning. Our homecoming was naturally an event of some importance
in the little town, and Miss Prudence liallance had issued invitations for a ])arty
in our honor. It proved to be a large gathering and an elegant one for the
times, but after all these years I can recall no one who was there but the
Grays, Lowrys, Taggarts, Vorises, PickettS and Boones.* The house where
I began my married life and where my three older children were born was on

* This Miss .Amelia Boone was a cousin of the author's mother and was a relative of
the pioneer hunter, Daniel Boone of Kentucky. Their family settled at an early day in
Pennsylvania, fifty or sixty miles north of Philadelphia.

68 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

the lower side of Water street at the foot of Liberty street, and was considered
a superior one for the times. It was near the site of old Fort Clark, w-hich
was built in 1813, and which burned in 1819. The fort had been made of logs,
standing on end and the charred remains of these were sometimes found about
our garden as long as we remained there. One was in such a state of preserva-
tion that we used it years as a hitching post until its -age and history made it
too valuable for that purpose and when we moved away a man by the name
of Drown sawed it into walking sticks which he readily sold for 50 cents apiece.
The corner on the south of us had been a powder magazine, but nothing re-
mained of it but a few stones and the hole where the powder had been stored.
Below this and a little nearer the river — there was not a street laid out south
of this till you reach the ferry, now Bridge street — was the old Court House.*

In the rear, the house was generally sixty or seventy feet from the river,
but in the spring it often happened that the water came up to our back steps,
and it was not unusual at such times to attach a fishing rod to the back door to
catch a fish for the next meal. The front yard was quite barren when I came
to the house, but the next year we had it fenced in and wandering pigs fenced
out, so that I soon had a garden, gay with all colors of old-fashioned tiowers.

After we left this house for a larger one on South Adams street it was
rented to various tenants, but rapidly went to decay and the site is now so
changed by business houses and railroad tracks that even I find it difficult to
identify.

'Most of those who had been invited to my wedding reception were strangers
to me, but ^Irs. Andrew Gray seemed like an old friend. She and her husband
were warm hearted Irish people, and had been kind to me from my first arrival.
Indeed, to the extent of their means, they kept open house to all comers.
Among their frequent guests were William, generally called "Billy" Mitchell,
and two young ladies, Margaret and Louisa Heaton, who lived near where
(ubilee now stands. Mr. Mitchell was a young Englishman and at that time
and for years afterwards was clerk of the county court. Whether Mrs. Gray
had any hand in making the match I do not know, but these young people met
often at her house and the day before we were married Uncle Kellar was called
upon to perform the same services for Mr. Mitchell and Louisa Heaton. After
his marriage, Mr. Mitchell took his bride to live in the house on the bluff now
occupied by Mrs. Thomas Hurd and her daughter, Mrs. Hotchkiss, and soon
after he was joined by his mother and a sister who eventually became Mrs.
James Crawley.

Of the Lowrys I have spoken before. They were staunch Presbyterians
and according to their ideas of things good people, but Air. Lowry was a man
of determined will and strong prejudices, and it was impossible for him to see
any good in a scheme which ran counter to his preconceived ideas. Mr. Bal-
lance was fond of quoting Hudibras with reference to him where he described
the English Presbyterians:

"Who never kneel but to their God to pray,
Nor even then, unless in their own way."

He was a prominent citizen for a few years, but became involved in the
church quarrel before alluded to and left the place.

Mr. Taggart was another Irishman ; his wife was a sister of Mrs. Lowry,
and a most excellent kindly woman. They had two daughters. Jane and Mary,
the latter of whom was not fully grown at this time, but some years after mar-
ried Mr. Dalmain, an artist. In the first Peoria directory issued in 1844 Mr.
Taggart would seem to have no business, but the word "gentleman" is opposite
his name. On the same page appears the business card of Jane Amanda Tag-

*TIiis old courthouse is shown on the picture "Peoria in 1831."

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUXTY 69

gart's Select School, wherein is taught "i'hilosophy. History, Arithmetic, Geog-
raphy, Grammar, Reading and Spelling. Terms, $2.50 per quarter."

Mr. Ballance came from Kentucky to Peoria in 183 1 and soon afterward
induced his friends, the Vorises to join him here. The family consisted of Air.
and Mrs. Francis Voris, two younger brothers, Abram and Sam, a sister,
Hortensia, and Miss Sarah Congleton. The brothers kept a general store,
which de%'eloped into a forwarding and commission business. They also went
into the packing of ])ork in winter, which they would pack in flat boats and when
the river opened in the spring send it down the river where there was always a
ready market for provisions. Their store was located on Water street for
years and their various interests furnished employment for a number of young
men. Miss Hortensia \'oris married Dr. Hogan, a practicing physician, but in
a year or two they moved to Texas and I lost sight of them. Mr. Abram Voris
went down the river as supercargo of a line of flat-boats, and while in the
neighborhood of Natchez took the cholera and died. A year or two later Mr.
Samuel \oris married .Miss Congleton and for more than a c|uarter of a century
the two brothers, Francis and Samuel, with their families, lived together in
the homestead in perfect accord. As children grew to maturity and were mar-
ried, additions would be made to the original house, but so long as the first
couples remained there was no thought of separation. As time went on they
prospered and for years were considered among the wealthiest as well as the
most hospitable peojjle in the county. The house or rather the collection of
houses that sheltered so many was near the corner of .Adams and Oak street,
but has so fallen into decay that it is no longer habitable. The beautiful lawn
is entirely destro\cd. The garden that was the pet and pride of the neighbor-
hood had not left even a trace, and the fine old trees are all dead and gone.
It is a melancholy spectacle and one that I would gladly forget.

As I came from a southern state and belonged to a family of slave owners,
mv sympathies were naturally opposed to everything savoring of abolitionism.
In these days when the Christian world is unanimously convinced of the iniquity
of slavery, "it is difficult to realize the intensity of feeling fifty years ago (A.D.
1846) for and against the institution. As years went by sympathy on either
side developed into hatred, families were divided and the solid south was
arrayed against the solid north, but in New England was to hold him up to
approbrium and he must be singularly brave and conscientious who would avow
his-ielief in the hated doctrines.

U'hatever elements might have entered in to divide that most conservative
of l)odies, the Presbyterian church, it is certain that the crowning trouble was
the dift'erence of opinion on the subject of slavery. The north saw but one
side, and believing that it was wrong felt that it must be pulled up, root and
branch ; that it must be done at once regardless of consequences, and the results
be left to God. Many in the south on the contrary believed it to be a divine
institution, sanctioned by Scripture and the usages of antiquity; others of Africa
in touch with the civilizing influences of the whites, and all felt that right or
wrong, the blacks were here and to set them free was to, involve the country in
far greater troubles than could possibly arise from continuing them in slavery.

It would seem that whatever the moral aspect of the question it need not
have afl:'ected anv relations in the center of a free state like Illinois, but beliefs
are not bound by geogra]ihical lines and the old school Presbyterian church with
its supersensitiveness on the slave question and the new school, the offspring of
Puritan parents, were the results.

I do not undertake to give a history of this new school of Main street
church, as it was called, but I remember many of the people connected with it.
The leaders were Joshua .Aiken, Moses Pettengill and Dr. Cross, but William
A. Nurse, Robert E. Little. Dr. Castle, the Piurlingame brothers, a man by the
name of Tarleton and Mrs. Jeffries did much to make it a success.

One of the first j^astors was Rev. William T. .Alien, who was noted for his

70 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUXTY

anti-slavery i)roclivities, and wrote after his signature, "Preacher of righteous-
ness," as descriptive of his calhng. Joshua Aiken, who is now remembered
principally as a relative of the late Mark Aiken, lived at Cottonwood, the farm
afterwards bought and improved by the late S. S. Clark. He owned a small
flouring mill on the Kickapoo about three miles south of town, which was cap-
able of turning out fifty barrels of flour per day. He afterwards added a saw
mill to it and ran both together till on one of its periodical floods the creek
carried the whole plant away so successfully that not a suggestion of it can now
be found. It must have been a serious disappointment to those concerned, as
the vicinity had been staked ofl: into lots and a considerable amount of business
done in the way of selling building spots in the town which was called Peoria
Mills.

Moses Pettengill was one of the earliest merchants of the place and as he
was a careful business man whatever he undertook was a success. Although
stern, he was very pious and exceedingly conscientious. He was an avowed
abolitionist and it was said that he was connected with the so-called underground
railroad and gave protection to slaves who fled across the border. It was even
told with honor that Mrs. Pettengill had entertained colored women in her
parlor and the tale produced a large sized scandal. I am not sure that the
story is true, but feel that if either of these good people had felt it their
duty to entertain the lowest of the black race they would not have hesitated
a moment to do it.

Another prominent member of the new school church was Amos Stevens.
He was an educated man and opened a school when he first came to Peoria,
but left it in a year or two and went to Baton Rouge. Here he made the ac-
^quaintance of a family by the name of Silliman, who, perhaps, through his
influence, spent several summers in Peoria and built the houses occupied by
Singer & \\'heeler on Water street. After being away two or three years Mr.
Stevens returned and soon after married a Miss Morrow, who was a teacher
and a sister of Mrs. Rufus Burlingame.

Enos Cross belonged to the same organization. He was a practicing physician
of some ability and a brother-in-law of Mrs. Pettengill.

All of these had the reputation of being very serious men and as far removed
as possible from any hilarity. On one occasion the congregation undertook to
give a church social and Jim Alexander, who was considered the wit of the
town, was invited to attend. He remained but a short time and gave as a reason
that there was no one there but Moses and Aaron and Enoch, and it was too
near the flood for him.

]\Ir. Nurse was the first man to introduce fanning mills into central Illinois,
and furnished the nucleus that finally developed into the Proctor business. In
his advertisements he proudly announced that for wheat fans he made cross
wove riddles.

A valuable member of this church was Mrs. Jeffries, grandmother of Mrs.
Edward Gale. She was a widow with a large family of daughters, and a
devoted church worker. The young ladies were noted as capable, industrious
women, and as they came to maturity were married, three of them as I remember
becoming the wives of Theodore Adams, John Bolton and Alexander Allison.

Like all new settlements Peoria had its share of eccentric people. One of
them was |ohn G. Bryson. When he first came to the country he taught school
in Richwoods township and was very acceptable in that capacity till Jack Hines
started the story that he was in the habit of correcting his pupils by hitting
them over the head with stove wood. After that he clerked first for Aquilla
Wren and then for the \'oris Brothers, and finally had a dry goods store of
his own on Main street. This he ran in a slow old-fashioned way till more
progressive men monopolized the business. Those who knew him in later years
as an eccentric, taciturn recluse, will be surprised to hear that he was once
engaged to be married, at which time Mr. \'oris said he walked so much around

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 71

a certain tree, meditating on his beloved that the grass refused ever after to
grow on the spot. He was a great man to argue and whatever the (luestion,
he might safely be counted on the contrary side.

Early settlers will have no difficulty in recalling an old Pole named Klopiski,
who kept a sort of restaurant for many years on Main street. The boys dubbed
him "Old Pork and Beans" and on ordinary occasions he was rather addicted
to soiled linen and old slippers run down at the heels, but when dressed he
was a noble looking man and every inch a cultivated gentleman. He came to
America during the troublous times of Poland and professed to have been a
nol)leman and a military leader. He was very fond of chess and Mr. Ballance
used sometimes to invite him to the house that they might have a game together.
Very often the game would be forgotten and the old gentleman would talk for
hours of outrages practiced upon his native country. As I look back I think
we did not appreciate him as we should, and if he was still alive believe the
present generation would be disposed to make a hero of him.

One of the most conspicuous if not as he thought the greatest man of the
day was H. W. Cleveland. Where he came from or what his previous history
might have been I do not know, but he suddenly ap])eared among us in several
unexpected roles. Somebody had taken it upon himself to raise a company
of militia, though in a spirit of bragadocio they paid it the compliment of call-
ing it a regiment. Cleveland was a candidate for colonel, and. owing to the
unpopularity of the other aspirants, was elected, as much to his own surprise
as that of others. • He immediately appointed a complete line of staff officers
as though it was a full regiment, among whom I recollect Dr. Rouse as medical
officer and Mr. Ballance as quartermaster. About the same time the colonel
got a charter for a new ferry across the river which was to be propelled by
horse power and the lucky thought struck him to have a parade of his new
regiment and a jubilee over the launching of his new boat at the same time. At
length the auspicious day arrived. Horses were scarce but every officer that
could get one was mounted for the parade. The colonel resided in a frame
house on the corner of Madison and Jackson streets and in front of his door
he had a table set with wines and all sorts of liquors and every time the parade
went around the town the head of the column stopped at his door for refresh-
ments. The more they refreshed the more foolish they became, and one by
one the more dignified dropped out of the parade. There was a character
named "Tig Tom" who being a little in doubt as to his military duties hunted
up Dr. Rouse for advice. The doctor was a good deal disgusted by this titpe
and growled out, "if this stuff makes the colonel sick it's my duty to physic him
and yours to wait on him !"

After much fuss and feathers the parade finally reached the new boat and
Colonel Cleveland proceeded to make a speech, the opening words of which
were remembered and repeated by Peorians for many a day. He said : :

"Fellow citizens and countrymen : Let us now proceed to cominemorate
the memory of the immortal Washington who has long since been laid in the
tomb."

The whole thing became so ridiculous that the regiment was never again
heard of and even the boat seemed to partake of the general fooling and was
soon after sold to a circus company and taken down to St. Louis.

A GLANCn: BACKW.\RD
BY E. II. FERGUSON, PONTIAC, ILLINOIS

Times were very bad when we arrived in Illinois. There was no money
in the state ; no sale for grain except to travelers or emigrants ; groceries, boots
and shoes had to be paid for with cash ; pork was all the farmers had that
would sell for money. Fisher & Chapin l)Ought hogs at Lacon, and always
paid for them with Traders Bank of Boston bills. The money was new,

72 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

stamped F. & C— I'isher & Chapin. It paid taxes in Peoria, Marshall and
Woodford counties. It was currently reported that Fisher paid sixty cents on
the dollar in gold for money and had to redeem every dollar of it in gold that
came back to the bank in Boston. That was good financiering for both parties,
and a fair sample of early day business. Fisher always had a New Orleans
boat come up every spring during the high water to take his pork to New
Orleans. One spring, about 1843, or possibly a year or two later, David Heats,
a merchant of Chillicothe, sent one hundred sacks of corn to St. Louis and sold
it for money, getting about fifteen cents per bushel. Immediately on getting
returns from the shipments he sent word all around that he would take grain
in payment for boots, shoes, groceries and debts. That was the first shipment
of grain that I ever heard of. A little later that same year Isaac Underbill, of
Peoria, had Captain Moss, of Peoria, come up and take a load of his "rent"
corn to St. Louis, where he received cash for it. After harvest he sent word
to the farmers of La Salle Prairie that on a certain date he would have a boat
at Rome if they wished to sell their corn. They all availed themselves of the
opportunity, as that was the first chance they had had to sell grain for cash.
There were two boats loaded with corn at Rome that fall. After that there was
a market for grain at some price for cash.

My father made three trips to Chicago with wheat. On one of these trips
the load brought forty cents per bushel. He brought back shoes, tea and a
dollar's worth of cofifee and sugar, which mother made to last until the middle
of the next summer. I think this was in 1841. During thedry year — the year
of the big prairie fire — the mill race at Senachwine dried up and no flour could
be obtained. My mother grated corn on a tin pan punched full of holes and
made corn bread and cakes for about two weeks until we could get a grist
ground at Crown Creek mill, east of Chillicothe, about where the Santa Fe
railroad is now located.

Two of my mother's brothers, Elijah and Norman Hyde, came to Peoria
about 1823 or 1824. Norman was county surveyor, postmaster and county
judge when Chicago was in Peoria county. I have in my possession his text-
book and surveying instruments. I have a chest of drawers and some dishes
that belonged to my grandmother at the time of her marriage in 1790. In the
line of ancient documents I have a history of Greece, printed in 1699, and a
copy of a political discussion, published in 1671.

A HOUSE WITH MAXY HISTORIES
nv M. P. .SIMS. LAWN RIDGE, HXINOIS

The house now ( 1904) being torn down on the southeast corner of this
place is one with many thrilling historical events. It was built in the '40s, the
first house in Lawn Ridge, by Deacon, or Nathaniel Smith. The frame was
of large square-hewn timbers, some pieces eight by ten, mortised and braced
and cross braced so it might be sure and stand the howling winds from the
northwest. The other lumber was hauled from Chicago with ox teams, taking
up a load of wheat and bringing back lumber, the round trip taking about a week.

This house in the early '50s was one of the many depots on the underground
railroad. The next one on the south was Deacon Purge's of Farmington, and
the next on the north was Owen Lovejoy's of Princeton. Many a time when
the slaveholder, with sherifif and posse, backed up by the Tegeft slave law which
allowed him to call on any one to assist him to run down his slaves, and if they
refused, be liable to a fine, would be only a few hours behind his slaves as they
passed the place. The old house standing there looked so solemn and innocent,
that they never suspected that down in the cellar were three or four badly
frightened men and women trying to escape to free Canada, and waiting for
the excitement to go by and night to come so they could be transported on to
Princeton.

MIRROR LAlvE, BRADLEY PA UK

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 73

After occupj-ing this house a few years. Deacon Smith bought and built over
on the west side of the road a similar one, where he lived a number of years.
He was still depot master and fed the runaway slaves the same as before. He
was a great character. He was not only a farmer, but a blacksmith, and a
good one, too. He was an all around man. He could make a good speech and
make it interesting on any subject. He took the lead in all advance movements,
church and politics, established and maintained Sunday schools in all the country
around. Later in life, he drifted to the west and linally returned to his old
home in New York state, where he died. No doulit Deacon Smith had his
faulfs but on the whole I believe him to have been a great and good man and
one that helped to make this county what it is.

Deacon Smith sold this place in an early day to a man by the name of Job
Brown, or "Joby" Brown, as he was called. He was more of an inventor than
a farmer. There is no doubt but what Job Brown was the real inventor of
the corn planter. It was in this house that he studied and thought out the
great problem of planting corn by machinery. It was here by the door he first
pulled his machine by hand, and then with one horse, and finally made a planter
something similar to planters now in use. only dropping three rows, and instead
of wheels had sled runners. The dropping part was the real invention. It is
said the inventor seldom gets the profits ; it was so in this case. It was in this
house he signed away all his rights in the planter for the price of a horse, and
another person became rich from the manufacture of the corn planter.

Brown was also the inventor of a seed sower, and a scalding tub, that could
be moved from one farm to another, in which hogs could be cleaned much
faster than in the old way. This was in the days when farmers dressed their
hogs at home for market and this machine could easily run out seventy or
eighty a day. He was a very odd and eccentric man but known in his day all
over the land as an honest, good man.

After a time Brown, too, sold out and moved away. Some twenty years
ago there came a man by the name of Scoon who lived in the house. He had
only one arm. He made and sold what he called Peoria bitters, made of several
kinds of drugs, a little whiskey and lots of water ; but it would make you drunk,
and that was enough. He did a thriving business for a while, sold it in pint
bottles, one dollar a bottle. The business increased, so he rented a small build-
ing on the east road, within a few rods of the Cornell house. He fixed it up
with shelves and counter and a big lamp in the center of the room and on the
opening night set the bitters up to the boys, went home late and to bed, and, I
suppose, fell into a sound sleep. It was one of those calm, still nights and not
a breath of afr stirring, when at midnight, or a little later, there was a terrible
explosion which was heard for miles. The next morning when Scoon came
down after breakfast, he found his sho]) and bitters blown to flinders; so that
ended Scoon and his bitters. But who put the jug of powder and laid the fuse
under the house will never be known. Many detectives came and lay around
from I^eoria but went back without solving the mystery.

A LEGEND OF H.\LLOCK
BY E. C. SILLIM.^N

About 1820 Lewis Hallock came to Peoria county. He had been a trapper
and fur trader among the Indians of Wisconsin and the northwest. Soon
after coming to the county he located on the land at the mouth of Hallock hollow
in Hallock township. He was a Quaker and was ojiposed to war and i^loodshed.
his life among the Indians and his kindness and truthfulness to them winning
for him great influence with them.

In 1825, Namac|ua, an Indian of the Pottawatomie tribe, killed a Frenchman
in a drunken brawl. He was arrested, and there being no place of confinement
nearer than the .Springfield jail, Hallock furnished bail. No one ever sup-

74 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

posed that the Indian would appear, but Hallock knew he would and on the
first day of the term of court Namac|na was on hand. He was tried and sen-
tenced to death at the November term of court that year, but through the in-
fluence of Hallock and others, who believed the sentence was unjust, his case
was taken to the supreme court, where it was reversed and remanded for a
new trial. The trial was put off from time to time, Hallock always appearing
with his prisoner. He remained a lifelong friend of Hallock.

In 1S31 the winter was very severe, a big snow falling early, some three
feet deep and drifting l)adly, and later was covered with a thick crust. A party
of Indians on a hunting trip were caught in what was later called Gimblet
hollow, west of Sparland. Hallock, knowing of their peril, went to their as-
sistance, piloting them down the hollow to the river, then on the ice to Sen-
achwine creek and up the creek to Northampton, along the liluff to his place,
where he had a pen of corn and his cabin, which he shared with them. He
and the braves took turns at breaking the road through the snow, the women
and ponies following. It took three days to make the trip. The deer could not
escape and Hallock had the Indians secure enough venison to last until spring.
When the Black Hawk war was first inaugurated, Hallock knew the peril
of the whites, and having made many trips to the lead mines near Galena, he
had many acquaintances between that place and Dixon, whom he determined to
warn, faking his rifle he started and as the dusk of the evening approached,
he arrived on a hill overlooking the Pottawatomie camp near "Indiantown"
now called Tiskilwa.

The young braves were holding a war dance and working themselves up to
a fighting mood. Hallock knew all the war whoops of the difi^erent tribes.
The Iroquois being their worst and most feared enemy, he gave their war cry
and rushed down the hill through the brush, landing at the chief's tent, who not
being fooled, sat quietly smoking, while all the "braves" ran for cover. Upon
seeing a lone white man they came out, brandishing their tomahawks and
making warlike demonstrations. Hallock stood his rifle against a tree, lit his
pipe and advised the old chief "to spank them papooses and send them to bed."
A wave of the old chief's hand and all slunk away. Hallock then handed his pipe
to the chief, who refused it. He then stepped back and said: "What! refuse to
smoke the pipe of peace with the white man that never sheds blood, that pro-
tects the red man from the anger of the pale face and from starving when hungry?
Who fed your tribe when the snow was deep? Hallock !" Slowly the chief arose,
took the pipe, gave it the customary whifif and returned it, then he produced his
sack of salt, took a pinch, and handed it to Hallock, who did the same. And all
the tribe knew Hallock was a friend and not an enemy. After supper with the
chief, he demanded safe conduct to the camp of Black Hawk. On the morrow
two Indians accompanied him on ponies. Near Dixon on the edge of some heavy
timber, thev came in sight of a band of some five hundred Indians, who, on dis-
covering a white man in charge of two Indians, sent a troop of about fifty Indians
out to meet them. They came galloping down upon them in full war paint,
demanding the pale face for sacrifice. A wave of the hand and announcement
of safe conduct to Black Hawk from their chief, caused them to fall in behind
in silence. Of Black Hawk he demanded a safe conduct to Galena, which was
granted. Two Indians escorted him to a point where they told him he was beyond
danger, and as he went along he gave the alarm and all white settlers, about thirty
families, fled to the block houses for safety.

For some years the lead mines of Galena were the only place where settlers
could get cash for their cattle or produce. Hallock often went there with cattle
and sometimes came back on horseback by way of Dixon, but more frequently
he came down the river to Rock Island, or a near point west. Sometimes he
floated down in a canoe, and at other times came with a flat boat, loaded for
St. Louis. From this point he would walk across the hundred miles home, always
carrying his rifle and camping wherever night overtook him.

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 75

After the war in 1832, Black Hawk and his hand located in Iowa near Des
Moines, and they, too, often went to Galena to trade.

And now comes the tradition of Hallock. Many people called it "Hallock's
dream." Some say it was a squaw after the death of Namaqua who showed
the vision to him, but from my boyhood recollection, having heard the tale from
many and from some to whom he had told it himself, I think Hallock's version
was this: Some years after the Indians left. Hallock made one of his trips to
Galena and there met Namat|ua, the Indian he had stood by in trouble and who
had never ceased to hold Hallock as his saviour. White men sometimes forget a
favor, an Indian never! He told Hallock he was going down the river and across
the country to his band and wanted him to accompany him in his canoe, which
Hallock consented to do. They floated down the Mississippi and at sunset they
landed, made their cam]) fire, ate their supper and smoked the pipe of friend-
ship. Namaqua said, "Would you like to see where the 'wliite bullets' come
from?" Hallock said he would.

In early days the Indians had many silver bullets which, until they learned
their value to the pale face, they traded pound for pound, as they were hard
and the Indians preferred the lead bullets. Namaqua said, "If my tribe knew I
had shown a white man this they would kill me. Promise you will never tell
of this until I am dead." Hallock promised and never revealed the story until
after Namaqua's death several years afterward. He blindfolded Hallock, they
got into the river, where he whirled the canoe around until it was impossible for
Hallock to tell the direction. He then rowed about an hour and landed. They
walked a short distance, waded what seemed to be a creek, went up an incline
for some distance and then stopped. Fie could hear him remove some stones.
He then told Hallock to crawl after him, which he did for a couple of rods.
The Indian then removed the blindfold and lit a torch. They were standing in
a passageway, which they followed a little distance and came into a cave, possibly
200 feet across and 20 to 50 feet high. On examining the walls he saw where
a large amount of silver had been dug out of crevices, some pure silver, other
places streaked with lead. Hallock was allowed to examine it and satisfy him-
self that it was silver and lead, but he was not allowed to carry any away, nor
did the Indian take any. There seemed to have been large quantities removed
and there was any amount of it in sight. Namaqua said none had been taken
away for a long time. They returned as they came and before landing at their
camp, the canoe was whirled until direction was lost. Hallock said they might
have rowed several miles, or as many rods. They may have crossed a creek
before going up to the cave, or they might have waded in the edge of the river
a few feet. Indian strategy and shrewdness threw all chance of tracing the route
to the winds.

Years afterward Hallock scanned and searched again and again for the silver
cave, but in vain. His belief was that it was on the Iowa side of the river.

Many persons said it was a dream of Hallock's ; others thought it was truth,
as Hallock was always truthful. Inasmuch as the Indians did have silver bullets
in early times and as but few places have been found where they could have
procured them and those places far to the north, and as quite an amount of
silver has been found in the lead mines of Galena, there is no good reason that
the "silver cave" does not exist. I am inclined to believe that the gratitude
of Namaqua in showing Hallock the cave was covered by the fact that his treach-
ery to his own tribe was death and he made the find so secure that years miist
elapse after his death before even a vigorous and systematic search could dis-
cover his treachery to his tribe.

Hallock believed it. And the reader can follow the legend in the same mys-
tery as have others in the years gone by. Do not lose sight of one fact, in your
judgment. The red man never forgot a friend or a friendly act, even in time
of war, w hen all the bloody passions of his race were called into play. I have
penned this for the eye of many who have heard the tradition as it was handed

76 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

clown through tlie years, often mutilated, and its truth destroyed. Such is one
of the legends of Hallock townshi]) of eighty years ago.

HISTORIC OLD SCHOOLHOUSE
IIV CALVIN STOWELL, SAVANNAH, GEORGIA

Lest the historic old brick schoolhouse, located upon Blue Ridge, in Hallock
township, and the many things, mostly educationally and socially, wdiich clustered
around it in the pioneer days should be forgotten, we have been tempted, partly
by our own feelings and partly by the solicitations of others, to attempt to write a
little sketch of the early days of the community who built it. We have often felt
that there were many things worthy of note that would be of abiding interest
to the present and future generations connected with the history of this com-
munitv, that so far as we can ascertain have never been made a matter of record,
which, with the lapse of time, must pass into oblivion. While at this late day
any record that we can write must be more or less defective for want of details,
still we feel that we have been very fortunate in finding two living witnesses
whose lives are practically contemporary with the first settlers of the little com-
munity of Blue Ridge, and they are the only ones living, so far as we can ascer-
tain, who were old enough to furnish items from personal recollections as far
back as 1837. We refer to James Will, now (1910) past eighty-five years of age,
and his brother George, two years his junior, who were for many years oiar
friends and neighbors in Illinois. It is through the courtesy of Mrs. Lura Will
Johnson and George Will and daughter Hulda, who have furnished us with much
of the memoranda in substance from which we write.

The earliest settlers on Blue Ridge were Leonard Ranstead, Zenus G. Bliss,
E. C. Root, Lucas Root and Egbert Palmer. The exact time of their settling
there is not known to us, but we think we are safe in saying not later than 1836.
William B. Will. Elihu Stowell, Roswell Nurse and son Isich, and Ebenger Stowell
came in 1836, the latter three making the trip from Chenango county, New York,
on foot, .\fter looking over the country and locating land they made the trip to
the nearest land office at Quincy and made their entry; returning, they built a
cabin. Leaving Isich in possession, the other two, Roswell Nurse and father,
returned to New York state late in the fall by way of the lakes. Roswell Nurse
with his familv moved to Illinois the following spring. Our father did not move
with his family until 1843. In 1837 Robert Wilson with his family moved to
this little community from Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania.

In 1840 the little brick schoolhouse was built, the necessary funds being
raised by subscription, which certainly meant almost a sacrifice offering in those
early days of scarce and hard-earned dollars. Robert Wilson, a stone and brick
mason bv trade, assisted by his son George, did the mason work, while Zenus
Bliss and Egbert Palmer looked after the wood work. While the house would
hardly stand as a model for these more modern days, we doubt if a house was
ever built which was more highly appreciated by the public or served a better
purpose of general utility for all sorts of public gatherings. The first school
taught in this house was by William Atwood, who received twelve dollars per
month for his services. The school was thoroughly patronized for many miles
around, starting with fiftv scholars, which was soon increased to the fullest pos-
sible capacity of the house to accommodate. Everybody took in boarders, going
upon the old time pioneer plan, as we suppose, of "come in, if you can get in."

It was while Robert W'M was working upon the old Jubilee college building
at Tubilee that he met the old pioneer preacher of the Methodist Episcopal church,
Father Cummins, whom he invited to come to Blue Ridge to preach. It was he
who organized the Methodist church at the settlement in 1840, with John Furge-
son and wife, Jacob Booth and wife and two daughters, and Maverick Pratt
and wife as charter members — an organization that stands to this day. The fol-
lowing spring a revival was held, which increased the membership to forty. It

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 77

is said that some young men of a rowdyish turn of mind went out from Chilli-
cothe with the avowed object of lireaking up the meeting but with such men
as John h'urgeson, Jacob Ilooth and Maverick Pratt in the front rank, men with
the courage of their convictions and the physical abihty to defend them, the
rowdy crowd reconsidered the matter and concluded that under these circum-
stances "discretion was the better part of valor," and as they rode away one of
them called out '"I name this place Blue Ridge," and P>lue Ridge it has been called
from that dav to this.

PART TWO

CHAPTER XII

GEOLOGIC FORMATION AND GEOGRAPHY OF THIS SECTION OF THE COUNTY MANY

VALUABLE COAL VEINS STONE OF COMMERCIAL IMPORTANCE GRAVEL SAND —

TIMRER SOIL AND ITS PRODUCT] VITV — N'F.GETATION.

GEOLOGY AND GEOGRAPHY

The contents of this article, showing the physical features of the county,
are taken from the "Geological Survey of Illinois," and from articles prepared
by William Gifford, of Radnor township, to be found among the collections of
the Peoria Scientific Society :

"The cretaceous and tertiary periods are not represented in this or adjacent
counties. They were probably lost by denudation, together with some of the
upper coal veins, during the long and turbulent period.

"The four divisions of the quaternary are well defined. They rest directly
on the upper carboniferous, a coal measure. The alluvial deposits are confined
chiefly to the right bank of the Illinois river, forming a terrace of about twenty-
four square miles, called La Salle prairie, one of the best corn producing sections
of Illinois.

The great geological feature of Peoria county consists in its coal measures,
which are coextensive with its borders. Only two veins (four and six) are
worked to any extent. Coal from vein four is brought to the surface by hori-
zontal tunnels at an expense of one cent per bushel, and half a cent in localities
where it can be stripped. At no place in Illinois, or perhaps in the world, can
coal be mined and brought to market so cheaply as in this county. It is now
delivered to consumers in the city of Peoria for one dollar and fifty cents per
ton. The thickness of this vein is from three feet, ten, to four feet, eight inches,
and is generally covered with a ferruginous shale and concretions of bi-sulphuret
of iron, richly stored with marine fossils, which are eagerly sought for by scien-
tists. Its horizon is thirty-two feet above low water of the Illinois river.

Coal vein six is also worked with little labor, by horizontal tunnels. It is
sixty-two feet above coal vein four, and is a good blacksmith coal, makes a hard
vitreous coke, and is exclusively used in Peoria and contiguous cities for making
gas. It contains but little pyrite, and in most localities has a good limestone cov-
ering. One distinctive mark of this vein is a clay seam, or parting, from one to
two inches thick, dividing the coal horizontally into two equal sections. The
fossils overlaying this vein are well preserved and the species numerous. Among
the most common are nyalena angulata, i)leurotomania carbonana, solenomia
radiata, and productus pratteninus.

"Coal vein five has no reliable outcroj} in this county, but its horizon is well
defined in the towns of Limestone, Jubilee, and Kickapoo by its characteristic
fossils— fusalina ventriccosa, hempunites crasa, chonetas messeloba, etc. The
horizon of this vein has furnished a number of fossil coal plants, which have been
figured and described by Leo Lesquereux, and published by the state of Penn-
sylvania.

80 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

"Coal veins seven, eight and nine are the only other veins represented in this
county above the Illinois river, and they are too thin for mining and not easily
stripped.

"The horizon of coal vein nine in this county has given to paleontologists the
most perfect coal-measure fossil found in this state, if not in the world. Coal
vein three lies one hundred and thirty-three feet below four, consequently about
one hundred and twenty feet below the Illinois river. It is about three feet
thick, and is considered a good coal. It is not worked in this county. One hun-
dred and twelve feet below three, a coal vein was reached in Voris' boring —
opposite Peoria — three feet thick, which is considered coal vein one of the Illi-
nois field, and the base of the coal measure resting on the conglomerate, twenty
feet above the St. Louis limestone. Coal vein two has not been explored in Peoria
county, but crops out on Spoon river in the southwest part of Fulton county.

"Sandstone of good quality may be obtained from the beds overlying coal
Xo. 4, which at some points on the Kickapoo, is fully twenty feet in thickness
and it outcrops at many points under very favorable conditions for quarrying.
The rock is a brown micaceous, and partly ferruginous sandstone, in massive
beds, some of which are two feet or more in thickness. It presents a bold
escarpment at many points where it outcrops, indicating a capacity for with-
standing well the ordinary influences of the atmosphere. The ferruginous layers
harden very much on exposure, and would form the best material for bridge
abutments, and for all other purposes where a rock was required to withstand
well the influences of frost and moisture.

"On Aiken's and Griswold's land, on the south side of the Kickapoo, on sec-
tion 24 (Limestone township) this sandstone has been somewhat extensively
quarried, and the bed presents a perpendicular face of solid sandstone fully
twenty feet in thickness. It is rather soft when freshly quarried and can be easily
dressed, and splits freely into blocks suitable for building and for foundation
walls. These quarries are located just above the level of the railroad grade,
and very conveniently situated for the transportation of the stone by railroad to
the city of Peoria, or wherever else it might be in demand.

"At Lonsdale's quarries, on section 14, town 8 north, range 7 east, the lower
part of the limestone affords a durable building stone, though the layers are not
usually more than from four to six inches thick. This rock is in common use in
this part of the county for foundation walls, and there are several small build-
ings in this neighborhood constructed of this material. That portion of the beds
which affords a building stone is from four to six feet in thickness.

At Chase's quarries, three miles northeast of Princeville, the limestone is
nearly twenty feet in thickness, and though for the most part thin-bedded, yet
the greater portion of it can be used for foundation walls, flagging, etc., and is
the only building stone available in that portion of the county. The thickest
layers are at the bottom of the bed here, as well as at Lonsdale's, but the rniddle
and upper portion is more evenly bedded at this point, and may be quarried in
thin, even slabs of large size.

"The limestone coal over Xo. 6 may answer for rough foundation walls where
it can be protected from the atmosphere, but is generally too argillaceous to
make good building stone.

"Concretionary bands of iron ore occur in the shales overlying coals No. 4

and 7, but not in sufficient quantity to be of any economical importance. In the

south part of the county, concretions of iron and clay, the former mostly in the

• form of the bi-sulphuret, are quite abundant in the roof shales of No. 4 coal.

Some of these concretions are two feet or more in diameter.

"No beds of fire or potter's clay were found in this county in connection
with the coal seams that appear to be sufficiently free from foreign matters to
be of much value, but excellent brick clays are abundant, the sub-soil clays over
a large portion of the uplands throughout the county being used for this pur-
pose, and furnishing an abundant supply of brick of good quality at a moderate

ir.

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 81

cost. The best beds of fire and potter's clay known at the present time in this
state are associated with coal Xo. i, of our general section of the Illinois valley
coals, and, should a shaft be sunk to that horizon in this county, good clays
may proliably be found here and mined successfully in connection with these lower
coals.

"The modified drift deposits, forming the terrace upon which the city of
i'eoria is mainly built, will furnish an inexhaustible supply of sand of various
qualities adapted to the varied economical uses to which this material is applicable,
and it will also aiTord an excellent moldcr's sand, in quantities sufficient for the
supply for all the adjacent region.

"An inexhaustible supply of clean gravel may be obtained from the gravel
beds forming the bluffs at Peoria, and along the north side of the Kickapoo for
a distance of eight or ten miles above the outlet of that stream. All the railroads
in the state might obtain here an ample supply of ballast for their road beds,
without greatly diminishing the amount of this material to be found in this
county.

"There is an ample supply of timber in this county, the proportion of timber
and prairie land being originally about the same. The timbered land is mostly
confined to the ridges and valleys of the streams, though occasionally fine groves
are met with on the level land adjacent to the prairie. The growth on the upland
is mostly black and white oak, pignut and siiell-bark hickory, elm, linden, wild
cherry, honey locust, wild ])lum and crabapple, wdiile on the bottom lands and
the slopes of the hills, we find white and sugar maple, black and white walnut,
pecan, cottonwood, sycamore, ash, red birch, cofifeenut, hackberry, mockernut,
liickory, post-Spanish and swamp-white-oak, red-bud, dogwood, persimmon, mul-
berry, serviceberry, buckthorn and three or four varieties of willow and box
elder.

"As an agricultural region this county ranks among the best in this part of
the state. The western and northern portions of the county are mostly prairie,
and generally level or gently rolling. The soil is a dark, chocolate colored loam,
rich in organic matters, and producing abundant crops annually of corn, wheat,
rye, oats and barley, and, with judicious cultivation, this kind of soil will retain
its fertility for an indefinite period of years without the application of artificial
stimulants. On the more broken lands adjacent to the streams, the soil is of a
lighter color, but when it is predicated upon the marly beds of the loess, it is
still productive, and scarcely inferior to the best prairie soils. Where the soil
overlies the yellow driftclays, the timber is mostly white-oak and hickory; the
soil is thin and would be greatly improved by the annual liberal application of
manure. These lands, however, produce fine crops of wheat and oats, and are
excellent for fruit orchards and vineyards. The soil on the terrace and bottom
lands is a sandy loam, and generally very productive."

VKGF.T.\TION OF PEGRI.V .\ND VICINITY

Though the city of Peoria is centrally located in one of the prairie states of
the Upper Mississippi valley, its immediate surroundings present a diversity of
surface that would hardly ])e looked for from its geographical location. The
city is situated on the west bank of the Illinois river, the main part on a plateau
beginning at the river and gently sloping upwards, until terminating a mile or
more back in a chain of prominent and ])icturesque bluffs, that completely encircle
it, in a natural amjshitheater.

This chain terminates above the city, in a commanding eminence, rising
almost abruptly from the river, known as Prospect Heights, and affording a
panoramic view of the beautiful Illinois valley for miles.

The river at this point known as the "Narrows," spreads out into a placid
sheet of water termed Peoria Lake, so shallow on the east side, as to afford a
most congenial home to a rich aquatic flora. The east bank of the river is very

82 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

low, subject to overflow and still heavily wooded, running back to a chain of
bluffs similar to those on the Peoria side. From these bluffs numerous springs
gush forth, and making their way towards the river, form cold bogs affording
a home to a peculiarly characteristic flora, that would be sought for farther
north. The bluff's on both sides are frequently intersected by deep rocky defiles,
the sides of which under the influence of moisture and shade, support a luxuriant
vegetation. The splendor of the prairies, owing to the march of civilization,
has almost disappeared, and the prairie flora, is now, nearly confined to the
right of way of the railroads, or the gravelly and sandy bluffs, when it has crept
up from the original prairie, and secured a foothold it is likely to maintain,
as these bluff's are not susceptible to cultivation. The flora of the vicinity of
Peoria is a rich and varied one. About 900 native trees and plants grow in the
immediate vicinity of the city, and fully a hundred introduced plants have found
a congenial home of adoption. It has drawn outlying types from all points of
the compass, who foregather here in a harmonious whole.

The cold bogs and springs in the river bottom, furnish perfect conditions for
certain species of northern origin, which find their southern limit here.

Two Iseautiful dwarf willows {Sali.v Candida and myrtilloidcs) grow in these
bogs and upon Dr. Brendel, our first and foremost botanist, sending specimens
to Dr. Bebb a famous authority on willows, he commented thus on the find:
"Widely distributed in sub-arctic regions, extending southward along the Pacific
coast to Oregon, and on the Atlantic side to New Jersey. Its occurrence so far
south in the Mississippi valley as found by Dr. Brendel, taken in connection
with the equally unexpected finding of 5". Candida, indicate an exceptionally cold
spot for the latitude." Most of the woodland flora of the east is at home here.

Many of the characteristic plants of the great plains west of the Mississippi,
have pushed their way eastward to Peoria. Many of our strictly prairied plants
do not pass our state borders into Indiana and Ohio.

From the sunny southland, numerous species have crept up the Mississippi
and Illinois rivers to this favored locality of ours. Here the pecan tree finds
its northern limit in the alluvial river bottom, growing in vigor and producing
its delicious nuts.

The same niav be said of the persimmon whose astringent fruit becomes
so palatable after the advent of frost. Peoria and vicinity must have been a
heavily wooded country on the advent of the whites, as after nearly a hundred
years of cutting and clearing it still presents a varied and interesting tree growth.

The river bottom is still well covered with forest and every knoll and bluff
are clothed more or less.

In its tree growth Peoria is specially favored.

Of course from its location we would not look for cone bearing evergreen
trees and have only one representative, the common Juniper occurring in- starved
looking specimens on the brow of rocky bluffs.. But the deciduous tree growth
is rich in species. In the alluvial river bottom lands, the timber is mainly Syca-
more, Soft Maple, White Elm, Slippery Elm, Black Walnut, Butternut, Swamp
Hickory, five species of Ash, Cottonwood, Hackberry and scattering specimens
of Swamp White Oak, Pecan, Coff'ee Bean, Honey Locust, Mulberry, Box Elder,
Ohio Buckeye, PawPaw and Persimmon.

The first three sometimes attain a very large size, specimens five feet in
diameter not being uncommon.

On the bluffs and uplands the forest growth is materially different being rep-
resented by the Basswood, Wild Cherry, Sugar Maple, Shell Bark Hickory,
Pignut, Aspen White, Chestnut, Scarlet, Red, Bur and Laurel Oaks.

Not desiring to go into extreme detail, we will mention some of the most
obvious and characteristic features of our flora. Our first harbinger of spring
is the beautiful little Trillium nivalc. that in favorable seasons puts forth its
white waxy flower the last week in March, often in the proximity of some
lingering snow bank.

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 83

It is soon followed by the Liverwort, so common on wooded slopes, Dntch-
mans Breeches and Hlood Root.

A little later the woods are gay with the exquisite lUue Bells and a Phlox
with lavender bloom called Sweet \\'illiam.

Among the leafless woods the Service P.erry and Wild i'lum are conspicuous
in their snowy dress, while the Red Bud gives the brooks the appearance of
purple ribbons in the landscape. Turning to the prairie we meet with the Caro-
lina Anemone with its pretty star like blue and white flowers. In company with
it are the yellow flowered Puccoons, Pink Sorral and the almost extinct Troximon
crespidatiim with its showy dandelion like head.

The open bogs are golden with the Marsh ]\larigold, and the ill smelling
Skunk Cabbage pushes its flowers through the oozy mud. With the advent of
May, nature dons her brightest garb. The trees are putting forth their foliage
and the landscape, so bare but a few weeks before, is gay with a varied flora.
The Plaws, Crab Apple, Sassafras, \'iburnum and Bladder Nut are bursting
into bloom. Of interesting plants we would mention the rare Phlox bifida. It
clothes the precipitous sides of Rocky Glen and, with its pretty star like flowers
varying through every shade of pink, white and lavender presents a beautiful
sight when in full bloom. Growing with it is I'iola pcdata with two of the petals
as velvety as a pansy and known locally as '"Rocky Glen Pansy."

On the prairie grows a Baptisia, with its ample raceme of showy pea shaped
cream colored flowers.

As June approaches our Sedges and Grasses are a marked feature of our
flora. While inconspicuous individually, their abundance and variety challenge
notice.

We have seventy-eight species of Sedges and eighty-one Grasses native
to our flora. One of our representative prairie plants comes into bloom as the
Purple Cone Flower.

The large head with its pendulous jnirple rays makes it a showy plant. On
sandy barrens, we meet with Chrysopsis villosa, bearing a profusion of golden
yellow heads up till frost. In rich shady woods can be found the dainty Yellow
Lady Slipper while a little later its sister the rare and beautiful Royal Lady
Slipper appears in the cold springy bogs of the river bottom.

The woodsnare adorned with clinging vines — several species of grapes. Bit-
ter Sweet, Yellow Honeysuckle, Aloonseed and W'oodbine. Julv with its intense
heat forces a luxuriant vegetation. About the first w-eeks of the month our
Climbing Rose {Rose sctigcra) puts forth its flowers. It grows in large clumps,
its long flexible branches clambering rather than climbing over other shrubs and
when loaded down with bloom is a glorious sight lighting up the dense shades
of the river bottom where it delights to grow. In the cold rills and bogs of the
river bottom, one of our most beautiful plants, Queen-of-the-Prairie (Spiraea
lobata) finds a congenial home.

Its masses of peach colored blossoms are so delicately beautiful and appar-
ently so out of place in its uninviting surroundings, that no matter how often
one meets with it in a ramble, each succeeding plant brings out a fresh exclama-
tion of delight. On sand hills Callirhoc triamjidata occurs and all through July
produces its brilliant blossoms of purple. In foUow^ing uj) the rocky defiles of the
bluffs our attention is directed to Hydrangea arborcsceus with its showing radiant
flowers.

Occasionally specimens are seen with the flowers all radiant like the garden
species. High up the rocky sides, the Goats Beard {Spiraea arincies) is con-
spicuous by its ample feathery panicles of staminate flowers.

The shallows on the east side of the river nourish a rich aquatic flora. Acres
upon acres are covered with the pads of our Water Lily ( Casta! ia tHbcrosa).

The lovely flowers are very large, with a manifest perfume, though usually
described as odorless, and find a ready sale on the streets of our city.

In company with it but not so common, is Nelumbrium lutcurn, with its immense
leaves and cream colored flowers borne on stalks a foot or two above the water.

84 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

differing thus from the preceiiing which spreads its flowers on the surface of the
water. Intermingled with these plants are the Sweet Flag, Iris, Arrow Flead,
I'ickerel ^Vecd, Common Reed, Wild Celery and Wild Rice. The last two are
special dainties with the water fowl. In August the great order Compositse
becomes predominant.

The intense heat forces the Silphiuns, Sunflowers, Tickseeds, Con'e-flowers,
llawkweeds, etc., in a continual procession ending with the Asters and Golden-
rod in more variety than I know of in any other local flora. By the latter part
of the summer the rich soil of the alluvial bottom has produced a rank and
lu.xuriant vegetation that taxes one's efforts to push a way through. Near to
the river bank Hibiscus mililaris grows in abundance. Its peculiar halberd shaped
leaves and its showy flowers of flesh pink with purple throat render it a striking
plant.

The Cardinal flower with its spike of intensely red flowers makes a very
vivid bit of coloring in the somber shade of the bottom. With it grows its near
relative the Blue Lobelia. In the upland woods grows Gerardia grandiyora,
bearing a profusion of showy lemon yellow flowers.

In this summary of our flora we have touched upon, only, the most char-
acteristic features of our vegetation but one who undertakes the careful study
of our flora will find that this vicinity will afford him unbounded material and
a constant source of delight.

Many of our native trees, shrubs and flowers have been brought under cultiva-
tion for ornament.

As to trees might be mentioned the White Elm, as the leader of them all as
a shade tree. It is towering in height, with a graceful spread of branch, vigorous,
long lived anil in our climate becomes the equal of the "lordly elms of New Eng-
lan(l." On account of its height and spread, it should stand in the open for best
results.

The Sugar Alaple while slow growing is most desirable on account of its
compact crown and the luxuriance of its beautiful foliage. Alagnificent examples
of this tree can be seen across the river on the Spring Bay road. Its near ally,
the Silver Maple, is frequently planted. Though of quicker growth than the
preceding it is not as desirable on accovmt of its softer wood and brittle branches
which suff'er severely in heavy windstorms.

One of our commonest shadetrees to-day is the so-called Carolina Poplar.
It will surprise most people to know that this euphonious name is simply a dis-
guise of the well known Cottonwood so frequent along watercourses.

The male tree only is planted, as the cotton from the female tree creates such
a litter as to make it undesirable.

The chief thing in its favor is its very rapid growth.

The Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa) is a desirable shade tree. Its low and
wide spreading branches are covered with a foliage, fully as beautiful and almost
as dense as the Sugar Maple. Beautiful examples can be seen near the work-
house and at the turn of High street.

The Catalpa native from southern Illinois, southward is often planted. Its
quick growth, ample heart shaped leaves and showy flowers make it a favorite.
It has only one drawback — it is the last tree to unfold its leaves in the spring
and the first to shed them in autumn. All the evergreens do well in this
vicinity though not planted near as much as formerly.

From a cultural standpoint all the grains and fruits of the Temperate Zone
find congenial conditions here.

Some complain the apple does not seem to flourish as in the past, but this is
due mare to the ravages of insect ]3ests, that go hand in hand with civilization,
rather than changes in climatic conditions. Give our orchards the same attention
they would receive in Oregon, and there would not be as much talk about the
decadence of Illinois as an apple country. \'iewing our vegetation in its every
phase, only emphasizes the conclusion, that few localities are so generously
favored as ours.

CHAPTER XIII

CREATION AND ORGANIZATION OF PEORIA COUNTY DIFFICULTIES IN OBTAINING

TITLE TO COUNTY SEAT PRESIDENT JOHN OUINCY ADAMS LENDS HIS ASSIST-
ANCE-— WILLIAM S. HAMILTON, SON OF ALEXANDER HAMILTON, ATTORNEY FOR
THE COUNTY CLAIMS TO LAND OF JOHN HAMLIN AND OTHERS ADJUSTED.

The territory of Indiana was divided February 3, 1S09, and the new territory
of llhnois organized. The counties of St. Clair and Randoliih, which had been
formed at the time of the division of the Northwestern Territory in 1800, were
continued, their boundaries being designated and described as follows : "The
county of Randolph shall include all that part of Illinois territory lying south of
the line dividing the counties of Randolph and St. Clair as it existed under the.
government of the territory of Indiana on the last day of February, 1809, and
the county of St. Clair shall include all that part of the territory which lies north
of said line."

The following oflicers were appointed for the county of St. Clair: John Hays,
sheriff; William Arundale, formerly of Peoria, recorder; John Hay, clerk of
the court of common pleas, or county clerk ; Enoch Moore, coroner ; John Mes-
singer, surveyor. Among the justices of the peace appointed were Antoine Des
Champs, who lived at Peoria, and Nicholas Boilvin. The latter resided at Prai-
rie du Chien. He was the father of Nicholas and William C. Boilvin, who
became quite prominent in Peoria business circles.

Eventually, St. Clair county was divided into other counties. In 1812, Madi-
son was organized, within the limits of which was Peoria and so remained until
1821, when it became part and parcel of the newly created county of Pike. Many
conveyances of land in Peoria had been recorded in Madison county, at
Edwardsville. which have been transcribed and now are included in the records
of this county.

Pike county was organized in 1821 and for two years thereafter Peoria
countv was embraced within its boundaries and all records of conveyances of
land were kept at its county seat. During this period the following persons
were at the head of afifairs of Pike county; Abram Buck, probate judge, from
February 12. 1821, to June 11, 1821, when he resigned and was succeeded by
Nicholas Hanson, who also resigned and was followed in the office February 15,
1823, by William Ross; April 2, 1821, Leonard Ross, John Shaw and William
Ward were elected county commissioners, Bigelow C. Fenton, sheriff, and Dan-
iel Whipple, coroner. At an election held August 5, 1822, James M. Seeley,
David Dulton and Ossian M. Ross were elected county commissioners, Leonard
Ross, sherifi, and Daniel Whipple, coroner. During this period Abner Fads,
John Shaw, Daniel Whipple, William Ross, Henry Tupper, Leonard Ross and
William Ward were appointed justices of the peace for Pike county. For the
same office Ebenezer Smith and Stephen Dewey were commissioned on May
26, 1821, Ossian M. Ross, November 29, 1821 ; John Bolter, .\ugu.st 29, 1821 ;
Charles B. Rou.se, January 22. 1822; Amos Barcroft, May 22, 1822.

Sangamon county was organized at the same session of the legislature as
Pike and on January 28, 1823, the county of Fulton was formed, the boundaries
of which were described as follows: "Beginning at the point where the fourth

86 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

principal meridian intersects the Illinois river, thence up the middle of said
river to where the line between ranges tive and six east strikes the said river,
thence north with said line between ranges five and six to the township line
between townships 9 and 10 north, thence west with said line to the fourth
principal meridian, thence south with said line to the place of beginning." It
will be observed that within these boundaries the townships of Trivoli and
Elmwood were embraced.

On tlie second Monday of April, 1823, an election was held and Joseph
Moffatt, David W. Barnes and Thomas R. Corell were chosen as county com-
missioners, Abner Eads, sheriff, and William Clark, coroner. Later, on August
2, 1824, James Gardner, James Barnes and David W. Barnes were elected county
commissioners. Ossian M. Ross, sheriff, and Joseph Moffatt, coroner, all of
whom were in office until after the organization of Peoria county. At this point
it is worthy of note that in the list of officials, both for Pike and Fulton coun-
ties, Peoria countv was well represented.

Abner Eads, who was elected the first sheriff" for' Fulton county, was a
Peorian, and his chief opponent for the office was Ossian Ross, who had only
been defeated in his ambition by one vote. Ross contested the election of
Eads, setting up as his grounds of complaint that some of Eads supporters lived
on the east side of the river and, consequently, were not residents of Fulton
county and, further, it was contended that Eads was illiterate and could riot
write,' therefore, incompetent to fulfill the duties of the office. The case was tried
before judge Reynolds, a brother of Governor John Reynolds, in a log cabin at
Fort Clark, which served as an office for 'Squire John Hamlin, and Eads was
declared elected and qualified to the office of sheriff.

The counties of Schuvler, Adams, Hancock, \\'arren. Henry, Putnam and
Knox were formed by an act of legislature. January 13. 1825, and on the same day
and with the passage of the act herein mentioned, Peoria county was created,
under the provision of an act entitled, "An Act to form a new county out of the
country in the vicinity of Fort Clark," which provides as follows :

"Section i. Be it enacted by the people of the State of Illinois, represented
in the General Assemblv, That' all that tract of country within the following
boundaries, to wit: Beginning where the line between towns 11 and 12 north
intersects the Illinois river ; thence west with said line to the line between ranges
4 and 5 east: thence south with said line to the line between towns 7 and 8; thence
east to the line between ranges 5 and 6; thence south to the middle of the mam
channel of the Illinois river; thence up said middle of the main channel to the
place of beginning, shall constitute a county to be called Peoria."

Section 2 provided "That all that tract of country north of town 20, and west
of the third principal meridian, formerly part of Sangamon county, be, and is
hereby attached to said county of Peoria, for county purposes. Provided, how-
ever, The citizens of the attached part of said county are not to be taxed for the
erection of public buildings, or for the purchase of the quarter section herein-
after mentioned. r • 1 r
"Section 3. Be it further enacted, That the county seat of said county ot
Peoria shall be established on the northeast quarter of section 9. town 8 north,
range 8 east and that the countv commissioners of said county are hereby auth-
orized to purchase said quarter 'section of land of the United States as provided

for by the law of congress. , ^ , r ht 1

"Section 4 Be it further enacted. That on the first day of .March next
(182s) an election shall be held at the house of William Eads, at which time
there' shall be elected one sheriff, one coroner and three county commissioners
for said county, which election shall, in all respects, be conducted agreeably to the
provisions of the law now in force regulating elections. Provided, That the
qualified voters present may select from among their number three competent
electors to act as judges of said election who shall appoint two qualified voters
to act as clerks.

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 8%

"Section 5. Re it further enacted, That it shall be the duty of the clerk
of Sangamon county to give public notice in said Peoria county and the at-
tached part, at least ten days previous to the election to be held on the first
Monday in March next ; and in case there should be no clerk, then the sheriff
of said county shall give notice, as aforesaid, of the time and place of holding
the election."

Section 6 provided, "That the county of Peoria should receive two hundretl
dollars out of the public treasury, as full compensation for their proportion
of non-resident land tax, in the same way as the county of Pike might or could
do under the act entitled An Act amending an act entitled an act providing for
the valuation of lands and other property, and laying a ta.x thereon, approved
February 15, 1821."

Section 7 provided, "That the said county of Peoria and the attached part
of said county mentioned in section 2 (the portion detached from Sangamon —
Ed.) should vote with the county of Sangamon for representative and senator
to the general assembly."

Section 8 declared, "That all that tract of country north of said Peoria
county, and of the Illinois and Kankakee rivers, be, and the same is hereby
attached to said county, for all county purposes. This did not include any of
the newly formed counties of Knox, Henry, Warren or Mercer."

While Cook county and what is now the great and wonderful city of Chi-
cago was embraced within the territory set off to Putnam county, yet for the
next six years after the formation of Putnam, Cook county was attached to
Peoria county for county purposes and all its county affairs were administered
in Peoria.

Under the act creating the county of Peoria, provision was made for the
election of officers and the first day of March, 1825, was designated as the time
for holding said election. Another section of the act, however, required notice
of the election to be given for the first Monday in -March. This was a confusion
of dates, and, as a result, the election did not take place until the 7th day of
March, of the year mentioned, when Samuel Fulton was chosen for the office of
sheriff; William Phillips, coroner; William Holland, Nathan Dillon and Joseph
Smith, county commissioners.

COUNTY COMMIS.SIONERS' COURT

The officers chosen by the electors of the county duly qualified, so tliat juris-
diction over public matters pertaining to the county vested in them and they at
once took up the duties of their respective offices, and the next day after the
election the commissioners' court was organized. Xorman Hyde had been chosen
clerk, at about the same time of the passage of the act creating the county. The
following named persons were appointed and commissioned justices of the peace
for the county at the time of its organization : Thomas Camlin, George Ash,
John Phillips^ Stephen French, Nathan Dillon, Isaac Perkins, Jacob Wilson,
Joseph ^loffatt, Austin Crocker, John Kinzie.

The first duty devolving upon the commissioners' court was the purchase of
land for a county seat and the securing of title thereto. Congress had passed an
act providing that new counties might locate their seats of government upon
public land subject to preemption and purchase, upon the same terms as individ-
uals, and in pursuance thereof, the general assembly had designated, in section
three, a tract of government land, upon which the county seat should be estab-
lished. However, when the commissioners endeavored to follow out the require-
ments of the law they met with unanticipated objections at the land office.

The contentions of the land office were that the quarter section chosen by the
legislature was a fractional one and for that reason was not subject to entry.
Another objection upon which much stress was laid was the existence of certain
French claims. The third contention was that one James Latham, who set up an

88 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

e(|uity in the land 1)V reason of a private entry, liad interposed a counter-claim to
the land. And it was not until nine years later that the county came into its
own.

A concise history of the struggle of Peoria county for a seat of government
is well worth relating and to further that end no better means can be adopted than
to present here the minutes of the commissioners' court and other documents
relating to a subject, which is still one of interest to many now living.

The county commissioners held a special term of their court on April i6,
182s. at which time Nathan Dillon, one of the members, was authorized to make
application at the land office, in Springfield, for the right of preemption of the
northeast quarter of section 9, town 8 north, range 8 east, which was designated
in the act creating the county as the site for the county seat, for the purpose of
establishing thereon the county seat of Peoria county, under the provision made
and enacted by congress. Pursuant to instructions, Commissioner Dillon made
application to the register of the land office for leave to enter the said quarter
section of land and was refused, the reason being advanced that the tract was not
subject to entry. Thereupon, a memorial was addressed to the president of the
United States in relation thereto, by the board of commissioners. This the presi-
dent referred to the land oiSce, and on November 23, 1825, the register at
Springfield was instructed by the commissioner as follows :

'"Gentlemen: A memorial from the Comrs. for the county of Peoria and
other citizens thereof stating 'that application had been made to your office to
enter the N. E. quarter of Sect. 9, 8 N., 8 E., for the Seat of Justice for said
County, and that entry had been refused because said quarter section was a frac-
tional one,' was addressed to the President & lately referred to this office by him,
with instructions to admit the entry if the objection stated is the only one to its
admission. If there are others you will report the facts in relation to the case
to this office. "I am, etc.,

"George Gr.\h.\m."

It would appear by the foregoing that Peoria county had a friend at court
and it was surmised at the time by those most interested that Hon. Daniel P.
Cook, the only representative from Illinois then in congress, had used his good
offices in her behalf. At any rate, the people were highly gratified by the prompt
consideration of President Adams. This feeling is indicated by the fact that on
the 6th dav of Alarch, 1826, the clerk of the county commissioners, acting under
authority of that body, transmitted to John Quincy Adams, president of the
United States, the thanks of the court for his prompt compliance with the prayer
of their petition for leave to enter the fractional quarter section of land, on
which to locate their county seat ; the president by the same token, was informed
that his intervention in behalf of Peoria county had not produced the desired
result. On the 8th day of March, 1826, the following was made a matter of
record ;

"Ordered that lohn Di.xon be and he is hereby authorized in behalf of this
court to make application officially to the Register and Receiver of the Land
Ofifice at Springfield for a written statement of the obstacles and objections (if
any exist) which prevent the entry by the Commissioners of said County of
the North East fractional quarter of Sec. 9, Township 8 North, Range 8 East of
the fourth principal meridian, on which the Seat of Justice for Peoria County
is located, pursuant to an act of Congress by Statute of this State. And as it is
anticipated that some objections may arise on account of the exact quantity of
land in said fractional c|uarter not being accurately known, he,_the said John
Dixon, is further authorized after procuring from the Land Officers aforesaid
a statement of all the said objections, etc., to proceed to St. Louis and apply to
the Surveyor General for a plat of the survey of the above mentioned quarter
Section, and if no plat can be furnished without a re-survey, to contract with the
Surveyor General for that purpose, at the expense of this county, for a speedy

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 89

completion of said survey, and request a plat thereof to be immediately made
out, properly authenticated and forwarded to the said Register and Receiver.

"And the said Joiin Dixon is further authorized, if no objections are made,
to enter the said fraction in behalf of and for said county of Peoria."

At a special term of the commissioners' court, held Alay 2, 1826, this entry
was made and forms a part of the history of the county : "Ordered, that John
Dixon be and he is hereby autliorized to borrow on the credit of Peoria county
one hundred and eighty-four dollars 62)/, cents, by him to be paid to the Receiver
of the Land Office at Springfield, in payment of the N. E. fractional qr. Sec.
No. 9, Town 8 North, Range 8 East of the fourth principal (meridian), and
that he be authorized to issue orders on the Treasurer to such persons as shall
loan the county the above money, at any interest not exceeding 25 per cent per
annum until paid." Tradition has it that when the money by loan was not
forthcoming, a number of the loyal citizens made up the desired amount out of
their own pockets and helped solve one of the county seat problems.

At the time of the organization of the county, James Latham, who had set
up a counter-claim to the tract of land set off by the legislature as the site for
the county seat, was in possession of a house on the land, and this, in a measure,
was made use of as a basis for his contention. On the 12th day of July, 1826,
the commissioners' court caused to be entered of record the following:

"Ordered that Isaac Perkins, William Woodson and Henry Thomas be
summoned by the sheriff to be and appear at the next regular term of this court,
on the first day of said term, to assess the damage, if any incurred, by James
Latham, in consee|uence of being deprived of his claim to the land on which the
county seat of Peoria is located, the improvement of which was purchased
previous to the location of the said county seat." .Soon after this entry Latham
died, leaving to his heirs the prosecution of his claim.

At a regular term of the commissioners' court, held December 5, 1826, a
change in the personnel of the court appears. The sitting members at this time
were Nathan Dillon, William Holland and John Hamlin. Under their direc-
tion, at this term, an entry in the records was made as follows :

"That William .S. Hamilton be authorized to act as counsel on behalf of
this court for the purpose of obtaining the title to the land on which the county
seat of Peoria county is located, with full power for said purpose, except that
of commencing suit at law. Also that the clerk of this court inform said Hamil-
ton that compensation will be allowed only in event of their obtaining said title."
It is rather remarkable, but true, that the William S. Hamilton referred to, was
a son of Alexander Hamilton, who figured so largely in the colonial and early
history of the United States. William S. Hamilton was a brilliant lawyer and
his name appears more than once in these pages.

On January 26. 1827, Commissioner Graham of the land office at Wash-
ington addressed the following letter to Colonel William McKee, surveyor gen-
eral at St. Louis:

"Sir: — The act of congress passed on the 3d of March, 1823, confirming
certain claims to lots in the village of Peoria, in the State of Illinois (the
French claims — Ed.), declares that it shall be 'the duty of the Surveyor of
Public Lands of the U. S. for that District to cause a survey to be made of the
several lots, and to designate on a plat thereof, the lot confirmed and set apart
to each claimant, and forward the same to the Secy, of the Treasury.' As the
plat above required to be made has not been received, and a Mr. James Latham,
having entered the N. E. fr. J4 9. 8 N. 8 E. of the 4th P. M. under a 'Vincennes
pre-emption,' I will thank you to inform me if the survey of the village has been
made, and if it has. to furnish me with a copy of the survey, exhibiting the con-
nection between it & the adjacent pulilic surveys. I am, etc.,

"Geo. Graham.

"P. S. — It is presumed that the Regr. at Edwardsville who acted as commr. for

90 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

the settlement of these claims furnished Gen. Rector with a copy of his report
on the subject; if he did you can obtain a copy from the Regr. Office at that
place."

An election was held August 4, 1828, when a new commissioners' court was
made up bv the selection of George Sharp, Isaac Egman. and Francis Thomas
who, in their official capacity, addressed a memorial to Elias Kent Kane and John
McLean, senators from Illinois, and Joseph Duncan, the successor of Daniel P.
Cook in congress, in which was set forth in detail the problem of the county seat
title, and a request that they use their influence with the president, to induce him
to permit the entry of the land to be made in the name of the county, and if that
was not feasible, to put forth every eft'ort to have passed by congress a special
act to afford the relief desired.

On the 28th of January, 1830, Senator Kane received the following letter
from Commissioner Graham of the land office at Washington:

"Sir: — I return the letter of Messrs. Hyde & Stillman enclosed in your let-
ter of the 26th inst.

"Upon examination it appears that in 1825 the commissioners for the county
of Peoria made application to the Land Officers at Springfield to enter the N. E.
frac. >4 of S. 9 T. 8 R. 8 E. under the provisions of the act of the 26th of May,
1824, granting pre-emption to certain counties for their Seats of Justice (Land
Laws, page 86g) which, being refused by these officers on the ground of the
tract being a fractional quarter section, they memorialized the President on the
subject, and, under his instructions at that time, had they entered and paid for
the land, there would have been no difficulty in the case, but they having failed
to make such a payment, that tract was entered in November, 1826, by James
Latham under a pre-emption certificate, granted by the Register at Vincennes
under the 2d section of the act of the nth of May, 1820 (Land Laws p. 778),
and payment in full made to the Receiver and regularly entered in the returns
of those officers to this office. The letter of the Register to this office that cov-
ered this entry by Latham also enclosed a protest against it by William S. Hamil-
ton as attorney of the County Commissioners.

"In consequence of the belief entertained at this office that that fractional
Section included the lots which had been confirmed to certain individuals at
Peoria by the act of the 3d of March, 1823 (the French claims — Ed.), and that
therefore it could not be legally granted to either the County Commissioners
or Mr. Latham, the Register was informed in January, 1827, that this office,
not being in possession of a survey of those confirmed lots, could not decide upon
the rights of the respective parties until it was ascertained that there was no
interference between those lots and that quarter section. A survey has not yet
been forwarded to this office of the confirmed Peoria Claims, and until one is
received the Case will have to be suspended."

On the next day Senator Kane addressed to Stephen Stillman, of Peoria, the
following letter :

"Dear Sir: — I have delayed to (answer?) you until I could hear in answer
to the application of your County Commissioners something satisfactory. I
have waited, however, only to be informed of the embarrassments which surround
the subject. I send all the papers received from the Comr. of Gen. Land Office,
which gives as full a view of the matter as can be obtained. Present me respect-
fully to the Commissioners with the assurance that it will at all times give me
pleasure to attend to their requests whether made in an official or individual
character.

"With great respect, your obt. st.,

"E. K. Kane.
"S. Stillman, Esq."

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 91

On the 3d of March, 1830. the county commissioners' court made the fol-
lowing order:

"Ordered that Stephen Stillman be and he is hereby appointed a Special
Agent on the part of the county of Peoria for the purpose of ol)taining for the
use of the county the right of soil to the North East fractional quarter of Section
No. 9, in Town Eight North and Range Eight East — with full power to act for
the county in the Name & in behalf of County Commissioners, and that he be
particularly instructed & re(|uired to use his utmost exertions and all necessary
means to procure if possible the title to said quarter Section, as it is considered
of the utmost importance that it should be obtained immediately.

"The Commissioners on the part of the county do hereby agree to accept
any part of said quarter Section (be the same more or less) that may remain
after deducting that which is appropriated by the law of Congress for Peoria
Claims in lieu of a full c|uarter allowed by law to each new county.

"The County Commissioners recommend that a special act of Congress be
passed, granting to the county of Peoria the remaining part of the fractional
quarter section after deducting the Peoria Claims, as aforesaid, let there be
more or less."

On the 5th day of February, 1831, Elijah Hayward, Commissioner of the
Land Office, addressed the following letter to Senator Kane:

"Sir : — In replv to your inquiry respecting the entry of the village of Peoria,
I beg leave to refer you to the letters to you from this office of the 28th of Janu-
ary & 5th of May, 1830, and to state that as the Commissioners of the county of
Peoria did not enter the fractional quarter, at the time they might have done
so, under the instructions to the Land Officers, and as there now exist conflicting
claims under different laws, to the same land, no entry of it by the County Com-
missioners will be authorized without special legislative provisions on the sub-
ject. With great respect. Sir."

On the /th day of March, following, the county commissioners' court, which
then consisted of John Hamlin, George Sharp and Stephen French, made the fol-
lowing order:

"Ordered that Abner Fads be and he is hereby authorized to make a tender
of money to the Register & Receiver of the Land Office at Springfield, sufficient
to purchase, at the rate of one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre, the frac-
tional quarter section on which the County Seat is now located, being the N. E.
of S. 9, T. 8 N. R. 8 E. in behalf and in the name of the County Commissioners
of Peoria county, for the use of said county, and obtain from said Land Office a
certificate of entry that a patent may be speedily obtained if possible. Said
Eads is authorized to assure the Register & Receiver of the Land Office, that
the Com. of Peoria county for said county are willing to accept that part of the
fractional quarter section before named which may remain after deducting what-
ever portion may be set apart by the act of Congress granting Peoria Claims
to the Old French settlers as surveyed by W'm. L. Hamilton in 1823. And said
Eads is hereby authorized to call on the Treasurer for all specie or U. S. paper
said Treasurer may have on hand and borrow the balance or a sufficient sum to
purchase said fractional qr. Section."

And the years were still going into history with the matter unsettled. But
no link in the chain has been left unrecorded, save that, on the 14th day of March,
1831, a letter was addressed to the register of the land office at Springfield, the
author of which is in doubt. From the fact, however, that it sets forth the case
of the county in detail, it is presumed that William S. 1 lamilton, who had been
retained by the commissioners to take charge of the matter, prepared it.

On July 3. 1832 the record shows the following entry:
"Ordered that John Coyle and Atiuilla Wren, two of the members of the
court, receive two" hundred' dollars from the county treasurer for the purpose of

92 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

making a tender of the same in the land oiifice in payment for the fraction of
land vipon which the town of Peoria is located.

"Ordered that the treasurer furnish the said Coyle & Wren with twenty-
five dollars to bear their expenses on the foregoing order."

When the September (1832) term of the commissioners' court sat, its mem-
bers were composed of John Coyle, Aquilla Wren and Edwin S. Jones, and it
was ordered that the treasurer pay Aquilla Wren nine dollars and John Coyle
four dollars and fifty cents, to reimburse them for money expended in visiting
the land office at Quincy, where they tendered the money for the county seat
land. It might here be mentioned that the land office at Quincy had been estab-
lished after the last memorial of the commissioners had been sent to congress.

On the second day of the term the following entry was made:

"Ordered that Jolm Coyle, one of the members of this Court, receive of the
County Treasurer two hundred and twenty dollars and repair with the same to
the Land Office at Quincy, to make payment for the fraction of land upon which
the County Seat is located. If the necessary papers or returns have not been
furnished by the Surveyor General in the case the said Coyle is directed to go
to the Surveyor General's Office in order to procure the papers that may be
wanted ; he is also directed to keep a bill of his expenses."

At last congress, presumably through the efforts of the Illinois senators and
congressmen, took a hand in the matter, and, on the second day of March, 1833,
passed an act permitting the county of Peoria to enter the land assigned it by
the Illinois legislature for county seat purposes. But this did not end the trouble,
although it was the beginning of the end thereof. In so far as Peoria county
and the national government were concerned the incident was closed and a
patent for the land was issued.

John j\I. Aloore, acting connnissioner of the land office, on the 24th day of
June. 1833, addressed the following letter to Isaac Waters, clerk of the county
commissioners' court :

"Sir: — Your letter of the sth ulto., has been received and I enclose herewith
for your information a copy of a letter of this date to the Land Officers at Spring-
field, 111., in relation to the entry of the fractional quarter Section in which Peoria
is situated, under the provisions of the act of Congress of the 2d of March last."

And on the same day the same officer addressed the following letter to the
register and receiver of the land office at Springfield :

"Gentlemen : — Under the provisions of the act of Congress of the 2d of Alarch
last "to authorize the County Comrs. of the County of Peoria in the State of
Illinois to enter a fractional quarter section of land for a Seat of Justice and for
other purposes,' you will permit those Commissioners to enter & pay for the
fractional quarter Section mentioned in said act.

"The receipts, monthly returns and the certificate of purchase must all
designate the entry as being made under this act, and the Certf. of Purchase
must conform to the proviso to the ist Section of the act by declaring that "the
said purchase shall not be so construed as to interfere with the claim or claims
of any other person or persons to the said fractional quarter section,' and at
the same time of making the entry the Commissioners should deposit with you
for transmission a duly executed instrument of writing stating that in making
such entry they expressly exclude therefrom any lands or lot, within the limits
of the fractional quarter Section, belonging to or lawfully claimed by another
person or persons."

The last chapter in the long struggle of the county to secure a perfect title
to the land for its county seat ended when a compromise was effected with the
heirs of James Latham, in settlement of their claim against the property. The
first step in this direction led to the adjustment of the matter when, on the 28th
day of May, 1834, an action of ejectment was commended in the circuit court,

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 93

a "friendly" action nominally to recover two lots in the town of Peoria, but
actually to settle the title to the whole tract of land. The case was decided by
the court on an agreed (by the attorneys) state of facts and taken to the supreme
court. However, the case was finally settled out of court as the following will
show :

"lientlemen : — 1 have this day been able to etTect a compromise with the
Lathams in the suit to recover our town. They have withdrawn their entry at
the Land Otifice, given up their certificate of entry, and taken their money ; and
also withdrawn the suit now pending. I have given them my notes for seven
lunidred dollars as you will perceive by the receipts herewith enclosed. $500 is
to be paid to them in six mos. and the other two hundred in twelve. You will
perceive the arrangement is much less than what I was limited at.

"As I have made myself responsible for the payment of the money, I wish
the Court to pass orders in my favor for that amount and payable at the time
these notes are due to enable me to meet the payment of the same. Say one
order for $500 to be paid on the 17th of May, 1835, and one of $200 to be paid
on the 17th of November, 1835; I was not able to get them to relinquish up the
bond they held for the two lots. Richard & Philip Latham, who I saw would
not take any responsibility on their part on account of the other heirs ; if it
should be thought expedient to give them anything for their claim to those two
lots it can be done yet, but the grand obstacle in the way of improvement is now
settled and people can now make investments with perfect safety; I saw all the
papers at the Land (Jffice canceled and given up. If Mr. Waters has not yet
made out a transcript of the docket he need not do it."

This letter was accompanied by the following document signed by Stephen
T. Logan, attorney for the Latham heirs:

"John Hamlin has this day executed to Richard Latham for the use of the
heirs of James Latham his note for five hundred dollars payable in six months,
also for one hundred dollars payable in twelve months, also at the request of
said Lathams his note to S. T. Logan for one hundred dollars payable in twelve
months, in all amounting to seven hundred dollars, on a compromise of a suit
l)rought by said Latham Heirs against said Hamlin &- as a compromise by which
Lathams are to withdraw in the Land Office at Springfield their entry on the
fractional c|uarter Section on which the Town of Peoria Stands."

On the 5th day of December, 1834, the county commissioners' court of Peoria
county entered the following orders :

"Ordered that the Treasurer pay John Llamlin five hundred dollars on the
17th day of JMay, 1835, ^s compensation for a note for the said amount due at the
said 17th Alay to the heirs of judge Latham as a compromise of a law suit, etc."

"Ordered that the Treasurer pay John Hamlin two hundred dollars on the
17th day of November, A. D., 1835, as comi)ensation a note given him to the
heirs of Judge Latham comi)leting the payment of the compromise on the law
suit, etc."

"The $700 of the two last orders is the price of the compromise with the
said heirs of Judge Latham relinquishing their claim and withdrawing their
entrv at the Land Office for Peoria Town fraction."

CHAPTER XIV

PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT — THE COUNTY SEAT IS NAMED

PEORIA GRAND AND PETIT JURY SELECTED — FINANCIAL CONDITION REPORTED —

ELECTION PRECINCTS ESTABLISHED COOK COUNTY A PART OF PEORIA COUNTY

FIRST ELECTION HELD IN CHICAGO COUNTY COURT SUPERSEDES BOARD OF

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS TOWNSHIP SYSTEM IS ADOPTED THE PROBATE COURT.

Owing to the importance of the county seat controversy, much space has been
given that subject and the general proceedings of the commissioners' court
ignored. iSut while that matter was taking its course and reaching a final adjust-
ment the business affairs of the newly created bailiwick were in good hands and
looked after in a business-like manner. The election for county officials had
been held March 7, 1825. and on the next day the commissioners, Nathan Dillon,
of Mackinaw Point, \\'illiam Holland, of Peoria, and Joseph Smith, of Farm
Creek, met at the house of Joseph Ogee, below the ferry landing, where the court
was organized by its members taking the prescribed oath of office, and they at
once proceeded to perform the duties for which they were elected. Their first
act was to appoint, or rather accjuiesce in the a])pointment of Norman Hyde
as clerk. Then Aaron Hawley was selected by the court as county treasurer
and the county seat was named Peoria. Another measure of imjiortance tran-
sacted was the levying of a county ta.x of one-half of one per cent upon the
taxable property of the county.

The next session called for the performance of an important function of the
commissioners, that of selecting a grand and petit jury, as the first term of the
circuit court would sit in the following June. The sheriff was ordered and
performed his duty in summoning the following named j^ersons to serve as grand
jurors: William Kads. Abner h:ads, Alva Moft'att, Elijah Hyde, Noah Beacham,
Sr., William Wright. John Ridgeman, Robert I'.errisford, Josiah Fulton, Thomas
Gamblin, John l'liillii)s, George Ish. David Matthews, Jacob Wilson. Elisha Fish,
Isaac Perkins, Nathaniel Cromwell, Walter Dillon, William Davis. Alexander
McNaughton, George Sharp, Austin Crocker, Augustus Langworthy, Allen
Dougherty. The following were selected as petit jurors: Stephen French,
Joseph Ogee, Abner Cooper, George Love, Joseph O'Brien, Elias P. Avery,
Thomas Dillon, Jesse Dillon, Seth Wilson, John Klein. George Klein. Stephen
Carle, James Walker. At the June session these names were added : Horace
Crocker, Noah Beacham, Jr., Aquilla Moffatt. Henry Neely, William Smith,
Charles Love, John Sharp, William ISarker, John Cooper, David Hukey. Philip
Latham. It was at this term of the commissioners' court that Norman Hyde,
who had been elected probate judge, as stated heretofore, resigned his office as
clerk, to take up the duties for which he first had been chosen. For services ren-
dered as clerk and stationery furnished by him the treasurer was ordered to pay
him $12.50 and the court appointed John Dixon as his successor. At this same
June session Rivers Cormack was appointed by the court to take the census of
the county, but declined to (|ualify and at a subsequent term of the court John L.
Bogardus was selected for the work desired. Being empowered to a]:)point
justices of the peace, under confirmation of the governor, Stephen French, Nathan
Dillon, John Phillips and Jacob Wilson were so selected immediately after the

96 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

organization of the county and during the same year John Kinzie, of Chicago,
an<i John Dixon and John L. Bogardus, of Peoria, were appointed. During the
July session of the court other recommendations were made to the governor
for the appointment of justices, and Fredericl< A. Countryman, Elijah Hyde
and Hiram M. Curry were appointed constables. For the same office Archibald
Clyborne, of Chicago, was appointed. But, in 1827, the legislature passed an
act making the offices of justice of the peace and constable elective, so that no
further appointments to them were made by the commissioners' court.

At the December term the sherift made his report, which is here given, as it
is an index to the financial condition of the county for the first fractional year
of its existence, and the attention of the reader is called to the fact that the
"state paper" which is an important item mentioned was, at that time, worth
about tifty cents on the dollar :

"Dr. To amount of taxes as returned by Assessor, including

twenty dollars received from Clerk for tavern license. . . . $339-i5

Cr. By amount of bad debts $ 29.90

By County orders and percentage on same 105.04

By State paper 46.50

By State paper, including interest thereon 21.60

^y $3345 i'l specie, being equal in State paper 66.90

By State paper . 19.21 $289.15

At this term the county was divided into three election precincts. "The Chicago
Precinct"' to contain all that part of the county east of the mouth of the La Page
river where it empties its waters into the Aux Plain ; the elections to be held at the
Agency House or "Cobwel) Hall." and Abner (Alexander?) W'olcott, John Kinzie
and J. B. Beaubien to be judges at all general and special elections.

"Peoria Precinct" to contain all that tract of country north and west of the
Illinois river and (east of the river — Ed.) north of township twenty-four and
west of the third principal meridian, the elections to be held at the clerk's office
and Stephen French. Abner Eads and John Phillips to be judges.

"Mackinaw Precinct" to contain the residue of the county, the elections to be
held at the house of Jesse Dillon, and Isaac Perkins, William Eads and Thomas
Dillon to be judges. The Mackinaw precinct was the smallest, territorially, of the
three, doubtless for the reason it had a greater population.

Another election precinct was added to the others, at the March, 1826, session
and designated as the "Fox River Precinct." It contained all that district of
country north of Senachwine creek and the Dupage river, and it was ordered
that the ]3lace for holding elections therein should be at the house of Jesse Walker,
near the junction of the Illinois and Fox rivers, and that Aaron Hawley, Henry
Allen and James Walker be the judges. Still another precinct was added, at the
June session, known as the "Fever River Precinct," which comprised the counties
"of Warren and Mercer. The house of Dr. Garland was chosen as the place for
holding elections. At this term Stephen French and Isaac Perkins were appointed
overseers of the poor and John Hamlin and Archibald Allen "fence viewers."
whatever that may have been.

FIRST ELECTION HELD IN CHIC.\GO

.\t the September term of the commissioners' court, the following persons were
ordered paid certain allow-ances :

To John Kinzie, John B. Beaubien, and B. Caldwell, judges, and Archibald
Clvborne, clerk, each one dollar ; and to John K. Clark, sixteen dollars, for return-
ing polls of the election held at Chicago in the preceding month of August (1826),
and to John Kinzie $1.50 for a ballot box used at said election. This was the
first election ever held in Chicago and a much more peaceful one than some others
of later vears.

PEORIA'S FIRST FISH .MAUKKT

PEORIA'S FIRST PUBLIC BATH HOUSE— IDEA OF HOX. THt)MAS X. COKMAX

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 97

In the election of 1826, which took place in August, the candidates for county
commissioners were Nathan Dillon, William Holland, John Hamlin, Stephen
French, Hiram M. Curry, Rivers Cormack and Gideon Hawley. The successful
ones were Nathan Dillon, William Holland and John Hamlin. This court held
a term in December, at which time the sheriff made his second report as follows:

''To amount returned by Assessor's books $ 855.93

DEBIT

To amount in State Paper equal to 641.93

To balance in treasury, December, 1825 54-i5^

To overcharge for collecting the above 10.25

To order on State Treasurer, 1825 100.00

To amount of tines collected 16.50

To amount of tavern licenses 3.00

To amount of sale of town lots 21.00

To amount of State Treasurer, 1826 168.75

To amount collected from list of bad debts, 1825 6.825^

CREDIT

$I,022,43>4"

"P>y amount of delinquent tax list for which the Sheriff is allowed until
the March term to collect, it being .State Paper, $416,695/2

equal to $312.52

P)y amount lost by collecting at Chicago at 50 per cent 27.05

By county orders amounting to 358.65

By percentage for collecting the above $64,405^, on which commission

has been paid 22.08

By percentage on above orders 7-i73^

$728.07>4

$294-35M"

A special meeting of the commissioners was held in March, 1827, and a tax
levy was made of one-half of one per cent. George Sharp was appointed county
treasurer and his bond fixed at $2,000. If Sharp served as treasurer it could
not have been for long, as the records show that at the April term John Birket
was appointed to the office, but having declined the honor (if any), Norman Hyde
was chosen in his stead. .A session of the court was held in June. A new elec-
tion precinct was created and named "La Salle Precinct." It embraced all that
territory north of the south line of township 10 north, and south and west of
Sand river ; and Peoria precinct to embrace all of Peoria county proper, south of
the north line of township 9 north. It also appears by the record that further
difficulty had been encountered in securing a suitable person for the office of county
treasurer, for the reason that Simeon Crozier had been appointed to succeed Nor-
man Hyde and his bond fixed at $2,000.

As has been heretofore related a new commissioners' court had been elected
in .\ugust, 1826, but at the June term of 1827 only one of the members elected,
John Hamlin, was present. His associates were George Sharp and Henry Thomas,
but by what process they superseded Nathan Dillon and William Holland, the
records fail to denote. At the October term it was ordered that state paper be
received by the county treasurer at seventy-five cents on the dollar, which would
be an indication that the credit of the state had improved in the course of two
years at least twenty-five per cent.

The members for the commissioners' court elected in August, 1828, were Isaac

Egman, George Sharp and Francis Thomas. Orin Hamlin, sheriff. A session
Vol. 1—7

98 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

of the court was held in September and John llaniUn was appointed treasurer
with bond at $1,000. At this term "Henderson precinct" was created, embrac-
ing Alercer and Warren counties. Francis Thomas did not ciualify as commis-
sioner until the December term.

The office of county treasurer seems to have "gone a beggin'." Several ap-
pointees to the office had declined or failed to (jualify. The last one to decline
the office was John Jlamlin, at the May session of the year 1829, and in his place
Henry li. Stillman was named, with bond in the sum of $1,000. Stillman served
almost a year and within that time furnished the county with seals ; one for the
commissioners' court, one for the probate court and one for the circuit court, and
at the September term he was allowed live dollars for each. Judge McCulloch,
in his history of Peoria county describes the seal of the circuit court as having
been "a flat piece of metal like a coin; a piece of paper would be laid on the
face of it and rubbed with lead to give the impression of the inscription, and this
would l)e fastened to the official document by means of a large wafer."

Once again the personnel of the county treasurer's office was changed. At
the March term Isaac Waters was appointed county treasurer, assessor and
census taker, his bond being placed at $1,000. John Dillon resigned as clerk
of the commissioners' court and Stephen Stillman became his successor.

Fox River precinct was reorganized at the June session, its new boundaries
being fixed as follows : Commencing at the northeast boundary of the Military
Land and including the country north and west of the Desplaines river as far
north as the north line of township 34 north, extending west as far as the east
line of Jo Daviess county.

In August, 1830, George Sharp. John Hamlin and Stephen French were
elected county commissioners and at the September term of the court were
sworn into office. An interesting item recorded at that term was the allowance
of five dollars to Elisha Fulton for carrying the abstract of votes to Fulton
county and one dollar to Augustus Langworthy, for the use of his horse' upon
which Fulton rode to his destination. The minutes of the December session show
that the clerk was ordered to transmit to the sheriff of Warren county the tax
books maintained for that county, at the request in writing of the county com-
missioners' court, and that the said commissioners' court of Warren county be
requested to send the amount of sixteen dollars, due Peoria county for assessing
the property, by mail as soon as convenient. This item would indicate that
Warren county had taken control of its own atifairs and had been released from
the jurisdiction of Peoria county.

At the April (1831) session of the court. Resolved Cleveland qualified as
county commissioner and fulfilled the duties of George Sharp, whose death had
made a vacancy. Isaac Waters was appointed county treasurer.

By this time, the counties of Cook, \\'arren, Tazewell, Putnam and other
counties which had remained attached to Peoria county when the latter was
created, became separate organizations and for that reason the Chicago. Hen-
derson and Fox River precincts became extinct.

Those remaining in 183 1 were Peoria, La Salle and La Marsh, and the
judges of elections were thenceforth only appointed for those precincts.

In December a session of the court was held and John Hamlin having re-
signed as a member, John Coyle was qualified as his successor, Coyle previously
having been elected to the office. At the session held in '^Nlarch, 1832, Aquilla
Wren became a member of the court, Stephen French having resigned.

The members of the court in the session of September, 1832, were Edward
J. Tones, John Coyle and Aquilla Wren. At this term Isaac Waters was allowed
$1.50 for a record book purchased for the court, and seven dollars for attending
the canvass of votes for senator and representative at Hennepin. Jesse W'alker
was allowed sixteen dollars for bringing the election returns from Chicago in

1830.

Seth Fulton was allowed one dollar, at the ]\Iarch term of 1833, for the use

HISTORY UF i'EORIA COUNTY 99

of a room in which the presidential election had been held the previous year.
Orin Hamlin, Alva and Aijuilla Moffatt were granted leave to build a mill dam
in Limestone township, on section 13, long known as the Monroe mill. For this
session of the court Stephen Stillman was allowed five dollars for the use of a
room. Before the e.xpiration of the year Asahel Hale was appointed county
treasurer and reappointed in 1834 and 1835. F'rom the fact that his bond was
fi.xed at $10,000 under the last two appointments, the reader may gather that
the affairs of the county were "looking up" and the responsibilities of the office
were "assuring proportions." As a matter of fact, the sum of $5,560.37 passed
through the treasurer's hands in 1835, the largest amount the treasurer had
ever handled in his official capacity. This can be accounted for by the generous
sale of town lots, going on at that period and which had been delayed throughout
the previous years, by reason of the difficulty the county experienced in securing
a patent for the land from the government and perfecting its title thereto.

At the April session of court, in the year 1835, the infirmities of years and
other disabilities of Isaac Waters had become so apparent that he was removed
from the office of clerk of the county commissioners' court and William .Mitchell
was appointed his successor. Waters had been one of the faithful pioneer ser-
vants of the new county of F^eoria and had served as clerk five continuous years.
By reason of his infirmities of body and brain it also became necessary to ap-
point in his stead a clerk of the circuit court. This was accom]jlishecl by the
selection of Lewis Bigelow, for the position. Judge Thomas Ford, afterwards
governor of the state, making the appointment, July 13, 1835.

The court for the September term, of the year 1834, was made up of Andrew
Thorpe, John Coyle and Orin Hamlin, and continued in office until August,
1836, when .\quilla Wren, William J. Phelps and Samuel T. McKean were
elected. These latter were succeeded, in .August. 1838, by Smith Frye, Clark
D. Powell and Moses Harlan. From this time on the tenure of the office was
three years, one member being elected each year. Those elected to the office
under the new law were: Clark D. Powell, August, 1839; W'illiam Hale, January
10, 1840, to fill the vacancy made by the election of Moses Harlan to the legis-
lature; Nathaniel Chapin, August, 1840; Smith Frye, August, 1841 ; Thomas P.
Smith and Clementius Ewalt, August, 1842, one to fill the vacancy caused by
the election of Smith Frye to the office of sherifif ; William Dawson, 1843;
Clementius Ewalt, 1844; Thomas P. Smith, 1845; Thomas Alooney, 1846;
James L. Riggs. 1847; Joseph Ladd, 1848. On the 23d day of November, 1849,
the last term of the coimty commissioners' court was held.

By the year 1837 the population had been greatly increased, so much so that
the necessity for a larger number of precincts was self evident. Therefore, at
the June term of the commissioners' court the county was laid off into thirteen
precincts, namely:

No. I to consist of fractional township 11 north, range 9 east (now Chilli-
cothe) known as Senachwine precinct, the election to be held at the house of
William Dunlap in Chillicothe.

No. 2. Northampton, to consist of township 11 north, range 8 east (now
Hallock), the elections to be held at the house of Reuben B. Hamlin.

No. 3. Prince's Grove, to consist of townships 1 1 north, range 6 east, and
II north, range 7 east (now Princeville and .\kron). the elections to be held at
the schoolhouse at Prince's Grove.

No. 4. Rochester, to consist of townshi]) 11 north, range 5 east (now
Millbrook), the elections to be held at the schoolhouse in Rochester.

No. 5. Charleston, to consist of township 10 north, range 5 east and east
one-half (properly west one-half) of township 10 north, range 6 east (that is
to say all of l>rimfield and the west half of Jubilee), the election to be held at
the house of Daniel lielcher in Charleston (now Brimfield).

No. 6. La Grange, to consist of sections No. i to 24 in each of the town-
ships No. 9 north, range 6 east, and 9 north, range 7 east, the east half of town-

100 HISTORY OI' PEORIA COUNTY

ship lO north, range 6 east, and all of township lo north, range 7 east (.that is
to say the north two-thirds of townships Rosefield and Kickapoo, the east half
of Jubilee, and all of Radnor), the elections to be held at the house of Lewis
Coolidge.

No. 7. La Salle, to consist of townships 10 north, range 8 east, and 10
north, range 9 east (all of Medina and Rome), the elections to be held at the
house of Jefferson Taliafero.

No. 8. Peoria, to consist of sections i to 4, 9 to 12, 13 to 16, 21 to 24, 25 to
28, 33 to 36 in township 8 north, range 7 east ; sections 25 to 28 and 32 to 36 in
township 9 north, range 7 east, and all of fractional township 8 north, range

8 east (that is to say, the east two-thirds of Limestone and eight sections ad-
joining the same in the southeast corner of Kickapoo, and all of Peoria and
Richwoods), the elections to be held at the court house.

No. 9. ^liddle, to consist of township 8 north, range 6 east ; sections 25 to
36 in township 9 north, range 6 east; sections 5 to 8, 17 to 20, 29 to 32 in town-
ship 8 north, range 7 east ; and sections 29 to 32 in township 9, range 7 east
(that is to say all of Logan, the south one-third of Rosefield, the west one-third
of Limestone and four sections in the southwest corner of Kickapoo), the elec-
tions to be held at the house of Thomas P. Smith, at Smithville.

No. 10. Harkness, to consist of township 9 north, range 5 east (Elmwood),
the elections to be held at the house of John Ewalt.

No. II. Copperas, to consist of township 8 north, range 5 east (Trivoli),
the elections to be held at the house of Joseph Berry.

No. 12. LaMarsh, to consist of township 7 north, range 6 east, and 6 north,
range 6 east (Timber), the elections to be held at the house of William Duffield.

No. 13. Lafayette, to consist of township 7 north, range 7 east (Mollis),
the elections to be held at the house of Francis Johnson.

At the March term, 1840, township 10 north, range 7 east (Radnor) was
constituted an election precinct to be called Benton, the elections to be held at
the house of Alva Dunlap.

At the same term township 9 north, range 8 east (Richwoods) was consti-
tuted an election precinct by the name of Jackson, the elections to be held at
the house of John Clifton.

At the September term, 1841, the name of LaMarsh precinct was changed to
Lancaster precinct.

At the March term, 1842, sections 31 and ^2 in township 11 north, range

9 east all of fractional 10 north, range 9 east; sections i, 2, 11 and 12, 13, 14,
23, 24, 25, 26 and 33 in township 10 north, range 8 east (that is to say, the south
tier of Chillicothe, all of Rome and one-third of I\Iedina) were formed into a
precinct called Rome, but at the June term, 1842, sections 31 and 32, township
II north, range 9 east, were taken from Rome and re-attached to Senaclnvine.
At the June term, 1843, sections 25 to 36 in township 9 north, range 7 east and
sections i to 17, 20 to 30 and 34 to 36, in township 8 north, range 7 east (that
is to say, the south one-third of Kickapoo and all of Limestone, with the excep-
tion of five sections in the southwest corner) were constituted a precinct to be
known as the Limestone precinct, the elections to be held at the house of James
Jones.

This was the condition of the county when S. De Witt Drown published
his map of the same in 1844. Subsequently at the June term, 1847, section 32,
8 north, 7 east, was taken from the middle and added" to Limestone precinct.

At the June term, 1848, the Rome and La Salle precincts were vacated and
a new precinct called La Salle was constituted out of the following territory :
Sections i. 2, 3, east half of 4, east half of 9, all of 10 to 15, the east half of
16, east half of 21, all of 22 to 27, east half of 28, east half of 33, all of 34 and
35, in township 10 north, range 8 east, and all of fractional township 10 north,
range 9 east (that is to say, all of Medina east of a line running through the
center of sections 4, 9, 16, 21, 28 and 33, and all of Rome), the elections to

HISTORY UF PEURJA COUNTY 101

Ije held at the house of Thomas ^Mooney. subse(|uentlv in obedience to a vote
of the people at the August election, changed to the house of Thomas B. Reed.
In 1849 this section was visited by the scourge of cholera and many were
the deaths that followed in its trail. The stricken became so numerous and
the disease was so deadly that few of those left untouched by its ravaging
hand had the temerity to nurse the sick and dying. Hence it was that the
Peoria board of health was forced to find some place to house and segregate
cholera patients and, on July 11 of the year above mentioned, the county com-
missioners' court was prevailed upon to grant the use of the three upper rooms
in the court house for hospital purposes. In addition, the county furnished beds
and necessary medicines and delicacies for both town and county patients. At
a special term of the court held in September, Alva .Mofifatt was given the
contract to furnish coal for the court house and jail at five cents a bushel, and
William Compher was authorized to procure three hundred dollars to be ex-
pended in Pittsburg for iron used for the roof of the county jail. At this time
William Alitchell was clerk, but before the next session of the court, held in
November following, he fell a victim of cholera. Ralph Hamlin was appointed
his successor and, on the 23d day of November, 1849, the last term of the com-
missioners" court was held, it ceasing to e.xist, a county court having been jjrovided
for by law.

COUNTY COURT

.At the election held in the fall of 1849, Thomas P)ryant was elected county
judge, who superseded the county commissioners' court in the transaction of
the county's business. The first term of the county court was held on the 3d
day of December, 1849, but in the spring of 1850, a board of supervisors had
been elected, which took full management of the county's afTairs on the 9th of
July following. The (|uestion of adopting the "township system" of govern-
ment had been submitted to a vote of the electors in the fall of 1849, which
resulted in a majority vote of 2,128 being cast in its favor. There were only
nineteen votes in the negative. David Sanborn, George Holmes and Mark Aiken
were appointed commissioners to divide the county into townships and the first
election of supervisors was held in April, 1830. The newly elected body held
its first meeting on the 8th day of April, 1850, at which time the twelve town-
ships then organized were represented by the following named persons:

Townships Supervisors

Hollis Stephen Wheeler

Rosefield John Combs

Orange Samuel Dimon

Rich woods Josiah Fulton

Chillicothe Charles S. Struther

Benton Jonathan 1 Jrassfield

Akron Benjamin Slane

Limestone Isaac Brown

Princeville L. B. Corn well

Jubilee William W. Church

■Millbrook Clark W. Stanton

Trivoli David R. Gregory

Samuel Dimon was elected by liis fellow members chairman of the board,
and Charles Killette was clerk.

In the June (1850) meeting of the board Orange township was given the
name of Kickapoo, Benton was changed to Fremont and later the name was
discarded for that of Radnor, in honor of one of the pioneers of that region.

The last session of the county commissioners' court was a special one, which

102 IIIS'IORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

lasted three days and adjourned on Friday, November 23, 1849. The first term
of the county court was held December 3, 1849, ^nd the last term on the 4th
day of June. 1850.

THE PROBATE COURT

In the legislative act creating the county of Peoria, provision was made for
the election of a probate judge for the county, whose tenure of office should be
during good behavior. The probate courts were first established by law Feb-
ruary 10, 1821, and their jurisdiction was similar to that of the probate courts
of the present day, although many changes had been made as the years went by.
They were courts of record and the judge also acted as his own clerk. Norman
Hyde was the first incumbent of this office and was elected within a day or
two after the passage of the bill organizing the county. Governor Edward
Coles issued to him his commission on the i8th day of January, 1825, but he
did not qualify until the 4th day of June following, John Di.xon, clerk of the
circuit court administering the oath of office. In the meantime, Air. Hyde had
been appointed clerk of the commissioners' court and performed the duties
of that office until his induction into the office of probate judge. On the 6th
of June, 1825, Judge Hyde opened his court, but there being no matters for
settlement, an adjournment was taken until the next term, and so on for the
next four terms the court was without anything to do and at once adjourned
for that reason. It was not until the 30th day of September, 1825, that the
first estate of a deceased person was entered in the court. On that day John
P.arker took out letters of administration upon the estate of John O'Brien, giv-
ing bond in the sum of S800, with John L. I'.ogardus and Daniel Like as securi-
ties. The court then adjourned, that having been all the business before it.
Nothing came up before the court until December 5th, when the will of Isaac
Remsden, Jr., made in Muskingum county, Ohio, dated May 13, 1825, was
probated. The witnesses to the will were Thomas Bell and Gilbert Crandall.
Letters of administration were issued to Jacob Crooks.

No business was brought before the court until April 11, 1826, several ad-
journments having been taken in the meantime. On this day Isaac Perkins was
appointed administrator of the estate of Elza Bethard. deceased. However,
at the October term. Handy Bethard proved himself to be the next of kin and
the letters of administration granted Perkins were revoked and Bethard was
appointed in his stead.

WHEREIN CHICAGO FIGURES

Alexander Wolcott appeared at the .A.pril (1826) term of court and made
proof of the death of John Crafts of Chicago, a prominent member of the
American Fur Company. Upon filing a bond of $3,000, Wolcott was issued
letters testamentary, having for his sureties John Kinzie, of Chicago, and John
Latham. On the 20th day of November, 1826, Wolcott submitted his appraise-
ment and sale bills of the estate, which were recorded. The appraisers were
John Kinzie and "Billy" Caldwell, both of Chicago. On this day also came
Jacob Crooks, administrator of the estate of Isaac Remsden and filed his ap-
praisement of the estate, made by Alexander McNaughton, John Griffith and
Hugh Montgomery, and sworn to before 'Squire John Dillon.

On the 10th day of December. John P>arker, as executor of the estate of
Joseph O'Brien, filed his appraisement of property of the deceased, which had
been sworn to before Stephen French, justice of the peace. On the next day
Margaret Latham and Richard Latham, her son, were appointed administrators
of the estate of James Latham (the same who claimed title to part of the town
site of Peoria) "deceased, Benjamin Briggs. Grant Blackwell and John Hamlin
becoming their sureties on a bond of $2,000.

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 103

The first final settlement of an estate in Peoria county was that of Joseph
O'Brien, John Barker, on the i6th day of April, 1826, having filed his final
account, which showed a balance for distribution among the heirs of $416.31^.

The appraisement of the property of James Latham was made by Peter G.
Cowerdin, Charles Finley and Grant Blackwell, and an additional appraise-
ment was made by John Hamlin, John Barker and Henry Neely, and sworn
to before John L. Bogardus, of Peoria. The papers showed that after the
deduction of expenses a balance of $968.21 remained. This appraisement was
filed b\' Richard Latham, April 19, 1827. On the 8th day of January, 1828,
Richard Latham filed the sale bill of James Latham's property at Elkhart
Grove, Sangamon county, amounting to $722.46, of which the widow's award
was $301.75.

Alexander Wolcott, administrator, closed up the afifairs of the estate of
John Crafts, in which, among other items, he charged himself with $2,500,
received from the American Fur Company in New York, Craft's share of
profits on the Chicago assets for 1825-6, according to the award of Thomas
Addis Emmet, a noted lawyer of New York city, arbiter in the matter. After
crediting himself with an item of $784, being the amount of an account of the
American Fur Company against the estate, one of John Kinzie's for $87.88
and one of Gurdon S. Hubbard for $22, a Ijalance was shown in favor of the
heirs in the sum of $1,454.25. On the same day Wolcott made proof of the
death of John Kinzie, of Chicago, and was granted letters testamentary on
his estate, the bond being placed at $3,000, with John Beaubien and James
Kinzie as sureties. On the I'gth day of May, W'olcott filed a schedule of the
property of John Kinzie, made at Chicago, on April 22d, by Alexander Doyle
and J. P.. Beaubien and acknowledged by R. A. Kinzie, clerk. The property
amounted to $805.40, plus a sale bill amounting to $254.87^/2.

josiah Fulton applied for letters of administration upon the estate of his
brother, Samuel Fulton, late sheriff of Peoria county, December 4, 1829. He
was appointed administrator and the bond was fixed at $1,000. An appraise-
ment was made of the estate by H. B. Stillnian and Norman Hyde and filed
with the court.

On the 17th day of December, 1830, John B. Beatibien obtained letters of
administration upon the estate of Francis La Frambois, of Chicago. John
Hamlin and David Hunter were his sureties on a bond of $3,000. On the same
day, David Hunter proved the death of Alexander Wolcott and was appointed
administrator, dcbonis iioii of the estate of John Kinzie, late of Chicago. His
bond was $3,000 and with him signed John B. Beaubien and John Hamlin.
By this time the reader must have gathered the idea that the two men just
mentioned were professional bondsmen.

Francis Sharp, on the 27th day of January, 183 1, proved the death of his
father, George Sharp, a member of the county commissioners' court. Letters
of administration were granted him and Elizabeth Sharp, the widow of the
deceased, with bond of $4,000. The sureties were John Hamlin and Alexander
Caldwell. The inventory and sale bill of the estate was filed in May, which
showed a personal estate amounting to $524.06^4- On the same day David
Hunter, administrator of the estate of John Kinzie, filed a report, showing he
had received from various sources the sum of $740.25 due the estate. The
report also showed that the sum of $2,190.12 was due the estate from the
American Fur Company, with interest at five per cent from May 12, 1828.

The David Hunter here mentioned was a man of no ordinary distinction.
He was an officer in the regular army and was for some time in command of
Fort Dearborn. During the Civil war he became one of the leaders among
the many brave commanders in the army and rose to the rank of major-general.

The last entry made by Judge Norman Hyde was the notation on his record
of the adjournment of court February 6, 1832, as his death occurred soon
thereafter. His successor, in the person of Andrew M. Hunt, was commis-

104 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

sioned as judge of the probate court, by Governor John Reynolds, November
lO, 1832, and on the 15th day of November took his seat on the bench. On the
2ist day of November John Hamlin and Simon Reed filed the will of Norman
Hyde, in which John Hamlin, Simon Reed and Andrew M. Hunt were named
as executors. Only the first two could qualify, as the latter had become the
judge of the court before whom the estate must be settled.

The office of probate judge was abolished by act of the legislature March
4, 1837. Ikit an additional justice of the peace, styled probate justice of the
peace, was elected in August of that year, whose jurisdiction was the same as
other justices, in addition to which he was clothed with authority and minis-
terial powers in probate matters and jurisdiction when executors or adminis-
trators were parties to a suit to the amount of $1,000; also the same judicial
powers of a probate judge. However, all his acts were subject to the approval
of the circuit court. It will be seen, therefore, that Judge Andrew M. Hunt's
ofiicial career was a short one. At the election held in August, 1837, George
B. Parker was elected the first probate justice of the peace. In 1839 he was
succeeded by Dr. Edward Dickinson, who served until 1843, when William H.
Fessenden was elected. Thomas Bryant followed Fessenden in 1847 ^^'^ re-
tained the office until November 29, 1849, when the office was abolished.

CHAPTER X\-

SELECTION OF A SITE EOR AND ERECTION OF A COURT HOUSE CIRCUIT COURT — ■

JAILS THE FIRST COURT HOUSE, SO-CALLED, A LOG CABIN THE FIRST BUILD-
ING ERECTED BY THE COUNTY A BRICK STRUCTURE THE SECOND COURT HOUSE

COUNTY INFIRMARY — HOME FOR THE INSANE — COUNTY OFFICERS.

One of the first orders entered in the minute book of the county commis-
sioners' court, at its tirst term, was for the selection of a site and the erection
thereon of a court house, the same to be twenty feet square and nine feet from
the floor to the joists, with a good plank or puncheon floor; also a clerk's office
fourteen feet square, with a good puncheon floor, both to be of good materials
and finished in a workmanlike manner — the clerk's office to be ready for occu-
pancy by the 20th day of April, and the court house on the 25th day of May.
Four (lays later the order for these buildings was rescinded.

The first court house, or rather, the first meeting place of the county com-
missioners, was at the house of Joseph Ogee, below the ferry and some dis-
tance from the tract of land designated by the legislature for the county seat,
and for the use of the house Ogee was allowed one dollar. This place had
also been chosen in which to hold the circuit court, and the records show that
the November term of the circuit court was held at the Ogee home and the
May term of the commissioners' court in 1826, for the use of which Ogee was
allowed three dollars. The next term of the circuit court was held at the
house of Louis Beeson, who at the December term, was allowed for the use of
his house the sum of $16. Joseph Ogee was a half-breed, with a strain of
French blood. His wife was a Pottawatomie. He was in the employ of the
American Fur Company, as was also Beeson. The Ogee house was reputed
to have been the best in Peoria at the time of which we write, being con-
structed of hewn logs, and this probably accounts for his place being chosen by
the courts for their meetings. It is surmised that the Beeson house was the
same as that mentioned as Ogee, for the latter had moved from the settle-
ment soon after the May (1826) term of the commissioners' court. In Drown's
Historical \"iew of Peoria, published in 1844, a writer, presumably John Ham-
lin, says the house in which the court was held in November, 1826, was "a log
building on the bank of the river, in whicli jurors slept on their blankets on
the floor."

THE CIRCUIT COURT

In the session of the legislature which convened in December, 1824, the
judiciary of the state was reorganized and divided into five judicial circuits
and in the same act five circuit judgeships were created. Prior to this, members
of the supreme court of the state held the circuit courts. The first circuit was
composed of the counties of Sangamon, Pike, Fulton, Morgan, Greene and
Montgomery, and the judge for this district, as for the others, was elected by
the general assembly, their commissions being dated on the 19th day of Janu-
ary, 1S25. John Sawyer was elected to the first circuit, to which Peoria county
upon its organization, was attached. The first term of the circuit court in the

105

106 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

first district convened on the 14th day of November, 1825, with John York
Sawyer, judge: John Dixon, clerk; Samuel Fulton, sherit? ; James Turney,
attorney general. Judge Sawyer was a large man, physically, and of an impos-
ing appearance. He was a terror to evil-doers and severe upon criminals. An
incident related of him in this connection is that of a man who had lieen con-
victed of petty larceny, the penalty for which was a whipping on the Ijare back,
the stripes not to exceed forty. The attorney for the defendant had made a
motion for a new trial, but before the question was argued the attorney's atten-
tion was called temporarily to some other matter and in his absence the judge
ordered the ofifender to be punished according to law by being tied to a tree
near the court house. It is said that Judge Sawyer witnessed the whipping
from his seat on the bench, counting the stripes as they were laid on. When the
job was finished, and not until then, the defendant's attorney appeared and he
was informed by the judge that he could have a new trial if he wished; but the
defendant was averse to anything of the kind, having protested that he had had
trials enough.

It will have been seen that the county commissioners' court at its April
terrn in 1825 had ordered the sheriff to summon grand and petit jurors selected
at the first term of the court to appear on the second Monday in June, but
there is no record of any court having been held on that date and it is therefore
presumed that the first term was convened in the month of November. Only
sixteen of the twenty-four grand jurors selected, appeared, namely: John Ham-
lin, Stephen French, Thomas Dillon, Henry Thomas, George Harlan, Isaac
Waters, Augustus Langworthy, George Sharp, Seth Wilson, John Klein, George
Klein, Isaac Perkins, John Phillips and ^lajor Donaho. The grand jury re-
turned five indictments, one of which was for murder, two for assault and two
for minor offenses.

The murder case referred to brought to Peoria nearly all of the settlers
of this locality. The prisoner at the bar was an Indian named Nomaque, who
was charged with the killing of a Frenchman by the name of Pierre Landre.
Jacques Alette and Joseph Ogee were appointed interpreters. William S. Ham-
ilton ^vas counsel for the defendant but great difficulty was encountered in
obtaining a jury. The following named persons, however, were empaneled:
Austin Crocker, Allen S. Daugherty, Alexander AIcNaughton, Nathan Dillon,
Henry Neely, William Woodrow, Peter Dumont, Aaron Reed, Abram Galentine.
Josiah Fulton, Cornelius Doty and David Matthews. This jury convicted
Nomaque, and Hamilton carried the case to the supreme court, where he ob-
tained a reversal of the judgment, but the Indian was held as a prisoner until
the next grand Jury should pass upon the case. The other indictments found
at this term were against Joseph Ogee and Jacob Frank for an affray ; Levi
Ellis and Lyman Leonard charged with a like offense ; Abner Cooper for as-
sault and battery ; and John Griffin, charged also with assault and battery.
During this term William S. Hamilton was twice fined by the court for con-
tempt. At this term Judge York issued peremptory writs to compel the ap-
pearance of Louis Beeson, Pierre Chevilire, Francis Borbonnie, Sr., Francis
Borbonnie. Jr., and Antoine Borbon, who had failed to recognize the original
summons for their appearances as witnesses in the Nomaque case.

The duration of the first term of court was four days and no other term
was held until in October, 1826, when Judge 'S'ork again sat upon the bench.
The most important case to be tried was that of Nomaque, the Indian, against
whom a second indictment had been found. Of this second trial and its results
an interesting description is given by one of the grand jurors in Drown's direc-
tory for 1844:

"In the year 1826, I lived three miles from Mackinaw river, on the Peoria
and Springfield road, in what is now Tazewell county, but then attached to
Peoria, and being that year twenty-one years old, I was summoned upon the
grand jury. There were not then enough adults in Peoria county proper to

i'i;(isi'i;( I' \.\i.i.i-.'i i'i;iisi'i:( 'I' iii-;i(;iirs

HISTORY OI" i'EORIA COUXTY 107

form the grand and petit juries, hence they were summoned from the attached
portion. All the grand jury but two were from the east side of the Illinois
river, chiefly my acquaintances and neighbors. We took our provisions and
bedding, the latter being a blanket or quilt for each. It was the practice also
in those days to take a flagon of liquor, and this was not omitted on the occasion
spoken of. In truth, so faithfully was the flagon put under requisition, that
but two of our number were sober when we appeared in court and received our
charge. Judge Sawyer was then the presiding officer ; James Turney the prose-
cuting attorney ; and Messrs. Cavarly, Pugh, Bogardus and Turney, the entire
bar.

"There were about eight bills of indictment found by the grand jury, one
of which was against an Indian nained Nomaque for murder. He had been
tried the fall before; but obtaining a new trial, he was indicted again this term.
There being no secure jail, the sheriff (Samuel Fulton) kejit him under guard
in the house of Mr. Allen. At night about a dozen drunken Indians met to
rescue him. and attempted to enter the door for that purpose. Allen sprang
out of a back window, and seizing a clapboard, rushed to the front of the house
and laid aliout him with great fury. He felled four of the Indians to the
ground before they could recover from their consternation, when the others
retreated. Allen pursuing the hindmost, continued his blows, the retreating
fellow crying out 'Schtop, white man! for God's sake schtop!' Felling him also,
the five laid till morning, when they were able to crawl off. Nomaque after-
wards made his escape — joined Black Hawk in the war of 1832 — was wounded
in Stillman's defeat, and afterwards found nearly dead by some Peorians, who
humanely shot him through to put an end to his sufferings.

"The court house was a log Iniilding on the bank of the river, in which
the jurors slept at night on their blankets on the floor. There was a tavern
kept by Mr. Bogardus, but it was not large enough to furnish sleeping accom-
modations for them. The grand jury room was a lumber cabin in which Bo-
gardus kept saddles and other cattle fixings."

The session of the legislature held in 1827 reorganized the judiciary by
abolishing the office of circuit judge and assigning the judges of the supreme
court to do circuit duty. The first circuit was then composed of the counties
of Peoria, l-'ulton, Schuyler, Adams, Pike, Calhoun. Greene, Morgan and San-
gamon, to which Samuel D. Lockwood was assigned. This jurist is said to
have been a most scholarly and polished gentleman and the peer of any judge
that had ever sat on the supreme bench of the state. It was said of him by a
recent historian that "he stands out conspicuously as the beau ideal of a judge.
His appearance on the bench was the very personification of dignity, learning
and judicial acumen." Judge Lockwood presided over this court from the
May term, 1827, to the October term, 1828. At his first term held in Peoria,
the sheriff', Samuel Fulton, was indicted for malfeasance in office. The charge
was negligence in allowing the Indian, Nomaque, to escape from his custody.
The indictment, however, was twice quashed on the ground that no capias had
been issued, requiring the sheriff' to take him into his custody.

Another change in the judiciary was made by the legislature in 1829. A
circuit was established consisting of the territory west and north of the Illinois
and Kankakee rivers, embracing that portion which had formerly been at-
tached to the county of Pike. At this same session of the legislature Richard
M. Young was elected and commissioned on the 23d dav of January, 1829, as
judge of this circuit. His first term of court in Peoria was in June. 1829, and
his last was the October term of 1834. Judge Young was the first judge elected
to preside in the third circuit and on the formation of the fifth circuit just
designated, he removed to Quincy, where he resided during the time he was
upon the bench. In 1836 he was elected United States senator and served the
full term of six years. In 1843 he was elected to the supreme court and held
the office until 1847. when he was appointed commissioner of the land office

108 HISTORY OF PEORIA COL'XTY

at Washington. In 1850 he was appointed clerk of the national house of repre-
sentatives. His later years, however, were quite tragic, as his intellect became
impaired to the extent that it was necessary to send him to an asylum, where
he died.

John Di.xon resigned as clerk of the circuit court and on the 8th day of
June, 1830, Stephen Stillman was appointed his successor.

Still another change was made in the judiciary in 1835. In that year the
state was again divided into circuits and five judges in addition to the one
already in office were chosen. These new judges were Stephen T. Logan, Sid-
ney Breese, Henry Eddy, Thomas Ford and Justin Harlan. Thomas Ford was
assigned to the sixth district, in which Peoria was situated. For some reason,
however, Judge Breese presided at the first term of the circuit court in Peoria.
At the September term Judge Stephen T. Logan presided. He resigned his
office in 1837 and was again elected by the legislature in 1839, but declined to
accept and never afterwards occupied a position u])on the bench. Judge Logan
was one of the ablest lawyers and jurists of his time. He had been profession-
ally associated with Abraham Lincoln for three years and also filled many posi-
tions of public trust, for which he was ably fitted. Thomas Ford, who was
assigned to the sixth circuit in which Peoria was situated, afterward became
governor of the state. The first term at which he presided was May, 1836,
but in March, 1837, he resigned and was succeeded by Dan Stone, one of the
noted men of his day. Judge Stone presided from the May term, 1837, until
the May term, 1838. One of the noted cases decided by him was political in
its character which touched upon the right of aliens to vote at the general elec-
tion. The matter was carried to the supreme court but before a final decision
had been reached the eighth and ninth judicial circuits had been formed by the
legislature and Thomas Ford, on the 25th day of February, 1839, had been
elected and commissioned as judge of the ninth district. The controversies
growing out of the decision of Judge Stone in the case above referred
to led the legislature to again reorganize the judiciary of the state and by an
act, February 10, 1841, all former laws authorizing the election of circuit judges
or establishing circuit courts was repealed. The act then provided there should
be appointed by joint ballot of both branches of the general assembly at that
session five additional associate justices and the three associate justices then in
office should constitute the supreme court of the state. The state was then
divided into nine circuits and the chief justice and his eight associates were
recfuired to hold court in these circuits. Thomas Ford was elected one of the
five new justices of the supreme court, February 15, 1841, but he resigned
August 1st, 1842, to accept the office of governor of the state, to which he was
called soon after being elected. While acting as supreme judge he again pre-
sided over the circuit court at Peoria from 1841 until 1S42, and Judge Richard
M. Young again held court here as one of the supreme judges at the May
term, 1843. Judge John Dean Caton presided over the circuit court at the
October term," 1842, and the October term, 1843, and from thence on to the
October term, 1848. He was a member of the supreme court for twenty-one
years, having succeeded Governor Ford upon his resignation in 1842. He was
reappointed by Governor Ford in 1843 to fill the vacancy occasioned by the
death of Judge John M. Robinson. He resigned in 1864.

After "the adoption of the constitution in 1848, T. Lyle Dickey presided at
the May and October terms of 1849, and William Kellogg, of the tenth circuit,
to which Peoria then belonged, from the March term of 1850, to November,
1852. fudge Kellogg had been commissioned as judge of the tenth circuit,
February 12, 1830. Resigning in November, 1852, he was succeeded by Heze-
kiah M. Wead, but before the latter could hold a term of court the sixteenth
circuit, composed of Peoria and Stark counties, had been formed, of which
Onslow Peters had been elected judge. Judge Wead, however, held court here
at the fall term of 1863 to finish up certain cases in which Judge Peters had

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 109

been engaged as counsel, judge Kellogg was elected to congress in 1856 and
again in 1858 and i860.

There is some uncertainty as to where the courts were held in the two fol-
lowing years. At the January term of the county commissioners' court, the
sheriff was authorized to procure a house for the holding of court but the
records do not show where the place or places selected were located. At the
March term, 1829, a record was made of the purchase from John Hamlin of a
log house 16x14 feet, under which was a cellar, which subsecjuently served as
a jail. This building John Hamlin, in consideration of $75, conveyed to the
county, as the following instrument indicates :

"I do hereby assign to the county commissioners of Peoria county for the
use of said county, all my right, title and claim to a certain log house situated
in the town of Peoria for and in consideration of $75 — the said house known
as the one built hy Simon Crozier and formerly occupied as a store house by-
said Crozier.

"John H.-\mlin.
''Peoria, Illinois, .March 3, 1829.
"Witness, John Di.xon."

It was therefore ordered at this same term that the treasurer pav John
Hamlin $75 for a house to be used for county purposes and here it might be
well to explain that this house is also said to have been situated below the pres-
ent railroad bridge. ^Ir. Ballance, who arrived in Peoria soon after its pur-
chase, in his history of Peoria says in a description of the building that it was
located "at or near where the Fort Clark mill stands," to which Judge ]\IcCul-
loch in his history of the county of more recent date adds "which was on the
river bank on the northeasterly side of Harrison street. The building remained
standing until 1843, when it was replaced by Orin Hamlin's steam flouring
mill." A pencil sketch of Peoria in 1831 said to have been executed by J. Al.
Roberts, indicates from the grouping of the l)uildings that the historians,' Drown
and Ballance, were correct in their location of this building and that it was
the cabin on the site upon which the Fort Clark mill stood and now covered
by the warehouse of the Peoria Transfer Company.

.\t the June term (1829) it was ordered that the lower story of the court
house, as the building was now termed, be used as a jail, and at the Septemlser
term, 1830, John Hamlin, from whom the building had been purchased, was
given the use of the cellar until the month of April following, for the sum of
$3, which same amount had been paid by F. Bournonait the preceding winter
for storing goods therein.

At the September term, 1830, the clerk was authorized to have certain
repairs made on the court house. That is to say, "plastered in the joints,
weather boarded, a window with glass on the river side, and a plank floor laid
loose on the joice above — the work to be done on as good terms as could be
had reasonable and that he should present his bills to the next commissioners'
court properly authenticated." At the same time John Plamlin was given au-
thority to buy a ten plate stove, with the necessary pipe, the cost of which was
not to exceed $30. Whether or not these repairs were made the record does
not show.. However, at the June term, 1831, the following entry was made:

"Ordered that the treasurer pay $16 for repairs to the court house as fol-
lows : .\ desk, the boarding and casing to be of walnut plank 6 feet long, 43/^
feet high, 31,2 feet wide from the wall, sided in front and posts cased at their
end; narrow strip on front top. from that inward slope 12 inches, floored with
any kind of sound plank, one step from the room floor, all but the floor to
be planed, a narrow strip on the inside end of the slope — four benches, two 14
feet long, or the length of the room, two 6 feet long, one and one-half inches
thick, with an additional strip or piece where the legs are put in. The lower

110 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

room, tlie three hewed logs missing to be put in place, that is, replaced with a
door cheek, a door to be made of- strong inch plank, hinges, pad-lock and staples
to be furnished by the workmen. Also two benches for table."

It is very probable these improvements were all made, for an allowance
was made to Moses Clifton of $16.75 ^or repairs to the court house. The
building, however, was not adequate for the purpose it was intended when pur-
chased, as the record shows several orders subsequently made for the use of
private houses by the commissioners. However, an entry indicates that on July
10, 1834, leave was granted (some one not shown) to keep a school in the
court house for a quarter, except in term of court or when needed by the county
commissioners or for elections. The building was also used for religious meet-
ings but was sold to Bigelow & Underbill in 1835 for $60.

The year 1833 finds the county without a building specially constructed for
county purposes, and however necessary might have been a court house at that
time, the necessity for a jail was more present. Thieving and outlawry in the
county was becoming more prevalent and many arrests in cases of a petty
nature were being made at shorter intervals, which placed the authorities at a
disadvantage, from the fact there was no proper place in which to incarcerate
the culprits pending trial of their cases. A gang of thieves had made their
appearance in the county and it became necessary to send one of them to
Schuyler county for trial and two others to the jail in Putnam county for safe
keeping. This the authorities maintained was putting the county to much ex-
pense. The items below would indicate that the county commissioners were
not far from wrong in their contention :

To Giles C. Dana for arresting and keeping L. Thomas and

Joseph McMeehan $ 2.50

Amos Stevens for conveying Thornton Hollis to Schuyler

county 49-50

William Compher for conveying Webster Evans to Putnam

county 29.00

William Compher for conveying Joseph McAIeehan to

Putnam county 29.00

William Compher for pursuing Thornton Hollis 9.37

William Compher for bringing two prisoners from Put-
nam jail 3100

Obadiah JMolley, sherilt Putnam county, for keeping Evans

from November 21 to April 22 68.50

Obadiah ]\Iotley for keeping McMeehan November 28, to

April 22 65.37

Total for three prisoners $284.25

THE FIRST .T.\IL BUILDING

It was therefore ordered that lot 3 in block 37 be set apart for the site of
a jail. The contract for the building was let to George De Pree, who was awarded
on his contract at the April term, 1835, the sum of $381, which was probably but
a portion of the contract price. The description of this building in Ballance's
history is as follows: "About the year 1834 a jail was built of square logs, on
the alley between Main and Hamilton and between Monroe and Perry streets.
It was sixteen feet square and fourteen feet high. The lower story was con-
structed of three thicknesses of logs, two lying horizontally and the one between
them standing perpendicularly, so that should any attempt be made to bore the
logs, the perpendicular ones would come down and stop the hole. The upper
story was only one thickness of logs. To give strength, these logs were dove-
tailed at the corners. Above the strong room there was a strong floor and trap

•lAii. AM) (orirriKii sK ix is4.-,

I'EoKlA's FIKST ( ( H irii i( ush:. iirii/r i\ is:;(i

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 111

door. Through this trap door prisoners were passed and then the ladder drawn
up. The rtoor of the lower part was made of timbers fitted close together and
the whole covered with oaken planks sjjiked down." Xo mention is made of
any windows in the lower story and when the building was first constructed
there probably were none, for at the March term. 1839. Henry Hahn was ordered
to put one in. This was the only jail building in the county until 1849. when a
new one was erected. When it was replaced the lot was sold to Halsey O. .Merri-
man, June g. 1847, for $150. Soon after the erection of the jail a log cabin
was built on the same lot for the use of the janitor. Daniel Bristol was the
contractor and was paid $2.70 at the June term for his work.

THE SECOND J.ML

The second jail was erected in 1849 on the corner of Washington and North
Fayette (now Eaton) streets. On June 7, 1844, the commissioners' court had
ordered notices to be published in the Press and Register, newspapers then pub-
lished in Peoria, inviting the submission of plans at the coming September term
for a jail to be constructed of stone. The records do not show that anything
further was done in this matter until December 4. 1845. when a contract was
let to George O. Kingsley for the erection of a jail for $6,640. At the March
term, 1846. lot i. No. i of the subdivision of lots i and 3 in block 18, was chosen
as the site for the new bastile. Chester Hamlin was appointed superintendent
of the work, for which he was to have two per cent commission. Charles Ul-
richson, an architect, was allowed $10 for examining the plans and specifica-
tions, but what they were, the records do not show. After having made some
progress in his work, for which he was paid $616, Kingsley 's contract was re-
scinded at the September term 1846. For that reason the work was suspended
and nothing further was done until the December term, when the clerk was
directed to advertise for proposals to be submitted at the January term, 1847,
for the building of a jail according to plans and specifications in the clerk's
office. On January 6, 1847, the contract was let to Thomas Turbit, Thomas P.
Smith and William Smith, farmers, then living in that part of the county which
afterwards became known as Logan township. The contract price was $7,450.

Three years after it had been commenced, or, to be exact, on April 14, 1849,
the new jail building was accepted as fullv completed and on settlement there
was found due the contractors the sum of $1,695.99. This sum w-as allowed,
notwithstanding the contractors had placed upon the building a temporary roof
instead of a copper roof required of them in the contract. From this it seems
they had been relieved.

That part of the new .structure which fronted the street liad the appearance
of an ordinary brick building. It was brick and was used for the sheriff's
home, while the rear portion, or jail proper, was stone. The cells were on the
first floor and arranged around the outer walls, in which grated windows were
inserted. A hall separated the two ranges of cells. On the second floor was a
large room called the debtor's room, which w'as intended for the imprisonment
of imfortunates not able, or refusing to pay their debts. As this barbarous
practice became illegal, the room was later used as a place of confinement for
female prisoners.

THE THIRD J.ML

In 1867 the board of supervisors bought the lot on wliich the present jail
is located, for the sum of $6,000. It had originally belonged to the county but
after having olitained title to the county seat site, the county commissioners
had sold the lot for $75. The new jail was completed at a cost of $75,000 and
was placed in custody of the sheriff on the 24th day of January, 1869.

112 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

THE FIRST COURT HOUSE

It was at the June term, 1833, that initial steps were taken for the building
of a court house. The clerk was ordered to advertise in the Sangamon Journal
for sealed proposals to be delivered at the clerk's office until the 9th day of July-
following, for the furnishing of 150,000 brick on the public square, at which
time contracts would be awarded, also at the same time contracts would be let
for the stone and lumber that might be wanted in the construction of a court
house. .At the l^larch term, 1834, Reuben B. Hamlin, one of the contractors
for furnishing lumber, was allowed $15 for a drawing of the proposed court
house. Bids for brick were received at the July term, 1833, and the contract
for the same was awarded to Samuel Hackelton at $5 per thousand, and the
firm of Moffatt & Hamlin was awarded the lumber contract. The brick used
in the building was burned at the foot of the bluff near Knoxville avenue by
Moore & Pitt, who had in their employ at the time Robert Smith, later a resident
of Mossville.

At the January term, 1834, John Hamlin was made agent to procure rock
and have it placed upon the ground for the foundation and also to procure
hewn timber for the court house upon the best terms obtainable. The clerk
was directed to advertise in the Sangamon Journal, Beardstown Chronicle and
St. Louis Republic that sealed proposals would be received at the clerk's office
ujitil the third day of the next term for the mason work in the foundation
walls and also the brick work, the county to furnish the materials. Proposals
were also asked for the carpenter work exclusive of the doors and windows,
plans and specifications to be sent to the clerk's office.

The query might here arise as to why these notices were not published in a
Peoria paper, and the answer is, there was no paper published in Peoria at
that time.

The contract for the mason work was awarded to Charles W. McClallan,
and the carpenter work to George B. Macy, at the March term, 1834. John
Hamlin was released as agent to procure materials, and at the April term fol-
lowing Francis Voris was selected to superintend the erection of the building
and served in that capacity until July 10, when he was succeeded by Isaac
Waters. By this time work was progressing on the new county building, and
at the June term, 1834, orders were entered for the payment for the first work
done thereon :

F. Voris, digging 853^ yards foundation at 10 cents

per yard $ 8.50

C. W. McCkllan for quarrying 58 window sills at 62^4
cents each, 2 door sills at 623/^ cents each, and 200

feet water table at 6yi cents per foot 50.00

Alvah Moftatt for hauling 16.621^

George .Martin for pine plank 283.00

John H. Dusenberry for time and $5.00 advanced for

quarrying rock 6.123^

From what has been related the reader will at once see that a great deal of
work in connection with the new court house devolved upon the commissioners'
court. At a special term held in July, 1834, Joseph Mitchell was paid for haul-
ing caps, sills, water tables and scaffold poles. Alva Moffatt was refunded
$150 for money advanced to purchase lumber; C. W. McClallan $50 for mason
work ; and John Pitt for hauling caps and sills. At the October term John
Hamlin was again appointed agent to procure materials, the lack of which had
caused delay in the progress of the work.

The first plans for this building made no provision for ornamentation but
after the four walls had reached completion it was determined that a portico

.MOTl)l!( V( I.K I'Ol.K i;.\li:.\ L\ FlldXI (iF ( 11 V I'KISOX

I'A'ir.oL IIOLSE. PEORIA

HISTORY OI- PEORIA COUNTY 113

and cupola should be added ; consequently, at the April term, 1836, Joshua
Bowman was awarded a contract for foundation stone for the columns, the
same to be four feet square, ten inches thick and to cost $35.

At the August term, Joshua ISowman was awarded a contract to furnish,
cut and lay stone steps around the piazza and up to the back door of the court
house at 62^^ cents per foot. On October i6th Charles W. McClallan was
ordered paid $100 on his contract for plastering, and soon thereafter the No-
vember term of circuit court convened and seems to have been in the new
court house while in an unfinished state, for at the December term, Reuben
Hamlin, William P. BUxton, Nathaniel Dyes, John Brown, Albert Hurd and
Job Ross were allowed compensation for suspension work on the court house
during the sitting of circuit court. At the same term Henry Gilbert on the
part of the county and \V. A. I'.lair on the part of Reuben B. Hamlin assessed
the additional compensation demantled by the latter, as follows :

To additional size of building $ 300.OO

To one extra window 1 1.50

To extra work on windows 75oo

To balustrades around bell deck 50.00

To damages for failure on part of contract S/O.oo

To hindrance for lumber this summer 50.00

To glue 20, at 31^ cents 6.25

To extra work on capitals 150.00

To cash paid for labor 1.50

To cash paid for drayage .50

$1,214.75

At this time, while the court house had not reached completion, it was far
enough advanced to admit of occupancy of a portion of the first story, which
was divided into six rooms. Plorace P. Johnson, an attorney, was granted
leave to occupy room No. 2 from and after the 9th of December. On the nth
Joshua Bowman was awarded a contract for building and erecting four plain,
round columns in front of the court house, to be completed by the ist day of
July following, at $10 per foot, running measure. C. W. ]\IcClallan was also
given a contract to ornament the court room by putting a cornice around the
ceiling. Both these contracts were settled for at the June term 1836, and the
court house was practically finished.

It seems to have been the aim of the county commissioners, business man-
agers of the county, to make the court house in a measure pay for itself, for
there are entries showing that several rooms were rented to parties who had
no official relation to the county. As has been stated, Horace P. Johnson was
granted leave to occupy room No. 2 on the ground floor of the building, for
which he was assessed as rent $50 per year. Others to whom rooms were rented
were Charles Kettelle, who secured room No. 3, and E. N. Powell, room No. 5,
all at the same rent. The grand jury room given over to A. M. Hunt at $45
the year, with liberty of the grand jury to occupy it during the sitting of the
circuit court. At the July term, 1837, No. 4 was rented to Onslow Peters until
the December term, for $12.50. At the December term there was a re-letting
as follows : No. 2, to Horace P. Johnson and Jacob Gale ; No. 3, to Charles
Kettelle; No. 4, to Onslow Peters; and No. 5 to E. N. Powell, at $50. There
was a re-letting of the rooms the next year. Horace P. Johnson retained No.
2; Charles Kettelle was given No. 3; Peters & Gale, No. 4; George B. Parker,
who had recently been elected probate justice of the peace. No. 5 ; and Frizby
& Metcalfe, No. 6, at $50 a year. The jury room was let to Lincoln B. Knowl-
ton at the June term, 1839. with the condition that the jury should use it when
needed. Later some of the partitions were removed and the enlarged rooms

Vol, 1—8

114 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

occupied l)y the sheriff and circuit clerk. On the left of the hall was the county
clerk's office, which was afterwards used by the board of supervisors. Xext to
the county clerk's room was a small one occupied by the county judge, who
also shared it w-ith a hrm of attorneys.

The court room was in the second story, on each side of which was a jury room,
but some years later a balcony was constructed in the portico, which was ap-
proached by thin stairways, one on each side of the main entrance. From that
time onward the court room occupied the entire second floor.

THE SECOND COURT HOUSE

I'.v the year 1838 the court house became insufficient for the needs of the
county and a more secure place for the records became a matter of prime neces-
sity. It was therefore determined to erect a new temple of justice, which was
begun on an elaborate plan that year, but only the first story of the northeast
wing was erected. It was divided lengthwise into two rooms, which were occu-
pied by the circuit and county clerks. It was thoroughly fireproof and although
not pleasing to the eye served the purposes for a period of nearly twenty years.
The present court house is the second and last completed building of the kind
erected in the county. The plans for the one contemplated in 1858 had been
abandoned after part of the building had been completed, but it was not until
the December session of the board of supervisors that concrete action was taken
toward the erection of a new and adequate court house. On the loth of De-
cember, 1874, Horace G. Anderson, chairman of the committee on public build-
ings submitted a report to the board of supervisors in favor of the building of
a new court house. The report concluded with the following resolutions :

"Resolved, i. That the county of Peoria needs a new court house and
that in order to build the same it is necessary to issue county bonds.

"2. That the question of issuing county bonds to the amount of $250,000,
to run not to exceed ten years and to draw not to exceed 8 per cent interest, be
submitted to the legal voters at the next April election.

"3. That the county clerk be instructed to give the proper notice that the
question will be submitted to be voted upon at that election and that he cause
to be printed on the ballots to be used at that election "for county bonds' and
"against county bonds' as provided by law."

After amending the resolutions so as to change the time of voting from
April to the next November election, they were adopted by a vote of 16 to 9.

The vote on the question of issuing jjonds was submitted to the electors of
the county at the November election of 1875 and the proposition was carried by
a majority of 1,516. There were 6,910 votes cast. Plans were at once adver-
tised for and after many had been submitted for examination, those of the
firm of Wilcox & Miller." architects of Chicago, were adopted March 31, 1876.
The contract for the building was let to Philip H. Decker, of Chicago, May
12, 1876, his bid being $206,071.31. Work at once began on the new building
and on Saturday, September 30, 1876, the corner stone was laid, with very
simple ceremonies. Addresses were made on that occasion by Jonathan K.
Cooper, one of the pioneer members of the bar, and Hon. Joseph "W. Cochran,
judge of the circuit court. After the speeches, Thomas Cratty, member of the
bar, and Mark M. Aiken, one of the oldest settlers of the county, placed within
the stone a number of documents and articles of historical value.

Early in the month of November, 1878, the building was completed, and on
the 1 8th the event was celebrated by a grand reception to the public, which ter-
minated with a banquet, at which time a number of speeches were delivered,
being preceded, however, with prayer by Rev. J. D. Wilson, rector of Christ
English Reformed church. The orators of the occasion were Judges David
McCulloch, loseph W. Cochran and Sabin D. Puterbaugh, and Messrs. Law-
rence W. James, Washington Cockle, Thomas Cratty, ^McCoy, Tipton, Cremer

PEORIA torXIV ( (IL'KTIIOI.'SE

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 115

and Fuller. The day was spent by a vast throng of visitors to the building and
by night time their numbers liad increased amazingly. The banquet was pre-
pared by Charles H. Deane, proprietor of the Peoria House, which was dis-
cussed by about 250 persons. The total cost of the building, to which, as a
matter of course, various additions and changes have been made after the plans
had been adopted, was $248,968.70. The clock in the tower was manufactured
by the Seth Thomas Clock Company, of New York ; the bell, which weighs
four thousand pounds, was made at the McNeely & Kimberly bell works, Troy,
New York, both bell and clock furnished by the American Clock Company of
New York, cost $2,495.

The architects' description of this beautiful building is as follows: "Style,
Venetian Italian; plan, cruciform, with grand colonnade entrance or porticoes,
42 feet wide on the two fronts; at Main and Hamilton street fronts, two story
colonnades and arcades; size, 177 feet front by 90 feet on Main and Hamilton;
height to cornices, 90 feet, and to top of lantern, 166 feet from the base line.
Material of exterior w'alls Amherst stone from the Clough cjuarry near Cleve-
land, Ohio."

"The old court house was sold to David P)Urns for $250 to be removed
within ten days. On Saturday, the 13th of May, the members of the Peoria
bar, many of whom had grown old in the practice of their profession beneath
its shadow, assembled in the court room of the condemned structure for a
formal leave-taking before the work of demolition should commence. Jonathan
K. Cooper presided, speeches were made by Judge Gale, E. G. Johnson, E. P.
Sloan, D. '5lcCulloch, Judge I.oucks and John Holmes. The speeches were
full of reminiscences incident to the court houses, lawyers and judges of early
times. Some of them were historical, some humorous, but all appropriate to
the occasion."

THE COUNTY INFIRM.\RY

Every commimity has its helpless and indigent individuals who through
stress of circumstances, disease or shiftlessness become a care and oft times a
burden upon the community at large. Provision for supplying them with food
and shelter are incumbent upon the taxpayers, and in conseciuence of this fact
the county commissioners' court on the iith day of December, 1847, purchased
of William Alitchell the south half of the northeast c|uarter of section 9. town-
ship 8 north, 7 east, to be used as a comity farm, for the sum of $i,ocxd. There
were buildings on the place at the time which were considered sufficient for
the needs of the county, and provisions were made to prepare them for occu-
pancy by the ist of February, ensuing. Furniture and provisions were secured
and the commissioners in person made all necessary arrangements for the sup-
port and accommodation of those who should come under their care. From a
number of ap]ilicants, Hiram Partridge was selected as superintendent of the
infirmary, and on tiie 2(1 day of February, 1848, he w^as appointed to the posi-
tion, at a salary of $275, after giving bond to the county in the sum of $1,000.
On the 9th of Alarch notice w-as published in the newspapers requiring all per-
sons chargeable to the county to be conveyed to the new home for the indigent.
On the 7th of February, 1849, Hiram Partridge w-as reappointed superintendent
for another year, and for his wife's services and that of his three boys, also the
use of a cow and a yoke of oxen, he was to receive $373 for the ensuing year.
This was Partridge's last appointment by the commissioners' court, but he was
kept in the position for several years by the board of supervisors.

In 1865 the board of supervisors bought a tract of land, consisting of one
hundred and sixty acres, known as the Herron farm, adjoining the land already
secured, for which was paid $9,000. This increased the county farm to two
hundred and forty acres. In February, 1869, the building committee of the
board reported, among others, a bid for the construction of an infirmary build-

116 IIIS'I'ORV ()!• r'EORIA COUXTV

ing according to plans and specifications already adopted, by G. L. Royce for
$50,000. The rejjort also set forth that the committee had prepared a bill to be
presented to the legislature, authorizing the board to issue bonds to the amount
of $0o,ooo, to pay for the erection of the building, but the board determined
to only spend 830,000 for that purpose and accordingly let the contract to
Charles Ulrichson. In the month of February, 1870, the building was com-
pleted and turned over to the county by the contractor. The total cost, including
lieating apparatus and outhouses, amounted to $37,950. To this should be added
$500, voted by the board to be paid Contractor Ulrichson, in recognition of the
faithful and honest performance of his work.

COUNTY HOME FOR THE INS.\NE

At the December ( 1880) session of the board of supervisors a committee
was appointed to secure plans for a building to l)e used in caring for the insane
of the count} . Plans were adopted by the committee and so reported at the
following March term, but no action was taken thereon, as legislation pertinent
to the subject was at that time progressing in the general assembly. The matter
again came up before the board at the March session of 1882, Charles Ulrichson
submitting plans for a building to cost $28,390, w'hich were adopted, and no
further action was taken until at the September session, when the proposition
to issue $50,000 in bonds was carried by the board and ratified by the electors
of the county at the November election.

In April, 1883, the board of supervisors awarded to A. F. Miller the con-
tract for the erection of the main building for the insane, which was completed
the following December at a cost of about $37,000. The structure is of brick
and three stories in height. It was built contiguous to the main building of the
infirmary and when the latter was destroyed by fire in March, 1886, it was not
touched by the flames.

The main, building of the county farm, the walls of which were standing
after the fire, was rebuilt by Contractor Fred Meintz, and completed in De-
cember, 1886, the total cost of which was $17,021. The insurance money re-
ceived on the old building, $14,030.43, went a long way toward meeting this
unanticipated expense. The last extension improvement made here was the
erection of a hospital building. This building was started late in 1896 and com-
pleted in the early fall of 1897, at a total cost of $11,419. It has a capacity of
sixty patients and is modern in its conveniences. There are now two hundred
inmates at this home for the infirm and indigent of the county, who are well
provided for. The present superintendent is D. J. Davis.

n.LINOIS .\SYI.UM FOR THE INCUR.\BLE INS.\NE

One of the great eleemosynary institutions of the state, the Illinois Asylum
for the incurable insane, is located at the suburban town of Bartonville, in Lime-
stone township, and to certain energetic, charitably disposed women of Peoria,
may be given credit for the selection of Peoria as the location for this great
home for the state's unfortunates. In his report to the governor in 1904, Dr.
George A. Zeller, superintendent, among other things, had the following to say:

"As local federations of charities multiplied and county supervision of alms-
houses became more strict, the necessity of state care for incurables became more
and more apparent, and finally culminated in the formation of an organization
of Peoria women, headed by that able, energetic and public-spirited woman,
Clara Parsons P.ourland. then, as now, president of the Women's Club.

"These women agitated the question through the local and state press be-
fore meetings of men and women in many localities, they besieged the conven-
tions of both parties and secured endorsement of their views and finally sent a
lobby to Springfield to present the matter to the legislature, where, in the ses-

liriu'ial KitrlH'ii('a|Jarity I'iftccii 'riKuis.iihl McaU Daily

'I'Ih' Xiirsi's" Home, witli (liiiii|i .ii Iiiiiiatr> in tlii' lMirc.i;iiiiiiiil

'l'y|iifal t'dttafic \ iiii's and Flowers. Sliowini; Inmates' ( are

HAirmw ii.i.K .\svi.i\\i Fill; insank

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 117

sion of 1895, they finally succeeded in securing an appropriation of $65,000
for the erection of a main building, so constructed as to permit of extensive
additions.

"In the meantime an organization of Peoria citizens became active in secur-
ing desirable sites and a commission named by Governor Altgeld, consisting of
Hon. John Finley, of Peoria, Hon. J. J. McAndrevvs, of Chicago, and Hon.
Henry \\". Alexander, of Joliet, selected the site oftered by the people of
Bartonville — a clean donation of three hundred and eighteen acres of land, paid
for out of voluntary subscriptions secured by a commission headed by Joseph
P. Barton, and others.

"The fact that the first building was found defective and unsafe, owing to
the discovery that it was located over abandoned coal drifts, perhaps proved
a blessing rather than a misfortune, since it enabled the succeeding governor,
John R. Tanner, through his al)le adviser, Dr. Frederick H. Wines, secretary
of the State Board of Charities, to re-plan and re-construct it upon the present
magnificent and niotlern lines. Its construction occupied the whole of Governor
Tanner's term and he left no greater monument than the splendidly eciuipped in-
stitution. It came into the hands of Governor Yates as the unfinished task
of two previous governors, and he made it the object of his special solicitude,
succeeding not only in securing for it the necessary funds to permit of its
opening on February 10, 1902, for the reception of seven hundred inmates,
but in the legislature of 1903 he again urged measures which doubled its ca-
pacity."

'1 he original plan was for one large building with wings, the building of
which was practically completed when the scheme was changed to the cottage
system, and in all probability that was the real reason for discarding the struc-
ture already erected at a large expenditure of money, for as a matter of fact,
while the building was located upon an abandoned coal mine, the roof of the
mine was one hundred and fifty feet from the outer surface of the ground.
The change of plans, however, was a most desirable one. The cottage system
was selected and now, in addition to the administration buikling and nurses'
home, there are some thirty or forty cottages.

In 1910 a beautiful octagonal building, the circle being composed prac-
tically all of glass and capable of seating one thousand patients, was con-
structed as a dining hall, and otTers a most pleasing contrast to the numerous
cottages of uniform design.

In 1 9 12 the construction of a new administration building was commenced,
which, when finished, will cost about $75,000. The last biennial report, pub-
lished in June, 1910, showed the actual daily average jiopulation present at
this institution during the entire two years of 1909 and 1910 was 2,089.

Dr. (leorge A. Zeller is the present superintendent and has been in charge
of the institution since it was first opened in 1902.

COUNTY F.'MRS

The Peoria Agricultural Society was formed in the year 1841. Smith
Dunlap was the first president; John C. Flanagan, recording secretary; Amos
Stevens, corresponding secretary ; and Peter Sweat, treasurer. There were
fifteen members in all. I'Vom this time on it held its annual meets at various
places, the third one in the town of Kickapoo. That year new officers were
elected. William J. Phelps was chosen jiresident ; John Armstrong and Samuel
T. McKean, vice ]iresidents ; John C. I'lanagan, recording secretary; Thomas
N. Wells, corresponding secretary. The records were kept in so indifferent a
manner as to make it impossible to give any account of subsequent meetings
of the association up to the year 1855. However, that year twenty acres of
land, now known as the Taole Grove Addition to the city of Peoria, was pur-
chased, and in 1856 a fraction over two acres more were added. Buildings
were erected and fairs were held there for several vears.

118 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

The society was reorganized in 1855 under the name of Peoria County
Agricultural and Mechanical Society, and fairs were held under that name
until 1872. The board of supervisors who had purchased the ground, leased it
to the society May 4, 1871, for a period of ninety-nine years, upon a nominal
rental of one dollar per year, and upon condition that the county fairs should
be held there annually. At this time it was thought probable that state fairs
would at times be held here but the grounds were so remote from railroad
stations and difficult of access that they were found unsuitable and the Peoria
Fair Association was organized early in the year 1873, with a capital stock
of $50,000. This new society purchased a tract of land lying on the east side
of the Rock Island & Peoria railroad, containing about thirty-five acres, and
fitted the grounds for the accommodation of the state fair, as well as for county
fairs. State fairs were held there in the years 1873 and 1874, with a fair
measure of success. In the '90s the state fair was permanently located at Spring-
field, and the capital being within such easy distance for the people of Peoria
county to reach with a small expenditure of time and money, the local meet-
ings were superseded and have ceased to be held.

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Nathan Dillon, 1825-27; Joseph Smith, 1825-26; William Holland, 1825-27;
John Hamlin, 1826-28; George Sharp, 1827-31; Henry Thomas, 1827-28; Isaac
Egman, 1828-30; Francis Thomas, 1828-30 ; Stephen French, 1830-32; John
Hamlin, 1830-31; Resolved Cleveland, 1831-32; John Coyle, 1831-36; Aquilla
Wren, 1832-34; Edwin S. Jones, 1832-34.

CLERKS OF THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT AND COUNTY CLERKS

Norman Hyde, March to June, 1825; John Dixon, 1825-30; Stephen Still-
man, (resigned) 1830-31; Isaac Waters, 1831-35; William Mitchell (died ii
office) 1835-49; Ralph Hamlin, (to fill vacancy) 1849; Charles Kettelle, 1849
65; John D. McClure, 1865-82; James T. Pillsbury, 1882-90; James E. Walsh,
1890-94; Charles A. Rudel, (resigned) 1894-1900; John A. West, June 16, (to
fill vacancy) 1900; Lucas I. Butts, 1900-06; Oscar Heinrich, 1906-.

JUDGES OF PROB.XTE COURT .\ND PR0B.\TE JUSTICES OF PE.\CE

Norman Hyde (died in office), 1825-32; Andrew M. Hunt. 1832-37; George
B. Parker, 1837-39; Edward Dickinson, 1839-43; William H. Fessenden, 1843-
47; Thomas Bryant, 1847-49.

At this point the office of probate justice of the peace was abolished and juris-
diction in probate matters was conferred upon the county courts created by the
new constitution. The constitution of 1870 provided for the reorganization of
probate courts in counties having 70,000 population. Peoria county having in
1890 attained the requisite population, the office of judge of the probate court
was revived, the following being the list of incumbents since that period :

Leslie D. Puterbaugh (resigned), 1890-97; Joseph W. Maple (to fill vacancy),
1897-98; Mark M. Bassett, 1898-1906; Leander O. Eagleton, 1906-10; A. M.
Otman, 1910-.

PROBATE CLERKS

George M. Gibbons, 1890-94; Fitch C. Cook, 1894-98; Charles A. Roberts,
1 898-.

COUNTY JUDGES

Thomas Brvant (with two assistants for county business until 1850). 1849-
57; Wellington Loucks, 1857-61 ; John C. Folliott, 1861-65; John C. Yates, 1865-

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 119

82; Lawrence \\'. James, (resigned), 1882-1890; Israel C. Pinkney, 1890; Samuel

D. Wead, 1890-94; Robert H. Lovett, 1894-1902; W. I. Slemmons, 1902-10;
Clyde E. Stone, 1910-.

COUNTY TREASURERS

Aaron Hawley, March 8, 1825; George Sharp, March 14, 1827; Norman
Hyde. April, 1827; Simon Crozier, June, 1827-28; John Hamlin, 1828-29; Henry
P. Stillnian, 1829-30; Isaac Waters, 1830-32; Asahel Hale, 1832-37; Rudolphus
Rouse. 1837-38; Ralph Hamlin, 1838-39; Joseph C. Fuller, 1839; Allen L.
Fahnestock, 1865-67; Thomas A. Shaver, 1867-69; Edward C. Silliman, 1869-
71; Isaac Taylor, 1871-82; Frederick D. Weinette, 1882-86; Henry H. Forsythe,
1886-90; Charles Jaeger, 1890-94; Adolph H. Barnewolt, 1894-98; Jacob F.
Knupp. 1898-1902; Frederick Olander, 1902-06; William P. Gauss, 1906-10;
Lewis M. Hines, 1910; Amos Stevens, 1839-41; Charles Kettelle, 1841-43; Wil-
liam M. Dodge, 1843-45; Ralph Hamlin, 1845-51: John A. McCoy, 1851-55;
Joseph Ladd, 1855-59; Isaac Brown, 1859-65.

CIRCUIT CLERKS

John Dixon, 1825-30; Stephen Stillman, 1830-31; Isaac Waters, 1831-35;
Lewis Bigelow, 1835-39; William Mitchell, 1839-45; Jacob Gale. 1845-56; Enoch
P. Sloan, 1856-64; Thomas Mooney, 1864-68; George A. Wilson, 1868-76; lohn
A. West, 1876-80; James E. Walsh, 1880-88; Francis G. Minor, 1888-92; James

E. Pillsbury, 1892-96; Thaddeus S. Simpson, 1896-1908; Richard A. Kellogg,
1908-.

state's ATTORNEYS

Prior to tlie year 1853, '' does not appear that Peoria had any resident state's
attorney. After the formation of the sixteenth circuit, and until 1870, the state's
attorney was elected for the entire circuit. Since the adoption of the new con-
stitution of that year, each county has elected its own. The following is the list
of state's attorneys from 1S53 until the present time, all of whom have resided
in Peoria.

Elbridge G. Johnson. 1853-56; Alexander McCoy, 1856-64; Charles P. Tag-
gart, 1864-67 ; George Puterbaugh. 1867-72 ; William Kellogg, 1872-80 ; Alva
Loucks, 1880-83; John M. Niehaus, 1883-92; Richard J. Cooney, 1892-96; John
Dailey, 1896-1900; William \'. Teft, 1900-1904: Robert Scholes, 1904-.

sheriffs

Samuel Fulton, 1825-28; Orin Hamlin, 1828-30: Henry B. Stillman, 1830-
32 ; John W.Caldwell, 1832-34; William Compher, (resigned), 1834-35; Thomas
Bryant, 1835-40; Christopher Orr, 1840-42; Smith Frye, 1842-46; William
Compher (vacated office — left deputy in charge), 1846-50; Clark Cleveland,
(depty), 1850; James L. Riggs, 1850-52; Leonard B. Cornwell, 1852-54; David
D. Irons, 1854-56; Francis W. Smith, 1856-58; John Bryner, 1858-60; James
Stewart, 1860-62; J- A. J. Murray, 1862-64; George C. McFadden, 1864-66; Frank
Hitchcock, 1866-68; Samuel L. Gill, 1868-70; Frank Hitchcock, 1870-80; Samuel
L. Gill, 1880-82; Cyrus L. Berry, 1882-86; Warren Noel, 1886-90; Cyrus L.
Berry, 1890-94; Charles E. Johnston, 1894-98; John W. Kimsey, 1898-1902;
Daniel E. Potter, 1902-06; Lewis M. Hines. 1906-10; Francis G. Minor, 1910-.

SCHOOL commissioners AND SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS

Jeriel Root. 1831-33; Andrew M. Hunt, 1833-37: Charles Kettelle. 1837-45;
Ezra G. Sanger, 1845-47; Clark B. Stebbins, 1847-51: Ephraim Hinman, 1851-
55; David McCulloch, 1855-61 ; Charles P. Taggart, 1861-63; William G. Randall,

120 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

1863-65; X. E. Worthington, 1865-73; ^I^ry E. VVhitesides, 1873-77; James E.
Pillsbury, 1877-82; Mary Whitesides Emery, 1882-90; AloUie O'Brien, 1890-94;
Joseph 1'.. Robertson, 1894-1902; Claude U. Stone, 1902-10; John Arleigh Hayes,
1910-.

COUNTY SL'RVEVORS

Norman Hyde, 1832; Charles Ballance, 1832; Thomas Phillips, 1835-39;
George C. .McFadden, 1839-49; Henry W. McFadden, 1849-53; Daniel B. Allen,
1853-57: Samuel Farmer, 1857-59; Richard Russell, 1859-61; Daniel B. Allen,
1861-65 ; Luther F. Nash, 1865-67; Charles Spaulding, 1867-69; Arthur T. Birkett,
1869-75; Robert Will, 1875-76; Daniel B. Allen, 1876-96; Leander King, 1896-97;
Charles H. Dunn, 1897-.

CORONERS

William E. Phillips, 1825-26; Henry Neeley, 1826-28; Resolved Cleveland,
1828-32; William A. Stewart, 1832-36; John Caldwell, 1836-37; Edward F. Now-
land, 1837-38; Jesse Miles, 1838-40; James Mossman, 1840-42; Chester Hamlin,
1842-44; tereniiah Williams, 1^844-48; John C. Heyle, 1848-50; Charles Kimbel,
1850-52; Ephraim Hinman, 1852-56; Milton McCormick, 1856-58: John N. Nig-
las", 1858-60; Charles Feinse, "1860-62; Thomas H. Antcliff. 1862-64; Willis B.
Goodwin, 1864-68: Philip Eichorn, 1868-70; Willis B. Goodwin, 1870-76; Michael
M. Powell, 1876-82; John Thompson, 1882-84; James Bennett, 1884-92; Henry
Hoeffer, 1892-96; Samuel Harper, 1896-1904; R. Leslie Baker, 1904-08; William
B. Elliott, 1908-.

CHAPTF.R X\'I
"old peorias" home of the French and Indians founded about 1763 — in 1778

THE NEW VILLAGE WAS ESTAHLISHED BY JEAN BAPTISTE MAILETT AND SINCE

known as fort CLARK, THE PRESENT CITY OF PEORIA THE VILLAGE DESTROYED

IN 1812 — DESCRIPTION OF EARLY INHABITANTS AND THEIR HOMES — SOME WHO
LIVED IN OLD PEORIA SETTLEMENT OF FRENCH CLAIMS TO TRACTS OF LAND.

At the time ni the cession of the Ilhiiois countr\' l)y France to England (1/63),
there was a village composed of I'rench and Indians, on the west bank of Lake
Peoria, near the foot of Caroline street, which extended as far as "Birket's
Hollow." Here a fort had been erected and the place was known as "Old Peoria's
Fort and \'illage." When the fort was built is not definitely known. It was
probably put up soon after the destruction of Fort Creve Coeur. In his "Pioneer
History of Illinois" Governor Reynolds says :

"The Traders — their voyageurs, and others in their employment, occupied
this post, more or less, ever since its first establishment. As it has been said,
the Indian trade of that section of the country was better than at any other point.
This made it to the interest of the traders to occupy the place.

"Peoria never, in ancient times, was as large a village as either Kaskaskia or
Cahokia, but it is more ancient than either of them. La Salle, when he first saw
the country, was charmed with the beauty of the place and established a fort
there. He also knew the resources of the country arising from the In<lian trade,
which was another, and perhaps a greater, inducement to erect his grand depot
here for the Indian trade than for any other consideration.

"In the first settlement of the country, the missionaries settled at this point,
and had their flocks of the young natives around them. Peoria can boast of
a higher anti(|uity than any other town in Illinois, and about the same date with
St. Josephs, Green Bay, Mackinaw and Detroit.

"The French cultivated some ground, more or less, at Peoria, for more than
one hundred years past. They cultivated at the old village to some e.xtent and
at the new one since the year 1778, when it was commenced by Maillet. It will
be seen by the report of the United States officers, sustained by positive proof,
that one .-\ntoine St. Francois had a family in Peoria in the year 1765, and
cultivated a field of corn adjacent to the village.

"Other inhabitants also resided there at the same time and lone before. It
is true, most of the citizens were Indian traders and those living on the trade ;
but this trade required support by men and provisions which were both furnished,
to some extent, by the settlers of Peoria."

Peoria was in the early and strenuous days an important military and trading
post, as shown by the famous treaty of Greenville. Under that treaty sixteen
military or trading posts were ceded to the government, one of which was de-
scribed as "one piece (land) six miles square at Old Peoria's Fort and \^illage,
near the south end of the Illinois lake, on the said Illinois river." Thus it will
be seen that the village of Peoria was one of a chain of trading posts with a fort,
extending from Detroit by way of Michilimackinac and Chicago, to the mouth
of the Illinois river.

Of the remote history of Peoria and when it was first settled liy white men

121

122 TTISTORY OF PEORIA COUXTY

there are some discrepancies among historians. It is said, however, that in the
spring of 1712 a party of Frenchmen came from Fort St. Louis (Starved Rock)
and estabhshed a trading post among the Indians at this place ; but that is dis-
puted. It is a fact, however, that for many years the only inhabitants of the
primitive village of Peoria were the French and Indians ; and the houses were
built about one and a half miles above the lower end of Lake Peoria. Later,
about 1778, one Jean Baptiste Maillet, formed a settlement about one and a half
j miles i)elow the old village, which was known as Fort Clark. By 1797 the old
' village had been entirely deserted for the new.

N. Matson, long since deceased, who had been one of the pioneers of Prince-
ton, the capital of Bureau county, published a small volume of history in 1882,
which he entitled "The Pioneers of Illinois." In the preface to this work Mr.
Matson tells his readers that he had visited descendants of French pioneers, then
living in the "American Bottom," and had heard them relate the stories of their
forebears. As these persons were of the third and fourth generation a repetition
of their narrations can only be given in the way of tradition, especially that part
pertinent to the village of Peoria and its people. Mr. Matson says:

"According to the statement of Antoine Des Champs, Thomas Forsyth and
others, who had long been residents of Peoria previous to its destruction in 18 12,
we infer that the town contained a large population. It formed a connecting link
between the settlements on the Mississippi and Canada, and being situated in
the midst of an Indian country caused it to be a fine place for the fur trade.
The town was built along the beach of the lake, and to each house was attached
an outlet for a garden, which extended back on the prairie. The houses were
all constructed of wood, one story high, with porches on two sides, and located
in a garden surrounded with fruits and flowers. Some of the dwellings were
built of hewed timbers set upright, and the space between the posts filled in with
stones and mortar, while others were built of hewed logs notched together after
the style of a pioneer's cabin. The floors were laid with puncheons and the
chimney built with sticks and mud.

"When Colonel Clark took possession of Illinois in 1778 he sent three soldiers,
accompanied by two Frenchmen, in a canoe to Peoria to notify the people that
they were no longer under British rule, but citizens of the United States. Among
these soldiers was a man named Nicholas Smith, a resident of Bourbon county,
Kentucky, and whose son, Joseph Smith, was among the first American settlers
of Peoria. Through this channel we have an account of Peoria as it appeared
a century ago, and it agrees well with other traditional accounts.

"Mr. Smith said Peoria at the time of his visit was a large town, built along
the beach of the lake, with narrow, unpaved streets, and houses constructed of
wood. Back of the town were gardens, stockyards, barns, etc., and among these
was a wine press, with a large cellar or underground vault for storing wine.
There was a church with a large wooden cross raised above the roof, and with
gilt lettering over the door. There was an unoccupied fort on the bank of the
lake and close by it a windmill for grinding grain. The town contained six
stores, or places of trade, all of which were well filled with goods for the Indian
market. The inhabitants consisted of French, half-breeds and Indians, not one
of whom could understand or speak English.

"Among the inhaljitants of Peoria were merchants or traders who made
annual trips to Canada in canoes, carrying thither pelts and furs and loaded back
with goods for the Indian market. They were blacksmiths, wagon makers,
carpenters, shoemakers, etc., and most of the implements used in farming were of
home manufacture. Although isolated from the civilized world, and surrounded
by savages, their standard of morality was high ; theft, robbery or murder were
seldom heard of. They were a gay, happy people, having many social parties,
wine suppers, balls and public festivals. They lived in harmony with the Indians,
who were their neighbors and friends, adopting in part their customs, and in
trade with them accumulated most of their wealth.

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 123

"The dress of both men and women was very plain, made of coarse material,
and the style of their wardrobe was partly luirop'ean and partly Indian. The men
seldom wore a hat, cap or coat, their heads being covered with a cotton handker-
chief, folded on the crown like a nightcaj), or an Arabian turban. Instead of a
coat they wore a loose blanket garment called capote, with a cap of the same
material hanging down at the back of the neck, which could be drawn over the
head as a protection from rain or cold. The women wore loose dresses, made
mostly of coarse material, with their heads covered with a hood or blanket, and
their long hair hanging down their back like an Indian s(|uaw. But these women
were noted for sprightliness in conversation,, with grace and elegance of manners,
and notwithstanding the plainness of their dress many of them were not lacking
in personal charm."

Under the treaty of 1783 between Great Britain and die United States, the
French became citizens of the United States, and when the war of 1812 broke
out the French inhabitants of Peoria were suspected of giving aid to the British,
by furnishing arms and ammunition to the hostile Indians. Especially was this
the case with the leading man in the village, Jean Baptiste Maillet, who was
captain of militia and posed as the friend of the government and as such had
been rewarded. He had been openly charged with stealing cattle and turning
them over to the Indians and Captain Craig had been sent to Peoria, in the autumn
of 1812, to investigate the matter. There being no roads between the southern
part of the territory and Peoria, Captain Craig with his command ascended the
river in small row boats and on the 5th day of November reached Peoria. Upon
his arrival, so he reported to Governor Edwards, he was told the Indians had
all left the village, but this was not true, as his sentinels on the boats had seen
Indians passing through the town with candles and heard their canoes crossing
the river all through the night. On the following night, one of their boats dragged
its anchor and drifted ashore and so, the report continues, in the morning the
boat was fired on, as the Captain thought, by ten or more Indians. He then gave
battle, but the Indians at once took to their heels and esca])ed. This convinced
Captain Craig that the French were in league with the Indians and guilty of
treason and he took all of them prisoners, after having located them all in one
house. How many there were he does not state in his report. He then finished
his work by setting fire to the buildings and practically destroying the town.

In 1820 many claims to title in the land in and about Peoria were set up by
these same French settlers and their representatives. At that time Edward
Coles was register of the United States land ofiice at Edwardsville, and he was
deputized to take proof of these claims. In November of that year he submitted
a report to the secretary of the treasury, part of which is here cjuoted, as it gives,
in a measure, a description of the village which was the forerunner of the present
thriving and growing city of Peoria :

"The old village of Peoria was situated on the northwest shore of Lake Peoria,
about one mile and a half above the lower extremity of the lake. This village
had been inhabited by the French previous to the recollection of any of the present
generation, .About the year 1778 or 1779, the first house was built in what was
then called La\ ille de Alaillet, afterwards the new village of Peoria, and of late
the place has been known by the name of Fort Clark, situated about one mile
and a half Iselow the old village, immediately at the lower point or outlet of Lake
Peoria, tlie situation being preferred on account of the water being better and
its being thought more healthy. The inhabitants gradually deserted the old
village, and by the year 1796 or 1797 had entirely abandoned it and removed to
the new village.

"The inhabitants of Peoria consisted generally of Indian traders, hunters,
and voyageurs, and had formed a link of connection l:)etween the French residing
on the waters of the great lakes and the Mississippi river. From that happy
faculty of ada])ting themselves to their situation and associates for which the
French are so remarkable, the inhabitants of Peoria lived generally in harmony

124 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

with their savage neighbors. It would seem, however, that about the year 1781
they were induced to abandon the village from apprehension of Indian hostilities ;
but' soon after the peace of 1783 they again returned, and continued to reside
there until the autumn of 1812, when they were forcibly removed from it and
the place destroyed by Captain Craig of the Illinois militia, on the ground, as it
is said, that he and his company of militia were fired on in the night, while at
anchor in their boats, before the village, by Indians, with whom the inhabitants
were suspected by Craig to be too intimate and friendly.

"The inhabitants of Peoria, it w-ould appear from all I can learn, settled there
without any grant or permission from the authority of any government; that
the only title they had to their lands was derived from possession, and the only
value attached to it grew out of the improvements placed upon it. That each
person took to himself such portion of unoccupied land as he wished to occupy
and cultivate, and made it his own by incorporating his labor with it, but as soon
as he abandoned it his title was understood to cease, with his possession and
improvements, and it reverted to its natural state, and was liable again to be
improved and possessed by any who should think proper. This, together with
the itinerant character of the inhabitants, will account for the number of persons
who will frequently be found, from the testimony contained in the report, to have
occupied the same lot, many of whom, it will be seen, present conflicting claims.

"As is usual in French villages, the possessions in Peoria consisted generally
of village lots, on which they erected their buildings and made their gardens,
and of outlots or fields, in which they cultivated grain, etc. The village lots con-
tained, in general, about one-half of an arpen of land ; the outlots or fields were
of various sizes, depending on the industry or means of the owner to cultivate
more or less land.

"As neither the old nor new village of Peoria was ever formally laid out or
had defined limits assigned them, it is impossible to have of them an accurate
map. ... I have not been able to ascertain with precision on what par-
ticular quarter sections of the military survey these claims are situated."

SOME WHO LIVED IN OLD PEORI.\

Congress passed an act on the 3d day of March, 1791. in which was a provi-
sion that four hundred acres of land be given to each of those persons who in
the year 1783 were heads of families at Vincennes or in the Illinois country,
and who since then had removed from one place to another within the district,
and also to such as had removed out of the limits of the territory specified, upon
condition of their returning and occupying said lands within five years. The
further provision was made that when lands had been actually improved and
cultivated within the limits mentioned, under grants presumed to be valid, issued
by any commandant or court claiming authority in the premises, the governor
was empowered to confirm said grants to such persons, their heirs or assigns,
or such parts thereof deemed reasonable, not to exceed four hundred acres to any
one person ; also, "That the governor be authorized to make a grant of land,
not exceeding one hundred acres, to each person who hath not obtained any grant
of land from the United States, and who on the first day of August, 1790, was
enrolled in the militia at Vincennes or in the Illinois Country, and has done
militia duty." These provisions resulted unsatisfactorily, however, and congress
passed an act on March 26, 1804, establishing land offices at Mncennes and Kas-
kaskia. Michael Jones was appointed register at the latter settlement, and Elijah
Backus, receiver, "who were vested with authority to receive proof of all claims,
coming under the acts mentioned, and adjudicate them. This commission made
several reports and continued in existence until 1815, when it was terminated.

The grants of land were separated by the register into four classes — ancient
grants; donations to heads of families; donations on account of improvements;
donations to militia men. The records of the land office do not show, however.

EAKl.V I'KtiUIA .MAXSluX. LII'.EUTY STREET BETWEEN .lEFEERSON AND

JIADISON STREETS

Note tho lirownll gables

Te.Corherof Apams .

AND FDLTOI- StREETSAS

rrAPPEAREPir< 1844 ♦ •

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 125

that any claims were filed by Peorians under ancient grants from the I'Vench or
English proprietors, but a number were made under the classification herein
noted, and the following claims were recommended for confirmation:

"Pierre Troge, in the right of his wife Charlotte, who was the daughter and
heir-at-law of Antoine St. Francois, was reported as entitled to four hundred
acres on account of improvements and cultivation, and four hundred on account
of St. Francois, the ancestor having been the head of a family at Peoria in 1783.
It was proved by Louis Pilette, an ancient inhabitant of Cahok'ia, that St. Francois
was the head of a family at Peoria and that he cultivated the land, having a small
field in which he sowed corn in the year 1765; and that he remained there sev-
eral years thereafter; also that Pierre Troge married his daughter. This little
item of evidence lets the light in upon the life of "Old Peoria" at the time when
the sovereignty of the country was transferred from France to Great P>ritain.
The fact that St. Francois remained after that period raises the presumption, at
least, that he became a P.ritish subject ; and the fact of his heir having been
granted land by the government of the United States afl'ords almost conclusive
evidence that he had become a citizen of Virginia or of the United States at or
after the time of the Revolution. Of his wife's name or parentage we have no
information. Nor do we know anything of Pierre Troge, except that he married
the daughter. The name of Louis Pilmette is closely and inseparably connected
with the history of Peoria. It also appears from the report of Edward Coles
that this same Charlotte Troge, nee St. Francois, laid claim to a lot containing
two arpens, situated two miles above Fort Clark, near "Old Fort Peoria." We
therefore discover in this one instance the name of five persons who lived at
"Old Peoria," namely : Antoine St. Francois and his wife, his daughter Char-
lotte, her husband Pierre Troge, and Louis Pilette.

"That Louis Pilette was a good and loyal citizen is shown by the fact that he
received a donation of one hundred acres of land from the government upon
Governor Harrison's confirmation, on account of military services.

"The claims of a large majority of the inhabitants had been sold before being
proved, principally to Nicholas Jarrott, Isaac Darneille, William Russell and
William .Arundel, in whose names the proofs were made. These purchasers will
be disregarded and the names of the original claimants given as the donees.

"To Louis Bihore there was confirmed four hundred acres on account of
improvements and four hundred acres on account of his having been the head
of the family at Peoria in 1783. That Bihore was a very early inhabitant of
Peoria is shown by the fact of his having been a witness on behalf of some of
the oldest claims.

"To Jean Baptiste Sheonberger, alias St. Jean, were confirmed four hundred
acres on account of improvements near the "Old Fort" of Peoria. No other
claim having been made on his behalf, it is to be presumed he was neither the
head of a family nor a militiaman within the terms of the law.

"To Louis Chattlereau were confirmed one hundred acres as a militia man,
four hundred as head of a family at Peoria in 1783, and four hundred on account
of cultivating about forty acres of land and improving the same by building a
house, a horse mill, etc., thereon.

"To Pierre Verbois, alias Blondereau, were confirmed at Peoria one hundred
acres as a militia man. No other information obtainable.

"To Pierre Lavassieur ( dit Chamberlain) were confirmed one hundred acres
as a militia man. This man was also a claimant before Edward Coles for a
lot containing two arpens in the "Old \'illage" and of another lot containing twelve
arpens near the same.

"To John B. Chevy were confirmed four hun<hed acres on account of improve-
ments and four hundred acres as head of a family. It was proved by Louis La-
perche, Louis Boisman and Louis Bihore that Chevy was an inhabitant of Peoria,
that he was the head of a family and cultivated ground, planting it in corn, as early
as the year 1779.

126 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

"To fean 1!. Jourdain, who lived at Peoria, were confirmed four hundred acres
on account of improvements made upon and the cultivation of a farm on Maillet's
river (probably the Kickapoo) where he had a house and jjlanted corn as early
as 1783.

"To Jean B. Amlin, who lived at Peoria from 1779 to 1799, were confirmed
four hundred acres on account of improvements l)y cultivating land and planting
it in corn, also four hundred acres as head of a family in 1783, and one hundred
as a militia man.

"To Francois Arcoit were confirmed four hundred acres on account of
improvements and four hundred acres as the head of a family at Peoria in 1783-
It was proved by Baptiste Pelitier, Pierre Verbois and Jean B. Parent that Arcoit
was the head of a family at Peoria in 1783; that he made improvements near the
village; that he had a house and cultivated ground by planting corn in 1782, but
had to leave on account of the Indians.

"To Louis Brunette were confirmed four hundred acres as head of a family
at Peoria in 1783, which was proved by Jaque Ducharme and Francois \'ailett;
also that he continued to reside there for some time thereafter.

"To Jean B. Parent were confirmed four hundred acres as head of a family
and four hundred on account of his improvements. It was proved by Jean B.
Pointstable (Point de Saible), Jaque Ducharme, Louis Bihore and Pierre Valois
that before and after the year 1783 Parent was the head of a family at Peoria,
that he had a house built and cultivated land near the "Old Fort" in the year 1780,
and that he had a farm and raised crops.

"To Antoine Grandbois were confirmed one hundred acres as a militia man,
which had been confirmed by Governor St. Clair. The location of this grant is
not given, but it is known that Grandbois was a resident of Peoria.

"To Francis Babo (Babeau) were confirmed at Peoria, one hundred acres as
a militia man.

"To .-Vugustus Roque were confirmed four hundred acres on account of
improvements made near Peoria, and four hundred acres as the head of a family
at Peoria in 1783.

To Francois Bouche ( lioucher ) were confirmed four hundred acres on
account of improvements about one league from Peoria (Old Fort), four hun-
dred acres as head of a family at Peoria in 1783, and one hundred acres as a
militia man.

To Etiene Bernard were confirmed four hundred acres as the head of a
family at Peoria in 1783, and on account of improvements four hundred acres near
the River Coteneau (Kickapoo), within three miles of Peoria.

To William Arundel were confirmed on account of improvements three
hundred acres near Peoria, he having already had a military bounty under the
fourth class, also as head of a family at Peoria in 1783 three hundred acres, he
having received a militia right confirmed by the governor.

William Arundel was a man of fine education. He was born in Ireland,
had lived in Canada and some time prior to 1783, came to Peoria with his family
and became a trader, or merchant. Some time thereafter he removed to Cahokia,
where he kept a general stock of merchandise and at the organization of the ter-
ritory was appointed recorder of St. Clair county. He^ was the first secretary
of the first lodge of Masons, which was organized at Kaskaskia, June 3, 1806,
and at an extremely old age died at Kaskaskia, in 1816.

lean Baptiste Point de Sable (often called Pointstable) was another person of
note whose history makes a part of this and Cook county. As the head of a
family his claim for four hundred acres was confirmed and also for another four
hundred acres on account of improvements. Pointstable, as he was called, most
likely for the sake of brevity, was a negro, but as the Indians designated all races
other than Indians as "white," this man became noted as the first white settler
in Chicago. As to the exact date of his arrival in Chicago there is no evidence,
but it was prior to his residence in Peoria, which commenced about 1782. The

HISTORY OF I'EORIA COUNTY 127

most authentic account is in part quoted here, as taken from Mrs. John H. Kin-
zie's (of Chicago) "W'aubun :''

"Jean Baptiste Point-au-Sable, a native of San Domingo, about the year 1796
found his way to this remote region and commenced life among the Indians.
There is usually a strong affection between these two races (negro and Indian),
and Jean Baptiste imposed upon his new friends by making them believe that
he had been a great chief among the whites. Perhaps he was disgusted by not
being elected for a similar dignity by the Pottawottomies, for he quitted this
vicinity and finally terminated his days at Peoria, under the roof of his friend
Glamorgan, another San Domingo negro, who had obtained large Spanish grants
in St. Louis and its environs, and who at one time was in the enjoyment of an
extended landed estate."

It was, probably, not until after the treaty of 1783 that some of the inhabitants
returned to Le \'ille de Alaillet, or New Peoria. Jean Baptiste Maillet, as has
been said, founded this village about the year 1778. Here a new fort had been
built, in which his son, Hypolite, was born, from which the reader may take
it that Alaillet, who was captain of militia, resided for some time in the fort. He
was killed in an aft'ray with one Senegal, in the latter part of the year 1801.

The two donations of land, consisting of four hundred acres each, which had
been confirmed under Maillet's claim, were conveyed by Maillet by deed on the
6th day of July, 1801, to Isaac Darneille. The deed was simply signed "Maillet,"
without the given name. To prove the authenticity of the deed affidavits were
made before Antoine Des Champs and Raphael Belongier, justices of the peace
of Indiana Territory, on the 17th day of May, 1802. Des Champs later became
manager for the American Fur Company in this section.

Isaac Darneille, on the 5th day of October, 1807, executed and delivered a
deed to William Russell, of St. Louis, alienating among other tracts of land,
those mentioned in the deed conveyed by Maillet. Also "one lot of land and a
house at the "Old Peorias Fort' and a tract of land near said 'Peorias Old Fort,'
quantity unknown, purchased of Jean Baptiste Point Sable, assignee of Jean
Baptiste Maillet, by deed dated Alarch 13, 1773." This plainly indicates that
Pointstable was at Peoria in the year just mentioned. Another description of
property located in Peoria was "a house and lot in the town of Peorias and a
(|uantity of land near the same, bought of Theresa .Maillet, widow Cattenoir,
assignee of Francis Babeaux by contract dated October 11, 1778.

PKORr.'V's FIRST l..\WYER

Isaac Darneille, whose name figures so largely in the initial transfers of prop-
erty in the county, was the first lawyer to make his appearance in Peoria. Gov-
ernor Reynolds, in his History of Illinois Pioneers, has the following to say
of him :

"In the year 1794 the celebrated Isaac Darneille arrived in Cahokia and re-
mained in the west for several years. He was the second professed lawyer that
emigrated to Illinois, John Rice Jones being the first. He was a classic scholar,
and was, in his person, genteel and agreeable ; he possessed the easy and graceful
manners of a polished gentleman. He was large and portly, and made it a sine
qua non to be extremely neat in his dress and attentive to his personal appear-
ance. He studied all the arts and mysteries of gallantry, and thereby made a
very deep and rather lasting impression on his female friends. Darneille studied
the ladies more than he studied his profession of the law. He was benevolent
and kind to all mankind, and ]:>articularly to the ladies.

"While Darneille retained his youthful vigor, this life passed off very well;
but when old age crept on him his former pursuits were abandoned, from neces-
sity, and he remained an old man, without sincere friends or means of support.

"He taught school in the western part of Kentucky, where he died,_ rather
humble and neglected, in 1830, aged sixty years.

128 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

"If Darneille had abandoned this one failing, the excess of gallantry, he
would have enjoyed the character of one of the most honorable and respectable
gentlemen in Illinois."

FOUNDER OF DAVENPORT, IOWA, A PEORIAN

It might be well to note here, in passing, that among the prominent inhabitants
of New Peoria was one Antoine Le Claire, who had come to the town from
Canada. He subsequently, after removing to Iowa Territory, owing to his
familiarity with several Indian languages, and of his own people, was educated
by the United States government and under its authority acted as interpreter
for the government in its dealings with the Indians, prior to and after the Black
Hawk war. He was adored by the Sac and Fox tribe of Indians and when they
ceded their lands in Iowa to the government, it was provided in the treaty that
Le Claire should have a tract of land, consisting of some thousands of acres,
and that a certain tract should be set apart and given to Le Claire's wife,
Marguerite, the daughter of an Indian chief. Part of this land is now the site
of the important city of Davenport, founded by Le Claire and others, chief
among whom was Colonel Davenport, a trader on the island of Rock Island, after
whom the city was named. Le Claire became the wealthiest man of his time,
was a benefactor to his community and died, mourned by that whole section of
the country. Le Claire, an important village near Davenport, which he at one
time confidently hoped would be the metropolis and seat of government of the
county, was named for him.

Probably the most noted citizen of Peoria in its primitive days was Thomas
Forsyth, to whom allusion has heretofore been made. Another pioneer citizen
who played a notable part in the affairs of the community was Michael La Croix.

COLONEL GEORGE DAVENPORT

Colonel George Davenjiort, who was a contemporary of Antoine Le Claire,
was a non-commissioned officer in Captain Owen's company of the regular army,
and took part in a primitive expedition against the Indians in 1813, organized by
General Howard, ex-governor of the Territory of Missouri. The little army
numliered about eight hundred men and marched up the Mississippi bottom to a
point above Ouincy and thence to the Illinois river about forty miles above
Peoria, and then on down the river to that village. From Colonel Davenport,
Historian Matson obtained the following account of the proceedings of the
expeditionary party at Peoria :

"On arriving at Peoria Lake, the soldiers commenced building a block house
for storing the baggage as well as a protection against an attack from the enemy.
A well having been dug near the block house to supply it with water, it became
necessary to have a sweep to draw it ; consequently, Mr. Davenport, with two
companions, went into the woods to get a grapevine for that purpose. Having
found one suitable, Davenport climbed the tree to cut it ofif, and while doing so
he discovered a large body of Indians skulking in the timber, going in the direction
of the block house. On seeing this war party, Davenport and his companions
gave an alarm and in all haste fled toward the block house, but finding Indians
in that direction turned their course for the gunboats, which were moored in the
lake. With all speed the fugitives ran for the boats, closely followed by the
Indians, who fired at them many shots, while yelling like demons. The soldiers
on the gunboats, thinking only of their own safety, pushed them of? from the
shore but fortunately one of them grounded on a sand bar, which was the means
of saving the life of Davenport and his companions. The fugitives ran into the
water waist deep, pushed the grounded boat off, and jumped on board of it, while
the Indians fired on them, many of the rifle balls whizzing by their heads and lodg-
ing in the sides of the vessel. The boats went ofif some distance from the shore,

TllK Hljsr AlTOMDlilLE IX AMERICA WAS MADE IX PEORIA TWO YK^RS AFTER

THE AUTOMOBILE WAS PERFECTED IN FRANCE

C. E. DURVEA. IX\EXT()R

PEORIA'S FIRST ELECTRIC CARS l-.KTWEEX TTIE (ITV

'V AND KAS-|- 1>E()I!IA. liiOO

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 129

nevertheless the Indians continued to fire on them, but without effect. A cannon
on one of the boats was brought to bear on the savages, but in the excitement of
the moment its muzzle was raised above the port hole, and the ball tore off a por-
tion of the side of the vessel. The Indians also attacked the block house, which
was in an unfinished condition, but met witii a warm reception from those within.
The cannons on the boats having been brought to bear on the Indians, they fled
from the thick timber where thev had taken shelter, and the fight ended."

Colonel Davenport, as has been said, was the government's agent at the island
of Rock Island, and accumulated a fortune trading among the Indians. He had
built a home on the island, where he was enjoying the fruits of a strenuous life,
when he was murdered by a band of thieving cuttiiroats in broad daylight, dur-
ing the absence of his family at Rock Island, who were attending a Fourth of
July celebration.

In a letter written in 1850, by one of the participants in this expedition, John
S. Brickley, to John Lindsay, then a prominent Peoria lawyer, among other things
mentioned was the following:

■'When the mounted riflemen arrived at Peoria they found the village con-
sisting of a great number of huts, all deserted a few days before, and two or
three frame houses, one thirty or forty feet long (said to have been built by the
French), although they did not appear to have been inclosed or covered. The
Indians in their flight had left nothing but some dried pumpkins, corn and beans,
which were found in some of the houses, but much more was found wrapped
up in skins and hid in the ground, all of which was seized and used by those who
found them. Every house in the village was demolished the same day we en-
tered .... and used for fuel during the stay of the army at that place. .

"As the army- approached Peoria from the northwest and got a first view of
its situation from the high land prairies, two or three miles from the lake, looking
easterly and southerly, beheld the smooth prairie gradually descending to the
town, the lake stretching miles far to the northeast, the gunboats lying quietly
at anchor upon the water, the towering forest across the water, and the lovely
prairies bounded only by the horizon, there was an involuntary halt — the men
all gazed in silence for a moment, and then of a sudden, as if moved by one im-
pulse, expressed universal admiration of the beauty and grandeur of the pros-
]:)ect s]iread out before them. At this time there was no road to Peoria except
the Indian trail, not a forest tree amiss, not a house within one hundred miles
(except the town before described), no plow had ever broken the turf that cov-
ered the rich soil beneath. The lake was covered with wild geese, ducks and other
water fowls ; game such as deer, bear, elk and turkeys everywhere in the thick
woods and adjacent prairies. Bees and honey were found in almost every hollow
tree, and, notwithstanding express orders to the contrary, the men would and
did, on the march, fre(|uently stop and cut down the trees and get large quan-
tities of the most delicious honey. While employed in building the fort, many
of the men were well supplied with venison, fowls, honey and sometimes with
fish caught in the lake. This description fully justifies the Indian name of the
place, 'Pimiteoui — The Land of Plenty."

"For want of suitable timber and materials within several miles of the place,
on the west side of the lake, on account of the country back from the river being
prairie, it became necessary to obtain all timber from a fine forest on the east
side of the Illinois river at the lower end of the lake and raft it over. The
men commenced felling the trees, the most of which were white oak, and for
the palisades cut them about eighteen feet long and each log not less than fifteen
or eighteen inches in diameter — the timbers for the block houses at the corners
of the enclosure were much longer; the era (area) inclosed for the fort con-
tained, according to my recollection, two or three acres. While a portion of the
men were cutting, others were employed in hauling and rafting the logs over
to the opposite side of the lake, and from there to the site for the building ;
having no carriages of anv description, all the materials were drawn bv men

Vol. 1—9

130 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

on trucks, by means of large ropes, a distance of from one to two miles. Thus
was I'ort Clark erected where Peoria now stands, in less than two months, by
the Missouri and Illinois volunteers of mounted riflemen, in September and Oc-
tober in the year 1813, at a distance of more than one hundred miles from any
white settlement, and with no other means than above described."

Colonel Davenport's description of the building of the fort is here added to
the above for obvious reasons :

"Preparations having been made to build a fort on the site of the old French
town for the purpose of holding possession of the country, timbers were cut on
the opposite side of the lake and floated across to build l)lock store houses, and
enclose them with palisades. On a high piece of ground near the bank of the
lake a fort was built, consisting of stockades made of two rows of split timbers,
and the space between them filled with dirt. A ditch surrounded the fort, and
at two corners were bastions for mounting cannon. Inside of the stockades
was a large block house, two stories high, and on three sides of it were port holes,
so the inmates could fire on the enemy in case of an attack. Besides this block
house were store houses and quarters for officers and soldiers.

"When the fort was completed and cannons mounted on its ramparts, with
flags waving on each bastion. General Howard ordered all the soldiers on duty,
forming in double file, fronting the gateway. A speech was made by the com-
manding officer, drums beat, soldiers cheered, the cannons fired a salute, and with
much enthusiasm the fort was dedicated and named 'Fort Clark' in honor of
General George Rogers Clark, the hero of Kaskaskia and X^incennes."

Ballance, in his History of Peoria, gives the dimensions of Fort Clark. He
says :

"This fort was about one hundred feet square, with a ditch along each side.
It did not stand with a side to the lake, but with a corner towards it. The cor-
ner farthest from the lake was on the upper side of Water street, near the inter-
section of the upper line of Water and Liberty streets. From there the west
line ran diagonally across the intersection of Water and Liberty streets nearly
to the corner of the transportation warehouse, at the lower corner of Liberty
and Water streets, x^t this corner was what I suppose military men would call
a bastion, that is, there was a projecting corner made in the same manner as the
side walls, and so constructed, as I imagine, as to accommodate a small cannon
to command the ditches. And the same had, no doubt, been at the opposite cor-
ner, but when I came to the country in November. 183 1, there was no vestige of
it remaining. In fact at that time there was but little to show that there had
ever l.een a fortification there, except some burnt posts along the west side, and
a square of some ten or twelve feet at the south corner with a ditch nearly filled
upon two sides of it, and on the west side of the square."

To the above, Judge McCulloch, in his History of Peoria County, takes ex-
ceptions to the dimensions of Fort Clark, as given by Mr. Ballance, in the fol-
lowing paragraph :

"Observing, iiowever. that Water street is one hundred feet wide at the point
indicated, and that the location of the magazine which must have been within
the fort was very close to the base of the smokestack of the electric light plant,
some distance below Water street, the conclusion is forced upon us that his esti-
mate of its dimensions is erroneous. If the fort was of a square form and con-
tained one acre, one side of it would measure 208.7 ^^^t, which would correspond
more nearly with the points given by Mr. Ballance than does his own estimates."
How long Fort Clark was occupied has not been definitely settled by those
who have taken the pains to delve into the matter. Some say it was abandoned
in 181 5. others, not until i8j8. It would appear from Matson's account that the
former contention is the correct one, for he has this to say in that relation:

"The gate of the fort having been left open, it became a lair for deer and a
roost for wild turkeys. In the fall of 1816 a party of hunters from St. Clair
counlv came to Fort Clark and found about twentv deer in the fort and the

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 131

floors of the block house covered with manure. The hunters cleaned out this
building and occupied it as a residence during a Stay of ten days while hunting
deer and collecting honey in the river timber. Fort Clark stood unmolested until
the fall of 1818, when it was burned by the Indians."

There is no doubt that the fort was partially destroyed prior to 1819, but
there must have been part of it left standing, for in the year last mentioned, the
first American settlers (permanent) arrived here and they sj^eak of it in a way
to leave the impression a remnant of the structure remained at that time.

.\RK1V.\L OK .VMERICAN .SETTLERS

In the sjjring of 1819, a party of hardy and venturesome pioneers, composed
of Scth and Josiah l-'ulton. Aimer Fads. \'irginians; Joseph Hersey, of New
York; J. Davis, S. Doug^herty and T. Russell, natives of Kentucky, left Shoal
Creek, now a part of Clinton county, where they had lived for some little time,
found their way to the east bank of the river and, on April 15, 1S19, Hersey and
Eads, placing their horses in a boat, ferried across the river and landed at Fort
Clark. Two days afterward they were joined by their companions. Josiah
Fultcr often related the following details of the advent of this pioneer band of
settlers to Fort Clark :

"We found the walls of two small log cabins, which we supposed to have been
built by the soldiers of the garrison stationed there, and at once set to work to
cover tlicm over and finish them up for dwelling places. While we were em-
ployed at this work we made out to be comfortable in the shelter of our tents
and boats. The cabins stood on what is now Water street, and almost directly
in front of the Germania Hall building. These cabins were the first American
dwelling places at what is now the city of Peoria.

"There were also rails enough, which the soldiers had made, to inclose fifteen
acres of ground. The ground was broken up and planted to corn and potatoes,
from which a pretty good crop was gathered in the fall. The north line of that
first field ran west from the river and not far from Fulton street.

"About the first of June, Eads, Fulton and Dougherty returned to Shoal
Creek with their two horses to move Eads' family, consisting of his wife and
two children, to their new home. After settling up his affairs in that neighbor-
hood Eads loaded his household effects, wife and children on a two-horse wagon
and headed across the country in the direction of the beginning of Peoria — the
new settlement at Fort Clark. They reached and crossed the Illinois river at
the present site of Wesley City, where there was a trading post, and where
Indians and Indian canoes were nearly always to be found. Some of the canoes
were secured, the household goods were unloaded from the wagon, and with the
family transferred to the canoes and carried over to the west side of the river.
The wagon was then taken to pieces and carried over in the same manner. The
horses and cattle were made to swim across.

"Mrs. Eads was the first American woman to see the site of Peoria."

Captain Jude Warner came into the settlement from St. Louis on the loth of
June, in a boat loaded with provisions and fishing nets. With him were David
W. P.arnes, James Gotif, Isaac De Boise, William Blanchard, Theodore and
Charles Sargent. This arrival swelled the number of Americans to fourteen
men. Mr. Fulton's recital continues:

"We were about as happy a little circle as has ever lived in Peoria. We were
isolated, completely shut out from the rest of mankind, it is true. We heard but
little from the outside world, and the outside world heard but little from us.
I'>ut little was known at that time about the Fort Clark country. There were
no roads, nor steamboats, nor mail routes, nor communications of any kind, so
that in point of fact we were as much a community by ourselves as if our cabins
had been built on an island in the middle of the sea. Our postoffice was St.
Louis, and we never got our mail, those of us who got any, only when we went

132 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

there for supplies, and then our letters cost us twenty-five cents, and we couldn't
muster that much money every day.

"•Mrs. Eads was duly installed as housekeeper, and the rest of the company,
except Hersey, who didn't remain long, boarded with her. It was a pretty hard
winter on us, but we managed to get through. Bread stufif gave out and we had
to fall back on hominy blocks and hominy. It was a coarse kind of food we got
this way, but it was a good deal better than none, and served to keep hunger
away. Hominy blocks went out of use long ago, and there are thousands of
people in Peoria county who never saw one, but they were a blessing to hundreds
of the pioneers of Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, and in fact to the
first settlers of the entire country, and were the means of keeping many of the
pioneers and their little ones from starving to death."

Two of these pioneers, Seth and Josiah Fulton, were attracted bv the east side
of the river and selected claims on Farm creek in that locality, remaining there
until 1834, when they sold out and returned to Peoria county, and both proved
themselves good citizens and gained their full meed of respect from their neigh-
bors. Seth Fulton, however, lending an ear to the tales then told of the rich
lead mines at Galena, removed to that place and remained there for a while. He
afterwards removed to Henry county. Josiah Fulton spent the rest of his life
in Peoria county and died March 4, 1894, at the age of ninety-four years.

Abner Eads, another one of the first seven, who came to Peoria, bought the
northwest quarter of section 17, in wdiat is now Peoria township, on which Lin-
coln Park is situated. He also came into possession, by purchase, of valuable
coal mines on Kickapoo creek, which was subsequently developed by others. He
became a man of importance in the community and served valiantly as captain of
a Peoria company which marched under General Stillman in the Black
Hawk war. Absorbing the lead mine fever, he removed to Galena about 1833,
from which district he served in the legislature two sessions. In 1854 he went
to California and having started back for his family, died on the way, with fever.
He was buried at St. Louis.

Hersey and Dougherty, the latter a reckless Kentuckian, after a residence of
some little time, departed for other scenes of activity not known to the writer.
Davis first settled on Farm creek and after a while removed to Sangamon
county. He then went to Texas, where he died. Russell was here but a short
time and then went to St. Louis, and was last heard of as a river man.

Of the Captain Warner party, \Mlliam Blanchard soon after his arrival re-
moved to Woodford county, which was his home until his death, which occurred
but a comparatively few years since. Barnes and the two Sargents became prom-
inent citizens of Fulton county, and Jacob \\'ilson, one of the county's first jus-
tices of the peace, on the 22d day of March, 1825, officiated in the marriage of
William Blanchard with Betsey Donohoe. This was the first marriage ceremony
performed in the new county.

John Hamlin, in company with several others, arrived in Peoria in 1821. In
March, 1822, he had his personal belongings removed from his former home at
Elkhart Grove, then in Madison county, and from that time on he made Peoria
his home. In 1823, with William S. Hamilton, who had a contract to supply
Fort Howard, now known as Green Bay, with beef cattle, Mr. Hamlin, on ac-
count of his knowledge of the Indian character, accompanied the expedition
made up by Hamilton, to that place. The journey was made in thirty days. On
his return to Peoria, in his capacity as justice of the peace of Fulton county, he
performed the first marriage cermony at Fort Dearborn, the parties most in-
terested being Dr. Alexander Wolcott and his bride, a daughter of John Kinzie,
the first permanent settler of Chicago. This was the first marriage ceremony to
take place in the great city of Chicago. John Hamlin, as will be seen further on
in this volume, was intimately connected with the early history of this county
and became one of its most prominent and influential citizens.

Gurdon S. Hubbard, of the American Fur Company, spent the winter of

JOSIAH FlUTOX

Born in ISOO— Died :\Iaroh 4, 1S94

LiiMili'd iit a place called Fort Clark, now the city of Peoria, on April 15, 1819

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 1^3

1821-2 along the Illinois river. Reaching Bureau Station, he says, he found
Mr. IJeebeau in charge, though much enfeebled on account of age. Hubbard
also relates that: "After resting a few days and selecting the goods and men to
be left at that post (Bureau), we proceeded on our way, making our ne.xt halt at
Fort Clark-, where we found several families located^ among whom were Mr.
Fulton, the first settler at that point, who still resides in that county, and a Mr.
Bogardus, a brother of General Bogardus, of Xew York, a highly intelligent
gentleman, and his estimable wife. Two miles below, at a point now known as
W'esle)- City, was Mr. Beeson's post, and there we remained about one week,
during which time I went almost daily to the fort."

During the period between 1821 and 1825 a number of new settlers arrived
in the territory now embraced in Peoria county. Among those who settled at
Peoria were \\illiam Fads, brother of Abner Fads, Judge James Latham, with
whom John Hamlin had made his home in Madison county ; Joseph A. Moffat
and his three sons, Alvah, .Atjuilla B. and Franklin, also two Miss Moffatts,
daughters; Isaac I>"unk, Xorman Hyde, Elijah Hyde, William Holland, John
Dixon. Isaac Waters, George Sharp and Dr. Augustus Langworthy.

From an assessment made in the year 1825 by John L. Bogardus, the distri-
bution of population and wealth of the new county of Peoria is well shown. At
Peoria the following named persons were assessed in the amounts here given:
Archibald Allen, $150; Noah Beauchamp, Sr., $200; Noah Beauchamp, $200;
John Barker, $400; John L. Bogardus, $500; Joseph Bryant, $300; Cornelius
Brown. .$150: John Di.xon, $350; William Fads, $350; Abner Fads. $Soo ; Sam-
uel Fulton, $300; Lsaac Funk, $200; Jesse Harrison, $50; John Hamlin, $400;
William Holland. ,%Soo ; E. and N. Hyde, $700; Jacob M. liunter, $50; Charles
l.ove, $150; Augustus Langworthy, $200; J. Latham, $300; Philip Latham, $100;
Daniel Like. $50; Alvah^ Moffatt, $60; Aquilla Mofifatt, $40; Jesse McLaree,
$25; Henry Neely, $150'; Martin Porter, $100; Amherst C. Ransom, $100;
George Sharp, $600; Joseph \an Scoik, $50; Isaac Waters, $100.

At Chicago the following assessments were made: John B. Beaubein, $1,000;
Jonas Clyborne. $625 ; John K. Clark, $250; John Crafts, $5,000; Jerrv Clermont,
Sioo; Louis Cantra, $50; John Kinzie, '$500 ; Joseph Laframboise, $50; C. La-
framboise, $100; David AicKcc, $100; Peter "Piche, $100; Alexander Wolcott,
$572; Antoine Wilniette, $400 — thirteen in all.

At the Trading House (Wesley City) Antoine Alscome, $50; Francis Bour-
bonne, S200; Louis Beabor, $700; Francis Bourbonne, Jr., $100 — four in all.

At Mackinaw Point (near which is the village of Dillon) Allen S. Dougherty,
$100; Walter Dillon, $250; Nathan Dillon, $400; Absalom Dillon, $200; Thomas
Dillon, $300; Jesse Dillon, $727; John Dillon, $93; William Davis, $200; Hugh
Montgomery, $200; Alexander McNaughton, $150; Eli Redmon, $35; Henry
Redmon, $35 ; Peter Scott, $30 — thirteen in all.

At Ten ^lile Creek, William I'.lanchard, $150; Elza Bethard, $275; Reuben
Bratton, $135; Thomas Banks, $50; Hiram M. Curry, $225; Major Donahue,
$200; Seth Fulton, $100; David Mather, $200; John and William Phillips, $400;
John Stephenson, $40; Edmond Weed, $174; Jacob Wilson, $300 — twelve in all.
At Farm Creek, Andrew P.arker, $100: Austin Crocker, $200; Thomas Cam-
lin. $300; Stephen French, $200; James Fulton, $12.50; Josiah Fulton, $150;
Elisha Fish, $200; Jacob Funk, $500; Joshua Harlin, $150; George Ish, $250;
Joseph Smith, $550 — eleven in all.

At La Salle Prairie, Elias P. Avery, $200; Stephen Carroll, $150; Gilbert
Field, $150; John Griffin, $50; George Harlan, $150; Lewis Hallock, $50; John
Ridgeway, $100; Hugh W^alker, $50 — eight in all.

At Illinois Prairie (Tazewell county) George Cline. $70; John Cline, $264;
Nathan Cromwell, $300; Jesse Egman, $100 ; Levi Ellis, $25; William Clark,
$250; Levi Gilbert, $25; James Latta, $200; Levi McCormick, $50; Joseph Ogee,
$200; Isaac Perkins, $400; John Sommers, $300; Ephraim Stout, Sr., and Jr.,
$500; Jonathan Tharp, $100; Ezekiel Turner, $150; Seth Wilson, $200; Samuel
Woodrow, $150; Hugh W^oodrow, $250 — eighteen in all.

134 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

At Fox River, Robert Baresford, $50; Fred Countryman, $50; Aaron Haw-
ley, $200; Pierce Hawley, $300; John L. Ramsey, $200; Jesse Walker, $50 —
six in all.

At Little Detroit, Thomas N. lirierly, $100; Abner N. Cooper, $120; Peter
Du Mont, $50; George N. Love, $350 — four in all.

At Prince's Grove ( Princeville ), John Patterson, $20 ; Daniel Prince, $200 —
two in all.

It will have been seen by the reader that in the year 1825 or two years after
the organization of the county, there were but one hundred and twenty taxable
inhabitants, one-fourth of which were assessed at Peoria, forty-four in all, living
in what is now Peoria county. The others were at Chicago, Mackinaw Point,
Ten Mile Creek, Farm Creek, La Salle Prairie, Fox River, Little Detroit and
Prince's Grove.

CHAPTER XVTI

EARLY THOROUGHFARES FIRST ROAD LAID OUT liV PEORIA AUTHORITIES — FERRIES

AND BRIDGES DIXON's FERRY THE ILLINOIS RIVER — PRIMITIVE STEAMBOAT-

ING — PEORIA AN IMPORTANT RAILROAD CENTER ILLINOIS TRACTION SYSTEM.

It is liighly prohahle that at the time of the huihling of Fort Clark there
was not a white man's cIwelHng witliin man}- miles of it and the only roads, if such
they may be called, were Indian trails. However, the public surveys of Tazewell
county, made in 1823, show a thoroughfare marked "Road to Fort Clark," which
on the map indicated that the road run along the township line between Grove-
land and Fond du Lac, at the head of a ravine through which meanders Cole
creek. This was the original course of the road running from Peoria to Spring-
field, and it might be taken for granted, there was a road, as described above,
from Fort Clark to the lower settlements anterior to the birth of either Peoria
or Springfield, and was used by the soldiers of the fort. If such is the case,
then this was the first road coimecting the future Peoria with the outer world.

.\ history of Illinois was published Ijy Rufus Blanchard in 1883 and the map
it contained shows a trail styled the "Fort Clark and Wabash Trace," running
from Fort Clark to Terre Haute. Historian Blanchard says: "It was a well
traveled road from the settlements of southern Ohio and Indiana to Fort Clark
in an early day." This was, in all probability, the road marked on the Tazewell
surveys. This survey also shows a road called "Kellogg's Trail from Peoria to
Galena, 1825," on practically the route chosen for the Galena state road, after-
wards laid out by way of Princeton. Of this Air. Blanchard says: "This trail
shows the first overland route from Peoria to Galena. It was made by Mr. Kel-
logg, an old pioneer settler, in 1825, and subsequently became a well known
route." Another road, as shown by the map, was laid out or in existence in
1822, and was designated as a mail route from Peoria, by way of Lewistown to
Rushville, and diverging from the latter place to Quincv, Pittsfield and Jackson-
ville.

The first road laid out by the authorities of Peoria county was that for which,
at the June session (1825) of the county commissioners' court, Norman Hyde
and Alexander McXaughton had been appointed viewers, with authority to lo-
cate. This road led from the ferry landing opposite the hamlet of Peoria to the
"Old Crossing" on Sugar creek, near Robert Musick's where the remains of a
bridge were found. As this road trended south, it is presumed the old Fort
Clark road crossed the creek at this point. Two years after the laying out of
this road by the county, the legislature, on the 12th day of February, 1827, made
it a state road, and it became the stage and mail route between Peoria and Spring-
field. In the act of creating the state road Springfield. Musick's on Salt creek,
Thomas Dillon's and Peoria were mentioned as l)eing on its line.

On January 23, 1826, an act of the legislature was passed providing for a
state road leading from Peoria to Danville, the county seat of \'ermilion county.
and thence to the state line. Abner Eads, Samuel Fulton and Dan W. Beckwith
were named in the act as viewers to locate the road. These men performed their
duty and were assisted by Orlin Gilbert and James Barnes, chain carriers, and
William Rowan, who blazed the trees marking the line of direction. A special

135

136 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

act passed by the legislature in 1831, five years later, by which they received pay
for their labors, was secured.

At the January (1826) session of the county commissioners' court, viewers
were appointed to locate a road leading from Peoria to a point at the northern
boundary of the county and also for a road leading from Peoria to as equally
an indefinite point at its southern boundary. These roads were subsequently
ordered to he opened a sufficient width for the passage of teams. At this same
term viewers were appointed to locate a road from Peoria, passing the "Trading
Post" — later Wesley City — and the house of Isaac Perkins, to intersect the
Springfield road at or near Prairie creek.

The first road laid out leading in the direction of Chicago was provided for
by the commissioners' court, when, at its September (1826) session, John Barker,
George Harland and Samuel Fulton, viewers appointed to locate a road from
Peoria to the eastern boundary of the county, made their report and the road was
established. Later, in 1833, the legislature appointed Lewis Bigelow, of Peoria
county, John M. Gay, of I'utnam county, James B. Campbell, of La Salle county,
and James Walker, of Cook county, viewers to locate a road from Peoria to the
mouth of Fox river (South Ottaw'a) and thence to Chicago. That part of the
road mentioned to run "from Peoria to the mouth of the Fox river," was sub-
stantially the one located by the viewers appointed by the county commissioners
at their'june session of 1826. It went by way of Metamora (Hanover), Mag-
nolia, Union Grove, Ottawa and thence to Chicago. It will have been seen by
the reader that by this time, the year 1833, Peoria had secured the state roads of
great importance to the settlement — one to Springfield and the south, one to Dan-
ville and the east — which became the main thoroughfare for immigration, and the
other, to Chicago and the great lakes.

The lead mines at Galena early attracted that class of settlers who were short
of ready money, and they sought the wages paid there with which many of them
subsequently bought land here and in other settlements. .\ thoroughfare to
Galena, therefore, became a matter for the consideration of those in authority
and consequently, at the September term of the commissioners' court Isaac
Waters, Norman Hyde and John Ray were appointed viewers to locate a road to
"the lead mines." At the March term, 1828, the order was modified so as to read,
towards the lead mines as far as the jurisdiction of the court extended. From
this beginning the famous Galena road came into existence and the legislature,
on the i8th day of January, 1833, declared it to be a state road. It commenced
at the public square and followed the line of Adams street to the limits of the
city, thence by the river road to a point near Mossville, thence on a line north
through Northampton, Windsor (now Tiskilwa), Princeton, Dixon's ferry,
thence northwesterly to the west line of Stephenson county, where it intersected
the Chicago and Ga'lena road and from there on to Galena. From this time on
roads were laid out when needed, but it was several years before another state
road was established in the county.

FERRIES .\ND BRIDGES

The first ferrv in Peoria is supposed to have been located at the foot of the
bridge, but when'and bv whom remains in the dark. It was there in 1821, when
Ossian Ross came to the mouth of the Spoon river and learned of this ferry and
the only other one on the river, which was at Beardstown. He at once saw the
virtue of another ferry, as the two then doing business were ninety miles apart.
He, therefore, established a third one at what is now Flavana and prospered, his
enterprise yielding him, so history has it, an annual income of $2,000 for many
years. .McCulloch, in his history of the county, relates that "James Eads, son
of William Eads, says his unc'le, Abner Eads, established the first ferry at
Peoria."

The legislature in 1827 passed an act re(|uiring all ferry keepers chargmg toll

THE COJ.K BKIDGE,

OKICIXAL TOLL nPJlXiE ACROSS 'ITIE ILI.IMMS i;i\i:i;
TO TAZEWELL COUNTY

THE PEORIA & PEKTX IXIOX I!AILI;m\|i I'.IMIiilE. RECENTLY SUPPLAX'TED BY
A FINK lirNDKKl) TIlorsAM) IKil.I.AR STRt'( 'irill':

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 137

to procure a license from the county commissioners" court before commencing
operations and by the same legislative measure the court was vested with author-
ity to grant such licenses, fix the toll rates and license fee and sit upon complaints
against keepers not observing the law governing their vocation. By the same
act ferry keepers were required to have good boats and eiiuipment, to run their
boats from daylight until dark, and, upon call, to carry passengers at any hour
of the night and charge double for the service if they so desired. And it seems
that passes for public servants were in vogue even at that early day, for the act
also stipulated that public messengers and expresses, and jurymen while on their
way to court, should be carried free of charge.

The custom had been heretofore upon the granting of a ferry license to fix
the rates of toll. For example, John L. Bogardus had been authorized to make
certain charges at his ferry and those licensed after him were allowed to fix
the same rates. However, at the June term, 1826, the county commissioners'
court fixed the tolls to be charged on all ferries crossing the Illinois river as
follows :

For each foot passenger 634 cents

For man and horse 121/2 cents

For Dearborn, sulky, chair with springs 50 cents

One-horse wagon 25 cents

For four-wheeled carriage drawn by two oxen or horses ZlY^ cents

For cart with two oxen 37>4 cents

For every head neat cattle, horses or mules 10 cents

For each hog, sheep or goat 3 cents

For every hundred weight of goods, wares and merchandise 6^4 cents

For each bushel of grain or articles sold by the bushel 3 cents

All other articles in equal and just proportion.

It was further ordered by the court that the Bogardus ferry might collect
double rates when the river should be out of its banks and prevent a landing at
the first material bend in the (Farm) creek from the ferry.

At the December, 1829, term of the county commissioners' court George Miller
and James Scott were licensed to keep a ferry at Hennepin, and at the June term
William See, a Methodist minister, was authorized to keep a ferry on the Calu-
met river, at the head of Lake Michigan. In July, 1830, the list of ferries given
below paid licenses as follows :

William Haines, Pekin $ 4.00

\\'illiam Eads, Trading House 2.00

John L. Bogardus, Peoria lo.oo

Matthew & Chandler, The Narrows 2.00

Miller & Scott, Hennepin 2.00

James Adams, Little \'ermilion 2.00

Clyborne & Miller, Chicago 2.00

^^'illiam See, Calimink 2.00

Other ferry licenses were granted from time to time to Jesse Egman, Septem-
ber 30, 1830, at Kingston; Thompson and Wright, December, 1830, at Au Sable;
Abner Eads, January, T831, at foot of Liberty street, near the ravine. In March,
1832, the license of ]\Iatthews & Chandler, at the Narrows, was revoked and
one granted to Yincent Barton, father of W. C. H. Barton, for whom the vil-
lage of Bartonville was given its name. The ferry in a year or two thereafter
passed into the control of Charles Ballance. In 1832 a license to keep a ferry
at a point opposite the extinct village of Allentown. between Rome and Chilli-
cothe. was granted Samuel Allen.

With the advent of bridges the ferries soon went into a state of "innocuous

138 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

desuetude." The first attempt to build a public bridge in the county was in
March, 1827, when the county commissioners' court "then proceeded to examine
and ascertain a suitaijle site for a public bridge across Kickapoo creek and, after
thorough examination, decided on the following place: 'Immediately above the
present crossing of the iniblic road from Peoria to I.ewistown.' " The matter
went no further than this until the December term, when the proposed location
was again inspected and a contract was awarded John L. Bogardus for the build-
ing of the bridge, whose bond was fixed at $500. This he gave with John Dixon
and Augustus Langworthy as sureties. Bogardus failed, however, in making
good his contract and at the ]\Iarch, 1828, term it was ordered that suit be
brought against him and his bondsmen.

Another order was entered by the commissioners' court, June 13, 1829, for
the erection of a bridge across the Kickapoo creek at the ford on the Lewistown
road frni Peoria, "164 feet in length, to rest against two certain trees, one on each
side marked 'B.' " The contract was let to John Cameron, who finished work
the same year, which was accepted and a balance of $50 due him was paid. The
total cost of the structure has not been recorded. Subsequently the building of
bridges became more frequent and today, wherever a road crosses a stream of
any importance, there a good bridge is standing for the accommodation of the
public. And the Illinois, as wide as it is in this locality, is spanned at more than
one point in the county, by both wagon and railroad bridges, made and erected
to meet the requirements of a busy and prosperous community.

Early in the year 1912 a magnificent new bridge crossing the Illinois river was
completed by the Peoria & Pekin Union Railway Company, at a cost of about
$750,000. The work was begun on the structure early in 1909. It is 1,032 feet
in length and the channel opening is 127 feet in the clear. While in course of
construction two attempts were made to blow up the structure by dynamite. An
unex]>loded bomb and mechanism attached to it was happily discovered in time
and it is suspected that John and James McNamara, recently convicted of dyna-
miting the Los Angeles Times building, in which a number of lives were lost,
were implicated in the movement to destroy the Peoria bridge. This new high-
way across the river, it is estimated, has increased the transportation facilities of
Peoria at least one hundred per cent.

DIXON 's FERRY BECOMES THE CITY OF DIXON

There are not many people in this vicinity nor in the locality where the people
are more interested in the matter, who are aware of the fact that a Peorian was
the primary means of the founding of the city of Dixon, but such is the case.
Judge McCulloch, in his history of Peoria county, gives the facts in the follow-
ing short paragraph, and as they relate to men who were pioneers of Peoria
county, they are here preserved as a part of local history :

"John Dixon, who had for some years been clerk of the circuit court of
Peoria county, had taken a government contract to carry the mails every two
weeks from Peoria to Galena. To facilitate the work Joseph Ogee, the half-
breed heretofore mentioned, was sent, or went of his own accord, to establish a
ferry across Rock river at the present site of the city of Dixon, which was for
a short time operated by him ; but his management not proving satisfactory to
Dixon, the latter bought him out and removed with his family to that place. The
ferry was ever afterward called Dixon's Ferry, and it was in this way and by
two Peorians, the city of Dixon was started and received its name. The viewers
were Joseph B. Meredith, of Peoria county ; John D. Winter and Joseph Smith
of Jo Daviess county, and Cliarles Boyd, of Putnam county. Meredith drew from
the treasury of Peoria county $50 for his services as surveyor."

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HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 139

RIVER AND RAII.RUAU TRAFFIC

The first travelers of the white race came to Peoria by way of the Illinois
river and for many years thereafter, before land vehicles were available, the
canoe, skiff and flatboat were used by the Indians, hunters, adventurers, voy-
ageurs and settlers. The Illinois river was the favorite thoroughfare for the
transportation of articles of value and until the advent of the railroad traffic by
water was of no inconsiderable consequence and value.

Tradition, or history has it that the first steamboat seen at the city of Peoria
was the "Liberty,"' which had arrived at this port in December, 1849, but from
whence no one knows. In the spring of 1830 the "Triton'' tied up here, having
come from St. Louis with a stock of merchandise for John Hamlin. This same
John Hamlin, whose name appears in this volume many times, secured a half
interest in the "Fairy," in 1832, which on its return trip from Peoria was lost near
the mouth of the Alissouri river. In 1839 the "Friendship," the "Exchange,"
the "Utility" and the "Peoria" were all in these waters.

By 1834 immigration to Peoria had set in steadily and river traffic increased
to a comparatively large extent. The "Winnebago," the "Argus," the "Herald"
and "Jo Daviess" plied between ports all along the river and carried many tons
of freight to and from Peoria. All of these vessels did a passenger business and
brought a number of distinguished visitors to the growing city. The "Jo Da-
viess" was owned in Peoria, by its captain. William A. Hall and his brother,
David. The craft was sunk near the mouth of the Spoon river early in 1836.
There were other citizens of Peoria who had an interest in vessels touching here.
Captain W. S. Moss, a prominent merchant, bought the hull of a damaged boat,
at St. Louis, and brought it to Peoria, where it was completely rebuilt. By 185 1
the traffic had become so large that Drown, in his history of the times, gives con-
siderable space to the subject and mentions the landing of 1,236 vessels at Peoria
during the year.

When the Illinois and Michigan canal was completed in 1848, the river trade
at Peoria began to suffer. There was an alert and vigorous rival with which to
contend. Chicago held out inducements to those engaged in the river business
and the tide of commerce turned her back on Peoria and headed for the embryo
metropolis.

In 1851, the "Illinois River Express Line," with its packet boats made weekly
trips from St. Louis to La Salle, one leaving St. Louis every day except Sunday.
These vessels, the "Ocean Wave," the "Connecticut." the "Gladiator," the "Ava-
lanche," the "Prairie Bird" and the "Prairie State" catered principally to pas-
senger business, but on their lower decks merchandise and other articles of com-
merce were shipped in large quantities. One of the noted river men of those days
was Captain Thomas I'.aldwin, master of the "Aunt Letty.'' named after his
wife. He had also commanded the "Lucy Bertram." The Captain became one
of Peoria's most esteemed and influential citizens and at the time of the Civil war
was placed in command of the United States gunboat, Romeo.

Other boats of the early day that might be mentioned were the "Bell Gould,"
the "Amazonia."' the "Cataract," the "Hibernia," "Sam Gaty," "Sam Young,"
"Louisville," "F. X. Aubrey," "Altoona." "Americus," "Brazil," "Polar Star."
"Challenge," "La Salle," "Lacon," "Schuyler," "City of Pekin," "City of Peoria,"
"Illinois" and "Beardstown."

The advent of the railroad was the forerunner of the doom of river traffic at
this port. The trade be.gan to dwindle almost from the start until today it might
well be termed a negligible quantity. But few boats touch at Peoria and most
of the traffic is by the passenger boats, which depend almost entirely on their
revenues from excursionists during the summer months.

Strange to relate, the city of Peoria has not one trunk line entering its con-
fines, ijut to offset this seeming disadvantage, it is the terminal for fourteen
branch roads, arteries of some of the greatest systems of railroads in the United

140 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

States. Coupletl with these is the famous Illinois Traction System of interurban
railways, which not only brings into the city each day visitors and shoppers, but
also contributes to storehouses and busy marts shipments of vast quantities of
merchandise and other valuables. A statistician connected with the Peoria As-
sociation of Commerce has, by research and computation, arrived at the conclu-
sion that I'eoria "outranks every other city of its class in the United States in
transportation facilities." The railroads centering in P'eoria are :

The Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railway. ( Eastern terminals, Chicago
and Peoria.)

The Chicago, Burlington li- Quincy. (Eastern terminals, Chicago, Peoria
and St. Louis.)

The Iowa Central. (Eastern terminal, Peoria.)

The Rock Island and Peoria.

The Toledo, Peoria and Western. ( Under control of the Pennsylvania Com-
pany. )

The Lake Erie & Western. (Under Lake Shore & Michigan Southern con-
trol and ownership. )

The Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago & St. Louis. (\^anderbilt system.)

The \'andalia Line — Terre Haute & Peoria. (Under control of the Penn-
sylvania Railroad Company.)

The Illinois Central. (Peoria, Decatur & Evansville Division.)

The Chicago, Peoria & St. Louis.

The Chicago & Alton.

The Chicago & Northwestern.

The Peoria & Pekin Union Railway. (Terminal line.)

The Peoria & Pekin Terminal Railway.

STREET R.XILW.WS

For the convenience of citizens and the traveling public, omnibus lines were
the first means of conveyance in Peoria, but these were not regularly established
by organized companies, their existence being due simply to the enterprise of livery
men. .As the city grew and the railroads increased their passenger traffic, the
need of more rapid transportation in and over the city became apparent. This led
to the application of certain capitalists in 1867 for a charter, to empower the
'Central City Street Railway Company" to build a line of street railway in Peoria.
The board of directors were De Witt C. Farrell, John C. Proctor, John L. Gris-
wold, Horace C. Anderson and Washington Cockle. These gentlemen resigned
and a new board was elected in August, 1S68, the project up to that time not
having made satisfactory progress. William R. Burt was made president of the
board. Nelson Burnham, secretary, and Edward PI. Jack, treasurer. Nothing,
however, was accomplished that year and the year 1869 was well on its way when,
in October the last named members of the board of directors were superseded by
William Reynolds, John L. Griswold, Washington Cockle, Henry R. Woodward,
Joseph W. Cochran, Joseph H. Wight and James T. Rogers. William Reynolds,
president, Joseph W. Cochran, secretary, and James T. Rogers, treasurer. On
October 6, 1869, the company was granted a franchise by the city council, for
the construction of railway tracks over a stated portion of the city. December i,
1869, two miles of track commencing on South street was finished and four horse
cars in operation. The enterprise proved a success from the start and within a
month therefrom the line was continued from Alain street to the vicinity of the
American pottery. The company had purchased the land known as Central Park
and in the spring of 1870 tracks were laid to the pleasure grounds. November
10, 1871, the Peoria Horse Railway Company received from the council a fran-
chise for a double-track line along Washington street from Persimmon to Main,
along Alain and the Farmington road to Elizabeth street, along High from Main
to Elizabeth and on Elizabeth north to the city limits ; also for a single track

SCENE AT COLE BRIDCE. FOOT OE BRIDGE STREET, JUST BEFORE BRIDGE WAS

TdUX DOWN IX 1908 FOR NEW STRUCTrRE

The liiiilge •■frowd" say "good-bye"

PEORIA'S NEW FREE I'.IMDCK AT Fi " ri' of !'>1:IDi;E STI!KET

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY HI

along Floral street to P.ourland, on Bourland to Hansel, on Hansel to the city
limits; along North street from Main to Armstrong avenue, and on Armstrong
avenue to Taylor street and to liluflf street; also along the Knoxville road from
Alain to the city limits.

May 17, 1873, the Fort Clark Horse Railway Company was organized by
Jacob Darst. John S. French, John H. Hall, William E. Bunn and Jacob Littleton.
Under the franchise granted the company had authority to lay track, some of
which paralleled the "Central's." which eventually led to the last named company
absorbing its rival.

April 20, 1 888, the Central City Horse Railway Company was reorganized as
the Central Railway Company and changed from horse to electric power. The
Fort Clark Company was given authority to adopt electric power May 18, 1891,
and changed its corporate name to the Fort Clark Street Railway Company,
March 11, 1892.

The Peoria Rapid Transit Company was organized December 10, 1891, mainly
to benefit the Central Company and laid tracks on Monroe and Fifth. These
tracks with others of the Central paralleling the Fort Clark road, made the lat-
ter's business hazardous to its stockholders and as a result the Fort Clark road
lost its identity by being merged with its competitor.

The Peoria Heights Street Railway Company was organized October i, 1892,
and the Glen Oak & Prospect Heights Railway Company, May 7, 1896. The
latter company operated a single track road, which began at the intersection of
Main street and Glendale avenue and from thence run to the old Mount Hawley
road at the "Alps." Im-oui there the line continued past Glen Oak Park and
Springdale cemetery to the village of Prospect Heights. The stock of this road
is largely held by the Central City company.

ILLINOIS TRACTION SYSTEM

The Illinois Traction System known as the McKinley Lines runs from Peoria
through Springfield to St. Louis, a distance of one hundred seventy-four miles
and is the only railroad between these two points that has its own rails all the
way, its own terminals and liridges. Trains run from the courthouse s(|uare in
Peoria to the corner of High and Twelfth streets in St. Louis, the very heart of
the hotel, business and theatre district.

Over forty-five passenger trains and cars a day enter and leave Peoria.
From Peoria the traction also runs to Bloomington, Decatur, Champaign, Urbana
and Danville, also to Springfield. Decatur and Springfield are connected, mak-
ing five hundred miles of high speed lines owned and ojierated by this road.

The station in Peoria is located at the corner of Hamilton and Adams streets
where the offices of the X'ice President, Executive, the tJeneral Counsel, the Chief
Surgeon, the Chief Operating Engineer, the Purchasing Agent and the Depart-
ment of Publicity are also located. At the corner of Washington and Walnut
is located the freight house, the car barns and the power house. The freight
house has but recently been enlarged and afl^ords shipping facilities unequalled
by other roads.

The Illinois Traction System is the only electric line in the world to operate
sleeping cars. These run nightly between Peoria and St. Louis. They leave the
station in Peoria at 11 130 p. m. arriving at St. Louis at 7:05 a. m. These cars,
designed by officials of the Traction System, are said to be the finest sleepers on
wheels, being much superior to Pullmans. They have windows in the upper
berths. Steel lockers for valuables are placed in the wall at the head of each
berth. The berths are not made into seats and have six inch -spring beds and
are six inches longer than standard Pullmans. They are as comfortable as a
bed. These cars are lighted by storage batteries with lights in each berth.

Another innovation for an electric line is parlor cars. These have every
convenience and were designed for comfort and easy riding. They have large

142 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

observation platforms, comfortable arm chairs and for a small charge offer
privacy and luxury. These cars run to Springfield, Bloomington, Decatur and
St. Louis.

The System also handles all classes of freight. Rapid delivery of freight is
a big feature. Goods delivered to the freight house in the evening reach any
point on the Traction the ne.xt morning. This is true of all terminals. Regulation
freight ecjuipment is handled by the Traction which has elevators and connections
with steam roads for its freight business. Belt lines around Decatur, Spring-
field, Edwardsville and Granite City have recently been completed for the more
rapid handling of its freight trains.

The lines were built and put in operation from Bloomington to Peoria in
1906 and 1907, and in 1908 from Mackinaw Junction to Springfield.

The street car lines in Peoria were acquired by the System in 1904 and
work was started on the McKinley bridge across the Illinois. The power house
was rebuilt and enlarged to furnish current for the local lines and the interurban.

Since acf|uiring the street car lines they have been practicallv rebuilt and to-
day are said to be the best in the west for a city of the size of Peoria.

The Illinois Traction is in every respect a railroad doing all classes of rail-
road business. It operates freight trains and gives an unexcelled passenger
service. Cars leave Peoria for all points every hotir and arrive on the same
schedule. This frequence of service is a great convenience for travelers. The
local cars stop at all highway crossings making it possible for the farmer to visit
the city as he pleases. The limited cars stop at stations only and make as good
time as the steam roads.

At St. Louis across the Mississippi the System has built the McKinley Elec-
tric Bridge at a cost of four million, five hundred thousand dollars. This is the
largest bridge ever built by an electric railroad and the heaviest in carrying
capacity of any that crosses the river. A handsome passenger station and ter-
minal facilities have but recently been finished.

During the last year, the Traction has installed a complete system of auto-
matic electric block signals. These are absolutely automatic in their operation
and assure perfect safety in train operation. They are placed at all meeting
points, curves and subways and render collision practically impossible. It is
interesting to note that the Traction has more signals of this type than an)- other
electric road in the United States.

In the northern part of the state the INIcKinley interests own and control
the Chicago, Ottawa and Peoria Railway Company. This interurban operates
one hundred miles of track connecting Princeton, La Salle, Spring \'alley,
Ottawa, Streator and Joliet. Eventually these lines will enter Chicago and be
connected with the Illinois Traction System, making a continuous interurban
from St. Louis, Missouri, to Chicago, via Peoria.

William B. McKinley is the founder and builder and president of these inter-
urban lines. He is also well known from his public life, having represented the
nineteenth district of Illinois in congress for six terms. He is a member of the
committee of foreign affairs and was for four years chairman of the committee
on coinage weights and measures.

H. E. Chubl)uck, vice president and general manager of all the McKinley
interests, lives in Peoria. Sir. Chubbuck is one of the foremost men in the "elec-
trical business in the United States. His father and grandfather also spent their
lives in the electrical inilustry. His grandfather then living in LTica, New York,
had the distinction of collaborating with Morse in the invention of the telegraph.
His father invented the sounder and established the first factory for the manu-
facture of telegraph instruments in the United States. Mr. Chubbuck is the
head of an organization of more than three thousand, five hundred men. His
offices are in Peoria and he has made this city his permanent home, having bought
property on Moss avenue. He is well known in Peoria, taking an active interest
in all its business and social affairs.

CHAPTER XVIII

RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATION'S Ul' PKORIA GOUNTV THE CATHOLIC CHURCH FIRST IN

THE FIELD THE METHODISTS STRONG IN THE FAITH AND IN NUMBERS

HISTORY OF MANY CHURCHES TO BE FOUND IN THIS CHAPTER.

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH.

The story of the Roman Catholic church in I'coria county can best lie told
under several general headings.

As with Columbus the church came to this continent so came it also with the
sons of France who first rowed down our unknown streams and penetrated our
trackless forests. The e.xplorers were catholic : the missionaries, as well. Fre-
()uently the same individual was both the one and the other. Witness the names
of Marquette, Hennepin, Allouez, Rasle and Gravier.

The spring of 1673 saw Father James Marquette, Joliet and five fellow
countrymen rowing down the Wisconsin river to the Mississippi, thence down
its current to the place where the Arkansas pitches itself into the Father of
Waters. Here, satisfied that the Mississippi emj^ties into the Gulf instead of
the Pacific ocean, they started on the return voyage. Just a little curious that as
Columbus was seeking a short route to India and discovered America, so these
seven Frenchmen in seeking a short passage to India opened up a territory com-
pared with whose wealth the lure of India drops into utter insignificance. Mar-
quette's Journal of his first glimpse of the Illinois country says: 'AVe had seen
nothing like this river for the fertility of its land, its prairies, wood, wild cattle,
stag, deer, wild cats, swan, ducks, parrots and even beaver: its many lakes and
rivers." Prophetic forecast, for the golden harvests of Illinois now find their
wav to Bendemeer and liosphorus !

Having satisfied themselves that the Mississippi afforded no short cut to
India, they began the return and when at the mouth of the Illinois river they
were told by the Indians of the place that this river offered a shorter way to the
lakes, they ascended it and in that ascension we are privileged to chronicle the
fact :

Peoria County First Pell Upon White }hiu's I'ision

The exact date of this potent event we do not know, but the month and the
year we are able to record. June 17, 1673, saw Marquette and companions
entering the Mississippi and two months later, we note him spending three days
with the Indians of the Peoria village, announcing the Catholic faith to them
and baptizing a dying child which was brought to him on the water's edge as he
and companions were embarking to continue the journey to the Great Lakes.

With the preaching of Father Marc|uette and the administration of the Sacra-
meiit of I'.aptism .\ugust, 1673, we are able to fix the humble beginning of the
Catholic church in Peoria county. Its beginning is caezvl icith the adi'ent of the
first Zi'hitc man to these parts.

In this voyage up the river a stop was made at the principal village of the

143

144 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

Kaskaskias — a mission station was established, and from this estabhshment dates
the authentic period of the Illinois history (1673). Seven years later La Salle
descended the Illinois river on his way to the mouth of the Mississippi and while
on that journey built Fort Creve Coeur, opposite the present city of Peoria. This
marks the second step in the opening up of Illinois. While neither settlement
was made in Peoria, they were both made in the portion of Illinois which since
1875 is known in church geography, as

The Diocese of Peoria

April 8, 1675, finds Father Marquette at the first Kaskaskia village — on the
high ground north of the Illinois river and south of the present village of Utica.
The narrative tells us that five hundred chiefs and old men were seated in a
circle round the priest while the youth stood without, to the number of fifteen
hundred besides the many women and children. Marquette preached to them
and on the following Thursday and Sunday — Holy Thursday and Easter Sun-
day— celebrated Mass, the first clean Oblation ever offered to God in Illinois.

April iith and 14th, 1675, are the dates of the first Masses ofifered in the
Diocese of Peoria. A little more than a month later this first missionary passed
to his reward near the mouth of the St. Joseph river, on the eastern shore of
Lake Michigan. His thirty-eight years ending on the i8th of May, 1675, make
the historian, however crude, feel they were the beginning of immortality and
the Middle West places him among names she cannot afford to let die.

After the death of Illinois' and Peoria county's first missionary. Father Allouez
came to Kaskaskia on the Illinois ( 1677). Father Rasle, who was later murdered
by the New Englanders at Norridgewock, Maine, in 1724, also visited Kaskaskia
before 1700.

The era of the discoverer passes and the missionary gives place to the explorer
and the colonist. The idea grows upon us as we behold in Fort Creve Coeur
( 1680) the fourth of that chain of fortresses which La Salle's far-reaching plans
contemplated. He had already established Fort Frontenac on Lake Ontario,
Fort Conti on the River Niagara and Fort Miami. With these the church
historian is not particularly concerned except as he finds them centers of mis-
sionary activity. We have already noted Marquette's visit to Peoria county,
1673, and a little more than seven years later we chronicle the advent of the
second missionary or rather band of missionaries. For New Year's day, 1680,
witnessed La Salle, Tonti and twenty-five followers and three Franciscan mis-
sionaries landing to begin the construction of Fort Creve Coeur. The mission-
aries were Fathers Hennepin, Gabriel de la Rebourde and Zenobe Membre.

March i, 1680, saw the fort nearly finished. We cannot do better than let
Hennepin tell the story in his own words: "Our fort was very nearly finished
and we named it Fort Creve Coeur because the desertions of our men and the
other difficulties which we labored under had almost broken our hearts. And we
heard nothing of our ship and therefore wanted rigging and tackle for our bark
— M. de La Salle did not doubt then that his beloved Griffin (i. e. his transport
and trading ship — Ed. ) was lost, but neither this nor the other difficulties dejected
him — his great courage buoyed him up, and he resolved to return to Fort Fron-
tenac by land notwithstanding the severe and unspeakable dangers attending so
great a voyage."

Hennepin tells again of long consultations had and the resolve that La Salle
set out with three men and bring back with him all the necessary things for their
discoveries. La Salle was intending to navigate the Mississippi to its mouth
and Hennepin and two companions to go by the mouth of the Illinois to the upper
Mississippi.

The missionaries who had accompanied La Salle to Creve Coeur are now about

ST. MARY'S C-ATIIK1)I;A1.

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 145

to scatter themselves for more widespread effort. We cannot do better than
hear again the story in Hennepin's own words : "We were three missionaries
for that handful of Europeans at Fort Creve Coeur and therefore we thought
lit to divide ourselves. Father Gabriel de la Rebourde, being very old, was tc
continue with our men at the fort. Father Zenolire Membre was to go among
the Illinois, having desired it himself, in hopes to convert that numerous nation,
and I was to go on without discovery."

Tonti was left in command of the fort as La Salle with three men set out
overland for Canada. Father Hennepin and two companions went down the
Illinois and began his memorable e.xploration of the upper Mississippi. Mean-
while Father Membre lived in the cabin of the chief Oumahowha but the brutal
habits greatly discouraged him. Gradually, however, he accjuired their language.
Tonti was deserted by most of his men and the aged Father de la Rebourde was
adopted by Asapiata. an Illinois chief.

In September, same year, the Peorias and Kaskaskias were attacked by an
Iroquois army and tied. Tonti and the missionaries narrowly escaped and seeing
no alternative set out for Green Bay in a wretched bark canoe. The following
day being compelled to land for repairs while Tonti and Father Membre were
making the repairs, Father de la Rebourde retired to the shade of a neighboring
grove to recite his office. This was the last seen of him. Three Kickapoos had
come upon him and killed him and thrown his body into a hole. His breviary
eventually fell into the hands of a Jesuit missionary.

Thus September 9. 1680. bears n'itncss to the first martyr of the Illinois mis-
sions in the person of Father Gabriel de la Rebourde, who in the seventieth year
passed from earth, far indeed, from his native France.

From the breaking up of Fort Creve Coeur in Autumn, 1680, to 172 1, we
Ijehold the Catholic church in the ministrations of Father Gravier, Jesuit, who
was here in 1693 and 1694, and who tells us of fervent Christians among the
Indians. Even in the absence of the missionary the men assembled in chapel
for morning and evening prayers.

The year 1700 we see h'ather Gravier again in Peoria, but this time the medi-
cine man incited a sedition in which the missionary was dangerousl}^ wounded
and narrowly escaped his life.

h'ather Moreat resided here for some time after Father Gravier's experience
in 1700. The mission then became vacant, and the Indians in punishment for
their cruelty to Father Gravier were cut oft" from the French trade. Father
Moreat came a second time to them in 171 1, and found them somewhat subdued
and conscious of their former cruelty. On his return to Kaskaskia (on the
Mississi])]3i ) he sent from there Father de \'ille to renew the faith among the
I'eorias. The next priest to visit this site was Father Charlevoix in 172 1. At
that time the chief's little daughter was dying and he brought her to the mis-
sionary to be baptized. The chief wore on his breast a cross and figure of the
Blessed \'irgin.

Ill

From 1721 until early in the next century silence falls upon missionary effort
among the Indians in the Illinois country. This is so for the reason that tribal
wars of the bitterest kind made such effort impossible. That their wars were
relentless yet having in them elements of the noblest daring and greatest heroism
the reader need but advert to the memorable siege of Starved Rock, where, like
Schamyl, on Gunib's height, ninety years later, valiant warriors looked down
upon the enemy. But what traitors or new found paths could not do hunger and
thirst did.

Another explanation is found for a prolonged interruption of the missionary

story in what here follows. In 17 12 the French government began to send white

settlers to this and other colonies, which stretched all the way from New Orleans

to the Great Lakes. It granted valuable franchises to Crosat and Cadillac. The
vii. I— 10

146 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

grant ended in disaster in 1717 and was quickly followeil by the bursting of
Law's bank in 1720. This was known in those days as the Mississippi Bubble
and was doubtless Illinois' first experiment in high finance. The white settler
lost his all. In 1736, war broke out with the Chickasaws and the Illinois troops
met defeat. Illinois' tirst governor, D'Artaguiette and its second martyr priest.
Father Senet, were put to death by slow torture at the stake.

The Illinois troops under Bienville again tasted of defeat at the hands of the
Chickasaws. Then came \'andruel, as governor of Louisiana, who later in 1760
surrendered Montreal and the whole of Canada to England. 1763, just ninety
years after Marquette's visit to Peoria, witnessed the passing of our city and
surrounding territory from French to short-lived British rule.

From Father James Marquette's visit, then, in 1673 to the proclamation of
General Gage bearing date December 30, 1764, the catholic was the only form of
the christian religion known or proclaimed in Illinois. Bearing upon the fact :
the early missionar)- ]3hase of religion was exclusively catholic, ^liss Jones, in
her painstaking work entitled "Decisive Dates in Illinois History" writes: "Two
strong motives led the French into the wilderness. One was the fur trade and
the other was the love of their church which sent them as missionaries among
the American Indians. Wherever a trading-post was located, a mission was
established. The priest with his altar on his back went side by side with the
explorer and the trader. This was the case from the time of the building of
Quebec, the first permanent settlement in New France by Samuel Champlain in

1608."

The first proclamation of the first English Governor of the newly acquired
territory has to do with religion and reads as follows. General Gage says:
"And His Brittanic Majesty grants to the inhabitants of Illinois the liberty of the
Catholic religion, as has already been granted to his subjects in Canada. He has
consequents given the most precise and efifective orders to this end that his new
Roman Catholic subjects of the Illinois may exercise the worship of their religion
according to the rites of the Roman church."

The British held possession of all this northwest territory until 1778 \yhen
Col. George Rogers Clark dislodged them. That Father Gibault greatly assisted
the colonel the records show. Through him messengers were dispatched to
Vincennes and Peoria (\'ille du Maillet) assuring the French residents they
were American allies and enemies of the English, against whose rule their racial
feelings had protested for the past fourteen years. Father Gibault's services
in this episode of the militant gospel were recognized in public eulogium in the
legislation of \'irginia in 1780.

From the period of the revolution just adverted to, the local historian asks
the reader to make a good long mental jump of more than fifty years. There
are no records covering the intervening half century ; in truth, there seems little
to record other than a settling back into primeval wilderness and silence from
which our territory was first awakened by Father .^Marquette on a memorable
August day, 1673.

To be exact in dates, the mental jump brings historian and reader to Decem-
ber, 1837, and August, 1839. The former date tells of .A lass celebrated in the
house of Thomas Alooney", who in 1835, with his family came to the La Salle
Prairie about sixteen miles up the river northeast of the present city of Peoria.
Mr. Mooney's name attached itself to this early homeseeking in Peoria county
and the place is rightfully called Mooney Settlement. The priest who first paid
the few Catholic settlers there a visit was a fellow countryman of Father Mar-

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 147

cjuette. IJorn at Lyons, I'Yance, 1804, and ordained at St. Louis, by ISishop
Rosati, April 6, 1833, the Rev. J. j\I. J. St. Cyr. has the distinction of being the
first resident priest of Chicago and of building its first church — St. Mary's.
He has also the pilgrim's experience of walking from (Chicago) l'"ort Dear-
born to St. Louis. This foot journey enables us to chronicle his visit to Mooney
Settlement and to resume the story of the Catholic church in Peoria county
after more than fifty years of silence.

The village of Kickapoo lays claim to possessing the first permanent Roman
Catholic church edifice built in Illinois. The little stone church is still in use
and its cornerstone was laid August 4, 1839. Fortunately the record of this
most interesting early event has been preserved.

"By the authority of the IJishop, the illustrious and Rt. Rev. Joseph Rosati,
I have this day blessed and placed the (first) cornerstone of a church to be
erected by the faithful in Kickapoo, a mission connected with this parish and
situated in the county of Peoria about sixty miles from La Salle, said church
to be erected to the glorv of God and of St. Patrick, ISishop of the Irish People."
August 4, 1^9. ' J. B. Raho, C. M^

The local historian finds himself noting the passing of the early Jesuit and
Franciscan missionary and their places taken by the Lazarist, who is to occupy
no small space in the church history of central Illinois after the event chronicled
by their worthy son, who came from the center of their religious activity at La
Salle, Illinois, to lay the cornerstone of the first permanent Catholic church in
Peoria county and perhaps in Illinois. Father Raho's name is closely associated
with the beginnings of the Catholic activity, which has remained down to the
present in the city of Peoria. He paid a short visit here in 1838 on his way from
St. Louis to La Salle and a year later returned and celebrated Mass at the home
of Patrick Ward on tlie Jefferson street lot adjoining the present St. Mary's
parochial school.

From this date Mass was said now and then at the houses of various early
settler Catholics.

Services were held in a public building for the first time in 1840. The distinc-
tion belongs to Father Raho and the place the u])per room of a frame building,
corner Main and Adams, where the AIcDougal drug store now stands. Father
Raho was assisted by Fathers Parodi and Staehle. For a few years, the Sunday
Mass was celebrated about once a month. From 1841 to 1843, public services
were held on the lower side of Washington street about half way between Main
and I'ulton streets in what was known as Stillman's Row.

The year 1843 bears witness to the visit of the first Catholic bishop to Peoria.
P>ishop Peter Kenrick of St. Louis came and celebrated Mass in Stillman's Row
and also in the old courthouse. His visit w^as quite an event bringing Catholics
from Galena, La Salle, Black Partridge and Kickapoo. He confirmed twenty-
seven and remained for some days delivering addresses for three consecutive
evenings to mixed audiences in the courthouse.

It was this visit which brought about the purchase of the ground which later
became the site of old .St. Mary's church — so many years the pro-cathedral of the
diocese of Peoria. To-day the church building has passed but the grounds
remain ornamented by a new and up-to-date parochial school which is the prop-
erty of the parish and retains the name of St. Mary's.

From Bishop Kenrick's visit to 185 1 and 1852 when the first St. Mary's
church was built, services were held in various places about the city chiefly in a
little brick building on the alley between Madison and Jefferson streets. For
many years afterward this same spot was the site of the first parochial school
in Peoria. St. Mary's church, whose opening under Father Montuori, July 4,
1852, we are all privileged to chronicle was dedicated some months later, April
17, 1853, by Bishop \'an de \'elde — the second bishop of Chicago. From the
opening of St. Mary's church in 1852 its abandonment May, 1889, in favor of
the cathedral which now stands a thing of imposing beauty, sixteen pastors pre-

148 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

sided over its destinies. Among the best known were Father Abraham J. Ryan,
later known as "The Poet Priest of the South" and Fathers M. J. Hurley and
Benjamin J. Spalding, whose early death was bemoaned but who left in the new
St. Mary's, corner Madison and Green streets, an enduring monument to his
memory and an evidence that his ten years of pastorate were busy and fruitful
years.

Tlic Diocese of Peoria
VI

The setting apart, into a diocese bearing the name of our county seat, of a
certain territory stretching across the entire width of central Illinois gives a
new and significant prominence to the Catholic church story of Peoria county.

The diocese of Peoria was erected by Papal Brief, February 12. 1875, and its
first Bishop Rt. Rev. John L. Spalding was consecrated in New York city by
Cardinal McClosky, May i, 1877. Twenty-two days later he came to Peoria and
for more than thirty years or to be exact until November, 1908. when his resigna-
tion handed in two months previous, was accepted by Rome, he directed the
destiny of the Catholic church in Peoria with rare administrative power ; with
wisdom, catholic in the broadest sense ; with universal sympathy and with a gift
of eloquence that would have marked him in any age or country ; with a pen
unfailing and chaste. All this lifted the diocese of Peoria to a place not explained
by numbers or distinctive early history, however interesting. Doubtless in last
analysis the historian in explanation, finds himself saying as Sir Arthur Helps
said of Cardinal Ximines, "He is like a city on the margin of deep waters such
as Genoa, where no receding tide reveals anything that is mean, squalid or
unbecoming."

When Bishop Spalding took up his residence in Peoria, May, 1877, there were'
besides St. Mary's, St. Joseph's and St. Patrick's parishes. The year 1855 bears
witness to the erection of St. Joseph's church. It was in every way uripretentious,
a frame building fifty by thirty-two. Its first pastor and builder was Father
Gipperich — formerly of Black Partridge — who remained until 1857. Among the
well known and more prominent pastors of this church are Fathers Boers,
Dieters, Baak, Rotter and Greve, who yet remains. The distinction of building
the present permanent church dedicated in 1880 belongs to Father Baak, who
began his pastorate in 1872.

St. Patrick's, the largest of the Catholic parishes of the city of Peoria, began
its particular history in 1862. Father Coyle, rector of St. Mary's, built a stnall
frame church there for the wants of the growing population in "The Lower
End." It was attended from St. Mary's, and became strong enough to stand
alone. May i, 1868, when Father Hurley resigned the pastorate of St. Mary's
to become the first and much loved pastor of St. Patrick's. He built the present
permanent church, which was tried as by fire, but which arose again and
was dedicated November 27, 1881. Father Hurley died December 11, 1892, and
was succeeded by its present rector Rt. Rev. Bishop Peter J. O'Reilly.

The parish of the Sacred Heart, whose proximity to the city hall makes the
visitor know the church is in toimi and suggests possibly the balance of civil and
religious government — this church was the first of the new parishes which fol-
lowed in fairly rapid succession under the stimulus of the first bishop of Peoria.
Begun in 1880 it was for more than a decade cared for by the Capuchin Fathers,
who in 1892 were succeeded by the Sons of St. Francis of Assissi. They have
changed all the temporary buildings into permanent structures of approved
architectural beauty.

The year 1881 finds the population of "The Lower End" demanding nearer
church accommodations and in this demand arose St. Boniface's parish. Its first
rector and organizer was the Rev. F. Von Schwedler, who built a frame church
and school and brick parochial residence. He was succeeded, 1892, by the Fran-

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 149

ciscan Fathers, who later erected the permanent church and school. The parish
remains under their charge and shows yearly gains in membership and religious
vitality.

St. John's parish took birth July, 1890. It found reason for its existence in
the growth covered up by that somewhat mystic but comprehensive phrase "The
Lower End." It was most fortunate in its first rector, who like the first rector
of St. Boniface, came from Oilman, Illinois.

The Rev. John P. Ouinn had youth, vigor, industry, enthusiasm and eloquence.
They were assets that counted. January, 191 1, he was advanced to the Deanery
of Ottawa, Illinois. His twenty years of residence in St. John's left a void in
many hearts ; they also left four permanent buildings in which to carry on the
parochial life. He was succeeded by the Rev. T. E. .Madden, of Arlington,
Illinois.

St. Mark's parish made a beginnmg July, 1891. Its first rector and organizer
was Rev. Francis J. O'Reilly, who came from Utica, Illinois, to do the work.
He remained in charge until June, 1897, when he was advanced to the rectorship
of St. Mary's cathedral and made chancellor of the diocese of Peoria. His six
years of living on the West Bluff witnessed — after a year of temporary organiza-
tion— the completion of the present permanent church and rectory.

He was succeeded by Rev. James Shannon, who in December, 1910, was
succeeded by Rev. John H. Burke, of Bloomington, Illinois. Father Burke, its
third rector still cares for the spiritual needs of the growing parish.

St. Bernard's, the newest of the congregations of the city of Peoria proper,
was born of the spiritual needs of the people of the Catholic faith who sought
homes in what is locally called the East Bluff. The parish was created and the
church built in 1904 by Father F. J. O'Reilly, while rector of the cathedral.
Its first resident rector was appointed on the day of dedication, October, 1904.
He remains and reigns successfully in the person of Rev. M. P. Sammon, who
has since added to the parish e(|uipment a parochial residence and school, both of
permanent character and architectural beauty.

St. Peter's, Averyville, came into existence humbly enough toward the end
of December, 1897. In August, 1898, the present church was dedicated and
later a parochial residence was acquired. These things were done by Rev. F.
J. O'Reilly while rector of St. Mary's Cathedral. The priests of the cathedral
answered all its spiritual demands until August, 191 1, when its first and present
rector came in the person of Rev. Enos Barnes.

Extra-Urban Territory

Brimfield, Dunlap, Princeville, Elmwood, Edelstein, and Chillicothe all have
churches and four of them are administered by resident priests.

Brimfield claimed its first resident priest in 1867 and the honor fell to Rev.
J. Murphy who has had twelve successors — among them Rev. Max Albrecht,
Canon J. Moyinhan, \'ery Rev. James Shannon, present Vicar General of the
Diocese of Peoria and the Rev. A. Mainville, rector since 1899.

Elmwood for several years attended from lirimfield, secured a resident rector
in 1892. Rev. D. A. Kelley to whom that distinction came was succeeded after
a few months by Rev. J. W. Callias, who in turn was followed by Rev. N.
Dempsey, the present incumbent.

Chillicothe after being an out-mission of Henry for some years, became a
distinct parish entity in 1904, when the Rev. E. M. Hayden arrived as its first rec-
tor. The present church building was erected by Rev. Edward Kniery, while
coming now and then, as rector of St. Joseph's, Henry. The parochial residence is
due to Father Hayden, who remained until autumn, 1911. He was succeeded
by Rev. J. E. Roach.

Catholicity came to Princeville with the early Irish and German settlers.
At that time there was no church nearer than Kickapoo or Peoria to which

150 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

places they were accustomed to drive. While the present Peoria diocese was
part of the archdiocese of Chicago, the Catholic people of Princeville township
were ministered to by priests from Peoria city. On September 7, 1867, the Rev.
T. Alurphy was appointed lirst rector of Princeville and his successors in turn
have been, Rev. Max Albright, Rev. Chas. Wenserski, Rev. Father .Moore, Very
Rev. I. Canon Moyninhan. Rev. H. Schreiber, Rev. P. A. McGair, Rev. C. A.
Hausser and Rev. C. 1'. O'.Xeill.

It was in Father Murphy's time that the old Presbyterian meeting house
was purchased and made into a Roman Catholic church, the first in Princeville.
Father Albrecht built the first rectory. The handsome new church was the
work of Father McGair, while the present fine new rectory, together with the
Christ chapel and the fittings for the church are the results of the labor of Father
O'Neill, the present rector.

Attached to the mother church in Princeville are two missions, one at Dun-
lap and the other at Edelstein. At the former place is a strong parish composed
of many of the leading citizens. The first church was built in 1879 by Father
Moyninhan on ground given by Alva Dunlap. This church known as St. Rose's
served the congregation till the November of 1909 when it was destroyed by
lightning. It has been replaced by a handsome new brick and stone structure
in the English Gothic style and is now known as St. Clement's.

St. Matthew's in Edelstein was the result of a gift by Matthew :\IcDonnell,
one of the early settlers of Hallock township and a staunch Catholic. It _ was
built in 1 90 1 and although the parish is small the members make up in enthusiasm
what they lack in numbers.

VII

Roman Catholic Institiifions

Apart from distinct parochial organization and equipment, which is similar
to that found elsewhere, the Bishop of Peoria was eager and persistent in the
establishment of parish schools. It is noteworthy therefore, that in the city of
I'eoria each parish has its own school. Most of the buildings are new and models
in equipment and efficiency. Five sisterhoods direct their progress.

Higher education is represented by the Academy of Our Lady of The Sacred
Heart, corner Brvan and Madison, and bv the Spalding Institute, corner Madison
and lackson streets. The former began in 1863 and has gradually added to its
mateVial endowment so that it is stronger to-day than at any time during the
past half centurv. It has continued under the management of the founders and
their successors in the same sisterhood — Sisters of St. Joseph's, Carondelet, Mo.
Many of the women of the leading families of Peoria and surrounding counties
lovinglv call it Alma Mater.

Spalding Institute, which in 1901 opened its doors for young men seeking
a higher education classical, commercial and scientific other than that obtainable
in the ordinary graded school, is the personal gift of Bishop Spalding. Born of
his brain and pocket book, it continues as it began, under the direction of the
Brothers of Mary of Dayton, Ohio, to send forth its yearly quota of young
men ec|uipped in things of the mind for the more serious and strenuous problems
of modern life. The building itself is one of the architectural triumphs of the

citv of Peoria. , , •,

' From the educational institutions we pass to the charitable and philanthropic,
which have found material expression in the St. Francis Hospital, Home of the
Good Shepherd and St. Joseph's Home for the Aged.

St. Francis' Hospital began in 1876. Four 'of the Bismark— exiled sisters
were brought to Peoria bv the Rev. B. Baak, rector of St. Joseph's church.
They rented the Bradley home place on Adams street and remained there until
the autumn of 1877, when Bishop Spalding secured for them the site on Glen
Oak avenue, which thev still occupv. Thev have not only annexed neighboring

HISTORY OF TEORIA COUNTY 151

lots for tlie needs of newer and up-to-date buildings and equipment at home;
hut they liave gone al)road and almost annexed surrounding states. To a modern
and highly efficient hospital and Motlier Mouse in I'eoria, they have added ten
new hospitals in Illinois, ^Michigan and Iowa. The acorn is now the oak.

The Home of the Good Shepherd threw open its doors July, 1891. The
impelling power was Bishop Spalding, who called on the various parishes of the
tliocese to lend the helping hand. The Catholics of the city of Peoria and many
non-Catholics as well have continued their interest in and appreciation of the great
sacrifices made by the sisters for the fallen and dangerously-near of our race.

The local chronicler finds himself dwelling upon the bond which ties Peoria
in its Catholic history to St. Louis. The first bishop to visit Peoria was Bishop
Kenrick of St. Louis, the first priest to say Alass here after the discoverer and
the explorer had passed was sent by Bishop Rosati of St. Louis. The Sisters of
St. Joseph's who opened the first Catholic school of learning here came from
St. Louis. The Brothers of Mary who direct the Spalding Institute iioiv look to
St. Louis as their Mother House and headquarters. The Sisters of the Good
Shepherd came from St. Louis and as their home here grows they turn to St.
Louis for other "Angels of Buena Vista" to continue the work. Though tried
by fire they have prospered and are to-day more flourishing than ever. Not
Peoria county alone nor many counties of Illinois but neighboring states are
indebted to their zeal for relieving them of many of the cares and burdens of
charity.

St. Joseph's Home for the Aged is a home-grown charity. It was given its
first impulse by Rev. C. Rotter, rector of St. Joseph's church. December, 1902,
found it beginning in a humble way on Smith street. The present modern
Iniildings twice added to are an index of the need for such an institution and of
the aliility to make things go which stands back of it in the humble garb of Mother
Pacifica. It has since sought other fields and con(|uered them. Nine schools
and homes look to it for supi)ly and guidance. Just now a new building to be
used for training sisters as a mother house is lifting itself skyward on the West
Bluflf.

YIII

We interrupted the story special to St. Mary's parish when we noted the pass-
ing of old St. Alary 's church, May 14, 1889, corner Jeflferson and Bryan streets,
in the cathedra], corner 'Madison and Green, which since May 15, 1889, has been
not only the center of the parochial life for the people of St. Mary's but — being
the Bishop's church and seat — of the directive Catholic life of Peoria and sur-
rounding counties as well. The day of the opening of the new cathedral was also
the day of its dedication. Archbishops P^ehan ant! Ireland, Bishops Ryan of
.\lton, Janssens of Bellville, Cosgrove of Davenport and Hennessy of Dubu<iue
were prelates present. The Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Feehan and the
sermon delivered by Bishop Hennessy. The next event which in the story of the
parish had a wider than parochial interest was the consecration of Rt. Rev. P. J.
O'Reilly as Bishop .Auxiliary to Bishop Spalding. This event took place Septem-
ber, 1900, and brought to Peoria many visiting Bishops. The consecra^or was
the apostolic delegate later known as Cardinal Martinelli.

Far and away the most important and most imposing event in the history of
St. Mary's gathers itself around the silver jubilee of Bishop Spalding who. May
I, 1902, celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of his consecration. There were
present Cardinal Gibbons of Baltimore; Archbishop Ireland of St. Paul; Arch-
bishop Keane of Dubuque; Archbishop Kain of St. Louis; Archbishop Riordan,
of San Francisco. Bishops Gabriels of Ogdensburg, N. Y., McOuaid of Roches-
ter, N. Y. ; liyrne, of Nashville; Foley, of Detroit; Messmer, of Green Bay;
Shanley, of Fargo, North Dakota ; Cotter, of Winona, Minnesota ; Scannell, of
Omaha; Burke, of St. Joe. Missouri; Dunne, of Dallas, Texas; Cosgrove, of
Davenport; Glennon, of Kansas City; Muldoon, of Chicago; Ryan, of Alton;

152 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

Janssens, of Belleville, Illinois; Aloeller, of Columbus, Ohio; and Conaty, Rector
Catholic University, Washington, D. C.

Since the dedication of St. 'Mary's cathedral it has had four rectors ; Rev. C.
F. H. O'Neill, Rev. Martin O'Conner, Rev. F. J. O'Reilly and Rev. James Shan-
non, present incumbent. The two former — after a pastoral direction of six years
passed to their reward. The Rev. F. J. O'Reilly, succeeding to the rectorship,
June, 1897, and with the distinction of serving longest in point of years, was
transferred to Danville, Illinois, December 8, 191 1. The \'ery Rev. James Shan-
non, who now directs its spiritual and temporal interests is also Vicar General
of the Diocese of Peoria.

January 6, 1905, Bishop Spalding was suddenly stricken with paralysis, which,
while not fatal nor wholly incapacitating him for the work here recounted and of
which he had been so large a part that the narrator must thrust him forward and
hang around his virile and constantly growing personality the story of more than
thirty years of the Catliolic life of Peoria county — the affliction so handicapped him
that in September, 1908, he voluntarily laid down the burden.

That diocesan work did not locally confine him or take up all his energies
cannot better be told than in the words of a cosmopolitan newspaper which
chronicling his resignation September, 1908, said "when John Lancaster Spalding
became the Roman Catholic Bishop of Peoria, in 1877, he was an ardent young
churchman, and his missionary labors were fruitful. He was not then, as now
internationally famous as scholar, writer, orator and sociologist, but the thirty
odd years of his episcopacy brought this and more.

"Illinois has claimed as sons some great idealists. Foremost among them
stands John Lancaster Spalding, a gentle, saintly prelate in his church relation-
ships and a lion in strength as educator, sociologist and humanitarian. An
ideal American bishop was Spalding, for his teachings were American. He
was a natural leader in the group of progressive churchmen including Gibbons,
Ireland and Keane. who have helped to make American Catholicism what it is
to-day."

September t, 1909, witnessed at the cathedral of Chicago the consecration
of Rt. Rev. Edmund M. Dunne. Eight days later the newly consecrated came
to Peoria and was installed as successor to Rt. Rev. John L. Spalding. The
second bishop of Peoria has youth, vigor and sympathy — one to the manor born,
and a cosmopolitan grasp — the result of many years' study abroad. He is a
linguist, eloquent of speech in his own tongue and the first native of Illinois to
be advanced to an episcopal see in Illinois.

PRE,SRVTI-:RL\NI.';M and PRESBYTERI.\NS in PEORIA COUNTY

The identity of a church may be established or distinguished by, or discovered
from its form of government or its system of doctrine. The Presbyterian church
has both marks and takes its name from the governmental conception of the
church as outlined in the New Testament and exemplified in Jewish worship
maintained in the synagogue services. Presbuteros or elder is the "office" that
gives the name to the church. Presbyterians have a definite scriptural creed and
a constitutionally defined and equitable form of government and a consistent
history. Denominationallv considered, a Presbyterian church is defined as a
church constructed on the Presbyterian polity or form of government whose
creed is in harmony with the consensus of the Reform church. That consensus
lies in the confessional agreement in five fundamental features : First, the
supremacy of the Holy Scriptures as the only rule of faith, doctrine and duty ;
second, election by free grace; third, atonement by the blood of Christ; fourth,
justification of faith alone; and fifth, the doctrine of the sacraments.

The polity of the Presbyterian church is defined by a written constitution, by
the terms of which the government of the church is administered by chosen
representatives of the people. This polity clearly distinguishes three great prin-

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173

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■-*■•

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HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 15;5

ciples : First, the parity of official equality of the clergy ; second, representative
government by the people ; and third, the unity of the bodv of Christ.

The soul requirement for admission to membership in this church is an open,
honest confession of allegiance to Jesus Christ as Lord and Master. No creedal
test or obligation is met at the door of the Presbyterian church by one who would
enter. That door of entrance is as wide as the gate of Heaven and as narrow
as Jesus' declaration makes it, "No man cometh unto the Father but by me."

The I'resbyterian church stands today, as of yore, for important Christian
prmciples essential to the formation of sturdy character, vital to Christian citizen-
ship—two things for which the world has real need. It is also a church most
catholic, most fraternal in its spirit, most cordial and courteous in its attitude
toward and treatment of other comnumions of the Lord's people. It cultivates
an irenic spirit and temper and extends to the Christian world the right hand
of fellowship by reason of its ecumenic creed, and with confident hope prays
for and seeks to anticipate the reunion of Christendom.

Having been reared in this faith, early settlers coming from the south or
east and across the seas brought with them to this region their religious habits
and fond desires to enjoy after their wont divine services and to rear their
children in the Presbyterian faith. Accordingly, they founded churches in every
comnuinity where they found any considerable number of people of like religious
training with themselves. This favored generation has small appreciation of
what it owes to the early settlers, who as Christians maintained their integrity,
worshiped God, planted churches, created and left over and handed down to
their descendants a rich religious legacy for which they endured privations and
made sacrifices in this, then new country, in order that they might provide houses
of worship, estated ministry, and gospel privileges for themselves, their neighbors
and their children.

in the following sketch it is purposed to trace the early history and later
developments of what may be called the pioneer churches and to give a brief
statement concerning the organization and growth of the later churches estab-
lished in Peoria county. Some of these early churches answer perfectly to that
description of the patriarchs who "served their generation and fell on sleep,"
for a changing and complex population. Removals by death and immigration
have depleted to exhaustion some churches that early in their history flourished
and gave religious tone and moral vitality to the communities in which they were
planted.

The task of one who essays to write of the early churches of Peoria county
is made difticnlt liy reason of the fact that the early records kept of the organiza-
tion of the churches and their subsec]uent transactions were very few and scant
in the first place, and many of them through lapse of time have been lost or
destroyed. It is a great pity that they were not made more complete or had
i)een better preserved and that resort for data need not be made to such civil
records as may be found for incidental reference, in order to present a historical
narration. The attempt is here made to describe the main items of interest and
importance connected with each congregation.

The earliest Presbyterian church planted in the county of Peoria, whose
history remains unbroken from its beginning till now, is the Princess Grove, or
Princeville church, founded .August 16, 1834. At the organization of this cliurch
under the leadership of the Rev. Robert Stewart and Theron Baldwin, we find
such names enrolled as White, Morrow, Garrison, Peet, Miller, as charter mem-
bers ; indicating that they were of English and Scotch blood. We see them
living through the dangers of the Black Hawk war of the two years before,
guarding their flocks and herds from coyotes, wolves, lynxes and wild cats, while
building their huts of logs cut from the grove, and then having raised small crops
of wheat or corn, hauling it to Chicago and on their return trip bringing back
with their ox team, shingles and finishing lumber for their church house, for we are
told that they built the first house of worship from stone gathered near by and

154 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

sawed walnut siding by hand from the trees of the grove and hewed the dimen-
sion timbers and erected the building by volunteer labor.

These were days of devoted self-denial on the part of both ministers and
people. The Princeville pulpit was occupied in the early days by Rev. C. W.
Bal)bit, George D. Sill, Robert ISreese, and Robert Campbell, all able, consecrated
men, and they have had their successors of. like attainments and consecration,
who have proved themselves by their service to Christ and the church. To this
church such men ,as Dr. Robert Henry, George Rowcliff, Lemuel Auten, B. H.
Weir have devoted themselves in the ruling eldership, serving in an unstinted
and loyal way the churcli of their love. This church celebrated its seventy-hfth
anniversary, and the historical sermon preached by the present pastor, the Rev.
Max B. Wiles, is replete with interesting reminiscences and may be found in
the "Princeville Telephone" of August 19, 1909.

The first Protestant church founded in Peoria was what is now known as the
First Presbyterian church. It owed its existence largely to the devotion and
determination of one Salnuel Lowry, who was its earliest ruling elder, with con-
siderable em]:)hasis on the adjective. But neither his rugged faith nor unflinching
adherence to what he saw fit to call "principle" are to be spoken of lightly. That
he was intensely human, an active member of the church militant, there is no
doubt, and from his appearance as shown in a daguerreotype one might conclude
that had he lived a little earlier, he would not have been an unequal antagonist
of the rather famous, or infamous, Claverhouse. but making due allowance for
his fighting spirit, when it is known that it was his privilege to have been born
on Londonderry battlefield, much might be said to his credit. ]\Ir. Lowry, co-
operating with the Rev. John Birch, gathered in Peoria a congregation and on
the 22d of December, 1834, the First church was organized by Mr. Birch, as
"The Ohio Missionary," in Mr. Lowry's home, and it was in all probability the
last church organized by this devoted and heroic soldier of the Cross, for he
perishefl on Delavan prairie the night of the awful Friday, December 16, 1836,
when the temperature fell rapidly without warning and he was overtaken by
the storm while making his way on horseback to his appointment in Peoria, and
was found next day frozen to death.

Succeeding him, came the Rev. Isaac Kellar from Hagerstown, Maryland,
who served and brought faithfully in this church — encountered the opposition
of the world — the flesh, and Elder Lowry. But all the mistakes made that became
steps leading up or down to unhappy contentions over church property — litigation
in the church courts — could not have been all on one side, anci it is quite possible
that Samuel Lowry was about half right and half wrong, the other contending
parties dividing the burden with him in about the same proportion. However,
time, changing circumstances, and the coming of new people affected changes in
the church life, and out of controversey and division, and by the dissolution
of a sporadic organization, the First church persisting came to inherit "all the
rights and privileges to the title appertaining," and is therefore the "First Church
in Peoria" with its Presbyterian complexion, historically and continuously since
1834 to the present.

The Rev. Isaac Kellar was first in the succession of such able, scholarly and
worthy pastors as Addison Coffey, Robert Johnston, Jonathan Edwards — all of
whom "wrought nobly in the work of the Master," and have been called to meet
their reward. Surviving in this succession are John H. Morron, Jesse C. Bruce,
Newell D. Hillis, Thomas A. McCurdy, Chauncey T. Edwards and Hugh Jack,
each of whom has contributed his particular part in building this Zion, having
had the earnest cooperation of the people of the First church, who have always
had "a mind to work," and from their ranks have furnished such able men and
women as Christian workers as the Weises, the Griswolds, McCoys, Powells,
Reynolds, Schneblys, Batchelders, Johnstons, Louckes, Mcllvaines, .McKin-
neys. Fishers, and others whose names are in the Book of Life.

The First church has been the mother of churches. Through her activity

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 155

from lier membership the Second. Calvary, Grace, Arcadia and Westminster
churclies of Peoria and the Pottstown church were formed, each in succession
being developed from a mission Sabbath school established and conducted by
active and devoted men and women from the First church. This church has
given to the Presbyterian ministry eight of her sons, namely : John W C. Nellis,
James M. Batchelder. Wellington E. Loucks, Charles M. and Herbert H. Fisher,
Charles E. and Chaunccy T. Edwards and A. W. McCurd}-, who all have done,
and the surviving members of this band are still doing faithful and fruitful work
for and in the church in which they were reared and to which they have devoted
their lives.

Places of worship occupied by this church were first, the county court house,
a small and insignificant building; then the First church building in Peoria
county at the corner of Adams and Jackson streets ; then a frame building on
Fulton street, between Adams and Jefiferson ; the brick building now standing
at the corner of Main and Madison; and the present commodious structure on
Hamilton boulevard and Crescent avenue.

This church celebrated its seventy-fifth or "Diamond .Anniversary," December,
1909, with attractive, appropriate and impressive services, participated in or con-
tributed to by all the former living pastors, and with greetings from the children
of the church unable to be present, a full account of which may be found in a
i)ooklet called the "Diamond Anniversary" of the First Presbyterian church,
Peoria, Illinois, and which may be consulted at the Peoria library.

It appears that from 1849 to 1854 a number of churches were formed in
the county, namely : La Marsh, Rochester, Orange Prairie, West Jersey, etc.,
all of which served a good purpose, flourished for a time and because of the
incoming of the railroads and the shifting of the population to the new towns
erected on these highways, were abandoned and became physically and legally
extinct.

An early church was that of Brunswick, organized by the Classis of the
Reformed Dutch church, September 19, 1840, and was then known as the
Protestant Dutch church of Copperas. After the establishment of the Bruns-
wick postoffice, the name of the church was changed to Brunswick and in 1844
the church was admitted to Presbytery, and is still connected therewith and
maintains stated services and a Sabbath school.

The location is beautiful for situation, commanding a view of some of the
best farms in Peoria county and magnificent scenery for miles around in either
direction. Among the early workers and later laborers in this old church are to
be found the names of the Ramseys, Wellses, Fahnestock, Erford. Love.
Graham, Wilson and Eslinger, and it has had as its ministers the Revs. Sill,
Eraser, Martinis, McFarland, Ferguson, Johnston, Scott, McMillan, Keiry, Mul-
len and Smith.

The influence of the church on the communit}- life was for years very
marked and its fragrance lingers still. On the east slope between the highway
and the church lies one of the most-cared-for country cemeteries and in it
sleeps the dust of former pastors of the church and members of the Pjrunswick
flock. (3nce a year the Cemetery Association of Brunswick holds a reunion, at
which the ancient traditions are discussed and the holy memories of the things
done by the fathers and mothers are revived and the fund replenished, and serv-
ice of grateful love goes on in care bestowed on the grounds that enclose those
beds of green, beneath which rest the mortal part of those who "served till
set of sun" and entered into the "rest that remaineth."

After Brunswick comes the Salem church, organized in 1849 by Revs. S. C.
McCune and William McCandlish. William .Stewart and James H. Patterson,
were its first elders, and their successors have been such men as John L. Clark.
R. W. Francis, C. H. X'orthrup. This church has been ministered to by the
Revs. McFarland. Hanna, Cameron, Marquis, Johnston, Scott, McMillan, Flem-
ming, Keiry, Alullen and Smith. In the removal of the church to Hanna City,

156 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

and the building of a new and attractive house of worship, steps were taken to
change the name to the llanna City church, by which name with Presbyterial
and legal sanction that church has become the successor of all the historical and
ecclesiastical rights and prerogatives of the old Salem church.

Since its removal to Hanna City the church has taken on new life and activity
and gives good promise of ministering successfully to the spiritual and social
needs of its community.

The Prospect church was organized by the Revs. Addison, Coflfee and R. F.
Breese in 1850, its first ruling elder being Joseph Yates. "The Prospectors"
who knew the meaning of the family altar and the worth of worship came from
West Virginia, near Wheeling, and were of that thrifty sort who made farming
a business and a success, and they built their first "church house" on a hill in
the year 1854, near what is now Prospect cemetery on "a parcel of ground"
belonging to Adam Yates. In that building they worshipped until the church
was removed to Dunlap, one mile east, after the completion of the Peoria and
Rock Island railroad, where they dedicated the present ijuilding in 1877.

Prospect church has been served by the following ministers in succession,
viz. : Revs. Hervey, Turbit, F. F. Smith, Cairns, Simpson, Gardiner, Winn,
Cooke, Nevius, H. Smith, Townsend, Randall, Thomas, Jones, Campbell, and
the present, the Benjamin of the band, L. H. McCormick.

Serving as ruling elders we have such names as Yates, White, Dunlap, Hervey,
Jones, Berry, Hitchcock, Harker, Gray, and of noble women not a few, Kelly,
Parks. Dunlap, and such church workers as the Keadys, Parks and others.
Prospect gave also of her sons to the Presbyterian ministry — George Dunlap,
Thomas C. Winn, William Jones and Frank F. Brown.

Prospect celebrated its Jubilee in 1900 with fitting services, and a souvenir
of the occasion may be found in the homes of many of the older members.

FRENCH GROVE CHURCH

French Grove church was organized in October, 1851, by the minister who
performed the same services for Prospect. Its early ruling elders were William
Reed, and George S. Pursell, and after them came the Alwards, McDonald,
Warner, Moore, Coe, Todd, Slocum, McRill, McCune and the Reeds, either as
elders or as church workers — devoted, self-sacrificing and efficient.

The ministers serving the French church were the Revs. McFarland, Fraser,
Smith, Carruthers, Boyd. Hillman, McClelland. Butter, Jones, Sturm, McCluer
and others. The days of its early history were days of prosperity and for years
it gave out an increasing and heljiful influence to its community that made for
its moral and spiritual betterment, but removals westward and heavenward,
coupled with the changing racial and religious character of the population have
depleted this old church, which still stands a silent reminder of the better things,
while near by in the beautiful little cemetery, so well kept and cared for, repose
the mortal remains of former ministers, elders and members of the French Grove
church.

y\mong the churches planted in the county, flourishing for a time but now
extinct, are New Scotland, Brimfield, Valley Ridge, and Elba Center, which were
in their time once the soul and life of their communities.

SECOND CHURCH, PEORI.^

Upon the petition of parties for the most part connected with the First
church, and evidently with the concurrence of the pastor and session of that
church, the Presbytery organized the Second church of Peoria, December 7,
1853, with a membership of twenty-eight, and John L. Griswold and John C.
Grier were elected elders. The Rev. Robert P. Farris was their first minister.
Contrary to the usual order here, the Second church was first and the Sabbath

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 157

second, in point of organization. The first house of worship erected by this
congregation was built on the present site, corner of Madison and Jackson
streets and dedicated in 1855, and here Mr. Farris was installed. He continued
to serve the Second cliurch until failing health compelled him to relinquish the
charge in 185S and the remainder of the life of this devoted servant of Christ
and the church, was spent in educational and editorial work, largely in connection
with the publications of the Presbyterian church in the United States (Southern
Presbyterian), of which body he was from its beginning till his death, the per-
manent clerk of its general assembly and once or twice its moderator.

The Rev. Samuel Hibben came next, succeeding Dr. Farris in 1859 and was
installed pastor December 4th, the sermon on that occasion being preached by
that stalwart and versatile scholar and eloquent biblical preacher, the famous
Xathan L. Rice, then professor of theology in the Seminary of the Northwest
(now McCormick). L'nder his leadership the church prospered, for Mr. Hibben
was an exceptional man and minister, scholarly and saintly, modest and frank,
gentle and faithful. 1 lere he marrieiFMiss Elizabeth Grier, the daughter of that
worthy elder, John C. Grier, a man thrice honored by the Presbytery of Peoria
with a commission to the general assembly. To this worthy couple was born a
son, John Grier Hibben, president of Princeton University. Declining health led
Mr. Hibben to resign his charge and in the hope of recruiting it by outdoor life,
he accepted the chaplaincy of the Fourth Illinois Cavalry, but he continued to
decline and returned to L'eoria, where he died in 1862. His successor was the
Rev. W. E. McLaren, afterwards bishop of the Episcopal church, who was in-
stalled pastor May 8, 1864. and remained in this pastorate upwards of two years.

The Rev. Henry \'an Dyke Nevius, succeeded Bishop McLaren, in 1867, and
served this charge until 1872. He was a preacher of power and a man of God.
Of him one has written, "Few men were better equipped mentally for their
work and hence he was a workman that needed not to be ashamed ; few men
lived more in sympathy with God's word and Son — hence his spiritual power."
After him the Rev. William L. Green came to this pastorate an(l remained until
1875. Mr. Green, like his jiredecessors. was a well furnished man, of strong
mental calibre, clear in his conceptions of related truth, versatile and virile in his
statement of it.

He was followed by the Rev. Lewis O. Thompson, who was pastor from
1876 to 1882. Mr. Thompson was an able man, a painstaking scholar — a his-
torian of no mean ability, who did the church great and good service in many
ways through his hooks, "Nineteen Christian Centuries," "The Prayer Meeting,"
etc. lie met a tragic death by drowning at Henry, where he was pastor of the
F"irst Presbyterian church.

The Rev. Tliomas X. ( )rr came to this pastorate and served for ten years,
when impaired health led him to seek rest for a season. During his administra-
tion the present unique, churchly and commodious house of worship was erected.
Since his retirement from the pastorate of the Second church, Dr. Orr has
resided in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where his services are continually called
for, he being always an acceptable preacher, a genuine man, genial, kindly, oblig-
ing, "a man greatly beloved."

Dr. Orr was succeeded for a brief time by the Rev. Samuel M. Moore, a large
man in many ways and whose pastorate, though brief, was not unmarked with
interest.

The present pastor the Rev. Arthur M. Little, Ph. D. D. D., came on in the
apostolic succession, being installed in ^May, 1900, and after twelve years of
service continues to hold the afifection of his people of the Second church and
is named among the progressive men of the city.

This church has been served through the over half century of its life by
such able men and church workers as the Griers, the McCoys, the Ruggs, the
Clarkes, the McCullochs. the Rices, and by noble women, not a few, whose
names are set down in the "Impartial Record," kept at present from mortal eyes.

158 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

This church celebrated with appropriate services its semi-centennial in 1903.
The "Semi-Centennial" of the Second church of Peoria, a pamphlet attractively
arranged, contains matter of special interest to all connected with this congrega-
tion and to any others who would know just in what manner the Second church
has been used of God, for the good of men, and it may be found in the homes
of the members of the Second church and should be also found in our city
library.

ELMWOOD CHURCH

The Elmwood church was organized June 5, 1856, with fourteen members.
John Rodgers served as its first elder. Its first church building was purchased
from the Congregational church and removed from its then country site to the
town of Elmwood. During the ministry of the Rev. William H. Mason the
present building was erected at a cost of something over $6,000, and in architec-
tural efl'ect and adaptability for its purposes it is a model.

Among the men who have served in the eldership of this church we find the
names of J. B. Stewart, N. B. Love, S. M. Coe, Castor Patterson, and after
them the present efficient elders. The ministers serving Elmwood church have
been J- A. AIarc|uis, J. H. Smith. J. R. Reasoner, Wilson. Duncan, and the present
scholarly and able pastor, the Rev. Benjamin Y. George. Messrs. Reasoner,
Mason and George each served the church for a period of upwards of ten years.
The present incumbent has served faithfully and acceptably since 1895 in this
pastorate.

LIMESTONE CHURCH

The Limestone church was founded in 1S59 with fifteen members, with John
Cameron and William Jones as ruling elders. It has had as its ministers such
men as Dr. T. G. Scott and John bleming, and is at present served by one of
the younger men of the Presbytery, the Rev. H. L. Todd. Names appearing
among its ruling elders are C. Greenwood, William Cameron and William Taylor.

This church has stood as a beacon on a hill, a perpetual invitation to worship
the Lord God Almighty, and a constant reminder that "It is not the whole of
Life to live, nor all of Death to die."

CALV.XRY CHURCH

Calvary church was organized in 1867 and had as its first minister the Rev.
John Weston, D. D., who after years of service was called to other fields, and
again recalled to the pastorate at Calvary church. Its successful pastor, whole-
souled, kind-hearted and helpful preacher, the flexible, sympathetic and generous
friend of every member of the flock, passed from the scene of labor to his
eternal reward while still pastor of Calvary church. Dr. Weston has had follow
him in this pastorate such men as Dr. A. Z. McGogney, Andrew Christy Brown,
D. D., and after the latter's death, for a time, Dr. A. L. Howard. The church
is now ministered to by the resourceful, active and luodest .Mexander Lewis.

Its eldership has been adorned by such men as that efficient Sabbath school
worker, William R. Reynolds, William Schroeder, William Guyer, A. Water-
house, T. J. Love, Peter Hulsibus, James McGill. and the younger men who now
constitute the present efficient session.

GR.\CE CHURCH

Grace church was organized in 1868. with George H. Mcllvaine and Theodore
Higbie ruling elders. Among the devoted workers in this church from the be-
ginning of the enterprise we find the names of Bush, Lyons, Linsey, Baldwin,
Coe, Voorhees, Angier, Andrews, Isele, and Eakin.

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 159

Grace cliurch has had among its ministers Levi C. Littell, Dr. Farris, A.
F. Erwin, and the sainted James Alvin Sankey, whose successor, Rev. Walter
M. Elliott, gives promise of doing a great and good work in its congregation
and the city of Peoria.

BETHEL

This church was organized September 29, 1887, by a committee of Presby-
tery, composed of Revs. I. A. Cornelison, Rev. A. F. Irwin and Elder David
McKinney. The organization started with fifty-nine memliers and elected Henry
Marmine and Ireneus E. Wliite, elders. Mr. White has remained in continuous
service ever since and has rendered the church devoted and self-sacriticing serv-
ice in almost every capacity, in which one might serve his church. The church has
lieen ministered to bv the Revs. .Andrew Christv Brown, D. D.. C. \\'. Whorrall,
George A. Phlug, \\'. W. Tait, D. W. :\IcMillan, W. E. Edmonds, but is at
present without a pastor. The church has always maintained an interesting
and growing Sabbath school and has been of great help to many in its vicinity.
Being situated in a growing part of the city, it has a mission to perform in that
neighborhood, ministering moral and spiritual helj) and comfort to the coming
generation.

.\RC.\DiA .WExri-; ciri'RCii

The Arcadia Avenue church was organized October 6, 1896. with twenty-
three members, with Isaac Kellar and Robert E. Lauren, elders.

This church grew out of a flourishing mission Sabbath school instituted and
conducted largely by members of the First church, and in 1897 called as its
pastor, the Rev. James Benson, who has continued to serve the church with
signal ability and devotion. The harmony of mind and action in this congrega-
tion is witnessed by the beautiful and serviceable building at the corner of Ar-
cadia and Piigelow. by the flourishing condition of both Sabbath school and
church and last but by no means least, the growing liberality of the members
shown in the increased ofiferings to the boards of the church and in general
lienevolence. Situated as it is, in a beautiful and growing residential district
of the city and meeting as it does the religious needs of its vicinity, Arcadia church
may be expected to grow in influence as well as in numbers and continue to be
an important factor in the moral and social life of the city.

WK.STMINSTER CHURCH

Out of W^estminster chapel and the Sabbath school meeting there grew West-
minster church. It was organized by the Presbytery June i, 1897, with twenty-
four members, who elected Messrs. P. W. Petrie, Theodore Higbie and C. R.
Kuhn, elders. The Rev. William Parsons, the first pastor, has been followed
by Revs. J. B. Farrell, Theodore H. Allen, D. D.. and the present minister the
Rev. Clinton J. Greene, a young man, who enters upon the work in Westminster
under circumstances that augur success. While still in the active service of this
church. Dr. Allen was suddenly called to higher .service in the Church Trium-
phant, leaving behind a precious legacy to his children, in a life of devoted service,
even that of "a good minister of Jesus Christ." With a splendidly equipped and
beautiful house of worship, situated on the West Bluff on Moss avenue, with a
growing Sabbath school and a devoted membership, Westminster shouUl "make
good" to its constituency and do excellent work for God and men.

160 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

TWO KKATl'RES OF THE GENERAL WORK OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, ACCREDITED
TO THE CHURCH IN PEORIA COUNTY

The first of these was the meeting of the general assembly in the First church
Peoria, in 1863, amid the stirring and critical scenes of the civil strife. This
meeting was presided over by that justly celebrated, scholarly and devoted pioneer
missionary to India, John Hunter Alorrison, D. D., of the Presbytery of Lodiana.
The assembly listened to stirring debate and united in earnest prayer over the
questions that were uppermost in both the civil and religious life of the country
and besought the God of our fathers for his special favor in those trying times
and that he would most graciously bring an early end to the awful strife and
send peace and prosperity throughout all our borders. In many respects this
was a most remarkable assembly and a recital of some of its deliberations and
conclusions might properly be made here did space admit or judicious selection
of matter out of such a mass of good things were an easy task.

The second, that of administration, which after an overture sent up to the
general assembly from the Presbytery of Peoria, relative to the erection of the
standing committees of the general assembly, was adopted and known as "The
Peoria Plan."

THE PEORIA PLAN

To that worthy Presbyterian elder, James Alontgomery Rice, whose connec-
tion as editor-in-chief of this history of the county of Peoria, and whose sudden
departure for "Home" has left this part of it to less capable hands to finish
that task, together with the justly esteemed Isaac A. Cornelison. D. D., pertains
the honor of the conceiving and inaugurating the above named plan. It may be
said that the plan was made necessary because of the large number and import-
ance of the standing committees of the general assembly, which the new moder-
ator was called upon to appoint immediately after taking the chair, and being
neither ubiquitous nor infallible, could not by any possibility have personal ac-
quaintance with or knowledge of the fitness of all commissioners for the tasks
to be assigned them ; and besides, it was thought the principle of representation
began to be threatened because too much power was found reposing in the hands
of one or two officers of the general assembly.

To avoid the danger lurking in this symptom of centralization of power ;
to avoid being "managed ;" to reconquer from custom the right to govern them-
selves out of the hands of "Ecclesiastical Bosses," this plan was devised and
provides a method at once simple, just and clear for the selection of the standing
committees of the general assembly so that all sections and interests of the
church may be fairly represented.

In brief, the plan conserves the fundamental principle of Presbyterian church
government, viz. : an equitable distribution of administrative power. To this
end the church is geographically divided and grouped by Presbyteries or Synods
into twenty districts, there being twenty-two standing committees consisting of
twenty-two members each — the commissioners from the whole church make up
twenty-two electing sections, which are numbered consecutively in the order in
which the standing committees are numbered. The commissioners constituting
an electing section assigned to it from a certain given territory assemble at the
sitting of the general assembly, elect their own chairman and secretary, vote
directly for moderator, and choose either a minister or an elder, as may be its
province ; to each one of the standing committees, from their own number such
persons as may be thought best fitted for the discharge of the respective duties
required of them.

The plan liriefly stated is that the odd numbered sections in odd numbered
years elect a minister to the odd numbered conunittees, and an elder for the
even numljered committees. The even numbered sections elect the other com-
mitteemen and in even numbered years the committees are reversed and the

IU!ST llAI'Tlsr I lUiaiJ

III, I) ( IIUISTIAX Clirilfll

UNION CHAPEL

IIAI.K MKMOKIAI. MKTIlllDIST

KPiscoi'Ai, (;Hn:ril

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 161

sections elect reversely. This gives each district a member, either an elder or a
minister, on each standing committee, each year, and to every committee its
proper number of members.

This plan adopted after lengthened discussion and amendment became what
is known as standing rule Xo. 5, and since its adoption the standing committees
of the general assembly have been named by the commissioners themselves, as-
sembled in their electing sections and with general satisfaction to the church.

"women, who l.xpgred with I'S "

Much credit for the many achievements wrought in these regions, by the
church is justly due to the piety, presistence and devotion of the women, who
have "manned" the various aid and missionary societies in the churches of
Peoria county.

They have in many localities, through the drouth of summer and the biting
cold of winter, maintained local religious interest, kept up the church services,
repaired the house of worship and at the same time have been large factors in
promoting the work of the church in other fields and in other lands.

By mutual counsel, by interchange of religious ideas, by social intercourse,
by consecrated womanly wa}-s, by practical efforts to relieve distress among the
unfortunate and the ill-circumstances, they have succeeded in setting forward
the kingdom of Christ.

In their planning and their doing, they have furnished a stimulating example
to the "Presbyterian Brotherhood," a men's organization, for which there is
great and pressing need as well as large room.

EDUCATION. \E

It is a peculiar mark — one of the signal glories of the Presbyterian church —
part of her heritage from John Calvin, that she has favored and fostered liberal
learning and wherever she has gone on her mission to men, she has planted
the school and the college as well as the church and sought to provide every
educational advantage for her constituency.

She has believed in popular and progressive education. She has never sought
to supplant but rather to supplement the early training of our common school,
with the higher and more advanced forms of education.

The early Peoria county Presbyterians were not remiss in this particular.
In the early 'fifties, they planted academies at Brunswick and Princeville, pro-
jected Peoria University in 1857. Here on the Bluff' they began the erection of
a brick building, which when all ready for the roof, was wrecked by a tornado
in 1858. Because of the general financial depression prevailing throughout the
country at that time, the stress of which fell heavily on the west, the re-financing
of the project was too heavy a burden for the limited means of its promoters, the
local enterprise was therefore abandoned and the attention and the means of the
church were turned to the larger institutions, like Knox College and which ever
since have had a fair share of the patronage and financial support of Peoria
county Presbyterians. In the west as in the east, Presbyterians have sought to
bind together thorough scholarshijj and practical religion, that thus they might
do their share in the devcloimlent of the moral and religious character of men
and make as large a contribution as possible to humanity's uplift. That in this
undertaking they have made a creditable showing, is witnessed by deeds of loving
and notal)le service to men and a loyal allegiance to Jesus Christ, the changeless,
eternal Head of the church.

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

This church was first organized as a Presbyterian society in December.
1834, and so continued until 1847, at which time it dropped its connection with

162 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

the Presbyterian church, adopted the congregational form of government and
changed its name to that of the Main Street Congregational church. Rev.
William H. Starr became pastor under the new organization and ministered to
the people until October, 1848. In November of that year Rev. Levi Spencer
was called to the pastorate and so continued until April 14, 1853, when his death
occurred. During his pastorate a new church was erected at a cost of $8,000.
For some time following Rev. Spencer's death there was considerable dissension
in the church and eventually twenty-two members withdrew to form a new con-
gregation known as the Union Congregational church. This was consummated
December 8, 1857, and was organized as a Presbyterian church, known as the
Fulton Street Presbyterian church, identified with the "New School" branch
of that denomination. Rev. Isaac E. Cary was pastor of this newly organized
society from the time it came into existence until August 29, i860, and his suc-
cessors were Revs. Wilber McKaig, November 2, 1860-June 2, 1862; Samuel
Wykoff, November 24, 1862-October 3, 1864; Asahel H. Brooks, July 3, 1865-
March 4, 1868; Horace C. Hovey, January 5, 1869-April 13, 1873; Robert
Condit, October 27, 1873-November 10, 1874.

The two branches (Old and New School) of the Presbyterian church, having
in the year 1870 become united under the name of The Presbyterian Church of
the United States, and there being at least four churches of that denomination
in the city, and there also being in the Fulton street church a large element in-
clined to the Congregational form of government, a movement was set on foot
which eventually resulted in tlie union of the Fulton street church and the Alain
street Congregational church, known as the First Congregational Church of
Peoria. This was consummated January 31, 1875. The pastors of the church
as it was originally organized, succeeding Rev. Levi Spencer, have been : Revs.
J. W. Marsh, January 2, i853-.May i, 1854; Henry Adams, September, 1854-
November, 1855; J. Steiner, December, 1855-Julv, 1856; A. A. Stevens, Decem-
ber. i8s6-June, 1866; G. W. Phinny, June, i866-June, 1867; J. A. .Mack,
April I, 1868-June 8, 1870. In September of the latter year. Rev. A. A. Stev-
ens was again called to the pastorate of the church and so continued until Febru-
ary I, 1882, and it was during his term that the New School, or Fulton Street
Presbyterian church, became united with this church, and that the commodious
church building at the corner of Alonroe an<l Hamilton streets was erected.
Rev. Stevens resigned in February, 1882, but during the last two years of his
service here he had had an assistant in the person of Rev. J. Homer Parker.
The present magnificent church structure was completed and dedicated September
9, 1883, at a cost of nearly $90,000, and the pipe organ, costing more than $5,000
was donated by the ladies of the congregation as the Stevens Memorial. The
successors of Rev. Stevens have been: Revs. E. Frank Howe, 1882-87; D. K.
Nesbitt, 1888-92; Caspar Wistar Hiatt, 1893-97; \V. C. Haskell, 1898; John
Faville.

Out of this congregation have grown the Plymouth church. South Peoria
Congregational church, the North Peoria Congregational church, the Averyville
church, Pilgrim .Mission Sunday school and Washington Street Mission Sunday
school.

PLYMOUTH CONGREG.'VTIONAL- CHURCH

In the spring of 1869 the First Congregational church established a Sunday
school at the corner of Fourth and Spencer streets. This was given the name
of Plymouth Mission. Funds were at once secured for the erection of a house
of worship, which was twenty-eight by fifty-six feet in size, and cost $2,000.
From time to time the question of organizing a church was raised but this plan
did not materialize until December, 1888, and it was not until June 2, 1889, that
a society was duly organized, with ninety-six members. The pulpit was sup-
plied Ijy various pastors until 1889, when, on the 13th of February of that year,

HISTORY OF TEORIA COUNTY 163

Rev. C. C. Harrah was installed as the first regular pastor. Those who have
served the church since that time are: Revs. D. B. Spencer, 1890-94; S. W. Meek,
1S94-98; F. G. Smith, 189S-1900: J. W. Nelson, 1900-

In the summer of 1896. the old church having hecoiue inadequate to the needs
of the congregation, a magnificent brick structure was erected on the site of the
old church, at a cost of $14,000.

UNION CONGKF.G.\TION.\L CIIURCU

July 20, 1884, a Union Sunday school was organized in the northern part of
the city of Peoria and immediately a frame church was erected at a cost of
$2,000, this being located at Pennsylvania and California avenues. January i,
1890, a church society was organized, first as a Union church, but in 1893 '^ was
changed to the Union Congregational church. Jn 1894 a new church was built
at Illinois and Dechman avenues. This structure cost $14,000 and was dedicated
December i, 1894. The list of pastors who have served the church are: Revs.
F. S. Chandler, 1890-92; D. G. StoufTer, 1892-94; Alexander Monroe, 1894-
1900; W. J. Johnson, 1900-

GERM.JiN CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

This society was organized December 6, 1895, with a membership of si.xty,
many of whom withdrew from the German Reformed church. In 1896 a
church edifice at, a cost of $8,000 was erected at Reed and Maple avenues. The
following have served as pastors: Revs. T. H. Schmidt, 1895-98; William Fritz-
meier, 1898-1901 ; William F. Essig, 1901-
ST. tail's r.VKISII (PROTESTANT EPLSCOPAL)

This society was organized in 1848 by Rev. J. S. Chamberlain, minister in
charge. In 1850 a small brick church was erected on Main street and in 1854
this building was enlarged to meet the needs of the growing congregation. In
1873 plans were procured and arrangements made for the erection of a new
church, and to this end the old church was demolished and a temporary structure
built at Xorth Jel¥erson and Jackson streets. But about th.is time a division in
the congregation occurred, which resulted in the formation of the congregation
of the Reformed Episcopal church, and this rendered it impossible to carry out
the proposed plans. The temporary building was then removed to the site of the
old church and was occupied until the present house of worship was erected at
a cost of $33,000.

Prior to the organization of the Reformed church, St. Paul's jjarish experi-
enced many difficulties, resulting mainly from difference between the high and
low church elements, .\lthough there was an organization in e.xistence at a very
early day, known as St. Jude's parish, yet it seems to have fallen under the ban
of the bishop, after which only a mission was maintained until 1848, when St.
Paul's was regularly organized. Later a new parish, known as St. John's was
formed and a building was erected at the corner of South Jefferson and Liberty
streets, which was later occupied by the Jews, but this parish was short lived.
St. Paul's is now in a prosperous condition. The rectors have been : Revs. J. S.
Chamberlain, 1848-30; John \V. Cracraft, 1850-S7: Henry N. Strong, 1857-60;
Joseph M. Wait, i8r.o-65; Warren IT. Roberts. 1865-69; J. W. Coe, 1869-70; J.
W. Bonham, 1870-72; L. Townsend, 1S72-75; William Bryce Morrow, 1875-81 ;
Robert Ritchie, 1881-89; Sidney G. Jeffords, 1889 — .

ST. Andrew's parish

This society is the outgrowth of a donation of land made by John Birket
many years prior to his death. On the 7th of November, 1857, Mr. Birket con-

164 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

veyed to Henry J. Whitehouse, bishop of Illinois, and to his successors, in office,
certain lots, including those upon which St. Andrew's church now stands. The
organization of this society was effected July lo, 1897, with thirty members. A
hanilsonie stone church was erected in the fall of 1897, at a cost of $20,000, and
a rectory was built, at a cost of $10,000, the property being located at North
Madison avenue and Mary street. Rev. Samuel G. Wells became the first rector
of the cliurch, assuming charge November 22, 1897. His successor was Rev.
Webster Hakes, who took charge June 15, 1900. The present rector is Rev.
Thomas Hines.

CHRIST CHURCH (REFORMED EPISCOPAL)

The contest between the high and low church elements in the Protestant
Episcopal church, which led to the separation of one party from the other and
the formation of the Reformed Episcopal church, was waged W'ith vigor in the
diocese of Illinois. The bishop was uncompromising in his high church pro-
clivities, while among the laity there was a tendency toward a more liberal
church government. When news was received of the organization of the Re-
formed Episcopal church in New York, December 2, 1873, the movement was
regarded with favor not only by the low church element but by members of
other churches. An invitation was extended to Bishop George D. Cummings
of the Reformed church, to visit Peoria to look over this field, with a view to
establishing a church. The members of the Second Presbyterian church ofifered
the use of their church that the Episcopalians might hold a meeting, and this
offer was accepted. A meeting was held December 16, 1873, at which time an
organization was effected. Subscriptions were solicited for the support of a
rector and so liberal was the response that Bishop Cummings was authorized
to secure a rector. At the time of the organization there were fifty members
but this number was soon increased to one hundred. Rev. 'Mason Gallagher, of
Brooklyn, New York, delivered the first sermon on the first Sunday in January,
1874. A call was extended to Rev. Joseph D. Wilson, of Pittsburg, and on the
17th of February, that year, he began his labors. Steps were at once taken to
erect a church and in July, 1874, the building was completed, at a cost of $13,000.
The congregation also owns a rectory on Perry avenue, which was built at a
cost of $5,700. Rev. Wilson was succeeded by Rev. E. B. England, who re-
mained with the church about six years, his successor being Rev. J. W. Fairly,
who remained ten years. Rt. Rev. B. B. Ussher then came and remained two
vears, and was followed by Rev. Henry I-". Milligan.

B.\C0N MEMORIAL MISSION

This mission grew out of a mission Sunday school, organized on Thanksgiving
day, November 29, 1888, under the auspices of Christ (Reformed Episcopal)
church, by Rev. J. W. Fairly, who was at that time the rector, and members
of the church. Meetings were first held in a store building at No. 206 Bridge
street, and later at No. 602 South Adams street, until October 9, 1892, at which
time the new church, erected at a cost of $8,000. on Chestnut street, between
Adams and Warner avenues, was completed and occupied. It is named in mem-
ory of Charles F. Bacon, a prominent member of Christ church, who was called
from this life in the midst of his useful labors. His wife, j\Irs. Elizabeth Bacon,
later went to India as a missionary but was soon called from this life and an
orphanage and chapel at Lalipur, India, have been established as a monument to
her memory. Rev. Edward T. Munns, assumed charge of the congregation,
' September 9, 1891, and has been with the church to the present time.

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 165

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

The Baptists were among the first to organize a society in Peoria and the
First church congregation built a house of worship, which was dedicated October
17, 1846. On the 14th of November following. Rev. Henry G. Weston was
called to the pastorate and continued with the congregation for twelve years.
During his term of service the church became self supporting, it having formerly
received aid from the American IJaptist Home Missionary Society. June 10,
1859, about twenty-five members withdrew and formed themselves into a society
known as the Tabernacle church, but after four years the two congregations
were reunited. A number of years later, however, twenty-four others withdrew
and organized what became known as the Peoria Baptist church. July 27, 1864,
the I*"irst church congregation exchanged their property on Hamilton street for
a lot and church building at the corner of Madison avenue and Fayette street,
where the Women's Club building is now located. In 1890 an elegant and com-
modious building was erected at Hamilton boulevard and Glen Oak aveiuie, the
cost being $65,000. Out of this church have grown the Bethany church and
Olive Street ^fission. Those who have served as pastors of the church since
Rev. Weston, who was the first regular pastor, are : Revs. D. E. Holmes, 1862-
63; A. Jones, 1864-66; A. H. Stowell, 1866; J. D. Page, 1867; S. A. Kingsbury,
1869; Alexander McArthur, 1872-74; C. J. Thompson, 1874-80; C. E. Heath,
1880-90: D. D. Odell, 1890-93; L. Kirtley, 1894-1900; George H. Simmons, 1900-

BETHANY BAPTIST CHURCH

This society is the outgrowth of a mission Sunday school, organized in 1877,
by W. C. Tapping. In 1882 a chapel was erected on North Jefiferson street,
between Hay ward and Abingdon, at a cost of $1,600. A church society was not
organized, however, until May 10, 1891, with thirty-eight members. In the
following year, 1892, the church building was removed to its present site, North
Madison avenue and iriayward street, and greatly enlarged, at a cost of $7,000.
Rev. E. O. I.ovett was the first regularly installed pastor, who served the church
from its organization until December i, 1895. He was succeeded by Rev. R. S.
Sargent, who assumed charge IMay 11, 1896, and remained until November i,
1897. Rev. J. W. Bayles took charge July 10, 1898, and remained until March
4, 1899, and on the ist of May of that year Rev. T. K. Reynolds took charge.

GERMAN BAPTIST CHURCH

This society was organized .August 24, 1853. by Rev. John H. Krueger. who
had been engaged as a missionary of the Baptist Home Missionary Society, and
held services sometimes in the courthouse, while at other times services were
held in his own home. He was chosen as the first regular pastor, remaining until
November, i860, when, on account of his health, he was forced to resign. The
membership gradually increased and worshipped in the basement of the First
church until 1862, when a lot was leased on the corner of South Jefferson (now
Warner avenue) and Maple streets, where a small frame church and parsonage
were erected. In 1875 they purchased a brick Iniilding on Monson street, be-
tween Fourth and Fifth, which had been erected by the Cumberland Presby-
terians. This building was remodeled and built to, at a cost of $3,200. In 1897
a new structure was erected at Fourth and Fisher streets, at a cost of $3,000
and the congregation still occupies the same as a house of worship. The pastors
who have served this church since i860, at which time Rev. Krueger resigned,
are: Revs. C. D. Menger, 1862-66; J. Merz. 1866-69; S. H. Downer, 1869-78;
H. S. Deitz, 1878-81; J. Albert, 1882-86; F. Frederick, 1887-90; A. Vogel, 1891-
96; A. Jansen, 1897-igoi ;

166 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

MOUNT ZION BAPTIST CHURCH (aFRICAN)

This societ}' was organized in April, 1876, with a membership of twelve.
In 1879 a neat house of worship was erected at Seventh avenue and State
street, at a cost of $5,600. Rev. ISenjamin N. Murrell is the present pastor.

THE C.ICRMAN EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE TRINITY CHURCH

The denomination to which this church belongs is not of foreign origin as
might be supposed, but was founded in Pennsylvania nearly a century ago, by
German speaking people. It was originated by Jacob Albright, a devout man, of
Methodist proclivities, after whom it was sometimes called the "Albright church."
The official designation appears to be the Evangelical Alliance, or the Evangelical
Association of North America. In all essential points it follows tlie organization
and polity of the I\Iethodist Episcopal church.

The church has a general conference, annual conferences, bishops and pre-
siding elders, and also an order of deaconnesses similar to the .Methodist Epis-
copal church. The main difl'erence seems to be in the fact that their bishops and
presiding elders are elected for specific terms of four years each, and then must
abide by the decision of new elections. The bishops have coordinate general
supervision. They have twenty-two conferences in the United States and all
bishops reside in this country. They also have a conference in Canada, two in
Germany, one in Switzerland, and one in Japan, and missions in China and
Russia. They have publishing houses in Cleveland, Ohio, and in Stuttgart, Ger-
many; also colleges in Schuylkill, Pennsylvania, and Ruetlingen, Germany, and
seminaries in Tokio, Japan, and Naperville, Illinois ; also a Deaconess Home
and Hospital in the city of Chicago. This church has the itinerant system, the
pastors being assigned to the various churches by the conferences.

The church in Peoria was organized in 1843, with fifteen members, Bishop
John Seybert preaching the first sermon. However, they had no fixed place of
worship until 1847, when they erected a small church building on Chestnut
street, between Prairie street and Warner avenue, costing $600. In 1853 they
built a church at the corner of First and State streets, at a cost of $2,500, which
was occupied until 1873, when the present frame building was erected at a cost
of $5,700. This building is now for sale and the congregation contemplates
the erection of a modern church building. On account of the frequent changes
of pastors, it is not deemed advisable to enumerate here all who have served
this people in nearly seventy years. The presiding elder of this district at the
present time is Rev. H. J. Kiekhoefer, there being four districts in Illinois. The
present pastor of Trinity church is Rev. G. W. Engelter. Mrs. Mary S. Harsch
is Sunday school superintendent. The board of trustees consists of George
Koerner, C. P. Schlenker, John Rudell, J. W. Green and H. J. Kopp. The
Sunday school enrollment is 100, organized into classes, home department and
cradle roll. The Young People's Alliance, with B. F. Shirer as president, has
about 120 members. The denomination maintains old people's homes at Buf-
falo, New York, and Cedar Falls, Iowa, and an orphanage at Flat Rock, Ohio.
We have been thus specific about this church because probably very few Ameri-
can church people know anything concerning it.

There is a second church of this denomination in the city known as

GRACE CHURCH

This church is located at the corner of Stanley and Humboldt streets. Regular
preaching services and Sunday school are maintained. Rev. G. J. Degenkolb is
the present pastor.

This church was commenced as a mission German Sunday school in 1896,
in the South Peoria town hall, by Rev. M. G. Hallwachs. Under G. C. Gasser,

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 167

a small church ^Yas built and dedicated January i, 1905, and all services were
changed into the English language. This church was served in connection with
Trinity church until April, 191 1, when the present pastor was assigned in
charge. There is now a church membership of twenty. They have a Sunday
school of 150 members, also two young people's societies with sixty members,
and a Ladies' Aid Society of thirty. George Koerner is Sunday school superin-
tendent, Miss Nettie Sturm, president of Young People's Alliance, Clarence
Powers, president of Junior Alliance and Mrs. H. Allowby is president of the
Ladies' Aid Society.

The board of control consists of G. J. Degenkolb, pastor; George Koerner,
president; Miss Nettie Sturm, secretary; J. Harry Kopp, treasurer; C. E. Lott-
man and George Umdenstock, stewards ; also r^Irs. C. E. Lottman and .Mrs.
George L'mdenstock.

GERM.\N EV.\NGELIC.\L LUTHER.VN (ST. P.\UL's) CHURCH

This society dates its organization from December i, 1853, with twelve mem-
bers. In the following year, 1854, a church building was erected on Sanford
street but in 1863 a lot was purchased on the corner of First and Goodwin
streets and the building removed thereto. In 1883 the church v.as rebuilt at
a cost of $1,500 and in 1888 this was replaced by a new and commodious struc-
ture, at a cost of $14,500. This church has been instrumental in founding sev-
eral missions in this county and elsewhere. There is also a school and kinder-
garten in connection with the churcli, a new building having been erected in 1898,
to replace the old one, which was built in 1863. The present building cost
$6,200. From the time the society was organized to 1877 seven pastors served
the congregation and from that time to the present. Rev. Frederick B. Bess has
served as pastor.

GERM.\N EV.\NGEUC.\L LUTHER.\N TRINITY CHURCH

This congregation was organized June 17, 1857, with thirteen charter mem-
bers. The following year a small church at a cost of $2,000 was erected at the
corner of Warner avenue and Maple street, where the parochial school is still
located. In 1875 the old church gave way to a new structure, which was erected
opposite the old structure on Maple street, at a cost of $8,000. This is one of
the largest congregations of this denomination in the city. The first to serve as
pastor of this congregation was Rev. I->ed Boeling, who was installed June 17,
1858. and after two years was succeeded by Rev. Paulus Heid. who came in
[anuary, 1861, and remained until 1878, his successor being Rev. Gottlieb Traub,
who remained until January i, 1892, and was succeeded by Rev. Otto L. Hoen-
stein, who remained "for a long period. The present pastor is Rev. Ernest Flach.

CHRIST EV.\NGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

This society was formerly a mission of Trinity church but was organized as
an independent congregation' December 9. 1894, with thirty-si.x charter members.
In the summer of 1892 Trinity church erected a building for the use of the
mission in the southern part of 'the city, on Malone avenue and Chandler street,
at a cost of $5,000. This building was destroyed by fire June 25, 1895. This
was immediately replaced bv a new structure, at a cost of $8,000, together with
a parochial school building,' at a cost of $2,000. Rev. Frederick W. Jass has
served as pastor from the time of its organization to the present.

SWEDISH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN SALEM CHURCH

This church was organized August 4, 1883, with thirty-four members. The
first church was located on Easton street near the Vienna Mills. In the spring

168 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

of 1888 the building was removed to Glendale avenue near Hamilton street.
This building was sold in 1896 for $2,800, and the present church, built of brick
and stone, at a cost of $10,000, was erected at Bluff street and Hamilton boule-
vard. The pastors who have served the church are: Revs. August Xorrbom,
1887-90; E. C. Jessup, 1891-93; Alfred Appell, 1893 — .

MISCELLANEOUS CHURCHES

The Universalist church was organized May 6, 1843, and among the first
members were Orin Hamlin, Dennis Blakeley, Aaron Oakford, Moses M. Webb,
J. P. Dennis, John King, Caleb Whittemore, and Norman Howe and wife. At
first meetings were held in the courthouse. Rev. F. J. Briggs became the first
pastor and his successor was Rev. W. B. Lindell, who remained about two years.
The society eventually purchased the building which was located on F"ulton
street and had formerly been used by the First Presbyterian church. This con-
tinued to be their place of worship until 1863. Rev. William Rounseville was
pastor from 1853 until 1858 and was succedeed in the latter year by Rev. D. M.
Reed, during whose pastorate the church was reorganized as the Church of the
Redeemer, with eighty-three members. Subsequently they held services in various
buildings until 1867, when a new church was erected and dedicated January i,
1868, and named the Church of the Messiah. Rev. Reed was succeeded in 1865
by Rev. H. R. Nye, and when the new church was completed Rev. Royal H.
Pullman was installed as pastor. His successors have been: Revs. H. B. Smith,
J. Murray Bailey, S. A. Gardner, G. W. Kent, W. S. Ralph, George B. Stocking,
R. B. :Marsh, Frank McAlpine, T. B. T. Fisher and Barlow Carpenter, who is the
present pastor. About 1885 the name of the church was changed to Bradley
Memorial First Universalist church, in memory of Tobias S. Bradley, who had
been a devoted member and liberal contributor to the church, and whose death
occurred in 1867. The present church was erected about 1902 and stands on
Hamilton boulevard.

THE NEW CHURCH (SWEDENBORGIAN )

The First Society of the New Jerusalem church of the city of Peoria was
formed a corporate body in January, 1846. The first church building was erected
on Jefiferson street, near Hamilton, about 1846. In 1855 this building was re-
placed by a brick structure on Hamilton street, between Madison and Jefferson.
In 1896 this building was condemned by the city inspector and the furnishings
were sold. Since then no regular services have been held but the society still exists
as an organization. The pastors who have served the congregation are : Revs.
John Randolph Hibbard, Nelson C. Burnham, Thomas S. Storey, Jabez Fox,
George H. Marsten, A. J. Bartels, George F. Stearns, George Nelson Smith,
George Hardon, J. R. Hibbard, W. H. Schliffer and Samuel C. Eby.

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST (SCIENTIST)

On the 29th day of August, 1892, seven persons met together, taking the
initial step in forming a church which would inculcate Christian Science, as
taught by Rev. Mary Baker G. Eddy. A board of three directors, a treasurer
and a clerk were elected, and the name — Church of Christ, Scientist, of Peoria,
Illinois, was adopted. On the 6th of October, 1894, the church was incorporated,
and the name changed to First Church of Christ, Scientist, of Peoria, Illinois.

Beginning the year 1898, with eighty-seven members, efforts were directed
towards building a church edifice on the lot on Hamilton boulevard, corner of
Bluff street, which had been purchased the previous year. The building was
erected during the latter part of the year at a cost, including the lot. of nearly
$30,000. The first services, dedicating the building, were held on the 15th of
January, 1899.

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST SCIENTIST

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 169

CHRISTIAN CHURCHES OF PEORIA

The organization of the Christian church, or Disciples of Christ, was effected
in 1S45, with twelve charter members, the last of whom, Mrs. Eliza Wadsworth
Smith, died in 1904.

William Tilford was the first elder and Sampson Schockley (grandfather of
Mrs. John L. Miller) the first deacon. For a brief period the congregation met
from house to house, and later in the engine house in the 200 block, North
Adams street. Subsequently the old courthouse was used for their religious
purposes.

The first church building was erected at the corner of Seventh avenue and
Franklin street in 1855, the building which still stands being converted into a
dwelling some time later. The trustees of this building were James Maxwell,
P. C. Reding (father of ]\Irs. William Ford, Jr.), and Elias Randall. The
present location at the corner of Monroe and Fulton streets containing an obsolete
building was purchased from the New School Presbyterians and first occupied
in May, 1875. The former location on Seventh avenue was thereupon rented
and later sold to a congregation of Jews.

In the year 1894, the present edifice of the Central congregation was erected
the entire property costing approximately $25,000. Some of the early preacher
who came with infrequent regularity were William Davenport, William Brow .,
Barton W. Stone, Mr. Young and Milton P. King, and often when withou? a
preacher. Deacon Schockley spoke.

The first pastor of the congregation after the completion of the Seventh
avenue building was John Lindsay, ]\larch 15, 1855 to August 17, 1856. He was
followed by I. N. Carman, 1857; Elder Howe, 1861 ; John Miller, 1863; John
O'Kane, 1864; William Thompson, 1866. Student preachers from the college
at Eureka served the congregation from 1867 to 1872, among them Messrs.
Wagner, Hart, Crow and lirunner. The next regular pastor was Ira J. Chase,
1872. later Governor of Indiana. Barton O. Aylsworth, now president of Colo-
rado .Agricultural college, followed in 1880; T. B. Mayfield, 1882; N. S. Haines,
1885: J. M. Kersey, 1892; J. P. McKnight, 1896; G. B. VanArsdall, 1900; H. F.
Burns. 1905; and W. F. Turner, 1909.

The longest continuous memberships are today held by Miss Paulina White
1854, Mrs. Naomi Mounts, Mrs. Wm. Ford, Jr. (then 'Miss Reding), 1865;
William Ford, Jr., 1867. The present number of communicants is 625.

The chapel at 224 Howett street, now the Howett Street Christian church
is the outgrowth of a mission established by Alexander G. Tyng, Sr., of the
Episcopal Church who conducted for six or eight years what was known as
the "Tyng Mission" at the corner of Cedar and 15rotherson streets. This effort
was abandoned and was later taken up by the Woman's Christian Temperance
Union, assisted by a few of our people who conducted what was known as a
temperance Sunday school. This likewise was abandoned after about three
years' effort, the Disciples following in 1885. The superintendents of the Sunday
school at the chapel and church have been F. M. Barrett — but recently deceased —
Samuel Cunningham, Joseph Ray. William Reichel, J. A. Martin, G. W. Rey-
nolds, Lewis Lawson, J. C. Murray, C. A. Brown and .M. W. Rotchford. For
twenty-three years Miss Lorena Simonson has been continuouslv a teacher at
the Howett street church and its predecessor, the Tyng Mission. Regular ])reach-
ing services (evenings) began in 1900, with B. C. Piatt, minister, followed by
H. II. Jenner, C. A. Marsh, L. P. Schooling, and William Price. The present
building was erected in 1890, the plant costing al)out $2,500.

Present number of communicants is 180.

The West Bluff Christian chapel the "church built in a day" was constructed
May 30, 1910, by the brotherhoods of the Howett street Christian and the Central
Christian churches, assisted voluntarily by about sixty members of the Local
Carpenters Union, No. 183. Williani Price, minister of the Howett street church,

170 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

laid the foundation. Earl D. Stout, superintended the construction of the build-
ing. Ashley J. Elliott fathered the idea of building the church in a day and A.
J. Buckwalter and A. W. Lew were presidents of the two brotherhoods. The
building was dedicated June lo, 1910, by Dr. Arthur Holmes. A school was
immediately organized and has continued since. The superintendents thereof
have been E. J. Haney, A. J. Elliott and A. I. Buckwalter. A two weeks' preach-
ing service was held in February, 191 1, by W. E. Harlow. The building is lo-
cated at the corner of Underbill and Main streets.

The Christian church in Peoria has had a slow but steady growth. The
principal plea of the Disciples of Christ is "The Restoration of Primitive New
Testament Christianity and the Union of God's People on that Basis."

CHAPTER XIX
CHURCH HISTORY CONTINUED

CONTINUATION OF CHURCH HISTORV EARLY METHODISM IN PEORIA COUNTY —

THE "shack" OR LOG CABIN HOME OF THE EARLY SETTLER THE MEETING PLACE
FOR THE CIRCUIT RIDER AND HIS FLOCK

At the meeting of the General Conference of the Alethodist Episcopal church,
in May, 1824, the territory included in the states of Illinois, Indiana and Wis-
consin, as indicated in Stephen R. Begg's "Early History of the West and North-
west," which had been included in the Missouri conference, was separated there-
from and designated "The Illinois Conference."

In the fall the Illinois conference, and the .Missouri conference both met at
the same place — Padtields, twenty miles east of St. Louis. At this session of
the Illinois conference, Peter Cartwright and Andrew Monroe, elders of the
Kentucky conference, were received by transfer.

When the assignments were made, Jesse Walker was appointed to the circuit
which included Peoria, or Fort Clark, as it was then called.

When Jesse Walker arrived at the settlement, he found a few persons of the
Methodist faith and formed the first class, consisting of sixteen members. Beggs,
who was on the work in 1830 gives the names of the original si.xteen members as
Jesse Walker and wife; James Walker and wife; Mrs. Abner Eads ; Sister
Dixon, wife of the proprietor of Dixontown, on Rock river; Sister Hamlin,
mother of John Hamlin and another sister, converts that winter ; William Holland
and wife: William Eads and wife; William Blanchard ; Rev. Reeves McCormick.
and Mary Clark.

The next summer \\'alker, assisted by his son James and others, one of whom
was Rev. Reeves McCormick, who appears to have been a located preacher, held
a camp meeting on the west side of the lake about a mile above the village, which
was probably either just above the Galena road, now North Adams street, or
in a lieautiful grove on Plum Point, down on the bank of the lake.

William .See travelled the Peoria circuit in 1827, and S. L. Robertson in 1828.
The circuit then covered a very large territory. During the summer of 1828 a
camp meeting was held at a place about three miles east of Peoria, in Tazewell
county, probably, in the Farm Creek bottoms about where Farmdale is located.
Samuel P. Thompson was presiding elder, and Robertson, Jesse Walker, and
probably See assisted. At this camp meeting. Governor Edwards, the first gover-
nor of Illinois, was present.

From the conference held at Edwardsville, Illinois, September 18, 1829,
Stephen R. P.eggs was sent to the Logansport Mission, embracing Logansport,
Delphi and I.aFayette. Indiana, .\fter the first quarterly meeting, his presiding
elder transferred him to the llloomington circuit and at the next conference,
which was held at \'incennes, Indiana, he was sent to the Tazewell circuit, which,
from his description, would appear to be the same as the Bloomington circuit,
barring some possible cliiuiges in preaching points. He describes the most
prominent preaching places as Peoria, Holland's Grove, now Washington ; Mud
Creek; Walnut Grove; Alackinaw Town; Stout's Grove; Dry Grove; Blooming

171

172 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

Grove, now Bloomington ; Randolph's Grove; Big Grove; Cherry Grove; from'
thence down Salt Creek to the Falling Timber country; Brother Beck's on Sugar
creek; Ilittlc's Grove, and Dillon's, where there were two appointments; from
there I went to Grand Prairie ; from thence to several neighborhoods and back
to Peoria.'" So it appears that he served the iMethodist people at Peoria three-
fourths of the conference year 1830 and all of the year 1831. He was united in
marriage with a daughter of William Pleath, September, 1831. He was succeeded
in 1832 by William Royal, and he by Z. Hall in 1833. At this time it seems
the assignment was called Fort Clark Mission, the boundaries of which are de-
scribed as follows : Peoria, Lancaster, or LaSalle I'rairie ; Brother Jones' on
Snack River; Princeville, Essex schoolhouse; Fraker's Grove, now Lafayette;
thence to Princeton, some thirty miles distant ; to Troy Grove twenty-five miles
farther; to Brother Long's near LaSalle; down the river to Aliller's school-
house, five miles below I'eru, then on to John Hall's one hundred fifty miles
around. In the spring of 1833 there appears to be the added names of Sister A.
Hale, a Sister Waters, David Spencer and some others. At this time John Sin-
clair was presiding elder. The Sister Hale mentioned was the wife of Asahel
Hale, who afterwards donated the lot at the corner of Madison and P'ulton
streets for the First Methodist Episcopal church and the property at Maiir
and High streets for Hale Memorial church.

Hall was succeeded in 1834 by Joel Arrington, who seems to have re-vivified
the membership and was by some given the credit of having established the
first class, when in fact Jesse Walker was ahead of him by nine years. More-
over, the forming of a class by Arrington would be no evidence that the former
organization or class had lapsed or that there was no previous church, as under
the system established by John Wesley, a Methodist church might consist of
one class or an aggregation of classes. In each case the class had a leader and
in early days these classes often met week day evenings at the homes of the
leaders, when the members spoke of their religious experience and the leader
advised or exhorted.

The quarterly meeting service was always accompanied by the love feast, or
general class meeting. To be admitted to the love feast was considered a great
privilege, and for a time during early times in Peoria, admission was only ob-
tained upon ticket, which ticket was only given to faithful attendants upon
class meetings and religious services.

Copies of love feast tickets :

"Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth." — Matthew V-5.
The Lord hath spoken good to me.

His word my hope secures ;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Peoria Station. (Signed) C. Hobart S. P. (Station Preacher).

3d Quarter. 1843.

James Hazzard
"Blessed be the Lord: for He hath showed me His marvelous kindness in
a strong city." Psa. XXXII-21.
3 Qr. April 20, 1845.
(Signed) J. Chandler.

The tickets referred to are now in the possession of J. F. Hazzard of this city.

Beggs says that upon one such occasion, feeling in good spirits while he was
attending the door and being in a liberal mood he admitted several who had not
the proper credentials. Good Brother K. came to him and said : "Brother Beggs,
what do you mean by admitting so many to our love feast, you have even let in
old man H." At the close of the service Beggs says he called for any who

HISTORY OF TEORIA COUNTY 173

might desire to join the church to present themselves and old man II. was the
first to come.

Referring to the original class formed in 1825, McCulloch, in his history of
Peoria city and county gives the name of Rivers Cormack instead of Rev. Reeves
McCormick as Beggs gives it. As Beggs was on the ground a few years after-
ward he has proljal:>ly given the correct name. McCulloch says H. H. Farkington
travelled the Peoria circuit in 1820 and also gives the name of Isaac Scarrett
for the same work the same year. By the conference of September, 1829, James
Latta was assigned to the circuit in which Peoria was included, and as Stephen
R. Beggs was transferred to the circuit from the Logansport mission about Janu-
ary, 1830, it is probable that Latta was transferred also, but to what work we
are not informed.

At this time Peter Cartwright was ]iresiding elder, and his district extended
from Chicago to Peoria, and from the Illinois river to the Mississippi.

The same author gives the name of Zadoc Hall, as the preacher on tlie circuit
in 1S32 and 1833. He. finding that several of the class formed by Walker had
removed, re-organized the class and from that time the organization became per-
manent. Joel Arrington came in 1833. By the conference of the fall of 1834,
Rev. L. S. Walker was sent to this work, and by that of 1835 W. C. Cumming,
who was the father of the venerable Rev. J. S. Cumming, now assigned to the
Second Methodist Episcopal church at Moline, Illinois. While here Rev. William
C. Cumming lived in the cottage on Washington street which belonged to Daniel
Brestel. I'eoria was made a station in 1836 and that fall the conference assigned
James W. Dunahy to the work. He remained about six months, and N. G.
Berryman was sent to supply the place. Beggs says John Sinclair also was here
in 1836. It is jjrobable he did his work on the circuit. It was in the year 1837
that Asahel Hale and Mark M. Aiken donated part of a lot, 71 feet by 72 feet
at the corner of Fulton and Madison streets, as a site for a church.

Beggs. who was assigned to the Peoria church by the conference of 1839,
says A. E. Phelps, was his predecessor and says he was a powerful preacher,
and on account of Ijeing fully able in debate, to protect his faith and creed, became
very ])o]3ular. McCulloch says Phelps was assigned here in 1837 and William !•'.
Williams and William Cundilt in 1838. The dates have probably been reversed,
and one of the latter was on the circuit work.

EARLY HISTORY

In the summer of 1835 there came to Peoria, from Ilarrisburg, Pennsylvania,
a young man. a carpenter by trade, and a local Methodist preacher, Daniel lirestel
by name, who, with his family consisting of his wife and four young daughters
had sought a home in the west, and had made choice of Peoria for such a home.
He came well recommended and a letter, commending him as a man of high
moral character and a competent mechanic dated Harrisburg. Pennsylvania, April
25, 1835. and signed by sixteen business and professional men, who are desig-
nated by marginal notes as "State Clerk." "Congressman," "Station Preacher"
and ".Merchants" with several "Gentlemen" is still in existence and in the pos-
session of one of his descendants. Upon the arrival of the family in Peoria, the
onlv place of shelter they could get, was one or two rooms in Hunt's Row, a
long frame, one-story building containing four or five tenements, located at tfte
west corner of Adams and Fulton streets, where the B. & M. clothing store now
stands. There was no chimney, or fire place in this tenement, only a hole in the
floor and another in the roof ; and with such accommodations, or rather lack
of accommodations, they were compelled to get along until more suitable quarters
could be found. Mr. Brestel having brought some means with him, purchased
for $1,000 a lot 72 feet front on the northwest side of Washington street, by 171
feet deep toward Adams street, on which was a small cottage of four or five
rooms.

174 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

The next year, perhaps, in 1836, he built a good, substantial carpenter shop;
and a substantial two-story frame building on the front of the lot and on the line
of sidewalk. This building contained a larg£ storeroom on the first floor and
two large living rooms above, which were reached by a stairway on the outside
of the building. The carpenter's shop was situated on the alley between Wash-
ington and Adams streets and immediately in the rear of what is now the Schnel-
bacher building, but across the alley, being between Main and l-'ulton streets. This
property is now covered with business houses and worth, probably $75,000.

Daniel Brestel and his family came from Pennsylvania by wagon most of the
way, and were from five to six weeks making the trip. Upon their arrival, being
Methodists, they naturally fell in with that people, whom they found at that time
worshiping in the old log court house on the bank of the river near wdiere the
electric light plant now stands. Stephen R. Beggs tells us in his "Early History
of the West and Northwest," that at times preachers of other denominations
occupied the court house, and consequently the Methodists were compelled to
hold services in the houses of some of the members. After Daniel Brestel built
his carpenter shop they had the use of it for services, and it was there and not
in a shop on the alley between Washington and Water street, as stated in
McCulloch's history, where their services were held.

Samuel Markley was also a carpenter and a partner of Daniel Brestel, later
Markley built a house and lived on North Adams street, about where number
407 now is. A front part was built on since his death, and the old house remains
there yet. It probably belongs to a grandson, C. M. Comegys.

Daniel Brestel's house was always open to the circuit riders and Methodist
preachers, and Peter Cartwright, Stephen R. Beggs, Richard Haney, Henry
Summers, Jacoby, of Cincinnati, and Winebrenner, of Pennsylvania, were among
his guests.

Born and raised in Pennsylvania of French and German lineage, Brestel
was able to read, write and speak English and German equally well, and was
always in demand to serve in preaching and marriage services, especially among
the Germans, who had no church organization of any kind when he first arrived.
He was not averse to preaching the gospel to the colored people and frequently
rendered such services for them in a schoolhouse which then stood on Walnut
street, between Adams and Washington streets. As the German Methodists
had no organization here then, he took great interest in them, and was to a
large degree instrumental in organizing the German Methodist Episcopal church,
and was a member of their first board of trustees, though himself a member of
the English Methodist Episcopal church. He was a zealous student of the scrip-
tures and was able to c|uote almost any passage he might be asked for, or if he
heard a quotation, to locate the book, chapter and verse. However, not content,
and desiring to lietter understand the Bible, he studied Greek and Hebrew after
he was fifty years of age.

In 184D, about which time Peoria was considered a thrifty and promising
young place, there came from Philadelphia a young bricklayer, James Hazzard,
by name, seeking employment at his trade and a place to locate. Being a Metho-
dist he became acquainted with the Brestel family, and in 1842 was married to
IMargaret, the second daughter, the service being read by Rev. Chauncey Hobart,
the then preacher in charge, and who but recently died in Red Wing, ^linnesota,
after nearing the century mark in years.

An interesting fact in connection with this family and the Methodist church
is, that from the coming of Daniel Brestel in 1835, when he became connected
with the church, to the present time, there has been continuous service upon the
official board of some Methodist church, by some member of the family. Daniel
Brestel, by virtue of his being an ordained minister; his son-in-law becoming a
member of the board of trustees of the First ^lethodisf Episcopal church; a
granflson, first for about three years a steward of the Second church, from
which he transferred to Hale Chapel in 1868, becoming one of the first trustees,

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 175

in which capacity he has continued ever since ; while a great grandson is now,
and has been for a number of years a steward and treasurer of Hale Memorial
church, a continuous period of more than seventy-six years.

In 1839, the lUinois conference held its session at I'.loomington, and at that
session, Stephen R. Beggs was appointed to the church at Peoria, by Bishop
Morris. .As some of the members of the church had set their hearts on securing
another preacher, a relative of one of the then prominent members, Beggs' recep-
tion on the part of some was not very cordial, in fact rather discouraging, but
being a man determined to do his duty as he saw it, he went to work vigorously.
He made his first appearance Sabbath morning. He says: "Our only place of
worship was Brestel's" (Beggs incorrectly spells the name Bristol) "carpenter
shop, and there I preached among jackplanes and chisels." He took his first
dinner in Peoria with Brestel's family. It soon became so that the carpenter
shop would not hold the people who came to the services, so one evening Beggs
pro|)osed that they start in and build a church. As is always the case, there
were doubtful ones, and they began to object. The period, the winter of 1839-40,
was a season of gloomy aspect ; money was hard to get, and so the prospect was
not very encouraging. Furthermore, it seems that about two years before, an
attempt had been made to build a frame church, and some material collected,
but a reverend brother thinking that a frame church would be out of keeping
with certain ideas of dignity, and, possibly pride, discouraged the project, insist-
ing on a brick church or none, and the materials collected had been sold and the
little money received for it had been pocketed by a Mr. A.

In si)ite of all the discouraging circumstances and conditions and in face of
all objections. Beggs insisted that a frame building would he better than none
and carried his point. .\ place for the building having been secured, he per-
suaded some of the men to take their axes and sleds, go into the timber and fell
trees and haul them in on the snow, score and hew the timbers for sills and plates.

Quite a number fell in with his plans, and by the spring of 1840 they had the
hewn timbers ready, r)eggs having made a "bee" for that purpose. He went
to the sawmills and begged other necessary lumber and also secured bricks in the
same way. One Sabbath he invited the men, as many as would assist, to be on
the ground the next morning to frame the timbers so that they might have the
frame raised by the next Saturday evening. Monday morning he appointed
Daniel Brestel, foreman, and the men who came were set to work. About noon,
however, the foreman was taken sick and the preacher had to secure another,
which he did, presumably Samuel Markley, also a member of the church. At the
time there was great stagnation and work was scarce, so Beggs went about the
village and solicited every idle man he met to go and assist, which many did will-
ingly. He found some masons who went at once and laid the foundation walls,
and by Saturday evening the frame of the first Methodist church building was
raised. Even then the croakers were not tiuieted and predicted that it would never
go any farther ; but Beggs was of a diflierent mind. He took his horse and buggy,
and started out. soliciting one dollar or more from every man he met. He went
as far as .Alton, St. Louis and Belleville, and secured sixty-five dollars in all ; his
largest subscription being twenty-five dollars. On his return, he again went
among the sawmills, and secured donations of sheathing and flooring, and
Josiah Fulton having given a large oak tree which was made up into shingles,
he soon had the building ready for plastering. This work Leonard L. Loomis
kindly agreed to do if some one would do the lathing. Lathing in those days was
done by taking thin sawed boards, generally of oak, nailing one edge ; then split-
ting with a hatchet and spreading, and nailing again, s])litting and s])reading
and nailing until the board covered all the space it would, and then repeating the
operation until all the walls were covered. This work Beggs found men to do,
and Loomis plastered the building.

The doors and winflows were gotten, presumably, with the money raised on
the southern trip ; and with temporary seats and pulpit, the building was ready

176 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

for services, with less than ten dollars indebtedness, the total money cost being
something over $70. This building was erected on a part of lot ten, block thirty,
original town of Peoria, being 72 feet on Madison street by 71 feet on Fulton
street at the west corner, opposite the present city hall.

It has been said and written that this lot was donated by Asahel Hale and
Alark \l. Aiken, the latter a member of the church at that time, and the former
becoming so later. An examination of the records of deeds, however, does not
exactly bear this out. On page 515, Book G of Transcribed Record of Deeds
in Peoria county, is the transcript of the deed which transfers the above described
part of lot 10 to Mark M. Aiken and Asahel Hale, trustees, which explicitly pre-
scribes the uses and purposes for which it is to be used, and directs that it shall
descend to their successors in office, trustees of the Methodist Episcopal church.
This deed was made and executed by one William Pierce, and the consideration
named was $500 in coin. This amount was probably fictitious, as the lot then
was on the outskirts of the town, and lots on Adams street were valued less,
many years later. This deed is dated March 2, 1837, acknowledged before
William Mitchell, notary public and filed for record March 3, 1837. At the same
time Pierce transferred to Hale and Aiken, in fee simple, the balance of lot 10,
block 30, being 29 feet on Fulton street by 72 feet on the alley, consideration $400.

The whole transaction would seem to indicate that the plat yz feet by 71 feet
may have been donated to the church by William Pierce, probably at the solicita-
tion of Asahel Hale and Mark M. Aiken, and in consideration of the sale of the
other part of the lot to them.

There is no deed on record from Mark M. Aiken conveying any part of said
lot to the church, but he conveyed his interest in the other part of lot 10 to Asahel
Hale, and on page six hundred and twenty-three. Book Y of Record of Deeds,
is the transcript of a deed from Asahel Hale and Laura Hale, his wife, to George
Wilkenson, James R. Hazzard, Samuel B. King. Asahel Hale, Jesse L. Knowl-
ton, Joseph J. Thomas and John Easton, trustees of the Methodist Episcopal
church, transferring part of lot 10, being 50 feet on Fulton street by 71 feet deep,
commencing 71 feet from Madison street, for a consideration of $200. This
deed is dated April 20, 1847, and was acknowledged before William H. Fessen-
den. Justice Peace. April 30, 1847, but not filed for record until June 23, 1851.
The provisions in this deed are the same as those in the deed from Pierce in 1837
and this plat was, no doubt, donated by Asahel Hale and Laura Hale, his wife.

Some nine years after the erection of the first building, which had been
enlarged in the meantime, it was moved to one side to make way for the erection
of a large brick church ; later the old frame building was moved to the corner of
Harrison and Water streets, immediately in the rear of the board of trade build-
ing site, and became part of a hotel owned and operated by James AfcFadden;
which was afterward known as the Central House and operated under that name
many years by John Phillips. Of late years it has given way to a large business
establishment.

Daniel Brestel died in November, 1859, aged sixty-six years and his remains
lie in Springdale cemetery. Of his descendants there are now living, one daugh-
ter, Mrs. Elizabeth Bowman, living at Los Gatos, California, aged about eighty-
one years; seven grand children, six of whom live in Peoria and one in Lincoln,
Nebraska ; eighteen great grandchildren and about as many great great grand-
children. The late Rev. David G. Stouflr'er was a nephew of Samuel .Markley.

When Stephen R. Beggs arrived with his family in Peoria in the fall of 1839,
the only house he could obtain was an old, dilapidated dwelling, long tenanted
by rats and vermin, which vigorously contested the intrusion for several months.
One time, while the preacher was away, Judge George B. Parker, not then a
church member nor even a professor of religion, found and rented a good com-
fortable dwelling and moved the preacher's family in before he returned.

That Daniel Brestel was an ordained minister is attested by the fact that he
performed many marriage ceremonies, especially for German couples. W'e have

^si>^'' 'Vlii,,^ i\^^ii,\

1!K\'. STKl'llKX 1!. Hl-XJGS,
Will) as |i:i>tiir nl tlii' Mrtlioilist Episcdpiil
Cluiii'li nt I'mria. Iiiiilt tlie first ■'Metli-
iiilisl liu'i'lilif; lliillsc."

1;KV. DANIKI. I'.ltKSIKI,
Came to I'enria in is:!.') from T'ciin-
sylvaiiia. First prcaclicr assigned to
preaeli to (icrmaii-spealiiiif.' Mrtli
odists, 1S4:i.

KK\'. ISAAC KELLAR

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 177

no record of just when lie was ordained, but there are persons living who know
of the fact, one of whom is Johnson L. Cole. Joseph F. Hazzard remembers
of his performing marriage ceremonies. Ira E. Benton records that at the
quarterly meeting held on the camp ground at Ten-i\[ile Creek, in Tazewell
county, August 19, 1843, Daniel lirestel resigned as member of the official board
to begin work as preacher to the Ciermans in Tazewell county.

The writer had the privilege of meeting and entertaining Stephen R. Beggs
in 1868 and at that time obtained from him a copy of his "Early History" just
then published.

With an interest engendered by family connections with the Methodist Epis-
copal church, extending into three centuries, and more than sixty years of personal
recollections ; with associations and memories of nearly all of the persons and
events, it has been the intent of the writer to give in a concise form, historic
facts without diversions but surely the names of such arduous, energetic, self-
sacrificing men as Jesse Walker, Stephen R. Beggs, Peter Cartwright, Henry
Summers, Richard Haney, John Chandler, the generous, far-sighted .\sahel
Hale, the willing, ever-ready carpenter-preacher, Daniel Brestel, and Samuel
Tart, for many years a class leader, with many others mentioned, ought to be
known and held in reverence by all 'Methodists in the city and county of Peoria.

It is said that in 1840 Bishop Beverly Waugh preached in the new church and
wrote to the New York Christian Advocate, "The Alethodists of Peoria have a
new church building, but it is half a mile from the village."

FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

The building erected by the zeal and energy of Stephen R. Beggs and his
willing supporters in 1840, was 31 feet by 40 feet in size. In 1843, the work
having prospered greatly and congregations necessitating more room, the build-
ing was lengthened by the addition of 16 feet to the rear. In 1841 and 1842
Rev. Nathaniel P. Cunningham was pastor. Rev. Cuimingham was the father
of Mrs. J. D. ]\IcClure. By the general conference of 1840 the Illinois conference
w^as again divided and the Rock River conference formed. According to assign-
ments of ministers as given by S. R. Beggs, this conference included a large
part of the state of Illinois, and the states of Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota,
and enough territory was included in one presiding elder's district to form two
conferences now.

In the fall of 1842 N. P. Cunningham transferred to Chicago and was as-
signed to the church there. By the same conference Chauncey Hol^art was sent
to the church at Peoria and served until the following fall, when Richard Haney
succeeded him. Haney was a giant in stature, and a powerful preacher, who
was well known in Peoria by many of the present generation. John Chandler
was the pastor in 1845-46. In the latter year, the congregation was incorporated
and James Hazzard, George Wilkinson, Samuel B. King, Jesse P. Knowlton,
Joseph J. Thomas, John Easton and Asahel Hale were the members of the first
board of trustees.

In the fall of 1846 Rev. F. A. McNeal was appointed to the church and in
1847 N. P. Heath ; Init he being sent oflf on a financial mission, Rev. McNeal again
served the people. In 1848 and 1849 Silas IjoIIcs was preacher in charge, and
it was under his administration that the second church building was erected.

The little frame church erected by S. R. Beggs, after having been enlarged
had again been outgrown, and the congregations demanded more room, con-
sequently, a new brick building 60x90 feet was erected, with an audience room,
which, with a lobby, covered the entire second floor, a lecture room, 42x60 feet,
and several class rooms in the basement. This building was very plain. The
brickwork was done by Card and Hazzard, and it is thought the carpenter work
was done by Thomas & Bain, and the plastering by Loomis & Brown. Finances
being short, no more than a base for a spire was ever built, and so remained

178 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

until May 13, 1858, when a severe hurricane, which passed over the city, partly
unroofed the church while it blew the spires off almost every other church in
the city.

This building was dedicated in September, 1849, Bishop Edmund S. Janes
preaching the sermon. The building had a gallery over the lobby so that the
seating capacity was the entire interior size of the building. However, with the
entering into the new building an innovation was introduced and musical instru-
ments, and singers were installed in the gallery. The instruments were a bass
viol and a flute, the latter of which was played by Edgar M. Banvard, and the
former by George Thorpe, as near as can be ascertained.

Of the members of the choir, the following names have been obtained.
Stark R. Reed. Joseph Brown, Joseph C. Parker, Edward Story, Mrs. Louise
Reed and Miss Marie Banvard, sisters of E. M. Banvard; Miss Mary Reed,
daughter of S. R. Reed, and Miss Mary Brown, daughter of Joseph Brown ;
and Airs. Leah Benton. Of these Edward Story is the only one of whom we
have any information at present time. He resides with his wife and daughter
at 212 West Armstrong avenue, Peoria. One rather comical feature, was that
when the congregation arose for the singing, all turned their backs to the pulpit
and "faced the music."

The Rev. Peter Cartwright was a rough, uncouth, plain-spoken man and a
powerful preacher. One of his antagonisms was to instrumental music in the
church. It is said that at one time when about to open services, he announced
the hymn, and read it as was customary, and casting his eyes up, he saw the
bass viol and said, "You will now please fiddle and sing the hymn as announced."

Edgar M. Banvard was about this time superintendent of the Sunday school,
but not many years afterwards left for California, and was succeeded by Joseph
Brown.

In 1850 J. C. Parks was assigned to this church, and he was followed by
C. C. Best, who also was reappointed the next year.

About this time "The Wesleyan Seminary of Peoria" was started and a lease
secured on the "Alitchell House," which had been built by William Mitchell,
former county clerk, for a hotel, but which was not a success in that capacity and
had been closed. It was located on the corner of Jefferson avenue and Fulton
street, where the "Star" office and two or three other business buildings are now
situated. The seminary was not a success, and the building was afterward
remodeled and opened as a hotel, under the name of "The Massasoit House,"
and did quite a business for some time.

About this time William Jones taught a school in the basement of the Meth-
odist Episcopal church. Some of the names, remembered of scholars who
attended that school are : Henry B. Rouse. Walter P. Colburn, Edward S. Easton,
Charles Easton, Edwin C. Ely. Selby Whittlesy, a cousin of Ely's, Joseph F.
Hazzard, Miss Alice Hill, Emeline Shelly, now the widow of the late 'Martin
Kingman, Mary Mossman, and Virginia Cunningham, now widow of Colonel J. D.
McClure, cousins.

In 1852 and 1853, J. W. Flower was pastor and during his pastorate a small
mission church, known as Aloft'att church, was built on lower Adams street,
about opposite where the Barrett Manufacturing Company's plant is now located.
This was used as a mission church by the First church for a few years and then
discontinued. In 1855 Caleb Foster was appointed to the church.

The general conference of 1856 having divided the Rock River conference
and formed the Central Illinois conference the new conference held its first ses-
sion in the ]\Iethodist Episcopal church in Peoria, beginning September 19, 1856,
being presided over by Bishop Edmund S. Janes. Since that time six other
sessions of the annual conference have been held in Peoria, to-wit : 1871, 1886,
1895. igoo. 1905 and the last session held in Hale ^Memorial church, commencing
September 6, 191 1.

By the conference of 1856, Rev. William H. Hunter, who had transferred

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 179

from the Erie conference of Pennsylvania, was appointed to the Peoria church.
At first he was strongly objected to by some on account of his pronounced anti-
slavery proclivities, but the events of the next few years wi])ed out all such objec-
tions, and \\'illiam H. Hunter liecame a tower of strength to Methodism, not
only in Peoria and the Central Illinois conference, but in the nation. He was
several times elected a delegate to the general conference. He was also a good
business man and financial manager, and by husbanding the very small allowances
of his earlier days and the somewhat more liberal income of later years, he
accumulated quite an amount of property. He was, nevertheless, of a liberal
turn of mind, and quite often assisted his less fortunate, or more improvident,
brethren in the ministry, as well as giving of his means to worthy causes. Almost
at the commencement of Rev. Hunter's ministrations to the church here, a mis-
sion Sunday school was started in a small brick building on North Jefferson
street, which stood where the three-story Ijrick building, the "Annex" to the
"liailie," now stands. This building was formerly the Swedenborgian church.
It had also been used for a private school. In 1857 George R. Parker was super-
intendent, C. Dunham, secretary and James Hazzard, librarian of this Sunday
school. Joseph F. Hazzard has in his possession several certificates of member-
ship in this school, issued to members of his family in April, 1837. However,
prior to this, proljably in 1855 and 1856, there was a Sunday school, largely
under the auspices of Methodist people, conducted in an old frame building which
was originally a foundry and had afterwards been used as a schoolhouse, located
on the northwest side of Perry avenue, between Fayette and Jackson streets,
and which belonged to George C. Greenwood. In this Sunday school, Mrs. Mary
E. Phenix was a teacher, and Joseph F. Plazzard and the girl who is now his wife
were attendants. About the time of the opening of the Sunday school in the
building on Jefferson street, the school on Perry avenue ceased to exist, and a
number of the attendants transferred to the new location. A feature about this
new .Sunday school was that the library books, which were mostly for the
younger grade of children were kept in a carpenter's tool chest, loaned by Wil-
liam Comegys. ]\lilton L. Haney, a brother of Richard Haney, was assigned to
Peoria mission, and this Sunday school formed a nucleus from which he or-
ganized the Second Alethodist Episcopal cliurch, whose successor is Madison
.Avenue ]\Iethodist Episcopal church.

In 1857, R. C. Bolles was appointed to succeed W. H. Hunter and he in turn
was succeeded by R. C. Rowley. In 1859, S. G. J. Worthington, one of the grand
old men of the Central Illinois conference, and father of Judge Nicholas E.
Worthington. was appointed to the First church, in Peoria, and remained till
1862, when Rev. J. S. Gumming, a son of Rev. William C. Gumming, who was
on the Peoria circuit in 1836, followed. It is said that it was during Cumming'.s.
time that the first organ, what was known as a parlor organ, was installed in the
church. Also at this time the first camp meeting was held at Oak Hill, and a
camp meeting has been held there annually ever since. Rev. Gumming remained
until the conference of 1863 again assigned Rev. Richard Haney to the charge,
and the next year Rev. G. G. Knowlton. Rev. Knowlton was re-appointed but
resigned in Fel^ruary, 1866. and James Tubbs supplied until the conference of
1866. which appointed -Andrew Magee.

I'.v the conference of 1868. J. P. Brooks was sent and in the fall of i86g, J. S.
Gumming again was assigned to the work, and continued tliis time for three years.
In 1872 E. Wasmuth was appointed. He remained three years. In 1875 ''^^ ^•
Morgan came for a three years' term, and was followed in 1878 by Selah W.
Brown for two years. By the conference of 1880 James T. McFarland, now in
charge of the Sunday school publication of the jMethodist Episcopal church, was
assigned as pastor, William Hunter as assistant, and they remained two years.
This brings us to the end of the chapter so far as the brick church building of
1849 is concerned, for in 1S82 it was sold and the next year aliandoned for church
services.

180 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

The writer has thought it might be interesting to many to recall the names of
many well remembered as being connected with the First Methodist Episcopal
church and its activities at the time of, and immediately following its dedication
in 1849. Among those best remembered are: Daniel Brestel and wife, and Eliza-
beth Bowman, their daughter, now living in California, where she has been since
1853: I'eter S. Shelly and wife; Enoch I'. Sloan, L. Keyon, Nathaniel Curtiss
and family; Leonard L. Loomis and wife; James llazzard and wife, the latter
a daughter of Daniel Brestel; Joseph J. Thomas and wife, and daughters, Mrs.
Leah Benton and Miss Mary Thomas; Samuel B. King and wife; Samuel Tart
and wife and daughter, the latter afterwards the wife of Colonel Chas. H. Deane ;
Ira E. Benton and Caroline Chandler, who afterwards became his wife; Jesse L.
Knowlton and wife; Edward D. Shutts and wife; I'ather Bowen and wife;
Father Bunn and wife and J. H. Bunn ; Wm. Comegys and wife; Mother .]Mark-
ley ; Mother Slough; Dr. J\Iossman; Dr. McNeal and wife; Edgar AI. I'anvard
and wife; Mother Banvard and Mrs. Lizzie Sloan; Mrs. Louise Reed and Miss
Maria Banvard, her daughters; Nathan Giles; Wm. Giles; Columbus Dunham;
Asahel Hale and wife, the latter of the class formed in 1832 ; Wm. Hale, the
first mayor of Peoria, and his wife; Henry Story and wife, parents of Edward
and F. M. Story of this city; Levi B. Gibson; James M. Woodbury and wife;
Mrs. Cunningham, widow of the Rev. N. P. Cunningham, and mother of Mrs.
Colonel J. D. AlcClure; Stark R. Reed and family; and Clark B. Stebbins, for
many years a justice of the peace.

By the conference of 1882, Rev. J. E. Keene was appointed to the First
Methodist Episcopal church, and during his incumbency the present church edifice
at the junction of Fulton, Franklin and Sixth avenue was built. Mr. Keene
was quite a young man, at that time being only twenty-eight years of age. He
was transferred from the church at Kewanee. When he arrived here, he found
that the old church building had been sold, and the congregation was worshiping
in what was known as "The Old Armory," at the east corner of Madison avenue
and Liberty street. This latter was in fact built as a Cumberland Presbyterian
church and known as the Glover church but not used long as such. Glover was
the name of the pastor when it was built.

Mr. Keene found that the lot for the new church building had been purchased,
and that his predecessor, Rev. James T. McFarland, had memoranda of some
persons who had promised to make subscriptions. Plans had also been prepared
and accepted, so that he started in at once to get the subscription in more tangible
form, and of sufficient amount, which he found to be a most arduous task. In the
meantime a most efficient building committee, consisting of Isaac Brown, J. H.
Bunn, and H. C. Lines, now all passed to their reward, proceeded with the con-
struction of the building, with James P.ramble, as contractor. But the building
was not completed until the fall of 1884. Mr. Keene preached the first sermon
in the unfinished building in May, 1884, but it was not dedicated, according to
Ira E. Benton, until 1S88, when Rev. Peter A. Cool, had taken charge. The
dedication services were held October 18, 1888, the dedicatory sermon being
delivered by Bishop Charles H. Fowler. The cost of the building including site
was al)out $35,000. Several years after the building was completed finding that
there was not enough seating capacity, it was remodeled by tearing out the end
walls of the wings of the transe])t, and extending them and putting in galleries
over them.

Rev. George W. Gue was appointed in 18S-I and served the church three
years, being succeeded in 1887 by Rev. George C. Wilding, who remained one
year. By the conference of 1888 Rev. P. A. Cool was appointed to the church,
and reappointed for the second year, being followed in 1890 by Rev. H. D. Clark,
who served three years.

In the fall of 1893 T. W. McYety was appointed pastor and remained three
years; Rev. Nelson G. Lyons coming in 1897 and serving three years, being fol-
lowed in 1900 by R. E. Buckey. Since that time the pastors have been Rev.

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 181

R. Crewes, Rev. O. T. Dwinell, Rev. R. A. Brown and Rev. W. E Shaw, who is
now serving his second year.

The church has a very line parsonage property, located on Hamilton street
between Perry and Glendale avenues. The building is a substantial brick, built
about two years ago.

The report to the last ainiual conference gives a total membership in the
church of six hundred twenty-four; in the Sunday school of forty-three officers
and teachers and five hundred twenty-two scholars, including cradle roll and
hon)e department, with seventy-seven members of the Epworth League.

M.SDISON .WENUE CHURCH

l!y the .session of the Central Illinois conference which was held in the First
.Methodist Episcopal church in i85(j, .Milton L. Haney was appointed to "'Peoria
Mission." With the Sunday school which had been started in the old Sweden-
borgian church on Jefferson street, where the ".Annex" to the "Bailie" now stands,
as a nucleus, Haney started in to form and organize a church. With such object
in view he proceeded to collect funds, and leased a lot from William E. Robin-
son, on .Monroe street, near what was then called Eaton street, but now Bryan
street, and in the summer of 1857 erected thereon a plain frame building. liaving
secured a building he proceeded to organize the Second Methodist church, with
a board of trustees composed of Samuel Tart, William Goklsborough, Hugh B.
-McFall. William Thompson and Xelson Green. The building was quite primitive,
heated by stoves, and lighted at first by lardoil lamps, which were later super-
seded b\- camphene bracket lamps, until one of the members, |ohn Lane, a year
or two later, installed lamps in which it was attempted to i)urn a dark, foul smell-
ing Huid, which was the first kerosene oil introduced, and so poor was it, that
frequently the lights would go out and leave the place in darkness. Rev. Daniel
r.restel and Rev. John Borland occasionally preached in this church.

This church building was removed in 1864 to a triangular lot at the west
corner of Perry and Eaton streets which adjoined the ^lasonic cemetery and
again removed to a site on Jefferson street, on the north corner opposite the
Greeley school building, b'rom there it was transferred to Madison street, near
the present site of the Aladison avenue church and is now retained as the annex
to the newer building.

Among the well remembered earlier members of this church are Rev. James
Hitchcock and wife; Chas. McFall, wife and daughter; Mrs. William Hughes;
Miss Mary Hughes, her daughter, now Mrs. Dr. L. B. ^Martin; Mrs. Dr. J. W.
Martin ; George C. Babcock and wife and two daughters, one of whom is now
Mrs. Jennie E. Stouft'er, the very efficient truant officer of the school board ;
Mrs. Mary E. Phenix and two daughters; Judge George B. Parker and wife;
Mrs. Mary .Stewardson ; leather and r}iIother Borland, the parents of James and
Robert liorland and Mrs. Janet .Apple; Joseph (liles, wife and two daughters;
and a little later Joseph F. Hazzard ; John Schleigh and wife; Joshua S. Onstott ;
Martha Stewardson ; and Stephen Martin. Nelson Green and his wife, Han-
nah, and Mother Sturgis. who became a noted army nurse, must not be forgotten.
Of the early pastors M. L. Haney. who was appointed to the Peoria mission
by the conference of 1856, was appointed to the Second church in the fall of
1857, also serving a church in South Limestone at the same time.

By the conference of 1858, R. N. Morse was appointed to this charge in
Peoria and was succeeded by George R. Palmer in the fall of 1859. N. C. Lewis
succeeded George R. l^almer and remained one year. By the conference of 1861
a young man named T. W. Stewart was assigned to this church, but remained
but part of the year, when he raised a company and enlisted in the army, and
Henry Apple was secured to supply the place and reappointed by the conference
of 1862. He was succeeded by Benjamin .Applebee. It was Rev. .Applebee, who,
recognizing the folly of continuing to pay rent for the lot on Monroe street

182 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

went energetically to work, raised money and purchased a triangular lot on the
west corner of I'erry and Eaton streets, had the church building moved onto it
and put in repair.

At this time the male membership of the church was greatly decimated by
enlistments in the army and there were but few left; consequently the question
of finances for the undertaking was quite problematical ; but the pastor was
equal to the solving of it. He went out among the business men and solicited
funds, even going to saloon keepers, to some of whom he said: "Here, you
fellows are the cause of the necessity of churches to a great extent and it is no
more than right that you should help pay the expenses; I want some of your
money for this work," and he usually got it. Our best information is the cost
was about $i,ooo. Benjamin Applebee died February 22, 1897, aged nearly
seventy-seven years. Rev. John Chandler, one of the staunch old time ministers
of the Methodist church, whose home was in Peoria, succeeded Applebee,
remaining in charge two years.

The conference of i86b assigned Rev. P. A. Crist to this church and he was
succeeded in the fall of 1867 by Rev. H. I. Brown, who is now and has for many
years been a resident of this city. By the conference of 1868, no assignment was
made to the Perry street church, as it was often called, but Hale Chapel being
then in the course of construction. Rev. William A. Spencer was appointed to
Hale Chapel, which was as yet not organized, with instructions to fill the pulpit
at the Perry street church until the organization of a church at Hale Chapel. This
he did and when later his work was transferred to Hale, a supply for the Second
church was found by the presiding elder.

Henry Apple was again appointed to this church by the conference of 1869.
He was followed by Rev. W. B. Frazelle, for one year; P. A. Crist again, for
one year. The latter afterwards removed to Washington City and was con-
nected with the agriculture and other departments of the government for a
number of years. H. J\I. Laney followed for one year; then P. A. Cool, who
remained two years ; then George F. Merideth, who remained three years. iMere-
dith was a young man, very sensational, and drew very large congregations, but
lasting results for good, from his pastorate, have not been very apparent.

In 1878 Frank H. Cumming, a son of the venerable and revered Rev. Joseph
S. Cumming, was assigned to this church and remained three years. He was
succeeded by Rev. J. A. Riason, who remained one year and in the fall of 1882
J. W. Frizelle, the present district superintendent of the Kankakee district, was
appointed pastor and remained three years. About the time of the pastorate of
W. B. Frazelle, the church building was moved from the corner af Perry and
Eaton streets to North Jefferson street and about the time of P. A. Cool's
pastorate the building was transferred to the present location of the ^Madison
Avenue church. Captain Wm. A. Hall, became a member of the church, and
Dr. j. H. Wilkinson took a great interest in it. They were strong financial backers.

Succeeding Rev. J. W. Frizelle came Alexander Smith in the fall of 1885,
remaining three years. It was Alexander Smith who took up the work of build-
ing a new church and amid many discouragements and much adverse criticism
pushed the project to completion, which resulted in the present building, of which
the original, constructed under M. L. Haney in 1857, and known as the "church
on wheels." is a part. Alexander Smith is the present district superintendent
of Rock Island district.

Following Alexander Smith came C. W. Ayling in the fall of 1888: then
Laughlin McLean, one year; then D. S. McCown, two years; A. M. Lumkin in
1892 for one year. In 1893, C. W. Green supplied the church three months.
About January i, 1894, Rev. E. R. Fulkerson, a missionary, home on furlough
from Japan, took charge of the church and remained five months. He was a
brother of the wife of Rev. J. R. Wolf, then pastor of Hale Chapel, and it was
through this connection that he came to Peoria. He returned to Japan, in the
service of the board of foreign missions.

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 183

Wlien E. R. Fulkeison departed, Rev. D. T. Black, a local preacher, a mem-
ber of Hale Chapel, and a very successful revivalist, took charge for the remain-
ing four months, till the meeting of the conference of 1894. By that conference.
Rev. V. Hunter Brink was appointed to Madison avenue, and then reappointed,
but deciding to remove from the jurisdiction of Central Illinois conference, he
only served one half of the conference year, and was followed by Rev. W. R.
Watson, who remained till the conference of 1897, appointed Rev. J. A. Chapman
to tile charge. Chapman was a tine preacher and very popular and remained
pastor of Aladison Avenue church five years. After Chapman came Douglas for
one year; W. J. Leach, two years; Gilbert, two years; J. B. Rutter, one year;
J. N. Brown, one year, and the present pastor Rev. W. D. Evans, for two years.

In the early days, during the revival meeting it was not considered out of
place for the worshippers to shout, if they felt like it, and sometimes quite a
good many felt like it, and indicated it pretty loudly, so that the rough element
nicknamed them "The Ranters," but some of this same element became convinced
of the error of their ways and joined these same "Ranters." So strong were
the convictions sometimes that persons now living have seen some fall upon tlie
church floor as in a trance and remain so for a long time.

The report to the last session of the Central Illinois conference shows this
church to have a membership of two hundred fifty, with a Sunday school of
twenty-five officers and teachers and two hundred sixty-six scholars, with an
F.pworth League of sixty members and with church property valued at $8,000.

HALE CH.VPEL

.-\sahel Hale, the founder of Hale Chapel, was born in Vermont, December
10, 1791. He and his wife, Laura, came to Peoria in 1831. and she being a Meth-
odist, became a member of the class formed by Zadoc Flail, or Joel Arrington,
in 1832 or 1833, while he joined the Alethodist Episcopal church in 1840. He
invested in a large body of land lying along the top of the bluff, practically
extending from High street to Elizabeth street and from Elizabeth street along
High street and Xorth street, as they are now, to Chambers avenue. November
26, 1861, Asahel Ilalc made his will, and with a wisdom and foresight quite sur-
prisin.g, he provided for the erection of a Methodist Episcopal church, in what
was destined in coming years to be one of the best parts of the city of Peoria,
and upon one of the most sightly locations. By his will he left one half of his
estate for such purposes, and at his death which occurred March 23, 1864, there
was turned over to the three trustees he had selected, $11,530.54 to carry out
his wishes in this regard. The trustees whom he had selected were William
(iiles, Ira E. Benton and Columbus Dunham. And here again I\Ir. Hale dis]ilaved
his wisdom and sagacity, for three more upright, conscientious and honorable
men could not have been chosen. This writer was personally acquainted with
all of them. They were all members of the First Methodist Episcopal church,
as was also Jesse L. Knowlton, who with Laura Flale, the wife of the testator,
were executor and e.xecutrix, respectively.

The moneys left for the church were partly loaned, so that not until the
winter of 1867-68, did the trustees of the will decide that it was time to proceed
with the building. They then consulted with Joseph F. Hazzard, junior member
of the building firm of James Hazzard & Son, and he having spent some time in
the office of an architect in Brooklyn, New York, as well as being a practical
builder, they employed him to make plans and draw up specifications for the
liroposed Iniilding. In doing this he was guided and controlled by the provisions
of the will ; for Mr. Hale had so thoroughly digested the matter that he had pro-
vided that the building should be a plain, substantial brick structure, with a
basement, Sunday school and classrooms, and an audience room above, also
that the church should be provided with a belfry and bell. All of these direc-
tions were explicitly carried out and a very neat, substantial and commodious
building, 40 by 70 feet, erected.

184 TTISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

At that time, Henry Grove, a very eccentric and atheistic lawyer, owned a
large tract of land directly across Main street and lived there in a one-story
frame cottage which remained until a few years ago, when it was removed to
make way for the two very neat brick residences now occupying the site. When
the drawings for the church were completed it was suggested that, as a matter of
courtesw they be taken and shown to Henry Grove, which was done. Grove
looked the tloor plans and elevations over, and then said: "Well, boys, I've always
been opposed to putting a church on that corner, but I guess it will be a d —
sight better for old Grove's property than a saloon ; go ahead."

The contract for the building was let to James Hazzard & Son in May, 1868,
for $11,500. The corner stone was laid June 22, 1868, and the building was so
far completed that the first service was held in the basement, November ist of
that year.

Some two years previous to the organization of Hale Chapel, D. B. Allen had
organized a Sunday school in an old shop on Elizabeth street lietween High and
Main street, which had grown to a membership of about on« hundred twenty-
five, and this school was at once transferred to the new church. D. B. Allen,
superintendent.

The building was dedicated January 15, 1869. Rev. R. M. Hatfield, then of
Chicago, preaching the dedicatory sermon. The church was organized November
8. 1868. Among the first members were Daniel B. Allen and wife; Isaac Evans
and wife; Joseph F. Hazzard and wife; Mrs. Mary E. Phenix and Laura E.
Phenix; Miss .Mary Cooper, afterward Mrs. H. N. Frederick, Mrs. Laura Hale,
J. G. Sanson! and 'wife; H. M. Behymer and wife, and others, of whom but
three, Isaac Evans and J. F. Hazzard and wife now remain.

The first board of trustees consisted of Daniel B. Allen, J. G. Sansom, R. B.
\an Petten, Joseph F. Hazzard, Isaac Evans, Jonathan Haley, and H. M. Behy-
mer, members of the church; and as the polity of the Methodist Episcopal church
allowed the election of a minority of the board from non-members, Henry Grove
and Augustine Greenwood were so elected. Greenwood shortly after with his
wife, became a member of the church but Grove, while he would attend the
official meetings and take part in the business proceedings, would never enter
the church to attend a religious service, though his wife became a faithful and
useful member. And withall. Grove was a very useful member of the board of
trustees, and a liberal contributor to the financial necessities. At the time of
the dedication, the cost of furnishings, bell, etc., over and above the building
contract, necessitated the raising of some money. Previous to the commence-
ment of the services, J. F. Hazzard was on the walk in front of the church, and
Henry Grove coming across the street said: "See here, young fellow, how much
money is needed to pay up?" The reply was: "About eighteen hundred dollars."
Grove said: "Well, you tell them up there, that old Grove thinks he ought to
pay ten per cent of that." So one hundred eighty dollars was subscribed for
Grove and he paid it. William Reynolds and wife were also liberal donors.

The Central Illinois conference' at its session in 1868 appointed as pastor to
Hale Chapel, William A. Spencer, a man who became very prominent in the
church, and who would, had he lived, no doubt have been one of the bishops ere
this. He was Hale Chapel's first pastor, and Hale Chapel was his first charge,
and he remained three years, the full limit of time then permitted by the rules of
the church. He became very popular and was greatly in demand for exchanging
with other pastors of the city. Henry Grove Ijecame fond of him personally, and
was a liberal contributor to his support, but not through the church treasury.
Rev. Spencer was married just as he came to take charge of the church, and
arriving several weeks before the building was far enough along to hold service
in, he officiated at the Second Methodist Episcopal church, to which no pastor
had been assigned bv the conference, until Hale Chapel could be occupied. To
Rev. and Mrs. Spencer a daughter was born while they were at the Hale Chapel,
and was named Clarissa Hale" Spencer. She is now world's general secretary of

ASAHEL HALE
FouncU'i- of Hale Chapel and doiiDi- i.f (iixf
lot for First .Aletliodist Episcopal i liiiivli in
is:i7.

-MliS. LAIKA HALE
Wife ,.f Asalicd Hale, and nii'inlier of the
lirst licimancril .lass of (lie Methodist
Episcojial ( liiiirh ill is:i2.

OHICIXAL HALE CHAl'Ef.

Uiidt in ISGS— Rennncd in HlOO — I'ar^nna^c Iniill in 1S72

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 185

the Young Woman's Christian Association, with heack|uarters in London, Eng-
land. She served a number of years as a missionary in Japan.

Rev. WilHam A. Spencer's term of service ended in the fall of 1871. He
afterwards transferred to the Rock River conference, served several churches
in Chicago and became presiding elder of one of the districts of that conference.
He finally removed to Philadelphia and became general secretary of the Church
Extension Society, which position he held at the time of his death. He was a
tine singer and loved to sing, "The Ninety and Nine" and "Help a Little," playing
iiis own accompaniment. The latter hymn was his own composition.

By the conference of 1871, Rev. W. C. Knapp was appointed to Hale Chapel,
which, under the administrations of William A. Spencer, had become accounted
as one of the best appointments in the conference.

Quite a large number of ]:)eople had come into the church, including Patrick
Galbraith and family, A. J. White and wife. H. M. Summers, D. C. Holcomb and
wife, Mrs. Jane Craig and her daughter, now Mrs. Eliza S. Bennett, and very
many more, so that the church was in a prosperous condition. About the time
the church was being completed, a bell having been purchased, many people
living in that part of the city began to ask for a city clock in the belfry of Hale
Chapel, and Daniel B. Allen. Patrick Galbraith and possibly another one or two
soon raised the money and purchased and installed a Howard tower clock costing
about $600, which was a landmark and convenience as long as the old building
remained. It was during Knapp's pastorate that the parsonage was built.

Henry Lirove still remained on the board of trustees, and at one of the
meetings he said, "Mr. Hale's will, which I drew up, provided that if the church
should want the triangular lot on the south side of the church, you should have
it for four hundred dollars. Better take it ; I will pay one hundred dollars on
it." So the lot was purchased, and Rev. Knapp raised the means to build a six
room house, which was done w'hile he was pastor. Later another pastor came
with more of a family and D. C. Holcoinb added another room by raising the
south wing. Still later other additions were made until it became a nine room
house. Rev. Knapp remained as pastor three years. Lie is still living and
resides at Xornial, Illinois.

Rev. C. C. Knowlton was assigned to Hale Chapel in 1874 and served two
years. He was followed by C. W. Ayling. two years. R. G. Pearce, one year.
His health failing he was compelled to take a superannuate relation, and has
been for a number of years custom officer at Rock Island, Illinois. William
McPheeters succeeded R. G. Pearce and remained one year.

James Haney, son of the veteran Richard Haney was appointed in 1880 and
he was succeeded in the fall of 1881 by Rev. C. O. McCulloch, who was pastor
two years. Rev. W. I"". Wilson came next and was well liked by the church
people. Rev. M. A. Head w'as appointed in 1885 and served two years.

h'or several years, a (|uartette, consisting of Walter L. Cleveland, Mary
Cleveland, his sister, William J. Steube and Emma Steube, his sister, had charge
of the singing, .-\bout three years later, Walter Cleveland and W. J. Steube and
wife, who had been Mary Cleveland, removed to Los Angeles, California. Mrs.
Steube died there, and \\'alter L. Cleveland is a very prominent and influential
member of Boyle Heights Methodist Episcopal church, Los Angeles.

Rev. TuUis succeeded Rev. Head and he and his wife were very popular,
especially witli the young people, a great many of the latter becoming members
of the church during his pastorate, which lasted four years.

John R. Wolf succeeded A. K. Tullis, and served four years and was followed
by Rev. D. N. Stafford. About a year and a half later, Stafford went to New
Jersey and Rev. J. H. Batten from that conference took his place. He remained
until the fall of 1899. He has since gained quite a reputation in the northwest
on the lecture platform. His home now is in Grand Forks, North Dakota. His
successor was Rev. A. Wirt Lowther, who at once took steps toward the pro-
curement of a new church building. It was found that the lot to the south of

186 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

the church, wliicli had been purchased and used for parsonage purposes, could
be sold and that sufficient room for the residence building could be found on the
church lot, west of the church building. Consequently, the old parsonage was
moved, and entirely remodelled and the lot disposed of to Dr. J. C. Roberts.
The remodeling of the house cost about $1,900. In the meantime a building
committee was selected which proceeded to secure plans for a new church build-
ing. The contract for the erection of the same was let to Harrison Johns, of
Ohio, in the spring of 1900, and gave satisfaction to all. The farewell service in
the old chapel was held April i, 1900, attended by several former pastors and
many former members of the church.

H.\LE MEMORI.\L METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

The contractor for the erection of the new building purchased the. old one,
and at once commenced to wreck it. This accomplished, he immediately pro-
ceeded with the erection of the new church building. The corner stone was
laid September 20, 1900, by Bishop Ninde, assisted by Bishop Hartzell and Rev.
W. A. Spencer. Mr. Johns had the building ready for the decorative work
early in the spring of 1901. The decorating (art glass work, painting and fres-
coing) was done by U. C. Grooms, then a member of the church. The building
was completed and dedicated June 13, 1901, Bishop Charles H. Fowler preach-
ing the dedicatory sermon, J. \V. Powell, of Buffalo, New York, had charge of
the finances. The amount subscribed at that time was something over $11,000.
The total cost of church and furnishings was about $43,000.

The pastors who have served Hale Memorial church are : A. Wirt Lowther,
till the fall of 1903: Rev. A. M. Stocking, fall of 1903 to the fall of 1906; then
Rev. W. B. Shoop for three years. Up until the time of Rev. Shoop's pastor.^te
the only organ in the church was a reed organ, and in the Sunday school a piano,
the gift of Mark D. Bachelder, was in use. In the second year of Rev. Shoop's
pastorate he got into correspondence with the secretary of Andrew Carnegie,
which resulted in the placing in the church of the very sweet-toned organ now in
use, Mr. Carnegie paying one-half the net cost of the instrument, while the
church membership paid the other half and also for the necessary changes in the
organ loft and rostrum. The cost of the instrument was about $1,875 ^"d the
total cost about $2,200.

The present pastor, Rev. Sanford P. Archer was assigned to the church by
the conference of 1909.

It was the privilege of Hale Memorial church to entertain the fifty-sixth
session of the Central Illinois conference held September 6 to 11, 1911. The
program and entertainment were pronounced as never excelled in the history of
the conference.

The body of Asahel Hale, the founder of Hale chapel and for whom Hale
church is a memorial, lies buried in a little cemetery in Kickapoo township, just
above Pottstown, where he and his brother had donated land and built a little
church, when they, with George G. Greenwood, operated a mill there, which is
still remembered as Hale's Mill.

WESLEY CHURCH

In the summer of 1870 Jesse L. Knowlton, a merchant, whose place of busi-
ness was near the corner of Water and Liberty streets, opposite where the
Chicago, Rock Island and Peoria station now stands, a member of the First
Methodist Episcopal church, recognizing the need for a Protestant Sunday school
in the then extreme lower end of the city, purchased two lots, numbers 11 and
12, in block 18 of Curtenius & Griswold's subdivision, and at once erected
thereon a small building.

The Rev. Joseph S. Gumming was appointed by the session of the Central

1!K\'. WIIJ.IA.M A. SI'KXCKK
First l':is|()i- 1,1 Ihili' ( li:i|icl. Mctlioilist lOpisnijial Clnin-li. I'cciriii, in IsiiS-im-TI)

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 187

Illinois conference, in the fall of 1870, to the pastorate of the First Methodist
Episcopal church. On the 4th day of December of that year he, accompanied
by a number of members of the First church and some Presbyterians, among
whom was the late William Reynolds, went to Knowlton's little church, which
he had called Wesley Mission, and dedicated it. The next Sunday a school was
organized with Jesse L. Knowlton as superintendent. Rev. Gumming attended
at three o'clock Sabbath afternoons and often preached. In 1871 he held meet-
ings every evening for three weeks, having about twenty-five conversions. With
these and about ten members of the First church, a society was organized which
.was the origin of \\'esley church.

The building erected by Knowlton was a low, L-shape building, built with
the idea of accommodating a mission Sunday school. July 24, 1878, the lots
were deeded to the First Methodist Episcopal church by M. Griswold. ' In 1883
Rev. George J. Luckey, then presiding elder of the Peoria district, secured John
W. Dieffendorf, a local preacher, then living on a farm, to come to Peoria and
undertake the task of raising the means and building a more commodious church
building.

DietYendorf made a success of the church enterprise and was in charge
a little less than three years. Succeeding Dieffendorf, the following pastors
have served this church: David Tasker, two years; W. P. Ferguson, one year;
W. W. Carr, two years; James Johnson, about one and a half years; and G.
M. Webber, six months as a supply. In the fall of 1893 David B. Johnson was
assigned to this church and remained three years. He was succeeded by the
late Rev. J. P.. Dille for about one year; and then came G. M. Boswell, who re-
mained two years; Rev. E. H. Alford followed and served three years; A. C.
Kelly, one year; Alfred Dixon, three years. Rev. R. li. Figgins two years;
Charles Fitzhenry as a supply less than a year; Henry T. Shook two months.
Commencing September, 1909, Isaac Woodrow, two years and he was succeeded
by the present pastor, F. E. Ball, who also serves the Mossville church.

The report of the conference of 191 1 showed that these churches were quite
prosperous. Membership, including thirteen probationers, two hundred sixty-
five ; Sunday school officers and teachers, twenty-five ; scholars, three hundred
fifty-nine; an Epworth League of fifty-six members and a Junior League of
forty-three. Two churches were reported valued at $9,200 and one parsonage
valued at $1,600, which belongs to the congregation of Wesley church.

GRACE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

In 1896 some of the members of the Hale Memorial church who lived in
what is now the extreme northwest corner of the city near the corner of Uni-
versity street and Knoxville road, believing that a Methodist church could be
maintained in that neighborhood, being joined by a few from the First Methodist
E])iscopal church, on the evening of the nth of December of that year, formed an
organization by electing as trustees, Henry Apple, J. E. Sherwood, James Flan-
agan, W. E. Hack and Mr. Miller, and as stewards Sisters Sherwood, Hack,
Apple, Flanagan, Peters, Neff and Mable Nelson, and J. E. Sherwood as super-
intendent of the Sunday school. Rev. W. F. Merrill was presiding elder and
lie secured J. F. Bliss to act as pastor.

At the present time O. T. Dwinel! is district superintendent and Rev. Black-
man, pastor. This church reported to the conference of 191 1: Membershi]i.
sixty-nine ; Sunday school, teachers and officers, sixteen ; scholars, one hundred
sixty-three ; church property, $3,000.

The church is now prosperous, with everything paid up to date and money
in the treasury and its members are contemplating improvements in the way of
a basement and an extension of the wing to better accommodate their increasing
Sunday school.

188 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

FIRST GERMAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

On August 19, 1843, Daniel Brestel resigned his membership on the official
l)oard of the First RIcthodist Episcopal church to accept the appointment as
preacher to the German people, principally in Tazewell county, a German mission
having been formed. The assignment was probably made by the conference
of 1843, the session of which was then at hand. He probably preached the first
sermons in the German language in Peoria and Tazewell counties.

In September, 185 1, several German Methodist families moving from Cin-
cinnati, Ohio, to Peoria, resulted in the establishment of a German Methodist
Fpiscopal church here, H. F. Koeneke being pastor. Especially active in this
direction were the Oechsle, Venneman and lluehner families, all of whom the
present writer remembers well. The initial meetings were lield in a schoolhouse
on the west side of Monson street, just south of Fifth (the Hinman schoolhouse,
where Bob Burdette was a scholar). A German Methodist Episcopal Sunday
school was organized here, and as a result of this, and preaching services, Casper
Westemeyer, Herman Albrecht, H. Ludwig and others were brought under the
influence of the gospel, and became pillars in the church. After little more than
two years of successful laljor the first church building was erected at the corner
of Fifth and Monson streets, which was completed in 1854, Frederich Fiegen-
baum and F. M. Winkler being each a part of the time pastor. The dedicatory
sermon was delivered by Rev. G. L. Mulfinger. The site is now occupied by
the African Methodist Episcopal church. Several years later, during the pas-
torate of William Zuppan, this first church was sold and the congregation leased,
temporarily, the Cumberland Presbyterian church building, located at the east
corner of Madison and Liberty streets. Here the centennial jubilee of ]\Iethodism
was celebrated in 1866. A short time later the congregation purchased a lot
at the corner of South Adams and Chestnut streets for $3,500, and erected
thereon a two-story frame church building, at a cost of- $7,000, under the pastor-
ate of Rev. C. Schneider. This building is still standing, being used at present
by the Salvation Army, and formerly by a German singing society. A stirring
revival took place in this church, during the pastorate of Rev. M. Roeder. Under
Rev. Chas. Becker a mission chapel was built on the triangular plot at the head
of Cedar street near the Webster school, where Sunday school and preaching
were held for a tuimber of years ; the property then being sold, and the proceeds
applied on a new Mission church on the corner of Sanger street and Oakland
avenue, wdiere is now an active congregation. The old mission church at the
head of Cedar street was transformed into a dwelling which still stands in the
same location.

During the pastorate of Rev. W. H. Traeger, another notable revival oc-
curred in the Chestnut street church. A frame parsonage, fronting on Adams
street, and costing $1,700, was erected on the church property during his term
of service. The congregation having outgrown the capacity of this building,
plans were made for obtaining larger quarters m a more suitable location and,
in the following pastorate of Rev. E. E. Hertzler, the property corner of Fifth
and Sanford streets was purchased and the present church edifice erected, repre-
senting an outlay of $20,000. Previous to this mission, .Sunday schools were
conducted for a time, one in the north end of the city by Herman Albrecht, and
another in the lower end, on Garden street, l)y Brethren George E. Green and
Jacob Hoffmann.

During the pastorate of Rev. C. A. C. Achard, a sweeping revival took place,
conducted by Evangelist Flilmer.

In May, 1903, the fiftieth anniversary of the church was celebrated with an
apjiropriate series of meetings, concluding with the dual celebration of the two-
hunrlrcdth anniversary of the birth of John Wesley and the semi-centennial
of the foumling of the congregation, by a union service in the I-'irst 'Methodist
Episcopal church, corner Sixth and Franklin streets, on Sunday evening. May

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 189

10. 1903, which was addressed (in English) by Dr. George R. Addicks (now
deceased), then president of Central Wesleyan College, VVarrenton, Alissouri,
his theme lieing "John Wesley and his times."

The following pastors have served this church :

Henry F. Koeneke, 1851 to 1852; Christian Koeller, 1852 to 1853; Friederich
Fiegenbaum, 1853 ^'^ i'^54; F- ^I- Winkler, 1854 to 1855; R. Fickenscher, asst.,
1855 to 1856: Christian Holl. 1856 to 1857; H. F. Koeneke, 1857 to 1858; John
Haas, 185S to 1859; Jacob Young, 1839 to 1861 ; A. F. Korfhage. 1861 to 1862;
Chas. Holtkanip, 1862 to 1865; Wilhelm Zuppan, 1865 to 1866; Karl Schneider,
1866 to i8fi8; Heinrick Thomas, 1868 to 1871 ; Fleinrick Lahrmann, 1871 to 1872;
Tulius Franz. 1872 to 1874; Gerhard Tinken, 1874 to 1877; Michael Roeder,
"1877 to 1880; Phillipp Kuhl. 1880 to 1881; Chas. G. Becker, 1881 to 1884;
William H. Traeger. 1884 to 1887 ; E. E. Hertzler, 1887 to 1891 ; C. A. C. Achard.
1891 to 1894: Wilhelm Balcke, 1894 to 1897; J. L. J. Earth, 1897 to 1900 ; William
H. Schwiering, 1900 to 1904; E. C. Margaret, 1904 to 1909; William H. Schwier-
ing, 1909 to 1910: E. H. Muelder, 1910 and the present pastor.

Church membership about one hundred sixty; Sundav school, fifteen officers
and teachers, and one hundred twenty scholars. This church owns a parsonage
property adjoining the church, valued at about $4,000.

The German churches are not connected with the Central Illinois conference,
but are under the jurisdiction of the St. Louis conference of the German Meth-
odist Episcopal church.

The mission church heretofore referred to at the corner of Sanger street
and Oakland avenue is known as the Sanger Street German Methodist Episcopal
church. The organization dates from February 3, 1889. The church edifice is
a very neat, tasty, little building and there also is a very comfortable parsonage
on the same lot, tiie whole being worth, probably $8,000 to $10,000.

The pastors have been : G. Schuch, C. W. Hertzler, L. Hermann Kosiski, G.
L. Zocher, Karl Buch and II. Schlueter, the present pastor. This pastor also
serves a mission church in Jubilee.

TlIK .\FRIC.\N METHODIST EPISCGP.XL CHLIRCH W.ARD CH.\PEL

Thus church was organized in the year 1846 by Rev. Philip Ward, of Bloom-
ington, with ten memiiers. William Gray (commonly known as "Uncle Billy''),
was local preacher, class leader, steward and a great deal of the time janitor, all
in one. "Uncle Billy" was a good man, and quite a gentleman. He was also
very industrious. At first these people, like others of their day, held their
meetings in the homes of the members and friends ; then they rented a small
schoolhouse on Walnut street below Adams, where their meetings were held
until 1848, when they transferred to the schoolhouse on Monson street between
Fourth and Fifth streets, known as the Hinman school. This school was on the
site now occupied by the Heneberry Apartment building.

In 1850 they were compelled to find new ciuarters. and for some time again
held their meetings at the homes of their members. About this time a circuit
was organized, composed of the churches of Peoria, I'llooniingtonand Galesburg,
with Rev. William Brooks as pastor, William Gray still being local preacher and
class leader.

In 1853, Rev. William J. Davis was appointed to this charge and proved to be
quite an energetic and acceptable pastor : a small frame church on Chestnut
street, above .\dams, was bought, and answered their purposes until i8(56, when
they purchased the little brick, at the corner of l-'ifth and .Monson streets, from
the German Methodists.

In the early days of their e.xistence, it sometiiues happened that these people
could not at all times secure the services of a preacher of their own people,
and under such circumstances, Daniel Brestel, the carpenter-preacher of the
First Methodist Episcopal church, would fretiuently preach to them.

190 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

This congregation purchased the Httle brick church on Fifth and Monson
streets for $2,600. In 1889 the old building was torn down and a more modern
and commodious building erected. The building is still in use by them. The
following pastors have served them. In 1856, Rev. A. T. Hall; 1857, Rev. J.
Mitcheni; 1858. Rev. William J. Done; Rev. Mitchem reappointed for 1859.
In 1866, when the little church was purchased from the German ^lethodists Rev.
Alyers was pastor. The following are without dates: A. T. Hall, Nathan Mitchem,
T. I'erkins, James Semis, 1. M. Perkins, H. Brown, M. M. Becklev, George H.
Hand, A. W. White, J. W. Daneson, Henry Simmons, T. A. Clark, A. J. Mc-
Cracken, Jesse Woods, B. M. Lewis, J. W. Wilkerson, Charles Sheen, S. J.
Johnson, S. A. Hardison and H. W. Jamieson the immediate predecessor of the
present pastor Rev. J. T. Morrow.

Number of members, one hundred thirty-four. Sunday school officers, seven;
teachers seven and scholars one hundred twelve.

THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH

In the fall of 1880, William A. Huston and his wife Mary, members of the
Free Methodist church of Paxton, Illinois, removed to Peoria, at which time
there was no organization of that church here, and they were the only members.
They commenced holding neighborhood prayer meetings in the home of the
people and seeing good results, and securing a number of conversions, they
were encouraged to send for Rev. William Manley, chairman of the Galva dis-
trict of the Illinois conference of their church, who came in the month of
December, 1881, and held a ten days' revival meeting, which resulted in the
organization of the Peoria society in the building known as the Olivet Mission,
on Walnut street, between Washington and Adams street, which had formerly
been Calvary Presbyterian mission, and at which place the late William Reynolds
had for many years conducted a Sunday school. The society was organized
December 29, 1881, with the following six charter members: \Vm. A. Huston,
Mary E. Huston, Jonathan Haley, Belle Orr, Eliza Ward and Cynthia ^Morris.

In 1882, Revs. W. G. Hanmer, William Kelsey and P. C. Hanna, held a
series of revival meetings in the Mission building on Walnut street, which re-
sulted in an addition of fifty members. William A. Huston was the first class
leader, and has served continuously in that capacity to the present date, — a period
of more than thirty years.

Rev. Manle}', who organized the church, has passed away. William Kelsey
is now pastor of the Englewood Episcopal -Methodist church, Chicago, and P. C.
Hanna is the United States minister plenipotentiary to the Republic of Mexico.

The organization of the Free Methodist church is very similar to the organiza-
tion of the Methodist Episcopal church, including the itineracy; consequently,
pastoral changes are frecjuent.

The following pastors have served this church: Rev. J. D. ]\Iarsh, 1882-84;
G. W. Whittington, 1884-85; F. A. Arnold, 1885-86; Jaiiies Sprague, 1886-87;
]. T. Taylor and John Harvev, 1887-89; J. D. Marsh, 1889-92; D. M. Smahey,
'1892-93; J. T. Taylor, 1893-95; B. D. Fay, 1895-98; W. H. Winter and Lizzie
Haist, 1898-1901; Henry Lenz, 1901-03; W. C. Willing, 1903-06; John Harvey,
1906-07; W. J. Bone, 1907-08; R. G. Wilkin, 1908-10; H. J. IMcKinnell, present
pastor since 1910.

The society worshiped in the Ijuilding on ^\'alnut street ten years. The
church building on the corner of South Underbill and Windom streets. West
Bluff, was built during the second pastorate of Rev. J. D. Marsh and was dedi-
cated by General Superintendent (Bishop) B. T. Robberts, December 6, 1891.
The parsonage on Windom street was built during the pastorate of Rev. B. D.
Fay in 1897. The society has a mission church at the corner of Broadway and
Nebraska streets, built by members of the parent society. A district parsonage
has recently been built on Underbill street, under the charge of District Elder

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 191

E. G. Cryer. The number of members at the present time, February, 1912, is
forty-six. The Sabbath school at Underhill and Windom streets numbers thirty,
while the school at Broadway and Nebraska streets numbers eighty. This so-
ciety is also conducting a Sabbath school at 2021 South Washington street,
which has a membership of forty.

They have an active Women's Foreign Missionary society, which raised and
paid for foreign missions last year $156.

CHILLICOTIIE METHODIST EPISCOP.\L CHURCH

Some of the records of this church having been destroyed it is not possible
to ascertain to a certainty the earliest date at which Methodist ministers preached
at Chillicothe. but September 29, i85i,John Chandler was appointed presiding
elder and R. H. JMoffitt pastor of the circuit to which Chillicothe was attached
and it is said there was then quite a flourishing class, and that the church organ-
ization was formed about 1850 with about twenty members. .Services were at
first held in a schoolhouse. In 1852 the congregation purchased a lot on the
corner of Beech and l-'ourth streets upon which a parsonage was at once erected.
Later they erected a church, which was dedicated December 28, 1856, Rev.
Milton L. Haney preaching the dedicatory sermon. The parsonage continued
to be used in its original form until 1892, when it was remodeled. The first
church building continued in use until 1898, when during the pastorate of Rev.
D. B. [ohnson, the ])resent church was built on the corner of Chestnut and Sixth
streets, at a cost of about $8,000 and at the time of building, was the largest
and finest church in the cit)'.

While it is uncertain as to just when the earliest services were held, and
consequently the names of pastors prior to September, 1851, cannot be ascer-
tained, since that time the following have served in that capacity : R. H. Moffitt,
William Atchison, I. B. Craig, James Cowden, A. J. Jones, J. S. Millsap, D. S.
Main, S. L. Hamilton. Benjamin Applebee, J. A. Windsor, J. C. Price, W. B.
Frazelle, M. H. Shepherd. G. I. Bailev, T. H. Sanders, H. I. Brown, J- A.
Windsor, Thos. Chipperfield, E. N. Bentley, G. M. Webber, R. W. Ames, Wm.
Crapp, A. R. Jones, A. M. Limikin, O. AI. Dunlevy, B. E. Kaufman, D. B.
Johnson. T. A. Beal. John Rogers, B. F. Eckly and the present pastor W. D.
Benjamin, who is now, January, 1912, serving his second year.

The church is in a prosperous condition, the number of members reported
to the conference of 191 1 being one hundred eighty-five; Sunday school officers
and teachers si.xteen and scholars, two hundred seventy-eight, with an Epworth
League of fifty members, and a Junior League of fifty members.

In connection with the Chillicothe church and served by the same pastor is the

IIALLOCK TOWNSHIP, BUH! RIDGE METHODLST EPISCOP.'VL CHURCH

This is probably the most peculiar church in the Central Illinois conference.
To the conference session of 191 1, it was reported as having eight members
with a Sunday school consisting of ten officers and teachers and forty scholars.
Nevertheless, it is an old organization which has been maintained for more than
seventy years. In 1841, a schoolhouse was built in the north part of Hallock
township, a short distance southeast of Lawn Ridge, and a revival service was
held in it, which resulted in forming a Methodist class, and Blue Ridge has been
an appointment in the conference ever since.

On April 14, 1849, John Ferguson. Isaiah Nurse, Jacob Booth, George Nurse
and William R. W'ill were elected trustees and empowered to secure funds and
build a church. They secured in cash and labor $787.80 and the church was
enclosed and used for worship, but was not completed and dedicated until 1856,
when it was dedicated by John Chandler, P. E. This structure served the people
more than forty years when on February 22, 1898, a farewell service was held

192 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

and the time worn and weather beaten old building was torn down. A new
structure was built by the combined energy of Rev. D. C. Martin and the loyal
people and was dedicated September 4th, 1898, by F. W. Merrill, P. E., now of
the Rock River conference. John Chandler was the first preacher and W. D.
Benjamin the present pastor.

In the summer of 1856, a church was built on the land of David Shane, Sr.,
about three miles south of Lawn Ridge, and was dedicated under the name of
Mount Hedding Methodist Episcopal church, by Rev. Henry Summers. The
principal movers in this project were, David Shane, Sr., Isaac Weidman, and
John Ferguson. Some years later it was decided to move the building to Lawn
Ridge, which was done in the spring of 187 1, and it was re-dedicated July 226
of that year, and was afterward known as the Lawn Ridge Methodist church.
For some reason this church seems to have ceased to exist, as no mention is now
made of it in the conference minutes.

NORTn.\MPTON METHODIST EPISCOP.XL CHURCH

This church is in Hallock township at the village of Northampton a few
miles west of north from the city of Chillicothe. A Methodist class was organ-
ized here in 1851 and services held in a schoolhouse until 1871, when a church
was built. The circuit relations of the church were changed quite often and no
records are available.

Services are not now held in the church building, which is controlled bv the
trustees of Chillicothe church, and the people probably worship with the mem-
bers of that church.

PRINCEVILLE TOWNSHIP

PRINCEVILLE METHODIST EPISCOP.XL CHURCH

hrom the days of the early '30s Princeville had the preaching of the circuit
riders. In those days, known as Prince's Grove, it was on the Peoria circuit,
which extended to Lafayette, Princeton, and near to La Salle and back to Peoria.

Stephen R. Beggs states that the first preaching service was in 1833 by T.
Hall. However, there must be an error in the name and it must have been
Zadoc Hall who was on the Peoria circuit at that time. However there was no
class formed at that time.

On the 2d of April, 1838, Rev. John Hill came from the state of New York
to Illinois and arrived at Princeville. At the time of his arrival he found but one
Methodist sister in the neighborhood. He found here a great opening for minis-
terial work and commenced work in good earnest and preaching in the neigh-
borhood, he soon formed a class of nine persons.

In 184 1, William Pitner was appointed to Peoria circuit and held a camp
meeting at Princeville. At the first the circuit riders preached in Aunt Jane
Morrow's fine log cabin, on the northwest quarter of section 30, of Akron town-
ship ; then in the old log schoolhouse ; then in the stone schoolhouse. In March,
1842, at a two days' meeting in the house of Ebenezer Russell, a boy a little less
than ten years old was converted. That boy matured into the grand old minister
Joseph S. Cumming, now, January, 1912, pastor of the Second Methodist Epis-
copal church, Moline, Illinois, at the age of about eighty-one.

The first Methodist church building was commenced in 1853 and completed
the following year on lots i and 2 block 16 and was later sold to the Seventh.
Day Adventists. The next church was built in 1867 on lots 7 and 8, block 24
(Edward Anten's Academy building) and used until the erection of the edifice
corner of South and Clark streets in 1889.

The preachers, many of whom were circuit riders, have been Z. Hall, J. Hill,
Pitner, Whitman, William C. Cumming, Beggs, Chandler, B. C. Swartz, T. F.
Royal, J. W. Stogdill, John Luccock, U. J. Giddings, J. B. Craig, H. N. Gregg,

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 193

C. B. Couch, P. T. Rhodes, J. B. Alills, J. S. Millsap, Ahab Keller, W. J. Beck,
G. \V. Brown, S. B. Smith, John Cavett, M. Spurlock, G. W. Havermale, E.
W'asniuth. ]. Collins, W. B. Carithers, W. D. H. Young, Stephen Brink, J. S.
Millsap, M. v. B. White, H. M. Laney, F. W. Merrill, Alexander Smith, R.
B. Seaman, J. U. Smith, J. E. Conner, J. Rogers, R. L. Vivian, L. F. Cullom,
X. J. Brown, T. A. Beal and the present pastor J. W. Pruen. Princeville was
made a station in 1889.

The membership of the church September ist, 191 1, was two hundred eleven;
of Sunday school, eighteen officers and teachers, and one hundred thirty-five
scholars ; Epworth League, thirty.

BRIMFIELD TOWNSHIP

BRIMFIELD METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

On November ist, 1836, Rev. Zadoc Hall organized the first Methodist class
in the village of Brimfield. The members of the first class were: L. L. Guyer,
who remained a member of the church continuously until his death a few years
ago, Isaac Harrison, Francis J. Hoyt, Ephraim Hoyt, Benjamin F. Berry and
Polly W. Berry, Sarah Harrison, David Stansberry, Susanah Stansberry and
Susan Stansberry, Martha Johnston, Margaret Johnston, Catherine Johnston,
Jacob Snider, Catherine Snider, Samuel Snider, Eliza Martin and Susan Wills.
Samuel Snider was chosen class leader.

At this time the circuit was called Kickapoo Mission with twenty-eight
preaching points, and emjjracing the entire northern part of the state rei|uirnig
three hundred miles' travel to get over it, which traveling was usually done on
horseback. In consequence. Rev. Hall reached this place once in four weeks.

In the year 1848, a new church building was commenced and the corner
stone was laid in August of that year, the Rev. A. E. Phelps ofiiciating. The
following year the building was completed and paid for. This building was of
brick, 28 by 44 feet in size, well finished and seated, being a very great improve-
ment over the log cabins and barns which had previously served the people as
places of worship.

In the year 1876 an addition of brick was built, new jjews and furniture pro-
cured, and the church carpeted, at an outlay of about $2,200. Thus improved
and enlarged, the building satisfied the needs of the church until the year 1910,
when it was torn down and a new and modern church edifice erected, with mod-
ern conveniences, and carpeted throughout, at a cost of $7,000. Within the
year ending .September, 191 1, $1,417 had been expended in betterments and im-
provements, so that with the lot the church property was valued at $10,500, while
the congregation also own a parsonage valued at $3,500.

Owing to the loss of certain records, it is not possible to give fully and cor-
rectly the succession of preachers, but commencing with the fall of 1857 the fol-
lowing is practically correct, the dates ijeing from conference session to con-
ference session.

J. S. Millsap, 1857-58; John Luccock, 1859-61 ; S. G. J. Worthington, 1862-65;
Peter Warner. 1865-68; A. Bower, 1868-70; 1870-74, no record; Rev. F. Smith,
1874-77; William E. Stevens, 1877-78; T. J. Wood, 1878-79; W. K. Collins,
1879-81; Stephen Brink, 1881-83; lames Ferguson, 1883-86; G. W. Arnold,
1886-88; D. S. McCown, 1888-90; W. J. Minium, 1890-92; C. L. Davenport,
1893-95; W. H. Clark, part of 1895; John W. Denning, 1895-98; J. E. Mercer,
1898-1903; G. F. Snedaker, 1903-05; M. P. Lackland. 1905-09; R. W. Ames,
190Q-10; and E. J. Sellard, present pastor from 1910.

This church was made a separate station at the session of the Central Illinois
conference held in Peoria. September, 191 1.

Membership, two hundred ; Sunday school officers and teachers, twenty-eight ;
scholars, two hundred twenty-four ; members of Epworth League, seventy-four.

194 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

ELMWOOD TOWNSHIP

ELMWOOD METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Like almost every other Methodist church, in early days, this church began
with a class, organized some time prior to the year 1850, in the home of Absalom
Kent, who then lived a short distance to the southwest of the present location of
Elmwood near a grove known as Harkness' Grove. In this vicinity most of the
early comers had settled and here were located the homes, and probably a shop
and store.

Of the first members of the first Methodist class, there is record of Absalom
Kent and wife, Abner Smith and wife, Eliza Smith, David Morey and wife,
John Jordan and wife, and Rufus Kent and wife. This preaching point seems
to have been at first designated as Kent, and was connected with the Canton
circuit. Later it was in the Farmington circuit. At first, the people here, as
elsewhere, worshiped in private homes; afterwards in an upper room over Mr.
Snyder's store. David Morey was the first class leader.

In September, 1854, such an adjustment was made of circuits as to form the
Elmwood circuit, with Jervis G. Evans assigned as preacher in charge, the
preaching place having been removed, the previous spring to the village of Elm-
wood, then consisting of but few houses. The circuit at that time had the fol-
lowing points, or preaching places: Elmwood, Gould's about where Yates City
now is, Remington's school house, near ]\Iaquon, the Stone house, near Spoon
river, north of Elmwood and French creek. Rev. Jervis G. Evans was later, for
some years, president of Redding College.

In the spring of 1855 the congregation began the erection of a church building
on Silock street which was completed and dedicated in the fall of the same year
by Rev. Silas Bolles, of Chicago, who had recently been for two years, pastor
of the First church in Peoria.

This first church building served the people until 1893 when a new building
was erected on Main street at a cost of $10,000.

The first distinctively Methodist Sunday school ' was organized in the first
church building shortly after its erection, with Francis Minor as its first super-
intendent.

The pastors who served Elmwood circuit were: J. G. Evans, 1854; A. Magee,
1856; A. Magee and George R. Palmer, 1857; Milton L. Haney and J. W. Stewart,
1858; M. L. Haney and P. Spurlock, i860; B. C. Swartz and George \V. Gue,
1861 ; A. Magee and C. B. Couch, 1862; William Watson, 1863. In 1865 Yates
City was joined with Elmwood with J. H. Sanders as pastor. Martin D. Heckard
was appointed in 1866; T. C. Workman, 1868; T. E. Webb, 1869; W. B. Frazelle,
1871, T. S. Falkner, 1873; Tames Ferguson, 1876; L T. McFarland, 1879; R. B.
Williams, 1880; E. P. Hall", 1882; R. R. Pierce, 1883; W. B. Alexander, 1884;
J. W. Denning, 1885; H. K. Metcalf, 1888; O. T. Dwinell, 1893; M. A. Head,
1898; J. A. Riason, 1899; J. S. Gumming, 1900; N. J. Brown, 1903; J. B. Bartle,
1906, and A. E. loder the present pastor in 1910. This church has been served
by some of the best preachers in the conference.

Rev. J. B. Dille, for many years an honored member of Central Illinois con-
ference, passed away at his home in Elmwood, November 30, 191 1.

Rev. H. K. Metcalf was pastor when the church was built and under the
pastorate of O. T. Dwinell the following year a new parsonage was built.

Membership total, one hundred ninety-six ; Sunday school officers and teach-
ers, twenty-one ; and scholars, two hundred forty-nine ; Epworth League, forty ;
Junior League, fifty members.

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 195

TRIVOLI TOWNSHIP

TRIVOLI METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

The Trivoli work is known as Trivoli circuit, Wrigley Chapel and Graham
Chapel, both in Rosetield township being connected with the Trivoli church and
served by the same pastor.

In 1838, in a newly built schoolhouse, a Methodist class was organized. The
first church was built in 185 1. The first pastor was a Rev. Mr. Emery. The
pastors of which there is any record, following the first were Revs. Smith,
Milton L. Haney, Richard Haney in i860, H. I. Brown in 1863. Rev. R. H.
Figgins is the present pastor.

The membership on the circuit is given as one hundred sixty-one; Sunday
school officers and teachers, forty; and scholars, one hundred fifty; with one
Epworth League with forty-two members. There are three churches and one
parsonage. A new church was Iniilt in Trivoli in 1910, at a cost of $io,ocx).

There is another Methodist Episcopal church in Trivoli township located on
the northeast quarter of section 30. It is known as the Concord church, and is
on a circuit with two churches in Fulton county. It has a small membership,
and maintains a Sunday school. The circuit is at present served by Ernest
Shult as a supply. ' •

IN ROSEFIELD TOWNSHIP, ON TEXAS PRAIRIE; WRIGLEY CHAPEL

was organized in 1854 with a membership of ten. Joseph Dunn was class leader.
Robert Wrigley and Henry Robins were first trustees and Rev. J. M. Snyder
first pastor. They worshipped in a schoolhouse until i860, when they built a
frame house of worship at a cost of about $1,600. One of the early preachers
was Rev. Mr. Wyckoft', father of Professor Wyckoff, now of Bradley institute.

GRAHAM CHAPEL

was organized in i860. Rev. Richard tianey was the first circuit preacher to
serve this church. Statistics of membership and Sunday schools are included
with Trivoli church. Rev. R. H. Figgins is the present pastor.

A Methodist church which has been known as the Rosefield church was
organized about the year 1844, with twelve members, located about three miles
north of Hanna City. The first house of worship was built in 1844 but in 1874
it was abandoned and a new church erected across the road at a cost of $1,650.
This church is now familiarly known as the Cottonwood church. In its church-
yard many of the early settlers are buried. Among these are Thomas Edwards
and wife. Dr. J. H. Wilkinson and wife, Ed Edwards and wife, David Harper
and wife and Sylvester Edwards and wife.

Another church of the denomination was organized in 1837 and erected a
building known as the Combs meeting house on section 14, which appears to
have been the first church organized in the township. It has long since been
abandoned.

OAK HILL

This society was organized in 1845. The congregation held their meetings
in a schoolhouse until 1858, when they erected a church building, the congrega-
tion then numbering sixty. The building cost about $1,200.

Oak Hill and Cottonwood churches are now in Kickapoo circuit, and with
the other churches are being served by F. W. Appleby as a supply.

About 1865 a camp ground comprising a beautiful grove, with good spring
water, and but a short distance northeast of the village, was purchased and since
then a camp meeting has been held here each summer, where thousands of people
have gathered for religious services and a week of relief from business cares.

196 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

KICKAPOO TOWNSHIP

KICKAPOO METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

The first services by a Methodist minister were conducted by Rev. Whitman
about the year 1843, in the house of William Young. A church organization must
have been formed shortly after.

This charge has always been in connection with a circuit, and Rev. U. J.
Giddings was the circuit rider in 185 1 and 1852. At that time there was quite a
large membership, and they soon began the erection of a church edifice which
was completed in 1855 under the pastorate of Rev. P. T. Rhodes. The church
cost $1,662. A parsonage was built about the same time and both have been in
use ever since.

The pastors on Kickapoo circuit have been: Rev. U. J. Giddings, 1851 to
1852; John Luccock, 1852-53; C. B. Couch, 1853-54; P. T. Rhodes, 1854-56; J.
B. iMills, 1856-58; G. R. I'almer, 1858-59; Robert Cowan, 1859-61 ; Ahab Keller,
1861-64; John Cavett, 1864-66; S. S. Gruber, 1866-69; ^- M- Hill, 1869-70; J. II.
Scott, 1870-72; T. F. Sanders, 1872-74; Amos Morey, 1874-75; T. J. Wood,
1875-77; H. Stahl, 1877-78; C. W. Green, 1878-80; J. A. Riason, 1880-81; D. S.
Main, 1881-82; G. M. Webber, 1882-85; I. Jones and William Rowciiff, 1885-86;
J. L. Reid, 1886-87; A. P. Rolen, 1887-89; A. Smith, 1889-90; J. W. Moles, 1890-
93; J. C. Zeller, 1893-95; J- Ferguson, 1895-96; B. Rist, H. M. McCoy and H..
Manship, 1896-97, each serving part of the time; E. O. Johnson, 1897-98; John
Gimson, 1898-99; J. H. Wood and L. J. Blough, 1899-1901 ; J. D. Johnson, 1901-
02; George Browne, 1902-03; H. M. Blout, 1903-05; C. W. Green, 1905-06;
Thomas Bartram, 1906-07; H. T. Russell, 1907-08; W. B. Carr, 1908-09; L. J.
Blough, 1909-10; C. E. Dunlevy, 1910-11 ; and F. W. Appleby, 1911-12. Several
of these serving in later years have been students.

The latest statistics give the number of members on the circuit at fifty-five;
Sunday school officers and teachers twenty ; and scholars one hundred and thirty-
three, with three churches valued at $4,000 and one parsonage valued at $2,000.

The church at Edwards on this circuit has had an organization for many
years, but had no church building until recently. The services were held at what-
soever convenient place might be had, with sometimes the circuit preacher to
minister to them, and sometimes a local preacher. We are informed that Daniel
Taylor, is, or has been a local preacher and superintendent of the Sunday school,
and that he has been an active and efficient worker for a long time. Unfortunately
the old records of the church were burned, and we are unable to learn the date
of the first organization or the names of the first pastor, or of members of the
first official board, except that James Greenough was one member of it. In the
year 1866, James Greenough and his daughter 'Alary J. Greenough, with a few
others, were seeking better things, and better conditions for themselves and
neighbors, and organized a Sunday school in the schoolhouse, with E. Y. Forney
as superintendent. JNIr. Greenough was a quiet, unobtrusive man, but it was
very largely through his efforts that the Methodist church was organized at
Edwards. This charge has been and is connected with the Kickapoo circuit.

The late Dr. J. H. Wilkinson had land at Edwards, and after his death and
that of his wife, a part of the land fell to Sylvester Edwards, and we are in-
formed that he donated to the church at Edwards an acre of land upon which
they erected a building in 1905, at a cost of about $1,500, with a seating capacity
of two hundred fifty. The present membership is twelve; membership) of Sunday
school, eighty-five. The pastor is F. W. Appleby.

JUBILEE TOWNSHIP

The only Methodist church in this township, is the German Methodist Epis-
copal Mission church. This church was organized in the year 1870. It is located
in the village of Jubilee. It lias always been a Mission church, and served by the

HISTORY OF PEORTA COUNTY 197

pastors in charge of the Sanger Saint Mission in Peoria. The first pastor was
Henry Thomas with Fhilhp tjruenewald as assistant. Succeeding the first two,
the following pastors have served this church : G. Timken, M. Roeder, |. Lem-
kan, J. C. Rapp, Henry Balcke, C. H. Becker, E. S. Havighorst, G. Schuli, C. W.
Hartzler, L. Harmel, J. Gisler, H. J. Petersen, L. E Kettlekamp, Herman Kasiski,
("i. L. Zoclier. Karl Iluch and H. Schlueter.

LOGAN TOWNSHIP

HANN.V CITY METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

This church was organized in 1880 with seven members, the first pastor being
Rev. Humphreys. The first church building was erected at Smithville in 1854,
but in 1888 the location was removed to Hanna City, where a new church build-
ing was erected at a cost of $2,000 and a parsonage costing $1,200.

The pastors since 1886 have been J. A. Windsor, H. Coolidge, Wm. Crapp,
Daniel Cool, P. S. Garretson, J. N. Fawcett, J. W. Moles. H. C. Birch, Hugh C.
Gibson, .\. C. Kelley, Charles Fitzhenry, B. R. Nesbit, George Shepherd, W. R.
Warner and R. W. Stocking, the present pastor.

There is another -Methodist P'piscopal church in Logan township known as
Pleasant Grove church, located two miles southwest of the village of Eden. This
church was organized about 1840, with eighteen members. The first pastor was
William Pitner. The members first worshipped in the homes and cabins, and
then in a schoolhouse in the vicinity. In the year 1848, the first church was
built, which was used until 1869, when a more comfortable and commodious
building was erected.

Limestone church is also on the same circuit. The statistics given in the
minutes of the conference of 191 1 show one hundred sixty-eight members includ-
ing twelve probationers ; thirty Sunday school officers and teachers and one hun-
dred fifty scholars; one Epworth League with twelve members. The circuit has
three churches valued at $5,300 and one parsonage, value $1,500.

LIMESTONE TOWNSHIP

LIMESTONE METHODIST EPISC0P.\L CHURCH

was organized in 1849 with twenty-seven members. The first church building
was located on section 4 on the Farmington road, and was built in i860 at a
cost of $1,000. It was dedicated by the noted, venerable Rev. Peter Cartwright,
December 21, i860. Rev. John Borland was preacher in charge.

Being on the Hanna City circuit this church has been served by the same
pastors, and its statistics of membership, etc., are included with that charge.

Bartonville Methodist Episcopal church is in the southeast part of Lime-
stone township and adjoining the city of Peoria. It is served by a pastor in
connection with the Madison Avenue Methodist Episcopal church, Peoria.

Before the village was known as Piartonville although the Barton family
lived in that vicinity, the people worshipped at the brick schoolhouse, known as
South Limestone school, one mile west of where the church now stands, having a
Sunday school and preaching services; (as early as 1857, M. L. Haney, preached
there). The old brick building finally became so dilapidated, that a new school-
house was built one-half mile east of the former location in the year 1862, and
the people worshipped in it for about twenty years, being called the South Lime-
stone cluirch.

Al)out thirty years ago, that is, about 1882, the people built the present church
building, which is located one half mile further east than the second school-
house, referred to, and across the street from the splendid new school building
which the town of Bartonville now affords. Continuing the numbers from South
Peoria on Adams street, the church is located at 6019 South Adams street, Bar-
tonville.

198 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

lohn A. Riason, now of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, was the pastor of the
Bartonville and Madison avenue, Peoria, churches, when the Bartonville Meth-
odist Episcopal church was built in 1882. Present pastor, Rev. W. D. Evans,
now in his third year. Number of members, fifty; a fine Sunday school of one
hundred twenty, average attendance seventy-five; A. E. Scheidel, superintendent
and an Epworth league of forty members ; Miss Audra Wright, president.

MILLBROOK TOWNSHIP

ELMORE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

In the year 1836 the first Methodist organization was formed at Rochester,
near the extreme northwest corner of the township and county. Rev. William
Gumming, who was then the station preacher at Peoria, preached the first sermon,
in the house of John Smith. The original members were John Smith and wife,
Therrygood Smith and wife, William .Metcalf, and an unmarried daughter of
John Smith, and John Smith, Sr., was chosen class leader.

In 1838 a house of worship was commenced, but was completely destroyed
by a hurricane on May 8th of the same year. Through deaths and removals,
the church at one time became almost extinct but later another building was
secured which had belonged to the Congregationalists, and though the legitimate
successor of the first church it is known as Elmore church, the name of the post-
office being Elmore. This church is now connected with the West Jersey church
in Stark county. The present pastor is E. L. Fahnestock.

LAUR.V METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

The church at Laura was built in the summer of 1889 at a cost of $1,300
and furnished at a further outlay of about $200. The first pastor was Rev. D. S.
McCown, now pastor of the First Methodist Episcopal church at Moline, Illinois.

For quite a long time this church was served in connection with the church
at Monica, but is now in connection with the church at Williamsfield, Knox
county. Rev. Stanley Ward is pastor. The statistics give for the two charges,
one hundred forty-nine members, twelve Sunday school officers and teachers
and one hundred forty scholars ; with one Epworth League with forty members ;
two churches valued at $5,000 and one parsonage of a value of $1,500.

PRINCEVILLE TOWNSHIP

MONICA METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

In 1856 or 1857, West Princeville near the west side of Princeville town-
ship, was started by the erection of a manufacturing plant, on the south side of
the road between sections 19 and 30.

In 1858, Mt. Zion Methodist Episcopal church was organized in the same
neighborhood, the memliers holding their first meetings in the Nelson school-
house. In 1867 the society built a church in the southwest corner of section 20,
a little east of West Princeville. This was a frame building 32 by 45 feet and

cost $2,200. . , , , ■ r .1.

The starting of Cornwell now Monica occasioned by the construction of the
Cincinnati, Burlington & Ouincv railroad, spelled disaster for West Princeville,
nearly all of the buildingsT including the church being moved to the new town.
This 'transfer occurred in 1877. This church was in connection with the Prince-
ville charge until 1894, when it was re-organized and with the church at Laura,
Millbrook township, became the Monica charge. Rev. Thomas J.' Wood was
the first pastor after re-organization and was followed in succession by P. S.
Garretson, 1895; O. M. Dunlevy, 1896; H. C. Birch, 1898; H. C. Gibson, 1900;
and James G. Blair, 1901. The church connection is now with Duncan. The
present pastor is T. T. Bliss. The membership of the charge is eighty-seven;

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 199

Sunday school officers and teachers, ten ; scholars ninetj'-two. Two churches
valued $4,000; one parsonage $1,600.

RADNOR TOWNSHIP

The Methodist churches in this township have existed under varied and
rather peculiar conditions. As early as 1840 the missionaries and circuit riders
held services in the homes of the people, before there were even any school-
houses. Their first church was organized and a building erected in the year
i860, though no doubt they had class meetings prior to that date. This first
church was located about one mile west of where the village of Alta now is. Its
principal members and supporters were George Divelbiss, at one time sheriff of
the county and Wesley Smalley, farmers. The church was named the Glendale
church. In its pastoral relations, it was then connected with Kickapoo church
and Mt. Hedding, in Hallock township, with the pastoral residence at Kick-
apoo. After the village of Alta was laid out, Glendale church was moved to that
village, which is in .Medina township, the pastor still residing at Kickapoo.

In 1884, a church was organized at Dunlap, and the next year a church
was built, under the pastorate of Rev. George AI. Webber, and the jiastoral
residence changed to Dunlap and the Alta church connected with Dunlap.

In the year 1865, the Methodists built a church called the Salem church on
the northwest quarter of section 16 near the schoolhouse, some five miles north-
west of Alta. The leading members of this church organization were prominent
farmers: A. J. Gordon. John Jackson and Wesley Strain. After a number of
years, removals and deaths having weakened the membership, the organization
was aliandoned for lack of support. The building was sold and another erected
on section 18, some two miles west, and near the line of Juijilee township. This
church was called Zion church and its pastoral relations were in connection with
Kickapoo. The principal men in the church were William Rowcliffe and Daniel
Corbett. The membership was small, and this church seems also to have been
abandoned, as no mention is made of it in the conference minutes of 191 1.

The membership of the two churches is one hundred forty-five; two Sunday
schools with twenty-eight officers and teachers and one hundred seventy scholars ;
one Epworth League with forty-five members and one Junior League with
fifteen members. Two churches valued at $6,750 and one parsonage, at Dunlap,
valued $2,200; $2,250 were expended during the conference year for building
and improvements. Rev. G. L. Kneebone is pastor.

HOLLIS TOWNSHIP

MAPLETON METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

This is the only Methodist church in the township. It was organized in 1886
by Robert Burden, a local preacher, with the following members: Mrs. Wm.
Harris, Mrs. Emma Newsam, Mrs. Mary Galloway, Mr. and Mrs. James Brad-
shaw, Mr. and Mrs. Lorenzo Walker, Mrs. Mona Thrush, Mrs. J. T. Newsam,
Mrs. Ann Galloway, Mr. and Mrs. John Scheidel and Aliss Kate Jones. They
have a small church building which was erected in 1890 and dedicated by Rev.
Jervis G. Evans, president of Hedding College, at Abingdon, Illinois, in November
of that year. The membership is small, being, September i, 191 1, but thirteen,
with a Sunday school of thirty-five scholars and five teachers. Rev. Harry M.
Blout since transferred to liumside, Hancock county, was pastor.

TIMBER TOWNSHIP

GLASFORD METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

About the year 1890, a small church was built at Glasford. At that time Dr.
William A. Brisendine. an old resident and practicing physician, who from his

.200 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

youth had taken an active interest in religious work made application, and was
licensed as a local jireacher in that year, and often thereafter, tilled the pulpit
from time to time in his home church and probably in others in the neighborhood
as well.

September i, 191 1, the total membership of the Glasford church was forty-
five; Sunday school enrollment, one hundred two scholars, with eight teachers;
an Epworth League of twelve members.

KINGSTON METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

A church was organized at Kingston Mines prior to the year 1885, and about
that year they erected a church building which was destroyed by a hurricane
about 1896. There is still an organization and a Sunday school maintained.
Church membership nine; Sunday school scholars about sixty.

BETHEL METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

In the southwest part of Timber township there w-as a small Methodist church
built in 1882, and named Bethel. This church has been maintained ever since
and now has a membership of nineteen, with a Sunday school of forty-five
scholars and only five teachers.

These churches in Timber township, together with the one at Mapleton form
the Glasford circuit with pastoral residence at Glasford, with a parsonage located
there valued at $1,500. Pastor, H. M. Blout.

MEDINA TOWNSHIP

MOSSVILLE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

About the year 1869, the late G. W. Schnebly acting for the people who were
interested in the Presbyterian church at Mossville, employed the building firm
of James Hazzard & Son of Peoria, who erected for him a neat, comfortable,
small brick church building, seating about two hundred people, at a cost of about
$2,600. A large percentage of the membership residing on High Prairie, in the
vicinity of Alta, found the location at Mossville inconvenient and on October 9,
1875, it was decided to remove to the former place. The church building at
Mossville was sold, and purchased by the late Samuel C. Neal for the Methodists,
and has since been used by them, they having put in a modern hot-water or steam
heating plant. As might be surmised the membership has been small — some fif-
teen or twenty, with a Sunday school of about forty members. Under these cir-
cumstances the pastoral service has been either in connection with some other
church, or by a supply appointed by the presiding elder or district superintendent.
The present pastoral service is by Rev. F. E. Ball, pastor of Wesley Methodist
Episcopal church, Peoria.

While the Methodist church at Alta is in Medina township, the early organiza-
tion, and location of the church was in Radnor, and as its pastoral connections
and residence are still there, it was thought best to so give its history.

RICHWOODS TOWNSHIP

AVERYVILLE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

The only Methodist Episcopal church in Richwoods since Grace Methodist
Episcopal church was taken into the city, is the Averyville church. This society
was organized about 1894 by Rev. T. W. Mc\'ety when he was pastor of First
church, Peoria. The church was organized in the village hall and its members
worshipped there for a short time. Shortly afterwards lots were purchased on
Madison avenue from Mr. Luthy and the present church building erected at a
cost of about $2,600, beside the cost of the lots.

ci^, 9rf^. ^'-'■c^^

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 201

This church now (January, 1912) has forty-live members with a Sunday
school of seventy-five members and an average attendance of fifty-two.

The Ladies' Aid Society, of which Mrs. Charles Koch is president, has thirty
members. Frank McBridge is Sunday school superintendent.

This church has always been served in connection with some other church.
Its present connection is with the church at Putnam. H. Wakefield is pastor.
The valuation of the church property including furnishings is $3,950.

CHAPTER XX

THE TIME THAT TRIED MEN's SOULS — AN INTERESTING BIT OF UNTOLD HISTORY AS
WRITTEN BY COLONEL RICE LINCOLN AND JUDGE KELLOGG

The real trial of the characters of men occurs before the great outbreak in
all revolutionary or critical situations when each man must align himself on one
side or the other of the great questions presented according to his own judgment
and convictions. It is comparatively easy after an alignment is made for one to
fill his place and battle in forum or in field for the side he approves. It is not
easy in the beginning to determine what position to take, for this involves two
things, the abstract question of what is right and the question of how ditferences
of conscientious convictions can be adjusted. Men are so constituted that they
look upon important questions from dilTerent points of view and conscientiously
differ as to what is just, therefore, in order that we may live together in peace,
concessions must be made and the conscientious convictions of others must not
be ruthlessly disregarded. It is in such trying times that men of sound judg-
ment, strong character, great moral courage, kindness of heart and charitable
feelings towards others appear as leaders. Lincoln was pre-eminently such a
man. He had strong convictions in regard to slavery and more strong in regard
to the necessity of preserving the Union. His problem was "what do the people
think?" "What can they be relied upon to do? Can they be induced to work
together for the support of right and for the preservation of the Union?" These
were cjuestions of very great difficulty calling for solution by the president elect.

It was, therefore, thought desirable by Mr. Lincoln and some of his most
intimate friends that a projwsition of compromise with the southern states, as
liberal as possible toward their views should be oft'ered, which if accepted might
prevent a long, l)loody and expensive war and whether adopted or not might
secure for the administration the support of Mr. Douglas and his powerful party.
Such an attempt was made as appears from the following article which was pre-
pared by the late Hon. David McCulloch, after those events had been long
enough passed to allow men to think calmly and at the same time was written
before those who had personal knowledge of the facts had passed away. It was
submitted to the surviving friends of those interested, most of whom are now
gone. It narrates circumstances which probably have not found a place in per-
manent print before.

AWFUL DAYS OF DOUBT AND AN.KIETY BEFORE THE TERRIFIC STORM

The rejoicing over the great republican victory (in the fall of i860) was
soon turned into a serious consideration of the gravity of the situation. On the
next day after the election, the "Palmetto Flag," South Carolina's emblem, was
unfurled from the shipmasts in Charleston harbor, and on the next day after the
great illumination at Peoria, the legislature of that state passed a bill for the
equipment of 10,000 men and ordered an election of delegates to consider the
necessity of immediate secession. Two days thereafter both her senators in con-
gress resigned their seats. Then men began to inquire of each other, "Do you
think the south is in earnest in its threats of secession?"

203

204 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

Georgia followed South Carolina on the i8th of November by appropriating
$1,000,000 for the purpose of arming her citizens. Then the inquiry began, "Do
you think we are going to have war?"

December 3d came and with it the assembling of congress. In his message
Mr. Buchanan declared secession to be unlawful, but denied the power of the
general government to coerce a sovereign state. This was an announcement to
the secessionists that they were at liberty to go on with their unlawful purposes
without hindrance from the government during the last four months of his
administration. Although the republicans had won the victory their hands were
completely tied. It began to look as if the Union was to be dissolved without
resistance.

Stormy times had now set in. On December 5th the United States treasury
suspended specie payment. Then the cabinet began to dissolve by the succes-
sive resignation of its members. On the 20th South Carolina passed its ordinance
of secession. On the 24th its representatives in congress resigned their seats and
returned to their homes. Still men continued to inquire, "Do you think they mean
war or only bravado?" We were in a state of war without knowing it. But the
war at this period was on one side only. There was no resistance. Forts and
arsenals of the United States were quietly taken possession of by the seceding
states ; senators and congressmen resigned their seats as their respective states
seceded ; on December 27th the United States Revenue Cutter, "The William
Aiken" was surrendered to the authorities of South Carolina. On January g,
1861, another one "The Star of the West" on her way from New York with pro-
visions and reinforcements for Fort Sumter was fired upon by South Carolina
batteries and compelled to return. Still men continued to inquire, "Do you think
there will be war?"

A pall of terror seemed to have spread itself over the whole North. It was
the recoil produced by the discharge of a broadside. People began to consider
whether they might not have gone too far in the late election. When confronted
with the horrors of internecine war, they began to quail before its awful con-
sequences. Especially in the eastern cities it began to look as if the North was
ready to give up all it had gained. We began to wonder if we had a country to
fight for. or whether our boasted constitution was a rope of sand. The flag itself
had disappeared. Except on national holidays, or when carried as an ornament
at tlie head of some military display, it had for some years ceased to attract any
considerable degree of admiration. During this lull before the storm it inspired
little enthusiasm. The slave power had no further use for it ; the new forces of
freedom were awaiting their turn. Congress itself seemed to have caught the
infection "While the secession leaders were engaged in their schemes for the
disruption of the national government and the formation of a new confederacy,
congress was employing every effort to arrest the disunion tendency by making
new concessions, and offering new guaranties to the offended power of the
South." No sooner had it convened than "in each branch special committees of
conciliation were appointed. They were not so termed in the resolutions of the
senate and house, but their mission was solely one of conciliation." In the senate
they raised a committee of thirteen, representing the number of the original
states of the Union. In the house the committee was composed of thirty-three
members, the representatives from the Peoria district, William Kellogg being a
member of the latter. Proposition after proposition was introduced, until, as
Mr. Blaine afterwards said they would have filled a large volume.

But the South emboldened by the vascillating course of congress became more
defiant than ever. One of their leaders contemptuously said if the North would
sign their names to a blank sheet of paper and submit it to the South to fill in
the terms of re-union they would not do it. With the president at its back the
South had the North on the run. With the North it was surrender or fight with
the fighting postponed until the incoming of the new administration.

Among the measures prominently brought forward for the pacification of

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 205

the country was a proposed anieiulnienl to the constitution submitted by the
venerable and highly respected John J. Crittenden, senator from Kentucky.
Coming from a border state senator, it was looked upon by many as the embodi-
ment of the sentiments which might be agreed upon by the whole country. This
proposition had been rejected by the senate but afterwards brought forward in the
liouse as a substitute for the measures purposed by the house committee of thir-
teen. The report of that committee was so obno.xious to the northern representa-
tives as to meet with but little favor in the house. To his credit be it said that
our repre.sentative. Judge Kellogg, was one of the three who voted against it in
committee.

Hut many of the republicans, rather than have war, were willing to go to great
lengths in the way of conciliation, believing that conciliation was better than dis-
union. It was even hinted that Senators Cameron and Seward, both of whom
were named in connection with cabinet positions, had shown signs of a willing-
ness to compromise on terms agreeable to the border states.

It was during this period of excitement, when four states had already seceded
and others were in process of seceding; when the princii)a! forts, arsenals and
navy yards in the South had fallen into the hands of the seceding states and
the surrender of Fort Sumter had been demanded, that our congressman, Wil-
liam Kellogg, on the 20th day of January, 1861, visited Air. Lincoln at his home
in Springfield. What occurred at that interview may never be known. It is
known however, that a long interview took place reaching far into the night. It
is known too, that Mr. Lincoln was in favor of securing to the people of the
South all their constitutional rights even to the restoration of their fugitive slaves.
It is also known that he had great solicitude about the retention of the border
states in the Union, if disunion should become an accomplished fact. But so far
as known he had never by any word publicly uttered or by any letter written re-
ceded one jot or one tittle from the principles of the platform upon which he had
been elected. But who knows that he never entertained the thought that, if
by so doing, war might be averted, the seceding states brought back and the
Union restored, he might have considered it his duty to yield? He had already
seen enough of the vascillating course of some of the party leaders, both in and
out of congress to awaken his deep solicitude for the future, yet still continued
to counsel a firm adherence to the principles of "No more slave territory."

It was a matter of great surprise therefore, that w'ithin ten days after his
return from Springfield, that Mr. Kellogg who was supposed to stand very near
the president-elect should present in congress a measure of compromise which
was interpreted by all parties as a departure from the Chicago platform. His
proposition was presented on February i, for the purpose of having it printed
and at the proper time ofl:'ered as a sul^stitutc for the Crittenden amendment.
The supposed nearness of political relationship of Judge Kellogg to Mr. Lincoln
was at once seized upon by the democrats in congress as a circumstance indicative
of a willingness on the jxirt of the president-elect to concede more than his party
had been willing to do. But no sooner had this intimation been thrown out than
Judge Kellogg declared upon the floor of congress that no human hand other
than his own was in any way responsible for the proposition.

The Crittenden amendment embraced the following points : To renew the
Missouri line of 36° 30' and carry it to the Pacific ocean ; to prohibit slavery
north and permit it south of that line : to admit new states with or without slavery
as their constitutions might provide ; to ])rohil>it congress from abolishing slavery
in the states or in the District of Columbia so long as it should exist in X'irginia
or Maryland; to permit free transmission of slaves by land or water in any state;
to pay from the National treasury for fugitive slaves rescued after arrest; to
amend the Fugitive Slave Law in respect to commissioners' fees and to ask the
northern states to repeal their personal liberty laws in regard to such fugitives.

The proposition of Judge Kellogg embraced the following points: To renew
the Missouri line of 36° 30' and extend it to the Pacific ocean; to prohibit slavery

206 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

north of that line and to permit slave owners in the states to take and hold them
in territory south of it while such territory should remain under territorial govern-
ment ; to admit new states formed from territory either north or south of it with
or without slavery as their constitutions might provide ; that the general gov-
ernment should have no power to abolish or establish slavery in any state ; that
congress should have power to enact laws for the return of fugitive slaves ; that
the foreign slave trade should be abolished and that no new territory should be
annexed or acquired by the United States unless by treaty to be ratified by a vote
of two-thirds of the senate.

There was nothing new in this proposition ; every article thereof having in
one form or another been before the house. It seems to have been an effort to
collect and condense into one amendment those points which had met with the
greatest favor. It was, however, interpreted by both democrats and republicans
as a plain departure from the Chicago platform in permitting the extension of
slavery into new territory lying south of tlie line of 36° 30'. For this Judge
Kellogg was severely condemned by his constituents, and within a week there-
after the I'eoria district congressional committee met and called a delegate conven-
tion to be held at Peoria on the 226. day of February, ostensibly to take such
action as they might see fit ; but, for their utterances made at the time, it would
appear that the true object of the convention was to pass judgment upon the
course of Judge Kellogg. The several counties responded to the call by calling
either delegate county conventions or mass meetings, at which resolutions were
passed deprecating any departure from the Chicago platform. One or two
called upon Judge Kellogg to resign ; while one commended his motives while
differing with him in his plan. The resolutions passed at the caucus held in the
city of Peoria were emphatic in declaring the party had not advocated one set of
principles before election to be discarded and another set substituted after elec-
tion ; that the Kellogg proposition met with their hearty condemnation and they
entered an earnest and emphatic protest against them.

During all this time the republican papers of the district were filled with
articles denunciatory of Kellogg's course, some charging him with treachery to
the party, some calling him a renegade, and some called upon him to resign.

The republicans of Peoria county met in convention on the 21st day of Feb-
ruary to elect delegates to the congressional convention. In their resolutions
they had declared that Kellogg had forfeited all claim to the confidence of his
constituents and ought not to be considered as the representative of republican
principles. This resolution when first presented contained this further clause:
"And it is the sense of this convention that he ought to resign his trust into the
hands of the people by whom he was elected," but after some debate it was
stricken out by the convention.

In the congressional convention which met in Peoria on the next day it was
resolved "That we enter our solemn protest against the resolutions oft'ered by our
representative in congress to amend the federal constitution, believing them to
be subversive of our plighted faith, our party's honor and the spirit of our institu-
tions, and we earnestly urge him to an unfaltering support of republican principles
as enunciated in the Chicago platform." An attempt was made to add the words
"or to resign" but after a sharp debate it failed by a vote of 79 to 88. The
Transcript in an editorial said that "most of those who voted against the amend-
ment believed that Judge Kellogg was a man of honor and if he could not com-
ply with the request of the convention he would resign without being asked, and
if he was not a man of honor he would not resign although asked, and it would
be a waste of breath." But Kellogg did not change his course nor did he resign.
Nor was the demand renewed. Possibly the most radical of his opponents had
not stopped to consider that his term was about to expire and that his resignation
of his then pending term would serve no good purpose. Should he resign the
term to which he had just been elected the vacancy would have had to be filled
by a new election, which in the then excited state of the country might not have

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 207

resulted in a republican victory. It is possible, too, that Mr. Lincoln may have
thrown his advice against the party's insisting on Kellogg's resignation.

Here is an enigma in politics which is heightened by the fact that for ten
days, during which time this excitement was raging in the fourth district of
Illinois, Mr. Lincoln was on his way to Washington, stopping first at Indianapolis,
then at Cincinnati, Columbus, Pittsburg, Cleveland, Buffalo, Albany, New York,
Trenton, and Philadeljihia, making speeches at all important points addressing
the legislatures of three states and arriving at Washington on the day next after
this congressional convention. If Mr. Lincoln had then regarded his old friend
as a traitor to his party, is it to be supposed he would have maintained a profound
silence or would he not have made it known in some way that his course did not
meet with his approval ? For five days this silence was maintained and no steps
taken by Kellogg to recede from his position.

On the 28th day of February, however, with the proceedings of the Peoria
convention before him he made the formal presentation of his proposed amend-
ment by moving it as a substitute for that known as the Crittenden amendment.
This was as far, however, as it ever got. Congress was in a turmoil. One
proposition after another was swept away as by a cyclone until nothing remained
but a simple proposal to amend the constitution to the effect that congress should
have no power to interfere with slavery in the states where it then existed. This
])roposition was adopted by the requisite vote in each house and sent to the sev-
eral states for their approval. But the logic of events dispensed with the neces-
sity of its being acted upon, for within sixty days from that date the rebellion
was in full sway and greater issues were upon the country.

fudge Kellogg remained in congress for two years thereafter, during which
time his district was changed and he was not again a candidate. But Mr. Lincoln
oft'ered him the position of minister of the United States to Nicaragua, which
oft'er he declined. He then appointed him chief justice of Nebraska territory,
a position he continued to hold until its admission as a state March i, 1867,
nearly two years after Mr. Lincoln's death. It is quite evident therefore, that
Judge Kellogg never lost the confidence of Mr. Lincoln as he must have done
if the latter had regarded him as a -traitor to his party.

The history of the time also shows that other republicans in congress had
made as bad breaks, or worse than this of Judge Kellogg. Particularly was this
the case with Charles Francis Adams, w'hom Mr. Lincoln appointed minister
to the court of St. James. Mr. Seward was also accused of weakening and his
home organ, the Albany Evening Journal, edited by Thurlow Weed, was out-
spoken in favor of some compromise'. Yet Mr. Seward was then known to be
slated for and afterwards received a cabinet appointment. The Chicago Journal
came out decidedly in favor of Kellogg's course, and the idea seemed to be
floatin.g in the air that, if not Mr. Lincoln, at least Mr. Seward looked with favor
upon his proposed amendment. Early in February, the Illinois State Journal,
the leading republican paper at Mr. Lincoln's home, and before he had started
for Washington had said: "Our dispatches from \\'ashington this morning state
that Mr. Kellogg had received a message from a leading re)niblican here (Spring-
held ) stating that his proposition is satisfactory. Such is not the case. We
believe no republican of character has transmitted such a dispatch. The Breck-
enridge jjlatform will never be received by the people of Illinois as a basis of an
adjustment." Although not mentioning his name the evident purpose of this
emphatic denial was to exculpate Mr. Lincoln before the public from any con-
nection with the Kellogg proposition.

What motive had Judge Kellogg for his course upon this occasion? He must
have known his proposition would meet with defeat. He must have known
he would be condemned at home. There was nothing to gain at that time either
personally or politically from his course. It is possible he thought to lay this
last burden upon the conscience of the south ; to offer them this last peace offer-
ing, to hold out to them this last olive branch, which if accepted by them would

208 HISTORY OF' PEORIA COUNTY

have thrown the responsibilities of the war upon the north, but if rejected by
them would justify the incoming administration in the adoption of such measures
as should be found necessary to maintain the national authority. Whatever
his underlying motives may have been and by whomsoever advised it is certain
Judge Kellogg never shirked the whole responsibility of his actions but went
to his death bearing his reproach.

After his death, however, those who had knowledge of the aiTair gave to the
country the solution of the problem. Judge Kellogg died at Peoria, December
20, 1872, and was buried on the Sunday following. On the day of his death a
meeting of the Peoria Bar was held, at which meeting a committee was appointed
to draft resolutions commemorative of his life and services, of which committee
Elbridge G. Johnson, who had been a member of the legislature in 1861, was
made chairman. On the Tuesday following, at the convening of the circuit court,
Hon. Sabin D. Puterbaugh presiding, Mr. Johnson presented to the court the
resolutions which had been adopted by the bar and moved that they be spread
upon its records. On the day following (Wednesday, January 8, 1873), an
account of these proceedings was published in the Peoria Transcript, then the
leading republican paper in the district, in which allusion is thus made to the
remarks of Mr. Johnson : "In speaking of the memorable compromise resolutions
offered in congress by Judge Kellogg, Mr. Johnson stated that the resolutions
had been prepared in Springfield by Judge Kellogg and Mr. Lincoln, the presi-
dent-elect, who gave them his hearty indorsement. At the same time he felt
that in the agitated state of the country, the presenter of them might fall a victim
of popular prejudice. Judge Kellogg, notwithstanding he felt the full force of
the danger of political death presented the resolutions and met the fate he feared
awaited him, but gave no sign as it would never have done to commit Lincoln
to any line of policy."

The Daily National Democrat edited by William T. Dowdall, was at that
time a leading democrat paper published at Peoria. It did not publish its account
of the proceedings in court on the 8th of January, but deferred it until the next
day so as to be able to write out its hastily taken notes at greater length. It
reports Mr. Johnson as saying: "In the winter of i860, when a member of con-
gress, and when the country was on the verge of Civil war, Mr. Kellogg pre-
sented to that body a plan of compromise for which he was severely censured by
his constituents, and a convention called by them publicly demanded his resigna-
tion. I here declare to you that he was unjustly censured on that occasion.
Before taking the step he did, he went to Springfield and was closeted with
President-elect Lincoln all night, and, at the suggestion, request and approval
of Mr. Lincoln he offered his compromise measure in congress. I know this
to be true. I was then in the legislature at Springfield, but it was deemed improper
to state the facts at the time. Mr. Kellogg was made the conductor that carried
out that lightning which blasted himself. While Mr. Lincoln lived, Mr. Kellogg
was sure of recognition and reward, and, had he lived, that recognition would
have been continued. With heroic bravery he marched to his duty, though he
could not but foresee what risks he ran in its performance."

No one who knew Mr. Johnson would doubt his word on such an occasion,
and on a subject of so great importance. Neither can it be doubted that we have
in the foregoing extracts one from a republican, the other from a democratic
paper, a substantial report of what he said. In corroboration of this is the fact
that Mr. Johnson's office was within two blocks of each of these papers, they
being the leading papers of the city, read by every one. and no word of dissent
appeared from .Mr. Johnson, or any other person in Peoria. It is more probable
that the account published in the National Democrat underwent his personal
revision.

The interpretation placed upon his words by those present was well voiced
by Lucien H. Kerr, who in the legislature next preceding had represented this
district in the senate, who said: "In the explanation that has been made by Mr.

AMKAIIAM I.IXCnl.X
Taken at Peoiia. O.tdlier HI, is.-it

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 209

Johnson, justice has been done to Judge Kellogg. At the time he stepped forward
it was necessary for the safety of the country that Mr. Lincoln should stand
uncommitted. The mind of the nation was deeply moved and nothing but blood
seemed to satisfy the demands of the crisis. Kellogg stepped into the breach.
He knew it would be his political death, but he died politically for his country
as heroically as the soldier who faces and braves the sword or bullet of his
enemy. And he went down to his death and made no sign. He kept it all within
his own bosom. Knowing he had been maligned he raised no voice. This is the
last, the greatest, the highest tribute to his memory.

Mr. Alonzo M. Swan, a life-long citizen of Canton and the historian of the
city, in a communication to a friend gives a long statement of the occurrence
from which the following extracts are taken. "Republican statesmen in the
north who foreseeing the terrible cost of human life and sacrifice that would
follow war, were hopeful it might be averted. Among this number were Simon
Cameron and William H. Seward, already slated for ])ositions in Mr. Lincoln's
cabinet

The Hon. William Kellogg * * * arrived in Springfield on Sunday
morning. January 20, bearing confidential communications from Messrs. Cameron
and Seward to Mr. Lincoln. These communications were of so grave a character
that Mr. Lincoln summoned David Davis. * * * ^he Hon. Joseph Gillespie,
State Senator from Madison county, * * * David (William) Butler, then
State Treasurer of the .State of Illinois, and one or two others to consider the
communications of Cameron and Seward. At this conference a new series of
compromise resolutions were submitted which Cameron and Seward proposed
should be introduced in the house of representatives at Washington by Mr. Kel-
logg. These resolutions were on similar lines to the already rejected Crittenden
resolutions, but it was argued by their authors that, even if they were rejected,
they could furnish an argument for the north that the south had the olive branch
extended, not only by Crittenden, a border state statesman, but by a radical
republican from Mr. Lincoln's own state, and, therefore, it might be inferred,
representing his own views."

"Just before midnight Mr. Kellogg came to my room (at the Cheney House)
and awakened me saying that he wanted to talk to me. I was from Canton, Kel-
logg's town, and had been placed, by his arrangement, in charge of the political
editorials of the "Galesburg F"ree Democrat," the leading republican paper of his
district, and was considered a protege of his. Kellogg was evidently worried and
' paced back and forwards for several moments before he spoke, when turning sud-
denly to me he said 'Swan, I have agreed to-night to dig my own political grave —
, a grave so deep that when I am buried no political archangel can ever resurrect
I me.' He then went on to tell me that he had been sent by Cameron and Seward,
!by Mr. Lincoln's suggestion, to show the resolutions he afterwards offered to Mr.
I Lincoln for his approval and suggestions, as to any changes he might desire. These
; resolutions had been under discussion all the afternoon and evening, and had been
'modified in some particulars and amplified in others by Mr. Lincoln's own hand.
[Said Kellogg, 'I have not the slightest confidence in their efficiency. Their only
(possible effect I believe will be to bury me politically. If I lived in Washburn's
i district it might be different, but you know how radical Galesburg is, and Knox
( county controls the fourth district.' I asked him why he proposed to introduce
I the resolutions knowing, as he did, the personal consequences. T love Lincoln'
was his reply, 'and he has asked me to sacrifice my personal ambition for my
country's sake and I cannot resist him.' "

The next afternoon Mr. Kellogg called up Swan in the hall of the house of
I representatives and, together, they called upon Mr. Lincoln (who then occupied
the governor's room in the state house. — McCulloch), who said, "I know how
you feel, Kellogg, about those resolutions, and the personal results to you ; but
I promise you I will stand by you in the future, no matter what may come." Mr.
Lincoln did not appear to believe that the resolutions would lead to any compro-

Vol. I— 1 4

210 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

mise, but did l)elicve they would furnish a justification for any future action in
defense of the Union which he might be called upon to make.

Mr. Swan then speaks of the convention at Peoria, which he says was held
to demand his resignation, but at Mr. Lincoln's personal request, a few prominent
men succeeded in preventing the passage of such resolutions, although resolutions
were passed, and speeches made roundly denouncing his action. He concludes by
saying: "True to his promise, Air. Lincoln stood by Kellogg, appointing him
chief justice of Nebraska after his term in congress expired, and giving him
more appointments in the first distribution of patronage than were received by
any other congressman from Illinois."

These statements, liowever plausible they may appear, seem at first to be
irreconcilable with what Mr. Lincoln wrote to Seward on the same day Kellogg
first presented his resolutions in congress. In a letter of February i, he says to
Seward. "On the 21st ult. Hon. W. Kellogg, a republican member of congress
of this state, whom you probably know, was here in a good deal of anxiety for
our friends to go in the way of compromise on the now vexed question. While
he was with me I received a dispatch from Senator Trumbull at Washington,
alluding to the same question and telling me to await letters. ... I say
now, however, as I have all the while said, that on the territorial question — that
is, the question of extending slavery under the national auspices — I am inflexible.
I am for no compromise which assists or permits the extension of the institution
on soil ow'ned by the nation. And any trick by which the nation is to acquire
territory and then allow some local authority to spread slavery, is as obnoxious
as any other. I take it that to effect some such result as this, and to put us again
on the high road to a slave empire, is the object of all these proposed compromises.
I am against it."

These sentences doubtless express Air. Lincoln's real sentiments. They were
also the sentiments of Judge Kellogg up to the time of his apparent desertion of
his party on the occasion of the introduction of these compromise resolutions.
According to Mr. Swan they continued to be his sentiments even after he had
resolved to take the course he did. The letter to Mr. Seward was doubtless
written for perusal by others besides himself, as a spur to keep his friends in
line. But there are times in a man's public life, as well as in war when strategy
is justifiable. Lincoln was firm in his belief, but had doubtless apprehended
that in view of the horrors of internecine war and possible disunion compromise
might be resorted to before he should reach the presidential chair. If one was to
come, that of Crittenden seemed the most likely to Ije adopted. It is possible
that oft'ered by Kellogg was intended as a flank movement, to eliminate some
of the objectionable features of the former, and to make a fair divide between
north and south of the common territory, while it might remain under territorial
governments, and to apply the doctrines of popular sovereignty to it when ready
for admission. Even if Cameron, Seward and Lincoln were all concerned in it,
it is not to be considered as a backing down on their ])art. but simply as a plan
by which in the event of an offer of compromise the slave power should gain as
little advantage as possible. In the meantime it was of the utmost importance
that the name of neither of them should publicly appear as connected therewith,
but Kellogg should stand alone — a scape-goat as it were to bear the burden. In
this view it was proper for Lincoln to write to Sew-ard as he did. It is possible
the latter might have had little acquaintance with Kellogg, and yet he may have
been chosen as the bearer of confidential dispatches between Cameron and Seward
at Washington and Mr. Lincoln at Springfield. Subsequent events show that
Mr. Lincoln never lost confidence in Kellogg, but that the latter was holding a
valuable appointment under the president at the time of his assassination. Pos-
terity will therefore be justified in believing what Mr. Johnson and Mr. Swan
have stated, without imputing insincerity, or duplicity to Mr. Lincoln or a want
of adherence to principle on the part of judge Kellogg. In their struggles to save
the country from a gigantic rebellion, which at that time seemed almost certain

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 211

to result in the dissolution of the Union the wisest statesmen were at their wits
end and many of them may have done things which posterity may have con-
demned, but whatever the verdict of posterity may be as to the wisdom of Judge
Kellogg's course, none can imi)ugn his patriotism or the sincerity of his motives
on that occasion. If he was not faithful to his party, as party fealty is under-
stood, it was because his country stood nearer to his breast tiian his party. If
he was misjudged he meekly bore his reproach rather than betray the confidence
reposed in him by the great martyr. In any event this movement of his formed
one of the most interesting episodes in the political history of that most exciting
period.

In the winter of 'Go and '6i, the editor was attending college in Monmouth
and was a member of a debating society which discussed the ciuestion whether
the south would actually go to war or whether they were only attempting to
intimidate the north. The editor was very sure that they had too much sense to
go to war and debated on that side of the question so earnestly as to become
almost intemperate in his language. In a very short time after that he was
wearing a blue uniform of the United States \'olunteers. which uniform he
continued to wear for more than three years.

* * * * * ;i=

The aI)ove article was submitted by Colonel Rice to Mrs. James, the daugh-
ter of Judge Kellogg, and she told him that it gives the true history of the Kellogg
Amendment.

It was submitted to William T. Dowdall, who is mentioned in the article, and
Mr. Dowdall, in a letter states, that in the year 1866 Judge Kellogg, while chief
justice of Nebraska, under appointment from Lincoln, related to him the whole
history of this proposition of compromise and that his statement fully agreed
with what is set out in this article by Judge McCulloch, that Kellogg came
from Washington at the request of Seward and Cameron, who had draughted
the resolution along the lines of the Crittenden Resolution, eliminating some
of the most objectionable clauses, and Mr. Kellogg was authorized to say to Lin-
coln that they approved and endorsed the resolution under existing circumstances
and Kellogg, at their request, informed Lincoln fully of the situation in Wash-
ington and that Lincoln made a few amendments to the resolution and urged
Kellogg to introduce it ; that Lincoln conferred, in Springfield, with Judge Joseph
Gillespie and with E. G. Johnson, who was then member of the legislature from
Peoria, and that Lincoln at that time promised Kellogg that he would stand by
him and give him some appointment worth more than a seat in Congress ; and
that it was thoroughly understood at that time that no one whatever was to be
in any way made responsible for the offering of the resolution except Kellogg
himself ; and that Lincoln also suggested to Kellogg that he was then already
elected for a term of two years in Congress and that before that had expired,
public sentiment might be so changed that his proposition of compromise would
be approved by his constituents.

The editor is informed by Colonel Dowdall that the article published in his
paper (|uoted by Judge .McCulloch was sul)niitted to Mr. E. G. Johnson and had
his approval before it was put in type and that when printed Mr. Johnson called
at the printing office and bought a number of copies of the articles to send to his
friends.

CHAPTER XXI

THE CIVIL WAR — PRESIDENT LINCOLN CALLS FOR SEVENTY-FIVE THOUSAND MEN

AND PEORIANS RESPOND LOYALLY AND HEARTILY PARTY LINES ARE DIMMED

AND PRACTICALLY ALL ARE FOR THE UNION ROBERT G. INGERSOLL TENDERS HIS

SERVICES AND BECOMES COLONEL OF A REGIMENT — COMPLETE LIST OF PEORIA'S

HEROES OTHER WARS SOLDIERS' MONUMENTS.

Notwithstanding the threats of the south that it would sever its connection
with the Union in the event an anti-slavery president was elected, Abraham
Lincoln was inaugurated on the 4th day of March, 1861, great precautions having
been taken to guard him from the ruthless hand of the assassin. Even at this
lime some of the slave-holding states had seceded and the inauguration of Lincoln
l)ut precipitated the "irrepressible conflict." On the 12th day of April, Fort
-Sumter was fired on by the vanguard of the southern army at Charleston, South
Carolina, and the whole civilized world was notified by that traitorous action that
civil war was on in the Linited States.

The duty of the president was plain to him, as he saw it under the constitu-
tion, and immediately after this taunting insult had been paid the flag, on the
t4th day of April, Lincoln issued a proclamation calling upon his countrymen to
join with him to defend their homes and country and vindicate her honor. The
call of the president was for 75,000 men and on the 15th of April, Governor
Richard Yates issued a call for the convening of the legislature. Pleasures were
there and then taken to meet the wishes and demands of the president and within
ten days after the call for troops, 10,000 men of the state of Illinois had volun-
teered their services to their country and millions in money were at the command
of the government from patriots in various parts of the state. Only si.x regiments
could be accepted at this time, but, anticipating another call, the legislature
authorized the raising of ten additional regiments and more than the requisite
number of men to fill them at once offered themselves. In May, June and July
seventeen regiments of infantry and five of cavalry had been raised and at the
close of 1861 Illinois had in camp 17,000 troops and 50,000 in the field, — 15,000
over and above her full quota.

The president, in July and .\ugust. 1862, called for 600,000 more men, and
.August 18 was set as the limit for volunteers, after which a draft would be
ordered. Before eleven days had expired, men came from the fields, shops,
stores, offices and other places of business, to the number of 50,000, showing
by their promptitude the patriotism of a great state and of its people. On the
2 1st day of December, 1864, the last call was made. It was for 300,000 men and
Illinois responded generously, although her c|uota had been overdrawn to a great
extent.

In the meantime the citizens of Peoria and the country were heartily and
enthusiastically in sympathy with the president in his efl:orts and determination to
put down rebellion in the states and save the integrity of the Union. There
were mass meetings, pole raisings, patriotic speeches on rostrums, in the pulpits
and on the street corners. Democrats vied with republicans in expressions of
condemnation of the spirit of the southern confederacy and party affiliations
were forgotten by the thousands of loyal men who fell over each other in their

213

214 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

eagerness to sign their names to the muster rolls. Hon. William Manning, one
of Peoria's eminent lawyers of the day, an ardent Douglas democrat, declared
himself for the Union, the constitution and the flag. At a great meeting of citi-
zens presided over by the mayor, William A. Williard, William B. Whififen, a
democrat, was made one of the secretaries. The Democratic Union announced
its policy as being unequivocally for the maintenance of the federal union and
Robert G. IngersoU, then a brilliant young Peoria lawyer and up to that time a
democrat, offered to raise a regiment of cavalry i,ooo strong. This offer was
not available, but shortly after a cavalry regiment was organized and IngersoU
was made its colonel.

The board of supervisors appropriated $10,000 to equip her volunteer soldiers
and provide for the families of those needing assistance. j\Iany offers from
influential and wealthy men were made to provide for families of volunteers and
it seemed to be in the nature of a competition among the men of aifairs to see
who could do the most for the Union cause.

The first departure of volunteers from I'eoria was on the 24th day of April,
1861. On this day Captain Dennison's company of "Xational Blues" entrained
for Springfield, their departure being witnessed by a mass of men, women a;id
children. To the depot the "Blues" were escorted by Captain Norton's company
of volunteers, the Peoria Zouaves and the Emmet Guards, each of which v as
headed by a brass band. On the following day the company was made a part
of the state militia and finally it was mustered into the United States service as
Company E, Eighteenth Regiment Illinois \'olunteers. Richard J. Oglesby, who
was afterwards three times governor of the state and United States sena<;or,
was commissioned as colonel of the regiment. Of the thousands of men sent
to the front from Illinois, many of whom never returned, Peoria contributed
a generous share. But the tales of the war have been oft told and countless
volumes contribute to the history of the great conflict, which make it superfluous
to go into details in this work. The well-filled shelves of Peoria's libraries will
furnish all that may be desired on the subject. Following is a complete list
of names of the brave men, who fought for their country's honor and integrity,
from Peoria county :

EIGHTH INF.\NTRY. son. Benjamin; Loomis. -Andrew; Lutz, Henry;

Company E Miller, Rodolphus; Martens, l-Vederick; Molden-

bower, Ernest; Martin, Otis P.; Mund. .August;

Captain. i\Ioehl, Emil; McCormick. Seth; Niglass, Ignatz;

Charles E. Dennison, April 22, 1861. Nofziger. Jacob; Oberhauser, William; Pluffer.

Cbarles H. ; Rollaman, Oscar; Schutte, Otto;
Lieutenants. Stutsman. Xavier; Schroeder, Louis; Schuman. Fred-
First Tobn Wetzel April 22, l'S6i; second, erick; Thomas, .Tacob; \'oris, Robert; Van Braner,
Charles' Proebsting, April 22, 1861. -J."''"; Wills Charles; Wetzland Julius; Wetzland,

Gustavus: Wasson, James T. ; W rage, Henry; \\ il-

Sergeants. son, Joseph T. ; Zindle, George; Zeidler, William.

First, Lloyd Wheaton April 25, 1861. SEVENTH INFANTRY.
Robert Wilson. April 25, 1861.

Alexander Jackslfalusy, April 25, 1861. Company B.

Frederick A. King, April 25, 1861. Sergeant.

Corporals. Dred, Richard W., enlisted February 24, 1865.

Charles Reiss, April 25, 1861. Corporals.

Snyder, David D. April 2^, 1S61. Protsman, Tacob C. enlisted February 24, 1865.

Roehrig Antony April 25, 1861. s^;(,,_ wiliiam. enlisted February 20, 1S65.

Caldwell. Samuel, April 25. 1861. Conroy. Aaron, enlisted February 20, 1865.

Musicians Bunn, William C. enlisted February 23, 1865;

Pierce, Henry C, April 25! :86i. promoted sergeant.

Watton, Henry. April 25, 1861. ^ . , , ' ,

Bauman, August, enlisted February 21, 1865.

Privates. Bristol, James, enlisted February 21, 1865.

Enlisted .April 25, 1861. Anderson, Irwin; Babb. Bristol. Cyrus, enlisted February 20, 1865.

Timothy; Bohn, John; Brauns, Otto; Carner, Law- Cornell. George, enlisted February 3, 1865.

rence; Christ, Carl M.; Commensenusich, David; Crowe. Isaac, enlisted February 2,^, 1865.

Fairke, Otto; Forrester, Asa B.; Frazer, Chastaise Curtis. Anson H.. enlisted February 23, 1865.

S.; Fry, Charles G. ; Gray, William H.; Garsuch, Ely. Nathan J., enlisted February 20, 1865.

Noah H.; Gilliard. John P.; Gindele. Francis; Falconer, Thomas, enlisted February 20, 1865.

Gruse, Gustavus; Gingrich. Tacob; Gillig. Charles Gandell. Charles, enlisted February 23, 1865.

E. ; Gaup, William; Greenlcif, Henry B.; Hetzel. Graves. Jasper, enlisted February 23, 1865.

Frederick; Hahle, Charles; Harrison. A. Y. ; Hurd, Gray, John, enlisted February 23, 1865.

George W. ; Humphries. Tames; Irons, Charles D.; Gifford. John B., enlisted February 20, 1865; pro-

Tackel. .Xmandus; July, Basil; Keener. Henry H. ; nioted corporal.

Karl, Joseph; Kluge. Gustavus; Kolmbuck. Rev- Haslench. Toseph. enlisted February 21, 1865.

nolds; Kellogg, Tohn H. ; Kuehnle, Toseph; Law- Hunter, .Abner M., enlisted February 23, 1865.

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

215

Harlow, Moses, enlisted February 23, 1865.

Hinkle. William A., enlisted February 24, 1S65.

Isenburg. Samuel U., enlisted February 23, 1865.

Jordan, John, enlisted F'ebruary 23, 1865.

Johnson. lidgar, enlisted February 20, 1S65.

Kampmier, William, enlisted F'ebruary 21, 1865.

Keller, Thomas, enlisted February 23, 1865.

Keppel, F^rederick, enlisted F'ebruary 23, 1865;
promoted corporal.

Keyser. Dennis E.. enlisted February 23, 1865.

Kistner, Paul, enlisted February 24. 1865.

Lorins. Julius, enlisted February 24, 1865.

Lorins. Eugene, enlisted February 24. 1865.

Nicholas. William, enlisted February 23, 1865.

Regan. Henry, enlisted February 23, 1865.

Shiplen. Henry F., enlisted February 24. 1865.

Scoville, John, enlisted February 24, 1865.

Sarver, Benjamin, enlisted February 20, 1865.

Sessler. Emile, enlisted February 24. 1865.

Teufel, Christian, enlisted February 23, 1865;
promoted corporal.

Tcufel, Andreas, enlisted February 23. 1865.

Wagener. August, enlisted February 21, 1865.

Vans, Charles, enlisted February 20. 1865.

Yates, John C., enlisted February 20, 1S65.

Young, John B., enlisted February 23, 1863.

Company K.

Private.
Brannen. Henry, enlisted July 25, 1861.
Company G.
Private.
Houston, Francis, enlisted March 24, 1865.
EIGHTH INFANTRY.
Major.
Lloyd Wheaton, commissioned July 25, 1863; pro-
moted lieutenant colonel, September 23, 1865; pro-
moted colonel but never mustered; mustered out
as lieutenant colonel May 4, 1865.

Adjutant.
Frederick A. King,

Sergeants.
Voris. Kobert, enlisted July 25. 1861; transferred
from Company E, July 25. 1861; reduced and re-
transferred October i, 1862. Martin, Otis P., en-
listed July 25, 1861; transferred from Company E,
October i, 1862; reduced* and retransferred No-
vember 18, 1862.

Hospital Steward.
Keener, Henry H.. enlisted January 5. 1864;
transferred front Company E, March 14, 1864; mus-
tered out May 4, 1866.

Company H.
Recruit.
Stead, William, enlisted February i, 1864.
Transferred from Sei-entecntk Infantry.
Campbell. William, enlisted F-ebruary 15. 1864.
Cross, William, enlisted February 2, 1864.
Snyder, James, enlisted December 23, 1863.

Transferred from Eleventh Infantry.
F'leck, Martin, enlisted September 30. 1864.
Miller, Anton, enlisted October 7. 1864.

Drafted and Substitute Recruits.
Easton, Clark, enlisted September 26, 1864.
Childs, Benjamin, enlisted September 27,
Cliff, Richard, enlisted October 10, 1864.
Grant, Winslow, enlisted September 26, 1864.
Harriott, Epiiraim, enlisted October 1 1, 1864.
Wonder, John, enlisted October 1 1, 1864.
Woods, Henry, enlisted October 11, 1864.

Company E.

Captains.

John Wetzel, commissioned July 25, 186 1.

Lloyd Wheaton, commissioned March 25, 1862;
promoted major.

Lieutenants.

First, Lloyd Wheaton, commissioned July 25,
1861 ; promoted,

F'irst, l-'rederick A. King, commissioned July 25,
t86i; promoted adjutant.

Second. F'rederick A. King, commissioned March
25, 1862: promoted.

Sergeants.

l-'irst. King. Frederick A., enlisted July 25, 1861;
promoted second lieutenant.

Martin. Otis P., enlisted July 25, i86i; pro-
moted sergeant major, October i, 1861; reduced
to ranks November 22, 1862; mustered out July
30, 1S64.

Corporals.

Brown. Benjamin W., enlisted July 25, 1861;
promoted sergeant; transferred Veteran Relief
Corps, September 15, 1863.

Irons. Charles D., enlisted July 2$, 186 r ; re-
duced to ranks April, 1S63; discharged April 24,
1863; promotion in Eighty-sixth Illinois.

Whane. John, enlisted July 25. 1861; promoted
sergeant; discharged July 31, 1862; wounded at
Shiloh.

Molineaux. Gold D., enlisted July 25. 1861; re-
enlisted as veteran.

Keener, Henry N., enlisted July 25, 1S61; re-
eiilisted as veteran.

Musician.

W*alton. Henry H., enlisted July 25, 1861; mus-
tered out July 30, 1864,

Privates.
Barrett, John, enlisted July 26, 1861.
Beadle, Ira E., enlisted July 25, 1861.
Davies, John M,, enlisted July 25, 1861.
Duherst, Thomas, enlisted July 25, 1861.
Easton, Charles S., enlisted July 25, 1861.
Greenieat, Henry B., enlisted July 25, i80r.
Masters, William J., enlisted July 25, i86i.
McDevitt, John, enlisted July 25, 1861.
McMurtne, James, enlisted July 25, 1861.
Meeds, John, enlisted July 25, 1S61.
O'Connors, Kdward, enlisted July 25, 1861.
Peck, Tristam B., enlisted July 25, 1861.
Richer, George H., enlisted July 25, i86i.
Simpson, Isaac H., enlisted July 25. 1861.
Suodorf, George, enlisted July 25, 1861.
Sutter, Andrew, enlisted July 25, 1861.
Tulley, Patrick, enlisted July 25, 1861.
Vidito, Henry, enlisted July 25, 1861.
Vorris, Robert C, enlisted July 25, i86r.
Walsh, Thomas, enlisted July 25, 1861.
Wilson, Joseph F., enlisted July 25, i8bi.
Young, Howard, enlisted July 25, 1861.

Recruits.
Ash, Francis W., enlisted July 28, 1861.
Brant, Jacob, enlisted August 20, 1861.
Beckman, William J,, enlisted July 28, 1861.
Burgest, Samuel, enlisted August 20, 1S61.
Devore. William H., enlisted July 28, 1861.
Emerson, Joseph, enlisted luly 28, 1S61.
Herr, Sheaff L., enlisted July 28, 1861.
Kelley, Edward, enlisted July 28. 1861.
Kelly, Peter, enlisted July 28, 1861.
Line, Ralph E., enlisted July 28, 1861.
.Muwry, \\ illiam IL. enlisted December 29, 1S63.
I'i|ipin, Barnett M., enlisted September 30, 1864.
I'arker. Robert H., enlisted July 28, 186 1.
I'owers, John, enlisted Seiitember 12, 1861.
Shearer, Henry, enlisted July 28, 186 1.
\\est. James, enlisted July 28, 1861.
White. Hiram, enlisted July 28, 1861.
Wood. \'iralda, enlisted July 28, 1861.
Wetmore, Henry, enlisted August 27, 1861.
Whane, Joseph H., enlisted December 27, 1863.

Transferred from Eleventh Infantry.
Cobb. George H.. enlisted January 3, 1864.
Dav'is. Samuel, enlisted January 3, 1864.
Rakoskie, Stanislaus, enlisted December 15, 1863.
Stone, Joseph, enlisted January i, 1864.

Veterans.
Brant. Jacob, enlisted January 5, 1864.
Keener. Henry M.. enlisted January 5, 1864.
Masters, Wilburn J., enlisted January 5, 1864.
Molineaux, Goldsmith D., enlisted January 4,
1864.

Company F.

Recruits.
Clark, David, enlisted August 18. 1861.
Incs. I'rank H.. enlisted October 10, 1861.
Nan^;el, Joseph, enlisted March 11, 1864.

Veterans.
Bensel, John E., January 5, 1864.
Irons, Frank H,, enlisted March 31, 1864.
Waters, Wilson F,. enlisted February i. 1864.

216

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

Company I.
Sergeants.

First, Kalambach, Ryiiold. enlisted July 25, 1861;
discharged January 1. 1863; disability.

SmUh, Dietrich, enlisted July 25, 1861; pro-
moted second lieutenant.

Schlag. William, enlisted July 25. 1861 ; pro-
moted bCLOud lieutenant.

Aubin, Albert, enlisted July 25, 1861; trans-
ferred to First Mississippi Heavy Artillery U. S.

Brauns, Otto, enlisted July 25, 1861; promoted
second lieutenant.

Corporals.

Peffer, Charles, enlisted July 25, 1861; reenlisted
as veteran.

Guis. IJasil, enlisted July 25. 1861; promoted
sergeant.

Abel, Albert, enlisted July 25, 1861; discharged
May 26, 1 862 ; wounded Fort Donelson.

Steen. Paul, enlisted July 25, 1861; promoted
sereeant July 30, 1864.

Fulfs, August, enlisted July 25, 1861 ; promoted
sergeant July 30, 1864.

Niglass. Enats, enlisted Tuly 25. 1861; transferred
to Sixth Illinois Cavalry December i, 1861.

Kluge. ("lustavus. enlisted July 25, 1861 ; killed at
Fort Donelson February i s. 1862.

Thomas. Jacob, enlisted July 25. 1861; reenlisted
as veteran.

Privates.
Balser. Andreas, enlisted July 25. 1861.
Backman, John, enlisted July 25, 1861.
Comemish, Daniel, enlisted July 25, 186 1.
Evans. Walter F., enlisted July 25. 1861.
Fellgra, John, enlisted July 25. 1861.
Geible, Henry, enlisted July 25, 1861.
Hugger, Gabriel, enlisted July 25, 1861.
I verger, I^ewis, enlisted July 25. 186 1.
Kuhule, Joseph, enlisted July 25, 1861.
Knapii, Christian, enlisted July 25. 1861.
Lahr, Tobias, enlisted July 25, 186 1.
Meyer, Henry, enlisted July 25. 1861.
Mummers, Paul, enlisted Tulv 25, 1S61.
Mond, Augustus, enlisted July 25. 1861.
Nabenger. Jacob, enlisted Tnly 25, 1861.
Pleifer. Henry, enlisted Julv 25, 1861.
Schrader, August, enlisted July 25, 1861.
Schwedcr. Adam, enlisted July 25, tS^-i.
Streiback, Leo. enlisted Tulv 25, 1861.
Walter. Phillip, enlisted Tuly 25, 1861.
Zendell. Joseiih, enlisted July 25, 1861.

Company I.
Recruits.
Altmeycr. William, enlisted August 2, 1861.
Burcheld, William, enlisted August 2. 186 1.
Burchard, Adam, enlisted August 9, 1861.
Baiter. Casper, enlisted August 9, 1861.
Bran timer. John, enlisted August 10, 1861.
Buttner, Jacob, enlisted August 19, 1861.
Duenaec liter, Jlelcbor J., enlisted August ig,
iS6i.

Garon, George, enlisted January i, 1864.
Harsch, Adolph, enlisted August 19. 1861.
Hamme, John, enlisted August 19, 1861.
Jackel, Amandus. enlisted August 8. 1861.
Gordi, Jacob, enlisted August 19, 1861.
Kolbatz, Edward, enlisted August 19. 1S61.
Kohn, Franz, enlisted August 19. 1861,
Kaechle. Andrew, enlisted August 9. 1S61.
Kallinc. Alfred, enlisted August 19, 1861.
Ltcberger, Peter, enlisted August i. 1861.
T..ong, John, enlisted August 19. i86t.
Menges. John, enlisted Aueust iS. i86r.
Onde'^sender, Matthias, enlisted August ig. 1861.
Pfander. Charles, enlisted August 19, 1861.
Ritzenccr. Andrew, August 10. 186 1.
Richter. Edward, enlisted Aueust 2. i86r.
Ringclle, Frederick, enlisted August 9. 1861.
Stange. Henry, enlisted Aueust 9, 1861.
Schronide. Charles, enlisted August 15, 1861.
Shand, John, enlisted August 15;, 1861.
Schreurmaun, TTenry. enlisted August 16, i8fiT.
Schoenthaler, Charles, enlisted August 12, 1861.
Tell. William, enlisted January 15. 1864.
Trey ens. John, enlisted August IQ, 1861.
Wilt. Henry C, August 12. 1861.
Zenkel, John, enlisted August ig, 1861.

Engel,

Drafted and Substititte Recruits.
Joseph, enlisted September 26.

1864.

Mamburg. Madison, enlisted October 1 r, 1864.
Spenive. Jacob, enlisted September 26, 1864.
AlcKenny, Michael, enlisted July 9, 1861.

I'cterans.
Basler, Andrew, enlisted February i, 1864.
Duenaechter, Melchor, J., enlisted February i.
1864.

Ensch, Michael, enlisted I'ebruary i, 1864.
Judig, Basil, enlisted December 7, 1863.
Juerger, Lewis, en isted December 25, .863
Kohn, Franz, enlisted February x. i S64.
Knapp. Christian, 'jiilisied February j, 1864.
Mummert. Paul, enlisted December 26, 1863.
Ondessender, Matthias, enlisted February ', 1864.
Pfander. Charles, enlisted December :s, 1863.
Ringelle, Frederick, enlisted February 1, 1864.
Richter. Edward, enlisted February 10. 1864.
Schroend, Charles, enlisted January 5. 1864.
Schonthaler. Charles, enlisted February i, 1864.
Shand. John, enlisted February i, 1864.
Streibich, Leo, enlisted December 26, 1863.
Thomas, Jacob, enlisted February i. 1864.
Walter, PhiJip, enlisted February i, 1864.

Company K.
Recruits.
I^randt, Jacob, enlisted August 20, 1862.
Cloud, George, enlisted August 24, 1862.

Drafted and Substitute Recruits.
jMiner, Cyrus, enlisted September 26, 1864.
Stubbs, John, enlisted September 27, 1864.

Transferred from Seventeenth Infantry.
.\ckerman. William B.. enlisted January 14. 1864,
Blind. Philip, enlisted December 15. 1863.
Beald, William H.. enlisted February 16, 1864.
Clumnings, William C. enlisted December i, 1863.
!;orgarthy, Jeremiah, enlisted February 24, 1864.
Galaway, George W., enlisted December i, 1863.
McHenry, James, enlisted January 20, 1864.
Mills, Samuel C, enlisted December 8, 1863.

Drafted and Substitute Recruits.

Duplade, William, enlisted September 26, 1S64.

NINTH INFANTRY.

Company C.

Liejdenant.

First. Oscar Rollman, commissioned July 26,

1861; transferred to Invalid Corps, November 17,

1863.

Sergeant.

Hale, Charles, enlisted; killed at Shiloh, April
6, 1S62.

Prizate.
Rauch. Thomas, discharged April 14, 1S62.
ELEVENTH INFANTRY.
Company I.
Private.
Bright, George, enlisted September 25, 1861.
Company K.
L'nassigned, Drafted and Substitute Recruit.
Righttinger, Parson H., enlisted October 13,
1864.

TWELFTH INFANTRY.

Company B.

Drafted and Substitute Recruit.

Ragan, Weldon, enlisted September 30, 1864.

Company D.

Drafted and Substitute Rccritif.

Broughten, Jeremiah, enlisted September 21, 1864.

Company H.

Drafted and Substitute Recruits.

Fargo, Ralph G., enlisted September 30, 1S64.

McClayment, Alexander.

Ragan, Weldon, enlisted September 30, 1864.

FOURTEENTH INFANTRY'.
Company C.

Sergeant.
Sullivan, James H., enlisted February 27, 1865;
deserted March 18, 1865.

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

217

Corporals.

Burnitt. William, enlisted February 2;^, 1865;
sick at muster out.

Perry. Stephen, enlisted February 24, 1865; mus-
tered out September 16, 1865.

Boyd. lohn B., enlisted February 23, 186.1 ; mus-
tered out September id. 1865.

Tilden Edward, enlisted February 37, 1865; de-
serted March 18, 1865.

Privates.
Brown. James, enlisted March 27, 1S65,
Cain, John, enlisted March 2. 1865.
Connor, John, enlisted February 25, 1865.
Doyle, James, enlisted February 27, 1865.
Dunn. John, enlisted February 25, 1865.
Delay, Dennis, enlisted February 27, 1865.
Ellis, George B., enlisted February 27, 1865.
Farley, John, enlisted I*"ebruary 27, 1865.
Furrell, Robert, enlisted February 27, 1865.
Galaway, William, enlisted February 22, 1865.
Gannon, Joseph, enlisted March 2, 1865.
Harland, George, enlisted February 24, 1865.
King. Thomas, enlisted February 27. 1865.
Killfayle, James, enlisted February 27, 1865.
Lewis, Henry J., enlisted I-'ebruary 24. 1865.
Lineback. Freeman, enlisted February 22. 1865.
Mc Bride, James, enlisted February 22, 1S65.
Nacy. Thomas, enlist erl February 27, 1S65.
Newton, Neednian, enlisted February 22, 1865.
Ross Alexander enlisted February 27 1S65.
Smith, William, enlisted February 25, 1865.
Sommers. George W.. enlisted February 20, 1865.
Whalen, James, enlisted February 27, 1865.
Walsh, John, enlisted February 27. 1865.

Company E.

Privates.
Bennett, William, enlisted February 27. 1S65.
Jones. Edward, enlisted Marcli 2, 1865.
Lardner. Daniel, enlisted March 2, 1865.
Stanley, William, enlisted February 27, 1865,

Company G.

Prizatcs.
Rruden. William, enlisted February 16, 1865.
Dockstader, Jeremiah, enlisted February 20, 1865.
Warner, Thomas J., enlisted February 16, 1865.
Zathlow. Charles, enlisted February 22, 1865.

SIXTEENTH INFANTRY.
Company K.
Unassigncd Recruits.
Cole, Francis, enlisted February 27, 1865.
Ewing, Joshua, enlisted March '22, 1865.
Mack. John, enlisted February 27. 1865.
Stewart, Enos J., enlisted February 27, 1865.

SEVENTEENTH INFANTRY.
The Seventeenth Regiment of Illinois Infantry
Volunteers was mustered into the United States
service at Peoria, Illinois, May 24, 186 1. Left
camp on the 17th of June for Alton. Illinois, for
the purpose of more fully completing its organi-
zation and arming. Late in July it proceeded from
Alton to St. Charles, Missouri, remaining but one
day; thence went to Warrenton, Missouri, where
it remained in camp about two weeks. Company A
being detailed as body guard to General John
Pope, with headquarters at St. Charles. Regiment
left Warrenton for St. Louis and embarked on
tran'^ports for Bird's Point. Missouri. Remained
at Bird's Point some weeks, doing garrison duty;
then proceeded to Sulphur Sprin.cs Landings; dis-
embarking there it proceeded via Pilot Knob and
[ronton, to Fredericktown. Missouri, in pursuit of
General Jeff Thompson and joined General B. M.
Prentiss' command at Jackson. Missouri; thence
proceeded to Kentucky and aided in the construc-
tion of Fort Holt: thence ordered to Elliott's
Mips; remained there a short time and returned
to Fort Holt; thence to Cape Girardeau and with
other regiments, was sent in pursuit of General
Jeff Thompson's forces; participated in the en-
gagement near Greenfield, lost one man killed and
several wounded; returned to Cape Girardeau, do-
ing provost duty until early in February, 1862,
when ordered to Fort Henry; participated in the
encagement at Fort Donelson, losing several men
killed, wounded and taken iirisoners; then pro-
ceeded to Metal Landing. Tennessee river, and cm-
barked for Savannah, Tennessee; from thence to

Pittsburgh Landing and was assigned to the First
Division. Army of West Tennessee, under General
John A. McClernand; was engaged in the battles
of the Sixth and Seventh of April; suffered great
loss in killed and wounded; was with the advance
to Corinth.

After the evacuation of Corinth marched to
Purdy. Betliel and Jackson. Tennessee; remained
there until July 17, when the regiment was ordered
to Bolivar and was assigned to duty as provost
guard. Remained at Bolivar until November.
1862, during which time it participated in the ex-
pedition to [uka, to reinforce General Rosecrans;
afterward at the battle of Hatchie; returned again
to Bolivar; remained there until the middle of
November; then ordered to Lagrange to report to
General John A. Logan; assigned to duty as pro-
vost guard. Colonel Norton being assigned to the
command of the post; early in December marched
to Holly Springs, thence to Abbyville, guarding
railroads; thence to Oxford.

After the capture of Holly Springs, was as-
signed to Sixth Division. Seventeenth Army Corps
under Major General McPherson; then proceeded
via Moscow, to Collierville: from there to Mem-
phis and was assigned to duty at the navy yard.
Remained there until January 16, then embarked
for Vicksburg; reembarked and proceeded to Lake
Providence, Louisiana, then the headquarlers of
the Seventeenth Army Corps, doing duty there
until the investment of Vicksburg commenced. Ar-
riving at Milliken's Bend on or about May i,
commenced to man h across the Delta to Per'kin's
Landing, on the Mississippi river; thence to the
crossing below Grand Gulf, advancing with !\Ic-
Phersoii's command, via Raymond, Champion Hills,
Jackson. Big Block and to the final investment of
\ icksburg. After the surrender of that city re-
mained there, doing garrison duty and making
incursions into the enemy's country as far east as
Meridian, west as far as Monroe, Louisiana. Re-
turning to \'icksburg, remained until May, 1864,
the term of service of the regiment expiring May
24th of that year.

The regiment was ordered to Springfield, Illi-
nois, for muster out and finally discharged, when
and where those of the original organization who
did not reenlist as veterans were mustered out and
discharged. A sufficient number not having reen-
hsted to entitle them to retain their regimental
organization, the veterans and recruits whose term
of service had not expired were consolidated with
the Eighth Illinois Infantry Volunteers, and were
finally mustered out with that regiment and dis
charged in the spring of 1866.

Colonel.

Addison S. Norton, commissioned .^pril 2^, 1862;
resigned July 9, 1863.

Adjutant.

Abraham IT. Ryan, commissioned May 25, 1861;
promoted Captain Company A.

Company A.
Captains.

Addison S. Norton, commissioned April ig, 1861;
promoted lieutenant colonel.

Abraham H. Ryan, commi.ssioned April 25, 1862;
term expired June, 1864.

Lieutenants.

First, Abraham H. Ryan, commissioned April 19,
1861 ; promoted adjutant.

First, George W. Robson, commissioned May
20, 1861; promoted Captain Company B.

First., Edmund E. Ryan, commissioned April 25,
1862; mustered out October 24, 1864.

Second. George W. Robson, commissioned April
19, 1861 : promoted.

Second. Gawn Wilkins, commissioned April 2$,
1862; term expired June. 1S64.

.Sergeants.
First. Gerard S. Crane, enlisted May 25,
Gawn Wilkins, enlisted May 25, 1861.
Frank S. Bishop, enlisted May 25. 1861.
William Reynolds, enlisted May 25. 1861.

i86r

E. E. Ryan,
first lieutenant.

Corporals.
enlisted May 25.

i86r ; promoted

218

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

John n. Comphor, enlisted May 25. 1861; dis-
charged December 5, 1861.

Aaron P. Gilbert, enlisted May 25, 1861.

Drummer.
John \V. Wonder, enlisted May 25, 1861.

Privates.
Autcliff, Thomas H., enlisted May 25, 1861.
Babcock, George C, Jr., enlisted May 25, 1861.
Barlett, Nicholas, enlisted May 25, 1861.
Barnes, James, enlisted May 25» 186:.
Battersley, Robert, enlisted May 25. 1S6:.
Barry, Richard, enlisted May 25, 1861.
Bennett, Elliott G., enlisted May 25, 1861.
Bohn, Julius, enlisted May 25, 1861.
Brown, Edward T., enlisted May 25, 1861.
Brown, Vincent, enlisted May 25, 1861.
Brown, John, enlisted May 25, 1861.
Buckholder, John, enlisted May 25, 1861.
Battie, Gordon, enlisted May 25, 1861.
Barton. Chauncey E, enlisted May 25. 1861.
Butt, William II., enlisted May 25, 1861.
Clemmens, Tames W., enlisted May 25, 1861.
Cliffy. Richard, enlisted May 25, 1861.
Cobb, George H., enlisted May 25, 1861.
Dailey, Martin, enlisted May 25, i86i.
Davis, Samuel, enlisted May 25, 1861.
Dyer, Horace E., enlisted May 25. 1861.
Fisher. William, enlisted May 25, 1861.
Fisher, Albert C, enlisted May 25, 1861.
Flagler, Daniel H., enlisted May 25, 1861.
Garlar, John, enlisted May 25, 1861.
Gunderlack, Charles R., enlisted May 25, 1861.
Grooms. Alfred S., enlisted May 25, 1861.
Harriett, Ephraim, enlisted May 25, 1861.
Hack, Alexander W. enlisted May 25, 1861:.
Hamilton, Theodore F., enlisted May 25, 1861.
Howell, Alfred, enlisted May 25, 1861.
Hough, John, enlisted May 25. 1861.
Huey, Edward C, enlisted May 25, 1861.
Huey, James H., enlisted May 25, 1861.
Johnson. John, enlisted May 25. 1861.
Johnson, Richard, enlisted May 25. 186 1.
Johnson. Frederick, enlisted May 25, 1861.
Johnson, Heye, enlisted May 25. 1861.
Kellogg, Dennis, enlisted May 25, 1861.
Kellogg, Solomon, enlisted May 25, 1861.
Keshpaugh. John, enlisted May 25. 1861,
Lamb, Frederick, enlisted May 25. 1861.
Lang. William H., enlisted May 25, 1861.
Landon, Fred A., enlisted May 25, 1861.
Lazell. Joshua E.. enlisted May 25, 1861.
Lemuel. Peter, enlisted May 25, 1861.
Miner. Justin L., enlisted May 25, 1861.
Mowell, David, enlisted May 25, 1861.
Myers, Harrison, enlisted May 25, 1S61.
Nicholls. Charles L., enlisted May 25, 1861.
Olin. William H., enlisted May 25, 1861.
O'Neil. Patrick, enlisted May 25. 1861.
Patten, John H., enlisted May 25, 1861.
Piper. John, enlisted May 25. 1861.
Plumb, Henry, enlisted May 25, 1861.
Phoenix, Charles H., enlisted May 25, 1861.
Raymon, Eugene K., enlisted May 25, 1861.
Ritter. Philip, enlisted May 25, 186 1.
Reigle, Anton, enlisted May 25, 1861.
Reed, Robert, enlisted May 25. 1861.
Rook, John, enlisted May 25, 1861.
Ruley. Stanley, enlisted May 25, 1861.
Simms, James A., enlisted May 25, 1861.
Smith. Weslev. enlisted May 25, 1861.
Smedtt, Charles, enlisted May 25. 1861.
Shorklev, Millican, enlisted May 25, 1861.
Stillweli. John H., enlisted May 25, 1861.
Stettman, Jnmes G., enlisted May 25, 1861.
Stone, Joseph, enlisted May 25, 1861.
Sykes. James B., enlisted May 25, 1861.
Taniplin. Benjamin H., enlisted May 25, 1861.
Thomas, William B., enlisted May 25, 1861.
Thompson, James, enlisted May 25, 1861.
Twicgs, James, enlisted Mav 25. 1861.
Ulricb. William, enlisted May 25, 1861.
VanTine. James H., enlisted May 25. 1861.
Watson. Samuel, enlisted May 25. 1861.
Wheeler. Horatio, enlisted May 25,-1861.
Wentlett. Peter, enlisted May 25. i86i.
Woodruff. William A., enlisted May 25. 1861.
Woods. Henry A., enlisted May 25, 1S61.
Woolstein, Henry, enlisted May 25. 1861.

Recruits.
Albright. Frederick, enlisted ^lay 25, 18G1.
AutclifT, Arthur T., enlisted September 17, 1R61.

Bush, George M., enlisted June 24, 1861.
Broadman, John, enlisted May 28, i86t.
Dodge. James, enlisted May 25, 1861.
Dupam, Anton, enlisted November 23. 1863.
Howell. Alfred, enlisted October 25, 1861.
Jones, George H., enlisted May 25, 1861.
Kelley, Lewis, enlisted July 5, 1861.
Pfifer, August, enlisted May 25, 1861.
Piper, James W., enlisted August 1 1, 1862.
Recter. Philip, enlisted January 25, 1864.
Schmunck, George, enlisted May 25. 1861.
Spiniing. William H., enlisted May 25, 1861.
Woods. George E.. enlisted October 25, 1862.

yetcraus.
Cobb, George C, enlisted January 3, 1864.
Davis, Samuel, enlisted January 3, 1864.
Stone, Joseph, enlisted January i, 1864.

Company B.
Lieutenants.

First, John Hough, commissioned August 26,
1861; resigned April i6, 1862.

First, Albert W. Jones; commissioned April 16,
1862; resigned September 13, 1S62.

Second, Albert W. Jones, commissioned May 15,
1861; promoted.

Sergeant.

Pollock. George W., enlisted May 25, 1861.
Corporal.

Thurston, William, enlisted May 25, 1861.
Privates.

Brick, John, enlisted May 25, 1861.

Brackett, Aiois, enlisted May 25, 1861.

Denton, Isaac, enlisted May 25, 1861.

Dureniper, John, enlisted i\Iay 25, 1861.

Daily, Daniel, enlisted May 25. 1861.

Davidson, George, enlisted May 25, 1861.

Elliott, John, enlisted May 25, 1801.

Ellis, John H., enlisted May 25, 1861.

Falkenburg, Thomas J., enlisted May 25, 1861.

Francis, 'ihomas J., enlisted Alay 25, 1861.

Galamo, J. W., enlisted May 25, 1861.

Glass, William E., enlisted May 25, 1861,

Hartman, Augustus, enlisted May 25, 1861.

Jones, Job, enlisted May 25, 1861.

Litherow', William, enlisted May 25, 1861.

Mateland. John, enlisted May 25. 1861.

Morris, David, enlisted May 25, 186 1.

Martin, James R., enlisted May 25, 1861.

Riley. James, enlisted May 25, 1S61.

Wickett, John B., enlisted May 25. 1861.

Willoughby, M. E., enlisted May 2$, 1861.

Wagner, L, enlisted May 25, 1861.

Recruits.
Ackerman, William B., enlisted January 14, 1864.
Blind, Philip, enlisted December 15, 1863.
Beal, William H., enlisted February 16, 1864.
Britzenhart, John, enlisted May 26, 186 1.
Cross, William, enlisted February 2, 1864.
Clemmens, William E., enlisted December i,
1861.

Davis, Oscar R., enlisted May 29, 1S61.
Fogarty, Jeremiah, enlisted February 24, 1864.
Miller, Samuel C, enlisted December 8, 1863.
McHenry, James, enlisted January 20, 1S64.
McGrath, James, enlisted February 25, 1864.

Veteran.
Rakoskie, Stanislaus, enlisted December 15, 1863.
Company C.

Recruits.
Bayne, James, enlisted May 25, i86r.
Wisner, Jacob S., enlisted May 25, 1861.

Company D.
Private.
Price, Samuel, enlisted May 25, 1S61.

Recruits.
Moore, James, enlisted June 22, 186 1.
AlcKinney, Michael, enlisted July 9, :S6i.

Company E.

Recruits.

Brophy, James, enlisted June 15. 1861.
Bryan, Moore, enlisted June 15, 1861.
Berry, Terry, enlisted June 24, 1861.

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

219

Bateman. James A., enlisted Tune 24, 1861.
Carroll, Edwin, enlisted June 24. 1861.
Howell. Israel, enlisted June 15, 1861.
McCee, William T., enlisted June 15. 1861.
Smith, Oliver, enlisted Tune 24, 1S61.
Wilson. Walter, enlisted' June 24, 1861.

Company G.

Scliell. William, enlisted May 25, 1861.
Borne. James, enlisted June 25, 1861.
Towers, E. J., enlisted June 24, 1861.

Company H.

Privates.
Yates. William E., enlisted May 25, 1861.
Law, Thomas J., enlisted May 28, 1861.
Lowers, Calvin G.. enlisted August 12, 1861.

Company I.

Private.

Workman, James M., enlisted May 25, 1861.

Recruits.
Kelley. Lewis, enlisted June 24, 1861.
Phelps. James M., enlisted June 24. 1861.
Shuflfield. Nelson M., enlisted Tune 26. 1861.
Stead. William H., enlisted February i, 1864.
Wright, William M., enlisted July i, 1864.

Company K.
Lieutenants.
First. John Q, A. Jones, commissioned April 23.
1861; died in service.

Second, Andrew J. Bruner, commissioned April
24. 1861; died in service.

Privates.
Pfifeshcr. Raymond, enlisted May 25, 1861.
Warren. Aaron, enlisted May 25, 1861.

Recruit.
\'andoran. Jacob, enlisted May 28, 1861.

Unassigncd Recruit.

Campbell. William, enlisted February 15, 1864.

EIGHTEENTH INFANTRY.

Company E.

Private.

Hanlan, Thomas, enlisted December 16, 1863.

EIGHTEENTH INFANTRY (REORGANIZED).

Company E.

Musician.

Murphy. John, enlisted February 27, 1865.

Privates.
Mockhart. George, enlisted February 27, 1865
Mooney, Peter, enlisted February 25, 1865.

Company F.
Lieutenant.
First, George Foster, commissioned March 16,
1865: dishonorably dismissed June 29, 1865.-
Sergeant.
McCoy, Michael, enlisted March 5, 1865: deserted
March 2i, 1865.

Corporal.
Campen, William H., enlisted March 8, 1865: de-
serted .March 26, 1865.

Privates.
Buckley, Charles A., enlisted March 10, 1865.
Clumer. Thomas, enlisted .March 9, 1S65.
Collins, Murray, enlisted March 8. 1865
Curtis. George, enlisted March 6. 1865.
Dainise, George W., enlisted March 6, 1865.
Fairlcy, William, enlisted March 8, 1865.
Frank, Nicholas, enlisted ,March 10, 1865.
Morgan, Thomas, enlisted March 8, 1865.
Miles, Michael, enlisted February 27, 1865.
Owen, John, enlisted March 8, 1S65.
Ryan. John, enlisted March 6, 1865.
Riley, John, enlisted March 11, 1865.

Company G,

Privates.
Ryan. \\'illiam. enlisted February 27, 1865.

Co.mpany I.
Dawson. Cornelius, enlisted February 28, 1865.

Privates.
Harper. Thomas, enlisted February 23 1865
King, Lewis M., enlisted February 28, 186s
Miller, James D., enlisted March i, 1865.

TWENTIETH INFANTRY.
Company G.
Drafted and Substitute Recruit.
Turnbull, Esquire, enlisted October 13, 1864.

TWENTY-THIRD INFANTRY.
Company G.
Recruit.
Cronen. Timothy, enlisted June 21, 1862.

TWENTY-FOURTH INFANTRY.

Company A.

Captain.

Alexander J, Kelfalusy, commissioned Tuly i

1862; term expired August 6. 1864.

Company 1',
Lieutenant.
First. Alexander J. Kelfalusy, commissioned June
29. 1861; promoted to captain Company A.

Priz^ate.
Wernick. William, enlisted July 8, i86r.

TWENTY-SEVENTH INFANTRY.

Company D.

Recruit.

Anderson, George W., enlisted September 20
1861. •*

TWENTY-EIGHTH INFANTRY (CONSOL-
IDATED).
Company G.
Lieutenants.
Second. Henry Lewis, commissioned March 21
1S65; dishonorably dismissed, May 2, 1865.

Second, Thomas Henderson, commissioned Au-
gust 23, 1865; promoted.

Sergeant.
First, Thomas Henderson, enlisted March 15,
1865; promoted to second lieutenant.

Corporal.
Canady, William R., enlisted March 8, 1865; as
corporal; mustered out March 8, 1865.

Musician.
Gaylor. John L., enlisted March 8, 1865, as musi-
cian; died at Cairo, April 2, 1S65.

Privates.
Howe, George W., enlisted March 8, 1865.
Corber, Con., enlisted March 14, 1865.
Kelley, Samuel, enlisted March 16, 1865.
Curley^ James, enlisted iMarcli 11, 1865.
Lewis, Henry, enlisted March 14, 1865.
Lewis, Robert, enlisted March 14, 1865.
Mulligan, Thomas S., enlisted March 14. 1865.
Morrissey, Michael, enlisted March 14, 1865.
Norton, Charles, enlisted Jlarch 14, 1865.
Price, David A., enlisted March 8, 1865.
Sherer, Hurdy Hill, enlisted March 11, 1865.
Thompson, Abram IJ., enlisted March 14, 1865.
Wise, David B., enlisted March 8, 1865.

TWENTY-NINTH INFANTRY.
Company E.
Recruit,
Jones. Martin L., enlisted August 31, 1864.
Company K.
Sergeant.
William R. Brown, enlisted August 24. 1861; mus-
tered out .August 28, 1864; term expired.

Private.
Garner. George W., enlisted August 24. 1861;
mustered out August 28, 1864; term expired.

220

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

Veterans.
Davis, Thomas \V.. enlisted January i. 1864.
Farris, Christopher, enlisted January i, 1864.
Grover, Isaiah, enlisted January i, 1864.
Huston, Gilbra, enlisted January i, 1864.
Hedgar, Job, enlisted January i, 1864.
Markwell, Abner S., enlisted January i. 1864.
Wilkins, William T., enlisted January i, 1864.

Recruits.
Davis, William, enlisted August i5t 1864.
Kurst, Thomas K., enlisted August 15, 1864.
Igo, Daniel, enlisted August 15. 1864.
Tones. Samuel S., enlisted August 15. 1864.
"Markwell, Georpe \V.. enlisted August 15. 1864.

Company I.
Hamer, Henry, enlisted August 11, 1861.

THIRTY-FIRST INFANT.RV.

Company A.
Drafted and Substitute Recruits.
Andrews, William, enlisted September 27, 1864.
Andrews. W. H., enlisted September 27, 1864.
McCurdy. John, enlisted September 27, 1864.
Lair, George H., enlisted September 27. 1864.
McKinnon. J., enlisted December 15, 1864.
Savage. William C, enlisted September 27, 1864.
Slygh, Charles C, enlisted September 29, 1864.
Soaper, Tohn, enlisted September 27, 1864.
Wheeler," John, enlisted September 27, 1864.
Ward. Roswell, enlisted September 27, 1864.

Company B.

Drafted and Substitute Recruit.
Mills, Robert E., enlisted October 13, 1864.

Company D.

Drafted and Substitute Recruits.

Taylor, Isaac D., enlisted September 27, 1864.

Watson, William, enlisted September 13, 1864.

Company G.
Drafted and Substitute Recruit.
Xreft, Frederick, enlisted October 19, 1864.
Company H.
Drafted and Substitute Recruit.
Noble, Enoch, enlisted September 27, 1864.
Company I.
Privates.
Martin, Isaac, enlisted August 15. 1861.
Sheen. Patrick, enlisted August 15, 1861.
Winkey, John S., enlisted August 15, 1861.

THIRTY-SECOND INFANTRY.

Company A.
Drafted and Substitute Recruit.
Wilson, Finley T., enlisted September 27, 1864.
Company G.
Drafted and Substitute Recruit.
Patterson, William, enlisted September 26, 1861.
Company I.
Lieutenant.
Second, Hiram R. Walgamot, commissioned April
25, 1865; mustered out September 16, 1865.

Sergeant.
Hiram R. Walgamot, enlisted November 7, 1861,
as sergeant ; reenlisted as veteran.

Corporals.

David M. Cawser. enlisted November 5, 1861, as
corporal; reenlisted as veteran.

Miles R. Goodwin, enlisted November 7, 1861;
discharged April 28, 1862; disability.

William Whitlow, enlisted December 17, 1861, as
corporal; reenlisted as veteran.

Privates.
Buck. Abram, enlisted November 5. 1861.
Crackel, James, enlisted October 2. 1861.
Compton. Thomas, enlisted November i, i86i.
Diselms. Washington, enlisted November 5. 1861.
Fuller, William, enlisted November 5, 186 1.

Fuller, Samuel, enlisted November 5, 1861.
Fuller, John, enlisted November 5, 1861.
Fuller. Nathan, enlisted November 28, 1861.
Gold, Thomas, enlisted October 16. 1861.
Jones, George, enlisted November 30, 1861.

Veterans.
Krisher, John, enlisted January 2, 1864.
Peters, Samuel L., enlisted January 2, 1864.
Wliitlow, William, enlisted June 2, 1864.

Drafted and Substitute Recruits.
Buck. Miller H., enlisted October 26, 1864.
Blue, James W., enlisted September 27, 1864.
Boher. Joseph, enlisted September 27, 1864.
Juller, Isaac, enlisted September 2O, 1864,
James, Jesse, enlisted .September 26, 1864.
Pyle, George, enlisted September 26, 1865.
Preston, Samuel, enlisted September 26, 1864,
Walter, James, enlisted September 27, 1864.

Company K.
Drafted and Substitute Recruits.
\'inson, Ira, enlisted September 27, 1864.
Baker, Joseph, enlisted September 27, 1864.
Craig. John, enlisted September 27, 1864.
Hamline, W'ade H., enlisted September 27, 1864.

Unassigned and Substitute Recruit.
Scholler, Jacob, enlisted November 15, 1864.
TIIIRTV-THIRD INFANTRY.
Musician.
Winter or Minor, C. A., enlisted August 15,
1861; mustered out August 15, 1862.

Company B.
Musician.
Packer, William K., enlisted August 20, 186 1 ;
died Ironton, Missouri, November 27, 1861.

Priz'ates.
Ingraham, Edward A., enlisted August 20, 186 1.
Mayo, William J. R., enlisted August 20, 1S61.
Robinson, Martin B., enlisted August 20, 1861.

Veteran.
Morgan, Sidney O., enlisted March 29, 1864.

Recruit.

Chase, Edward D., enlisted August 13. 1862.

Company D.

Recruit.
Leary, Richard, enlisted January 28. 1S65.

Unassigned Recruits.
Corley, James, enlisted March 3, 1865.
Davis, Charles P., enlisted February 25, 1865.
Johnson, David, enlisted March 3, 1865.
Keenan, William, enlisted March 3, 1865.
McLeod. Murdock. enlisted February 25, 1865.
McCarthy, Timothy, enlisted March 2, 1865.
McCarthy, Lawrence, enlisted March 3, 1865.
McKnight, Henry, enlisted March 3, 1865.
Stewart, Alexander, enlisted February 25, 1865.
Simms, Michael, enlisted March 3, 1865.
White, John, enlisted March 3, 1S65.
Dolan, Juhn, enlisted March 3. 1865.
Dalton, James, enlisted March 3, 1S65.

THIRTY-FOURTH INFANTRY.
Company C.
Recruits transferred from Eighty-sixth Infantry.
Hindbaugh. Philip, enlisted January 4, 1864.
Sanderen, Charles, enlisted January 2, 1864.

Company E.
Drafted and Substitute Recruit.
LeGrass, George, enlisted March 25, 1864.

Company F.
Recruits transferred from Eighty-si-vth Infantry.
Gladfetter, Albert, enlisted February i, 1864.
Hughes, William, enlisted February i, 1864.
Harris, Joseph 1).. enlisted January 23, 1865.
Lvncli, James A., enlisted January 23. 1865.
Nail. William, enlisted January 21, 1864.

Drafted and Substitute Recruit.
Bane, Matthew, enlisted March 4, 1865.

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

221

Company G.
Recruits Transferred from Eighty-sixth Infantry.

Frank. Henry, enlisted December 29. 1863.

Holtmeyer, Joseph W., enlisted December 17,
1863.

Preston. Tohn R., enlisted December 29. 1863.

Preston, David, enlisted Deceinber 22, 1863.

Company I.
Recruits transferred from Eighty-sixth Infantry.
Green. Andrew S., enlisted December 21, 1864.
Glasford, John, enlisted December 28, 1S64.
Glasford, George, enlisted December 28, 1864.
Kelley, Nelson, enlisted February 21. 1865.
Petty. Ezekiel. enlisted December 28. 1864.
Petty. John R., enlisted December 28. 1864.
Sayler. William C. enlisted January 25. 1864.

Company K.

Transferred from Eighty-sixth Infantry.
Reardon. Charles, enlisted March 25, 1865.
Anderson, Joseph, enlisted January 30. 1865.
Unassigned, Drafted and Substitute Recruits.
Farrell. John, enlis^ted Marcli 21, 1865.
Flynam. Thomas, enlisted March 21, 1865.

THIRTY-FIFTH INFANTRY.
Company B.
Corporal.
Bradley. Seymour W.. enlisted July 3. 1861, as
corporal: mustered out September 27, 1864. as pri-
vate.

THIRTY-SIXTH INFANTRY.
Company A.

Drafted and Substitute Recruit.
Wilder, George F., enlisted September 26. 1864.
Company R.
Veteran.
McGee, Joseph, enlisted January i, 1864.
Company C.
Drafted and Substitute Recruits.
Kepsah, Michael, enlisted October 11. 1864.
Roleum, Julius, enlisted October 17, 1864.

Company D.
Drafted and Substitute Recruits.
Nolan, Thomas, enlisted September 27, 1864.
Laison. William, enlisted October 12, 1864.

Company I.
Drafted and Substitute Recruits.
Miller. Joseph, enlisted October 11. 1864.
Strange. Henry, enlisted October 11. 1864.

Unassigned Recruits.
Williams. William S., enlisted February 28. 1864.
Benton, Charles, enlisted February 28, 1864.

THTRTY-ETGHTH INFANTRY.
Company A.
Priz'ates.
Ennis, John, enlisted July is. 1861.
Howey. Thomas, enlisted Tuiy 15. 1861.
Rollins. Gilbert, enlisted July 15, 1861.
Sheehan. Thomas, enlisted July 15, 1861.

THIRTY-NTNTTI INFANTRY.

Company G.

Privates.

Borchers, Hermanus, enlisted August 30, 1861.

Klumpp. William, enlisted August 30, 186 1.

Klumpp, Jacob, enlisted September 4, 1861.

FORTY-SFXOND INFANTRY.

Company A.

Prixate.

Carter. James W., enlisted August 21. i86t.

Company C.

Drafted and Substitute Recruit.

Bune. John, enlisted October 13, 1864.

Company F,.
Swan. William, enlisted January i. 1864.

Company 1'.
Private.
Cook, James H., enlisted July 29. i86i.
Drafted and Substitute Recruit.
Riteman. William H., enlisted September 27, 1864.
Company II.
Drafted and Substitute Recruit.
Caswell, Chester B., enlisted September 27, 18 — .
Company I.
Priz'ates.
Thilieg. Christian F., enlisted January i. 1864.
Bennett. William H., enlisted August 15. 1861.

FORTY-THIRD INFANTRY.

Company D,

Drafted and Substitute Recruit.

Clausen, Hein G., enlisted September 26, 1864.

Company G.

Woolcnmann. John, enlisted September r, 1861.

Company H.

Drafted and Substitute Recruit.

I-'auI, John, enlisted September 26. 1864.

FORTY-THIRD INFANTRY (CONSOLIDATED).

Company K.

Prizate.

Carroll, Timothy, enlisted March 30.

FORTYFOURTH INFANTRY.
Company A.

Privates.
Schrader, Charles, enlisted July i 1861
Wirtb. Frederick, died at Rolla, Missouri. Decem-
ber 21. iR6r.

Birieinbacb, John, enlisted July i, 1861.
Company E.
Captain.
Ernest Moldenhawer, commissioned February 6
1862; died of wounds, January 16. 1863.

Lieutenants.

First. Ernest Moldenhawer, commissioned Decem-
ber 27, 1861; promoted.

Second. Ernest Moldenhawer, commissioned Au-
gust 14, 1861; promoted.

Private.
Nicbaus, Franz, enlisted September i. 1861.
Company K.
Lieutenant.
Second. William Gebhardt. commissioned August
14. 1861; resigned January 16. 1862.

Corporal.
Henrich Wilz, enlisted September i, 1861; ser-
geant, transferred to Invalid Corps.

Prii'ates.
Buchrig. Christian C.

Degermeyer. George, enlisted September i, 1861.
Haager, Julius, died February i, 1863.
Heinz. Philip, enlisted September i. 1861.
Hiscb, Fred W., enlisted September i, 1861.
Meder, August, enlisted September i, i86r.
Meyer. Christian, enlisted September i, 1861.
Romann. Peter, enlisted September i. 1861,
Yogel, Lewis, enlisted September i, 1861.
Weth, Frederick, enlisted July i, 1861.

Veterans.
Bohmann. Peter, enlisted September i, 1864.
Duermeyer, George, enlisted January i, 1864.
Kennel, Andreas, enlisted January i, 1864.
Klassert. William, enlisted January i, 1864.

Recruits.
Albers. Henry, enlisted March 30. i860.
Buchler. Johannus.
Berge. Burkhad.
Denzel, Lewis.
Essig, George.

222

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

Sclimult, Carl.
Steiihen, Juseph.

Itf-fbergTMax, enlisted January .9, .864.
FORTY-FIFTH INFANTRY.
Company B.
Private.
Dresser, Charles W.. enlisted October 2, 1861.
FORTY-SIXTH INFANTRY.
Company I.
Rccmils transferred from Eleventh Illinois Infantry.
Hunter, John D., enlisted October 7. '»(>*■
HuSer,' George, enlisted October 7, .864.
Mauel, Frank, enlisted October 12, ;864.
Vickery, Chester, enlisted October i^ 1864.
Clay, Charles H., enlisted March 4. 1S64.

FORTY-SEVENTH INFANTRY.
The Forty-seventh Illinois Infantry Volunteers
was first organized and mustered nUo the service
of the Un°ted States at Peoria, Hlinots, on the i6th

'leptembTt3,"'s6., the regiment moved by rail
from Peoria to St. Louis. Missouri, going into
quarters at Benton Barracks, near the cty, where
?t "as clothed and armed complete; reman ed m
Benton Barracks, undergoing a thorough drilling
daiW until the 9th dav of October, when it moved
b? ^raU o Jefferson City, Missouri where it re-

^■sr^::^r.au'i\'!^t^i"^^s:

S'j^-'?^r%r'^8L:'^^^"L=

St Charles, where it arrived hebruary iS. crosseo
the river at St. Charles and moved by rail to St
Touis where it embarked on the steamer W,ar
Fagle and moved down the river, arriving at Cairo

'"'FebJuary^'^sth it moved back up the river thirty
mifes to Commerce, Missouri, where the "giniem
disembarked and joined Pope's c°mrnand then pre^

?retS[aSri^d ""?a;?hed^ro^ ^Son": °Mlsso?,"rS!
Sarch 2d arriving in front of the enemy's works

^'o^^n'Ihe'ni^M of"urci;':oth, the regiment with
the Eleventh Missouri Infantry marched ten miles
below N?w Madrid, taking with 'h-:™, ^''^""^^^
U^ht artillery to Point Pleasant, blockading the
dfer and cut=;,ng off the enemy's convmunication^ by
river below New Madrid and Island No. 10 Here

swamp, with continual heavy rains, until the 7tn
■^'Th"/ enemv hav'ing evacuated New Madrid on

and on the Qth were paid four months' pay by
''^cjn%hr moving of April 10th tbe regiment em-
Sed^ °w!lth^°?h^ i;;:mf rw:n^t'he\P;ern^ea?ly 0
Fort PiUow returning'on the morning of the nth

took on coal, and on the nigni 01 inc „ •„ „
up the Tennessee river, arriving a H^"""",
landing. Tennessee, on the ■"o^""'/ rWer

Corinth, ."portion of the way it had to constru t

|fi:^Mn^-^ar^s-'c^-r2Sth^°M>°5

forces as far as Bonnesville, Mississippi, returning
,0 Camp Clear Creek, six miles ^o"'h of Corinth
June li, 1862, where, m a few days, tl'= /58'
ment received two months' pay from Major t-t""g.
On the 3d of July the regiment marched to
Rienzi Mississippi, remaining there until August
fs, on which day Colonel John Bryner <ook leave
of the regiment, his resignation having been ac-
cepted on account of poor hf "^, '''V.?"^' ^^
broke Camp Rienzi and marched to l^scumb a
Alabama, rejoining the brigade °" '^e road a riv
ing there August 22d, and on the ^4'h receivea
two months' pay from M^JO--^ H<nnpstead

Marched from Tuscumbia September 8th and ar
rived at Camp Clear Creek, . September i4th^ 1-eft
Clear Creek on the morning of the i»tn anu
marched "ward luka. Mississippi ; P-t.c.pated m
the battle of luka on the ■ 9th, where the a^my
under General Rosecrans defeated the ^^%'"l^.
forces under General Sterling Price. In tins en
gageraent Major John Cromwell was taken P"S°>;f •
fXwei iheVetreating army of 'he eneniy one day

^S^r0^tXrai^d'^o^k",rj:'t in"lhrb^tre"o?Vc^

iflffi^ ^ t!norid cl^^Sf
Thruii was killed while bravely leading his om-
S^.;? £ ^:;ri:illed^^^t;;iai^^H^rnSn Ji^rews

"Tfter.l^s"™;tgrenf he regiment accomp^^^^^^
"SiThf U.h"'of%c''to!,er the regiment, returned

J"i'aCr;y''8rrrchJd™om^a;a;i^>nction by w.y
-Ei^7^'Sr'T^e;nSef^f:"t|^3

^■^^f°^'iSr;^e=^Se^£

Ss E^iECl I ?3

reposing in water at nighty ^^^^^^^ ;„

On the 2d of May t lie g Mississippi

the army d.°"" .,"^^^, ''g'l„d Gulf, and with the
'Al'- ,TtZ, Corll Then commanded by General

On .the morning "f^^^^, '^^'^^^.^^.i^Then' command-
leaving .the city Colonel Lromwe ,,^^„t of
ng regiment, rode bacK to sec ,,, _„„!„., ..-ere

The, regimen, participated " the ha.^e
;riui:<rtd^iVte'a"mUer wounded. Durm^
"le siege of Vicksburg Major .John a McUure
received a severe wound^ On the 4U1 o ^^^

regiment participated "' t^ tne or g
mind of C.eneral Josepl_^ A. Mower^.^_m ^. .^^^^ _

of a force of the ft^e^y.-.^^^^ near the Yazoo

,i,sippi, thirty -'f /;,7„Vt'ickIburg.^during the
"' ,h= of \ugust September and October, the
rg?ment Encamped at Be'ar Creek, twenty miles east

°S;',''',he'' middle of November. 1S63 the regiment
In the 'rt;2°'%.' ,3 Memph s. Tennessee, and
moved up the iiver to ."ci"i . g^j ng the

from thence to Lagrange. Tennessee.^g^ ^^g

?i'o7''orthr'time" hoover', was occupied scouting

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

223

after the rebel General Forrest's command. On
the 26th of January, 1864, left Lagrange and ar-
rived at Memphis, January ^Sth. February 1st
embarked on board steamer for Vicksburg. where
it arrived February 3d and went into camp at Black
River Bridge, twelve miles from Vicksburg. Feb-
ruary 23d marched to Canton. Mississippi; returned
to Black River, March 3d and to Vicksburg. March
7th, where it embarked on the 10th on board steamer
Mars for the Red River Expedition ; was present
at the capture of Fort DeRussey, Louisiana, March
14th.

Participated in the battle of Pleasant Hill. Louisi-
ana, April 9, 1864. During this expedition the
regiment was under fire several times and suffered
many very severe hardships. On the 22d of Alay
the regiment arrived, with General Sjiiith's com-
mand, at Vicksburp, having been for three months
engaged in as tedious and fatiguing a campaign
as has ever fallen to the lot of any army to undergo.
June 5th the regiment embarked for >Iemphis;
moved up the river to Lake Chicot, di=:embarked.
moved inland and came in contact with a force
of the enemy under General Marmaduke. who was
defeated and completely routed. Regiment lost in
this engagement eleven men killed and quite a
number wounded. Major Miles received almost
a fatal shot in the neck and Captain Biser was
killed. The regiment then proceeded to Memphis
and accompanied General A. J. Smith to Tupelo,
Mississippi, with the exception of ten men who
had reenlisted. numbering about one hundred, who
left the regiment in Moscow, Tennessee, and went
to Illinois on veteran furlough.

The veterans returned to the regiment on the
8th of August and with the regiment accompanied
General A. J. Smith's expedition to Oxford, Mis-
sissippi; returned to Memphis, August 27, 1864.
The original term of service of the regiment hav-
ing expired, it was ordered to Springfield. Illinois,
where it was finally discharged October 1 1. 1864.
The veterans and recruits of the regiment number-
ing 196 men left Memphis, September 2, 1864, un-
der command of Lieutenants Edward Rouham and
Royal Olmstead. accompanying General Mower's ex-
pedition up White river, to Brownsville. Arkansas,
and from there marched north into Missouri after
the rebel General Price's army, which was raiding
in that state. Arrived at Cape Girardeau, Missouri,
October 4th. and took steamer for Jefferson City,
October 6th, arriving at Jefferson City on the
15th: thence moved by rail to Otterville; thence
marched to Warren sburg, where it arrived October
26th; left Warrensburg by rail for St. Louis. No-
vember 2d; arrived at St. Louis on the 4th. From
St. Louis the veteran detachment was ordered to
Chicago. Illinois. November gth, 1S64. to assist
in quelling any riot, should tliere he any on the
day of election. Their services not being required,
they were ordered to report to the superintendent
of recruiting service at Springfield. Illitiois. and
were stationed at Camp Butler, where, on the 28th
of November, it received 200 drafted men and a
battalion of four full companies was organized and
Lieutenant Bouham commissioned as maior. and
Lieutenant Olmstead commissioned as captain of
Company A. December 3d the command was or-
dered to the field, reporting by way of St. Louis
to General Rosecrans. At St. Louis the order was
modified and its destination changed to Louisville.
Kentucky; from here it was ordered to Bowling
Green. Kentucky, where it remained till January
27, i86s, when it moved by rail to Nashville, thence
down the Cumberland and up the Tennessee river
to Eastport. Mississippi, where it rejoined its old
brigade — Second Brigade. First Division. Sixteenth
Army Corps — accompanying it to New Orleans,
thence to Mobile Bay, taking part in the reduction of
Spanish Fort. While laying in front of Spanish
Fort, six additional companies arrived from Spring-
field. Illinois, making the organization once more
complete. After the fall of ^^obile the regiment
marched with the Sixteenth Corps to Montgomery,
Alabama, where it arrived April 25, iS^s- I^c-
cember 31, 1865, the regiment was stationed at
Selma. Alabama. Mustered out January 21. 1866,
at Selma and ordered to Springfield, Illinois, where
it received final pay and discharge.

Colonels.
John Bryner, commissioned July 27, 1861: re-
signed September 2, 1862.

William A. Thrush, commissioned September 2,

1862; killed in battle before Corinth, October 3,
1862.

John N. Cromwell, commissioned October 3, 1862;
killed in battle at Jackson, Mississippi, May j6, 1863.

John D. McCIure. commissioned May 16, 1863;
term expired October 1 1, 1S64.

Lieutenant Colonel.
William A. Thrush, commissioned May 9, 1862;
promoted.

Majors.

William A. Thrush, commissioned August 25,
1861; promoted.

John N. Cromwell, commissioned May 9, 1862;
piomoted.

John D. McClure. commissioned October 31,
1S62; promoted colonel.

Adjutant.
Rush W'. Chambers, commissioned August 24,
186 1 ; promoted major.

Quartermaster.
Samuel A. A. Law, commissioned August 8, 1863;
term expired 1864.

Surgeons.

George L. Lucas, commissioned August 14, 1861 ;
term expired September 19, 1864.

First Assistant, Timothy Babb, commissioned Au-
gust 14. 1861; resigned August J3, 1863.

Chaplain.
Jeremiah Hazen, commissioned September 20,
1861 ; resigned November i, 1862.

Sergeant Major.
W^illiam E. Kuhn, enlisted August 20, 1861 ; pro-
moted second lieutenant Company F.

Quartermaster Sergeant.
Edward E. Tobey. enlisted September 8, 1861, pro-
moted second lieutenant Company G.

Principal Musicians.

James D. Wonden, enlisted August 14, 1861; dis-
charged August 25. 1862; disability.

Henry C. Pierce, enlisted August 14. 1861; dis-
charged April 18, 1863.

Company A.
Captains.
John N. Cromwell, commissioned August 25.
1861 ; promoted major.

Converse Southard, commissioned May 9, 1862;
resigned October 29. 1S62.

John T. Bo wen, commissioned October 29, 1S62;
term expired October 1 1, 1864.

Lieutenants.

First. Converse Southard, commissioned August
25. 1861; promoted.

First. John T. Bow'en, commissioned June 17,
1862; promoted.

First. William W. Poole, commissioned October
29, 1862; term expired October 11, 1864.

Second. John T. Bo wen, commissioned May 9,
1862; promoted.

Sergeant.

First. John T. Bowen. enlisted August 16, 1861 ;
promoted second lieutenant.

Corporals.

Jacob J. Crook, enlisted August 16, 1861; mus-
tered out October 1 1. 1864, as private; reduced
at his own request.

James Parr, enlisted August 16, 1861; mustered
out October 11, 1864, as private; reduced at his
own request.

William W. Poole, enlisted August 16, 1861;
promoted first lieutenant.

Simpson Logan, enlisted September 20, 1861;
mustered out October 11, 1864.

Privates.
Blair, Alexander, enlisted August 16, 1861.

Burgland, Frederick, enlisted August 16, 1861.
Batchor, Neal. enlisted August 16, 1861.
Crank, Charles R., enlisted August 16, 1861.
Cole, Samuel W., enlisted August 16, 1861.
Button, Isaac, enlisted August 16, 1861.

224

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

Ewing, John W. N., enlisted August i6, 1861.
Green, Edward A., enlisted August 16. 1861.
Green, Tohn W., enlisted August 16, 1861.
Grume. "Charles A., enlisted August 16, 1861.
Hills, Horace, enlisted August 16, 1861.
Hart, James, enlisted August 16, 1861.
Huston, Robert E.. enlisted August 15, 1861,
Ready, Thomas, enlisted August 16, 1861.
Lowe, Hiram, enlisted August 16, 1861.
Logan, George, enlisted August 16, 1861.
McFarland, John, enlisted August 16, 1861.
Mcintosh, John, enlisted August 16, 1861.
Murray, Daniel, enlisted August 16, 1861.
Odell, Leroy E., enlisted August 16, 1861.
Patton, William, enlisted August 16, 1861.
Phillips. Erancis M., enlisted August 16, 1861.
Proctor. Harry F., enlisted August 16, 1861.
Robinson, George, enlisted August 16, 1861.
Rice. Elisha. enlisted .Vugust 16. 1861.
Susdorf. Charles, enlisted August 16, 1861.
Smith. Henry, enlisted August 16, 1861.
Stevens, Cha'rles, enlisted August 16, 1861.
Toland. George W.. enlisted August 16, 1861.
Waston, Wiltz, enlisted August 16, 1861.
W'endle, John R., enlisted August 16, 1861.
Wilson, tohn G., enlisted August 16, 1861.
Wilson, John W., enlisted August 16. 1861.
Wilkison. Phineas R.. enlisted August 16, 1861.
Recruits.

Bonsbaugh, Charles G., enlisted September 18,
1861.

Clifton, David, enlisted February 29, 1864.
Cleary, Tohn. enlisted November 30, 1863.
Dellingham, Tohn D., enlisted August 14, 1862.
Dutton, William H.. enlisted August 14, 1862.
Harvev. Tames T.. enlisted August 13. 1862.
Harvey, Thomas Y., enlisted August 13, 1862.
Longshore, John D., enlisted August 14. 1862.
Longshore. Aaron, enlisted August 14. 1862.
Meyer. William, enlisted August 14, 1862.
Reed. Bcniamin. enlisted August 13. 1862.
Wheeler. Tohn W.. enlisted January 4. 1864.
Young. Calvin, enlisted January 4. 1864.
Young. Tames, enlisted February 26. 1864.
Young. Andrew, enlisted August 14, 1862.
Yates, Tohn M., enlisted August 13. 1S62.
Yates. William, enlisted August 13. 1862.

Company C.
Captains.
John D. McClure. commissioned August 25. 1861;
promoted major.

George Broad, commissioned August 31. 1862;
term expired October 11, 1864.

Lieufenatrts.

First. George Broad, commissioned June 17, 1862;
promoted.

First, Samuel A. A. Law, commissioned August
31, 1862; promoted quartermaster.

First, Christopher C. Gilbert, commissioned De-
cember 14, 1863: term expired October 11, 1864.

Second, George Broad, commissioned August 25.
j86i: promoted.

Second, Samuel A. A. Law, commissioned June
17. 1862: promoted.

Second, Christopher C. Gilbert, commissioned Au-
gust 31, 1862: promoted.

Sergeants.

First, Samuel A. A. Law. enlisted .\ugust 18.
1861: promoted second lieutenant.

Israel Howell, enlisted August 18, 1861; dis-
charged May 7, 1862; disability.

Dexter M. Camp, enlisted August 18, 1861; mus-
tered out October II, 1864.

James W. .\rmour. enlisted August 18, 1861:
deserted March 11, 1863.

Corporals.

Thomas Swan, enlisted August 18, 1861 ; mus-
tered out October 11. 1864.

Benjamin J. Gates, enlisted August 18, 1861;
mustered out October 11, 1S64.

Christopher Gilbert, enlisted August 18, 1861;
promoted second lieutenant.

Addison F. Slatin, enlisted August 18, 1861;
deserted September 19, 1862.

William Wanser, enlisted August 18, 1861; mus-
tered out October 11. 1864, as private.

John Balfour, enlisted August 18, 1861; mustered
out August 24, 1864.

Lewis M. Cady. enlisted August 18, 1861; sup-
posed to be captured August 11. 1864.

IVagoner.
Isaac J. Pratt, enlisted August 18, 1861: died at
Memphis, September 10, 1864.

Prii'atcs.
Anten, James, enlisted August 18, 1861.
Booth, Henry A., enlisted August 18. 1861.
Brittingham. William H.. enlisted August 18, 1861.
Baldwin. Albert H., enlisted August 18, 1861.
Center, Lemuel L.. enlisted August 18, 1861,
Clough, Cassius M., enlisted August 18, 1861.
Conley. James, enlisted August 18, 1861.
Crawford, John E., enlisted August 18, 1861.
DeGrummond. John J., enlisted August 18, 1861.
Davison. Tohn. enlisted August 18. 1861.
Farris. John S.. enlisted August 18. 1861.
Gilbert. 'Charles W.. enlisted August 18, 1861.
Hathaway. George H., enlisted August 18, 1861.
Himes. Charles H., enlisted August 18, 1861.
Hartz. Tohn H.. enlisted August 18. 1861.
Harper.' Oliver P.. enlisted August 18, 1861.
Hackenburg, William H., enlisted August 18,
1861.

Kelley, Stephen, enlisted August 18, 1861.
Lapham, Aaron M., enlisted August 18, 1861.
McCoy, Daniel, enlisted August 18. 1861.
McRil'l. Thomas, enlisted August 18, 1861.
Mason. Isaac F., enlisted August iS. 1861.
Mendall. Ira L.. enlisted .August 18, 1861.
Orton. Augustus L.. enlisted August 18. 1861.
Patterson, Caster, enlisted August 18. 1861.
Pohlman. Tohn H., enlisted August 18, 1861.
Randall, Peter, enlisted August 18, 1861.
Stewart, Collins P... enlisted August 18, 1861.
Vancamp, Isaac, enlisted ,\ugust 18, 1861.
Wickersham. Hiram O., enlisted August 18, 1861.
Wheeler. Joseph, enlisted August 18, 1861.

Veterans.
Baldwin, Albert H., enlisted February 22, 1864,
Anten, James B., enlisted February 22, 1864.

Recruits.
Blanchard. Ira W., enlisted September 20 1861.
Burdett. Robert T.. enlisted August 4, ,1862.
Cavanaugh. Tames, enlisted December 8. 1863.
Ford Swell G., enlisted August 20. 1862.
Freeman. Charles H., enlisted September 14, 1861.
Hayes, Morris, enlisted August 25, 1862.
Johnson, Augustus, enlisted August 25. 1861.
'Kellogg. Philander, enlisted September 20. 1861.
Murray. Daniel, enlisted September 6. 1861.
Swimm. Peter, enlisted September 6. 1861.

Company D.
Privates.
Boyee. Artemus, enlisted August 16, 1861.
Dickerson, Jonathan, enlisted August 16, 1861.
Green. Tose'ph D., enlisted August 16. 1861.
Merrill. 'James G., enlisted August 16. 1861.

Veterans.
Green. Joseph D., enlisted February 19. 1864.
Boyce. 'Artemus. enlisted February 19. 1864.

Recruits.

Murray. Tames, enlisted.

Smith. John, enlisted January iS. 1864.

Company E.
Captain.
Samuel R. Baker, commissioned August 25, 1861;
promoted to lieutenant colonel.

Company F.
Captains.
Lyman W. Clark, commissioned August 25, 1861;
resigned December 27. 1861.

Theodore M. Lowe, commissioned December 28,
1861: resigned April 12. 1863.

George W. Carter, commissioned April 12, 1863;
resigned August 21, 1863,

Lieutenants,
First. Theodore M. Lowe, commissioned August

21. 1861: promoted.

Second. George H. Carter, commissioned October

22, 1862: promoted.

L. "■■■J

V ^

«-*

■ ■ ■

"ssg/lP ^HH

\ V i ^

■,!.

i li

% 4

^ 11

#i- ^^

THE LAST OF l'Kn|;iA (orNTVS MKXK A\ WAi; sri;\'l\i n;s. I'.idi;

CAPTAIX COUt'HS (o:MrANV THE XIGHT BEFUKK (.iilNi. In llll.
SPANISH AMKHirAX WAR

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

225

Sergeants,

First, George H. Carter, enlisted August i8, i86i-
promoted second lieutenan*.

William C. Gonclier, enlisted August 21, i86i-
discharged December 8, 1862; disability.

Patrick Curran, enlisted August 21, 1861; mus-
tered out August II, 1864. as private.

Moody W. Lowe, enlisted August 21, i86i- dis-
charged October 24, 1862; disability.

Corporals.

Henry Swartwood. enlisted August 21, i86i; mus-
tered out October 11, 1864, as sergeant.

John Noonan, enlisted August 21, 186 1; mustered
out October 11, 1864.

James Swartwood, enlisted August 21, 1861; dis-
charged December 17, 1861; disability.

Musicians.

John Joyce, enlisted August 21, 1861; discharged
November 21, 1862; disability.

Edward Fisher, enlisted August 21, 1861; dis-
charged April 9, 1862; disability.

Privates.

Bulaw, Patrick F., enlisted August 21, 1861.

Burns, Nicholas, enlisted August 21, 1861,
Bair, David, enlisted August 21, 1861.

Bogan, John, enlisted August 21, i86i.

Cunningham, James, enlisted August 21, 1861.

Carnick, Joseph H., enlisted August 21, 1861.

Conely, Francis, enlisted August 21, 1861.

Cochran, Joseph, enlisted August 21, 1861.

Collerige, Job, enlisted August 21, 1861.

Carrey, Larius, enlisted August 21, 1861.

Dempsey, Frank, enlisted August 21, 1861.

Donnely, Patrick, enlisted August 21, i§6i.

Dagan, John, enlisted August 21, 1861.

Dennegan, James, enlisted August 21, 1861.

Ewing, Noah JVI., enlisted August 21, 1861.

Gaffney, James, enlisted August 21, 1861.

Galvin, Patrick, enlisted August 21, 18C1.

Hollihan, Dennis, .•\ugust 21, 1861.

Hawkins, William, enlisted August 21, 1861.

Huffman, Charles, enlisted August 21, 1861.

Hampton, George S.. enlisted ."Vugust 21, 1861.

Kelley. William, enlisted August 21, 1861.

Kyle, John, enlisted August 21, 1861.

Leisenburge, John, enlisted August 21, 1861.

McLaughlin, Peter J., enlisted August 21, 1861.

Lonsdale. Ellis, enlisted August 21, 1861.
Merrick. Alonzo W., enlisted August 21, ig6i.

Maily, Michael, enlisted August 21, 1861.
McDermott, James, enlisted August 21, 1861.
McCarty. Jeremiah, enlisted August 21, 1861.

Murphy, William, enlisted August 21, 1861.
McDermott, John, enlisted August 21, 1861.
Moreton, Henry, enlisted August 21, 1861.
Morgan, Edward, enlisted August 21, 1861.
Mclntyre. James, enlisted August 21, 1861,
Norton, Henry, enlisted August 21, 1861.
Perry, Peter, enlisted August 21, 1861.
Porter. William, enlisted August 21, 1861.
Powell, John, enlisted August 21, 1861.
Ryan, John, enlisted August 21, i86i.
Ryan. Patrick, enlisted August 21, 1861.
Rether. Joseph, enlisted August 21, 1861.
Swartwood, William, enlisted August 21, 1861.
Sundren. Charles, enlisted August 21, 1861.
Shaw, Owen W., enlisted August 21, 1861.
Snyder, Nicholas, enlisted August 21, 1861.
Smith, John, enlisted .Xugust 21, 1861.
Trernpe. Isaac, enlisted August 21, 1861.
Willis, Jackson, enlisted August 21. 1861.
Walker. Augustus, enlisted August 21. 1861.

Veterans.
Beare, David, enlisted February 22, 1864.
Hampton. George S.. enlisted February 22, 1864.
McLoughlin, Peter J., enlisted February 22, 1864.
Ryan. Patrick, enlisted February 22, 1864.
.Swartwood, W'illiani, enlisted February 22, 1864.

Company G.
Wagoner,
Sturman. William L., enlisted August 16. 1861;
discharged December g, 1862; disability.

Privates.
Alfolder, Samuel, enlisted August 16, 1861.
Bixler. Samuel, enlisted Au&ist 16, 1861.
Bower, Martin, enlisted August 16, i86i.
Vol. 1—15

Baley. Daniel, enlisted .August i6, 1861.
Miller, Robert F., enlisted August 16, 1861.
Maurice, .'\dam. enlisted August 16. 1861.
Putnian. Judson. enlisted August 16, 1861,
Reed, Thomas R., enlisted August 16, 1861.
.Seely, William, enlisted August 16, 1861.
Wilson, liennett, enlisted August 16, 1861.

Recruits.
Byrne, Edward, enlisted August 13, 1862,
Strum, T. JelTerson. enlisted .'\ugust 27, 1861
Stone, Stephen, enlisted September 19, 1861.

Company H.
Sergeants.
Rogers, Eli B., enlisted September i. 1861: dis-
cha_rged October 24, 1862; disability.

Gordon, William, enlisted September i, i86i-
discharged October 10. 1863; disability.

Williams, Charles, died at Ridgway Station, Tulv
24. 1863.

Corporals.

Levi R. Adkinson, enlisted September i, i86i-
died at Rienzi, Mississippi, July 10, 1862.

Samuel Gordon, enlisted September i, 1861 ■
mustered out October 11. 1864.

Wagoner.
Mahlon McGowen, enlisted September 1, i86i-
discharged September 29, 1862; disability.

Privates.
Bailey, John, enlisted September i, 1861.
Bailey, Richard, enlisted September i, 1861.
Dickison. John, enlisted September i, 1861.
Drummond, John P., enlisted September i, 1861.
Dumbelle. William H.. enlisted September i, 1861.
Drum, Patrick, enlisted September i, 1861.
Elson. John, enlisted September I, 1861.
Flemming. Michael, enlisted September 1, 1861.
Fenens, William, enlisted September i, 1861.
Harlan, John, enlisted September i, 186 1.
Harlan. Joseph, enlisted September 1, 1861.
Hall, George, enlisted September i, 1861.
Holeman, Samuel K. P., enlisted September i,
1861.

Hendrick. Joel, enlisted September r. 1861.
Johnson. Nathan, enlisted September i. 1861.
Kingdon. John, enlisted September i, 1861.
Kingdon, Tames, enlisted September i, 1861.
Keough, Thomas, enlisted September i, 1861.
Moore, Bolin L, enlisted September i, 1861.
Mendall. David, enlisted September i, 1861,
Moffitt, Aaron C, enlisted September I, 1861.
O'Connor, James, enlisted September i, 1861.
Phalan. Michael, enlisted September i, 1861.
Sutherland. Jacob, enlisted September i, 1861.
Smith, John, enlisted September i, 1861.
Staples, Silas, enlisted September i, i86r.

I'eterans.
Bailey, John, enlisted February 22, 1864.
Kingdon, John, enlisted February 22, 1864.
Kingdon, James, enlisted February 22, 1864.
Moffitt, Aaron C, enlisted February 22, 1864.

Recruits.
Brown. George, enlisted -August 14, 1862.
Dimon. Jacob, enlisted September 14, 1862.
Hall. Gilbert, mustered out November i. 1864.
Hartley. Daniel, enlisted August g, 1862.
Harlan. Tames I'., enlisted August 2, 1862.
Martin, David A., enlisted August g, 1862.

Company \.
Wagoner.
William D. Bell, enlisted September 4. 1861:
killed at Jefferson City. Missouri, November 6,
1861: run over by a wagon.

Privates.
Behymer. Henry M.. enlisted September 4, 1861.
Cox, Joseph, enlisted September 4, 1861.
Dredgo. John C, enlisted September 4, 1861.
Kershaw, John, enlisted September 4, 1861.
Miller, George M., enlisted September 4, 1861.
Macon. John, enlisted September 4, 1861.
Nelson. Thomas, enlisted .September 4, 1861.
Nicholas, John S., enlisted September 4, 1861.
Pritchard, Thomas, enlisted September 4. 1861.
Rowley, Martin E., enlisted September 4, 1861,

226

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

Upshaw, George \V., Jr.. enlisted September 4.
1861.

Recruits.
Allison. James, enlisted December 28, 1863.
Pratt, Edmun M.
Pratt. Nathan W.
Rogers, Richard.
Ryan, Robert R.

Company K.
Privates.
Armtrout. J. B., enlisted September 6. 1861
Buckley. Tohnson. enlisted September 18 1861.
Boughslow, Charles G., enlisted September 6,

Carter Charles W.. enlisted September 8. 1861.
Jacobs. Henry, enlisted September 25. '^^'^
Hutchinson. Franklin, enlisted September 6.J861.
Locan. Simpson, enlisted September 18, i8&;-
McGregor, Henry B., enlisted September 6. 1861.
Tobey. Edward E.. enlisted September 8. 1861.
Williams. George, enlisted September 19, i8t)i.

FORTY-SEVENTH INFANTRY (CONSOLI-

DATED).

Company A.

Private.

Davison. James, enlisted January 3. 1862.

Recruits.
Davison, Tames, enlisted March 7. 1865.
Sweet. Alfred, enlisted March 16, 1865.
Recruit transferred from One Hundred and Eighth.
Greenville, George, enlisted February 24, 1865.
Company B.
Privates.
Green Gilbert L., enlisted November 16, 1864.
Petty, John W., enlisted November 16. 1864.
Wiar, John, enlisted November 29, 1864.

Recruit.
Green. Hedriik, enlisted January 23. 1865
Recruits transferred from One Hundred and Eighth.
Alldrich. George C. enlisted March 6. 1865.
Bailey, Henry C. enlisted March 6. 1865.
Budley, Tohn, enlisted ^larch 6, 1865.
Guyer. George C. enlisted March 6, 1865.
Fox. Reads, enlisted March 6, 1865.
Hibbs. Eben L., enlisted March 6. 1865.
King, Joseph, enlisted March 6, 1865.
Prior. "Richard, enlisted March 6, 1865.

Company D.

Private.

Burbank, Israel, enlisted September 13, 1864.

Recruit transferred from One Hundred and Eighth.

Trotman, Frank L., enlisted January 23, 1864.

Company E.
Captain.
Thomas Lynch, commissioned March 9, 1865;
mustered out January 21, 1866.

Lieutenants.

First. Dennis Brennan. commissioned March 9,
1865: mustered out January 21, 1866.

Second. William Morrisy. commissioned March 9,
1865; mustered out January 21, 1866.

Privates.
Avery, Frank, enlisted February 24. 1865.
Burningham. John, enlisted February 24. 1865.
Casey. Michael, enlisted February 24, 1865.
Callahan, John, enlisted February 27. 1865.
Dunnivan,* John, enlisted February 20. 1865.
Kelley. Patrick, enlisted February 23. 1,865.
Keefe, James, enlisted February 24, 1865.
Long, Martin, enlisted March i. 1865.
McCarthy, James, enlisted February 27. 1S65
McCormick, Edward, enlisted February 25. 1865.
McManus, Michael, enlisted February 24^ 1865.
McGowan. Thomas, enlisted February 24, 1865.
O'Leary, Thomas, enlisted February 25, 1865.
Powers, Joseph, enlisted February 24. 1865.
Roberts. Daniel, enlisted March i. 1865.
Shelmody, Thomas, enlisted February 24. 1865.
Williams. John, enlisted February 25, 1865.
Zondergani William, enlisted March i, 1865.

Company I.

Privates. -

Couse. Ironie, enlisted March 9, 1865.
Divelbliss, John, enlisted March 7, 1865.
Hutton, Solomon, enlisted March 7, 1865.

Recruit.
Brockett, J. B.. enlisted March 22, 1865.

Company K.
Captain.
John J. Ross, commissioned March 23, 1865; mus-
tered out January 2 1, 1866.

Lieutenants.

First, Andrew P. Gibson, commissioned March
21. 1865; mustered out January 21. 1866.

Second. John Merrill, commissioned March 23,
1865; died of smallpox at Cahawba, Alabama, No-
vember 25. 1865.

Second. Henry Hill, commissioned December 19,
1865; not mustered; mustered out as sergeant Jan-
uary 21, 1866.

Sergeants.

James G. Johnson, enlisted ^March 5, 1865 ; mus-
tered out January 21, 1866.

Albert S. Hoag, enlisted March 14. 1865; mus-
tered out January 21, 1866.

Corporals.

Robert Eaton, enlisted March 3, 1865; mustered
out January 21. 1866, sergeant.

James A. Gilbert; enlisted March 3. 1865 ; mus-
tered out January 21, 1866.

Ethan A. Hartz, enlisted March 3, 1865; mus-
tered out January 21, 1866.

Mortimer D. Hebberd, enlisted March 7, 1865;
mustered out January 3, 1866.

Musicians.

Edward Bartholomew, enlisted March 7, 1865;
mustered out at Mobile^ Alabama.

Edward D. Richardson, enlisted Jtarch 7, 1865;
mustered out January 25, 1866.

Privates.
Blind. Charles, enlisted March 6. 1S65.
Cole. John, enlisted March 3, 1865.
Clay pole. James J., enlisted March 3, 1865.
Crane, George, enlisted March 4, 1865.
Calaway, Jefferson, enlisted March 7, 1865.
Eten. Henry, enlisted March 3, 1865.
Elliott. John, enlisted March 7. 1865.
Green, John H., enlisted March 7, 1865.
Heath, or Hiatt. Nicholas, enlisted March 7, 1865.
Tohnson. Philander, enlisted March 7. 1865.
Kern, Frederick, enlisted March 14, 1865.
Knox. James E., enlisted March 3. 1865.
Lanscha, George, enlisted March 14. 1865.
Moats, Tobias, enlisted March 7, 1865.
McCoy. William, enlisted March 7. 1865.
Nickson. William H.. enlisted March 14. 1865.
Pratt, Stephen, enlisted March 7. 1865.
Short. William, enlisted March 6, 1865.
Sanger, Lewis, enlisted March 3. 1865.
Smith. John, enlisted March 6. 1S65.
Todd, Robert M.. enlisted March 7, 1865.
Watters, John, enlisted March 4. 1865.
Willett, Austin, enlisted March 4, 1865.

Recruits.
Brown, Russell, enlisted ]March 8, 1865.
Bachelder, Leonadus. enlisted March 10, 1865.
McGinnis. Kenweth, enlisted March 21. 1865.
Morrow, Erastus. enlisted March 14, 1865,
McMullen. Samuel, enlisted March 20, 1865.
Moore, Aurora C, enlisted March 20, 1865.
Smith. Jeremiah, enlisted March 10, 1865.
Recruits' transferred from Ninety-fifth Illinois.
Albats, Tohn. enlisted March 8, 1865.
Adams, "George, enlisted March 13, 1865.
Bruen. Tames, enlisted March 10, 1865.
Bon, Seth. enlisted March 31. 1865.
Clark. William E.. enlisted March 21. 1865.
Campbell. Tames, enlisted March 7. 1865.
Davis. Alfred, enlisted March 8. 1865.
Hastings, William, enlisted November 29, 1864.
Hennesey, John, enlisted March 31, 1865.
Murray, Tohn, enlisted March 10. 1865.
McMahan". Michael, enlisted April 3. 1865.
Murphy. John, enlisted April 3. 1865.

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

227

Meyers, Charles, enlisted April 3, 1865.
McGuircs, Peter, enlisted April 7, 1S65.
Maloney, John, enlisted March 31, 1865.
Price, Robert, enlisted April 3, 1865.
Reed, John, enlisted March 8. 1865.
Wilson. David, enlisted March 8, 1865.
Warner, John, enlisted March 31, 1865,
WiUiamson, J., enlisted March 31, 1865.

FORTY-EIGHTH INFANTRY.
Company A.

Drafted and Substitute Recruits.
Crowder. Richard, enlisted September 27. 1864.
McGrail, Anthony, enlisted November 17, 1864.

FORTY-NINTH INFANTRY.
Company B.
Recruit.
Dels, Wesley A., enlisted April 3, 1865.
Company G.
Recruits.
Benthall. Asa W.. enlisted March 22. 1865.
Kelley. Isaac, enlisted jMari:h 20, 1865.
Neal, George W.. enlisted March 20, 1865.
Oglesby, Reuben, enlisted March 17, 1865.
Webb, Richard, enlisted March 22. 1865.

FIFTIETH INFANTRY'.
Company F.

White, John W., enlisted August 18, 1861.

Drafted and Substitute Recruit.
Heighton. Hugh, enlisted December i, 1864.
Company K.

Drafted and Substitute Recruits.
Eirlerman, John H., enlisted December i, 1864.
Furguson, Tames, enlisted December i, 1864.
Plummer, John F., enlisted December 1, 1865.

Unassigned Recruit,
Hager, John, enlisted December i. 1864.
FIFTY-FIRST INFANTRY.
Company A.
Sergeant.
Parker. John R., enlisted October 1, 1861; trans-
ferred to "Signal Corps, January 27, 1864.

Private.
Fox, William, enlisted October 24, 1861.

Recruits.
Green, Thomas, enlisted November 23, 1S61.
Welch, James, enlisted November 1, 1861.

Company F.
Privates.
Brown, George, enlisted July 15. 1862.
Brown, Shadrach, enlisted July 15. 1862.
Keele. Leonard, enlisted July 15, 1862.
Power, Robert, enlisted July 15. 1862.
Sill, John, enlisted July I5i 1862.

Company K.
Raymond, Eugene K., enlisted December 13, 1861.
FIFTY-THIRD INFANTRY.
Non Commissioned Staff.
Hiram A. Hunter, commissioned November 27,
1861.

Musicians.

Roderick F. Stocking, enlisted October 12. 1S61.
William H. Miller.

Company A.

Drafted and Substitute Recruits.
Snow, John, enlisted December 6, 1864.
Smith, Henry, enlisted December 6, 1864.
Shean, James, enlisted December 6, 1864.

Company C.
Drafted and Substitute Recruits.
Harding. Arnet T.. enlisted October 20, 1864.
Kellv. Charles, enlisted December 27. 1864.
Lines. Sylvester, enlisted November 17. 1864.
Rice, Hobert or Robert, enlisted November 17,
1864.

Reeder, Thomas, enlisted December 6, 1864.
Thomas, David, enlisted December 7, 1864.

Company D.

Drafted and Substitute Recruits.
Folley. Adam, enlisted December 7, 1864.
Lindsay, XN'lUiani, enlisted December 5j 1864.
Tuthill, Samuel, enlisted December 7, 1864.

Company E.
Recruits.
Boxwell, Robert, enlisted March 12, 1862.
Box well. Jolni, enlisted March 11, 1862.
Largent, Jolin, enlisted March 12, 1862.

Drafted and Stibstitutc Recruits.
Bruce, Samuel G., enlisted December 5, 1864.
F'olce, Adam, enlisted December 2, 1864.

Company F.

Drafted and Substitute Recruit.
Burth, Jesse S., enlisted November 29, 1864.
Company H.
Privates.
Arbuckle, Abner, enlisted December 29, 1861.
Darvey, Isaiah.
Denvy, William.

Hattield, Abel, enlisted December 7, 1861.
Flaherty. John, enlisted December 29, 1861.
Hunter, Hiram A., enlisted November 2, 1861.
Hitt, Andrew J., enlisted December 27, 186 1.
Holahan, John, enlisted December 29, 1861,
McClanan, William, enlisted December 29, 1861.
Neill, Stewart, enlisted November 7, 1861.
Nelson, John, enlisted December 29, 1861.
Pollard, Patrick, enlisted December 29, 1861.
Thomas, Seymour, enlisted December 29, 1861.

Veteran.
Temple, Thomas, enlisted l-'ebruary 28, 1864.
Recruits.

Reynolds, Abner, enlisted March 12, 1862.
Stocking, Frederick F., enlisted February 3, 1862.
Wilmot, W. F.. enlisted February 14, 1862.
Thompson, Henry, enlisted March lo. 1862.
Thompson, William, enlisted March 10, 1862.

Drafted and Substitute Recruit.
Reese, Alexander, enlisted October 13, 1864.
Company I.
Unassigned, Drafted and Substitute Recruit.
Jaeger, Joseph, enlisted December 8, 1864.
FIFTY-FOURTH INFANTRY.
Company F.
Sergeant.
First, William M. Jones, enlisted December 15.
:86i.

Company G.

Private.

Smith, Lyman B., enlisted December 2, 1861.

Company K.

Recruit.

Wright. James R., enlisted February 29, 1864.

Unassigned Recruit.
Smith, William IL, discharged August 13, 1864.
FIFTY-SEVENTH INFANTRY.
Company C.
Corporals.
O. W. White, enlisted December 26, 1861 ; cor-
poral; died May 4, 1862.

Robert A. Howard, enlisted December 23, 1861;
mustered out January 14, 1865.

Privates.
Draper. James E.. enlisted December 18, 1861.
Davis, Willis, enlisted December 18, 1S61.
Ernst, Adam, enlisted December 23, 1861.
Frank. Simon B., enlisted December 16, i86i.
German, Robert .S., enlisted December 13, 1861.
Howard, Robert B., enlisted December 25, 1861.
Higgins. Moses G., enlisted December 20. 1861.
Houk, Conrad, enlisted December 26, 1861.

228

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

Maurice, Joseph H., enlisted December 15. 1861.
Notistine. John A., enlisted December 24, 1861.
Rouse, lohn D.. enlisted December 24, 1861.
Steele, William, enlisted December 25, 1861.
Stewart. William B., enlisted December 18, 1861.
Smith. T. William, enlisted December 15, 1861.
Throatt^ Frederick, enlisted December 10, 1861.
Weld. William H., enlisted December 13. 1861.
Wonder, Benjamin F., enlisted December 16, 1861.

Company G.

Privates.
Wolf, John, enlisted December 16, 1861.
Wagner, Casper, enlisted December 16, 1861.

FIFTY-FIFTH INFANTRY.

Company E.

Privates.

Holden, William, enlisted August 14. 1861.

Hedding, George, enlisted September 20, 1861.

Nichols. Thomas, enlisted August i, 1861.

Company G.
Private.
Turner. James, enlisted September 14, 1861.
Company K.
Sergeant.
Forbes, John, enlisted October 22, 1861; sergeant;
promoted to first lieutenant.

Privates.
Connor, John, enlisted October 22, 1861.
Besson, H. V., enlisted October 22, 1861.
Brown, C. F., enlisted October 22, 1861.
Tackson, M. H.. enlisted October 22, 1861.
Lower. R. A., enlisted October 22, 1S61.
Rouse, T. S., enlisted October 22, 1861.
Simmons, Edmund, enlisted October 22, 1861.
Vickery, Albert, enlisted October 22, 1861.
Widener, M., enlisted October 22, 1861.
Waddell, William, enlisted October 22, 1861.
Walker, William, emisted October 22, 1861.

Recruits.
Dewey, Isaacher B., enlisted November 8, 1861.
McMuUen, Robert W., enlisted November 7. 1861.
Smith, H. F., enlisted November 9, 1861.

Company H.
Corporal.
William H. H. Sterling, enlisted October 10,
:86i; mustered out December 25, 1864.

Privates.
Clifford, William P., enlisted March 10, 1861.
Horsley, Thomas E., enlisted October 20, 1861.
Morris, Demetrius E., enlisted October 10, 1861.
Siygh. Henry S., enlisted October 7, 1861.
Slygh. John A., enlisted October 7. 1861.
White, Isaiah or Joshua, enlisted October 7. 1861.

Unassigned Recruit.
Jackson, Henry, enlisted March 23, 1865.
FIFTY-EIGHTH INFANTRY.
Company B.
Corporal.
Martin H. Summes, enlisted October 28, 1861;
deserted March, 1863.

Privates.
Black, John, enlisted November 12, 186 1.
King, Moses B., enlisted December i, 1861.
King, Alexander, enlisted October 31, 1861.
Matteson, H. A., enlisted October 31, 1861.
Oakley, James H., enlisted October 28, 1861.
Summes, Thomas H., enlisted October 28, 1861.

Recruits.
Halsey, Robert J., enlisted January i, 1863.
Sutherland. John, enlisted August 16, 1863.
Cunningham, J. C.. enlisted July 29, 1863.

FIFTY-EIGHTH (CONSOLIDATED).
Company E.
Privates.
Duffy, Richard, enlisted March 11, 1865.
Delaney, Patrick, enlisted March 11, 1865.

Grover. Moralde. enlisted March ii, 1865.
Goodwin, Thomas, enlisted March 22, 1865.
Hart, John, enlisted March 28. 1865.
McGinnis, Thomas, enlisted March 21. 1865.
O'Brien, John, enlisted March 18, 1865.
Brothers, Evan M., enlisted March 28, 1865.
Salsbury. Richard, enlisted March 16, 1865.
Woods, William, enlisted March 28, 1865.

Company F.
Privates.
DeGan. George, enlisted March 22, 1865.
McBain, Joseph, enlisted March 24. 1865.
Snow, Frank, enlisted March 22, 1865.

Company H.

Privates.
Craig, \\'illiam. enlisted March 24, 1865.
Aladison, John, enlisted March 24, 1865.
Worthy, VVilliam. enlisted March 24. 1865.

Company I.
Sergeants.

John M. Willis, enlisted March 27. 1865; de-
serted April I, 1865.

Harvey, Allison, enlisted March 27. 1865; mus-
tered out April I, 1866.

Corporals.

lohn S. Hoffer, enlisted March 27, 1865; de-
serted April 8, 1865.

Thomas Warns, enlisted March 25, 1S65; de-
serted April 8, 1865.

Privates.

Allen, George, enlisted March 25, 1865.

Backus, Henry, enlisted March 27, 1865.

Black, Nicholas, enlisted March 26, 1865.

Blong, Ambrose, enlisted March 26. 1865.

Bateman, Daniel, enlisted March 25, 1865.

Curren. Peter, enlisted March 25. 1865.

Dunn, James, enlisted March 2, 1865.

Fuller, Charles, enlisted March 27, 1865.

Hutchinson. James or John, enlisted March 27,
1865.

Habes. Anthony, enlisted March 27, 1865.

Hurley. John, enlisted March 27, 1865.

Konner or Hower, Matthews, enlisted March 27,
1865.

Kinsley. John B., enlisted March 27, 1865.

Lewis, William H.. enlisted March 27, 1865.

Logan, James, enlisted March 27, 1865.

Morris, George, enlisted March 27, 1865 .

McCain. George, enlisted March 27. 1865.

Mason, George, enlisted March 27, 1865.

Ragen, James, enlisted March 23. 1865.

Thomas, Charles M., enlisted i\Iarch 27, 1865.

Wallace. John C, enlisted March 27, 1865.

Unassigned Recruits.
Burton. James C, enlisted March 1, 1865.
Stone, Charles S., enlisted March i. 1865.

FIFTY-NINTH INFANTRY.

Company F.

Recruit.

Ambler, Monroe, enlisted December 16. 1863.

SIXTIETH INFANTRY.
Company E.
Recruit.
Hendrickson. Hartwell, enlisted January 24. 1865.

SIXTY-FOURTH INFANTRY.

Lieutenant Colonel.
David E. Williams, commissioned September 3.
1S61; discharged account disability, September 12.
1861.

Company E.

Private.

Donevan, Cornelius, enlisted November 1. 1861.

SIXTY-FIFTH INFANTRY.
Company F.
Private.
Putnam, H. W., enlisted Mar-ch 12, 1862.

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

229

SIXTY-SIXTH INFANTRY.
Company A.
Private.
Nevens, Frank E., enlisted November 4. 1861.
SIXTY-SEVENTH INFANTRY (three months).
Lieutenant Colonel.
Eugene K. Oakley, commissioned June 13. 1862;
mustered out October 6, 1862.

Company F.
Lieutenants.
First. Abram D. Van Veckten, commissioned June
13, 1862; mustered out September, 1862.

Second, Horace E. Dwyer, commissioned June 13,
1862; mustered out September, 1862.

Sergeant.
Horace E. Dwyer, enlisted May 31, 1862; ser-
geant; promoted second lieutenant.

Privates.
Brock, M. \V., enlisted June 2, 1862.
Bailey. John, enlisted June 2, 1862.
Miller, William F., enlisted May 31, 1862.
Slaughter. William, enlisted June 4, 1862.

Company G.
Captain.
Charles K. Purple, commissioned June 13. 1862;
mustered out September, 1862.

Lieutenants.

First, Jeremiah Dockstader. commissioned June
13. 1862; mustered out September. 1862.

Second, Edward K. X'alentine, commissioned June
13, 1862; mustered out September, 1862.

Sergeants.
John Simpson, enlisted June 2. 1862.
John E. Durham, enlisted June 2, 1862.
Cornelius C. Holenbeck, enlisted June 2, 1862.
John P. Goodwin, enlisted June 2, 1862.

Corporals.
Daniel D. Stevison, enlisted June 2, 1S63.
Daniel D. Miller, enlisted June 2, 1862.
George W. Summers, enlisted June 2, 1862.
Robert W. Vansaw, enlisted June 2, 1862.
Henry J. B. Stillman, enlisted June 2, 1862.
James Bryant, enlisted June 2, 1862.
William L. Wilds, enlisted June 2, 1862.
Edward S. Esston, enlisted June 2, 1862.

Privates.
Atkinson, John D.. enlisted June 2, 1862.
Bishop, William H.. enlisted June 2, 1862.
Brady. Charles, enlisted June 2, 1862.
Branner, Theodore J., enlisted June 2. 1862.
Brennan, Dennis, enlisted June 10, 1862.
Callester, Joseph, enlisted June 2, 1862.
Dickanson, Griffith A., enlisted June 2, 1862.
Drysdale. William, enlisted June 2, 1862.
Davis, Henry, enlisted June 2. 1862.
Ellis. Henry, enlisted June 2, 1862.
Eakin, David, enlisted June 2, 1862.
Forbes. Andrew G,, enlisted June 2, 1862.
Farrell, Patrick, enlisted June 2, 1862.
Garthwait. William, enlisted June 2, 1862.
Gillon. Milo C, enlisted June 2, 1862.
Hookey. William, enlisted June 2, 1862.
Harvey. Henderson, enlisted June 2, 1862.
Harvey. John, enlisted June 2, 1862.
Harbert, John, enlisted June 2, 1862.
Hallock. Clinton, enlisted Tune 2, 1862.
Jones. Winfield S., enlisted June 2, 1862.
Johnston, Harmon, enlisted June 2, 1862.
Kastner. Charles, enlisted June 2, 1862.
Kettelle, Charles, enlisted Tune 4, 1862.
King. Samuel T., enlisted June 2, 1862.
Eong. David M.. enlisted June 2. 1862.
McCormick. Thomas J., enlisted June 2, 1862,
Merrill. John, enlisted June 2, 1862.
Moore, James, enlisted June 2, 1862.
McClure, Samuel S., enlisted Tune 2, 1862.
Mendenhall, Amos H., enlisted June 2. 1862.
Mackey, Robert C, enlisted June 2, 1862.
Morse. Samuel M., enlisted June 2, 1862.
Osterhout. Charles, enlisted June 2, 1862.
Opdyke, Benjamin, enlisted June 2, 1862.
Philip, Ellis, enlisted June 2, 1862.

Patten. William 11.. enlisted June 2, 1862.
Rogers, David, enlisted June 2, 1862.
Ruse, Isaac, enlisted June 4, 1862.
Spence, Clark, enlisted June 4, 1862.
Smith. Edwin A., enlisted June 4, 1862.
Spellam. Timothy, enlisted June 4. 1862.
Snyder, \'ictor. enlisted June 4, 1862.
Smith, IJurdsy A., enlisted June 4, 1862.
Stillwell, R. J., enlisted June 4. 1862.
Stum. John T., enlisted June 4, 1862.
Tomlinson. Ambrose, enlisted June 4. 1862.
Tripp, David T., enlisted June 4. 1862.
Thurston. Frank, enlisted June 4, 1862.
Woodruff, John H., enlisted June 4. 1862.
Willey, John A., enlisted June 4, 1862.
Wardlow. Robert, enlisted June 4, 1862.

Recruits.
Valentine, E. IC, enlisted June 4, 1862.
Vandorer, Gilbert, enlisted June 4. 1862.

Company K.

Privates.
Adams, Austin, enlisted June 2, 1862.
Brown, Charles, enlisted June 4, 1862.
Blue. James H., enlisted June 2, 1862.
Friedhaber, John M., enlisted June 4. 1862.
Gowan. George, enlisted June" 4, 1862.
X'arley, Jacob, enlisted June 4. 1862.

SIXTY-EIGHTH INFANTRY (three months).
Company K.
Sergeant.
Philip B. Fuller, enlisted June 2. 1862.

Privates.
Campbell, William, enlisted June 2. 1862.
Fickes, Thomas, enlisted June 9, 1862.

SEVENTY-FIRST INFANTRY (three months).
Company C.
Recruits.
Kill, James, enlisted July 7, 1862.
Robinson, Abram, enlisted July 7, 1862.

Company D.
Brobts. Jacob, enlisted July 4, 1862,
Company E.
Sergeant.
First. Alfred S. Hemmant, enlisted July 3, 1862;
mustered out October 29, 1862,

Privates.
Brackley, Samuel R., enlisted Jime 30, 1862.
Erackley, William H., enlisted June 30, 1862.
Conrad, Charles, enlisted July 7, 1862.
Clayton, Isaac, enlisted July 3, 1862.
Deal, William, enlisted June 3. 1S62.
Hammer. Henry, enlisted July 2, 1862.
Keeps, Jesse, enlisted June 30, 1862.
Nealy, Andrew, enlisted June 30, 1862.
Schrimpf, Ernest, enlisted July 9, 1862.
Stewart, Erastus W.. enlisted July 7, 1862.

SEVENTY-SECOND INFANTRY.
Company C.
Private.
Spencer. John F., enlisted August, 1862.

SEVENTY-SEVENTH INFANTRY.

The regiment was fully organized and mustered
into the United States service September 3, 1862,
at Peoria. Illinois. Remained in camp at that
place until October 4. at which time it proceeded to
Covington, Kentucky, and reported to Major Gen-
eral Gordon Granger, commanding army of Ken-
tucky, who assigned it to duty in the division com-
manded by General A. J. Smith.

Marched from Covington with the division, Oc-
tober 17th, and reached Lexington on the 29th,
and Richmond, November 2d. Marched from that
point November nth and arrived at Louisville on
the 17th. Nothing of interest transpired during the
sojourn of the regiment in Kentucky, there being
no force of the enemy in the state at that time;
and the campaign there was merely a march of
about one hundred and fifty miles into the interior
and a march back again.

November 20, 1862, the regiment embarked on

230

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

steamer for Memphis, Tennessee, in company with
the whole division, under the same commander.
Arrived at the latter place November 27tli; .re-
mained there until December 20th. 1 he division
was reorganized and reported for duty to Major
General Sherman; embarked at Memphis. Decem-
ber 2oth and proceeded down the river with bher-
inan'3 army for the capture of Vicksburg. Dis-
embarked in the Yazoo river near Chickasaw Bayou
on the 27th. The Seventy-seventh occupied the
extreme right of the line and participated in the
attack on the rebel works. After four days' fight-
ing the attack was abandoned and the army em-
barked on their boats and proceeded to Milliken s
Bend, Louisiana. At this place Major Ceneral Mc-
demand arrived and assumed command of the
army. He organized it into two corps— the Thir-
tieth and Fifteenth. The Seventy-seventh was as-
signed to the Tenth Division, Thirteenth Arniy
Corps. Division was commanded by General A.
J Smith and Corps by General McClernand. Left
Milliken's Bend, January 5. 1863, and arrived at
Arkansas Post on the loth. Immediately disem-
barked and on the following morning participated
in the assault. After a few hours' hard hghting,
carried the place by assault, capturing all it con-
tained. The loss of the regiment here was six
killed and thirtv-nine wounded, some of the latter
mortal. The regiment in this battle behaved ad-
mirably and was complimented by the commanding
general for its gallant conduct. , , .

January 14th again embarked and proceeded to
Young's Point, Louisiana. Arrived there on the
22d and went into camp, remaining until March 9!*,
engaged in the dieging on the canal across the
point opposite Vicksburg. In March changed camp
to Milliken's Bend. „, . , _

In the first part of April the Thirteenth Corps
marched from Milliken's Bend for Grand Gulf.
The Seventy-seventh broke camp and moved for-
ward about 'the middle of April. Crossed the river
below Grand Gulf on the last day of April and
marched all night, arriving at Port Gibson early
on the morning of the ist of May and participated
in the engagement there during the entire day.
The regiment remained with General Grant s army
during the entire campaign around Vicksburg and
the siege of the latter place until its surrender.
The regiment was engaged in the actions at
Chami.ion Hills, May 17; Black River Bridge May
19; first charge on Vicksburg. May 22 and 23.
losing in these engagements twenty killed, eighty-
six wounded and twenty-six missing. ,
Vicksburg surrendered on the 4th of July and
the next day the regiment marched for Jackson
with the armv under Sherman. Arrived there
Tulv 9th and 'was under the fire of the enemy
a^ 'that place until the i6th when Jackson was
evacuated and the Seventy-seventh returned to
Vicksburg. Remained in camp at Vicksburg until
August 2Sth. then embarked for New Orleans,
where it remained in camp until October 3d; left
New Orleans at that time for western Louisiana;
marched up Bayou Teche through Franklin to
New Iberia. Louisiana; camped there until Decem-
ber 6 1863, when it marched back to New Or-
leans- left there on December 17th by steamer
and disembarked at Paso Cavalo. Texas December
20th. Remained in camp until the last of February,
then embarked on Vessels and were transported to
Berwick Bay, Louisiana. Thence marched to Alex-
andria, Louisiana, with the army mder General
Banks, bound for Shreveport. From Alexandria
marched up Red river, driving the eneniy until
Sabine Cross Roads was reached, April 8, ist>4.
where it met the enemy in force and was im-
mediately engaged. ....

The Seventy-seventh belonged to the division un-
der command of General Ransom, which division
was first ordered forward to support the advance
cavalry. Before the armv could he brought forward
to their support, the whole rebel army came down
on them and overwhelmed the whole division In
this eneagement the Seventy-seventh suffered ter-
ribly Lieutenant Colonel Webb was killed instantly
by a musket ball through the brain and one hun-
dred and seventy-six officers and men were killed,
wounded and made prisoners, leaving only about
one hundred and twenty-five men in the regiment

°On tiie next dav General A. J. Smith's corps
came up and at Pleasant Hill another battle was
fought, ending in the complete defeat of the rebels.

The regiment remained with General Banks through-
out his retreat down Kcd river and until he reached
the Mississippi. Here it was ordered into camp
at Baton Rouge until the first part of August. At
that time, with five or six other regiments, it em-
barked and was transported to Dauphin's Island
under command of General Gordon Granger. Here
it assisted in the reduction of Forts Gaines and
Morgan and then returned to Morganzie Bend on
the Mississippi. In October, the regiment was
ordered to New Orleans for provost duty and re-
mained there until the first part of March, 1865,
when it was assigned to the First Brigade, Third
Division. Thirteenth Army Corps and transported
to Mobile Point, where it joined General Canby's
armv for the capture of Mobile. General Granger
collected his thirteenth corps at this point and
during the month of March moved up the penin-
sula toward Spanish Fort. The regiment was with
General Canby's armv during the entire siege and
capture of Spanish Fort, Blakely and Mobile and
was under fire during the entire time.

The day following their entry into Mobile the
Third Division, in which the Seventy-seventh served,
marched out of the city and proceeded up the Tom-
bigbee river in search of General Dick laylor's
army. It proceeded up the river about sixty
miles, when it was recalled to Mobile — the rebel
forces throughout the country having surrendered.
Remained in camp in Mobile until July 10, 1865.
at which time it was mustered out of service and
ordered to Springfield, Illinois, for final payment
and discharge, where it arrived July 23, 1865. The
Seventv-seventh Illinois during its term of service
was engaged in sixteen battles and sieges and in
every one of them carried itself with honor and
credit to the state.

Cohtiels.
Charles Ballance, commissioned August 18, 1862,
resigned.

David P. Grier, commissioned September 12. 1862;
transferred.

LicutctJant Colonel.
Lysander R. Webb, commissioned September 3,
1862; killed in battle, April 8, 1864.
Major.
Memoir V. Hotchkiss, commissioned September 3,
1862; resigned February 2, 1864.

Adjutant.
John Hough, commissioned September 6, 1862;
promoted assistant adjutant general on staff of
General A. J. Smith.

Quartermaster.
David McKinney, commissioned September 12,
1862; transferred.

Chaplain.
William G. Pierce, commissioned September 2,
:862.

Sergeant Major.
Walter B. Hotchkiss. enlisted August 12, 1862;
discharged September 22, 1864; disability.

Quartermaster Sergeant.
George W. Cone, enlisted August 14, 1864; pro-
moted second lieutenant Company I.
Commissary Sergeants.
Nathan R. Wakefield, enlisted August 9, 1S64;
transferred to Company C. December 21, 1864.

William H. Bennett, enlisted August 12, 1864;
mustered out July 10, 1865.

Principal Musicians.
Daniel B. Allen, enlisted August 12, 1864; dis-
charged March 1,=;. 1865; disability.

John W. Carroll, enlisted August 7, 1064; mus-
tered out July 10, 1865.

Lemon H. Wiley, enlisted August IS. 1864; mus-
tered out July 10. 1865.

Company A.
Sergeants.
Walter B. Hotchkiss, enlisted August 12, 1862;
promoted sergeant major.

John F. Campbell, enlisted August 7, 1B62; killed
at Vicksburg, May 22, 1863.

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

231

Corporals.

Arthur H. Rugg, enlisted August 12, 1862; dis-
charged December 18, 1863, as private.

W. D. Putnam, enlisted August 14. 1862; dis-
charged December 17, 1S63.

Frwates.
Abraham, Andrew J., enlisted August 15, 1862.
Ash, Francis W., enlisted August 15, 1862.
Develbliss, Tames H., enlisted August 14. 1862.
Develbliss, "Samuel S., enlisted August 7. 1862.
Edwards, Ulysses, enlisted August 12, 1S62,
Fry, Benjamin, enlisted August 11, 1S62.
Holler, Conrad, enlisted August 14, 1862.
Hurd, Charles T., enlisted August 15. 1862.
Kroeson, Chrys A., enlisted August 12, .1862.
Kroeson, Washington, enlisted August 12, 1862.
Moss, 1. R., enlisted August 13, 1862.
Russell', Luther G., enlisted August 12, 1862.
Summers. Fred, enlisted .Vugust 11, 1862.
Stone, Lester T.. enlisted August 15. 1862.
Sturgeon. William, enlisted August 15, 1862.
Trench. Daniel B., enlisted .\ugust 11, 1862.
Varley. Henry, enlisted August 14, 1862.
White, Mason M., enlisted August 13, 1862.
Wilson, Henry, enlisted August 9. 1862.
Wilson, John R., enlisted August 15, 1862
Wilson. Samuel R., enlisted August 15, :862.

Recruits.
Babcock, William H., enlisted December 30, 1863.
Crow. Henry, enlisted January 7, 1864.
Cutler, Daniel B., enlisted December 26, 1863.
Cutler. James H., enlisted December 26, 1863.
Crawford. Tames, enlisted December 30. 1863.
Cook. Darius T-, enlisted February 13, '^65
Downard, Benjamin F.. enlisted January 4, 1864.
Kunert. Joseph, enlisted January 4, 1864.
Lockbaum. Andrew J., enlisted November 23, 1S64.
Lynch. Thomas, enlisted January 5, 1864.
Martin, lohn. enlisted December 29. 1S63.
Smith, James, enlisted January 5, 1864.
Sutton, George W., enlisted January ii, 1864.

Company B.

Cuptoin.

Joe. K. Stevison, commissioned January 16, 1863.

Lieutenants.
First. Charles C. Tracy, commissioned January

16. 1863.

Second, Joe K. Stevison, commissioned January
16, 1863; promoted.

Privates.

Blakeslee. William W.. enlisted August 9, 1862.

Fisher, Elias, enlisted August 13, 1862.

Stevenson, Toe H., enlisted August 5, 1862.

Tracy, Cliarles C, enlisted August 6, 1862.

Recruits.

McFarland, Henry S.

Murden. Alonzo F., enlisted March 14. 1865.

COMPANV C.
Lieutenant.
First. William A. Woodruff, commissioned Sep-
tember 2, 1862.

Sergeant.
John S. Hornbacker. enlisted August 9. 1862.

Corporals.
Albert Shepherd, enlisted August 9, 1862.
John Sewell. enlisted August 9. 1862.
Thomas S. Patton, enlisted August 9, 1862.

IVagoner.
Charles Moses, enlisted August 14. 1862.

Privates.
Bennett, Robert, enlisted August 14, 1862.
Bennett, William N., enlisted .August 12. 1862.
Crow, James, Jr.. enlisted .\ugust 12, 1862.
Dunbar, John, enlisted August 11, 1862.
Duff, [)ennis. enlisted August 9. 1862.
ITall, Edward, enlisted August 11, 1862.
Lindsay. James A., enlisted August 14. 1862.
McCracken. James R., enlisted August 14, 1862.
McCartney, Philip H., enlisted August 9, 1862.
Pitcher, Benjamin, enlisted .August 19, 1862.
Pinkerton. John A., enlisted August 7, 1862.

Pinkerton. William M., enlisted August 7, 1862.
Wallace. Edward, enlisted August 11. 1862.
Wiley. John I'., enlisted .August 14, 1862.
Woodburri. George M., enlisted August 21, 1862.

Company D.

Privates.
Hake. Frederick W., enlisted August 9, 1862.
Stockton, David B., enlisted August 9, 1862.

Recntit.
Barney, Tompkin C, enlisted November 16. 1863.
Company E.
Captain.
Edwin Stevens, commissioned September 2, 1862.

Lieutenants.
First, Samuel T. Smith, commissioned September
2, 1862.

Second, James H. Schnebly, commissioned Sep-
tember 2, 1862.

Second. Henry L. Bushnell, commissioned March
28, 1S63.

Sergeants.
First, William Dawson, enlisted August 5, 1862.
George B. Stiles, enlisted August 14, 1862.
William J. Brooks, enlisted .August 9, 1862.
Henry E. Slough, enlisted August 14. '862,
James Parr, enlisted August 9, 1862.

Corporals.
Erasmus D. Richardson, enlisted August 14, 1862.
William G. ATorris. enlisted August 5, 1862.
Benjamin F. Robins, enlisted August 14, 1862.
Ellis Hakes, enlisted August 7, 1862.
Andrew J. Dunlap, enlisted August 4, 1862.
Davis R. McKee. enlisted July 22, 1862.
Henry Paff, enlisted August 14. 1862.

Daniel E. .Allen
John W. Carrol

Louis Z.

Musicians.

unlisted August 12,

enlisted August 7,

IVagoner.
Rench, enlisted August 15.

1862
1862.

1862.

Priz'ates.
Adams, Henry, enlisted August 12, 1862.
Adams, Joseph, enlisted August 8, 1862.
Brooks, Henry M.. enlisted August 8, 1862.
Bunting, Samuel G., enlisted August 12, 1862.
Buterick, John, enlisted .August 12. 1862.
Berrings, James, enlisted .August 15. 1862.
Bowers, Simeon P., enlisted August 4, 1862.
Cord. George F.

Carter, Charles W., enlisted August 9. 1862.
Collins, Tohn. enlisted August 15, 1S61.
Cook. Daniel, enlisted August 14, 1862.
Chamblin, French, enlisted August 12, 1862.
Cord, Lorenzo W.

Clark. Franklin R., enlisted .August 16, 1862.
Dawson, Isaac S., enlisted .August 6. 1862.
Dawson, Joseph N.. enlisted August 4, 1862.
Dailey, .Tohn, enlisted .August 13, 1862.
Evans. John, enlisted .August 15, 1862.
Enslon, Frank W., enlisted .August 9. 1862.
Forbes. Thomas, enlisted .August 9, 1862.
French. Tohn S., enlisted .August 8, 1862.
Fisher, Silas W.. enlisted August 14, 1862.
Fulton, Joseph, enlisted August 12, 1862.
Gutting. Frederick, enlisted August 15. 1862.
Goodman. Philip, enlisted .August 14, 1862.
Hoffman, Gustavus, enlisted .August 14, 1862.
Hamerbacker. John S., enlisted August 5. 1862.
Hutchinson, James, enlisted .August 6, 1862.
James, Gran\-^lle, enlisted .August 22, 1862.
Kinder. Alexander, enlisted August 9. 1862.
Letterman. Joseph, enlisted August 13, 1862.
Loughman. John B.. enlisted August 8. 1862.
McStravic. Tames, enlisted August 13, 1862.
McGee, Wifliani H., enlisted August 15, 1862.
McGee, .Ashford, H., enlisted xVugust 9. 1862.
Mankle. Joseph, enlisted .August 13. 1862.
Mills. Joseph T.. enlisted August 11. 1862.
McDerinott. Francis M., enlisted .August 6. 1862.
McTntyre. John IL. enlisted August 11. 1862.
Nixon, Thomas J., enlisted August 7. 1862.
Nash, LeRoy, enlisted August 5, 1862.
Parr, Harris, enlisted August 14, 1862.
Pierce, Charles, enlisted .August 9, 1862.

232

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

Perry, Samuel, enlisted August 9, 1862.
Rathburn, Samuel A., enlisted August 11, 1862.
Reeves, Asa H., enlisted August 12, 1862.
Ratcliff. Richard W., enlisted August 13, 1862.
Ruse, Solomon, enlisted August 11, 1862.
Randle, Thomas J., enlisted August 14. 1862.
Rogers, David, enlisted August 13. 1S62.
Smith, Otis B., enlisted August 6, 1862.
Smith, John W., enlisted August 6, 1862.
Smith, Joseph A., enlisted August 15, 1862.
Stevenson, Cosmer A., enlisted August 15. 1862.
Sumners, Robert W., enlisted August 9, 1862.
Sweet, James M.. enlisted August 7, 1862.
Sutton. Albert, enlisted August 11, 1862.
Shipler, Smith E., enlisted August 9, 1862.
Thurston. Cheney \V., enlisted August 14, 1862.
\''inson, Daniel R., enlisted August 7, 1862.
Wood, John W., enlisted August Q, 1862.
White, Thomas, enlisted August 14, 1862.
White. Leonard T.. enlisted August 13, 1862.
Wiggins, David T., enlisted August 15. 1862.
Watson. James, enlisted August 21, 1S62.

Recruits.
Babcock, James W., enlisted February 24. 1864.
Donaldson, W^illiam, enlisted February 23, 1865.
Houghtalinsr. Tames, enlisted February 23, 1865.
Hayes, William H.

Jenkins, Newton, enlisted February 23, 1865.
Sargent, Henry, enlisted February 24, 1865.

Company F.

Captain.

William W. Crandall, commissioned September 2.
802.

Sergeants.
Oliver F. Woodcock, enlisted August 22, 1862.
Endress M. Conklin, enlisted August 22, 1862.

Corporals.
Lewis Hamrick, enlisted August 22. 1S62.
James Sluth, enlisted August 22, 1S62.

Mitchell Graham.

Musician.
enlisted August 22

Privates.
Rolander. Frederick, enlisted August 22. 1862.
Buckman. Joseith, enlisted August 22, 1862.
Brown, Chister, enlisted Augnst^ 22.. 1862.
Bush, John O.. enlisted August 22, 1862.
Beach. Hugh P., enlisted August 15, 1862.
Crosson. Jesse, enlisted August 22, 1862.
Cook. John, enlisted August 22, 1862.
Carrigan. Michael, enlisted August 15, 1862.
Doran, John, enlisted August 10, 1862.
Ewing, Thomas J., enlisted August 22, 1862.
McMulIer, A., enlisted August 22. 1862.
Mitchell, Allen T., enlisted August 22, 1862.
Norman. George, enlisted August 22, 1862.
Stone, Jonali, enlisted August 22, 1862.
Shipler. Peter W., enlisted August 22, 1862.
Stone, Monterville, enlisted August 22, 1862.
Walters. Henry, enlisted August 22, 1862.
Wright. William M.,. enlisted August 9. 1862.
White. Henry, enlisted August 22. 1862.
Wiley, William, enlisted August 5, 1862.

Company G.

Captain.
John D. Rouse, commissioned September 2. 1862.
Licutcuants.

First, Charles Island, commissioned September 2,
1862.

First, Henry T, Wyman, commissioned March i,
1863.

Second, Hiram M. Barney, commissioned March
28. 1863.

Sergeants.

First, Hiram Barney, enlisted July 22, 1862; pro-
moted.

John Loynbee. enlisted August 5, 1862.

Henry Wyman, enlisted August 5, 1862; pro-
moted.

Edward Burt, enlisted August 9, 1862.

William W. Miller, enlisted August 14, 1862.

Corporals.
Henry G. Huey, enlisted August 9, 1862.
Hugh Smart, enlisted August 7, 1862.

Joseph S. Nightingale, enlisted August 15. 1862.
Timothy Martindale, enlisted August 5, 1862.
Stephen J. Cook, enlisted August 5, 1862.
John Curran. enlisted August 8. 1862.
Thomas W. Beckett, enlisted August 7, 1862.
Hitz B. Petres, enlisted August 13, 1862.

Musicians.
Wesley R. Andrews, enlisted August 12, 1862.
Robert Cooper, enlisted August 21, 1862.

Privates.
Aten, Adrian R., enlisted August 13, 1862.
Aldrich, Delos, enlisted August 12, 1862.
Bailey, Jacob, enlisted August 6. 1862.
Belford. Franklin, enlisted August 7, 1862.
Beck, Daniel, enlisted August 11, 1862.
Burt, Moses, enlisted August 13, 1862.
Barnes, Henry, enlisted August 13, 1862.
Burnell, Eleazer, enlisted August 14, 1862.
Brassfield. Henry C, enlisted August 15, 1862.
Baronett, David, enlisted August 18, 1862.
Curran, William, enlisted August 5, 1862.
Campbell, David O.. enlisted August 15, 1862.
Campbell, Charles L., enlisted August 8, 1862.
Campbell, Samuel W., enlisted August 8, 1862.
Camp. Joseph J., enlisted August 8. 1862.
Cady, Henry F.. enlisted August 11, 1862.
Com, Charles W.. enlisted August 1 5, 1862.
Darby. Russell, enlisted August 8. 1862.
Doty. Hiram B.. enlisted August 13, 1862.
Davidson, John, enlisted August 1 5, 1862.
Dustin, Austin M., enlisted August 14, 1862.
Dimmick, Francis O., enlisted August 22. 1862.
Eaton, William, enlisted August 14. 1862.
Fisher, Moses, enlisted August 7, 1862.
Flemming, James, enlisted August 12, 1862.
Flower, Fayette, enlisted August 14, 1862.
Gilbert, Erastus, enlisted August 11, 1862.
Gillins, James, enlisted August 14, 1862.
Hanna, William H.. enlisted August 13, 1862,
Hart, David, enlisted August 12, 1862.
Hackenburg. Jacob, enlisted August 12, 1862.
Hatsell, Thomas, enlisted August 13. 1862.
Jones. Romeo VV., enlisted August 8, 1862.
Johnson, Frederick R., enlisted August 12, 1862.
Lawson, William, enlisted August 5, 1862.
Lambertson. William M., enlisted
1862.

Lauchlin. Heslip W.. enlisted August
Mendall, John A., enlisted August 8,
Moore, Heiirv P., enlisted August 1 1
McComb, William, enlisted August 10, 1862.
Onslott. William, enlisted August 19, 1S62.
Purcell, James T.. enlisted August 9, 1862.
Robison, tiavlord, enlisted August 11. 1862.
Rogers, Joseph, enlisted August 1 5. 1862.
Swan. Tohn, enlisted August 5. 1862.
Sbinmell, Daniel W.. enlisted August 12. 1862.
Shull. Joseph, enlisted August 12, 1862.
Shull. John, enlisted August 12, 1862.
Shade, Daniel, enlisted August 12, 1862.
Slocum, Joseph W.. enlisted August 12, 1862.
Stanton, Franklin, enlisted August 13, 1862.
Smith. Francis, enlisted August 22, 1S62,
Stock well, Cyrus H.. enlisted August 15, 1862.
Tanner, Joseph, enlisted August 13, 1862.
Ward, John M., enlisted August 5. 1862.
Wilson, Washington, enlisted August 12, 1862,

Recruits.
Bolen. Michael, enlisted February 20, 1S64.
Clougli. Cassius RL, enlisted January 27, 1864.
Clough. Caleb G., enlisted January 27, 1864.
Griswold, Francis \\'.

Hunter. Bcniamin G.. enlisted November 5, 1863.
Hunter, Joseph, enlisted November 1 1, 1863.
Huffman. George W., enlisted January 27, 1864.
Williams. Benjamin F., enlisted January 18, 1864.

Company H.
Recruit.
Joseph H.,

August I

14, 1862.
1862.
1862.

Knickerbocker,
1864.

enlisted January 25,

Company
Captain.
Wayne O' Donald, commissioned September
1862; mustered out at consolidation.

First. Silas
ber 2, 1862.

Lieutenants.
Wagoner, commissioned Septem-

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

233

First, John H. Eno, commissioned March 17,
1863.

First, George W. Cone, commissioned Tune 22,
1863.

Second, John H, Eno, commissioned September
2. 1862.

Second, GeorRe \V. Cone, commissioned March
17, 1863.

Sergeants.

Imlo L. Eno, enlisted August 14, 1862.

George W. Cone, enlisted August 14. 1862.

George L. Lucas, enlisted August 14. 1862.

Robert J. Briggs. enlisted August 14, 1862.

Corporals.

Edward F. Bartholomew, enlisted August 14.
1862.

Rufus Atherton. enlisted August 14. 1R62.
Rli H. f'lowman, enlisted August 14, 1862.
Toseph M. Lee, enlisted Aupust 14. 1862.
Tohn T. Rose, enlisted August 14. 1862.
Tohn Willis, enlisted August 14. 1862.
John McMuIlen, enlisted August 14, 1862.
Alfred B. Reed, enlisted August 14, 1862.

Musicians.
Tasper S. Baker, enlisted August 14, 1862.
Jacob H. Snyder, enlisted August 14, 1862.

Wagoner.
Alonzo G. Klsworth. enlisted August 14. 1862.

Privates.
Aten. Austin C, enlisted August iS. 1862.
Bevans, Lewis J., enlisted August 22, 1862.
Beeny, Frederick, enlisted August 24, 1S62.
Bentley, William H., enlisted August 14, 1862.
Brown. Isaac, enlisted August 15, 1862.
Biggs, John T., enlisted August 14. 1862.
Clark, John H., enlisted August 14. 1862.
Cook. Asa A., enlisted August 14. 1862.
Cadwell, Tames D.. enlisted August 15. 1862.
Cowley, Richard, enlisted August 22. 1862.
Oarnell, George, enlisted August 14. 1862.
Frisbie, Enos, enlisted August 15, 1862.
Fisher. Jacob, en'isted August 15, 1862.
Fox, Joel J., enlisted August 14. 1S62.
Fox, Hiram B.. enlisted August 14. 1862.
Furguson. William H., enlisted August 14. 1862.
Gibbs, Ichahod O.. enlisted August 14. 1862.
Hand, Lemuel, enlisted August 15, 1S62.
Hyne. John, enlisted August 15. 1862.
Humphrey. Eli. enlisted " August 14. 1862.
Huffman. Joseph, enlisted August 14, 1862.
Higbee, Homer H., enlisted August 14. 1862.
TIand. Burner, enlisted August 14. 1862.
Horner, Benedict M. S.. enlisted August 15. 1862.
Jacobs, Thomas F., enlisted August 14. r862.
Jones. Butler K.. enlisted August 14. 1862.
Jarman, Theodore P.. enlisted August 14. 1862.
Moore. James C, enlisted August 14. 1862.
McCann. George W., enlisted August 14, 1862.
Macey, Micajah C-. enlisted August 14. 1862.
Murphy, Richard, enlisted August 21. 1862.
Nunn. Milton, enlisted August 21, 1862.
Poe, John \V.. enlisted August 15. 1862.
Pense. Garrett D., enlisted August 14, 1863.
Richardson. William H.. enlisted August 15, 1862.
Rockingfield. Scout H., enlisted August 14, 1862.
Rockincficld. Cleves S.. enlisted August 15. 1862.
Redfield. Frank A., enlisted August 15. 1862.
Randall. John A., enlisted August 15. "1862.
Smith. Lyman H., enlisted August 15. 1862.
Smith. George S.. enlisted August 14. 1862.
Smith, Mvron C. enlisted August 14, 1862.
Scanlan. Robert, enli'ited August 22, 1862.
Talen, William, enlisted August 15, 1862.
Widner, Tohn C. enlisted August 14, i86r.
W^arne. William H., enlisted August 15. 1862.
Wiley. T^eman TT., enli'ited August 15, 1862.
Wasson. Jacob P.. enli'Jted August 14, 1862.

Recniits.
Bigelow, Frank E.. enlisted December 30. i86^.
Cone. Wi'liam D.. enlisted June 4, 1864.
Jacobs. William W,

Murphy, Daniel T>., enlisted December 23. 1863.
Pratz, William W., enlisted February 29, 1864.
Whitehead. Wesley J., enlisted January 25, 1864.

Company K.
Captains.
Ephraim E. Rynearson, commissioned September

1862.
William K. White, commissioned October 21

1862.

Lieutenants.

First, William K. White, commissioned Septem-
ber 2, 1862.

First, Sylvester S. Edwards, commissioned Octo-
ber 21, 1862.

Second, Marcus O. Harkness, commissioned Oc-
tober 21. 1862.

Sergeants.
Survetus Holt, enlisted August g, 1862.
John Vinger, enlisted August 12, 1862.
George Edwards, enlisted August 7, 1862.
Harvey R. Brackett, enlisted August 9, 1862.

Corporal.'i.
John White, enlisted August 8, 1862.
Francis Shroder, enlisted ^\ugust 12, 1862,
John AL Harper, enlisted August 11, 1862.
George W. Aurl. enlisted August 12, 1862.
Enlee E. Coulson. enlisted August 9, 1862.
Andrew J. Vleet, enlisted August 8, 1862.
Oswell B. Green, enlisted August 14, 1862,
Richard M. Holt, enlisted August 9, 1862.

Musicians.
Daniel Slane, enlisted August 15, 1862.
Charles E. Lines, enlisted August 11, 1862,

Wagoner.
Clement S. Padget, enlisted August 22. 1862.

Privates.
Beck, William, enlisted August 8, 1862.
Brown, Eli, enlisted August 12, 1862.
Brown. J. ITenry, enlisted August 13, 1862.
Brown, Patrick, enlisted August 7, 1862,
Behrens. Harry, enlisted August 15, 1862.
Camp, John, enlisted August 8, 1862.
Cronan, John, enlisted August 9, 1862.
Clayton, William, enlisted August 12. 1862.
Donnelly. William, enlisted August 22. 1862.
Dumhaugli, Uriah, enlisted August 9, 1862.
Enders. John A., enlisted August 8, 1862.
Frank. Jacob, enlisted August 16. 1862.
Greenhalch. John, enlisted August 12, 1862,
Gilson. Frederick, enlisted August 9, 1862.
Greenough. Roger, enlisted August 9, 1862.
Gurtcrti, Auxilius, enlisted August 12, 1S62.
Haynes, Jolin, enlisted August 11, 1862,
Harper, William S., enlisted August 9, 1862.
Holt, Richard M., enlisted August 8, 1862.
Harding, Adam, enlisted August 13, 1862.
Holt. Thomas J., enlisted August 8. 1862.
Hollings worth, Warner, enlisted August 9. 1862.
Hoffman. Peter, enlisted August 11, 186^.
Ibick, John, enlisted August 17, 1862,
Thick, Lawrence, enlisted August 1 1, 1862.
Kingsley. Charles, enlisted August 11, 1862.
King, Joseph M., enlisted August 16, 1862.
Kirkman, Samuel, enlisted August 13, 1862.
King, Levi H.. enlisted August 9. 1862.
King, William W., enlisted August 0, 1862.
Kingsley, Alonzo, enlisted August 7. 1862,
Lafollett. John, enlisted August 9. 1862.
Lafolletl, Jacob, enlisted August 1 1, 1862.
Landes, George, enlisted August 9, 1862.
T.argent, Henry, enlisted August 9, 1862.
Largent. Madison, enlisted August 15, 1862,
Miller. James, enlisted August 11, 1862.
Morris, Richard, enlisted August 12, 1863.
Moody, Tames AI., enlisted August 9, 1862.
Merilt, Tohn, enlisted August 9. 1862.
Meek. Andrew J., enlisted August 12, 1862.
Mulvancy, William, enlisted August 8. 1862.
Nelson, I*eter. enlisted August 1 5, 1862.
Parnham. Charles, enlisted August 13. 1862.
Perry. Tlenry. enlisted August 9, 1862.
Powell. Samuel B., enlisted August 13, 1862.
Potts. Joseph, enlisted August 11. 1862.
Pr it chard, John, enlisted August 16. 1862.
Rynearson. Francis, enlisted August 15, 1862.
Rench. I-yman T., enlisted August 11. 1862,
Race, Williaip, enlisted August 8, 1862.

234

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

1862

1863.

1864.

3- 1863.

Roberts, John, enlisted August 12, 1862.

Sleeth, Thomas, enlisted August 10, 1862.

Smith. George W., enlisted August 15, 1863.

Sherwood, Samuel J., enlisted August 8, 1862

Shcpard, Ephraim R., enlisted August 9. 1862

Sharkev, Samuel, enlisted August 22. 1862.

Shorden, John, enlisted August 8, 1862.

Sheibling. August, enlisted August 15. 1862.

Throp, William, enlisted August 14, 1862.
Thompson. Robert, enlisted August 15. 1862
Whale or White. Ed P., enlisted August 15.
Walker, Austin, enlisted August 13. 1862.
Wholstenhohm, John, enlisted August 15. 1862
Yerby, Joseph, enlisted August 12. 1862.

Recruits.
Archdale. George, enlisted December 24. 186
Caulson, Henry.

Haines, John, enlisted January 5, 1864.
Hamilton, John H., enlisted December 3,
Halstead, Edward.
Morris, Henry S.

Orr, Isaac, enlisted January 25, 1864.
Parker, Thomas, enlisted April 7, 1864.
Powell, Lyman J., enlisted January 20,
Rynearson. Robert J., enlisted December ,
Stevenson. William.
Somers, Edwin R.. enlisted January 2. 1864.
Thurston. George, enlisted February 29, 1864.
Wholstenhohm, John D., enlisted April 5, 1864.

Unassigned Recruits.
Wilson, John, enlisted March i, 1865.
Atkins, Richard, enlisted Maich i, 1865.
Bun, Thomas, enlisted March 2, 1865.
Bennett, James, enlisted March i, 1865.
Brown, William H., enlisted February 26, 1864.
Conners, James, enlisted March 2, 1S65.
Flannigan. Patrick, enlisted September 9, 1864.
Folz, William.
Grunman, Chauncey W.

Haley, James, enlisted February 28, 1865.
Hurbert, John, enlisted March 2, -'863.
Hayes, John, enlisted March 2, 1865.
Hayes. William, enlisted January 30, 1S65.
Kerr, Silas, enlisted February 24, 1865.
Kelley, Daniel, enlisted March 2, 1865.
Kahli'ng, Alfred, enlisted February 27, 1865.
Karmany. Henry M.

Miller, John, enlisted February 28, 1865.
McElhenry. Hugh F., enlisted March 14. 1865.
McGru, Jolm, enlisted January 13, 1864.
McManus. Henry P., enlisted February 29, 1864.
Percival, George H.
Pemble, David B.

Sorner, Andrew, enlisted February 28, 1S65.
Sowders, William, enlisted January 30. 1865.
Shurry, John.
Stewart, John G.
Sanford, Louis.
Wardsworth, Samuel.

SEVENTY-SEVENTH INFANTRY (CONSOLI-
DATED).
Colon eL
David P. Grier, commissioned September 12, 1862.

Major.
Edwin Stevens, commissioned July 15. 1865,

Quartermaster.
David McKinney, commissioned September 12.
1862.

Company E.
Captain.
Edwin Stevens, commissioned September 2, 1862.
Lieutenant.

First, Samuel J. Smith, commissioned September
2, 1862.

Second, Henry L. Bushnell, commissioned March
28, 1863.

Company G.
Captain.
John D, Rouse, commissioned September 2, 1862.

Lieuteyiant.
First. Henry J. Wyman, commissioned March 1.
1863.

Company K.
Lieutetxant.

Second, Marcus O. Hark/iess, commissioned Oc-
tober 21, 1862.

EIGHTY-SECOND INFANTRY.

Assistant Surgeon.
First, Emil Brendil, commissioned August 20,
1862.

Company B.
Lieutenant.
First, Charles Lanzendorfer, commissioned March
12, 1863.

Company D.
Captain.
Rudolph Mueller, commissioned October 7, 1863.
Company E.
Corporals.
John Zimmermann. enlisted August 9, 1862.
Joseph Schwabe, enlisted August 11, 1862.
Sebastian Winterer, enlisted July 13, 1862.

Privates.
Barth, Jacob, enlisted August 12, 1862.
Borkhauser. Theodore, enlisted August 9, 1862..
Bevechle, Anton, enlisted August ji, 1862,
Dening, Henry, enlisted August 13. 1862.
Diefenbach, John, enlisted August 15, 1862.
Geiger, Joseph, enlisted August 15, 1862.
Geisser, John, enlisted August 12, 1862.
Gingericli, Christian, enlisted August 5, 1862.
Goerges, Peter, enlisted August 9, 1862.
Kessler, Francis J., enlisted August 9, 1862.
Leuke, Ferdinand, enlisted August 8, 1862.
May, Christian, enlisted August 15, 1862.

Moorsberger, , enlisted August 14, 1862.

MunighofF. Theodore, enlisted August 13, 1862.
Navy, Nicholas, enlisted August 15, 1862.
Nagele, Charles, enlisted August 13, 1862.
Odenwalder. John, enlisted August 13, 1862.
Pauly, Frederick, enlisted August 9. 1862.
Ritth'aller, Michael, enlisted July 24. 1862.
Schelikoph, Joseph, enlisted August 9, 1862.
Schoner, William, enlisted August 15, 1862.
Seifker, Adolf, enlisted August 14. 1862.
Simmemmacher, Adam, enlisted August 6, 1862.
Stawitzky. Thomas, enlisted August 4, 1862.
Walker. Conrad, enlisted August 4, 1862.
Wall. Nicholas, enlisted August 4, 1862.
Wetschell, John, enlisted August 14. 1862.
Zimmerman, Andrew, enlisted August 15. 1862.

Company G.
Musician.
Theodore Werth, enlisted August 2, 1862.
Company H.
Privates.
KnaufT, George F., enlisted August 7. 1862.
Company K.
Privates.
Blank, Victor, enlisted August s. 1862.
Bischoff, Ferdinand, enlisted July 28. 1862.
Kuhn. Frederick, enlisted August 13, 1862.
Kohler, Morand, enlisted August 18, 1862.

EIGHTY-THIRD INFANTRY.

Company I.
Recruit.
Brown. James W., enlisted March 22, 1865.

Unassigned Recruit.
Higgins, Patrick, enlisted February 6, 1865.

EIGHTY-FTFTH INFANTRY.
The Eighty-fifth Illinois Infantry Volunteers was
organized at Peoria. Illinois, in August, 1862, by
Colonel Robert S. Moore, and mustered into service
August 27, 1862. Ordered to Louisville, Kentucky,
September 6. 1862. and assigned to Thirty-sixth Bri-
gade. Eleventh Division, Third Army Corps, Colo-
nel D, McCook commanding division, and Major
General Gilbert commanding corps. The Eighty-
fifth marched in pursuit of the enemy under Gen-
eral Bragg, October i, 1862, and was engaged in

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

235

the battle of Champion Hills, at Perryville, Ken-
tucky, October 8th, and moved with tlie army to
Nashville, Tennessee, arriving November 7. 186^;.
Regiment mustered out June 5, 1865, at Washing-
ton, D. C. and arrived at Camp Butler, Illinois,
June II, 1865, where they received final payment
and discharge.

Company A.
Private.
Harrison, William C, enlisted August 10, 1863.
Company C.
Recruit.
Dunn, Joseph, enlisted September i, 1862.
Company F,
Corporals.
John O'Brien, enlisted June 16, 1862.
George Deford, enlisted June 21, 1862.

Privates.
Hamilton, Reuben, enlisted Tune 2, 1862.
Hamilton. David, enlisted Tune 21, 1862.
Jones, Ed., enlisted June 21, 1862.
Landers, Maurice, enlisted June 21, 1863.
Quinlan. William, enlisted June 21, 1862.
Wrest nour, Fitzhugh, enlisted June 16, 1862.

Greteron, John,

Recruit.

Company K.
Privates.

Burr, Nelson, enlisted August 15, 1862.
Kelso, James A., enlisted August 15, 1862.

EIGHTV-SIXTH INFANTRY.

The Eighty-sixth Infantry Illinois X'olunteers was
organized at Peoria, Illinois, in August, 1862, by
Colonel David D. Irons, and mustered in August
27th. Moved for Louisville and camped at Jo Holt,
on the Indiana side. September 10, 1862. Was
assigned to Thirty-sixth Brigade, Colonel D. ^Mc-
Cook. with Fifty-second Ohio and Eighty-fifth Illi-
nois and One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Illinois.
Eleventh Division, Brigadier General P. H. Sheri-
dan commanding. Marched from camp October ist
and on the 8th was engaged in the battle of Perry-
ville, losing one killed and fourteen wounded.
Moved thence to Crab Orchard and to Nashville,
arriving November 7th. Soon after moved to Mill
Creek. Returned to Nashville December loth.
Moved to Brentwood, April 8, 1863. Returned to
Nashville June 3d. On the 30th moved to Murfrees-
boro. Returned July igth. Marched August 20th
via Franklin and Columbia to Huntsville, Alabama,
and on the 4th of September marched to Chatta-
nooga. The Eighty-sixth was here assigned to the
Reserve Corps under Major General Gordon Gran-
ger. Engaged in the battle of Chickamauga. Sep-
tember 19, 20 and 21. Brigade assigned to Second
Division, Fourteenth Army Corps. Moved into
Lookout Valley October 2gth. In the night of
November 23d crossed the river on a pontoon and
camped at the foot of Missionary Ridge. Pursued
the enemy on the 26th to Ringgold and was then
ordered to Knoxville. Tennessee. Marched as far
as Little Tennessee river and returned to Chatta-
nooga December iSth after a most severe march.
Was engaged on the reconnoissance to Buzzard
Roost Gap near Dalton, February 24, 1864. fighting
the enemy two days. Lost one man killed and
seven wounded. March 6th moved to Lee and Gor-
don's Mills and May 3d joined General Sherman's
army at Ringgold, Georgia. Was engaged at Buz-
zard's Roost, ^lay g, 10 and 1 1 ; Resaca, May 14
and 15; Rome. May 1 7 — six killed and eleven
wounded; Dallas, from May 27 to June 5; Kenesaw
Mountain from June 11 to 27, losing one hundred
and ten killed and wounded.

Was again engaged with the enemy on the banks
of the Chattahoochie on the i8th of July; at Peach
Tree Creek on the igth and near Atlanta from the
20th to the 22d. Engaged in the siege of Atlanta,
Colonel Dills worth commanding brigade, Brigadier
General J. D. Morgan commanding division, and
Brevet Major General Jefferson C. Davis command-
ing the corps. Engaged at Jonesboro. September
ist. September 2qth moved by rail to Athens, Ala-
bama, and marched to Florence, driving Forrest
across the Tennessee. Moved to Chattanooga and

thence to Galesville. Alabama, Kingston and to At-
lanta, arriving November 15th. Commenced the
march to the sea. November i6th. Arrived at Sa-
vannah, December 21st. Moved January 20, 1865,
on the campaign of the Carolinas, Brevet Brigadier
General B, D. Fearing commanding the brigade.
Engaged in the battle of Averysboro. March i6th
and of Bentonville, igth and 20th. and arrived at
Goldsboro. March 23d. March to Raleigh, April
loth. After the surrender of Johnson marched via
Richmond to Washington City, at which place it
was mustered out of service, June 6, 1865, by Lieu-
tenant George Scroggs, and ordered to Chicago, Il-
linois, where it received final pay and discharge.
Died, killed and wounded, 346; marched 3,500
miles; by rail, 2.000 miles.

Colonel.
David D. Irons, commissioned August 27. 1862.

Lieutenant Colonel.
David W. Magee, commissioned August 27, 1862.

Majors.
James S. Bean, commissioned August 27, 1862.
Joseph F. Thomas, commissioned March 25, 1864.

Adjutant.
James E. Prescott, commissioned August 27. 1862.

Quartermaster.
Charles IL Deane. commissioned August 11, 1862.

Surgeon.
Massena M. Hooton, commissioned August 27,
1862.

Assistant Surgeon.
First. Israel J. Guth, commissioned July 14. 1864.
Company A.
Quartermaster Sergeants.
John C. Adams, enlisted August 4. 1862.
Charles Magee, enlisted August 11, 1862.

Privates.
Brown, Jasper A., enlisted August 28, 1862.
Company B.

Corporal.
George W. Berdim, enlisted August 11, 1862.

Privates.
Berdim, Walter I., enlisted August 15, 1862.
Brown. Harvey S.. enlisted August 13, 1862.
Crouch, Ansel, enlisted August 13. 1863.
Lee, Charles, enlisted August 12, 1862.
Lemons, George, enlisted August 13. 1862.
Sham, John W., enlisted August 13. 1862.
Warren, James, enlisted August 15. 1S62.
Wallace, Alexander, enlisted August 13. 1862.

Company C.

Captains.
Joseph F. Thomas, commissioned August 27. 1862.
William G. McDonald, commissioned March 25.

1864.

Lieutenants.

I'iv^t. lohn IL Bachelder, commissioned August
27, 1862. , .

Second, Reuben B. Beebe. commissioned August
27, 1862.

Second. Edwin C. Stillman, commissioned June
12. 1865.

Sergeants.

Alfred S. Proctor, enlisted August 13, 1862.

Corporals.
William Arnsworth. enlisted August 13, 1862.
James Mitchell, enlisted August 9, 1862.
Stephen L. Easton. enlisted August 8, 1862.
Isaac M. McCulley, enlisted August 8. 1862.

Musicians.
Abel W. Brown, enlisted August 12, 1862.
Benjamin Swigger, enlisted August 7. 1862.

Wagoner.
John Buggs, enlisted August 13. 1862.

Privates.
Beebe, William J., enlisted August 5, 1862.

236

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

Bowers, Joseph, enl.stetl -V'S"'' .'t' s' ^862
BlanJ, William J., enl.sted A"B"5t ?■ '»^'-
Bland, John, enl.sted August ». 'f"- „,

Baldwin, W.lliam J., enl.sted A"KUSt .5, 1862.
Bell, John H.. enl.sted August ■'. -S^^-
Bell, James, enlisted August 1 1, 1862.
Carver, Horace C. enlisted Augitst -3. -SS^-
Carter, Elhert S.. enlisted August '2. 'S^^-
Clawson, Henry, enlisted August ii, .862.
Clark Cvrus C, enlisted August 9, loo-^- „,
Rlwell, 'George' W., enlisted August .2 1862.
Damon. Hiram S., enl.sted August .3. 1862.
Dray, Henry S.. enlisted August 8. 'Sfi^-
Do.iovan, Michael, enl.sted August 8 .862.
Easton. William D., enl.sted August 8, 862
Furguson, James B.. enl.sted August 8 >862
Flanders, Chauncey H., enlisted August .3. -862.
Glaze. Isaac, enlisted August .2. i8b2.
Gallop. Ralph P.. enlisted August 13, 186^.
Hutchinsonl Enoch H.. enlisted August .3. 1862.
Hunt. Isaac, enlisted August 8, iBU^-
Harrington, John, enlisted August 14. '»6-=-
Jenkins. Albanus L., enl.sted August 12. 1862.
Jenkins, William M., enl.sted Augijst 11, 1862.
Mason, John, enlisted August 9, 1862-
Marsh, tames, enlisted August 8, 1862.
Maxson," Mathew. enlisted August 8, 1862.
Nurs, Henry H., enlisted August 7, 1862.
Parsons, Ahraham S.. enl.sted August 8, 1862.
Putman, Allen, enlisted August 12. 1865.
Prentiss. Benjamin, enl.sted August 7, 1862.
Root. Cvrus. enlisted August 11. 1862.

Rutherford, Jacob J., enl.sted August 5. 1862

Rutherford, Andrew J., enl.sted August 5, 1862.

Robertson, Tames, enlisted August 0, 1862.

Stowell, Oscar, enlisted August n- '862.

Sarver, Jacob, enlisted August 7. 1862.

Sarver, John, enlisted August 8, 1862.

Sanger, Adna T., enlisted August ■'.■«<'-■

Sexton, Frederick I-., enl.sted August 11, 186-.

Selders. John B.. enlisted August 5. 1862.

Selders. Thoitias B.. enlisted August 13, 186-

Sirlott. James, enlisted August 13. 1862.

Stewart, John, enlisted August 13, '862

Stittman, Anson P.. enl.sted August 8 1862

Stittman, Sanford H., enlisted .August 8, 1862.

Thomas, John, enlisted .\ugust 8, 1862

Troxell, William, enlisted August 8, 1862.

Troxell. Absalom, enlisted August 8, 1862.

Vining, William H.. enlisted August 13. 1862

Weldman. Charles E., enl.sted August 8, 1862.

Wilson, Loren J., enlisted August 14, 1S62.

Wilson. George" N.. enlisted August .,■;, 1802.

Young. Charles M., enlisted August ... 186..

Recruits.

Brown. Harvev L. Wallace, Alexander.

Shane, John W. T.e.non. George.

Company D.

Caftaln.

Frank Hitchcock, commissioned August 27, 1862.

Lieutenant.
Second, William H. Hall, commissioned August

27, 1862.

Sergeants.

Augustus \^ Johnson, enlisted August '3, 1862.
Samuel Y. Horine, enl.sted August 14, 1862.
John Kiefman, enlisted August 11, 1862.

Corporals.
Lemuel R. KHiot. enlisted August 1 1. 1862.
George R. Davis, enl.sted August 8, 1862.
Robert M. Tones, enlisted August 13 1862.
Thomas Cobb, enlisted August 12, 1862
William Treeley. enlisted August 13, 1S62.
Mfred M. McKenney. enl.sted August 14. 18O2.
John Decker, enlisted August 9, 1862.
Tsaach H. Moore, enlisted August 15. 1862.

Musicians.
Frank G. Luther, enlisted August 14, 1862.
Richard McCarty, enlisted August 8, 1862.

Wagoner.
Daniel W. Johnson, enlisted August 15. 1862.

Privates.
\nderson. David IL, enlisted August 13. 1862.
Arnold. William B.. enlisted August 14. 1862
Bickford. Leonard B., enlisted August it, 1862.

Bohanan, James W., enl.sted August .1 862.

Boshwick, W.lliam K., enl.sted August 14, 862.

Bauman, Keinhart, enl.sted August .1, 1862.

Beal, George, enlisted August II, 1862.

Bennett. William, enlisted July 21, 1862

Crane, Asa F., enlisted August 13, 1862

Conrad, Ezra K., enlisted August 9, 1862

Conrad. Elias H.. enl.sted August '■. '862.

Cobb, Daniel, enlisted August 11, 1862.

Cramer. Arthur, enlisted August 14, '8'>2-

Champ, Victor R.. e.^li^'^'i A"8U"t '4. 1862.

Duffield. William, enlisted August 11, 1852.

DiUaplaine, John W.. enlisted August 12, 1862.

Dailev, Henry, enlisted July 30, 1862.

Frank, Tesse, enlisted August 11, '862.

Greenhaigh, Richard W., enl.sted Angus .3, 1862.

Gregory, John F.. enlisted August 15. 1862

Graham. Abram S.. enlisted August ■■■ -862.
Graham. William, enl.sted August 15, 1862-
Hart. Tohn W., enlisted July 24, '8*>2
Hartman, Henry, enlisted August 8, 1862.
Hartman. Christopher, enlisted August 8, 1862.
Kingon. Perry, enlisted Aueiist 11, 1862
Kennedy, William S., enlisted August 14. 186-.
Krouse, Martin, enlisted August 14. 1S62.
Krouse. Tohn. enlisted August 9. "862
Kingon, 'John, enlisted August 9, 1862
Kribbler.'Tohn. enlisted August 13, 1862
Kimsey. Joel L., enlisted August 14. 1862
Love, Samuel D., enlisted August i4. 1862.
Lee William D.. enlisted August 11, 1862
Long. Thomas M., enlisted August I. 1862.
Lobaugh. Abraham, enlisted August 15, .862
Moore, Francis R.. enlisted August I S. 1862.
Magee. Charles, enlisted .\ugust i ., 1862
McCov, Thomas, enlisted August 15. i8b2.
Miller, Samuel, enlisted August 8. 1862
McManus. James J., enlisted August '4. '«62.
Morris. Tames F., enl.sted August ^'' [^^z.
Miller, George, enlisted August "• '862
McCoy, Lerov S.. enl.sted August 11, 1862
Memeyer. William F enl.sted August ,1 .862.
Palmer. Rosaloo. enlisted August 14, i«t>2.
Priston, Martin, enlisted August 11, 1862.
Root Merritt R.. enl.sted August 9. 1862.
Rkhardson. William M. enlisted August 14, .862,
Stoffer Alva, enlisted August 11, i8b2.
Thatcher, Tacob B.. enlisted August .4. 1862.
Taylor. Charles E., enlisted August 8, 1862.
Taggart. Robert, enlisted .\ueust "• ■''^-A,,
Wesrott. Chariton, enl.sted August .8. 1862.
Williamson. John, enlisted August 12, 1862
Wriglev, William E., enl.sted August .2, 1862.
Wescott. Horatio, enlisted August 8 '862
Williamson, Joseph, enl.sted August ■ ■ '86-
Wridev. Joseph, enl.sted A"R"5' ','• 'j,?°^-
Wikoff. William, enl.sted August ■'■ "^b^- „,,
Wilson William E., enlisted August 5. 1862.
Young. William M.. enl.sted August 11, 1862.

Recruits.

Fry. William F. M. „,

Friik Henrv, enlisted December 29, i863-
Hal m'ever Tokeph. enlisted December 16, 1863.
Ke. pie' Charier B., enlisted December 29. .863.
Pres on, Tohn R., enlisted December 29, 1863.
Preston David, enl.sted December 22, 1863.
Walker. Benjamin F., enlisted January 2, 1863.

Company E.

Captain.
Frederick A. Woldorf. commissioned December 26,

1862.

Sergeant.

Iram Murray, enlisted August 13. 1862.

Prirates.
Ghert. Ambrose, enlisted August .3. 1862.
Graham, Tohn. enl.sted August 13. 1862.
Mallon. Tames, enl.sted August '3, 1862.
Sumner. Thomas J., enlisted August 13. 1862.

Recruits.
Anderson. Joseph, enlisted January 30, 1865.
Bridegroom, Julius, enlisted January .9. 1864.
Sumner, Anthony W. ,„ ,0/:,

Smith. Benjamin F., enlisted January 19. -864.

Company G.

Private.

Upshaw. Thomas J., enlisted August 22. 1862.

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

237

Recruits.
Cain, David L.

Hindbaugh, Philip, enlisted January 4, 1864.
Sandern. Charles, enlisted January 2, 1S64.

Company H.

Caf>taiti.
John H. Hall, commissioned August 27. 1862.

Lieutenants.
First, Edwin E. Peters, commissioned August 27,
1862.

Second, Davilla W. Merwin, commissioned Au-
gust 27. 1862.

Second. John II. Henderson, commissioned Tune
12, 1865.

Sergeants.
Mathew Murdock. enlisted July 31, 1862.
John C. Adams, enlisted August 4, 1862.

Corporals.
W^illiam T. Keener, enlisted August 5, 1862.
William C. Stewart, enlisted August 11, 1862.
Jonathan Haley, enlisted August i, 1862.
John T. Geerling, enlisted August 16, 1862.

Musician.
Salem E. Martin, enlisted August i, 1862.

J( agoner.
George Farnsworth, enlisted July 19, 1862.

Priz-ates.
Anthony, Jacob, enlisted August 6, 1862.
Alger, Josiah J., enlisted August 11, 1862.
Buck, William, enlisted July 18, 1862.
Buck. Millar, enlisted July 18, 1862.
Bremer, John, enlisted August 1. 1862.
Black well, Thomas, enlisted July 31, 1862.
Beasemore. Robert G.. enlisted July 29, 1862.
Blundcl, William, enlisted July 26, 1862.
Brings. William, enlisted July 22, 1862.
Cole. Oliver W., enlisted" August 6. 1862.
Cain, David L., enlisted July 28. 1862.
Claver, David, enlisted August 13. 1862.
Church, Andrew G., enlisted August 13, 1862.
Charles, H. Charles, enlisted August 27, i86j.
Dolan, John, enlisted July 31, 1862.
Edwards, Evans, enlisted August i, 1862.
Ewing. John W. H., enlisted August 4. 1862.
Flick, Erwin, enlisted July 8, 1862.
Foster, Robert, enlisted August 6, 1862.
Fullerton, James, enlisted August 2, 1862.
Fuller. George, enlisted August 6, 1862.
Flagler, John W.. enlisted July 31, 1862.
Faskitt. Byron O.. enlisted August 4. 1862.
Faskitt, Lyman W.. enlisted August 13. 1862.
Gasney, William, enlisted August 6, 1862.
Hackan, Sebalt, enlisted July 19, 1862.
Jayne, Jacob, enlisted August 2. 1862.
Kellogg, Lewis F., enlisted August 5, 1862.
Kellogg. William P., enlisted July 18, 1862.
Keack, Daniel C, enlisted August 2, 1862.
Kruger, Edward H.. enlisted August 11, 1862.
Kilver. Henry J,, enlisted August 13, 1862.
Ley. William L., enlisted August 15, 18G2,
Mason. Richard, enlisted August 7, 1862.
Macinley. William A., enlisted August 1. 1862.
McFarland, Tames A., enlisted July 18. 1862.
McConncll, Robert A., enlisted August 6, 1862.
McKone. John, enlisted August 13, 1862.
McMahan. Sylvester, enlisted August 14, 1862.
McGee. Charles, enlisted August 11, 1862.
Nowlon, William W.. enlisted August 5. 1862.
Oburph, Francis V.. enlisted August 5, 1862.
Place. Emerson, enlisted August 5. 1862.
Place. John N., enlisted August 5. 1862.
Peters. Andrew W., enlisted August 11. iSfij.
'^onk, Ch.irles. enlisted August 6, 1862,
Reed. An?us M.. enlisted August 6. 1862.
Ramsay. Harrison, enlisted August 11. 1862.
Stone. Ely. enlisted August 2, 1862.
Smock, William, enlisted July 30. 1862.
Schleigh. John J., enlisted August 5. 1862.
Slocum. George, enli'^ted August 6, 1862.
Scott, James, enlisted August 6. 1862.
Sharpnerk. William, enlisted August 11, 1862.
\'anpatten. Emerson, enlisted August 6. 1862.
Wayne. Isaac T^., enlisted August 6. 1862.
Wayne. Samuel, enlisted August 6, 1862.
Wallace. Charles, enlisted August 6, 1862.
Wilkins, John J., enlisted August 13. 1862.
Zimmerman. Jesse, enlisted August 6, 1862.

Recruit.<.
Bennett, William.
Darley, Henry.
Moore, George M.

Company I.

Corporals.
Thomas J. Love, enlisted August 9, 1862.
William P. Parker, enlisted August 9, 1862.

Privates.

Clark. William L.. enlisted August 9, 1862.
Clark. John, enlisted August 9. 1862.
Jones. Francis M., enlistetl August 14, 1862.
Lemaster, Isaac, enlisted August 9, 1862.
Lindenberger, Ernst F. C, enlisted August o,
1862.

Slick, Ezra, enlisted August 9, 1862.
Sill, William P. J., enlisted August 22. 1862.
Sill, George D., enlisted August 14, 1862.
Sill, Isaac M., enlisted August 15. 1862.
Thomas; David, enlisted August 12, 1862.

Recruits.
Cromwell. John, enlisted December 28. 1863.
Green, Andrew S., enlisted December 28, 1863.
Glassford. John, enlisted December 28. 1863.
Glassford, George, enlisted December 28. 1863.
Johnson, Cyrus, enlisted December 29, 1863.
Kelley, Nelson, enlisted February 21, 1865.
I*etty, Ezekiel. enlisted December 28. 1863.
Petty. John R., enlisted December 28, 1863.
Sayler, William C, enlisted January 25, 1864.
Wolf, Jonathan B., enlisted October 11, 1864.

Company K.

Captains.

John F. French, commissioned August 27, 1862.

Levi A. Ross, commissioned April 20, 1865.
Lieutena7its.

First, James B. Peet, commissioned August 27,
1862.

First, John Morrow, commissioned August 20.
1865.

Second, Henry F. Irvin, commissioned August 27,
1862.

Second. John McGinnis, commissioned Tune 12,
1865.

Sergeants.
First, Peter H. Snyder, enlisted August 7, 1862.
Alexander Buchanan, enlisted August 9, 1862.
Elijah Coburn. enlisted August 7, 1862.

Corporals.
John Carter, enlisted August 9, 1862.
Edwin L. Smith, enlisted August 7, 1862.
Levi A. Ross, enlisted August 9, 1862.
John Z. Slone, enlisted August 9, 1863.
Kbenezer M. Armstrong, enlisted August 8, 1862.
Samuel Bohrer, enlisted August 8, 1862.
John J. Anderson, enlisted August 7, 1862.
William H. Anton, enlisted August 7, 1862.

^llusiciiins.
David Smith, enlisted August 9. 1862,
John E. White, enlisted August 9, 1862.

Wagoner.
John Dukes, enlisted August 7, 1862.

Prizxttcs.
An ten, George, enlisted August 9, 1862.
Alter, Charles E., enlisted August 8, 1862.
Andrews, Henry A., enlisted August 8, 1862.
Aten, Charles S., enlisted August 9. 1862.
Anderson, Warren T., enlisted August 7, 1862.
Butler, Sylvester, enlisted August 11. 1862.
Beach. Frank, enlisted August 7. 1862,
Bickner, Andrew J., enlisted August 8. 1862.
Blanchard. William H., enlisted August 7, 1862.
Burgess. Green, enlisted August 9, 1862.
Butler, Henry, enlisted August 8, 1862.
Burns, Patrick, enlisted August 12, 1S62.
Coburn, Samuel C., enlisted August 7, 1862.
Cook. George, enlisted August 8. 1862.
Cowley, John J., enlisted August 12, 1862.
Dinesmore. Peter, enlisted August 7, 1862,
Debord. Jefferson, enlisted August 9. 1862.
Debord, Nelson, enlisted August 7. 1862.

238

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

Deal William, enlisted August 9, ^f/-
Debord, John, .-'-''■''.^AuKUSt 3, .86^.
Foley, Hezekiah, enhsltd A>^«"f /• '°
Kram-is loseph, enlisted August 9, i8«-
G adfither! Jacib. enUstcd August 7, ■86^-

Hnre Henrv H., enlisted August 8, iSb..

R^ 'u „ (Vnrse W , enlisted August 9.^>«o2.

SX""v-in.am'H. enlisted August 9, .86..

Ke e Emanuel, enlisted August 7, .86^.

Ke er Andrew, enlisted .\ugust 7. 86^.

K^ er Edmund, enlisted August 7. -S^J-

h,v Andrew J , enlisted August 7. '862.

^H^s, Ben Imiil' enlisted August 9,-86..

T ttle Henry, enlisted August 8. 1862.

M lie; James enlisted August 7. "862.

^ Mman,"john, enlisted August 7, .86

Parents Joseph, enlisted August 7. .862.
Pots Wlliam. enlisted August 7. .862.

Pons John T:..„!="l'"f„,,4XAug'us 9 '.862.
frgt'w."l^a^''renlstr4u^u"s\^2,•^62.
Ru^ssell lames A., enlisted August 8 1862
Russe "James M., enlisted August 8, .862.
Reed! Philander, enlisted August 8 .862.
Roney, Hugh, enlisted Augus 8. 862.
Roney Peter, enlisted August 8, 1862
Rook William, enlisted August .2 1S62
Mea, Simon W.. enlisted August 8 .862.
Smith John W., enlisted August 8, 1862.
Sm h Isaae L., enlisted August 7. .862-
levies Moses M.. enlisted August L, .862.
lay e : Thomas, enlisted August .1 .86..
pTfer' ^ElUai/B '^"nli^te-ltu u'st''.'!- :862.
!;;;'?' Archii'ald. enlisted August 8 ■862.
sSger. Madison, enlisted August 7, &6z.
Sahin John M.. enlisted August 7, .»62.
|™n ' And"ew j.. enlisted August 9. .86..
Timnons, Francis, enlisted August 7, .862
Wa"tson\TamesSenhsted Augusts, ^^8^

^'Hre?^Vl1iia^'''l^^%ef A"f r ■862-''^-

Wh e James E., enlisted August 8 1862.
Wiley Charles, enlisted August 9. 'f6^-
Young. Harrison, enlisted August .■■ .86|.
Zikr Jeremiah C, enlisted August u, .862.

Recruits.
Dehord Henry, enlisted August 19, '^62.
Hladtetier Abert, enlisted February ., .864.
Hughs William, enlisted February .. -864.
"lafrs Joseph D., enlisted January 23, .865.
Lynch tames A., enlisted January 23, 865.
Nail! William T., enlisted January 2., 1864.
EIGHTY-EIGHTH INFANTRY.
Unassigned Recruits.
\mbler, Monroe, enlisted December 6. .863.
Brwn! Chester F., enlisted October 22. 1863.
EIGHTY-NINTH INFANTRY.
Company A.
Recruits.
Smith, Samuel, enlisted August 13, .862
Urie, David R., enlisted August 13, .86-.
Company G.
Private.
Baves, Adelbert, enlisted November. 1863.

Recruit.
Hunt. James, enlisted November 28, 1863.
NINETY-THIRD INFANTRY.
Company C.
Recruits.
Corwin, Thomas R., enlisted April 12. 1865.
Pa™ons, John, enlisted December 5. 864.
Parker, James, enlisted April 11, .865.

Ryon, John, enlisted March 31. '865.
Timmons, John, enlisted April 12, 1865.

Company K.
Recruit.
Godfrey, Michael, enlisted March 31, .865-

Unassigned Recruits.
Baker. James, enlisted April 11, 1865.
Cody, Patrick, enlisted April 11, 1865.
Clark, Thomas J., enlisted April 1 1, 1865.
Dougherty, lohn, enlisted March 9. .865.
Flynn. Frank, enlisted March 9. 1865.
Farrington. George, enlisted March 29, .865.
Higgins. John, enlisted April 11. .865.
Hellvard. Thomas, enlisted March 22. 1865.
Jenkins. William K.. enlisted March ... .865.
Mulcahy. Patrick, enlisted April ... '865.
Morgan. James, enlisted March ii. .865.
O'Brien. Patrick, enlisted March 9. .865.
Powers. William, enlisted March 9, 1865.
Welsh. James, enlisted April 11, 1865.
Zonowski, Louis, enlisted March 22. 1865.

ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTH INFANTRY.
Colouel.
John Warner, commissioned August 28. 1862.

Major.
Lyman W. Clark, commissioned October 26. 1864.

Adjutants.
Benjamin T. Foster, commissioned August 23.

'^Henry C. Fursman, commissioned June 23, 1864.
Quartermaster.
George W. Raney, commissioned August 18, 1862.

Sergeant Majors.
John E. McDermot, enlisted August i. 1862.
tdward Pratt.

Quartermaster Sergeants.
George B. Raney, enlisted August 15, 1862.
Anson Adams.

Commissary Sergeants.
John M. Dodge, enlisted August 22, 1862.
George Hindson.

Hospital Steward.
Henry C. Fursman, enlisted September 15, .862.

Principal Musician.
Frederick Wham.

Company B.
Privates.
Coons, Andrew J., enlisted A"gust M, .862.
Coons Martin, enlisted August .1, '86..
Crall William H.. enlisted August 4, .86-.
Horton Joseph W., enlisted August 11. 1862.
Ingalls.- WiUiam R., enlisted August .4, .862.
Company E.
Captain.
Sylvester V. Dooley. commissioned August 28,

1862.

Lieutenants.

First. Patrick Moore., commissioned August 28,
'^lecond. Thomas Lynch, commissioned August 28.
'^Peter Young, commissioned August i, 1865.
Sergeants.
Patrick Lvnch. enlisted August 7, '862.
Fames Freeman, enlisted August .5, .862
Akxander Pitcher, enlisted August .3, .862.

Corporals.
George Simons, enlisted August '5. '862.

Tohn Mangan, enlisted August .5. .862.
£-"ku^SU^Aigusl^": -62.

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

239

Musicians.
Tames Brophy, enlisted August 22, 1862.
James Byan, enlisted August 15, 1862.

Wagoner.

Henry Hammond, enlisted August 9. 1862.
Priz-ates.

Bradley, Robert, enlisted August 9. 1862.

Brophey, John, enlisted August 11, 1862.

Barnard, James, enlisted August 15, 1862.

Burke, John, enlisted August 8, 1862.

Carroll, Michael, enlisted August 15, 1862.

Corbet, Joseph, enlisted August 15, 1862.

Crass, James, enlisted August 13, 1862.

Cranson, John, enlisted August 14, 1862.

Chamblin, Elisha, enlisted August 15, 1862.

Crowder, John, enlisted August 13, 1S62.

Cation, William, enlisted August 22, 1862.

Dodd, George, enlisted August 9, 1862.

Davis, livan, enlisted August 22, 1862.

Dodge, John, enlisted August 22, 1862.

Don, Levy Joseph, enlisted August 22, "1862.

Driscal, Dennis, enlisted August 15. 1862.

Dickerson, I'Vank. enlisted August 18, 1862.

Diving. Cyrus, enlisted August 14, 1862.

Ewing. George \\ ., enlisted August 3, 1862.

Eads. Thomas, enlisted August 22, 1862.

Fentrop, Henry, enlisted August 22, 1862.

Fleming, Michael, enlisted August 22, 1862,

Flanagan, Thomas, enlisted August 22, 1862.

Gross, Daniel, enlisted August 22, 1862.
Groatatoaut, Jesse, enlisted August 15, 1862.
Guppy, Samuel, enlisted August 15, 1862.
Gillit. Julien, enlisted August 14, 1862.
Graves, Isaac, enlisted August 22, 1862.
Higgins, John, enlisted August 15. 1862.
Hidson, George, enlisted August 15. 1862.
Hutchinson, Samuel, enlisted August 22, 1862.
Hogan, Barnard, enlisted August 14, 1862.
Hughes, George, enlisted August 13, 1862.
Jones, Avrein. enlisted August 5, 1862.
James, John, enlisted August 16, 1862.
Jenkins, John, enlisted August 13, 1862.
Kelley, James, enlisted August 8, 1862.
Kenny, James, enlisted August 15, 1862.
Lushman, Thomas, enlisted August 22, 1862.
Loomis, Michael, enlisted August 22, 1862,
Loinan. Thomas, enlisted August 22, 1862.
Lockland, Michael, enlisted August 15, 1862.
Murphy, William H., enlisted August 15, 1862.
McKone. Michael, enlisted August 13, 1863.
^IcComb, James, enlisted August 7, 1862.
Moore, John, enlisted August 22, 1862.
McCarty, John, enlisted August 11. 1862.
Merry, Edward, enlisted August 22, 1862.
Ml Knight. James, enlisted August 8, 1862.
Roberts. George, enlisted August S. 1862.
Rice, George, enlisted August 16, 1862.
Simons, John, enlisted August 15, 1862,
Strately, James, enlisted August 7, 1862.
Simmers. John, enlisted August 12, 1862,
Smith. Edwin, enlisted August 15, 1862.
Summers, William, enlisted August 13, 1862.
Thorp, Charles, enlisted August 15. 1862.
Taylor. Tames, enlisted August 17, 1862.
Upton. James, enlisted August 15, 1862.
Whitty, Samuel, enlisted August 14. 1862.
Walters, Andrew, enlisted August 22, 1862.
Walters. John, enlisted August 22. 1862.
Yost. Bartholomew, enlisted August 22, 1862.

Company D.
Prifates.
Gabriel, Philip, enlisted August 11, 1862.
Hartman, William, enlisted August n, 1862.
Kellogg. Nathan, enlisted August 8, 1862.
Pank. Alexander, enlisted August 20. 1862.
Page, James H., enlisted August 15, 1862.
Snyder, James, enlisted September 5, 1862.

Recruit.

Greenwell, George, enlisted February 23. 1S65.

Company F.

Privates.
Doman. John, enlisted August 15, 1862.
Edwards. Henry O., enlisted August 15, 1862.
Everingham. Joseph H.. enlisted August 15, 1862.
Fursman. Henry C. enlisted September 18, 1862.
Kirkner. George, enlisted August 1 5. 1862.
McKown, Robert, enlisted August 15, 1862.

Phillips, George, enlisted August 15, 1862.
Perdue. Wil.iam F.. enlisted August 15, 1862.
Stine. George A., enlisted August 15, 1862.
Sonderland, Olof, enlisted August 15, 1862.
Twigs, James L., enlisted August 15, 1862.

Recruit.

Kyle, John, enlisted January 26, 1865.
Company G.
Captains.
George R. Haglitt, commissioned August 28. 1862.
Samuel H. Harts, commissioned January 13, i86j.
Henry C. Somniers. commissioned May 30, 1863.
John E. McDermott. commissioned June 13, 1864.

Lieutenants.
First. James* H. Wynd. commissioned lune 13,

Second. James Bradshaw, commissioned Aucust
I. 1865.

Sergeants.
First. George W. Morris, enlisted August 12, 1862.
George Angus, enlisted August 9, 1862.
John S. Phillips, enlisted August 12, 1862.

Corporals.
Sylvanus H. Williams, enlisted July 28, 1862.
William R. Caldwell, enlisted August 15, 1862.
Alfert F. Simons, enlisted August 15, 1862.
Lewis Elwell, enlisted August 9. 1862.
Clinton \'. B. Reader, enlisted August 15, 1862.
Lewis Mitchell, enlisted August 15, 1862.
Samuel K. Mobery, enlisted August 15, 1862.
Aaron T. Sharp, enlisted August 15, 1862.

Musicians.
Ephraim Bartlett, enlisted August 11, 1862.
William C. Mawberry, enlisted August 15, 1862.

IVagoncr.
Anson Adams, enlisted August 15. 1862.

Privates.
Atkinson, Henry, enlisted August 15, 1862,
Berdine, George W., enlisted August 11, 1862.
Buchard. Thomas, enlisted August 15, 1862.
Brown. Reuben W., enlisted August 15, 1862.
Bowers. Isaac, enlisted August 15, 1862.
Bradshaw. W illiam, enlisted August 15, 1862.
Blanchard, Robert A., enlisted August 15, 1862.
Brummel, Charles, enlisted July 16, 1862.
Broomfield. Obadiah. enlisted August 14, 1862.
Brown, John H., enlisted August 14, 1862.
Conroy, Charles AL, enlisted August 15, 1862.
Craig, Hiram D.. enlisted August 14, 1862.
Conroy, James A., enlisted August 15, 1S62.
Curtis. James, enlisted August 15, 1862.
Crouch, John A., enlisted August 11, 1862.
Cochran, James, enlisted August 15, 1862.
Dunne, James, enlisted August i, 1862.
Easter, I'ranklin. enlisted August 13. 1862.
Easter, Noah, enlisted October 12, 1862.
Frazier. Thomas J., enlisted August 11, 1862.
Grundy, James, enlisted August 15, 1862.
Homer, Landow, enlisted August 12, 1S62.
Harris, Charles T., enlisted August 12, 1862.
Hartley, John J., enlisted August 15, 1862.
Holmes. Jesse N., enlisted August 15, 1862.
Johnson. William, enlisted August 15, 1862.
Kippenbrock, Lewis AL, enlisted August 11, 1862.
Keefer, Jacob, enlisted August 12, 1862.
Kirkman, Clement, enlisted August 1 1, 1862.
Kippenbrock, Henry A., enlisted August 11, 1862.
Lewis, Barney, enlisted August 15, 1862.
Lewis, Charles, enlisted August 13, 1862.
Long, Joseph M.. enlisted August 13, 1862.
Lama. John, enlisted August 8, 1862.
Larimar, James, enlisted August 14, 1862.
I^yton. Sylvester, enlisted August 14, 1862.
Mitchel. Martin, enlisted July 22, 1862.
Meyer. John, enlisted August '11. 1862.
Meyers, William J. D., enlisted August 17, 1862.
McDermot. John E., enlisted August r, 1862.
Moore. John S., enlisted July 28, 1862.
McComb. Andrew, enlisted August 15. 1862.
Owens. Robert, enlisted August 13, 1862.
Owens. Pleasant, enlisted July 15. 1862.
Odell. George, enlisted August 11, 1862.
Penny, Brayton A., enlisted August 13, 1862.
Porter. Jackson, enlisted August 7, 1862
Pernell, Jam.es M., enlisted August 14. 1862.

240

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

1862.
1862.
1862.

Powell, lidward, enlisted AuKUSt 12. 1862
Phillips, Valentine, enlisted August 15, >»02-
Ranev, George B., enlisted August is,
Randall, Icremiah E., enlisted July 28,
Rose Washington, enlisted August 15,
Rice, George, enlisted August 15, >862
Stock, Valentine, enlisted August 6, 1862.
Sommers, William, enlisted August 5, 1862
Sommers. Leonard, enlisted August ■ 5. 1862.
Staples, Toshua, enlisted August is. 1862
Sherwood, Samuel, enlisted August 10, 1862.
Tipton, James R., enlisted August 19, 1862
Webell, George W., enlisted August IS, 1862.
Watts, Robert, enlisted August 15, 1862.
Wright, William, enlisted August is, 1862.
Worth, Samuel R., enlisted August 14, 1862.
Zuber, .Tohn J., enlisted July 28, ^1862,

Recruits.
Aldrich, George, enlisted March 6, 1865.
Bailey, Henry C enlisted March 6, 1865.
Butler, John, enlisted March 6, i86s.
Fox. Reed, enlisted March 6. 1865.
Guyer, George, enlisted March 6, 1865.
Hibbs, Evan, enlisted March 6, 1865.
King, Joseph, enlisted March 6, 1865.
Prior, 'Richard, enlisted March 6, 1865.

Company H.
Kirby, Patrick, enlisted September 5. 1862.
Moran, Michael, enlisted September 20, 1862.

Company I.
Cat'tains.
Tohn W. Carroll, commissioned August 28. 1862.
Patrick Needham, commissioned March 28, 1862.

Lieiite)wnt.

First Richard Scholes, commissioned August 28,
'862. ...

Second, Daniel Dulanv. commissioned August 28,
1862.

Edward Pratt, commissioned August I, l86s.

Sergeants.
First, John S. Stater, enlisted August 2, 1862.
James Sook, enlisted August 11, 1862.
'Dauphin H. Kendall, enlisted August 13, 1862.

Corporals.
Tohn Smith, enlisted August 8, 1862.
David Rockford, enlisted August 8, 1862.
Richard Walsh, enlisted August 15, 1862.
Noal Hungertord, enlisted August 15. 1862.
George Myers, enlisted August, 1862.
Thorhas Byron, enlisted August 14, 1862.
Edward Grant, enlisted August 14, 1862.
John Kearns, enlisted August 14, 1862.

Musicians.
Harvev Steele, enlisted August 13. 1862.
Frederick Wham, enlisted August 27, 1862.

Wagoner.
Dudley Willits. enlisted August 11. 1862.

Privates.
Briggs, Samuel, enlisted August 14, 1862.
Bachus, Francis, enlisted August 11, 1862.
Brown, Thomas, enlisted August 8, 1862.
Barry, Daniel L., enlisted August 17, 1862.
Cook, Henry H.. enlisted August 14. 1862.
Curtis. George P.. enlisted August 15. 1862.
Crews, Thomas M., enlisted August 10, 1862.
Carey, Tames, enlisted August 16, 1862.
Cullen, Mathew. enlisted August 15, 1862.
Dnnningan. Alpbeus. enlisted Aygust 14, 1862.
Dillon, Edward, enlisted August 15, 1862.
Delong. William H., enlisted August 11. 1862.
Dillon. Christopher, enlisted August 14, 1862.
Dunne. Patrick, enlisted .\ugust 14, 1862.
Eagan. William, enlisted August 15. 1S62.
Evans. David, enlisted August 9. 1862.
Gabriel, Andrew, enlisted August ll. 1862.
Grimes. Terrence, enlisted ,\ugust 15. 1862.
Hodees. Alexander, enlisted August 15, 1862.
Harding. Samuel C. enlisted August 13, 1862.
Heyers, Reuben, enlisted August 14. 1862.
T^armon. John, enlisted August, 1862.
Hirsh. Beniamin F., enlisted September 22. 1862
Jackson. Victor, enlisted August 15, 1862.
Jones, John, enlisted August 13, 1862.

Kershau, Thomas, enlisted August 8, 1862.
Kinney, James, enlisted August is, 1862.
McGinnis. Green, enlisted August 8. 1862.
Murphy, Michael, enlisted August 9, 1862.
Moore, John S.. enlisted August 9. 1862.
Murphy, lames, enlisted August, 1862.
Orr, William, enlisted August 11, 1862.
Phillips, Andrew, enlisted August 15, 1862.
Powers, Thomas, enlisted September 1. 1862.
Phillips, William, enlisted August is, 1862.
Rockford, David, enlisted August 12, 1862.
Ryan, James, enlisted August u, 1862.
Roystcr, Joshua, enlisted August 8, 1862.
Ransom, Henry, enlisted August 11, 1862.
Rodgers, Tames, enlisted August 9, 1862.
Ryan, William, enlisted August 12, 1862.
Skidmore, William, enlisted August 29, 1862.
Sommers. Leonard, enlisted ,-\ugust 29, 1862.
Shultz, Samuel, enlisted August 28, 1862,
Sedgwick, Charles, enlisted August 9. 1862.
Smith, John, enlisted August 20, 1862.
Shomaker, William, enlisted August 12, 1862.
Smythe. Charles, enlisted .\ugust 9, 1862.
Sealer. Anthony, enlisted September i, 1862,
Sill. William M., enlisted August 11, 1862.
Thenne. Mathias. enlisted September 17, 1862.
Turner. John G., enlisted August 16. 1862.
Taggert, Robert M., enlisted August 20, 1862.
Tvler. Cassius M., enlisted August 18, 1862.
Van Volson, Joshua, enlisted .August 11, 1862.
Walker, Samuel, enlisted August 18. 1862.
Wasterman, Charles C, enlisted August 19. 1862.
Walsh, Edward, enlisted August 12. 1S62.
Walsh, Tohn, enlisted September 17, i5i62.
Walsh. Tames, enlisted September 17, 1862.
Walsh. William, enlisted September 17. 1862.

Company K.
Captain.
Lyman W. Clark, commissioned August 28, 1862.

Sergeant.
Preston H. Bnrch, enlisted February 15. 1862.

Corporal.
James Balfour, enlisted August 15, 1862.

Privates.
Alder, George, enlisted August 28. 1862.
Alexander. Gilbert, enlisted August 12, 1862.
Carroll, Michael, enlisted July 22, 1862.
Cliver. Thomas H., enlisted August 28, 1862.
Evans. David, enlisted August 4, 1S62.
Guy, Samuel S., enlisted August 12, 1862.
Howard. John, enlisted August 28, 1862.
Huien, Patrick, enlisted August 22, 1862.
King, Alexander, enlisted July 28, 1862.
Leonard, Tohn C. enlisted August 15, 1862.
O'Neil, Peter, enlisted July 17, 1862.
Pattee. John F., enlisted August 15, 1862.
Robbie. August, enlisted August 11, 1862.
Snyder, Daniel H., enlisted August 6. 1862.
Tinker. Daniel A., enlisted .August IS, 1862.
Vandover, Gilbert, enlisted August 15, 1862.
Wham John L, enlisted August 28, 1862.
Yaw, George L., enlisted August 12, 1862.

Unassigned Recruits.
Davidson, Tames, enlisted February 24, i86s.
McOuirk, Bernard, enlisted September 22, 1864.
Swartwood, Henry.

ONE HUNDRED AND TWELFTH INFANTRY.
Company D.

Privates.
Keazel. Tohn D., enlisted August 12, 1862.
Sergeant', Jeremiah, enlisted August 12, 1862.
Dardis, Michael, enlisted January 24, i86s.

ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTEENTH
INFANTRY.
Sergeant Major.
Samuel A, Wilson.

Company B.
Lieutenant.
T'irst John Teffcoat. commissioned August 26,

'^''3- ' r- . ,

Corporals.

Miltnn W. Ronnsaviille. enlisted August 9, 1862.

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

241

Loyal S. Blair, enlisted August 8, 1862.
John R. Blanchet, enlisted August 11. 1862.

Aliisiciaiis.
Albert '1". Nicholas, enlisted August 15, 1862.

Prirates.
Tleech. Rilev V., enlisted August 6, 1862.
Carroll, Thomas, enlisted August 9, 1862.
Fundy, John, enlisted August 9, 1862.
Shays, George E., enlisted August 5. 1862.
\'^an Valkenburg. George T., enlisted August 7,
1862.

Wheel. Alexander, enlisted August 13. 1862.

Company E.
Recruits.
Bit tie. Melcheur, enlisted March 3. 1865.
Behrens. Ferdinand, enlisted March 8. 1865.
Deitz, Andrew, enlisted March 10, 1865.
Edller, Lawrence, enlisted March S. 1865.
Steelig. Christian, enlisted March 8, 1865.

Company F.

Recruit.

Wilson. Samuel A., enlisted November 4. 1863.

Company H.

Private.

Hall, Moses W., enlisted August 1 1. 1862.

L'tiassigncd Recruit.
Schulze, John G., enlisted February 24. 1863.

ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTEENTH
INFANTRY.
Company E.

Lieutenant.

First, Lewis R. Hedrick, commissioned May 27,
1865.

Sergeant.
Ashley Pettibone. enlisted August 1 1. 1862,

Privates.
Contrail, Edward D., enlisted August 11. 1862.
Lemows, Joseph, enlisted August 15. 1862.
Petticord, Higginson, enlisted August ji. 1862.
Rhodes. William K., enlisted August 11, 1862,
South. Leonard, enlisted August 14, 1862.
Wells, John, enlisted August 13, 1862.

Recruit.
George. James XL, enlisted August 11. 1862.
Company L
Corf^ora!.
Woodron. Samuel, enlisted July 25, 1862,

Privates.
Atkinson. Robert V.. enlisted July 25, 1862.
Johnson, Orren D., enlisted July 25. 1862.
McCane. William, enlisted July 25, 1862.
Savle. Amos, enlisted July 25, 1862.

ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTEENTH

INFANTRV.
Company G.
Corporal.
\'olney Prosper, enlisted August 14, 1862.

ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTEENTH
INFANTRV.
Rccruil.
Mark Feary, enlisted February 16, 1864.

ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-THIRD

INFANTRY.

Vnassigned Recruit.

Murray, James, enlisted March 23. 1865.

ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTIETH INFANTRY.

Company F.

Captain.

John D. Rouse, commissioned September 2. 1862.

ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-SECOND
INFANTRY.

Company D.
Lieutenant.
First, H. A. Anderson, commissioned June i,
1864.

Sergeant.

First. AiKlrew V. Gibson, enlisted May 2, 1864.

Musician.
William Thatcher, enlisted May 9, 1864.

Wagoner.
John Darnel, enlisted May 9, 1864.

Privates.
Bradshaw. Charles, enlisted May 13, 1864.
Beesm. Charles N., enlisted May 5, 1864.
Darby. Henry H., enlisted May 8, 1864.
Eaton. Robert N.. enlisted May 5. 1864.
Furman. Warner, enlisted May 27. 1864.
Herbert. Daniel K., enlisted May 6, 1864.
Humphrey, T. T., enlisted May 5. 1864.
Jay, W. Scott, enlisted May 5. 1864.
Lockwood. W. P., enlisted May 5. 1864.
Oldham, Charles T.. enlisted May 25, 1864.
Plummer. Charles H., enlisted May 10. 1864.
Robinson. James, enlisted Mav 2. 1864.
Richardson, E. D., enlisted May 5. 1864.
River, Matthew, enlisted May 26, 1864.
Smith. William, enlisted Mav 2, 1864.
Welton. Charles P.. enlisted May s. 1864.

Recruit.
Bartholomew. A. G.

Private.
Freudenburger. Edward, enlisted May 12, 1864.

ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-NINTH
INFANTRY.
Colonel.
Peter Davidson, commissioned June i, 1864.

Adjutant.
David N. Sanderson, commissioned June i, 1864.

Quartermaster.
John Bryner. commissioned May 18. 1864.
Company A.
Sergeant.
Edward B. Dunbar, enlisted May 7, 1864.

Corporal.
Thomas Entz. enlisted May 9, 1864.
Privates.

Clifton, Joseph H.. enlisted June i, 1864.
Farden. James, enlisted May 9, 1864.
Leonard. John R., enlisted May 9, 1864.
Shaw, James F., enlisted May 9. 1864.
Shepard. Mortimer H., enlisted May 10, 1864.
Thompson. Henry B., enlisted May 9. 1864.
Thomas, Charles H., enlisted May 9. 1864.

Company C.

Privates.
Campbell, James B., enlisted May 5, 1864.
Lawless. Thomas, enlisted May 5. 1864.
Lynch. James, enlisted May 7, 1864.

Company B.

Captain.

George W. Odell, commissioned June i, 1864.

Lieutenants.

First. Henry M. Evans, commissioned hine i.
1864.

Second. Alonzo Attwood, commissioned Tune i,
1864.

Sergeants.
Thomas E. Horslcy, enlisted May 27. 1864.
William Orr, enlisted May 7, 1864.
John Uppole, Sr.. enlistee! May 20, 1864.
Albert Soper. enlisted May 2:7, 1864.

Vol. T— 1 C

242

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

Corf^OKils.
Francis A. Claridge. t'tilisted May lo, 1864.
Ebon Curran. enlisted May 4. 1864.
Alvah Moffatt, enlisted May 4, 1864.

Miisiciiins,
Reuben M. Grove, enlisted May ig. 1864.
John W. Crandall, enlisted May 14, 1864.

Wagoner.
Earl Brooks, enlisted May 5, 1864,

Friz'ales.
Barfoot, Edward A., enlisted May 6, 1864.
Barnes, Tames H., enlisted May 14, 1864.
Breed, William H., enlisted I\[ay 10, 1864.
Cook, James H., enlisted April 27, 1864.
Couse, Irvin, enlisted May S. 1864.
Cummins. Thomas, enlisted May 23, 1864.
Camp, James M., enlisted May 30, 1864.
Dunlevy, Andrew, enlisted May i, 1864.
Deel, William, enlisted May 6. 1864.
Douglas. Samuel, enlisted May 14. 1864.
Dukes. William, enlisted May 17. 1864,
Deal. James N., enlisted May 23, 1864.
Dubord. William P., enlisted May 18. 1864.
Dubord. William H.. enlisted May 19. 1864.
Ellington, George, enlisted May 17. 1864.
Haley. William, enlisted May i'6. 1864.
Hedrick. Simpson, enlisted May 14, 1864.
Hedrick. Thomas J., enlisted May 14. 1864.
Hayes. William, enlisted May 23. 1864.
Hardin. Charles, enlisted May 24. 1864.
Hart, Pliny M.. enlisted May 23. 1864.
Hackney. Washington, enlisted May 14, 1864.
Harseby. Zebulon. enlisted May 18'. 1864.
Hitchcock. F.. enlisted May 18. 1864.
Harrison. Ira D., enlisted May 18. 1864.
Hill. John, enlisted May 18. 1864.
Kinnah. Joseph, enlisted May 17. 1864.
King, James, enlisted May 4, 1864.
Livingston. William M., enlisted Mav 5, 1864.
Lmsey, Abraham D.. enlisted May '17. 1864
MofFatt. Joseph W., enlisted May 4, 1S64.
McMaster, Henry, enlisted May 9, 1864.
Martin, Bradley, enlisted May 4, 1864.
McClown, Joseph, enlisted Mav 6. 1864.
McGinley, Edward, enlisted May 16, 1864.
McDaniels, Stadden, enlisted May 16, 1864.
Mohrmon, Casper, enlisted May 24. 1864.
Opdyke. Benjamin, enlisted May 3, 1864.
Richardson, Christopher C, enlisted May 29. 1864.
Russell, Joseph, enlisted May 24, 1864,
Roth. Henry, enlisted May 30. 1864.
Shepard. Benjamin, enlisted May 17, 1864.
Stondminger. Charles, enlisted May 3. 1864.
Sweely. Michael, enlisted May 17'. 1864.
Sheeler. William R., enlisted Mav 24. 1864.
Sonders. John P.. enlisted May '31. 1864.
Tuthill. Samuel, enlisted Mav 24, 1864.
Uppole. John, Jr., enlisted May 20, 1864,
Uppole, Henry, enlisted Mav 20, 1864.
Walker, Thomas, enlisted Mav 6, 1864.
Wakefield, Henry, enlisted May 25, 1864.
Wilson, Richard, enlisted May 25', 1864.

Company F.

Herman W. Snow, commissioned June i, 1864.

Lieutenatits.

First. Appleton K. Fitch, commissioned June i.
1864.

Second, James C. McKenzie, commissioned Tune i,
1864.

Sergeants.
First. Samuel D. Scholes. enlisted May 13. 1864.
Levi A. Tapham. enlisted May 12. 1864.
George R. Carter, enlisted Mav 16, 1864.
William O. Wann. enlisted May 14, 1864.

Corporals.
Robert L. Farr, enlisted May 16, 1864.
Thomas J. Scholes, enlisted May 14, 1864.
John B. Frost, enlisted May 24. 1864.
Charles F. Rummell, enlisted May 19, 1864.
Robert J. Stilwell. enlisted May 25, 1864.

Musician.
Calvin G. Towers, enlisted May 12, 1864.

Privates.
Abbott. George S.. enlisted May ig, 1864.
AUemony. Robert, enlisted May 14. 18^4.
Austin. Charles S., enlisted May 12. 1864.
Avling, Charles W., enlisted May 18, 1864.
Bliss, William E., enlisted May 24, 1864.
Ballance, Charles, enlisted May 30, 1864.
Baringer, Horatio G., enlisted May 12, 1864.
Boyd, John, enlisted May 12. 1864.
Barnum. William C. enlisted May 12. 1864.
Brooks. Thomas G., enlisted May 12. 1864.
Brown. Charles, enlisted May ig, 1S64.
Barstow, Alfred, enlisted May 12, 1864.
Cowell, Joseph H., enlisted May 12, 1864.
Caffyn. Tames, enlisted May 21. 1864.
Comegys, Charles M.. enlisted May 16. 1864.
Conrad. Oliver, enlisted May 12. 1864.
Clarke. Emit M., enlisted May 21, 1864.
Clauson, Henry T-, enlisted May 20. 1864,
Day, Fred J., enlisted May 13, 1864.
Day, William H., enlisted May 12, 1864.
Davis, Edward L., enlisted May 13, 1864.
Elson. Martin, enlisted May 12, 1864,
Fuller, Tonas, enlisted Mav 19, 1864.
Fuller, Jonas J., enlisted May 19. 1864.
Feighmer. Francis L.. enlisted May 13, 1864.
Gray, Bushrod, enlisted May 16. 1864.
Gillet. Edward, enlisted May 11. 1864.
Gray. James A., enlisted May 11. 1864.
Hamaker. Abram G.. enlisted May 17. 1864.
Hoag. Albert S.. enlisted May I'S. 1864.
Horendin, George W.. enlisted Mav 16. 1S64.
Hunter, William F.. enlisted May 14, 1864.
Harsch, Goodly, enlisted May 14. 1864.
Hotchkiss. James M., enlisted May 20. 1864.
TelTries. Thomas, enlisted May 21.' 1864.
Keelcr. Edmond. enlisted May ig, 1864.
Kent. George V., enlisted May 13. 1864.
Loomis, Charles M.. enlisted May 20. 1864.
Lathy. T. F.. enlisted Mav 12, 1864.
Morrow, Nathan, enlisted Mav 23, 1864.
McKenzie, William, enlisted Mav 11, 1864.
Moore, Herschel J., enlisted May 16, 1864.
■ Miller, Charles, enlisted Mav 12, 1S64.
Moore, Thomas F., enlisted Mav 11. 1864.
Paige, Kascoe F., enlisted May' 26. 1864.
Patten. Joseph G., enlisted Mav 12. 1864.
Patten, Robert, enlisted Mav 12, 1864.
Quinn, Frederick, enlisted May 16, 1864.
Rauschkolb, Peter C enlisted May 20, 1864,
Rouse, Rudolphus. enlisted May 12, 1864.
Steel. Lewis G.. enlisted Mav 21, 1864.
Smith, Franklin, enlisted May 12. 1864.
Sharp, William, enlisted May 12, 1864.
Steinke, Theodore G., enlisted May 26, 1S64.
Stowell, Albert N., enlisted Mav 24, 1864.
Thompson, James B., enlisted May 13, 1864.
VanDoren, Tacob. enlisted Mav 16, 1864.
Wertzel, William, enlisted May 16. 1864.
Whitham. Toseph S.. enlisted May 16, 1864.
Wilbur, Charles B., enlisted Mav 16, 1864.
Williamson. Franklin, enlisted Mav 16, 1864.
Weigand, Philip, enlisted Mav :2," 1864.
Wright, Roswell B., enlisted 'May 14, 1864.
Whittlesey, Henry B.. enlisted May 14, 1864.

Company G.
Priz'ates.
Britton, Andrew, enlisted Mav 30, 1864.
McCraw, George, enlisted Mav '20, 1864.
Wilcox, Charles L., enlisted May 30, 1864.

Company H.
Prii'ates.
Burns. Quinstus, enlisted May 24, 1864.
Cox, Thomas, enlisted Mav 31, 1864.
Dolstrum, Tohn, enlisted May 24, 1S64.
Plum, Daniel, enlisted Mav 24, 1864.
Richmond, Austin, enlisted May 24, 1864.
Shellenbarger. Charles T-. enlisted Mav 24. 1864.
Williamson, David, enlisted May 23, 1864.
Watson, James T., enlisted May 30, 1864.

Company I.
Private.
Hittle. Henry, enlisted May 24, 1864.

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

243

ONIC HUNDRED AND FORTY-SIXTH

INFANTRY.

Company F.
Privates.
Frazee, Henry, enlisted September 15. 1S64.
Gilstrap, Levi, enlisted September 15, 1864.

Company G.
Privates.
Bybee, William H., enlisted September 5, 1S64.
Barkley, Henry, enlisted September 5, 1864.
Button, Almon M., enlisted September 6. 1864.
Cassel, George, enlisted September 6, 1S64.
Heller, Daniel H., enlisted September 5, 1864.
Jerome, Samuel, enlisted September 5, 1S64.
Jerome, Elias. enlisted September 5. 1864.
Lisenby, John W.. enlisted September 5, 1864.
Lisenby, George W.. enlisted September s, 1864.
Miller, John H., enlisted September 5, 1S64.
Orton, Luther M., enlisted September 5, 1864.
Ramsay. William R., enlisted September 5, 1864.
Sharp, William F., enlisted September 5. 1864.
Shell, Milton, enlisted September 5, 1864.
Stutes, Perry, enlisted September 5, 1S64.
Thomas, Daniel C, enlisted September 5, 1864.
Thorp, John W., enlisted September 5, 1864.
Wren, Oscar, enlisted September 5, 1 864.

Company I.

Lieutenant.

Second, John D, Heckathorn, commissioned Jan-
uary 29, 1865.

Sergeants.
Samuel P. Murchant. enlisted August 30, 1864.
John C. Barber, enlisted September 2, 1864.

Corporals.
Martin V. Smith, enlisted September 2, 1864.
William M. Cloud, enlisted August 30, 1864.

Musicians.
George M. Gass, enlisted August 24, 1864.
Frederick H. Pitt, enlisted August 30, 1864.

Privates.
Aukland, Shadrach, enlisted August 31, 1864.
Adleman, Charles, enlisted September i, 1864.
Beasmore, Robert G., enlisted September 6. 1864.
Beatty, John, enlisted August 31, 1864.
Burt, Edward R., enlisted August 26. 1S64.
Barnes, Joshua, enlisted August 29, 1864.
Brown, Millard F., enlisted September 5, 1864.
Bamber, Robert, enlisted September 5, 1864.
Boden. Simon J., enlisted September i, 1864.
Culp, Franklin B., enlisted August 31, 1S64.
Conrad, William E., enlisted September 5, 1864.
Cress, Andrew J., enlisted August 31, 1864.
Donahue, Charles M., enlisted September 6, 1864.
Dunbar, Robert, enlisted September 8, 1864.
Dougherty, Samuel H., enlisted September 9. 1S64.
Forbes. Henry, enlisted September 13, 1864.
Fosdick, John, enlisted Se[itember 6, 1864.
Gates, James F., enlisted September 7, 1864.
Hipgins, Oscar S., enlisted September i, 1864.
Hiner, Isaac, enlisted August 24, 1864.
Hartz. John H., enlisted September 2, 1864.
Holt, Jonah F.. enlisted September 2, 1864.
Jones. Amos P., enlisted September 1, 1864.
Long, Thomas, enlisted September 5, 1864.
McCulloufih, Isaac P.. enlisted September 25, 1864.
Merrill. Joiin, enlisted September 6, 1864.
McMullin, Absalom, enlisted September 5, 1864.
McMuIlin, Charles E., enlisted September i, 1864.
Robinson. Thomas H., enlisted August 29, 1864.
Rogers, James, enlisted September 5, 1864.
Rogers, David, enlisted September 5, 1864.
Reed, Campbell XL. enlisted September 10, 1864.
Storey, Jacob, enlisted September 29, 1864.
Schleigh, Robert P., enlisted September 6. 1864.
Schradcr, William, enlisted September 5, 1864.
Stilwtll, John, enlisted September 9, 1864.
Tussing, Joseph A., enlisted September 8, 1864.
Upton, Thomas S., enlisted August 25, 1864.
Watts. George W., enlisted August 30. 1864.
Westerfield. Samuel F., enlisted August 31, 1S64.

Recruits.

Crawford. George, enlisted September 13, 1864.
Smith, Wade, enlisted March 22, 1865.

^^ ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY-SEVENTH
INFANTRY.

Company B.

Corporal.

McGregor, William, enlisted February 1, 1865.

Company I.

Private.

Milbun, August, enlisted February ^, 1865.

ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY-EIGHTH
INFANTRY.

Company C.

Corporal.
Smith, James W., enlisted February, 1865.

Privates.
Clark. Thomas M., enlisted February 8, 1865.
Griffer, Eugene, enlisted February 8, 1865.
Haley, Wool ten. enlisted February 8, 1865.
Hill. John, enlisted February 8, 1865.
Harbers, Hair C, enlisted February 8, 1865.
Hillier. Edgar, enlisted February 8, 1865.
McClary, John P.. enlisted February 8. 1865.
Shepherd. John M., enlisted February 8, 1865.
Shofe, John W., enlisted February 8, 1865.
Smith, Robert S., enlisted February 8, 1865.
Saylor, Joseph F., enlisted February 8, 1865.
Taylor, William F., enlisted February 8, 1 865.

Company F.

Corporal.
George W. Armor, enlisted February 11. 1865.

Prizmtes.
Blake well, John, enlisted February 11, 1865.
Coe, Samuel K., enlisted February 1 1, :865.
Dixon. Harrison W., enlisted February 11. 1865.
Eddings, Martin M., enlisted January 30, 1S65.
Myers. Jacob S., enlisted February 1 1, 1865.
Phelps. George, enlisted February 2, 1865.
Reed, Morrow P., enlisted Febrviary 11, 1865.
Reed, John C, enlisted February 11, 1865.
Rounds. William, enlisted February n, 1865.
Snyder, Martin H.. enlisted February 11, 1S65.
White, George, enlisted February n, 1865.

Company G.
Priz-atcs.
Moffatt, Joseph W., enlisted February 2, 1865.
MotTatt. Aquilla, enlisted February 6, 1865.
Ray, Charles, enlisted February 8^ 1865.
Robertson, George, enlisted February 4, 1865.
StJlwell, Robert J., enlisted January 26. 1865.
I'Ppole. William H., enlisted February 4, 1865.
L'ppole, John, enlisted February 4, 1865.
Wheeler, Lewis, enlisted February i, 1865.

Company 1.
Private.
Walter, V. W., enlisted February 11, 1865.

ONE HUNDRED FORTY-NINTH INFANTRY.
Company A.

Privates.
Brown, Jacob, enlisted January 27, 1865.
Goodrun, Herbert, enlisted February i, 1865.

Company F.
Private.
Welch, John, enlisted January 26, 1865.

ONE HUNDRED FIFTY-FIRST INFANTRY.

Lieutenant Colonel.
Herman W. Snow, enlisted February 25, 1865.

Principal Musician.
Henry C. Pierce.

Company A.

Lieutenant.

Second, Harrison Elliott, commissioned February
21. 1865.

244

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

Sergeants.
Merwin. DoviUa W., enlisted February 'I- -865.
Hulse, Henry N., enlisted 1-ebruary 6, 865.
Mason, Isaac I'., enlisted February 9, 1865.

Corporals.
Samuel S. DeWitt. enlisted February '■■ >865.
lUuk. William, enlisted l-ebruary 6, 1865.
ilammet. William H., enhsted February 9 .865-
Walters, Joseph, enlisted February 9, i865-

H^agoner.
Joseph McCowan, enlisted February 9. 1865.

Prwates.
Anderson, Simeon, enlisted February 1 5- 1865.
Amsler, William, enlisted February 9. 1865.
Aj-ends, Henry, enlisted February 11, 1S65.
Bates, Chauncey, enlisted February 10, 1865.
Buck, John M.. enlisted February 11, 1865.
Birkle, 'William, enlisted February 9. 1865.
Boerchus. Lohurtus, enlisted February 11, 1865.
Brown, John, enlisted February 9. '865.
Crow. Isaac INI., enlisted February 11, 1865.
Crotz, Baltzer B., enlisted February 3. '865:
Clayton. Isaac, enlisted February 15. 1865.
Davis, Isaac, enlisted February i, 1865.
Dowdell, Tackson, enlisted February 2, 1865.
F.l- ards. Thomas II., enlisted February 14. '865.
Errion, Richard, enlisted February 11. 1865.
FJliott Harrison, enlisted February 9. 1865.
Farnstock, Charles, enlisted February 10, 1865.
Graham, Andrew, enlisted February 15, 1865.
Hunt. Arctus L.. enlisted February 2. 1865.
Hay. George, enlisted February 2. 1865.
Howard. Tames L.. enlisted February 9, 1865.
Keady, Alexander, enlisted February 15- '865.
KinR, Daniel, enlisted February 14, '865.
I.ottmann. Henry, enlisted February 11, 1865.
I.aiiton, Edward, enlisted February 11, 1865.
Lamav, Joseph, enlisted February 10, 1865.
Largent.' Sanford, enlisted February 14, 1865.
Morse, Samuel M., enlisted February 6, 1865.
Martin. Bradlev. enlisted February 11. 1865.
Martin. Amos K.. enlisted February 15, 1865
Stockton. Tames C, enlisted February 14. 1865.
Smith. Tohn W.. enlisted February 14, i86.|.
Thomas, James W., enlisted February 13, 186s.
Vanpatten. Washington, enlisted February 9- '865.
Wakefield, Tohn T.. enlisted February 15. 1865.
Woods, Patrick, enlisted January 30, "865
Wilson, Edward T.. enlisted January 31. 1865.
Woodruff, Ambrose H., enlisted February 2, 1865.

Company B.
Prl^'otes.
Barringer. William, enlisted February 9, 1865-
Wilson, William, enlisted February 6, 1865.

Company E.
Captain.
Snow, commissioned February 23,

Lieutenant.

Carter, commissioned February

Herman W.
1865.

First, George R

26, 1865.

Sergeant.i.

Charles L. Ballance. enlisted February 15, '865.
Tames Gray, enlisted February 9. 1865.
William E. Neadles, enlisted February 9, i865.

Corporal.^.
Francis G. Darr. enlisted February 13. 1865.
Charles M. Comegss. enlisted February 10. 1865,
Franklin Smith, enlisted F'ebruary 15, 1865.

Musician.
Joseph Clifton, enlisted February 18, 1865.
Privates.

Barron. Tohn. enlisted February 11, 1865-

Carroll, tohn W.. enlisted February 10, 1865.

Cameron, Tohn, enlisted February 15, 1S65.

Buck, Tam'es A., enlisted February 10, 1865.

Clark, Emmett M., enlisted February 9. i865-

Clark T. O. A., enlisted February 13. 1865

Crandall, Moses H., enlisted February 13, 1865.

Carter, George R., enlisted February 17, ■865.

Desmond, Patrick, enlisted February 11, 1865.

DriscoU, Thomas, enlisted February 10, 1865.

Dugdall, Edward, enlisted February 9. 1865.

Eaton, Edward F.. enhsted February 10, 1865.
FeighAer. Francis L.. enlisted February 10, 1865.
Frye. Samuel, enlisted February 14. 1865-
Fuller, Jonas, enlisted February 9. '865-
Fuller, Ephraim, enlisted February 14, 1865.
Groffy. George, enlisted February 16, 1865.
Griggs, W^illiam H., enlisted February 10, 1*65.
Green, Silas T., enlisted February 10, 1865.
Hogan. William, enlisted February U. i865-
Kain. Barney, enlisted February 6, i8b5-
Nave, Peter, enlisted February 13, i»05.
Opie, Henry, enlisted February to, >865-
Selser. William, enlisted February 10. 1865.
Sanders. John P.. enlisted February 10, 1865.
Vanpatten. William, enlisted February 17, i865.
Van Norman, William, enlisted February 17, 1865.
Watson, William, enlisted February 10. 1865-
Wetzler. Adam, enlisted February i, 1865.

Company G.
Sergeant.
James Macfarlane. enlisted February 16. 1865.

Musician.';.
Thomas I McCormick, enlisted February 14. 1865.
Henry C. Pierce, enlisted February 16. 1865.

Priz-ates.
Dredge, Henry W., enlisted February 16, 1865.
Hanna, W'illiam H., enlisted February 16. 1865.
McHenry, John, enlisted February 20. 1865.
Murry. Elijah, enlisted February 14. 1865.

Company I.
Privates.
Hills, William, enlisted February 6, 1865.
Morgan, James, enlisted February 6, 1865.

Company K.

Dunlap, John, enlisted February 4. 1865.

ONE HUNDRED FIFTY-FOURTH INFANTRY.

Company G.

Pri-vates.

Grav, Noah E., enlisted February 17. '865.

Miff'ord, Andrew J., enlisted February 17, 1805.

Company H.
Privates.
Hazell, David, enlisted February 20, 1865.
Peterson, George, enlisted February 20, 1865.

ONE HUNDRED FIFTY-FIFTH INFANTRY.
Company A.

Captain.

Jacob B. Yeagley, commissioned February 2f

■8'6s.

Privates.

Deering, Paul, enlisted February 22, 1S65,
Oachsle, Matthias, enlisted February 20, 1865.
Schuster. Frank, enlisted February 22, 1865.

Company F.

Private.

Watson. William B., enlisted January 23, 1865.

Company G.

Lieutenant.

First John Miller, commissioned F'ebruary 2

1865.

Sergeants.

Francis M Wood, enlisted February 20. 1865.
George Helmbolt, enlisted February 21. 1865.
Tohn Berry, enlisted February 23, 1865.

Corporals.
James Burke, enlisted February 20, 1865.
Peter Kelsey, enlisted February 20, 1865.
P M Wells, enlisted February 22, 1865.
Edward Cadlin. enlisted F'ebruary 20. 1865.

Privates.
,\dam Robert H.. enlisted February 20. 1865.
Barnes, Tames, enlisted February 20, 1865.
Burnes, Patrick, enlisted February 20, 1865.
Brown. George H.. enlisted February 24, 1865.
Buyrne. Tames, enlisted February 20. 1865.
Canady, John, enlisted February 24, 1865.
Crawley. Dennis, enlisted February 23, 1865.

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

245

Cosmer or Cashman, David, enlisted February 17,
1865.

Davidson, Robert, enlisted February 23. 1865.
Dailey, Thomas, enlisted February 24, 1S65.
Dickson. John, enlisted February 20, 1865.
Eagan, James, enlisted February 23, 1865.
Failey. John H., enlisted February 20, 1865.
Fairfield, Ksterfier. enlisted February 20, 1865.
Frost, John, enlisted February 24, 1865.
Hurley. Thomas, enlisted February 21. 1865.
Ives, Thomas, enlisted February 23. 1865,
Jones. George, enlisted February 22, 1865.
Killey, Thomas, enlisted February 20, 1865.
Leonard, Richard, enlisted February 20, 1865.
Lynch, Michael, enlisted February 20, 1865.
Morris, Henry, enlisted February 23, 1S65.
Moore, John, enlisted February 23, 1865.
Maloy, John, enlisted February 23, 1865.
Miller, John, enlisted February 20, 1865.
Neagle, Augustine, enlisted February 21, 1865.
Neadon, William, enlisted February 28, 1865.
Neeley, William, enlisted February 20, 1865.
Reiley, John, enlisted February 20, 1865.
Reed, James, enlisted February 20, 1S65.
Reedman, Henry. enliste<l February 24. 1865.
Shutt, Paul C, enlisted February 23, 1865.
Smitli, James H., enlisted February 23, 1865.

SECOND CANALRV.
Company A.

Recruits.
Underwood, James A., enlisted January 4. 1S64.
Wright, Benjamin L., enlisted January 4. 1864.

Uitassigncd Recruit.
Bates, John A., enlisted December 23, 1864.

THIRD CAVALRY.
Company B.
Sergeant.
William C. Dorwin, enlisted August 13. 1861.

Corfyoral.
William J. LaBour, enlisted August 13. 1861.

Pri-i'atcs.
Erwin, Richard, enlisted August 13, 1861.
Erwin, Philip, enlisted August 13, 1861.

Veteran Recruit.

Wagoner, Frederick, enlisted August 13, 1861.

Company K.

Veteran Recruit.
Harkness, Kelton W., enlisted August 12, 1862.

THIRD CONSOLIDATED CAVALRY.
Company B.

Recruit.
Burke. James, enlisted January 24, 1865.

Unassigned Recruits.
Bain, John, enlisted March 25, 1865.
Rowen. Frank, enlisted March 2, 1865.
Connors, Henry, enlisted February 24, 1865.
Connay, Martin, enlisted March 2, 1865.
Donley, Joseph, enlisted March 2, 1865.
Evers, William, enlisted March 10. 1865.
Greer. William, enlisted April i, 1865.
Jackson. Jolni M., enlisted Marcli 2, 1865.
Kelly, James, enlisted March 25, 1865.
Parks. John, enlisted February 24. 1865.
Phillips. John, enlisted April 5, 1865.
Rogers. George W^, enlisted March 21, 1865.
Stout. Jerry, enlisted March 31, 1865.
Smith, Charles, enlisted March 31, 1865.
Spicer, John C, enlisted March 3. 1B65.
Sulli\-an. George, enlisted February 24, 1865.
Tide. William H., enlisted March 2, 1865.
Williams. Franklin, enlisted March 2, 1865.

FOURTH CAVALRY.

Company G.

Pritfate.

Durkee. Daniel, enlisted October 15, 1861.

Company H.

Recruit.

Durst, Edwin S., enlisted November 15, 1861.

SIXTH CAVALRY.

Surgeon.
John N. Niglas, commissioned October i, 1861.

Company B.

Veteran Recruit.
Wlnte. George, enlisted April 3. 1865.

Company C.

Veteran Recruits.
Vincent. Thomas D., enlisted March 22, 1865.
Wall. Hardin J., enlisted March 22, 1865.

Company E.

Veteran Private.

Niglas, Ignatz, enlisted March 10, 1864.

SEVENTH CAVALRY.
Surgeon,
Clark D. Rankin, commissioned October 28, 1861.

Company A.

Veteran Recruit.
miey. James, enlisted March 20, 1865.

Company G.
Recruits.
Hames or Ilawes, William, enlisted March 31.
1865.

Little. William H., enlisted March 31, 1865.
Roberts, John E., enlisted March 31, 1865.
Smith. Frederick, enlisted March 31, 1865.
Wise. Columbus, enlisted March 31, 1865.

Company I.

Recruit.
Wilson, William N., enlisted March 22, 1865.

Unassigned Recruits.
Brown, James, enlisted March 2, 1865.
Connover, Frank, enlisted March 31, 1865.
Fralicks, William, enlisted March 2, 1865.
Gorman, Thomas, enlisted April 11, 1865.
Gell, Henry, enlisted April 11, 1865.
Gorman. James, enlisted March 6, 1865.
Grant, Charles, enlisted March i, 1865.
McCarty, Michael, enlisted March 6, 1865.
Moody, Michael, enlisted March 30. 1865.
Smith, Frederick, enlisted March 31. 1865.
Towner, Sims S., enlisted January 20. 1865.
Ward, William, enlisted March 31, 1865.

EIGHTH CAVALRY.
Company G.
Quartermaster Sergeant.
Walker Inglis. enlisted September 14, 1861.

Corporals.
Horace J. Capron. enlisted September 14. 1861.
William Gouda. enlisted September 14. 1861.

Privates.

Ajinis. Judson, enlisted September 14, 1861.

Barlow, Robert, enlisted September 14, 1861.

Barfoot, James, enlisted September 14. 1861.

Comeys. Benjamin F., enlisted September 14.
i86r.

Cottingham, Thomas S., enlisted September 14.
1861.

Emerson, Luther W.. enlisted September 14, 1861.

Kennedy. S. P., enlisted .September 14. 1861.

Morris, James, enlisted September 7. 1S61.

Pray, Louis C, enlisted September 7, 1861.

South wick, Hamilton B.

Sherman. Henry J., enlisted September 14, 1861.

Speers, J. S.. enlisted September 14, 1861.

Westheffer, William, enlisted September 14. 1861.

Vetcratis.
Goudy, William L., enlisted November 30, 1863.
Kennedy, Richard H., enlisted November 30, 1863.

Company K.

Unassigned Recruit.
Foster, Walter, enlisted December 16, 1864.

246

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

NINTH CAVALRY.
Company G.

Recruit.
McCormick, John, enlisted March 30. 1865.
CoMP.^Ny L.
Recruits.
Gordon, Richard, enlisted March 21, <865.
Tarman, Thomas P., enlisted February 7, 1864.
Jones, Joseph, enlisted March 21, 1865.
Mathewson, John, enlisted February i. 1864.
Rilev, Anthony, enlisted December 28. i8b3-
Waterhouse, George E., enlisted December 10,
1861.

Unassigned Recruits.

Ryan, Edward, enlisted March 31. '865
Murray, Andrew, enlisted March 31, 1865.

TENTH CAVALRY.
Company E.
Lieutenaut.
Second, Edwin B. Neal, commissioned May 31.
1862.

Company G.
Veterans.
Clark, Willard, enlisted January 3, 1864.
Elgan, William, enlisted January 3, 1864.
Lasure, William, enlisted January 3, 1864.

Company M.
Recruit.
Hall, Willis A., enlisted January 14. 1864.
TENTH CAVALRY (as Consolidated.)
Company C.
Ca[>lain.
Edwin R. Neal, commissioned December 31, 1864.
ELEVENTH CAVALRY.
Colonels.
Robert G. Ingersoll, commissioned October 22,

Otto Funke, commissioned April 8, 1865.

Lieutettant Colonels.
Balzil D. Meek, commissioned October 22, 1S61.

Majors.
Sabine D. Puterbaugh, commissioned October 22,

David J. Waggoner, commissioned October 25,

James F. Johnson, commissioned October 25, 1861.
Philip F. Elliott, commissioned March 28. 1865.
Theophilus Schaever, commissioned August 31,
1865.

Adjutants.
David T. N. Sanderson, commissioned September

6, 1862. . . . T^ u o

Joseph Robinson, commissioned December 28.
1863.

Quartermasters.
William Currie, commissioned October 22, 1861.
Eugene RoUman, commissioned June 30, 1864.

Company A.
Captains.
Otto Funke, commissioned December 20, 1S61.
Anthony Rochrig, commissioned November i,

Theophilus Schaever, commissioned September 18,

John E. Fraesenius, commissioned September 18,
1864.

Lieutenants.
Second, Herman Herold, commissioned November
I, 1862. ... , , •,

Second, Louis Ludwig, commissioned April 20,
1861.

Quartermaster Sergeant.
John Edwards, enlisted October 20, 186 1.

Sergeants.
Herold H. First, enlisted October i. 1861.
Frederick Kallenberg, enlisted November 7, 1S61.

Corporals.
William Mester. enlisted September 21, 1861.
Tobias Indermaur, enlisted October 11, 1861.
Julius Klenboehl, enlisted September 22, 1861.
Henry Schmidt, enlisted November 14, 186 1.

Blacksmith.
Charles Pfeifer, enlisted October 27. 1861.

Privates.
Beutel, Adam, enlisted September 25, 1861.
Brickwald. Frank H., October 24, 1861.
Birkel. Philip J., enlisted November 2, 1861.
Bumiller. Joseph, enlisted November 19, 1861.
ueckerich. Nicklaus. enlisted November 21, 1861.
Brum, Jacob, enlisted December 1, 1861.
Carsens. John, enlisted September 23, 1861.
Dood, Henry, enlisted October i, 1861.
Douk. Henry, enlisted September 23. >86i.
Frey, Charles, enlisted September 23, 1861.
Gans, George, enlisted November 12, 1861.
Hill, George, enlisted November 4, 1861.
Iscrt. John, enlisted November 21. 1861.
Johnson, Christian, enlisted November 23, 1861.
Tillinghaus, Frederick, enlisted September 20, 1861.
Kehl, Adam, enlisted October 27, 1861.
Lowman. George, enlisted November 12, 1861.
Lutzelschvvai, Charles, enlisted November 20, 1861.
Limbert, Fritz, enlisted December 19, 1861.
Miller. Jonn. enlisted September 21, 1861.
Nehlig. Henrv, enlisted September 2,3. 1861.

Noark, Frank, enlisted October 21, 1861.

Potinius H. J., enlisted October 21, 1861.

Reiten. Peter, enlisted October 15. 1861.

Rockle. Herman, enlisted November 9, 1861.

Rollman. Eugene, enlisted November 16, 1.^61.

Rake. Hervey, enlisted November 25, 1861.

Scherkenbach. Edward, enlisted September 23,
1861.

Seybold. Frederick, enlisted September 23, i56i.

Tanner. John, enlisted September 23, 1861.

Umbrecbt. John, enlisted October 11. 1861.

Winter, Jacob, enlisted October 21. 1861.

Witman." Anton, enlisted November 16. 1861.

Zeisler. Jacob, enlisted November 11, j86i.

Veterans.
Breckwaldt. Frank, enlisted December 20. 1863.
Bumiller, Joseph, enlisted December 20, 1863.
Seitz. Charles, enlisted December 20, 1863.

Recruits.
Dood, Henry, enlisted December 28, 1863.
Farrer, Jacob, enlisted October 11, 1861.
Gruebe. Henrv. enlisted October 3. 1861.
Harford. T. H.. enlisted November 12, 1862.
Hodapp, Sebastian, enlisted January 5. 1865.
Holder. Leonhard, enlisted October i. 1861.
Harford. F. W.. enlisted November i. 1861.
Keisenberg, Charles, enlisted March 3. 1864.
Mc.\ndrew, John M.. enlisted February 28, 1865.
Meyer, Herman, enlisted April 13, 1864.
Mandt. August, enlisted March 31, 1864.

Noark. Frank, enlisted February 19, 1864.

Pfannenshil. Emil, enlisted February 14. 1S62.

Stolzman, William, enlisted March 30, 1864.

Snell. Henrv, enlisted March 31. 1864.

Seitz. Charles, enlisted January 10. 1S63.

Wade. Henry, enlisted December 23^ 1863.

Widemever. Frank, enlisted February 28. 1865.

Williams, Tarkson. enlisted November i, 1S62.

Watroubeck, Joseph, enlisted January 31. 1864.

Zimmerman. Fritz, enlisted March 31. 1864.

Company B.

Corporals.

Tohn W. Bumans. enlisted September 7, 1861.

Thomas T. Sims, enlisted September 10, 1861.

Charles Campbell, enlisted September 7, 1861.

Saddler.
William Julg, enlisted September 9. 1861.

Prii'ates.
Akin. Tames H., enlisted November 8. 1861.
Campbell. William, enlisted September 7. 1861.
Green .Mbert. enlisted November 19. 1861.
Hall. William, enlisted December 7. '861.
Hart Covington, enlisted November 23. 1861.
Lawless, Thomas, enlisted November 20. 1861.
McCann. Alexander D.. enlisted November i. 1861.
Miller, Joseph, enlisted December i. 1861.

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

247

Phillips, George T.. enlisted December 3, 1861.
Stinyard. Augustus, enlisted November 8. 1861.
Sims, David H.. enlisted September 24. 1861.
Sans, Robert, enlisted October 12, 1861.

Veterans.
Akin, Tames H., enlisted December 20. 1863.
Hall, William, enlisted December 20. 1863.
Kinzey, John W., enlisted December 30. 1863.
McCann. Alexander, enlisted December 20. 1863.
Manning. John J., enlisted December 31, 1863.
Phillips. George F.. enlisted December 20. 1863.
Sims. Thomas T.. enlisted December 28. 1863.
Sims. David \V., enlisted December 20. 1863.
Stinyard, Augustus, enlisted December 20, 1863.
Teneycks, Jacob, enlisted February :, 1864.

Recruits.
Adams, Joseph, enlisted September 25, 1861.
Bonnivilie. Gaylord. enlisted July 14. 1864.
Castnor. Joseph, enlisted January 23. 1864.
Campbell," Alexander, enlisted January 29. 1004.
Frank, William H., enlisted January 25. 1865.
Hitchcock. Frank, enlisted September 3, 1861.
Tones. Robert M., enlisted October n. i8o4.
Kimpey. Tohn W., enlisted December 30. 1861.
Lawrence! John G.. enlisted January 2. 1862.
Manning. John J., enlisted December 31, 1865.
Matthewson, Byron, enlisted January 8, 1862.
Teneycks. Tacob, enlisted February 1, i8b2.

Company C.
Lieutenant.
N. Sanderson,

commissioned

First, David T.
March 20, 1862.

Privates.
Burns, Richard, enlisted October 29. 1861.
Bunker, Tames M-. enlisted November 30. 1861.
Hoover. Christian, enlisted November 30, 1861.
Hone. John, enlisted October 30, 1861,
Harmon, Philip, enlisted December 20. 1861.
Morris, Amos, enlisted November 15, 1861.
Myers. John, enlisted November 9. 1861.
Newell. "Tudson L.. enlisted November 30, 1861.
Williams; Josenh D. S.. enlisted November 4. 1861.

Recruits.
Cheal. Tames T.. enlisted I-'ebruary 27, 1862.
Craig, Samuel, enlisted March 31. 1864.
Fash, James M.. enlisted August 13. 1862.
Powers, Martin, enlisted January 3, 1862.
Snyder, James, enlisted August 15, 1862.

Company D.
Caf^tain.
Louis H. Armstrong, commissioned December 20,
1861.

Lieutenant.
First. George W. Odell, commissioned December
20. 1861.

First, Stephen Andrews, commissioned May 5.

Second. William P. Armstrong, commissioned De-
cember 20. 1861.

Second, John E. Hedrick, commissioned November

6. 1862. ' . . . .r u

Second, Stephen Andrews, commissioned March
28, 1865.

Second, William N. Peet, commissioned May 5,
1865.

Sergeant.

First, Ira K. Hopkins, enlisted September 23,
1861.

Corf>orals.

Leonard Wilmoth. enlisted September 23. 1861.

Thomas Jledrick. enlisted September 23. 1861.

Charles Stewart, enlisted September 24, 1861.

William C. Ward, enlisted September 23, 1861.

Horsley, George H., enlisted September 24, 1861.

Bugler.
Joseph Vandoren, enlisted September 23, 1861.

Blacksmith.
William Warhust, enlisted September 24. 1861.

U^a goner.
Elmer Russell, enlisted November 17, 1861.

Privates.

Ames. George M., enlisted September 24, 1861.

Bronson, Henry, enlisted September 23, 1861.

Brown, John \V., enlisted September 21, 1861.

Brome, George, enlisted September 24. 1861.

Bruer, Abram, enlisted November 12, 1861.

Cain, Matteson, enlisted October 2, 1861.

Count, Thomas, enlisted September 30. 1861.

Carney, Thomas, enlisted October 12. 1861.

Corn well, Hughes, enlisted September 23, 1861.

Coburn, William, enlisted September 30, 1861.

Cawley, John, enlisted December 19, 1861.

Clusson, Josiah H., enlisted October 14, 1861.

Drake. Albert, enlisted September 25, 1861.

Dwyer, Dennis, enlisted November 30, 1861.

Foreman, James, enlisted September 25, 1861.

Gumble, Levi D., enlisted October 14, 1861.

Glens. George K., enlisted October 14, 1861.

Hemming. \VilIiam. enlisted September 30. 1861.

Hooner, Moses, enlisted December 16, 1861.

Henderson. Robert, enlisted September 24. 1861.

Hubbard, Sylvester, enlisted September 24, 1861.

Hedrick, Hiram, enlisted November 28, 1861.

Heel, Horace, enlisted November 27, 1861.

Hoban, William, enlisted October 22, 1861.

Harris. Nathaniel, enlisted December 16. 1861.

House, A\'iliiam, enlisted October 14, 1861.

Knapp, James, enlisted November 1 1. 1861.

Kilver. John H,. enlisted November 26, 1861.

Lambert, \'ictor, enlisted October 17. 1861.

Mahon, John, enlisted November 28. 1S61.

McMahen, Alexander, enlisted October 23. 1861.

McMillan. James C, enlisted September 24, 1861.

Miller, John, enlisted September 24, 1861.

Myers, Herman, enlisted September 23, 186 r.

Northup, Jonah, enlisted September 24, 1861.

Osterhont, Daniel, enlisted September 24, 1861.

Oertley. Leonard, enlisted September 24, 1861.

Phillips, James N., enlisted December 16. 186 1.

Prentiss, John D.. enlisted November 13. 1861.

Price, John H.. enlisted September 24, 1861.

Pellman, John, enlisted September 25, 1861.

Purcel, Thomas, enlisted September 24, 1861.

Potts, David, enlisted December 11, 1861.

Reeves, John IL. enlisted December 5, 1861.

Russell, Conrad E., enlisted September 24. 1861.

Russell, George W., enlisted September 24, 186 1.

Russell, Ebenezer F., enlisted September 24, 1861.

Randool. George W., enlisted September 24. 1861.

Smith, Cyrus S.. enlisted September 25, 1861.

Shceler. John, enlisted September 24. 1861.

Stewart, William, enlisted September 20. 1861.

Shire, Jacob, enlisted December 16, 1861.

Sheridan. Edw^ard, enlisted September 24. 1861.

\'anhousen. Leonard, enlisted October 1 1. 1861.

Whitley. James, enlisted October 9. 1861.

Whitley. John, enlisted October 26, 1861.

Welch, James, enlisted October 22. 1861.

Welch, John, enlisted September 24, 1861.

Ward, Charles W., enlisted November 7, 1861.

White, Maxwell A. W., enlisted September 25,
1861.

Zimmer, Joseph W. N,. enlisted September 20,
1861.

Veterans.

Andrew. Stephen, enlisted December 20, 1863.

Cornwell, William H.. enlisted December 20, 1863.

Peet. William N., enlisted December 20. 1863.

Redd, James W., enlisted January 2. 1864.

Smith, Henry AT., enlisted December 20, 1863.

Stewart. Charles H., enlisted December 20, 1863.

\'andoren. Joseph, enlisted December 20, 1863.

Whitby, James, enlisted December 20, 1S63.

Whitby, John, enlisted December 20, 1863.
Recruits.

Alford, Elmore, enlisted December 24. 1863.

Alford. William J., enlisted December 24. 1863.

Alford, Isaac W.. enlisted December 5. 1862.

Ballard, Anderson, enlisted December 20, 1863.

Brush. Henry R.. enlisted October 14, 1861.

Chandler. Henry, enlisted January 24, 1865.

Dukes. Cornelius, enlisted December 26. 1863.

Dukes, William, enlisted March 22. 1865.

?Tare. George, enlisted September 24. 1861.

Hart. T^ewis C, enlisted January 24, 1862.

Kanouse, Tames E.. enlisted November 12, 1861.

Mills. William H., enlisted Tanuary 23, 1863.

Murphy. Ri< Iiard. enlisted January 21. 1865.

Morton. William H.. enlisted September 23. i86t.

Morris. John B.. enlisted September 23. 1861.

Osborne, N. F., enlisted December 20, 1864.

Phillips, Francis M., enlisted December 20, 1864.

248

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

Redd, lames W.. enlisted January 2. 1862.
Smith. 'Franklin D., enlisted September 23, 1861.
Smith, Henry M., enlisted October 1, 1861,
Staimet, Reuben, enlisted March 1, 1862.
Thurston, William, enlisted December 20, 1864.
Vanpatten, Albert J., enlisted January 20 1865.
Walla, Edmund, enlisted January 23, 1865.
Young, John, enlisted September 23, i86t.

ELEVENTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY.
Company E.
Company E of the Eleventh Illinois Cavalry was
organized at Peoria and left camp Lyon under com-
mand of Captain J. R. Zeigler 1-ebruary 21, 1862,
and arrived at Benton Barracks, St. Loiiis, Missouri
about the ist of March, and reported to Colonel
Eonyville, commanding post. Erom there the regi-
ment went to Pittsburg Landing and fought in
the battle of Shiloh, Tennessee, under General Pren-
tice. Thence they went to Purdy and captured it
March 15; also participated in the siege of Corinth
under General McKean. The company engaged in a
number of skirmishes and battles in their advance,
capturing Boliver, Pocahontas, Shewally, Kossuth,
Ripley and Memphis, making long and wearisome
marches to the towns about Corinth, Mississippi, un-
til the 15th of September, 1863. On the 25th of that
month the command under Major Buterbaugh was
surprised and most of the members of Company L
were captured at Hatchie. At the second battle of
Corinth, what men were left of the company acted as
orderlies and Captain Zeiglcr .served as adjutant on
the staff of General McArthur. whose brigade formed
a part of General Rosecrans' division. Company E
was afterward with General Grant at the battles of
Cold Water and Holly Springs; then fought General
Forrest in numerous skirmishes and battles for thirty-
five days, between Holly Springs and Paducah,
Kentucky. At the battle of Cross Roads, Colonel
Robert G. Ingersoll and Major Kerr were captured
by General Forrest. After engaging in the siege of
Vicksburg, Company E returned to Bethel, Ten-
nessee, and while there several months marched hun-
dreds of miles in guarding the Tennessee river;
and had a number of skirmishes near Havana. It
was also at Grand Junction, Saulsbury and La-
grange, Tennessee. In August they captured La-
grange, Mississippi, thence returned to Vicksburg;
thence Oueen's Hill and were in several battles and
skirmishes. The company was mustered out at the
expiration of their term of enlistment but reen-
listed and served until the close of the war. Cap-
tain retired from the army from disability, March
-, 1864.

Company E.
Captains.

John R. Zeieler, commissioned December 20, 1861.

Philip F. Elliott, commissioned March 7, 1864.

Martin L. Calhoun, commissioned .April 20, 1865.

Lieutenants.
First, Joseph Swan, commissioned .\pril 20, 1865.
Second, Charles L. Eeardsley, commissioned June
20. 1862.

Second, William J. A. Buchanan, commissioned
April 20, 1865.

Sergeants.

George Richard, enlisted October 4. 1861.
Sylvanus M. Guchus, enlisted September 30, 1861.
William Wickwire, enlisted October 4. 1861.

Corporals.
William Buchanan, enlisted September 7, 1861.
Tames T. Wason, enlisted December 7, 1861.
Nathaniel Roberson. enlisted October 15. 1861.
Tohn Gingerich, enlisted October 2, 1861.
Harrison E. Wiley, enlisted October 2, 1861.
Henry Gray, enlisted October 16. 1861.
Henrv .Summers, enlisted October 6, 1861.
.Jasper Ward, enlisted October 18. 1861.

Buglers.
Wilson Barnes, enlisted October 7, 1861.
Austin J. W. Thomas, enlisted December iS, 1861.

Saddler.
Charles Geeger, enlisted December 4, 1861.

li'agoncr.
,\l))heus Roe, enlisted October l.s. 1861,

Blacksmith.
Amos Waughop, enlisted November 8, 1861.

Friz-ates.
Allen, Robert, enlisted December 7, 1861.
Barber, William, enlisted October 10, 1861.
Baxter, George, enlisted October 14, 1861.
Brewer, Joseph, enlisted October 15, 1861.
Barnes, Charles, enlisted November 5, 1861.
Barber, Elijah, enlisted November 5, 1861.
Burt, Willis V., enlisted November 20, 1861.
Callahan, John, enlisted November 8, 1861.
Coleman, lames H.. enlisted October 6, 1861.
Callahan. Edward, enlisted November 20, 1861.
Cooper, Joseph, enlisted November 15, 1861.
Dubald, James M., enlisted November 13, 1861.
Dunlap, Marshall L., enlisted December 7, 1861.
Denman, Alfred V., enlisted December 18, 1861.
Dencius, William, enlisted September 25, 1861.
Engart, De Witt C, enlisted October 28, 1861.
Eich, Conrad, enlisted October 7, 1S61.
Edwards, James J., enlisted November 19, 1861.
English, Robert W., enlisted December 19, 1861.
Fisher, Elijah T., enlisted November 4, 1861.
Fulton, Tames K., enlisted November 4, 1861.
Gardner,' William H., enlisted November 18, 1861.
Casing, Frederick, enlisted December 5, 1861.
Garbarino, Charles, enlisted November 28, 1861.
Hickey, John S., enlisted November 14, 1861.
Harding, Samuel F., enlisted November 20, 1861.
Hall, Joseph A. P. F., enlisted November 2, 1861.
Harrison, George, enlisted November 8, 1861.
Hall, John M. R., enlisted November 2, 1861.
Kirkni'an, Alfred, enlisted December 4, 1861.
Lynch, Maurice, enlisted December 7, 1861.
Mills, John, enlisted October 3, 1861.
McClintock, John C, enlisted November 3, 1861.
Melson, George W., enlisted December 2, :86i.
Newland, John M.. enlisted October 25, 1861.
Orr, William, enlisted October 14, 1861.
Patch, Samuel, enlisted October 28, 1861.
Redding, James, enlisted November 13, 1861.
Robinson, Joseph, enlisted November 25, 1861.
Roberts, Peter, enlisted November 14, 1861.
Ransom. David, enlisted November 11, 1861.
Reed, Joseph L., enlisted September 11, 1861.
Sulfa. George, enlisted October 5, 1861.
Southworth. George G., enlisted November 4, 1861.
Salsman. Charles A., enlisted October 14, 1861.
Scriver. Aaron S., enlisted November 15, 1861.
Stersenbaugh, George C, enlisted November :8,
1861.

Slade. Edwin, enlisted November 19, 1861.
Slater. Edward, enlisted November i, 1861.
Slater, Thomas, enlisted November i, 1861.
Sullivan, John, enlisted December 8, 1861.
Ship, Henry, enlisted December 15. l86l.
Todhunter, Roberson, enlisted October 26, 1861.
Taylor, Henry, enlisted November 13, 1861.
Teiian, Jeremiah, enlisted November 2. 1861.
\\'alsh. Tames, enlisted October 16, 1861.
Walsh. Aaron T.. enlisted October 19. 1861.
Williams. William, enlisted October 28, 1861.
Wason, Daniel C, enlisted December 2, 1861.

Veterans.
Ayers, Arad H., enlisted January 2, 1864.
Allen, Robert, enlisted December 20, 1863.
Bruer, Joseph, enlisted December 20, 1863.
Buchanan, William G.. enlisted December 20, 1863.
Barber, Elijah, enlisted December 20. 1863.
Burt, Willis \'., enlisted December 20, 1863.
Calhoun, Martin L., enlisted December 20, 1863.
Callahan. John, enlisted December 20, 1863.
Callahan, Edward, enlisted December 20, 1863.
Dural, Tames M.. enlisted December 20, 1863.
Denicus'. William, enlisted December 20, 1863.
Engart. De Witt C. enlisted December 20. 1863.
Eich, Conrad, enlisted December 20, 1863.
Fulton. Tames K.. enlisted December 20. 1863.
Gray, Harrv, enlisted December 20, 1863.
Guches, Svivanus. enlisted December 20. 1863.
Lynch, Maurice, enlisted December 20. 1863.
Nelson, George W., enlisted December 20. 1863.
Munholland, Charles P., enlisted December 20.
1863.

Mills, Tohn M., enlisted December 20, 1863.
Patch, Simeon M.. enlisted December 20, 1863.
Potter, Ephraim. enlisted December 20. 1863.
Redding, Tames, enlisted December 20, 1863.
Reid, Joseph L.. enlisted December 20, 1863.
Rrece. Humphrey, enlisted February 9, 1864.
Robinson. losepli. enlisted January 4, 1864.

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

249

Swan, Joseph, enlisted December 20, 1863.
Suffa. George, enlisted December 20, 1863.
Slade, Kdwin R., enlisted December 20, 1863.
Shipp. Henry, enlisted December 20, 1863.
Taylor. Henry, enlisted December 20, 1S63.
Tappan, Asher T., enlisted February 5, 1864.
Walsh, James, enlisted December 20, 1S63.
Williams, William, enlisted December 20, 1863.
Wasson. James, enlisted February 9, 1864.
Waughop, Amos E., enlisted December 21, 1863

Recruits.
Ayers, Arad W., enlisted January 2, 1862.
Adams, Thomas, enlisted September 16, 1861.
Bailey, John M., enlisted January 21, 1864.
Burnet, James, enlisted July 22, 1862.
Bruce, Charles W., enlisted September 13, 1864.
Booton, Asa, enlisted March 31, 1864,
Childs, Frank B., enlisted January 17, 1862.
Clancy, Michael, enlisted February 12, 1862.
Cummings, David M., enlisted October 10. 1861.
C'ox, Tilden, enlisted February 1 1, 1S62.
Dougherty, James P., enlisted September 8, 1862.
Delong, Edward J., enlisted November 23, 1861.
Edmonds, Thomas, enlisted November 20, 1861.
Franklin. Samuel T.. enlisted February 2, 1864.
Fisher, Hart C, enlisted January 21, 1864.
Freezce, Caleb M., enlisted November 18, 1861.
Fiefiehi, William E., enlisted January 30, 1862.
Cierrard, William, enlisted December 6, 1862.
Gill, Thomas, enlisted February 2, 1864.
Gesslcr, Henry, enlisted October 8, 1861.
Heniford, John L.. enlisted Decemlier 2, 1861.
Harding. James J., enlisted November 18, 1861.
Hines, Lewis, enlisted h'ebruary 2. 1862.
Kellogg, Daniel B., enlisted January 4. 1865.
Leland. Francis T.. enlisted March 23. 1864.
Lock. William, enlisted January 24, 1S62.
Marshall. James M.. enlisted February 2, 1864.
Moon. Charles, enlisted June 24. 1865.
MunhoUand, Charles P., enlisted November 28.
1861.

Murphy, Patrick, enlisted October 27, t86i.
Miller, George, enlisted February 19, 1862,
Paluliam. Henry, enlisted September 13, 1863.
Potter, Ephraim, enlisted December 31, 1861.
Robeson. Columbus A., enlisted February 4, 1862.
RudlofF, Theodore, enlisted January 10, 1864.
Reece, Humphrey, enlisted February 19, 1862.
Smith, George W., enlisted February 3, 1864.
Soady, Zachariah, enlisted January 4, 1862.
Smith, Julius P.. enlisted February 5, 1864.
Stem. Charles, enlisted October i.s, 1861.
Sheely, Robert, enlisted October 15, 1861.
Shafer, Frank, enlisted December 21, 1861.
Thurston. Frank, enlisted April 7, 1864.
Tappan, Asher. enlisted February 5, 1862.
Wetheral. Theodore, enlisted January 5, 1864.
Wagner. John E., enlisted November 15, iS6r.
West. William, enlisted February 4, 1862.
Washburn, C. H., enlisted October 5, t86i.

Company F.
Lieutenant.

Second, William Currie, commissioned March 24.
1862.

Privates.
Abbott. Tohn C. enlisted December 13. 186 1.
Brown, Peter, enlisted November 3, 1861.
Card. Amos, enlisted November 13, 1861.
Debine, Dennis, enlisted November 5, 1861.
Foley, Michael, enlisted October 5, 1861.
Johnson. Thomas, enlisted November 24, 1861.
Kennedy. Nicholas, enlisted October 5, 1861.
Moore. Michael, enlisted October 16, 1861.
Ryaxknell. Michael, enlisted December 14. 1861.
Slusher. John L., enlisted September 26, 1861.

Veteran.
Tasser. Andrew, enlisted December 4, 1861.

Recruits.
Crumbaker. Tames, enlisted March 31, 1864.
Church. Milton, enlisted March 31, 1864.
Dunn. Joseph K.. enlisted February 3, 1862.
Davidson. William, enlisted January 10. 1862.
Furlong. Tohn, enlisted January 25. 1865.
Higgins, Thomas, enlisted December 2. 1861.
Tohnson, Charles H.. enlisted December 21, 1863.
Redmond, Michael, enlisted December 7. 1863.
Waller, John H.. enlisted January 21, 1864.

Company G.

CapiaiH.
Stephen S. Tripp, commissioned February 16, 1863.

Privates.
Quirk, Cornelius, enlisted November 10, i86i.
Young. W. B., enlisted November 14, 1861.

Recruits.
Barnes. Samuel, enlisted August 14, 1S62.
McNeel, Samuel A., enlisted August 7, 1862.

Company H.
Private.

Williams, John, enlisted December 12, 1861.

Veterans.
T)evine, Charles J., enlisted February 6, 1864.
Lowell, Alfred, enlisted February 6, 1864.

Recruits.
Amend. Moses H., enlisted March 31, 1864.
Bernard, Andrew D.. enlisted August 9, 1862.
Courtenay, John, enlisted July 22, 1862.
Month. Jacob, enlisted February 23, 1865.
Peltier, Dominick. enlisted August 7. 1862.
Scruby, William, enlisted August 9, 1862.
Staltz. Hubbard L., enlisted August 29, 1862.
Scruby, Frank, enlisted August 9, 1862.

Company I,
Recruits.
Ackerman. John H., enlisted February 6, 1865.
Brown, Henry, enlisted January i. 1862.
Steele. Isaac, enlisted December 28, 1861.

Company K.
Privates.
Haw, James, enlisted November 6, 1861.
Malone. William, enlisted December 9, 1861.
Quail, John, enlisted November 6. 1861.
Rowley. Dexter M., enlisted December 18, i86r.
Rowley, Samuel I\.. enlisted November 6, 1861.
Rourke, Charles, enlisted December i, 1861.
Sullivan, William H., enlisted November 6. 1861.

Recniits.
.\dam, Albert, enlisted February 20, 1862.
iiuswell, Nicholas C, enlisted November 6. 1861.
Lucas, T. Z.. enlisted April 14, 1864,

Company L.
Captain.
Thomas O'Hara, commissioned October 28, 1862.
Lieutenants.

First, William D. Slater, commissioned October
28. 1862.

Second. Daniel I^. Buck, commissioned Aiiril 20,
1865.

Quartermaster Sergeant.
Gilligan. Thomas, enlisted September 25, 1861.

Sergeants.
William H. Falts. enlisted October 15, 1861.
John Martin, enlisted October 2, 1861.

Corporals.
Daniel R. Buck, enlisted October 5, 1861.
Obed F. Wait, enlisted October 28, 1861.
Isaac Quiggle, enlisted October 25, 1861.
l-". J. Turner, enlisted October 28, 1861.

Hnsign.
Willis Emery, enlisted October 12, i86r.

Blachsmith.
Samuel Kemp, enlisted November 21, 1861.

Privates.
.Arnold, William, enlisted November 6. 1R61.
Adams. Thomas, enlisted September 16, 1861.
Bearer, George, enlisted October 15, 1861.
Calry. Edward A., enlisted October 28, 186 1.
Coats. Robert, enlisted November 7, 1861.
Curran, James, enlisted November 20. 1861.
Campbell, William, enlisted December 7. 1861.
Clayton, William, enlisted October 5, 1861.

250

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

Carrigan. Patsy, enlisted November 20. 1861,
Decker. David J., enlisted November 20, 1861.
Divens,' Tohn. enlisted October 16, 1861.
Deland, Peter J., enlisted November 12. 1861.
Gean, Joseph, 'enlisted October 23, 1861.
Goodwin. Tohn, enlisted November 2, 1861.
Gutrix, Tohn. enlisted December 14, 1861.
Hickel, Charles, enlisted November 18, 1861.
Sherdan, George, enlisted December i, 1861.
Shoon. John, enlisted December 7. 1861.
Vandcren, G. B.. enlisted October 17. 1861.
Washburn, C. H., enlisted October 5. 1861.

Veterans.
Buck, Daniel R- enlisted December 20, 1863.
Fultz. William, enlisted December 20, 1863.
Gheen, Josiah. enlisted December 20, 1863.
Gilligan," Thomas, enlisted December 20, 1863.
Ghiles, Rausler, enlisted January 3, 1864.
James, Benjamin E., enlisted January 5. 1864.
Kearns, Toseph B., enlisted January 2, 1864.
Rogers. VVillis, enlisted January 10, 1862.
Luce. Elihu, enlisted February 7. 1862.
Marshall. George, enlisted February 8, 1864.
Paymod, Tsadore. enlisted February 23, 1865.
Powers. John, enlisted January 22. 1862.
Schrader. George, enlisted January 4. 1865.
Shuley. Robert, enlisted October 23. 1861.
Vautral. William, enlisted February 21. 1862.
Weaver, Calv'in, enlisted November 27, 1861.

Company M.
Captains.
Adam Stuber, commissioned December 20, 1861.
Hugh C. Moffitt, commissioned November 18,

Tohn J. Perry, commissioned December 19, 1564.

hiexitenants.
First, George A. Quinn, commissioned November
18, 1862. . . , -r

Second, John Tilby, commissioned January 0,

Second, William F. JenViings, commissioned April
II, 1865.

Sergeants.

First, Jackson McCully, enlisted September 27,
1861.

Toseph A. McCully, enlisted September 27, 1861.

Henry Seeley, enlisted September 27. 1861.

Corporals.
Tames B. Merwin, enlisted November 8. 1861.
Thomas Ward, enlisted October 31, 1861.
Sandrieper. Henry, enlisted November 18, 186 1.
Henderson. James, enlisted December 5, 1861.

Privates.
Beck, Henry, enlisted September 23, 1861.
Barton, Ira A., enlisted November 6. i86i.
Clark, Silas A., enlisted November 28, 1861.
Clifton, Nelson, enlisted October 31. 1S61.
Calhoun, James H., enlisted November 13, 1861.
Davidson, Thomas, enlisted September 27, 1861.
Deuffman, Thomas, enlisted November 2, :86i.
Ellis. Benjamin, enlisted September 27. 1861.
Edelman, John, enlisted September 23, 1861.
Ford. James, enlisted December 19, 1861.
Garv'in" Ambrose D., enlisted November 20, 1861.
Goot. John, enlisted November 11, 1861.
Hendricks. Peter, enlisted September 27. 1861.
Hick, Benjamin, enlisted October 8, :86i.
Ilorwold. Joseph, enlisted September 27, 1861.
Holiday, Basil, enlisted November 18, 1S61.
Holiday. John J., enlisted November 25. 1861.
Haley, Dennis, enlisted October 10, 1861.
Henry, Dennis, enlisted October 10, 1861.
Hickson. George, enlisted September 27. 1861.
Hesse, Joseph, enlisted September 22,. 1861.
Lawrence, Charles, enlisted October 28, 1861.
Mitchell. George, enlisted December 3, 1861.
Matlin, Jacob, enlisted October 27, 1861.
Noell, Dennis, enlisted September 2-], 186 1. .
NefF, Marks, enlisted October 21, -1861.
Owens. Columbus, enlisted September zy, 1861.
Otto, John C.. enlisted September 27, 1861.
Phelps, Harvey, enlisted October 27. 1861.
Ricett, John, enlisted November i, 1861.
Roberts. George, enlisted October 31, 1861.
Stenn, Charles, enlisted October 15, 1861.
Spicer, David, enlisted September 27, 1861.
Seipe, Charles F., enlisted December 16. i86r.

Smith, George T.. enlisted November 25. 1861.
Tanner, Merchant F., enlisted November 25, 1861.
Wallace, Henry, enlisted September 27. 1861.
Welsh, James, enlisted September 27, 1861.
Watson, Thomas, enlisted October 6, 1861,
Winches. Andrew, enlisted December 3, 1861.
Wayson, Beriah, enlisted November 25, 1861.
Walker, John, enlisted November 14, 1861.
Yonger, Adam, enlisted September 27, 1861.

Veterans.
Calvin, John, enlisted December 20, 1863.
Carter, Herman S., enlisted December 20, 1863.
Ley, John, enlisted December 20, 1 863.
liich. William C, enlisted December 20, 1863.
Sandritter, Henry, enlisted December 20. 1863.
Ward. Thomas, enlisted December 20, 1863.

Recruits.
Aspinwall, Job, enlisted September 30, 1864.
Aten. Benjamin, enlisted March 23, 1865.
Beebe, Richard H.. enlisted March 28, 1864.
Beebe, James, enlisted March 28, 1864.
Brady, Charles, enlisted February 6, 1864.
Brown, Cary, enlisted March 17, 1864.
Bettis, VVilliam F., enlisted April 14, 1864.
Beebe, Alonzo, enlisted February 23, 1864.
Cox, Oscar J., enlisted February i, 1864-
Carr. John, enlisted August 25, 1864.
Crank, John H., enlisted January 27, 1865.
Davis, Abel, enlisted February 15, 1864.
Drake, Phineas B., enlisted September 30, 1864.
Desamo. John S., enlisted September 27, 1861.
Goddard, William, enlisted January 5, 1S64.
Garvin, Barney, enlisted March 22, 1864.
Groon, John W.. enlisted January 27, 1865.
Greeg, James G., enlisted February 26, 1864.
Hall, Peter A., enlisted I-'ebruary 15, 1864.
Kingdon, William H., enlisted August 13. 1862.
Keller, Tacob H., enlisted December 28, 1861.
Moffit. William E., enlisted January 5, 1S64.
McCully, Joseph A., enlisted January 5, 1864,
McCullv. William H.. enlisted January 27, 1865.
Mulbehill, Jeremiah C. enlisted August 14. 1862.
McGraw, Patrick, enlisted August 14. 1862.
Nelson, Elias, enlisted January 24, 1S64.
Oakford, Thomas H.. enlisted December 4, 1863.
O'Neal, Thomas, enlisted March 31, 1865.
Putnam. William, enlisted December 28. 1861.
Putnam. Luther, enlisted October 4, 1S61.
Rome, Nelson E-. enlisted December i, 1863.
Rutherford, George, enlisted March 31. 1864.
Rich. William, enlisted December 7, 1S61.
Sirlat, James, enlisted September 27, 1861.
Simmons, Habbie, enlisted October 6, 1S61.
Swan, James C. enlisted March 9, 1864.
Thompson, William R., enlisted January 5, 1864.
Thurston. William, enlisted November 23. 1863.
Teal. William, enlisted September 27, 1861.
Wheeler. John H.. enlisted January 16, 1864.
Waggoner, John, St., enlisted March 31, 1864.
Will. Charles, enlisted January 5. 1S64.
Webber, Andrew, enlisted October 6, 1863.

Unassigned Recruits.
Allen. Francis, enlisted March 9, 1865.
Brady, John J., enlisted February 4. 1863.
Crew, Noah J., enlisted March 29, 1864.
Carlton, Edward, enlisted December 15, 1863.
Cox. Joseph, enlisted September 16. 1864.
Conn. Charles, enlisted November 18, 1864.
Conner, John, enlisted Fejsruarf i. 1863.
Delaney, Thomas, enlisted March 21, 1864.
Dowene, Henry, enlisted March 29, 1865.
Dane, Christopher, enlisted March 9, 1865.
Foster, R. N.. enlisted November 12, 1862.
Ford. Charles D., enlisted April 14, 1864.
Goddard. Artemas W.. enlisted August 14, 1862.
Jacob. lienry. enlisted January 29, 1863.
King. Henry A., enlisted January 21. 1864.
Kelley, Tohn, enlisted February 5, 1865.
Lainl, Homer, enlisted August 14, 1862.
Mitchell, Harrison, enlisted November 18, 1862.
McDaniel, Tames, enlisted December 15. 1863.
McGoan, Harris, enlisted March 9,' 1865.
Murphy, Patrick, enlisted March 9, 1865.
Nolin. J. D.. enlisted November 18. 1862.
Neuer, August, enlisted December 7, 1863.
O'Brien, Tames, enlisted December 19, 1863.
Phillips, Charles, enlisted January 29, 1863.
Peeper, John E., enlisted April 9. 1864.
Phillips, "John, enlisted February 5. 1865.
Preston, Alfred H., enlisted December 6, 1863.

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

251

Slocum, John, enlisted December i, iS6j.
Shell. Oliver C-, enlisted September 29, 1S64.
Snyder, J. C, enlisted February 2S, 1S65,
Stewart, Walter F., enlisted March i. 1865.
Smith, James, enlisted March 9, 1865.
Seymour, John, enlisted March 9, 1865.
Shields, John, enlisted January 1 1, 1864.
Wilson, William, enlisted August 15, 1862.
Young. Adiah, enlisted January 5, 1864.

FOURTEENTH CAVALRY.
Colonel.

Horace Capron, commissioned February 6, 1863.

First Assistant Surgeon.
George A. Wilson, commissioned January 7, 1863.

Privates.
Barfoot, William, enlisted September i, 1862.
Eley, Jefferson, enlisted December 12, 1862.
Somers, Alfred, enlisted October 12, 1862.
Somberger. George, enlisted November 2. 1862.
Triplet, William, enlisted October 12, 1862.

Company B.

Captains.
Paul Distler. commissioned January 7, 1863.
Henry H. Mayo, commissioned October 17, 1864.

Lieutenants.
First, Henry Heineke, commissioned January 7,
1863.

Second. Philip Smith, commissioned January 7,
1863.

Commissary Sergeant.
Charles A. Lettell, enlisted September 14, 1862.

Sergeants.
Louis Ernst, enlisted September 18. 1862.
William Brown, enlisted September 16, 1862.

Corporals.
Paul Helmel. enlisted September 15, 1862.
Conrad Dassell, enlisted September 18, 1862.
Henry Handshu, enlisted October 5, 1862.
John Boehm. enlisted September 18, 1862.
Frank H. Westerman, enlisted January 5, 1863.
Louis H. Smith, enlisted January 5, 1863.

Teamster.
Jacob Gloring, enlisted September 30. 1862.

Blacksmiths.
John Grove, enlisted November 10, 1862.
Albert Terohn, enlisted September 20, 1862.

Saddler.
Ferdinand Misselhom. enlisted December 2, 1862.

Wagoner.
William Huske, enlisted September 14, 1862.

Privates.
Altman, William, enlisted November 29, 1862.
Brauer, John, enlisted September 16, 1862.
Baikes. Nicholas, enlisted September 28, 1862.
Brown, George, enlisted October 2, 1862.
Barnet, Timothy, enlisted December i, 1862,
Campbell, Joseph, enlisted October 22, 1862.
Dubois, William, enlisted December 2, 1862.
Drisler. Frank, enlisted December i, 1862.
Ebert. George, enlisted October 5, 1862.
Folkers, John W.. enlisted October 2. 1862,
Fishbeck, Herman, enlisted September 30, 1862.
Froehlich, Jacob, enlisted October i, 1862.
Gebhard. William, enlisted November 20, 1862.
Grebe, Conrad, enlisted September 14, 1S62.
Hauser. Caspar, enlisted September 14, 1862.
Huck, Harmon, enlisted September 13, 1862,
Johnston. John, enlisted September 23. 1862.
Klein. Louis, enlisted November 12, 1862.
Kimble, Francis, enlisted September 15, 1862.
Kowurtz. Frank, enlisted December t. 1862.
Le Genbre, Felix, enlisted October 16. 1862.
McPherson, Henry FL, enlisted October 5. 1862.
Meyer, Leopold, enlisted September 20, 1862.
Mayn. Louis, enlisted October 28, 1862.
Naef, John, enlisted September 16. 1862.
Nickel, George, enlisted December 15, 1862,
Richter. Charles, enlisted September 14, 1862.
Ruibty, George, enlisted December 15, 1862.

Schneiderfritz, Henry, enlisted September 18,
1862.

Spenke. Henry, enlisted September 16, 1862.
Seifert, Julius, enlisted September 22, 1862.
Tremmel. John, enlisted October 5, 1862.
Walter, Lorenz. enlisted September 9, 1862.
Weiland. Sebastian, enlisted November 10, 1862.
Weinheimer. Philip, enlisted September 16, 1862.
Ward, Frank, enlisted September 15, 1862.
Zeigler, Gottlieb, enlisted October i, 1862.

Recruits.

Frederick, Charles, enlisted Januarv 14. 1864.

Raver, Christian, enlisted December 9, 1863.

Stabler, Christian, enlisted February 29, 1864.

Company C.

Lieutenant.

Second. Henry M. Fvans, commissioned January
7> 1863.

Commissary Sergeant.

Seth C. Abell, enlisted September 18, 1862.

Privates.

Lynch. Thomas, enlisted October 14, 1862.
Prentice. John 1)., enlisted September 14, 1862.
Russell. Robert, enlisted November 28, 1862.
Webb, Henry, enlisted November 25, 1862.
Company D.
Tcar,tstcr.
Clements, Charles, enliutcd December i . 1 862.

Privates.
Carter, Robert D.. enlisted September 18. 1862.
Elfcon, C, enlisted December i, 1862.
Eversoll, Samuel, enlisted December i, 1862.
Hansen, Alonzo. enlisted November i, 1862.
Reynolds, Alexander, enlisted December 15, 1862.

Company E.

Priz'ates.

Johnson, Henry, enlisted December 10, 1862.

Klasy, George, enlisted December 20, 1862.

Ranish. Edward, enlisted September 22, 1862.

Company F.
Privates.
Beekman, John K., enlisted January 4. 1863.
Harrison. Mitchell, enlisted January 8, 1863.
Potter, John C, eidisted October 20, 1S62.

Recruit.

Bethrels, William H., enlisted February 22, 1865.

Company G.

Recruits.

Freel. Joseph J., enlisted March i, 1865.

Hedgepath, Thomas P., enlisted January, 1865.

Company H.
Blaklie, Reuben, enlisted February 5. 1863.
Beck, Henry, enlisted Januarv 17, 1S63,
Hamilton. Claude B.. enlisted" February 2, 1863.
Meyer. Ferdinand, enlisted January 25, 1863.
Schaefer, Peter, enlisted July 21, 1863.

Recruit.
Lamb. John, enlisted March 28, 1865.
Company L
Privates.
Birch, George, enlisted October 18. 1862.
Black. John J., enlisted October 12. 1862.
Casper, James R., enlisted September 25, 1862.
Moberry. William, enlisted September 20. 1862.
Miller. George A., enlisted October 6. 1862.
O'Sullivan. John B., enlisted September 13, 1862.
Phelps. Chester, enlisted December 4. 1B62.
Stewart. Erastus W., enlisted November 5, 1862.

Company K.
Sergeayits.

First. Edward Groshen, enlisted September 14.
1862.

Albert C. Allen, enlisted December i, 1862.

Corporals.
James Barrow, enlisted September 14, 1862.
Allen W. McKenzie, enlisted September 14, 1862.

252

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

1862.

Teamster.
Thomas J. Sparroch. enlisted December 13.

Privates.
Bonnie, Louis, enlisted September "5. iSS^-
Brown William, enlisted November 15. '''6%,,
Cos-ro've Bernard H.. enlisted November . .86-r
abbler. 'Emery H enhs.ed October .6, .862.
Loony H.. enlisted December i. 1862.
McCarty. Tosepb, enlisted October .0, 1862
McCann James, enlisted Noveniber ,5. .86^.
NetT, Tohn C. enlisted November 15. i862-
Ricker' Edward, enlisted September 14. -862.
Sbafer Tohn, enlisted December 2. 1862.
Sheen, Michael, enlisted December i, 1862.

We"tco;..'^'winiam W.. enlisted November ,5.

1862.

Company L.

Privates.
Tackson. James, enlisted Novernber f^L 'S^^-
Nevvmier, Charles, enlisted November =8. '86-
Parcell Garrett H., enlisted January 8. 1863.
Rogers! David, enlisted January 8, 1863.
Company M.

Caf^tains.
Thomas S. Lupton, commissioned January 7.

' William W. Rowcliff, commissioned January 7.

1863.

Lieutenant.

William W. Cowles. commissioned July 11, 1865.

Sergeants.
Alexander Irvine, enlisted September 15. 1862.
James Anderson, enlisted September 15. 1802.
Thomas Putnam, enlisted October 5. 1862.

Corporals.
Charles W. Fowler, enlisted October 5. '862.
John S. Cleveland, enlisted October 5. 1862.

Saddler.
John B. Reed, enlisted September 15, '862.

Wagoner.
James Pitcher, enlisted September 20. 1862.

Teamster.
James Laughlin, enlisted October 5. 1862.

Privates.
n.nnlv. Philip, enlisted October 5. 1862.
Banks, John D.. enlisted September 20, 1862.
Barker, Tames W.. enlisted December 18, 1862.
Colinderson, Joseph, enlisted October 5. 1862.
Cook. George, enlisted September 20. 1862.
Ceirtt. Samuel, enlisted September 20. 1862.
Connor, Thomas, enlisted October 5. 1862
Colender. Peter, enlisted September 15.
Dunn. Thomas, enlisted October 5. >862.
Eseleston. Tames, enlisted October 5. 1862.
Folenwider.'John R.. enlisted September 20. 1862.
Fernan, Jam'es A., enlisted September 20. 1862.
Hopkins,' Thomas, enlisted September 20. 1862.
Hodgmon, Isaac, enlisted September 20, 1862.
Hamilton. Tohn, enlisted December 1, 1862,
Hattock, Clinton, enlisted January 5. 1863.
McClay, James, enlisted October 5. 1862.

McKee. Jonathan, enlisted October 5. 1862.

Ogden. Ira B.. enlisted October 5. 1862.

O'Shaughnessy. Henry, enlisted October

Price. John, enlisted December 10, 1862.

Russell! Emery, enlisted September 20,

Reeves. Tohn, enlisted October 5. 1862.

Sullivan,' Tohn, enlisted September 15, 1862.

Simmons," Hobbe, enlisted January 8, 1863.

Smiley, Tames M., enlisted September 15, 1862.

Shirley. "Thomas J., enlisted September 20. •"«

Seed. Andrew T.. enlisted September 20, 185)2.

Somersett, Tho'mas, enlisted October 5, 1862.

Temple. Charles II., enlisted September 15, 1862.

Van Hess. Henry, enlisted October 5. 1862.

Walters. William, enlisted September 20, 1862.

Walters, Henry, enlisted September 20, 1862.

Recruits.
Miller. Tames M.. enlisted February 20, 1864.
Smith. David H., enlisted February 28. 1864.
Smith, Harrison, enlisted February 2, 1864.

1862.

5.
186,

1862

1862.

Vnassigned Recruits.
Bennett. James, enlisted March 23, 1865.
Casson. James, enlisted March 31. 1865.
Connors. James H.. enlisted March 23, 1865.
Curter. Andrew, enlisted March 24. 1865.
Ford. Michael, enlisted March 28, 1865.
Hagan. George, enlisted October 11, 1864.
Haley, Richard, enlisted March 23, 1864.
Holton, Frederick, enlisted March 9. 1864.
Kane. Patrick, enlisted March 23, 1865.
Purdy, Tohn, enlisted October 11, 1864.
Pratt. Henry, enlisted March 23. 1865.
•Reed. Robert, enlisted March 3', '865.
Seaver. George, enlisted March 23. 1865.
Williams. Samuel, enlisted March 23. 1865.
Wilkins, Frank, enlisted March 28, 1865.

FIFTEENTH CAVALRY.

Company L.

Privates.

Shaffer. Simon, enlisted February 16, 1862.

Wilder, MontreviUe, enlisted October 26, 1861.

Recruit.
Oakford. Thomas, enlisted June i. 1861.

SEVENTEENTH CAVALRY.
Company .\.
Pri-.ate.
Chandler, Samuel T., enlisted November 6, 1863.

Company D.
Quartermaster Sergeant.
William G. Frey, enlisted October 5, 1863.

Commissary Sergeant.
Henry M. Furchison, enlisted December 15. 1863.
Privates.
Robert, enlisted October 5, 1863.
Benah, enlisted November 23, 1863.
George E.. enlisted October 15. 1863.
John O., enlisted December 15, 1863.

Recruit.
Todd. James, enlisted February i, 1S64.

Company E.
Commissary Sergeant.
Hermans. Alfred S., enlisted December 11. 1863.

BATTERY A ILLINOIS LIGHT ARTILLERY.

Battery A. Second Illinois Light Artillery was
organized at Peoria. Illinois, by Captain Peter Da-
vidson, and was mustered into state service. -May
■.■! 1861. Moved to Alton. Ilhnois. in July. 1861.
flience moved to St, Charles. Missouri, with Gen-
eral Pope and then to Mexico, Missouri. hrom
this place sections were sent to different parts ot
north Missouri, which were again united at Jetter-
son Barracks. Missouri, at which place the battery
was mustered into United States service, .-\ugust
17 1861 Moved to Jefferson City. Missouri, and
on the ist of October to Boonville, Missouri, and
thence to OttervWe. Thence marched in Kelton s
Brigade. Pope's Division of Fremont s army to
Springfield. Missouri, and returned to Otterville.
January 25, 1862, in Colonel Julius Whites Brig-
ade Brigadier General Jeff C. Davis' Division,
moved to Lebanon and with Curtis' army to
northwest Arkansas. Was engaged in the battle
of Pea Ridge March 7 and 8. where it did faithful
and brilliant service. .\ section of the battery at
Neosho and Fayetteville. moved to Helena, -Arkan-
sas, with General Curtis' army. flattery A was
mustered out of service at Camp Butler, Illinois,
July 27, 1S65.

FIRST ARTILLERY.

B.^TTERY M.
Priz'ates.
Bonson. Thomas, enlisted July 3, 1862.
Hamilton. Richard, enlisted July 3. 1862.

SECOND LIGHT ARTILLERY.

Major.

Peter Davidson, commissioned .\pril 11. 1863.

Murphy
Robbnis
Tindall,
Walker,

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

253

Rattery a.
Caftains.

Ilerniaii Horris, commissioned April ii. 1S63.
William W. Campbell, commissioned July 3. t865.

Lieutenants.

First, William J. Gardner, commissioned May 14,
i86i.

First, J. Corwin Hansel, commissioned January
^5. 1862.

First, Frank B. Fen ton, commissioned April 1 1.
1863.

First, William W. Campbell, commissioned April
II. 1863.

First, Rensselaer W. Ilinman, commissioned July
3. 1865.

First, Walter Bird, commissioned July 26, 1865.

Second. Abraham B. Batterson, commissioned Jan-
uary 25, 1862.

Second. Samuel Coburn, commissioned Tulv 26,
1865.

Second, Denton V. Keys, commissioned July 26.
1865.

Quartermaster Sergeant.
Abraham B. Batterson, enlisted April 10, 1861.

Sergeant Major.
Oliver P. Titcomb, enlisted April ig, 1861,

Sergeants.
William Patterson, enlisted April ig, 186 1.
Walter W. Campbell, enlisted April 19, 1861.
William L. Gardner, enlisted April 19, i86i.
Tames McGinnis. enlisted April 19. 1861.
James H. Reddick, enlisted May 27. 1S61.
Walter Bird, enlisted April 19, 1861.

Corf^orah.
Stephen E. Baldwin, enlisted April 19, 1861.
Joseph G. Bloomer, enlisted April 26, 1861.
John Dimond, enlisted April 24, 1861.
John W. French, enlisted April ig, i86i,
Nicholas Held, enlisted April 9, 1861.
William M. Lucas, enlisted May 14, 1864.
William Ranch, enlisted May 20, 1861.
William E. Wilkinson, enlisted April 19, 1861.

Bugler.
Thomas Drew, enlisted May 27, 1861,

.-irtiftcers.
Lair Letz, enlisted April 19, 1861.
Jeremiah Smith, enlisted May 25, 186 1,
Fritz Scliierman. eti listed July 22. 1861.
John Stanger, enlisted June 18, 1861.
Henry Kreiling, enlisted April 19, 1861.

Privates.
Austin, John W., enlisted April 19, 1861.
Rarnaba, John W.. enlisted April 19, 1861.
Rauer, Dick, enlisted May 5. 1861.
Bustorf, Frederick, enlisted June 19. 1861.
Butler, James, enlisted June i. i86r.
Carney, Stephen W., enlisted May i, 1861.
Chase, Ira. enlisted April 19, 1861.
Crandall, William, enlisted May 17, 1861.
Carman, James F., enlisted July 10, 1861.
Dempsey, William, enlisted April 19, 1861.
Dold, Stephen, enlisted July 8, 1861.
Farrer, Joachim, enlisted April 19. 1861.
Frost, Enos, enlisted April 19, 1861.
Gisart, Jacob, enlisted May 17. 1861.
Hoag, Edwin, enlisted July 10. 1861.
Johnson. Samuel M., enlisted May 23. 1861.
Haufman. Martin S., enlisted April 19, j86i.
Lair. William, enlisted April 19. 1861.
Lair, Noah, enlisted April 19, 1861.
Lanigan. Francis M.. enlisted April 19, 1861.
Lupton, Charles, enlisted June 18, 1861.
ATann. Martin, enlisted April 19, 1861.
Maupin, Robert B., enlisted April ig, 1861.
Meyer, Philip, enlisted April 19. 1861.
Morrow, William, enlisted April 19, 1861.
McVickar. Hugh, enlisted May 27. 1861.
Paul. Anderson, enlisted April 19, 1861.
Ploher, Ferdinand, enlisted May 24, 1861.
Ryan, Laurence, enlisted April 19, 1861.
Ryan, Samuel, enlisted April 19. 1861.
Ryan. Parkinson, enlisted April 19. 1861.
Shieman, John, enlisted April ig, i86i.
Shafer, Solomon, enlisted April 30, 1861,

Smith. Morris, enlisted April 23, 1864.
Sick, John, enlisted June 14, 1864.
Stowcll, Henry, enlisted July 8. 1864.
Wads worth. Berial. enlisted April 19, 1804.
Ward. James, enlisted July i. 1864.
Waresly, John J., eidisted May 22, 1864.
Wolfert. Sebastian, enlisted June 22, 1864.

Veterans.

Sergeant.
.Samuel Coburn. enlisted February i, 1864,

Corf*oral.
Denton V. Keys, enlisteil January 1. 1864.

Bugler.
James F. Carman, enlisted February 1, 1864.

PriTates.
Aldrich. Horace M., enlisted February i. 1864.
Baldwin, Stephen E., enlisted January i, 1864.
Barnaba. John W., enlisted January i, 1864.
Rauer, Dick, enlisted January i. 1864.
Millet, Joseph, enlisted January i, 1864.
Nurs, Roswell J., enlisted February 1. 1864.
Speers, William H., enlisted January i. 1864.
Sullivan, Frank, enlisted January i. 1864.

Recruits.
Ashbury, Samuel, enlisted March 14. 1864.
Ayres. Maurice, enlisted September 20, 1862.
Aldrick, John P., enlisted October 28, 1862.
Baker. Philip, enlisted October 26, 1863.
Bauer, Henry, enlisted October 28, 1863.
Roydslen, New^ton L.. enlisted November 7, 1863.
Bennett, Samuel, enlisted March 14. 1864.
Beers. William W., enlisted March 31, 1864.
Bobier, William, enlisted March 22, 1864.
Bachelor, Neal. enlisted October 24, 1863.
Becket. John M., enlisted October 11, 1864.
Best, William, enlisted September 8, 1861.
Bitner. William, enlisted September 22, 1861.
Burgess, Henry, enlisted October 9, 1862.
Campbell, Charles B.. enlisted March 21. 1864.
Cull. William H., enlisted March 24, 1864.
Heller. Charles, enlisted January 4, 1864.
Currier, Arthur T., enlisted March 28, 1864.
Conger, Allen, enlisted December 16, 1864.
Chase, Edward, enlisted September 22, 1861.
Coburn, William, enlisted November 30, 1863,
Dickenson, Gritftth A., enlisted November 10, 1862.
Drummond, John P., enlisted January 4, 1864.
Ellis, Benjamin, enlisted January 18, 1864.
Eayd, Albert P., enlisted November 21, 1862.
Elliott, Jacob, enlisted October 29, 1863.
Eastman. Charles, enlisted September 22. 1861.
Fitzgerald, John, enlisted January 5, 1864.
Ford, Burton S., enlisted March 22, 1864.
Ford, Henry, enlisted March 23. 1864.
Fowler, Henry, enlisted September 8, 1861.
Grotevant, Robert, enlisted September 26, 1864.
Howell, Israel, enlisted March 21, 1864.
Hawkins, William E., enlisted October 28, 1863.
Hurland. William R.. enlisted August 25, 1862.
Hull, John R., enlisted September 24, 1862.
Houser. Christian, enlisted October 13, 1862.
Jaggard, Thomas, enlisted December 8, 1863.
Johnson, John L.. enlisted October 31, 1863.
Keller, Allen, eidisted Mart h 24. 1864.
Kissel, Emanuel, enlisted September 26, 1862.
Lutz, Philip, enlisted March 8. 1864.
Livingstone, W^illiam. enlisted September 8, 186 1,
Morrow, Calvin, enlisted March 22, 1864.
Nay lor. Flavins. enliste<l March 24, i86d,.
Orr, William B., enlisted March 21, 1864.
Parker, Lewis G.. enlisted February 15. 1864.
Powell. David E.. enlisted August 30. 1862.
Robinson, Marvin N., enlisted January 4, 1864.
Russell, David, enlisted March 9, 1864.
Rockwell, Calvin, enlisted March 31, 1864.
Sloan, Charles P., enlisted March 22, 1864.
Scott, Theodore J., enlisted March 30, 1864.
Stenee. John, enlisted March 9, 1864.
Stebbins, Lendwifk. enlisted December 16, 1864.
Stebbins, John, enlisted December 16, 1864.
Stratton, John R., enlisted August 22, 1862.
Shriver. David J., enlisted October 28, 1861.
Stockner. Hugh, enlisted March 31, 1864.
Smith. Albert II., enlisted February 10, 1864.
Spurs, William IL, enlisted September 22, 186 r.
Trelbar. John IL, enlisted March 24. 1864.
\'ickery, Roger, enlisted December 21, 1863.

254

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

Venters. William, enlisted September 24, 1864.
Winn. Marshall enlisted March 25. 1864.
Wiley, Lorenzo K.. enlisted November 21. 1862.
Winn. Warren, enlisted March 25, 1864.
Wilkinson, John, enlisted August 25, 1862.
Wilder, Charles H.. enlisted September 24, 1864.

Battery C.
Private.
Turner. Charles H.. enlisted August 29, 1862.
Battery D.
Recruit.
Higlifield, Wilfred H.. enlisted January 4. 1864.
Battery I.
LieHtena>its.
First, Henry B. Plant, commissioned December 31,
1862.

Second, Charles McDonald, commissioned March
I, 1863.

Privates.
Cunningham, Rogers, enlisted November 25, 1861.
Jones, Isaac W'., enlisted November 25, 1861.

Recruits.
Lester. Robert N., enlisted October 23, 1862.
Moon, Simon D., enlisted December 25. 1863.
Petty, George A., enlisted January 5, 1864.
Shippe, Orrin S., enlisted January 5. 1864.
Weld, Samuel C, enlisted December 21, 1863.

Unassigned Recruits.
Atkinson, William H., enlisted January iS, 1864.
Pitcher, Robert, enlisted September 26, 1864.
Summers, James, enlisted March 24, 1S64.

THIRTEENTH UNITED STATES COLORED
INFANTRY.

Johnson, Charles, enlisted April i, 1865.
Lee. John, enlisted April 10, 1865.
Wade, Hampton, enlisted April i, 1865.

ONE HUNDRED NINTH UNITED STATES

COLORED INFANTRY.
Bridges. Jesse, enlisted February 14. 1865.
Barr. John, enlisted February 28, 1865.
Cole, Enochj enlisted February 28, 1865.
Carter, Silas, enlisted March 30, 1S65.
Drake, Monroe, enlisted February 28, 1865.
Gray. Samuel B., enlisted February 28. 1865.
Hicks, John, enlisted February 28, 1865.
Hillman, William, enlisted February 13, 1865.
Jefferson, James, enlisted February 20, 1865.
Jones, Wade, enlisted February 28, 1865,
Mitchell, William, enlisted February 28, 1865.
Porter. John, enlisted March 30. 1865.
Red, William, enlisted March 30, 1865.
Smith, Isaac, enlisted February 28, 1865,
Smith, Washington, enlisted February 28, 1865.

Smith, Lewis, enlisted February 28, 1865.
Smith. John, enlisted February 28, 1865.
Stewart, lohn, enlisted February 28, 1865.
Smith, Alfred, enlisted February 28, 1865.
Warren, William, enlisted February 28, 1865.
Washington, George, enlisted February 13, 1865.

Miscellaneous Organisations.

SEVENTH TENNESSEE CAVALRY.

Arms, John M.. enlisted October 30, 1864.
Butter. John T., enlisted October 20, 1864.
Cunningham, Elijah, enlisted April 10, 1865.
Divey, Robert H., enlisted December, 1864.
Edwards, William, enlisted November 8, 1864.
Hamilton. W. M. J., enlisted April 11, 1865.
Hamilton, Samuel, enlisted April 1 1, 1865.
Hays. James E., enlisted March i, 1864.
Jenkins, Kelly H., enlisted January 26, 1864.
King, Alfred, enlisted October 26, 1864.
King, William P., enlisted March 13, 1865.
Miller. Joseph C, enlisted March 13, 1865.
McAllister, William T.. enlisted March 13, 1865.
McFarlane, John, enlisted January 24, 1864.
Purdon, Benjamin, enlisted April 11, 1865.
Perden. John, enlisted October 20, 1864.
Perden. Erwin T.. enlisted October 20, 1864.
Rav, William, enlisted November 24, 1864.
Robinson. James, enlisted March i, 1865,
Scarlett. S. M.. enlisted March 3. 1865.
Thomas, John W.. enlisted December 14, 1864.
Tucker. George W., enlisted October 20. 1864.
Vickers. Francis M.. enlisted October 20, 1864.
Waugh. James W., enlisted October 20, 1864.

FIRST ARMY CORPS.

Enlisted Men of Company No, i.

Assigned to Company A. Second Regiment Veteran

I'olunteers.

Privates.

Auten, John W., enlisted February 10, 1865.

Greenleaf, George D., enlisted February 6. 1865.

Schaller. Charles, enlisted February 4. 1865.

Shoemaker,^ Edward, enlisted February 4, 1865.

Enlisted Men of Company No. 5.
Privates.
Lair. Noah, enlisted March 13, 1865.
^McMuUen, James E., enlisted March 13, 1865.
Upshaw, George, enlisted March 13. 1865.

THIRTEENTH UNITED STATES INFANTRY.
Recruits.
Barber. James C, enlisted June. 1865.
Beasmore. Robert G., enlisted June, 1865.
Bink, John H., enlisted June. 1865.
Dunbar. Robert F., enlisted June. 1865.
Gunsolus, James H., enlisted June. 1865.
Satter, Joseph, enlisted June, 1865.

MONUMENTS TO HEROIC DEAD

Very shortly after the cessation of hostilities between the two sections of the
country and the victorious veterans of the northern armies had returned to their
homes, a movement gained impetus, toward the creation of a fitting and lasting
concrete expression of the community's gratitude for the inestimable blessings
made possible and enduring by the recent struggle for free institutions, and also
to attest Peoria's pride and glory in the valor and patriotism of the heroic living
and dead. Definite results were manifest when, at the September (1865) meeting
of the board of supervisors, Dr. John Emery, representative in that body from
Radnor township, ofifered a resolution that the board appropriate a sum of money,
for the erection of a suitable monument in the court house yard. The resolution
was referred to a committee consisting of Emery, Matson and Day, with instruc-
tions to secure plans and estimates and report at the next meeting of the board.
The committee made its reports at the next meeting, held in April, and the con-
tract for a soldiers' monument, to cost $5,000, was awarded to Robert Campbell,
of Peoria. The site selected was at the center of the Main street side of the yard,
about midway between the old court house and the street, and the corner stone

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 255

was laid with Masonic rites. Grand Master Harmon G. Reynolds, officiating.
The dedication took place October ii, 1866, and was the occasion for the gather-
ing of a vast concourse of people, and a magnificent demonstration. General
Benjamin F. Butler, who assisted in the capture of New Orleans, was military
commander of that turbulent city and the best-hated "invader of the sacred soil"
of the south, was the orator of the day, and his presence alone created unbounded
enthusiasm. One of the notable features of the dedication was the presence of
"Old Abe," the war eagle of the Eighth Wisconsin. "Black Jack" (John A.)
Logan was also here, and stirred the hearts of the veterans to a white heat of
excitement and delight; for he, also, was a war hero and won his spurs bravely
and honorably. Colonel "Bob" Ingersoll was the master of ceremonies and with
the tongue of a Demosthenes thrilled his auditors by his rendition of a dedicatory-
poem, written for the event by Mrs. P. R. K. Brotherton.

Spencer's band headed a parade, composed of eleven companies of infantry
and one of cavalry ; the tire department, civic societies and citizens in carriages,
that had marched to the court house square, and in all one of the greatest gala
days ever known in Peoria was passed without a mishap to mar the reverential
joy of the populace. And thus one of the first soldiers' monuments in the coun-
try was erected to the fallen heroes of 1861-5. When the old court house was
torn down, to make place for the new, it became necessary to alter the grade of
the square. This called for the removal of the monument and its new site was
chosen at the Jefferson street front, where it now stands, still intact, although
the names inscribed on its four sides have become almost illegible from action
of the elements.

MONUMENT .AT SPRINGD.\LE CEMETERY

In the Transcript of March 15, 1862, after the bodies of slain soldiers began
to be sent here for burial, a paragraph appeared, suggesting the virtue and
advisability of securing a suitable tract of land in one of the cemeteries, to be
set apart for the last resting place for soldiers losing their lives in the war, who
might not have provided for a burial place. This touched a tender spot in the
hearts of the directors of Springdale cemetery and they immediately offered, as a
gift, one of the best lots at Springdale for the purpose, which was accepted.
On this lot, which is about one hundred and fifty feet square, was erected in 1870,
a monument designed and e.xecuted by Robert Campbell, at a cost of $2,500,
and four cannon donated to the Soldiers' Monument Association by congress.
The monument was primarily secured through the valiant and persevering efforts
of the Women's National League of Peoria, which had, in the year 1866, merged
its identity into that of the Soldiers' Monument Society, at the same time turning
over to the latter a balance in its treasury of $82.19, as the nucleus of a fund
toward the erection of a monument.

The monument is very attractive and faces the soldiers' graves. Its position
is a commanding one and the beautiful shaft can be seen from any part of the
cemetery. The dedication took place on Decoration day. May 30, 1870, and
the principal address was delivered by Rev. S. A. Kingsbury. That same day
was the occasion for another outpouring of the people, who were edified and taken
to the heights of enthusiasm, by the eloquence of Colonel Robert G. Ingersoll,
who delivered an address at the Soldiers' Monument in court house square.

soldiers' .\nd s.mlors' monument

The women of the Monument Association conceived the idea and were
instrumental in having it take concrete form, of erecting a monument commemora-
tive of both the army and navy and the brave men of the county who served
therein.

As a result of this movement the chaste and beautiful monument with its

256 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

symbolic figures of bronze, which now stands on the southeast corner of the
square, was chosen. The sculptor was Fritz Triebel, a Peorian, who had gained
fame not only at home, but in Europe. Toward the cost of this work of art the
county and city of Peoria had each pledged $10,000. The dedication took place
October 6, 1S99, and stands out all the more prominently by reason of the fact
that the President of the United States, William McKinley, was present, and
was, as a matter of course, the most prominent object of interest to the thousands
of people then gathered in the city. His arrival in Peoria is described here
through the medium of e.xcerpts from the Herald-Transcript's issue of the fol-
lowing morning :

"The president of the United States was given a welcome such as no other
city but loyal old Peoria could give. It was a display of pure, patriotic interest
and an anxiety to do honor to the nation's chief executive. For many weeks
Peorians and the people in surrounding cities and towns have been on the anxious
seat over the coming of Mr. and Mrs. McKinley and their guests, and for two
hours prior to the arrival of the train yesterday, Adams and Chestnut streets
from the court house to the union station were thronged with humanity. Every
upstairs window contained as many faces as could be crowded into it, while
many sought the roofs of buildings and other vantage points.

"The presidential train was the finest and the most sumptuously equipped
that ever came into Peoria. It consisted of the private car Campania, occupied
by the president and his wife; the combination car Atlantic; the sleeper Ixion;
compartment cars Chili and Omenia, the last two being for the use of the cabinet.
In addition to the regular train was the Hawkeye, the Iowa Central's private
car, in which the Peoria delegation went to Bushnell to meet the presidential party.

"The procession started from Chestnut street, proceeded up Adams to Main,
up Main, passing in review before President ^McKinley, to Jeft'erson, thence to
Hamilton ; up Hamilton to Madison ; down Madison to Fulton ; on Fulton to
Jefiferson, then to Franklin, where the procession disbanded.

'"The children's parade proved a most interesting feature of the display.
It is estimated there were from 5,000 to 6,000 school children in line. The girls
wore white dresses and the boys blue caps. The girls carried arches of flowers
and bouquets, and the boys flags. They rallied at the top of Hamilton street hill
and marched down Hamilton street to the court house, going around the square
and past the reviewing stand.''

The president and other distinguished guests, ladies of the association, com-
mittees, the mayor of Peoria, the chairman of the board of supervisors and
others, were seated on a stand erected on the southwest side of the square, facing
the monument.

The exercises opened with prayer, by Rev. John Weston, D. D., pastor of
Calvary Presbyterian church, a veteran of the Civil war, and the monument was
unveiled by Mrs. Samuel A. Kinsey, chairman of the committee in charge of -its
erection. It is said that as the canvas dropped from the beautiful pieces of
sculpture, the man who executed the work, Fritz Triebel, was unable to overcome
his emotions and burst into tears. Thereupon, in thorough sympathy and
admiration, the President grasped him by the hand and congratulated him most
heartily.

An address was delivered by Mrs. Lucie B. Tyng, president of the Memorial
Day Association, in which she related in detail the work of the various persons
who had been instrumental in contributing this testimonial to the heroes of the
Civil war. Colonel Martin Kingman, president of the day, delivered an address
to the women of Memorial Day Association, to his comrades of the Grand Army
of the Republic and to the people of the county. The monument was formally
accepted by John C. Kingsbury, chairman of the board of supervisors and by
Henry W. Lynch, mayor of the city of Peoria.

William McKinley. president of the United States, who but two years there-
after died at the hands of an assassin, after being introduced by Mayor Lynch,
addressed the vast assemblage in the following words :

G. A. R. JJKMulMAL HALL. I'EdinA

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 257

"Fellow Citizens: I am glad with my fellow citizens of Peoria county and
members of the Crand Army of the Republic, and Ladies' Memorial Day Asso-
ciation, to stand about the monument dedicated to patriotic service and heroic
devotion in the holiest cause for which mankind ever engaged.

"This monument awakens sacred memories, fellow citizens, and that is its
purpose. It was erected by these patriotic women that it might for all time
perpetuate a glorious page of American history. It tells the whole story of
war, the siege, the march, bivouac, battle line, the suffering, sacrifice of the
brave men who, from 1861 to 1865. upheld the flag. It tells of every page of
history of that civil struggle, and tells of its triumphant consummation at Appo-
mattox court house, when Grant accepted the surrender of Lee, and we w'ere kept
a nation.

"I like this monument. 1 like this symbol 1 face today, 'the defense of the
flag.' That is what we do wherever and whenever that Hag is assailed, and with
us war always stops when the assailants of our flag face Grant's term, 'uncondi-
tional surrender.' 1 do not intend to make a speech here today. I could add
nothing of i)atriotic sentiment to that already uttered. I desire to express in
this presence my appreciation, not of the tribute paid to the president of the
United States, but the tribute the people of Peoria county have paid to the
great defenders of the American flag in time of our great peril.

"You are proud of the monument. You should be proud of the demonstration
which led to its unveiling. Six thousand school children of the city with flags in
their hands and love of country in their hearts, and 1 could not but think, as I
looked at the glorious procession, that my country is safe.

"God bless the school children of America. God bless the patriotic women
of the United States and the patriotic band that carried this monument to a suc-
cessful consummation.

"I congratulate you; you have everything in Peoria. I congratulate you that
you found an artist of so high skill, born in Peoria, to execute this work. I
thank yon over and over again for this splendid demonstration of patriotism and
<levotion."

At the conclusion of the president's address, the audience joined in singing
"America," "taps" were sounded by Lem H. Wiley, cornet soloist of the Seventh
Regiment band, and the ceremonies, in which one of the most beautiful soldiers'
monuments was dedicated, came to a close, having marked an epoch in the history
of the community.

I!Rvni-:r post, no. 67, c. .\. r.

liryner Post, No. 67, G. A. R., was organized in October, 187Q, with seventy-
four charter members. Their first meeting place was in the third story of a
business lilock at 105 and 107 South Adams street. The post remained here until
February, igoB, when it removed its C|uarters to the Observatory building, 206
South Adams street. Xo other removal took place until the final one, which
was to the magnificent new home on Hamilton boulevard, which occurred January
I. 1910. The first commander was George Puterbaugh, who was succeeded in
1880 bv Robert M. Campbell. His successors are the following named: 1881,
Robert'M. Campbell; 1882, George A. Wilson; 188^, Henry P. Ayres ; 1884, A.
H. Rugg; 1885, Roliert M. Campbell; 1886, John D. McClure ; 1887, Charles
Oualman ; 1888, Isaac Tavlor; 1889, David S. Brown; 1890, N. S. Haynes ; 1891,
A. L. Schimpff ; 1892, E.H. Dibble; 1893, R. W. Burt; 1894, W. T. Boyd; 1895,
O. E. Champney; 1896, Philip Smith; 1897, Eliot Callender ; 1898, Frank Mc-
Alpine; 1899, William P. Gauss; 1900, Henry L. Arends ; 1901, J. W. Ryan;
1902, Charles P. Sloan; 1903, Haller E. Charles; 1904, John Weston; 1905, John
M. Simpson; igo6, T. S. Simpson; 1907, George W. Zinser; 1908, Byron C. Bry-
ner; 1909, F. W. Ash; 1910, Eliot Callender; 191 1, Samuel L. Patterson; 1912,
G. W. Seibert, The present membership is 265.

Vol. I— 1 7

258 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

Not only the veterans themselves, hut the citizens of Peoria generally rejoiced
in the erection of a permanent home for the post, which was made possible by
the generosity of one of Peoria's former citizens, a comrade of the post, Joseph
B. Greenhut, a principal factor of the great Seigel-Cooper department stores,
with headquarters in New York city.

The origin of the idea leading toward the building of a home for the veterans
of the G. A. R. belongs to Byron C. Bryner and Philip Smith, many years past
quartermaster. Their views were presented to a meeting of the post in January,
1909, which were received with the utmost favor. Steps were at once taken to
collect a sufficient amount of money from the old soldiers to build a modest
home that would cost not more than $4,000. As soon as the project became known
the auxiliary societies of the Grand Army, churches and newspapers desired to
take a hand in raising the required amount of money, and finally it came to the
ears of Mr. Greenhut, whereupon he requested members of the post to call
upon him at his office, then in the Woolner building, and there their old comrade
generously subscribed $5,000 toward the building fund, in consideration that
the plans be enlarged upon and a structure put up that would not only do honor
to the memory of the war veterans, but be a credit to the city. Bids were then
asked for and plans were requested to be submitted, to those appointed for the
purpose, by the post and the plant adopted was for a building to cost something
over $15,000. A lot had previously been purchased of the Swedenborgian church
society on Hamilton avenue, between Jefferson and Madison streets, costing
$4,000. As the building progressed a deficit was experienced in the collection
of the money promised by subscription, and learning of the difficulty Comrade
Greenhut raised his subscription to $10,000. This gave the post courage to go on
with the work and on December 30, 1909, the beautiful Greenhut Memorial
G. A. R. hall was dedicated free of debt, Mr. Greenhut having subscribed an addi-
tional $4,000, making $14,000 in all. The building, with the grounds, cost $22,800,
and is a magnificent contribution to the many beautiful places of Peoria, made
possible by the large-heartedness of Captain Greenhut, the generosity of many
private citizens and the determined efforts of the Woman's Relief Corps and
similar societies associated with the Grand Army.

THE WOM.W's RELIEF CORPS

The Bryner Woman's Relief Corps was organized August 12. 1884, within a
year after the order had been created at the National Encampment of the Grand
Army in 1883. There were nineteen charter members of the local corps and
today it is strong in numbers and persistent in the work for which it was founded.
Many have been the gracious deeds of helpfulness by this noble body of women,
the beneficiaries coming within its scope having been the Grand Army of the
Republic, Sons of \'eterans and similar societies. Much credit is due the Bryner
corps for its efforts toward raising money to build the Greenhut Memorial hall
and a commemorative stone stands in the soldiers' plot in Springdale cemetery,
which was erected by the members and dedicated to the "Unknown Dead."

LADIES OF THE GR.\ND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC

George A. Wilson Circle, No. 49, Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic,
is made up of the wives, mothers, daughters and sisters of veterans of the Civil
war of all arms of the service. The circle was organized October 13, 1900, with
thirty-six charter members and the first official list was as follows: Mrs. Helen
M. ^\■ilson, president; Mrs. \'irginia C. McClure, senior vice president; Mrs.
Lena Wasson, junior vice-president ; Mrs. Emma B. Bryner, secretary ; Mrs.
Sadie A. Boyd, treasurer; Mrs. Helen M. Schofield, chaplain; Mrs. !\Iary C.
Orr, conductress ; Mrs. Jennie Dibble, guard ; Mrs. Sue C. Rogers, assistant con-
ductress; Mrs Mary C. Orr, Mrs. Sue C. Rogers, Mrs. Maggie A. Reed, color

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 259

guards. This organization has a large membership and has accompHshed
much good during its short existence.

SPANISH- A MERIC.W WAR

About one hundred and fifty men from this county enlisted in tlie United
States service for the Spanish-American and Philippine wars. Some of them
served in Cuba, some in Porto Rico and others in the I'hilippines, but Company
L of the Fifth Infantry, which was mustered into the service on May 26, 1898,
for the Spanish-American war, was disappointed in its desire to be sent to the
scenes of activities either in Cuba or Porto Rico, and only got as far as Chicka-
mauga, where it remained in camp until recalled home.

The Fifth Infantry was organized July 2, 1889. S. O. Tripp was elected
captain and held his office until January 7, 1891, when he stepped aside for E.
H. D. Couch, who commanded the company during the Spanish-American war.
At this period James S. Culver, of Springfield, was colonel of the regiment;
Frank P. Wills, of Decatur, lieutenant-colonel ; John C. Cabanis, Kinmundy,
Fred \>. Nichols, of Quincy, and Walter F. Colloday, Decatur, were majors;
and Stuart Brown, Springfield, regimental adjutant. In addition to Captain
Couch, Frank R. Pacey, first lieutenant, and Robert L. Alitchell, second lieutenant,
were the commissioned officers of Company L.

BLACK HAWK WAR AND PEORIANS

At the outbreak of the Plack Hawk war a company was organized in the
county of Peoria for a battalion that was placed in command of Major Isaiah
Stillman, a Peorian. The comi)any was officered by Abner Fads, captain ; William
A. Stewart, first lieutenant ; John W. Caldwell, second lieutenant. The non-
commissioned officers and privates were ;

Sergeants

First, Aquilla Wren; second, Hiram M. Curry; third, Fdwin S. Jones; fourth,
John Hinkle.

Corporals

First, William Wright; second, John Stringer; third, John Hawkins; fourth.
Thomas Webb.

Privates

John E. Bristol, Harrison Brown, Jeremiah Cooper, John Clifton. Stephen
Carle, Joseph H. Conner, Jefl:'erson Cox, John Co.\, Fbenezer Clark, Fliram
Cleveland, Alexander Caldwell, James Doty, John B. Dodge, William Egman,
William Fads, Elias Love, Alvah Mofl^att, Jacob Moats, Sylvanus Moore, Harris
Miner, John C. Owen, Joseph Phillis, George Redick, David Ridgeway, Lucas
•Root, David Roos, John Ross, Thomas B. Reed, Simon Reed, Francis Sharp,
Rice Smith, Jefferson Taliafero, Thomas Tamplin, William D. Trial, Johnson
T. Thurman, Henry Thomas, William L. Wood.

A complete history of this company will not be attempted in these pages.
The story of the Black Hawk war and "Stillman's defeat" has been oft-told
and can be found in many histories especially written. The simjjle fact that
Peorians took part in that last stand of the Sacs and Foxes is here noted, so
that their names may be perpetuated in the local history of the county. No doubt
some future local historian will do justice to the heroism of those pioneer Indian
fighters, but it is impossible to go into any of the many interesting details at
this time.

CHAPTER XXII

THE TOWNSHIPS OF PEORIA COUNTY WHEN SETTLED AND ORGANIZED — PIONEER

FARMERS AND INTERESTING STORIES TOLD OF THEMi — FIRST SCHOOLS AND
CHURCHES BUILDING OF TOWNS AND VILLAGES — ALL PROSPEROUS COMMUNI-
TIES

RICHWOODS TOWNSHIP

BY MARGARETTA KELLAR

The tract of land designated Richwoods township was known as Richwoods
long before any township organization was effected. Its exceeding fertility of
soil and abundant wealth of verdure, its gigantic forests of valuable woods —
oak, walnut, elm, maple, hickory, birch, cottonwood and all the native fruits —
and grass so tall that a man riding on horseback could not see over it, all con-
spired to win for it the appellation.

Beautiful for situation, rich in varied picturescjue scenery, it is one of the
most beautiful townships in the county. Its primeval forests in most localities
have been compelled to disappear before the woodman's ax ; yet in others, they
have been permitted to remain in all their pristine glory. Stately forest moni-
tors ! What tales could they tell, what mysteries reveal !

Richwoods is bounded on the south by Peoria township. On the east its
sides are laved by the waters of the Illinois, which renders its acreage incomplete.
On the north Medina is its boundary, and on the west, Millbrook.

Richwoods certainly possesses more attractive features than any other town-
ship in the county. There are few such parks as Glen Oak, with its beautiful
sunken gardens, rustic bridges, lake, natural springs, palm house, abounding in
beautiful exotics, fountains, beautiful circuitous drives over hill and dale, and
most beautiful infloresence everywhere. Springdale cemetery, conceded to be
one of the most beautiful in existence, also lies within its boundaries, and pos-
sesses the greatest variety of localities adapted to the taste of those compelled
to lay away their loved ones.

ROADS AND DRIVES IN THE TOWNSHIP

Some of the roads here it would seem have been in existence since time im-
memorial. The old Galena, which follows the river, and has its terminal at Galena,
and over which the oldest inhabitants transported lead ore (Galena) from the
Galena mines to shiiiping ])oints along the river, is one of the oldest. The
Knoxville, leading out through Knoxville and Galesburg to P.urlington on the
Mississippi, is another highway, for whose construction no one now living is
accountable. The old Alt. Hawley must have been designed by Mr. Hawley,
who lived about nine miles out from Peoria and kept a country inn and post-
office many years ago. The new Mt. Hawley, which intersects the old a short
distance from Kellar station, originated in the brain of Rev. Isaac Kellar, who
thought it too far to go around by the edge of the bluff to Peoria, when he
could just as well cut off a mile or more. Mr. Kellar accordingly called a meet-
ing and presented his plans before the assemblage, and it seeming feasible to

261

262 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

all, it was decided to have the road — a beautiful driveway extending from Avery-
ville, past the country club to Prospect avenue, over hill and dale, disclosing views
of the most varied and picturesque scenery. In driving out Prospect avenue,
after leaving Peoria Heights, we are again regaled with the most enchanting
scenerv. Some beautiful residences where some of our city friends are wont to
spend the summer months, with their beautifully improved yards and gardens,
border the roadway. But as we are wont to extend our vision, the forests primeval
again present themselves, and these are interspersed with beautiful gardens, ef-
fectively tilled, and orchards of luscious fruits. While these husbandmen have
been providing for the culture of their gardens, they have not neglected the cul-
ture of their children's minds. A neat structure revealing itself among the trees,
fronting on the Galena road and known as the Gardeners schoolhouse, provides
for that. An extended vision gives us the river and the beautiful farms on its
east, with their fields of waving grain and restful meadows, mirrored in the
sunlight. Originally, the land in the northern part of the township, as it ap-
proached the Medina line, assumed a prairie-like contour — miniature prairies
interspersed with thickets of wild plum, dogwood, crabapple, hazelnut, etc. On
the west it is more undulating. The Big Hollow and the terraced hills of the
Kickapoo are along its western boundary.

There are many of the early settlers whose living has made history for the
township, and of whom we cannot forbear to speak, but it is impossible to
mention all ; space forbids.

The first settler of whom we have any record was William German on section
39, in 1832. He must have had a short sitting. We have no recollection of
ever hearing anything of him or his descendants.

Thomas Essex came later in the same year and also settled on section 39.
He cleared his farm, reared a family and was a unique figure in the early
history of the township. Possessed of a true pioneer spirit, fearless, alert, always
carrying his gun and accompanied by his dogs, he was ready for any emergency.
We remember to have seen him once at a charivari, the most prominent feature
there, with his gun and dogs, around and around the house they marched. Mr.
Essex cleared his farm, reared his family, and then laid down his armor and
quietly sank to rest. He was laid away under his own vine and fig tree.

Jo'siah Fulton came in 1819, when Peoria was yet Fort Clark. He purchased
quite a tract of land, in what is now a very prominent part of Peoria, which
he disposed of for a mere song. He was never ambitious to amass wealth, and
the country was more after his heart than the city. Accordingly he purchased
one hundred and sixty acres in the township and moved his family to it, living
there the remainder of his days. Some of his family still reside on the place.
Mr. Fulton was a prominent feature in the early history of the township. Noted
for his inherent good nature and ready wit, he was always an attraction wherever
he went. He was seven years old when the first steamboat navigated the Hudson
river and in his time the first railroad was built and the first steam engine run.

We feel constrained to speak of one who must have settled here in the early
'30s and whose pioneer habits always impressed us — John Clifton — a perfect
nimrod of the forest, before whose gun the animals would quail. We remember
to have seen him clad in a whole suit for which he had killed the deer, tanned
the hide and fashioned it into a perfect fitting suit. At the close of the day
he would sit out before his cabin door and the country round would be made
to resound with the strains from his violin, and many of the young men and
maidens were wont to "trip the light fantastic toe" to the melodies of John
Clifton's music.

Another historical figure was Thomas Giles, and although he passed from
earth before the writer came upon the stage of existence, the little green mound
with its paling fence, on one of the little hillocks near the Bourland house, where
reposed all of him that was of the "earth, earthy" has never been forgotten.
Mr. Giles was a British soldier, was sent to the Isle of St. Helena to guard

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 263

Napoleon iSonaparte, and while there his son Thomas was born. In memory of
this isle he afterwards named his only daughter Helena. In 1827 Mr. Giles,
with his wife, came to America, stopping for a time in Utica and afterwards
in Richland, Oswego county. New York. In 1836 he came to Illinois. Mr. Giles
was a member of the Baptist church, and although not an ordained minister, he
often exhorted. His sons were all men of sterling (jualities and all more or less
important factors in establishing a reputation for the township, nearly all, or
most of them at least, having held important township offices.

Another early settler was Mr. Slough, who came with his wife. Mrs. Slough
drove out in her carriage from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in 1834. Coming by
way of St. Louis, she left her horse and carriage there, and being much ])leased
with the lay of the land, returned, and in the year following she and her husband
moved to Peoria, where they kept hotel on Washington street and afterwards
removed to a tract of land which they purchased on the Kno.wille road.

The first ordained minister who held service in the township was Rev. Isaac
Kellar, who came from Washington county. Maryland, in 1835, overland, his
family traveling in a carriage, while his household goods were transported by
wagon. A log schoolhouse had been built on section 27, in which Mr. Kellar
held the first service in the township. On the east side of the river Air. Kellar
had been greeted by a deputation from the First Presbyterian church in Peoria
"Why my dear sir we have been looking for you for the last four weeks." Mr.
Kellar's first sermon in Peoria was preached in Garrett's ball room in the Garrett
hotel. He preached for some time in a church built by Samuel Towsey, which
building still stands on Jackson street below Jefiferson, but is not used as a
church. After some time the congregation made arrangements to hold services
in the court house, which was used until they made arrangements to build a
church. Mr. Kellar had purchased a farm on section 16 and moved his family
to it, but when they conceived the idea of building a church, he moved his family
to Peoria and went east to collect funds toward the building, the congregation
not being able to defray all expenses. Mr. Kellar lived in Peoria and super-
intended the construction of the building, but after two years moved his family
back to the farm. He was pastor of the First Presbyterian church for twelve
years and then, in consec|uence of failing health, resigned. Some time afterwards
he organized a church on Orange Prairie, preaching in schoolhouses and private
homes. When he moved to the township there was no school. There had been
a log schoolhouse erected on section 27 in 1834, but there was no school in it.
Mr. Kellar opened a school there, with his daughter Katherine as assistant, and
taught until J. G. Bryson, a young man from Pennsylvania, came to Peoria,
when they got him to take it off their hands. Mr. Kellar performed the first
wedding ceremony in the township, the contracting parties being Charles Bal-
lance, one of three prominent young lawyers in Peoria at that time, and Miss
Julia Schnebley. Her father, Henry Schnebley, had come to Illinois in the fall
of the year in which Mr. Kellar appeared and being unable to procure a house
and, being a brother-in-law of Mr. Kellar, he offered Mr. Schnebley and his
family a home until they could build, and it was when making a call at Mr.
Kellar's that Air. Ballance first met Miss Schnebley and lost his heart.

The township was not organized until 1848. Air. Kellar had built a new
house on the Alt. Hawley road, just at the junction of the old and new Mt.
Hawley roads, but it was not ready for occupancy, and as it was a central loca-
tion, it' was decided to hold the election there and the name of Richwoods town-
ship was established. The election was held there the succeeding year and after-
wards in the schoolhouse or wherever most acessil)le until after a town house
was built on section 16 for the purpose. The building was, unfortunately, de-
stroyed by a storm some years later. It had been found a very convenient build-
ing for church service and Sabbath school. The house has never been rebuilt
Init the township still owns the ground. The manufacturing villages of "Peoria
Heights" and Averyville are both included within the limits of Richwoods.

264 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

ELMWOOD TOWNSHIP

In relation to the other townships of the county, Ehnwood is situated in the
western tier of townships, being bounded on the north by Brimfield, on the
east by Rosetield, south by TrivoH, and west by Fulton county. The locality is
well w^atered by numerous streams and the soil is rich and well adapted to
agriculture, while an abundance of coal is found in the bluffs along the creek.
Originally the township was about half covered with timber. The rest was
prairie.

John 1-'. Ewalt, a Pennsylvanian, who had lived for some time in Ohio and
Indiana, came to Illinois and resided two years in Edgar county. He arrived
in Elmwood, May I, 1831, and settled on the edge of the grove in the south-
east c|uarter of section 29. Near him in Trivoli township Isaac Harkness had
settled in 1830. Mr. Ewalt, with his four sons, spent his time the first summer
breaking prairie, building a log house and fencing the land. In the meantime
he and the boys made their habitation in a wagon and tent.

In 1832 Isaac Doyle located in the southwest quarter of section 20, and in
1834 Henry Cone located on section 18. W. J. Phelps, a native of Connecticut,
who had arrived in Peoria in the fall of 1834 with his wife, located on the
southeast cjuarter of section 18, which for many years continued to be his home.
Fountain Watkins came from Fulton county and settled on section 29 in the
winter of 1835, and that same year Joseph Cone, Jr., located on section 7 and
Andrew M. Wiley near by. The arrivals of 1836 were Roldon Pierce and
Justus Gibbs ; those of 1837 were Ichabod Smith, Avery Dalton, George and
Thomas Hut?, Mr. Hunkerford, Samuel McCann and Stanley Butler.

It was in 1837 that Joseph Miles built the mill that long bore his name.
Henry and Joseph Cone put up a sawmill on section 18 in 1843. In 1838, how-
ever, foseph Miles was joined by his son, Freeman, and family, and a year later
by his brother Eli. Among others of the early settlers about this period were
John Jordan, James Jackson, Isaac West and Ichabod Rowley.

Among the first happenings in the township may be mentioned that the first
house was built on section 29 by John Ewalt, a pioneer, and there the first white
child, Harriet Rebecca Ewalt, was born in 1833. The first blacksmith and
wagon shops were built in 1840 by Jacob Wills and William George, respectively.
The first marriage in the township was that of Abner H. Smith and Eliza Ann
Doyle, James P. Harkness performing the ceremony March 10, 1835. Justus
Gibbs is credited with having taught the first school in the winter of 1836-7,
in a log building subsequently used for a wagon shop by Isaac Harkness. The
first schoolhouse was east of the Henry Harkness residence and was presided
over by Daniel Faush. It is a tradition that a station on the "underground rail-
road" was maintained by Fountain Watkins on section 29; that he received his
passengers from Deacon Beige and transported them to Rochester.

Hon. W. E. Phelps has furnished the following article containing data per-
tinent to the history of this township, and which also appeared in a sketch fur-
nished Judge McCulloch for his history of Peoria county: "The country about
here was first known as Harkness Grove, from Isaac Harkness, the first settler,
and the large body of timber around which the first settlements were made.
It was afterwards called Harkness Precinct.

"Elmwood was first the name of the home of William J. Phelps, then the
name of the postoffice. When, in 1850, the county adopted township organization,
it became the name of the township. Justus Gibbs was the first supervisor, and
the first meeting of the board was in April, 1850. As a natural consequence the
railroad station and the village were also called Elmwood. For many years it
was the only place of the name in the United States, and for that matter, in
the world. Now, however, there are two or three Elmwoods in other states.

"Isaac Doyle was elected first justice of the peace in 1833. William J. Phelps
was elected justice of the peace in 1835, an office which he held for a number

AVERV DALTUN. KI.MWddl). IX HIS lii:;,| VKAK
Oldest Man in I'l'ini:! (minlv

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 265

of years and which gave him the title of 'S(|uire' Phelps, by which he was known
during the remainder of his life. He officiated at a large numhcr of weddings.
He married .-\. AI. Wiley and Miss Alary Ewalt in 1838.

"The early justice's court was a very unique, and often amusing institution.
Usually the litigants managed their own cases, often very ably. Judge Wells,
of Connecticut, the grandfather of our townsman, W. T. Wells, was a guest at
Mr. Phelps' log cabin during the trial of a cow case. The cabin was crowded
and a number of witnesses were examined by the plaintiff and defendant, after
which they argued the case. The Judge said he had been very much interested,
and was surprised to see how clear an idea each one of them had of what he
wished to prove, and just what bearing the evidence had on the case. He was
more than ever surprised when Mr. Phelps told him that neither man could read
nor write. He could scarcely believe it, and said that frontier life had developed
and broadened these men to an extent that would have been impossible any-
where else.

"In 1836 William J. Phelps was elected county commissioner, and in 1840,
after a hotly contested campaign, he was returned to the legislature over Judge
Xorman II. Purple by a majority of eight votes, while the Harrison electors
were defeated by thirty-two votes. Judge Purple contested the election, and
after a long tight Mr. Phelps was sustained in a democratic legislature. John
Dougherty, afterwards lieutenant governor, one of the democratic members of
the election committee, said boldly: 'Politics is one thing, but right is another.
I believe that Phelps has been elected and I shall support him.'

"These early settlers were not without their amusements. There was a log-
rolling now and then, and once or twice a year a general round-up hunt. Then,
too. there was the neighborhood dance and the spelling school, and, greatest
of all 'sugaring oft' time in the maple woods in the spring. The women did a
good deal of visiting. They went early, spent the afternoon and stayed to
sup])er.

"Every now and then there was a quilting, on which occasions there was
the usual amount of gossip. At one of these the ladies present got into a dis-
cussion of the comparative merits of their husbands. One was good natured,
but slack and a bad provider ; another always kept the house well supplied, but

was a constant fretter. and so on around until Mrs. was reached.

She raised her spectacles on her forehead, crossed her hands on the C|uilt and
said: 'Well, women. I'll tell you what it is; if I never had married. I know I
never would.'

"In 1847 Mr. Phelps secured the establishment of the Elmwood postoffice.
He was postmaster and mail contractor, the mail being brought twice a week
from Farmington. although, if I remember right, the pay was only for one mail
each week. At twelve years old I qualified as deputy postmaster and also as
mail carrier. The office was kept first in the house of William J. Phelps, in a
cherry desk which w'as made for the purpose by the neighborhood cabinet maker,
Isaac West. It is still preserved in the family as a historic relic. Mr. Phelixs
afterwards built an office twelve or fourteen feet square by the roadside near
the house. When the postoffice was moved to town, this building was sold to
Mr. Neagley for a shoe shop."

Coal was discovered on the land of William J. i 'helps near the village of
Elmwood in 1835. It was first obtained in small quantities by stripping off the
ground and was used principally by the blacksmiths. When coal stoves were
introduced for heating purposes the mining of coal became an industry but was
confined to drifting into the hillside. It was not until 1866 that coal was mined
for commercial use. In that year William E. Phelps formed a partnership with
James Lee and put down the first shaft in the timber west of William J. Phelps'
residence on the southeast ([uarter of section 18. The hoisting was done by
horse power. About this time William J. Phelps became a member of the firm
of Phelps & Lee, and in the fall of 1867 a shaft was sunk on the southwest

266 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

quarter of section i" near Elmwood, and a steam hoisting plant installed. A
couple of years later another shaft was sunk near by, and the two being con-
nected, the first one was conducted as an escapement shaft, which is supposed
to have been the first in the state, affording absolute security to the men below.
The Ehnwood Coal Company in 1869 built a narrow gauge railroad to the
mines and arranged shipping and retail yards in the village. The same company
sunk another shaft in 1873. At present the mines are running full capacity and
employing a number of men.

THE CITY OF ELMWOOD

Elmwood was incorporated as a village February 27, 1867, and as a city,
May 24, 1892. It now has a population, according to the census of 1910, of
i>390, which is a decrease of 170 since the census of igoo.

To the building of the Peoria & Oquawka railroad may be ascribed the in-
centive for the founding of Elmwood. William J. Phelps, one of the early set-
tlers of the township, was a director in this road and owned a large tract of
land in its immediate vicinity, which he readily recognized would be greatly
enhanced in value by having the railroad contiguous thereto. It is presumed
that it was largely through his influence that the road was swerved from its
original intent to go by way of Farmington and run through this tract, after
which Mr. Phelps, in 1852, made a plat of the future city and at once began to
sell lots. The first house to be built was by George Rodenbaugh on block V
in the summer of 1852. About the same time Dr. Swisher built on lot 2 in tlie
same block, and Levi Richardson put up a house in block R. In the summer of
1853 Porteus B. Roberts built a residence on block O. In the winter of 1852-3
A. S. Andrews was induced to move his store building from Xewburg to Elm-
wood, and in the following spring the store commenced business. This was the
pioneer mercantile establishment of Elmwood. It was located on the north-
east corner of lot i, block W. In the summer of 1853 Walter T. Brewster and
Addison L. Tracy erected a brick store building on lot i, block Q. This building
a few years ago was remodeled and is now a structure of modern appearance.

\\'illiam J. Phelps established the first bank in Elmwood about the year 1865.
His cashier was Harlan P. Tracy. The headquarters of the financial institution
were in the rear room of Tracy's dry-goods store. Soon, however, after the con-
cern had gotten in good running order, a bank building was erected, which has
been in use for that purpose to the present time, being now occupied by the
banking firm of Clinch, Schenck & Lott. The name of this first financial con-
cern was Phelps & Tracy. It was so known until 1875, when Air. Phelps retired
and Fred B. Tracy became cashier and partner with his uncle, the firm name
being changed to H. P. Tracy & Company. In 1883 the bank failed and the
Farmers & Merchants Bank was organized by Edwin R. Brown, of Elmwood,
and Delos S. Brown, of Peoria, brothers, which was sold in 1887 to Thomas
Clinch and W. H. Lott, -who had in the meantime opened a private bank. Henry
Schenck was taken in as partner and the style name of Clinch, Schenck & Lott
adopted, under which the bank now maintains a prominent position.

The Elmwood State Bank was organized in 1891, with a capital of $25,000,
later increased to $50,000. In 1898 it went into the hands of J. D. Putnam as
receiver.

The Congregational church was organized June 5, 1854, with the following
members: William J. Phelps, Mrs. Olive B. J. Phelps, Walter T. Brewster, Z.
E. Spring, Mrs. Avella G. Spring, Warren H. Chapman, Mrs. Susan S. Chap-
man, Mrs. Ann L. Tracy, Rev. F. Auten, then a recent graduate of Union
Theological Seminary, of New York, became the pastor but died about a year
thereafter. About 1855 a buiUling for religious services was erected. Previous
thereto services were held in an unfinished room over the store of A. L. Tracy.
After the death of Rev. Auten, Rev. R. Rudd supplied the pulpit for a few

STREET SCENE IX KI.MWi h H )

ELM^^"OOD SCHOiiL

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 267

months. Rev. J. Steiner became the regular pastor in August, 1856, and re-
mained until 1858. He was followed b}' Sherlock Bristol, who came in 1858.
He remained two years and was followed by W. G. Pierce, who commenced his
labors April 21, 1861. During the war of the rebellion Rev. Pierce acted as
chaplain of the Seventy-seventh Regiment of Illinois \ olunteers for about one
year. His ministry closed with this church in 187 1 and for some months there
was no pastor, the pulpit being supplied by different clergymen. Rev. Albert
Fitch was a supply. In 1872 Rev. Allen |. \'an Wagner, who had just graduated
from the Chicago Theological Seminary, was called and entered upon his labors.
In the fall of 1872 he was ordained and installed as pastor. His successors
were Rev. L. R. Royce, W. R. Butcher, \V. S. Pressy and .Arthur Miles. In
1893 the church building was remodeled at a cost of $10,000. It has a seating
capacity of about 400 and many of the modern conveniences.

June 5, 1856, Revs. Daniel V. AlcFarland. William A. Meniing, John C llanna
and Ruling Elder Andrew Rogers met at the Methodist Episcopal church for
the purpose of organizing a Presbyterian church, which was accomplished. .An-
drew D. Rogers was selected as ruling elder and M. Bush, John Bodine, George
Griggs and Levi Richardson, trustees. Rev. D. F. McFarland was the first pastor.
By reason of many removals and other causes the church membership had
dwindled and interest had waned to such an extent that on December 20, 1859,
an organization was cltected with twenty-three members as the I'irst Presbyterian
church of Elmwood. The elders elected were \\'illiam Simpson, Cieorge L. Lucas
and Joseph Warne. A house of worship was purchased from the Congregational
society, which had been located at Newburg about two miles away and moved
into the village. It first stood on the tract of land now known as West Park
but in 1877 was moved to its present site. Rev. James E. Marquis was the first
pastor of the reorganized church and remained until his death, which occurred
F'ebruary 22, 1863. The pulpit was then supplied by George N. Johnson for
about one year. In June, 1864, Rev. James H. Smith was called to this charge
and ministered to the people until 1867. He was followed by Rev. John R.
Reason, a supply, whose pastoral relations continued until 1880, after which,
imtil 1885, the pidpit was supplied by Revs. A. C. Wilson and C. C. Kerlinger.
In 1885 Rev. C. C. B. Duncan became the pastor and remained until 1890. He
was succeeded by Rev. W. H. Mason. In June, 1895, Rev. B. Y. George was
called. The old church which had been removed and remodeled at a cost of about
$1,200. was discarded in 1891 for a more modern structure, erected at a cost
of $7,000. The membership now numbers about 160.

l-'.lmwood has always been forward in its educational institutions. The town-
ship and village had their private and public schools as soon as enough children
could be gathered together for the purpose. In 1885 a movement was made in
Elmwood for means of higher education and to that end the Elmwood Academy
was established. Professor Don Carlos Taft and Miss Anna Somers were the
pioneer teachers in this institution and the academy gained a wide and most en-
viable reputation. Classes were held in the Congregational church for ten years,
when the district and graded schools came into existence and later the high
school. ¥ov the latter a building had been erected which was destroyed by fire.
It was replaced by the present handsome structure, which is substantially built of
brick and stone. A board of seven members and a faculty of twelve teachers
are in charge.

Elmwood is essentially a residence town, although it has good markets for
grain and stock and well appointed mercantile establishments. When the town
was about three or four years old John Regan, of Knoxville, established the
Elmwood Observer. The first number appeared January 6, 1858, and continued
to be issued weekly until May, 1859, when it ceased publication. On May 19,
i860, the Chronicle was founded by Woodcock & Son. of Peoria. It only existed
about two years, owing to the enlistment of O. F. Woodcock in the Civil war,
his son having preceded him in that patriotic duty and become a member of the

268 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

Seventy-seventh Regiment of Illinois \'olnnteers. In the interim between June,
1862, and 1866, Elmwood was without a newspaper. July 19, 1866. John Regan
resuscitated the Observer and about the same time O. F. Woodcock brought the
Chronicle again to life as a republican paper. On the 7th of November, J. A.
Somersby took charge of the Chronicle and continued its publication until May
9, 1872, when R. P. Childs succeeded him in the editorial chair. On the 4th
of July, 1872, Joseph P. Barrett, of Peoria, and E. R. lirown, of Elmwood,
took charge of the paper and on the 15th of August following, sold it to Alpheus
Davidson & Son, who published the sheet until after the campaign of that year,
when the plant was removed to Canton.

John Regan began the pul)lication of the Messenger, ]\larch 6, 1874. This
paper met with considerable good fortune and was successfully conducted until
the death of its editor, John Regan, in 1891, when it began to lose control of
affairs and in 1895 suspended publication by passing into the hands of the Courier.
J. A. Somersby published the Industrial Journal from May 30, 1874, to January
6, 1876, and W. P. Gifford and A. M. Swan published the Central Illinois News
about six months during the year 1876. John C. Snyder published the Express,
a semi-weekly paper, devoted to the greenback cause, for a few months and
then suspended.

The Gazette was born in Brimfield, November 4, 1875, ^'^d was published
there until July 2, 1879, when it was removed to Elmwood. Here it was issued
as an eight column folio but it was soon thereafter changed to a six column
folio, semi-weekly. In 1881 the paper passed into the hands of W. E. Phelps,
who continued its publication until 1883, when ]\I. H. Spence took charge of
it and it is today the leading paper of the citv.

The Courier was started in December, 1894, liy Albert McKeighan and in
1895 purchased the plant of The ^Messenger, which was discontinued. From
1895 to 1905 the Courier had several proprietors. In June of the lattt:r year the
Beardsley Brothers, of Princeville, bought the Courier ofifice and resurrected the
Messenger, at the same time suspending the publication of the Courier.

.\KRON TOWNSHIP

Akron had settlers within its borders as early as 1831. It was organized
in 1850, and the first election was held at the house of Ebenezer Russell, April
2, 1850, at which time Simon P. Chase was moderator and Richard Kidd clerk.
There were sixteen votes cast. Benjamin Slane was elected supervisor and all
but three of the sixteen electors were selected at this election for some office.
Akron is in the northern tier of townships and has for its neighbor on the west,
I^rinceville, on the south. Radnor, on the east, Hallock, and on the north, Stark
county. The land is quite fertile. Part of it is rolling and the rest level, flat,
corn-producing soil, which was originally covered with prairie grass, excepting
a narrow strip of timber along the western border. There are two small streams
of water which drain this territory — one in the eastern and one in the western
part of the township.

To Hugh Montgomery is given the credit of being the first permanent settler,
coming here in 1831 and locating on section 7. That same year James Morrow
and Daniel Prince settled on section 31, and Thomas Morrow on section 18,
where he built a log cabin. As is usually the case, settlements were first made
near the timber, as prairie land in early days was not considered of very much
value for cultivation. This took the first settlers to the western part of the
township but gradually the pioneers ventured on to the prairie and opened up
farms which vied in fertility with those near the woodland. The growth in
settlement in this township was not very rapid but by i860 it had reached its
ultimate point.

This township has no town or village that can be called entirely its own.
On the western border is the village of Princeville, a small portion of which

PTISTORY OF lM>:ORIA COUNTY 269

lies within the confines of Akron and within this strip is the Seventh Day Bap-
tist church and parsonage, a store, cheese factory and a number of residences.
There is a small station named Akron on the line of the Chicago & Northwestern
railroad, which was laid out a short time after the completion of the road. l)ut
has not grown in dimensions worth mentioning.

At a town meeting held in 1854 it was decided to build a town hall. The
building, 26x18 and 11 feet high, was erected that same year and served the
purposes of a schoolhouse and town hall until i860. In 1865 the voters of the
town joined with those of district 5 in the erection of a two-story building, the
lower part of which was used for school purposes and the hall above for public
gatherings and business meetings. In June, 19CX), the authorities of Akron town-
ship bought the interests of school district No. 5 in this building and moved it
on to another part of the lot.

One of the most notable instances in the history of this township was the
contested election case of 1868. In this election $30,000 in bonds were voted,
for the construction of a railroad. The vote stood 124 for the issuing of the
bonds and 122 votes against. The matter was taken into court and after four
years' litigation the supreme court determined that the election was illegal and
that the supervisors could not be compelled to issue the $30,000 bonds voted
for the purpose. In this trial much bitterness of spirit was engendered and a
number of prominent lawyers were engaged. Among them were the late Robert
E. Ingersoll. of Peoria, .^dlai E. Stevenson, of Bloomington, Judge John Burns
and George C. Barnes, of Lacon, Judge Hezekiah AI. Wead and Henry B. Hop-
kins, also of Peoria. The present officers of the township are: M. J. McUonna,
supervisor; B. W. Heath, township clerk; George Ortley. assessor; George Del-
heimer, collector; Charles .A. Timmons, justice of the peace.

Shortly after the settlement of the township a schoolhouse was built on the
northwest corner of section 19 and became famous in its day. It accommodated
as many as si.xty scholars, children coming from all directions as far as Spoon
river to the northwest, and the center of Jubilee township on the southwest.
It was used on Sunday as a place of worslii]) and the remainder of the week
as a school room. This was also the polling place for c|uite a while. It was
destroyed by tire about 1849 ^nd the ne.xt schoolhouse to be built was near where
the .-\tchison, Topeka & Santa h'e railroad crosses the public road, one mile east
of the west line of the township. It was not long after this that the township
was divided into three school districts. The schoolhouse just referred to was
in district No. i. In some of these districts school was kept for a few months
in the year but as soon as the township was fairly settled, it was redistricted into
nine districts, remaining so to the present time. There are now nine substantial
frame schoolhouses, each accommodating about thirty pupils. The largest en-
rollment of pupils was in the period between 1870 and 1880, when there were
349 pupils out of 409 persons of school age, and from $10, the first wage ])aid.
the stijjend for teachers has increased to an average of about $45 per month.

The church building of the Seventh Day Baptists stands on the east line of
section 24. This religious society was organized September 3, 1852, through the
efforts of Anthony Hakes and a few others. In 1870 the present church building
was erected, at a cost of about $6,000.

The .-\mish church was organized about 1870 and for a number of years
services were held at the homes of members. In 1880 a church building was
erected, with modern conveniences, for meetings and also for various socials
and the like. Christian Straitmatter served as pastor for the organization until
1895. Since then the pulpit has been filled by Ludwig Herbold and h'rank Wortz.
The fact that there are but two churches in the township is no indication that
its citizens are not disposed toward religious matters, Within easy driving dis-
tance are two churches at Lawn Ridge, two at Edelstein, three at Dunlap, three
at Princeville and one at Stark, which give the people ample facilities for gratify-
ing any desire they may have for church going.

270 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

Up to i860 the settlers of this township received their mail at Princeville and
Soutliampton but about the year i860 a postoffice, named Akron, was estab-
lished four miles east of Princeville and T. P. Burdick was appointed post-
master. His successor, William Sanders, was appointed three years later and
he distributed the mails until 1866, when the office was discontinued, but it was
reestablished in 1870 near the center of the township, Mrs. Deming serving as
postmistress. She resigned about a year later and William Houston succeeded
her and retained the position until the office was discontinued, owing to the es-
tablishment of a rural delivery route from Princeville, which supplied the needs
of the people in a much better and more expeditious manner than the stationary
office, as the mail is brought daily to the door of each house in the township.

This is essentially an agricultural community and practically all of the inhabi-
tants are engaged in tilling the soil, which is rich and yields abundant harvests
to an intelligent and prosperous people. The township has good roads, bridges,
churches, schools and all that goes to make for a life of happiness and content-
ment. Its railroad facilities are very good. In 1871 the Peoria & Rock Island
entered the township, and since the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe has been built
across the township from east to west near the center. In 1901 the Chicago &
Northwestern ran a line across the township a half mile west of the eastern
border. Akron is a station on this road near the southeast corner of the town-
ship.

HALLOCK TOWNSHIP

Hallock township is bounded on the north by Marshall county, on the east
by Chillicothe, south by Medina and west by Akron townships. It is quite bluffy
in places and has considerable timber land, the bulk of which runs through its
center from north to south, varying in width from nearly four miles on the
north to a little over one mile on its southern boundary'. Most of the land, how-
ever, is very fertile and comprises some of the finest farms in Peoria county.
It is well watered, the streams being pretty equally scattered over the township.
The township was organized in 1850 and namecl after its first settler, Lewis
Hallock. The first town meeting was held at the house of Reuben Hamlin in
Northampton on Tuesday, April 2, 1850. William Easton was chairman and
Charles Barker clerk. The latter was finally elected moderator of the meeting
and Robert Will, Jr., clerk. At this election the following officers were chosen :
Walter S. Evans, supervisor ; Erastus C. Root, assessor ; Lyman Robinson, clerk ;
Isaiah Nurse, Joel Hicks and Simon Reed, commissioners; Jesse Jenkins, over-
seer of the poor; Munson Hinman, town clerk; \Villiam Easton and Nathaniel
Chapin, justices; Augustus Barton and Eliphalet Russell, constables.

Hallock township is one of the first to have been settled, Lewis Hallock having
come here about the year 1820. He took up some land in what is now called
Hallock Hollow, where he built a log cabin. He was a single man but in the
winter of 1829 he married a Mrs. Wright, daughter of Hiram Cleveland, and
brought her to his cabin. To them was born a child, Clarissa, who afterward
married Henry Robertson. He was a man of upright character and honest in
all his dealings and lived on his farm in the hollow until his death, which oc-
curred April I, 1857, at the age of sixty-one years. When a young man he had
immigrated to the great west from Long Island and lived among the Indians in
Wisconsin and elsewhere, gaining his livelihood by hunting and trapping.

From all accounts Hallock must have lived in his cabin alone for some time
before other settlers came into the neighborhood, for it was known that there
was no person here beside him until 1825. In that year Aaron and Simon Reed
immigrated from Jackson county, Ohio, also Moses and Samuel Clifton, Joseph
Meredith, Francis Thomas, Resolved and Hiram Cleveland, Cornelius Doty,
William \\'right and Gershom Silliman and family. In 1830 came Joel Hicks and
family and Jeriel Root and sons, Erastus C. and Lucas. Most of these located

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 271

near the north end of La Salle prairie. Joseph Meredith settled on section 12
in 1830 and kept a small tavern for the accommodation of stage drivers and
travelers. It was on the main road between Galena and Springfield.

Roswell Xurse and son Isaiah, and'Ehenezer Stowell arrived in the township
from Chenango county. New York, walking to r.uti'alo and thence by water to
Toledo. From Toledo they walked tlie entire distance to this township, carrying
their rifles and other necessaries on their backs. At that time they found no
settlement north of Northampton. In the fall of the same year, however, Erastus
Root located on section 3, northwest of Northampton.

The winter of 1831 will ever be remembered by the pioneers for its deep
snow and drifts. In many places the snow was three feet deep on the level and
the drifts were in some places fifteen to twenty feet deep. The cold was steady
and intense. Game was almost exterminated. "The winter of 183 1 was an ex-
ceptionally severe one all over the west. During the winter two men, strangers
to the settlers, named Dr. Franklin and McMillan, with six yoke of oxen and
two sleds, loaded with goods and bound for Prairie du Chien, stopped at Simon
Reed's and after a stay of about a week, they built another sled and hired a man by
the name of Cooper, who with them started sometime in the month of January
and were soon caught in a terrible northeastern snowstorm which filled up their
track and caused them to lose their way. Night overtook them when out on the
prairie near Boyd's Grove and they turned the oxen loose and tried to reach
Poyd's on foot. Two of them perished and the third — McMillan-^-got there
the next morning, badly frozen. Eleven of the oxen were frozen to death. The
other came to Meredith's."

A number of the settlers of this township took up arms against the Indians
in the Black Hawk war, enlisting in Abner Reed's company. Among them
were Thomas Reed, Lucas Root, Edwin S. Jones, Elias Love, James Doty and
Simon Reed. The latter was commissioned as teamster and served until the
close of the war. Doty was killed in the battle of Sycamore Creek, May 14,
1832. The Pottawottomies had towns in this vicinity, one on the land of Emery
Stillman in Medina township, one at Smith's Springs, between Rome and Chilli-
cothe, and the other on Senachewine creek, not far from its banks.

The first available mill for the settlers of this township was built on Sena-
chewine creek by William Mofifatt, in Chillicothe township, in 1834. The first
and only mill of any consequence built in the township was put up by Thomas
Ford in 1836 on the northeast quarter of section 13.

NORTHAMPTON

The village of Northampton was laid off by Reuben Hamlin on section 13 in
July, 1836, and the first house to be built in the place was used as a tavern. It
was erected in the winter of 1835-6 by Reuben Hamlin, who presided over the
welfare of travelers therein for many years. He was a native of Northampton,
Massachusetts, and being the founder of the village, named it after his native
place. Aaron Reed, one of the pioneers of the township, located near this
village and Nathaniel Chapin, a native of Massachusetts, was early a prominent
resident of Northampton. He held the office of justice of the peace for some
time. The village now has a population of 58. just two less than it had in 1900.

L.\WN RIDCE

Lawn Ridge is upon the land dividing Peoria and Marshall counties, and
one of its first settlers was Nathaniel Smith. It is a flourishing little village and
trading point and has a population of 320 — an increase of 120 since the census
of 1900. There are two churches, those of the Methodist and Congregational
faith. On the Peoria side of the dividing line is an agricultural implement con-
cern, a meat market, blacksmith and repair shop and hotel. Here was also estab-
lished a postofifice.

272 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

EDELSTEIN

Edelstein owes its birth to the building of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe
railroad through the township. It is a flourishing village located on section i8
and was founded in 1887 on land owned by Sanuiel Burns. A. J. Ramsey built
the lirst store building south of the railroad but afterward removed it to the
north side in 1887. That same year Robert A. Green erected a grain elevator
and not only handled grain but coal, tile, seeds and live stock. Since then the
elevator has changed hands several times. In 1894 the firm of Kendall & Cline
built an elevator northwest of the depot near the site of the old one, which had
been destroyed by fire. The structure was later removed to Akron, a station
on the Chicago & Northwestern railroad. In 1889 J. A. Potter erected a store
building, which was managed by his son Anthony Potter about one year, after
which it passed through the hands of several owners. In the fall of 1888 C. Y.
Brayton erected a building and opened a general store, which he continued to
operate until his death. He was succeeded in business by his wife. That same
year F. W. Rotterman established a hardware business and M. J. McDonna a
blacksmith, wagon and general repair shop. A drug store was established in
1891 by W. R. Peck, who was appointed postmaster in 1893. Edelstein has
other industries, and a very well kept hotel.

WEST HALLOCK

West Hallock is but a hamlet, half of which is in Akron township. It con-
tains a cheese factory, which has been in operation for some years. There is
also a general store, feed mill, blacksmith and machine shop and general wagon
and repair shop.

SCHOOLS

The first school taught in Hallock township was erected on Lewis Hallock's
farm and tauglit by I^ucia Root during the winter of 1829 and 1830. The first
schoolhouse in the district was erected near Joel Hicks' place on section 32.
It was built in the fall of 1836 and afterwards removed to the Hallock farm.
A school was tauglit during the summers of 1839 and 1840 in a log cabin where
the residence of Isaiah Nurse was afterwards located, in the northern part of
the township. Fiducia Bliss was the first teacher. In 1841 a building for school
purposes was built in district No. i. It was built of brick and was 18 feet
square. Sarah Fosdick was one of the earlier teachers. An old log cabin in
district No. 5 first answered the purposes of a schoolhouse. It stood near O. N.
Miller's dwelling and continued to be used for school purposes until 185 1. Joseph
Gallup was its first teacher. In both the districts just mentioned more modern
buildings were erected in 1856. School district No. 6 was originally composed
of parts of Peoria, Stark and Marshall counties but was set off into its present
limits in i860. The present schoolhouse was erected at a cost of about $1,400.

The structure now occupied in West Hallock district as a public school was
first intended as an academy. It was erected in the fall of 1856 and after being
used about five years for academical purposes, was turned over to the school
trustees and has since been conducted as a public school. The schoolhouse in
district No. 4 stands on section 32 and was erected in 1870. In 1894 the village
of Edelstein was made an independent school district and that same year a
building was erected at a cost of $1,000. At this time there were only twenty-
three school children of school age. There are now about one hundred.

CHURCHES

The Seventh Day Baptist church is located in the village of West Hallock,
It was organized in 1852 by Elder Anthony Hakes, of Berlin, New York, who

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 273

came to the township in 1845 'ind was followed about three years later by his
brother Daniel Hakes, and John Simpson. They with others held meetings
from house to house but when the academy building was erected it was offered
and accepted by the Baptists, wherein to hold their meetings. On the 3d day
of September, 1852, at the home of Elder Anthony Hakes, the Seventh Day
r.a])tist church was organized by Elder Stillman Coon, with fourteen charter
members. Elder Coon served as the first pastor. The growth of the member-
ship made it necessary to erect a house of worshij) and that year the present
church building was built at a cost of ?5,50o. It comfortably .seats 250 people.
Elder Hakes was ordained to the ministry in 1856, and had charge of this con-
gregation for a number of years.

The Union Baptist church, located at Union, on section 26, was at one time
connected with the Chillicothe Baptist Society. It was organized June ly, 1858,
with twelve members as follows : Thomas B. Reed, Sanford Reed, Amy Sullivan,
Simon Reed, Walter S. Evans, Sarah Kirkpatrick, Mary Baggs, Francis Reed,
Nancy Sprague. Levi Sprague, C. Reed, Amy Reed. In July, 1858, Anthony
Hakes was chosen pastor and preached once in two weeks. Soon after the or-
ganization the ]\Iethodists and Baptists of the neighborhood joined and erected
what is known as the Union church. It was occupied by these societies in com-
mon until 1873, when the Baptists bought the interests of the other society.
In 1894 the Congregational church of Edelstein was organized with twenty-
seven members, who came from several denominations. Soon thereafter, or on
the 4th of August, 1894, the corner stone of the church building was laid and
the church was dedicated December 30th following, by Rev. James Tompkins,
of Chicago. Rev. Stephen Burdick, of West Hallock, and Rev. Charles Marsh,
of Lawn Ridge. The building cost $2,800, which was practically all paid before
the dedication. Rev. Charles Marsh was the first pastor and filled the position
until July, 1900, when he resigned, since which time several ministers have sup-
plied the pulpit. For the Methodist and Catholic churches, see articles under
those titles.

HOLLIS TOWNSHIP

The above named township is situated in the extreme southeast part of the
county. It has for its eastern and southern boundaries the Illinois river, on the
west is Timber township, and on the north Limestone township. Hollis is much
broken by the river bluffs, La Marsh creek and its tributaries. The land, which
was formerly mostly covered with timber, has been cleared and converted into
fine farms. The lower bottom land, however, is interspersed with small lakes.
Part of this low land is protected from the river by artificial means. The river
bluff's are filled with coal and at several points mining operations are carried
on. The township was formerly known as Lafayette Precinct and was named
for Denzil Hollis, an early settler, who came from England. His grave, by a
vote of the township in 1897, was enclosed by an iron fence. The townshiji
was organized April 2, 1850. and on that day the first election was held at the
house of William Martin. John McGee was moderator and John F. Buck,
clerk. .At this election the following were chosen : Supervisor, Stephen C.
^^'hceler ; town clerk, George Jenkins ; assessor, Albert G. Powell ; collector,
David (ioodwin; overseer of the ]Joor, Denzil Hollis; commissioners of highways,
John Houghtaling. James Clark, John Duffield ; justices of the peace, William
Martin, Sr., Miles M. Crandall ; constables, S. D. Buck and David Goodwin.

The first white person to settle in this township was Andrew Tharp, who
came in 1826 and died in the winter of 1844-5 o^ "black tongue," a contagious
disease which it is said killed nine persons in the neighborhood in that year.
William Scott, with his family, arrived in this community in 1827, coming from
Terre Haute in a one-horse wagon. He located a quarter of a mile east of the
present site of Maplcton. Aholiab Buck, with his wife Annie, natives of New

274 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

York, settled on section 6 in 1831, and soon thereafter their neighbors were
I'eter Muchler, Captain Francis Johnson and Moses Perdue. They were joined
a Httle later by William Tapping, James Clark, William and Abraham J\Iaple,
William and John Martin, Robert Buchanan and wife, Moses Dusenbury, a Air.
I'^rauks, Hugo Jones and Sidney Ann his wife, John Jenkins, John Kahn, Jesse
Jones, John Hornbaker, William S. Powell, Ansel Haines, Samuel Watrous,
William Johnston, Thomas J. Mctkew, Samuel Hootman and Isaac Maple.

The first steam grist and sawmill erected in the township was by Captain
Francis Johnson in 1834. The building was put up on La Marsh creek and was
a two-story frame, the first of its kind in the community. Near by was a brick
yard, also conducted by Mr. Johnson. He was one of the victims of the "black
tongue" already described in this article. The mill became the property of
Thomas J. McGrew in 1847. who ran it until 1856, when it was destroyed by a
terrific wind storm. In 1836 Moses Dusenbury brought the first hand grist mill
to the township, the burrs of which were sixteen inches in diameter. In 1838
Mr. Dusenbury was killed by falling with his blind horse over the high bank
on the west branch of La Marsh creek. Thomas Stevens erected a two-story
building for a sawmill in 1839 on the west fork of La Marsh creek but in June,
1872, the mill, with the dam, was washed away by the highest water ever known
here.

Many things happened in those early days that would be looked upon now as
a matter of course and not of any especial interest. For instance, Moses Perdue
set out the first vineyard in 1832, Mr. Franks in 1837 had a brick yard in the
township, and John Rahn in 1839 was running a tan yard, which continued in
operation until 1871. In 1838 John Martin brought from near St. Paul, Minne-
sota, the first pine tree, which was set out by William Tapping, and it is still
standing. In 1838 the Maple brothers set out chestnut trees. By 1855 apples
had become plentiful and the Maple brothers were running a cider mill by hand
power. In 1853 William T. Stackpole set out fifteen thousand apple trees on
section 15, and in 1854 he built a two-story brick house and brick barn, which
are still standing. Orchard Mines in the neighborhood gets its name from having
had an orchard of forty acres on the land. Few of the trees, however, are left
standing. In 1848 Moses Perdue brought the first cook stove into the northeast
part of the township. In 1839 John .McFarland built the first blacksmith shop
near the northeast corner of section 5. It was constructed of logs. William
Van Norman was the first blacksmith. In 1840 James Clark erected a black-
smith shop which is still standing. In 1858 the Maple brothers erected a three-
story steam saw and grist mill at a cost of $5,800. In 1832 the first coal bank
was opened at Little La Marsh creek. The coal was hauled by oxen to Egman
Lake, where it was loaded on boats for St. Louis.

MOLLIS VILL.\GE

is situated in section 11 and is near the point where the old Illinois River railroad,
afterward the Peoria, Pekin & Jacksonville, formed a junction with the Peoria
& Hannibal railroad, the former crossing the river on a bridge which a few years
ago burned and has never been rebuilt. The Toledo, Peoria & Western now
occupies and uses the track of the former roads from Peoria to this point. The
Peoria & Pekin Terminal railroad also runs through the northern portion of
this township, crossing the river to Pekin on its own bridge, lately constructed.
Hollis was laid out September 8, 1868, by E. J. and M. A. Jones. Its inhabitants
are principally miners.

M.^PLETON

is located on the east half of the northwest quarter of section 20 and was laid
out in 1868 by John T. Lindsay, of Peoria, and Samuel Gilfoy and William

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 275

T. IMaple, of Hollis township. It is a coal town and on a spur of the Toledo,
Peoria & Western railway which branches off to Kingston. The mines at Maple-
ton are practically worked out but in the immediate vicinity are mines operated
by James \\'alker, of Mapleton, and W. F.. Foley. There is a schoolhouse, witli
a seating capacity of 80, which was built in the year 1873.

REED CITY

This is a city more in name than in fact, nor is it a village nor town. It is
not really even a hamlet. A bright future was anticipated for it, however, when
it was laid out by the Buckeye Coal & Coke Company, composed of speculators
from Ohio, who had bought up the coal rights in this vicinity. While the pro-
posed village did not materialize the mines are still operated by the Newsam
brothers, w'ho also have a general mercantile establishment. Eventually the min-
ing company changed its name to that of the Reed City Coal iS: Mining Company,
and gave to the village the name of its principal stockholder, Mr. Reed. This
gentleman in 1889 erected a school building and haJl combined, at a cost of about
$40,000 and endowed it with sufficient funds for its maintenance. It is called
the Reed Institute and is for the free use of the residents of the village. Mr.
Reed became the sole owner of the mining property consisting of over one
thousand acres, and at his death left it to his widow.

SCHOOLS

L'nder an act of the legislature of 1836 and 1837 the electors of this township
held an election at Johnson's mill, April 14, 1838, for the purpose of determining
whether or not the township should organize under the school laws just re-
ferred to. Twelve votes were cast for and only one against the proposition.
On the same day five trustees were elected as follows : Aholiab Buck, John Duf-
held, Nathaniel Clifton, Andrew Tharp and Richard Hayes. On the 12th of
May the trustees met and appointed Nelson Buck the first township school treas-
urer and laid off the township into three school districts. This was the beginning
of the public school system in Hollis township. This was not by any means,
however, the beginning of the schools in this community. There were private
schools as early as 1836, when Israel I. Hurd taught a number of children in a
log house on the bluff. The following year he taught a school in a log house
belonging to Aloses Perdue which was erected on section 11. This building had
two rooms, each with a fire place built of brick from the yards of Mr. Frank.
Mr. Perdue gave the use of the larger room for the school children. About 1838
Miss Mary McFarland taught school in a log house which stood on section 4.
There are now four district schools in the township beside the Reed Institute.
Also a union school with Timber and a union school with Limestone, Logan and
Timber. All these have good buildings and are maintained up to the standard
of district schools tliroughout the county.

LA MARSH BAPTIST CHURCH

The Baptist church at Maple Ridge is one of the oldest in the community.
It was organized November 27, 1838, with fourteen members, all from Guernsey
county, Ohio. Among them were Isaac and Sarah Alaple, Robert and Rebecca
Buchanan, Abram Maple, William and Mary Maple, Hugh and Sidney Ann
Jones, Mrs. Plarker and Eliza Jones. Rev. A. M. Gardner, pastor of the con-
gregation at Peoria, presided over the La Marsh congregation and continued in
that capacity until 1848. In January, 1849, Elder William E. Ely became pastor,
giving the congregation half of his time. In 1849 ^'i^ Baptist association met
here, holding its sessions in a barn for want of a house of worship. Among
the ministers were Rev. Henry G. Weston, of Peoria, and Rev. L. G. Minor, who

276 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

remained after the session and held a revival which continued through the fol-
lowing vear and during which time there were fifty-two baptisms, which brought
the meml)ership of the church up to 102 members. In 185 1 Elder Ely closed his
pastorate and was succeeded by Elder Joel Sweet, who preached at Trivoli half
of his time. He was succeeded in 1855 by Elder John Edminster, who continued
for some years. Soon after the revival meetings herein mentioned, a house of
worship 30x35 feet was erected, at a cost of $1,000. The first deacons were
William Maple and John McGee.

LIMESTONE TOWNSHIP

In his carefully compiled and excellently written history of Peoria county,
the late Judge 'McCulloch, in writing of Limestone township, had the following
in part to say : "The settlement of Limestone township was almost contempo-
raneous with that of Peoria. But reaching back many years prior to the advent
of the American settlers, it has a history of its own. As early as the year
1723, while yet a part of the. French dominion, one Philip Francis Renault ob-
tained a grant of a tract of land one league in front on the lake or river, and
extending back five leagues on a stream claimed to have been the Kickapoo. If
this claim has any solid foundation to rest upon, it may be inferred that Renault,
whose principal business was the development of the mining interests of the
country, and who had smelting furnaces not many miles from St. Louis, had
made an exploration of the Kickapoo valley, and finding the hills filled with
coal, had procured this grant to himself. It has been claimed for him that he
had also discovered lead in this vicinity, but this claim has not been verified by
more recent researches.

"At a later period, about the year 1765, we find Jean Baptiste Maillet ob-
taining a grant from the authorities of Great Britain of 1,400 acres at the mouth
of the Kickapoo, one mile in front on the river and extending back two miles
in the country. This grant took in part of Limestone township. It was sold
in 1801 to Isaac Darneille, the first lawyer wdio ever lived at Peoria, and by him
to Colonel William Russell, of the United States army, who made an efl:'ort to
have the claim confirmed by the government, but failed.

"At a still later period, about one hundred years ago. it is known that several
of the inhabitants of La Ville de Maillet had lands in cultivation on the Kickapoo
bottom in this township, or very near it in Peoria township. Thomas Forsyth,
who was an American, had a field of twenty arpens ; Simon Roi, Antoine Roi
and Francis Racine jointly had a field of thirty arpens, adjoining one of Antoine
Cicare; Hypolite Maillet had one of fifteen arpens adjoining one of Francis
Montplaiser — all situated on or very ijear the Kickapoo, which was then called
the Gatinan (or possibly the Coteneau). These farms were all vacated during
the war of 1812, when the village was destroyed.

"It is said that Abner Eads, one of the first settlers at Peoria, for a time
resided in Limestone ; but it seems that Joseph .Moffatt and his three sons, Alva,
Aquilla and Benjamin, were the first settlers. They came in 1822. Alva and
Acjuilla settled on section 13 and continued to reside thereon, or in the im-
mediate vicinity, during their lives. The Harker family came in 1829 and settled
near the southwest corner of the township, giving the name of Harker's Corners
to the vicinity where four townships met. Henry W. Jones came at an early
day and settled in the north part of the township. From him, or members of
his family, we have the name of Jones' Prairie and Jones' Spring, situated on
and along the Farmington road. James Crowe also came about the same time
ds lones, but on account of Indian troubles in 1832, he went back to his home
in Ohio, but returned in 1834 and settled in the north part of the township.
James Heaton came in 1834 and Pleasant Hughes in 1837.

"This township can boast of having had the first, if not the first two, flouring
mills in the county. George Sharp, one of the county commissioners and a

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 277

prominent business man of Peoria, died about the close of the year 1830. He
was at the time of his death a partner in l)usiness with John llanihn. lie had an
interest in two mill sites (then regarded as personal property), one across the
river in Tazewell county and one on the Kickapoo. That in Tazewell county
was sold to his widow for $50, from which circumstances it would appear that
no mill had yet been erected. He also had a bolting cloth appraised at $35,
which was sold to his son John for $20. No sale is reported of the mill site
on the Kickapoo, which evidently went to his partner Air. Hamlin. It is not
certain that the mill had then been erected on the Kickapoo, but if not then
erected, it is very certain that preparations had been made looking to that event.
In a biographical sketch of Air. Hamlin, published some years ago, it is said that
he, in connection witli two young men named Sharp, had erected the mill known
as Hamlin & Sharp's mill, and this would seem probable from the fact that
George Sharp had two sons, John and Francis, the former having purchased
the bolting cloth at the administrator's sale. Be this as it may, it is evident
that the mill was erected and had been put in operation as early as the year 183 1,
and continued in the hands of the same proprietors, Hamlin & Sharp, until the
year 1833 or 1834. The exact location of this mill had apparently been forgotten
for many years, for Air. Ballance, who in 1832 had been one of the viewers to
lay out a road past the same, says in his 'History' that 'a stranger might almost
as well seek for the site of Nineveh or Babylon, as the site of these mills.' The
roatl mentioned was one laid out by the county commissioners from the Knox
county line to Peoria and, having followed the route by courses and distances
to the Kickapoo at the mill, it there struck a straight course north 79 degrees,
east 865 poles (2.7 miles) to the north corner of block 13 (corner of Madison
and Main streets), Peoria. The point where it crossed the Kickapoo was a
little north of the center of section 12, about one-half mile north of the present
Lincoln avenue (formerly Plank road) bridge. This is further shown by the
following facts:

".About the year 1833. Joshua Aiken and Robert E. Little, both men of
wealth, came to Peoria and engaged in the mercantile business in partnership.
Together or singly, they obtained title to about 1,000 acres of land in Horseshoe
Hottom and its immediate vicinity. They also purchased the Hamlin & Sharp
mill and at once proceeded to enlarge and put it in perfect order, so that it be-
came a mill of high standard, capable of producing fifty barrels of flour per day.
It had a very large custom, its patrons coming from the whole country within
a radius of sixty miles. Aluch of the flour here manufactured was shi])ped to
St. Louis by flat boat, .\iken & Little hail become possessed of the mill as early
as the spring of 1834, possibly a year before that time. In June of that year
Rev. Flavel Bascom, a Presbyterian missionary stationed in Tazewell county,
took his grist there and found Joshua Aiken, from whom he obtained information
which afterwards led to the organization of a church at Peoria. They paid
cash for wheat and it is said that more money was paid for wheat at that point
than in the whole town of Peoria. The money issued was that of the Quinne-
baug Bank, an eastern institution, which the Peoria merchants denounced as un-
worthy of credit because its issue would not go at tlie land office, but the secre-
tary of the treasury being ajjpealed to, issued an order that its money should
be received in payment for land and its credit was at once restored. They bor-
rowed the money and secured its repayment by mortgage upon a large amount
of real estate, four thousand dollars of it remaining unpaid at the time of Little's
death in 1842. Mr. Aiken, seeing the importance of capital in a new country,
went east and formed a copartnership with George P. Shipman, and, together
with Hervey Sanford, Charles Alonson and Eli Goodwin, purchased the north-
west c|uarter of section 9, 8 north, range 8 east, and proceeded to plat it as
Alonson & Sanford's addition to Peoria. Although this plat was not recorded
until August 15, 1836, yet it had been made and lots had been deeded by it as
early as June 4th of the same year. First street on this plat was afterwards

278 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

adopted as part of a public road from Peoria to Aiken & Little's mill. About
the same lime Robert E. Little, together with Oriii Hamlin and Augustus Lang-
worthy, laid out the town of Detroit above the Narrows. But that which most
concerns the present narrative is that on April 9, 1836, Joshua Aiken, George
P. Shipman and Robert E. Little laid out a town on the southeast quarter of
section 12, and the northeast quarter of section 13, town 8 north, range 7 east,
which they named Peoria ilills. It covered nearly, if not quite all, of the south-
east quarter of section 12, one tier of blocks extending southward on section
13 and overlooking Horseshoe Bottom. The main street ran nearly east and
west and was located a few rods north of the present Lincoln avenue road.
Fifth street crossed Main street at right angles.

"In September, 1836, a road was ordered to be • laid out from Peoria to
Aiken & Little's mill. It was surveyed by George C. McFadden, who laid down
the lines so accurately they can be easily followed. Commencing at the bridge
at Aiken & Little's mill, the line ran by different courses until it reached the
center of Fifth street, thence to the center of Main street, following it to its
eastern end; it was there deflected southeast twenty rods to the section line
between sections 7 and 18 in township 8 north, range 8 east, which is now
known as Lincoln avenue. Thence it ran east to the corner of sections 7 and
9, now the intersection of Lincoln and Western avenues, thence northeast to
the west end of First street in Monson & Sanford's addition, following which it
reached the lower end of Adams street, which was then at Franklin street. By
following these lines we reach, unquestionably, the location of the mill near the
center of section 12, which was at or near the northwest corner of the town
of Peoria Mills, not far from Rocky Glen.

"Joshua Aiken died in the year 1840. Robert E. Little died in Peoria in 1842.
What became of the mill in the meantime does not appear. Mr. Ballance says
Mr. Aiken added a sawmill to it and ran both for some time but finally per-
mitted the stream to undermine them and carry them away. In the files of the
estate of Air. Little in the probate court, there appears a lease for eighteen
months, from him to Joshua and Henry S. Aiken, for the mill then in their pos-
session, but from other data, it would seem this may have been only a sawmill.
One of the provisions of the lease was that they should keep the dam and flume
in good condition but if carried away by the freshet, it should be optional with
them to do so or not. It is probable the premises were soon afterwards aban-
doned, as Hale's mill had been established above and Hamlin & Moft'att's below it,
and these two with others at Peoria, may have cut oil its trade so as to render
it unprofitable.

"At the March term, 1833, of the county commissioners' court, Orin Hamlin
and Alva and Aquilla Moffatt obtained leave to erect a mill dam on the south-
west quarter of section 13, past which a road was being laid out, which, on the
old maps, bears the name of the 'Middle Road.' This was probably at first a
sawmill, at which the lumber that went into the court house was sawed, as Hamlin
& Moffatt had a contract to supply it. A flouring mill was, however, erected at
that place, which afterwards became known and still lingers in the recollection
of many citizens as Monroe's mill.

"In the Peoria Register and Northwestern Gazetteer, of April 8, 1837, it is
said: 'Some years since a flouring mill (probably Hamlin & Sharp's. — Ed.) was
erected on that stream (the Kickapoo), which is in successful operation still,
within two and a half miles of Peoria village. Two sawmills in the vicinity of
the flouring mill are in profitable business. There are two sawmills above and
one grist mill below.' Here are two grist mills spoken of, neither one of which
could have been Hale's, for that mill was then in process of erection and had
not commenced grinding. These mills, and at least two of the sawmills spoken
of. must have been located within the present bounds of Limestone township.
From these facts we can judge of the importance of the Kickapoo creek as a
mill stream at that time.

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 279

"June lo, 1837, Henry Jones laid out a town plat on the southwest quarter
of section 3, and the southeast tjuarter of section 4, which he called Sumnier-
ville. It was located on what is now the Farmington road, just north of the
county farm. It has never become a place of importance, there being but a few
scattered houses at the place, but a postofficc by that name is still maintained.

"This township has also the credit of having had the first public bridge in
the county — that erected by John Cameron on the Lewiston road. The bridge
at Aiken & Little's mill was also erected at an early day, but it may have been
erected by the proprietors and not by the public. The township was also well
supplied with both county and state roads — the state road running up the Kick-
apoo; that by way of Farmington to Knoxville; that to Quincy by way of Can-
ton, and that by Pekin — all passing through its territory.

"It also had one of the first railroads — the Peoria and Oqtiawka having been
finished as far as Edwards in 1855. It now has five railroads in operation: The
Chicago, Burlington &• Ouincy ; The Toledo, Peoria & Western ; The Iowa Cen-
tral ; The Peoria & Pekin Terminal ; and the Chicago & Northwestern. These
several roads converging near the eastern line of the township, make that a point
of great importance as a future suburb to the city.

"This township also contains the county poor farm. It also has an important
state institution, the Asylum for the Incurable Insane, which after sundry reverses
and delays, was com]jleted and received its first installment of patients February
10, 1902.

"The township contains no regularly organized village, but through sundry
subdivisions of lands, especially along the Kickapoo creek, divers centers of popu-
lation have become know-n as villages, such as Bartonville, South Bartonville and
Minersville, which may soon become suburbs of Peoria. The township also
contains several manufacturing plants, the most important of which are the
Acme Hay Harvesting Company and the Cellulose factory of the Marsden Com-
pany, at South Bartonville.

"Coal mining is one of the most important interests, the whole township being
apparently underlaid with that mineral. The first coal mining was done at an
early day, the first bank having been opened on the southeast corner of section
24. The Mofifatts also mined coal at the same place and shipped it by keel boats
to St. Louis. As at other places, the first mining was done either by 'stripping'
or drifting into the hillsides where the outcrop appeared. But for some years
dee]) mining has been carried on, not only along the river and creek bottoms but
on the u|)lands. These mines give employment to a large number of laborers.

"The population of this township is of a mixed character — there being many
Germans, some Welsh among the miners, some Scotch, some Irish, an English
connuunity on the north side and some Americans. Among the early German
settlers were Conrad Bontz, who came in 1844, Christian Straesser and the
Hallers and Beatty Johnson in 1848, George Ojeman in 1849, and the Roelfs in
1 85 1. These men were and their descendants are, among the very best and most
prosperous citizens.

"There being an extensive ledge of limestone rock in the north part of the
township, the burning of lime for the Peoria market has from an early day
been an im])ortant industry. There are also extensive (|uarries of sandstone
along the Kickapoo creek, which yield a fairly good c]uality of stone for build-
ing purposes."

SCHOOLS

The first school in the township was probably that which was taught in 1836
by Simeon Ward in a log cabin situated near South Bartonville. There were
private schools taught by men and women whose names have unfortimately
drifted away. This township, however, has kept pace with others in the county
in its educational purposes and results and since the adoption of the free school

280 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

system it has maintained a creditable stand in the matter of public education.
There are now nine districts, in each of which is a good schoolhouse well main-
tained and where from eight to nine months' schooling is given the children
during the year. There is a union district near Harker's Corners.

CHURCHES

The first church, an Episcopal, was organized early in the '30s. In 1836
Bishop Chase came to the county and formed the people of this faith into a com-
pact body, after which regular services were held almost every Sabbath and a
house of worship was erected which still stands, though not, however, in its
original form. At first it was a buff stone Juiilding but it has been enlarged and
beautified by the addition of a tower and the placing of stained glass in the
windows. This church was dedicated in the fall of 1845 ^"f^ stands on two acres
of ground donated by John Pennington in 1844. The original cost of the building
was $1,500. Of this sum $1,100 was contributed by friends in England, twenty
pounds of which was the gift of Dowager Queen Adelaide, twenty pounds the
gift of Lord Kenyon, a friend of Bishop Chase, after whom he named Kenyon
College, established by him in Ohio. Some years ago Rev. John Benson, James
Clark and Isabelle Douglas conveyed to this church twenty acres of ground
just across the public highway from the church for the use and benefit of the
rector. Attached to the church is a small cemetery in which the remains of Henry
Wilson, who died September 17, 1838, were the first to be interred.

The Presbyterian church was organized May 6, 1859, by a committee of
Preslaytery consisting of Rev. Robert P. Farris, D. D., pastor of the Second
Presbyterian church at Peoria, Rev. M. L. Wood, minister in charge, and Ruling
Elder James H. Patterson, of the Salem church. There were fifteen members
admitted and John Cameron and William Jones were ordained and installed as
ruling elders. The church has never supported a pastor as its membership
had in its palmiest days reached but thirty members. The church building is
a neat frame structure, whicli stands on section 8. Rev. AI. L. Wood was the
first pastor.

The German Evangelical Lutheran church was organized in 1855 with eigh-
teen members and from the start the church grew and flourished. In 1856 a house
of worship was erected at a cost of $1,000 but in twenty years it became too
small for the growing congregation and in 1876 the old building was superseded
by a new one which cost .$4,000. This building is located on section 22, where
it has three and a half acres of ground, in which was also located a cemetery.
The first pastor was Rev. F. Wanke.

MEDINA TOWNSHIP

This township in point of settlement is one of the earliest in Peoria county.
Geographically it is divided into two sections, one lying on the high prairie
and the other on the river bottom, the dividing line being a strip of bluff about
two miles wide. The land on the river bottom was first considered very desirable,
not only from its being close to the river, but also owing to the fact that the soil
was very fertile, being part prairie and part timber land. La Salle prairie con-
stitutes part of this tract and was in early days a distinctive settlement. Through
It ran two state roads, one leading through Northampton to Galena, the other
through Chillicothe, Henry and other points to Boyd's Grove, thence on to Ottawa
and Chicago. On the high prairie side were two state roads, one from Peoria
running north by Mount Hawley, the other branching from that one from Mount
Hawley and running diagonally through to Princeville and thence northwesterly
to Rock Island.

Medina township is in the second tier from the north and has the river and
the southern point of Chillicothe township for its eastern border. On the north

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY ' 281

is Hallock townshij., the west, Radnor and on the south, I\ich\voods township.
George Love settled near the present vihage of Mossville, with his family, Novem-
ber 10, 1824, coming from Parke county, Indiana. He was the pioneer of the
township. At the time of his arrival and for several years later there were many
Indians in the community. Their village was on section 4. It is said that this
pioneer's nearest neighbors were at Fort Clark, nine miles distant, and at Fox
river, now the city of Ottawa. It was but a few months after Love's settlement,
one John Ridgeway cast his fortunes in this new country and the Ridgeway family
became a landmark and has freciuently been mentioned in connection with early
highways, elections and school districts. The next to appear here were Samuel
Clifton, Edmund Weed Briarly, Henry, Thomas and Abner Cooper. In the next
few years the settlement was considerably augmented by other arrivals, many of
whom became dissatified and soon left for other scenes of activity.

In the year 1825 a settlement sprang up in the northern part of Medina, the
principal families of which were the Averys, Resolved Cleveland, Stephen Carl
and Stephen French. For temporary habitations they occupied the abandoned
bark cabins of the Indians. In the spring of 183 1 Linus Scoville and family
immigrated from \'ermilion county, Indiana, and came to this township, locating
on a claim on section 22, which Mr. Scoville had previously secured from George
Love. Gershom Silliman, a Baptist minister, was a settler in the community
as early as 1831, and Nicholas Sturn and John E. Bristol, in 1832. Those who
came in 1835 were Thomas Mooney and Sons, James and William. Jerome and
Imri W. Case settled here in 1836, William Robinson in 1837, Jonathan W. Rice
and John P. Neal in 1838. Many of these early settlers became quite prominent
in the affairs of the county. Principally among them may be mentioned Moses
Clifton, George Love, Stephen French, Henry Thomas, Resolved Cleveland,
Thomas Mooney, John E. Bristol, Hiram Curry and Simon Reed.

In 1850 the territory embraced in the township was separated from Rome
and La Salle ])recincts and organized and named Medina township. The first
election was held April 2, 1850, at which time the following officers were elected:
Supervisor, John Jacob; assessor, Linus Scoville; town clerk, Thomas Mooney,
Jr. : collector, C. B. Pierce ; overseer of the poor, Isaac Wideman ; commissioner
of highways, Harvey Stillman, Samuel C. Neal and Alanson Vantassel ; justices
of the peace, Thomas P. Reed and Phineas Crouch ; constables, William Porter
and G. W. Hargadine.

The first marriage to take place in Medina township was that of .'Mjner
Cooi)er and Sallie Sheldon. The ceremony was performed by Rivers Cormack,
a Baptist preacher, in February, 1826.

The first school was taught by Jesse McGee, who, having secured the neces-
sary number of pupils, turned them over to Moses Clifton, in January, 1827.
Clifton's successor, Zelotes Marks, took charge of the pupils three months there-
after. The school building was erected especially for the purpose and was
situated near the jiresent site of Mossville. This schoolhouse was a log cabin
16x18 feet, with puncheon floor, glazed paper windovv's and clapboard door, and
the interstices between the logs were closed with mud. This was in the nature
of a private school, the tuition being two dollars ])er scholar for a period of
three months. Another school was taught by Hiram Curry in 1836, which was
afterwards removed to section 27, remaining there until a public school was estab-
lished in Mossville, where in 1868 a schoolhouse was erected at a cost of $4,000.
The first public school taught in the northwest portion of the township was on
section 7 and was presided ov'er by Joseph .M. Batchelder, about 1840. Previous
to this, however, a private school had been taught by John I'enjaniin in a log
cabin used as a dwelling. It was not until 1852 that a public schoolhouse was
erected. This was located on section 3 and remained until 1866, when the location
of the school was changed to section 2. In 1853 a schoolhouse was built on the
farm of John E. Bristol, which was removed in the fall of 1856 to its present
site, where in 1872 a splendid school building, costing $2,500, was erected.

282 ' HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

At the time of the adoption of the free school system there were several
schoolhouses in the township. These, of course, have been substituted by others
and at the present time there are six school districts in the township, all of which
have moderately good school buildings.

Two lines of railroads enter Medina township. The Rock Island & Peoria
cuts across the extreme southwest corner, where is located the village of Alta,
on section 31. Alta was laid out in March, 1853, by Imri Case, Loren Wilder
and Thomas Hanson, three prominent citizens of the township. The village is
quite a trading point for the surrounding country, has good stores, shops, a
factory, church and school, in all of which its citizens take a great pride. The
other road, the Peoria & Bureau Valley, which is known as the Chicago, Rock
Island & Pacific, extends through that part of the eastern portion of the town-
ship bordering on the Illinois river. This road was opened in 1854 and about
the same time the village of Mossville was laid out and established as a station,
on section 21, and got its name from one of the proprietors of the land, William
S. Aloss, who at the time was a resident of Peoria, operating a distillery there.
He was one of the builders of the Peoria & Oquawka railroad. In 1859 Mr. Moss
removed to California, where he died in 1882.

The Baptist church at Mossville was organized at a meeting held in the
schoolhouse, April g, 1868, by a committee of the Peoria Presbytery, consisting
of Rev. John H. Morron, and ruling elders, Jonathan K. Cooper, of the First
Presbyterian church of Peoria, and H. Hervey, of Prospect church, Radnor.
By public subscription a church edifice was erected at a cost of about $2,600. In
1875, owing to the fact that a large percentage of the members lived on High
prairie, the church was removed to that locality and its name changed to the
Church of Alta. The old building was sold and the proceeds placed in trust
for the erection of a church at Alta. A history of the Methodist and Catholic
churches will be found in articles under those titles.

RADNOR TOWNSHIP

Radnor township is bounded on the north by Akron, on the east by Medina,
south by Kickapoo and west by Jubilee townships. The land is mostly prairie,
well watered by the Kickapoo and tributaries. Here are many fine farms, and
a contented, progressive and high-thinking class of people. At the time of its
organization as a township, Radnor was known as Benton precinct, which was
composed of Radnor and Kickapoo townships. Previous to its organization
an election had been held in the woods in Kickapoo, north of the village, at
which time Smith Dunlap was elected justice of the peace, and continued to serve
in that capacity until the adoption of township organization. The first election
in Radnor township as such was held at the residence of Jonathan Brassfield.
Alva Dunlap was the moderator, and Nathaniel T. A. Shaw, clerk. Jonathan
Brassfield was elected supervisor; Nathaniel T. A. Shaw, township clerk; Lewis
Harlan, assessor ; Jonathan Brassfield, Griffith Dickinson, William Wilkinson,
commissioners of highways ; Phineas R. Wilkinson, clerk ; Lorennes Shaw,
overseer of the poor; George B. Harlan and Smith Dunlap, justices; John M.
Hendricks and Phineas R. Wilkinson, constables.

It is probably not too much to say that Erastus Peet was the first settler in
this community. He located here in 1834 and soon thereafter his little daugh-
ter, four years of age, became lost on the prairie. That night the tall grass
took fire and the little one perished, her charred body being discovered the next
day. The next settler in the township was Robert Cline, who came from Oswego
county. New York, in 1835, and lived two years at Hale's mill, after which period
he settled on section 35 and two years later on section 13. Mr. Cline was killed
by lightning, April 21, 1849. William Gififord, who came from Barnstable,
Massachusetts, in 1836, erected the first frame house on the south half of section
28. Moses Harlan settled on section 22 in the same year. He became quite

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 283

prominent in public affairs, serving as county commissioner in 1838 and repre-
senting the county in the legislature in 1838 and 1840. His son George B. Har-
lan settled on section t,2 in 1836. He also was called upon for public duty and
for some years was justice of the peace, a member of the board of supervisors
two years, and held other local offices. William Knott was a settler in 1836,
locating on section 26. John L. Wakefield, who came from Butler county, Ohio,
to Peoria county in 1834, settled on section 18. Among those who came in 1837
are recalled Abner Russell, Calvin Blake, Aaron G. Wilkinson, Charles, George
and Richard W'ilkins, Anson Bushnell and his brothers, Horace and Alvin,
Thomas Shaw and Gritifith Dickinson. About this same time Alva Dunlap, of
Oneida county, Xew York, appeared in the community, being on a prospecting
tour. The country looked good to him and returning to New York for his family,
he settled here early in the year 1838. Napoleon Dunlap, with his father and
mother, a brother and sister and five children "embarked at Sackett's Harbor, on
a little schooner of about one hundred tons, for Chicago. Leaving his mother
and sister with a daughter residing at Chicago, for another trip, the rest of the
party proceeded in wagons which previously had been engaged, arriving at their
destination on the northwest quarter of section 14, on the nth day of October,
1837, and took up quarters in a frame house 16x24 feet, which Alva Dunlap had
built the preceding summer with lumber hauled from Hale's mill, then partly
erected. Their nearest neighbor was an Englishman named John Jackson, a
bachelor, thirty years old, with a lad of fourteen years, named George Scholes,
on the northeast quarter of section 15. Jackson had arrived in 1837 and had
broken up his land, on which he raised a crop in 1838. Ira Smith, a native of
Hampden, Maine, who had been a sea captain, had also come in 1837, and had paid
Chloe Case $50 for a claim on the northeast quarter of section 3, which he entered,
and afterward, in 1840, sold to Adam Yates for $3,000. He was a very worthy
man, an old line ai)olitionist, and believed in the golden rule. He removed to
Peoria and went into the lumber trade." J. J. Hitchcock settled on section 3 in
1837 and in the winter of 1838 assisted Alva Dunlap in bringing his goods and
famil\- from Chicago to their new home. At that time "the country w-as an
unl)roken prairie and what houses there were were scattered along the streams
and in the edges of the timber. On the larger prairies one could travel a whole
day without seeing a house. The scarcity of timber for fuel, fences and building
purposes was a serious matter with the early settlers and if one could get hold
of a piece of timber land he was considered fortunate ; and woe to him who,
having secured one, would go off without leaving some one to guard it, for on his
return he would likely find it all stumps. No one thought lumber could be shipped
here in sufficient (|uantities to svipply the needs of these vast prairies. Coal had
not yet been developed to any considerable extent. Sawmills were located along
the streams where there was timber, and water with sufficient fall to obtain power.
But the lumber secured in that way was very unsatisfactory for building pur-
poses. When the osage orange was introduced for hedges, it was thought to be a
great advance in the matter of fencing, but now since the introduction of barbed
wire, the osage is no longer planted and farmers would be glad to be rid of what
they have. Jonathan Brassfield took two loads of wheat to Chicago and brought
back finishing lumber. Several others tried the same experiment but no one
went the second time. When the canal w-as opened in 1848 it brought great relief
to those living within reach of the river. Timber is now much more plentiful
than it was sixty years ago. Then it was short and scrubby on account of the
fires, .\fter that was cut oft' and the fires kept away from the new growth, it
became thrifty. Coal became the principal fuel and the inhabitants ceased in a
great measure the use of wood, either for fuel or fencing, but for the last few
years many prefer to have the land for farming purposes and have been cutting
off the timber and making clearings.

"As the population increased the deer disajipeared, but the wolves remained
and are not yet entirely extinct, occasionally one venturing out from his

284 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

biding place. As cornfields increased the ]jrairie chickens also increased for a
time into large flocks and became very destructive to the corn, which, according
to the custom of the country, was left in the field over winter, but when the prai-
ries had become settled up and their nesting places invaded, they began to decrease
in numbers until they were all extinguished. The rattlesnake was a common pest
in breaking up the native sod and was often encountered by the plowman. They
were not considered dangerous, as they made their presence known by their
rattle and were easily disposed of. Cattle instinctively avoided them but were
sometimes bitten, which caused severe swellings but seldom death. They disap-
peared when the land became cultivated.

"After the opening of the canal pine lumber in quantities began to make its
appearance. The coal banks began to supply fuel and the people began to lose
their fear of settling upon the broad prairies.

"The big prairie team with four or five yoke of oxen, and the huge breaking
plow rapidly turned over the native sod. Houses sprang up in all directions
and a wave of prosperity seemed to have struck the country. The light steel
plow, introduced by Tobey & Anderson, of Peoria, took the place of the wooden
moldboard and heavy cast iron yAow brought from the east, the reaper took the
place of the back-breaking cradle ; the Brown corn planter did away with planting
by hand ; the thresher with its simple cylinder throwing straw, chatT and grain out
together, displaced the flail and the tramping floor only to be displaced in its turn
by the separator, which also took the place of the Nurse or Proctor fanning mill,
formerly in use. The single shovel plow doing duty with one horse, traveling
first upon one side of the road and back on the other, was superseded by the
two-horse riding or walking cultivators. The complete outfit for husking corn
was one team, two men and a boy taking five rows, tiie team and wagon turning
down the middle one which was the boy's share to pick up.

"The first reaping machine known in Radnor and perhaps in the county was
owned by Alva Dunlap and was built by George Green Wood, of Peoria. It was
so constructed as to throw the cut grain directly back the width of the swath,
which had to be bound up before the next swath could be cut. It did clean work
and he used it for several years in cutting his own and his neighbors' grain. It
was built about the year 1846, only seven years after Cyrus McCormick gave
the first exhibition of his reaper on the farm of Joseph Smith in Augusta county,
X'irginia. The next was a ]\IcCormick, the grain being raked oft' on one side. This
was followed in a few years with a self-raker and in a few years by the self-
binder. Through these improvements the hard labor of eight men was done
away with and the women of the household were relieved of the labor of boarding
a large number of men during the heat of the harvest time. Before that time
harvest hands would begin in the south where the season was earlier and work
their way northward as the grain ripened. These traveling men were thrown
out of employment by the self-binding reaper.

"One of the serious problems with the farmers was to get their products to
market. In the spring of 1841 John Jackson built two flat boats and loaded
them with ear corn and bacon for the purpose of coasting along the Mississippi
and selling to the planters and negroes. As was customary, the boat was floated
with the current. They had long sweeps or oars to guide them and keep them
oft' the snags. To build them two large trees would be found (generally hack-
berry), which were hewn flat for the sides, and planks spiked on the bottom,
the ends sloped like a scow. The roof or deck was made of boards sawed thin
enough to bend across the boat and thus make an arched roof. The crews of
these famous boats were John Jackson, Elisha Barker, John Peet, Warren Hale,
William Harlan and Napoleon Dunlap. The two latter went as far as Natchez
but concluding they had had enough of the life of boatmen they begged off and
returned by steamer, working their way by helping to take on wood at the wood-
3'ards along the way."

Before the building of the Rock Island & Peoria railroad, a postoftice was

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 285

kept by Enoch Muggins on section 35, where he received mail from Peoria three
times a week. There was also a mail route from Peoria by way of Lafayette
through Aledina and Akron but most of the people received their mail at Peoria.
-Mary J. Peet, daughter of Erastus Peet, the hrst settler, who lost her life by being
burned by a prairie tire, was the first person to die in Radnor townshiix The
death of Henry Alartin on November 10, 1836, was the second. John Harlan,
born in October, 1836, was the first white child whose birth occurred in this
township. He died in 1847.

Miss E. R. Dunlap taught the first school of the township in the summer
of 1840 in a diminutive frame house which stood on section ^^j. It was built
by a man who subsequently committed suicide. Horace I'.ushnell taught a sing-
ing school here the same summer. In the summer of 1841 Miss Dunlap taught
school in a log house on section 13, which she found to have l)een vacated by "its
teiiant. In 1841 Charles Kettelle, school commissioner, had surveyed and 'laid
oft' the school section No. 16 into forty-acre lots, had these lands appraised and
offered for sale. Cyrus W. Pratt bid oft" three of them for $170. He made no
payment but gave a mortgage for the purchase price, with interest at twelve per
cent. After making two or three payments of interest, nothing further was
received and the land reverted to the township. About the same time school
trustees were appointed and Peter Auten was made the first school treasurer.
At the first meeting of the trustees, April 4, 1842, they laid oft' the town into six
school districts. That winter a log schoolhouse was built on section 15, in which
Sarah D. Sanford and Anna McKnight taught. The next winter William Gift'ord
was the teacher, after which the schoolhouse was moved to section 22 on land
subsequently owned by George B. Taylor. There were three schoolhouses built
in 1842 — the one just mentioned, a small frame on section 2, and a log cabin on
section i. In the latter Catherine J. Jamison taught in the summer of 1842,
her pupils being seven children of the Blakesleys, five Wakefields, four Chapins,
three Van Camps, two Gordons, two Rogers, a Hall, Gilkinson, Hattield and
Slaughter. The directors were Parley E. Blakesley and Joseph Chapin. Deborah
L. Woodbury taught his school the next term. Elisha Barker taught in a log
schoolhouse on section 22, built in 1842. His successor the next winter was
William Gifford. In the spring of 1842 a small frame schoolhouse was built on
section 2 by voluntary labor. The lumber was sawed at the mill of Ralph Bette
and William Bruzee on the creek on section 23. Miss Margaret Artman taught
there in 1842, having for her patrons Ira Smith, J. J. Hitchcock, .Anson Bushnell
and his sons Alvin and Horace, Samuel and William Seeley, William Moore,
O. L. Nelson, Ira Hitchcock and a Mr. Goodell ; which indicates the school was
conducted on a subscrijition basis.

NII-L.^GE 01-' DVNr..\l'

The village of Dunlap was laid out by Alva Dunlap on section 11, June 12,
1871. That same year Dr. John Gillett erected the first building in the place.
It stands opposite the railroad depot and is now the property of B. C. Dunlap. The
village is a thriving one and an excellent trading point. It is situated on the
Rock Island iS: Peoria road. There are stores, two grain elevators, three churches,
a graded school building erected in 1899 ^t a cost of $4,000, Odd Fellows' hall
and shops. The population is now 172 — a considerable decrease from that of the
census of 1900. In the year 1848-9 a numiser of families from the Panhandle of
West \'irginia settled in .-Vkron and Radnor townships and at first connected
themselves with the church at Princeville, but the distance was too great for them
to travel, so that they asked the Presbytery for a separate organization, which
request was granted. Rev. .Addison Coffee, of Peoria, Rev. Robert Breese, of
Princeville, and Elder Henry .'-Ichnebly, of Peoria, as a committee of Presbytery,
met the congregation June 8, 1850, in the schoolhouse where they had been
accustomed to worship and the Prospect Presbyterian church was organized with

286 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

fifteen members as follows: From the Princeville church, Joseph Yates, Sr., and
Mary, his wife; John Yates, Sr., and Eleanor, his wife; Samuel Keady and
Eleanor, his wife; Thomas Yates and Alary, his wife; John Hervey and Sarah,
his wife; and Aliss Margaretta Yates, from the West Alexandria, Pennsylvania,
church ; David G. Hervey and Jane, his wife ; and from the church at West Lib-
erty, Virginia : Adam Yates and Sarah, his wife. The first house of worship,
a frame building 36x46 feet, which cost about $1,400, was erected on a lot con-
taining about seven acres, donated by Adam Yates, and dedicated in June, 1854.
After the village of Dunlap sprang up the meeting place of the church was re-
moved to Dunlap and a new house of worship erected at a cost of something over
$5,000. The old church was torn down and the land on which it stood deeded to
the church as a burial ground, which is known as Prospect cemetery. A parson-
age was added to the church property in 1867, at a cost of $3,000, and in 1878 it
was sold and a new parsonage erected at a cost of $1,700, on lots donated by
David G. Hervey. Among the pastors who have served this church are Revs.
David Hervey, John Turbitt, Thomas F. Smith. George Cairns, J. A. E. Simp-
son, A. S. Gardner, John Winn, Silas Cook, H. V. D. Nevins, D. D., Harry Smith
and R. C. Townsend. Several of the members of this church have gone into the
ministry, among them. Rev. George Dunlap, Rev. Thomas C. Winn, missionary
to Japan, William Jones, William Y. Jones, his son, missionary to Japan, William
Ayling and Franklin Brown.

The Methodists and Catholic church histories will be found in another place
in this volume.

TIMBER TOW^NSHIP

Timber township acquired its name from the fact that its territory was covered
at one time with a very fine body of timber, consisting of white, black, red and
bur oak, white and black ash, white and black walnut, elm, cottonwood, hard and
soft maple, linn, sycamore and others. The township is located in the southwest
part of the county and has for its southern boundary the Illinois river. On the
west is Fulton county, on the north Logan township and on the east Hollis town-
ship. The timber land upon being cleared, developed valuable farms and the bot-
tom land extending from the bluffs to the river, in width from a half to two miles,
interspersed with beautiful lakes, namely, Stillman, Clifton, Scott and Murray
lakes, are not surpassed for fertility and productiveness anywhere. Stillman
lake has its history. It received its name from General Stillman, who passed the
remainder of his days on his farm near by, after having commanded a body of
troops in the Black Hawk war. In the early days this region was a mecca for the
hunter and fisherman. The lakes abounded with a fine variety of fish, while
within the woods roamed deer and small game. Wild turkeys and geese were
plentiful and often the settlers brought them down with their long flint-lock
rifles while standing in their cabin doors. It was a veritable paradise, where
flowed milk and honey, the wild honey being frequently found in the trees.

Allen L. Fahnestock, in his sketch of this township, as published in McCul-
loch's history of Peoria county in 1902, gives the following list of early settlers of
Timber township: "Daniel J. Hinkle, wife and family, of Virginia; Jesse and
William Egman and families and Thomas Ticknor, of New York, came in 1826;
William Scott and family, of Kentucky, in 1829; William Duffield and family of
Virginia, and George Griggs and family, of New York, in 1829; Theodore Slick-
ers and family ; Elijah Preston and family ; Timothy Gridley and family ; John
Runnels and family; Jacob McCann and family, from Ohio, came in 1830; Boyce
Hayes, Isaac Bush, Thomas, John and George Hunt, Charles .Fielder, Thomas
Webb, Elizabeth Duflield and Regina Green and families, of \'irginia ; John
Congleton and James Congleton and families, of Kentucky ; Jonathan Newman,
J. Thurman, Alexander Brown and Isaac Preston and families ; Dr. Sealy, William
Gibbs and son, of New York ; John and Thomas Baty and families, all came in

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 287

183J; John McFadden and family, George Stewart and family; Walter Stewart
and family, in 1833; Dr. C. A. Duck, H. Partridge, David Spencer and families,
1834: Rice Smith and family, George Fritt and family, Robert ^IcKay and
family, 1835; .M. B. Murray and family, and John Shock, of \'irginia; S. F.
Holinger, of Pennsylvania; Orange Babbitt and family, 1836; Jacob Fahnestock,
of Pennsylvania; W. C. Andrews, William Webb, George Clark, Matthew Fllis,
John Ellis, James O'Connor, K. Palmer, George C. McFadden, Nathan Wells,
James Hamilton, Nathan Johnston and family, of Kentucky ; Joseph Doll, Jacob
Doll, M. F. Wells, S. F. Underwood, S. Clark, Elias Jones, Sr., Elias Jones, Jr.,
Samuel Farmer, Solomon Hootman, David Hootman, William Jones and John
McFarland, 1837.

The hal.iits and customs of the settlers were in kee])ing with the newness of the
country. Even their food and clothing were very primitive. Most of the latter
was made from the wool by the women of the household. After the routine work
of the home was finished the spinning wheel was made to whir and the loom
rattled and clattered until time to prepare the next meal. Linsey-woolsey was the
chief adornment for both men and women, although on rare occasions the head
of the house had a suit of Kentucky jeans, and the women a calico dress.

Wild animals and birds were the pests of the early settlers. 'Coons and deer
robbed the fields at night, while the birds played havoc in them in the daytime.
These were the days of clearings, when at times great frolics would be had upon
the occasion of a log rolling. Then all the neighbors came in and assisted one of
their number to gather the logs that had been cut, into piles, so that they could
be gotten out of the way for the plow. Salt v^-as scarce and often needed not only
to cure the meat but to preserve the hides accumulated by the hunters. But all
these difficulties were met, in one way or another, and the settlers contrived, with-
out any great effort, to live comfortably and happily. The Indians were also a
source of annoyance, many of them still retaining their habitations in the town-
ship long after the first settlers had gained a foothold. Strenuous methods finally
had to be adopted by the pioneers to rid themselves of the red man.

To give the present generation of farmer boys an idea as to the primitive
means of raising a crop, the following excerpt from Mr. Fahnestock's article
is here reproduced : "It was under great difficulties that the settlers could raise
enough to support their families on account of the birds and wild animals. The
'coons and deer would be in the fields at night and the fowls during the day.
There was also great difficulty in getting the land cleared of large trees and brush,
the settlers having nothing but rude tools, such as the ax and grubbing hoe. The
trees were girdled and left standing until they rotted down and were then rolled
in heaps and burned. All the neighirors would help at the log rolling and at
night the log cabin would resound with the music of the old violin and then the
dance commenced with the Virginia reel, money musk and the French four. The
little brown jug was passed around and a happier set of people was hard to find.
Whiskey was cheap at twenty-five cents per gallon, but was not the fighting kind
we get at the present time. The land was plowed with a wooden moldboard
plow, having a steel point and share. We were compelled to carry a paddle to clean
the moldboard every few rods. The other farm implements were a shovel
plow, wooden harrow, rakes and forks, sickle and cradle to reap the grain. The
wheat was tramped out with horses on the hard ground, then two men with a
sheet would create a wind and blow out the chaff. The first small mill was
built of logs by the sons of the widow Green. The small stones would crack the
corn. By use of horses or oxen it would grind a few bushels a day. The next
mill was built at Utica, Fulton county, on Copperas creek, also Lowe's mill on
the creek and Hale's mill on Kickapoo creek. The great difficulty was to get a
good grist ground, as people w ould go to mill sixty miles away, taking meat and
corn dodgers along to eat until the grist was ground. People were sometimes
compelled to live on hominy and dried pumpkin, meat and sweet milk for a
week at a time until their grists were ground. Still, for dessert, we had stewed

2B8 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

pumpkin and crabapple sauce with honey. During tlie summer we fared much
better, having wild fruit of all kinds."

From 1840 on the township settled up quite rapidly, .\bout this time Samuel
Bailey built a sawmill at Palmyra, now Kingston mines, disposing of the product
at Pekin and Peoria. It was within this period also that the mine was opened
at Kingston by Thomas Robinson, the coal being hauled by oxen to the mill for
fuel. It was about 1843 that Samuel Bandy and Solomon A. Glasford arrived
in the township, and in 1846 A. D. and H. Reed, of Farmington, built a slaughter
and packing house near Lancaster Landing, where hogs were bought and pre-
pared for market. They were brought from Galesburg, Farmington, Kno.xville,
Elmwood and Trivoli to the landing and sold for $2 to $2.70 per hundred pounds,
dressed. In 1851 David McCook and family moved to Kingston Alines and ran
the mines under a lease from J. P. Eddy & Company of St. Louis, and also
operated a store there. Finally the family moved back to Ohio, whence
they came. Several of the sons became soldiers and served with distinction
during the war of the rebellion. The father was killed during the Morgan raid
through Ohio in 1864.

There were schools in the township early in its history. A small log cabin
was built at Lancaster and another at Dry Run, where school was taught during
the winter months. The teachers were Samuel Farmer and a Mr. Weston, who
received renumeration for their services through subscriptions paid by the parents
of their pupils, the teacher's salary being partially eked out by "boarding
round" among his patrons. The books most generally used in those early days
were the New England primer. Pike's arithmetic, Webster's speller and the Old
Testament. In 1835 section 16, set apart for school purposes, was sold in lots,
some, as low as $1.82 per acre, which the trustees invested. As early as 1837 there
was a board of school trustees, composed of S. F. Bolinger, Thomas Tickner and
John G. McFadden. The latter was school treasurer.

For many years there was no church building in the community, the old log
schoolhouses, cabins of the settlers and their barns being used for religious
purposes. The ministers, if they may be called such, were compelled to work
as others to keep the wolf from the door. Their parishioners were generous,
however, and they were furnished by the hunters with all the meat they desired.
It was a common occurrence to see the settlers getting meat on Sunday, both
deer and turkeys, for the minister.

There were no postoffices in those days and Allen hahnestock carried letters
on horseback once a week to Peoria, receiving twenty-five cents in trade for each
trip and a furnished horse. This same Fahnestock, with nine other residents of
the township, enlisted in Captain May's company at Peoria in 1846 for the Mexi-
can war, but as the governor had all the troops he needed the boys returned home
from Peoria without going to the front.

VILL.\GES

The town of Glasford was laid out December 9, 1868, by Samuel A. Glas-
ford, a native of Ohio, who came to the county in 1842. It is a station on the
Toledo. Peoria & Western railroad and has a population of 625. It is quite a
stirring little village, with good stores, mills and shops, an elevator, a churcli and
schoolhouse. Colonel A. L. Fahnestock, who came to the county in 1837 from
Adams county, Pennsylvania, located at Lancaster, where in 1856 he engaged in
the mercantile business. The colonel afterward moved to Glasford and became
its leading merchant and also held several local offices. He was at one time
treasurer of the county. His Civil war record is a good one. He entered the
army as captain and was conmiissioned colonel. To him the compiler of this
history is indebted for many of the facts contained in this article, as he has
quoted quite liberally from .Mr. Fahnestock's sketch published in McCulloch's
history of Peoria county in 1902.

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 289

Lancaster is situated on section 17 and was laid out by Samuel V. I'.olinger.
It was quite a flourishing little village until the advent of' the Toledo, Peoria &
Western railroad, which took its way through Glasford and left Lancaster in the
interior. As a consequence, Glasforil profited bv the innovation and Lancaster
lost.

Kingston Mines was first known as Palmyra. It was founded by James
Monroe and is chiefly noted as a shipping point for the mines located there.
It has a population, as determined by the census of 1910, of 492.

ROSEFIELD TOWNSHIP

Geographically, Rosefield township is almost in the center of the county.
Kickapoo township borders it on the east, Logan on the south, Elmwood on the
west, Jubilee on the north. Topographically, the surface is broken to cjuite an
extent by Kickapoo creek, the two branches of which unite at section 3. How-
ever, there is a great deal of fertile and highly productive land, both timber and
prairie. The farms are well cultivated and fenced, and have good buildings,
many of tliem of a modern description. The farmers are prosperous and
progressive.

Rosefield was separated from other precincts and organized into a township
in 1850, and on the 2d day of April of that year an election was held, Benjamin
Brown being chosen moderator and James M. Rogers, clerk. The result of the
voting, there being about thirty votes cast, was as follows : John Combs, super-
visor; James M. Rogers, town clerk; David Slane, assessor; Nelson Shephard,
collector; Edward D. Edwards, Isaac Clayton and Edward Coolidge, highway
connnissioners ; Daniel Mc\'icker, James Sherwood, constables ; William W.
Miller and Ephraim Rynearson, justices.

It was some time about the latter part of 1831 or forepart of 1832 that the
lirst settlers appeared here in the persons of Alinnie Rynearson, Casper Yinger,
John and David Combs, William Ni.xon and Levi Coolidge. Amos Stevens, who
afterwards became quite prominent in the history of Peoria county, located at the
banks of the Kickapoo in 1833. where he built a log cabin, and with an ox team
worked his prairie land. One of the state roads leading to Kno.xville along the
Kickapoo touched this ])oint, whence the hamlets of Southport and New-
burg were reached. Joseph I'.ohrer and Benjamin Miller settled in this township
about the year 1835. among many others who came that year. Mr. Bohrer was
a \'irginian. In 1829 he married Harriet Dawson and with his young iiride immi-
grated to Illinois in the latter part of 1835. settling in this township. Along
Kickapoo creek below the forks and its mouth, were three grist mills and two
sawmills. Each of these had a mill dam, which occasioned at times considerable
contention between their owners as to their respective rights. The commissioners
under the law had authority to permit such dams to be erected under certain
conditions and might also assess any damages sustained by other owners. At the
June term of the connnissioners' court a writ was issued in favor of John F.
Kinney for the erection of a mill and dam on the northeast (|uarter of section 27,,
and at the July term David Combs applied for a similar writ for the erection
of a mill dam on the southwest c|uarter of section 1 1 ; hence, it was not a matter
of surprise to their neighbors when they got into a wrangle over their rights in
the premises. The sheriff, when the case came on, submitted both cases to the
same jury, which consisted of John Coyle, Stephen Carl, John H. Oliver, Andrew
Race. I. S. \'an .\rsdale, William Stackman, Jacob l>ush, W. F. Mulvaney, Adam
Barfut, Asa Deal, Samuel \'eacock and I'.enjamin Kibb. Lie fixed the height of
Kinney's dam six feet, six inches from low water mark, determined that Thomas
Slane, ^\'illiam Nixon, David Combs and Tom Scott were not in danger of
sustaining any damages by its erection, but that John Combs was liable to sustain
damages from time to time thereby, and fixed his damages at $32.50. The jury
also found that the neighborhood would not be injuriously affected. The petition

290 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

of David Combs was granted witliout any findings. Daniel Combs, however,
appeared liefore the court by his attorney, Charles Ballance, and opposed the
granting of the Kinney petition, stating his reason therefor, first that Kinney had
no title to the land ; second, for informality in the sheriiif' s return ; and third,
because proper legal notice had not been given. Kinney's counsel was Elihu
N. Powell and upon his motion the sheriff was allowed to amend his return.
Arguments were heard and action taken in regard to Kinney's [letition.

Coal was early discovered in this locality and is now being mined quite
extensively, two companies operating on the line of the railroad. The principal
shipping points are at Edwards, Kramm and Langdon.

The township is well supplied with schools, it having twelve districts and
parts of districts, in all of which instruction is given from eight to nine months
during the school year. The first schoolhouse was built in 1838 on section 8
and Roswell Smith was the first teacher. A year previous to this, however, a
subscription school was taught in a private house by Martha Miller, daughter of
Benjamin Miller.

About the time of the completion of the Peoria & Oquawka railroad, now a
part of the Burlington system, Joseph Bohrer and William M. Dodge, of Peoria,
on April 19, 1856, laid out the village of Oak Hill on the south half of the south-
west quarter of section 6. The firm of Tyng & Brotherson, of Peoria, erected a
warehouse and at once commenced buying grain. However, when the Buda
branch of the Chicago, Burlington it Ouincy railroad and the Peoria & Farm-
ington. now of the Iowa Central system, were built. Oak Hill's trade was greatly
diminished. The census of 1910 gives the place a population of 81.

The first church organized in the township was a Methodist. The society
was formed in 1837 ^"d a place of worship known as Combs' meeting house was
erected on section 14. It has long since gone to decay and has been abandoned.
For a full history of the Methodist church in this township, see article in this
volume devoted to that subject.

TRIVOLI TOWNSHIP

Geographically. Trivoli township in relation to others in the county is in the
southwest corner. Its boundaries are as follows : On the south and west is Ful-
ton county, north is Elmwood township, and east Logan. It is well watered
throughout the whole of its borders by small streams, and the (|uality of the soil
can hardly be surpassed, making for it one of the best townships in the county.
The land is highly improved, well fenced, residences and outbuildings of the very
best and a general air of prosperity pervades the whole community.

Trivoli was organized in 1850, the first election being held on April 2d of that
year. Hazard Larkins was the chairman and Simeon L. Hunt, clerk of the
organizing meeting. On motion of David R. Gregory, Eli Wilson was chosen
moderator and Thomas Johnson, clerk. The election for town oflicers resulted
as follows : David R. Gregory, supervisor ; Samuel Wilkinson, town clerk ;
Thomas Ramsey, assessor ; Elias Potter, overseer of the poor ; Royce Allen, col-
lector; Joseph Stevens, Jonathan Crane and Melatiah Bourne, highway commis-
sioners; David R. Gregory and Thomas Ramsey, justices; Royce Allen and
James Wilson, constables.

The first settler was Isaac Harkness, who located on the edge of the grove
on section 4, in 1830. He was a Pennsylvanian by nativity and trudged all the
way from Bradford county, that state, on foot to his new home, where he built
a cabin and fenced in a small plat of ground, in which he planted a crop of corn.
The following year found him in the lead mines at Galena, to which place he had
made his way on foot, and where he worked and earned sufficient money to pay
his expenses back to Pennsylvania. The same winter he walked to his old home
and returned to this community the next year with his family, arriving on Christ-
mas day. His only means of transportation was a light wagon, drawn by one

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 291

horse. Luckily, he found his little habitation unmolested and his corn in the
same condition, notwithstanding a camp of Indians consisting of twelve families,
lived only a half mile therefrom. The following year, in February, 1832, his
son Henry Harkness was born, the first white child whose birth is ascribed to
this township. Some time later Isaac Harkness' father, a veteran of the Revolu-
tionary war, joined him and made his home here until his death in 1H35. It is
said that soon after his arrival here Mr. Harkness journeyed to Chicago in his
one-horse wagon and brought back from that embryo city the first barrel of salt
ever brought into the township. Levi Harkness, Gardner Gilbert and wife, Sam-
uel Emer)-, Sr., Melatiah Bourne and Robert McConnell were the arrivals in
183 1. Following them on up to 1835, these settlers set stakes for homes here:
Samuel Clark and wife, Benjamin \V. Crane and wife, Elias Wilson and wife,
James Wickshire, James and Page Hyatt. David R. Gregory and wife, Thomas
and Joel Lane, John Bird, Curtis Cady and wife, Samuel M. Mack, Samuel Clark,
George Robinson, Saxton Kellogg. Martin Mathis, Thomas Ramsey, William
Wilson, John Proctor. Quinton Wilson, the Arteus and Barnes families, and
Philip and Henry Green ; and then the population began to increase rapidly.

The first schoolhouse to be built in Trivoli township was of crude logs and
located on the farm of Isaac Harkness. Its first teacher was Miss Sarah Waters,
daughter of Isaac Waters, whose sisters*, Maria, Sarah and Ruth, all subse-
quently taught school in this county. In the southwest portions of the township
a schoolhouse was built in 1841, which was presided over by John Carter. It
was a frame building and was also used by the 'Methodists a number of years for
their meetings. At the present lime there are eleven schoolhouses, modern in
their make-up. in the township. The one at the village of Trivoli has two rooms
large enough to accommodate eighty pupils. Here the high-school course pre-
scriljed by the state is taught.

September 19, 1840, Rev. George G. Sill as a missionary, and Rev. Abraham
D. Wilson, acting as a committee of the Classis of Illinois, organized a church
with ten members, which for a time was known as the Protestant Dutch church
of Copperas. On November 25, 1844, when a postoffice was located at that
point and named Brunswick, the name of the church was changed to Brunswick.
Thomas Ramsey and George Wells were the first ruling elders. The church was
received into the I'resbytery of Peoria, October 26, 1848, and has since been
known as a Presbyterian church. Rev. D. F. McFarland was the first pastor.
Located on the southeast quarter of section 25 is an Evangelical Lutheran church,
which was organized May 27, 1855, with seventeen members. Rev. James Scherer
was the first pastor, Henry Frank the first elder, and Patrick Gilbreath, the first
deacon. The church numbers about sixty members. The Methodist churches of
the township are spoken of in the chapter under that title.

VILL,\GES

There have been several villages laid out in the township, only one of which
has survived. March 25, 1836, Eli Wilcox, Edson Harkness and Benjamin
Newell laid out a town plat on the southwest quarter of section 5 and northwest
quarter of section 8, which they named Harkness. For some time it was quite
an important station on the stage route from Peoria to Monmouth but it has so
dwindled into insignificance as not to be especially mentioned as a separate entity
in the census reports.

April II, 1836, Henry F. Coulter laid out the village of Wheeling on the north-
east quarter of section 9 on the road leading from Peoria to the Knox county
line. It now has no place upon the map. On April 28, 1836, Isaac Underwood,
of Peoria, laid out lots for a village on the southeast quarter of section 8 and the
southwest quarter of section 9 on the road from Peoria to the Mississippi river.
This embryo village was given the name of Caledonia and the ostensible reason
for the money and trouble expended in creating these towns was the possible

292 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

building of the Peoria & Warsaw railroad through their borders. The anticipa-
tions of their projectors, however, were never realized.

Aurora was another village contemplated by its ambitious promoter, Robert
McKay, who laid it out on the northwest quarter of section 27, August 24, 1836.
It is not at all improbable that this village was started in the expectation of the
railroad being projected through that portion of the townshi]x

The village of Cramer is a shipping point and station on the Iowa Central
railroad, which sprang up after the advent of that line of transportation.

Trivoli, the only village to survive of the many others projected, has not
a recorded plat but it is presumed that it was laid out some time [irevious to the
founding of the Trivoli Social Library, which was organized in 1839. The town
was first built along the Farmington road but since the location of the Iowa
Central railroad the principal places of business have been located nearer the
station. There are three retail stores of a general character, an agricultural
implement concern, elevator and blacksmith shop. The population in 1910 was
116. The history of the churches is given in another part of this work.

KICKAPOO TOWNSHIP

This township, 9 north, 8 east, is centrally located, and although somewhat
broken by the Kickapoo creek and its branches, is well adapted to agriculture.
It derives its name from the creek of that name which flows through it from
west to east. This creek has had a variety of names. It seems to have been known
to the English, when the country belonged to them, by the name of Cartineaux,
to the early French by the name of de Arescy, or Arcoury, to the later French
by the name of Corteneau and Gatinan, which latter was probably a corruption ;
also by the name of Maillet's river, but by the Indians it was called the Kickapoo,
which is their name for the Red Bud or Judas tree, which grew in great abundance
along its banks. This stream was considered of inestimable value to tlTe early
settlers on account of the water power it afforded. The water power was utilized
at a very early day in the history of the township.

male's mill

In 1S34 William Hale visited the Kickapoo valley, and being well pleased with
the outlook, selected a site on the northeast quarter of section 35. Returning
home to Oswego county, New York, he resigned the office of sheriff which he
then held, and returned again to Illinois in the spring of 1835, accompanied by
George Greenwood, John Easton and Waldo Hughes. John L. Wakefield, for-
merly of Radnor township, had arrived early in the year 1834. and in the autumn
of the same year Francis and George O. Kingsley had arrived, also John Coyle
and Israel Pinckney. The Kingsleys were from Vermont and Mr. Pinckney was
from New York city. He built his cabin on the southeast quarter of section 12.
Samuel Dimon came from Connecticut in 1838 and settled on section 10, where
he resided until his death. Joseph Vorhees came in 1839 and Gideon Thomas
came in 1844 ''nd settled on a farm a short distance east of the Kickapoo village.

Upon his arrival William Hale, who had a brother, Asahel, erected a sawmill
on the mill site he had selected the year before. It appears that at some date
prior to December, 1835. the Hale brothers had obtained from the county com-
missioners' court a writ for the assessment of damages for the erection of a
mill dam on the quarter selected, which writ was returned at the December term
of that year. The jury reported that they had been sworn by the coroner, there
being no sheriff in the county ; that they had been upon the land and, having
viewed the site and the land above and below it. were of the opinion that Francis
P. Kingsley and George O. Kingsley would sustain damages to the amount of
$5,000 ; that they had located and set apart three acres of land beginning on the
east side of the Kickapoo river on the line dividing sections 35 and 26. thence to

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 293

the center of the river, taking three rods from said center east and west on both
sides of the center of said river following up the stream eighty rods; that no other
persons would sustain any damage; that no dwelling house. "outhouse, garden or
orchartl would be overflowetl, and that the health of" the neighborhood would not
be injuriously att"ected by said overflowing; said claims being made upon the pre-
sumption that the said dam should not be built more than ten feet high above
the bed of the stream. This return dated October 8. 1835, is signed by Horace
P. Johnson, foreman. Thomas P. Phillips, Israel B. Tucker, Henry G. McComsay,
S. \V. Stanton, Reuben Carley, Thomas Hardesty. Chris Hamlin, Isaac Under-
bill, Robert Cline, John Donnelson and Fitch Meaciiam, jurors. The prayer of
the petitioners was granted and they were permitted to build their dam on pay-
ment of the damages.

The erection of the mill was then procee<led with and in the spring of 1836
they had a "raising." Mr. Hale, during that summer brought his family by wagon
from Albany, New York, and having procured the necessary machinery in the
east, the mill was completed and set to running in the spring of 1837. It was
finished in splendid style, the interior being finished equal to good cabinet furni-
ture. It immediately gained an immense custom, being visited by settlers from a
distance of thirty or more miles in every direction. It seems that both Asaliel
Hale and George Greenwood had joint interests in it with William Hale, and it
was known as Hale & Greenwood's Mill.

On July 23, 1836, before this mill was completed and doubtless in view of
the numbers of people that would be attracted there, as well as from the fact that
coal mines were then beginning to be operated on the adjoining land, Norman
H. Purple and Andrew .M. Hunt laid out a village of seventeen blocks, with
Washington square in the center, on the east half of the northwest quarter of sec-
tion 35, which they named Hudson. This proposed village was very near the
mill and only a short distance from the present village of Pottstown. On the
recorded plat of the road to Knoxville, another road from Jones' to Hale &
Greenwood's mill, the mill itself and the location of extensive coal mines in the
immediate vicinity plainly appear.

Mr. Hale being a devoted Methodist, donated a tract of land for burial, religi-
ous and school purposes and erected thereon a small house. Rev. Stephen R.
Beggs was one of the first ministers to visit the place. He held services there and
organized a Methodist congregation which flourished for a number of years and
is said to have had at one time one hundred and fifty members, but many years
ago it became extinct.

The water supply having in a measure failed, steam ])ower was introduced
about 1848. Mr. Hale continued to own and control the mill until the time of his
death, which occurred in 1859. The mill was subse(|uently converted into a
distillery, which was destroyed by fire in 1867.

POTTSTOWN

The coal mining interests in the immediate neighborhood of Hale's mill caused
a large lumiber of miners to become domiciled there. Samuel Potts was one of
the principal operators and the settlement in course of time came to be known as
Pottstown. September 30, 1889. Mrs. Ann Potts, widow of Samuel Potts, laid
out a ]>lat on part of the west half of the northwest (juarter of section 36, which
has since then become a lively village of miners. /\ few years ago the Presby-
terians established a church there aufl erected a comfortable house of worship.
It still maintains a feeble existence but it has recently been greatly weakened by
dismissals to other churches.

KICK.\P00

This town can boast of as great an age as almost any other in the county. It
was laid out by John Coyle, July 3, 1836, on the southwest quarter of section 6.

294 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

It occupied an eight-acre tract and had a public square in the center. The first
house was erected by Mr. Judkins on the site of the old Kickapoo house. It was at
first used as a store but additions were made and it was converted into a hotel, in
which capacity it continued to be used for many years. As the village was on the
great stage route from Peoria to the west, a large amount of travel passed through
it, and as this was the first stopping place west of Peoria, the hotel became well
known to travelers and did a flourishing business. The village was also the place
where political conventions were held until the coming in of the railroads, as it
was the nearest village to the center of the county. The last convention held there
was probably the democratic convention of 1856, when the Peoria delegates
were taken by rail on flat cars to Edwards and thence by farm wagons to the
village. The railroad was then finished only to that point and passenger coaches
had not yet been introduced. Until that time and for some years later, the village
enjoyed a large country trade Ijut it has become greatly diminished. There
are now two retail stores of general merchandise, an agricultural implement con-
cern and two blacksmith shops.

CHURCHES

There are four churches in the village — Baptist, Methodist, German Catholic
and Irish Catholic. It is doubtless true that the Irish Catholic church is one of
the oldest in the county, the precise date of its organization, or of the erection
of its first chapel, not having been ascertained. It is said upon good authority
that in the '30s Black Partridge (now Lourdes, iti Woodford county) and Kick-
apoo were more important places in the Catholic church than Peoria. In those
early days the priest on Christmas morning said mass at the stroke of twelve in
Kickapoo, then hurrying on to Peoria ofifered up the Holy Sacrifice as the sun
was rising, only to take the road once more and to finish his day's labor with a
third mass about noon at Black Partridge. It is said the present chapel was
erected in 1835, but this is not certain.

Episcopal church (now extinct). This village Ijeing in the immediate vicinity
of Jubilee, the residence of Bishop Chase and the headquarters of the Episcopal
church in Illinois, many of that denomination settled in this vicinity. They
erected a house of worship in 1843, which continued in their possession until
i860, when it was partially destroyed by fire and never afterwards occupied by
that denomination.

The German Catholic church. In 1861 the German Catholics bought the
grounds and the standing walls of the Episcopal church edifice for $324, and at
once commenced to reconstruct the building. Father Fronenhofer was priest
at the time and under his management the same was completed in the fall of 1862,
at a cost of $842. In 1869 an addition was made to the building at a cost of
$1,725. Adjoining the church is a parsonage, erected in 1876, at a cost, including
the lot, of $3,000. Rev. Father Stower is pastor of both Catholic churches.

The Baptist congregation was organized March 29, 1851, by Rev. Henry G.
\Veston, of Peoria, who preached a sermon on that occasion. Services had been
held at several places in the vicinity for some time, as there were many of that
faith settled near the village. The charter members were .Moses Smith, Evan
Evans and wife, Thomas Fallyn and wife, Anthony Fallyn and wife, Joseph
Fallyn, George H. Frye and wife, George W. Weston and wife, Elizabeth Bell
and Fanny Huxtable. A church was built in 1854.

EDW.'VRDS STATION

This village is on the extreme western boundary of the township where the
state road crosses from the east side to the west side of the Kickapoo creek.
It has always been considered an important point from the year 1836, when
George Berry petitioned the county commissioners' court for permission to erect

EDW-AUDS JIULhL A I i:i)\\ Al;l),s MAIIii.X

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 295

a mill clam on the northeast quarter of section 30. \\ hen the railroad was finished
to that point it became and continued to be the principal shipping point until
Oak Hill was reached. It has ever since been a place where considerable local
trade has been carried on. Extensive coal mines are worked in the immediate
vicinity, which fact has been the occasion of the growth of a miners' village at
this point. The first settler at the place where the station was afterwards located
was Isaac Jones, who died in 1840. The next was Conrad Beck in 1861. E. D.
Edwards opened the first store in 1851 and two years later built a steam flouring
mill, which was successfully operated for three or four years, when it was de-
stroyed by fire. It has never been rebuilt.

COAL MINING

Coal mines had been opened near Hale's mill as early as 1838, but they do
not seem to have been operated extensively imtil 1849 or 1850, when Jacob Darst,
of Peoria, began "stripping," which he continued for about five years. He then
sold some bluff land to Frederick Ruprccht and John Woolenscraft, who com-
menced "drifting" into the hillside. In 1851 Ruprecht sold out to his partners
who continued to operate the mines for about two years, when he sold to Ander-
son Grimes and Judge Thomas Bryant, of Peoria, who in turn sold to .Samuel
I'oJtts. Mr. Potts became a very large operator and continued to carry on the
business during the remainder of his life. Other mines have for many years
been carried on in the same vicinity and between that and Edwards Station.

In i860 Dr. Justin 11. Wilkinson commenced buying coal lands near Edwards
Starion and continued to make purchases in Rosefield, as well as in Kickapoo,
until at one time he owned about one thousand acres. In December, 1876, he
associated himself with Isaac Wantling, an experienced miner, and together they
developed very extensive mines. These two points, Pottstown and Edwards,
ha\c in vears become two of the most important mining points in the county.

SCHOOLS

Prior to the adoption of the free school system there were very few public
schools in the township. In 1840 Samuel Dimon, who had come to the township
in 1838, hauled the logs for the first schoolhouse in what is now district No. i.
It was situated on the northeast (juarter of section 11, where the present school-
house now stands. In that house Miss Harriet Hitchcock is believed to have
lieen the first teacher. Samuel Dimon afterwards taught there for two or three
terms. Prior to 185 1 there was a schoolhouse some distance west of Hale's
mill known as the Kingsley schoolhouse, but it is not known when or by whom
it was built. In 185 1 Miss Sarah Smith taught the first school at Hale's mill,
occupving a cooper shop for a schoolhouse. The school now located at Potts-
town is known as No. 4.

The first schoolhouse in district No. 5 was located on the northwest quarter
of section 9. It w^as a frame building, erected in the spring of 1851, at a cost
of $260. The first school taught there was by H. Gregory, commencing in the
fall of that year. This schoolhouse was replaced in 1S77 by a modern frame
house which cost $570.

The first schoolhouse in district No. 6 was erected on the southeast quarter
of section 16, in August, i860. It was a frame building, costing $300. School
was commenced there in the fall of i860 by a teacher named H. M. Behymer.

The first schoolhouse in district No. 7 was erected in the summer of 1867
on the northeast quarter of section 33. Miss H. Pritchard was the first teacher
there. She commenced in the winter of that year.

The first schoolhouse in district No. 8 was erected in the suminer of 1867
on the northwest quarter of section 13, at a cost of $528. The first school was
taught there in the winter of that year by Miss Hattie C. Hennison. The town-

296 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

ship is now well supplied with schoolhouses of modern style and the schools
are in a prosperous condition.

The I'atrons of Husbandry at one time had a stronghold in this township,
there having been two 'granges, No. 446 or South Kickapoo, now extinct, and
Orange, having a grange hall on the northeast quarter of section 11. It is one
of the seven yet surviving in the county.

CHILLICOTHE TOWNSHIP

lliis townshi]) is the only one that lies in range 9 east of the fourth principal
meridian. It is composed of two fractional congressional townships, 10 north,
9 east, and 1 1 north, 9 east, the first named being a very small fraction. The
northeast corner of this township is the northeast corner of the county, its
northern boundary being the south line of Marshall county, its eastern and
southeastern boundaries being the Illinois river, which separates it from Wood-
ford county.

Could the early history of this township be written it would doubtless prove
little less interesting than that of Peoria. It was here the eyes of Joliet and
Marquette last rested upon the soil of Peoria county, and here LaSalle and his
companions first entered Pake Pimiteoui. We can well imagine all the cele-
brated vnyagcurs and missionaries to have camped here in their voyages up and
down the river, and to have established mission stations or trading posts within
its borders. Here also dwelt Gomo and Senachwine, two chiefs of the Potta-
wottomies. It was in this township Captain William Levering visited Gomo in
the year 181 1 and slept in his cabin just before the great council at Peoria. It
was doubtless at the Indian village between Rome and Chillicothe he halted and
was obliged to engage a new crew to complete his journey. Into this township
the Indians of Black Partridge's village fled when the village was attacked and
destroyed by Governor Edwards in 18 12. It was here that General Howard
halted his army of nearly 1,000 men in his march against the Indians of Gomo's
tribe in 181 3, and it was from this point they returned to Peoria to assist in the
building of Fort Clark. All these events, however, occurred long before the
modern history of the township began.

LaSalle Prairie, a portion of which lies in this township, is about ten miles
long from three to four miles wide, and lis one of the most fertile spots in the
country. This fact, coupled with its nearness to the river, as well as to the
timber land surrounding it, early attracted an enterprising and industrious com-
munity of farmers. In fact it was regarded as one of the centers of population,
so that in the assessment of property those living there were designated as resi-
dents of LaSalle Prairie, the same as were those of Farm Creek, Ten Mile Creek,
Mackinaw and other places. In 1837 it had obtained a place and name in the
Gazetteers of the day and the settlement is said to have contained one hundred
families. It also gave its name to election precincts and school districts. (^ This
community furnished a goodly number of public officers and other public-spirited
men who did much toward the organization and development of the county. It
was here the "Farmers Exporting Company" was formed. At an early day
also a state road was laid out from a point on the Galena road near ]\Iossville,
thence along the river through Rome and the village of Chillicothe to points
farther north, which became part of the stage route from Peoria to Chicago.
The northern part of the township which was originally timber land has been
cleared and now contains many fine farms.

The Senachwine creek is the largest stream in the northern part of the
county flowing into the Illinois river. It divides the township into two nearly
e(iual portions. It derived its name from Senachwine. the last chief of the
Pottawottomies in this section whose village was located on its banks. In an
early day the flow of water was much greater than at present, affording, as it
did. water power for the driving of both grist and sawmills. Although it is said

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 297

that William Motifitt had a mill in this lownsiiip as early as il~*34, yet it appears
that March 7, 1836, William and Jeremiah .MotYitt petitioned the county com-
missioners' court for a writ for the assessment of such damages as might be
occasioned by the erection of a mill dam on the northwest quarter of section iS.
On the same day Ashbel .Merrill obtained a similar writ for the erection of a
mill dam on the northwest (luarter of section 17. At the April term, 1836, the
writ in favor of Ashbel .Merrill was returned, allowing Henry Pepper $50 dam-
ages caused to his land by the erection of the dam. The return to Moffitt's writ
found the dam to be u])on their own land and no injury would be caused to the
neighborhood. The Motifitt mill was a grist mill, much resorted to by people
for many miles around. It had probably no competitor nearer than Rochester
on Spoon river and the mills on the Kickapoo near Peoria. Merrill's mill is said
to have been a sawmill located about one-half mile lower down the stream than
Mofifitts'.

About this time or a little later there were three rival villages in what is now
Chillicothe township — Rome, Allentown and the village of Chillicothe, the first
having twenty-five hou.ses, the second three, and the third thirty houses. There
is no plat of Allentown on record but the ferry licenses granted to George Allen
in the year 1832 locate it on the southeast (|uarter of section 29, township 11
north, range 9 east.

The first attempt to locate a village upon llie present site of the city of
Chillicothe was made by Samuel T. McKean, who on November 28, 1834, caused
a plat to be surveyed by Charles Ballance, county surveyor, on the southwest
quarter of section 21, and the northwest quarter of section 28. It consisted of
four entire blocks and. four extra lots, which were doubtless intended to be
included in a subsequent plat. It was acknowledged December 18, 1834, before
Andrew M. Hunt, justice of the peace.

June 6, 1S38, Harrison H. Jamison and Joseph Hart platted a village on the
southwest quarter of section 21, and the southeast quarter of section 20, cover-
ing a nuich larger territory, which they named Chillicothe, apparently ignoring
the former plat, and possibly including it in this. The streets were 66 feet wide,
alleys 18, lots 66x166 feet.

October 21, 1836, James T. Temple and Harrison H. Jamison laid out an
addition to Chillicothe which they named Temple & Jamison's addition. It was
located on the northwest quarter of section 2S on the river. It was of an ir-
regular shape, consisting of three fractional blocks on the river, three full blocks
and two other fractions. Several other additions have since then been annexed
but these were the original plats of the city.

December 24, 1832, Jefferson Taliafero placed upon the records of deeds in
the recorder's office of Peoria county, a plat of the village of Rome. It con-
sisted of twenty-three blocks and a public square, but not being accompanied
with any survey or dedication, its location cannot be definitely fixed. I!ut that
it was the original plat of the village of Rome cannot be doubted. It is one of
the very earliest villa.ge plats recorded in Peoria county, it being contempo-
raneous with the first plat of what is now ^lill's addition to the city of Peoria.
The streets running parallel with the river were named Front, Second, Third,
and Fourth, while the ones running at right angles to those mentioned bore
the distinguished names of Caesar, Pompey, Anthony, Octavius, Cato, Cicero and
Brutus.

October 10, 1835, Isaac Underbill laid out a village which he also named
Rome, which may have covered the territory occupied by the former one, but
inasmuch as tlie land is not specifically described this must rest upon conjecture.
It consisted of forty-four blocks and a public square, ten lots of 82i<^xi32 feet
to a block. .As already seen, Rome was a dangerous rival of Chillicothe and is
said to have been at one time an aspirant for the location of the county seat.

June 20, 1837, Samuel Bell laid out a village plat named LaSalle, on the
northeast quarter of section 32. surveyed by John ^IcFadden, deputy of Thomas

298 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

Phillips, county surveyor. The tract is a fractional one containing about seventy-
five acres, of which about sixty-four acres were embraced in the plat. Little is
known of this village, if in fact, it ever had any existence. It was vacated ]\Iarch
6, 1849, by Hiram Cleveland, who was then owner of all the lots.

In 1840 Mr. Underbill began the cultivation of his farm at Rome by the
l)reaking up of two hundred acres, to which were added five hundred acres more
the following year. It subsequently grew to twenty-two hundred, which was
doubtless the largest farm in the county. In the fall of 1841 he sowed three
hundred acres in winter wheat, from which he had an excellent crop, harvested
with the old-fashioned cradle, and sold at thirty-two cents per bushel, the highest
market price of that year. The next year he put one thousand acres into winter
wheat, which was so badly winter killed he did not harvest one bushel. In 1846
he set out on his land at Rome ten thousand grafted apple trees and six thousand
peach trees which he cultivated for seven years. April i, 1853. he sold his farm
to Dr. Ela H. Clapp and a Mr. Butler for $40,000.

While extending his farm at Rome, Air. Underbill had a house built to run
on wheels, somewhat similar in construction to a sleeping car. It was drawn by
oxen to difi^erent parts of the farm, which consisted wholly of a smooth prairie.
He had about twenty yoke of oxen, used in breaking the sod. He had thirty-
five families of renters, among whom was a preacher who got free of rent all
the land he could till in consideration of his preaching to the tenants on Sunday.
Another was a fiddler who furnished the music for the balls that were frequent
occurrences at the Rome Hotel during the winter season, on which occasions Mr.
Underbill would be a frequent guest.

After the completion of the Peoria and Bureau \'alley railroad, of which
Mr. Underbill was president, a controversy sprang up between it and the city
of Peoria in regard to the use of the streets or some other terminal privileges to
connect with the steamboat landing, in consequence of which Rome was for a
time made the head of navigation as to all freights going by rail and river. A
spur track was built to connect 'the main track with the river and a large ware-
house was erected on the river bank (there being a good landing at that point)
through which all freight to and from the boats and the railroad were passed,
thus avoiding the complications at Peoria. Rome has, however, not grown much
in population, it being at the present day but little larger than it was sixty
years ago. The Rome fraction constitutes a school district by itself, having a
good schoolhouse, in which a good school is; maintained.

Prior to township organization that portion of territory known as township
II north, range 9 east, constituted an election precinct by the 'name of Senach-
wine. When the reorganization took place, the fraction known as township
10 north, range 9 east, was attached and' the name of Chillicothe was given to the
newly formed townshijx

Prior to 1830 there were a few settlers in what is now Chillicothe township.
Mahlon Lupton and John Hammett with his family had settled north of the
creek on section 9, as early as 1830. The first cabin erected on the site of Chilli-
cothe was that of Jefferson Hickson, a blacksmith, on the bank of. the river, near
which he also erected his shop. The second was that of Edwin L. Jones, who
was the pioneer .merchant of the place. His store occupied one room of the cabin
in which he lived. He was the first justice of the peace and was a man of prom-
inence in the county, he having also served for. some years as a member of the
county commissioners' court. In 1838 a ]\Ir. Lehart erected a small frame house
of one room which his family occupied while. he kept store in a cabin on Water
street.

The first tavern was opened. in 1835 by James M. Brown, which was called
the Dunlap House. It was a one and a half story house situated on First street,
but the name was subsequently changed to the American. House. It was kept
by William Dunlap for about five years, during which time it was the stopping
place for stages to and from Chicago. .The next is said to have been the Illinois,
subsequently changed to the Buckeye.

MAIX STUEKT. ( IIIIJ.IK ITIIE

l'rr,IJ( s( l|o,)l>. ( llll.l.U DillK

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 299

The Transit Hotel was erected about 1850. Thomas Kilts was the first pro-
prietor. It is at present operated by J. H. Humes. The Union Hotel was
erected about 1865 by O. G. Wood and was at first called Wood's Hotel. It was
subsequently changed to the Commercial and later to Union Hotel. D. McKeel
is the present proprietor.

The Chillicothe House was a frame building containing ten to fifteen rooms,
erected and kept for some years by John Haves. It was destroyed l)y fire in 1873.

From its position on the river and its pro.ximity to the fertile lands in the
northern part of Peoria and the southern part of ?ilarshall counties, Chillicothe
has from an early day been a prominent market for grain, pork and other prod-
ucts of the farm. This trade was also enhanced by the running of a ferry to
the opposite shore, which enabled it to command the custom from a large portion
of Woodford county, as well as from that portion of Marshall county lying east
of the river. Of such importance was this trade considered that on Alarch 4.
1867, a charter was obtained from the legislature for the Chillicothe Ferry Road
and llridge Company, with i)ower to establish and run a ferry, to build a bridge,
to make roads approaching the same on both sides of the river and to purchase
or condemn lands for that purpose, these rights to be exclusive for a distance
of three miles along the river. The company had a capital of $30,000. It es-
tablished the ferry, constructed the road across the bottom lands on the easterly
side of the river and has been operating the same ever since.

John A. ^Moffitt built the first grain warehouse on the river bank in 1847, the
trade at that time being confined to the river. Henry Truitt erected a grain
warehouse about the year 1853, and in company with Samuel C. Jack started the
first extensive business in grain. This firm and its successors have done a very
large and flourishing business for many years. Soon after the completion of
the Peoria and Bureau \'alley railroad, its lessee, the Chicago & Rock Island
Company, erected an elevator at the depot, which was consumed by fire in 1864.
It was rebuilt and an elevator has ever since been maintained at that point for
the shipment of grain. It is at present operated by the Chillicothe Grain Com-
pany. An extensive business in milling was formerly carried on, but unfor-
tunately, one of the finest mills, that of Wood & Hosmer, was destroyed by fire
in i86g. The year before that event, the Farmers' Mill, w^ith a capacity of grind-
ing fifty barrels of flour per day, had been erected by Adam Petry and A. C.
Thomas. The River elevator, or Old Star elevator, which had been lying idle
for many years, is now operated by the Turner, Hudnut Company, of Pekin,
Illinois, who do their shipping entirely by the river, as there are no railroad
tracks reaching it.

Prior to 1873 Chillicothe had been governed as a village by a board of trus-
tees. In April of that year it adopted a city government and elected Henry
Hosmer, mayor; William McLean, Levi Booth, Joseph Bailey, William H. Bar-
bour and Richard Hughes, aldermen. It now has a poi)ulation of about 1,850
and contains the numljer and variety of business houses usually found in cities
of its size; among which may be mentioned several dry-goods, grocery, drug and
hardware stores, estaljlishments for tlie sale of farm machinery and furniture,
grain elevators, lumberyards, etc.

There are two banks. The first, that of Truitt, Matthews & Company, was
organized in 1868 by Henry Truitt and Samuel C. Jack. Later the firm was com-
posed of Henry Truitt, P. T. Matthews, Harvey Holman and A. D. Sawyer.

The present proprietors are Henry Truitt, P. T. Matthews, • Mead and Rollin

H. Truitt. It has a capital stock of $40,000, surplus, $30,000. Frank L. Wilmol
is cashier.

The First Xational Bank was organized December 10, 1900, with a capital
of $25,000. B. F. Zinzer being president, Ira D. Buck, vice president, and Fugene
Moffitt, cashier. The present cashier is L. R. Phillips. Its stockholders are
among the most prosperous business men of Peoria, Pekin, W^ashington and
Chillicothe. February 10, 1902, its resources were $111,778, and its deposits,
$79.557-

300 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

There are two weekly newspapers, the ChilHcothe Liiillctin and the Chilh-
cothe Enquirer, the first started July 4, 1883, by the present proprietor, Frank
\V. LJailcy, the second in 1891 by Messrs. Day & Bates. The present proprietor
of the latter is H. A. Bates, one of the founders of the paper.

The city is supplied with telephone service by The Peoples Telephone Com-
pany, of which B. F. Zinzer is president, and E. .Moffitt is secretary and treas-
urer. The company was organized in i8gi. It now has one hundred and fifty
'phones in operation. It furnishes country service in Peoria county and cable
service across the river connecting with lines in Woodford, McLean, Marshall
and Tazewell counties.

CHURCHES

The Baptists were the first to hold religious meetings in ChilHcothe, probably
under the direction of Elder Gersham Silliman as early as 1837. In the spring
of 1838 they organized the Baptist church with the following members: Peter
Temple and wife, James H. Temple and wife, James Hanimctt and his wife and
mother. Elder Silliman ministered to the people for a short time, when Alex-
ander Rider, a Scotch clergyman, became pastor and remained for two years.
In the same year James H. Temple started a Sunday school which was held at
the residence of the members. The church was then without a pastor for several
years, there being occasional preaching from time to time. In 1830 Elder C. D.
Merritt began preaching semi-monthly and a reorganization took place with
fifteen members. Elder Thomas Bodley became the iirst pastor in 1850 and
was succeeded in 185 1 by Rev. C. D. Merritt. Through a revival of that year
the congregation increased its membership to ninety-two, and in 185 1 and 1852
it erected a comfortable brick house of worship, with a seating capacity of 400.
By 1857 the congregation had increased its membership to 102. The church
then suffered a great decline for some years and its church building was sold
for debt, but through the exertions of its members, aided by the citizens, it was
redeemed and from that time took on new life. In 1866 the building was re-
paired at an expense of $goo, and on the 2d of December of that year was re-
dedicated. From that time until now it has been one of the permanent churches
of the city. It is located on the corner of South Second and Elm streets. It
maintains a Sunday school of about fifty in average attendance, George H.
Sanders being superintendent.

REFORMED EPISCOP.XL CHfRCH

This church is in one sense the successor of St. John's parish of the Protestant
Episcopal church, which was organized about 1865. The first rector was Rev.
Dr. Chamberlain, under whose pastorate a church building was erected, which
was used for several years. He was succeeded for a short time by Rev. Russell
and he by Rev. Johnson.

October 25, 1874, Rev. J. P. Davis, as missionary of the Reformed Episcopal
church commenced holding services in the church, it having been for some time
vacant. September 12, 1875, by vote of the members, the parish severed its
ecclesiastical connection with the Protestant Episcopal church and united with
the Reformed Episcopal denomination, it still retaining the name of St. John's
parish. About 1880 the church building was sold and a new one was erected
at a cost of about $2,000. This was also sold to the Roman Catholics and in
1890 the present building .was erected at a cost of $4,000. The first oftlcial
board under the new organization was composed of Solomon Stowell, Stephen
Martin and Elias Butz.

Rev. Jesse P. Davis was rector from 1874-84; Frederick Walton, 1885-88;
H. L. Gregg, 1888-89; G. Stroud Vail, 1890-93; E. H. Huston, 1894-98; Frank
V. C. Cloak, 1899, to the present time. There is a Sunday school with 36 mem-
bers.

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 301

PLYMOUTH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

This society was organized August 12, 1891, with nineteen members. The
lirst pastor was Rev. Elbert G. Colhns, who served from 1892-1900, and in the
latter year the present pastor, Rev. J. Charles Evans, assumed charge. The
church building, located at the southeast corner of Fourth and Pine streets,
was erected in 1S92. and dedicated February 19, 1893, at a cost of $1,500.

SCHOOLS

Chillicothe has always occupied an advanced position in regard to her public
schools. The first school taught in the village was in the winter of 1838-9, in
a log cabin. In 1S45 a frame schoolhouse of one room was erected on the public
square. This served its purpose until the adoption of the free school system in
1855. As soon as public funds could be raised by taxation, a commodious brick
building, 30x56 feet, and two stories high, containing four rooms, was erected and
supplied with all up-to-date furniture and equipments. It was erected in 1856.

The authorities were greatly encouraged and stimulated into activity by the
holding of the Peoria County Teachers' Institute in their new school building in
October, 1856. During its session night meetings with public lectures were lield
in one of the churches. In 1870 it became necessary to enlarge the building,
which was done by adding two school rooms, two recitation rooms and a hall.
The exterior of the building was also greatly improved and beautified. It was
located on the corner of Elm and Fourth streets and when first erected cost
$4,000. The additions and improvements cost about $6,000 additional. This
building was destroyed by fire in 1890, and in the following year a new one con-
taining thirteen rooms was erected on North Sixth street between Cedar and
Chestnut. It accommodates about 500 pupils and has twelve teachers.

JUBILEE TOW X SI IIP

In the second tier of townships is Jubilee, which has for its northern boundary
the township of Princeville. On the east is Radnor, the south, Rosefield, and
the west, P.rimfield. The first settlers to locate and acquire permanent homes
came in 1835, about fifteen years before the adoption of township organization,
settling in or near what is now the west part of the township and at neighboring
distance from the little hamlet of Charleston, now the village of Brimfield. A
few others scattered themselves on the east side in anticipation of a college
being founded by Bishop Chase. The first settlers who came from 1835 to 1840
appeared to be of three classes. First, those who possessed a little money and
wished to begin life and homes where property would appreciate in value with
time and improvement ; others, having failed in business, or at their first start
in life for themselves in the older parts of the country, came to a new one to
begin life and fortune again. A few of a third class were hunters and frontiers-
men, who keep in advance of civilization, when game becomes scarce and neigh-
bors too near their door, sell out and move farther on.

Jubilee township has as great a variety of land and as many natural resources
as any part of the county. There are a few sections of prairie land scattered in
with what is rather a rough and broken township. Several tributaries of the
Kickapoo creek have their source in and pass through the township ; also the
east branch crosses the southeast corner and joins the main stream near the south
line. A few white oaks, black oaks, bur oaks and red oak trees, also several
varieties of hickory, were scattered over the bluffs and points at that time called
by the settlers Oak 0])cning, skirling the streams, and on the bottoms were a
large variety of forest, the oaks, black and white, walnut, sycamore, cottonwood,
maples, both hard and soft, and varieties of willow. As the timber on the up-
land was scattered and in small groves, that on the bottoms and along the streams

302 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

much l)elo\v the general level, the view of the country was nearly unobstructed
and presented to the observer a pleasing sight.

Shrubs and small fruits were found on the open, also some varieties of
berries, surpassing in sweetness and flavor those of the cultivated kind, grew in
the thickets of the timber. Many varieties of grasses covered the ground,
furnishing food and sustaining numerous varieties of wild game that roved at
will over the country, which in their turn furnished a large amount of the pro-
vision for the settlers and their families.

The cabins or homes of the pioneers were of the most primitive and rude
construction, built in the usual style of the pioneer log cabin. Some of the fron-
tiersmen, however, being skilled in woodcraft, or handy with an ax, built houses
of a better class. They hewed the timber to a square, dove-tailed the ends at the
corners, laid a stone foundation in lime mortar, erected the timber walls above
that, making them straight and true as a brick wall, carrying them to the height
desired, usually one story and a fourth or a half. The rafters, hewn smooth,
were set at a good slant, ribs fastened on crosswise to which shingles, split and
shaved by hand, were nailed, fire place and chimney of stone or brick filled
with mortar, as was also the joints in the timber walls. The floors were often
laid witli boards of the boxes the people brought their goods in, a wide board
for a door, one window of sash and glass for each room, and what more could
human nature want?

The few vehicles, tools and agricultural implements were of the simplest de-
sign and construction and were often made by those who used them. Teams of
oxen were more generally used than horses or mules, being cheaper and easy to
keep at that time. The first breaking of the prairie sod was done with four yoke
of cattle, a large plow held in the proper position by axle lever and wheels
cutting and turning over a sod twenty inches in width. This work was per-
formed in the months of June and July, the tough sod rotting sooner if broken
up at that time. Also a crop of sod corn and pumpkins were grown that same
season. Cradles were used to harvest the small grain, the hay and wild grasses
being cut with a scythe and all put into the stack by hand. Small grain was
threshed and corn shelled with flails or trodden out with horses until the advent
of the little thresher, a cylinder and concave set in a small frame and run by a
four-horse sweep power, the straw being raked ofl: by hand. The grain was
afterwards cleaned up with a fanning mill. Possibly the hardest and most dif-
ficult labor which the early settlers had to perform was the construction and
maintenance of their fences, the kind in general use being built with rails, the
splitting of which would occupy the entire winter to make enough to fence a
few acres for cultivation. Fenced pasture at that time was unknown, all stock
running at large or in common.

The spinning wheel and hand loom were found in many of these cabin
homes, where the women folk made the cloth or homespun for clothes for their
families and a carpet for the floor. These primitive outfits and homes did not
require much money, as that was scarce and hard to obtain. With the few
things that were brought to the country and such as ingenuity could contrive, the
pioneer had the necessaries and a few of the comforts of existence. Such was
life in the log cabin days.

Prominent among the pioneers of the township was the Rev. Philander
Chase. ISishop of Illinois, who came to the then west to found the colloge known
as Jubilee. He permanently settled in 1836 on a part of section 36 in the south-
east corner of the township. Erecting a log cabin for himself and family, as
did the other settlers, he set about the college work. Securing some funds,
partly from friends in England and some from others in the eastern states, and
at times contributing from his own resources, a tract of land was secured em-
bracing about three thousand acres, more than two thousand of which were in
Jubilee township, and near the home chosen for himself. Procuring stone and
timber near the site chosen for the buildings on section 26, the corner stone of

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 303

the chapel and schoolhouse was laid on the 3d day of April, 1839. The erection
of the buildings soon followed with the other necessary buildings; residences
for the teachers, boarding houses for the scholars and workmen, so that in a
few years, but later than 1850, nearly all of the various industries of the times
were represented in the little village of Jubilee and the near surroundings. .A
sawmill was constructed on Kickapoo creek, two miles south from the college
to which was soon added a flour mill, with both steam and water power. .A
store building near at hand was filled with such goods as were used by the early
settlers. A blacksmith shop and a shoemaker shop were added for the con-
venience of all near liy. A small hand printing press was operated in the college
building, on which was printed at short intervals a small sheet entitled "The
Alotto." Farming and stockraising were carried on extensively by the college
which introduced and operated the first agricultural machinery seen in the vicin-
ity, such as McCormick's reaper, Allen's mower, Emory's tread power and
thresher. Students soon filled the buildings and the college flourished for a
number of years.

The first graduating exercises held at the college occurred July 7, 1847, at
which five persons received their degrees in the arts and sciences. A large booth
was erected for the occasion, constructed of poles set in the ground and covered
with branches from the trees. A band from Peoria city furnished the outdoor
music. The exercises were attended by several hundred people and it was indeed
a happy and proud event to the founder of the college. A little knowledge of
the work and the difficulties encountered in the building of such an institution
in those early days may be obtained when we realize that the stone was first
dug from the quarry and shaped. The brick was burned within a few rods of
where it was used and nearly all the timbers were cut and hewn from the native
forests by hand. On one occasion, in 1842, one of the settlers made the journey
to Chicago in the winter with a team, bringing from there a barrel of salt for
use at the college and a load of lumber with which to make sash for the build-
ings. Other settlers procured some of the materials for their first homes in the
same wa}'.

Township organization was adopted .April, 1850, and the usual township of-
ficers elected. The formation of school and road districts was completed in a
few years afterwards, the number of each at the present time being eight. The
schools in each district hold from six to eight months of school each year.

Religious services and Sunday schools were held at various times in several
of the schoolhouses until the building of various edifices for public worship, of
which Jubilee has three — the Episcopal at the college, German Methodist and
Lutheran. Five cemeteries situated in difl:'erent parts of the township give the
unwritten history that many have finished their labors and gone to the other
shore. But few of those are living who purchased their land from the govern-
ment, and at this writing but one is living on the land which was purchased by
them from Uncle Sam.

For a time elections were held at private houses or at the residence of the town
clerk. Elections and town meetings are now held at the town hall in the center
of the township. Some changes of town officers have been made at every annual
meeting and but few have served the township many years in succession. Three
members of the Illinois general assembly have been chosen from the township,
namely: William Rowcliff, H. R. Chase and Peter Cahill. As township officers,
William Church, H. I. Chase, Gilbert Hathaway, James H. Forney, J. B. Slocum,
John Moss. William Rowcliff, H. R. Chase, Richard Pacey, Peter Cahill and
Cecil C. Moss have served as supervisors. Those having acted as town clerk
are: David Sanborn, William M. Jenkins, George Radley, Noah Alden, George
Paul, William H. Paul, S. S. Stewart, Charles Hayes, F. E. Coulson, R. H. Van
Renssalaer. George Stewart, F. T. Keefer, L. Hasselbacher, L. S. Barrett, S. P.
Bower, tjilbert Hathaway held the office of school treasurer for twenty-seven
years, Thomas Pacey and Charles Hayes about twenty years.

304

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

I'AU M FI FLD TOW X S 1 1 1 P

Brimfield township is one of the richest agricultural sections of the county.
It doubtless has more good arable land than any other township, there being
not over forty acres that cannot be plowed and cultivated. There is an abundance
of bituminous coal underlying the surface of the whole township in five or six
veins, some of which are being successfully worked. Two groves are found in
the township, one of which, situated in the southwesterly part, is called Atkin-
son's Grove, from the first settler, the other French (French's) Grove, west oi
the town of Brimfield, besides which there is a point of timber a half mile
northeast of the village. There are quarries of lime and sand stone and an abun-
dance of living water.

Philip Atkinson is considered to have been the first settler, he having arrived
in the township in 1834. He was a protestant Irishman and well educated, as
were his whole family. He settled in the same grove which bears his name. Two
of his sons became Methodist ministers ; Phili[), the youngest, became a college
professor and afterwards wrote a work consisting of four volumes on the sub-
ject of electricity.

In the year 1837 a number of newcomers settled in the township, or in its
immediate vicinity. Among these may be mentioned L. S. Booth and family,
who settled in the west end of Atkinson's Grove; Levi Jennings, a Quaker, who
settled on the section on which Zion's church now stands ; John Tucker and
family. Isaac Cutter and family and Daniel Simon and family, all of whom
settled in French Grove ; John Sutherland, who settled on the northwest of
French Grove near the present Presbyterian church. Northeast of Brimfield
there was another group of settlers, among whom were William Compher, who
represented the district in the legislature in 1838-40. Others were Jacob W ills,
who was the first blacksmith, and the man who opened the first coal bank ; a
Mr. Martin, whose son, still living, was the first child born here ; Thomas John-
son and family, a Mr. Schenck and family, David Shane. Hiram and \\'illiam
Shane, sons of William Shane, Sr., with their families; and Isaac Harrison and
family.

.As the village of Brimfield, which early became the center of population, is
on the extreme eastern edge of the township, it has been thought not out of
place to mention some who were not within the township, but who were within
the old precinct of Brimfield. East of the village, along the state road, was
the following group of settlers : Thomas Martin, William Lambert and family,
Clark D. Powell, who was one of the county commissioners and a justice of the
peace, a man of liberal education and a very pleasing speaker. He also had a
brother, Thornton T. Powell, who with his family settled in the same vicinity.
About two miles southeast of the village was a small colony from Pennsylvania,
consisting of Roswell, Asahel and Isaac Walker, with their families, Isaac Hark-
ness, a prominent citizen who afterwards removed to Harkness Grove in Elmwood
township, Edson Harkness, a brother of Isaac, with his son Wright and family,
and Ichabod Rowley and his family.

In 1836 Jacob Snyder with a large family, H. N. Wiley, John F. and Hiram
Wiley, vvith their sisters Elvira and Marcia, W'illiam Lynch, William Berry,
Daniel Stansberry and family, a Mr. Floyt, Noah Alden, a very old man with two
sons, Hiram and Noah, all arrived.

In 1837 the following came : James Berrian. Thomas N. Wells and family ;
in 1838, Bradford Hall and family, David Sanborn. John W. Perran, Sanuiel
and George Pulsifer, a Mr. Marvin, Captain Fisher, S. H. Judson, John Shores,
Edward Hayward and M. D. X'illings.

May 6, 1836, a town was laid out on section 25, called Cambridge, but the
stage route from Peoria to Burlington having been located a half mile north of
it, another town was laid out by Abner Clark (June 9. 1836) on section 24, called
Charleston, and the former was abandoned. The first settlers in Charleston

SCENE AT I'EOKIA ( nrXTY OLD SF/I'll.ERS- ASSOCFATION PK'XIC
Liltle };irl ilrove c;ilf' and rait twi'iitv m\\r<i to I'l-nria.

OLD TIME WEDDING SCENE AT BRI5IF1ELD
Peoria County Old Settlers' Picnic, showing Judge N. K. Wortliingtoii to the left staiidiiif;

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 305

were Woeniger and Jacob \'an Houten, the latter being the first postmaster.
The mail was then carried from Peoria on horseback.

When Mr. Guyer came to Charleston in December, 1836, he found two
families living here — Van Ilouten and Woeniger, the former on lot 10, block
16, the latter on lot 6, block 16. The proprietor of the town had an empty log
cabin which had been moved from Charleston, into which Mr. Guyer moved
with his stock of goods, which was the first stock of general merchandise in the
town. He boarded with \'an Ilouten until he moved away, leaving Mr. Guyer
for company, a dog and a cat. About the same time Woeniger also took his
departure, leaving .Mr. Guyer alone to "keep bach" with only the dog and cat
for his companions. Two or three months later Dr. Prouty, a young man from
.\ew Hampshire, came and took up his abode with Mr. Guyer. About that time
James Wolcott came to look at the country, bought Van Houten out and returned
to New York for his family, who upon their arrival took their first meal with
the two bachelors. Early the next spring Mr. Guyer built a two-story log house,
into which he moved his goods and "kept bach" upstairs. Mr. Wolcott's
coming here brought quite a number of enterprising and intelligent families.
Mr. and Mrs. Wolcott were both very intelligent and refined people, and their
house was the center of all the social gatherings of the village. They had a son,
James P. Wolcott, and a daughter, Lucretia, both very accomplished young
people, who made the social circle of the home very attractive. Among others
who had the pleasure of enjoying those social gatherings at the W^olcott home
may be mentioned the following well known citizens of the county: Mr. and
Mrs. Thomas N. Wells, ^Ir. and Mrs. Washington Cockle, Charles Wells, Mr.
and Mrs. William Fessenden, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Belcher. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel
judson, Mr. and Mrs. William Tobey, Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell, Hon. and Mrs.
W. W. Thompson and two daughters, Mr. and Mrs. David Sanborn, Hon. S. S.
Cuiyer of Rock Island, L. L. Guyer, Drs. Prouty and Kellogg, John M. Wiley
and H. N. Wiley and their two sisters, and Edward Hayward.

Mr. Wolcott was a man of more than ordinary talents, at one time a manu-
facturer of Wolcottsville, Massachusetts, from which place he moved to New
York city, where he was for a time in partnership with A. S. W. Goodwin, as
brokers in merchandise. He was a good public speaker and it is said that his
speeches would compare very favorably with some of the best made in Congress.
He was a whig in politics and c|uite a strong politician. He was a brother-in-law
of the Hon. W. W. Thompson, who was a democrat, and their discussions of the
political questions were often c|uite animated and interesting. Mr. Wolcott died
in 1835 and Mrs. 'Wolcott died in 1862.

Daniel Belcher arrived in the winter of 1838 and in the following spring he
erected the first frame house which was kept as a hotel by him and the members
of the family who survived him, for a period of about fifty years.

In 1838 Charleston received quite a stream of immigrants, among whom were
A. S. W. Goodwin, with his family, one of whom, his aged mother, was the first
person who died and was buried in Charleston. W^illiam Tobey, the far famed
manufacturer of the steel plow, Daniel Caldwell, L. A. Jones and his brother
Darius, the first carpenters, came with their respective families.

In 1839 came Charles H. Freeman. William 11. Fessenden, Curtis Cod\-, James
M. Wiley and others.

From 1S40 to 1850 the surrounding country filled up very rapidly, and now
farms were laid out and improved in every direction. During the session of the
legislature to which Hon. W. W. Thompson had been elected, the name of
Charleston' was changed to Brimfield, the name of his native place in Massa-
chusetts.

About this time a lyceum was formed at Charleston, which was the leading
one in this part of the state. Its officers were W. W. Thompson, president, and
L. L. Guyer, secretary. The meetings and debates were very spirited and at-
tractive, the most prominent members of the Peoria bar often attending them.
V..1. 1—20

306 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

Its iirominent members were James Wolcott, W. W. Thompson, James P. W'ol-
cott, A. S. W. Goodwin, William Compiler, Clark D. Powell, Thomas N. Wells,
William H. Fessenden, David Sanborn and Samuel Pulsifer.

Of these, W. W. Thompson, William Compher, David Sanborn and Washing-
ton Cockle, another resident of the vicinity, became members of the legislature.
Clark D. Powell was county commissioner. William H. Fessenden removed to
Peoria and there became postmaster. James L. Riggs, another resident, became
sheriff of the county in 1850 and 1852, removed to Peoria and there laid out
two additions which bear his name.

The first election was held in 1837 at the home of IMr. Cutter in French
Grove. This was a precinct election, which at that time included Brimfield and
part of Jubilee townships. John F. Wiley and Clark D. Powell were elected
justices of the peace and Samuel Johnson, constable.

In 1838 the Frink and Wallace stage line was started, carrying the mails
from Peoria westward. Postage was paid at the end of the route ; that on letters
carried 300 miles or over being 25 cents; under that distance 18^ cents, or less,
according to distance. During the rush of immigration the coaches were of the
finest construction, drawn by finely matched and richly caparisoned teams of
four horses each. Charleston was the first station from Peoria where horses
were changed, and, as the yelp of the stage driver was heard, the inhabitants
turned out to witness the grand equipage round up in magnificent style in front
of Belcher's tavern. Mr. Belcher was a dignified and affable landlord who was
always ready to welcome passengers to the best table a prairie country could set ;
a table that would put to blush many in the more pretentious hostelries of the
present day.

As other means of travel, such as steamboat lines, canals and railroads began
to open up, the stage lines were deserted of all through travel, the splendid
coaches were withdrawn and those of inferior grade, driven by two horses,
were substituted.

The first schoolhouse was built in 1839. The first teacher was Aliss Ellen
Bartlett, of Peoria. Among the arrivals this year were Charles H. Freeman
and Captain Fisher.

The first marriage in town was that of L. L. Guyer and Miss Elvira M.
Wiley, Rev. George Wilkison performing the ceremony.

CHURCHES

The Baptist church of Brimfield was organized Saturday, May 4, 1850, with
nine members, as follows : Eli liailey, Elizabeth Bailey, Dorothy Getty, Deborah
Alden, Elizabeth J. Aiken, Elizabeth Layman, A. E. Martin, A. Taylor and
Matilda Taylor. On the following day, Sunday, five persons were received by
baptism, being baptized by Elder Simeon G. Miner, of Canton. They were
Lewis Atkinson, Eddy Baker, Eliza Baker, Mrs. Margaret Martin and Miss
Jane Layman. The alcove fourteen composed the whole number of the church
when it was received into the Illinois River Association, which met in Peoria, in
June, 1850. Lewis Atkinson, who had formerly been a ]\Iethodist preacher, was
"the first pastor of the church, Elder Bailey the first deacon and Adonijah Taylor
its first clerk, all of whom were elected at the organization of the church. The
number of members in 1851 was eighteen.

Early in the year 1852 the church resolved to erect a house of worship. Five
trustees were elected, a building committee chosen and most of the timber de-
livered on the ground that^ spring. During that conference year ten members
were added to the society. The frame of the building was raised in August, it
being 38.\Go feet in size, and was finished in 1854, at a cost of $3,000. The
church increased in 1853 to thirty-five members. In February, 1854, Rev. E. N.
Jencks was called and entered upon pastoral duties on the 1st of April following.

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 307

The I'irst Congregational church was organized .March 29, 1847. -^^ ^''^it
time the following persons hecame members: Bradford Mall and wife, Cather-
ine Hall. Alargarei Cummings, Julia Ann Jones, James Delano and wife and
I^lizalieth Delano. On the 10th of April following seven others were added to
the number. At first services were held in the schoolhouse or in the Methodist
church. In the latter part of 1852 the members planned to build a house of wor-
ship. The heavy timbers were cut, hewed and scjuared in the woods near by.
The work progressed slowly. In May, 1854, the new church was dedicated,
under the pastorate of Rev. J. E. Roy, D. D., since field secretary of the Ameri-
can Missionary Association of the Congregational church, located at Chicago.
The building was 50x36 feet and was a handsome structure for those times.
The first pastor was Milo N. Mills, followed in order by George Sills, John
Somers, L. H. Parker, J. E. Roy, H. W. Cobb, M. W. Fairfield, T- Vincent, L.
Benedict, 1. W. Atherton, C. E. Leach, A. J. Drake, W. Wakefield, A. J. Mar-
shall, H. P. Chase, L. P. Norcross, J. E. Storm, E. W. Jenney, William Parker,
J. S. Onion, I. L. Rozelle and the present pastor, W. II. Jordan, who came in
August, 1894.

In February, 1899. the members resolved to build a new church. The old
building was sold and removed, the new structure w'as erected on the old site
and was dedicated November 26. 1899, at a cost of about .$5,000. The society
also owns a good parsonage near b}'.

The Protestant Episcopal church. — Rt. Rev. I'hilander Chase, Bishop of
Illinois, began to preach in Guyer's Hall in the year 1838, and continued to preach
there until 1845, when the parish erected a new stone church. In 1844, Rev.
Mildoller came to this place from Brooklyn, New York. He was an able preacher,
and contrary to the customs of the country, he was the owner of several valuable
tracts of land lying to the south of the village, on one side of which he formed
the design of erecting a parish church. To this end he had worked among the
people outside of the village, had obtained a subscription of about $600 and had
had a board of trustees appointed. Mr. Guyer having learned of this project,
promised the minister some assistance if he would build in the village. This he
declined to do. saying that he could get the money he needed in Brooklyn. Mr.
Guyer communicated his information to Mrs. Belcher, who was a member of
Bishop Chase's church, to whom she in turn told what she had heard. The
Bishop, having been promised assistance if he would order the church to be built
in lirimfield. did so. The church was erected in 1845. It is a stone building
aiid still stands.

The Presbyterian church was organized May 3, 1854, by Rev. John Turbitt,
and ruling elders, James Yates and W. H. Wilson, as a committee from Presby-
tery. This organization continued until 1865, when it was dissolved by action
of the Presbytery. A reorganization was efifected May 15, 1870, by Rev. J. H.
Smith, Rev. J. R. Reasoner, and ruling elder, John Cameron, as a committee of
Presbytery. There were fifteen members. In 1871 a house of worship was
erected at a cost of $4,000. The pastors who served the church are: Revs.
James II, .Smith. J. L, Martin, Carson and McLeur. The church was not pros-
perous as a Presbyterian organization and in 1900 the members united with the
Congregationalists.

LOGAX TOWXSIIir

l^ogan township was settled as early as 1830. It is located in the southern
part of the county, and is bounded on the north by Rosefield, east by Limestone,
south by Timber and west by Trivoli township. The north portion of the town-
ship's topography shows high, rolling jirairie ; the southern portion originally
was covered with timberlands, broken in places by small streams, emptying
into Copperas creek. Limestone abounds here to the extent that quar-
ries have prevailed for a number of years. Coal has also been quarried
for some time past. The first shaft was sunk in 1870 on the farm of Thomas

308 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

Forbes, to a depth of forty feet, where a four-and-a-half-foot vein of coal was
reached. At first the coal was hoisted by horse power but in 1883 an extensive
shaft, with steam hoisting apparatus, was put in operation at Hanna City, a
small village on the Iowa Central railroad. A large portion of Logan township
is composed of fine farms, whose owners are prosperous and enterprising. Be-
fore the community was more thickly settled, there were large tracts of valuable
timber, which have been changed into fields producing large crops of corn, oats,
wheat, etc.

The first election in the organized township of Logan was held at Smithville,
April 2, 1850. John Lobaugh was moderator and John Stewart, clerk. The
following officials were elected : Supervisor, Thomas I'. Smith ; commissioners
of highways, James H. Patterson, John McCullough and Richard Bourne; town
clerk, John Stewart; assessor, William Dryden; justices of the peace, John
Smith and S. W. Brooks; constables, Robert Smith and Merritt Tracy.

THE FIRST SETTLER

The first settler is conceded to have been an old Indian trader, answering to
the name of Triall. He set up his stakes in the southern part of the township
in 1830. Soon thereafter came Peter Maynard, who located in the district in
1831. In 1832 came James Harker, John G. Bohanan, a ^^Ir. Buck and Thomas
Phillips. The latter settled on section 2. In the winter of 1833-34 Henry Heaton
and John T. Runkle added to the small colony, and in 1834 Simon Reeves ar-
rived in the township and located on section 34. There were quite a number came
in 1835, among whom can be remembered John \'an Arsdall, Thomas P. Smith,
Robert Kinney, Richard Bourne and George Sturgess. It might be here men-
tioned that Robert Reeves, father of Simon Reeves, was one of the pioneers of
this section of Illinois, coming to Peoria county from New York in 1816. He
did not remain, however, but returned to his home in Plattsburg, New Y^ork,
and eventually immigrated to Fulton county, this state, in 1824. It is said that
Simon Reeves brought the first stove to this neighborhood in 1844. Frank Libby
is given credit for introducing in 1850. the first threshing machine in Logan town-
ship; Alfred Reeves and J. E!. Miller, the first reaper, John Milligan, who had
been a sailor, settled on section 35, and in all likelihood, was the first "cobbler"
in this section.

The first white child born in the township was Plenry Smith, a son of Thomas
Smith. The birth occurred in 1834.

The first marriage was that of James Harker, Ir., to Susan Van Patten, in

1834.

The first church organized was that of the Presbyterian denomination, at
Smithville. This occurred in 1836.

The first school was taught in the winter of 1836 in a log cabin on section 36.
The pedagogue was John L. Clark. Dr. Clark afterward taught a private school
in his own house on section 22.

Logan township's schools have always kept to a high standard and equal to
those of other townships maintaining a high mark for efficiency. There are now
nine districts, in each of which is a modern country schoolhouse.

SMITHVILLE

Smithville is in the central part of the township and is one of the oldest
towns in the county. It was sought by those who settled there, mainly because
of the timber, rich soil and abundance of water, all requisites to the pioneer.
It took its name from its founder, Thomas P. Smith, who laid out and platted
the village on section 22. Here the first postoffice was kept by Thomas P. Smith,
who had been at one time a county commissioner. Early in its history William
H. Brooks presided over the village smithy, and John D. Smith proclaimed on

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY ;S09

a rudely i)ainteti sign his vocation as that of a chair and cabinet maker. 'J'he
tirm of Nesbitt & Smith were the pioneer merchants of Smithville, displaying
their wares for the first time in the year 1847. The town has not grown with
leaps and bounds. On the contrary it has taken a slow, plodding pace, and
notwithstanding its years, has only to its credit a population of about 380 souls.

There are other small towns in this communit}-, such as lianna City, which
was laid out in 1882 on part of the southwest quarter of section 11, by Robert
G. McC'ullough ; and Eden, on the southwest quarter of section 8, laid out in
1883, by Alilo M. Long.

CHURCHES

The first church to be organized in this district and one of the Tirst in the
county, was that of the United Presbyterian, first known and designated as the
Associate Reformed. It was called the Church of Harmony and came into being
in 183(1. Rev. John Wallace was sent to this town by the Presbytery of this
society. Thomas Smith and Thomas P. Smith were ordained as ruling elders.
Rev. Andrew Fulton became the first pastor. The first place of worship belong-
ing to the society was built in the timber in 1840 and occupied until 1852, when
it was replaced by a brick edifice erected in Smithville, at a cost of about $2,500.

The United Presbyterian church, of Bethel, not far from Hanna City, was
organized June 3, 1853, by Rev. William E. Erskine. James Pinkerton and
John AlcCullough were chosen as ruling elders. The first church building was
a frame structure erected in 1854. The present one was built in 1874 at a cost of
something over $3,000. The first pastor was Rev. Philip A. Prennan, who
served two years and was succeeded by Rev. Elijah ^IcCoy. His successor was
Rev. T. P. Proudfit, whose pastorate extended from 1867 to 1871. The services
of this church were conducted in connection with the church of Harmony.

The Salem Presbyterian church was organized May 9, 1849, by Rev. Samuel
C. McKune and \\'illiam McCandish, with nine members. \Villiam Stewart and
James H. Patterson were the first elders. The first pastor was Rev. J. C. Hanna,
and it was under his ministry that the first church building was erected. In 1892
the meeting place was at Hanna City, wdiere a house for religious services was
erected at a cost of $2,500. There is now a jiarsonage which cost $1,500.

I'RL\'CE\TLI.F T( )WNSHIP

Princeville lies in the nortliern tier of townships and has for its nortiicrn
boundary Stark county. (Jn the west of it is Millbrook township, on the south
Jubilee and on the east .\kron township. It was organized in 1850 and had at tiiat
time a population of 100. At the first election were returned for supervisor,
Leonard IS. Cornwell ; clerk, Jonathan Nixon; collector, William C. Stevens;
assessor, Seth Fulton; justices of the peace, Solomon S. Cornwell and William
C. Stevens; constables, John Fulton and John E. -Seery ; commissioners of high-
ways, William P. lilanchard, Ira Moody and William P. Smith.

The first to settle here was Daniel Prince, and no better relation of this
pioneer can be presented to the readers of this work than that appearing in Mc-
Culloch's historv. written by Edward ^Vuten. What that interesting writer had
to say of Daniel Prince is here reproduced: "Seeking a free and open country,
Daniel Prince came from Indiana, and in 1822 was the first white man to live
among the Indians in what three years later was the northern part of Peoria
county. In a few vears other white men, some of them friends or employees of
Mr. Prince, gathered around the attractive timber and the settlement became
known as Prince's Grove. Mr. Prince, as he drove into Peoria market in the
winter of 1832-33, is thus described by John Z. Slane, then a small boy living in
Peoria: 'The men shouted that Prince was coming and he was a nabob. Clad
in a homespun and homewove blue-jeans, overcoat reaching to his ankles, with

310 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

an old felt hat, a comforter over his hat, Ijrought down over his ears and tied in
front, w^ith long, large whiskers, and chewing tobacco. Prince came up with his
three-yoke team of oxen. His load was hogs, dressed. Mounting his wagon, he
slung off, first the hay for the cattle, then quilt after quilt, and then hurried the
unloading of the meat. After feeding his oxen in the rail fence enclosure and
perhaps eating his own lunch there, and perhaps lying on the floor at the Indian
store over night, Mr. Prince returned to his home.' Mr. Prince is described as a
modest man, tall, but stooping, with brown curly hair, red cheeks and light eyes,
probably blue. At home he was more easy going than when seen in the Peoria
market. He was a farmer on a large scale, furnishing employment to all \\ho
needed it, and very generous. Different men, who were then boys, tell of his
butchering a steer or a hog and giving a quarter here and a cjuarter there. If
any neighbor needed something to eat and had nothing Mr. Prince furnished
it; pavment was to be made whenever that neighbor found it convenient, and if
it was never made, Mr. Prince did not complain. It is needless to say that it was
for Daniel Prince that Princeville township and Princeville village were later
named. His brother, Myron Prince, was an early settler a few miles to the north-
west, later keeping a hotel in Princeville, and Myron Prince's son, George W.
Prince, is now congressman from the Galesburg district.

"Mr. Prince's log cabin was on section 24, a few rods west of Sylvester and
Elizabeth Slane's present residence (1902). This was on the 'edge of the timber,'
and the next three cabins, remembered at this time, were 'along the hollow' to
the north of Prince's. One was very near Higbee's present coal shaft, on Mrs.
Jacob Fast's land; one double cabin was at a fork in the ravine a few rods south,
and another a few rods east of that. All these cabins — and in fact the entire
west half of section 24 — belonged to Mr. Prince. The cabin near Higbee's coal
shaft was occupied by Dr. Oscar Fitzalen Mott, of the old 'Thomsonian' school.
The double cabin had an ox mill in one end of it for grinding corn.

"This was the country in the early day, up to about 1835 or 1836. The In-
dians had left immediately after the Black Hawk war of 1832. The prairies
grew prairie grass, rosin weed, 'red root' and 'shoe string.' Near the timber and
in the timber were often patches of hazel brush, sumach, blackberry bushes, and
gooseberry bushes. Now and then eight, ten, or a dozen deer could be seen in
the edge of the hills. Along Spoon river, tradition says, there were droves of deer
with sometimes as many as one hundred and fifty head together. There were
also wild cats 'as large as lynxes,' and plenty of wolves, both the coyotes or
prairie wolves and the gray timber wolves. The timber was of large growth and
had very few small trees. Daniel Prince appreciated the timber and took means
to preserve it. He plowed two sets of furrows and burned the grass between
them around both the "North Grove" and the "South Grove' to protect from
prairie fires.

"By 1830 the country was too thickly settled to suit Mr. Prince. His cattle,
roaming around, found neighljor's hay stacks to hook. The neighbors, in turn,
'sicked the dogs' on Prince's cattle and he would have no more of it. He moved
in that year, 1839, or 1840, to Missouri, where the country was free."

The first settler, however, to come into the township and locate with his
family was Stephen French, a native of Connecticut, who first settled in Sanga-
mon county in the '20s. In 1828 he came to Peoria county and for a while lived
near Peoria but soon afterward located in Princeville. becoming the first post-
master and justice of the peace of the community. His son, Dimmick French,
was the first white child born in the county. In the northwest corner of the
township along the Spoon river, which was bordered with a fine grove of timber,
settlements were made almost as early as at Prince's Grove. Those who were
in this locality as early as 1832, now remembered, were Hugh White and Chris-
tian .Miller and sons, Christian, Henry, Daniel, James and John, Ira Moody and
Robert Caldwell were also here about that time or not much later. James Morrow
is known to have gone from Prince's Grove to Spoon river in 1832 but soon

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 311

returned whence lie came, through fear of the Indians. Walter and Rachel
Payne settled on section 7 in 1842 and previous to this, John Miller located on
section 16, south of whom were at this period B. S. Scott, IJoling Hare, John
Dukes, James Debord and Oliver ?iIoody. In the central and southwest parts of
the township early in its history lived \\'illiam P. Blanchard, Solomon S. Corn-
uell, \\'illiam Parnell, John McKune, John Hill, Joseph Lindell, William Cum-
mins. John Nelson, Lawrence Seery. William Lynch, John O'lirien, Reuben Beal
and Roger Cook.

The tirst land allotted for the burial of the dead in Prince's Grove was on
section 25. There still remains traces of these graves by sunken places in the
earth. In ^^'hite's Grove district a burial jilace was located on section 8.

Strange to relate, it was not until several years after the township had been
settled that coal was discovered, and not even then were its virtues realized. The
first of this fuel to be utilized was about 1847. It was mined from the James Mor-
row farm on section 18. Sometime later Charles Plunimer took coal from a
bank on the same farm and William Hughes opened a mine on section 7. It was
quite the usual practice in those days for the settlers to go to the banks and mine
their own coal. In later years, however, modern shafts were sunk in various
parts of the township. There are now in operation mines on sections 18, 10, 11
and 24, near the village of Princeville. Thev employ tjuite a body of men. By
1840 the township was pretty well settled.

Tjiat locality, now the site of Princeville, appealed to the admiration of Wil-
liam C. Stevens, who happened in the neighborhood in the early '30s, and about
1838 he purchased the southeast quarter of section 13, near which, on section
24, a tract of land was owned by Benjamin Clark and Jesse M. McCutcheon,
land dealers. Together with Clark and McCutcheon, Air. Stevens platted the
original town site of Princeville, which plat was tiled for record June 22, 1837.
About 1841 there were nine families in the town as follows: Benjamin Slane.
William Coburn, Peter Auten, George McMillan, Samuel Alexander, Jonathan
.\'i.\on, Moses R. Sherman, Seth Fulton and William C. Stevens. There had
been others here who had left the place: Daniel Prince, Lawrence McKown,
John F. Garrison and Elisha Morrow. Just northwest of the village lived Stephen
French. Thomas Morrow, who settled in the township in 1831, lived southeast
of the village, and George I. McGinnis, who had settled in the township in 1833,
had located northeast of the village.

The first schoolhouse had been built on the northwest corner of section 19 in
.Vkron township. Here a school was taught by Miss Esther Stoddard, her pujiils
coming from all directions as far as Spoon river to the northwest. This primi-
tive educational institution gained considerable fame in those early days. Among
the successors of Aliss Stoddard may be mentioned Miss Phoebe Stoddard, Mrs.
Olive L. Cutter, Jane Hull, Theodore F. Hurd, Peter Auten, S. S. Cornwell, a
•Mr. Newell, B. F. Hilliard, Daniel B. Allen and Isaac Moss. The little log school-
house was used not only for pupils and teacher but for public meetings, elections
and religious services. It was destroyed by fire in 1849. In the fall of 1847,
however, the attendance becoming so large, the pupils were transferred to a stone
building which had been erected for the purpose on lot 5, block 13, Canton street.
This schoolhouse was erected through public donations of material used and what
little money was needed. B. F. Slane was the first to teach in this stone school-
house. His successor was John M. Henry. Women taught in the summer months.
The building was used for over a quarter of a century, when it was abandoned
for one that had been completed in 1874 — a brick structure. At the time of the
building of the stone schoolhouse there were three school districts in the town-
ship but by 1871 there were nine districts — the present number. The first school
in Akron township was one of three or four others su]j]5ortcd by subscriptions.
Another school was located near William P. Blanchard's, now on section 22 ;
another on section 16; one on section 3; and one on section 8. These schools
were held in the homes of the settlers.

312 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

The schools of Princeville have kept pace with the demands of the time.
A high-school course, including Latin and twelfth grade work is in vogue. Four
large assembly rooms of the brick building are taxed by the ten upper grades
and the primary grades occupy Edward Auten's academy building.

PRINCEVILLE ACADEMY

The demand for higher education prompted Milton S. Kimball in 1856 to
start a school in the Presbyterian church, which later developed into the first
Princeville Academy. Later a two-story frame building was erected on the south
side of Main street, just east of the present public-school square. The academy
flourished with a large attendance until the outbreak of the Civil war, when the
institution dwindled into insignificance. Others of the principals were: Revs.
William Cunningham and Jared M. Stone. Finally the school was discontinued
entirely, the building was sold and moved to Canton street and occupied for many
years by E. C. Fuller, who carried on a mercantile concern. Later J. L. Searls"
grocery became its tenant.

Another Princeville academy was started in 1887 through the eitorts of
some of the old pupils of the former. Classes were taught the first year in the
old Seventh Day Adventist church ; the ne.xt two years in the chapel rooms of the
Presbyterian church, and from i8go to the present time in the old Second Meth-
odist Episcopal church building, purchased by Edward Auten for the purpose.
In this academy many young men and women have been fitted for schools of
greater facilities. Among the principals may be mentioned James Stevens, C. F.
Brusie, B. M. Southgate, Edwin B. Cushing, H. W. Eckley, T. H. Rhodes, Ernest
\V. Cushing, Royal B. Cushing, and J. E. Armstrong.

The public square, now covered with growing trees and familiarly called a
park, was given to the village by its founder, Mr. Stevens. In 1874 the officials
attempted to erect on this square a village hall and lock-up. This did not meet
the views of certain of the citizens and injunction proceedings were started by
Peter Auten, Mr. Stevens and others. On the testimony of the donor that he
had given the square to be an open space, park or square "for light and air, and
to be for the beauty of the village and the health of its inhabitants," a perpetual
injunction was granted and the tract remained and was retained for the purpose
for which it was intended.

The founder of Princeville was a very generous man and donated land both
for church and school purposes. The lot on which the stone schoolhouse stood
was donated bv him.

"Taking the Civil war as a dividing line between early and present Princeville
history, no question of greater import — even Princeville's welfare today — could
be raised than the personal character for godliness, integrity and learning of the
quiet, determined teachers. They came from time to time, studied and taught,
labored and made homes, and left their impress on the young in this now thriv-
ing town. Among these teachers there are still remembered the names of
Andrews, Aldrich, Allen, Auten, Breese, Burnham, Carlisle, Clussman, Cooper,
Cunningham, Cutter, Cutler, Egbert, Foster, Farwell, Goodale, Hinman, Kimball,
:\Teans, Munson, Noves, Page, Julia Rogers, Ann Rogers, Stanley, Stone, White,
Wright and many others. Private schools were conducted at different times by
Mrs. Hannah Breese, first in a little building in block 9, said to have been the
first frame building in Princeville and near the west end of the large Hitchcock
building, and later in her home, which became the property of Mrs. William
Bennett,' on the township line about eighty rods north of Canton street, by Miss
Lydia Auten at her home. Miss Julia Rogers in the little house occupied by Guy
Bouton on North street, Mrs. Ann Rogers at the home of her brother-in-law,
Peter Auten, Miss Lizzie Farwell, at the home of William C. Stevens." ^

West Princeville sprung up at about the time of the building of the O'Brien
wagon and blacksmith shops in 1857. These shops were located on the south

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 313

side of the road between sections 19 and 30, about a quarter of a mile east of
the Millbrook line. They were built by John O'Brien and his sons, James,
losepli and "liilly," for the manufacture of wagons, cultivators and harrows.
"Billy" O'Brien invented and got a patent on a three wing iron harrow, which
the Hrm manufactured and shipped in large quantities far and wide. Eventually
the O'Briens sold out to Jesse Carey and removed to Kewanee, and later to Tiffin,
Ohio. A grocery store was kept in a small building by William P. Hawver. He
also made and repaired boots and shoes. The pioneer blacksmith of this section
was Robert Lovett.

The Mount Zion Episcopal church was organized in this neighborhood m
1858, the first meetings being held in the Nelson schoolhouse. The society
built a church on the southwest corner of section 20, a little east of West Prince-
ville, in 1867. It was a frame structure, 32x45 feet and cost about $2,000.

The starting of Cornwell, now known as Monica, on the Chicago, Burlington
& Ouincy railroad, settled the fate of West Princeville. Most all of the build-
ings, including the church, were moved to the new town.

In the '50s, on section 2"/, southeast of West Princeville, was located an oil
factory on the farm now owned by Joseph E. Hill. It consisted of a refinery
and six or eight retorts. The company had a house dignihed by the name hotel,
and office and store comljined, and a number of small buildings. Here was
manufactured from cannel coal an oil which was designated as kerosene. Bar-
relled and hauled by wagon to Chillicothe. the product brought from $1 to $1.10
per gallon, but the discovery of oil at Pennsylvania was a death blow to the
industry. The buildings were torn down and removed. At one time, however,
there were from forty to fifty men employed.

Stone quarries were opened early in the history of the township. Among the
first were those of B. !•". and J. Z. Slane, on the southeast ciuarter of section 24;
Austin and T. P. I)OUton, on section 25. The Slane brothers also made lime.

Market points for the people of Princeville and vicinity of the early days
were Peoria, Lacon and Chillicothe. Often, however, trips were made even by
ox teams to Chicago, where wheat was taken to the market, the proceeds of which
would often be invested in lumber, salt, clothing and other necessaries. The
windows, doors and casings of Dr. Charles Cutter's house were secured this
way from Chicago, also the shingles for the First Presbyterian church. Lumber
was also obtained from sawmills on Spoon river and Kickapoo creek. There
were other mills familiar to the pioneers, such as Cox mill and the Rochester
mill on Spoon river; Evans' mill in Radnor township ; Aliles' mill at Southport,
['"Imwood township ; and the Spring Valley mill. There were other mills closer
than these just mentioned. There was "Jimmie" Jackson's "whip-saw" mill,
also Erastus and Thomas Peet's sawmill, James Harrison's saw and grist mill and
Hawn's mill, all in Akron township, and Hawn's mill within the village limits.
In 1867 or 1868 the firm of Hitchcock, Vorhees & Seed put up a grist mill in the
northwest corner of section 19, Akron township. It was burned about 1884.
In the triangular piece of ground east of the property, John Bowman operated a
mill for several years.

FIRST STORE

Elisha Morrow kept the lirst store in Princeville in a little frame building
which stood either on block 8 or 9. The structure was the first frame one to be
erected in the village and the siding was made from logs secured in the vicinity.
Air. Morrow was a brother of the wife of Amos Stevens. His first competitor
in business was William Coburn. who had a small building in block 2. He sold
out to a Mr. Ellsworth, who in turn disposed of his stock to W. C. Stevens. Mr.
Stevens "kept store" in the front room of his residence. He was wont to take
orders for various articles of merchandise which he would purchase in Peoria.
Soon other merchants came, among them being Greenleaf Woodbury, Rowley &

314 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

Hitchcock. Myron I'rince and J. W. Cue. The latter died from cholera in 1852,
the only death known to have occurred from that disease in Princeville. His wife,
Jerusha T. Gue, continued the business in a store room in block 18, recently
occupied by Blanchard & Sons. In the summer of 1851 Elbridge & Parker built
what is known as an up and down board store building in block 17, where the
Park hotel is now situated, and the same year a man by the name of Gray opened
a grocery and notion store but soon closed it for want of sufficient patronage.
In the next thirty years the following merchants were located at this place : A. G.
Henry, D. W. Herron, John T. Lindsay, Thomas AKvood, George W. Emery,
Hiel Bronson, John H. Russell, Charles and Joseph German, Bohrer & Fergu-
son, A. G. Persons, G. W. Hitchcock, John Alter, Day & Hitchcock, William
Simpson, A. D. Sloan, Cecil JMoss, William De Bolt, Solomon Godfrey, Webber
& Bochtold, Henry Clussman. J. L. Blanchard and John E. Henseler.

FIRST HOTEL

Seth Fulton's tavern was a log building that stood in block 9 and was built in
the early '30s. He is credited with having been the first boniface in Peoria and
came from there to Princeville. His house of entertainment, the "Traveler's
Home," was a two-room log house, one room above the other, with a lean to, also
constructed of logs. The next hostelry was "The Rising Sun," built by William
Coburn in 1840. Later on Rowley & Hitchcock erected quite an addition to the
building, with a hall above. Among those who have entertained the traveling
public may be mentioned Myron French, G. Woodbury, Cyrus Beach, Thomas
Myers, John Moore, Ashford Nixon and Rowley & Hitchcock. The Arlington
House has been used for hotel purposes since 1848. Captain John Williams
kept hotel in the E. Russell house from 1848 to 1855, and in the latter year Wil-
liam Owens bought the entire south half of the block and built a larger hotel.
After conducting the hostelry for eight years he sold to John Baldwin in 1863.
James Rice took charge in 1865 and continued until 1889, with the exception of
the interims when he leased to John G. Corbet, Lucius Wilkington, Thomas
Painter and James Rice, Jr. In 1889 Rice sold to A. C. Washburn. There have
been other hotels in the town. Chief among them was the Eureka House, run by
W. G. Selby, and which was continued under the management of IMrs. Selby,
changing the name of the place to the Park House, over which she presided until
1902, when the building was leased to Mrs. Kate Schneider.

The first physicians to practice in Princeville were Drs. Alorrow, Waters
and Mott. Mott and Morrow, however, were hardly entitled to the title as defined
in these later days when all who practice the healing art must first have obtained
a license from the state. Dr. Moss was the first regular physician and Dr. Charles
Cutter next. Others to follow him were Israel G. Harlan, George W. Emery,
Robert F. Henry, L. M. Andrews, M. S. Marcy, T. E. Alyea, Watkins Warren,
W. J. Price and C. H. Wilcox.

FIRST BANK

George W. Alter and Peter Auten in 1872 established a private bank under
the firm name of Auten & Alter. Mr. Alter died the same year and Edwin Auten
becoming a partner, the firm name was changed to Auten & Auten, which con-
tinues up to the present time. Peter Auten lived to be past ninety years old and
was at the time of his death the oldest resident of the township. There was
another bank in the village which was conducted by W. B. Kaiser and R. C.
Henry from 1892 to 1893, when it ceased to e.xist.

PRINCEVILLE INCORPORATED

The village of Princeville was incorporated under a special charter, April 15,
1869, as the town of Princeville, and on March 24, 1874, under the general law

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 315

it was incorporated as the village of Princeville. The principal advantage in
separating from the township was to meet the desires of the majority then living
in the vicinity who were radically opposed to the liquor traffic. The anti-saloon
license party carried the first election but were unsuccessful from 1870 to 1878,
when they again wiped out the saloons. The license party was in the ascendant
from 1880 to 1883 and the "drys" from 1883 to 1885. From that time on until
1895 it was almost anybody's fight. Since 1895 the saloon has been out of exist-
ence in Princeville, and during that period there have been many public improve-
ments in the way of substantial streets and cement and brick sidewalks. In 1891
a brick city hall was erected, with rooms set apart for the council, fire department
and lock-up. The cost was about $5,000.

TR.\NSPORTATION

Princeville before the advent of the railroads was a stopping place on the
stage routes running from Peoria and Chillicothe through Southampton to Prince-
ville and to the west and northwest. The stage carrying both passengers and
mail stopped at first once a week, then twice a week and later three times a
week. Its headc|uarters were at Bliss ^McMillan's hotel.

The first railroad to be built through the township was the Peoria & Rock
Island, now Rock Island & Peoria. In 1870 the railroad company was given
assistance by the township to the extent of $50,000. A short time previous to
this, however, the Buda branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Ouincy was com-
pleted but received no bonus from the township. The Atchison, Topeka & Santa
Fe railroad was constructed and entered the township on the east in 1887, mak-
ing a junction with the Rock Island & Peoria at Princeville, and with the Chi-
cago. I Turlington & Ouincy at Monica.

MONICA

.As has heretofore been related, Monica was first called Cornv^'ell in honor
of Solomon S. Cornwell. It is located on section 21 between Spoon river and
Kickapoo creek and was founded about two years after the completion of the
Burlington road. The first store was built and started by Andrew D. Rogers.
The building was burned in 1890 and the second in 1896. The third structure
to be erected in the town was a large store building of Mrs. Wilts'. By
1897 there were three grain elevators but that year one of them burned to the
ground. The place is (|uite a little business village, is a good grain and stock
market and has good schools. The population is about 250.

CHURCHES

The Presbyterian church was organized August 16, 1834, as Prince's Grove
church, and was the first to have a house of worship, which was a log school-
house. In 1844 a frame structure was built on the southeast corner of block
12, at a great sacrifice on the part of the founders of the village, Mr. Stevens,
Thomas Morrow, Erastus Peet and others. Morrow, Peet, and William Cluss-
man each hauled a load of lumber for the building from Chicago. This house
was used until September 6, 1866, when the main part of the present church was
dedicated. The chapel rooms were added in 1888 and $1,000, bequeathed by Miss
Mary C. Clussman, was expended for installing seats, furnaces and repairs in
1899. Those who have ministered to the wants of this charge are Calvin W. Bab-
bitt, 1835-38: George C. Sill. 1838; Robert F. Breese, the first regular pastor,
1843-51':' Robert Cameron, 1851-57; George Cairns, 1857-58; Jared M. Stone,
1858-64; William Cunningham, 1864-71; .Arthur Rose. 1871-77; Samuel R. Bel-
ville, 1877-86; Charles M. Tavlor. 1887-95; D. K. Preston. 1896-97; Charles T.
Phillips, 1897-.

316 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

Rt. Rev. I'liilandcr Chase, Episcopal l)ishop of Illinois, upon occasions
preaclicd in the stone schoolhouse. A Congregational church existed for a short
time, with Rev. B. F. Worrell as pastor. This was in the '50s. The Christian
church was in existence here in the '50s and had a house of worship on Canton
street, just east of the present public-school square. The building was later
removed and used for city hall purposes. Early in the '60s the membership was
mostly merged into the Seventh Day Adventist church. The latter society pur-
chased the Methodist Episcopal church building in 1866 and used it until 1888.

For history of the Catholic and INIethodist churches see articles devoted to
that subject under those titles.

FR.\TERN.\L ORDERS

The fraternal organizations and other societies of Princeville are as follows:
T. F. French Post, No. 153, G. A. R. ; Modern Woodmen of America, Prince-
ville Camp, No. 1304; A. F. & A. M. Princeville Lodge, No. 360; Order of the
Eastern Star, Union Grove Chapter, No. 229; Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows, Diligence Lodge, No. 120; Daughters of Rebekah, Princeville Lodge No.
351 ; Fraternal Army of America, Princeville Post, No. 96.

MILLBROOK TOWNSHIP

THE PIONEERS AND THEIR TIMES

Seventy-eight years have elapsed since the first white settlement was com-
menced in what is now the organized territory of Millbrook township. The first
pioneers found the country a wilderness of grass, with trees along the streams
in the ravines, on the hillsides here and there a clump — occasionally, scattered
ti-ees— nothing like the timber of the eastern states. Deer, wolves, raccoons,
opossums, foxes, rabbits, squirrels, prairie chickens, ducks, geese, wild pigeons,
quails, jacksnipes, sandhill cranes and wild turkeys were plentiful. Wild pigeons
and prairie chickens were trapped by the thousands. Geese and ducks were
harder to get.

There have been more wolves killed during this winter than for several years
previous (February 8, 1912).

In January, 1855, I counted thirty-two deer in one herd on section three m
this township' At one time the wild pigeons were so numerous as to darken the
sun in their flight from the roosting place to the fading ground. I have seen
forty rods of rail fence literally covered with prairie chickens at one time.

The streams were well stocked with red and white suckers, croppies, black
bass and pike. After the county became somewhat populated, a few nearby
neighijors would join in the ownership of a seine and on a Saturday afternoon
would go to the river and make a few hauls that supplied all the families with
fresh fish for Saturday's supper and over Sunday ; and not a detested fish warden
within a thousand miles.

There was no road, school, church, mill, market, buzz-wagon, telegraph,
telephone, railroad or cultivated field.

.After the frost killed the prairie grass in the fall, the pioneers were terrorized
by the thought of a prairie fire with its concomitant train of desolation. The
country was frightful in the silence of its own solitude. To add to the horrors
of the' situation, in the warm summer months, it was infested with loathsome
and venomous reptiles.

Wild plums, crab apples, elderberries and grapes grew on the low ground
near the streams; gooseberries, blackberries and raspberries on the hillsides;
strawberries on the second Ijottoms ; samiel berries and mulberries on the sides
of the bluffs.

The geographical designation of this township for all legal purposes is:
Township Eleven, north of the base line. Range five east of the Fourth Principal

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 317

Meridian. The exterior or township lines were surveyed in 1815. The interior
or sectional Hnes were run in 1816. The held notes and plats were not filed in
the general land office until the early part of 1817. James D. Thomas was the
surveyor. This is the first record we have of the presence of a white man in
Millbrook Township.

It appears from correspondence on file in the war department that the sur-
veyors were harassed by Indians belonging to the Sac and Fox or Winnebago
tribes. It appears of record on the 15th day of October, 1817, warrant 561 was
issued to Peter Bleson. Private Smith's ,v^th, for the southeast quarter of sec-
tion thirty-two.

The south two-thirds is a rich prairie soil, raising abundant crops of all kinds
of grain. The north ]5art along Spoon river, being an argillaceous loam, pro-
duces tlie finest of blue grass, owing to the presence of (|uantities of lime and
iron in the soil. The pastures impart a strength, elasticity and firmness to horses
rivaling the celebrated stock of Kentucky. Underneath the surface is a porous
subsoil, varying in de])th from one to several feet, which is succeeded by the
glacial drift and beneath this the coal measures Vein number six, usually about
four feet in thickness, and occupies an area equal to twelve sections, while num-
ber three probably underlies the whole township. The first is reached by drift
and shaft along and near Plum Hollow, the latter by a shaft (now abandoned)
on section six.

i''ine beds of gravel, suitable for road making and concrete work, are found
in the blufl:"s of Spoon river. Thick beds of shale, belonging to the same geologi-
cal horizon as that at the Purington works near Galesburg, occur in a number
of places and will in all probability one day be utilized for brickmaking.

While it is true that the early settlers were without newspapers, telephones,
telegraphy, etc., they did not by any means lead a hermit life like an anchorite
"far out in a desert drear.'' There were variotis aventies of communication with
the outside world. At the gatherings to raise a log cabin, the local hapi)enings
would be related. The traveling preachers, like the palmers and pilgrims of
crusader days, brought the news from farther away. As a matter of course it
was rather prosaic. The land hunters were the most prolific dispensers of news.
They were prospective settlers in search of an "eighth" or "quarter" that was
not already entered, and would ride about over the country in quest of what they
wanted. When evening came they were at the nearest house applying for a
niglit's lodging, which was' granted with alacrity. The saddle, bridle, and saddle
bags were carried in the house, and the horse stabled and cared for. After
sup]ier, if the weather was cold, the stranger and the family gathered around
the fire]ilace. As a general thing the land seeker was from some eastern state
and would be able to give an outline of the prominent events of the nation or
the world at large. He often proved to be an old neighbor from the home "seat."
If so, a thousand questions were asked and answered. Perhaps, the next man
that came along would be a capital storyteller and would keep the host and his
family in a roar of laughter from start to finish. Neither Clay, Webster nor
Ingersoll ever had a more appreciative audience than the wayfarer in the humble
log cabins of the frontiersman.

The township is rich in the evidence of the dwellings of a prehistoric race.
At the confluence of Walnut creek and Spoon river, there appears to have been
a large village, which is shown by the finding of all kinds of flint and stone
implements that enter into the domestic economy of savage life; kitchen Micens
of varying dimensions, burial mounds, one containing some thirty or forty skele-
tons, piled in a heap with the long ones at the bottom and the short ones on top.

On the ranch of Robert L. Clark, between the two streams, are traces of an
old fort, octagonal in form, the outlines of which are nearly obliterated by the
ravages of time. In the northwest angle is an oblong elevation, sixty-four by
forty-seven feet and six feet in height. An exploration to the base of the ttiniuli
disclosed the presence of small pieces of galena, copper beads and awls, leaf-

318 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

shaped flint iniijlements, red ochre, charcoal ashes and faint traces of human
hones, the lime only. Twenty rods west of this is a low mound, sixty-two feet
in length from east to west, nineteen feet wide and one foot in height. Just
west of this is a small round mound. On section four on land owned by M. Rile
is an important group of mounds. The first is a small round mound, from the
center of which to the center of the second is a distance of thirty-nine feet ;
thence to the center of the third thirty feet; thence to the south end of the
fourth is fifty feet ; the fourth measures eighty feet from south to north, with a
cross at the center, thirty-three by twelve feet, and two feet high. There is also
a fire place, with burnt stones, charcoal and ashes, at the center of this mound.
From the west end of this one to the center is one hundred and twenty-three
feet. This is a common round mound, forty feet in diameter and three feet high ;
thence to number six is fifty-eight feet. This one is ninety-eight by eighteen feet
and is two feet high. Thence in a northwesterly direction it is seventy-five feet
to still another one hundred and four feet by eighteen feet, and two and a half
feet high. From the north end of this, it is one hundred feet to the south end
of the last of the group. This mound is one hundred and forty feet from south
to north, is twenty feet wide and three feet high. An immense number of flint
or hourstone chips are scattered through the material from which this mound
is constructed, the nearest known out-cropping of which is at Burlington, Iowa.
This group commences in the valley just above high water mark and extends
northwesterly terminating on a blult sixty feet above high water.

An exploration of the small mounds disclosed the presence of a human body
in a sitting posture.

Nowhere is there the slightest evidence of a contemporary occupancy of
any of the village sites by the Aryan and Indian races. The little flint chips
scattered over the hillsides are the monuments of a vanished race, their com-
merce and handicraft.

William Metcalf was the first white settler in Milllirook township. In the
spring of 1833, with his wife and two small children and a boy named Amos
McRill he came by wagon from Richland county, Ohio, arriving at French
Grove. That fall he built a humble log cabin and fenced a small field on the
southeast quarter of section nine and in the spring of 1834, moved onto the land.
The first son born to him after he came to Illinois was killed in the battle of
Shiloh in 1862.

John Sutherland, a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, came to Peoria in the
year 1834, and bought the lots on which the National hotel once stood and was
one of the original members of the Presbyterian church, known as the Lowry
church. In August, 1835, he located on section thirty-two, in Millbrook town-
ship, and built a comfortable log cabin. He was a man of high moral prin-
ciples, of unquestioned probity and business integrity, and inflexible in his
determination to do right. His son, E. J., informed me that his father frequently
walked from his home in Millbrook to Peoria to attend church. He, of course,
sided with Lowry in his controversy with the adverse party. He died September
5, 1845. None of his descendants reside in this part of the country.

Tolin Sutherland and family formed the nucleus at French Grove around
which others of like moral and religious sentiments gathered. Among others,
who by precept and example added to the reputation of the settlement for enter-
prise, thrift and intelligence, were Daniel McCoy, John A. McCoy, \\'illiam Reed
and John McConnel. They were ideal citizens.

In October, 1845, John Smith, Sr., John Smith, Jr., Therragood Smith and
families, accompanied by John White and another hired man, landed on what is
now the site of the village of Rochester. John Smith, Sr., located on section
seven and built a good sized log cabin, John Smith. Jr., on section eighteen, and
Therragood on section nineteen. They made the journey from Richland county,
Ohio, in wagons. The following year, John Carter and Elias Wycof¥, Sr., came
from the same county and located in the township. The fall of this year

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 319

John Slocuni and family and the Simonds family located at French Grove. About
1840 John Bodine and Joseph Warne came from New Jersey and located on
section sixteen. John AIcKune, of Scotland, at the same time located on Scot-
land Prairie. In May, 1840, James Cation, his father and brothers and Thomas
Thompson, came from Scotland and built and lived in sod houses on Scotland
Prairie.

Alexander McDonald, a native of Ireland, made .Scotland Prairie his home
from about 1839 to the time of his death.

About this time, the Slocum family came from York state and settled at the
head of French Grove. Mr. Slocum was a blacksmith.

After this the county settled up rapidly with people from Ohio, Pennsylvania.
\'irginia, Scotland and Ireland who, as a rule, were industrious, enterprising and
amliitious to secure homes for themselves, and a heritage for their children.
Morality and respectability were dominating characteristics of their lives.

The first child born in the township was a son to Clark W. Stanton, July 6,
1836. It lived only twelve days. This was the first interment in what is now
Glendale cemetery and the first in the township.

The first marriage in the township took place at the house of Clark W. Stan-
ton, December 15, 1837, the contracting parties being T. Greeley, a native of
Salisbury, New Hampshire, and Miss Chloe A. Barnes, a native of New York.

The beautiful Glendale cemetery is the oldest and largest cemetery in the
township and is located on a gentle knoll near the village of Rochester. The
interments here are made from a wide territory. There is a well kept cemetery
in connection with the Presbyterian church at French Grove.

The Campbell cemetery is near the southwest corner of section thirteen. Ijut
is being gradually abandoned. There is an old Indian burial ground near the
north line of section seven.

The site of Rochester was chosen for its excellent water power furnished by
Spoon river.

It was surveyed on the 15th of July, 1836, by George C. McFadden, deputy
under Thomas Phillips, county surveyor. On the 2qth of the same month, the
plat was acknowledged by John Smith, Jr., before James P. Harkness, Jr., and
recorded in the recorder's office. About this time Clark W. Stanton, a carpenter
from Rochester, New York, arrived and bought a half interest in the town site
and mill seat, and in the spring bought Smith's entire interest for the sum of
thirty-two hundred dollars.

The first store to be opened was that of Thomas J. Hurd, of Peoria, who in
the summer of 1836 brought a small stock of goods to the place and opened out
in a small log cabin on the river bank. He was succeeded in a few months In'
Stacy & Holmes.

In the winter of 1836-37, John Smith, Jr., opened a stock of goods, but the
ensuing spring sold out to Hon. David Markly, of Canton, Fulton county, then a
prominent politician of the state. This stock of goods was finallv moved to
Massilon.

The first blacksmith was Jacob Boland, who came in 1836 and was succeeded
by C. M. D. Lyon, who retired to a farm in Stark countv.

The first physician was Jolm L. Fifield, a native of Salisbury, New Hampshire,
who came to Peoria in 1838 and soon after located at Rochester. Here he
remained practicing his profession until 1845, when he removed to Victoria.
He was an eminent physician, a gentleman of the courtly manners of the olden
times. Years ago he answered the last call.

During the forties, Therragood Smith engaged in an extensive business of
selling dry goods and groceries. In connection with this, he conducted quite a
pork packing establishment. At one time he sent two hundred steers to the
Chicago market. He was the first postmaster (the office was named Elmore),
and was appointe<l in 1845. The business perislied with his sudden death in
November, 1849.

320 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

At this time, there is one store, one blacksmith shop, two carpenters, one
harness maker, one shop and mill, one painter, two justices of the peace, one
notary public, one mason.

On account of its desirability as a site for mills, Rochester, at an early day,
attracted the attention of immigrants and soon gave promise of becoming an
important business point. At one time it was the liveliest business place in central
Illinois. From a sanitary standpoint there is no more admirable location for a
town. The surrounding country is naturally beautiful. The winding river with
its fringe of umbrageous trees ; the landscape to the east, north and west, with
its vista of rolling hills and dales, stretching far away in autumn tints of emerald,
ruby, and gold, is a scene of unsurpassed and indescribable beautv.

As might have been anticipated, the utilizing of the water power of Spoon
river was one of the enterprises first to attract the attention of early settlers.
In those days the owner of a mill, if a good one, had a bonanza. Flour and
lumber were two of the essentials of frontier life and people would travel many
miles and await their turn in patience to get a supply of either. It was in the
fall of 1836, after the enterprising Clark W. Stanton had purchased one-half
interest of John Smith, Jr. in the mill seat, that they in company erected the first
saw mill, and so great was the demand for lumber that the mill was kept running
day and night. After Stanton had purchased Smith's remaining interest, he
erected a grist mill, which began to grind some time in the summer of 1837.
People came to it from Prince's Grove, Slack Water, Massilon, Lafayette, Scot-
land Prairie, French Creek, etc. By adding improvement from time to time, it
became one of the most complete and best equipped flouring mills in central
Illinois. The late Benjamin Huber, who at one time had an interest in it, stated
that late in the fifties, the mill would grind two hundred and fifty to three hun-
dred bushels of wheat per day and one hundred bushels of chopped corn, and
that it was crowded with business. But the march of improvements with the com-
ing of railroads to other points, deprived it of its activities and a stone pier is the
only monument that marks the site of its former greatness.

About 1839, Gilbert .Arnold built a sawmill on section six, on the bank of
Walnut creek; but this, too, has long since gone out of sight.

In 1856, John Carter, a wealthy farmer residing in the eastern part of the
township, undertook the erection of a grist mill on Spoon river, on section three :
but, being unskilled in mechanical engineering, he was at the mercy of any char-
latan that came along calling himself a millwright. Through floods, lawsuits
and ignorance he was ruined financially. The mill, however, was finally finished
and did a fair business for a few years, but has long since been utilized for other
purposes.

The village of Paura is located on the northwest quarter of the southwest
quarter of section twenty-two. It was laid out in 1888 by James M. Keller, who
was the first postmaster. John Shaw brought the first stock of goods to the town.
There are now two dry goods and grocery stores, one bank, one hardware and
implement store, a blacksmith shop, a chop mill, two elevators, a lumber yard,
one hotel, one wagon shop, one dressmaker, one physician, one livery stable, a
fine commodious and well equipped public school Iniilding, a Methodist Episcopal
church. The inhabitants are a religious and church-going people. The popula-
tion numbers about two hundred.

Constituted as the early communities were, it could not be supposed otherwise
than that the promotion of religion wotild be their first and chief concern.

Accordingly we find that in the fall of 1836, Rev. George G. Sill, a missionary,
preached the first Presbvterian sermon in the house of John Sutherland.

A church of that denomination was organized at Rochester in the summer
of 1 838 with sixteen members. John Warne was ruling elder The church was
taken under the care of the Presbytery in Octolier of the same year. Rev. Robert
K. Dobbin succeeded Rev. Sill, but how long he preached does not appear.

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 321

In 1845, Rev. Robert ]•". lireese was installed pastor of the churches of Roch-
ester and French Grove, which he continued to serve until his death, September 2,
1851.

The Rochester church was dissolved by presbytery sitting at Brimfield. Sep-
tember 20, 1854, in consequence of the division between the old and new schools,
the new school members had withdrawn and formed another church in Stark
county.

The French Grove Presbyterian church was organized October 20, 1851, by
Addison Coffey, Rev. William Candlish and Ruling Elder jtihn Reynolds, a
committee previously appointed by presbytery. There were fifteen members and
William Reed and George S. Kurselle were ordained and installed the first ruling
elders. Rev. John C. Hanna, a licentiate, was appointed to supply the church
one-half his time and the church at Rochester as often as consistent with his
other engagements. The church is now without a pastor or Sunday school.

Rev. William C. Cumming, a minister of the Methodist Ejaiscopal -Iiurch,
preached the first sermon in the townshiji in the house of John Smith. Sr., on
section seven in the early part of June, 1836. The original members were John
Smith, Sr. and wife, Therragood Smith and wife, and an unmarried daughter of
John Smith (probably Lucretia), who died September 7th of that year, and
V\'illmm JMetcalf. John Smith, Sr. was appointed class leader. A house of wor-
ship was commenced in 1858 on section sixteen, which was blown to fragments
by a cyclone on May 8th of that year. Through removal and death, the church
at one lime became almost e.xtinct ; but there are now houses of worship at
Rochester and Laura, the former being the legitimate successor of the first
church nnd worshipjiing in a building formerly jjelonging to the Congregation-
alists. Rev. Earl Fahnestock is now minister of this church, which is in a fairly
prosperous condition, having a good Sunday school, of which J. P. McCaulcy is
superintendent. In addition to the foregoing, John Carter, Mr. Herst, Charles
Yocum, Thomas Palmer, Thomas Lambertson, Thomas Andrew, E. P. Lambert-
son and William Bates were prominently identified with early Methodism in the
township.

The Methodist church of Laura was built in the summer of 1889, at a cost
of thirteen hundred dollars, and furnished at a further cost of two hundred
dollars. The first pastor was Rev. D. D. McComen. The present is Rev. W^ard.
The church is connected with the ^lonica charge, its members numbering nbout
sixty. There is a flourishing Sunday school in connection.

The Christian church at Rochester was organized December 18, 1844, by
John Underwood, with four members of the first meeting of seven persons,
having been held in the old school house in November and conducted by Milton
King. They began building a house of worship in 1858, but it was l)lown down
by the cyclone of May 8th of that year. In the summer of 1864, they erected
another, which cost between three thousand and four thousand dollars. In
course of time, in conse(|uence of deaths and removals, the membership became
too feeble to maintain an organization and a few years since, Jonathan Pratz,
the only remaining trustee, deeded the church property to the directors of the
Glendale Cemetery association, by whom the building was repaired, repainted
and placed in good condition. It is now used by the Woodmen of America as a
lodge room, and for moral and religious entertainments.

The Congregational church was organized June 20. 1841, at the house of Elias

Wvcofif in Stark county, with nine menil)ers, the ministers being Rev. S. S. Miles

and Rev. S. G. Wright. After entering into covenant, Messrs. William Webster

and N. Wycoff were duly elected and installed ruling elders and Rev. S. S.

Wright designated as moderator of the session. In 1854, the meetings were held

at Rochester, at which time Rev. Charles B. Donaldson was acting pastor and at a

meeting held April 4th of that year, the name was changed from Spoon River

Congregational church to Elmore Congregational church of Rochester. During

the smnmer and fall of 1866, was erected a house of worship, costinsr twentv-

three hundred dollars, which was dedicated January 22. 1867. The dedication
Vol. I— ;i

322 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

sermon was preached by Rev. W. G. Pierce, of Elmwood, assisted by Rev. James
Wycolif and Rev. B. F. Hackins. The last named was pastor twelve years.
From a variety of causes, the society ceased to maintain its organization and
the church edihce is now owned and used as a place of worship by the Methodist
I'piscopal church of Elmore.

The church of the New Jerusalem (Swedenborgian) once had an organization
at Rochester, the meetings having been held in the house of John Smith, Jr., on
section eighteen. At this meetmg Rev. John B. Hibbard, a cultured and eminent
divine of Chicago, made an address. The society consisted of John Smith, Jr.
and wife, Gilbert Arnold, Caleb North, G. P. Wycoiif, the Adams and Pnesipher
families of Southport, and Philander Arnold of West Jersey, Stark county.

The first Sunday school was organized in the spring of 1841, iNIrs. Breese,
wife of Rev. Robert Breese, being the first superintendent. She was a woman of
fine moral and religious sentiments and great force of character and made the
school a success in every respect. Of those who attended this school, the fol-
lowing survive : Mrs. Alahala Hurd, nee Bodine, West Jersey, Stark county ;
Mrs. Acenath Neal, nee ]\Iatheus, Mossville, Illinois.

The first school in the township was taught in the winter of 1836-37 by Caleb
North, in a small log cabin on the southwest corner of the northwest quarter of
section twenty, for which he received the munificent salary of ten dollars per
month and boarded around with the scholars. There is not a known pupil of
that school now living.

The first school house in the village of Rochester was built by Dr. Fifield,
Russell Stanton and Jonah Lewis, without the assistance of public funds. It
remained until 1867, when it was replaced by a large and commodious brick
structure which still remains.

The township is now divided into eight full and two fractional union districts
ill all of which public schools are regularly taught. The zealous interest taken
by the people in the cause of popular education is manifested by the flourishing
condition of these schools and the liberal taxes voluntarily imposed upon them-
selves by the lax payers for their support. The school houses are, as a rule, of
the most improved pattern and furnished with all modern appliances to secure
the comfort, health and advancement in study of the pupil, the cost varying from
one thousand to five thousand dollars. They compare favorably with those of
other localities. IVIany of them are equipped with fine school libraries.

In the year 1845. Rev. Robert Breese and his accomplished wife, who was a
graduate of the celebrated Holyoke seminary, established a school of high grade,
called the "Breese Seminary."' Airs. Breese was the real principal, her husband
devoting his time mainly to ministerial work. This school was liberally pation-
ized by the wealthy and influential families of the surrounding country. Mrs.
Breese remained as principal of this school until about 1850. when she was suc-
ceeded by Miss Elizabeth Goodell.

The only persons who attended Aliss Goodell's school as pupils and now
known to be Hving are Erastus Stanton, of Republic county. Kansas, and Mrs.
S. I. Adams, nee Anthony, of Peoria county. The "Seminary" building has long
since disappeared and on its site is a cottage of the village blacksmith.

From 1836 to 1856, Peoria was the market for the agricultural products of
Millbrook township. The wheat, oats, corn, and dressed hogs were hauled there
in wagons and in a while, dressed hogs were marketed at Lacon. Cattle were
driven to Chicago. After 1856, Elmwood and Oak Hill, on the Peoria & Oquawka
railroad became its principal shipping points. After the building of the Buda
branch of the Chicago, Burlington &• Quincy railroad, the village of ^Monica lie-
came a market for the eastern part, and Brimfield for a part of the south side of
the township.

The Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe railroad was l)uilt across the township in
1887. In the following vear an elevator was erected at the village of Laura on
the line of that road. There are now two large and well equipped elevators at
that place, besides cribs of ten thousand bushels capacity.

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 328

ll was no gay "outing" to drive to Peoria or Lacon across the bleak, treeless
windswept prairies, with the mercury below zero and to be pelted at almost every
step with Hying snowilakes and eat a frozen dinner at noon time. It re(]uired lots
of that commodity, commonly called "sand," to ''face the music."

When it comes to the marketing of grain, contrast the past, when it took
two whole days to haul a load of thirty-tive or forty bushels of wheat or corn
to Peoria, and the present. Xow one team will deliver anywhere from two to
seven loads, of from fifty to sixty bushels, to the elevator in one day.

During the month of January. 1912, the Davis Grain Co., of Laura, received
twenty-five thousand bushels of corn and six thousand two hundred twenty-eight
bushels of oats, and were seriously handicapped by want of transportation.

The roads in an early day followed the lines of the least resistance and wound
about over the country "every which way," to avoid the steep hills and deep miry
sloughs, having for their objective a convenient and shallow ford across the
larger streams. About 1840 a state road was laid out from Peoria to Rochestund
via Brimfield, French Grove and Rochester, here crossing Spoon river. There
was an immense amount of traffic on this road in 1849-50-51-52 and 53. People
were moving to Iowa, Oregon and California, and the wagon makers, blacksmiths
and hotels located at Rochester did a flourishing business. All the time the pay
was spot cash for their work.

A road led in a northeasterl)- course from Rochester to Hickory Point in
Stark county. There was a road across the east side of the township, crossing
the river at the Carter Ford, thence south and connecting with the Knoxville
road at Brimfield. There was and is a road leading south and north across the
west side of the township that connected Rochester with Xewliery, Farmington
and other towns in that direction. There was an east and west road on the half
sectional line of the second south tier of sections, named the old Acme road.
There was a heavy travel over this highway at one time, but it is now vacated.
1 am of the opinion this was at one time an Indian trail ( from the finding of stone
and flint implements along its course), and probably connected the farms on the
Illinois river with those on Spoon river.

At the present time there is a laid out highway on nearly all the sectional
lines in the township. The high places have been cut down, the low ground
filled up and some of the more important roads gravelled in a good and sub-
stantial manner. The makeshift wooden bridges have been displaced by sub-
stantial structures of iron and steel, with massive piers or abutments of concrete.
The log and plank culverts have been replaced by iron and steel pipes.

There were six or eight inches of snow on the ground on the morning of De-
cember 20, 1856, with a warm, gentle wind blowing from the south. As the day
advanced, the warmth and wind increased. The snow became a soft slush,
with rivulets everywhere. Between two and three o'clock a fearful roar was
heard in the northwest. A glance disclosed the presence of an oncoming cloud
of dark and portentious mien. In a moment the air was filled with fine hail and
snow, accompanied by a wind of fearful velocity and arctic temperature. In a
few minutes the ground was a sheet of solid ice. Many pigs and poultrv not
under shelter froze fast in their tracks. John Sutherland and his son, Elisha,
were about a mile northeast of where Monica now is, when the blizzard struck
them. They nearly perished before reaching the home of Capt. Williams.

Therragood Smith was the first justice of the peace in the territory now
embraced in the township of Millbrook and was elected at a precinct election.

Pursuant to a previous notice given by the county clerk of Peoria countv, the
first annual town meeting of the citizens of the town of Millbrook was held at
the house of Joseph Warne, Esq., on Tuesdav, April 2, 1S50. Qnarles Yocum
was appointed moderator and .Augustus A. Dunn, clerk of the meeting. The
moderator and clerk sworn by "Justice"' Warne, 'sundry rules and regulations
were enacted, relative to fences and live stock, at this meeting.

324 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

Erastus A. Lewis was elected iwuiid master for Rochester and Samuel Hart
for the other parts of the town, hy holding up of hands. Sixty-eight votes were
cast and the following officers were elected :

William Cuniming, John K. Wolever, N. X. Davis and J. S. Hirst were elected
overseers of highways in their respective districts. The following is the result
of the election for town officers: C. W. Stanton was elected supervisor; R. C.
Hart, assessor ; G. P. Wycoff, collector ; Charles Yocum, overseer of poor ; Alex-
ander McDonald, E. J- Sutherland and A. A. Dunn, commissioners of highways;
William Hakes and Samuel A. Smith, constables; M. F. Greeley and Joseph
Warne, justices of the peace; C. R. Young, town clerk. The town meeting was
voted to be held at Rochester.

CHAPTER XXIII

VILLAGE OF PEORL\ INCORPORATED IN 183I FIRST OFFICIALS VARIOUS INDUSTRIES

AND MERCANTILE CONCERNS OF THAT TIME EARLY CHURCHES, PREACHERS,

NEWSPAPERS AND DIRECTORIES PEORIA INCORPORATED AS A CITY IN WINTER OF

1844 FIRST OFFICIALS FOR WHICH ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY-SEVEN VOTES

WERE CAST FIRST AND PRESENT PUBLIC BUILDINGS UTILITIES AND GOVERN-
MENT OF THE CITY THE POSTOFFICE.

The history of the city of Peoria practically begins with that of the county,
for on the 7th day of January, 1825, it was ordered by the county commissioners'
court that William Plolland be authorized to employ a suitable person to survey
into lots the fractional quarter section of land by the legislature for the county
seat, the dimensions of the lots to be eighty feet wide and one hundred feet in
length, including eight feet to be deducted from each for an alley, the street
on the shore of Lake Peoria to be one hundred and ten feet in width.

An order was made upon the petition of William Holland, at the September
term following, that a town be laid out as the county seat of i'eoria county. In
this order provisions were made for the streets to run following the cardinal
points of the compass, that the public squares should be three hundred and sixty
feet on each parallel, containing five lots each of seventy-two feet frontage ;
that there should be a puljlic square containing four square blocks; that Water
street should be one hundred and ten feet wide, and to commence on the edge
or break of the bank of the lake and extend back the one hundred and ten feet
required. At the same term William Holland received an order for four dollars
in specie, or its ec|uivalent in state bank paper, which was about two dollars, for
running or causing to be run, the exterior lines of the town of Peoria and making
a plat of the same.

A street was laid out commencing at the quarter section corner near the inter-
section of Bridge and Adams streets, running thence north along the west line
of the quarter between the old town and what is now Monson & Sanford's Ad-
dition, thirty-one feet east of the present east line of Franklin street, to the
northwest corner of the quarter located on the premises now occupied by Dr.
Miller ; also a street along the north line of said (|uarter to the northeast corner
between Adams and Jefferson streets near Eaton, in the lot recently selected for
the Assembly Hall. This exterior street stopped at that point probably in anticipa-
tion of a street being laid out on the adjoining fractional (juarter section now
known as Mill's Addition, running thence south to the river. All the interior
streets were laid out parallel with these streets, the same as in Monson & San-
ford's and other additions in the west part of the city.

The action of the commissioners' court noted above was taken, notwith-
standing the difficulty in securing from the government a grant to the land and
claims set up by those alleging to have an equity in the property. At the March
(1826) term the court, having the situation in mind, ordered, that whenever the
said land should be entered by the county, the damages sustained by such per-
sons should be ascertained to the extent of the cost of improvements made by
the claimants, and the amount to be deducted out of the price of any lots they
may purchase.

325

326 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

A sale of lots was ordered at the May term, to take place on the tenth of
July following, the terms of sale to be ten per cent cash, the balance on six,
twelve and eighteen months' credit. Another order at this term was for a re-
survey of the town and the streets to be run parallel with the river, and William
Holland was employed to see that the work was done.

On the loth day of July, 1826, an order was entered by the commissioners'
court, in which Joseph Smith was authorized to employ an auctioneer for the
sale of lots and to furnish whiskey for the occasion ; also that the clerk deliver
the plat for recording. The survey commenced at the foot of Fayette street,
running thence to Liberty street, thence to Madison street, thence to Fayette
street, thence to Water. There were three other blocks, not divided into lots,
between Madison and Monroe streets, shown on the plat, and this was the first
plat recorded as a permanent survey of the town of Peoria.

As to the naming of the streets. Judge McCulloch contril)utes the following:

"The street next the river was called Water street, and those running parallel
with it were named after the presidents of the United States in the order of
their succession, except the then incumbent of that office, for whom there was
no street to name, and, if there had been, it could not have been done without
duplication. No record is left of any reason why the other streets were named
as they were, but it will readily appear why Main street received its name, it
being the longest street on the plat except Adams, and the one most eligible for
business purposes. Fulton street may have been named after one of the Fultons,
who were among the earliest settlers, one of them, Samuel Fulton, being then
sheriff of the county. The name of Liberty street is wholly arbitrary. Hamilton
may have been named after the surveyor, William S. Hamilton, but more prob-
ably after his father, the distinguished Alexander Hamilton. Fayette was doubt-
less named after the Marquis de LaFayette, who had recently visited this country
and whose name was on everybody's lips."

William Clark had been secured as auctioneer and the court, on July nth,
allowed him three dollars for crying the sale of lots and on the following day,
William Holland received an order on the county treasurer for $10.50, for serv-
ices rendered and cash paid by him in surveying the town of Peoria. It was also
ordered by the court that William S. Hamilton be paid the sum of $58.75, in full
payment for surveying the town of Peoria. It appears that Hamilton had agreed
to and received two lots in lieu of the cash. The book kept to record that first
public sale of Peoria lots contains the following names and notations of pur-
chases :

Isaac Funk purchased lots No. 6 in block No. 2, price $100: No. 8 in block
No. 2, at $66.50; No. 10 in block No. 2, $55; No. i in block No. 7, $38; No. 8
in block No. 3, at $■/■/ ; and No. i in block No. 3, at $52.

Hiram Fads bought lots No. 5 in block No. 2, at $52 ; and No. 4 in block
No. 10, at $34.50.

John Hamlin, lots No. 10 in block No. 3, at $85 ; and No. 9 in block No. 3,
at $52.50.

Samuel Fulton, lot No. 4 in block No. 2, at $35.

Eli Redman, lot No. 7 in block No. 7, at $31.

George Sharp, lot No. 6 in block No. 7, at $42.

Nicholas Hansen, lots No. i in block No. 6, and No. 2 in block No. 6, at $85.

William Holland, lot No. 3 in block No. 2, at $29.

Henry Neely, lot No. 7 in block No. 2, at $67.

James Latham, lots No. 7 in block No. 3, at $79.75 ; and No. 6 in block No. 3,
at $62.

Joseph Ogee, lots No. 6 and 7 in block No. i, at $96.25.

William Wright, lot No. 5 in block No. 9, at $25.

William S. Hamilton, lots 8 and 9 in block No. i, at $58.75 (his fee for
survey).

Joseph Smith, lots No. i and 2 in block No. 2, at $51.

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 327

Hiram Curry, lot No. 9 in block No. 2, at $51.

James Scott, lot No. 5 in block No. 10, at $50.62^4.

River.s Cormack, lot No. 10 in block No. 4, at $85.

A second sale of lots was ordered to be advertised by the commissioners'
court on the 5th day of September. 1826, to take place on the tirst Monday of
November following and another order of like purport was entered at a special
term of the court in July, 1832, and from that on several sales of lots were or-
dered until all had been disposed of.

On July 3d, 1832, it was ordered that the public ground in front of Water
street should remain as such without being built upon until the town of Peoria
should become incorporated.

Charles Ballance, county surveyor, was ordered on the 5th day of March,
1834, to establish the exterior lines of Peoria town-fraction; also to lay off in
blocks and lots the remainder of said fraction. As surveyor, Ballance made a
re-survey of the town plat, and laid oft' the whole quarter section into lots and
blocks, making all the streets one hundred feet in width. In the following July
Mr. r.allance re-platted that portion of the town northeast of Fayette street,
making the streets running from the river towards the bluft', eighty feet wide,
and obtained a tract of ground in the northeast corner of the quarter section,
which was designated as a part of "State Square."

PEORIA INCORPQR.\TED AS A VILLAGE

The legislature passed an act on the ist day of March, 1831, providing for
the incorporation of towns and cities. Under authority of this measure an elec-
tion was held on March nth, 1835, at which time the following board of trus-
tees was chosen by the electors : Dr. Rudolphus Rouse, Chester Hamlin, Rufus
P. Burlingame, Charles W. McClallan and Isaac Evans. Dr. Rouse was elected
president of the board, which met at the store of Rufus P. Burlingame, and
elected Cyrus Leland, clerk, and Mr. Burlingame, treasurer. At this meeting
the board passed a resolution that the village should embrace an area of one
square mile, having its center at the southwest corner of Main and Madison
streets.

On the day preceding the election of the board of trustees Abram S. Buxton
and Henry Wolford founded the first newspaper in Peoria and called it the
"Illinois Champion and Peoria Herald." From its pages the reader learns that
the firm of Pettengill & Gale were in the mercantile business in a building for-
merly occupied by P. G. Deal and kept a general assortment of hardware, tin
and woodenware, window glass, hollowware, fire dogs, card boxes, sheet iron
backs, tin plate and cooking stoves, stove-pipe, plain and fine harness, boots and
shoes, socks and stockings. Aquilla Wren desired his patrons to know that he
had on sale Kanawha and Conemaugh salt, fresh raisins. Cognac brandy, white
Malaga wine, Madeira and port wine, London Particular Teneriffe, claret wine,
Muscat wine, brown sugar, burr millstones and other things. I. M. & J. Crisman
& Company had a line of spring and summer goods and other things. There
were two public houses advertised, one kept by William Eads near the old fort
and the "Peoria House and General Stage Office," corner Main and Washington
streets, presided over by O. A. Garrett. The "Champion and Herald" also shows
that in 1834 there was a tailor in the second story of a building belonging to
Aquilla Wren, on Water street, by the name of P. A. Westervelt. The following
physicians were here at that time : Dr. Joseph C. Frye, who lived at the residence
of Mr. Buxton, on Adams street, now occupied by the Bryan block ; Dr. J. M.
Russell, Dr. Kellogg and Dr. Augustus Langworthy. The cards of only two law-
yers were published in the paper. These were Charles Ballance, at the time
county surveyor, and John L. Bogardus. It appears, however, that there was
another attorney here when the "Champion and Herald" was founded, in the
person of Lewis Bigelow.

328 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

In the issue of the "Illinois Champion and Herald" of date December 6, 1834,
a card of thanks was published, signed by fifteen persons, in which Captain O.
H. Kellogg, who had just made a successful trip from St. Louis to Peoria, with
the Winnebago, was extolled for his skill and perseverance, as well as kindness
and hospitality shown them on their voyage with him. In another column of
the paper was a card of Captain Kellogg, giving notice that his boat would be
fitted up to run between Peoria and St. Louis the next season.

Among other notices, published in this premier paper of the county may be
mentioned the following : Preaching at the schoolhouse by Rev. Leander Walker ;
desire of William Eads to sell an unfinished house on Liberty street, and other
property ; the offer of a reward by Seth Fulton for the return of two stray
horses ; notice of Isaac Waters, clerk of the county commissioners' court, to
persons, whose notes given for town lots were due, to make payment; also that
on December 26th a contract would be let to the lowest bidder for the building
of a county jail ; there was also a notice for a meeting to form a lyceum.

About the year 1838, a publication entitled "A Gazetteer of Illinois," issued
by Dr. J. M. Peck, describes Peoria at that time in the following words :

"Peoria now has twenty-five stores, two wholesale and five retail groceries,
two drug stores, two hotels and several boarding houses, two free schools and
an incorporated academy, two Presbyterian houses of worship and congrega-
tions, one Methodist, one Baptist, one Unitarian and one Episcopal congregation,
six lawyers, eight or ten physicians, one brewery, two steam sawmills, the usual
proportion of mechanics, a court house and a jail and a population of from fif-
teen to eighteen hundred, which is rapidly increasing. The 'Peoria Register and
Northwestern Gazetteer' is issued weekly by S. M. Davis, Esq. The religious
people of this place have contributed no less than about $23,000 the past year
for philanthropic purposes."

In the "Peoria Register and Gazetteer,'' established on the 7th of April,
1837, by Samuel M. Davis, is published the notice of a meeting of the lyceum,
of which Charles M. Reynolds was secretary. Also a notice that the Rev. Mr.
French would preach in the court house on Sunday, and notices by Rev. Isaac
Keller, pastor of the First Presbyterian church, and Rev. John Spaulding, pastor
of the Main Street Presbyterian church, who would hold services on Sunday.

The provision market was quoted as follows : Flour, $2.50 to $3.00 per one
hundred pounds ; beef, 4 to 6 cents per pound ; pork, 6 to 7 cents ; mutton, scarce
at 8 cents: lard, none; butter, 16 to 20 cents; white beans, $1.00 to $1.25 per
bushel ; corn meal, 75 to 873/ cents ; oats, 25 to 30 cents a bushel ; corn, 62 to 75
cents; potatoes 37 to 50 cents; onions, 50 to 63 cents; eggs, 10 to 12 cents per
dozen ; chickens, $1.50 to $1.75 per dozen.

The following professional cards appear in the paper : Lawyers, Powell &
Knowlton, office in the court house ; Charles Ballance ; James H. Sanford, in
the rear room over the store of Alter & Howell, Main street; George B. Parker,
probate justice, office in the court house; Peters & Gale, attorneys, office in the
court house ; Frisby & Metcalf , attorneys, office in the court house. The busi-
ness cards were: T. L. Mayne, watchmaker and jeweler, Washington street; A.
Meyers, groceries, liquors, wines, cigars, etc.. Water street ; J. C. Armstrong,
wholesale grocer, forwarding and commission merchant ; A. G. Curtenius, re-
ceiving, forwarding and commission merchant. Water and Liberty street. This
was at the place now occupied by the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific passenger
and freight depot. Farrell & Lippincott, wholesale druggists. Main street;
Forsythe & Company, consisting of R. J. Forsythe, of Wheeling, Virginia, and
Andrew Gray, Peoria, general agents, receiving, forwarding and commission
merchants ; John A. McCoy, dealer in leather of all kinds, boots, shoes and hats,
corner of Fulton and Water streets ; I. & J. Tapping, fashionable tailors, suc-
cessors to y. G. Lineback.

OLD PUBLIC HALL, MADISOX AND L|]!E1!TV STREETS

THE FIRST JEFFERSON HOTEL— STOOD OX THE SITE OF THE XEW HOTEL

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 329

PEORIA INCORPORATED AS A CITY

In the winter of 1844-5 the state legishuure passed a measure entitled "An
Act to Incorporate the City of Peoria," and providing therein that the charter
should be submitted to a vote of the people. Pursuant thereto an election was
held at the court house on April 21, 1845, which resulted in a large majority
vote in favor of the adoption of the charter. There were 197 votes cast at that
election and only 35 of them were against the proposition. On Monday, the
28th of April, an election was held for officials to govern the newly made city,
at which time William Hale was elected mayor and Jesse L. Knowlton, Peter
Sweat, Charles Kettelle, Clark Cleveland, John Hamlin, Chester Hamlin and
Hervey Lightner were elected aldermen. Jacob Gale and Amos P. Bartlett each
received 168 votes. This made a tie. On May 5th William Hale was sworn
in and the aldermen with him, who, upon their first meeting, passed an ordinance
providing that in case of a tie vote for alderman the lot should be cast by the
mayor. The mayor, acting under this authority, cast his vote in favor of Aiuos
P. Bartlett. At the same titrie Jesse L. Knowlton was elected city clerk.

From time to time after the incorporation of Peoria as a city, the limits of
the numicipality were extended by various means. On February 12, 1863, the
entire township was taken in, and in 1869 the boundaries were further extended.
Then in recent years South Peoria and \\'est Peoria have been annexed and by
the ac(|uisition of North Peoria there was added to the jurisdiction of the cor-
poration the north half of the northwest quarter of section 4, township 8 north,
range 8 east; the south half of section 33; the south half of the north half of
section 33; the southwest quarter and the south half of the northwest quarter;
and so much of the southeast quarter of section 34, township 9 north, range 8
east, as lies west of the road to Springdale cemetery.

At the time Peoria became a city, according to a census taken in January,
1844, the population numbered 1,619. During the following decade this number
had increased to 11,858 — a remarkable growth.

It is not exactly known when Drown issued his first directory, but in March,
185 1, his second "Directory and Historical View of Peoria," was published, but
dated as the year 1850. These directories of Drown's were published for sev-
eral years. Omi E. Root began the publication of his annual directories in 1856.

At various times the original city charter has been revised and the time for
holding city elections changed. In 1861 the annual election was changed to the
second Tuesday in March; in 1863, to the second Monday in April; in 1867, the
time for holding the annual election was fixed for the same day as the township
election; in 1869, the entire charter was revised, which fixed the time for the
annual election for the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, officers
elected to take their seats on the first Tuesday in January, ensuing. This con-
tinued until the adoption of the general incorporation law, since which time the
elections have been held on the third Tuesday in April.

The chief executives of the village and city of Peoria, since their incorpora-
tion to the present time, are named below :

VILLAGE OF PEORIA

1835-36 — Rudolphus Rouse, 1836-37 — George B. Parker, 1837-41 — Rudolphus
Rouse, 1841-42 — Peter Sweat, 1842-43 — Lewis Howell, 1843-44 — John King,
1844-45 — Halsey O. Merriman.

CITY OF PEORIA

1845— William Hale, 1846— Charles T. Stearns. 1847-48— William Mitchell,
1849 — Jacob Gale, 1850 — Dennis I51akely, 185 1 — George C. Bestor, 1852 — Jona-
than K. Cooper, 1853-54 — George C. Bestor, 1855 — Charles C. Ballance, 1856-57

330 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

— Gardner T. Barker, 1858-59 — William. R. Hamilton, i860 — John D. Arnold,
1861— William A. Willard, 1862— Gardner T. Barker. 1863— Mathew W. Mc-
Reynolds, 1864 — Jacob Gale, 1865-66 — Henry T. Baldwin, 1867 — Philip Bender,
1868-70 — Peter R. K. Brotherson, 1870-72 — Gardner T. Barker, 1872-74 — Peter
R. K. Brotherson, 1874-76 — John Warner, 1876-78 — Leslie Robison, 1878-82 —
John Warner, 1882-84— Frank Hitchcock, 1884-86— John Warner, 1886-88—
"Samuel A. Kinsey, 1888-90 — John Warner, 1890-93 — Charles C. Clarke and John
Warner, 1893-95 — Philo B. Miles, 1895-97— William M. Allen, 1897-99— John
Warner, 1899-1901 — Henry W. Lynch, 1901-03 — William F. Bryan, 1903-05 —
E. N. Woodruff, 1905-07 — A. B. Tolson, 1907-09 — Thomas O'Connor, 1909 —
E. N. Woodruff.

GROWTH IN POPULATION

In 1838, four years after the village of Peoria had been incorporated, a pub-
lication styled "A Gazetteer of Illinois." made its appearance in Peoria and its
editor. Dr. J. M. Peck, in an interesting "local" appearing in his paper estimated
the population of Peoria at that time as being in the neighborhood of from 1,200
to 1,600. But there could not have been that many, or else the increase was
slow for the next ten years, for the reason that in January, 1844, when Peoria
was given its city charter, there were only 1,619 inhabitants of the place. How-
ever, the next decade indicates the rapid progress of the embryo city. In June,
1855, the census showed a sevenfold increase, or 11,858, and from thence on the
growth in population presaged the future important city of Illinois, each census
showing an increase, as follows : i860 — 14,045, an increase of 8,950 in ten years ;
1870 — 22,849, an increase for the decade of 8.804; 1880 — 29,259, an increase
of 6.410; 1890 — 41.024, an increase of 11,765; 1900 — 56,100. an increase of
15,076; and in 1910 — 66,950, an increase of 10,850.

BUSINESS PROGRESS

From Drown's and Root's directories, the "Peoria Transcript" and other pub-
lications of the early days, much valuable information has been obtained in rela-
tion to the progress in building, business and wealth of the new city of Peoria.
N. C. Geer. publisher of the "Peoria Transcript," in 1859 issued a thirty-two page
pamphlet, in which was given a descriptive account of the city, its manufactories
and other industries. The city even at that date had begun to attract manufac-
tories. In 1844 they were making here daguerreotypes, threshing machines,
horse powers, corn threshers and cleaners, reaping machines, leather, copper
and tinware, plows, wagons, carriages and brass and iron foundry products.
There were also wholesale concerns dealing in groceries, leather goods, hard-
ware and drugs. By 1854 there were three financial concerns — the Central Bank,
Robert A. Smith, cashier, located on the corner of Alain and W^ater streets ; N.
B. Curtiss & Company, on an opposite corner; and J. P. Hotchkiss & Company,
at Xo. 13 Main street. The sale of merchandise for the year was estimated at
$1,855,562; the exports and imports at $3,127,000. y In 1856 the value of the
manufactories were estimated to be: Distilleries, $540,000; breweries. $25,000;
flouring mills, $500,000; foundries. $128,000; planing mills. $297,000; agricul-
tural implements, $150,000; plow factories, $85,000; carriages and wagons,
$125,000; cooperage, $138,000; lightning rods, $120,000; marble and stone cut-
ting, $36,000; cabinet furniture, $75,000; saddle and harness. $36,000; tin, copper,
brass, etc., $28,000: fish. $85,000; boatbuilding. $40,000; candle and soap fac-
tories. $26.600 ; stone and earthenware. $7.300 ; and others not mentioned, bring-
ing the total up to $3,251,000. Real estate was quoted at $150 to $300 per
front foot for first class business property ; desirable residence lots from $400
to $3,000 each. The exports and imports for the years 1856 and 1857, amounted
to $9,831,000, and consisted of the following articles: barley, beer, beeves, broom

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 331

corn seed, coal, corn, corn meal, hominy, slarcli, liides, flaxseed, clover, timothy,
flour, hogs, lumber of all kinds, millet, oats, jilows, rye, shorts, dressed sheep and
cahes, wheat and whiskey.

LOr, BUILDINGS DISAPPKAR

l!y the year 1856 practically every log building had disappeared and given
way to frame and brick structures. There were at that time about two thousand
frame and one thousand brick buildings in the city. In 1854 the Arm of Walker
& Kellogg, dealers in grain, pork and other produce, erected one of the largest
packing and grain houses in the Illinois valley. It was fjo feet wide and extended
back on Elm street 250 feet from the river bank. It was one and a half stories
liigh, with basement. The latter was constructed of brick and the superstructure
was frame. It was also at this i^eriod that the Peoria Gas Light & Coke Company
established its plant at the foot of Persimmon street, and had then about four
miles of [npe laid in the streets. Mention is also made of the erection of a large
flouring mill by the firm of William and Isaac Moore, on North Fayette street;
also that Walker & Kellogg had built a fine brick structure for a warehouse just
above the building they had erected the previous year. It is also noted that the
Peoria & Bureau \'alley railroad had built its freight depot, engine house, black-
smith shop, machine shop and round house at the foot of Evans street, where
they are to this day. The two warehouses of \\'alker & Kellogg and Crier &
McClure, during the year, handled 648,847 bushels of wheat; 1,475,000 Inishels
of corn; 340,000 bushels of oats; 26,625 bushels of rye; 26,527 bushels of barley,
or in all, 2,517,000 bushels.

CITV nUII.DINGS

The "Mark^Liimi^e," which was situated in the middle of Washington street,
between ilain ■and Hamilton, was probably Peoria's first public building, but
when it was erected has not been definitely ascertained by a search of the records
or by inquiry among those who might have "facts and figgers" stored away in
their memories. It was a modest structure, however, and served more than the
pur|jose for which it was originally intended. For many years it gave shelter to
the fire engines and might well be designated as the first engine house.

The records in the office of the city clerk show that on March 21, 1848, a
committee was appointed to purchase for $300 lot No. 3 in block 6, for a city
hall and engine house. That committee consisted of Dennis Blakely, Lewis
Howell and Charles W. McClallan. The building — a two-story structure — was
erected, and as a matter of course the first floor was devoted to the fire company,
and the cellar was used as a calaboose. In the second story were the council
room, police magistrate's, city clerk's and other offices. In 1858 lots were pur-
chased on Madison avenue and Fulton street, 144 feet on the former and 171 on
the latter, and in 1859 a new city hall was erected thereon, at a cost of $10,000.
This was a brick structure, with stone trimmings, two stories in height, and a
tower for the bell 60 feet in height. The engine room was located on the ground
floor, also the mayor's and police offices, and in the rear the city prison. The
council, clerk, city engineer and other city officials were assigned to rooms on the
second story. In 1859 a market house was built adjoining the city hall, at a
cost of $10,000, but was never patronized to any considerable extent. It was
torn down with the other old building to make way for the new city hall.

PRESENT CITY II.\LL

In 1898 the present city hall was completed, at a cost of $234,592, and is one
of the finest structures in the city. It is four stories high and built of rough
brown stone. A tower extends up from the roof, in which is hung the old alarm
bell, formerly used in the tower of the old city hall, simply for preservation, as

332 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

the telephone and electrical appliances of the present day have superseded the
fire bell for all time. On Fulton street, adjoining the city hall, is the city prison,
which was erected at the same time.

THE COLISEUM

Another monument to the progressive ideas of the citizens of Peoria is the
magnificent mammoth building at the corner of Adams and Hancock streets,
wdiich was completed in May, 1901, and named The Coliseum. To provide a
site for the building the city in the year 190x3 purchased the lots for $12,000.
As Peoria became a popular convention city, the need for such a structure became
apparent and the city authorities took the initiative in erecting an auditorium suit-
able for the accommodation of large public meetings, conventions and other as-
semblages. The Coliseum was inaugurated by the holding of a musical festival,
which lasted several days. As one enters the vast interior, which consists of one
main audience room, he sees before him a large stage, to which are attached
dressing and ante rooms. Along the main street wall and side walls are gal-
leries. The seating capacity is about 4,000. Cost, $59,761.65, which was paid
by the Peoria Street Railway Company, under a clause in its franchise.

THE WORKHOUSE

In 1878 the city council and the county board of supervisors held a meeting
and entered into an agreement for the erection of a workhouse, the cost of
which was to be paid by the city and county, jointly. A committee of six, con-
sisting of three members from each body, was appointed to purchase grounds
and erect the building. This joint committee selected a tract of land adjoining
the waterworks, consisting of six and one-fourth acres, upon which a brick
building, two stories high, was erected, and with the grounds cos.t about $18,000,
of which the county paid $8,000. The Imilding and grounds were occupied on
the 9th day of April, 1879, and Alexander Furst was placed in charge as warden.
The inmates are composed of that class of offenders against the law found guilty
of the violation of the ordinances of the city, and other misdemeanors. They are
compelled to work during the period of their sentence at occupations that can be
carried on upon the grounds.

W.-\TERWORKS

The water first used for culinary purposes by the settlers of Peoria was ob-
tained from springs and wooden cisterns. For other uses the Illinois river was
depended upon. The construction of these wooden cisterns was an important
adjunct to the cooper's trade, as can be seen by a glance at the advertisements
in the newspapers of the day. They were made somewhat similar to a common
railroad water tank, hooped with iron and set into the ground. To render the
water palataljle, ice was used, which was handled by the merchants. In 1833
Stephen Stillnian devised a plan to utilize a spring of water, which bubbled forth
from a spot in front of what is now St. Francis Hospital, by conveying it in
wooden pipes to the public square, and as a new court house was in contemplation
and no adequate supply of water nearer than the river, the county commissioners
entered into a contract with Stillnian, granting him the exclusive right to conduct
the water to the square. The pipes were made of logs, bored through from end
to end by hand, which was the usual way of making pump stocks at that time.
After the court house was completed a public well was sunk at the west corner
of the sf|uare by Dr. Rudolphus Rouse, who had been employed by the county
commissioners for that purpose and this well was in use for many years. An
act of the legislature, February i, 1843, empowered the "Peoria Water Com-
pany" to improve any spring within two miles of the corporate limits. In the

o H

tM -r
23 -'-

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 333

spring of that year the company excavated about the spring in the northeast
corner of section 8, near Spencer street, and strens^nhcned the well with a sub-
stantial wall. They conducted the water through leaden pipes into the residence
portion of the city and business houses in the neighborhood of the public square.
They also extended the pipes as far as Hancock street, between Madison and
Monroe.

At a session of the town trustees in 1S44 k was resolved that a meeting of
the citizens be called to assemble at the court house for the purpose of devising
means to protect property from tire. But no substantial results transpired from
that meeting, but by an act of the legislature, March 3, 1845, the trustees of
the town were authorized to construct a general system of waterworks with the
power to take any springs within two miles of the corporate limits. Nothing,
however, seems to have been done under this act. At the March term, 1846, of
the county commissioners' court William H. Fessenden, Peter Sweat and A. P.
Bartlett were aiipointed a committee for the construction of two cisterns in the
public square for tire purposes.

In 1857 another offer was made to provide the city with a sufficient supply
of water. The "Peoria City Hydraulic Company," with a capital of $250,000,
was authorized to construct waterworks, its franchise to run fifty years. The
company was privileged to conduct the water from the Illinois river within two
miles of the corporate limits through leaden, iron or other aqueducts and to dis-
pose of the water to con.sumers upon equal)le terms; and that the profits should
not exceed fifty per cent of the capital stock paid in. Under the charter the
property of the company was to be free from taxation by the city, in considera-
tion of which the city and the fire companies were to have the water free of
charge. It was also provided that the city should have the right to purchase the
works by paying cost and interest on the money expended at not to exceed
twelve per cent per annum. The city was empowered by another act of the
legislature to issue bonds to the amount of $100,000 in aid of the waterworks
company. Tliis movement for a public water supply also came to naught.
In the meantime there had been disastrous fires, the losses from which could
not be prevented for the lack of water, so that protection from fire became so
imperative that the city council was prompted to take the matter into its own
hands, and on January 19, 1864. a resolution was adopted by that body that a
committee of three in connection with the city engineer and surveyor be appointed
by the mayor to inquire into the expediency of erecting waterworks for the citv,
to report plans and probable cost. Pursuant thereto a committee was selected,
consisting of .Mdermen Frederick P.ohl, P. R. K. Brotherson and Patrick W.
Dunne, but before it had finished its duties the city engineer, Mr. Russell, and
.\lderman Dunne had retired, and Isaac Underbill and Michael B. Loughlin sub-
stituted as members. On June 21st, 1864, the committee reported a plan with
estimates and cost and recommended that an amendment of the city charter
be procured so as to authorize an issue of bonds to the amount of $300,000.
An act to that effect was passed by the legislature and at an election held on the
loth day of April, 1865, the proposition of issuing that amount of bonds was
defeated by a vast majority. Out of an entire vote of 2,300, only 203 votes were
cast in the affirmative. The matter was again taken up at the meeting of the
council, Feliruary 4, i8fi8, at which time a resolution was adopted under which
the mayor appointed a committee consisting of John H. Francis, Enoch
Emery and Michael B. Loughlin, with instructions to employ a suitable engineer
to make plans, surveys and estimates for the work and authority to visit such
places as they might deem necessary to procure requisite information. This
committee after visiting several places, including Chicago and St. Louis, reported
to the council and urged that body to pass an ordinance establishing a system
of waterworks in the city of Peoria. The committee's report and suggestion
were adopted and an ordinance passed. At the same time an ordinance was
passed creating a department of the city government to be called the water-

334 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

works department, which was to be under the direction and management of a
committee of the city council, to be composed of five members and appointed
by the mayor. Under the ordinance the mayor appointed for the waterworks
committee John H. Francis, Enoch Emery, Gardner T. liarker, Samuel A. Kinsey
and Larkin B. Day. Soon thereafter an ordinance was passed authorizing the
mayor and clerk to issue bonds to the amount of $300,000, and on April 11 the
mayor was authorized to borrow the money necessary for the construction of
the proposed waterworks.

The waterworks committee reported on May 25th that it had engaged Joseph
A. Locke, assistant engineer of the waterworks at Louisville, Kentucky, to make
preliminarv surveys and estimated costs of the undertaking, and that the en-
gineer had determined that the cost, exclusive of the grounds, would amount to
$310,000. This included a reservoir to cost $52,250, the same to be located on
the bluff at an elevation of 200 feet from the river.

After investigating various systems used in different cities the Holly system
was adopted, not only for the reason that it met the best judgment of the com-
mittee, but also that it would save the city about $100,000 in expense. Under an
ordinance dated July 21, 1868, the waterworks were erected on a tract of land
containing eleven acres on the river bank at the foot of what is now Grant street,
which belonged to John Rirket, The land was purchased for $2,200, the offer
of the city, after some quilibling \vith the owner. The contract for the erection
of buildings was given to Valentine Jobst, and for laying the pipes to Patrick
Harmon.

On the 15th of April, 1869, the works were completed, 25^^ miles of water
pipes had been laid and 200 double fire hydrants set up, at a total cost of $431,790.
The amount realized from the sale of bonds was $453,020.65. In 1880 the Holly
machinery was discarded and sold for $1,750, its first cost having been about
$40,000. In place of the Holly pumps and machinery, Worthington pumps
were substituted at a cost of $15,130.

Under an amended and perfected ordinance passed August 5, 1890, the en-
tire system of waterworks belonging to the citv was sold to a company consisting
of John T. Moffatt, Henry C. Hodgkins, John V. Clark and Charles T. ]\Ioffatt,
and as part of the consideration the purchasers agreed for themselves and their
assigns to take up and pay outstanding waterworks bonds issued by the city.
They then turned the waterworks over to the Peoria Water Company, Incor-
porated, which reconstructed the system by the erection of new pumping works
near the upper bridge and a reservoir situated on the bluff three miles from the
court house. The water is obtained from a series of wells sunk near the river,
is pure, sparkling and inexhaustible in supply. At the pumping station are
pumps, whose capacity is 21,000,000 gallons per day. The reservoir's capacity
is 19,000,000 gallons.

The first water supply from the new station was on December i, 1890, and
the new company completed its improvements in May, 1891. Financial com-
plications soon overtook the waterworks company, however, and to prevent fur-
ther loss a receiver was appointed January 9, 1894. who operated the plant until
1898, when it was purchased by a syndicate of bondholders, by whom a new
company was organized, styled the "Peoria \\'ater Works Company," which has
operated the waterworks up to the present. Its officers are: President, Howard
Knowles ; vice president, Edwin R. Lancaster ; secretary, C. E. Davenport ; treas-
urer, D. T. Forbes ; manager, Henry B. Morgan ; chief engineer, Robert R. Mar-
tin.

FIRE DEP.VRTMENT

In the beginning when things in the village of Peoria began to assume the
appearance of being under organized rule, every man who controlled a home or
had a place of business, was required to have at hand at least two leather fire

u. s. weaiiii:k i;i ui-.ai maiih.n

1U;E DKl'Alir.MK.N 1. iniE TIIlfK

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 335

buckets. The inhabitants of the village were apprised of a fire when a bell was
rung from one of the prominent Iniildings, which notified the "bucket brigade"
to turn out and subdue the tlanies. The method of procedure was for two lines
of men with buckets, who were often joined by women, to be formed, extending
from the liurning Iniilding to the river. Along one line the buckets filled with
water would be passed from one person to the other and when emptied on the
flames would again reach the river by being passed down the other line.

No regularly organized fire company was in existence in the town of Peoria
until in the fall of 1846, when Mayor Charles McClallan and Lewis Howell, as a
committee of the council, bought two fire engines and hose, at a cost of $1,200,
which were shipped to Peoria from Boston, by way of New Orleans and from
the latter city by water. These engines were kept in the market house on Wash-
ington street, and it may be said that this was the beginning of the present fire
flepartment of the city of Peoria.

There is no record at hand from which it can be determined when the first fire
company was organized but it is known that the engines first purchased were
worked mostly by men who volunteered their services and those called upon by
the marshal, who had no choice in the matter, and upon refusal to do their duty
as citizens were liable to be fined. Engine I'ire Company No. i was organized,
liowever, about the time that the first fire engine was purchased and it was not
until two years later, on March 21, 1848, that provisions were made for a per-
manent engine house, at which time lot 3 in block 6 was secured for $300, upon
which an engine house and city hall was built. Here Company No. i. having
been reorganized, took up its quarters and occupied the first floor of the building
until the completion of the new city hall in 1859.

Neptune Fire Company No. 2 was organized early in 1847 as Illinois Engine
Company No. 2, with thirty-four members. In 1852 the company moved its en-
gine from the old market house to what was known as the Central City hose
house on Adams street, lietween Hamilton and Fayette. The company received
a new engine in 1854, reorganized and assumed the name of the Neptune Fire
Company No. 2. The Neptune disbanded in 1858 but in the same year Young
America Fire Company No. 4, with sixty-six members, was organized and given
old engine No. i. In the fall of 1858 the council turned over to the new organ-
ization old Neptune engine, at which time the company's name was changed to
Young America No. 2 and moved into the hall formerly occupied by the Nep-
tune. Young America No. 2 remained in existence until October 12, 1865. In
the meantime it had carried off honors from more than one firemen's tournament
held in other cities of the country.

Germania Fire Company No. 3 came into existence in 1853, fia-ving been
chartered by the legislature and received a charter from the legislature February
4, 1855. Their first engine was a "Kufferle," made in St. Louis, and the second,
secured in i860, was used until 1867, when the company donated it to the city
and purchased a steam fire engine, part of which was paid for by the city. This
company kept their first engine in an old blacksmith shop on Washington street
until 1854, when they moved into an engine house built by the city on the south
corner of the alley on Liberty street, between Adams and Washington streets.
The upper floor of this building was used for a long time by the Germans as a
public meeting place. August Schultz taught a school in this upper room in the
day time, while German singing societies held forth there at night. The Germania
also won a number of prizes in tournaments.

The Phoenix Hook & Ladder Company No. i was organized February 10,
1856, and had its headf|uarters in a house on the alley between Washington and
Adams streets, near Main.

New Peoria Fire Company No. 4 was organized October 26, 1858, with
seventeen members, of which James Shock was the foreman. Until 1865 they
used old engine No. i and then came into possession of the engine used by Young
America No. 2. This company was chartered February 18, 1861. The company

336 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

still survives and still has the old hand engine which on occasion is shown to
the public in parades.

By 1867 steam tire engines came into general use, when Joseph J. Thomas
was made chief of the fire department. The steamer Central City was placed
in the service May 21st of that year and by 1874 the department was pretty well
established. At that time the department was using the fire alarm telegraph and
was composed of Central City Hose Company, organized in 1870; the Holly Hose
Company, organized in 1872 ; a hook and ladder company ; and the Germania
Company No. 4. That year a new building was erected in block 9, North Adams
street, which with the lot cost $3,490. There was also a new hose house on the
bluf¥, which with the lot cost $2,432.

On March g, 1875, the paid fire department came into existence under an
ordinance which had been adopted and O. H. Norton was elected chief. Under
his administration a chemical engine was added to the department at a cost of
$2,6cx). The Bluff Hose Company was organized and eiiuipped with hose car-
riages, horses and harness at a cost of about $i,CK)o. Another chemical engine
was purchased in 1876, costing $2,000, and in 1877 Chemical Engine Company
No. 2 was formed. A building was erected for its use on a lot which cost
$1,000 and the building cost $2,162. Horses and harness brought the expense
up to $387 more.

The first members of Central City Hose Company were lesse Hammett,
James Smith and Adam Schneider ; Holly Hose Company, Maurice Lynch,
Xavier Stultzman and Henry Schearer ; Blutif Hose Company, H. J. Clauson,
H. F. Johnson and James Wasson ; Chemical Engine Company No. i, David
Dick, John Waugh, F. M. Phillips ; Engine Company No. 2, ^Maurice Lynch,
Charles Upton and Adam Schneider.

The headquarters of Central City Company was in a two-story brick on the
north side of Adams, between Hamilton and Fayette streets ; Holly Hose Com-
pany in a two-story brick, west side of Sanford, between South Jefferson and
First streets ; Blufl: Hose Company in a two-story brick, south side of Main,
between Elizabeth and Douglas streets ; Chemical No. i in the same building
with Central City ; Chemical No. 2 in a two-story brick, north side of Adams,
between Lindell street and Plank road; Germania No. 4, in a two-story brick
on Gallatin, between Cedar and Pecan streets.

In 1881 a new hose house was built and horses, truck and harness purchased
at an aggregate cost of over $3,000. A new hook and ladder truck was added
to the outfit. In 1883 a lot was purchased near South street, upon which a two-
story brick building was erected and an .\hrend's steam fire engine with horses
was installed. Another two-story engine house was erected on North Adams
street, and a four-wheeled hose carriage installed. The cost of the new engine,
hose carriage, houses and lots was $10,000.

There was added to the department in 1884, a second size Clapp & Jones'
fire engine, horses and harness, costing $4,973. There was also erected at this
time a two-story brick building adjoining the hook and ladder house, costing
$2,000. In 1886 a new fire engine house was constructed at the corner of San-
ford and West Jefferson streets. As a large part of the work on this building
was done by mechanics of the department, the city saved some money and for
that reason the amount paid in cash was only $4,120.

In 1888 the city completed what at the time was considered one of the best
fire stations in the country. It was erected on Jackson street, between Adams and
Jetferson streets, at a cost of $12,000, and was intended to accommodate a steam
fire engine, chemical engine and hose cart. At about this time also a first class
Button steam fire engine was placed in the hose house on Jefiferson street.

After the transfer of the waterworks from the city to a private corporation,
some changes took place in the fire department. The old mains of the com-
pany had been discontinued and in 191 2 the department consisted of the follow-
ing: Hose Company No. i, 203 Jackson street; Hose Company No. 2. 300

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY ;J37

Prairie avenue; Hose Company No. 3, one combination automobile apparatus,
and one combination automobile pump and hose apparatus, 151 5 Main street;
Hose Company Xo. 4, 1521 South Adams street; Hose Company No. 5, 1324
North Adams street; Hose Company No. 6, 2108 South Adams street; Hose
Company No. 7, 620 Knoxville avenue ; Hose Company No. 8, Smith and Webster
streets; Chemical Company No. i, Wisconsin and Kansas avenues; Combination
Company No. i, Starr and Chandler streets; Combination Company No. 2,
Jackson street; Hook and Ladder Company No. i, 205 Jackson street; Hook
and Ladder Company No. 2, 300 Prairie avenue; Hook and Ladder Company
No. 3, 1523 South Adams street; Steamer Company No. i, 620 Knoxville avenue;
Steamer Company No. 2, 300 Prairie avenue. There are at the present writing,
in the service, two second size steam fire engines, two combination chemical and
hose wagons, two city service hook and ladder trucks, one eighty-five foot aerial
extension truck, one doui)le eighty-gallon chemical engine, eight two-horse hose
wagons, twelve portable hand chemicals and two portable hand pumps, com-
bination hand engine, two-wheeled hand hose cart and four-wheeled hand hose
carriage. In reserve the department has one first class Button steam fire engine,
two two-horse hose carriages, one city service hook and ladder truck, one chief's
wagon and buggies for the chief and his assistants. There are forty horses and
two automobile fire apparatuses.

The fire marshal's salary is $1,800 per year; first assistant, $1,440; second
assistant. $1,350; secretary, $300; captains. $990; engineers, $1,080; pipemen.
hosemen. tillermen, truckmen, $900; nine relief men. $900; four relief men,
first year, $840. The force of the department at the jiresent time numbers
eighty-two men.

O. H. Lawton was the first chief of the fire department and the present one
is Thomas N. ^^'orm.

THE POLICE DEPARTMENT

In igii. under the direction of the superintendent of police, William W.
Rhoades, a beautifully illustrated history of the police department was published.
Howard P>artling compiled the data and his work was well done, as is shown
in liis article, reproduced here by permission.

It has been almost impossible to obtain any record of the names of those
brave and fearless men who enforced law and order in the days of the early
settlement in Peoria, but there are numerous incidents handed down from father
to son telling of the courageous deeds of our pioneer police in the days of old
Fort Clark.

\n those periods a jail for the incarceration of criminals was not thought of.
In the first place the vengeance of the law was swift and sure. No tedious de-
lays, such as are now afforded by our modern methods of law, then clogged the
wheels of justice. The trials were short, for our forefathers were usually sure
of tlicir man before arresting him and he was not fed for months at the expense
of the community, but was adjudged .guilty, if so, and speedily punished. It
must lie conceded that criminals were not as numerous in those days as they are
at the present time. This can be attributed to the fact that the settlements were
not thicklv jiopulated and were composed of sturdy and honest men with tiieir
families.

The trials and tribulations of the settlers were Indians, and it was not until
1834 that the town marshal advised the people crime had increased to such an
alarming extent that a jail was imperative. Peoria had been rapidly increasing
in population and naturally the criminal was attracted.

The jail was built of squared logs and was situated in the alley between
Hamilton, Perry, Monroe and ^lain streets. It was sixteen feet square, seven-
teen feet high, with walls of three rows of logs, each twenty-four inches in

diameter. There was a hole in the top, covered by a trap door. Ingress was
Vol. 1—22

338 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

obtained by hoisting the criminal to the hole and gently dropping him to the
bottom of the interior, where he usually remained, blinking in an alarming
and surprising manner at the twenty-four inch thick layer of logs, vainly es-
timating the time it would require to chew his way out and silently cursing
his fate that he had not been born a "wood-pecker."

Only one man ever escaped from this oak bastile and he evidently was made
of India rubber, for, by some elastic method he reached the sills of the chucking
hole overhead and bounced joyously over terra firma to liberty. The peculiar
circumstances attached to this affair was the fact that the jailer failed to buckle
down the trap door over the hole, and the wise old citizens of those days silently
rubbed their forefingers against the side of their noses, gravely figuring how big
a majority they would pile up against the jailer providing he again ran for office.
]\Iany, however, took issue with the anti-jailer crowd, offering evidence of the
escaped man's resourcefulness by pointing to his crime. It appears he was ar-
rested for purloining an entire blacksmith shop — not exactly the entire shop,
however, because he had carried aw^ay the hammers, anvils, and everything ex-
cepting the forge, which was extremely unfortunate, for the reason that he was
arrested when he had returned to make a clean sweep, preparatory to putting
the place in shape for a "For Rent" placard.

That escape had an excellent effect on all "keepers of the oak bastile," for
never again was it repeated.

The town was rapidly assuming dignity and the fact that it was the county
seat of Peoria county made it necessary to have a more pretentious structure for
housing criminals, so it was decided to build a commodious building which could
be used by both the town and county and in 1849 they erected the building stand-
ing on Eaton and Washington streets and now occupied by a pickle concern. A
two-story brick dwelling was built in front of the jail and was known as the
"Sheriff's Mansion" of Peoria county, which for style and elegance far surpassed
any similar structure in the state. It stands today in the heart of the lurid hued
district and is occupied by negroes.

The jail was used for many years until the city of Peoria built its first city
hall on Fulton street, between Jeff'erson and Madison, on the corner of the alley
where it now stands.

The jail then was immediately in the rear, just about where it is at the present
time, and the police court in those days was located on the second floor of a build-
ing across the alley. There was a bridge built across the alley on the second floor
of the jail, connecting the city hall and the police court and every morning the
prisoners were marched over this "bridge of sighs" to tremblingly face the
honorable head of the police court. This building was used until 1897, when,
during the administration of John Warner, the present city hall was erected.
The present jail, police court headquarters, and, in fact, the entire department is
practically under one cover, as is proper, and there is not another city the same
size of Peoria, that can boast of a more modern jail.

The first murder trial which ever took place in Peoria, occurred on the 14th
day of November, 1825, before the first circuit court ever held in the county.
The accused was an Indian named Nomaque, who was tried for the murder of
a Frenchman. He was found guilty and sentenced to suft'er death but in some
manner the supreme court reversed the finding of the lower court and granted
him a new trial. At that time the Peorians had no jail and as the guarding and
feeding of the murderer was too tiresome and expensive they held a consultation
and decided that they would punish the fellow by forming a double line of the
citizens and start the Indian "down the line." As he passed, each citizen was to
have the privilege of bestowing an effectual "boot" upon that section of the
Indian's anatomy which it seems was created for that particular purpose. Pointed
toes were not then in vogue, but it is recorded that the highly incensed citizens
took other measures which were as keenly felt. One remarkable feature of the
Indian's trial was the fact that he was represented by a son of the celebrated
Alexander Hamilton.

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 339

The next murder which created a great deal of excitement was that of a
drunken man who was shot by a sentinel employed by a citizen named Bogardus.
Bogardus, when in his customary drunken condition, always labored under the
hallucination that any one who approached his home, did so for the purjjose of
either killing or robbing him, therefore he employed an army deserter named
Seeds, to act in the capacity of "sentinel" or "guard." Bogardus gave this man
explicit instructions to shoot any person who approached his house and failed
to give the necessary "countersign." The unfortunate man while under the influ-
ence of early Peoria Rye, staggered in close proximity to the guard and in a
condition which prevented him from being able to distinguish "countersigns"
from any other particular signs, he maudlingly related his ignorance to the senti-
nel, who promptly followed the instructions given by his lord and master,' by
neatly boring the unfortunate "tres])asser." This occurred before the town pos-
sessed a jail and again another murderer escaped paying the penalty of his act.
Bogardus' reputation was unsavory, as he had a record for being somewhat of
a tighter, troublemaker and inciter of wrangles.

There were numerous town marshals in Peoria, but it was in 1837 that we
find the first record of a "town chief" being selected. This was John B. Lishk,
who was appointed in that year by George F. Parker, who was president of the
board of trustees of the town of Peoria. Chief Lishk's experience was for a
brief duration of one year.

The following men afterwards served and were appointed by the mayors,
whose names are also given :

1838 — Edward F. Nowland, appointed by President Rudolphus Rouse.

1839 — Edward F. Nowland, reappointed by President Rouse.

1840 — Jacob Silzell, appointed by President Rouse.

1841 — George Divelbiss, appointed by President Peter Sweat.

1842 — George Divelbiss, reappointed by President Sweat.

1843 — Thomas Bryant, appointed by President John King.

1844 — John Brown appointed by President Halsey O. ^lerriman.

In 1845 Peoria selected its first mayor, who immediately appointed an oflicial
known as chief of police.

1845 — Daniel E. Oakley, appointed by Mayor William Hale.

1846 — Daniel E. Oakley, reappointed by Mayor Charles T. Stearns.

1847 — Daniel E. Oakley, again reappointed by Mayor William Mitchell.

1848 — John E. Carter, apjiointed by Mayor William Mitchell.

1849 — Henry Hahn, ajiijointed by Mayor Jacob Gale.

1850 — Henry Hahn, reappointed by Alayor Dennis Blakely.

185 1 — Wallace Law, appointed by Mayor George C. Bestor.

1852 — Dennis Hays, appointed by Mayor Jonathan K. Cooper.

1853 — Dennis Hays, reappointed by Mayor George C. Bestor, who was again
elected.

1854 — John C. Heyle. appointed by Mayor George C. Bestor.

1855 — Alfred R. Kidwell, apjiointed by Mayor Charles Ballance.

1856 — Andrew Bowman, appointed by Mayor Gardner T. Barker.

1857 — Andrew Bowman, reappointed by Mayor Barker.

185S — Stephen \V. Roszell. appointed by Mayor William R. Hamilton.

1859 — John W'etzel, appointed by Mayor Hamilton.

i860 — George W. Campbell, appointed by Mayor John D. .Arnold.

1861 — George W. Campbell, reappointed by Mayor William A. Willard.

1862 — Hiram H. Pierce, appointed by Mayor Gardner T. Barker.

1863 — Hiram H. Pierce, reappointed by Mayor Matthew W^ McRevnolds.

1865 — Frank J. A^onachen, apj)ointed by Mayor Henry T. Baldwin.

1866— Frank J. \'onachen, reajipointed by ^^ayor Baldwin.

1867 — Theopholus .Schaerer. ap|)ointed bv flavor Philij) Bender.

1868 — Theopholus Schaerer. reappointed by ]\Iayor Peter R. K. Brotherson.

1869 — Thomas Lynch, appointed by Mayor Brotherson.

340 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

In 1870, the first superintendent of police was created in the person of John
^^. Guill. He was succeeded in 1873 by Samuel L. Gill.

Peoria had spread considerably in area in the direction of north and south
by this i)eriod, and when John W. Kimsey was made superintendent of police
in 1876, he caused the old N'o. 4 engine house on Meyer avenue to be converted
into a sub-station to take care of the southern portion of the town. There were
no telephones in use then, nor did the city possess a patrol wagon. If one of the
officers was fortunate in making an arrest and the offender was in a condition
which prevented him walking to the police station, the officer, under the law,
had authority to press any convenient wagon into service for the purpose of
hauling the prisoner to the nearest station. The city was required to pay the
expressman fifty cents for each and every prisoner hauled. It is rumored that
a certain expressman invariably drove behind one of the policemen whenever he
walked his beat so that he would be pressed into service in the event an arrest
was made. There is no record that the expressman ever became enormously
wealthy from his efforts to always be on the "job."

Superintendent Kimsey officially named the engine house "Lower Station"
and placed a night captain in charge from 6 P. ]\1. until 6 A. ;\1. and an assistant
from 6 A. AI. until 6 P. M. His captain in charge of the lower station was
Charles Camp, and the night captain at police headquarters was H. C. Lincoln.
Superintendent Kimsey also introduced crossing policemen in the persons of
Henry Pringle, Leonard Sommers and James H. ]\Iurphy.

In 1878. Alayor John Warner appointed Alartin C. Dailey superintendent of
police and made Elijah C. McWhirter night captain. These men continued to
handle the department until 1882, when Mayor Frank Hitchcock was elected.
He appointed John Minor (the father of our present sheriff), superintendent,
w^ith John Hill night captain.

1884 and 18S5 again saw John \\'arner at the head of the municipality and
he immediately discharged Hitchcock's selections and reappointed his old friend
Martin Dailey, with McWhirter again as night captain.

During Mayor Kinsey's administration the horse patrol wagon was intro-
duced. It was drawn by one horse and was without a cover or screen to hide the
occupant from the view of a curious public. Despite the criticisms, it con-
tinued to be "an open affair" until John King's remonstrance was heeded in 1896.
when a closed wagon was put into use.

Mayor Kinsey's election in 1886 caused new faces to adorn police headc|uarters
and new rules and equipments. His selection for superintendent of police was
Henry C. Lincoln, who had served as night captain under former superintendent
Kimsey in 1876. William F. Selby was appointed night captain.

The police patrol box was also introduced during that administration, which
caused the good people to believe that the highest pinnacle of progress had been
attained.

In 1888 the irrepressible John Warner again became mayor. Since it was
out of his province to again appoint Martin Dailey superintendent of police, he
selected in his stead, Thomas N. Gorman, with .Andrew J. Mooney night captain.
Gorman is now a member of the state legislature and a power in Illinois politics.

Charles C. Clarke was elected mayor in 1891 and his choice for head of the
department was Charles F. Flynn. Flynn's night captain was Charles A. W.
Fash, who afterward became chief. Mrs. Albina Barrett is the first matron of
whom we can find a record. She served under Chief Flynn.

When Mayor Clarke was reelected in i8q2, he appointed Thomas P. Hawden
superintendent; John A. .Arnold, night cantain : .Andrew J. Alooney, chief of de-
tectives ; Charles P. Sloan, sergeant and Mrs. Emma P. Wonder, matron.

The next man to head the department was Charles Fash, who had served
as captain under superintendent Flynn. He immediately appointed S. O. Tripp,
captain, and made ex-superintendent of police, Charles Flynn. the chief of de-
tectives. Sergeant Sloan still retained his position, as did Airs. Wonder, the
matron.

A SI 11 IMI.U !•: SIATlilX I'SKI) IX IsTS

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 341

The force remained practically the same, with the exception of a few minor
changes in the captaincies, until 1898. when John \V. White was made superinten-
dent, with Frank Kleinhenz captain. The sergeant was Charles Sloan.

In lyoo Charles F. Flynn was again appointed superintendent; Joseph Amlong,
sergeant; D. A. Mclnnis, sergeant; llomnier ]\Iahannah. sergeant; and Tom
Doty, night sergeant. Doty is now on the force in the capacity of patrolman.
.Mrs. Emma 1\ Wonder was again appointed matron to succeed Mrs. Barrett.

In 1902 Edward AI. Kennedy was appointed superintendent, assisted by
Captain Michael D. Hurley. John J. Welsh was made lieutenant; Frank Bar-
thell, sergeant ; Thomas Powers, sergeant and Tom Doty again appointed night
sergeant. Tom Powers remains on the force and is doing duty as crossing po-
liceman at Jefferson and Main streets. The police matron was Mrs. Helen F.

1903 saw Mayor Woodruff's first term as mayor. He ap|M)inted William W.
Rhoades superintendent. The present captain, Gustave I'.reymeier, held the same
position then that he does now. The lieutenant was Frank Lichtweis. I'arthell
and Welsh were sergeants, with Charles Stevens, night sergeant, to succeed Doty.
Mrs. Anna Stoufter was matron.

Edward M. Kennedy was again appointed superintendent in 1905. The
present day detective, Charles Wilson, was the captain under Chief Kennedy;
.Merritt B. Palmer, lieutenant; sergeants were Welsh. Stephens and Lee Chase.
.Mrs. King was again appointed matron.

Kennedy served until 1906, when he resigned and Charles \\"ilson was ap-
pointed superintendent of police. Sergeant Welsh was promoted to captain
and James Halpin. the present secretary, to Superintendent Rhoades. was ap-
pointed lieutenant. Charles Smith succeeded Welsh as sergeant.

In 1907 John F. Kiernan was appointed the head of the department; Welsh
c'lntinued as cajJtain, as did James Halpin as lieutenant. Austin Kirby and
Robert McConnell were made sergeants. Mrs. Mabel \\'riL;bt was appointed
matron.

When Mayor Woodruff' was again selected to head the city administrntion,
he appointed the men who now serve in their several capacities, and when tlie
civil service law went into effect they were all selected and reappointed.

\'ast improvements have taken place since the first patrol wagon was pur-
'.hased. The telephone, police alarm boxes and other modern methods have been
placed in use and recently the city installed the most complete police signal aiul
.ilarm boxes which have ever been installed in any city. The operators at bead-
quarters can signal to any officer on any beat in the entire city, lioth by the auto-
matic ringing of a gong and the automatic flash of a bull's-eye signal lamp wliirli
are attached to each l)ox. At nights, in case of emergency, both the gong and
lights are used simultaneously. This wonderful invention gives the chief or
captain power to call a policeman on any beat within a few minutes after a rob-
bery in his vicinity has been reported.

In IQ12, a combination automobile patrol wagon and rinibulance was added to
the ijaraphernalia of the de|)artnient and is meeting with ;dl tlie rec|uirenicnt^
anticipated.

r;.\S .\XD EI.ECTIUl' LinilT

The Peoria Gas Light & Coke Com]xuiy was organized early in 1853, and on
February 12th of that year was granted a charter by the legislature. The incor-
porators were Hugh J. Sweeney, Peter Sweat, George C. I>estor, Henry Grove
and William S. Moss. The company at once erected a plant at the foot of
Persimmon street, and on September 15, 1833, entered into a contract wilh the
citv for the lighting of the streets. This company had no opi)osition until llie
organization of the Peojile's Gas iS: Electric Companv. which was chartered March
21, 1899, with a capital stock of $500,000. Its franchise ran for ninety-nine years

342 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

and chief among the stockholders were Sumner R. Clark, Frank T. Corning,
Charles C. Clark, George H. Littlewood, Chauncey D. Clark, Fred Luthy, H.
Sandmeyer, Sr., B. Warren, Jr., O. J. Bailey, Philo B. Miles and T. J. Miller. The
company built its works near those of the other company, laid their mains and at
once entered into strong competition with the Peoria Gas Pight & Coke Company,
which at once lowered the price of its product, and started a merry war between
the two concerns. This as a matter of course occasioned loss to them both and it
only became a question of time as to which one should succumb to the other. A
process of absorption by the Peoria Gas & Electric Company, the name assumed
by the People's Gas & Electric Company in February, 1900, by acquisition of the
stock of the former company, finally was accomplished and in 1904 the two
companies were consolidated under the name and title of the Peoria Gas Light &
Coke Company.

About the year 1884, electricity was introduced into the city of Peoria. Pre-
vious to this, on November 8, 1883, a franchise was granted the Jenny Electric
Light & Power Company to set poles and string wires in and along the streets of
the city, after which the company established an electric lighting plant, and in
November, 1885, completed a contract with the city for the lighting of its streets
for a period of five years. This move displaced the Peoria Gas Light & Coke
Company in furnishing lights to the city and it was required to remove all its
lamps from the streets and was' the beginning of the end of the use of gas upon
the public thoroughfares. On the expiration of its contract, the Jenny Electric
Light & Power Company was successful in securing another contract with the
city for the same length of time to light the streets with electricity. Two years
thereafter its name was changed to the Peoria General Electric Company, which
company continued to light the streets until the end of the year 1900, when the
plant was sold to the Peoria Gas & Electric Company, which some time pre-
viously had been organized. This company then secured a contract from the city
for lighting the streets and has been so employed to the present time. In 1906
the Peoria Gas & Electric Company was granted an extension of its electric fran-
chise for a period of twenty-five years, which begins in 1920, or in other words,
the original franchise was extended from a period of fifteen years to forty years.
The Peoria Gas Light & Electric Company has made a number of important
changes for the betterment of its service in the last few years. In 1908, it placed
all its wires in the downtown district under ground and in 191 1, through an ar-
rangement between the company, the business men and the city, the boulevard
system of lighting the business section was inaugurated. The first installation of
ornamental posts was on Adams street" from Main to Bridge, and at the present
time there are now about two hundred five-glolie ornamental boulevard standards,
which not only illuminate the streets and the buildings i^rofusely, but add very
materially to the beautihcation of that section of the city.

Another improvement of no mean importance and convenience to consumers
was the public steam heating system recently installed by the company in the
downtown district. The mains extend from Bryan street to Oak and from Water
to Monroe. Many private homes and business houses are furnished heat from the
central plant and the city hall and other public buildings are also patrons of the
company. The modern,' sky-scraper office building, the Jefferson, and the new
Jefiferson hotel receive their heat from the company.

The electric plants belonging to the company are at the foot of Liberty street
and the gas plants at the foot of Persimmon street. Gas is furnished for all
purposes at ninety cents per thousand and there are now about 20,000 consumers.
The officials of the company are: B. C. Cobb, president; W. H. Barthold, vice-
president; E. E. Corken, secretary; A. P. Colvin, treasurer; R. S. Wallace, vice-
president and general manager.

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 343

SEWERAGE SYSTEM

A general system of sewerage was adopted by the city in 1900. Prior to this
the liquid refuse had been run off in underground drains or sewers in certain
sections as the occasion demanded and, ui)on determined appeals of citizens inter-
ested, the first important one was a dec]) sewer constructed in the west part of
the city, and having its main outlet at Oak street. There were other local sewers
constructed in that portion of the city between Main and Bridge streets ; but it
was not until the year first above mentioned that this necessary convenience and
public work was systematized. Since then the greater part of the city has been
drained and given outlets for its refuse matter. The city is divided into sewerage
districts, which bear the name of the streets in which the mains are constructed,
such as the Carolina street district, the Main street district, the Jackson street
district, etc. Most of the sewers are constructed of vitrified pipes, ranging in
diameter from si.x inches to twenty inches. Many miles of sewers are made
of brick, circular in form, which range from twenty-four to eighty-eiglit inches
in diameter. There are also egg-shaped brick sewers, from one and one-half
feet to five feet in diameter. Some of these sewers are very deep. In 1912 the
number of miles of sewers in Peoria was estimated to he ninety.

STREETS .\N1) SII>EW.\LKS

For many years the streets of Peoria were "worked" at intervals pretty much
as the comitry roads are kept up ( ? ) at the present time. As traffic increased,
the necessity for harder and firmer thoroughfares became apparent and gravel
was used to some extent. This material did not meet the requirements and the
next step toward modern steel pavfhg was broken stone with a layer of gravel
on top. A street treated in this way was said to be macadamized. Main street
was eventually macadamized, while cedar blocks were laid on North Adams and
other streets were laid with cobble stones. Washington street, from Alain to
Locust, was paved with granite blocks, but none of these materials gave general
satisfaction. Then about the year 1885, vitrified brick was tried, first on Ham-
ilton, between Adams and Monroe, and at last the "long felt want" was appeased.
The first asphalt paving was done in i8gi, Moss avenue being chosen for the
first experiment. Since that time several miles of this material have been laid
in Peoria. There were no fast mails in those days and a letter cost twenty-five
one homogeneous mass by a filling of tar, has been laid for several blocks on Adams
street and now it seems that the favorite material for paving is brick, asphalt and
cedar block. In 1912 about half of Peoria's 175 miles of streets were paved with
one or the other of the materials last mentioned

The first sidewalks laid in Peoria were made of planks, which later gave
way to the brick walk. For a long time nothing, excepting stone, was considered
equal to brick for sidewalk, but now the brick w'alk is being discountenanced and
the stone walk with it. Cement stands supreme and the concrete walk is not only
chosen for its durability but also for many others of its virtues and today the
city, in all probability, has at least 150 miles of walks.

THE POSTOFFICE

Manv changes have taken place since the establishmetU of the first postoffice
in Peoria. Recently cedar blocks, laid on a solid cement foundation and made
cents for carriage and delivery, the recipient usually being the one to pay for his
fetters.

The postoffice at Peoria was established in 1825, within a few days after the
organization of the coutUy, and on .^pril qth of the year, James Adams was com-
missioned as Peoria's first postmaster. Soon thereafter, John Dixon obtained a
contract to carry the mail from Peoria to Galena and made the trip between the

344 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

two points once every two weeks. He traveled at times on horsebact: and oft-
times on foot, by way of the trail between this point and Dixon's ferry. Where
Mr. Adams kept the mail is not definitely known, but it is safe to say citizens of
the village were required to go to the postmaster's home when looking for intelli-
gence from distant correspondents. Of the personality of Mr. Adams the reader
must remain in the dark, as he left no reminder of himself from which a descrip-
tion can be given. However, he did not grow fat and arrogant from the receipts
of his office, as they only amounted to about eight dollars the first year, and that
j;eriocl covered his incumbency.

The second postmaster was Xorman Hyde, who took a large and important
part in affairs during the formative period of the county, and then earner-Stephen
Stillman, who, if he ever qualified, remained in the office but a few days. But
there was nothing very unusual in that, as the history of most of the other coun-
ties of the state will show.

Up to within a comparatively few years the government owned no buildings
outside the larger cities, but now, where the congressman is diligent and persistent
in his efiforts to please his constituency, a town of four or five thousand inhabi-
tants without its federal building is an object of criticism if not derision. But in
the first half century of the republic money was not nearly so plentiful as it is
now and in the great farming state of Illinois the people had few wants and were
very modest in their efforts toward having them supplied. Up to the federal
building era it was the custom of the postmaster to establish his office wherever
he pleased and in many instances his choice of location was far from being as
convenient to his patrons as it was to himself and intimates.

As has been related, no one knows where the first postmaster kept his office,
but verv likely his hat or coat pockets were the mail boxes and most of the letters
coming to him were distributed wherever he might happen to be found. This
was a common practice in the pioneer days. .Antoine Le Claire, one of the
French-Canadian residents of Fort Clark, founded the city of Davenport, and
was appointed its first postmaster. He carried the mail in his coat-tail pockets.

There is no data indicating the location of the postoffice under the administra-
tions of Xorman Hyde and Stephen Stillman, but there is scarcely a doubt it
was wherever those gentlemen resided. John L. Bogardus, at the time of his
appointment, kept a hotel, and here was located the postoffice during his term.
This was a log cabin, not far from the foot of Hamilton street. At another time
the postoffice was located on the corner of Fulton and Adams streets, the present
site of Shipper & Block's department store. Under John King it was moved
into the basement of the Peoria House, corner of Adams and Hamilton. In
1861, under George C. Bestor's administration, the office was kept at 311-13 Main
street, whence it was removed to the Rouse building by Enoch Emery, in
1865. In 1867 the office was removed to the Puterbaugh building, corner of
Main and Monroe streets, where the great federal structure now stands. Finally,
about 1883, Congress made an appropriation for the construction of a federal
building and at once interested persons owning property, began an active cam-
paign to induce the government to purchase the location of them, but the com-
mission appointed for the purpose, decided in favor of the Puterbaugh prop-
erty, and purchased the grounds and buildings thereon for the sum of $52,000.
Contracts were awarded, the building was constructed, and in the spring of 1889
it was completed and occupied. The structure cost $251,833.

During the administration of William E. Hull, the business of the department
had increased so largely that the building was found to be inadequate for its
purposes and through the efforts of Congressman Joseph B. Graff, an appropria-
tion was secured from Congress and an addition was built to the rear, costing
$218,500, making the total cost of the building, with site, as it now stands,
$530,833. This addition was completed and ready for occupancy, January i.
1910. The first floor and basement of the building are devoted to the postoffice
department, the second floor to the internal revenue department and chief clerk

ill

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GROUP OF I'KiMllA I'.r I I.I >l \GS

HISTORY OF TEORIA COUNTY 345

of the railway mail service, the third Hoor to the United States court and offices
of the collector of customs, deputy clerk and deputy marshal. On the fourth
floor are jury rooms and a room for civil service examinations.

At the present time there are four branch offices in the city and seventeen
numbered stations.

On July 7, 1873, a city free delivery system was established, and at that
time eight carriers were appointed, namely: John Stillwell, Charles R. Gundlock,
Henry Schimpff, E. O. Place, Robert I'f'eilfer, Deitrich Kuch, Kugene RoUman
and John Onyon. This corps of carriers started out with three deliveries daily
in the business portion and two in the residential sections. At the present time
their number has increased to fifty-two carriers and collectors and now there
are five deliveries daily in the business district and two in the residential. It is
estimated that the average number of persons served by each carrier daily is 1,510.

The rural free delivery system was established in Peoria November i, 1900,
with two carriers. There are now seven. One of the first to be appointed was
Daniel L. .Murphy, still serving in that capacity, and in all the years he has
lost but a few days" time and these were occasioned by a severe attack of la grippe
in the winter of 1912.

Henry W. Lynch, who is serving his second term as postmaster, has for his
assistant Robert M. Campbell, who is now rounding out the twentieth year in
that capacity, having been first appointed under the Harrison administration.
Crover Cleveland permitted Mr. Campbell to retire when he was elected president
the second time, but his successor, William McKinley, reappointed Mr. Campbell
and he is still in the postoffice, performing his duties well and faithfully. Other
employes of the postoffice consist of forty-one clerks, one substitute clerk, and
three special delivery messengers. There are also in the office James T. Stacey,
superintendent of mails, who is the nestor of the force, having served for more
than twenty-eight years. Lawrence 1. Thompson, who commenced his activities
in the office as special delivery messenger in 1889, is nearing his twentv-fourth
year of service. Among the city carriers, Charles J. Speck is foremost in length
of service. He was appointed as carrier in 1873 and is still doing faithful duty
on his route every day. George E. Wilde is superintendent bf the money order
division and is also in charge of the postal savings bank system, recently
inaugurated by the government.

The first money order ever paid in this office was on the 4th day of Novem-
ber, 1864. The order was issued by the office at Springfield, Illinois, to Abner
M. Watson, for $25, and was made payable to Henry M. Kneer, of Peoria. On
November 4, 191 1, just forty-seven years from that date, the postal savings bank
was opened in this office.

The receipts of the postoffice show a steady increase from year to year. For
1825 they were $8; for the fiscal year of 189S the receipts amounted' to $143,-
753.26; and for the fiscal year 191 1, $345,208.46. Below is given a list of the
postmasters since the establishment of the office until the present time:

James .\dams, .\pril 9, 1825; Norman Hyde, February 23, 1826; Stephen
Stillman, April 9, 1830; Norman Hyde, July 12, 1830; John Hamlin, August
17. 1832; John L. Bogardus, August 21, 1833; William Mitchell, May 16, 1834;
(Hies C. Dana, February 23, 1835; Joseph C. Fuller, July 12, 1838; George C.
Bestor, November 3, 1841 ; William H. Fesenden, October 6, 1843; Washington
Cockle, August 19, 1847; John King, ;May 29, 1849; Peter Sweat, Alarch 29, 1853;
George W. Raney, September 28, 185S; George C. Bestor, March 27. 1861 ;
Enoch Emery, AJay 12, 1865: Isaac Underbill, .August 25, 1866; David W.
Magee, April 20, 1867; John S. Stevens, January 7, 1876; Washington Cockle,
January 13, 1880; John Warner, June 15, 1885; William T. Dowdall, May 3,
1886; Alexander Stone, December 2, 1889; Henry B. Morgan, February 14, 1894;
William Edgar Hull, March 9, 1898; William Edgar Hull, March 9, 1902 ; Henry
W. Lynch, May i, 1906: Henry W. Lynch, February 18, 1910.

CHAPTER XXI\'

MEDICAL PERSONAGES AND AFFAIRS ASSOCIATED WITH THE HISTORY OF PEORIA

COUNTY PIONEER DOCTORS AND THEIR WAYS THE FR.\TERNITY AND THE

METHODS OF ITS MEMBERS OF TODAY AS SHOWN BY DR. 0. B. WILL OSTEOPATHY.

It is a matter of authentic record as well as common knowledge that the
first person attempting the practice of medicine as a business in Peoria county
was Augustus Langworthy. who came to Fort Clark for that avowed purpose in
1824, only five years after the first white American settler had placed foot on the
same soil. Whence Dr. Langworthy came is not certainly known. He
w^as never very communicative, and seemingly had no intimate' or confidential
relations with any of his medical comrades. He seems to have been rather in a
class by himself ; a surmise accentuated by his many years of complete isolation
from professional fellowship. That he meant what he said, liowever, is plain
from the fact that he continued to practice in the field of his first selection for
nearly thirty-five consecutive years, never once faltering in his faith in Peoria
or his fealty to the traditional principles of the profession in which he was regu-
larly educated and ordained. According to Mr. Charles Ballance, who knew
liim personally, the doctor was more persistent than popular, but in view of his
experience of many years as the only medical practitioner in all the territory of
northern Illinois from Indiana to the ]\Iississippi river and from Springfield north
to the Great Lakes, he was probably justified in a cynical exhibition of inde-
l^endence, for even the historian referred to naively remarks in connection with
the subject that all the town needed to make it a tempting place for some othe'r
physician to "break into competition with Dr. Langworthy was 'people.' " It
was not until some eight years, however, after the doctor's first appearance that
the "'breaking in" process was effected. In the meantime, in the midst of his 1,236
possible [matrons, all told, scattered all over the extensive region described, the
doctor was not altogether either useless or idle. He supplemented the resources
of the tardy community by serving both as chairman of the first granrl jury
convened under the new organization, and as commissioner of public highways,
varying the monotony of the situation by acting as surgeon accompanying the
Peoria volunteers during the excitement of the Black Hawk Inflian war. But
Dr. Langworthy was not absolutely useless, either, in his technical relations
with his subsequent medical colleagues. A love of nature in her manifestations
of still-life led him to an investigation of the indigenous materia medica and its
therapeutics properties, which he used largely in his own ]5ractice, and to which he
succeeded in drawing the attention of some of his professional brethren of a later
period who, together with himself developed a modified system of symptomatic
therapy of much practical value. The genius and fraternalism thus exhibited
was the saving clause in an otherwise somewhat unsympathetic nature. Dr.
Langworthy subsequently became a member of the local medical society imme-
diately upon its formation, as well as of the state organization, thus giving quiet
allegiance to the stipulated objects of both. Some time just before or during
the Civil war he retired to his farm in Bureau county, where he passed to his
final rest in 1868.

The eight years' interval between the arrival of Dr. Langworthy and that of

347

348 HISTORY (3F PEORIA COUNTY

his first competitor seemed to represent a period prophetic of, as well as prepara-
tory to. the appearance of that coterie of able and distinguished men who formed
the essential personal basis of Peoria county's prominence in the field of legitimate
medicine throughout not only the pioneer, but most of the succeeding stage of
developmental activity. The "breaking into competition" process referred to by
Air. liallance occurred with the arrival in 1832 of the first member of this group
in the person of Rodulphus Rouse, whose name has been associated with so many
of Peoria's interests as to make it even yet a familiar one to most of the popula-
tion. Xot only as the first, but one of the ablest and most active, he became con-
spicuous in all his relations to the life of the community. A man of exceptional
intellectual endowments, supplemented by fine educational acquirements, in the
maturity of experience, he assumed at once a commanding position amongst the
citizenship, and subsequently with his professional confreres. His experience had
been such as to warrant immediate recognition of leadership. After a technical
training in the medical school of Philadelphia and New York, Dr. Rouse, then
little more than a mere youth, was accepted as a regimental surgeon in the Ameri-
can arm\- during the War of 1812-14, at the close of which he was honorably
discharged with the special commendation of his commanding oiificer. Return-
ing to New York he secured an instructorship in the New York Medical College,
a position he held for several years until failing health admonished him to seek
more salubrious surroundings amidst primitive conditions. He then came to
Peoria in obedience to that demand, stopping first at St. Louis enroute. Accus-
tomed as he was to association with the most prominent and gifted in his profes-
sion, he could never wholly accustom himself to the exigencies of border associa-
tions and so was considered as somewhat eccentric, grufl:' and irrascil^le in man-
ner, tliough always sincere and helpful. An accomplished practitioner, careful
and exact, the crudities and inattentiveness which he subsequently encountered
in professional association generally, led him to take a special interest in the edu-
cational status, scientific advancement and material betterment of the profession.
He was much impressed with the advantages prospectively obtainable through
eft'ective organization, and exerted his influence in that direction continuously.
He stimulated efforts eventuating in the formation of the Peoria Society in
1848, and two years later was the enthusiastic presiding officer at the meeting
in Springfield preliminary to the organization of the State Association. He was
at once made its first vice president for the ensuing year, its treasurer, and in
1852 was honored with the presidency, his capabilities in any professional line
being fully -recognized by the best elements within the state. In his address of
acceptance Dr. Rouse's statement relative to the advantages of organization on
the part of the profession, which became a classic amongst them for its clearness
and brevity, is well worth reproduction in this connection, as oft quoted but never
improved upon. "It is," he said, "an acknowledged maxim that the association
of those who are engaged in the same pursuit facilitates the attainment of their
common object. The association of physicians oft'ers many advantages to them-
selves and others. By this means the members of our profession are the better
enabled mutually to assert their rights, protect their interests, to guard the morals
of each other, to preserve their respectability, to maintain the honor and dignity of
their profession, to advance their knowledge, and extend their usefulness." In
order, furthermore, to illustrate as well the doctor's temper, and show him how on
occasion his elegance of diction could l)e turned to keen, sarcastic criticism, the
following is reproduced from the minutes of the 1851 meeting: "Dr. Rouse
also stated that the only inducement for his acceptance of the office of treasurer
had been the constitution makes the treasurer, ex-oflicio, one of the committee of
puI)lication ; but as he had not been permitted to have anything to do with that
part of the duties of his office, he would take this opportunity to disavow any
responsibilitv in relation to numerous errors in a publication which in its present
unfortunate' shape he considered as reflecting very little credit upon the contrib-
utors, the society, its committee, or the Press." Such exhibitions on the part of

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 349

Dr. Rouse were not unusual, but were never undeserved. He was punctilious
in all things, and his attitude always indicative of conscious power and dignity.
A lover of art and the drama, Dr. Rouse indulged his penchant in that direction
by erecting in the rear of his residence and office, corner of Main and Jefferson
streets, the finest opera hall then in existence in the west, in which he had the
pleasure of witnessing the exhibitions of many of the greatest histrionic lights
on the American stage. Dr. Rouse was held in the highest respect and esteem
by the profession and laity of Peoria, and left an honorable record when he
passed away in 1873 at the advanced age of eighty years.

Thus far, then, Peoria county had been fortunate in her incidental acquisi-
tion of medical talent. Talent not only worthy of more than its prospective
reward, but befitting the amlMtions and ideals of many a more pretentious com-
munity. It is therefore historically interesting and enlightening to call attention
at this juncture to that timely and fortunate combination of local and general con-
ditions which served to continue the segregation within the county's borders of an
ever increasing numiier of able medical men. The renewed activity in American
educational concerns following disturbed conditions in Europe and the close of
our second war with Great Britain, eventuated in evolving from the colleges and
universities of the east a large number of talented, technically well-trained and
ambitious young professional men, imbued with the aggressive thought of the
time. Chafing under the restrictions and monotonies of customary surround-
ings, they longed for a greater measure of personal and professional liberty.
-Aroused still further by the growing sentiment that "westward the star of empire
makes its way" they wished to satisfy the spirit of adventure as well as progress
by seeking and creating for themselves opportunities and homes in the midst of
surroundings and institutions at least partially of their own making. Small
wonder, then, that their attention was easily directed to the great State of Illi-
nois, the frontier commonwealth of the nation, and to the vicinity of Fort Clark,
its frontier settlement. The conditions of location and convenient transportation
which made Fort Clark a strategical territorial outpost, also made of Peoria the
most conspicuous centre of border life and activity. Thither, then, as their first
objective, was turned the rapidly increasing streams of immigration. From the
Atlantic sea-board and Middle States, down the Ohio, up the Wabash and across
country to Peoria ; and from the south up the Mississippi and Illinois rivers to the
same destination came these streams of humanity bearing with them not only the
professional representatives of recent college experience, but gathering in their
currents medical men from all sources enroute ; one from here and another from
there, no two from the same locality or with the same antecedents, traditions or
training: men of refinement and education, of orthodox principles, and those of
irregular and sectarian mould of predisposition. Men imbued with the ])rofes-
sional, social and political instincts of the slave states and the south, with those of
northern sentiments and sympathies ; all to be collected in a small human whirl-
pool on the shore of Peoria lake. Because, when these travelers, worn and
weary from their long journey caught sight of the beauties of the Illinois valley
from the tops of the Tazewell county hills, or from the decks of the up-bound
steam-boats, they cared to go no farther, and prepared at once to call the place
home. Many, of course, finding the field preempted, or for other reasons unsatis-
factory, made the town of Peoria itself but a rendezvous from which to secure
needed supplies and seek locations further interior, where hamlets were spring-
ing up in all directions, each expectant and ambitious to become the metropolis
of the region. In that state of affairs may be read the answer to the oft repeated
inquiry as to why the profession of Peoria and vicinity acquired so commanding
an influence in the early medical as well as other councils of the state. Concentra-
tion of cultivated intelligence within a com])aratively small area, held the secret.

From the admixture of professional materials and forces just alluded to it is
not difficult to surmise that some strenuous experiences were in sight. It will be
profitable as well as entertaining, therefore, to learn yet more of the dominant

350 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

personalities involved, since character in physical and mental resource can alone
come to the rescue in predetermining the nature and quality of results in any
professional calling. To that end then, it may be said that the first representative
of this younger contingent of medical aspirants for fame and fortune was Joseph
C. Frye, from the University of Virginia and Ohio Aledical College, who arrived
within the same years as his immediate predecessor. A man of impressive,
scholarly feature and quiet dignity as well as politeness of manner, he was not
long in winning the confidences he sought in the community, building up a large
and lucrative practice as a physician rather than a surgeon. In fact he may be
justlv said to have had a specialty, as specialties were counted in those days, in
that his mind dealt mostly with the philosophy of medical therapeutics ; or the
application of drugs to the cure of disease. An extensive and intensive reader,
as well as deep thinker and observer in the line indicated, he was considered
throughout central Illinois as an authority into the adjustment of such agencies to
the desired end. He loved the study of the intimate, vital relation of external
and internal forces within the economy, and was an expert in such divination.
Dr. Frye was one of the original members of the Peoria and State Medical Socie-
ties, and represented the professional sentiment of central Illinois in the organiza-
tion of the American JNIedical Association at Philadelphia in 1847, in association
with Drs. Brainard, Davis and one or two others from Chicago. A very con-
stant attendant at the meetings of the few gathered now and again in the interest
of a local society, Dr. Frye's very interesting report from the national gathering,
including its adopted code of medical ethics, had much to do with arousing the
necessary enthusiasm to make the scheme an accomplished fact in the following
year. Dr. Frye had attained the age of full four score years when he finally
passed away, leaving the impression of a systematically conducted and well-
balanced life.

In the trail thus rebroken, as it were, by Drs. Rouse and Frye, quickly fol-
lowed a sufficient number of others to make a score or more of those who as a
matter of record constituted the essential personal elements of professional life
in what has been designated the pioneer stage of Peoria county's medical develop-
ment. In uncertain order of sequence came the other members of this notable
group. Whence Edward Dickinson came the writer has been unable to learn,
but that appears to be a matter of small moment in comparison with his position
as the preeminently beloved physician of Peoria county. A man of splendid
physique and intellectual attainments along both general and technical lines, wise,
of a judicial temperament, courteous and dispassionate as well as compassionate,
he was one whom everybody not only respected but loved. He was a man who
endeared himself to his patients as a parent to a child, and was equally adored
by his professional brethren for his gentlemanly, kind and helpful disposition.
It might almost go without saying, therefore, that he was a successful practitioner,
but an indilTerent business man, He entered into both the joys and sorrows of
those with whom he became associated, and was everybody's friend. And when
he died a most remarkable thing occurred. On the day of his funeral his remains
were escorted by his comrades of the medical profession in solemn procession
to the church where the last sad rites were said, and then, in the presence of a
congregation overflowing accommodations, with windows and doors open, prac-
tically every medical man in the city knelt about the casket, and in the silence
almost of death in unison reverently intoned the Lord's prayer. And afterwards,
as the funeral cortege passed on its way to the tomb residents along the street
stood in the open door-ways of their homes with bared and bowed heads in
response to the common sentiment of sorrow. No such tribute before or since
has ever been so universally paid to a member of that profession which Dr. Dick-
inson graced with his personality. And when the formerly exclusive medical
club of the city was formed it was christened "The Dickinson Medical Club."
The living and lasting contribution of Dr. Dickinson to the professional life of
his locality and time must therefore be accounted his inspiring influence toward
that nobility, grandeur and self-sacrifice characteristic of the ideal physician.

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 351

Francis McNeil was one of those characters which, though once numerous
are now rarely if ever seen in this country. Only in the mission fields of foreign
lands is his like probably to be found. He was what nowadays is called a medi-
cal missionary, a representative of the Methodist church, combining the functions
of theology and medicine. He preached on Sundays and practiced medicine the
remaining days of the week. He was a regularly educated physician, possessed
of the instincts of that calling, and if he was as efficient in his clerical relations
as he was in his medical, his church could have had no reason to find fault with
him. He was one of the original members of the Peoria City Medical Society,
and was chosen by that body as one of those to represent its membership at the
organization of the Illinois State Association in 1850. He possessed the faculty
of expressing himself eloquently and logically, and was a valued exponent of the
progressive professional energies of the time. Dr. McNeil was highly esteemed
by his medical associates, and remained in Peoria for several years, finally remov-
ing to some point in Iowa, to which the exigencies of his gospel calling probably
led him, but from which it is said he later returned to some point in northern
Illinois where he died, rather early in life. Dr. McNeil's name will ever be
recalled from the records of both the above named medical societies as a sincere
and impressive expounder of the faith in both of his chosen professions, and as a
genial, companionable gentleman.

But there are other factors necessary in the composition of medical men whose
paths lie in differing lines of service. Such was exemplified in the life and work
of Elwood Andrew. He seemed to have been especially built for the require-
ments of a widely extended country practice under pioneering conditions. He
was big, strong, blufl^' and hearty, and enjoyed a splendid reputation through-
out a large extent of territory. He feared nothing and nobody and impressed
upon his clientele respect for both his opinions and requirements. Like his
comrade in arms, Dr. Clark Rankin, his popularity rested more upon his hopeful,
inspiring personality than upon any superiority in a purely medical sense, though
the latter was a diligent and earnest student, active in organization affairs and a
surgeon in the I'nion army.

As exemplifying another phase of local professional personality, one of the
most impressive characters in the pioneer life of Peoria was John Murphy, an
early comer, an Irishman of substantial lineage in the old country, a graduate
of Edinborough University, a scholarly man of fine all around professional
attainments, naturally of a fiery, passionate disposition, yet tender-hearted and
generous with all. He attracted immediate attention through his singular stateli-
ness of bearing and polite gravity of manner. By the members of his profession
he was often jocularly referred to as "my lord Murphy." Thaf appellation, how-
ever, did not fully expound the doctor's character, since with his friends he
was condescending, affable and democratic enough, a good story-teller, and alto-
gether a very companionable man. \'ery sensitive and easily perturbed by
criticism or injustice, his display of temper was sometimes alarming and at others
amusing since some of his best friends would now and again take advantage of
his disposition for purposes of tantalization. No one recognized or deplored that
unfortunate feature of his make-up more than the doctor himself. And yet with
it all he managed to gain the highest respect and confidence of a large following
and was a successful medical practitioner and surgeon. He seemed to under-
stand human nature thoroughly, and could apparently read the composition of a
man almost at first sight. He was a remarkably good disciplinarian of his
patients, and in that way could secure results where others failed. He was always
indulgent toward beginners in the profession who sought his advice. Dr.
Murphy was one of the organizers of the City Medical Society, and was its
secretary for a long time, his heavy, verbose style of composition being found
on many a page of the society's early transactions. On the occasion of the
celebration of the last named's semi-centennial anniversary in T<SqS the portrait
of Dr. Murphy, as the only survivor of the original membership, was selected

352 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

to adorn the cover of menu and program at the banquet. To the very last Dr.
Murphy rarely wrote a prescription, preferring the old method of self-dispensing.
As a matter of fact Dr. Murphy all his life clung to the ])rinciple, as a business
proposition, that details in the practice of mediciiie were entirely matters of
individual experience and adjustment, and could never be satisfactorily com-
municated to another. In other words, that every man's faculty in that line was
inscrutibly and e.xclusively his own.

Unlike Dr. Murphy in nearly every respect was John D. Arnold, who was
one of the earliest professional compatriots. A tall, slender man. Dr. Arnold
suffered throughout his adult life from what would now probably be termed
latent tuberculosis. Nervous and yet self-contained, Dr. Arnold conducted him-
self cooly, calmly and deliberately under all circumstances, was a successful
general practitioner, cordial, persuasive and sincere. His tastes, however, ran
more to general political affairs than to the intricacies of medical science, and
his methods in professional affairs were those of the practical politician. He was
active in the cause of the republican party, being a candidate for election to the
state senate. His failure to attain his ambition in that direction was compensated
for by his appointment at the hands of his friend. President Lincoln, to the con-
sulship at St. Petersburg, Russia, during the trying period of the Civil war; a
position he was shortly compelled to relinquish on account of rapidly failing
liealth under the rigors of the northern climate. Upon his return home he con-
tmued to grow steadily more feeble, and finally died from the continuous inroads
of his old enemy, tuberculosis.

Dr. William R. Hamilton and his brother John L. came from Ohio to the town
of Morton, in Tazewell county, if the writer is not misinformed, but within a
short time removed to Peoria, which they made their final home. The former
did not continue at the practice of medicine very many years, his tastes and capa-
bilities leading him into other enterprises. He was the builder and first presi-
dent of the Peoria and Rock Island railway, now a branch of the C. R. I. and P.,
and spent the remainder of his life in connection with general business rather
than professional affairs, and lived to reach the unusual age of over ninety-one
years. He was a man of intellectual, staid and quiet habit, whose honesty and '
integrity were never questioned. John L. Hamilton, however, remained in the
active practice of medicine until within a few months of his death which occurred

in . He was one of the most competent surgeons as well as medical practi- |

tioners the city of Peoria contained. He was a quiet, serious man, a deep thinker,
never boastful, nor in any way over-stepping the finest traditions of his profes-
sion. Perfectlv sincere and honest in all his professional and other relations, he
had an extensive practice amongst the most discerning, and seemingly could
attend to more work than any other man, because, although he never hurried,
neither did he waste time. In many of his surgical exploits he was quite original,
and remarkably successful. He did the first successful abdominal section ever
performed by a Peorian. He it was who led in the project of the Cottage (now
Proctor) Hospital, and remained on its lioard of directors as long as he lived.
Dr. Hamilton was a serious-minded, valualile friend. No man was more willing
or quick to acknowledge merit wherever found, and none more ready to encourage
it in the ranks of his profession. He was one of the early members of the local
and State Medical Societies, and always a valued counselor in their deliberations.
When he died the profession and cit}- lost one of their most talented, worthy and
honorable representatives.

Probably the most active, progressive, original and enterprising member
of the Peoria county profession during this first stage in its development was
Elias Cooper. From what section he came the writer does not know, but he
was full of energ)'. He is said to have been the first man west of Pennsylvania
to use chloroform as an anesthetic, and that feat was accomplished in the doc-
tor's own private Orthopodic Hospital, the first hospital ever erected in Peoria.
While such use of the agent mentioned was made for the first time anywhere

SIIADV ]\\-:m II. I'KlilMA XAKUdWS

I'KoniA LAKE KIKLM SK^ S( UA I'KK

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 353

iu 1846, only one year later Dr. Cooper was utilizing it, and at the meeting of
the State Society two years later reported his experience with it in some seventy
cases. For his assumed recklessness in that direction he was criticised hy the
local medical society membership, but his practical argument was too convincing
to be long ignored, and his position was soon vindicated. In the long room
constituting the third floor of the present Central National liank building, cor-
ner of Main and Adams streets," Dr. Cooper had his anatomical and dissecting
laboratory, in which, along one w-hole side were arranged a row of human
skeletons ranging from adult to infant size, h'or want of professional, he
employed non-professional assistants in his experimental work, and was roundly
censured for so doing by resolution passed in the City Medical Society, em-
i)od\ing the admonitory conviction that no self-respecting professional man
would associate with him. But Dr. Cooper was as independent and courageous
as he was progressive and enterprising, and paid no heed. When the Civil
war broke out he enlisted and served in the capacity of regimental surgeon,
and when finally he left the army he removed to San Francisco, California,
where he became the most famous surgeon on the Pacific coast, accumulating a
fortune which he left to his nephew, the late Professor Lane, who, in memory
of his uncle founded the institution known as "Cooper Medical College," now
the medical department of the University of San Francisco.

But Peoria's quota of the professionally eminent in her formative period
was not full. Another surgeon of accomplishment and note was already on
hand to take up the sceptre of the master, in the person of J. T. Stewart, a
graduate of Knox College and Pennsylvania University. A man of intellectual
dignity, culture and scientific taste, Dr. Stewart is yet remembered by many as
a i)otanist of distinction, for many years President of the Peoria Scientific
Association, and surgeon of the Civil war, in which he was wounded in a way
maiming him for life, and yet he maintained for a score of vears a reputation
as tjie leading surgeon of the section of country tributary to Peoria. Scholarly,
somewhat eccentric but always affable and polite, he possessed a host of friends.
.\s a member of the state and local medical societies he was a valued contribu-
tor and constant attendant, and there were no more sincere mourners at his
bier than the members of the profession he loved and honored.

Another member of the pioneer grou]) that formed the City Medical Society
was E. M. Colburn, a talented physician and affable, courtly gentleman, respected
and honored by every one who knew him, and known for his scholarly and
scientific attainments. He was the guiding spirit and for a number of years
the President of the once famous Peoria Scientific Association, and a citizen
in all respects to be proud of. Honorable and sincere in every thought and act
of his life, he typified the old idea of the physician as counselor and friend.
Regularly educated in medicine, his scientific sense revolted at the then pre-
vailing habit of heavy and nauseous drugging, and he -adopted a modified
form of Homeopathic medication. Too honorable to even seem to be intruding
upon the sensibilities of those who differed from him, he voluntarilv .severed
his connection with his wilsome comrades and followed his own ideals. He
lived to a really green old age loved and respected by his one-time associates
in regular medicine, as well as by the hundreds who had looked to him for relief
during the long period of his sojourn among them.

John N. Niglas was one of the pioneer group, of foreign training, to enter
the northern army upon the breaking out of the Civil war, where he served
with that patriotic distinction which characterized the allegiance of so many
foreign born citizens to their ado]:)ted countrv. He reengaged in general practice
immediately upon the expiration of his enlistment, and as health officer a few
years later gained a wide reputation for efficiency in handling epidemics, espec-
ially through the use of antiseptics and segregation of the afflicted.

Robert Roskoten, physician and ripe scholar, master of four languages, in-
volved in the revolutionary movement in his native land, after incarceration in
Vol, 1—23

354 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

prison from which he escaped through connivance of compatriots, fled first to
Spain and from thence to the United States, coming finally to Peoria where his
splendid scientific and literary attainments, as well as thorough medical training,
made him a most substantial addition to the high-bred class of medical men
already assembled within so narrow a sphere. When the Civil war broke out
none was more prompt in tendering his services to the cause of his adopted
land than was Dr. Roskoten. Well trained in the military as well as profes-
sional field he made a most valuable acquisition, and was at once appointed to
a high position in the service, that of brigade surgeon, where he remained until
mustered out with honor and credit to himself as well as the department in
which he had labored. Returning to Peoria upon the close of the conflict. Dr.
Roskoten resumed the practice he had for the time relinquished. A man of
high education and cultivated tastes, he became the centre of a distinguished
group of local German and American literateurs, and favored them later with
a child of his brain in the form of a drama, based upon the sad experience
of Maxamilian and his beloved Carlotta in Mexico, an experience followed
closely by Dr. Roskoten from its inception to its close, as one of the incidents
closely bordering on the interests of his native land. A man of noble qualities
and manner. Dr. Roskoten was a favorite with the elite of his profession and
societv generally, and left a strong impress upon local professional ideals.

Dr. Peter Bartlett, an able physician, and previously secretary of the Xew
Hampshire State Medical Society was a hopeful addition to the forces now
being chronicled, coming to Peoria in 1834, but he sickened and died within a
year or two after allying himself with the local professional organization. Dr.
A. B. Chambers was another well-bred member of the profession arriving just
prior to the close of the pioneer period. He was a very active and efficient
member of the City Medical Society, at one time serving as its presiding officer,
but soon removed to Warsaw, Kentucky. Drs. Cross, H. H. Waite, McConnell
and Willis Sperry were likewise capable men, in so far as the records show,
but all left in a short time for other points tmknown to the writer, excepting
Dr. Cross, who is said to have returned to \'ermont, whence he came. Dr.
]\Ioses Tvoyer, a graduate of the Ohio Medical College, came in 1840, remaining
in Peoria the rest of his life.

In connection with this list, as one name standing in almost as unique a
relationship to its end as did that of Dr. Langworthy at its beginning, is that
of Robert Boal, long designated the "grand old man" of the Illinois profession ;
one of the organizers of our State Society, of which he was later made Presi-
dent ; formerly demonstrator of anatomy in the Ohio Medical College, four
times elected to membership in the state legislature, friend and political adviser
of President Lincoln, and lacking only eighteen months of rounding out a
centurv of life. Of him it may truthfully be said that he was a man amongst
men, a leader of his time, one against whom no word of reproach was ever
heard ; of a genial, sunny disposition, broad and liberal minded, even tempered,
sensitive as a woman, filled with the proverbial milk of human kindness, re-
spected and loved by all. Coming to the West in 1834, Dr. Boal located at
Lacon.

After twenty-five years of active practice there he removed to Peoria where
the exigencies of the recruiting service preparatory to the Civil war called for
his presence as recently appointed examining surgeon. From that day he con-
tinued to reside and practice in Peoria, until his retirement from active work,
when he returned to Lacon to spend his remaining days with his daughter. Mrs.
Col. Fort. Although a non-resident at that time. Dr. Boal had been a member of j
the Peoria Medical Society almost from its birth, and an especially active, con-
stant, and influential attendant. In keeping, therefore with the general planl
in this connection of allowing those who can to speak for themselves, the fol-
lowing estimate of his colleagues, tendered by Dr. Boal at the celebration of |
the Peoria Society's semi-centennial anniversary, when he was in his ninety-

TUSTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 355

second year, is worthy of reproduction both as an illustration of his mental
virility, and as an historic resume : "The pioneer doctors who were in this
part of the state in the forties were Dr. Perkins of Tremont, Drs. Wilson and
Wood, Sr., of Washington, Dr. Harris of Groveland, all of Tazewell county,
Drs. \\'hitmire and Zeller of Woodford county, Drs. Thompson, Thomas, John
and Charles Baker of Marshall county. Of these only four are now (i8c}8)
living, Dr. Charles Baker of Henry, Drs. Thompson and Thomas of Lacon,
and myself; and strange to say, all are residents of Marshall county. In this
city of Peoria, Drs. Rouse, Dickinson, Frye, Andrew, Arnold, McNeil, Cooper
and Murphy, with one exception have all gone, Dr. Murphy being the sole
survivor. In the little dingy office of Dr. Frye, with its hard pine floors, its
three or four stuffed wooden chairs, the men I have named met and organized
the Society whose semi-centennial we commemorate tonight. Dr. Dickinson,
who presided, was a man of great nobility of character, of commanding presence,
a high sense of honor and purity of life, a popular and successful physician.
Dr. Rouse was (if I am correctly informed) the second doctor to come to
Peoria. In some things he was peculiar and in others eccentric. He was at
times curt and abrupt, generally genial and cordial, and with a keen sense of
humor. During his last illness, which was chronic and lasted for many months,
lie designed a monument for himself and family. He watched with interest its
construction and erection and rode out to Springdale cemetery every few days
when the weather permitted to note its progress. He often expressed his fears
that he would not hvc to see its completion, as he wished to see how it looked
before he died.

Dr. Frye had an extensive and lucrative practice, he was an omniverous
reader of literary and medical books, possessed a remarkably and retentive mem-
ory, and was an entertaining conversationalist. Like others he had a hobby.
It was the most implicit confidence in the curative power of medicine. Dr.
Andrew was of imposing presence, muscular as a prize fighter, careless in busi-
ness, seldom or never sending a bill to his patrons. If he needed money he
would ask for it from the first' patron met, and he always got it. With Dr.
McNeil I was only slightly acquainted. He was a minister of the CSospel as
well as a doctor. ]\Iy relations with Dr. Arnold were more of a political than
professional character. He was a candidate for the state senate and I for the
house. We traversed together the three counties comprising the district, so that
I knew him better as a man than physician. He was appointed consul to St.
Petersburg, but served only a short time as the climate was too rigorous. A
few years after his return he died of tuberculosis. I would be recreant to a
. friendship of forty years with Dr. John D. Zeller, of Spring Bay, did I not
stop to pay a tribute to his memory. He lived in a hamlet that had scarcely
risen to the dignity of a village. His ability and acquirements would have
secured for him more congenial surroundings had he desired, l)Ut he did not.
He was not only doctor in the community in which he lived, but their counselor
and friend. They loved him while living and mourned for him when dead.

"For the third of a century I have known Dr. Murphy. Through all these
years I have had intimate social and professional relations with him. Our
friendship has run throughout all these years, like the current of peaceful
rivers, unvexed by a wave of anger, undisturbed by a rijiple of ill will. For his
sorrow and bereavement I have sincere sympathy. * * * Do you wonder that
for this old-time friend, polished gentleman, fine scholar, accomplished physi-
cian and sole survivor of the founders of this Society, borne down with weight
of years and sorrow, that I feel the most profound sympathy ? For those
pioneers who have 'crossed the river' and have solved the mysterious and per-
plexing problem of human destiny I have tender memories."

In Peoria county, outside the town, the only physician located prior to 1850,
of which the writer can find any evidence were, first, Asahel Wilmot, a grad-
uate of the medical branch of the State University, Herkimer county, N. Y.,

356 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

in 1832 who emigrated to Peoria in 1843, locating first at Ilallock where he
spent four years, and finally at Chillicothe where he remained the rest of his
life. He seems to have been a man of considerable abiUly, and enjoyed an
extensive practice throughout the northern part of the county. The second
was J. H. Wilkinson an Englishman who was an alumnus of Louisville Medical
College, and came from Ohio to Kickapoo Town in 1848 in association with
the English colony about Jubilee College, remaining in practice there for up-
wards of thirty years, finally retiring to the city where he died sometime in
the late eighties. The third was R. F. Henry, of Princeville, one of the earliest
members and most constant attendants of the State Society.

The foregoing brief characterizations of all those practitioners in Peoria
county who made any pretense to a fundamental medical education prior to
1850, represent the medical dramatis pcrsonae, so to speak; the jsersonal and pro-
fessional forces which assembled during the first of three well-defined stages in
the progress of medical affair in Peoria county, largely dominated the second as
well, and triumphantly foreshadowed the operations of the third. This is not too
much to say, when it is remembered that all there is of the county's history might
have been spanned by many a single human life-time. The members of this
group, then, stand alone in the over-shadowing importance of their individuality,
in that the progress of the first period covering it, was dependent entirely upon
individual, isolated etTort, separate and apart from any suggestion of that com-
munity of professional endeavor which has characterized all the intervening years
down to the present moment.

The story of the experience of these professional forefathers and their legiti-
mate successors therefore falls with differing lines of activity into the three
curiously well-marked and approximately equal periods alluded to, of about
thirty years each. The first nominally began in 1818 with the admission of
Illinois to the Union, ending about 1848 with her retirement as the Nation's
frontier commonwealth coincident with the introduction of chloroform as an
anesthetic and the formation at Peoria of the first City Medical Society in the
state. The second, commencing under such inspiring auspices terminated in 1878
with state supervision of medical education and licensure, and the epoch-making
acceptance of the doctrine of bacterial influence in disease. And the third,
opening under the demands of the new revelation, closed in the latter years
of the new century's decade with complete establishment of those principles,
methods and measures of asepsis and immunity which have revolutionized the
practice of medicine, surgery and sanitation, and won for the devotees of those
arts a prestige, position and power hitherto unaccorded in the annals of pulilic
recognition.

But it is with the relation of the Peoria profession to the first of these, as
the opening stage in progressive development, we have particularly to deal
at the present moment. With the arrival of the first few members of this nota-
ble contingent began the series of activities associated with the adjustment
and regulation of professional relation. At first characterized by independent
individual endeavor, it gradually grew to the dimensions of detail preparatory
to final disciplined, collective effort ; but not without much pain and travail.
These men, conscious of their own individual ability, jealous of their j^rofes-
sional rights and dignity, firmly fixed in their opinions, some representing the
brilliant but fiery sons of the South, others the calmer but none the less stub-
born product of the North ; and yet others tainted with the rebellious spirit
of Europe's oppressed, mixed with irregular, unauthorized characters indigenous
to the then middle west ; independent, self-reliant and aggressive, it may not
be wondered that there was more or less strife, contention and discord. Such
a state of professional feeling, which today might seem unworthy and childish,
was not at all uncommon for that period. At a much later one, in fact, the
writer can well remember many personal encounters. Such forms of disagree-
ment were the result of jealousy, hot-headed criticism and misunderstanding.

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 357

mostly the latter, since fraternization was not a special characteristic of the days
when medical men were both nominally and really competitors, and as such
had their material problems to solve, as well as those of a technical nature.
Competition was keen. At this distance from the scene of action we are often
disposed to think that philanthropy was the dominating feature of our me<lical
ancestors. But while those of self-sacriticing zeal were plentiful, and show
well in song and story, they were fully alive to material needs, and the struggle
for existence was just as lively then as now. In a modification of the language
used elsewhere by the writer "the period was fraught with illogical, discon-
nected assumption in the science of Medicine, and the Art had not yet shed
its swaddling clothes of uncertainty and superstition to the extent that exists
today. Blind science and empirical art went hand in hand. Also the same need
existed then as exists now for some means of making one's self conspicuous
in the public eye. And therein, as one of the original pioneer professional
brethren used to tell the writer, the horde of irregulars, by whom the lack of
legal supervision in the old days permitted the regularly educated physicians to
be surrounded, had a great advantage. They always had something to talk
about, and were continually expatiating on the merits of their particular 'school'
and its sjaecial doctrine. While the orthodox physicians of that time continued
tn grope in the darkness of uncertainty for some really scientific key to the
mystery of a successful therapeutics, these self-satisfied thinkers and expo-
nents of Nature came forward with numerous theories as ])racticable substitutes
for the real thing. Whether it was the so-called eclectic, physio-medic or botanic,
it mattered not. The essential feature seemed to be that symptoms are the
infallible language of distressed nature, and when accurately read and properly
interpreted, as only they were able to do, were a sure guide to both pathology
dud treatment. While that was the central thought of what might properly be
called the indigenous therapeutic philosophy of the time, there was considerable
diversity of opinion among the followers of the main doctrine respecting the
relati\'e utility of reputed measures. In that fact lay the reason for the great
variety of sects. Every clique of these sectarian advocates had its therapeutic
specialty, which in their hands and with their ingenuity had as much puhlicity-
\alue as any specialty of the present day. The members of the regular profes-
sion, while at constant variance amongst themselves, were in the main loyal
to their sense of personal dignity and the traditionary principles of ethics.
Nevertheless, in a country and among a people in general having no respect
for such refinements of sentiment, they were placed at a great disadvantage.
Surrounded and pervaded by low professional influences they found themselves
burdened with a great task. To protect both themselves and the public from
the inroads, likewise, of a growing class of charlatans, the outgrowth of pre-
vailing professional libertinism, was a proposition of no mean order, esjiecially
where no governmental interference was exerted to control the educational
qualifications or even take any cognizance of the public welfare. It was with
reference to this state of things that the proposition was broached to make
some effort at control. Appeal to the state under existing conditions was prac-
tically useless. Only some local educational influence or social restriction seemed
to ofTer any prospect of relief. It could not suffice to say that superior educa-
tional ([ualifications were in and of themselves a sufficient protection, because as
a matter of fact they were not, and never have been when pitted against design-
ing fraud.

But superior intellect has, after all, a habit of gaining its end in one way or
another. In this strife for supremacy attention of personal elements gradually
was wearing away the rough edges of dispositions, and tolerance began to take
the place of arrogant vanity. The policy of ignoring the sectarian professional
jiarasites had proven a failure, while contempt and scorn had met like defeat,
a'i they ahvavs will in such cases by serving to arouse the jiopular antipathy
through claims of persecution. An unusual degree of approachment had been

358 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

steadily, if slowly, manifesting itself amongst even the most violent tempers, and
a similar degree of strategic condescension manifested itself. Informal meetings
were held to consider the situation. At the suggestion, finally, of some wise
heads it was concluded to adopt a pacific policy toward at least the chief and most
influential exponents of these specific doctrines, and gradually, through that per-
suasive influence which is always generated and cultivated by honest and frank
association, lure them to surrender something of the aggressively sectarian in
their habits, and join the regular brethren in an efYort for professional protection
and uplift. In other words, the old idea of exclusiveness in professional asso-
ciation on the part of the regular bred doctors was to be minimized and an era of
cooperation among all fair-minded and respectable members of the profession
attempted. This proposition of conciliation between the warring professional
representatives at that early day was naturally a long time in maturing, because
of opposition to any fraternization with men of such varied professional hue as
those with whom the regular faculty would thus be brought. However, by dint
of perseverance on the part of the farsighted few who could see in the consumma-
tion of such a movement a partial solution, at least, of the difficulties under which
the profession were laboring, consent of a number was secured and the scheme
was quietly launched. Thus did that group of resourceful professional pro-
genitors of ours anticipate by' some sixty years the action taken by the general
profession within the last decade. Conferences were held in which matters per-
taining to the welfare of both the profession and the public were discussed, and
to which were invited those honest adherents of irregular medicine who really
believed what they preached and practiced, and yet were open-minded enough
to listen, and had self-respect enough to indulge in no blatent pretensions. The
idea seemed to meet with favor. Conferences thus inaugurated spread through-
out the county, and even up to as late a date as forty years ago were popular.
Just after the close of the Civil war a County IMedical Society distinct from that
of the city was inaugurated on those lines under the leadership of the late Dr.
George L. Corcoran of Brimfield, and technical subjects discussed, with the vim
and ardor and honesty which usually characterize the proceedings of small as-
semblages, together with the various sectarian doctrines and methods then in
vogue. Any man of any particular faith within convenient distance was given
not only a generous, but hearty welcome, and his expositions listened to with that
interest and respectful consideration exhibited by those who are seeking the truth
from whatever 'source it be derived, and who consider every honest human ex-
perience a legitimate field for serious investigation, particularly at a time when,
as then, every one was searching earnestly for some tangible clue to rational
therapeutics.

In Peoria a surprising liberality of sentiment and practical harmony were
gradually developed. Half a dozen or more of the most prominent practitioners
of sectarian persuasion, especially homeopathists and eclectics, and others with
similar leanings, were of the number who finally established a sort of circle of
defense and ofifense, and thereby accomplished an immense amount of good for
themselves and the general public, by curbing, through personal and collective
influence, the arrogance and pretense of the baser sort. It was to that act, and
the circumstances associated with it that Charles Ballance in his history of 1870
referred when he wrote: "The laws of Illinois do not prescribe who may and who
shall not practice medicine. To remedy this evil, certain physicians of Peoria,
on the fifteenth of .^pril, 1848, formed themselves into a medical society, which
has been kept up to this day. Those who went into that arrangement were
Rudolphus Rouse, Joseph C. Frye, Edward Dickinson, Elwood Andrew, John
Alurphy, John D. Arnold, F. McNeil. William R. Hamilton, E. Cooper, j. T.
Stewart, E. M. Colburn, John L. Hamilton, H. H. Waite, John N. Niglas, VVillis
Sperry, James McConnell, Clark D. Rankin, A. B. Chambers, Robert Roskoten.
But there were, at that time, a number of men who relied upon the practice of
medicine for a support, whose names are not contained in the above list. That

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 359

was probably Iiecause they could not produce a diploma from some medical school
of their qualifications, or it may have been because they had adopted doctrines,
or fallen into practices, that were deemed unprofessional."

It was in relation to the same conditions and circumstances preceding the or-
ganization of the City Society that our own Dr. Rouse had the following to
say in one of his addresses : "To the meniliers of this Society it is sufficient to
say that its objects are stated in the constitution. For others I may add, that by
such association or fellowship the legitimate and honorable members of a great
and noble profession, which, more than any other, links together art and science,
philosophy and philanthropy, are better known and aided by each other ; while
by those not of the profession they are more easily distinguished from the multi-
tude of false pretenders, of every grade and description, who, in the absence of
all legal distinction or restraint, depending on the credulity and weakness of
human nature, become as numerous as the frogs and other pests of Egypt, and
invest and infest every place and corner of our country and community. Socie-
ties like ours have long existed in all the older states of the I'nion, and have been
of great advantage to both the profession and the general community ; but in our
good state of Illinois, where there is no legal protection of either, and where the
medical profession is perfectly outlawed, the necessity and utility of such asso-
ciation and organization is exceedingly obvious."

It may be said here, in a supplementary way, that the ensuing period was
really the pioneer one for most of the settlements in the interior aside from the
three or four already mentioned. Dr. George L. Corcoran, in so far as the writer
knows, was the first physician to locate in P.rimfield ; Dr. W. M. Swisher in Elm-
wood, having the distinction of erecting the first house there; Dr. Joseph F.
Thomas in Northampton, from whence he enlisted for service in the Civil war
as Captain of Company C. Eighty-sixth Illinois Infantry, as Major in 1864,
wouncled and returned home when he reentered upon the practice of his profes-
sion at Chillicothe, subsequently president of the Marshall County Medical So-
ciety, and a member of the Peoria and state organizations ; and W. H. Wilmot
of Lawn Ridge in 1858, who continued in practice there for over twenty years,
finally removing to California wdnere he subsequently died.

With the nominal acceptance of the community-of-interest idea the process
of adjustment under constitutional regulation was yet slow. Men accustomed
to freedom in professional thought and action were averse to accommodating
themselves to the full requirements of the changed situation. The records of
the Society exhibit many resolutions of censure, reprimand, expulsion and re-
admission. It was one thing to inaugurate such a movement, but quite another
to maintain it. The increasing number of sectarian new-comers, mountelianks
and charlatans increased the gravity of the situation, and the second stage in
Peoria countv's medical development seemed doomed to disaster. Contention
against the sophistries of irrational dogma continued, however. The inspiration
of the forefathers had not been in vain. Notwithstanding the intervening period
of the Civil war, and depletion of the local ranks to furnish much of its best blood
for relief of suffering at the front, the enemy of rational medicine was held at bay
until 1878, when the close of the second stage witnessed the establishment of
restrictive legislation as to practitioners of medicine, and the dawn of the an-
tiseptic and antitoxic era dissipated sectarianism like dew before the morning
sun, nothing of value remaining but the name, llefore that was comsummated,
however, the call to arms for the Civil war had taken something like a dozen of
the ablest and truest friends of medical organization and its progressive influence.
Amongst those who obeyed the summons were Drs. Rankin. Cooper, Roskoten,
Stewart, Lucas, Niglas, Herrell, Guth, and Thomas of Chillicothe. For more
than ten years after the return of these veterans the fight against the enemies of
liberal science continued until indubitable proof came to the relief of its defenders
and settled the question of a multiple standard of medical education once and
fur all. whatever names or means sinister motives might adopt for personal
aggrandizement.

360 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

During this second period the roster of the city society and other records
show the addition of some fifty practitioners, whose names it would be agree-
able to announce, and whose services in the profession it would be a pleasure
to consider, did space permit. Suffice it to say, however, that from the first year
of organized dispensation individualism lost much of its prestige, and progress
was steady along the lines of technical improvement followed by progressive men
the country over, each adding his mite to the sum total of accumulating knowl-
edge, and to the institution of means and measures of public as well as profes-
sional advantage. Locally, sanitary conditions were improved. A Marine, and
later a city hospital, was established. A charter for a medical school was ob-
tained, but several attempts to use it were frustrated by the wise counsel of those
far-sighted enough to see that the prospective facilities were not such as to argue
the success of the venture.

In 1876 the Sisters of St. Frances were induced to establish a hospital of their
order, which was located on South Adams street just below Chestnut, and sub-
sequently removed to its present commanding position on the East Bluff. The
inception of the antiseptic regime and its relation to surgery, however, which
began the third stage in the county's medical development, found the authorities
of that institution unprepared to accept what then appeared to be simply a fad.
The result was the founding of the Cottage (now Proctor) hospital, under the
leadership of ihe late Dr. J. L. Hamilton, associated with Drs. Thomas M. Mc-
Ilvaine and O. B. Will, first as a private institution, subsequently passing into the
hands of a stock company composed of physicians and interested citizens, and
made a public home for the sick. In 189S The Deaconess' Sisterhood of the
Methodist church also opened a hospital under the auspices of that denomination,
which met with immediate success, and now all three of the enterprises described
are well equipped for the requirements of modern medicine and surgery in every
respect.

This third period was characterized in its opening by gradual relmquishment
of aggressive activity on the part of those physicians who had borne the burden
of the pioneer and intermediate periods, and to whom the new innovations were
but the possible realization of a dream. They had done their part of the work.
And yet the old spirit remained dominant, and in several instances won laurels in
the face of unaccustomed demands, as instanced in Dr. Stewart's first vaginal hys-
terectomy, and Dr. J. L. Hamilton's first successful ovariotomy.

In these past thirty-five years, however, many changes have taken place m
the nature of professional activity as well as its personnel, in Peoria county.
The organized cooperation which sixty years ago was an innovation has become
a fixed, indispensable policy. The principle of sectarianism then prevailing has
been replaced bv the near taste of denominationalism. The public recognition
of scientific revelations has drawn the fangs of absolute quackery, and sanitary
evolution opened the eyes of all who care to see. The local medical profession
have continued in the' fore-front of every progressive maneuver. Almost the
first in the state, as the literature will substantiate, to practically grasp the signif-
icance of antisepsis and immunity in relation to their art, they have continued
in representative fashion to reap its benefits, and have followed their profes-
sional forefathers in merging the idea of competition into that of cooperation
through organization. The celebration of their local society's semi-centennial
aniversary in iBqS called from others a notable commendation of allegiance to
traditional principle in that direction, and the writer cannot better close this
brief historical resume than by quoting a paragraph or two from the address of
Professor Daniel Brower of Chicago, on that occasion, as follows:

"The great city of Chicago was at one time an insignificant village in the
county of Peoria; although a full three days' journey the county judge of Peoria
dispensed justice in that city by the lake, and the inspiration that has rnade it
the marvel of the age was doubtless in part drawn from here. It was eminently
fitting that this citv should be the pioneer in medical organizations. Rudolphus

V-

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 861

Rouse, Joseph C. Frye, John Murphy, E. S. Cooper, I. D. Arnold, F. McNeil
and their associates who founded and who developed this society whose semi-
centennial we celebrate tonight, are entitled to our fullest homage; they builded
better than they knew.

"The great organizer, not satisfied with establishing the I'eoria Medical So-
ciety, proceeded almost innnediately to the organization of a State Medical
Society. This org;anization was completed at Springfield, June 4, 1850. Dr.
Rouse was the chairman and Drs. McXeil, Cooper and Murphv were the earnest
and active agents in its accomplishment. It was not done in Peoria, but by
Peoria, and the honor of the semi-centennial of the state society be-
longs to Peoria, and here its ceremonies should be held. The state society that
had its origin in the cerebral activity of Peorians was pushed along its grand
work of organizing, elevating and unifying the profession by the same strong
influence.

"This society was organized at the very beginning of the anaesthetic age. Sir
James Y. Simpson first used chloroform, as an anaesthetic in 1847, in Kdinburgh,
and ether was only ijrought to the attention of the profession for the same pur-
pose the year before, and yet notw-ithstanding there were no railroads nor tele-
graphs to Peoria in those days, no weekly medical journal, your Dr. E. S. Cooper
read a very interesting and exhaustive paper before the State Medical Society at
its first meeting on 'The effect of chloroform as an anaesthetic agent in seventy-
nine surgical operations.' Is that enterprise and progressiveness surpassed today?

"The Rouses, Fryes, Coopers, etc., of '48' have worthy successors in the
doctors at this festive board tonight — worthy sons of noble sires, carrying on
with success the great work of keeping Peoria in the front rank of medical
progress ; and may we express the hope that when they go hence their succes-
sors may be equally self-sacrificing and earnestly devoted to the pursuit of knowl-
edge, and equally conscientious in the practice of this, the noblest of professions.
And then we can in imagination look into the distant future and see fifty years
hence a festival more glorious than this, at which the noble deeds of the men
and women who are here tonight will rise as a savory incense before the altar
of a noble science."

OSTEOPATHY IN PEORIA

The first iieard of osteopathy in Peoria was in the fall of 1895 through
Charles Hazzard. of this city. Dr. Hazzard had taken a post-graduate course
in Northwestern University at Evanston. with a view of studying for the medical
profession. After spending some time at the university he went to W'oods Hole.
Massachusetts, where he took a summer course in biology under the celebrated
neurologist. Dr. Ira von Giesen, at Bellevue Hospital, New York City, after
which he returned to the Northwestern University for further studies before
entering the medical college. About this time Dr. Harrv M. Still, a son of the
founder of the science of osteopathy, had taken an office in Chicago, with resi-
dence and house practice in Evanston. There Mr. Hazzard noted the patients
coming to and from Dr. Still's residence, and marking the improvement in the-
various cases, he sought and became acquainted with Dr. Still. After a thorough
investigation and by the advice of a ])rominent physician of Chicago, he entered
the .\merican School of Osteopathy, at Kirksville, Missouri, January i, i8q6,
and afterwards taught in that institution about five years, opening and conducting
the first course in histology, using the techni(|ue acquired through the teaching
of Dr. von Giesen. In the interim Dr. Hazzard practiced in Detroit one year and
then returned to the school. Having taken a special course in dissection in
Chicago, he finally became chief of clinics in the .American .School of Osteopathv.
In June, 1903, Dr. Hazzard severed his connection with the school, and in con-

362 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

nection with Dr. Harry M. Still opened an office in New York city. Later he
bought the interests in the practice of Dr. Still and is continuing in the profes-
sion at the metropolis.

Physicians of the school of osteopathy who have practiced in Peoria are the
following:

Dr. Logan H. Taylor, a graduate of the Kirksville school in 1897. Through
the solicitations of William M. Lyons he took up his residence in Peoria in June
of the year just given. Dr. Lyons was a native of St. Louis, Missouri, where
he was educated in the private schools. He also attended the Military Academy
at West Chester, Pennsylvania, after which he spent two years at the Missouri
State University and two years in the Missouri State Medical School. His prac-
tice in Peoria was successful and at times he was associated with Drs. Canada
Wendell and G. R. Boyer. Dr. Taylor died September 6, 1906, at the age of
forty-two.

Dr. Canada Wendell was born on a farm near New Holland, Illinois, April 27,
1868. His education was received in the common schools and in Lincoln Uni-
versity, at Lincoln, Illinois. Leaving the university, he spent one year at Central
Normal School at Danville, Illinois, and another year at the Northern Indiana
Normal School at Valparaiso. He taught school a year and for six and a half
years engaged in the mercantile business. In February, 1898, Mr. Wendell
entered Kirksville School of Osteopathy and graduated therefrom in 1900. Pre-
vious to this, in the summer of 1899, he was in Peoria as an assistant to Dr.
L. H. Taylor. After his graduation he returned to Peoria and entered into
partnership with Dr. Taylor, which association continued under the firm name
of Taylor & Wendell until November 7, 1901. At the time last mentioned Dr.
Wendell formed a partnership with Dr. E. G. Magill, which coimection still
continues.

Dr. E. G. Magill is a native of central Ohio and received his primary educa-
tion in the public schools. He taught school a few terms and then came to
Illinois and entered the state normal, where he remained some little time and
then took up a course of study in Wesleyan University, at Bloomington. He
was a teacher in the schools for fifteen years. He graduated from the American
School of Osteopathy in 1901 and in December of that year became associated
in practice with Dr. Canada Wendell. At the present time the firm of Wendell
& Alagill is still in existence.

Mrs. R. AI. Magill, daughter of a physician of the old school, laid a founda-
tion for the profession of teaching in the common and state normal schools.
She taught for twenty-two years, and with her husljand she went to the Amer-
ican School of Osteopathy in Kirksville and graduated therefrom in June, 1907.
She then located with her husband in Peoria and became the assistant of the
firm of which he was a member. Mrs. Magill died in 191 2.

Dr. Edgar O. Thawley was born in Delaware. He was educated in the public
schools and had a private tutor in Latin, physics, etc. He graduated from the
Kirksville school in June, 1902, and in the same year he took a special course in
anatomy and dissection. In December of that year Dr. Thawley arrived in
Peoria and began the practice of his profession. Later he took a summer course
in pathology and bacteriology in the American College at Chicago. In 1912
Dr. Thawley was elected president of the Illinois State Osteopathy Association.

Dr. G. R. Boyer is a native of Kentucky and was educated in Central College
of that state, having graduated therefrom with honors in 1895. In 1901 he
entered the American School of Osteopathy at Kirksville and graduated in June,
1902. He then located in Peoria and entered into practice with Dr. Taylor, with
whom he was associated for some time. Dr. Boyer has been active in securing
state and national recognition in the science and was the delegate from Illinois
to the legislative council in 1912. His wife entered Kirksville school with her
husband and graduated at the same time. She has not practiced in this city,
however.

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 363

H. J. Faulkin was born in Logan county, Jllinois. in 1875. He secured his
education in the district schools, entered the American School of Osteopathy in
1899 and graduated in 1901. He commenced practice the same year at Pekin
and remained there until Alay, 1907, when he located at Peoria.

M. J. Grieves was born at Lacon, Illinois. He received his schooling in his
native place and entered the Kirksville College in 1905, from which he gradu-
ated in June, 1909. He came direct to Peoria and engaged in practice.

CHAPTER XXV

THE BENCH AND BAR FIRST COURTS, JUDGES AND LAWYERS — AN INDIAN TRIED

FOR MURDER — SKETCHES OF SOME OF PEORIA's FAMOUS ADVOCATES ^THE LATE

JUDGE m'cULLOCH's RECOLLECTIONS DESCRIPTION OF LINCOLN-DOUGLAS DE-
BATE COLONEL ROBERT G. INGERSOLL PEORIA BAR ASSOCIATION.

A ])leasing and interesting sketch was written in 1899 l)y the late Judge David
AlcCulloch and i)ubhshed in "The Bench and Bar of lUinois," in which he gave
his recollections and impressions of the early courts of i'eoria county, the emi-
nent men who sat upon the bench in these courts and the pioneer lawyers and
their successors, many of whom attained prominence and distinction, not only
in their chosen profession but also in places of political eminence secured by the
votes and influence of admiring friends and adherents. From a residence of
over a half century in Peoria and a membership of the I'eoria bar almost as
long, Judge i\IcCulloch"s acquaintance with the courts of this district and the
lawyers practicing therein, coupled with his ability to judge character, accuracy
of expression, and facile pen, he was splendidly equipped to write lucidly and
with certainty upon the early history of the bench and bar of Peoria county.
I ly permission, his article as published is here reproduced :

Peoria comity was organized under an act of the legislature of January 13,
1825, with its present boundaries, to which were added for county purposes all
that tract of country north of town 20 and west of the third principal meridian,
formerly a part of Sangamon county, and all that tract of land north of Peorui
county and of the Illinois and Kankakee rivers. The territory so attached em-
braced a large portion of the north part of the state, including what is now
the city of Chicago. Cook county was not organized until 1831. It is of in-
terest to note that, as shown by the early records of Peoria county, licenses in
those times were granted by its county authorities to certain persons to maintain
ferries over the Chicago river at Fort Dearborn and the "Callimink" (Calumet),
at the head of I.ake Michigan, as well as to keep a tavern at Chicago, and that,
although Chicago had its own justices of the peace, yet persons desiring to be
married there were obliged to come to Peoria for their marriage licenses.

The first term of the circuit court commenced the 14th day of November,
1825, with John York Sawyer, judge; John Dillon, clerk; and Samuel Fulton,
sheriff. The court was held in a log building, fourteen feet square, that stood
on the bank of the river. It had only one window and its loft was low — in
fact it was a genuine log cabin. It also served for religious meetings on the
Sabbath. The basement was reached through an opening or door on the river
side and was sometimes used as a jail, sometimes as a stable. A better jail,
built of three thicknesses of logs, with a log floor covered with oak plank well
s]5iked, was subse(|uently erected and continued to be the county prison for
many years.

The following testimony of .some of the earliest settlers will throw much
light upon the administration of justice in those early days. John Hamlin, writ-
ing in 1844, savs : "In the year 1826 I lived three miles from Mackinaw, on the

365

366 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

Peoria and Springfield road, in what is now Tazewell county, but then attached
to Peoria ; and, being twenty-one years of age that year, I was summoned on the
grand jury. There were not enough adults then in Peoria county proper to form
the grand and petit juries, and hence they were summoned from the attached por-
tion. All the grand juries but two were from the east side of the Illinois river,
and were chiefly my neighbors. We took our provisions and bedding, the latter
being a blanket or quilt for each. It was also the practice in those days to take
along a flagon of liquor, and the custom was not omitted on this occasion. In
truth, so faithfully was the flagon put under requisition that but two of our
number were sober when we appeared in court to receive the judge's charge,
judge Sawyer was the presiding judge, James Turney the prosecuting attorney,
and Messrs. Cavalry, Pugh, Bogardus and Turney the entire bar.

"There were only about eight bills of indictment found by the grand jury —
one of these against an Indian named Xomaque, for murder. He had been
tried the fall before, but, obtaining a new trial, he was indicted again this term.

"The court house was a log building on the bank of the river, in which the
jurors slept on their blankets on the floor. There was a tavern kept by Mr.
Bogardus. but it was not large enough to furnish sleeping accommodations for
them. The grand jury room was a lumber cabin, in which Bogardus kept sad-
dles and other cattle fixings."

Xomaque, the Indian mentioned in the above extract, had been tried at tlie
first term of the court held by Judge Sawyer, at which time he was convicted
for the nuirder of a Frenchman and sentenced to be hanged ; William Hamilton,
a son of the celebrated Alexander Hamilton, being counsel for the defense, and
James Turney, attorney general, for the prosecution. The case had been carried
to the supreme court and the judgment reversed. It is reported in Beecher's
Breese, with copious notes by the author. .\t the time of his second indictment,
there being no secure jail, the sheriff kept him under guard at a private house,
when an attempt was made at his rescue by some drunken Indians, but without
success. He was afterward allowed to quit the country and is reported to have
united liis fortunes with lUack Hawk, and to have lost his life in the battle of
Stillman's Run. It has been hinted that "the flagon" cut quite a figure in his
first trial.

In the same year (1844) Isaac Underbill wrote as follows: "I first landed
on the shore of Peoria lake on Christmas day, 1833. and took lodging with our
worthy townsman, A. O. Garrett, who then kept the 'Peoria Hotel,' in a small
two-story wooden building at the corner of Main and Washington streets. The
only building west of the hotel at that time was a barn, a short distance up
Main street. The entire town consisted of but seven frame houses and a few
log tenements. The dav following I left in the steamboat 'Peoria' for the south.
In a few months I returned again to Peoria. During my absence preparations
had been made for building, and before the first of September about forty houses
and stores were erected.

"ludge Young was the presiding judge at that time and held the circuit court
in a "small building, fourteen feet square, on the river bank. The grand jury sat
under the shade of a crabapple tree, and the petit jury deliberated in an old
French cellar, partially filled up. and surrounded with a growth of rank weeds
and grass. The venerable Isaac Waters was clerk of the court. His office and
dwelling were in a small log cabin, where now (1844) stand the plow works
of Tobey & Anderson. The old gentleman used to carry the seal of the court in
his pocket, and on one occasion, by mistake, offered it to the postmaster in pay-
ment of postage.

"The only practicing members of the bar that resided here at that time were
the Hon. Lewis Bigelow and Charles Ballance. The former was an eminent
jurist and profound scholar. I was informed that he wrote a digest of the laws
of Massachusetts, a valuable work of upward of eight hundred pages, with one
quill. He died here in 1838. William Frisby. a member of the bar of much

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 367

promise, arrived liere in 1834. By his indefatigable studies he was fast reach-
ing the topmost round of the ladder of his profession, when he died, in 1842,
lamented by a large circle of friends and acquaintances."

Judge Samuel D. Lockwood succeeded Judge Sawyer, and in 1829, Judge
Lockwood was succeeded by Judge Richard M. Young, who remained on the
bench until the close of the year i8'34. Charles Ballance, who is mentioned in
one of the foregoing extracts, was a prominent attorney at law who had settled
in Peoria as early as 1831. In the latter part of his life he wrote a history of
Peoria, from which some of the following facts are gleaned.

Judge Young's circuit extended from below Quincy to Chicago, including the
present cities of Quincy, Rock Island, Galena, Ottawa and Chicago, and em-
braced all the intermediate territory. In May, 1833, he made his appearance in
the village of Peoria and announced that he was on his way to Chicago to hold
court. He had traveled about one hundred and thirty miles from Ouincv, where
he lived, and had to travel, as the trail then ran, not less than one hundred and
seventy miles farther, to hold his first court on his circuit. He traveled all the
way on horseback.

After Judge Young's time, and before the accession of the Hon. Onslow
Peters, the circuit of Peoria county was presided over by the following named
judges, in addition to those already mentioned : Thomas Ford, Sidney Pjreese.
Stei)hen T. Logan, Daniel Stone, John D. Caton. T. Lyle Dickey and William
Kellogg, each one of whom occupies a prominent place in the history of his times
and needs not any extended notice here. It is a matter of historv, however,
that Thomas Ford died in poverty, at the house of his intimate friend, Andrew
< iray, an early settler of Peoria. The grand jury was then in session, with
Anclrew Gray as foreman. That body passed a series of resolutions paying
tribute to the memory of Governor Ford, from which the following extract is
taken :

"While state's attorney in our sparsely settled country he discharged his
duties faithfully and successfully; as a judge he was impartial, laborious and just;
as a man and citizen, one of the noblest works of God. He was nurtured in our
state while in its infancy : he grew with its growth and strengthened with its
strength. He won his way from a fatherless boy to eminence and fame and ha?
left a bright examjile to those behind him, that virtue, industry and tidelity
insure success and will be crowned with triumph."

My acquaintance with the Peoria bar began on the second Alonday in May,
1853, that being the day on which Onslow Peters assumed the duties of circuit
judge of the newly formed sixteenth circuit, consisting of the counties of Peoria
and Stark. For some years prior to that time Peoria and Stark counties had
constituted a part of the tenth circuit, composed of the counties of Fulton, Peoria,
Stark, Henry, Rock Island, Mercer, Knox and Warren. The formation of the
sixteenth circuit, composed of only two counties, one of them hc'ut^ very small
and bavins: but little business, so localized our courts that from that time forward
circuit riding in this vicinity ceased to be one of the occupations of the pro-
fession.

At that time as nearly as I can remember, the Peoria bar consisted of the fol-
lowing named leading attorneys and firms : Norman H. Purple and Ezra G
Sanger, Lincoln 15. Knowlton, Elihu N. Powell and William F. Bryan, Halsey
O. and Amos L. Merriman. Jonathan K. Cooper, Charles Ballance, Henry Grove
and .Alexander McCoy, Elbridge G. Johnson and C^eorge S. P>lakesley, John T
Lindsay and Henry Lander. Henry S. Austin and Charles C. Bonnev.

Thomas Ford, Lewis Bigelow, John L. Bogardus. William Frisby and \\ il-
liam L. May had been prominent at the bar, but they had pas,sed away. Lincoln
B. Knowlton, Halsey O. Merriman and Ezra G. Sanger soon joined the ranks
of the dead. Before coming to Peoria, Bigelow had been a member of con-
gress from Massachusetts, but he is better known to the profession as the com-
piler of Bigelow's Digest of the Massachusetts reports. Frisby was his son-in-

368 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

law, a brilliant young lawyer, whose life was cut short in early manhood. John
L. Bogardus was more prominent as a business man and dealer in lands than
as an attorney.

Before coming to Peoria, William L. May had served one term in the legis-
lature and two terms in congress. He also was more of a busines man than an
attorney, and possibly his most enduring monument is the Peoria wagon-road
bridge, for the building of which he obtained a charter from the legislature.
The building of this bridge, which was the first one erected over the navigalile
portion of the Illinois river, was the occasion of a most important decision of our
supreme court, in the case of the Illinois River Packet Company versus the
Peoria Bridge Association, reported in 38 Illinois Reports, page 467.

Lincoln B. Knowlton was a man of great ability. He had been a member of
the constitutional convention which framed the constitution of 1848. I remem-
ber him as a stalwart man, above medium height, broad-shouldered and raw-
boned. He was then in the last stages of consumption. With a shaggy over-
coat thrown loosely over his shoulders, he walked down the middle aisle of the
court house with great dignity, and took his seat in a hair-cloth rocker which had
been provided especially for his use. He died within a month of that time.
The following tribute was paid to his memory by the Peoria bar on the occasion
of his death: "Resolved, That we pay but a just tribute of respect to the deceased
when we declare that his character as a faithful, eloquent and successful advocate
in our courts, as a man in whom were united the fidelity and honorable conduct
of a good lawyer, as well as the most expanded liberality, kindness and generosity
of man, commands our most unfeigned respect ; that the poor, oppressed and un-
protected have occasion long to rememljer and to appreciate his generous efforts,
gratuitous labor and professional exertions, so often and so faithfully put forth
in their behalf, they having ever found in him the poor man's and the widow's
advocate and friend."

Lincoln Brown Knowlton was born in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, in 1804,
his paternal ancestors having come to America from Knowlton Manor, in Kent,
England, in 1642. Lieutenant Daniel Knowlton and Colonel Thomas Knowlton.
famed in the early Indian wars and the Revolution, were lineal ancestors.
Nathaniel Lyan was his own cousin, tlirough a Knowlton mother. The three
Knowlton brothers settled in Ipswich, ^Massachusetts. Lincoln B. Knowlton was
very gifted in an intellectual way, and at an early age was sent to LInion College,
at Schenectady, New York, whose president was then the famous educator.
Eliphalet Nott, D. D., LL. D. After graduating at Union College, Mr. Knowl-
ton studied law with the governor of Massachusetts, "Honest John Davis," as
he was called. Mr. Knowlton came to Peoria at a very early period in its his-
tory and was one of the most brilliant and prominent lawyers of his dav, being
known as the Henry Clay of the Illinois bar. He loved his profession, refusing
a judgeshi]5 and being practically pushed into politics. He was nominated for
congress the year he died (August. 1854), and knowing that he could not live to
fill the office, asked the privilege of naming his successor, James Knox, who was
elected. He was sent as a delegate to the last whig convention, which met at
Baltimore, and nominated his idol, Henry Clay, for the presidency The last
speech ever delivered by Mr. Knowlton, when he was almost too weak to stand,
and the glory of his rich, magnetic voice had gone, was in advocacy of the
election of Clay to the presidency. He was an intimate friend of Abraham
Lincoln, David Davis, Stephen A. Douglas and other eminent men who lent
dignity to the early bar of Illinois.

I have no recollection of ever having seen Halsey O. Merriman. He was a
very popular lawyer and had been attorney for the town of Peoria when it
obtained its charter as a city, which was largely the work of his hands.

Ezra G. Sanger was a young man of talent and considerable prominence.
He had Ijeen a member of the legislature in 1848, and one of the presidential
electors in 1852. With Judge Purple as a partner, he was fast attaining to an

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LETTER FROM I'KORIAN CITIZENS TO ABRAHAM LINCOLN

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 369

eminent position al the bar, when the dreaded consumiUion also claimed him
as a victim.

The old court house had, in 1836, been replaced b}- a two-story brick one,
with a cupola and a portico ornamented with four round sandstone colunms.
It was considered an elegant building for the times, and continued to be the
seat of justice for about forty years. Here also many political battles were
fought, for it was the only public hall in town and for years all political
conventions and political meetings were held in it. Its walls on many occasions
resounded with the eloquence of such men as Abraham Lincoln, Stephen A.
Douglas, Owen Lovejoy, Wendell Phillips, Joshua R. Giddings, Josiah Quincy,
Jr., and other men of note.

An incident of the times, which strongly impressed itself upon my memory,
was the great debate between Lincoln and Douglas on October 16, 1854. The cir-
cumstances which brought these two political giants together at that time I did
not know, but in some way an arrangement was made that Senator Douglas
was to have three hours for his opening sjieech, Mr. Lincoln was to have the
same time for reply, and Douglas was to have one hour to close the debate.
I was then a young man, and not much inclined to political life, but having been
brought up a democrat, I was disposed to side with Senator Douglas. I lis-
t"ened with much interest to his speech in defense of the repeal of the "Missouri
Comproinise," but was not altogether satisfied with it. When he had closed.
Mr. Lincoln arose and spoke about as follows: "My Fellow Citizens: I would
like to make a bargain with you. Judge Douglas has occupied all the time
allotted to him for his opening speech. It is now late in the afternoon, and if I
be.gin mv speech now, I will not be able to finish it until the time you will want
to go to your suppers, and, as I would not like to have my speech cut in two, I
would suggest that we adjourn this meeting now and come together again
jiromptly at seven o'clock. 1 can then finish my speech by ten, and Judge
Douglas can finish his by eleven, which is not an unusually late hour at this
season of the year. What do you say?" Immediately a cheer went up from
his friends all over the vast audience, accompanied by throwing of hats in the
air, and other demonstrations of approval. So the meeting was adjourned until
seven o'clock, which gave Mr. Lincoln the advantage of a much larger night
audience, and an opportunity of arranging his thoughts beforehand. When
the evening came Mr. Lincoln proceeded with his speech, during the progress
of wh.ich he drove Mr. Douglas into some very close quarters. When the latter
arose to replv, he manifested strong symptoms of anger, and continued to speak
in that strain until the close of his hour. This debate took place on a small
platform, erected on the portico at the south corner of the court house, and the
speakers and officers of the meeting came upon it through a window, in one of the
offices. It is said upon good authority that Mr. Lincoln expected to again debate
with .Senator Douglas on the following day in an adjoining county, but upon
the solicitations of the latter, on the ground that his was a controversy with a
wing of his own parly and not with tlie ojiposing party, Mr. Lincoln decided to
return home.

I never saw Mr. Lincoln afterward, except on one occasion when he was in
attendance at the circuit court of Woodford county, then being held in a yet
smaller court house in the town of ^letamora. Judge David Davis, clad in a gray
and apparently homespun suit, with heavy-soled boots on his fe.et. one leg thrown
over the low desk in front of him, his steel-gray hair cropped short, was presid-
ing. Mr. Lincoln sat among the lawyers, with his chair thrown back and his
hands clasped behind his head. I was struck with the largeness of all his features,
especially his ears, which seemed out of all proportion. No one would have
suspected then that either of these two men would ever attain to the world-
wide rejnitation to which they afterward succeeded. It may be mentioned in
this connection that this little town of IMetamora, now abandoned as a county
seat, was the place where Adlai Stevenson, late vice president of the United

370 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

States, commenced practice as a youthful attorney, and the place where Simeon
P. Shope, an eminent justice of our supreme court, spent his boyhood days.
Here also, at court times, were accustomed to assemble many other distinguished
attorneys from neighboring counties, amongst whom may be mentioned the late
Asahel Gridley, Lawrence Weldon, now of the court of claims at Washington,
and Robert E. Williams, of Bloomington ; lienjamin S. Prettynian and Samuel
W. Fuller, of Pekin ; T. Lyle Dickey, of Ottawa; Samuel L. Richmond, John
Burns, Thomas M. Shaw and George Barnes, of Lacon ; Henry Grove, Henry
B. Hopkins, E. C. and R. G. Ingersoll and Sabin D. Puterbaugh, of Peoria.

Although the old court house at Peoria had on many occasions been made
to resound with the eloquence of the distinguished statesmen already named, yet
their eloquence did not by any means eclipse that of some of our home talent.
I well remember a murder case tried in the early days of Judge Peter's incumb-
ency, in which Elbridge G. Johnson and Judge Norman H. Purple were counsel
for the prosecution, and Judge William Kellogg and Julius Manning for the
defense. This was indeed a battle of the giants. In all my experience at the
bar I have never heard, in any one case, four addresses to the jury of such
uniform eloquence and power as those presented on this occasion.

Mr. Johnson was a native of New Hampshire, but afterward located in the
state of \'ermont, where he read law with the distinguished Judge Redfield, and
was there admitted to the bar at the early age of twenty years. He practiced his
profession in the state of \'ermont until the year 1850, when he located in Peoria
and there continued in active practice until the time of his death, January 26,
1885. It has been truthfully said of Mr. Johnson that he did not attain to that
distinction to which his eminent talent entitled him. He was extremely sensitive,
so much so as to almost revolt at the idea of putting himself forward as a candi-
date for any public position. I had occasion at one time to be a witness of his
great diffidence, when attending the supreme court at Ottawa. As is well known
to those who attended that court, the chairs in the great court room, for some
inexplicable reason, were arranged about its outer walls, so that every attorney
who wished to address the court was obliged, as it were, to run the gauntlet of
the entire bar in attendance. Mr. Johnson had a motion to present, but was
scarcely able to summon courage necessary for the occasion, remarking at the
time that he would as lief stand up to be shot at as to go forward to present his
motion.

The following points in his character are taken from an able address delivered
by his former partner, Hon. H. B. Hopkins, on the occasion of his death : "He
was a man of dignified and imposing personal appearance, with nature's emphatic
stamp of superioritv. He was all his life under the dominion of strong powers,
both mentally and physically. His intellect belonged to the type of the colossal.

* * * Although he did not attain all that distinction which his early life seemed
to indicate, in the judgment of his contemporaries, yet he always had in himself
all the qualities of greatness and power which justified that promise, and he
needed only the occasion and sufficient force of impulse to have quite realized it.

* * * Upright and honest, he had no patience with tricks or duplicity. His
opinions upon social, moral, religious, political and personal topics were most
independent. * * * Behind the shelter of an external inditiference was a
nature so sensitive and delicate tliat almost everything either hurt him or consoled
him. A bundle of nerves, a tissue of sensibilities, a battery of forces, pain and
pleasure were the ever vibrating tides of his emotions. * * * In the early
part of Mr. Johnson's residence here he held the office of state's attorney for
one term, and later served one term in the state legislature, as a member of the
house of representatives, and soon after the enactment by congress of the old
bankrupt law he was appointed register in bankruptcy for this congressional
district, and held the office until the law was repealed. He discharged the duties
of these various offices with unquestionable ability and faithfulness."

William Kellogg had been a member of the lower house of the state legisla-

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 371

ture. after whicli he was elected judge of the tenth circuit, which then included
i'eoria and Stark counties. This office he held witii distinction from February,
1850. to Xoveniber, 1852. After leaving the bench he resigned the practice of
law until 1856, wlien he was elected to congress, and continued to be a member
of that l)ody until March 4, 1863, during which time he took a prominent part
in the legislation of that critical period of our country's history.

Judge Kellogg was a hue orator and displayed his eloquence with great power,
both at the bar and in the halls of legislation. In person he was of medium
height, somewhat inclined to corpulency, had a high forehead and was of fair
comi)lexion. His face was full and his voice clear and distinct, his gestures
graceful, and his whole manner that of a finished orator. After leaving congress
he came to Peoria to reside and remained in the practice of the law at this place
until tlie time of his death. His public career belongs rather to the state and
nation than to the local bar of Peoria.

Of Julius .Manning I cannot speak too highly. He was one of my preceptors,
and for the last year of his life it was my great privilege to be his partner. He
was a native of Canada, his birthplace having been near the Vermont line, and
he received his education at Middlebury College in that state, where he also
studied law. He came to Illinois in 1837 and at once took a leading position at
tlie bar, as well as in political matters. I'efore coming to Peoria he had for some
\ears lived and practiced law in Knox county, from which county he had been
elected to the lower house of the general assembly for two successive terms, and
in 1848 he was elected a member of the electoral college in the presidential
contest of that year. His practice had been extensive, covering several counties,
including Peoria. In the year 1854, soon after the death of Halsey O. Merri-
man, he came to Peoria and formed a partnership with Amos L. Merriman, which
firm continued until June, 1861, when Mr. ]\Ierriman was elected to the office of
circuit judge of the sixteenth circuit. It was at that time that I became a partner
of ^Ir. Manning. In the autumn of that year Mr. Manning and Judge Purple
were, by almost common consent, elected to represent the counties of Peoria and
.Stark in the constitutional convention. In January, 1862, he left the office to
attend that convention and remained at Springfield until the time of its adjourn-
ment. Upon his return home his health was very much impaired, and he deemed
a trip to Canada, where he had once lived, advisable for rest and recuperation ;
l)ut when his preparations had all been made, and while paying a visit to his old
home in Knoxville, he suddenly expired on July 4, 1862, at the early age of forty-
eight years.

In political faith Mr. Manning was a democrat, and although in the constitu-
tional convention, he went with his party in a course which seemed somewhat
(|uestionab!e. yet he was always loyal to the country. I well remember when the
rebellion first broke oiit and excited crowds were filling our streets it became
the earnest desire of many good citizens to know the standing of Julius Manning
on the all important questions then agitating the country. Accordingly, when
called u])on to address the multitude assembled in front of his office, he appeared
on the balcony and commenced something in this wise: "My Fellow Citizens: I
belong to the north, I was born in the north. I married my wife in the north, my
children were born in the north, my interests lie in the north, and in this fight
I am for the north." He then went on to show that when sections are at war with
each other, there can be no middle ground, but every man must be on one side or
on the other. As for himself, whatsoever others might do or be, he was for the
north. This speech produced a profound impression upon the community and
had much to do with placing many wavering democrats on the right side.

His forecasting of political events was shown by a remark made by him at the
time of Abraham Lincoln's first nomination. A few of us, mostly democrats,
were in his office awaiting the results of the balloting in Chicago. When the
news of Lincoln's nomination came, there was manifested a considerable degree
of merriment over the choice of the convention, which was checked by Mr.

372 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

Alanninj;. who said: "lioys, don't laugh; Abe Lincoln is the hardest man to beat
the republicans could have nominated." This was before the split in the demo-
cratic party. After that event occurred Mr. Manning threw his influence in
favor of Douglas, in the presidential campaign of that year.

Mr. Alanning was slightly above medium height, portly in person, erect in
carriage, dignified in appearance, fair in complexion and in the color of his
hair, his features heavy and prominent but pleasing in expression. He dressed
well, wore a silk hat and carried a gold-headed cane. His presence commanded
respect wdierever he appeared.

As an orator Julius Manning had few equals and no recognized superiors.
His voice was musical and clear as a bell, his enunciation was perfect, his ges-
tures elegant, his expression earnest and his whole manner most persuasive.
He was a student of rhetoric. Although his speeches seemed, to a listening
audience, to be entirely extemporaneous, yet on all important occasions, when
time was at his command, they were studiously prepared. Some of his skele-
tons, still extant, observe the rhetorical division of exordium, argument and
peroration, and the line of thought assigned to each was scrupulously followed
in delivery.

As a lawyer he was perhaps not so methodical nor so exact in the prepara-
tion of his cases as was Judge Purple, but in point of native talent and the in-
tuitive grasping of the principles of the law he was generally regarded as the
latter's superior. With the jury he was almost invincible and many a man
owed his life or his liberty to the eloquence of Julius Manning, when in less
able hands he might have been condemned to punishment.

The estimate in which he was held by his brethren of the profession is best
expressed by the resolutions adopted by the Peoria bar on the occasion of his
death, one of which reads as follows:

"Resolved, That in the death of i\lr. Manning the bar of this county and
state has lost one of its brightest ornaments, the state one of its most distin-
guished citizens, and society one of its noblest and worthiest members. En-
dowed by nature with a mind of the finest texture and of the most enlarged ca-
pacity, enriched and strengthened by cultivation, he grasped with remarkable
ease and clearness the whole science of law, and successfully applied it in
practice with a rare combination of eloquence and logic. He had thoroughly
mastered the elementary principles of his noble profession, and his mind was
a vast store house, in which memory had carefully garnered up and stored away
inexhaustible treasures of legal lore. He was thus always provided and ready
for any professional emergency, whether on the circuit or at home. He was
no less' conspicuous for his modesty. Always unconscious of his own merits
and preferring the quiet of home rather than the pleasures of the social circle,
he sedulously shunned the turmoil and eclat of public life. He entered the
political arena but seldom, and with reluctance, in obedience to the urgent and
unsolicited demands of his numerous friends. In his deportment, whether in
public life or in professional or social intercourse, he was always courteous.
No barbed shaft ever found place in his full quiver. His heart was as expansive
as his mind. Kindness exhaled from him as an atmosphere and shed its benefi-
cence upon all alike who came into his presence."

In religious matters, during most of his life, Julius Manning was a liberal
thinker. While entertaining a very high regard for the person, character and
teachings of Jesus Christ as a man, he could not yield his assent to what is
known as orthodox teaching; but in the last few months of his life he became a
thorough convert to the Evangelical faith and to all appearances was a devout
Christian.

Norman H. Purple's proper place in history is with the bar of the state
at large, rather than with the local bar at Peoria. But, having spent the best
years of his life with us, we claim him as one of our own. After retiring from
the supreme bench he removed to Peoria and resumed the practice of the law,

HISTORY OF PEORIA COL'NTY 373

wliicli soon became extensive and lucrative. The great contest in the Mihtary
I'ract between patent titles and tax titles was then at its height. By an act of
congress, in 1812, two million acres of land in Illinois, northwest of the Illinois
river, had been set apart for soldiers' bounties. These lands, having been
patented directly to the soldiers had become taxable, and many of them hail
been sold for taxes. These tax titles were the only ones upon which many of
the actual settlers held their farms. As lands became valuable the country was
scoured from Maine to Texas by speculators in lands, in search of the patentees
or their heirs. When they, or some other persons of like names, were found,
suits would be commenced in their names, or in those of their grantees, for the
jiossession. In many instances, when the occupant had bought up the apparent
patent title of one set of heirs, another, and possibly a third, set would turn u])
claiming the same land. Many of these suits were brought in the federal
courts, and many of them in the courts of the state. In this great controversy
manv of the members of the bar in the JMilitary Tract came to be recognized
as tiie leading land lawyers in the country. Among these may be mentioned
Archibald Williams. ( )rville H. Browning, Charles B. Lawrence, of Ouincy ;
Robert S. lUackwell. aiuhor of Blackwell on Tax Titles, of Macomb; Hezekiah
M. Wead, William Kellogg, William C. Goudy and S. Corning Judd, of Fulton
county; Joseph Knox, of Knox county; and Norman H. Purple, Julius Man-
ning. Onslow Peters, Flihu X. Powell, William F. Bryan and others of Peoria
county. In this contest the law relating to tax titles and the statutes of limita-
tion became practically settled for all time.

.\nothcr fruitful source of litigation in those days consisted of the l-"rench
claims in Peoria. During the War of 18 12 one Captain Craig, acting under
orders of the territorial governor, had come to the French village at Peoria
lake and, erroneously supposing the inhabitants to be acting in league with the
hostile Indians, burned their village and carried the inhabitants away to more
southern counties. To atone for this act of injustice congress, in 1823, had
granted to these settlers the lots on which they had resided, with their adjacent
outlots. The quarter section on which the county seat was afterward located,
and the tracts now known as Bigelow and Underbill's Addition and Ballance's
.Addition, were all patented subject to these rights of the French, but the claims
were not surveyed out for several years after the grant. Charles Ballance, the
attorney already mentioned, had become the owner of a large tract of land
upon which he had laid out an addition, besides being the owner of other lots
covered by the French claims. He, therefore, became champion of the parties
in possession, while one Robert Forsyth, of St. Louis, championed the cauSe
of the French, he being one of the heirs. The controversy hinged upon the
statute of limitation, and the points to be determined were: First. Did the
statutes run against these grants? Second. Were the defendants within the
provisions of any of those statutes? These questions being finally resolved in
favor of the occupants, this vexatious litigation which had lasted for twenty
vears came to an end. In these contests Judge I'urple and Julius Manning had
frequent occasion to measure intellectual swords with each other.

iudge Purple was a forcible rather than an elegant speaker. Unfortunately
he had somewhat of a nasal enunciation, which, with those not accustomed
to hear him, detracted not a little from the elegance of his diction. In appear-
ance he was tall, erect and dignified, in physique he was well proportioned, in
gesture not graceful, but the earnestness of his delivery made up for all the
other defects and gave his speeches great weight. In the use of sarcasm he
was cutting, and, when occasion demanded repartee, he was quick and pointed.

As a practitioner at the bar Judge Purple was exact as well as exacting.
He never presented a matter in court without due preparation. Keeping him-
self within the rules of the court, he expected the same of others. He wrote
a bold and very legible hand, and although his penmanship was not elegant, yet
his court papers were always prepared with scrupulous neatness. In 1857 Judge

374 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

Puriilc compiled and published an edition of all the laws of the state then in
force, and before that had puljlished a compilation of the reai-estate statutes,
which are known as Purple's Statutes and Purple's Real-Estate Statutes.

Hezekiah M. Wead was a member of the convention which framed the con-
stitution of 1848, and was the successor of 'William Kellogg as judge of the
tenth circuit. After retiring from the bench he came to Peoria and spent the
remaining years of his life in the practice of the law, during which time he
was associated at different times with ]\Iarion Williamson, Elihu N. Powell,
William Jack and Lawrence W. James. He was a talented lawyer, an able and
upright judge, a forcible speaker, a man of fine physical development and of
strong will power. His career in Peoria was a successful one.

His position upon the questions of the day is shown by tlie following extract
from a paper of the opposite party in politics, relative to an oration delivered
by him [uly 4, 1862: "It was one of the best and most appropriate addresses
of the kind we have ever listened to. * * * At the close the speaker alluded
to the war progressing for the integrity of our country and the supremacy of
the constitution under which we have made such glorious progress in all that
can make a people great and happy. He was not among those who looked
despondingly at the future, or had fears as to the result. 'The result,' said the
Judge, 'will be the total overthrow of treason and rebellion, and before another
Fourth of July dawns, the reestablishment of the national authority over every
foot of the soil of these United States.' "

Henrv Grove was a diamond in the rough. Born in Pennsylvania, he had
in earlv life been taken by his parents to the state of Ohio, where he spent
his youth and early manhood. Having there become accustomed to the hardy
life of the pioneer backwoodsman, he retained many of its characteristics dur-
ing life. In fact, he prided himself upon, and obtained much of his popularity
by, keeping closely in touch with the sons of toil. He was a man of most
decided native ability, but lacked that culture derived from early education,
which many of his associates possessed. On this account some of them were
inclined to deride him somewhat when he first came to the Peoria bar, but he
proved himself a fair match for the ablest of them, not so much by the force
of pure logic as by the force of that vast amount of wit, humor and ridicule
which he was able, as occasion required, to throw into his speeches. I remember
one occasion, when being hard pressed by his opposing counsel he found it
necessary to divert the attention of the jury from the case itself, by turning
upon his opponents. Making a terriffic assault upon them for their alleged
duplicity, and seizing the old worn Bible on the clerk's desk, quick as a flash
he turned to the proper passage, and, pointing alternately to the two opposing
counsel, read in the most sonorous voice he could command, "I say unto you
the publicans and harlots go into the kingdom of God before you !" The effect
was magical and brought the crimson to the faces of his opponents.

He was a man of about medium height and weight, had a heavy shock of
black hair, which showed but slight acquaintance with either comb or brush;
heavy eyebrows, small piercing eyes, prominent Roman nose, thin lips covering
firmly set teeth, protruding chin and full beard, less the mustache. His ill
fitting clothes seemed to be hung upon him without reference to appearance.
He wore low shoes, often down at the heels, and, if tied at all, they were tied
with leather shoestrings.

But with all these peculiarities Henry Grove was a man of power as well
in political life as at the bar. As might be supposed from his antecedents, he
had an utter contempt for the aggressions of the slave power, and early es-
poused the cause of the Anti-Nebraska party. He was elected to the legislature
in 1854, and recorded his votes with others of that political faith, and when
the tug of war came in i860 he was made a delegate to the national convention.
and had the honor of voting for Abraham Lincoln as a candidate for president
of the United States. He was loyal to the core, and although too old, as he

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 375

said, to go into tlie army, he was one of the most liberal supporters of those
who did go. At the time of his death the Peoria bar passed a series of resolu-
tions commemorative of his life and services, and upon presentation of the
same to the circuit court, William F. liryan gave the following sketch of his
character: "It is superfluous to say that Mr. Grove had traits of character
which made him peculiarly notable. Mis presence was always manifested by
some demonstrative act. With but a limited education he had a rare command
of the sturdy elements of his mother tongue. He was laboriously diligent in
the practice of his profession and was always energetic and aggressive in behalf
of his clients. * * * He loved the court room and the excitement incident
to its proceedings. His whole professional career has passed like a popular
panorama before the public eye. Better, therefore, perhaps than any of his
contemporaries, has he delineated his own character, and as it were so molded
and shaped it that like the statue of a sculptor it stands forth seen and recog-
nized by all men." Henry Grove died in the month of Alay, 1872.

Alexander McCoy was a native of Pennsylvania, was graduated at Wash-
ington College in the class of 1844, was admitted to the bar in Ohio about the
year 1850, after which he came to Peoria and formed a partnership with Henry
Grove, in 1851. In 1856 he was elected state's attorney for the sixteenth circuit,
for the term of four years, and was reelected to the same office in i860. The
duties of this office he discharged with signal faithfulness and ability. In 1861
he formed a partnership with Judge Purple, which continued until the latter's
death in 1863. In 1864 he was elected to the lower house of the legislature on
the republican ticket. His ability as a lawyer was at once recognized by his
being made chairman of the judiciary committee, which made him the leader
of the house.

When the thirteenth amendment to the constitution of the United States
was submitted to the legislature of Illinois for ratification and the same had
passed the senate, it was upon the motion of Alexander McCoy that the same
was at once ratified by the house, lly this prompt action of its legislature the
state of Illinois was the first to place the seal of immortality upon the brow of
her noblest son. by its ratification of this amendment, insuring perpetual free-
dom not only to the black men of the south, but to every human being wherever
our flag floats.

Upon the retirement of Judge Marion Williamson from the bench in 1867,
a partnership was formed between himself, Alexander McCoy, Lorin G. Pratt
and lohn S. Stevens, which continued until the death of Judge Williamson, the
vear" following. The business was then continued under the name of McCoy
& Stevens until 1870, when Mr. McCoy retired and took up his residence in the
city of Chicago. There he had at difl'erent times as partners, George F. Hard-
ing, Lorin Grant Pratt, C. B. McCoy and Charles E. Pope. About the year
1887 he retired from business and in January, 1889, removed to California,
where he died on February 10, 1893.

His late partner, Charles E. Pope, in writing to the surviving members of
his college class in 1894, pays him the following beautiful an<l truthful tribute:
"I can truthfully say tliat closely he approached my ideal of what the lawyer
and true man should' be. He was by nature and practice an honest man. This
characteristic, united with great knowledge of equity principles and practice,
made him a most excellent equity lawyer. His manner of presenting his case
m court impressed those who listened to him with the feeling that he thoroughly
believed in the justice of the cause he was advocating. His force of character,
his rugged common sense, his careful, conscientious preparation of his case, his
cool analvtical dissection of the facts and law, usually led to success. Mr.
McCoy's ability as a lawyer was well known to the public at large. His clients
were among the most prominent citizens here. As regards his character as a
man it is hard for me to speak in terms of moderation. His standing among
his professional brethren was unchallenged. He was trusted and respected by

376 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

all. Most genial, and gifted with a keen sense of humor, he was a most de-
lightful companion. Those who have known him cannot, I am sure, but have
been led thereby to a higher realization of what man can and ought to be."

Jonathan K. Cooper was one of the early members of the Peoria bar. He
was a native of Pennsylvania, grandson of Robert Cooper, a noted Presby-
terian divine and chaplain in the Revolutionary army. His father was John
Cooper, who for many years was principal of a classical academy at which the
son received his early education, and where he laid the foundation of that liter-
ary taste and that felicity in the use of pure English for which he was noted.
At the age of seventeen years he entered Jefferson College, an institution of
high grade, located at Cannonsburg, in western Pennsylvania, and was graduated
in 1835. He afterward pursued a course of study of the law in the law school
attached to Dickinson College, in Carlisle, where he came in contact with such
men as Justice Gibson, Thaddeus Stevens and other leading lawyers of the
state.

Upon the completion of his course he was admitted to the Carlisle bar, about
the year 1839, soon after which he came to Peoria. As a lawyer Mr. Cooper
was conscientious, painstaking and extremely careful of his clients' interests.
He was modest and retiring to a fault, generally underrating his own abilities,
while probably overrating the abilitiy of others. By cultivation he had become
accustomed to the use of the choicest language, which he never lost sight of
even in the heat of debate. He was a forcible, although not brilliant speaker,
but he fully made up for this apparent defect by the earnestness of his manner,
the force of his language and by the most admirable choice of words in which
he was accustomed to express his thoughts.

Mr. Cooper was uot ambitious for fame, nor was he ever an aspirant for
any office, but (juietly and industriously pursued the practice of his profession
as long as the state of his health would permit. He had a supreme contempt
for everything low or vile, and never would on any occasion countenace a sug-
gestion of vulgarity, either at the bar or in his intercourse with his fellow men.
He, as well as others, sometimes became the object of Air. Grove's ridicule,
but Mr. Cooper was able to cut back with a keen blade. On such occasions it
was a contest between the tomahawk of the son of the forest and the polished
steel of the knight errant. Yet, opposite as they were in character, they were
warm friends and each enjoyed the confidence and esteem of the other.

At the time of his death it was truthfully said of him by Hon. H. B. Hop-
kins, one of his associates at the bar: "For many years he enjoyed more of
personal regard and friendship, and the kindly expression of them, more of the
fove and trust of home friends, of professional associates and business patrons
than falls to the happy lot of many men of our times and locality. * * * It is
with regret, with grief and a tear that we contemplate the broken tie which
bound him to us, and place a fresh memory along with that of those who have
preceded him. * * * And in amiable qualities, in gentleness and sweetnes of
life and character he had few equals among the living or departed of our
generation."

About the year 1857 two brothers. Ebon Clark Ingersoll and Robert G. Inger-
soll, came from Gallatin county to Peoria. They were both immediately recog-
nized as talented young attorneys, and, both being democrats, they soon took
prominent positions in that party. The elder brother was then a representative
in the legislature from the fourth district, and after the death of Owen Love-
joy, in March, 1864, he was eleced as a republican to succeed the latter in
congress. .-Xfter the expiration of that term he was elected three times in
succession to represent the fifth district. Having failed in his reelection in
1870, on account of the breaking up of party lines, he retired to private life
in Washington city, where he continued to reside until the time of his death.
He was in congress at the time of the close of the war, and took an active
part in the proceedings of that body during the exciting time of the reconstruc-
tion of the Union.

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 377

Robert G. Ingersoll was regarded as an able lawyer, but was not so suc-
cessful in politics as his brother. In i860 he ran for congress as a democratic
candidate against judge William Kellogg, the republican candidate. In 1861
he went into the army as colonel of the Eleventh Regiment of Illinois Cavalry.
His experience in the army wrought a complete revolution in his political views,
and ever afterward he was an ardent republican. From February, 1867, to
January, 1869, he held the office of attorney general, by appointment of Governor
Oglesby.

In 1868 he was a candidate before the republican state convention for the
office of governor, but was defeated by the friends of General John M. Palmer,
who was subsequently elected. Some years after his brother had taken up his
residence in Washington city, Robert G. Ingersoll went there to reside, and the
two continued in business together vnitil the death of the former. The latter
subsei|uently went to New York city, where he achieved such a wide reputa-
tion that a full account of his career becomes impossible in these local notices.
Henry W. Wells is perhaps the senior member of the Peoria bar in active
practice. Having received his early education at Galesburg, Illinois, he entered
the National Law School ( then at Ballston, but afterward removed to I'ough-
keepsie. New York), where he graduated in 1853 and was admitted to the New
York bar. Returning to Illinois he continued his studies in the law office of
Messrs. Johnson and Blakesley, teaching school in the winter seasons, until the
year 1855, when he entered upon the practice of the law at Cambridge, Henry
county, Illinois, and very soon did an extensive business. In 1862 he enlisted in
the One Hundred and Twelfth Regiment of Illinois Infantry, as a private,
and was afterward promoted to the rank of major. He continued in the service
until the close of the war. In 1865 he returned to Peoria and resumed the prac-
tice of law. He was well known to the profession as the author of a valuable
treatise entitled Wells on Replevin, which is accepted as standard authority.
In i86g he was elected as a member of the constitutional convention and vbd
efficient service in the framing of our present constitution.

John T. Lindsay was at one time a member of considerable prominence of
our bar but is now a non-resident of our county. When I first became acquainted
with the bar of Peoria he was engaged in the practice of the law in company
with Henry Lander, formerly a partner of Julius Manning, in Kno.x county.
Mr. Lindsay continued the practice of the law for many years thereafter and
during that time had several partners. He served for one term as a member
of the house of representatives and one term in the state senate. While a
member of the senate, although he had been elected as a democrat, he voted
for the ratification of the thirteenth amendment to the constitution of the LT,iJte(l
States.

Charles C. Bonney properly belongs to Chicago, where his re])utation has
been achieved, yet it is true that he was admitted to the bar and for several
years practiced his ])rofession in Peoria. While here he took into his office as a
student a penniless Irish boy named William O'Brien, who afterward became
a man of considerable note at the bar, as well as in political life. He was
unfortunate in not having a good academical education, for he was a man of
natural abilities and force of character. As a successful criminal lawyer he had
few superiors in the state. He was a forcible speaker, impulsive in the argument
of his cases and seemed to carry his point by mere force, rather than by logical
argument.

He was an ardent democrat and adhered t(j the anti-war wing of his party
to the last. He was elected to the lower house of the legislature in 1862 and
took a prominent part in the action of that body which linally led to its ad-
journment by the proclamation of Governor Yates. He was a delegate to the
national democratic convention which nominated Horatio Seymour for president
in 1868, and in that same year was the candidate of his party for congressman
for the state at large against General John A. Logan, the successful candidate.

378 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

He subsecjuently removed to Chicago, where after some years of practice, with
varying success, he died.

In addition to those already named the following members of the Peoria
bar have been members of the legislature, namely : Senators, Mark M. Bassett,
one term; Andrew J. Bell, two terms; Lucien H. Kerr, one term; John S. Lee,
two terms; John M. Neihaus, one term; James D. Putnam; representatives,
Mark M. Bassett, one term; Robert S. Bibb, one term; Samuel Caldwell, one
term; Horace R. Chase, one term; John S. Lee, one term; John M. Neihaus,
one term; William E. Phelps, one term; IMichael C. Ouinn, two terms; James
M. Rice, one term ; Julius S. Starr, two terms.

JUDGES OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

Onslow Peters was the first judge of the sixteenth circuit. He was a native
of Massachusetts and had come to Peoria as early as the year 1836. Before his
accession to the bench he had enjoyed a practice extending over a large por-
tion of the northern end of the state. He was a man of great public spirit ; had
been a member of the constitutional convention of 1847, ^"d is said to have
been the author of our system of township organization. He was a strong
advocate of popular education and aided much in the establishment of our
system of public schools.

He was reelected in 1855, but occupied the bench less than three years in
all, having died in Washington city, February 28, 1856. As I remember him.
Judge Peters was rather short in stature, had a very bald head, surrounded by
a ring of dark hair ; had a broad and not very expressive face, and was burdened
with a great rotundity of person. He is, by one historian, said to have been
somewhat pompous in his manner, but never having heard him speak except
at some local meetings of a business character, I am not able to add my testi-
mony to that charge. I knew him as a good natured, genial gentleman, ever
ready to do a kindness or to render friendly advice to a young man when
needed.

Upon the death of Judge Peters, Jacob Gale became his successor for a
few months. Judge Gale had not been engaged in the active practice of the
law for some years, but had for a long time held the office of circuit clerk and
by that means had kept himself well informed as to the proper administration
of the law. But the onerous duties of the bench proving distasteful to him, he
resigned his office and was succeeded in November of the same year by Elihu
N. Powell.

Judge Powell came from Ohio at a very early day, and although he had not
the advantage of a thorough education in early life, yet, through indomitable
industry and perseverance in his studies, he became a very able lawyer. He
had as a partner for some years William F. Bryan, under the firm name of
Powell & P.rvan, which firm attained to a very extensive and lucrative practice.
At the time of his death, in 1871, Judge Powell was considered the senior mem-
ber of the Peoria bar. He had the rare faculty of being able to cite from mem-
ory, giving book and page, any reported case he had ever read. Neither he
nor his partner, Bryan, were great orators, but each of them was able to present
his case to court or jury with commendable ability and force.

Judge Powell was succeeded in 1861 by Amos L. Merriman, who held the
office until the latter part of the year 1863, when he resigned the same to take
up the then growing business of prosecuting war claims against the government,
for which purpose he removed to Washington city. As before stated, he had
been a partner of his brother until the time of the latter's death, in 1854, after
which he was a partner of Julius INIanning until his accession to the bench.
He was the office lawyer of both firms and became an expert in the preparation
of court papers, as well as all" other documents necessary to be prepared in the
office of an attornev. He was not considered a very able advocate but was an

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 379

excellent judge of the law and discharged the duties of iiis high office with
ability and to the satisfaction of all. Upon the retirement of Judge Alerriman
he was succeeded by Marion \Yilliamson.

Judge Williamson had come to Peoria about the year 1856. He was a
native of Ohio and had received only a common-school education, but his native
talent and diligent study overcame all obstacles and placed him in the front
rank of the younger members of the bar. After coming to Peoria he was first
associated for three years with Hon. Hezekiah M. Wead, after which, until his
accession to the bench, lie practiced alone. It was truthfully said of him, "'He
filled the office with honor to himself and benefit to the community. Plis peculiar
adaptaliility to the position made him one of the best officers that ever sat upon
the bench." Upon retiring he formed a partnership with Alexander McCoy,
Lorin G. Pratt and John S. Stevens, which was terminated by his death the
following year. Sabin D. Puterbaugh, the successor of Judge Williamson, was
likewise a native of Ohio, but had come with his parents to Illinois when he was
live years old. His early education was obtained at the common schools of
Tazewell county. He was admitted to the bar in January, 1857, and at once
became partner of lion. Samuel W. Fuller, then state senator from that dis-
trict. After the removal of Mr. Fuller to Chicago, Mr. Puterbaugh formeil a
partnership with Hon. John B. Cohrs, which continued until 1861. Mr. Puter-
baugh then entered the army as major of the Eleventh Illinois Cavalry, and
remained in the service until November, 1862, when he resigned and removed to
Peoria. In 1868 he formed a partnership with E. C. & R. G. IngersoU, the
former of whom was then a representative in congress. This firm continued
until June, 1867, when he was elected to the office of cricuit judge. He held
this office until March, 1873, and then resigned to resume the practice of his
profession. As a judge he was upright, painstaking, diligent and correct in
decisions, and discharged the duties of his office with ability and fidelity. He
is perhaps best known to the profession as the author of Puterbaugh's Common
Law Pleadings and Practice and Puterbaugh's Chancery Pleading and Practice,
both of which works are accepted as standard authority.

Judge Puterbaugh also, in 1877, took a conspicuous part in the measures
before the legislature for the reorganization of the judiciary, and the creation
of the appellate courts. To his efiforts probably more than to those of any other
one man the state is indebted for the adoption of those measures.

In politics he was a democrat tmtil the outbreak of the rebellion, when he
identified himself with the republican party, and he was one of the presidential
electors in 1880, at which time he cast his vote in the electoral college for James
A. Garfield for president, and Chester A. Arthur for vice president. He con-
tinued in the practice of the law until his death, which occurred September 25,
1892.

Upon the resignation of Judge Puterbaugh, Henry 1!. Hopkins was ap-
pointed by the governor to fill out the unexpired term. Although an excellent
lawyer, Mr. Hopkins did not give promise of very great success as a judge.
The trouble seemed to be that he was too cautious and too considerate, and
consequently too slow in his movements for the speedy dispatch of business.
He was a native of Vermont and had for many years been a partner of E. G.
Johnson. He was exceedingly laborious and painstaking and had the reputation
with the judges of the supreme court of having prepared some of the best argu-
ments ever presented to that tribunal. He died in 1892.

Joseph \\'. Cochran, a native of Ohio, succeeded Judge Hopkins. He had
come to Peoria about the year 1858, and had been successful as a lawyer and
master in chancery. He removed from here to Chicago. At the same election
John Burns, of Lacon, Marshall county, was elected judge of the adjoining cir-
cuit. Judge Burns had been engaged in successful practice for many years in
Marshall and adjoining counties, and had represented his district in the con-
stitutional convention of 1862. By the action of the legislature of 1877 these

380 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

two circuits were united, and David AIcCuHoch was elected as the third judge
of the now circuit.

At the election of 1879 Judges Burns and McCulloch were reelected and
Ninian M. Laws, of Marshall county, succeeded Judge Cochran. Judge Mc-
Culloch was immediately assigned to the appellate bench of the third district
which position he continued to occupy until the end of his term.

At the election of 1885, Thomas M. Shaw, of Marshall county, Nathaniel
W. Green, of Tazewell county, and Samuel S. Page, of Peoria county, were
elected. Judge Shaw had very ably represented his district in the state senate
during the thirty-second and thirty-third sessions of the legislature, and had at
the latter session Ijeen honored with the unanimous vote of the senators of his
party for the position of president pro tempore of the senate.

fudge Green was immediately assigned to the bench of the appellate court,
a position he continued to occupy until his retirement in 1897. Judge Page re-
signed in 1890, and was succeeded for the remainder of the term by Hon. Law-
rence W. James. At the election of 1891, Judges Shaw and Green were re-
elected and Nicholas E. Worthington succeeded Judge James.

fudge Worthington had ably represented the tenth district for two terms
in the congress of the United States and had been appointed by President
Cleveland as a member of the labor commission, in which capacity he had
made and presented to the president a very able report.

At the election of 1897 Judges Shaw and Worthington were reelected and
Leslie D. Puterbaugh succeeded Judge Green. Upon his reelection Judge
Worthington was immediately assigned to the bench of the appellate court for
the fourtli district.

D.win m'culi.och

David McCulloch was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania. January 2^.
1832, and died September 17, 1907. He was a college-bred man and taught
school about six months in his native village. He arrived m Peoria on the 23d
day of April, 1853, completing his journey from LaSalle by way of the Illinois
river. Two years after his arrival here he conducted a private school; in the
spring of 1855 began the study of law in the office of Manning & Merriman,
and was admiUed to the bar in 1857. Previous to this, however, he had been
elected school commissioner of Peoria county — an office similar to that of the
present county superintendency, and served in that capacity six years. After
his admission' to the l^ar he formed a partnership with his preceptor, Julius
Planning, one of the ablest lawyers of the state. This business associatioii con-
tinued until Mr. Alanning's death, July 4, 1862. That same year Mr. JMcCulloch
formed a partnership with Charles P. Taggert. From 1870 to 1875 the law firm
of McCulloch & Stevens existed, and 1877 he was elected to the office of supreme
judge, in which he served for eight years. He was assigned by the supreme
court as one of the judges of the appellate court for the third district in 1879,
and served as such five vears, being associated with Judges Chauncey L. Higbee
and Oliver L. Davis. Judge McCulloch retired from the bench in 1SS5 and
formed a partnership wilh his son. E. D. AlcCulloch, which continued until the
fudge's death.

Judge McCulloch was reared a democrat and cast his first presidential vote
for Tames Pjuchanan, who had been president of the board of trustees of Marshall
College, which was Judge McCulloch's alma mater. In 1S60 he voted for
.Steven A. Douglas.

fudge McCulloch ranked high with his lirethren of the bar, both as a lawyer
and" a jurist. This was indicated by the fact that at the first meeting of the Par
.Association he was one of a committee composed of Judges Sabin D. Puterbaugh,
.Anthony Thornton and himself, which devised the plan and drafted the bills
which, with some modifications, became laws, whereby the judicial system was

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 381

reconstructed and tlie ai)i)ellate courts l)rought into existence. He was the
second ijresident of the association, and often addressed it upon important topics
and acted upon its most important committees.

He was a Presbyterian in his religious faith and for many years acted as one
of the ruling elders of the Second Presbyterian church of Peoria. He served
for several years as one of the directors of the McCormick Theological Seminary
at Chicago. On the 2d of September, 1858. judge ^IcCulloch was married to
Aliss ;\Iary Fulton Hemphill, of Shippenburg. Cumberland county, Pennsylvania,
and to them were born three children, now living: Edward Dickinson McCulloch,
\\'illiam Herron and Marv Hemphill McCulloch, now the wife of Edward
D. .McDougal.

PEORI.X BAR .\S.S()Cr.\TIOXS

The secretary of the Peoria Bar' Association has a minute book, which con-
tains the complete records of two preceding associations. From such records the
writer is able to give a short history of the three bar associations which have been
organized in Peoria county.

The first association organized was called the "Peoria Bar Association."
On November 10, 1879. a large number of lawyers met in the Law Library rooms.
The late Col. James M. Rice presided at the meeting and he, together with four
other lawyers, were selected to report a plan of organization. On November 18
following, at a meeting called for that purpose, the report of the committee was
read and adopted. A constitution and by-laws were then adopted. Officers were
elected and committee appointments made as follows :

David McCulloch. president ; J. K. Cooper, first vice-president ; S. D. Puter-
baugh, second vice-president ; H. C. Fuller, secretary ; Thomas Cratty, treasurer.
Committee on grievances : Rice, Nye. Alva Loucks ; committee on law reform :
A\'ells. Jack and Stevens ; committee on legal biography ; Sloan. Wilson and Wead.

The members of the executive committee were the president, vice-president,
secretary and treasurer. The members of the committee were the trustees of
the association and had power to appoint all standing committees. Meetings were
provided for each month of the year. The meetings in the months of March,
June, September and December were to be held to transact the business of the
association. The other monthlv meetings were held for the purpose of moot
courts, moot legislative assemblies, discussions and addresses on legal, political,
philosophical and historical subjects and an occasional sup])er.

The only meetings of this association as shown by the records were held
December 10. 1879, January 13, 1880. February 10. 1880, March 9, 1880. April
13, 1880, May II, 1880 and June 8, 1880.

At the meetings addresses were made on a number of subjects. Judge David
McCulloch delivered his inaugural address at the meeting of January 13, 1880. the
subject being "The Objects and Benefits of a Bar Association." At this meeting
remarks were made by Messrs. Starr, Hopkins, Cratty. Karr. Puterbaugh and
Worthington. On the night of February 10, 1880, a paper was read by N. G.
Moors on "The Anglo-Saxons and their Speech." Jonathan K. Cooper spoke on
March 9, his subject being "Life and Services of Daniel Webster." The meeting
of April 13 was of special interest to lawyers of today, as the principal dis-
cussion was over the question of amending the Practice Act, a subject just now
of much interest to attorneys and to laymen as well. At this meeting E. G.
Johnson delivered an address on "The Persona! Recollections of Daniel Webster"
and Colonel James AL Rice read a paper on "The Pedigree of Our Laws." Judge
N. E. Worthintrton spoke at the May nth meeting, his subject being "The
Historical Significance of the Fourth Year of James ist." The June meeting
was addressed by Josiah Fulton, who spoke u])on "The Early Times in Peoria."
At this meeting the by-laws were disregarded. .An adjournment was taken over
the summer months and into history went the Peoria Bar Association of 1879,
never to meet again.

382 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

The signers of the constitution of this association were: S. D. Puterbaugh,
D. AlcCuUoch, Thomas Cratty, Alva Loucks, Henry C. Fuller, J. K. Cooper,
M. N. Gish, H. B. Hopkins, John W. Karr, F. W. Voight, J. M. Tennery, N. E.
Worthington,' Chas. A. Cornwell, Samuel E. Clark, Wellington Loucks, G. M.
Tohnston, Nicholas Ulrich. John B. Cones, B. Todd, James M. Rice, David E.
Powell.

Of the above list only four now live in Peoria, Judge N. E. \\ orthington
still on the circuit bench, Nicholas Ulrich and D. E. Powell, not active in prac-
tice, and H. C. Fuller, still practicing law.

July 20, 1888, finds the lawyers of this county again in a meeting^ for the
purpose of organizing a bar association. At this meeting James H. Sedgwick
presided. Judge David McCulloch, Judge H. B. Hopkins and James H. Sedg-
wick were "named as a committee to report a constitution and by-laws. On July
25, 1888, another meeting was held and a constitution and by-laws were adopted.
J. H. Sedgwick, David McCulloch and J. S.'Lee were appointed delegates to the
National Bar Association Convention.

But two more meetings of this association were held, one on July 28, 1888,
and one on August 14, 1888. At the last meeting the members were called to
order and an immediate adjournment taken till September. The adjournment
proved to be final as no further meetings were ever convened.

Officers were elected at the July meeting as follows : President, James _H.
Sedgwick; first vice-president, George T. Page; second vice-president, J. M. Nie-
haus; secretary, Arthur Keithley; treasurer, David McCulloch. Judge David
McCulloch was selected chairman of the executive committee and Arthur Keith-
ley, W. I. Slemmons and J. M. Niehaus were named as the committee on ad-
missions. The following signed the constitution: James H. Sedgwick, Arthur
Keithley, W. \'. Tefift. David McCulloch, J. M. Niehaus, S. D. Wead, George T.
Page, VV. I. Slemmons, L. W. James.

The following paragraphs taken from the records of the present bar asso-
ciation briefly show the steps taken for organization :

"The Peoria Bar Association, as a temporary organization, held its first meet-
ing with seven members of the bar at the Creve Coeur Club on November 20,
igos- On November 27, 1905, a second meeting was held at the same place, at
which meeting the law firms of Peoria were generally represented. Committees
were appointed looking to the formation of a permanent organization; and a
third meeting was called and held at the same place on January 8, 1906, at which
time the several committees made their reports and the permanent organization
wes perfected. The officers for the first year were selected as follows: President,
Wm. L. Ellwood : first vice-president. S. D. Wead ; second vice-president. George
B. Sucher; secretary. Frank T. Aliller ; treasurer, E. D. McCulloch.

The association "was organized by the younger members of the bar but in this
they received the encouragement and active support of the older lawyers of
Peoria, without whom no successful organization is possible. Among these
older lawyers most active were John S. Stevens and George T. Page, who, in
their practice and as members of the State Bar Association, have been for years
active in maintainincr the dignity and ethics of the bar. and who have been honored
with the highest office in the latter organization.

The seven lawvers mentioned in the above paragraphs, who met for the ]nir-
l)ose of organization were W. L. Ellwood, George Sucher. Walter S. Horton,
Hiram E. Todd, Clvde E. Stone, George Jochem and Frank T. Miller.

The Bar Association, as it now exists, was incorporated under the laws of
the State of Illinois on April 20, iQofi, the incorporators being John "SI. Niehaus,
Tames M. Rice. Hiram E. Todd, Edward D. ^McCabe, Israel C. Pinkney, John
S. Stevens. Walter H. Kirk, Wm. L. Ellwood. Frank T. Miller and Edward D.
McCulloch.

In looking over the minutes of this association, we find that there have been
many interesting meetings held during the past seven years. The association has

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 383

taken an active jxirt in all of tb.e measures carried out or proposed by the State
Bar Association and the various committees appointed by the governor of this
state for the piirjiose of revising the "Practice Act" and reforming procedure
and practice in the courts of this state.

A number of times the association has been called together in special meet-
ings for the purpose of opposing certain acts introduced in the legislature, which
were thought to be prejudicial to the best interests of litigants, as well as to at-
torneys. Some of the most important actions taken by this association were
resolutions favoring the passage of an act requiring the publication and selling
of the Illinois Supreme & Appellate Court Reports at a tigure much lower than
the pulilishers were selling the same; a resolution favoring a smaller judicial
circuit and seeking to have Peoria county placed in a circuit with only one addi-
tional county attached; resolutions opposing the passage of the so-called "Gil-
bert bill."

In February. 191 1. Judge Samuel D. Wead was appointed by the Peoria
Bar Association as a member of the committee to draft a bill for the reform of
procedure and practice. He took an active part in the work of this committee
and at the last meeting of the State Bar Association the committee's report was
acted upon favorably. The various bar associations of the state, as well as the
State Bar Association, are now trying to get the judges of the circuit, as well
as the sujireme court, to adopt rules suggested by this committee's rejwrt. It
was hoped by this means to simplify modes of procedure and to do away with
any cause there might be now for complaint because of uncertain delay and ex-
pense in litigation.

The association has entertained many ]5roniinent jurists and laymen, among
whom have been Judge J. Otis Humphrey, of the United States district court,
who addressed the association on the "United States Supreme Court ;" Judge
l*"rank K. Dunn, of the supreme court of this state, wdio spoke on "Due Process
of Law," and Judge John P. Hand, also of the Illinois supreme court, who ad-
flressed the association on "Procedure in the Illinois Supreme Court;" Judge
William R. Curran spoke on the "Illinois Bar Association;" Judge N. E. Wor-
thington on "Practice in the Circuit Courts;" Judge L. D. Puterbaugh on "Prac-
tice and Procedure in Higher Courts ;" William G. ^IcRoberts on "State By-
laws;" J. R. Boulware on the "New Practice Act;" John Dailey spoke on
"Legislation and how it is Procured or not Procured at Springfield. Illinois."
Judge David McCulloch addressed the association on "Members of the Early
Bar of Peoria county."

It might be mentioned to the credit of the members of the Peoria Bar .Associa-
tion that with the exception of two of its members no action has been taken for
the purpose of condemning their methods of practice in our courts.

Perhaps the most interesting event of the association was the annual meeting
held at the Jeliferson hotel April q, 1912. At that time the Peoria Bar Association
had the pleasure of entertaining all of the members of the supreme court of the
state of Illinois as well as Samuel P. Irwin, the official reporter of the supreme
court. The reception was held for the court on the mezzanine floor of the hotel
prior to the b.mquet which was given in the main dining room. Over one hun-
dred members and their guests were present. Chief Justice Orrin N. Carter
and Justice James H. Cartwright addressed the banqueters.

Under the rules of the association the retiring president is obliged to de-
liver an annual address, discussing the laws passed and decisions rendered during
the year of his incumbency, and the members have had the privilege of listening
to splendid addresses from the retiring presidents, all worthy of being spread
at length on the records of the association.

During the seven years the association has been in existence special meetings
have been held and resolutions passed upon the deatli of the following members:
Judge David McCulloch. Henry W. Wells. Joseph Wilhelm. John Culbertson,
John S. Stevens, Col. James M. Rice and J. M. David. The association has also

384 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

passed resolutions upon the death of Henry M. Sedgwick, a member of the
Peoria Bar Association, as well as Thaddeus S. Simpson, who for many years
was alifiliated with the bar in his official capacity of clerk of the circuit court.

The presidents of the association: William L. EUwood, 1906; Samuel D.
Wead, 1907; John M. Niehaus, 1908; Winslow Evans, 1909; John S. Stevens,
1910; William Jack, 191 1 ; Hiram E. Todd, 1912.

The following members of the Peoria bar are at present members of the
association: E. J. Abersol, S. F. Atwood, Oliver J. Bailey. Hundley B. Baker,
C. N. Barnes, Chester F. Barnett, Joseph Bartley. George K. Beasley, Clyde
Birkett, George W. Black, Leaton C. Boggess, J. R. Boulware, A. H. Burke.
George W. Burton. G. W. Campbell. Clyde Capron, Delbert A. Covey, Ira J.
Covey. David E. Conigiskv, David T- Cowan. T. J. Crowder, John Dailey, Charles
C. Dutch, L. O. Eagleton,' John ]\I." Elliott, \\'illiam L. Ellwood, Winslow Evans,
George B. Foster, C. W. Frazier, H. C. Fuller, Joseph \'. Graff. A. J. Grimes.
W. W. Hammond. Edward U. Henrv. Clarence W. Heyl. Isaac M. Hornbacker,
W. S. Horton, Jay T. Hunter, Clifford Ireland. W. T. Irwin. Robert P. Jack. Wil-
liam Jack. A. facobson. George Jochem, William S. Kellogg. Charles A". Kimmel,
Tohn'B. King,"Walter H. Kirk, Herbert T. Landauer. Isaac J. Levinson. Thomas
B. Lewis, Robert H. Lovett. Henry Mansfield, Joseph W. IMaple. Emmet C. May,
E. D. McCabe. Robert N. McCormick, Edward D. McCulloch. Shelton F. Mc-
Grath. C. E. McNemar, W^ G. McRoberts. L. F. :\reek, C. X. Mihigan. Frank T.
Miller, Harry S. Miller. Charles \'. Miles, H. D. IMorgan. W. H. :\Ioore. John
Mosley. Clarence D. Murphv. John M. Niehaus. F. J. O'Brien. Arthur 'SI.
Otman, George Page, H. C. Pettit, Chilli.. III. I. C. Pinkney, Leslie D. Puter-
baugh. Frank T- Ouinn, A. ^^ D. Rousseau. Scholes Robert, John C. Scully,
Dan R. Sheen," W~ I. Slemmons, ludge Starr. Clvde C. Stone, Joseph Storey,
Charles S. Stubbles, George B. Sucher. George A. Shurtleff, W. V. Tefft, Hiram
E. Todd, Charles E. Ulrich, Nicholas Ulrich. S. D. Wead. Joseph A. Weil,
Nathan Weiss, \\'. T. Whiting. Hugh E. Wilson, J. B. Wolfenbarger, N. E.
\\''orthington.

Robert G. Ingersoll was the most noted man, both for his ability and person-
ality, claimed byPeoria as one of her citizens, and his fame as an orator became
world-wide. He gained distinction as a lawyer, soldier, poet, lecturer and hu-
manitarian, and as a citizen, husband and father, he was characterized by both
friends and enemies as a model. When at the prime of life. Ingersoll embodied
all that goes to make the perfect man "physically.

Robert Green Ingersoll was born at Dresden. Oneida county. New York.
August II. 1833. His father, who was a Presbyterian minister, removed to the
west when Robert was ten vears of age and the lad "grew up" in the states of
Wisconsin and Illinois. At Shawneetown he and his brother Ebon C. read law
and were admitted to the bar. In 1837 they took up their residence in Peoria
and soon made their presence felt.

In i860 he was the democratic candidate for congress, but was defeated by
his republican antagonist. Judge ^^'illiam P. Kellogg.

On the 22d dav of April. 1861, Ingersoll sent the following despatch to
Governor Richard Yates :

"With your permission I will raise a regiment of one thousand men to be
ready on call. \Y\\\ you accept?"

ROBERT G. INGERSOLL

At this time Ingersoll was twenty-eight years of age and a member of the
democratic partv. His patriotic offer could not then be accepted, but it led to
the formation of the Eleventh Illinois Cavalry, which was mustered into the
United States service on the 20th of December of the same year, and shortly
thereafter Robert G. Ineersoll received his commission as its colonel and served
his countrv with distinction. In 1864. during the second Lincoln campaign, he

INGERSOM. MitMMKXT

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 385

became idciititicci with the republican parly, to wliich his allegiance never swerved
throughout the remainder of his life. In 18O7 he was appointed the first attorney
general of the state by Governor Richard Oglesby. In the '70s he joined his
brother, Ebon C. Ingersoll, in the practice of the law, at Washington city.

IngersoU's greatest distinction and fame arose from his great oratorical
attainments. It is probably not going too far to say that he was the greatest
orator of his day in this country. His services in political campaigns were eagerly
sought by the leaders of his party and his great reputation as an orator was at
once made by his nominating speech at the Cincinnati convention of 1876, in
which he ])laced before the convention the name of James G. Blaine for the
presidencv. He was supremely eloquent and his fund of beautiful thoughts,
characteristically expressed, attracted all lovers of word pictures. Among the
many of his great orations, which add to his fame, may be mentioned "The
Dream of the Union Soldier," delivered at a soldiers' reunion at Indianapolis,
his eulogv at the grave of his brother Ebon, and his memorial address on the
occasion of the death of Roscoe Conkling. He was designated as the great
agnostic, and among his publications best known are the "Mistakes of Moses,"
"The Brain and the Bible," "The Gods," "Ghosts," "Prose Poems and Selec-
tions."

During the last twenty years of his life Colonel Ingersoll made his home at
New York city. His death occurred from heart disease at his summer home,
Dobb's Ferry, Long Island, July 21, 1859.

THE INGERSOLL MONUMENT

On Saturday, October 28, igii, a beautiful bronze statue was unveiled to the
admiring eyes of a vast concourse of people, at Glen (Jak Park, many of whom
were from various parts of the country, and among them being the widow of
Colonel Ingersoll, and her daughters. On that occasion addresses were delivered
by men of national prominence and letters were read from some of the most
eminent personages in the country, all admirers of Colonel Ingersoll. The pro-
ceedings of the unveiling are best told in the words of the Peoria Evening Star,
whose editor, E. F. Baldwin, was one of Colonel IngersoU's warmest personal
friends and admirers. The Star's account follows:

In the presence of a splendid gathering of many thousands of people, with a
series of addresses whose brilliancy, eloquence and feeling have never been
equalled in Peoria, and amid evidences of such sympathy, enthusiasm and deep
feeling as gave rich token of the love in which his memory is held in this city,
the statue of Robert G. Ingersoll was unveiled at Glen Oak Park.

The da\- was one of unexampled splendor. Skies as clear and blue and ra-
diantly tender as the eyes with which the great philosopher had looked out upon
the world he did so much to free from fear and sadness — sunshine as gloriously
rich and golden as the smile with which he was wont to greet the friends he loved,
lent their enchantment to the brilliant .scene. And as if even Nature herself had
wished to do honor to one who had worshipped so ardently at her shrine, autumn
had touched every bush and shrub and tree with magic fire.

The whole hillside which rose like the setting of a stage back of the great
bronze figure on its granite pedestal, was aflame with gold and crimson, and the
trees which bordered the driveways on either side of the statue lifted their
shimmering heads, torchlike, to the sky.

The great moment when the cord pulled bv Robert G. Ingersoll Brown, In-
gersoU's grandson, the flag which had concealed it slowlv fluttered earthward
and the splendid, virile figure stood revealed, sharply outlined against the glory
of the hills, proved poignantly dramatic.

As if impelled by a single impulse, the great concourse arose to its feet.
Every head was bared and for a brief instant every one stood silent and spell-
bound, touched to the heart bv ihe sudden apparition. It was as if Ingersoll him-

386 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

self all at once stood forth before them, fearless and splendid as he had always
stood in life. Then, suddenly as it had come, the spell passed, and with its
passing came the realization of the art which had caused the illusion, and the as-
semblage broke into applause and cheers.

The figure of Ingersoll is of heroic size, seven and a half feet in height, and
stands in an easeful and characteristic pose — the broad shoulders swung back
and one hand thrust into the pocket, holding back the familiar frock coat which
for many years was as much a part of IngersoU's personality as his hearty hand
grip and' his frank, unaffected, boyish charm of manner. If the artist has per-
haps failed in a measure to perfectly reproduce the line head with its splendid
forehead on which heaven had set the unmistakable seal of great genius he has
succeeded admirably in depicting the full sensitive mouth with its half womanish
charm, the delicate nose, tilting slightly upwards at the tip, and the eyes which
look out over the beautiful prospect stretching before, with all the splendid, fear-
less frankness those who knew him best remember so well.

The figure on the whole is a striking one, full of vitality and force — a work
of which any artist might well feel proud.

Best of it all, it represents the deep and abiding affection of those with whom
Ingersoll spent the richest and fullest years of his life, and crowns the efforts
of a little band of his closest friends who have labored long that Peoria might do
honor to herself in honoring the name of the greatest of her children.

Tha crowds which attended the dedication began to gather early, and when
the hour set for beginning had arrived every chair of those set in front of the
statue and platform was filled, and hundreds stood throughout the ceremonies
forgetful of fatigtie, unheeding the chill which began to delicately ice the air as
the sun sank westward, hanging eagerly on every word of the speakers and
never too distant or distracted to give spontaneous response in applause or
laughter to each golden thought or flashing play of wit. For the wit was as
plenty as the eloquence and jests crowded the flights of poesy for first honors in
the discourses. Not once was the funeral note struck during the afternoon.
That joy whose gospel Ingersoll had so eloquently preached and gloriously lived
reigned throughout the exercises, and the tears that stung the eyes at some loving
word or tender allusion were soon dried in heart-whole laughter.

Eugene F. Baldwin, as president of the Ingersoll monument Association,
opened the exercises with an address. He told of the Robert Ingersoll of long
ago, the dear, ardent, impassioned youth, his heart warm with love for humanity,
his brain aflame with genius, his spirits always poised for flights.

With swift, sure strikes he pictured the gradual development of this great
personality — the sure triumph of the ever ripening genius, and his story of a great
success which only enriched instead of weakening the nature of him of whom it
had been granted, was sweet indeed to hear. After the dramatic interval wdiich
marked the unveiling of the statue and the incidents following it, Mr. Baldwin
then introduced Charles Frederick Adams, of New York, the great grandson of
John Tuincy Adams, and one of the advanced thinkers of our times.

As soon as the formal part of the program was over, a large part of the
audience crowded up on the platform to shake hands with Mrs. Ingersoll and
her daughters, who had been deeply moved spectators of the proceedings. Many
were the warm words of affection for the dead man spoken by those who grasped
the hands of his dearly loved wife and daughters, and .the impromptu reception
added the finishing touch to the tender sentiment pervading the occasion.

It was not until nearlv an hour later that the crowds at last dispersed, the
ranks of carriages and motor cars thinned, broke and disappeared. Then the
statue was left alone, standing where it will stand forever, with flowers heaped
about its feet and the setting sun resting like a benison upon its head, and Peoria's
great day was over — a day planned and striven for and achieved in love— that
love which is the greatest thing on earth and which Robert Ingersoll knew and
understood as it is given to few to know and understand.

CHAPTER XX\ I

the public schools ok peoria — bradley polytechnic institute peoria pub-
lic library — park system hotels! — places of amusement.

peoria public schools
1;y Rose Pfeiffer

The people of I'eoria point with pride to its excellent school system. Through
the earnest efforts of its educational representatives, the members of the school
board, and the hearty support of its citizens, the system has continued to grow
in strength and power to meet the problem of providing school buildings and
teachers to care for the hundreds of children, who during the school year of ten
months, daily seek admittance to the educational homes of our city.

Karly records inform us of a law passed in 1825, through the efforts of Gov-
ernor Duncan, for the support of schools by public tax. The common peo])le,
viewing this tax in the light of an unjust hardship, were unwilling to bear their
part of the burden. The wealthier citizens for a short time met the responsibility
of educating the children of their less financially favored neighbors.

This state of affairs continued for a time but, believing the continuation of
this arrangement an injustice to themselves, those who had responded at first
brought about a repeal of the law in 1827.

.Another bill, lacking the taxing power, was introduced in 1840. The legisla-
ture refused to support it.

Strong in their conviction that education alone was the hope of producing a
coming generation of men and women capable of preserving the high standard set
for this, the grand state of Illinois, men were willing to give their time and effort
to continue in the fight for free education for every man, woman and child in the
state. Consequently, there was a call for a convention at Peoria in the summer
of 1844.

This meeting was for the purpose of preparing a memorial, setting forth a
claim for a common school law of such strength in its character that it would
gain the thoughtful attention of that body. The names of those who were promi-
nent in this call and its success are John S. Wright of Chicago, H. M. Wead of
Lewistown, and Thomas M. Kilpatrick of Winchester.

That this was the first educational convention held in the state is here worthy
of note. The result of this meeting was a new school law authorizing the levying
of a school tax in each district. Chicago and a few other places availed them-
selves of the privilege of the new law but the result, generally, was a failure. Re-
tween 1844 and 1855, the latter date witnessing the adoiition of the Free School
Law, there was an ever increasing interest in the educational movement in Peoria.

Not willing to wait for the necessarily slow movement of the legislature in
passing a law acceptable to the common people, many of whom needed to be edu-
cated into the knowledge of the real value of a free school law, two schools were
provided under an act of the legislature authorizing the formation known as The
Female School Association and the Roys' Stock School.

During the years 1830 to 1854 both of these schools were popular and aided
much to arouse the interest of many parents who had heretofore been indifferent
to the rights of their children to an educational inheritance.

387

388 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

The uncertainty of an unfavorable adoption by the legislature of the new law
for a general school system in 1855, led representative citizens of Peoria to take
steps for the inauguration of a system specially adapted to our own city. This
movement met the approval of the legislature and was sanctioned by the governor.
In February, 1855, the first board of school inspectors was created. The
members were elected in the following month of April. By virtue of this char-
ter, the board of school inspectors was empowered to take such steps as would
further all school interests in the city.

The power vested in them by this special charter has been the means to for-
ward the work of progressiveness which today marks the school condition of
Peoria. From an early date in 1856, four good schoolhouses, two of them, the
previously mentioned Female Academy and Boys' Stock School, purchased ijy the
board, were provided.

The board had at this time an available sum of money, the first in the school
treasury, to be used for building and purchasing purposes. This period marked
the beginning of the graded school system in Peoria. The increase in membership
at the close of the year was very encouraging.

The next ten years witnessed a steady growth in the public schools. At this
point the writer would personally pay tribute to Judge Nicholas K. W'orthington.
through whose efforts the first advantages of teacher training were aft'orded
to the teachers of the county.

In September, 1868, after a strenuous campaign for the establishment of a
Peoria county normal school, Judge Worthington was rewarded by witnessing the
opening of this school under "the leadership of Samuel H. White, of Chicago, as
principal. The city provided and cared for the building and the county paid the
teachers' salaries.

To Professor White today, those who came under his direction bear testimony
to the debt they owe him, not only in their success in teaching and the high ideals
held up for his pupils, but for the example of the beautiful life he lived before
them.

Peoria schools and teachers still feel the uplift from this school, which con-
tinued from September. 1868, to June, 1879. There would indeed be a serious
omission in this article if reference were not made to one of the strongest powers
in helpfulness, in the guiding of the Peoria public school pupils in their spiritual,
moral and intellectual education, if the influence of the Peoria public library, under
the supervision of E. S. \Mllcox. librarian, received no mention.

From his rich store of knowledge and his ever cheerful readiness to aid teach-
ers and pupils to share in that which books alone can supply, we turn to the public
library for the richest and best to assist us in our work of guiding the children
into the building of beautiful characters and useful lives.

To further this plan of helpfulness, branch libraries, under the supervision of
the public library, have been placed in the school buildings farthest removed from
the center of the city.

It is a fact worthy of note that while we may have been slower than some of
our sister cities in adopting many of the new features which mark our school
course at this time, there was never a backward step taken.

When Gerard T. Smith, the present superintendent, entered upon his duties in
September, iyo6. he found school buildings with seating capacity for every child
of school age, and a faithful corps of principals and teachers ready to cooperate
with him in the work. A wide-awake, progressive educator, realizing that the
time had come for a forward movement in all lines of work, he made an imme-
diate eft'ort to bring the schools together as a real system. Telephones were in-
troduced connecting the schools with the office, meetings were held, and every
effort possible was made to create a healthful school spirit.

The following year, 1907, the kindergartens were introduced into the system
and have been made a real part of the course of study. They have increased
from six to fourteen and the kindergarten teachers have been placed on the same

CiLEX OAK St'llildL

jrTj

r
i

-1

OLD WKI'.S I i:i; M llonl.

nl.l) I.INCOIA' SCHOOL

1|» H

OLD Finn WAKD SCHOOL.
,\IOSS AXD CAKKIKI.D A\ KXCK. Xl l\\ SITK '.I

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 389

footing as regular grade teachers. The moral and intellectual effect of these
kindergartens upon the grade school work is just beginning to be fully realized.

Believing that the efficiency of the school work of any system will ultimately
depend upon the ability and training of incoming teachers, a normal department
of two years of work subsequent to high-school graduation was established and
young people encouraged to enter. This normal has developed into a most effec-
tive instrument for training young women in scholarship, pedagogical principles
and professional attitude. It has lacked in but one thing, and that is ])ractice
teaching plans, which are now well under way.

The salaries of grade teachers have been increased over thirty per cent and
coincident with the salary increase and in harmony with the development of the
normal school, the qualifications of incoming teachers have been materially
strengthened.

.\lso, in direct line with the effort to increase school-room efficiency, the num-
ber of pupils per teacher has been gradually decreased until, at the present time
the average number of pupils per teacher throughout the system is less than thirty-
livc. The high-school work has 1ieen greatly broadened and a new high school has
been constructed and ecjuipped in the western part of the city.

The opportunity offered by these increased facilities have been appreciated by
the citizens of Peoria and a general recognition of the necessity for secondary
education in meeting the demands of modern civic life has pervaded the whole
city. As a result, our high-school attendance has doubled, and a need of in-
creased facilities in the eastern part of the city is soon to materialize in a new
high-school building.

It would require pages to elaborate upon these high-school courses of study
in showing how their development is coming to meet all modern, industrial and
social needs.

Another important factor in the school work is the present effort to make it
more fully meet the industrial needs of all the children of the city. To this end,
medical ins])ection has been established, which will greatly improve the physical
condition of all pupils.

A special school is under process of formation at this time for sub-normal chil-
dren that they may get in fuller degree the work adapted to their needs and that
they may not be a hindrance to the regular school work.

Peoria has at present twenty-one school buildings, with a total enrollment of
10,418 pupils distributed as follows: Peoria high school, 609; Normal training
high school, 368 ; Peoria public grade schools, 8,333 ; Peoria public kindergarten
schools, 1,108.

The following is the personnel of officers, superintendent, supervisors and
principals for the year ending June 21, 1912:

Officers of the board of school insi)ectors — E. D. McCullough, president ; Anna
Rynearson, secretary ; William \'. Williamson, treasurer ; Jennie E. Stouft'er, tru-
ant officer; C. H. Brown, superintendent of repairs; Ida I\l. Myers, stenographer;
Mary Bourke, telephone operator and supply clerk ; sui)erintendent of schools,
Gerard T. Smith.

Supervisors — Carl Graner. physical culture ; Clara Daily, music ; Nama A.
Lathe, art; A. P. Laughlin, manual training; Bertha Case, cooking; Minnie M.
Peterson, sewing.

Schools and principals — Peoria high school, A. W. Beasley; Manual training
high school, W. N. Brown ; Blaine, E. B. Couch ; Columbia, Edna A. Nowland ;
Douglas, H. P.. Beecher; Franklin, C. B. Baymiller ; Garfield, .Anna E. Martin;
Glen Oak, C. A. Dille ; Greeley, W. T. Van Buskirk ; Harrison, A. H. Hiatt : Irving,
Abbie A. Hunter; Lee, Ella Beseman ; Lincoln, C. H. Kamman ; Longfellow,
Kate Rutherford ; Loucks, R. E. Stowell ; McKinley, T. H. Meek ; Sumner, Ivan
Deach ; Washington, Minnie B. Love ; Webster, J. C. Scullin ; White, Hester Craw-
ley ; Whittier, Rose Pfeiffer ; kindergartens, Lucy B. Way.

390 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

The following is a list of those who have served as presidents of the board of
school inspectors from the time of its organization in February, 1855, to June.
1912:

A. P. Bartlett, Thomas L. Davis, H. G. Anderson, Washington Cockle, Jacob
Gale, Charles Flinse, Chauncy Nye, Enoch P. Sloan, George H. Mcllvaine, Henry
Binnian, E. S. W'illcox. C. C. Boring, Edward Hine, E. ]. Case, William Jack, B.
Meals, P. B. Miles, J. W. Maple, D, S. Long, E. D. McCullough.

HRADLEV POI.YTF.CIIXIC

Bradley Polytechnic Institute, Peoria, III, was founded in 1897. It occupies
a campus of about twenty acres upon Institute Place between Main Street and
Bradley avenue. The Institute is named after Mr. and Mrs. Tobias S. Bradley
who after discussing many forms of philanthrophy to which they might devote
their large estate and which might serve as a memorial to their deceased chil-
dren, reached the decision that a school would be the most useful and fitting
form. The sudden death of Mr. Bradley in 1867 delayed action. Mrs. Bradley
was for many years fully occupied by the care of the estate and also felt that
it should increase substantially before it could prove adequate for the plans
which had been formed. Tlius nearly thirty years passed while the estate
more than doubled in value. It was Mrs. Bradley's original intention to provide
for a school to be inaugurated after her death but in 1896 she decided to endow
it at once. She sent her representative to various schools corresponding in type
somewhat to that which she proposed to found and after thorough consideration
formulated her wishes substantially as they are now expressed in the Institute.

The general purpose of the founder may be seen in the following extract
from the charter of the Institute :

"The objects for which this corporation is formed are to organize and main-
tain, forever, a school for the education of young people of both sexes in all
practical and useful arts, sciences and learning usually taught in polytechnic
schools, including a department in ethics, in which instruction shall be given
in the principles of morality and right living as exemplified in the life and teach-
ings of Jesus Christ ; and, so far as the resources of the Institute shall warrant,
there shall be added such courses of study and means of instruction in science,
literature and art as may be deemed advisable by the trustees, but the chief
aim of the institute shall be to furnish its students with the means of living
independent, industrious, and useful lives by the aid of practical knowledge
of the useful arts and sciences. — Neither in the terms of admission nor in the
treatment of students, the selection of officers, agents or instructors nor in the
appointment of trustees, nor in any matter whatever connected with this insti-
tute, shall there be any distinction made or preference given on account of sect,
creed, nationality, politics or party; but with a review to its greater usefulness,
this institute shall be, and ever remain, non-sectarian, non-political and non-
partisan."

In November, 1896. a board of trustees was selected by Mrs. Bradley and the
Institute organized under the University Act of the State of Illinois. Work was
begun in April, 1897, on two buildings — Bradley Hall and Horology Hall. The
formal dedicatory exercises were held on October 8th and that day is observed
annually as Founder's Day. Mrs. Bradley's death occurred in icp8.

Bradley Institute offers two quite distinct lines of work occupying separate
buildings :

I. The Horological Department gives instruction in watchmaking, jewelry,
engravings and optics. It is a continuation of a school started at LaPorte, Ind.,
in 1886 and brought to Peoria by Mrs. Bradley in 1893. At the founding of
the institute it was made one of its departments. It is one of the oldest and
most successful trade schools in the United States. Its session is continuous
throughout the vear and students may enter at any time since the instruction is
given individually rather than in classes. It is the only school of its kind in the

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Hnirllcv Hall

Power PhiMt

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r.i;AI)I.KV 1>()I,VI'K( IIXIC' IXSIIITTE

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 391

country occupying a building especially erected for its purposes and its superior
equipment has made it pre-eminent in its line. Students come to it from every
state in the Union, from Canada, South America and even more distant foreign
lands. Horology Hall was planned to accommodate one hundred and twenty-
five but the rooms gradually became so crowded that in 1910 a large addition
was made nearly doubling the capacity of the building. For the past few
years the average attendance has been about three hundred. A faculty of seven
members devote their entire time to instruction.

II. The School of Arts and Sciences occupies Bradley Hall and buildings
which have been added later. The curriculum provides for six years' work,
four years academy and two years of strictly college grade. Various groups
are outlined so that one may secure at Bradley preparatory training and two
years of college work in science, engineering, classics, literature, mechanic arts,
domestic science and manual training. This work in general education is divided
into eleven departments — biology, chemistry, domestic science, English, German,
and French, history, Latin and Greek, manual training, mathematics, physical
training, and physics. The ecjuipment and teaching force are such as to admit
of most thorough and efficient work. Graduates who wish to continue their
studies go with two years of college credit to the leading colleges and universi-
ties. Many young people of Peoria and the surrounding community who would
otherwise have found a college education impossible, have taken advantage of
the opportunities which Bradley Institute presents. The college enrollment for
the past vear places Bradley among the larger of the fifty or more institutions
of Illinois bearing the title of "college." Unusual effort is made at Bradley to
develo]) self-reliant, upright character in every student.

From the founding of the institute special emphasis has been placed upon
domestic science and manual training. Indeed the school may be regarded as
one of the pioneers in these subjects and has wielded an important influence to-
ward their rapid introduction throughout the middle west. Thorough technical
courses are ofifered for those desiring to become teachers of -manual training
and also for those preparing to teach domestic economy. These courses have
grown in popularity and at ])resent a large number of students attend Bradley
for the purpose of fitting themselves to teach. These come largely from the
middle west but many are from more distant states.

Although from the first the Mechanic Arts Group has been somewhat indus-
trial in its character, the institute has not heretofore offered distinctively voca-
tional work, but yielding to an increasing demand it has just organized four
such courses so that at present one may secure at Bradley a four-year course
preparatory to drafting, a two-year course fitting one for trade work in wood,
a similar course or two years in metal, and a two-year course adapted to the
needs of farmers and confined to the three winter months of each school year.
The institute also offers evening courses in mathematics, machine shop, wood-
work, mechanical drawing, electricity and magnetism, art metal and other prac-
tical lines.

Since 1904 a summer school has been held lasting five weeks and devoted
exclusively to manual training and domestic economy. It has been patronized
chiefly by teachers and these have come from every part of the United States.

The record of the first fifteen years has been one of constant growth. The
faculty has increased from thirteen members for Bradley Hall and five in
Horologv Hall for the year 1897-98 to fortv at liradley Hall and seven at
Horology Hall for the year 1911-12. This large increase in the size of the
student body has involved changes in the material equipment. For the first seven
years Bradley Hall and the Horological building were the only ones upon the
campus. In 1904 a station of the United States Weather Bureau was estab-
lished at the north end of the campus. In 1909 a gymnasium was erected at
the cost of nearly $80,000 containing a gymnasium for men, another for women,
bowling alleys, swimming pool and a series of rooms for social purposes.

392 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

During the summer of 191 1 owing to the crowded condition at Bradley Hall
the shops which had occupied the wings of the main building were transferred to
two large l)uildings on Bradley avenue owned by the estate but occupied for
many years by an automobile industry. The removal of the shops made it pos-
sible to utilize the space left vacant to relieve the extremely crowded condition
in other classes at Bradley Hall. During the summer and fall of 191 1 a power
plant was erected at a cost of $65,000 located at the corner of Clara and Laura
streets, furnishing light, heat and power for all the buildings connected with
the institute and with a capacity to meet all future demands. Plans are nearly
completed for a girls' dormitory to be erected on Clara street during the next
school year.

Bradley Institute has had but two directors. Mr. Edward O. Sisson was in
charge from 1897 to 1904 when he resigned to continue his studies, later accept-
ing a ]3osition in the department of education at the University of \\'ashington.
Theodore C. Burgess became director in 1904 and still continues in charge of
the institute. jMr. Burgess has been a member of the faculty since the founding
of the institute and for several years had served as dean of the higher academy
and college. He is a graduate of the State Normal School of Fredonia (N. Y.)
and of Hamilton College (N. Y.) and for a number of years was the head of
the department of ancient languages at the state normal school from which he
graduated. He severed his connection with the normal school to continue his
studies at the university of Chicago, gaining the doctor's degree' from this insti-
tution in 1898. For some eight years he acted as professor of Greek at the
university of Chicago during the summer quarter. His doctor's thesis "Epideic-
tic Literature" was published by the university as one of its studies. He is also
the author of an elementary book in Greek, and various contributions to educa-
tional journals.

Mrs. Lydia Moss Bradley, founder of Bradley Polytechnic Institute, was
born at Vevay. Indiana, on the 31st of July, 1816. Her grandfather, Nathaniel
Moss, served as'chaplain in the war of the Revolution. Her father, Zealy ?\Ioss,
served in the same war in the commissary department and at its close entered
the Baptist ministry. He lived for many years in Virginia where he married
Jeanette Glasscock. Their daughter Lydia was married to Tobias S. Bradley
in 1837. Their children, two boys and four girls, died in early youth and Mr.
Bradley in 1867. Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Bradley moved from
Indiana to Peoria where Mr. Bradley opened a wool yard and sawmill. He
soon formed a partnership with Mrs. Bradley's brother William S. Moss and in
addition to the business carried on by this firm he managed a steamboat line
from Peoria to St. Louis and secured a large interest in the First National
Bank. At the time of his death he had amassed a fortune of about a half a
million. Mr. Bradley died suddenly without an opportunity to leave instruc-
tions in regard to his business afi'airs. Mrs. Bradley had devoted her entire
time to the affairs of the household but assumed the burdens and responsibilities
of managing this large estate without experience to guide her and through her
native good judgment and careful management she not only preserved the orig-
inal estate but in the next thirty years increased it more than fourfold. She died
after a brief illness on the i6th of January, 1908.

Mrs. Bradley always took a deep interest in everything which pertained to
the permanent betterment of the city in which she had resided during the greater
part of her life. She relieved the Bradley Memorial church on Main street
from a $30,000 mortgage. She donated the site of the St. Francis hospital and
it was called the Bradlev hospital until about ten years ago when the donation
was refunded. She built and helped to maintain the Home for Aged Women
on Main street and assisted in many other charitable enterprises.

The two greatest gifts remain to be mentioned. At her suggestion in i8gi,
a Park Board was organized as one of the conditions upon which she would do-
nate to the city the land, including about one hundred acres, which now forms

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PEORTA in T.I.IC SCIIiidL BllLDINGS

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

393

NUMBER SECURING INSTITUTE DIPLOMAS

1897-8

1898-9

1899-0

19110-1

1901-2

1902-3

1903-4

GROUPS

C
V

"n
o

E
o

s
s

£
>

Engineering

Science

1
1

2
5
4

i
1

4
2

4
10

4
3
1

1
1

3
2

2
4
1

1
10

3
4
9

2
7
5

11
1

4
5
2
2

3
3
4

Classics

Literature

1
1

Mechanic Arts

Totals

1904-5

1905-«

1906-7

1907-8

1908-9

1909-10

1910-11

GROUPS

c
0

5
0

"rt
0
H

"5
.0

n
0
h

c
0

Engineering

Science

4
1

3
2

4
4

2
9

1
12

2
11

1
12

ri
0

2
5

1
1

8
10

4
3

6
3
2
3
1

3
3

8
7
2
2

2
1

8
11

7
6

9
5

1
11

9
6

Classics

Literature

Mechanic Arts

Totals

NUMBER SECURING TEACHERS' CERTIFICATES

1905-6 1906-7

1907-8 , 1908-9 | 1909-10

1910-11

Manual Training

Domestic Sciunce

Totals

2
2

2
4

4
4

1
5

2
1

7
1

15
15

19 7 5
8 .. 14

27 7 19

12
14

10
10

2
15

12
15

TOTALS

Men

Women

Tolal

Engineering

42
52
17
16
3

T30

23
19

Science

Classics

Literature

100

Mechanic Arts

Totals

126

16
47

256

Manual Training

Domestic Science . .

Totals

102

394

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

n
01

1908-7
1907-8

o»

Lower Academy

Meu

82
20

140

129

106

88
90

71
90

102

76
92

78
114

88
105

92
92

Women

Total

102

19
11

210

31
11

207

42
42

216

57
54

186

56
51

178

41
59

161

55
64

191

62
61

164

75
63

168

192

58
43

198

62
55

184

60
54

173

Higher Academy

Men

Women

Total

16
11

19
19

111

107

23
31

100

119

123

27
42

138

39
42

117

39
55

101

49
51

117

66
65

114

60
93

137

College

Men

Women . .

114

Total .

1
12

54
8

4
5

1
7

3
13

100

3
33

181

3
36

153

18
27

ISO

Unclassified Special
Men

1
11

'12

Women

Total

1
1

3
3

2
2

1
1

16
3

1
2

Graduate

Men

Women

Total

187
190

377

177
176

353

166
198

364

153
190

343

192
198

890

213
189

402

191
244

435

189
243

432

220
267

487

233
267

224

280

Total School of Arts
and Science
Men

102
42

144

85
35

120

188
104

292

191
156

847

Women

Total

500

504

42
22

Evening School

Men

Women

—

Total

108
66

Summer School

Men

29
26

116

118
4

512

88
32

93
4

550

50
30

134
2

136

613

55
43

79
47

91
45

Women . .

Total

194
4

198
9

722

126

136

174

Horological School

Men

98
98

113

115

Women

Total

281
10

801

310
17

906

320
20

936

296

Deduct counted twice

4
260

Grand Totals

292

347

470

451

479

1006

Lincoln SdnHil

Harrison Sehool

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White School

Irving School

GROUP OF PUBLIC SCHOOL BiaLDlNGS

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 395

r.radk-y I'ark. Its location and its natural beauty render this one of the finest
parks in the country, a gift which will prove of increasing value to the city of
Peoria.

The last and most important of her benefactions was the founding of Bradley
Polytechnic Institute in 1897. This she endowed with her entire estate. This is
one of the most notable gifts to education in the history of education in America,
and one which will bring inestimaljle benehts to the city which has been fortunate
enough to receive it.

Mrs. P)radley was an ideal benefactor. When once she had made her gift,
conmuinicating with it her intent and wishes, she left the execution of her plans
to others whom she had chosen to carry them out and whose training and ex-
perience had especially fitted them for it. For eleven years after the founding
of the institute she lived to enjoy the results of her beneficence. She was a fre-
quent visitor in its halls and took an active interest in all of its work. It was
a common remark among her friends that the institute had made her young
again : life had taken on a new meaning as the plan so long cherished and labored
for took visible form before her eyes.

Xo one who knew Mrs. Hradley could fail to be impressed with her intellectual
(|ualities. Like most girls at that early period, she had only an elementary school
training, but she possessed a mind of extraordinary clearness and strength.
Her judgment in regard to politics, religion and social questions was remarkai)ly
sane and her conversation full of shrewd, epigrammatic, well-balanced comments
gave constant proof of her strong, wholesome common sense. Her remarkable
business ability and practical wisdom were proved in her successful management
of her large estate. 1 ler great wealth, however, had no power to disturb her
principles or conduct : ajjplause and flattery never for a moment turned her head.
She manifested that confidence in her chosen agents and representatives which
only a strong mind can maintain. The city of Peoria and surrounding commu-
nity will realize more and more as years advance, the debt which they owe to
Mrs. Lydia Moss Bradley.

PEORI.\ PlTPUr I,ir.R.\RY
BY

Er.vstus S. Wilco.x, Libr.-vrian

The Peoria Public Library traces its genealogy back fifty-six years, to the
autumn of 1855. when two rival liljraries were started here at the same time — the
Mercantile Library and the Peoria Library. The Rev. J. R. ]\IcFarland was the
moving spirit of the first, and the Rev. J. W. Cracraft of the second.

Prominent in the organization of this first Mercantile Library were B. L. T.
Bourland, Onslow Peters, A. P. Bartlett, A. j. Hodges, D. M. Cummings, G. F.
Harding, C. C. Bonney, Dr. J. D. Arnold, Isaac Underbill, Timothy Lynch, Philo
Holland, G. W. Fridley and E. B. Elwood ; and in the Peoria Library. A. G. Tyng.
George T. Metcalfe, A. G. Curtenius. E. N. Powell, H. B. Hopkins, George C.
Bestor, X. B. Curtiss, Jacob Gale, Dr. R. Rouse, Dr. T- C. Frye, Wellington
Loucks and }. P. Hotchkiss; the two libraries embracing thus in their organization
nearly all of the leading men of the city at that time.

One naturally inquires why two separate libraries were started here at the
same time. It was a c|uestion, I am told, between the so-called "liberals" and the
"orthodox," incited by the Evil One himself, we might suppose, but mark how —

"There's a divinity that shapes our ends.
Rough-hew them how we will."

I doubt if the most cunning ingenuity could have contrived a more effective
plan for starting a library in a small town, as Peoria then was, than by fanning
just such a hot rivalry between opposing theological forces. The whole town

396 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

was stirred from end to end; everyljody took sides and joined in: everyljody
brought books or money to his favorite liljrary; and, as a consequence, when, a
year later, the two libraries were very sensibly consolidated under the name of
the Peoria City Library, they had as choice a collection of some 1,500 volumes
as probably any young library ever had in a city of our then size.

When I first became a director in the City Liljrary. in January, 1865, the
initiation fee was $2, the annual dues were ^2. and the memliership considerably
less than 200. It was a good, well-selected library for the time and the place.
I think I enjoved access to those few choice books — some 2,000 of them — as much
as I do to our 75,000 now, for you cannot very well master more than 2,000
standard books in ten years.

In the spring of 1865 a new board of younger men seized the reins, and a
fresh impetus was given to the library by incorporating it as the Peoria Mer-
cantile Library Association. The charter was obtained by our then member of
the legislature, Alexander AlcCoy, and the charter members were Tobias S.
Bradley, [ohn L. Griswold, Lewis Howell, D. C. Farrell. Matthew Griswold. Lorin
Grant Pratt, H. G. Anderson, Asahel A. Stevens, John Boyd Smith and E. S.
Willcox, only two of whom are still living here.

While the charter was on its passage through the legislature, meetings were
held and a subscription started to raise funds, and, largely through the personal
solicitation of L. G. Pratt, ably seconded by the entire board, the very handsome
sum of $13,262.50 was secured, with $10,000 of which the John L. Griswold
propertv, corner of Main street and Jefferson avenue was bought.

It was a splendid showing for those days. It laid the foundation for all the
success which mav attend our public library in the future. Peoria owes her new
Library building originally to one hundred and forty-five different individuals
and firms from among her own hard-working and public-spirited professional
and business men, contributing in comparatively small sums, according to their
several means. She does not owe it to any one millionaire, eager to seize so rare
an opportunity for perpetuating his family name. There is no name carved over
our door but the one name which belongs to us all — PEORIA.

After the purchase of the Griswold property, our library had its rooms free
of rent, but received very little help from rents of offices in the building, which
went toward paying for the new building erected on the same spot in 1868.
For an income it was still dependent on the meagre sums derived from member-
ship dues and miscellaneous entertainments. Our friends, David McKinney,
Eliot Callender, T. C. Hansel, John S. Stevens, John Birks, Dr. I. W. Johnson
and E. W. Gov ("now of Cincinnati), will not soon forget the hard work we did,
running lecture courses, concerts, spelling Bees, "Drummer Boy of Shiloh," etc.,
in order to eke out our small income of four dollars apiece from about two hun-
dred and fifty subscribers, in the days when that estimable lady, Mrs. Sarah B.
Armstrong, constituted our entire library staff. It is enough to say, that it was
our experience here in this Peoria library, of the utter inadequacy of a sub-
scription library, to provide for the literary wants of the people, that first sug-
gested the idea of supporting public libraries, like public schools, by public
taxation, and which resulted in placing on the statute book of our state in 1872,
our present Free Librarv law — the first comprehensive and vitalizing law of the
kind in any state of our' Union. Under this law, in 1880, Colonel John XVarner,
then mayor of our city, started our present public library by nominatmg the
first board of directors.

The first librarian in our public library was Fred J. Soldan. He began without
a book on his shelves, in a bare room over a store on Adams street. He planned
and brought into good running order all the multifarious details so necessary to
the smooth working of the modern public library, and, at his untimely death in
1891, left a well selected and well organized library of 40,000 volumes and a well
trained corps of assistants. He was succeeded by the present librarian.

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I'KOltIA I'LBLIC LIBRARY

JOHN" S. LKK
First I'lTsidcnt of tlic l'ci)ii:i I'ulilic Ijl.inry

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 397

April 19, i88i, the German liljrarv gave its line collection of i,yoo \olunics to
the Public Library, and, in the spring of icS82, the Mercantile Library Association
turned over, as a gift to the Public i,ii)rary, its entire collection of some 12,000
volumes, and leased its rooms to the same for a term of years.

Early in 1894 the over-crowded condition of the library had become so press-
ingly noticeable that an agitation was begun to purchase another site and erect a
new building exclusively for library purposes. The conditions were favorable.
The Mercantile Library Association owned valuable property, which, with the
growth of the city and by careful management, had risen in value from $10,000
to $75,000, less a debt of $11,000 to $12,000, which yet remained to be ex-
tinguished, and the Pul)lic Library owned 50,000 Iwoks. There was no good
reason why the two should not now unite in the common oloject of giving Peoria
a great library to be proud of, provided some method could be devised for effect-
ing the union satisfactorily to all parties.

A proposition to this effect was made by the directors of the Mercantile Li-
brary to the city council, and was met with immediate and hearty approval by
Mayor Miles and the entire council. This proposition was, that if the city would
buy the lots, the Mercantile Library Association would would sell its property,
corner of Main and Jefferson streets, and devote the proceeds to the erecting of a
building.

In June, iNi)4, the directors of the Public Library, supported by the action of
the city council, purchased for $16,000, three lots on Monroe street, nearly oppo-
site the government building. 108 feet front by 171 feet deep, and on December
24, 1894, the directors of the Mercantile Library sold their property at the corner
of Main and Jefferson streets, for $75,000. On July 10, 1895, the contract for the
erection of the new library building was let.

The building is 78 feet front, 135 feet deep, three stories high, the stack room
five stories, and will accommodate some 200,000 volumes. The total cost of the
building, not including land, for which the city paid $16,000, nor counting such im-
provements as paving, etc. — that is, the cost of the building proper — was $67,-
856.34. and this amount was paid entirely by the Peoria Mercantile Library Asso-
ciation from the proceeds of the sale of their property.

The library was finally closed for removal, January 25. 1897, and the entire
collection of 60,000 volumes was transferred a distance of three blocks and put in
order in the new building in six days by two men, seven high-school boys and
one team, at a total cost of $221.91, or less than three-eighths of a cent ]5cr
volume.

The building is on Monroe street, nearly opposite the postoffice, half way be-
tween ]\Iain and Hamilton streets. It was not placed on a corner lot for the
reason that corner lots cost much more than inside lots, and a public edifice on a
corner would require at least two architecturally finished fronts instead of one.
This would have involved an additional cost in land and building of not less than
$20,000, which, in their circumstances, the committee felt bound to take into con-
sideratiiin.

But there was another weighty reason, besides that of economy, for choosing
the site they did. Business men do not plan and locate their workshops and
warehouses with a view to an imposing architectural effect on strangers visiting
the city, but rather with the more practical object of best serving their purpose
as workshops and warehouses. Now, a library is preeminently, and more so
than most public buildings, a warehouse and a workshop.

As a warehouse, its function is to store books conveniently and safely; as a
workshop, it is a place for quiet reading and study ; and for both purposes it
ref|uires, above all things, protection from noise and dust of street traffic.
These objects are better secured on an inside lot than on a corner lot; and if,
as in our case, ample space for light and air is jirovidcd on both sides of the
building, it would seem that, for Peoria at least, no better choice of location
could have been made.

398 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

The annual report for the fiscal year ending May 31, 191 2, shows a member-
ship of 9,470 — all memberships expiring at the end of two years.

The number of volumes in the library in active circulation is 110,779, besides
duplicates and pamphlets, 21,331 — a grand total of 132,110.

Number of volumes issued during the year, 213,351. Of this amount 127,150
volumes were issued from the main library, 42,761 from the children's room,
37,902 from the Lincoln branch on Lincoln avenue, and 5,538 from school
libraries.

This new Lincoln branch in the lower part of the city was opened July i,
191 1, in an attractive building, costing $10,000, the gift of Andrew Carnegie.

The bindery, located in the main library building, employs five persons the
year round. The library service consists of a librarian and twelve assistants.

E. S. Willcox, the venerable custodian and librarian of the Peoria library,
adds color and vigor to a word picture of Peoria, which is deemed a fit setting
to the array of plain facts heretofore displayed in these pages. His description
of the city and its surroundings is not overdrawn but on the contrary true to
the life, and for that reason it is made a part of this chapter and follows below :

"Peoria, the second city of the state in population, is in two. not uninmportant
particulars, easily the first — in the beauty of its name and the beauty of its loca-
tion. It would be difficult to find among all the names of cities, American or
European, a happier union of vowels and liquids than go to form the names,
which we, who make this city our home, have the privilege of writing on our
cards and letter heads — Peoria, Illinois. Both names are of pure Indian origin
molded by the facile lips of the early French explorers into their present har-
monious form.

"But if the name is one agreeable to the ear, no less is the location of the city
a delight to the eye. The great river which lends its name to the state, here
broadened into a lake, sweeps by in a gentle, outward curve seven miles long,
from the narrows above to the converging and wood-crowned heights below.
Between these two points of entrance and exit, the lake in front and a wall
of commanding bluffs behind, lies the broad plateau, a smiling meadow of wild
flowers and native grasses when the white man saw it first more than two
hundred years ago, and evidently designed by nature as the seat of a great and
prosperous city. There are few more charming landscapes on the earth than that
which greets the eye from the brow of these high bluffs.

"Below is the busy city extending far up and down between blufi^s and river,
its shaded homes, its stores and shops and public buildings, its broad streets
full of stirring life, its street cars gliding like a weaver's shuttle in and out, its
great mills and factories along the river bank, its moving railroad trains, its
steamboats at the landing, the silent expanse of lake and the still more silent
wooded bluffs on the farther shore — all these offer to him who takes delight
in the works of nature and of man and especially to one who first emerges upon
the scene from the level prairie land behind, a landscape of quiet beauty that can
never be forgotten.

"And there is yet another view hardly less fascinating which is needed to
complete the picture — to look back at the bluffs from the city below, to let the
eye wander for miles along their magnificent fronts now crowned with noble
residences with all their appointments of shade trees and garden plats.

"A famous traveler, familiar with many cities and many lands, when he first
beheld this scene some years ago, exclaimed : 'It is the finest site for a city I
ever saw !' "

PEORIA P.\RK SYSTEM

The citizens of Peoria take a great pride and extract untold pleasures from
their parks, and the system adopted by those in authority is becoming more
developed as the years go by. The following facts relating to these beauty and
pleasure spots have been gathered through the courtesy of W. J. Murray, sec-
retary of the park board :

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 399

The Peoria park system dates from the year iSy^. At that time a nunilier
of ]irominent citizens Ijegan the agitation of a park system and the result was
that petitions were circulated asking S. D. Wead, then county judge, to call a
special election for the purpose of allowing the people to vote on the cjuestion of
establishing a park district. The project proved popular and a number of meet-
ings were held. The petitions were filed with the county court on February
6, 1894. On the 14th of the same month Judge Wead called a special election
and set the date for March 13.

The vote cast was not as large as might have been expected considering the
extraordinary interest in the proposition. When the I)allots had been counted
it was found that 2,672 persons had voted for the establishment of the park
system and 1,110 had voted against it.

Events then moved forward with considerable rapidity. Mayor Miles was
then in office and a meeting was arranged for between the mayor of South
Peoria, Averyville, North Peoria and the committee on public grounds and city
property of the city council of the city of Peoria. The park caucuses were set
for Wednesday, April 11, and the convention for the following night at Rouse's
Hall, at that time the only available jilace for holding such a convention in the
city.

The c|uestion of nominations was left to the committee named above, the
mayors of Peoria and suburbs and the committee of aldermen as follows : For
the city, E. S. Easton, acting mayor ; for the village of Averyville, R. P. Stitt ;
for the village of South Peoria, William Inman ; for the village of North Peoria,
Oliver J. I'.ailey ; for the city council, Charles J. Off, J. E. F. Fischer and Frank-
lin Dudley.

The convention made O. J. Bailey chairman and John Warner nominated the
late John H. Francis for president. The following nominations were made
unanimously for trustees: H. H. Fahnestock, Henry Triebel, John D. McClure,
B. F. Cartwright and William Seibold. It will thus be seen that Cartwright,
whose subsequent fate is known to our readers, became identified with the park
system at its very inception and it may be added that he never let go until he was
Juried loose and sent to the penitentiary.

The election was set for the 15th of May and was, of course, a merely per-
functory proceeding, the candidates being unopposed. The first meeting of the
trustees was held in the office of I. C. I'lnkney. The board organized for busi-
ness. Mr. Francis was chosen president, P>en Cartwright was made secretary,
H. H. Fahnestock, treasurer, and I. C. Pinkney, temporary attorney. The board
then engaged quarters in rooms 218-21 Woolner building and on May 29th
announced itself as ready for business.

The first official step was to engage Herman & Evans to make a map of the
district and the next was to fix the beginning of the fiscal year as June i. The
board then advertised for park sites and was immediately overwhelmed with
them. The first offer came from W. E. Stone and W. H. Binnian, who oiTered
one hundred and eight acres of the tract now known as Madison park for $50,000.
Later, as it proved, this was the first park purchased, for on September 6, 1894,
the board took over a fraction more than eighty-six acres and the park system
of Peoria may be said to have been under way.

Then in rapid succession the board received ofTers from Dr. G. A. Zeller,
who offered a tract above Al Fresco park ; the Prospect Heights Land Associa-
tion offered the tract along the brow of the bluff and still later ofifered the site of
the present village of Peoria Heights. William Giles and G. W. H. Gilbert had
sites and so did Mrs. Caroline Gibson, who ofifered one hundred and fifty acres
for $rx),ooo. Jacob Woolner offered his Keller station farm for $43,000; W.
Darst offered thirty-four acres ; Thomas Purtscher offered a tract in Richwoods
township and so did Bourland & Bailey.

The Birketts then came forward .with an ofifer of what is now Glen Oak park,
which had for fifty years been known as I5irkett's Hollow. They offered seventy

400 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

acres more or less for $100,000 and offered to give the park district twenty years'
time in which to pay for it at a suitable rate of interest. This tract excited the
acute interest of the trustees and the public from the first, but everyone agreed
that the price was too high. Then followed a long period of "dickering" and on
October ist it was announced that the board had purchased a trifle more than
seventy-two acres for $60,000 cash. On December 5th of the same year the
board purchased from D. S. Brown and J. S. Starr fourteen and five-tenths acres
for $20,000. Sixteen years later the board purchased ten acres adjoining from
the German estate for $13,150, a remarkably cheap price, or else the price paid
in 1894 was too high.

On the 5th of May in the year following the board purchased from the Flem-
ing estate five acres for $8,000. South Park was purchased from the late Mathew
Griswold. September 29, 1894, for $7,500. This was therefore the second park
bought.

Laura Bradley Park, the largest in the Peoria system, was the gift of the late
Lydia Bradley and is named after her daughter, who died many years ago.
When Mrs. Bradley came to cast about as to the best manner in which to dispose
of her immense fortune two plans presented themselves — the establishment of a
school and presenting the city with a park. The park idea is said to have been
the result of a sudden inspiration one day when the general subjectof parks
was under discussion. She owned most of the land now known as West Bluff,
and realized, with the thrift that enabled her to accumulate millions, that the
establishment of a city park, in the hills and hollows through which the stream
known as Dry Run winds its way, would be of benefit to the property adjoining
it owned by the estate. It would, moreover perpetuate the name of Bradley and
give joy to untold thousands in the future.

Mrs. Bradley summoned some of the piark trustees and through her agent,
W. \V. Hammond, informed them of her desire. The only condition imposed upon
the park district was that at least $5,000 a year should be spent in improving the
park. The trustees readily assented to this and the transfer was made soon after.
In two different tracts Mrs. Bradley presented the city with some one hundred
and forty acres of land and it was named after her deceased daughter. This was
about the year 1901 and completed the present magnificent chain of parks and
gave to the" city of Peoria a system of driveways and pleasure grounds unequalled
in the west. There now remained but one thing to make it compare favorably
with the finest in the United States and that was the acquisition of what is now
known as Grand View drive. For a distance of more than two miles along the
hills overlooking the upper lake the vista is said to be, with the single exception
of the Hudson river vallev viewed from the Catskills, the finest rural scene in
the United States. And many enthusiastic easterners have declared that the
view from the point overlooking Al Fresco Park is not excelled anywhere on the
Hudson.

The agitation looking to the purchase and acquisition of a driveway along the
brow of this wondrous bluff began about the year 1902 and within a year or so
later was completed and the work of improvement begun. It was finished and
first used bv the public in the fall of 1904.

But while nature has done much for Peoria parks, much of their beauty is
due to the untiring skill and genius of one man — the late Oscar F. Dubuis. For
twenty years before coming to Peoria in 1895, or about that time. ]ilr. Dubuis
had been in the employ of the West Park Board in Chicago, and when political
changes in the state government deprived him of his position there, he was
eagerly sought and engaged by the Lincoln park board. It was while he was
there that the Peoria park board engaged his services and he planned and per-
sonally saw to it that most of the projects for beautifying and improving the
local parks were carried to a successful conclusion.

Mr. Dubuis brought to his duties in this city a mind trained to his life work
and an artistic conception valuable indeed. Here he found to his hand a nat-

I'AVILIOX AT LALRA BRADLEY PARK

XATURE AT HER BEST IN BRADLEY PARK

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 401

unil park system, unfashioned, but only waiting the hand of the master to
transform it' into a wonderland of beauty, and out of the rude hills and hollows
of the Peoria park tracts he evolved parks that today stand unrivaled in the
United States.

But while the credit for the beautification of the park system must be given
to -Mr. Dubuis, he was not the first engineer engaged. His predecessor was
R. R. Zingsem, of Chicago, who came to this city and gave the park board his
ideas on laying out the system and how best to beautify it. However, he was
not permanently engaged and Mr. Dubuis was hired soon after.

The finances that made possible the transformation of the land into beau-
tiful parks have been freely furnished by the citizens of the park district, who
have never complained of the park tax. The first money secured was a bond
issue authorized November i, 1895, for $200,000. This money was used to pay
for the various tracts of land which had hitherto been purchased by the trus-
tees. The tax levy for the first year yielded $58,695.57. The annual sum
realized is now in the neighborhood of $85,000.

The whole amount realized from all sources including bond issues has been
to date, $1,562,577.72. It must be said, however, that this includes one refund-
ing bond issue. The total expense of the park system for eighteen years has
been $1,543,747.65.

It aft'ords an interesting comparison to note the cost to date of the dmerent
parks. Glen Oak is thus far the only one that has exceeded half a million.
The figures taken from the books of the secretary of the park board show the
cost to be as follows.

Glen Oak park ' $578,856.76

Bradlev park 237,827.96

Madison park 74.701.73

South park 55,843.07

Grand \'iew drive 145,980.54

SOME PEORIA HOTELS

Among Peoria's numerous hotels are at least a half dozen that are especially
worthy of mention. The Jefiferson opened in February, 191 2, and was erected
at a cost of $400,000. It is ten stories in height and contains two hundred and
twenty-five rooms. This magnificent structure is owned by a stock company,
composed of Robert Clarke, president; G. J. Jobst, vice president; J. W. Mc-
Dowell, secretary and treasurer. The hotel is operated by a company consisting
of W. E. Hull as president, and Arthur E. Lehman, secretary and treasurer.

Tlie pioneer hotel of Peoria was known as the "Travelers' Rest," a tavern
opened in 1825 by John L. Bogardus, who was not only known as the first boni-
face of the town but was also a lawyer and land speculator. The "Travelers'
Rest" was a double log house, located on the bank of the river, between Main and
Hamilton streets. As a matter of course one end of the building was devoted
to conviviality, which was made possible by the inevitable bar of those days.

In 1827 Seth Fulton ojiened a tavern on Water street above Eaton. "Fulton
Tavern" had a larger and more popular bar than the "Travelers' Rest." The
house was much better furnished with furniture that had been bought in stores
and not hand made. It was the hotel of Peoria and lasted until about 1834.

"Eads Tavern" was opened in 1829. The building, a two-story frame, stood
on Water street, and in its size and appointments surpassed any of its com-
petitors. William Eads was the landlord of this hostelry until 1834. when he
sold out to Tacob Slough. The house eventually came under the management
of Captain Patterson, an old-steamboat man. who ran the place until 1849. The
building subsequently was remodeled into store rooms and was finally burned
down.

402 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

There were numerous others who contributed to the hotel history of Peoria.
In 1834 John Hamlin moved a large frame stable to the corner of Main and
Wasliintjton streets, to which he built an extensive addition and after other
changes'the place was opened as the "Peoria Hotel," under the management of
Colonel O. A. Garrett. The Colonel became prosperous and in 1838 built the
"Planters House," subsequently known as the "Peoria House," which was opened
in February, 1840. At that time it was considered the largest and best hotel m the
state of Illinois and noted as the leading hotel. This hostelry was located at the
northeast corner of Hamilton and Adams streets and within its walls many noted
people were entertained, among them being President Martin Van Buren.

The "Clinton Plouse" was built in 1837 by John R. Caldwell— a three-story
l)rick structure, which stood on the corner of Adams and Fulton streets. John
King was the first landlord, who made an excellent reputation as such and accu-
mulated considerable money from the venture. By the year 1849 the Warners
were in possession, the first one of the name being John B. Warner. This house
was destroyed by fire in 1853. Another hotel of note of the early days was the
"Franklin House," which stood on Main street, between Adams and Washing-
ton, and was first under the management of Mrs. Lindsay, mother of J. T. Lind-
say. This building was remodeled and drifted into other uses. The "Farmers
Hotel" built in 1849 by A. P. Loucks, stood on the lower corner of Main and
Water streets. This burned down in 1852 and made way for a brick building,
part of which was set aside for the use of the Central Bank.

The "Mitchell House" was opened in 1846 by W'illiam :\Iitchell. This build-
ing stood on the corner of Jefferson and Fulton streets. Not proving a success
as a hotel, it finally came into possession of the Methodist Episcopal church and
was converted into a female seminary. This was also a failure and the buildmg
was again opened as a hotel and after having several landlords it became known
as "The Arctic," then as "The Massasoit" and the "Remington House." In 1858
George Wilson became proprietor and named the hostelry the "Fulton House."
The building was finallv burned in 1866.

The "Farmers House" was built in 1853 by James McFadden. It stood on
Harrison street. In i8fx> John E. Phillips became manager and changed the
name to the "Central House."

The "Buckeye House," an old-timer, was running in i860 as was also the
"City Hotel," which subsequently became known as the "New Buckeye House,"
under the management of William Brady, and stood on the corner of Adams
and Bridge streets. After the war the house was opened by General Otto Funk
as "Funk's Hotel." The building many years ago was converted into business
rooms. The "Metropolitan" stood on the corner of Fulton and W'ater streets
and was a well known hotel in post-bellum days. Part of the building was de-
stroyed by fire in 1868 but was rebuilt, and in 1872 became known as the "Pacific
Hotel." Later its name was changed to "Conaghan's Hotel." It^ is now used
for business purposes. There were also the "Merchants Hotel," Washington
street, just below Main, 1874, later known as the "Leland," "The Ingersoll,"
north corner of court house square, built in 1877. This property was built by
Washington Cockle and later sold to Robert G. Ingersoll. Ingersoll sold to
Charles H. Deane, who opened the house as "The Ingersoll." Later the build-
ing was removed north on the adjoining lot and has been for some years past
used by the Lewis Company, cigar manufacturers. Upon the site vacated by
The Ingersoll was erected a splendid building, which was opened as the "National
Hotel," in the fall of 1887. It was five stories in height and became the leading
hostelry of the city. For many years the sixth story was set apart and used by
the Elks. In the fall of 191 1 the National Hotel was totally destroyed by fire
and in the summer of 191 2 the ground was purchased by the McKinley Traction
System for depot purposes.

There are other hotels, whose doors are constantly open to the incoming
guests, worthy of mention in this article. The "Lud" is a modern building,

Ui\:l:\ m NATIdXAL HOTEL BEFOUE TlIK Mi;iO

RUIXS OF THE NATIOXAL HOTEL AFTER THE FIRE

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 403

located in the lOO block ut .Main street; the "Mayer," Hamilton and Adams;
"Niagara," lOO block South Jefferson; "Fey," Liberty and Adams; "Majestic,"
on the opposite corner of Liberty and Adams; Knox Inn, 728 Main street;
"Pfeift'er Hotel," north end of the city; "Regis." Chestnut and South Adams
streets.

H.\LLS .AND TIIK.\TRE.S

Before the year 1850 no public hall was known to have existed in Peoria,
and when a strolling minstrel "aggregation" or other "play actors" came to
town, they entertained their audiences in the spacious ball rooms or dining
rooms of the Planters, the Clinton and other hotels.

As early as the winter of 1837-8 a theatre was advertised in the local paper.
About that time the "Lyceum" was in full sway and its members entertained
on occasion, principally by way of holding a debate in one of the churches.
There was also the Peoria Temperance Society, before whom Elihu N. Powell
delivered a lecture, at the court house, on state license.

About the year 1850 a hall was built by W. H. Haskell, on the corner of
Madison avenue and Jeft'erson street, where Kuhl's grocery store now stands,
which was long known as Haskell's hall. The next hall was in a building
erected by Justus B. Fleck, on Water street, between Bridge and Walnut streets.
This hall, on the second floor of the building, was used a long time by the
German singing and dramatic societies and, as is probable, this was the first
threatre in Peoria, for traveling theatrical companies appeared here and the
Germans gave both operatic and dramatic performances upon its stage. In
1854 Henry S. Austin put up a business block on the corner of Adams and
Fulton streets, where the W'oolner block now stands, and the upper story was
converted into a hall, first known as Austin's hall and later as Boetger'.s hall.
Theatrical perform inces were given here and on one occasion Maggie Mitchell,
well known to fame, appeared and delighted an admiring audience with an ex-
hibition of great dramatic talent. Then there was the Turn-\'erein building,
on Washington street, below Chestnut.

In 1858 Dr. Rudolphus Rouse erected a hall on Main street, which became
very pojjular. Many noted people, actors, lecturers, opera singers entertained
in this place and for years the hall was used for conventions by both democrats
and repuljlicans and many men of note in public life spoke to large audiences
from the stage.

Parmely's hall was built at about the same time of Rouse's. The building
stood on North Adams street, adjoining the Peoria House, and the hall was
much used for political gatherings. In 1873 the "Academy of Music" was
Iniilt on Adams street, between Fayette and Jackson, but has long since dis-
appeared.

The Grand Opera house was erected in 188 1-2, on Hamilton street, opposite
the court house, and was the first pretentious structure built for amusement
purposes. A corporation had been formed, with a capitalization of $40,000. and
on September 4, 1882, the handsome (then) theatre was thrown open to the
public and for many years was the principal show house of the city. But it
has been cast aside and now- stands a seedy wreck of former greatness, and in
the words of a former ])resident, it has gone into "innocuous desuetude."

Since the advent of the moving i)icture, many places of entertainment have
sprung up in the city in the past decade, devoted to that form of diversion.
And the city has also been embellished with two modern theatre buildings, one
the Majestic, devoted mainly to what is termed the legitimate class of dramatic
and serio-comic performance, and the Orpheum. which is given over entirely
to vaudeville. The Majestic adjoins the Jefiferson Iniilding on the south anil
the Orpheum stands in the middle of the block on Madison street, north of
Main.

CHAPTER XXVII

the peoria press the first editor a scholarly man trials and tribula-
tions of the pioneer printer- — sketches of the various newspapers of
the city — the papers of the day vie with any in the state.

Chas. T. Lambert

Rich in the names that adorn its records is the history of the Peoria press.

In the beginning, when the town was in its swaddling clothes, in fact one
year before the town of Peoria was organized, "there were giants in those days."
Abram S. Buxton, Peoria's first editor, was a scholarly man and a vigorous
writer, and his trenchant pen ran forcibly and fluently until his fingers dro])ped
nerveless when touched by death.

Then on the roster come the names of James C. Armstrong, Jacob Shewalter,
Samuel H. Davis, John S. Zieber, William Rounseville, T. J. Pickett, James
Kirkpatrick and Enoch Emery, among the dead and gone who were connected
with the English press, and those of Alois Zotz and Hon. Edward Rumniel,
editors of i)ublications in the German language. All were men of strong indi-
viduality and marked personality who from the beginning saw with prophetic
vision the grandeur of Peoria's future, inspired its people with alluring hopes
and in the path of progress led the way.

Tiie pioneer editor, and the pioneer printer whom he brought with him,
were men of superior character and skill and of infinite resourcefulness. It was
in the days of hand composition, more than half a century before the linotype
was dreamed of, and the printer took as much joy in his work in putting the
expressed thoughts of the editor into type as the editor did in transcribing them
to paper. They worked side by side in their little offices and it was no uncom-
mon thing for the editor to pull the tail of the old fashioned hand press and
run its crude mechanism, while the printer fed the dampened sheets into it
and withdrew them after each impression. It was slow and laborious work
all the way through, but the men who engaged in it labored nobly and well and
all that we have today in the way of typesetting machines and mighty presses
is but the development of their humbler means, methods and eflforts. The cheer-
ful, enterprising and encouraging spirit which they exhibited still lives and it
is one of our priceless heritages. The old editor and the old printer have gone,
but though dead they yet speaketh.

PEORIa's FIRST NEWSPAPER

It was in the year of grace 1834 that the first editor and the first printer
came to Peoria. The editor was Abram S. Buxton who came hither from
Louisville, Ky., where he had been a partner of George D. Prentice who later
became celelirated as the editor of the Louisville Courier-Journal. He brought
with him TIenrv W'olford, a skilled printer, and on the tenth day of March,
1834, they launched the first issue of "The Illinois Champion and Peoria Herald."
It was a small weekly paper of four pages, with five columns to the page, but
it was so ably edited and so well printed that it immediately jumped into popular

405

406 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

favor and had a large circulation, for those days, throughout this section of the
state. Buxton was a staunch whig, but for a time he published the Champion
as a neutral paper. His whig principles, however, dominated and encouraged
with its success he eventually devoted it exclusively to the whig interest. This
did not affect its popularity and while he was climbing to fame, if not to fortune,
he was seized with consumption and went down to the grave, writing to almost
his expiring breath. He died on September i, 1835, having ably conducted his
paper only one and one-half years.

PEORIA REGISTER AND NORTHWESTERN GAZETTEER

Henry Wolford, the printer then sold Peoria's original press enterprise to
James C. Armstrong and Jacob Shewalter and returned to Louisville, Ky. The
new proprietors engaged Jerome L. Alarsh as printer and conducted the paper
until the early part of 1837, when they sold it to Samuel H. Davis who came
here from Virginia. Davis changed its name to "The Peoria Register and
Northwestern Gazetteer" and enlarged it from five to six columns to the page
and also lengthened the columns. He conducted it as a neutral paper until
the campaign of 1840 when it came out openly in the whig interest and supported
General Harrison for the presidency. In this campaign it achieved a fair measure
of success and in 1842 he sold it to Samuel and William Butler, who had tormeny
worked in the printing establishment of Harper Brothers in New York city. On
assuming control of the paper the Butler Bros, dropped the latter part of the
title and named it the Peoria Register and retained Samuel H. Davis as editor.
It was still published in the whig interest supporting Henry Clay in 1844, but
when an anti-abolition riot occurred at the Presbyterian church on Main street
and the proprietors refused to permit him to rebuke the outrage Davis resigned
and the Butler Bros, sold it to Thomas J. Pickett, who changed its name to the
Weekly Register.

Peoria's first daily newspaper

Thomas J. Pickett was a man filled with the spirit of enterprise in adyance
of his times and it was his ambition to establish a daily newspaper. He formed
a partnership with H. K. W. Davis, a son of the former publisher and editor,
and started in connection with the Peoria Register a daily paper which they
called the Daily Register and the first number was issued on June 28. 1848.
but its life was short. Still infected with the daily issue idea Pickett started
another daily in the following year and called it The Champion in memory of
the first Peoria newspaper established by the ill-fated Abram Buxton. The first
number of this second daily was issued on December 13, 1849, and it a])pears
that there must have been something fateful in its name, for in the following
month, on January 26, 1850, the building in which it was published was wrecked
by an explosion of combustible liquids and William Pickett, brother of the pro-
prietor and James Kirkpatrick. publisher of the Peoria .-Vmerican, a publication
which will be referred to further on, were killed by falling walls. Their office
was in the second story of a brick building on the corner of Main street and
what was known at that time as Printers' .\lley, between Washington and Water
streets. William Pickett, the brother of the proprietor, lost his life in an effort
to save the books, while Kirkpatrick was caught under the falling walls as he
was passing through the alley.

the PEORIA republican

Although he had lost his brother and almost all his worldly possessions in
this disaster Thomas J. Pickett was undismayed. He bought a new outfit and
established the Weekly Republican and its first issue appeared on June i, 1850.

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 407

It was well edited and [jriuted and was devoted to the whig interest until the
old party lines began to break up between 1854 and 1856 and then it espoused
the principles of the rising republican party. Issued tirst as a weekly it eventu-
ally became a daily, tri-weekly and weekly and ran successfully until 1856 when
Pickett became a candidate for the office of circuit clerk and the paper passed
into the possession of Samuel L. Coulter, who endeavored to run' it in the whig
interest, but the whig party was rapidly going to pieces and two years later the
Peoria Republican went out of existence. Pickett, having been defeated for
office went to Rock Island where he conducted the Rock Island Register and
during the Civil war was instrumental in raising regiments. After the war he
went to Paducah, Ky., where he established a paper called the Federal Union,
was appointed postmaster and later clerk of the United States district court.
In 1879 h^ went to Nebraska where in the course of fifteen years he founded
three papers in as many different cities and died at Ashland, Wis., at the home
of his son on December 24, 1891, at the age of seventy years. In his day
he was one of the most active of newspaper men, full of ambition and blessed
with a remarkable energy, but appeared throughout his life to have been the
football of fate. In the course of his career he founded a dozen newspapers
and died in the harness assisting in the publication of a newspaper conducted
by his son.

PEORIA DEMOCR.\TIC PRESS

Thus far has been given the history of Peoria's first newspaper, which al-
though ]niblished under difl:"erent titles and conducted under various managers,
was practically a continuation of the parent paper founded in 1834 by Abram
Buxton and expired under the name of the Peoria Republican in 1858.

To give the history of the Peoria newspapers in chronological order it will
be necessary to go back to 1840 when John S. Zieber established the "Peoria
Democratic Press" and issued the first number on February 20 of that year.
Zieber came to Peoria from Somerset county, Md., where he had published the
"People's Press" and he brought with him his brother-in-law, Enoch P. Sloan,
who had learned the printer's trade under him iu their eastern home. Two
years later iMr. Sloan became a partner in the enterprise and while working
as a printer also rendered valuable assistance as assistant editor. As its name
indicated it was a distinctively political paper and as such was the first party
organ established in Peoria. Messrs. Zieber and Sloan conducted it until June
I, 1846 when it was sold to Thomas Phillips, who came here from Pittsburg,
Pa., where he had published the "American Manufacturer." Phillips published
the paper for three years and then sold it to Washington Cockle, leaving Peoria
for .St. Louis where he became a partner with his brother in publishing the "St.
Louis Union." Cockle conducted it for a little more than one year and then
sold it to Enoch P. Sloan, one of its original owners and who during its several
changes had remained with it. This transfer was made in the fall of 185 1 and
on January 5, 1854, Mr. Sloan issued the first number of a daily, the third
attempt to establish a daily newspaper in Peoria. In this he was fairly successful
and published the sheet as a daily and tri-weekly until the fall of 1856, when
he was elected circuit clerk of Peoria county, defeating Thomas J. Pickett, a
rival editor and candidate. With the retirement of Mr. Sloan to enter upon
the duties of his office the paper was sold to Leonard P). Corinvell who had been
sheriff of Peoria countv and who retained John McDonald as its editor. It
was a strong supporter of -Stephen A. Douglas, but when I'uchanan was elected
the partv patronage went to its rival, the "Peoria Daily News.'' published by
George W. Raney and later the two papers were merged.

408 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

PEORIA DAILY NEWS

When George W. Raney appeared on the local scene of action he proved to
be a new and altogether different factor in Peoria journalism. The men who
had conducted Peoria newspapers up to the time of his advent were men of
some learning and high character and lent a dignity to the profession, but Raney
was of another stamp. Had he been working in these later days his style of
journalism would have been designated "yellow." He was essentially a com-
mercial journalist and conducted the business solely from the box office point
of view and with a glittering eye on political patronage.

George W. Raney established the Peoria Daily News and issued the first
number on May 26, 1852 and followed soon after with the Weekly and Tri-
Weekly News. He adopted a slashing, buccaneering style, which while it may
have tickled the ears of the groundlings and made the judicious grieve gave his
sheet the popularity which attends originality and he got everything in sight.
President liuchanan appointed his postmaster and his sheet became the recog-
nized organ of the democratic party and obtained all the party patronage and
absorbed the rival paper. In the winter of 1857-8 Raney's whole establishment
was destroyed by tire but he took what remained of the "F'eoria Democratic
Press" and began the publication of the "Democratic Union" which became the
leading democratic paper in this section during the campaign of i860. In that
campaign, however, Raney retired from the editorial chair and its management
was turned over to William Trench, who as an ardent supporter of Douglas
conducted the sheet in his interests during the campaign and at its close, which
ended in the defeat of Douglas and the election of Abraham Lincoln. Raney
went back to his editorial duties and conducted the sheet tmtil September 1862
when he obtained a position in the army and with his departure the "Democratic
Union" went out of existence. This was the end of the ''Peoria Democratic
Press" founded in 1840 by John S. Zieber, which, like the first of Peoria's news-
papers, changed managers and names, but led a continuous existence for many
years.

THE nltRRVJNI.VNDER

Again in chronological order we are compelled to turn back to the year of
grace 1843 when Simeon DeWitt Drown started the German "Gerrymander."
This sheet was merely a burlesque but still it exerted a specific influence. The
legislature had divided the estate into seven congressional districts in such a
manner as to form but one whig district, the seventh. This appealed to the
risibilities of Drown and in the interest of the whigs he published the Gerry-
mander, the first number of which appeared on March 22, 1843 and was issued
weekly during the campaign of that year. Each issue was illustrated with cari-
catures representing the shapes of the several congressional districts, Init at the
end of the campaign its usefulness, or otherwise ended.

THE PEORIA AMERICAN

This newspaper was founded in the whig interest by James Kirkpatrick in
July 1845, who claimed tlie distinction that it was the first newspaper in the
state to place the name of General Zachary Taylor under the title of "Rough
and Ready" at the head of its columns as a candidate for the presidency of the
United States. He conducted the sheet for four and one-half years until
January 26, 1850, when he was killed under the falling walls by the explosion
which wrecked his office and that of the Champion as previously recorded. With
his death the "Peoria American" died with him. Previous to his death the
"Nineteenth Century." a national reform paper, had been started in September,
1848 by J. R. Watson and D. D. Irons and after it had run for a few month.';
it was sold to Kirkpatrick and merged with the "American."

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HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 409

PEORIA DAILY TRANSCRIPT

We have now reached the period which presents the line of demarcation
between the old order of Peoria journalism and that which obtains at the present
time. And it is a melancholy fact that the Peoria newspaper which grew from
the primordial germ, as it were, that first received press dispatches and was the
first in Peoria to adoi)t the linotype and rise above the deficiencies and restric-
tions of hand composition, should have so far lost its identity as to be remem-
bered only at the further end of a hyphen in the appellation : Herald-Transcript.
In its day and for more than a quarter of a century it was the leading newspaper
in Peoria and the stalwart organ of the republican party in the interests of
which it was founded. Like all the other Peoria newspapers which preceded
it, and many with which it was contemporary it had its periods of youth, manhood
and decay and was finally merged with a paper started at a later date and which
first eclipsed and then absorbed it.

The Peoria Transcript was founded at the instance of William Rounseville,
who at that time was pastor of the Universalist church, Grand master of the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows of this state and a man of marked literary
ability who had previously published a magazine in Chicago. N. C. Nason, who
had been previously connected with the "Peoria Republican" and was a practical
printer, was also prominent in the Order of Odd Fellows and in 1854 was
engaged in merchandising at Wesley City, then a river town of some importance.
Rounseville visited him with the view of establishing an Odd Fellows' magazine
in Peoria, and the enterprise seeming feasible Xason went to Philadelphia and
purchased printing supplies amounting to a value of $2,000. When the supplies
arrived the office was established on the third floor of a new brick building
now known as 202 Main street where it remained until the fall of 1855 when
Rounseville, who had an itch for the newspaper business urged the starting of
a daily newspaper in the republican interest to which Nason, after much delibera-
tion assented. The type used in the publication of the Odd Fellows' magazine
was set up into newspaper columns and the first number of the Peoria Tran-
script from its quarters on the corner of Main and Water streets to which the
office was transferred was issued on December 17, 1885. It was well edited and
well printed but its finances were badly managed and the enterprise soon got
into deep water. Aid which had been promised did not appear and at the end
of two months when all the resources of the projectors had been exhausted
the late Caleb Whittemore stepped in and assumed obligations on behalf of the
concern to the amount of $4,000 and was compelled to take the property to
save himself. During his ownership he never took active charge of the establish-
ment l.nit continued in his regular lousiness of locksmith and gunsmith. In the
latter part of 1857 Whittemore sold the concern to J. G. Merrill, a farmer
living in this county who conducted it unsuccessfully for one year and then
sold it to Nathan C. Geer, who had previously edited the Waukegan Gazette.

In 1859 Enoch Emery, who had gained his newspaper experience on Boston
publications, came to Peoria and was employed by Geer as city editor and
Peoria gained a thorough newspaper man. In i860 the paper passed into the
possession of Enoch Emery and Edward A. Andrews and it at once entered
upon a successful career. Emery's short, terse, epigrammatic sentences and
vigorous stvle of writing was at once recognized and it became the most influ-
ential republican organ throughout central Illinois. In the campaign of i860
and during the Civil war and the administration of Abraham Lincoln the paper
was a staunch supporter of all the measures of the republican party and just
before he was assassinated President Lincoln appointed Emery postmaster, but
did not live to sign his commission. That came later from President Johnson.
In a little over a year and in consequence of the opposition of the "Transcript"
to his policy President Johnson removed Emery from the position of postmaster
and appointed Gen. D. W. Magee. In 1869 Mr. Emery purchased the interest

410 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

of his partner and conducted the business alone until a stock company
was formed entitled "The Peoria Transcript Company" with Mr. Emery re-
maining at the head of the concern as president and general manager. In, that
year Mr. Emery was appointed collector of internal revenue by President Grant
and held the office for two years, when in consequence of his opposition to
Gen. Logan the latter caused him to be removed. Enoch Emery was a positive
man and did not hesitate to express his opinions, and it was the assertion of the
courage of his convictions which caused him to lose the postoffice and the internal
revenue collectorship in turn.

In the seventies Enoch Emery left the editorial chair to devote his attention
to the business office and his brother was installed as editor. The change
was disastrous to the sheet in both departments. The editorial page missed
Emery's forceful writings and in the business department he was out of his
element. In January 1880 a new organization was formed with R. H. Whiting
prsident, R. A. Culter. treasurer, and James M. Rice, secretary, and Emery
went back to the editorial chair. In the following year he was removed and he
started an afternoon publication known as "The Peorian," but it had an ephem-
eral existence and Emery, broken-hearted, died on May 30, 1S82. His was a
vigorous, forceful character and during his editorial career he did much for
Peoria and his memory implores the passing tribute of a sigh.

After the removal of Enoch Emery from the Transcript Alexander S. Stone
came here from Keokuk, Iowa, and purchased a controlling interest in the
concern and soon after assuming control changed the form of the paper from
a folio, or four pages, to the modern quarto, a style that later was adopted by
all the Peoria papers. Stone attended the financial management of the paper
and in the editorial chair Enoch Emery was succeeded by Welker Given, who
in turn was followed by William Hoyne, who later was placed at the head of
the law department of Notre Dame University ; Col. E. P. Brooks of Washing-
ton, who had been consul at Cork, Ireland; Major William S. Brackett and R
M. Hanna, who died in 191 1.

THE HERALD-TRANSCRIPT

On March i, 1893 a new company was organized, chiefly by parties from
Ohio with J. N. Garver as president and treasurer; Thomas R. Weddell of
Chicago, vice-president and editor; James L. Garver, secretary. Weddell, the
editor came from the Chicago Inter Ocean and attempted innovation of a metro-
politan character but which did not take with the Peoria public and after run-
ning it for five years it was sold to H. M. Pindell of the Herald who merged it
with his paper and gave it the hyphenated name which it now bears — the "Herald-
Transcript." In 1892 the Herald-Transcript was sold to a syndicate of repub-
licans headed by P. G. Rennick, collector of internal reveaiue and ex-postmaster
W. E. Hull who operated the paper until 1904 when Rennick bought the control-
ling interest. On November of that year he sold the paper to Charles H. May
and W. Sisson and in the following year its publication office was removed from
Main street to its present (|uarters in the 200 block South Jefl:'erson avenue.
Charles H. May, as the head of the present management has made a number
of improvements in the mechanical plant, including the installation of a sextuple
press and as the only morning newspaper now published in Peoria has brought
it strictly up to date. It is ably edited, is bright, clean and progressive and
after all the vicissitudes through which both papers, that are embodied in its
hyphenated name, have passed, it is evident that in the old expression attached
to newspapers, it has come to stay.

THE PEORIA HERALD

In giving the history of the "Peoria Transcript" and the circumstances which
led to its absorption by the "Peoria Herald" and the adoption of the name

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 411

"Herald-Transcript," it is eminently proper to revert to the circumstances con-
nected with the founding of the "Herald."

In i88S the democratic party in Peoria was without an organ. The "Na-
tional Democrat" which followed the series of newspapers beginning with the
Peoria Democratic Press was established in the summer of 1865 by Colonel W.
T. Dowdall who came here from Alton, Illinois. He found the democratic
newspaper business in a bad condition. After the Democratic Press had come
the "L'nion," the "Star" and the "Post," but all had been short-lived and only
their names remain to attest that they ever existed. Colonel Dowdall took over
the small plant of the "Post" and provided an entirely new outfit. He con-
ducted the "National Democrat" from 1865 until 1887 when he was appointed
postmaster under the Cleveland administration and sold out to a stock com-
pany in which the late Joseph Irwin of Pekin and John Schofield of this city
were the principal stockholders. Under their management the paper proved
unsuccessful and in a year died from inanition.

Early in the year 1889 H. AI. Pindell, who had been city treasurer of Spring-
field and had a large state political acc,|uaintance came to this city at the invita-
tion of Andrew Jackson ilell. who had been state senator and a candidate for
lieutenant governor. Bell expressed the opinion that conditions were ri|5e in
Peoria for the establishment of a newspaper which should be recognized as tiie
organ of the democratic party. Air. Pindell after looking over the field became
convinced of that fact and on March 7, 1889, the first number of the Peoria
Herald was issued. It proved successful from the start and gradually in-
vaded the morning field which up to that time had been controlled by the
"Transcript." It was well edited and it adopted a high moral tone which made
it distinctive. Pindell proved to be an astute business manager and it was not
long before the "Herald" was in 'possession of a flourishing advertising patron-
age and a rapidly extending circulation and in the meantime the "Transcri]it"
was perceptibly declining. Primarily a democratic organ, it was Air. Pindell's
idea to make it a newspaper in all that the term implies, a medium for the dis-
semination of news, and the results of his enterprising spirit soon became mani-
fest. The period of rivalry with the "Transcript" was drawing to a close and
the end came on December 28, 1S98, when Air. Pindell purchased the entire
right, title and interest in the "Transcrijjt" and on the following day the "Herald"
appeared as the "Herald-Transcript." The remainder of its history has already
been recorded.

THE PEORI.\ JOURN.\L

In the list of Peoria newspapers it is an indisputable fact that the evening
publications have achieved the greater measure of success. This was early
recognized by the managers of newspapers published in the German language
and from the start all of their publications have been of the evening, or more
properly, the afternoon, issue. Feeble attempts had been made in by-gone years
to establish an afternoon daily, but they all failed. In 1870 P. W. Sheldon
and E. F. Baldwin, the latter the present proprietor of the "Peoria .Star"
launched the first evening newspaper worthy of the name and called it the
"Review." It ran until Jantiary 1873 and then to get rid of the competition it
was bought by Enoch Emery of the "Transcript" and Colonel Dowdall of the
"National Democrat." Colonel Dowdall ran it for some years as an afternoon
reprint of the "National Democrat" and when he stepped out of the editorial
chair in 1887 to take the office of postmaster the "Review" was dropped.

The next evening newspaper to come into the field was the Peoria Journal
established by J. B. Barnes and E. F. Baldwin who issued its first number on
December 3, 1877. The office of the paper was in the Zeigler building on
Hamilton street just below .'\dams. The first week its circulation was 1,700
copies but it steadily grew and ran up in two years to 4.000 and two years later to

412 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

7,000. It established an unusual record from the fact that it met all expenses and
yielded a profit from the start. After the expenditure of the original capital it
did not sink a cent. It was independent in politics and E. E. Baldwin, now
the editor and proprietor of the Peoria Star, had the happy faculty of present-
ing the local news of the day in a bizarre and original style that caught the
public fancy, while his editorials, written on the same day, carried with them
the scholarly weight and the masterful style which is still characteristic of all his
writings. In 1S94 the Journal was organized as a stock company at a capitali-
zation of $100,000 of which Barnes and Baldwin held $40,000 each and AI. N.
Snider and Charles H. Powell $10,000 each. In 1891 Messrs. Baldwin and
Powell engaged in other business and dropped out of the Journal leaving Barnes
the sole owner of all the stock, and who during the first Bryan campaign ran
the sheet as a free silver paper. Barnes conducted the paper until February i,
1900, when he sold it to H. M. Pindell, who in the organization of a stock com-
pany assigned 40 shares to Charles Carroll, 20 shares to J. E. Elder and re-
tained 40 shares for himself. Two years later Mr. Pindell bought the shares
of his partners and assumed full control and made considerable additions to
the plant equipment. From 1882 the paper had been published in the Grand
opera house building, but when that structure was destroyed by fire in the early
morning of December 14, 1909, it was removed to temporary quarters and sub-
sequently found a permanent home in the Jefferson building on the corner of
Jefl'erson avenue and Fulton streets. The Journal is bright and progressive and
is the recognized democratic organ in Peoria, but asserts its independence when
the occasion demands.

THE PEORI.\ ST.\R

No other newspaper published in Peoria at any time has equalled the suc-
cess which has attached to the Peoria Evening Star. It leaped into public favor
with its first issue on September 27, 1897, and it has continued to maintain
the advantages gained in its early career.

It was established by E. F. Baldwin and Charles H. Powell, who had a
limited capital but a world of enterprise and energy. Its circulation of 3,400
on the day of its first issue reached 3,000 by the end of the week and it grew so
fast that the chief concern of the publishers was to get the paper into the hands
of the subscribers promptly. For weeks the routes of the carriers were changed
daily to meet the increasing demand and in the meantime its country circulation
extended in a like ratio and at the end of six months the total circulation had
reached 20,000. It has now an average daily circulation of 22,000.

Its phenomenal success is due mainly to the personality of its editor. E. F.
Baldwin, which is reflected in all his writings. An omniverous reader and as
close a student as he ever was in his youth and early manhood, with a memory
as accurate and as tenacious as a phonographic record, a master of satire and
gifted with a strong sense of humor, his work as a writer has a distinctive
originality which at once attracts and commands attention. When the reader
once gets' the flavor of it he wants more and that is the secret of the remarkable
success of the Peoria Evening Star.

Editor Baldwin is now on Easy street, but in his moments of relaxation he
enjoys reverting to the past when he had an up-hill struggle. Before he started
the "Star" he had made and lost two fortunes but he still retained his indomit-
able will. When the "Star" project came up he declares that neither he nor
his partner had any money. They found an "angel" in Chicago who sold them
a press on credit and when it came to Peoria they did not have the necessary
$21 to pay the freight. They raised it, however, and as soon as that press be-
gan to revolve the foundations of their fortunes were laid. Mr. Powell died
in 1902 and E. F. Baldwin is now the sole owner.

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 413

The "Star" is now worked off on a four-deck Goss pL'rfccting press with a
capacity of 24,000 sixteen-page papers per hour, folded and counted. Its cir-
culation is the largest in the state outside of Chicago ; its advertising business
ranks with its circulation and it is the most popular newsjiaper in central Illi-
nois. Editor Baldwin has gathered about him a force wliich shares his enthu-
siasm, and his benign influence permeates all departments. In no other
newspaper office in this state, or probably anywhere else, is there a more pro-
nounced expression of "esprit de corps," the working of all to a common end.
than is exhibited in the office of the "Peoria Star." It is a perfect piece of
altruistic mechanism in which everyone employed takes a joy in his or her work
and contributes to the success of the enterprise. As the latest of the dailv news-
papers to be established in Peoria the Star stands for the last word in Peoria
journalism.

THE GERMAN PRESS

People from Germany began to settle in Peoria as early as 1835 and spread
out into the adjacent counties where they took up farms and eventuallv became
an important factor in the population of this growing section of the state. It
was not long before they represented one-third of the population of this im-
mediate territory and it is shown by census statistics that this ratio holds good
today, one-third of the po]nilation of Peoria county being German by birth or
descent.

The German revolution of 1848 increased emigration from the fatherland
rapidly and brought over a very intelligent class among whom were a number
of learned and professional men, ripe from the German universities. Stran-
gers in a strange land, those who had not studied other professions looked about
them for opportunities in the newspaper business and a boom was created
for German publications. In 1852 Alois Zotz, an able and learned man, whose
memory is still held in reverence came to Peoria and established the "Illinois
Banner," as a weekly publication. The first number appeared on February
18, 1852, and it was hailed with delight by the German-speaking element in the
community. Zotz was a profound philosopher and a student of the conditions
as they existed in the old world and the new and he kept his compatriots in
touch with them. He was an intense democrat and his style of writing was
lofty and above the heads of the majority of his readers, although it was much
admired by his cultured clientele.

In 1858 Mr. Zotz sold the publication to Edward Rummel who was an ardent
republican. He changed its name to "Deutsche Zeitung" and swung it into the
republican column and supported Abraham Lincoln for the presidency in i860.
Rummel conducted the paper until 1868 when he was elected state secretary of
Illinois and before leaving for Springfield sold the paper to Captain Edward
Fresenius who conducted it for three years and in 1871 sold it to Rudolph
Eichenberger who ran it for seven years and in 1878 sold it to Bernard Cremer
& Bros,, who had previously acquired a rival paper known as the "Demokrat"
and it was merged with the latter paper.

THE PEORI.X DEMOKR.\T

The "Peoria Demokrat" was established during the campaign of i860. After
Alois Zotz had sold the "Illinois Banner" to Rummel, who changed its name and
its politics, the German democrats found themselves without an organ and in-
duced Mr. Zotz to establish the daily and weekly "Demokrat." He conducted
the paper until 1864, when Bernard Cremer, the present proprietor purchased
it and assumed the control which he has maintained ever since. Mr. Cremer
is an astute business man who has not only made his newspaper remarkably suc-
cessful, but has engaged in various enterprises with signal results and is re-
garded as the wealthiest newspaper publisher in central Illinois. His paper re-

414 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

fleets the sterling character of its editor, enjoys a wide circulation composed of
subscribers who stick to it, has a lucrative advertising ])atronage and stands
in the front rank of German daily newspapers in this state.

PEORIA DIK SONNE

During the early career of the "Illinois Banner." the "Deutsche Zeitung"
and the "Demokrat," other German papers were started including the "\'olks-
blatt" and the "Courier" but they were short-lived and later came "Der Volks-
freund" and the "Sonntags Post" to join the innumerable caravan which marches
to the pale realms of shade. In 1877 a new man appeared in Peoria to create
a name and a place in its journalism in the person of Louis Philip Wolf. Hav-
ing received an excellent education in Germany he came to the United States
in 1868 and after occupying several positions as teacher of modern languages,
his last engagements being in the German-American institute in Chicago and the
Academic Francaise he drifted into journalism and established at Lincoln. Illi-
nois, the "Volksfreund," and at the time of its first issue in 1875 it was the
only German republican paper in this state. In 1877 he came to Peoria to be-
come editor of the "Deutsche Zeitung," but when it was sold to the "Demokrat"
he found himself again a free agent. In the spring of 1879 he established Die
Sonne with Joseph Wolfram and William ISrus as partners. Wolf is a vigorous
writer, his diction scholarly and eminently correct, and under his masterful
editorship Die Sonne has become a powerful ally of the republican party. In
April, 1910, the Peoria Sonne Publishing company was organized with L. Ph.
Wolf, president; Louis Herrmann, vice-president; Hermann Goldberger, sec-
retary and William C. Grebe, treasurer, Mr. Wolf retaining the editorial chair
with' Hermann Goldberger as city editor and they constitute a strong team.
"Die Sonne" is fearless in its expressions of opinion, has always worked for the
best interests of Peoria and has always been found on the side of right and
justice. It is these qualities that have given it its commanding prestige and its
deserved popularity.

WEEKLY PUBLICATIONS

While Peoria journalism had its beginning in weekly publications, which
eventually gave way to the dailies, it was a long continued practice for the daily
newspapers to issue weekly editions and for many years the tri-weekly idea
prevailed. In the course of time these weekly editions were dropped and are
now confined to the German publications. With the newspapers published in
the English language the Sunday edition has taken the place of the old weekly.
There was a time, however, when there was an open and profitable field for
weekly papers, not connected with the dailies, and which were not newspapers
in the strict meaning of the term. They were known as "society and literary"
publications and for twenty years between 1870 and 1890 they had a great
vogue. They devoted their columns to topics not touched upon by the daily
press, chiefly social and personal, and they occupied a field exclusively their own.
Gradually the Sunday editions of the daily newspapers encroached upon their
field and' in the end supplanted them. The weekly society sheet could not cope
with publications which gave substantially the same information, and in addi-
tion published the news of the day. and it became a victim to the remorseless law
of the survival of the fittest.

S.\TURDAY EVENING CALL

The most pretentious and successful of these weekly society publications
was the Saturdav Evening Call which was founded by three men who came to
this city from Terre Haute, Indiana and issued the first number on April 7,

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 415

1877. The original proprietors were Simeon R. Henderson, who was the editor,
J. D. Weaver, business manager, and J. W. Clifton was superintendent of the
mechanical department. They published a remarkably attractive paper which
for some years enjoyed a wide circulation. Henderson, the editor, had a rare
judgment in selecting the literary material and was, himself, an able writer.
Charles \V. Taylor, who for the past twenty-five years, has written the humor-
ous sketches which appear on the editorial page of the Chicago Tribune under
the caption "In A JNlinor Key" was for several years connected with the Call
and contributed much of the qualities that made it popular. Later, William
Hawley Smith, who subsecjuently became a partner of the late Bill Nye on the
lyceum platform, bought an interest in the sheet and was its managing editor
for two years. In 1885 the Call was sold to W. Livingston and George Sylves-
ter, who one year later sold it to Fred Patee and Charles \'ail. Livingston
went to Laramie, Wyoming and edited the Boomerang on which Bill Nye first
rose to fame. In 1866 the paper was sold to Samuel McGowan, who has since
become noted as a manager of Indian schools in the west and finally it passed
into the possession of A. M. May who conducted it for three years only to see
it gradually expire.

THE SUND.W MIRROR

In 1902 R. M. Hanna, who at that time was holding an editorial position on
the Transcript, with A. S. Stone, who had retired from the management of the
same paper, and W. W. Welch, a reporter, established the Sunday Mirror. They
made a distinctive local sheet and traversed the entire field of local gossip, con-
stituting an entertaining and attractive publication. Charles B. Smith bought
the interest of Stone and Welch and after conducting it for eighteen months it
was sold to J. W. Hill, J. W. Burton and Dr. Eggleston who left the Herald to
become the editor of the Mirror. All three of these men were advocates of the
single ta.x idea and it was run in that interest for a few months, but unsuccess-
fully and in 1905 passed out of existence.

PEORIA L.\nOR GAZETTE

The only weekly publication in Peoria at the present time, not connected
with a daily, is the "Peoria Labor Gazette," which, as its name implies, is de-
voted to the interests of the union labor organizations. It was established in
1895 '^y George Wilson Bills and after changing ownership two or three times
it passed into the possession of its present publisher, Walter H. Bush, who has
lieen prominently identified with union labor organizations in this city for the
past twenty years. Being a practical printer, a man of superior intelligence and
having a thorough knowledge of labor conditions he has established the Peoria
Labor Gazette on a sound financial basis which assures its permanency. It is
the organ of the Peoria Trades and Labor Assembly, has an extensive circula-
tion and lucrative advertising patronage and has assumed the position of the
leading labor paper in central Illinois.

THE PRE.SS OF TODAY

There have been a number of weekly and monthly publications started in
Peoria, other than those alluded to, in the ccnirse of the past half century, but
they had merely an ephemeral existence and have long been forgotten.' The
press of Peoria as it exists today is confined to three English newspapers, one
morning and two evening, and two German newspapers having weekly editions.
The Herald-Transcript is issued in the morning and the Star, journal, Demokrat
and Die Sonne in the afternoon. They are all well and ably edited, occupy
the front rank in provincial journalism and hold their own against metropolitan
competition. They represent the vital interests of this city and have done, and are
still doing, all that within them lies to advance its interests, keeping ever an
eye upon the goal — "Greater Peoria."

CHAPTER XX\I]1

ORC.ANIZATIONS OLD SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION — THE PEORIA WOMEN's CHRISTIAN

HOME MISSION JOHN C. PROCTOR ENDOWMENT^ — YOUNG MEn's CHRISTIAN

ASSOCIATION YOUNG WOMEN's CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION— WOMAN's CLUIl AND

OTHERS — DEACONESS HOSPITAL — FRATERNAL ORDERS.

OLD settlers' ASSOCIATION

Tlie Old Settlers' Association was organized at a meeting- held in the court
house, July 4, 1866. John Hamlin, one of the pioneers of the county, acted as
chairman, and Charles Uallance, pioneer lawyer and local historian, secretary.
There was a large attendance, principally of the old people, and the enthusiasm
of the initial assembly presaged many more. George C. Bestor, Edward F.
Xowland and Charles Hallance were appointed a committee to prepare a con-
stitution and by-laws, which was submitted at the meeting held on the 27th
of July, 1867, and adopted. John Hamlin was chairman of this meeting and
Charles Ballance was secretary.

It was decided to style the association the "Old Settlers' Union of Peoria
and X'icinity," and under the constitution a residence of thirty years in the
state of Illinois prior to the adoption of the constitution was required of each
person applying as members of the society. This provision was amended at the
annual meeting, July 4, 1869, so as to read as follows: "That every person who
has resided in the state of Illinois prior to A. D. 1840, who is now a resident
of Peoria or this vicinity, shall be entitled to become a member of this society
by signing the constitution and paying the initial fee ; and the children of any
person who is a member of the society shall be entitled to membership at any
age."

A number of the very early settlers signed their names to the constitution,
namely: John Hamlin, 1823; Samuel B. King. 1831; John Todhunter, 1834;
Matthew Taggart, 1835; Jacob Hepperly, 1831 ; Edward F. Nowland, 1835;
John C. Flanagan, 1834; John T. Lindsay, 1836: .-Mvah Dunlap, 1834; Alvin
W. Bushnell, 1837; George W. Fash, 1835; Charles Ballance, 1831 ; John Waugh.
1836; Samuel Tart, 1834; Joseph J. Thomas, 1837; Thomas Mooney, Jr., 1835;
Daniel Trail, 1834; C. M. F"razier, 1834; Elihu N. I^owell, 1836; Lyman J.
Loomis, 1834; George W. H. Gilbert, 1837; Allen L. Fahnestock, 1S37.

In addition to the above over three hundred persons joined the society who
dated their residence in the county back to 1840, most of whom are now de-
ceased.

The constitution was again changed in 1886, so as to admit persons to mem-
bership who had been residents of Peoria or this vicinity for a period of thirty
years i)rior to that date. Provision was also made for the election annually
of a president, two vice presidents, recording and corresponding secretaries and
a treasurer, and since the beginning of the society annual reunions have been
held at various places, principally in the public parks and groves, which have
been attended at various times by persons of prominence throughout the state.

One of the most noteworthy events in the history of the association was the
dedication of a log cabin in Glen Oak Park at the annual reunion of 1897. -'^

Vol. 1—2 7

417

418 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

cabin had been erected in one of the picturesque spots of beautiful Glen Oak
Park, and instead of a corner stone laying, the event was celebrated by the
laying of the first course of logs on the 21st day of April, 1897. The meeting
was a highly successful one. Isaac W. Crandall, builder of the cabin, was the
master of ceremonies. Logs were used for seats and a barrel of cider was on
tap during the exercises, the old folks and young using a primitive gourd. In
the cabin at that time were placed an old fashioned organ, a spinning wheel, an
old style bed, made up, chairs to harmonize with their surroundings and a clock,
sixty-five years old, made by Ely Terry, the first clock maker in the country.
Dried apples, dried pumpkin, catnip, peppers and "yarbs" were suspended from
the rafters, as was the wont of early days. Since the year 1895 Glen Oak Park
has been the regular place for holding these reunions which occur every year
and at many of them the assemblages have numbered several thousand souls.

THE I'EORI.X women's CHRISTI.\N HOME MISSION

Mrs. E. S. Willcox

It was in the year of 1875, at the close of a series of Bible readings by Rev.
Henry Morehouse of England, that a number of Christian women, wishing to
enter on some definite service for the Master, organized the "Women's Chris-
tian Association," for ministry among the poor. They took for their motto—
"The Pove of Christ Constraineth Us," and they went forth to do with their
mio-ht whatever their hands found to do for both souls and bodies of the poor
and needy. It was during the same year, that this association united with
another of like purpose which had been organized longer in the Universalist
church, and to this united society was given the name of the "Women's
Christian Home Mission." Its first work was the systematic visitation of the
afflicted poor. The city was divided into twelve districts — two visitors serving
in each. In a few of the larger ones there were three. Each case was care-
fully investigated and immediate want relieved. Food, clothing, friendly sym-
pathy and advice given — the prime object being to encourage and assist those in
poverty or misfortune to become self supporting. This work was carried on
by representatives from all the churches, and the entire work of the mission
from the beginning has been strictly non-sectarian. It is to the faithful work
of these early founders of the Mission, and the wise leadership of its presidents,
Mrs. Erastus O. Hardin and Mrs. Lucie B. Tyng, that this Association owes
its broad foundation and its constantly enlarged powers for good in our city.

Its second, and no less important branch of work, was the establishing of an
industrial school, where sewing was taught to girls of six to fourteen years of
age. Between three and four hundred children were annually enrolled in this
school, and it did a grand work through a competent and faithful corps of
volunteer teachers. This school was carried on for many years, until the
formation of similar ones in the various churches rendered it no longer necessary.

Meantime the need of a temporary home for friendless women and children
became urgent. The first experiment in this line was the opening of small
c|uarters (two or three rooms) on Merriman street, which served our needs
for one year. Then, Peoria's benefactress, the late Mrs. Lydia Bradley, came
to our assistance and gave us the rent of a small house on Seventh street, which
answered the purpose for several years. It only accommodated a family of six
or eight, but it proved a great aid in the work, serving not only as a home for
the friendless, but as a depot for receiving and distributing clothing and an
employment bureau, and fully demonstrated the need for .larger quarters to
meet the demands for the growing work. In 1880 the valuable property, corner
of Main street and Flora avenue, was offered for sale at a very low figure.
It was pleasantlv situated with ample grounds (150 by 249 feet) and the house
ofl:'ered accommodations for a family of twenty-five and great advantages for
our endeavors.

FIliST (IliOUP PKTrUE EN'El! TAKEX OF THE OLD SETTLERS OF l'EORL\ COUXTY
AT THEIR AXXIAL REIXIOX AT OLEXDALE PARK IX isrs

A CKon- OF PEiiRIA (dlXTV noXKFi;s vr OLD SI';irLi;i!S- ncXR:

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 419

It seemed a great undertaking to raise the amount necessary ($5737), but
friends responded so generously to a committee appointed to canvass the city,
that their subscriptions, with a gift of $1000 from the Orphan Asylum Asso-
iation, enabled us to purchase the property. By October, 1881, it was entirely
paid for aud ready for occupancy, having been furnished by the various churches.
For ten succeeding years it gave a temporary home and shelter to hundreds of
women and children — then it, too. was outgrown. It was in 1890 that the
opportunity came to sell this property at a large advance over the price paid
for it, and availing ourselves of this, to build the present beautiful and com-
modious home on Knoxville avenue.

Our family here averages about sixty-five children, occasionally adults, alto-
gether with matron and helpers about seventy. It is under the supervision of
a board of fifteen managers, chosen by the mission, all faithful, conscientious
women, whose aim it is to give these unfortunate and helpless little ones their
personal care and the comforts, training and advantages of a well ordered
Christian home. Of these sixty-five children, some are fatherless, some are
motherless, others have been deserted by one or both of their unworthy, irre-
sponsible parents. Some are dependent wards of the county, and of all these,
many are returned to their parents when the need of temporary help is past,
or parents have proved themselves able and worthy to care for them ; and some
are placed in homes. About fifty attend the public school and Arcadia Sunday
school. For the fifteen or more younger ones we have a kindergarten in the
home.

Our deiKirtments of work at the present time are the Home for the I<"riend-
less and district visiting among the poor. (Jther branches we have liad are
the Bradley Home for Aged Women and The Young Women's Boarding Home
(both children of the Alission), established and carried on under its auspices
for many years until funds were raised for each to make them independent
institutions. Our friends have been many and generous. There is no appeal
which touches every heart like that for helpless and neglected children and we
have never called in vain for help.

It was in 1881 that the mission received a bequest of $1,000 from Mr. and
Mrs. Charles Storrs, of Brooklyn, in memory of their son-in-law, David Choate
Proctor, of Peoria. This was the foundation of our Endowment Trust Fund,
for which some twenty or more be(|uests have since been received, ranging from
$100 to $10,000 and which, carefully invested, yields an income of $2,400 a
year. Parents who are able, pay small sums weekly, according to their means.
The county pays $7 a month for the dependent children under its care. And
then there are our annual subscriptions, membership fees and donations. Our
work and our expenses increase with the years of which we have closed our
record of thirty-six, but our cruise of oil has not failed, and we go on our way
rejoicing in the good we have been permitted to accomplish, looking forward to
still greater things in the Master's name. The officers are: Mrs. E. S. Willcox,
president; Mrs. Flora D. Kellogg, first vice president; Mrs. Louise D. Elder,
second vice president; Mrs. Isabella C. Ayres, secretary; Mrs. T. A. Grier, as-
sistant secretary; Miss Julia F. Cockle, treasurer.

IXDUSTRI.VL SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

On the loth dav of October. 1879, a permanent organization was effected by
a number of Christian women of Peoria who had conceived a plan to establish
a home, wherein should be placed fallen women, in the endeavor to sequestrate
tliem from former companions and work a reformation in their lives. The
'\\'oman's Refuge was chosen as the title of the home and the incorporator.-;
were Margaret B. Wise, .\ugusta L. Farr, Harriet Holcomb, Adaline S. Higbie,
Catherine L. Truesdale and Margaret B. Reynolds. As set forth in their
; articles of incorporation the object was to rescue fallen women and provide for

420 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

them homes where they might be protected and surrounded by Christian influ-
ences. The institution first found a location on Hale street and there remained
two years, when it was removed to 613 North Washington street, and later to
914 Fourth street. The home was supported by charitably disposed citizens.
The corporate name was changed in 1889 to the Women's Peoria County Home
of Hlessing for Girls, and the home was removed to property purchased on
Richmond avenue, upon which a building was erected at a cost of about $10,000.
In 1892 the association was incorporated and its title changed to that of "The
Peoria County Industrial School for Girls and Home of Lilessing." The pri-
mary motives of the association were abandoned and since then the only inmates
of the institution have been dependent girls committed to its care by order of
the county courts of the state.

GUYER HOME FOR AGED PEOPLE

This most worthy institution came into existence through the beneficence
of one of Peoria's Christian and benevolent women, Airs. Alargaret M. Guyer.
daughter of Zenas Hotchkiss, and wife of Jacob Guyer, who came to Peoria
in an early day, engaged in farming and later became one of the city's wealthy
business men. The conception of the home was that of Mrs. Guyer, but before
her ambition could be realized she passed away and at her request Mr. Guyer
prevailed upon a number of prominent women of the city to form an associa-
tion for the purposes devised by his wife. Following out Mr. Guyer's desires,
the association agreed that the home should be located upon the Guyer home-
stead, situated at the corner of Armstrong and Knoxville avenues, that the home
should be for the benefit of persons of good character, temperate habits, resi-
dents of the county of Peoria for three years and not less than sixty years of
age who, on account of reduced circumstances, or other vicissitudes of fortune
should not be adequately provided with homes of their own. Also that other
deserving aged persons might be admitted and that the trustees should be chosen
from the same denominations of Protestant churches as far as practicable and
that divine services should be held at the home at least once on every Sabl)ath

da\-.

The association was incorporated on July 9, 1889, and the first board of
trustees consisted of Sarah Proctor Howe, president; Sarah E. Hodges and
Frances E. Fahnestock. vice presidents; Lillie Ballance Rice, secretary; Har-
riet Hepperly Hotchkiss, treasurer. The first members were Mary E. Bailey,
Lucie P.. Tvng, Susan S. Clagg, Lucy G. Allaire, Lucy M. Ross, Mary F.
McCulloch. Mary Bunn \'an Tassell, Flora Day Kellogg, ]Martha B. Reynolds
and Lucv W. Baldwin.

The home was opened for the reception of inmates in the summer of 1889
and its capacity has been taxed ever since that time.

THE JOHN C. PROCTOR ENDOWMENT HOME

The name of Proctor has been made enduring and one to be venerated in this
comnumity bv the beneficence and magnificent generosity of a life-long bachelor
member of the family — a man whose character stood the test of time and, like
the great Bayard, was sans peiir ct sans rcproachc.

In the year 1845 Tohn C. Proctor arrived in Peoria and with his brother,
E. A. Proctor, began "the manufacture of agricultural implements and was suc-
cessful. In 1830, he engaged in an extensive lumber business and achieved more
success. He oVganized the First National Bank in 1863 and was its president
from tile vear 1875 to within a few months of his death, and in all his great
business affairs and' activities he proved a master hand and accumulated a fortune
estimated at over two million dollars.

.lOHN (. I'lliil TtiU

THE J. C. PUOCroR EXIMIWMEXT

THE i'i;(H"i'i)i; iihsi'ital

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 421

During all the years of Mr. Proctor's life in the busy marts of trade, barter
and finance, it is possible that enemies were made, through envy and ignorance
of the motives actuating the man in his ambition to accumulate a vast fortune,
luit if this obtained, all was lost in forgetfulness when the intelligence electrified
the people that John C. Proctor had donated a home for the worthy poor of all
ages, and ambitious l)oys and girls in cpiest of a means of livelihood.

It was on the 26th day of June. 1904, that the people of Peoria were notified
through the columns of the Journal, that John C. Proctor would erect a home
for dependents, on the beautiful grounds known as Spring Hill park, and it was
but a short time thereafter that a contract had been let for the massive building.
( )n the morning of .August 2"/, 1906, the house was oj^ened and twenty applicants
were given homes for the rest of their lives.

The liuilding is one of the handsomest structures of the kind in the country.
It is ])ractically square, occupying a ground space of 160.x 1 do feet, four stories
in height, exclusive of an attic and basement. The material used is a greyish
( )hio stone and the architectural design is highly pleasing. The interior is all
that could be desired for an institution of its kind and a special feature is the
auditorium, which has a seating capacity of 400. The cost was $282,000.

In April, 1907, John C. Pro'-tor, against the strenuous objection of relatives,
became a resident of the home he had founded in the interest of humanity, and
early in the morning of June 22, 1907, he passed away in The Proctor Endow-
ment Home, mourned not only by a large group of relatives, but also by a com-
munity that had benefited so vastly through his enormous benefactions.

Jlie John C. Proctor Endowment, which took on concrete form during the
life of the donor, amounted to about $300,000; but shortly after the reading of
Mr. Proctor's will, it developed that his estate amounted to over two million
dollars and that of this great sum of money he had devised but $115,000 to rela-
tives and the residue to the John C. Proctor Endowment, to be held in trust for-
ever by the trustees and their successors, who were designated in the will as fol-
lows: J. S. Stevens, O. J. Bailey, David H. Proctor, .\aron S. Oakford, R. R.
llourland, I'redericl; F". Plossom, William E. Stone.

YOUNG men's christian ..\SS0CI.\TI0N

The chronicler of events gives us no date relating to a Young Men's Chris-
tian Association in Peoria prior to the year 1853. It is known, however, that in
the winter of that year a course of lectures was delivered under the auspices
of the "Young Alen's Christian Association" of Peoria. Among men of promi-
nence of that day who favored the public with their views upon subjects of interest
to the association. Judge McCuIloch in his history of Peoria county, mentions
Professor Jonathan P.. Turner, of Jacksonville, Rev. John W. Cracraft, rector of
St. Paul's parish, Peoria, President Blanchard, of Knox College, Rev. Robert
V. Farris, pastor of the Second Presbyterian church, Peoria, and Hon. Onslow
Peters, judge of the circuit court of Peoria.

It is stated that in the year 1858 a great religious awakening came upon
the people of this community and as a result a reorganization of the Young
Men's Christian .Association was accomplished in the month of May of that
year. .\t a meeting held at that time, Alexander G. Tyng was chosen president ;
Thomas G. McCulloch and Henry ls\. Kellogg, vice presidents; Calvin C. Lines,
recording secretary ; Horace Champlain, corresponding secretary ; and Larkin
1!. Day, treasurer. The meeting place was in the building now occupied by the
First National Bank but before the lapse of the year new quarters were secured
in the lecture room of the First Presbyterian church, corner Main and Madison.

In 1859 ,\. G. Tyng was reelected president and he continued to hold the
office until 1862, when William Reynolds succeeded him. In the latter year the
association was incorporated, its capitalization being the modest sum of $750.
At that time the membership was but twenty-six and from them was chosen
a war committee, who directed the operations of the association in connection

422 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

with the Christian Commission which had been organized early in the previous
year for the purjjose of lending all possible aid to the men battling for the Union
and their families at home.

The association kept up its meetings all through the war and it ajjpears that
Alexander G. Tyng, the first president, was again holding the chair in the years
1867 and 1868. At this time the association held its meetings in a room opposite
the postoffice on Main street. In 1870 and 1871 George II. Mcllvaine was presi-
dent.

There must have been a lapse in the meetings of the association for a few
years, for the records show that the present association was organized August
r8, 1879. IMartin Kingman was president, and Henry S. Sayles, secretary, for
that year. The membership was twenty-three. Rooms were secured over Irwin
& Company's store, 102- 104 South Adams street.

William X. P'isher succeeded Mr. Sayles as president in the fall of 1879 and
continued in the office until June. 1881. On September 12, 1881, James M. Rice,
lately deceased, was elected president and served until September, 1883. On
December 16, 1882, however, the association was incorporated and in the fall of
1881 rooms in the second story of a building on the corner of Adams and Fulton
streets, formerly occupied by the Peoria Boat Club, were leased and nicely fur-
nished. These were occupied until the fall of 1884.

Martin Kingman succeeded Mr. Rice in 1883, and on the expiration of a
year was succeeded by Oliver J. Bailey. Headquarters were again changed in
1884, this time to the Criiger property, 213 South Jefferson street, and remained
there until i8gi, when the association became permanently situated in a building
constructed especially for the purpose at 115 North Jefferson street. The corner-
stone of this building had been laid with appropriate exercises, March 17, 1890,
and was ready for occupancy at the time indicated in this article. At the time
of its dedication, however, the building caused the association to assume obliga-
tions it could not fulfill, so that the burden becoming so heavy and the associa-
tion being unable to meet its heavy indebtedness, the building was sold in 1909
to the publishers of the German-Democrat. At the same time a number of
warm hearted and generous citizens who held certain notes against the associa-
tion cancelled them and with the money received for the building all indebted-
ness was obliterated. The association then established temporary headquarters
in room 431 Jefferson building, where it remained until moving into its present
magnificent new home.

When the old Y. M. C. A. building on Jefferson street was sold a campaign
was at once started for the purpose of raising funds with which to erect a new
Iniilding. A. I\I. Ward, of New York, an international secretary, was engaged
to take charge of the campaign. The work started in June, 1909, and at the end
of ten days of a strenuous and magnificent canvass, the splendid sum of $103,500
had been pledged for a new building, which was to be supplied with all modern
equipments. Later a building committee was selected, composed of E. C. Fos-
ter, chairman, J. M. Morse, J. A. Harman, E. T. Miller and W. E. McRoberts.
On December 2, 1909, the contract for the construction of the building was
awarded to Fred Meintz, and the firms of Shattuck & Hussey, Chicago, and
Howard & Emerson, of Peoria, were secured to draw the plans for a $75,000
structure. Work was commenced on the building later on and by the middle of
July, 1912, it was turned over to the officers of the association, completed. It
stands on the corner of Si.xth avenue and P'ranklin street, on a lot previously
purchased by the association and is one of the finest structures of its kind in the
state. It was anticipated that the dedicatory services would be held on August
1st. The cost of the building and lot was $105,000, and furnishings, $15,000,
which was all paid up at its completion.

The present officers are as follows : President, Horace Clark ; vice presi-
dent, E. C. Foster: recording secretary, F. H. Avery; treasurer building fund,
S. D. Wead ; general secretary, Herbert H. Holmes ; directors, Horace Clark,

ST. FRANCIS IKiSI'ITAL AND CHAPKI,. TEOIUA

YOUNG women's Christian -association

YOUNG \\(IMI-;X'S (JIKIslIAV ASSi )( I Alii >\ |U ILDIXC. I'KuKIA

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 423

E. C. Foster, F. M. Avery. B. Cowell, D. S. Long, J. M. Morse, William Haz-
zard, \\'. G. Causey. George F. Carson, W. C. Collins, H. \V. Lynch, J. A. Har-
man, F. S. Wallace, Leonard Hillis, M. W. Rotchford, J. T. Neilson ; physical
director. H. D. Sanborn; boys' secretary. A. S. Kresky ; association secretaries.
T. J. Killin and J. H. Kopp.

RAILROAD V. M. C. A.

The Railroad Young Men's Christian Association commenced work in Peoria,
Decemijer i. 1900, and it is located at 2336 South Washington street in a build-
ing 40x75 feet, two stories in height, with liasement. This structure contains
twenty-nine sleeping rooms, a reading room, amusement room, temporary hospi-
tal, lunch counter, dining room, bath room, barber shop, store rooms, etc., and
its total cost was $17,500, mainly the investment of the Peoria & Pekin Union
railways. Its oliject is to furnish the best facilities to railroad men for body,
character and soul-building by giving its members, at a nominal cost, clean,
wholesome food and other necessaries and pleasures. Its memliership, composed
exclusively of railroad men, numbers 250.

YOUNG women's CHRISTIAN AS.SOCI.\TI0N

At the laying of the corner stone of the new building occupied by the Young
Women's Christian Association. Jennie Adair Johnston read a history of the
society, from which the following generous extracts are taken : In November,
1893, -Miss Jennie Martin, of the Illinois state board, and Miss Ida Bradshaw,
of the Wisconsin state board of the Young Women's Christian Association,
arrived in Peoria and started out to interest the people here in the movement for
the organization of a Young Women's Christian Association. They found pub-
lic opinion in .sympathy with the cause and after a few days' canvass a meeting
was held in the parlor of the Second Presbyterian church and the longed-for
society was organized under the constitution recommended by the international
committee, with officers and board of managers as follows : Mrs. Anna W.
Rogers, Mrs. Mary M. McCulloch, Mrs. Ida Bourland, Mrs. Annie E. Dough-
erty. Mrs. A. E. Petherbridge. Mrs. Addie Hazzard, Mrs. Katie M. Day, Mrs.
Catlierine M. Hill. Mrs. Elizabeth W. Henry, Mrs. Jessie S. Page, Mrs. Mary
W. Parker, Mrs. Linda B. Tobias. Mrs. Henry Rouse, Mrs. Hannah M. Hough-
ton and Miss Florence Bannister.

The newly formed society held its first meeting December 9. 1893, in the
parlor of the woman's auxiliary of the Young Alen's Christian Association
building, with Mrs. Jennie S. Page in the chair. Committees were appointed on
membership, finance, education, social, devotional and furnishing, and at the
second meeting held January 26, 1894, in the same place, a rei)ort read indicated
that $600 in money had been pledged. At the meeting the principal discussion
was over the matter of a home for the association and a dwelling, standing
between the Dime Savings Bank and Bartlett's store, was selected for the
society's home.

.A. membership of 300 was reported at a meeting held in February, 1894,
and measures were at once taken to secure a secretary. At a meeting held
I'ebruary 27th following, articles of incorporation were filed and an advisory
board appointed, consisting of George Page. J. \\'. Rogers. David McCulloch,
N. C. Dougherty and O. J. Bailey. Miss Ida May Hickok was secured as secre-
tary but after a short time she resigned and in August Miss Caroline Palmer
was appointed. Educational classes were instituted and efi'orts were made to
secure the attendance of girls working in the various hotels, factories and stores.

Soon after the association had been installed in its new home the building
was sold and another one was rented of Mr. Norton. To this building the as-
sociation moved and remained for a period of fourteen years.

424 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

In 1905 Miss Harriet \'ance, of Portland, Oregon, was called to the sec-
retaryship, and the membership of the association having grown to pleasing
])roportions, this zealous young woman put forth every effort toward creating a
sentiment in favor of securing a lot and building a modern home for the as-
sociation. The work initiated by her was kept up and in March, 1907, several
competing organizations were formed among the young lady members and an
active campaign was inaugurated in which the sum of $34,000 was pledged for
the home. In the fall of 1907 ]Miss Ida Starkweather was called as general
secretary. Miss Vance having accepted a call to Pittsburg, and under the skill-
ful engineering of Miss Starkweather, aided by enthusiastic lieutenants, and
strong public sentiment, ground was broken on March 4, 1907, on a lot previously
purchased, and on April 30th following, the corner stone of the building was laid.
Dr. Arthur Little, of the Second Presbyterian church, being master of ceremonies.
The beautiful building, which cost $30,000 and standing on a lot for which
$8,000 was paid, was dedicated and thrown open to the public, Fridav. January
I, 1909. The structure stands on Liberty street, between Jefferson and Madi-
son, and the design is along old English lines, being constructed of brick, with
long windows, pillared porch and solid front. It covers the entire lot, 63 feet
front and 933^ feet in length. The front is of brown vitrified brick. Standing
three stories in height and having a complete basement, there seems to be
nothing that has been forgotten in the beautiful home. The interior is very
home-like and very tastefully and conveniently arranged. There is a library, liv-
ing room, class room, dining room, tea room, assembly hall and a well appointed
gymnasium.

The association building is open daily from 8 a. m. to 9 p. m. and the
reading and rest rooms are governed by the same rules. Cafeteria lunch is
served to gentlemen as well as ladies from 1 1 130 in the morning to i :30, daily,
except Sundays, with supper on Saturday evenings from 5 130 to 7 :30. There
is an employment and boarding directory and membership is open to all women
of good moral character. The annual fees are: A regular, $1; junior, 50 cents;
sustaining, $5. Membership in the association entitles one to the use of the
building at all times — the parlor, library, rest rooms, employment bureau, board-
ing house directory, cafeteria, social- occasions, entertainments and lectures.
Some of the classes admit members free of charge. These are the literature,
travel and Bible classes, also the glee club. Other classes require a small ad-
ditional fee, such as art needle work, sewing, millinery and others.

The membership of the Young Women's Christian Association now numbers
1,306. The officers for 1912 are: Mrs. W. C. Collins, president; Miss Elizabeth
McKenzie, general secretary ; ^liss Alice R. Reynolds, extension secretary ;
Miss Laura Bryan, office secretary; Miss Florence !M. Parmelee, physical di-
rector; Miss Inez C. Dusten, cafeteria director; Mrs. Helen AIcDowell, matron;
Mrs. Flora B. Reagan, travelers' aid.

THE CREVE COEUR CLUB

The Creve Coeur Club was organized April 3, 1894, by the incorporators.
Theodore Kuhl, Elwood A. Cole, Joseph E. Callender, Frank B. Xewell, Horace
Clark, Jr., Frank H. Gift, H. G. Rouse, Charles R. Warner and Charles E.
Wheelock. The association takes its name from the celebrated fort built by
La Salle, and its object is to promote the business interests of the city of
Peoria and the social enjoyment of its members. The management is vested in
a board of nine directors. The officers for the first year were: Theodore Kuhl,
president ; Charles R. Warner, vice president ; Joseph E. Callender. secretary :
Frederick F. Blossom, treasurer. The home of the club is a magnificent modern
building erected for the purpose on the corner of Jefferson and Liberty streets.
The membership is large and is composed of business and professional men.
It is democratic in character and non-political.

PEORIA COUNTRY CLUB

CRKVE COEUR CLUB, PEORIA

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 425

THE co^^'■|■K^■ club

The Country Club of Peoria was incorporated June 2(), 1897, and has iov its
object the encouragement of athletic exercises, recreation and social enjoyment.
Its management is vested in a board of eleven directors and its membership is
about I ^5. The first board of directors consisted of Walter P. Colburn. Frank-
lin T Corning. Sumner R. Clarke, Frederick H. Smith, R. W. Kempshall, J. B.
(Jreenhut, Nathaniel (iriswold, R. D. Clarke, ClifTord M. Anthony, H. Frederick
Steele, Jacob Wachenheimer. The first officers were: Frederick T. Corning,
president; Walter P. Colburn, vice president; R. D. Clarke, secretary; and
Frederick H. Smith, treasurer.

The club grounds are situated in Peoria Heights and contain twenty-seven
acres overlooking the Illinois river. The original club house was formerly the
residence of -Mrs. Caroline S. Gibson, but recently a new building has been
erected and a lookout from which the surrounding country can he seen for many
miles. The spot chosen is an ideal one and is pointed out to strangers visiting
the city as a place to be seen before leaving. Adjoining the grounds is a tract
of land consisting of fortv acres, devoted to golfing.

Other clubs that should be especially mentioned are the Women Teachers'
Chib. which was organized in the fall of 1897, with Miss Kate Rutherford, pres-
ident; the New Era Women's Club, organized November 12, 1892, with twelve
charter members ; the Peoria Art League, previously known as the Sketch Club,
organized in the winter of 1890-1. Its charter members were Grant Wright,
Carl Pehl, .A.. P.. Marston, L. A. Loomis, a pioneer artist of Peoria, Walter
l.aird, llcdlev W. Wavcott, Jesse Watson, Albert Chilcott, Frank Goss, Orie
Siivdcr, l'"red' Klein. Robert Slack, William Kerr and Robert Weller.

THE l)E.\CONESS HOME AND HOSPIT.\L

Some twentv-six vears ago, a zealous and energetic woman of the church,
.Mrs. Lucv Rvder :Mever, founded the order of the Deaconesses of the Aleth-
odist F])i.scopal Church, in the city of Chicago, and opened a Deaconess' home
and training school at or near tlie corner of Rush and Ohio streets, for the
purpose of organizing and training volunteer young women for Christian and
charitable work among the jjoor and needy, and under the auspices of the church.

The work has prospered so that beside the large home and Wesley Hospital
in Chicago, deaconess' homes, training schools and hospitals have been estal)-
lislied and maintained from the Atlantic to the Pacific oceans, and quite a num-
ber of deaconesses have gone to foreign countries as missionaries. About the
year iS()8, one of the deaconesses, T^Iiss Ida Phillips, came to this city and through
her efforts, the Deaconess' Home and Hos|)ital of the Central Illinois Confer-
ence was established here.

iMillowing the arrival of Miss Phillips, meeting of the members of the Meth-
odist churches were held and the work discussed, and resolutions were passed
asking the Central Illinois conference to establish a home and hospital in the city,
of Peoria. The conference which met that fall, took such action, and November
I, 1898, a meeting of those interested was held, which meeting was continued
to Novemlier 7th. .Vt this time a board of trustees and necessary officers were
elected, an association having been incorporated October 28, 1898, under the
corporate name of The Deaconess' Home and Hospital of the Central Illinois
Conference, with the following named as first trustees: I*". W'. Merrell. G. R.
Shafer. Jacob Straesser, Dr. W. W. Wyatt, Mrs. L. E. Bovee. C. T. McFall,
:Miss Ida Phillips. Mrs. M. Rogers, Mrs. Florence Gardner. C. V. Engstrom.
William Schleicher and William Hazzard. This board of trustees was reelected,
with the exception of William Schleicher, who declined to serve. November
14th following, the terms of the trustees were fixed as follows: F. W. Merrell,
V.V... three vears; G. R. Shafer. two years; Mrs. L. E. Bovee. two years; C. Y.

426 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

Engstroni, two years ; Jacob Straesser, three years ; Miss Ida Phillips, three
years; i\Irs. M. Rogers, one year; Dr. W. W. VVyatt, one year; Mrs. Florence
Gardner, one year; C. E. McFall, two years; and William Hazzard, one year.
Mrs. Gardner resigned, and William Taylor, of Edwards, was elected in her
stead. The officers elected were as follows : F. W. Merrell, president of the
board ; Jacob Straesser, vice president ; C. V. Engstrom, treasurer, which office
he still holds ; and Miss Ida Phillips, financial superintendent.

November 23, 1898, the trustees purchased from Mrs. Lydia Bradley the
large brick residence now known as Ko. 221 Glen Oak avenue, for $12,000. The
association commenced at once to make the necessary alterations and repairs
and a few months later opened the home and hospital, with Miss Lucy Hall,
a deaconess, as superintendent and matron, with a corps of nurses.

From the beginning the new hospital was a success and gained the praise of
physicians and patients. However, after it had been in operation a couple of
years, a neigbor complained against it as a nuisance and the hospital was closed.
On the 1st of December, 1905, the board of trustees obtained an option on the
property and an agreement was entered into with Mrs. Amelia Bontjes, by
which they afterwards purchased from the latter the property adjoining the
home and hospital on the west side, for $13,000, the former hospital was again
opened. In the meantime the board of trustees had purchased the vacant lot
on the east side of the hospital and later sold the Bontjes property to Dr. E.
W'. Oliver at a considerable financial loss, but with stringent provisions in the
deed which are intended to forever preclude the possibility of further injunc-
tion proceedings.

In the fall of 1910 Rev. J. E. Mercer, having been financial agent for several
years, and having been quite successful in securing funds and pledges, the
board of trustees decided to begin the erection of a new hosi^ital building, con-
sisting of a central building and two wings, and contracted with William Z.
Martin, a local contractor, for the erection of one of the wings. The dimen-
sions of this wing are 62 x 75 feet and five stories high. It is designed in the
renaissance style of architecture, with the face wall of the basement story of
buff Bedford stone. The next three stories are faced with dark brick, and the
upper story with buff brick with appropriate stone and dark brick trimmings.
The basement or first story has two large wards, one for men and one for women
and children, with necessary bath rooms, toilet rooms, linen room, and diet
kitchen. Here also are the autopsy room, morgue and room for heating plant,
and all are to be connected for present use, with the old building, by an ap-
propriate passage way. The main floor accommodates the administration rooms,
doctor's room, drug room and a number of private wards with bath and toilet
rooms. The second and third floors will be devoted to private rooms, a num-
ber of which will have baths attached. The fourth story is to contain the operat-
ing room, surgeons' room, instrument and sterilizing rooms, nurses' dining room
and main kitchen, with dumb waiters connecting with the various floors. On
the roof, open air rooms for convalescents are to be arranged. The entire
building is to be fire proof, and will contain every known convenience of the
modern hospital. The ventilation will be so arranged that the fresh air supply
for each room may be controlled independent of every other room, and suitable
to the needs of each patient. Every known appliance in the way of elevators,
electric lights, electric calls, sanitary floors, etc. will be supplied. This part
of the entire building will cost from $50,000 to $70,000, and the entire contem-
plated hospital building will present a frontage of about 160 feet in Glen Oak
aveiuie, and is expected to cost $200,000.

The grounds have an extensive frontage on Glen Oak avenue and Knoxville
avenue and extend back to Crescent avenue. The architect of the new build-
ing is B. L. Hulsebus, of Peoria.

The report to the session of the Central Illinois conference which met in this
city September 6-1 1, 191 1, shows that under the efficient management of Miss

NEW nriM)iX(; OF the

DEACONESS' HOSPITAL
^■ie^v from the east

l)i:.\l OXKSS' IIOSIMTAL. PEORIA
\ic\\ tiikru fniiii the north, showiiiir all of the liuihliiig-

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 427

Nellie Irene Young, .superintendent of nurses. 231 patients received care in the
liospital during the preceding year. ( )f the.se 103 were surgical cases. Charity
work amounting to $2,364.88 was clone. Under the management of Rev. W.
R. Wiley, the present efficient general superintendent and financial agent, there
has been gratifying success in raising the necessary funds to carry on the work.
It is expected that the wing now under construction will be completed in a few
months and will accommodate from forty to fifty patients.

The management of the home and hospital is under a board of trustees con-
sisting of twenty-five members, of whom thirteen are ministers, and twelve,
laymen. The present officers of the board are: Rev. O. T. Dwinell, ijresident :
Dr. W. W. Wyatt, vice president; L. C. llinckle. secretary; and C. V. Eng-
.strom, treasurer. Rev. J. W. Pruen is auditor and Rev. \V. R. Wiley, superin-
tendent. The executive committee consists of Revs. O. T. Dwinell. S. P.
Archer. W. D. Evans, C. \'. Engstrom, Jacob Straesser, William Taylor and L.
C. Hinckle.

The entire funtls for construction and support, aside from what may be
received from paying ])atients, arise from donations. The board now owns a
fine farm of one hundred and si.xty acres near Emden, Illinois, donated for the
purpose.

THE FRID.W CLUB

The Friday Club is the oldest women's club in Peoria, having been in ex-
istence since 1873. At that time Mrs. E. D. Hardin invited to her house a group
of women who called themselves jokingly at first "The Tired Mother's Club."
While they read and discussed books and magazines, their children played on
the spacious grounds of Mrs. Hardin's home. The club is unique, for in all
these years it has never had any officers, or any constitution or rules, yet it has
never failed to ofifer a delightful literary program at its bi-monthly meetings, and
its members, who volunteer one after another to take charge of the arrange-
ments, are devotedly attached to its interests and to one another. Any daughter
of a member or granddaughter (and there are granddaughters now) is entitled
to membership as a birthright. Twenty-five has been the average membership
and the meetings of late vears have been held not at one ])lace, but in the homes
of the difi^erent women. The club has joined the Civic Federation and has often
helped some specially needed cause.

THE PEORI.X women's CLUB

The Peoria Women's Club has been in existence since January 20, t886, at
which time the first little group of women assembled in response to a call issued
by Mrs. Clara P. iiourland.

Beginning with twenty-seven members, the club grew steadily, increasing al-
ways in strength and usefulness, until now the membership is close to three hun-
dred and fifty. Its objects, "mutual sympathy and counsel and united efTort to-
w-ard the higher civilization of humanity.'' were felt to be best served by dis-
tributing the work under various departments. These are now the home and
education, art and literature, social science and music deiiartments. Each de-
])artment offers a number of classes for the pleasure and instruction of mem-
Ijers. The home and education department has nearly always maintained a class
in current events and for many years a large and enthusiastic travel class. Lately
classes in domestic science and parliamentary law have been organized. The art
and literature department has practically from the beginning of the club life
given classes in the study of history, literature and arts of various countries,
with particular attention to the study of Shakespeare's work and that of Brown-
ing. The Shakespeare class closes its year's work with a presentation of one
of the master's plays, given in costume and always with much spirit and intelli-

428 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

gence. Recently a class in the study of modern drama has been formed. This
department has also given a number of excellent exhibits of engravings, oil and
water color paintings, etchings and photographs, all of a high standard.

The department of social science has taken an active part in many good works
for the community. It set on foot the movement which eventually resulted in
the establishment of the present hospital for the insane at Bartonville, secured
the passage of an ordinance prohibiting expectoration in the street cars and on
sidewalks and the appointment of a police matron. It has supported at differ-
ent times cooking classes for girls, a boys' club, and for a year or more, until
the state provided a worker, paid the salary of a teacher who instructed the
adult blind of Peoria, in reading, typewriting, etc.

This season, 1911-12, it has given one hundred dollars toward the Detention
Home and is interested in the establishment of a separate school room for de-
fective children.

The music department is the only one which holds regular bi-monthlv meet-
ings. It has a large membership and provides most interesting programs, which,
although prepared as studies, give great pleasure to the audiences and help to
spread the knowledge and understanding of music. At one time the department
had a mandolin and guitar orchestra, and for the last few years has done splen-
did work with its Woman's Club Chorus. The class has given several concerts
and is always ready to contribute its share to the club entertainments. In the
fall of 191 1 a new department, called the evening department, was formed for
the benefit of professional and business women, whose duties prevented their
attending the day sessions of the club. It meets twice a month to discuss cur-
rent events and to enjoy a literary program at eight o'clock, after which a sup-
per is served by the domestic science class.

The general meetings of the club are held on the second and fourtli Mondays
of the months from October to June, the topics presented being divided among
the interests of all departments. While the papers and addresses have been
contributed largely by club members, there has been a steadily growing tendency
to secure speakers from out of town, which has added variety and breadth to
the program. The club has had lectures from Julia Marlowe, Frederick Ward,
Walker Whiteside, Julia Ward Howe, Abbey Sage Richardson, Judge Lindsey.
Jane Addams and many others equally noted, and the concert committee in addi-
tion to the work of the music department, provided for many years a course
of from three to five concerts, at which there appeared such world renowned
artists as the members of the Kneisel and Spering Quartettes, Fritz Kreisler,
Josef Hofman. Bloomfield Zeisler, George Hamlin, Herbert Witherspoou and
Cecil Fanning. The joy and inspiration which such artists as these have brought
to Peoria's people, cannot be too highly estimated and the musical life of the
city owes a tremendous debt to the Women's Club, which has preserved the
highest standards, no matter what the discouragements or difficulties.

The dramatic committee has presented many plays of interest and usually
provides the entertainment for Founders' Day, which is always celebrated Janu-
ary 20th. Other special events, in charge of the social committee, are the presi-
dent's reception to new members, given in the autumn, the informal tea and
social half hour, which follows the monthly meetings, and the annual breakfast,
which closes the club year in May. The first meetings of the club were held in
the Pettengill Seminary and Uiereafter at the National Hotel parlors until Janu-
ary, 1894. when the club moved to its own building, at the corner of Madison
and Fayette streets. The first thought had been to erect a modest building,
adapted to club purposes only, but the need of a hall for chamber, music and
lectures had been so strongly urged by musicians and friends outside the club
that the present plan, though it involved heavier responsibility, was adopted.

Previous to this a stock company had been formed, with a capital stock of
$25,000. The shares were placed at $10 and were chiefly taken by club mem-
bers. The change of plan alluded to could only be effected by increasing the

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 429

capital stock, or by placing a mortgage upon the Intilding. The latter course
was preferred and the club was left, upon the completion of the building, with
a debt of $16,000.

Plain and substantial in design and construction, the house has demonstrated
over and over again the wisdom of its building. It is free of debt and kept
in perfect repair to date. Twice has the Peoria Women's Club been hostess, in
her own home, to the Illinois Federation of Women's Clubs; twice has the State
Conference of Charities found ample and convenient hospitality under this roof.

If, as we are told, the laws which govern the acoustics of a building are im-
perfectly understood, a happy accident, it may be said, has made the music hall
almost perfect in this respect. Numbers of great singers and players upon in-
struments have been enthusiastic in their expression of the ease with which they
could play or sing in our hall. This hall, which covers the entire second floor
will seat five hundred and twenty-five people, and is frequently rented for
theatricals, musicals, and conventions. The lower floor has a large dining room
and parlor, ample dressing rooms and a room for the board of directors. This
lower floor has proved a delightful social meeting place and is in great demand
for dances and recejitions. The club possesses a number of really fine paintings
— gifts from various members — which add much to its beauty and attractiveness.

Mrs. Clara P. P.ourland was the first president of the club and was reelected
to this office for twenty-five years, wlien she resigned and the title of president
emeritus was conferred upon her. To her untiring interest and zeal the club
owes its home and the larger part of its prosperity.

The club was incorporated in July, 1890, and is a member of the City, District
and State Federations of Women's Clubs. It has a record of fine things accom-
plished and plans for the future which will make it a still greater factor in the
betterment of civic life.

NEW ER.\ woman's CLUB

This club was organized in the city of Peoria in iSg2, having ten charter
members, with Mrs. M. L. White president.

The meetings are held semi-monthly at the home of a member. The object
of the club, as stated in the constitution, is the improvement intellectually and
socially of its members, but the work has been broadened, and assistance has
been given to many worthy objects.

The club holds membership in the Illinois Federation as also in the District
Federation of Women's Clubs and the Civic Federation of the City of Peoria.

There is always a banquet in mid-winter and an outing at the close of the
year, to both of which the husbands are invited. Next October (1912) the club
will celebrate its twentieth anniversary. The present presiding officer is Mrs.
Isabelle Collins.

C.\THOLIC women's LE.\GUE

The Catholic Women's League was organized in February, 1894. .Strictly
speaking, it is not a woman's club; it is an organization for the general good
and advancement of humanity in a charitable way. During the Spanish-Ameri-
can war. great quantities of bandages, fruits and jellies were sent to the front
bv the league.

For many years a sewing school, then a cooking school, were maintanied
by the league at the Neighborhood House, but after a few years the need of a
dav nursery was evident and the cooking school was abandoned. The nursery,
in charge of a competent matron, has been flourishing for the past four years.
As many as twentv-four children have been cared for there in a day, although
the average is about eleven. The cost of maintaining the day nursery is about
sixtv-five dollars a month.

430 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

The league's income is derived principally from the annual league supper,
which lakes place at the Coliseum each November. Over a thousand are served
with supper, followed by dancing, and the affair is always a success financially
and socially. Another service of income is the annual Tag Day.

The meetings are held at the Knights of Columbus hall on the first antl third
Monday of each month. The league is connected with the Civic Federation.

The officers for igii-12 are: President, Mrs. John D. Carey; financial sec-
retary, Mrs. Walter Clogston; recording secretary, Mrs. James E. Tinan; treas-
urer, Mrs. Oliver J. Dolan.

CURRENT EVENTS CLUB

The Current Events Club was organized in January, 1896, for intellectual
improvement and for the study of important events of the day. It meets every
two weeks. Mrs. Eva V'an Tassell was the first president, and the present offi-
cers are: Mrs. H. C. Linis, president; Mrs. M. L. Ducker, vice president; Mrs.
A. E. Giles, secretary ; Mrs. J. H. Riggs, treasurer.

The membership is limited to twenty. The club is a member of the Civic
Federation and does its full share in assisting all the work thereof, both finan-
cially and in other service.

THE AULD LANG SYNE CLUB

was organized October, 1897, at the home of Mrs. N. J. Jacquin. ]\Irs.
Lucia AI. Swayze was elected president, which office she has held ever since,
having been elected later for life. The present officers are: Mrs. Lucia M.
Swayze, president ; Mrs. William W. Meeker, vice president ; Mrs. U. N. Clark,
secretary ; Mrs. M. M. P>assett, treasurer.

The membership is limited to twenty-five, and is composed entirely of ladies
who once resided in Pekin, Illinois. The main object of the organization was to
perpetuate this friendship of former years. Meetings are held regularly on the
second Wednesday of each month. Short miscellaneous programs are given,
current events and civic problems discussed. During the past five years the
greater part of dues collected have been donated to philanthropic institutions.

PEORLV WOMEN TEACHERS' CLUB

The Peoria \\'omen Teachers' Club was organized in 1897 and Miss Kate
Rutherford was the first president. The others who have served in that capacity
have come from all the ranks in the teaching profession : principals of schools,
high school and grade teachers and supervisors. All have worked faithfully
and well. The present officers are: Miss Edna Earnest, president; Miss Esther
Szold and Miss Emma Boynton, vice presidents ; Miss Margaret Mauschbach.
recording secretary; Miss Elizabeth Persinger, corresponding secretary; INIiss
Iva Distler, treasurer.

The club helps support the depot matron and helps financially an industrial
school for girls. It is a member of the Civic. District and State Federations
and does its share in their good works. It has for a number of years provided
a fine course of lectures and entertainments for its members and friends and
Drought many prominent people to Peoria.

COLLEGE woman's CLUB

The College Woman's Club of Peoria w\as organized October 21. 1897, with
Miss Helen Partlett as president. Its present membership is seventy-five, and
its officers for 1911-12 are: Miss Mary B. Blossom, president; Aliss Elizabeth
Jack, vice president; Miss Vera Hays, secretary; and Mrs. Anne Kleene, treas-

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 431

urer. The aim of the clul) is to promote college interest and to maintain a
spirit of fellowship among its members. It has contributed money to and also
sewed for several charitable organizations. This year the proceeds from a
number of lectures, which have been given from time to time, accumulated
sufficiently to enable the club to offer a $150 scholarship to a young woman
desiring a college education, and also to start a loan fund which may be used
to tide college students over temporary financial difficulties.

NORTH PE0K1.\ WOMEN's CLUB

The Xorth Peoria Women's Club was organized in September, 1898, its
object being the intellectual improvement of its members, all of whom were
busy housewives. Its first president was Mrs. Francis M. O. Schnebly, who
held the position for five years. The membership of the club is limited to fifty.
At the present time this list is full. The club meets at the homes of its mem-
bers fortnightly on Wednesdays, from October through May, inclusive. The
study this year comprises three of Shakespeare's plays.

The present officers are: Mrs. William We.x, president; Mrs. L. A. Howes,
vice president; Mrs. W^illiam Faber, secretary-treasurer; Mrs. L. B. Follansbee,
assistant secretary-treasurer.

The club is a member of the Civic Federation and has always been among
the first to respoml when help was needed.

WEST BLUFF NINETEENTH CENTURY CLUB

The West Bluff Nineteenth Century Club was organized in the summer of
1898 for the accomplishment of a systematic course of reading and for the
advantage offered by organization, intellectually and socially. There were
originally thirteen members.

The first meeting was held at the home of Mrs. Bourscheidt, Friday, July
29, \H()S. At this meeting Mrs. Bourscheidt was elected president and Airs.
I. D. Wick, secretary. Ill health soon compelled Mrs. Bourscheidt to resign
and Mrs. Heffner was elected. The membership has increased to twenty. This
year }ilrs. Clara L. Johnston is president; Mrs. W. W. Dewey, vice president;
Mrs. Charles Klepinger, secretary; Mrs. E. T. Grady, referee; and Mrs. L. B.
]\Iartin, treasurer. The clul) is a member of the Civic Federation and supports
the federation actively in all work proposed.

OUTLOOK CLUB

The Outlook Club was organized in 1898, with twelve charter members.
The objects of this club are, by union, "to promote the happiness and usefulness
of its members and to create a center of enjoyment, friendship and culture."

The Outlook Club affiliated with the District Federation in 1901. It also
is represented in the Civic Federation of Peoria, and through this organization
does more or less charitable and philanthropic work. The club numbers twenty-
four members at the present time and the topic for study this year (1912) is
"America Today."

The present officers are: President, Mrs. S. R. Quigley ; vice president, Mrs.
A. X. Dunseth; secretary and treasurer, Mrs. R. T. May; critic, Mrs. G. A.
Parkhurst ; journalist. Miss M. E. Wliitakcr.

THE RESE.\KCn CLUB

Fourteen years ago some ladies decided to form a club whose object should
be the careful study of current events and the discussion of literary and scien-
tific questions which entailed considerable research. The Research Club was the

432 . HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

result of that decision. The members have lived up to the club's motto: "From
each according to her ability; to each according to her needs."

The club colors are pink and white. The carnation is the club flower and
the active membership is limited to thirty. Meetings are held every alternate
Friday at the residences of members.

The officers for the season of 1911-12 are: President, Georgie Niebuhr;
vice president, Cleo Barbour; recording secretary, Edith Frye ; corresponding
secretary, Florence Merrill; treasurer, Katherine Wheeler; critic, Drusilla
Dailv ; treasurer of flower fund, Carrie Allison.

The club is a member of the Civic l^^deration, contributes annually to the
support of the truant officers' work and has also given to many other philan-
thropic enterprises.

women's aid club

The colored Women's Aid Club was organized in May, 1899, by Mrs. Eliza-
beth Lindsay Davis, of Chicago, and Mrs. B. Y. George, of ^Elmwood; also
]\Irs. Franklin Hall, formerly of Peoria. The object was charity alone when
first organized, but since then it has branched out and is helping along all lines
of philanthropy and civic improvement.

The club has made arrangements for the purchase of a lot on Globe street,
and as soon as a sufficient amount of the purchase price has been paid, it is
earnestly desired, by the members, that improvement of the property, in the
erection' of a suitable building, will soon be started, so as to meet the needs
and demands of the colored people.

This club is incorporated under the state laws and has a membership of about
forty-five. The officers: President, Ida Savage; vice president, Melvina Cotton;
secretary, Sarah Sheppard ; assistant secretary, Effie Harper; treasurer, Sarah
Floyd.

/ AS YOU LIKE IT CLUB

The idea of a club for a limited area of the West Bluft' originated with
Miss Julia Arnold Kempshall. Mrs. E. O. Sisson, wife of the first dean of
Bradley Polytechnic Institute, was persuaded to give it her support, and on
January 2, igoi, the club was organized at her home. The first regiflar meeting
was held on January 15th and Miss Julia Kempshall became the first president.

The club was not named until February 20, 1901, when, at the home of Mrs.
Sisson, the name As You Like It, was chosen as most appropriate, because of
the peculiar character of the organization. Its members are required to have
residence within a certain restricted area, and must be voted in by secret ba'. Jt.
The basis of membership is ability and willingness to share in the work of the
club. The membership is limited to thirty.

The present officers are: President, Mrs. Wifliam J. Ralzer : vice president,
Mrs. Hugh Weston; secretary-treasurer, Mrs. Luther C. Hinckle.

For the year 1912 the study is on the Growth and Development of the Mid-
dle West, the club's meetings are held on the first and third Wednesdays from
October to June. In addition to study topics the club is interested in civic
problems and is ready and willing to aid in any undertaking that has for its
object a better and more beautiful Peoria. It is a member of the Civic Federa-
tion.

mothers' club

The Peoria Mothers' Club was organized January 15, 1904, its object being
to promote a higher and more perfect standard of motherhood among its mem-
bers. The seven charter members were Mrs. Charles A. Bennett, Mrs. W. H.

PEORIA WOMAN'S CLUB

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 433

Packard, Mrs. M. C. Fritts. Mrs. W. F. Raymond, Mrs. S. G. Lutz and Mrs.
C. S. \'an Deusen. The ckib has since grown to a membership of thirty-five
and has joined the Illinois Congress of Mothers. In addition to their object
of increasing their own efficiency in the home and studying the methods which
will best develop the physical, intellectual and spiritual nature of their children,
thev have given special attention to child welfare in a broader sense, also to
women in industry. Through their efforts the children's rooms, in connection
with the public library, were opened, and the Child Welfare League organized.
This league which has only just commenced its activities (summer of 1912),
is preparing to establish branches in every school and will meet a great need
in Peoria by extending the spirit of true motherhood and fatherhood into the
community life. It is a member of the Civic Federation.

The present officers are: President, Mrs. Rudolph Pfeiffer; vice president,
Mrs. F. P. Lewis ; secretary. Mrs. C. E. Goss ; assistant secretary, Mrs. Hugh
Weston; treasurer, Mrs. J. F. Cooper.

THE PEORI.\ women's CIVIC FEDER.\TION

The Peoria Women's Civic Federation was organized in April, 1905, and
was the outgrowth of a concerted effort on the part of Peoria club women to
secure a truant officer for the city. The nineteen clubs who requested the
school board to appoint such an officer accomplished by the combining of forces
what individual clubs had tried in vain to do. Thereafter each agreed to send
its president and two other delegates to a monthly meeting and to unite in all
work for civic betterment.

The first officers were: Mrs. Julia P. White, president; Mrs. J. A. Black,
vice president; Mrs. Minnie A. Fritts, secretary; and Mrs. A. B. Fink, treasurer.

From the first the federation took a very active interest in the juvenile court
work, then just beginning in Peoria, and the members assigned to a Juvenile
Court Committee acted as voluntary probation officers until the county was
able to appoint a paid official. The need of a county detention home, as a
supplement to the juvenile court work, very soon became apparent, but after
long and arduous work on the part of the Detention Home Committee, it was
found impossible to combine the city and county forces and neither alone was
willing to erect the home. The committee then succeeded in having the legisla-
ture pass a law which permits each county in the state to submit to its voters
the matter of levying a special tax for such a home. Other financial burdens,
however, lay heavily upon Peoria county and have made it seem unwise to
submit the proposition so far. In the autumn of 1911 the need became so great,
steps were taken to arrange for a temporary detention home, the rent of a
building having been donated for a three year period by the Peoria Betterment
Association. The federation agreed to remodel the building if the county would
maintain the home, and under its president. Airs. Julia Starr, raised $1,119.79
for this purpose. The home was opened in April, 1912, but the federation will
not rest satisfied until a jiermanent detention home built for the specific jnirpose
is established.

\'ery valuable work is being done by the Dorcas Committee, organized in
December, 1907, which maintains a weekly sewing class at the Neighborhood
House throughout the school year. Here women are taught to mend and darn,
to make new garments and remodel old ones. Their time is counted worth
fifteen cents an hour and is paid for in the finished garments, or shoes, hats,
etc., if desired. This work was started to assist the truant officer who says it
has, in that district, practically done away with the excuse that children cannot
go to school because they have not proper clothing.

The Garden Committee, in the spring of 1907, gave seeds to a number of
school children in the crowded districts and later prizes for the garden showing
the best care and results. In 1908-9 two large, vacant lots in opposite ends of

434 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

the city were divided into small squares and apportioned to children interested.
Many valuable lessons in manners and morals, as well as gardening, were given,
and many a home was supplied bountifully with vegetables, but the work was
greatly hampered by the lack of a worker who could give his or her whole time
to it and must wait for the best results until such a one can be hired.

The various committees, such as the Saloon and Cigarette, Garbage, Clean
Cit}- and I'ublic Health, have each worked hard along the lines indicated by
their names, but each has in the end bumped hard into city ordinances, boards
of health or state laws and has found in the bumps unanswerable arguments in
favor of woman's suffrage.

The federation assists materially in putting the kindergartens into the public
school system and in securing later in placing the salaries of kindergartners on
an equality with other teachers. Through its efforts a curfew law was adopted,
which has proved an effective weapon in many cases, and would be a greater
one if all policemen had the training of probation officers and realized the bene-
fits of keeping children under sixteen oft" the streets in the evening. Members
of the educational committee have given talks on social hygiene to the mothers
in public school meetings and elsewhere and have awakened a greater interest
in this vital question among the teachers of the city. The federation cooperates
\yith the Y. W. C. A. in supporting a "traveler's aid" and has from time to
time raised substantial sums of money for various charities.

The federation now includes twenty-nine societies — literary and philan-
thropic organizations and those connected with churches. In November, 191 1, it
became a member of the National Municipal League. Its meetings are held in
the Peoria Women's Club building (through the courtesy of that club), and at
each one reports are given by the truant officer, the probation officer and the
police matron, and as often as possible by the woman in charge of the traveler's
aid work and the representatives of various philanthropic organizations. The
meetings are thus a means of keeping the clubs in touch with each other's work
and acquainting all with the preventative and corrective work of city and county
officials. Throughout its existence the federation has been a constantly in-
creasing force for good and has demonstrated again and again the power which
conies from united effort.

PEORI.K CH.\PTER, D.\UGHTERS OF THE AMERIC.VN REVOLUTION

June 14, 1896 (Flag Day) fourteen ladies, descendants of Revolutionary
sires met at the home of Miss Caroline Montgomery Rice, and organized the
first Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, in Peoria. Miss
Rice being Regent by appointment of the National Society D. A. R., the other
necessary officers were elected, and Peoria Chapter took her place ready for
earnest effort along the lines designated by the general purposes of the order.
America was sung, and all present united in the Lord's prayer, thus at the first
meeting adopting an order of exercises which has never since been omitted. A
paper was read on "The origin and evolution of our Flag," which naturally led
to the singing of the Star Spangled Banner, before adjournment.

Of the next meeting we will use the words of the historian, Mrs. Esther T.
Ellis : "June 30, a meeting was held at the home of Mrs. Lucie B. Tyng for the
express purpose of giving each member opportunity to relate the heroic deeds
of her Revolutionary Ancestors.

Some very interesting stories were told. We have a different interest in the
occupation of New York when we know that our own grandfathers, and great
grandfathers were in it, and we apprehend with a keener sympathy the suffer-
ings of the soldiers at \'alley Forge, when they are related by some one whose
grandfather told her the harrowing tale, out of his own experience ; and it gives
one a curious sense of kinship to find that we and our neighbors had each an
ancestor who lived in the same town and served under the same captain. The

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 435

study of history was continued and each new member achnitted to the society
brought a fresh chapter. Lineage was traced to heroic men and brave women
and we have in our archives unpubhshed records which will some day have a
place in the pages of history which the children of the future will (lelight to
review.

lune lO, 1902, Peoria Chapter unveiled, near Wesley City, a monument
marking the site of Fort Creve Coeur. The tablet deeply cut in the fine red
boulder contained the inscription

Fort Creve Coeur

1680

Peoria Chapter D. A. R.

June 14

1902.

.Mr. Charles J. OtT deeded the land, upon wiiich the monument is placed, to the
Peoria Chapter.

May 25, 190S, the site of Fort Clark was rescued from oblivion by placing a
bronze'tablet suitably inscribed, upon the walls of the Gas and Electric building
in Peoria, said building having been ])laced upon the spot where the old fort
had stood.

The Daughters of American Revolution are first of all a memorial and
historical society, but are much more than that. We seek not only to keep
alive the patriotism of our Revolutionary fathers, but we take an interest in the
laudable work of the present. We have 'helped to build every memorial structure
in our city ; time and labor and money were freely given for the comfort of our
brave boys during the Spanish war.

We have given prizes to stimulate the study of American history in our
schools, and could point to many institutions in our midst to which we have
gladly contributed. The Stars and Stripes have waved from more than one
flagstaff' because we have had our eyes turned to the future. It is a part of
our work to fit for good citizenship those to whom will be committed the future
destinies of our country and we must inculcate lessons of patriotism, and
foster the love of our country and her flag.

Peoria chapter is but a small part of a very large national society with
headquarters in Washington, D. C. With a membership of eighty thousand,
it is the largest society know-n which is comprised of women only.

.\s a memorial monument. Continental Hall has been liuilt at _ Washington
and the chapter at Peoria has contributed freely toward the five hundred'
thousand dollars which it has cost to build and furnish this beautiful building

We now number one hundred and fifteen members. Our membership has
been de])leted by death, removal and withdrawal, yet there is a steady increase
in our number.

We have had one real daughter — Mrs. Lydia Moss Bradley— so well known
for her munificent gifts to Peoria and liradley Polytechnic school — a worthy
daughter of a worthy sire.

A children's chapter D. A. R. was organized with si.xteen members, some
of those who were children when they first had membership are almost old
enough to be transferred to the daughters.

Some day all the historic sites will have been marked, and all the monu-
ments builded, but loyal American women will continue to find work to do
for God and home and native land.

The ladies wdno have given efficient service to Peoria cha])ter as regents, are:
:\Iiss Caroline M. Rice, Mrs. Lucie B. Tyng. Mrs. Joseph I-:ider, Mrs. B. F. Ellis,
Mrs. Henry Mansfield, Mrs. John W. Rowcliff, Mrs. John L Black, Mrs. Robt.
S. Waddell, Mrs. Julius S. Starr, Airs. George T. Page."

The above article was kindly contributed by Clara Knowles Woolf, his-
torian of Peoria chapter.

436 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

FRATERNAL ORDERS

Free Alasonry has a strong following in I'coria and thrciugliLiut the county.
The membership is steadily increasing as the years go by and, as the personnel
is par excellence, as morality and good citizenship go, the order's prosperity
keeps pace with its influence and it is today the most affluent fraternal society
in existence.

In Peoria the members of the various lateral lodges of the main order are
composed of men and women of the highest standing both in the broadest mean-
mg of the word society and in financial circles. This condition has made it
possible for the Masons of Peoria to erect, in the past few years, two of the
handsomest and most expensive temples in the state of Illinois.

In the year 1900, the main lodge purchased the old Universalist church pro-
perty, on Main street, between Perry and Glendale, paying for the same the sum
of $20,000. The interior of the Ijuilding was remodeled and it was used for
lodge purposes. Later the front of the church building w-as cut ofif, a new face
of ornamental Bedford stone was attached and with other improvements the
remodeled structure, showing Grecian lines of architecture, brought the cost
of the new temple up to $40,000. Including the cost of the lot and furniture,
the lodge spent about $60,000.

In recent years the "Shriners" ranks have greatl)- enlarged by pilgrims de-
sirous of trailing with them over the hot, arid sands of the mighty desert and to
give them sanctuary and tentage a unique, but beautiful, temple was erected on
Monroe street, between Fayette and Hamilton, in the year 1910, at a cost of
$133,000. The front of this structure is designed after the ancient Egyptian
temples and the vast auditorium is arranged to resemble a hippodrome and
seats 1,600 people. The building is one of the show places of the city.

ri':ORI.\ LODGE, NO. 15, A. F. & .\. M.

In September, 1840, ten masons, residing in the city of Peoria, met for con-
sultation and made application to the grand lodge for dispensation to organize
a lodge in this city. This was granted January 3, 1842, and Samuel H. Davis
was named as worshipful master. A. O. Garrett, senior warden and John King,
junior warden. A charter was granted December 24, 1842, and the lodge was
named Peoria Lodge, Xo. 15. From the start the organization has prospered

TEMPLE [X)D<;;E, no. 46, A. F. & A. M.

This lodge was organized October 26, 1846. The first officers were: George
T. Metcalfe, W. M. ; John C. Heyle, S. W. ; W. F. Bryan, J. W. ; John King.
Treas. ; Elwood Andrew, Sec.

PEORIA CHAPTER, NO. 7, R. A. M.

Peoria Chapter, No. 7, Royal Arch Masons, was chartered at Columbus, Ohio,
by the grand chapter of the United States, September 17, 1847, with Samuel
H. Davis, Peter Sweat, William Hale, Augustus O. Garrett, John Slye, Eldrick
Smith, John E. Dixon, Nathaniel Chapin, Jonathan Reed, John McDougal, John
Comstock and Alexander Rogers as charter members. The first high priest
was Samuel H. Davis.

PE0RI.\ COMMANDERY, NO. 3, K. T.

Peoria Commandery, No. 3, Knights Templar, was chartered September 15.
1856, with eight charter members, namely, Clark B. Stebbins, Charles G. Eggle-
ston, W. L. Crane, William Fenn, William E. Cook, Andrew Bowman, N. B.

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 437

Curtis and John C. Heyle. The first officers were: Henry L. Gaines, E. C. ;•
Clark B. Stebbins, G. ; Isaac Underbill, C. G. ; A. O. Garrett, P.; William A.
Thrush, S. W. ; D. S. Thompson, J. W. ; William E. Mason, Treas. ; Lewis
Keyon, Rec.

ILLINOIS LODGE, NO. 263, A. F. &• A. M.

This lodge was chartered October 6, 18^8, and the first officers were: Stephen
H. Burnett, W. M.; Alfred l->eeman, S. W. ; David M. Cunimings, J. W. The
charter members were: Joseph W. Brooks, Thomas Bryant, S. H. I'.urnett,
Octave Clianute, David AI. Cummings, Alfred Freeman, Henry L. Gaiues,
Jonathan Hancock, Uriel H. Kellogg, Henry Nolte, Joseph W. Parish, W.
Howell Robinson, David T. N. Sanderson, A. T. Stewart, Thomas A. Smythe,
D. S. Thompson, William Augustus Thrush. Henry M. \'an Buskirk and Ben-
jamin P. \'an Court.

SCHILLER LODGE, NO. 335. A. F. & A. M.

September 15, 1859, a meeting of the German Masons of Peoria was held
to consider the plan of organizing a lodge, whose meetings should he conducted
in their native language. A charter was granted October 3, i860. The organizers
were: Abraham Frank, H. N. Frederick. Louis Furst, Charles E. Gillig, Alex-
ander Jakelfalusy, C. Koenig, Simon Lyon, Julius G. Lueder, Frederick i\Ioun-
ighofif, Friedrick Muller, John N. Niglas, John G. Peck, Albert Potthoft", Emil
Quinke, Karl F. Rotterman, Moritz Rosenblatt, August Schulz, L. Seligman,
Godfrey Stiehl. Henry Ullman, Leopold Wolf, Casper Odewald, Justus 1!. Fleck.
The first officers were Albert Potthofi^, W. M.; Henry Ullman, S. W. ; August
Schulz. J, W. ; Abraham Frank. Treas. ; J. N. Niglas, Sec.

PI'.ORIA COUNCIL, NO. II, R. & S. M.

Peoria Council of Royal and Select Masons was organized March 21, 1862,
and the first officers were: Augustus O. (jarrett, thrice illustrious master; Wil-
ber McKaig, deputy illustrious master; W. M. Dodge, principal conductor of
work: Jacob Darst, treasurer; Lewis Keyon, recorder; Thomas FI. Smythe,
captain of the guard. A charter was granted October 10, 1862, and the first
officers installed under the charter were : Augustus O. Garrett, thrice illustrious
master; James E. Prescott, deputy illustrious master; W. M. Dodge, i)rinci])al
conductor of work; Thomas A. H. Smythe, captain of the guard; Jacob Darst,
treasurer; Lewis Keyon, recorder.

.\NCIENT ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE

Four separate bodies constitute this branch of the order, having judisdiction
of the advanced degrees of Masonry, namely: (i) Grand Lodge of Perfection,
which confers degrees from the 4th to the 14th; (2) Council of Princes of
Jerusalem, embracing two degrees, the historical and traditional grades; (3)
Chapter of Rose Croix, having jurisdiction of two degrees, the doctrinal and
Christian grades ; and (4) Consistory of Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret,
which confers the chivalric and philosophic grades from the 19th to the 32d.
The order was organized under charter granted to Yates City, Illinois, February
25, 1867; in February, 1869, the first meeting was held in Peoria, and in 1874
the name was changed to Peoria Consistory. Valley of Peoria.

CENTR.\L CITY CHAPTER, NO. 42, O. E. S.

Central Citv Cha]Her, Xo. 42, Order of the Eastern Star, was organized
August 19, 1872, with the following charter members: Willis Y. Francis, Sarah
J. Francis, Josephine Francis, S. P. Gumming, Martha A. Gumming, Joseph

438 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

Hazzard, Addie Hazzard, Charles Robinson, Sena Robinson, D. B. Allen, Sarah
Allen, Crosby White, Mary J. White, William Entwistle, Ann Entwistle, Mary
A. Entwistle, James Bennett, Mary J. Bennett, George L. Bean. Lute E. Bean,
John A. Bush and wife, Ralph Wolfe, Henry S. Ottenheimer, Frank Baily, E.
R. Mann, Marion A. Mann, C. H. Rice, Elvira Rice, Charles Brockett and Clara
Brockett. The first officers were: Martha A. Cumming, W. M.; Willis Y. Fran-
cis, W. P.; Josephine Francis, A. M.; Marion A. Mann, Sec; Eliza Mann,
Treas.

ELECTA CHAPTER, NO. 175, O. E. S.

Electa Chapter, No. 175, Order of the Eastern Star, was organized April 16,
1891, with fourteen charter members as follows: Mrs. Helen Eastman, Mrs.
Arvilla Cole, Joseph M. Cole, Albert Snyder, James A. Hutchinson, Mrs. i\llie
Hutchinson, D. John Forl^es, Airs. Nettie Hoover, Dr. I. L. Hoover, B. H.
Potter, Mrs. Gressa Potter, Henry Grey, Joseph Elder and Mrs. Amelia Elder.

MOHAMMED TEMPLE OF THE MYSTIC SHRINE

The Mohammed Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine,
was organized August 11. 1893, with the following officers: Sylvester O. Spring,
illustrious potentate ; Seth F. Haskins, chief rabbau ; George F. Henthorne, as- 1
sistant rabban : J. W. Sessions, high priest and prophet ; H. J. Graham, oriental '
guide; D. H. Tripp, treasurer; W. W. Wallace, recorder.

HENRY BROWN LODGE, NO. 22, A. F. & A. M.

Henry Brown Lodge, Xo. 22, A. F. & A. M. (colored), was organized in 1
1877, with thirty charter members.

LANCASTER LODGE, NO. Io6, A. F. & A. M.

This is one of the oldest Masonic lodges in Peoria county, having been
organized August 29, 1851. The first officers were: Daniel McCook, W. M. ;
E. J. Jones, S. W. ; A. L. Fahnestock, J. W. ; John W. Robbins, Sec. ; Samuel
Reyno, S. D. ; James Styles, J. D. A charter was obtained October 6, 1851, and
under this the first officers elected were : E. J. Jones, W. M. ; J. W. Robbins,
S. W. ; Guy Campbell. J. W. ; Daniel McCook, Sec; Isaiah Dubois, Treas.; Eli
Taylor, tyler.

GEORGE WASHINGTON LODGE, NO. 222, A. F. & A. M.

The first meeting of George Washington Lodge, at Chillicothe, Illinois, was
held January 12, 1856, and on the 7th of October of that year a charter was
granted, the first members being: William McLean, H. A. Raney, I-atham A.
Wood, D. B. McMaster, Samuel C. Jack, Nathaniel Chapman and Hiram
Goodsell. The first officials were: William McLean, W. M.; H. A. Raney, S.
W. ; Cyrus Reed, J. W. ; Henry Truitt, Treas. ; J. F. Thomas, Sec. ; E. C.
Sprague, tyler.

HOREB LODGE, NO. 363, A. F. & A. M.

This society was organized at Elmwood, under a charter issued October
I, 1861, Ira A. W. Buck officiating as grand master. There were twenty-six
charter members, including the following: Hugh Armson, C. G. Eggleston. ]\I.
R. H. Mase, A. Hull, P. H. Hopkins. N. D. Jay. L. H. Kerr, J. E. Knable.
W. H. Kellogg, Benjamin Hillis, J. J. Lowe, John Mortz, Ephraim Marshall,

MASONIC TEMPLE, PEORIA

.MiillAMMKl) TKMIM.K ( M" 'nil'. XDl'.I.KS ii| I 1 1 K M^M■|(• Slli;|\K. I'KnlMA

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 439

J. E. Riner, Harrison Steele, N. M. Swisher, George W. Smith, Philip Snyder,
J. H. Truax, A. N. Wilcox, A. I. Wiley, H. H. Wood. The first officers were:
L. H. Kerr, W. M. ; J. E. Knabfe, S. W.; Lewis Corbin, J W.

ALTA LODGE, NO. 748, A. V. & A. M.

The first meeting of this lodge was held February 3,* 1876, the following
persons being present: Dr. John Gillette, Amos Edwards, N. H. Silliman, John
C. Wood, B. C. Vaughn, W. H. Cassity, C. J. Haller, and William Stickler.
The charter was received October 28th of that year. The charter members iii
addition to those above named were : John Carr, A. Heaverin and J. V. H.
Robinson. The first officers elected were: Dr. John Gillette, W. M. ; Amos
Edwards, S. W.; A. H. Silliman, ]. W. ; B. C. \'aughn. Sec; ]. C. Wood, Treas. ;
W. H. Cassity, S. D. ; C. J. Haller, J. D. ; William Stickler, t'yler.

PRINCFA'ILLE LODGE, NO. 360, A. F. & A. M.

This lodge was organized August 25, i860, but did not receive a charter
until October ist of the following year. The charter members were: Levi
La])ham, W. S. Bates, David Fast, Sr., David Fast, Jr., George W. Scott, Shel-
don Rilea, A. A. Fast, Rev. J. S. Alillsapps, Charles G. Taylor, M. M. Blan-
chard. Henry De Bord, John L. Blanchard. The first officers were : Levi
Lapham, W. M. ; W. S. Bates, S. W. ; David Fast, Jr., J. W. ; David Fast,
Treas. ; George W. Scott, Sec. ; Sheldon Rilea, S. D. ; A. A. Fast, J. D.

COLUMBL\ LODGE, NO. 21, I. O. O. F.

The pioneer lodge of Odd Fellows was organized in Peoria in 1846, and
named Columbia Lodge, No. 21, being instituted on the 8th of December of that
year. The originators of the movement were John I'ayne, Samuel S. Easton,
Francis A. McNeil, John Wham, John M. Law, and E. S. Anderson, all of
whom are now deceased. The first members received into the new lodge were
H. A. Foster, Herman E. Blakely, Robert P. Taylor and James L. Fash. The
first officers elected were : John M. Law, N. G. ; John Payne, V. G. ; H. A.
Foster, Sec. ; Samuel S. Easton, Treas.

PE0RL\ ENCAMPMENT, NO. I5, I. O. O. F.

This order was instituted February 7, 1850, P. C. P. Burns officiating. The
charter members were: A. R. Gardner, W. H. Davis, John Anderson, H. A.
Foster, N. Boilvin, A. B. Fash, H. S. Austin, J. M. Law, James Stewart,
Onslow Peters. E. N. Powell, Charles Fisher, H. G. Weston, Horace G. Ander-
son, George C. Bestor. The first officers elected were : J. M. Law, C. P. ;
Horace G. Anderson, H. P.; E. N. Powell, S. W. ; H. A. Foster, Sec; John
Anderson, Treas; Chas. Fisher, J. W. ; George C. P)estor, guard; A. N. i'loilvin,
sentinel.

FORT CLARK LODGE, NO. lOg, L O. O. F.

This lodge was instituted in Peoria July 7. 1852, and is the outgrowth of
Columbia Lodge. It had fourteen charter members, as follows : Henry S. Aus-
tin, Alexander Bishop, Matthew W. McReynolds, Nathaniel C. Nason, Samuel
P. Hazzard, John H. Hall, Edward L. Norton, Lorin G. Pratt. John Warner,
Tilman Wagener, Abram Beard, S. L. Moses, Robert P. Hamilton and B. C.
Sweeney.

440 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

WESTERN LODGE, NO. 295, I. O. O. F.

This lodge was instituted in Peoria on the 27th of March, i8f)i. with six-
teen charter members: Jacob Lorentz, William Miller, M. A. Ruppelius, M.
Pfeiffer, Jacob Riehm, Charles S. Soupe, Henry Englebad, John Taj den, Henry
A. Bush. F. C. Heinzen, A. Schrader, Charles lireier, Henry llruse. John
Wagoner, Louis Buchholz, Philip Bender. The first officers were : Jacob Lor-
entz, N. G.; H. A. Bush, V. G.; F. C. Heinzen, Rec. Sec; William Miller.
Per. Sec. ; Philip Bender, Treas.

HOPPNUNG ENC.\MPMEXT, NO. 1 55, I. O. O. F.

This lodge was instituted May 22, 1874, with six charter members: Henry
A. Bush, Philip Auer, Philip Stiller, Philip Griebel, George Philip Reichardt,
and William Miller. The first officers were: Philip Auer, C. P.; Henry A. Bush
H. P. ; Philip Stiller, S. W. ; William Miller. S. ; G. P. Reichardt, Treas. ; and
Rageth Joos, J. W. At the first meeting the following members were initiated :
Henry Kriger, Philip Kamerer, A. Siedle, Henry A. Hurst and Charles Rojahn.

CANTON WILDEY, KG. 4, P.\TRI.\RCHS MII.Pr.NNT

This society was organized December 30, 1885. with the following charter
members: John Jones, E. M. Clark, John Wagner, Charles D. Brainard, A. F.
Gable, A. C. Davis, Henry Detweiller, R. Joos, Jacob Hoffman, O. F. Fogel-
mark. Nathan Gumbiner, F. H. Borris, Philip Auer, L. H. Sullivan. John A.
Bush L. M. Brockett, Henry Oldridge, George H. Fash, F. N. Hester, W. C.
Zigler, Peter Bickett, Louis Hoffman, J. T. Mains, C. W. Cram. The first
officers were : George H. Fash, commandant ; C. D. Brainard, lieutenant ; F. N.
Hester, ensign ; John Jones, clerk ; Philip Auer, accountant ; E. M. Clark stand-
ard bearer ; Jacob Hoffman, guard : R. Joos, sentinel ; John Wagner, picket.

FRIENDSHIP ENC.\MPMENT, NO. I46, I. O. O. F.

This lodge was instituted in Peoria, June lo, 1891, with a charter member-
ship of 62.

PEORIA REP.EKAH LODGE, NO. II3

In the late '70s a few faithful and energetic Odd Fellows who had received
the Rebekah degree in the subordinate lodge, Ijanded together and organized
themselves into a society called The Benevolent Society of the Daughters of
Rebekah. They worked under this name until a charter was obtained when the
name was changed to Peoria Rebekah Lodge, No. 113. The following persons
were charter members : L. M. Brockett, E. B. Bond, J. B. Doolittle, Philip
Smith, Nathan Crutchfield, Jacob D. Long, L. R. Bergstrand. J. H. Wagner,
I. W. Herkardt, D. C. Frazer, N. C. Nason, Philip Griebel, John G. Lawrence,
Mrs. E. B. Bond, Mrs. Hannah Bond, Mrs. L R. Crutchfield. Mary Doolittle,
Mrs. M. J. Cragen, Mrs. E. M. Bergstrand, 'Mrs. M. E. Carmichael, Mrs. J.
W. Herkardt, Anna D. Nason and Mrs. M. Griebel. February 9. 1881, the
first election of officers was 'held as follows: Philip Smith, N. G. ; Mrs. M. J.
Cragen, V. G. ; Hannah Bond. Sec; Mary Doolittle, Treas.; Mrs. E. M. Berg-
strand. warden; Mrs. J. B. Crutchfield, conductor; Mrs. E. B. Bond, chaplain.
During the first year the membership was increased from 23 to 67 members,
and in a short time ranked among the first lodges of its kind in the state.

ELEANOR REI'.EK.MI LODGE, NO. 335

This lodge was organized April lo, 1894, and was named in honor of Mrs.
Eleanor Jones, a former member of the Rebekah Auxiliary. She received the

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 441

Rebckah degree in 1856, five years after its presentation and adoption by the
sovereign grand lodge but some time before the cliartered Rebekah lodges were
organized. She passed away April 30, 1889. The lodge began its career with
117 members, the first officers elected being: N. G., Mrs. Anna Asp; V. G.,
.Miss Gertrude Dill; Rec. Sec, Mrs. Jennie ^lorris ; Fin. Sec, Mrs. Anna E.
Hammatt; Treas., Airs. Helen Davis; warden, Mrs. Sarah Shurts ; conductor,
Mrs. Ada Lyman ; chaplain, Mrs. Roxy A. Bradley.

KMC.UTS OF PYTHI.\S

Calanthe Lodge, Xo. 47 Knights of I'ythias, was organized March 24. 1874,
with the following charter members: Jefferson Dunn, Adam H. W'iltz, Nathaniel
C. Nason, Isaac C. Edwards, Creighton C. Coffinberry, James A. Jeffries, George
N. Walker, Jr., William A. Hunter, John A. Hudson, John C. Weidenham, Wil-
liam 1). \'ance. William F. Smith, J. H. Smith and Samuel R. Baker. From
the beginning Calanthe Lodge has had a steady growth until the present mem-
l)ership is about 300. The present officers are: C. C, Frank Harbers ; \'. C,
(). W. Olson; Prelate, Charles Eberle ; M. of W., W. G. Barthell ; Asst. M. of
\V., L. L. Weiss; K. of R. & S., Charles Geiger ; M. of F., G. C. Randall; M.
of E., F. M. Holloway: M. of A., A. P. Livengood; L G., Le Grand King; O.
G., F. R. Shoff'; Alusician, D. E. Conigisky ; Trustees. J. G. Kasjens, F. C. Bid-
dleconib and M. G. Newman; Grand Representative, \\'. H. >'oore.

PEORIA LODGE, NO. 25O, K. P.

This lodge was organized October 23, 1891, with the following charter
members: S. K. Hatfield. O. D. Evans, W. H. P. Dickson, Charles R. Warner,
W. \'. Tefft, Charles D. Brainard ; C. T. Page, A. V". Thomas. Leslie Kramm,
F. R. Eckard, L. A. Turner, R. M. Scanland, B. ^L Ross, Frank Johnson, W.
P. Wal'ker, \\\ M. Lvons, R. L. Sammis, C. |. Sammis, G. W. Scott. E. C.
Coffey, 1. M. Allen, C. C. Clarke, I. G. Meistef, W. L. Pierce, F C. White, F.
C. Cook", W. A. Singer, Warren Sutliff, F. K. Lyons, W. P. Day, L. V. Tucker,
J. M. Powell, Charles S. Duke. M. Whiting, W. I. Slemmons, Robert McCor-
mick. E. J. Case, R. A. Du Mars, R. D. McDougal, I. C. Pinkney, W. C. Foster,
Wesley Permar, F. |. Soldan, T. A. Marteanev, F. H. Helm, George A. Dite-
wig. F.. [. Graves. \V. W. Wallace, A. J. Tapping, W. H. Dav. W. G. Putnam.
Charles P. Watson, H. R. Smith, J. M'. Cole and C. L. Crawford.

The present membership is 162. The present officials are: C. C, Henrv
i:ken ; \'. C, F. C. Reid ; P., G. Ogden ; M. of W., L. Voelkers ; K. of R. & S'.,
William P. Lady; M. of F.. J. H. Albers ; M. of E., L. W. Moorehouse ; M. of
.\., George \'icary; I. G., William Williams; O. G., James Fryman; Represen-
tative to Grand Lodge, George B. Sucher.

WEST I'.I.L'FF LODGE, NO. 1 7", K. P.

This lodge was organized I''cbruary 3, 18S8. with the following charter mem-
bers: C. W. Robinson, C. S. Faston, E. H. D. Couch, L. Sandvluski, I. C.
Lewis, F. A. R. Marsden, J. A. White, F. E. Llowland, E. M. Schneblcv, 11. S.
Rice, S. V. Sholl, H. I. Rogers, H. A. Scott, }. J. D. Furry, W. F. Van Doon,
S. E. Wilkinson, C. E. Pemble, A. A. Goedecke, G. W. Schnebley, Jr., G. C.
Pettit. The present membership is 256.

The present officers are: C. C, L. S. Wilson; \'. C, G. T. Klein; P., E. L.
Kiddoo; M. of W., W. P. Conrad; K. of R. .^ S.. |. L. Kent; M. of F., E. H.
Keas; M. of E., C. F. Hixson ; M. at A.. T. W. Head; L G., C. F. Vail: O. G..
S. R. Brown; Trustees, J. H. Marshall, Otto Grabs and E. S. Eaves; Rep. to
Grand Lodge. J. L. Kent.

442 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

\1CT0R LODGE, NO. 3/0, K. P.

This lodge meets each Wednesday at 317-23 South Adams street.

THE KNIGHTS OE KHORASSAN

The Knights of Khorassan are appended to the Knights of I'ythias as the
"Shriners" are to the Masonic order; that is, by requiring that ajiphcants shall
be Knights of Pythias, should they desire to join in the jollifications.

The present officers are : Walter Williams, R. V. ; James Daugherty, G. E. ;
Secretary, E. C. Groninger. The order meets at 317-23 South Adams street.

MODERN WOODMEN OF AMERICA

The Modern Woodmen camps are organizations strictly beneficial, the head
office or supreme camp being located at Rock Island, Illinois. There are in the
city of Peoria six camps and one in the adjoining village of Averyville. Of
the camps in Peoria, Charter Oak Camp, Xo. 87 is the pioneer. It was or-
ganized April I, 1885, and now has a membership of nearly 1,400, the second
largest in the state. This camp meets each Friday evening at No. 317 South
Adams street.

The present officers are : A. C. Warner, V. C. ; T. E. Barton, W. A. ; R.
V. Ulrich, B.; J. B. Wiley, Clerk; W. H. Shamo, E. ; H. B. Grimm, W. ; J. N.
Place, Senator.

DIAMOND CAMP. NO. 3449

was organized October 26, 1895, with seventeen charter members, who with-
drew their membership from Garden Camp and instituted a new camp designated
as above. This camp was organized in its present location in Schmidt's Hall,
No. 2901-05 South Adams street. It now has a membership of about 500.

The present officers are : E. B. King, P. C. ; Fred Steckel, V. C. ; Albert Gury,
W. A. ; William Zerwekh, B. ; William E. Moran, C. ; Jacob A. Edwards, Asst.
Clerk ; James McBride, E. ; O. J. Stromberg, S.

BAKER CAMP, NO. 843

was organized in Burgi's Hall, No. 2000 South Adams street in February, 1889,
with the following officers : D. G. Clemow, \'. C. ; Oscar Heinrichs, W. A. ; John
Gather, C. ; James Green, B. ; L. Scheirer. E. ; W. B. Oberlander, W. ; Daniel
Giese, S.

Other camps are Peoria camp. No. 812, which meets the first and third Fri-
day at No. 622 Main street; Central City Camp, No. 1505, which meets the first
and third Tuesday at 317 South Adams street; Gold Leaf Camp, No. 2361,
which meets the first and third Thursday at 317 South Adams street; and
Averyville Camp, No. 51 14, which meets the second and fourth Thursday in
Averyville Plall.

ROYAL NEIGHBORS OF AMERICA

The Royal Neighbors of America is the ladies auxiliary to the Modern Wood-
men of America. There are eight camps in Peoria as follows : Maple Leaf
Camp, No. 13, chartered September 9, 1892. The present membership is' 190.
The Oracle is Mrs. Kate Lindig; Recorder, Miss Hattie Randall.

FERN LEAF C.\MP, NO. l8

was chartered December 22, 1892. The present membership is 560. Oracle,
Mrs. Anna Lester; Recorder, Mrs. Ethel Warner.

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 443

ORANGE LEAF CAMI', NO. I iT)

\vas chartered Fel)ruary 22, 1895. The present memljcrship is 175. Oracle,
.Mrs. .Marv Miller; Recorder. .Mrs. Minnie Story.

ROSE LEAF CAMP, NO. 1985

was chartered December 15, 1899. The present membership is 140. Oracle,
Mrs. Anna Caldwell ; Recorder, Mrs. Mary Wright.

BAKER C.\iMl', NO. 2089

was chartered Ajiril 2, 1900. The jiresent membershi]) is 150. Oracle, Mrs.
Ophelia White: Recorder, Mrs. Prudence Larrance.

LAUREL CAMP, NO. },2\^2>

was chartered February 6, 1903. The present membership is 176. Oracle, Mrs.
Minnie Sinims; Recorder, Mrs. Mary Smith.

F.\V HAW'ES CAMP, NO. 5II5

was chartered December 17, 1907. Its present membership is 163. Oracle, Mrs.
Etta Erskine; Recorder, Mrs. Ella Mackley.

WHITE ROSE CAMP, NO. 642O

was chartered July 8, 1910. The present membership is 258. Oracle, Mrs.
Sadie McBride :" Recorder, Mrs. Ada Wertz.

Mrs. :\Iary E. Arnholt of Peoria is the state supervising deputy for Illinois,
having been district deputy for fifteen years, and organized all of the above
camps, except Nos. 13 and 18, she having been a charter member of camp No.
13. Airs. Lottie Moreland is the present district deputy for Peoria county.

THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

Spalding Council, No. 427, Knights of Columbus, was instituted Sunday, May
21, with a charter membership of 104, composed of members of Peoria Colony,
No. 2 of American Sons of Columbus, which with one or two locals, were the
only ones in existence at that time. The last named order had not been a
success as a national organization and was abandoned.

The first officers were: G. K., J. F. Kiernan ; Dep. G. K., O. J. Dolan ; Rec.
Sec, James B. Kenny, Fin. Sec, William Bourke ; Treas., W. L. Hof er ; Lee,
M. C. Quinn; .\., C.. 'T. Kennedy; W., D. J. Fox; I. (;., Frank O'Rourke; O. G.,
A. Pastorini.

This council was named in honor of Archbishop John L. Spaldmg and on
May I, 1902, in token of the celebration of his silver anniversary as a bishop,
the' council endowed a scholarship in Sijalding Institute. All members of the
order are adherents of the Roman Catholic church. In 1899 their beautiful
club house at No. 227-29 North Jefferson avenue was erected, the entire prop-
erty costing about $37,000.

BENEVOLENT PROTECTIVE ORDER OF ELKS

Peoria Lodge, No. 20, was instituted at Peoria, December 16, 1891, under
dispensation granted and empowering the requisite nunilier of subscribers to a
petition to Grand Exalted Ruler Edwin B. Hay, to form and open a lodge of

Elks.

As it appears bv records. District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler Alfred G.
Orendorf, of Springfield, Illinois, was the instituting officer, at which time thirty-

444 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

six were initiated and enrolled as members, all of whom appear uiaon the records
as charter members, although from lack of space in the charter itself, but eight
names are there engrossed.

The charter was granted June 14, 1892, under the name of William J. Flor-
ence Lodge. Xo. 20. there having been initiated to this date one hundred and
seventy-one members. Subsequently, in consequence of a regulation of the
grand lodge, the name of "Peoria" was substituted for that originally chosen,
all lodges being required to take the name of the city in which they are located.

Leslie D. Puterbaugh served as the first exalted ruler by appointment while
working under dispensation, and by election under charter, a term of two years
and four months. Since that time the presiding offtcer has served for a lodge
year. The following have been chosen successively: A. G. Tyng, Harry J. Gra-
ham. Frank Baker, Fitch C. Cook. George H. Sampson, Charles S. Proctor,
Alfred W. Beasley, Al. J. Kanne, \\'illiam A. Murden. Harry AI. Hayes, Tobey
\'an Buskirk, Theodore L. Burkland, John N. Powell, L. W. Wells, S. O. Tripp,
P. M. Hensler, S. F. jMcGrath. F. D. Fox and L. W. Quinn, the present exalted
ruler. The secretary is Clarence W. Heyl.

The original meetings were held in Schnellbacher's Hall, and in 1892 the lodge
removed to the third floor of the Niagara building. When that building was
remodeled, the whole of the seventh floor l^eing fitted up for it, the lodge took
possession and remained there until October 15, 1898, the lodge once more
moving, this time to the top floor of the National Hotel, where it kept open house
to all brothers and their friends, until the building was destroyed by tire in the
fall of 191 1. However, the Orpheum Theatre building was in course of con-
struction and the two upper stories were secured by the Elks and arranged to
suit the wishes of the lodge. There it has been installed for several months past
and its spacious and beautiful rooms are always open to the members and visiting
friends.

A BRIEF HISTORY

During the winter of 1867-8 a small coterie of members of the theatrical
and musical professions who at that time happened to be in the city of New
York, banded together for the purpose of friendly social intercourse and recrea-
tion. The prime mover in the formation of this little society, which was known
among its members as the "Jolly Corks,"' was Charles Algernon Sidney \'ivian,
the son of an English clergyman, who had but a short time before landed in the
city and was then singing at the old American Theatre on Broadway.

Increasing numbers and appeals for help by needy members of the profes-
sion pointed to the formation of a society which would carry into effect such
purposes by systematic methods, and thus liy a slow but gradual process the
Order of Elks was evolved.

It was at first urged by A'ivian that the organization should be called "The
Buffaloes," which was the title of a social organization of which he had been
a member in England, but the majority of the new society were desirous of a
name that was purely American in its suggestions, and at a meeting held Feb-
ruary 16, 1868, the name of "Elks"' was chosen, and that date has since been
regarded as the natal day of the order, although the constitution and by-laws
were not adopted until the following month.

At this time there were two degrees of the order, the chief officer in the
first degree being known as the right honorable primo, and in the second degree
as exalted ruler. These titles were used until the adoption of the ritual of
1883. when all the titles of the first degree were abolished and those of the
second degree retained throughout the work, which was condensed to a single
degree.

It was not long before the fame of the young organization began to spread
and to create a desire for the propogation of its principles, which had also

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 445

broadened upon other soil. In order to accomplish this it became necessary for
the Xew York lodge, which had become incorporated, to surrender its control
of aftairs to a grand lodge, which was done in February, 1871, this grand lodge
being composed of the fifteen original founders of the order, and all the past
and then present officers of Xew York lodge. March 10, 187 1, the grand lodge
of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks was given a charter by the state
of New York, witli power to issue charters to subordinate lodges throughout
the country.

During the ne.xt six years the order spread grailually to Philadelphia, San
I'rancisco, Chicago, Cincinnati, Sacramento, Paltimore, Louisville, St. Louis,
Boston and Pittsburg. Eleven lodges with a membership of over eight hundred,
grew from the single lodge of the fifteen "Jolly Corks."

From 1878 to 1881 no new lodges were organized, and for a few years the
order grew but slowly until in 1885 occurred an event which was so far-reaching
in its efifect, and to which, probably more than to any other cause, is due the
phenomenal growth of the Order of Elks. Up to that year the New York
lodge had been able to maintain her contention that the grand lodge should meet
ainiually in that city, but at that time it was forced to submit, and the annual
meeting of i88f) was held at Cincinnati. Within one year the thirty-five lodges
had increased to fifty-five, a gain of twenty, and the memljership had grown
from thirty-nine hundred to five thousand, five hundred. That settled the
question and since that time the meetings of the grand lodge have been migra-
tory, and the growth of the order steady until today there are some ten hundred
and fifty lodges, while there are over two hundred and twenty-five thousand
wearers of the antlers.

MISCELLANEOUS SOCIETIES

IMPROVED ORDER OF RED MEN

Arapahoe Tribe. Xo. 150; LIuron Tribe, No. 93; Tippecanoe Tribe, No. 70-

DATCIITERS OF POC.MIOXTAS

Alfarata Council, No. 31.

DR.\M.\TIC ORDER KXIGIIT.s OF KIIORASSAN

El Medi Temple, No. i.

INDEPENDENT ORDER OF FORESTERS

Court Glen Oak, No. 3027; Court Gibbons, No. 3852; Court Ford, No.
3499; Companion Court, Fort Clark, No. 316; German Order of Foresters.

KXICIITS OF THE M.\CCABEES OF THE WORLD

Peoria Tent. No. 8; Invincible Tent, Xo. 14; Fair Plav Tent, Xo. 40; Adams
Tent, No. 45.

LADIES OF THE MACCABEES

Crystal Hive, Xo. 5; (ilen Oak Hive, Xo. 122: Invincible Hive, Xo. 152;
Xational Hive.

ROYAL ARCANUM

Ajax Council, .\'o. 216; Peoria Council, Xo. 55.

ANCIENT ORDER UNITED WORKMEN

Central City Lodge, Xo. 202; Goethe Lodge, No. 8 (German); Hargrove
Lodge, Xo. 310; Peoria Lodge, Xo. 13: W. F. Stevens Lodge, No. 342.

446 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

COURT OF HONOR

Columbia Court, No. 12; Royal Court, No. 67; Glen Oak Court, No. 281;
Peoria Court, No. 1037.

DEGREE OF HONOR

Olive Lodge.

HARUGARI

Peoria Lodge, No. 353.

IMPROVED ORDER OF HEPTASOPHS

Fort Clark Conclave, No. 729; Peoria Conclave, No. 266.

FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES

Peoria Aerie, No. 265.

FRATERN.\L RESERVE LIFE ASSOCIATION

Golden City Lodge, No. 108; Peoria Lodge, No. 66; East Peoria Lodge, No.
56; East Peoria Legion, No. 172.

HEBREW SOCIETIES

The Circle of Jewish Women; Peoria Hebrew Relief Association; Jewish
Ladies' Sewing Society ; Ladies' Hebrew Aid Society ; Sisters of Peace Chari-
table Association ; Ladies' Hebrew Benevolent Society ; Home of Shelter.

INDEPENDENT ORDER OF b'n.XI BRITH

Progress Lodge, No. 118.

INDEPENDENT ORDER OF WESTERN STAR

Joseph B. Greenhut Lodge, No. 80.

ORDER BRITH ABRAHAM

I'eoria City Lodge, No. 138.

ROYAL BENEFIT SOCIETY

Victor Circle, No. 27.

CHAPTER XXIX

HISTORY OF BANKING IN PEORIA MEN WHO TOOK THE INITIATIVE IN THE BUSINESS

— FIRST liANK BUILDINGS PEORIA STRONG IN ITS FINANCIAL CONCERNS

MODERN HANKS AND BANKING THE PEORIA CLEARING HOUSE.

The welfare of the banks is closely identified with the prosperity of the
comnuinity and their progress measures the development of its material re-
sources.

The business of banking is of great antiquity and in its simpler forms no
doubt was understood and practised by the Assyrians, Babylonians and Athe-
nians. As the taking of interest for money lies at the root of all banking and
furnishes the chief motive for it, wherever a people were sufficiently advanced
to loan money for hire there would naturally spring up many of the practices
and methods of modern banking. The transfer of credits was undoubtedly known
among the ancients. They used checks and bills of exchange, but for all that they
were very far from having the confidence in credit business that has since been
fostered by modern banking methods. They used gold and silver coin and other
commodities then in use as standards of value and media of exchange and had
not invented representative money. It is more fanciful than correct to ascribe
to the Romans the invention of modern banking. The business carried on by
tiieir monev lenders and dealers- was similar to that of the Jews of the middle
ages and the J.omljards.

When gold and silver were deposited, it was more in the nature of a special
deposit to be kept until called for. There have always been money lenders, but
banks for lending money are of comparatively modern origin. The bank of
\'enice, which originated in 1171, may be pronounced the forerunner of modern
banking. It was followed by the Bank of Genoa, 1320; Bank of Amsterdam,
]()oq; Bank of England, 1694; Bank of France, 1716; and others at later dates.
In the United States there have been private banks and chartered banks, and of
the latter some have derived their powers from state legislatures and some from
the Federal Congress.

The National Bank .Act, which became a law early in iSf)^, was modelled
largely after the free banking laws of New York, Ohio and other states; and
the distinctive principles which underlie it are government supervision of the
operations of the banks and a circulation based directly upon the securities and
guarantee of the government. The original act has undergone many modifica-
tions, some of them of considerable importance ; and while in its operations it has
proved of great value to the commerce of the country, it is undoubtedly capable
of improveriient and further changes may be expected in it in the not distant
future.

In the early days few of the states were more cursed by fatuous banking
enterprises than was Illinois, v\-hose legislature repeatedly gave state aid to fan-
tastic schemes which ended disastrously in almost every case.

These early banks, which violated almost every known canon of finance,
.seemed to spring up more readily in the southern part of the state and Edwards-
ville. Shawneetown, Kaskaskia, Cairo and .Alton are familiar names to students
of this period of banking history.

447

448 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

In contrast with these was "Smith's Bank," so called, in Chicago, which is-
sued certificates of deposit in denominations from one dollar upward, which
were always payable on presentation, although in 1851, there was an. aggregate
of $1,476,235.00 outstanding.

As a result of the unfortunate alliance of the state with successive banks,
provisions were incorporated in the constitution of 1847, prohibiting the state
from engaging in the banking business and requiring that all banking laws he
submitted to a vote of the people. The provisions have been preserved in the
present constitution adopted in 1870. The first banking law under the constitu-
tion of 1847 was modelled after that of New York and was passed in 1851.
While this law was faulty in some particulars, yet the banks organized under it
rendered good service to the business interests of the state and provided a safe
circulating medium up to the time of the Civil war, when it was displaced by the
circulation of the national l)anks. Peoria seems to have escaped any direct' con-
nection with these ill-considered banking enterprises, largely, it is to be thought,
because of her lack of prominence in those earlier days.

In his history of banking. John Jay Knox states that S. Pulsipher was the
first of the Peoria bankers and mentions the establishment by Governor Matteson
of the Central Bank of Peoria, which seems not to be historically correct.

William R. Phelps and B. L. T. Bourland established themselves as land
agents and dealers in October, 1847. Later they began receiving deposits and
selling exchange in a quiet way and also made commercial loans to a limited
extent. Subsequently they formed a partnership with Gideon H. Rupert, James
Haines and Thomas N. (iill of Pekin, and greatly extended their business,
starting a banking house at Pekin. under the firm name of G. H. Rupert & Co.,
with a branch at Peoria, under the name of Phelps, Bourland & Co. Later,
these two firms organized the Central Bank of Peoria, under the old state bank
system, with Mr. Rupert as president, and Robert Arthur Smith as cashier.
The banking house used by the firm was built by Messrs. Phelps and Bourland,
and was located at the northwest corner of Main and Water streets. Sometime
afterward the stock and fixtures of the Central Bank were sold to Governor
Joel A. Matteson and his son-in-law, R. E. Goodell. Alessrs. Phelps and Bour-
land and the Pekin parties retiring. A few years later, the Central bank went
into liquidation and discontinued its business. The banking firm of G. H. Rupert
& Co., however, continued in Ijusiness for some years at Pekin, and always main-
tained a high standard of business integrity.

Messrs. N. B. Curtis & Co. established themselves as bankers here in 185 1.
locating at the northeast corner of Main and Water streets, and for many years
conducted a large and prosperous business. For a time this concern seems to have
had some connection with George Smith, the noted financier of Chicago, as it
is reported to have put in circulation large amounts of the notes of the Marine and
Fire Insurance Company of Milwaukee, and of Georgia banks (chiefl)' the issues
of the Cherokee Bank of Dalton, Georgia), in which Mr. Smith was interested.
This bank suspended during the panic year of 1857, but out of it grew the First
National Bank of Peoria, the first national banking institution in the citv.

Other early banking enterprises were those of J. P. Hotchkiss, established by
Joshua P. Hotchkiss in the fall of 1852, which has since developed into the
Second National Bank of Peoria; and of S. Pulsipher & Co., which was started
about 1855 by ]\Iessrs. Sydney Pulsipher, B. L. T. Bourland and' George F.
Flarding, under the management of Mr. Bourland, their office being on the
southeast corner of Main and Adams streets. Mr. Bourland sold out his in-
terest in 1857, to Erastus D. Hardin, who in conjunction with Mr. Pulsipher,
carried on a large and profitable business for many years. This enterprise ended
in failure, in consequence of immense but unfortunate advances made to dis-
tillers. This temporary disaster, however, resulted advantageously to the city,
in that it threw upon the market a large amount of undivided real estate now
comprised within the most attractive residence portion of the "middle bluff"

GF.OD FOUXTAIX— I>Ari!A l!i;Al)I.KV I'AKK

MAIN' AND JEFFERSON STREETS, PEORIA

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 449

district. While some of tiie depositors lost heavily, others bought up the bank's
obligations at a discount and realized the full amount of their claims.

\'ery largely Peoria's banking institutions have been under the management
of her local business men, which gives evidence that they have grown out of
the actual demands of business. One effect of this natural development has
been the exclusion of enterprises of a merely speculative character, financed by
foreign capital and of doubtful legitimacy, which has tended to the more com-
plete security of the business public. .As a consequence, banking capital has not
at any time exceeded the public demand, and its employment under the direction
of men of ability, experience and fidelity, has brought about such community of
interest between bankers and depositors that the latter have been accommodated
at reasonable interest rates and have kept their accounts with the local banks,
almost exclusi\'ely, and it is probable that no city of its wealth and pojiulation
has suffered so little loss, through bank failures, as has the city of Peoria.

.Although complete figures are not available, the following will indicate the
growth of the banking interests of Peoria during the last thirty years.

The three National iJanks in existence in Peoria in 1880, each with a capital
stock of $100,000.00, have grown, in 1912, to five in number, with an aggregate
capital of $1,900,000.00 and a surplus and profits of $1,600,000.00. Statements to
the comptroller of the currency and state auditor, of the five national ijanks
and four state banks for .April 18, 1912, show' total resources of $28,746,963.52, —
a gain in the last ten years of approximately $12,250,000.00. Total deposits in
the nine banks on the same date are $22,718,193.60.

C0MMEKCI.\L CERM.\N N.\TION.\L T.ANK

The Commercial National Bank of Peoria succeeded the private banking firm
of Callender, .Ayres «Sc Co., which began business March 12, 1881, with a capital
of $75,000, the members of the firm being Columbus R. Cummings, Gardner T.
Barker, Henry P. .Ayres, Walter Barker and Eliot Callender, of whom the last
two only survive at this date (1912). The national l)ank opened for business
at the corner of ^^'ashington and Fulton streets, January 13, 1885, with a cai^i-
tal of $200,000. The board of directors consisted of Gardner T. Barker, Charles
B. .Allaire, Frank Meyer, George L. Bradbury, Walter Barker, Eliot Callender
and Henry P. Ayres and the officers were Eliot Callender, president; Henry P.
Ayres, vice-president and cashier. Two weeks later, Gardner T. Barker suc-
ceeded Air. .Ayres as vice-president, and on .A])ril ist of the same vear he was
succeeded as cashier loy Henry B. Do.x, who continued in the office until his death
in September, 1899. Homer W. AlcCoy was then elected cashier and served imtil
May, 1901, when he resigned to enter the bond lousiness in Chicago, where he now
is president of McCoy & Company. The office was filled by the election of
Elwood .A. Cole, who was succeeded as assistant cashier by William Hazzard.

Gardner T. Barker became president of the bank January i, [887, and contin-
ued in the office till his death in 1894, when Walter Barker succeeded him and
has been re-elected annually ever since.

January i, 1904, the capital was increased from $200,000 to $550,000; the name
was clianged to Commercial (ierman National r.ank and the business of the
German .American National liank was absorbed. .At that time the board of
directors consisted of Walter Barker, Joseph B. Greenhut, John L. Flinn, Bernard
Crewer, J. N. Ward, Joscjih Miller, Frank P. Lewis, Samuel Woolner, \^'arren
R. Buckley, A. L. Schimpff, Johnson L. Cole, Leslie D. Puterbaugh, John Wilson,
John Finley and \\'eston .Arnold; and the officers were Walter Ijarker, president;
J. B. Greenhut and J. L. Flinn, vice-presidents; Weston .\rnold, cashier: Elwood
A. Cole, assistant cashier.

Report of January 22, 1904, to the comptroller of the currency showed capital
of $550,000; surplus and profits $144,000; deposits, $3,922,665 and total re-
sources, $5,116,682.

450 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

E. A. Cole, who succeeded to the cashiership July i, 1904, resigned the po-
sition May I, 191 1, and was succeeded by William Hazzard, who had been as-
sistant cashier since January i, 1905.

April 24, 1909, the bank removed from Fulton and Washington streets, where
it had been located for twenty-four years, to commodious and elegant quarters
at ^21-^2^ South Adams street.

Report of June 14, 1912, shows a capital of $550,000; surplus and profits
$768,299; deposits, $5,127,294, and total resources, $6,995,593. On August 12,
1912, the capital stock was increased to $750,000, by the issuance of $200,000
new capital. This bank is the largest in the state outside of Chicago.

The present board of directors is made up of Walter Barker, William F.
Wolfner, John L. Flinn, Bernard Cremer, Robert D. Clarke, Frank P. Lewis,
William B. Woolner, Jacob Wocherheimer, Leslie D. Puterbaugh, Johnson L.
Cole, Albert T. Schimpff, John Finley, William G. McRoberts and William
Hazzard ; and the officers are \\'alter Barker, president ; John L. Flinn and John
Finley, vice-presidents ; William Hazzard, cashier ; William B. Reed and William
M. Wood, assistant cashiers.

FIRST NATIONAL BANK

Chronologically considered, the oldest existing banking institution in Peoria,
in its present organization, was the outgrowth of conditions existing in the first
years of the Civil war, and the enactment of the National Banking Act by
Congress in 1863. In 1851, Nathaniel B. Curtiss and his brother, Pliny Curtiss
(under the firm name of N. B. Curtiss & Co.), opened up a private banking
business at the upper corner of Main and Water streets and for a time did a
large business. About 1857, Curtiss & Co. removed to the building long occu-
pied by the First National Bank at No. 200 Main street, which had been erected
by Mr. Curtiss. Owing to the panic of the latter year, a run was made upon
the Curtiss bank, which resulted in its suspension for a time, though it appears
to have reopened at a later date for a short period. About 1858 or 1859, Marshall
P. Stone and Thaddeus S. Ely appear to have been doing business as bankers at
the location of the Curtiss bank, though it evidently continued for only a short
time, as we find in i860 that Marshall P. Stone, William F. Bryan and George
H. Stone commenced a banking business under the firm name of M. P. Stone &
Co., in the Curtiss building. Three years later the last named firm sold out to
the First National Bank of Peoria, which was organized under the national
banking law on November 23, 1863, with a capital of $150,000.00, owned by
fortv-two stockholders. The largest individual stockholders in the origiilal or-
ganization were Tobias S. Bradley, Nathaniel B. Curtiss and Richard Gregg, of
Peoria, and James H. McCall of Canton. Fulton county. Mr. Bradley held 270
shares of stock and the other three 200 shares each. The first board of directors,
elected November 25, consisted of Tobias S. Bradley, Richard Gregg. Nathaniel
B. Curtiss. Hervey Lightner. John L. Griswold, John C. Proctor, Louis Green,
Thomas S. Dobbins and Robert S. Smith, and a few days later Mr. Bradley was
chosen president, and Mr. Curtiss cashier. The bank opened for business Janu-
ary 6, 1864, and has been in operation ever since. In June. 1864. the capital stock
was increased to $200,000.00; was reduced in 1875 to $100,000.00. but again in-
creased, 1884, to $150,000.00; to $400,000.00 in 1905 and to $550,000.00 in
1910, at which sum it still remains. The original charter having expired in 1883,
a new charter was secured, running for twenty years, which expired in 1903 and
was extended for another period of twenty years. The first board of directors
consisted of nine members; in 1870. the number was reduced to seven, and m
1875 to five. :Mr. Bradlev occupied the office of president continuously until
his death, which occurred ':\Iav 4. 1867. He was succeeded by the late Wash-
ington Cockle, who continued in office until 1875, when he was succeeded by
Hervey Lightner. The latter held office onlv a few weeks, when he gave place

FIRST NATIOXAI. IIAXK. I'KdlMA

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 451

to Joliii C i'roctor, who was re-elected at each subsequent election until iyo6,
when he declined a re-election and was succeeded by Charles R. Wheeler, who
has continued in the office to this time. A noteworthy feature in the history of
the L'irst National Uank, indicating its conservative and substantial character, is
the few changes that have occurred in the board of directors and official staff.
From 1875 to 1907, Airs. Lydia Bradley, the widow of the first president, was
continuously a member of the board of directors — one of the few instances in
which a woman has held this position in a leading banking institution. In 1895,
occurred the death of William E. Stone, Sr., who had been identified with the
bank from its organization in 1863, first as bookkeeper and later as its cashier,
and he was succeeded by his son, William E. Stone, Jr., who became vice-presi-
dent also in igo6. The present board of directors (1912) consists of Charles R.
Wheeler, William E. Stone, Winslow Evans. Edwin W Armstrong. Henry lled-
rich, W'ilber Al. Ijenton, Warren SutliiT, George F. Emerson and E. H. Walker,
with Mr. Wheeler as president, Air. .Stone as vice president and casliTer. and
George AI. Bush and Arthur W. Bennett as assistant cashiers.

The last official statement of the condition of the First National Bank of
Peoria, made to the comptroller of the currency, under date of June 14, 1912,
shows that it then had a capital stock of $550,000.00, with surplus and ])rofits
of $285,000.00; deposits, $3,785,522 and total resources $5,185,271.

THE MERCn.\XTS X.^TIO^'AL B.\NK OF PEORI.\

The Alerchants National I'ank of Peoria is the successor of the Alechanics'
National Bank, which was organized and opened for business May 20, 1865,
with Isaac Underbill as president and Samuel Coskery, cashier. A radical
change took place in the directorate in 1866. Horatio N. Wheeler became presi-
dent, and J. Boyd Smith, cashier. In 1880 the bank had a ]iaid-up capital of
$100,000.00, and a reserve of $70,000.00. its executive officers remaining un-
changed.

In 1884, the Alechanics' National Bank reorganized as the Alerchpnts Na-
tional Bank, the capital stock being increased to $200,000.00. The first board of
directors of the new organization consisted of Horatio N. Wheeler, Ezekiel A.
Proctor, John C. Yates, Charles T. Luthy, John B. Smith, John D. McClure, and
Wm. V. Bryan. H. N. Wheeler, who had been president of the Alechanics' Na-
tional during most of its history, was elected the first president of the new insti-
tution, and J. B. Smith, cashier. E. A. Proctor was elected president in 1885,
continuing in office, by repeated reelections, until 1888, when he resigned, and
was succeeded bv .Andrew T- Hodges, whose period of service continued until

T893.

A new element came into the Alerchants National Bank in 1897, in the ab-
sorption of the Bank of Commerce, which had been organized in 1891, under the
state banking law, with a capital stock of $100,000, which was increased two
years later to $200,000. The first board of directors included the names of
Henry H. Fahnestcck, Charles R. Wheeler. A. G. Danforth, H. B. Stewart,
George Emerson, B. F. Rhodehamel, C. A. Davis, James AI. Alorse and Fred
H. .Smith, with Air. Fahnestock as president, C. R. Wheeler, vice president, and
Homer W. AlcCoy. cashier. The bank conducted a successful business, the
board of directors and officers in the meantime, remaining unchanged until
July, 1897. when it was merged into the Alerchants National Bank of Peoria, the
stock holders realizing 103 per cent on their capital stock.

After the retirement of Air. Hodges from the presidency of the Merchants
National Bank in 1893. Ferdinand Luthy, who had been a director since 1887,
became president, and has so continued up to the present time (1912). The
terms of other officers have been as follows: John D. AlcClure, vice president,
1885-1892; Plenry Sandmeyer, vice president, 1893-1912; Homer W. AlcCoy,
second vice president, 1897-99; Frederick IT. Smith, second vice president, 1899-

452 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

1912; John B. Smith, cashier, 1884-89 (resigned) ; George H. Littlewood, assist-
ant cashier, 1888-89, and cashier from 1889 to 1903 (deceased) ; Thaddeus S.
Ely, assistant cashier, 1884-88 (resigned) succeeded in turn by Air. Littlewood,
who, in 1889, gave place to Fillmore .Millard, the latter resigned in 1894; W. T.'
Murray, assistant cashier, 1894-96 (resigned) ; Walter L. Wiley, assistant cash-
ier, up to 1903, then cashier, succeeding Geo. H. Littlewood, deceased, to luly.
1907, when he resigned and moved to California; John C. Paddock, present
cashier (1912) became connected with the bank as general bookkeeper' in 1897,
was appointed assistant cashier in 1903, and succeeded Mr. Wiley as cashier in
1907; Thomas D. McDougal, assistant cashier in 1912, who entered' the employ of
the bank as messenger in 1885, was appointed an assistant cashier in 1903.'

The present officers (1912) are Ferdinand Luthy, president; Henry Sand-
meyer, vice president ; Frederick H. Smith, second vice president ; J. C. Paddock,
cashier and Thos. D. McDougal, assistant cashier, with Messrs. Luthy, Sand-
meyer. Smith and McDougal members of the board of directors, which also in-
c-Iudes Messrs. J. B. Bartholomew, Edward C. Leisy, Valentine Jobst, Jr.,
George T. Page and Samuel L. Nelson.

In addition to those directors already named, the following have served on
the board of directors for various periods: B. Cremer, A. J. Hodges, C. S.
Clarke, C. C. Clarke, Adolph \\'oolner. B. J. Greenhut, Samuel Woolner, Jr.,
and Homer W. McCoy.

On May 30, 1886, a crisis occurred in the affairs of the bank in consequence
of the discovery of the embezzlement of its funds by a bookkeeper, to the amount
of $183,000. The bank went into the hands of the National Bank authorities,
and for a month remained closed, but, its capital having been restored by an
assessment of 50 per cent upon the stockholders, it finally reopened for business
and has since enjoyed a steady growth and excellent profits.

Besides an unimpaired capital of $200,000 it has now (June, 1912). a sur-
plus of $180,000, undivided profits of $33,861.80, and for the past twelve years
has paid <|uarterly dividends of 3 per cent, making a total paid to its stockholders
since 1887 of $528,000. The statement of June 14, 1912, shows $2,001,224.50 in
deposits and total resources of $2,615,158.

THE CENTR.\L N.VTIONAL BANK OF PEORIA

The Central National Bank of Peoria dates its organization from the year
1884, when it began business with a paid up capital of $200,000, as the successor
of the Farmers' Bank, which had been conducting a successful business at 211
Main street. The latter institution was a partnership concern, organized in
1879, by Martin Kingman, Benjamin F. Blossom and Frederick E. Leonard, the
transition from a private bank to a National organization being in recognition
of changed financial conditions, and a desire to accommodate the business pub-
lic of Peoria to better advantage. The members of the first board of directors
of the new institution were Harvey Lightner, Richard H. W'hiting, Martin King-
man, Benjamin F. Blossom, Isaac Taylor, Frederick E. Leonard and Oliver |.
Bailey. At the first election of officers by the board of directors (1884) Mr.
Kingman was chosen president, Mr. P)ailey, vice jjresident, Mr. Blossom, cashier
and manager, and Mr. Leonard, assistant cashier. In January. 1891. Hervey
Lightner was chosen as president of the bank, which position he held with great
honor and dignity until the day of his death. Routine changes in the directorate
and official staff of the association have occurred from time to time since said
date, caused by the decease and resignation of those active and prominent in
ownership and management, the board of directors at the time of this writing,
namely, igi2, being composed of the following named gentlemen, to-wit : Rich-
ard W. Kempshall. of Messrs. Kempshall & Keene, managers of western general
agency of the Aetna Life Insurance Company ; Henry W. Lynch, wholesale
dealer in bituminous and anthracite coal, coke, etc. ; Henry J. Woodward, presi-

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 453

dent of Allaire, Woodward & Company, pharmaceutical chemists and drug mill-
ers; Charles H. Feltman, grain commission, president Peoria Board of Trade;
Edgar C. Foster, manager Peoria Division United Boxboard Company ; Francis
H. Tichenor, general counsel, and Frederick F. Blossom, vice president, with a
co-existent staff of officers as follows: Richard W. Kempshall, president;
Frederick F. Blossom and Henry W. Lynch, vice presidents ; Albert H. Addison,
cashier; William R. Cation and George E. McMurray, assistant cashiers. The
sworn official statement rendered to the Government on call of the comptroller
of the currency, shows condition of the association at close of business June 14,
1912, as follows: Capital paid in $200,000; suri)lus fund and net undivided
profits. $200,407; deposits, $2,684,812; total resources, $3,174,213.

The bank is centrally and conveniently located at the corner of Main and
Adams streets, and is rated as one of the most conservative and substantial of
Peoria's financial institutions.

Others in addition to those previously mentioned, who have in the past served
upon the board of directors of the bank, with credit to themselves and to the
institution, are Samuel W. Sessions. Cleveland, Ohio (deceased), Jacob P.
Schncllhacher and llenry B. Rouse, of Peoria.

ILLINOIS N/\TION..\L B.\NK

The youngest of the national banks of Peoria is the Illinois National liank,
chartered on May 21, igoo, and which began business under its new charter
June I, igoi. It was based upon the foundation of the old "Bank of Illinois,"
which had been chartered under state law February 21, 1891, under the name of
the "Peoria Savings, Loan and Trust Company." in the year 1899. taking the
name of the "Bank of Illinois." The officers of the earlier bank, at its organi-
zation, were IMartin Kingman, president ; A. S. Oakford, vice president ; C. T.
Heald, cashier; and Rudolj^h Pasquay, assistant cashier, and this organization
has been continued with little change to the present time. In 1897 ^I''- Heald
and Mr. Pasquay resigned their positions, Frank Trefzger being elected cashier
and William C. White his assistant. In 1899, Ira D. Buck was chosen second
\'ice i:)resident. and these officers were continued under the organization of the
new corporation in 1901. The capital stock of the Illinois National ISank, of
Peoria, at its organization, was $150,000, which was later increased to $200,000.

The first board of directors was composed of Martin Kingman. A. S. Oak-
ford, Ira D. Buck, Ben Warren, Jr., Chas. A. Jamieson, John Wilson, E. C.
Heidrick, Charles C. Miles and Walter B. Kingman, while the present board
(1912) consists of A. S. Oakford. Frank Fischer. A. W. Wilson. Chas. C. Miles,
E. M. Chandler, Leonard Hillis, Charles Kretzger, John C. Streibich. Henry G.
Kuch. Nicholas LHrich and William C. White, and the officers are, W. C. White,
president: A. S. Oakford and Frank Fischer, vice presidents; Charles .-X. Anicker,
cashier; Charles J. Sheehaas and Thaddeus H. Fuchs, assistant cashiers. On
June 14, 1912, capital was $200,000; surplus and profits, $109,845; deposits,
$2,014,210; total resources, $2,524,053.

DIME S.^VINGS AND TRUST COMP.VNY

In December, 1886, Eliot Callender, Oliver J. Bailey, Frank Meyer, Henry
P. .Ayers and Seth W. Freeman, all prominent, well known and wealthy resi-
dents of Peoria, formed a copartnership to transact a legitimate savings bank
business, under the name of the Dime Savings Bank of Peoria. The bank was
opened for business January 17, 1887, on South Jefferson avenue, in what had
lieen the residence of A. P. Bartlett, an old resident of the city, and which was
located upon the exact site of the present magnificent building of the Dime Sav-
ings and Trust Company.

Eliot Callender became the first president of the institution, Oliver J. Bailey,

454 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

vice president, and Henry P. Ayers, treasurer. In 1888 Seth W. Freeman
retired from the copartnersliip, his associates purchasing his interests. In 1887
Rudolf Pfeiffer became the bani<'s first cashier, and under his management and
that of the associate partners the business rapidly grew and prospered. Theodore
B. Wissing, present cashier of the bank, entered its service in October, i8go.
Herman C. Schwab, present assistant cashier, entered its service in December,
1892. In September, 1894, Henry P. Ayers died and his interests in the bank
were purchased by the other partners, thus leaving Eliot Callender, Oliver J.
Bailey and Frank Meyer the copartners carrying on the business. Rudolf
Pfeiffer, cashier of the bank, severed his 'connection with the institution in 1903,
after sixteen years continuous service.

On November i, 1903, George W. Curtiss became a vice president and gen-
eral manager of the institution. March i, 1904, the bank was incorporated
under the state banking law of Illinois as the Dime Savings and Trust Company,
and at that date took over the mortgage loan and investment business of the
Anthony Loan & Trust Company, and also the business of the Title & Trust
Company. Eliot Callender served as president of the bank until January, 1905,
when he was succeeded by Oliver J. Bailey, who served as president until 1906,
when Sumner R. Clarke was elected president. Upon the death of the latter in
January, 1907, the present president, George W. Curtiss, was elected to that
position.

The Dime Savings Bank was the first bank in Peoria to build and occupy its
own building constructed especially for convenience in banking. In 1904 the
business had grown to such proportions that the building then occupied became
wholly inadequate, and the Dime Savings & Trust Company began the erection
of its present magnificent structure, considered by many the finest bank building
in the west. It took eighteen months to construct this building, and it was not
occupied until February, 1906.

The present capital of the institution is a C|uarter of a million dollars, while
its surplus is more than one hundred thousand dollars, all earned out of profits
in excess of dividends paid. Since its organization March i, 1904, it has paid
to its stockholders in dividends a sum almost equalling its capital stock. Its
deposits are now about two million dollars. The loans made by the bank are
exclusively upon first liens upon improved real estate.

The present officers of the institution are: George E. Curtiss, president;
John E. Keene. vice president; Frederick H. Smith, vice president; Theo. r>.
Wissing, cashier ; Herman C. Schwab, asst. cashier ; J. W. McDowell, treasurer ;
Joseph P. Durkin, secretary ; Clifton W. Frazier, trust officer and attorney ;
William Jack, general counsel.

Statement of June 14, 1912, showed capital of $250,000; surplus and profits,
$109,805; deposits, $2,018,814. Total resources, $2,403,619.

HOME SAVINGS AND STATE BANK

The prime mover in the organization of the Home Savings and State Bank
of Peoria was X'alentine Ulrich, who had Ijeen for many years president of the
German American National Bank, and who, in 1S92, in connection with twenty-
nine other stockholders, obtained a charter from the state of Illinois, under which
they began doing business on June 2nd of that year. Mr. Ulrich brought into
the concern with him Frank Trefzger, who up to that time had been assistant
cashier of the German American National, as well as his son Charles, a member
of the law firm of Ulrich & Ulrich, who had been doing a real-estate brokerage
business. The original stockholders were all residents of Peoria, except Fred
F. Harding, president of the Second National Bank of Monmouth, and the
capital stock was $120,000, at which sum it still remains. At the first meeting
of stockholders, held June 13, 1892, the following board of directors were
elected : Frederick L. Block, C. Gehrmann, Fritz Leuder, Frank Trefzger, Val-

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 455

entine Ulrich, Charles E. Ulrich and Charles Zimmermann. \'alentine Ulrich
was chosen president, Charles E. Ulrich, vice president, and Frank Trefzger,
cashier. In 1895 Mr. Gehrmann moved to New York City and Robert Strehlow
was chosen to succeed him as director. Frank Trefzger, having resigned his
position in April, 1897, to accept the cashiership of another bank, Henry W.
Ulrich was chosen to succeed him as both director and cashier. The present
board of directors consists of Valentine Ulrich, E. C. Lersy, Chas. E. Ulrich,
August Pfeiffer, Henry W. Ulrich, F. Lueder and R. V. Ulrich. The officers
are : President, Valentine Ulrich ; vice president, Charles E. Ulrich ; cashier,
Henry \\". Ulrich ; assistant cashier, Robert V. Ulrich.

The report for June 14, 1912, showed the capital was $120,000; surplus and
profits, $139,986; deposits, $1,596,766; total resources, $1,856,753.

In November, 1910, the bank removed from South Adams street to splendidly
equipped cjuarters in the new Jeti'erson building. Since that date^its growth has
been such as to necessitate the addition of another room to properly accom-
modate its increasing business.

THE SAVINGS B.\NK OF PEORI.V

The Savings Rank of Peoria was organized February i, 1868, as a copartner-
ship, by the following gentlemen : W. A. Herron, P. Zell, C. P. King, L. Howell,
Z. Hotchkiss, J. Hamlin, L. G. Pratt, Thos. Dobbins and T. C. Moore.

The copartners held their first meeting in the directors room of the Second
National Bank and organized by electing W. A. Herron, president, and P. Zell,
secretary. The room under the First National Bank, corner of Alain and Wash-
ington streets, was selected as their banking room and the bank conducted its
business in that location until July i, 1906.

Phil Zell, secretary, conducted the business from the start for a period of
two years, when he resigned and president Herron took charge of the manage-
ment and continued as president until his death, which occurred in December,
1906.

On February i, 1872, H. Hedrich was appointed cashier and continued to
serve as such uninterruptedly until the death of Mr. Herron, when he succeeded
Mr. Herron as president.

A few years after the organization of the bank, T. C. Moore, L. Howell, and
J. Hamlin "were removed by death and W. A. Herron, C. P. King and Phil Zell
'ac(|uired the interests of Z' Hotchkiss, T. Dobbins and L. G. Pratt by purchase.

The business of the bank was carried on successfully by the remaining part-
ners Herron, King and Zell until June, 1894, when the partners decided to in-
corporate under the banking laws of the state of Illinois, with a capital stock of
$150,000, surplus $150,000, and undivided profits $10,000.

On June 29, 1894, the stockholders held their first meeting and W. A. Herron
was elected chairman and Phil Zell, secretary. The stockholders voted a direc-
torate of five members and elected W. A. Herron, Phil Zell, W. M. Benton, H.
Hedrich, and W. Jack. At a special meeting of the directors held June 29,
1894, W. A. Herron was elected president, Phil Zell, vice president, and H.
Hedrich, cashier. The above officers and directors continued in office until
February 12, 1901, except Mr. Zell, who died in April, 1900. .A.t the annual
meeting of the stockholders held February 12, 1901, the following were elected
directors: W. A. Herron, W. M. Benton, M. C. Horton, W. Jack and H. Hed-
rich. The directors in special meeting elected W. A. Flerron, president, M. C.
Horton, vice president, and H. Hedrich, cashier. The above officers continued
in office until the death of Mr. Herron, which occurred in December, 1906.

On July T, 1906, the Savings Bank removed its banking quarters to 317
Main street, where it remained until June 8, 191 1, when it removed to its present
quarters in the First National Bank building.

.\t the annual meeting of the stockholders held February 13, 1907, the direc-

456 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

torate was increased from five to seven and Alary W. Herron, W. i\I. Benton,
AI. Huftman, W. H. Rich, M. C. Horton, E. H. Walker and H. Hedrich were
elected directors. The directors at a special meeting elected H. Hedrich, presi-
dent, E. H. Walker, vice president, and M. C. Horton, cashier. The above
officers and directors continued in office until February, 191 1, except Mrs. Her-
ron, who resigned as director June 10, 1910, and AI. C. Horton, who resigned
July I, 1910. C. R. Wheeler was elected to fill the vacancy caused by the resig-
nation of Airs. Herron and W. E. Stone to that of Air. Horton. F. B. Weber
was appointed to succeed Air. Horton as cashier.

At the annual meeting of the stockholders held February 13, 1912, the fol-
lowing directors were elected: E. H. Walker, C. R. Wheeler, H. Hedrich, W.
E. Stone, W. AI. Benton, W. Evans and W. Sutliff. The directors elected H.
Hedrich, president, E. H. Walker, vice president and F. B. Weber, cashier.

Statement of June 14, 1912, showed capital of $150,000; surplus and profits,
$224,729; deposits, $2,133,203; and total resources, $2,507,933.

PEORI.X CLE.\RINC, HOUSE .\SSOCI.\TION

On April 27, 1880, at a meeting of representatives of the leading banks of
Peoria, a bankers' association was formed, to facilitate exchange and settlement
of daily balances between the several banks represented. The charter members
included the First, the Second and the Alechanics National, the German Banking
Company, Kingman, Blossom & Co., and Zell, Hotchkiss & Co. The first officers
elected were George H. Alcllvaine, president, and Benjamin F. Blossom, secre-
tary. In 1884. Henry Hedrich was elected secretary, and President Alcllvaine
having died in 1897, was succeeded by Philip Zell, who died in 1901, the position
then being filled by Leonard Houghton.

In January, 1902, a reorganization was efl^ected under the name of the
"Peoria Clearing House Association," a new constitution and by-laws adopted,
and an entirely new system of making local e.xchanges inaugurated. Under this
arrangement all balances are settled through one bank, known as the "Clearing
House Agent," to whom all debit balances must be paid by i 130 P. AI. daily, and
by whom all credit accounts must be paid between 2 130 and 3 :oo P. AI. of the same
day. The officers ( 1912) are: George W. Curtiss. president; Charles E. Ulrich,
vice-president; William C. W'hite, secretary; W'. E. Stone and F. F. Blossom,
clearing house committee.

The total clearings in 1892 were $99,940,626; in 1897 $81,154,457; in 1902
$142,533,004; in 1907 $141,233,539; in 1911 $161,223,684.

The action of the associated banks of Peoria during the money panic of 1907
is thus narrated by George W. Curtiss. present president of the Clearing House
Association: In the latter part of October, 1907. a panic beginning in New A'ork,
soon became manifest over the entire United States. A severe stringency of
currency ensued and the banks having balances in reserve centers were unable
to obtain sufficient currency therefrom for business needs. Clearing house
associations in these reserve centers declined to allow their members to pay
out currency in large sums, and for the settlement of balances between them-
.selves, adopted the certificate plan.

The Clearing House Association of Peoria issued no certificates — settlement
of balances between members being made in New York or Chicago exchange ;
but in common with clearing houses generally, found it necessary to provide for
the time being a convenient medium for use in place of currency. Banks, mem-
bers of the association, to meet the emergency, first issued cashier's checks, which
were readily accepted by the public generally and the banks. Later, a clearing
house loan committee was provided, with which approved securities were lodged
by the banks and checks drawn by the association on such banks to an amount
equal to seventy per cent of the face value of such collateral ; and these checks
passed readily in lieu of currency. The total issue of such checks in Peoria

DIME SAVINGS AND TRUST CnMI'AXV. PEOUIA

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 457

was $209,000, probably less than one-fourth of which was at any one time em-
ployed.

About lanuary i, u;o8, currency, becoming more available, the use ut these
checks was discontinucil.

GERMAN-AMERICAN NATIONAL BANK

The German-American National Bank, of Peoria, is the outgrowth of the
German Banking Company, a copartnership banking concern, organized during
the great panic in the fall of 1873. The latter opened its doors for business at
the corner of Bridge and Washington streets, on November i, 1873, with Michael
Pfeifer as its president. The following were the original partners: Michael
Pfeifer, Louis Green, liernard Cremer, Ferdinand Welte, Joseph Iluber. Andrew
Heppler, Erhard Kramm, William Oberhauser, Joseph Miller, \'alentine Jobst
and Jacob Mueller. At a later date some of the partners disposed of their inter-
ests, and \'alentine Ulrich having become a member of the company, was elected
its president. The original partnership was formed for a period of ten years, and,
on the expiration of this period, steps were taken to organize the German-Ameri-
can National Bank of Peoria, which was granted its charter ( No. 3070) on Oc-
tober 31, 1883, and the new concern opened up its business at the old stand
of the German Banking Company, at the corner of Bridge and Washington
streets, January i, 1884" with a capital stock of $100,000.00. X'alentine Clrich,
Samuel Woolner, Sabin D. Puterbaugh, Michael Pfeifer, Charles Gehrman, .-V. L.
Schimpff and Joseph Miller constituted the first board of directors, with Valen-
tine Ulrich as" the first president, Michael Pfeifer, vice-president, and William
Oberhauser, cashier. The following changes in the capital stock have been made
since the original organization: August, 1885, increased to $105,000; April, 1886,
increased to $150,000; August. 1891, occurred a still further increase to $300,000.

On December 8, 1884, Mr. Oberhauser resigned the position of cashier, and
was succeeded in Tanuarv following by Weston Arnold. In April, 1888, the
bank qualified as a government depositary. In March, 1892, Mr. Ulrich resigned
the presidency, and was succeeded in June following, by Bernard Cremer.
Since its organization, the bank made two removals ; in January, 1884, to No. 203
Main street, and in January, 1891, to 208 South Adams street, where it continued
in business until January i, 1894.

The German-.Xmerican also did a savings bank business by the payment of
interest on time deirosits, dealt largely in foreign exchange, and made a specialty
of ocean steamshi]) tickets. On November 17, 1903. the date of the last statement
to the com])troller of the currency, the German- American, in addition to its caj)-
ital stock of $300,000, had a surplus and profits of $110,000; deposits of $i.733.-
565 and total resources of $2,440,598.

In pursuance of an agreement between the shareholders of this bank and
those of the Commercial National Bank, it went into voluntary liquidation Janu-
ary I, 1904, and its business was absorbed by the latter institution which, at the
same time, changed its name to Commercial German National Bank.

PEORIA NATIONAL r,.\NK

The historv of the Peoria National Bank dates back to 1852 when the bank-
ing firm of J. P. Flotchkiss & Co. was organized, with Lewis Howell as cashier
and manager. The bank was first located in a narrow room at the west corner
on Main street and Commercial alley, but in November. 1855, was removed to
the northwest corner of Main and Washington streets. Joshua P. Hotchkiss, the
head of the firm, died in 1856, by his will leaving Mr. Howell in charge of the
bank, for the benefit of his "heirs'. In January, i860, the name of the firm was
changed to L. Howell & Co.. the companv being composed of Mr. Howell, J.
Bovd Smith and J. B. Headley, and, on January i, 1863, Lorin G. Pratt succeeded

458 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

to the interest of Mr. Headley, Mr. Howell continuing as manager. On January
I, 1864, another change occurred in the chartering of the bank under the national
bank act, under the name of the Second National Bank of Peoria, with a capital
of $2CX),ooo.oo and with L. Howell as president, L. G. Pratt, vice-president, and
J. B. Smith, cashier. In January, 1874, George H. ]\lcllvaine succeeded to the
vice-presidency, and Thomas G. McCulloch, Jr., became cashier. Four years later
(1878), Charles P. King was chosen vice-president, and George H. Mcllvaine,
cashier. May 24, 1880, Vice-President King was advanced to the presidency
as successor to ^Ir. Howell, deceased.

The charter of the Second National having expired in February, 1883, it was
liquidated, and the bank was reorganized under the name of the Peoria National
Bank, with Mr. King as president, and Mr. Mcllvaine as cashier. The board
of directors consisted of Charles P. King, George H. Mcllvaine, Calvin C. Lines,
Charles B. Day, Philip Zell, Charles H. Kellogg and William Jack. The director-
ship for 1889 remained unchanged, except that Charles B. Day and Charles H.
Kellogg were succeeded by Newton C. Dougherty and Leonard F. Houghton.
At the same time Mr. Mcllvaine became vice-president, Richard A. Culter suc-
ceeding him in the office of cashier. Mr. Culter was succeeded in the cashier-
ship in 1893 by Leonard F. Houghton, who was succeeded in 1902 by Harry T.
Bartlett, who served about eighteen months. Mr. Houghton then resumed the
ofifice for a few months, when in January, 1904, S. O. Spring was elected his suc-
cessor. In January, 1893, ^I''- Culter became a director, as successor to Leonard
F. Houghton, and in j\Iarch following, Mr. King having died after a service
of ten years, George H. Mcllvaine was chosen president to fill the vacancy.
In 1897 Philip Zell succeeded to the presidency, in place of Mr. Mcllvaine, de-
ceased, and April 18, 1900, Mr. Zell having died. Newton C. Dougherty was
chosen to succeed him. The report of the condition of the Peoria National Bank
for August, 1905, shows capital of $200,000.00; surplus and profits of $51,454.46;
deposits of $1,286,540.94 and total resources of $1,806,370.57.

This was the last statement made by the bank, which was placed in the hands
of a receiver, Octolier 7, 1905, in consequence of the downfall of its president,
Newton C. Dougherty, who was found to have abstracted a large amount of
the funds of the public schools, of which he had been superintendent for many
years. O. C. Berry, of Carthage, Illinois, was placed in charge as receiver, and
after about two years, paid the depositors in full with interest and turned back
the remaining assets to the stockholders.

.\NTII0NV LO.W .\XD TRUST COMPANY

This company, whose principal business was loaning money on farm prop-
ertv and dealing in real estate mortgages, was the outgrowth of a business first
established in Washington, Tazewell county, by Charles E. Anthony, about
the year 1866. The business was for a time carried on in connection with that
of the banking firm of Anthony & Denhart of that place, but in 1874 a branch
house was established at Chatsworth, Illinois, under the name of Anthony, Den-
hart & Wilson, and placed in charge of Cliflford M. Anthony. The field of opera-
tions in farm loans was much enlarged and the business grew rapidly. In 1877,
Clifford M. Anthony returned to Washington as a partner in the firm. In 1882
the firm was appointed financial correspondent of the Connecticut Mutual Life
Insurance Company for the state of Illinois.

About this time G. W. Curtiss, who had been engaged in the banking busi-
ness at Urbana, Illinois, entered the employment of the firm in connection with
the loan business. Early in 1885, the Anthony brothers severed their connec-
tion, with the house of Anthony & Denhart, retaining the farm loan business,
and, removing to Peoria, formed the copartnership of C. E. & C. M. Anthony,
in which ]\Ir. Curtiss became a partner in 1888. In 1891 the firm was incor-

I'KKIX WA(.()X (dMl'AW

R. HERSCHEL MANITFACTlRINi:
COMl'AXY PLANT

THE PEORIA COKDAliE COMPANY

r.iKirs KVK \ii;\\ nr ■iiik a\ ki;^ ((imi'axv i'i.ax'I'

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 459

porated under the name of the "Anthony Loan & Trust Company," with C. E.
Anthony, president; C. M. Anthony, vice president, and G. VV. Curtiss, secretary
and treasurer. In 1898, Charles E. Anthony having retired from active par-
ticipation in the management of the business, C. M. Anthony was chosen presi-
dent, C. E. Anthony, vice president, 'Sir. Curtiss retaining the office of secretary
and treasurer until 1899, when he became one of the vice presidents. The
business of this company was taken over by the Dime Savings and Trust Com-
pany.

TITLE & TRUST COMPANY

Though not strictly a banking institution the Title & Trust Company of
Peoria had an intimate relation with the financial interests of the city, and is
deserving mention in this connection. It was incorporated in 1890 by leading
capitalists of the city, and, while its chief business was the investigation and
furnishing of abstracts of title to real-estate, and the issuing of guaranty cer-
tificates for the protection of owners and mortgagees from loss by reason of
defective titles to real-estate in Peoria county, it also conducted a loan depart-
ment for the purpose of making investments in real-estate (both farm and city
property"), dealing in mortgages, collecting interest on loans, etc. It was em-
powered by its charter to act as executor or administrator of estates ; as guardian,
receiver, assignee or in any other capacity assumed by a trustee in taking charge
of estates. The company had a capital of $100,000 with $50,000 deposited with
the state auditor for the security of all trust obligations. The board of directors
was composed largely of stockholders of different banks. The business of
this institution also was taken over by the Dime Savings and Trust Company.

people's savings bank

The People's Savings Bank of Peoria was organized on a copartnership
basis by Messrs. Martin Kingman, Charles A. Jamison, Rudolph Prey and E. C.
Heidrich, and began business March 11, 1889, at 1329 South Adams street.
The original stock was $10,000, which was subsequently increased to $12,500.
At the outset Rudolph Prey served as the active manager and cashier, but in
April, 1890, sold his one-quarter interest to Martin Kingman, and was succeeded
in the position of cashier by George W. Zinser. In July, 1890. all the partners
sold out their entire interests to Jacob Woolner.

In 1904 Louis \V. Look became cashier but unfortunate conditions existed
which made it necessary to close the bank and its affairs were placed in the
hands of a receiver. Assets were found insufficient and deposit liabilities were
cancelled on the basis of sixty cents on the dollar.

ZELL, HOTCHKISS & COMPANY (PRIVATE RANKERS)

The banking house of Zell, Hotchkiss & Company was organized as a partner-
ship concern to do a private lianking business, in 1870, the partners being Philip
Zell, Walter E. Hotchkiss and Henry C. Fursman. On the death of Mr. Hotch-
kiss, which occurred November 21, 1874, Mr. Zell acquired the interest of both
Hotchkiss and Fursman, thereby becoming sole owner, and so continued until
his death, .April 11, 1900. Mr. Homer C. Lines occupied the ]josition of cashier
continuously for a period of twenty-six years (1873-1899). After Mr. Zell's
death the business was conducted for his heirs by W. E. M. Cole, who had
succeeded Mr. Lines in the cashiership, but was discontinued as soon as matters
then pending could be brought to a conclusion.

Another private banking concern was that of J. B. Hogue & Company, estab-
lished iVIay I, 1867, by James B. Hogue and Thomas L. Davis, with a capital

460 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

of $30,cx30. On account of ill health Mr. Davis retired in May, 1874, Mr. Ilogue
becoming sole owner. In Alarch, 1880, the concern was compelled to suspend
in consequence of heavy losses resulting from failure of a local business concern,
but subsequently paid all liabilities in full.

Mr. William Oberhauser started a private bank here in 1885, which con-
tinued in operation about eight years, going into liquidation in 1893. It was
at first located at the corner of Washington and Bridge streets, but afterwards
removed to Adams street at the head of Bridge street.

I'KOKIA l'.OAi;i) iM" li;.\l)F. IX isso

KKMINDKI! DF l'K(M!IA COUXTVS FIRST CORN FAIR

CHAPTIiR XXX

THE BOARD OF TRADE INDUSTRIAL PEORIA — USES MORE CORN THAN ANY CITY

IN THE UNITED STATES MILLIONS PAID THE GOVERNMENT YEARLY IN REV-
ENUE— GREAT MANUFACTURING PLANTS AND MANY OF THEM.

Peoria is situated in the center of the most productive agricultural state in
the Union. At its very door lie rich deposits of coal and underlying it is an
inexhaustible vein of pure water of easy access. It is situated on the Illinois
river, which gave it the earliest means of transportation facilities.

These natural advantages drew to it manufacturing enterprises, many of
which were large consumers of grain and so in an early day made Peoria a
grain market, and as early as 1857 there was duly incorporated a Peoria Board
of Trade, with John C. Grier as president aud A. G. Tyng, Sr. as vice president,
with fifty members, all of whom have passed away with the exception of B. L.
T. Bourland.

This association was organized for the furtherance of the grain business,
and like all other boards of trade, was instituted to meet a commercial need.
It also undertook to further all other commercial interests of the city. This
organization was succeeded in 1869 by the present Peoria Board of Trade,
with Horace Clark as its first president. While this exchange was instituted
as a distinctly grain exchange, it has always taken a lively interest in national,
state and city affairs. Its rules, like all other exchanges, insist upon just and
equitable business methods on the part of its members and also provide for
the arbitration of all business differences and while dift'erences will occur, courts
of law have rarely, if ever, been resorted to for adjustment.

The great movements of recent years have been along the lines of organi-
zation and cooperation and the Peoria Board of Trade secures its members
these advantages to successfully and intelligently meet the exigencies of the
ever changing conditions the world over, which invariably affect the grain
trade more or less.

Boards of trade and their members have been subject to much adverse criti-
cism from persons who cannot or will not distinguish the dift'erence between a
gambler who risks his money on a chance and the speculator who buys or
sells on his judgment after scanning the news of the world as to supply and
demand, or the man who buys to provide against future needs or sells for future
deliverv to better advantage than present prices will return.

Wliile the members of the Peoria Board of Trade, like other prudent and
conservative men in the grain trade, take advantage of the future markets when
they offer assurances of securing profits, yet the Peoria Board of Trade is
rather distinctly a cash grain market.

The local consumption of grain at Peoria demands about fxD,ooo bushels
per day. while the demand from shippers and for storage purposes is only lim-
ited by the price at which it is off'ered. The constant demand for these pur-
poses insures a .strong and healthy competition at all times.

The inspection of grain is according to the uniform rules adopted by all
western markets and is what may be termed commercial inspection. Since the

461

462 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

ado])tioii of the moisture test it has been given to the patrons of this market
without extra charge. The inspectors are employed by the board and are under
the supervision of a committee representing all interests in the trade : receivers,
shippers, consumers and producers. These inspectors are men who have grown
up in the trade and have been promoted from helpers as vacancies occur, which
is the rule followed.

The weighing dejiartment consists of a chief weighmaster with the necessary
corps of deputy supervisors at all industries and elevators and a scale expert,
who are all employed directly by the Peoria Board of Trade. All defects or
leakages are carefully noted on certificates sent to the consignor, which may
be used as evidence if a claim is to be made for shortage.

There are fourteen railroads running into the city and it is a division point
of all the roads. Three public elevators with 2,500,000 bushels capacity, with
every facility for transferring and conditioning grain quickly, are at the service
of the trade: Burlington elevator, 1,000,000; Iowa elevator, 1,000,000; Central
City elevator, 250,000.

Switching facilities are the most perfect of any market, requiring no multi-
plicity of switching orders, and Peoria is noted for its promjit returns. Many
cars are daily accounted for the next day after arrival.

In the days when country banks were few, the members of this board sup-
plied this deficiency with their means and credit in financing the movement
of crops during harvest and to hold grain until demand and markets would re-
ceive it. They are still doing this as reasonable requests come to them. It
will alvvays be the aim of its members to further the mutual interests of those
engaged in the trade and distribute free of charge all news that can be gath-
ered affecting the market.

The benefits to accrue in future years from the Peoria Board of Trade to
the city and the grain territory tributary to Peoria can certainly be contem-
plated with hopeful expectancy, for since its organization millions of bushels
of grain and thousands of tons of hay, totaling millions of dollars in value, have
been handled and accounted for by its members with the utmost fidelity and
care.

Peoria has come to the front rapidly as a primary market during the past
few years. Its importance as a handler of corn and oats has attracted the at-
tention of the whole country. Peoria does not claim prominence as to wheat,
rye or barley, though considerable business is. done there every year in these
cereals, and its industries use large quantities of rye and barley of the best
grades.

Tiiis city does claim a place in the very front rank as a receiving market
of corn and oats every day in the year, and is equally well known as a shipping
point to all parts of the south and east. Peoria's system of inspection and
weighing, every feature of which is directly under the jurisdiction of the Board
of Trade, has proved entirely satisfactory to the country shipper as well as
to the consumer, the country over. And it is not on the program that any
backward steps will be taken. On the contrary, the Peoria grain market during
the past few years has successfully met and won every controversy which
threatened its supremacy.

Peoria is the largest daily consumer of corn in the world and. in afldition
to the corn ground up there every day, supplies a very large portion of that
used in the neighboring city of Pekin, which is only ten miles away and con-
tains three large corn industries.

The motto of Peoria grain dealers is: "Treat your customer fairly every
time, and you will keep him. if your market values are in line."

Receipts of grain at Peoria during four months prior to May i. iqi2.
amounted to 266.835 bushels of wheat; 7.885,181 bushels of corn; 2,324,110
bushels of oats; 89,175 bushels of rye; and 716,711 bushels of barley, compared
with 208,954 bushels of wheat; 6,413,883 bushels of corn; 1,706.125 bushels

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HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 463

of oats; 122,600 bushels of rye; and 825,032 bushels of barley received during
the corresponding four months of 191 1.

Shipments of grain from Peoria during the four months prior to May 1,
1912, amounted to 245,485 bushels of wheat; 5,489,229 bushels of corn; 3,668,-
407 bushels of oats; 52,756 bushels of rye; and 269,351 bushels of barley, com-
pared with 140,667 bushels of wheat; 5,406,722 bushels of corn; 2,145,302
bushels of oats; 27,774 bushels of rye; and 431,569 bushels of barley.

Total receipts of all grain were 11,282,012 bushels during four months of
1912, compared with 9,276,594 bushels received during the same period in 191 1.
Total shipments during the four months were 9,725,228 bushels, compared with
8,152,034 bushels of grain shipjied during the same period of 191 1.

Peoria is the second city of the state of Illinois in population. It is the
terminal point of fourteen railroads, including the most important systems of
the United States. The Illinois river is navigable ten months in each year and
traffic on it is gradually increasing.

The new city directory, issued May i, 1912, contains 51,124 names, indi-
cating a population of 115,029.

Peoria's parks and parkways contain four hundred and twenty-five acres
and are valued at $3,500,000. This acreage is included in Peoria pleasure and
park driveway systems and in this system is Grand View drive, 14,632 feet
in length and 100 feet wide, skirting the bluffs and overlooking the Illinois
river valley.

Topographically the city of Peoria and the city of Washington are almost
identical. A view unrivaled in America, according to Ian Maclaren, is the
Prospect Heights view of the Illinois river valley, the winding stream, the
blossoming fields and the neighboring cities.

The jiages of this volume increased so rapidly that when the writer reached
the subject of industries of Peoria, an important and very interesting one. he
was com])elled to condense his lines very much against his will. Peoria is a great
manufacturing center and is teeming with many and varied industrial concerns,
all of which should be given a place here, but lack of space will not admit of
it. A few of the leading manufactories will simply be touched upon.

It is interesting to know that early in the history of Peoria the manufacture
of farm implements began. This was in the decade between 1850 and i860.
The first firms to handle farm machinery were Curtenius & Griswold, J. W. For-
sythe, and a man by the name of Gray. Soon after them came into the field the
late Isaac Walker and Harvey Lightner. Closes Pettengill also sold hardware
and farm machinerv.

The Kingman Plow Company is one of the oldest and largest of Peoria's in-
dustries. The factory is located in Averyville on North Adams street and is a
modern, well e(|uipped plant, giving employment to about 350 people. The busi-
ness was founded by Martin Kingman in the year 1867. This company has
l)ranch houses in St. Louis, Kansas City, Omaha, Dallas, Oklahoma, Denver and
Des Moines. Its export trade is handled from an office in New York city. At
this plant is manufactured riding plows, steel lever harrows, disc harrows, cotton
])lanters. corn listers, cultivators, etc.

The largest manufacturing concern in Peoria is the Avery Company. The
business was originally organized as a partnership by R. H. and C. M. Avery,
in Galesburg, Illinois, in the early '70s. It was later incorporated as The Avery
.Manufacturing Company. In 1883 the Avery Planter Company was organized,
with a ca[)ital stock of $200,000. The capitalization was increased in 1893 to
$300,000. In 1900 the capital was raised to $1,000,000 and the name clianged to
The Avery Manufacturing Company, whose caj)ital stock is $2,500,000. The
officers are: J- B. r>artholomew. president; H. C. Roberts, vice president; h'l-
wood Cole, treasurer ; and F. B. Kinsey, superintendent. P)Oth. of the original
founders are dead but their representatives still hold stock in the corporation,
and G. L. Averv, a son of C. M. Averv, is a member of the board of directors.

464 HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

The plant covers a total of fifty acres. It maintains branch houses at Omaha,
Des Aloines, Minneapolis, Fargo, Billings, Aberdeen, Kansas City, Indianapolis,'
St. Louis, Grand Forks and Sioux Falls. The company employs from 800 to
1,200 men. The principal output of the factory are traction engines and thresh-
ing machines.

One of the old established manufactories in Peoria is that of the Culter &
Proctor foundry, where are made heating and cooking stoves and ranges.
About the year 1907 the concern was absorbed by a stock company, at the head
of which is Robert D. Clarke. Proctor P. Cooley is the vice president and
general manager and Garrett D. Kinsey, secretary and treasurer. The estab-
lishment occupies a solid city block between Hamilton, Fayette, Commercial
and Water streets, in a five-story building. About 180 men are given employ-
ment.

The R. Herschel Manufacturing Company started in 1887 with little capi-
tal and employed five men in a shop 40 x 40 feet. In 1893 the company was
incorporated with a capital of $30,000. Later this was increased to $50,000,
and at the present time the capital and surplus amount to $600,000. The origi-
nal plant was located at the corner of South Washington and Persimmon streets,
where were manufactured mower knives, reaper sickles, sections, heads, guards
and other parts of mowers and binders. In 1902 the new plant was located
in East Peoria, covering six acres of floor space and giving em])loyment to 300
people. Additional buildings were erected in 1910 which double the capacity
of the plant. Shipments of the Herschel products are made to South America.
Germany, France, England, Switzerland, Russia, Sweden, Siberia, Australia and
other grain producing countries.

In 1892 J. B. Bartholomew, a member of the Avery Company, put up a
little factory in Des Moines, Iowa, where he manufactured peanut roasters.
The business grew to such proportions that in 1893 a larger and better equipped
factory became necessary. That same year the concern was incorporated as
the Bartholomew Company, and in 1900 the plant was moved to Peoria, taking
up its quarters in the old watch factory on West Bluit. In 1902 Mr. Bartholo-
mew began manufacturing Glide automobiles in connection with the roasters,
and in 1904 the plant was enlarged by an addition of a brick building two
stories in height, 250 feet in length, by 48 feet in depth ; but, by 1909, the build-
ings proved to be inadequate and the plant was moved to its present location
at Peoria Heights. Here many hundreds of employes are given steady work.
The officers of the concern are : J. B. Bartholomew, president : A. Y. Bartholo-
mew, first vice president ; O. Y. Bartholomew, second vice president ; and
Charles Tjaden, secretary.

About the year 1887 the Hart Grain Weigher Company started in business
in a small one-story building, where but a few men were employed, but today it
owns and occupies a five-story, modern factory building, where 350 men are
given steady work. In 1908 the company's four-story building was destroyed
by fire, which had been built in 1901. This building has been replaced by a
larger and better one, five stories in height. The Hart Grain Weigher Company
makes a complete line of grain weighers, loaders, baggers, wing carriers and
thresher racks. The officers are : S. H. Hart, president ; W. B. Wilde, vice
president and treasurer; J. E. DeVries, secretary.

The .\cme Harvesting Alachine Companv manufactures binders, mowers,
sulky rakes, stackers, transport trucks. Graver headers and other farm machinery.
It has branches in many of the European and South American countries. The
plant is an extensive one, having a floor space covering an area of about sixty
acres and gives employment to a large number of men.

The factory of the Peoria Drill & Seeder Company is also on Xorth Perry
street. Its line of manufactures includes grain drills, broadcast seeders, end-gate
seeders, stalk cutters, harrow carts, ]3hosphate distributors, etc. C. A. Patterson
is president of the company; Walter Barker, vice president; and L. E. Roby,
treasurer and superintendent.

SCini'PER i; BLOCK DEPARTMENT STORE

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY 40.')

The Harrington Manufacturing Company is on North Adams street. It began
in a small way and is today one of the important concerns of the city. The out-
put of the Harrington Mailufacturing Company consists of rural free delivery
wagons, of which it makes a specialty, but as a matter of fact all kinds of light
commercial wagons are made at this plant. The company was organized and in-
corporated in 1903, at Alonticello, Illinois, and in 1904 moved to Peoria.

But why go into detail any further? This article has been drawn out too
long now to harmonize with the space left for it. It hardly seems fair to men-
tion just a few of the industries of Peoria, while so many of ec|ual imijortauce
are not given space. 'Jliere are at least four hundred manufacturing plants in
the city with a capital invested of $25,000,000. These plants employ an army of
12,000 men and hand out in wages annually about $8,000,000. Their finished
products amount to about $6o,ooo,coo. No town on earth makes more whiskey
than Peoria and it paid the government during the fiscal year of 191 1 about
$30,000,000 in internal revenue.

Peoria has its cordage factory, an immense concern, which was organized in
1888 with a capital stock of $200,000, which was increased in 1898 to $400,000.
The plant manufactures binder twine, which finds a sale in all parts of the world,
and throughout the year employs from 250 to 300 people. E. C. Heidrich is
]iresident and manager. He is ably assisted by his sons, E. C. and Arthur G.
Heidrich.

There is also the Thomas & Clarke Cracker factory at the corner of liridge
and Washington streets; the IJehrens ice plant, which manufactures artificial ice;
the Keystone Steel & Wire Company and hundreds of others.

THE BIG WIHTI-: STOUE

The firm of Schipper & ISlock, composed of Henry C. Block and John C.
Schipper, was first formed in Pekin, Illinois, in 1860. Proving successful, it was
proposed that another store be opened in Peoria, a much larger city, just ten
miles away. For this work Fred L. Block, the younger brother of Henry C.
Block, and Theodore Kuhl were commissioned to take charge of the new ven-
ture. On October 12, 1879, tlie modest shop in Peoria was opened at 124 South
Adams street, and the record of its growth from that day to this — a third of a
century — has been phenomenal.

The business soon outgrew its quarters and in i8(x) it Ijccame necessary to
move to the Woolner building, which had just been erected. In 1895 ^^^^ Tucker
furniture store was purchased and continued at 317-319 South Adams until
1905. In August of that year, Schipper & Block moved both stores to the Big
White Store, built and owned by them. They also added new departments and
warehouses. This firm employs more people than any other institution in the
city of Peoria, having as many as six hundred and fifty helpers at times.
Schipper & Block now have about three and one-half acres of selling space.
Including all warehouses and the garage, there are about six acres of space.
Death having removed John Schipper and Fred Block. The present members are:
Henry Block, president ; Theodore Kuhl, vice president ; Carl Bloclc, secretary ;
H. H. Block, treasurer.

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